text:
A federal lawsuit accuses a Willis teacher of having oral sex in a classroom with a female student last year while school officials ignored what was going on.
Named as defendant in the federal lawsuit is the Willis Independent School District, where the teacher, Bruce Kincaide, 27, was an assistant girls basketball coach at Willis High School. He resigned in February 2012 when questioned by school administrators about the allegations.
The student, K.M., alleges that Kincaide befriended her through text messages, phone calls and emails, and eventually called her out of class to visit him in his classroom during his planning period, according to the lawsuit.
She was a junior during the 2010-11 school year and a senior during the 2011-12 school year, when Kincaide was assistant coach.
"During summer between (K.M.'s) junior and senior years, Mr. Kincaide became more and more aggressive in his actions towards (K.M.): for example, he was writing suggestive communications, making physical gestures toward (K.M.) and suggesting that he 'liked' her in a physical manner and that he was even having sexually suggestive dreams about her," the lawsuit states.
On several occasions inside the classroom, Kincaide "would kiss and grope" the girl, who "did not know how to respond to the advances, and was afraid to tell anyone of the advances," according to the lawsuit.
"As the semester progressed, and the calls to have (K.M.) leave (her teacher's) class increased, Mr. Kincaide began demanding oral sex be performed by (K.M.) in Mr. Kincaide's classroom following his visual exploration of porn sites on the school's computer," according to the lawsuit.
The plaintiff alleges that school officials "turned a blind eye to what was going on" with Kincaide, who "became extremely possessive of (K.M.)" and refused to allow other coaches to work with her during basketball practice.
In December 2011, Kincaide told the girl to come to his house, where he allegedly had sex with her against her will, according to the lawsuit. Kincaide has been charged with improper relationship between a student and educator, court records show.
The school district issued a statement regarding the case.
"I want to assure every parent, grandparent and every member of the Willis ISD community that your children will be nurtured and safe when they are in school," then-Willis ISD Superintendent Bret Jimerson stated in a press release. "We are both outraged and deeply saddened by these circumstances.
"That's why the District responded aggressively to investigate this matter, and even since the teacher resigned, we have worked diligently to cooperate with law enforcement authorities during the criminal investigation," Jimerson stated.
Jimerson was replaced as Willis ISD superintendent by Tim Harkrider on July 8.
Willis is 48 miles north of Houston.
Federal lawsuit accuses Willis ISD of ignoring classroom sex – Houston Chronicle.


text:
Well-wishers send Newtown cyclists on their way to D.C.
- The riders%27 green jackets bear the message%3A Hope%2C Peace%2C Love.
- Team 26 hopes to arrive in Washington on Tuesday
- Gathering shared a moment of silence at Sandy Hook firehouse
NEWTOWN, Conn. — With a cow bell ringing and a crowd of more than 400 people cheering, 26 cyclists rode off Saturday morning on a 400-mile bike ride to Washington to "raise awareness for common-sense gun legislation" and to honor 26 children and adults killed by a gunman Dec. 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The 26 riders were not deterred by 13 inches of snow that fell Friday and were fortunate to begin their journey with sun and blue skies on a beautiful western Connecticut winter morning.
The 26 riders — a number chosen to symbolize the number of shooting victims at the school — call themselves Team 26 and wore green and white apparel, the colors of Sandy Hook school.
Their green jackets bear the message: Hope, Peace, Love.
Accompanied by other cyclists — including Chris McDonnell, whose 7-year-old daughter Grace was one of the victims at the elementary school, and Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn. — the 26 riders left Newtown's Reed Intermediate School and made a first stop at the Sandy Hook firehouse.
They shared a moment of silence there for the shooting victims and gave a show of support for first responders. The firehouse is at the end of a street leading to Sandy Hook Elementary School and the place where students and faculty took refuge after the shootings.
McDonnell, Himes and other cyclists joined Team 26 on the first leg of the ride to a rally in Ridgefield, about 20 miles from Newtown.
En route to Washington, where they plan to arrive Tuesday, the riders also will take part in rallies planned for three New Jersey towns and Baltimore, where they will be greeted by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
They plan to join Tuesday with members of the Virginia Tech Victims Cycling team in College Park, Md. The team, formed to honor 32 people killed in shootings at that university in April 2007, will accompany the Newtown riders to the Capitol in Washington, where a final rally will take place.
Before leaving Newtown, McDonnell, Himes, ride organizer Monte Frank, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra and other federal legislators from Connecticut addressed the crowd. Several people held signs calling for stricter gun-control laws, an assault-weapons ban or support for Newtown.
With his wife, Lynn, at his side, McDonnell received a long ovation from the crowd and said he made a promise after his daughter, Grace, was killed that "her life will be forever celebrated" and "her voice will be forever heard."
McDonnell said he hopes the nation's leaders "will step forward and tackle" the "grave issues" related to the shootings.
Frank, a Newtown lawyer whose daughter, Sarah, was taught three years ago by Victoria Soto, a teacher killed in the shootings, said that the Second Amendment right to bear arms "doesn't trump" Americans' rights to live.
Friday would have been the seventh birthday of Dylan Hockley, who also was slain at the school, Frank said.
"He had the right to turn 7, the right to turn 8, the right to turn 9 — like our other beautiful children (who were killed)," Frank said.
Frank said "the right to bear arms is not unlimited," and "reasonable restrictions are necessary."
He said the riders support numerous initiatives in Congress, including universal background checks, bans on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips, and increased funding to assist the mentally disabled.
Such initiatives are needed now, because "America needs to end this epidemic of gun violence," Frank said.
Llodra, Newtown's popular Republican chief executive, said she was humbled by the words of Frank and others who have praised her actions and work following the Dec. 14 shootings.
The 70-year-old first selectman mentioned her age and said she believes she needs "to leave the world in a better place.
"We have the ability for those who come after us to make this a safer and a better place," Llodra said. "I feel every day that I have to do more."
Llodra said "gun violence is threatening the very fabric of our society."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Team's 26's message is that "we must stop gun violence" in the United States.
"Team 26 is really Team Connecticut, Team America," Blumenthal said. "While the rest of the country will be setting ahead their clocks (as daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday), Team 26 will be setting ahead the country's conscience."
Blumenthal said "we're not going to settle for a piece" of the proposed gun-control initiatives but instead push for a "comprehensive strategy" that includes an assault weapons ban.
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., praised the town of Newtown and its citizens and pointed out the beauty of the riders and the locals who came out to support them.
"For all the horrid awfulness of that day (Dec. 14), this is beautiful," Murphy said.
Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., said that, for "almost three month," the Newtown community "has lived with the consequences of political inaction and an unspeakable tragedy."
She said that it's been "nearly 20 years since this country has dared to address the gun-violence issue, and countless communities have paid a price."
She said the cyclists and Newtown people who came out to support them are "the true Connecticut Effect.
"We will get change because we have to and because of the people I have gotten to know in Newtown," Esty said. "People across the country are inspired by the strong, soulful courage of parents like Chris and Lynn McDonnell — people who have lived with grief so deep no parents could imagine but have stepped up to take action."
Himes, dressed in bike riding apparel, thanked Newtown "for reminding us about the persistence and the beauty of the human spirit in the face of hatred.
"We are a family," he said.
Rabbi Shaul Praver of Temple Adath Israel said Newtown wasn't a town of tragedy before the shootings and doesn't want to be remembered as one.
"Some people in the country are waiting for the Newtown Effect to dissipate," but "you guys (the bike riders) are on a roll," Praver said. "It's not going to dissipate any time soon."
Praver said "we don't want guns" available "to our young people like cigarettes once were."
He said the silent majority in the country "will not be silenced." It respects the Second Amendment, but "we just want our society to be safer."
An earlier version of this story misidentified Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
When Maura Fox committed to Holy Cross four years ago, she made a lot of people very happy.
That group included her uncle, Bill Fox, a 1970 HC graduate who "was probably even more excited that I was"; her parents, Marjorie and Brian, who love hosting pasta parties for the HC women's soccer team at their nearby Shrewsbury home; her grandmothers, Virginia Fox and Greta Scully; and her great-aunt, Theresa Campbell, the trio of super fans also known as "the three Nanas," who never miss a game; and of course Holy Cross coach Darren Gallagher, whose first year was Fox's first year, and who got a fine all-around player and fantastic leader.
Fox was a member of Shrewsbury High's 2007 Central Mass. champion and state finalist team, but wins have been much harder to come by during her collegiate career. After going 7-9-3 in 2009, the Crusaders won a combined five games the last two years, and probably based on that, were picked to finish eighth of eight teams in the Patriot League preseason poll.
Fox, a two-year captain, and her teammates had much more ambitious plans.
"We made it a team goal to get the Patriot League championship," Fox said. "We've been very team-oriented this year, there's been a lot of team building, everyone's been working so hard for each other, and that's been huge for us. We're all working toward a common goal."
The Crusaders are 5-5-1 and coming off a 1-0 win over defending PL champion Army. Sophomore Gina Righini's second-half goal and sophomore Carly McCabe's 12-save shutout lifted HC to its first win over the Black Knights since 1995. The victory was a major confidence booster.
"I think some teams would go into playing us and think, 'OK, this is an easy game,' but I think this shows we're to be feared a little bit," Fox said, "and I think teams should be scared of us."
Fox, a midfielder, has two goals and two assists. She has started every game the last three seasons and started 17 of 19 games as a freshman. Along with teammates Maggie Goldrick and Hannah Earner, she is a member of HC's Leadership Academy.
Fox, who has been named to the Patriot League Academic honor roll multiple times, is a psychology/pre-med major. She plans to do clinical research for two years before going to medical school.
Fox, co-captain with McGoldrick, has embraced her leadership role this season and helped bring the Crusaders together.
"One of the things I wanted this year was no age groups," Fox said. "Everyone on the field should be talking and feel like they're a leader. It doesn't matter if you're a freshman or a senior."
In addition to the pasta parties, other team activities have included navigating the Davis Farmland Mega Maze in Sterling and postgame tailgates, where there's been a lot for Fox and her family to celebrate this season.
"I'm so blessed," Fox said, "because in past years when the season hasn't gone as well as you hoped, it's so great to have that support at the games and to have them talk to you after. Having people remind you this is the sport you've always loved pushes you to keep working hard, and we're finally seeing the dividends, which is great."
Speaking of turnarounds, the Assumption field hockey team, under second-year coach Annie Lahey of Worcester, is also heading in the right direction.
After going 1-14 in 2011, the Greyhounds are 7-6, with an upset of nationally ranked Merrimack among their victories.
"Winning is a lot of fun," said Lahey, the former Notre Dame Academy star athlete and 2002 graduate of Holy Cross.
Lahey previously taught English at Wachusett Regional High School, where she coached the field hockey and softball teams.
At Assumption, she took over a team that hasn't finished above .500 since 2002. Despite AC's record last fall, Lahey did not consider the season a failure.
"I felt we changed the attitude and the culture, and the players were very receptive to it," Lahey said. "They want to be successful."
Assumption's returning players, like juniors Allie Richard of Fitchburg and Stacia Tympanick of Millville, and sophomores Lauren Neilan of Mendon and Emma Twitchell and Angela Razzano both of Shrewsbury, faithfully committed to an offseason workout program, and the Greyhounds added a number of talented freshmen to the roster this fall.
Freshman Kiley Colucci was named this week's Northeast-10 Rookie of the Week, marking the third straight week an Assumption player has received the honor.
Assumption's seven top scorers are freshman or sophomores, led by sophomore Paige Anderson (11-6-28).
The Greyhounds had a five-game winning streak earlier this season, beat No. 6 Merrimack last Wednesday, and won at Mercy, 7-3, last weekend.
"I think the big thing last year was they were used to being behind in games," Lahey said. "That's been a big change — they know they can win games, and they've fed off of some success."
In honor of the last season of the Worcester State gym, the university is hosting a celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Worcester State alums are invited for an evening of memories and reminiscing with former teammates.
The event is free and will include hors d'oeuvres, music and games. Those attending will get a chance to preview images of the new Athletics and Wellness Center, which will be built on the site of the current gym and is scheduled to open in the fall of 2015.
RSVP by Oct. 12 to the Worcester State alumni office at (508) 929-8141.


text:
'Rex' the baby kookaburra lands on his feet
IT may sound strange, but the best thing a young kookaburra chick did for his long-term future was fall out of a tree.
He looks like a dinosaur, and was about to be christened "Rex" when the QT spoke to RSPCA Wildlife Hospital veterinarian nurse Madeline Riemecker.
But his future now looks secure thanks to some smart work by the people who found him and the outstanding care he is about to receive.
Usually only one chick will survive from a kookaburra nest so the fact that he has fallen and survived means that the prospects are good for both himself and the other chick in the nest.
"There are usually between one to three chicks (in each nest) and it is the strongest that survives because of the massive competition. The parents feed the biggest and strongest chick," Ms Riemecker said
"But he is really healthy and has a good chance of living. He has fallen a good 20m from a tree. The finders tried to make a new nest and place him back up in a tree overnight but unfortunately that didn't work out.
"He will probably be in specialised care for a month. He is basically featherless so we will closely monitor his temperature.
"We will feed him ox heart, steak and mince and mix in a few different supplements to make sure he gets everything he needs.
"Sometimes kookaburra parents will adopt stray chicks so we have them outside and encourage them to call out to local kookaburras. We can tell they have accepted the baby when they come down to feed it."
Ms Riemecker said kookaburras are "cheeky and fun to look after."
"They are kind of like puppies in care. They have a lot of attitude and character. This one looks like a bit of a dinosaur so we are going to call him Rex."
Many kookaburras are being brought in to the hospital due to habitat loss and cat and dog attacks.
Kookaburra Facts
- Parents have one to three chicks in each nest
- Only one usually survives
- Kookaburras are very territorial
- Habitat loss is a major issue


text:
jgp.makejava.net ads appears in your browser, the ads might happen in Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. This jgp.makejava.net ads are caused by malicious software known as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Program) or PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Application). This malicious software use popups to promote ads through this website. The ad with jgp.makejava.net is simply used to promote services or malicious software on your computer. Most of the ads are for revenue from adware promoting services.
The distributors also often use the Google Search engine to promote inline advertisements on the right side of the Google Search engine or at the end of the page. They inject advertisement to make money using pay per click advertisements.
It is advised to always read the Terms and Agreements before installing software on your computer. Do never click too fast through the installation process [Next] button of software as you will agree to software you might not want to install. If the installer offers an Advanced, Custom or Decline button, click it to find out if there is any other malicious software offered and installed during the installation process.
How To Remove jgp.makejava.net pop-up virus
Follow all steps in correct order to completely and successfuly remove jgp.makejava.net ads.
This is important: if you have any problem during this removal instruction in order to remove this threat, please stop.
Removal Steps for jgp.makejava.net ads
Step 1 – Remove jgp.makejava.net ads using AdwCleaner
This is a comprehensive removal instruction to remove jgp.makejava.net ads from your computer. If for some reason the instruction does not deliver the desired results, you can reset your favorite browser Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to default settings. In first place this is not recommended, as restoring to default settings will remove all your personal settings from your browser. Please use restoring to default settings only if anything else fails.
Step 3 – Optional: Reset browser settings
STEP 1 – Remove jgp.makejava.net ads using AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner will scan your computer for malicious Services, Folder, Files, Shortcuts, Registry items and Products. As AdwCleaner tries to delete these malicious content it will also clean the Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browser. We strongly recommend using AdwCleaner several times a month to keep your computer clean from adware, popups, browser hijackers or toolbars.
Download AdwCleaner (Official link and direct-download)
Select AdwCleaner.exe with right mouse click and Run as Administrator
If User Account Control asks you to allow AdwCleaner.exe to make changes to your computer, press Yes to continue.
Start scanning your computer for any malicious threats by selecting the Scan button, please wait.
AdwCleaner will now start scanning your computer. If AdwCleaner is done, it will display a list of malicious items detected, please uncheck the items you do not want to remove that might be detected as malicious.
If you have nothing to uncheck, continue to the removal process and select the Clean button.
AdwCleaner will display the following informational alerts and starts rebooting the computer.
All programs will be closed in order to proceed correctly to the removal of the infections. Please save any work in progress and the click [OK]
If you have been brought to use AdwCleaner, it's probably because your PC contained potentially unwanted programs or adware.
Potentially unwanted programs are often proposed during the installation of software. They may be present form of toolbars that sometimes change the homepage of the browser and slow internet browsing.
To avoid the installation of these programs polluting the computer, it is essential to follow these tips:
– Always download a program from the official link, or a trusted site
– When installing a program, do not click too fast [Next] without paying attention to Terms of Use and third-party programs available.
– If third-party programs are available (toolbars, etc) uncheck them.
– Enable detection of PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) in your Antivirus.
AdwCleaner must restart the computer to complete the removal process. The report will be opened on the next reboot.
After the reboot a logfile will open. The logfile in Windows XP and Windows 7 will open once the desktop is started. To open the logfile in Windows 8 you need to switch to the Desktop modus by selecting windows key + d on your keyboard.
If you want to check the AdwCleaner log, you can find the report log in your system drive, Adwcleaner folder (for example: C:\adwcleaner)
Download MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free's industry-leading scanner detects and removes malware like worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, spyware, and more. All you have to do is launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free and run a scan. It's that simple. Or if you want even better protection, consider Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium and its instant real-time scanner that automatically prevents malware and websites from infecting your PC. Either way you're crushing malware and foiling hackers
*According to OPSWAT, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is the most popular security product installed by users.
Install MalwareBytes Anti-Malware using the installation wizard.
MalwareBytes Anti-Malware needs no configs or specific settings, just install and you are ready to scan your computer for malware and free removal.
- Perform a Threat Scan
If you find malware in your free scan consider upgrading to our PRO Version. The PRO version stops malware dead in its tracks, never allowing it to access your PC.
- Real-time active malware prevention engine blocks known threats
- Heuristic protection prevents new zero day malware infections
- Malicious website protection blocks access to known and zero day malicious web content
- Automatic priority updates and scheduled scanning
- Blazing fast flash scans
1 year/3 PCs for only $24.95. This is not a attempt to let you buy software you do not need or that does not work, MalwareBytes Anti-Malware works. Over 300 million downloads worldwide, they can't be wrong are they ? Try the free version first.
Innovative anti-malware beats criminal software that steals your money and online life
Today's cyber criminals build software designed to slip past antivirus programs undetected. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium crushes these threats with innovative technologies designed to defend you while keeping your online experience fast and hassle free.
What it does for you
- Detects and protects against malware in real-time
- Blocks hacking and phishing attempts
- Schedules automatic scanning
- Offers three flexible scanning modes
How it works for you
- Anti-Malware/Anti-Spyware
- Malicious website blocking
- Real-time protection
- Heuristic detection
- Integrated Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit
- Hyper Scan mode
- Scan/Database update scheduler
- Integrated Malwarebytes Chameleon
- Advanced malware removal
- Antivirus compatibility
Reset Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox to default settings
Occasionally it is advised to restore your browser to default settings, as this threat is installed by many different applications. Restoring is the easiest and fastest way to get rid of this threat. Please know when you restore to default settings all your personal settings will be lost. If you do agree to continue to reset your Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser to default settings see our instructions.
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings
- Open Internet Explorer
- goto "wrench" icon in top right corner
- Select Internet Options
- Goto tab Advanced
- Select Reset button
- Enable Delete personal Settings
- Click Reset button
- Restart Internet Explorer
Reset Google Chrome to default settings
- Open Google Chrome
- Goto the three stripes in the right top corner (menu)
- Select Settings
- Scroll down to the end of the page, search for + Show advanced settings
- Scroll down once again to the end of the page and click Reset browser settings button
- Click Reset once more
Reset Mozilla Firefox to default settings
- Open Mozilla Firefox
- Goto the three stripes in the top right corner
- Select the Question Mark
- Select Troubleshooting Information in the menu.
- Click the Reset Firefox button and confirm Reset Firefox again the pop-up.
Notice: Old data from Firefox will be placed on your Windows Desktop in a folder called "Old Firefox data".
As restoring to default settings for Firefox didn't work out as expected you can restore this folder, otherwise delete this folder from your desktop.


text:
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
C-section fears
Anyway...I found this thread about the rising rate of c-sections these days. As I was reading, I went into full PANIC mode. OMG, what if I have to have a c-section this time? I've really never even thought about this as a possibility after my extremely quick and easy delivery with London. However with every pregnancy there is always a chance.
I have no idea why the idea of a c-section sends me into cold sweats. Tons of women do it everyday, however it skeebs me out! (Skeebs is a word right?) Why is it necessary for me to be awake while a doctor slices me open and digs around in my abdomen pulling out my child.
Don't get me wrong, I'm NOT anti c-section. I know there are tons of reasons why they are medically necessary. I'm just SCARED of them. Ghosts, Zombies, and IVF don't scare me at all. (Yes, I just put IVF into the same category as Ghosts and Zombies). C-sections on the other hand send me screaming and running. The process, the recovery, the staples. THEY PUT STAPLES IN YOUR STOMACH! That can NOT be good! I once accidentally stapled my finger and it HURT, I can't imagine staples (PLURAL!!) in my stomach. I really need to stop talking about this before my blood pressure goes through the roof and I require c-section.
I have my next, and probably last, ultrasound next week. I'm hoping, wishing, and praying that everything looks good, and we can continue with our plans for a vaginal delivery.
33 weeks! Only one more month until I'm considered FULL TERM! WOOOHOOO! I'll update with a belly pic later this week!
13 comments:
- Abby said...
I was also so scared of needing a c-section that I litterly started throwing up when they told me (after 48 hours of labor) that I needed an emergency Csection because the baby was trying to escape through 4 cm and her head was swelling..... It ended up not being nearly as bad as I had imagined. The worst part is getting the baby out because it feels like they are grabbing up in your chest! The staples, you do not even feel them, taking them out pinched but no biggie! (Of course I had a breast reduction at 19 and have over 1000 stitches so the staples were a breeze lol..) Do not stress you will do great no matter what option you have to go with. And look at it this way, it's another reason to not have to get up a lot to change poopy diapers in the first few weeks! My DH spoiled me! :)
- September 20, 2011 at 11:47 AM
- FirstTimeMom said...
Gosh you're so close! I had a c-section last year for my DS and it was fine. I was scared, yes. But I made it through. I cried the whole time I was on the operating table because I was so scared but really it went great. I was in and out in a half an hour and I didn't feel anything. The smells on the other hand....gross!! The recovery wasn't all that bad either. Only the first few times I got up and down in the hospital was rough but after I was home it wasn't too bad. I was just a little sore. Oh and my Doctor did not use staples on me. He used skin glue and it was great! Anyways, there are horror stories out there but for the most part c-sections really aren't all that bad. Hopefully this helps calm your fears but since you had such an easy delivery last time I can't see why you would end up with a c-section this time.
- September 20, 2011 at 11:51 AM
- Maddy said...
I've had two C-sections now. One was an emergency section after 26 hours of labor. The second one was not an emergency, but it was necessary at 37 weeks due to bleeding from partial placental previa. It really isn't *that* bad. Yes, the smells are gross. And the pulling/tugging sensations are weird. But the pain is manageable as long as you don't try to do too much too soon. And I definitely did NOT have staples. My doctor used sutures, which dissolved on their own after some time. And the silver lining to all of it is that your baby comes out PERFECT. I'm sure you'll do fine. If you had one easy delivery, you'll pop the second one out even faster! Best of luck!
- September 20, 2011 at 1:53 PM
- Heather said...
You are not alone :-)
- September 20, 2011 at 2:15 PM
- Kim said...
I had a c-sec with Kiwi. I went to all the birthing class (and paid for them too.) Then a week before her due date the doc finally listened to me and checked my pelvic area (3 generations before me had very hard delivery bc of small pelvic areas.) He decided c-sec would be best.
It was amazing!!! Not only did I have no pain from labor, but I recovered extremely well. I was up well before they wanted me to be, not too much pain. It was great! I think I may be a rare case, but my experience was great! Hopefully it will be good this Dec. for the new baby too.
I can say that out of 4 of us that were prego at the same time, only 1 delivered vag. I was a planned c-sec and the other two were emergency c-sec.
- September 20, 2011 at 3:20 PM
- Toni C said...
You crack me up! Ghosts, zombies, and IVF... awesome. I had to have a c section at the last minute and it wasn't terrible at all. You'd be just fine because, in the end, sweet baby will be here and life is good! If you need any c section tips I've got a list. :-) YAY for almost baby time!
Also- my word verification for this post is "pood"...like poo'd? LOL!
- September 20, 2011 at 5:16 PM
- Jacksmom said...
You will be ok regardless of which way you deliver. It is major surgery and that is scary, but unless your baby is huge or you are having complications that require Holden to be delivered immediately there is no reason to think you couldn't have a vaginal delivery. That said, a lot can change while you are in labor, and if they approach you with it because its the safest method of delivering him healthy, I would just keep in mind that you want your baby to be delivered safely. Don't let it scare you.
- September 20, 2011 at 5:47 PM
- Erin said...
I am terrified of having to have one! Every week I am scared the doctor is going to tell me she flipped breech and I will need one!
- September 20, 2011 at 9:43 PM
- Kakunaa said...
I understand the feeling. They had to give me serious anxiety drugs when we went into mine. If it weren't for the fact that I wanted to be conscious and I am even worse with general anesthesia...it is SCARY. But we are here for you!
- September 22, 2011 at 2:20 PM
- Reproductive Health said...
I'm pretty sure they numb you the area where they will cut, but your awake all five of my cousins had c-sections and they said you feel pressure and tugging, but that is 100% better than natural but than again.
- October 30, 2011 at 1:15 AM
- Unknown said...
What you're declaring is totally correct? I am aware that everyone must say the same thing, but I just think that you put it in a way that everyone can understand.
- November 16, 2011 at 7:00 AM
- chenlina said...
- July 13, 2015 at 2:00 AM
- Unknown said...
- August 14, 2015 at 3:47 AM


text:
How Even Highly-Targeted Censorship Can Lead To Overblocking
from the unintended-consequences dept
As the battle rages over SOPA and PIPA, censorship is very much on people's minds. But there are many different kinds of censorship, operating at different levels of precision. For example, while some forms are crude and inexact, like Homeland Security's shutdown of 84,000 sites, others are highly targeted, and designed to block in a very specific way.
That's the case for the attempted blocking of Newzbin2 in the UK. The judge, Justice Arnold, ordered the ISP BT to take a two-stage approach (possible thanks to the pre-existing "Cleanfeed" system it had set up to block child pornography).
If an IP address matches one of those contained in the blocking list, the request to access the site is routed to a proxy server where the exact URL – the specific address including the directory and filename – is examined. If that matches too, access is denied. The judge specified this technique, rather than simply ordering the IP address to be blocked, for an important reason, which he explained in one of his rulings:
the Studios now accept that the order should refer to IP address re-routing and not IP address blocking. It appears that IP address blocking could lead to "overblocking" of sites or pages that ought not to be blocked.
However, as James Firth notes in a blog post, overblocking is still likely to occur thanks to the combination of two factors:
The first is that Newzbin will - and there's strong evidence they have done already, several times - change their IP address. It is well known that IP addresses have all but run out. Nearly all IP addresses allocated are recycled - they've been in use before.
As Firth points out, one of the many worrying aspects of the Newzbin2 judgment is that there doesn't appear to be any mechanism for removing IP addresses once they have been placed on the blocking list – even if they are no longer used by Newzbin2. Adding new ones, by contrast, is explicitly permitted:
Pity the website owner who picks up Newzbin's old IP address. Under Arnold, J's BT ruling the new owner of the IP address would have some solace in that the URL would not match, therefore BT customers would still be able to access the website, albeit via a proxy. Re-routing via the proxy may cause some minor problems, but that's a bit of a side issue.
In the case of Sky, [another UK ISP now blocking Newzbin2] unless Sky happen to also use a 2-stage blocking system [like BT] - and my contacts tell me they do not - then whoever picks up the old recycled IP addresses from Newzbin will find themselves blocked.
sites "whose sole or predominant purpose is to enable or facilitate access to the Newzbin[2] website" (para 10) can find themselves blocked, again without re-application to the court. If someone creates a website explaining how to work around the block, and this website did very little else but explain how to access Newzbin, it too could be blocked.
That would lead to yet more IP addresses being added to the list, which might then be handed out again to new users as they are recycled from ephemeral sites that pop up and then disappear.
What Firth's analysis shows is how even relatively "sophisticated" censorship systems that aim to minimize damage to other sites can lead to overblocking because not every situation can be foreseen or planned for. Now imagine what SOPA/PIPA will do.
Follow me @glynmoody on Twitter or identi.ca, and on Google+
Filed Under: blocking, censorship, copyright, ip blocking, ip filtering, overblocking, pipa, protect ip, redirects, sopa, uk
Companies: bt, newzbin, sky


text:
BioMed Realty Trust Appoints Former Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. President and CEO to Its Board of Directors
"We are pleased to welcome Dan to our board," said Alan D. Gold, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioMed Realty. "Dan brings his extensive knowledge of the life science industry, as well as proven experience as a successful and dynamic leader, which we believe will contribute significantly to the continued sound execution of our business model. His deep understanding of our tenants' needs will enable us to continue to provide leading-edge life science companies with the real estate necessary to advance their groundbreaking innovation and discoveries. Dan is joining a strong board group, which collectively possesses the breadth of skills in life science, real estate, finance and corporate governance to provide sound advice and guidance to BioMed Realty as we fulfill the unique needs of life science organizations and create value for our stockholders."
Mr. Bradbury is the Managing Member of BioBrit, LLC, a life sciences consulting and investment firm. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., from March 2007 until its acquisition by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company in August 2012. Mr. Bradbury served as Amylin's President from June 2006 until March 2007, as Chief Operating Officer from June 2003 until June 2006, as Executive Vice President from June 2000 until June 2003, and other positions in corporate development and marketing from 1994 until 2000. In addition, Mr. Bradbury was a member of the board of directors of Amylin from June 2006 until August 2012. Prior to joining Amylin, Mr. Bradbury spent ten years at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, holding a number of sales and marketing positions.
Mr. Bradbury is currently a member of the boards of directors of Illumina, Inc., Geron Corporation, Corcept Therapeutics Inc. and Castle Biosciences, Inc. and the board of trustees for the Keck Graduate Institute of the Claremont Colleges. Mr. Bradbury also serves on the Advisory Council of the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management, the RAND Health Board of Advisors, and the University of Miami's Innovation Corporate Advisory Council. He received a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Nottingham University and a Diploma in Management Studies from Harrow and Ealing Colleges of Higher Education in the United Kingdom.
About BioMed Realty Trust
BioMed Realty delivers optimal real estate solutions for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, scientific research institutions, government agencies and other entities involved in the life science industry. BioMed Realty owns or has interests in properties comprising approximately 13.1 million rentable square feet. The company's properties are located predominantly in the major U.S. life science markets of Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Maryland, New York/New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Seattle, which have well-established reputations as centers for scientific research. Additional information is available at www.biomedrealty.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: general risks affecting the real estate industry (including, without limitation, the inability to enter into or renew leases, dependence on tenants' financial condition, and competition from other developers, owners and operators of real estate); adverse economic or real estate developments in the life science industry or the company's target markets; risks associated with the availability and terms of financing, the use of debt to fund acquisitions, developments and other investments, and the ability to refinance indebtedness as it comes due; failure to maintain the company's investment grade credit ratings with the ratings agencies; failure to manage effectively the company's growth and expansion into new markets, or to complete or integrate acquisitions and developments successfully; reductions in asset valuations and related impairment charges; risks and uncertainties affecting property development and construction; risks associated with downturns in foreign, domestic and local economies, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, and volatility in the securities markets; ownership of properties outside of the United States that subject the company to different and potentially greater risks than those associated with the company's domestic operations; risks associated with the company's investments in loans, including borrower defaults and potential principal losses; potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental contamination; risks associated with the company's potential failure to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and possible adverse changes in tax and environmental laws; and risks associated with the company's dependence on key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


text:
Imagine Twinkies, Doritos and Cheez-Its without the artificial colors and preservatives, full of wonderful flavors and nutrients from whole grains and natural sugars, and easily made in your own kitchen including gluten-free and vegan variations.
Lara Ferroni shows you how with Real Snacks, a collection of 50 nostalgic childhood treats that satisfy your junk food cravings but without all the junk!
(description from publisher)


text:
Winterthur is one of the last of the original Wild Gardens. William Robinson's book The Wild Garden stimulated a new type of garden design at the turn of the twentieth century in Great Britain, Ireland and America. An idea with tremendous appeal to large landowners, The Wild Garden concept is built around the idea of gardening on a broad scale, "placing perfectly hardy exotic plants under condition where they will thrive." Most early twentieth century Wild Gardens have not survived due to the post War land development and natural disasters such as the hurricanes that struck Great Britain in the late 1980s. Because Wild Gardens depend on plants rather than architecture, or hardscape, once a Wild Garden becomes neglected and goes literally wild, it is almost impossible to reclaim.
In the Winterthur Garden the flora, consisting mainly of naturalized exotics, is arranged to appear as if it grew spontaneously, planted in large drifts and grouped with other plants that harmonize in color and form. The garden encompasses the entire estate; the views in every direction are important to the whole; the woodlands, hay fields, and meadows are as crucial as the more formally planted areas. The paths are an integral part of to the overall design, curving rather than straight, following the contours of the land, passing around tree, drawing walkers into the garden. At Winterthur "color is the thing that really counts more than any other," said du Pont. A master of color, the garden is known for its harmony and "near-discords," as landscape architect Marian Coffin, who worked with du Pont on the garden's hardscaping, wrote with admiration.
At Winterthur nearly one thousand acres of farmland surround the 60 acre garden. The land at Winterthur is under a conservation easement so the property will never be commercially developed. We manage the garden today as though H. F. du Pont were alive and his vision still informs our decisions.
Top Image: Historic image of azaleas and bulbs


text:
Batman and Superman. The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Starsky and Hutch. Now we must add a new partnership to the greatest team-ups of all time — Dragonball Z's Goku and Kentucky Fried Chicken's Colonel Sanders. The two are currently working together in Japan, as KFC promotes the first new DBZ movie in 17 years, Battle of Gods, while Goku shills the Colonel's chicken in the above commercial. If the wonder of hearing Goku's high-pitched Japanese voice say "Kentucky!" doesn't appeal to you, maybe the picture below of a Col. Sanders statue wearing Goku's trademark gi and holding a dragonball will.
I wonder what would Col. Sanders wish for? A 12th secret spice? More fingers to increase his capacity for finger-lickin' goodness? Or maybe he'd just want to fry Shenron the dragon in his secret blend of herbs and spices?
[Via Anime News Network]


text:
1. new treasurer
2. building manager
3. grants
4. charity/cafe split
5. z totals
In reverse order...
ZZZZZZZZ totals - The deal is: at the end of your shift, the KM or NM presses a button on the till and it prints out a break down of what has been sold and how much money you should have. This means you can track down any thievery that may be taking place. Aside from the philosophical question of whether we want to be the type of organisation that does this (apparently it has already been decided), there are the practical considerations. KMs would have to count the money first thing in the morning, then again at the end of their shift. They would also need a way of recording anything that comes out of the till (such as adding up receipts or using a magical button on the till), and they would need a way of ringing through the random stuff that does not have its own button (such as books & CDs). We are concerned that KMs will struggle to find the time for all the counting, but (Action:) Shannon is willing to experiment to see if it can work.
Charity/cafe split - Neil is getting us another bank account. there will be one for the cafe (all food/drink stuff) and another for the charity (everything else). There will also be separate cash supplies and cheque books, and we will need another safe in the managers office. Receipts will have to be kept separate. A new, more organised system of collecting receipts will be introduced. They will be neat and tidy. It will be better for everyone. Neil and/or James will introduce the new system soon.
Grants -
This is not so much a grant, more an offer of free volunteers. We have most of these things, though some of them may need to be typed up. We do not have a disclosure policy, though maybe we do not actually need one in this case. Can we get audited accounts? Will we need z totals for that? Possibly not as we are talking about charity and not cafe accounts, so z totals should not come into it. Equal Opportunities Policy may be in our constitution. Disciplinary & Grievance Policy may be in relation to staff, not customers and random folk. In which case we do not have it.ravanwin wrote:project scotland (http://www.projectscotland.co.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspx) should be able to send us loads of free volunteers to help run forest related projects from events to publishing and beyond.
only thing: we have to fill out the cursed application form.
most of it isn't a problem and i'll take it on, however, they want hard copy of the following.
any idea what we have / what we don't and how to get if we don't have?
Policy & Procedure Checklist
Health and Safety Policy
Equal Opportunities Policy
Public Liability Insurance to the value of £2 m
Employers' Liability Insurance to the value of £5 m
Disciplinary & Grievance Policy
Current Fire Certificate/Fire Risk Assessment has been carried out
Disclosure Policy
Volunteer Induction Procedure
Annual Audited Financial Statements
Data Protection
Action: Shannon will look into the Equal Opportunities Policy. James will look up the Data Protection Act and ask his accountant friend about audited accounts.
Building Manager - Ryan is doing a good job. Do we need to set tasks and priorities. The main tasks we could think of were:
- Find people to rent the rooms
- Pursue grants
- Get events licence
Ryan is working on all these things, but they are not easy. We think he should make a report to the FWG every month, and also that he should tell us what he needs in order to make progress. We are reluctant to make a list of stuff that needs doing, or to feed Ryan all the jobs that others don't want to do.
Action: Neil will start bb thread so folk can make suggestions of stuff for BM to do.
New treasurer - What does the treasurer do? Collect receipts, update accounts book, count & bank money, write cheques, pay bills, call call centres, mainly. Jon is up for taking on some of these tasks. He may not be living in Edinburgh, but he may be, and that would be good.
Action: Neil will show Jon how to do banking and update the accounts book.
Other business:
Forest grants - there may be another interesting one from the Philippines.
BB - Neil may be able to install a mod that will make it a bit easier to use. But he is worried it could fuck everything up. Our board is already heavily modded. He will do some experimenting when he has time.


text:
You've seen the Fujisawa High School Photos part 1 and here is part 2 which we filmed to show on a TV show which I'm hosting called Culture:Japan. The show will air on Tokyo MX TV 12th June from 21:00 – 21:30. Culture:Japan will then be aired on the Animax Asia network all over Asia. Folks outside of Japan and Asia will be able to see the show somehow ^^;
Here we have the 3 school girls who will star in the Fujisawa High School segment on the show – and yes they are all members of the K-ON (Keion) bukatsu (after school activities).
These are the members of the Keion bukatsu – all 3rd year students at Fujisawa High. They got together at the end of the day and gave us a tune – something jumps out half way through the video ^^;
Was fascinating to see that students clean up their classrooms. They move the tables to one end of the room and then take the brooms out of the locker where they then sweep towards the center of the floor.
Have never seen anything like this in the UK but think that this should be practiced worldwide to give students a sense of cleaning up after themselves. Any cleaning chores at school in your neck of the woods?
The cooking lessons was interesting too. The students grow their own veggies in the school yard and then go to pluck them when ripe. Today they were cooking spring onions which they just freshly plucked. Other veggies include carrots, potatoes and so on.
For the previous week they made pizza which they loved ^^; No cooking classes when I was a wee lad ToT
Anyway, been under water of late with filming and running the business but will be writing up a load of other posts and be posting throughout my day off today.
Going to leave you to wander around the rest of the school – don't do or touch anything I wouldn't do/touch!


text:
Minimum:$30 - Maximum:$299
3% Referral Commission
Principal Included
Instant Payment
Minimum:$300 - Maximum:$2,999
5% Referral Commission
Principal Included
Instant Payment
Minimum:$3,000 - Maximum:$30,000
10% Referral Commission
Principal Included
Instant Payment
Minimum:$899 - Maximum:$10000
3% Referral Commission
Principal Return
Instant Payment
Minimum:$1500 - Maximum:$30000
8% Referral Commission
Principal Return
Instant Payment
Minimum:$5,000 - Maximum:$50,000
15% Referral Commission
Principal Return
Instant Payment
|Choose plan:
|Deposit amount:
|Total Percentage:
|Total Profit:
About 24 HOURS COINS LTD
With the advancement in technology & current world trends, the conventional means of money & trading have been greatly altered. The same place has been taken by the stock market, foreign exchange & cryptocurrency market up to a great deal. However, an overwhelming majority of the people tend to get confused when they opt to go beyond mainstream mediums of trading & investing. This is where our platform (24hourscoins.com) comes to help and enable you to be capable of using modern tools & techniques for enhancing your trading profits. Not only for newbies, but we also aim to assist the intermediates & even expert traders by providing them with all the latest gadgets which can flourish their trading & investing investments thoroughly.
2 Albert Place, London, England, N3 1QB
24hourscoins.com Features that Work
Withdrawal requests are processed instantly without any fee. You don't have any limit.
GC is the best investment on-line platform.
It's a legal company registered in the United Kingdom providing its investment.
EV SSL(Extended Validation SSL) encryption and has green address bar that confirms.
Worldwide web servers protected, one of most experienced, professional and trusted.
High-quality, 24/7 support at all stages of cooperation.
Trusted by Experienced Investors
You can invest their plans right now! Site paying me fine. I absolutely trust with this company. Thanks for admin offer us a stable program! You are best!
I have been worried about investing. But when I came here. I don't have to worry anymore. Excellent performance, they continue to make good commitments.
I did not believe such projects before, now I am already earning very well with this company. Thanks to the administration of the program, now I began to live better.
Easy Start With 24hourscoins.com
Copyright © 2020-2024 24Hourscoins. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Posted 10 years ago
(224 items)
Just another piece from the collection I have the most examples in. That is, except for my coin collection. The several hundred "occupied Japan" pieces that I have mean that I can't remember where each and every one came from or when I bought it. This I vaguely remember getting at an antique store in my many trips to St. Augustine Florida. Being our nations "oldest city" relates to there being many objects from many countries and from time frames going all the way back to 1565 and up to present day. Toby mugs are highly collectible but I only own this one.


text:
Forum: From Soup to Nuts: Featured Weekly Discussions (on hiatus)
[NOTE: From Soup to Nuts is on hiatus right now, but I think you'll truly enjoy exploring the archive of great discussions here] "From Soup to Nuts" is a fun one to look up in the Wikipedia Dictionary. It means "the full course", and that's what this new forum is all about. Meaningful, in-depth featured discussions that will be new each week. Grab your napkin and join us!


text:
Love Advice From Celebrities Like Taylor Swift, Niall Horan, Drake + More [PHOTOS]by Ali Szubiak | PopCrush
Have you ever been so burned by love — or, really, the loss of it — that you could practically feel the cavern of your chest cave in, as though your insides shriveled up and died so completely that there was nothing left to hold up the shell that is your body? The mass of your flesh and blood? If so, you've come to the right place.
Love is one of those fundamental experiences that bonds us together, the world over, as human beings. There is little doubt you've experienced it in some form, be it in its infancy, at its full force or even the pain of the unrequited — love is unavoidable, unless you are Voldemort. And while we often think of celebrities as these otherworldly beings who don't experience feelings in the same capacity as the rest of the human population, the fact of the matter is they've all loved and lost, just as we all have.
Just in time for Valentine's Day we decided to compile some of the best advice on dating and love that we could find. Take Taylor Swift, for example. Her successes and losses in love have been public knowledge for years, but she manages to take it all in stride, release some killer albums and break world records while she heals. If you've ever wondered what kind of advice she — among others — might have for the unlucky in love, you've come to the right place. From Ariana Grande and Drake to Niall Horan and Vanessa Hudgens, it's all very varied and very real. Check out the gallery above to find out what they had to say.
Remember, if ever you feel like the last heartbreak you've suffered will be your last, you know, because you're giving up on love completely, Maya Angelou said it best: "Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." Or buy a box of discounted chocolate the day after Valentine's Day and be your own boyfriend.


text:
Sorry I'm a little later than usual! I haven't had a clue what day it is all week!
Each Wednesday on Want to Win Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to find new blogs, win cool prizes in bloggy giveaways, share your giveaways, or do all 3.
If you've never entered blog giveaways, now is the time to start. I've won all kinds of great prizes from blog giveaways…from small items like brownie mix to large items like a ladder.
This is also a great opportunity for bloggers to share their sites with others that may not have found their site otherwise. I hope you take part in this each week in one form or another (or BOTH)!
Please keep all giveaways family friendly. Please link directly to your giveaway post and not your homepage please. This is requested so that we do not have to search for your posts.
Hope your week has been great so far and that it gets even better as it goes along!


text:
Brian Davis is a nice guy—almost annoyingly so for the writer assigned to his interview. Asked to brag about himself, Davis instead goes out of his way to make it about "the team," which number about 100 employees tasked with building out Scottrade's institutional platform.
All well and good, but how specifically did he come so far so fast? No luck; he won't budge and once again describes the pride he feels in "the team" for continuing to expand on the company's service metrics.
If you haven't heard of Scottrade Advisor Services, you're forgiven. Started in 2005, it resides in the decidedly non-financial hub of St. Louis alongside its better-known retail counterpart. But the institutional business is coming on strong, finding a niche among Schwab, TD Ameritrade, Pershing and smaller clearing and custody firms, not to mention the entire independent broker-dealer industry.
"Our strong consumer brand works to the advisor's advantage," Davis, the division's director, explains. "The institutional brand certainly isn't as well known, but clients know Scottrade and feel comfortable placing their money with us, as opposed to what could possibly be some sort of Bernie Madoff situation."
Maybe it's a Midwest, plain-vanilla sort of thing, but the Bernie Madoff reference is important. Davis notes the firm isn't big in the alternative investment space, especially the "pure play private placement stuff." It's a surprising answer given the need for non-correlated asset classes in the current market craziness, but one he says stems from a lack of demand from their advisors, something rarely heard from other firms.
"It's not what we do," he says. "For those advisors that want [access to alternative investments], we offer qualified third parties that are the experts in that area."
The attitude translates to other areas beyond alternative investments. The institutional division is not a supermarket like other firms, Davis adds. Some advisors need hand-holding and others don't. Because of the unique, customized situation in which many advisors find themselves, Scottrade has narrowed it down to offering best-of-breed vendors that can help those advisors who want hand-holding, as well as those who don't.
So, of course, when the subject of value is mentioned, Davis immediately seizes upon it.
"Value is a subject of cost," he explains. "It is drilled into everyone's heads here at Scottrade to deliver as much value as possible for the given level of cost. We do that through our superior service and through partnerships with first-rate technology and software providers, like with MoneyGuidePro. But we look at it more macro than that; value and cost [are] ingrained in our culture."
In other words, the company is known for its low costs, but it doesn't translate to low-quality service.
"Our service is something that advisors continually mention, and it's something of which I'm extremely proud," Davis adds. "It's not a phone bank type of thing. When the advisor calls, they get a direct line to a dedicated representative to help with their situation."
That level of service translates to more wallet share for the company. Contrary to the majority of RIAs and broker-dealers listed in Investment Advisor's 2012 Broker-Dealer Reference Guide (see June 2012 issue), Davis says most of the advisors he's signed use Scottrade Advisor Services exclusively.
"Typically, our partners only use Scottrade, as opposed to multiple custodians," he says. "It's stressful enough making the leap to a new clearing and custodial partner; getting to know multiple platforms is even more so. So they like to get their feet wet with just one."
Whatever the case, something's working. The firm reached a milestone recently, announcing in early April that it surpassed 1,000 advisory firms in its client base (as we said, coming on strong). According to the company, the institutional division "has seen progressive growth year over year, with 2010 assets growing by 50% and 2011 assets growing by 45%."
"It's a 50-50 split as to where the advisors are coming from," Davis claims. "Half come from wirehouses and half from independent broker-dealers."
While they have the ability to serve advisors of all stripes and experience levels, their sweet spot is the state-registered advisor with less than $100 million in AUM; those advisors who might have recently left the wirehouses with $80 million, or those who are just starting out with $20 million or less.
For the smaller advisors, he sees a growing trend related to "planning networks," like Garrett Planning Network, which offer clients hourly fees, as opposed to charging them based on AUM.
"We enjoy a great relationship with Garrett Planning Network, which is structured in a unique but effective way of which advisors can take advantage," he says. "By pooling the AUM, the advisors and clients can enjoy the hourly rate relationship, but from Scottrade's perspective, we're still receiving the assets under management."
If only the discussion of value and service could end there. Competing against dominant players like Schwab and Fidelity means Scottrade suffers many of the same headaches experienced by Schwab and Fidelity; namely headline risk and the recent Facebook IPO debacle, which NASDAQ now counts as 30 million improperly executed shares.
In late May, Scottrade was criticized (along with its competitors) by The New York Times and other news outlets for incorrect trades and what it saw as poor customer service in the days following Facebook's market debut.
"[R]etail investors have spent much of this week looking for someone to address their losses, or even just to answer questions about where they can take their complaints," the paper noted.
It went on to claim that "brokers like Scottrade have almost universally declined to take direct responsibility for the losses their customers suffered. The frustration of these customers has played into a broader sense that small investors got the short end of the stick in the bungled Facebook offering."
"Clients who have shares of Facebook stock in their accounts can trade their shares at any time," Scottrade spokesman Whitney Ellis told the Times. "We have tried to address every client's concerns on an individual basis and will continue to do so until everything has been resolved."
So how does this square with the pride Davis feels in the company's customer service?
First, the official company line:
"Due to the reported issues at NASDAQ, some clients experienced delays in seeing their Facebook (FB) orders execute. These issues were industry-wide and beyond our control. We worked diligently to process all Facebook orders by Wednesday's settlement date (May 23)."
Davis, for his part, claims it wasn't an issue for the institutional division and had little to nothing to do with his team:
"It didn't really affect Scottrade Advisor Services. Less than 3% of our advisors were in any way involved, which is further proof that the advisors we partner with are reluctant to get involved with anything like that."
With that out of the way, Davis is eager to hype a new relationship Scottrade recently initiated with Lexington Compliance, developers of the popular "RIA in a Box" platform.
"We recently instituted a new, free compliance program. It's a hotline for our advisors through Lexington to help answer day-to-day compliance questions that arise," he said, adding it came about as a request from advisors for help with the increasingly complicated compliance portion of their business.
Davis is also eager to note that the institutional division's comparatively recent inception is a competitive advantage in a number of ways; Scottrade is nimble, as they are not a legacy firm and can accommodate changes and trends quickly.
For example, Davis notes that as a function of overall allocation, there is greater adoption of ETFs than mutual funds by the firm's advisors.
"Currently, 23% of our client assets are in ETFs and ETNs and 21% to 22% are in mutual funds," Davis says. "We started right as the movement to ETFs really started to ramp up. It probably would have been a different mix had we started in 1990."
In order to capitalize further, Scottrade bought FocusShares in June 2010, and subsequently launched 15 ETFs on March 30, 2011.
The products, already in the low-cost ETF industry, boast even lower costs when compared with rivals, said Erik Liik, CEO of FocusShares. The Total Market Index has an expense ratio of five basis points, and FocusShares' sector-specific ETFs have an expense ratio of 19 basis points.
"For Scottrade's advisors, affiliated RIAs and 3 million retail customers, there is no load and a low expense ratio," Liik explained.
"Overnight success in the ETF space is difficult," Liik added, "but we're doing it right by tracking closely to the index and having a very low cost. And now the word is getting out. We're the best deal on Wall Street."
As for future growth, goals and operations, Davis is coy, suggesting a number of announcements just over the horizon and advising readers to "stay tuned."
As for the overall institutional industry and where he sees Scottrade's place in it?
"I think that given the market environment and the fact that it's constantly changing, combined with the ongoing breakaway broker and RIA movement, we're still in the early innings when it comes to opportunity for institutional firms like ourselves," says Davis, a baseball aficionado and long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan (redundant). "Because of our brand, reputation and cost structure, when we finally arrive at the bottom of the ninth inning, we'll be a major player in the space."


text:
I'm looking to add simple links to different users within a wiki article (i.e. "John defined the original request, which was then expanded on my Jane." where John and Jane linked to their profile views respectfully).
I don't see wiki code for this, and when I try to insert from Insert>From SharePoint>Asset Menu Selector, I can't find where user data is stored. What am I missing? Is there no easy way to do this without programming or searching for URL's manually?


text:
This is my go-to cookie whenever I need to bring cookies to something or take cookies to a neighbor – my cute friend Annie introduced them to me and they have been my favorite cookie ever since.
If you are looking for a fast, and delicious cookie recipe for this season, look no further. This recipe is all you need. They are also very addicting. As rich as they are, you won't be able to have just one.
The best part, is these cookies only require 4 simple ingredients. Yes, you read that right, 4 ingredients.
be sure to try our delicious copycat disneyland snickerdoodle cookies. they are soft and chewy. A family favorite recipe!
How to make Andes Mint Cookies:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) pkg. devil's food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 pkg. Andes Mints
2. Bake them at 350 degrees for 6 to 9 minutes. While they are cooking, unwrap your Andes Mints so they are ready to go. When they are done, pull them out of the oven and put an Andes Mint on top.
*The trick is to put the Andes Mint on while the cookies are still hot so the mint will melt on top of the cookie.
what is the best way to store these if i make them ahead of time?
Holidays get a little crazy, so the more you can use your time wisely and make things ahead of time, the better.
These Andes Mint Cookies are the best cookies to make ahead of time, because they are delicious cold. If you plan to make them more than a week ahead of serving them we recommend storing them.
The best way to store and preserve them, is to put them in an airtight container, and put them in the freezer.
The day before serving them, we recommend removing them from the freezer and putting them on the counter, or in the fridge for 24 hours.
You could also reheat them in the oven a little bit, just to make them warm, but it will melt the chocolate a little bit.
the perfect holiday drinks to serve with cookies:
Don't get me wrong, I love cookies and milk, but there are a few holiday drinks, that only come around this time of year, so you have to take advantage of them.
Here are a few of our favorite holiday beverages to drink with our favorite cookies. They are all alcohol free, and kid friendly, so everyone can enjoy the holidays.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate: Just when red velvet couldn't get any tastier, we turned it into hot chocolate, and you are going to love it. It is so creamy, and I love dipping cookies or brownies in it.
Nutella Hot Chocolate: If you are anything like me, you like the rich with the rich. I don't care what anyone says, there is no such thing as too much chocolate, and this hot cocoa, and the cookies, complement each other, perfectly.
looking for more holiday cookie recipes?
Six Sisters Stuff
Serves: 30
These easy Andes Mint Cookies are perfect for the holiday season!
10 minPrep Time
9 minCook Time
19 minTotal Time
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package devils food cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 30 Andes Mints
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil and eggs.
- Roll dough into a 1 inch ball and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 6-9 minutes.
- Take baking sheet out of oven and while cookies are still very hot, place an Andes Mint on top of each cookie.
- In about 5 minutes, the mint will be melted. Take a spoon and smooth out each mint like frosting.
Be sure to not miss another recipe!
Follow Six Sisters' Stuff on Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
Have you heard about our newest cookbook, Copycat Cooking? We took over 100 of our favorite restaurant recipes and simplified them so that you can make them right at home!
Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.
This cookbook includes copycat recipes from Wingers, Texas Roadhouse, Starbucks, Panera, Cheesecake Factory, Kneaders, and so much more. We have you covered from drinks, to dessert and everything in-between.
We are so excited to share these recipes with you. Order your copy today!
Six Sisters' Stuff COPYCAT COOKING <—– Click here to order!


text:
WTP/Build/How to promote a build
To "promote a build", means to copy it from the build machine to the download machine. This happens, of course, after a build has been deemed promotable ... passed smoke tests or whatever other criteria there are for that build.
Why doesn't the build script just put every build on the download server? There are a couple of reasons. First, the build machine's files are not mirrored, which turns out to be much more efficient for day-to-day continuous build. Since not many people download those, we would trigger a great deal of of unnecessary activity in the Eclipse.org infrastructure if we put every build on download server. The second reason is that this makes it a little more apparent which build consumers and early testers can pick up. We produce many builds throughout a given week, some of them have never even been downloaded or looked at by anyone so we don't want innocent users or testers downloading a very bad build.
There's basically two things that have to be done. One, copy the files. In our current setup, this is accomplished by copying a directory from the build machine somewhere in the /shared/webtools/committers directory to its download location, somewhere on ~/downloads/webtools/downloads/drops. The other thing that has to be done is that a few files have to have some URLs updated to reflect the new location (most URLs are relative, though, so are valid no matter what the top level directory is). Besides these main things, there's also cleanup to do. On the build machine, any builds during the week that are not promoted should be deleted. It is a good idea, though, to leave the build directory that is being in place, partially to give time for any downloads from users or testers to complete, if they happen to be getting the latest at the same time you promote. Plus, downloads from the build machine are faster or more available for many committers, since once copied to the download server, it can take 10 to 30 minutes (or more) to "show up" by the time it replicates. To actually start showing up on mirrors takes several hours (and usually overnight). There is another type of cleaning not really addressed here (that is, by the automation described below) and that is cleaning up old builds on the download server itself .... this happens when we "change types" of builds. For example, when we promote a Milestone build, then shortly after that we should remove the I-builds that led up to that milestone.
The Promote Automated Script
There is a script (a bash script) in the
releng.control project called
promote.sh that automates the tasks mentioned above: copies the most recent build in what ever project is named, fixes up the URLs, and removes all but the most recent build.
As of this writing, the script can be ran from an SSH console on the build.eclipse.org machine, from the
/shared/webtools/releng.control directory.
Note that "most recent" is something to be careful of. While it does not happen often, occasionally we'll do a "final" build, only to discover it didn't go well, and decide to promote some previous build instead. In those cases, you would have to "manually" delete any build directories that were more recent than the one you wanted to promote before using the scripts.
The script can be ran with something like
./promote.sh -[vcd]p build-project
where build-project is one of the projects such as wtp-R3.0-M, wtp-R3.1-R, etc.
The options are all singe letters and technically optional (though not much is done if there are no options.
v verbose: provides more output about what it's doing c copy: actually does copy the most recent version from the specified project. If 'c' is not provided, no copy is done but the most recent one is listed to the console. This is one way to 'sanity check' that the one that will be copied matches the one you think it is. d delete: deletes the previous, older builds from the same project that is being promoted. p project: the 3-part name associated with any CC projects, such as wtp-R3.0-M, wtp-R3.1-R, etc.
So, for example, the command to promote a weekly M build on the 3.0 maintenance branch would be as follows (ran from the
/releng/control directory.
./promote.sh -dcp wtp-R3.0-M
The script will prompt you for your password twice, once at the beginning and once at the end. To setup the proper id for the password:
Make a copy of the /shared/webtools/releng.control/commonVariations.shsource file in your home bin directory /home/data/users/<your id>/bin edit the commonVariations.shsource file in your home bin dir and update the REMOTE_SSH_COMMAND="ssh firstname.lastname@example.com"
What if things change?
The process (and script) makes a few assumptions about the structure of the build machines directory structure and the webtools downloads directory structure. Hence, if any of those things change the script would have to be redone. Similarly, if and when there are new projects added, say "xml-4.0-R" then some tweaks might be required.


text:
Culinary PilgrimageFriday, April 16th, 2010
Planning culinary pilgrimage to NYC for my birthday and I have made the following reservation's:
Lupa, Casa Mono, Le Bernardin, & Balthazar.
I plan on standing in line at the Spotted Pig and will try for the elusive online reservation at Ko.
I need some more places.
Have any recommendations?


text:
November 27, 2013
Home for the Holidays: Tips on talking to aging parents about their health and safety
Posted in Selling by Penny Bolton
For many of us, the holidays give us an opportunity to spend special time with our parents. This can be a great time to check in, not only on life events, but also a good time to look for and address any health concerns you may have for your aging parents.
Read More >
November 21, 2013
Multigenerational Real Estate Trends
Posted in Buying by Tara Sharp
Across generations, home ownership still represents a significant step in achieving the American Dream. According to a study by LearnVest, an online financial resource, 77 percent of those surveyed believed that buying a home of their own was, "first and foremost in achieving the American Dream".
Read More >
November 15, 2013
Western Washington I 2013 Third Quarter Market Update
Posted in Market News by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
The double-digit price growth that we have experienced over the past year or so is set to taper—which is not a bad thing. It is pleasing to see an increase in homes for sale in many markets throughout Washington. The market is demonstrating stability, and buyers are increasingly comfortable with the view that home buying is not an inherent risk.
Read More >
November 07, 2013
Southwest Windermere Offices Give Back In A Big Way
Posted in Community by Tara Sharp
On Friday, October 18, Windermere offices in California, Nevada, and Arizona took some time off from selling houses to be a part of Windermere's annual Community Service Day. Over the past two weeks, we have heard some remarkable stories about the rewards of volunteering and what it means to give back to those in our communities who need it most.
Read More >


text:
TEMPE, Ariz. – Albert Pujols' brown eyes suddenly warm from the slugger's low simmer to a child's flicker on this spring morning in the Angels' clubhouse.
He leans back in the folding chair, stretches his arms in front of his heart and recalls how his beisbol life began.
The massive 6-foot-3, 230-pounder opens his left hand, meaty palm skyward, thick fingers spread.
"I got a milk carton, smashed the cardboard down flat and lifted up the sides," Pujols says, his right first pounding repeatedly into left hand.
"That was how I made my first glove."
He remembers being 5 years old, growing up just outside the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo, where every poor kid wants beisbol to save him.
Now every Dominican kid wants to be Albert Pujols, "The Machine," the three-time National League Most Valuable Player, the two-time World Series champion, the nine-time All-Star and the greatest hitter of his generation.
He began playing the game with a milk-carton glove, a stick of discarded lumber for a bat, a lime for a baseball and his father's softball jersey as his oversized uniform.
"As soon as I was done with school, I'd go back to the house, get changed and go to the ballpark," he says. "That's how I grew up, like every boy with a baseball dream."
And every day, Pujols – the St. Louis Cardinals icon turned Angel who signed baseball's third-richest contract (10 years, $246 million) this past offseason – remembers where he started.
He has never forgotten that first glove or that he climbed, worked, sweated, toiled and prayed to make something from nothing.
Pujols, 32, has consistently excelled at doing one of the most humbling things in all of sports: hitting a baseball.
During the 11 seasons of his career, all with the Cardinals, the slugger has been a .328 hitter with 1,329 RBIs and 445 home runs, pointing to the Lord every time he crosses the plate.
He has a basement full of trophies and plaques, among them his most prized 2008 Roberto Clemente Award honoring his off-the-field work, and the Ruthian numbers that would already land him in Cooperstown.
But his deepest pride swells from having become a self-made man.
He is a devoted husband to Deidre, or Dee Dee, his best friend since he was 18. He is a loving father to daughters Isabella, 14, and Sophia, 6, and sons A.J. (Albert Jr.), 11, and Ezra, 2.
He is a faithful supporter of Down syndrome causes and the proud Dominican returns at least once a year to help his impoverished homeland.
It's not enough for Pujols to be remembered only as one of the greatest baseball players the game has ever seen. His legacy will be so much more.
His father, Bievenido, was a pitcher and local softball hero but couldn't be counted on as a present parent. His mother deserted the family when Pujols, the youngest of 10 children, was 3.
His grandparents, Papi and America, and the uncles and aunts who were more like brothers and sisters, looked after Pujols, who was too young to know what he went without.
Pujols, his father and grandmother left the Dominican Republic in 1996 for New York City. They were there a few months before Pujols saw a man shot in a grocery store, prompting the family's move to live with relatives in Independence, Mo., just outside Kansas City.
Pujols was a 16-year-old kid who never had a batboy's body. He spoke little English but found a coach on his first day at Fort Osage High and said he wanted to play beisbol.
His raw talent immediately apparent, he became a chunky but effective all-state shortstop and led his new team to a 1997 Missouri state championship.
Pujols belted towering home runs whenever pitchers dared to give him something to hit. One legendary blast was estimated around 450 feet and bounced off a second-floor air conditioner beyond the left-field fence at Liberty High.
In his senior year, he batted .600, was walked 55 times in 88 plate appearances and had eight home runs.
But scouts didn't see Pujols, the thick-bodied man-child, as having a true position, never mind a future as a two-time Gold Glove-winning first baseman.
He went undrafted out of high school, then enrolled at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, where he met Coach Marty Kilgore.
"On the baseball field, he seemed so far ahead of the other kids baseball-wise," Kilgore said. "The hitting really got your attention. The sound of the ball coming off the bat was different from what you hear from 18-year-olds."
To his recruiting visit, Pujols brought his girlfriend, Dee Dee, whom he met at a Kansas City salsa club. Dee Dee worked three jobs and had an infant daughter, Bella, who had Down syndrome.
Pujols saw beyond Bella's condition. He embraced caring for the baby with a smile that could light up a ballpark, babysitting between baseball, school and part-time work at a pizzeria.
"He was heartbroken but not afraid," Dee Dee remembered about the day she explained Down syndrome to Pujols with Spanish-language informational pamphlets.
Wanting to give Dee Dee and Bella a better life motivated him. In his junior college debut, he hit a grand slam and made an unassisted triple play.
He took hundreds of reps in defensive drills. He'd hit before, during and after practice. Then he would call Kilgore later at night, asking, "Hey, can I get some extra hacks?"
"That was pretty much a routine," Kilgore said. "He was driven."
While his teammates had fun on the road, Pujols sat in the front of the bus with coaches. He practiced, ate with the team, never drank and went to bed by 10:30 p.m., saying: "I got a big game tomorrow. Got to get my rest, be ready to play. Should be some scouts there."
Pujols hit .466 with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs in 1999. People around him were telling him he'd be a first-round selection. And he believed them.
He was crushed when 401 players were taken before the Cardinals selected him in the 13th round in 1999. This was the first exposure Pujols and Dee Dee had to the cruel workings of the baseball enterprise, its rumors and hype.
"I didn't want Albert to feel like an object, a possession, but that's the business," Dee Dee said. "He's so much more."
On New Year's Day 2000, just before Pujols left for the Cardinals' Class-A affiliate in Peoria, Ill., he and Dee Dee were married. Their wedding cost $100, which she borrowed from her grandfather, and the reception was limited to 10 people.
"We didn't have anything back then," she remembered.
Determined to prove his value as a ballplayer and provide for his family, Pujols tore through the minors on power and prayers and a $250 check every two weeks. He went from Class-A Peoria to Class-A Potomac to Triple-A Memphis, winning the Cardinals' 2000 Minor League Player of the Year award.
He opened the 2001 season with the Cardinals, hit his first home run in his fourth game and batted .329, with 37 home runs and 130 RBIs, to become NL Rookie of the Year.
St. Louis Cardinals fans soon embraced him as their star. His work off the field made him their son.
They were heartbroken when he left America's heartland to wear No. 5 for the Angels.
Pujols and his wife founded the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005 because they wanted to do more than continue to write checks for worthy causes.
With Bella in mind, they organized experiences for families with children who have Down syndrome – father-son fishing trips, mother-daughter bowling nights, family ballpark outings, even a yearly prom where Pujols dances with the children.
Dee Dee has enjoyed watching her husband so happy, open-hearted and at ease when he's out of uniform.
"He wants to give people the encouragement and the inspiration that he found along the way that kept him going and kept him motivated to want to be the best," Dee Dee said. "This is a pleasure for him."
In January, Pujols made his yearly trip to his native Dominican Republic on a mission for the foundation. He has helped build baseball fields and hosted clinics. He brought doctors and dentists to orphanages.
He has carried new mattresses to the "bateys," or shantytowns where families had been sleeping on water-logged beds, straw or dirt. He has learned about their lives that, in some ways, resemble what his once was.
"I believe it's my responsibility to go back and give back," Pujols said. "Going home keeps me humble and never lets me forget what it took to get to this level and that I have to make sure I maintain that."
Earlier in his baseball career, when Pujols returned to the Dominican for offseason training, he and Dee Dee used to hand out testimony cards in Spanish to introduce themselves and offer help.
Some people couldn't read. Many didn't have homes with electricity or televisions or radios for following baseball games in America.
Dee Dee recalled that many people didn't know who Albert Pujols was. But they would soon learn that he had a genuine, generous heart for more than the game.
"The Machine" sits in front of his Angels clubhouse locker loaded with his power tools: a couple of black leather Rawlings first baseman gloves, a few two-toned maple Marucci bats and a half-dozen pairs of No. 5-embroidered Nike spikes.
No tattoos, no diamond earrings weighing down his lobes, no suspicious cloud of performance-enhancement hanging above him and no pretense, Pujols has blended into the Angels.
He is rejuvenated by spring, by his new teammates and by the promise of playing for a World Series-contending club.
"You look at him and think: 'That's Albert Pujols. He's a machine. You see him on TV. You hear his name all the time. He's hitting homers. He has two World Series (rings), three MVPs,'" said right fielder Torii Hunter, who has the locker beside Pujols.
"And Pujols is the most down-to-earth superstar you can find out there."
When Pujols arrived at the Tempe Diablo Stadium clubhouse, he was a curiosity. Angels, All-Stars and no-stars have watched his every move, studying the workings of greatness, the intensity of his practices, the focus he has in the batting cage and the attention to detail he employs with defense and baserunning.
This is routine for the driven Pujols. He trains and plays as if he were still a player trying to make the team.
"Some guys forget where they came from," Pujols said. "I won't forget. I'm just as hungry today as I was in 1999 and trying to make the ballclub with the Cardinals."
Pujols hit two home runs – his first in an Angels uniform – in a March 14 Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox. Then he got in his running, grabbed his equipment bag and jumped in the van with the rest of the front-liners as if it were any other day of work.
"He has a great perspective on this game and how important it is to work hard and stay where he is," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia.
Scioscia sometimes tells his young players, "Watch Albert."
So they do. We do.
Much of the future of the Angels lies in the very same place where beisbol began for a 5-year-old Dominican boy.
It's in Albert Pujols' hands.
Contact the writer: email@example.com


text: FABRIC: These jerseys are made of 100% Polyester mesh fabric that has small holes to allow for ventilation,Wrinkle-Resistance,Good Draping Property. You can Choose Stitched or Full Sublimation Printing to Customize Your Jersey. No Chance of Cracking, Fading, or Peeling. GREAT FOR BASKETBALL: These Basketball jerseys can be worn by men and women of all ages, including people who enjoy activities like bodybuilding, hiking, and sports like bicycling, jogging, soccer, lacrosse, football, tennis, and volleyball. We are UNABLE TO ACCEPT RETURNS/EXCHANGES ON CUSTOMIZED ORDERS unless the products is damaged/defective upon arrival, or if the Customization is different from what you entered when placing your order. Honey service: We are custom-made jerseys, Not only these, we can do any styles, there is nothing we can't do! It takes about 3-5 working days to prepare your order. Shipping time is 7-10 working days. If more than 4 pieces, the delivery time is 3-5 working days.


text:
Previous recipients of the top "Dr. Beach" spot say tourism bump was significant
Having bragging rights as the site of the nation's No. 1 beach is laudable enough, but the hundreds of millions of dollars in free advertising and new visitor spending could prove even more valuable.
With Dr. Stephen Leatherman's ranking of Siesta Beach as America's top shore destination for 2011 will likely come an onslaught of hundreds of thousands of new visitors, say past recipients of the designation by "Dr. Beach."
"We saw big increases — record-breaking numbers of visitors in the summers each of our beaches were named No. 1," said D.T. Minich, executive director of Visit St.Pete-Clearwater, whose beaches in Fort DeSoto Park and Caladesi Island received Dr. Beach's top honor in 2005 and 2008, respectively.
The visitors will almost certainly be accompanied by a huge spike in tourist spending that could add up to hundreds of millions of dollars more for area restaurants, shops and attractions.
Typically, Leatherman's top ranking results in a bump of 15 percent to 20 percent in the total number of tourists.
In Sarasota County, that would mean another 330,000 to 440,000 visitors to Siesta Beach this year, based on a county estimate of 2.2 million guests in 2010.
At that level, Sarasota County could see a financial boost of $334.3 million to $446 million, based on average visitor expenditures of $124 per day and $1,013 per trip, based on Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau data for visitors in paid lodging.
Many beaches topping the list have experienced a much greater jump.
"We had at least a 15 percent increase in traffic because of it," said Steve Funsch, village administrator in Southampton, N.Y., whose Coopers Beach became Dr. Beach's 2010 favorite.
The traffic count translated directly into revenue, too, because Southampton charges visitors to tread on Coopers Beach. Day passes cost $40; seasonal passes range from $225 to $350.
Funsch said the Dr. Beach designation bumped projected revenue at the beach up by six figures, to $774,000.
Day passes jumped 63 percent after the ranking, from 5,500 in 2099 to 8,963 in 2010.
"We had an extremely busy summer," Funsch said. "We had calls from Canada to South Carolina, about how to get to the beach. It's an amazing concept in that it bears out so much traffic."
Pinellas County keeps track of its visitors, too. A ferry is required to get to Caladesi, and visitors pay a toll to enter Fort DeSoto, making both destinations data rich.
"We had at least a 20 percent bump," Minich said.
Siesta Beach is no stranger to the ranking by Leatherman — director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research — or the benefits it can bring.
Last summer, even as fears of BP oil swirled and the nation's longest economic recession in seven decades had Americans rethinking vacation plans, Siesta Beach held onto its No. 2 ranking.
Even more importantly at the time, Leatherman predicted the gushing oil in the Gulf of Mexico would not reach land in Southwest Florida, a statement that allayed fears that Siesta and other area shorelines might be tainted.
Visitor bureau officials said the 40 acres of powdered sugar sands on Siesta actually had a slight increase in total number of visitors from the year before.
This year, Leatherman ranked Siesta on 50 different criteria, from water quality to amenities, and cited the beach's quality and breadth. Siesta gained points for being smokeless, as well.
"The powdery sand is nearly pure quartz crystal," Leatherman said in releasing his 21st annual ranking Friday.
Virginia Haley, president of the Sarasota visitors bureau, said the No. 2 ranking last year — the same as in 2009 — may have been a blessing, because of the distraction of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster.
"I think we'll see the full benefit of the No. 1 ranking this year," Haley said.
Largely incalculable, however, is the benefit from the blizzard of media attention that Dr. Beach's list provides.
"The media exposure from it is invaluable," Minich said. "You can't put a price tag on it."
On Friday, thanks to a rented satellite television truck, Dr. Beach stood on Siesta sand and conducted live television and print interviews.
Siesta was featured on NBC's "The Today Show" and ABC's "Good Morning America," along with the Weather Channel.
On MSN.com, a story about Dr. Beach's rating appeared prominently on the home page visited by more than 15 million each month, under the headline touting the "annual list of not-to-be missed locations."
The site also linked to a search for flights to Sarasota.
Meanwhile, the story of Siesta's ascension was carried by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Boston Herald, The Baltimore Sun, the Christian Science Monitor, Forbes, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
"It made all kinds of media outlets, and there's no question that it influenced people's decisions," said Keith Overton, president of Tradewinds Island Resorts, in St. Pete Beach, which saw a benefit when Fort DeSoto made the top spot.
Just as significant from a visitor perspective, Haley believes, is the form Dr. Beach's message takes.
"It has so much more meaning when you hear something presented from an editorial standpoint, rather than just from an ad," she said.


text:
This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2™R hypersport motorcycle is an engineering marvel, made possible only through the sourcing of technological expertise from multiple divisions of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI). The result of this unprecedented collaboration is a system of carefully crafted premium components and World Superbike racing inspired next-level electronics that work in concert to create an unbelievably powerful machine - one that's more than worthy of the legendary H2 name.
For 2019, key updates include new Brembo Stylema® calipers and highly durable self-repairing paint*.
*Paint recovery is not immediate and may take more than one week. The paint will not recover from all scratches, including those caused by a coin, key or zip fastener.
Front - Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers, dual semi-floating 330 mm discs, KIBS ABS
Front - 120/70 ZR17 Bridgestone V01F slick
Rear - 190/65 ZR17 Bridgestone V01R slick
Front - 43mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / Travel - 4.7 in.
Rear - Uni-Trak®, Öhlins TTX36 gas charged shock with piggyback reservoir, 22-way compression and rebound damping and adjustability, and hand-turn spring preload adjustability, and top-out spring / Travel - 5.3 in
Price, if shown and unless otherwise noted, represents the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) or dealer unit price and does not include government fees, taxes, dealer vehicle freight/preparation, dealer document preparation charges, labor, installation, or any finance charges (if applicable). MSRP and/or final sales price will vary depending on options or accessories selected; contact dealer for more details.
Images, where available, are presented as reasonable facsimiles of the offered unit and/or manufacturer stock images. Non-standard options or features may be represented. No guarantee of availability or inclusion of displayed options should be inferred; contact dealer for more details.