text:
Comment The Barn Door (Score 1) 344
Running anti-virus software is akin to locking the barn door after the prize horse has escaped.
Running anti-virus software is akin to locking the barn door after the prize horse has escaped.
SIP is a fun feature, but I think it has the potential to be more. I agree, it's "nothing more" than simple collocations, but I'm not sure how that's a critique. In the end, all software boils down to simple assembly instructions, nonetheless the magic emerges.
For further commentary, see this blog post. SIP is just simple collocations, but that's exactly what makes it so appealing. It's moving indexing and search in a more semantic direction, but in a way that's reasonable to design and implement.
This is probably premature, but I've even heard some pundits compare SIP to PageRank.
"The fundamental principle of science, the definition almost, is this: the sole test of the validity of any idea is experiment." -- Richard P. Feynman


text:
Skip to comments.Why is Al-Jazeera giving Money to Weiner?
Posted on 07/20/2013 9:41:08 PM PDT by Mortrey
Why is Al-Jazeera giving him money in the first place? We cant figure it out except for one reason his wife is a devout Muslim with extensive, irrefutable familial connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, whose propaganda is piped all over the Middle East by
(Excerpt) Read more at shoebat.com ...
Moslem victory.
Perhaps they want to be on his tweet list.
his wife is the connection
she's also Hilary's chief of staff (last I heard)
Because it is just another intelligence front and Weiner is one of the annointed destined for high political position by the powers that be. Why? Because his character is fatally flawed and thus readily controllable.
What is the mouthpiece of jihad doing investing in an American election, anyway? Are we letting foreigners buy all of our elections?
Take a look at DEBKA and a few other Israeli papers. Kerry is bullying them with 67 Borders or a Nuclear IRAN. Money? Well AL Gore AL Jazz and AL lah Muslim Bros. Obama warns Egyptian Army to back off on Muslim Bros. O backs Syrian Rebels err Muzzi Bros. Has anybody verified if O still has 6 Muzzi Bros on his Czar Bros, or how many Commie Czars he has left?
BTW NSA is still allowed to monitor these posts and I do not give a S^&&
As Walid Shoebat explains:
"...Al-Jazeera is essentially the Muslim Brotherhood television network. For years, Muslim Brotherhoods spiritual leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi has had his own program on the network, which is headquartered in Doha, Qatar. The Brotherhood despises Jews. Qaradawi himself said in 2009, that the holocaust was divine punishment
carried out by Hitler through Allah and that the Jews exaggerated this issue. Yet, Al-Jazeera is contributing money to the only Jewish candidate for Mayor in New York City and who married a devout Muslim woman whose mother is a leader in the Muslim Sisterhood??!?! Here we have another in a long line of examples that demonstrates Huma Abedin is not who she is pretending to be...."
Are we letting foreigners buy all of our elections?
Well, heck. They're not actually worth anything, so whatever we can get for them is all to the good. If we sell enough American elections, we might have enough to pay for half an hour's worth of jet fuel for President You Didn't Build That's lovely and gracious wife. Every little bit helps, you know.
Huma long rumored to be Hillary's lover -as I'm sure you've heard- with multiple family-terrorist connections...
Weiner soros same animal
Seems like Treason to me.
weiner is Jewish, but that means nothing. He is a LIBERAL. Liberals hate Judaism, liberty, Christians and the USA.
New Yorkers can be counted on to choose the mayor who hurts the city the most.
and yes, it's quite common for spies to give sexual favors for access. and considering how much hildabeast smells, just in passing... i can only imagine the level of access huma has been granted
Gosh, I can't imagine. Thanks Mortrey.
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subset: commoncrawl


text: I keep finding these little hell spawns around my house every since I brought home some Mulch bags last year. I used to have these harmless red/brown walking spiders but since these showed up, have not seen one. I want to rule out the Hobo spider but I'm not sure. They seem to range from very small to about 1/2" long. Thoughts? And yes, this was terminated on site after intense interrogation about who he was working with. :twitcy:


text:
The deadline to submit arguments for or against the measure was Aug. 16, which was met by all four members of the City Council, who wrote an argument in favor of renewing the tax. The opponents submitted their argument on Aug. 22. Confusion apparently arose over a second deadline of Aug. 22, which was limited to rebuttals to arguments already submitted by the earlier deadline. Ms. DellaSanta said only those who had submitted arguments by the Aug. 16 deadline were entitled to submit rebuttals.
Ms. DellaSanta said she had no choice but to reject the argument against the measure. "It's the only way to remain impartial," she told the Almanac.
In an email to the opponents, she wrote: "I take my responsibilities as the Elections Official seriously with the highest degree of impartiality possible. Accordingly, the only way to remain truly impartial is to enforce the rules, procedures, and deadlines that were set for this election. These are the same procedures I have used in all previous elections in Atherton."
Ms. DellaSanta said in an interview that she double-checked her understanding of the law with the county and with city clerks of several neighboring jurisdictions, all of whom agreed with her ruling.
The argument against
The development is likely to intensify unhappiness among some residents over the town's relatively high compensation of its police officers, and the police union's heavy involvement in the November election of two council members. The union endorsed the two successful candidates, now-Mayor Elizabeth Lewis and Cary Wiest, last fall — only months before negotiations for a new police contract were to begin.
The tax of $750 per year for most parcels with homes expires in June. Because Atherton has no commercial tax base, it relies heavily on the $1.8 million it raises through the annual tax. Revenue from the tax is shared by police services, which receives 60 percent, and public works projects.
The submitted statement argued that the current council hasn't been "a faithful steward of taxpayer money," and is therefore "not entitled to ask for passage of a parcel tax at this time."
The rejected ballot argument noted that police services account for more than half of Atherton's operational budget, but that the council "has refused to consider or discuss outsourcing to save tax money. Whether one is for or against police outsourcing, there is no excuse for Atherton overpaying for police services."
The opponents also cited Ms. Lewis' and Mr. Wiest's acceptance of police union endorsements "and election funding" (the union paid for signs and other materials, but made no direct candidate contributions), and said the union involvement "raises concerns about (the two endorsed council members') objectivity in the current police contract negotiations."
Neither Kathy nor Smith McKeithen could be reached for comment for this article.
Mr. Buckheit told the Almanac that the opponents' attempt to submit the ballot argument stemmed from concern that the town was "putting the cart before the horse" in putting the measure on the November ballot. The tax, he noted, doesn't expire until next year, and by waiting until spring to ask voters to renew it, the town would have more time to demonstrate to voters that the money will be spent responsibly.
"I would happily pay the parcel tax as long as there wasn't the notion that the town is paying too much for police services just because residents can afford it," he said.
This story contains 677 words.
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text:
Kimbrel to get extra relief work if necessary
By Mark Bowman and AJ Cassavell / MLB.com
LOS ANGELES -- If the right situation arises again during Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on TBS, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said he will not be hesitant to once again entrust closer Craig Kimbrel with the task of recording more than three outs.
Kimbrel recorded the final four outs to seal Friday night's 4-3 win over the Dodgers in Game 2 that evened this best-of-five series. In doing so, he became the sixth different Braves pitcher, and first since John Smoltz in Game 1 of the 2001 NLDS, to record a multi-inning save in a postseason game.
Before David Carpenter allowed the Dodgers to cut their deficit to one run in Friday's eighth inning, Gonzalez was already planning to bring Kimbrel in before the ninth inning.
"[Kimbrel] hadn't pitched since last Sunday, and we're going with the off-day [on Saturday]," Gonzalez said. "He felt pretty comfortable that he could handle that. I think tomorrow, he could do it again."
While Kimbrel might be physically capable of handling the task, the opportunity to create a four-out save situation is more difficult in the National League because of the need to find a suitable spot in the lineup to place the closer with the hope his spot would not come up to hit. This also creates the need to remove a position player, who could be needed later if the save is not converted.
"You don't want to take players out or your best defense out to do that," Gonzalez said. "Sometimes, you've just got to bite the bullet and hopefully somebody that you bring in does his job, and you get somebody out."
Fredi: Simmons shows a knack on defense
LOS ANGELES -- Andrelton Simmons' rocket arm and great range enabled him to produce some of the greatest defensive metrics ever recorded by a Major League shortstop. But his tremendous baseball IQ may not be recognized by those who have simply seen the countless jaw-dropping, highlight-reel plays he has created this season.
"He's got a knack," said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, whose team will face the Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS. "He's got a clock, court awareness, whatever you want to call it for the game that you can't teach."
Much of the polarizing buzz surrounding Atlanta's 4-3 win in Game 2 of the NLDS on Friday night centered around whether Dodgers pinch-runner Dee Gordon was correctly called out while attempting to steal second with one out in the ninth inning.
Manager Don Mattingly and his players contend Gordon was safe. Gonzalez and the rest of the Braves' contingent obviously believe second-base umpire Bill Miler made the right call. A freeze-frame photo that has circulated through the social media world over the past 24 hours indicates Simmons did indeed tag Gordon before he reached the bag.
"After watching it on replay and watching it, [Miller] got it right," Gonzalez said. "Simmons is amazing."
Backup catcher Gerald Laird's strong throw provided Simmons the opportunity to gain the favorable ruling from Miller. Gordon might have indeed been safe had Simmons instinctively moved toward the short-hopped throw before making a tag that was just as quick and instinctual as the between-the-legs tag he made to prevent Cincinnati's Shin-Soo Choo from stealing second on May 6.
"I could see the ball was going to bounce and I was not going to have a lot of time," Simmons said. "So, I knew I had to do something quick instead of just coming down [with the tag]. I wasn't really trying to block him. I was just trying to go down with the ball. The closer you are to the ball, the better chance you have to get him."
Two innings before applying this quick tag, Simmons used his powerful arm to retire the speedy Carl Crawford at the end of the improbable 1-6-3 double play that allowed Luis Avilan escape the one-out, runners at the corners threat that he inherited with the Braves leading by one run in the seventh.
"He's just a special guy defensively," Gonzalez said. "Here's a guy, somebody asks me what is the best play you've ever seen him make? My patent answer is the next one because you just never know."
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Avilan became the second pitcher in Major League postseason history to start an inning-ending 1-6-3 double play with the potential tying run on third base. Cleveland's Bob Lemon also did it in Game 6 of the 1948 World Series against the Boston Braves.
Garcia locked in to start Game 4 vs. Dodgers
LOS ANGELES -- Manager Fredi Gonzalez's answer still hasn't changed. Win or lose in Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS, veteran right-hander Freddy Garcia will get the ball for the Braves in Game 4 on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.
When asked if he's certain that nothing will change his mind, Gonzalez raised one hand in the air as if to swear an oath and said, "yes."
"You sounded like a lawyer there," the Braves manager joked.
With the Braves and Dodgers currently tied at one game apiece in the best-of-five series, Garcia will get the ball on Monday with either a chance to clinch or a chance to stave off elimination.
It's an exciting prospect for Garcia, who spent much of the season struggling in the Baltimore organization. Since he was acquired by the Braves in August, Garcia has posted an ERA of 1.65 in six outings, and he has notched a WHIP of just over one.
"It's an opportunity to win a big game," Garcia said. "It's nice. It's huge for me. I've just got to be me, don't shake anything, and pitch the way I pitch."
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, on the other hand, didn't fully commit, but he said he's still planning on employing No. 4 starter Ricky Nolasco in Game 4. (Though he didn't swear any oaths.) The other option would be Cy Young Award favorite Clayton Kershaw, and when asked in which game he'd like to face the Dodgers' ace, Gonzalez's response was simple:
"Neither of them," he said.
Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. AJ Cassavell is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajcassavell. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
We've whipped up collar DIYs before, like our lace collar, but lately we've been lusting after a more futuristic look. After spotting some silver faux leather in our store, we knew it would be perfect for a sleek, simple metallic collar. And we're really loving the industrial look of the metal closure. Follow our instructions below to make it yourself!
1. Gather your supplies. You'll need: scissors, a needle, silver thread, a metal closure, 1 1/2 ft silver faux leather trim
2. Trim your silver trim into a long trapezoid for your collar. You may want to use a real collared shirt as a template, or simply wrap the trim around your neck and eyeball it. Angle the edges a bit – our trim was 16 inches long at the top, and 17 inches long at the bottom.
3. Thread your needle with the silver thread and tie a knot at the bottom of the thread. Place one end of the metal closure over the top corner of the silver trim, and begin sewing around it to hold it in place. Once it's secure, tie the thread in a knot in the back and snip the ends.
4. Repeat Step 3 by sewing the other side of the metal closure to the other side of the collar.
5. You're all done! Simply unclip the metal closure to put the collar on.


text:
Iam trying to connect the NXT with an USB-Cable with my Eeepc100H.
What i did:
Tried the Tutorial on lejos.org and the Tutorial on ubuntuusers.
lsusb dont list any Robot or Lego Group.
The Test nxj -u Tune fails with the Message:
Code: Select all
leJOS NXJ> Linking...
leJOS NXJ> Uploading...
leJOS NXJ> Failed to find any NXTs
leJOS NXJ> Failed to connect to any NXT
an error occurred: No NXT found - is it switched on and plugged in (for USB)?
Yes it is switched on and plugged.
Any ideas?


text:
33 games in 31 days: Game #29: The Phils reached the low point as the bullpen melts down in the third as the Phils lose their eighth straight game, 6-3.
After taking a quick lead, the Phils had a five-run meltdown by the bullpen in the third, as the Phils lose their eighth straight game, 6-3.
The Phils took the lead in the second as, with runners on the corners, and with nobody out, Wilson Valdez hits an RBI single, knocking in Ross Gload, who had earlier doubled, then went to third on Brian Schneider's single, giving the Phils a 1-0 lead, while sending Schneider, who had earlier singled, up to second base. Two batters later, after Joe Blanton had hit into a bunt force out, 1-5, as Schneider is forced out at third base for the inning's first out, while Valdez would reach second base on the play, while Blanton would be safe at first, the Phils added to their lead as Jimmy Rollins hits an RBI single, scoring Valdez, giving the Phils a 2-0 lead, while sending Blanton up to second base. The Phils then made it a 3-0 lead as, with one man on, and with two men out, Gload hits an RBI double, knocking in Hunter Pence, who had earlier been safe at first on a force out, 1-4, as Chase Utley had earlier reached base on second baseman Justin Turner's fielding error. The Phils' then pulled out Blanton before the start of the Mets half of the third, who was doing fine after pitching two scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and started auditioning for bullpen spot(s) on the playoff roster, which turned out to have been a mistake. The Mets cut the Phils' lead down to 3-2 as, with two men on, and with two men out, Willie Harris hits a deep fly ball to right that Pence was unable to catch, scoring Ruben Tejada, who had reached first base on a fielder's choice, as Jason Pridie, who had earlier singled, then stole second base, was caught in a rundown before being tagged out, 1-4-5-6-4, before reaching second base during the rundown, and Turner, who had earlier walked, before he reached third base. The Mets then tied the game up at three-all two battters later, after David Wright had walked, putting runners on the corners as Nick Evans hits an RBI double, knocking in Harris, while sending Wright up to third. The Mets then took the lead as, with two men on, and with still two men out, Josh Thole hits a two-run single, scoring both Wright and Evans, giving the Mets a 5-3 lead. The Mets then made it a 6-3 lead in the fourth as, with a runner on third, and with one man out, Tejada hits an RBI single, scoring Pridie, who had earlier hit a ground-rule double, then moved up to third on Dillon Gee's sacrifice bunt, 2-4. That would be the final score as the Phillies were put down easily in the ninth as Manny Acosta collected his fourth save of the season.
Joe Blanton received a no-decision as he went two shutout innings, giving up just a hit, while he struck out three. David Herndon (1-4, 3.38) took the lost as he pitched two-thirds of an inning, giving up four unearned run on a hit and two walks, while striking out one. Kyle Kendrick pitched an inning and a third, giving up two runs on four hits, while striking out a batter. Michael Schwimer, Michael Stutes and Justin De Fratus combined for four scoreless innings, striking out six batters (two batters each) between them. Dillon Gee (13-6, 4.43) gets the win as he pitched six innings, giving up three runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out two. Bobby Parnell collected his eleventh hold of the year as he pitched one and two-third scoreless innings, striking out a batter. Daniel Herrera collected his first hold of the season as he pitched a third of an inning, getting out the only man that he would face. Manny Acosta received his fourth save of the year as he pitched a scoreless inning, giving up a hit and a walk.
The Phils had ten hits in the ballgame, with Jimmy Rollins leading the team with three hits, all singles, knocking in a run. Ross Gload followed with two hits, both doubles, knocking in a run. Shane Victorino (Single), Chase Utley (Double), Brian Schneider (Single), Wilson Valdez (Single, RBI) and pinch hitter Erik Kratz (Single) had the other five Phils' hits.
The Phils (98-60, 1st) will conclude their series with the Mets (76-82, 4th), with a game in progress, with the Phils in complete control.


text:
I own a 2000 R100RT and my abs unit failed.
From the bmw moa face book page some one turned me to a thread here about module masters: http://www.modulemaster.com/en/index.php
Today I called them up and told them what I have. They asked If I have the servo assist one ( I don't).
After a minute or so they came back on and said for $325 plus shipping they can repair it WITH a 5 year warranty.
would take a week turn around.
I was quoted $1200 for a new unit plus 4 hours labor buy a indie BMW shop.
Haven't tried the stealer.
Now I have 3 choices. Learn to R&R it myself, have a stealer do it, or convince the indie to do it ( he says He will only install a new one and no used one. would my rebuilt count?)
Now all I have to do is get the cash together for that. Tires and no ABS for now are in my future.


text: "Surgeon and historian Rutkow (Bleeding Blue and Gray) takes on an ambitious survey of 'the events of medicine within the full tapestry of the American experience.' It's a daunting piece of terrain, and Rutkow traverses it with ease through the stories of an array of fabulous physicians. Among them is William Morton, the self-taught dentist who in 1846 demonstrated ether's effectiveness in relieving the pain of surgery. Also present are William Welch, the 'dean of American medicine,' who emphasized the novel idea of the importance of laboratory research to medicine. Abraham Flexner was a muckraker about the failings of medical training in the vein of his contemporary, Upton Sinclair. By the mid-20th century, Rutkow writes, 'Science had finally vanquished the bugbears of superstition and tradition.' Physicians turned a once-suspect profession into a respected one. America, as well, had achieved prestige as a place where new treatments were found. The trends in the late 20th century are just as exhilarating, Rutkow finds, albeit far more complex and troubling: 'Modern medicine has become an arena of trade-offs, a balance between costs, organization, expectations, and ethics.' Rutkow reminds us just how satisfying history can be in the hands of a good storyteller."Publishers Weekly


text:
Blue Jays ink veterans Ortiz, Langerhans
By Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com
Both players received invitations to Spring Training but are expected to begin the year at Triple-A Buffalo. There's also an outside chance that Langerhans will have a shot at earning the final spot on Toronto's bench in 2013.
Ortiz has spent parts of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues with the Angels, Reds, Nationals, Twins, Rockies, Dodgers and Cubs. He has an overall record of 86-84 and a 4.93 ERA in 296 games (214 starts).
The 39-year-old Ortiz last pitched in the Major Leagues during the 2011 season, when he posted a 4.86 ERA in 33 1/3 innings with the Giants. Last season, Ortiz made 27 starts for Triple-A Scranton of the Yankees organization and went 13-6 with a 3.45 ERA.
Toronto has a locked in starting five of R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow and Ricky Romero but is in the market for additional depth. Ortiz now joins J.A. Happ, Chad Jenkins and Justin Germano as potential injury replacements.
Langerhans spent most of the 2012 campaign with Triple-A Salt Lake of the Angels organization. He posted a .250 average with 11 homers and 54 RBIs while recording an .816 on-base plus slugging percentage in 96 games.
The 32-year-old Langerhans has appeared in parts of 10 seasons at the big league level with five organizations. He is a career .226 hitter and has the ability to play all three outfield positions.
Gregor Chisholm is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, North of the Border, and follow him on Twitter @gregorMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
We continue with our Big 12 preview today by looking at my predicted first-place finishers in both divisions: Kansas and Texas
Predicted finish in '09 (Overall and Big 12 North): First, 8-4, 5-3
Predicted losses in Big 12 play: Oklahoma, at Texas Tech, at Texas
Can build around: The offense. Lake Travis' Todd Reesing, the Doug Flutie of the Big 12, is back after throwing for 3,888 yards (eighth-best nationally) and 32 touchdowns in 2008. KU returns mighty mite RB Jake Sharp, who ran for 860 yards (4.6 ypc) and 12 touchdowns in 2008.
The Jayhawks also have one of the best receiving corps in the country, led by junior Dezmon Briscoe (92 catches for 1,407 yards and 15 TDs) and former QB Kerry Meier (97 catches for 1,045 yards and eight TDs).
On defense, KU returns three starters on the defensive line in addition to highly touted junior college transfer DE Quinton Woods (6-6, 230), who originally signed with Michigan but failed to qualify academically. Kansas gave up less than 4 yards per carry as a defense last season (3.9 ypc) and should be able to match that or improve on that with the experience returning up front.
KU returns all four starters in the secondary, including first-team All-Big 12 strong safety Darrell Stuckey, who had 98 tackles and five interceptions in 2008.
Need to rebuild: The offensive line has only two starters returning (sophomore C Jeremiah Hatch and sophomore RT Jeff Spikes), and KU lost its entire linebacking corps from last year, which served as a huge source of leadership.
To help fill holes at linebacker, coach Mark Mangino moved sledgehammer RB Angus Quigley to LB, and Quigley has already earned a starting spot. Texas fans will remember Quigley for knocking S Blake Gideon out of the game last year, only to get flattened by S Christian Scott a couple plays later.
Final analysis: The measure of Mangino's recruiting and team-building will come this year because you don't get skill talent like Reesing, Briscoe, Meier and Sharp together on one team very often. If Mangino has recruited enough talent to fill in for that veteran group linebackers from last season (Mike Rivera, James Holt and Joe Mortensen), then Kansas wins the Big 12 North hands down. If not, KU will have to scratch and claw through the a Big 12 South schedule that includes Texas, OU and Texas Tech.
KU will get a test at UTEP on Sept. 12, and I could see that game being a struggle for the Jayhawks because the Miners return 15 starters, including QB Trevor Vittatoe. But I think KU wins at Colorado and at Kansas State before going 0-3 against the Big 12 South.
Predicted finish in '09 (Overall and Big 12 North): First, 12-0, 8-0
Predicted losses in Big 12 play: None
Can build around: It helps to have the most accurate quarterback in the history of college football (Colt McCoy completed 76.7 percent of his passes last season). Receivers Jordan Shipley, who had 89 catches for 1,060 yards and 11 TDs in 2008, Brandon Collins (35 catches for 430 yards and three TDs) and Malcolm Williams (17 catches for 304 yards and three TDs) figure to be among the league's best. The offensive line has plenty of experience, but struggled to run the ball when it wanted to in games last season against Texas Tech and Ohio State. That will have to improve.
On defense, DE/OLB Sergio Kindle wants to lead the country in sacks and should have help on the defensive line in Lamarr Houston, Kheeston Randall and ends Sam Acho and Alex Okafor. The linebackers are the best Mack Brown has had in 12 seasons at UT thanks to Roddrick Muckelroy, Jared Norton, Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho.
The secondary may be the deepest of any team outside of Florida thanks to some blossoming talent in CBs Chykie Brown , Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown as well as safeties Earl Thomas, Blake Gideon, Christian Scott, Nolan Brewster and Ben Wells.
Need to rebuild: Texas needs to avoid any depth issues on the defensive line. While Ben Alexander had a great spring, he's still more geared to stopping the run than the pass (so he'll get some serious work against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State). And we don't know what Derek Johnson, Calvin Howell and Tevin Mims will bring.
The other million-dollar question is how and who will run the football for the Longhorns? Cody Johnson and Foswhitt Whittaker were both dinged in the spring and failed to win the job outright. Vondrell McGee stayed healthy in the spring and was improved, according to coaches, who are also eager to see what Chris Whaley brings to the field.
But if Mack Brown is serious about implementing a power running game, it may make a lot of fans nervous because when Vince Young and Ricky Williams have not been in the backfield, the running game has not always flourished under Brown.
Final analysis: The schedule shapes up really well for Texas, which will be in for the fight of its life against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and will probably struggle in one other game that no one sees right now (probably Baylor in Waco). But I'm going to take Colt McCoy, who has a career 73.4 percent completion rate against OU (58 of 79 for 709 yards with five touchdowns and one interception) and a career 79.4 percent completion rate (81 of 102 passes for 667 yards and with six touchdowns and four interceptions) against OSU.
McCoy may not match his NCAA record 76.7 percent completion rate for the 2008 season, but it's clear he's money when big stakes are on the line. He's also on a mission after everything that happened last season. On defense, I'm putting my money on Will Muschamp. It's Year 2 of Boom, and that's good news for everyone wearing burnt orange. More familiarity, more ferociousness and more chest-bumping.
I just have a feeling that Texas is going to survive the big games and end up playing Kansas for a second time in Dallas for the Big 12 title. And after winning that game, playing for the national title against Florida, which has a favorable SEC schedule (the Gators' toughest game appears to be at LSU because they don't play Alabama or Ole Miss from the SEC West) and appears capable of getting back to the national title game.


text:
Jury experience is trial for Burnett
As a historian of science, Graham Burnett has devoted much of his time to studying the relationship between science and European expansionism in the 19th century. When last year he found himself serving as the foreman of a jury hearing a murder trial, he discovered that some of that academic work – seemingly quite removed from modern life – helped him come to terms with the experience.
Burnett, who joined the faculty this fall as an assistant professor of history, was finishing up the proofs for his first book, "Masters of All They Surveyed: Exploration, Geography and a British El Dorado," in 1999 when he received a jury summons. Serving on the jury was such a transforming experience that Burnett ended up writing a book about it.
"A Trial by Jury," published by Knopf in September, is about the killing of Randolph Cuffee, a gay man who is found stabbed to death in his apartment in New York's Greenwich Village. The defendant, Monte Milcray, who is on trial for second-degree murder, admits to the killing but says he was defending himself from being raped. After taking the reader through much of the testimony in the case, Burnett gives a mesmerizing account of how 12 people of varying intellectual abilities attempt to make sense of the set of contradictory and incomplete facts they have been given to determine Milcray's fate.
The process grows unruly as the jury, sequestered during its deliberations, is increasingly fractious. Burnett describes the four days of deliberations in the book: "A clutch of strangers yelled, cursed, rolled on the floor, vomited, whispered, embraced, sobbed and invoked both God and necromancy."
For the complete story , see the Weekly Bulletin.
Contact: Marilyn Marks (609) 258-3601


text:
sounds like a wonderful day Gini.
Chiliwist Valley
OK Gang.......somebody arrest that dang groundhog and throw him in jail until we actually get spring.....It's snowing....in East Tn. the end of March..nooooooooooooo.....I WANT SPRING!!!!!
I told hubby it's snowing when he got up a bit ago, and he thought I was kidding...until he looked out window. He's not happy either. Looks like I do some sewing, and he can try to get rid of the cold I brought home with me from Branson and gave him. TV showed even Branson was getting a bunch of the white stuff. I'm glad they held off and got it after our retreat.
Well, to make some breakfast and then spend time sewing and putting some quilt sandwiches together.
Diana in East Tn.
I agree with you Diana...I want spring too...my DH told me to look out the window a few minutes ago..I was like "don't tell me".....sure enough there's snow on the mountain and on the ground and the wind is blowing very hard...had to wear ear plugs last night cause of the wind....well I guess I am going to get some cutting done and maybe work on the quilt for my sister....I don't work today until 2:30 so I have some time to play.
newport, tennessee
"may there always be work for your hands to do"
newport, tennessee
"may there always be work for your hands to do"
I am going to finish and wash Nolan's quilt. Then I will go to town, if the roads are good, cause yeah, we got more snow too, will watch DGD3 at gymnastics, head to the grocery store and then back home.
Heading to IN for Easter, our DS and family are there. DS is a Children's Pastor and he (&the church) are having a huge egg hunt again this year. We love to go and help w/the DGKs. 250,000 eggs, 2 helicoptor drops, 100 bikes, Ipads and other prizes. It is such a wonderful outreach and we are super proud of our DS & DDIL. She is truly his right hand!
Well, will find something for breakfast and then the quilting begins! Everyone have a great day! Spring will come, it always does! :-)
Diana, It is snowing here, also. Pretty hard. Our Pastor is giving the first Sermon for Holy Week today. We want to be there. If this keep up, we probably won't. Just depends on the roads. Well, not to worry, I guess. It has stopped. YAY! Well, did I say "stopped?" It is snowing again. Rats. :{
Decided, while my sewing machine is in the hospital, I can, finally, get to cutting out fabric for my applique quilt. I haven't had time to ever look at that.
Have to go to the Library to pick up a book that I put on hold a couple month's ago. Can't even remember, now, what it is. Duh!
Everyone have a safe, warm, quilty day.
Love your new baby, wishing you many happy hours of using her. I've never used a Pfaff, but have always wanted to try one. Now that I have my Baby Lock I'm sarisfied that I have the machine that is right for me. I see a hint of purple in your picture, give her a royal name to go with her beautiful color.
Joni T&P i'm sending your way,Angina is no fun been there. Stay down from the horses awhile.
Joni T&P i'm sending your way,Angina is no fun been there. Stay down from the horses awhile.
I'm not riding at this time, funny thing happens though, when I'm on one of my girls the pain just disappears, it is like I'm whole once again. Praise God with the weather soon to change to SPRING, I will once again be able to take a ride, I will be careful to get Dr. permission. He was a steeplechase jockey in his youth. He understands the love of horses and the peace they bring. If I can't ride then I will just enjoy grooming and loving on my beautiful girls.
Thanks for your prayers, I surely need them, Praise Jesus he hears all our prayers ALL THE TIME! I went to alter yesterday and was blessed with laying of hands on me. I know that Jesus will take care of me, should I go home to be with Him, what could be better?
Pearl: I too take calcium with magnesium and zinc and try to eat bananas. It always seems like when they occur I am always thirsty. If I have carmp, I try to have water nearby to drink right away. Oh boy do they hurt sometimes. Every little thing that helps is worth a try.
Don't forget the potassium, praying your pain goes away soon.
Hi, everyone, those of you having snow and cold weather, don,t come to North Florida its cold and windy and we expect it to go down to the 30s at night, mid week. This has been a cold March for us. However the trees are greening up and the grass,too. Yes Spring will come, a little later than usual this year!!! It is Holy Week so its a beautiful time no matter the weather. Susan
We got a lovely 6inches of snow yesterday. It was the heavy wet snow and the trees were beautiful but luckily today it is melting as fast as it came down yesterday. It was really pretty though even if I really want spring.
Vinton, Virginia
Oh, Nana! Come visit me in Arizona. We've got temps in the 80's. Mornings and late evenings are still cool (mid to high 50's). Snow? What's that?
Joni, The pain always goes away when on horses there just isn't any room to think about it. Also once you try Pfaff no other machine will exist, at least thats my oppinion. Really wish I could win one.
Quiltylee, are you in need of a spare machine?
My day started with plumber he was able to snake drain, but also feels pipe is beginning to rot!
I'm testing it out now washing clothes.
Sandwiched nephews quilt backside.
I agree winter has lasted way too long, but it wont be long and we'll all be complaigning about 90 degrees in the shade!
Quilting My Rainbow
Today I was absolutely determined to "finish" a few things. I went up to cut a few things and 3 hours later came back down. And it is my night to cook. But I got the Easter pillow cases cut (3), MQ 8 cut and I will post it there, and Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street second part cut. If the cat didn't like strips so well.... I might actually have time to put the pillow cases together.
Before the sewing stuff I had to go to DMV and register a car. That is when the cat started being needy. She wanted to be petted while I did a quick e-mail check and when I would not pet her she jumped up onto the printer. But when DH put ink in yesterday he moved it out just enough that it rocked when she hit the front edge and she came down in my milk. And milk and cat flew.... and sloshed. Cleaning the computer table hadn't been part of today's plan. But it is not uncommon for her to decide what needs to be done.
Jan in Rochester
After a freeze on Saturday night, today it is 70 degrees. My DH said that the good weather called for getting the yard cleaned up for Easter. The grandkids come over here for their Easter Egg Hunt because we have the best hiding places. Put the laundry into wash while cleaning up the yard. Came back in after yard work (back hurts) and folded and hung clothes and added another load to wash. Why do winter clothes take up so much more room in the washer...hate having to do multiple loads of colors for just the 2 of us. Maybe I'll put off the sheets and towels until tomorrow.
Still got to plan my dinner for tonight as Mondays and Wednesdays I have the 2 grandsons after school for homework and dinner before I take them to TaeKwonDo. Maybe with a little bit of luck I'll have some time to finish cutting MQ8. I have all of the dark pieces cut, and have cut the strips for the light pieces, but that is as far as I got before the yard work was mandated.
Tomorrow I will plan Easter Dinner and start some of the preparations. I've sure seen a lot of recipes that I would like to try on Facebook recently.
Hope some of our sunshine and warm weather makes it back to those of you continuing to get snow.
ls2116:Quiltylee, are you in need of a spare machine
I took mine in to the repairman's wife, at the LQS, this aft. I don't know what the verdict will be till he calls me. My Pastor's wife, as it turns out, has an older machine that someone gave her (she is not a sewer). She offered it to me to use while mine is in the shop. But, is not sure if it works. I will pick it up on Thurs, if mine is not back/fixable. So, does hers work and is mine fixable, who knows. I told her to tell her husband to lie and say it is not fixable. I figure then I would have to have a new machine. She said she would pass along the message. : }


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"Let her open her mouth and sing, and all the late nights and years of wear fuse with her big, deep voice, and you think: This is a voice with guts. It's a sound that is worldly without being weary, that has known pain and misery, and also knows how to have a damn good time
. She's hard to categorize, and most of her fans don't try."Washington Post


text: Im thinking of works like Piece of the Action, Tribbles, I Mudd etc, something made to be a funny for the entire episode. While there were occasionally funny situations and exchanges between characters in the other series, did any of them have outright comedy episodes? The DS9 Tribble episode comes closest, but they are revisiting a TOS story. Even in the movies, the only one made as a comedy is Trek4, with the TOS Cast. The other series all had (mostly) talented actors, TNG especially had some funny people in its cast, Spiner had been on Night Court prior to Trek. So why are the comedies unique to TOS?


text:
Whether you're a college-bound high school student or already attending a college or university, Army ROTC has scholarships available. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's merit and grades, not financial need. University based scholarships are also available.
Army ROTC scholarships are valuable in many ways:
High school students - Apply online for a four-year scholarship.
Army ROTC scholarships also provide monthly living allowances for each school year. You can earn certain amounts depending on your level in the Army ROTC curriculum:
Contracted Cadets receive the stipend even if they are non-scholarship.
The Simultaneous Membership Program is for soldiers already in the National Guard. SMP cadets are also elligble for the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship.
The Green to Gold Program is for currently active enlisted soldiers who wish to stay on active duty while obtaining their college degree.
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text:
The game's governing body has been working closely with joint administrator Brendan Guilfoyle as he looks to find a buyer for the cash-strapped club whose future has been under question for most of the season.
One of the bids is from Super League Europe Ltd and three other bids have also been tabled, with all parties required to submit business plans by next Tuesday.
The RFL has refused to confirm who the interest is from, although it is believed Bradford City co-chairman Julian Rhodes is behind one of the groups, and chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer is positive about the club's future in light of the fresh advances.
In the absence of an official club website, a statement from Rimmer released on Bradford's Facebook page read: "We had constructive meetings with all the consortia that have submitted proposals to the administrator and we're optimistic about the future of Bradford Bulls.
"There are now four confirmed bids for the Bulls and each consortium has been asked to submit business plans to us by Tuesday, August 21. Due to the sensitive nature of the current discussions we are unable to confirm who the bids are from at present."
Rimmer also believes bids have been tabled in light of the offer made by Super League Europe, adding: "It does appear that this renewed interest has come as a direct consequence of the offer from Super League Europe Ltd, which remains on the table.
"We understand the frustration regarding the ongoing process but it is vital that due diligence is carried out on all the bids and that ultimately the right owners are found for the good of the club and the sport as a whole."
Guilfoyle met with the RFL to discuss the bids yesterday and is happy that all interested parties have the necessary funds to satisfy the governing body's criteria for a buy-out.
"We are pleased to be working collaboratively with the RFL to agree on a purchaser and sell the club," he said.
"We now have all the ingredients that the RFL has requested and funds proven from three bidders plus the Super League Europe Ltd offer.
"The RFL will consider the bidders' business plans which are to be received by the Tuesday deadline, and all concerned do understand the need to bring this to a swift conclusion."


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U.S. Attorney Christopher Thyer announced that Shoffner was charged in the superseding indictment with 10 counts of mail fraud over allegations she used $9,800 from her successful 2010 re-election campaign on personal items. Thyer's office did not release a copy of the indictment, and it was not available on a court website late Thursday afternoon.
"According to the Indictment, campaign checks were mailed for payments to a personal Wells Fargo credit card from November 5, 2010 through October 9, 2011," Thyer's office said in a statement. "Individual checks ranged from $200 to $5,000. The charges to the credit card included clothing, cosmetics and other personal expenses."
Chuck Banks, Shoffner's attorney, did not immediately return a call on his cellphone Thursday night. In a filing made earlier Thursday, Banks mentioned the new indictment and said Shoffner did not plan to ask that the trial be delayed.
Shoffner's set to stand trial March 3 on charges she accepted more than $36,000 cash from a bond broker to whom she steered state investments. Shoffner has pleaded not guilty in that case.
Shoffner, 69, was arrested at her Newport home May 18 after the FBI said it caught her on tape accepting a $6,000 payment from the broker, who hasn't been identified.
Shoffner, a Democrat who was first elected in 2006 and won re-election four years later, resigned days after her arrest.
Thyer said the latest charges stem from an investigation by an FBI public corruption task force. Mail fraud carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years' imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine with not more than three years of supervised release.
Shoffner had initially planned to plead guilty last year to bribery charges related to the cash payments from the broker until she told U.S. District Judge Leon Holmes the payments didn't affect her decisions as treasurer and that she didn't intentionally steer business to the broker.
When Holmes asked Shoffner last week if she accepted payments from the broker, she responded: "Yes, but it was offered. I didn't demand it."
Holmes rejected the plea since she wasn't admitting guilt to all of the elements of the charge. Federal prosecutors later expanded their charges against Shoffner over the payments.
The new indictment comes as Shoffner's attorney has been pushing for more details from prosecutors about the allegations against the former treasurer. In a filing late Thursday, Banks asked Holmes to order prosecutors to provide a transcript of a recording between an employee from the treasurer's office and a bond broker.
In the filing, Banks cited the new charges as a reason for needing the transcript quickly.
"This timeliness becomes more important in having just been told that the United States Attorney's Office has superseded the Indictment and added additional accusations of mail fraud, for which the Defendant will not seek a continuance of the scheduled trial date," Banks wrote in the motion.


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I'd do that deal in a heartbeat. I like Mozgov. He's got a lot of upside.
Except that Gallo plays hard on the defensive end (decent D in the end), and he scores very efficiently.
Weems, Wright, and Dorsey are all great depth players. If the Raptors can re-sign them to similar non-guaranteed contracts again, it would be a steal. The only problem with Weems is he's playing too many minutes not that he's a waste of a roster spot.
-"You cant run from me. I mean, my heart dont bleed Kool-Aid."
-"I aint no diva! I dont have no blond hair, red hair. Im Reggie Evans.
This is a good point. If Weems were a guy not in the regular rotation then you would be looking at some very excellent depth deep in the roster.
Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
Follow me on Twitter.
If the Raptors get Gallinari, does that mean the Raptors can trade Bargnani since they won't have to continue to make the deal with the devil in order to get scoring?
Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
Follow me on Twitter.
I don't think denver wants weems back anyways, I would do Mozgov, Gallo , for wright, bayless, miami draft pick, alabi.
Ship him out of town for whatever you can get.
I would gladly trade Miami's 1st-round pick and at least one of Alabi/Weems for Gallinari. Hell, even if he doesn't pan out, he's likely a much more valuable asset than a very late 1st-round pick and either Alabi (project at best) or Weems (expiring contract looking for raise next season), so it would be easy enough for BC to unload him for something equal or better to what the Raps would have to give up to get him!
Read my blog, The Picket Fence. Guaranteed to make you think or your money back!
Follow me on Twitter.
BTW I highly doubt we'd get anyone better then Weems (at least potentially) if we were to trade him right now.
I think most here undervalue Danilo. He is a really good player, he is 6'10 and freakishly athletic. Long arms, real nice shooting stroke, and he gets to the line a lot. He is a better overall player than Bargnani, and he's better than Kleiza, DeRozan (for now) and any other 3 we have. I'd actually do a trade like Bargnani, Weems + Miami's Pick for Gallinari, Mozgov and Randolph.
stevekylerNBA RT @accfanto: Raptors more likely to be active after season, when using full TPE not subject to this year's lux tax --- Exactly. 5 minutes ago · reply
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/#ixzz1EjKPFQui
I concur with the above.
I've read that DEN stands to get a $17.15M TPE from the trade as currently is. That is from Larry Coon - salary cap 'guru'.
I feel bad for Kleiza. He had a great summer and was off to a great start wiht the Raptors. I'm not feeling bad as a Raptor fan but for him in general. Nothing worse than an injurykeeping someone from reaching full potential. I'd hate to be kicking back after my playing days thinking, "What if my knee wasn't sh!t?" Hopefully he comes back like Amar'e did from the surgery.
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September 25, 2013 - submitted by Nicklaus , United States of America
Q. Dear Oracle,
The Oracle replies:
I've no idea where you can get an exact t-shirt from almost 15 years ago but Space Invaders tees are very easy to find. Whether online, specialist vintage shops or any stockists of retro clothing. You may even get lucky at a thrift shop.


text:
[photogallerylink id=87764]
We're anxiously awaiting next Tuesday's premiere of NBC's new singing competition show, The Voice, and not just because our morning show man, Carson Daly, is the host!
Luckily for us, the show's mentors ([lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Christina Aguilera[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Cee Lo Green[/lastfm], [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Adam Levine[/lastfm], and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Blake Shelton[/lastfm]) have been doing an all-out media blitz and we've been learning all sorts of interesting tid bits about their day-to-day lives.
Christina recently sat down with iTunes to reveal her favorite artists and we're just dying to find out which songs one of the best singers in the world chooses when she puts on her headphones.
1. "S&M" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Rihanna[/lastfm]: "This song is fun, sassy, and right up my alley. Love the songwriter, Ester Dean, on this.""This song is fun, sassy, and right up my alley. Love the songwriter, Ester Dean, on this."
PAGE 2 She loves the way you lie
2. "Love The Way You Lie (featuring [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Rihanna[/lastfm])" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Eminem[/lastfm]: "Love this track."
PAGE 3 It's best to roll deep with Christina
3. "Rolling In The Deep" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]ADELE[/lastfm]: "Adele has an amazing way with words. I like the lyrics to this song a lot."
PAGE 4 She wants nothing more than to Forget You
4. "Forget You" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Cee Lo Green[/lastfm]: "Love Cee Lo's signature voice! And providing this lyrical content in such an upbeat song is genius. He's always unexpected."Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 5 If nothing else she wants her little Honey Bee
5. "Honey Bee" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Blake Shelton[/lastfm]: "I don't normally listen to a lot of country, but this is cleverly written and so sweet. Never thought Blake had that side to him. Ha ha."Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 6 Christina gets busy with a little Down On Me
6. "Down On Me (feat. [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]50 Cent[/lastfm])" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jeremih[/lastfm]: "So into this song right now. My fave!"
PAGE 7 Christina knows you're beautiful just the way you are
7. "Just The Way You Are" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Bruno Mars[/lastfm]: "Such a sweet song to dedicate to a special girl. Makes me melt."Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 8 The music in her iPod helps her soar like a Rocketeer
8. "Rocketeer" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Far East Movement[/lastfm] and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Ryan Tedder[/lastfm]: "Smooth, easy song to chill to in the car."
PAGE 9 She's not a monster, but still likes one!
9. "Monster" by Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver: "Song gets me going!"Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 10 Christina gets down with Pink Fridays
10. "Did It On'em" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Nicki Minaj[/lastfm]: "This was my SONG during my promo tour for my last movie."Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 11 Being a Creep is sometimes a good thing
11. "Creep" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Radiohead[/lastfm]: "I heard it the other day, and it reminded me how much I love it!"Vodpod videos no longer available.
PAGE 12 Christina is still Stripped
12. "Keep On Singin' My Song" by [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Christina Aguilera[/lastfm]: "This is from my Stripped record. It holds special meaning to me, and the lyrics will always resonate."Vodpod videos no longer available.
Don't forget to check out the premiere of The Voice on April 26th at 9 p.m. on NBC!
[Source: iTunes]
If you liked this story, you may also enjoy:


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Afternoon: Upon your arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (DEL), the Group Leader will meet you in the arrivals hall. After the group is assembled, you will be transferred to the hotel via motorcoach followed by check in. You will also be informed of the time and place for dinner this evening and our Orientation session, when you will learn more details of what is to come.
Dinner: Get your first taste of India as you enjoy dinner featuring Indian and Continental cuisine.
Evening: It has been a long travel day. Get a good night's sleep to be ready for the excitement ahead as we get to know the land and people of India.
Activity note: Shoes and socks are not allowed in the Sikh temples & it is obligatory for men and women to cover their heads. Scarves are provided free by the Temple, your own full-size scarves are also allowed.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: ORIENTATION: Immediately after breakfast, the program gets underway with our Orientation session. We will gather for a warm welcome and introductions, followed by an overview of the program. We will review the schedule and any changes; discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and contact numbers for key staff; currency, language, time-keeping, and answer any questions. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather or other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. FIELD TRIP: Start off with an overview of modern India and learn about the more recent history of this ancient land as our local expert leads you past India Gate, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, that commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I; Parliament, the nation's supreme legislative body; and President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India. Then continue to Delhi's most important Sikh Temple, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Dating from 1783, it is distinctive for its golden dome and dramatic setting on a pond whose waters are considered sacred by Sikhs.
Lunch: Today we dine at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: This afternoon, we encounter Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and one of the finest monuments in all of India, soaring up 237 feet. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, began construction in 1192. The conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively.
Dinner: Our official welcome dinner at the hotel provides more tastes of India with a menu of local cuisine and an optional, complimentary glass of wine/beer. (You may order more on your own.)
Evening: Take the rest of the evening to relax and make new Road Scholar friends.
Activity note: Rickshaw ride is through an extremely crowded market. Jama Mosque has a lot of steps. Shoes and shorts are not allowed into the Mosque. Gowns for ladies are provided by the mosque.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: PRESENTATION: Begin the day by attending a lecture on "Relevance of Gandhi in Today's World" by a local expert at the hotel. FIELD TRIP: Then by coach we move on to explore Old Delhi led by a local expert. Then we drive past the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort, symbol of Mughal power and pomp, and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. For a delightful change of pace, we will take rickshaw rides in Chandni Chowk, a centuries old market bazaar. The motorcoach will return to the hotel between approximately Noon-1:00pm.
Lunch: Lunch at Chor Bizarre.
Afternoon: FREE TIME: Take time to explore on your own, seeing and doing what is most interesting to you outside of our program schedule. Your group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: CULTURAL IMMERSION: Home-hosted dinner. One of the special aspects of this program is the opportunity to meet and have dinner with local host families who are eager to share their hospitality and talk about their country. The group will be divided into smaller groups of 5-8 and will be transferred via a local travel service from and to the hotel. The families are part of India's middle class and you can look forward to fascinating interactions that will tell you a great deal about the people. At the conclusion of the evening, we will return to the hotel.
Evening: Return to the hotel and relax.
Activity note: The drive from Delhi to Jaipur is approximately seven hours with stops along the way.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach by 8:30am as we depart for Jaipur. En route, learn about "Royalty Synonymous to Rajashtan." The Rajputs, descendants of the ancient Aryan fighting caste and invaders who settled down and intermingled with them, gave Rajasthan its name and character.
Lunch: We will have lunch at a resort en route.
Afternoon: We arrive in Jaipur, the "Pink City" in the late afternoon when we will check into the hotel.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner featuring Indian and Continental cuisine with choice of entrée and an assortment of side dishes to complete your meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: FIELD TRIP: We arrive at Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort, set in rugged hills about six miles from Jaipur. Construction of this ancient citadel of local rulers began in 1592. The formidable exterior of red sandstone and white marble with its terraces and ramparts is reflected in Maota Lake. The fabulous interiors are a blend of Hindu and Mughal art and architecture. These former royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Then we will have an opportunity to see and learn about Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). You will have time for photographs as we disembark and walk around this five-storied wonder, constructed from pink and red sandstone. It was built to give royal ladies views of life outside the palace since they never appeared in public. Hawa Mahal has a spectacular pyramidal façade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires.
Lunch: At the café inside the City Palace, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine with bottled water, coffee, and tea.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP continues: We walk a short distance from the café to visit the City Palace. After City Palace, we will take a short walk to the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. During the early 1700s, the Maharajah of Jaipur ordered the construction of five astronomical observatories – known as Jantar Mantars (calculation instruments) in the region. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, "It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period." Onsite, a local expert will discuss the Science of Astronomy: An Important Part of India's Living Traditions.
Dinner: CULTURAL IMMERSION: Tonight we have a special treat, dinner for the group in the home of a noble Indian family. We will return to the hotel together at the end of the evening.
Activity note: Activity Notes The drive from Jaipur to Kalakho is approximately 3 hours with stops along the way.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and board the motorcoach by 8:30am as we depart for Kalakho. Mahatma Gandhi wrote, "If you want to experience the soul of India, then you must go to her villages." Kalakho is one of those villages. Surrounded by forests in the Aravalli Hills, we are off the standard tourist path. This is a place where old customs and traditions are maintained with festivals throughout the year that celebrate events significant to communities such as Brahmins, Rajputs, Mahajans, Jains and Kayasthas. The preferred mode of exploration for visitors is via camel-cart! Upon arrival check into the hotel.
Lunch: Lunch at the Retreat.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Climb aboard a camel (or camel carts, subject to availability) for a safari into a rural tribal village for a glimpse of village life. We will have an opportunity to interact with the villagers as they follow daily activities in their homes. Come back to the hotel. PERFORMANCE: Enjoy an authentic folk dance and musical performance after the match. Rajastan folk dances and accompanying music are lively and festive.
Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel.
Evening: It has been another full day, filled with new sights, sounds, and experiences, so take the evening to relax and prepare for what tomorrow brings.
Activity note: The drive from Kalakho to Agra is approximately 4 hours with stops along the way.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and board vehicles by 8:30am as you depart for Agra. Subject to Change: EXCURSION- On the way, stop at a local school for an opportunity to say hello to the children. On the way to Agra, you will also be stopping to see the Abhaneri Stepwell. Explore the small village of Abhaneri and one of India's deepest and largest stepwells. These unique steps were built in the 12th century as a water supply, as cool places of resort and for ritual cleansing before visiting the adjoining Harshita Mata temple.
Lunch: Upon arrival in Agra (approximately 1:00-2:00pm depending on traffic) we will have lunch at the hotel, followed by check-in.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Late afternoon, we board our motorcoach and head to Mehtab Bagh. This garden complex is aligned with the Taj Mahal on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. It was designed to be a "moon lit pleasure garden" (the translation of Mehtab Bagh) and the ideal spot for viewing the Taj. Over generations, it deteriorated badly and is now being restored. Recent excavations have uncovered a huge tank for 25 original fountains. Our field trip continues to the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-daula, the first in India made entirely of marble rather than red sandstone. Its fascinating history chronicles the "rag to riches" saga of a poor merchant who rose to become chief minister of the Mughal emperor. This elaborately carved tomb in the Islamic style — like a jewel box set in a tranquil garden on the banks of the Yamuna River — was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal years later. At the conclusion of the field trip, we return to the hotel via motorcoach.
Dinner: Enjoy a dinner featuring Indian and Continental cuisine with choice of entrée and an assortment of side dishes to complete your meal.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening talking over the highlights of the day.
Breakfast: Breakfast will be after our field trip to the Taj Mahal as we return to the hotel for a buffet including Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: FIELD TRIP: Sunrise at the Taj Mahal. We rise very early and board the motorcoach for a unique experience of breathtaking beauty at this ultimate monument to romantic love. As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention states, "An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. At the end of the experience, we return to the hotel for breakfast then depart on our next adventure. At the end of the experience, we return to the hotel for breakfast. FIELD TRIP: Agra Fort. The Red Fort of Agra, once a powerful fortress of red sandstone with 1.5 miles of enclosing walls, was the imperial city of Mughal rulers. Founded in 1565, it holds a number of fairy-tale palaces as well as two beautiful mosques of white marble. It was here that Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned after being overthrown by his son and where he died looking towards the Taj.
Lunch: Your lunch will be the tasty result of a cooking demonstration on regional cuisine.
Afternoon: FREE TIME: Enjoy some leisure time with new Road Scholar friends or set out to explore on your own. Your group leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner featuring Indian and Continental cuisine with choice of entrée and an assortment of side dishes to complete your meal.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: The drive from Agra to Delhi is approximately 4.5 hours with stops along the way.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: After breakfast check out of the hotel and board the motor coach. Explore Sikandara, and Akbar's tomb, an important Mughal architectural masterpiece. It was built in 1605-1615 and is situated on 119 acres. Transfer to Delhi airport.
Lunch: Lunch at Delhi Airport.
Afternoon: Depart from Delhi Airport to Varanasi. Due to airport construction in Varanasi, the flight will arrive around 6pm. Upon arrival in Varanasi, transfer from the airport and check in to the hotel.
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
Evening: Recharge your batteries after a busy day of travel and discovery.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: FIELD TRIP: We begin the day very early with a morning boat ride on the Ganges River to observe people performing daily rituals, then see temples and ghats (steps leading down to the water) for which the city is well known. Mid-morning, we explore Sarnath, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tradition says Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Set in well-maintained gardens, Sarnath's ruins are a pleasant place to stroll or meditate. The highlights are Asoka's pillar, the ruins of the Mulagandhakuti and the huge Dharmek Stupa. Farther to the east is the modern Mulagandhakuti Vihara with its beautiful wall paintings and, behind it, the Deer Park. LECTURE: A local professor will discuss the growth of Buddhism in India.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: CEREMONY: Later in the afternoon or early evening, during a boat cruise on the Ganges, you will be able to witness sacred Hindu religious rituals of "puja" and "aarti." Puja refers to a variety of rites, one of which is aarti (also arti, arati), a ceremony in which light from little lamps with wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) or camphor is offered to one or more deities. Aarti also refers to the songs sung in praise of the deity when lamps are being offered.
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel offers more of the distinctive flavors of India.
Evening: The remainder of the evening is free. Share your favorite highlights of the day with new Road Scholar friends.
Breakfast: Early! Our breakfast buffet at the hotel includes Indian, Continental, and American breakfast options.
Morning: Early morning, transfer to Varanasi Airport to board flight for New Delhi. FLIGHT: Please note that the flight will go via Delhi en route to Kathmandu. The flight will have a layover in Delhi. Arrival in Kathmandu will be late night.
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Delhi.
Afternoon: Afternoon: Board the motor coach and transfer to the airport. If time allows, enjoy an afternoon excursion in Delhi.
Dinner: Dinner at Delhi Airport.
Evening: Night: Flight arrives in Kathmandu- Immigration formalities (purchase visa on arrival ($25), payable in US dollars, and you will need 2 passport size photographs), collect own luggage and proceed to the hotel in Kathmandu (15 min. time difference)
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers world cuisine with Indian, Continental, and American options.
Morning: LECTURE: In the fascinating setting of a combination restaurant-art gallery, learn about the Newars, one of Nepal's many ethnic groups. Predominantly Buddhist, Newari artists are renowned throughout Asia for the high quality of their work. A local expert will discuss the impact of Newari art on other countries and cultures in this lush garden and traditional Rana home. FIELD TRIP: We visit Swayambhunath, the oldest Buddhist "stupa" — a place of meditation — established more than 2,500 years ago and also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched high on a hilltop, it commands a superb view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is also known as Sengu and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. FIELD TRIP: We transfer by coach then leave the vehicle and walk along to the Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square). With its old temples and palaces, Durbar Square epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Highlights include Taleju Temple, built by King MahendraMalla in A.D. 1549; the Temple of KalBhairav, the god of destruction; Nautalle Durbar; Coronation Nasal Chowk; the GaddiBaithak; the statue of king PratapMallal the Big Drum; and the Jagannath Temple. (Please note that though we will visit Durbar Square, Nautalle Durbar and the Big Drums House were destroyed in the earthquake of April 2015.)
Lunch: Lunch on your own. Your Group Leader will give you options you can explore.
Afternoon: The coach will pick you up after lunch then will return you to the hotel. LECTURE: Learn about contemporary issues of Nepal from a local expert at the conference hall of the hotel.
Dinner: This evening enjoy a panoply of flavors at a newly reopened hotel restaurant featuring delectable dishes from across Asia including Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and of course, Chinese food.
Evening: At leisure.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers world cuisine with Indian, Continental, and American options.
Morning: FIELD TRIP: Bhaktapur. Approximately 45 minutes away by coach, Bhaktapur sits at an elevation of 4,596 feet (1,401 meters). Its name means "city of devotees" as it will be apparent during our exploration. In Bhaktapur's Durbar Square, visit key sites beginning with the National Art Gallery containing ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrics of various periods. The Golden Gate, built by King RanjitMalla, is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world, embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy. The Palace boasts 55 windows in a wood-carved balcony among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design. Nyatapola Temple stands on five terraced platforms with each terrace containing a pair of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and the Baghini and Singini (tiger and the lion goddesses). (Please note that though none of the highlighted monuments received visible damage due to the earthquake, there are several temples -Temple of Jaganath, Watshala,Temple of Phasidega or Shilu Mahadev, and Betalpati - in the Square that have been destroyed.)
Lunch: Have lunch in Bhaktapur.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. During the annual Shivaratri pilgrimage, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from Hindu communities around the world pay homage here. We will explore the temple led by our expert guide. We then proceed to Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Set in a Mandala design, it is built on a flat surface of various levels of terraces, painted in pastel colors and adorned with prayer flags. Altogether, 108 Buddha images and 147 insets of prayer wheels adorn the base of the huge circular edifice. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetans — 12,000 in all.
Dinner: This evening we dine at a traditional Nepali restaurant with authentic local cuisine.
Evening: At leisure.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers world cuisine with Indian, Continental, and American options.
Morning: LECTURE: History and Culture of Nepal. Learn more about this fascinating land and its people as someone from the university visits us for a presentation and discussion in the hotel conference hall. Visiting students of Tribhuvan University will tell you about their goals, aspirations and lives. FIELD TRIP: We board our coach for the approximately half-hour ride to Patan City, renowned for its fine arts. We explore Patan Durbar Square which is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. Krishna Mandir, the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. Mahabouddha, a Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. Patan displays the sacred art of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. (Please note that though several monuments and shrines have been damaged in Patan Durbar Square, the above mentioned sites remain intact.) We will also visit a traditional Nepali Village of the Newar clan, to see first-hand traditional ways of life that has changed little for generations.
Lunch: Patan Museum Café has been crafted to complement the superb period ambience achieved by the architects and builders of the Museum itself. Located in the inner courtyard of the Keshav Narayan Chowk in Patan Durbar, the café offers a mix of traditional and Western delicacies and light meals in a setting unparalleled in the Kathmandu Valley.
Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: After lunch, continue to explore the museum. In late afternoon, return to hotel for some free time and prepare for a special dinner affair.
Dinner: Enjoy the convivial atmosphere of cocktails and a farewell dinner in a private home hosted especially for Road Scholar guests.
Evening: Prepare for departure tomorrow afternoon.
Activity note: Please note that all passengers who have bought air from Road Scholar on Air India and have a transit in New Delhi will get lounge vouchers.
Breakfast: Our breakfast buffet at the hotel offers world cuisine with Indian, Continental, and American options.
Morning: FREE MORNING: Explore Kathmandu on your own, seeking out what is most interesting and appealing to you. Your group leader and local guide will be happy to offer suggestions. We then depart for the airport and for return flights home. Please refer to your personal air itinerary for specific flight information.
Lunch: On your own.
Afternoon: Early afternoon depart for the airport for your flight home.
Evening: Flights home


text:
We made a circle for our guided reading time. I sat down in my trusty old Hinkle rocking chair, and my students sat down crisscross applesauce on their red carpet squares. My second-graders'stomachs were full and their energy level was low. They were ready to hear a story.
I held up our book, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, by Carole Boston Weatherford, and they looked with wonder at Kadir Nelson's cover illustration.
I use reciprocal teaching in my guided reading lessons, so I move from powerful predicting to careful clarifying to quizzical questioning to super summarizing to help my struggling readers develop the skills they need to become great readers. I began the powerful predicting part of the lesson by saying, "Let's take a picture walk through this book and predict what we think is going to happen in the story."
When we turned to the fifth picture in the book, we looked at Harriet Tubman sleeping under a full moon among foxes, raccoons, and possums in the underbrush of some woods. One of my students raised her hand and said, "It looks like she's hiding from somebody." Another said, "She looks worried so somebody must be chasing her."
I was guiding my students to know the life and work of Harriet Tubman and to understand the contributions she made to the South and to the North before the Civil War. I was trying to help them understand how to make, revise, and confirm predictions in a story. These understandings are parts of the state academic standards for social studies and reading.
As we took our picture walk, though, something happened that reminded me that I'm not only a teacher in my classroom. I'm a learner, too. Jonathan, a serious and soft-spoken Latino child, raised his hand and said, "That picture reminds me of my dad. He tried to come here from Mexico. The police chased him and made him go away. He was scared like Harriet Tubman."
Wow. I will always remember the sincerity in his eyes as he connected his life to this great children's book. He helped me understand that the story of Harriet Tubman is still being lived out today in the lives of Latino families in my school and across the country.
Mary Bauer and Sarah Reynolds authored the report "Under Siege: Life for Low-Income Latinos in the South for the Southern Poverty Law Center."
They explain, "Latinos in the South—many of whom came here to escape crushing poverty in their home countries—are encountering wide-spread hostility, discrimination and exploitation."
This report helps us understand the struggle for life that many of our Latino students take on, a clandestine struggle like the one Harriet Tubman made all those years ago.
Learning from my children is a vital part of what I do as a teacher. The last picture in the book is of Harriet Tubman sitting with a staff in her hand. She is looking straight ahead with calm, courageous eyes and a weathered, compassionate face. Below her are the words, "Well Done, Moses, Well Done."
On that day in a guided reading class in a small inner-city elementary school in Greenville, S.C., Jonathan was our Moses.
"Well Done, Jonathan, Well Done."
Trevor Scott Barton is an elementary school teacher in Greenville, SC. He is a blogger for the Teaching Tolerance project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Photo: White House march for immigration reform in 2009. Ryan Rodrick Beiler / Shutterstock.com
Have Something to Say?
"Immigrant Discrimination Through a Child's Eyes"


text:
JB Hi-Fi admits it has a bloke problem
Consumer electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi has admitted it is struggling to achieve its gender diversity targets because male employees, particularly in regional areas and senior management ranks, are not moving on.
In 2014, about 39 per cent of JB Hi-Fi's employees were women, but women accounted for just 4 per cent of its senior management and executive team (1 of 23), compared with 5 per cent in 2013 and 9.5 per cent in 2012.
Only 21 per cent of commissioned sales staff and only 10 per cent of store managers were women and the company had no female store managers in regional areas.
The JB Hi-Fi board set measurable objectives in relation to gender diversity in March 2012 and adopted a strategy to achieve these objectives.
This strategy included developing systems to enable regular reporting and assessment of progress towards gender diversity objectives,a detailed review of employee pay to consider whether any gender based disparity existed, further development of part time and flexible work practices, with specific focus on return to work from maternity leave.
JB Hi-Fi also tried to appoint women into roles traditionally filled by male staff, such as car sound sales, hi-fi sales, inventory planners, buyers, and IT, and implemented a reorganisation of the managerial structure within stores.
However, two years down the track, JB Hi-Fi is struggling to achieve its targets and in some areas the proportion of women in senior roles has gone backwards.
"The board and the new chief executive recognise that the actions taken to date have not been as effective as intended in achieving the company's gender diversity objectives," JB Hi-Fi said on Monday in its annual accounts.
One of the problems faced by the group is the relatively low level of turnover in regional and senior management roles.
The vast majority of these positions are occupied by long-serving male employees.
"The existence of stable senior and regional management teams, in the context of a historically male-dominated consumer electronics industry, has posed challenges for achieving change in the short-term," the company said.
"The board and management, led by the new CEO, are therefore undertaking a thorough review of these gender diversity objectives and revisiting the plans for achieving them," the report said.
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text:
On the morning of Sept. 18, 2009, Sophie Crew dropped off her 13-month-old daughter Emma at a home day care in Santee just like she had done a dozen times before.
Unlike before, Crew's life — and the life of her daughter — forever changed during this stay.
"There's been an accident. ... She's not breathing," Crew was told in a phone call from the day care around 11 a.m.
Emma's life was in jeopardy.
She was taken to Rady Children's Hospital and placed in a coma after doctors determined she had suffered severe brain trauma causing a subdural hematoma and retinal hemorrhages. Nearly half of Emma's skull was removed to relieve swelling.
Day-care provider Patricia Bernal, 62, pleaded guilty in February to felony child abuse and was facing up to 12 years in prison for Emma's injuries.
Bernal was sentenced this month by El Cajon Superior Court Judge John Thompson to one year in jail, as recommended by probation officials, and ordered to pay $6,224 in fines and $1,300 to the State Victim Compensation Board. She will be on probation for five years.
Thompson cited Bernal's lack of a criminal record and more than 30-year work history as a rationale for her lesser sentence. The felony prohibits Bernal from working again in child care.
Emma's mother wanted a longer sentence and told the judge that in court. She also addressed Bernal.
"Your sentence would end in 365 days. Emma's sentence will never end. … Our lives have changed irrevocably due to your actions," Crew said.
Bernal initially told authorities she saw Emma throw her head back into the wall through the mesh side of a portable crib. She said she left the room for several minutes and returned to find the girl unconscious.
But an investigation by the Sheriff's Department of Emma's case concluded "the victim's injuries could not have been caused by an accidental self injury and that the defendant inflicted great bodily injury to the child," according to court records.
In an interview after the sentencing, Crew said doctors who treated her daughter suspected shaken baby syndrome.
"They didn't believe that story for one second," she said. "There was no fracture in her skull and there was no hole in the wall. They knew immediately it was abuse."
Emma, now 2, has a prosthetic skull on the left side of her head, no peripheral vision on the right side in both eyes, limited hearing in her left ear and some paralysis on the right side of her body.
Deputy District Attorney Claudia Grasso prosecuted the case and said she would have preferred Bernal be sent to prison, "given the injuries to little Emma."
"We would have fought to the end, but I also trust Judge Thompson's judgment and we will go with that," Grasso said.
Court records show that when a probation worker interviewed Bernal before her sentencing hearing, she cried when asked about the incident and expressed sympathy for Emma and her family. Bernal said she had loved all of the children she had cared for, including Emma.
Though Crew said she is unhappy with Bernal's sentence, she said she is looking ahead.
"We want to close this chapter and focus on Emma's recovery and focus on her getting better," Crew said.


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A Gap in PPACA: No Subsidies for Insurance Purchased from Federal Exchanges?
By Amy Sanders, J.D. Candidate, Vanderbilt University Law School, Class of 20131
A gap in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act2 ("PPACA") could leave many citizens ineligible for the federal subsidies meant to make health insurance coverage more affordable. The quirk—either a scrivener's error or overlooked loophole—could be a serious blow to an already contentious healthcare reform effort. Who to remedy the situation? Employers.
Exchanges and Eligibility
PPACA requires all residents of the United States to retain minimal essential health coverage, imposing a monetary penalty for failure to do so.3 The individual mandate, as it is known, is softened by tax credits made available only to certain lower-income individuals purchasing insurance through one-stop-shop Health Insurance Exchanges ("Exchanges") which will be established in each state by either the state or federal government.4
An amendment to an early draft of PPACA gave states the flexibility to elect not to establish an Exchange, providing for a federally-run Exchange in states electing to opt out.5 However, there is no parallel amendment to the tax credit provision. That is, subsidies for state residents are only available if the state elects to create an Exchange, so lower-income individuals in opt-out states will not be eligible for the subsidies.6
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the agency charged with administering the tax credits, is ignoring the textual anomaly and interpreting PPACA as making tax credits available through all Exchanges.7 The IRS is not acting arbitrarily: subsequent legislation shows that this is the statutory scheme Congress envisioned.8
The Effect on Employers
The increase in insureds expected to result from the soon-to-be-mandatory minimal essential coverage9 could be attributable in part to employer-sponsored plans, even though PPACA does not require employers to offer health insurance coverage to employees. Instead, employers are incentivized. Beginning in 2014, large employers (fifty or more full-time employees) not offering comprehensive and affordable insurance will be subject to a nondeductible penalty of up to $2,000 for each full-time employee, minus the first thirty, if any of their full-time employees qualify for and receive a federal subsidy through an Exchange.10
The Road to the Courthouse
If anyone is to challenge the IRS interpretation, it will have to be employers. Generally, there is no standing for a taxpayer to contest a tax benefit conferred upon someone else,11 so citizens in states that have elected not to establish an Exchange would lack standing to challenge the regulation. Large employers, however, will have standing because they can show an "injury" resulting from the IRS rule extending tax credits to enrollees of both state and federal Exchanges. The source of the injury—the penalty imposed on large employers who do not offer coverage if an employee receives a premium or cost-sharing subsidy through an Exchange—is a strong motivator to challenge the IRS interpretation.12
Large employers can find their sticking point in the plain text of PPACA § 1401, which amends § 36B of the Internal Revenue Code: the tax assessment (penalty) is triggered if "at least one full-time employee . . . has been certified to the [large] employer under § 1411 as having enrolled . . . in a qualified health plan with respect to which an applicable premium tax credit or cost-sharing reduction is allowed or paid."13
Section 1411(a)(2) prescribes the procedures for determining eligibility for Exchange participation, outlining criteria for premium tax credits, available under § 1401, and reduced cost-sharing, available under PPACA § 1402.14 Section 1401 makes tax credits available through state Exchanges established under § 1311—with no mention of federal Exchanges, which are established pursuant to § 1321(c). Thus, a strict reading of § 36B does not make subsidies available through federal Exchanges, meaning that large employers fined for not offering coverage could challenge the fine by asserting the employee received the tax credit in error. An employer's motivation for trying to take tax credits away from employees, despite the potential effects on morale and loyalty, lie in avoiding the penalty: the employer cannot be fined if its employees do not collect tax credits. This argument would provide judicial opportunity to review the IRS regulations.15
The penalty imposed when an employee is eligible for reduced cost-sharing is trickier to maneuver. Reduced cost sharing is allowed for an "eligible insured" falling within the range of 100–400 percent of the federal poverty line.16 As defined by § 1402, an eligible insured is one who enrolls in a certain level qualified health plan "in the individual market offered through an Exchange."17 This is not expressly limited to state Exchanges. Also within § 1402, however, is a prohibition on reduced cost-sharing "with respect to coverage for any month unless the month is a coverage month with respect to which a credit is allowed to the insured . . . under section 36B."18 Carried through to its logical conclusion using same analysis as for the tax credits, a strict textual interpretation of § 36B means that an individual enrolled in a federally-run Exchange does not qualify for either a tax credit or reduced cost-sharing.
Verifying this reading of the statute is § 1402(f)(1) which expressly gives any term used in § 1402 the same meaning it is given in § 36B.19 "Coverage month," as defined in § 36B(c)(2), means that, as of the first day of the month, an individual is insured by virtue of being "enrolled in" a qualified health plan offered "through an Exchange established by the State under section 1311."20 Therefore, only coverage plans offered through state-run Exchanges can fall into a "coverage month" in which a tax credit is available, so enrollees of a federally-run Exchange do not qualify for reduced cost-sharing.
When Plain Text is Not So Clear
Many questions will confront a reviewing court: did Congress intend to omit federal Exchanges from the tax credit scheme established in § 36B? Did Congress sidestep or delay the tax conduit status issue by delegating the decision to the IRS? Or, is this simply a drafting error?
Existing under the constraints of the nondelegation doctrine, the primary role of an agency is "faithful agent" of Congress.21 The IRS can only act within the limits of the statute conferring authority from the legislature to regulate conduct. It follows that a court will likely frame its inquiry using Chevron, the two-step test allowing reasonable agency interpretations as long as the statute has not clearly spoken to the issue."22
The inclusion of federal Exchanges in the IRS rule delineating availability of subsidies is best evaluated using the traditional tools that courts employ in statutory construction.23 Analyzing the broader statutory context, legislative history, post-enactment reports of the Congressional Budget Office, and subsequent legislation, it is evident that the availability of subsidies through Federal Exchanges is not as clear as the plain text of § 36B suggests. For example, § 1004 of HCERA requires state and federal Exchanges to report tax credits data to the IRS, which makes sense only when federal Exchanges administer subsidies. Reading § 36B together with the later-enacted § 1004 illustrates Congress' intention that both state and federal Exchanges would administer tax credits for insurance premiums.
To arrive at its broad construction of the statute, the IRS likely employed the substantive canon of statutory construction that drives agencies: "advance the interpretation that best advances the statutory purpose (so long as the statutory text can accommodate that interpretation)."24 As the agency responsible for developing the regulatory framework under which Exchanges will administer the tax credits to eligible insureds, the IRS is keenly aware that affordability of minimum essential coverage is crucial for the success of PPACA. Ensuring all Americans have access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance is the statute's paramount purpose. Exchanges are integral to the statute's healthcare reform strategy, making available federal tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to those needing financial assistance to comply with the individual mandate.
To defend its position, the IRS will probably argue that the omission of federal Exchanges from § 1401 was not intentional; it resulted from drafting a mammoth statute in a way that was hardly chronological. One might understand that Congress intended the federal Exchanges to be interchangeable with those established by the state. The IRS would be well-advised to also point out that there is no interjurisdictional issue for money flowing from the federal purse through federal Exchanges, so it was not necessary for Congress to specifically allocate funds for these subsidies in the text of PPACA. The power of an agency to implement and manage a congressionally created program "necessarily requires the formulation of policy and the making of rules to fill any gap left, implicitly or explicitly, by Congress."25
At least one state has wasted no time in dealing with this issue. On September 19, 2012 Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt filed an amended complaint26 in Oklahoma v. Sebelius, challenging the validity of the IRS rule that provides for tax credits through federally run exchanges. Oklahoma indicates that it does not plan to establish a state run exchange and that the IRS rule imposes costs on large Oklahoma employers that do not provide federally qualifying health benefits to their employees (if one employee receives a subsidy through a federally run exchange).
For employers facing the penalty, all roads lead back to § 36B: a large employer in a state electing not to establish a state-run Exchange does not seem to be subject to the penalty, because an employee receiving a subsidy or cost-sharing reduction under a federal Exchange will not trigger liability. If required to pay the penalty, an employer whose employees receive tax credits or reduced cost-sharing through a federal exchange would suffer harm from the IRS rule. A large employer in such a position would have both standing and motivation to challenge the scope of IRS regulation that makes tax credits available through federal Exchanges.27
J.D. Candidate, Vanderbilt University Law School, Class of 2013. The author's complete analysis of the issue will be published in the Vanderbilt Law Review, Spring 2013. The author would like to acknowledge Professor J. Blumstein, who was among the first to identify the issue explored here, although nothing in this article should be taken to indicate that he does or does not agree with the views expressed.
PPACA § 1501(b) (to be codified at I.R.C. § 5000A)
Id. § 1311(d)(2), 1401(a) (to be codified at I.R.C. § 36B(b)(2)), 1411 (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.A. § 18081).
Id. § 1311(d)(2).
Through PPACA § 1401, which amends § 36B of the Internal Revenue Code, Congress created a refundable premium tax credit available through state Health Insurance Exchanges established under § 1311 of PPACA — with no mention of § 1321(c)'s federal Exchanges.
Treas. Reg. §§ 1, 602 (2012) (final regulation stating that statutory language, purpose, and structure support the IRS interpretation).
CBO's March 2011 Estimate of the Effects of the Insurance Coverage Provisions Contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-152), Cong. Budget Office & Joint Comm. on Taxation (Mar. 18, 2011), available at http://www.cbo.gov/budget/factsheets/2011b/HealthInsuranceProvisions.pdf.
PPACA § 1302(c)(4)-(d), 1513 (to be codified at I.R.C. § 4980), 2707.
PPACA § 1513 (to be codified at I.R.C. § 4980).
See David Hogberg, Companies Could Challenge ObamaCare Employer Fines, Investor's Business Daily (Sept. 16, 2011), http://news.investors.com/Article/585053/201109161746/ObamaCare-Goof-On-Firm-Fines-.htm.
PPACA § 1402(b) (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.A. § 18071).
Id. § 1402(f)(2) (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.A. § 18071).
Id. § 1402(f)(1) (to be codified at 42 U.S.C.A. § 18071).
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