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General Information About University of California-Los Angeles
UCLA's primary purpose as a public research university is the creation, dissemination, preservation, and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. To fulfill this mission, UCLA is committed to academic freedom in its fullest terms: we value open access to information, free and lively debate conducted with mutual respect for individuals, and freedom from intolerance. In all of our pursuits, we strive at once for excellence and diversity, recognizing that openness and inclusion produce true quality. These values underlie our three institutional responsibilities. Learning and teaching at UCLA are guided by the belief that undergraduate, graduate and professional school students and their teachers belong to a community of scholars. This community is dedicated to providing students with a foundational understanding of a broad range of disciplines followed by the opportunity for in-depth study of a chosen discipline. All members of the community are engaged together in discovering and advancing knowledge and practice. Learning occurs not only in the classroom but also through engagement in campus life and in communities and organizations beyond the university. Discovery, creativity and innovation are hallmarks of UCLA. As one of the world's great research universities, we are committed to assuring excellence within a wide range of disciplines, professions and arts, while also encouraging investigation across disciplinary boundaries. In so doing, UCLA advances knowledge, addresses pressing societal needs and creates a university enriched by diverse perspectives in which all individuals can flourish. Civic engagement is fundamental to our mission as a public university. Located on the Pacific Rim in one of the world's most diverse and vibrant cities, UCLA reaches beyond campus boundaries to establish partnerships locally and globally. We seek to serve society through both teaching and scholarship, to educate successive generations of leaders, and to pass on to students a renewable set of skills and commitment to social engagement. UCLA endeavors to integrate education, research and service, so that each enriches and extends the others. This integration promotes academic excellence and nurtures innovation and scholarly development.
Institutional statistical data was gathered from the U.S. Department of Education - Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, 2009-2010.
Institution Type
- 4-year, Public
Special Learning Opportunities
- ROTC (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Distance learning opportunities
- Study abroad
Student Services
- Academic/career counseling service
- Employment services for students
- Placement services for completers
- On-campus day care for students' children
Credit Accepted
- Dual credit
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
- The acceptance of credits for work experience or military experience are subject to review by the school and cannot be guaranteed.
Religious Affiliation
- Not applicable
Federal Aid
- Eligible students may receive Pell Grants and other federal aid (e.g. Direct Loans).
Degrees/Certificates offered
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Post-master's certificate
Campus Setting
- City: Large
Disability Services Student
- 3% or Less
Admission Total Applicants 55,423 Percent Admitted 23% Men Admitted 22% Women Admitted 23% Full Time Retention Rate 97%
Submitted ACT & SAT Scores
25th Percentile Score 75th Percentile Score Critical Reading 560 680 Math 600 730 Writing 570 690
25th Percentile Score 75th Percentile Score Composite 24 31 English 23 31 Math 25 32
Student Demographics Total Enrolled 41,128 Native American 179.0 Asian 13,177.0 African American 1,495.0 Hispanic 5,406.0 Enrolled FullTime Undergraduates 25,700 Enrolled FullTime Graduates 12,800


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Director of the Innovation Center Telehealth Technologies
After receiving a diploma in computer science from the Technical University Berlin Jörg Caumanns started working at the Free University of Berlin where he designed and implemented various interactive eLearning environments. In 2000 he received a PhD from the Technical University of Cottbus for his studies about the automated generation of adaptive multimedia textbooks. In the same year he took an offer from the Fraunhofer-Institute for Software and Systems Engineering (ISST) for establishing an eLearning department within the institute. In 2007 Jörg Caumanns took over the department on Secure Business-IT Infrastructures where he developed the eHealth domain as a new business segment. After the integration of Fraunhofer ISST Berlin into the Fraunhofer-Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) in 2012 he became the head of the newly founded eHealth department at Fraunhofer FOKUS.
The major research interests of Jörg Caumanns are on platforms and solutions for cross-enterprise health data sharing, with a strong focus on issues related to patient privacy, data security and semantic interoperability. Jörg Caumanns is member of IHE International and the co-editor of an IHE White Paper (Access Control) and an IHE Profile (Cross-Community Fetch). He is technical coordinator of the "electronic CaseRecords (eCR/EFA)" initiative and had been the work package leader for the epSOS architecture, design and technical specifications.
Curriculum vitae
- since 2016 Head of Innovation Center "Telehealth Technologies" at Fraunhofer FOKUS
- 2012-2016 Head of Competence Center E-HEALTH at Fraunhofer FOKUS
- 2007-2011 Head of Department "Secure Business-IT Infrastructures" at Fraunhofer ISST Berlin
- 2004-2005 Team Leader "IT-Infrastructure Modelling" at Fraunhofer ISST Berlin
- 2001-2003 Head of Department "Learning Technologies" at Fraunhofer ISST Berlin
- 2000-ongoing Research associate at Fraunhofer FOKUS (formerly: Fraunhofer ISST Berlin)
- 2000 Promotion as Dr. rer. nat. at Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus
- 1997-2000 Member of Berlin-Brandenburger Graduate School "Distributed Informationsystems"
- 1994-1999 Research associate at Department of Economy at Free University of Berlin
- 1994 Software Deveoper at Teles AG Berlin
- 1991-1994 Studies of Computer Science at Technical University Berlin (Grade: Diploma)
Selected Papers and Lectures
- Caumanns J (2016) Digital Health in Germany – Opportunities and Obstacles. Alberta-Germany eHealth Symposium. Edmonton, 27.01.2016
- Caumanns J (2015) Security Design Pattern for eHealth Platforms. eHealth Summit Austria. Wien, 18.06.2016.
- Rode O., Kraufmann B., Billig A., Caumanns J., Benzler J., Steffan D (2015) Case Study on FHIR and CTS2: The German Reporting System for Infectious Diseases. Medical Informatics Europe MIE 2015. Madrid, 29.05.2015.
- Caumanns J. (2015) Intraoperabel bleiben! E-health-com Nr. 06/15, S. 45-48
- Caumanns J (2013) Datenschutz und Datennutz bei elektronischen Patientenakten. Datenschutz und Datensicherheit 37 (2013), Nr.3, S.137-142
- Caumanns J., von Schwanenflügel M. (2013) Feasibility Study on Interoperability for German Healthcare IT. OMG Technical Meeting. Berlin, 17.06.13.
- Caumanns J. (2013) Interoperability vs Healthcare-IT. Workshop: How to bring IT to Meaningful Use? New Orleans, 05.03.13.
- Caumanns J., Brandner R. (2012) EFA on Top of IHE Profiles. HL7/IHE Germany Annual Conference. Göttingen, 25.10.2012.
- Caumanns J. (2012) Health Record Architectures in Germany. IHE/HL7-Kongress "Architektuur in de Zorg" (Keynote). Utrecht, 21.06.2012.
- Caumanns J. (2012) RLUS-based Health Record Architectures. HL7 Italy Open Days (Keynote). Rom, 07.06.2012.
- Caumanns J., Bittins S., Masi M. (2011) IHE Profile "Cross-Community Fetch". IHE International. 2011.
- Caumanns J., Rode O., Kuhlisch R. (2011) RLUS and SOA Security. OMG Conference on SOA in Healthcare. Richmond, 14.07.2011.
- Caumanns J., Kuhlisch R., Pfaff O., Rode O. (2009) IHE White Paper "Access Control". IHE International. 2009.
- Caumanns J. (2008) Identity and Access Management in the Context of the Electronic Case Records. European Identity Conference. 24.4.08. München.
- Boehm O, Caumanns J, Franke M, Pfaff O (2008) Federated Authentication and Authorization: A Case Study. In Proc. 12th IEEE International EDOC Conference. 16.8.08. München. pp 356-362
Selected Project Participations
- Feasibility study on interoperability in the German healthcare system
o Analysis of international best practices and obstacles in Germany
o Elaboration of recommendations for the German Federal Ministry of Health
- Architecture, security and performance review for the Austrian national electronic health record infrastructure (ELGA GmbH)
o Review of the complete ELGA technical specification
o Assessments of the solution's maturity and readiness for roll-out
- European Patients Smart Open Services (epSOS): Design, specification and piloting of a gateway infrastructure for the secure and semantics-aware bridging of existing healthcare-IT infrastructures in Europe (European Commission)
o Work package leader "Architecture and Design (WP3.A)"
o Work package leader "Common Components Specification (WP3.4)"
- R&D Prototype for a German National Personal Health Record Infrastructure: Design, specification, prototype implementation and piloting of an PHR according to German regulatory requirements (German Ministry of Health)
o Project Coordinator
o Design of the Conceptual Framework
- Electronic Case Records (eCR): Design, specification, prototype implementation and rollout of a data sharing platform for regional healthcare provider networks (eCR Association, private hospital chains)
o Technical coordinator
o Editor of several of the eCR technical specifications
- German National Infrastructure for the Reporting of Infectious Diseases: Design, specification, prototype implementation and user testing of an interoperable infrastructure for an efficient exchange of information among care providers, laboratories and public health agancies (German Ministry of Health)
o Security Assessment and Security Concept
o Assessment of standards

subset: commoncrawl


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Did you know that there are children who have been abused, abandoned and neglected living right here in your community? Last year, in Richland County there were almost 1,000 reported cases of child abuse and neglect. Some of those children may be living at Palmetto Place right now. As part of our community, we would like to invite you to show these children and teens your support by attending our annual Golf Tournament and Silent Auction Party on October 16th & 17th, 2016!
We hope you will join us on Sunday, October 16th at The Windermere Club for a night of music, food, raffle prizes and our silent auction. Come back on Monday, October 17th to participate in our annual golf tournament for the chance to win some great prizes!
Ticket information:
Tickets to Sunday night's party are $40 each or $75 for couples. To purchase individual tickets to the Golf Tournament Party, click here. To purchase couples' tickets to the Golf Tournament Party, click here. Attire for Sunday: For men, anything from khakis & polos to suits! Women – casual dresses to cocktail dresses – an array of everything!
Golf teams consist of 4 players You can register a whole team or each individual golfer at a time. To register for the golf tournament click here. Participants will receive a golf shirt(or similar item), lunch, access to the open bar and will be eligible for great prizes.
Sunday, October 16, 2016 6 – 9 pm Hors d'oeuvres and Silent Auction at The Windermere Club featuring our musical guest Not Even Brothers
Monday, October 17, 2016 9 – 9:30 am Range opens for practice 10 am Tournament begins (box lunches to be delivered along the course) 2 – 3 pm Golfers finish; Awards presentation
Chef Vinnie Livoti - 50/50 meatball with Indian Spiced Yogurt Dip (half ground beef and mushrooms), Pork Bell with Bourbon Maple Glaze served with Poblano Avocado Slaw, and Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Flank Steak over Red Mashed Potato with Stout Demi-Glaze
Chef Ryan Whitaker - Gnocchi with local pork belly and butternut squash.
Chef Dave Grillo - Chipotle Chicken Salad Dip and Chocolate Ancho Brownies
Chef Chris Hyler- Shrimp and Grits
This event, and the work we are able to do in community, would not be possible without our generous sponsors.
Eagle Sponsors:
Birdie Sponsors:
Team Sponsors:
Hole Sponsors:
Bar Sponsors:
For information on becoming a sponsor please email email@example.com
Our musical guests, Not Even Brothers, is Pat Phillips and Guy Workman. Their driving acoustic guitars, tight harmonies and unusual mix or original songs and obscure classics has set them apart from other "Top 40" style bands. They know when to be soft and mellow with acoustic guitar and flute or drive the dance floor with full percussion, LED Lighting, rhythm and lead guitars. For more info on Not Even Brothers visit: facebook.com/NotEvenBrothers/


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Volume Discounts
- Buy More & Save!
Quantity (Yards)
at $3.85 / Yard
Roclon 45 Inch Unbleached Muslin fabric is an inexpensive fabric with a wide variety of uses. The finely woven surface and soft drape of this muslin make it well suited for creating sewing patterns and garment mockups. Theatrical costumes, backdrops and sets can be made from this cotton muslin fabric, and a photographer's backdrop can be created by painting this muslin with acrylic paint. Strong, paintable and cheap, it is an ideal theater muslin. Roclon 45 Inch Unbleached Muslin is also ideal to use as a lining for curtains and upholstery. In addition, it is well suited for craft projects and quilts. There are few fabrics as useful and practical as this economical unbleached muslin fabric.
Springs Creative 108" Natural Muslin
Springs Creative 45" Cream Southern Belle Muslin
Springs Creative 90" Natural Muslin
Springs Creative 45" Natural Muslin
125" Unbleached Muslin
63" Unbleached Muslin
48" Unbleached Muslin
Springs Creative 45" Natural Southern Belle Muslin
Qty Added:
Total Added:
Items in Cart:
Price per Yard:
Taxes, Shipping Fees, and Discounts will be applied during the checkout process.
This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, reproductive toxicity, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
For more information visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Free shipping on orders of $150.00 or more to the contiguous United States.
*P.O. box, International, HI, AK, and expedited services do not apply.
Any customer who is dissatisfied with a purchase may receive a refund or store credit on fabric.
All retuned items must be in original unused condition and not cut or altered by the customer.
Returns must be received within 30 days of the ship date. Restrictions apply to some products.
Certain products cannot be returned.
See our Shipping & Return Policy for more information.
Many items on OnlineFabricStore.net can be ordered as samples. Click the "Add Sample" button to add a sample to your cart. If there is no button, we do not offer samples for that item.
Fabric samples are typically 4" x 4".
Shipping is free for domestic U.S. sample orders, which ship via USPS. Canadian sample orders have a $2.50 shipping fee. All other destinations have a $5.00 shipping fee. Next-Day sample shipping is available for an additional cost.


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I currently have a VPS that is consuming a ton of outgoing bandwidth and I am trying to drill down to where this may be coming from. Does anyone know of a logical way to go about finding out which pages on the site are consuming the most outgoing data. We have done a ton of front-end optimizations to the site and our google page speed rankings ar 85% so I feel we have done a pretty great job at optimizing the site for speed.
Can someone lend some insight on how they have made similar optimizations?
Application / Server Stack
- LEMP Running Varnish Cache / PHP5-FPM
- WordPress running w3 Total Cache
- Ubuntu 12.04 LTS


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Many men are searching for a weight loss strategy that will work for them. Knowing what caused the weight gain to begin with will help in deciding which reducing method will be most appropriate for you. Taking a sensible approach to your weight loss plan selection will increase the odds for success.
Do not consider any weight loss plan that is divergent from your food likes and dislikes. This will create added stress for you during your dieting. If you detest eating leafy green vegetables, a dietary plan that consists mainly of various salads is probably not a great choice.
learn diet program, no carb diet, weight loss calculator,
Also, considering dietary strategies that do not include foods you crave on a regular basis can cause binge eating. Steer clear of weight loss plans that prohibit the foods you love. If you're a meat and potatoes type of guy, then a plan that prohibits starches will probably not be suffered for long.
Nutritional specialists and many physicians will tell you that you need a variety of foods in well-balanced proportions to achieve your weight loss goal. They will also advise adding an exercise routine to any dietary plan. This approach will often enable a life-long ability to control your weight.
Use precaution if you are considering supplements to help with your weight loss. Although adding some natural metabolic stimulators such as green teas and acai extracts may help, there are many products sold at high prices that are nothing more than placebos. Again, verify accuracy of claims made and ensure that any supplement taken does not interfere with any prescribed medication or medical condition prior to purchase.
Your physician may prescribe a course of weight loss treatment that includes surgery. When dealing with an obese patient who has had minimal dietary success, this may be a warranted alternative. Be aware that if you don't change bad eating habits, the successful surgical result will be short lived.
Surgical intervention for obesity may include liposuction, gastric bypass, banding or staples to reduce stomach size. Any banding implanted may be removed once all the desired weight loss has occurred. All of these options should be discussed with your medical practitioner to help you make your decision.
The permanency of your weight loss will depend on your ability to maintain your new, healthier lifestyle. Once you have gotten the weight off, focusing on keeping it at bay will keep the physique you have worked hard to attain.


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@TheMotherhoodCenter | Experience the benefits of movement from the inside out. Learn How to Build a Happy + Healthy Core is a 90 minute workshop on building a deep internal awareness, while strengthening your core. #Linkinbio for details on our classes and support groups.
@TheMotherhoodCenter | The conversation around PPD may not be simple, but we've narrowed helpful talking points down a bit to start you off on the right foot. Learn 5 ways to prepare with confidence via the #linkinbio
@TheMotherhoodCenter | The Motherhood Day Program is a safe, comforting space for pregnant and postpartum women who are dealing with moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or a similar perinatal mood disorder. Each day involves a holistic treatment approach including individual and group therapy, yoga, meditation, education and a lot of support. Tap the link in our bio for our schedule and a snapshot of a day-in-the-life of our program.
@TheMotherhoodCenter | No two journeys with PPD are the same. Take a listen to the demystifying and inspiring podcast series TMC Program Director, Paige Bellenbaum, recorded with The Positive Mind Center via the link in our bio. | "At the Motherhood Center, we make sure we meet every mother where she's at." - Paige Bellenbaum
@TheMotherhoodCenter | Discover methods to support the new or expectant mom in your life (as well as yourself) during our Partners Groups, led by instructor, published author, and NYC clinical faculty member Dr. Chuck Schaeffer, whose clinical expertise has been featured in Psychology Today, Postpartum Support International, @huffpost, Deloitte, @vicenews , and Mom.me. Learn more via the link in our bio.
@TheMotherhoodCenter | #selfcare starts with you. Asking for support, and seeking help when needed is a wellness practice in itself. Tap the link in our bio for a schedule of classes and sessions.


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You're viewing an archived version of this project. Please visit the new Big Give site to find current fundraising campaigns.
Project information
RE:SET - REvising Youth MindSET
School is the most continuous presence in a young person's life; providing a great location for RE:SET to support young people at risk of exclusion or suffering adversity. RE:SET works with young people to counterbalance trauma to achieve their potential and have a more positive future.
January 2019 - March 2024
Charity information: Apex Scotland
In Scotland 1in 10 children have a mental health condition, with 1 in 4 living in poverty. School exclusion, linked to these factors, has overarching risks associated with children and young people such as anti-social behaviour, crime, drug taking and suicide. Exclusion increases their high level of shame and fear, bringing additional impermanency, exacerbates negative consequences of earlier trauma and also upsets routine; leaving them vulnerable. Systems and services need to be redesigned.
RE:SET delivers alternative to exclusion services, using trauma informed practice to address underlying issues, often brought to the fore through negative behaviour resulting in formal sanctions such as exclusion. RE:SET upholds consequences but delivers positive opportunities to mitigate the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and their associated impact to increase employment, mental wellbeing, reduce offending and inequalities and improve health - delivering preventative spend.
Aim 1
Reduce the negative impact of exclusion on children and young people.
Activities» Provide alternative to exclusion services.
What success will look like
The use of Wellbeing Indicators will give baseline scores and regular reviews to provide qualitative evidence with school exclusion data used for quantitative evidence.
Aim 2
Increase resilience of children and young people to better cope with adversity.
Activities» Deliver group work, tailored to the needs of individuals using RE:SET's Focus on Your Future resources.
What success will look like
Progress will be monitored through Wellbeing Indicators and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires.
Aim 3
Improve the mental wellbeing of children and young people.
Activities» Use trauma informed approaches and activities (group work and 121s) to address adverse childhood experiences.
What success will look like
RE:SET will use a combination of published educational attainment, positive destination reports and Wellbeing Indicators to ensure success.
RE:SET will reduce the negative impact of exclusion on children and young people, leading to offending and imprisonment. This will be evidenced by reduced use of exclusion in school, choosing alternative methods of engaging young people with their behaviour, actions and consequences. This will be backed up by prison statistics. RE:SET will have changed the way children, young people, parents/carers and professionals engage and understand adverse childhood experiences - becoming trauma informed.
Risk could be the lack of evidence pertaining to longitudinal benefit of our approach and our ability to show contribution, as opposed to attribution in a manner which is viewed as credible by potential purchasers. This will be mitigated by incorporating evidence from the Edinburgh Youth Transition Study and other relevant publications to evidence longitudinal benefit as well as considering the potential for us to create our own longer term tracking system.
RE:SET will inform of progress through quarterly reporting in a standardised format including updates on outputs, outcomes and beneficiary numbers. Donors can also receive RE:SET's national bi-annual report that is shared with partners and stakeholders, as well as localised school newsletters.
Budget - Project Cost: £130,000Loading graph....
Amount Heading Description £72,000 Salaries Peripatetic Worker delivering group work and one to ones to children and young people £58,000 Salaries Team Leader supporting delivery and providing training and support for staff
RE:SET operates full-time in 2 secondary schools in Fife. Both schools are community use with varied demographics. Levenmouth Academy has a large concentration of pupils living in deciles 1-3, identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple deprivation (SIMD) and high free school meal entitlement (FSME). Levenmouth Academy is the 2nd largest school in Scotland, with a pupil roll of 1800. Dunfermline High has a less concentrated spread of pupils living in deciles 1-7 on the SIMD but increasing FSME
Young people aged between 11-18 years will have identified space within their school, which supports their journey from transition from primary school to leaving secondary education into a positive destination. Parents/carers and professionals will also be able to draw on the support/advice offered by RE:SET to work towards our communities becoming trauma informed.
Why Us?
Why Us?
With 30 years experience of engaging people with multiple barriers and supporting them towards a positive future, Apex Scotland's RE:SET service has a 10 year successful history working in schools. We have a proven track record of reducing exclusion and its impact on young people; ensuring they gain qualifications and valuable life experience to achieve their potential. We are part of a large network of third sector agencies and have developed local and national partnerships to achieve our aims.
Read more about the Charity running this project.
Karen Pryde
Karen is the Schools Development Manager who oversees strategic development, ensures sustainability, develops and maintains partnerships and reporting
Linda Dunion
Linda is the Team Leader responsible for the operational management of the project, including absence management, staff development and data gathering
Lynne Clement
Lynne is the RE:SET Worker in Levenmouth Academy who supports young people in the alternative to exclusion service and delivers group work and 121's.
Nicola Mitchell
Nicola is the RE:SET Worker in Dunfermline High who supports young people in the alternative to exclusion service and delivers group work and 121's.
I don't know where I'd be without Apex, every school should have RE:SET.


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Latest News
Tax-cut deal could revive Obama's chances in 2012
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's tax-cut deal with Republican lawmakers may help him lay the groundwork for his political revival heading into his 2012 re-election campaign — if it strengthens the economy as intended.
If economic forecasters are right, the deal will help the economy grow and could lower unemployment sharply over the next two years. That's the kind of record that can help first-term presidents win re-election even after rough midterm elections: Consider Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.
Obama needs to think strategically. A McClatchy-Marist poll last week showed that only 42 percent of voters — and 39 percent of independents — now approve of his job performance, and that if the election were held today, he'd be vulnerable.
However, the public really likes this tax-cut deal _ 60 percent approve and only 22 percent oppose it, according to a Pew Research Center poll released this week, a finding echoed Wednesday night by a Wall Street Journal/NBC survey that found approval of the tax cuts at 59 percent.
That poll also bolstered the potential political upside for Obama: 64 percent thought Obama had learned the correct lessons from the November midterm elections.
Moody's Analytics, a leading forecaster, projects that the tax-cut deal will boost economic growth next year by a full percentage point and add 2.6 million jobs to payrolls, driving down the unemployment rate to 8.7 percent from 9.8 percent today.
This Obama-revival strategy works only if the economy improves.
"If things get better, he will point to this," said political analyst Stuart Rothenberg. "If the economy comes back, he is going to be able to cite this and everything else he did over the past couple of years. He'll say, 'See, it's this compromise that did it.' "That's a big if," Rothenberg said of the economy. "That's the giant cloud over the re-election."
Obama's concession to Republicans to extend tax cuts for the rich drew criticism from liberals, who called him weak. However, cutting this deal also may help drive a wedge into the GOP presidential primary process, as potential GOP hopefuls position themselves on the compromise.
Among them, Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin have spoken against the deal, while Mike Huckabee and Tim Pawlenty appear to support it. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. said it's "politically expedient" to criticize the deal from the sidelines, but Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., declared Wednesday that the compromise "is a bad deal for taxpayers, will do little to create jobs and I cannot support it."
Distancing himself from liberals, meanwhile, could revive Obama's appeal to centrist Democrats and independents who backed him in 2008 but who have cooled to him since — he'll need them again to win in 2012.
"He's got some Republicans in an awkward position of having to support the compromise, which doesn't necessarily work well with the tea party movement, so he's putting a bit of a wedge in the GOP," said Lee Miringoff, the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
"And he's showing his bipartisanship. The cost is liberal Democrats, his party's base. In the long run, he probably figures that doesn't become a problem."
In addition, independent voters in the latest McClatchy-Marist poll said they consider reducing the deficit a much higher priority for the next Congress than cutting taxes, by 55 percent to 20 percent.
"To be successful, two things have to happen on the economic front: the jobs picture has to improve and there has to be some focus to the deficit," Miringoff said.
Betting on an economic turnaround and pledging debt-cutting initiatives next year, Obama recently has courted centrists.
He began a four-hour meeting Wednesday with the chief executives of major corporations by touting the tax cut deal's expected benefits for the economy. And he emphasized that "the primary engine of America's economic success is not government. It's the ingenuity of America's entrepreneurs. It's the dynamism of our markets."
Obama last week hosted Bill Clinton at the White House, and even gave the former president a long solo at the podium to bless the tax deal and Obama's acumen in crafting it.
Rothenberg said while it's tempting to read lots of strategy into Obama's tax deal, the decision was shaped by Republicans' apparent willingness to let unemployment benefits and middle-class tax cuts die unless they got the low tax rates they wanted for the rich.
"He avoids the worst case, which is a tax increase for everybody. He did what he had to do. He did what a leader does. This was kind of an adult doing what he had to do.
"He's clearly trying to redefine the administration as more reaching out to Republicans and bringing in CEOs, but I don't think that's going to be a never-ending direction of the administration," Rothenberg said. "I expect him to go back and forth on this. And there are going to be instances when he has to keep the base happy.
"I don't think this redefines who he is, and there's a long way to go before 2012."
Poll: Obama's losing support; Romney would beat him now
California Democrat Garamendi takes on Obama over taxes
Obama: Tax cut deal is best Democrats can hope to get
Check out McClatchy's expanded politics coverage at Planet Washington
More McClatchy oil spill coverage


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2003 Road Crew Notes
March 19th, 2003
Hello everybody. Dave and Tim are hitting the road for a couple weeks carrying a slimmed down crew. We will be posting the set lists here on the morning following each show. Hope you get to catch a show.
-- The DMB Crew
June 14th, 2003
Hey folks! We're packing our bags and getting ready to hit the road for the summer tour. We'll see y'all in Columbus on Tuesday for the first show.
-- The DMB Crew
June 17th, 2003
We're off and running on our summer tour. DMB slammed out a great opening set that didn't disappoint. Highlights included some tunes that we haven't heard live in a while such as Last Stop and Typical Situation. As the tour rolls on, we are sure to hear other rarities. Check y'all back here in Columbus tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
June 20th, 2003
"It was chilly like an April evening for our show at Darien Lake. DMB are stirring up the set-list pot for certain this year. We're in for a great summer of music. Band and Crew got to enjoy some roller coaster rides before the show at the amusement park next door which helped get the adrenaline flowin'. When in Buffalo, we highly recommend that you visit one of our favorite cafes called Spot Coffee.
It's a great place to hang, munch and groove to some tunes. We'll catch y'all tomorrow at Blossom Music Center.
-- The DMB Crew
June 22nd, 2003
DMB shined tonight during their performance at Blossom Music Center. Highlights included Saellite,Last Stop and Stay. The band are clearly energized and ready to give the audience a tour to remember. Hope to see y'all at some shows this summer. We're off to Cincinnati for shows on Monday and Tuesday.
-- The DMB Crew
June 24th, 2003
We had a blast at Riverbend tonight. DMB put on a strong set filled with old and new favorites and without repeating any songs from the night before. Dave, Carter and Stefan graced us during the encore with a flowing rendition of I'll Back You Up. We're loading the trucks and heading down the road to Pittsburgh for shows on Thursday and Friday. See you there.
-- The DMB Crew
June 26th, 2003
We had a good gig tonight at the Post-Gazette pavilion. DMB continues to pull out songs that haven't been heard in a while. This evening's selections included Digging A Ditch, Bartender and a surprise So Much segue into Rapunzel. After a very warm and humid day today, we are all looking forward to the cooler weather that's headed our way and to another show here tomorrow night. See y'all then."
-- The DMB Crew
June 27th, 2003
Pittsburgh always treats us well! We had a fun couple of shows here and now we're packing it up and moving on. See y'all in Noblesville on Sunday."
-- The DMB Crew
June 29th, 2003
We had a BLAST in Noblesville tonight! Band rocked, crowd rocked....'nuff said. See y'all back here tomorrow."
-- The DMB Crew
June 30th, 2003
DMB are blazing their way through this tour. The shows keep getting better and better. We're having as much fun up there today as we've ever had.The DMB catering crew are proud to present their new addition to the On The Road pages called Recipies from the Road. http://dmband.com/road/frames.html
They'll be giving y'all a "taste" of some of the recipes they cook up for the band and crew while we're on tour. Enjoy!
-- The DMB Crew
July 3rd, 2003
DMB rocked the Tweeter Center tonight. The band continue to surprise us on a regular basis with unexpected improvisations and jams. We're all looking forward to a day off tomorrow. See you atAlpine this weekend. Happy 4th y'all.
-- The DMB Crew
July 5th, 2003
We do love coming to this place and Dave definitely did not hold back in letting the audience know a few times during the show. We played Alpine Valley tonight for the first of two in this beautiful southern Wisconsin venue. If only you could see what the band sees from the stage! This venue holds over 40,000 fans, the majority of them being on the lawn. Its amazing how endless it seems looking out over the crowd and it is absolutely breathtaking! Thank you ALL for an incredible night. See you tomorrow!!!
-- The DMB Crew
July 7th, 2003
Some of the locals are saying that the deluge we experienced this afternoon was the worst they had ever seen here. The storm threatened to put a kink in the show tonight but by the time DMB hit the stage, the clouds had parted way. The band put on another incredibly energetic set. The beautiful sites in Wisconsin always makes this one of our favorite stops! The road cases are now rolling onto the trucks. We're working our way into a couple days off before our show in Minneapolis on Wednesday. See y'all there.
-- The DMB Crew
July 9th, 2003
"After a couple restful days off, DMB rocked the Target Center tonight. We're starting to work our way south with a show tomorrow in St. Louis. Check out the Gallery pages for newly added photos from the current tour. See y'all soon. "
-- The DMB Crew
July 10th, 2003
DMB have been playing some really great shows this year. Tonight's was no exception. Stefan commented during the set that this one felt particularly "old school". Starting with Best of What's Around and continuing for another five songs, one might have thought that it was a Wednesday night at the Flood Zone. We're moving on to Kansas for a show on Saturday. See you (and your little Toto too) there.
-- The DMB Crew
July 12th, 2003
Solid gig tonight in Bonner Springs. It's a quick load-out here tonight, we're packing up and heading down to Little Rock. Catch y'all there tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
July 13th, 2003
Big rock show in Little Rock tonight. It was DMB's first show Arkansas and they played it well. We're heading down the road and hoping that the hurricanes keep their distance. See y'all at the gig in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
-- The DMB Crew
July 15th, 2003
With 100+ degree temperatures outside, we're psyched to have played the gig indoors tonight. The last time we played Oklahoma City was in 1995 and it was definitely good to be back. It looks as though we'll be hitting a bit of rain in the Houston area tomorrow, but it looks like the show will come off without a hitch. See y'all at the Woodlands tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
July 16th, 2003
Good gig at the Woodlands this evening. Carter was on fire and the whole band seemed to have a lot of fun up there. Luckily enough, we missed the Hurricane by a day but she left us with a very muddy lawn. We're looking forward to the day off tomorrow in Dallas before the show on Wednesday.
-- The DMB Crew
July 19th, 2003
We've had a good run through Texas. Now we're climbing on to the busses for the long ride to Denver, see y'all there on Monday.
-- The DMB Crew
July 21st, 2003
"Another slammin' show in Denver tonight. The band opened up with So Much To Say and surprisingly segued into What Would You Say. The set list stayed strong throughout the evening and kept the audience captivated until the end. Unfortunately, towards the end of the main set, an unknown individual decided to throw a hunting knife towards the band that ended up sticking into the stage between Dave and Boyd. There is cause for concern because the motivation behind the incident is also unknown. The band came back on for the encore and Dave made the audience aware of the situation and the band's feelings about the knife-throwing individual. We would appreciate the help of anyone that has any information. Please call Denver P.D. at (720) 913-2000. We're back on the busses for a long ride to West Valley, UT. See y'all there tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
July 22nd, 2003
We played a brand new venue tonight outside Salt Lake City. We sincerely apologize if you were one of those who had to wait a long time to get past security. Although the heat and dryness weighed heavy, the band played well and did not disappoint. Making our way to Phoenix for a show on Thursday. See ya then.
-- The DMB Crew
July 24th, 2003
We had a fun night in Phoenix playing to a sold-out crowd. It was our last night with Gov't Mule opening the shows so the band asked Warren Haynes to sit in. As always, his playing was inspiring as he joined in on Jimi Thing and Cortez the Killer. We're looking forward to joining up with The Roots for the next few dates in California. See y'all in L.A. on Saturday.
-- The DMB Crew
July 26th, 2003
DMB kicked butt in L.A. tonight at the new Home Depot Center. It was the first concert in this stadium which has only been open for a few weeks now. Amongst yet another great set list, we got to hear Recently, in it's entirety, for the first time this tour. We're all anxiously awaiting the show back here tomorrow night. See ya then.
-- The DMB Crew
July 27th, 2003
Thanks to all who are concerned for LeRoi's condition. He began to suffer from a stomach virus that struck early today and against the advice of physicians, attempted to play the show tonight.
The illness got the better of him just a few songs into the set and forced him to sit out for the remainder.
He's fine, resting comfortably and will be ready for battle on Tuesday in Chula Vista.
The rest of the band played on and pulled off another great set but notably missed the presence of their friend on stage. As always, L.A. rocked! See y'all on Tuesday.
-- The DMB Crew
July 29th, 2003
After enjoying a relaxing day off at the beach, DMB came out and played a dynamic set tonight in Chula Vista. Although he was still feeling a bit under the weather, LeRoi was back and had a great night. We were all psyched to hear Spoon live for the first time in years. We've got a really long drive to Marysville tonight for the gig tomorrow. Hope to see you there.
-- The DMB Crew
August 1st, 2003
We dig this town! San Francisco always treats us well. One of the first things Dave said tonight after he left the stage was how much he loves this audience. We all felt it. Can't wait for tomorrow. Hope to see y'all here.
-- The DMB Crew
August 2nd, 2003
We all really enjoyed having The Roots opening the shows over the past week. Their newest member, guitarist Kirk Douglas, joined DMB on Watchtower tonight and ripped it up. Just 4 shows left before our break. See y'all in Portland on Monday.
-- The DMB Crew
August 5th, 2003
We all got up early this morning to present our passports to the border patrol then went back to bed for a couple hours before load-in. The show went well in Vancouver and now it's time to pack up and head back down into the States. See y'all at the Gorge on Thursday.
-- The DMB Crew
August 8th, 2003
Everyone could tell that the band was having fun on stage tonight. They put on a mixed set that included several incredible moments of improvised rearrangements of songs. We heard a cool new twist on the intro to One Sweet World where Butch, playing the electric piano, accompanied LeRoi's sweet alto solo. Again, tonight's Two Step is surely worth checking out. We're gearing up for a two week break, but not before returning here to the Gorge for the show on Friday. Hope to see y'all there.
-- The DMB Crew
August 8th, 2003
We're headed home for a short break. In the meantime, check out the photos that we've been adding to the Gallery and Crew pages. See y'all in New Jersey on the 24th!
-- The DMB Crew
August 24th, 2003
We're back from our break and ready to play some more shows. Although we experienced some technical problems with Dave's mic at the start of the show, the band put on a great set. See ya back at the Meadowlands tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
August 25th, 2003
Stellar show tonight. Dickey Betts and friends sat in on a slammin' version of Jimi Thing which lasted almost 20 minutes. We've got an exciting few weeks ahead of us. Hope you get to catch an upcoming show. See y'all at S.P.A.C. on Wednesday.
-- The DMB Crew
August 27th, 2003
What a great night! We all had fun in Saratoga Springs tonight for our first of two shows at S.P.A.C. DMB stirred things up throughout the evening with several impromptu jams which seemed to please everyone present. This is a cool place to see a show. We'll catch y'all back here tomorrow.
-- The DMB Crew
September 2nd, 2003
After a wonderful day off in MontrÈal, DMB played a solid gig tonight at the Bell Center. This was the last indoor show for the summer tour. The intensity of the audience was felt on stage from start to finish.
We're looking forward to hitting Toronto tomorrow. See y'all there.
-- The DMB Crew
September 3rd, 2003
Thanks Canada for a couple of great days! We're headed back over the
border for shows this weekend in Philadelphia. See ya there.
-- The DMB Crew
September 5th, 2003
A TON of energy in the room tonight! We had a blast at our first of two shows in Camden. DMB played a strong set featuring each band member equally throughout. We're chillin' at the Tweeter Center tonight after the show, enjoying our annual crew bash. Since we're here for a couple days we get to lay back and take it easy after the show (which rocked tonight!). We'll be back tomorrow to do it again. See ya.
-- The DMB Crew
September 6th, 2003
The band put on another solid show in Camden tonight. Dave is headed to Columbus to perform at Farm Aid tomorrow evening. You can see the live webcast at www.farmaid.org starting at 4:00 pm EDT. We'll see y'all in Mansfield on Monday.
-- The DMB Crew
September 8th, 2003
Great first night in Mansfield! Everyone in the house was rockin'. The band picked a fine set list that ebbed and flowed seamlessly throughout. They ended with Nancies-->Typical-->Two Step, an ol'school three-in-a-row. No one, including the band, seemed to want the set to end, but we have tomorrow to look forward to. Hope you can make it.
-- The DMB Crew
September 9th, 2003
It got downright cold outside for the show tonight, but the band sizzled. Dave took his scat sing to a whole new level during Jimi Thing. If you can get your hands on a taper's copy, it's well worth the listen. Headed to Hershey for a show on Thursday.
-- The DMB Crew
September 11th, 2003
"I know this day in history will live on,
to quote another, in infamy,
for it's anniversary.
So, I just want to pay my respects to all those people
who lost their lives on this date two years ago,
and we pay all our respects to them and to all of you who lost somebody special,
and to all of us who lost our innocence on that day.
We will never forget it, no.
But let us also not forget all the millions of people
that have died all over the world for the same terrible reasons.
I hope that one day we will find a peaceful world to live on."
-- Dave Matthews
September 13th, 2003
Tonight was as close to a home town gig as we'll be getting this year. Lots of family and friends in the house tonight and DMB did not disappoint. See y'all at the Beach tomorrow.
-- The DMB Crew
September 14th, 2003
Sweet home Virginia! We love coming back here. With just a few shows left in the tour, we're gearing up for the big Central Park show. See y'all in Charlotte on Tuesday.
-- The DMB Crew
September 16th, 2003
Great show in Charlotte tonight! Warehouse rocked! See ya tomorrow in Raleigh.
-- The DMB Crew
September 17th, 2003
The storm is rapidly headed our way so we're hurrying out of here and heading for higher ground. See y'all in Nashville on Friday.
-- The DMB Crew
September 20th, 2003
We're all asking ourselves how this day got here so fast. The summer tour came to a close tonight in Atlanta. Both band and crew feel that it's been one of the best tours yet. Now we're gearing up for the big show in Central Park on Wednesday. If you're not coming to the show, we hope you get to catch the webcast. See y'all in NYC in a few days.
-- The DMB Crew
September 24th, 2003
It was an absolutely amazing evening. DMB was on fire in Central Park tonight playing to an audience of 90,000+. What a sight that was from the stage, one we will not soon forget. The band played a total of 20 tunes over a three hour set. Warren Haynes came out and sat in on Cortez The Killer and Jimi Thing. During Jimi, the band slid into the chorus of Buffalo Springfield's - Everybody Look What's Going Down. Wait until you hear the tape! Better yet, look for a DVD of the show sometime in the future. Thanks for another great season! We're all headed home for a little while, but we'll see y'all before too long.
-- The DMB Crew
December 14th, 2003
Dave and Friends put on another solid show tonight. In addition to many songs from Some Devil, they're covering such tunes as The Beatles' Hey Bulldog and Billy Preston's Will It Go Round In Circles. The audience kept the energy flowing throughout the almost 3 hour show, calling the band out for a second encore. This is quickly turning into a really fun tour. We'll see you in Philly on Monday.
P.S. Due some technical difficulties, we regret not having brought to you the real-time set list, but should have it fired back up by Monday's show. Check it out.
-- The DMB Crew
December 16th, 2003
We're having a blast out here. The band are playing with tons of energy and so far, each show has been stronger than the last. Towards the end of soundcheck each day, the band members have been busting into various jams to get the feel of the room. Today's jam turned into their own version of Stevie Wonder's Superstition. With bassist Tony Hall on lead vocals, they worked out the arrangement in one take and dug it so much that they stuck it in tonight's set list. In the end, it turned out to be one of the evening's highlights. So this brings to a close the first of 6 days of shows in a row (including Letterman on Thursday). The tour will be over before we know it. Hope to see y'all over the next few weeks.
-- The DMB Crew
December 17th, 2003
We're loading the trucks now after our show in Boston. There were many special moments on stage tonight. EmmyLou Harris joined Dave and Friends on Bob Dylan's Oh, Sister which she hasn't sung since backing Dylan on his 1975 recording of the tune. She shared great stories of those sessions with the band prior to the show tonight. Buddy Miller, guitarist in EmmyLou's band, sat in on a rockin' version of Hey Bulldog. To open the encore, Dave and Trey sat on stools with their acoustic guitars and played a couple of each other's songs. We're all looking forward the MSG gig tomorrow night. See y'all there.
-- The DMB Crew
December 18th, 2003
What a show! Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the band pulls one off like they did tonight. We got to hear Dave and Friends play Sweet Up And Down, which they had never rehearsed before soundcheck today. Then for the encore, after a few Dave and Trey acoustic tunes, the band pulled out Led Zeppelin's Fool In The Rain. We all had a blast tonight and it looked like the crowd really dug the show as well. Gotta run because we've got an early load-in tomorrow at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Check out DM&F on Letterman tomorrow night
-- The DMB Crew
December 20th, 2003
Dave and friends performed a solid show tonight in Hartford. To close the main set, they jammed Sly and The Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). During the encore Dave and Trey concluded their intimate acoustic mini-set with a spir of the moment version of Marley's Three Little Birds. They left the crowd chanting the lyrics as the rest of the band came back to close the show with Fool In The Rain. The show ended about an hour ago and we're now sitting in the dressing room watching Letterman, waiting to see the band perform. We taped two episodes yesterday, one of which aired last night. The other, on right now, happens to be David Letterman's 4000th network show. It was an honor to have been a part of it. See y'all in Rochester tomorrow night.
-- The DMB Crew
December 21st, 2003
We just finished our 6th day in a row of gigging. The band managed to keep the energy up throughout the show. In the middle of the set they played a roaring version of Jimi Hendrix's Fire which seemed to please all. Just one more show before we break for the holidays but tomorrow we shop! See you in Rosemont on Monday.
-- The DMB Crew
December 23rd, 2003
We all had a really fun time tonight at our show in Rosemont, IL. The band ended up playing for almost three and a half hours. It seemed as though nobody wanted it to end. We're headed home for the holidays. See y'all in Seattle on January 12th.
-- The DMB Crew


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Image Credit: Anthony Delvin/PA Photos/Landov"Tik tok on the clock, but the party don't … BLARGHGHGHGHGH!!!"
And thus, from the wood-paneled rec-room walls of Billboard Death Metal, a delicate flower of musical diversity blossoms.
The impressively focused group of hirsuite gentlemen behind BDM have now taken on, as their name implies, several recent top Billboard hits —including Ke$ha's "Tik Tok," Justin Beiber's "Baby," Rihanna's "Rude Boy," and Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now"—and executed them in a style best described as "cookie monster hopped up on Metallica and bathtub meth."
Watch a sampling, after the jump:
The best part? The way Asian dude pretends not to know the lyrics, like he really needs the crib sheet. Better get to work on "OMG," you two. (And perhaps a deep conditioning treatment.)
(Thanks to Videogum).
More from EW.com's Music Mix:
Jay-Z on Saturday Night Live: Big highs and a low
Tim McGraw, Faith Hill organize "Nashville Rising" flood benefit show
Bassist Carlos Dengler leaves Interpol
Katy Perry's "California Gurls": The first mega-smash of the summer?
Muse announced as first artists on upcoming 'Twilight: Eclipse' soundtrack; more to come


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The city of Easton's move to lease part of a Centre Square quadrant is a threat to personal rights and fundamental law. Steps taken to encourage commerce can be justified; kowtowing to business cannot.
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. made the proposal to
of the quadrant for Crayola visitors, arguing they needed protection from foul-mouthed drifters. He noted Crayola hadn't yet renewed its lease, implying the council had better approve such company-friendly measures or else. The circle give-away breezed through a passive council.
I believe that action attacks basic rights. The circle has been in the public domain for 250 years, open to all citizens. The council has no right to parcel the land for private gain or to restrict access. Laws allow police to remove anyone disturbing the peace. Laws also prohibit segregating local people from outsiders on public property.
This is another effort to eliminate "undesirables," meaning those considered unworthy of a "positive" image of Easton, mostly poor, many nonwhite.
Governments are not entitled to remove those who don't fit with the marketing plan; to the contrary, their duty is to uphold their dignity. Veiled pressures from corporations must not be translated into political favoritism. It is up to the city, not Crayola, to draw the line.
Crayola has done much good for the city, but it's also driven by self-interest. The integrity of the circle has been undermined. It rejects the common good defined in the Declaration read from that very site.
The Express-Times notes in a
("Protect the river from floods, drilling") that hydraulic fracturing — a critical energy production technology that has been safely deployed in Pennsylvania for more than 50 years — has never contaminated groundwater. That's a fact confirmed by top environmental officials in Harrisburg and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
However, in describing this tightly-regulated technology — which has been used to stimulate domestic energy production more than 1.1 million times — the paper mischaracterizes the process. Fracturing fluids are made up of more than 99.5 percent water and sand. The remaining additives, many of which are found in common household products, fight bacteria and allow the fluid to move down the wellbore, which is encased in layers of steel and concrete, ensuring the integrity of groundwater aquifers.
Marcellus Shale producers are now recycling an average of 60 percent of water used in the process; some operators are even recycling 100 percent. These figures will only continue to rise, as technologies continue to advance.
The Marcellus Shale represents a generational opportunity for our region and the nation's long-term energy security. Look no further than a recent Penn State study, which projects that the safe, environmentally responsible development of these clean-burning, domestic energy reserves can create 212,200 new jobs over the next decade. While these economic benefits have been impressive across the state, even in the very early stages of this development, our top commitment remains producing these resources in an environmentally world-class way.
President and Executive Director
Marcellus Shale Coalition
Canonsburg, Pa.
Having grown up in New Jersey, specifically Holland Township, the continued increase of governmental interference in private citizens' lives never ceases to amaze and alarm me.
When the new owners of
wanted to construct a footbridge to allow customers to cross the stream flowing by the establishment, no doubt they had to obtain a permit from Holland Township to allow its installation. So how is it the township didn't know it would be a "problem" at the time of application? Why was it approved?
Such bureaucratic red tape and right-hand-not-knowing-what-the-left-hand-is-doing lunacy aside, can New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Lawrence Hajda be serious in saying that during a flood the footbridge poses a threat to the Route 519 bridge just downstream?
If that bridge, (constructed of reinforced concrete and steel beams strong enough to support tractor-trailers for decades), will be damaged by a mere plastic footbridge moving at perhaps 1 mile per hour, people within the Department of Transportation and contracting company should be fired and brought up on charges for misuse of taxpayer funds and endangering the public. In fact, I urge everyone who uses that bridge every day to contact the Hunterdon County road department and ask why such a flimsy bridge is in place, before some aggressive minnow knocks the bridge into the stream.
Keep an eye on patronage game in Warren County
By definition, a primary is an election in which voters of each party nominate candidates. This is how our system works. Welcome to America! In Warren County, the primary has become the means to position favored sons into what we know as the patronage system, the distribution of jobs on a political basis. When this favoritism is shown on the basis of family relationships, it is then known as nepotism. Welcome to Warren County!
As Susan Santamaria stated (
), Kevin O'Neill is positioned well. A victory for O'Neill as surrogate would position him to appoint the son of a freeholder as deputy surrogate. Should the elected surrogate leave office during his term, the deputy would likely serve as acting surrogate, and then run for re-election as the term expires? How convenient.
But let's cover all of our bases for this favorite son, who has never won an election. He lost his bid for county clerk; he couldn't even get the backing of his party in his bid to chair the county committee. Also, let's create an opening for public safety director by electing David Gallant sheriff. Now, here's a nonpolitical position — a perfect prescription for a lifelong, good-paying job with excellent benefits and a state pension! What a county!
Isn't it interesting this favorite son chairs the political action committee that can buy the signs for O'Neill, Gallant and Angelo Accetturo?
Lopatcong Township
My daughter plays for the Easton team in the Eastern Lehigh Valley Softball League and there have been some incidents at recent games that disturbed me. At one game two weeks ago the umpire had to warn the home team coach to control the parents on his side of the field because they were making derogatory remarks toward the Easton team, referring to them, among other things, as "animals." The reason? The Easton team was cheering on their hitters.
Then during a game Tuesday, girls from the other team were seen "flipping the bird" at Easton players and at one point used the "N" word at the mother of one of the girls.
Is this kind of behavior necessary at a rec league game for 13-14 year olds? No. Absolutely not. In fact, all of the girls and a parent are required to sign a code of conduct form when they sign up for the league and the form stipulates that all spectators are required to observe the rules.
Here's the deal, adults. Cheer on your own girls and teach them to be polite toward the other team. If you can't be polite to the opposing team, keep quiet or don't go to the game.
When will the public be told the truth? We sit glued to the TV, listening to what is being done to try to stop the biggest disaster in history, and in reality not a whole lot is being done.
Oh sure, there is this "dispersant" which, in effect, is as bad or worse than the oil. The Gulf is ruined for who knows how long, and no one will be held accountable. What a disgrace. It would serve us right if Mother Earth booted us all off.
Washington Township, N.J.
BP boycott wouldn't have intended effect
We are all correct to hold BP accountable for the disastrous loss of human life and continued environmental havoc wreaked in the wake of its Deepwater Horizon rig explosion last month. However, our rightful collective outrage, most recently manifested via calls to boycott BP gas stations, risks inflicting economic pain on innocent small business owners among us while doing little, if any, damage to BP's bottom line.
This is primarily for two reasons. First, since retail gasoline counts for merely a miniscule percentage of BP's overall revenue, even a comprehensive boycott would provide negligible results. Second, the overwhelming majority of the nearly 10,000 BP gas stations/convenience stores in the United States are independently operated, either by small regional distributors or individual franchise owners. These aren't evil oil executives; they are American citizens trying to make a living, like you and I.
In times like these, we all look for something tangible upon which to focus our anger — and considering the circumstances, a boycott of the gas stations that carry the same logo as the company responsible for the worst oil spill in American history seems logical, even justified. However, purposely avoiding BP's stations will only end up hurting the wrong people.
On Tuesday we will nominate a candidate for Warren County surrogate.
has undertaken this campaign with such class and compassion because this is who he is. Throughout the almost 20 years I have known him and worked with him, he has always undertaken any task with intelligence, detail and a heart for service. His love for God, his family, friends and the communities in which he serves is endless, yet with a humble heart.
He has always said, "do the right thing, all of the time" and he has always done just that. I believe the position of surrogate will best be served by O'Neill, someone who will go out of his way to help others, make himself available whenever needed and embrace this position with the care and compassion in which he embraces all aspects of his life.
Blairstown Township
I've observed
, a candidate for Warren County surrogate in the Republican primary, as a member of the Warren County Technical School Board. I can say that if he serves as surrogate the way he served as a member of the school board, we're throwing money into the waste tank.
In the past year on the Warren Tech board, I've never heard him speak on anything, let alone anything of significance. Count on him to join the other board members in a unanimous vote on every issue. For the struggles the school has experienced, O'Neill has publicly offered no creative ideas, no alternative views on tough issues, no problem solving, no insight, no wisdom. In brief, no leadership. None. He has been unremarkable at best in exercising the authority and trust placed in him. Giving him a high-paying job at taxpayer expense, would be … I'm trying to think of an alternative way of saying "really stupid." None comes to mind.
When one political party or a group within a party has a monopoly on power, expect patronage, not performance. That's what we've gotten in Warren County. If O'Neill is elected surrogate, we'll get more of the same.
Bethlehem parking spaces don't meet funding rules
Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's comments about the use of federal Community Development Block Grant funds to construct an unknown (to him) number of
underscore his and his administration's lack of understanding of both the program legislation and its regulations.
"It can be used by those in the higher income range and the lowest," part of the mayor's quote in the June 2 Express-Times, doesn't lend much confidence in or credence for the administration's ability to administer funding from a program that must comply with the Community Development Act of 1974, and primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents or remove slum or blighted conditions.
The administration has offered no evidence that primarily low- and moderate-income people will benefit from parking spaces in this area. Rather, the administration uses generalities as evidenced by amorphous comments by the city's housing and community development planner and mayor.
Also, the city's approved 2010 budget has $305,992 budgeted for Main Street angle parking from a 2007 note. Residents may want to question whether that is the best and highest use of public financing, particularly when the project will impinge on the site of the reconstructed Colonial-era smithy.
Easton memorial service was special
Thank you to all who attended our memorial service sponsored by the Rice-Ebner American Legion Post 588 Auxiliary and the South Side Civic Association at McKeen Park on South Side Easton, including Mayor Sal Panto Jr., Pastor Scott Reiman, the commander of Rice-Ebner, the Boy Scouts of St. Paul's Church and all the people of the community who made this event special.
President, South Side Civic Association
Dickey keeps her job nonpolitical
deserves re-election as Warren County surrogate because she is the better qualified. Anyone familiar with county politics knows she has long worked hard for citizens. From her early career as a planning board member and three terms as a freeholder to surrogate, she puts the interests of residents above special interests, party factions or family connections. Her ethical governing long ago earned our respect and support. Her colleagues esteem her.
Dickey's office culture impartially supports the New Jersey Superior Court in all estate matters. Her professional approach to an office regarded as a rich prize by politicians immersed in cronyism and nepotism irritates those accustomed to the more loosely guided surrogate office of the past. She looks after the interests of the bereaved rather than those wishing to circumvent court procedures.
Hope Township
Dickey, Sarnoski deserve support
I have been a county committee person in Warren County for many years. I have made it a priority to know the candidates and try to support those whom I believe will work for the people. I'm supporting
our county surrogate. She has done an outstanding job of keeping this service up to date on all the important issues that we all use at sometime. Also, I find
to be a very educated, conservative candidate who will show great leadership in the position of freeholder. Please consider them when you go to vote. Rain or shine, your votes do count.
Collection benefits McDonald House
Thank you to all who came out and supported the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House on Saturday at the McDonald's on Memorial Parkway in Phillipsburg. We collected almost 475 pounds of aluminum can tabs, which translates to $235 for the Philadelphia House.
Thanks to Lucas and Danny who donated tabs collected from a class project. I hope to see anyone interested in recycling aluminum tabs for a cause at the next drive, noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 27 in the parking lot of the McDonald's on Memorial Parkway.


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I had such a fun night last night. A couple friends and I went to International Playground's showroom down in the Lower East Side to look around. There were so many fun and funky pieces and it was such a great inspiration to me that I had to show them off.
These Guava gold shoes were too cute!


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Vincent Ivers
- Panama City US-FL
- [email protected]
A well-regarded physician, Dr. Vincent Ivers assists people in need through his missionary work with the Catholic Relief Services and the 20-30 Club of Panama. Founded in 1943, the humanitarian organization has helped some millions of people in 100 countries. Traveling on mission trips through rugged terrain, Dr. Ivers blends his work with relief organizations with a thriving private practice in Panama City and Port Saint Joe , Florida, and management of a cosmetic medical spa in Panama City, Florida.
Graduating with honors from the University of Central America in 1988, Dr. Vincent Ivers is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Italian. He finds his affinity for language beneficial in his philanthropic travels. In addition, Dr. Ivers offers his medical skills to assist indigent individuals in his hometown in Florida, working with the homeless mission.
Staying abreast of the latest in cosmetic surgery techniques, Dr. Vincent Ivers applies his technological training and skills to stay at the top of his field. At the Medical Cosmetic Center, Dr. Vincent Ivers and a trained staff provide an array of minimally invasive procedures, including mini face-lifts, laser spider vein removal, and acne treatments. The center specializes in the latest innovations in cosmetic medicine, including fat transfer, anti-aging medicine, skin tightening lasers, fillers, and body sculpting. The spa-like center has operated for 18 years. Dr. Vincent Ivers ensures that the equipment and procedures are continuously upgraded as new developments arise in the field.
In addition to maintaining two very busy practices, Dr. Vincent Ivers continues to provide hospital coverage. He serves as an attending physician and emergency room physician in the area. A Preceptor for the National Procedures Institute, Dr. Vincent Ivers belongs to numerous professional associations.
Medicine, Biochemistry


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(Bylaws of the Graduate Council, Section 3.2G)
Recommends policies for developing library resources for instruction and research.
Recommends policy for operating the Library.
2018-2019 Members:
Prof. Martin Burke
Prof. Sam Al-Khatib
Prof. Eric Lott
Prof. David Waldstreicher
Polly Thistlethwaite, Chief Librarian, ex-officio
Magdalen Beiting
Agnieszka Halarewicz
Jane Shmidt
Category: Academic Affairs, Governance


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Find in this section the top models of Vans. The Californian brand with skater heart was born in 1966, and with it the legendary Authentic model. Quickly, it steals skaters' heart on the area of California, who are tremendously attracted by its comfortable sole. Today, the firm is world-renowned not only for its designs, but also for the quality of the materials with which its products are manufactured. Get what you like in Brutalzapas, your online sneakers and urban fashion store, and get it in 24/48 hours.
Order by


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For more information about the World Methodist Council and how your donations can help further our mission, please visit our donations page.
New Year's Greetings to the Methodist and Wesleyan Family from WMC Vice-President
Some people think that the slide from Sunday, December 31st, into Monday, January 1st, is just a matter of one day over and another begun – and there is some truth in that. For many, however, it is a time to reflect, to remember and to pray.
How was 2017 for you and for those who are part of your life? Were there moments of sadness as well as of joy? Times of challenge as well as of success? Flashes of anger as well as of love? Times when you felt like giving up as well as times when you felt that the whole world was on your side? If so, then you're very like the rest of us! And it is highly probably that 2018 will be much the same, at least in principle.
Right at the beginning of Matthew's Gospel, we are told that the baby Mary is carrying is to be called 'Immanuel', 'God with us.' And the Gospel concludes with the same thought: 'Surely, I am with you always'. We are assured that, whatever happens, God is with us.
Being thus assured, it is our responsibility to live courageous and prophetic lives, upholding the Law of Love, speaking for the voiceless, defending the vulnerable, caring for God's creation. I believe that those are the New Year's resolutions we need to make, both as individuals and as 'the people called Methodist.'
As this is being written, we are approaching what would be the 310th birthday of Charles Wesley (December 18th). On one occasion, he wrote a hymn commemorating the day; it has twelve verses and is probably not sung very often. Nevertheless, we are challenged by his thinking as, in personal terms, he moves from one year to another at the same time as we move from one year to another in calendar terms. The final verse is an appropriate prayer of dedication for us all as we commit ourselves to living to God's praise and glory. I leave it with you and wish you all, wherever you are, every blessing and strength for 2018 and for all that it may bring.
My remnant of days
I spend in his praise,
Who died the whole world to redeem:
Be they many or few,
My days are his due,
They all are devoted to him!
Gillian Kingston
WMC Vice-President


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What are Tukmaria seeds
Tukmaria seeds play a major role in some Southeast Asian cuisines. They are very popular in India, Taiwan and Indonesia, among other areas.
Black in colour and slightly smaller than a grain of rice, they are very similar to chia seeds and share almost identical nutritional properties. Tukmaria seeds are, nonetheless, bigger in size than chia seeds.
Tukmaria is originally native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. It has been cultivated there for more than 5.000 years. Its scientific name is Ocimum Basilicum. It is an annual herb which grows 30-130cm tall,. The flowers are small, white in color and arranged in a terminal spike.
Permission to copy and reproduce granted as long as the following URL is included: http://www.tukmariaseeds.com/Article-27-What-are-Tukmaria-seeds.html
Insert date: 2011-04-20 Last update: 2013-01-06


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Dance Legend World Up.
World up has a clear red base with fiery glitters, that builds up nicely to complete coverage. You can layer these polishes as well though! I used 3 coats here, but next time I'd go for thinner coats, the final result could've been thinner (yeah, I have a bad habit of applying glitters a little too enthusiastic! :)). There's plenty glitter in the polish, so it wasn't an issue at all to get enough glitters on the nail and have an even result, and 1 layer of top coat was enough to get a smooth finish.
I doubt it'll come as a surprise that I mattified it as well =)
Dance Legend Highway.
Now don't get me wrong, I think World Up is beautiful, but helloooo Highway! Look at that! It's a purple base that leans red, but has a stunning bright blue shimmer in it, and square colorshifting glitter. So unique and pretty! Again 3 coats, this time a bit thinner already ;) And this one also applied easily and needed 1 coat of top coat.
There's just something about mattified glitters, and I think Highway is one of those that really combines wonderful with matte top coat ♥
Dance Legend send me a product that I think would've been great with glitters like these, a black peel off glitterbase! I think black is one of the most used basecolors for glitters, and making a peel off base with color sounds like a fantastic idea, but unfortunately my bottle didn't survive the trip. Or well... the bottle survived, but what's inside didn't :( Turns out it's a waterbased polish, and well, winter in Russia, possibly a courier that left a package outside for a little while... you do the math! But since it sounds like such a brilliant idea, I wanted to share a little about this product anyway. If you're often wearing glitters on black, I think you might love this! And if you order it from a webshop nearby, I don't think you'd have any problems with it, as long as you don't store it too cold, haha!
You can buy Dance Legend on their site, or in other webshops like Hypnotic Polish. I wish you a lovely weekend, thanks for looking!
The product(s) in this post was/were send to me for review. For more information, please have a look at my Disclosure Policy.


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Jul 13
FHA Short Sales in Massachusetts – Know the Guidelines
I had a new Coldwell Banker agent come to me with a failed FHA sale. FHA short sales in Massachusetts are extremely tricky. For a very good in depth overview of the FHA short sale process you can see one of my previous blog posts here. You really need to know the guidelines of an FHA sale before going into negotiating a short sale. I approach them in a manner opposite of a traditional sale. Most of the homeowner information must be collected up front and the homeowner must qualify for the program really before you can even consider taking an offer.
This particular agent was not well versed in the FHA short sale process which is ok. That's why we are here. I wanted to highlight two things I think are important to know when negotiating these sales, accepting offers etc.
She lost a previous buyer because she didn't understand the second lien threshold for FHA short sales. FHA will pay up to $1500 towards a second lien and $1000 more with the seller incentive for a total of $2500. That means the homeowner has to understand that because they have other liens affecting title, they must give up any seller incentive they may be entitled to to clear that second lien. If a second lien holder wants MORE than $2500, then the buyer may have to absorb those costs or potentially lose the sale. It's not the ideal situation, but certainly a workable remedy if the second lien holder won't budge.
Also, it's important to keep in mind that on FHA sales the seller credit is only available IF the buyer is an FHA buyer AND it's only up to 1% of the purchase price. That is all that FHA will authorize UNLESS you ask for a variance. YOU CAN ask for 3% closing costs if you apply for a variance with the selling lender (FHA) and ONLY if your offer is above the ATP price (Authorization to participate) – This is the price set by the seller's lender based upon the appraised value. You won't get a steep discount on FHA properties. They want an offer either at or just under the appraised price. You won't get 3% back if you offer less than the appraised price.
These are two very important aspects of negotiating an FHA short sale in Massachusetts or New Hampshire.
Happy FHA Negotiating!
Maryann Little
~ the short sale CLOSER!


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In a Rut
Madewell Top | Urban Outfitters Jeans| Free People Royale Flats | Free People Tote | Free People Sin City Aviators
As a style blogger, this is probably the most vague post I will ever write about style. Style is so personal and expressive and that's why I think about it as often as I do, but lately I've felt like I've been in a style rut. I've experienced some confusion and I blame Florida and my work and blogging. At 25 years old, I should have my own established look right? Some may say that I do, but I still feel like it's constantly evolving. Then throw a tropical climate and a brand that is very 70's boho in the mix and as a midwest girl, I'm bound to get a little turbulence on my style journey. And as nice as it would be to frolic around in resort wear all year, that doesn't feel very me (and would be nice to reserve specifically for vacations). For a while I had forgotten what it felt like to buy something and know with certainty that it's the right fit for my wardrobe. More recently, I'm remembering this feeling and staying true to what feels right, not just what's at my disposal. Which is why today, I'm sharing this outfit. A striped top and ripped denim for a look I could wear a million times over and never tire of. A look that I've also relentlessly told myself is "too boring" for the blog. I may be a style blogger, but I'm still a jeans and a tee shirt girl at my core.
Photos | Stills by Hernan


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"I wanted to take a quick moment to thank you for the incredible experience we had at last night's 23rd Annual Champion Awards! Though it's before 11am, I've already gotten a flurry of amazing comments from our Board, Corporate Partners, Honorees, and general attendees about the amazing food, the incredible audiovisual, and the all-around beauty of the physical space at Ziegfeld Ballroom. While I agree on all counts that your venue is absolutely beautiful and your amenities are top-notch, for me, the highlight of the evening was working with you and your staff. I think your calendar is booking up quickly for next year already, which means the great word is already out there, but I'll be sure to tell my friends in the event planning world just how wonderful of an experience I had."
Bill Devers
Director, Development Events and Engagement
Safe Horizon
"I just wanted send you all a big thank you for our epic event yesterday. Your team was incredible and really went a long way toward having it all run so smoothly, and we have had a tremendous response on how perfect the venue was, especially for this show—endless thanks!"
Gina Napoli
Gala Director
Angels in America on Broadway
"Thank you for everything you did to make our event on Monday night as beautiful and seamless as can be. We loved having our event at Ziegfeld Ballroom: our guests had a fantastic experience, and so did we as clients. We continue to hear great feedback about our Gala, and much of that is due to the professionalism, efficiency and friendliness of your entire staff. A special thank you to Jamie and Katherine who were with us every step of the way, handling lots of different players and personalities and dealing with very last minute changes—not to mention Jamie's brilliant coining of our signature drink, the Tenementini! Thank you for making it so special."
Ian Patrick
Director, Events
Tenement Museum
"I wanted to reach out to you immediately to thank you for all your work and efforts for Marin's Bat Mitzvah this past weekend while it's still fresh in my mind. Your entire space is absolutely magnificent, the food was delicious, and—just as importantly—the presentation was beautiful! I cannot thank you enough for making such an important event in our lives so memorable!"
Lauren, Marty, and Marin Geller
"As an event planner, you rely on the professionalism and knowledge of a venue to ensure your vision—and that of your clients—comes through. Our experience was wonderful! From concept to load out, the team at Ziegfeld Ballroom was a dream come true, constantly working with us to make sure we had the best of everything. We look forward to returning, and sending many more clients your way!"
Joe Vigliotti
Urban Arts Partnership
"THANK YOU! Your team is definitely one of the best that we have ever worked with. I really cannot thank you more for helping us throughout the past months. We really enjoyed the night, received many compliments from our guests and speakers, and look forward to working with you again soon!"
Fei Wang
China General Chamber of Commerce,USA
"Wow, you guys—last night was AMAZING! Thank you so much for everything that went into making the evening appear so effortless—because, well, we all know it took a lot of effort on your part to make it come together so seamlessly. The food was delicious, and, clearly, our guests had a very (very, very, VERY) fun time. I have nothing but good things to say about each of you and Ziegfeld Ballroom."
Nicole Nelson
Associate Director of Development
The Calhoun School
"BRAVO! BRAVO TO ALL OF YOU! Our event was a great success, and has been receiving endless praise from our guests. Working with your team is always a pleasure."
Alfred Rosenthal, CEP
By Invitation Only, Ltd.
"Thank you and your entire team for your kindness and for being so attentive to the needs of WISE. Your team's commitment to customer service is extraordinary. Thank you for your assistance during some of the most stressful periods I encountered. Those personal touches did not go unnoticed."
Liberty Dwyer
Senior Administrator
WISE — Women in Sports and Events
"Thank you again for making New York Common Pantry's 2018 Benefit such a great success! NYCP and their guests were very impressed."
Melanie Waldron
Fundraising Manager
Aaron Consulting Company
"You all did such a fantastic job yesterday—and in the many, many months, meetings, walkthroughs and calls leading up! Our client was very happy, and it was a total pleasure, as usual, working with you. I personally appreciate your commitment, your staying 'til the end, and your sense of humor. We look forward to being together again at Ziegfeld Ballroom. THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
Amanda Martignetti
Senior Project Manager
The JFM Group LLC


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Welcome To Monarch Kennels
AKC Inspected/Passed 08/01/16
Monarch Kennels is a breeder of top quality Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Our dogs are our family members and are treated as such, but can also work in the field, show in the ring, perform in the obedience & agility ring and be an excellent therapy partner. We feel that a Chesapeake should be able to do it all and we strive to breed for this. We provide dogs with excellent retrieving ability, sound conformation & health, and wonderful personalities. Feel free to browse our website and contact us with any questions.
Please call 713 885-3491 or use our contact form.


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The company released results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, showing that costs for installing fibre-to-the-premises for established homes has fallen by just $7 since the end of June.
In the case of new homes, the cost fell by $79, while the cost of fibre-to-the-node connections rose by $41 since the end of June.
Installing HFC also rose by an average of $9 while fixed wireless costs per installation fell by $20.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the NBN Co spent nearly half a million dollars on coffee for its staff.
There is still no change in the take-up of faster services. Among the fixed line connections, only 13% opted for the fastest 100Mbps/40 plans while 52% went for 25Mbps/5 plans.
And 30% went even lower, opting for 12Mbps/1 plans.
The fixed wireless and satellite customers do not have an 100Mbps/40 option. The fastest option for wireless is 50Mbps/20 and only 7% opted for that. The majority, 76%, went for 25Mbps/5 connections.
Satellite users were divided between the 12Mbps/1 (34%) and 25Mbps/5 (66%).


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Judging the Royals
For Royals (and their fans), seemingly ho-hum signings can have significant results
Once in a while a team signs a star player to a blockbuster deal and that signing gets fans all worked up. More often a team signs a guy that hasn't exactly set the world on fire lately and it's a bit like finding out your next-door neighbor bought a used van — it's mildly interesting at best.
But sometimes those used van purchases turn out to be huge; if the zombie apocalypse comes to fruition, you might be piling into that van as you and your neighbor make your escape. (And I've now officially stretched that metaphor to the breaking point.)
So if your team signs a deal with someone and you think, "Why do we want that guy?" look a little deeper and you might find a very good reason.
Last off-season the Royals signed four pitchers and those signings did not get a lot of attention when they happened. Those four pitchers were insurance policies in case something happened to the guys further up the depth chart. But something did happen to guys further up the depth chart and those four pitchers turned up big in 2015.
Chris Young won 11 games, Kris Medlen won six, Joe Blanton won two and Ryan Madson won one.
If Dayton Moore had signed a pitcher who won 20 games people would take more notice. But Dayton Moore signed four pitchers who combined to win 20 games and that got a little less attention. Those signings were to stockpile arms in case something went wrong and when it did the Royals had depth.
Another kind of signing is a shot across the bow.
Say you've got a player with all the talent in the world, but at times seems to be unmotivated. He misses workouts and shows up at spring training out of shape.
According to Royals baseball guru Rusty Kuntz, if a big-league player looks at the minor leagues and doesn't see competition for his position he might feel secure and remain unmotivated. This is why you sometimes see a veteran on the downside of his career signed to a minor-league contract; he's there to remind the big-league player that if he plays poorly enough, the team has options.
A nothing signing of a guy who spends the season in Class AAA might result in an All-Star year by a motivated big-leaguer.
Another type of player is signed for what he's going to do off the field.
In 2014, the Royals were making a run at the playoffs so they brought in Raul Ibañez. He was a "been-there-done-that" guy and the Royals wanted him in their clubhouse to talk to the younger players. Once Ibañez arrived you could see him doing his job in the dugout: he was constantly in another player's ear talking about how to handle certain situations.
The Royals were not overly concerned with Ibañez's numbers; they wanted to see what he could do for the numbers of his teammates, and his teammates made it to Game 7 of the World Series.
Another player might be signed because someone on the coaching staff thinks they know how to make that player better.
When Jeremy Guthrie was pitching for other teams, Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland thought if he could ever work with Guthrie, he might be able to help him.
Eiland thought Guthrie's pitches were coming out flat and if Guthrie would add a small, inward turn to his delivery, it would delay his lower body's motion going to the plate and that would allow Guthrie time to get his arm on top and reach the proper release position; that would give downward tilt to his pitches.
That adjustment helped Guthrie become a better pitcher.
So when the Royals sign a player and that player's numbers are underwhelming, remember that players sometimes get signed for reasons that might not be so obvious.
That player might just own a van.
Lee Judge: 816-234-4482, @leejudge8


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Rubio says immigration plan not amnesty, amid conservative scrutiny
Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio dismissed arguments Sunday that the Senate immigration bill offers amnesty for illegal immigrants and said border security is not the only key issue -- amid scrutiny from some fellow conservatives and the union that represents immigration enforcement agents.
Rubio told "Fox News Sunday" that anybody living illegally in the United States and attempting to get a visa would face a long list of qualifications, which includes paying taxes, a fine and an application fee as well as having a job and waiting for at least 10 years.
"That is not amnesty," said Rubio, a Cuban-American considered a key member of the so-called bipartisan Gang of Eight. "Amnesty is the forgiveness of something."
The Senate group has been working on comprehensive immigration reform since January and is expected to release the legislation Tuesday, ahead of a hearing later this week in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Rubio also argued Sunday that achieving citizenship through the new plan would be harder than under the existing plan.
"It will be cheaper, faster and easier for people to go back home and wait 10 years than it will be to go through this process that I've outlined," Rubio told Fox.
The Rubio-backed plan faces increasing scrutiny from such fellow Republican senators as Ted Cruz, of Texas, and Alabama's Jeff Sessions, as well as the National ICE Council, the union representing thousands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees.
"I know Sen. Rubio's heart is exactly right," Sessions told ABC's "This Week." "And I really respect the work of the Gang of Eight. But they have produced legislation ... that will give amnesty now, legalize everyone that's here effectively today. And then there's a promise of enforcement in the future."
Union President Chris Crane said Friday an outline of the legislation shows legalization before border enforcement, which means Rubio has not followed through on his "commitment to the American people" and that he should leave the bipartisan group.
Rubio also said Sunday that tracking illegal immigrants in and out of the U.S. and improving the employee-verification system, known as E-Verify, are equally important.
"All three work together," he told Fox. "All three have to happen."
Though Rubio made clear that securing the border is only part of the plan, he said a 90 percent border-apprehension rate within the next five years is a "trigger" for permanent residence.
"The Department of Homeland Security will have five years to meet that goal," said Rubio, who appeared on all five major Sunday talk shows to garner support for the legislation.
He was also booked on the Spanish-language networks Telemundo and Univision
If the agency fails to meet apprehension and surveillance goals, a commission, which includes officials from states along the U.S.-Mexico border, would intervene.
There are roughly 11 million illegal immigrants now living in the U.S.
The proposal is available only for those who arrived in the U.S. before Dec. 31, 2011. Anyone who came after that date would be subject to deportation.
As a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate, Rubio will be careful not to appear weak on border security or create political problems among the conservatives who have great sway in picking the party nominee.
Other lawmakers helping to write the legislation acknowledged the political challenges of the issue.
"A lot of my conservative colleagues have significant questions, and they're legitimate," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, said on CNN's "State of the Union." "This is the start of a process."
Sessions and others are also concerned about the legislation's long-term impact on taxpayers once illegal immigrants become eligible for major entitlements and low-income assistance programs.
"Please list all federal benefits and aid programs former illegal immigrants become eligible for once granted green cards or permanent residency," Sessions, along with fellow Republican Sens. Pat Roberts and Chuck Grassley, said in an April 10 letter to the eight senators.
The measure to put millions on a path to citizenship also would allow tens of thousands of new high- and low-skilled workers into the country with new visa programs.
The legislation also is expected to include a new emphasis on merit-based immigration over family ties.
"This is a very balanced bill," New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer told ABC. "The American people have told us to do two things: one, prevent future flows of illegal immigration. Then come up with a common-sense solution for legal immigration. And that's what our bill does."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Clock jitter is a parameter which affects system performance and can degrade otherwise superior component specifications. This article is a basic explanation of clock jitter and some of its effects, especially with respect to a phase lock loop (PLL).
At a very fundamental level, jitter is defined as the variation of a signal (in this case a clock output) from its ideal position in time, Figure 1 .
Figure 1.Basic definition of jitter aspects
In an IC, a PLL (frequency synthesizer) is typically used to generate the clocks.
Jitter in clocks has two different components which arise due to various sources.
(a) Random jitter (Rj). Rj arises due to thermal noise inherent in the system and exhibits a etermin distribution. Since Rj is unbounded it is characterized by its rms value. In a PLL, the low frequency RJ typically comes from the reference clock and Charge pump whereas the high frequency jitter is more a manifestation of the VCO thermal noise.
(b) Determinstic jitter (Dj). Dj arises due to eterministic components. Examples include: PLL reference freedthrough, Power supply noise etc. Unlike data, there is no Intersymbol interference (ISI) term. Dj is bounded and specified as a peak number
This deviation from its ideal position can negatively impact data transmission between two clocked elements on-chip as well as off-chip. Example of on-chip systems includes timing violations between two flip flops.
Example of off-chip systems include a Serdes I/O (serializer/deserializer) link where data is sent over long traces of FR4 PC-board substrate. Excessive high-frequency jitter on the clock used for transmitting the data can cause eye closure and excessive bit errors (bit error rate, or BER). In either case different types of clock jitter cause the errors mentioned above.Hence it is critical to understand what type of jitter is important for ones application and how to measure/analyze them.
Jitter Measurements–time and frequency interplay
Jitter can be measured in two different