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Rangers run out of steam in tiebreaker loss to Rays
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers' extraordinary final week is over and so is their season.
For the first time in four years, the Rangers are not going to be advancing to the American League playoffs. Instead they'll be sitting home and watching after their seven-game winning streak came to an end with a 5-2 loss to the Rays in Monday night's tiebreaker at the Ballpark in Arlington.Full Game Coverage
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers' extraordinary final week is over and so is their season.
For the first time in four years, the Rangers are not going to be advancing to the American League playoffs. Instead they'll be sitting home and watching after their seven-game winning streak came to an end with a 5-2 loss to the Rays in Monday night's tiebreaker at the Ballpark in Arlington.Full Game Coverage
The Rays advance to the Wild Card Game and face the Indians on Wednesday night in Cleveland. The Rangers are done despite winning 91 games, the fifth most in club history.
"It has been a lot of fun," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "It came down to the end and we had to win nine straight games and we got stuck at seven."
"What is there left to say?" catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. "We did everything we could do. I'm very proud of everybody in this clubhouse and what we did, how we went about our business, how hard we played and how we fought through adversity. We came up short. It stinks, it's not fun but we're grown men. We had our opportunities tonight and didn't cash in, and they did."
When it was over, manager Ron Washington spoke to his team for a few minutes in the Rangers' clubhouse.
"I'm disappointed we didn't get it done," Washington said. "We made a run at it, we just didn't get it done. There are no excuses, we just didn't get it done. I don't think the season is a failure ... the failure is we're not in the playoffs."
"When you've locked your mind on making the playoffs and going to the World Series, what really can you think about?" third baseman Adrian Beltre said. "To me it's disappointing."
Nelson Cruz, playing in his first game since Aug. 4, was back in the Rangers' lineup at designated hitter but went 0-for-4 in the sixth spot. While he was struggling, the Rays' best power hitter was taking over the game.
Evan Longoria did most of the damage against the Rangers, going 3-for-4 with a home run. The Rangers also picked a bad time to struggle against Rays left-hander David Price, a pitcher they have beaten up in the past.
Price entered the game with a career record -- including the playoffs -- of 1-7 with a 6.62 ERA against them, including 0-3 with a 4.66 ERA in three postseason starts. This time he threw a complete game, holding the Rangers to two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four. He also picked off two baserunners despite not having a particularly good pickoff move even for a left-hander.
"He threw a lot of breaking pitches," shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "Before he used to throw a lot of fastballs to us, and that's why we always hit well. Today, we made adjustments, and he threw a ton of changeups and a ton of breaking balls to get ahead. He was locating the pitches pretty good, too."
Rangers starter Martin Perez couldn't match Price, mainly because he couldn't contain Longoria. Perez allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innnings, giving up one run right away in the first and a two-run home run to Longoria in the third that gave the Rays a 3-0 lead.
"I thought he did a good job," Washington said. "They jumped on him in the first inning, but he minimized the damage. It didn't seem like anybody could nullify Longoria."
The Rangers got one off of Price in the bottom of the third. Craig Gentry led off with a single, went to second on Leonys Martin's groundout and scored on a single by Kinsler. But then Price picked off Kinsler, who was thrown out at second for a caught stealing, and the rally died. Price also caught Andrus off first base in the first inning.
"That's what you have to put up with when you're aggressive," Washington said. "We're very aggressive and we weren't going to stop."
Perez left after striking out Ben Zobrist to lead off the sixth inning. Alexi Ogando took over trying to ease the Rangers' overworked bullpen, but he gave up doubles to Longoria and David DeJesus to make it 4-1.
The Rangers added a run in the bottom of the sixth when Andrus singled with one out, stole second and scored on a double by Alex Rios. But Beltre grounded out and Pierzynski grounded back to the pitcher to strand Rios. The Rangers were 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position on the night, wasting a one-out double by Kinsler in the eighth as well. The Rays added an unearned run in the ninth.
"We fought very hard," Rios said. "As of right now, we just have to be honest [with] ourselves and know that we gave it our all and fought to the end. It didn't work out, but it is what it is."
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger.


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Norfolk woman denies theft from her elderly father
PUBLISHED: 11:45 15 November 2012
copyright of Archant © 2010 01603 772434
A daughter accused of stealing £100,000 from her elderly father told a jury that she had no idea that her husband had been making any cash withdrawals from her father's account.
Dawn Bloom and her husband Colin had been looking after Richard George Richards, known as George, when they allegedly stole tens of thousands of pounds from his account over a five-year period, while they cared for him.
Norwich Crown Court heard how Mr Richards, who suffered a severe stroke, had moved in with the couple after his wife died in 2003.
It is alleged that Dawn Bloom, 41, of Cider Court, Banham and Colin Bloom, 45, of St John's Way, Thetford, stole about £100,000 from Mr Richards. When Mr Richards died in December 2010, aged 79, the jury heard he had just £400 left in his account. The couple have both denied theft.
Giving evidence, Dawn Bloom, a civilian worker for Norfolk police, said that she thought cheques from her father's account had only been used to pay for things such as his carers from social services and said she had no idea that other cash withdrawals had been made on her father's account as she said "it was dad's money".
She said apart from the standing order for £200 a month from her father which was to pay for his share of household bills she said she had no idea that other withdrawals were also being made: "I was not aware."
Dawn Bloom told the jury she had not seen any bank statements for her own account or her father's and although she had been told how to access her father's bank account on-line she had never done it.
"Colin was keeping mail from me, bills and debts and bank statements. I never even saw a bank statement. I thought a bank statement came out on a yearly basis and I never went to the bank."
She said that her husband, from whom she had now separated, used to get money out for her and would put the cash in her purse, so there was no need for her to go the bank herself as she worked full-time.
The trial continues.

subset: commoncrawl


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Richard Stock (Director) is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and joined The Cooper Union in 1994. In addition to being a faculty member he spent five years as the Director of Outreach Programs for The Cooper Union's engineering school. He is also responsible for the Professional Development Workshops and Seminars, a series of seminars and workshops for freshmen and sophomores. He is a co-founder of CONNECT and oversees program development, evaluation and faculty liaison.
Dr. Stock began his career in England with, then, Price Waterhouse, later moving to British Petroleum Co. He returned to academia in the USA and, prior to joining The Cooper Union was at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was involved in research, technology transfer and a technology start-up company.
John Osburn (Associate Director) oversees the day-to-day running of the program that includes scheduling, assessment, facilitator training, workshop development, and facilitating workshops himself. His broad interdisciplinary work includes journalism, performance studies, theater, corporate training, and the adaptation of those fields to engineering education. He teaches drama and dramatic literature at New York University, where he earned his Ph.D. in Performance Studies. He has taught at Vassar College and New School University and was Assistant Director of the Center for Writing and Speaking at The Cooper Union before co-founding the CONNECT program with Richard Stock in 1997.
Margaret Araneo has worked with the CONNECT program at Cooper Union since Spring 2005. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Theatre at the Graduate Center, CUNY. In fall 2011, she will be a Visiting Assistant Professor and the Acting Program Head of the Masters Program in Theatre History and Criticism at Brooklyn College. Margaret is also an Instructor of Drama at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She holds an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA from Johns Hopkins University. Her research focuses on disability performance and neurodiversity in nineteenth and early twentieth century popular performance.
La Tonya Borsay has worked as a teaching artist and educational consultant for over 10 years. She has experience with diverse populations, such as, public schools, private schools, special education, and ELL. She designs and writes curriculum, facilitates workshops in the classroom and Professional Development workshops. As an actress, she has performed Off-Broadway shows, including at The Public Theater, and regionally at Yale Rep, Crossroads, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Passage Theatre Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Denver Center Theatre Company. Television credits include: "Lights Out", "Law and Order", "Law and Order: Criminal Intent", "Law and Order: SVU", "The Wire", "ED", "As The World Turns", "One Life To Live." Films: "First Breath", "It Takes Two", "Work", and "Born on the Fourth of July." She holds a BA from University of North Texas, an MFA from New York University, and a Certificate from the Moscow Art Theater School.
Chris Clavelli is a professional director and a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers; a stage, TV and film actor, represented by all three actors unions; a voiceover artist; and an instructor of acting, voice and speech. He holds a B.F.A in Acting from Emerson College and an M.F.A. from the Alabama Shakespeare Festival's Professional Actor Training Program. He is a recipient of both the Carbonell for his work in The Mystery of Irma Vep at the Florida Shakespeare Festival and a Barrymore Award for his part in the ensemble of the Philadelphia Theatre Company's production of Side Man. Since 2008, Chris has served as Associate Artistic Director of the Florida Repertory Theatre, where he has directed and performed in over 20 productions. In 2009 he was nominated for the Alan Schneider Directing Award through the Theatre Communications Group, one of a select group to receive such an honor.
Jim Elliott holds a B.A. from Williams College and an M.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a director, teacher, and producer. Directing credits include Three Graces Theatre Company (Dissonance, Bang Day, The River), ABC-TV Diversity Showcase, off-off-Broadway, and regional theatres and colleges around the country. He is Instructor and Resident Director at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and was Producing Director for Urban Empire, where he helped premiere Evolution, by Jonathan Marc Sherman. The co-producer of two films, he was the founder of Cricket Pictures and screenwriter and director of the award-nominated short film Helen at Risk with Didi Conn. He has worked as a speech coach in Austin, Texas, and New York City.
Ellen Goldman (Laban Movement Analyst, B.A., C.M.A., A.P.P., K.M.P.) is a specialist in non-verbal communication and cross-cultural awareness. She teaches in the certification program at the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies. She applies the Action Profiling® System of management assessment, looking at decision-making styles from a movement base, to teams and individuals in corporations, further enhancing this with the Kestenberg Movement Profile, which expands movement parameters into very fine categories. Her books and DVDs include As Others See Us: Body Movement and the Art of Successful Communication and The Geometry of Movement: A Study in the Structure of Communication. Ellen consults with business teams and with individuals to develop leadership skills and effective decision-making processes. She has lectured and conducted workshops throughout the United States, North and South America, Europe, and Africa, addressing key aspects of non-verbal communication, improving interviewing skills, and team interaction.
Deborah Latz is a jazz vocalist, writer, actor, and private vocal instructor. She is certified in Somatic Voicework and has coached students in theater and choreography at Brown University and taught vocal expression to corporate executives. A recipient of the Best Actress Award at the Jerzy Grotowski Festival in Wroclaw, Poland, she attended San Francisco State University and holds certificates from the British American Drama Academy and the American Conservatory Theater. On her label, June Moon Productions, she has released two CDs, Toward Love and Lifeline, to critical acclaim in both the U.S. and Europe. Deborah tours in Europe and the U.S. and can be seen regularly at New York City jazz venues.
Eliza Ladd is a performer, composer, writer, director, and teacher from NYC. She holds an M.F.A. in Theater: Contemporary Performance from Naropa University, a B.A. in Comparative Religion from Harvard University and is a certified Body Dynamics™ educator. Eliza is currently teaching The Function of Theater at Kingsborough Community College, Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and Ensemble Body Practice at the Terry Schreiber Acting Conservatory. In addition to teaching theater Eliza facilitates professional development for teachers, engineers and other corporate professionals at Think Build Live Success, Best Effect, Bank Street College, The Cooper Union and through Young Audiences NY.
Donna L. Maltzan teaches, coaches and consults in architectural, engineering and construction firms on the subjects of business development, presentation skills and conflict resolution skills. Prior to starting her own business in 1998, she taught sales training courses for some of the premier training organizations in the US. Before that, she had a successful sales career selling professional services. In her "first career" as an asset manager for a real estate pension fund advisory she was actively engaged with architects, engineers and construction professionals in the management of her portfolio. She holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Wells College and an MBA from Northeastern University. Her website is www.donnamaltzan.com.
Cara Michelle Miller is a communications coach, founder of the service program Touch4Hope (a Fund for the City of New York partner project) aimed at improving the wellbeing of individuals in cancer treatment, and on the faculty of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City. She has lectured on the benefits of meridian-based meditation practices as a guest speaker for medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapy centers. In her private coaching, Cara Michelle intertwines the East Asian philosophy of medicine with the science of communication and teaches "luminary leadership". Her one-on-one coaching sessions hone in on doing one's work with passion, reason, empathy, and, and most importantly, creating something of value for society. At Cooper Union, she has designed and continues to lead communication workshops specializing in physical expression and presentation skills. She holds a BFA in Professional Acting and Theatre Studies from East Carolina University.


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Stanley Hydraulic Underwater Tools
Stanley Hydraulic Underwater Tools are a necessity for any commercial dive company. There are a wide variety of underwater tools available, including underwater chainsaws, impact wrenches, chipping hammers, underwater drills and grinders. So whether you are building bridge footing, performing maintenance on docks, piers and shoreline structures, or constructing marine floor anchoring and rigging, Stanley has the tools you need to get the job done. And with millions of satisfied customers, you can see that Stanley's top quality underwater tools are the most dependable in the market.
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7/26/14 - 10/09/2014
Main Library
Grove Street entrance exhibit cases
100 Larkin St.
Candlestick Park, the City's baseball and football stadium for over 40 years, will be torn down in late 2014 or early 2015.
Candlestick Park holds many memories for locals, particularly on October 17, 1989, during Game 3 of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's, when the Loma Prieta earthquake struck the Bay Area. Despite widespread damage throughout the region, no one in the stadium was injured. The Beatles played their final concert at Candlestick on August 29, 1966, and so Paul McCartney will return to play a final farewell to the stadium before it disappears forever.
This exhibit bids goodbye to Candlestick, highlighting some of the memorable events held there over the years.


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Debra Wood, RN
The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medication categories listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.
Emergency medical personnel may begin treating you with medications before you reach the hospital. At the hospital, additional drugs will be given and you will likely receive medications to take at home after you are discharged.
Thrombolytic Agents
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (
ACE Inhibitors)
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antiplatelet Drugs
Common names include:
Morphine is given to relieve chest pain.
Possible side effects include:
Nitrates help relieve chest pain by dilating the arteries, which allows more blood to flow to the heart muscle. Early in treatment, nitroglycerin may be given as a tablet placed under the tongue or infused through a vein. Long-term nitroglycerin may be given on a regular basis through a patch, paste, or orally to control chronic chest pain.
A drug to dissolve or break up blood clots in the coronary artery may be given via an IV. Early treatment, within 3 hours of the
heart attack, offers the best chance for good results. Your medical history, age, and condition may prevent treatment with clot-busting drugs.
During a heart attack, damage to the heart muscle can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Unstable heart rhythms can prevent the heart from effectively pumping blood, and if serious, lead to sudden death. Antiarrhythmic drugs help the heart beat more normally, usually by suppressing abnormal beats or by regulating the heart rate.
There are a wide variety of drugs available to treat the various causes of abnormal rhythms. In emergencies, some of these drugs are given via an IV. Oral forms of medication are used to treat more chronic
arrhythmias. The main issue with these drugs is that unless the underlying rhythm problem can be corrected, they must be taken indefinitely. One of the more unpredictable side effects of some of these medications is the risk of making the arrhythmia worse. Talk to your doctor about the specific side effects or warning signs to watch for based on the drug you are taking.
Sodium channel blockers are a type of antiarrhythmic drugs. Examples of these medications include:
Beta-blockers are another type of antiarrhythmic drugs. Beta-blockers decrease demands on the heart and lower blood pressure. They may limit the amount of heart damage and help to prevent future heart attacks.
They can also be used for their antiarrhythmic effects.
Action potential-prolonging agents are another type of antiarrhythmic drugs. Examples of these medications include:
Another type of antiarrhythmic drugs, calcium channel blockers lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate. These may be given to patients who cannot take beta blockers. They can also be used for their antiarrhythmic effects.
ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and help lower mortality in people who sustain significant damage to the heart muscle.
Antiplatelet drugs help prevent the blood from clotting. They may be given when aspirin cannot be used.
They may also be given in conjunction with aspirin to people who have had an
Anticoagulants help to prevent the blood from clotting. It is often given to people during heart procedures or after a clot-busting drug treatment.
Statins are drugs that help to lower blood cholesterol levels. They may be prescribed along with a low cholesterol diet if you have
high cholesterol. Atorvastatin may reduce the risk of repeat stroke or heart attack.
may be given by emergency medical personnel and continued after admission to the hospital. Aspirin helps prevent clotting and reclosing of the artery. Aspirin should generally be taken with food to decrease stomach upset.
If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:
Acute coronary syndromes. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116779/Acute-coronary-syndromes. Updated February 22, 2017. Accessed March 2, 2017.
Cardiac medications. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHeartAttack/Cardiac-Medications_UCM_303937_Article.jsp#.VxEdKk2FMdU. Updated August 19, 2016. Accessed March 2, 2017.
How is a heart attack treated? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/treatment. Updated January 27, 2015. Accessed March 2, 2017.
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115392/ST-elevation-myocardial-infarction-STEMI. Updated January 30, 2017. Accessed March 2, 2017.
9/19/2006 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115052/Statins-for-primary-and-secondary-prevention-of-cardiovascular-disease: Amarenco P, Bogousslavsky J, Callahan A 3rd, et al. High-dose atorvastatin after stroke or transient ischemic attack. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(6):549-559.
Last reviewed March 2017 by Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services. All rights reserved.


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This was in the house and it looks a bit like a dragon! Does anybody know what it is please?
I think it is a dragon fly or a family of crane fly.
Thank you
It is a plume moth (Pterophoridae family) of some description.
I'm sure someone will be able to be more precise than this.
Thank you. I've searched the Internet for images of a plume moth and it does look like this. It's amazing!
This is a plume moth Amplyptilia acanthadactyla http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1497
Thanks this is very helpful. :-)


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DFashion Mexico Kicks Off With Mancandy Collection
Mexico's tardy Fall 2009 presentations, divided between DFashion, Mercedes Fashion Week, and several random events, have left us wondering just where Fashion Week Mexico, ten years strong and seemingly prescient in the past two seasons, has gone--and why we're seeing these collections in June! Several insiders have laid it out for us, saying that somehow FWM just didn't get its financial wheels on this season. Apparently, Mexico's first Mercedes Fashion Week was there to fill the vacuum but didn't include many of the young, independent designers like TEAMO, T.E.M.O.R.E.S. and Mancandy, who were veterans of Fashion Week Mexico. Thankfully, yesterday began this season's DFashion, a designer-organized fashion event that is focused on representing independent Mexican talent. Below, Mexican label Mancandy's Fall 2009 collection.


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Among the many growing problems Barack Obama is facing as he tries to fool enough people into voting for him is the one coming from that weird place on the left side of the country called California.
Once a beautiful state filled with sunshine and the promise of a better life, California has been turned into a socialist gulag by Democrats who have infected her state government from top to bottom. Now it is the model for Obama's socialist dream for all of America.
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Because Democrats do what Democrats will always do when handed full control of a state, California is sagging under the weight of union contracts that provide up to 90% of base pay for retirees and a flood of both peaceful and criminal illegal aliens who are draining away the last few dollars the Golden State has.
With each month, California's tax revenue shortfall grows exponentially, and therein lays a looming problem for Obama and his Democrat henchmen.
TRENDING: LiAngelo Ball Tells Truth About The Day He Said 'Thank You' To President
Since tax paying Californians are fleeing in larger and larger numbers BY THE MONTH, the formally wealthy California will very soon HAVE to come to Obama with its sombrero in its hand begging for a bailout.
This request will be a lose – lose for Obama. If he watches California slowly twist in the wind until she lifelessly falls to the ground, he will further damage our national economy and scare the life out of greedy Democrats everywhere else. If he tries to bail out California, he will be stopped by a Republican Congress. That will force him to once again violate the Constitution with yet another Executive Order proving all of the charges of fiat government against him. Either way, he loses because it will prove that socialism doesn't work.
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The question is not whether California will need a bailout – its revenue shortfall doubled from $535 million to $1.2 billion in just a single MONTH- the question is whether or not California Democrats can play "make-believe" until after Election Day to hide the truth.
The smart move for Republicans is to hand the Democrats a shovel and watch as they dig their own graves. Pass me the popcorn, please.
The views expressed in this opinion article are solely those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website.


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major macro economic indicators
|2017/18 (f)
|GDP growth* (%)
|Inflation (yearly average) (%)
|Budget balance** (% GDP)
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt** (% GDP)
(e) Estimated (f) Forecast
*Take into consideration changes in GDP calculation method introduced in February 2015
** Includes federal public debt and debt for local authorities
Fiscal year: April – March
- Diversified growth drivers
- High levels of savings and investment
- Efficient private sector in services
- Moderate level of external debt and comfortable foreign exchange reserves
- Lack of infrastructure and shortcomings in the education system
- Bureaucratic red tape and persistent political tensions
- Net importer of energy resources
- Rising level of private firm indebtedness
- Weak public finances
- Persistent uncertainties over the Kashmir issue
Growth is expected to rebound
Real GDP is expected to grow in 2017, supported by strong performance in the services sector, after a slight slowdown at the end of FY 2016/17, due to the demonetisation decision decided by Modi's administration on November 2016 (withdrawal of the 500 and 1000 rupee notes). Household consumption was negatively affected by this measure (+7.3% YoY in the last quarter of the fiscal year, versus +11.1 % in the previous quarter), and its impact on the informal sector has been important but remains difficult to quantify. However, improved financial integration of the poorest households should support demand in the long term. In May 2017, inflation hit a 12-year record low, influenced by weak price pressures in the food and beverages category. However, it is expected to increase in the second half of 2017, as the federal VAT system (Goods and Services Tax, GST) has been implemented in July, 1st.
Investments should continue to benefit from the impact of reforms undertaken by Modi's government, aimed at boosting India's manufacturing sector, attracting FDI and reduce constraints burdening on the economy. However, reforms aimed at cleaning up the banking system take time and could impact the supply of credit, despite Reserve Bank of India's loose stance, and investment would remain below its potential. The increase in government expenditures in infrastructure (road and rail infrastructures public utilities) should offset this weakness. Nevertheless, budgetary constraints and delays in the land reform will limit the progress of these projects.
Willingness to improve public finances
Fiscal deficit and public debt levels remain high, but the country has initiated a plan to reduce them. Fiscal consolidation efforts are facilitated by low energy prices. In addition, measures to demonetise a portion of outstanding bank notes should improve budget revenue by reducing the weight of the informal economy. Eventually, the introduction of VAT at the federal level is along those lines.
External accounts under control
The current account deficit is expected to step up, as imports will grow faster than exports. The increase in imports is partly due to the rising demand for gold after the demonetisation of 2016 (gold imports amounted to 483 tonnes January-May 2017, versus 208 for the same period in 2016). [VL1] Deficits in the trade balance and income balance should worsen, and the services surplus should reduce.
The rupee is expected to remain relatively stable in 2017, but, like other emerging currencies, it remains vulnerable to a rise in global risk aversion and the evolution of the monetary policy in the United States. Foreign exchange reserves will remain at comfortable levels (nearly 10 months of imports in 2017), and FDI and portfolio investments are on an upward trend, supported by the easing of regulations, notably about bankruptcy.
Narendra Modi supported by regional elections
Narendra Modi's party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), won the regional elections which were held on March 2017, gaining 312 out of the 403 seats in the lower house in Uttar Pradesh. This is the most populated state and so is often considered a "popularity barometer" for the governement. The victory helps to further strengthen Modi's position, two years ahead of the next national elections. Demonetisation seems to have weighed on household consumption, but was eventually perceived as a commitment to his campaign proposal to combat inequality and root out corruption. However, the Congress Party continues to dominate the Upper House, which is delaying reforms long-awaited by the business community.
Moreover, Kashmir remains a source of tensions between India, Pakistan and the separatists of the region. Diplomatic talks were suspended after an attack on an Indian base in Punjab on January 2016, and relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months. Indeed, new tensions have emerged after the Indian army shot the leader of the main insurgent movement, Sabzar Ahled Bhat, in Kashmir on May 2017. However, an escalation of violence is unlikely as Pakistan and India both have an interest in maintaining the status quo.
[VL1]I added "with the withdrawal of the 500 and 1000 rupee notes in the 1st section
Last update : June 2017


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Using Information and Communications Technology Promotes Sustainability in Cities
More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, and countries such as India and China are in need of hundreds of additional cities to accommodate growing populations. People in many cities suffer from inadequate transportation, sub-standard buildings, lack of sanitation, and poor public safety, highlighting the need for sustainable and livable urban planning. Information and communication technology (ICT) can be a useful tool in helping cities improve their safety, cleanliness, and sustainability, according to Diana Lind, contributing author to Worldwatch Institute's State of the World 2012: Moving Toward Sustainable Prosperity.
ICT not only contributes to sustainable urban initiatives, but also encourages more environmentally conscious consumer choices. In Singapore, for example, commuters can use mobile phones to avoid hours in traffic by accessing data mapping tools that display traffic and provide alternate travel routes. Commuters can also plan trips on public transportation and be notified of delays or changes in service.
"As cities try to become more sustainable, some municipal governments are finding out just how useful ICT can be," said Michael Renner, Worldwatch Senior Researcher and State of the World 2012 project co-director. "Cities can be run more intelligently with the help of digital infrastructure, such as motion-sensor street lamps and energy chips in transit passes that allow people to enter a subway or bus with the simple swipe of a card."
In many cases, cities are partnering directly with businesses to boost urban sustainability. The Dutch city of Rotterdam, for example, is working with General Electric (GE) in an effort to reach the city's goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent compared with 1990 levels. GE will use data visualizations, smart meters, and other technologies to optimize energy efficiency and improve water management. The use of these ICTs will greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Rotterdam, which emits as much carbon dioxide as New York City, while being only a tenth of its size.
"ICT can be an excellent tool, but it is not the silver bullet solution to greening cities," said Lind, Executive Director and Editor in Chief of Next American City, a nonprofit that promotes socially and environmentally sustainable economic growth in cities in the United States. "To be effective, ICT must be used not only in mapping problems encountered across cities, but also to find sustainable solutions to those problems."
Read more at: Worldwatch Institute.
Sustainable city image via Shutterstock.


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By Susan Black
By law, Oklahoma students need a passport to graduate from public high schools -- a passport that shows they've achieved financial literacy.
The Oklahoma legislature signed The Passport to Financial Literacy Act in 2007, requiring students -- beginning with seventh-graders in 2008-09 -- to demonstrate proficiency in 14 financial areas. Those areas include learning how to balance a checkbook and understanding predatory lending, payday loans, gambling debts, and bankruptcy.
School districts have flexibility to teach personal finance as a separate course or to integrate the topics into math and other subjects. Either way, Sandy Garrett, the state's superintendent of public instruction, explains, schools must teach the learning standards in Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS), which she calls the "single largest curriculum project in the Oklahoma State Department of Education's 101-year history."
Lawmakers had no way of knowing in 2007 that the U.S. economic situation would be where it is today, making financial education for students now even more crucial than at any other time in recent history.
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Army Jacket Denim Black
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Great piece from Jamie Bell from TSN.ca regarding the NBA and how players continue to view the city of Toronto and playing in Canada.
Cuban had nice things to say about Toronto too:While Raptors broadcaster and TSN NBA Insider Jack Armstrong was born in Brooklyn, New York and coached NCAA basketball in the States, he currently lives in Toronto and is a big fan of the city and he does not understand how Toronto gets such a bad rap from so many players.
"Would you rather play in Salt Lake City or Oklahoma City or Minneapolis or Milwaukee? Give me a break!" Armstrong told Landsberg on Wednesday
Certainly it's nothing against the city itself but rather the idea of playing in a foreign country; Toronto is the fourth-largest market in the NBA (after only Los Angeles, New York and Chicago) and has world-class food, theatres and culture. If the city was located a few hours south (in either New York state or Michigan, say) it's quite possible players would be flocking there – it's just that it's in a different country with certain differences in customs, cultures and education.
Players' ignorance in terms of Canadian geography and culture is not necessarily their fault; they were simply never taught that Toronto's similarities to a major American metropolis far outweigh the differences. Until that changes, there will likely be plenty more players who reject the 'True North strong and free' for the 'Star Spangled' shores of an American city.
"I think it's some sort of stigma," admitted Bonner. "A lot of people think of Canada and Toronto as the 'Great North' and that it's snowy all year and all these great untruths and myths that are totally false."
Source - Click hereThe boisterous Dallas Mavericks' owner came to the defence of the city and weighed in on his thoughts about former Raptors All-Star Chris Bosh and his decision to join LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat this summer.
"Toronto is a great city, I love it," Cuban told TSN on Wednesday. "That said, the reality of sports is that no city can be everything to every player. Every city has lost players who didn't like 'enter complaint here' about it. Then again, some players are never happy no matter where they are."


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If you HAD to pick...
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Posted by Designwali at 9:42 AM
9 comments:
- erika ~TiptoeButterfly~ said... [Reply to comment]
tough call - but number 2
- November 2, 2011 at 9:59 AM
- laxsupermom said... [Reply to comment]
Love the continuous grain across the first one! Such a terrific detail. It's a tough call, though, because I adore the chevron floors in the second one. If I had to pick, it'd be the first one by a narrow margin. Great images! Thanks for sharing.
- November 2, 2011 at 10:09 AM
- April said... [Reply to comment]
Option #1 by a landslide! Love the grain on the cabinets and the pot rack ... I could definitely live here!
- November 2, 2011 at 1:02 PM
- Amelia @ House Pretty said... [Reply to comment]
Can I split them bewteen the two homes I've decided I own in this fantasy life? ;) This is tough, but I think I'd go with number 1. I love the wood grain, but I also LOVE the pot rack running along the wall (I'm already imagining how much easier it would make the whole cooking and cleaning up thing).
- November 2, 2011 at 1:25 PM
- Kimia Kline said... [Reply to comment]
oh wow. i love that herringbone wooden floor next to the kitchen. pinning that for sure....
- November 2, 2011 at 1:55 PM
- Julie (etsy stalkers) said... [Reply to comment]
love the first one the mostest. note to self: get new kitchen.
- November 2, 2011 at 2:27 PM
- travelkate said... [Reply to comment]
The first one! They are both beautiful!
- November 2, 2011 at 4:42 PM
- Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File said... [Reply to comment]
2nd one... herringbone floor for me!!!
- November 2, 2011 at 5:16 PM
- GoNcha GoNcha said... [Reply to comment]
1st one. Liked pot rack. I am new to your blog. Liked it! Have a Cupcake week;) http://gonchagoncha.blogspot.com/
- November 2, 2011 at 6:23 PM


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Pictures of Rachel Bilson Landing at LAX
Rachel Bilson Looks Tough as She Heads Home
Rachel Bilson touched down at LAX yesterday after a couple of weeks away from home, carrying her studded Burberry bag and sporting a military-inspired look. The actress is taking a brief break before she jets off again to the East Coast for the Tribeca Film Festival, where her Karl Lagerfeld-directed Magnum ice cream ad will make its debut. The duo shot the spots in Paris last month, and Rachel will be in front of the cameras again shortly as she gears up for her TV show Hart of Dixie. Rachel is one of several stylish actresses who will make their return to the small screen this Fall, with Zooey Deschanel and Kerry Washington also filming new pilots. Rachel is clearly busy focusing on her wide range of fashion and entertainment projects lately and is apparently a single lady again, with more reports that she and Hayden Christensen have called it quits for good.


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(Short Stories for Students)
The story opens with a description of ''St. Bonny's'' or St. Bonaventure, the shelter where Twyla, the narrator, meets Roberta, the story's other main character, when they are both eight years old. Twyla recalls that her mother once told her that people of Roberta's race smell funny, and she objects to being placed in a room with Roberta on the grounds that her mother wouldn't approve. Twyla, however, soon finds Roberta understanding and sympathetic to her situation. While most children at the shelter are orphans, Twyla is there because her mother ''dances all night'' and Roberta is there because her mother is sick. Roberta and Twyla are isolated from the other children at St. Bonny's and are scared of the older girls, so they stick together.
Twyla remembers St. Bonny's orchard in particular but she doesn't know why it stands out in her memory. She recounts an incident in which Maggie, a mute woman who worked at St. Bonny's kitchen, fell down in the orchard and the big girls laughed at her. Twyla reports that she and Roberta did nothing to help her. They called her names and she ignored them, perhaps because she was deaf, but Twyla thinks not and, looking back, she is ashamed.
Twyla and Roberta's mother come to visit one Sunday. The girls are excited and get dressed up to meet them at church services. Twyla is embarrassed by Mary, her mother, because of her casual appearance, but also proud that she is so pretty. When Roberta attempts to introduce her mother to Twyla and Mary, her mother refuses to address them or to shake Mary's extended hand, presumably because of racial prejudice. Mary says ''That bitch!'' right there in the chapel and further embarrasses Twyla by groaning during the service. Roberta's mother wears a huge cross and carries a large Bible. Afterward, Mary and Twyla eat Easter candy, since Mary has brought no lunch for them, while Roberta can't finish the food her mother brought. Not long after, Roberta leaves St. Bonny's.
Twyla doesn't see Roberta again for many years. Twyla is now a waitress, and Roberta comes in to the Howard Johnson's where she works. Roberta is with two men and tells Twyla that they are on their way to see Jimi Hendrix, but Twyla doesn't know who Hendrix is. Roberta dismisses Twyla and calls...
(The entire section is 948 words.)


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New Study Can't Explain Blue Stragglers' Youth
by Brian Thomas, M.S. *
Blue stragglers, according to NASA, "are older stars that acquire a new lease on life when they collide and merge with other stars."1 But a new study calls into question whether stellar collisions can account for these remarkable stars. And blue stars burn their fuel so quickly that they actually look young.
Since their discovery, evolutionary astronomers have sought a way to explain how these stars can even exist. They burn fuel so fast that they should have burned out billions of years ago. American astronomers Aaron Geller and Robert Mathieu published in Nature a description of their model for how older stars could have acquired a "new lease on life" by siphoning matter from nearby gas giant stars through "mass transfer."2
They investigated stars within a cluster called NGC 188, found in the constellation Cepheus. It contains 21 blue stragglers, 16 of which are binary stars that closely interact with nearby stars. The researchers suspected that the blue stragglers' partners were white dwarfs, which would be small, leftover remnants of larger red stars that the blue ones had drained of fuel. Such dwarfs are too faint for direct observation, but they have sufficient mass to cause their partner stars to wobble.
Of the 16 binaries, 12 had rotational periods right at 1,000 days and were thus called "long-period" blue stragglers. The study authors ran a statistical analysis that showed "the theoretical and observed [mass] distributions are indistinguishable."2 In other words, their theory that other stars "fed" these 12 blue stragglers matched well with what they observed.
But did this reconcile the relative youthfulness of these binary blue stars with their assumed billions of years of history? The answer is no. The authors wrote, "Blue straggler stars…should already have evolved into giant stars and stellar remnants,"2 and their new observations do not solve this deep-time problem.
Blue stragglers should burn through all their fuel in "a few million years at best."3 But these NGC 188 stars are supposed to be seven billion years old. So, to make them fit that age, these authors maintain that they were not initially blue stars, but instead burned fuel at a normal rate for billions of years. Then suddenly, within the last one million years, all 12 of them began siphoning extra fuel from their binary partners so that they only look young right now.
However, nothing explains the many blue stragglers that are not binary stars and yet exist near and far throughout the universe. Could they have received recent "youthfulness" through collisions with other stars?
In an article summarizing the Geller and Mathieu paper, University of Cambridge astronomer Christopher Tout wrote, "Thus, in this cluster [NGC 188], a collisional origin for blue stragglers is much rarer than expected, and the authors' study casts doubt on whether it occurs at all."4 The modeled scenario in which blue stars form by collision did not match observations.
So, isolated blue stars could not have received their young looks from a binary system, since by definition they have no binary from which to siphon fuel. They probably didn't receive their youthful appearance from collisions, either, according to these results. And though the binary blue stragglers may have siphoned fuel from nearby partners, the idea that 12 of 16 only did so recently—after an imagined 7-billion-year wait—defies reasonable odds.
Thus, the best explanation is still the most straightforward one—blue straggler stars look young because they are young.
- Omega Centuri: Colorful Stars Galore Inside Globular Star Cluster Omega Centauri. NASA press release, September 9, 2009.
- Geller, A. M. and R. D. Mathieu. 2011. A mass transfer origin for blue stragglers in NGC 188 as revealed by half-solar-mass companions. Nature. 478 (7369): 356-359
- Thomas, B. Young Blue Stars Found in Milky Way. ICR News. Posted on icr.org June 9, 2011, accessed October 24, 2011.
- Tout, C. 2011. Astrophysics: Stars acquire youth through duplicity. Nature. 478 (7369): 331-332.
Image credit: NASA
* Mr. Thomas is Science Writer at the Institute for Creation Research.
Article posted on November 2, 2011.
Evidence for Creation › Evidence from Science › Evidence from the Physical Sciences › The Universe Was Created › The Universe Was Created Recently
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The charges are a result of a two-week internal investigation by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office's office
A Brunswick County Sheriff's Office deputy was arrested Friday on sex and other charges, and fired, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.
Timothy Paul Caulder, 36, of Bostic Place in Shallotte was arrested by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit on two counts of soliciting crimes against nature, two counts of soliciting for prostitution and one count of willfully failing to discharge duties.
The charges are a result of a two-week internal investigation by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office's office of professional standards, which referred the investigation to the drug enforcement unit, according to the release from sheriff's office spokeswoman Emily Flax.
Sheriff John Ingram said in the release, "We, as law enforcement officers, are not above the law. We will not tolerate anyone from this agency to abuse their position."
Caulder was hired as a detention center deputy on Dec. 19, 2011, at a salary of $28,798 and was promoted to a road deputy on Aug. 20, 2012. His current salary is $36,897.
Caulder was in the Brunswick County jail Friday afternoon in lieu of a $2,500 bond.
– Staff report


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Balancing present, future remains Hahn's focus
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
CHICAGO -- The White Sox have been a better team through the first two months of the 2014 season than most people expected. They have hovered around .500, despite countless injuries, and have stayed in contention in the American League Central and for a Wild Card spot -- albeit only at the 58-game mark.
General manager Rick Hahn has stated numerous times before that the team won't make moves to get one playoff berth while hurting the overall plan of sustained excellence for years to come. Hahn reiterated that point prior to Sunday's series finale with the Padres.
"As we've seen in the first two months, a lot can happen and a lot of plans can change," Hahn said. "You lose your right fielder [Avisail Garcia] and that alters how you have to behave. First and fundamentally, hopefully the baseball gods smile on us a little bit more over the next two months than they did over the last two months, which will impact our decision making.
"Second and sort of broader, the opportunities to win are sacred. If we are in a position where we feel we have a real chance to win, we will address whatever needs we feel exist at that time to enhance those chances. At the same time, we are not going to do anything that's going to compromise our longer term goals that we've talked about for about a year in terms of putting us in a position where we can win on an annual basis.
"We don't want to jump up and make one playoff appearance and then drift back away for the next several years," Hahn said. "We want to be in position to contend annually."
Hahn added that there are some areas of depth right now in the organization where it's conceivable that they can address needs for 2014 and still "not compromise our ability to compete going forward."
"But it's going to be a little bit of a balancing act conceivably," Hahn said. "We still have a little bit of time to get more information about this club and our competitors and the viability of winning this year."
Semien optioned to Charlotte to clear spot for Abreu
CHICAGO -- Marcus Semien was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following the White Sox 4-1 victory Sunday over the Padres. The move was made to make room for Jose Abreu, who will be activated from the disabled list prior to Monday's series opener in Los Angeles.
Semien, 23, did pretty much everything asked of him during his stint to open the season with the White Sox. He played 24 games at third base, 17 at second and one at shortstop -- not to mention all three of Semien's homers gave the White Sox a lead in the seventh inning or later.
With playing time reduced on the infield, Semien having no experience playing the outfield as Leury Garcia does and Semien having options remaining, his move made the most sense as he will get more regular playing time with the Knights. Semien found out the news postgame, but still handled the change with a professional attitude and the same sort of workmanlike focus.
"I never complain playing this game. A lot of stuff can happen. I'll be ready to work in Charlotte," said Semien, who has 28 at-bats since May 7. "I know I did some good things. I also have some things to work on.
"You always have stuff to work on in this game. It's never going to be an easy game. You never have it figured out. I realize that and I'm glad I have the right work ethic and I work hard everywhere I'm at. I'll try to make the most of this new opportunity."
In 43 games overall, Semien hit .218 with 22 runs scored and 18 RBIs.
Abreu off the DL, to face Kershaw
CHICAGO -- Jose Abreu was activated from the disabled list prior to the White Sox series opener Monday at Dodger Stadium.
The first baseman and galvanizing force in the middle of the White Sox lineup gets to test the inflammation in his left ankle against none other than two-time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. But after going through a second simulated game Sunday morning and looking crisper at the plate and running the bases, Abreu seems ready to go.
"I'm anxious to get started," said Abreu through interpreter and White Sox manager of cultural development Lino Diaz. "There's really no limitations."
"Coming back against Clayton Kershaw is probably not ideal in terms of shaking off that rust," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn of Abreu. "But after talking it over with him and Robin and the coaches, it makes most sense to get going tomorrow."
Abreu last played on May 17 in Houston, when manager Robin Ventura pinch-hit for him because he didn't look right in a previous at-bat. Even with that length of absence, the White Sox didn't feel the need to send him on a Minor League rehab assignment.
Hahn pointed out that an assignment would have cost Abreu a couple of travel days and would have interrupted the treatment he was receiving from White Sox head athletic trainer Herm Schneider. They also wanted to cut down the travel with the White Sox leaving Sunday night for the West Coast and the risk of any additional swelling from the flying.
Instead, the White Sox brought up two right-handed Minor League pitchers and two left-handed Minor League pitchers from extended spring training to throw to Abreu in simulated games.
"Part of the reason we brought the kids up for sim games here was so that he would face live action essentially and best we could simulate a game in terms of pitchers letting it go from 60 feet, 6 inches," Hahn said. "It would have worked out either way. This seemed more convenient for the player, especially with us going to the West Coast immediately after this. Again, there's going to be a little rust, but it has only been a couple of weeks and he should be able to shake it off pretty quick."
Abreu has 15 homers, 42 RBIs and a .908 on-base plus slugging in his rookie season. He's prepared to assume his spot in the middle of the lineup, but doesn't feel extra pressure to do too much because of the team's recent offensive struggles -- a .215 average with 15 runs scored over the last six games.
"Unfortunately the last couple of days our offense has been down, but that's part of baseball," Abreu said. "You have ups and downs. You're going to go through those, whether I'm here or not, they can do it. It's a team. I don't feel pressure that I have to come in and do anything different."
White Sox weighing signability factor at No. 3 in Draft
CHICAGO -- With the third pick of the 2014 First Year Player Draft, the White Sox … still have a number of factors to consider before making their first selection Thursday night.
That first selection almost certainly will be a pitcher from the group of Brady Aiken, Tyler Kolek, Carlos Rodon and Aaron Nola. Any one of those players is a high-quality talent, meaning signability could become a small but still considered factor.
The White Sox have a total pool of $9,509,700, with that No. 3 pick slotted at $5,721,500. The goal for the White Sox in this Draft is to reinforce the Minor League system, not just get one top-notch player. So selecting a player who could sign over slot with that first pick could affect other selections.
"Is it a consideration? Sure. We wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't explore signability both above our number as well as below our number," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn explained. "You've seen clubs go that opposite direction where perhaps they take a guy a little higher than expected and save a little on the bonus for that specific slot and reallocate it throughout the rest of the draft.
"It's certainly an interesting and sound strategy and one we need to discuss. But ultimately, I think it will come down to taking the player that we feel fits the best. We want to get the best guy available at No. 3, but we also want to have the healthiest draft through the entire bonus pool."
White Sox director of amateur scouting Doug Laumann believes the best player/best fit available remains the White Sox focus.
"We're very confident that we're going to take whoever we feel like has the highest ceiling," said Laumann on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field. "Now, all things being equal if two guys are really, really close and one guy might afford you the ability to save a million, million and a half that you can spread later in the draft, you might. But initially we're just looking at the best guy out there."
Eaton stays confident through White Sox ups, downs
CHICAGO -- On Wednesday night, following a three-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians, Adam Eaton heard general talk from the media as to how the White Sox were getting on a bit of a roll. On Sunday, Eaton stood at his locker pregame and listened as to how his team looked a bit out of sync with the offense struggling the last two days despite decent enough pitching to win.
Eaton wasn't about to panic over those two poor games, just as he's not a believer in holiday markers on the schedule as checkpoints for a season. He simply is focused on what he has learned about the team from the season's first two months.
"We're a good team that can compete with anybody. If we don't believe that, we have no business being in the locker room," Eaton said. "We can compete with anybody on the mound, in the batter's box, getting the job done day in and day out.
"With the guys we have in here, and when we get Abreu back, we'll be even more competitive. But I'm happy with the progress of the team and going forward we're going to continue to get better. We're a young team and I think we learn something every day when we're out there."
Third to first
• Nate Jones is still in the expected stage of getting functional as a person before moving into baseball activities following a microdiscectomy performed on his back. But Jones is making definite progress.
"He's had a good week and progressing and at this point he's not ready for baseball activities," Hahn said. "But hopefully that occurs in the original time frame, which is in the next few weeks."
• Conor Gillaspie has hit safely in 32 of his 36 games this season entering Sunday. Alexei Ramirez has hit safely in 46 of 57 White Sox games entering Sunday.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Melo just got punched in the d!ck on a 3 pointer!
Melo just got punched in the d!ck on a 3 pointer!
I thought Melo rolled his ankle on that shot and I felt sick
Its sh!tty quality but you can see it
Ha, the point guard, the guy was a little over exuberent throughout the game. I guess we won't be able to take any retribution without a followup match very unlikely.
I think he's showing signs of maturity and this pressure to be less selfish is pushing him towards better things.
And I am showing signs of maturity because now, I only see the good in life, I will not spend time on negativity.
Maybe I never got over the butt hurt from losing Gallinari and MDA, because it was a fun style to watch. But I think Melo is fun to watch in his own way and I am excited about next season.
No longer will I be a thorn in the side of this community, but a brother instead.
You are so ****in reppppppppppped
But this is the 2nd person to say something like this.....side over on bleacher report said the same **** last night
I read this several times but its still difficult for me to follow what he meantOriginally Posted by ESPN
I don't know side over but it's good to see more people getting behind our team.
Sometimes a man will have these moments where he suddenly sees things in a different light.
I think Melo has it in him to pull through this and come out a stronger leader. He seems like he genuinely wants to do good but he hasn't fully figured out how to do it. Coming off Olympics and being around all the Winners, plus you add Kidd and Camby and you gotta realize that Kidd and Tyson together can only make their individual leadership even stronger because they are in combination, boosting each other; I don't see how this can fail to rub on Melo and the rest of the team.
The first step to overcoming your problem is admitting you have one. Well done!


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I just thought of something interesting, but perhaps impossible unless I make my own wrappers around ram.
But the question is - is it possible to make an address in the virtual ram to mirror another space?
For example, let's say I've allocated some memory at 0xB000000 and I want all reads and writes to 0xA000000 to be redirected to 0xB000000 in the virtual memory. Question - is it possible without writing your own memory wrappers to do such things?
I find it an interesting prospect, one which I might experiment with, but I'm uncertain if it has any practical use, though I have one thing in mind.


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Now the Disney Channel's smash hit musical is ready for your stage! Join the Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes as they find their cliques, recall summer vacation and look forward to the new school year. There's plenty of teenage intrigue before the whole school comes together as winners on the court and on stage when the Wildcats win the championship game and Troy and Gabriela emerge as true "High School Musical" sensations! Songs include: Wildcat Cheer; Start of Something New; Get'cha Head in the Game; Auditions (Bop to the Top/What I've Been Looking For); Stick to the Status Quo; Counting On You; We're All in This Together; Breaking Free; We're All in This Together (Reprise); High School Musical Megamix (Bows). High School Musical 2 Jr. is also available.
Important information - Please read
Please see additional important information regarding the kit contents and licensing requirements.Click here for more information.


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Mama Grizzly still "fascinates" Barbara Walters – and so does GTL.
Former Alaska governor and VP candidate turned reality star Sarah Palin made Walters' top 10 "most fascinating people" list for the third year in a row, with the entire cast of the "Jersey Shore" also scoring a spot, according to reports.
Walters, the veteran newswoman and "View" matriarch, unveiled eight of the top ten from her annual list Monday. The final two newsmakers will be revealed next week on her ABC broadcast.
In an interview, Palin called rumors of trouble in her marriage "BS."
"There's also rumors that Trig isn't my son," she said, according to ABCNews.com. "There's also rumors that Track went to Iraq to avoid jail. There is a lot of BS out there. I don't want to just believe that it comes with the territory, when you put yourself forward, in the name of public service, that you have to take that kind of garbage that's out there."
Besides Palin, this year's list is heavy on entertainers.
It includes teen pop star and merchandising machine Justin Bieber, who opens up in an interview about his mom's past struggles with substance abuse, according to ABCNews.
Sandra Bullock, who experienced winning an Oscar and made a new addition to her brood the same year her marriage unraveled in the public eye, also landed on Walters' list.
Actress Betty White, new "American Idol" judge Jennifer Lopez, basketball star LeBron James and future British princess Kate Middleton will be feted during Walters' Dec.9 broadcast as well.
As for the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore," Walters reportedly told the reality stars in an interview she's fascinated by their slang.
"I need a lesson. Okay, because you have your own language. So you gotta help me, 'GTL,'" she said, referring to the acronym which stands for "gym, tan, laundry."
Last year, Michelle Obama overtook Barack Obama's no. 1 spot on Walters' list. Others honored in 2009 included: Glenn Beck, Brett Favre, Lady Gaga, Kate Gosselin, Michael Jackson's children, Adam Lambert, Tyler Perry and Jenny Sanford.
Selected Reading: LAT, People, ABCNews


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 9:00 PM
Town Square
Scharff lays out bold plans in 'State of the City'
Original post made on Feb 27, 2013
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 9:00 PM
a resident of Community Center
on Feb 28, 2013 at 1:58 am
Congratulations to Mayor Scharff for his visionary proactive speech. It's going to be an exciting year!
a resident of College Terrace
on Feb 28, 2013 at 2:21 am
Do you know there is a public city park in Palo Alto where non-Palo-Altoans are not allowed?
That's right. In Foothills Park on page mill road, I actually saw a sign that said so.
Wow! What an elitist attitude. Imagine if Mountain View suddenly decided to ban just Palo-Altoans from Shoreline park... Wouldn't blame them a bit.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Feb 28, 2013 at 7:39 am
WiFi to all city parks? Where did that one come from?
David, Foothill is well known and there are historical reasons for this. Just enjoy it if you are a PA resident. (I am not saying I agree with the historical reasoning, just that it is a bigger issue than you think).
a resident of Community Center
on Feb 28, 2013 at 7:42 am
"future continues to be wasteful". He said it right!
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Feb 28, 2013 at 10:51 am
Every year we (the residents, property owners and business owners) hear this same silliness. What about all of the visions from the previous five years of Mayoral addresses/promises? What happened to those plans?
The article mentions the "Hackathons" that drew some media attention at the time. What has ever come of these efforts? Has anything of much value appeared in the toolkit of local government, delivered via the City's web-site, which can validate the ideas that lead to these media events?
It's really hard to see anything of value! Just a lot of hype, and a few names in the papers for some of the participants.
Greg Scharff's plans are hardly "bold", since they have all been suggested before—in any number of venues. It's also not clear where the funding for any of these ideas will come from—something that "da mayor" seems to have overlooked when he took the podium at the private sector Tesla Corporation headquarters.
It would be really interesting to find out whose idea that was. Of course, it could have been in Jim Baer's office … with the attendees being a limited number of "family and friends" of "da mayor".
a resident of Evergreen Park
on Feb 28, 2013 at 11:58 am
Scharff was introduced by JB Straubel, Tesla's chief technical officer..
No doubt about it anymore, there's a fancy car in Mr. Scharff's future. Like George Bush, his alliance with the private sector enriched them both. Bush frequently sold off public land. Mr Scharff has a slightly different plan. Publicity, and more. We'll see.
Instead of percent for art, how about % for street repair?
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on Feb 28, 2013 at 1:14 pm
Nice comments on handing parking for new development.
Did he address crime at all other than wanting a new public safety building?
a resident of College Terrace
on Feb 28, 2013 at 2:28 pm
"...efforts to encourage downtown retail." - retail is lacking downtown? News to me.
Parking is a problem downtown? So what? Just price it accordingly.
1% to Art for private projects now also? I think pretty much every piece of public art in PA is, to put it mildly, crap. The only good ones are aliens painted on the sides of buildings. 1% of total development cost is a large sum to developers, and will negatively impact many other features of a given development. For instance, design, accessibility, size, "public benefits" (which I also have problems with). Seems like more extortion. Along with upped parking requirements.
Also - "Year of the Future"...? That is one of the biggest oxymorons I have ever read. Why can't we have a "Year of getting normal things done efficiently"??
a resident of Community Center
on Feb 28, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Folks, lighten up and be more optimistic. Smile[:-)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Feb 28, 2013 at 6:39 pm
The State of the City is a mess.
Mitchell Park library - big unfinished mess.
Edgewood Plaza - big unfinished mess.
Soon the drug dealers, the homeless and squatters will move in and that will be another big political excuse to stop work.
Goal for the year - finish every single project around town before starting on anything new.
Pay for infrastructure and put everything else on the ballot to see if we are willing to pay for it.
Get something done around here already!
a resident of Downtown North
on Feb 28, 2013 at 7:15 pm
The mayor wants to attract more high tech businesses to PA, and other unrealistic stuff that should not have priority at this time. Just as I thought, he does not want to deal with all the important and necessary issues that are urgent, such as bldgs behind schedule and over budget, crumbling bridges, flooding, traffic, potholes, etc. they are not glamorous like WIFI in the park ( I do not think that is what parks and playgrounds are for, buddy) or Manhattanization. He is from another planet or totally out of touch or both.
a resident of Community Center
on Feb 28, 2013 at 10:33 pm
At the end of February the mayor outlines his vision? That iis two months gone by. Typical self serving drivel. The weekly should have provided more balanced reporting. Gennady has already written a fluff piece on Scharf and obviously thinks the sun rises and sets with him.
Not surprised to see one of the city insiders heading up the cheer leading on this thread.
a resident of Midtown
on Mar 1, 2013 at 7:01 am
The Mayors state of the City is traditionally at the end of February. @ out of touch. Scharff spent a lot of his speech talking about infrastructure, crumbling buildings, fixing cubberley, resolving the flooding issue, fixing the streets. @resident he also addressed at length Mitchell Park library and infrastructure.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Mar 1, 2013 at 11:17 am
And Be Fair also consider that the vision and rhetoric has been rarely backed up with any real follow through and results. We have been faced with annual budget deficits for many years running. We have vital and essential needs in infrastructure and public safety that have been pushed aside and dismissed. We have no financial plan or means of paying for those needs, and the only solution that our city leaders have proposed is yet another bond measure and tax increase.
In my opinion our city leaders have been highly irresponsible. They have shown no sense of setting and following through with sensible financial priorities. They decry the ongoing budget deficit, and lament this unprecedented financial crisis, but yet continue to spend on non-essential, feel good, niche projects and services. Whenever reasonable cuts are proposed, or certain city services are discussed at being outsourced, our city leaders buckle to the pressure of the special interests and vocal minorities and allow themselves to be shouted down. No courage. No leadership. No one willing to make the tough decisions that would ultimately serve the greater good.
Rather than apply some common sense measures toward fiscal responsibility, the best our city leaders can come up with is another tax increase. Absolutely unreal. As Palo Alto citizens and tax payers we cannot let them off the hook. They cannot be allowed to return to the public trough crying poor. Not after they have and continue to spend millions of public dollars on non-essential fluff like bike bridges, new playgrounds, dog parks, public art, community center facelifts, commercial zone beautification, golf course developments, as well as continuing to fund programs such as the Children's Theater and Opportunity Center.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Mar 1, 2013 at 12:30 pm
@ David: I'm guessing you're relatively new to the area and don't know the history behind Foothills park. Do some Googling and you'll get what went on many years ago and why the residential status is required. Hint: It's all about the money, not the attitude.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Mar 1, 2013 at 2:17 pm
Gregg Scharff's suggestion to have WiFi installed in Palo Alto parks is a partial solution to a bigger problem. What is needed is a city-wide WiFi network (often called a Mesh Network)--like the one that Google installed in Mountain View. This idea was championed by a group called Wireless Silicon Valley (or some such), but that group's management was unable to bring the plan to fruition.
The cost for each node in this sort of network is generally less than $1000. The long-term cost for electricity, maintenance, and Internet access is known only to Google. However, if Mountain View continues this system when Google's support ends, then this operation cost would be a matter of public record.
Comments like "parks are not for WiFi" seem more than misguided in this day and age. Wireless signals are everywhere. Many Cell Phones are now "off loading" their message, and data traffic, to local WiFi hotspots. This traffic is not charged like the 4G traffic is—giving the end user a cost savings. Moreover, Cell Phones are needed for public safety, and most certainly should be carried by people wherever they go, including iparks. To suggest that people should not be permitted to use their Cell Phones, iPads/iPods in public spaces (like parks) is a bit frightening—since parks should be about personal freedom. As long as one person is not bother another, why shouldn't people be able to download music and listen to it via a public WiFi link?
This idea has been submitted to the City a number of times—and soundly rejected by Staff, in the past. If Scharff is claiming that he is the first person to come up with this idea—he would not be telling the truth. Sadly, the public process is somewhat muddied in this town so that good ideas are often rejected without any kind of airing--that would help clarify their value, and cost.
Seeking contributions from local businesses would help to pay for the initial purchase of this equipment. The long-term costs would likely be minimal, although it would pay for someone to actually "run the numbers" agreeing to this project—since it's possible that some of the locations where nodes might be needed could be off the power grid, requiring significant costs to provide power and network access. One would have thought that helping to introduce leading-edge technology by contributing funds, or expertise, is that one of the things a Chamber-of-Commerce in the middle of the Silicon Valley would have done long ago.
The world is embracing wireless data transmission. The City of Palo Alto needs to recognize that fact, stop flogging dated ideas like municipal-owned Fiber-to-the-Premises networks, looking instead to the application of wireless based technologies to deliver City services, as well as distribute information of a public nature.


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|993: St Peter's, Albany, New York, USA
|Other reports | Comment on this report
|Mystery Worshipper: Ralegh.
The church: St Peter's, Albany, New York, USA.
Denomination: Episcopal Church in the USA.
The building: Built in 1859, St Peter's is a large stone church in the French Gothic style. It is the third church the parish has had, the original having been built in 1715. There are numerous stained glass windows; those behind the altar depict events in St Peter's life. Lord Augustus Howe, a British general who died in 1758, is buried under the vestibule. The majestic marble altar depicts two angels praying at the foot of the cross and was sculpted by Louis St Gaudens in 1885. A replica of the silver communion set given by Queen Anne is on display. Apparently there was a dispute over ownership of this set, as Queen Anne had given it to a missionary for "her Chappell of the Mohawks." (The Mohawks were one of the Native American tribes who originally occupied the area.) When the Mohawks died out, the silver ended up in the hands of the Onondaga Indians. The Crown's colonial representatives relieved the Onondagas of the communion set and gave it to the new chapel in 1715.
The church: St Peter's is very conscious of its history in the region. Its stated mission includes preserving its heritage as well as providing Christian education and meeting the spiritual needs of the parish. The church maintains a thrift shop that donates its profits to community service agencies.
The neighborhood: Albany is the capital of New York State. St Peter's is located in downtown Albany, just down the block from the Capitol and Empire Plaza (the site of many government offices), the State Museum, a performing arts center, and a collection of modern art. The area is not at all residential.
The cast: The Rev. Paul J. Hartt, rector, Mr Neil K. Keen, organist, and an unidentified middle-aged server.
was the name of the service?
Holy Communion.
How full was the building?
Mostly empty, about 30 people.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
A man handing out leaflets wished me good morning, as did a woman waiting at the back of the church.
Was your pew comfortable?
Wooden pews with red cushions and individual leather kneelers. Not bad for sitting, but space was tight for kneeling.
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
Very quiet and reverential. Some people were kneeling in prayer; others were waiting quietly for the service to begin.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
"Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
What books did the congregation use during the service?
1979 Book of Common Prayer and the 1940 Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church, which has been superseded by the 1982 Hymnal in other churches I have attended. The older hymnal uses a very ornate typeface and the wording seems dated.
What musical instruments were played?
A large pipe organ.
Did anything distract you?
It was chilly in the church (and very cold outside), so I spent the first moments of the service more concerned about warming my hands than following the liturgy.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
Very stiff upper lip. The rector was very formal and exact in his pronunciation as he intoned the liturgy. This appears to be an old-fashioned church and proud of it.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
15 minutes.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
8 – Father Hartt, so stiff and formal in his recitation of the liturgy, became quite relaxed and warm in his delivery of the sermon. He has been rector for less than six months, but seems to have developed a solid connection with the congregation.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
The history of confirmation and its relation to taking communion. Confirmation became separate from baptism when the candidates became too numerous for bishops to baptize all at once. And as the age for confirmation has generally gotten older over time, the question of how old one should be to take communion has also arisen. Father Hartt suggested that when a child should first take communion is a decision the parents may be entrusted to make, as they know best when a child is ready to understand the significance of the sacrament. There certainly is no requirement that one be confirmed before taking communion, and Father Hartt would not recommend waiting until that time to do so.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
Going up to take communion surrounded by all the beautiful stained glass, the ornate white altar, and the half-domed ceiling painted to look like the sky above all this made me feel as if I were entering heaven.
And which part was like being in... er... the other place?
Having to kneel throughout the communion service in the aforementioned tight quarters produced a dull ache in my legs that was not helpful in maintaining a prayerful attitude.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
Father Hartt noticed me loitering by the pamphlet rack and called out a greeting. He then promptly invited me to coffee and showed me how to find where it was being served.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
It was served in an elegant room appointed with period furniture, paintings, and a large tapestry. Regular coffee, decaf, and tea were served in paper cups, along with a single fruit Danish cut up into small pieces. I was immediately hailed and taken in hand by several parishioners, whom I would have to rank among the friendliest people I have ever met at church.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
9 – I definitely would make this my church if I lived in the area.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
I thought long and hard during the service about this question, and felt that although I appreciated the service, it did not make me feel glad to be a Christian. Perhaps this was because I was sitting up front and wasn't able to see the other parishioners without turning my head. It was almost like attending an empty church. Once I got to the coffee hour, however, I felt just the opposite, because I was in community with these wonderful people.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
The warm farewells I received as I left the coffee hour.


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MEDIA RELEASE: Campaign to save tax break for NC working families launches today
Campaign to save tax break for NC working families launches today
A grassroots campaign has generated hundreds of pro-Earned Income Tax Credit messages for lawmakers; today, a new advertising campaign, petition and website launch aims to build further support for the Earned Income Tax Credit
RALEIGH (April 7, 2011) – As the state budget debate heats up, a new campaign is sending a clear message: preserve North Carolina's tax credit working families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit benefits North Carolina's low-wage workers, infuses tens of millions of dollars into local economies, and helps create a fairer tax system. Yet in certain legislative circles, there is a push to effectively raise taxes on the state's lowest-wage workers by gutting the credit.
Today, a multifaceted campaign to save the Earned Income Tax Credit launches. Led by the NC Justice Center, the campaign includes the following:
A website, SaveEITC.org, which serves as a clearinghouse for EITC information. The site includes fact sheets, videos, scholarly research, stories from newspapers, TV and radio, action steps and more.
Hundreds of postcards from working families across North Carolina are being sent to lawmakers. The postcards have listed ways the EITC helps each family, such as assistance with food, shelter, and basic needs.
A new animated web advertisement, "If You Work Hard, You Deserve a Chance To Get Ahead," developed by the same animator behind last year's popular Together NC "South Carolina" ad.
A Twitter hashtag, #saveeitc, where advocates and concerned observers can share the latest updates about the Earned Income Tax Credit.
A petition to protect the Earned Income Tax Credit that will be delivered to Gov. Bev Perdue's office today. The petition reads: "It's immoral to raise taxes on low-income working families, who are struggling most in this recession. Protect the Earned Income Tax Credit."
"The Earned Income Tax Credit provides vital support for North Carolina's working families while boosting local economies across the state," said Alexandra Forter Sirota, director of the NC Budget & Tax Center. "Preserving the credit is crucial to economic health, for families and for our state."
One in 10 of North Carolina's households – among the poorest families in the state -- would experience an effective tax increase if the Earned Income Tax Credit doesn't remain intact.
For more information, contact: Alexandra Forter Sirota, email@example.com, (919) 861-1468; Jeff Shaw, Director of Communications, NC Justice Center, email@example.com, (919) 863-2402 (office) (503) 551.3615 (mobile).


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Sidewalks sizzle with great deals
We all have our own list of the joys of summer. At the very top of mine is power shopping — outdoors! Throughout the city and suburbs, communities are holding sidewalk sales that feature wares from designers and boutiques, often at the lowest prices of the season. It's a chance to score bargains, meet the designers and get a taste of smaller stores you might not have checked out before. Most noteworthy of all the outdoor shop ops is the Chicago Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza, sponsored by the city's Office of Tourism. "It's in the heart of the city, a great venue for local talent to show what they can do and to appeal to different audiences — including those who work downtown," says Kiran Advani from the Chicago tourism office. The fourth annual Daley Plaza Sidewalk Sale is July 20 and 21 (a Tuesday and Wednesday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features 36 local boutiques and designers. Here's a sampling, from six local designers, of what you'll see at Daley Plaza. You'll also find some of the Daley Plaza designers and shops at other neighborhood sales, arts festivals and the giant Renegade Craft Fair Sept. 11 and 12. --Ellen Warren, Tribune senior correspondent
Chicago Tribune
Copyright © 2018, Daily Press


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Spy networks to receive $630m funds boost
Australia's spy and counter-terror agencies will receive a $630 million funding boost to fight the threat of home-grown terrorism, which Prime Minister Tony Abbott says ''has not changed'' and is still ''as high as it has ever been''.
Mr Abbott unveiled a suite of counter-terrorism measures on Tuesday that include stronger powers for authorities to detain and question jihadists who have fought alongside terrorists overseas in countries such as Syria and Iraq.
This includes lowering the threshold for police wanting to arrest suspected terrorists without a warrant and giving the Australian Federal Police greater powers to seek control orders on returning foreign fighters. It will also be an offence to travel to designated countries where terrorists are actively operating unless there is a ''legitimate purpose''.
But controversial plans to store the phone and internet records of Australians will be included in a later ''third tranche'' of legislation. The cost of storing and protecting the data is still subject to discussions between the government and telecommunications companies.
Mr Abbott said while the terror threat facing Australia ''hasn't changed'' since the setting of ''medium'' following the September 11, 2001, attacks there is ''heightened concern'' about the threat of a local terror attack.
''Everything that government can reasonably do is being done to ensure our community is safe,'' he said, vowing to leave no stone unturned in ensuring public safety.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the measures were needed because ''hardened home-grown terrorists'' who had been radicalised overseas may use their skills to carry out an attack in Australia.
The government is also proposing giving the Foreign Minister a new power to suspend the passports of people ASIO suspects of planning to fight alongside terrorists or returning home from combat.
Mr Abbott also revealed the election promise to repeal section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act would be dumped because ''when it comes to counter-terrorism, everyone needs to be part of Team Australia''.
Ms Bishop said while the concept of Australians fighting abroad was not new, it is posing a greater threat than ever before.
''Preventing Australian citizens from becoming foreign fighters is now one of our highest national security priorities,'' she said.
''To put the threat in context, prior to the NATO-led experience in Afghanistan our intelligence and security agencies were aware of 30 people, Australian citizens, in Afghanistan fighting against the interest of the West; 25 of them came back to Australia.
''Five times that number are of interest to our security and intelligence agencies, so this is a far greater challenge for us in sheer numbers.''
Labor legal affairs spokesman Mark Dreyfus said the opposition had not yet received a briefing on the announcement and would examine it closely.
''There are always concerns when additional powers are given to police and intelligence agencies. We have to make sure that changes to national security laws are informed by Australian values, which are the values of a free and democratic society,'' Mr Dreyfus said.
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New Breeding Habits Emerge for the Wandering Albatross
Flying around the Southern Ocean is one of the largest bird species on Earth, the Wandering Albatross, also known as the Snowy Albatross or White-winged Albatross. They are a predator and keystone species of their circumpolar range. Like all polar species, they are feeling the effects of a warming climate, and it is beginning to cause some very fundamental changes to their behavior. Typically, the Wandering Albatross lay their eggs between December 10 and January 5, at the start of the Southern Summer. A new study from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has shown that these breeding times have been slowly inching back.
Breeding habits for this bird have been cemented over time through many generations of evolution. Every other year, the Wandering Albatross return to one of several colonies on isolated islands in the Southern Ocean. These include the South Georgia Islands, Prince Edward Islands, Marion Island, Crozet Islands, Kergulen Islands, and even Macquarie Island. There are an estimated 26,000 in the wild.
The monogamous adults lay one egg between December 10 and January 5, of which only 30 percent survive to breeding age. These birds typically do not breed until age 11-15.
The BAS study found that the average egg laying date has moved back by 2.2 days earlier within the last 30 years. Specific reasons for this change remain unclear.
According to lead author, Dr. Sue Lewis at the University of Edinburgh's School of Biological Sciences, "Our results are surprising. Every year we can determine when the birds return to the island after migration, and the exact day they lay their egg. We knew that some birds were laying earlier – those who were older or had recently changed partner - but now we see that those which haven't bred successfully in the past are also laying earlier, and these birds are effectively driving this trend in earlier laying."
BAS researchers monitored nest sites on Bird Island, part of South Georgia during pre-laying, laying, hatching, and fledging periods. The birds have taken a special interest of late. Their numbers have been dropping because they swallow baited hooks from fishing vessels, are dragged under and drowned.
Reasons for the shift in behavior include a wide range of environmental changes. However, the BAS researchers are unsure if this is related to changing weather, changing oceanographic conditions, or changes in food availability.
This study was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and published in the journal, Oikos.
Wandering Albatross image via Shutterstock