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No introduction needed, I think the title says it all. As a refresher, you can view my complete ranks here.
Third Base is a crazy position this year. Free agents that weren't patrolling the hot corner caused the position to become deeper than ever before, or at least it will be after a couple weeks of baseball and people pick up their eligibility tags. I won't dive into each player in my ranks here, but if you have a question about someone I left out, ask in the comments.
Time for notes!
Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez are the two prime reasons that 3rd has jumped in depth, while Cabrera may have 3B by his name in title only, his bat plays anywhere. No introduction needed. HanRam on the other hand has tools that no one questions, but his head is a big question. On top of his game he is 2nd to none, but he lets emotions get the best of him and they really impact his performance. I'm nervous that despite whatever he says to the media he is not going to be happy about playing third and that it is going to lead to a lapse in performance. I don't think he will be as bad as he was last year but I'm not going to gamble a high pick or large % of my auction budget on him.
David Wright is primed for a big year. I can feel it. One of two true 5 category players in the position, the only concern I have about Wright at this point is health. With a broken back last year, concussion the year before and him working through sore ribs now his durability is coming into question. But Wright is a gamer and unless he is in danger of severely injuring himself worse, he'll play through pain, and usually at a fairly high level.
Brett Lawrie the other 5 category monster at the position. Through seven games this spring his triple slash is .579/.600/.842! Spring doesn't mean anything though, but his 150 AB's in the majors last year should. He showed power (9 HR, 8 doubles), discipline (.373 OBP) and speed (7 Steals, 1 CS, 4 triples). He is the only 3B that ZiPS, Bill James and RotoChamp project a 20/20 season from.
Pablo Sandoval had a great bounce back year batting .315 with 23 HR's despite missing more than a month with a broken wrist. Reports come in this spring that he looks good, but his weight it up, which was a concern in years past. However if he has slimmed down some but weighs more that just means he added muscle, and I don't have a problem with that. I would draft him with confidence.
Alex Rodriguez is a player I'm staying away from. Despite the lineup he is aging, been getting hurt, and his batted ball rates are all moving in the wrong directions. If I'm wrong, great, it won't bother me because I'll have one of the guys ranked above him on my list who will be performing just as well if not better in A-Rod's "bounce back" year.
David Freese needs to stay on the field. If he can do that he's gonna produce. His 2010 and 2011 seasons combined are just about 1 full season. Over that span he has 14 HRs, 69 Runs, 91 RBI and a .297 AVG.
Sleeper: Daniel Murphy was top 5 in NL batting as of when he got hurt last year. Despite playing 2B this year, he has eiligibilty at 3B for this season. He won't hit a lot of HR's but he's a .300 hitter who gets on base and is a doubles machine. He'll be batting 2nd in the Mets lineup and with Wright, Ike Davis, a possibly resurgent Bay and the man child Camptown Races kid (or The Dude, if you prefer) batting behind him, runs should come in droves.


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Sarah and Dawn put in their "two cents" on topics including: a group of guys who can shoot a basketball into the hoop from a challenging height - flying high above it in the Goodyear Blimp! They also discuss a bear that can whip around a martial arts stick with the best of them, a guy who has a creative way of crossing a finish line in a race and a teen who shows off his breakdancing skills by combining the 80's dance trend with yoga!
Copyright 2013 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Greipel celebrates his second Tour de France stage victory.
SAINT-QUENTIN, France: Germany's Andre Greipel claimed his second win in as many days Thursday as the Tour de France was rocked by the doping controversy swirling around seven-time winner Lance Armstrong.
Lotto rider Greipel had claimed his first win of this year's race Wednesday when he dominated a small bunch sprint devoid of rival Mark Cavendish after the Briton suffered a crash inside the final three kilometers.
This time, Cavendish was in the mix, but after a slightly uphill finish, arguably more suited to his rivals, the Team Sky rider could only finish fifth.
Greipel, taking his third win of the race after his maiden win ahead of Cavendish last year, beat Australia's Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) at the end of the 196 km ride with Argentina's Juan Jose Haedo of Saxo Bank in third.
"I'm very happy with this second win and I want to say thank you to my teammates for all their hard work," he said, quickly affirming his status as one of Cavendish's main threats this year.
"I don't know why everyone believes I can't beat him. I already beat him last year and I have the best team around me.
"Yesterday he crashed, but today he was there. I'm very happy to win my second stage in the Tour de France."
Before the peloton set off from Rouen an explosive report appeared in a Dutch newspaper claiming four former teammates of Armstrong had testified against the Texan and were facing six-month bans.
Armstrong, who has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, was notified recently that he has been charged with doping by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
De Telegraaf alleged the quartet competing in this year's race – Americans George Hincapie (BMC), Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma), Christian Vande Velde and David Zabriskie (both Garmin) – have confessed to doping and had given evidence against him.
Hincapie, a teammate of Australian Tour de France champion Cadel Evans, refused to directly comment on the allegation ahead of Thursday's stage.
"I'm just disappointed this is being brought up once again," said Hincapie, the only rider to accompany Armstrong in all seven of his Tour campaigns.
Swiss rider Fabian Cancellera held onto the leader's yellow jersey by seven seconds from Briton Bradley Wiggins with Australia's defending champion Cadel Evans in seventh, at 17 sec.
The RadioShack rider will spend his 27th day in the yellow jersey Friday, meaning he will overtake Rene Vietto's record for owning the biggest collection of Tour leader's jerseys for someone who hasn't won the overall title.
"That's something I'm very proud of," said Cancellara, who first pulled on the fabled jersey in 2004 when he won the prologue in Liege.
The Swiss, however, refused to be drawn on the controversy which threatens to overshadow the remainder of the race for the teams with rider implicated in the Armstrong probe.
"There was no talk of that today [Thursday] in the race," added Cancellara when asked if it had been a topic of discussion in the peloton.
"On the other hand, it's something I don't want to discuss too much because I want to look forward and not back."
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Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has suspended the driver's license of a man accused in the hit-and-run death of a young woman who was walking along a highway in Breese.
White has suspended the driving privileges of Jonathan Nast, 25, of Damiansville, according to Henry Haupt, a spokesman for White's office.
"Secretary White made a determination that Mr. Nast posed a danger to road safety," Haupt said.
White issued the suspension at the request of Clinton County State's Attorney John Hudspeth. Haupt said Hudspeth submitted more than 200 pages of documents in support of the suspension. The secretary of state's office was "impressed by the strength and thoroughness of the investigation," Haupt said.
Nast is free on a $2,500 cash bond while awaiting trial on charges of failure to report a motor vehicle accident involving death, as well as obstruction of justice.
Authorities say he took his 1997 Dodge pickup to a salvage yard in Murphysboro in the days following the accident, and wanted the truck crushed. The owner of the scrap yard has said Nast wanted to see the truck get crushed, and even asked if he could operate the equipment himself.
Nast is accused of failing to notify police within 30 minutes of striking the pedestrian, 23-year-old Lana Albert of Edwardsville. Her body was found shortly after 2 a.m. on June 7 along old U.S. 50, minutes after police received a report of a woman walking in and out of traffic on the highway.
Illinois law allows the secretary of state to suspend the driving privileges of a motorist who is charged with failing to report an accident involving injury or death. The secretary of state can choose to impose the suspension even before the case goes to trial, and even if the case does not involve allegations of impaired driving.
Haupt said the suspension will be in effect at least through the resolution of the criminal charges.
Both Nast and Albert had been at the same Breese bar, Big Stix, though not together.
Meantime, the city of Breese is looking into curtailing the hours of operation for bars. The city currently allows bars to remain open and continue selling liquor until 3 a.m., as long as they close the doors at 2 a.m. and don't allow anyone else to enter.
Mayor Charlie Hilmes, who serves as the city's liquor commissioner, has proposed moving the closing time up one hour. In recent years, according to Hilmes, the city has had a general increase in alcohol-related traffic citations and violence in the early-morning hours.
The City Council is expected to vote on the proposal on Aug. 5.


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Humans first developed hair to keep warm during cold seasons, and continued to grow it to easily camouflage themselves between the mammoths. Tame and beatify furry tops with today's Groupon: save up to 65% on a cut, blow wave and Davines Mask Moisture treatment with full head colour or half head highlights at hair by Reasha @ MV Hair, Beauty and Nails.
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Ringing in stylish trends as fresh as the new year, Hair by Reasha @ MV Hair, Beauty and Nails is a chic hair studio with experienced professionals intent on prettifying the dreariest of heads. Using quality products to bring out the best of your mop, the stylists will smooth over bad hair habits, get your bits silky soft and provide your top with a style reinvention.
Choose either a full head colour or opt for a subtle change with the half head of highlights, and finish off your mini makeover with the cut, blow wave and Davines Mask moisture treatment. The moisture treatment nourishes, moisturises and protects unruly heads of hair, leaving them silky, shiny and softer than a baby's freshly-creamed bottom. Walk out with a stylish look to match the sunny summer season, and a head that fends off nearby mammoths and warrants the same praise as perfectly trimmed hedges.Hair Fact: One of the first salons in the world made use of a treatment called the "Roly Poly". The Roly Poly treatment dictated that stylists put chunks of hair between two rolling-pin-like contraptions smeared with a moisturising cream. Hair was left shinier than bars of gold.


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Regular CONTENTIONS contributor, Eric Trager has a piece in today's Daily News about Caroline Kennedy's bid for the Senate. Eric writes of Kennedy's recent attempt to outline her positions,
[T]he vacuous declaration of principles only adds to mounting questions regarding Kennedy's depth. In this vein, Kennedy's statements on Israel suggest that she's either unaware or glibly sidestepping the tension between supporting a unified Jerusalem and a two-state solution. Meanwhile, her statement on NAFTA suggests that the only thing that she has read on the subject is President-elect Barack Obama's sound bites.
Read it all.


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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini might have hoped Robin van Persie would be leading his attack in Monday's derby against Manchester United.
But instead the Italian must focus on prolonging the normally prolific Dutchman's uncharacteristic barren spell as City aim to make a point in the eagerly-anticipated Old Trafford clash.
Mancini openly admits Van Persie was his prime transfer target last summer but he lost out to United in the battle for the then Arsenal star's signature.
Mancini has since described the 29-year-old as the main difference between the sides and, by implication, the chief reason why United have reasserted themselves after being beaten to the title by City last year.
Van Persie has not scored in his last nine United appearances but the damage has already been done with his 19 Barclays Premier League goals helping propel his club into a near-impregnable 15-point lead.
Mancini said: "We hope it will be 10 games. I don't know (the reason for the scoreless run), he is a top player. He can score in every moment in every game.
"This can happen to every striker, you can score every game for 20 games then after that for five, six, seven games you don't score."
Van Persie is not completely out of sorts with his deflected strike seeing off Sunderland last week while he was also on target three times for Holland last month.
His remarkable output since his £24million move from Arsenal - 23 goals in his first 31 United appearances - has highlighted City's own weaknesses in front of goal.
City have found the net 55 times in their 30 league games, 17 fewer than at the same stage last season and 15 less than United's current total.
Sergio Aguero bagged 30 in all competitions alone last season but this time has struck just 13 times in an injury-hit campaign. Carlos Tevez is the top scorer with 16 but, after a bright start, he endured a quiet patch before hitting his latest hot streak of seven in six games.
Mario Balotelli, who scored 17 last term, managed just three before being sold in January while Edin Dzeko has also weighed in with 13.
Mancini said: "The difference is that we have scored 20 goals less than last year - only this difference.
"The goals we have conceded are the same - we have the best defence.
"We are missing only these goals but we have had a lot of injuries. We lost Sergio, we lost Mario.
"This is probably the difference, the goals we didn't score."
With the title seemingly out of reach, City are focusing on securing second place and claiming a second FA Cup triumph in three years.
Aside from last season, City have not finished as high as second in the top division since 1977.
They go into Monday's game buoyed by a 4-0 thrashing of Newcastle last weekend, when it seemed the pressure of the title chase had been lifted.
Mancini said: "I think we did a good performance against Newcastle, we played very well.
"It was not easy because Newcastle are a good team, they have good players. I think we did really well.
"I don't know if we will play like this against United, the derby is a different game.
"But we want to get second place. We want to go there to try to win."
City are close to having a clean bill of health with right-backs Micah Richards and Maicon, who have both been sidelined with knee problems, the only players definitely ruled out.
It remains to be seen whether midfielder Jack Rodwell, out with the latest in a long line of hamstring injuries for the past month, is fit to return.
Get £90 with your free £10 bet if Yaya Toure and Robin van Persie both score


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NCA leader Lovemore Madhuku has vowed he will not abandon his party to join Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T, describing the former premier's overtures as an "insult"
Tsvangirai, faced with an internal revolt against his leadership, has looked beyond the MDC-T in a bid to fortify his position.
The MDC-T leader's political seduction won over the likes of Job Sikhala, Joubert Mudzumwe, Edward Mkhosi and Siyabonga Malandu who quit the party in 2005, protesting Tsvangirai's dictatorial tendencies and the use of violence.
However, Madhuku, a former key ally of the MDC-T leader said Sunday he would not be reuniting with Tsvangirai.
According to the Bulawayo Chronicle, Madhuku told supporters at a meeting of his NCA party in Gweru's Mkoba area that Tsvangirai's overtures were an "insult".
"As NCA, we're a full political party. We'll never join other political parties. When we decided to become a political party, both Zanu PF and MDC-T already existed," Madhuku was reported as saying.
"My decision to form a party is a clear indication that I'm not willing to merge with any party. MDC-T is trying to block us from becoming a better political party.
"Tsvangirai must focus on rebuilding his own party and not try to lure us to join him. That's an insult to us. Leave us to forge our own path."
Madhuku said the focus of his attention was the ruling Zanu PF party which should be forced to honour its election promises and improve the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.
"Zanu PF is the ruling party, therefore all other political parties that are clamouring for recognition by insulting other parties are not at all important," he said.
"We will not give them attention. These other parties tried to remove Zanu PF but they failed. Zanu PF is the only party that we will be grappling with," he said.
"When we talk of employment creation, Zanu PF is the one answerable. When we talk of hunger and poverty, again Zanu PF has that responsibility to alleviate and avert them.
"That's the party you must ask about jobs and food. Forget about those other parties."


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Big, buttery cinnamon apple muffins with a brown sugar crumb topping and sweet vanilla glaze. Better than a bakery, trust me!
These giant, bakery-style apple crumb muffins aren't really a summertime recipe, but oh well. Apple anything makes my heart skip a beat!
On top of the stunning, surreal sites we saw in the Rocky Mountains the other week – we ate some pretty darn incredible food too. For example, a "cookie dough delight" cookie sandwich so rich that it took two days to finish. (Seriously.)
Kevin and I also visited a couple little bakeries each morning for breakfast. The first day, a giant melt-in-your-mouth apple crumb muffin stared me in the eye. A sucker for anything apple flavored, I bought it intending to share with him. Somehow the muffin disappeared before he got a bite. ?? Whoopsies.
And here I am two weeks later… still thinking about that glazed apple crumb muffin! Yes, I'm a dork. I tried my hand at a few test batches this past weekend and after two bland disappointments, came out with a winner. Third time's a charm!
Ohhhhh my lanta, these have to be the best muffins I've ever made.
There are no secret ingredients and no complicated steps in this apple muffin recipe. Nothing strange, nothing requiring an extra trip to the grocery store. Just a few basic ingredients to make one outrageous morning breakfast.
I use the same basic muffin recipe as my Buttery Blueberry Streusel Muffins. I wanted a light textured, buttery muffin reminiscent of the bakery's muffin I had in Colorado. My Master Muffin Mix is a little too hearty and dense for replicating the soft, fluffy muffin I craved. If you've tried the blueberry streusel muffins, you know today's apple version will be mouthwatering. Plus, there's glaze. (!!)
Eggs and yogurt leave each muffin fabulously moist. I call the two my "power ingredients" in this recipe. They are both crucial to the muffin's texture! If you do not have yogurt on hand, sour cream is an easy substitute.
Buttery and soft, the center of the muffins are bursting with warm, juicy apples. Apples in every single bite. I sweeten the muffins with mostly all brown sugar. In my eyes, brown sugar is an essential flavor when baking with apples. There's a whole lot of cinnamon too – both in the muffin batter and the crumb topping.
Let's talk about that crumb topping. I can't even type "crumb topping" without my stomach growling. It's THEE best part about this muffin recipe! It's made from melted butter, brown sugar, a touch of white sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Mix it all up and crumble with your hands over the muffin batter before baking. I made sure some crumbs stayed in larger chunks. Those were the best bites!
Helpful tip: after topping, make sure you press the crumbs down into the batter so it sticks when the muffins rise in the oven.
Another helpful tip: pick off and eat the crumb topping off the baked muffins first.
Bake these muffins at an initial high temperature, then reduce to a lower temperature. Why do I do this? This hot burst of air will lift the top of the muffin up quickly, then the inside of the muffin can bake for the remainder of the time. This guarantees a tall, high domed muffin like the kind you love from the coffee shop.
The glaze on top of these apple crumb muffins isn't necessary, but a simple whisk of confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and cream will take you about 30 seconds… so why not add it? You will love how the glaze "sets" on top and seeps down into the muffins.
Go ahead, indulge. I promise you'll still be dreaming about these brown sugared, cinnamon apple muffins weeks after one taste. I cannot sing enough praises for them; without a doubt a new favorite muffin recipe!
*I used a jumbo 6-count muffin pan to make today's muffin recipe. That's why they are so large in these photos – a standard 12-count size muffin pan works just fine as well. See recipe notes for baking time adjustments.
Big, buttery brown sugar apple muffins with a crumb topping and sweet vanilla glaze. Better than a bakery, trust me!
Yield: 6 jumbo muffins or 14 standard size
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
First, make the crumb topping. In a medium bowl, combine both sugars, the cinnamon, and melted butter. Using a rubber spatula, stir in the flour. The crumb topping will be thick and crumbly. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 425F degrees. Spray a jumbo muffin pan with nonstick spray. See notes for using a standard size 12-count pan.
Make the muffins: In a medium bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and beat on high until creamed, about 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute, then turn up to high speed until the mixture is combined and uniform in texture. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly mix with a whisk. Add the milk, gently whisking until combined and little lumps remain. Fold in the apples with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
Spoon the muffin batter evenly between all 6 muffin tins. There may be enough to make a 7th muffin in a 2nd batch, depending if there were a few extra apple chunks thrown in. Fill the muffin tins until they are full all the way up to the top. Press a handful of the crumb topping into the top of each; crumble it with your hands to make some big chunks.
Bake for 5 minutes at 425F degrees, then keeping the muffins in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350F degrees and bake for 21-23 more minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these jumbo muffins take in the oven is about 26-28 minutes.
Make the glaze: whisk all of the ingredients together and drizzle over warm muffins. Muffins stay soft, fresh, and moist at room temperature for up to 5 days. Unglazed muffins freeze well, up to 3 months.
*For 14-15 standard size muffins, reduce baking time to 20 total minutes: 5 initial minutes at 425F and 15 minutes at 350F.
*Use your favorite yogurt; I prefer low fat plain Greek yogurt but regular (not Greek) would be just fine. Try with apple flavored, vanilla, honey, nonfat, or full fat. Sour cream works as well.
© Sally's Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
For a blueberry version, try my Buttery Blueberry Streusel Muffins
You'll love these Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins too!
See more muffin recipes.


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More than five million people go to work every day in a Cintas uniform including employees from McDonald's, W Hotels, Royal Caribbean and many more.
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Vice Chairman Robert J. Kohlhepp to Succeed Farmer
CINCINNATI, OH, October 20, 2009 — The Board of Directors of Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) announced today that company founder Richard T. Farmer has retired as Chairman, assuming the role of Chairman Emeritus, and will remain on the Board of Directors. The decision was approved during a Board meeting that immediately followed the company's Annual Shareholders' Meeting at Cintas' Corporate Headquarters.
Farmer established Cintas Corporation in 1968. In 41 years, he watched the company grow from a small uniform and towel supply company to the nation's largest uniform company and a leading business to business services provider with sales approaching $4 billion annually.
Through his experiences growing up in his father's business and the decades that followed, Farmer established Cintas Corporation's rich corporate culture, founded on honesty and integrity. He taught his associates about the value of teamwork, appreciating people, and respecting the opinions of the people who do the job.
Vice Chairman Robert J. Kohlhepp, 66, has been elected to the position of Chairman of the Board.
"There is no one who can surpass the standard of ethical and intellectual brilliance that Bob has brought to every position he has held in the Company," said Farmer. "I am confident that he, along with my son, Chief Executive Officer Scott Farmer, will see our company to continued success, with our rich culture serving as the foundation of that success," he added.
Born in Covington, Ky., Kohlhepp first joined the Company as Controller in 1967. In 1979, he was appointed Executive Vice President and in1984, became President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1995, he became Chief Executive Officer, the position he held until becoming Vice Chairman in 2003.
Kohlhepp earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Thomas More College and his M.B.A. from Xavier University. He currently serves as director of Parker Hannifin Corporation in Cleveland, Oh. and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Xavier University in September.
About Cintas Corporation:
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 800,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a Nasdaq-100 company and component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.


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Bertha Mann
Original recipe yields 6 servings
Amount per serving ({{servings}} total)
Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Ready In
Excellent!! This was delicious - instead of broiling, I baked the eggplant (400 degrees for 45 minutes), then peeled, drained and chopped it. I also decreased the olive oil down to 2T rather t...
I have had eggplant caviar many many times and it has never tasted or looked this bad. Dill does not belong in eggplant caviar. 'Nuff said.
I added a little garlic powder and used chopped scallions. Everyone spread it on crackers and raved at our family reunion!


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The Toyota Motor Company was the fastest-growing mainstream automaker in America last month, and the results weren't even close. The company delivered 202,973 vehicles in May, raising its overall sales by 87.3 percent as compared to the same month last year; the next best mark was posted by the Chrysler Group, which "only" increased sales by 33 percent.
What's perhaps more important, Toyota also set the pace in terms of retail sales—again.
"We're grateful to our customers who have made Toyota the number one retail brand in America for the third consecutive month," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "Our growth has been driven by the success of our new products, led by Camry and Prius family, part of the most aggressive product launch in our history. With the much anticipated Scion FR-S on sale today and the continued recovery of the overall automotive market, we're confident our sales momentum will continue."
May Auto Sales: Toyota's Triple-digit Gainers
Needless to say, the company's May performance reflected strong numbers from nearly the entire lineup, and that included an amazing 10 vehicles that drove up sales by more than 100 percent:
- Toyota Yaris—The Toyota brand's subcompact delivered 3,521 units for a 108.3 percent increase.
- Toyota Prius—Combined sales of all Prii—including the Toyota Prius c and Toyota Prius v—came in at 21,477 units, a jump of 210.2 percent.
- Toyota Camry—America's best-selling car racked up 39,571 sales in May, an improvement of 110.1 percent.
- Toyota RAV4—The beneficiary of a 123.2 percent leap in sales last month, the RAV4 delivered 19,248 units.
- Toyota Highlander—Dealers sold 11,657 Highlanders in May despite many customers looking to downsize, and that translated into a 102.6 percent boost.
- Toyota Land Cruiser—The refreshed rock-crawler saw a 142.4 percent sales improvement on the strength of 240 deliveries.
- Toyota Tundra—The fastest-growing full-size pickup in America last month hauled in 8,765 sales and a 103.5 percent sales jump.
- Lexus CT—The brand's premium hybrid hatchback achieved sales growth of 241.2 percent last month, backed by 1,549 deliveries.
- Lexus GS—May featured an eye-popping 552.3 percent sales improvement for Lexus' all-new sport sedan, which finished with 1,996 deliveries.
- Lexus LX—This recently redesigned body-on-frame beast delivered a 172.5 percent growth rate, thanks to 387 sales.


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Business data and applications are some of your most precious company assets, so making sure they are always available is a top mission of any IT organization. Not if, but when you experience system failures, human error, power outages or natural disasters, your businesscritical information will be at risk. It might become inaccessible for extended periods of time or worse, permanently lost. You need solid protection against crippling data loss and application unavailability. SteelEye Technology, a Novell Partner, provides award-winning high-availability clustering, data replication and disaster recovery software products.
> LifeKeeper and SteelEye Data Replication
Businesses can achieve their complete uptime requirements for business-critical applications and data at a fraction of the cost and complexity typically associated with cluster systems. How? By combining industry-standard servers running SUSE Linux with the automated monitoring and recovery of SteelEye LifeKeeper High Availability clustering. The continuous data protection of SteelEye Data Replication and the Wide Area replication and failover of SteelEye Disaster Recovery ensure your business-critical applications are protected.
SteelEye LifeKeeper supports configurations built on commodity servers and storage, and removes the need to make changes to the application environment. By doing this, they provide fault-resilience for the most demanding enterprise deployments at a low cost. LifeKeeper delivers advanced monitoring of servers, networks, operating systems, applications and data. They also provide automated healing capabilities based on policies set by system administrators to ensure that applications and data are always available. LifeKeeper for Linux is ideal in environments that run mission critical database and ERP operations. Today it is protecting Oracle, DB2, MySQL, SAP NetWeaver, Apache, WebSphere MQ and Sendmail in major corporations worldwide. Customers who deploy enterprise applications on SUSE Linux can be confident in the high availability benefits of LifeKeeper for Linux. It works across the spectrum of 32-bit and 64-bit servers and in both physical and virtual server environments.
LifeKeeper supports the widest range of server and storage configurations from simple LAN two-node clusters to clusters across a Fibre Channel SAN to shared-nothing clusters built around data replication. (see figure 1.) LifeKeeper lets you deploy the solution that best meets recovery time objectives and budget requirements today, while allowing for expansion in the future. Because it supports both Linux and Windows and can manage both environments from a single console, LifeKeeper protects the entire IT infrastructure, regardless of platform.
LifeKeeper operates seamlessly across both physical and virtual servers and supports clustering them together in any combination. Physical-to-physical, physical-to-virtual, virtual-to-physical and virtual-to-virtual failovers allow for extreme flexibility in cluster architecture. For example, several virtual machines on a single physical server can act as backup for multiple applications running throughout your organization. Because LifeKeeper supports both SUSE Linux and Microsoft Windows, you can protect applications on both operating systems from a single physical server running multiple VMs. In essence, you can easily build a failover appliance.
Figure 2 shows the main LifeKeeper console. In this cluster, we are running three SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 servers—a, b and c. An Apache Web server and its underlying ext3 file system and data volume are represented as a hierarchy of dependent resources within the left panel. As you can see, the resources are all running on server a and are protected by the two other servers, b and c. The numbers 1, 10 and 20 represent server priorities used by LifeKeeper to determine the order of recovery in a multi-node cluster. Using those node assignments, LifeKeeper will cascade recovery attempts through the nodes until it can bring the failed resource back into service.
The console in Figure 2 also shows us that the data volume holding the ext3 file system is a replicated (or mirrored) volume. The source for this mirror is the server a, where the Web server is active, and the mirror targets are volumes on b and c. This example shows SteelEye Data Replication's ability to perform one-to-many replication. Data from one volume is replicated simultaneously to two other servers. There are a few scenarios for these two servers. They can be located with the same LAN as the source system; they can both be across a WAN link for off-site data storage; or they can be split across LAN and WAN to provide the optimum data protection. SteelEye Data Replication is unique among all Linux volume-based replication products because of its ability to provide multi-target mirroring.
The panel on the right side of Figure 3 shows a drilldown into the status of the data mirrors. Green status boxes indicate that all mirrors are operating normally. The blue dynamic slide bars show at any point in time how much data is still to be synchronized among the servers. In this instance, note that both mirrors are fully in sync.
By using a JAVA-based interface, LifeKeeper's console can be run as an application on one of the cluster members, as an application on a separate server or as an applet within a Web browser. The console can also run on either Windows or Linux, and from the single console, you can manage servers running both. One of LifeKeeper's key advantages is its cross-platform ability. IT shops running both Linux and Windows can use a single clustering and data replication solution for all of their business critical functions.
SteelEye LifeKeeper HA Clustering, Data Replication and Disaster Recovery provide a number of technical benefits to administrators building solutions to ensure availability of critical applications and data.
SteelEye LifeKeeper HA Clustering, Data Replication and Disaster Recovery provide a number of technical benefits to administrators building solutions to ensure availability of critical applications and data.
Among these are the following:
- It supports a wide range of data storage configurations including direct-attached SCSI, Fiber Channel SAN, iSCSI, NAS and replicated volumes.
- It can cluster together physical and virtual servers. P2P, P2V, V2P and V2V failovers are supported.
- It supports up to 32 nodes within a single cluster.
- Both Linux and Windows clusters can be managed from a single console.
- It supports both Active/Active and Active/Stand-by configurations. All systems in a cluster can be actively running their own jobs.
- Faults are detected at both a node and individual service level. Optimized detection results in quicker problem discovery and resolution.
- Recovery can occur both within the same node and across nodes to perform cascading recovery.
- Clients reconnect transparently following application movement, even across subnets.
- Because application movement can occur automatically or be manually invoked from the console, protection is provided against both planned and unplanned outages. Maintenance windows are a thing of the past.
- Off-the-shelf protection for common business functions via SteelEye Application Recovery Kits are available for the following (in alphabetical order):
- "md" Software RAID
- Apache
- Informix
- MS Exchange
- MS SQL Server
- MySQL
- Oracle
- PostgreSQL
- Rational ClearCase
- Samba
- SAP Netweaver
- Sendmail
- Sybase
- VMware Console
- VMware VirtualCenter
- WebSphere MQ
- Other applications are easily protected via LifeKeeper Extender. Writing a few scripts in Perl or Bash allows you to hook your application into the LifeKeeper protection harness and get the benefits of automated monitoring and recovery.
- Data replication can occur in a one-to-many configuration. Multiple copies of business-critical data, perhaps spread across disparate data centers, provide increased levels of availability and assurances against data loss and corruption.
Companies of all sizes around the world are today using this combination to ensure the success of their IT infrastructure.
Combining SUSE Linux with SteelEye's portfolio of data and application protection products, IT administrators can achieve complete protection for their critical business assets without the expense and complexity typically associated with server clusters. Companies of all sizes around the world are today using this combination to ensure the success of their IT infrastructure.
> About SteelEye
SteelEye is a leading provider of enterprise IT-reliability solutions for business continuity on Linux and Windows 2000/2003. The SteelEye LifeKeeper family of high availability clustering, data protection and disaster recovery software products are easy to deploy and operate. With these tools, enterprises of all sizes can have continuous availability of business-critical applications, servers and data. For more information, go to steeleye.com or phone 866.318.0108.


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Wyoming Oil & Gas Basins
WSGS geologists track and record Wyoming's oil and gas production according to each basin. These basins, otherwise known as "Laramide basins," are fault-bounded basins that formed between basement-cored mountain ranges during the Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene Laramide orogeny (~80–55 Ma). These basins formed by basement-rooted reverse faults with as much as tens of kilometers of vertical offset. Laramide basins are found from northern Mexico through Canada. The primary Laramide basins in Wyoming are the Greater Green River, Wind River, Bighorn, Powder River, Hanna, Denver, Laramie, and Shirley basins.
Click on a basin for more information.


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If Korn allowed you to add one of their songs to the new TPOT tour setlist, what song would you add!
I would add "My Gift To You" because that song is awesome and I would love to see it performed live. Also they havn't performed it in awhile, since like 2004 I think.
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July 8, 2015
March 28, 2009
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Tornado warnings have been issued in two
South Carolina counties.
The National Weather Service on Saturday said a storm picked up on radar is capable of producing tornadoes in Clarendon and Orangeburg counties.
The warnings expire at 6 p.m.
Earlier in the day, forecasters issued tornado watches in those counties and 13 others as the spring storm that dumped heavy rains,
baseball-sized hail and whipped up winds across the Southeast started making its way across South Carolina.
The storm system has flooded homes and cars in parts of Mississippi and Alabama. On Friday, tornadoes struck Louisiana, Alabama and North Carolina.
The storm prompted blizzard warnings and a disaster declaration in Kansas and dumped heavy snow on parts of Oklahoma.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Home | About CSN | CSN Help | Contact CSN
Author is a thyroid cancer survivor. The Thyroid Sourcebook sensitively handles the many issues associated with thyroid disorders. It includes the latest information on treatments and medications, a guide to dealing with doctors and a directory of organizations designed to support a person with a thyroid problem, and much more


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Moisturel Products
A lack of water in your skin—not oil—causes dryness. Because central heating of homes and other buildings can be very drying to the skin, retaining moisture is especially difficult in winter. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple.
In cooler climates, especially during winter months when home heating systems are used regularly, dry skin is often a problem. Dry, un-humidified heat draws moisture from the skin, and cold outdoor winter air causes the body to protect itself by drawing blood away from the skin. Xerosis can occur when the skin is not well nourished.
Reversing fissuring and scaling and adding moisture to the skin is the goal of skin therapy. Most important is moisturizing the outer layer of the skin because water provides skin with its flexibility. Creams that can be applied to the affected area to prevent water from evaporating from the skin's surface are emollients. Emollients also smooth over the scaly edges that can flake off and cause intense itching. Emollients should be applied after bathing and frequently throughout the day and at bedtime. One application, especially in the dry winter air, is not enough. Repeat an application of lotion throughout the day. For severely dry skin, apply a moisturizer at bedtime. Moisturizer is what holds the water in.
Moisturel Cream is a highly effective skin protectant with a non-irritating formula that absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling smooth & soft. Clinically proven to relieve dry, sensitive skin & designed not to clog pores. Long lasting, it is free of lanolins, fragrances & parabens that can sensitize or irritate skin.
Presun Sunscreen
Bullfrog Sunscreen
Aloe Up Sunscreen
Tifosi Sunglasses
Dillon Distributors, LLC • 37029 Rehoboth Ave. Extension, Unit Q • Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Telephone: Toll Free (800) 950-1955 • Outside the United States (302) 226-9700
Copyright © 2008, Dillon Dristributors LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Motorola V60v
Info Photos Reviews 19 News Forum
Send/End Keys
Finally - Yes another Moto with the send/end keys in the correct "traditional" spots.
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printed July 1, 2015
See this page online at:
Info Photos Reviews 19 News Forum
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All content Copyright 2001-2015 Phone Factor, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Content on this site may not be copied or republished without formal permission.


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AARP members can save up to $200 per couple on tours to all seven continents with Collette!
Collette's diverse travel collection features inclusive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. You enjoy the thrill of worldwide travel and we handle all the planning. From Italy to Australia to the Canadian Rockies and beyond, Collette seamlessly takes care of the details – all you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Every Collette tour includes:
- Perfectly located hotels
- Must-see sights
- Meals featuring local cuisine
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Professional Tour Manager
- On-tour transportation
For more information or to request a brochure, visit www.gocollette.com/aarp


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Here be the tellin' of tall tales, mischief and mayhem and a hunt for a bag of treasure or two. Should ye find yerself aground on the shore of our camp during the Lobster Festival there are a things to know before settin' afoot in our den of briny swine…
This be the Capn' and crew of the Red Swan on land for a spell with their amazing crew of stilt walkin', glass eatin' , fire breathin' crew. Be prepared to be amazed and delighted day and night with music, dancin', and tours of their beached ship. All new this year, biggger, better and more exciting!
When they asks ye to step on deck do so, for a reward awaits all young lads and ladies who join the Red Swan's crew!
And what an unusual crew it is. They'll be bringin' their riggin' ashore so look up and marvel as they race up the slacks, hang upside down and swing aroun'. Watch them spin their colors, stand on their hands and bend into amazing shapes! Be prepared for the clang of swords and the cracking of whips as they demonstrate their amazing mastery of ancient weapons. And when the sun sets and darkness is upon the shore, this motley crew transforms and will light the skies ablaze with a fantastical fire breathing, eating and dancing display.
And when asked to hunt for the Captain's treasure run fast and run smart for he'll share it with the one who brings it back to him. The crew goes ashore looking for the lost treasure when the clock strikes 2 in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.
Finally when ordered to the galley, be sure and bake the Red Swan's favorite fruitcake. Follow this recipe and don't vary a drop or ye'll be feeling their blades!
1 Cup Butter
1 Cup Sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup dried fruit
1 cup brown sugar
1 to 2 quarts Rum… Maybe more
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 can gunpowder
1 tsp salt
Lemon Juice
Before you start, sample the rum to check for quality. Good isn't it?
1) Now, go ahead. Select a large mixing bowl, measuring cup, etc. Check the rum again as it must be perfect. To make sure the rum is of the highest quality, pour 1 level cup into a mason jar and drink it as fast as you can. Repeat.
2) With a large spoon or heavy oar, beat 1 cup of butter into a large fluffy bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of thugar and beat again. Meanwhile, make sure the rum is of the finest quality. Cry another tup. Beat the cabin boy. Open second quart if necessary.
3) Add 2 arge leggs, 2 cups of fried duit and beat until you are high. If bruit gets stuck in featers, just pry it loose with a screwdriver. Whip the cabin boy or if you have one, an English officer. Check the brig.
4) Sample the rum again, thecking for tonsistency, then sift 2 cups of salt or anything, it really doesn't matter. Then sample the rum.
7) Sift 1/2 pint of lemon juice. Fold in chopped butter and strained nuts. Add what's left of the cabin boy.
9) Add 1 babblespoon of brown thugar or whatever color you can find. (Can you still see color?) And wix mell. Grease oven and turn cake pan 350 degrees.
1) Now pour the hole mess into the boven and ake. Check the rum again and bo to ged. <hic!>


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|no-name cardi I've had forever, Hot Topic sweater, Coincidence and Chance pants from Urban Outfitters, Doc Martens boots
Have a great weekend, everyone, and Advanced Happy Easter as well! Any plans?
|no-name cardi I've had forever, Hot Topic sweater, Coincidence and Chance pants from Urban Outfitters, Doc Martens boots
Funny sweater dear, I love it!
Have a happy Easter!! yeahhh great excuses to taste a chocolate bunny ;)
xoxo from München
La Vie Quotidienne
Thanks, my dear:)
a fun outfit!
Happy Easter!
Cute-especially love the furry jacket. Hope you have a great Easter weekend with the little ones :) xx
can I run in this if I'm in a disaster movie? HAHAHHAHAAHAAH you made me laugh so hard!!!!
My plan.. eat loads of chocolate!
that made me think of Zombieland....ad fave movie of mine and filmed near where i grew up.
Very cute! No, I'm a very boring person so no plans quite yet!
Missing Amsie Blog
Loving the cardigan of yours! and the pants are pretty cool too <3
Love from the NaNa girls xoxo
You look so comfy yet chic !!
Enter 10 winner Harvey Prince ($550) Giveaway
♡ StylishByNature.com
I really love that cardi! <3
Love the furry sweater ! ♥
Sometimes it's important to be able to run!
Yep - you can run. That's why I don't wear heels. And the fact that I can't walk in them at all. :)
Happy Easter Emmy, hope you & your family are having a great time! I like your take on outfits it's always so cool, fun, edgy, & effortless!
love the way you show your style.
Thank you all for taking the time to comment. Yes, running...very important:)
I really love this post :)
Can you follow my blog?? http://www.saltosdecristal.com/
I will folow you back :)
Please! :)


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Namesakes for KATHERINE:
Fictional Characters from Plays and Musicals: 1 character
Katherina Minola (a.k.a. Katherine) c. 1590 Taming of the Shrew
Notable Actors and Actresses: 4 actresses
Kassie DePaiva (a.k.a. Katherine) 1961-
Katherine Kelly Lang 1961-
Katherine Heigl 1978-
Haylie Duff (a.k.a. Katherine) 1985-
Notable Writers: 1 author
Katherine Paterson 1932-
Other Royalty: 1 queen consort
Catherine of Aragon (a.k.a. Katherine) 1509-1533 England
Pulitzer Award Winners: 1 winner
Katherine Anne Porter 1966 The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter
Shakespearian Characters: 2 characters
Queen Katharine (a.k.a. Katherine) Henry VIII
Katherina Minola (a.k.a. Katherine) Taming of the Shrew


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When riding an adventure touring bike like the V-Strom DL650 off-road, protection for the underside of your engine is critical. This skid plate from Touratech acts as armor for the bottom of your V-Strom, keeping it protected rock, stump, and debris impacts while riding off the pavement.
The V-Strom skid plate is constructed out of strong and lightweight aluminum alloy, and rubber mounted to the front of the DL650's engine so that no damage to engine case can occur.
Very easy to install. Comes with all necessary hardware and instructions. No modifications to motorcycle are necessary.
Installed the skid plate on my Wee Strom as soon as possible. I did not like how all of the road gunk was getting flung against the oil filter. Initial install was tedious because the rear mounting points were held in with 5lbs of factory locktite, but was still not bad. After changing the oil with it on, easy job! 4 bolts drop the plate and leves the vibration isolated bracketry on the bike. I am going to try and find stainless steel wing nuts for those bolts so I ont have to lay down to get a wrench on them. Overall, the plate is beefy and well constructed, like the look too. 5 stars Touratech! P.S. it fits perfectly level with the HT center stand.
By Huli on Jul 29, 2012 at 10:07:11 AM
I put this skid plate on my new 2012 V-Strom Adventure. The Adventure model comes with tubular guards that protect the tank & loop down in front of the engine. I had also added a centerstand before mounting the Touratech skid plate. No problemo. The skid plate fits fine with a center stand & Adventure model guards. Well made product. Instructions ain't great. Put the plate brackets on with the bike on the side stand. That's easier. Centerstand gets in the way if you don't retract it.
By Glenn McGrath on Sep 13, 2012 at 01:09:07 PM
Like this product. A bit smaller that others but still beafy enough for what'll do with the bike. Happy to report that the lower plastic cowling of the '13 Adventure model does still fit over this skid plate. A little bit needs to be dremmelled off one of the ventings on the right side of the plate and a slightly longer bolt.
By Bert on Jun 08, 2013 at 03:06:00 AM
This thing is a work of art. Almost too nice to put on the bike. Quality of the welds unbelievable. Perfectly Simple clear instructions - no words just drawings. Fit like a glove. Existing Rear mounting bolt on bike was tough to remove.
By Darren Hartlen on Jul 10, 2013 at 06:07:16 PM
Received and installed the Touratech Skid Plate for my 2012 Suzuki V-strom Adventure. The skid plate is of high quality with the hardware being packaged in groups for easy installation. Only problem, as mentioned in the review above, was with removing the front kickstand bolt due to Suzuki's over use of locktite. I have the OEM Suzuki centerstand and the skid plate installed perfectly. Touratech's customer service is the best.
By R Price on Aug 01, 2013 at 02:08:09 PM
Put this skid plate on last year, and got to test it this year on an AMA dual sport ride in the Rocky Mountains. I totally slammed into a huge rock with it right dead center of the plate, in between the pipe and filter. I hit the rock so hard that it almost threw me off the seat. The skid plate did it's job and took most of the brunt of the force. The pipe did get bent, but without the Touratech skid plate on there with it's thickness, my weekend would have been over and I would have need a 4x4 to rescue me. I rode all the way home 1,500 miles after that, with only a minor dent in the pipe. Worth every penny!
By Jason Lisica on Aug 15, 2013 at 02:08:42 PM


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Social skills in school
Many students struggle with adequate social skills in school, which has the potential to affect the child in an adverse way. The first step in helping a child who struggles with social skills is to identify his/her social skills deficits. Understanding what a child can and can not do is crucial in order to develop appropriate interventions to help them. Children may experience difficulty performing certain social skills due to their lack of knowledge or their lack of strength in consistently performing a social skill (ie.. standing up to a bully at school.)
Negative consequences of poor social skills can cause a child to show signs of depression, anger, or anxiety, can cause them to perform poorly at school, has the ability to cause their peers to reject them, and lastly can cause a child to experience significant difficulty in their interpersonal relationships with parents, teachers, and their peers.
There are four main areas of social skills for children to learn in order to then establish interventions that are appropriate. 1.) Conflict resolution skills or dealing with teasing, bullying, being excluded from activities 2.) problem-solving skills or asking others for help or decision making 3.) Interpersonal skills or sharing, waiting your turn, or joining in activities at school 4.) survival skills or listening, follow directions, or ignoring distractions in class. Interventions that address social skills with children are comprised of teaching the child emotional/behavioral concepts in order for them to learn NEW behaviors. Social skills should emphasize teaching new social skills rather than punishing the child for behaviors when they are negative.
Social skills training of a child should include:
Providing positive strategies primarily and using punitive strategies only when positive strategies to change social skills are unsuccessful
Enhance social skills by increasing the frequency of appropriate behaviors when they are displayed
Emphasize appropriate behaviors by modeling, coaching, and role-playing appropriate social skills
Provide opportunities with their peers in order for the child to be able to practice appropriate social skills
Schools should help children with social skills by:
Providing an individual approach to the child that tailors to their social strengths and deficits
Address the child's individual abilities/disabilities
Include parents or caregivers in order to reinforce the skills taught at school in order to promote consistency of behaviors across all of the child's settings or environments
The end result for children that have developed good social skills is a more positive and safe school environment, better ego strength and coping skills for the child for future interactions in life, and better conflict resolution skills in all of their personal relationships, and a higher frustration tolerance.
Lifestyle changes for individuals with ADHD
Individuals with ADHD, whether it is a child or an adult often need to make changes in their lifestyle in order to be successful at home, school, or work. Often times kids or adults need to adapt or make changes in their daily routines in order to be more functional on a day-to-day basis.
First and foremost, they should have positive contacts with others. What I mean by this is, individuals need to feel truly connected with those around them or in other words there needs to be a good and positive support system in place. Secondly, reduce the amount of electronics in your life. Studies really have shown that too much time spent on technology is a precursor to ADD. Thirdly, getting enough sleep is a key to proper functioning. Anyone who does not get enough sleep has difficulty concentrating and paying attention throughout the day. A proper diet is also essential to being able to function at an optimal level for adults and kids. Too often, especially seen with adults, ADHD suffers try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in order to function and cope with life. Proper exercise is also a key lifestyle change that helps those ADHD. Exercise stimulates the production of epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Medications that treat ADHD comprise of these very things. Lastly, either prayer (whatever your religious or spiritual beliefs) or meditation will help calm the mind.
Making these necessary lifestyle changes will help kids and adults better deal with the symptoms of ADHD on a daily basis.
Divorced Parents need to co-parent
Co-parenting is a term that is heard alot lately since divorce has unfortunately become so prevalent in our society. Parents often struggle with making joint custody of their child or children work and co-parenting is imperative for the best interest of a child. Parenting in a cooperative manner provides stability for children, which means that both parents have to put aside their own anger and hostility and put their children first.
However, this is often very difficult for parents to do as a result of parent's dealing with their own anger issues that likely caused their divorce in the first place. Remaining amicable with each other is absolutely imperative!! When parents place their children in the middle of their fighting, it forces the child to feel as if they have to "pick sides" or have to be careful what they say to either parent and they end up playing the mediator role. Often heard from children that are in therapy is, "my parents bad mouth each other and I just want to be left out of it, I don't want to hear it." For children, it becomes a virtual tug-of-war and they feel like the rope!
Of course co-parenting is not an easy task and one or both parents make the task that much more difficult by acting in an immature fashion throughout the process and by exhibiting petty; childish behaviors. While the marriage is over, the fact of the matter is that your job as parents is not and your children have to come first. Children that have parents that work together and are amicable towards each other realize that their parents are putting aside their own differences for their best interests. Believe me, children really appreciate this! If a child is confident that both parents love them and are cooperating with each other, then children feel safe and secure. Children that feel secure are happy children that are not riddled with anger and anxieties.
The goals of co-parenting are for both parties to have consistent rules, discipline, and to problem solve issues together for the best interest of the child. Parents are modeling for their children that people that disagree with each other are able to work together in a healthy way. Children do not need to receive conflicting messages from parents as it results in children learning to manipulate their parents and it also causes children to have difficulty adjusting to their parent's divorce.
How to write a kid's behavior contract
Every child has one or more behaviors that parents/teachers would like to change. Whether a child is displaying mild behavioral problems or very serious ones, each child could benefit from a simple behavioral plan to change the unwanted behavior. Behavioral contracts, which is a signed contract between a child and their parents or teachers, helps mold or change the behavior/s of kids that are disrupting either the classroom or the home environment. Typically, the unwanted behaviors comprise one of the following areas: not listening or having to repeat yourself to your child a thousand times a day (ie..will you pick up your room, will you brush your teeth, will you please do what you are told), physical aggression (hitting, throwing things, punching, kicking, or pushing other kids including their siblings), and anger or attitude problems (ie… sighing heavily, rolling of the eyes when you are talking to them, refusal to do what they are told, or talking back). Now there are a vast number of either behavioral problems that are specific to each child, however most unwanted behaviors fall in one of these three categories.
So, how do we change a child's behavior through a behavioral contract?
A behavioral contract sends the message to the child that whatever particular behavior is written on the behavioral contract is an unwanted behavior that the parents or teachers want changed as soon as possible. First, we need to write up an agreement between you the parent and your child. Pick a particular behavior that you want changed and then write up the consequences for not obeying the rules. For example, lets say that you want your child to quit hitting or pushing his eight-year-old brother every time your head is turned. The behavior is you want physical aggression to stop in your home and if your child can go a week for example without hitting/pushing his older brother than he gets a reward that you determine (ie.. taking him/her to McDonald's, going to the park, etc…). However, the consequences for not following the behavioral contract is also determined by you and for example you may decide to not let your child watch television or ride his bike for 3 days.
Each behavioral contract is customized to your child and whatever behavior you would like to change. The key to a good behavioral contract is to only pick 1-2 behaviors to change at a time and be consistent in rewarding them for good behavior and consistent for handing out consequences when their behavior is bad. Do not give up on your child, be patient with them. Most likely your child will mess up and make bad choices, but keep with your behavioral plan until you start to see more positive behaviors.
Kids and a Sense of Entitlement
How do we as parents get our kids back from the clutches of materialism. Over the past several years as a therapist I have noted that children/teens are becoming more and more entitled. What I mean by this is that kids want what they want when they want it!! When parents bring their children in for counseling more often than not it is for behavioral problems, especially when their children are in elementary school or younger. As children get older, they become more and more exposed to television and what is being advertised on commercials. Everything they see on TV is a "must have it." They seem to want more and more stuff that is being advertised and they are trying to keep up with what everyone else at school has as well. All kids want to fit in with their peers, however the way to do this is not by having what everyone else at school has. What I hear parents generally say is, if my kid goes into a store and they don't get what they want or they hear the word "no" they throw a fit right there in the middle of the store or they sulk for hours. Alot of children will even go as far as hitting, kicking, and throwing things in order to get what they want. More often than not parents will give in and buy their child what they are whining for and have only reinforced the child's behavior problems. So how do we prevent kids from being so materialistic in today's age of immediate gratification. Nobody seems to want to wait for what they want and they want everything "right now." As parents we need to try and get our children back from being so materialistic, "stuff" really does not bring happiness.
What can we do as parents:
1.) All kids learn by modeling behaviors/actions. This means that parents must set the right example. Parents must also wait for what they want to show their kids that no one gets everything they want all the time. Take your child shopping with you on a regular basis and avoid buying yourself or them anything other than what you went to the store to get. Just because they want the newest video game does not mean you have to get it for them.
2.) Take your child to places where people are less fortunate and have them volunteer their time. There is nothing more humbling than seeing someone less fortunate than you and serving others. Younger children especially do not understand the concept that everyone does not have food and shelter and lots of people in the world are truly struggling. This will help put things in perspective for your child and hopefully will instill a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for what they do have. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer.
3.) Spend time with your child and turn off that television. Kids are increasingly spending more and more of their day watching television, texting, playing video games. A majority of kids spend the better portion of their day tied to technology. If your child is watching commercial after commercial that advertises "things they must have", then it will be harder to convince them that they don't truly need all of that "stuff."
4.) Practice telling your child "no you can't have that." Delayed gratification is a key in teaching our children about disappointment. Your other family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles should also be told to not buy your child things that they ask for. Just because your child goes into a store does not mean that they should leave the store with something. Yes, when you first tell them "no" they will throw a tantrum in the store, however they will eventually get used to not getting everything they want all of the time.
5.) Lastly, we must teach our children about money. Children that are in elementary school understand the concept of money and have them pay for things for themselves with their own money. If you go into a store with them and they want something, make them pay for it with their money. If they don't have enough money, then they should not get what they want. Teach them how to budget when they are young.
Treatment of ADHD
Treatment for ADHD, whether it is a child or an adult, should be a comprehensive plan and should include a number of different interventions to choose from. What works for one child/adult may not necessarily work for another child/adult. Assistance given should be done so over a long-term basis as ADHD is often not a short-term problem. The following steps should be considered for treatment of ADHD.
1.) Diagnosis is tantamount in treatment of ADHD. Several other medical and psychiatric disorders highly resemble ADHD symptoms and you want to be sure you are treating the right problem. 2.) A plan that promotes your talents/strengths as these will help you compensate for ADHD symptoms. 3.) Education-you must know exactly what ADHD is and how it affects you. 4.) Lifestyle changes-change in diet, exercise, sleep habits, study habits, etc… 5.) Structure-as individuals with ADHD are often scattered, unorganized, the more structure or scheduled life is, the easier life will be for an individual with ADHD. Make lists, schedules and post them throughout the house. 6.) Counseling-whether it is psychotherapy, career counseling, vocational counseling, family therapy, as ADHD affects others in your life as well as schooling and work performance. 7.) Other types of therapies-such as physical or occupational therapy, exercise programs, nutritional supplements, or tutoring. 8.) Medication-medication is prescribed only as needed and is a personal choice. Some are willing to take medications for ADHD and some are not. Medication should never be used alone and should only be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Social skills in kids on the Autism Spectrum
One of the hallmark symptoms of children with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum are deficits in social skills. A child's difficulties with social skills has a huge impact on their ability to be accepted socially. Specifically, children on the Autism Spectrum, whether the diagnosis is Autism, Asperger's, or PDD NOS, they struggle with understanding social cues and the thoughts and feelings of other children. They typically have difficulty as well in modulating their emotions, which for adults often translates into inappropriate behaviors. Children with Autism often do not take turns, can not hold a conversation with another child, and do not make eye contact with those with whom they are speaking. In addition, a number of kids with Autism lack an ability to understand the consequences of their own behavior and how their behaviors affect those around them.
Those working with children with Autism, whether it is the child's teacher, parent, other familly members or professionals, a child with autism needs to be taught specific social skills. Social skills will not come naturally for a child on the Autism spectrum and need to be modeled for them. Social skills are best taught through role playing the appropriate behaviors. For example, model with the child taking turns, sitting and waiting while someone else is talking, and through playing childhood games. In addition, explain the meanings of specific facial expressions, gestures, and personal space/boundaries to them. Model what is appropriate and what is inappropriate making sure to convey that everyone has feelings/emotions that are different than their own.
Problem Solving for Families
All families have their share of problems and unfortunately during a crisis, family members panic. There can be any number of things that constitute a crisis for a family and some of the biggies are: using drugs, depression, self-mutilation, your child has thoughts of hurting themselves, staying out all night, sexting, death of a family member or loved one, having committed a crime, gang activity, or having underage sex. What constitutes a crisis for one family might not necessarily be a crisis for another family. So what do we do as a family to work through a crisis situation without completely having the family unit fall apart.
First of all, we should be prepared as a family before a crisis strikes. Parents should be alert to the early warning signs of the crisis. Watch for odd or unusual behaviors, lying, or in other words if your child/teen begins to act differently.
Stay calm. Losing your cool will not reassure or instill confidence in the rest of the members of the family. Yelling and screaming has never solved a single, solitary problem.
If your child or another family member is in danger then the danger must be removed immediately. This often means that the police have to be called if the situation has escalated to this point.
Work through a particular problem and do not focus on the person. Attacking or pointing the finger at a person during a family crisis is also not helpful. This just puts the person on the defensive and will most likely escalate the problem. Put your energy into solving the problem and not blaming and criticizine a person.
During a crisis, try to keep a normal routine. This is hard to do but this has a stabilizing and calming effect on all of the members of the family.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. This is a key to working through any type of family crisis. If family members shut down and don't talk to each other than nothing ever gets solved. Give each other your undivided attention. If your child/teen needs to talk about something, then let them talk. Convey to them that you are their for him/her no matter what.
Utilize any and all resources at your disposal to work through the crisis. This could be a pastor, a therapist, other family members, support groups, friends, or your community mental health center. Work through the problem, no matter what it is with your child. Children/teens need reassurance that they are safe and loved, no matter what has happened or what they did.
Anger in Parent-Child Relationships
Anger, yelling, shouting, sarcasm, and profanity are not what was intended for the parent-child relationship. However, this is all too frequently occurring in our homes today. Consider this scenario for a moment. You ask your child to simply sit down and complete their homework. You have asked your child three times to sit down and complete their work nicely and then as a parent you lose it and start screaming your head off. Anger is now permeating the room. As a parent, you feel gratified because you now see your child sitting their completing their homework, however your child has internalized the whole experience and is tense and frustrated while completing their homework. Unfortunately, your child is most likely not completing their work to the best of their ability. The parent is usually so angry though that they do not feel guilty about what has happened until they have had a chance to calm down.
The effects of this scenario are the following:
1.) This type of parent-child interaction whether it occurs frequently or infrequently decreases or diminishes the parent-child bond.
2.) The parent has just modeled very poor problem-solving and coping skills to deal with situations that arise. Your child is learning that yelling and screaming and anger will bring about results.
3.) The child now does not want to ask their parent for help in the future because they are anticipating a similar scenario to the one that has just occurred. Anger or belittling comments will bring about avoidance on the part of the child to go to a parent and ask for help or assistance. The child now feels alone and isolated when they have problems and need "to talk" to their parents.
4.) Anger festers and builds and the parent slowly builds an angry child. Of course, the outcome was favorable in as much as you got the homework completed, however the long-term results are poor.
As parents, we need to find other means to get our children to do as they are told. Yelling, anger, and sarcasm are negative means with very negative outcomes. Children respond in a more positive manner when a behavioral management plan is used and consistent boundaries with consequences are given for their behaviors/actions.
As a parent, if you require assistance please consider parent/child counseling as a means to resolve the situation with your child. In addition, there are a number of wonderful books out on developing and maintaining a good relationship with your child/teen.
How do kids develop social skills?
One of the greatest struggles that all of us experience in our life is how to get along and interact with those around us. For young people and teens, problems in this area leave them with deficits in functioning with others. What happens in this case is that children are unable to make themselves feel understood, feelings of hostility or anger, and a sense of unimportance. If children do not learn these social skills as children what they are left with as adults is the inability to function in their life and in their workplace. None of us lives in a box without having to relate and interact with those around us. Unfortunately, much of the decline in social skills stems from the decline of interaction between family members as a result of time children spend playing video games, listening to music, and watching television. These particular activities that children engage in does NOT require social interaction. If social skills are not practiced then they can not be adequately developed.
The skills necessary for effective social interaction between children are the following abilities: listening, cooperating, communicating, sharing, empathasizing, and negotiating. The very foundation of these skills is listening to one another. This means the ability to initiate and maintain a meaningful exchange of perceptions. In other words, we need to teach our children what others are saying from their point of view. What inhibits the development of these skills is a lack of respect for others perceptions and feelings.
The keys to success for developing interpersonal skills in children are the following:
1. Practice dialogue with them that is respectful and considers other's feelings.
2. Teach children to become skillful in listening, empathizing, and negotiating/sharing with others.
3. Practice different social situations with them and practice over and over to make sure they are interacting with other children appropriately in different situations. Their efforts will be successful and unsuccessful but continue to encourage them.
The best practice by far to teach children appropriate and effective social skills is to have meaningful interactions and family time when they are at home after school. If their entire evening is spent in front of the television set or playing video games, these necessary skills will never become part of their everday life.


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Published on Thursday, October 02 2014 10:53
In the interest of full disclosure, let it be known that the author of this column is an elected official. The opinions expressed in this column are hers, and hers alone and do not necessarily reflect those of the Town of Lyons Board of Trustees.
Life is strange; it was thirty-one years ago in October, that Walt Kinderman, the editor of the Lyons Recorder, kept roasting Mayor Virgil Rigdon. His wife, Fern, was writing the local news, and
Login to read more: About Town - October 2, 2014
Published on Thursday, September 25 2014 08:14
Another week gone by. A nice week. A time to go to the high country to see the change of colors, and to relax before winter comes. I love the fall!
The papers states that fifty percent of those who voted for marijuana, now wish they hadn't. The Lyons
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Published on Thursday, September 11 2014 14:39
This is an exciting week. We attended the first flood commemorative gathering hosted by Boulder County at Gateway Fun Park in North Boulder on Sunday, with various maps, papers, videos, programs, and a performance by the Playback Theatre. Really nice, several folks from Lyons were there. It was very heartwarming.
Login to read more: About Town - September 11, 2014
Published on Thursday, September 18 2014 11:17
The Commemorative of the September 13, 2013 flood was wonderful. Very heartwarming and sincere. Starting Thursday evening at Planet Bluegrass, the Towns 10 Commissions and their Board Liaisons each gave a brief message of their accomplishments during and after the flood and
Login to read more: About Town - September 18, 2014
Published on Thursday, September 04 2014 16:19
Another week gone by, nice and cool. A little rain, which we need. However, we hold our breath if it keeps raining and raining. It should be a nice fall, with lots of tourists going to see the leaves. Enjoy.
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I created this for my friends @ Mule film, for their film project Green Country Red Dirt, w/ videography by the excellent folks behind Sunday Town productions. Check this out, support the project in any way you can; it's really awesome and these stories need to be told.
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USC vs. Washington Picks
- Updated: October 11, 2012
College Football Picks
USC Trojans
Washington Huskies
Date/Time: October 13th, 7:00 pm EST
Television: FOX
College Football Odds from BetOnline
Point Spread: USC -12.5
Total: 54.5
Football Betting Game Trends
USC Trojans
- Southern Cal is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Southern Cal is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 6 games
- Southern Cal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern Cal's last 5 games on the road
- Southern Cal is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington Huskies
- Washington is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
- Washington is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
- Washington is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Southern Cal
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Southern Cal
NCAA Football – Week 7
Teams that are evolving into arch rivals in the Pac-12 are going to meet for some NCAA football betting action on Saturday night on FOX, when the Washington Huskies welcome to town the USC Trojans.
Oh, the ironies in this game for the Men of Troy. They are on the road against their former coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, and they are playing in the very same building that their old coach, Pete Carroll is now coaching in on a regular basis for the Seattle Seahawks. There is still an opportunity to get back into the National Championship picture in spite of the loss on the road to the Stanford Cardinal a few weeks ago, but USC knows that it is going to be tough. The offense just doesn't feel like it is clicking on all cylinders, and this Washington defense does have the ability to stymy this unit. QB Matt Barkley has to step up and throw the ball like the man that is expected to be the top overall pick in the NFL Draft this coming year, and he has to get help from his receivers like WR Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, both of which have underachieved. This 'O' should be averaging a heck of a lot more than 424 yards and 34.0 points per game, knowing that there are a slew of NFLers that are out there on a weekly basis.
The Huskies can't throw it, they can't run it, and they can't block all that well, and that's why they have ultimately fallen twice this year after cracking into the Top 25 a few weeks ago. In fairness, we know that the schedule has already seen the Oregon Ducks and LSU Tigers on it, and this isn't exactly a walk in the park either. Still, QB Keith Price just has to be better than he has been, and he needs a heck of a lot of help. Price has completed just 59.5 percent of his passes for 882 yards with five TDs and four picks. RB Bishop Sankey is the team's leading rusher with 433 yards and a team-high six trips to the end zone. Receivers though, are nowhere to be found. WR Kasen Williams and WR Austin Seferian-Jenkins have combined for 55 receptions. No one else on the team has more than seven, and the rest of the squad combined has just 42 catches.
Though we would love to think that the Huskies could pull off the upset in this game, we know better. The Trojans have already been beaten in this series twice over the course of the last three years, and with as much as this team has basically sleepwalked through the season, perhaps last week's string of upsets parlayed with a long week of preparation for this one could be just what the doctor ordered for a blowout in Seattle. USC 38 – Washington 20
Adam Markowitz
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- NCAA Basketball Pick: Michigan vs. Indiana - February 2, 2014
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12 Glamorous Metallic Wedding Cakes
Metallic wedding details and accents are hot right now and one of the trends we're seeing all over the place are gold and silver wedding cakes! And think about it: Your cake is the centerpiece to your reception -- sort of the exclamation point on the evening. So why not have it decorated with one... read more


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He is funnier than ever with all new material, his tongue is just as sharp and he is ready to roast you like a Thanksgiving turkey. He is Bobby Slayton and he is back in Vegas. His new "not for the faint of heart" act began Thursday at Hooter's casino and would run through April 2.
Slayton has gained "The Pitbull of Comedy" nickname for a reason. His merciless tongue lashing, sarcastic comebacks and f-bombs leave no one unscathed. At his gala opening Tuesday night many great comedians came to welcome him back to Sin City. A hilarious tribute from Robin Williams, Jay Leno, Don Rickles, Ray Romano, Howie Mandel, Lewis Black, The Smothers Brothers, Carrot Top and Penn & Teller sent the audience into a laughing fit. They all seemed to have the same question on their minds: "Why had he sunk so low to perform at Hooters?"
During his 80 min stand-up Slayton covered many topics trying (and succeeding) to be as politically incorrect as possible.
"There's no better place on Earth than Hooters to launch my return to Vegas," Slayton said. "Hooters is basically everything I want in one place: gaming, booze, chicken wings and Hooters. If they put in a putting green and cigar shop, they could just change the name to nirvana."
Slayton is a frequent guest on The Adam Carolla Show and has recently appeared on Showtime's "Born To Be Bobby," a one-hour stand-up comedy special. He's number 80 on Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-ups Of all Time.
Check out Bobbly Slayton's stand up, courtesy of YouTube! NSFW


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The Alameda Civic Ballet will present its ninth-annual performance of "The Nutcracker" ballet at the Kofman Theater on Dec. 21 and 22.
But if you would like a taste of what the production is all about before then, head over to Tucker's Super Creamed Ice Cream parlor on Park Street.
Each year, the ice cream shop lets patrons name a flavor in honor of the holiday show. Winners can receive a free ticket or two for their creative talents.
This year's winning flavor is Chocovsky's Macaretto. It was named by Michael Hauser for Tucker's chocolate-macadamia nut-amaretto confection.
Congratulations to Hauser!
"The show has become part of the holiday traditions for lots of people," said Abra Rudisill, who manages the troupe, choreography and production. "Many members of the audience come from Alameda, and a growing number are coming from Marin, Berkeley, San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area."
"The Nutcracker" tells the story of young Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. On Christmas night, they take a journey that begins with an epic battle against the Mouse King. Next, they travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and into the Kingdom of Sweets, ruled by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.


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American workers need jobs. They also need protection from chemicals and pollutants that threaten their lives, health, environment, climate, and future. Gina McCarthy, President Barack Obama's nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, has a unique track record in protecting the environment in ways that also protect and expand jobs.
For the past four years as head of the EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy has exemplified protection of the environment based on US laws and scientific facts combined with common sense strategies to ensure that such regulation promotes rather than hurts jobs. In testimony at a recent Senate confirmation hearing, for example, she called fighting climate change "one of the greatest challenges of our generation and our great obligation to future generations." But she pointed out that, along with public health benefits, those efforts can "create markets for emerging and new technologies and new jobs."
In an interview with the Labor Network for Sustainability Gina McCarthy elaborated:
Speaking of EPA regulations of toxic pollutants from utilities under the Clean Air Act, McCarthy said:
UAW's legislative director testified to Congress: "Based on our experience, the regulation of mobile sources has been a "win-win" that results in greater oil independence for our nation; a cleaner, healthier environment for ourselves and our children; and an increased number of jobs in the auto sector."
This job creation resulted from "the new technology required to meet tailpipe emissions standards" which "represents additional content on each vehicle." That requires "more engineers, more managers, and more construction and production workers."
Indeed, "The continuing recovery of the automobile industry in the United States has as its foundation the regulatory certainty of these tailpipe emission standards, which is driving innovation in every company and in every vehicle segment."
Regulations developed by McCarthy's office in cooperation with the Department of Transportation had other benefits for working people. "Greater fuel efficiency allows consumers to spend less on fuel, which frees up that money to be spent on other goods and services, rather than flowing to the producers of oil for the U.S. market, the majority of which comes from foreign nations."
So, "in addition to creating jobs, these regulations are a key mechanism for protecting American families and their standard of living from the effects of rising and unstable oil prices. In other words, this is a bread and butter issue for American families."
EPA regulation under the Clean Air Act — a program administered by Gina McCarthy — has been attacked by opponents of climate protection as a "job killer." However, although any technological modernization can lead to the loss of some jobs, overall the evidence indicates that instead that regulation will increase jobs. For example, a study by Ceres and the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts titled "New Jobs — Cleaner Air: Employment Effects of Planned Changes in the EPA's Air Pollution Rules" examines the jobs effects of some of the new regulations — ones that have been harshly attacked by EPA critics. This well-documented study finds that far from being "job killers," the new regulations will create nearly 300,000 new jobs, especially skilled, high-pay jobs for engineers, project managers, electricians, boilermakers, pipefitters, millwrights, and iron workers.
The regulations would lead to net job increases of more than 120,000 job years in Illinois, 123,000 in Virginia, 113,000 in Tennessee, 76,000 in North Carolina, and 76,000 in Ohio. The study points out that regulation will have many other benefits in addition to increased employment. It will ensure cleaner air, improve public health, promote more efficient, more competitive technologies, reduce greenhouse gasses, and increase state tax revenues. And it will stimulate "induced jobs" that result when workers have money in their pockets to buy things made or sold by other workers.
Gina McCarthy's confirmation has received support from unions. The United Steelworkers, the largest private sector union in North America, "strongly endorses" her nomination, saying she is "eminently qualified" to work in "reducing climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, recognizing the delicate balance between maintaining good manufacturing jobs and a clean environment."
Gina McCarthy is a long-established air quality expert, aptly fitted to work with manufacturers on reducing power plant emissions. Our union has enjoyed a good working relationship with Ms. McCarthy in her role as the head of the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. EPA, and we look forward to continue working with her as EPA Administrator.
The BlueGreen Alliance, which includes such major labor unions as the USW, CWA, SEIU, Utility Workers, AFT, ATW, UAW, UFCW, and Sheetmetal Workers, as well as environmental groups, applauded McCarthy's nomination and noted that "the BlueGreen Alliance and our partners have appreciated the way in which Ms. McCarthy has worked with us over the years to not only address climate change and clean air, but to also better understand the needs and impact of plant workers and surrounding communities."
Gina McCarthy has a record for bipartisan cooperation that will prove useful in dealing with today's conflicts over environmental issues. She worked for five Republican governors in Connecticut and Massachusetts, including George Romney. Her nomination in 2009 for EPA assistant administrator was approved by Democratic and Republic Senators on a voice vote.
She also has the respect of many industry groups, even some likely to be directly affected by EPA regulation. Donna Harman, president of the American Forest and Paper Association, says that Gina McCarthy is "very data- and fact-driven, and that's been helpful for us as well as the entire business community." And Cal Dooley, president of the American Chemistry Council, says his group's members "have a lot of confidence in McCarthy's leadership ability."