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The Hidden Risk and Cost of Mercury Pollution
30 Jan, 2012
By Robert Lalasz, via Grist.org,
Mercury pollution — nothing to worry about if I don't live in the rural Northeast and don't eat tons of fish, right?
Guess again, says a new report done by the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy. The report, "Hidden Risk," details the widespread and deep impacts of mercury pollution in terrestrial nature — particularly on animals such as songbirds and bats. Researchers are discovering how mercury is causing big declines in reproductive success among these species, as well as physiological oddities — like developmental asymmetries and an inability of some birds to hit high notes.
And the same rain that brings mercury pollution down from the sky falls on us, too. So are these species a kind of canary in the coal mine for mercury's effects on other vertebrates, including people? And will strict new federal standards limiting U.S. power plant pollution be enough in a world where mercury pollution is on the rise from China and other nations? I talked with two co-authors of "Hidden Risk" — BRI's executive director, Dave Evers, and Tim Tear, the Conservancy's director of science for New York — to find out more. (Download the report here.)
Q. Some are going to be surprised that mercury pollution is still a problem — didn't various agencies and industries take steps to reduce mercury emissions over the last decade in the United States? So why are high levels of mercury still a problem in many wildlife species?
Dave Evers: Yes, a lot of mercury has been taken out of air pollution over the past few decades — but our understanding is growing of how just a little mercury can adversely affect wildlife, and how many species have been affected. More species are being impacted than we had thought, and the toxicity of methylmercury to those species is at lower threshold levels than we ever realized.
Tim Tear: Many of these species and many of the places affected are in people's backyards. People used to think that mercury pollution was a problem isolated to remote areas of the Northeast. No more.
Q. So, would someone see a bird or a bat acting strangely because of mercury pollution? Or is this something that data is telling you?
Evers: The effects are difficult to see in the field for the average observer. Mercury doesn't create physical mutations, and an individual animal with mercury will probably die from predation first. But mercury is a neurotoxin that does impact wildlife behavior, and that behavior impacts their survival and reproduction. We focus on data to really quantify the impacts of mercury on the reproductive success of species.
For example, we quantified mercury impacts on the common loon. Common loons need to spend about 98 percent of their time on a nest incubating their eggs to have those eggs successfully hatch. We've quantified with over 5,000 hours of observation that loons with high mercury levels spend only 85 percent of their time incubating those eggs. So they spend less time in an incubation posture, and because of that, eggs do not hatch, and because of that, the species' reproductive success goes down.
Q. Where is the mercury pollution still coming from? And what U.S. regions are of most concern?
Tear: Most of the research has really focused on the Northeast United States — an area that's been really hard hit by acid rain, which makes mercury a bigger problem. But mercury pollution is happening all over the world. It comes globally from Asia, as well as nationally from power plants in the Midwest, to locally from waste incinerators. We're going to need to address all sources of mercury to be successful in stopping these impacts.
Q. And in different habitats, right? Most people in the United States who know about mercury in nature know about it through warnings about the fish they eat.
Evers: Yes, there's been a paradigm shift in new findings. In the past, most of the scientists assessing risk from mercury in an ecosystem would be looking at fish-eating birds and fish-eating mammals — because we knew methylmercury (the organic form of mercury) moved through the food web in aquatic organisms. But there's been a missing link in looking at mercury in terrestrial ecosystem food webs and looking at how species that eat insects and spiders — what we call "invertivores" — can be affected.
In the invertivore food web, the key pieces are no longer fish, but spiders. A bird that eats a spider that ate a spider that ate a fly — that's four different changes in the trophic food web. We've established that a little songbird like a northern waterthrush or a sparrow that eats spiders can actually be higher up in the food web than a bald eagle, which eats fish — and so that songbird has more mercury in its body than does the eagle.
Tear: We've also discovered that mercury is in many more food webs than we realized. It is not just in lakes and ponds. It's in our forests, our estuaries; it's in the lowlands and on the mountaintops. It's in the spiders in the Adirondacks, and it's in backyard birds in New York City.
Q. You mentioned effects on reproductive success. What are some of the other impacts of mercury on terrestrial wildlife?
Evers: For example, bird song is affected. Two recent studies show that birds with high mercury can't hit the high notes, and their songs are simplified. I also worry about long-distance migration, because high mercury has been shown to affect the symmetry of development. If a bird's left wing is 5 percent different in shape than its right wing, that bird is going to fly in a crooked way to compensate for it, which requires more energy to make a flight of thousands of miles to its wintering area. Ultimately, that's going to affect its survival.
Q. That's sad. But ultimately, why should humans care?
Tear: First, if you care about the environment and you care about birds and bats and bugs, then you should care that many of these animals are being heavily impacted.
But the second answer is that the neurotoxic rain that contains mercury falls on humans as well as wildlife. We already know that mercury can be a big problem in human health. This research establishes that the effects of mercury are happening all over the planet, all over many habitat types, to vertebrate species other than ourselves. So people should be concerned about these effects, because there's a link between human health and ecosystem health.
Q. Back to the science of this. How the heck do you measure mercury in a bird population, anyway?
Evers: It's actually very simple and straightforward. There are nice and easy ways to capture and/or take samples from an individual bird that are quick and are non-harmful to the bird and do very little disruption to its routine, other than just having it in a net or hand for a half hour or so. We take a blood sample — just a drop does the trick. We also can take a feather sample, which gives us more of a long-term picture of how much mercury has come into that individual over time.
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15 July 2014 Posted by Matt Eastland
In his most recent blog, Matt shares his views about the potential benefits time-of-use tariffs could bring to the UK. Time-of-use tariffs can have a beneficial effect by for example, reducing the strain of peak energy demand and making energy cheaper.
9 July 2014 Posted by Bryan Halliday
Everyone deserves the right to live in a decent home, yet many people in Britain suffer from bad housing and homelessness. In this blog, Bryan discusses how British Gas' partnership with Shelter is helping tackle this issue through its latest initiative, British Gas Treks Britain.
26 June 2014 Posted by Matt Eastland
Smart meters are playing a crucial role in helping our customers monitor and control their energy consumption and costs. With the installation of British Gas' 1 millionth smart meter in a UK home, Matt discusses the role we are playing in the smart meter roll-out and the benefits they are delivering in Britain today.
12 June 2014 Posted by CR updates
With over 6.5m carers in the UK, we want to ensure that our people with carer responsibilities can continue to meet their personal commitments while also being able to achieve their career ambitions. We therefore provide creative and flexible solutions that support our carer workers.
10 June 2014 Posted by Matt Eastland
We recognise the responsibility that we have to keep peoples' homes and businesses warm and well lit. Our efforts to mitigate our environmental impact is paying dividends and last week, we were awarded the top-performing utility in the 2014 Global 500 Newsweek Green Rankings.
5 June 2014 Posted by Jim Rushen
With today being World Environment Day, Jim takes the opportunity to encourage worldwide awareness and action to safeguard the environment. As Centrica is committed to combatting climate change, we talk about what we are doing to help overcome one the biggest challenges facing the world today by limiting our operational impact and helping customers reduce their energy consumption.
30 May 2014 Posted by Iain Heath
Iain Heath, Head of Graduates at Centrica, talks about the valuable role we are playing to help combat high levels of youth unemployment and support graduates achieve their ambitions in the workplace.
23 May 2014 Posted by Matt Eastland
We are committed to making Centrica a great place to work and part of this means creating an inclusive environment in which our 36,000 strong workforce can flourish.
16 May 2014 Posted by CR updates
We strive to make Centrica a great place to work. One of the ways we do this is by helping our people balance their commitments better, both inside and outside of the workplace. We therefore provide creative and flexible ways of working which supports our people and helps us attract and retain a talented and diverse workforce.
9 May 2014 Posted by Richard Brook
In this blog, Richard Brooks, Assistand Brand Manager at British Gas, talks about Generation Green, British Gas' education programme for children, their teachers and their families together with their exciting new competition that gives schools the opportunity to win up to £150,000 worth of energy saving measures.
24 Jul 14
09 Jul 14

subset: commoncrawl


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There were a number of firsts for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and their Masterworks concerts last weekend—some matter of fact, some exciting, while others were, well, unfortunate. Among the latter was Friday's first-of-the-season ice storm, which reduced that night's attendance by at least half, to a relative handful of dedicated concertgoers.
On the happier side of things, Toshiyuki Shimada, the first guest conductor of this season for KSO, was making his first-ever appearance with the orchestra, tackling a challenging program of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Schumann. The performance of the Beethoven work itself, the Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," was the first from the KSO that I had heard. These performances of the "Emperor" were also the first for KSO's guest pianist, Gleb Ivanov—one of those first times we are likely to remember fondly.
Ivanov's physical stature—a substantial height and solid build—imply a pianist capable of overwhelming power. While the power is there, it is skillfully controlled and, surprisingly, is matched by a genuine and intelligent sensitivity and an emotional delicacy of tone.
What the "Emperor" requires from pianists, though, is more than mastery of runs, multiple voices, and beautiful tone; it requires an understanding, an overview, a plan, that guides both the details and broad passages from beginning to end, lest one become bogged down in Beethoven's obstacles of structure. In this, Ivanov was miraculously successful and courageous, apparently unafraid to contrast moments of plainness and rigidity with moments of Romantic lusciousness.
In the opening movement, Ivanov's attention to the sudden dynamic and tempo changes pushed and pulled at one's emotions, tugging the listener from turmoil to tranquility. The second, adagio movement, one of the most achingly beautiful slow movements in the concerto repertoire, and the transition to the Finale, revealed perhaps the one technical problem of the performance: a bit of communication difficulty between Shimada and the soloist in which coordination was momentarily frayed at the edges. However, these issues paled in comparison to the total effect of the performance, which was eye-opening and deeply rewarding.
Shimada and the orchestra returned from intermission to take on Robert Schumann's "Rhenish" Symphony (Symphony No. 3 in E-flat), a work that saw its first performance in Düsseldorf in 1851. Although Schumann stated that his intention was to mirror something of life along the Rhine, any such impressions are mostly invisible to modern audiences, and probably were to a majority of 19th-century listeners as well. Following the Beethoven concerto as it did, the symphony reveals Schumann's emotional foundation, which he built on with his own innate—and sometimes tortured—creativity.
Some music writers through the years have gently questioned Schumann's abilities as an orchestrator. Gustav Mahler himself, while conductor of the New York Philharmonic, performed the second and third symphonies, but in his own altered versions, which featured simplifications to the instrumentation and changes to dynamics. Shimada accomplished much of the same effect, it seemed, maintaining the fertile flow of musical ideas by carefully massaging dynamics to balance textures of one section against another. Tiny tempo changes did not escape his view, either, although his precise cuing was something of two-edged sword. Nevertheless, the attention to the crispness of entrances, particularly among the string sections, delivered a supremely confident tone.
Shimada began the evening with a wonderful curtain-raiser: Tchaikovsky's Polonaise, which opens Act III of his opera Eugene Onegin. Above all, Tchaikovsky excels at textures and impressions created from specific instrument combinations; Shimada was careful to wring every bit of delight and fun from them. The retort of majestic horns against the strings was nicely accentuated, as was a similar section of horns answering the tea-house textures of flutes and oboes. And, of course, the elation of Tchaikovsky's strings swept us away, momentarily at least, to a place of grandeur—melting, if only briefly, January's ice.
© 2013 MetroPulse. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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July 31, 2014
RENO, NV - A storm system stays put off the coast of northern California. That means the wet weather stays west of the Truckee Meadows. Breezes will crank back up this afternoon. Reno should expect gusts up to 25-30mph. Temperatures stay 5° - 10° cooler than average with highs in the mid 80°s for the next couple of afternoons.


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Due to an incident on October 8th, 2010 caused by the ongoing renovations in the library above OGS provincial office, the office is operating at reduced capacity and may take longer than usual to respond to your correspondence and requests. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve the situation and return to our usual level of service.
Updates will follow.
Thank you very much and Happy Thanksgiving!


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To see more results from the ACSI for other retailer types, including the rest of the stores we visited, click here.
"It's certainly true that it's important for the customer to feel there are employees willing to engage them," said ACSI Managing Director David VanAmburg. "But beyond that there are other elements: knowing when you do need help, you can find someone, and once you do find someone, that employee is courteous, professional, knowledgeable and helpful."
Our footage raises the question of whether consumers should have to ask for help if sales associates are nearby, available, and able to help. It also raises the questions about workers who are stocking shelves and their role in customer contact. On multiple occasions, at all stores, we were ignored by workers stocking shelves.
VanAmburg viewed clips of our footage at the 25 retailers we visited.
"In a lot of cases retailers expect us to be savvy about our shopping, that we know where things are at, that we will ask for help," VanAmburg said.
Walmart was unhappy that we did not include its greeters in our calculations of customer contact.
"We have a long history of greeting customers when they come into our stores, and our greeters, many of whom are recognizable figures in their community, do a great job," said Molly Philhours, spokeswoman for Walmart.
We did not include greeters because we wanted to assess a level playing field of what happens when a consumer crosses the threshold of a store and needs help on the store selling floor.
Of the five Walmarts we visited, only two had greeters present, and neither one offered to assist us in finding a specific area of the store or product.
Greeters, according to Van Amburg, don't necessarily have an effect on the overall shopping experience.
"If a greeter is immediately asking you what department or what area of the store they might be able to direct you to, that has practical value to the shopper," VanAmburg said. "If a greeter is simply giving you a smile and a hello, as nice as that gesture might be, there is no practical value in terms of your ability to shop efficiently at the store."
We sent video clips of all our visits to the respective retailers, along with the following questions:
- What does your company consider "customer contact"?
- What are the customer contact goals for your stores? For example - customers should be in the store, on average, no longer than (x) mins/secs before having contact with a sales associate?
- Are there metrics to measure customer contact?
- Are employees engaged in stocking shelves exempt from those goals?
- Are employees engaged in stocking shelves trained not to engage customers?
Here are the responses, in full, as provided to us from each retailer:
"Thank you for the opportunity to review your hidden camera footage and for the opportunity to respond."
"With more than 1068 Publix locations across five states, focused on customer service and quality products, we sincerely hope that you captured additional footage of stellar customer service in our stores, and while we recognize that the focus of your story was not on exemplary service, we strive every day to deliver on our service commitment."
"Like you, we were surprised to see the lack of service in some of the identified locations. We assure you that the lack of service captured by your hidden camera footage is not an accurate overall representation of the exemplary customer service and engagement practices we have been acknowledged for by our loyal customers and peers in the retail industry, year after year."
"Publix has scored higher than any other supermarket for customer service satisfaction in a national survey conducted by the American Customer Satisfaction Index for 18 years (1995-2013). We strive to create a superior shopping environment at all times."
"We have several systems and performance indicators in place to measure customer engagement and satisfaction measurements to benchmark performance factors throughout the entire store, from the service counter in the Deli and other service sub departments, to engagement on our sales floor and at check out."
"We also acknowledge that training is continuous and we can always strive to do better. Your footage allows us the opportunity to reinforce our company culture, policies and practices to assure we are meeting and exceeding the expectations of you and all of our loyal customers on each and every visit." Dwaine Stevens, Publix.


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Marvel Wants Evangeline Lilly for Ant-Man
Exclusive Marvel Details You Can't Miss
Will The Hulk Come Back?
Will Christian Bale Ever Play Batman Again?
Hard to Say Goodbye: TV's Most Traumatic Deaths
5 Shows That Make You Super Angry
A 'Saved By The Bell' Cast Update
Paul Walker's Car Collection
27 Fascinating Movie Facts You Never Knew
28 Marvel Comic Facts You Probably Didn't Know
9 Game of Thrones Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Kaley Cuoco Shows Off Her Tennis Skills
The 9 Most Convincing Movie Psychopaths
7 Awful TV Series Finales That Caused Fan Outrage
7 Biggest 'Friends' Mistakes and Bloopers
Meet the Cast of Star Wars: Episode VII
14 Shows We Wish Were Still On Air
Everything You Wanted to Know about Mystique
The Best of MomoCon's Cosplay
Some Original Cast to Return for X-Men: Apocalypse
Whatever Happened to the Cast of Mean Girls?
6 Game Of Thrones Characters That Need to Die
11 More Superhero Movies That Almost Happened
11 Great Movies with Truly Terrible Plot Twists
First Look at Cavill in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice
10 Movies So Bad, They're Good
5 TV Shows For Your 'Game Of Thrones' Withdrawal
The Amazing Spider-Man 3 Pushed Back to 2018
Get a Sneak Peek at Ben Affleck as Batman
How to Start a Beer Cellar At Home


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If you search for [gmail] in Google and if you click on the sitelink that reads "Google mail" — Google may push you to a page that composes an email to a Google Apps user.
Here is the search result you may see when you search for [gmail]:
Clicking on that sitelink below the main listing may take you to the compose window to email a specific Google Apps user.
This will only happen if (1) you see the sitelink and (2) you are logged into a Google Account. Otherwise, if you don't have a Google Account, you will need to create one to send this user an email.
Why is some stranger's email address showing up in the Google search results for sitelink for Gmail? It must have been an indexing issue by Google. I suspect this will be fixed shortly after we post our story.
Credit goes to Rahul Mistry of 123-reg.co.uk for sending us this tip.
Postscript: See our follow-up story: Days-Old Error In Google Search Causes Gmail User To Get Thousands Of Emails
Related Topics: Channel: Consumer | Google: Gmail | Google: Web Search


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courses.uww.edu »
2013 Spring Term
Geology 100
An introduction to the concepts which describe the origin and evolution of the earth. Emphasis is on understanding (1) the material make-up of the earth, (2) the internal and external processes which affect the earth, (3) the scientific method as it applies to the study of the earth. One field trip is required. A special fee will be assessed to those students electing to participate on an optional field trip to cover the cost of chartering a bus. Four hours of lectures and two hours of lab each week.
Other Requirements: COREQ: MATH 141 OR MATH 140 OR WAIVER
Class Schedule
- This schedule is informational and does not guarantee availability for registration.
- Sections may be full or not open for registration. Please use WINS if you wish to register for a course.


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KXLY4's Kris Crocker has your Forecast Focus for Tuesday, April 29.
Sorry, there is no closed captioning for this video
Major storm system moving north from Pullman at 40-45 miles per hour, producing ping pong ball sized hail, heavy rain and damaging rains. There's a second storm system in Stevens County that's…
Kris Crocker looka at how weather changes impact wildfires in tonight's Forecast Focus.
The Northwest side of the Spokane was hit pretty hard by Wednesday's storm. John Hendricks reports.
Holiday Lights at 2416 E 58th Ct. in Spokane.
Sign up for Breaking News, Daily Headlines, Severe Weather Alerts & more!


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From the :
JoJo is an AMAZING dog.
She is good with everything...dogs, cats and kids! She lives for belly rubs!
JoJo is only about 1-year-old and looks to be an Australian shepherd mix.
She is super easy going and gentle and just loves being with her people!
She was recently rescued from a high-kill shelter.
It came to our attention that she was limping and so we sent her out for x-rays which revealed she already has hip dysplasia even though she is so young. It doesn't require surgery right now and with the pain medication she is on, you'd never know she has this issue! She may require surgery down the road, but there is no way of telling.
Whomever adopts this girl will be able to buy her pain medication through us at cost, making it fairly inexpensive.
She is such an amazing dog who deserves an amazing home! Please consider opening your heart and home to this sweetie.
See for more information about the SPCA of Westchester or call 914-941-2896 ext. 22.


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Today's agricultural producers are adapting to a landscape that is
constantly changing. They are expected to be economists, commodity
specialists, financiers, brokers, mechanics, transportation
logisticians, managers and more.
South Central College's Foundation is providing a one-day
professional development opportunity to assist area farm families
with keeping a finger on the pulse of their dynamic industry. South
Central College Foundation is proud to announce the fifth annual "New
Tools for New Rules" Agricultural Symposium. This regional
professional development opportunity is designed for all agricultural
producers. New Tools brings world-class speakers to the campus of
South Central College for a day of cutting-edge presentations and
discussion. The event is scheduled for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 25.
South Central College, located at 1920 Lee Boulevard in North
Mankato, Minn., will host all activities in its John Votca Conference
Scheduled to appear are Michael Swanson, Rick Dusek and David Kohl.
All are experts in their respective field and will introduce
conference attendees to the "new rules" facing 21st century ag
producers. They will also be providing attendees with "new tools" to
address these challenges, making them more productive and profitable
farm managers.
Attendees will be also be allowed to customize their learning with
relevant breakout sessions that range from topics including social
media, human resources, financial communications, water quality and
The principal sponsorship for "New Tools for New Rules" is provided
by CHS and CHS Foundation.
Cost for the one-day symposium is $119 ($99 if you register by Feb.
15). All proceeds from "New Tools for New Rules" go toward
agribusiness scholarships and program advancement, as well as general
support for the non-profit SCC Foundation. Lunch is included in the
ticket price.
For more information, contact Tami Reuter, SCC Foundation executive
director at (507) 389-7342. For tickets, log on to
Speaker bios
Rick Dusek
Rick Dusek is vice president of CHS Grain Marketing, a division of
CHS Inc. He is responsible for all North American commodity trading
and risk management for the grain marketing business. In his 23 years
with CHS, Dusek has held a series of progressively responsible
positions within grain marketing. Beginning as a procurement
merchant, Dusek moved into domestic wheat trading; from there he
managed the wheat export trading desk. He was director of
merchandising for grain marketing from 2006 through 2011, and was
named vice president in January of 2012. Dusek also serves on the
board of directors of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.
Born and raised in Grafton, N.D., he graduated from North Dakota
State University with a bachelor of science degree in agricultural
David Kohl
David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural
economics from Cornell University. Kohl has traveled over 6 million
miles throughout his professional career. He has conducted more than
5,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups such as bankers,
Farm Credit, Farm Service Agency and regulators, as well as producer
and agribusiness groups. He has published four books and over 500
articles on financial and business-related topics in journals,
extension and other popular publications. Kohl regularly writes for
Farm Journal, Top Producer, Ag Lender and Soybean Digest.
Michael Swanson
Michael Swanson, Ph.D., is an agricultural economist and consultant
for Wells Fargo, the largest commercial agricultural lender in the
United States. Based in Minneapolis, his responsibilities include
analyzing the impact of energy on agriculture, forecasting for key
agricultural commodities, such as wheat, soybeans, corn and cotton,
and livestock sectors, such as cattle, dairy and hogs.
Additionally, he helps develop credit and risk strategies for Wells
Fargo's customers, and performs macroeconomic and international
analysis on agricultural production and agribusiness. Swanson
received undergraduate degrees in economics and business
administration from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and
both his master's and doctorate degrees in agricultural and applied
economics from the University of Minnesota. His doctoral thesis,
which the National Research Institute and the Norwegian government
sponsored, showed how to use value-added tax data to better estimate
key components of economic activity.


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It understandable if the Chelan Mountain Goats never but heads again this season with the Riverside Rams.
The Mountain Goats, which saw their football state championship aspirations disappear with an opening round playoff loss to the Rams in November, saw the same fate befall their boys basketball team on Saturday.
The Rams, who never trailed in the loser-out bi-district playoff game, eliminated the Goats 39-28. Riverside (20-5) will head to regional playoff action next weekend.
The Deer Park Stags got a rebound basket by Travis Pierce and three free throws to hold off the West Valley Eagles 52-45 on Friday.
The Eagles had cut the Stags' lead to 47-45 on a three-point play by Brennen Folkins with 1:19 to play. Pierce answered with a put-back basket and Deer Park iced the game with free throws by Canyon Nielson, Avery Miller and Nathan Guske.
The win improved the Stags' Great Northern League record to 2-5 and 6-9 overall. West Valley fell to 3-3, 10-4.
The Colville wrestling team, which has spent the past two years chasing the Deer Park Stags, finally caught its Great Northern League rival on Wednesday.
The Indians, the top ranked Class 2A team in the state, got a first period pin from 113-pound Alex Linn to defeat the Stags 38-32.
It was a match where neither team could build any sizeable lead.
The Indians' biggest lead of 20-14 came after Ryley Smith defeated Jacob Boswell in the 182-pound match. The Stags' biggest lead of 26-20 came when 195-pound Trevor Eicher, making his season debut, needed only 37 seconds to pin Spencer Frank.
The Deer Park Stags built an early 16-0 lead on their way to a 44-30 Great Northern League wrestling win over Cheney on Wednesday.
Tysen Jorgensen got the ball rolling with first period pin over Sam Hobbs in the 126-pound match. His victory was followed by a 13-3 win by Dean Lockwood over the Blackhawks' Cameron Wiseman and a first-period pin by Brandon Field over Francisco Martinez.
Cheney narrowed the margin to 28-18 before 220-pound Cody Devore scored a pin of Jacob Hill to give Deer Park an almost insurmountable lead.


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I would love to see the comments from you guys on Flacco a month ago when Bal was struggling and he was playing poorly.
If joe flacco wins the Super Bowl, he will be he best player of all time because if he plays 10 more seasons, he will win 10 more titles..prorating stats and wins and losses is the same thing. Do you know understand why this is completely illogical?
You are arguing and using things THAT DON'T EXIST
It's so ridiculous getting drawn in to debate Flacco vs The Taco with such a buttfumble sycophant. They were never comparable... but today on the open market Flacco could probably garner a bounty of at least 2 1sts, while if the jest could get a 5th for Suckchez, Itzdick should take the money and run!
"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else."
Margaret Mead


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By Jennifer Peltz
The Associated Press
---- — Life with Suzzane Kelleher-Duckett's dogs has required a few adjustments.
Getting rid of the coffee table, for one. And stashing things in the microwave or on top of the refrigerator if she wants to keep them out of the dogs' reach, since they can easily grab items off the counter and stove. And buying a minivan. A taking out the the middle seat so the dogs can fit inside.
Despite the inconveniences, after 16 years of owning Great Danes, Kelleher-Duckett wouldn't live without one.
"As big as they are, they love that big," the Santa Clarita, Calif.-based breeder said Tuesday as one of her two Danes, a 3-year-old, 134-pound female named Vendetta who's 34 inches tall at the shoulder, eyed her owner's sandwich after the breed's competition at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Giant breeds can't help but make a big impression on spectators at these events. Crowd members snap pictures and go up to the owners of the huge dogs to ping them with queries: How much does he weigh? How much does she eat? What's it like to live with one?
Here's what it's like for Chris Boltrek and Ashley Erlitz, who share their Sound Beach, N.Y., home with Huxley, a 190-pound mastiff who's nearly 2.
He plays with tree branches, not sticks, and with balls designed as horse toys. He eats 10 to 12 cups of food a day. He may get spit on the walls if he shakes his head. And he outweighed the petite Erlitz when he was 9 months old and has knocked her over on walks a few times.
Take the imposing-looking mastiff on a walk, and "either people gravitate toward him because of the anomaly of a large dog or otherwise they walk on the other side of the street," Boltrek said as Huxley lazed in his grooming area, accepting pets from passers-by, after his breed's contest.
But for all the challenges — which can include health considerations — particular to massive dogs, their owners say they're drawn to animals that can inspire both awe and awwwww.
The Irish wolfhound is considered the tallest among the 175 breeds currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, but the lanky hound isn't necessarily the heaviest breed. (The Guinness World Record for the individual world's tallest dog belongs, at the moment, to a Michigan-dwelling great Dane named Zeus, who measures 44 inches from foot to shoulder — and 7-foot-4 when he stands on his hind legs.)
Lynne Hamilton would be the first to admit that good dogs can come in small packages. Her pets include a miniature dachshund and two medium-sized dogs, a smooth fox terrier and a springer spaniel.
But the moment she saw a college roommate's Newfoundland, "I fell in love with the big breed," said Hamilton, who has since owned Newfoundlands for 32 years.
Her latest, 2-year-old Ares, was in his breed's competition at Westminster on Tuesday.
Caring for the 130-pound, heavy-coated Ares involves dealing with "lots of hair, lots of slobber" and keeping her Enola, Pa., home at 58 degrees year-round, she said, "because you don't want that panting in your face."
Many dog breeds, big and small, are susceptible to certain health problems. Giant breeds can be prone to orthopedic troubles, heart problems and what's known as bloat, a dangerous stomach condition. And in general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than huge ones.
Also, temperament and training are perhaps even bigger priorities for giant dogs than others because the big breeds' size and appearance can be off-putting if they're not well-behaved.
"You want to be able to look them in the face and have it be inviting," said dog handler Melody Salmi, who showed the St. Bernard best-of-breed winner, Aristocrat (or, formally, Jamelle's Aristocrat V Elba), Tuesday at Westminster. He's owned by Linda and Edward Baker of Hopewell, N.J.
Afterward, Aristocrat snoozed placidly in his crate.
Oftentimes, "I sell a puppy to people, and they say, 'Oh, it's so big,'" said Aristocrat's breeder, Michele Mulligan of Diamond Bar, Calif. But a year later, the same owners will say fondly, "They're not so big," she said.
"They just grow on you."


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Veritas Gateway to Food and Wine is leaving Chesterfield to re-open down the road in Ellisville with a new location that will offer a more comprehensive wining and dining experience.
The move is being driven by a desire to use a space that is better suited for the restaurant side of the operation while also more closely incorporating its retail wine shop, according to owner Stephanie Stitt. Veritas will close Jan. 15 and will open sometime in April at the corner of Clarkson and Clayton roads, with a grand opening event set for May 1.
"When we opened eight years ago, we did not intend to be a restaurant as much as it turned into," Stitt said. "It's really taken off and has a life of its own. The small kitchen space that we put in back when we were just going to do tastings doesn't work."
The business is family-run with Stephanie's husband and co-owner David overseeing the wine program and son Mathis as the head chef. Currently, Veritas only has full-service dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and Stephanie Stitt said that is unlikely to change.
Vino fans can also take advantage of some deals as Veritas is holding a moving sale until its doors close in January with discounts on wine and store merchandise. For more information, visit the Veritas website, where you can also find further details about the improvements planned for the new location.
Stitt also used the move as a time to take stock of how she has seen the food and wine industry in the West County change over the years.
"When we opened, people were not sure that West County was ready for a 'real' restaurant," she said, pointing to the prevalence of chains such as Red Lobster or Houlihans. "People were eating there just because that is what was here."
She said Veritas and others, such as similar West County outfit Balaban's, have found success in focusing on inventive menus that feature fresh, local ingredients.
In fact, the last several years have seen a surge in such restaurants throughout the St. Louis area along with an ever-expanding craft beer scene that, in Stitt's view, make it an exciting time to be in the industry.


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Reclaimer wrote:fruityjanitor wrote:\Another possible theory for "why did Charlie tell Hagar to kill Ansom when he apparently was interested in seeing if he could be turned?": Charlie just wants to see if Decrypted in general can be turned (possibly so he can try to get some of his girls back), but he doesn't care what Decrypted he tests turning spells on. So he needs ANY captured, decrypted unit to try it out on. Since there are plenty of decrypted besides Ansom, he didn't care if Ansom died. But, now that Jillian has Ansom captured, Charlie might as well try it out on him.
Yeah, I think you're right, because of a certain point everyone seems to have been missing: If Decrypted can be Turned, or rendered alive again, then that's the first instance of true resurrection that we've seen so far. You can literally bring back the dead that way, and that's pretty tremendous.
So, gotta wonder, if someone was turned from Decrypted to life, could they then be croaked without being dusted, and Decrypted again? Hopefully, it'll never get that far, but still.


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Milstein Science Series
Island Life
April 14, 2013
From the Cocos Island off the coast of Costa Rica to the famed Galapagos, oceanic islands foster a vast array of cultures, wondrous biodiversity, and diverse environments. Their pristine waters are home to fascinating species, ranging from sharks to corals, while the islands themselves feature a variety of plant and animal life, much of which is uniquely endemic to specific islands and others yet to be discovered.
What's Happening:
11 am–4 pm | Exploration Stations
Take a look at museum collections of fish, artifacts and more with scientists Tara Cox from the Department of Anthropology, Kate Hanson from the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, and Robert Schelly from the Department of Ichthyology.
11 am–4 pm | Message in a Bottle installation by artist Asher Jay.
Created to commemorate World Oceans Day, June 8, 2012, this art installation offers discrete vessels in the form of hand-painted plastic PET bottles (post-consumer waste) to an eclectic portfolio of enterprising individuals who have unconditionally pledged their energies, cognitive faculties, personal funds, and lives toward the conservation of the world's oceans so they can channel their respective messages to a broader audience through this art. Some of the voices included are more interdisciplinary in their approach but still care tremendously for the planet's 70 percent. Each bottle has been custom-illustrated to augment the specific voice represented by it and is displayed as a mobile object.
Noon and 3 pm | Experience a live-animal encounter with zoologist and naturalist Jarod Miller.
1 pm | Meet the Experts - Join scientists Jenny Newell, Christopher Filardi, and Chris Meyer as they discuss island species with a focus on current discoveries, island adventures, and cutting-edge science. Followed by an audience Q&A.
A new film about the work of Museum scientists on South Pacific coral reefs, Reefs Illuminated premieres during the Milstein Science Series: Island Life program at 11 am, and will run continuously until 4 pm. (The film will also run during Museum hours from Monday, April 15, through Friday, May 3.)
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
The Milstein Science Series is proudly sponsored by the Irma and Paul Milstein Family.


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Bocas del Toro, Panama
The Cabanas Estefany is 30 minutes drive from Bocas De Toro town, its located between two beautiful beaches in particular Playa Estrella were you can enjoy the sun, great swim, fresh food and happy music from local people, Paradise !
The Cabanas Estefany is the only public accommodation in the area and has a good structure,
Unfortunately, our stay has been spoiled by the staff management as the place run out of cold water, light, toilet paper, internet connection, food options...
but, most of all: the staff didn't seems to care...
...and the local people were to be blame for their negligence.
Chance the management! !the hostel could offer ten times better!
Panama City, Panama
Your first impression of this hostel is when the very friendly and excited Patrick (son of the owner) picks you up from the airport. He makes you that much more excited to be there. However, other than this home turned hostel being very close to the airport (20min) and the very helpful and accommodating Patrick, it's less than exciting and far from all the sites and nightlife. And there is nothing other than 2 grocery stores in the immediate area. The private room was basic, felt more like someone's bedroom we were staying in. We did meet some nice travelers and had a BBQ together, but it's not located in a place for any sites, nightlife or restaurants. It's an hour bus ride to the main bus terminal on the most uncomfortable bus we've been on in 6 months (but you can't beat transportation for 25 cents and awesome blaring reggaetone). From there you take a taxi to other sites like Miraflores Locks (another 15 minutes) or Casco Viejo. Taxis are very expensive, better to try and find a collectivo van for $2 each. We were only there for 3 nights, so we thought it would be better to stay near the airport. I had high hopes for a big German breakfast, but we only got eggs the first day and other than that it was white bread or thin sliced German bread (yum), deli cheese and ham, coffee and juice. Regrettably, we should have stayed downtown or in Casco Viejo.
Autumn and Abe


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Custom Coloring
If we cant find what you are looking for in our recipe book of more than 700 colors, we are always happy to make a new one. We can customize a pattern to match any swatch or sample, carpet or counter, accent wall or ottoman.
Please contact us via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 866-795-6682


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I should have known there would be a first-aid kit. Susan provided for every contingency.
How like her to have tucked a 106-piece, American Medical Association-approved kit under the passenger seat of her Honda Accord. How like me not to have discovered it until I was deep cleaning the car to get it ready to sell.
In the late winter of 2003, my friend, Susan Collins Mead, was spending her last days on Earth in the hospice wing of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. Susan wasn't a military vet — she'd worked as a civilian for many years at NASA Ames Research Center — but the VA hospice was big, fairly new and had room for private patients with the means to stay there.
Organized and on top of every situation, Susan chose to enter the hospice when she realized her ovarian cancer was not going away. She'd fought it off once, buying a few very good years, but when the cancer returned, she knew the only terms she could dictate were how she would go out.
Susan and I had met and become friends outside of our day jobs. We were supernumeraries — extra actors — for the San Francisco Opera. She, the assistant chief of NASA Ames' Space Sciences Division, and I, a newspaper writer, never tired of disappearing into makeup, wigs, costumes and the backstage madness of a grand opera production. Over the years, we portrayed everything from harem girls to nuns to page boys in a czar's court.
Nobody among the supernumeraries didn't like Susan, which is saying something because the calling — basically unpaid — attracts some high-energy divas and divos. She was extremely smart, tall and slim with an elegant carriage. She played ladies-in-waiting better than anybody, looking perfectly at-home in a royal setting.
After Susan's husband, an aerospace engineer, died, and while she was still in remission, we went to San Francisco Symphony concerts, always with dinner, wine and conviviality before the show. She was especially fond of the violinist, Joshua Bell, the Bloomington native who studied at Indiana University. He's now an international star and widely known for a YouTube clip that features him playing, almost unnoticed, in a Washington Metro station.
While Susan was in the VA hospice, I drove down regularly from San Francisco to visit her and the family, friends and nurses who congregated in her peaceful room. During one visit, I was regaling Susan with stories of the car I drove at the time, a 16-year-old, rust-pocked Honda CRX-si that my aunt had nicknamed "The Bondomobile," because the entire sunroof was held on with the magic pink epoxy.
Susan looked at me over her reading glasses like a study hall teacher and said, soberly, "I've been meaning to talk to you about The Bondomobile." She then informed me that she knew I loved my car, but it wasn't safe. "I won't be needing my car," she said, evenly. "I want you to have it." Her Honda Accord EX was five years old but in the only sort of condition Susan tolerated in anything she possessed — mint.
I was humbled. I still am nearly eight years later, and I have never thought of the Accord as anything but "Susan's car."
I've apologized to her, repeatedly, for not keeping it as clean as she would and for dragging it from mild northern California to a cold-weather climate that batters its engine and exterior with ice and snow and no garage. During more than one blinding rainstorm on the highway, I've asked her to help me drive smart and stay safe. Always, I've entrusted the engine to excellent service mechanics, who've handled the scheduled tuneups and rare repairs with appropriate skill and respect.
Susan had put 72,000 miles on the car before she gave it to me. Now, it has nearly 145,000 and still runs like the proverbial top. I figured I would drive it past 200,000 and beyond, likely losing my license to old age before the Accord would give out. But earlier this month, my fiancé told me to come outside for "an early birthday present." A pretty, brand-new Accord was parked in my driveway. I lost the ability to speak in any coherent language for at least 20 minutes.
After I pulled myself together, I wondered what I should do with Susan's car. The tax laws have changed since I donated The Bondomobile directly to a hospice organization, so that route doesn't make as much sense anymore for a charity or a donor. Bill checked the Kelley Blue Book to get a value, we settled on a figure a little lower and, before I could put the word out, one of my colleagues asked to buy Susan's car for his college-age son. The money will be split among Susan's favorite charity in San Francisco, I.U. (for Joshua Bell), and two charities I know Susan would like.
The day before the title was to be transferred, I parked the silver Accord in the driveway and hand-washed and dried its exterior. Luckily, the weather was almost balmy. Then, I wiped down the interior and emptied it of all my stuff — and Susan's.
The idea of getting rid of her personal things had never sat right with me. Consequently, I've tooled around for nearly eight years with the console containing such items as Susan's driving gloves, her anti-glare, nighttime clip-on glasses, her little box of Kleenex, a baggie full of quarters (for parking meters), yet another spare ignition key and some meticulous directions she wrote out for an unfamiliar destination.
I also kept her purple umbrella, the jumper cables she'd tucked in the wheel well and an emergency road kit with flares, a rain poncho, a mylar-like cold-weather blanket, a bungee cord and similar gear, all encased in a waterproof plastic box with "HELP" printed on it in big, Day-Glo letters.
But it wasn't until the next morning, when I drove to a car wash to vacuum the trunk and floor mats, that I discovered the first-aid kit. All these years, I'd never known it was there, its clear wrapping unbroken, its list of 106 items detailed on the back. Suffice to say, a skilled medical professional could probably perform an appendectomy with what's in the kit.
Obviously, like the emergency road box, Susan never needed the first-aid kit and neither have I. But I could hear her say, oh-so clearly, "You can't be too careful. Humor me and put those things in your new car, OK?" And so I did. Susan rides on.
Stephanie Salter can be reached at (812) 231-4229 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
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Set Includes:
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- 8.5-in. and 10.25-in. Skillets
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- Polished, sophisticated stainless steel exteriors look great and are easy to clean
- This versatile cookware is suitable for use on all stovetops, including induction
- Oven safe to 500°F, the comfortable, stylish stainless steel handles are dual riveted for strength. The deep-seated stainless steel lids seal in heat and moisture with a sleek, professional look


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By Shelly Pope
May 23, 2013 | Vol. 39, No. 21
Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Retail Committee Chairperson, Savann Guthrie, requested that the Petersburg Borough Assembly reconsider their decision on tax free days Monday evening during the regular meeting.
Guthrie gave the Assembly an alternate date of Oct. 5 for consideration in the future.
"I was quite shocked when there wasn't even a motion made on the ordinance for the sales tax free day," Guthrie stated. "I believe the Assembly made a mistake in not approving the sales tax free day."
Guthrie explained that she was there representing the 97 retailers that make up most of the businesses in Petersburg, especially in the downtown area.
"These same businesses that collect and account for the Borough's sales tax day by day, month by month and year by year," Guthrie said. "I always believed that because of the sales tax, the retailers and the Borough had a symbiotic relationship and within this relationship the retailers have not asked anything of the City."
She explained to the Assembly that this ordinance was the first item that would help and support the businesses of the Borough.
"In Petersburg, we as retailers, not only have to compete with Juneau and Seattle, but with online shopping as well," Guthrie stated. "This causes the businesses of our community to have to work harder to keep the money local."
Guthrie took the Assembly on a visual tour of Main Street and asked them to consider what downtown would look like without the many retail businesses that line the street.
"As retailers we deserve respect for what we do," Guthrie stated. "In 2012 alone, my business donated to over 14 local causes and that is not all that asked and I am only one business. As retailers, we support the community that supports us."
Guthrie explained that the Borough did not lose $28,000, which was stated at the May 6 meeting but, in fact, lost exactly $23,979.85.
"That may sound like a lot, but with the loss of taxes, here is how much money went through our community on that one day in May last year, $227,358.65 is what actually passed through the businesses that day and in October $172,305.50, which means that in just those two sales tax free days $399,664.15 went through our community," Guthrie stated. "It has been stated that every dollar that is spent in our community will circulate five to seven times before it leaves town. That is a lot of money."
Guthrie referred to the exclusion of sales tax free days as putting a finger in a dam to stop a leak. The problem isn't being fixed it is just one of the most obvious and easiest fixes and eventually another problem or leak will arise.
"These days have been voted on by the constituents," Guthrie stated. "These are the same people that voted for you to sit on this Assembly. One year of tax free days is not enough to see the true outcome of them."
According to Guthrie, the retailers downtown are being affected daily by the construction and sales have been affected by this.
"We are asking that you set Oct. 5 as the next sales tax free day," Guthrie requested. "We are hoping you will find the value in what the rest of us see."
Petersburg Chamber of Commerce President Fran Jones wrote a letter to the Assembly stating that retailers reported that the last two sales tax free days have proven to be a success by increasing store traffic, and more importantly, by increasing sales.
"Their ability to discount merchandise along with the waiver of sales tax, has given retailers a more competitive edge with e-commerce and stimulated the economy in Petersburg," Jones wrote. "On-line purchases are exempt from local sales tax and in many cases, free shipping is also offered."
Petersburg Borough Assembly member Sue Flint agreed that the people of the borough did vote for this but it is only their job to consider it.
"I did consider this ordinance," Flint said. "I could not support this sales tax free day for the middle of May."
Flint explained that she would like the Chamber of Commerce members and Retail Committee to come prepared, months in advance, with a date in order for the Assembly to discuss it.
"I still believe it is a terrible idea," Flint stated. "But when voters are given a chance to not pay taxes, they will jump on it."
Flint provided a report to some business owners stating that sales tax holidays may be politically expedient but are poor tax policy.
"These days don't really help any of the low-income people because they don't have the money to hoard up for that one day as the more wealthy people do," Flint said. "As far as losing businesses, we just passed a budget with $2 million in community services. Isn't that good will?"
Flint asked where the loss should be cut from the budget.
"My request to the Chamber of Commerce is to come early, set your dates early and don't set a date for the middle of May," Flint said. "I think you could have a sale in February or March. Work with us here, folks."
The Assembly has decided to form a Sales Tax Review Committee in order to look at the current sales tax ordinance as it relates to changing commerce and changing economic needs in Petersburg.
The Petersburg Borough Assembly is looking for volunteers to sit on the committee.
Petersburg Pilot | P.O. Box 930, Petersburg, AK 99833
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6. Teddy Goff
Digital Director
Teddy Goff directed the Obama campaign's digital operations. That included handling the campaign's email list for fundraising. The campaign famously A/B tested the efficacy of different asks to small groups – emails beginning with "hey" were particularly effective – before blasting the best performer to the entire list. The end result: $690 million raised online, up from $500 million in 2008.
But Goff was also captain of the campaign's social media outreach. In the 2008 campaign, Twitter was in its infancy, and Facebook (at 1/10th its current size) played a bit role in the campaign's outreach. By the end of 2012, in contrast, the president had nearly 24 million Twitter followers and 34 million Facebook friends.
That gave the campaign a direct line of communication to distribute high-quality shareable content – videos, fact checks, you name it – to millions of supporters who could lobby their friends. "People really trust their friends, not political advertising," Goff said. "That's why we put so much effort into making sure our supporters could be effective ambassadors for the campaign."
Social networks also gave the campaign a lifeline to contact sporadic voters. Goff said the campaign didn't have phone numbers for as many 50 percent of its get-out-the-vote targets under age 30. But they could reach 85 percent of those voters through a Facebook connection of another supporter. This "targeted sharing" – friends lobbying friends on behalf of the campaign through Facebook – was a true revolution in digital campaigning, one the Obama team credits for nearly repeating the wave-election turnout of 2008.
In contrast to the relentless negativity of the TV ad war, Goff's social media outreach also provided supporters "a whole different campaign," he says, full of positive messages about supporting the middle class and fighting for education–"uplifting stuff."
And Twitter in particular, gave the campaign a new way to capitalize on the most polarizing elements of the GOP campaign, whether it was the selection of Paul Ryan as Romney's VP – "he was highly meme-able," said Goff – or providing an instant response to Clint Eastwood's empty-chair lecture at the GOP convention, Tweeting out a picture of Obama in a chair reserved for the president saying "this seat's taken." "At the time," Goff said, "that was the second most retweeted thing we ever did–second only to the same sex marriage announcement."
7. David Axelrod
Senior Adviser
As he did in 2008, David Axelrod reprised his role as the campaign's big-picture strategist. Immediately after the shellacking of the 2010 election, Axelrod recalled at the Harvard conference, he recognized that "the gravitational pull in the GOP was very much to the right" and that any plausible Republican candidate was going to "have to pass through that tollbooth to be nominated."
Staking a bet that Romney was indeed the inevitable nominee, Axelrod was determined to draw out the nominating process and make Romney pay the price the price for his "Faustian bargains" with the GOP base. "It set us up to seize the middle," he said.
Specifically, the Obama campaign made itself a player in the GOP primaries by hitting Romney then – not in the general election – for his flip flopping. "By introducing the issue of the alacrity with which he switched positions," Axelrod said, "we could lengthen the Republican primary process. Core Republicans would be doubtful of his convictions."
The result was that Romney had to court the far right by staking out extreme positions on issues like immigration, and even throw a Hail Mary by choosing right-wing darling Paul Ryan to be his running mate. Despite those heroic contortions, Axelrod gloated, "he never did solidify the base."
8. Stephanie Cutter
Deputy Campaign Manager
Every campaign needs an attack dog and someone to call "bullshit." Obama 2012 found both skills in Stephanie Cutter, the most high-profile woman on staff, whose nickname in Chicago was "The Ninja."
Cutter rose to prominence in political circles as a fixer, helping patch up Bill Clinton's image after the Monica Lewinsky debacle. But she had also been the communications chief for John Kerry in 2004, and, fairly or unfairly, shouldered much of the blame for that campaign's failure to contest the attacks by the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
Cutter clearly learned from that scarring experience, leading the Obama campaign's rapid response to the flamboyant lies of the Romney campaign, in particular with straight-to-the-camera, this-is-how-it-really-is-folks YouTube videos like this one setting the record straight on Obama and Romney's plans for Medicare.
Positioning herself as the campaign's trusted voice of reason also made Cutter an effective attack dog, and she savaged the Romney campaign with gusto. When Romney picked Ryan, Cutter recalled at Harvard, "they weren't ready to answer whether Romney supported Ryan's agenda. They didn't have clean answers on whether he supported the Ryan budget – but we had Romney on record for so long supporting the Ryan budget. Romney had called Ryan 'the intellectual leader of the Republican party.'"
9. David Simas
Director of Opinion Research
David Simas ran the single most sophisticated polling operation in the history of presidential politics. And his operation helped not only guide the campaign's message on Romney's Bain record and building a better future for the middle class, it also gave the campaign deep confidence going into election day that it was on target for victory.
Simas helped turn Romney's biggest strength – his technical knowledge about the economy – into a major weakness, fine tuning the campaign's attacks on Bain Capital as an instrument of vulture capitalism. "The importance of Bain was to basically give him the technical expertise [argument]," Simas said at Harvard, "but essentially say just because he's been successful doesn't mean that you, as a middleclass family, are going to benefit from it."
Simas helped Obama find his best message for a contrasting vision on the economy – a "middle class security message." He was surprised, he said, that by a 55 to 39 margin, Americans said that "a vibrant and strong middle class was really the key" to growing the economy.
As the general election heated up, the Obama campaign had three separate sets of polling that measured the battleground. One, a weekly (and eventually daily) poll of the battleground by the campaign's in-house pollster, Joel Beneson. Two, a suite of state-based pollsters, experts on their home demography, who conducted sophisticated surveys across ten states. And third, a separate nightly survey headed up by the campaign's analytics department that interviewed 9,000 battleground voters every night, giving the campaign what Messina called "a very deep look at the electorate."
Messina said Simas' tri-pronged polling operation gave the campaign "real confidence" of victory because "all three were saying the same thing." Added Axelrod: "We were never behind in our own polling – never." The media's horserace coverage and spin from the Romney camp, he said, gave the campaign an "illusion of volatility," but "this race was fundamentally stable throughout."
10. Jim Margolis
Senior Adviser, Adman
Jim Margolis led the president's TV ad blitz, outfoxing Mitt Romney and his allies to air far more television spots despite being outspent. The key, Margolis said at Harvard, was keeping more money in-house. In total the Obama campaign aired more than half a million of its own ads, compared to just 190,000 aired by Romney campaign. Romney's allies tried to make up the difference. And the GOP machine ultimately spent $135 million more on television than did Obama and Democratic allies.
But while candidates themselves qualify for the lowest rates broadcasters offer, SuperPAC players were forced to pay what the market would bear. That meant Margolis and his team were spending a half – or even a third – of what Karl Rove's American Crossroads was paying for the same airtime.
The ad team also integrated seamlessly with the high-powered analytics of the data-driven Obama campaign. The campaign relied on incredibly detailed, commercially available data gathered from the from the set-top boxes of Americans in the battleground. "That information could then be combined with the voter file and all the other information we had," said Margolis, which allowed the campaign, "in a much more targeted way, [to] speak to who we wanted to speak to." By leading the campaign to air spots on who'da-thunk-it networks like TV Land – the channel for rerun addicts – Margolis said the analytics gave the ad team a "15 percent additional efficiency" in spending donor dollars on ads that would actually move votes.
Perhaps most important, Margolis and the rest of the Obama team made a bold call to hit the air hard and early attacking Romney on his business record. "One of the key decisions we made," Axelrod said at Harvard, "was to frontload our ad spending on TV from May through August on the theory that that's when it would have the greatest impact." It was a gamble. The danger was that the campaign would deplete its war chest and get viciously outspent in the home stretch.
But it was a good bet. "That frontloading helped to set the stage in these voters' minds," Axelrod said. "When the 47 percent video came out, all of that work that had been done put that in the appropriate context for these voters."
With a successful convention, the Obama team was able to reload for the final ad war, already having done Mitt Romney's reputation severe damage. "Our strategy," Axelrod said, "was much more effective."
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The Pour Fool: What to Drink from the World and the Northwest
You'll usually taste as many as fourteen different bottles to find one that fits your tastes and budget. The Pour Fool can help you beat those odds – with beverages of character, quality, and value!
Posts filtered on Tag
The Murder of Yancy Noll: The Sense of Senselessness
Let me say this first: I didn't know Yancy Noll very well. We were both in the same business – selling wine and beer – and our paths crossed occasionally. But we all have those people in our lives who seem to be on the periphery but whose face, when fleeting by in a stray […] [Read More]


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Marie Livingstone has been named chief nursing officer at Effingham Health System.
For a short time, Effingham County's newest industry will be setting up shop in the Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Authority building.
Dr. Joseph Ratchford has been named chief medical officer for Effingham Health System. Dr. Ratchford will provide clinical guidance over the hospital's continuing mission to offer excellence in health care for greater Effingham area residents.
The Effingham Chamber of Commerce welcomed Family Table Restaurant with a ribbon cutting.
Effingham County Industrial Development Authority members have decided not to allow a training school to set up in the old Doncasters building - but they will try to help the group find a suitable new home.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has unveiled the second issue of the Georgia Grown magazine at the 36th annual Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition. The 132-page magazine is a comprehensive guide to Georgia's farms, forests, food and exports, and serves as a synopsis for state legislators, business leaders and consumers about the impact of agriculture on the state's economy.
Gov. Nathan Deal has announced that Shrivallabh Pittie Group, a leading textile manufacturer in India, will build its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility near Sylvania, creating 250 jobs and investing $70 million.
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Labor announced that 34,293 laid-off workers filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits in September, down by 1,210, or 3.4 percent, from August when 35,503 claims were filed.
Beginning May 21, 2014, all commercial motor vehicle drivers will be required to have their DOT physicals and associated medical certificates issued by a certified medical examiner. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act developed the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to enhance the oversight of interstate drivers through the requirements listed under Section 391.41.
Heritage Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for HeritageBank of the South, announces the promotions of Kris Brinker, Elizabeth Ely and August Shearouse in the bank's East Georgia market.
Effingham County is one of 79 Georgia counties designated as a primary natural disaster because of damages and losses caused by excessive rain that began April 1.
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Labor will host a Job Readiness Kickoff Oct. 10, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Eckburg Auditorium located at Savannah Tech, 5717 White Bluff Rd. in Savannah.
(Updated with reponse from DISH TV.)
"Yellow," produced by Medient Studios, was awarded best film at the Catalina Film Festival on Sunday.
ATLANTA -The Georgia Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate in the Coastal Georgia region decreased to 8.5 percent in August, down eight-tenths of a percentage point from 9.3 percent in July. The rate was 9.1 percent in August a year ago.
Medient Studios, Inc., will release Nick Cassavetes' "Yellow" on Aug. 29 in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago, followed by a planned expansion nationwide, the studio announced.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black hopes Effingham County businesses will get on board with a growing initiative in his department.
Medient Studios, Inc., announced that former New York Gov. David Paterson has accepted his nomination to join the board of directors of Medient.
Ten Effingham Health System team members have earned Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
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Twin Valley Bed & Breakfast Horse Ranch
We are 3 miles off the main Hwy. 321 between the towns of Maryville and Townsend. Turn onto Melrose Station Rd. at Mile marker # 20 ( Cycle shop with big red roof at corner) go over bridge and then turn left. Go a short distance and turn right onto Cold Springs Rd. Go 1.5 miles and then bear left at the yield sign. Go to the end of that road and turn right. We are on the left a short distance. You will see a black wood horse fence. Close gate behind you and follow signs to barn or lodge.
Enjoy the beautiful mountain view off our front porch after a fun-filled day of horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, walking the llama or maybe just relaxing with a good book. Bring your own horses or ride our mountain-trained horses.
Tennessee Vacation eGuide
The 2014 eGuide gives you instant access to Tennessee's irresistible attractions and destinations. Peruse venues online, then put in your order to get a free guide delivered to your doorstep.
City: Walland, TN
Region: East Tennessee
Subregion: Smoky Mountains
Admission Rates:
varies depending on lodging choices and number of nights.
Payment Types Accepted:
Visa, Cash, MasterCard
Hours Open:
Open all year around. All activities are by reservation only


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Take the
virtual guided tour of our language school 360°.
Our school:
Created in 1987 by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Brest
(Brest Chamber of Commerce and Industry), CIEL Bretagne is ideally
located inside the walls of an elegant 19th century manor house, in
the centre of a magnificent wooded parkland at the foot of the Elorn
River. All year round, we welcome more than 1,000 students and
teachers of French who come here to train for between a week and a
Our teachers: a dynamic and creative
The professionalism and enthusiasm of our teachers will help you
perfect your French in a good learning environment with a friendly
atmosphere favouring all forms of exchange.
Our courses: active methods,
targeted on the needs of the participants
Our French as a Foreign Language centre offers a large range of
French courses from full beginner's to advanced levels. The
programme followed is compliant with the Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) Whatever your age (from 16
onwards) and profile, we have a course to match your requirements:
intensive, private, specialized French (business, tourism),
preparation for exams (DELF, DALF, DFP, TCF, TEF, etc.), preparation
for higher education, language courses abroad for secondary school
students, teacher training, etc.
Discover our course programme
Our host families: a warm friendly
We advise total immersion with a host family. This form of
accommodation makes learning easier and accelerates your progress,
while enjoying the advantages of family life with outings, meals,
Other accommodation solutions: a
stay at your leisure
You prefer to keep your independence, come with your friends or
family, and keep more flexible timetables
Choose your accommodation solution
Our premises and facilities: a comfortable study environment
Multimedia laboratory, TOMATIS laboratory
Free access to computers, free Wi-Fi throughout the school.
Resource centre offering magazines in various languages (French, English, German, etc.) and works on grammar, vocabulary, civilization, free to use whenever you wish.
Cafeteria equipped with hot and cold drink distributors, snacks and a microwave.
Restaurant open in the early morning, offering pastries, service up till 1.30 pm for lunch.
Sunny garden at the seaside, equipped with a terrace enabling you to take your lunch outdoors in the summer.
Indoor courtyard equipped with table tennis tables.
2.5 hectare park in which it is possible to play ball games.
Our language school is a member of :
CIEL Brittany - CENTRE INTERNATIONAL D'ETUDE DES LANGUES
© 2008 CIEL - Rue du gué fleuri BP 35 - 29480 Le Relecq-Kerhuon - France Tél. (33) 2 98 30 45 75 - Fax (33) 2 98 28 26 95 - email@example.com


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In men and women both, this drug may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children. This cannot be determined before your therapy. In men, this drug may interfere with your ability to make sperm, but it should not change your ability to have sexual relations. In women, menstrual bleeding may become irregular or stop while you are receiving this drug. Do not assume that you cannot become pregnant if you do not have a menstrual period.
Pregnancy Warning: This drug may have harmful effects on the unborn child, so effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment. Speak with your doctor or nurse about effective methods of birth control.
Genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effects of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. In addition, a genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus due to this medication if an exposure during pregnancy has occurred.
Speak with your doctor or nurse if you plan to have children. Ask for information on sperm or egg banking.
Breast Feeding Warning: Women are advised not to breast feed during treatment because this drug could enter the breast milk and seriously harm a breast feeding infant.
Women may experience signs of menopause like vaginal dryness or itching. Vaginal lubricants can be used to lessen vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse.
There are no known interactions of liposomal daunorubicin with food. This drug may interact with other medication. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medication and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs and others) that you are currently taking. The safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements and alternative diets are often unknown. Using these might unexpectedly affect your cancer or interfere with your treatment. Until more is known, you should not use dietary supplements or alternative diets without your cancer doctor's advice.
Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may occur during the time you are receiving this drug by IV. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
Most people who have this kind or reaction experience it during the first infusion, but a small percent could experience it after the first infusion. Symptoms of an infusion reaction may include:
It is important to tell your nurse right away if you experience any of these symptoms. These reactions will be closely monitored by your nurse. The drug infusion may be slowed down or stopped. The reactions end within several hours to a day after the infusion is stopped.
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by
A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.
For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.
UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.
Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.
For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com


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- Brutally Frank (61)
- Food Fight (74)
- Greg's Billion Dollar Blog (86)
- Gregor, Please! (57)
- Tears & Popcorn (48)
- The CC "News to Send Your Friends & Frenemies" (80)
- Welcome To Backwards Land (107)
- What's Left (8)
Tag Archives: Portion Control
Healthy Eating, A Life's Mission
In 1999, I was working at Citrus Bar & Grill while living with my brother Greg in a one-bedroom apartment on Saint Marks Place in New York City. On my day-off, to make a little extra money, so I could … finish reading Healthy Eating, A Life's Mission
Posted in Food Fight Tagged Chef Joey Morelli, Citrus Bar and Grill, Healthy Eating, Portion Control 20 Comments


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Bowers & Wilkins C5 In-Ear Headphones
" I bought these to replace my beloved A-Jays four. I needed something with the integrated in-line ipod/iphone controls, but with a bit better audio-quality, and some that may not pop out as easily as the JAYS. These have a "secure loop" system which provides an adjustable cable loop that tucks into your upper ear, helping to keep the buds in place. I personally found..." --Dneale
Skull Candy Smokin' Buds Earphones Black Rubberized
"These are definitely great sounding and well priced ear buds. I've never really had a pair that sounded this nice before and I only paid $40 for them. If you're into Dubstep, Trap, Hip-Hop, Rap, or other music like this, then you will definitely enjoy these buds. They have very nice low end performance that actually makes your ears vibrate a little and also have clear and pristene highs. For..." --backspace119
Skull Candy Smokin' Buds Headphones in Purple / Purple- Ships in ''24'' Hours!
Skull Candy Smokin' Buds Headphones in Purple / Purple


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After a close call Friday with a massive streaking asteroid that missed Earth by 15 minutes, the North Bay and the rest of California took a collective breath.
The JPL Asteroid missed striking land on Earth by 17,000 miles -- not a great distance in Space terms.
But the sigh of relief did not last long.
According to USA Today, the California skies were lit up by another object Friday -- a fireball. And, in Russia, an asteroid actually did hit land on Friday, opening up a massive crater.
The newspaper, meanwhile, said the fireball over California, described as a "sporadic meteor," first lit up the skies in Santa Rosa and then moved on to other parts of the North Bay and the rest of the state.
To read the article, click here.


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Congrats to all of our 2013 finishers! Click here to view pictures from Neil Craigan Photography.
What is it?
Let's get our kids moving!
Splash, Spin and Dash is a triathlon for kids. We keep it fun and relaxed - our goal is for them to finish with a smile, and wanting to do another one.
The distances are chosen so that everyone should be able to complete the race.
For those who can't make the full 50 yard swim, the lake is shallow enough that we give kids the option to walk. This way they can still participate without necessarily having the skills to complete the entire swim. And if they reeeaaaalllllly want to, they can even wear arm floaties or a safety vest.
We have two distance options:
Why do it?
We're dedicated to promoting the benefits of a multi-sport lifestyle. We introduced the popular My First Tri concept for adults, and now we extend the same welcome to our children through Splash, Spin & Dash.
We want to facilitate opportunities for kids to establish a healthy and active lifestyle through proper training, nutrition and the excitement of organized races with a focus on preparation and fun for all.
When is it?
Saturday, August 9th, 2014 at 9:00am
The short course kids will go first. We wait until the kids have mostly completed the course, then send off the long course participants, to minimize the chance of bumping into each other. So the long course participants will usually start around 9:20 - 9:30 or so.
You should plan to be at the park and checked in by 8:45am, for all participants. This will give your little ones some time to get settled in the transition area.
Where is it?
The race site is the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve at 7401 Main Street in Lino Lakes (click here for a map and click here to visit the park's website).
The park charges a $5 daily parking fee for Anoka County Parks, unless you have an annual pass for the park system.
NOTE: There is some construction indicated to begin on Main Street on August 8th. If you're driving to the park from the west, then please see this map from the park about an alternate route. Please give yourself some extra driving time.
Packet Pick Up
Packet pick up will be on Friday, August 8th.
Course Maps
Here are the maps for the swim course (and transition area), bike course and run course. Click each for a larger image.
Race Day Schedule
7:45am Transition area opens
Even more info...
The entry fee is $20 in advance per participant, or $25 on race day.
What do your soon-to-be-triathlete kids need to bring?
No nudity is allowed, unless they use the restrooms, so plan ahead in terms of what they'll wear during the swim/bike/run. And to reiterate, bike helmets are required!
To keep the race as safe as possible, the entire bike and run is contained within the park's boundaries, so there is no riding or running on "open" county roads.
All of our participants will receive a finisher's medal/ribbon and post-race recovery food. We'll have water for them on the course.
For any questions, please contact Vicki at email@example.com or 651-788-6099.
Register now!
Register HERE. We can still accept some race-day registrations; please click here to print the registration form and bring a check for $20 made out to Tri Fitness.
Thank you to our sponsors:


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American thrash metal act Battlecross have confirmed that they will be joining Machine Head, Children of Bodom and Epica on tour beginning on October 4 in Denver. All tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10am eastern.Read More
King of Asgard
Swedish Viking black metal-tinged act, King of Asgard has released their new album 'Karg' today via Metal Blade Records. The album has received high critical praise and a great reception.Read More
Today DragonForce unveils the second song from their upcoming masterpiece. The second single, entitled 'Defenders' is being premiered exclusively by Loudwire.Read More
Cannibal Corpse
American Death Metal Icons, CANNIBAL CORPSE, are pleased to announce the release of their thirteenth full-length, entitled, A Skeletal Domain. New Song And Pre-order Packages Now AvailableRead More
New Releases
Metal Blade TV
Upcoming Releases
Latest News
Battlecross To Enter The Studio Next Month; New Album Scheduled For Summer Release
- January 29th, 2013 – Band set to hit the road this weekend with In...Read More
SISTER to tour UK with Wednesday 13
- January 28th, 2013 – SISTER will make their first ever UK appearances...Read More
Swedish Doom Metallers MEMORY GARDEN finish recordings on new album and announce album title!
- January 28th, 2013 – Swedish epic Doom Metallers MEMORY GARDEN has...Read More
RAVEN BLACK NIGHT stream new single 'Lips Of Desire' exclusively via Rock Hard Germany!
- January 28th, 2013 – Australian epic Heavy Metal warlords RAVEN BLACK...Read More
SATAN'S WRATH: "Slaves Of The Inverted Cross" Video Premiere Brought To You By Metal Injection
- January 28th, 2013 – Today the ragers at Metal Injection bring forth...Read More
GOATWHORE announces co-headline tour with 3 INCHES OF BLOOD
- January 25th, 2013 – New Orleans, LA natives Goatwhore will be...Read More
Lightning Swords of Death debuts new music video for "Baphometic Chaosium" on the Deciblog
- January 22nd, 2013 – New album, "Baphometic Chaosium",...Read More
Second Annual Decibel Magazine Tour Lineup + Dates Announced
- January 22nd, 2013 – Cannibal Corpse to release box set commemorating...Read More


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DETROIT—Ndamukong Suh might lose some money for his low blow against Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub.
The Detroit Lions defensive tackle, though, will be able to play Sunday at home against the Indianapolis Colts.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted Monday that the Lions have been notified that Suh won't be suspended for last Thursday's "incident," though it will be reviewed for a potential fine.
Suh was on his chest after being taken down by an offensive lineman and extended his left foot to hit Schaub below the belt. Suh's left cleat connected with Schaub's groin area after he threw a pass in the first quarter of Houston's 34-31 overtime win.
Schaub went to his knees, doubled over in pain, but stayed in the game.
It wasn't clear on replays Thursday whether it was intentional and Suh hasn't spoken publicly.
Texans linebacker Connor Barwin said he did not think Suh should have been suspended.
"I didn't think it was malicious, or a really violent thing, but it was definitely unnecessary," Barwin said Monday. "Just a little something extra at the end."
Suh was suspended for two games a year ago after he was ejected for stomping on the right arm of Green Bay offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith during a game on Thanksgiving. He has been fined in previous seasons for roughing up quarterbacks: Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, Chicago's Jay Cutler and Cleveland's Jake Delhomme.
"He's building quite a track record of just unnecessary plays," Texans left tackle Duane Brown said. "I consider him to be a very talented player, a very physical player. There's just stuff that you have to do away with. It can get people hurt and it's uncalled for.
"It's our job up front to keep him away from our quarterback. But if our quarterback is able to get rid of the ball, he should be protected from that point on. He can't take kicks to the groin, he can't be pulled down two seconds after the ball is gone. It's nonsense."


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The Ready Set
• The Ready Set Dedicates Song To Taylor Swift
Acoustic EP
Young Hearts (Feat. The Ready Set)
The Bad & The Better
Freakin' Me Out
Higher All Albums >>
More Songs >>
|Love Like Woe
On: I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming (Deluxe)
On: Love Like Woe (New Boyz Mash-Up)
|Young Forever
On: Young Forever
Birth Place: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Years Active: 2007-present
Genres: Electronica, Pop, R&B
Years Active: 2007-present
Genres: Electronica, Pop, R&B
The Ready Set is the alias of 20-year-old American alternative, electronica, pop musician Jordan Mark Witzigreuter and is the only official member of The Ready Set. Witzigreuter was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In November 2009, Witzigreuter signed with Decaydance Records and Sire Records, both subsidiary labels of Warner Bros. Records. He released his first fullâlength studio album, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming, on June 15, 2010. The lead single, "Love Like Woe" has reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100, #27 on the Billboard pop chart, #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart , #23 on the Mediabase Top 40 Radio chart. In the early days as The Ready Set, Witzigreuter wrote and recor... Continue Bio >>
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Hot Chelle Rae Blood On The Dance Floor Neon Trees Selena Gomez & The Scene We Came As Romans The Word Alive Lights The Downtown Fiction Bruno Mars Asking Alexandria
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This article can also be found in the Premium Editorial Download "Storage magazine: Are your data storage costs too high?."
Download it now to read this article plus other related content.
Last month, we discussed some of the best practices involved in chasing down and resolving problems in your storage area network (SAN). (See SAN troubleshooting techniques) These practices relied on the administrator understanding the functionalities available
Hardware-related errors
Let's start to delve into some of the common errors you'll experience in operating your SAN, and how you can gain familiarity with the interworkings of your interconnects by taking methodical approaches to resolution. We'll assume that you're running certified versions of your vendor's firmware and device drivers, so your problems lie elsewhere.
After first checking the LED status of the switches in the data path to verify a good link, log in to the switch where the host experiencing the problem is attached to and examine the error counters of the relative port. Of course, if you don't have a good link state--a green light--you'll need to verify the functionality of the switch port by rebooting, running switch diagnostics or by using some of your vendor-supplied commands to confirm the viability of the connecting switch ports.
If you have a good link status throughout the data path, then you've pretty much taken FC0 out of the picture as a potential problem point. Now, we're applying the method described last month of starting at the lowest level of the FC reference model and proceeding systematically up the stack to FC4.
As we proceed to FC1-the layer in the reference model responsible for encoding and decoding data and bits-marginal hardware is likely to be the culprit of intermittent data errors in applications. Because of their very nature, these are often the hardest errors to track down: They are intermittent and can reside in the components of any one of a number of switches and/or bridges between the application host and its storage. These hardware components consists of host bus adapters (HBAs), gigabit interface converters (GBIC), fiber optic cabling, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) and possibly SCSI controllers on an FC/SCSI bridge.
The ASICs in your FC switches are full of information about what particular component in your data path is failing. This information is in the form of error counters. While viewing these error counters, they'll quite naturally be on the incline due to the native bit error rate in the FC protocol. However, most--if not all--vendors reset these counters during a reboot in order to give you a baseline to calculate the rate in which these counters are incrementing over a given time. If rebooting the switch isn't possible, then depending on the vendor, you can reset the counters on the port without rebooting the switch. Keep in mind that because of FC's BER, transport errors are likely to occur every 16 minutes even without any data on the link.
Large numbers of encoding and CRC errors are usually an indicator that marginal hardware between the examined switch port and initiator is to blame for the intermittent data errors you're experiencing. A large number of encoding errors most likely indicates a problem in the cabling, perhaps a substandard or pinched cable. Large enterprises that splice their own cable are likely to have more marginal errors due to the involved human element. And large numbers of CRC errors usually indicate a marginal GBIC or the ASIC itself.
If the reported error counters in the switch port are in line with FC's BER, then you've successfully hurdled over FC1.
At this point, you might think that you can rule out a hardware problem. But actually the FCP incorporates much of its functionality in hardware, including FC2, which is responsible for frame and sequence development and termination, as well as flow control. That's one difference between IP and FC. Ethernet cards utilize the host's CPU (processing and interrupts) to facilitate the same tasks that FC devices do onboard. To a large extent, this is why FC is more processor-efficient in moving large blocks of data across the transport.
On the lookout for FC2
Sequences and ultimately frames are formed in the FC2 layer as the result of an exchange that's created at the behest of an Upper Layer Protocol (ULP), which is usually SCSI, but it could be IP or something else as well. To reiterate, exchanges are composed of one or more sequences, which are composed of one or more frames. Whether command or data, these exchanges are created to provide the glue between the ULP and the FCP by transferring information units between the originator (initiator) and the responder (target). These information units are protocol (e.g., SCSI) commands and data that are sent during a FC conversation. It's during this FC2 layer conversation that the troubleshooter must eavesdrop to determine where problems are occurring in the SAN.
We briefly went over how FC conversations are originated, however, if you're involved in a SAN troubleshooting exercise at this layer, you're more likely concerned with why the conversations are ending abnormally. Conversations between FC nodes at the FC2 layer use link control frames to open and maintain connections between them. If you're experiencing errors in the origination, transport or reception of these link control frames, the exchange, sequence(s) and corresponding frames representing the ULP's information units will be discarded or re-sent depending on the class of service and error recovery mechanisms being used. For example, when arriving at a port, a frame could be busied or rejected by the port, and thus the corresponding link control frame will be sent back to the originator. Why the frame was busied or rejected by the receiving port could be for any number of reasons. For instance, the receiving port will reject a frame with a header requesting a service that isn't supported by the fabric, or if the receiving port isn't fully initialized, the frame will be busied. It's important to note that not all classes of service will require the receiving port to return this error condition to the originating port.
Basically, if acknowledgements are part of the class of service in use, then error conditions will be reported to the originator.
This was first published in December 2002


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Toddler tales
Come to the library, check out the show, get a library card, and enjoy some books!
There is something fun going on at your library every week during the time of the Summer Reading Program.
Upcoming Events
- T(w)een Knitting Circle
- Tuesday, July 29, 2014Merced, Merced General Floor Area
- Our Future's So Bright
- Tuesday, July 29, 2014Bernal Heights, Bernal Heights Meeting Room
- Mad Science: Crazy Chemistry
- Wednesday, July 30, 2014Visitacion Valley, Visitacion Valley Meeting Room