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When she baked pies, my mother always saved a small piece of pie crust dough just for me. She'd put it into a small aluminum foil pan (the size of a single pot pie). She'd brush it with melted butter and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. She'd bake it with the regular pies, pulling it out a bit early so it didn't burn.
Crisco and white flour. Butter, sugar and cinnamon. I can't imagine eating something like that now; I'm much more health-conscious in middle age than I was as a child. But I thought about those warm slivers of buttery, cinnamon-y goodness this morning, as I toasted a two-day old bran muffin for breakfast. On a whim, I slathered some (zero grams trans fat) canola oil margarine on the warm pieces, then sprinkled some cinnamon sugar on top.
And I wondered when — and why — the joy of eating my childhood treat was ruined for me.
I wondered again this afternoon, when I listened to multimedia journalist Vicki Louk Balint's podcast interview with Dena Cabrera, Psy.D., a psychologist at Remuda Ranch, which specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.
At some point in the lives of many girls and young women, food stops being a source of pleasure, comfort and joy. It becomes the enemy. It becomes the reason nothing else goes right in life. It contributes to self-loathing, insatiable perfectionism, anxiety and fear. And for some women, it stays that way, to one degree or another, for years. Even decades.
I was one of those young women. From the moment an elementary school classmate remarked that "you have big legs" I became self-conscious about my weight. Food became a source of shame and guilt. Enjoying it was something that I (as a person with "big legs") was not entitled to experience.
When I got to high school, I refused to eat in public. I never ate lunch at school. I didn't touch the food at parties. At home, I nibbled at meals. But when I was alone, I slammed down the food. It got worse when I went to college. One of my roommate would go for days without eating and then, when it became too much, she'd drag me out with her for fast-food binges. At one point in my young adult life I weighed 40 pounds more than I do now. (A self-fulfilled prophecy: my legs really were big.)
As the other stresses of adolescence waned and I found fulfillment in work and lasting relationships, my life — and my weight — stabilized. I was lucky to avoid the devastating effects of an eating disorder. But for more than 10 years, I definitely had disordered eating. So I recognized myself in many of the comments Cabrera made during her interview with Vicki.
I didn't have a daughter, so I can only imagine how tricky it is to navigate food issues as the parent of a young girl. I'm just glad there is help, and hope, for those who find themselves in the throes of destructive eating habits.
Listen to Vicki's interview. Hear Cabrera describe the "hostile environment" that awaits young women attempting to recover from eating disorders. Think about the message you are sending every time you say, "I feel fat." And every once in awhile, eat something just for the sheer joy of it.


text: Soybeans Tumble on U.S. Supplies as Corn Reaches Three-Year Low October 1, 2013 10:20 AM Tweet Soybean futures for delivery in November dropped 1.1 percent to close at $12.68 a bushel at 1:15 p.m. on the Chicago Board of Trade. TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Bloomberg Email Oct. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Soybeans reached a six-week low in Chicago after government reports showed improving prospects for U.S. yields and bigger-than-expected inventories. Corn fell to the lowest since 2010, while wheat rose. Fifty-three percent of soybeans were in good or excellent condition as of Sept. 29, up from 50 percent a week earlier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said yesterday. Harvesting is about 11 percent complete. Domestic inventories totaled 141 million bushels on Sept. 1, more than the 125 million bushels projected on Sept. 12, the USDA said in a separate report yesterday. "Farmers continue to harvest better soybean and corn yields than they expected, signaling bigger crops than the USDA has forecast," Jason Ward, a market analyst for Northstar Commodity Investment Co. in Minneapolis, said in a telephone interview. "Supplies are getting bigger, and prices are adjusting lower." Soybean futures for delivery in November dropped 1.1 percent to close at $12.68 a bushel at 1:15 p.m. on the Chicago Board of Trade. The oilseed touched $12.635, the lowest for a most-active contract since Aug. 16. Prices have tumbled 10 percent this year on the expectation that U.S. production would recover from drought in 2012 and Brazil and Argentina will combined for a record crop. Corn futures for delivery in December declined 0.6 percent to $4.39 a bushel in Chicago, after touching $4.3525, the lowest since Aug. 31, 2010. The grain has retreated 37 percent this year. Stockpiles in the U.S., the world's top grower, were 824 million bushels on Sept. 1, 25 percent more than the 661 million estimated Sept. 12, the USDA said. Analysts in a Bloomberg survey expected 694 million bushels, on average. The data will probably push corn and soybeans lower and widen wheat's premium to corn, Damien Courvalin, a Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst, said in a report dated yesterday. Wheat futures for delivery in December rose 0.4 percent to $6.8125 a bushel on the CBOT, after rising 3.2 percent in the third quarter on shrinking U.S. inventories. --With assistance from Supunnabul Suwannakij in Bangkok. Editors: Thomas Galatola, Millie Munshi To contact the reporters on this story: Whitney McFerron in London at email@example.com; Jeff Wilson in Chicago at firstname.lastname@example.com To contact the editor responsible for this story: Patrick McKiernan at firstname.lastname@example.com Back to news

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Press release 183/2017
24 October 2017
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Kai Mykkänen will visit Paris on 24–25 October. Minister Mykkänen will meet Minister of State Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, who is responsible for trade and development matters. The Ministers will discuss trade policy questions, such as the allocation of competences for concluding trade agreements in the EU and monitoring of investments. Additionally, the Ministers will exchange views on trade and sustainable development, and about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Minister Mykkänen will also hold discussions with Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Chair of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Development Assistance Committee (DAC), and attend the examination of the DAC peer review on Finland's development policy and development cooperation.
Minister Mykkänen's programme in Paris will include discussions at an event organised by the French employers' organisation, Medef (Mouvement des enterprises de France), hosted by Christine Lepage, Director of the International Department of Medef.
Moreover, Minister Mykkänen will hold a speech at an event co-organised by the Permanent Delegation of Finland to the OECD and the Nuclear Energy Agency, NEA. Mykkänen will also meet the economic policy counsellor of the President of France (Conseiller technique macro-économie), Charles-Henri Weymuller.
Inquiries: Inquiries: Tuuli-Maaria Aalto, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 40 352 0463.
The Foreign Ministry's email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The walls at Mid-Valley Elementary seem alive with student art work.
Whimsical masks greet the visitor, along with drawings, collages, and life-sized whale and porpoise figures. Stapled to one wall are "Wacky Books," with divided pages for multiple story lines, and octopi in a kelp bed.
And a Harvest theme is tucked away above a counter and sink in one of the "pod" areas shared by multiple classrooms. The scene bears first-graders' interpretation of the natural wonders surrounding the school.
Parent and artist Adele Hammond calls it "a communal project," with kids taking the lead as they tear colored paper and glue it to a bulletin board to depict animals, pears and apples, sunflowers and pumpkins, and other images laid out before a snowy Mt. Hood.
The students, in Kelly Benjamin's class, work in groups of six and take their work very seriously.
In minutes, a gray bunny with bright pink ears and a flying squirrel emerge where a blank bulletin board had stood. Fabian Munoz crafted the squirrel and Jessica Gifford, Vanessa Morga and and Alonzo Magana combined on the rabbit.
"I like tearing the paper," said Amanda Montufar. "It looks cool when you tear it. I think it's about a pumpkin patch," said Amanda, who pointed with pride to the chunks of brown she glued to the board.
"That's the ground," she said.
Such individual contributions to the class-wide effort are what it's all about, Hammond said.
"The kids came up with the idea of how to show each part of the mural," Hammond said. She did the general sketch and painted in snow fields and other selected details. The students painted one-foot squares of paper in bright and earthy colors, some rippled, some monochrome, and then cut them into shapes such as apples and pears, or tear them into chunks as they realize their images.
"They enjoy the physicality of the tearing of paper and giving things shape," Hammond said.
"It started with an idea and will evolve into what it becomes. It takes on its own life. The kids had ideas of their own," she said.
For example, one child making fruit demurred from green paper, saying, "pears can be brown, too." Children had similar ideas in varying the colors of sunflowers.
"It's not about the end product. It's about the process," Hammond said.
"It's a collage of animals, color and nature, and we work all that into problem-solving, such as what colors make up which animals," Hammond said.
"The idea is to connect them with what's going on in nature and then to have a group effort to produce the mural," she said.
The project addresses the art curriculum themes of space, texture, line, and shade.
"It's also about working together and sharing energy for the whole idea," she said.
Like a sunrise changing the land's hues, or the evolution of summer into fall, the picture changes and Hammond likes the fact that the children can see it as a work in progress.
"They see the results of their work from the previous week, and it's building on that," she said.
Meeting kids' artistic needs is an important part of school, according to Hammond. Class sizes and budget cutbacks call for people with expertise to help teachers teach the arts, she said.
"This increases the amount of time the kids can spend in an area that would otherwise get a back seat," she said.
Benjamin said Hammond brings important knowledge to share with the kids.
"We would do something in arts but without her, it wouldn't be so articulate," Benjamin said. "The best part of it is that the kids are enjoying it."
Mid-Valley principal Gail Lyon notes that contributions such as artist Adele Hammond's are part of an overall attempt to help teachers integrate art in regular curriculum.
"Adele, like other parents who are real artists, is giving teachers a better handle on how to teach art to kids," Lyon said.
Hammond's work is in addition to artists who come in through Artists in Education, PTA, and the Equal Arts Grant (program), in which each school gets an artist to work with three teachers to show them how they can teach art.
Lyon said, "the community of artists has been very supportive in sharing expertise with teachers."
The district has an adopted art curriculum that matches the statewide Certificate of Initial Mastery standards, but since most teachers aren't art specialists we welcome all the help we can get from the community."
She said Hammond will work with first graders this year, then that teacher gets to see what she's doing and pass that on others.
"So there's a mushrooming affect and teachers feel comfortable with the art part of the cirruculum," Lyon said.
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text:
Two Assists for Garcia
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – With a large crowd on hand on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Johnson Field for the annual "Get a Grip" fundraiser game for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, the Yale field hockey team had an ideal setting to bounce back from a disappointing 4-0 loss to Fairfield in Friday's season opener. But the Bulldogs fell behind quickly to the Bobcats -- just as they had on Friday to the Stags -- and found themselves still seeking their first goal of the season by the time halftime came around. The second half was a different story, though, as Yale scored early and often -- including the first career goals for freshman forward/midfielder Nicole Wells and freshman back Molly Wolf. Junior midfielder Erica Borgo capped the day with the game-winning goal with 4:54 to play as Yale came away with a 3-2 win.
The day began with fans filing in dressed almost exclusively in the blue "Get a Grip" t-shirts that the team sold as a fundraiser for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. Senior goalkeeper Ona McConnell has been battling that disease since being diagnosed her freshman year, and the Bulldogs' two previous "Get a Grip" campaigns have raised nearly $100,000 for the efforts to raise awareness and find a cure.
Throughout the season, the Bulldogs are accepting donation pledges based on the number of goals the team scores this year. But after setting a school record with 69 goals last year, the Yale attack was off to a slow start this year. Those struggles were compounded by early goals by Yale's opponents in each game, including a tally by Quinnipiac forward Jess Rusin just 2:53 into Sunday's game. The rest of the half was mostly evenly matched, but the Bulldogs nonetheless went into halftime trailing 1-0.
"We had the same amount of shots [seven] and corners [two]," said Yale head coach Pam Stuper. "The difference was that Quinnipiac converted. We just needed to get the ball into scoring areas and convert."
It did not take long for Yale (1-1) to even the score in the second half. Catching the Bobcats in transition, the Bulldogs pushed the ball up quickly and junior forward Gabby Garcia sent it across the front of the goal from the right side. Wells was there to tip it in at the 37:23 mark.
It had taken more than 107 minutes for the Bulldogs to score their first goal of the season, but after that the second one came much more quickly. Less than five minutes after Wells' tally, Wolf joined her classmate in the scoring column when she put home a penalty corner pass from forward/midfielder Emily Schuckert, the stick stopper.
With six starters from last year's Ivy League championship team lost to graduation, Wells, Wolf and their fellow freshmen forward Danee Fitzgerald and midfielder/back Noelle Villa have all seen extensive action already as the Bulldogs seek to find new weapons.
"We expect the freshmen to contribute right away this year," said Stuper. "They are all playing significant minutes."
Among the holes left by graduation was a big one in the Yale backfield, where the Bulldogs lost Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year Erin Carter '12. On Sunday Stuper unveiled a new plan for addressing that loss, as senior midfielder Mary Beth Barham -- a second team All-Ivy selection and one of Yale's top generators of attack -- made the move to Carter's old spot and instantly helped shore up the team's defense.
"Mary Beth has always been a good defender," Stuper said. "She's a good tackler, and she's a fighter. Combined with her athleticism, that allowed her to step into that role and bring the type of leadership and presence that Erin Carter had."
Quinnipiac (2-2) was able to slip one more past junior goalkeeper Emily Cain (six saves) to tie the game 2-2 with 22:53 to play, however. But after a Bulldogs timeout, Yale withstood a series of three Quinnipiac corners in a three-minute span. With time winding down, Borgo was able to knock the ball in off a feed from Garcia to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 lead. Senior back Lexy Adams helped seal the win by deflecting away a Quinnipiac pass into the Yale circle in the final moments. By the time the Bobcats got the ball back, they could not manage another shot.
With the first win of the 2012 season, the Bulldogs showed the ability to move past the season-opening defeat suffered less than 48 hours earlier.
"Friday was a tough loss, but we really showed our resiliency and persistence to turn around what we needed to today in order to get the win," said Stuper. "To come up with a win and score three goals to kick off the 'Get a Grip' campaign in support of Ona and others with this disease makes the day even more rewarding."
Report by Sam Rubin '95 (firstname.lastname@example.com), Yale Sports Publicity


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text:
WASHINGTON — Justin D'Heilly never saw it coming.
He was working as a Domino's Pizza delivery driver in St. Paul, Minn., in 2009 when he pulled over to take a call from his manager, who told D'Heilly he could no longer drive for the company.
A background check had found some problems with his motor vehicle history, but D'Heilly wasn't told exactly what the trouble was, nor was he given a copy of the damning report.
When he checked with police to see if his license had been revoked, D'Heilly learned that it was valid and that he had only a couple of speeding tickets. He was fired the following month.
"They never officially told me why," D'Heilly said. "I just kind of faded away from them, I guess. ... I've always been a good employee there. I've never had any kind of disciplinary problems whatsoever, so to get that call out of the blue like that, you know, it just threw me off."
D'Heilly is now a named plaintiff in a budding class-action lawsuit that claims Domino's willfully violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by running employee background reports without proper authorization and by not sharing the reports with applicants and employees before taking adverse job actions against them, like termination or denial of employment.
Domino's has denied the allegations in court filings. Company spokesman Tim McIntyre wouldn't comment on the case, but in an e-mail response, he was clear: "We do not apologize for conducting criminal background checks."
With more than four unemployed workers per opening, the job search has become a contact sport following the Great Recession. The buyer's market for labor has employers relying on criminal and credit background reports to help thin the applicant pool and avoid potential lawsuits for negligent hiring.
A recent survey found that more than 90 percent of employers run criminal checks on job applicants, while 60 percent sometimes screen for credit, depending on the position. Black marks on either report can prove fatal for the estimated 65 million U.S. adults with criminal records and the 25 percent of whites, 33 percent of Hispanics and 50 percent of African Americans thought to have bad credit.
Identifying potential hires who could pose a threat to a company's assets or the safety of its workers and customers is a huge responsibility with serious legal ramifications, so consumer background reports are invaluable in helping employers gauge the trustworthiness, judgment, reliability and competence of new employees.
But at a time when jobs are scarce and 5.4 million have been unemployed for more than six months, a robust discussion is brewing among lawmakers, employers and regulators who are re-examining the way that negative background information is used.
Millions who lost jobs through no fault of their own in the Great Recession were left unable to pay their bills, which has hurt their credit standing and made it even harder for them to find work.
And adults with minor or even "stale" criminal convictions, that date back 20 or more years, can still have trouble finding work even if they've kept their records clean since their conviction. Researchers in 2009 found that a criminal record cut chances for a job callback or job offer by nearly 50 percent.
Sharon Dietrich, a legal aid attorney in Philadelphia who represents mainly poor blacks in employment discrimination cases, said, "It's the single biggest reason (her clients) can't get jobs."
These kinds of issues have prompted more states to restrict employer use of credit background checks, while a national "ban the box" movement has led growing numbers of states, cities and counties to eliminate the question about a person's criminal history from initial applications for government jobs.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces federal civil rights law in the area of fair employment practices, is also addressing the issue. For the first time in 25 years, the commission is revising its guidance to employers on how to properly evaluate criminal records in pre-employment screening.
That prospect, and the commission's stepped-up investigation of job-screening policies that disproportionately hurt minorities, has employers wondering whether new EEOC guidelines will make criminal background checks even more complicated to use and harder to defend in court.
Employers have a tough enough time trying to protect company interests and give former offenders a second chance without new commission guidelines making it even tougher, said Richard Mellor, vice president for loss prevention at the National Retail Federation.
"We do want to give second chances," Mellor said. "We've all made mistakes in our lives and people deserve an opportunity to improve and to become employed." New EEOC guidelines "could be a real good thing," he added, but new federal "restrictions that prohibit or impede us from (doing) the responsible thing are not."
The new EEOC guidelines will not affect the use of credit checks. But last year researchers at three universities found no connection between a person's poor credit history and their likelihood of behaving badly in the workplace. That gave credence to what many consumer advocates had long believed — that individual credit ratings have little, if any, predictive value about future job performance.
That belief has prompted seven states to limit credit background checks only to positions for which the information is pertinent. In January, California became the latest state to do so, joining Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Oregon and Washington. Similar legislation passed the Colorado state senate last month.
At least 31 cities and counties and a handful of states — including California, Connecticut, New Mexico, Massachusetts and Minnesota — have deferred criminal-background checks until later stages of the interview process for most government jobs. Doing so removes the "box" on employment applications that ask about a candidate's criminal past and allows employers to evaluate the candidate's skills and experience first.
Dietrich said these developments are heartening.
"More and more people are coming to understand that large segments of our population are being rendered unemployable unnecessarily because of employers that simply say, 'You have something on your record. I don't want you working for me,'" Dietrich said.
But attorney Don Livingston, who represents companies in civil rights and employment discrimination cases, said it's very difficult for employers "to make a judgment about whether someone is a former offender or is in the middle of their criminal career."
The EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars employers from using job-screening standards that have a disparate racial impact. So denying jobs solely on the basis of criminal convictions is illegal because it would disproportionately affect African Americans and Hispanics, who have higher rates of criminal convictions. The same is true for rejecting applicants solely for poor credit histories, which would disproportionately affect African Americans, Hispanics and women.
For these job denials to pass EEOC muster, the rationale must be "job related and consistent with business necessity," according to EEOC guidelines. This means the employer must show that it considered three factors: the nature and gravity of the offense, the amount of time since the conviction and the relevance of the offense to the type of job being sought.
That standard has stood for 25 years. But a 2007 U.S. appeals court ruling found legal shortcomings in the EEOC guidelines, including their failure to address "whether an employer justifiably can decide that certain offenses are serious enough to warrant a lifetime (employment) ban."
EEOC Commissioner Victoria Lipnic said the appeals court case "is figuring fairly prominently in our discussions at the commission about what to do in revising our guidance."
So is the easier access that employers have to all sorts of personal information. That explosion of data has prompted "the idea, or the notion, that employers are perhaps using (job-screening criteria that has a disparate impact) maybe more than they have in the past. Whether or not that is true," Lipnic said.
Last year, the National Employment Law Project reviewed online job postings on Craigslist and found many that appear to ban all applicants with a criminal history. Several ads read "No Exceptions! ... No misdemeanors and/or Felonies of any type ever in background" and "Do not apply with any misdemeanors/felonies."
Mellor, of the National Retail Federation, disputed the findings, saying a past conviction is not a deal breaker in the job hunt.
"I've not worked for a company that has had such a stern posture nor do I know of one, off the top of my head, that simply denies employment based on the fact that you've had criminal activity in your past," Mellor said.
Based on his experience, Mellor said most companies focus on a five- to seven-year window for convictions, so that offenses more than 10 years old are "almost under the radar screen" for prospective employers. What's most important, Mellor said, is "whether or not the criminal offense affects a person's ability to perform a job up to the employer's standards."
The stakes for getting it right are high. Employers are vulnerable to lawsuits for negligent hiring when workers with criminal histories commit acts of violence on the job. By one estimate, companies lose 72 percent of lawsuits alleging negligence or a lack of due diligence in hiring decisions.
And if an employee with a troubled financial history ends up stealing from the company, committing fraud or some other financial misdeed, the company's reputation could suffer as well.
In New York City, a 67-year-old bookkeeper for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York was recently charged with stealing more than $1 million over seven years after she was hired in 2003 without a background check that would have shown a prior conviction for grand larceny.
In Charlotte, N.C., convicted felon Mark Anthony Cox was recently charged with robbery and two counts of murder for killing the pregnant manager of the restaurant where he worked and the woman's unborn child. Cox had recently been released from prison for robbing the last restaurant he worked at, but his new employer did no criminal background check before Cox was hired.
Consumer law attorney Len Bennett of Newport News, Va., said criminal background checks are no panacea.
"I would suggest that at least one-third of criminal background checks will have materially inaccurate information in them, and I've reviewed thousands," Bennett said.
Common mistakes include multiple reports of a single offense, the inclusion of convictions and arrests that were legally expunged, and even the inclusion of another person's criminal offenses.
Third-party background screeners hired by employers give job applicants the opportunity to contest and correct any misinformation in their reports, said Theresa Preg, chair of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners.
But as Justin D'Heilly's case against Domino's alleges, companies may not always follow the law and share the reports with job seekers or employees before they take adverse action based on a negative report.
After agreeing to take an administrative position with a utility company in 2007, Deborah Adams of West Hartford, Conn., gave her former employer two weeks notice of her intent to resign. But before she could start her new job, an employee background check claimed she had been convicted of crimes in Virginia.
But the Virginia crimes were committed by a different woman who had a similar name and the same birthdate as Adams, albeit a different Social Security number.
It was the second time the Virginia woman's criminal record had been mistakenly linked to Adams during a job search. In 2006, Adams was able to fix the mistake before it cost her. This time she wasn't so fortunate.
Before the mix-up could be corrected, Adams' new position was offered to someone else. Unable to get her old job back, Adams ended up losing out on two jobs because of the mistake. Unable to pay her bills, she later lost her apartment and her car was repossessed. Depression, anxiety and anger followed.
"It was a dark period," Adams recalled. "I kept thinking, 'Where am I going to find another job?' I'm still emotionally distraught, so I'm really not fit to go on interviews. I'm not positive. I'm negative. I'm very angry, depressed, crying all night and day, like, 'How did this happen? What am I going to do?' ... It seems like everybody wants you when you're employed, but if you're not employed, forget about it."
In her lawsuit against the screening company and the staffing company that hired them, Adams sought damages for alleged willful violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. She said the companies failed to ensure that the information was accurate and that they didn't notify her that a negative report was being produced and forwarded to the employer.
In the end, Adams lost at trial and received no punitive damages. After receiving a complex 14-page set of instructions for deliberations, the jury determined that the background report included inaccurate information.
But the violation did not result from "willful" or "negligent" non-compliance with the law, which is required in order to receive damages. Adams would later appeal the decision before ultimately reaching an undisclosed financial settlement with both companies.
Indiana's new right-to-work law could prompt copycats
States shake up adult education to help low-skilled workers
New consumer bureau chief under fire from GOP


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Motorola and Verizon have been very good friends for the last few years. Ever since the first Motorola DROID came out, Verizon used Motorola (and occasionally Samsung and HTC) to create an entire brand image centered on the "DROID." The brand grew as many different phones entered the fray, and Motorola was at the forefront of this effort.
In the last few years, Motorola has released four standard DROIDs, five different DROID RAZRs and two DROID Xs. We aren't saying that it's too many phones, but it really demonstrates how much Motorola helped build the brand that. at one time, categorized all of Android.
With the Moto X coming soon, and most likely coming to all four carriers, we were afraid that Motorola might give in and allow Verizon slap that DROID label on it. However, multiple sources suggest that Motorola will not allow it and that the device will be released under the same name across all four major carriers.
This definitely doesn't mean that Motorola is done making DROID devices. We'll most likely see a DROID RAZR Ultra series coming to Verizon. The DROID brand isn't going anywhere, for better or for worse.
While it isn't a huge deal, it's nice to know that the device many of us will probably buy won't boot up with a loud and obnoxious DROOOOOOOID. We just want the clean Moto X experience (aside from a bit of bloatware, which is to be expected). On the other hand, some consumers may not care so much. What does this mean to you?


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Purdue Extension hosts annual meeting
PLYMOUTH — Nov. 13 the Marshall County Purdue Extension Board held its annual meeting to highlight the successful programming and individuals involved in Marshall County Extension's work.
The event was held at Pretty Lake Church and attended by 70 individuals, including speaker of the evening, Dr. Marcos Fernandez. He gave an extremely enlightening and educational presentation on the importance of agriculture and the future of individuals pursuing degrees in agricultural education.
"Over the next 40 years the world's population is going to grow by nearly 50 percent," Fernandez said "which means we will have to produce as much food as has been produced over the last 10,000 years combined."
Fernandez also discussed the experiences for students enrolled in Purdue College of Agriculture. "Twenty-eight percent of the 2012 graduating seniors in the College of Agriculture had an international study abroad experience."
In closing, Fernandez mentioned that Purdue Agriculture is "equipping today's students for tomorrow's global challenges."
The annual meeting also included a time for recognition of important supporters of the Extension Mission and Vision.
The Friend of Extension Award was given in memory of Mr. Leon Verhaeghe, who served the youth of Marshall County and the surrounding area for several decades. Verhaeghe was instrumental in developing and organizing the Sweepstakes Showmanship contest at the Marshall County 4-H Fair. His belief in furthering youth development was evident each year from the contest's inception in 1974 through his passing. Since his passing, several years ago, his family has sponsored a limited edition trophy belt buckle that is presented annually to the winner of the Sweepstakes Showmanship contest at the Marshall County 4-H Fair to recognize and encourage development through friendly competition and hard work. The youth and adults who have known Verhaeghe have benefited from his exceptional attitude and experience.
Each year, the Marshall County 4-H Junior Leaders recognize an outstanding leader. This year, they chose to honor a person who has been changing the lives of Marshall County 4-H members for half a century. Nancy Martin has been a life-long resident of Marshall County, and began her 4-H career in Bourbon Township as a 9-year 4-H member. Serving as a leader in the sewing project since 1977, she has also helped with foods, cake decorating, and the dairy project. Martin has taught Marshall County 4-H members life skills like dedication, responsibility, and perseverance while under her wing and her time has been greatly appreciated.
Purdue Extension is Indiana's provider of the Cooperative Extension Service. The Extension Service is a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America in the topics of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Human Sciences, Economic and Community Development, and 4-H Youth Development. To find out more please contact the Purdue Extension office of Marshall County at 574-935-8545.


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Free book reveals secrets to making money selling used cars…
4 Ways To Make Money Buying
And Selling Cars For Profit
I discovered the business of buying and selling used cars for profit over 20 years ago and today I have a super-cool book valued at $12.95 that you can download for FREE.
Here's what's covered in my FREE book…
How one guy on a beautiful tropical island makes thousands selling cars without spending a penny to buy them.
How criminals make millions exporting stolen cars – and how YOU can do this legally, morally and ethically.
How Barry made a $6000.00 profit from a car he bought for only $1200.00.
How people all over the world just like YOU are making a great income full-time and part-time from buying and selling used cars from home.
1) Part-time – Full-time – Anywhere: You can make good money on a full-time basis or in your spare time when buying and selling used cars. You can do this in small towns or big cities – and you can do this anywhere in the world.
2) New Car Buying verses Used Car Buying: When you buy a new car and factor in monthly payments, full-coverage insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs – it's no wonder why even "cheap" new cars costing only $15,000.00 are totally out of reach for most buyers.
3) New Car Depreciation: The average new car loses 60% of it's value in the first 5 years (Source: Edmunds.com). This is why a huge percentage of car buyers never buy new cars and choose to buy used cars only.
4) Perpetual Demand = Recession Proof: Unaffordable new car prices and horrible depreciation are why the demand for used cars is perpetual and that's also why this is a true recession-proof business.
Avoid Get-Rich-Quick Scams: I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I had to learn the hard way that "get-rich-quick" is bogus – and that mistake cost me a lot of time and money too. The old saying: "If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is" is still as valid as ever.
Reduce or Eliminate Trial and Error: There are lots of money-making plans being peddled by scammers that have never actually worked the business plan they are selling. Avoid them like the plague and learn from those that have done what you want to do.
"Hello Steve, You really helped me in so many ways. I didn't know much about cars, but so far I made $3000.00 on my three attempts! Thank you!"
-Steve, Pergentino, Adelaide, South Australia
"Hi Stephen, I have been doing this buying and selling stuff for around 2 months now. The last car i bought was a mitsubitshi montero 1996, which cost me $2000.00. i got around $2300.00 profits in less than a week."
-Jose Estevez, USA
"It was sold last week with a total profit of £400 ($600.00 USD) in my purse! This has definetely given me confidence boost. Your continual advice and support has helped me tremendously."
-Ayesha Hussian, England
"I bought a rough running Corolla wagon for $250.00. Spent $50.00 on it and sold it on the first day advertised for $550.00. I made a $250.00 profit with only a few hours of work. I could have gotten more but wanted the cash for more deals."
-Peter Jarocki, Australia
"Steve, here's the breakdown… I made $1600.00 on the Geo and sold it in 6 days. A nice set of tires and rims and a bike rack came with the Jeep and they should easily bring an extra $300.00. With the tires and rack, that's a total profit potential of $2200.00 on the Jeep."
-Dan Collins, Alaska
"I just bought an Eagle Summit at auction for $900.00 and sold it for $2750.00 with only three hours work and getting a new exhaust manifold pipe installed. That was an $1850.00 profit."
-Peter McCaffery, British Columbia, Canada
"Hey steve it's mike! Sold another Honda and made $1200 profit!!"
-Mike Menzel – Oklahoma
"Hello Steve, I got a story for you… There was a 1999 black Dodge Stratus for $1500.00. I sold it for $3200.00 six days later. PROFIT $2553.00! I found a 1989 Jeep Pioneer 183k (wow) for $1400.00 or best offer. I offered $700.00, they countered with $900.00, I said $800.00. DEAL-DONE! I sold it for $1300.00 CASH. $500.00 profit in three days–you cant beat that!"
-Hector Boyar, Chicago


text: Kids BookshelvesOur bookcases are more than just a repository for books. They're for showing off treasures, displaying photos and stashing colorful storage bins. When a child's bookcase reflects the nature of the child, its even better! At Rosenberry Rooms, our options have personality. Find designs that look like rocket ships, rowboats, fire stations and dollhouses. If you're concerned about finding the right one to match your decor, don't fret. Our children's bookshelves come in custom colors from Celery Green and Shabby Pink to Chocolate and Classic Cherry. Add an accent color or whimsical appliques to create a custom design. Discover tall, skinny book shelves, corner book displays, four-sided book cases, even a toddler-sized revolving bookcase. A classic kids wood style is just right for a fuss-free young man. In designs from romantic, vintage, rustic and coastal to cases with glass doors, our pieces are made to order just for you!


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We believe that through our range of Motorcycle Jackets for this season we have perfectly combined innovation and technology with our British heritage styling which we are renowned for.
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Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center is nestled on over 330 acres in scenic Berks County, Pennsylvania. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing winter activities and hiking, biking, boating, tennis and nearby golf during the spring through fall months. Guests can plan an event in the spacious banquet and meeting facilities with mountain views, dine at The Grille at Bear Creek or the Trail's End Cafe, relax at The Spa at Bear Creek or vacation at our resort hotel, with indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs.
History of Bear Creek
Prior to becoming a ski resort, the area known as Bear Creek was home to the Rittenhouse Gap mines, a part of the Mid-Atlantic Iron Belt. The mines date back to the late 1800s and the time of Thomas Edison, who was drawn to the mines to develop a cost-effective means of extracting iron ore from crushed rock. The railroad serving the mines was known as the Catasuaqua-Fogelsville Railroad. It was built in the 1850s as a way to transport iron ore to furnaces along the Lehigh River, including Lock Ridge Furnace in Alburtis, where it was used to make cannon and machinery. The Rittenhouse Gap mines were abandoned after World War 1 when the iron industry was drawn to the upper Midwest region of the county.
In 1968, the ski area opened its doors for the first time as Doe Mountain Ski Area with just a t-bar, rope tow and two trails. Overtime, the facility has grown and expanded to 21 trails with 6 lifts. In 1999, Doe Mountain changed ownership. Since that time, it has developed into a year round facility known today as Bear Creek Mountain Resort & Conference Center.
Hours of Operation | Special Deals | Lodging | Dining


text: In his landscapes, Adriaen van de Velde placed emphasis not only on the natural setting and the light, but to the animals and human figures that populated his scenes. While he was best known for his depictions of sparkling light and hazy mists, van de Velde loved painting cattle scenes, influenced by his admiration for Paulus Potter. In fact, he was so successful at rendering figures that he was frequently called upon by other artists like Jacob van Ruisadel and Meindert Hobbema to add them to their compositions. Van de Velde was adept at etching and drawing in addition to painting, and variously produced religious works, domestic scenes, and portraits. Both his father and elder brother, Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger, were also landscape and maritime painters.


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Everything In Its Place: Place Value
Lesson 6 of 10
Objective: Students will be able to correctly identify place value from one to ten million.
Language Objective: Students will be able to write numbers out in word form and say numbers in standard form, using correct vocabulary of place value terms.
Prior Knowledge: 4th grade worked with numbers from 1 to 100,000 in standard, word and expanded form.
Resources (1)
Resources (1)
Math Blast Number of the Day 6
Math Blast is a quick, fun, fast-paced math game! It doesn't require a lot of materials - just the PowerPoint, music, white boards, and dry erase markers. I begin every day with a Number of the Day.
Math Blast is also a great place to work on Common Core skills, especially critical thinking skills, discourse and collaboration!
I usually play music while students are working (it is the "Blast" in Math Blast). They have to the end of the song to fill in their board.
In the beginning this is more time than most need, but they will use all of the time when the numbers get bigger. Math Blast is a great way to pre-teach a concept and is really good scaffolding, especially for those struggling learners. I like to add new concepts that will be learning in the near future into Math Blast. This way students are familiar with new concepts when I go to teach them. If they haven't figured out the work through Math Blast they will have at least seen the concept.
I allow table mates to support each other, this is also a good way to support struggling learners.
The basic content my Math Blast covers is:
- Begin with prior knowledge tasks, factoring GCF, LCM. In 5th grade this is really good to have understanding for going into fractions.
- I always add some rounding and estimation, good tools to know and it is pre-teaching our next lesson.
- I always like to end with a word problem to challenge and support students' skills in answering a problem with what the question is requesting them to do.
The closing piece of Math Blast is See, Think, and Wondering.
Resources (4)
Resources (4)
See, Think, Wondering
I end Math Blast and lead into my lesson with a See, Think, Wondering. The art I choose always relates to the unit I am teaching.
See, Think, Wonder is a dynamic way to get your students to think deeper about a subject without them knowing that they are doing it.
The SEE part is pretty basic thinking. I see….
The THINK part is intended to get students to think about things in ways they haven't before. This is a fun way for students to make connection to the things we're learning in math. In my class, we'll be thinking about math and art. I use art because I am passionate about art. Use examples of things that ignite your passion! This art makes me think about….
And the WONDER requires enough engagement with the topic (the art) to be able to come up with a question. This art makes me wonder if….
See, Think, Wonder is my way to getting their brains ready to think about math and I find that the transition is great. It is also a quick chance to expose my students to different types of art.
Note: I've added a See, Think, Wondering separate from the Math Blast in case you want to do it by itself. It is also attached at the end of the Math Blast PowerPoint.
Note: You don't have to use art; I use art because I am passionate about art. Use examples of things that ignite your passion!
Resources (3)
Resources (3)
Elevator Speech
Concept: Getting students to understand that every place value has an important role, even if you don't hear the number called out in standard form. If a numeral is left out, it changes the number quantity completely.
The other day I was in the office and I was filling out some paperwork so I could get paid for some extra work that I did for our principal, Ms. Wells. Ms. Deb was helping me with the totals. She read off a list of 5 numbers of the hours that I worked last year.
She read (call out these numbers) 1,267 / 2,010 / 1,002 / 3,025 / 2,001 but write 1,267 + 210 +12 + 325 + 21 which adds up to 1,835 (should be 11,140).
See if anyone catches the mistake. Then talk about how my not knowing place value meant that instead of making $11,140 I would have gotten a paycheck for $1,835.
Which paycheck would you rather get? Yeah, me too! If I'm not careful in listening to what Ms. Deb was telling me, I would have not had dinner for a month!
Work It Out
It is important to engage students into their learning by using games. They are fun but have important skills involved. This is also a great way to work on targeted Mathematical Practice Standards of the Common Core.
Introduce a new game: Read it, Write it and Win! Teach for 10 minutes and then let everyone play for 10-15. Then call everyone into rotations through The Math Games:
- High and Low Game (Standard form) 1 station
- Dice Roll Number Challenge (Word form)
- Dice Roll Number Challenge (Expanded form)
- FOUR Square Poster: Standard, Verbal, Visual and Real Life problem
- Homework Station: I like to give my students the opportunity to start their homework in class to make sure I've answered all their questions.
An important tip - before you teach anything (including games), make sure you "do the math" yourself. Example problems are critical to understanding. Select them carefully, solve, and consider what your students struggle with.
Resources (6)
The Closing
It's tough to write down numbers when there are 0's in different places in place value, because when we read a number we don't say "0 Hundreds". We have to remember that the place value for hundreds is always there! Write some numbers with a lot of 0's in them and have students read them. Talk about the reasons why we don't say '0 hundreds'.
The closing is just as important as the launch. This is where you pull it all together and help the students connect to their learning. It is also a great place to talk about common misconceptions, if there are any. Don't skip this piece; always make sure you leave time for closing discussion. Students need a chance to pull it all together.
Quick Assessment
Read the number 1,987,001 (do not display) and have students write it as a numeral on their sticky note. On the way out, students place the sticky on the class


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Earth-sheltered housing is no longer an oddity. In fact, even though the concept of underground dwellings has been popularized only over the past decade or so, thousands of subterranean homes exist today. Unfortunately (for the average house-shopper), much of the material written about earth-sheltered structures is directed to the professional, or to folks who are at least acquainted with the technical aspects of such construction. And that's why we decided to excerpt this chapter from A Practical Guide to Earth Sheltered Housing by Mary Rollwagen, Susan Taylor, and T. Lance Holthusen. The authors—whose consulting firm, TLH Associates, handles many of the public education programs of the University of Minnesota's Underground Space Association—have specifically directed their attention toward potential homeowners who don't want to build their own houses, but would prefer to have the task contracted or to buy an existing earth-sheltered structure. Such people, of course, need to be sure they're making a sound investment, as this is a venture in which mistakes can be very costly.
When most of us want to acquire a conventional home, we find it much quicker to buy an existing home than to build a new one. Most of the defects in a conventional house are reasonably discernible to average consumers.
Buying an existing earth-sheltered home is a different story altogether. Since earth-sheltered houses are so new, few have appeared on the market for resale. It is estimated, however, that somewhere in the neighborhood of five to six thousand homes had been built by 1982. In addition, some speculation homes are always on the market. In the future, then, consumers may increasingly enjoy the option of buying rather than building an earth-sheltered home.
If you should find an earth-sheltered home that is for sale at the right price and quite fits your needs, how do you judge the soundness of its construction? What should you look for in any earth-sheltered home you tour?
There is no way to probe inside the walls to inspect steel placement or even to ascertain whether the waterproofing system is intact on buried surfaces. Evidence of problems can often be observed in other ways, however.
Look inside the house. for these signs of leakage or structural problems:
On the outside of the house and up on the roof, look for these clues:
If there is an active or passive solar heating system, find out how it works. Has the system met the owner's expectations? Does it require frequent manipulation or repair?
Be particularly watchful of a wood- or coal-burning stove: Was it inspected when installed for proper distances from combustible surfaces, adequate insulation protection, and proper air intake and venting? Be sure the chimney stack is self-supporting and not holding any other weight.
Here is where the real purpose of building codes can be put to work for you. Your protection as a second owner, with no control over the initial design and construction, is better assured if codes were met originally. If no codes are in effect for the area, the use of an architect or a reputable builder would reduce your concern. Check the following:
The insurance question raises an interesting fact about many earth-sheltered houses. Some earth-shelter building companies and owners report that they have been able to negotiate lower insurance premiums than would be paid for similar but conventional homes, because the structure is less vulnerable to fire and storm damage. Several insurance firms have even announced lower rates, usually on the condition that the home was designed by a qualified professional. When inspecting a house for potential purchase, ask whether the plans for the house had an engineer's stamp of approval. Buying a structure that was not professionally engineered could be a risky business.
The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) has circulated a list of areas for concern to insurance inspectors considering the underwriting of an earth-sheltered home. NAMIC concluded that, assuming specific areas of concern are found to be satisfactory, earth-sheltering is "an insurable risk" if the following conditions are met:
1. The shelter is designed by an architect.
2. The plans are checked and an engineer's stamp of approval is included.
3. Building codes are followed and quality building materials are used by a reputable, qualified contractor.
4. Natural drainage and water table height are adequately determined.
5. The foundation drainage is properly installed.
6. Good waterproofing material is expertly applied.
7. The supplemental heat (wood/coal burner) is properly installed (air intake and venting). Adequate clearance between heating devices and combustible materials must be maintained.
These conditions are sensible ones for a potential buyer to investigate before making a decision.
A design professional may be more astute in spotting trouble than a potential first-time earth-shelter homeowner. Consider hiring an experienced earth-shelter architect or engineer to inspect the property for a couple of hours. Most professionals will charge an hourly fee for such a service—it will be cheap insurance against a possible $100,000 mistake.
Finally, do not rush into this "ready-made" decision any more quickly than you would leap into building a new home. Be sure this earth-sheltered house fits your program, is truly as energy-efficient as its owner or builder claims it is, appeals to your sense of aesthetics, and is located where you want to live.
Compromise, of course, but remember that you have the knowledge to have your dream house built if you still feel that is the better choice.
From A Practical Guide to Earth Sheltered Housing by Mary Rollwagen, Susan Taylor, and T. Lance Holthusen. Copyright © 1983 by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, Inc. Used by permission.
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At UPMC Cancer Centers, we know that the extensive range of services we offer our patients makes all the difference. UPMC strives to meet the many physical, as well as emotional, needs of cancer patients and their families.
The UPMC Cancer Center at the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology is located in UPMC Shadyside and complements the services available in the Hillman Cancer Center.
The Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT) Program of UPMC Cancer Centers is the largest regional provider of stem cell transplantation services in western Pennsylvania. The program has performed more than 1,400 bone marrow, or stem cell transplants, to treat patients with a variety of diseases.
Hillman Cancer Center is the flagship treatment and research facility of the UPMC Cancer Centers network. Home to the state-of-the-art clinical services of UPMC Cancer Centers and the nationally and internationally recognized research of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center provides specialized diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care for patients and their families.
UPMC Shadyside5230 Centre Ave.Pittsburgh, PA 15232412-623-2121
Schedule an appointment at 1-800-533-UPMC or request an appointment online.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
| Supplemental content provided by Healthwise, Incorporated. To learn more, visit www.healthwise.org
For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.
Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.
Pittsburgh, PA, USA | UPMC.com


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Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic is answering your burning beauty questions!!! Every Monday, he will answer a beauty/skin care question as part of a weekly column on Spoiled Pretty, Makeup Mondays with Mario.
Hi Mario,
I have this problem where I have to curl my lashes several times throughout the day. When I first put on my makeup in the morning, I curl my lashes and then apply the mascara, but it seems that right when I walk out the door they are sticking straight again. I have no idea what to do. Can you please suggest some things that might help?
Thanks, Jen
Hey Jen,
Rest assured that you're not the only girl with stick straight lashes! Before you start your face, curl the lashes once, counting to 3 or 4 seconds per pinch on each lash. This way, they will be evenly curled. Go ahead and do your makeup as normal. After the eyes are done, curl lashes one more time. Apply a curling mascara. There are tons of different curling mascaras on the market. N.Y.C. New York Color makes a great and affordable one. Brush out the mascara with a clean wand so it's not too clumpy. Once it's dried or almost dried, curl one more time, not pressing too hard. Finally, apply another coat of mascara. Thanks for visiting Makeup Mondays!
Got a question for Mario? Email your makeup and skin care queries to email@example.com, and check back next Monday to read Mario's expert advice!


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MAX BAT Model C21 Adult Wood Baseball Bat
Product Code: MBC21
Availability: Custom Made To Order
Availability: Custom Made To Order
Price: $99.00
The C21 is a great model for balance, control and power. Similar to a C271 but with a beefed up barrel making this bat a great choice for all types of hitters.
|Custom made to order just for you. Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery in most cases
|Flared Knob
|1 1/4" Bottom Hand
|29/32" Top Hand
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|All Max Bats are cupped to weight
|Choose from Ash, Birch or Maple
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text:
Taylor Swift plays hard to get when it comes to dating because she knows guys like the chase.
Over the years, the Love Story hitmaker has enjoyed several high-profile relationships with singers such as John Mayer, Harry Styles and Joe Jonas, and she was recently accused of trying to pick up actor Bradley Cooper at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards.
According to reports, her advances were rebuffed, but now Taylor Swift has spoken out to deny the rumors, insisting she never uses a forward approach with men.
She tells Elle magazine, "I'm sure if I looked up the latest Google Alerts rumor it would say I'm chasing somebody who doesn't like me as much as I like him - people love that angle on me. They're like 'Oh Taylor, coming on too strong again, chasing boys.' I never chase boys. They don't like it!"
And if things don't work out, she never lets her emotions show: "I don't think I've ever yelled at an ex-boyfriend. Ever. I'm not a yeller. I'm not a fit thrower. If something is done, it's done."
Instead, the 23 year old lets out her frustration by putting pen to paper.
Defending her penchant to write tunes about her famous exes, she says, "To me it's just writing songs the way I always have. It's me sitting on my bed feeling pain I didn't understand, writing a song, and understanding it better. If people want to dissect the lyrics, that's their right, but it's all coming from the exact same place as where I started. It's just something I do to feel better."


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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The debate over exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas is exceedingly strange. In Washington one sometimes hears calls to limit imports of given goods or services but limits on exports?
When U.S. President Barack Obama talked of doubling U.S. exports in five years in his 2010 State of the Union Address, some said this was an unrealistic objective but nobody said it wasn't a worthy goal, particularly to support the United States' economic recovery.
Since Adam Smith, of course, economists have understood that restrictions on imports or exports reduce overall national welfare. But the politics of imports and exports are different.
The costs of allowing imports are generally borne by identifiable firms and their workers but the benefits of imports are typically widely dispersed and thus effectively invisible.
Exports have an opposite dynamic. Increased export sales directly benefit identifiable firms and their workers. Any costs are typically spread thinly and invisibly over the whole economy.
Since World War II, U.S. trade policy has reflected Adam Smith's teachings, somewhat modified by a political tilt toward exports and against imports. Beginning with the first General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, signed in 1947, the United States has been a leader in the effort to dismantle trade restrictions. NAFTA and other free trade agreements have benefitted both the United States and its trading partners.
And while the United States has tariffs on many imported goods and services, exports have been limited only for national security reasons or to implement country-specific sanctions.
In fact, the United States has used international law to attack other nations' export restrictions. Most notably, in 2009 the United States joined others in successfully challenging Chinese restrictions on exports of rare earths, invoking the provision in the GATT that explicitly outlaws export bans and restrictions.
When it comes to LNG exports, however, the law says the U.S. Department of Energy needs to determine whether LNG exports to countries with which the United States doesn't have a free trade agreement are in the "public interest."
LNG export projects must file an application for an export license. In some cases, the applications have been awaiting approval for close to two years. One application has been approved; three have been granted contingent approval.
So why, despite the clear lessons of economics and the history of U.S. trade policy, would the Energy Department take an approach to export licenses that effectively serves as an export restriction?
Organized special interests think they stand to lose if LNG exports were to raise domestic natural gas prices. These special interests comprise mainly a few manufacturing companies, for which natural gas is an important input. They hold this view despite the soundest economic studies indicating that allowing LNG exports would cause only small domestic price increases.
So we're having this debate because of a 75-year-old law and organized special interests -- not because of anything economically harmful about LNG exports.
Increasing U.S. natural gas production in recent years has generated both jobs and profits. Because the costs of liquefaction and transportation to Asia and Europe are substantial compared to plausible future U.S. natural gas prices, U.S. natural gas users will likely enjoy a long-term price advantage over countries in Asia and Europe that rely on LNG imports.
These costs also imply that competition from established low-cost foreign producers -- including Qatar, Indonesia, and Australia -- would dampen the volume of LNG that could profitably be exported from the United States. And export volume from the United States would tighten over time as other countries began to exploit their own shale resources.
De facto limits on LNG exports resulting from a halting export-license approval process would harm the U.S. economy as surely as restrictions on the exports of soybeans, lumber or software. U.S. natural gas prices are low by historic and international standards; small export-induced price increases would impose few costs.
Holding back exports of LNG could slow U.S. economic growth and would surely make it much harder for the country to challenge others' export restrictions that harm the U.S. economy.
It's time to end the silly debate over LNG exports. The Department of Energy should approve LNG export license applications and give market forces a chance to work.
(Margo Thorning is senior vice president and chief economist with the American Council for Capital Formation and director of research for its public policy think tank. She is also director of the Act On LNG Campaign (www.actonlng.org).
(Richard Schmalensee is the Howard W. Johnson Professor of Management and Economics Emeritus, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and former member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)


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In an event that has meaning on both ends, Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, has launched his sixth annual "Holiday Cards for Troops" program.
In an event that has meaning on both ends, Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, has launched his sixth annual "Holiday Cards for Troops" program.
"The cool thing," McNerney said, "is that we get positive feedback from both sides - from the kids who write the cards and feel connected and from the service men who receive them."
Last year, McNerney's office collected more than 9,000 cards from community members with personal messages of gratitude. The cards are distributed to men and women in the military both at home and serving overseas.
When he started the program in 2007, some of the cards were sent to Iraq where that war was being waged. Some of them are still delivered to U.S. military personnel serving in the ongoing Afghanistan conflict.
McNerney personally delivers some of them to the Nation's Medical Center, formerly known as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Md.
"Sometimes it gets emotional for me," McNerney said. "I get to meet some of the troops in their rooms and hear their stories. They love to tell their stories. It's rewarding on a lot of levels. That's why I do it."
The congressman said that he also enjoys going into classrooms where teachers have used the holiday cards as a student project.
"I ask them how many know someone serving in the military," McNerney said of his San Joaquin County school visits. "Sometimes one-third of the classroom's hands go up."
McNerney's office announced that the overseas cards will be sent in packages organized by East Bay Blue Star Moms, Pleasanton Military Families, Support Our Troops of Lodi, American Red Cross, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Sommerset Veterans Club.
Cards also will be sent to Bay Area VA hospitals.
"Some of these soldiers have been in rehab a long time. They may have lost a leg or suffered a head injury," McNerney said. "Sometimes they get excited to receive these and look forward to reading them."
McNerney's office also is encouraging participation Saturday in a Red Cross-sponsored "Holiday Mail for Heroes" event at Weberstown Mall.


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Brazil move past star absences
Brazil appear to have shaken off the double blow they suffered on Friday by losing Neymar for the remaining games of the 2014 World Cup and Thiago Silva for the important Tuesday semifinal against Germany in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and his captain, Silva, took part in the prematch news conference on Monday, and if you've had the chance to meet the pair, you know they are not amazing actors.
Thus, the Selecao might be licking their wounds, but they look as determined as they could be to upset the odds tilting toward Joachim Low's team.
There is a famous story from the 2002 World Cup in which Scolari hugs his assistant Flavio Murtosa and says, "I think we'll be all right tomorrow," after he walked out of his hotel room on the eve of the final game (also against Germany) to find Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and other teammates improvising a mini-golf tournament in the corridor.
Twelve years later, his Selecao side shared a similar moment just one day after Neymar had traumatically departed the team's Teresopolis headquarters on a stretcher. The manager walked into the dining room and found David Luiz doing an impersonation of him. In that moment, Big Phil felt that his group had moved on.
"I am not trying to downplay how much we will miss Neymar's happiness and what he brought to us on and off the pitch," Scolari said. "But the moment of sadness has gone since we were assured we couldn't rely upon him anymore.
"The players now understand that Neymar did his part for us here. And now it's the time for the players do theirs. This game against Germany we will be playing for ourselves, the country and for Neymar, but the group needs to focus on the job."
The Barcelona forward will not be the only absence at the Mineirao. Silva will sit out the semifinal thanks to a booking picked up against Colombia. But the fact that the defender attended the news conference and joined Scolari in some jokes showed a different mood that could not be more distant from the gloomy walk Brazil made through the mixed zone at the Castelao on Friday.
"It will be very hard to sit this one out, I tell you," the PSG star said. "But just as I spoke to Luiz Gustavo when he was suspended against Chile, I have a strong feeling my mission here is not finished. I am suffering, but I have absolute confidence in the guys that will step in tomorrow."
Which guys he was talking about remains a mystery.
Few would bet against Dante stepping in to replace Silva, especially when he knows so much about his Bayern Munich teammates on the German team.
Gustavo, another player who has had a lot of contact with most of the Mannschaft and plays in the Bundesliga, seems poised to return to his midfield holding role that has been one of Brazil's highlights in this competition.
Brazil vs. Germany: Tuesday, 4 ET, 9 BST (ESPN and WatchESPN)
- Marcotti: Titans collide in the semifinals
- Honigstein: Bierhoff's technological focus
- Torre: Scolari lightens the mood
- Brewin: Battered Brazil vs. vulnerable Germany
- Smith: Jogo bonito the exception, not the rule
- 50-50 Challenge: Brazil vs. Germany
- Duarte: Brazil move past star absences
- Cox: Brazil and Germany's role reversal
The identity of the rest of the starters, however, looks as fuzzy as it could be. In practice sessions on Sunday and Monday, Scolari seemed to be teasing journalists in the stands in Teresopolis by changing players and formations at breakneck speed.
Some patterns, however, stood out: Brazil look certain to have Oscar as their midfield maestro, perhaps positioned in front of a "wall" formed of Fernandinho, Gustavo and Paulinho, and serving Hulk and Fred. Or there could be a tweak in Brazil's 4-2-3-1 formation that Scolari has deployed since taking over two years ago, with Willian sliding into the right side of attack.
A big issue here seems to be second-guessing Jogi Low's plans for Philipp Lahm. After using his captain as a midfielder in Germany's first four games, the manager switched him to full-back for their quarterfinal showdown with France.
One could be tempted to think that Low will be looking forward to exploring gaps left by Marcelo's upfield advances. On the other hand, that could lead to Scolari opting to unleash twinkle-toed Bernard from the start in order to give the Germans something to consider.
Scolari also has to address his own right-back situation. With a midfield focused on defence, he would be able to deploy Dani Alves again, although Maicon's display against Colombia showed that he is a good solution to address the vulnerabilities on the right flank.
Whatever he does, Scolari's priority has been working on his players' state of mind. Since he took over in November 2012, this will be the first time in 28 games that Big Phil will not be able to rely upon Neymar even for a training session.
"It hasn't been the easiest of times, but don't forget that I have a spectacular group," he said. "I have the team in my mind and will have a good night's sleep.
"I have told all the players that whoever is not playing is still very special because they are special guys on which we rely for special moments. I don't even think the word 'reserve' is appropriate to describe these players."
Make no mistake, behind all the positive talk Scolari knows well that the Selecao would face a formidable battle even if Neymar were still on the pitch.
He knows that these players need a speech like the one Al Pacino delivered in the American football movie "Any Given Sunday."
But after two days of disarray thanks to emotional blows, serious injuries and the criticism of the international media for the cynical way the Selecao battled Colombia in the quarterfinals, Scolari seems to have regained control of an overwhelming situation.
"We are facing a German team that has prepared for almost six years for this tournament, and we have to respect Germany for everything they have done so far," Scolari said. "But we will play to be respected, and that will only happen if we try to impose ourselves.
"If we do things as we can, we could cause them trouble, and then it will get interesting. Sometimes we don't do things in a pretty way, but we are still walking. Let's hope we can take another step."
That, for the moment, is all that Brazilians want to hear. No need for punching the table or barking at referees. All they want is to see the Selecao not pulling out of a fight, just as it says in the lyrics of the national anthem they have been shouting around the country for the past few weeks.
Fernando Duarte is a U.K.-based Brazilian football expert who has reported on the Selecao for over a decade. Follow him on Twitter: @Fernando_Duarte.


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How the best player in baseball went from android to human being.
What to make of the news that Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees have agreed to the outlines of a new 10-year, $275 million contract? Some have called it a triumph for Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, the once-hapless sons who have been tapped by their dad to run the club. Others have focused on the rare and humiliating defeat for "super agent" Scott Boras, the man who convinced Rodriguez not only to opt out of his previous Yankees deal—which still had $81 million left—but to announce this decision during the deciding game of the World Series, and thus incur the wrath of baseball. Both these things are true, but I prefer to read it another way: Last week was the moment that Rodriguez, baseball's most robotic superstar, finally gained self-awareness.
To this point, Rodriguez's eerie precision with the bat has been exceeded only by his ability, in nearly every setting, to project the personality of an android. His quotes to the media are masterworks of banality: "I'm just going to do my job and go out and play." This drabness has become more pronounced since Rodriguez joined the Yankees in 2004. For one thing, he was forced to move gingerly on a team with an established hierarchy; according to Sports Illustrated, his friendships with stars like Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada had to be brokered by Tino Martinez, who was friends with both camps. Moreover, Rodriguez has been assailed by the newspapers for his poor postseason performance, which only pushed him further into his shell. The only truly revelatory moment of Rodriguez's career in New York was his admission, in 2005, that he sees a therapist—quite a bit of candor for a baseball player. Even that was undermined when Rodriguez later said, "I didn't do it for me. I did it for the children."
The gaps in Rodriguez's public persona have been filled in by Boras, who has been his agent since 1993, the year he was drafted first overall by the Seattle Mariners. As Ben McGrath pointed out in his recent New Yorker profile, Boras seems to mesh best with "less self-assured stars." Rodriguez and Boras had a symbiotic relationship that went beyond the usual player-agent connection. Boras not only negotiated A-Rod's contracts but, in the face of the latter's reluctance to say anything of interest, indirectly provided him with a kind of personality. It took Rodriguez many years to recognize that it was not a likable one.
When Boras orchestrated A-Rod's first mega-contract in 2000, he distributed a 70-page booklet to interested teams that put Rodriguez's statistics alongside quotes from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. During the negotiations, Mets general manager Steve Phillips said that, in addition to an exorbitant contract, Boras had demanded Rodriguez receive a private office at Shea Stadium, a merchandise tent, and a large "billboard presence" in Manhattan. (Both Boras and Rodriguez denied making these demands.) Rodriguez said he would just as soon re-sign with his current team, Seattle, but Boras brushed off the Mariners when their offer came up short. The Texas Rangers eventually signed Rodriguez to a 10-year, $252 million contract, double the amount of what was then the richest guaranteed contract in sports.
A-Rod was a perfect lab rat for Boras' rapacious capitalism. Rodriguez's statistics were unrivaled in baseball history. Moreover, his sphinxlike demeanor played to Boras' strength: the creation of an environment in which team owners have as little information as possible and thus are likely to submit enormous bids. When the Rangers began exploring trade possibilities for Rodriguez in 2004, the superstar maintained his circumspect style. Courtesy of Jamey Newberg's Newberg Report, an exquisite annual devoted to the Rangers, here's a list of A-Rod quotes as the player prepared to leave Arlington. A few weeks before he left the team: "I definitely think I'm going to be here for a long time. I'm probably pretty sure it will work out for the best." On what he wanted: "There is a difference between image and reputation. Image is nice; reputation is developed over an entire career. Reputation is what I'm searching for." Got that?
In New York, Rodriguez will forever suffer in comparison to Jeter, the Yankees' captain and probably the team's most popular player. Jeter is a Yankees lifer with four championships, but he's also an aggressive media schmoozer and clubhouse politician. Though he's also well-paid ($19 million per season) and hardly more profound than Rodriguez, he has a better sense of how much he can get away with. According to Rodriguez, he and Jeter used to be "blood brothers," but their relationship began a steady downward trajectory after Rodriguez told Esquire that Jeter was a complementary player: "You never say, 'Don't let Derek beat you.' He's never your concern." Jeter never would have been so tone-deaf.
Boras' ventriloquism reached its reductio ad absurdum this November. It made sense that the agent would advise Rodriguez to opt out of the remaining years of his Yankees contract so that he could negotiate a longer deal for more money. But when the Steinbrenners requested a face-to-face meeting, Boras told them he wouldn't allow it unless they offered $350 million—a ludicrous amount even for the free-spending Yankees. Though Boras had a 10-day window in which to opt out, he chose to do so during the World Series. This captured not only the attention of the Fox announcers but Red Sox fans sitting near one of the dugouts, who begun chanting, "Don't sign A-Rod!"
One should not begrudge a player or agent for getting all that the market will bear. But the Game 4 fiasco seemed to be a tipping point. By outsourcing so much of his personality to Boras, Rodriguez seemed to realize he had sacrificed a huge amount of nonmonetary capital. A-Rod might be Michelangelo in the body of Hank Aaron, but fans loathed him because they knew him as nothing more than a self-interested punk—as Sports Illustrated put it, "a Narcissus who found pride and comfort gazing upon the reflection of his own beautiful statistics."
Last week, the robot seemed to awaken. After a consultation with billionaire Warren Buffett (!), Rodriguez met with the Yankees without Boras on Nov. 14. He hammered out the parameters of a new contract that, in humbling fashion, was worth less in guaranteed money than the Yankees had offered initially. It was perhaps less money, too, than Rodriguez would have gotten in a Boras-led auction between teams like the Dodgers and Angels. But in meeting with the Steinbrenners on his own, Rodriguez became, finally, a man who could communicate his own desires. "I think it's the best way you can do things," he later told MLB.com. "I felt sometimes the messages can be mixed up, and you may be getting some information that is not 100 percent accurate. I just took it upon myself to call Hank and talk to him one on one."
Boras was marginalized but not altogether absent. As of this writing, he is said to be finalizing parts of the contract. But it was clear, to borrow a term from the former co-owner of the Texas Rangers, who the "decider" was in this negotiation. And even if Rodriguez had merely dumped Boras to genuflect before Warren Buffet, an even more rapacious capitalist, he at least showed some temerity in making that decision. By speaking out, A-Rod showed that beneath his robotic exterior lurks a real player and a real human, one who values "comfort, stability, and happiness," as he put it in a message on his Web site. For once, Scott Boras had no immediate response.


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Voters adhere to new ID law, bring picture identification to pollsBy MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
November 07. 2012 3:08AM
The New Hampshire voter ID law may have slowed down voting, but it appears to have gone smoothly on Tuesday, after state officials made efforts to explain the law and facilitate voting for those without an ID, election officials said.
The voter ID law hit its second phase Tuesday, when voters were either asked to show a photo identification or told to fill out a voter challenge affidavit.
Deputy New Hampshire Attorney General Ann Rice said there were no significant problems with voter ID. Her office received mainly questions about acceptable idenfication.
"There was a great deal of effort to educate people about what the process would be," Rice said. Her office went as far as preparing signs that spelled out the law. "I think that's made a big difference," Rice said.
During the September primary, many voting locations erected signs that said a photo ID was required.
Acceptable IDs include a driver's license from any state, whether expired or not; a non-driver license photo ID; a U.S. armed services ID card; a passport, a valid photo ID from any federal, state or municipal government; a valid student ID, or similar ID acceptable to local election officials, according to the New Hampshire League of Women Voters.
Several forms of IDs acceptable in 2012 won't be accepted next year, said Sally Davis, co-president of the League.
In Manchester, several moderators said that photo IDs weren't a problem. People who did not have them filled out a voter challenge affidavit, which required them to sign a form and have it countersigned by an election official.
In Nashua, City Clerk Paul Bergeron said about 10 percent of city voters were expected to show up without IDs.
"It's slowing things down, we fully expected that," Bergeron said.


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And I thought inqusitive was one of my better qualities.
I'm a comedy writer who specializes in non-fiction narrative humor. Think David Sedaris, not gay, and less wordy.. I'm currently in search of a Literary Agent to market my books-- some of which you will find on my blog. I find this website great. I love the Apatow movies and knew Seth Rogan would be a star after seeing 40 Yr Old Virgin. 'The Landlord' made me cry it's so funny- I love how Ferrell jokes around and does stuff just for the fun of it.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Marine corporal's heroic action saved lives in combat During Korean War
On Nov. 27, 1950, during the Korean War, Corporal Richard J. Blasinski saved many lives. He was awarded the Silver Star, but was never formally recognized before his passing in 1991.
Exactly 63 years later, Congressman Brian Higgins held a ceremony on Grand Island to pay tribute to Blasinski's lifesaving actions when his country needed him the most.
"Corporal Blasinski demonstrated selfless leadership and bravery," Higgins said Wednesday. "So many veterans never seek recognition but it is important for us, as a nation, to never forget their sacrifices. We are honored to join the Blasinski family in remembering his service."
Town of Grand Island Supervisor Mary Cooke added, "Corporal Blasinski's heroic actions 63 years ago saved lives and made a big difference in the outcome of the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin Battle in North Korea. Grand Island welcomes the opportunity to host the presentation of the Silver Star and several other medals and ribbons to Corporal Blasinski's family by Congressman Higgins. We can never forget the sacrifice and courage of our brave military service members."
"It's always an honor and a pleasure to recognize veterans who enable us today to live in a country such as ours," said Assemblyman John Ceretto. "Freedoms do not come easily and we all owe a great debt of gratitude to our veterans."
"Corporal Richard Blasinski is truly worthy of this recognition," said State Sen. Mark Grisanti, member of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. "All military veterans deserve our admiration and respect and should be recognized. I urge our citizenry to always remember all of the men and women who fought bravely to keep our nation free from tyranny. We will never forget the sacrifices that Richard made, and I am truly honored to join the Blasinski family in remembering him for his service to his country."
Blasinski was born in 1929 to Joseph Blasinski and Anna Szymanski. His father came to Buffalo from Poland at the age of 17 and grew up in Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood. Richard was raised in the Kenmore.
He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1946. Two years later, at the age of 19, he was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Blasinski was a member of the "Chosin Few" or the "Frozen Chosin," names given to the Marines who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. During this battle, the Marines were confronted with the most extreme conditions. Enemy forces significantly outnumbered them, it was one of the coldest winters ever recorded in North Korea, and they were fighting on one of the roughest terrains. Blasinski was a member of Company H, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Regiment. Despite extreme conditions, Blasinski rose to the challenge. On the very first day of the battle, Nov. 27, he went above and beyond the call of duty.
The citation for his Silver Star reads:
"The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Richard J. Blasinski (MCSN: 1071442), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 November 1950. When his unit was attacked and overrun by a numerically superior hostile force, Corporal Blasinski quickly reorganized his squad and deployed them to localize the enemy penetration. Moving from end to end of his unit, he placed the men in advantageous firing positions, ignoring the heavy enemy fire directed on the area. Courageously remaining in an exposed position, he competently and effectively supervised return fire which directly aided the company in halting the hostile advance. During the brief respite which followed, he evacuated his wounded and, on his own initiative, skillfully improved his defenses. When the enemy attacked again, he boldly led his men through intense small arms, machine gun and grenade fire, engaging the hostile troops in fierce hand-to-hand combat, dislodging the enemy from their well-entrenched positions and securing the flank. Covering the reorganization of the company, he successfully warded off hostile probes until the remainder of the unit was in position. By his aggressive determination, outstanding leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of heavy enemy opposition, Corporal Blasinski upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
In addition to his participation in the Wonsan-Hungnam-Chosin campaign in North Korea, Blasinski took part in the capture and securing of Seoul Korea and he saw action against enemy forces in South and Central Korea.
Blasinski was discharged July 15, 1952. He then transferred USMC Reserves where he served the remainder of his military career and also worked at Wickwire Steel Company and General Motors.
To honor Blasinski, Higgins presented his family with the Silver Star Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Korea), Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal with Europe clasp, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United National Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and Cold War Certificate. The Silver Star is one of the highest military decorations for valor that can be awarded to a person serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Higgins presented the medals at Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial VFW Post No. 9249, which is named after Private First Class Charles N. DeGlopper, a Grand Island native who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award of the U.S. military. DeGlopper received the award for his sacrifice and heroism while serving in the U.S. Army during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II.
Blasinski's daughter, Carol Blasinski-Rhonemus, is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW Post on Grand Island.


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Mr. Gray™ two-tone loafer socks
size & fit
- M (shoe sizes 7-9), L (shoe sizes 10-12).
Product Details
Based in Vancouver, Mr. Gray makes its socks in small batches using vintage machines and the finest-quality yarns. The brand really pays attention to the details, reinforcing the heel and toe for added durability, linking the toe boxes by hand and knitting these socks in cool colors and patterns—so not only will they be the most comfortable socks you've ever worn, they'll look great too.
- Spandex/cotton/nylon.
- Machine wash.
- Import.
- Item F0734.


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To report an emergency in progress, call 911.
In 1995, Placer County's Health, Welfare, and Community Services Departments were merged into one agency, the Department of Health and Human Services. This agency is organized into several inter-related operating systems employing nearly 950 trained professional and technical staff, primarily focused in the health and social services fields. Our services are available throughout the North Lake Tahoe area in the communities of Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay and Kings Beach.