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Maddon bats Hellickson eighth vs. Dodgers
By Bill Chastain / MLB.com
LOS ANGELES -- Once Sunday's batting order had been posted in the clubhouse, the word spread quickly that starter Jeremy Hellickson was batting eighth, rather than ninth, where the pitcher is normally relegated.
Matt Moore observed of Hellickson, who entered Sunday's game hitting .500: "I thought he'd be hitting higher."
Jason Bourgeois had the distinction of hitting in the ninth spot behind the pitcher. Of course, Bourgeois needed to be reminded of his placement, so Hellickson yelled across the clubhouse, "You better be ready for some RBI chances."
Hellickson batting in the eight-hole marked the second time a Rays starting pitcher has batted anywhere other than ninth. The other time came on May 17, 2009, against the Indians at Tropicana Field.
Andy Sonnanstine started that game and batted third thanks to a lineup snafu that listed two third basemen (Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist), which resulted in the Rays losing their designated hitter and forcing Longoria from the game.
Sonnanstine doubled in his third at-bat. It was the first time a pitcher was in the starting lineup of an American League home game since Ken Brett batted eighth on Sept. 23, 1976, while with the White Sox.
Manager Joe Maddon talked with former Major League manager Tony La Russa about the pros and cons of putting a pitcher in the eighth spot. He then explained that a major factor behind his decision was having Wil Myers hit second. Thus, the second time through the lineup, Bourgeois would be like a leadoff hitter, with Sean Rodriguez, who led off Sunday's game, being more like a No. 2 hitter, and Myers at No. 3. Meanwhile, Myers got protection from Longoria, who was in the third spot, with Zobrist hitting cleanup.
"Gives [Myers] a much better chance of having people on base," Maddon said. "And the other part is, when you're putting your pitcher in the eight-hole, you get a chance to make a decision sooner if you need to pinch-hit for this guy or move it along at this particular juncture.
"If David Price is pitching, you normally bet on him pitching later into the game. You'd rather him hit ninth. It gives you another at-bat to possibly leave him in longer. Based on the recent past with Helly, he's been struggling a bit. I wanted to leave that option open."
Maddon did not think Myers would get anything to hit if he did not bat second. He added that all the right reasons had to be present for him to make this radical move with his lineup.
"Helly has not been pitching deeply into games," Maddon said. "I want Myers in the two-hole to be protected and pitched to more often. Thus you want more people feeding into him as opposed to [having the pitcher hit, then the leadoff hitter, followed by Myers]. All those things were present tonight."
Maddon said that the experiment also gives the Rays a chance to see how such an arrangement works.
"If you happen to get into the World Series, is that something you'd like to utilize, and why?" Maddon said. "I think there are definitely reasons to do it in the National League setting."
Moore throws off mound with encouraging results
LOS ANGELES -- Matt Moore threw off a mound on Sunday for the first time since going on the disabled list on July 31 with soreness in his left elbow.
"I threw 50 pitches with just as much effort as I do in my normal bullpens," Moore said.
Pitching coach Jim Hickey noted that Moore's velocity was almost at game speed and that he showed a "great curve."
"I couldn't imagine it feeling better based on how the last two weeks went," Moore said.
Moore will throw another bullpen session on Tuesday and could possibly be back in the rotation for next weekend's series against Oakland.
"That's in a perfect world, if everything goes well Tuesday and Wednesday," Moore said. "Still, [I] just [have to] continue with the same regimen as far as treatment goes. Today it was really just a great conditioning day for my shoulder, my lat, all the baseball-specific muscles. And I didn't feel like I got tired at the end of it. And it was a good workday."
Hickey noted that the training staff needs to weigh in on Moore's next move but added that a simulated game might not be necessary.
Pitching for the Rays next weekend "would not be any kind of surprise," Hickey said.
Veteran Farnsworth released by Rays
LOS ANGELES -- Tampa Bay released veteran reliever Kyle Farnsworth on Sunday.
On Friday the Rays announced that Farnsworth had been designated for assignment, which meant they had 10 days to trade or release him. He is now free to sign with any interested team.
Farnsworth had 25 saves and a 2.18 ERA for the Rays in 2011, both career bests, but has mostly struggled since. He began last season on the disabled list with a strained right elbow and was relegated to middle relief when he returned, going 1-6 with a 4.00 ERA in 27 innings.
The Rays had trouble finding work for Farnsworth this season, and the 37-year-old right-hander was not very effective when called upon. In 29 2/3 innings over 39 appearances, he put together a 5.76 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, with only 19 strikeouts.
Farnsworth, who was signed for $1.25 million for 2013, would have been a free agent following the season.
Foley tossed for first time since 2003
LOS ANGELES -- Third-base coach Tom Foley was ejected in the sixth inning of Saturday's loss to the Dodgers.
After taking a called third strike for the third out in the top of the sixth, shortstop Yunel Escobar tossed his bat, helmet, protective pads and batting gloves with home-plate umpire Paul Nauert watching.
Foley sensed that the Escobar would soon be tossed and stepped into the fray.
"I just told him it was a bad call: 'You call one in the dirt and you called one on [James] Loney up and away,'" Foley said. "He said something, and I said [something]. And he said something again, and I said [something]. And he tossed me."
Foley did not know he had been ejected until he got to the water cooler and Evan Longoria asked who would be playing shortstop.
"Then Kelly Johnson goes, 'He threw you out,'" said Foley with a chuckle. "I was surprised I got tossed. But maybe he had enough."
It was Foley's first ejection since June 10, 2003, when Ed Rapuano did the deed in the fourth inning of the Rays' 4-2 loss to the Reds at Tropicana Field.
"Last time I got thrown out, Lou [Piniella] was managing, and he took his time getting out there," Foley said. "I finally ran out of things to do, and I kicked the bag, and he threw me out. I turned around, and there's Lou. I said, 'What took you so long?' And he said, 'Tommy, I can't get thrown out every night.'"
Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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One of the big arms at the deadline has been dealt, Zack Greinke is on his way to Anaheim. The Angels have acquired Greinke for infield prospect Jean Segura, and two Double-A pitchers, Ariel Pena, and John Hellweg. What does this mean for the Cubs and specifically Dempster? It could mean that the Braves, who are still in the market for a big arm, re-engage talks with the Cubs. Everyone was waiting for the first pitching domino to fall, this would be it, I wouldn't be surprised if things really start to pick up now.
Thanks for reading,
– George

subset: commoncrawl


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10-Second Stress Busters
Just because AARP is knocking on your door doesn't mean your mind has to slow down. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that seniors who participated in brain-stimulating activities more than once a week over a 20-year interval reduced their risk of dementia by a whopping 63 percent. "If you fix your brain for longevity, your body will follow in kind," says Gary Small, MD, director of the UCLA Center on Aging. Push your brain to stimulating new heights with the exercises that follow.
Cross-training simply means doing exercises that alternately work the left (verbal memory and logic) and right (visual memory) sides of the brain, thereby boosting mental agility over time. For a fun cognitive workout, go to our sister site, ellegirl.com, where you can play games like Chinese Checkers, Cubic Rubic and Puzzle Quest for free in the Games section. Or, if you're tech-phobic, test your skill sets with some good old-fashioned crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or by challenging friends to a Scrabble match.
Beat Breast Cancer


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Avg.Rate: US$ 395.00 - 1705.00
Rating: 5 stars
Perched on the Enkijape hills lies Olarro, within 65 km from Maasai Mara National Reserve this lodge offers panoramic views of the African savannah. It features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and spa. All accommodation is elegantly decorated in white and natural colours. Each unit is fitted with an en-suite bathroom. Some units offer a living and dining room with mountain views. Northern Lounge restaurant offers signature dishes incorporating fresh local ingredients and bush dinners under the stars can be experienced at Olarro. The Olarro Spa features a lounge where guests can relax and unwind whilst overlooking the pool. It offers a range of treatments and massages. Other activities include game drives, nature walks and hot air ballooning which can be arranged upon request. Free WiFi is available in all areas and Nairobi is 200 km away. Więcej
Avg.Rate: US$ 80.00 - 150.00
Rating: 0 stars
Featuring panoramic views of the surrounding savannah plains, Maji Moto Eco Camp in Keekorok offers eco-friendly accommodation and all-inclusive day trips and activities. The tents are furnished with mattresses, pillows, and bedding, and come with access to shared outdoor Masai-style showers and toilets. There is no electricity, and light is provided with candles, lanterns and campfires. The Masai cook prepares daily meals that are a blend of international and traditional Kenyan cuisine. Guests can also enjoy trips to the nearby hot spring, a local village school, and walks with a Masai warrior. Mountain biking and night game drives can also be organised. Maji Moto Eco Camp is located 1 hour's drive from the Sekenani Gate of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Maji Moto is just 15 minutes' drive from the camp and Nairobi is 3 hour's drive away. Więcej


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5 Things You Missed On Instagram Last Night: Andre 3000 And Big Boi Together Again
You can only scroll through Instagram with one eye open like CBS for so long. Eventually you've gotta stop thumbing. Here's what you missed while you were catching Zzzs last night
A #veryrare Big Boi and Andre 3000 sighting
Photo Credit: Instagram/therealbigboi


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I'd like to trade a Pierre / Rascal bot or a Darkmoon eye for :
- Vengeful Porcupette
- Kovok
- Blackfuse Bombling
- Droplet of Y'Shaarj
I have 2 spare DMF eyes.
Also, next engi pet will be available on the 27th of oct, and, if need be, I have a bunch of other pets/stones to add in the mix (pre 5.4 raid pets, blue and white carps, dailies pandas, rep pets and whatnot. Not that big a deal but hey )


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Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislative leaders are expected to meet privately again Monday to discuss how to erase a projected $5 billion budget deficit -- and also how to avoid a looming government shutdown. Dayton said he wants House and Senate leaders to show up at that meeting with a new budget number. But Republicans still appear unwilling to compromise on taxes or spending.
MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minnesota Public Radio News reporter Tim Pugmire who will be keeping close watch on all the State Capitol happenings this week.


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ECOLOGIA BALKANICA – Online First
Final articles, published online first for future issues. The next issue will be vol. 9, issue 1 (June 2017). All accepted articles, but not yet published are listted at the bottom of the page.
ECOLOGIA BALKANICA – Volume 9, Issue 1 / June 2017
Research Articles
A Floristic Study of Hamun Lake Basin, South East of Iran
Maryam Keshavarzi, Habibollah Ijbari, Samaneh Mosaferi, Farzaneh Ebrahimi, pp. 1-9
Article № eb.16123, [Full text - PDF]
Comparative Study on the Landfill Leachate Treatment in a Vertical Flow Wetland System With/Without Phragmites australis
Silviya Lavrova, pp. 11-17
Article № eb.17102, [Full text - PDF]
Liposcelis meridionalis (Rosen, 1911) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) – New to the Bulgarian Fauna
Dilian G. Georgiev, pp. xx-xx
Article № eb.17201, [Full text - PDF]


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Can you help me identify what this imprint is of please. found on the beach near bembridge isle of wight
Message was edited by: Luanne
I can see why you're thinking fossil imprint but this looks like banded flint/chert to me - a curious mineral phenomenon that is often mistaken for fossils. I've attached a factsheet about banded flint.
Thankyou Lu for helping me identify these natural phenomenons
Struggling to find where the thread question answered any help please,
until I do' This Question has been answered by Luanne
Many Thanks Marc
Hi Marc,
I think that when posts are made, they can be marked as either discussion (shows up with little symbol of speech bubble without question mark) or question to be answered (speech bubble with question mark), and that there is a question answered button only for those marked as a question, not a discussion. This is something I've asked to be changed so that all posts in the ID forums can be marked as question answered. It would help me to keep track of them!


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Fire crewws were called to Luddednde Foot after a horse fell in the River Calder.
Specialist divers from Brighouse Fire Station were called to the incident at the Brearley Lane section of the river at 9.30am yesterday (Wednesday).
Fire crews believe the 14-year-old horse, who is called Gypsy, fell into the river after becoming a little bit curious and walking too close to the edge. Gypsy, who had escaped from a field adjacent to the river, suffered a minor graze to its back leg and a vet said it was otherwise in good health.
Watch commander Jimmy Johnstone, of Brighouse Fire Station, said: "When we got there we found it just basically stood up eating grass in the river."
A firefighter in full aqua suit attempted to guide Gypsy down the river to a wear on Brearley Road, but the horse refused.
Soon after Gypsy's owner arrived with a harness and three firefighters in full aqua suits guided the horse around half a mile to some steps, but again the horse refused to go up them. At that point firefighters cleared some vegetation at the other side of the river and Gypsy walked to freedom.
In total the crew were at the scene for an hour and a half.
The police and a technical rescue office also attended.


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Big Ten fodder is never hard to find, especially in recruiting. Here's a look at a few programs that highlighted a busy recruiting week:
Cotton getting close
Linebacker Micquell Cotton (O'Fallon, Ill./O'Fallon) has narrowed his list down to Indiana and Iowa State. The three-star back holds offers from both schools as well as Syracuse and Michigan State.
Cotton has visited both already and will take official visits this fall before making a pick.
The Cyclones have some appeal with a solid 2014 class that includes ESPN 300 wide receiver Allen Lazard (Urbandale, Iowa/Urbandale), running back Tommy Mister (Chicago/St. Rita) and a few other good looking commitments.
We'll see where things stand after he takes his trips.
Iowa adds cornerback
Cornerback Josh Jackson (Corinth, Texas/Lake Dallas) committed to Iowa on Thursday. He confirmed his commitment in a text message.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound senior becomes Iowa's 13th commit and the unranked defensive back becomes the third player to be taken in the secondary in the Hawkeyes' 2014 recruiting class. He joins cornerback Omar Truitt (Washington, D.C./St. John's College) and safety Jyaz Jones (Dallas/South Oak). Jackson's commitment continues the youth movement at Iowa, as six underclassmen will return next season from Iowa's two-deep chart.
"I think it's going to be great," Jackson said. "With the guys coming in, we'll definitely make a big impact in the Big Ten and for the team."
Defensive end Torey Hendrick (Brooklyn, N.Y./ASA College) hasn't broken down his top five yet, but the junior college sensation already knows one he'll take a visit to Iowa.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Hendrick hasn't set a date, but Iowa City be a destination. Expect Kansas to maybe earn a visit as well.
Hendrick currently has offers from Arizona State, Florida State, Kansas State, North Carolina State and Rutgers to go with Iowa and Kansas.
Lacrosse commit getting looks
Jason Alessi (Birmingham, Mich./Brother Rice) is committed to Michigan for lacrosse, but that might not be the sport he ends up playing in college as he is starting to get noticed for football as well.
Alessi is a 2014 defensive back who already holds football offers from Cornell and Air Force. He has heard from Yale, Harvard and most recently Michigan State.
The 6-foot, 170-pound safety took a visit to East Lansing last week and is now waiting for the Spartans to make a move. The coaching staff told him they want to watch film on his first few games this coming season and then make a decision.
If he has a good start to the season the Spartans might not be the only team to come calling.
Linebacker U looking again
Penn State has opened up its search to replace outside linebacker Jared Wangler (Warren, Mich./De La Salle), who decommitted from the Nittany Lions before pledging to Michigan.
With Syracuse commit Jason Cabinda (Flemington, N.J./Hunterdon Central) already in the mix of candidates, Penn State has offered outside backer Brandon Lee (Indianapolis/Lawrence Central). That means Northwestern has some company in landing the standout as Lee will travel to California on an official visit when the Golden Bears play the Wildcats on Aug. 31. Lee currently has a top five of Cal, Louisville, Northwestern, Oregon and Virginia Tech.
London a wanted man
Running backs with size, speed and strength will always be a hot commodity, which is why three-star back Madre London (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas) is in such hot demand.
London says he has a top group of Michigan State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois and Mississippi State. He will visit Michigan State on Oct. 12, Nebraska on Sept. 6 and Wisconsin on Sept. 20.
He looks to be a top target for all of these schools and at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, it's easy to see why. London says he plans on taking a few visits before deciding, but acknowledges that a decision could come at any time.
Michigan's big weekend
Michigan's 2015 class has already gotten off to a fast start with four commitments, including ESPN Junior 300 prospects George Campbell (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake) and Damien Harris (Berea, Ky./Madison Southern). Campbell is the No. 3 ranked prospect overall and Harris is No. 20.
The Wolverines have an opportunity to continue the hot streak this weekend as defensive back Shaun Crawford (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward) is set to announce his decision on Friday on ESPN.com.
Crawford, the No. 49-ranked player in the ESPN Junior 300, has Michigan among his favorites so this would be another big addition for the Wolverines.
The weekend won't be over after that, though, as 2015 defensive back Tyree Kinnel (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne) is visiting on Saturday. Kinnel has also been vocal about his interest in Michigan and that he grew up a fan of the Wolverines.
This weekend could help shore up a good amount of the 2015 class. Much like the 2014 class, numbers will be limited to around 15 scholarships total.
Speed solutions?
Ohio State has a wonderful dilemma. With seven players that run sub 4.5 40-yard dash times on offense, there's a whole lot of speed and not enough positions. When athlete Curtis Samuel (Brooklyn, N.Y./Erasmus) committed to the Buckeyes last week it gave Ohio State four slot receivers -- Dontre Wilson (DeSoto, Texas/Desoto), Jalin Marshall (Middletown, Ohio/Middletown), Terry McLaurin (Indianapolis/Cathedral) and Samuel -- taken in the last two classes.
With McLaurin's size -- he's 6-foot and 184 pounds -- the Indianapolis star can be moved to the outside if the Buckeyes choose to put more speed on the outside.
Unofficially official
Wisconsin might only have 11 commits in its class, but it certainly is lining up official visits.
Right now, ESPN 300 running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) and guard Damien Mama (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) headline the list with official visits set for the weekend of Oct. 11. They'll be joined by cornerback John Plattenburg (Houston/Lamar), safety Andre Godfrey (Hollywood, Fla./Miramar) and commit D.J. Gillins (Jacksonville, Fla./Jean Ribault). Four-star cornerback Jalen Brown (Phoenix/Mountain Pointe) will take an official visit Sept. 20 and will be joined by safety Lubern Figaro (Everett, Mass./Everett), defensive end Uriah Dillon-Leiataua (Compton, Calif./Dominguez) and London.
On Sept. 6, the quartet of defensive tackle Jeremy Patterson (Jesup, Ga./Wayne County), wide receiver Krenwick Sanders (Jesup, Ga./Wayne County), defensive end Rohan Blackwood (Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast Technical) and running back Qadree Ollison (Buffalo, N.Y./Canisius) will be in town. On August 31, tight end Ryan Izzo (Sparta, N.J./Pope John XXIII) has plans to take an official visit to Madison as well.
Izzo is down to Florida State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin and will visit all four schools.


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|"Weems, Joyce"
Hi Everyone, There is an article in ADVANCE regarding this issue. Perhaps it shed light on the questions. (I haven't read it - just saw it!) j Joyce WeemsPathology ManagerSaint Joseph's Hospital 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NEAtlanta, GA 30342404-851-7376 - Phone404-851-7831 - Fax Confidentiality Notice ** The information contained in this message may be privileged and is confidential information intended for the use of the addressee listed above. If you are neither the intended recipient nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.Thank you. Saint Josephs Health System, Inc.


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Sorry if this has been said before, but allow me to recommend the Original Grip Buddies:
?½ http://www.originalbeemerbuddies.com ??
I've a had a few imitations before these, but these are the real thing, and the others pale in comparison. The Grip Buddies are well made, they are very easy to install, and they work very well. Hands and fingers are more relaxed due to the lighter pressure needed to hold the grips, and the bigger diameter, especially on the throttle side, of course. They dampen vibrations, and they are overall soft and sweet to the hands. Give them a try. And the service is A+. No, I have no vested interest in the company


text: Search Results Studies Variables Publications (1) Your query returned 1 citations. Sort by: Pub Date (newest) Title Recent Additions Author Clear All Pub. Year Citation 1. 2007 Mondy, Kristin, Overton, Edgar Turner, Grubb, Jessica, Tong, Shao, Seyfriend, Warren, Powderly, William, Yarasheski, Kevin . Metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected patients from an urban, midwestern US outpatient population. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 44, (5), 726-734. Full Text Options: DOI Worldcat Google Scholar Export Options: RIS EndNote XML Results 1 - 1


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sealable is a valid word in this word list. For a definition, see the external dictionary links below.
The word "sealable" uses 8 letters: A A B E E L L S.
Direct anagrams of sealable:
leasable saleable
Words formed by adding one letter before or after sealable (in bold), or to aabeells in any order:
r - resalable t - stealable
Try a search for sealable in these online resources (some words may not be found):
Wiktionary - OneLook Dictionaries - Merriam-Webster - Google Search
Each search will normally open in a new window.
List all words starting with sealable, words containing sealable or words ending with sealable
All words formed from sealable by changing one letter
Other words with the same letter pairs: se ea al la ab bl le
Browse words starting with sealable by next letter
Previous word in list: seal
Next word in list: sealant
Some random words: ekpwele vulcanian lea kvetch caucus ulema ilea
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Soaking up the sun from the lifeguard tower, these two were captured by Instagram user zivanod and submitted using the #CoolCapture hashtag.
Have you been testing out your photography skills and snapped a shot you want to share? Submit your pics to our Cool Capture group or to Instagram with the #coolcapture hashtag, and your pic might be featured on the POPSUGAR Tech homepage. And don't forget to follow @popsugartech on Instagram!


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While we are still in the process of an ongoing investigation, we recognize that the information security environment is evolving rapidly. To ensure that Target is well positioned following the data breach we suffered last year, we are undertaking an overhaul of our information security and compliance structure and practices at Target. As a first step in this effort, Target will be conducting an external search for an interim CIO who can help guide Target through this transformation.
We will also be elevating the role of the Chief Information Security Officer and hiring externally for this position. Additionally, we will be initiating an external search for a Chief Compliance Officer. We are also working with an external advisor, Promontory Financial Group, to help us evaluate our technology, structure, processes and talent as a part of this transformation.
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Numbers in brackets represent the total possible marks for each question. You may sort these results by any of the questions by clicking on the category header.
Scores for each category are calculated using a series of questions. See our methodology page to read more about each category.
You can download a csv table of these rankings at the bottom of this page, or download an excel version here:


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major macro economic indicators
|2016 (f)
|2017 (f)
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average) (%)
|Budget balance (% GDP)
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
(e) Estimate (f) Forecast
- Rich in agricultural and mineral resources
- International support, notably from the EU
- Strategic geographic position (transit point for oil and gas from the Caspian sea)
- Democratic political system
- Structural current account deficit
- High levels of poverty
- Internal political stability and uncertain relations with Russia
Risk assessment
Gradual recovery in growth driven by public investment in 2017
Public investment programmes aimed at modernising and developing the country's infrastructure, such as the deep-water port on the Black Sea coast (construction due to start during 2017), is expected to sustain growth. Activity in the construction, transport and communications sectors is expected to be particularly dynamic. Private investors are likely to be encouraged by the gradual opportunities offered under the implementation of the Association Agreements (AA) and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement (DCFTA) concluded in 2014 with the EU. The result of the parliamentary elections in late 2016, which gave a clear majority to the prime minister's party, could further boost business and household confidence. Private consumption should also benefit from the steady reduction in unemployment (12% in 2015 against 15% in 2012), a slight increase in growth in Russia, from where almost 60% (10% of GDP) of expatriate remittances originate, and price rises which should remain moderate.
Inflation - very weak in 2016 - could edge up in 2017, fuelled by rising domestic demand and oil prices trending upwards. However, it is expected to stay within the central bank target (4%).
Widening budget deficit but current account stable
Despite efforts to control public spending under an agreement concluded with the IMF in July 2014, this will continue to rise: investment projects remain a priority (it being specified that they are financed in part by multilateral loans) and the 2017 draft budget includes wage increases in some sectors (education). Reform of the taxation of profits, applicable in January 2017 (only distributed profits will be taxed), is likely to reduce government income. Measures which could be decided on in the framework of technical assistance provided by the IMF from May 2017, are not likely to be effective before the end of 2017. The budget deficit is therefore expected to widen. The rise in public debt, 80% denominated in foreign currency, could be mitigated by a more positive trend for the exchange rate of the lari, whose depreciation in 2015 caused that debt to rise sharply.
The current account deficit is not likely to narrow significantly in 2017. The price of products sold abroad (copper, alloys, but also agrifood products like mineral water and wine) is unlikely to move much. Meanwhile, the outlook for growth in the country's main trading partners - the EU (30% of exports in 2015) and the CIS (40% of the total, in particular Azerbaijan with 11% of the total) - remains modest. At the same time, the upturn in Georgian household consumption, even moderate, is expected to lead to higher imports, although the energy bill is unlikely to fall in the absence of another drop in oil prices. Oil transit revenues and a possible increase in tourism revenues could, however, prevent the balance from deteriorating again.
Despite the high current account deficit, downward pressure on the lari's exchange rate could be mitigated by investment flows. The strongly dollarised banking sector (around 65% of deposits and loans are denominated in USD) will benefit from this relative stability in the exchange rate.
Stabilisation of political situation and good performance on governance, despite the deterioration of some indicators
Tensions persist in the regions which unilaterally declared their independence (Abkhazia and South Ossetiea), supported by Russia. At national level, the "Georgian Dream" coalition (RG), the party of President Giorgi Margvelashvili elected in 2013, won the October 2016 parliamentary elections thus strengthening his majority (115 seats out of 150) against the United National Movement Party (MNU) of former President Mikheil Saakashvili (27 seats). After a period of great instability, these results could help improve the political environment, which would favour progress on reforms. The risk of power being concentrated within a single party, in which former Prime Minister Ivanishvili remains very influential, without an opposition sufficiently organised to hold it to account, may raise fears of a lack of transparency in the country's management. The powers of the parliament could moreover be increased, if the proposal for amendment of the constitution announced by the RG were adopted, providing, in particular for the nomination by the Assembly of the president, currently elected by universal suffrage.
Georgia is one of the best-ranked CIS countries on governance. Having made steady progress, it has shown a tendency to deteriorate on some World Bank indicators, especially regarding the fight against corruption (58th in 2015 against 52nd in 2014) and government effectiveness (69th against 60th).
Last update: January 2017


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Start Slideshow
- The Rock RestaurantThe amazing Rock Restaurant in Zanzibar is a rustic hut situated on a jagged rock that rises above the Indian Ocean. Located off the shore of Michanwi Pingwe, the secluded eatery invites guests to wade, swim, or boat over to enjoy the catch of the day, local spirits, and breathtaking scenery. This unique little beach bungalow is virtually off the map and known to very few. Besides its exclusivity, the best part is that there is not a bad seat in the house.1
- the rock restaurant zanzibarLocated a few meters off the coast, this unique little spot is virtually off the map and known to very few. Besides it's exclusivity, there is not a bad seat in the house.2
- the rock restaurant zanzibarhe restaurant itself can accomodate 14 people and includes a stunning wrap-around terrace boasting panoramic views of turquoise water.3
- the rock restaurant zanzibarBuilt entirely with rustic, local materials, the structure easily adapts to the ever changing nature of its environment. When the tide is low, an amazing tiered staircase greets visitors, leading them to the main dining room. Higher tides that call for a boat ride to the Rock, allow visitors to tie up or get dropped off at their floating oasis.4
- the rock restaurant zanzibarA once in a lifetime experience in itself, dinner at the Rock is a must for anyone traveling the Tanzanian coast.5
- the rock restaurant zanzibarThe cozy hut also offers an extensive wine menu, making it a hot spot for romantic dinners and special occasions.6
- the rock restaurant zanzibarThe owner, a local fisherman, serves whatever he catches (including lobster and prawns) and prepares delicious authentic recipes with local ingredients.7


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Well, it's time to move on from the 1st eartquake in Maine to the 1st hurricane in NYC. Let the party begin!
Well, it's time to move on from the 1st eartquake in Maine to the 1st hurricane in NYC. Let the party begin!
"all things in moderation - including moderation"
Looks like it is going to be a good one!
Good luck to you and everyone on the east coast. Get those bikes to high ground.....
Might be mine too. Im a west coaster and just got call that our utility might provide mutual aid...
Just don't take it too lightly. There is a lot of potential for major infrastructure damage. Flooding and high winds will take down old growth trees, especially oaks, like bowling pins.
Good luck to all you folks in the affected areas.
Bob Weis
Bikeless! 2004-bmw-k12rs-hannigan-Sold!
Dover, NH
2017 BMW R1200GS Rallye
I don't think you'll get much sleep tonight...
Lifes too short to ride an ugly Motorcycle
Well, I've been very lucky with this storm so far. I put my bike in early winter storage last friday before the storm, so it's OK. Our apartment is in a neighborhood on high ground (upper west side), so no flooding and the electricity never went off.
Sounds like parts of the subway system and river tunnels in sad shape; could make getting around the city problematic for some time.
"all things in moderation - including moderation"
We're pretty used to these things where I live in NC but we also don't have all the added problems that go with living in overbuilt, ovecrowded urban areas.
Flooding alwys does way more damage than wind until you get to much higher winds than Sandy.
Beware those trees- they fall when the ground gets saturated and weakens their grip and you really don't want one on your house. Here, the savvy folks cut all the loblolly pine overhanging houses- they're dangerous pulp trees that don't do well in storms- our oaks are generally tough enough to do OK. Watch for live down power if you're out and around afterward.
Hope all you guys have done well with nothing more than whatever inconveniences caused by power outages...
not as much rain as they predicted here but very high winds here. we never lost power but the damn wind did some damage
Old and / or not very well done roofing job to lose it in winds that low. Hope the amount of water that got in was minimal and cleanup is easy.
Hurricanes do have a way of locating the construction weaknesses and flaws in various builds. I once got 50 gal of water driven right through a brick wall by 120 mph winds.
The spots that allowed it to happen were so tiny it took me several hours of looking over 2 days to find and fix them and they turned out to be 2 "freeze cracks", each in a separate brick and not really visible but detected first by feel. Repair by a couple inches of silicon seal in a few seconds and never leaked again. Would never have guessed such almost invisible damage could leak so much water....


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Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection (USAToday)
Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection (USAToday)
I have read that Tesla has been looking for a second factory for future models and I'm sure there are many to choose from in Detroit. I think Tesla and Detroit could be a perfect match... skilled auto technicians and a new American auto company. A good marketing idea as well.
@zjmo2 Perhaps but Tesla is more a Silicon Valley company than a traditional auto company. The cultural differences may not work too well.
I think Tesla should avoid Detriot.
It's a place where unions hold automakers hostage, have too much influence in decisions. I will never purchase a car made in Detriot - Chrysler being a prime example.
(Sorry Chrysler fans - they suck)
I agree with you. Building a car is not an easy job, and I would hate to have mine assembled in a place where the quality of life for the worker/assemblers is so depressing.
With that said, I hope Detroit can rebuild itself to the prosperity it was back in the 1960's and 1970's. However, I just don't see the auto industry surviving there in the future. The motor has left the city.
+1 TikiMan
What a mess. A judge just said it's illegal. We'll see how it plays out.
Forget Dteroit. Tesla and Austin, Texas would be perfect match, except for brain dead Texas politicians in bed with sleazy auto dealers. Great city with very intelligent silicon valley like background. Problem is that it is in State of Texas.
I of course meant Detroit, not Dteroit. Did flunk typing in high school for a reason.
@eadaptor. I actually like the Grand Cherokee, especially since the revision in 2011, I think. My friends and family members who live in Michigan drive it and most of them have over 100k miles on it with no problems at all. I think that some of the American models have made great strides over the last decade and I hope they continue to do so. I hope that one day, we'll be talking about the Great 4 American automakers. (including Tesla)
Tesla is planning a lot of SuperChargers in Texas, so they must be rather confident that Texas will overturn the Tesla banning legislation when possible, especially after the whitehouse.gov response. When do we get to read about that anyways?
The Tesla is not banned in Texas, just sales.
The reason carlk gave for Tesla not going to Detroit may be the reason they should go. A Silicon Valley company with skilled auto technicians would be a great match. Property is cheap in Detroit and there are plenty of vacant factories to choose from. There is a sophisticated distribution system already in place there as well. eAdopter points out that Detroit is a depressing place where unions hold automakers hostage. Anyone who has lived in or visited the south, where many of the automakers have located to, has seen "depressed" first hand. If Detroit is depressed, it is because of the exodus of the American auto manufacturing jobs to Mexico and other (cheaper) areas. The only ones holding anyone hostage have been the American auto execs, who have been holding everyone hostage over the years with their poorly designed, crappy products that no one really wants. The SF bay area is one of the last remaining union areas in the country and it has had no effect on Tesla. Tesla and Detroit could be a good match.
At least right now, I think Tesla wants its development and technology teams to be in close proximity to their manufacturing teams in order to allow for extremely fast tweaks to its production process to address manufacturing issues. In this regard, it will be difficult for Tesla to find qualified technology talent in Detroit, and Tesla is fundamentally a technology company.
Given the fact that Tesla is currently occupying and using only a small portion of the entire NUMMI plant that it owns, there is a lot of expansion room for the future without needing to buy more plants.
@AmpedRealtor - for a young company best move is to have your factory close by your development - things can be fixed fast. Factory only 3 hours away and an afternoon fix becomes 2 weeks minimum. Been there, done that.
If Tesla opens another manufacturing plant, I think it would be in Europe or Asia to protect against currency exchange rate fluctuations.
@zjmo2 It might be a good thing for Detroit if they can learn to adapt Silicon Valley culture through the joint venture. On the other hand it may not work too well if they still can't change their old habits. I'm not talking about union or anything like that. It's just the 9 to 5 get my things done (slowly) keep everything the way they are and not to offend anyone until I get my pension attitude.
@jdb I agree Austin can be a good place for Tesla. BTW Austin is not Texas ideologically. The other two big metro areas are pretty progressive (by Texas standard) too. The problem (yes it is a problem) is the rural and small town bible belt areas. Things will change eventually I believe. Remember even California was not this progressive not too long ago.
zimo2, Detroit has the highest business taxes in the country. This might be one of the reasons companies prefer to go to other places.
Ausin-izing Texas would strangle, stomp, and rot the goose laying the gold eggs.
Does tesla feel any lack of skilled workers in the Fermont Factory? No, they don't, they have 3000 strong workforce that is dedicated to the success of the company. The facility itself is huge, it produced 500k cars a year, it will be decades before tesla reaches those numbers, if at all. Their goal is also to have as much in-house production as possible. So they don't lack space, they don't lack workers, they don't lack parts suppliers, why on earth would they move to detroit of all places??? Because it has skilled workers? Really? Are they any more skilled than the california workers, or any other workers in any of the right-to-work states? If yes, in what way exactly are they more skilled?
TM has no shortage of qualified applicants! And they can offer a major climate upgrade to anyone from Michigan, for free.
Brian - housing cost climate ? Coming from Michigan you will be in a free fall into despair.
Sunshine hours per year. Ice-free days/year.
Administrators as CEO's, and Unions as partners.
Recipe for disaster.
Government-nominated BoD. Catastrophic.
Detroit's bankruptcy has little to do with the auto industry. It's due to the exodus of upper and middle class property taxpayers fleeing a city riddled with crime, infrastructure decay, and public official corruption. The primary driver of the debt is underfunded public employee pension and benefit plans, not the health of the auto industry.
the decline of MotorCity was triggered by the troubles of the big Three, way back in late 70's/early 80's. Unemployment leads to crime and infrastructure decay.
Of course, in the good old days, DetroitCity started distributing the wealth generated by the BigThree, thinking it would last forever; and now finds itself underfunded.


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Apple settles iPad 4G name debacle in Australia to the tune of $2.25 million
0. phoneArena posted on 08 Jun 2012, 09:45
While here in the U.S., the criteria for using the term 4G can be described as lax, in other parts of the world it's not ok to slap a 4G claim on any old device. Apple found that out the hard way when it released its iPad 4G in Australia...
This is a discussion for a news. To read the whole news, click here
1. android_hitman (unregistered)
16. Non_Sequitur (Posts: 1111; Member since: 16 Mar 2012)
Yep! Seems as if Apple is getting a taste of their own medicine.
18. ScottSchneider (Posts: 336; Member since: 06 Dec 2011)
Apple Had to Bite off their own Balls...
Moral - Never mess with the Government...
2. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
i mean i would be upset too if i bought an iPad labeled as 4G and it really wasnt. this is why i dont have tmo.
3. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)
Careful there's a poster here who says T-Mobile has 4g just as fast as LTE.
4. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
sike. i choose to not believe what posters say. i live in columbus, ohio and they just did a 4g test in our area and tmo came in dead last. they can call their HSPA+ 4g all they want. its not real 4g regardless of what they got approved or not.
5. PhoneLuver (Posts: 481; Member since: 05 Jul 2010)
Amen brother!
6. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
if anything tmo is way behind in getting LTE launched. do they honestly think that HSPA+ is going to keep them in the game for much longer? and here i thought sprint was struggling, at least theyve started to launch their LTE. tmo doesnt have plans to launch it until what, middle of next year? pathetic. seems like theyre real concern about their network. maybe if they put more money into their network it could be worth more than being the "4th largest carrier in america". they should probably stop making claims that their "4g" is faster than AT&T's iphone. honestly the dumbest commercial ive ever seen. tmo is basically saying that their "4g" is faster than AT&T's 3g. congrats, but where does your "4g" stand next to the other 4g networks... ohhh right... last.
8. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)
You're preaching to the choir
9. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
taco i rarely give you a thumbs up but if i could do it ten more times i would. im glad someone could agree with me that tmo is garbage. ive been selling phones for three plus years now and ive been recruited to work at tmo countless times. listen, i know im the sh*t at what i do,but im not going to work for a company that i believe aint sh*t. sadly enough there is a tmo kiosk almost right in front of my store and i laugh everytime i see someone over there. most of the new acts i have were tmo customers and it always boils down to the service sucking huge donkey nads.
10. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)
Also they're "unlimited" data plans come down to nothing more than deceptive advertising since they cap and throttle you to where the Internet becomes unusable.
T-Mobile would have to be a LAST option if I wanted to sell phones
11. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
id rather being peddling for change in cleveland, during the winter, in shorts and a tshirt, than ever work for tmo. they tried to get me by saying how much they made in commish. listen dude... i dont care if the handed you a million dollars for just coming in, im not stooping to tmo level of crap.
all there commercials are ridiculous. lets hire a hot girl to say how awesome we really arent and people will believe because shes attractive. idiots.
12. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)
Hahaha that's hilarious!!
13. thedarkside (Posts: 654; Member since: 30 Apr 2012)
ive been known to say funny things here and there.
15. -box- (Posts: 3991; Member since: 04 Jan 2012)
42 Mbps HSPA+ does have speeds as fast as LTE. HSPA has triple digit theoretical max speeds, as does LTE or LTE-Advanced (on break, no chance to research). Ergo as 4G ratings IN THE US are based on speed (14.4Mbps and up, I believe), it's 4G.T Thank the people at the ITC for making us different from the rest if the definitions and standards. Technically 4G won't be out until LTE-Advanced and WiMax2 (if that gets launched).
17. taco50 (banned) (Posts: 5506; Member since: 08 Oct 2009)
No it maxes out at 42 while LTE is 100
20. cnpthe3rd (Posts: 101; Member since: 01 Feb 2009)
actually i dont have as much trouble with the 4G term as I do with "unlimited" in Orlando T-mo was as fast or faster than verizon and at&t (15-20mb/s) in 6 of the 10 locations around town I tested it but WTF is the point if your "unlimited" data plan cuts you off on the 12th-15th of every month. i dropped all of them and went to clear so now i carry an extra device to have to remember to charge and only get 7-9mb/s witch is plenty fast but i get UNLIMITED they actually know what that word means. us cellular providers should have a quick look at dictionary.com and see WTF unlimited actually means
7. jaytai0106 (Posts: 1888; Member since: 30 Mar 2011)
No one noticed "$2.25 million AUD, approximately $2.2 USD"? I'm going to take $1,000 USD to Australia to be billionaire muahaha
14. networkdood (Posts: 6330; Member since: 31 Mar 2010)
This fine is the equivalent of the average 'joe' paying a dollar fine.
19. roscuthiii (Posts: 2332; Member since: 18 Jul 2010)
I think that's the only reason they're being so gracious about paying it.
I see it as something like this: "This is preposterous! I won't stand for this. You'll be hearing from my lawyers. I just can't believe... what? Oh, is that all you want? Yeah, yeah sure. No problem, you got a deal. We'll pay."
-snickers & chortles-
22. cnpthe3rd (Posts: 101; Member since: 01 Feb 2009)
and they were not really "gracious" they only agreed to pay after they lost the court battle
23. roscuthiii (Posts: 2332; Member since: 18 Jul 2010)
True, but I figured they'd appeal on principle alone, not just agree.


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I am away from home which is NH and am about to buy a tent and some other camping equipment I'll need to fit into the system cases later on my bike. The problem is I need to know the maximum length a straight item will fit in the side cases. I'm thinking of ten- 1/4 inch tent poles bungeed together. All they have to do is fit for length and allow the bag to close. I'll pack stuff all around them. Anyone have these cases handy who could open one and give me a measurement? Both cases should be the same (I have one narrow and one wide one-high muffler.) I am guessing 19 inches? Thanks.
Update: I have searched the forums and advrider etc and this question has been asked before but no answer has ever been given as far as I can tell. I guess those of us who have asked this question have you all stumped. I have to be in Phoenix next week so I'll stop at Victory BMW and look for a case like mine and take my ruler.


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Strange Baseball Injuries
In part 2 of my off-season "strange baseball" series, I give you the most entertaining baseball injuries of all time:
· We'll begin with my personal favorite: Adam Eaton, when he was with the Padres: Adam accidentally stabbed himself in the stomach with a knife while trying to unwrap a DVD in 2001. And the Phillies later signed this genius to a three-year deal worth $24 million because…???
· Relief pitcher, and former Phillie, Larry Anderson strained a rib muscle getting out of a Jacuzzi. I am guessing because he did not want to sit down his beer first… J
· John Smoltz burned his chest while ironing a shirt that was ON him at the time. Who irons clothes while wearing them? Wow.
· Chris Brown missed over 250 games between 1984 and 1988 due to supposed injuries. He once claimed that he slept on his eye wrong and could not play as a result. He also used the "bruised tooth" excuse once as well. That's his story and he's stickin' to it.
· Wade Boggs injured his back while trying to put on cowboy boots; he apparently lost his balance…and his dignity.
· Aaron Rowand hurt his left shoulder while playing tag with his kids. Really, I could think of more interesting ways to accomplish this…and it does not involve children. J
· Glenallen Hill, plagued by nightmares, once fell out of bed and onto a glass table after dreaming that he was covered in spiders. Serious arachnophobia gone wrong.
· Bret Barberie missed a game after accidentally rubbing chili juice in his eyes. A budding chef, no doubt.
· Kevin Mitchell strained a muscle while vomiting. No more drinking games for him… J
· Phil Niekro injured his hand after shaking his hands too hard. What??
· Jose Cardenal missed a game in 1972 because he tired. He said the crickets chirping in his hotel room kept him awake all night. He also missed a game 2 year later after claiming to have slept funny and, as a result, his eyelid was stuck shut.
· Nolan Ryan was once bitten by a coyote pup that he tried to take home with him after finding two of them wandering the countryside. Lesson? Leave Mother Nature alone.
· Cal Ripken Jr. broke his nose while posing for an All-Star Team photo. He was "accidentally" elbowed in the face by Roberto Hernandez.
· Sammy Sosa went into back spasms after sneezing too hard. Benadryl anyone?
· Brandon Inge strained his oblique while trying to move a pillow for his son. Was the pillow made of bricks?
· Steve Sparks dislocated his shoulder trying to rip a phonebook in half. The Incredible Hulk would have been impressed.
· Ricky Henderson missed several games in August of 1985 because of frostbite. He left an ice pack on his foot a tad too long. Another genius.
· Ricky Bones injured his lower back trying to get out of a chair while watching TV in the clubhouse. A real "bone" head move.
And now for the truly sick and "twisted" – The Bad Balls Club (warning: men should not read if you have a weak stomach) –
· Felix Pie missed time during 2008 spring training with a twisted testicle.
· Chris Snyder was on the 15-day DL in July 2008 with a fractured testicle after getting hit with a foul ball. Foul balls, indeed.
· And last, but not least, Ken Griffey Jr. missed a game after he pinched his right testicle between his leg and his cup.
Feel free to add your own favorite baseball injuries in the comments section below. And please, do not try any of these feats at home.
Read more at MY OTHER HOME PAGE! Phillies Phollowers has joined forces with Phightin' Phils Phorum! Please check out our new site and bookmark it.
And for the football fans, I have also started a Miami Dolphins page, The Dolphin Pod! All Dol-Fans, and anyone else who wants to say hello is welcome!
Remember also to check out our homepage My Team Rivals and our Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, Billy Penn Curse, Reinstate Pete Rose, Phillies Mets Rivalry, Phillies Marlins Rivalry, and Phillies Braves Rivalry pages!


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ORLANDO, Fla. - Chantal is no longer a tropical storm, but the system will bring clouds and rain to Central Florida this weekend.
On Thursday, the tropical wave continued its trek toward the Sunshine State after unleashing heavy rains in parts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, where thousands were evacuated from flood-prone areas.
Local 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges says the remnants of Chantal will mainly stay off the Florida coast, and it's not expected to reform into a tropical storm.
"Clouds and rain will be building across Central Florida on Friday into Saturday, lasting into part of Sunday," he said.
There's a 50 percent coverage of rain Thursday through Sunday in the Orlando area.
Thursday night flood advisories were issued in Marion County because of large amounts of rainfall in the area.
High temperatures will be in the low 90s into next week, with lows in the mid-70s.
Watch Local 6 News and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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The Obama administration will attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court's June ruling that struck down of a key part of the Voting Rights Act.
As part of an existing lawsuit that challenges the legality of a 2010 redistricting plan in the state of Texas, the Justice Department plans to request pre-clearance procedures for the state that are similar to the ones struck from the Voting Rights Act, Politico reports.
"Based on the evidence of intentional racial discrimination….as well as the history of pervasive voting-related discrimination against racial minorities that the Supreme Court itself has recognized, we believe that the state of Texas should be required to go through a preclearance process whenever it changes its voting laws and practices," Attorney General Eric Holder said. "This is the department's first action to protect voting rights following the Shelby County decision, but it will not be our last."
Read more here.
Have Something to Say?
"Obama Administration to Attempt to Counter SCOTUS Ruling on Voting Rights Act"


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McDaniel told a legislative panel he'd received an offer from the district that would end the payments from the state under a 1989 agreement.
That agreement requires Arkansas to fund magnet schools, transfers between districts and other programs to support desegregation and keep a racial balance in the Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County school districts. Those costs add up to about $70 million a year.
The Little Rock School District would be paid $42.4 million a year over the next seven years or a lump sum payment of more than $297 million, according to a copy of the proposal provided by the district's attorney.
"Unless you order me to do it, I will not accept any settlement that includes conditions other than a simple dollar amount," McDaniel told members of the House and Senate education committees. "Because if there is any condition in it, the record has proven this school district will fight us and litigate us about it until the end of time."
The conditions in the proposal include a provision that the district would not be subject to sanctions for fiscal, academic or facilities distress and would prevent the state from taking or consolidating the district during the seven-year period. It also would prevent the state from retaliating against Little Rock schools because of the desegregation litigation, a provision McDaniel was concerned about because it didn't define what would be considered retaliatory.
The district would also agree to drop its lawsuit that claims Arkansas' approval of charter schools in Pulaski County violates the desegregation agreement. A federal appeals court is considering that case.
The offer was made as the state prepares to go to trial in December over its effort to end the desegregation payments. Arkansas has argued that the payments are no longer necessary because North Little Rock and Little Rock have been declared fully unitary — or substantially desegregated — and Pulaski County schools have been declared partially unitary.
McDaniel later told reporters he viewed the proposal as a positive step and said it's the first time the state has received an offer in writing from the district.
Chris Heller, an attorney for the Little Rock school district, said he was encouraged by McDaniel saying he planned to respond in good faith to the offer and didn't view him calling it a "non-starter" as closing the door on negotiations.
"I think that it's always expected in settlement negotiations that there are going to be aspects of a proposal that the other side isn't willing to agree to," Heller said.


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Hey everyone, I just purchased a Corsair Pro Performance 128Gb drive, and hooked it all up last night and got Windows on it. I have it plugged in through the Intel 6Gbps Brown-colored port on my P67 Sabertooth. This is exactly what it says to do in the manual, and I am running it in AHCI mode. In the BIOS it reports as 6Gbps, so that all checks out. However, once within Windows nothing reports it as being SATA III nor does it perform at what I would expect this drive to perform at. It seems to still be running in the SATA II spec. When setting it up, I even used the cables from Asus labeled Sata III 6Gbps. Here are some screenshots so you know what I'm seeing:
This is the drive information through HD Tune:
This is the drive information through HD Sentinel:
This is the benchmark results through HD Tune:
I have all the driver's installed for the Motherboard before running or looking at any of this information. Does anyone have any ideas of what I'm doing wrong? From reviews it should be somewhere around 400MBps+ rather than the 350MBps+ I'm seeing. This looks like I said before that its limiting itself to SATA II speeds. Any help would be appreciated!


text: Just a quick poll to sate my curiosity. When your opponent's at the net and you're at or behind the baseline do you usually pass to end the point, or lob to get him out of your face? I'm very aware that which shot depends on the circumstances, but which shot do you prefer to hit and hit most ofter?


text:
As players reported to Spring Training, Red Sox outfielder Mike Cameron joined Action Team high school volunteers from communities across the U.S. to talk about how playing a team role is just as important off the field as it is at Fenway Park.
Founded in 2003 by the Major League Baseball Players Trust and Volunteers of America, the Action Team program connects high school students with Major League players to promote community service and train and inspire the next generation of volunteers. To date, more than 26,000 Action Team student volunteers in more than 157 high schools nationwide have helped improve the lives of more than 111,000 people in need.
Cameron phoned in from his first day of workouts as a guest of the Action Team's monthly conference call series, in which student Action Team captains have a candid conversation about baseball, teamwork and volunteering with their favorite Major League stars.
A former All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and author of It Takes a Team, Cameron credited teamwork for helping him overcome challenges throughout his career and urged the Action Team captains to reflect on the power of being a supportive teammate.
"I feel like there's an ultimate sacrifice in teamwork, where you're trying to do something that's very individualized, but if you come together as a team, it makes it so much more special," Cameron said.
"I was raised by my grandmother, but my mom and dad were always there," he said. "I've always kind of been raised separately by everyone, and that was the first sign of teamwork I knew. It was a blessing in disguise because I didn't realize the effort of my parents and all of these people who helped me grow, stay on the right track and follow the dream I had of playing Major League baseball."
Cameron recalled being traded to Seattle and explained how team support helped him face the tough assignment of replacing superstar Ken Griffey Jr. in the Mariners' outfield.
"I was on such a good team, and I went out there and just said, 'Look, there's no way possible that I can be Griffey,' but I played as hard as I could possibly play and tried to do the best things I could possibly do," he said. "The fans in Seattle opened up their hearts and their doors to me, and it took a whole team and a family for me to be successful to make that a special moment."
Respected by teammates and former teammates baseball, Cameron shared his secret to staying grounded and being a team leader.
"I was raised to be a good man long before I was raised to be a good baseball player," Cameron told the students. "It's been a part of me forever, to be able to help people and put smiles on people's faces. I think it's a blessing to be able to use my stage to reach out to people or help people find things in life that they're missing. I've always felt that no matter the circumstance or how my life may change because I play Major League baseball, I want people to be comfortable with me and I always want to treat people the same way I want to be treated."
Cameron joined students on the call in welcoming high schools from Wyoming, Iowa and Connecticut to the Action Team program and celebrating the special volunteer efforts of Action Team captains from Thornton Academy, the February Action Team of the Month.
Thornton Academy's Kaitlyn Hall, Amanda Arnold, Erin Brayden and Allison Coburn have developed a special relationship with the Paul Hazelton House, a Volunteers of America-managed senior citizen residential community close to their school in Saco, Maine. The Action Team captains have "adopted grandparents" at the center and often join the seniors for fun activities, including spirited bingo nights, festive holiday parties, line dancing and Thornton Academy theatrical productions.
The best part of the experience for the Maine Action Team captains has been seeing the smiles on the faces of their friends at Hazelton and realizing anyone can take action to improve the lives of others.
"Just going over there in general has been great," one Action Team captain saod. "It's great to see us making them happy and getting them involved in the community because they may not get to see a lot of their families."
"They've got it workin' up there!" Cameron said, as the ladies from Thornton described plans for future volunteer projects that include a hat-and-mitten drive for homeless youth, escorting Hazelton residents to a performance by the Young at Heart choral group and hosting a dinner for international students and Hazelton House seniors. "I know you guys are working hard, and I think it's a blessing for you to be able to get out and help people out. It's a joy, and I love it."
A veteran of the Action Team program, Cameron has understands the rewards of volunteering. In 2010, Cameron visited Boston-area schools and read to students as part of a youth literacy program.
"We have an opportunity to make peoples' lives much better. I wish everyone the best with the blessings and helping hands that you're able to send out. The one thing I always try to do every day is to get somebody to smile and just have a good heart about everything. I wish all you guys the best."
For more information about the Action Team program, visit www.actionteam.org or send an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Decorating Your Space for the Very First Time
Congratulations! You've just purchased the first home of your own. Or maybe you're moving into an apartment or condo. Whatever your living quarters, you want it to look nice, feel nice and be a great place to live that you really like coming home to. The utilities are hooked up, the refrigerator is stocked, the boxes are unpacked, and the Internet is hooked up. On to the decorating!
Designing your interior to create a living space that says you appears daunting at first. After all, there are professionals who will do it for you, so it must be difficult! But its not, once you break it down into manageable pieces and do a little reading up.
Here is some easy reading that will get you up to speed fast and help you personalize and decorate your living space.
Getting Started with Home Décor
Read up on the basics and learn how to figure out what kind of home décor works for you and your family. This series of articles contains great tips on finding your style, planning home décor projects, and designing for real life. You can find these articles at http://blog.christmastreemarket.com/tag/home-decor-101/.
Home Décor 101: How to be Your Own Interior Decorator
Home Decor 101: Painting for Beginners
Home Decor 101: Basics of Arranging Furniture
Home Decor 101: How to Accessorize
Now that you're getting the hang of it, it's time to decide on a color scheme. You can do that first, and choose furniture and accessories that match. Of course if you have some furniture, or you know what furniture you intend to buy, you'll want to match the color scheme to the furniture, rather than the other way around. But you have to start somewhere, so here's a great resource on picking interior color schemes.
How to Pick Interior Color Schemes (from bhg.com)
A Review of Color Scheme Generator Programs (from budgetdecorating.about.com )
Paint Your Room with this Virtual Painter (from Benjamin Moore)
Once you've picked the colors, it's time to shop for paint, and maybe a painter too. Of course, if you're decorating your first home or apartment, you might want or need to make painting a do it your own self project.
An easy to understand explanation of different paint types (from This Old House)
Painting it's all about preparation and patience (from How Stuff Works)
Home Depot Guide to Applying Paint (from Home Depot)
Unless your domicile is a pop-up tent, it's not complete without furniture. Maybe you have some pieces, or the beginning of a collection, or you're sitting in your living room on a folding chair and all you have is a bed. What you need is some basic pieces that you can grow with and add to over time. But before that, how about some help in understanding what makes a good combination of furniture for a particular room.
How to Arrange Living Room Furniture (from Better Homes and Gardens)
Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes in Arranging Furniture (from DIY Home Staging)
How to Arrange Furniture in Long, Narrow Spaces (from houzz.com)
Now let's consider how to think through buying specific pieces of furniture for the living room, dining room, home office and bedroom. Here are some articles that expand out into detail treatments of sofas, dining room sets, beds and futons, office chairs and even setting up that home entertainment center you've always wanted.
Guide to Buying Furniture (from about.com)
What to Know when Buying a Sofa (from houzz.com)
How to Buy Quality Furniture (from Get Rich Slowly)
Home Décor Accents: The Finishing Touches
With the basics in place youre ready to consider the finishing touches that will make your design really pop. You can build from the ground up with your rugs, throw in an accent wall, or arrange your tsotchkes and occasional pieces in ways that amp up the statement your decor makes.
How about an accent wall? (from homeguides.sfgate.com)
Accessorizing Tips (from Better Homes & Gardens)
Choosing a rug by shape, size, color and material (from Emily Clark)
Hanging Photos and Wall Art (from Emily Henderson)
Have you heard the saying "If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all"? Perhaps your brand new home or condo needs a bit of renovation to set the stage for the home design you want. And, as luck has it, your name isn't Bob Vila! You could go to his website and see if he has a custom solution for your renovation challenge. And if Bob is not your Uncle, you could always try the fine folks at the DIY Network.
DIY Network for remodeling ideas and projects (from DIY Network)
What to Watch For when Renovating an Older Home (from bankrate.com )
The Top 25 Renovating Mistakes (from HGTV)
Carpeting, hardwood floors, vinyl, tile: which medium suits your home best? Which do you have time and budget for? Whether youre looking for eco-friendly designs or budget-conscious options, these flooring guides demystify todays wide range of choices.
Picking the Perfect Floor (from This Old House)
How to Choose Flooring (from about.com)
Choose a Floor Youll Love (from HGTV)
How to Choose the right type of flooring for your home (video)
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The Senate approved the legislation by an 89-8 vote early Tuesday. The measure now heads to the House.
Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor says he's pleased Democrats and Republicans were able to reach a compromise. He says not everyone agrees with the details of the plan but that's "the art of compromise and consensus building."
Republican Sen. John Boozman says he's proud lawmakers were able to reach an agreement "to prevent the largest tax hike in American history." He hailed the bipartisan plan but said there was no reason lawmakers should wait until the last minute to deal with policy issues.


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Sugarloaf launches Maine's first off-road Segway tours with opening of new "Outpost"
CARRABASSETT VALLEY, ME - A Segway might not be the first piece of equipment that comes to mind when it comes to off-road travel. But the Segway x2 makes off-road travel possible, and on Thursday, Sugarloaf will become Maine's first authorized Segway x2 off-road tour operator.
Operated through a partnership with Segway, the tours are one of several new summer offerings at the "Outpost", a newly opened summer adventure center located in the Sugarloaf village.
The Outpost will serve as a central hub of summer activity for guests at Sugarloaf, offering the Segway tours, zipline tours on the resort's network of six lines, scenic lift ride tickets, canoe and kayak rentals, and a knowledgeable staff that will help guide guests on their outdoor adventures.
As Maine's only authorized Segway tour operator, the experience will truly be unique to Sugarloaf. - Brad Larsen, Sugarloaf Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Segway Inc. is the industry expert in balancing technology known as 'dynamic stabilization,' and the world's leading provider of personal electric balancing transportation. The Segway x2 features higher ground clearance and larger, more aggressive tires than standard Segway models, allowing users to travel over rugged, off-road terrain. Each Segway x2 can travel an estimated 12 miles on a single charge.
"This is a great opportunity for us to offer a new and different experience for our guests," Brad Larsen, Sugarloaf Vice President of Sales and Marketing said. "The partnership with Segway makes the startup cost for this program very reasonable, and as Maine's only authorized Segway tour operator, the experience will truly be unique to Sugarloaf."
Sugarloaf will offer three different types of tours this summer: 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 90 minutes for $10, $20, and $59, respectively. The 10 minute tour will serve as a basic introduction to Segway operation, while the 20 minute option will give guests advanced instruction on the machine to allow user to hone their skills. The 90 minute will include coaching on the Segway and an extensive off-road tour on Sugarloaf's trail network.
All tours will begin at the Outpost, located next to Mountainside Real Estate in the Sugarloaf Village. The Outpost will be open from 9am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday throughout the summer. Advanced reservations are recommended for Segway tours, zipline tours, and canoe and kayak rentals.
To make a reservation, guests can call 1-800-THE-LOAF. For more information, please visit www.sugarloaf.com.
Media Contact:
Ethan Austin
Sugarloaf Communications Manager
About Sugarloaf - Located in Carrabassett Valley, ME, Sugarloaf is largest ski area in the East, and is home to the only lift-serviced above treeline skiing and riding in the East, as well as the number one golf course in Maine, according to Golf Digest. Sugarloaf is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions. Follow: www.sugarloaf.com, www.facebook.com/sugarloaf, and http://twitter.com/sugarloafmaine.


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Bank building may have buyer
MANCHESTER -- A Main Street landmark building may be on the cusp of getting a new owner.
The former Berkshire Bank building, which has been on the market for the past two years, has a possible purchase agreement in place for April 30. Ray Smith, a spokesman for Berkshire Bank, which retained ownership of the building following moving its banking operations to a new branch office on Richville Road, could not say who, or what, business was in the process of purchasing the building.
Town Assessor Pauline Moore said the building has an assessed value of $729,000. The building will be sold along with the approximately half acre of land it sits on. Smith said there are two floors and a basement, with 8,000 square feet per floor. Two years ago, the bank moved out of that location completely.
Moore said the town is happy to work with the new owner.
"The town's obviously excited that something's going to happen with this great classic building," she said.
Paul Hardy, with Sotheby's International Realty in Manchester, is the listing agent on the property. He said it has been on the market for approximately three years.
Originally constructed in 1815 and operated as a tavern, Emerson Estabrook remodeled the third floor as an opera house, according to Freddie Templeton, president of the Manchester Historical Society. In 1884, the Estabrook's Opera House opened. A fire destroyed the original opera house in 1892 and in 1896 the building was rebuilt and opened as the Union Opera House. This hall was used as a community space for events, entertainment and Town Meetings into the 20th century, Templeton said.
The Manchester Historical Society was not able to find an exact date for when the building became the home of Factory Point Bank, however, they believe it happened sometime in the late 1920s or early 1930s.
Factory Point Bank was originally chartered in 1883.
The Main Street branch was the head office for the then Factory Point Bank, which was part of the town's banking scene until 2007, when it was acquired by Berkshire Bank, a full service, 165 year-old financial institution based in Pittsfield, Mass.
The bank has several branches throughout Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. Locally, it has branches in Arlington, Dorset and Pawlet, as well as Rutland and Ludlow. The bank also has a cluster of offices in the Capital District Region of New York State.
The Richville Road branch opened in 2006. The Main Street branch's operations had migrated to that new location by 2012. Berkshire Bank has retained a branch office on Main Street next door to its former headquarters building.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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OCEAN CITY – While local, state and federal officials scramble to find millions of dollars of funding for a major beach replenishment effort in the resort in the wake of a devastating mid-November storm, the U.S. Supreme Court this week heard testimony in a case involving a similar effort in Florida and its alleged "taking" of private property that could have implications in coastal communities all over the country including Ocean City.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a landmark case involving beach replenishment and its impact on waterfront property owners in Florida. The high court is taking up the case at a time when coastal communities up and down the east coast are getting ready to embark on major beach replenishment projects necessitated by last month's storm.
At issue is whether Florida's beach replenishment program constitutes an illegal "judicial taking" of private waterfront property. Coastal property owners in Florida, under the umbrella of a group named Stop Beach Nourishment, filed suit in 2005 challenging the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's beach replenishment program, alleging the pumping of sand onto the beach in front of their properties created a new public beach and deprived them of their rights to the private beaches they enjoyed in front of their homes.
The Florida Supreme Court last year heard the case, entitled Stop the Beach Nourishment v. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and upheld the state's beach replenishment law, ruling against the property owners. The property owners contend the creation of new beachfront areas in front of private property amounted to an illegal taking of the owner's rights without compensation in what has become a quasi-eminent domain case. In August, the affected property owners appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and the high court agreed to take up the case. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments from both sides of the case although a ruling could take several months.
Although the circumstances of the Florida case are certainly different than other coastal areas, the fundamental principle remains the same, which is why officials in resort towns all over the county are keeping an eye on its progress.
Florida's beach replenishment program, like similar programs in coastal areas all over the country including Ocean City, pumps sand onto beaches eroded by hurricanes and other storms in an effort to save them for environmental and economic reasons, including protecting the very waterfront properties whose owners are challenging the practice. If the U.S. Supreme Court reverses the decision of the Florida Supreme Court and rules in favor of property owners, the result could have implications on other communities that currently have beach replenishment programs in place.
"I think this may well be one of the biggest cases for local governments that have a waterfront tourism industry," said David Hallman, who was the Walton County, Fla. attorney when the case began. "Every local government, Florida or otherwise, should be very concerned about the potential for an adverse outcome here."
During opening oral arguments on Wednesday, the line of questioning by the Supreme Court justices appears to suggest an adverse outcome is a long shot. For example, Justice Stephen G. Breyer pointed out several reasons why the Florida property owner's case is flawed, suggesting the pumping of sand to widen the beach does not, on the surface, represent a taking of their private property.
"So those are at least three things and I think there's a fourth," said Breyer. "One, you can get to the water; two, you have a right of ingress and egress, if that's any different from the first. I'm not positive. Three, you have a right under the act that nobody can put anything on that strip which is injurious to the upland owner."
Breyer went on to suggest a fourth reason, pointing out Florida state law would likely prohibit any new development on the strip of beach created by replenishment projects.
"Yes, the fourth is that nobody can build anything there that is harmful, except if it's to do with the environment," Justice Breyer continued. "That's not harmful, that's helpful to the beach owner. It's supposed to be helpful."
Attorney D. Kent Safriet, who presented argument on behalf of the Florida property owners, conceded there were some who would gladly trade the protection afforded by beach replenishment to any perceived impact on their rights to enjoy the beach in front of their property.
"There are a lot of properties, probably even in this stretch, where water is lapping under the houses and the landowners will want sand and they will be willing to waive any types of property rights claims or compensation to get that sand," he said.
Justice Antonin Scalia said during Wednesday's proceedings he would likely waive any perceived property rights infringement for the protection beach replenishment provides.
"If I had a place and it's being eroded by hurricanes constantly, you know, I'm not sure whether I wouldn't want to have the sand replaced, even at the cost of having a 60-foot stretch that the state owns," he said.