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Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Marcus Foligno has left the leap behind in Buffalo.
That doesn't mean his offensive production can't or won't continue to rise in Minnesota.
Coming off a career-high 13 goals for the Sabres last season, the 25-year-old was acquired by the Wild to bring some needed grit and strength to the left wing position on the third or fourth line. He's capable of putting the puck in the net, too, though he has so far been more of a sporadic scorer in the NHL.
"Definitely, 20 goals is something I envision myself to reach, and I hope to do that in a Wild jersey," Foligno said. "Playing with some big centermen, playing on a well-rounded team, I think I can do that. I felt last year that my offensive side was getting there, and I'm looking to improve on that this season."
Foligno was acquired with right wing Tyler Ennis and a third-round draft pick next year from the Sabres for right wing Jason Pominville and defenseman Marco Scandella, the only significant move made by the Wild this summer. General manager Chuck Fletcher said the day the deal was done he'd been pursuing the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Foligno for two years.
Foligno had his inconsistencies during five-plus seasons in Buffalo, but his 2016-17 performance was promising. He played in a career-most 80 games, with a minus-1 rating and 73 penalty minutes.
"It's great for the confidence. I think that's the biggest thing," Foligno said on Friday, his first appearance in Minnesota since the swap. "You've got to realize that Buffalo traded you, but you're going to a team that really, really wants you and wants you to succeed. I'm put in a great position now."
Foligno's family is a small hockey factory . His older brother, Nick, is a 10-year veteran of the league and captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. His father, Mike, tallied 247 goals over 15 seasons in the NHL, including a full decade with the Sabres. His goal celebration was a two-legged leap straight up in the air from the ice, a signature move that Foligno adopted once he arrived in the league in the same city where his dad's career took off.
The next time Foligno scores a goal, however, he'll settle for a simpler move.
"I've just got to put the puck in the net and put my hands up. That's how I've got to make sure I do it," Foligno said. "If I do that 20 times, it's a good thing."
More AP NHL coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/NHLhockey
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Plaintiff Cites Link Between Propecia and Cognitive Impairment
A plaintiff has filed a lawsuit linking Propecia and cognitive impairment, as well as sexual dysfunction and depression. The plaintiff in this complaint claims he was only 22 when he began using the hair loss treatment, and continues to suffer from the side effects of the drug to this day.
This recent Propecia lawsuit was originally filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on June 7, 2013. The case was closed in that court on June 19, and transferred to multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of New York. Multidistrict litigation is used to streamline pretrial proceedings when there are numerous complaints with similar allegations and circumstances.
Propecia and cognitive impairment
Currently, the federal MDL has more than 400 cases pending, with most of the complaints involving sexual side effects, but a few including allegations about the association between Propecia and cognitive impairment as well. In addition, reports of Propecia depression risk have been raised in some of the complaints that have been filed in the MDL and other courts across the country.
The plaintiff states he began taking Propecia in 2003 at the age of 22 to treat male pattern baldness. Prior to using the drug, the plaintiff claims he had no history of sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment or depression. However, after using Propecia for an extended period of time, the plaintiff alleges he suffered from all three of those side effects, and continues to do so to this day even though he no longer takes the drug. As a result of those side effects, the plaintiff asserts he has experienced "significant pain and suffering, and his quality of life has been severely diminished."
Propecia sexual side effects
Propecia sexual side effects have been documented in numerous studies to date. Last year, Time reported on a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine that found sexual dysfunction from Propecia use could last months, or even years, after the medication was stopped. The sexual side effects explored in this study included low libido, ejaculation and orgasm problems, and erectile dysfunction.
In April, 2012, the FDA announced changes to the product label for Propecia, indicating adverse sexual side effects linked to the drug could persist after patients stopped taking the drug. Before ordering the label change, the FDA examined 421 postmarketing reports involving sexual dysfunction in men who took the drug. Of that total, 59 reported ongoing sexual side effects for at least three months after the drug was discontinued.
Propecia, depression and cognitive impairment
The Propecia depression risk has also been explored in some studies. In 2012, the Huffington Post reported on a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, which showed men taking the drug may experience symptoms of depression. In some test subjects, the symptoms persisted after the drug was discontinued. Researchers found that 44 percent of the test subjects in the study had thoughts of suicide, while 28 percent had moderate symptoms and 36 percent had severe symptoms of depression. None of the subjects had a history of depression before using Propecia.
While the connection between Propecia and cognitive impairment has not been sufficiently examined in clinical studies, there is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence suggesting there is a link. As this side effect continues to appear in the growing Propecia litigation nationwide, it is possible more studies will be performed on the detrimental effects of this possible side effect.
In the case of this recent plaintiff, his side effects have persisted for a number of years since his Propecia use. He argues that he will require medical treatment and will continue to suffer physical pain, mental anguish and economic loss as a result of his injuries. He is demanding compensatory, special, double and punitive damages from Propecia manufacturer Merck in an amount to be specified at trial.
- Time, Propecia Problems: Baldness Drug Linked with Long-Lasting Sexual Side Effects, http://healthland.time.com/2012/07/12/propecia-problems-baldness-drug-linked-with-long-lasting-sexual-side-effects/
- Huffington Post, Propecia Linked with Lasting Symptoms of Depression: Study, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/08/propecia-depression-finasteride_n_1757935.html
- FDA, Questions and Answers: Finasteride Label Changes, http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm299754.htm
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, MDL No. 2331, https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/multidistrict-litigation-cases

subset: commoncrawl


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The number of prospective teachers passing the basic skills test needed to get into education colleges has decreased dramatically, especially for Latino and black candidates, since an increase in passing scores was instituted in September. The sharp decline has set off alarms among some advocates and state lawmakers.
The number of prospective teachers passing the basic skills test needed to get into education colleges decreased dramatically, especially for Latino and black candidates, since an increase in passing scores was instituted in September. The sharp decline has set off alarms among some advocates and state lawmakers.
Overall, the number of candidates who passed the exam dropped from 85 percent in previous years to 22 percent in September. Three percent of black test takers passed, down from 56 percent, and 7 percent of Latinos, down from 68 percent.
State officials say that the October rates were better, with about 45 percent of test-takers passing, perhaps due to people re-taking the portions of the test that they failed.
"It's going to have a devastating disparate racial impact," says State Representative Paul Froehlich (D-Schaumburg), who is retiring this year. Froehlich and others are worried that if black and Latino teachers can't get into schools of education, the ultimate result will be fewer teachers of color. "That is something none of us wants," he says.
When these results were presented at a Tuesday hearing of the House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education, members panicked, Froehlich says. Representatives from ENLACE, Action Now, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, and Grow Your Own Teachers attended the hearing in Springfield. So did Karen Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Froehlich says the committee knew that the Illinois State Board of Education had approved a cut score increase, but were not aware of how dramatic it was. To pass, students must now get 75 percent correct in math, up from 35 percent, and 85 percent in reading and language arts, up from 50 percent. The fourth area, writing, is rated on a 12-point scale and now candidates must get an eight, up from a five.
Froehlich says it might have been better to make incremental increases.
Mary Fergus, spokeswoman for the Illinois State Board of Education, says that the increase in cut scores was approved last December and only went into effect in September. Also, in February of last year, ISBE decided to cap the number of times that candidates e can take the test at five. In the past, it was unlimited.
State officials knew there would be a decrease in those passing the test, but, to mitigate it, they have been working with schools of education and community colleges to make sure students are ready for the test, Fergus says. She adds that students now only have to retake the portion of the test that hey failed, rather than the entire test.
The impetus behind increasing the cut score was to make sure that teachers are better prepared for teaching, especially as the move is underway to make classrooms more rigorous.
"It is important to have strong standards," Fergus says.
But some question whether there's any correlation between being able to pass the basic skills test and the ability to be a good teacher. Karen Lewis was on the Illinois State Board's certification committee last year when the change was made.
At the time, Lewis didn't think the increase in cut scores would be devastating. When she took the test, she found it easy and she thought candidates would adapt, she says.
What she didn't know is that, in 2001, the rigor of the basic skills test was increased from an 8th-grade level to an 11th-grade level.
Lewis says it doesn't much matter if a 2nd-grade reading teacher can do 11th-grade math. "It doesn't stop you from being an effective teacher," she says.
Lewis is particularly worried about the racial implications of the decline in pass rates. "Teaching cannot be a white, upper-middle-class profession," she says.
Juliana Paz, Grow Your Own Coordinator at ENLACE Chicago, says ENLACE is looking into the possibility of advocating for other ways of evaluating pre-service teachers – for instance, the Teacher Performance Assessment Consortium which evaluates the quality of lessons given by student teachers.
"All teachers should have… basic foundations of math and reading, but what's getting tested in the basic skills test – pre-calculus – is not something that a second-grade teacher or a kindergarten teacher is going to need," Paz says.


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In Gobi Desert, temperatures fall down to -40 degrees. Good to know that Bactrian camels can brave any winter storm thanks to their fine wool. The colder the climate, the finer and warmer the down hair.
Baby camels are designated as either "botog", up to one year, and "torom", between one and two years. We only use wool that is primarily harvested by hand-combing by nomadic herdsmen from the toroms after a long and cold winter when the warmer season begins. The yield from each baby camel is approximately 1.5 kilograms per year, which consists of down hair – which we use for our products – and coarse hair –which is used for the filling of blankets or carpets.
Why we don't use wool of the botogs? Becauce the vulnerable botogs need their natural warming clothes more than we do. That is why.


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Watson has his best play yet and Hopkins might be the best he's ever been
Trades unlikely to help fill Watt-sized void
Oct 28, 2019, 11:42 am
Watson has his best play yet and Hopkins might be the best he's ever been
3 headlines, 2 questions, and 1 bet ahead of the trip across the pond to London to play the Jaguars.
"I kinda threw it blind." 😳— ESPN (@espn) October 28, 2019
Deshaun Watson explained how he threw the game-winning TD pass after taking a cleat to the eye. pic.twitter.com/vMixca2Pdi
We can focus on the game-winning score all we like, but, Watson was very impressive in the second half as whole.
Early on I thought there were some typical elements of sharpness that were lacking and it could be a long day for the Texans if Watson wasn't sharp but he got it going soon after.
He would go on to complete all but four passes in the second half and rush for 34 of his 46 rushing yards after halftime as well. The Texans would score on all three of their second half possessions with one possession taking almost half a quarter controlling the clock.
It feels like each week Watson shows a trick in his bag and overcomes every level of adversity headed his way. He is officially "you're in every game" territory with Watson. Houston has a chance in every game with Watson playing the way he does.
The #Texans can't trade their own 3rd or 4th round pick because it is tied up in the Johnson deal.— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) October 28, 2019
They should get comp picks this offseason but obviously those can't be dealt now.
There doesn't seem to be a player on the roster that would garner a pick/player worth acquiring https://t.co/24BFTH0zwW
Head coach Bill O'Brien didn't seem to think the Texans were going to make any moves. He did use the word "today" on Monday. It is worth noting the trade deadline isn't until Tuesday at 3pm. Maybe I am dicing words but it doesn't seem likely the Texans have the assets, or desire, to make a trade. O'Brien mentioned there needed to be balance in working on this year's team and the future.
The only player that I could see being on the block and maybe getting moved would be Keke Coutee. He was active and healthy but didn't play in Sunday's win over the Raiders. The team does have an injury at wideout with Will Fuller, but Coutee can't play outside anyway. They also promoted Steven Mitchell Jr. from the practice squad last week.
It's unlikely they make a deal, and even if they do, I can't see it being a big one. Their big deals have already been done.
With this catch, @DeAndreHopkins became the third-youngest player in @NFL history to reach 8,000 career receiving yards.#OAKvsHOU | #WeAreTexans pic.twitter.com/VdYhb9ONNm— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 27, 2019
Only Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss were faster to the above number. Hopkins did it with quite the quarterback crew. He's caught touchdown passes from the following passers:
Matt Schaub
Case Keenum
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Brian Hoyer
Ryan Mallett
T.J. Yates
Brandon Weeden
Brock Osweiler
Tom Savage
Deshaun Watson
I asked Hopkins if despite the stats, if he is playing the best football of his career.
"Yeah, some would say different," He said. "They might, like, I'm getting old, year seven, and what not. But honestly, I feel like I am. I feel like being on the same page with Deshaun, I feel like we have been clicking."
Hopkins was pleased to be in the same conversation as the above greats and wanted to give credit to his teammates as well.
"I got to thank the quarterbacks that's helped me get 8,000 yards, because I can't throw the ball to myself, even the Brock Osweilers, the Brandon Weedens, I got to thank those guys, honestly. Y'all might laugh, but I can't throw the ball to myself."
Deshaun Watson heaped praise on his teammate as well.
"He's an unselfish person," said Watson. "He's a guy that just wants to win. He don't care what the stat line says, he doesn't care how many touchdowns he has, as long as we get that W on Sundays and we're aiming for what we want to go to, the ultimate goal, that's what it's all about."
This game can be beautiful and it can also be brutal. Absolutely gutted that I won't be able to finish the season with my guys and give the fans what they deserve. I truly love this game and can't stand letting you guys down. Thank you for all of the thoughts & well-wishes.— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 28, 2019
O'Brien made it clear you don't just fill in for a hall of fame caliber player like J.J. Watt. And he's right. The Texans will likely have to make use of what they currently have on the roster and potentially a small addition.
It is my assumption Carlos Watkins will "start" in Watt's spot with rookie defensive end Charles Omenihu playing a good portion of the snaps that Watt vacated. Brandon Dunn could also be used to move pieces around along the defensive line situation. D.J. Reader will need to be as good or even better than he currently is for Houston. Angelo Blackson has been a nice player this season.
The linebackers are where things get interesting. Whitney Mercilus is the lone true pass rushing threat on this team. His job just got insanely hard. Jacob Martin will need to continue to show promise. He had the team's lone QB hit yesterday. I don't see any scenario where Barkevious Mingo gets snaps that matter on defense but I could be surprised.
There isn't a free agent option that would make a lot of sense. Maybe someone from another practice squad. I also don't believe a trade would acquire anyone of significance. There aren't many options on the Texans own practice squad. Albert Huggins was signed off the practice squad by Philadelphia last week or he would have had a shot at the spot. Javi Edwards is more of a nose tackle exclusively so it seems unlikely he is the player to get that spot.
Some of J.J. Watt's injury history over the past five seasons for the #Texans— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) October 28, 2019
2015 - Abdominal injuries
2016 - Back injuries
2017 - leg injury
2019 - pectoral injury
This is far less significant than the other injuries he has dealt with in his career. In fact, when it comes to season-ending, it isn't even close compared to the back and the leg break. That being said, four of his last five seasons have been severely affected via injury.
The positive for Watt is he played at an elite level when he played coming back from the injury and again, those were far more serious than what he is dealing with now.
There was conversation in 2017, obviously I'm unaware how real it truly was, that Whitney Mercilus could have come back after his injury and played that season. The season was off the rails by the time he was healthy. So, this is far from a terrible injury for Watt. He shouldn't even miss offseason activities.
His contract becomes interesting though. He has no guaranteed money and two years left on his deal after this season. He carries a cap hit of $15.5 million and $17.5 million those two years. An extension is absolutely in the conversation when you think about what Laremy Tunsil's new deal and Deshaun Watson's new deal may cost the team. Not to mention, Whitney Mercilus is a free agent and DeAndre Hopkins already has his big contract and makes close to $15 million each of the next three years.
It is fun to hope Watt is a member of the Texans for life, and with the team likely staying in the conversation of success with their quarterback, he doesn't seem poised to "ring chase" elsewhere. He will also be just 31 years old and plenty of elite pass rushers have had loads of success in their 30's. All-time greats like Bruce Smith and Reggie White had amazing stats in their 30's and even Terell Suggs and Cameron Wake were recent examples of players who were fantastic in their 30's.
Watt, for the moment, is a far off thought. The 2019 season still has eight games to be played.
It could be another game where backups have to play key roles for the Texans. Lonnie Johnson's concussion seemed bad on the field I would expect he is missing this weekend. Tashaun Gipson didn't get the most positive endorsement of health for this week from Bill O'Brien. Roderick Johnson was banged up which led to the Chris Clark start. Tytus Howard has no shot to play this week. It is imperative Bradley Roby or Johnathan Joseph, or hopefully both, can play against a decent Jaguars team.
The injuries have piled up on the Texans and after London the bye week comes at the perfect time to get players healthy for the final 7 games.
Astros GM Dana Brown has recently discussed how the club is going to approach free agency on the team's flagship station, and based on his comments, it doesn't sound the Astros are going to spend a lot of money.
He mentioned being "creative" with their strategy and maybe exploring some trade possibilities. Which is why we were surprised to hear from Jon Heyman that the Astros may have interest in Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, or another "elite" starting pitcher.
Phillies are still looking at top starters after bringing back Aaron Nola. They have company, as at least the Red Sox, Cardinals, Braves, Dodgers and Astros are looking for an elite starter (and many more than just those teams are on Yamamoto, who's only 25).
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 20, 2023
With the team right up against the tax threshold, a signing like this would certainly push them over, unless they find a way to dump some salary that's already on the books.
But the report that Houston is looking for an elite starter, certainly caught our attention. Mainly, because Dana Brown's comments about backup catcher and bullpen help being the priority, with starting pitching being more of a pipe dream considering the budget constraints.
A move like this would likely require someone like Alex Bregman being traded to make the money work. So is Jon Heyman off the mark with this report, or is Dana Brown quietly looking to add an elite starter?
Plus, just this week the Phillies signed Aaron Nola to a 7-year $172 million contract. Framber Valdez is looking for a long-term deal with 2 years remaining of club control. Will Framber's agent use this contract as a benchmark for what is client is looking for?
Don't miss the video above as we make sense of these recent reports!
If you enjoy the videos, subscribe to SportsMapHouston on YouTube for our latest content.


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IG Abubakar and Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC chairman
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — CHAIRMAN, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, Thursday , told the Senate that the commission finds it difficult to convict those it termed high profile thieves who have looted the nation's wealth because they have huge sums of money and resources to delay court processes.
Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes to defend the 2013 budget, Lamorde, who expressed dismay with the development, said it was against this backdrop that the commission established a strong assets forfeiture unit that would seize their property leaving those arrested with no money to spend.
Lamorde said: "Unfortunately, these are people who have the resources to drag these cases indefinitely and perpetually. That is why we have established a very strong assets forfeiture unit.
"The first thing we do now is that we try to recover and confiscate the assets of individuals that we are investigating because it is only when you deprive them of their resources that you will be able to force them to stand trial. Once they have access to their resources and assets, they will use it to continue to delay and drag some of these trials."
Senate queries N500m spent on cases
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Victor Lar, Plateau South having x-rayed the 2013 budget and what has been spent this year, however queried why the EFCC had to spend N500 million to prosecute cases, just as Lamorde was asked to go and return today with receipts of how the money was spent.
Speaking further, the EFCC boss who noted that the commission recorded no less than 200 convictions this year alone, however, admitted that most of the convicts were advance fee fraudsters, adding: "The truth is no case has been concluded. I don't think it is correct to say that whether the charges framed are not properly done or the prosecution is not putting the case properly. Of course the fact on ground is that no case has been concluded."
In fact it will be working with us to say you have concluded the case, the man is discharged and acquitted but the man is discharged or whatever it is but what we have is that the trial is on-going.
"We have example of a case we charged to court in 2006; for this very case, we have gone to the Supreme Court twice on just interlocutory applications. They will file this, the judge will overrule them, they will go to Court of Appeal and lose there, but they will still go to the Supreme Court. At Supreme Court when they lose, they will be asked to go to the trial judge for the case to continue.
"They will come with another application and certainly for lawyers among us we know how long it takes for a trial to go to Court of Appeal and get listed, then go to the Supreme Court get it listed and decided upon. This is the fate of most of the cases we have in court.
"This year alone we recorded over two hundred convictions in various courts across the country but they are mostly advance fee fraud, we have the yahoo yahoo, we have the commercial cases, we have the executives of financial institutions that are involved in currency trafficking. The cases that most people are interested in its conclusion are those before the Supreme Court.
"It is important to note that for 2013, we requested for N6,514,525,127 for personnel cost and only N5,804,294,192 was appropriated by the Budget office of the federation leaving a short fall of N710,230,935 due to this short fall, the commission would not be able to meet its personnel cost fully in 2013."
According to him, 85 percent of the commission's allocation had been released by the Ministry of Finance, just as he stressed that only 1.5billion representing 15 percent of the appropriation was still outstanding and may be released before the end of the year. Only 57 percent of capital projects was realized in the year 2012, personnel cost 97.68 percent, 92.02 percent overhead cost."
In a related development, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu yesterday said that crude oil theft in the Niger Delta was a hemorrhage on the nation's economy.
Speaking yesterday when the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba led Naval top brass to defend the 2013 budget, Senator Anyanwu said, "On the issue of oil theft,Nigeriahas never had it this bad. It's unprecedented. There's a hemorrhage on the country's projected revenue and I believe the Navy can do very well if they are supported."


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Our Soft Case Twin Pannier carries up to 32L. It's 'soft,' so it can expand and hold even the most oddly-shaped items. Don't let the softness fool you--it's tough, too. We've used slightly firmer material to lend structure and allow you to hold payloads that can be damaged without a firm carrying case. Use it for carrying groceries or fruit and food while on a long ride.
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Online casinos were the next best thing when they came about. Their easy accessibility makes it one of the most convenient gaming options around.
However, there are some things online casinos just can't offer, for instance, the good old-fashioned casino atmosphere found at land-based casinos. Casinos are still relatively new in New Zealand with only 6 standing.
With their focus being quality over quantity, many come from all over the world to visit these top-class casinos. See our best picks of casinos in New Zealand.
Dunedin Casino
Dunedin casino opened its doors in 1999. It is the only casino not owned by the SkyCity Entertainment Group and is one of the smallest but that hasn't stopped them from providing players with stellar service.
Christchurch Casino
In 1994 Christchurch casino was the first casino to open up in New Zealand and was acquired by SkyCity in 2004. With a favorable location close to Christchurch airport it is easily accessible.
They do however have a strict dress code but it is well worth the visit. Reasons being, the property has 3 restaurants, 2 bars and it houses the New Zealand poker championships.
Wharf Casino
Located in Queenstown, Wharf casino houses 75 slot machines and table games such as blackjack and mini-baccarat. With its beautiful lakeside view, this casino is one not to be missed.
SkyCity Hamilton
The 3rd casino to open up in New Zealand, SkyCity Hamilton offers its players a variety of games. The casino has nearly 350 slot machines, over 20 table games and an 80-seater bingo room.
To make things even better, the property has a 10-lane bowling alley, and a fantastic games center for the kids. SkyCity are unique amongst the other casinos on this list as they were the first land based casino to create and online casino. SkyCity Online Casino is run out of Malta, which makes it completely legal for Kiwi's to play there. It is also held by SkyCity Entertainment Group which means that it offers players a lot more security than other online casinos.
Although anyone would enjoy a high-quality casino, some are arguing that it has a negative effect on surrounding properties. How is that possible? There is of course another view and studies conducted to prove the positive effect of casino properties on surrounding properties.
Visit any of these amazing casinos to see if you agree with our list of the best land-based casinos, and contact us to let us know what you think.


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A western Iowa man was arrested Wednesday in connection with the death of his infant son this summer. Thirty-five-year-old Jason Curtis of Glenwood is charged with three felonies; child endangerment, neglect of a dependent person and willful injury.
His arrest follows a three month long investigation by Glenwood police and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. A statement from the Iowa Department of Public Safety indicates Curtis is alleged to have caused the death of Jackson Curtis, his 5 month old son. The statement says the boy died in an "incident" in Glenwood on July 14.
No other details about the case were released.


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New to MyHealth?
Manage Your Care From Anywhere.
Access your health information from any device with MyHealth. You can message your clinic, view lab results, schedule an appointment, and pay your bill.
Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients
Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients
Nutrition is an important part of life, cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Food is one of the few things you can be in control of during your treatment. The oncology certified registered dietitians at the Stanford Cancer Center are here to help you make informed choices about nutrition, answer your nutrition-related questions, and help you to achieve and maintain good health.
Care and Treatment
Nutrition Before Cancer Treatment Begins
Eating well before cancer treatment begins may help to increase your energy and improve your sleeping patterns. If you have lost weight before starting treatment due to your cancer, you may be encouraged to follow a high-protein, high-calorie diet. To prepare yourself and your home for your nutritional needs during cancer therapy, consider the following suggestions:
- Stock the refrigerator with plenty of your favorite foods so that you will not have to shop as often. Make sure these are foods you can eat when you are not feeling well.
- Cook large portions of your favorite dishes in advance and freeze them in meal-sized portions.
- So that you can save your energy, buy foods that are easy to prepare, such as peanut butter, pudding, frozen dinners, soup, canned fish or chicken, cheese, and eggs.
- Ask family and friends to help you cook and shop.
- Talk to a registered dietitian about meal planning, grocery shopping, and reducing side effects of treatment, such as nausea and diarrhea.
- Talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about whether you should take a multivitamin.
By planning ahead, you will have foods on hand that you like to eat, which will be beneficial to you later. You will have good things to choose from in your kitchen even if you do not feel well enough to prepare an elaborate meal. You may also come to think differently about your weight. If you have been concerned in the past about weight gain, your focus will likely change to eating enough to keep your weight constant.
Before treatment begins, a cancer tumor itself can cause problems that may result in eating problems or weight loss. It is not uncommon to have lactose intolerance (intolerance to milk sugar), nausea, vomiting, poor digestion, or a feeling of early fullness, sleepiness, and forgetfulness even before treatment for cancer.
Cancer Fighting Recipe of the Week: Week 3
In honor of Colon Cancer Awareness month, we'll be featuring four colorectal cancer friendly recipes each week during the month of March.
Basil Broccoi
Broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable family contains powerful phytochemicals, including carotenoids, indoles and glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been studied and shown to slow the growth of many cancers.
Asparagus and Scallion Soup with Almonds
California Citrus Greens Salad with Garlic Dressing
Curried Chickpea Salad with Walnuts
Salmon Salad with Pimento and Herbs
Shredded Carrot and Beet Salad
Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Spinach, Red Bell Pepper and Feta Cheese Salad with Yogurt Dressing
10 Minute Italian Chicken Stir Fry
Barley, Turkey & Butternut Squash Casserole
Bean and Vegetable Enchilada Casserole
Cranberry-Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Crispy Parmesan Turkey Cutlets
Egg, Spinach, and Bacon Sandwiches
Fish Filet with Squash and Herbs
Grilled Vegetable Polenta with Pan Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce
Halibut with Citrus and Garlic
Hearty Beef Stew with Winter Vegetables
Herbed Polenta with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Mediterranean Grilled Veggie Pockets
Molasses-Cured Pork Loin with Apples
New American Plate "Tetrazzini" Casserole
Peppers Stuffed with Barley, Parmesan and Onion
Quinoa and Mushroom Pilaf with Dill
Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Maple Mustard Sauce
Seared Scallops with Beet Puree and Arugula Salad
Soft Tacos with Southwestern Vegetables
Spicy Broccoli, Cauliflower and Tofu
Steamed Halibut on Spinach with Lemon Sauce
Summer Tofu Kebab with Peanut Sauce
Turkey Reuben Grilled Sandwiches
Udon Noodles with Spicy Peanut Ginger Sauce
Whole Wheat Pasta with Fennel, Peas and Arugula
For Patients
- Bring your photo ID and Insurance Card
- Maps, directions, parking, public transit options, and contact information
Ask your physician for a REFERRAL for a Cancer Center Nutrition Appointment
Our dietitians are available for 45 minute consults by appointment only, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Download our nutrition appointment flyer.
Questions about your appointment or need to make a change?
For Health Care Professionals
Our dietitians are available for 45 minute consults by appointment only on: Mondays – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call us at 1-650-498-6000 to refer a new patient for a nutrition consultation. If you wish to refer a patient to the Stanford Cancer Center, please call the Physician Helpline.
- Send referrals online
- Place radiology orders
- View referral status
- Access medical records
Returning Patient
Questions about your appointment or need to make a change? Call:


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On September 18, 2015, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a final rule regarding the disclosure of information on goods suspected of bearing counterfeit trademarks or trade names. This new rule allows Customs to share more information with trademark owners about suspect goods. The most notable change is that Customs will share information was protected by the Trade Secrets Act. The new rule will become effective on October 19, 2015. Below is a description outlining the regulations of the rule, as well as the changes made regarding disclosure.
- CBP may detain article suspected of bearing counterfeit marks for a period of up to 30 days
- Within 5 business days from the date of detention, CBP will notify the importer in writing.
- By this time (i.e., prior to the issuance of notice of detention), CBP may have disclosed to the trademark owner "limited importation information" such as
- The date of importation
- The port of entry
- The description of the merchandise
- The quantity
- The country of origin
If CBP has not previously disclosed to the trademark owner "limited importation information," it will disclose this information to the trademark owner concurrently with the issuance of notice of detention
7 Business Days After the Notice of Detention
- If the importer fails to establish within 7 business days of the notice of detention that the detained merchandise does not bear a counterfeit mark, CBP may disclose the following additional information to the trademark owner:
- Mark information that appears on the detained merchandise and/or its retail packaging (including labels), unredacted photos, images, or samples, serial numbers, dates of manufacture, lot codes, batch numbers, universal product codes, or other identifying marks appearing on the merchandise or its retail packaging (including labels), in alphanumeric or other formats.
- The release of a sample to the trademark owner, subject to bond and return requirements
Any Time
- Notwithstanding the above, CBP may disclose to the trademark owner:
- Photographs, images, or a sample of the suspect merchandise or its retail packaging (including labels), provided that identifying information (such as serial numbers, dates of manufacture, lot codes, batch numbers, universal product codes, the name or address of the manufacturer, exporter, or importer of the merchandise, or any mark that could reveal the name or address of the manufacturer, exporter, importer of the merchandise, in alphanumeric or other formats) has been removed, obliterated, or otherwise obscured.
- DISCLOSURE TO IMPORTER: CBP will disclose to the importer unreadacted photographs, images, or an unredacted sample of the imported merchandise.
Conditions Of Disclosure To Trademark Owner Prior To Seizure
- Upon disclosure of such information, CBP will state that some or all of the information being released may be subject to the protections of the Trade Secrets Act, and that CBP is only disclosing the information to the trademark owner for the purpose of assisting CBP in determining whether the merchandise bears a counterfeit mark.
- Upon a determination by CBP that the imported merchandise bears counterfeit marks, CBP will seize it.
- CBP will disclose to the trademark owner comprehensive information within 30 business days from the date of the notice of the seizure, including:
- The date of importation
- The port of entry
- The description of the merchandise from the notice of seizure
- The quantity as set forth in the notice of seizure
- The country of origin
- The name and address of the manufacturer
- The name and address of the exporter
- The name and address of the importer
- Upon proper request from the trademark owner, CBP may provided photographs, images, or a sample of the seized merchandise and its retail packaging to trademark owner.
Among other things, the change means that a lot of previously confidential business information, especially that of suppliers and manufacturers, will be provided to trademark owners now. This will have a very bad effect on legitimate gray market importers, whose trade relies on supplier data being kept confidential. That detriment, in turn, will likely mean higher consumer prices as gray market supplies are decreased.
Subscribe to our blog today for relevant updates such as this, and for more information regarding The Mooney Law Firm, LLC please contact us today.


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NOMA Marrakech's
"We are up to doing good"
We are passionate about people and craftsmanship.
For us, it is important that your products are done well in all respects. Therefore, we only work according to very high ethical rules.
That we women and men have equal pay also in Morocco is a matter of course.
That the employees have holidays. That we help each other in a crisis.
Those meetings take place in a positive and human way that inspires more joy and humanity.
We will create a world to thrive in.
We responsible producers need your good choices when you shop to make the world a little better.
Remember that it is the consumer who makes the choices.
Our products are not more expensive, but we work in a different way.


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Mesa County Valley School District 51 is dedicated to engage, equip and empower English language learners/multilingual learners with the English language skills and cultural understanding they need to succeed academically as established by national and state standards for English language acquisition. The Department of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education of Mesa County Valley School District 51 serves English language learners/multilingual learners (ELL/MLs) whose native or dominant language is not English. The district offers a K-12 program supporting the development of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills aligned to grade-level content instruction and language proficiency levels as measured by World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Consortium's assessment system.
Engage, equip, and empower English language learners/multilingual learners by promoting value, equity, language acquisition, and academic achievement.
To provide English language learners/ multilingual learners with access to rigorous academic standards and quality instruction in order to become fluent in English, while incorporating students' language and culture in preparation for success in a global society.
By building collaborative relationships and targeted professional learning between District 51 stakeholders, the goal is to increase student achievement of academic standards through the strategic use of the Colorado English Language Proficiency Standards (CELP). Through careful design of the District 51 Learning Model with ongoing assessment and reporting of language acquisition, the goal is to create a timely progression of second language acquisition for successful transition into all mainstream content classrooms.


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Conventions Documents
Biodiv Convention
* Other UN Agencies Documents
* UN Regional Commissions
* Secretary General Reports
* Expert Meetings Reports
Download the Convention TXT file (49 KB)
"... the full and complete development of a country, the
welfare of the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women on
equal terms with men in all fields." (CEDAW, p.1)
[ Read the CEDAW
Document ]
The Convention is a legally binding document which sets out
internationally accepted principles on the rights of women being applicable to all women
in all fields. The basic legal norm of the Convention is the prohibition of all forms of
discrimination against women. This norm cannot be satisfied merely by the enactment of
gender-neutral laws. In addition to demanding that women be accorded equal rights with
men, the Convention goes further by prescribing the measures which shall be taken to
ensure that women everywhere are able to enjoy the rights to which they are entitled.
The Convention was opened to signature, ratification and accession in New
York in March 1980. It entered into force in September 1981. As of July 1997, 160 States
had ratified the Convention.
Within one year of signing the Convention every State Party is obliged to
report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women on its efforts
to meet CEDAW's goals. Thereafter States Parties are required to report at least every
four years and whenever the Committee so requests.
The list of countries which have signed, ratified, acceded or succeeded to
the Convention, as of 5 January 1998 (97 Signatures/161 ratification and accessions), at gopher://gopher.un.org/00/ga/cedaw/RATIFICA
The Committee was established under the terms of the Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women adopted by the General Assembly
in its resolution 34/180 in December 1979.
It holds a constructive dialogue with the States Parties reporting to it under article 18
of the Convention. Reporting States are expected to describe steps taken to adhere and
progressively realise the Convention, or point out obstacles encountered. Following the
exchange with representatives of States Parties, the Committee experts prepare concluding
comments which are incorporated in the report of the session. The Committee is also
empowered to formulate suggestions and general recommendations based on the examination of
States Parties reports. Suggestions are directed at the UN system and general
recommendations assist States Parties in the interpretation of articles on the themes
underlying the Convention.
The Committee is composed of 23 experts in the fields covered by the Convention. Experts
are elected by the States Parties to the Convention for a term of four years and serve in
their personal capacity. In electing the experts, consideration is given to equitable
geographical distribution and the representation of different forms of civilisation, as
well as the principal legal systems.
The Committee meets annually, in January/February.
[ Read the text of the Optional
Protocol ]
The Vienna Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993 recommended the
introduction of the right to petition through an optional protocol to the Convention. The UN Commission on the Status of Women
has in 1999 agreed an optional protocol provides, among other things, for the
right of individual petition.
What is an Optional Protocol ?
Very often, human rights treaties are followed by "Optional Protocols"
which may either provide for procedures with regard to the treaty or address a substantive
area related to the treaty. Optional Protocols to human rights treaties are treaties in
their own right, and are open to signature, accession or ratification by countries who are
party to the main treaty. An Optional Protocol has been agreed for CEDAW. It
Give women the right to complain to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
Against Women ("the Committee") about violations of CEDAW by their Governments
(see below The Communications Procedure).
Enable the Committee to conduct inquiries into serious or systemic abuses of women's
human rights in countries that have become party to the Optional Protocol.
At present, individuals or groups of individuals can't obtain remedies in an international
forum for breaches of CEDAW that affect them.
The Optional Protocol would provide a forum for complaint and an avenue for women
to obtain remedies for breaches of their human rights. The Committee can focus on individual victims or make recommendations on their
More information about the Optional Protocol information at:
text of the Optional Protocol
Signatures to and Ratifications of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
at http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/protocol/sigop.htm
Statement by Angela King, Head of DAW, 1996: gopher://gopher.un.org/00/esc/cn6/1996/statements/kingi5.en
CSW Report 1997, Annex: gopher://gopher.un.org/00/esc/cn6/1997/Reporten/ANNEX3.EN
CSW Report 1997: gopher://gopher.un.org/00/esc/cn6/1997/Reporten/CHAP4.EN
Secretary Generals Report on an Optional Protocol, to CSW 1997: gopher://gopher.un.org/00/esc/cn6/1997/official/97cn6-4e
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Hundreds of toned and stretched calves will line up at the start line on May 11 to kick off the 11th annual Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series! Runners will blaze through many of Cougar Mountain's 36 miles of trails as they pace to finish either the five (short) or 10 mile (long) races. We hope they save a few breaths for the following races of the series as the mileage will continue to climb until it tops out at 13 and 25 miles respectively.
New this year is the addition of 5k runs to the race lineups and it's likely to be very popular among runners that have wanted to get a taste of the series, but aren't quite ready for the big miles yet. Keep working on those fast twitch muscles!
There's still time to register, however, so head over to the race page and get all the details on the mileage options, including course maps.
Also, be sure to thank the folks producing this great event, Northwest Trail Runs and Seattle Running Club (SRC), as a portion of the proceeds benefits King County Parks, with more than $111,000 raised during the past decade – round of applause!
We also want to thank our committed volunteers for their work in keeping these trails in top shape, so we can look forward to events like this year-after-year.


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Our research
African swine fever
Our Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) was built to help protect Australia's livestock industries from disease threats such as African swine fever (ASF), and our scientists are well prepared to help and respond.
Strengthening PNG against animal diseases
We've partnered with Papua New Guinea to help strengthen the country's ability to prevent and control serious animal diseases.
Avian influenza
Our scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) help track the constant evolution of avian influenza strains including those that have the potential to change from low pathogenicity to high pathogenicity.
Partnership with Indonesia's animal health laboratory
Our Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has a strong tradition of strengthening animal health laboratory capacity in detecting, preventing and controlling existing and emerging diseases throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Japanese encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is a potentially fatal disease that infects about 100,000 people worldwide every year. Caused by an arbovirus (an arthropod-borne virus), it is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Canine ehrlichiosis
In 2020, staff at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) confirmed that dogs from the Kimberley region of Western Australia were infected with the disease canine ehrlichiosis, previously not detected in Australia.
Foot and mouth disease
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting cloven hoofed animals. While FMD is not transmissible to people, the disease has major economic consequences. We're working with industry and government to ensure Australia is prepared should FMD reach our shores.
New Hendra virus
Scientists at our Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) have found a new genetic type of Hendra virus in flying foxes across a broad range of Australia.
New and emerging diseases
ACDP and NIAH entered into a partnership under a World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Laboratory Twinning Project to increase the capacity for NIAH to diagnose and respond to new and emerging diseases in the Asia-pacific region.
Preclinical research
Our scientists are conducting research, development and preclinical evaluation of medical countermeasures for dangerous pathogens affecting humans and animals at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), including the ongoing coronavirus crisis (2019-nCoV).
Aquatic animal health
Our scientists at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) are working with a number of veterinary laboratories in Vietnam to protect and enhance aquatic animal health in the country.
ACDP Services and Emergency Response
Animal disease outbreaks
Despite Australia's strict quarantine procedures, there is a risk that an exotic animal disease could be introduced. Our quality-assured diagnostic tests are critical to the success of surveillance programs and to the accurate diagnosis and control of outbreaks. We can respond rapidly to disease outbreaks of national impact.
Aquatic animal testing
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Fish Diseases Laboratory provides diagnostic services for exotic and emerging diseases, export certification testing and health surveillance. These are available for finfish, molluscs and crustaceans.
Innocuity testing
Our Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) is NATA accredited to provide a wide range of testing to determine innocuity of materials, exclude adventitious agents and for other specialised purposes.
Provision of reagents
Our range of reagents for purchase are suitable for veterinary diagnostic assays including serology, molecular biology and bacteriology.
Quarantine testing
We offer a testing service for animal owners to certify their animals meet international quarantine standards for import or export.


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We are currently seeking a Department Manager who will report to the Store Director.
The Department Manager is a professional in the category(ies) they oversee and is responsible for implementing a clienteling mindset among their team(s) in order to guarantee the quantitative and qualitative goals assigned by department(s).
They behave as a brand ambassador and a proactive sales professional who operates according to the goals and processes fixed by the Store and Associate Store Director.
They are involved in their department team development by leading, motivating, and coaching individuals to achieve assigned target and goals.
- Implement action plans defined with the HQ and Flagship/Store director and ensure follow-up
- Assign targeted quantitative and qualitative goals to the department team(s)
- Analyze the results: daily, weekly, monthly and set up constant assessments
- Analyze sales based on corporate reports and verify warehouse stock for the department(s) involved
- Ensure that the display of the Department(s) involved is in order and supervise product rotation
- Communicate high quality relevant feedback and reporting to the Associate Store
- Director/Store Director or Store team
- Communicate on a daily basis technical and stock information related to the product to the store team in the Department(s)
- Punctually submit all the quantitative and qualitative information to the Buying team at HQ in order to communicate any requirements and to predict any possible issues
- Monitor business environment including local competition
- Keep store team informed at all times regarding Store performance
- Analyze sell through by category
- Create and maintain a positive and motivating work environment
- Embody Balenciaga image and ensure that the team is also aligned
- Motivate and challenge store management and store team on a regular basis
- Support the Flagship/Store Director and Associate Store Director in setting up goals and animate morning briefs, one to one meetings, etc.
- Organize and plan the department(s) activities, providing available resources to achieve the expected workload and maximize profitability
- Partner with the Associate Store Director and Flagship/Store Director to recruit, train and develop your team
- Identify and develop the strengths of each store team member, supporting professional growth through training and coaching approach
- Train team on "in Store" actions to develop client loyalty
- Lead by example and facilitate teamwork
- Behave as a Balenciaga Ambassador, sustain and promote the culture of the brand
- internally and externally
- Ensure that your department(s) constantly provides the standards of Balenciaga services, image and values
- Ensure Balenciaga Signature and Client experience are executed and consistent over time
- Inspire both clients and store team by embodying the Balenciaga Universe
- Ensure that the image of the Store is aligned with Balenciaga standards
- Follow up CEE and NPS scores and set up actions accordingly
- Assure the recruitment, development and retention of clients, from beginners to VICs
- Supervise sales to ensure Client journeys execution and omnichannel consistency
- Ensure a qualitative and qualitative approach on managing the store clients portfolio and execute action plans
- Promote and develop clienteling mindset, follows the sales to VIC and VVICs
- Personally manage all delicate situations regarding issues related to the product
- Ensure that all the processes are in compliance with legal, safety, internal requirements,
- sustainability, HR and stock organization
- Take all the necessary measures to ensure loss prevention and safety in the store
- Ensure the correct rotation of the goods in the warehouse for the department(s) involved
- Adhere, inform and follow-up on all processes and guidelines
- Execute team planning on a weekly and monthly basis and summit it the Associate Store Director
- Challenge current processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in your department
- Cooperate with the other Department managers regarding all issues related to the product and internal processes
- Optimize warehouse management in order to make the stocking of goods as efficient as possible in terms of sales, in collaboration with the Operations manager
- Commitment to take part of an innovative project
- Product sensitivity and a strong market/fashion trends knowledge, paired with a good general culture level
- At least 3 years of experience in a managerial position (5 people)
- Significant experience in the luxury industry: client portfolio
- Clienteling mindset: client engagement and loyalty
- Precision, organizational skills: being able to organize and prioritize tasks based on the needs of the business
- Adaptability, openness, listening abilities, curiosity
- High availability, responsiveness
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- A positive attitude and a willingness to learn and improve
- Mastering digital skills
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York, BALENCIAGA includes a reasonable estimate of the salary or hourly rate range for this role. This considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions; including but not limited to business or organizational needs, skill sets, experience and training, licensure, and certifications. In addition, where a candidate falls within the disclosed range estimate may be dependent on the applicable geographic differential associated with the location in which the position may be filled.
A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,000 USD to $80,000 USD.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Balenciaga's Bloomingdales 59th Street team as a Department Manager who will drive the business and contribute to the brand philosophy. We invite you to become part of a team that offers possibilities to learn and grow. Balenciaga is committed to thriving your professional development within the House or in the Kering group. We empower leaders to create, build and sustain high performing teams that excel in execution. We guide every employee to reach their full potential in a stimulating and fulfilling workplace environment.
Balenciaga is committed to fostering a diverse workforce. We believe that diversity in all its forms; race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law, enriches the workplace and our client experience. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome all applications and select our talents based on competencies and in alignment with our brand behaviors. Setting people for success is what we live for and it is part of our interview process to discuss with you how to excel in our company.


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Sales open M-F 9-8pm & Saturday 9-7pm
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Other Offers you may qualify for
Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery-pack age/condition, and other factors.
Thank you for choosing Nissan of Orangeburg! Home of the best price! This vehicle comes with a 3 year/ 36,000 mile manufactures warranty! 5 years/ 60,000 mile power train warranty. All New Nissan's include a limited Lifetime Powertrain Protection. Glacier White 2023 Nissan Titan SV RWD 5.6L V8 DOHC 32V 400hp Pricing does not include State Sales Tax, Title and Registration and other applcable fees. See Dealer for Details.. Price includes: $3000 - Nissan Titan Customer Cash. Exp. 01/02/2024
*All pricing and details are believed to be accurate, but we do not warrant or guarantee such accuracy. The prices shown above, may vary from region to region, as will incentives, and are subject to change. Vehicle information is based off standard equipment and may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Call or email for complete vehicle specific information. $525 dealer documentation fee is included. Tax and tag are not included in the prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. Customer must qualify for all applicable rebates and incentives. Mention this advertisement to receive the advertised price. By submitting your information, you consent to receive to all forms of information including but not limited to; phone, email, text, mail, etc. Prep and delivery fees may apply. Must finance with dealer to retain internet price.


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Couric vs. Palin
Call it "Game Change," Round 2.
Four years after Katie Couric introduced a woefully unprepared Sarah Palin to a national television audience in an unforgettable interview, the former vice presidential candidate and mega-media personality has been tapped by NBC's "Today" show to face off Tuesday morning against Couric in an inter-channel ratings race with ABC's "Good Morning America" that lays bare the cutthroat nature of broadcast television.
"There aren't too many names that will move the needle against such strong competition," Jonathan Wald, a former "Today" show producer and the executive producer of CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight," told POLITICO.
( See also: 5 best Couric-Palin 2008 moments)
"Palin is the go-to blunt-force opposition," he added. "She's the popular person to put on when you need a big booking to combat a big booking."
The Couric vs. Palin heavyweight rematch of sorts is fraught with drama on two fronts: the face-off between the two media personalities and the fierce competition between the two networks — for the first time in more than 16 years, GMA has a shot at topping the "Today" show.
The prospect has the political world readying for what promises to be an entertaining channel-to-channel battle, and conservative bloggers — still smarting over Couric's interview — are hailing Palin's selection as a guest host as an inspired choice and urging the former Alaska governor to even the score with the journalist who did her in.
"It's no secret I'm not on Sarah Palin's political bandwagon, but I've long maintained she's one heck of an entertainer and a good draw. I really hope she makes this a full time gig and does so well that people forget who Katie is. Or was. Or whatever. Go Sarah! Turn Katie into just another also-ran," a blogger at RedState wrote.
Late last week, ABC announced that Couric, a former host of the "Today" show, would fill in on GMA for all five shows this week while Robin Roberts is on vacation — a move that threatened to upset the "Today" show's streak as the most-watched morning show for 850 straight weeks. Not to be outdone, NBC raised the stakes, revealing Sunday that it had booked Palin to guest-host Tuesday's episode of "Today."
NBC Universal would not confirm whether Palin's gig was a direct response to Couric's appearance, although that is widely believed to be the case. Palin, now a Fox News contributor, last appeared on "Today" in 2008, when Matt Lauer interviewed her in Wasilla, Alaska, and the network says it was interested in having her back. (Fox News gave Palin clearance to appear on the "Today" show, NBC confirmed.)
NBC's decision to give Palin a hosting slot in a seemingly naked bid to grab nothing but ratings has drawn a few jeers, and some observers charged the reasoning behind it looks much like why John McCain put her on the ticket in the first place — to win at any cost.
"This is what ["Game Change"] was really about: the expedient decisions you make to maintain victory," one former campaign strategist told POLITICO. "As a media moment, it's like Fonzie jumping the shark."
But while the former Alaska governor's appearance is likely to be a sure ratings boost for "Today," for Palin, it's also an opportunity to exact some revenge on Couric, who conducted the 2008 CBS News interviews that, many believe, doomed Palin's candidacy for vice president.
"Game on," Palin said when asked by Breitbart News about hosting opposite Couric.
Stoking the coals, "Today" host Lauer asked Palin on Monday when she phoned into the show whether she was "reading some newspapers" to prepare for her appearance, a reference to the 2008 Couric interview during which Palin was unable to name a single newspaper or magazine she read to stay informed about current events.
"Oh! Great. That's a fine 'How do you do?'" Palin responded to Lauer. "That's a great start, here we go."
The 2008 interview also saw Palin famously stumped on matters of foreign policy ("[O]ur next-door neighbors [Russia] are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of."), Supreme Court history (other than Roe v. Wade, she couldn't cite a significant opinion) and global warming ("I'm not going to solely blame all of man's activities on changes in climate.")
Whether Palin will actually speak about Couric or the interview during the show — or vice versa — was a parlor-room guessing game on Monday, though consultants on both sides of the aisle cautioned against it.
"If I was Sarah Palin, I wouldn't want to resurrect that episode. You looked like an ignoramus, and it wasn't Katie Couric's fault," Democratic consultant Garry South told POLITICO.
"The governor has been much maligned and just come off this recent HBO movie, so she's going to be very determined to present herself, as she should, in a serious manner," Republican consultant Steve Lombardo said. "If [Palin's] doing tit-for-tat, she's losing. If she spends any time defending, she's losing. If she says she'd rather talk about X or Y in American politics, then she's winning."
Strategists also advised Couric to take the high road.
"I think it would be a lack of judgment if she were to address the Sarah Palin issue on the air," South said. "You never punch down; you don't attack a candidate who is way below you in the standings. The same thing applies here."
"My guess is that it's going to be in actuality a lot more civil than people might expect," Lombardo predicted. "Both want to demonstrate a serious side and they don't want this to become sort of soap opera-esque. They'll each make great strides to be more serious and less soap opera-y than we imagine."
But even if both Couric and Palin put their best foot forward, the history of bad blood has already given Tuesday morning a heavy air of anticipation.
"Clearly, everybody's going to be looking on Wednesday morning to see whether Couric or Palin got the last laugh," Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, told POLITICO, referring to which show drew the biggest ratings.
With a laugh, the pollster added, "This is somewhat reminiscent of some of the great fights of an earlier era. The Ali-Frazier fight."
Conservative bloggers believe the former governor won as soon as NBC decided to bring her on as a guest host because it suggests Palin might prove to be a bigger ratings draw than Couric.
"NBC matches Palin with Couric, because Katie can't deliver the ratings but Gov. Palin will," predicted a blogger at Weasel Zippers, a conservative blog. Conservatives4Palin, which follows the former Alaska governor's moves closely, praised NBC's decision as "a stroke of genius."
"My prediction is that the 'Sarah Palin episode' will be the most viewed, or at least one of the most-viewed, in the history of Today," Matthew Burke wrote at The Freedom Post. "Conservatives will be viewing to watch one of their idols, Sarah Palin, on enemy territory, and the Lefties will not be able to help themselves, if for no other reason than curiosity, and for hoping that she'll issue a Joe-Biden-style-gaffe that they can use against her."
"It probably pains NBC to admit that Sarah Palin will be a boost to their ratings," he added.
Politics aside, Palin's appearance is very much about ratings for NBC's "Today" show, which occupies the top slot on the morning show circuit. NBC's and ABC's morning shows have been at war for decades, and Couric's weeklong guest spot put "Today" within GMA's sights for the first time in more than 16 years. NBC seems to understand how much is at stake: in addition to Palin, they're teasing a "big NBC announcement" from Ryan Seacrest and have booked "Today" appearances by Octomom Nadya Suleman, the Duggars, Kim Kardashian and Tori Spelling.
"This probably has less to do with political ramifications than it does with morning TV bragging rights," said Dan Schnur, head of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at the University of Southern California. "Couric certainly got the best of it in the first encounter, but it's a good bet that Palin will win the ratings war tomorrow."
Jumping the shark or not, NBC's knows Palin's appearance will make for interesting television.
"This is a case where pictures are worth a million words about the state of media and politics and entertainment, and where they all come together," one campaign strategist said.
"Who says television people don't have a sense of humor? It's that more than anything," Susan Del Percio, a Republican strategist and MSNBC contributor, told POLITICO. "I wish I could say there was something more here, but it'll be good TV. I think this is more fun and games than anything else."
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed a quote about Russia to Sarah Palin that had been said by Tina Fey.


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Take your taste buds on a journey
Kababi Cafe
Persian Cuisine
Kababi Cafe
Our Delicious Story
Take your taste buds on a journey at Kababi Cafe By Kuluck in South Florida. Specializing in Persian cuisine, our Persian restaurant features gourmet food in a distinctive setting. From our full bar to our selection of hookah, our cafe offers a variety of features you won't find anywhere else.
Our restaurant hosts an open floor plan, making it the perfect atmosphere for your casual family dinner or dressy first date.
Our Buffet
Spice up your afternoon with some of our most delicious buffet items.
Pick and choose from an ever changing line up of tasty dishes to create your own sweet or savory lunch.
We dedicate our focus on fresh, expertly prepared, and affordable fare that can be enjoyed
Saturday & Sunday
13:00 pm To 16:00 pm
Featured Delicacies
4 for $70Hot Deals $70.00
Salad ShiraziSalad $8.00
Vanilla RolletDesserts $8.00 – $40.00
Salmon & Fresh Herb Rice (Sabzi Polo)Rice Specials $22.00
Lamb Shank & dill rice (Bagali Polo)Rice Specials $22.00
Chicken Pomegranate StewStew Specials $19.00
Gyro SandwichSandwiches $14.00
Family Soltani KabobKabob Specials
Cafe Trio KabobKabob Specials
Beef KabobKabob Specials $18.00
Crispy riceAppetizers $9.00
Combination PlatterAppetizers $34.95
Enjoy our Special Event
Happy Hours
Every Event with Persians
Restaurant Specials & Events
In addition to birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations, at Kababi Cafe's we mark our calendars every Iranian occasion like Norouz, Yalda Night, 4shanbe Souri, etc to celebrate.
Let's Eat
Visit our Mediterranean restaurant in Sunrise, Florida, for a thrilling night on the town
Tuesday to Friday 11:30 to 21:00
Saturday 12:00 to 22:00
Sunday 12:00 to 21:00
Buffet Time
Saturday & Sunday 13:00 to 16:00
(954) 909-4133
3828 N University Dr, Sunrise, FL 33351
We are located in the American Oak Plaza, minutes away from the Florida Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway, I-595, and I-95


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09 Aug Daily Message ~ Thursday August 9, 2012
Many of you have been on the planet with service contracts as pathpavers or trailblazers. It has been a long, often difficult journey for many of you. Your service is celebrated and honoured! And now, for many of you, your service is changing. You will be moving from trailblazer to anchor, supporting the entire process by your beingness, while the next wave will take on some of the busier roles. For many of you this will be a welcome change, feeling much like spiritual retirement, where things take on a more relaxed pace with much time being spent in doing whatever brings you joy. Again, you have earned this new position from your long and concerted efforts. For some, you may have trouble adjusting, feeling like you are not doing enough. Please rest assured that the role of anchor is extremely important to the process and your beingness is assisting the planet, yourself and others just as much as any service you have done before. ~Archangel Gabriel


text: Dark Hill Hotel Dark Hill Hotel Dark Hill Hotel Dark Hill Hotel $PTypeName$Hotels $PCityName$Istanbul $PPhone$+90 212 638 89 00$PAdres$Eminönü, Koca Ragıp Paşa Caddesi No : 19 ISTANBUL/TURKEY$PUrl$www.darkhillhotel.com$PMail$[email protected]$PFax$+90 212 638 33 43 Dark Hill Hotel Dark Hill Hotel is access to all the attractions of the city because it is located in the heart of the historical peninsula of Istanbul is easily achieved. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia , Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern , Hippodrome, Blue Square and Suleymaniye Mosque ' eat is just walking distance away . Friendly staff and completely renovated interior design and always offer the best quality of the Darkhill hotel guests with room and has the mission of memorable moments alive.


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.gitignore for Dropbox
If you want a binary, head to the releases tab. Otherwise, you can check out the source on Github.
Download the latest .zip from the releases tab. Run
./install in the resulting folder.
Add a
.dbignore to a directory to tell Dropbox to ignore certain files. Files will be ignored if they match any of the patterns in the
.dbignore file. See the gitignore docs for more information.
Settings for dbignore are located at
~/Dropbox/.dbignore_config in json format. Currently, the only supported setting is changing the name of the ignore files. If you want to use
.gitignore instead of
.dbignore, add
{"ignore_file_name":".gitignore"} to
Currently, the only supported platform is OSX. Dbignore has been tested on 10.9 but should work on earlier versions.


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Sunday, March 15, 2020
Above the Bay of Angels by Rhys Bowen: Reading Room Review
6 comments:
I couldn't wait to read this book from the time I heard Rhys talk about it at the launch of her last Lady Georgie book. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC, and I wasn't disappointed--lovely book, well told, as always.ReplyDeleteReplies
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, too, Margie. I just loved all the cooking descriptions and the quirkiness of Queen Victoria in Nice. Thanks for stopping by the blog.Delete
This sounds wonderful! Glad it was a hit for you!ReplyDelete
Hey, Erica. Always so happy to see a comment from you. The book was a great look at some lesser known history of Queen Victoria as well as a great story about the trials and tribulations of the under-cook Helen.ReplyDelete
Thank you for the kind words, Kathy. I'm so glad you enjoyed itReplyDeleteReplies
It is a wonderfully special book, Rhys! Thanks for stopping by the blog and commenting.Delete


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Nuclear new-build projects are, by their nature, difficult to deliver. Daniel Garton and Chris Duncan examine issues that need to be addressed in construction contracts for nuclear plants.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE REQUIREMENTS, COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY, long construction periods, regulatory requirements and regulator involvement, and political sensitivity around nuclear power, are all risks in bringing new nuclear power plants online. Recognising and understanding these risks and taking steps to address them in the construction documentation is key to reducing the risk of time and cost overruns.
Structuring the procurement of a nuclear plant and negotiating the relevant construction documents is more complex than for a conventional power plant. Here are some of the key issues that have to be given particular consideration when structuring and negotiating nuclear construction contracts:
- Design and licensing review. Many construction contracts contemplate some level of review of the design documentation by the owner, but the design review process for nuclear projects is particularly onerous, given: the number of design and licensing documents to review; the cutting-edge and proprietary nature of many of the systems and structures in the design; the demanding regulatory requirements, which vary from country to country; and the fact that many of the design documents and all of the licensing documents have to be approved by both the owner and the regulator. Because of this, the design, review and approval process on nuclear plants is frequently delayed and disrupted. The impact is greater because of the interdependent relationship between the design disciplines and trades, and the general requirement that all design affecting nuclear safety be approved by the regulator before the related physical works can commence.
It is crucial to include a detailed and prescriptive design documentation review process in the construction contract, to clarify each party's obligations and ensure that any slip in the schedule can be identified quickly and mitigation plans can be developed. Such provisions will also assist in determining responsibility for the delays where the schedule cannot be recovered. It is essential that document submittal schedules are developed early by the contractor and shared with the owner and the regulator to allow resource planning. Documents should be delivered in logical and manageable batches, such that the owner and the regulator can review and approve the documents without waiting for further information. Appropriate review periods for the owner and (as far as possible) the regulator must be agreed and accounted for in the schedule. The parties should expressly address responsibility for delays caused by the regulators' reviews.
- Variations. A nuclear regulator may require changes to the design of the plant, so it is particularly important that construction contracts include a robust variations mechanism to deal with them. Frequently, construction contracts are drafted in a way that enables the contractor to defer proceeding with a variation until the terms of that variation have been agreed between the parties. If this position applies in the case of nuclear plant, it may result in costly delays in implementing changes mandated by the regulator. Our experience is that nuclear developers will require a right to request the contractor to proceed with any variations pending agreement on the price or schedule impact of the variation, at least where the variation results from a change required by the regulator. The parties may also wish to consider including some form of rapid dispute resolution mechanism to address the impacts of regulator-instructed changes quickly and in parallel to the execution of the relevant works.
- Creditworthiness of contractors. The risk of time and cost overruns are more pronounced for nuclear than other projects, given their relative complexity and size. While limited-recourse financing has traditionally been structured on the premise that contractors take in large part the risk associated with the construction phase of a project; this approach has commercial and practical limitations in the context of nuclear plants. Given the significant costs associated with unforeseeable events during their construction phase, there is a limited field of contractors that can meet the liabilities allocated to the contractor in the event of cost overruns during the construction. This is particularly the case where one engineering and construction contractor bears single-point responsibility for the delivery of the entire plant under a single contract. If contractors cannot in reality bear the risks accepted by them under the construction contract, then the risks allocated to the contractor will become an issue for the sponsors, lenders and potentially the host country. To help mitigate creditworthiness risk, the owner will often seek a parent company guarantee from the contractor's parent (where the contractor is not the ultimate parent company in its group).
- Nuclear indemnity. Contractors are typically unwilling to accept risk associated with a nuclear incident involving the plant and will seek an indemnity from the owner in respect of it. A common topic of negotiation is the scope of exclusions from the nuclear indemnity under the construction contract although such exclusions tend in practice to be fairly limited and focus on matters such as fraud, gross negligence and wilful misconduct. Owners also frequently propose that any nuclear indemnity should only apply up to the limit of liability of the nuclear operator under the relevant international conventions governing liability for nuclear damage.
- Extended project lead times. The lead times for design and construction of nuclear plants are longer than for conventional power plants. The impact of this will have to be considered by the parties and addressed in the contract. For example, it is common for contractors to request some form of price escalation mechanism in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts for nuclear power plants, even where the EPC contract has been priced on a lump-sum basis. In addition, the longer duration of the contract means that there will be more likelihood of a force majeure event so more focus on the provisions should this occur. Any rights for the parties to terminate the contract due to prolonged force majeure will have to be carefully considered.
- Subcontractors and sub-suppliers. Many specialist subcontractors and sub-suppliers are required in a nuclear build project. There will be a limited number of competent and capable sub-suppliers to choose from, meaning that suppliers can also be difficult to replace if problems arise during the project. So it is important to consider at the outset how these suppliers will be selected. In particular, the extent of the owner's prior approval rights in relation to subcontractors and sub-suppliers will have to be agreed between the parties. Robust procedures will also be required to manage the interfaces between works provided by different specialist subcontractors and sub-suppliers.
- Dispute resolution. Given some of the issues identified above, it is common for large claims for additional time and money to arise on nuclear projects and these claims can often become disputes. Because of the long lead time disputes can arise during the course of the works and if they cannot be resolved efficiently they can damage the relationship between the parties and have a detrimental effect on completion of the works. It is, therefore, important that the parties give careful consideration to how these disputes will be resolved. Most nuclear EPC contracts will include tiered dispute resolution clauses with a combination of an amicable settlement period, senior executive review, expert determination and or Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB), with a final determination by way of international arbitration. Parties should consider whether the project would benefit from a standing DAB and whether a 'one size fits all' dispute resolution clause is really appropriate given the extremely varied nature and size of the disputes that can arise on nuclear projects. Parties should also ensure that the dispute resolution mechanism is clear and robust, as disputes regarding the proper operation of dispute resolution clauses can cause significant delay to the resolution of disputes.
The way forward
While nuclear power plants have traditionally been financed using a sovereign or utility balance sheet, the expectations of potential lenders are now increasingly relevant. Countries with growing energy needs are now considering other structures to fund new nuclear projects, such as limited recourse financing and export credit agency (ECA) finance.
Developers seeking to utilise limited recourse project financing will have to take account of likely lender expectations when negotiating the EPC contract. Developers seeking to attract lenders will face close scrutiny and lenders are likely to require some form of sovereign or sponsor completion support, given the heightened cost overrun and completion risk on nuclear projects
The better that parties can anticipate the issues which are likely to arise during the construction of nuclear projects and address them in the construction documentation, the more likely they are to avoid, or at least mitigate, the potential delay and cost overruns caused when issues (inevitably) arise during the project development phase.
This article was first published in Nuclear Engineering International on April 24th 2019.
Click here to download PDF.
This publication is provided for your convenience and does not constitute legal advice. This publication is protected by copyright.
© 2019 White & Case LLP


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Pictured above (as well as on our home page and below) is the Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5. I have to admit that I saw a picture of this motorcycle recently in another context and was transfixed by its design. Something about this look, coupled with my age (in my early 50s, now) really triggered an emotional response.
Although totally classic, and "retro", the Bullet Classic C5 is a recent design, incorporating a new engine (the first EFI unit from Royal Enfield). The 500cc single features pushrods, and RE assures owners they "will get the torque, feel and sound they have become accustomed to."
The new engine was designed to increase reliability and reduce maintenance while featuring EFI and very low emissions. RE claims the C5 has the ability to sustain the higher cruising speeds found in the U.S. while maintaining passing power and torque associated with a big single.
The body and chassis reflect a new interpretation of strictly historical, traditional RE design . . . right down to "era correct stitching, texture and finish on the seat cover for period-perfect style." The C5 should be available this month in the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $6,395.
Another new model, the Bullet G5 (not pictured) should also be available this month at a suggested retail of $5,995. To learn more, visit Royal Enfield's U.S. web site here
MD Readers Respond:
- I'm similar in age (54); could not agree more re. the ageless hypnotic beauty of the Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5, esp the turquoise pictured. The C5 could shame riders on gaudy $35k Big Dogs & their ubiquitous ilk. A Marin County dealer I intend to ride one; hoping the nearest dealer is within reasonable distance. Jimbo
- I've had an attraction to the Enfields for awhile myself. They hearken back to a simpler time and bring out my fond memories of my early years riding.
Not long ago I made a stop at an RE dealer and had a closer look. Compared to today's bikes they certainly seemed crude. I was considering the Bullet as a possible bike to take with us when in the RV. I just was not able to rationalize the purchase of one over a lighter, more modern alternative. But their design does get the juices flowing, something lacking in many of today's designs. Perhaps this new model will bridge the gap better for people like me caught between living today and remembering the past?
Thanks for the article. Rick
- The latest Royal Enfields are indeed beautiful. Then again, I've always thought their bikes we attractive, especially when dressed up with some of the many retro accessories they offer from their catalog. I even considered buying one, until I read some of the feedback forums. The reliability just hasn't been there up to now, according to those who own them. Although they love their machines, most of them were honest with my inquiries, and admitted it's a bike for those who like to "tinker." That's not such a bad thing to some. But when you like tour a little bit, it's hard to know what to take with you to prevent getting stranded. I hope the new single unit engine offers the improved reliability they claim, as well as the improved performance. I read a recent article in one of the magazines, and the tester was quite surprised at the improvements in the new model. If the new bikes are successful, there might be one in my future. Ernest


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home | metro silicon valley index | news | silicon valley | news article
WHEEL AWAY: John Bettencourt says the city's bureaucracy is forcing him out of downtown San Jose.
Ridden Out of Town
Scooter shop owner says San Jose's bureaucracy forced him to move
By Jessica Fromm
WE are sorry to say the city is forcing us to move. For now we will be open by appointment only."
So reads a small sign taped to the locked front door of Moto Amore in downtown San Jose. The small scooter sales and service shop, located in the old Tenth Street Pharmacy building, officially started its move to Santa Clara last Monday, following months of what owner John Bettencourt says has been an uphill struggle dealing with San Jose's code enforcement bureaucracy.
"Have you ever heard that the city is not friendly to downtown small business? Well, every word of it is true," says Bettencourt, 39. "It's one thing to say you need a permit, but it's another thing to make it impossible to get one. I'm like, 'I'm trying to give you my money, and you're making it as difficult as possible.' It's very frustrating, and I'm just done."
Bettencourt opened for business a little over a year ago, filling the 4,100-square-foot glass-paned showroom with shiny, candy-colored Vespas and vintage scooters, with a repair shop in back.
At the time, the opening was received with much adulation and excitement from the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, which has long been trying to make San Jose one of the most business friendly cities in Silicon Valley. Moto Amore's grand opening even prompted the Mercury News' Sal Pizarro to write a story about the new business moving into the empty commercial space.
"When I moved in, everybody was happy, and the city was very happy," Bettencourt says. "[City Councilmember] Sam Liccardo came in right after I opened and he talked about how happy they were to see a few businesses opening on Santa Clara."
Bettencourt says that his problems with the city started when he tried to apply for a few thousand dollars in the form of a signage grant through the San Jose Redevelopment Agency (RDA) last October. He says the RDA (which could not be reached for comment as this story went to press) changed his grant to one dealing with the overall facade, and the bid was put into limbo. More than a year later, he says, the huge golden mortar and pestle and big yellow letters reading "Tenth Street Pharmacy" still adorn the building.
"Daily, I had people walking in asking if we are pharmacy," Bettencourt says.
Bettencourt, who has no employees and mans the showroom and repair shop alone, says San Jose code enforcement then started demanding frequent inspections last spring. He says the last inspection occurred on the morning of April 24, 2009, when six city employees came to look around his shop and said he would have the results of their findings within a week.
Three months later, on July 2, a city compliance order was delivered to Bettencourt, detailing that he had until Aug. 15 to obtain several special use permits. He says this included a permit to change Moto Amore from a "retail" to "service" space, and that he needed to make structural modifications to the building that would cost upward of $100,000.
"It's not possible to do anything in San Jose city in less then a month," Bettencourt says. As he scrambled to obtain the proper permits, he says, he hit wall after wall of bureaucracy as he was shuffled from city office to city office. He says he was stood up for appointments at the San Jose code enforcement office, then a building department officer said that he needed to be paid $225 an hour to answer his questions, and after that people from the planning department said that they weren't even sure if he needed to change his permit after all.
"They really squeeze out small businesses by doing that," he says. "The only people that can deal with this sort of thing are companies that have lawyers to sit around and do this, and I'm trying to run my business."
With the August deadline approaching fast, Bettencourt finally decided to break his lease.
"Nobody has been any real help, and the result is another empty building in an area they say they want to clean up," he says.
Liccardo says his office has received several inquiries from citizens who have seen the sign on Moto Amore's door—but he reports that he and his staff have attempted to contact Bettencourt, and couldn't track him down.
"I tried calling them myself, but there was no pickup," says Liccardo. Ragan Henninger, Liccardo's chief of staff, says she has never received a call from Bettencourt.
I Don't Need No Stinking Permits
Henninger says the code enforcement office conducted the inspection of Moto Amore because neighbors complained of gas fumes. The city later determined that Bettencourt's scooter repairs were industrial work, which violates his location's permit, and that prompted the compliance order.
Michael Hannon, a code enforcement official, says the city tried working with Bettencourt.
"We first started getting complaints about the business back in February, so it's not like we've been overly aggressive in trying to close John down," Hannon says. "We gave him six weeks ... the repair of scooter and vehicles is allowed, but you have to obtain a special use permit from the planning division before you can begin doing that kind of work. He has to understand that there are certain zoning regulations that he has to comply with."
Bettencourt, however, insists that the business tax certificate that the city issued him in February of 2009, which specifies Moto Amore as "General Automotive Repair" shop, is proof enough that he can conduct scooter repairs. Bettencourt might have had more help before San Jose's recent cuts to city services.
Scott Knies, executive director of the San Jose Downtown Association, says that a few years ago the city set up a Small Business Ambassador Program to help owners like Bettencourt navigate the city's complicated permitting processes.
"It certainly is a quagmire for a small business owner who may be wading into all the regulatory requirements," Knies says.
According to Liccardo, San Jose's June budget cuts gutted the Small Business Ambassador Program, and as of June 30 it was largely eliminated.
"That is what that program was designed to do, was to help small businesses manage their way through the bureaucracy of city hall," Liccardo says. "I'll be the first to admit it can be unbelievably daunting at times, and incredibly frustrating for a lot of small business people."
Bettencourt says the city did refer him to the Small Business Ambassador Program, but that other then a website, it no longer exists.
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"It's a sham," Bettencourt says. "They have no power, they can't actually do anything other then give you a number to make an appointment."
Liccardo admits that the program is deeply flawed, though he says the city has been working with the planning, building and code enforcement departments so business owners like Bettencourt do not fall through the cracks.
Liccardo says that with the economy being so tough on small businesses, the last thing he wants is for the city to get in the way.
"I'd love an opportunity to talk to the guy and to find out what's actually going on ... I'm frustrated myself just listening to all of this."
Send a letter to the editor about this story.


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France President, Emmanuel Macron has warned that France would withdraw troops from West African nation, Mali, following the country's second military coup in just nine months.
France has 5,100 troops in the Sahel region and has helped in the war against Islamist militancy but Macron has warned of the risk of Mali "moving towards" greater Islamist influence if there is no democratic government in place.
For decades France has provided military support to its former colonies in Africa, but has told regional leaders that France had no intention of keeping its troops in Africa forever.
Macron is also annoyed by a lack of commitment from other European countries to fight the multiple militant Islamist groups in the region as Europe could be affected by possible jihadist attacks on the continent and illegal migration.
On Tuesday last week France and the European Union denounced an "unacceptable coup d'etat" after Mali's interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained and stripped of their power.
Coup leader Colonel Assimi Goïta was then named transitional president by the constitutional court on Friday.
Macron speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper said;
"Radical Islamism in Mali with our soldiers there? Never,"
"There is this temptation today in Mali. But if it goes in that direction, I will withdraw," he warned in comments made during a trip to Rwanda and South Africa. Macron flew home to Paris on Saturday.
The French president added that he had given a message to West African leaders that they could not back a country "where there is no longer democratic legitimacy or transition".
Macron, in his comments published Sunday, May 30, warned that if Africa's development fails then Europe "will pay dearly in terms of migration".
He stressed the need to "invest massively" adding that the international community must also erase some of the continent's debt burden "to help Africans build their future".