text:
Making the Business Case for ITIL
Erin Casteel,Anthony Orr
Help IT Run More Efficiently- You can improve operational efficiency by following ITIL guidance related to examining your processes and objectives and identifying targeted areas for improvement.
To achieve this operational efficiency, ITIL recommends that you set clear goals, define a process improvement road map, and not expect to fix everything at once. At least annually, you should develop a business case for future activities on the basis of the results from prior and current activities. Determine the ROI and value on investment (VOI) so far, as well as the anticipated ROI and VOI of future improvements. Youll need to prioritize projects according to what will create the most business value.
Adapt More Quickly and Easily to Ever-Changing Business Conditions- Agility also is important for todays corporations. The business must be able to respond quickly to changing conditions to remain competitive. ITIL's process of release management, for example, makes it possible to successfully manage the release of software and hardware into the environment. A mature release process, combined with automation, can reduce the implementation time of a software release from weeks to minutes, while also reducing error rates.
Following ITIL guidance on service portfolio management, which helps you to prioritize projects on the basis of their importance to the business, also can help you improve your agility. You must provide the right mix of services and adapt the mix when business conditions change.
Become More Proactive - Why wait for something to break when you can anticipate problems and prevent them from happening? The degree to which problem management and availability management processes are proactive can reveal much about the maturity of the IT organization. The goal of ITIL problem management is to prevent the occurrence or minimize the impact of errors, incidents, and problems in the IT infrastructure. Typical problem management activities include identifying, investigating, and eliminating or minimizing the problem by addressing the root cause or developing a reasonable workaround.
When an organization first implements a process such as problem management, it should focus on the reactive aspect of the process. This is because 20% of problems are generally responsible for 80% of system degradation. Eliminating that top 20% of problems will significantly improve stability, reduce downtime, and improve documented knowledge, thereby enabling incident management to resolve future incidents more quickly.
As the problem management process matures, you will have increased opportunity to focus on the proactive aspects of the process, such as trend analysis. Its possible to reduce the number of incidents by 50% or more through preventive action. The proactive aspects also allow the business to understand and be more responsive to the needs of its customers. This will reduce downtime and support costs while improving productivity and customer satisfaction.
Improve Communication With the Business and Within IT - The single biggest issue every organization seems to identify is communicationor rather the lack of itboth within IT and between IT and the business. This lack of communication can result in duplication of effort, poor decision-making, higher risk of failed changes, and poor alignment between the business and IT.
Traditionally, IT organizations have become accustomed to thinking about organizational structure in terms of silos, departments, or functional areas. Communication, organizational collaboration, and teamwork break down when information doesnt flow easily from one area to another. ITIL processes cut across multiple areas, using resources, information, and people to achieve a specific goal.


text:
Pop Up Stands
Pop Up Stands
Pop up stands, nomadic stands, spider frames, popup signs, 3 x 3 pop ups, nordic stands, normadic stands or plain old "pop ups"… Whatever you call them, these display workhorses have been a staple for companies large and small since they were invented by Nomadic Display® in the 70s. You have seen them at tradeshows, exhibitions & conferences, reception areas & shopping centres… but why are pop up stands so popular?
- Portable & versatile: Easy to transport, in a case that turns into a counter, pop up stand displays are suitable for so many situations & events.
- Flat or curved, single or double-sided, literally any size: from a compact table-top pop-up stand to an imposing 6m wide pop up stand used as a stage backdrop, there are plenty more options available other than the classic 2.4m wide x 2.4m high pop up.
- Modular & reconfigurable: Join two or more pop up stands together to change size & shape of your display – your first pop up stand can grow & adapt with your business and see you through events large and small. Our famous 3-in-1 pop up kits and combo popup kits give you the benefits of a stand that can be used in different ways, plus the beauty of bundle pricing.
- Accessorize with flatscreens, product shelving, lighting & funky endcaps Stand out from the pop up stand crowd, add functionality or change the look of your pop up stand for your next event.
- Graphic panels, printed stretch fabric, velcro friendly fabric or combine all three depending on your needs.
- Hire or buy: Keep costs down with hire, or augment your own pop up stand with rental extensions & add-ons for once-off events or larger spaces.
- Nomadic Display™ Lifetime *No-Questions-Asked* Hardware Warranty: We have clients still using pop up stands they bought from us in the 1980s! There is just no comparing these pop ups to cheaper models with bare-bones "manufacturer's warranties".
- Irish-Made: Nomadic Display have sold over 250,0000 pop up stands, and most of these were made in Co. Mayo. Happily, buying the best also means supporting the Irish economy!
Pop Up Stands - Also Known As...
The Many Uses Of Pop Up Stands
- Exhibition stands & trade show displays
- Conference backdrops and corporate stage displays
- Press call backdrops and TV set backdrops (American Idol, Tonight With Vincent Brown & even Star Trek have used Nomadic Display pop up stands as part of their set!)
- Shopping centre & retail displays and pop up shops
- Information points & interpretive centres
- Roadshows & cultural exhibits
- Showroom displays & internal branding
What To Look For When Buying A Pop Up Stand
- Check that the pop up stand frame has x-shaped cross bars in each quad as these add greatly to the stability of the stand
- Check that the magnetic struts are connected by bungees for ease of use & to prevent loss of individual struts
- Check that if your pop up stand becomes damaged, it can be repaired cheaply or for free, without expensive & lengthy shipping overseas
- Will the suppliers loan you a replacement stand if you need to use a pop up while yours is being repaired?
- Can small components, e.g. wheels on the case, be replaced easily?
- Can your pop up stand be connected to other stands in the future to allow for the creation of larger pop up stands in different shapes and to ensure you get maximum versatility and value from your pop up in years to come?
- Can accessories can be added to the stand e.g. flatscreen brackets, lights, product displays and shelving, 'funky' angled endcaps, stand-off graphics, backlit panels – now and in the future?
- Are there casing options – do you want to split your pop up kit into 2 cases for ease of lifting & shipping etc. or do you want an all-in-one case which turns into a counter?
- Ask to see the pop up stand in the flesh to test quality and ease of use before you buy & to be sure of the pedigree of the supplier!
Why Buy A Nomadic Display™ Pop Up?
- The best quality pop up stands available
- Unique Lifetime "No Questions Asked" Hardware Warranty
- The only *Irish-Made* pop up stand
- Fully reusable, extendable, modular and reconfigurable with a range of accessories and add-ons unmatched by any other pop up stand producer
- Worldwide network to support clients using their pop up stands overseas & unique 24 Hour Customer Helpline
- Environmentally-focused production and operations

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Press Releases
Survey finds Internet cuts into TV time
NEW YORK — A new survey suggests that the Internet is not cutting into the time people spend with their friends and families. Rather, it's cutting into their time for television.
Internet users watched 4.5 less hours of television a week than Americans who stay offline, according to the study released Thursday by the University of California at Los Angeles. Longtime Net users are more likely than newcomers to reduce their viewing habits.
"Without question, Internet users are 'buying' some of their time to go online from the time they used to spend watching television," said Jeff Cole, director of the UCLA Center for Communication Policy.
Internet users socialized with friends slightly longer than nonusers did, and they spent nearly as much time socializing with family, the study found. Users and nonusers spent about the same amount of time on most household activities, like having meals and playing sports.
The exception was television. Nonusers spent 10 hours a week watching television with members of their household, compared with 9.4 hours for Internet newcomers and 6.7 hours for veterans.
For general TV-watching, nonusers spent 16.8 hours, while users spent 12.3 hours. Internet users also spent less time listening to the radio, talking on the telephone and reading books, newspapers and magazines.
Nearly 30 percent of the newcomers — those online for less than a year — said they have watched less TV. For veterans on the Net for at least five years, the figure increases to nearly 35 percent.
Nearly a quarter of children watched less television since using the Net.
The findings are consistent with research from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which found a quarter of Internet users decreasing their TV watching. Only 3 percent of Internet users said they watched more television.
None of the surveys, however, suggest the demise of television anytime soon. Pew, for instance, had found that Americans turned to television as their primary source of news immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks, while Internet usage dropped on Sept. 11 and 12.
Dennis Wharton, a spokesman with the National Association of Broadcasters, said that while the Internet potentially gives broadcasters competition, "over time there's going to be a sort of marriage of the two."
"Media usage is not some sort of zero-sum game," he said. "The study seems to suggest you can't do both at the same time."
Wharton added that overall television viewership — broadcast, cable and satellite combined — has grown over the past decade.
UCLA's Cole said that when someone was using the Net and watching television at the same time, only the primary activity was counted.
The telephone survey of 2,006 U.S. households was conducted from May to July. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The study was funded partly by the National Science Foundation.
Among other findings:
—Internet users were most satisfied with the ability to communicate with other people online. They were least satisfied with the speed of connection.
—More than 72 percent of Americans have Internet access, up from 67 percent in 2000. Users spent 9.8 hours a week online, up from 9.4 hours. High-speed users spent three hours a week online more than dial-up users.
—Privacy and credit card security remain chief concerns when shopping online, although the concerns about credit cards decreased among veterans.
—Americans were more likely to be concerned about sexual content in movies and on television than over the Internet, although all three media provoked significant worries.
On the Net: http://www.ccp.ucla.edu


text:
X-Large Regal Regency Plush Santa Suit Costume for Adult, Adult Unisex, Size: XL, Multicolor
It's time to put the elves to work and get the reindeer ready for travel. The Extra Large Adult Regal Plush Santa Suit comes with red and white jacket and pants, hat, belt and attached boot covers. Wig, beard, glasses and bell sold separately. Size: XL. Color: Multicolor. Gender: Unisex.
Browse all deals at Home Depot
See more in Skirts
* This offer may contain time-sensitive information and offers. Please check with Home Depot to confirm actual price & availability.
Please enter your name
- Be the first to comment!
1 location
3160 Silverback Ln
Home Depot
3160 Silverback Ln
Painted Post, NY 14870


text:
January 12, 2009
Don't think I have not forgotten The Method Of Modern Love. Still waiting, but now there's a full 75 seconds on SE's myspace. How can I even leave the house before this is released?
3 comments:
- D'luv said...
Yes, love the sly reference to Daryl Hall & John Oates' own "Method Of Modern Love," with the spelling out of the word...
- January 12, 2009 9:06 PM
- Brad said...
It's sounding pretty damn sharp. Can't wait!
- January 12, 2009 9:45 PM
- countpopula said...
I am so very excited for the couple new songs they are throwing our way, although I cannot help but think about how much slower their release schedule has gotten. Those first few albums were a rush of brilliance, and even with a break in the mid-late 90's, they came back with some serious regularity. It has been a hot minute since Tales from Turnpike House, and all we get now are a couple songs. This from a band who seems to have scads of unreleased and secondary material--enough to release numerous self-distributed compilations.
Nevertheless, these sound great Etienne. We're ready for more!
- January 13, 2009 12:01 AM


text:
Gauteng Liquor Board denies decision to extend liquor trading hours on Sunday
Gauteng Liquor Board chairperson, Fhedzisani Pandelani, denies making a decision to extend liquor trading hours on Sunday to accommodate the 105th birthday celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC).
Pandelani says they only clarified whether such latitude exists within the Act.
All that we did was to clarify the situation and say within the Act we could, but there are strict conditions.Fhedzisani Pandelani, Gauteng Liquor Board chairperson
Reports this morning suggested that the board has reversed its decision following complaints from people about the extension.
ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe also heavily criticised the extension of trading hours saying the celebrations are about the struggle not to promote drunkenness.
Listen to the full interview below...


text:
Palma SYC 2016 Days 8-11 (+Gallery)
Palma SYC 2016 Race Days 8-11 (+Gallery)
DAY 8. Saturday, and the final day of racing. Bohlale and Luyolo stayed on their boats, P2 and Mariette respectively, and then Win Win offered Loyiso a place for this last race. What a good choice this turned out to be…! Today there was a bit more wind and we had a crowd out on the Aloha J to watch the racing. It turned out that Mariette and P2 won their classes and "Win Win" won the whole regatta. The owner of Win Win made his acceptance speech and talked about Marine Inspirations, having invited all three of our boys up onto the stage.
All in all a very successful regatta for us and the boys and we have inspired others to come forward with offers to help our small organisation and initiative.
Check out the Super Yacht Cup website for more information and details of the racing.
DAY 9. The boys were totally exhausted after three days of racing out in the hot sun, so elected to have a Sunday sleep-in onboard the Aloha J. Mid-morning Luyolo cooked breakfast and then they came up to the Wades' house for a trip to see Phil's "Goat House", a weekend retreat/olive farm in the mountains behind the mountain village of Alaro. We threw some ribs onto the BBQ and admired the view, then down for a refreshing drink in the church plaza in the centre of Alaro. Home for an early night.
DAY 10 Monday, June 27th While waiting for confirmation of appointments for the youngsters to visit various service institutions in Palma, Anthony took the boys up to see the historic 14C Bellver Castle overlooking Palma Port and then to Puerto Portals harbour, outside of Palma, where they got to see another small town and a significant and upscale marina complex. They were also welcomed by the local yacht broker Nigel Wales from Arrival Yachts and given an talk about how that side of yachting 'purchase and sales' works.
Day 11. 0900 The boys visited Master Yachts for a second time to be briefed on the sophisticated yacht management software programme that Master Yachts uses – covering crew salaries, technical management, and general maritime operations – which they had shown interest in on the previous visit. Straight after that they were taken aboard the 60 meter schooner Germania Nova and given a comprehensive tour by Justin Holvik, the captain. This was a real eye opener, and is well worth a visit to the ship's website http://germania-nova.com/1/tradition_and_history.html
After their yacht visit and a light lunch of local tapas and 'pa 'amb oli' they were taken to the HQ of Omniaccess SL, located in the 'silicon valley' of The Balearics at Parc Bit. OmniAccess is the leading supplier of Vsat satellite communications and marine onboard IT networking solutions to many super-yachts and ships worldwide.
A further yacht-visit followed with a trip to the Real Club Nautico to tour the very fast and record-holding modern classic 46m schooner "Windrose of Amsterdam" – built by Holland Jachtbou to Gerry Dyjkstra design in 2002.
The evening brought further excitement, as the boys prepared the schooner "Aloha-J of Cariba" and took her sailing in Palma Bay for the night. They conducted all operations: starting engine, leaving harbour, navigation, sail manoeuvres, anchoring, cooking dinner, washing up, standing watch, and returning to port at dawn and docking the yacht – on their own, but under the watchful eye of Anthony. During the night squally and rainy weather passed through Mallorca, and the yacht returned to harbour in the rain.


text:
Welcome to Watkins & Sons Mfg., Inc.
Watkins & Sons Manufacturing, Inc. was started in 1976 as a sole proprietorship by Nathan L. Watkins, Sr. under the name of Watkins Manufacturing Company. The business was incorporated in 1992.
Watkins & Sons started as a job shop. We produce production parts and provide custom fabrications for our industrial customers. In 1979 a farmer requested that we manufacture some livestock equipment that was more durable and efficient than was available from other sources. Thus, a line of swine equipment was started. Over the years we have expanded our services to agricultural customers to include grain storage and handling equipment. When the swine market crashed in the 1990's we moved from the swine equipment industry and more into the grain storage industry. We now supply our customers with grain bins, grain dryers, conveyors, elevators, loop systems, transport augers, grain monitoring systems, agricultural irrigation systems, truck scales, and more.
We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.


text:
|In stock
|Item Number
|Product Type
Bedroom Set
Make your bedroom shine with the Hamilton/Franklin collection. Choose between the rich Merlot color, Cognac Cherry finish, or the Snow White finish. With each finish, the wood expresses a rustic feel that is warm and welcoming. Appreciate the fine craftsmanship on this furniture that is made in America (bunk beds are imported). Angular construction gives the furniture clean crisp edges that reveals an organized look. Sloping and round edges complement those straight lines and make the furniture pieces flow together. Each door and drawer is embellished with a bright silver knob that expresses an elegant style. The bed posts are heavy in weight and make the furniture more stable and durable, lasting you years to come. The Mortise and Tenon joining gives additional support and stability. Drawers are suspended on a Kenlin Rite-trak guide system (metal on metal) which allows for an easy opening mechanism. For an extra durable touch the furniture tops and ends are finished with a veneer. Delicate wood craves give the wood a bit of texture and unique style. This Hamilton/Franklin furniture collection has a variety of pieces that will bring character to your bedroom or guestroom.
Please Note: All Vaughan-Bassett products have some level of distressing; level of distressing varies depending upon the collection.
Set includes: 1 Twin Panel Storage Bed, 1 Night Stand, 1 Mirror, 1 6-Drawer Triple Dresser
Optional Items: 7-Drawer Triple Dresser, Landscape Mirror, 5-Drawer Chest, 3-Drawer Media Cabinet, 2-Drawer Night Stand, Single Pedestal Computer Desk, Computer Hutch, and Wooden Desk Chair.
We guarantee your complete satisfaction - 100% of the time!
Everything listed on our site is unconditionally guaranteed. Is the item you received not what you expected? Did it not fit as well as you hoped in your home or match your decor? Whatever the reason, you won't be stuck with an item that you can't use or you don't want.


text:
Here's what you'll need to know about submitting interRAI assessment data to CIHI.
What you can do
- Understand everyone's role
- Develop a project plan for data submission
- Establish a data flow model
- Complete a CIHI service agreement
- Ensure the quality of your data
- Establish a process to review submission reports and then correct and resubmit records
|Reporting period
|Early submission deadline (allowing 2 weeks for error correction)
|Final Submission deadline (including error correction deadline)
|eReports updated
|Quarter 1April to June
|August 15
|August 31
|Quarter 2July to September
|November 15
|November 30
|Quarter 3October to December
|February 14
|February 28
|Quarter 4January to March
|May 15
|May 31
These submission deadline dates are for organizations submitting directly to CIHI via Electronic Data Submission Services (eDSS). Organizations submitting to their jurisdiction or region need to contact their regional or ministry representative for information on data submission deadlines.
How CIHI can help
- CIHI helps inform business requirements for data collection and submission.
- CIHI provides education and training on submitting interRAI data.
- We can help you create a CIHI profile and request access to services.
- Our client service experts provide ongoing support to help organizations submit data. We troubleshoot as needed.
- For organizations that are implementing the new interRAI suite, CIHI helps develop an interim data submission process until automated processes are in place.


text:
GEEP Durham Facility Featured in CBS 17 'Secure Your ID' Article
On April 20th 2018, Consumer Investigator, Steve Sbraccia from CBS 17, visited GEEP USA Inc.'s processing facility in Durham, NC.
During his site visit, Steve learned from GEEP's Brooks Callisher, the sustainable methods employed by GEEP to securely remove sensitive data from electronic devices and electrical equipment. To extend the life of useful items that may become re-purposed, all data is erased to an unrecoverable state through Blancco, the world's leading provider of data erasure software. While end-of-life products are processed through state-of-the-art proprietary machinery that breaks them down to their base commodities, which can in turn be refined into new products.
The month of April is always an extremely important time at GEEP! Although April 22nd marks the official date of 'Earth Day', GEEP participates in several events throughout the month across North and Central America. Our corporate social media accounts (@GEEPGlobal via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) give insight to our collaborative involvement with individuals, companies and governments, one of those being the FREE open-to-the-public 'Secure Your ID Day' Electronics Recycling & Document Shredding Event in Raleigh, NC. Local partners BBB Serving Eastern NC, Coastal Credit Union, Shred-It and GEEP hosted the event on April 21, 2018 as part of a bulk shredding event in Raleigh.


text:
The Ministry of Railways has set up a committee to suggest measures for the upkeep of the handful of steam locos left in the country.
The five-member committee called 'Steam Traction Expertise and Maintenance Committee' will comprise senior railway officials as members and retired personnel who have persistently strived to save the 'queen of rails' from going obsolete, senior railway ministry officials said.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the committee is expected to submit its report within a period of six months.
It will suggest methodology for meeting the requirements of trained inspectors, running staff and maintenance staff, the ministry officials said.
The officials noted that the worst part is that there are few running staff who can keep the locos running. Worse still is the dearth of steam loco pilots, making it more difficult to ensure the safety of the locos.
"The committee will also seek to prescribe the revised maintenance schedules of the locos and work content of each schedule which is of utmost importance keeping in view the reduced level of running of these locomotives," they added.
At present, an estimated 30 locomotives are left in the country in running condition, the regulars hauling the sought-after tourist trains in intervals and toy trains to hill stations.
With the Rewari shed holding the last remaining steam locos, the committee would suggest organisational structure and responsibilities at Board, zonal railway and divisional level for sustaining steam traction.
The other key aim of the committee would be to assess the skills available in railway sheds and workshops for proper maintenance of critical assemblies, the ministry officials said.
As repairs and maintenance forms a critical component of these locos, including upkeep of the boiler, the committee is also expected to place its suggestion on these issues, they said.


text:
bitcoin? do you trust your money?
Bitcoin. Have you heard about the experimental crypto-currency?
For the rest of you who are wondering what that's all about, here's the gist of it. In 2009, a bunch of computer programmers (or one guy, no one's sure) designed an open-source peer-to-peer network that uses public and private key encryption to allow people to send Bitcoins to each other. Due to the encryption standards used, and the public transaction records, its virtually impossible to double-spend bitcoins–which has always been one of the main problems with digital money.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about bitcoin is that there is no central authority controlling it. The computer program that runs on all the client computers and establishes the network uses a mathematical algorithm to regulate the creation of new bitcoins, so its a deflationary currency.
Also, because relatively few people worldwide use it, the values at which bitcoin trades with traditional currencies can be quite volatile. Recently one bitcoin has been trading for around $40 USD, but last November it was only around $9 USD, and in 2011 it had been up to $32, but then crashed all the way down to $2 or $3. So yes, its experimental.
However, if you're in the US, you may see Bitcoin reverse ATM machines coming to a convenience store near you, according to this article on CNET. If you see one, and want so give me a gift, you can do so here: 1BVdZiPgPTvicma8Ut1AZEWYteadRWHPyF. I haven't bought any bitcoin myself–I'm still somewhat skeptical, but its an experiment I'm watching.
And it raises interesting questions about our money: who controls it, who can manipulate its value, and is it worth treasuring if its of fleeting value?


text:
China Lodging Group has reached an agreement to acquire all equity interests in Crystal Orange Hotel Holdings; the deal is subject to approval by the Chinese government.
SHANGHAI, Feb. 27, 2017 -- China Lodging Group, Limited (NASDAQ:HTHT) ("China Lodging" or the "Company"), a leading hotel chain operator in China, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary China Lodging Holdings (HK) Limited has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement with the shareholders of Crystal Orange Hotel Holdings Limited ("Crystal Orange") to acquire all of the equity interests of Crystal Orange for an initial aggregate consideration in cash of approximately RMB 3.65 billion, with customary post-closing adjustments (the "Transaction"). The closing of the Transaction is subject to the approval from the Antitrust Bureau of Ministry of Commerce of China.
China Lodging's management will communicate more details on the Q4 and full year earnings call at 9 p.m. ET, Tuesday, March 14, 2017 (or 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in the Shanghai/Hong Kong time zone). To participate in the event by telephone, please dial +1 (855) 500 8701 (for callers in the US), +86 400 120 0654 (for callers in China Mainland), +852 3018 6776 (for callers in Hong Kong) or +65 6713 5440 (for callers outside of the US, China Mainland, and Hong Kong) and enter pass code 7256 4976. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled time of the call.
About China Lodging Group, Limited
China Lodging Group, Limited is a leading hotel operator and franchisor in China under 12 brand names. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had 3,269 hotels or 331,347 rooms in operation in 367 cities. With a primary focus on economy and midscale hotel segments, China Lodging Group's brands include Hi Inn, HanTing Hotel, Elan Hotel, JI Hotel, Starway Hotel, Joya Hotel, and Manxin Hotels & Resorts. The Company also has the rights as master franchisee for Mercure, Ibis and Ibis Styles, and co-development rights for Grand Mercure and Novotel, in Pan-China region.
For more information, please visit the Company's website: http://ir.huazhu.com.
About Crystal Orange
Crystal Orange is a leading boutique hotel operator in China founded in 2006, headquartered in Beijing, with more than 100 hotels located primarily in tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Crystal's three flagship brands address different segments of the market, namely "Crystal Orange Hotel", "Orange Hotel Select" and "Orange Hotel".
For more information about Crystal Orange, please visit its website: http://www.orangehotel.com.cn
The above is a news release written by a third party. While HNN's editorial mission is to produce unique content, it occasionally publishes timely, newsworthy news releases to complement in-house reporting efforts. All news releases are clearly marked as such. For questions and clarification, please contact Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Ricca at email@example.com.


text:
Start Building Your Defense Immediately! Contact us for a free analysis of your case at one of our local offices located throughout California
All too often people find themselves charged with sex crimes based on false accusations from bitter, jealous, mistaken or manipulated accusers. Indeed, recent DNA technology has proven that innocent sex crime defendants across the country have been imprisoned for decades because of false testimony, mistaken identity, and police investigations that are either sloppy or overzealous, or both.


text:
Calif. frack bill nears final passage even as greens cancel support
California legislation that orders the first-ever state oversight of hydraulic fracturing neared final passage yesterday, even after nearly all environmental groups dropped their support.
The state's Assembly on a vote of 48-17 approved S.B. 4 from Sen. Fran Pavley. It now heads back to the Senate for agreement on amendments. If ratified there, it goes to Gov. Jerry Brown (D), who has indicated he will sign it.
Pavley said the bill is needed because unlike at least 14 other states that produce petroleum, California doesn't regulate fracking or other well stimulation practices like acidization.
"There are still many unanswered questions about the use and impacts of fracking and acidizing," Pavley said. "It is in the interest of all Californians to monitor and regulate these practices. Ultimately, the oil industry, not the public, should be held accountable for the costs of these activities."
The bill sets up the rules under which the California Department of Conservation's Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) will regulate fracking, where companies blast water laced with chemicals underground at high pressure to break apart rock formations and release oil or natural gas. S.B. 4 requires some disclosure on chemicals used and notification of residents before drilling starts and would create a system for testing groundwater.
The measure includes language that makes it apply to well stimulation and not just hydraulic fracturing. Industry has opposed that wording, but Pavley argues it is needed because some oil companies consider acid stimulation a possible key to opening the Monterey Shale. That swath of land, stretching from the middle of the state south to Los Angeles County, is believed to hold 15.5 billion barrels of recoverable petroleum.
Pavley aides called Assembly passage "a stunning victory for the public and the environment." But four major green groups that had led advocacy on the bill -- the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Working Group, the California League of Conservation Voters and Clean Water Action -- abandoned their sponsorship this week because of late amendments they found unacceptable.
"Until Friday, we strongly supported S.B. 4. Then these amendments came out of nowhere," said David Pettit, senior attorney at NRDC.
Some familiar with the politics said that Brown played a role in pushing the amendments that environmentalists oppose. Green groups say the language limits the reach of the California Environmental Quality Act protection law. Brown has called revising CEQA "the Lord's work."
"It was the governor's office that was insisting that those amendments go in in the first place," said Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California, which opposes S.B. 4. "As environmental groups and others were negotiating to get those amendments changed, it was with the governor's office that the negotiations were occurring. The governor's office was refusing to change them."
The governor's aides, Phillips added, "desperately don't want DOGGR to have to do environmental review of fracking sites, and so they worked really hard to make sure that new amendment in the bill wouldn't go away."
Brown spokesman Evan Westrup did not directly respond to questions about the governor's work on amendments but in an email said that "the administration has worked collaboratively with the Legislature to craft a bill that comprehensively addresses potential impacts from fracking, including water and air quality, seismic activity and other potential risks."
"S.B. 4 is an important step forward and the governor looks forward to signing it once it reaches his desk," Westrup added.
Brown previously has called fracking a "fabulous opportunity" (EnergyWire, May 15).
Split among green groups
Those familiar with the politics said that oil interests stopped lobbying against the measure after the latest amendments passed the Assembly on Friday. The oil industry trade group Western States Petroleum Association did not respond to a question about whether it had stopped asking lawmakers to vote against the bill.
Separately, WSPA President Catherine Reheis-Boyd said that the group opposes the measure.
"We have acknowledged the need to develop comprehensive and balanced regulations of hydraulic fracturing in California and had hoped S.B. 4 would provide those regulations," Reheis-Boyd said in a statement. "Unfortunately, S.B. 4 could create conditions that will make it difficult to continue to provide a reliable supply of domestic petroleum energy for California.
"Additionally, we are concerned the bill could make it difficult for California to reap the enormous benefits offered by development of the Monterey Shale formation in the San Joaquin Valley -- benefits that include thousands of new jobs, increased tax revenues and higher incomes for residents of one of the poorest regions in the nation," she added.
Green groups already had been divided on the bill. Sierra Club California and Physicians for Social Responsibility had opposed the measure, saying it lacked adequate protections. They objected to a provision that would block the public from knowing what chemicals companies are using if they claim the information is competitive.
In contrast, the Environmental Working Group, NRDC, Clean Water Action and the California League of Conservation Voters had earlier pushed for passage. They said that while the bill lacked some protections, it put other needed ones in place.
They withdrew support after the amendments were added Friday.
Green groups were troubled by a new clause that they believe could give oil companies a permanent exemption from CEQA. That law requires projects to produce an environmental impact report (EIR) addressing how the development will affect land, water, species and other factors, and as part of that to mitigate any adverse effects.
S.B. 4 requires DOGGR to conduct an EIR on how fracking and well stimulation activities will affect the entire state. The clause in question, Pettit said, gives a DOGGR supervisor the authority to approve a fracking project if he or she believes its potential impacts already have been investigated by that statewide review. The wording says that "no additional review or mitigation shall be required."
Pettit said that goes beyond the "negative declaration" that can be issued under CEQA, where an agency asserts that a project does not need to do an EIR because there aren't significant negative impacts. But when that happens, Pettit said, neighbors at least are notified and there is the chance to appeal in court.
'Free pass from CEQA'
Pettit said he is unaware of any other place in state law "that allows a government bureaucrat to waive CEQA with unfettered discretion." He added that "it's a free pass from CEQA for every fracking project in California forever."
An Assembly analysis disagreed with that interpretation. It said that "[t]his article does not relieve the division or any other agency from complying with any other provision of existing laws, regulations, and orders." Other state laws, like the California Global Warming Solutions Act and the Clean Water Act, still are in effect, it said.
Green groups also dislike language added to the bill Friday that puts in place a roughly 15-month grace period during which oil companies will be able to secure permits for fracking and well stimulation without going through CEQA.
"The amendments took a bill that didn't go far enough to protect Californians from fracking to one that actually gave away existing protections to oil companies," said Kassie Siegel, senior counsel at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Between now and 2015, Californians have less protections from fracking than current law provides."
Oil companies argue that hydraulic fracturing and other well stimulation processes have not been subject to CEQA. It is a point of contention that's part of a court case. The Center for Biological Diversity, EWG and Sierra Club filed a claim against DOGGR asserting that the state has failed to follow rules under CEQA that require the agency to track hydraulic fracturing.
Pavley, who authored the state's climate law, A.B. 32, in response to environmental group criticism said that S.B. 4 is a needed first step.
"I appreciate the support of the environmental community in advocating for the critical safeguards in S.B. 4," Pavley said. "I understand that many of their members desperately want a moratorium, and so do I. Since all the moratoria have died and companies are fracking and acidizing right now, I stand behind this bill as an insurance policy that does not prevent the governor or local communities from further restricting these activities.
"Without S.B. 4, there will be no public disclosure of chemicals, no groundwater monitoring and no regulation of acidizing, and the oil companies will continue to be able to frack without a permit or any public accountability whatsoever," she added. "The world won't be perfect if S.B. 4 passes, but it will be a whole lot better."
Like what you see?
We thought you might.
Start a free trial now.
Get access to our comprehensive, daily coverage of energy and environmental politics and policy.


text:
Fit Life Tea has a great selection of tea blends that are designed to improve your health and wellness. If you browse through our best herbal teas, you will find that all of our products are made from USDA certified organic ingredients. We only source our ingredients from sustainable farms, organic tea plantations and small growers. We feel that this leads to a fresher, higher quality product that fits in with a healthy, happy lifestyle.
How Tea Diet Drinks Help You Lose Weight
Losing weight can be a challenge and at times frustrating especially when you don't see results. If you've ever tried a diet and exercise regimen before, you know all too well the struggles of getting fit. It's even more difficult when you restrict your favorite foods and don't see a change in weight. However, there's more to gaining and losing weight than eating the right and wrong foods. Hormones are responsible for weight, and if these are not in balance, it's difficult to have control over your body.
All the ingredients in our Fit Life Teatox are 100% natural. There are no chemicals or preservatives. Ingredients inlude:
Try Fit Life Teatox and see for yourself! Check out our 14-day teatox and 28-day teatox. We ship to the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, and more!
Are you excited to learn more? Shop with Fit Life Tea for the best herbal teas around!


text:
Friday night, I hit my favorite spot, made it to the counter, order a beer for myself and a juice for an elderly lady whom I know.
I ordered myself something to eat while at it.
The lady left so I made my way to a sit-down area, sat and scoped out the scenery for targets.
Quite many girls were in the venue so there were lots of targets to chose from.
The set of girls [3 set] who sat to my right was hot enough, so my scanning stopped there.
I got up and took a few steps over to the 3 set. Since the other 2 girls were engaged in deep conversation with some guys further to their right, my target was essentially a lone wolf, hence there was no need to address the group nor to engage them but my target.
I honestly can't remember what I opened with, but it was a very snarky, cocky and ballsy ice-breaker…per usual.
Whenever I deliver my snarky openers, they are always done in a way which communicates lightheartedness: even when I have a semi-serious expression on my face.
Chicks know when you're just screwing around and being humorous, hence they rarely ever take my snarky, cocky shit the wrong way.
Anyway, whatever I said, the girl rebutted [playfully] with her hand in my face as she exclaims:
"If you really want to talk to me then just say so! If that's your way of starting conversation then that's lame. Just say you want to talk and we can talk"!
That was invitation to sit and engage her…which was the reaction I wanted, so I took the cue, sat and proceeded to spit my charming gambit. 😉
For about the first 20-25 minutes, the convo consisted of back-and-forth banter, balls-busting, finger-pointing and push-pull.
That's how I like it at first.
I like to create drama and friction, and then slow things down.
I start from the top then slowly descend into cooler, smoother conversation.
Why so?
The reason I do this is very ingenious and shifty yet simple.
If you kick things off on a rocky note, you will have already gotten the awkward stuff out of the way within the first seconds of conversation. So if it does get rocky later on, it would not have that awkward feel to it since you already got that out the way.
Therefore, whenever I approach a girl, especially in a bar setting, my ice-breaker is always something testy that has the potential to lead to an argument. But it never does because of the reasons I mentioned earlier: I de-escalate and take a few steps back [verbally]. Plus my tone and facial expressions are non-confrontational.
I like to get the rough shit out of the way ASAP!
Anyway, so the rapid-fire vibe de-escalated about 20 minutes later where I transitioned into flirty, sexual and romantic…yet dominant.
Every other minute, the vibe would spike up into a push-pull situation. This was also in a literal sense where I would take her hand and shove it away playfully while she playfully slaps me on the shoulder and playfully pushes me away.
In the grand scheme of things; this is flirting 101.
This all went on for a good hour: flirting, getting extremely close, talking in each other's ears, body-to-body brushes, pinching each other, etc.
Her 2 girlfriends were locked into conversations of their own, so I hardly had any interruptions from them.
Here comes a group of people- perhaps 7 of them- strolling towards us, everyone greeting everyone. Apparently, they all know each other, so my target got dragged into the welcoming fest.
One of the guys- someone who apparently knows her- sits in the vacant spot to her right. So the dynamics were set up to where he and I sandwiched the girl in the middle.
Since he had way more rapport and social value in comparison to me- a mere stranger- the girl was forced to engage him while I sat there waiting my moment to get back into the conversation.
Are You A Social Violator?
Here is the thing when it comes to such sets involving acquaintances. If someone interrupts- someone whom the girl already knows- and you are the stranger in the mix, the already-acquainted intruder will have naturally had more value than you do.
Being that he has more value by virtue of knowing the girl already, the girl cannot just not pay him any mind.
This guy instinctively knew this [the value disparity between him and me]. So that's why I feel that he positioned himself in the set in a more assertive and active way rather than passively sitting there sipping his beer.
Hence, I was close to being completely shut out because of this guy's power play!
In such a situation, most guys in my position would either leave, not wanting to be the 3rd-wheel, or stay and do nothing but look like a weirdo in the process just sitting there gazing off into space.
I chose to stay seated while fiddling with my smartphone just to not look and feel awkward.
Anyway, they chatted for a bite then I chimed in.
This was a very risky move on my part [butting in…even though I was there first].
Why so?
Since I didn't have any social value to the girl [I was just a random stranger albeit having an attractive vibe], butting in would risk making me a social violator.
This is very important dude!
Social violators usually get blown out with the quickness!
How was I flirting with becoming a social violator?
Firstly, a social violator is someone who particularly doesn't have social value [in a social venue], yet he barges in, butts in, intrudes and does shit than isn't congruent with his low-social value.
Great example of a social violator is the obnoxious guy at the bar, who instead of observing social norms by greeting the group of girls he approaches, he elects to ignore the others within the girl's circle, then try to outright hit on the girl right in front of her group.
He is a social violator.
The appropriate thing would've been to approach the set/group, greet everyone in it, make small talk while greeting, then address the target [the girl you like out of the group] while aiming to isolate her with somewhat permission of leave from her group.
By all means, you should NOT hit on a girl [stranger in a social venue] in front of her friends!
This isn't just tacky but it is socially inept and you will cause great discomfort among everyone there.
You will have become a social violator!
That night [as always] I avoided becoming a social violator when I first approached this girl's group, because she was sitting disjointedly while her group was more put together in convo. So in essence, she was alone, therefore I didn't risk becoming a social violator by not engaging the entire group with greetings.
However, later on, since the guy whom she knew entered the venue and sat next to her and began conversing, had I just disregarded their relationship and tried to own the conversation, I would've been deemed a social violator and blown out the set by being ignored.
However, I took a gamble with the little social value I had and tippy-toed my way back into the conversation instead of staying there like a statue or leaving.
Slowly but surely, her attention shifted back to me. But every minute or so, the guy would drag her back [verbally] into his sphere.
My hands were tied because I couldn't just tell the guy to fuck off or drag the girl away physically.
It turned into a thing of a 3-way interaction with the girl sandwiched in the middle.
At some point, the girl jokingly said to me, "He's my boyfriend".
This was likely a test to see how I would react: would I buy it and leave [blow myself out], or would I disregard it and continue conversing?
I told her, "I don't believe you", and that I was going to ask dude if it was true.
She quickly and playfully held me back as I was leaning over to ask dude if they were a couple.
I frankly didn't give a shit whether they were or not. I'm smart enough to know that this was just a subtle ploy to test my Alphaness and to gauge whether I wanted her or not.
A bit later:
Me: "I wanna get you drunk and take you somewhere and fuck the shit out of you".
Girl: "OMG! I don't get drunk that easy! I can drink all night and still be able to think straight"!
I rapidly got more sexual as the night progressed.
The guy seemed high or something, or perhaps his bed was calling, so he was just sitting there zoned out of his mind.
Shortly after, the group that came with the guy left with him straggling behind them.
Finally got the girl to myself again!
We flirted some more then she excused herself to check on 1 of her girlfriends who was standing outside.
Minutes later, she came back in, this time with a guy who's half drunk hounding her about how much of a good girl she is.
Guy: "You're a good girl"!
He kept repeating as if his record were stuck on "You're a good girl"!
She found it amusing so she laughed about it. She herself was a bit buzzed I could tell.
I got up and brought her back over to where we were.
My objective honestly was not to take her home. But just to see how far this would go.
All in all, I found this to have been a great test in observing social dynamics in social settings.


text:
Shorts & Skirts
Explore effortless and versatile staples with women's jean shorts and skirts from 7 For All Mankind. Stick with classic blue denim, or go bold with color and detailing to create chic, modern styles. No matter which styles you choose, each piece is designed with an eye for comfort and quality, ensuring you feel as good as you look.
- + QUICK VIEW$39.00 $129.00closeMini Skirt in White Runway$39.00 $129.00Style Number : AU9232495SSize
+ QUICK VIEW$49.00 $169.00closeFray Skirt in Luxe Vinatge Muse$49.00 $169.00Style Number : AU9243212Size
- Skirt
- Denim
- Pockets
+ QUICK VIEW$69.00 $185.00closeB(air) Pencil Skirt with Side Slit in Coated Black$69.00 $185.00Style Number : AU9249930CSize
- Skirt
- Frayed
- Hand sanding
+ QUICK VIEW$165.00closeLuxe Vintage Button Front Skirt in Fleur$165.00Style Number : AU9244212Size
- Pencil skirt
- Front slit
- Zipper
+ QUICK VIEW$69.00 $185.00closePaperbag Short in Prairie Sky$69.00 $185.00Style Number : AU5215066Size
- Skirt
- Button down
- A-line
+ QUICK VIEW$69.00 $175.00closeHalf Belted Paperbag Short in Optic White$69.00 $175.00Style Number : AU5215495SSize
- Shorts
- Whiskering
- Frayed hem
+ QUICK VIEW$149.00closeCut Off Short in Ocean Mist$149.00Style Number : EW5088886ASize
- High waist
- Paper bag
- Frayed hem
+ QUICK VIEW$185.00closeRelaxed Mid Rise Short in Melrose$185.00Style Number : AU5121324Size
- Shorts
- Whiskering
- Frayed hem
This classic mid-rise denim short is designed for a relaxed, easy fit. Featuring a rolled hem, it features our signature squiggle embroidery on the back pockets. The light wash makes it a versatile addition to your spring/summer wardrobe.+ QUICK VIEW$135.00closeMini Skirt in Shoreline Drive$135.00Style Number : AU9232912BSize
Our updated denim mini skirt features an A-line silhouette, embroidery-free pockets, and a slightly faded, ultra-versatile medium-blue wash.+ QUICK VIEW$119.00 $165.00closeHigh Waist Short with Embroidery in Topanga$119.00 $165.00Style Number : AU5212066NSize
Seven lines of embroidery give this high-rise short a distinctive touch. It's crafted from our favorite rigid denim with artful fading for a vintage look. For the best fit in this low-stretch style, we recommend ordering 1-2 sizes up.+ QUICK VIEW$99.00 $165.00closeAsymmetric Button Front Skirt in Prince Street$99.00 $165.00Style Number : AU9257495SSize
The classic A-line skirt gets a refresh with a button front and asymmetrical pockets. It's crafted from our signature premium denim for the perfect amount of stretch.+ QUICK VIEW$109.00 $185.00closeAsymmetric Skirt in Black/White$109.00 $185.00Style Number : AU9256395Size
The classic denim skirt gets a fresh, forward update with a criss-cross waistband and a high-contrast abstract print. It's crafted from our favorite, vintage-inspired rigid denim. For the best fit in this low-stretch style, we recommend ordering 1-2 sizes up.+ QUICK VIEW$185.00closePaperbag Short with Braided Belt in Grand Street$185.00Style Number : AU5235252Size
A cinchable paperbag waist, braided belt, and a few unexpected white belt loops make this short feel fresh and new. We crafted it from our signature premium denim in a light wash that's just right for warm weather.+ QUICK VIEW$165.00closeRelaxed Short in Rose Ave.$165.00Style Number : AU5121390Size
This classic mid-rise denim short is designed for a relaxed, easy fit. It has a rolled hem and features our signature squiggle embroidery on the back pockets. The light wash is a refreshing addition to any warm-weather wardrobe.+ QUICK VIEW$89.00 $145.00closeHigh Waist Short in Mineral Pink$89.00 $145.00Style Number : AU5212495SSize
These high-waisted denim shorts are crafted from our signature premium denim for the perfect amount of stretch. We've given this pair a pastel acid wash and frayed hems for a laidback look and a customized feel.
Viewing 1-15 of 15 products
Modern Classics
Trends come and go, but well-fitted pieces crafted for quality are always in style. Just like our denim jeans for women, our skirts and shorts are precisely cut to fit every figure, with premium fabric that's up to the demands of modern life.
Cut-Off Shorts
Fun, chic, and perfect for hot, sunny days, our cut-off jean shorts are a spring and summer staple. Choose from a range of washes to reflect your personal style, or play with embroidery and detailing for a unique touch.
Mini Skirts
Kick back in a playful denim mini in a range of silhouettes and washes. Wear a classic A-line for effortless style, a high-low cut for a retro feel, or a contoured fit that hugs your curves.
Midis & Maxis
Mix it up with our sophisticated and relaxed denim maxi skirts for women. Frayed hems and metallic embellishments add a chic touch while still keeping your style effortless.
Details in the Denim
Self-expression lies in the details. That's why each piece is crafted as a subtle showcase for individual style. From simple button and zipper enhancements to printed pockets and hand-painted embellishments, every design brings a different element to your wardrobe. Classic light and dark washes highlight the natural appeal of denim, while bold colors give your outfit a fresh, modern feel. Finishes like a delicate frayed hem or faded whiskers put the final touches on your look.
Shorts & Skirts for Any Occasion
Throw on a pair of comfortable denim overalls to stay cool and relaxed on summer outings or casual get-togethers. Keep it chic on date night with a premium denim skirt, and show off your personal style with embroidered details. Go with a frayed light wash as an effortless solution for casual days and a sleek, dark wash for the perfect polished touch. For beach days, happy hours, and everything in between, shop our range of jean skirts and denim shorts for women that highlight your personal brand of chic.
Shop New Shorts & Skirts from 7 For All Mankind
At 7 For All Mankind, we believe every piece you wear should reflect the best version of yourself. Our premium denim is designed to fit everybody perfectly because we know confidence comes from looking and feeling good. Visit a store location near you to try on styles in-person, or enjoy browsing our online selection of jean shorts and skirts. Explore our latest women's jean sale for luxury denim that's affordable and refined.


text:
The photography of Paul Hermes is not for everybody, especially those who can't appreciate the more morbid things in life. All jokes aside, the Melbourne-based photographer captures compelling images that not only raise eyebrows, but that also have interesting stories behind them.
Paul Hermes doesn't spend his time shooting the beautiful scenery and sprawling landscapes that are abundant in his homeland of Australia. Instead, Hermes is busy sussing out strange scenes in and around the Melbourne area. When he's not pointing guns at swans or mauling a Barbie doll, Hermes frequents dodgy neighborhoods, carnivals and WalMart parking lots, searching for the perfect shot of some bizarre oddity.
But do understand that the photography of Paul Hermes should not be taken seriously. It's purely for entertainment and to provoke a little thought along the way.
The Photography of Paul Hermes Documents Macabre Scenes in Melbourne
Taylor Keefe — February 9, 2012 — Pop Culture
References: paulhermes & juxtapoz


text:
Enjoying the Outdoors
To enjoy outdoor adventures, be prepared and follow basic safety guidelines. Before hitting the trail, tell friends and family where you are going and when you will return as cell coverage can be limited in preserves. Prepare for all types of weather conditions and carry enough water and snacks for the entire day. While we do our best to create a safe environment, this is a nature preserve and wildlife call it home, so please stay on the trail. Also visit Trail Conditions and Safety before leaving to check for trail closures.
When attending a group activity, please arrive at your designated meeting place a few minutes early. Choose an activity that fits your interests and skill level, and above all, have fun!


text:
Heat Pumps
I guess this is your first winter with a heat pump. Your description does not sound unlike my first experience. I'll share with you what I learned. BTW – you did not say if the unit is brand new or not:
For one, the air coming out of a heat-pump register is only about 110 degree's, sometimes less. That contrasts to the 180+ degrees found in an oil-fired or gas-fired unit. What I did was go out and purchase a meat thermometer, one of those units with a long, thin probe. Then, I inserted it into the exhaust side of the heater. If you have the unit mounted in the basement, usually there is a vibration damper, which is a black neoprene coupler that helps isolate the unit's vibration from emulating throughout the house. I just stuck it through the neoprene, and left it there. This allows me to monitor the temperature of the unit.
If you're getting temperatures somewhat less than 110 degrees, your unit probably is not functioning correctly. Next, I would make sure all of the circuits are fully on. You may find a breaker/fuse set at the main panel, on the inside unit itself, and also where the wires come out of the house and go into the compressor (the fan unit somewhere outside). If your home is geothermal, then this unit will albeit found in the basement/utility room.
If you are truly having trouble, and you have an outside part of the system, check to see that the unit outside is running (fan blades spinning). If not, the circuit may be off, tripped, or there is some other fault. I will point out, however, that many of the newer units have computer-controlled circuits, and mine, for example, would take awhile, sometimes up to an hour, to cycle into heat mode at the beginning of the season, going from cool mode. The units are really meant to be left on all the time. By this I mean the thermostat is switched to heat, not off, and not necessarily running. These units are constantly monitoring inside and outside temperature, and use this information to determine optimal efficiency. Since you just turned the unit on, it may need the cycle for 24 hours before fully operational.
However, you did mention that the air was coming out of the vents, albeit not warm. If your unit has an AUTO/ON switch, switch it to AUTO. This means that the air will only come out of the vents when the heater is actually on, meaning that when air is coming out, the heater thinks it needs to warm up the house. If at that moment the air is still cold, you probably do have a problem. I would run the unit for a couple of hours to see what happens. You will also need to get used to leaving it on all the time, and not really changing the temperature. If you try to raise and lower the temperature to save money, your bill will actually go up. The heat pump motto is: "Set it and forget it".
Also, if it continues to remain cold, check your thermostat for blinking lights or some sort of error code. This may not be apparent right away, but may appear after a couple-hour's running.
Possible problems that fit your symptoms:
Loss of Freon. Has happened to me many times. Usually the compressor (outside unit) will not be running because there is a safety device to keep the compressor from destroying itself because of no Freon.
De-ice sensor goes out. Usually the compressor is running, but the outside unit turns into a block of ice. This sensor is supposed to sense the ice buildup, then go into defrost mode.
Batteries in thermostat are dead or dying. If you have them, replace them. My heater when wacky when the batteries were down, even thought the thermostat's display looked fine.
I should point out, though, that my system was plagued with problems primarily because the owner before me neglected the unit. As a result, the outside unit was not level, as it should be, then the fan lost one of its balance weights. Essentially, it shook itself apart.
As a final note, I found that getting a service contract with a yearly checkup was very cost-effective. Now, however, we own a new home, which is heated with oil. After 8 years with a heat pump, every time this heater lights off, the whole family starts stripping down to underwear because we just are not used to real heat.
Hope this helps - TomR
Thanks a lot for the information, that really helped out. I'm sure the solution to my problem is in your response somewhere. Luckily it warmed back up so we don't have to worry about it for the next 5 days at least. Luckier still, our primary source of heat is hot water (I'm not really familiar with that either) so when it gets really cold we'll be fine. 110 degree air? I don't see the attraction of a heat pump. Thanks again.
Glad to help. However, some of information you offered in your reply changes much of what I wrote.
You mentioned that water is the primary source for your heat pump. This means that you have a version of a geothermal system, which means also that you probably do not have an outside unit with fan. A little explanation may help.
All heat pumps operate by extracting heat from some outside source, and essentially releasing the heat into the inside of the house. The details are a little more complex, but I think you'll get the basic idea. The is the same concept as an air conditioner, which does not really cool the air, but extracts the heat from the inside of the house and vents it outside. In fact, with a heat pump, going from a/c to heat is just a matter of changing the direction of the flow of freon.
The more common and least expensive system is the air exchange method, which essentially (in heat mode) gets its heat source from the outside air. I know it seems hard to believe, but the process of compressing and expanding the freon will extract heat even down to about 38 degrees with relative efficiency. When it drops below that temperature or you suddenly turn up the heat inside more than a couple of degrees, the heat pump goes into what I call "toaster mode". This is when supplemental heat kicks in, in the form of resistance coils, which heat the air exactly like a toaster. These coils are also what come on when you flip into emergency heat mode. The air comes out of the vents pretty warm, but you'll pay for it when the bill comes.
I should also add that there are other options your system may have, rather than resistance heat for the backup. These include an oil or gas-fired system. In this case the burner only lights when the heat needed or demanded exceeds the system's ability to provide. I really do not know, however, what geothermal systems like yours use. It would be pretty obvious if you find a gas line running to the system, or have an oil tank.
Which gets me back to your geothermal unit. Yours works like the air exchange units, except you extract heat from water, usually via a circulating well arrangement. Coolant running in a closed tube loop is interchanged with the well water. Ground-source water usually is a constant 58 or so degrees year-round, which is perfect for heating or cooling. As an FYI, another type of geothermal system employs simply the coolant tubes buried in the ground, exchanging energy with the earth.
All this means is that everything I said in the original post about the fan unit outside does not apply to your system. I'm not totally up on geothermal, but your problem may be because the pump that circulates the water from underground may not be working for some reason (circuit turned off, etc.), and maybe the backup system in your unit only works when in "emergency" mode. You might try searching the net for your model number…might prove worthwhile.
As a final note, I really did not mind having a heat pump. Mine was of the common air-exchange variety, and although small for the size of the home, it performed adequately, even with all the problems. The big drawback is that they only have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, although that's improving, I'm sure. Most of my problems were because of neglect by the previous owner, which is caused by people not being properly educated. If I were to get another one, something like yours would be my choice. It is supposed to be the best of the heat pump systems.
If it's any consolation, I am not an HVAC contractor. I'm just another DIY trying to understand my world.
Good luck - TomR


text:
It is generally accepted that the most common surname in Ireland is Murphy, but that isn't necessarily the case.
On www.ireland-genealogy.com, the name that appears the most is Kelly – so I have decided to give you a little information on this name.
The Irish for 'Kelly' is ó Ceallaigh, with the most common alternative spellings of this name as O'Kelly, O,Kelley, Kelley & Kellie.
So when researching your family history, remember to check all derivations of the name to make sure that you have not missed anything. This being said, of the hundreds records we have where the applicant's surname is Kelly, only one uses an alternative! (O'Kelly).
Taking this one step further, I thought I would see where these Kellys were living in the middle of the 19th century.
There were Kelly's nearly everywhere but no Kelly's in Carlow or Laois (Queens) applied for a search of the 1841 or 1851 census to be done. The top 5 in the search were :
5) Roscommon
4) Mayo
3) Tyrone
2) Londonderry
..and the prize for the county with the most Kelly's applying to have a search made of the census goes to…………
There are a lot of famous Kelly's out there also. I don't think that there is such a thing as a list of the Top 10 famous people with the surname Kelly, but if there was, the Irish actor Frank Kelly who plays Father Jack in the hysterical TV series Father Ted would have to be in there. And who could forget the beautiful, elegant Grace Kelly or the incredibly handsome and talented Gene Kelly. I wonder how many "famous" Kelly's could claim that they have Irish roots!
Next time I'll give you some information on the 2nd most recurring name.
Can anyone guess what that might be?
If you're the first person to guess correctly on our Facebook page I'll do your surname also!
And I'll give you one big clue; it is not "Murphy"…


text:
The Smithsonian's "Collections Blog"
Site name and description
- Since it was given to Congress in 1829, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum and research complex with 19 museums, the National Zoo and nine research facilities.
- The "Collections Blog" rounds up the Smithsonian's archivists, museum specialists and librarians to write about their new collections, current works in progress or whatever catches their eye.
- It looks like the blog was launched fairly recently in 2010.
Site URL
- You can access the blog from the Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS) at http://www.siris.si.edu or from the Collections Search Center at http://collections.si.edu.
Site type
- Government
Homepage screenshot
Design overview
- The Design seems to be pretty basic, with the latest blog post taking up most of the layout. On the right is a search bar and a word cloud of links to popular search terms.
- The blog doesn't have a lot of graphics, but does a good job of featuring pictures of the subject matter being blogged about:
- I'd say mostly adults, because the last few posts were about typically adult (18 and over) subjects like historical gardens, Ernst Herzfeld's 1911 excavation of Samarra and faux vintage photography.
- People that have an academic nature
Business/Site Goals
- It is their goal to deliver collection highlights, unveil hidden collections as they become online, and relate to current events with historical artifacts, art work and research materials from the past.
- They also hope to encourage conversation, questions and comments.
Social media integration
- Although this blog does not overtly reference Facebook and Twitter, it does list all the other blogs of the Smithsonian on the right-hand side of its homepage.
- Beyond the homepage, the blog does reference a tutorial-video of using the Collections Search Center on YouTube in its "About" section:
- Apparently, October is "American Archives Month," which is meant to showcase the importance of the Smithsonian's vast collections of archival and historical records and to highlight the many individual Smithsonian archival units responsible for maintaining these rich and complex documentary resources.
- As part of this month, the Smithsonian is sponsoring a "31-Day blogathon" where "Archives throughout the Smithsonian Institution will be participating in a month-long Blogathon, with posts highlighting stories from the archives as well as challenges and issues facing archives." Participating blogs include the following:
- Archives of American Art blog
- The Bigger Picture (Smithsonian Institution Archives)
- Chandra X-Ray blog (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory)
- Eye Level (Smithsonian American Art Museum)
- Field Book Project blog (National Museum of Natural History & Smithsonian Institution Archives)
- National Air and Space Museum blog
- National Museum of the American Indian blog
- Smithsonian Collections blog
- Smithsonian Institution Libraries blog
- In addition, the blog does encourage visitor comments and has mouse-over "sharing" link:
Technologies used
- Google's Blogger, because there is a "Create Blog and Sign In" button in the upper right-hand corner. Once clicked, it takes you to Blogger:
Team members
- Joanna Mullally, Ruba Hashem, Marina Ferrer Lopez
Reviews or analyses of the site
- I found several commentaries on blogs referencing posts from the Smithsonian Collection's blog. They generally seem to be positive.
- One commentary by an "an anthropologist with an unusual love for museum collections and an idealistic faith in the potential of digital museum catalogs as something that could give collections more life" said the blog was "quite refreshing" on August 2, 2011 (http://artefakter.wordpress.com/2011/08/02/smithsonian-collections-blog-pop/).


text:
The 2017 United States Eventing Association (USEA) Annual Meeting and Convention at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, Calif., December 6-10, is less than two months away, and we could not be more excited about all the different topics and speakers that are lined up to present.
The focus of this year's convention is on event organizers, but our schedule will offer three different tracks that attendees can choose from: "Events," Eventers," and "Equine." Each track will feature a variety of presentations and forums focused around a common theme to educate and engage members.
The "Events" track will cater to event organizers, competitors, and volunteers – essentially, anyone who attends or works at events! Speakers will be presenting on numerous different topics pertaining to events, including volunteers, event funding, online entries, and more. There are also open forums specifically created for the USEA Classic Series, organizers, course designers and builders, amateur and adult riders, and eventing affiliates. Read on to learn more about the different presentations:
Event Calendar Planning Workshop
Thursday, December 7, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how the eventing calendar is constructed each year? If so, you won't want to miss the Event Calendar Planning Workshop! All are welcome to sit in on this dynamic planning session.
Get FREE Tax Money for your Event!
Thursday, December 7, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Rob Burk
Throughout the United States, many states, counties, and municipalities offer funding to promote and grow business in their community. Notably, they like to attract sporting events both large and small. Eventing competitions attract out-of-area visitors to hotels, restaurants, shops, gas stations, etc. which in turn keeps funds flowing into local economies. Most elected leaders know this. Rob Burk will present information about several programs that eventing competitions have tapped into to obtain free money. For example, have you heard about Hotel and Occupancy Taxes (aka HOT funds)? How about obtaining bonds for public facilities? There may be funds available for your private or public facility that you aren't aware of. Attendees will also be invited to present their own experiences and help fellow organizers and competition sites flourish.
Volunteer Incentive Program
Friday, December 8, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Speakers: Gena Cindric & Nick Hinze
Maryland Horse Trials Volunteer Coordinator Gena Cindric and developer of EventingVolunteers.com Nick Hinze will provide an update on all the accomplishments of the Volunteer Incentive Program in 2017 and talk about the goals for 2018. Topics will include new features added to EventingVolunteers.com in 2017 and proposed new features for 2018. The committee will also talk about the ongoing volunteer training video project and new ways to provide more incentives for volunteers. This forum will also provide the opportunity for the audience to provide feedback on the various projects to help guide their development.
Classic Three-Day Open Forum
Friday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Moderator: Gretchen Butts
Come to the Classic Three-Day Open Forum, hosted by Waredaca's Event Organizer and chair of the USEA Classic Three-Day Task Force, Gretchen Butts, to hear why this popular 'educational' competition is so successful and find out why a classic three-day should be on your 2018 event schedule!
Taking Eventing to the Next Level
Friday, December 8, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Speakers: Mary Coldren & Jonathan Elliott
Description coming soon!
Plans for the Fair Hill CCI4*
Friday, December 8, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ann Haller
Description coming soon!
ABCs of Entering a Horse Trial and Your First FEI Event
Friday, December 8, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Speakers: Mary Coldren & Christina Gray
Learn from event secretaries, Mary Coldren and Christina Gray, about entering events. Topics in this open forum-type session will include how you become entered in an event, what the closing date means, how to select the correct division preference, what make an entry complete, how to make a change to an entry, how to get a refund, and what you need to enter your first FEI event?
Organizers' Open Forum
Friday, December 8, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 pm.
Moderator: Jonathan Elliott
Jonathan Elliott of Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington and the Chair of the USEA Organizers' Committee, will host the Organizers' Open Forum to inform and discuss all issues big and small facing organizers.
Course Designers/Builders Open Forum
Friday, December 8, 5:00 pm. – 6:00 p.m.
Speakers: Tremaine Cooper & Morgan Rowsell
Bring all of your course designing and building questions to the Course Designers/Builders Open Forum to have them answered by the top professionals currently designing and building courses. This seminar will focus on recent developments in frangible technology as well as other key factors relating to the design and building of cross-country courses. Discussion will be led by co-chairs of the Course Designers/Builders Committee, Tremaine Cooper and Morgan Rowsell.
Amateur & Adult Rider Open Forum
Saturday, December 9, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Moderators: Dawn Robbins & Donna Bottner
Adult Rider Committee Co-Chairs Dawn Robbins and Donna Bottner will host the Amateur & Adult Rider Open Forum. This open forum will be much like last year's Town Hall Forum, except focusing on amateur issues. Several Adult Rider coordinators will be discussing their current activities and ideas for improving the sport for the adult rider and the amateur. For the first hour, speakers will touch on amateur issues, each presenting a topic for 5-10 minutes, including topics such as having more amateur divisions, cross-country courses and difficulty, getting new amateurs into the sport, the definition of amateur, and keeping down the costs of eventing. Then we will open the floor to discussion for the second hour. We will try to come up with action items out of this forum. Please attend, bring your questions, concerns, and solutions. We want to hear from you!
Eventing Affiliates Open Forum
Saturday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Moderator: Janet Gunn
The USEA Affiliates (Combined Training Associations, Eventing Associations, etc.) are the grass roots of eventing – it is where we find the people who are just starting eventing and who compete at the unrecognized level, as well riders who have been competing at USEA recognized events for decades. Come to the Eventing Affiliates Open Forum and share ideas about how to attract and retain members, provide fun and educational activities, and safely introduce people to eventing. Also, share your ideas about how USEA can provide useful benefits to the Affiliates.
Organizers & Secretaries: Best Practices
Saturday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dawn Benson
Dawn Benson will cover best practices for organizers and secretaries on a number of topics ranging from managing show costs, using Xentry, handling late entries, cutting travel for officials, equipment contracts, and maintenance and volunteer coordination.
The full Convention schedule including presentations for all tracks can be viewed here.
Click here for more information about Convention highlights that you won't want to miss.
Convention Registration is now open and available to active USEA members. To register, log into your Online Services account or fill out the registration form. The cutoff date for registration is November 15, so be sure to register soon!
Book your hotel room at the Westin Long Beach Hotel using the USEA room block rate through this link or by calling (888)-627-8403.
Click here for things to do in Long Beach. You can also check out places to dine, see, and shop at a discount with your USEA Convention badge by clicking here.
About the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention
The USEA Annual Meeting and Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by eventing enthusiasts. The 2017 Annual Meeting and Convention will take place at the Westin Long Beach Hotel in Long Beach, Calif. December 6-10, 2017.
It's been a long road, but we've finally arrived at the end! In June of 2017, the USEA undertook a project - to tell the story of each of the currently active USEA recognized events, starting at the beginning of the alphabet and working our way all the way through to the end. Now, more than three years later, we've reached the final event on our list.
Horse & Country TV is pleased to announce a partnership with the MARS Great Meadow International (MARSGMI) to provide live and on-demand coverage of the 2020 event. The competition will be held at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia August 19 to 23 and will feature many of North America's best eventing combinations.
For over 20 years the USEA Instructors' Certification Program (ICP) has been educating all levels of eventing instructors to confirm their knowledge base, both theoretical and practical, upon which they will continue to build throughout their teaching lifetime. The USEA is now shining the spotlight each month on some of the 300 ICP Certified Instructors.
This article will be updated to include statements as they are released from upcoming USEA recognized events regarding actions they are taking due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).


text:
Cornell College Events
Thursday, March 1st (link)
|Event Title
|9:00 am-10:00 am
|Staff Campus Currents Thomas Commons
The Block 6 Campus Currents meeting will be held from 9-10 a.m. only, in Hall-Perrine. The purpose of Campus Currents meetings is to provide an opportunity for staff to learn and discuss college issues, events, news, and other topics that are relevant across divisions. Staff may close offices during this time in order to attend.
|9:30 am-10:00 am
|Story Time Cole Library
Story Time continues each Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m.
|11:00 am
|The Loving Generation Film Series Orange Carpet
Join The Office of Intercultural Life in a 4-day viewing of the short film series "The Loving Generation." In 1967, the Supreme Court decision Loving v. Virginia overturned all laws outlawing interracial marriage. The Loving Generation tells the story of a generation of Americans born to one black parent and one white parent. Their narratives provide a fascinating and unique window into the borderland between "blackness" and "whiteness," and, in some cases, explode fixed ideas about race and identity. Each day ICL will show a new segment from the series. The film will loop throughout the lunch break. The viewings will begin on Monday, Feb. 26. 2018 at 11am on the OC and continue through the 1st of March. ***Sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Life***
|11:10 am-12:00 pm
|SIG (Science Interest Group) Lecture: Diversity West Science
Title: Diversity Speaker: Marty Condon Abstract: Nobody knows how many species exist on Earth today. Most discovered terrestrial species are tropical insects. Estimates suggest that only about 10% of those insect species have scientific names. Our work continues to reveal extraordinary and unexpected levels of tropical insect diversity. We find many more ecologically specialized species than anyone predicted. Why? We want to explain unexpected patterns of diversification (evolutionary processes) and patterns of coexistence (unexpected local ecological patterns of diversity). In this SIG, I will emphasize not only the diversity of insects, but also the diversity of people who contribute to our team effort to reveal the dimensions of biodiversity.
|11:15 am
|Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Allee Chapel
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA), Thursdays 11:15 to Noon in Allee Chapel (except during breaks). Offering support. Living the 12 Steps. Open to students, faculty, staff, and townspeople. For more info. email scoleman. ~Sponsored by Chaplain & Spiritual Life
|11:15 am-12:00 pm
|Young Trustee Information Sessions for Graduating Seniors Thomas Commons
Ringer Dining Room in the Thomas Commons: 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.—hosted by RJ Holmes-Leopold '99 7:30-8:15 p.m.—hosted by Emma Kaboli '17 & RJ Holmes-Leopold '99 The sessions will provide useful insight on the role and responsibilities of Trusteeship.
|4:00 pm-5:00 pm
|Poetry for the Senses Chapbook Release Party Van Etten-Lacey House
SLAB is thrilled to present the 2018 Poetry for the Senses Chapbook in the Van Etten-Lacey House from 4:00-5:00 PM. Come grab a copy, enjoy refreshments, and listen to Cornellians read their poetry for the senses.
|7:30 pm-8:15 pm
|Young Trustee Information Sessions for Graduating Seniors Thomas Commons
Ringer Dining Room in the Thomas Commons: 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.—hosted by RJ Holmes-Leopold '99 7:30-8:15 p.m.—hosted by Emma Kaboli '17 & RJ Holmes-Leopold '99 The sessions will provide useful insight on the role and responsibilities of Trusteeship.
ics format for events on Thursday, March 1st rss format for events on Thursday, March 1st


text:
Angee Butler-Carter here with another project for you.
I'm a planner. Well, I often attempt to plan but usually I end up "going with the flow" whatever that means, however I love planners and I buy one every year. With the new year upon us I decided to make my own planner this year. A few months back I happened across Kyla Roma's tutorial on how she made her own planner. She even provided the pages she designed for download. Of course I promptly downloaded them and.........forgot about them. That is until today.
Today I was inspired, motivated, and moved to action.......crafty action!
I had the pages, I had 11x14" paper, chipboard, and loads of Studio Calico kits to draw from so.......I made a planner.
Let me back up for a moment. I actually started off by watching Kyla's assembly tutorial. It's a cute fun video and it got me started and showed me how I wanted to assemble my cover.
Next I remembered a ustream that Marion filmed where she showed a bookbinding technique. A quick google search took me to the right video. M, you rock! Seriously!
Marion's video taught me how to bind my pages and attach my cover.
Being the thorough researcher that I am, here's another bookbinding tutorial for you that I found on youtube.
Now after all of that was done and watched I, finally, made a planner.
Here is the cover. It's about 99.9% finished. I just need to add the year 2012 somewhere. Suggestions?
Here are a few more pics.
Here is the back cover showing another picture of the binding.
I reinforced my top and bottom stitches with extra embroidery floss (As you can see in the pics the extra knots). I used an entire skein of embroidery floss to coptic stitch my planner. I also used a large needle with an extra large eye that could accommodate the embroidery floss.
I didn't even have to go buy supplies. I happened to have everything I needed for this project already on-hand in my craft room. The only thing I added were the printed planner sheets. Score!
In total this project took me about 2 hours to complete. That included time to watch the videos (a couple of time) and time to stitch the album in front of my computer. I just paused the videos while I stitched. I'm a slow stitcher. My first try at coptic stitching. Will definitely do more of it in the future.
I would definitely say this was an easy project. I won't be buying my yearly planners anymore. I'll be making my own.
*All papers and embellishments were from Studio Calico monthly kits.
Sweet Hugs.


text:
A win for Bradley, and another loss
John Bradley, the controversial district attorney appointed by Gov. Rick Perry last fall to head the Texas Forensic Science Commission, did score one victory in Harlingen on Friday while presiding over his first meeting.
As detailed in Sunday's column, the seven scientists on the nine-member commission rebelled at a set of policies and procedures presented by Bradley that would have given him formidable powers as chairman, including naming members and chairs of three standing committees and of ad-hoc committees that will direct the investigations of alleged failures at police labs and other agencies.
Given that Bradley had incited a national firestorm by unilaterally cancelling a commission meeting scheduled to hear an expert's report on a case that could prove highly embarrassing to Perry, the scientists were not in a mood to give him total control over assignments regarding future cases.
But they did, after some resistance, give in on another issue. The law setting up the commission charged it with investigating allegations of "professional misconduct" and "professional negligence" at accredited crime labs and other facilities.
Bradley argued for definitions of these terms out of fairness to lab personnel.
At an earlier meeting, after consulting with a lawyer from the attorney general's office, the commission had decided not to define the terms.
Definitions adopted
The scientists on the commission are focused more on identifying bad science in the interest of reducing it rather than nailing individual practitioners. They decided that since they had no power to punish a misbehaving lab staffer, they need not define misconduct or negligence.
They also argued that since nowhere in the law or in the forensic scientific literature are the terms defined, they shouldn't be the first to do so.
Bradley is pleased that he persuaded the commission to adopt definitions, calling them "perhaps the most significant" part of the new policies.
"The Commission, by taking this historic step, sets a standard of excellence that will be demanded of the Texas forensic science community," Bradley wrote to me in an e-mail Monday. "No more will criminal defendants, judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors or victims have to guess at how to identify and correct the wrongful application of forensic science."
But the definitions appear to set a pretty weak standard. Both begin with the words: "after considering all of the circumstances from the actor's standpoint," offering a subjective loophole that has nothing to do with whether the person did good science or bad science by the standards at the time.
But having given in on this question, the scientists on the commission vetoed another one of Bradley's goals. He pressed them repeatedly and hard to hire a staff lawyer for the commission.
While publicly raising the concern that there wasn't enough work to justify it, several scientists privately voice other worries.
One concerned expense. More lawyering could mean less science.
The commission's annual budget is $250,000. More than $50,000 already goes for administrative expenses. Most serious investigations will involve having experts review the allegations of misconduct or negligence.
Nationally renowned arson expert Dr. Craig Beyler, whose intensely critical report on the arson investigation in the case of executed murderer Cameron Todd Willingham was to be presented at the meeting canceled by Bradley, was paid a fee of $36,600.
Working for chairman?
The scientists on the commission worried that with no expectations of an increased budget from the Legislature, salary and benefits for a full-time staff lawyer could mean fewer meaningful investigations.
Another concern was that the lawyer would, as a practical matter, work for the chairman, bolstering his positions regarding commission actions.
Clearly the scientists trust Barbara Dean, the assistant attorney general who has provided legal advice to the commission since its inception (and whom I misidentified Sunday as an assistant district attorney) more than they trust Bradley.
The matter was settled when Commissioner Dr. Sarah Kerrigan of Sam Houston State University asked Dean if the commission was nearing the limits of the time she could provide.
No, said Dean, deflating Bradley's argument.


text:
Avalara's Emerging Fuels Excise Taxation Solution
How do I take advantage of this emerging fuels market while remaining tax compliant? That's where Avalara comes in.
Alternative fuels like ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas are becoming mainstream as various stakeholders across the country press the government to reduce the harmful effects of emissions that petroleum fuel creates. The story continues to unfold and as it does tax rates, rules and incentives constantly change.


text:
[original post 11/5/2010]
Last week, Drummond Pike took his FOX News fight to a whole new level, this time painting all of the right with a scarlet letter. Coincidentally, Salon.com's Glenn Greenwald had also published a similar piece in much the same vein, only a week prior.
In his opinion contribution piece to Politico titled "Why Does the Right Hate Soros?", the founder and CEO of Tides Foundation pondered aloud the imaginary reasons he's fabricated in his mind for the animosity toward the Hungarian born billionaire.
His conclusion? Because we hate immigrants.
This is the typical left. When you don't get the response you want, inject a new element of manufactured hate into the mix – when you can't make it about race, make it about immigration. Drummond Pike even decided to step up the rhetoric, implying that George Soros is in danger because of right-wing media outlets and bloggers. But the sad truth behind this piece, behind all of these public letters, boycotts and petitions is that they are all coordinated, and they are all aimed at turning the public opinion against those who do not share the ideals of the leftist agenda.
Some highlights from Pike's opinion piece:


text:
Bad Jar - Black & White T-shirt
Romeo & Revenge
Romeo And Revenge Bad Jar Jersey t-shirt in black with contrasting white sleeves and wide scoop neck. The black body provides a perfect background for the gold embroidered Romeo And Revenge winged logo placed over the left pec. The scoop neck is lined to prevent overstretching or misshaping. The Bad Jar is made of 100% high quality cotton for a comfortable fit.
Bad Jar - Black & White T-shirt
£18.00 £5.00
Black and White Dimension Scoop T-shirt
£15.00 £5.00
Blue / Yellow Gold Scoop Neck Dimension Mens T-shirt
£15.00 £6.00
Blue And White Stripe Tonic Scoop Mens t-shirt
£15.00 £5.00
Charcoal Grey Tonic Scoop Mens t-shirt
£14.00 £5.00
Colonial Blue Deep V Mens T-shirt
£14.00 £5.00
Cream Hooded T-shirt with Black Drawstring
£16.00 £5.00
Dark Navy Thick Cotton Tonic Style V-Neck
£14.00 £5.50
Deep V Rust Gold Edition Mens t-shirt
£14.00 £4.00
Dodger - Blue Deep V T-shirt Gold Edition
£14.00 £4.00
Dust Blue Mens Long Sleeve Scoop neck T-shirt
£16.00 £8.00


text:
Please Note!! If you email us and the answer to your question is on the FAQ page, we will simply respond to your email with, "Please read the FAQ's". Thanks for your support, PFSMedia.com Staff. Read the FAQ's HERE.
Copyright © 2020 . PFSMedia is an independent
licensed vendor and is not affiliated with Primerica. All marks and
logos are owned by Primerica, Inc.


text:
Parent Info - Absence or Illness
Absence Illness and Leave
Late Arrival or Early Departure
It is expected that all students will be at school on time.
Students arriving late must be signed in by their parents at the office. Written advice from a parent confirming the reason for being late or an Early Departure from school must be provided to the office on the child's return by completing the student sign in/sign out register.
Leave during academic time
Pupils are expected to attend school for the full period of the term. If however, a family wishes to apply for leave for exceptional circumstances that will require an absence of ten days or more a form MUST be completed by a parent and returned to the school prior to leave being taken.
These forms can be obtained from the school office.
NB: This form is not required for medical leave.


text:
Loews Coronado Bay Resort Family Session: This sweet grandmother contacted me a month before she was bringing her entire family on vacation at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. She thought it was the perfect time to have a family portrait session to capture their time on Coronado Island. She asked me to meet them as they were wrapping up a gondola ride around the Coronado Cays . . . confession: I didn't even know you could take a gondola ride anywhere but Venice! In fact, you can . . . and it looks like a lot of fun. After they all disembarked from their luxury ride, we found a great spot on the Loews property to capture some great family moments. Such sweet grandchildren — all of the families were great. Enjoy a few moments from my time with this sweet family!
Follow me:
Facebook: facebook.com/sheilaclappertonphotography
Google+: +SheilaClappertonPhotographyCoronado
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: www.sheilaclappertonphotography.com
Sheila Clapperton Photography is located over the bridge from San Diego, CA in Coronado, CA. Sheila Clapperton is Coronado's premier family photographer specializing in custom family beach photography and military events. As a professional photographer, Sheila captures family portraits, intimate weddings and military homecomings and ceremonies in Coronado, California and all areas surrounding San Diego, California.


text:
Amy Tan
Amy M. L. Tan joined The Hague Institute for Global Justice as a Fellow in June 2013. She received her Master's degree from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where she focused on public international law, human security and human rights. Prior to starting her graduate coursework, Amy was a paralegal with the law firm Rose, Chinitz & Rose based in Boston, Massachusetts where she was actively involved in a number of cases including discrimination claims and fact-finding investigations.
Amy has also worked with Amnesty International in various capacities, including as an intern with the Counter Terror with Justice Campaign (now Security with Human Rights). She graduated magna cum laude from Brown University in May 2009 with a major in international relations. Amy is originally from the Netherlands, but was raised in both the Netherlands and the United States.
Recent Work
"Responsibility and Control in International Law and Beyond"
On the 26 June, a panel of experts convened to address the topic of responsibility and control in international criminal law and its influence…News Brief
SCL Lecture Series: Presidential Elections and International Prosecutions – Kenya's Conundrum
On the 12th of June, a panel of experts addressed a packed audience at The Hague Institute on the subject of the recent presidential…News Brief