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Boho Chic Tech Gifts
Giving a gift is meant to be a selfless act, but it's easy to become overwhelmed by frustration when that someone on your list has interests and inclinations entirely opposite of your own.
After a few trips to the mall, you realize it's a waste of gas and time to go from store to store in the hopes that the perfect present will catch your eye. And sorting by age and gender on shopping websites might merely turn up sweaters of different shades and sizes. Looking through the recipient's favorite magazines for hints can leave you puzzled and perplexed about what to select. Without your own preferences or a clear idea of theirs to guide you, you could end up with a generic—and forgettable—gift when you instead wanted to give them something they'd cherish.
It's at these times tech presents can fill the bill. Tablets and smartphones routinely top the wish lists of most every type of person, but as welcome as those might be, they aren't very personal. That's not to say that tech should be stricken from holiday shopping lists when you want to convey a connection. There are gadget-y choices beyond the pale aluminum for a whole spectrum of people you're shopping for this holiday season.
PCMag has distilled tech to suit types, including that someone who pores over each Anthropologie catalog, oohing and aahing over the gauzy interiors and even gauzier skirts. Why not charm them with a device dock made from vintage books? Or a 3D-printed USB drive that looks like a skeleton key?
Unlocking what they want is as simple as looking at our gift guide gallery. For the rest of your list, check back with us for some unexpected suggestions for (of course) the geeks in your life, but also the foodies, the fans of the extreme level of cute known in Japan as kawaii, the hipsters, the design lovers, and fabulous fashionistas.
Find more of the best deals on electronics and other gifts in our Best Deals Today section.
1 Chick-a-Dee Smoke Detector
2 Branch Earphone Splitter
3 Booksi Recycled Books iOS Device Charger Dock
4 Crystal Bulb
5 Belair X 6-12 Jetsetter Medium Format Camera
6 Americana by Elite 3-in-1 Mini Breakfast Shoppe
7 Clé USB Key
8 Tory Burch Robinson Printed Hard Shell Case


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United Continental, Alaska Air Fall as Guidance Shows They're Not Delta
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Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines (DAL) proved up to the earnings challenge, and today three other airlines--United Continental (UAL), Alaska Air (ALK) and Southwest Airlines (LUV)--have their chance to shine.
How'd they do? Well, they beat across the board. United Continental reported a profit of 78 cents a share, beating forecasts for 65 cents; Alaska Air said it earned $1.10 a share, above estimates for $1.07; and Southwest announced a profit of 33 cents a share, ahead of the 29 cent consensus forecast. All three beat on revenue.
Unlike Delta, however, they also offered some news that could unsettle investors. United Continental, for instance, said first-quarter revenue would be light, and that has Cowen's Helane Becker and Conor Cunningham concerned. They write:
We applaud the strong earnings growth in 4Q13, however we believe the weak revenue guidance for 1Q14 will outweigh 4Q13 results. We expect the shares to be weak this morning, although we note that United normally has a weak first quarter and this year in particular the comparison is particularly difficult due to poor weather early in January that slammed the company...
United has long had difficultly forecasting their revenue outlook. We believe the Street will harp on 1Q14 PRASM guidance and compare it to Delta's. Delta forecast 1Q14 PRASM to grow 2% to 4%, compared to United's flat to up 2%. We believe United could be conservative as they attempt to regain investor confidence given the wild volatility the company showed in 2013.
As for Alaska Air, Becker and Cunningham note that its good news was also muted by first quarter guidance because of higher costs. Becker and Cunningham explain:
Alaska will see cost pressures in 1Q14, however these will ease during the remainder of the year. Alaska forecasts consolidated non-fuel unit costs to grow 5.5% in 1Q14 and 1.0% for the year. The near-term cost headwinds are a result of the implementation of an amended pilot contract, estimated costs associated with an agreement with the flight attendants, IT costs, increased Port of Seattle costs, transition of costs associated with changing its ground handling vendor at its East Coast stations and higher advertising costs. Clearly 1Q14 will be the most affected and non-fuel costs are likely to decline in the back half of the year. Management forecast 2014 capacity growth of 5.5%, with fuel consumption only increasing 3%. Lower fuel consumption when compared with capacity growth should show significant fuel cost savings offsetting some of the near-term cost pressures. As a result we believe 1Q14 Street expectations will trend lower in the near-term, while full year estimates are likely to remain unchanged.
Shares of United Continental have dropped 2.4% to $48.09 at 9:34 a.m. today, while Alaska Air has fallen 1.4% to $80.69, Southwest has gained 1% to $21.98 and Delta Air Lines is off 1.3% at $32.42.

subset: commoncrawl


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2010-11 Men's Swimming & Diving NewsAugust 8, 2011
Several More Gauchos Make Olympic Trials Cuts
It was a successful week in the pool for UCSB swimming as six more Gauchos qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials while competing at Senior Nationals at Stanford University.
July 27, 2011
Bevy of Gauchos Headed to Senior Nationals
A total of 17 current UC Santa Barbara swimmers will compete at the 2011 ConocoPhillips USA Swimming National Championships in Palo Alto, Calif. next week. The event, which is being held at Stanford University's Avery Aquatic Center, will run August 2-6.
July 26, 2011
Swim Teams Earn CSCAA Scholar All America Honors
The UCSB men's and women's swimming and diving teams earned Scholar All America Team honors for the 2010-11 academic year from the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.
June 23, 2011
Three Gauchos Qualify for 2012 Olympic Trials
UC Santa Barbara swimmers Chris Peterson, Tim Freeman and Sophia Yamauchi have each qualified for the 2012 USA Swimming Olympic Trials, which will be held in Omaha, Nebraska next June.
May 2, 2011
Ten Gauchos Named Mid-Major All-Americans
March 30, 2011
Four Gauchos Earn Pac-10 All-Academic Honors
March 26, 2011
Peterson Places 22nd in the 100 Free
March 24, 2011
Chris Peterson Takes 21st in 50 Free
March 23, 2011
Chris Peterson Set for NCAA Championships
March 10, 2011
Chris Peterson to Represent UCSB at NCAA Championships
March 8, 2011
Chris Peterson Named UCSBgauchos.com/Golden I Athlete of the Week
March 5, 2011
Two More UCSB Records Fall at Pac-10 Championships
March 4, 2011
Gauchos Complete Third Day of Pac-10 Action
March 4, 2011
Gaucho now getting his opponents to flip out
March 3, 2011
Chris Peterson Breaks Lezak's 50 Free Record
March 2, 2011
800 Free Relay Sets UCSB Record at Pac-10 Championships
March 1, 2011
Ferguson Making Magic For UCSB
March 1, 2011
UCSB Heads to Pac-10 Championships this Week
February 12, 2011
UCSB Splits with Cal Poly in Final Dual Meet
January 29, 2011
UCSB Sweeps Final Home Meet
January 22, 2011
UCSB Women Break Even in Vegas, Men Fall to Rebels
January 8, 2011
Gauchos Fall to Trojans
December 31, 2010
Gauchos Cap Off 2010 With Wins Over West Virginia
December 15, 2010
UCSB Swimming Signs Seven
December 4, 2010
Former and Current Gauchos Finish Short Course Championships Strong
December 3, 2010
Gauchos Post More Personal Bests on Second Day of Short Course Nationals
December 2, 2010
Ferguson Posts Personal Record at Short Course National Championships
November 21, 2010
Ferguson Wins 100 Free as Gauchos Wrap-Up Action at Arena Invitational
November 19, 2010
Gauchos Make Four NCAA `B' Cuts on First Day of Arena Invitational
November 19, 2010
Two More Gauchos Achieve NCAA `B' Cuts
November 13, 2010
UCSB Defeats Cal Poly in Tightly Contested Dual
November 6, 2010
Gauchos Take Down Tritons in Home Dual
October 6, 2010
UCSB to Phase in Diving Program
September 15, 2010
`Tank' tops in planks
September 7, 2010
UCSB Swimming to Celebrate Gregg Wilson's 60th with Casino Night
August 9, 2010
Katy Freeman Makes Pan Pacific Championship Team
August 5, 2010
Tim Siciliano Named Assistant Swim Coach
August 2, 2010
UCSB Men's Swimming to Join Pac-10


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Flames, Smoke and Fire: TeleProductions introduces the football team in a heroic way
TeleProductions helped the Golden Flashes get the 2013 season under way by producing the new kickoff video for the football team.
"Each season, the videos we create for the sports teams get better and better; I think it's another mission accomplished for TeleProductions," said Jim Hurguy, graphic designer at TeleProductions.
The Kent State University football team launched into the season with a new motto: "Feed the Fire." Hurguy alongside Alex Kurr – the student designer who led the design – and fellow student designer Brian Recktenwald, worked together to create a vision to bring the new slogan to life.
Through fire, sparks and epic music – the TeleProductions team created a fiery, heroic atmosphere at Dix Stadium.
"The dramatic music, the highlights and the effects come together to provide a key transition for fans to get into game time mode," said Aaron Chimenti, the assistant director of athletic communications for football and wrestling.
In the video, Roosevelt Nix, senior defensive lineman, slowly pulls on his jersey and gears up for game time. The video features the senior players lined up with glowing hearts as some of the best plays from last season are highlighted.
Kurr said that "they get a fire inside them, burning to compete," when the team members pull on the Kent State football uniform.
The one-minute video, which Kurr deems his best, took about a month to create and required a lot of collaboration. Hurguy explained they worked closely with Chimenti to arrange the shoot on Dix Stadium and to allow time for the players to appear in-studio. Producer/Director Tracy Baughman with student videographers Conner Childers, Mike Donelan and Anthony Garcia also helped on the field shoot.
"It's a good feeling to know I've got such good student employees that can contribute their talents to our video productions," Hurguy said. "I'm confident that they're going to put in the work and the extra effort; this video proves that. We enjoy being a part of game days through our videoboard work. We hope it helps get the crowd and team pumped for game time."


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Product Description
Chevron Design Tape – Light Grey (#C0005) is a unique striping tape designed for nails. Dress this color up, or dress it down. You're the artist so you get to decide how to use this do-it-yourself nail art! 2.5X3.5-inch sheet includes 16 pieces of 1/8-inch tape and 28 pieces of 1/16-inch tape.
DIRECTIONS: Apply design tape on bare nails prepared with a base coat or apply it over dried nail polish. Beautiful! Secure each piece with a layer of our Clear Top Coat or Clear Matt Top Coat. Create intricate designs in minutes. Use Design Tapes as stencils too. Simply lay the tape down where you want the design to appear. Paint a thin coat of polish over the Design Tape. Allow it to dry. Paint another thin coat of Finger Candy Nail Art Polish over the design tape, let it dry then slowly lift the tape away from the nail.


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SEATTLE -- An elderly, bankrupt Seattle real-estate developer who vanished with his wife after a judge demanded they hand over two huge diamonds was arrested Wednesday in a lake town in the French Alps.
Police arrested Michael Mastro, 87, and his wife, Linda, at the request of American authorities, said Kayla Celaya, a supervisory deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrests came in the town of Annecy, near the Swiss border in southeastern France.
The Mastros were charged in a six-count FBI complaint for bankruptcy fraud unsealed Wednesday in federal court in Seattle. The complaint accuses them of concealing one of their bank accounts from creditors, and using $285,000 from the account for personal expenses _ including payments on their Bentley and Roll Royce automobiles, credit card bills, and the purchase of $100,000 in gold.
"It's a great day for the Mastro bankruptcy estate," said Jim Rigby, the trustee overseeing the estate. "It just not right he's living in the Ritz in Europe when other people have been forced out of their homes. The money he was living on belonged to those creditors."
Mastro attorney James Frush did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Mastro was a developer and money lender who oversaw more than $1 billion in projects during the real estate boom last decade. But the market's crash left him short, and three of his creditors forced him into bankruptcy in 2009. He owes more than $200 million to creditors, who are expected to receive just pennies on the dollar.
The couple disappeared 16 months ago after a judge ordered them to turn over two of Linda Mastro's rings. With diamonds of 27.8 and 15.9 carats, they're worth an estimated total of $1.4 million.
The criminal complaint made no mention of the diamonds, and it remains unclear where they are. Rigby says he hopes the Mastros bring them when they return from France.
Many of the couple's personal items have been sold at auction to repay Michael Mastro's creditors. Dozens of designer handbags sold for up to $900 apiece; a baby grand piano sold for $17,000; and a Dale Chihuly chandelier sold for $35,000. Their 2007 Bentley convertible went for $92,500.
The Marshals Service says that if the Mastros fight extradition, it could take months or years for them to be returned to the U.S.
Johnson can be reached at https://twitter.com/GeneAPseattle


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How to:
Usage Instructions and Tips. How to "Search", "Submit Photos", etc.)
<Click> here to see the latest instructions.
Thu, 22 Dec, 2016 at 9:38 AM
<Click> here to see the latest instructions.
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There is a "Search" option available on the Digital News Website and the News App. For the Digital Website: On the homepage, there is a magn...
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The Mobile News App is not intended to replace television, or to provide continuous streaming up-to-the-minute video. In some cases while an event is ...
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Michael Fisher Q and A
The following seven questions, along with a requested word limit, were asked of each local candidate for the Vermont House.
The questions are not repeated in the context of each candidate's response, but are recalled by subject at the beginning of each answer.
Election Day is Nov. 4.
1) HEALTHCARE: The state's Catamount Health plan is up and running, are you satisfied that it is meeting its goals and, if not, what additional steps should the state take to expand health care coverage? (Maximum 150 words.)
2) ELECTRICITY: The expiration of Vermont's contracts with its two big electricity providers, Hydro-Quebec and Vermont Yankee, is looming. And there are concerns about re-licensing Yankee. What should Vermont do to meet its energy needs? (150 words.)
3) AGRICULTURE: What state-level supports and policies regarding family farms would you promote as a legislator? (150 words.)
4) PROPERTY TAXES: The idea of a property tax cap to limit the rise in school spending has been suggested, but such reductions in funds could diminish the quality of education in our schools over time. How do you solve that dilemma? (150 words.)
5) HEATING: Vermonters are worried about how they will pay to heat their homes and gas up their cars this winter. What can the Legislature and state government do to help? (150 words.)
6) ECONOMY: State government is cutting back as tax revenues fall short of expectations. What can state government do to improve the Vermont economy? (150 words.)
7) SINGLE ISSUE: Discuss an issue of importance to you that you would work to address if elected. (100 words.)
The four candidates running for the two seats in the Addison-4 district — which includes the towns of Bristol, Monkton, Lincoln and Starksboro — are Michael Fisher, John "Peeker" Heffernan, Barbara Rainville and David Sharpe. Heffernan chose not to respond to the Independent's questions.
HEALTHCARE: The current economic crisis is the back-drop for every question asked this year. There will be tough decisions. The slowing of the economy will present challenges for state and local decision makers in dealing with each of the areas that the Addison Independent has asked about this year.
It is clear that the Catamount, VHAP and Dr. Dynasaur programs are an important part of providing access to health care for many Vermonters. It is also clear that many Vermonters are priced out or locked out of that access. Vermont families and businesses are struggling to survive year after year of double digit rate increases.
Part of the problem with our health insurance system is that we are divided into many small, segmented risk groups. We must come together into a common risk group if we are going to make health care affordable for small businesses, workers and families in today's economy.
Recent events in the national and world markets expose the shortsightedness of proposals that are based on the failures of our current insurance system. While our current system of paying for health care works for some, it leaves out far too many and is far too expensive.
ELECTRICITY: This topic is one of my biggest frustrations. The expiration of these contracts and the reality that any new contracts will be much closer to current market rates, will amount to higher bills for Vermonters. I am convinced that we could have made investments a few years ago into new and existing power generation opportunities and reduced the financial hit that everyone recognizes is around the corner. There have been missed opportunities.
The answer to this problem will require many solutions. If we want our lights to go on when we flip the switch, and we want Vermont to be affordable, than the state must invest today in efficiencies and in the many opportunities for electric generation available to us.
AGRICULTURE: As I talk to people around our community, I often hear, "I would pay a little more for milk if I knew it would help the farmer." We value the heritage of living in a farming community.
While we actively pursue all available leads to protect our dairy farms, we must also help farmers who chose to diversify to viable alternatives.
We also have an opportunity to produce profitable crops by supporting the creation of a bio-fuels industry here in Vermont. This will take some real leadership and investments in helping farmers and business leaders to develop these opportunities.
PROPERTY TAXES: Our locally elected school boards and our school administrators have a very difficult task to build a budget each year that both supports the best schools possible, and lives within the taxpayers means. There are mandates and costs that are far outside their control. I will continue to resist ideas like a one-size fits all property tax cap designed in Montpelier. It may work fine for one town but leave another with a greatly diminished ability to educate their students.
We must listen to the frustrations expressed by property tax payers and work to assure that people are asked to contribute a reasonable share of the cost of running our schools. We must also attack the cost drivers including health care, energy costs and personnel. These represent a significant part of the increase in school spending. I believe that there are real solutions to this problem.
HEATING: We must recognize the fear that many of our neighbors have about the economy and their ability to survive the coming winter. Families that used to feel comfortable, now recognize that an illness, a major car or home repair would put them under. Even with the cost of gas coming down, fuel costs are still a major component of the poor economy for many Vermont families.
I am very happy with our congressional delegation for their success in securing more funding for heating assistance for low-income families. Even with these added funds, there is still a question of how we will deal with the increasing needs. There has been a 10 percent increase in applications for fuel assistance this year. I am also very concerned about families that are just above the 125 percent of federal poverty level and are on fixed incomes.
We can and should assist families in making their homes more efficient to keep warm without putting them in more debt. We can and we should develop local energy generation opportunities.
ECONOMY: There is no doubt that this will be a difficult year for many families, and for local and state government budget builders. We must resist proposals that claim to be reductions in state spending, but in practice only push tax pressures back to the towns for maintaining roads, bridges, schools and other necessary services.
The problems in the national economy are out of our control and will have an effect on Vermonters. Despite this, there are opportunities here. We need to build on the creative entrepreneurial spirit that continues to thrive in Vermont. Vermont has positive qualities and assets that are attractive to many business interests. We can capitalize on the Vermont brand in new ways. This will require real leadership from the Governors office.
SINGLE ISSUE: I have been at this for a few campaigns now. I have never, and will never send out campaign materials that attack my opponent's motives or even challenge their beliefs. Instead, I have always believed that Vermonters want me to talk about what I have to offer. It is unfortunate that others don't seem to recognize that negative campaigning, while it may activate their supporters, only turns most voters off.
The most satisfying work in the Vermont Statehouse occurs in committee out of the spotlight of controversial issues. I am proud of the work my Human Services Committee has accomplished in the last biennium. We worked on protecting children who have been mistreated, supporting first responders and health care workers who have health care needs of their own, and protected elders who are struggling to live with dignity. I look forward to getting back to the table to continue to take important steps forward.


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Did The NSA Think The Public Can't Do Math? Attempt To Downplay Data Collection Fails Miserably
from the carry-the-one... deptLast week we wrote about the NSA's ridiculous attempt to justify its surveillance efforts, including this really wacky callout designed to show just how "little" data the NSA collects.
Scope and Scale of NSA CollectionThis was bizarre on a number of levels, not the least of which is the wacky basketball court-to-dime scale. Next time, maybe we can play "is it bigger than a breadbox" with the NSA. But, as for what any of this meant, it hasn't been at all clear. Since the NSA has already redefined basic English words like "collect," "target," "datamine," and "relevant" it's not at all clear what is meant by "touch." However, some are starting to dig into the numbers, and contrary to the NSA's attempt to suggest that this is "nothing to fear," a bit of analysis certainly suggests they're collecting quite a bit of info.
According to figures published by a major tech provider, the Internet carries 1,826 Petabytes of information per day. In its foreign intelligence mission, NSA touches about 1.6% of that. However, of the 1.6% of the data, only 0.025% is actually selected for review. The net effect is that NSA analysts look at 0.00004% of the world's traffic in conducting their mission -- that's less than one part in a million. Put another way, if a standard basketball court represented the global communications environment, NSA's total collection would be represented by an area smaller than a dime on that basketball court.
First up, we have Jeff Jarvis, who highlights a bunch of important comparative datapoints including that Sandvine claims that only 2.9% of US traffic is communication traffic and 68.8% of all email is spam -- meaning that it's entirely possible that the NSA collects nearly all non-spam email and it would still be within its 1.6% number. He also points out that 62% of traffic on the internet is considered entertainment, and we can assume that the NSA doesn't need to collect every copy of Game of Thrones that people are passing around (I'm sure one or two will do the job). He similarly points out that Google itself claims to only index approximately 0.004% of traffic on the internet, suggesting that the NSA may be collecting more info than Google indexes by two orders of magnitude.
Meanwhile, Sean Gallagher, over at Ars Technica, digs a bit deeper into the numbers, suggesting that the NSA's data collection is closer to being on par with Google, but still greater than Google:
The dime on the basketball court, as NSA describes it, is still 29.21 petabytes of data a day. That means NSA is "touching" more data than Google processes every day (a mere 20 petabytes).Gallagher also looks much more closely at the recently revealed details of the Xkeyscore program, to show how that 1.6% of "touched" internet communications can cover pretty much everything important.
As a result, if properly tuned, the packet analyzer gear at the front-end of XKeyscore (and other deep packet inspection systems) can pick out a very small fraction of the actual packets sent over the wire while still extracting a great deal of information (or metadata) about who is sending what to who. This leaves disk space for "full log data" on connections of particular interest.In other words, while the 1.6% number was put forth by the NSA to try to make people think this is no big deal, when you look at what it means, it suggests it's a very big deal indeed. In fact, the NSA may be collecting even more information that people had believed before.
Filed Under: data, data collection, internet traffic, nsa, nsa surveillance, scale


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Show full PR text
Audi kicks off spring with pricing announcement of all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet
Pricing starts at $77,900 for the all-new 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet with class-leading* fuel efficiency and unadulterated V8 top down fun
The highly successful RS 5 coupe extends its model series with the addition of this high-revving performance soft-top, which entices with a unique combination of prestige, power and efficiency.
With nearly identical performance numbers as the coupe, the RS 5 Cabriolet is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2 liter V8 engine that produces 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 317 lb.-ft. between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Equipped with the seven-speed double clutch S tronic® transmission with launch control and standard quattro® all-wheel drive, the RS 5 Cabriolet launches from 0-60 MPH in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed limited to 174 MPH; while at the same time achieving better fuel economy versus the primary competitors with an EPA estimated 16 city / 22 highway/ 18 combined and no gas guzzler tax.
"With spring just around the corner, Audi adds to the already impressive RS family with the all-new RS 5 Cabriolet, and at the perfect time," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America, "Top-down driving has been considered one of the best experiences a driver can have behind the wheel, and what a better way to enjoy the weather than to drive this vehicle with the top down, listening to the exhilarating sound of this outstanding V8 engine."
Starting at $77,900, the RS 5 Cabriolet is the epitome of superior, high-end performance, prestige and practicality. When the top is down, it requires only 2.12 cu-ft. of its 13.42 cu-ft. trunk volume. On hot summer days when the top is down, drivers can select the optional climate-controlled seats for added comfort. During a cool fall day, the driver can remain warm when the top is down with the optional neck-level heating vents located on the seats.
The split rear seatbacks can be folded over individually, and a load-through hatch from the trunk to the rear seating area improves ease of access functionality. Special reinforcements contribute to the convertible body's high rigidity, and aluminum front fenders compensate for some of the added weight of the reinforcements.
RS 5 Cabriolet customers looking to achieve superior braking performance can select ceramic brakes for the front rotors, a standalone package priced at $6,000.
The new LED light strips illuminate the headlights and taillights with a restructured appearance. Similar to the headlights, the rear bumper was also redesigned; its diffuser is now much higher, and a honeycomb screen insert encloses the two large elliptical tailpipes of the exhaust system. On the trunk lid there is a subtle body color spoiler lip for additional downforce.
The sport seats have power adjustments, high side panels for optimal lateral support, integrated head restraints, a lumbar support and a pull-out thigh support. They are upholstered in black or lunar silver Fine Nappa leather or in the optional combination of leather and Alcantara. All leather types are pigmented to help reduce heating by sunlight. At the press of a button, the soft top opens and closes automatically in 15 seconds and 17 seconds respectively – even when driving at speeds of up to 30 mph.
The 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet will go on sale in April 2013. To see and hear the sounds of spring created by Audi please visit: http://youtu.be/ufKc_7ZVyd0
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Where stated, fuel economy values are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary.
* Audi of America, Inc. defines the competitive class as automatic transmission versions of the 2013 Audi RS 5 Cabriolet and BMW M3 Convertible models. "Class leading fuel efficiency" based on EPA city, highway and combined fuel economy estimates for each model; 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway/ 18 mpg combined for Audi RS 5 Cabriolet. Actual mileage will vary.
News Source: Audi
Image Credit: Copyright 2013 Matt Davis / AOL
Category: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Audi, Luxury
Tags: 2013 audi rs5 cabriolet, a5, audi rs5 cabriolet, pricing, rs5, rs5 cabriolet


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — The U.S. dollar gained against the Australian currency on Tuesday while moving lower against the British pound, though overall foreign-exchange movements remained limited.
New York Fed President William Dudley said Tuesday that once the central bank is ready to raise rates, the pace of the hikes could be "relatively slow." Dudley is the vice chairman of the interest-rate setting committee. Read: Two Fed presidents show contrasting views on housing
No major U.S. economic data were scheduled for release.
The Australian dollar AUDUSD, -0.2767% fell to 92.51 U.S. cents from 93.27 U.S cents late Monday. That's the lowest level since April 3, according to FactSet.
Minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest monetary policy meeting, where it decided to leave interest rates on hold, showed officials think the current level of accommodative policy will be "appropriate for some time yet."
"Any hopes for a change in policy were squelched," said Michael Woolfolk, global markets strategist at BNY Mellon.
The minutes confirmed that the bank is comfortable keeping interest rate on hold, which some investors had inferred from weaker-than-expected inflation data in April. Annual inflation above the RBA's 2% to 3% inflation target could have pushed the central bank to become one of the first major central banks to hike rates, boosting the currency.
The Aussie could fall to 92 U.S. cents over the next week, according to Boris Schlossberg, managing director of foreign-exchange strategy at BK Asset Management.
The pound GBPUSD, -0.0880% moved up to $1.6842 from 1.6822 late Monday. The annual rate of consumer-price inflation in April rose to 1.8% from 1.6% in March.
The euro EURUSD, -0.0452% was at $1.3703 versus $1.3710 late in the prior session. Der Spiegel reported the European Central Bank could implement a negative deposit rate in June. Speculation has been building about the potential for easing next month since ECB President Mario Draghi said May 8 he would be "comfortable" taking action in June, if necessary.
The dollar USDJPY, +0.04% fell to ¥101.29 from ¥101.41. Investors continued to watch for a sustained push below the pair's 200-day moving average, currently at ¥101.26, according to FactSet.
The ICE dollar index DXY, +0.06%, a measure of the dollar's strength against six other currencies, rose to 80.036 from 80.005 late Monday. The WSJ Dollar Index BUXX, +0.06%, which pits the greenback against a wider basket of other currencies, rose to 72.95 from 72.87.
More must-reads on MarketWatch:
Volatility in the currency market is at an all-time low: Nomura
Don't bet on a summer rally this or any other year


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Body Painting
Best known for his visual art translations, Dr Gorilla (a.k.a David Rodriguez) has made an incredible impact with dynamic paintings that are filled with thought-provoking messages. He has a gift for sharing relational topics and spiritual matters through his live interpretive performance paintings.
, Dallas, TX


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The results are in. The results of the 2011 Resident Satisfaction Survey, that is, and Sun City Hilton Head residents really love their community.
Overall, 91.5 percent of residents rate their overall satisfaction with Sun City Hilton Head as good or excellent, 7.5 percent see it as fair and about 1 percent consider their satisfaction as poor. Executive Director Sue Sweeney announced the results at the Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting on Jan. 18.
More than 900 comments were submitted along with the survey responses. A majority of the comments reflect the general satisfaction of residents as well as opportunities for the Board and Management Company to improve services to residents. One resident commented on the survey, "We love our 'City.' This has got to be the nicest, best place to live. And, the people are wonderful. However, my husband wants to complain about the mailboxes! He points out that everything is top quality except for the boxes. Perhaps we should up the quality? Thank you for considering this problem."
Another resident wrote, "I'm finding that living in Sun City is all that anyone could hope for. Everyone is friendly, the staff is excellent, the events are great. I've been able to participate in activities that I'm interested in almost immediately and I've encountered a great sense of belonging right away. As it was put to me by a longer term resident; 'It's just a little slice of heaven'." While another wrote, "[Sun City] is a great place to live. Some of the covenants are ludicrous. It appears that 'Big Brother Syndrome' has been taken to a new level. I love the community and I love my neighbors, but I don't love the craziness of the rules."
Sweeney has reviewed all the written comments and is forwarding comments, particularly those reflecting ideas where facilities or staff services could be improved, to the management team. "We appreciate the many residents who offered positive reviews as well as those who took time to offer ideas as to how we can improve the community," Sweeney said.
Residents were asked to rate facilities and services on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 meaning "excellent," 4 meaning "good," 3 meaning "fair," 2 meaning "poor" and 1 meaning "unsure/don't know." The Community Association will use the responses from the survey to create new programs or focus on specific areas to meet residents' expectations.
Residents rated Wentworth, the company that manages the day-to-day operations, as 23 percent excellent, 54 percent good, 17 percent fair, about 4 percent poor and 3 percent of respondents were unsure. Wentworth scored an average of 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Residents felt that staff could be more responsive to resident concerns and that managers could be more available. Responsiveness scored 3.6 and availability scored 3.7. Sweeney said the association staff will work hard to improve in those areas.
"Our biggest focus of 2012 will be customer service, responsiveness and availability," she said.
Residents are satisfied with customer service in Sun City, rating it just over 4.2 at Resident Services, 4.3 at the fitness centers and 4.4 at social activities and in the golf pro shops. They also rated the quality of staff services at 4.1.
The work of the Greenery and the Facilities Services staff are appreciated; residents rated maintenance of common areas, and the interior and exterior of facilities around a 4.2. Residents also find Sun City facilities squeaky clean. Cleanliness of social and performing arts venues scored around 4.6.
The contents and quality of SunSations and eNews Weekly got high marks — residents rated those categories just above a 4.4. Sun City TV programming was scored just below a 4.
Residents also know what to do and where to go in Sun City. Advance notice of special events and accessibility of calendars both scored around a 4.4. Residents can catch a good show in Sun City and there is always something to do: 42 percent of residents said they participated in crafts and hobby activities, and 65 percent participated in social activities presented by Lifestyle Services. The quality and variety of the Star Entertainment Series shows and other social activities ranked above a 4.2. Residents are also getting a good deal on these shows and events; value received for ticket price scored just under a 4.2.
Sun City residents are certainly active adults with 81 percent participating in fitness activities in the past year. The fitness centers have high-quality exercise equipment, which rated a 4.3. Fitness classes are well-liked and give participants a good workout; residents ranked classes and the aquatic fitness classes at 4.3.
More than 42 percent of residents play on Sun City golf courses, and those players ranked the overall course condition a 4.4. Quality of golf clinics and golf lessons both scored nearly a 4.3.
But golf courses and fitness centers weren't the only facilities that residents said they love and use. Nature trail, tennis courts and softball field scored nearly a 4.6. The Dog Park and Pickleball courts were rated at 4.1.
The facilities here are also nurturing residents' creative side. The Woodworkers Shop was ranked almost a 4.8. The art studios, billiards and sewing room scored a 4.4. The Photography Studio and Magnolia Hall were rated 4.5, and the Computer Lab was scored a 4.6.
The survey also gave the Community Association other snapshots of Sun City. Some residents have not quite retired. One quarter of those who responded are still employed, and one-third work full time. If they are not working, many residents are volunteering: 55.1 percent volunteer within the community and 47.3 percent volunteer in the greater community.
Sun City residents received the survey with the November issue of SunSations, and the Community Association collected more than 1,900 responses between Oct. 26 and Nov. 18, 2011.
Full results of the survey are located under the "surveys" tab on the community's website, www.schhnews.com.


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Manning awarded sentencing credit
FORT MEADE, Md. — The military illegally punished alleged WikiLeaks source Bradley Manning by keeping him in stricter conditions than were necessary during much of the nearly nine months he spent in a Marine Corps brig, a military judge ruled Tuesday.
Army Col. Denise Lind granted the Army private nearly four months' credit off any sentence he may receive for allegedly sending hundreds of thousands of military reports and diplomatic cables to the pro-transparency organization.
Story Continued Below
The decision is a significant victory for Manning's defense and a vindication for human-rights groups that complained the intelligence analyst was being treated unfairly. The ruling also runs counter to President Barack Obama's statement at a March 2011 news conference that Manning's treatment at the brig was "appropriate."
However, with Manning facing the possibility of up to life in prison if convicted, the practical effect of the 112-day "sentencing credit" is limited.
( Also on POLITICO: Does aiding WikiLeaks equal aiding Al Qaeda?)
Lind calculated most of the credit based on three periods when Manning was held on "suicide risk" or "prevention of injury" watch after psychiatrists opined that such treatment was not necessary. The judge ruled that it was "excessive" to keep him on that status, which required frequent checks by guards, limits to his clothing and sometimes led to him sleeping wearing nothing but an anti-suicide blanket.
"At some point, continuing POI [prevention of injury watch] over the recommendations of mental health professionals becomes excessive, absent a change in circumstances," Lind said in her lengthy ruling, which she read from the bench Tuesday afternoon. She called her decision to award one 20-day credit "a very close call."
Lind also gave Manning 10 days' credit for being denied the customary one hour of daily exercise time during a 4½-month period. In that window, he usually got a 20-minute "sunshine call" where he could not exercise vigorously because his restraints were not removed.
Prosecutors had essentially agreed that Manning was entitled to a seven-day credit because Quantico officials violated Navy procedures by not immediately removing him from the strictest status he was on — "suicide risk" — after psychiatrists called for him to be downgraded.
Manning spent a total of nearly nine months at the Quantico brig before being transferred to a larger military detention facility at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., in April 2011. At the time, Defense Department General Counsel Jeh Johnson said the soldier's treatment "was in compliance with legal and regulatory standards in all respects."
The Marine Corps closed the brig permanently in December 2011, in part because its facilities were deemed inadequate for long-term detention of prisoners awaiting trial.
Lind found no improper motive on the part of the Marine Corps jailers or others in the chain of command, who she said were motivated by genuine desire to ensure Manning's safety, given his history of mental health issues and indications he was suicidal for a time. "There was no intent to punish the accused by anyone on the Marine Corps brig staff" or other officials, she said.


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DOVER — Jon Nartiff had two goals as the St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys soccer team knocked off previously unbeaten Hollis-Brookline 4-1 on Thursday in Division II.
Eric Eames and Brian Ellis also scored for the Saints (4-4-1). Nartiff's first goal was a header off an Evan Suprenant throw-in. Bryan King, TJ Tetreault and Xavier Quinn also had assists.
Ben Mardin made nine saves, including one on a breakaway.
@Subhead:Marshwood 4, Biddeford 0
BIDDEFORD — Max McCoomb had a hat trick to lead the Marshwood boys soccer team to a 4-0 win Thursday over Biddeford in Western Maine Class A.
Alex McLean added a goal and two assists. Matt Brenner and Kyle Rowe combined for two saves in net.
@Subhead:Noble 6, Sanford 0
SANFORD, Maine — The Noble boys soccer team was a 6-0 winner over Sanford (0-8-1) in Western Maine Class A on Thursday.
Keegan Whelan scored twice for Noble (6-3) while TJ Cloutier, Jake Emard and Sean Jackson each added a goal and an assist. Josh Emard also scored and John Clark added a pair of assists.
@Subhead:Newmarket 1, Epping 0 (OT)
NEWMARKET — Ryan Dutka scored in the first minute of overtime on Thursday to lift the Newmarket boys soccer team to a 1-0 overtime win over rival Epping (2-4-2) in Division IV action on Thursday.
Sam Morin assisted on the goal, which lifted the Mules to a 7-2 record. Cam Gryzybowski and Zach Jarosz played well at defense.
BCD 3, Berwick 2
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The Berwick Academy boys soccer team dropped a 3-2 decision Thursday to Beaver Country Day in the Eastern Independent League.
Emile Lebel and Jesse Morse scored for the Bulldogs (2-3-1 overall, 2-2-1 EIL). Keeper Erik Wisniewski made six saves.
@Subhead:Waynflete 4, Traip 1
KITTERY, Maine — The Traip Academy boys soccer team fell to .500 with a 4-1 loss to Waynflete (7-0-1) on Thursday in Western Maine Class C.
Ralph Humiston scored the lone goal for Traip (4-4-1), while goalie Colin Macomber made five saves.
Traip is at NYA on Saturday.
@Subhead:FIELD HOCKEY Marshwood 2, Windham 0
WINDHAM, Maine — The Marshwood High School field hockey team blanked Windham, 2-0, Thursday in Western Maine Class A.
Lindsey Poirier and Ashley Hickey scored for the Hawks (9-2). Sammy Crosman assisted on Poirier's goal. Cassidy Smith made two saves.
Marshwood hosts Deering today.
@Subhead:GOLF Noble 9.5, Marshwood 3.5
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The Noble High School golf team defeated Marshwood, 9.5-3.5, Thursday at The Links at Outlook in Western Maine Class A.
Marshwood's Shane Odiorne shot 43 and halved his match for one point. Tucker Etro shot 53 and tied his match for half a point. Baili Kearson-Longtin shot 60 and won his match 4 and 3 for two points.
Noble (7-3) shot a 223 team score to 240 for Marshwood (6-4).
The teams next play in the state qualifier Monday at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro.
@Subhead:Newmarket sweeps
FRANKLIN — The Newmarket golf team finished the regular season by sweeping a match Thursday with Franklin and Lisbon.
Sean Fleming was the medalist with a 40. Josh Eisfeller shot 46 and Joe Woods and Brandon Bassett each carded 47.
As a team the Mules (13-9) shot 182 to 214 for Franklin and 217 for Lisbon.
Newmarket, which will likely by the No. 7 seed, will play in the state tournament next Thursday at Newport Country Club.
@Subhead:Berwick 6, Bancroft 0
BOLTON, Mass. — The Berwick Academy golf team beat host Bancroft, 6-0, Thursday in The International Country Club.
Jon Malloy (41, 1 hole up), Max Linemayr (38, 1 hole up), Cam Clair (35, 7 holes up), Lukas Linemayr (40, 6 holes up), Brennan Santaniello (41, 1 hole up) and Alex Grammenos (45, 9 holes up) won their matches.
The Bulldogs (6-0) hosts Beaver Country Day on Oct. 4 at The Ledges in York, Maine.
@Subhead:Wednesday VOLLEYBALL Portsmouth Christian 3, Trinity 1
MANCHESTER — The Portsmouth Christian volleyball team was a four-set winner over Trinity on Wednesday in Division III. Game scores were 25-13, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21.
For Portsmouth Christian, Sophie Shay had six assists, Abra Roberts had 15 kills and 11 digs and Kristin Heidt had 25 assists and 12 digs.
Portsmouth Christian is at Epping on Monday.
High school roundup: St. Thomas boys upset Hollis-Brookline
DOVER — Jon Nartiff had two goals as the St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys soccer team knocked off previously unbeaten Hollis-Brookline 4-1 on Thursday in Division II.


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RICHMOND, Va. – The VCU Men's Soccer team added a pair of victories to its spring campaign, defeating visiting VMI and Wake Forest in a pair of matches played on Saturday at Sports Backers Stadium.
"It was nice to get two results today against two good teams in VMI and Wake Forest," said VCU head coach Dave Giffard. "I thought today we were further along than we were two weeks ago against Maryland, but not where we need to be yet. I was proud of our guys for finding a way to win the game tonight (against Wake) after going down a goal. We are at the point in our development as a team where we have to go into games against good teams expecting to win and then doing the little things that are necessary to get results against those good teams."
In the first game of the day between VMI and VCU, the Black and Gold recorded a 2-0 victory. VCU forward Kharlton Belmar provided the game's first goal off an assist from fellow forward Daniel Haehre. The second goal against the Keydets came off the foot of defender Isaac Owusu.
Goalkeeper Clark Hankins started the contest against VMI, before giving way to Garrett Cyprus.
In the nightcap against Wake Forest, the Rams surrender the first goal of the game, before coming back with two goals in the 2-1 victory over the Demon Deacons.
The first tally of the game from VCU came off the foot of forward Jason Johnson, who recorded the goal off an assist from midfielder Jose Carlos Castillo. The Rams pulled ahead for good with a goal from forward Yoram Mwila, who accepted a pass from Johnson before burying the attempt in the Wake Forest goal.
Goalkeeper Andrew Wells played the full 90 minutes for the Rams in this evening's match.
"We'll have a strong week of training to get ready for our next test this weekend in South Carolina," added Giffard.
The Rams will compete in three matches next Saturday in Rock Hill, S.C., taking on Queens College, Davidson College and Furman University. VCU will battle Queens College at 9:30 a.m., before taking on Davidson at 12:30 p.m. The Rams will close out the day with a 5:30 match against Furman.
|VCU Lineup vs. VMI
GK Clark Hankins
|VCU Lineup vs. Wake Forest
|GK Andrew Wells
D Juan Monge Solano
D Dennis Castillo
D Assane Keita
D Juan Arbelaez
M Romena Bowie
M Nate Shiffman
M Mario Herrera Meraz
M Jose Carlos Castillo
F Yoram Mwila
F Jason Johnson


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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Vital to a Longer, Healthier Life
The life-prolonging benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are hardly front-page news any longer. We have all heard by now that it is important to eat at least two servings of fatty fish per week for optimal cardiovascular health. After all, no less an authority than the American Heart Association recommended just such a dietary plan for all Americans in 2000, and again late last year, after reviewing years of research on the impressive health benefits of omega-3 consumption.1,2
The recommendation reflects the culmination of decades of research that began in the 1950s, when scientists first examined the traditional diets and lifestyles of the Inuit (Eskimos) in Greenland in an effort to understand the Eskimos' almost startling absence of cardiovascular and other diseases. While heart and circulation disorders rank among the top killers in the industrialized world, they are virtually unknown among the hunter-fishers of the Arctic Circle. The Inuit's amazing health, scientists eventually understood, is a direct result of consistently eating large quantities of fish and marine mammals, which are rich sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
But intriguing new research from around the globe indicates that the much-heralded heart benefits represent little more than the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to this versatile and utterly essential nutrient.
A 21st Century Optimal Supplement
And the list doesn't stop there, as new research suggests even more potential benefits of omega-3s. Cutting-edge research from facilities all over the world indicates that omega-3s may also prevent age-related macular degeneration, suppress cancer cell growth (while simultaneously promoting cancer cell death), decrease susceptibility to the most common form of stroke, ameliorate complications of Type II diabetes, and even improve the health of those whose lungs have been damaged by smoking or diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema.35-45
But even that list fails to encompass the full scope of this essential nutrient's absolute importance to virtually every aspect of health. About 60% of the brain consists of lipids, and the omega-3s are among the most important of these. They are key components of cell membranes throughout the body, and are richly invested in neural tissue.
The omega-3s are known as essential fatty acids (EFAs) because they are necessary nutrients that must be obtained from the diet. Unlike cholesterol, for instance, the body cannot manufacture the omega-3s it needs. While certain plant sources provide the building blocks of the most crucial omega-3s, they are most readily and plentifully obtained from marine sources.
Data gathered from populations around the world paint a clear picture: societies with the lowest fish consumption have the highest rates of suicide, depression, and violence. Conversely, among populations where fish is eaten frequently, these costly social ills are dramatically lower. The jury is still out on certain promising aspects of omega-3 supplementation therapy, but one thing is clear: omega-3s play a crucial role in maintaining health. What is equally clear is that the average American does not get nearly enough omega-3 fatty acids from the diet.
Some scientists have even speculated that the lack of adequate omega-3s in the Western diet may account for escalating levels of neurological disorders such as autism, depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).11-24 Others are investigating the benefits of omega-3 supplementation in the treatment of everything from asthma to inflammatory bowel disease and schizophrenia.46-48 Studies have shown that omega-3s can reduce the risk of sudden death from heart attack,5 improve vessel elasticity,49 lower serum triglycerides,50 and coax an unsteady heartbeat back into a stable rhythm.51-53 It is no fish story: Fish oil is beginning to look like a panacea for the 21st century.
Omega-3 vs. Omega-6– A Harmful Imbalance?
For those who do not like fish or prefer the convenience and safety of supplements, fish oil is available in capsule form. But even fish do not generate these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. They get them courtesy of their own diets, which include marine algae or seaweed. Humans can too, of course, although it seems unlikely that the average American will be able or willing to order fresh seaweed at McDonalds any time soon.
A third essential fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is available from certain plant sources, most notably flax seed, avocados, and walnuts. The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA, but the process is slow and the rate of conversion probably varies according to age, gender, and other factors.54-56 Fish and fish oil thus remain the best sources of vital DHA and EPA.
For millions of years, humans evolved on a diet rich in natural omega-3 food sources, including free-range game, fish, marine mammals, nuts, and fresh seaweed. In the early 20th century, however, food manufacturers in the industrialized nations began literally pouring soybean oil—a source of omega-6 fatty acids—into the food chain. A concurrent decline in fish and wild game consumption, accompanied by the heavy use of grains (another omega-6 source) as feed for livestock, conspired to drastically alter the balance between omega-6s and omega-3s in the Western diet. While an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of roughly 2:1 is optimal, most Americans consume far more omega-6s than omega-3s, yielding a ratio skewed at least 10:1 in favor of omega-6s. Some estimates put the ratio as high as 40:1.
One researcher calculates that consumption of omega-6s has increased 1,000-fold since the early 20th century, literally changing the composition of our brains and bodies. Studies have shown that when cells are deprived of vital omega-3s, they attempt to compensate by incorporating saturated fats in cell membranes. The result is a stiff and ineffectual structure that must serve as the cell's means of "commerce" and exchange with the rest of the body. Because omega-6s break down into arachidonic acid in the body, and arachidonic acid is converted to highly inflammatory chemicals, a huge increase in the availability of arachidonic acid translates into a huge increase in the potential for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Omega-3s, on the other hand, are converted by the body to series 1 and 3 prosta-glandins which serve to counterbalance the inflammatory effects of the series 2 prostaglandins, derived from arachidonic acid.
Here's a look at some of the diverse ways in which omega-3s can improve health and extend life.
Promise Shown Treating Arthritis
Arthritis is actually a range of diseases, all of which have joint inflammation in common. Omega-3s excel at quelling inflammation. Although experts have recognized this beneficial effect for years, recent research has shed light on the exact mechanisms involved.
A number of diseases are associated with a high level of interleukin-1B (IL-1B), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Arthritis is associated with an increase in IL-1B and the pro-inflammatory leukotriene LTB(4), which is indirectly produced by the body from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is derived from omega-6 fatty acids and gives rise to a class of immune system compounds that promote pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that when omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are balanced (that is, when the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in the body is about 1:1 to 4:1), far less arachidonic acid is available for conversion to harmful eicosanoids and cyto-kines. Fewer of these compounds in circulation means less inflammation.
Besides "crowding out" excess arachidonic acid, the omega-3s aid the body in other ways, too. They have been shown to act on intracellular signaling pathways, to influence transcription factor activity, and to modulate gene expression. All of these effects may combine to alleviate inflammation and disease. As one researcher noted: "Many of the placebo-controlled trials of fish oil in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including decreased disease activity and lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs."32 Another scientist reviewed nearly two decades of published research on the use of fish oil in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and concluded: "Treatment with fish oil has been associated with improvement…in rheumatoid arthritis."34


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First, let me apologize for neglecting all of you cockfighting fans out there for so long. I know, it hasn't been fair. But your voices have been heard, and today, we're going there.
Actually, we're not going there, but a Canadian guy named Roy went there. To the Phillipines. And to a cockfighting event. And he blogged it.
I do feel that cockfighting is a vile, disgusting, and inhumane thing, but you know, that's never stopped us from having Raiders games, so who am I to judge? We can all learn something here, like for instance, the five different forms of cockfighting. There is bare-spurred, there is one with little shoes on the spurs (for the cocks who are pussies), there is one with a plastic arm attached to the spur, there's one with "a little steel axe," on the spur, and then there is the cockfighting we're all more familiar with, the one with a razor-sharp blade attached to the spur. My cock is undefeated in such battles.
Anyway, it's a fascinating read, I highly recommend checking out the story and the pictures.
Tamaleeeeeee! [Roy to the World]


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Pink's Daughter Willow Has Taken After Which Of Her Parents?
Rock singer Pink and her husband Carey Hart's cute five year old daughter Willow is growing up fast, and has taken up a very interesting hobby!
The singer has posted this adorable Instagram of her little girl about to follow in her dad's footsteps as a bike racer!
'Willows first race. I like her intensity,' wrote Pink. 'She reminds me of someone. This might have been Carey Harts' Best Day Ever.'
Of course her safety helmet had to be colored pink!
Carey wrote before the race: 'Tonight is a big milestone in both Willz life and my life lol. Her 1st race.'
That is too cute!


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With 2011 officially in the books, MLSsoccer.com's Best of 2011 spends the last day of the series looking forward to 2012.
Here, correspondent John Bolster looks into the future of the US national team, and explains why Brek Shea will be the Breakout Player of 2012.
Brek Shea accomplished so much as a dynamic, attacking winger in 2011, it's easy to forget he began the season playing center back.
But it's true: After a successful stint in that position during the 2010 Generation adidas tour of Spain, Shea started the 2011 MLS season in the middle of the FC Dallas defense, with coach Schellas Hyndman going so far as to say, "To me, he's a better center back than he is a left-sided player."
We may never know if Hyndman's assertion is true, because soon after Dallas playmaker David Ferreira went down with a season-ending injury in April, Shea shifted back out to the left flank and promptly took over the reins on offense for FCD. The lanky, speedy Texan scored 11 goals, contended for the MVP award and solidified his standing with the US national team along the way.
Now, Shea is poised to do on the USMNT what he did in MLS in 2011: Break out in a big way.
The laid-back 21-year-old with an aversion to "normal haircuts" actually debuted for the US in October 2010 under coach Bob Bradley — but apart from the fact that the appearance made him the first player born in the 1990s to play for the full national team, it was a forgettable 45 minutes.
His second cap the following January, against Chile, was much more promising, and in seven appearances under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Shea has been consistently effective. He notched his first assist in August against Mexico, doing some excellent work before squaring the ball for Robbie Rogers to tap into an empty net. He should have had his first international goal in October, but missed a sitter against Honduras.
Apart from that flub, though, Shea has shined in a US shirt, and following a friendly against Ecuador three days after the Honduras game, Klinsmann said the winger had "secured his spot in the starting lineup."
But even after one of the most taxing individual seasons in recent memory (Shea played in nearly 50 games this year combined for club and country), he didn't sit back and reflect on his accomplishments. Instead, he signed on for a training stint with Premier League power Arsenal.
Consider it woodshedding for a bigger and better 2012.
2. José Francisco Torres
Before being sidelined by a foot injury this past fall, the Pachuca midfielder looked sharp in two appearances for the US, pulling strings in attack in a 1-1 draw with Mexico and a 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. "He is definitely a player who we will build over the next months and years to go," said Klinsmann.
3. Kyle Beckerman
Much like Shea, Beckerman had a long season filled with extra games and the adjustment of losing a top playmaker (RSL's Javier Morales). Also like Shea, he seized the opportunities in front of him, playing his way into a regular role in Klinsmann's midfield. He'll be hungry to cement his spot next year.
WATCH: Firchau, Borg, and Lalas on Shea


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AMHERST, Mass. – Sara Isaacson scored two minutes into overtime to lift the Brandeis University women's soccer team to a 2-1 triumph over Union College in NCAA first-round action Saturday at Hitchcock Field.
The Judges (14-4-2) advance to face Lasell College in second-round play Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Union ends its season at 15-4-0.
Just three minutes into the contest, Brandeis snuck in a goal when Haley Schachter tapped in a rebound from the left side following a missed shot from Sapir Edalati.
Union settled in and dominated possession for much of the first half, eventually finding the equalizer in the 25th minute. Melissa Scinto sent a well-placed corner to the left post and Jennifer Mansfield was there to finish, evening the score at 1-1.
The Dutchwomen continued to keep the ball in the Brandeis half but could not pull ahead before the break despite taking a 9-5 edge in shots into intermission.
Brandeis came out stronger in the second half, with back-and-forth play leading to few early opportunities for either squad. Union had a strong look in the 55th when a collision in the box left an open net for Molly Gilchrist, who got a foot on it in the melee but saw her attempt foiled when the Brandeis defense flew in to clear just before the trickling shot could cross the line. Five minutes later, the Dutchwomen knocked again off a corner, but Gilchrist's hard shot from the right side flew just high.
With both teams fighting for advantage late, Brandeis found a strong look in the 88th minute when Dara Spital blasted a long try from the left, but a diving save from Kayla Marti kept the score knotted, sending the teams into overtime.
With Brandeis generating good looks to start the extra period, it was a highlight-reel shot that won it for the Judges. Collecting a bouncing ball nearly 20 yards out on the left side, Sara Isaacson sent a marvelous arcing blast over the leaping arms of Marti and into the netting, sending the Brandeis bench into jubilation just two minutes into overtime.
Lasell advanced by defeating host Amherst, 3-1, in the day's first match. Brandeis already owns a 3-1 victory over the Lasers this season when the teams met Oct. 23.


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Veterans Resource Center to Open in Rapid City
RAPID CITY - Military students at the University Center-Rapid City will have one place to turn to for support services when the Veterans Resource Center opens Friday.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center will take place at 1p.m. at the University Center-Rapid City.
Among the scheduled speakers are Gov. Dennis Daugaard, South Dakota National Guard adjutant general Maj. Gen. Timothy Reisch, Black Hills State University President Kay Schallenkamp and South Dakota Board of Regents President Kathryn Johnson.
The resource center will cater to students from all of the six South Dakota public universities attending University Center-Rapid City.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper tickled the ivories to the tune of The Beatles Saturday night at the sold-out NAC Gala held at the National Arts Centre in support of Canada's next generation of performing artists.
Harper got by with a little help from cellist Yo-Yo Ma taking to the stage just prior to the intermission to sing and play the piano. He performed a classic Beatles tune — With a Little Help from My Friends — accompanied by Ma, one of the greatest classical musicians of our time, and members of the Ottawa band, Herringbone.
The performance was even more remarkable in that it came just over a year after the PM said he didn't believe that "a bunch of people at a rich gala" resonated with "ordinary working people."
The comment, believed to be a reaction to Quebec TV stars who complained about government cuts to funding for the annual Gemeaux awards, cost the Conservatives votes in that province, and was widely credited with denying Harper a majority government in the federal election last October.
A day after his remark, his wife Laureen, honourary chairwoman of the gala, indicated she would not be attending.
Saturday's surprise performance was introduced by young Canadian pianist Avan Yu, an alumnus of the NAC's Young Artist Program and a guest performer at the gala's benefit concert. Harper's unexpected number earned him a standing ovation and loud cheers from the black-tie audience of 2,300 people.
At one point during the song, the crowd clapped along and, at times, chuckled aloud, as when Harper sang "What would you do if I sang out of tune," which he did, and "I need somebody to love."
Very few people in Southam Hall saw the Prime Minister's performance coming, with the exception of his wife, who returned for her fourth year as chairwoman.
"I thought he was great," she said at the VIP reception held during intermission. She admitted it had been a struggle for her to keep the secret to herself.
"It was a great surprise," said Yale, executive vice-president of presenting sponsor Telus. "I think it's wonderful to show that kind of support for the arts, in particular the performing arts and youth. I couldn't be happier."
Others agreed. "I think it was a great move on his part," commented provincial cabinet minister and Ottawa MPP Jim Watson, while pointing out that Harper was not wearing a black tie but an open-collar shirt. "Touche, Mr. Harper."
Laureen Harper also made her own appearance on stage, just prior to the concert. She announced that this year's gala had raised $575,000 for the National Youth and Education Trust, calling it "a shining example of how we can support the artistic development of young people across the country."
Concert-only tickets for the gala cost between $70 and $150. The 600 guests who paid a minimum of $1,000 a ticket were treated to a post-concert reception followed by a three-course dinner on the main stage with the stars.


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- Description
Details4 USDA Prime or Choice Filet Mignon 8 oz each | 4 Steak Burgers 8 oz each | 4 Jumbo Steak Dogs 4 oz each | From delicate filets mignon to juicy steak burgers and steak dogs, this popular assortment includes our customers' favorite selections. Not only does this premium assortment make an excellent gift, it's also convenient to have on hand for entertaining or everyday indulgence.
- Shipping Info
Exclusive AB Prime Protection for a Delivery in Wholesome Condition
- We are eager to pack and ship your Allen Brothers order and offer your choice of the following Allen Brothers Prime Delivery Days: Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
- Order BEFORE Wednesday, Noon CST to receive your order on Friday of the same week!
- Orders placed after Noon CST on Wednesday will reflect available Allen Brothers Prime Delivery Dates for the following week - sorry, we do not ship our products over the weekend.
- Overnight Delivery Service reduces the time-in-transit to just 1 day for an additional $25 and is the perfect solution if you would like to receive your order on a Tuesday or you place your order AFTER Noon CST and would like to receive your order within 2 business days.
- All meats are individually shrink-wrapped and flash frozen to lock in all natural juices and flavor.
- Products are packaged in an attractive gift box and nestled in a reusable polystyrene container with enough dry ice to ensure safe delivery. The container is placed in a heavy-duty corrugate box for an additional layer of protection.
- When sending a gift you must make sure the gift recipient will be available for delivery.
Please see our SHIPPING PAGE for shipping costs, holiday order deadlines and more: https://www.allenbrothers.com/contact-shipping-information
- Nutritional Information
8.oz.Beef tenderloin steak
8.oz.Hamburger 80.20
Jumbo Steak Dogs


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Since founding Gamblin Artists Colors, Robert Gamblin has wanted artists to be able to paint freely — to use color and texture without hesitation or reservation. Gamblin 1980 Oil Colors offer artists true color and real value.
Color Swatches created using heavy application/medium application/50% tint and were applied on acrylic primed canvas (7 oz) material.
organic, monoazo
This Hansa yellow is a transparent yellow. It has great brightness and tinting strength and its drying time ranges from average to slow.
Hansa Yellow makes more intense tints and cleaner secondaries than Cadmium Yellows, especially when mixed with other organic or modern colors like Phthalo Blue and Green. Because they are more transparent, they have great value as glazing colors.
This Hansa Yellow has fair to good permanence, particularly in the lighter shades.
Hansa Yellow has no significant acute hazards, though its chronic hazards have not been well studied.
Hansa Yellows were first made in Germany just before WW1 from a series of synthetic dyestuffs called Pigment Yellow. They were intended to be a synthetic replacement for Cadmium Yellow.
Arylamide Yellow, Arylide, Arylide Yellow, Azo, Brilliant Yellow, Monoazo, Monolite Yellow, Permanent Yellow.
alpha copper phthalocyanine
Phthalo Blue PB15:1 is a structural variant of Phthalo Blue PB15 that produces more reddish tones.
Phthalo Blues are completely lightfast and stable and are permanent for all paint uses. They are currently used in inks, coatings, and many plastics due to their stability and are considered a standard pigment in printing ink and the packaging industry.
Phthalo Blues have no significant hazards, although those made before 1982 contained some PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).
Developed by chemists using the trade name Monastral Blue, the organic blue dyestuff now known as Phthalo Blue was presented as a pigment in November 1935 in London. Its discovery was accidental. The dark color was observed in a kettle where a dye was being made from a British dyestuff plant. The demand for such a pigment came from commercial printers who wanted a cyan to replace Prussian Blue.
Phthalo Blue Red Shade, Winsor Blue Red Shade
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The Super Chevy Show series, presented by Chevrolet Performance, will return to Martin, Michigan on May 30th to June 1st. Before arriving at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park, the Super Chevy Show Kick-Off Cruise will stop by the Lingenfelter Collection for a rare look at 150 rides any car guy or gal would love to have.
The Lingenfelter Collection occupies 40,000 square feet in Brighton, MI and is normally closed to the public. However, participants are invited to tour the facility on May 30th at 11:30 a.m. where the cruise will begin. The tour and cruise is open to all Chevy-bodied and powered vehicles, including all GM models. To participate, call the number below to RSVP. Expect coverage right here on SuperChevy.com, as well as from the show itself at U.S. 131.
Following the tour of the Lingenfelter Collection, the cruise will head some 142 miles to U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to register for the Show & Shine. The car show is just one of the many great weekend happenings at the Michigan Super Chevy Show. A swap meet, car corral, children's activities, and the main attraction – drag racing – will all take place at 1249 12th Street in Martin, Michigan at the Super Chevy Show.
"We can't wait to be in Michigan for the Super Chevy Show. This is the actual home of Chevrolet, so this is THE place to be May 30 – June 1," said Jim Campisano, Editor of Super Chevy Magazine. "There's no telling what will turn up in the car show and on the race track! People in this state not only love their cars, but they have a vested interest in the auto industry. They're some of the most hardcore enthusiasts on earth.
"Making the Super Chevy weekend even more special is the cruise from Lingenfelter Performance. That they've decided to host the cruise and open up the Lingenfelter Car Collection to Super Chevy enthusiasts, well, that's a treat that has to be experienced to be believed," Campisano added. "Some of the finest, rarest, and most historic Chevys in the world are in this collection. We can't thank the folks at Lingenfelter Performance enough for their support and enthusiasm."
Super Chevy Show Kick-Off Cruise
Where: Lingenfelter Collection, 7819 Lochlin Drive, Brighton, Michigan
When: May 30th at 11:30 a.m.
How: RSVP by calling 816/246-8866 ext. 8 during business hours


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Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Business Administration
Information Systems Design and Implementation
Three semester hours.
This course is a continuation of MIS 5350. The emphasis is on the later phases of the system development life cycle (SDLC), with a focus on the design and implementation of information systems within organizations. Topics include, but are not limited to: comparing and contrasting a variety of approaches to system design; examining alternative approaches to the implementation of information systems, doing system integration and interface management; exposure to the development and documentation standards; testing and managing the conversion and hand-over of the system. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to design, prototype, document and implement a moderately complex IS. Prerequisite: MIS 5350 or concurrent enrollment and permission of instructor.
Home - General Information - Student Services -
Academic Undergraduate Regulations -
Undergraduate Degrees - Academic Graduate Regulations -
Graduate Degrees - Course Descriptions - Faculty -
Appendix A - Appendix B - Appendix C - Appendix D


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An edition of: WaterAtlas.org
Presented By:
Sarasota County, USF Water Institute
This interactive map brings all water resource-related information together in one place
Use this interactive map to find data from continuously-reporting monitoring stations
View the geographic distribution and variability of rainfall amounts, access statistical rainfall summaries, or download rainfall data
View a map of recent rainfall in Sarasota County, as measured by County-operated remote monitoring stations
View bathymetry, vegetation surveys, and habitat analysis for west-central Florida tidal creeks
View monitoring results in the form of maps and charts and learn about oysters' role in ecosystems
Visualize spatial and temporal changes in important water quality measures
Search the Water Atlas library using keyword(s) and an interactive map
Find a particular water resource on any of the Water Atlas websites using this tool
Use this tool to graph water resource data and to download data for your own analysis
View an analysis of water quality trends over a ten-year period, showing areas of improvement and decline
Explore water quality status and trends in 17 coastal creeks and their watersheds
Explore water quality status and trends in Sarasota County's 8 major bay systems and their watersheds
Get detailed information about projects that remove pollutants from our waterways: TN, TP, TSS, DO and bacteria
Find information about our data sources, including frequency and currency of data updates
Take a virtual tour of Alligator Creek, rich with wetlands, trails, mangrove forests, and wildlife
Take a virtual tour of this productive tidal creek that flows from the Celery Fields to Roberts Bay
Learn about techniques for capturing and using rainwater to reduce stormwater pollution and flooding while creating attractive landscapes
Review management plans for Sarasota's bay systems, and see a map of projects that support those plans
Learn about the efforts of Sarasota County and its partners to protect beachgoers from water-borne pathogens
Learn how Sarasota County and its co-permittees manage stormwater to minimize surface water pollution
Hurricanes, tropical storms and heavy rainfall can occur any time in Sarasota County, making YOUR property subject to flooding
Search our library of water-related documents, maps, websites, videos and organizations
View hundreds of photographs that accurately and artistically capture the beauty of local waterways
Enjoy the stories of local residents whose lives and livelihoods have been intimately connected with our waterways
Be informed about important water-related news with implications in Sarasota County and elsewhere
Use this calendar to find opportunities for recreation, volunteering, and citizen participation
Watch these videos to learn how to protect and enjoy Sarasota County's waterways
See recent and historic photos of area waterways, submitted by Water Atlas sponsors, partners and users
Find out how you can participate in improving Sarasota County's watersheds
Learn about neighborhoods that are actively involved in projects to improve water quality and habitat diversity
Discover the beauty and importance of seagrass habitats, and sign up to help monitor their health
Improve water quality in your community waterways so you can have more birds, more fish – and more fun!
See a water quality problem happening? Report it here.
Review results of the Sarasota Watershed Symposium, a forum for ideas and plans for improving coastal habitats
Do you have old photos or documents, or an interesting water-related story to tell? Submit them here.
Suggest web links or videos, submit documents, or provide contact information for people or organizations
Learn about the purpose of the Water Atlas program, the organizations who sponsor this Atlas, the people who maintain it, and the sources of its data
Leave feedback; Ask Questions; Report Problems
Visit all the Water Atlas websites
3 out of 3 indicators were rated as PASS.
All three indicators must pass for the bay to be rated as PASS.
Learn more about how this report is created
After improving in 2012, the overall health of Roberts Bay shows a downward trend in 2013, with a noticeable increase in the metrics for nutrient pollution during the latter half of the year. Heavy rainfall during the late summer/early fall may have been a contributing factor. Phosphorus levels remain well below the target value, but nitrogen and chlorophyll show an upward trend and were above target levels, though below thresholds.
Water Quality: All three water quality indicators (chlorophyll a, nitrogen, and phosphorus) were rated as pass (below the threshold). However the mean values for all three water quality metrics were higher than the previous year. The mean for chlorophyll a was calculated as an arithmetic mean and the means for nitrogen and phosphorus were calculated as geometric means (per the Numeric Nutrient Criteria outlined in the Florida Administrative Code, section 62-302.532). The score for both chlorophyll a and nitrogen declined from "Excellent" to "Good", as their mean values in 2013 were not below targets. Mean Chlorophyll a concentration (0.0101 mg/l) was above its target value of 0.0082 mg/l, but below the threshold level of 0.011 mg/l. Similarly, mean nitrogen concentration was 0.5142 mg/l, between its target and threshold values of 0.450 mg/l and 0.5406 mg/l, respectively. Although the mean value for phosphorus increased somewhat (to 0.0989 mg/l), it is still well below its target value of 0.190 mg/l, so it retains its score of "Excellent" from the previous year.
Biotic Indicator: Measurement of the biotic indicator, seagrass, is performed at two-year intervals and is due for monitoring again in 2014. While total seagrass acreage in Roberts Bay shows an increasing trend, the 2012 acreage of 300 acres is still slightly below the target value of 348 acres.
Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a levels are monitored carefully by
water resource managers and used by regulatory authorities to determine whether a bay
meets the water quality standards mandated by the Clean Water Act. The trend graphs for
these indicators are shown below, along with their target and threshold values. A target
value is a desirable goal to be attained, while a threshold is an undesirable level which
is to be avoided. An individual indicator receives an "Excellent"
rating if its mean value is below the target, a "Good" rating if its mean value is above the target
but does not exceed the threshold, and a "Caution" rating if the mean value exceeds the threshold.
Learn More about these ratings and how they are calculated »
The Five-year Rolling Average Graphs below illustrate the general trend of water quality parameters. They show a six-month running average, which moderates high and low values in the data.
The rating for Chlorophyll a is determined by comparing the annual arithmetic mean of its sampled values to fixed target and threshold values. The annual arithmetic mean is shown in the graph at left, as compared to its established target and threshold values.
An arithmetic mean is used for Chlorophyll a for consistency with the Surface Water Quality Standards, Florida Administrative Code 62-302.532, Estuary-Specific Numeric Interpretations of the Narrative Nutrient Criterion.
The rating for Total Nitrogen is determined by comparing the annual geometric mean of its sampled values to target and threshold values. The target and threshold values are variable for Sarasota Bay, established annually, while they are fixed for the other bays. The geometric mean is found by multiplying together all the sample values for the calendar year and then taking the nth root of the result, where n is the number of samples. The annual geometric mean for Total Nitrogen is shown in the graph at left, as compared to its established target and threshold values.
A geometric mean is less affected by data anomalies, dampening the influence of very high or very low sample values. A geometric mean is used for Total Nitrogen for consistency with the Surface Water Quality Standards, Florida Administrative Code 62-302.532, Estuary-Specific Numeric Interpretations of the Narrative Nutrient Criterion.
The rating for Total Phosphorus is determined by comparing the annual geometric mean of its sampled values to fixed target and threshold values. The geometric mean is found by multiplying together all the sample values for the calendar year and then taking the nth root of the result, where n is the number of samples. The annual geometric mean for Total Phosphorus is shown in the graph at left, as compared to its established target and threshold values.
A geometric mean is less affected by data anomalies, dampening the influence of very high or very low sample values. A geometric mean is used for Total Phosphorus for consistency with the Surface Water Quality Standards, Florida Administrative Code 62-302.532, Estuary-Specific Numeric Interpretations of the Narrative Nutrient Criterion.
In addition to nutrient levels and chlorophyll concentration, dissolved oxygen levels, and water
clarity are also objective indicators of bay health. These have complex interactive cycles which
are affected by rainfall, temperature, and tidal action, as well as other factors. High nutrient
levels (nitrogen and phosphorus) can stimulate excessive growth of marine algae (indicated by
chlorophyll a level), resulting in reduced water clarity (and increased light attenuation) and
depleted oxygen levels. Both plants and animals in a bay need oxygen to survive, and the seagrasses
which provide food and cover for bay creatures need light for photosynthesis.
Contour mapping is one of the best ways to visualize spatial differences in coastal water quality.
The interactive map shown below presents monthly data for one selected water quality indicator atop
an aerial view of the bay. Choose a different water quality parameter from the list at the top to change the map.
Learn More about Water Quality Contour Mapping »
Visit the Water Quality Contour Mapping Tool to view and compare monthly water quality contour maps for ten different water quality indicators. In addition, you can generate your own custom maps.
Among the most important habitats in Florida's estuarine environments, seagrass beds are indispensable
for the role they play in cycling nutrients, supplying food for wildlife, stabilizing sediments, and
providing habitat for juvenile and adult finfish and shellfish. Use the interactive map below to
observe the size, density and location of seagrass beds from year to year. The graph shows how the total
amount of seagrass in the bay has changed over time. Seagrass calculations are aggregates of patchy and continuous seagrass measurements only. Recordings of attached algae are not included in these summaries.
Learn More about Seagrasses »
Visit our Seagrass page to discover the beauty and importance of seagrass habitats, and sign up to help monitor their health.
Roberts Bay is located within the Sarasota Bay Watershed. View details about the Sarasota Bay Watershed »
Rain that falls on land that is in a natural state is absorbed and filtered by soils and vegetation as it makes it way into underground aquifers. However, in developed areas, "impervious surfaces" impede this process and contribute to polluted urban runoff entering surface waters. These surfaces include human infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick and stone, as well as buildings and other permanent structures. Soils that have been disturbed and compacted by urban development are often impervious as well.
Learn more about Impervious Features »
The Sarasota County Stormwater Environmental Utility (SEU) mapped impervious surfaces in the County in 2014. A map showing impervious surfaces can be viewed using the interactive Sarasota NPDES Viewer.
19% of the land area within the Sarasota Bay Watershed is covered by impervious surfaces
Land use within a bay's watershed has a major effect on its water quality.
In general, less development means better water quality. Land Cover/Land Use
classifications categorize land in terms of its observed physical surface
characteristics (upland or wetland, e.g.), and also reflect the types of activity
that are taking place on it (agriculture, urban/built-up, utilities, etc.).
Florida uses as its standard a set of statewide classifications which were developed
by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Learn More about Land Use and Land Cover »
Roberts Bay is located within the Sarasota Bay Watershed. The chart below shows the land use / land cover characteristics for Sarasota Bay Watershed within the boundary of this Water Atlas. View details about the Sarasota Bay Watershed »
The data sources listed below provided water quality data used to create the report on this page. Not all data sources provided data for every bay, and not every Bay Conditions Report used data from all listed data sources. While some data sources have no data for the scored year, they provided period-of-record (historical high, mean, low) data. Click on a data source name to review its metadata.


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Snail Mail, No More
By Ann M. Martin , Paula Danziger
3-5, 6-8

In this powerful sequel to the acclaimed novel-in-letters P.S. Longer Letter Later, best friends Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are still totally different. Tara*Starr accessorizes with glitter and sequins and loves to be in the spotlight. Elizabeth loves to read and write poetry and hates to be the center of attention. Though the two live far from each other, they continue to correspond regularly — now via e-mail.

But distance — and unexpected life events, put the girls' friendship to the test. When Tara*Starr's parents announce her mother is pregnant, Tara*Starr has to get used to the idea of being a big sister for the first time. And just as Elizabeth adjusts to her parents' separation and realizes the extent of her father's alcoholism, life spins tragically out of control for her family.

Through a correspondence more touching than ever, the lives and changing relationship of these two friends is chronicled with warmth, humor, and heart.

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How do I hide my PakistaniLounge.com profile?
To hide your profile from other members, begin by logging into your profile and clicking the My Profile tab near the top right of the page.
Next, click on Settings, then on the Visibility tab.From here, you can change your visibility settings.
Once Hidden, your profile will not be visible to other members. You may still edit your profile, and Platinum Members may continue to send mail. Members will also be able to reply to any messages you have sent them. While you are Hidden, members who have received mail from you will only be able to view your gender, age, and location. Members whose profiles you view while Hidden will not be able to see that you have viewed their profile. Additionally, you will not appear on the list of online members available for chat.
If you still cannot find the information you are looking for please contact our customer support team.


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Online courses don't live up to hype
Massive open online courses were supposed to revolutionize — and democratize — higher education.
But two years since their debut, the initial buzz seems like nothing but hype.
Story Continued Below
Millions have signed up for online courses sponsored by elite colleges, yet they report high dropout rates and disappointing student performance among those who stick it out. A quietly released report last week on a partnership between San Jose State University and major course provider Udacity found that disadvantaged kids performed particularly poorly and students found the courses confusing. Collective statistics aren't available, but by one tracker's account most "massive online open courses" — known as MOOCs — have completion rates of less than 10 percent.
And the courses have yet to figure out a sustainable business model. Earlier this month, provider Coursera announced it earned $1 million by charging students for course verification certificates, but that's just a sliver of what really drives the organization: $65 million in investment capital from ed tech and mainstream venture capital firms.
( Also on POLITICO: Bush: School voucher suit is 'payback')
Some college faculty members don't trust the courses or actively work against their formation, in part for the preservation of their own institutions. These courses largely escape the regulatory environment that governs the delivery of traditional higher education courses. Assessing MOOC students is still a puzzle, as is measuring whether a course is a good one. And one big issue remains almost entirely unresolved: There are are still too few ways to translate a student's collection of course experience into credits or a degree.
"Credits from a MOOC are only good in our current system if you can transfer them to an existing institution for credit or if you can take them directly to an employer," said Andrew Kelly, director of the conservative American Enterprise Institute's Center on Higher Education Reform. "Right now … [it's] not quite clear that either of them is taking place."
Since Stanford University offered one of the first MOOCs in 2011, dozens of universities have joined the fray. Major provider Udacity was founded by Stanford professor Sebastian Thrun, who offered that first course. Coursera, another major provider, also was founded by two Stanford professors. Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology founded nonprofit edX.
( Also on POLITICO: The Common Core money war)
The free or low-cost classes carry obvious appeal for those looking to save money or for flexible access to higher education. Anyone with an Internet connection and the willingness to learn can sign up. And the surge in students was helped by the perfect confluence of events: The waning recession and recovering labor market. College expenses were rising while wages were stagnant.
As part of his proposal for college affordability, President Barack Obama in August praised online universities and courses that award credits based on learning, not seat time, to the delight of some providers. Obama lauded schools for leveraging technology in ways that could shake up the higher education landscape.
But if a higher education shake-up were measured on the Richter scale, some analysts say the courses haven't made the earth move — much.
"Just calling yourself a MOOC doesn't mean you're going to be revolutionary," said Richard Culatta, director of the Office of Educational Technology at the U.S. Education Department. "There are some I'm really impressed by and there are some that are terrible. It's not exciting anymore to just have a MOOC."
In the higher education version of an arms race, the conversation too quickly became about who offered the online courses instead of how they could improve the delivery of education, said Rachel Fishman, a policy analyst for the nonpartisan New America Foundation's education policy program.
( WATCH: POLITICO Pro education launch)
Adam Sitze, an assistant professor of law, jurisprudence and social thought at Amherst College, opposed college talks with edX in April.
Faculty and administrators conducted an internal study about the proposed partnership, in which edX set a price of about $2 million for a possible five-year contract. Some faculty felt the money could be better spent on existing technology, not an experimental venture. About 20 or so MOOC skeptics at Amherst circulated an informal internal memo between January 2012 and April 2012 outlining their concerns. In a faculty vote, the college shot down the proposed partnership.
"edX really sells itself as providing democratic access to people who wouldn't otherwise get into college," Sitze said. "When so many fail, how do they get off saying this is a viable model?"
The courses face the same, still-debated question online learning faced when it first hit the scene, said Chuck Dziuban, director of the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida.
"Quality, quality and quality," he said. "The elephant in the room with online learning has been that these courses don't equate with the quality in face-to-face courses."


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There are two ways to manage your Illinois Link Account
Listen for the language options of English, Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Spanish, or Urdu.
To speak your responses, wait through the prompts until asked to speak your 16-digit or 19-digit card number.
When you call the Help Line, if you do not have your card number, do not enter anything and wait until you are asked if you would like to use your social security number, date of birth and PIN.
The social security number and date of birth are usually for the primary card holder, but may be for someone else in the case.