text:
Ronnie Screwvala's Big Plan for Rural India
On a recent day, about 120 men sat on chairs in rows in a community hall in Matunga, a Mumbai suburb. All migrants, they had left their villages in the districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad in western Maharahstra in search of jobs as there weren't any at home. Most of them were now working in Mumbai in a myriad of jobs including waiting tables and in the mailrooms of companies to running their own small businesses.
The men had gathered to attend a meeting organized by the Swades Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has been set up Walt Disney Co. India's Managing Director Ronnie Screwvala, and which is run by his wife Zarina Mehta, the managing trustee of the nonprofit.
Swades, the men were told, was undertaking various initiatives in their or neighboring villages to help get access to water and sanitation, healthcare and education. Swades hopes that if these basic facilities are available in these villages, these migrants could be lured back to their villages to set up businesses locally or take up agriculture.
This is key to Mr. Screwvala's plan to boost the economy of rural India.
"If India is looking to become one of the top three economies globally, can we actually achieve that without the 600 million people who live in rural India," said Mr. Screwvala, who co-founded UTV Software Communications Ltd. and sold it to Walt Disney last year. "Rural India lives in a different time warp and will continue to do so…. Unless we fix rural India, we can't be a rocking economy."
Mr. Screwvala's plan is to provide, by December 2017, one million people with access to clean water and sanitation, education, healthcare services and better agricultural practices in the roughly 1,800 villages in the districts of Ratnagiri and Raigad in rural Maharashtra.
The plan requires about $120 million, half of which will be funded by him and his family, and the rest through donors, he says.
Mr. Screwvala is one of a handful of Indians who are starting to open up their wallets for philanthropic causes. In 2011 Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway's Chief Executive Warren Buffett met with Indian business leaders in New Delhi to encourage them to join them in their effort to donate their wealth to charity. So far tycoon Azim Premji, the founder and chairman of Wipro Ltd, is the only one in India who has signed up to their Giving Pledge initiative. But philanthropy is a growing trend. In its annual India Philanthropy Report last year, consulting firm Bain & Co. Inc. found that India's rich increased their contributions from 2.3% of household income in 2010 to 3.1% in 2011. Bain says its research has found that these philanthropists would likely increase their donations in the years ahead.
Thousands of villagers across the country move to big cities every year because there aren't any proper health and education facilities in their villages, limited means of earning a living, no easy access to clean drinking water or sanitation.
The pattern followed by these villagers is the same as that of immigrants the world over—it's usually the working age men who first go to the land of opportunity and once they find jobs, they start bringing over family members one at a time.
The trend is widely prevalent in the villages that Swades is currently working in. It's common for many villages to have old people or wives and little children as their only residents as most of the men are in the cities of Mumbai and Pune, working mostly in a myriad of low skilled jobs, often living in pitiful conditions on their meager salaries.
Mr. Screwvala says most of the villagers would not leave if they lead comfortable lives and had opportunities for economic growth in their own backyards.
But instead of only handing out cash to lay a pipe to bring water to a village or build toilets in homes, Swades also works with different government agencies that often already have funds to address the needs and problems of the villagers but may not be aware of what is required.
Swades believes that once these basic requirements are met, then villagers can focus on building a local economy whether by setting up small businesses or by adopting smarter agricultural practices that would give them higher yields.
Mr. Screwvala says he came up with this focused plan after several years of philanthropy in Maharashtra. He set up his nonprofit foundation in 1990 and named it the Society to Heal, Aid, Restore, Educate. It started out by training mentally challenged young adults to recycle old newspapers and cloth pieces and convert them into items for like photo frames, pen stands, gift bags.
In the last decade it expanded into doing rainwater harvesting, building toilets in homes and training farmers how to plant a second crop to enhance their incomes. It changed its name to Swades last summer when it came up with this plan.
Swades is taking this message to the villages it works in as well as to the migrants in Mumbai through monthly town hall-style meetings that it hosts.
It's not clear if Mr. Screwvala will succeed. So far a handful of migrants have gone back to their villages and taken up farming. For most, the bright lights of Mumbai are still a better option.
Follow Megha and India Real Time on Twitter @mbahree and @IndiaRealTime.


text:
Route: MGY-I74-MGY
Weather: Clear, 64 degrees, wind calm
Mike's quite close to his Instrument checkride at this point (passed his written last week - good job man!) and wanted to get in some hood time on this smooth fall morning. We met at Wright Brothers around 9:00 and took off towards Springfield. Columbus Approach vectored us out past the airport and then turned us back west to shoot the VOR 24 Approach.
Final approach into Springfield
Once he pulled the hood off (the minimums are interesting - you're pretty dang high and right over the airport at the missed approach point) we climbed back up and pointed the nose towards Urbana. We spent about an hour on the ground recharging our internal fuel tanks with the Airport Cafe's usual tasty breakfast fare. As to this next point... yes, I realize I'm slightly biased. Anyway, their famous pies are good but Gina's (she's been selling them at Stewart for the past few months) really are better; completely from scratch with fresh - not canned - fruit!
This morning's breakfast destination
Back in the air, Mike thought about shooting an approach at DAY but the winds had them using Runways 06 and 18. That would've resulted in a loooong vector past the airport. So instead he elected to head back to Wright Brothers and threw the hood back on for the GPS 20 into MGY.
Passing by downtown Dayton on our way home
It was a fun morning. The weather was perfect and breakfast was tasty. I headed down to Stewart afterwards to help out with a private airshow they were hosting. It was an extremely long day but time flies (and is too much fun) when said day is spent surrounded by airplanes!
Flight Track: Google Earth KMZ File
Today's Flight: 0.7 hours (SIC)
Total Time: 245.0 hours

subset: commoncrawl


text:
No products
XL version of the Edison Fatboy lamp, Edison The Grand is an outdoor lamp place as an element of decoration in your garden or on your patio. Translucent . Waterproof wiring.
|90 cm
|90 cm
|60 cm
|Delivery delay
|1 week
|2 years
Indoor and outdoor, the Buggle Up by Fatboy is a great accessory for your garden or your house.2 positions: mattress to lie on the floor or armchair with straps to seat on.
Portable outdoor lamp, translucent colors. Practical outside furniture. You can bring it wherever you go due to its rechargeable battery .
Fatboy Headdmock hammock for exterior or interior. The hammock has been designed for two people. It is a real outdoor wicker furniture, easy to store and to bring wherever you want.
Protection Nylon cover from Fatboy exclusively made out to protect your Headdmock hammock from UV and rain. It is easy to install and allows to avoid a winter storage.
The Fatboy floor pillow is as comfortable than decorative. It is always a pleasure to spend a nice and relaxing moment on this pillow.
Kids will have a place to relax and play. They can move the pouf easily and pick where they want to put it.
After the small lamp from the brand FATBOY, here is the same but in a bigger size.
The famous LAMZAC chair from the brand Fatboy. Dare fantasy.
The garden pillow PUPILLOW from the famous brand FATBOY is a moment of relaxation in perspective, comfortable, trendy, it is an indoor product but can also be used outside, resistance to water and dirt.
Indoor and outdoor, the Buggle Up by Fatboy is a great accessory for your garden or your house.2 positions: mattress to lie on the floor or armchair with straps to seat on.
With its design that represents the form of a bamboo stick, the Bamboo pots by Slide allow a natural decoration and to separate spaces.
Attracting design reminding the design of a classical garden pot version 2D. Lacquered version with a vast color choice, fits easily in your garden or on your patio.
The X-Pot Light is the typical luminous vase by Slide with double-wall. Can be used for outdoor and indoor conditions. Translucent color with LED lights.
Manhattan lamppost with multiple translucent facets. A fabulous outside furniture, element of decoration in your garden or on your patio with a soft and pleasant lighting .
Simple and contemporary, this translucent column creates a lounge mood in the garden or on the patio .
Same style as the armchairs used in the movies studios production, this stackable Snooze garden armchairs will give a great look to your garden with its colors and design. Its materials resist to all climate weather conditions.
Portable outdoor lamp, translucent colors. Practical outside furniture. You can bring it wherever you go due to its rechargeable battery .
YARD garden table by EMU. Rectangular table of 160*97cm, ideally seats 8 people.Aluminum materials. Modernity and lightness are the key words of the garden YARD range.
Nice garden chairs in the Arc en Ciel range by EMU, folding chair, folding furniture and light. Many colors are available to brighten your garden or patio.
High table from the refined Shine range. This high bar with a height of 105cm, with a HPL plate, new ultra-resistant materials is made out for outdoor usage.Completes the garden Shine range and is perfect for receptions.
Dinning rectangular outdoor dix table of 180*90cm for balcony or patio. The table seats up to 8 people. Also comes in an extending version .
Here is the fixed and rectangular version of the garden dinning table Shine by EMU.It comes in 2 sizes with a teak plate: 166*100cm or 225*100cm.The teak pallets and the aluminum material of the table offers a sober and light design that will give you the impression you're having brunch on a luxury yacht.
Nice garden furniture, folding table 110*70cm, outdoor table form the EMU brand. Foldable for an easy storage. Many colors are available to lighten your garden.
The garden Lexus armchair is part of the Lexus range principally composed with garden furniture in stainless steel, textilene and glass.
Outdoor Bellevue bench made out of aluminium by FERMOB. Superb bench furniture to lighten your garden.
Great reputation from this Bistro chair by Fermob, the chair was designed 125 years ago and still looks timeless as garden furniture.
Garden stackable armchair Costa by Fermob. Made out of aluminium, seat and backrest in textilene. Light and comfortable .
Garden stackable armchair Costa by Fermob.Light chair resists all weather conditions. Chassis in aluminium and cloth in textilene.
The Lexus chair is part of the Lexus range all made out of stainless steel Material all in stainless steel and white or taupe textilene .
Stackable garden armchair, all made out of aluminium, robust and treated anti-UV. Fits easily in all gardens and patios with its sober design and colors.
Chair for kids Luxembourg by Fermob, nice wicker outdoor furniture .
Enjoyable moments of relaxation in the garden to spend in the Luxembourg Rocking chair by Fermob.Tube made out of aluminium, backrest and lattes/slats armrests in aluminium extrada .High treating protection for outdoor usage. Pounder paint for anti-UV.
Garden chairs from the Sixties range by the Fermob brand. Vintage design with its shape and modern with its high density woven resin covering .
The Yard outdoor armchairs by EMU with their elasticated straps covering have undeniable modern style . This original covering has a great comfort seat.
The Yard garden chair by Emu, with its elasticated straps covering gives a great seat comfort .
The Star garden chair by EMU is light and stackable. Outside furniture with a ultra resistant varnished steel finish.
Emu gives new youthfulness to the famous school bench by using modern materials to makes it lighter and practical .
The high stool from the Star range, with its refined line, fits easily on a patio or in a garden
The Segno bench my EMU fits easily in your garden or patio, however you decide to arrange it .


text:
ATW's comprehensive daily e-newsletter bringing you all the news of the airline and related commercial air transport industries around the globe.
ATW's weekly bulletin of MRO deals and contracts.
Enter your email to receive messages about offerings by Penton, its brands, affiliates and/or third-party partners, consistent with Penton's Privacy Policy.


text:
The Accountant's Responsibilities to His Client
BY PRESLEY S. FORD, JR. Partner, Tulsa Office
Presented before the University of Arkansas Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi — December 1957
Your Chairman has asked me to speak to you briefly concerning the certified public accountant's responsibilities to his client. This I am pleased to do. Any young person, whether he aspires to a career in public accounting or contemplates a career in the industrial accounting field, should have some understanding of the professional responsibilities which the public practitioner is expected to assume.
The certified public accountant who accepts an engagement from any person accepts at the same time a position of duty or trust. He is thereafter responsible — that is, answerable — to his client for the faithful discharge of the trust which has been placed in him. His responsibility to his client is a legal responsibility and if he fails to discharge it faith-fully, he may be required by law to recompense his client for damages sustained. His responsibility to his client is also an ethical responsibility and if he fails to discharge it faithfully, he may be subjected to discipline by his profession. Legal actions against accountants and disciplinary proceedings by professional bodies, of course, are relatively uncommon. Yet, every independent certified public accountant is keenly aware that the manner in which he faces up to his responsibilities to his clients determines
in the long run how his practice will prosper and whether or not his chosen profession will gain in prestige.
Mr. John L. Carey, in his book Professional Ethics of Certified Public Accountants, has written:
"A client unavoidably puts himself in the hands of the professional practitioner whom he retains to advise or assist him. The client is not equipped to evaluate the quality of technical skill or professional
judgment which the practitioner brings to bear in performing
his work. Therefore the rule of caveat emptor cannot apply. The very nature of the relationship puts the professional practitioner in the position of a fiduciary in the sense of a position
of trust and confidence. The standard of behavior of a fiduciary is commonly assumed to be that he shall exercise no less care in dealing with the affairs of those to whom he is responsible than he would in dealing with his own."


text:
A few days ago, just as the busy Christmas shopping season in London got underway, Oxford Circus underground station was evacuated with thousands of people fleeing from one of the city's busiest spots. Soon it turned out that what triggered the panic weren't shots fired but rather an altercation between two men on one of the platforms. Fear has now pervaded our everyday lives.
Fear is Everywhere. European Literature Days couldn't have chosen a more apt theme for the time in which we live. "Fear of those who flee and fear of refugees; anxiety about poverty and collapse; fear of religious fundamentalism and the implosion of values; fear of technology and of technology making humans obsolete; fear of permanent communication and language loss; fear of disorientation as well as of total control—the list could go on endlessly." This is how the Artistic Director of the European Literature Days, Austrian writer Walter Grond (whose latest book, the historical novel, Drei Lieben/Three Loves, was published earlier this year), defined the headline theme of the gathering of leading European authors, this year held from 16 to 19 November in Spitz on the bank of the Danube in Austria's wine region.


text:
|Jepson Flora Project: Jepson Interchange
previous taxon |
next taxon
Jepson Interchange (more information)
©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
Shrub or tree, monoecious, deciduous or evergreen
Leaves simple, alternate, petioled; margin entire to lobed; stipules small, generally deciduous
Staminate inflorescence: catkin or stiff spike; flowers many
Pistillate inflorescence 1few-flowered, generally above staminate inflorescence; involucre in fruit generally cup-like or lobed and bur-like, bracts many, generally overlapping, flat or cylindric
Staminate flower: sepals generally 56, minute; petals 0; stamens 412+
Pistillate flower: calyx generally 6-lobed, minute; petals 0; ovary inferior, style branches generally 3
Fruit: acorn (nut subtended by scaly, cup-like involucre) or 13 nuts subtended by spiny, bur-like involucre; nut maturing in 12 years
Seed generally 1
Genera in family: 7 genera, ± 900 species: generally n hemisphere. Wood of Quercus critical for pre-20th century ship-building, charcoal for metallurgy; some now supply wood (Fagus, Quercus ), cork (Q. suber ), food (Castanea , chestnut).
Evergreen or deciduous
Leaf: stipules small, generally early deciduous
Staminate inflorescences: catkins, 1several, slender, on proximal part of twig
Pistillate inflorescence axillary among upper leaves, short-stalked; flower generally 1
Staminate flower: calyx 46-lobed, minute; stamens 410
Pistillate flower: calyx minute, generally 6-lobed; ovary enclosed by involucre
Fruit: acorn, maturing in 12 years; nut enclosed by cup-like involucre with thin or tubercled scales
Chromosomes: 2n=24 for all reports
Species in genus: ± 600 species: n hemisphere, to n South America, India
Etymology: (Latin: ancient name for oak)
Many more hybrids have been named but are not included here. Reproduction of many species declining.
Shrub 13 m or tree < 17 m, evergreen
Leaf 39 cm; petiole 210 mm; blade oblong, lanceolate, or ovate, tip acute to acuminate, margin generally entire, sometimes toothed, upper surface glabrous, olive-green, lower surface glabrous, dull, light olive-green
Fruit maturing in 2 years; cup 1215 mm wide, 610 mm deep, generally bowl-shaped, scales flat, ± thin; nut 3045 mm, barrel-shaped to ovoid, tip abruptly tapered, puberulent, shell woolly inside
Ecology: Canyons, slopes, chaparral, woodland
Elevation: < 1000 m.
Bioregional distribution: w San Francisco Bay Area, Outer South Coast Ranges, n Channel Islands (Santa Cruz Island), Western Transverse Ranges.
Shrub 13 mSee the CNPS Inventory for information about endangerment and rarity.
Ecology: UNCOMMON. Habitats of sp.
Elevation: < 500 m.
Bioregional distribution: Outer South Coast Ranges (Santa Barbara Co.), n Channel Islands (Santa Cruz Island), eastern Western Transverse Ranges
Horticultural information: DRN, SUN: 5, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 &IRR or part SHD: 8, 9, 19, 20, 21.


text:
FRIDAY, Jan. 25, 2013 (HealthDay News) -- Cancer patients who smoked up until their surgery were more likely to take up the habit again compared to those who quit earlier, a new study finds.
The study from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., included lung cancer and head and neck cancer patients who quit smoking before or immediately after surgery. They were followed for a year after the surgery.
"Sixty percent of patients who smoked during the week prior to surgery resumed smoking afterward, contrasted with a 13 percent relapse rate for those who had quit smoking prior to surgery," study corresponding author Vani Nath Simmons said in a Moffitt news release.
The significantly lower smoking relapse rate for those who quit smoking before surgery shows the need to encourage patients to quit smoking when they're diagnosed with cancer, the researchers said.
The investigators also noted that most of the patients who began smoking again did so shortly after surgery, which shows the importance of anti-smoking programs for patients both before and after surgery.
The study also found that patients were more likely to resume smoking if they had a high amount of fear about cancer recurrence, had a higher risk for depression, and were less likely to believe in their ability to quit smoking.
"Cancer patients need to know that it's never too late to quit," Simmons said. "Of course, it would be best if they quit smoking before getting cancer; but barring that, they should quit as soon as they get diagnosed. And with a little assistance, there is no reason that they can't succeed."
More information
The American Cancer Society offers a guide to quitting smoking.


text:
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Head coach Gretchen Krumdieck and the Georgia College volleyball team are proud to announce the addition of Lauren Johnston (Kennesaw, Ga.). Johnston will play outside/right-side hitter for the Bobcats next season.
Johnston is a North Cobb Christian High School product; playing under head coach Bernie Goldfine. At North Cobb Christian, she accumulated numerous awards. Her junior year (2009) she was named All-Area Best Offensive Player Coach's Award and All-County Team Honorable Mention. She was also first in kills and blocks while finishing second in digs. During Johnston's senior year (2010) she added All-Area Co-MVP while finishing the season first in kills again and second in digs.
Johnston brings some experience with her to the Bobcats, transferring from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. At Western Carolina she played under head coach Karen Glover. Johnston appeared in seven games for WCU as a freshman.
"Lauren's height is something we will need in our right-side hitter," said coach Krumdieck. "Her previous experience playing collegiate volleyball will help our team set traditions."
GC Volleyball will be the newest program sponsored by GC Athletics and the 11th overall when they take the court during the fall 2013 season.
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/BobcatSports and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.


text:
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The first 300 fans who are wearing purple
into Eblen Center Saturday night will be admitted free to Tennessee
Tech's Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader against Jacksonville
State. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the women's game tips at 5:30
Coach Sytia Messer's team brings a 14-3 OVC record into the contest, and holds a one-game lead over Morehead State and UT Martin, both winners Thursday night to keep the pressure on the Golden Eagles. Those two OVC foes face each other in Martin Saturday, so one will finish with a 14-4 record. Tech has already assured itself of at least a share of the OVC title, but the Golden Eagles can clinch the crown outright with a win over Jacksonville State.
The men's game against the Gamecocks will follow at 7:30 p.m., and will be Senior Night, featuring a farewell to senior players Alfred Jones, Charles Newton and Byron Pickens.
For additional information, or for tickets visit the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call (931) 372-3940.


text:
NAIA Volleyball Player of the Week ? No. 6
By Chad Waller, Director of Communications and Sports Information
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Cailie Johnson of Cornerstone (Mich.) has been named the NAIA Volleyball National Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Johnson was selected based on her performances from Oct. 7 - Oct. 13 and was chosen out of a pool of conference player of the week selections among 23 conferences and independents.
Johnson, a 6-foot junior middle hitter from Rockford, Mich., hit at a .452 clip and averaged 3.43 kills per set and 1.52 digs per set to help Cornerstone go 5-0 last week, including three Top 25 wins. For her efforts, she was named to the Spartan All-Tournament Team and gathered Tournament MVP honors. The highlight of her week came on Oct. 11 at the Spartan Invitational, hosted by Missouri Baptist. In the 3-2 win (25-20, 26-24, 30-32, 21-25, 15-9) over No. 17 Missouri Baptist, Johnson went for a season-high 22 kills and 17 digs. It was her sixth contest with a double-double. She had an all-around balanced stat sheet with 12 kills, five digs, five block assists and hit .455 in the 3-2 victory (23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 18-25, 17-15) over No. 19 Grand View (Iowa) on Oct. 11.
In national statistics, Johnson ranks 10th in hitting percentage (.383) and 28th in total kills (313).
For a complete list of all the national statistical leaders, click here.
Nominees: Wanessa Siqueira, Park (Mo.); Denise De Vine, Reinhardt (Ga.); Genna Garrett, UC Merced; Karly Stack, Eastern Oregon; Vanessa Owusu, Roosevelt (Ill.); Morgan Fox, Bethel (Ind.); Niurka Toribio, Lewis-Clark State (Idaho); Sarah McKinny, Vanguard (Calif.); Maggie Vondrak, Morningside (Iowa); Moira Kirk, Xavier (La.); Vladi Kopanarova, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.); Victoria Day, Ashford (Iowa); Taylor Elkinton, Kansas Wesleyan; Sarah Sterling, Asbury (Ky.); Caraline Maher, Georgetown (Ky.); Symone Faulkner, Bellevue (Neb.); Kadie Subbert, Grand View (Iowa); Sarah Becker, Jamestown (N.D.); Danica Markovic, Texas at Brownsville; Kristin Pressley, Oklahoma Baptist; Megan Haber, Spring Hill (Ala.); Adrienne Czaplewski, Warner (Fla.).
2013 NAIA Volleyball Players of the Week (complete schedule)
Week 1 (Sept. 10) - Kaitlin Floerchinger, Northwestern (Iowa)
Week 2 (Sept. 17) - Daymari Brito, Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)
Week 3 (Sept. 24) - Taylor Degraaf, Cal State San Marcos
Week 4 (Oct. 1) - Kristin Pressley, Oklahoma Baptist
Week 5 (Oct. 8) - Kristin Pressley, Oklahoma Baptist
Week 6 (Oct. 15) - Cailie Johnson, Cornerstone (Mich.)


text:
BLUE WATER SAILING- Review of the J/133
By Simon Day
The mainsheet runs along a full-width traveler to winches just in front of the helmsman. Two able sailors can handle the 133 quite easily and one can manage all working sail if the autopilot takes over the steering. For watchkeepers on passage, all lines are handy so there is rarely a need to leave the cockpit.
Visibility is good when standing behind the wheel, and the helmsman can get comfortable sitting either to windward or to leeward to watch sail trim. With the dodger raised it is a little more difficult looking forward, but the dodger keeps the water out of what was otherwise a wet cockpit in the boisterous conditions we were sailing through. In these conditions, with the dodger down, we were getting continual water running down the decks and then over the backs of the seats and into the cockpit. The cockpit seats are long and wide enough to nap on but the seat backs are quite low.
The boat comes with standard Harken 58s as primary winches and two 48s for the mainsheet forward of the helm. There are two more 48s at the companionway with the standard Spinlock line clutches.
The main saloon is dominated visually by the black carbon mast that comes down through the forward part of the folding table. The benches are long enough to easily sit six people for dinner and make great sea births. Under them are the 50-gallon fuel and water tanks. These are on the small side and reflect the boat's racing pedigree. But behind the benches there is loads of storage space.
Up forward, the big white tube that houses the spinnaker pole over the starboard side of the V-berth is a little disconcerting at first. But the cabin is large and the pole does not inhibit the bunk.
It is a rare pleasure to find an interior on a modern racer/cruiser that does not feel like the designer crammed as much in as possible. It is well thought out throughout, airy and light, and has plenty of storage.
J/Boats has built some of the most successful production boats of all time. In the 25 years since the Johnstone family introduced the J/24, the sailing world has gone through some tremendous technological changes and with the boats such as the 105, 120 and now the 109 and 133, J/Boats has proven to be right on the leading edge of the sailing world.
The Johnstones create boats that are well built, well thought out and fun. They use their quarter century of knowledge to the maximum in their new range. I was impressed during our two-day, 150-mile sea trial, with how Jim Johnstone constantly made notes on how to improve their new boat. Everything from foot braces in the nav station to better handholds at the mast will be scrutinized and improved upon as 133s roll off the production line and in new models to come.
If you are looking for a cruising boat that is a pleasure to sail and will get your heart pumping occasionally, this boat is for you. Just as important, if you are looking for a boat in which the whole family can have fun and cruise in comfort, the 133 is large enough and commodious enough to make an excellent floating home away from home.


text:
DETROIT, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- General Motors said it would recall 370,000 2014 Silverados and GMC Sierras due to a fire risk that involves a software problem.
The company said the trucks were expected to idle with only two cylinders of the engine running. But a software problem causes more than two cylinders to continue running, the Detroit News reported Saturday.
GM said that owners should not leave their vehicles at idle while unattended, the News said.
To date, all the vehicles in which fires have been reported were equipped with V-8 engines, GM said.
The company said it would reprogram the software that has lead to the problem. It said it would send letters to vehicle owners, who can contact dealers Monday for an appointment, which should take 20 minutes.
The problem could be setback for GM in the prestige department, as the 2014 Silverado is one of three finalists at the North American International Auto show, which starts Monday, for top truck honors for the year.
GM appears to have swallowed its pride, however. The company "moved very, very quickly," to announce the recall, said GM spokesman Alan Adler.
Adler said the problem became known in late December and that within two weeks the company diagnosed the problem and acted on it with a recall.
The News said GM sold 480,414 Silverados and 184,389 Sierra pickup trucks in 2013, which analyst said can earn the company $10,000 per vehicle in profits.
While noting that Ford Motor Company is expected to unveil a "really cool F-150" at the auto show, Edmunds.com senior analyst Jessica Caldwell said the setback for GM would likely be overcome.
"Every company that has had a major recall bounces back," she said.


text:
There are no reviews yet.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Please note that cover may differ.
1 in stock
Out of stock
Check out our new "Items on Special" section!
Delivery options: Courier or pickup at our 2 stores in Pretoria. (The Geek Home and Outer Limits) Free Shipping for all orders over R 1000!
Please note: Games Workshop (Warhammer) items are available on Backorder and may indicate 0 in stock but can be ordered regardless. We order from Games Workshop every 1-2 weeks. thx


text:
Featured Products
Fresh Pork Sausage (Garlic or Pepper) - Tons of flavour. Excellent with veggies or replace your normal hot dog!
Prime Rib Roast - Speaks for itself. Unbelivable flavour and tenderness.
Ground Turkey - Tired of ground beef? Give this a try. Makes excellent meat balls (see recipe)
One Stop Shopping!
We accept cash or cheque upon delivery. Interac etransfer can be arranged once we know your order total.
Bulk packages are priced per unit. Cuts of meat priced per pound.
Our next food delivery will be on Saturday November 23rd at 4:00pm in Winnipeg at 603 Wellington Cresent.
Download Ordering Instructions Here.
Pastured Turkeys Tenders
100% Pastured Turkey Tenders
$ 12.00
Skin-on Turkey Breast
Skin-on Turkey Breast
$ 11.00
Soup Chickens
McDonald Farm Pastured Soup Chickens
$ 6.00


text:
Senate Democrats Pick New Trade Fight With Obama
Senate Democrats are picking another trade fight with President Barack Obama's administration.
This time it's over imported Korean steel pipes, and once again Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) is at the forefront.
Mr. Reid is one of 54 senators who signed a letter sent Thursday to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to "express our concerns" with a February Commerce Department determination that exempted South Korea from a list of countries accused of "dumping" steel exports below cost.
This comes as Mr. Obama continues to press Congress to grant him fast-track trade authority, even though Mr. Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) have said they're opposed.
The dispute is over a preliminary decision the Commerce Department issued in February exempting South Korea from a "dumping" charge, which would have accused the Koreans of selling their steel pipe below cost in the U.S. and hurting domestic companies. Eight other exporters – India, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam – were fingered as dumpers.
The trade politics break down like this: Fast-track trade authority remains a priority for the White House but Democrats are looking for the administration to bare its teeth enforcing existing trade laws. Obama has invested significant time and effort in his stalled Asia pivot, and sanctioning the Koreans on steel exports would not be helpful to him.
On Capitol Hill, the steel issue is bipartisan – though it includes all the Senate Democratic leadership. Twelve Republicans joined 41 Democrats and Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent, in signing the letter, which was organized by Ohio Sens. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and Rob Portman, a Republican. While many of the Democrats come from steel-producing states in the Rust Belt, others include Hawaii Democrats Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz along with Mr. Reid, who do not have significant steel interests in their states.
The Commerce Department will announce its final determination on the case July 11. A Commerce official said the department will consider all materials submitted about the case but declined to comment on the senators' letter.
"It is not unheard of for there to be a preliminary negative determination and an affirmative final determination," the official said.
This item has been updated to reflect an increased number of senators who signed the letter.
Most Popular Videos
Most Popular Articles
Google Is Collecting Personal Health Data of Millions of People
Your Watch Says More About Your Status Than You Think
Florida's Sunshine and Tax Benefits Beckon Billionaires
More Borrowers Are Going Underwater on Car Loans
Being a Law Firm Partner Was Once a Job for Life. That Culture Is All but Dead.


text:
You can tell that Jack LaLanne loves the spotlight. Despite being born a bit of an introvert, according to his wife, he comes alive when he gets on stage and starts talking fitness. He was completely "on" this morning as he offered the keynote address (see Stephanie's blog below).
After the keynote and the presentation of the Best of the Best award to Mr. LaLanne (at the conclusion of which, I received a peck on the cheek from him), Jack sat outside the room for more than an hour signing autographs and taking pictures with more than a hundred people. He didn't just sign his name on the commemorative covers. No, he asked each person's name and personalized each cover for them. I don't know how many times he flexed his muscles for the camera this afternoon, but he never seemed to tire of it. He seemed to love that he was in a crowd of people who loved fitness and who were making it their job to bring fitness to others.
Elaine LaLanne worked the line of autograph seekers like a real pro. Many of the people in line stood there for more than an hour to get his autograph. She spoke to each one, and when it became clear that Jack wouldn't be able to sign everyone's picture in the time allotted, she had people put their addresses on the back of the commemorative covers, and she promised to get them signed and returned in the mail as quickly as possible. She then directed that everyone remaining would still get their picture taken with Jack. And they all did!
As I type this, I'm sure they are at the NBC station here in Chicago, as he was to appear on the 5 p.m. news show. At 6 p.m. (central time), video from the keynote address and awards presentation is to appear on the local CBS station. (See the video now.) And tomorrow morning, he's to appear live on the WGN morning program. Once the other videos are posted, we'll provide a link to each here so you can enjoy his appearances.


text:
Q&A with Dr. Penny Rue
Related Links
In less than a year on UC San Diego's La Jolla campus, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Dr. Penny Rue has already had a significant impact. The personable Rue, who came to UC San Diego after an eight-year stint as Dean of Students at University of Virginia, has displayed a hands-on style that has resonated with students and staff alike.
A graduate of Duke University, she received a Master's degree from Ohio State University and a doctorate in Counseling and Personnel Services from University of Maryland. Prior to her work at Virginia, Rue held posts at Georgetown, Maryland and North Carolina. Among her varied responsibilities is oversight of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Dr. Rue had some big shoes to fill," says UC San Diego Director of Athletics Earl Edwards, alluding to her predecessor, Dr. Joseph Watson who spent ___ years at the University, "but she's stepped in seamlessly and is well-versed in the entire spectrum of student affairs, including athletics. We're fortunate to have someone of her caliber at UCSD." An avid sports enthusiast, Rue recently took time to talk about her early impressions of her new position and thoughts on the Triton Athletic program.
Q- In your one year on campus, what kinds of general observations have you made about UC San Diego? How does it compare to the other campuses you've been part of?
Rue- UC San Diego is a hidden gem. While much younger in years than other campuses I've been a part of, it is no less sophisticated, and our students are remarkable. I find the environment very stimulating and feel like it's a university on the move. I love the differences inspired by the college system and the diversity of our art and architecture.
Q- Prior to UC San Diego, your professional career has been entirely in the eastern United States. What differences have you found as a first-time West Coaster?
Rue- Californians are friendlier, more laid-back and more down to earth. The climate is amazing�I didn't know there could be summer without humidity. Oh, yeah, and I'm having to learn to say "freeway" rather than "interstate."
Q- What are your primary focuses as you begin your second year?
Rue- Creating a sense of community and belonging, improving student mental health and well-being, and living out our commitment to diversity and social justice.
Q- What have been the toughest challenges so far?
Rue- Acronyms! Learning my way around, learning how we do things, creating a whole new set of relationships. I left behind knowledge of whom to go to get things done, and whom you could count on. I'd established myself as someone others could trust. I have to rebuild that all, here, one person at a time.
Q- Where do you get your personal inspiration?
Rue- My Dad was a wise and kind man with an innate sense of how to get things done with others. My head is full of his quotes that pop up in the appropriate situation. He grew up on a farm in Tennessee, and though he was a New York businessman by the time I came along, he had a kind of folksy wisdom. I remember in graduate school, when I was browbeaten by statistics, he said, "Daughter, set your plow deep and hang it in the furrow!" He's gone now, but my sister and I always exchange that quote with a big laugh when things get tough.
Q- You've been visible at a variety of athletic events. What role do you feel intercollegiate athletics plays on a college campus?
Rue- I guess I inherited that, too. My Dad got a college athletic scholarship during the depression, when that meant you played three sports, one each season. He was captain of his basketball team, and I grew up watching a lot of sports with him. When I went to college it was natural to continue, and I got a sense of how the love of competition and school pride can come together to build school spirit. So, today, athletics fosters individual excellence, team development, and school spirit and community. That's a pretty big contribution!
Q- Tell us about your athletic background. What sports do you enjoy as a participant? A viewer?
Rue- I grew up first as a gymnast, then a diver, and grew into field hockey, lacrosse and volleyball. I was co-captain of my synchronized swimming team in high school. Diving was my passion, but the discs began to go in my twenties, so I became a lap swimmer, which I continue today. I began lifting weights a few years ago and am an avid hiker.
For viewing, I love everything about the Olympics, from the opening ceremonies, to the obscure sports and the marquee ones. I try not to miss the gymnastics and diving. Year in, year out, I'm a college basketball junkie. In addition to my Dad's influence, I've attended or worked at several basketball powerhouses (Duke, Georgetown, Carolina), so I guess it's in my blood. I fill out my bracket and watch the NCAA tournament start to finish.
Q- What makes UC San Diego Athletics unique?
Rue- We've achieved local, regional and national prominence in a broad array of sports with little fanfare and notice. Our student-athletes meet the same admission standards as other students, get few perks, yet work incredibly hard. We've come far and fast, and a lot of people get the credit for that�a true team effort.
Q- Where do you envision UC San Diego Athletics in 10 years?
Rue- What I'd really like to change is the fanfare. We deserve full stands and daily newspaper coverage. Some of our athletes should be signing autographs. They're great role models who will go on to be successful in something other than sports, like the NCAA ads say.
Q- What athlete or coach (at any level) do you find interesting? Why?
Rue- I have long been in awe of Greg Louganis, whom I got to see in person at a small diving exhibition in 1976 and again when he gave a speech at Georgetown in 1988. It's very hard to achieve perfection in a sport with so many variables. As a diver myself, I had a real sense of the scope of his talent.
Q- Do you have a favorite place on campus?
Rue- Canyonview pool at 6 am .
Q- What new experiences and interests have you had since coming to San Diego? Rue- Fish tacos! Long walks on the beach, whenever I want. Cactus and succulent gardening. Q- What would you like your UC San Diego legacy to be? Rue-Creating a sense of community that builds lifelong bonds to UC San Diego for our students.
Q- What new experiences and interests have you had since coming to San Diego?
Rue- Fish tacos! Long walks on the beach, whenever I want. Cactus and succulent gardening. Q- What would you like your UC San Diego legacy to be? Rue-Creating a sense of community that builds lifelong bonds to UC San Diego for our students.
Q- What would you like your UC San Diego legacy to be?
Rue-Creating a sense of community that builds lifelong bonds to UC San Diego for our students.
Previous Q&A Articles
Michelle Torres (Women's Volleyball) July 15, 2008
Jon Pascale (Men's Soccer Head Coach) July 1, 2008Julie Ertel (Athletics) June 16, 2008
Clint Allard (Men's Basketball) June 9, 2008
Jen Myers (Women's Crew) May 27, 2008
Casey Ryan (Men's Track and Field and Men's Basketball) May 21, 2008
Keith Noe (Baseball) May 13, 2008
Liz LaPlante (Women's Tennis Head Coach) April 30, 2008
Sydney Gstettenbauer (Women's Water Polo) April 22, 2008
Sarah Hendy (Women's Track and Field) April 17, 2008
Eric Leserman (Men's Volleyball) April 9, 2008
Danielle Lukk (Softball) April 4, 2008
Chris Franco (Baseball) March 24, 2008
Dan Perdew (Swimming) March 18, 2008
Evan Hsiao (Swimming) March 9, 2008
Eric Rubens (Men's Tennis) February 27, 2008
Melissa Ward (Softball) February 20, 2008
Cameron Sprowles (Fencing) February 13, 2008
Kim Hockett (Women's Water Polo) February 6, 2008
Trevor Decker (Baseball) January 31, 2008
Jordan Lawley (Men's Basketball) January 23, 2008
Jason Spangler (Men's Volleyball) January 5, 2008
Andrew Skewes (Men's Diving) December 26, 2007
Alexis Gaskin (Women's Basketball) December 17, 2007
Aubrey Panis (Women's Swimming) December 2, 2007
Andrew Hatch (Men's Basketball) November 26, 2007
Kevin Klein (Men's Cross Country) November 12, 2007
Kim Adams (Women's Volleyball) November 7, 2007
Ben Miller (Men's Water Polo) October 31, 2007
Alie Avina (Women's Soccer) October 19, 2007
Charity Elliott (Women's Basketball Head Coach) October 15, 2007
Jason Le (Men's Soccer ) October 3, 2007


text:
Topic Page: Guiana
(gēăn'Ә, –än'–), region, NE South America. It faces the Atlantic Ocean on the north and east and is enclosed on the west and south within a vast semicircle formed by the linked river systems of the Orinoco, the Río Negro, and the lower Amazon. It includes SE Venezuela, part of N Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana), and Guyana (formerly British Guiana). The region consists of a cultivated coastal plain, where most of the population lives, and a forested, hilly interior, the Guiana Highlands. Descending from plateaus as high waterfalls, such as Kaieteur Falls (Guyana) and Angel Falls (Venezuela), the rivers, notably the Caroní, Essequibo, Courantyne (Corantijn or Corentyne), Maroni, and Oiapoque, flow through low mountains, savannas, and tropical rain forests into coastal swamps and lagoons. Most of the streams are navigable only for short distances, a feature that has hindered development. The coastal plain contains rich alluvial deposits carried by ocean currents from the Amazon. The Dutch and subsequently the English reclaimed much of the tidal lands for planting sugarcane and rice, but the acreage is tiny in comparison to Guiana as a whole. Most of coastal Guiana has a monotonously hot, humid climate with heavy rainfall. The interior is inhabited by indigenous peoples and descendants of freed slaves (maroons).
The Guiana coast was discovered (1498) by Columbus, who did not land there. The legend of El Dorado drew Sir Walter Raleigh to the region in 1595. The Spanish had also come in search of easy wealth, but, finding none, they left the coast open to exploitation by the Dutch, English, and French. The Dutch were the first to settle, but ownership of territory changed hands many times. After the emancipation of the slaves in the 19th cent., labor shortage proved a major problem on the European-owned plantations. It was partially offset by importing South Asians and Indonesians.


text:
Mayor's Office
Lincoln Fire and Rescue (LFR) has received a donation of 18 oxygen mask sets for pets from the Capital Humane Society. LFR will recognize the Capital Humane Society for the gift at 8:30 a.m. Friday, October 29 at the LFR Administration conference room, 1801 "Q" Street. Donna Bode, Director of Development, will represent the Capital Humane Society at the event.
"In many homes, a pet is a member of the family," said Assistant Chief Richard Furasek. "Each station will have a mask set to be used on our trucks and medic units to help us save more of the dogs and cats who have been involved in house fires. We really appreciate this donation and the good work the Capital Humane Society does all year round."
Along with the Capital Humane Society, funds for the masks came from P.D. Duensing and the United Veterinary Emergency Treatment Services as well as a donation made in memory of Jodi Maughan-Kos.
Each set includes three masks of varying sizes to fit the face and muzzle of different pets. They were purchased through Wag n' Enterprises. LFR is now enrolled in the national "O2 Fur Life" program, which offers pet owners and first responders the necessary gear, supplies and training to effectively respond to emergencies that impact pet health and safety.
More information on LFR is available at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: fire).


text:
Today's special guest blog post is from AAA President, Leith Mullings.
Dear AAA Member:
After a five-year process, I am pleased to now ask you to vote on revisions to our association's Code of Ethics. As many of you know, in 2005 the Executive Board (EB) set up the Commission on the Engagement of Anthropology with the US Security and Intelligence Communities (CEAUSSIC) to consider issues raised by efforts to recruit anthropologists to U.S. military and intelligence projects. At the 2007 business meeting, the AAA passed a resolution calling for restoration of four clauses in the 1971 Principles of Professional Responsibility to the AAA Code of Ethics. Subsequently, CEAUSSIC recommended a comprehensive review of the Code.
In 2009, the EB established an eight-person task force to undertake this review. The task force was selected to represent the concerns of all the subfields, academic and practicing anthropologists, anthropologists who consult with the military, as well as those who are critical of it. After extensive consultation, the task force submitted a revised Code to the EB in November 2011. The EB posted the new draft code on the association website and invited comments from the membership. Once the comment period closed on January 30, 2012, a representative subcommittee of the EB made revisions based on members' comments. This document was then brought before the Executive Board in May, 2012. After extensive discussion and additional revisions the EB voted unanimously to accept the document that is now presented for your vote. In addition, the EB agreed that the 1971 title, "Principles of Professional Responsibility," better represented the new document, which we also suggest can be referred to as a Statement on Ethics.
As my EB colleagues Hugh Gusterson (George Mason U) and Monica Heller (U Toronto) noted in the September 2012 AN, this version will be placed on the web, is considered to be a living document and has hyperlinks to key background texts, to which we expect members to contribute. Our intent is that the Committee on Ethics be stewards of this document, facilitating on-going discussion.
Your vote will be whether or not to accept the 2012 Principles of Professional Responsibility (with the understanding that the text links to supporting or background materials are expected to be changed and updated over time). The balloting will close on October 25. Many thanks to all of you who helped to create this document.
In order to vote, you can login through the Account/Member Profile LOGIN area at the top of the page of the AAA website. You can access the AAA site (www.aaanet.org) using your favorite browser. Once you login, you will see a VOTE NOW button. Click on it and you will be taken to the ballot where you can cast your vote. You can review the text of the statement on ethics by clicking on the details button on the ballot. If you have any difficulties or questions, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
With best wishes,
Leith Mullings
AAA President


text:
Phuket Accommodation
Choose from a large range of Phuket Thailand accommodation Phuket hotels, Phuket apartments and Phuket accommodation, benefit from firsthand knowledge about Phuket Thailand, things to see and do, top tourist activities in Phuket and the best Phuket holiday accommodation. Explore Phuket with background knowledge and enjoy this amazing Asian holiday destination in Thailand.
Book your Phuket accommodation and read all the Phuket tourist tips on Explore Phuket. Enjoy your Phuket, Thailand holiday as much as we did.


text:
CSUMB Oaks Course
Seaside, California 1 course · 18 holes Driving directions
Course reviews
Most votes | Newest first | Oldest first
+0 votes Edan Badajos › August 25, 2011
+0 votes Armando Lopez › December 1, 2011
Tough track with long booming shots. Make sure to have PLENTY of snacks and water if you want to do well on this course. You will need all the energy you can muster if you want to do well. Elevation, variety, and difficulty are definitely present. Not for the weak or beginners. You will do plenty of walking during play and between holes. I give it a high rating because I admire the pros for taking on this monster of a course and doing well.
+0 votes Nick Maffei › January 17, 2011
+0 votes Jamie Sims › December 19, 2011
+0 votes Tyler Franklin › April 1, 2018
+0 votes Chris Edwards › March 13, 2012
+0 votes Patrick Mcnett › March 26, 2012
Great course good challenge.
+0 votes jarrod mcnerlin › March 1, 2013
+0 votes DU 7A › February 2, 2013
+0 votes Mitch Booher › January 25, 2014
+0 votes Scott Russell › March 28, 2014
What a fun course! Trees, ice plant, sandy soil, abandoned baseball diamonds…
Just like everywhere else on the Peninsula, watch for poison oak, if you're sensitive. I'll be back to the Oaks for sure.
Just like everywhere else on the Peninsula, watch for poison oak, if you're sensitive. I'll be back to the Oaks for sure.
+0 votes Jon Hovdal › February 23, 2015
+0 votes David Corbin › March 16, 2018
This course is hella fun! Beautiful and the weather is always perfect... CA ALLLL DAY
+0 votes Andy Maffei › May 16, 2017
-1 votes Jake La "Putt" ka › December 24, 2012
Awesome course. There was not one hole on this course that didn't have a lot of thought put into it. the wind made a good challenge, some really big shots. Hole 3 (Worlds hole 12) is one of my favorite holes in disc golf, especially because I was fortunate enough to ace it! Definitely a course to play if you have the chance. Bring water.


text:
Pierce Brosnan Plays GoldenEye With Jimmy Fallon [VIDEO]by Maggie Malach | PopCrush
Last night (Aug. 19) on 'The Tonight Show,' Jimmy Fallon kicked it way, way back. So far back, in fact, that we began to reminisce about our childhood and when we played the James Bond GoldenEye 007 video game. Since the late night host had former 'Bond' star Pierce Brosnan in the studio, he figured the two should go head-to-head in a round of the game — in front of the studio audience!
"I was no good at it," Pierce recalled. "I played it once and shot myself in the foot."
But the actor gamely agreed to give the game a go, leading Jimmy to exclaim, "I'm very excited about this. You don't understand!"
After quickly running through the controller commands with Pierce, Jimmy quipped (in a British accent, no less!), "Good luck, Mr. Bond."
We'll be honest — Pierce may have had the suave Mr. Bond moves down when he starred as the iconic spy, but the video game … Not so much. However, he gets major points for holding his own with a good sense of humor while he played against Jimmy.
Watch Jimmy and Pierce play GoldenEye 007 in the video above!


text:
Antivirus suites struggle to defend against recent exploit-based attacks
Many antivirus suites are incapable of effectively blocking malware attacks against two recent and serious Microsoft vulnerabilities despite the fact that real exploits have been circulating since June, testing organisation NSS Labs has found.
The firm looked at the ability of 13 antivirus suites to defend unpatched systems against attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft's XML Core Services (CVE-2012-1889) and in Internet Explorer 8.0 (CVE-2012-1875), both made public in June. Despite the fact that both were patched in June and July and should be on the radar of antivirus companies, only four products – from Trend Micro, Kaspersky Lab, McAfee and Avast – were able to offer full protection against the test exploits NSS Labs crafted to use against the vulnerabilities.
The rest were able to offer a degree of protection that depended on how the attacks were executed and which vulnerability was being tested. Some products struggled when attacks were delivered over HTTP while a further several were unable to cope when attacks were executed via HTTPS, such as would be the case when using services such as Gmail. These included, ironically, Microsoft's own Security Essentials itself.
Beyond the generally mediocre performance of some products, there seem to be two issues raised by NSS Labs' findings.
- First, users shouldn't assume that antivirus offers strong protection for unpatched systems. If a vulnerability is in the public domain and no patch is available (or is available but hasn't been applied), a system is open to attack regardless of what antivirus software is defending the endpoint.
- Second, malware writers probably pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of antivirus software just as much as testers do, especially individual products. If a product has a particular type of weakness, however short-term, that will have been noticed.
"The combinations of failures and successes are dramatic and necessitate further research. It is clear that many of the products are not blocking exploits," the researchers conclude.
Antivirus firms will doubtless point out that the attacks were crafted in the lab, that the the vulnerabilities chosen were fairly recent, and that only two were looked at. Making judgements on the basis of such a narrowly-defined test offers only one indication among a number.
"The test is not designed to be a comprehensive buyer's guide, but rather to give an idea of why it is important to test products against a variety of protocols and types of attacks," said NSS Labs' research director, Randy Abrams. The HTTPS test was a particularly important measurement, he said.
"It is not possible for security products to detect attacks in encrypted (HTTPS) streams without decrypting the traffic. As a result cybercriminals are attacking with exploits and malware that hide in the encrypted streams. The ability to decrypt and scan the https traffic is an essential component of protection."
The full results can be obtained from NSS Labs website (registration required).
Titan Atlas are Avast! Partners and would be pleased to quote for a suitable solution for your business upon request.
Please call 01536 738297 and visit www.titanatlas.co.uk


text:
- Arts
- Books, Reading, and Literature
- Business and Company Information
- Consumer Information
- Education and Careers
- Everything Georgia!
- Gardening and D.I.Y.
- Genealogy
- Geography
- Government and Law
- Health and Medicine
- History and Biography
- Personal Finance and Investing
- Science and Math
- Society and Culture
- Spanish/Español Resources
- Sports and Recreation
Nursing and Allied Health
Browse Journals & Magazines
View all journals in Health Sciences
View all journals in Nursing
View all journals in Nutrition and Dietetics
Find Journals in all Subjects


text:
Labrums and Fingernails
DUNEDIN, Fla. — Those are the storyines today. Casey Janssen is out for the year with a torn labrum in his right shoulder and A.J. Burnett is taking the mound without part of his right index fingernail.
There's been some minor roster movement over the past few days. Prior to today's game, lefty Gustavo Chacin was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse and Travis Snider was returned to Minor League camp. Yesterday, Russ Adams, Sergio Santos Tracy Thorpe, David Purcey and Jean Machi were optioned to Triple-A, while Pedro Lopez and Brian Jeroloman were sent back to Minors camp.
Before I delve back into the Janssen news for a bit, let's get to today's lineups:
PITTSBURGH (4-8-0) at TORONTO (4-9-0)
at 1:05 p.m. ET at Knology Park
Nate McCloth, CF
Jack Wilson, SS
Freddy Sanchez, DH
Jason Bay, LF
Adam LaRoche, 1B
Xavier Nady, RF
Ronny Paulino, C
Jose Bautista, 3B
Luis Rivera, 2B
PITCHING: LHP Zach Duke
David Eckstein, SS
Alex Rios, RF
Vernon Wells, CF
Frank Thomas, DH
Scott Rolen, 3B
Aaron Hill, 2B
Reed Johnson, LF
Rod Barajas, C
Marco Scutaro, 1B
PITCHING: RHP A.J. Burnett
Now, in regards to Janssen. His absence will certainly effect both the rotation and bullpen. Brandon League looks to be in a good spot for a job in the 'pen now, and John Parrish could make a push for a starting role.
Jesse Litsch is the clear favorite — Gus Chacin isn't an option anymore — but GM J.P. Ricciardi said the fifth spot isn't Litsch's job by default. Ricciardi said the team would explore trade possibilities and perhaps other avenues. There are a few free agents still out there, and while adding depth is never bad, I say give Litsch the job.
The Jays are also saying the right things about Janssen's injury, pumping up the idea that he'll be back at 100 percent by next spring. That's all well and good, but torn labrums aren't easy to come back from. It could be a career threatening injury, but Toronto won't say that.
One comment that I found interesting from Ricciardi was "With Casey Janssen, we have a great bullpen. Without him, we have a good bullpen." This quote comes from the main person who's been hyping up Janssen as a potential starter. That made it sound like Janssen was going to be in the bullpen no matter what. Interesting, at least.
On another note, there are a few regular players making the trip to Winter Haven for the game against the Indians tomorrow. Shaun Marcum will pitch, followed by Parrish and others, and Gregg Zaun, Lyle Overbay, along with John McDonald, Marco Scutaro, Reed Johnson and Adam Lind, among others, had their names circled on the travel sheet.
I believe my name is circled as well.
UPDATE 4:21 p.m. — After picking up the save in today's 4-1 win over the pie-rats, Josh Banks was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Burnett pitched well — I continue to be impressed in how strong he's looked even without his curve — and Wells launched his first homer of the spring.
3 Comments
Nice to know Burnett's doing so well. When he gets that curve back he'll be lights out. Thanks for clarifying the pronunciation's last night Jordan.
Jordan, have you spoken to Alex Rios lately? Is he doing OK? I don't seem to remember him taking so long to get going in previous years.
Another Scoreless frame by Randy Wells i see !
He seems like a pretty good pitcher


text:
2006 Toyota Corolla LE
$4,950Plus 10,3% TaxSold
2006 Toyota Corolla LE 4 door for sale.
It's 1.8L, 4 cyl, timing chain driven engine with automatic transmission.
Has power windows and door locks, power mirrors, power/tilt steering, A/C and cruise control. Comes with stock AM/FM Radio, CD Player and good sound system. Good tires and good brakes all around. Fresh oil change.
No issues or problems. Runs and drives excellent!
Has only 57,975 original miles and WA REBUILT TITLE, VIN: 1NXBR32E66Z632670.
Asking $4,950 firm. Please call or text whenever (253) 709-3138. Thank you.
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Airbags
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm System
- CD/DVD Autochanger
- Cruise Control
- Wind Deflector
|Front head room
|39 "
|Rear head room
|37 "
|Front shoulder room
|53 "
|Rear shoulder room
|54 "
|Front hip room
|52 "
|Rear hip room
|46 "
|Front leg room
|41.3 "
|Rear leg room
|35.4 "
|Luggage capacity
|13.6 Cu.Ft.
|Maximum cargo capacity
|13.6 Cu.Ft.
|Standard seating
|178.3 "
|Body width
|66.9 "
|Body height
|58.5 "
|102.4 "
|Ground clearance
|5.7 "
|2,550 Lbs.
|Gross weight
|3,585 Lbs.
|Fuel tank capacity
|13.2 Gal.
|EPA mileage estimates
|32 City / 41 Hwy
|Base engine size
|1.8 Liters
|Base engine type
|126 Hp
|Horsepower rpm
|122 Lb-Ft.
|Torque rpm
|Maximum towing capacity
|1,500 Lbs.
|Drive type
|Turning radius
|18.1 ''
Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet refined and comfortable.
The best of the lineup, in our opinion, is the top-of-the-line Corolla LE, a luxurious compact when equipped with the optional leather interior and JBL audio system. However, the base Corolla CE offers an excellent value and comes standard with air conditioning, while the mid-level Corolla S is well-equipped with popular features.
The sporty Corolla XRS features a specially tuned suspension and a more powerful, 164-horsepower 1.8-liter engine that propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. These upgrades add sports appeal, though we wouldn't classify the XRS as the kind of sport compact that fuels enthusiast magazines.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, whether ordered with cloth or leather. Big heating and air conditioning controls are simple, radio controls are straightforward, the cup holders work well, and cubbies are available for stashing stuff out of the way, making for a tidy, convenient cabin. Getting in and out is easy and the back seat in this four-door sedan is surprisingly roomy and comfortable.
The standard four-cylinder engine revs smoothly and delivers good acceleration performance. Corolla earns an EPA-estimated 32/40 mpg City/Highway when equipped with a manual transmission. Both the manual and the automatic transmissions offer smooth shifting, and the manual is very easy to operate. All models have a smooth, comfortable ride and responsive handling.
Safety is enhanced by ordering optional curtain-style airbags and side-impact airbags designed to provide additional head and torso protection in a side-impact. Optional anti-lock brakes help the driver maintain steering control after slamming on the brakes. Crash testing indicates the Corolla is one of the safest cars in its class.
Toyota Corolla comes in one body style, a four-door sedan (not counting the Matrix). The Corolla CE, S, and LE come with a 126-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The Corolla XRS gets a 164-horsepower engine. (Note that although horsepower numbers appear lower for the 2006 models, it is due to a change in how the SAE calculates net horsepower. Actual performance of the engines remains unchanged from 2005 models.) The 2006 Corolla line carries over with no significant changes.
The Corolla CE is available with a five-speed manual transmission ($14,005) or a four-speed automatic ($14,805). The CE comes standard with air conditioning (with an air filter), AM/FM/CD stereo system, power steering, tilt steering column, tachometer, intermittent wipers, digital clock, outside temperature gauge, trunk lamp, and a dome light with delay.
Corolla S, available with the manual ($15,050) or automatic ($15,850), gets wider 195/65R15 tires and sporty styling cues: smoked headlight lens extenders, integrated fog lamps, and an aerodynamic body package with color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, rocker panel extensions, and rear mud guards. Inside, the S gets a unique cloth interior, a sporty tachometer, chrome accents, and a nice leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The S is also upgraded with power door locks, power mirrors, a vertical seat-height adjustment, and mirror-mounted map lights. Power windows with keyless entry and cruise control are included in the optional Enhanced Power Package ($500).
Corolla LE manual ($15,215) and automatic ($16,015) are upgraded with popular convenience features, including power windows, remote keyless entry, halogen headlamps, and variable intermittent wipers. The LE is distinguished with body-colored door handles; it lacks the sporty body cladding of the S and looks the better for it. Inside, the LE gets wood-like trim and upgraded cloth seating surfaces. An optional leather package ($650) is available for the LE that gives the car a luxurious look and feel and includes cruise control. Aluminum wheels ($390) are available, which improve the appearance of the LE and should improve its handling slightly.
Side-impact airbags and curtain airbags ($655) are optional on most models and we strongly recommend them for the additional protection they can provide to the heads and torsos of you and your passengers if someone rams the side of your car. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution ($300) is an optional and we recommend it; ABS helps the driver maintain steering control in an emergency braking situation, while EBD helps maintain full braking pressure even if the driver makes the common mistake of relaxing pedal pressure. Optional Vehicle Stability Control ($650) helps the driver maintain control in corners by compensating for skids.
Cruise control ($250) and the sunroof ($750) are available as stand-alone options.
The Corolla XRS ($17,780) is powered by a 164-horsepower 1.8-liter mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension with revised steering and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Michelin performance tires (an upgrade from the standard 15-inch wheels on all other Corolla grades). Special interior and exterior trim distinguishes the XRS. Additional standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with tire-pressure monitors, front and rear disc brakes, and cruise control.
The Corolla looks like a small Camry. Its ovoid headlights are similar and its rakish yet curved shape is in keeping with the Camry and Lexus ES 330. Thick A-pillars at the front and thick C-pillars at the rear give the Corolla a solid look while hefty bumpers add to its substantial appearance.
Corolla comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, but looks like it could do with larger wheels and tires that would fill out the wheel wells more effectively. Aluminum 15-inch wheels ($390) are an option for LE models.
At the rear, the Corolla has a high trunk line in keeping with the car's high belt line. The taillights match the shape of the headlights nicely. Part of the taillight module is actually mounted in the trunk lid. This is fine except that the design causes the trunk lid to be narrower than it might be.
The doors have reasonably wide openings, which makes getting in and out easy. That's a benefit of the long wheelbase (102.4 inches), which also means that the rear wheel wells do not protrude into the rear door as much as they do on some compact cars. The Corolla's looks and handling are enhanced by its relatively long wheelbase and relatively short overhangs front and rear. (The overhang is the distance from the wheels to the ends of the car).
The Corolla S is distinguished by its sporty front spoiler, body-colored side rocker panels and rear skirt, along with its fog lamps and smoked headlamp masking.
The XRS gets 16-inch wheels that visually fill the wheel wells better. Distinguishing the XRS are a rear color-keyed spoiler, a color-keyed bezel surrounding the grille, and unique badges.
The Corolla's interior doesn't feel like a small car nor does it feel cheap, like many compacts do.
There's plenty of front legroom and headroom. The Corolla seems particularly well suited to shorter people who often find it fits them perfectly. Big and tall people may find the accommodations cramped, however.
The back seats offer a decent amount of room for two average-size adults. Seat belts are provided for a third rear-seat passenger, but there's little space for such a person.
Materials used in the seats appear classy with nice fit and finish. The driver's seat has a much more substantial feel than in many cars in this price range, which makes it more comfortable for long journeys. Even the doors shut with a pleasant thud thanks to sound deadening felt mounted inside the door panels.
Take a look inside a Corolla LE with optional leather seating and you could easily imagine you're looking inside a luxury car instead of a $17,000 compact. The leather seats have a luxurious soft pleated finish, while the center console and door panels have wood-like veneer trim. Okay, it's fake, but it's so well made that it looks more realistic than the real wood found in some luxury cars. Both the LE and S models get a sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel that adds to the enjoyment of driving.
The XRS gets sport seats, a silver-colored instrument cluster and switch plates, Lexus-like Optitron gauges, and a leather-like shift boot and leather shift knob.
The dashboard is nicely laid out with exemplary ergonomics and a finish comparable to that of more expensive cars. Its top surface sweeps across the width of the car in a slight S-curve and wraps into the door trim. Each side of the center console seamlessly blends up to the lower portion of the dash. Four small vents are nicely inlaid into the upper part of the dash.
The radio is located high on the center stack so it's easy to reach. Three large round knobs for the heating and air conditioning system are located below the radio. The handle for the parking brake is located on the left of the center console so there's room for a small storage cubbyhole on the right.
Storage space is generous. The glove box is big and there are small pockets in each door. Map lights for upper models are mounted on the rearview mirror, not the ideal location as it's easy to mess up the mirror adjustment when trying to switch on a light.
The instrument panel is dominated by three overlapping round gauges, a large speedometer, a smaller tachometer to the left and a water temperature gauge and fuel gauge mounted in a matching circle to the right. They incorporate red lettering on a plain white background and are easy to read at night. There's also an outside temperature readout on all models.
The trunk is one of the biggest in this class. The gooseneck hinges intrude into the cargo space and can crush fragile items if they are in the way, but this design results in a larger trunk opening than using the scissor-type hinges that require a larger flange around the trunk opening. The rear seats are split 60/40 to allow access from the trunk. The opening is relatively small, limiting pass-through for large cargo, but it's handy for skis, fly rods, brooms and other long items.
All in all, the interior has a high level of refinement beyond what one expects in a low cost sub-compact.
The Toyota Corolla is smooth, convenient, and easy to drive. It's hard to find any faults here. For many owners, this car quickly fades into the background, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their lives. And that's the way they want it.
The standard 126-horsepower four-cylinder engine is quiet, smooth and refined. It delivers brisk acceleration performance with a broad power band for nice, linear acceleration. There is no difference in engine, transmission or suspension between the CE, S, and LE trim levels.
The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is nicely matched with the engine. It includes a shift logic system that helps hold a gear longer than it might otherwise if it senses the car is going up an incline or the driver wants plenty of power while passing.
For those who enjoy doing their own shifting, the five-speed manual allows for more performance as the engine's power can be better utilized. It shifts easily via a relatively tall shifter. Both the gearbox and clutch are smooth and easy to operate. The manual transmission earns an EPA-estimated 32/40 mpg City/Highway, while the automatic gets 30/38 mpg. One thing we hated: A beeper goes off in the cabin every time we shifted into reverse. We feel we could live without this feature.
The power steering is just right, providing a nice feel without being too stiff or sloppy. The suspension has been tuned to give a smooth ride, which is helped by a relatively long wheelbase. Body roll, or lean, is minimal and the car feels secure and stable at all speeds. The suspension is soft and does a good job of soaking up bumps and road vibration, giving the Corolla a nice, smooth ride that we really liked. The Corolla handles well, though those who enjoy the crisp handling of a sports sedan may want to opt for the XRS, which has a slightly stiffer suspension.
The new XRS is powered by a newly tuned version of the 2ZZ dual overhead cam engine and six-speed manual transmission found in both the Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces 164 horsepower at 7600 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. It's tuned for more mid-range torque and features Toyota's VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system for a burst of power from 6000 to 7600 rpm. EPA fuel economy is rated 25/32 City/Highway. The XRS features a sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate coil springs and shocks and a lower ride height (a half-inch lower). A sport strut tower brace is mounted between the shock towers. Larger 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels come with Michelin performance tires. The revised steering system features a more rigid steering column, designed to improve response. A power steering rack specially developed for the XRS allows for better steering feedback.
The XRS is not a high-performance sport compact car, however. It doesn't offer the response of hot compacts such as a Chevy Cobalt SS we'd driven immediately before, though the XRS is decidedly less expensive. And the suspension is by no means stiff. In fact, it's quite compliant. Overall, the Corolla XRS is a terrific compact four-door sedan that's just a little sportier than the rest of the line.
The Toyota Corolla is a sophisticated and utterly reliable compact sedan. It features a high-quality, ergonomically excellent interior with comfortable, supportive seats. The interior is particularly well suited for shorter drivers. The rear seats are roomy and relatively comfortable and the trunk is big for this class.
|Body Style:
|4-Speed Automatic
|1.8L, 4 cyl
|Exterior Color:
|Gold metallic
|Interior Color:
|32 City / 41 Highway
|Stock Number:
|VIN Number:
Browse through the vast selection of vehicles that have recently been added to our inventory.


text:
House OKs bipartisan spending bill
The House approved and sent to the Senate a landmark $1.1 trillion spending bill that fills in the blanks of December's budget agreement and sets a new template for appropriations for the remainder of President Barack Obama's second term.
Adopted 359-67, the giant measure literally touches every corner of government. And more than any single document to date, it defines the new budget reality that faces the president and his activist agenda.
Story Continued Below
The wide, bipartisan support in the House should help build momentum next in the Senate, and lawmakers are racing against a clock that requires final action by Saturday.
( Also on POLITICO: Obama's plan to save the Senate)
Until then the government will remain operating under a stopgap resolution that was again extended Wednesday. But the leadership is determined that the interim measures end there and the yearlong omnibus be put in place to ensure no more threats of shutdown.
Indeed, the ghost of past shutdowns still haunted Wednesday's debate — together with a weariness that has seemed to infect the press coverage as well. To a surprising degree, major newspapers have largely ignored the bill with its forbidding level of detail. But it truly reflects a sea change that can't be ignored by Obama.
The president's health care program and Wall Street reforms will endure but with far less money than he had wanted. About $20 billion is restored for domestic programs cut under sequestration last spring. But measured in real dollars adjusted for inflation, Obama is still left with less than Congress approved six years ago for his Republican predecessor — President George W. Bush.
Liberal Democrats loudly protested but just as quickly embraced the deal, hammered out between the House and Senate Appropriations committees. Republicans faced defections on the right but nothing in the debate matched the stridency of last fall — when tea party conservatives helped to force the government shutdown in October.
( Also on POLITICO: Reid: Senate not done with jobless aid)
"I will support the bill very reluctantly because the alternative is far worse," said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), who summed up the emotions of many in his party. "We are waist deep in manure, not up to our necks. Hooray!"
Exhausted from the grind of the past month, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) let slip some emotion. "This is the place where the nation found itself coming together and I can't think of a more satisfying time I've had in this chamber than now," he told his colleagues. "This bill isn't perfect, I hate to tell you — but it is good."
The wide margin exceeded early expectations. Republicans broke 166-64 for the bill, roughly the same as the December budget agreement. Among Democrats, it was 193-3 for the package.
The Senate debate Thursday and Friday is sure to be more contentious.
Once the papers from the House reached the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) called up the measure Wednesday evening and filed a cloture motion immediately in hopes of expediting action. That cloture vote would normally occur Friday morning, but Reid said he has already requested consent that it be moved forward.
Conservatives could refuse. But given the strength of the House vote, there's some expectation that opponents will see the handwriting on the wall and let the measure pass quickly without long delays.
Nonetheless, the relentless, often personal sparring between Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) — both ironically with their own long history on the Appropriations panel — is a source of tension. And faced with a tea party challenger at home, McConnell broke with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) last month and opposed the bipartisan budget agreement that set in motion the spending bill now.
But Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, who stood with McConnell in December and serves as the ranking Republican on Appropriations, has embraced the new bill. Ever cautious, he also prides himself on his independence once he has made a commitment. And this is still a very winnable fight for him and Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) after the almost biblical 40 days and nights of negotiations behind the package.
"I wish I were as thin as I am stretched because we really worked at it," the 4-foot-11 Marylander joked wistfully on the Senate floor this week. "This bill required very difficult choices. It meant give and take. It meant more giving on both sides, because there were no big takes."
Indeed, the December budget deal sets very strict limits and when measured in real dollars, the bill now provides substantially less domestic spending than a very similar omnibus signed by Bush in December 2007.


text:
NEW BEDFORD — A Taylor Street, New Bedford property poses a predicament for its elderly residents: The house is in the city and the street is in Dartmouth, and neither municipality feels inclined to plow in the event of a storm.
NEW BEDFORD — Alberto and Maria Fernandes are hoping for a light winter.
For more than 20 years, they have lived in no-man's land: in a home located in New Bedford but on a street located in Dartmouth that was never formally incorporated into the town.
As a result, neither community plows the road when it snows.
"It's a problem," said Maria Fernandes, 76. "One year, we stayed six days in the house because we couldn't get out."
Now, the couple — she is a former fish packer and he is a former "codman" — is looking to New Bedford where they pay property taxes for help, she said.
"We pay our taxes but we don't have anything for our money," she said.
Ron Labelle, New Bedford's commissioner of public infrastructure, said the city provides water services — which are already regional — to the street but nothing else. The Fernandes' concerns should be directed to Dartmouth, he said.
Dartmouth only provides services to streets that conform to town standards and are formally accepted by the town — and Taylor Street, where the Fernandes live, is not, said David Hickox, the director of public works. Property owners are responsible for bringing the road into compliance, he said.
"The town of Dartmouth does not go into private areas and expend public funds to bring them up to standard," he said, adding "There are many private roads in town with the same concerns."
When Fernandes and her husband built their Taylor Street home, just off Cove Street, in 1987, there were already three homes there, built in 1925, 1971 and 1973, said New Bedford assessor Peter Barney.
The couple, who speak Portuguese and limited English, didn't understand what it meant to build on an unaccepted street, Fernandes said. Now, they can't afford to pay for upgrading the road, a mix of cracked concrete and gravel that looks "like a river" when it rains, she said.
At-Large Councilor David Alves, who was contacted by the couple and raised the issue at a City Council meeting last week, said he is hoping the city will sign a mutual agreement with Dartmouth so that the Fernandes — and the three other houses on the street — can at least count on snow plowing services.
"They pay taxes but they're not getting any substantial benefits for their taxes and that's not fair," he said. "I feel so bad. ... What I'm trying to do is put it on the table and see what we can do."


text:
State Politics
NC fracking hearings get under way Wednesday in Raleigh
Hundreds of residents will try to sway state officials for and against 100-plus proposed safety rules in the coming weeks as North Carolina gets set to lift the state's moratorium on fracking next year.
With four upcoming public hearings across the state, the N.C. Mining and Energy Commission enters its final phase of rule-making, a culmination of two years of research, discussion and compromise. After public comments are analyzed, the fracking rules could be modified and will advance to the state legislature in January.
Public hearings will kick off Wednesday in Raleigh, the only venue where residents' comments will be taken in the middle of the day. The subsequent three hearings in Sanford, Reidsville and Cullowhee will be held in the evening.
They will be monitored by uniformed security officers to maintain order, with the expectation that rallies and protests will be staged outside for TV cameras.
The hearings are intended to focus on technical minutiae of arcane regulations. But it's widely understood they present fracking opponents and supporters the largest public forum in years to get a broader political message across.
"Most comments will come on something we have no jurisdiction over: Don't frack," said Vikram Rao, chairman of the Mining and Energy Commission.
"But you should be allowed to speak to the legislature through this medium," Rao said. "How else will people speak to the legislature unless they go to a Moral Monday?"
The hearings will be structured in such a way that speakers will get three minutes max at the microphone to state their case on rules the Mining and Energy Commission debated over several days, sometimes several months. The commissioners who preside over the hearings will be there only to accept public comment and will not respond to questions from the public.
Even though the rule set runs 174 pages, most speakers will likely focus on just a handful of rules: chemical disclosure, drilling distances from homes and water wells, baseline testing of drinking water, and the risks of storing chemical-laced fluids in open-air pits.
Speakers are also likely to address perceived holes in the rules where commissioners have not taken any action. Those include forced pooling – where drillers are allowed to tap local natural gas, even if property owners don't want drillers probing under their homes and farms – air quality monitoring, and treatment and disposal of fracking wastewater, which is briny and contains industrial chemicals. These and other blanks are either under further review or outside the jurisdiction of the Mining and Energy Commission, commissioners say.
Fracking opponents will urge commissioners to increase safety buffers and setbacks, add landowner protections and change some rules to the way they were originally proposed. This year, for example, the Mining and Energy Commission opted to let energy companies shield fracking chemicals from public view under a "trade secret" provision. The commissioners also halved the testing distance from the drill site where water wells will be analyzed for contamination.
Comments streaming in
"I'm not sure than any of our proposed rules are strong," said Therese Vick, community activist with the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League. "Any time we had something that was too onerous or too expensive for the industry or the politicians, they went back and modified it."
Public comment is also being accepted in writing until Sept. 30, without the time or length restrictions of spoken comments. As of Thursday, 656 comments had arrived at the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Commissioner James Womack said any comments will be heard and considered, but the most helpful remarks will discuss specific rules, not general declarations about state energy policy.
While Womack has consistently lauded the rules as a model of social responsibility, he understands many don't share his enthusiasm.
"At least 60 to 70 percent of the comments will probably be moderately anti-drilling or at least cautionary," Womack predicted.


text:
Morgan State Hosts President Obama's Science and Technology Advisor To Highlight STEM Opportunities for African American Students
Dr. John P. Holdren
[STEM Education]
Morgan State University today hosts Dr. John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in its Center for the Built Environment and Infrastructure Studies (CBEIS).
Dr. Holdren, who also serves as the Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, is one of the world's foremost authorities on energy policy and climate science. Morgan officials praise his visit an opportunity to showcase Morgan's standing as one of the Nation's great academic resources in the sciences, and to launch a national conversation on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) value in global STEM development. This trip is part of OSTP's "week of action" in honor of Black History Month, to help accelerate, support, and raise awareness of STEM opportunities for African American students, schools, and communities.
"Morgan is proud of its partnerships with state and federal agencies in developing innovation in the STEM fields," says Morgan President David Wilson. "We are honored to host Dr. Holdren and to boldly serve as a premier national research institution meeting the challenges and creating opportunities in critical global industries."
Dr. Holdren will visit faculty and students from Morgan's School of Engineering and its School of Architecture and Planning to discuss STEM capacity building at historically black colleges and universities. Dr. Holdren also tours Morgan's CBEIS facility, which houses one of only two earthquake simulators on the East coast, and can register up to nine points on the Richter scale.
"One of the smartest things we can do to keep our Nation globally competitive is ensure that our science, technology, engineering, and math workforce taps into America's extraordinarily diverse talent pool," Dr. Holdren said. "Morgan State is helping to cultivate the next generation of discoverers, builders, inventors, and thinkers that will keep America innovating on the cutting edge."
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelors degrees as well as programs at the masters and doctoral levels. As Maryland's Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible.
For more information on Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu
Latest comments
- Ann GarrisonFebruary 22,2018 @ 08:03 PM
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
googletag.pubads().definePassback('6785150/BENN/BlackStarNews', [[300,250]]).setTargeting('fold',['BTF']).display();


text:
I first came across him when I was playing Super Smash Bors Brawl. Turns out, in my opinion, he's one of the best characters. This one's a tricky one and takes up 24 of the max 25 steps to a tutorial.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


text:
AVAILABLE TO: A UFV student who demonstrates exceptional leadership in their community and at UFV with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
HOW TO APPLY: Leadership Award Application form is available on-line at MyUFV. Log into MyUFV, click on Student Information, click on Student Services, then the tab for Financial Aid.
DEADLINE: May 10
Apply online for yourCanada-B.C. Student Loan6 to 8 weeks before startof term.
Apply for Interest-free status and continue your full-time studies without renewing your student loan.
Apply for UFV Bursariesonline through myUFV. Applications accepted every semester.
Find out about UFV Scholarships. Applications accepted fromMarch 15 to May 10.