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Stop Complaining About Obama's Golfing
Everyone is better at their job when they take some time off. Even the president.
I thought that going on vacation with the president would be a real perk of serving as deputy press secretary in the Obama White House.
Don't get me wrong: Some elements of it are amazing. When you do find some down time, you can find yourself in one of the most beautiful places on Earth enjoying its splendor with the leader of the free world and your buddies.
That is—when you can find some down time.
As Washington chews over yet another presidential "vacation," and that most Washington of words—"optics"—let me take you behind the scenes of the last time President Obama took flack for supposedly being "disengaged" while world events marched on around him.
It was Christmas Day 2009. Osama bin Laden was still at large. A 23-year-old Nigerian man was caught trying to bring down a passenger airliner headed for Detroit—which would have been the most devastating terrorist attack since 9/11. The day of, and the days that followed, the botched bombing saw the president and his staff – in Hawaii, at the White House and scattered across the country on their own family vacations – snap to attention and drop everything else to make sure we were doing all we could to keep Americans safe.
The president was not a passive bystander. He led America's response to the apparent terrorist attack, soaking up new information as it came in, running meetings and issuing orders. As a regular matter of course, vacation or not, the president is briefed on intelligence every day. In this instance, he was receiving twice-daily updates on the situation in Detroit as well as three-times-daily updates on matters around the world from the Situation Room. As events developed, the president was directing his national security team—cabinet secretaries, intelligence officials and the military. He was awash in reports from the government and from the media.
A small group of us on the staff sat on top of each other for sometimes 20 hours a day in a small secure room inside our hotel. Takeout wrappers and disposable coffee cups would overfill garbage cans until we took them out, since hotel staff were not allowed inside. Without getting into too much of what it takes to turn a normal hotel suite into a SCIF (pronounced "skiff," short for Secure Compartmented Information Facility), I will say that the only nod to the fact that it was Christmas was an illustration of a Christmas tree printed in a full-page Macy's ad in the Honolulu newspaper that we had tacked up on the wall. And that was the only thing on any of the walls.
On daily conference calls that began for us at 2 a.m. Hawaii time, the president's team began assembling information that would be used to brief the president and the press corps. (Unfortunately, the local Starbucks was not keeping the same hours we were, and we were far too decaffeinated for hours of the first calls.)
The president was regularly briefed in person by a member of the traveling national security team, which at the time included Denis McDonough – then the deputy national security advisor, now the White House chief of staff – and Nick Shapiro, currently the deputy chief of staff at the CIA.
I'm not looking for sympathy when I say all this. It was one of the great honors in my life to serve this White House. And I'm not trying to make a woe-is-the-president point – he knew what he was getting into. But it is to illustrate that the president can be, and is, as engaged as is required, even when he is on "vacation."
Just consider what went into deciding whether or not an address from the president was appropriate in such a circumstance. Regardless of what is being said in the media or by the endless talking heads who have strongly held opinions even without a strong grasp of the facts, key questions must be asked: Do you elevate this failed plot by lending the president's voice to such a thing? Do you walk into the outcome the terrorists wanted in the first place, which was to visibly disrupt American life with their actions? Do you increase nervousness among Americans while elevating this issue during one of the peak travel times of the year? Can you appreciably advance American interests or assert leadership by speaking out? Is there a need to clearly communicate in a way that only the president can do?
The fact that the president is on vacation is a factor, but it's not nearly as big a factor as any of those things. Because even though President Obama was on vacation with his family in Honolulu, he was still the president of the United States. And on Martha's Vineyard the past few weeks, he was still president of the United States. Forget those who say there was too much going on this August: When you have a job that intense, there's never an ideal time to be off the clock, yet you need to recharge just like everybody else does.
Of course, Obama is hardly the first president to vacation – President John Adams took an amazing eight months off in one year in office, and President John F. Kennedy went away almost every single weekend of his presidency. And Obama's not the first president to get criticized for it either. President Ronald Reagan, who was on vacation for more than 300 days of his presidency, took an incredible amount of heat for not coming rushing back to the White House after the death of two Marines in Lebanon, an attack that would lead to the 1984 bombing of the Marine barracks there. But he blew off the criticism and even campaigned for two days before returning to Washington.
We don't let our son watch the news anymore. Growing up with parents who are big consumers of news, my boy—at the ripe old age of three—already knows something is amiss if Diane Sawyer is taking a night off. If David Muir is at the anchor desk he has been known to ask, "Is Diane sick?" (We haven't started explaining the more permanent transition going on at ABC just yet because we don't know how he will take it.)
But between Ferguson, ISIS, Gaza, Ukraine, Ebola and every other tragic news story happening, there are too many questions that newscasts raise now that a three-year old shouldn't have to wonder about. Too many sad faces on the screen, and it's too soon to explain why.
Being president of the United States means engaging on all of those issues every day, often multiple times – whether you're on vacation or you're not. And regardless of the location, this president – like every occupant of the Oval Office before him – is making decisions based on the welfare of the nation, far ahead of what his vacation schedule is.
Something unspeakable happened to James Foley, and his grieving family lives with the tragedy created by the ruthless monsters who took him from them. I can't say how I'd react if someone took my son from me in the same way. No one can know who hasn't gone through such a horrible thing. But I can guess. My guess is that I'd want the entire world to stop. That I'd want a moment of silence that never ended. I would want people to stop laughing and businesses to close. I have no judgment for the impulse of any American who feels any hint of that sadness at Foley's loss.
But I have little patience, and our country has little need for, the people who play politics with his life. One mindless commentator tweeted that people who share my view support golfing while Americans are being beheaded. The New York Times wrote that the president was "seemingly able to put the savagery out of his mind," as he went on to continue his vacation with his family and his friends after addressing the incredible tragedy.
I'm not sure why the New York Times thinks it can read minds, but knowing this president, I know one thing with great clarity: The savagery of those who attack Americans is never far from his mind. This notion that he can detach is mostly wrong. For the man who gave the green light to take out Osama bin Laden and is often first to hear the reports of American servicemen and women who die in missions that he ordered, the savagery of this world is not far from the forefront of his mind at every moment of the day.
I don't remember, but I assume that I was one of the many Democrats who gleefully took shots at President George W. Bush for the time he spent at Crawford—and if so I regret it. Presidents are better for having time out of Washington, even better for time away with their families.
Whether you're a partisan or a cynical reporter who has been making the same critique about presidential vacations for decades, I assume you probably agree that human beings function better when they get a little time away. I wouldn't want my surgeon to be some woman who hasn't had a break in 4 years. I wouldn't want to share the road with a truck driver who hasn't had enough sleep. It doesn't matter what your occupation is; you will do your job better if you recharge your batteries. And even though the president is never really on vacation, giving him at least a little downtime is good for all of us.
In the end, it's not about the optics. It's about doing your job. And if the president is doing his – which he is – we should all be able to appreciate the fact that he is taking the opportunity to be a dad, a husband and even a leader of the free world who can clear his head on the golf course.


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69 Old Sunbury Rd, Hinesville, GA 31313
Toll Free: 800-806-9094 24hr: 912-368-3343 Local: 912-368-3343Email Us
- 69 Old Sunbury Rd, Hinesville, GA 31313
Wreath ArrangementIntercat-3708
This wreath arrangement contains lilies, gerbera daisies, roses and more. Accented with greenery.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Getting paid when AUM doesn't work
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Not every client has ample assets to manage. Business owners, for instance, may have wealth, income and pressing needs for financial advice — but they also might have most of that wealth tied up in their company. Other prime prospects could own illiquid assets rather than traded securities. Nevertheless, advisers can serve such individuals and their families while getting reasonable compensation for doing so.
If collecting fees for handling assets under management isn't feasible, how can advisers be compensated? "We work mainly with family business owners," says Gary Pittsford, CEO at Castle Wealth Advisors in Indianapolis. "Also, some clients' assets are largely investment property or stock options. In many of those cases, we get paid by a quarterly retainer."
This retainer, according to Pittsford, is based on how much time he expects his firm to spend with the client.
"Besides direct contact, we might be working with the client's attorney on a succession plan, discussing taxes with the client's accountant, reviewing real estate leases, and so on," he says. "We get paid for our efforts. If our estimates are off in one year, we'll adjust the retainer the following year, up or down."
Such fluctuations in the annual retainer are not uncommon. "In the first year of working with a business owner, more time can be involved, to get the plan in place," Pittsford says. "Then less time may be needed, for years. Our hours might pick up again in a year when we help plan for a sale of the company."
To determine the actual amount the client ultimately will pay through quarterly retainers, Pittsford uses the number of hours worked and the hourly rates of the personnel involved. "One of our senior people may spend 10 hours putting a draft report together," he says, "and I might spend three hours going over that report and making changes. The client would pay for 13 hours altogether, at two different billing rates."
Pittsford says that clients readily accept such a payment approach, once it's explained. "They typically hate to pay commissions, but they're glad to pay consulting fees," he adds. "What's more, our fees usually are less than they're paying lawyers."
A similar experience is related by Jane King, president of Fairfield Financial Advisors in Wellesley, Massachusetts, who charges an annual flat fee to clients whose engagement calls for compensation beyond AUM. "I hope the flat fee will cover the amount of time and effort involved," she says.
"If it turns out that I have underpriced this annual fee," King says, "I will try and renegotiate at the start of the next year. I communicate that I was wrong in the first fee quote and would like to come back with another proposal for continuing the project. Once I explain the situation to clients, they usually are amenable to changing the fee."
King also uses a flat fee when she is asked to act as a trustee of a portfolio for which she is not managing the money. "Real estate is the main example," she says. "Sometimes we pay all the bills for the property; in other cases there is a renovation that we're overseeing from a financial standpoint. Flat fees are not a major part of our practice. Instead, they usually cover another responsibility that we take on in addition to managing the client's portfolio. We would not take on a flat fee project if that was all the client wanted us to do."
To calculate these flat fees, King doesn't have hourly rates in mind. "It's more a matter of estimating the effort it will take for the people at the firm to perform the required tasks," she says. "We all talk it over before naming a number."
Firms have a range of approaches they use for compensation that doesn't involve assets under management. These include quarter retainers, annual flat fees, minimum annual fee and maximum total fees.
Planners who prefer not to be involved in such estimating and explaining can avoid these issues. "We have a substantial minimum," says Janet Briaud, chief investment officer and partner at Briaud Financial Advisors in College Station, Texas. "Our clients generally have very liquid assets, so we have one fee structure for all. We have worked with younger clients, charging a $5,000 flat fee to do all of their planning, but otherwise we have not charged a retainer for nonliquid assets."
Some advisers might focus on compensation via AUM, but others prefer a mix. Sheila Chesney, principal at Chesney & Company, private wealth managers in Sheldon, South Carolina, reports an approximate 35/65 balance (planning fees/ portfolio management fees) in her firm's total compensation. "I've always believed that what people don't pay for, they do not respect," she says, "so I have always charged for financial planning and for portfolio management separately." Chesney's planning fee is an annual retainer, based on the complexity of the client's situation and the need for personalized consultation.
"In 2011, we began to talk with our clients about fees," Chesney says. "Our clients were getting wealthier, and they wondered if they would continue to pay us more and more forever. I realized that if I were my own client, I wouldn't like that. Therefore, we put a maximum total fee in place for planning and portfolio management. Our ADV states that we reserve the right to raise our maximum as a result of inflation, which we did for the first time for 2017. About 20% of our clients reach our max. So far, our clients appreciate it — some even ask if that is really fair to us."
"We put a maximum total fee in place for planning and portfolio management. So far, our clients appreciate it – some even ask if that is really fair to us." -Sheila Chesney, principal at Chesney & Company
Chesney's experience indicates that the line between AUM and non-AUM fees may not always be obvious. "About 50% of our portfolio recommendations are in private partnerships," she says. "We love this space, and we spend a lot of time finding good opportunities for our clients. Our standard AUM fee doesn't differentiate if the client participates in private partnerships, which most of them do. However, for clients who participate extensively in private partnerships, we automatically consider this to be a complex planning engagement" and charge accordingly.
Private deals, though, may not be easy to value, for purposes of setting AUM fees.
"We rely on the valuation from the managers, who must provide us with an annual letter, even if that letter says that the current value cannot be estimated to be different from the client's original investment amount," Chesney says. "Whatever the investment manager stipulates is what we put into our portfolio reporting. Many of these investments are maintained on our books at original investment amount, which does impact portfolio reporting. However, we educate our clients on this and we are comfortable with the cost to us, because it will reverse over time.
Ultimately, private deals may be valued more realistically, hopefully bringing both more wealth to clients and higher fees for the firm.


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- Publish date:
Out of the thousands of photographs you sifted through, sumo wrestlers made the cut, but Pelè did not?
Memorable Shots
I thoroughly enjoyed your 40 Pictures to Remember in the Nov. 14 issue. Particularly moving was the Oct. 1, 1955, photo showing the Army football team charging onto the field with the Cadet Corps in the background. The player leading the team, Donald Holleder (number 16), was killed in Vietnam while trying to save wounded men under his command. Other players or cadets in the picture may have suffered similar fates.
THOMAS H. HOPKINS, Los Angeles
The photographs were beautiful, but one picture I would have liked to have seen was that of 49er Jerry Rice celebrating after breaking the NFL's career touchdown record earlier this season.
JONATHAN PIGNOLI, Downingtown, Pa.
It seems odd that you would neglect to print a picture of Dr. J in flight. The outstretched right arm grasping a multicolored ball, the left arm quietly at his side, the elevation, the hair, the intensity of the moment are components of a fine photograph.
BRIAN J. BLUMBERG, Edgewood, N.Mex.
How could you fail to include Franco Harris reaching down to catch Terry Bradshaw's pass, thus completing the Immaculate Reception?
ANTHONY PELLEGRINO, Middletown, N.J.
With all the great pictures you selected, it amazes me that you would omit two of the best: Bobby Orr captured in flight after his Stanley Cup-winning goal in 1970 and Joe Carter's home run that ended the 1993 World Series. You always seem to exclude these proud moments that bring us Canadians together. However, I notice you included the disgraced Ben Johnson. Not appreciated.
JASON LOGAN, Blackstock, Ont.
You left out Sid Bream of the Braves sliding home for the two-out. ninth-inning winning run against the Pirates in the seventh game of the 1992 National League Championship Series.
J.P. WARD, Newnan, Ga.
I could not believe that Wayne Gretzky's 802nd goal was not one of your choices. I was not impressed by the hockey picture that was picked: Vancouver goalie Kirk McLean being beaten by a Ranger in last June's playoffs. Maybe a picture of Mark Messier lifting the Stanley Cup would have been more exciting.
MICHAEL FERNANDEZ, Toronto
How could any photo collection be complete without an aerial view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge moments after the start of the New York City Marathon?
HY ANTEBY, Brooklyn
What about Wade Boggs bawling in the dugout after the Boston Red Sox had come within an out of winning the 1986 World Series?
Villanova, Pa.
One of the best football pictures ever taken is of the Redskins' John Riggins breaking free of the Dolphins' Don McNeal to score the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XVII.
MITCH TARAGIN, Silver Spring, Md.
I am disappointed that you did not include any water-sports moments. How could you forget the tie between Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer for the '84 Olympic gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle? Or Janet Evans, Summer Sanders, Matt Biondi and Mark Spitz? Perhaps the most startling moment in diving history came at the 1988 Olympics when Greg Louganis hit his head on the three-meter board. Don't forget us water fans next time.
KELLEY WESTERMAN, Bristol, Conn.
Notable omissions: Dr. J soaring in the ABA, Orr scoring the Cup winner in '70 and Louganis bouncing back in Seoul.
[See caption above.]
[See caption above.]
Letters to SPORTS ILLUSTRATED should include the name, address and home telephone number of the writer and should be addressed to The Editor, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, Time & Life Building, Rockefeller Center, New York, N.Y. 10020-1393.


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This past March, in the rural beauty of Margaret River in Western Australia, a growing tribe of creatives, entrepreneurs, techies, and all-around thinkers gathered for a three-day event devoted to one of the twenty-first century's most enlightened trends: collaboration. In an age where the flow of ideas is limited only by bandwidth, we're seeing brands partner with artists and activists, mindfulness embraced by capitalism, trends moving between public and private sectors, and digitally-driven changes in consciousness.
Emergence Creative Festival is a celebration of this increasingly interconnected world. Featuring speakers like the artist Ian Strange, who literally burned down the suburbs, the folk singer Lucy Peach, who's showing the world that the menstrual cycle is a period not a sentence, and Tim and Gene, the Creative Directors of Google Japan who have melded their personalities into a single, high-level creative organism, Emergence Creative Festival created a space for positive problem solving to flourish.
And flourish it did.
See for yourself here.


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text: We all must have come across this wonderful multicolored Rubik's cube at some point of our life. Many of us must have enthusiastically tried a lot to solve this cube. Almost everyone must have left it halfway unsuccessfully. Rubik's cube and trading are very much similar in all manners except the reward part, winning the cube won't make you a lot of money, winning at trading would surely help you make lots of profits.


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Sıla Gençoğlu is a Turkish musician. She usually goes by her first name, 'Sıla'.
Sıla was born in Denizli. She worked before as a producer, lyricist and background singer for many Turkish artists, such as Kenan Doğulu and Emel Müftüoğlu. In 2007, she released her debut album Sıla. The first single, "…Dan Sonra", was the biggest hit song of the year in Turkey, spending 3 months at number one on the music charts, and reaching 79 in the European charts. The song's video was the 12th most watched video from 2007 to 2008 worldwide. The second single from the album, "Kenar Süsü", reached second place in the Turkish charts.
And "Gözlerine Teslimim" is one of her songs from 2012.
I just tried to cover it by Piano . I hope you like it. 🙂


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"Tartans of the Scottish Clans" Framed Artwork. Sinclair Tartan - SAMPLE SALE
Celebrate your own heritage or just revel in the romantic traditions of Scotland. Scot Meacham Wood Home has collected artwork ready to bring an immediate sense of history to your home.
Clan Sinclair
Gaelic Name : Mac na Ceardadh
Motto : Commit thy work to God
Lands : Midlothian, Caithness, Orkney
Pipe Music : Spaidsearachd Mhic nan Cearda (Sinclair's March)
- modern printing of an original chromolithograph dating from 1875
- Sinclair Tartan
- luxurious 8-ply matting
- width 16 7/8 inches. height 12 1/5 inches.
- mounting hardware included.


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Covid-19 update;
We are still open and working on orders during the lockdown. This is possible as we have a large amount of stock components including fabric and frames so our team are able to complete the orders from home.
Card Lined lampshades have a contemporary smooth finish. They are lined with card or PVC, with a fabric outer.
Small rounded custom half-shade
Create your lampshade to your specification. Click the button below to start and we will guide you through each option including colour, lining and fittings.
Step 2: Choose your shade finish
Choose which finish you would like from the options below. Don't worry if there is only one option, not all options are available for all lampshades.
Step 3: Choose your shade size
Pick the shade size you're looking for - if in doubt, try the Size Guide.
Step 4: Choose your shade's outer fabric
Pick a fabric to cover the outside of your shade.
Step 5: Choose your shade lining
Pick your favourite lining, for the inside of your shade.
Step 6: Choose your shade fixing
Pick the fitting that best suits your lamp.
Shade only, light fitting not included
2x 25watt E14 SES lamp, mains dimming
Bulb not supplied
Shade finishes
Available in all stock fabrics and card/PVC linings
The shade is designed to work with our Shield Bracket see how in the below image.
Please note that you should not use the shade on a different fitting to our Shield Bracket as it is likely to sit incorrectly on the wall.
These lights are made in small batches and delivered to you within 3 weeks.
We want you to be happy with your selection which is why we offer samples and advice on the phone or the website. If you are not happy with the quality or the item has arrived damaged we will replace once we have received the returned item, for more information please consult our terms and conditions.


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Last week I had a hard run on the schedule. A full 45 minutes of pain. Of sustaining a heart rate that I know will hurt. But I wanted to do it. I was psyched up and ready, and PIC was doing the same thing too so I knew I had a rabbit to follow. I thought I was ready. Well, I was. My electronics, however, were not.
I started my Garmin during the warm-up and noticed it thought I was inside. Inside? C'mon.....PIC's Garmin is working just fine! (Enter expletives here) I stopped it, reset it. It still thinks I'm inside and over 100 miles from where I used it last. (More expletives here) And, the darn thing doesn't even know what day it is. Stupid watch. Ok, fine. I won't get the data I was hoping for but I can still do the heart rate effort. I know when I'm supposed to turn around so it's all good.
Until I attempted to turn on my iPod. (Lots of expletives here) No go. Are we kidding? Ok, reset it and press play. Silence. (Expletives keep coming) Oh lordy, I have to do this without music. I know, I know, it's actually good to do hard run efforts without music....it gets you in touch with your breathing and we can't have music during our races......so you need to get used to it. I just wasn't planning on having that issue for this run.
Focus. Breathe. It's just a watch and just music. PIC and I started our watches (mine without GPS data) and we were off! And it was as hard as I thought. But it was good. I focused on my breathing and treated it like a race. I even felt like I was in a race at times (even though there was no one around except for PIC passing me like I was standing still)....the hurt, the feel good times, the can I really go for 45 minutes thoughts, the can I walk now?, am I almost done?, I can do anything for 10 minutes.....
Hard run. In the bank. Cha-ching.


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Mr. Blue and Mr. Grey, with me for the past week. Constant companions, they are there when I try to sleep, there when I wake up. I don't know how long they will be keeping me company. I hope to find out today, though.
All content © 2001 - 2020 Violet Flux, unless otherwise noted.


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From Our Editors
Established in 1994, Pir Palace is a family-run Indian restaurant which combines classics and contemporary cuisine. The menu boasts a wide array of dishes from the subcontinent, including tandoori, masala and biryani dishes, with chicken, lamb and prawn options available. The restaurant offers a takeaway menu and special offers for gourmet evenings and business lunches.


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MINNEAPOLIS — Northwest Airlines Corp. said bankruptcy expenses gave it a $1.18 billion third-quarter loss, but said it would have shown a profit without those and other one-time items.
Northwest's loss of $13.50 per share compared with a loss of $475 million, or $5.45 per share, during the same period last year, when it filed for bankruptcy protection.
Revenue rose almost 1 percent to $3.41 billion, up from $3.38 billion during the same period last year. Reorganization expenses totaled $1.43 billion in the quarter.
Northwest said it would have shown a $258 million operating profit for the quarter without reorganization items and income taxes, up from a $309 million loss during the same period last year.
The operating profit came despite a downturn in September, when Northwest said it lost $337 million including bankruptcy expenses, or a loss of $13 million not counting those expenses.
Northwest, the nation's fifth-largest airline, said it still expects a "modest profit" for all of 2006 on $12 billion in revenue, not counting reorganization expenses. It predicted a loss once bankruptcy expenses are included. Northwest also said it would lose money — even without bankruptcy expenses — during the last four months of the year.
Northwest said it ended the quarter with $2.1 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, but that included the proceeds of a new $1.225 billion debtor-in-possession loan that closed in August.
"Our third quarter results are a significant improvement over last year's results and demonstrate further that we are making steady progress in restructuring Northwest Airlines," said President and Chief Executive Doug Steenland. "However, our September loss indicates that we still have work to do in order to reach our goal of sustained profitability."
© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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2020 Atlanta Region SCCA Autocross Points 9
Event Requirements
Registration closed November 6, 2020 11:59 PM on November 6, 2020 11:59 PM EST Registration ends November 6, 2020 11:59 PM on November 6, 2020 11:59 PM EST Registration opens October 26, 2020 12:00 AM on October 26, 2020 12:00 AM EDT Registration runs from October 26, 2020 12:00 AM to November 6, 2020 11:59 PM
Notice to Participants: In light of the current COVID-19 situation, every attempt will be made to minimize the risks of exposure to the virus. New processes and procedures are being developed and will be put into place for events going forward.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to assess the risk to you, both on-track and off, and to make the decision on whether or not to participate. If you are feeling unwell or are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath please stay home. If you have been in contact with someone who has been experiencing these symptoms in the last two weeks, please stay home.
While on site please take the health and safety of your fellow participants, volunteers and staff into consideration and practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 within two (2) weeks of attending an SCCA event, we ask that you notify the event Registrar immediately.
In response to the COVID-19 situation, this event will be somewhat different than our typical event. Please keep in mind:
- Some of our members are in high-risk categories. Others may have at-risk family members at home. Do your best to keep them safe.
- Respect your fellow members. Your opinions about current guidelines are not shared by everyone. Behave accordingly, and keep it about the racing - that's why we're here.
- COVID-19 is not the only risk to our events. Government officials have the power to end current and future events, or require monitoring by law enforcement and the health department. Atlanta Motor Speedway can also shut down our events if they believe that we are not behaving appropriately.
Pre-Registration is required for our events. Registration fees are $45 for card-carrying SCCA members and $60 for non-members. For non-members, your entry includes a $15 weekend membership fee. If you decide to become a member (and save $15 for every future event), you may apply that $15 towards the purchase of an SCCA membership (normally $90 - you can go to www.scca.com/join to sign-up now and save).
If you will be registering as an SCCA member, MotorsportReg will verify your SCCA membership as you complete the registration process. If you are a current member and get a message telling you that your membership is invalid or expired, make sure the name on your SCCA membership card matches the name on your MSR account exactly. Also make sure your SCCA number has been entered correctly in your MSR account - including any underscores that are a part of your number.
We will determine class heats and work assignments ahead of time. Accordingly, registration will closes at midnight two days before the event. We will not have on-site registration on the day of the event.
If you want to bring a non-participant with you, you MUST have them register online. Non-Participants do not pay registration fees, but still MUST pre-register online.
No one who is unregistered will be allowed through the checkin gate.
Please bring a face mask or covering, hand sanitizer, and any other Personal Protective Equipment you believe to be appropriate (e.g. gloves). Please also bring your own water and a pen or two.
The following additional restrictions are not just for your own safety, but also the safety of everyone on-site. They also demonstrate our commitment to safety to both Atlanta Motor Speedway and local government, helping to ensure we can continue to have autocross events going forward. Last, they help show everyone that amateur motorsport in Atlanta can be done both safely and responsibly.
Additional Restrictions and Guidelines in place for this event:
- Face masks or coverings are required to be worn whenever you are less than six feet from another individual, with the following exceptions:
- When in your vehicle or trailer
- When the individual is a family member, part of your household, or your invited guest non-participant.
- Six feet of space must be kept between individuals for the entirety of the event with the following exceptions:
- When in your vehicle or trailer
- When the individual is a family member, part of your household, or your invited guest non-participant.
- Consistent with direction from the State of Georgia, individuals may not gather in groups of 10 or more with less than six feet of distance between group members. There are no exceptions to this rule, regardless of location, family membership, household status, or guest status.
- Non-registrants will not be allowed in Paddock, in Grid, or On Course.
- Anyone who does not follow these restrictions and guidelines will be warned. Repeated warnings may lead to expulsion from the event without a refund.
Unlike our past events, we will be checking in at the gate. Your temperature will checked. Anyone who is not registered and/or does not pass screening will not be allowed to enter Paddock, Grid, or Course.
Once you have checked in at the gate, either Paddock or proceed directly to Tech.
When parking in Paddock or in Grid, please give extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles.
Unless you have an Annual Tech sticker, vehicles will be Self-Teched. For this process, you will be asked to review and complete a Tech worksheet while observed by a tech official (please print this worksheet and bring it with you to the event; fill out the information, but don't check any of the boxes yet). When you have completed your Self-Tech, you will be asked to sign the worksheet and give it to the Tech Worker. Then you will proceed to grid.
WE WILL BE OFFERING ANNUAL TECH AT THIS EVENT. Annual Tech is free, and you get a special Atlanta SCCA cone-sticker for your car. If you have been autocrossing with us for two years or more, we highly suggest you request Annual Tech. We also honor annual tech from other regions.
If at any point during the event you feel ill, please walk or drive to the Isolation Area near the Earnhardt ticket gate to rest and/or telephone for assistance.
Are you a Minor?
If so, be sure to get a MINOR WAIVER.
BOTH PARENTS need to be on-site to sign while witnessed by an SCCA official at the event
BOTH PARENTS need to sign it in front of and have it witnessed by a Notary Public.
On-site Form (must be printed in color and signed on-site)
Notarized Version (must be printed in color witnessed by a Notary)
If you are in the sole custody of one parent, you will need to print
Registration closed November 6, 2020 11:59 PM at November 6, 2020 11:59 PM EST
Registration opens October 26, 2020 12:00 AM at October 26, 2020 12:00 AM EDT
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by Jim Brubaker
I wrote this story to help you create a greater love for art. When you do, you may want to support a local Creative Arts Foundation, or maybe you will just take time to look at graffiti in a different way, or maybe even a billboard along the highway will be more enjoyable.
Some who view the works of art will love the style of an old master, others the rainbow colors of a six-year-old, or maybe the abstract work of a graffiti artist.
Whichever style you love, if the artwork contains the image of a person, the face is what sets the emotion that the artist wants to convey – fear, contentment, struggle, seductive, or one of many more emotions – the emotion comes through in the facial expression.
Now, I will start at the beginning of my story. Last week my wife, Gloria, was in the comfortable chair beside the couch and I was sitting on the couch – She was focused on the TV – watching a movie of early Gladiator games in the times of Rome's first Punic war against Carthage. Instead of watching the Hollywood story, I picked up my IPad, and I Googled "Dutch life in 1600."
My Great Great Great Great Great Grandfather left the Netherlands in 1710 sailing for Pennsylvania. That is why after 300 years we Brubaker are still called "Pennsylvania Dutch." With my Google request, I thought I would see what life was like in the Netherlands in the 1600's.
But instead, Google came back with a story of Harmenszoon van Rijn. "Who is this dude Harmenszoon van Rijn?" Well, his full name was Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, the famous portrait Dutch painter in the 1600's.
I am glad Google gave me that response, because, Gloria is an artist. Her last winning art was a portrait of Maya. It looks like a "Rembrandt" painting to me. So, my mind says she must have been a student of his. You know I like to modify photos, to document what my mind wants to see. It brings comfort to my mind to see things as I want them to be. Over Gloria's left shoulder I see the Master watching this student.
Rembrandt opened his studio in 1624 in Amsterdam. Sometimes he painted and sketched 24 hours a day. Soon, Rembrandt began to accept students, among them was my wife Gloria. (I made that up that).
Rembrandt's studio was very successful – It had many students and was often commissioned to paint portraits of wealthy and politically important people. His technique of lighting a face with a single source of light – called "Rembrandt Lighting" – is used today in portrait photography. Amazon even sells books explaining Rembrandt's lighting technique.
However, Rembrandt was not immune to problems and failures. At the time of his death he was broke and was buried in an unmarked grave – he was scorned by the church and sued by a lover for breach of promise to marry.
But, for now, I want to tell you of his successes in painting portraits so that you may grow in your appreciation of art. Gloria and Rembrandt both have a passion for drawing you into their artwork through the expression painted on their subjects' faces.
In the 1640's Rembrandt sketched hundreds of faces just to study facial expressions. He liked to study wrinkled, lived-in faces, often with exaggerated expressions. These sketches are called tronies. – Tronie is the Dutch word for face.
Like Rembrandt, Gloria puts a lot into the facial expressions. When she is creating in her studio and takes a break to visit me in my office, her conversation is often about the challenge of getting the right expression on the face of the subject she is working on.
The artist in her says, "The inner person is to be projected through the eyes, the lips, eyebrows …, – they must all come together in some mysterious way to capture the expression in the face – only the artist's brush can bring the emotion out."
That inspired me to check her studio for tronies. Camera in hand, I went to her studio. I did not find any tronies, so I photographed some of her art pieces and selected only the subject's face – a hidden tronie. You can see her artwork at http://www.gloriabrubaker.com
Look on the walls of restaurants, in the Mall, on FaceBook, in the art museums. Ignore the background and study the expressions found in the hidden tronie.
If you develop the habit of looking for hidden tronies, your appreciation for the artist will grow, and you will have more fun.


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Hansong Tang
Associate Professor
Main Affiliation
Civil Engineering
Steinman Hall
212- 650-6965
Hansong Tang
- Ph.D., 2001, Environmental Fluid Mechanics, Georgia Inst. Tech.
- D.Sc., 1993, Computational Mathematics, Peking Univ.
- BS 1983, Mechanical/Electric Eng.; MS 1986, Computational Hydrodynamics, Wuhan Univ. of Hydraulic and Electrical Eng.
Courses Taught
Data analysis (CE264)
Fluid mechanics (CE350)
Numerical method and simulation in fluid (CEG9700)
Modeling of surface water quality (CEG7300)
Environmental water resource (CE451)
Analytical methods (H1000)
Research Interests
Environmental Fluid mechanics. Computational physics. Numerical algorithms
- Z. M. Chen, X. H. Xia, H. S. Tang, S. C. Li, and Y. Deng. "Emergy based ecological assessment of constructed wetland for municipal wastewater treatment: methodology and application to the Beijing Wetland". Journal of Environmental Informatics. 2010, in press.
- L. Zeng, G. Q. Chen, H. S. Tang, and Z. Wu, "Environmental dispersion in wetland flow", Comm. Non-linear Sciences & Numerical Simulations, 2010, in press.
- H. S. Tang, T. R. Keen, and Khanbilvardi, "A model-coupling framework for nearshore waves, currents, sediment transport, and seabed morphology", Comm. Non-linear Sciences & Numerical Simulations, 14(2009), 2935-2947.
- H. S. Tang and T. R. Keen, "Analytical model for temperature response of channel flows with time-dependent thermal discharge and boundary heating", ASCE J. Hydr. Eng,, 135(2009), 327-339.
- H. S. Tang, J. Paik, F. Sotiropoulos, and T. Khangaokar. "Three-dimensional CFD modeling of thermal discharge from multports", ASCE J. Hydr. Eng,, 134(2008), 1210-1224.
- H. S. Tang and D. M. Kalyon, "Development of flow instabilities during Tube flow of Concentrated Suspensions with non-colloidal Particles", J. Rheology, 52(2008), 1069-1090.
- H. S. Tang and D. M. Kalyon, "Unsteady circular tube flow of compressible polymetric liquids subject to pressure-dependent wall slip", J. Rheology, 52(2008), 507-525. J. Rheology, 52(2008), 1069-1090.
- H. S. Tang and F. Sotiropoulos, "Fractional step artificial compressibility method for Navier-Stokes equations", Computers & Fluids. 36, 2007, 974-986.
- D. M. Kalyon and H. S. Tang, "Inverse problem solution of squeeze flow for parameters of generalized Newtonian fluid and wall slip", J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., 143, 2007, 133-140
- H. S. Tang, "Study on a grid interface algorithm for solutions of incompressible Navier-Stokes equations", Computers & Fluids. 35, 2006, 1372-1383.
- D. M. Kalyon, H. S. Tang, and B. Karuv, "Squeeze flow rheometry for rheological characterization of energetic formulations", J. Energetic Materials, 24, 2006, 215-222
- Z. K. Zhang, H. S. Tang, "Numerical simulation of vortex flow over delta wing with trailing edge jet at high angle of attack", Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng., 59, 2004, 2047-2063
- H. S. Tang and D. M. Kalyon, "Estimation of parameter of Hershel-Bulkley fluid subject to wall slip by combination of squeeze and capillary flow viscometers", Rheol. Acta, 2004, 43, 80-88
- H. S. Tang, C. Jones, and F. Sotiropoulos, "An overset grid method for 3D unsteady incompressible flows", J. Comput. Phys., 191, 2003, 567-600
- Z. K. Zhang, H. S. Tang, and J. B. Jia, "Numerical investigation of trailing edge jet effects on flows around delta wing using Navier-Stokes equations, ACTA Aerodynamics Sinica, 18,2000, 484-489
- H. S. Tang and T. Zhou, "On nonconservative algorithms for grid interfaces", SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 37, 1999, 173-193
- H. S. Tang and F. Sotiropoulos, "A second-order Godunov method for wave problems in coupled solid-water-gas systems", J. Comput. Phys., 1999, 151, p790-815
- H. S. Tang, "A second-order Godunov scheme for wave and fracture problems in hydro-elesto-plastic body", Math Numerica Sinica, 21, 1999, 225-236
- H. S. Tang, D. L. Zhang, and C. H. Lee, "Monotonicity preserving CIP schemes for convection equations", J. Hydrodynamics, ser. A, 12, 1997, 181-187
- H. S. Tang, D. L. Zhang, and C. H. Lee, "Analysis and modification on CIP method for hyperbolic equations", Comput. Fluid Dyn. J., 6, 1997, 227-236
- H. S. Tang, "Numerical prediction of cavitation phenomenon in water shock tube", J. Hydrodynamics, ser. A, 12, 1997, 175-180
- H. S. Tang and D. Huang, "A second-order accurate capturing scheme for 1D inviscid flows of gas and water with vacuum zones", J. Comput. Phys, 128, 1996, 301-318
- H. S. Tang and C. H. Lee, "On consistency of conservative algorithms for internal interfaces in calculations of inviscid flows by zonal method", Chin. J. Comput. Phys., 13, 1996, p445-453
- H. S. Tang, D. L. Zhang, and C. H. Lee, "Comments on algorithms for grid interfaces in simulating Euler flows", Comm. Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 1, 1996, 50-54
- X. S. Xu and H. S. Tang, "A general solution for the Stokes flows around axis-symmetrical body", Transaction of Changsha Comm. Inst., 9, 1993, 57-63
- X. Lu and H. S. Tang, "A primary study on mathematical modeling of sediment transport in a river section with two patterns",Transaction of Changsha Comm. Inst., 8, 1992, 69-77
- H. S. Tang, S. C. Wang, Y. Z. Pong, and W. L. Hou, "Experimental study on the regularity of water head loss in unsteady pipe flow",Transaction of Changsha Comm. Inst., 5, 1989, 95-100
- H. S. Tang, "An upwind method for Navier-Stokes equations", Transaction of Changsha Comm. Inst., 4, 1988, 73-81
- H. S. Tang, "Finite element analysis of heated jets into shallow waters", Transaction of Changsha Comm. Inst., 3, 1987, 85-92


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Sea Surface Temperature
SST is not only one of the most famous but also one of the most important climate variables, with a solid background of measurements and analysis. By having such historical records available, SST is a vital climate change variable for marine science. It is used in NRT (less than 3 hours after measurement by satellite) for modelling forcing, front detection and SST surface patterns that report the hydrodynamic structure of the ocean upper level.
Climate prediction research and climatology is motivated by the continuous enhancement of reliable climate prediction uncertainty. This is supported by strategic advancement through input and advice to climate change assessments. SST is needed in the framework of climate model initialisation, diagnostics and fundamental climate monitoring. The most important requirement is that the observations are accurate and unbiased. Considering the best estimates of global warming trends, SST data sets should be exceptionally stable to better than 0.1 K/decade if with a mean zero bias.
Nowadays, thanks to satellite measurements, scientific teams have access to a unique and extensive source of global coverage SST observations. A very highly valued contribution to climate research is the GHRSST-PP, as a result of the GHRSST-PP Re-analysis programme (RAN). RAN is working to create an SST Climate Data Record (CDR) encompassing all satellite records (from approximately 1984). SST acuisition by the SLSTR plays an import in building this CDE long time series.
Numerical Modelling
Since SST patterns change relatively slowly, they can be well predicated: in some areas of the world, up to 6 months ahead or longer. The relationships between regional SST patterns and the atmosphere can either be shown thanks to numerical models of the atmosphere and ocean or statistically connected to SST observations or data-driven analysis. A lot of seasonal prediction systems are based on dynamically coupled climate models. SST patterns and seasonal weather trends are strongly related, especially in the tropical regions. Strong signals are connected to the El Nino phenomenon in the tropical Pacific, about every three or four years, which can distort the global patterns of normal weather, modifying, by instance, seasonal rainfall patterns (floods in some area and droughts in others). In other areas of the world, weaker connections between SST and seasonal weather are established.
Meso-Scales Analysis
Daily maps of SST show thermal front location and intensity, often utilised for several applications. For instance, SST maps, combined with other information (sea surface height maps, phytoplankton) are utilised to aid catching of some fish species at different levels of the trophic chain. Thanks to surface thermal front, navies and researchers can improve their understanding and qualification of the vertical structure of the water mass and the internal wave propagation. As cold water upwelling from the sea bottom bringing up nutrients to upper layers, large ecosystems are also very well detected by SST signatures. This supervision is essential for a better assessment of variability of such ecosystems and possible fish stocks and levels of recruitment. Recently, statistical hurricane models also widely incorporate SST analyses for anticipating tropical cyclone intensity.
SST is one of the most important products regularly delivered to the GMES Service Element (Marcoast) user community and for European research projects within the remit of Corpenicus.
Figure 1: AATSR SST images: in this night-time image, the coldest areas - which include all the land - are shown in purple and blue, whilst yellow and orange are used to represent successively warmer temperatures over a total range of 280-295 K. The three blue-purple islands in the top half of the image are the Balearics and the land at the bottom of the picture is the north coast of Algeria. Eddy structures ranging in size from less than 10km to nearly 100km decorate the entire sea area. Note that the warmest water appears to originate from the Gulf de Béjaia on the Algerian coast. (Credit: RAL)
For further information about marine applications and services available, see: Copernicus website.


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12 Must-Have Accessories for Your Smartphone
From the stylish to the practical, we've found the best smartphone accessories to protect your device, recharge it, and otherwise enhance your mobile lifestyle.
Phonedevil Magic Screen
If you're the type to carelessly throw your phone into your bag, a screen protector is an essential investment. Relatively inexpensive, a screen protector's clear film fits your phone's screen to a T, guarding it from scratch-inducing elements. Trust me, it's heartbreaking to find a giant scratch across your brand new iPhone 3GS. I found plenty of different of screen protectors on the market, but Phonedevil's Magic Screens are my favorite. They're easy to apply, require no cutting, and come with a cleaning cloth and a smoothing card to prevent air bubbles.
You can pick from three different editions: Clear, Mirror, and Privacy. Mirror Edition gives your screen a mirror effect when the phone is off, and it looks quite stylish. The Privacy edition uses special 3M material to prevent unwanted onlookers from viewing your screen; the screen appears turned off if you're not looking at it head-on—a clever concept that works very well.
Phonedevil Magic Screens are currentlly available only for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but the company's site indicates that Phonedevil will soon add BlackBerry-compatible models.
Available for: iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS
Price: Clear ($8.15), Magic ($11.50), Privacy ($16.50)
BodyGuardz by NLU Products
If you're looking for all-over scratch protection, but don't want the extra bulk of a case, check out BodyGuardz from NLU Products. The transparent scratch-resistive skins protect not only your smartphone's screen, but also the spines and back cover. BodyGuardz are available for a wide-array of smartphone models including the Nokia N97, the BlackBerry Tour, the Palm Pre, and many others.
BodyGuardz require a little more work (and patience) to apply than Phonedevil's Magic Screens, but the instructions are still very straightforward. I recommend working in a clean, quiet environment, as the film is quite sensitive to dust and installing it requires your complete attention. If you do screw up your first time around, you get another try: BodyGuardz includes a second skin in the package. But the hard work is worth it: When correctly applied, your phone is not only completely protected, but the film makes it look newer and cleaner, too.
Available for: iPhone 3G, Nokia N97, Palm Pre, HTC Touch Pro, and a variety of BlackBerry models
Price: $20
OtterBox Defender Series
Outdoorsy types (or klutzes) may desire something more rugged than simply a skin, which can't protect your phone from harsh weather or accidental drops. Check out the OtterBox Defender Series: A brawny combination of an outer rubberized silicon skin and an inner hard shell. I dropped, threw, and even kicked my smartphone, and the Defender kept it totally protected. There wasn't a single mark or dent. The Defender also comes with a scratch-resistant screen protector.
Putting the case together requires some concentration, but it isn't difficult. My one gripe about the iPhone 3G case is that it lacks a slot for the ring/silent switch—a function I use pretty frequently. The double-layered case is also quite bulky, so if you carry your phone around in your pocket, the Defender might not suit you.
Available for: iPhone 3G/3GS, Samsung Omnia, Palm Centro, and many BlackBerry models
Price: $50
Octo Leather Snap Case
For those who desire a more fashion-conscious case, look for the stylish series of Octo Leather Snap Cases. These gorgeous cases, made from Italian leather, come in a rainbow of colors. They might not offer the heavy-duty protection that other cases have, but they'll at least guard your phone from getting scratched up in your bag. The Octo cases look quite nice, with seamless stitching and sophisticated metal clasps.
Available for: iPhone 3G/3Gs (Octo also makes cases for MacBooks, Amazon Kindles and Flip Video recorders)
Price: $50-$55
Belkin TuneBase FM With Hands-Free
If you spend a lot of time commuting in your car, the Belkin TuneBase FM with Hands-Free is an excellent companion to make those miles fly by. The TuneBase FM plugs into the DC outlet in your car and uses Belkin's ClearScan technology to detect the station with the clearest signal (from 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz) to play your music. If that station's reception changes as you travel, you simply hit the ClearScan button and the TuneBase will find a better station.
The hands-free feature allows you to answer calls while you drive without having to physically pick up the phone. Not only is this a convenient feature, but a safe one as well. The calls come in over your car's speakers while the iPhone's microphone picks up your voice.
Available for: iPhone 3G/3GS (also works with almost every iPod model)
Price: $100
BlackBerry Premium Multimedia Headset
BlackBerrys have a reputation for being business-only, but with great multimedia applications like Slacker Radio and FlyCast available, you'll want to invest in some high-quality headphones. Made especially for BlackBerry phones, RIM's Premium Multimedia Headset boasts a comfortable fit, noise-cancellation technology, and convenient built-in playback and volume controls. These controls, however, will work only with BlackBerry devices running OS v4.6 or higher. Music piped through the headphones sounds crisp and clear with no crackling or tinniness. Unfortunately, I had some issues with call quality while using the headset. While I could hear my contacts just fine, they reported that my voice sounded distant and difficult to hear.
The headphones come in a handy BlackBerry-branded leather-like carrying case, extra earbud sizes, and color plates for customization.
Available for: BlackBerry devices OS v4.6 or higher
Price: $90
Aliph Jawbone Prime Bluetooth Headset
The Aliph Jawbone Prime holds the number one spot on PC World's Top 10 Bluetooth Headsets chart for good reason: It has stellar audio quality and a customizable fit for maximum comfort. Call quality is impressive thanks to built-in background noise cancellation. The headset can also detect and diminish wind during calls--a boon for those of us who make a lot of calls while on the move.
The headset comes with a large variety of earwear: Six earbuds as well as an optional ear hook. Many people dislike ear hooks and find them uncomfortable, but the Jawbone Prime gives you the option of using a stabilizing ring to fit the headset in your ear.
Available for: All phones with Bluetooth support
Price: $120
Skullcandy Holua Headphones
So many premium headphones to pick from. The Skullcandy line stands out for its combination of sound quality, comfort, and style, all at a reasonable price. The Holua headphones in particular have great sound quality due to their unique wooden casing that houses the 8mm speakers. The headphones are available in an array of attractive color combinations.
If you're looking for something less expensive, check out the company's Full Metal Jacket headphones. These sharp-looking units also serve as a headset with a convenient button that can be pressed to pick up phone calls. Both the Holua and Full Metal Jacket come with a slick carrying case and three silicone gel tips to fit any ear size.
Available for: All smartphones with a 3.5-mm headphone jack; phones with proprietary jacks must use an adapter
Price: Holua, $100; Full Metal Jacket, $70
Energizer Energi To Go
Do you fear being caught flat-footed, on the road with your phone battery near-dead and no outlet to be found? Smartphone owners can take comfort in the fact that there is a solution: Energizer Energi To Go emergency charger. This handy, portable accessory lets you charge your phone from anywhere, no outlet required. It gets its power from a AA battery (make sure to carry spares). Models are available for Palm, LG, Samsung, Nokia and BlackBerry phones.
Also available is an HTC-branded emergency charger that will work with most HTC-manufactured phones like the T-Mobile G1, the HTC Touch Pro, and the T-Mobile myTouch 3G.
Available for: Most cell phones
Price: $25
Phonesuit MiLi Power Pack
A common complaint about the iPhone 3G/3GS is its mediocre battery life. If you're using your iPhone to listen to music, surf the Web, and have GPS turned on, battery life will drain pretty rapidly. Therefore, a power pack is essential to get full use out of your iPhone. Phonesuit's MiLi is one of the slickest power packs out there and provides a boost to last you all day.
If you have a case on your iPhone, you'll have to remove it before plugging your phone into the suit. Fortunately, the MiLi is slim enough to use as an everyday power pack/case without adding extra bulk. One odd design choice, however, is that the MiLi uses a miniUSB connector--not the standard iPhone/iPod connector--so that means one more cord to carry around.
Available for: iPhone 3G/3GS
Price: $80
Palm Pre Touchstone
Palm makes charging sexy with its Touchstone Charging Kit. This $70 accessory provides a special back plate, as well as a slanted dock whose surface uses inductive charging technology. Inductive coils inside the Touchstone generate an electromagnetic field that transmits charge through the special back cover for the Palm Pre. Palm has done a good job customizing the Pre for use with the Touchstone, too; for example, if you place the phone on the dock while you're on a call, it will automatically reroute the call to the speakerphone.
Available for: Palm Pre
Price: $70
Celio Redfly C8N
The Celio Redfly C8N is technically more of a mobile companion than an accessory for Windows Mobile phones. This portable terminal, which resembles a netbook, lets you take advantage of Windows Mobile's powerful applications to their full ability. Theoretically, you can edit Microsoft Office docs on Windows Mobile devices, but how many of us have the patience to make the effort on the tiny keyboard of a smartphone? The Celio Redfly C8N's much larger keyboard and display is a solution to this problem.
The C8N's display does a great job of optimizing the low-resolution, portrait-mode display of a smartphone for the landscape mode of a netbook. Apps look great on the full display, but our reviewer ran into some issues when launching Internet Explorer and Opera Mobile. Even so, the C8N has better battery life than a netbook and will charge your handset when it is connected.
Available for: Windows Mobile smartphones
Price: $300
Looking for a smartphone to go with these accessories? Check out PC World's Top 10 Cell Phones .
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The UT Tyler Patriot baseball and softball teams will begin the 2013 season looking to prove the preseason polls right.
Last week, American Southwest Conference polls — voted on by each division's head coaches, sports information directors and media members — picked both Patriot teams to win their respective divisions.
The Patriot baseball team, which is led by new head coach Chris Bertrand, is attempting to capture their seventh-straight ASC East title.
Bertrand, who last coached at LSU-Shreveport, is adjusting well to his surroundings, he said.
"… The veterans that we have on this ballclub and the winning history that we have in this program, all of that stuff has made it so much easier on me," he said. "The adjustment has been really, really easy because of the group of players that we have."
Bertrand is looking forward to starting the season with a team that has substantial amounts of achievement in the past few seasons, he said.
"That's what you want," he said about inheriting a successful ballclub.
"Anytime you're a coach, or you're a competitive person or leader of an organization, you want to have the ability and resources around you to win, and that's obviously what we have here."
The 2013 Patriots boast 23 upperclassmen, with nine juniors and 14 seniors. First baseman Issac Tijerina is looking forward to starting his senior season with coach Bertrand.
"(Coach Bertrand) put out there, first off, high expectations for us," he said. "I think he makes a big difference from last year, and I feel like we have a great team this year because of him."
The team aims to advance past the NCAA regionals for the first time in school history, Bertrand said.
Last season, The Patriots advanced to the ASC championship round, but fell short against Concordia University and McMurry University.
The Patriots open the season on the road Feb. 8 in the Dallas Christian Tournament, and have their home opener scheduled Feb. 15 against Hardin-Simmons University.
Ninth-year head coach Mike Reed looks to lead the Patriot softball team to its third ASC East division title in the past four years.
Reed, who has been at UT Tyler since the start of the program, pointed to successes last season but said the job is not done.
In 2012, the Patriots advanced to the NCAA regionals but fell short against Pacific Lutheran University, the team that would go on to win the national championship.
"I think we do a good job every year of really kind of resetting the slate and focusing on new challenges" he said. "Our goals kind of stay the same every year, and that's a good thing: To win the conference championship, win the regionals and get yourself a chance to play for the national championship."
The Patriots return eight seniors. Reed said the team would lean heavily on the experience they have gathered in their time at UT Tyler.
"It's the biggest group of seniors I've ever had on the team, he said. "We'll rely a lot on them, and their experiences and their leadership. I think we'll go as our seniors go."
Senior first baseman Rachel Howell said the preseason polls will not affect the amount of hard work they will put into the season.
"We ignore (the polls). Because we want to focus on what we do on the field and not necessarily on what everyone else thinks we'll do," she said. "We just want to go out there and perform to the best of our ability."
The Patriot softball team also begins the season on the road at Mary Hardin-Baylor University on Feb. 16, and the home opener is Feb. 24 against Trinity University.


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June 5, 2003
3 States Sue E.P.A. to Regulate Emissions of Carbon Dioxide
arbon dioxide emissions from cars and power plants should be regulated as an air pollutant because they contribute to global warming, three Northeast states said yesterday in a federal lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency.
State officials in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts said the suit, filed in Federal District Court in Hartford, is the first time that any state has sued the government to compel action on climate change.
If the suit succeeds, the E.P.A. will be required to classify carbon dioxide as a "criteria pollutant," under the Federal Clean Air Act, and that would trigger, the state's lawyers say, a process of setting standards for allowable levels in the atmosphere, as the federal government now does for ozone, lead and sulfur dioxide and other gasses.
"Global warming is no longer some abstract threat it's real and it's urgent," said Richard Blumenthal, attorney general of Connecticut. "Our lawsuit is a last resort."
An E.P.A. spokesman, David Deegan, said the agency was still studying the suit and would have no specific comment. But he said that President Bush and Christie Whitman, the E.P.A. administrator, had made their positions clear.
"The president and Administrator Whitman have said that carbon dioxide shouldn't be regulated as a pollutant; the science on it is more complex, and the answers are elusive right now," he said. "They support a flexible approach that will adjust for new information and technology."
Ms. Whitman resigned last month and is leaving her post at the end of this month. The White House has not yet nominated a successor.
The heart of the states' argument, legal experts said, comes down, to a certain extent, to semantics: what exactly constitutes a pollutant? When the Clean Air Act was passed in the 1970's, air pollution meant things would make people demonstrably sick. But as evidence of indirect consequences has grown like the chemical combinations that form smog, for instance, or acid rain, which mainly affects aquatic life the boundary of what is considered harmful has expanded.
The suit contends that while carbon dioxide does not pose a direct threat to human health, it has passed over the threshold of harm because of its role in global warming. The scientific evidence about the buildup of so-called greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and the long-term threats posed by climate upheaval on everything from emerging diseases to economics are so firmly established, the states say, that the government has a responsibility to act.
"E.P.A. itself predicts that the problems associated with atmospheric warming will intensify in the years to come," said Steven Rowe, Maine's attorney general. "The agency has a legal duty to act now."
A spokesman for the Edison Electric Institute, a trade group that represents shareholder-owned electricity companies, said the suit, if it succeeds, would hurt the economy without achieving its desired results. Electric power plants and automobiles account for a majority of the carbon dioxide emissions in the nation.
The spokesman, Dan Riedinger, said there is currently no technological means of eliminating carbon dioxide from a power plant's smokestacks. Imposing atmospheric standards, he said, would force plants to switch from burning coal, which produces lots of carbon dioxide, to natural gas, which produces less. But that kind of shift, he said, could bring havoc to the nation's natural gas supply and delivery system.
"To be effective, any policy response to global warming must allow time for new technology," he said.
Many states are starting to address climate change concerns. This year, Gov. George E. Pataki of New York said he hoped to create a regional consortium of states, from Maine to Maryland, to work on the issue. New Hampshire has passed legislation regulating power plant emissions. California passed a law last year requiring reductions in carbon dioxide for automobiles.
"There's a lot of activity, and it's all building," said Ashok Gupta, the director of air and energy programs at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a New York-based conservation group. "At some point, we will be regulating carbon dioxide at power plants, if not in the whole economy. It's a question of when."


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Second-annual ride for fallen veteran in Winsted Aug. 10
WINSTED >> For the second time in as many years, veteran and active-duty service men and women will converge in Winsted to raise money for post-traumatic stress disorder victims and honor a fallen friend. The second-annual Matthew Marc Melanson Memorial Ride is this Sunday, ending with a cookout at the Tractor Supply in Barkhamsted.
The event was organized by Art Melycher, Commander of the American Legion Post 43 in Winsted, and Walt Lemet.
"I think it's fantastic because all profits are used to support the local veterans, our younger veterans that have PTSD problems," Melycher said. "We assisted six families last year and spent a little over $2,000 of what we raised to help families with heating oil, food, utilities."
The "ride" itself is a motorcycle trip across town. Last year, a group of cyclists traveled from De Capo Restaurant to The Shop, where 13 men holding flags awaited them. The ride and the cookout that followed raised $2,867 in the inaugural event last August. The money was donated to help young war veterans recovering from PTSD through American Legion Post 43.
The route this year starts at Industrial Park at 9:15 a.m., heads up through Barkhamsted and Riverton towards Hartland and back to Tractor Supply, located at 380 New Hartford Road in Barkhamsted. This will be the site of what is now an annual cookout.
Last year, 152 riders came out to show their support and to honor Melanson's memory. The 22-year-old passed away unexpectedly in May 2013. He suffered from PTSD after returning from a tour in 2012. He is survived by parents Tracy and Marc.
"The ride is going to be awesome," said Gloria Newman of Winsted. "You've got food, raffles. It's very nice."
Melanson served in the Connecticut National Guard Charlie Company of the 102nd Infantry Division. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2008 and later served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2011-12. He was a student at Tunxis Community College and a former member of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department, according to a Facebook page for the event.
There will be food, raffles and live music provided by The Joey Sexton Band and DJ Justin.
Among the vendors and sponsors of the Matthew Marc Melanson Memorial Ride are the following: the Northwest Sporting Goods and Supply, Norse Inc, Jeff's Home and Lawn Maintenance, WALemet Photography, One Arm Bandit Pinstriping and NAPA of Watertown.
The cost is $20 per bike for ride and show, $15 for show. Spectators can attend for free.
Reach Ryan Flynn at 860-294-0155.


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March for Child Abuse Awareness
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
We walk for our children! Together we can make a change, one step at a time. On Friday, September 18, we will start gathering at the Warren County Government Center at 5:30pm, and will begin our march at 6pm.
This march is to help shine light on the injustices that continue to happen to our children. To shine light on a justice system that gives so much power to the predator and not the victim. We march to be heard! They will know that we will NEVER back down when it comes to the safety of our children.
Community Events
Samuels Public Library Adult Programming events for November
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
Books & Beyond Discussion
Join us for an informal book discussion group over Zoom! If you need help setting up Zoom on your device, please call the Adult Reference Desk at (540) 635-3153 ext 105. Wednesday, November 4th at 10 A.M.
Bird Conversation and Wind Power
FOSL, in conjunction with Audubon and Shenandoah University, hosts a special virtual program with Joel Merriman of American Bird Conservancy. Prof Kincaid at Shenandoah University will include students in the audience and community members are welcome to participate. Thursday, November 5th at 7 P.M.
Photography & Beyond
Storytelling Through Photography: Giving Thanks
Come explore the world of photography and beyond. Our photography group meets virtually, every other week, using Zoom technology. This interactive forum is facilitated by local photographer, Sharon Fisher. During this session, we will explore techniques using photography to create stories and express emotions. The theme will be on giving thanks. Photographers of all levels using any type of cameras are welcome to join us. Saturday, November 7th at 10 A.M.
Front Royal Writer's Group
We're a supportive, non-judgmental group of writers who meet and share our mutual love of writing and to help each other get better at it! Join us for a special Zoom discussion session. Thursday, November 12th at 6:30 P.M.
Books & Beyond Discussion
Join us for our adult book club discussion time! This month's book is The Yellow House by Sarah Broom. If you need help setting up Zoom on your device, please call the Adult Reference Desk at (540) 635-3153 ext. 105. Wednesday, November 18th at 10 A.M.
Photography & Beyond
Join local photographer and educator Sharon Fisher for a bimonthly photography workshop. The first sessions each month will be a presentation such as landscape photography, portrait photography, sunrise/sunset photography, autumn leaves, etc. The second session each month will be a sharing of images and real-time editing. This workshop is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced photographers using all types of cameras from smartphones to advance cameras with adjustable settings and special lenses. Saturday, November 21st at 10 A.M.
Library Closings
In observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday the library will be closing at 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 25th. The library will be closed Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th. The Library will reopen at 10:00 A.M. Saturday November, 28th.
Local Government
Liaison Committee ponders drug abuse committee logistics, solid waste disposal costs, and ongoing projects
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
Town and County officials reviewed a number of projects at the Front Royal-Warren County Liaison Committee meeting of Thursday, October 22nd. Those included early stages of formation of a joint municipality and law enforcement committee to work more proactively to stem the tide of drug, particularly heroin and opioid abuse in the county; adjustment of Town payments to the County on its solid-waste disposal to reflect current costs to the County; the status of implementation of Building Inspection software to facilitate online applications and payments; recent Development Review Committee discussion of Town and County projects; and two County projects ongoing inside the town limits.
Adjusting the name of the currently referenced "Drug Task Force Committee" to more accurately portray its joint civilian-law enforcement mission of education, prevention and rehabilitation of aspects of the community, particularly young people and other vulnerable groups, targeted by drug dealers was suggested. "Joint Substance Abuse Committee" was cited as a leading candidate for that renaming.
The committee by whatever name will meet at 8:30 a.m. this coming Thursday, October 29th at the Warren County Government Center in a room determined to be large enough to hold all involved parties.
The bulk of the Liaison Committee agenda packet – 16 of 20 pages – referenced background on the solid-waste agreement between the two municipalities dating to 2009. At issue is that the Town's current $50.72 per-ton payment on the Commercial tipping fee on its commercial waste does not cover current costs incurred by the County under the old, agreed-upon 73.5% the Town pays on its waste.
Asked by Councilwoman Lori Cockrell what the bottom line of the dizzying array of numbers, various fees and percentages presented was, it was determined the Town needed to increase it's per-ton payment by $1.28 per ton to $52 per ton. Cockrell then asked what the yearly tonnage of Town commercial waste handled by the County was.
The answer, 518 tons per year, meant that a year's underpayment at the current rate equated to a County loss of $663.04 annually. It wasn't clear if the rate adjustment would include compensating the County for any past losses, though as Cockrell observed, the annual total didn't equate too much of the Town's annual budget.
A County staff suggestion was that moving forward, the rates and any necessary adjustments be reviewed and made annually.
Among ongoing projects recently discussed by the Development Review Committee were a request for "60 apartments on East Main Street", a proposed gas station-convenience store at the old Joe's Steakhouse location on the town's Southside at South Royal and Criser Road intersection; and the November 1st reopening of the thermal shelters offered to the community's homeless through the cold weather at the County's Health and Human Services complex on 15th Street in the old middle school building.
Cockrell, representing the Town with Mayor Tewalt and Gary Gillespie, pointed out that an inquiry had been made about the potential of adding locker space where homeless could keep their possessions during the day.
Interim County Administrator Ed Daley also observed that it was believed the 18 to 24 maximum thermal shelter accommodation at the site might not be enough for the anticipated number of homeless needing winter accommodations in the coming years. The possibility of establishing an alternate site that could both accommodate increasing numbers and provide lockable space for their possessions might be necessary long-term was discussed without a pinning down of a potential location.
See these discussions and others in this exclusive Royal Examiner Liaison Committee meeting video:
Legislative Update
Sixth District Perspectives with Congressman Ben Cline – October 25, 2020
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
This week I had the privilege of chatting virtually with Sixth District residents like the Lucas Family of Roanoke to discuss their small business, as well as enjoyed in-person events in the Lynchburg area to cut the ribbon on the Blackwater Creek Trail Expansion and honor the Civil Air Patrol. Further, I was pleased to see Judge Amy Coney Barrett advance favorably out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was also thankful that the President signed into law two bills aimed at addressing mental health issues of both veterans and civilians. And finally, while there is not yet a consensus on an additional COVID-19 relief package, please know that I will keep you apprised should there be any developments. I have used the October District Work Period to stay in touch with folks here at home, and I look forward to continuing to travel the District discussing the issues that matter most to the citizens.
Supporting Local Pharmacies:
I had the opportunity to hear from Kayla Lucas, a pharmacy student, and her parents who own DownHome Pharmacy in Roanoke this week. We discussed Rutledge v. PCMA, a case recently heard by the Supreme Court, as well as other issues affecting their industry. The Lucas family explained that over the years they have seen reimbursements for prescriptions continuously drop, which has put a strain on local pharmacies all over the country. Ensuring transparency and patient access, while also ensuring that pharmacies, especially our local pharmacies, have easier access to the marketplace should be a priority. That is why last year I wrote to Secretary Azar of the Department of Health and Human Services to address this issue by expressing my strong support of provisions in the agency's proposed rule, Modernizing Part D and Medicare Advantage to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses, which would reform the use of pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fees, or pharmacy price concessions, in the Medicare Part D program.
Blackwater Creek Trail Expansion:
It was an honor to be in Lynchburg this week to celebrate the renovation of the Langhorne Road Bridge and the extension of the Blackwater Creek Trail. As one of the most popular trails in Hill City, this extension adds to the many recreational opportunities that are available to the community and the surrounding region. I am pleased that this project was made possible with federal funding from the transportation alternatives set-aside which is part of the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program. This program allows communities across the country to invest locally in a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects, and I firmly believe that state and local leaders are best equipped to prioritize our Nation's transportation needs. This event was another shining example of that. Long-term projects like this are only made possible when localities have a clear picture of future funding, which is why I will continue to be a vocal advocate for a bipartisan surface transportation bill that makes improvements to our country's crumbling infrastructure.
Civil Air Patrol:
World War II was one of our Nation's bloodiest conflicts, and for nearly four years Americans fought courageously around the world to secure peace and freedom for all. We thank those who served in the Armed Forces, but as President Roosevelt said, civilian efforts at home to support the War through personal sacrifice was as critical to winning the war as the efforts of the soldiers themselves. One such group of civilian unsung heroes were the 200,000 Americans who served in the Civil Air Patrol during the War. The Civil Air Patrol was critical to the defense of our homeland and partook in coastal patrol operations, convoy escorts, emergency transportation of military personnel, search and rescue missions, and nationwide emergency communications. For their efforts during the War, Congress awarded the Civil Air Patrol as a whole the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014, which any member who served during WWII is entitled to receive. And this week, it was my distinct honor to present this Medal to Mr. George "Rusty" Nichols of Madison Heights who volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol in 1944 at the age of 14. We thank him and all who selflessly served during a critical time of need for the Nation.
Confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett:
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved advancing the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Senate Floor this coming week. I am sorry that Senate Judiciary Democrats chose not to show up to participate in the confirmation vote. Considering her qualifications, her judicial philosophy of being a Constitutionalist, and her earning a "well qualified" rating from the American Bar Association, I am confident that the Senate will confirm this exceptional jurist to the Supreme Court.
Promoting Mental Health:
Recently, the President signed into law two pieces of legislation aimed at addressing mental health issues. The first of the two bills is the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which addresses Veteran suicide by providing essential support to community-based organizations, expanding access to new therapies for behavioral health, increasing support for those with other than honorable discharges, and funding additional suicide prevention coordinators. Further, the President signed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which designates 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number of the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system. Mental health advocates say 9-8-8, a simple three-digit number, will be easier for people to remember in the midst of a mental health emergency. Please note that the 9-8-8 number will not be operational until 2022. At this time, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Both pieces of legislation have the potential to save countless lives, and I was proud to support them on the House Floor.
COVID-19 Update:
People are hurting yet Speaker Pelosi chooses big cities and special interests over those most in need. Instead of seeking targeted relief to families and small businesses, the Speaker is trying to run out the clock hoping she can get the full $3.4 trillion passed by the House in the next Congress. While no deal on an additional COVID-19 relief bill was reached this week, the Administration continues its whole of government approach to address the coronavirus pandemic. Below please find just a few of the many examples of how the Federal government has provided direct relief to the Commonwealth of Virginia. For additional examples, view last week's Sixth District Perspectives here.
• The President approved Virginia's major disaster declaration on April 2, 2020, and National Guard funding requests on April 7, 2020, providing additional Federal resources to supplement State response efforts.
• The Federal government has and continues to coordinate the surge of resources to Virginia Medicare & Medicaid certified nursing homes – to supplement private sector supplies, the federal government is coordinating the provision of point-of-care COVID-19 testing to 235 Virginia Medicare & Medicaid certified nursing homes.
• Coordinated donation of 493 cases (40 vials per case) of Remdesivir, and 365 cases of commercially available Remdesivir, to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Virginia.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia and eligible local governments received over $3.3 B from the CARES Act's Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to help address unforeseen financial needs created by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Tribal governments received over $18.9 M in CRF funding.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has made over $179.9 M in COVID-19 funding available to Virginia grantees to help America's low-income families and most vulnerable citizens via CARES Act authorizations.
• The U.S. Department of Education provided $312.1 M to support post-secondary education students and institutions of higher education in Virginia, authorized $66.8 M for the State from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund, and $238.6 M to ensure learning continues for all elementary and secondary students.
• The U.S. Department of Transportation allocated more than $456.4 M to help the Virginia public transportation systems and $318.5 M to help Virginia airports.
(B = Billion, M = Million, K = Thousand) Data as of October 9, 2020
If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your congressman. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Local News
Governor Northam allocates CARES Act dollars to help free clinics
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
Governor Ralph Northam announced, October 23, 2020, that the Commonwealth will use $3 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars to reimburse members of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (VAFCC) for clinics' COVID-19 expenses, including personal protective equipment, sanitation measures, telehealth, and hiring new staff.
"Our free clinics are a critical part of our health safety net, providing care for those with no insurance," said Governor Northam. "Thousands of Virginians access health care through free clinics, and I am glad we can help support those clinics' needs at this time. This global health crisis truly demonstrates how important it is that everyone has access to health care."
Virginia's free clinics serve an essential role in Virginia's health care safety net, providing care for free or on a sliding scale to uninsured patients. An estimated 226,000 Virginians with incomes between 139 percent and 300 percent of the poverty level had no health coverage prior to the onset of the pandemic, according to a recent report by the Virginia Health Care Foundation/Urban Institute.
In addition to existing patients, free clinics have seen demand for their services rise, as more Virginians lose jobs and, thus, employer-sponsored health care.
"Virginia's free clinics are a vital resource for Virginians who lack health insurance," said Rufus Phillips, CEO of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. "Clinics are filling the increasing need for their services created by the pandemic, but that comes with a cost—at a time when donations are down. We're happy for our clinics to receive this additional state assistance to help them provide the essential health care every Virginian deserves."
Clinics operate with small budgets, and the pandemic curtailed regular fundraising events. Expenses that the pandemic made necessary—such as additional personal protective equipment, increased use of telehealth, hiring additional staff to meet demand, and other health modifications—have put a burden on clinics' budgets. The VAFCC estimates free clinics have incurred an average of $40,000 each in unbudgeted expenses for needs related to the pandemic.
"The pandemic has required us to change how we serve our patients while increasing the number of patients who need our services," said Anne-Lise Quinn, Executive Director of Culmore Clinic in Falls Church. "The cost of COVID supplies, like PPE and increased telehealth, has had a large impact on the small budgets of free clinics like ours. This support will help us continue to fulfill our mission of ensuring that everyone has access to health care."
Free clinics have also provided COVID-19 testing and often are seen as a trusted resource for health information to vulnerable populations.
Local News
Stephens City Martins have flown south, but will begin returning from Brazil in March
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
The approximately 60 nesting pairs of Purple Martins leave the Autumn Glen HOA in Stephens City by mid-August and migrate to their winter quarters in Brazil.
Every October, the Autumn Glen volunteer Bird Management Team removes the 10 bird condominiums from their 15-foot aluminum poles on the HOA's beautifully landscaped 52 acres and the houses are meticulously cleaned, tarped, and stored for the winter.
Martins breed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and then winter in Brazil. Most adults do not seek new breeding sites but will return to the exact same site from the previous year. Yearling Martins will typically colonize new breeding sites. The older adult Martins (called scouts) will begin to return to their Stephens City nesting sites in late March.
The Martins eat moths, flying beetles, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and squash bugs, just to name a few. They will also keep away blackbirds and crows and are welcomed in backyards across the United States. Martins as all swallows, are aerial insectivores, feeding on insects in flight.
2020 trends: Why glass partitions deserve a look
220 N. Commerce Ave | Front Royal VA 22630
If you want to create designated spaces in your home without sacrificing the airiness of open-concept living, glass partitions offer a beautiful compromise.
This type of room divider helps block out noise while continuing to let in plenty of natural light. If you want to create an office space or reading nook in your living area, for example, such partitions are ideal. Alternatively, glass walls can be used to keep strong smells in the kitchen without obstructing sight lines.
From intricately etched panels to industrial steel frames, glass partitions can be incorporated into any style of home and customized to fit any space. Plus, they're typically made of tempered glass, which means they won't shatter into sharp pieces if they accidentally break.
To help you make the most of this practical and striking feature, consult an interior designer.
King Cartoons
Wind: 0mph SSE
Humidity: 94%
Pressure: 30.16"Hg
UV index: 0


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Thanks to CMP fave Foco Loco and their cool new Color Your Own shirts, I might just keep my sanity for a little longer. Available in three designs on organic or regular tees, these shirts are perfect for the drawing fanatic in your house. Just use the included coloring pens, dry for 24 hours, and presto! — a shirt of their own making! And even better, no licensed characters anywhere to be found. This is all original art with a funky, urban spin.
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