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Committee Membership Information
Study Title:
Review of EPA's Economic Analysis of Final Water Quality Standards for Nutrients for Lakes and Flowing Waters in Florida
Primary Board:
Study Director:
Dr. Glen T. Daigger
- (Chair)
CH2M Hill, Inc.
Glen T. Daigger (NAE) is Senior Vice President with CH2M HILL in Englewood, Colorado. He serves as Chief Wastewater Process Engineer and is responsible for wastewater process engineering on both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment projects on a firmwide basis. Dr. Daigger is the first Technical Fellow for the firm, an honor which recognizes the leadership he provides for CH2M HILL and for the profession in development and implementation of new wastewater treatment technology. He is also the Chief Technology Officer for the firm???s Civil Infrastructure Client Group, which includes the firm???s water, transportation, and operations businesses. From 1994-1996, Dr. Daigger served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Environmental Systems Engineering at Clemson University. Dr. Daigger is a registered professional engineer in the states of Indiana and Arizona, and a board certified environmental engineer. Dr. Daigger received his B.Sc.E. degree, his M.S.C.E. degree, and his Ph.D. degree, all in environmental engineering, from Purdue University.
Dr. Otto C. Doering
- (Vice Chair)
Purdue University
Otto C. Doering is a professor in the department of agricultural economics at Purdue University. He is a public policy specialist and has served the U.S. Department of Agriculture working on the 1977 and 1990 Farm Bills. In 1997, he was the Principal Advisor to USDA???s Natural Resources Conservation Service for implementing the 1996 Farm Bill. In 1999, he was team leader for the economic analysis of the White House???s National Hypoxia Assessment. Dr. Doering has overseas experience with the Ford Foundation and the National Academy of Sciences, primarily in Southeast Asia. He has been a Director of the American Agricultural Economics Association and Chairman of the National Public Policy Education Committee. He twice has received the AAEA???s Distinguished Policy Contribution Award, as well as its Extension Economics Teaching Award. His recent books include a book on the 1996 Farm Bill, and a book on the effects of climate change and variability on agricultural production systems. His recent publications have focused on economic linkages driving the responses to nitrogen over-enrichment, rationale of U. S. agricultural policy, and integrating biomass energy into existing energy systems. He served on the NRC Committee on the Mississippi River and the Clean Water Act. Dr. Doering received his M.S. degree in economics from the London School of Economics and his Ph.D. degree from Cornell University.
Dr. Leonard A. Shabman
- (Vice Chair)
Resources for the Future
Leonard A. Shabman is a Resident Scholar at Resources for the Future in Washington, D.C. He previously was a professor of agriculture and applied economics in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Shabman???s professional interests include economics, water resources, policy analysis, resource planning, wetlands, and pollution control. He also has served as an economic adviser to the (former) federal Water Resources Council, and as scientific advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works. Dr. Shabman is a past member of the NRC Water Science and Technology Board (WSTB) and has chaired and been a member of several National Research Council committees. Dr. Shabman received his Ph.D. degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University.
Ms. LaJuana S. Wilcher
English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, L.L.P.
LaJuana S. Wilcher is a Partner with the law firm English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, L.L.P. in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Her previous positions included work with two international law firms in Washington, D.C.--Winston & Strawn (1993-1996) and LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & Mac Rae, L.L.P. (1996-2002). Ms. Wilcher served as the Assistant Administrator of Water for the United States Environmental Protection Agency from 1989 to 1993. While at the Office of Water (1989-1993), the agency promulgated new regulations addressing storm water, drinking water, biosolids (sewage sludge) and water quality standards for toxics, among other things. Ms. Wilcher helped lead EPA???s watershed protection approach and Clean Water Act section 319 nonpoint source grant program. She also led EPA???s involvement in the Exxon Valdez oil spill litigation negotiations. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Western Kentucky University, and her J.D. degree from Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University.
Dr. David J. Mulla
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
David J. Mulla is professor and W. E. Larson Chair for Soil and Water Resources in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. He is also the director of the university???s Precision Agriculture Center. Dr. Mulla???s research covers a wide variety of topics regarding agriculture, soil erosion, and water quality, including: (1) nonpoint source surface water pollution and watershed management, (2) transport and modeling of water, solutes, trace metals, and organic chemicals in soil, surface and groundwater, (3) impacts of biofuel and alternative crop production systems, (4) measurement, modeling, and management of soil erosion, (5) phosphorus and nitrogen transport in soils, (6) agricultural best management practices, (7) soil, landscape, and terrain modeling for precision conservation, and (8) field-scale variability for precision farming. In 2007 he was appointed a Founding Fellow in the University of Minnesota???s Institute on Environment. Dr. Mulla received his B.S. degree in Earth Sciences (with emphasis in geophysics) from the University of California at Riverside, and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agronomy (emphasis in soil chemistry and physics) from Purdue University.
Dr. Arturo A. Keller
University of California, Santa Barbara
Arturo A. Keller is Professor of Biogeochemistry at the Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He holds a joint appointment in Mechanical and Environmental Engineering at UCSB. His research and teaching interests focus on water quality management and the fate and transport of pollutants in the environment. Dr. Keller also was the facilitator for the award-winning Nitrogen TMDL process for the Santa Clara River. He is also well-known for his expertise in the fate and transport of pollutants, including nanoparticles, organic liquids (NAPLs), and persistent organic pollutants associated with clay particles. Dr. Keller received a B.A. degree in chemistry and a B.S. degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University, an M.S. degree in civil engineering from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. degree in civil engineering from Stanford University.
Mr. Alan H. Vicory
Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
Alan H. Vicory serves as Executive Director and Chief Engineer for the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO), appointed to the position in May 1987. His previous responsibilities were with the Commission staff as Environmental Engineer and Manager of Technical Services which included establishment of regulatory requirements for discharges, water quality and biological monitoring systems, detection and response to spills, applied research, coordination of states and federal programs and public education and involvement. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and Board Certified in environmental engineering (water and wastewater) by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. He is Past Chairman of the Board of the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and former Chairman of the International Water Association???s (IWA) Watershed and River Basin Management Specialist Group. He also is a Past President of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE) and the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA). Mr. Vicory received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Military Institute.
Dr. Kevin M. Sherman
Quanics, Inc.
Kevin M. Sherman is the Director of Engineering at Quanics, Inc. in Campellsburg, Kentucky. Dr. Sherman has 24 years experience working as a researcher, regulator, educator, and designer in the onsite wastewater treatment industry. Dr. Sherman is a former president of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), From 1985-1999, he was a member of the staff at the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, working in several capacities in the epidemiology and environmental health sections. He also served as a former president of the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association. Dr. Sherman received his B.S. degree in biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, another B.S. degree (civil engineering) from Florida State University, his M.S. degree in biology from the University of South Carolina, and his Ph.D. degree in oceanography from Florida State University.
Dr. Kurt Stephenson
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Kurt Stephenson is an Associate Professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His professional objective is to better integrate economic perspectives and analysis into decision-making related to water resource issues. Dr. Stephenson is particularly interested in application of economic analysis to interdisciplinary research of policy issues. The design and implementation of market-based policies to secure environmental objectives is a primary area of study within this context. He is currently involved in determining effective strategies for reducing nutrient loads in the Opequon Watershed in Virginia and West Virginia, including evaluating the cost effectiveness and feasibility of using urban nonpoint source controls (including stormwater management) as an offset to growth in point source loads. Dr. Stephenson received his B.S. degree in economics from Radford University, his M.S. degree in agricultural economics from Virginia Tech, and his Ph.D. degree in economics from the University of Nebraska.
Dr. Wendy D. Graham
University of Florida
Wendy D. Graham is the Carl S. Swisher Eminent Scholar in Water Resources in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida and director of the University of Florida Water Institute. Her research is focused on coupled hydrologic-water quality-ecosystem modeling; water resources evaluation and remediation; evaluation of impacts of agricultural production on surface- and groundwater quality; and development of hydrologic indicators of ecosystem status. She has previous NRC committee experience, having served on the Committee on Seeing Into the Earth: Non-Invasive Techniques for Characterization of the Shallow Subsurface for Environmental Engineering Applications, and as a member of the third Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration Progress. Dr. Graham received her B.S.E. degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida and her Ph.D. degree in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Dr. K. W. Easter
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
K. William Easter is a professor of applied economics and has been on the faculty of the University of Minnesota since 1970. One of his positions at Minnesota was serving as Director of the Center for International Food and Agricultural Policy (1999-2003). His research interests include resource economics, economic development and environmental economics, with a focus on water and land problems and resource pricing issues. Dr. Easter received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of California-Davis and his Ph.D. degree at Michigan State University.
Dr. Allen P. Davis
University of Maryland, College Park
Allen P. Davis is a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland. Dr. Davis' research interests are in aquatic environmental chemistry. He has been working on various issues related to urban storm water quality and the concept of low impact development (LID) Dr. Davis received the 2010 A. James Clark School of Engineering Faculty Outstanding Research Award, recognizing influential research accomplishments related to urban storm water quality, its management, and the LID concept. From 2001-2010, Dr. Davis served as the director of the Maryland Water Resources Research Center. He also has served as associate editor of Chemosphere, Science for Environmental Technology (2004-2010). Dr. Davis is a recipient of the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award. He teaches courses in engineering sustainability, environmental process dynamics, and environmental engineering unit operations. He received his B.S. degree, his M.C.E. degree, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Delaware.
Mr. Walter L. Baker
State of Utah
Walter L. Baker is the director of the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) for the State of Utah, where he has worked for the past 26 years. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Adminstrators; as Chair of the Water Quality Committee of the Western States Water Council; as a member of the Utah Lake Commission; as a member of the Utah Soil Conservation Commission; and as the Executive Secretary of the Utah Water Quality Board. Mr. Baker is a licensed professional engineer and a graduate of Utah State University.
Mr. Michael Tate
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Michael B. Tate is the Chief of Technical Services at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Mr. Tate is a licensed professional engineer with 20+ years experience in the environmental field. His technical expertise is in water quality and wastewater permitting, with additional experience in drinking water, solid waste, and hazardous waste. He manages a section responsible for establishing and enforcing water quality standards, and wastewater permitting in Kansas. Mr. Tate received his B.S. degree in civil engineering and his M.S. in bioenvironmental engineering, both from Oklahoma State University.


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HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Talking Tom Cat and his fellow Talking Friends – whose apps top more than 600 million downloads worldwide – made their Hollywood debut in star-studded traffic-stopping style Thursday.
Dressed to the T in the most stylish threads, the wise-cracking Talking Tom, his stylish girlfriend Angela and tag-along rapping friend Ginger took to the stage for a fun-filled performance of the Talking Friends hit songs as well as holiday cheers. Superstars in their own right – with 600 million adoring fans around the globe; their YouTube single "You Get Me" viewed over 63 million times; a web series earlier this year earned more than 100 million views – Tom, Angela and Ginger sang, danced and played live for the first time. They also showed off the Talking Friends Superstars, new app-powered toys modeled after their famed virtual counterparts.
In addition to taking the stage in the heart of Tinseltown at Hollywood & Highland, the Talking Friends Superstars toured nearby iconic locations including the famed Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theater. During the family-friendly performance, children danced along with the famed cats. In the week leading up to the event, an online voting contest at tfsuperstar.com/hollywood encouraged fans to choose what stylish fashions each of the cats should wear to Hollywood, garnering more than 1.6 million votes.
Event photos - http://bit.ly/T2rSD7
Event footage (low and hi-res) - : http://bit.ly/TaXJ2z
Talking Friends Superstar art - http://bit.ly/TgVIin
The Talking Friends Superstar plush toy line, now available at tfsuperstar.com, seamlessly talks and interacts with multiple Talking Friends apps, as well as to each other, thanks to an advanced sound recognition system. As the Talking Friends create hysterical hijinks on screen, the Talking Friends Superstars join in the antics and respond to their virtual counterparts. While Angela made her big Hollywood debut, Talking Angela, the first app of the Talking Friends line starring the femme feline also launched. Engaging with fans like no other Talking Friends app, Talking Angela can strike up and continue conversations on just about anything. Additionally, Talking Angela's gesture recognition capabilities allow her to understand and react to different facial gestures including the nodding and shaking of one's head, smiling, yawning and sticking out of one's tongue. Check out Talking Angela here: outfit7.com/angela
About Outfit7
With over 120 million monthly active users since its first app launch in July 2010, Outfit7 is one of the world's fastest growing mobile entertainment networks. Its Talking Friends collection has become an entertainment phenomenon with the characters featured on ABC's Modern Family as well as NBC's Today Show. There are 14 characters in the Talking Friends collection including Talking Tom Cat, Talking Ben and Talking Gina the Giraffe. Each of the Talking Friends apps features a unique and fully animated 3D character that comes to life when poked, tickled, and played with on mobile touch-screen devices for the iOS and Android platforms. The interactive characters can engage in friendly two-way conversations about their inner emotions with users or repeat things users say to them and customized videos of interactions with the characters can be shared via Facebook, YouTube or email. Outfit7 is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus with subsidiaries in Palo Alto, USA; London, England; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Seoul, South Korea.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If The Shoe Fits...Steal The Other One Somewhere Else
NEW YORK (AP) - Sneaker thieves in New York City have a newtrick, plying...
< End of Molding Bread
Jan 08, 2013 07:35
Category: General News
Category: General News
Flu Season Strikes
This flu season looks to be one of the worst in the last ten years. The center for disease control says the number of cases of flu reported and the deaths from the flu are well ahead of recent years pace. In Washington, there have been six deaths from the flu this season, which is already more than last season, with several weeks to go.


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1 record(s) were found:TRIAL #3272
Date: 1889/03/06; Reels(s): 412.
Defendant(s): Thomas B. Kerr, Sex: M;
Charge(s): Bribery;
Judge: Charles Daniels;
Defense Attorney(s): John H. Bird; Noah Davis; Robert G. Ingersoll;
Prosecuting Attorney(s): John R. Fellows; James Fitzgerald; Mckenzie Semple;
Note(s): Adjourned. Indicted for bribing alderman to get franchise for Broadway Railroad. See case 3270 for first trial. See case 3269 for related trial.
Stenographer Number: 3440; Page(s): 760 p.
Court: Court of Oyer and Terminer
The Crime in New York 1850-1950 digitization project was supported in part by funds from the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) through the New York State Regional Bibliographic Databases Program.


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Launching of a weather balloon from the USNS ELTANIN in the Southern Ocean.
Image ID: wea02485, NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Collection
Location: Antartic waters.
Photo Date: 1964 Circa
Credit: Courtesy of Mr. Monte Poindexter, NWS (ret.)
Category: Instruments/Balloons/Ocean Weather/
• High Resolution Photo Available
of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric
Adminstration (NOAA),
NOAA Central Library
NOAA Privacy Policy
| NOAA Disclaimer
Last Updated:
November 10, 2017


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Gollee Aunt Bee! Have you heard the exciting news about T.J. Houshmandzadeh going on a Philly radio station and saying he'd like to sign with the Eagles when/if he becomes a free agent Feb. 27th?
Of course, as you're reading this, T.J. might very well be on a radio station in Baltimore or Boston or Atlanta or Seattle telling the folks there how much he'd like to be a Raven/Patriot/Falcon/Seahawk, but don't let that get in the way of your jubiliation.
The sports radio appearance by a pending free agent is a hardy perennial, blossoming to the delight of the credulous each February. Your Eagletarian can't recall the last time such a campaign actually ended with the campaigning player signing here. Not that it wouldn't be just lovely to add T.J. Houshmandzadeh, for everybody except the person who has to sew names on the backs of jerseys. Primarily, though, the Eagles need to sort out and bolster their offensive line, find a blocking tight end, and add a really good running back to the stable. Then if they can swing a difference-making wideout, that'd be good, too. Houshmanzadeh would be a nice addition. He would not be Larry Fitzgerald, because only one guy is.
Assuming reports are true that the Bengals don't plan to use the franchise tag, Houshmandzadeh's agent , Kennard McGuire, will look for the most guaranteed money he can get. That will be the deal Houshmandzadeh signs.
It could be with the Eagles. Probably won't be, if history is any guide. But it could be.
In the meantime, your Eagletarian is late to the party with this excellent Iggles Blog analysis of a much bigger and sillier talk radio dustup, over something Donovan McNabb said last Friday to Howard Eskin. At least, it was a talk radio dustup, until someone writing for an actual newspaper couldn't resist chiming in with a predictable "me, too," as the blog notes.
Bountybowl makes the excellent point today that McNabb is no longer being covered as an athlete, that he has become our Britney Spears. (With, so far, thankfully, less detailed scrutiny as to whether he's wearing undies.)


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Ginger-Soy Beef Sticks
Ginger-soy-marinated beef skewers sprinkled with fresh chopped scallions and black sesame seeds. Served with creamy sesame dressing.
24 boneless beef steaks (7 oz. each), sliced into long thin strips
1 tbsp. coarse grind Mediterranean sea salt
1 tbsp. shaker grind black pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil
Ginger-Soy Marinade
11/2 cups soy sauce
2 tbsp. McCormick Culinary ground ginger
11/2 cups sesame oil
3 cups Thai Kitchen sweet chili sauce
¾ tsp. McCormick Culinary Chinese Five-Spice
1. Prepare Ginger-Soy marinade: Combine soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, chili sauce and five-spice powder.
2. Add beef strips to ginger-soy marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hr. or up to 4 hr.
3. Soak 48 wooden skewers in water.
4. Thread beef onto wooden skewers, forming a ribbon-like pattern. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
5. Heat vegetable oil over high heat in a sauté pan. Remove skewers from marinade and sear on both sides until cooked to desired doneness. Or grill over med.-high heat until done.


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Behringer Announces Video Contest
If you haven't already seen it, check out their 'Bulletproof Mixer' video on the Behringer site. Now its your turn! Make your own video featuring Behringer or Bugera products, and it makes them laugh, you might get your hands on some cool prizes, including a full PA Package, XENYX mixer, or TRUTH monitors!
The rules:
- Minimum length: 30 seconds, max: 3 minutes.
- Videos must clearly include at least one BEHRINGER or BUGERA product.
- Videos must include all-original content. Only include music that is your own. Avoid brand logos on things like t-shirts or background items, except BEHRINGER and BUGERA logos, of course!
- Videos must conform to YouTube and Facebook's terms of service and community standards.


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Mario Balotelli scored twice to help AC Milan beat already-relegated Pescara 4-0 in Serie A on Wednesday and leave it on the verge of qualifying for next year's Champions League.
Milan remained four points clear of Fiorentina, which beat relegation-threatened Siena 1-0, in the fight for third spot and a place in the Champions League qualifying round. Napoli mathematically secured second place and an automatic entry into Europe's elite with a 3-0 victory over Bologna.
"There are two games left after today's win and we have to manage our advantage,'' Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "We need three points, we have a good chance, but anything can happen in football so we need to remain focused to reach our goal.''
Balotelli scored from the spot in the ninth minute after Uros Cosic tripped Antonio Nocerino.
The Italy striker has never missed a penalty in his professional career and he fired into the bottom right corner for his 22nd from the spot.
Sulley Muntari doubled Milan's lead after half an hour, running unmarked into the area to volley in Robinho's cross.
Robinho also created Milan's third five minutes after halftime, snatching the ball after Luciano Zauri slipped and crossing in for Mathieu Flamini to score from close range.
Flamini has four goals in a month. The French midfielder had scored three in his previous four seasons at Milan.
Balotelli, who hit the crossbar in the opening two minutes, added a fourth shortly before the hour mark, controlling Flamini's pass before swiveling and firing in for his 11th goal in 11 games since joining Milan.
Napoli was seven points clear of Milan and, with two games remaining, can't be caught.
"It's the norm for Napoli to be back in the Champions League,'' Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said. "I thank the fans, so many of them were here too, and I thank the coach.''
Marek Hamsik broke the deadlock in the 53rd and Edinson Cavani doubled Napoli's lead from the spot after he was brought down by Bologna goalkeeper Dejan Stojanovic.
Goran Pandev sealed the result following more good work from Cavani.
Gonzalo Rodriguez's goal kept alive Fiorentina's slim hopes of finishing third.
Inter Milan's chances of snatching a Europa League spot are all but over after it lost 3-1 at home to direct rival Lazio.
Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic gifted Lazio the lead when he mistimed his attempt to punch clear Antonio Candreva's cross, clashing with Sergio Floccari and Juan Jesus, and the ball ended in the back of the net.
Ricky Alvarez headed Inter level but Lazio restored its lead in first-half stoppage time when Andrea Ranocchia brought down Sergio Floccari and Hernanes converted the resulting penalty.
Inter was awarded a penalty of its own when Lorik Cana fouled Fredy Guarin, but Alvarez slipped as he took the spot kick and blasted over the bar.
Ogenyi Onazi scored a stunning third for Lazio, from 30 yards.
Lazio moved level on points with Roma, two points behind Udinese, which beat struggling Palermo 3-2.
Luis Muriel, Gabriele Angella and Mehdi Benatia scored for Udinese, with the winner coming following a howler from Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.
Palermo twice leveled through a Fabrizio Miccoli penalty and a stunning, long-range Abel Hernandez strike.
Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale also missed a penalty.
Palermo was four points from safety after Torino drew 0-0 against Genoa. Siena was two points further back but has a better head-to-head record against Genoa.
Newly crowned champion Juventus showed no hangover from Sunday's title celebrations as it won 1-0 at Atalanta.
Alessandro Matri raced clear in the 18th minute to bring down Andrea Pirlo's long ball and lob the goalkeeper.
The match was suspended for about five minutes, with the fans throwing fireworks at each other. Antonio Conte and the Atalanta players went to ask their respective sets of fans to stop.
Sampdoria drew 1-1 against Catania. Parma beat Cagliari 1-0.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013/soccer/wires/05/08/2080.ap.soc.italian.roundup.3rd.ld.writethru.651/index.html#ixzz2Sk38KVKl


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Are You a Spending Optimist?
By Garrett B. Gunderson
You want to find success, right? I mean big success. Not the kind that is just surviving, but the kind that can catapult your results overnight like the next person featured in INC magazine – and you're willing to do whatever it takes.You'll work hard, make sacrifices and are willing to spend every last penny you have to bring this dream to fruition.
While all of these things are admirable, it's possible that, in your frenzy of good intentions and vision, you might have caught a case of what my friend Patrick Gentempo calls "spending optimism" and it could be your undoing.
What is Spending Optimism?
Spending optimism is when you are so fixated on growth and moving forward that you begin writing checks based on money that might come in sometime in the future. This usually requires you to live right on the edge of what you can afford for your business because you buy or invest in things at the first second you have the money (or credit) available to you.
I see this all of the time and have even been in that mindset at times, but it violates several very important rules of wealth building and has lead to the collapse of more than one empire in the making.
You have a big vision or idea of how you're going to grow your business and you begin taking action. Unfortunately, your vision is bigger than your current bank account so you spend every dollar you make and are even willing to go into major debt. In the beginning, it seems like it's so worth it because you see progress happening and you're sure that as soon as you move past the next big obstacle, things will loosen up a little financially.
However, once you've conquered this next obstacle, you're able to see another huge opportunity so you do whatever it takes to pursue that next step by borrowing even more money, mortgaging your house or using up lines of credit. At this point, you're really running the red line but it feels good and it's exciting because this is living your dream in fast forward.
But then it happens. Something doesn't go your way and you have a down month or two. The cash you were sure was on it's way has gotten bottled up or delayed and you don't know what to do. You're tapped out because you've been building your vision and now all of your hard work is in jeopardy. You're feeling desperate and willing to do nearly anything to keep this dream alive. But if next month isn't your best month ever, you're in big trouble and the whole plan might implode. Then you wake up one day and find yourself asking, what happened?
Thomas Jefferson said, "Never spend your money before you have earned it." There are many variations of spending optimism, like buying a new, bigger house based on what you hope to make next year. Or, spending all of your money to expand your business on a huge scale. Or incurring debt to live the high life because you're sure it's just a matter of time before you can pay off this debt and continue to live in style.
Unfortunately, spending optimism leaves you cash poor, can undermine your abundance mindset and leaves you vulnerable to any minor bump that may slow down your optimistic plans for the future.
Warren Buffet said, "When the tide rolls back, you find out who's been swimming naked." Like swimming naked, spending optimism left unchecked can be temporarily exciting, but may lead you into a compromising position.
Here's how to know if you're a spending optimist:
These are just a few of the symptoms of a much bigger problem which must be addressed if you are ever going to make the difference you want to make in the world and fulfill your vision. The reality is that the tide is going to roll back on you at some point; it's a part of life. Every month can't be your best month and every year can't be your best year. Believing the fallacy of things always going up is exactly what created the stock market and real estate bubbles of the past decade, and you've seen what that turned into.
I'm not saying to think small or to give up on your vision. I'm saying that if your vision is important to you, build it right. Put the steps in place to make sure your foundation is stable. Skipping over things like that "pesky health insurance" in order to grow your business is just asking for trouble.
So, in pursuing your vision, be smart and create certainty. The road to greatness is yours for the taking, but you won't rise to the top untested so be ready. Having adequate liquidity and cash reserves is vital. Expanding and spending need to be part of an overall plan that has contingencies and doesn't force you to be in a hurry. I'm talking about "Get Rich for Certain" not, "Get Rich Quick" because the later may exist for the short term, but rarely creates lasting success.


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Connect a CD or cassette player, etc. to the AUX IN jack and play along with your favorite recordings. This feature is a great way to improve your playing quickly. An AUX volume control offers greater control over sound balance.
Detachable frame offers comfort and easy transport
The Silent Guitar's unique design offers excellent comfort and support even when played while seated. A cutaway design provides full access to the upper frets. The upper frame detaches from the main body and fits, along with the rest of the guitar, neatly into a compact case that makes carrying easy.
- Neck: Mahogany
- Body: Maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Frame Unit: Maple
- Strings: Nylon Guitar Strings
- Sensors: B-BAND
Play anytime, anywhere, with inspiring effects and tonal control. Order today.
- Connectors/Controls
- AUX IN Level Control
- LINE OUT jack (monaural)
- PHONES jack (stereo)
- Volume
- BASS control
- TREBLE control
- REVERB switch (OFF/1/2)
- PHONES switch (ON/OFF)
- LINE OUT Jack with POWER Switch (Inserting a plug into the jack switches the power on).
- Power Supply AC Adaptor/6F22 (S-006P) battery x1 dual power source. (Recommended AC Adaptors: PA-D09,PA-1E,PA-3B)
- String Length 650 mm (25-9/16").
- Dimensions 965 x 365 x 80 mm (38" x 14-3/8" x 3-1/8") (with the left frame attached and to the end of the strap pin)
- Weight approximately 1.8 kg (3 lbs.15 oz.)
- Standard Accessories Stereo Earphones/AC adapter PA-D09/Soft Case


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This review transposed the model years of two motorcycles on display at the Iron Horse Tap Room in the District. They are a 1963 Triumph Thunderbird and a 1967 Norton.
Near Verizon Center, new Iron Horse Tap Room offers laid-back bar atmosphere
Friday, February 19, 2010
The buzz: The Bedrock Management group has made a habit of opening underground pool halls (Buffalo, Atomic and Bedrock Billiards, the newer Rocket Bar) that feel like basement rec rooms with a bar. The new Iron Horse Tap Room, an expansive two-story nightspot one block from Verizon Center, is anything but.
There's a large above-ground bar with expansive windows overlooking the sidewalk, filled with gleaming hardwood and couch-filled nooks. Down a flight of stairs, the basement feels less like a cave than any below-ground space in Washington, thanks to 18-foot ceilings. It's spacious, too, with room for about 300 people -- something to be thankful for after a Capitals game.
There's no shortage of things to do: four shuffleboard tables, two Skee-Ball machines, Big Buck Hunter and a strange tabletop game called Fireball that seems to be the offspring of air hockey, foosball and pinball machines. Just don't plan on playing pool.
That's not a bad thing. Without pool tables, there's more space to hang out, whether at high chrome-topped tables, on couches that hug the walls or, my favorite, a sectional hidden under the staircase with a perfect view of a flat-screen TV.
Iron Horse is the kind of place you want to hang out for a while, especially at happy hour, when the 20 draft beers are discounted $2, putting most in the $3-to-$5-a-pint range.
"Chinatown needed a new bar -- that's for sure," says Ian Winkler, 25, a consultant who brought a group for happy hour specials and shuffleboard. "I like the games, and the beer selection is good. It can definitely accommodate bigger crowds [than some nearby places]. I think it definitely has staying power."
The scene: The bar's name refers to the motorcycles that decorate the space. A gleaming 1963 Norton hangs in the picture windows, luring passersby. A low-slung 1967 Triumph Thunderbird overlooks the first-floor bar area. And a row of 1970s Honda street bikes are displayed overhead in the expansive downstairs bar.
To call this a biker bar, though, would be a mistake. Unlike the tough-guy leather-and-Harleys decor of the Tattoo bar, Iron Horse celebrates the spirit of the open road. The walls feature re-creations of old posters painted onto columns and metal racks of old tires, with vintage maps, '70s motorcycle magazine ads and Evel Knievel comics laminated under the various bar counters.
"It's something that the neighborhood didn't have," says Lish Ephraim, 31, a project supervisor at a marketing agency. "It's a place where people can get together after work."
In your glass: The 20 draft beers are a mix of the standard Miller Lite and Heineken and hipper microbrews including Dogfish Head, Victory's Golden Monkey and Clipper City's Loose Cannon. Bourbon fans will find a solid selection of whiskeys behind the bar.
On your plate: Iron Horse doesn't have a kitchen. Instead, customers are welcome to bring in carry-out food from nearby restaurants. Your best bets within a couple of blocks: Nando's Peri-Peri, Austin Grill or California Tortilla. Just don't show up with a bunch of food at peak times when seats are scarce, or you'll have to eat standing up.
Price points: Draft beers primarily range from $5 (Miller Lite) to $7 (Dogfish Head), with some odd exceptions, such as $12 for a goblet of Chimay. Mixed drinks are about $8.
Shuffleboard rates are $12 per hour for two players and $16 for four or more Sunday through Wednesday, and $14 per couple per hour and $20 for four Thursday through Saturday.
Need to know: Iron Horse opens at 4 p.m. daily, but when there's a sporting event at Verizon Center, doors open two hours before game time.
Nice to know: A weekly Skee-Ball league (seriously) is starting in April, with games on Thursday nights. See http:/
Iron Horse Tap Room 507 Seventh St. NW 202-347-7665 http:/


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The meeting scheduled on 13th November was originally advertised as a lecture on Alan Shaxon. This is now postponed but we will look forward to welcoming Steve Short and Scott Penrose on 12th February 2015.
Instead we have a great evening planned. With the recent influx of new and prospective members, this evening will be a great icebreaker. Jon Marshall will be hosting 'In the Spotlight' - a live interview and show with our newer members.
Additionally we are having a sale - the Young Magicians' Club have been donated a large amount of quality magic. There are many books and tricks that are far too advanced or valuable. The proceeds will go to the Juniors and be spent on things they will benefit more from.


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spring projectsMonday, April 23, 2007
My knitting projects all seem pretty boring right now. Nothing seems close to being finished. I seem to be working on my Hanne with no end in sight. That sweater just goes on forever........rows and rows of garter!
So in need of some instant gratification, I decided to paint my vanity that has been in dire need of a paint job for years. I chose Restoration Hardware's signature color, silver sage. My sister Lisa painted her bathroom this color and loves it.
21 comments
Oh, can't wait to see the final result! I love stuff like that.ReplyDelete
I LOVE Silver Sage from RH. That's one of my faves and will probably be in some room of my future home someday. Good choice!ReplyDelete
Again, Anthropologie is the best . . I love those drawer pulls! Sometimes the little accents just make everything so much more special.
Wish I could be there to help you paint and decorate!
The drawer pulls are gorgeous! I can't wait to see how it turns out.ReplyDelete
That sounds so fun! We want pictures!ReplyDelete
I can't wait to see that finished vanity. Silver sage is one of my favorite colors. And their paint is so nice.ReplyDelete


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Did you understand that malfunctioning air chambers might be why you are listening to a working audio in your pipes? The noise is called water hammer and it may suggest that water has entered your air chamber. Right here are some tips to assist you repair your issue.
To assist you mend a leaky water line, you must work with a plumbing technician. A dripping water line can be a trouble because it can lead to a flood. The best means to repair this issue is to hire a certified plumbing professional who is educated to fix the leakage.
If your water pipes are prone to freezing, let the water trickle consistently in at the very least one tap throughout climate that is below freezing. This will certainly lessen the opportunities that the pipes will freeze and leave you without water. If water is regularly going through the pipes and dripping out of a tap, the water pipes are much less likely to ice up.
The next time you have a stopped up drainpipe, avoid the straightforward remedy of disposing drain-clearing chemicals into the pipes. While this technique involves the least quantity of effort, the chemicals in these liquid cleaners are destructive to your piping. As an alternative, take into consideration using a little bit of elbow grease with a plunger, snake, or other device made to clear your obstruction without chemicals.
Do not fall for the idea that liquefied grease can be effortlessly washed down the drainpipe with hot water. While the oil might flow past the preliminary drainpipe with the water, it does not take long of a temperature adjustment as it relocates through your water pipes to alter from liquid to strong. The repeat practice of discarding oil in the sink is a foolproof method to make sure a hard-to-reach obstruction developing in the future.
You recognize what can induce that hammering sound, plus a lot additional plumbing details. You simply conserved on your own a lot of cash if any one of those concerns ended up being excruciating or caused damaged parts. Take time to repeat over this post periodically to make certain that you are on top of your plumbing system abilities. 24 7 plumbingOrlando
The sound is understood as water hammer and it might indicate that water has entered your air chamber. If your pipings are susceptible to cold, allow the water trickle constantly in at least one tap throughout weather that is below cold. If water is continually running via the pipings and dripping out of a faucet, the water pipes are less likely to freeze.


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Court Orders Blog Taken Completely Offline For 'Harassing' Posts
from the does-that-meet-first-amendment-scrutiny dept
The court rejected a constitutional challenge to the HRO, basically treating harassing speech as a class of content categorically excluded from First Amendment protection. I'm not sure about this approach. It seems like this was more appropriately treated as a situation where speech is also conduct, and the HRO (harassment restraining order) regulated his conduct. I believe treating harassing speech as outside the First Amendment invites more mischief than playing with the speech/conduct divide.I think Goldman underplays the problems here. I think we all agree that what Arlotta did was ridiculous, creepy and vindictive. But that doesn't mean it's not protected under the First Amendment. As Goldman notes, there were ways to stop Arlotta's conduct without taking away his First Amendment rights and carving out an exception to the First Amendment for being a jerk. I think this ruling is really questionable.
Goldman also highlights the consequences of such a bizarre and comprehensive ruling against Arlotta:
This ruling leaves open a key question. Even under the prior HRO, could Arlotta have blogged about his dealings with Johnson if he did not try to bring it to the attention of others? After all, if his statements are true and not based on restricted information, Arlotta should be able to tell his story. Then again, a blog will show up in the search results, so a blog could be a passive-aggressive way of getting back to Johnson, and just as (if not more) effective as affirmatively reaching out to call attention to the blog. So try a different hypothetical: could Arlotta write and publish a book telling his story? I think the answer should be yes, so long as he lacked malicious intent (recall the initial HRO restricted him from intending to hurt Johnson's privacy).Of course, I'm not sure a judge would see it that way. That's part of the problem with this ruling. Clearly, the court was troubled by what Arlotta did, and found a way to stop him. So if he were to do as Goldman describes above, I wouldn't be surprised to see them merely assume that it was more of the same, and continue to block his speech. And that brings up one of the clear problems of the ruling. Could you really be barred completely from publicly speaking about an ex because you once harassed her?


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USF Moves Up to No. 21 in Poll, NDSU Stays No. 1
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The University of Sioux Falls football team has moved up one spot to 21st in this week's AFCA Division II poll.
The Cougars beat Wayne State 24-14 over the weekend to move to 9-2 on the season.
No other NCAA Division II team in the Dakotas is ranked.
North Dakota State University remains the top-ranked team this week in both Football Championship Subdivision polls.
The defending national champion Bison edged South Dakota State 20-17 on Saturday. The Jackrabbits slipped in both polls with the loss: from 16th to 21st in The Sports Network poll and from 20th to 23rd in the coaches' poll.
The rest of the top five is the same in both polls: Montana State, Sam Houston State, Old Dominion and Eastern Washington.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not be redistributed.


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Portland, Oregon, June 19 : An Oregon woman's neighbors had reason to worry: Virginia Cartier hadn't picked up her Sunday newspaper and her car had not been moved.
When police forced their way into her condo to check on her, they found Cartier had been pinned beneath a dresser for four days without food or water.
"She is like crazy about her Sunday paper, and she hadn't picked it up," Kyla Sexton told KGW-TV. "And her car hasn't moved. So we were really worried about her."
Sexton said her stepfather called for help.
Deputies said the dresser fell over when Cartier tried to move it in her condominium in the Portland suburb of Cedar Mill.
When they found her, she was in and out of consciousness and it took several deputies and firefighters to free her, Sgt. Mark Wilkinson said.
"For a human being to survive like that, you're talking about three days without fluids alone," he said. "She must have a heck of a constitution and a will to survive."
She was treated at a hospital for injuries to both legs and released, KGW reported.
Neighbors said she was staying with a friend after the ordeal.


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When NVIDIA announced their new Tegra 4 chip, ZTE quickly committed to being the first partner to produce smartphones with both NVIDIA's Tegra 4 processor and i500 LTE modem. Thanks to a new leak from China, we might now have our first look at ZTE's latest Android device.
The ZTE N988 is rumored to include a Tegra 4 chip, 5.7-inch display with 1280 x 720 pixels, 2GB of RAM, 13 megapixel rear camera, and 2 megapixel front-facing camera. The 720p display resolution is a little weird since ZTE has already moved on to 1080p displays in their flagship phones, so these specs might not be final.
ZTE originally said they expected to launch the first Tegra 4 super phones in China in the first half of 2013, but we are not sure if they will meet that deadline with only two months left. NVIDIA also said their Tegra 4-powered Project Shield would debut in Q2, but we have yet to receive the actual pricing and availability.
NVIDIA's Tegra 4 boasts some impressive performance with it's quad-core Cortex-A15 CPUs and 72-core GeForce GPU, but the company has said they expect mobile chip sales to remain flat this year. NVIDIA revealed that Tegra 4 is launching later than they had planned, because they pulled away some resourced to move up the launch of Tegra 4i, their first chip with integrated LTE.
We have seen ZTE make advances in the US market, so there is a chance this device could come stateside. However, NVIDIA's i500 LTE modem does not support CDMA so you can rule out availability on Verizon or Sprint. There is a chance we could see ZTE pair the Tegra 4 chip with a Qualcomm modem (like AT&T did with their HTC One X+), but we will have to wait and see.
Virtually every high-end Android smartphone sold in the US this year will include a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, so let's hope that NVIDIA is successful with Tegra 4 so we can see more competition in the mobile SoC market.


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Car Buying
Financing a Car: Are Taxes and Fees Included in Financing?
If you're thinking about buying a car, you likely know that the advertised price probably won't be the price you pay. That's because you'll have to add taxes and fees, and that means you might end up spending a few thousand dollars more than the price you were initially hoping for. So when it comes to financing a car, how do you account for taxes and fees? Are they rolled into your payment? Or do you pay them up front? It's a good question, and we have an explanation.
Usually Included
If you're financing a car through a dealership, taxes and fees are almost always included in the payment. That's because the finance amount is usually based on the car's out-the-door price, which includes all taxes, fees and additional extras, such as an extended warranty. That's why adding a dealer option will slightly increase your monthly payment, because it's rolled into the financing. It's also why, in many states, the dealer can get your license plates for you because they've collected the taxes you owe on the vehicle.
When It's Not Included
There are, however, times when taxes and fees aren't included in your vehicle financing. The primary example of this is when you've arranged your own financing, such as when you buy a car from a private seller or you receive an excellent interest rate from your bank and choose to use their services rather than a dealership's.
In many cases, taxes and fees can be included in this type of financing; you'll just have to plan for it. Show up at your dealer with a $25,000 bank check for a $25,000 car, for instance, and you'll run into some problems. But if you have the dealer tell you the out-the-door price before you get the bank check, you should avoid any issues.
If you buy a car privately, however, you generally won't be able to roll taxes and fees into the loan. That's because a private seller isn't set up to collect taxes for the state, and that means you'll usually be on the hook for these taxes when the time comes to register the car. In some cases, you might be able to ask your bank for a little extra money on the loan to cover this sort of situation, but they might not always provide it.
What About Leasing?
Most states treat the taxes on leased cars just like they do regular financing. That means you'll be able to roll the sales tax and other fees into the lease payment rather than pay up front. However, some states make you pay the full amount of a car's sales tax when signing a lease. This may seem like a big number, but just remember: You would've paid this figure anyway had you rolled it into your lease payments.


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Posts Tagged 'Nelson's Column'
Posted August 25, 2012on:
- In: Hot Stuff
- 2 Comments
Kinky by Justine Elyot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lust has a language all its own and kinkiness is a club where it's important to know the ropes. Not everyone is curious and not everyone who is curious will be converted. But if we don't know the language we are excluded, we are out in the cold.
Rosie is curious. She is warmly curious. Although she begins this novel out in the cold, she manages to get a peek inside, and what she sees makes her put her hand down her knickers.
You'll find hands going in and out of knickers quite a lot in this story. Knickers come down, arses get spanked and pussies get whipped. Rosie reveals all in the finest British English.
If language matters to you, and, like me, you get excited by pure British vowels and references to Nelson's Column, you will adore 'Kinky.' Rosie's vernacular is spot on. The novel has an urban lyricism that warms the cockles of your heart.
But it's international too. Rosie's kinky expectations are raised by a gallant mustachioed Russian called Dimitri, who speaks international English. He says ass instead of arse. He overlooks auxiliaries and fumbles prepositions. He abuses the definite article. Oh, we can all relate to that, can't we?
Rosie writes very delicately of their international relations. Her language is precise, sensual and explicit. She is no shrinking violet but everything is quite new to her and she records her experiences with bright enthusiasm. Everything has the sheen of newness and pulsates with dewy youth.
Needless to say, I was charmed by 'Kinky' and basked in its unpretentious brilliance. It told of lust in language I could understand.


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"Alaji Lariat" One of our African Traders is Alaji. during one visit he took all of his African beaded chairs, wall hangings, hats and cloaks, and set up in the back yeard , he then did a little fashion show for us. It was a fun afternoon and I thought of him when I make this Beaded man in bold yellows and reds.
Look at these cool earrings. I make them using PMC. This is fine silver and I combine it with ancient Roman Glass. These are about 2" long. So swingy and pretty.
Using vintage german glass, lucite, and Venetian seed beads, this piece is all hand woven and one of a kind.
Hand woven using peyote stitch and freeform stitiches using abalone shell from Capri, Italy, freshwatrpearls, aqua maring, moonstone, iolite and oher gems.


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I just love "Pan's Labyrinth". It is written and directed by a Mexican film maker Guillermo del Toro. The movie interweaves real world with fantasy. The world is centered around an abandoned labryrinth. The main character, Ofelia interacts with a mysterious faun creature. Ofelia's mother marries a mean Captain who hunts the Spanish Maquis, guerrillas who fight against the Franco regime. There is a link below for those interested in checking it out.
Views: 163


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Mandala 07
This product is currently sold out.
Say hello to Shakti! Her name means empowerment and female principle of divine energy. She represents this collection and all things Mandala.
● MoYou-London Mandala 07 includes 18 different designs, each measuring 1.2 x 1.5cm.
● The stainless steel plate measures 6.5 x 12.5cm and have a vinyl backing for increased ease of use.
● Each plate comes in its own branded protective sleeve.
● The designs are engraved on to the image plate and covered with a protective film which needs to be removed before use.
This item is the image plate only.
How to
What you'll need :
1) Nail Polish – we advise you use a nail polish that is opaque and has a strong pigmentation.
2) MoYou™ Stamp & Scraper .
3) MoYou™ London Image Plate .
How to stamp:
1) Remove the blue protective film.
2) Apply the Nail Polish of your choice to the design you wish to stamp.
3) Remove the excess nail polish with a MoYou™ Stamp & Scraper using a 45º angle.
4) Roll the MoYou™ Stamp & Scraper over the selected design being careful not to use too much pressure.
5) Transfer the design by rolling the MoYou™ Stamp & Scraper over you nail.
6) Apply a top coat for a longer lasting result.


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Former President George H.W. Bush in stable condition
HOUSTON – Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush remains in stable condition at a Houston hospital where he is being treated for a lingering cough related to bronchitis.
Methodist Hospital spokesman George Kovacik said Saturday there is no change in the status of the 88-year-old Bush.
Kovacik said the hospital would release a statement this weekend if his condition changes.
Bush has been in and out of the hospital recently for complications resulting from bronchitis. Aides to the 41st president had said Bush is expected to be discharged this weekend, but Kovacik said he couldn't provide further details.
Hospital visitors have included Bush's son, former President George W. Bush, and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush. They live in Dallas.


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Select the Perfect Fishing Reel for Every Occasion
Perhaps you are a deep sea fisherman. Or maybe you prefer the proximity and seclusion of your own backyard pond. Either way, you're not going to be at your best if you don't have the right equipment.
Selecting from the large assortment of fishing reels out there can seem daunting at first, but narrowing down your choices will ease the operation. Are you looking to go fly fishing? Or, possibly you're more comfortable with a spinning reel. Of course, you also could choose from Sportsman's Warehouse's large selection of baitcasting reels.
Selecting a new fishing reel based on comfort level and fishing type is the best way to determine what's right for you. And, thanks to a wide variety of fishing reels at Sportsman's Warehouse, you'll never miss another big catch. Top name brands and a diversity of reels are right at your fingertips. Now, you just need to do the easy part — figure out what fishing reels are for you.
Spinning Reels
Whether you are a serious angler or just a weekend warrior, this type of reel is a great experience. The fixed, open-faced spool is placed below the rod and designed for maximum flexibility. Casting is a breeze with Sportsman's Warehouse's spinning reels. They are a fantastic fit in tight situations, and can be used with live bait and light lures.
Best used when fishing for medium-sized species, spinning reels are the most common type of reel. Select from top name brands like Daiwa, Shimano, PENN, and more. Get ready to catch a boatload of bass, crappie, and redfish with your brand-new spinning reel.
Baitcasting Reels
Looking for more control and accuracy? Look no further than the massive selection of baitcasting reels at Sportsman's Warehouse. Primarily utilized by more experience anglers, baitcasting reels allow the fisherman to place the lure in exactly the desired spot. A bit of practice may be required to achieve expert status, but the benefits of a baitcasting reel are well worth the time investment.
As you cast, the reel will continue to rotate, increasing the chances of tangling your line if you're not careful. The good news is that with enough touch, you can move the spool without letting the line continue to feed out. Keep in mind that unlike other fishing reels, baitcasting reels are only to be used with lures.
So, next time you see fish jumping in a hard-to-reach area, pull out your new baitcasting reel from Sportsman's Warehouse and easily drop a hook right next to your catch.
Trolling Reels
For the technical crowd and tactical anglers, Sportsman's Warehouse offers the top trolling reels on the market. Haul in your next big catch of trout, salmon, or tuna with an Okuma or Abu Garcia reel. Trolling reels allow anglers to cover a large amount of space and are specifically used in deep water environments. Hook a lure to your newest trolling reel and enjoy some relaxation on the boat next time you hit the Great Lakes or ocean.
Fly Reels
There is a large population that tries their hand at the angling method in the Mid-Atlantic streams and raging rivers of the West every fishing season. This should be the year you join them. It doesn't get more straightforward than these reels, so pick up a fly reel and head to the great outdoors.
Select a Reel and Get Started
Start your fishing season off right this year with a new trolling reel, baitcasting reel, or spin cast reel. No matter what type of fish you're angling for — or where you are heading — Sportsman's Warehouse has you covered with a huge inventory of all the top brands. Take advantage of the newest technologies and land yourself dinner, or, better yet, a new trophy for the game room.
Outfit every rod you own or just focus on one style when you shop by brand, category, or price range. Don't miss out on a monster catch the next time you hit the water, get started today with the amazing stock at Sportsman's Warehouse.
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FCKeditor (Changed to CKEditor for some reasons) is the coolest editor for asp.net (it works also with lot of other languages). It is easy to implement, full of features and can be easily customized.
I use it for some personal sites. One important feature that is missing is the option to control and limit the size of individual uploaded file. I know I can do it in the web.config using the httpRuntime section, but it will effect all the site. I wanted to control the limit of individual uploaded file. Since the ASP.NET FCKeditor is an open source, I downloaded the source and made some changes to conquer my needs. Below you can download the modified code, or the compiled dll (release mode).
To control the limits of the uploaded files, After you placed the modified dll in your BIN folder, dig into the folder \editor\filemanager\connectors\aspx inside your editor folder. There you will find the file 'config.ascx'. The method 'SetConfig()' is the place you will made some changes:
Add TypeConfig["File"].MaxAllowdSize = 4096; to set the maximum uploaded file to 4MB
Add TypeConfig["Image"].MaxAllowdSize = 2096; to set the maximum, uploaded image to 2MB
TypeConfig["Flash"].MaxAllowdSize = 2096; to set the maximum, uploaded flash to 2MB
TypeConfig["Media"].MaxAllowdSize = 4096; to set the maximum uploaded media file to 4MB
Of course the numbers can be change as your needs.
FredCK.FCKeditorV2.dll.zip (14.26 kb)
FCKEditor.NET_src.zip (61.11 kb)
Currently rated 5.0 by 5 people
If You have full control on the server, you probably don't need my compression library MbCompression, But if you are using share hosting, sure you do.
I just uploaded the configuration for the compression library to work on IIS7. Check the latest source code from here
Currently rated 4.6 by 7 people
Letting the client cropping his images on the site was never an easy task. With jQuery and the plugin Jcrop by Deep Liquid it is easier than ever to do it in ASP.NET site. Here is how to do it:
First we need to include jQuery library,Jcrop script file & Jquery css file in the page. Then, we need to tell Jcrop wich element is our image to crop, and what method to be fire when we are changing the cropping area:
// Will fire every move of the cropping area
function showCoords(c) {
x1,y1,x2,y2 are inputs from where the code behind will read the values of the cropping area.
The code behind that will actualy crop the image:
protected void btnCrop_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
int X1 = Convert.ToInt32(Request.Form["x1"]);
int Y1 = Convert.ToInt32(Request["y1"]);
int X2 = Convert.ToInt32(Request.Form["x2"]);
int Y2 = Convert.ToInt32(Request.Form["y2"]);
int X = System.Math.Min(X1, X2);
int Y = System.Math.Min(Y1, Y2);
int w = Convert.ToInt32(Request.Form["w"]);
int h = Convert.ToInt32(Request.Form["h"]);
// That can be any image (jpg,jpeg,png,gif) from anywhere in the server
string originalFile = Server.MapPath("~/images/miautito.jpg");
using (Image img = Image.FromFile(originalFile))
using (System.Drawing.Bitmap _bitmap = new System.Drawing.Bitmap(w, h))
_bitmap.SetResolution(img.HorizontalResolution, img.VerticalResolution);
using (Graphics _graphic = Graphics.FromImage(_bitmap))
_graphic.InterpolationMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.InterpolationMode.HighQualityBicubic;
_graphic.SmoothingMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.SmoothingMode.HighQuality;
_graphic.PixelOffsetMode = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.PixelOffsetMode.HighQuality;
_graphic.CompositingQuality = System.Drawing.Drawing2D.CompositingQuality.HighQuality;
_graphic.DrawImage(img, 0, 0, w, h);
_graphic.DrawImage(img, new Rectangle(0, 0, w, h), X, Y, w, h, GraphicsUnit.Pixel);
string extension = Path.GetExtension(originalFile);
string croppedFileName = Guid.NewGuid().ToString();
string path = Server.MapPath("~/cropped/");
// If the image is a gif file, change it into png
if (extension.EndsWith("gif", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
extension = ".png";
string newFullPathName = string.Concat(path, croppedFileName, extension);
using (EncoderParameters encoderParameters = new EncoderParameters(1))
encoderParameters.Param[0] = new EncoderParameter(Encoder.Quality, 100L);
_bitmap.Save(newFullPathName, GetImageCodec(extension), encoderParameters);
Method to find the right codec to save the image in the maximum quality:
///
/// Find the right codec
///
/// <param name="extension"></param>
/// <returns></returns>
public static ImageCodecInfo GetImageCodec(string extension)
extension = extension.ToUpperInvariant();
ImageCodecInfo[] codecs = ImageCodecInfo.GetImageEncoders();
foreach (ImageCodecInfo codec in codecs)
if (codec.FilenameExtension.Contains(extension))
return codec;
return codecs[1];
You can see some demos of the Jquery Here, and actual demo using the above code in here: ASP.NET Demo.
Complete working source is available in the link below:
Crop.zip (165.24 kb)
Currently rated 4.6 by 17 people
The MVC concept is clear and logic and the guys at Microsoft did a very good job with the new MVC Framework , But I think I will stick with the 'old fashioned' WebForms and this is why:
1. I don't need anybody to 'force' me to seperate my code into layers. I do it any way in every site I build. I have a DataAccess layer, a Business logic layer and a 'View' layer, and I know exactly when and where to use each layer.
2. I build web sites. I don't need my code to work with any other 'View' other than HTML, and if I do, as I mentioned before, my Business logic layer is in a seperate dll so I can reuse it.
3. One of the first things I do when I start a new project is to disable the ViewState in the web.config, which leaves me with a hidden field with about 50 chars length (aroung 50bytes) - I can live with that. That will not slow down my site. If the page is not doing any POST, I can remove the <form runat="serve"> from it, and then there will be no ViewState at all.
4. I heavily use JavaScript and Ajax (usually with jQuery & my own js 'framework') to give better user experiance.
5. The only 'Databinding controls' I use are Repeater and ListView (and DropDownList) that are rendering exactly the HTML I want.
6. The only server control (other than 'Databinding controls') I use are HyperLink,Literal and PlaceHolder that not render any extra HTML other then what I want.
7. I heavily use inline expression
8. I use short 2-3 chars names for my controls.
9. I do use NUint (truly, only when I must)
10. I use httpcompression to improve performance.
11. I use Url rewriting if needed.
12. My code is well organized and very easy to maintain.
13. I know all the little secrets of the ASP.NET framework and know how to take it to it's limits
I bet my sites have no worse performance than MVC sites or any other technology and I'm sure it will take me less time to build a well organized site with all the points above.
I built and designed tens of sites. From small, medium to very large, and never had a performance problem that couldn't be solved by using the above points.
Use MVC if you want to be cool. I will stay with my oldy friend - WebForm
Why should I replace a winning horse ?
Currently rated 3.5 by 21 people
There are many posts how to generate thumbnails using ASP.NET. Some good some less. Be sure to get distance from the versions that use Image.GetThumbnailImage method.
I'm using my own version that going with me from project to project and it is an HttpHandler that registered in the web.config. You can specified maximum height, maximum width, both, specified quality (1-100) and if the image will be cached or not. It is working well with .jpg, .bmp, .png and .gif. The code is too long to write it here, but it is really easy to undestand and really easy to implement and use it.
To use it, add the class to your dll or just drop it in the App_Code folder,register the handler in the web.config as the following:
<add verb="*" path="image.axd" type="Miron.Web.ImageHandler" validate="false"/>
In your site, to generate a thumbnail with size 150X150 in 90% quality (The image will be cached automatically):

If you want the image to not be stored in the cache:

You can see it in action in the gallery I did to my new nephew Noam: http://mironabramson.com/noam
Hope it will be useful.
ImageHandler.zip (2.85 kb)
Currently rated 4.2 by 6 people
Update: In the last release of AjaxControlToolkit, the problem had been solved
I never used the Accordion control before. Last days, I had to work on another developer's code that used an Accordion control. One of the problems the code had was that when you click on a button that inside the Accordion control - the first click doesn't do nothing, only the second click fire the event. The control was inside an updatepanel, so I was sure that make the problem, but it still happened after I took it out from the updatepanel.
I searched the Internet, and I found that is very common problem with that control. I tried lot of solutions suggested, like adding a reference to the button in the OnInit page event, adding manually the event, and some stuff similar, but nothing really worked. After I almost got crazy, I found this post and it had some source code that claimed to be the solution. I downloaded the whole source of the AjaxControlToolkit.dll, change the code in the Accordion class with the attached code in the post, compiled it, replaced the AjaxControlToolkit.dll in my project with the new compiled one - and Walla!!! the Accordion starts to work as expected, and to fire all the needed events!
So, if you have that problem, that events are not being fired from withing your Accordion control, and you are lazy to download and compile the source code of the AjaxControlToolkit, just download the file below, replace the AjaxControlToolkit.dll in your project with this one, and your Accordion will work just fine.
AjaxControlToolkit.zip (402.69 kb)
Currently rated 4.7 by 3 people
We all know (I guess) the method Activator.CreateInstance(Type) and the generic version: Activator.CreateInstance<T>() that are used to create an instance of a specified Type.
In now days all are talking about 'Entity-relationship model' , 'Object-relational mapping' and that stuff, that basically it means getting a IDataReader, loop over it and fill with the data a List with specfied type of objects and return a List instead of DataSet or DataTable (or similar mechanism). While looping over the IDataReader, every iterate, an instance of the specified type needs to be create. It can be done using one of the methods above, but it can be improved by usind IL and some help using some cache. Here is how can it be done:
public static class FastObjectFactory
private static readonly Hashtable creatorCache = Hashtable.Synchronized(new Hashtable());
private readonly static Type coType = typeof(CreateObject);
public delegate object CreateObject();
///
/// Create an object that will used as a 'factory' to the specified type T
/// <returns></returns>
public static CreateObject CreateObjectFactory<T>() where T : class
Type t = typeof(T);
FastObjectFactory.CreateObject c = creatorCache[t] as FastObjectFactory.CreateObject;
if (c == null)
lock (creatorCache.SyncRoot)
c = creatorCache[t] as FastObjectFactory.CreateObject;
if (c != null)
return c;
DynamicMethod dynMethod = new DynamicMethod("DM$OBJ_FACTORY_" + t.Name, typeof(object), null, t);
ILGenerator ilGen = dynMethod.GetILGenerator();
ilGen.Emit(OpCodes.Newobj, t.GetConstructor(Type.EmptyTypes));
c = (CreateObject)dynMethod.CreateDelegate(coType);
creatorCache.Add(t, c);
return c;
Note the static HashTable is been used as a cache. The first time we create a delegate 'CreateObjec' for the given type it is 'slow', so all the point here, is to cache this delegate. The next time we need to create an object from the given type, the 'CreateObjec' delegate will be used from the cache. Without caching it, the whole story worth nothing.
Here are some benchmarks:
1 Object:
100 Objects:
1000 Objects:
Comparing to the generic constraint : new()
Below there is the small project I used for the benchmarks:
FastObjectFactory.zip (50.35 kb)
Currently rated 5.0 by 6 people
It is known that minifying the JavaScript and CSS files can really reduce the files size and improve the general site performance. Lot of sites (BlogEngine.NET among them) do it on run-time and not it the build time. At this point, I want to recommend the JavaScript minifier JSMIN by Douglas
Crockford. It does the job very good, and by far, much faster than all the RegularExpression \ Replace minifiers. Because in my Compression project MbCompression I do the minifying on run-time, I decided to use jsmin minifier.
The Css minifier
All the Css minifiers I found are using Regular Expression\ Replace to remove the unneeded characters. This is working fine, but have a realy bad performance, special on run-time. The speed is slow (special using the Regular Expression), and another important thing is, every Replace creates a very big string in the memory! (Strings are immutable, remember?), so if you have several Replaces, it creates several big strings in the server memory!
To improve performance, I took JSMIN idea, that are not using any strings in the memory, and perform the minifying much faster, and created a CSS minifier that produce a small CSS file, much faster, and with much less memory overhead.
This minifier was tested on several CSS files. Feel free to download it and use it. If there is any file that not been minify correctly, send it to me, and I will try to improve the minifier.
CssMinifier.cs (9.59 kb)
Currently rated 4.9 by 12 people
It is not something you will use on daily bases. It doesn't have good performance. But one day, you will have to use it so it's good to know that it is possible. As you can understand from the title, I'm talking about creating a new type with fields and properties (it can also have methods), create instance/s from it and use it. It will not be 'type safe', of course, and you will be able to use it - read and set its values only with reflection. but, all the DataBindingControls (GridView, FormView etc...) are binding the data using reflection, so they will be happy to bind and use your new created objects from your own type you created on run-time.
Lets cut the crap and jump into the code:
Let's say you got an xml from a webservice. and you want to create an object from it. Something like that:
You receive an xml like this:
<column name="Name">Miron</column>
<column name="LastName">Abramson</column>
<column name="Blog">www.blog.mironabramson.com</column>
You want to make a 'match' type that looks like this:
public class MyType
public string Name{ get; set; }
public string LastName{ get; set; }
public string Blog{ get; set; }
and than create an object from that type and fill it with your data. The prolem is that you don't know what will be the values of the xml attributes and fields. So you need to create the object on run-time:
private object CreateOurNewObject()
string _xml = "<root>" +
"<column name=\"Name\">Miron</column>" +
"<column name=\"LastName\">Abramson</column>" +
"<column name=\"Blog\">www.blog.mironabramson.com</column>" +
XmlDocument xmlDoc = new XmlDocument();
// create a dynamic assembly and module
AssemblyName assemblyName = new AssemblyName();
assemblyName.Name = "tmpAssembly";
AssemblyBuilder assemblyBuilder = Thread.GetDomain().DefineDynamicAssembly(assemblyName, AssemblyBuilderAccess.Run);
ModuleBuilder module = assemblyBuilder.DefineDynamicModule("tmpModule");
// create a new type builder
TypeBuilder typeBuilder = module.DefineType("BindableRowCellCollection", TypeAttributes.Public | TypeAttributes.Class);
// Loop over the attributes that will be used as the properties names in out new type
foreach (XmlNode node in xmlDoc.SelectSingleNode("root").ChildNodes)
string propertyName = node.Attributes["name"].Value;
// Generate a private field
FieldBuilder field = typeBuilder.DefineField("_" + propertyName, typeof(string), FieldAttributes.Private);
// Generate a public property
PropertyBuilder property =
new Type[] { typeof(string) });
// The property set and property get methods require a special set of attributes:
MethodAttributes GetSetAttr =
MethodAttributes.Public |
// Define the "get" accessor method for current private field.
MethodBuilder currGetPropMthdBldr =
// Intermediate Language stuff...
ILGenerator currGetIL = currGetPropMthdBldr.GetILGenerator();
currGetIL.Emit(OpCodes.Ldfld, field);
// Define the "set" accessor method for current private field.
MethodBuilder currSetPropMthdBldr =
new Type[] { typeof(string) });
// Again some Intermediate Language stuff...
ILGenerator currSetIL = currSetPropMthdBldr.GetILGenerator();
currSetIL.Emit(OpCodes.Stfld, field);
// Last, we must map the two methods created above to our PropertyBuilder to
// their corresponding behaviors, "get" and "set" respectively.
// Generate our type
Type generetedType = typeBuilder.CreateType();
// Now we have our type. Let's create an instance from it:
object generetedObject = Activator.CreateInstance(generetedType);
// Loop over all the generated properties, and assign the values from our XML:
PropertyInfo[] properties = generetedType.GetProperties();
int propertiesCounter = 0;
// Loop over the values that we will assign to the properties
foreach (XmlNode node in xmlDoc.SelectSingleNode("root").ChildNodes)
string value = node.InnerText;
properties[propertiesCounter].SetValue(generetedObject, value, null);
//Yoopy ! Return our new genereted object.
return generetedObject;
Mazal Tov!!!
We create our type and instance from it on run-time !!!
In the file bellow, there is full working exmple of the code
MyTypeRunTime.zip (4.15 kb)
Currently rated 4.4 by 29 people
We are all know that client validations are good way to validate input, of cource you must re validate in server side also, but the client side will save some wasted post backs. Usually, we validate each input separate (writing manually script, or a validator control). What if you have a rule that is for all inputs in the page, or in the site? for example, you want to prevent the user to submit any input that contains 'fuc*' , 'shi*' or what ever words that are not 'legal' for you, or input that is not valid for the ASP.NET such '<'or '/>' ?
I wrote some JavaScript code, that validate all the TextBox and Textarea controls in the page, and prevent it to be submitted if one (or more) of the input/s is in your 'not legal words' list. What the script actualy does, is checking the values of all Textboxes in the page, and if one input value contains one of the 'bad' words that defined in the 'MachingWords' variable, it will pop an alert, and will cancel the submit. Here we go:
var MachingWords = "<|/>|fuck|shit|ass";
function FormValidationController()
this.IsValid = true;
this._notValidValuesCollection = [];
this._notValidValuesHash = new Array();
this.AddNotValidValue = function(value){
if( !this._notValidValuesHash[value] ){
this._notValidValuesHash[value] = 1;
this.PopMessage = function() {
var wordsList = '';
for( var i = 0 ; i < this._notValidValuesCollection.length ; i++ ) {
wordsList = wordsList.length < 1 ? "'" + this._notValidValuesCollection[i] + "'" : wordsList + ", '" + this._notValidValuesCollection[i] + "'";
var notValidMessage = "The input{0} {1} {2} not valid.";
alert( String.Format(notValidMessage,(this._notValidValuesCollection.length > 1 ? "s" : ""),(wordsList),(this._notValidValuesCollection.length > 1 ? "are" : "is")) );
this.Validate = function(){
this.IsValid = true;
this._notValidValuesCollection = [];
this._notValidValuesHash = new Array();
var inputElementsCollection = document.getElementsByTagName("INPUT");
if( inputElementsCollection ){
for (var index=0; index<inputElementsCollection.length; index++) {
var el=inputElementsCollection[index];
if( el.type.toLowerCase() == 'text' )
var textareaElementsCollection = document.getElementsByTagName("TEXTAREA");
if( textareaElementsCollection ){
for (var index=0; index<textareaElementsCollection.length; index++) {
var el=textareaElementsCollection[index];
this.ValidateInput = function (element) {
if( element ){
if( !this.IsValidString(element.value) ) {
if( this.IsValid ){
this.IsValid = false;
FormValidationController.RegularExpression = new RegExp(MachingWords,"i","g");
// Validate the current input
FormValidationController.prototype.IsValidString = function(strInput)
if( !strInput || typeof( strInput ) == 'string' ){
if( strInput.length < 1 )
return true;
if( FormValidationController.RegularExpression.test ( strInput ) )
return false;
return true;
var c = new FormValidationController();
// String.Format implementation
String.Format = function(format,args){
var result = format;
for(var i = 1 ; i < arguments.length ; i++) {
result = result.replace(new RegExp( '\\{' + (i-1) + '\\}', 'g' ),arguments[i]);
return result;
And the method that using it and excuting the validation:
// Excute the validation
function ValidatePage() {
if( !c.IsValid ) {
return false;
return true;
The implementation is very simple. Add the script to your page, and add to the OnLoad page event the following line, and that's it.
ClientScript.RegisterOnSubmitStatement(this.GetType(), "ValidatePage", "return ValidatePage();");
Javascript file with the code available here:
FormValidation.js (3.23 kb)
Currently rated 4.8 by 4 people


text:
By: Dr Lynda Kelly, Category: Museullaneous, Date: 09 Aug 2011
44% of UK residents do!
The Google Ads blog is a good resource of stats and insights into mobile. The most recent post, Think Mobile UK: Ian Carrington of Google calls for "A little less conversation, a little more action", details some interesting stats:
He also outlines four simple steps for integrating mobile:
You can watch Ian's talk here (be aware - it goes for alomst half an hour!!).
And remember, always ask: "Where's the data?"!


text:
Renewable energy can be produced from a wide variety of sources including wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass. By using more renewables to meet its energy needs, the EU lowers its dependence on imported fossil fuels and makes its energy production more sustainable. The renewable energy industry also drives technological innovation and employment across Europe.
2020 renewable energy targets
The EU's Renewable energy directive sets a binding target of 20% final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. To achieve this, EU countries have committed to reaching their own national renewables targets ranging from 10% in Malta to 49% in Sweden. They are also each required to have at least 10% of their transport fuels come from renewable sources by 2020.
All EU countries have adopted national renewable energy action plans showing what actions they intend to take to meet their renewables targets. These plans include sectorial targets for electricity, heating and cooling, and transport; planned policy measures; the different mix of renewables technologies they expect to employ; and the planned use of cooperation mechanisms.
A new target for 2030
Renewables will continue to play a key role in helping the EU meet its energy needs beyond 2020. EU countries have already agreed on a new renewable energy target of at least 27% of final energy consumption in the EU as a whole by 2030. This target is part of the EU's energy and climate goals for 2030.
Support schemes for renewables
Public interventions such as support schemes remain necessary to make certain renewable energy technologies competitive. To avoid distorting energy prices and the market however, these schemes should be time-limited and carefully designed. The EU has issued guidance on support schemes to help governments when they design or revise support schemes.
Progress reports
Every two years, the EU publishes a renewable energy progress report.
The latest report from 2015 states that 25 EU countries are expected to meet their 2013/2014 interim renewable energy targets. In 2014, the projected share of renewable energy in the gross final energy consumption is 15.3%.
According to data from Eurostat, the total share of renewable energy in the EU in 2012 was 14.1%, up from 8.7% in 2005.
List of Renewable Energy Associations
Transparency Platform
Under the EU's Renewable Energy Directive, the European Commission must keep a 'transparency platform'. This allows public access to national and Commission documents relating to renewable energy


text:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Candidate Conservation Agreements What Are the Benefits of Conserving Candidate Species? Implementing conservation efforts before species are listed and their habitats become highly imperiled increases the likelihood that simpler, more cost-effective conservation options are available, and that conservation efforts will succeed. In addition, through early conservation efforts before species are listed, resource managers and property owners have more flexibility to manage their resources and use their land. What Is a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA)? Early conservation efforts for declining species can be greatly expanded through collaborative approaches that foster cooperation and exchange of ideas among multiple parties. One of the principal ways of identifying appropriate conservation efforts is through the development of a Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA). CCAs are formal, voluntary agreements between the FWS and one or more parties to address the conservation needs of one or more candidate species or species likely to become candidates in the near future. Participants voluntarily commit to implement specific actions designed to remove or reduce threats to the covered species, so that listing may not be necessary. The degree of detail in David Tibbets/USFWS What Are Candidate Species? What the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) considers candidate species are those plants and animals that are candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These are species for which the FWS has enough information regarding their biological status and threats to propose them as threatened or endangered, but listing is currently precluded by higher priority listing activities. Candidate species are not subject to the legal protections of the ESA. Proactive conservation efforts for these species can, in some cases, eliminate the need to list them under the ESA. In New Hampshire, efforts are underway to help conserve the New England cottontail through a CCAA. CCAs can vary widely, and there are no specific permits or assurances associated with them. The FWS has entered into many CCAs over the years, primarily with other Federal agencies and States. Local governments, Tribes, private property owners, and other entities may also participate. Some CCAs have been so successful that listing the covered species was not necessary. What Is a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA)? Conservation of animal and plant resources on non-Federal lands is important because many species rely heavily – or even entirely – on such lands. However, due to concern about potential land use restrictions that could occur if a species becomes listed under the ESA, some property owners have been reluctant to engage in conservation activities that encourage use of their land or water by such species. A Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances addresses this concern by providing incentives for non-Federal property owners to engage in voluntary conservation activities that can help make listing a species unnecessary. More specifically, a CCAA provides participating property owners with a permit containing assurances that if they engage in certain conservation actions for species included in the agreement, they will not be required to implement additional conservation measures beyond those in the CCAA. Also, additional land, water, or resource use limitations will not be imposed on them should the species become listed in the future, unless they consent to such changes. What Species Can Be Included in a CCA or CCAA? A CCA and CCAA may include plant and animal species that have been proposed for listing or are candidates for listing, and at-risk species, which are species that are likely to become candidates in the near future. These agreements can apply to a single species or multiple species. Agreements may vary widely in size, scope, structure, and complexity, and in the activities they address. the status of candidate and at-risk species. A variety of actions may qualify, such as: How Does a CCA and CCAA Help Species? These voluntary agreements reduce or remove identified threats to a species. Examples of beneficial activities include measures for reducing habitat fragmentation rates, restoring or enhancing habitat, expanding or establishing habitat connectivity, reestablishing populations or augmenting existing populations, control of competitive, invasive plants or animals, and reducing potential effects of significant disturbance events, such as extreme wildfires that could result from unnatural buildup of fuels. • restoring degraded habitat; How Do CCAs and CCAAs Differ? Both CCAs and CCAAs can eliminate the need for listing candidate and at-risk species under the ESA. A CCA can be between the FWS and other Federal, State, or local agencies, or with private sector parties, and may include both Federal and non-Federal lands and waters. Under a CCA, no Enhancement of Survival Permit is issued. This means there is no permit that authorizes incidental take of the covered species in the event listing occurs, and no assurances are provided by the Service. A CCAA is only between non-Federal property owners and the FWS, and covers the actions of those entities on non-Federal lands. The FWS, through an Enhancement of Survival Permit issued in conjunction with a CCAA, provides assurances that, if the species is subsequently listed and no other changes have occurred, the FWS will not require the permittee to conduct any additional conservation measures without consent. Additionally, the permit authorizes a specific level of incidental take of the covered species, should listing occur. In situations where a candidate or at-risk species is found on both non-Federal and Federal land, a CCA and a CCAA can be used in a complementary fashion to address threats and management needs on both, with the result that listing is less likely. How Does the CCAA Process Work? Property owners agree to undertake activities on their non-Federal lands to remove threats and otherwise improve • protecting and enhancing existing populations and habitats; • creating new habitat; • augmenting existing populations; • restoring historic populations; and • not undertaking a specific, potentially impacting/damaging activity. In return for the participant's voluntary conservation action(s), the FWS provides an Enhancement of Survival Permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA. The permit, which goes into effect if the covered species becomes listed, provides the participant with a prescribed amount of "take" of the species, and/or habitat modification when such take is incidental to activities specified in the CCAA. Such take might occur as the landowner implements agreed upon conservation actions or other ongoing management activities on the property enrolled in the CCAA. The FWS recognizes that a single CCAA by itself may not be sufficient to reduce or remove all threats so that listing is unnecessary. In developing a CCAA, a non-Federal property owner needs only to address those threats, or the proportion of those threats, that he or she can control on the property enrolled. The standard that must be met for the FWS to enter into a CCAA and issue the related permit is that the duration of the CCAA must be sufficient for the FWS to determine that the benefits of the conservation measures in the agreement, when combined with those benefits that would be achieved if it is assumed that the measures would also be implemented on other necessary properties, would preclude or remove any need to list the covered species. How Long Does It Take to Develop a CCAA? Many agreements can be developed within 6 to 9 months, although more complex agreements may take longer. A variety of factors influence the timeline, such as the number and characteristics of the species involved, the size of the area involved, the size of the project(s) or other activities to be conducted, the number of parties to the agreement, and other relevant factors. Can a Property Owner Sell or Transfer Property Enrolled with a CCAA? If a property owner sells or gives away lands enrolled in a CCAA, the FWS will honor the agreement and associated permit, providing the new owner agrees to become a party to the original CCAA and permit. What Happens When a CCAA Expires? The CCAA can be renewed for as long as the property landowner and FWS mutually agree. If the landowner does not renew the agreement, the assurances tied to the Enhancement of Survival Permit end when the permit expires. At that time, the owner becomes accountable to the provisions of the ESA if the species has been listed while the CCAA was in effect. What Is a Programmatic CCAA? A programmatic CCAA and its associated permits authorize State, local, Tribal governments and other entities to enter into an agreement and hold the associated permit. This entity then enrolls individual property owners within a specific area or region, and conveys the permit authorization and assurances to them through a "certificate of inclusion." This programmatic approach is an efficient mechanism to encourage multiple non-Federal property owners to voluntarily take management actions to remove threats to candidate and potential candidate species. Who Should I Contact to Initiate a CCA or CCAA? Contact the nearest FWS Field Office in your State to discuss potential cooperative opportunities. For information and examples of Candidate Conservation Agreements and the final CCAA policy and regulations, please visit the candidate conservation section of http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ candidates/index.html. A 12-minute video on Candidate Conservation Agreements is also posted at this site. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 420B Arlington, VA 22203 703/358-2390 http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ March 2011
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