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Category Archives: Q&A
NewPublicHealth Q&A: John Auerbach and Cheryl Bartlett on the Massachusetts Prevention and Wellness Trust
The Massachusetts Prevention and Wellness Trust is a four-year, $60 million project designed to support prevention and health-promotion activities in the state. The first project of its kind in the United States will fund six to 12 collaborative initiatives, and partners on the initiative will include municipalities, community-based organizations, health care providers, regional agencies and health plans. Information on the Trust is detailed in a new report prepared by the Institute on Urban Health Research and Practice at Northeastern University and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The vision behind the creation of the project is to give all Massachusetts residents the opportunity to live in communities that promote health, as well as seamless access to all community and clinical services needed to prevent and control chronic diseases. It was created because while there is access to health insurance and health care in Massachusetts, health costs continue to rise. The goals of the project include:
- Reducing the rate of the state's most costly preventable health conditions
- Reducing health disparities
- Increasing healthy behaviors
- Increasing the adoption of workplace wellness programs
- Developing a strong evidence base of effective prevention programs
In order to implement these goals, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health identified four priority areas: tobacco use, childhood asthma, hypertension and elder falls prevention—all of which should be considered closely when working to reduce health disparities and co-occurring mental health conditions in these areas.
A new infographic created for the Prevention and Wellness Trust's inauguration perfectly illustrates how community links work together to improve health under the principles of the Trust. For example, a diagnosis of hypertension would need a provider to prescribe medications, but the obesity and exercise needs that would also improve the condition for many patients requires input from other community entities, including:
- Classes in exercise, medication and stress reduction by community agencies
- Chronic disease self management classes and home visits for medication use instruction by a community agency
- A neighborhood policy that provides support for transportation changes to encourage walking or biking and zoning for healthy food stores
- A neighborhood policy that provides support for more accessible recreation options in parks and city centers for increased stress reduction
- Workplace policies that provide support for workplace wellness programs that help provide and encourage exercise, healthy foods and stress reduction
NewPublicHealth recently spoke with John Auerbach, a Professor at Northeastern University and the primary author of a report on the Trust, and Cheryl Bartlett, public health commissioner of Massachusetts and the lead person charged with its implementation.
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: Paid Sick Leave in New York City
Beginning later next year, more than a million workers in New York City will have a brand new, health-promoting benefit: paid sick leave days that guarantee wages on a set number of days when they or a family member they care for is ill.
The new law, passed last June by the New York City Council and overriding an earlier veto by the mayor, begins to go into effect in April 2014. New York now joins San Francisco, Calif., Washington, D.C., Seattle, Wash., Portland, Ore., and the state of Connecticut in adopting at least some sick leave provisions.
Not every employee in New York City will get paid sick leave under the new law. The bill that passed the City Council initially applies only to businesses with 20 or more employees, who will be required to provide five paid sick days a year; that extends to companies with 15 or more employees beginning October 1, 2015. Smaller businesses and manufacturing firms are exempt from the paid leave provisions for now, though these workers will gain five days of unpaid sick leave, so they can take time off without fear of losing their jobs. Advocates hope to extend paid leave to cover those workers before long.
Advocates say paid sick leave is critical for smaller businesses, and especially for low wage earners. A survey by the Community Service Society (CSS) of New York found that half of low-income respondents said they have less than $500 to fall back on in case of an emergency, and according to CSS, without compensation for sick days, people are often forced to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and heading to work.
A 2012 study in the American Journal of Public Health shows why the measure that is critical to individuals and families is equally crucial to society as a whole. The study found that lack of certain workplace policies, including paid sick leave, led to an additional 5 million cases of adult H1N1 (swine flu) during the 2009 outbreak.
Funding for much of CSS's advocacy came through a County Health Rankings & Roadmaps grant to focus on four areas in two New York City boroughs, the Bronx and Brooklyn, that have very poor health rankings. The goal was to build support among small businesses, faith-based organizations and low-wage workers for passage of the ordinance through grassroots events, town halls, story collection and media coverage, as well as by encouraging partners and allies to include this policy as part of their policy agendas. The grant runs through November 2014 and CSS will be focusing its efforts, now that legislation has passed, on creating awareness and implementation of the new law.
NewPublicHealth recently spoke with Nancy Rankin, vice president for policy, research and advocacy at CSS about the new law and its impact.
NewPublicHealth: Key components of the legislation you advocated for passed. What's next in your efforts on paid sick leave?
Nancy Rankin: We are continuing to work on this issue because we recognize that having a law pass is not the end of the story. We now need to do outreach to inform workers about their new rights and employers about their new requirements, because a new law requires compliance and it requires people to be aware of its provisions.
Faces of Public Health: Julio Frenk, Harvard School of Public Health
Several weeks ago, the Harvard School of Public Health celebrated its Centennial with fanfare, fundraising and a panel discussion featuring world health leaders who are graduates of the school. Following the centennial, NewPublicHealth spoke with the School's Dean, Julio Frenk, MD, MPH, PHD, who has a joint appointment at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is also a former health minister of Mexico and a former senior fellow in the global health program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
NewPublicHealth: What do you think have been the key changes in public health efforts since the Harvard School of Public Health was founded 100 years ago?
Julio Frenk: The 100 years that have passed since the School of Public Health was founded are not just any 100 years—they're the 100 years with the most intense transformations in health in human history. We have seen a more than doubling of life expectancy since the school was founded. Around 1900, the global average for life expectancy was 30 years. At the end of the century, the global average was about 65 years. It more than doubled in the 20th century, and that increase has continued with some setbacks, most notably the AIDS epidemic in Saharan Africa. And we have had a qualitative shift not just in the level of mortality, but in the causes of death. So we went from a preponderance of acute infections to now a predominance of mostly chronic non-communicable diseases, and that's an incredible transition.
A critical change is that the experience of illness became very different starting from the beginning of the 20th century. Before then, illness was mostly a succession of acute episodes, from which one either recovered or died. If you recovered, you went on to get your next acute illness. Now, illness is more a condition of living. People live with cancer. People live with AIDS. So that's a big transformation of the patterns of health, disease and death.
Another big change is the emergence of complex health systems, and that's—again—a process that started at the beginning of the 20th century. Before the 20th century, the social function of the sick was mostly trusted to undifferentiated institutions, such as the family or religious institutions, and it's not until the 20th century when you see this incredible explosion of specialized institutions and specialized human resources, doctors, nurses and other health professionals. In the 20th century, healthcare is 10 percent of the global economy and employs millions of people, including eight million doctors. These are all profound transformations.
NPH: How has the training of students of public health changed in the last 100 years?
Frenk: There has been profound change. What happened at the beginning of the 20th century was the emergence of public health as a field of action. The practices of engineering emerged in Europe, especially with the rapid urbanization there starting around the 17th century, but then greatly expanded in the 18th century. Engineering allowed for access to clean water and taking care of waste, which resulted in some diseases coming under control. In the 19th century the discovery of microbiology gave rise to the abolishment of the germs as causes of illness. That is the junction that gives birth to public health, along with the idea of social policy, of social activism that actually changed social conditions. It's in that mix that public health gets shaped.
Minnesota's Healthy Communities Conference 2013: Q&A with Paul Mattessich and Ela Rausch
A conference in St. Paul, Minn., earlier this month examined ideas and emerging examples for building a healthier Minnesota by promoting the integration of health-related programs and community development to address health where we live, learn, work and play. The conference was convened by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota and Wilder Research, the research arm of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. The gathering, which was a follow-up to an initial conference on the intersection of health and community development held in Minnesota a year ago, highlighted current successful cross-sector efforts throughout the state.
Elaine Arkin, manager of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America, was a keynote speaker at the conference. Her remarks included the announcement that the Commission's recommendations on early childhood and supporting healthy communities will be released in early 2013.
The highlighted projects included a task force on increasing access to healthier foods, often an obstacle in poorer communities; locating needed services alongside senior housing; a stable housing concept for people at risk of homelessness following a hospital stay; and a project underway to give kids living in trailer parks a safe place to play.
"The strategy that we used this year in engaging people with actual examples...was very effective in really acknowledging that this work is messy, that it does take time and that in order to keep people enthusiastic about it sometimes it does require giving people a pat on the back even just for the small progress that they've made," said Ela Rausch, community development project manager of the Federal Reserve of Minnesota.
Following the conference, NewPublicHealth spoke with Ela Rausch and Paul Mattessich, PhD, Executive Director of Wilder Research.
NewPublicHealth: What were the key goals of this year's meeting?
Paul Mattessich: The overarching goal is at the national level to bring together public health with community development finance in order to better address health issues, social determinants of health and improved community health. But what we did the first time a year ago was to try to get the two sectors to understand what each other does, what their vocabulary was, how best to work together and to start some networking.
This year the goal was to take the next step and highlight some examples where this cross-sector collaboration occurred, and to use that to try to further that even more and to underscore the fact that the two sectors really do address the same end goal, even though they do it in different ways. And if they team up they can do it more effectively.
Targeting Job Discrimination Against Former Offenders
During a town hall meeting in Minnesota last month, the Target Corporation, one of the largest employers in the United States, announced that the company will remove the criminal history question from its initial employment application. While Target has already removed this question in states where it is legally prohibited, this announcement will apply to all U.S. Target locations, even in areas where asking the question is permitted by state or local law. In Minnesota, the Ban the Box law will go into effect January 1, 2014.
"Over the past year, members of the Target team have had many productive conversations with TakeAction Minnesota," says Molly Snyder, a spokesman for the company. "Many of our discussions have focused on Minnesota's racial jobs gap and the barriers individuals with criminal records face when seeking employment."
The decision by Target is in part the result of efforts led by the TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Roadmaps to Health community grantee, to address job discrimination based on criminal background. Often tied to significant unemployment throughout the country, studies show that having a criminal record is a barrier to employment opportunities and depresses wages. And data from Minnesota finds that half of all former offenders are unemployed, with the rate higher for ex-offenders of color who disproportionately make up the prison population.
The Roadmaps to Health Community Grants are collaborations that have received two year funding of up to $200,000 to work with diverse coalitions of policy-makers, business, education, health care, public health, and community organizations. The grantees and their partners are pursuing policies or system changes that address the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence how healthy people are and how long they live. The Roadmaps to Health Community Grants project is a major component of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program—a collaboration of RWJF and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
TakeAction Minnesota is using its grant to promote new statewide fair hiring standards for businesses, such as persuading prospective employers to consider criminal records only when they directly relate to the position rather than asking questions on applications that promote blanket rejections. Earlier this year, the Minnesota legislature passed the "ban the box" legislation and it was signed into law in May, making Minnesota the third state in the nation to adopt "ban the box" in both the public and private sectors. Under the new law, an employer will no longer be allowed to include a check box about criminal background on the initial employment application.
NewPublicHealth recently spoke with Justin Terrell, manager of the Justice 4 All program at TakeAction Minnesota, about the intersection of employment and health.
NewPublicHealth: What are the ways in which employment impacts health?
Ending Healthcare Waste, Improving Healthy Lives: Q&A with the L.A. Department of Public Health's Jonathan Fielding
In a report released last year, the Institute of Medicine found that the United States wastes billions of dollars each year on such unnecessary spending as inefficiently delivered services, excess administrative costs, fraud and missed prevention opportunities. In response, a group of senior public health scholars at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, led by Jonathan Fielding, MD, MPH, a professor at the school and the director of the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, published an article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on the improvements to population health the country might realize if only the wasted money was devoted instead to the social and environmental determinants of health. If the government could reap 45 percent of the wasted medical care costs, argues Fielding and his co-authors, and invested those resources in sectors such as education, jobs, healthier foods and transportation infrastructure, the health of millions could be markedly improved and society would see additional social benefits.
Jim Marks, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Group at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation echoed this approach at the recent American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting in Boston.
"We know lots about the cost of illness, but very little about the value of health," he said.
Marks also said that focusing on health as the ultimate goal tends to eclipse some of the social determinants that can have enormous impact on people's lives. "Most people don't want good health as their outcome, they want a quality life. They want to travel, take care of grandkids, have a rich family and social life—you can only do that if you're healthy," said Marks. "It's unrelated to good quality medical care. It's related to education, safe neighborhoods, [and other social factors]."
According to Marks, improving public health isn't about curing individual diseases or fixing specific injuries. Rather, it's about everything; the diseases are the end result of the system we live in. And with all the data we have available, we know it's a system that needs fixing, said Marks.
Marks' thoughts came at an APHA panel Fielding moderated in a closing day session about the health impact of investment in major social and environmental policies and interventions; information gaps and how they can be filled; and how the discussion of health spending can be re-framed so that U.S. resources can be invested most productively.
NewPublicHealth spoke with Fielding about better uses for the wasted health care spending just before the start of the APHA meeting.
Social Media and Hurricane Sandy: Q&A with Jay Dempsey and Vivi Abrams Siegel
Hurricane Sandy made landfall last year during the American Public Health Association's (APHA) annual meeting in San Francisco. Several sessions at the annual meeting this year in Boston, one year after the storm, focused on the response during the hurricane that killed dozens, injured hundreds and destroyed thousands of homes.
In a key session Monday, communications specialists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on a study of new media preparedness and response messaging implemented before and after the disaster. As Hurricane Sandy approached landfall, the CDC's National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) assisted state and local public health partners by developing and sharing storm-related messaging across several social media channels, including an SMS text subscription service to directly reach people affected by the storm.
CDC determined what topics would need coverage each day, ranging from preparing for the storm's arrival to post-storm safety and clean-up. Once messages were posted, they were retweeted across several CDC Twitter feeds and on social media channels of local health departments. The recent CDC study found that leveraging social media turned out to be very important for driving a steady increase in traffic to CDC emergency response web pages. For example, a message about safe clean-up of mold produced 14,881 visits. The number of NCEH Twitter followers also increased—there were 4,226 twitter followers at the beginning of October before the storm, and that grew to 5,215 followers—a 23 percent increase—once the storm hit.
>>NewPublicHealth was on the ground throughout the APHA conference speaking to public health leaders and presenters, hearing from attendees on the ground and providing updates from sessions, with a focus on how we can build a culture of health. Find the complete coverage here.
Ahead of the APHA meeting, NewPublicHealth spoke with Jay Dempsey, a health communications specialist in the National Center for Environmental Health who presented the data at the APHA meeting and Vivi Abrams Siegel, a health communications specialist in the CDC Office of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response about the findings and the growing importance of social media before, during and immediately after disasters.
NewPublicHealth: What's most important about the recent study on social media and disaster preparedness and response?
Jay Dempsey: The case study is an overview of the lessons that we learned from using social media to disseminate emergency and preparedness messaging ahead of and during and immediately following Hurricane Sandy. Some of the things that we knew going in during the response to Hurricane Sandy was that a growing number of people are using social media to get information just before and during a disaster or an emergency. So knowing that, we leveraged our social media channels and the first thing we saw was a pretty substantial increase in web traffic. We're able to track the number of page visits that come exclusively from social media and make a determination of approximately how much social media drove traffic to those particular pages.
Regulating Tobacco: Q&A with FDA's Mitch Zeller
Tobacco featured prominently as a public health issue at the American Public Health Association (APHA) meeting this week, including a regulatory update from Mitch Zeller, JD, who became director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products earlier this year. Zeller previously worked on tobacco issues in government as associate commissioner and director of FDA's first Office of Tobacco Programs, and also as a U.S. delegate to the World Health Organization (WHO) Working Group for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
NewPublicHealth spoke with Zeller ahead of the APHA meeting.
Mitch Zeller: I think most broadly my goals are to help give the center and the agency the greatest chance of fulfilling the public health mission behind the law passed in 2009 giving the Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco. This really is an important piece of legislation. It's really stunning that in 2013—with everything that we know about the harms associated with tobacco use—that it remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease both in this country and globally.
There are some very powerful tools that Congress has given FDA to use wisely and supported by evidence. That's where I think, the greatest opportunity lies: to use the tools relying on regulatory science to try to protect consumers and reduce the death and disease toll from tobacco.
There are two areas where I think these tools can make a profound positive impact on public health. The first is something called product standards, which is basically the power to ban, restrict or limit the allowable levels of ingredients in tobacco or tobacco smoke. We are exploring potential product standards in three areas: toxicity, addiction and appeal. And we are funding research in all three areas and working very hard behind the scenes to find out what our options are for potential product standards in those three areas.
Stakeholder Health: Q&A with Kimberlydawn Wisdom
Stakeholder Health, formerly known as the Health Systems Learning Group, is a learning collaborative made up of 43 organizations, including 36 nonprofit health systems, that have met for close to two years to share innovative practices aimed at improving health and economic viability of communities.
The idea for the learning collaborative came from a series of meetings at the White House Office and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships. The Stakeholder Health administrative team is based at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Center for Excellence in Faith and Health in Memphis, Tenn., and at Wake Forest Baptist Health System in Winston-Salem, N.C. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provided a grant to share the group's findings and lessons learned.
Earlier this year, Stakeholder Health released a monograph to help identify proven community health practices and partnerships. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, MS, Senior Vice President of Community Health & Equity and Chief Wellness Officer at the Henry Ford Health System was a key contributor to the monograph.
NewPublicHealth recently spoke to Wisdom about Stakeholder Health's objectives, goals and emerging successes, which she also presented on at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting in Boston.
NewPublicHealth: What are examples of implementation of the Stakeholder Health recommendations at the Henry Ford Health System?
Kimberlydawn Wisdom: There are several. Stakeholder Health talks quite a bit about transformative partnerships and the importance of those transformative partnerships. And we have some stellar examples here in southeast Michigan of transformative partnerships, and one that I'd like to point to in particular is an effort we established called Sew Up the Safety Net, which addresses decreasing the infant mortality rate in our region, which is appallingly high.
We've developed a partnership with three other competing health systems within the Detroit region. So while on one level we are very strong competitors, on another level, we've actually joined our strategies and resources together in order to address the infant mortality challenge that we have in our communities. We also have private partners and public partners that are involved with us at various levels, but I think having that unprecedented partnership with competing health systems and getting real work done is something that we're very proud of and work very hard to maintain.
Investing in Public Health: Q&A with Glen Mays
New research presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting in Boston today finds that when public health funding increases in a community, its rates of infant mortality and deaths due to preventable diseases decrease over time, with low-income communities experiencing the largest health and economic gains.
According to the research, conducted by Glen Mays, PhD, MPH, director of the University of Kentucky's National Coordinating Center for Public Health Services and Systems Research, each ten percent increase in public health spending over 17 years led to a 4.3 percent reduction in infant mortality, as well as reductions of 0.5 to 3.9 percent in non-infant deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and influenza.
However, these health gains were 20-44 percent larger when funding was targeted to lower-income communities. Increases in public health spending also correlated with lower medical care costs per person, especially in low-income areas. The study, which analyzed data compiled by the National Association of County and City Health Officials from 3,000 local public health agencies over a 17-year period, also found that lower death rates and health care costs were seen especially in communities that allocated their public health funding across a broader mix of preventive services.
"The results clearly show that better health and lower health care costs are possible if we simply change how and where we allocate public health funding, even if new money isn't available, said Mays. "And it also shows that new resources, such as funding from the Affordable Care Act's Prevention Fund, can have a larger impact if targeted to lower-resource, higher-need communities and if spread across a range of prevention strategies."
>>NewPublicHealth will be on the ground throughout the APHA conference speaking to public health leaders and presenters, hearing from attendees on the ground and providing updates from sessions, with a focus on how we can build a culture of health. Follow the coverage here.
NewPublicHealth spoke with Mays about the new study just before the APHA annual meeting began.
NewPublicHealth: What are the key findings of the study?
Glen Mays: We've done prior studies that show communities that invest more on public health realize gains in health status and, over time, those communities see slower growth in medical care costs. So the goal of the study is to look at who benefits most from investments in public health.
What we found was that, not all that surprisingly, communities that are more economically constrained, that have lower income communities with higher poverty rates and lower socioeconomic status, tend to benefit the most from investments in public health activities over time. These low-resource communities see larger reductions in their preventable mortality, and they also see larger reductions in their medical care costs over time from investments in public health spending compared to more affluent communities. We expected to find that, but this is the first time we've been able to document the size of that effect. Those communities see about twenty percent higher rates of health and economic gain from their spending compared to more affluent communities.


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Well don't, because what the 2010 370Z Roadster is is the Neapolitan of sports cars. It's fast enough, plenty agile, and looks fantastic whether the top is up or down.
When I heard I was going to be driving the soft-top version of the new 370Z, I will admit I was disappointed. Convertibles usually don't do justice to the original coupe's design, they're noisy they're soft in the corners and pigeons have the option of bombing you and your passenger. Some people are drawn to open-air motoring as if it's some magical fountain of youth. I am not that person. So when I grabbed the keys, I thought I was going to be driving a heavy, ugly car with the moves of a manatee.
I was wrong. This car has so much grip and poise, that even on a racetrack with quick elevation changes-mid-corner mind you-it never missed a step. High speed corners are taken with complete confidence, and body roll could only be measured with a carpenter's level. Strucutural rigidity is usually the biggest comlaint about a soft-top, but you can erase that term from your dictionary. That's because Nissan planned to have a convertible from the start, so they put the right bits in to make sure it drove as good as the coupe and by achieving .94g (a mere .03 less than the coupe) is proof that Nissan did. It just feels planted.
It's also powerful, with a 3.7 liter V6 producing 332hp and 270 ft lbs of torque, it reaches 60 mph in under 5 seconds. That kind of acceleration is on par with far costlier, uglier convertibles. The powerband is high, with power peaking at 7,000RPM, but the thrust feels smooth and endless. You're not waiting for that big push right before redline, the 370Z urges you forward continuously, as if being pulled forward by an electro-magnet. It's also buttery smooth, with zero vibration, more proof of the exceptional build quality. The only complaint I have is the lack of a proper exhaust note. It looks and feels like a sports car, so it should sound like one.
The transmission in the car is a wonderful 6 speed manual that has a great mechanical feel, without feeling clunky or coarse. The throws are short, and I never had a problem finding a gear. It's fitted with Nissan's new Synchro Rev Matching system, enabling perfect throttle-blip downshifts every time. Heel-and-toeing is fun, but this system is so flawless it allows you to give all your attention to the driving at hand, be it hitting an apex or passing a truck. And to keep your "purist" friends happy, a simple button turns the system off. Altogether the drivetrain on this car is perfect for the car.
Nissan must have spent as much time on the interior as they did on the drivetrain, because it's laid out very well. It's a very driver-oriented cabin, with every button you might need inches away, and the ones you need the most often (stereo volume, bluetooth, NAV) mounted right on the steering wheel. The cabin is a mix of leather, Alcantara, feaux aluminum and quality plastic. A center-mounted tachometer reinforces the sporting nature of the car, as do the auxiliary gauges aimed at the driver. There's enough stowage for your gadgets and drinks, and even space behind the trick-looking, well-bolstered seats. The only problem arises when you try to look in the rear-view mirror with the top up. You can see cars behind you, but I wouldn't rely on looking over your shoulder to parallel park. That aside, the interior looks the part and plays it well.
Lastly, there's the view of the car itself. As I said above, I almost always prefer the look of a coupe to a convertible. The 350Z is a perfect example why; it's hideous. What happened is they designed a great coupe, then simply erased the top half of the car, leaving a belt-line as flat and boring as Arizona. This time around, as I said, Nissan planned to build a convertible all along, so the designers figured out how to make a car with no roof look good. And boy did they succeed. The long bulging hood leads back to high rear fenders and a wrap-around trunk. Long hood, short deck, prominent fenders; classic sports car. The metal has been sculpted into a shape filled with flowing lines and sexy curves and is easily one of the best looking drop-tops around.
This car exceeded my expectations, and not just those of a convertible, but of a sports car. For $44,000 it has every option available, a well-equipped, smart-looking interior, plenty of power, and grip that many AWD cars strive to attain. For that money you can only get a bare-bones Porsche Boxster, or a Miata that has have the power and isn't nearly as pretty. With the gorgeous sculpted body and a build quality on par with NASA, and you have one of the best sports cars, hard-top or soft, available today. In fact this car is so good, I would - and I can't believe I'm saying this- pick this over the coupe.
For the full test-drive, with specs and more info: 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
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Bike Maintenance: Home Bike Repair
What Have I Done?
A home mechanic spends the winter rebuilding his most abused bike, makes all the mistakes, and passes the lessons on to you.
Brian Fiske
Beginning Cycling
Lesson 2: Organization Saves Time (And Sanity)
My new method, it seems, is working for keeping track of parts but not for tools. I can't find my bottom bracket tool. I used it to remove my BB on one of my last basement forays. So much of the ride depends on the fluid feel of a healthy BB that it's worth getting everything just right, and until now, no problem: After removal, I scrubbed the threads on the frame and cartridge until they were spotless, and smeared a thin layer of grease on them - too much can clog up the installation. With the right amount of grease, I can thread the cartridge and adapter more than halfway in using only my fingers. I just need the BB tool, and my torque wrench, to finish the install.
I dig through the toolbox. There's a BB tool, but it's not the one I need, and I let out a string of creative expletives directed at every component manufacturer I can name for making different types of BBs that require different tools. Above ground, Jen hears me. She opens the basement door, "What are you doing?" Then she draws the line; if I wake up the kids, my Shop session is over.
Mumbling, I dump the contents of the toolbox onto the table. Nope. Under the table? Nothing. I look on the nearby shelves (where I find my 5mm hex; it goes back into the toolbox), around the workstand, behind the CD player, among the kids' summer toys and through boxes of ancient paperwork.
I find it, finally, in a box of old computer cables. My time for the night is up, so I leave the basement defeated, and with my BB only half installed. I spend the next session cleaning up from my search, and I add a key component to The Shop: a freshly emptied cardboard diaper box. From now on tools go back into the toolbox or, if I'm midfix, into the cardboard box.
Lesson 3: Limits Keep You Happy
Here I am, spinning my tire-free rear wheel, which is clamped into my truing stand. The calipers on the stand move closer and closer to the rim until one arm scrapes the sidewall. It's a long scrape, punctuated by one short silence each revolution; not great, but not terrible. I move the calipers so they almost touch the bottom edge of the rim to see if the wheel is round. I spin it again, and the wheel's a little off. This weekend, I'll take it to the shop.
That's right, I'll have my local bike shop fix it. With patience, I've trued wheels before, but this time I just don't want to. I had made the decision before I even set the wheel in the stand.
For the home mechanic, maintenance comes down to desire. When I don't really want to do a project, I take shortcuts and make mistakes, so now I take it only as far as I want. For some people, that means tackling something they've never tried, while for others it means only squirting the chain with lube and using a shop for the rest. Whatever it is, draw that line before you start.
Lesson 4: Small Changes Are Big
My biggest goofs always happen when I'm giddy about installing a new part. I once cut a new fork's steerer tube too short, leaving no room for spacers. Then there was the time I didn't completely tighten the One-Key release caps on my XTR cranks, which ripped the threads off the caps when I tried to remove the cranks. Both cases were a matter of millimeters. I still can't control my excitement about new parts, but now I move in baby steps to ensure that I execute jobs precisely.
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Better access to finance
Small businesses often have difficulties financing their growth and innovations. The European Commission is working with the Member States to stimulate the provision of loans and venture capital for SMEs.
Getting an innovative firm off the ground or expanding it requires money, but financing SMEs is a risky proposition for financiers. To solve this, Europe needs more investors and banks willing to take the risk, and European entrepreneurs need a better understanding of investors' and banks' concerns in order to be able to provide assurances about the soundness of their proposal.
What does the EU do?
- We improve the financing environment for small businesses in Europe to help innovation and growth. This happens both through our own policies and by helping the Member States to share good policies and benefit from the experiences of others.
- The Commission is also helping small businesses to overcome financial market weaknesses, mostly by working together with various financial institutions to provide them with funding. The goal is to increase the opportunities for small businesses to obtain finance from banks, guarantee providers and venture capital funds.
Action plan to improve access to finance for SMEs
European regions encouraged to offer SMEs vouchers of up to €10,000 to go digital
Key content
05/11/2013 > 07/11/2013 München
The European Space Solutions conference is coming to Munich from 5 - 7 November 2013 !
Contracts and grants
Deadline: 30/06/2014
Economist Visitors Programme to support the work of the Competitiveness Report (2011-2014)


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Prospective B.C. Lions Felions auditioned Sunday at Scotiabank Dance Centre in Vancouver. Approximately 100 to 150 candidates audition each year to fill 32 to 36 final game day positions.
The man was found bleeding with critical injuries near East 6th Ave and Brunswick in east Vancouver early Sunday morning. He later died in hospital.
The public debate about food has become deafening. "Local" and "organic" are mantras of the organic lobby, but organic food represents less than four per cent of Canadian production. Some claim genetically engineered (GE) crops are not sustainable and damage the environment. Yet few have asked Canadian farmers, the true stewards of the land, why they overwhelmingly grow genetically engineered crops. »
It is such a simple, safe and enjoyable thing to do : eating dinner with a colleague while discussing the events of the day and the task at hand. Not so in Afghanistan, where merely sitting down to table at a restaurant can have tragic consequences, as we have seen. »


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低料金の宿泊施設 ヨーロッパ イタリア フィレンツェ ベッドアンドブレックファースト Matilde Suite
Right in the heart of Florence . Our Guest House is situated in the historical center of the city on the first and third floors of an 8th century building.
... 以上
Right in the heart of Florence . Our Guest House is situated in the historical center of the city on the first and third floors of an 8th century building.
Matilde Suite is close to the central railway station of Santa Maria Novella, near the congress and expo center of the Fortezza da Basso, just a stroll away from the Medicean district San Lorenzo with its typical open air market and in the close vicinity of the main historical monuments.
The 'Matilde Suite' guest house Property offers a wonderful atmosphere thanks to the newly restructured environment, rooms with private bath -shower- or shared bath, air conditioning, , television, fax service at the reception.
At Matilde Suite you will have your own key of the main entrance door and room and you can get in and out any time.
Reception service from 9am
to 9pm. In case of arrival later then 09.00pm.
First check-in 1:30pm until this time is possible to leave your lugguge.
Last check-in 9pm
Payment at the arrival by cash.
Museums reservations service.
Free city maps at check-in.
Cancellation policy: at least
48 hours prior arrival.
No curfew.
Hospitality , friendship , multi language stuff . * We do not have dorms but only private rooms ! attention : -plus 2 euros per day per person of taxes staying in Florence from 1st of July 2012
Via Nazionale, 17
宿泊したことがありますか? レビューを書く
* トラベラーズポイントによる評価及び他のウエブサイトの評価を合わせて満足度の点数が計算されます。この宿泊施設の満足度の点数は、お客様の143による評価により計算されました


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Man of Steel 2
Batman Vs. Superman News & Rumors Recap Part 1
EIC Matt McGloin goes through the timeline leading up to Batman Vs. Superman and Ben Affleck's recent appearance on Fallon.
Ben Affleck Says New Batman Is Incredible; Lots Of Opportunities
Ben Affleck talks publicly for the first time about the new Batman and Zack Snyder.
Hans Zimmer Not Sure About Scoring Batman Vs. Superman Hints At Change In WB's Direction?
Zimmer reluctant to score another Batman movie.
Justin Bieber as Robin In Batman Vs. Superman Confirmed Hoax For Funny Or Die
Guess we can all relax. Hopefully.
Kevin Smith Says Justin Bieber As Robin Is A Friday The 13th Nightmare
"A Friday the 13th nightmare?" asks Smith.
Justin Bieber as Robin In Batman Vs. Superman Causes The Internet To Explode
Thought reaction to Ben Affleck was bad? Bieber as Robin is a nuclear bomb by comparison.
Disney Moves Pirates of the Caribbean 5 Release Date Away From Batman/Superman & Ant-Man
Disney continues shuffling its 2015 release dates.
Batman vs. Superman Movie Gets Cinematographer From 300, Watchmen, Super 8 & Lost
300, Watchmen, Super 8, Lost DP on Man of Steel sequel.


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After Hours Care
Locations in Greenville and Travelers Rest
With Bon Secours Medical Group's After Hours Care, you now have access to board-certified Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians even on the weekend. No appointment necessary.
Simply walk in and one of our physicians will see you as soon as possible to assess your needs, conduct tests if needed, and provide you with either a prescription for your illness or information about how to manage your symptoms and/or receive additional care.
Important: Bon Secours Medical Group After Hours Care provides treatment to injuries or conditions that are non-life-threatening. If you have an emergency, call 911 or proceed directly to the emergency room.
locations and hours
Greenville Location2 Innovation Drive, Suite 120 View Larger Map HoursMonday - Friday: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
Travelers Rest Location406 North Poinsett Highway HoursSaturdays: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm |
payment options
We accept most major insurance plans, and any co-pays, deductibles and fees for non-covered services should be paid at the beginning of your visit. Payments may be in the form of cash, personal check or major credit card.
frequently asked questions
Why After Hours Care?
We know you have choices when it comes to your health care. What sets After Hours Care apart is that it is staffed by the same high-quality Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians who are part of the Bon Secours Medical Group. As such, they adhere to the same high standards of quality, care and excellence that youve come to expect from Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
What is the Bon Secours Medical Group?
The Bon Secours Medical Group is a group of high quality physicians who are affiliated with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. The group includes physicians and surgeons of all specialties. Members of the group who specialize in Family Practice and Internal Medicine provide care at After Hours Urgent Care at ST. FRANCIS millennium.
Do you offer emergency care?
No. If you are having an emergency, proceed directly to the nearest emergency room. After Hours Care provides care for minor illness and injuries.


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Customer Reviews for Ocean Reef Neptune Space Diving Full Face Mask with 2nd Stage and Visor Lights: See the top 20 most helpful scuba gear reviews
Average Customer Review: based on 1 reviews. Rating: Agla Reviewer: Nancy Bernal, This mask is awesome, I already try it and was an incredible experience Did this Review help? No Yes 7 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Average Customer Review: based on 1 reviews.
Neptune Space Full Face Mask
product code: see chart belowNeptune Space
The OCEAN REEF Neptune Series provides a revolutionary take on the full face mask. They offer great visual fields, superior comfort, reliability, exceptional safety, durability, AND they are easy to use! Whether you are a professional or commercial diver, or just a person who feels like picking up the sport of scuba diving; the OCEAN REEF Neptune Series has a mask tailored just for you!
The Neptune Space is the latest and most innovative mask in the Neptune Series. It has been designed with technical experience gained through 10 years of full face mask manufacturing.
State-of-the-art integrated regulatorReduced internal volumeImproved visual field; visible light transfer of visor is 92%Premium grade silicone rubber bellows-type skirt (30-45 mm, double that of a conventional mask)Durable, scratch-resistant visor4-position adjustable exhaust valvePatented 3-D equalization systemNewly designed quick release systemSix strap head harness with low elasticity and FRB (Fast Rotating Buckle), providing firm mask positioning andquick mask donning and doffingIntegrated surface air valveEasy access rubber purge buttonTechpolymer protection treatments allow for use in extreme conditionsTotal weight of 860 g (1.89 lbs) and a positive buoyancy of 400 g (0.89 lbs), providing a light and comfortable fitCan be used with a communication unit and various Neptune System accessoriesBlack Space Mask comes in two sizes, medium/large and small/mediumOrange and Yellow Space are available in medium/largeOptional accessory: Special adaptor allowing for connection of several kinds of regulators (two adaptor sizes, medium (standard) and small)The Neptune Space is specifically designed for professional and high performance applications and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The Neptune Space complies with CE Certification in accordance with 89/689/EEC directives under the UNI EN250 standard rules for underwater activities, including low temperatures (<50 degrees F).....................................
1st Stage SL 35 TX
1st stage SL 35 TX (designed for Neptune Space)
High performance balanced diaphragm 1 st stageAdjustable medium pressureMade of brass with a satin body finishStandard connection 200 bar2 high pressure ports 7/16-20 UNF4 medium pressure ports 3/8-24 UNFFlow rate of approx. 4800 l/m at 140 bars
Visor Light
Integrated Head light with 6 Powerful LEDsThe on/off switch is installed in the surface air valve port,without impairing the function of the SAV.Features> 75-lumen output/LED> 100,000-hour light life> 12 degree beam angle> Light color TYP 5,500 – MAX 10,000 Kº> 3 hours burn time, depending on the type of rechargeable battery> Waterproof to 80 m (260 ft)> Rechargeable CR 123 3v lithium battery included> 12v battery charger> Vehicle power connector cable included.NOTE: These lights are not designed to be a primary light source.Visor Lights are available pre-assembled on a mask (on demand) or may be applied onany Neptune Space using prepared adhesive tape (coming with LEDs sticker).
Corporate Office: Scuba.com, 1752 Langley Avenue, Irvine CA 92614 Privacy Policy Scuba diving portal for scuba gear Scuba requires professional scuba diving training and certification Prices subject to change. Copyright © 2000-2014


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Fusion Garage Grid10: Complete review of an incomplete tablet
When I first saw the 44-page reviewer's guide that shipped with Fusion Garage's Grid10 review unit, I knew at the very least that I was in for an interesting experience.
Now, I love new and innovative technology. Well, I'm supposed to love it at least. Truth is, I only love new and innovative when it's executed well. New and innovative can go stuff it if it's frustrating to use.
The Fusion Garage Grid10 tablet has a unique OS interface, but...OK, I won't bury the lead here. It's not well-executed. … Read more


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2014 Riding Season
See below for information on how to winterize your motorcycle. The 2014 Riding Season will begin in March please check back then, or see below for other great motorcycle safety resources. Courses are available at 28 training sites around the state so find a class near you with our training site zip code search. Learn to ride or sharpen your riding skills with an MMSP RiderCourse!
Even though the season has ended there are many other great resources to help you handle tough riding situations. Check out MMSP's Podcast Series (Missouri Motorcycle Safety Minute), check our Facebook page, & "LIKE US". Feel free to ask us any questions or if there's a situation you're not sure how to handle.


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Welcome to Vermont Woods Studios!
Welcome to Vermont Woods Studios American made furniture store! We are a retailer of fine Vermont made furniture. Our Stonehurst furniture showroom and online web store showcase the finest of Vermont's furniture makers. Vermont has a long history of woodworking, over 200 years in fact. The region is abundant in the premium hardwoods that our craftsmen carefully select. This fine woodworking heritage plus plentiful high quality hardwood resources are combined to create naturally beautiful, functional, and timeless wood furniture you will be proud to own. To learn more about our furniture makers and how they make furniture see the video below.
About Our Company
Green and local are not new ideas at Vermont Woods Studios. They are part of our ethos. We were born green with a mission of building a vibrant economy for furniture makers in Vermont. From the beginning, we've only worked with Vermont artisans and companies who use sustainably harvested wood and non-toxic finishes. Join us and feel good, not only about the quality of the furniture that you buy, but also about its impact on the world around us.
Founded in 2005, our mission has always focused on the triple bottom line: planet, people and profit.
Planet. Unlike other furniture companies, we avoid tropical woods that are often illegally harvested and destroy the rainforest at the alarming rate of 1 football field per second. Instead, our wood is sourced right here in America. Maple from Vermont. Cherry from Pennsylvania. Walnut from Indiana. From recycling to shipping, we are focused on eco-practices in every aspect of our business.
Profit. We look at profit a little differently than other companies. Giving back is a central part of who we are. From the Nature Conservancy to the Vermont Center for Eco Studies, we regularly donate portions of our profit to organizations involved in forest and wildlife conservation.
People. Here you'll never find a factory with poor working conditions or illegal labor practices. Instead, you'll find hard working and passionate people who want to bring you furniture that lasts a lifetime. Meet our Green Team at Vermont Woods Studios.
About Our Craftspeople
Vermont Woods Studios works with independent furniture makers in the Green Mountain State to showcase their work and offer their products to you online and through our showroom. Scattered across rural Vermont towns are workshops large and small where the handed-down tradition of crafting solid, functional, and lasting furniture pieces continues. Learn more about our craftsmen and if you wish to meet your furniture maker in person, give us a call. We can often make arrangements for you to visit their studios and see their work first-hand.
About Our Customers
Who buys Vermont made furniture? Our customers are looking for 100% American-made, sturdy built furniture from solid hardwoods such as Cherry, Maple, Oak and Walnut. They desire exceptional craftsmanship, appreciate a natural style and want timeless furniture that can be passed on for generations. They understand that buying the right furniture means only buying it once. Some customers like to know where and how their furniture is made and having a connection to the craftsman is important to them. Whether buying exclusively American made furniture or supporting a regional domestic industry or helping provide a livelihood for a passionate craftsman, the origin of their furniture is important. We are proud to say that our furniture has now been delivered to every state in America.
About Our Furniture
How does Vermont Woods Studios choose what furniture to offer? Above all is our quality and craftsmanship criteria as all of the furniture we offer is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Furniture is selected that best represents the natural Vermont made style. We also seek furniture makers who use green production processes and participate in forest sustainability. All of the furniture we offer is produced in Vermont. It is where we live and work and what we know. And we are within a 3 hours drive to any of our furniture makers. Learn more about our sustainable Vermont made furniture here. Still have questions? See our FAQ page and learn more about buying fine furniture online.
Feel Good about Your Furniture
Join us and feel good, not only about the quality of the furniture that you buy, but also about its impact on the world around us.


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Cellar/Tasting Notes This Chardonnay has aromas of fresh pineapple, white peach, pear, and green apple. The same fruit characters are on the palate, accentuated by a bright, balanced acidity and subtle oak spice. The finish is lingering, clean and crisp.
Cellar/Tasting Notes Signature White Rhone Blend consisting of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne. Aged in stainless steel, the grapes come from select vineyards in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara County. A nose of pure pear and apple perfumes, surrounded by notes of fresh cut sugar cane,..
Cellar/Tasting Notes One Rock Chardonnay is a bright, fresh white wine from sea-cooled vineyards on The North Fork of Long Island. Rigorous grape selection and cool fermentation result in a nuanced, dry wine with notes of mineral, apple, lemon and pineapple. Perfect as an aperitif, or with seafood, poultry and spicy..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "This blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir is one of the best sparkling wines you'll find at this price. It's stylishly dry and fancy, with yeasty lime, strawberry and vanilla flavors."
Cellar/Tasting Notes Bursts with a fresh, fruit cocktail of peach, apricot,nectarine and apples. While it starts of sweet, it finishes dry with crisp acidity. Pair it with loin of pork, Asian foods — especially Thai or Indian — and Cajun or Tex-Mex dishes.
Cellar/Tasting Notes The goal at Acacia is to interfere as little as possible in order to preserve maximum flavor of their wine with clarity and balance. They believe in the grapes and the land. The 2012 Chardonnay epitomizes this goal as it is a balanced and refreshing chardonnay with aromatic notes of fresh melon,..
Cellar/Tasting Notes "...gorgeous. Citrus, lime and crushed rocks come together beautifully in this Chablisinspired
Cellar/Tasting Notes "Trim and pure, this is focused on white peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, ending with a push of delicate lemony citrus."
Cellar/Tasting Notes "This shows an evident layer of oak in the form of buttered toast and vanilla notes, but the underlying wine is strong in pineapple and golden mango flavors. Fine coastal acidity and a hint of mineral provide structural balance."
Cellar/Tasting Notes Here is Howard Goldberg of The New York Times review of Paumanok's top wine: "Chenin blanc, long a Paumanok specialty, is a perennial favorite of mine. Bracing and aromatic it resembles a Loire Vouvray from a cool year. Densely flavorful, it has herbal accents and a mouth-watering acidity that..


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In the interior painting on this bottom half of a coffin, the large figure represents Osiris, king of the dead. The mummy would have origina...
Hiroshige's One Hundred Famous Views of Edo
Hiroshige's 118 woodblock landscape and genre scenes of mid-nineteenth-century Tokyo, is one of the greatest achievements of Japanese art.
The startlingly direct portrait is the work of Jane E. Bartlett, one of the many female students of the leading late nineteenth-century Bost...
Brooklyn Museum Posse:
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200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum
Wednesday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Friday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.


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1 hr ago | BleacherReport
USC Football: Week 1 Spring Practice Stock Report
Though things by and large still remain in flux due to the number of players sitting out with various injuries, it's already clear that a new attitude and identity are starting to shape.
Trending on the Topix Network
No timeline for naming a starting QB, Sarkisian says
Entering his first season as head coach at USC, Steve Sarkisian is expected by most to stick with the incumbent, Cody Kessler , as his starting quarterback.
USC Spring Football: Multiple Recruits Visit Saturday's Practice
USC's spring camp saw pads for the first time on Saturday, in addition to a slew of recruits on hand at Howard Jones Field.
USC Trojans Football: Week 1 Spring Practice Stock Report
Cody Kessler says team ran 120 plays in an hour and 45 minutes. That's 120 plays in 105 minutes or 1.14 plays per minute.
Morning Briefing: Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick Excites, Josh Shaw Is a Cornerback and Other Bullets
Mar 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick at spring practice at Howard Jones Field.
If Usc Is Going to Be a National Title Contender, Defense Will Lead the Way
New Southern Cal head coach Steve Sarkisian may be known for his offensive prowess, and USC may be glamorous because of its offensive history, but the real secret to its success is its defense.
Breaking Down How USC Will Replace Center Marcus Martin
There are position battles galore across the offensive line, and the most important one is that at center.
Pac-12 tournament Day 1 rewind; Thursday's schedule
A quick look back at the first day of action at the Pac-12 tournament in Las Vegas, and a look ahead to Thursday's matchups: AP recap: Delon Wright scored 15 points and Jordan Loveridge added 13, helping Utah hold off Washington 67-61 in the opening round of the Pac-12 tournament on Wednesday.
No. 1 Patriots roll into AAA semifinals
With or without its catalyst on the floor, Parkersburg South's defense provided too much heat for Hampshire to handle.
Trojan NFL prospects compete in Pro Day
USC's NFL hopefuls participated in Pro Day at Cromwell Field on Wednesday, as 21 Trojans hoped to impress scouts from every NFL team two months ahead of the league's draft in May. Circus show A Star wide receiver Marqise Lee, who is projected as a first-round draft pick, did not run a 40-yard dash on Pro Day, but participated in multiple sprinting ... (more)
USC Pro Day 2014: Recap and Review for Marqise Lee and Top Trojans
Lee, the event is usually even more important for the other players involved. It's a chance for them to impress a large group of talent evaluators.
USC To NFL: Trojan Pro Day 2014 Preview
Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Marqise Lee participates in a pass catching drill during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
USC Spring Football: Opening Set of Questions
As the Trojans take the field under coach Steve Sarkisian Tuesday, plenty of questions shuffle through the paperwork surrounding the direction of a program desperate to win the Pac-12 South and compete for playoff berths.
Sarkisian debuts new up tempo offense
It's almost spring, but spring football is officially up and running for new head coach Steve Sarkisian and the USC football team, as they held their first practice on Tuesday at Howard Jones Field.
USC Spring Football: First Practice Clears Up Player Positions
Oct 26, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson is hit as by USC Trojans defensive end J.R. Tavai as he throws a pass during first quarter action at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For some Trojans, Pro Day is the chance to continue to impress scouts and improve their draft stock whereas for others it's an opportunity to finally get noticed.
Two Added to Broncos Coaching Staff
The Denver Broncos on Tuesday announced the additions of Assistant Offensive Line Coach James Cregg and Offensive Quality Control Coach Bo Hardegree to the club's coaching staff.
USC begins first spring football practice with Coach Steve Sarkisian
Steve Sarkisian, who replaced the fired Lane Kiffin in December, will oversee his first spring workout as the Trojans' coach.
USC Football: Ten Pressing Questions That Need Answering During Spring Practice
Apr 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans center Marcus Martin snaps the ball against defensive tackle Cody Temple during the spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
2014 NFL Draft Profile: USC safety Dion Bailey
The Eagles need a safety and adding a solid rookie to the mix may be the right move for Philadelphia's secondary.


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CNET UK > Reviews > Mobile Phones and Apps > Mobile Phones
Nokia X3 Touch and Type review
Perfect for entry-level smart-phone users, the Nokia X3 Touch and Type is armed with both a touchscreen and button interface, as well as a drop-dead-gorgeous design. Its relatively outdated operating system won't please smart-phone veterans, though. Read more
2 November 2010 by Damien McFerran
CNET UK > Reviews > Mobile Phones and Apps > Mobile Phones
Sony Ericsson C903 Cyber-shot review
Although the 5-megapixel C903 Cyber-shot is inexpensive -- something that's reflected in its plasticky body and lack of Wi-Fi connectivity -- it's one of the best camera phones we've seen. Its photos are generally excellent, it sports a decent range of features and it's easy to use Read more
3 August 2009 by Flora Graham
CNET UK > Reviews > Mobile Phones and Apps > Mobile Phones
LG Viewty Snap GM360 review
The Viewty Snap GM360 is a handsome and affordable touchscreen handset. It doesn't have Wi-Fi or 3G connectivity, so its Web browsing potential is limited, but it does offer a rather impressive 5-megapixel camera, decent social-networking features and a good music player Read more
12 July 2010 by Frank Lewis


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Cultural historian Lori Rotskoff talks with Holly Rosen Fink about her new anthology, co-edited with Laura L. Lovett, When We Were Free to Be: Looking Back at a Children's Classic and the Difference It Made (University of North Carolina Press, 2012).
Read More »The iconic "Free to Be You and Me," from Marlo Thomas is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The song, TV show and book was a staple for many growing up, celebrating our differences and to encourage gender neutrality.
Read More »


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Marines test real-time intelligence dissemination via smartphones
Monday - 12/2/2013, 4:32am EST
Jared Serbu, DoD reporter, Federal News Radio
The Marine Corps started to tackle that problem in a technology demonstration last month in Hawaii. Dubbed "Agile Bloodhound," the project, a cooperative effort between the Marines, the Office of Naval Research, the Naval Research Laboratory and others, offers the promise of delivering vital real-time data that front-line Marines have never had on the battlefield before, officials say.
"We want to be able to deliver relevant content quickly to lower-echelon operators, and at the same time we want to prevent the information overload problem by not providing them information they're not interested in while they're fighting," John Moniz, the Agile Bloodhound program manager at ONR said in an interview with Federal News Radio. "Another big difference is at the higher echelons they're very well connected, similar to what you might expect from the commercial Internet. When you get to the company-level and below, we're doing everything wireless, and it's not with the robust infrastructure we have in the cellular phone system."
So the Marine Corps and ONR are experimenting with ways to deliver autonomously-generated intelligence reports and imagery that don't need to be handled by a human intelligence analyst at a higher headquarters.
In the demonstration, officials showed they could push the data to commercial smartphones connected to the Marines' existing tactical radio system.
"It can be things like alerts as events unfold and we learn more, or the adversary does something unexpected that can quickly flow down to these warfighters," Moniz said. "We're trying to tailor the product to the need of the user and the capacity of the network. So if a relevant video feed becomes available, maybe we could send the entire video depending on the condition of the network. But maybe the user's need is embodied just in a screenshot of that video. Or an automated system that can analyze the object in that video and generate a quick message that says there's been a tank spotted at this distance in this direction."
The capabilities that would make up such an automated intelligence delivery system for small units are not mature enough to deploy thus far however, Moniz said. The Marine Corps' acquisition community could begin procurement work on some elements within a year or two, but others still are perhaps six years away, he said.
At the same time, officials are expanding the bandwidth that small groups of marines would have available to them on the battlefield, Moniz said, including perhaps making use of the commercial cellular data transmission technologies that smartphones already use.
"We're working on those types of capabilities, but the problem with the cellular system is that the Marine Corps is not going to be able to bring in the infrastructure with the towers and the fiber connections between the towers to give us a viable extended cell phone network in the battlespace. It's just not viable," he said. "So we have to rely on other technologies to try to deliver information, be it networks of tactical radios or in some cases just delivering higher capacity radios that allow us to push more information."
DoD tackles mobile device authentication through several pilots
NSA testing how to handle classified data over unsecured networks


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2012 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4WD
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That's one huge fish!
He might have put a few thousand miles on the Subaru,
seems like it was worth it.
He might have put a few thousand miles on the Subaru,
seems like it was worth it.
As you can see, Dante has arrived in Alaska. He says he caught two other, slightly smaller fish. It seems that the age of digital photography and email has laid rest to any chance of a fish tale, that's one huge fish! And now it's time for the week's top and bottom five lists. It's hard to see the light on a day that had me out at the scene of a wreck with two fatalities, and yet, it was a pretty good week. With a little luck, it could be an even better weekend.
Tops from the week:
1) I'm headed to Empires! I couldn't be more excited.
2) Balloon Festival is Saturday. And again, I couldn't be more excited.
3) Becky got to play with the Mayor's dog... but didn't know it until later!
4) This year-long week is about to end, it and it couldn't happen soon enough.
5) Grapefruit. I can't get enough.
Bottoms from the week:
1) My first full week without my college buddy's. I miss everyone, but I'm doing OK.
2) Becky's car breaking down on Sunday. At least it was a quick fix.
3) NBC's "Fear Itself." I don't think I'll be tuning in for episode two.
4) Heat wave's a-coming.
5) Coming home last Sunday, and finding our vegetable garden overturned in the yard. But fear not, we'll have some veggies some day!


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View Firefox passwords with PasswordFox
NirSoft's PasswordFox is a free tool that extracts and displays the passwords stored in your Mozilla Firefox profile or any other user's profile. It displays each password's Record Index, Web Site, User Name, User Name Field, and other data. It also creates HTML-based reports that you can save or print. PasswordFox works in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
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Marion Barber scored on a 9-yard run and Robbie Gould added the PAT to give Chicago a 7-0 lead over the Broncos with 5:19 to go in the third quarter.
A 26-yard punt return from Devin Hester set the Bears up at the Denver 42-yard line. From there, Barber ran the ball for 36 yards on five carries, the last of which ended with the 9-yard score.
After a touchback, the Broncos are now taking over at the 20.


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Mi Barrio El Acere Reviews [view details]
Give us YOUR review!Showing 1 through 2 of 2 reviews
"Solid Stick"
I've smoked the torpedo (billeterio?) and liked it alot so decided to try the El Acere. Good thing i like it because i bought a box on Monster Name your Price. Just smoked one last night after letting them sit for a month. My hunting partner and I really enjoyed these cigars. I'm gonna say this is the best smoke i've had recently. Its just a solid cigar. Great burn, great flavor, med-full body. Smokes for a solid 90 minutes. 90+ in my book.
DB2 in PA September 25, 2012
"Pretty Nice.."
This cigar was very enjoyable with loads of flavor. Complex, with ever changing tastes, it demands attention. Mine had a huge construction flaw, and cracked open half way through and started to tear as it smoked. I worked fervently to salvage it and got it under control. Just shows you how tasty it was that I put so much effort into salvaging it.
Chris in Visalia California April 12, 2012


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Results of Tests, Investigation into
Giraffe Deaths Summarized
For immediate release: July 21, 2010
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Dickerson Park Zoo has completed summaries of necropsy reports on two unrelated giraffe deaths which occurred earlier this summer.
On June 2, a 10-year-old male giraffe arrived at Dickerson Park Zoo. The giraffe had difficulty unloading from the trailer, eventually falling to the ground. Zookeepers worked with the giraffe for nearly two hours, and after significant effort, the giraffe stood on his own. However, it was evident the animal had a severe neck injury, and he was euthanized. Given the nature and severity of the injury the zoo's staff veterinarian determined the likelihood of rehabilitating this injury was extremely poor due to the type of equipment and medication required for daily care and the overall skittish nature of giraffes.
During the necropsy (animal autopsy), the zoo's staff veterinarian determined the giraffe suffered severe blunt force trauma to the neck, most likely self-induced, which occurred during the time after departing from the previous institution and before he stood up at Dickerson Park Zoo. The blunt force caused severe subluxation (partial dislocation of a bone or joint) to several regions of the neck and severe muscle bruising.
A giraffe born on June 30 died on July 3 after a difficult beginning. The calf was a breech birth, was unable to stand unassisted and did not nurse from her mother. The necropsy indicated systemic congestion (the accumulation of fluid and blood), particularly of the rumen (multi-chambered stomach) and kidneys, and severe fat atrophy. Additionally, there was swelling of the brain and spinal cord. Lab results indicate the majority of the contributing factors that led to this giraffe\'s death occurred while in utero.
# # #
Dickerson Park Zoo is a division of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.


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You'll always remember the guys you played street hockey with growing up.
Even if you lose touch with them, just hearing their name takes you back and puts a smile on your face.
Bryan Loeffler (far right) passed away Sunday night.
He was 23.
For reasons unexplainable, we are just now getting to paying our respects to him.
He was as big a Penguins fan as anyone could claim to be.
Bryan's day with the Cup came too soon.


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As a real estate agent for William Pitt Sotheby's, Robert quickly established himself as a top selling real estate agent in Fairfield County. He has achieved and accomplished real estate career as the "Number ONE" Sales Agent in Units Sold for 2012, '11, '09, '08, '07, '06 and 2005, and a Platinum Supper Star winner in 2010. He was also #4 Company-wide in Units Sold for 2012, #11 Company wide in Dollar Volume for 2011, #11 in the "Company" in Dollar Volume for 2009 and #2 Agent in the "Company" in Dollar Volume for 2006. Year after year,Robert has set career highs for listings and sales. Through his comprehensive market savvy, hard work and professionalism, Robert has consistently achieved numerous awards; starting with the Rising Star Award in his very first year in real estate and has repeatedly been a part of the elite group of the William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty Platinum Star Award winners every year.
A lifetime resident of Fairfield County, CT, now residing in New Canaan, Robert is extremely familiar with Fairfield County. He has been heavily involved in community service including coaching various youth sports and Stepping Stones Museum. An avid golfer, Robert is on the Board of Directors Of Shorehaven Golf Club where he is also a member. Robert is the former Vice president of the New Canaan BNI business group that he helped start. He is also the Co-Founder of the Sotheby's Metro Co-Broke Group.
Robert has been involved in real estate for over 35 years, buying, building, fixing, remodeling and selling many new and used homes in Fairfield County. Although his emphasis has mainly been high end luxury estates, single family homes, condos, income properties and leases, his versatile background in handling all varieties of properties gives him the advantage on knowing how best to market and sell that particular property, including commercial properties and businesses. His main focus is in New Canaan, Stamford and Darien. Robert has also owned two successful small businesses for over seventeen years. His Passion for Real Estate drove him to make the decision to make a career out of Real Estate. A dedicated, ethical, competitive and trustworthy professional, Robert is an exceptionally well organized sales leader with a proven track record that demonstrates self-motivation, creativity and initiative, which makes a perfect match for his continued success with real estate. Robert's strong business acumen, marketing strategy and negotiating skills are uniquely coupled with his ability to understand his clients' tastes, wishes and needs. He credits his personalized service and strong focus on customer satisfaction as important keys to his success. The reason Robert's clients keep calling up and referring him is because of the confidence and level of service which goes into every real estate.
Honesty, integrity, achiever, competitive, and professional best describe Robert. He is an exceptionally well organized sales leader with a proven track record that demonstrates self motivation, creativity and initiative. He represents his clients in all their real estate needs personally, professionally, honestly, providing them with the highest level of customer satisfaction and has a proven track record that demonstrates self-motivation, creativity and initiative which makes a perfect match for his continued success with real estate.
Robert is a member of the Connecticut Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, New Canaan Board of Realtors, Darien Board of Realtors and the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service. Robbie is a Connecticut licensed New Home Builder, certified New Home consultant, E Pro, Buyer Rep, Sellers Rep and a Notary Public.
Through his hard work and professionalism he has consistently achieved numerous awards; starting with the Rising Star Award in his very first year in real estate and has consistently been a part of the elite group of the William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty Gold Star Award winners every year.
Robbie's web-site: www.robbie-the-realtor.com


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Protesters march against LNG export terminal and 'planet-wrecking vision of new fracking wells, pipelines, and compressors'.A natural gas export terminal being proposed near a small coastal town in Maryland would increase toxic gas fracking operations around the region, hurt the environment, speed up climate change, and do little for "energy independence" in the United States, campaigners warned at the "the largest environmental protest in Baltimore history" on Thursday.
Despite roadblocks by industry and state officials, well water contamination found in four states
The Associated Press has confirmed what residents have long known and the oil and gas industries have sought to hide: the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, as well as conventional oil and gas drilling, is polluting and contaminating well drinking water supplies.
If Illinois Gov. Quinn wants fracking in his state, Santa thinks he should see what it's like to live next to a fracking rig.
A group of "elves" delivered Santa's "Merry Frackmess" present to the Chicago home of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on Monday.
The "elves"—activists with the climate activism group Rising Tide Chicago—delivered a red bow-adorned mock fracking rig to his lawn "because if Gov. Quinn and the other people that have opened up our state to fracking had to live next to fracking and had to obtain their water from a well I think they would not bring fracking to our state," said Mike Durshmid of the group.
In two-day binge, the GOP greased the way for drilling and fracking.
This week, the House of Representatives passed three climate-related bills designed to target and weaken federal environmental regulations:
No issue reveals more clearly the flaws of the U.S. political-economic system than global warming. Greed and corporate power dominate the public good, and impose nearsighted focus on short term profits instead of serving our long-term needs and the welfare of future generations.


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In addition to printing and viewing your local deals vouchers, you can now easily
manage your location, free subscriptions and credit card details.
Secure access to My Account requires a password. If you have not yet created a Travelzoo
password, we will ask you to go ahead and set one up.
Search for hotel, cruise, vacation, entertainment, restaurant and spa deals in your destination.
Head to charming Savannah where history mingles with modern among great big oak trees lining cobblestone streets. In partnership with Visit Savannah, hotels and inns across the city are now available starting at $79 per night for travel through February.
Save up to 50% on some of these deals in the Historic District and on the riverfront near many of Savannah's popular attractions:


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Floating Rate Income Fund
Keeping Up With Interest Rates
As a pioneer in the market, the BlackRock Floating Rate Income Fund has a 23-year track record of conservatively balancing the trade-off between income and quality, seeking out the most attractive yields from the highest-quality issuers.
For standardized returns as of the most recent quarter and month end please click here.
Performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.
Total/Net annual operating expenses as stated in the fund's most recent prospectus are 1.12/1.05%.
All returns assume reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions. Available in multiple share classes with different sales charges, on-going account maintenance and distribution fees and other features.
Sources: Barclays; BlackRock; Morningstar; Lipper. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Floating-rate loans provide investors the potential for rising income and enhanced diversification. Whereas traditional bonds typically lose value in a rising rate environment, floating-rate loans maintain their value as their income payments rise with rates. And while floating-rate loans are less liquid and carry greater risks as they tend to be non-investment grade, they provide a differentiated pattern and source of returns compared to a traditional fixed income portfolio.
Investor A: BFRAX
Investor C: BFRCX
Institutional: BFRIX
Important Risks of the Fund: The fund is actively managed and its characteristics will vary. Holdings shown should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Corporate loan values fluctuate in price so your investment can go down depending on market conditions. Corporate loans may be illiquid, affecting the fund's ability to realize net asset value in the event of a liquidation of assets. The fund may invest in non-US borrowers, which involves risks including fluctuation in foreign exchange rates, political and economic developments. Corporate loans in the fund's portfolio typically are not rated or rated non-investment-grade (below Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard & Poor's). These corporate loans generally involve greater risks to principal and income. The fund may use derivatives to hedge its investments or to seek to enhance returns. Derivatives entail risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and increase volatility.
You should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. The Fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.
Prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC, member FINRA.


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Used Subaru Tribeca
Expert Reviews
2011 Subaru Tribeca Review
People champion excellence, not mediocrity. After all, you won't see a bumper sticker touting, "My child is a C+ student at Middling Jr. High." So we...
Edmunds.com 2010 Subaru Tribeca Overview
The 2010 Subaru Tribeca takes its name from the artsy New York City neighborhood, and indeed, this Subaru has a little avant-garde in its...
Test Drive: 2009 Subaru Tribeca
It's true that there's no mistaking the design of Subaru's Tribeca. This crossover is taller, wider and just plain different than other crossover SUVs out there. But those that sneer at...
Kelley Blue Book ® - 2009 Subaru Tribeca Overview
Overview: EDITORS' NOTES There are a number of five and seven-passenger SUVs on the market, so what's so...
Edmunds.com 2009 Subaru Tribeca Overview
When it debuted three years ago, the Subaru B9 Tribeca seemed like your typical offbeat Subaru. Oftentimes, being different is good -- nothing...
More Reviews See all reviews for the Subaru Tribeca


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Below are 3 videos I made and I want to know if folks think they have the makings of a good full length infomercial. Running infomercials for a year or 2 seems like the only way to get enough exposure to get chain stores to want them. You'll need to cut and paste the links into a new browser window one at a time.
"The BulletBobber Fishing System" is my latest and has music and a little humor along with instructions on how to use. The World's Smallest Planer Boards has on-demand direction control.
The DualFin Trolling System
They are ultra-light, in-line surfing planer boards with direction control.
Here is my father & son pike fishing video.
Best Fishes,
Paul Lieb - inventor, producer, owner, etc... email@example.com
BulletBobber Ent. www.bullebobber.com and www.dualfin.com


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Jump-Off 79
Written by Jerome Fandor Tuesday, 19 July 2011 08:57
Jump-Off is finally back in XXXX style. Jump-Off 79 has Phantom Judges, Grooms, Jumpers, Websites, Eventers even Phantom Clubs and Shows. Ellen to marry Superman. Malaysia Boleh MayBONK with no AEDS. What a Load of Bull as Equestrian.Com.My's phantom column comes back with this phantastic edition of Jump-Off.
Phantom Judges
Congratulations to the phantom course participants who printed themselves certificates to the Dressage Judges course held in Kuala Lumpur even though they didn't attend it. The course, which was the first update in many years to be held in Malaysia saw an overrun of Certificates, which embarrassingly for the staff, was noticed by all the actual participants. These phantom participants will be your phantom judges from now on.
Phantom Grooms
In a similar category to Phantom Judges are Phantom Grooms who get accredited for major games when no horses have traveled.
Phantom Jumpers
"Who cares how you jump as long as you clear the fence." - The statement by EAM's Head Honcho as to why there were no Showjumping Equitation classes at UTM show.
And in immediate contradiction is that the EAM is organizing a Showjumping Equitation Judges Course in August 2011, to train independent judges. Jump-Off wonders if Mr Honcho will be attending the course or if he will be issuing himself a phantom certificate.
Phantom Website
Ten months after the EAM AGM where it was announced to Peter Abisheganaden's great surprise that he was revamping the EAM website, Pete says he still knows nothing about what is happening. He submitted a proposal after AGM for the job that they had announced he was doing, but has not officially heard back.
Phantom Eventers
Five years after winning a bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games and a year after becoming the first country to defeat Thailand in their own Kingdom, Malaysia's Eventers have scattered to the four winds. Husref Jeremiah rides BMWs nowadays. Amir Zulkefle has moved to Singapore. Mohd Aizat, Rueven Ravindra and Lukman Hakim have turned to the racing industry for employment and are trying to get licenses as apprentice jockeys.
Grass is always Greener
A three-time Olympian, four- time WEG Eventer and NCAS Level 3 Coach offered to give clinics in Malaysia, ahead of the South East Asian Games. Despite Malaysia's official insistence that the Eventing program is still in place, his offer was turned down without even a question of what his costs were.
Perhaps it was because no pre-printed certificates were offered?
Premier Waste
Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya will lay fallow this show season as TEP has cancelled their Premier Cup Series. Not only will there be no shows at the Government built facility, but the Royal Malaysian Polo Association has also cancelled their booking at TEP for the FIP Polo World Cup match that they had hoped to play there because of the poor field condition.
Died of AEDS
Akademi Equestrian Diraja Selangor was closed at the end of March. The precinct will now be known as Taman Equine-less.
Swimming with Sharks
Mary Kate Hassett and her horse Anna decided to take up snorkeling at 3Q Equestrian recently. They dove in together and went for a swim in the pond. Anyone with bikini photos, please submit to
Best Icy Winter Photo
Swift Dan
Does anyone know Andrea Gardner Finlay from the Singapore Polo Club from 25-30 years back? She is the singer Taylor Swift's mum. When they were in Singapore for Taylor Swift's recent concert there, Andrea visited the club where she learned to ride.
Daniel swears he remembers her.
Ellen Whitaker to marry Superman
English showjumper Ellen Whitaker has got engaged to Superman actor Henry Cavill after he popped the question on a trip to Hollywood.
Punch Drunk
Woman faces jail after punching a police horse in nose. Horses are policemen too!
Smokin' Fast
A teen with mayonnaise jar full of marijuana found he cannot outrun a police horse. Anyone can tell you that you have a lousy chance of beating a horse, especially if the jar is full. And you have no chance if the jar is empty.
The XXXX Factor
What about the Aussie story that XXXX beer brings horse back from the dead? Apparently XXXX beer was given to a horse after bout of colic. ""I don't know whether I really believed it or not but it was worth a shot and as soon as he had that beer, he burped and perked right up."
Jump-Off thinks that horses that burp is a load of XXXX.
What a Load of Bull
Girl Rides Showjumping Cow
Zack the Showjumping Zebra
Rabbit Dressage
" target="_blank">Camel Pas-de-deux
Not The Equestrian News: MayBONK
Special mention goes to Maybank credit cards, who called ECM's resident dinosaur Peter Abisheganaden to verify if he used his card to make an on-line equestrian purchase. The verification call came at 5:35 am. Being a real rider, the Man was already up, getting ready to ride, so took the call and verified the purchase as correct.
Maybank still blocked his card, even though they okayed the transaction. He found out the hard way, when a later transaction was denied. He had to call their "customer care" line, where the officer who took his call could not explain why they still blocked his card. Instead of an apology, the officer hung up on Pete, earning Maybank this special moment of fame in Jump-Off.
Malaysia Boleh!
Congratulations to Malaysia for organising what the polo world has described at the best FIP Polo World Cup play-offs ever. Check it out:
On Facebook: search for FIP Polo World Cup Zone D Playoffs
Pete's Blog-in-the-garden: Blogging the World Cup
Closed: Akademi Ekuestrian DiRaja Selangor, otherwise known to the non-pretentious as Taman Ekuin, has closed.
Congratulations to showjumper Andika Jamaluddin for tying the knot with Dini Sunardi on March 26th 2011.
Gone: Malaysian Eventer Amir Zulkefle has joined the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre as a Level 1 instructor.
Moved: Former Bukit Kiara Polo Pro Shaffik Mustaffa has made the big move over to Royal Selangor Polo Club, where he now works for Ranhill Polo and La Boheme.
Returned: Farrier Purushotthaman Selvaraju has returned to Malaysia after five years in Singapore.