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DEA Seizes Poppyseed Crop from Franklin Co. Growers
Authorities continue to investigate if the poppy crop at a North Franklin County farm was used for illegal purposes.
The Drug Enforcement Agency and Tri-City Metro Drug Task Force officials cut the entire 20-acre crop of poppies at the farm on Elm Road. Authorities served a search warrant on the farm owned by Kenneth and Shanna French after learning of the crop, which was reportedly located out of plain sight on their property.
The French's say the poppyseed pods are sold as decorations, and they have numerous customers across the country, but the dried pods can also be used to make a highly-addictive and deadly tea that produces heroin-like effects.
Last October, the farm was also searched, but officials did not proceed with any charges.
If the crop was being used for illegal purposes, officials say it would perhaps be the first such illegal growing operation in the U.S., and the French's could face federal drug charges. Harvesting equipment knocked over the plants and federal agents cut the pods from the plants, and filled dozens of boxes.
(Image courtesy of KNDU-TV)


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abrera (strained left hamstring) from the 15-day DL Friday. He sta
abrera (strained left hamstring) from the 15-day DL Friday. He stain Gästebuch 12.01.2018 11:37
von jcy123 • 2.764 Beiträge
Rankings were updated Sunday to account for the latest news. Nike Free Rn Flyknit White . It was Kerbers third final of the year after losing to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in Monterrey in April and to Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in Tokyo two weeks ago. The 10th-ranked German improved her record in finals to 3-5. Comme Des Garcons Nike Vapormax .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. http://www.pelerr.com/nike-free-5-0-flyknit/nike-free-5-0-flyknit-womens.html . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. Nike Vapormax Womens . They hope to persuade the other team owners and commissioner Roger Goodell to put pressure on Redskins owner Daniel Snyder to drop the nickname they find offensive. "Given the way the meeting transpired," Ray Halbritter, an Oneida representative and leader of the "Change the Mascot Campaign," said Wednesday, "it became somewhat evident they were defending the continued use of the name. Nike Free Rn Flyknit 2017 . -- The St. Johns IceCaps weathered a wild first period with the help of goaltender Jussi Olkinuora, before finding offensive inroads in the second. WASHINGTON -- Washington manager Davey Johnson has seen these kinds of games from the Nationals offence. This time he thinks theyll sustain it. Wilson Ramos drove in three runs, Gio Gonzalez won his third straight start and the Washington Nationals defeated the San Diego Padres 8-5 Friday night. Jayson Werth had three hits and Denard Span added a two-run double for Washington, which has won two straight, scoring eight runs and getting at least 10 hits in each game. "I like the way the lineup is swinging the bat really. Theyre good at-bats, quality at-bats," Johnson said. "Thats what Ive been looking for. It takes the pressure off everybody in the lineup. They feel like they can stay within themselves and not try to do too much." Ramos has driven in eight runs in two games since coming off the disabled list on Thursday. "He kind of got us going early today and hes been a big impact so far these last two games," Span said of Ramos. One hitter not thriving is Bryce Harper. The left fielder went 0 for 4 with a sacrifice fly Friday night and is 1 for 19 since his return. Johnson said hell probably give Harper a couple of days off this weekend. "He expects a lot of himself and I think coming back from that long layoff hes just not as relaxed as he likes," Johnson said. "Hes probably not at 100 per cent physically either. Its a good time (to rest him) before we go on the road trip." Chase Headley homered, doubled and drove in two runs, and Carlos Quentin had a three-run homer for the Padres, whove lost seven straight, but scored more than two runs for the first time in that stretch. Gonzalez (6-3) went 6 2-3 innings, allowing three runs and eight hits while striking out five and walking one. He allowed a first-inning run and pitched out of a jam in the second when he struck out three straight with runners on second and third. "It was just one of those days you have to battle through, but defence came through and offence was as wonderful as it gets," Gonzalez said. "They were up there getting runs and producing them and my job was just trying to keep them in the game as much as possible." He went through a six-game stretch during which the Nationals scored two runs or fewer, but is now getting good run support. Washington has scored 25 runs in his past three starts. Gonzalez left with an 8-2 lead and a runner on first with two outs in the seventh. Chris Denorfia (3 for 4) singled off reliever Craig Stammen and Carloss Quentin hit Stammens first pitch into the seats beyond the visitors bullpen to make it 8-5.dddddddddddd Tyler Clippard pitched the eighth and Rafael Soriano the ninth for his 23rd save. Padres starter Andrew Cashner (5-4) had his worst outing of this season, lasting just two innings while giving up six runs and five hits. He had three walks and no strikeouts. The Nationals trailed 1-0 when Ryan Zimmerman singled to lead off the second inning. With one out and a 3-2 count, Werth fouled off four pitches before singling to left. Werth is 6 for 7 in two games hitting in the No. 6 spot in the lineup with Ian Desmond moving to the second spot. "I think he likes that," Johnson said when asked if Werth likes having an inning to watch the opposing pitcher. "I think he also likes the fact that at five or six, youre generally going to have a lot of guys on and hes more aggressive when hes in that spot. And I like that about him." After Anthony Rendon walked to load the bases, Ramos grounded a single to left, scoring Zimmerman and Werth. Gonzalez was hit by a pitch and Span doubled down the right-field line scoring two more runs. "The inning just snowballed on (Cashner). Just didnt make many good pitches," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Tonight every good pitch that he did throw, they fought it off or took it. Every borderline pitch they took for ball. They had some really good at bats." Harper drove in the fifth run with a sacrifice fly. "We have a deep lineup and it definitely puts pressure on opposing pitchers," Span said of the big inning. "We should be able to do that. It was definitely fun. I love getting up five or six times a game." Headley homered in the third to make it 5-2. Ramos singled home LaRoche in the bottom of the third. In the fourth, Ian Desmond scored on a LaRoche single and Zimmerman scored on a Werth groundout to make it 8-2. The Padres took a 1-0 lead in the first when Denorfia doubled and scored on a two-out double by Headley. NOTES: Headley is hitting .377 for his career at Nationals Park. ... The Padres activated Cabrera (strained left hamstring) from the 15-day DL Friday. He started and went 0 for 5. To make room for him, the Padres optioned RHP Burch Smith to Triple A Tucson. ... Washington RHP Ryan Mattheus (broken right hand) threw from the mound for the first time since going on the DL May 22. ... Padres RHP Jason Marquis (9-4, 3.74) opposes Jordan Zimmermann (12-3, 2.46) Saturday. Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
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Play as one of today's most popular basketball players, or as an NBA legend for some of the most intense one-on-one hoops competitions available in NBA Ballers. Follow the action off the court and into the luxurious surroundings of your favorite NBA player's homes. Battle one-on-one with over 60 current and 24 legendary NBA players to determine the greatest baller in the world. Create your own custom NBA characters by choosing their look and skills, then decking them out with hot cars, planes, posses and more. Incredibly detailed player models are based on the height, weight, and athletic ability of real NBA players, and feature 36-point facial animations, creating a new level of expression.
Deliver the facial with our in-depth guide.
Midway's hardcore basketball game in stores now for PS2 and Xbox. Read More »
Since the beginning of arcade hoops games, Midway has been there. The company was responsible for Arch Rivals, where connecting with a right hook was just as important as sinking a hook shot. A few years later, NBA Jam took digital basketball to new heights. Later, Midway went on to publish Hangtime, Showtime, and Hoopz -- all slight variations on the same theme. Read More »
MTV's Making of the Videogame: NBA Ballers airing tonight and beyond. Read More »
Midway's hardcore basketball game in stores soon for PS2 and Xbox. Read More »
Midway is taking the recent trend of street basketball games (see Street Hoops and NBA Street) to a new level with its upcoming NBA Ballers. It's a perfect fit for the company -- who originated the NBA Jam series -- as it perfectly suits its penchant for irreverent and exaggerated interpretations of sports. Unlike the other two asphalt hoops titles, Ballers is a one-on-one game. It also has a unique twist in that it focuses on the stereotypical NBA lifestyle. In addition to winning your pickup games, you must go from rags to riches and acquire the phattest mansion, yacht, jewelry, and more. One of the game's producers said, "It's like MTV Cribs meets NBA Jam." I couldn't agree more. Read More »
Release Region: United States
Release Date: April 5, 2004
Publisher: Midway Games
Also available on: PlayStation 2
For more info on these technical requirements and features, please view GameSpy's Specs FAQ.
NBA Ballers at IGN
NBA Ballers Cheats at IGN
NBA Ballers Guide at IGN
NBA Ballers at GameSpy
NBA Ballers at TeamXbox
NBA Ballers at GameStats


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highlyrel necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 5 diseños de 4 diseñadores freelance.
Site Objective:
Its a schedule of all cool mixers, events and conferences in the startup and tech industry in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City.
The wireframes will tell the story. Attached is a PDF file that lays out the homepage and the event pages we need designed, as well as the logo
We want you to keep it simple, use a lot of white space and try not to overcrowd the site. The overall look and feel is similar to thescene.com
This site is for people who are in their 20s - 40s who are socially active or interested in learning more about the power of Social Media.
People can find mixers, events, find other people who are interested in social media, find relevant content that is informative to the social media niche, etc.
Show me how amazing you are! I can assure you that it will be worth your time. I run an agency in Los Angeles, CA and we are always looking for designers.
This is a test. If you are chosen we will have much more design projects for you in the future.


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Days Inn Watervliet hotels are listed below. Search for cheap and discount Days Inn hotel rooms in Watervliet, MI for your family, individual or group travels. We list the best Days Inn Watervliet hotels so you can review the Watervliet Days Inn hotel list below to find the perfect place.
Our search will also provide discounted Watervliet, MI lodging properties that are comparable to the quality of Days Inn.Need 5+ Rooms? Lock in a group rate for Watervliet MI
How should we direct your call?


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Study: Diet soda may be linked to higher risk of stroke and dementia, more research needed
A new study showed that diet soda may be linked to a higher risk of stroke and dementia.
The study that was published in the American Heart Association's Journal looked at diet sodas and other artificially sweetened drinks. The study already has its critics though. Researchers that prepared the study have admitted they could not find an actual cause-an-effect relationship between the two.
"Our study shows a need to put more research into this area given how often people drink artificially-sweetened beverages," said Matthew Pase, Ph.D., a senior fellow in the department of neurology at Boston University School of Medicine, Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, and the Framingham Heart Study. "Although we did not find an association between stroke or dementia and the consumption of sugary drinks, this certainly does not mean they are a healthy option. We recommend that people drink water on a regular basis instead of sugary or artificially sweetened beverages."
In the American Heart Association Journal's report, the researchers made it clear that more research was needed.
"We know that limiting added sugars is an important strategy to support good nutrition and healthy body weights, and until we know more, people should use artificially sweetened drinks cautiously. They may have a role for people with diabetes and in weight loss, but we encourage people to drink water, low-fat milk or other beverages without added sweeteners," said Rachel K. Johnson, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., past chair of the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee and professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont.
More information on the study can be found here on the American Heart Association's website.


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Removing The Stigma Of Unplanned Pregnancy
Photo credit: KidStock/Blend Images/Getty Images
I notice these things, simply for one reason:
I had an unplanned pregnancy.
And you know what? It's none of anyone's business how it happened.
Was it planned?
I understand the natural curiosity of the human condition, I really do. But for some reason when we see certain types of women — say, the very young or the very professional —and wonder if their pregnancy was planned or unplanned, we are doing a disservice not only to them, but to pregnant women everywhere.
In short, we are saying that pregnancy is only acceptable in the most perfect of situations.
Which, as any mother knows, is a situation that simply doesn't exist.
Unplanned does not equal unwanted
One of my favorite unplanned pregnancy stories happened to my cousin, a teacher and blogger at B Sides: The Amateur Mom. She was grocery shopping with her then-infant son, casually tossing broccoli on to the conveyor belt and trying to calculate if she had purchased enough for the sale price, when the clerk gestured to her baby.
"So was he planned?" she asked.
Um, what? In what world is that question ever OK? And what does it even mean? It's as if, by placing so much focus on the planned vs. unplanned children, we are trying to gauge their worth. Or, possibly, the worth of their mothers. Because everyone knows that pregnancy is always the woman's fault.
When I had my unplanned pregnancy during my senior year of college, it obviously drastically affected my life, to the point where I saw a need to write a book about it and connect with other women who were facing motherhood a bit unexpectedly. But what affected me the most about my experience with unplanned pregnancy was the expectation that I shouldn't be happy about my baby. Which, in a twisted sort of way, made me question if I did deserve to be happy.
It took me a long time, but I finally realized the truth about unplanned pregnancy: It doesn't always mean an unwanted baby.
A new normal
The truth is, unplanned pregnancy is the new norm. And while, of course, unplanned pregnancy doesn't just happen to couples or women who aren't married, out-of-wedlock pregnancies and births are a huge majority of births to women under the age of 30.
So what are we to do with this information?
For one thing, we can stop treating unplanned pregnancy as a life-threatening epidemic. It happens; and while it happens more to younger women (nature does sort of work that way), it can happen at any age and in any economic situation.
Our need to place pregnancy on a checklist of life is actually very detrimental; we want women to become mothers, but only after they have traveled and purchased a home and saved for retirement and found a husband and are established in a career they love, but definitely before they have to worry about IVF or maybe they should just freeze their eggs right from the beginning.
The pressure is absurd. How on earth is any one woman suppose to accomplish all of that, let alone every woman who wants to be a mother?
Life doesn't work that way, and I think that our current system of support for mothers reflects that. We don't have colleges and universities that adequately support pregnant students and parenting resources. Our workplaces want to peg taking care of children as unprofessional — and maternity leave? That's a luxury, not a right.
Acknowledging without judging
I don't want to disregard the fact that unplanned pregnancy can be a tough situation to encounter — trust me, I know this firsthand. But I also don't want to make unplanned pregnancy harder than it needs to be. I want women to be able to walk through the grocery store without feeling judged for having a baby with them. I want women to realize that they don't owe anyone an explanation for their childbearing choices. I want women to feel empowered to make the choices they want to make for their lives and their careers and not buy into the notion that an unplanned pregnancy is always a mistake to be avoided at all costs.
Because I have one very special 6-year-old example of why an unplanned pregnancy can change your life forever —
In the very best way.
More on pregnancy
Why first-time mothers should avoid inductions
Why you show earlier with later pregnancies
The secret to natural childbirth


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Car Review
2013 Volvo S80: New Car Review
Pros: Surprisingly affordable; strong optional turbocharged inline-6; high-quality cabin; stellar seat comfort
Cons: Weak base engine; generally feels outclassed by newer rivals; S60 is more exciting
New for 2013: Minor technology features added
The 2013 Volvo S80 is Volvo's flagship sedan. It is also a sedan version of the XC70 wagon/crossover, though because it is a luxury car it rides lower to the ground. Last redesigned for 2006, the S80 is not the most exciting entry in its price class, wearing styling that was avant-garde in its heyday but looks conservative today.
What it is, however, is very well equipped and surprisingly affordable. Volvo has adopted an aggressive strategy with the S80, offering its top-of-the-line sedan at prices you'd expect to pay for, say, a new BMW 3 Series. Curiously, the S80 faces some internal competition from Volvo's own S60 sport-luxury sedan, which was redesigned for 2011 and very well received. So what value does the S80 add? Well, it has a bigger backseat than many comparably priced sedans, for one thing, and conveys more elegance in that understated Swedish way. There's maturity to the S80, if you will, that sets it apart from the so-called entry-level offerings that populate this price point. Think of it as Europe's Buick.
Indeed, the S80 deserves more consideration than it gets. If you find its looks appealing, take one for a spin; you might be pleasantly surprised by the S80, a flagship that isn't priced like one.
Comfort & Utility
The 2013 Volvo S80 is offered as either the 3.2 or the T6 AWD -- those designations refer to the drivetrains, discussed in detail below -- each of which come in base, Premier Plus and Premier Platinum trim levels. Standard features on the base 3.2 ($39,150) trim include 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery, power front seats, automatic climate control, a 7-in information and entertainment display screen and an 8-speaker audio system with iPod/USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Opting for the Premier Plus ($40,300) trim nets front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry/ignition, while the Platinum trim ($43,000) adds a 650-watt Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound stereo and a voice-activated navigation system.
The base T6 AWD ($43,150), T6 AWD Premier Plus ($44,300) and T6 AWD Platinum ($47,000) follow the same general equipment strategy as their 3.2 model counterparts. They add a sunroof (optional on the 3.2), 18-in wheels and can be equipped with a Dynamic Package that includes special 18-in wheels, a lowered sport suspension with stiffer calibrations and auto-leveling capability, sport seats and sanded silver interior trim. For $2,300, there's also a fancy Inscription appearance package available for the T6 AWD models with upscale interior touches like a walnut steering wheel, leather-covered dashboard, softer leather seats, ventilated seats and more.
As with the exterior, the S80's interior is understated and classy, with top-notch materials all around, a sleek center panel with sensible controls (including Volvo's unique humanoid diagram for airflow control) and a generally luxurious vibe that speaks well of Volvo's attention to detail. The front seats are wonderful, providing drive-all-day comfort to a degree that few others can match. While the backseat isn't as huge as that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, there's considerably more rear passenger space than in the S60 and its rivals.
Trunk capacity is 14.9 cu ft, which is about average for a luxury sedan of this size.
The S80 comes standard with iPod/USB and Bluetooth, so it's got those boxes checked. The new 7-in information and entertainment display has impressive graphical quality, and we don't mind that it's not a touchscreen, as the straightforward buttons under the screen guarantee that you won't have to deal with fingerprint smudges. Compared to the wide-screen displays in the latest Audi and BMW sedans for example, the S80 model's display seems outdated, an impression that is strengthened by the dash-top hump in which it is set. The technology is okay, but we're just worried that the overall effect is a bit quaint by current standards.
Optional on the S80 3.2 for $2,100 is a Technology package that includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning, pedestrian detection, distance alert, driver alertness monitor, lane departure warning, road sign information and active high beams.
Performance & Fuel Economy
The S80 3.2 comes with front-wheel drive and a 3.2-liter inline-6 good for 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This is a rather sluggish and unrefined engine by luxury-sedan standards, so we'd strongly advise investing a few extra grand for the T6. That way, you'll have a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with a very potent 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and as a bonus, the T6 also has standard all-wheel drive. Bear in mind, however, that the T6 gets just 18 miles per gallon city/26 mpg highway, while the 3.2 achieves 20 mpg city/29 mpg hwy. A decent 6-speed automatic transmission is standard in every S80.
As the flagship of a company famous for its safety, the Volvo S80 is a safety superstar. It has standard stability control, six airbags and an optional suite of computer-driven safety features, including an available collision/pedestrian avoidance system that can bring the car to a full stop if an impact is deemed imminent. Blind spot monitoring is also optional.
The government hasn't crash tested an S80 using its new methodology, but the independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the S80 its top rating of Good in every category, not surprisingly.
Driving Impressions
The S80 has a nose for the fast lane, hunkering down at high speeds the way a good European luxury sedan should. Otherwise, though, it drives like a flagship, which means it's well isolated from the elements but not remotely engaging. If you're looking for a comfortable commuter with room for four adults, you could do much worse than the S80. Just don't expect much in the way of driver involvement. This Volvo is a throwback to the days when luxury meant soft, smooth and straight-ahead. We can see the appeal in that.
Other Cars to Consider
BMW 3 Series - The S80's pricing is so moderate that the 5 Series is too expensive to compare, so if you're interested in a BMW, see if you find the new 3 Series ($36,850) suitably sized. It certainly spanks the S80 in performance, fuel economy and tech, but styling and quality? Those are tough ones. It also gets really expensive really quickly, once you hit the options page.
Cadillac CTS - Slightly larger than the 3 Series, the rear-wheel drive CTS ($39,095) is much like the S80, at least in base form. Expect engaging performance with the 3.6-liter V6 and less, um, subtlety than the Volvo.
Lincoln MKS - Like the S80, Lincoln's MKS ($42,810) is plus-sized and stately, with a quiet ride, high-feature interior and smooth engines. The Lincoln, however, has real muscle under its zoot suit, including a 365-hp turbocharged V-6/all-wheel drive combo that can really move.
AutoTrader Recommends
We'd go with the T6 AWD model and add the Dynamic Package for the lowered, sport-tuned suspension. However, most Volvo customers are highly safety-minded, and for them, we think the Technology package is a must-have.
What do you think of the new Volvo S80? Let us know in the comments below.


text: Create you rown little bead Buddy with a fun glass face and assorted other beads along with wire. This class is best for ages 8 and up. Kids classes last about 1 hour and all supplies are included.To schedule this class for your party of 2 or more call 843-881-5690.


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Florida Governor Addresses FRVTA Convention
September 13, 2011 by RVBusiness · Comments Off on Florida Governor Addresses FRVTA Convention
The Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) welcomed Gov. Rick Scott to the 31st Annual State Convention, held Sept. 8-11 at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Ft. Lauderdale. According to a press release, Scott spoke at the luncheon on Saturday afternoon.
"The best thing that government can do to help small businesses like yours thrive and grow is to get out of your way," said Scott. "As a business owner myself, I can relate to the struggles you have to face, I am committed to creating a favorable environment for business in this state."
Scott went on to outline the progress that has been made during the first nine months of his term. He said that working with the Florida state legislature, his administration has been able to balance the budget while not increasing taxes or fees.
In addition to Scott's address, the annual convention offered attendees a review of several key issues in a Friday morning panel discussion featuring Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President Richard Coon, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) President Mike Molino, Rick Compton from BB & T, Mark Schroeder from Bank of America, Bob Olson from Winnebago Industries Inc., Bobby Cornwell from the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (FARVC) and Martin Street from Stag-Parkway Inc. According to FRVTA, the overall feeling was that the industry is still facing many challenges but has always bounced back from the worst of times.
Breakout sessions on Saturday covered a range of topics including Florida's Dealer/Manufacturer Agreement, industry statistics featuring Tom Walworth from Stat Surveys Inc., dealer compliance issues, RV selling and making parts profitable.
The theme of the FRVTA State Convention was "The Greatest RV Show on Earth" following a circus motif throughout the event. The annual dinner/costume party featured many performers including ring masters, knife throwers, lion tamers, strong men, clowns and three bearded "ladies".
Following the governor's address at the luncheon, the FRVTA staff presented a game show that closely resembled the "Minute to Win it" hit TV program. The weekend ended with the "Grande Finale" Awards Banquet on Saturday night. It also marked the end of the silent auction, which benefited the FRVTA PAC Fund.


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Car Comparison
2013 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Ford Focus
2013 Honda Civic Highlights
Honda redesigned the Civic for 2012 but gave the 2013 version of the popular model a thorough refresh, including a stiffer structure for better crash-test performance, refined interior design and materials, revised exterior styling, re-tuned steering and suspension and additional standard convenience features.
2013 Ford Focus Highlights
Following a complete redesign for 2012, which included the late debut of a Focus Electric model, the 2013 Focus lineup gained a new performance-tuned ST variant with far more horsepower and torque than Honda's racy Civic Si model.
Fuel Economy
Ford offers the 2013 Focus in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles. The most popular Focus models are equipped with a 160-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automated manual PowerShift transmission. A Super Fuel Economy Package can be added to the Focus SE models equipped with the PowerShift transmission.
In addition to these mainstream versions of the Focus, the 5-door hatchback variant can be configured as the 252-hp performance-tuned Focus ST with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Ford also offers the Focus Electric, a pure electric vehicle with 76 miles of driving range.
Like the Focus, the 2013 Civic is available in mainstream, performance and fuel-efficient variations. An electric model is not offered, but Honda does install a hybrid powertrain or a natural gas powertrain in its compact car, which comes in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan flavors.
The most popular Civic models have a 140-hp 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed automatic transmission. As is true of the Focus, one version of the Civic is designed to get better fuel economy than the others, and it carries a trim designation of HF, which stands for High Fuel.
For even better fuel economy, the Civic Hybrid employs a mild-hybrid gas-electric powertrain. Unlike many hybrids, though, the Civic cannot travel at low speeds and for short distances on electricity alone. Honda also offers the Civic with a natural gas powertrain, and a performance-tuned version of the Civic is also for sale. Dubbed the Civic Si, it gets a high-revving 201-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission.
If you assume the less powerful Civic models are more fuel-efficient than the Focus, think again. According to Environmental Protection Agency estimates, the Civic Si gets 25 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, while the Civic HF returns 33 mpg combined. Compare that to the Focus ST at 26 mpg and the Focus SE with the Super Fuel Economy Package at 33 mpg. Beyond this, we're comparing apples and oranges. The Civic Hybrid is rated to return 44 mpg in combined city and highway driving, but the Focus Electric is rated 105 mpg equivalent (mpge). Choose the Civic Natural Gas and you'll get 31 mpg.
As the data demonstrates, the Ford Focus is more powerful and more fuel efficient than the Honda Civic.
Both the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic earn a Top Safety Pick Plus rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reflecting passing grades in the tough new small overlap frontal-impact crash test. However, the Civic does slightly better in that individual assessment, scoring a Good rating, compared to the Ford's Acceptable rating.
Both models also earn a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, though the Civic Coupe is given a 4-star overall rating due to a lower side-impact protection score for the front-seat passenger.
Based purely on crash-test ratings, we'd say the Ford and the Honda are evenly matched. Despite the addition of a standard reversing camera and text-messaging capability to the Civic for 2013, features also included on all Focus models except the basic S Sedan version, we give the nod to the Ford.
One reason is that all models except the Focus S Sedan are equipped with MyKey technology, which allows the vehicle's owner to program speed alerts and limits as well as seat-belt-use alerts. Plus, all Focus models except the S Sedan come with SYNC Bluetooth connectivity and 911 Assist. This feature activates upon airbag deployment, alerting authorities of an accident and speeding rescuers to the scene of the collision. Also, Ford offers rain-sensing wipers and parking-assist sensors for the Focus, items absent from the Honda's feature list.
Until the Ford Focus was redesigned for 2012, it enjoyed a reliability record similar to that of the Honda Civic. Since 2012, however, Consumer Reports says Focus reliability is much worse than average, a situation resulting in part from complaints about the car's PowerShift transmission and its MyFord Touch technology.
In consideration of this change of fortune for the Ford, combined with the fact that the 2013 Civic was the highest ranked small car for initial quality by J.D. Power, we name the Honda as the clear victor in this category.
A Ford Focus S costs about $1,500 less than a Honda Civic LX, but it also comes with less equipment. A Focus SE costs about $350 more than a Civic LX, but it includes a set of aluminum wheels on top of the MyKey and SYNC with 911 Assist technologies discussed above. Add every option to a Focus and it prices around $2,000 higher than the Civic, but the Ford is also offered with a greater array of options and ways to personalize the car. With the Honda, you get what they give you.
If the Focus SE and Civic LX are reasonably aligned in price and equipment, the Ford gains an edge with a better warranty than the Honda, as well as a roadside assistance program, which Honda doesn't provide. According to ALG, however, the Honda retains its value much better over time.
We could go back and forth like this all day. Instead, we're calling this one a tie.
In the previous section, we mentioned that Civic buyers get what Honda gives them. The reason is that the Civic lineup offers few options from the factory, leaving buyers to choose from a handful of dealer-installed upgrades. By contrast, Ford offers a variety of optional upgrades, including features related to technology.
For 2013, the Honda Civic gains standard Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio capability, Pandora Internet Radio capability, text-messaging capability, a USB port and a reversing camera. Upgrade to more expensive models and the Civic can be equipped with automatic climate control, a navigation system and multiview reversing camera.
Compare that to the Focus. The SE model includes SYNC Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming, a 911 Assist service (which is free but works only when a paired phone is inside the car) and programmable MyKey safety features. Moreover, the Focus lineup is offered with a reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, a MyFord Touch infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control and more. Buyers can even select an Active Park Assist system that steers the car into a parallel parking space while the driver operates the pedals.
From a technology standpoint, the more complete car is the Ford Focus.
AutoTrader's Advice
This might come as a shock, but the Honda Civic is superior to the Ford Focus only with regard to reliability, and mainly because Focus buyers aren't happy with the optional PowerShift automated manual transmission or the MyFord Touch infotainment system. The two cars tie in terms of value, and the Focus is probably better when it comes to fuel economy, safety and technology.
The bottom line: When buying a small car, don't leave the Ford Focus off your consideration list.


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Six Bits of Wisdom for a Successful Business Career
As students celebrated the culmination of their business education, Carlson School commencement speakers offered their best advice for the future ahead.
Entrepreneur and alumnus Peter McCormick has twice crossed the stage to accept a Carlson School degree - a BSB, followed by an MBA. The Wisconsin native is best known as the co-founder and senior vice president of ExactTarget, a cross-channel interactive marketing software company. The start-up became one of the largest Software as a Service (SaaS) initial public offerings in the history of the New York Stock Exchange. Today, ExactTarget operates in four continents and employs nearly 2,000 people.
As a Carlson School undergrad, McCormick met his future business partners, scored an all-important first job, and discovered how to excel in business. He returned to the school to complete an MBA in 1999.
Looking out from the podium as keynote commencement speaker, McCormick offered three tips to the hundreds of students who celebrated their graduation this spring:
Be the most energetic and enthusiastic person in the room: The most experienced and talented business leaders don't always know the most. But the best minds in business convey energy and enthusiasm at every turn.
"Enthusiasm and energy will set you apart, because there will always be someone more experienced than you."
Ride the big waves: Look for business opportunities the same way you choose a stock. Seek out assignments, jobs, and ventures that hold potential for growth, and ride the wave.
"Identify huge shifts in the economy, and run to those big waves."
Start a business: Launching a business has become easier, cheaper, and faster than ever - and is the best way to continue your business education.
"Starting a business is the only way to land a job that you're not remotely qualified to obtain through an interview. Who in their right mind would have hired me to run product development at a fast-growing software company, without an engineering background?"
McCormick also reminded grads to take advantage of the network they've built as students, and to thank the supporting cast that made their business education possible.
More commencement wisdom
"Work hard, have fun with your lives, and stay connected with the school. Carlson School alumni are 50,000 strong and working in cities around the world." - Craig Seitel, President, Carlson School Alumni Board
"If you ever find yourself as the smartest person in the room, get out, and find a bigger room." - Kendell Beckstrom Poch, '13 MBA, graduate student speaker
"Passion comes as a side effect of mastery. Find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what you can be paid to do." - Vallari Ajgaonkar, '13 BSB, undergraduate student speaker


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If an employer who is engaged in the carriage of passengers or goods provides the facility of personal/ private journey either free of cost or at concessional rate to any employee or to any member of his household, the value of perk shall be taken to be the value at which such benefit or amenity is offered by such employer to the public.
However, if employer charges/recovers any amount from the employee for such facility then such amount shall be deducted while calculating the value of perk.
Value of Perk = [ Normal freight or fare chargeable from public ] - [Amount charged/recovered from employee ]
In case this facility is provided to an employee of railways and airlines, nothing shall be chargeable to tax.
Conveyance facility provided to the employee for journey between office and his residence is also not chargeable to tax.
Note. The facility of private/personal journey to employee may be provided in any conveyance whether owned by employer or taken on lease by employer.
Computation of Salary Income
Definition of Word 'Salary' [ Section 17(1)]
Section-15 : List of Incomes Chargeable to Income Tax under the head ' SALARIES'
Important Points / Characteristics for Computing Salary Income
Treatment of Provident Funds (PF) for Computing Salary Income
Taxable Portion of annual accretion to RPF [Section 17(1)(vii)]. for Computing Salary Income
Transferred Balance from URPF to RPF [Section 17(1)(vii] for Computing Salary Income
Refund from Provident Fund [Section 17(3)(ii)] for Computing Salary Income
New Pension Scheme [ NPS] for Central Government and other Employees joining new jobs on or after 1-1-2004 for Computing Salary Income
Allowance [ Section 17(3)] – for Computing 'Salary' Income
Fully Exempted Allowances for Computing 'Salary' Income
Fully Taxable Allowances for Computing 'Salary' Income
House Rent Allowance (HRA) for Computing 'Salary' Income
Allowances covered u/s 10 (14) for Computing 'Salary' Income
Meaning and Types of Perquisites [ Section 17(2)]
Taxability of Perquisites for Computing Salary Income
Perks Exempted From Tax for all Employees and not added in Salary Income
Rent Free House [Section 17(2)(i) Rule 3(1)]
Rules Regarding Calculation Of Value Of Rent Free House
Valuation Of Rent Free Accomodation (Unfurnished & Furnished)
Valuation of Rent Free Accommodation Provided as Concessional Rent [Sec. 17(2)ii)]
Obligation of Employee of Rent Free House met by Employer [Section 17(2)(iv)]
Sum payable by the Employer directly or through a fund to effect an assurance / an annuity [Section 17(2)(v)]
Any specified security or sweat equity shares allotted or transferred to employee [Section 17(2)(vi)] [ w.e.f. 1-4-2009]
Contribution to an Approved Superannuation Fund by the Employer [Sec. 17(2)(vii)]
Interest free or Concessional loan from employer [Rule 3(7)(i)]
Valuation of Perk in respect of Travelling, Touring, Accommodation
Food or Beverages Facility by Employer to Employee
Valuation of Perquisite in respect of Gift Voucher or Token
Valuation of Perquisite in respect of Credit Card
Valuation of Perquisite in respect of Club Facility
Use of Moveable Assets by Employer to Employee
Transfer Of Moveable Assets to the employee
Meaning of Specified Employee for Taxable Perquisites [Section 17(2)(iii) Rule 3]
Valuation of Perquisite of Motor Car or any Other Automotive Conveyance [Rule 3(2)]
Perquisite of Free domestic servants [Rule 3(3)]
Perquisite in respect of free supply of gas, electric energy, water supply [Rule 3(4)]
Free Educational Facilities to Children of Employee's Household [Rule 3(5)]
Receipts treated as Profit in Lieu of Salary [ Section 17(3)]
Leave Travel Concessional (LTC) Assistance [Section 10(5)]
Death-Cum-Retirement Gratuity [Section 10(10)]
Non-Government employees receiving gratuity under payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 [POGA]
Non-Government Employees receiving gratuity (Not covered under payment of Gratuity Act)
PENSION [Monthly and Commuted] for Computing Salary Income
Leave Encashment [Section 10(10AA)] for Computing Salary Income
Any amount received as compensation on termination of employment [Section-10B]
Any amount received on voluntary retirement [Section 10(10C)]
Payment received from Recognised Provident Fund [Section 10(12)]
Any payment from Superannuation Fund [Section 10(13)]
Entertainment Allowance to Government Employees [Section-16(ii)]
Tax on Employment Under Section - 16(iii)
Section - 80C : Deductions from Gross Total Income (GTI) in case of Individual and HUF
Qualifying Amount ( Q.A.) for Deduction U/s 80C
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The visitors may click here to visit the web site of Income Tax Department for resolving their doubts or for clarifications


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CRESTVIEW � The sixth annual No Child Without Health Care Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Crestview High School.
CRESTVIEW � The sixth annual No Child Without Health Care Fair is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Crestview High School.
The event begins with an official opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
Weight control, immunizations, sickle cell anemia, trait and dietary considerations are among topics to be addressed. Free screenings for hypertension, allergies and diabetes will be available for children ages 1-18. Northwest Florida State College will provide free dental screenings.
A bus unit seeking blood donations will be present, as will the Crestview Police Department, which will offer free fingerprint kits and child safety-seat inspections.
Although the event officially ends at 2 p.m., volunteers are willing to stay later to ensure all children receiving screenings, organizers said.
The event offers the opportunity for school and sports physicals, event chairman Malcolm Haynes said.
"A lot of times, parents don't have the time to take their children to get these physicals," he said.
Dr. Joseph Peter of Crestview Pediatrics and Dr. Michael Neuland of Allergy Partners in Crestview are sponsors. Peter will be in charge of the screening process.
Volunteers include medical practitioners from Walton County and Pensacola. Peter invited a practitioner from North Carolina to speak about children's nutrition, Haynes said.
The event also is sponsored by the 3rd Masonic District, the Kiwanis Club of Crestview, Mt. Zion A.M.E Church and Crestview city councilman Shannon Hayes.
Want to go?
WHAT: No Child Without Health Care Fair
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27
WHERE: Crestview High School, 1304 N. Ferdon Blvd.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.


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Who needs Facebook Gifts when you can hit up the shiny new Redditgifts Marketplace for meme-tastic presents this holiday season? Whether you're a fan of LOLcat videos or Forever Alone memes, the Internet's favorite social news site now offers a place for real world shopping.
Originally launched in 2009 as a Secret Santa organizer for the Reddit community, Redditgifts has recently been revamped to also target shoppers looking to get individual gifts for their real life family and friends. Users can sign up for an account and buy items directly off the marketplace, or opt to join the Gift Exchanges and Gift Gallery sections so they can start a secret santa group or show off new presents. The grid layout is reminiscent of new eBay meets Etsy, combined with the utility of gift exchange organizer service Elfster. Except, of course, with all these meme-related gifts, your options are perfect for friends who spend all their days on the Web. That is, if they won't get offended by a Forever Alone plush. Yeah, we didn't know that existed either.
At the moment, the marketplace is still in beta mode and there is only one page of items for sale, but we expect and hope for more products to pop up as the days draw closer to the holidays. Reddit is currently hand-picking merchants for its marketplace, so for those who want to start selling, you'll need to apply directly to the Reddit buyers for consideration.
If you're feeling charitable, of course, you can always hop on the Gift Exchange section and do your best to draw me as your secret santa recipient this year. I'm definitely diggin' these Reddit Whisky glasses, hint hint.


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VJ Loops – Glowing Light boxes flashing in different colors, with noise flashes and cool camera movements. Colorful, Energetic, Bright & Dynamic! Comes in 4 different arrays!
Perfect for VJs, backgrounds, parties & more!
What's Inside—>
- Lightbox Tunnel Studio:30 seconds
- Lightbox Sphere:30 seconds
- Lightbox Hall:30 seconds
- Lightbox Dynamic:30 seconds
All clips are 1080p | 25FPS | MOV H264
All clips are seamless loops.
Audio is not included.
Feel free to contact about any question what so ever
More Screenshots:


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If golf is your game you just found the next place to build your dream home! Even if golf may not be your game, youll fit right in with this outstanding new subdivision on Jeffersons east side. Some restrictions apply. Call today!
Features Vacant Land
|1 Story SqFt Min: 1750
|2 Story SqFt Min: 2250
|2 Story 1st Flr SqFt Min: 1250
|Topography: Sloped
|Body of Water:
|Subdivision: Meadow Springs Estates
|Taxes: $303
|Tax Year: 2017
|Lot Size: .356 Acre
|Est Acreage: 0.36
|School District: Jefferson
|High School: Jefferson
|Middle School: Jefferson
|Elementary School:
|Zoning: R-1
Estimate your monthly mortgage payment
How much can I borrow?
Speak with a mortgage consultant: 608-276-5210


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Event: Bollywood's glamorous diva Sushmita Sen and hot hunk John Abraham recently shot for an episode of Raveena Tandon's chat show 'Issi Ka Naam Zindagi', where actor Zayed Khan, Sush's daughters Renee and Alisah, director Sanjay Gupta, and actor Sonu Sood were among the guests on the show.
Guest List: John Abraham, Sushmita Sen, Raveena Tandon, Sonu Sood, Sanjay Gupta
Bollywood celeb Aamir Khan along with wife Kiran Rao were spotted at PVR.
Bollywood producers-directors Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Krishan Kumar, Ravi Bahl, Divya Khosla Kumar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Wardha Nadiadwala celebrate diwali with Bhushan Kumar
Bollywood celebs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Sonali Bendre, Nimrat Kaur among others were snapped by paparazzi.Bebo looked super cool in a casual look. She wore a white t-shirt with yoga pants...
Bollywood actress Shama Sikander celebrated Diwali festival at her residence.
Bollywood celebs Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari, Aparshakti Khurrana, Bhushan Kumar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Sachin Tendulkar, Rajkumar Hir...


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KFC, Washington Street, Bermuda Dunes, CA, United States
Location: KFC, Washington Street, Bermuda Dunes, CA, United States
Report Type: Food Poisoning
Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting
Details: On 04/2417 at around 1:00 PM, I order number 10 meal on KFC menus and ate my meal at the restuarant. After half an hour, I felt like I'm having a bad case of heartburn I kept purping and tastes the coldslaw that I ate with the three Chicken thighs. At around 3 PM o'clock I had a stomach aces than diarrhea set in. At 11:45 PM I vomits all the coldslaw up and felt alittle better but watery diarrhea kept me at the toilet all night. I had my Coffee this morning and ate KFC for lunch and nothing els all day.
Reported By: Iwaspoisoned.com User
More incidents from: KFC | United States | California | Bermuda Dunes |Comments
Number of reports: 2
No comments. Be the first to comment.
Recent Reports
Nov 14 3:42pm
KFC, Otley Road, Baildon, Shipley, UK
Report Type: Food Safety
Nov 13 8:08pm
KFC Fairview (Bogue), Montego Bay, Jamaica
Symptoms: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting
Report Type: Food Poisoning
Sunday Nov 11 bouge KFC around 1 p.m. it was 10 BBQ wings, while eating I notice it wasn't the usual fresh taste. In the night mi stomach an belly start hurting. Got diarrhea 2 days straight, then visit doc an got injection for it. Read More
Nov 13 10:43am
KFC Outlet, New Delhi, Delhi, India
Report Type: Food Safety
This is what KFC at Domestic Airport in Delhi (T1D) serves.. RAW CHICKEN.. Woowww.. need to take stricter action against these people... Read More
Nov 12 1:05pm
KFC, Ashton Road, Exeter, UK
Symptoms: Diarrhea Vomiting
Report Type: Food Poisoning
I ate one of those bucket for one meals, and felt completely fine. I didn't even eat as much as much as I normally would. But I couldn't sleep very well that night, and when I went to the bathroom in the morning I had diarrhea (which I've had throughout the day) as well as puking after my shower in the morning. Because of this, I wasn't able to go college today so my attendance isn't perfect like its been at the start of this year and I'm really annoyed by having to miss college because the food wasn't safe. My grandad who also went with me was ill too today. Read More
Nov 12 4:57am
KFC, South 38th Street, Tacoma, WA, USA
Symptoms: Diarrhea Fever Vomiting
Report Type: Food Poisoning
Ordered food from kfc the fill up meal mashed Potato gravy popcorn Chicken dinner four piece Chicken dinner kids meal Chicken mashed potatoes gravy . Myself my son who is 12 and my six month old got sick vomiting Diarrhea fever stomach started to hurt . Ordered food @ 8 pm on 11112018 it was delivered by DoorDash . After we consumed the food hour after we started to feel symptoms Read More
Nov 10 1:49pm
KFC Foodstrip, Tafelbergweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Symptoms: Diarrhea
Report Type: Food Poisoning
I ate KFC 2 days ago me and 4 members of my family. We are having diarrhea since we ate KFC till today Read More
Nov 9 11:36am
Report Type: Food Safety
Nov 6 3:31pm
KFC Tzaneen, Arbor Park, Tzaneen, 0850, South Africa
Report Type: Food Safety
Nov 5 7:54pm
KFC, Washington Street, West Roxbury, MA, USA
Symptoms: Diarrhea Fever Nausea Vomiting
Report Type: Food Poisoning
I ordered from KCF last Friday night and the next day I was hit with the WORST stomach Cramps of my life. They lasted for 24 hours. Vomiting and diharea are still continuing. My fever reached 102.6. I went to urgent care and they thought I had salmonella. They tested me for it and will call me with the results in a few days. Never again will I order from KFC. Read More
Nov 5 12:04pm
KFC, 1001 Strobach St, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
Symptoms: Diarrhea Fever Nausea Vomiting
Report Type: Food Poisoning
Mash potatoes and gravy at kfc Rolla Missouri location last night. My husband and I both are having food poisoning symptoms. Me... Nausea vomiting within 20 mins of eating only mash potatoes... Large order. Never been sick from mash potatoes in my life. One thing that has always helped me in a craving was mash potatoes and gravy. But last night it totally made me sick... Contents in throw up... Mash potatoes and gravy. My husband... Got mad diarrhea all night and morning... I stated this morning... We should totally stop eating out spending more money for convenience just to possibly get sick... Thanks. Apparently is around the world. Within 5 days... What is this about Read More


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Car Review
2013 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: New Car Review
Pros: Distinctive styling; responsive handling; powerful; fuel efficient
Cons: Significant road noise; small interior space; high base price
What's New: Lower priced 5-door Pure base trim level; available parking assistance; off-road navigation feature; minor styling updates
The launch of the Range Rover Evoque was a historically significant moment for Land Rover's luxury brand. Range Rover doesn't often unveil new vehicles; the first Range Rover SUV enjoyed a 25-year run. So when the Evoque arrived as a 2012 model, the automotive world paid attention.
The 2013 Range Rover Evoque returns with a few new features and minor styling updates. A new, 5-door base trim level called Pure broadens the lineup and lowers the entry point for the award-winning SUV.
Based on the Land Rover LR2 platform, the Evoque continues to take the Range Rover name in a new, stylish and youthful direction.
Comfort & Utility
The Evoque has several characteristics which set it apart from the competition. Perhaps the most notable is its interior, which features excellent build quality, fine materials and pleasing aesthetics. Even in the base model, the Evoque's interior is stunning, with soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim and an automatic gear selector that rises out of the center console.
For all versions except the new Evoque Pure, the roof is virtually all glass but can be covered by an automatically retracting shade. The Evoque features ambient lighting in the center console's cubby areas and in the foot wells; the color can be changed using the 8-inch touchscreen info and entertainment system.
In the rear, passenger legroom can be tight, but headroom is plentiful. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split and lie nearly flat, providing 51 cu-ft of cargo space. The rear cargo area has anchors in a sliding track to secure cargo.
Rather than use a traditional trim hierarchy, Land Rover offers a choice of three design themes, each with a distinctive character. Evoque buyers can choose the standard Pure, the luxurious Prestige or the sporting Dynamic.
Customers who choose the three-door "coupe" version should note that it has a lower roofline. That means it offers about an inch less interior headroom than the 5-door model. The starting price for the 3-door model is $44,995. The new base Pure 5-door model starts at $41,995 and has an aluminum alloy roof in place of the panoramic sunroof.
Just because the Evoque is smaller and cheaper than its Range Rover brethren doesn't mean it's not tech savvy. The Evoque offers an impressive list of available tech features, including a surround camera system that uses five digital cameras. Discreetly placed around the car, the cameras provide a 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area. Other available features include a new parking assistance system; heated windshield, seats and steering wheel; keyless entry; a power-lift tailgate; navigation with a new off-road program; Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with Bluetooth audio streaming; an 825-watt, 16-speaker Meridian surround sound system; satellite radio; and a rear-seat entertainment package with 8-inch video screens, digital wireless headphones and touchscreen remote control.
Performance & Fuel Economy
Range Rovers of the past have all been V8 powered, so the Evoque marks a new direction for the brand. Under the hood of the Evoque is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine borrowed from Ford. The peppy 2.0-liter produces 240 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Evoque will make a 0-to-60-mph run in an impressive 7.1 seconds. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates its fuel economy at 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
The small yet robust 4-cylinder engine sends power to all four wheels through a Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. Although not quite as capable off-road as other Range Rover models, the Evoque is just as competent in severe terrain as most small luxury SUVs currently on the market.
The Evoque is loaded with many advanced safety technologies including ABS; traction control; electronic brake force distribution; emergency brake lights and emergency brake assist; corner brake control; dynamic stability control; roll stability control; trailer stability assist; hill start assist; hill descent control; gradient release control; and engine drag torque control.
Driving Impressions
Drivers familiar with the driving characteristics of other Land Rovers will find the Evoque atypical. It's noticeably stiffer over bumps and through the corners than one might expect. But the suspension and chassis aren't overly rigid, just taut enough to allow the Evoque to handle with firm precision.
The power produced by the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is impressive. Even with light application of the accelerator pedal, the Evoque eagerly rockets forward in a relentless show of horsepower and torque. Typically, we love peppy, energetic vehicles, but in the Evoque it almost feels like overkill. It's not the performance that bothers us but the fact that, whenever the turbocharger kicks in, we know fuel economy suffers. Very tender throttle input is needed to keep the Evoque from coming up short of its EPA fuel economy ratings.
The interior of the 2013 Range Rover Evoque is a visual masterpiece and is extremely comfortable. Surprisingly, though, the cabin does suffer from more road noise than we'd expect in a luxury-oriented vehicle, especially on the highway. In most small SUVs, this might be acceptable. But at the $41,995 mark, we would hope for more sound insulation. Additionally, at idle, the 4-cylinder makes a slight vibration that finds its way into the cabin through the seats. The vibration makes it feel as if the Evoque is fitted with a less refined diesel instead of a modern gasoline engine.
Other Cars to Consider
Volvo XC60 - Starting at $34,200, the XC60 has the same 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder that Land Rover utilized in the Evoque's cousin, the LR2. With striking bodylines, the same horsepower rating, and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the XC60 is a strong competitor for the Evoque.
BMW X5 - With a base price of $47,500, the X5 is fitted with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The interior of the X5 might not be as stunning as the Evoque's, but it is slightly larger and more livable.
Audi Q5 - Pricing for the 2013 Q5 has not yet been announced, but the 2012 model had a starting price of $35,600. The base Q5's turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine makes only 211 hp; an available supercharged V6 packs 272 hp, but fuel economy suffers. Like the X5, the Q5 has a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. Audi's world-renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system is also standard.
AutoTrader Recommends
At the $41,995 base price, the Evoque Pure lacks only a couple of features that luxury buyers want--navigation and a panoramic sunroof. We recommend stepping up to the $48,995 Evoque Pure Premium. Both the mid-range Prestige and top-trim Dynamic add stylish and luxurious interior and exterior upgrades, but the price jumps accordingly. The Pure Premium model still feels sumptuous and includes the latest technology, but it is priced several thousand dollars less than its upper-trim counterparts. We prefer the practicality of the 5-door, but if the sleeker Coupe fits your lifestyle, its Pure Premium version is available for $49,595.


text: 10 Photos proving why Kelly Brook is the SEXIEST Woman in the World! By Rodrigo Gomez - July 7, 2016 1497 Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter tweet Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /srv/users/serverpilot/apps/dimpy-tv/public/wp-content/themes/Newspaper/includes/wp_booster/td_block.php on line 326 RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR NSFW Top 10 Sexiest Celebrities Bikini Bodies 2016! NSFW Top 10 Hottest Euro 2016 Girls! NSFW Top 10 MILFs in Movie History! NSFW This iPad case lets you have sex with your iPad NSFW Do You Allow Pets in Your Bedroom While Having Sex? It is Really Weird! (NSFW) NSFW These are the Best Sexy Seduction Pranks of 2014 – All at one place! (NSFW) NSFW This is How You Can Find Out a New Girlfriend for Yourself! NSFW This Special Twerking of Boobs by Sara Mills on "Jingle Bell" Will Make your Day! (NSFW) NSFW This is How Pranked Girlfriend Takes Revenge from her Boyfriend with Pepper Sprayed Toilet Paper NSFW What Do You Think About Porn? Is Watching Porn While in a Relationship Can be Considered Cheating? BackNext10. The Blue Bikini BackNext LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply Latest Buzz! 5 Memes Summing up how the Internet Reacted to Bernie Sanders... LOL / OMG / WTF / FUN Facts July 13, 2016 VIDEO: Top 10 Euro 2016 Goals! VIDEOS July 11, 2016 Top 10 Sexiest Celebrities Bikini Bodies 2016! NSFW July 8, 2016 10 Photos proving why Kelly Brook is the SEXIEST Woman in... NSFW July 7, 2016 Top 10 Places in the World to have Sex with your... LOL / OMG / WTF / FUN Facts July 6, 2016


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Next Meetup
What we're about
"The purpose of life is to be happy," says the Dalai Lama. Some people think this is a selfish attitude, but in Buddhism, everyone deserves to be happy, including ourselves. Also, unless we are happy we can't really help others much.
According to Buddhism, the mind is both the cause of and the solution to most of our problems. Fortunately, through meditation, an ethical life, and the development of wisdom, we can train ourselves to be more peaceful and compassionate. We can enjoy the kind of happiness that isn't contingent on outside circumstances. Working with others is considered to be a very important part of that process, so we gather together for meditation, discussion, and to enjoy each others company.
Beginners, those with some experience, and people who are just curious are all welcome to attend our meetings. Many people, including those committed to other faiths, atheists, and agnostics, find the open-mindedness and practicality of Buddhism helpful in their daily lives.
In this group there is no hidden agenda, no pressure to believe or do anything. You don't even need to join the group to come to meetings. Buddha never pushed his way on anyone. He merely offered it to others, suggesting they check it out for themselves. That's what we're inviting you to do.
Even when people began following his teaching, Buddha advised them to "take no refuge outside yourselves," and to use their reason and experience as guides, not relying on the scriptures or teachers, including himself. He also warned against trusting their ego-mind, their small self, and encouraged them to access their higher mind, their "true self", instead.
Buddha believed that meditation was an especially effective way to do this.
Towards this end we have a Saturday morning and Tuesday night meeting, both of which include meditation, along with a talk and discussion (see the main page of this site for details). We also have a one-day intensive period of meditation (called a Zen Sesshin) on the second Sunday of each month. For more information on these events, go to "pages" at the top of this website and look for Periods of Intensive meditation.
Feel free to contact me for any questions you may have about meditation, Buddhism or this group.
Jim Patteson
(772-538-9890 or firstname.lastname@example.com Note the spelling of my last name).
P.S. CHECK OUT OUR SOUTHERN SISTER SANGHA IN STUART: http://www.meetup.com/Stuart-Buddhism-Pract... (http://www.meetup.com/Stuart-Buddhism-Practice/)
Our Facebook site is https://www.facebook.com/groups/1848299972118732/


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Found underlined in my Great Uncle's Bible tonight 3/28/2012 "The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live."
DREAM OF PEACE—Thank you Jason
Cara Schingeck short bio:
My guiding principle—Outrageous
Our Community Conversations of Hope with Cara Schingeck Joint Services Support J9 Tacoma
The Gospel of Our Community—Conversations of Hope:Heroes to Hometowns, Tacoma
No ART SLAM this year in Tacoma but here is 2010
REMEMBER how good it is to support the arts
2010 Art Slam spoken word artist, Deborah Renee-Greatness 18:02
Hmmm—just think about peace and my brother, my son, your brother and your son
Heroes to Hometowns Audio and Photos
Now my brother is home from the war, when I took this photo he was away—Who the hell am i? I just realized I am you and you are me
Military families are military families —So, as I said to my cousin, Michelle, whose son, Jason, currently deployed in Afghanistan—We must stick together
A song that explains how I continue to feel and that gives me hope — A Change Is Coming by LeRoy Bell
Another song by LeRoy Bell that speaks to me—Dream of Peace—So cool that he filmed his vid in Tacoma's Wright Park
Where people can dream of peace in a community
Thank you LeRoy Bell
Today I have I hope
Journal entry: Veteran-Civilian Dialogue, War and Words
Community resources for military and their families
My Our War project began when I learned of my brother's deployment to the Middle East.
The artwork in Our War represents a journal entry, for a particular day, that begins in the Summer of 2010.
I do a visual or written work of art during my brother's deployment that shares what I think of the war, what I am feeling, what I have learned about the war, what I have learned about global issues related to the war and what I have shared with my brother deployed in Our War and our relationship during Our War.
This is my way to honor, to respect, and to reflect upon his service during his deployment as well as all who serve in our war.
For commission work contact Cara Schingeck at


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I'm re-watching the Bills game. On the very first play from scrimmage (when he was sacked), at the last second Wilson shifted the ball from his right hand to his left and turned his body just enough to shield himself from the impact and prevent a possible fumble. That's incredibly instinctive, and I also would bet that's one of the things he has focused on improving ever since the Jets game when he had a mild case of the fumbles.
He is really amazing, and getting better and better in the basics. I know this is a "small" thing in the grand scheme of things, but it's impressive seeing a rookie QB correct himself and get better every week, in many facets of the game.
Here is the frame by frame - pics I took of the TV shot:


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National Parks as event venues Survey invitation
Posted on 10 Aug 2015 under Blog , Industry News & Consumer News
National Parks and Wildlife Service are a marketing partner for Riverina Tourism. Their events unit is gathering constructive feedback on its Parks as events venues. If you have a moment it would be much appreciated if you can complete feedback survey by clicking HERE.
As part of the development of the new events strategy for Office of Environment and Heritage/NPWS, they are seeking a cross section of views, comments and thoughts from a range of external stakeholders about the staging of events within New South Wales National Parks.
We invite you to take a few minutes to complete the online survey.
Click on this link: http://www.cvent.com/d/4rq5xr
The due date for completed surveys is Wednesday 19 August.
Thank you so much for your time and assistance.


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Internationally renowned Spanish musical group La Folía will launch its 2013 American tour in St. Augustine on July 9.
Featuring baroque music and original instruments from the period of Spanish colonization and the discovery of Florida (1513), the group comes to St. Augustine for the first of four United States performances.
The concert is free and open to the public on a first seat available basis and will be staged at the acoustically renowned Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine beginning promptly at 7 p.m.
La Folia's "The Fountains of Bimini" performance features works by Cornago, Salazar, Murcia, Haydn, Salas, Goudimel, Lully, Desmarets, Ritson, Lyon, Locatelli, and Sumaya.
La Folia is presented by Accion Cultural Espanola, the cultural arm of the Spanish government, and is presented locally by the City of St. Augustine's 450th Commemoration.
"This concert is literally a gift from the government of Spain and its people to the residents of St. Augustine," announced St. Augustine 450th Commemoration Director Dana Ste.Claire.
"Six of the finest professional musicians in all of Spain are coming to our city to perform some of the same music familiar to the people who founded St. Augustine nearly 450 years ago."
"Music is part of the fabric that connects people over time and space. Authentic music, played by skilled musicians on authentic instruments allows us the rare opportunity to close our eyes and be transported back to the origins of our community, our state and our nation," Ste. Claire said.
For more information on the La Folía performance, go to www.staugustine-450.com.


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Samantha Barks wants to be a Bond girl
- Bang Showbiz
- 21 January 2013
'Les Miserables' actress Samantha Barks would like to follow in the footsteps of beauties such as Halle Berry and Gemma Arterton by becoming a Bond girl
Samantha Barks would love to be a Bond girl.
The 'Les Miserables' actress received critical acclaim for her debut film role as Eponine in the musical drama, but is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of beauties such as Halle Berry, Gemma Arterton and Eva Green by playing a sexy, suave counterpart to 007 actor Daniel Craig.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz at the London Critics Circle Film Awards at the May Fair Hotel on Sunday (20.01.13), she said: "I've always wanted to play a very kick-ass character at some stage, like a Bond girl. That would be very fun. That's always been a goal in my mind."
The 22-year-old beauty's success in 'Les Mis' has led to more film offers flooding in, but she played coy about where we might see her next.
She said: "I do have things lined up. Nothing's been 100 per cent confirmed, so I can't actually talk about them but I'm very excited."
Speaking of her whirlwind success from reality TV contestant to becoming a Hollywood star, she added: "It's been a crazy few years. I did [Andrew Lloyd Weber reality show 'Any Dream Will Do'] when I was 17, so to go from there to here now... I did a national tour, then I went into the West End, then to go into a film - it's been mad. It's been so much fun. I feel very lucky to be able to explore so many different areas."


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Monroe County family caregivers looking to give their senior loved one something special this holiday season won't need a big budget or a creative gift list.
Monroe County family caregivers looking to give their senior loved one something special this holiday season won't need a big budget or a creative gift list.
What seniors want the most could simply be assistance with those holiday preparations and activities.
"The aging process, which can cause changes in vision, hearing and mobility, often sidelines a senior during the holidays, limiting their ability to enjoy so many of the traditions that are important to that generation," said Bob Vielee, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Tannersville. "That's why the most valued gift for many seniors is assistance to continue to shop for gifts, bake Christmas cookies and tour the holiday lights."
Here are 10 gifts that could thrill senior loved ones and probably won't show up on any gift wish lists:
1. Shop (but not until you drop). Conditions such as macular degeneration, which lead to poor eyesight and the inability to drive, can make shopping difficult for older adults. Why not make it a special event to look forward to by taking an older adult to his or her favorite store or make online shopping an experience he or she won't forget? Tune into seniors' limitations and don't overdo.
2. Keep food traditions alive. Food can play such an important role in the holidays for seniors. If an older adult can no longer cook the traditional holiday meal, then why not offer to carry on the tradition, asking the senior to help where he or she can?
3. Make a special delivery. Arthritis can make wrapping those holiday presents a challenge; so too can shipping gifts to loved ones afar. Why not schedule a gift-wrapping afternoon, complete with hot chocolate, cookies and plenty of family stories?
4. Deck the halls. Carting out those favorite holiday ornaments isn't always possible for an older adult with a bad back or weak muscles. Neither is stringing the lights or hanging the ornaments. Make it a great multi-generational activity by sending over the grandkids or great-grandchildren.
5. Send holiday greetings. The handwritten Christmas card is one of the most popular traditions of this generation of seniors. Why not lend a hand and offer to spend an afternoon writing greetings? If that's not possible, an online photo greeting card can be just as good (and save the cost of cards and stamps).
6. Sing along. Caroling is a fun activity for most any age. Why not get a group of your senior's loved ones and friends together to serenade him or her and other older adults in an assisted living facility or nursing home?
7. Celebrate the reason for the season. Faith and holiday programs bring much joy to the lives of older adults. Be flexible and change traditions if necessary. For instance, attend early Christmas Eve service, not midnight Mass.
8. Focus on others. Volunteering to assist others can help seniors focus on someone else's needs other than their own. Get the entire family involved in gathering supplies for a homeless shelter or serving a holiday meal.
9. Stay connected. The holidays can be a sad time for those seniors separated from their families. Help an older adult connect with loved ones far away with the latest technology, such as Skype.
10. The gift of time. Sometimes all an older adult wants is companionship, whether it's a few moments of the day or a driving tour to view holiday lights. If you are short of time, consider the assistance of a family friend or neighbor, or the help of a Home Instead CAREGiver.
You can also take the time to "Be a Santa to a Senior". Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with local agencies and nonprofit organizations to identify needy seniors in Monroe County that are isolated or in financial need and won't have any visitors this holiday season. To take part in the program you can visit Peebles in Brodheadsville, the Western Pocono Community Library, Shawnee Ridge, the Mount Pocono Wal-Mart, the Hampton Inn and Walgreens in Stroudsburg and select an ornament off of the Christmas trees with a seniors name and their gift request. Trees will be up until Dec. 12. A community gift wrapping event will be held on Dec. 14 at Shawnee Ridge Senior Living in East Stroudsburg.
For more about the Home Instead Senior Care network, visit homeinstead.com/greaterpoconos or call 570-269-2891.
Founded in 1994, the Home Instead Senior Care network is the world's largest provider of non-medical in-home care services for seniors, with more than 950 independently owned and operated franchises world wide.


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Date: July 26, 1996
On July 18, 1996. the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3734, the Welfare Reform Reconciliation Act of 1996, by a vote of 256 to 170. H.R. 3734 (as passed) contains the text of H.R. 3829 as amended on the floor of the House. The bill includes 55I provisions affecting noncitizens, recovery of SSI overpayments, childhood disability and reduction in payments to institutionalized ind ividuals. It also includes provisions on nonpayment of title II benefits for noncitizens in the United States and development of a prototype of a counterfeit resistant Social Security card.
Social Security Benefits
- Prohibits the payment of Social Security benefi ts to any noncitizen in the U.S. who is not a qualified alien, defined as:
- an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
- an alien who is granted asylum;
- a refugee;
- an alien who is paroled into the U.S. for a period of at least 1 year;
- an alien whose deportation is being withheld; or
- an alien who is granted conditional entry.
- Excludes from the nonpayment provision, benefits payable under an international agreement or treaty or under a totalization agreement.
Effective for benefits based on applications filed on or after the date of enactment.
SSI Benefits
- Prohibits SSI eligibility for all noncitizens except:
- refugees (eligibility limited to the 5-year period after their arrival in the United States);
- asylees (eligibility limited to the 5-year period after the date they are granted asylum);
- noncitizens who have had deportation withheld under INA-section 243(h)(eligibility limited to the 5-year period after the date their deportations are withheld);
- active duty Armed Forces personnel, honorably discharged veterans, and their spouses and dependent children;
- lawful permanent residents who have earned 40 quarters of coverage for Social Security purposes. An individual under age of 18 would be credited with all quarters of coverage earned by his or her parent, and a married individual (including widow(er)) would be credited with all quarters of coverage earned by his or her spouse during the marriage.
Effective upon enactment. However, with regard to individuals on the SSI rolls at the time of enactment, would require the Commissioner, within 1 year after enacttnent, to redetermine the eligibility of all noncitizens who do not meet the new eligibility catego ries. If a noncitizen is not in one of the new categories, his or her eligibility would terminate as of the date of the redetermination.
- Requires the Commissioner to notify all potentially affected beneficiaries on the SSI rolls of the provision by 1/1/97.
Deeming of Sponsors ' Incomes and Resources
- For purposes of eligibility under SSI, deems all of the sponsors' (and sponsors' spouses') income and resources to the noncitizen until citizenship with the following exception:
- Deeming would end before citizenship in the case of lawful permanent residents who earn 40 quarters of coverage. Deeming for children and spouses of workers also could end before citizenship if they are credited with 40 quarters , i.e., an individual under age of 18 would be credited with all quarters of coverage earned by his or her parent, and a married individual (including widow(er)) would be credited with all quarters of coverage earned by his or her spouse during the marriage. However, a quarter would not count as one of the required 40 if the noncitizen or person whose quarters are being credited to the noncitizen got federally funded assistance for low-income persons during the quarter the work was done.
Effective for sponsored noncitizens who are admitted into the country under new, legally enforceable affidavits of support.
Requirements for Affidavits of Support for Sponsorship
- Makes affidavits of support legally enforceable against the sponsor until the noncitizen becomes a U.S. citizen. The affidavit would be enforceable for a period of to years after the noncitizen last received public assistance benefits, including SSI.
- Requires the agency that provides assistance to a noncitizen to request reimbursement from the sponsor for the assistance it provided. If the sponsor does not respond or is unwilling to make reimbursement within 45 days after the agency' s request, the agency may take legal action against the sponsor. Would allow the agency to hire individuals to collect reimbursement.
- Requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop a standard affidavit of support within 90 days after the date of enactment. Also would require--effective with a date specified by the Attorney General which would be no earlier than 60 and no later than 90 days after development of the standard affidavit--that all newly signed affidavits be legally enforceable.
Reports to INS
- Requires the Commissioner to furnish the name, address, and other identifying information to INS of any individual that SSA knows is unlawfully in the United States. Such reports would be required at least 4 times a year. Also requires the Commissioner to ensure that State supplementary program agreements with States include provi sions for the State also to furnish such information.
Effective upon enactment.
SSI Eligibility Based on Childhood Disability
- Eliminates the comparable severity standard and provides instead that a child under age 18 would be cousidcred under a disability if he/she has a medically determinable impairment which results in marked and severe functional limitations and which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.
- Directs SSA to eliminate references to maladaptive behavior in the domain of personallbe havioral function in the Listing of Impairments for children and to discontinue the use of an individualized functional assessment in evaluating a child's disability.
- Requires SSA to ensure that:
- the combined effects of all physical and mental impairments of a
child are considered in determining whether the child is disabled;
- the Social Security regulations provide for the evaluation of children who cannot be tested because of their young age.
- the combined effects of all physical and mental impairments of a child are considered in determining whether the child is disabled;
These provisions would be applicable to any individual who applies for SSI disability benefits, or whose claim is finally adjudicated, on or after the date of enactment, without regard to whether implementing regulations have been issued.
- Makes conforming changes in the medical improvement review standard to reflect the new definition of disability for children who file for SSI benefits.
Applicable with respect to benefits for months beginning on or after the date of enactment, without regard to whether implementing regulations have been issued.
Current Recipients
- Requires SSA to notify recipients eligible for SSI disability benefits on enactment date and whose eligibility may be affected by the new childhood disability eligibility criteria, no later than January 1, 1997.
- Requires SSA to redetermine the eligibility of such recipients, using the new childhood disability eligibility criteria no later than 1 year after the date of enactment.
- The benefits of those recipients determined to be ineligible under the new eligibility criteria would terminate for the month beginning on or after the date of the redetermination.
Eligibility Redeterminations and Continuing Disabilitv Reviews (CDRs)
- Requires CDRs:
- once every 3 years for recipients under age 18 with non-permanent impairments; and
- not later than 12 months after birth for low-birth weight babies.
- Requires the representative payee of a recipient whose continuing eligibility is being reviewed to present evidence that the recipient is receiving treatment which is considered medically necessary and available , unless SSA determines that such treatment would be inappropriate or unnecessary. If the representative payee refuses, without good cause, to cooperate, SSA may change the payee.
- Requires an eligibility redetermination, using the adult initial eligibility criteria, during the 1-year period beginning on a recipient's 18th birthday.
Applies to benefits for months beginning on or after the date of enactment, without regard to whether implementing regulations have been issued.
- Repeals the present law requirement in the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-296) that SSA (1) redetermine, using the adult eligibility criteria, the eligibility of one-third of the recipients who attain age 18 in or after May 1995 in each of fiscal years 1996 through 1998 and (2) submit a report regarding these reviews to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance not later than October 1, 1998.
Suspension of Benefits to Prisoners
- Provides for incentive payments from program funds to State and local institutions for furnishing information (date of confinement and certain identifying information) to SSA which results in suspension of Social Security or SSI benefits (up to S400 for information received within 30 days of confinement or up to $200 for information received from 31 to 90 days after confinement).
Applies to individuals whose period of confinement commences on or after the first day of the seventh month beginning after the month of enactment.
- Eliminates the Social Security benefit suspension requirement that inmates be confined for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year. Suspension of Social Security benefits would apply to individuals confined throughout a cale ndar month.
Effective for applications filed on or after the date of enactment.
Repeal Maintenance-of-Effort Requirement
- Eliminates the maintenance- of-effort requirement ("passalong") for States with regard to their State supplementary payment programs.
Effective upon enactment.
Modify the Effective Date of Applications
- Provides that an individual's application for SSI benefits would be effective on
the first day of the month following the month in which the application is filed,
or in which the individual first becomes eligible , whichever is later. The
amendment, in effect, eliminates prorated payments for the month of
- Permits the issuance of an emergency advance payment to an individual who is presumptively eligible and has a financial emergency in the month the application is filed (the month prior to the lirslmonth of eligibility).
- Requires that the emergency advance payment be repaid through proportional reductions in bene fits payable ove r a period of not more than 6 months.
Effective for applications filed on or after the date of enactment.
Reduction in Cash Benefits Payable to Institutionalzed Individuals Whose Medical Costs are Covered by Private Insurance
- Limits to not more than $30 a month cash benefits payable to children who are in an institution receiving medical care covered by private insurance.
Effective with respect to benefits for months beginning 90 or more days after the date of enactment.
Recovery of SSI Overpayments from Social Security Benefits
- Provides that the Commiss ioner of Social Security can recover the amount of an overpayment of SSI benefits from an individual's Social Security benefits. Also provides that the reduction in the individual's Social Security benelit resulting from the recovery shall not make the individual eligible for SSI, or, if the individual is already eligible, result in an increase in the SSI benefit.
Effective upon enactment with respect to overpayments outstandi ng on or after the date of enactment.
Installment Payments of Large Past-Due SSI Payments
- Establishes a schedule for paying retroactive SSI benefit amounts that
exceed 12 times the monthly FBR plus the monthly State supplement level.
Payments would be made at six-month intervals.
- The first installment would be 12 times the FBR ($5,640 based on 1996 rates) plus any Federally administered State supplement.
- Any remaining retroactive benefits would be paid in a second installment (not to exceed the first payment amount).
- All remaining retroactive benefits would be paid in the third installment
- Provides that where an underpaid individual has incurred debts to provide for food, clothing or shelter. has expenses for disability-related items and services that exceed the installment limit, or has entered into a contract to purchase a home, the installment payment would be increased by the amount needed to cover these debts, expenses, and obligations.
- Provides that retroactive payments be paid in full to an individual who is terminally ill.
Effective with respect to past-due benefits payable after the third month following the month of enactment.
Disposal of Resources for Less Than Fair-Market Valne
- Children whose assets have been disposed of for less than their market value will be ineligible for a period of months equal to the uncompensated value of the disposed assets divided by the SSI Federal benefit rate (FBR)--currently $470.
Effective with respect to transfers that occur at least 90 days after the date of enactment.
Treatment of Assets Held in Trusts
- Provides that tru sts funds established with a child's assets (where the child is the trust beneficiary) will be considered a countable resource of the child.
Applies to trusts established on or after 90 days after the date of enactment.
Dedicated Savings Accounts
- Require s the establishment of a bank account to maintain retroactive SSI benefits that equal or exceed 6 times the FBR for disabled/blind children (smaller amounts may be placed in such accounts once established).
- Allow funds to be used for:
- Education or job skill training.
- Personal needs assistance.
- Specia l equipment or housing modifications.
- Medical treatment , therapy or rehabilitation.
- Other items or services SSA dete rmines appropriate.
- Requires that expenditures must be for expenses related to the impairment of the child.
- Provides that unauthorize d expenditures constitute misapplication of benefits and are recoverab le from the payee.
- Requires SSA to establish an accountability system to monitor these accounts and payees are required to report on the use of these funds.
- Provides that acco unts are excluded from resource counting and that interest earned is excluded from income.
Effective with respect to payments made after the date of enactment.
Denial of Benefits for Fugitive Felons and Parole Violators/Exchange of Information with Law Enforcement Officers
- Denies eligibility for SSI with respect to any month in which an individual is fleeing prosec ution, a fugitive felon, or violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under State or Federal law.
- Requires SSA to provide upon written request of any law enforcement officer the current address, SSN, and photog raph of any SSI recipient, providing the request includes the name of the recipient and other identifying information and notifies SSA that the recipient:
- is fleeing to avoid pro secution, or custody or confinement after a felony conviction;
- is violating a condition of probation or parole; or
- has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct the officer's official duties and the location or apprehension of the recipient is within the officer's official duties .
Effective upon enactment.
Denial of SSI Benefits for 10 Years to Individuals Who Have Misrepresented Residence in Order to Obtain Benefits in 2 or More States
- Denies SSI benefits for a period of 10 years to an individual convicted in Federal or State court of having made a fraudulent statement with respect to his or her place of residence in order to receive benefits simultaneously in two or more States.
Effective upon enactment.
Social Security Card
- Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to develop a prototype of a counterfeit-resistant Social Security card that:
- is made of durable, tamper-resistant material (e. g ., plastic);
employs technologi es that provide security features (e. g ., magnetic stripe); and
provides ind ividuals with reliable proof of citizenship or legal resident alien status
- is made of durable, tamper-resistant material (e. g ., plastic);
- Requires the Commissioner of Social Security to study and report on
different methods of improving the Social Security card application process,
- evaluation of the cost and workload implications of issuing a
counterfeit-resistant Social Security card for all individuals over a 3-, 5-,
and 10-year period;
evaluation of the feasibility and cos t implications of imposing a user fee for replacement cards and cards issued to individuals who
apply for such a card prior to the scheduled 3-, 5-, and 10-year phase-in options.
- evaluation of the cost and workload implications of issuing a counterfeit-resistant Social Security card for all individuals over a 3-, 5-,
- Requires the Commissioner to submit the report and a facsimile of the prototype card to the Congress within I year of the date of enactment.
Effective with respect to benefits payable for month s beginning more than 180 days after enactment.
- Requires SSA to complete a study and report to Congress within 1 year of the
date of enactment on feasibility of prisoner reporting by courts and
mandatory elec tronic reporting by correctional facilities
Expansion of the Federal Parent Loca tor Service
- Requires HHS to transmit to SSA. for verification purposes. certain
information about individuals and employers maintained under the Federal
Parent Locator Service in an automated directory to be known as the National
Directory of New Hires. SSA would be required to verify the accuracy of.
correct. or supply to the extent possible. and report to HHS the name. SSN.
and birth date of individuals and the employer identification number of
employers. SSA would be reimbursed by HHS for the cost of this verification
Effective upon enactment.
Regulations and Miscellaneous
- Directs SSA to submit final regulations pertaining to the eligibility of children to SSI disability benefits to the Congress at least 45 days before such regulations would be effective.
Requires SSA to prescribe the regulations needed to implement the amendments within 3 months of the date of enactment.
- Requires SSA to report to the Congress, no later than 180 days following the date of enactment, on its progress in implementing the changes in the SSI disabled children's provisions.
Study of Disability Determination Process
- Requires SSA to arrange (not later than 90 days after the date of enactment),
with the National Academy of Social Insurance, or another independent entity,
to conduct a study of the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income
disability determination proce sses . Also requires SSA to ask the appropriate
entity to submit a report of its findings and recommendations from the study to
the President and the Congress at 18 and 24-month intervals.
Directs SSA, following the receipt of each report, to issue regulations implementing
any necessary changes.
National Commission Oil the Future of Disability
- Establishes a 15 member National Commission on the Future of Disability
to study all matters related to the nature, purpose, and adequacy of all Federal
programs serving individuals with disabilities, especially the Social Security and
SSI disability programs.
- Requires the Commission to submit an interim report (not later than 1 year
prior to its termination) and a final report (prior to its termination) to the
President and the Congress which presents its findings and recommendations.
The Commission will terminate 2 years after it names its chair and vice-chair
- Authorizes the appropriation of such funds as are necessary to carry out the
purposes of the Commission.
Study by General Accounting Office
- Requires GAO. not later than January 1, 1999, to study and report on the impact of the changes made by this Act on the SSI program and the extra expenses incurred by families of children receiving SSI benefits that are not covered by other Feder al, State, or local programs.
Annnal Report on the SSI Program
- Requires the Commiss ioner to report to the President and Congress regarding the SSI program, not later than May 30 of each year, including:
- a comprehensive description of the program;
- historical and current data on allowances and denials, reconsiderations, administrative law judge hearings and appeals, characteristics of recipients, and program costs;
- projections of future numbers of recipients and program costs, through at least 25 years;
- information on redeterminations, utilization of work incentives, administrative costs, State supplementation programs;
- summaries of relevant research; and
- a historical summary of statutory changes to the SSI law.
- Provides that each member of the Social Security Advisory Board be permitted to include their views on the SSI program in the annual report.
Effective upon enactment.


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We've come a long way since Alis and her band of adventurers first defeated Dark Falz in Phantasy Star for the Sega Master System. Since then the series has gone from a single-player RPG to an MMO, and now its latest incarnation is heading to the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and PC. The title of the new game is Phantasy Star Universe, and it's actually two games in one.
The first part is a 40-hour long single-player action-adventure game where you'll explore various planets and fight off mysterious bad guys known as "THE SEED." The other is a full-featured online multiplayer RPG where you can team up with five of your buddies and explore three different planets, all while taking part in real-time battles against 220 different types of enemies. Phantasy Star Universe journeys out to store shelves this fall.