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Big Leaguers Notebook: July 20
World Series champion Giants excited for White House visit
The Giants won the World Series, got a call from the Oval Office (YouTube) and now they get to put the icing on the cake by meeting President Barack Obama. "Almost as soon as the last out of the World Series was made, the thought crossed my mind, 'Wow, we get to go to the White House, shake the president's hand and present him with a jersey,'" said outfielder Cody Ross. "It's been a long time coming, and I think everybody's excited. It's the last thing we have to do to finally seal the 2010 season." (USA Today)
It's official: Brandon Phillips has joined the planking craze. (Twitter)
While David Price fought Red Sox batters, his mind drifted from the mound to longtime best friend Terry Wanthalangsy, who was in the operating room fighting to survive a brain tumor. "It's kind of tough, not to think about your best friend having brain surgery. He did good, though," said the Rays ace, who could finally relax after ending the night with a win and a text message from Wanthalangsy's mom that the doctors "got it all." (St. Petersburg Times)
The big leagues' best spill on what it's really like to be an All-Star. (MLB.com)
Injured Ike Davis may be on the disabled list, but he hasn't forgotten about the many kids and their families who are sick and hurting from childhood cancer. The Mets' first baseman hosted "A Night With Ike Davis" to benefit anti-cancer organizations, Solving Kids' Cancer and The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, both founded by parents who lost their children to the disease. "Losing someone and seeing the family go through that at such a young age, it's just not right," said Davis, who developed a passion for cancer research and awareness after losing a childhood friend to cancer. "Parents watching their [children] die, that hit deep inside me. It just didn't gel right, so if I can do little things to make a difference in a kid's life or in a young adult's life, I'm going to do it." (New York Post)
Derek Jeter's secret to becoming a pinstripes legend? The captain swears by a meal of pancakes and an omelette before every baseball game (The Daily Meal). Teammate Alex Rodriguez sticks with fresh fruit during his pregame ritual. (The Daily Meal)
Check out on-field and behind-the-scenes images from the All-Star Game shot by Rangers pitcher and amateur photographer C.J. Wilson. (C.J Wilson)
Tweet of the Day: "@alexmorgan13 the TB Rays want to have you USA soccer girls out to throw out first pitches and chill at a game!" -- Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (@Evan3Longoria), to USA women's soccer forward Alex Morgan. Morgan's reply: "lets do it!" (@alexmorgan13)
Quote of the Day: "You're supposed to play all 162, aren't you? I want to play in every game. I want to start in every game. I don't want to miss a single thing. I hate sitting out. I love playing every single day, whether I'm hurt, whether I'm not feeling 100 percent. I want to play." -- Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa, who has played in all 97 Nationals games this season. (The Washington Post)
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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The following commentary does not necessarily reflect the views of AgWeb or Farm Journal Media. The opinions expressed below are the author's own.
Here's your chance to share a photo of your favorite tractor.
This 1935 McCormick-Deering WD-40 tractor is one of more than a dozen featured in the 2014 Classic Tractor Fever calendar:
Click here to order your copy of the Classic Tractor Fever calendar, which celebrates its 25th year of paying tribute to vintage tractors.
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I would agree that there a good number of players are very financially well off. But the majority of the players in the league are not top earners, but rather either young guys who are just cutting their professional teeth, or career role players who have never earned a huge contract in their career.
Because it is a union, all of the players voices count in discussions.
As for the draft, I think it is going to be a stronger year then most experts are predicting. I like the example that has been given of the 1998 draft that precedeed the lockout. That helps set a good precedent. But the majority of these top talent players will probably still leave college this year. Staying in means building a stronger talent pool for 2012, which also means dropping spots on the draft board.
Whether they come out now or in 2012, they will still sign a contract under the new CBA. This most likely means that a top 5 pick this year will earn as much as a top 5 pick next year...so why risk dropping if you are a top 10 or 15 talent? I think it is with the middle talent that we will see the biggest drop off this year. Stick around, continue to develop, and hope to move up in the boards for 2012.
the only guys making 5mill & up who will suffer are dumb..& theyd prob be just as broke if they made 20mill a year..but thats there problem not a lockouts or contract size..i dont feel for them at all...
the GMs always cry about money but they always throw it around like its food stamps... & a hard cap wont change that..never did for NHL... there still forking out boat loads of cash for players...
as a fan i dont want a lockout & id love to see the raps win a title...but if i was a union rep. or player id def. not want the hard cap.
Last edited by DoNDaDDa; Fri Dec 10th, 2010 at 01:24 PM.
What did you mean by the Raptors stockpiled a bunch of picks? Don't we just have the two first rounders?
your pal,
Bosh better have he saved some of his Raptor money. He may have to cut All-Star advertisement costs this year. Maybe he could switch from video adds to handing out flier on road games?
A lot of owners can do a lockout cause they're losing money anyway so it ain't a big a deal.
Eh follow my TWITTER!
A tear is forming in my eye, thinking of all the poor NBA players about to live in poverty. Maybe we can all band together and start a soup kitchen for them. Maybe Elton John and Prince can make a song together with proceeds going to the players association to help put food in their empty stomachs. Will the current Raptor players become homeless men living in shelters in Toronto or will they have enough money to travel back to their hometowns? Why doesn't Jesus care?
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
I went onto ESPN trade machine today just to see what people's cap position was like. I think everyone I looked at was over. If they do set a hard cap it can't be the 60 million that they have now. it'dhave to be 75 or 80 million. The big thing is keeping every team competitive. it's ridiculous how many are 30-50 million over the cap. that's not fair to the poorer teams in the smaller areas. I've said it befor eand i'll say it again. I would rather see 30 teams close to .500 than 8 teams with 50+ wins and 10 with 50+ losses with a bunch of first rounder exiters int he middle
And we should really stop using the term "union" with the players association. Union for me conjures up the dock workers and the hotel maids. These are millionaires fighting for a slice of the pie with some billionaires. And it really comes down to one fact...who's got the most cake (willing to take a good hit). I'd put my money on the owners.
Honestly, if the majority of us can live with under 20k a year, I think they should be able to do it unless they're off acting dumb with their money. My prof. use to tell me all the time - work smart, not hard.
Maybe they should take a page outta Jason Pitt's (The Game) book and turn into a penny pincher.
Edit: If they want a loan i'd give them it with 500% interest when they get back in the NBA
Hostile, it's not that simple. Are you taking into consideration mortgage payments? Alimony? Child support? Family support? A lot of these guys have expensive mansions, expensive cars & other toys, and they support their friends and families to some degree. To shut off their main stream is going to hurt a lot because they can't shut off their expenses and financial responsibilities that fast. It's not easy to walk away from a $12M mortgage if you're Chris Bosh for example. Me, personally, I can't live off $20K a year and I'm not rich and I don't live in excess but I do have to pay for my house, heat and light for that house and my truck, food, living supplies and all that is expensive in this day in age. $20K/yr would be easy to survive on but how many people live to just survive? We're not in the 3rd world here.
Last edited by Apollo; Sat Dec 11th, 2010 at 02:59 AM.
We might not be a 3rd world country, but there's still alot of people struggling to do exactly that. The poverty rate in Canada is ~5% and that equates to about 1.7 million people working to make ends meet in much harsher working conditions than these basketball players. We should be less worried about the rich getting richer and more worried about how to reduce social inquality.
Anyhow, if they are really in financial need there's always the option to play overseas. There is always a market for NBA players in the world--(good) basketball players are always in high demand.
Better now than to wait till they're retired.
Last edited by Prime; Sat Dec 11th, 2010 at 02:18 PM.
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—The state agency in charge of managing Colorado's big game population is paying a heavy price for animal incidents.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife paid over $1 million in compensation for big game incidents across the state in 2012.
According to KREX-TV ( http://tinyurl.com/ky2uuhc), Colorado Parks and Wildlife is required to compensate all agriculture producers that suffer a loss as the result of a big game animal. They are also forced to eliminate animals that misbehave, taking a toll on one of the state's big tourism draws.
Information from: KREX-TV, http://www.krextv.com/


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Heroes and first responders took center stage in the state Senate Wednesday, as new lawmakers were sworn an an opening-day ceremony that had a decidedly Colorado Springs flair.
The new Senate president, Democrat John Morse, is from the Springs as is the minority leader, Republican Bill Cadman.
Cadman touched on Colorado's 2012 tragedies: fatal wildfires and the theater shooting in Aurora that left 12 dead and 58 wounded by gunfire.
He recounted the heroic efforts of firefighters, police officers and everyday citizens, and introduced some who were in the Senate chamber.
"When our people, our neighbors, our friends, our first responders faced the worst of the worst from mother nature — and the worst of the worst from mankind — that's when we saw them at their very best," he said.
"Let's agree to dedicate this session to all who have risen to meet the challenges of the unthinkable events of last year. Let our words and our actions honor the lives of those lost by matching the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice of Colorado's heroes."
Morse talked at length and in excruciating detail about a 1979 traffic accident he handled as a young paramedic where the victim in the Camaro eventually died despite efforts from a variety of people .
"It became a lesson about coming together, no matter how desparate the moment," he said. "We will have many different focuses this session. I have no doubt we can work together."
The speech — which was delivered without prepared remarks — drew some raised eyebrows and startled looks, but was more memorable than policy-laden talks that have been delivered over the years on opening day.
Chief Justice Michael Bender swore in the senators who were elected in November, including four lawmakers new to the Capitol, six House members who moved over to the House and senators who won re-election.
During recesses throughout the morning, newbies posted for photos with their families and with Bender.
The Senate was called to order at 10 a.m. by outgoing President Brandon Shaffer, a Longmont Democrat who was term-limited.
After that, a slew of Colorado Springs residents took turns being part of the pomp that is opening day.
Pastor Nori Rost delivered the prayer. The Colorado Springs Police Department honor guard presented the colors.
The pledge was recited by 84-year-old Norman Pledger, who came to Colorado in 1952 as an Air Force lieutenant and later became one of the founding members of Pikes Peak Community College.
And the music was provided the Velcro Barbershop Quartet from Colorado Springs. One of the singers, Gary Hickenlooper, is a distant cousin of Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Morse introduced his mother, Mary Beth Morse of Aurora, and thanked her for the foundation that he said lead to his achievement Wednesday. He is the eldest of her 10 children.
The Senate also elected Sen. Lucia Guzman as the pro tem. The Denver Democrat is the first Hispanic and first gay to serve in leadership in the Senate.
Lynn Bartels: 303-954-5327, firstname.lastname@example.com or twitter.com/lynn_bartels


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Do you have a preference for particular types of coffee? Or wine? Subha R. Das, assistant professor of chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University, will explain what's behind those flavors in a Slow Food Pittsburgh presentation at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Harvard & Highland above Union Pig & Chicken in East Liberty.
The energetic Mr. Das will lead a discussion about the basics of taste and taste perceptions, focusing on coffee, soda and wine.
In fact, it was over an afternoon cup of coffee that Mr. Das and Roberto Gil, director of Carnegie Mellon's Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility, began to mull the idea of analyzing beverages to create flavor profiles using NMR, a technique that allows scientists to determine a substance's molecular chemistry, structure and dynamics.
Other scientists have already developed techniques for pinpointing various additives or substances in beverages, so that's not what these two are trying to do. Instead, they're trying to create "fingerprints" for different beverages, so that each type of beverage has its own unique NMR fingerprint that distinguishes it from every other type of beverage. Thus, you could identify a beverage based solely on its NMR line graph, which (for the non-scientists among us) looks a bit like an electrocardiogram printout. Peaks on the graph represent sugars, fats and other compounds in the beverage.
They're calling it Bev-O-Metrics.
So far, the professors have found that they seem to be able to detect one type of coffee over another. They also have students working on wines, and they've developed a database of flavor profiles for a number of different wines.
From a consumer's point of view, here are some of the questions the professors expect to be able to answer:
• If you like a certain type of wine, which other types might you also like, based on similarities in their flavor profiles?
• How does a particular coffee's flavor profile change if you change the method of roasting the beans? How does it change when you make the coffee a couple different ways in your home kitchen?
• Why does decaf coffee taste weak?
• How much caffeine is in different types of beverages?
• What's the best time to harvest grapes used in winemaking?
Mr. Das believes there's a certain appeal to creating an NMR profile of beverages because while the scientific profile never changes, people's tastes actually can change -- a beverage might not taste the same to a person from one day or year to the next.
He moved from Chicago to Pittsburgh seven years ago and gradually is making inroads into the food scene here. He combines chemistry and food in more than one way; he also teaches the popular "Kitchen Chemistry Sessions," a five-week CMU mini-course that was previously featured in Food & Flavor.
Cost for his Tuesday presentation is $20 for Slow Food Pittsburgh members and $25 for nonmembers; cost includes a snack of charcuterie and cup of punch. For an invitation, e-mail email@example.com.
Football food
NFL PLAY 60 Training Camp: There's a food element to this football-themed day. Local Chef Nicky D. Cooks will showcase healthy recipes for a football-watching party, including mini Caprese Salad Bites, Grandma Rosie's Italian Bread Pizza and Game Day Pizzelles. Other activities include a mini-NFL Combine for kids to test their speed and throwing and jumping skills, appearances by former Steeler Craig Wolfley and current Pittsburgh Power players, a kids' touchdown dance contest, prizes, docent tours of the Sports Museum and more. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Heinz History Center in the Strip District. Activities are free with museum admission. heinzhistorycenter.org (click "events").
South Side Soup Contest: The popular event, which allows guests to sample soups for three hours at South Side restaurants and vote for their favorites, sells out every year. This year's event will be held on Feb. 22, and tickets ($25 each) will go on sale starting at noon Feb. 7. Proceeds benefit the Brashear Association's food pantry and the South Side Chamber of Commerce. southsidesoup.com.
Colonial Tea: Hot teas, scones, sandwiches, cakes and other 18th- and 19th-century goodies presented by gracious servants in period attire, plus a presentation on Civil War-era love letters. 3 p.m. Feb. 16 at Depreciation Lands Museum, Hampton. $20, or $16 for children under 12; reservations required. 412-486-0563 or depreciationlandsmuseum.org.
Downton Abbey Tea and Cheese Pairing: A visiting Brit presents a seminar on clotted and Devon cream and creme fraiche, and guests can sample scones, British cheese and teas. 7 p.m. March 5 at McGinnis Sisters in Monroeville and 7 p.m. March 6 at the Mars store. Free, but reservations required. 412-858-7000, ext. 7.
Irish coffee
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 ounces Irish whiskey
4 cups freshly brewed, strong black coffee
Granulated sugar, to taste
Whipped cream for garnish
Using an electric mixer, beat cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla on medium speed in a large chilled bowl until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, beat by hand using a large wire whisk.)
Pour 1½ ounces whiskey into each of 4 warmed cups. Add 1 cup coffee and sugar to taste and stir. Top with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.
-- "Winter Cocktails" by Maria del Mar Sacasa (Quirk, 2013)


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Who is Cardinal Robert Sarah?
Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea is currently the President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum (the Vatican's charitable arm) and a strong candidate for pope in the upcoming March 2013 papal conclave. He would be the first African pope in history.
His origins: Cardinal Sarah was born June 15, 1945 in French Guinea. After studying in a seminary in the Ivory Coast, Sarah returned to Guinea after it achieved independence in 1958. He soon left for Paris, then Senegal, then Rome to complete his studies. He received his ordination in 1969.
His career track: In 1979, Sarah was named Archbishop of Conakry, the capital city of Guinea. John Paul II appointed him secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in 2001. Then, less than a decade later, Sarah was chosen to lead "Cor Unum," which organizes the Catholic church's relief effort. That same year, 2010, Benedict XVI made Sarah a cardinal.
His beliefs: Cardinal Sarah is a conservative in theological matters, but progressive on issues like social justice and economic equality. He's also an outspoken critic of authoritarian regimes.
Why he might be pope: Many experts believe the next pope will be non-European. Cardinal Robert Sarah bridges the Vatican to Africa, where the Catholic population is exploding. Yet, he's also a Vatican insider with a strong record of governance.


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Majority Leader Hoyer Statement Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
(202) 225 - 3130
Majority Leader Hoyer Statement Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
WASHINGTON – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today commemorating Cinco de Mayo, which will be celebrated tomorrow:
"On the morning of May 5, 1862, 4,000 Mexican soldiers defeated the invading French Army at the Battle of Puebla - and in so doing, they struck a blow for liberty and freedom that was felt throughout the world. And while the battle that we commemorate on Cinco de Mayo is widely recognized as a key victory in maintaining Mexican independence and strength, few Americans realize just how important it was to the survival of our own country as well.
"When Emperor Napoleon III made the decision to invade Mexico - along with English and Spanish forces that were seeking to collect on Mexican debts incurred by the new government of democratic President Benito Juarez - he did so with the intention of establishing a base from which France could support Confederate rebels in the American Civil War. And when the French troops were all but routed on Cinco de Mayo, the Confederacy lost an important supply line and it was not long before the Union Army gained the upper hand and succeeded in preventing our young nation from being torn apart at the seams.
"Shortly after Union forces won a major victory at the Battle of Gettysburg - just 14 months after the Battle of Puebla - the United States sent American forces to help Mexico expel the last of the French invaders. And when the Mexican Army finally triumphed, they invited their American allies to march along side them in the Victory Parade in Mexico City - marking an historic moment in the partnership that now exists between our two countries.
"Today, the friendship between Mexico and the United States is one of the strongest alliances in the world. And it gives me great pride to join with my friends in Mexico - and the United States - in marking the 145th Anniversary of a victory that meant so much to everyone on the North American continent."


text: Worcester Prep students in Physical Education teacher Carol Hartnett's Freshman Advisory Group hosted a community service project to provide resources for PAWS 4 LIFE, a no-kill animal shelter program. In their campaign, the students collected cloth towels, paper towels, bleach, toys, trash bags and other items that could be of use in the shelter. Students pictured are Lynde Pepper, Sydney Langeler, Sibel Tekman, Riddhi Sanwal, Megan O'Donnell, and Olivia Wilgus.


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Squeal of Fortune: Construction Training Packs
Give your Construction level a hefty increase this weekend only on Squeal of Fortune! There are higher chances to win Construction training material packs, and Construction lamps give triple the usual XP. Finally, there's an increased chance to win recharge gems, to top up any of your favourite skill pendants.


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It's a Doll's Life for Erin Fetherston Fall 2009
It's a Doll's Life for Erin Fetherston Fall 2009
>> It wouldn't be an Erin Fetherston show without some fantasy, and for Fall 2009, it was all about the living doll. Instead of doing any long, flowy nightgown-like dresses like she normally has, Fetherston went with an unusual amount of structure for the upcoming season — stiff bell-shaped skirts and fitted, tailored jackets were included in a number of looks. Some of the dark jewel tone colors combined with full skirts and bows recalled Zac Posen's Fall 2008 collection, and some of the dress and skirt shapes were remniscent of Miu Miu Spring 2008 — albeit Fetherston's hems were longer. Regardless, construction as a whole was noticeably improved, and Fetherston sent out a number of the frothy, pastel minidresses that her fans know and love. As for the glittery animal masks worn atop the model's heads? Those were the contribution of Fetherston's fiance, Hedi Ferjani.
*image: source


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'04 jetta fuse box above battery
in Volkswagen
I have a 2004 jetta that has a short causing the fuse box above the battery to short out, it has happened twice now and we replaced the fuse and fuse box but we don't know what the underlying issue is. Has anybody had this issue before? The check engine light is also on and gives no code but says cooling system. Are these issues connected?
Your specific problem could be anything.
I believe you are really referring to the power-distribution-unit (PDU) mounted on top of the battery. The fusebox is INSIDE the vehicle located on the side of the dashboard when the drivers-door is open.
However, It is not unusual for some of the screw-down connections within that PDU can corrode. a poor-connection can build-up enough heat to melt things.
THIS IS NOT A "SHORT" - it is simply a poor connection. Heat is generated when resistance goes up.... basic electricity.
To prevent this kind of thing from happening, the screw-down connectors should be regularly snugged-up and perhaps even removed and cleaned.
I personally check mine about once a year... along with snowscreen-cleaning and other maintenance items.
It doesn't seem to be coming from the connections on the metal fuses. It seems to be coming from the wire going into the box. It has also melted. This has happened twice now in less than a year.
I have troubleshot and fixed many of these such problems on several vehicles. The answer is the same as I described above.... Poor connection = heat
It is ENTIRELY possible that the wire has poor connection to its termination. (rather than the termination to its screw-down)
This is simple to diagnose. Use voltmeter across the connection in question whilst there is current passing thru it. If you measure any more than say 30mV... then you have isolated the bad connection.
(A good connection should have 0volts across it with full-rated current passing thru it.)
The cause of this is that over time, the envrionment under the hood of a car is corrosive to all the exposed electrical connections. Even the slightest winter roadsalt into a connection can become an electrolite. Dissimmilar metals with an electrolite between them causes copper to to turn green (Copper-Sulfate). This green stuff is NONconductive to electricty.
You can continue to replace parts... or FIX the problem... your choice. Anyone knowledgable with basic electricty should be able to pinpoint the problem and effect a long-lasting fix.
Thanks for the info. I did end up taking my car to the VW dealership to be fixed. The alternator harness was giving off too much power and melting the fuse box. I had it replaced and the car works fine now.
I also have a 04 Jetta and Im having problem intalling the box that goes right above the battery. My old one started failing and where one of the fuses go it started melting. So I bought a new one but once i install it my car has no problem. Im putting it identically how the other one was and nothing. I exchanged the part at the store but still nothing. If i put the old one back on it will work perfectly fine. Im not sure if i have to do something extra once i install it.
Need help please!!!!
How much did the dealership charge you?! I'm having the same problem.
I actually installed it myself, all i had to do was remove some metal plates that are on the old part, the new part does not come with them. Where you screw the extension there are several little aluminum plates and just swap them to the new box
This looks like a GREAT time to remind everyone with a MKIV VW to keep those connections clean and tight!! Lest you will get melted parts and possibly a fire.
There are not a lot of things on the MKIV to PM.... but this is one of them.
PM = Preventive Maintaince
Oh -- and to answer your question.... use a VOLTMETER to determine the problem and then fix it. This is simply a bunch of fuses.... how hard is it to make sure voltage is on both sides of each one?
Dont forget that your radio may go into "SAFE" mode when you disconnect the battery unless you use a back-up power source.
cjmccoy Posts: 3How do I go about changing my PDU? I've located a replacement and it looks like it would be fairly simple to replace it myself.
The box itself is easy to replace, but I ordered mine and they sent it with the incorrect fuses. The fuse under the thick black wire/connector if u have a 1.8L Turbo should have a 150amp fuse. Dorman sent me a PDU with a 110amp fuse which ended up melting the box again...and the wire....which cost me $600 at the dealership to fix. Ugh!!!!!!!!
I think we paid between $400-500 to replace the alternator harness and one fuse. If you have to replace any fuses or the fuse box buy them online, its way cheaper. I don't know about the alternator harness though.
It is very easy to replace but with ours there was an underlying issue causing the problem in the first place so I would recommend getting it checked out. If any of your Jettas are over 100,000 miles and you haven't replaced the timing belt I suggest doing it. We replaced the clutch at 106,000 miles and two weeks later the timing belt went out and blew the engine. No more Jetta for me. Good luck to you all but I will never own a Jetta again. Too many electrical issues. It should be recalled.
Let me understand this - You did NOT replace the timing-belt at the recommended interval and it broke.... hence you blame VW?
I would argue that ANY vehicle which you ignore the recommended major preventive maintenance could end up the same way. Hence, save yourself some grief and prepare to blame your next car now. - LOL
Also, a "recall" (by federal law) is solely for proven SAFETY issues. Perhaps you are suggesting a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) should be created?
Yeah I learned from my mistake about the timing belt hence the warning for others. I wasn't blaming VW actually I blame my mechanic for not replacing it while he had the engine out. It wouldve cost about $300-400 more to have it done right after I just spent $400 so we were going to wait to get some more money together. The recall I think should be for the fuses and wires that keep melting because yes they can be a safety issue.


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text:
What Digital First means to our community
Three years later, we are well on our way. Every month, over 18,000 people visit manchesterjournal.com. Pages there are viewed over 52,000 times per month. Add our mobile app, where another 20,000 pages are being viewed. In advertising, digital has become a part of most solutions that bring our customers success. As I have said many times when speaking about this topic, getting the message out in print and digital allows for the entire audience to view it, rather than selecting just print or just digital. As a result, we rarely offer these single platform solutions. Last week, news of a change in our company sparked some local conversation.
The announcement was made that Thunderdome, our New York City newsroom, would be closing. Some comments from Digital First Media CEO John Paton: Media changes very fast these days and nothing changes faster than digital.
Make a change, get set in your ways and become reluctant to make other changes and you get left behind.
Today, we are going to be making some changes to our Project Thunderdome activities and go in a new direction. In the past two years we have learned a tremendous amount from Project Thunderdome much like others that have come before it.
We have explored, experimented but more importantly we have learned and have a much higher level of digital skills than we did before. And, best of all, a higher level of confidence in our digital abilities across our entire company.
Our skills in data journalism, video production, website and mobile developments are all the better for Project Thunderdome.
But what once were fairly isolated skills located in one place are now skills shared by many in our company. Where once initiatives were led centrally, we now have divisions taking their own Digital First initiatives.
And that means it is time to change again.
While our company will continue to invest heavily in digital development, increasingly our focus will be in local where we are the news and information leader in our markets.
Simply stated, the work started at Thunderdome will carry on here locally.
You, our readers and advertisers, have played a key role in the transformation of your local newspaper. We look forward to your ongoing involvement while we continue to develop print and digital products that exceed expectations.
Edward L. Woods, Publisher and Regional Vice President Digital First Media at the Manchester Journal
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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@AngelGym: You sure are funny. Most people on this forum train hard and dedicated. And they actually fight which can be seen in countless throwdown videos.
Back to topic: Has anyone done the process and received a belt they did not deserve? Tried the whole "we will do a thorough check and only then grade you"?
I respect that brother.... I acknowledge that the Bullshido forum has some great uses.... and that som of its members train hard ... I realize that we may have strayed from the main topic. I am sorry and apologize for my part in that... I just don't like anyone knocking an organization that they do not understand regarding purpose .. especially one I am a part of ... I checked out your profile and found that you are a journalist .... I have an article coming out in a Kung Fu magazine in Hungary.... Internal Pugilism ... I invite you to check it out and also invite you to review my book which is available from Amazon.com
This is a response to your post from 3/16/2012 @ 2:51am which read:
You request martial arts credentials when I have made no martial arts claims, only logical claims. I do not need to practise tai chi to tell that an argument's premises are not properly supporting its conclusion. Your request for my credentials is some sort of a red herring mixed with an ad hominem attack. Very pretty but nothing I haven't seen tried before. Please see:
In response to your edited post:
Please note, I am not the same person as It Is Fake, with whom you were arguing first. The only claims I have made so far is that your arguments are bunk and prove nothing. In just the same manner, they disprove nothing. Don't make the mistake of thinking my arguing your fallacies is a point against the organization you defend, that's what this next point is for:
The wmac claims to issue legitimate rank in any martial art through a council's review of self-declared accomplishments. This, however, is not possible. Legitimate ranks in judo are bestowed by the IJF and its national representatives; unique to each country, regulated and delegated the power to grant internationally recognized rank. If the wmac is not registered to grant ranks with its national representative (and it does not appear to be), any dan ranks in judo it would grant would be fraudulent and the wmac's claim would be a lie.
yup ... you must be right


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As you may or may not be aware, Apple have announced that tomorrow (September 1st) they will be holding a special event (invitation pictured left) for reporters, bloggers and analysts, presumably with the intention of announcing their next latest and greatest inventions. There's also much speculation regarding what exactly will be the headline announcement, with the general consensus pointing towards new iPod Touch and Nano, given the music themed invitation that was sent out.
This has been backed up by recent rumours of an iPod Touch touting front and rear cameras which would tie in with the pictures of what are supposedly cases for the new iPod Touch and Nano (right). The speculated cameras would in all likelihood allow the iPod Touch to benefit from the iPhone 4 Wi-Fi only FaceTime and would perhaps explain why Apple, for now at least, have chosen to keep FaceTime Wi-Fi only across the board. It's also said that the cameras would allow the new Touch to support Apple's new iMovie software, allowing on-the-move video recording and editing. It's also rumoured that the iPod Touch will utilise the Retina Display technology found in the current iPhone 4. The rumoured iPod Nano however, is likely to simply be a smaller, re-designed unit with a larger memory.
Whilst we agree with the majority, that tomorrow will see the announcement of a new iPod Touch and iPod Nano, we feel it's worth mentioning the other announcements we could potentially be seeing tomorrow in place of or as well as the iPod Touch? Well, here's a run down of what we think these could be:
A 'Cloud' based iTunes
There were rumours circulating only a month ago regarding a wireless iTunes streaming and synching functionality which would undoubtedly be in addition to a new iPod announcement at tomorrow's event. Apple has already moved below the radar to add the ability to stream music from MobileME in it's latest update, a move which is said to be a test run for the larger iTunes update and would make sense given the possible damage that could ensue if it were to go wrong upon release.
TV show rental
Again, this is another rumour which has been 'to-ing and fro-ing' around the internet, which would see Apple give the option to essentially rent a TV show for a few days for $0.99 (likely to be £0.99 too knowing the Apple currency converison rates) as oppose to the current set up of having to purchase the show for $1.99.
There is rumoured to be a new version of the Apple TV winging its way to the market and we'll give you three guesses as to what it's called… Yeah, you've got it, the iTV (law suit filed in 5, 4, 3…) The iTV is rumoured to have a built in 16GB memory, the ability to run applications and the possibility of streaming iTunes to iPads/Phones/Touches through a Wi-Fi connection.
A new tablet
This is probably the least likely of all the possibilities we've outlined so far, somewhere up there with the pink elephants or flying farm animals of the swine variety, making an appearance but it's still worth a mention. Ever since the iPad launched, there has been speculation as to whether Apple would release a 7 inch tablet to co-exist alongside the current, larger iPad. The recent tablet rumours from Samsung, LG, HTC/Google et al, would suggest that they believe there will at some point, be a smaller tablet, given that each is looking to release tablet into this exact space as oppose to taking the iPad on head-to-head. Now, we're not suggesting that there won't be an iPad Mini on the horizon somewhere but we doubt very much that we'll see anything concrete this year.
Well, i think that's about covered everything unless Apple really pull an Ace from their sleeve and in all likelihood, tomorrows announcement will be the new iPod Touch/Nano as expected, but we wouldn't be surprised at all to see the announcement of the cloud based iTunes in tow. Whatever happens, make sure you check back at the blog tomorrow for our coverage of the announcement(s).


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Red Sox reserving judgment with Hill
By Jim Hawkins / Special to MLB.com
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Left-handed reliever Rich Hill worked a scoreless relief appearance Friday. And, although the Red Sox made a couple of strange plays in the field behind him, Hill remains unscored upon after three outings this spring.
The 33-year-old Hill, who signed a Minor League contract with the Red Sox in January, was late in reporting to camp because of the death of his newborn son.
Although it appears unlikely he will catch up in time to make the Opening Day roster, he could definitely be a factor in the Red Sox bullpen as the season progresses.
"He's come through a personal tragedy," manager John Farrell said. "We just want him to get comfortable.
"He came into camp, and he was in the bullpen throwing powerful and he's probably going through a dead-arm period trying to ramp up his innings which you fully expect starting late. So we're reserving some judgment there."
Hill pitched for the Red Sox from 2010-12, but was limited by an array of injuries. He spent last season with the Cleveland Indians, where he was 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA in 63 games.
Lester tunes up, builds arm strength in sharp outing
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- As a hitter on an opposing team, A.J. Pierzynski was quite familiar with Jon Lester. However, as the new everyday catcher for the Red Sox, Pierzynski is discovering he has a lot to learn about his current team's ace left-hander.
"I didn't know he's as competitive as he is -- he's got a little [Jake] Peavy in him, out there yelling at himself on the mound," Pierzynski said Friday after Lester had blanked the Phillies on four hits over the first 5 2/3 innings and Pierzynski had doubled home both of the Red Sox runs in a 2-2 tie in 10 innings.
Lester, who will make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start on March 31 in Baltimore against the Orioles, struck out five and walked one. The 30-year-old lefty has now struck out 14 batters in 12 2/3 spring innings and has a spring ERA of 0.71.
"The numbers speak for themselves," Pierzynski said. "He made pitches when he had to. He throws the ball over the plate."
"He went out and pitched, he didn't overexert himself," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "I thought he used his fastball very well."
"I felt good, I got in rhythm a little earlier than I did last time," Lester said. "I still don't have a good feel for my breaking ball, but that will come. I feel like I'm headed in the right direction.
"I think the plan is to keep building my arm up," the lefty continued. "I don't want to go into the first start [of the regular season] only being able to throw 85 or 90 pitches."
According to Farrell, Lester was slated to throw 80-85 pitches against the Phillies on Friday. He threw 81.
"He'll throw 95-100 in his last outing," Farrell said. "We'll continue to build up the number of pitches."
Lester is scheduled to make his final spring start on Wednesday when the Red Sox play the Orioles, their Opening Day opponent.
Farrell said Friday that the Red Sox haven't decided whether Lester will start that Grapefruit League game or pitch in a Minor League camp game.
Only Adam Wainwright (276) and Clayton Kershaw (259) threw more combined innings than Lester (248) did last year. Lester's 4,083 pitches between the regular season and postseason were the most in baseball.
Lester, who is entering the final year of his contract, said negotiations are continuing on an extension that would keep him in a Red Sox uniform.
"I think we're headed in the right direction," he said. "We're not in the red zone, but we've had good dialogue. As of right now we just have to keep hashing it out."
Battling for roster spot, Bradley sees quiet day
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- A year ago, when Jackie Bradley Jr. faced Phillies ace Cliff Lee in Spring Training, he belted a homer over the left-center-field fence at Bright House Field in his first at-bat -- a three-run blast that may have clinched Bradley's spot on the Opening Day squad last year.
On Friday, Bradley, who this spring is battling Grady Sizemore for the center-field job and a place on the season-opening roster, started in center field and went 0-for-4, dropping his average to .182.
Meanwhile, told that scouts have said that Sizemore, who is batting .360 this spring, doesn't look like a guy who hasn't played organized ball in two years, Red Sox manager John Farrell said, "I totally agree.
"It's pretty amazing, given the time missed. It just speaks to his athleticism and the low-maintenance swing."
However, the Red Sox remain concerned about Sizemore's durability. Assuming he makes the team, they may limit him to a "recommended number of games played per week," at least in the beginning.
"To say we have a read on his durability, that's premature," Farrell said. "I think we need to get through this coming week first."
That is why the 23-year-old Bradley, who was the surprise of camp last spring when he batted .419 to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup despite having never played above Double-A, remains very much in the center-field picture.
Sizemore did not make the trip on Friday. He is scheduled to appear in a Minor League game on Saturday and then start in games on Sunday and Monday. That will be the first time he has played three games in a row this spring.
"At-bats, innings played, back-to-back games -- we have a very detailed plan mapped out that we're following," the Red Sox manager said. "But every piece of feedback from the medical staff has been positive.
"The most encouraging thing is he hasn't hit the proverbial wall where we're bumped up against the limit and now we have to pull back. We haven't reached that yet which is all positive. We have every reason to believe he's a likely candidate to become an everyday player with durability on his side at some point.
"We're looking to put the best team on the field every night with the intent of trying to win every game. So if rest is built into the scenario, we'll factor in everything at our disposal."
Sent down to Triple-A for more seasoning last year, Bradley batted .189 in four Major League callups.
Worth noting
• The Red Sox asked permission to use a designated hitter on Friday, but the Phillies, as is their right as the home team, declined.
"These situations are exchanged early in camp, almost at the beginning of the schedule," Farrell said. "I think there was a willingness if [David] Ortiz was on the trip. A manager is going to look at his own team, he knows what his needs are. We're the visiting team, so we'll play by the rules."
As a result, Lester took his first swings of the spring. He went 0-for-2, striking out and laying down a bunt.
"At least I got it down," joked Lester, who is not known for his prowess with a bat.
Farrell said the Red Sox will be allowed to employ a DH when they play the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Saturday.
• Left-handed reliever Craig Breslow threw "20 pitches of live batting practice with good intensity," Friday morning, Farrell said, and is "on tap for Monday," when he will make his first spring appearance.
Asked if Breslow is still on track to make the Opening Day roster, Farrell said, "It's premature to answer that.
"Be realistic and look at him in those three outings next week. I think he's following a path ahead of last year. Getting to game speed takes a while, and he's getting there."
• Farrell, his coaching staff and nine of the players who made the two-hour trip to Clearwater on Friday remained overnight at a Disney World area hotel Friday night while the rest of the squad bussed back to Fort Myers, Fla., after the game.
Those who remained will be joined for Saturday's game against the Braves by a fresh group of players, including Dustin Pedroia, Shane Victorino and Xander Bogaerts.
• The Phillies and Red Sox attracted a Bright House Field record crowd of 11,210 Friday.
• John Lackey will start Saturday's game against the Braves. Right-handers Dalier Hinojosa and Francisco Cordero and lefty Tommy Layne are also scheduled to pitch.
• With Opening Day now just 10 days away, Farrell has indicated the Red Sox regular-season starting lineup will be on the field fairly regularly next week.
Jim Hawkins is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Jim Harbaugh needs a do-over but does not seem willing to admit it.
Going with Colin Kaepernick over Alex Smith at quarterback was a huge gamble that the San Francisco 49ers coach didn't need to make. Maybe the 49ers will reach the Super Bowl with Kaepernick. But they are having offensive issues that the more-experienced Smith is better equipped to handle.
With five catches in the past five games, tight end Vernon Davis has disappeared with Kaepernick under center. He had 29 catches in the first nine games with Smith at quarterback. The chemistry between Smith and Davis was outstanding as Davis blossomed into one of the NFL's best tight ends.
Kaepernick and Davis haven't established nearly the same connection, so the 49ers have lost production from one of their best weapons. And now, Davis is nursing a concussion.
Kaepernick also had trouble getting the ball snapped quickly enough Week 16's ugly loss at Seattle, as he struggled to deal with the crowd noise. The 49ers had two delay-of-game penalties, and Kaepernick also burned two timeouts to avoid more play clock issues.
Every opposing quarterback is challenged by the crowd noise in Seattle, but you have to wonder whether Smith would give the 49ers a better chance if they have to visit Lambeau Field or the Georgia Dome to win a playoff game.
The 49ers' defense might not be able to carry Kaepernick through the postseason, especially with Justin Smith injured. San Francisco allowed 76 points in its past two games. The 49ers could use a playoff bye week, but they must beat the Arizona Cardinals and see the Green Bay Packers lose at Minnesota for that to happen. That means their tiring defense will need more help from Kaepernick — help he might not be ready to provide.
— Cardinals at 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday | NFL Week 17 schedule | Fantasy Source
The switch to Kaepernick also has long-term ramifications. Smith is likely to want out of San Francisco after this season. Why wouldn't he? Teams like the Cardinals, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills need a starting quarterback.
The bigger the quarterback problems are around the league, the more Smith's stock goes up.
Harbaugh benched Smith when he was playing the best football of his career. The 49ers flirted with Peyton Manning during the offseason. When Smith's concussion opened the door for Harbaugh to make the switch, he pounced on it. That's not loyalty, so why should Smith show loyalty to Harbaugh after this season?
Kaepernick had his worst game as a starter in Seattle, but afterward, Harbaugh said he had no thoughts of going back to Smith. Unless Kaepernick in injured, the 49ers will sink or swim with an inexperienced second-year quarterback.
Smith seems like a better option. But with Harbaugh unwilling to waver, his quarterback decision might eventually undo the 49ers.
Texans in trouble
Even if the Houston Texans nail down the AFC's No. 1 seed, I don't see them going to the Super Bowl. They got their doors blown off by the New England Patriots earlier this month. The Broncos, winners of 10 straight, are playing the most consistent football in the NFL.
Even if the Texans hold onto the No. 1 seed, they will have trouble getting past the Broncos and Patriots. But if they lose at Indianapolis on Sunday and squanders the No. 1 seed, the Texans would be setting themselves up for a potential one-and-done playoff run.
Did we mention the Texans are 0-10 in Indianapolis? Sunday would be a good time to get No. 1.
Titans' biggest concern is Locker
Regardless of whether Mike Munchak remains coach, it's hard to get excited about the Tennessee Titans' future if Jake Locker is their quarterback.
Hard to remember a game in which both starting quarterbacks played worse than Locker and the Jets' Mark Sanchez did during their Week 15 mistake-filled matchup. Rex Ryan benched Sanchez in Week 16, but Locker continued his terrible play. He was 13-for-30 with one TD and two interceptions during a 55-7 loss to the Packers.
Locker is a superb athlete, but he doesn't throw the ball accurately enough to win consistently at this point. A lot of NFL teams have found the answer with young quarterbacks. But Locker and the Vikings' Christian Ponder remain huge question marks.
Rookie QBs boost 2013 class
The top quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft should be smiling. The success of Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill, and the number of teams that need quarterbacks, will only help QBs in the upcoming draft.
Wilson and Tannehill were not viewed as can't-miss picks like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, but their play enhanced the theory that more quarterbacks are leaving college ready to play right away.
Geno Smith (West Virginia) and Matt Barkley (Southern Cal) have long been viewed as first-round picks, but quarterback-needy teams might be more willing to take a chance on Mike Glennon (North Carolina State), Tyler Bray (Tennessee) and Landry Jones (Oklahoma), hoping to hit the way the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins hit with their rookie quarterbacks.
If Vikes reach playoffs, AP is MVP
The Minnesota Vikings were picked by most to finish last in the NFC North. Ponder has struggled in many games. Percy Harvin, the Vikings' second-best offensive player, is injured and out for the season. Yet, running back Adrian Peterson has a chance for a 2,000-yard season.
Take nothing away from the seasons Peyton Manning or Tom Brady have enjoyed. But if Peterson and the Vikings make the playoffs, what else does a running back have to do to win the MVP award? Peterson should not be penalized because he doesn't play the game's most important position.
If Peterson caps his remarkable season with a strong game that leads the Vikings to victory over the Packers on Sunday, he is my MVP.
Rams' gamble pays off
Off-the-field issues lowered Janoris Jenkins' draft stock, but as a second-round pick he has become one of the league's best cornerbacks, with three pick-sixes. Give the St. Louis Rams credit for doing their homework and setting up an environment in which Jenkins can flourish.
Give Jenkins credit for staying out of trouble, except for one missed curfew, and playing to his potential. There are enough stories about athletes who squander their opportunities. It would be nice to see Jenkins capitalize on his. So far he has.
Oh, how the Cowboys need a win
There's way more at stake for the Dallas Cowboys than the Washington Redskins in their Week 17 showdown.
Sunday night isn't just about making the playoffs for the Cowboys. It's about capitalizing on an opportunity as veteran core players Tony Romo, Jason Witten and DeMarcus Ware reach the end of another season.
With young stars like rookies Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris, the Redskins figure to be playoff contenders for some time. But the Cowboys can't be as sure. Dez Bryant has emerged as a young force, but Witten and Ware are both 30 and Romo is 32. They're not on their last legs, but if the Cowboys miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season, in a year in which the New York Giants imploded down the stretch, it's going to hurt Dallas badly.
Before the season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talked about the window closing for this group of players. If they lose to the Redskins on Sunday night, the Cowboys will feel like someone slammed that window on their fingers.


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Ah, Shooting Brake... Now there's a good name.
Agreed. A name born in the nineteenth century no less, packed with connotations of a gentleman's country pursuits. Just the thing for Merc's retro-futuristic CLS estate.
Estate? Wash your mouth out. That's no load lugger.
On the surface, maybe not. That pinched window line is coupe-ish, and although the roofline is long, the tailgate angle is more fastback than flatpack. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but personally I like it better than the standard four-door CLS. It looks great.
Hmm, but great looking cars rarely have much space inside…
Welcome to the exception. The Shooting Brake has a 590-litre boot, which is 30-odd litres bigger than the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5-Series Touring or Jaguar XF Sportbrake, all of which are practical family cars. The seats also fold to raise capacity to 1550 litres.
There must be drawbacks?
There are, but they're pretty minor. The boot aperture is impeded by the rear light design and there's a bit of a lip to lift stuff over. The engineers said that both could have been changed. but on this car, design comes first. There's good underfloor storage, an electric tailgate is standard (personally, I have this down as a minus), and you get the usual array of boot fixing kits and even a Cherry Wood floor.
Oh god, you mean like in the Audi Q7 V12?
I do. It's a £4,030 option that means all loads will be able to do a Bambi-on-ice impression as soon as you move anywhere. This will not impress your Labrador. If you live in China you have no choice though - the timber deck is standard fit in the Shooting Brake there.
Why China?
No idea. Instead, learn that rather than a strict two seat rear compartment, this model provides space for a third person. Up front all is very much as you would expect - provided, that is, you're familiar with the CLS. Even if you're not, you soon will be, because this is an easy car to get on with, simply laid out, comfortable and undemanding to drive.
That's damning it with faint praise surely? How much worse is it to drive than the CLS?
No, it's as undemanding as you want it to be. Just click the column gearlever into drive and you're off (although there's still a hateful foot-operated parking brake to spoil things), largely unaware of any difference between CLS four door and five door. There doesn't seem to be any more noise echoing around the cabin, just a faint awareness that there's more open space behind you.
And the handling?
Sportier than the average estate due to the car's lowness. It has lovely steering that suits the car perfectly, and moves smoothly and gracefully. Ideally, you want to spend £1150 on air suspension. The Shooting Brake comes with rear air cans as standard, but if you stick with the conventional spring/dampers up front, it feels a little odd, the front slightly harsher and more rigid than the back. It's got nice handling balance, corners smoothly and is generally a capable and enjoyable car to drive. Satisfying sums it up pretty well.
And you're clearly referring to the diesels here?
And the sole petrol destined for the UK, too. And yes, that is the 63 AMG with its 552bhp twin turbo V8. It's howlingly fast in a straight line, but not quite as unhinged as the E63. More polished, somehow. Anyway, in the UK we won't get the 350 and 500 petrols, so will have to content ourselves with the 250CDi and 350CDI diesels. The latter is the one you want, the V6 smoother and more laid back than the four cylinder.
But obviously much more expensive?
Not really, no. Prices start at £49,360 for the 250 CDI, while the 350 CDI is £53,000. If you don't want to go the whole hog and buy the £83,030 63 AMG, there's an AMG Sport trim for the lesser models. It's replacing the old Sport trim and costs around £3,000 more.
So, overall?
It's a very good all-rounder: stylish, cool, as practical as you're likely to need: a better drive than an E-Class, more desirable than an SUV. It's going to sell well. And it's also going to give Audi and BMW a headache - the A7 and 6-Series Gran Coupe are recent rivals to the CLS and now Merc's gone and set another target to beat.


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I just purchased a Sony 46HX850 TV and am investigating what other equipment has to be replaced to enable playing 3d blu-ray discs. I know I have to replace my Blu-Ray Player (subject of another post elsewhere), but I also have a Sony DA2400ES receiver that I am very happy with.
Currently I have the existing (2d blu-ray player) feeding HDMI to an input on the DA2400ES, and the 46HX850 connected to the main HDMI output of DA2400ES (as you would expect).
So I have three questions:
1) Does the DA2400ES support a 3d HDMI feed through; i.e. wired exactly as my current 2d setup?
2) Is there an alternative way of wiring the Tv, the Blu-Ray player, and the DA2400ES so that the former two are connected directly for the video, and the latter two for the audio?
3) If "no" to both of the above, then what do you reccommend as a receiver that equals or exceeds the DA2400ES?


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It's summertime in Florida and tourists aren't the only ones who flock to the beach. Locals spend days surfing, strolling along the waterline and just splashing around having fun!
We have miles and miles of oceanfront parks to choose from, each with their own reasons to visit. Read about our beaches below — and maybe discover a new favorite!
Vilano Beach
Unique features: When we go to Vilano Beach, I like to slow down and read the signs (pictured below) to our kiddos as we walk along the boardwalk to the ocean. We ID the plants and animals as we see them.
Swimming: Water here can be rough and undertoe strong since it's close to the inlet.
Beach: There are tons of shells at Vilano and even more as you walk North toward Guana River State Park. We've fallen in love with the "Florida's Fabulous ..." series of identification books (pictured below). I take our Florida's Fabulous Seashells: And Other Seashore Life book with us to the beach and we thumb through trying to ID any whole shells we find at the beach. Sometimes we collect a cup full and bring them home- sorting through the shells and identifying as many kinds as we can is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon at home.
Anastasia State Park
Unique features: My kids think Anastasia State Park's beach is great because they have a snack bar. You can order lunch there and pick up any essentials you forgot at the small store adjacent to it. Showers, kayak rentals, nature trails and a playground all make Anastasia State Park worth admission.
Extra considerations: Anastasia is a state park, don't forget cash for admission.
St. Augustine Beach
Unique features: Moving south, St. Augustine Beach boasts a splash park and fishing pier. Our favorite day to head there is Wednesday morning when we can pick up munchies from the Wednesday Farmers Market.
Swimming: While the pier is great for shade, for tiny sea life (look closely at the pilings) and for photos, I don't like my young children to swim near it. I do see surfers to the south of the pier having a good time.
Butler Beach
Butler Beach is my favorite beach — largely because we can rinse off in the showers after we play and because it isn't quite as busy as the other beaches. Butler Beach is wide and pretty calm, great for my littles. We had an emergency there once and were very grateful for the fire department across the street.
Marineland & Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Special features: South of St. Augustine, the beaches have rocks along the dunes — our family loves exploring the rock formations at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Swimming: Due to the submerged rocks, it isn't safe to swim at Washington Oaks.
Extras: Take a picnic and enjoy the intracoastal side of the park's cultivated gardens. As a state park, admission is required — bring cash for the honor system.


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Thanks for your repliesThe reason this type of oven appeals to me is mostly because it would fit in my restaurant without major remodeling costs. I wanted to put in either a forno bravo with the drago burner, the valoriani verace, or a gas fired stefano Ferrara but they just don't fit. With this wave oven I could just remove my double stack 1060 blodgette and replace it with the marsal. The outer dimensions are almost identical. I do highly doubt it's gonna bang out 90 second pizzas but I could live with a 2 to 3 minute bake and just not do VPN napoletana pizzas.
I think your right about that. It's hard to tell but that looks like the smaller oven to me. When I spoke with Marsal they did tell me that the right side of the oven where the flame is runs about 100 degrees hotter than the left side. He recommended using the hotter side for the NP style pies and the cooler side for the NY pies. Seems like it could be a tough oven to manage.
He recommended using the hotter side for the NP style pies and the cooler side for the NY pies.
Put a 4 minute pie and an 8 minute pie in front of a John Q Pizzaeater and he probably couldn't tell the difference- either visually or by taste. But.. while he won't be able to voice any distinction at that particular moment, he will, over time, make a very clear distinction as to which pizza he prefers- with his wallet.
Scott, I am very interested in this statement. If a person doesn't "voice any distinction at that particular moment" what is the hook , or draw, that will get him to try again over his usual preferred joint? Especially if the price happens to be less.Thanks.
Bob, beyond what RE and Pizzaneer stated, I would say that, much like if you hung a painting ever so slightly crooked, told someone to look at the room and asked them to describe it, they may not catch the crooked painting specifically, but, at the same time, they might say that something 'feels wrong' or is 'off.' The pizza obsessive will be able to taste the 4 minute slice, detect these minutiae and describe all the superior attributes, but the average person won't have that vocabulary, nor will they have the palette to recognize the distinction. They will, on on a subconscious level, though, register the distinction of the 4 minute pie, and if given a choice between two pizzerias right next to each other, will almost always choose the 4 minute place.The subconscious mind has a great deal more precision than the conscious. One example of this is when pistol shooters shoot holes in coins that they've thrown in the air. If they consciously aim, they miss, but if they work on a more instinctual level and think less as they're shooting, they have far more success putting the bullet through the center of the coin.At least, this subconscious aspect is my theory. For the pizzeria owner looking to put out a more profitable product, the why doesn't really matter. The evidence is rock solid that 4 minute pies far outsell their 6+ minute brethren.
What about one of these FGM professional series "lateral" ovens with a Drago burner? Looks likes they would easily fit your space.http://www.breadstoneovens.com/pages/professional-ovens


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Boston's Logan Airport expects to open one runway Saturday night.
New York's airports dug out from under nearly a foot of snow and started letting flights resume Saturday, while Boston's Logan Airport remained closed.
Logan Airport said it expects to open one runway by 11 p.m. Across the region, flights were expected to be back on close to normal schedules on Sunday, though flight-tracking website FlightAware said 115 Sunday flights had been cancelled as of Saturday evening.
Even with flights resuming, the airlines recommended that travelers check their websites before heading out to the airport.
Meanwhile, Amtrak said the New York-Boston train route would remain closed Saturday as crews cleared tracks of snow and fallen trees. Trains were running south from New York, and between New York and Albany.
Airports in the Northeast shut down Friday afternoon as a snowstorm of potentially historic proportions blew in. The storm brought more than 2 feet of snow in some parts of New England and left more than 650,000 homes and businesses without power at its peak.
These days, airlines try to get ahead of big storms by canceling flights in advance. They want to avoid having crews and planes stuck in one area of the country. They also face fines for leaving passengers stuck on a plane for more than three hours under a rule that went into effect in 2010.
FlightAware said airlines have canceled nearly 5,400 flights since Friday because of the storm. Airlines have waived the usual fees to change tickets for flights in the affected areas.
Hardest hit was United Airlines. It has cancelled 710 Friday, Saturday and Sunday flights, according to FlightAware. That doesn't include regional airlines operating as United Express. The count almost doubles when including those, United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy said.
Delta Air Lines cancelled 1,200 flights, including regional Delta Connection flights operated by partners.
Daniel Baker, CEO of FlightAware, noted that the timing of this storm worked in the airlines' favor.
"Fortunately, Saturday is the lightest travel day of the week, so airlines can use the day to restart their operations in time for the Sunday evening travel rush," Baker said earlier as airlines were starting their cancellations.
Still, the storm disrupted thousands of travelers.


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Support Us
Friends of the Library
Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library is blessed to have an active and committed Friends group, also known as FOLKS. Learn more about FOLKS and become a member today.
The library welcomes volunteer help and has a wide variety of opportunities available. Many offer flexible hours and tasks to suit specific interests. Our volunteers help with programming, assist with keeping materials in order, help with special projects, and shelve materials. Learn more about volunteering at the library.
Donations to the library are always welcome and can be given for the general needs of the library or for specific projects or collection development to be agreed upon by the Library Director and the donor. Donations are tax-deductible, and a letter acknowledging your donation will be provided for tax purposes. No amount is too large or too small! Contact the Library Director for more information.
Used Book Sale
Got books? The Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library does, and they're priced just right for you! Come on in and check out some great deals on used books in our ongoing book sale. Adult books, including fiction, nonfiction, biographies, and large print, are all priced at a very affordable $1.00 each. We also have plenty of paperbacks and older children's books priced at $.50 each. All proceeds from the book sale go to the Friends of the Kimberly-Little Chute Public Library (FOLKS). The Friends then help fund programming, collections, and other special needs for the library.
Both library locations have an ongoing book sale, so you can stop by any time. The book sales are filled with materials removed from the library collection or from donations from community residents, so the content changes quite often.
Consider recycling your reads and donating them to the library for the book sale! We welcome your donations, but do not accept encyclopedias, textbooks, or magazines. Your support, either in purchasing books or donating them for the sale, would be most welcome.


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Loss of Napoli's glove also hurts Red Sox
By Ian Browne / MLB.com
ST. LOUIS -- By inserting David Ortiz at first base for Game 3 of the World Series, not only do the Red Sox lose one of their most productive bats in Mike Napoli, but also one of their best fielders throughout the season.
Though Napoli didn't finish as one of the top three finalists at first base in the American League Gold Glove voting, many of the metrics suggest that he should have.
"He's done an outstanding job there," said Red Sox manager John Farrell. "And you're always going to feel that way about your own guy because you see the amount of work they put in and all that's gone into that with the work of [infield instructor Brian Butterfield] and [Napoli]. In our mind, he is [a Gold Glover]. And really, all these other awards are outward acknowledgements of the work that guys do, but he's no less important than anyone that has received a Gold Glove here."
If the Red Sox are leading in the late innings of Game 3, it is a certainty that Napoli will sub for Ortiz on defense. Farrell will be cognizant of that when it comes to a proper spot for Napoli to pinch-hit.
"If we do have a lead in the sixth or seventh inning, he's more than ready to go to pick up for David at first," said Farrell. "That's why we've got to be a little careful when to use him as a pinch-hitter as well, to preserve that defensive side of it."
One interesting development during Saturday's batting practice was Napoli taking grounders at third base. Napoli has never played that position in his Major League career. He played one game there at the Minor League level in 2002.
Though it seems unlikely Napoli would play third beyond an emergency situation in the World Series, Farrell hasn't ruled it out entirely.
"It's being thought of," Farrell told FOX's Ken Rosenthal.
"Not tonight, but it's an option," Farrell told Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com.
Without Napoli in the lineup for Game 3, Daniel Nava batted fifth, making his first World Series start in place of Jonny Gomes in left.
Slumping Salty gets nod over Ross in Game 3
ST. LOUIS -- The decision of which catcher to play continues to be one that manager John Farrell puts a lot of thought into on a daily basis.
Though Jarrod Saltalamacchia is in a funk at the plate, he got the nod for the second straight game on Saturday night. David Ross started Boston's Game 1 win.
In 29 at-bats in the postseason, Saltalamacchia has 17 strikeouts. Since the start of the American League Championship Series, Saltalamacchia has three hits in his last 19 at-bats.
"Yes, that's been thought of," said Farrell. "Yet, out of consistency with what we've done with Salty, I outlined some things before each of the last two series, this one included, we're trying to stay consistent with that. But we also know we've got five games remaining in this year, and if there needs to be a change or if there's a view that a change should be made, you know what? All things will be considered."
Saltalamacchia's power from the left side can be a big factor, although it hasn't been of late. Since his double in Game 1 of the AL Division Series, Saltalamacchia hasn't produced an extra-base hit.
"We need to get Salty going," Farrell said. "David Ross has been swinging the bat pretty darn good. But yeah, like I said, we need to get a couple guys going on our offense."
Worth noting
• Despite Clay Buchholz's much-chronicled shoulder fatigue, Farrell said he didn't give a lot of consideration to pitching Jon Lester on three days' rest in this series, which could have given the ace the chance to start Games 1, 4 and 7.
"There was some conversation, but I think history shows that has not been successful," Farrell said. "Well, from a broader perspective on Lester, the last seven, eight weeks of the season, he pitched on [five] days' rest the entire time. He went on [four] days' rest in Detroit, and had a little bit different stuff. It was noticeable. I recognize we're in the World Series, I recognize the time of year. I would rather have Jon Lester at full strength, or with normal rest, than three days of rest."
• The Red Sox have Quintin Berry on the postseason roster largely because of his ability to steal a base as a pinch-runner. It will be interesting to see if Berry can utilize his speed against elite catcher Yadier Molina. In the first two games, the Red Sox didn't attempt a stolen base.
"I guess we're going to find that out when it happens," said Farrell. "They do a good job of controlling the running game. That's clear. And yet in the two games, we haven't had that situation arise yet."
• With his pitchers set to hit in the next three games, Farrell hopes they can get down bunts when needed.
"Even something as basic as a sac bunt, we don't have that much repetition," Farrell said. "We can work all we want, as we do, in the cage or live BP sessions, but you put 40-plus thousand people in the seats and 90-plus [mph] coming at you, that's a different scenario. We just hope to get a sac bunt down if it calls for it."
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Marketplace Morning Report for Friday, March 16, 2012
Apple's latest iPad is released in stores today, but the lines aren't stretching quite so far down the block as they used to. And the company might soon be trying to buy your old iPad back from you, to refurbish and re-sell in other parts of the world. In Arizona, a new line on the state's tax return asks people how much shopping they've done out-of-state. And what is the importance of the female vote in this election cycle?


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I have a Vespa GT200 and an '04 RT and I wave to both varieties. On the scooter, about half the time I get a return wave (doesn't matter whether it is a MC or another scooter). On the bike, almost all MC's return the wave, and about half the scoots.
Agreed, most scooterists don't know the protocol.


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The Florida National Guard's top officer on Thursday endorsed the Pentagon's decision to clear women for combat roles in the U.S. military.... Read more
In light of the tragic shootings in Connecticut and Colorado, Florida legislators are taking a hard look at the state's mental health system,... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- House Speaker Will Weatherford will battle state workers to get one of his top priorities passed.
Weatherford, R-Wesley... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Senate leaders filed a sweeping ethics reform package late Friday in an attempt to close dozens of loopholes in state laws.
... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- What do violent video games, gory movies and high-powered assault weapons have in common?
They have all been blamed for... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Rick Scott is on pace to appoint fewer African-Americans to judgeships in Florida than either of his two jpredecessors, ... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Determined to prove that legislators are committed to government transparency, a Senate committee convened Thursday to explore ways... Read more
LARGO -- Gov. Rick Scott voiced his support for a broad review of Florida's controversial gun laws by state lawmakers Wednesday, saying the state'... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- The head of the Senate committee in charge of elder affairs vowed Tuesday to revive efforts to toughen the rules for assisted... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida's campaign finance system is so riddled with holes that a state ethics watchdog group will urge lawmakers Wednesday to open... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Hospitals that serve Florida's neediest patients stand to lose the most under a new system for how the state doles out Medicaid... Read more
Florida's flu season is one of the worst in years and more sickness is on the way.
The flu struck people throughout the state and nation... Read more
Twice in the past year, state health administrators cut the number of hours caregivers assisted Alex Perez's severely disabled son at his... Read more
In response to the long lines that plagued South Florida polls, two Miami lawmakers have filed legislation to reinstate early voting the Sunday... Read more
Already facing sharp criticism over policies that have resulted in the rationing of care to severely disabled children, Florida healthcare... Read more
Almost 400 people have signed up to enter the Everglades and do battle with Burmese pythons, the giant constrictors that have emerged as the... Read more
Nearly 800,000 people requested background checks so they could buy guns in Florida in 2012 — far more than in any recent year.
Statistics... Read more
Every time her son, Tod, relapsed, Maureen Barrett sat with him all day at a rehab facility, hoping she could save him.
Tod died last... Read more
Congress may have kept the nation from going over the fiscal cliff, but it failed to avert a multi-billion dollar hit to Florida's struggling... Read more
Though Florida's in-state tuition costs are more than double what they were only a decade ago, many of the state's public universities are... Read more
ST. AUGUSTINE — Where did that most ambitious conquistador, Juan Ponce de Leon, wade ashore five centuries ago and name his prize "La Florida?"... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Thousands of state workers haven't received pay raises in years, but Division of Blind Services worker Caroline McManus was due for... Read more
Let the 2014 election begin.
In a prelude to a long and bitter campaign, former Gov. Charlie Crist pointedly criticized Gov. Rick Scott... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida utility regulators on Thursday will consider one of the most pivotal cases of their term — whether to approve a base rate... Read more
Although the encounter got Shannon Linn Abbott arrested, it didn't get her fired. The 33-year-old bailed out and was back on the job right... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida's new legislative leaders handed out hefty raises and salaries to many of their top staff and newly hired talent even as... Read more
Wendy Pedroso has never liked math, but for most of elementary and middle school she got B's in the subject.
It wasn't until ninth grade at... Read more
TALLAHASSEE - Open government advocates increased the heat on state officials to unleash access to a budget transparency web site Friday as the... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- For the second time in over a year, a state judge has ruled that the Florida Legislature violated the law when it tried to... Read more
With Florida under heavy fire for funneling sick and disabled children into nursing homes designed for elders, child welfare administrators have... Read more
Even after Marie Freyre died alone in a nursing home 250 miles from the family in North Tampa that loved her, Marie's mother had to fight to bring... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Bad news and controversy are routine in the vast state government under Florida Gov. Rick Scott's control. But don't look for clues... Read more
ORLANDO -- Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater said Thursday that it's time for insurance companies to stop complaining and to lower... Read more
Florida's lawmakers appear to be facing a choice of adding comparatively few people to the state's Medicaid rolls at considerable cost or adding a... Read more
Florida may be the slowest state in the union at counting votes, but Sunshine State drivers sure know how to hustle.
Speeding drivers are... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- The forms used by property insurers across the state to calculate insurance discounts for homeowners are seriously flawed and must... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida's new legislative leadership team and the 44 new legislators who took the oath of office in Tallahassee last Tuesday... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Florida lawmakers have filed their first bills of the season.
Most are familiar: a ban on texting while driving, a... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Nearly 2,000 state workers are being displaced from Florida Gov. Rick Scott's administration because of the nation's biggest... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Few state institutions bear a more distinct imprint of recent Republican hegemony than the Florida House of Representatives.... Read more
TALLAHASSEE — Re-elected without opposition this summer, Rep. Dana Young had the strange but fortunate problem of having $200,000 in her campaign... Read more
A Florida man is in trouble after six cows were shot in the face in Flagler County.
Justin Deloach is responsible, according to the state... Read more
For some time, the father of Christian Aguilar had contemplated how to mark his son's 19th birthday Friday.
He wanted something small and... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Looking for a lesson in how government outsourcing is working in Florida?Try this: Organizations that win business with the... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- If past is prologue and 2000 is doomed to somehow repeat itself Tuesday , the role of Secretary of State Katherine Harris will be... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Republican Mitt Romney's coattails do not appear to be long enough to carry U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV into the U.S. Senate,... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- It won't just be voters heading to the polls in Florida and other swing states, but thousands of lawyers and volunteers... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Fueled by cash from outside political groups, the arms race over political advertising has reached a crescendo in Florida, where... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- City and county governments warn that if Amendment 4 passes next week, shuttered libraries, fired police officers and gutted social... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- In a highly unusual move, a state consumer advocate asked the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday to block regulators from... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- County tax collectors in Florida are fighting a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott's highway safety chief to hire a private vendor to... Read more
TALLAHASSEE -- Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has disbanded its Office of Corporate Integrity, a curious move for a state-run company that has... Read more
Florida voters get their only chance to see Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson and Republican Rep. Connie Mack IV square off against each other in a debate... Read more
An investigation in the woods about an hour outside of Gainesville continued on Sunday after human remains believed to be
Stiefel this year has written checks for $50,000 and $1 million to the pro-Obama Priorities USA Action, one of the new breed of "super PACs" using... Read more
Hearing a rumble, a worried Rick Rutigliano, an electrical supervisor, ran to the other side of the new Miami Dade College parking garage to check... Read more


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The service will be available through a series of internet devices and will "provide instant access to some of Sky's most popular content, including hundreds of films from Sky Movies," according to the broadcaster.
Jeremy Darroch, chief executive of BSkyB, said: "The launch of a second brand is an exciting opportunity for us and the rationale is very simple. Having two brands will allow us to meet the needs and preferences of different customer segments more effectively.
"Because Now TV will also be 'powered by Sky', customers will still know that it will give them the best, exclusive content and a high quality experience, from a provider they can trust.
"Either way, we believe we can offer even more customers a product that's just right for them."
The service will require no contract and will work on a pay as you basis with customers able to pay monthly or for individual programmes.
Darroch said: "As the quality of the TV experience over broadband has improved, people have become more willing to consume content in different ways.
"That presents a great opportunity to distribute our programmes, which wasn't there even a year or two ago.
"With the long-awaited explosion of connected devices now upon us, this opportunity is only going to grow. And it's something we believe is highly complementary to our existing service."
He said that Now TV is looking to target the 13 million homes that are not signed up to a pay TV service.
Sky Movies will be available from launch and content will later include sport and entertainment.
The service will be available across a wide range of connected devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, games consoles and internet-connected TVs.


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Welcome back to Come and Get It! We have a FUN new challenge this week, but first we need
to announce our winners and favorites from our Summertime Challenge!
Winner of $15 Gift Certificate from Paper Nest Dolls
Winner of 2 Free Images from All Dressed Up
Winner of Free Image of Choice from Sasayaki Glitter
Please contact Julie at firstname.lastname@example.com to collect your prize , and grab your winner's
banner from our sidebar!
The Design Team Top Picks go to:
This week our Challenge is
Black and White Plus One ( Other color)
and we are sponsored by the wonderful
Carol using Own Image
Carolyn using Own Image
Cindy using Ladybug Poppies
Iwona using Whiskers and Petals
Jessica using Line of Whiskers
Judy using Beautiful Flower
Julie using Tower of Whiskers
Neva using Ladybug Poppies


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The sincerely well-meaning and the outright meddlesome in cities throughout the nation seek to ban plastic shopping bags to protect the environment, reduce oil consumption and fight litter.
Bans, such as being studied in Irvine and enacted in Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Los Angeles, seem reasonable. But well-intentioned and meddlesome government attempts to make things better, often have unintended consequences that make things worse.
The Pacific Research Institute, a San Francisco free-market think tank, published conclusions reached by Kenneth P. Green and Elizabeth DeMeo of the American Enterprise Institute that can be viewed online at
"As the evidence above has shown, the panic surrounding plastic grocery bags is largely unfounded," write Mr. Green and Ms. DeMeo.
"Despite extensive state and local legislation that would seem to demonstrate the evils of plastic bags, the evidence shows that they're less likely to be contaminated, typically save more energy than paper or cloth alternatives and are less hazardous to dolphins than is commonly conjectured.
"[W]e need to exercise more prudence before sounding the death knell on plastics."
They cited a 2011 study by the Environmental Agency of England that found that out of seven types of grocery store bags reviewed, conventional lightweight bags made of high-density polyethylene were more environmentally friendly than a plastic bag chemically treated to speed degradation; a lightweight bag of biodegradable starch-polyester blend; a regular paper bag; a heavy-duty "bag for life" made from low-density polyethylene; a heavier duty polypropylene bag and even a cotton bag.
Conventional plastic bags had the lowest environmental impact in eight of nine categories. The popular alternative, cotton bags, had greater environmental impacts in seven of nine categories, "even when used 173 times, which is needed for its global warming potential to drop" below that of plastic bags.
Plastic bags fared even better because people recycle them as trash bags. Cotton bags must be reused 131 times to achieve what researchers term the same "global warming potential," which considers how much greenhouse gases and pollutants are generated at all stages of a bag's existence.
Other research found cotton bags are "harmful." A University of Arizona and Loma Linda University study found "large numbers of bacteria were found in almost all bags and coliform bacteria in half." Bacterial growth increased 10-fold when cloth bags containing meat juices were left in automobile trunks just two hours.
One complaint is that plastic bags contribute to ocean debris, including the alleged Great Pacific Garbage Patch, allegedly twice the size of Texas. But PRI says the floating garbage is but a "small fraction" of the size of Texas.
Economic effects of banning plastic bags are overlooked. Mr. Green and Ms. DeMeo cite a 2011 report by Suffolk University that Washington, D.C.'s bag tax "will eliminate a net of 101 local jobs," cause annual wages to fall $18 per worker and see an aggregate decline of $5.6 million in real disposable income, resulting in less income tax collected.
The National Center for Policy Analysis also found when Los Angeles County banned thin-film bags in July, 2011, stores under the ban reduced employment 10 percent while those outside the ban slightly increased jobs. Local governments, in the words of the study's authors, should "look at the whole picture when doing any sort of cost-benefit analysis."


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Since the rise of the Internet, print media — most notably newspapers — have faced a big problem with younger readers. But according to a new study released by the Pew Research Center and The Economist Group, when you look specifically at the devices they love — the smartphones in their pockets — young adults rival or even surpass their parents and grandparents as news consumers.
According to the report from Pew's Project in Excellence in Journalism, 37 percent of smartphone owners between the ages of 18 and 29 get news on their devices daily, along with 40 percent of smartphone owners aged 30 to 49. Those are slightly higher than the equivalent rates for those ages 50-64 (31 percent) and ages 65-plus (25 percent). Among tablet owners, news consumption numbers were broadly similar across age groups, with 50- to 64-year-olds being the peak news consumers.
There's more good news for media companies hoping to reach younger readers: They are more likely to share the news they read on mobile devices and to engage with ads on smartphones and tablets. For ads in particular, readers ages 18-29 were twice as likely to "at least sometimes" touch an ad on a tablet than people 30-49.
Use of mobile devices has been on the rise for some time, as has growing use of phones and tablets as the main method of going online. Pew's new findings again reinforce the importance of mobile to the future of journalism, but it also points to new opportunities for media companies.
The data comes from a survey of 9,513 adults, 4,638 of whom owned a mobile device, between June and August of this year.


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Contact: Bryant L. VanBrakle, Secretary (202) 523-5725; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
The Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission announced that on August 18, 2005, the Commission will replace its current website with a newly designed site. The new site will be launched after Commission business hours at approximately 8:00 PM EDT, on August 18th, and will be accessible using the same URL address, www.fmc.gov, used to access the Commission's current website. While minimal down time is anticipated during the launch process, some disruption in service may occur between the hours of 8:00 – 11:00 PM EDT.
Users of the Commission's service contract filing system, SERVCON, may access this system either through the Commission's website or directly via https://servcon.fmc.gov. If SERVCON filers/publishers require access to SERVCON during the launch period, they are encouraged to directly access SERVCON via the above link. If difficulties are experienced accessing the new website, please contact the Commission's Office of the Secretary at (202) 523-5725.
The look and functionality of the new website will be significantly different from the Commission's current site. While information contained on the Commission's current website will appear on the new site, much of the information has been reorganized and updated to improve transparency and flow of information. Content has been organized by areas of interest and by regulated entity - making it easier to find information.
Chairman Blust remarked: "I'm pleased to announce the launching of the Commission's new website and believe that the site will provide a more user-friendly resource for all of our stakeholders. I encourage our stakeholders to review the site and let us know if any further improvements would be helpful." Feedback on the new site can be submitted by sending comments to the Commission through the "Website Feedback" button located at the bottom of each page.
This site is an official U.S. Government Website