text:
Renting Can Be Better than Buying
Owning a home and investing in real estate is usually a good long-term investment, and does offer some amount of tax advantages, too. But for some people, renting might make better sense especially for young families. If you are able to pay low rent by living in a smaller apartment or house, or if you live in a rent-controlled building, your rent payments could be significantly lower than the payment required if you purchase a home. In general terms, if you can save and invest 10% or more of your earnings each year, those investments could easily out-perform real estate investments.
Plus, you won't incur maintenance expenses, and can much more easily move to another residence or another city as a renter. And you won't have significant sums tied up in your house, which could make it easier for you to tap into your assets.
In short, while home ownership is typically considered a key component of the American Dream, every family's dream is unique.


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Authorities have released the identity of a man who was fatally struck by a train in Tempe.
Tempe police say 27-year-old Shane Tsosie was the man killed when he was struck by a southbound Union Pacific train about 7:40 a.m. Sunday.
Police say Tsosie was on the tracks near 10th and 11th streets when he was struck.
It wasn't immediately clear Monday if Tsosie was a Tempe resident.
The train conductor reported the collision to the police.
Police say an investigation into the fatal accident is continuing.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

subset: commoncrawl


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Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara, recently captured on video being dropped into an ice bath by teammate Jason Pierre-Paul, isn't sure why his teammates continue to target him for the type of hazing usually reserved for rookies. From NJ.com:
"Yeah, um, well, I mean, I just don't get it. I don't understand the rules," last year's first-round pick told The Star-Ledger. "I mean, I'm not a rookie anymore, so I don't know why I'm getting thrown in the tub. I know it's all love.
"Yeah, no one ever likes it, especially when it's you vs. eight and no one's helping you. But it doesn't mess up our team morale or anything."
Amukamara is officially listed at 6-foot and 207 pounds, meaning he's giving up five inches and 70 pounds to Pierre-Paul. That difference in size may be one reason why he's realized it's not worth putting up the effort to resist.
"Um, I just don't think that's the right way to go," Amukamara said. "Now, if it's on the field and something like that happens, someone does a cheap play, for sure I'm going to protect myself. But if it's out here (in the locker room) and it's just for fun, then no."
In a conference call with reporters on Sunday, Giants head coach Tom Coughlin sounded especially annoyed that punter Steve Weatherford posted the video online.
"Anything that occurs within this family or within our group should not be a part of any social media aspect,'' Coughlin said. "I'm going to address that strongly, and I've spent a little time on that this preseason, but I'll look into it further.''
Ironically enough, Weatherford returned to social media to issue an apology. But in a Twitter reply, Giants defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy seemed to suggest an apology wasn't actually needed and the whole situation has been overblown:
Outsider will never understand how we bond— Jimmy GRIZZ Kennedy(@Kennedy73) August 19, 2012
@weatherford5 Prince is a rookie until game 4! Plus Toughness is key! Even Blood brothers battle!
For more on the New York Giants, check out Big Blue View and SB Nation New York.


text:
The World and Everything in It is an audio news magazine produced daily (Monday-Friday), with a longer week-in-review program on the weekend. Hosted by Nick Eicher and Joseph Slife, the program features reports, interviews, and analysis from WORLD's editorial team.
Find a station near you that carries our weekend program, play our programs online, or access our podcasts by clicking the iTunes icon or the RSS icon in the right-hand column. (Note: To receive both the daily TW&E podcast and the weekend podcast, you must subscribe to each separately.)
Send comments or questions to email@example.com, or call 202-709-9595.
Immigration, abortion, Google's cleanup plan, and Cal Thomas on a big media blind spot
Today's news and a status report on the Senate's immigration-reform bill, plus: a report on House approval of pro-life legislation aimed at protecting unborn babies capable of feeling pain, a discussion on Google's project to eliminate child pornography and sexual abuse from the internet, commentator Cal Thomas on big journalism's big blind spot, and more
Program Segments
A summary of the Wednesday morning news
A Republican-led House committee guides NSA chief Keith Alexander through controversial questions.
G-8 leaders at odds over Bashar al-Assad remaining in power over Syria.
The House approves an ambitious pro-life bill.
Hispanic evangelicals take to Washington to lobby for immigration reform.
Today's market report from Warren Cole Smith.
Immigration reform bill proving difficult to reform
Senators seeking to amend immigration reform are seeing their proposals fail, prompting conservative activists to warn history may repeat.
Kent Covington is a senior correspondent for The World and Everything in It.
Genevieve Wood is Vice President of The Heritage Foundation.
Stopping the next Gosnell
The U.S. House of Representatives approves the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, barring most abortions after 20 weeks.
For more about the bill, read this article by WORLD reporter J.C. Derrick.
Scrubbing the web
Google undertaking extensive project to eliminate child pornography and sexual abuse from the internet.
Michael Cochrane covers science and technology for The World and Everything in It.
A cure for what "Ailes" the news media
Commentator Cal Thomas on a big media blind spot that Fox News' Roger Ailes has clearly understood.
Cal Thomas is America's most widely syndicated columnist.


text:
- > Campus Ministry
- > Chapel Website
- > Prayer Group
- > The One Thing
- > Builders in Ministry
- > BIM Week
- > Internships
- > Prospective Student Referral
- > Ministry Job Board
- > Locate a Builder
- > Donations
- > Upcoming Events
- > Gallery
- > Hispanic Ministry
- > Bishop Scholars
- > Pray 40
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- > Local Churches
- > Directory
Ministry Job Board
Ponca City, Oklahoma Youth Director Position Available
We are looking for someone with a passion for youth ministry to work with a large, active youth group. This will be a great opportunity to serve the Lord and work with young people, grades 7-12. This position is part-time during the school year and full-time during the summer. The director is involved in planning and coordinating all aspects of youth ministry—camps, mission trips, ski trips, Bible study, youth fellowship and Sunday School. Parent support and involvement are an integral part of the success of this ministry. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older. Experience in youth ministry is desirable.
Check out First United Methodist at our website hyperlink www.fumcpc.org and see what a vibrant, caring, church we are blessed to have!
Youth Director Search
First United Methodist Church
200 S. 6th Street
Ponca City, OK 74601
or may be e-mailed to: email@example.com
YouthWorks! is a youth ministry organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable, life-changing mission opportunities for youth groups. You could spend a summer living in a diverse community with three other staff, build relationships with 65 youth and adults who come to your site each week ready to serve, coordinating daily programming and organizing evening activities and plan nightly worship, skits and Christ-centered tasks. And the best part--get paid for it! If you have any questions about YouthWorks! talk to Ashlee. Check out the link!
Thinking about attending seminary? Check out the Young Adult Seminarian Network below!


text:
Route Guide - iPhone / Android - Partners - Forum - Photos - Deals - What's New - School of Rock
Routes Sorted
L to R R to L Alpha
climb up face to gain large groove to your left or west and remain in this groove crux until your able to exit onto semi easier friction. I top roped this climb before someone bolted it. It is sustained but definitely is hardest in the groove as I recall.
uphill, a very short distance east of the long tongue of slab below the Beak Buttress. Just right of the blueberry filled groove. Belay on Bert's Climb top of first pitch. Rappel or continue up Bert's.
Bring trad gear and widely spaced bolts as usual. There used to be a rappel station above Bert's climb first pitch belay corner. It was stoppers in the corner. There is a early 1990's three bolt rappel station.


text:
A Delta Air Lines Inc. airplane departs Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, July 18, 2014. Delta Air Lines Inc., the third-largest U.S. airline, is expected to report second quarter earnings figures on July 23. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Content engaging our readers now, with additional prominence accorded if the story is rapidly gaining attention. Our WSJ algorithm comprises 30% page views, 20% Facebook, 20% Twitter, 20% email shares and 10% comments.
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Tag Archives: Confirmation hearings
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Video | Rachel Maddow Likens Chuck Hagel As "Another Todd Akin & Richard Mourdock- Seriously?!
It appears and sounds like the so-called Liberals want DRAMA over the upcoming Chuck Hagel confirmation hearings Maddow takes her cues from Andrew at Buzzfeed From SG2: Rachel Maddow thinks gays have a right to stop Hagel from getting confirmed. … Continue reading


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S'mores Blondies
Makes 24 blondies| Hands-On Time: | Total Time:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 4 graham crackers, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil; butter the foil. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk in the eggs until combined. Mix in the flour mixture until combined, then the pecans.
- Spread the flour-nut mixture in the prepared pan and bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate chips and bake until the marshmallows are pale golden, 7 to 8 minutes more. Set the pan on a wire rack and let cool completely. Lift the blondies out of the pan, using the foil to help, and cut into 24 bars.
- Storage suggestion: Keep the blondies at room temperature, between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
- Per ServingServing Size: 1 blondie
- Calories 192
- Fat 10g
- Sat Fat 4g
- Cholesterol 28mg
- Sodium 144mg
- Protein 2g
- Carbohydrate 25g
- Sugar 19g
- Fiber 1g
- Iron 1mg
- Calcium 29mg
What does this mean? See Nutrition 101 .
Similar Recipes
Quick Tip
If you know you are not going to serve the blondies for a couple of days, store them uncut in the baking pan, tightly wrapped, at room temperature.
Did you try this recipe? How did you like it?
High in vitamin C, these hard, tart berries are grown in bogs in colder regions of North America and Europe. They're almost always eaten cooked, as in the classic Thanksgiving relish.


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Liebherr 36" Fully Integrated French Door Refrigerator: Custom Panel
Model: HC-2062
- Stylish French doors
- Energy Star compliant
- SuperQuiet
- Dual variable speed compressors preserve foods better; are more energy efficient, quieter and longer lasting.
- Exclusive sealed cooling compartment
- Sabbath Mode
- Door and temperature alarm
- Patented soft close door system
- Engineered door seal system eliminating need for a moving flap
- SoftTouch digital display with capacitive switches
- Water & air filtration
Refrigerator compartment: Capacity 13.5 cu. ft.
- LED light column
- LED lighted drawers
- SuperCool technology lowers the refrigerator section to 35°F for 6 hours
- Gallon storage in both doors
- New PowerCooling fan
- Thick glass shelves will hold up to 180 lbs
NoFrost freezer compartment: Capacity 6 cu. ft.
- FrostSafe technology with new air flow system
- SuperFrost will lower the freezer temp. to -25°F for flash freezing
- LED illuminated freezer drawers
- Dual removable freezer drawers are self closing
Must purchase Stainless Steel Doors SEPARATELY!
Product Dimensions
- Height 80"
- Width 36"
Product Documentation
Click here to download Product Specifications for this item.
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Event Information
On Friday, October 4th from 6-9pm the Artist Mercantile will kick off the Fall St. Paul Art Crawl by hosting a solo show. The art opening consists of a series of paintings by local artist Jessie Schreier. Her work is influenced by the decision in Minnesota last year to take the gray wolf off the endangered species list. The show runs through October 31st, 2013.
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Also at this Location
Artist Mercantile
24 West 7th place
St Paul , MN 55102
Call: (651) 222-0053
The Artist Mercantile is your destination for an eclectic mix of locally made art and gifts. The focus of the gallery is to promote the work of Minnesota artists. With the work of over sixty Minnesota artists you will find a diverse selection of unique items that you won't anywhere else. Original pieces come in many forms such as ceramics, glass, jewelry,, wood working, photography and paintings.
With new creations coming in weekly you are bound to have a different experience with each visit. We pride ourselves on taking care of each individual customer and will help you find those one of a kind perfect gifts for you and the loved ones in your life.
We are located in the heart of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota and just a stroll from the Xcel Energy Center, local hotels and restaurants.


text:
Y me enamoré del espacio.
By Osvaldo Ponton
A recolection of images from my summer travels trough Europe
About the Author
Publish Date October 19, 2008
Dimensions Large Format Landscape 210 pgs
Standard Paper
Category Travel
Tags Travel, Barcelona, Paris, Holland, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Roskilde, Denmark, Copenhagen, Berlin, Poland, Gdansk, Sopot, Warsaw
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At YouGiveGoods, our sustainable online supplies drive solution keeps it sweet and simple for everyone involved: nonprofits, companies, donors, and charities - reducing time and costs for all!
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The Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a fast prime that behaves like a classic 'normal' lens on full frame, and a short telephoto portrait lens on APS-C cameras. It offers impressive central sharpness at large apertures, coupled with unusually low vignetting for its class due to its oversized optics; however this also means it's rather large. Build quality is excellent, and the lens is available in versions to fit every SLR on the market.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens
Already own this?
This item is in your gearlist!
" This lens essentially redefines its class, and for once the results really live up to the marketing hype."
Key Features
- 50mm focal length
- 75mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 100mm equivalent focal length on Four Thirds / Micro Four Thirds cameras, 80mm equivalent focal length on Canon APS-C cameras
- F1.4 maximum aperture; F16 minimum
- Ring-type ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing
- 77mm filters
- 0.45m/17.72" minimum focus
- Available in Canon EF, Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha, Sigma SA, Nikon F (FX) mounts
Product Description
|Principal specifications
|Lens type
|Prime lens
|Max Format size
|35mm FF
|Focal length
|50 mm
|Image stabilisation
|Lens mount
|Canon EF, Four Thirds, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony/Minolta Alpha
|Maximum aperture
|Minimum aperture
|Aperture ring
|Number of diaphragm blades
|Aperture notes
|rounded blades
|Special elements / coatings
|1 Aspherical element
|Minimum focus
|0.45 m (17.72″)
|Maximum magnification
|Motor type
|Ring-type ultrasonic
|Full time manual
|Focus method
|Focus notes
|internal to lens barrel
|Distance scale
|DoF scale
|505 g (1.11 lb)
|85 mm (3.33″)
|68 mm (2.69″)
|Plastic barrel, metal mount
|Filter thread
|77 mm
|Filter notes
|Does not rotate on focus
|Hood supplied
|Tripod collar
|Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, Sony & Four Thirds mounts
DPReview Conclusion
Scoring is relative only to the other lenses in the same category at the time of review.
|Score Breakdown
Poor Excellent
|Build Quality
|Ergonomics and Handling
|Image Quality
The Sigma 50mm 1.4 has smooth out-of-focus backgrounds, improved sharpness at large apertures, and lessened vignetting due to its large lens barrel. It's a far better portrait lens on APS-C than legacy primes designed for 35mm film, as well as an extremely competent standard on 35mm full-frame.
Good For
Those looking for a sharp, fast normal lens with quick autofocus and good build quality -- especially APS-C camera owners in search of the perfect portrait lens.
Not So Good For
Anyone who wants their prime lenses to be small and lightweight.
User Reviews
Excellent low light performance
Awesome lens. I take a lot of shots of musicians in dimly lit bars, and for those situations I bring this lens and my CZ 24/2. I call them my "rock & roll lenses." I had read about quality control issues, in particular auto focus accuracy. I have found nothing to complain about. Maybe I got lucky, but I suspect those issues were confined to early production runs (I bought mine in April 2012). At f/1.4 the depth of field is effectively the width of a human hair, so I am not too surprised that ...
Sigma 50mm 1.4 review
This is my first professional (?) grade prime lens and I'm extremely happy with it. I find it a worthy upgrade to my existing Canon 50mm f1.8. AF is fast and accurate enough and build quality is satisfactory. I bought it used from my friend and found no issues with it. Problems: There are reports of quality control issues with regards to this lens. Be sure to test it in the store before buying one. If you get a good copy, you won't regret it.
This Sigma is better than Canon 50mm F1.4 USM. Best bokeh, best construction ! Buy it !
Great lens - but you need to learn to use it
I was used to f/3.5-f/2.8 lenses and found moving to this 50 challenging. Setting the camera (Nikon D700) up for a static shoot to check quality proved how good it is at 1.4, especially in the centre. Using it in the real world wide open is a different kettle of fish. Whereas say with a 70-200 f/2.8 wide open you can just point and shoot at moving subjects and expect a high hit rate, with a f/1.4 lens you can't. I like shooting people and 1.4 allows very atmospheric low light scenes to be ...
Understanding F-Stop By DPReview GearShop
Featured in this video
Questions & Answers
Canon 6D + Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
Hello everyone, I currently have the Canon 60D and 7D cameras. I'm thinking of selling off one of them (since they are both APC Seonsors) and getting the Canon 6D. I'd like to know if anyone has tried the 6D with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. What's your opinion? I'm also undecided as to which of my current cameras to trade off (the 60D or the 7D). I mostly shoot weddings, social events, concerts, protraits and still-life images. I'll greatly appreciate any advice. Many thanks, Damell
I use this lens on the 5D3 and like it a lot. It doesn't give you as flattering a perspective as an 85 prime for single person portraits, but it's quite useful for a general prime. I think it'd be great on a 6D as well. It's a very good 50mm, and the L is 1000$ more USD. Continue Reading
no personal experience, but I suggest checking the article on standard lenses at DXO that briefly compares several options: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Which-lenses-should-you-choose-for-your-Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III/Standard-lenses Btw, there is a rumour that a new version for the Sigma 50mm is coming, but probably still a long wait. Continue Reading
I have the Sigma 50mm 1.4 Lens which I use with my 5D Mk11. This is an excellent combination, both sharpness and colour are first class. I see no reason why the lens should not be equally as good on the 6D. As you will appreciate the DOF at 1.4 is very small so I normally stop down to 2.8 which gives an even better result. Continue Reading
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM with MFT camera
Hello! Did anybody try this lens on mft camera with 43-m43 adapter? I think that it is the only way to get 50 f1.4 portrait lens with AF... I understand that this lens + oly e-m1 = fase AF = lots of mistakes. But this lens + e-m5 = contrast AF = answer?
When I first got my EM1 back in Nov, the Sigma 50 1.4 was one of the lenses I was most eager to try out. It will produce terrific images but the process it puts you through will make you want to throw it out the window sometimes. One, two, three or four seconds to lock and then 25% of the time it will seemingly give up, at least my copy behaves this way. At $500 I feel that I should hold on to it, I don't think I'd be able to get more than $250~$275 for this lens if I did choose to sell. It does balance nicely with the EM1+grip though. Continue Reading
I know about problems of this lens with phase detect af. I hope to find an answer about contrast af experience. Continue Reading
At 42.5mm and f/1.2, it is nearly the same focal length and a little larger in aperture opening, plus it is a native m4/3 lens. Continue Reading
50mm prime for the a33
I keep hearing lots of things about 50mm prime lenses. Low light performance, sharpness, and let's not forget "BOKEH"! All this talk I hear is making my mouth water for a piece of the nifty fifty pie. After all, I do have myself a solid little a33... ...But as I research these lenses, I'm finding something very peculiar. It seems I only have one option 0.o Right away, I found this lens. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-50mm-Alpha-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0029U0X24 Looks decent enough. 50mm focal length, f/1.8 lens with favorable reviews. Great start right? But it seems that that's the only one I can find! Sure, there's the sony 50mm f/1.4 http://www.amazon.com/Sony-50mm-Alpha-Digital-Camera/dp/B000DZH9MY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1358078624&sr=1-1&keywords=sony+50mm+prime+lens ...The sigma 50mm f/1.4 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001B1RFZA/ref=nosim/7240520-rg2745-00-20?s=merchant and a few others, but they're intended for use on a full frame camera, which unfortunately, ...
There are a lot of used 50mm f1.7 Minolta's floating around for a good price. Continue Reading
Just because the 50mm 1.8 DT is made for crop sensors only does not mean that it will give you any different perspective on an A33 to the full frame compatible variants in the 1.4 Sony or Sigma options. Personally I use the Sony 35mm 1.8 which is the closest to a 50mm full frame equivalent and it it a beautiful and sharp lens. The Sony 50mm 1.8 while plasticy is still going to walk all over the 18-55mm kit lens you have used previously. Continue Reading
Put simply, unlike for most fixed-lens cameras, focal lengths for SLRs (and by extension SLTs) are shown as their actual, physical focal length instead of their 35mm equivalent. The lens you probably want is the Sony 35/1.8, though I'd still advise you to look at both the Sony 50/1.8 and Minolta 50/1.7, since they make for pretty sweet portrait lenses on APS-C (kind of, but not entirely like, an 85mm lens on a 35mm camera) and are fairly cheap as well. Continue Reading
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The Bonsall Landfill is a closed landfill owned and maintained by the County of San Diego Department of Public Works. It was opened in 1968, and stopped accepting waste in 1985.
The landfill is highly regulated by a number of agencies including the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), the Department of Environmental Health Local Enforcement Agency (LEA), and the Air Pollution Control District (APCD). To comply with the regulations and as owner of Bonsall Landfill, DPW is responsible for the landfill's maintenance and monitoring, operations of environmental controls, and any required corrective actions. Over the years, DPW has made repairs to the landfill cover and drainage and installed groundwater monitoring wells and a landfill gas extraction system.
There are numerous challenges common to any landfill. As the waste decomposes it becomes more compact which can cause the landfill to settle unevenly. This settlement can allow water to pond on the surface of the landfill. Settlement can also create cracks in the landfill cover. Ponding or cracking on the landfill may allow surface water to come in contact with waste which could contaminate groundwater. The surface of the landfill also must be protected from erosion so that the cover is not washed away exposing waste.
As the waste decomposes it also produces landfill gas and liquids. The gas and liquids may contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are also commonly found in household waste. Without preventive measures and other environmental controls these VOCs can seep into the groundwater or escape into the atmosphere.
The Bonsall Landfill is an old, unlined landfill that is situated on fractured rock, which increases the challenge of ground water seepage. However, numerous monitoring wells have been installed around the site and are sampled semi-annually to monitor groundwater quality. Two wells show small amounts of dichlorodifluoromethane (DCDFM). The amounts found are within the range of levels established for safe drinking water. DPW has also identified and sampled private wells in the vicinity of the site. No contamination from the landfill has been found in drinking water wells in the area.
What the County is doing
DPW is working closely with the various regulatory agencies to continuously maintain and monitor the Bonsall Landfill site and implement corrective actions. This work includes semiannual sampling and reporting of groundwater wells, regular maintenance and monthly inspection and reporting of the gas extraction system, as well as monthly inspections and as-needed repair of the protective ground cover, erosion controls, and drainage systems. The County recently completed road improvements to prevent ponding, as well as slope and drainage improvements.
With these efforts, detected amounts of VOCs have significantly reduced over time. DPW will continue its efforts and work closely with the RWQCB.
A letter to area property owners has been sent with specific information about the Bonsall Landfill.
Reports are filed with the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Their Cleanup and Abatement Order letter of October 1, 2010 is available here.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Is groundwater beneath my house safe to drink?
Generally the groundwater in the vicinity of the landfill is of poor quality and not suitable for drinking. Due to this, a majority (if not all) of residences near the landfill are serviced by municipal water sources. The most recent data from semi-annual groundwater monitoring performed at the Bonsall Landfill shows that there were no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found at limits that exceed the Maximum Contamination Limit (MCL) for drinking water. No drinking water wells in the vicinity of the site have shown to have impacts resulting from the landfill.
Can I irrigate with water impacted with low level volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Prior water quality studies in the vicinity of the landfill indicate groundwater has naturally-occurring elevated concentrations of some general chemistry constituents including chloride, sulfate, and total dissolved solids. Elevated concentrations of these constituents make the groundwater unsuitable for irrigating some types of crops. Recent sampling completed in July 2012 indicated detected a low concentration of a VOC. Due to the volatile nature of these types of contaminants and the low concentrations observed in groundwater, irrigation using sprinklers would likely alleviate most if not all of the contamination present
Since the contaminants are "volatile" should I be worried about it coming up through the ground?
The County monitors the perimeter landfill gas (LFG) migration probes surrounding the landfill monthly to document that the levels of methane at the landfill boundary are safe. Additionally, the County annually collects samples from the probes located closest to residences near the landfill to evaluate the presence of VOCs in soil vapor. Recent soil vapor sampling indicates that VOCs detected do not pose a risk to human health. Currently there is no significant risk to nearby residences due to landfill gas migration.
Are there any landfill gas (methane) problems at the site? Who oversees the flare system?
The landfill is routinely monitored for methane gas emissions, by the County Department of Public Works (DPW), the County Department of Environmental Health, Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency (LEA). Monthly methane monitoring conducted by the County indicates there are no fire or explosion hazards associated with landfill gas/methane. The Air Pollution Control District regulates the emissions from the flare system. The flare and the flare emissions are in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Why weren't residents notified of the contamination sooner?
Testing and monitoring has been ongoing at the landfill since the early 1990s. Currently, offsite property owners who have their wells tested as part of the County's monitoring program receive the results to the tests along with an explanation of the data. Interest in the concentrations of organic compounds in groundwater was initiated by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board in September 2008. Since that time, the County has been working with the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board to perform studies to define the impacts to groundwater and take action to address them.
What is the County doing to ensure safety and improve groundwater quality?
The source of the groundwater contamination is likely attributed to landfill gas at the Bonsall Landfill. Removal of a large amount of waste from within the landfill is not currently a feasible option to address these issues. Therefore, the County has been proactively focusing on increasing control over the sources of impacts by upgrading the landfill gas control system and improving surface water drainage from the site. Landfill gas system upgrades were completed in March 2010, and the first phase of drainage improvements were completed in early October 2010. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on groundwater quality near the landfill. In addition, the County is currently in the planning stages for the second phase of drainage improvements which are scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2011.
How long do landfills emit gas/contaminants? Has the Bonsall landfill reached its maximum potential? When will it become dormant?
There are many variables that contribute to the gas production of a landfill, including the nature of the waste, the moisture content of the waste, the climate of the area, etc. In dry areas such as southern California, the waste within landfills decays more slowly than in wetter areas, and therefore landfills here generate lower volumes of gas over longer periods of time than landfills in wet climates. It appears that the Bonsall landfill, which stopped accepting trash over 25 years ago is likely to continue to decline in gas production, however it may continue to produce low quantities of gasses for decades.
What if I have other questions, or need more information?
You can contact Michele Stress at (858) 694-2691, or Candace Gibson, program coordinator, at (858) 495-5447.


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(12/07/12) - It's being called the East End District - but those involved with the project say it will bring positive change for all of Midland.
We got a look at the first tenants of Midland's newest development project on Friday.
This was supposed to be a groundbreaking ceremony, but construction crews have been taking advantage of the mild weather for the last three weeks.
"This good weather in December, we are hitting it pretty hard," said Pat Gillespie of The Gillespie Group.
Gone is the old McKay Press building, across the street from the Dow Diamond. And now work has started on a four story, $46 million block-long building that is expected to spur more development in Midland. The two Lansing firms behind the project are the Gillespie Group and Caddis Development.
"It's not only going to change this little area, it's going to be infectious. It's going to spread to the other parts and that's the reason we are doing this," said Kevin McGraw of Caddis Development.
"Right now we anticipate that there are 800 people that work in downtown Midland. This building alone will have 650 to 700 new workers," Gillespie said.
The building's first two tenants have been announced are Chemical Bank and Mid-Michigan Medical Center.
"For us at the hospital, it really helps us because as we are recruiting physicians and we bring them and they look at our community here, everyone is amazed how great this is," said Greg Rogers of the Mid-Michigan Medical Center.
More tenants are being lined up.
"A fitness center is coming in, there's probably a coffee shop, a couple we are talking to right now, a couple of restaurants that are coming in, higher end," McGraw said.
The building should be open by May 2014, and with the Dow Diamond, Midland's downtown will have a much different look than it did six years. One can only wonder, 'what's next?'
"There will be a lot of momentum, and the key will be how do you take advantage of that momentum, and how can you take this kind of investment and leverage it for additional improvement for the future," said Jon Lynch, Midland City Manager.
The project is also creating 500 construction jobs.
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Educational Leadership
Marleis Trover, Ph.D.
Office: 2320 Buzzard Hall
Phone: 217-581-2919
Fax: 217-581-6673
Email: email@example.com
Catalog Descriptions: Master of Science in Education Degree or Specialist's Degree
Dr. Marleis Trover, associate professor and department chair, currently serves as the coordinator for the graduate program in educational leadership. The graduate program offers a Master of Science in Education in Educational Administration and a Specialist's Degree in Educational Administration.
Dr. Trover's teaching and research interests are in the areas of school finance and funding; curriculum and instruction; and supervision and enhancement of professional performance. Dr. Trover earned her doctorate from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
Admission to the graduate program in educational leadership requires an application to the Graduate School as well as an additional application to the Department of Educational Leadership. Please contact Dr. Trover or visit the program's website for program admission criteria.
Master of Science: in Educational Leadership


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Lights Off The Original Game - app showcase
Lights Off is a simple game brought to Symbian from iOS, and rewritten entirely in Qt Quick. This article provides a brief overview of the game and issues from porting it to QML
The game features beautiful graphics and animation (I may be biased!). The entire app logic is QML and JavaScript (no C), and was originally built for the MeeGo Harmattan-based Nokia N9. It was designed against the Harmattan/Belle guidelines, and features an Anna/Belle-ready icon on Symbian. The great thing about QML is 99.5% of the application logic can be shared across Symbian and Harmattan.
Problem Areas
Qt Quick was quite fascinating to work with, as it seems really performant across both Harmattan and Symbian. I did have some issues with using pure QML and JavaScript for the app logic - for example I had to create QTimers for my animations instead of being able to use something like JavaScript's setTimeout. This adds an additional layer of overhead and took quite a bit of head scratching to figure out initially (as someone completely new to QML, but proficient in most other languages). All in all, everything worked out really well and I'm very pleased with the result.
Application Icon
Link to Nokia Store
"Lights Off - The Original Game" can be found on the Nokia Store at http://store.ovi.com/content/213905.
Note: This is an entry in the Symbian Qt Quick Components Competition 2012Q1


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The rapper known as Lil' Scrappy says his addiction to marijuana has left his life spiraling out of control, so he's decided to go to rehab. Darryl Richardson, who is also known for his reality TV show, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, spoke to reporters about his decision on Wednesday. Richardson was arrested for marijuana, and he received three years probation. This year, he was accused of failing a drug test, and the judge gave him the option of serving the rest of his time in jail, or seeking rehab. Richardson said he plans to waste no time, and will enter rehab on Wednesday afternoon. "I'm not just trying to cure the feeling for right now," he told reporters. "It could put me in longer-term trouble in my life. There's no good in it. The only good I get out of it is the feeling for the time being. After that, it's trouble right after that." Richardson told FOX 5 he doesn't think things would be different if he didn't have a reality show, which is still currently in production. "I don't blame the judicial system for me being in my situation," he said. "I've put all fingers on myself. I have a will power that God blessed me with, but I wasn't able to use it because of my addiction." Richardson said his trip to rehab is not part of a publicity stunt. "I don't feel good about this," he said. "This ain't-- this ain't the best thing for me to be sitting up here telling people I'm going to rehab. That's not something I had in store in my brain for my life." There were several cameras and a big production crew from Richardson's reality show were also present for the news conference. He said that's just part of life, and right now, his focus is on his family. He has a daughter, whom he says is very disappointed in him. Richardson said he wants to restore his position as a father and as a man. He says he hopes other young men-- particularly other young black men that look at him and see him as an inspiration-- will look to the mistakes and learn their own lessons. Richardson will begin a 30-day rehab program on Wednesday afternoon, hoping he will be a better man afterwards. He admits it is a long journey.
Firefighters are calling a man a hero after he helped save a family from a burning home in DeKalb County.
KMSP-TV11358 Viking DriveEden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: (952) 944-9999Fax: (952) 942-0455


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ranking China above other 31 countries? It can't be serious. At least, we can make it to the bottom 10.
You haven't seen the real world yet...
Reader comments are listed below. Comments are currently closed and new comments are no longer being accepted.
ranking China above other 31 countries? It can't be serious. At least, we can make it to the bottom 10.
You haven't seen the real world yet...
If you cannot build a future for your children,
Then build your children for the future.
I wonder what FDR would think of the 24/7 video gaming culture, pot culture, binge drinking, poor career planning and poor education attainment of youth today?
The Hooverville Bums lasted over 5 years in squalor encampments.
They ate apples for sustenance and often shared one apple taking turns at the core when it got really rough.
The Occupy Wall Street Protesters could not make it through one NYC Winter.
They were loaded with Apples: Apple laptops, iBooks, iPods, iTouches, iPads and iPhones.
They ate more McDonalds than real apples.
"The food was canned beans, it was bitter 'outdoor' cold every night, no one provided electrical outlets to charge my lithium ion babies, the Wi-Fi signal was weak, someone said they saw a rat once, and Starbucks stopped serving lattes after 9pm."
Yes, it was like being a frontier pioneer all over again.
Now OWS have been reassigned to SYC (Surf Your Couch).
Time wasted in youth will NEVER be recovered.
Put down the joystick, the mobile phone, or doobie.
Learn one useful skill a day.
You MAKE your own future.
And no affluent, nanny society will ever compensate for a lack of personal ambition and drive.
Read the biographies of Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Andrew Carnegie, or Steve Jobs.
Meh, I'll pass. Reading biographies sounds a bit overrated to me. I think I'll just go have fun with my bros, play a few xbox games, maybe drink a few Mountain Brews.
While you were ranting I sold a boe ring on the AH for 15,150g. U jelly? Get lost old guy! I'm young and I'm beautiful, and I'm going to waste my life the way I want to on my terms!
And there ain't nobody who goin' tell me what I should do with it. Old? Alone? That feeling of regret starting to creep in? Too many missed chances, fading days of times gone by? Movements that used to come so easily take more effort with each passing day? I can feel your anger and I must say that you are suffering from the "wrong side of 40" complex.
Buy something shiny or perhaps you can go and find Jesus or something. But don't take it out on us because you're jealous of our flesh.
That is an excellent quote, but I worry the rest of your observation is a bit of base. The 20 somethings I see around my area are ambitious, intelligent and disciplined. The 20 somethings that are broadcasted through the various evening T.V. programs, not so much. If Occupy Wall Street sets your basis for what is wrong with today's youth, I fear your sample set is gonna lead to some inaccurate conclusions. Oh, that's not to mention that the whole point of OWS was to voice the disgust of what happened on, well Wall St.
To the Economist: It would make sense to start using Czechia instead of the Czech Rep. Together with the Dominican Rep. it is the only country in this table for which you use the official political name instead of its short geographic name although the majority of countries in this table are republics too (see www.czechia.org). It would also be more convenient since it could fit in all your tables without any abbreviation and it will be consistent with your use of short geographic names for almost all other countries.
Yes, little conventions like invariable use of "Czech Rep." are odd, aren't they?
I doubt The Economist would ever willingly use "Czechia" until WSJ or NYT do so, and vice-versa. Meanwhile, no "authoritative" media entity will do so until one of their editors happens to allow such use in an article here or there, based largely on highly contingent personal expertise and arbitrary whim (mediated by personal reputation and charisma). Sort of similar to how decisions are made within foreign policy establishments.
Just another example of how rational use of language stops at a country's borders and descends into the imitation of sheep bleats to denote foreignness. The whole Myanmar/Burma debacle has been similarly revealing... the world's liberal societies indignantly and self-righteously defending a colonial-era mispronunciation.
I am from the Czech Republic and always say the Czech Republic. I wasn't aware that there's a mutual consent somewhere that we should be using one rather than the other. I don't think it matters. These arguments can never be solved (just like when people in Mexico complain that the citizens of the USA are called Americans). Languages are fun and often don't follow the rules some would like them to follow.
You see, I am originally from Czechia too and I never say "the Czech Republic" just because I never say the Republic of Austria but Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany but Germany, the Slovak Republic but Slovakia etc. The Czech Republic is being shortened to Czech Rep. by the Economist and then to Czech by others. So now we have "Brewed in Pilsen, Czech" on every bottle of Pilsen Urquell and Hyundai Manufacturing Czech among others. Obviously, there is a need for a short geographical name of the country but at least it should be grammatically correct.
I am from Czech Republic and I have never heard the word Czechia before...please keep calling us Czech Republic
What happened to Bohemia? I know Bohm is a German word, not Czech... But Britain is a Latin word, not English... And The Economist says Germany, which is Latin, not Deutschland... Hitler was content with Germania... I don't know how the Czechs can object to Bohemia
Diplomatic usage follows the French... If the French referred to Bohemia, the NYT and TE would follow suit
There was a time when England and Bohemia were sister kingdoms under Norman rule
I couldn't agree more. The simple name for the Czech Republic is Czechia, just like the simple name for the French Republic is France. "In 1993 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic in its memorandum to to all Czech embassies and diplomatic missions recommended to use the full name "Czech Republic" only in official documents and titles of official institutions. In all other cases, the one-word name Czechia should be preferred."
Also, this is not about language, but about the proper use of a country name. The Czechs themselves had an extensive discussion as to whether the country should be called Cesko (Czech Lands) or Cesky (czech, ad in the adjective) in Czech. Calling the country Czech Republic is a remnant of the past and a sign of not being up-to-date with the realities on the ground.
As for the Dominican Republic, things are a bit different. Calling their citizens Dominicans would impair those of Dominica, another republic in the Caribbean, as well as the Dominican monks, a Roman Catholic order.
As a Czech citizen, I don't consider myself to be out of date with the realities on the ground. What is out of date is when foreigners call it Czechoslovakia, which happens much more often than when they call it Czechia.
I personally don't care what The Economist calls it (also - this chart is based on some really strange data), I'm not saying that one is wrong and one is right. I'm just saying that I haven't really ever heard anyone call it Czechia.
This makes me curious, though: Apparently, people from the Dominican Republic are called Dominicans (according to the CIA World Factbook), but so are people from Dominica. How do people deal with that?
As for Bohemia, that wouldn't work because people in Moravia wouldn't like it.
Czechia is composed of three geographic regions: Bohemia in the west, Moravia in the east and small Silesia in the north-east. Bohemia thus refers to only one region of Czechia albeit the largest and most populous one. Calling the country Bohemia would be an equivalent of calling the United Kingdom England, which would exclude Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Your problem you are not informed. Czechia is a standard name for the country from 1993, formed from Latin Czechia or Cechia (its origin can be found in 17th century), whereas the Czech Republic is denomination of political formation in the country, which is transient. Every country (excl. Dominican Republic) uses common, geograhical name, nobody says "I am from Polish Republic", "Swedish Kingdom" etc. So, "I am from Czechia", disregarding it is republic, kingdom or something. Don´t ask people for keeping stupid nonsense ! Czechia = Česko in Czech.
Bohemia is Latin denomination of western part of Czechia. Czechia (Česko [ˈtʃɛskɔ] in Czech) is consisting three historical
lands, Bohemia (Čechy), Moravia (Morava) and Czech Silesia (Slezsko).
Bohemia is only the western part of Czechia, the country with the political name Czech Republic. The eastern part ist called Moravia and the north-eastern part is Silesia. All the three historic countries together form the state of Czechia-
Here is to Dominica and the Dominican Republic. In English, the distinction is in the pronunciation. People from Dominica are called Dominican (stress on the second i) whereas people from the Dominican Republic are called Dominican (stress on the first i).
You misunderstand the problem: we should NOT use "one name rather than the other", Czechia vs. Czech Republic. We need both of them - Czech Republic for official documents etc., Czechia for any other situation, for daily talk, weather forecast, sports, etc. What do you think of the pseudo-solution "Czech Team" on our players´ outfit at the Olympics? If there are Russia, Austria, Croatia, Australia - why on earth shouldn´t there be CZECHIA?
I don't think I misunderstand the problem (and I don't see it as a problem, personally). Both names exist, so there's no problem of what we need. We have what we need. And apparently, many people are using Czechia, so it's all good. I guess it takes time before others, like The Economist, start using Czechia consistently (but I don't care what they put on such nonsensical charts as this one :)).
As for daily talk, these things are a question of preference and perhaps time. I personally don't use Czechia and I think that's fine. I'm not a representative of the Czech government and I don't work for any big news agency either.
And I have to admit I never thought about the "Czech Team" solution. But why shouldn't it be Czechia? I don't know, I think it could as well be. In the English-speaking world, the name of the Czech Republic is weird sounding as it is (the 'cz' sound and spelling, not the name itself) so I don't know how much they care if it's Czechia or the Czech Republic. :)
Also - thanks to the previous commenter for the DR vs. Dominica explanation.
United States has a significantly larger population than all countries preceding it combined. It would be interesting to normalise the table into zones of 100 million people each.
No it wouldn't.
So Israel is ahead of France and UK while bankrupt (for another 100 years), depressive and rainy (forever) Ireland ahead of Austria, USA, Belgium and Germany? Cuba ahead of Hungary, Estonia and Latvia? Well done....NOT. Why do we bother such non-sense?
The study would have been far more useful if it included your ingenious "depressive and rainy (forever)" factor.
Where are you from? I would trust the judgement of the Economist than your jealous little rant. The big secret is that Ireland is a positive, happy place to live where people treat each other as human beings, families stay together, we have great salaries, and here's the big one - we are not all affected by the global economy. It rains a little here but no more than UK or Netherlands. I'm guessing you are british as they are the only ones who still think Ireland is a backwards place stuck in the 50's. Jokes on you.
Elambra I will happily answer- I am from Eastern Europe and I would be the first one to protest if my country were ranked above Switzerland or Monaco. Based on how many people are leaving Ireland now due to bad economy and lack of prospects (and did the same in my country,me included) I am happy to put Economist's reults in question
lukk you obviously have a chip on your shoulder about Ireland. maybe you are Polish and came here for a while and didn't like it but that's your problem.
There are a lack of opportunities for young here (I'm sure it's worse in your grey country) but this is about the best places to be born.
What is depressing about Ireland in your opinion? And it rains everywhere! Are you jealous at how happy we are? Again, you don't have a clue about this place.
So many jealous people on here, tough luck..
Yes I am Polish but have no cheap in my shoulder. I have lived in several countries (Poland, Germany, UK, shortly USA and Spain and now Hong Kong) and can objectively look back and say that some countries are visibly nicer to live than others. I actually liked all of them but some more than others.
I would have no issue in admitting that Ireland is a better place to live than Poland due to its better economy. But not weather or violent crime...
Feel invited to get constructive now.
Would have been nice to see the metrics listed somewhere, in clse proximity, or even embedded in the chart, like with the 1988 chart.
Some of the old 1988 criteria were funny:
- Economist readers per million
- Phillistine factor
- Yawn factor
If you look at a number of the factors though, the US is better off today than back in 1988. Notably crime, and I suspect inflation.
Would be interesting to see the quality of life metrics.
If political rights and political institutions still matter much, not sure how the UAE ranks so high (did you guys get influenced by too good of a Brit expat Friday brunch there?). Even have to wonder about Hong Kong.
Does polution come into consideration? Just seems that is undermining Hong Kong as a place to relocate for families (at least according to one friend).
Too true - I know guys who work in HK but commute-home to Thailand on weekends, just so their families won't have to endure SAR-life. Guess they haven't heard that HK is 40-places better. I don't know anyone who does it the other way around.
May be you should add another factor: 'jealousy from outsiders'.
That way, Hong Kong will be pulled way down the way you wanted.
But in 2012 Hong Kong of China was and still is ranked world's freest and best place to do business (although other parts of China are not yet or far from it), not too bad for a birth place.
Even Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) is ranked a better birth place than many major nations according to this article.
Of course, both Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei offer excellent Friday Chinese brunch cuisines and anyone (including expat) with some pocket money can enjoy it.
"Too true - I know guys who work in HK but commute-home to Thailand on weekends, just so their families won't have to endure SAR-life."
Are these guys native HKers who actually know the language, culture and customs? or they are expatriates from somewhere?
Despite the constant noisy protests weekly because of their new found political freedom, HongKong is still one of the best place to live.
Some people prefer first world living conditions in HK. Others prefer the less regulation and more openness of Thailand.
It's all personal choice.
I assume that you are an American expat? Why do American expats such as yourself choose to live in a 2nd/3rd would country such as Thailand if the US is ranked much higher? Same reason as above.
Thailand's a great place to enjoy spending time and money - and a miserable place to try and make your fortune; the two sort of go hand-in-hand, don't they? HK has it the other way around IMO.
@MD - got the impression that 'quality of life' stuff was most important in the rankings, as opposed to just plain 'pursuit of mammon' - which makes some of the results all the more puzzling, no?
@CanaB - all expats in my circle of acquaintances; though one suspects HK is just as crowded and the air just a noxious for both them and the natives, but I suppose it's possible ....
@Scooter with Tip Assist in reply to MrRFox Jan 1st, 20:18
'Why do American expats such as yourself choose to live in a 2nd/3rd would country'
the idea of expat in asia has changed. it's not as glamorous or darring do as before. there are at least three types of expats in so called '2nd/ 3rd world country':
type 1: those who have their own business or work for big multinationals there as professionals who are usually well paid (many times higher than their local peers) and sport a high standard of living. they pack fancy restaurants and bars in 5-star hotels for business and fun. they are easy to spot from their apparels and demure manners.
they are the ones who make positive contributions to local economy and to their company of employment.
type 2: those who are usually without a steady job or retired with pension (back home) but scraping by with some (but not much) loose money and enjoy the cheap living and easy sex on the cheap there.
not exactly hobos, but many sex offenders incarcerated or deported belong to type 2 too. you will see plenty of them in places like thailand, philippines and indonesia for instance.
type 3: usually the younger group on backpack--- to see the world without the ned to join armed forces. they earn a living by teaching english at one of the mushrooming number of language classes there. it's easy money for them backpackers who usually stay at youth hostels or cheap apartments and eat locally supplemented by 7-11 convenience shopes to save.
they are the 'speaking english, will travel' type in their youthful years before to settle down back home eventually. you will see many of them in big cities in taiwan, south korea, and increasingly china, say.
overall, depending on the locale, type 1 expats are usually the minority among the three. but they are all welcome locally.
With this statement you come as a bit touchy and defensive:
"May be you should add another factor: 'jealousy from outsiders' That way, Hong Kong will be pulled way down the way you wanted."
Why would you jump to the conclusion that some questioning of the ranking by a stranger is based on jealousy?
one word is bullshit!@
The Ukraine is shockingly poor, technically Syria is about 50% richer per person then the Ukraine. The Ukraine is poor among the CIS states (usually three times richer per capita) and ranks below several African states in wealth per capita. Not surprising they rank so low.
I wonder why Britain and Italy rank below Israel in these rankings, I imagine most people would rather be born in the UK or Italy then Israel.
Syria's GDP per capita (nominal) is $2802 and by PPP it is $5100
Ukraine's GDP per capita is nominally $3621 and by PPP it is $7233.
Syria's HDI is 0.632. Ukraine's is 0.729.
It is extremely surprising that they would rank Syria above Ukraine.
Syria above the Ukraine? Syria? The country with a civil war with an unelected dictator-president who is about to be ousted? Syria? You have got to be joking!
One of the many problems in the middle east is it is all well felt to remove dictator from those countries, but have you not seen enough of the past of what come to replace the dictator once he has been removed? Iraq and Afghan? Another dictator and/or ideologically corrupted person. Why are we supporting the Syria rebels, knowing that once they come into power would even more so want wipe Israel off the map?
"Syria's GDP per capita (nominal) is $2802 and by PPP it is $5100. Syria's HDI is 0.632"
Not anymore.
Better to be born in Israel, than in Britain? Remember this, when they talk about "existential threats".
But did they ask about Arab citizens of that country? 20% of all population anyway.
Well, we Israelis are ahead of you Brits in some aspects.
We live almost 2 years longer, although we spend 30% less on health care; we have less unemployment and persistently higher growth; we have more patents, start-up companies, R&D and Nobel prizes per capita; and we have larger and more closely-knit families.
You might live two years longer but you spend 3 years in the army. I would rather forfeit wo years when old and sick than 3 years of my best young adulthood. Your unemplyment rate is temporarily lower now, please look at the last decade when it was permanently higher.
Most educated Europeans would consider Army service a total waste of time, and maybe rightly so, with no imminent threat to national safety (and in the case of Britain futile service in Iraq and Afghanistan).
This is not the case in Israel. Army service becomes meaningful in face of actual threats. For many people it builds character, fosters leadership, camaraderie and resourcefulness.
It would be idiotic to claim that Israel is better than the UK in all respects. But still, the country is viewed in the world almost entirely through the Arab-Israeli conflict. It has much more to offer.
You say:
'You might live two years longer but you spend 3 years in the army. I would rather forfeit wo years when old and sick than 3 years of my best young adulthood.'
You may want to read the book "Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel's Economic Miracle", published in 2009, written by Dan Senor and Saul Singer.
One of the reasons Israelis became famous for its start-up success is thanks to military service. Young Israelis get to manage activities and operations, they get trained in making quick decisions based on limited information, they learn to quickly adjust to changes in the reality around them - which leads to their success in life when the end their service to their country.
You can also look at the following Guardian's article about Israeli women in the IDF, in comparison to Britain, and what that does to women's status and role in society.
This brings us back to existential threats - would you rather spend three year of your young years fending off existential threats or just enjoying life? I am not claiming Israel is a bad place to life, just that this ranking places it undeservedly high
Last I heard, the UK also has an army, to which young UK citizens enlist, isn't it?
One of the most important things for any person in any job of his, is having the sense of self esteem derived from the fact you do a meaningful job. It is true for the work place, as well for a military service.
Agreed but these people have choice to enlist. Being drafted for 3 years isn't most peoples' choice. Otherwise armies in countries like Sweden (great conditions, no risk of conflict) would see everyone enlist for the camaraderie and character building.
Strait Forward - valid points but find me any country with a Jewish minority and it will have its Jewish citizens at the forefront of science and economy. No character building army needed... and possibly had Israel not been involved in its conflicts it would see even more prosperity and achievement. Sorry but I still believe that for most people being drafted into a dangerous and demanding military service is not quality of life enhancing. Add to it lower purchasing power than in Western Europe, less freedom of movement (no EU membership) and this ranking stops making sense. But why not leave Israel aside - what about Cuba being ahead of Croatia and Hungary?
Different people in different countries value different things. One of the criteria in The Economist's listing is 'how happy people say they are', which is a totally subjective issue.
Life expectancy in Israel is 82 years, and yet you choose to focus on those 3 years as if those three years determine everything, which they don't.
But if you insist, I can tell you this:
For a Jew, whose mother's behind was kicked when she was a child in Europe, by someone who yelled at her "you filthy Jew, go to the other sidewalk, or even better - go to Palestine were you belong", he feels the luckiest man alive serving in a Jews' army, making sure his daughter won't face the same fate of his mother's.
Most Israelis feel lucky having the chance to defend their own families, something their grandparents couldn't provide to their children to whom those Israelis were born to.
But that would not pass the objectivity test. This isn't a ranking which aims to solely capture the subjective side of feeling happy or declaring happiness. One could as well claim that Japanese during the WWII were a great bunch to be born among just because they were surrounded by an overwhelming sense of pride, happiness and greatness and ready to die for their cause. Or Soviet soldiers during WWII, or Taliban etc... Subjectively UK or France offer better economies, more stable macropolitic environment and freedom of movement.
The fact that Jews are at the front end of science and economy have to do, for a large part, with the same element that very deeply drives them - sense of survival, which leads them to try to be the best that they can be.
This is of course a generalization, but to an extent valid.
As per Cuba - I never visited that country, but heard, for example, that the have by far the best health system in South America. No wonder Chavez flies there for treatment. Until quit recently, Croatia was in the midst of a civil war, from which it probably didn't fully recover yet. Not sure about Hungary..
Everyone talks about their great health system but millions who risked their live's to live can't be that wrong. I am sure Chavez isn't getting the treatment that your average Cuban can get. I haven't been to Cuba either but know people who have and in their subjective perception it was a miserable place to life for the locals. Finally, having the best health system in South America might be great there and in Africa but won't impress many in the developed word.
Subjective happiness is one criteria, lukk, not everything. I am sure Japan would rank low due to the totalitarian regime it had pre-WWII.
I spoke about the army service, because your argument was very definitive when judging it as a necessarily negative thing.
UK GDP (PPP) has grown from ~$22K in 1999 to ~$36K in 2011.
Israel GDP has grown from ~$17K in 1999 to $32K in 2011.
(You can play with this chart, entering different countries names:
http://www.indexmundi.com/g/g.aspx?v=67&c=is&l=en )
This is before Israel's revenues from the discovered gas off its shores is embedded in those calculations.
Israel had surpassed some EU states already, including big ones like Spain. It is only a matter of (short) time till it surpasses the UK and France as well.
Relieving the world from the instability in Egypt and its effect on world trade, Israel now develops a Suez Canal alternate route for goods flow from the Far East to the West and back, connecting Israel's Eilat southern port to Ashdod port on the Med., using railways. This will further increase Israel's position as an international trade route.
A lot is happening in Israel now... besides threat of rocket fire from Gaza..
These rankings are quite absurd. Israel at 20, and Turkey at 51%?? Having visited both countries, the quality of life in Turkey is miles ahead of Israel. Likewise, Greece at 34 (too high) and China at 49 (too low) suggests that there is a methodological screw up on a massive scale.
But those 2 years are spent in military training/camps. Not such a joy....
Ukraine after Syria.
Crazy indeed. Syria is sending thousands of refugees daily to Iraq. Things must be bad...
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In 1842, Thomas and Sarah Keenan settled this area as members of the Peters Colony. Their location, adjacent to the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, became known to travelers of the Bird's Fort Trail as "Keenan's Crossing". This was due to the ease at which travelers could cross the river here, as well as a common point along the trail. After the death of their 2-month-old son in 1843, the Keenan's established one of the earliest cemeteries in present day Dallas County. It's very near the crossing in today's Farmers Branch. Then, using their log cabin, they also established the area's first Baptist Church, Union Baptist, in 1846. Eventually Keenan's Crossing would become the location of a bridge and road. The pilings of that first bridge are still visible today on the north side of Interstate 635 in the Trinity River.
Concrete surface trail (not lighted).
Pecan tree river overlook.
Trail bridge.


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Wayne County will host a nursing job fair this week in an attempt to fill a critical need for Licensed Practical Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Registered Nurses.The event will take place on Thursday, March 14 from 8:30 - 11 a.m. at the Guardian Building (500 Griswold) in downtown Detroit. Applicants are asked to report to the 32nd floor and bring along a copy of their nursing degree, nursing license, transcripts and driver's license.Interested parties are asked to RSVP by March 13 by calling 313-224-5906 or by email at email@example.com here to learn more on Wayne Co.'s web site.
KMSP-TV11358 Viking DriveEden Prairie, MN 55344
Phone: (952) 944-9999Fax: (952) 942-0455


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Select () or exclude () categories to narrow your recipe search.
As you select categories, the number of matching recipes will update.
Find exactly what you're looking for with the web's most powerful recipe filtering tool.
Our library of short-grain rice recipes offers lots of ideas for side dishes, sushi, and hearty main courses.
Getting dinner on the table just got a whole lot easier.


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We credit God and Heaven for the overcoming of problems we face, but in fact we ovecome such problems through our own strength.
In other words, God helps those who help themselves.
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Two people were taken to the hospital Thursday afternoon after a crash between a tow truck and a tractor-trailer just south of Janesville.
Chase Sudol, 24, of Nashua, was southbound on Highway 218 and slowing down in preparation to turn west onto Mt. Vernon Road when a southbound tractor-trailer hit the rear of his tow truck, according to the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office.
The collision caused the van Sudol was towing to separate from the tow truck, according to a press release.
The van ended up in the intersection of Highway 218 and Mt. Vernon Road, while the tow truck and the tractor-trailer ended up in the ditch at the southwest corner of the intersection, according to officials.
Both Sudol and his passenger -- David Oler, 55, of Cedar Falls, the van's owner -- were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, Jeffrey Hoffman, 38, of Bloomer, Wis., was uninjured.
Sudol was cited for failing to comply with safety regulations.
The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Janesville Police Department, the Janesville First Responders, the Cedar Falls Fire Department and Sartori Paramedics.


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Vince Hradil, PhD
Associate Professor
Dr. Hradil joined the natural science faculty in 2012 coming from Abbot Laboratories as a Senior Research Scientist. He teaches Fundamentals of Chemistry, General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and is the Instrumental Analysis Seminar in Physical Science and is the Health Informatics and Information Management faculty advisor.
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App of the week for journalists: Vyclone, for video from different angles
App of the week: Vyclone
Devices: iPhone
Cost: Free
What is it? Vyclone is an app at that allows up to four phones to record footage of the same event, then automatically stitches snippets of each separate recording together to form a multi-angled video of the same event.
How is it of use to journalists?
This app was nominated by journalism student Sam Kirwan (@Journoable on Twitter) who says Vyclone is a great way of getting footage of a protest or an event (Olympics footage, anyone?) from several angles.
It's a great way to get up to four separate angles or perspectives on a single event in a quick, easy, user-friendly way, eliminating the need for post-production. Ideal for journalists covering an event as footage can easily be posted to websites and social networks in an instant.
Kirwin adds:
It's quick, easy, and ingenious. Plus Ashton Kutcher invested in it, for what that's worth! It's a great app though, ideal for concerts, protests, and so on.
One option users have is to search for other Vyclone users in the same area, creating a multi-angled video with contributions from the crowd.
Have you got a favourite app that you use as a journalist? Fill in this form to nominate an app for Journalism.co.uk's app of the week for journalists.
Similar posts:
- App of the week for Journalists – Klip, a great new iPhone app for video sharing
- App of the week for journalists – Capture, a single-click video app for your home screen
- App of the week for journalists: Splice, an easy video editor
- #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – handy pointers for shooting video from a smartphone
- Innovations in Journalism – CoveritLive 'Humbly, we are forging a new form of journalism'


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Running out of gift ideas?
Join the Club!
Choose a theme below, and each month - for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months at a time - Astor will send a package of delicious wines to you or a lucky friend. Every delivery includes extensive tasting notes for the wines we've selected.
An adult 21 years of age or older must be present to sign for each Wine Club delivery. Please provide a shipping address at which an adult will be available to receive the package during UPS delivery times: business hours, Monday through Friday. For many customers, the easiest option is to send Wine Club shipments to the giftee's work address. If you have any questions about Astor's Wine Clubs, please call us at (212) 674-7500.
Six bottles per month! Wines will range from light to full-bodied and may include California Cabernet, Sangiovese blends, Cru Beaujolais
Perfect for anyone who loves red wine
Free shipping* for deliveries in New York State (elsewhere, regular shipping charges apply)
Just Reds Wine Club Prices:
Try two unique and fascinating new wines each month! Shipments may include sparkling Grignolino from Piedmont, natural Cabernet Franc or sweet Chenin Blanc from the Loire, Nerello Mascalese from Sicily, Pinot Noir from Oregon
Focus is on variety, independent producers, and high-quality, expressive wines
International Explorer Wine Club Prices:
Get a new mixed case each month containing 12 of our most delicious wine finds
Lots of variety: With any Top 12 Club membership, you'll taste dozens of wines
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We've found that wine quality and variety get exponentially better with a ceiling of $12 (versus $10) per bottle, so we changed the pack. We hope you love all the exciting, amazing, delicious wines in the new Top 12 Under $12!
Your two bottles per month may include: Argentine Malbec, New York Riesling, South African Shiraz
Perfect for novices searching for new "everyday" wines
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Your two bottles may include: Aglianico, Erbaluce, Ruché
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Explore Italy's indigenous grapes and varied regions in depth
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Create Your Own Ensemble
Tips And Advice For Your Decorating Projects
Custom Design Services For Business
"As a longtime customer of Popular Home Collections' bedding and bathroom products, I have always been thrilled with their excellent customer service, as well as their great variety of products and "mix and match" flexibility that allows me to create my own ensembles."-- Marie, S., Chicago, IL.
Victor Mill offers collections ranging from traditional, contemporary, tropical and many other designs which allow us to meet diverse needs of today's bedding customers.Through the use of stylish color combinations, elegant, high quality fabrics, opulent trimmings and stylish textures.Victor Mill offers one of the best designer bedding collections in the market.Curtain Pair measures 100" Wide. Lined with tie backs.Curtain Panels available in 5 sizes63", 84", 96", 108" and 120" long100% PolyesterSee Specifications for additional information. Ships in 2-3 weeks.


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Administrator's Ad Lib
When I was first a Waldorf teacher, I thought it was the students that were different. Different in a good way. Thoughtful. Open. Inquisitive. Other-oriented. Ready to challenge. Honest. By the time 5th grade rolled around, I realized it was the parents who were different. Parents who had chosen a feeling-based, whole-child education for their children.
Happy Days Are Here Again! With winter neatly tucked up in the attic, it is time to come out of our cocoons and enjoy the Spring Festival called Holi. Holi - the festival of colors - is undoubtedly the happiest and most fun-filled Hindu festival. It is an occasion that brings joy and mirth, fun and play, music and dance, a delicious variety of foods and, of course, lots of bright colors!
January 27th, 2012
What it takes to be a Class Teacher in the Waldorf Grades
"A Waldorf teacher needs to value the development of wonder, gratitude, and responsibility. When subjects are brought to life in the class by the teacher via imagination and/or intuition, the student wants to explore learning, and this creates wonder. When topics and subjects are over-explained or taught to a test, the student's desire for learning is thwarted. Reverence and wonder can easily arise out of the Waldorf curriculum..."
Alabama Waldorf School participates in Alabama Gives Day!
On February 2, 2012, our community will come together for Alabama Gives Day, and we need YOU to join us as our state makes history and our school raises money for, among other things, Waldorf teacher training!
Dispelling the Myth Regarding Grades in Waldorf Schools... Yes, we give them!
...Grades students are taught in subject blocks that typically last about 4 weeks. During this time, students create lesson books on the subject being studied, whether Roman History, Acoustics, or Algebra. Because they don't carry around textbooks, they make their own; and it is an active, engaging process that engenders a sense of accomplishment at the end of each block. The block test is a good grading tool, then, because it assesses what the student retained from the entire four weeks. The block grade is comprised of an average of the lesson bookwork, the test, and classroom participation (including any required reports/projects)..."
History in 6th and 7th Grades
As part of their block on medieval history, middle school students in Ms. Powell's class had to "live" out the history they were studying by participating in "The Squire's Challenge." In addition to the lesson work, students had to "contribute to the well-being and progress" of their class, the whole school, and their neighborhood, church, or community organization...
March/April 2012
National Screen-Free Week is April 30th through May 6th. Turn off your screens and give your eyes and brains a rest from celluloidal stress!! Each day of Screen-Free Week, AWS will be hosting outdoor and indoor games and activities the whole family can enjoy...
Field Trip Fun, "Down on the Farm" -- The 3rd grade class recently visited Heron Hollow Farm to try their hand at farming for a day. The children began by mastering the art of milking a goat, which requires a two-part effort of distracting and mollifying the goats by feeding them oats while they are being milked. It takes a firm hand and lots of oats to fill a gallon jar!
May 2012
Anthroposophy: It's not just a Tongue Twister -- Anthro…what? Anth-ro-POS-ophy. I like to think of it as a combination of anthropology and philosophy—the study of mankind. And why do you care? Because it's the philosophical basis for Waldorf education. In a nutshell, it's what makes us different. And that means it's at least partially why you chose AWS for your child's schooling and why your child's teacher chooses AWS as a place to work...
Jaimen McMillan Visits AWS! ...His (Jaimen's) lecture focused around the idea that we don't need to ban digital media, as much as we need to be educated about it, especially before exposing a child to it. So, how can you prepare a child for exposure to virtual reality? How can you strengthen them so that they are not taken in by what they are watching?...


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Hi All,
As far as drawbars go, were they all the same for the early Cubs, 1940's through the 70's? Or did they have differences in them through the years. My hunch is that they are all the same, but I wanted to ask the experts. Thanks in advance for all your help.


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modern living + innovative design + inspiring ideas
Dart Modern Bronze 21-Inch-WPendant Light
"If you don't include at least one geometric design in your home, shame on you!"
- P. Daniels, Photo Stylist
About Euro Style Home
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.
Image from Tara Benet Design
Staging your home is not something you can do the morning before an open house. If you really want to raise the appeal of your home to buyers, you'll have to put in some time planning and maybe even spending some money.
Select the rooms that need the most attention and start there. The rest of the home might just need some re-arranging, but at least you know where your budget and your time should be applied.
First and foremost, something that doesn't take any money just time is de-cluttering. Work from the top down.
a. Are your walls filled with too many pictures? Simplify your walls, it will help the place look cleaner and larger.
b. Are your table tops (dressers, desks, tables and counters) filled with mail and/or just too many accessories? Clear all that off and we suggest not stuffing it in drawers. Home buyers might want to peak in the drawers and cabinets to see how much space they'll have.
c. Do you have too many things along the floor? Like, lots of items besides your furniture? Clear anything that isn't essential and store it in the garage. Maybe even some of your furniture should go too. If you have four lounge chairs around your sofa, you should put a couple in storage. This will help the space look larger and more inviting.
You don't want to have too many family photos around, and this isn't just about the clutter issue. You want the potential home buyers to look at the home neutrally.
They should be able to picture themselves living there, not visiting your home surrounded by your family photos and kids' artwork.
Make sure to pay attention to the exterior of your home, but most importantly the front.
a. First and foremost, clean up your front yard. Trim the grass, bushes and possibly hire someone to lace the trees if they are overly full.
b. Depending on the time of year, there might be lots of leaves all over or maybe even snow, so make sure you keep up the front yard.
c. If you've neglected your front yard, this is the time to invest in some flowers or new bushes. Even if the plants are young, they will still benefit the appeal of your home.
d. Don't neglect your front door. It might need re-painting and make sure you have attractive outdoor lighting.
e. Do you have a porch or front deck of any sort? Furnish it with some stylish outdoor seating to make it look more inviting.
Lastly, and possibly the most important tip, bake cookies! That fresh cookies smell will get them every time!
Image: Tara Benet Design
Similar to a well-balanced outfit, great home decor often features stylish pairs and fun patterns. I gained lots of inspiration from these images on Domaine Home.
This entryway above is minimal, yet packs a punch with pattern and sophisticated pairs like the modern lighting and white upholstered chairs.
Dakota White Leather with Chrome Lounge Chair / Jonathan Adler Ipanema Modern Nickel Multi Boom Pendant
This sitting area of a master bedroom features just enough pattern to wake up the design style and I think the chair is paired perfectly with that decorative pillow. They're both warm and full of texture.
Kathy Ireland Bohemian Wine Toned 16-Inch Square Pillow / Buchanan Cognac Bonded Leather 31-Inch-W Armchair
The perfect opportunity for pattern is with decorative pillows, and what better place to pile them on than a breakfast nook?! I also love the cushions contrasted with the shades.
Safavieh Richfield White Cowhide Teak 22-Inch-W Side Chair / Kite White and Blue Ikat Fabric Throw Pillow
Images: Domaine Home
Image from Elena Zarubina
Are you a world traveler? Maybe you wish you could be one day? Well, until then you can incorporate global design in your own home.
If are someone who travels a lot, take lots of photos and refer to them when decorating your home. If you don't travel as much as you'd like, there's plenty of inspiration images on-line like this one we found above.
It's almost as if Justina Blakeney used our inspiration photo to design this bedroom below. This room is so welcoming and warm. We love the unique lighting choices and incredible mix of patterns and materials!
Image from Justina Blakeney
Inspiration images from around the world will help you decide on color palettes and textile patterns your home decor and furnishings.
Here's a few fun products from Euro Style Lighting to help you get started with your global decor make-over...
1. You can add pattern with more than just pillows and area rugs, try this bronze capiz shell wall art to add personality to your vertical space.
2. Unique lighting means fun and interesting materials, like this nest-style Liata pendant.
3. Make sure to add color, even with your furniture. These weathered yellow metal dining chairs are really fun.
4. Organic style in the kitchen will help you set the mood for different cooking styles, try these wood salad bowls.
5. Your inspiration photos can help you pick out patterns, like the one on this Lauren Black decorative table.
6. This Ikat cyan decorative bolster pillow is a perfectly easy addition to any existing home decor.
7. Mix it up and try some furniture with integrated pattern in the metal form, we love these bronze spiral tables.
8. Pattern, color and texture is all wrapped up in this cool Greek key pouf.
Images: Elena Zarubina, Justina Blakeney
It's part of our job to keep an eye on design trends, and we can't help but notice that the ombre trend isn't going anywhere. It continues to be a fun element in today's modern home design.
This chic living room above features a beautiful shade of yellow in ombre fashion framing the large window wall. We love this idea and it could potentially be a fun DIY project.
We also couldn't help but notice the cool choice in lighting. Arc floor lamps are also a very strong design trend that we hope sticks around forever!
Marble Base Chrome 85 3/4-Inch-H Arc Floor Lamp
This home owner decided to be outwardly creative in their trend choice, opting to create an ombre effect on the exterior of their home. We think this looks great with the clean lines of modern architecture.
Go bold and paint your walls in an ombre color palette. No matter which color you choose, the end result will looks amazing with your coordinated home decor.
Don't want to paint your walls or the outside of your home, but love the ombre trend?... Here's some super easy options from Euro Style Lighting:
a. Wave Ombre Green Ceramic Haeger Potteries Table Lamp b. Arteriors Home Jensen Amethyst Glass Bottle Table Lamp c. Gene Ceramic Ombre Emerald Haeger Potteries Table Lamp d. Gene Ombre Yellow Ceramic Haeger Potteries Table Lamp e. Wave Cloud Grey Ceramic Haeger Potteries Table Lamp f. Arteriors Home Jansen Gray Glass Bottle 17-Inch-W Table Lamp g.
Images: Houzz
Image from Wiel Arets Architects
I'm not ashamed to admit I'm jealous. And the Jellyfish House in Marbella, Spain, is the reason why. It's not exactly a pool house as my title states, but you'll see what I mean.
Designed by WAA, this beautiful space is sleek as any home design can be, and with retractable floor-to-ceiling windows, it blurs the lines between interior and exterior.
To incorporate water into a space, most of us would think of using tiered outdoor fountains. But the Jellyfish House takes it to another level. Its infinity pool is integral to the architecture. No longer will you need to ask if someone is out at the pool...just look up at the walls or ceiling.
What I like most is the reserved elegance of the indoor/outdoor dining room. A crystal chandelier instantly gives mid-century modern chairs a quick infusion of glamour:
Contour Crystal and Chrome Possini Pendant Light
Set of 2 Azzo Matte with White Plastic Side Chairs
I can't help but wonder about one other thing... Does a pool provide good insulation for ceilings and walls? Somehow, I think it just might.
Images: WAA
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