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Hoyer Press Staff Blog
Blog posts from the press staff of Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer
Wanted to be sure you saw this WSJ article about the uncertainty American businesses are feeling as Republicans continue to hold our economy hostage to Speaker Boehner's short-term debt limit proposal that is dead on arrival in the Senate.
Key Point: "All the uncertainty comes just as businesses were starting to spend some of their record piles of cash. The confusion is also giving them another reason to delay hiring and investment."
Will Republicans continue to step on the hose just as capital starts to flow back into the economy? Or work with Democrats so that we can take action quickly on a long-term, balanced solution that will reduce the deficit, avoid the catastrophic consequences of default and create certainty so businesses can invest and hire?
There are three reasons Democrats want to pass a long-term deal to get a handle on our deficit problem, avoid default and give businesses certainty:
1.) Jobs
2.) Jobs
3.) Jobs
There are three reasons Republicans are insisting on an irresponsible short-term deal that has no hope of passing the Senate. As John Boehner told a radio host today, according the New York Times:
1.) "Barack Obama hates it"
2.) "Harry Reid hates it"
3.) "Nancy Pelosi hates it"
According to this Weekly Standard column by Bill Kristol, conservatives should side with Speaker Boehner. Not because it will avoid economic catastrophe or stave off our country's first default in its history, but because it will be a "victory over Obama."
Key excerpts:
"To govern is to choose. To vote is to choose. To vote against John Boehner on the House floor this week in the biggest showdown of the current Congress is to choose to vote with Nancy Pelosi. To vote against Boehner is to choose to support Barack Obama. It is to choose to increase the chances that worse legislation than Boehner's passes. And it is to choose to increase the chances that Obama emerges from this showdown politically stronger."
"When wavering House Republicans think the current situation through, they won't choose to join the pro-Obama right. They'll choose to stand with John Boehner against Barack Obama. Because victory over Obama is no vice. And losing to Obama is no virtue."
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Word appearing 8 times:
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For those who've thought that House Republicans' actions these past several weeks bear a close resemblance to a two year-old's tantrum, you should check out this Business Insider piece. It should serve as a reminder to Republicans that they can't just throw a hissy fit when they don't get absolutely everything their way. Instead of "storm[ing] off" and "forcing the US into default," it's time for Republicans to work with Democrats to pass a long-term, balanced solution to reduce our deficit, pay our bills and give our economy the certainty it needs.
America cannot afford a GOP temper tantrum. The costs of default are too great.
"But for some of the children in Congress, those gains aren't enough. They want... what they want."
"And if they don't get it?"
"Well, then, they'll just throw a hissy fit and storm off, forcing the US into default."
"Needless to say, this isn't admirable behavior. It's not leadership. It's not what the country needs as it struggles to find a way out of this mess. And it's certainly not something these Congress-folk should be commended for."
"But the answer to our long term financial problems isn't to elect children. It's to elect adults, who can lead us out without clobbering the economy in the process."
"Yes, the United States needs to focus on its long-term budget problem. Yes, it needs to cut spending. And, yes, the latest plans put forth by both parties probably don't cut spending enough."
"But the United States also needs to be very careful about how and when it cuts this spending. It needs to cut spending in areas that many of the children blocking a debt deal consider sacrosanct (military, for example). And it also, almost certainly, needs to raise taxes--the mere mention of which makes the children start screaming and stomping their feet again."
"Being an adult means compromising as you strive to get what you want. It means working your way out of problems, not howling that everything must be the way you want it right now. In the case of the government leaders, it means doing the right thing, even if the right thing isn't exactly what your constituents want."
"It's time for the children in Washington to grow up."
Wanted to pass along this NY Timesarticle highlighting how a credit rating downgrade would be felt across the nation—slowing economic growth "for years to come," hurting job creation and increasing the deficit.
Key excerpts:
"Some economists say the effects of lowering the federal government's credit rating to AA from AAA can be measured in the billions of dollars in increased borrowing costs for the government, and in the billions more that consumers, corporations, states and municipalities will have to pay for their credit. It could also erode consumer and business confidence, slowing even further the economy and job creation."
"The view among many on Wall Street on Tuesday was that long-term Treasury yields could edge up by 0.10 percentage points, to 0.70 percentage points. That would eventually increase the amount of interest the United States pays on its debt by as much as tens of billions of dollars each year. The government now pays $250 billion a year on interest costs to service its debt."
"The size of the increase depends on how long the stalemate in Washington continues, Terry Belton, the global head of fixed-income strategy at JPMorgan Chase, said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday."
"On the high end, the government's interest payments could climb an additional $100 billion a year, Mr. Belton said. 'That is a huge number, representing a long-term permanent increase in U.S. borrowing costs.'"
"Rates would also increase on some markets priced off Treasuries, including mortgages, credit cards and student and auto loans, analysts warned."
"For a typical consumer with a $200,000 mortgage, the increase in yields could translate into an increase of $200 to $400 a year in their loan payments, according to Citigroup analysts."
A look at the morning headlines shows Speaker Boehner is facing opposition from a significant number of conservative Republicans, who won't vote for his short-term proposal to pay America's bills. With less than a week until possible default, we don't have time for the Speaker to rewrite his bill, which is destined to fail in the Senate. Instead, it's time for Speaker Boehner and House Republicans to work with Democrats on a long-term, balanced approach to ensure we pay our nation's bills, reduce the deficit and give certainty to the markets.
WSJ: Boehner Plan Faces Rebellion
NY Times: Vote on Boehner Plan Delayed Amid Opposition
Politico: Markets slip after Boehner delay
CNN: House delays vote on Boehner plan
Fox News: Boehner Rewriting Debt Plan, Vote Delayed Until Thursday
Not only does Senator Reid's long-term, balanced debt limit proposal give our economy more certainty than Speaker Boehner's short-term bill, but it also reduces the deficit more than the GOP plan. So, our question of the day is this: which proposal should the House consider?
Senator Reid's Proposal: "CBO estimates that this legislation would reduce budget deficits by about $2.2 trillion between 2012 and 2021 relative to CBO's March 2011 baseline adjusted for subsequent appropriation action."
Speaker Boehner's: "CBO estimates that the legislation would reduce budget deficits by about $850 billion between 2012 and 2021 relative to CBO's March 2011 baseline adjusted for subsequent appropriation action."
For House conservatives, who argue they are committed to cutting spending, the choice should be a no-brainer.
A look at this afternoon's headlines shows Speaker Boehner is going to have a tough time passing his short-term debt limit proposal:
TPM: Jim DeMint: Boehner Plan Doesn't Have The Votes
NY Times: 'Very Few' Democrats Will Back Boehner Plan, Hoyer Says
Roll Call: Jim Jordan Pushes Back on Boehner Plan
Politico: Pelosi warms to Reid plan
There isn't a lot of time to waste. When will House Republicans abandon their ideological agenda and work with us to pass a long-term, balanced proposal that will ensure we pay America's bills, reduce the deficit and bring certainty to our economy?
Wanted to be sure you saw the Washington Post article highlighting the uncertainty felt by the business community as Republicans continue to hold our economy hostage. Republicans often say that we need to give our economy certainty so that we can create jobs, but rather than move forward with a long-term plan that ensures we pay our nation's bills and reduces our deficit, they are advocating for a short-term proposal that kicks the can down the road and doesn't give businesses the certainty they need. It's time for both parties to come together and act quickly on a compromise that pays America's bills, reduces our deficit and creates certainty so businesses can grow and hire.
Key Excerpts:
Business leaders are becoming exasperated with Washington. And the dysfunction they see in the political system is holding them back from hiring and investing.
Executives lack confidence that political leaders can execute the basic nuts and bolts of governing, as exemplified by the current brinksmanship over raising the debt ceiling, based on interviews with more than a dozen corporate leaders in the Chicago area last week. Indeed, the frustration over the political climate and Washington's seeming inability to solve problems seems to weigh more heavily in their minds than any specific government policy.
…But in contrast to claims by congressional Republicans that any tax increases whatsoever would stop job creation in its tracks, many executives say they could tolerate somewhat higher taxes if it were part of a broader plan that offered clarity on the nation's future policies, particularly one heavy on spending cuts.
"What are the rules of the game going to be in the long term?" said Lyle Heidemann, chief executive of the 5,000-store hardware chain True Value. "What our retailers would like to have is consistency and predictability. We can handle decisions we don't agree with, but that's easier than not knowing what the decision is going to be."
The groups that represent businesses in Washington, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable, have been urging Congress to raise the debt ceiling to avoid the risk of a default or downgrade of the U.S. credit rating, even as many newly elected Republican members of the House — who received support from business interests when running — are reluctant to vote for such a measure. A group of major business groups sent a letter to the president and every member of Congress two weeks ago imploring them to raise the debt ceiling.
The tenor of the debates in Washington has damaged the executives' sense — long taken for granted — that the taxes and regulatory policies they face will be predictable and reasonably constant. The executives are horrified that the nation might be on the verge of losing its AAA credit rating, and their hunger for a grand bargain — a master plan to determine the nation's fiscal future over the coming decade — is deep.
Yet another poll is out showing that Americans support a balanced agreement to pay our bills and reduce the deficit. This one's particularly significant, having been taken last night after the President and the Speaker laid out their respective positions. Unfortunately for Speaker Boehner, his short-term, kick the can down the road plan didn't fare so well:
'"It does seem to be that the popular narrative is falling on the side of the president on this one,' Ipsos pollster Julia Clark said."
"56 percent said they want to see a mix of approaches used in an agreement to raise the debt ceiling."
"Just 19 percent of Americans said they favor a plan like Boehner's, which would rely solely on spending cuts to existing programs to reduce the
Republicans are holding our economy hostage to their ideological agenda, putting our nation at risk of default just a week from today. Default would have a real impact on middle class families, and at a time when our economy is still recovering, American families can't afford to pay the price. Take a look at the numbers:
Over $1,000: Increase in mortgage payments for the average family
$250: Increase in credit card interest for the average family
$318: Additional amount families could pay per year on food
$100: Additional amount families could pay per year on gas
$182: Additional amount families could pay per year on utilities
As Republicans continue to argue for a short-term compromise, which would not give our economy certainty and hurt job creation, business leaders are calling on Congress to quickly take action and compromise so that we pay our nation's bills and avoid the catastrophic consequences of default:
Key point: "All of us in the business community have been watching that issue unfold. I think like most Americans, we've been confident that people will come to a common agreement," Smith told POLITICO. "Of course with each passing day and the approaching deadline, there is a heightening sense of nervousness in the business community."
Wanted to make sure you all saw this AP story where Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Jordan said that when it comes to the Boehner plan, he is confident "that as of this morning there are not 218 Republicans in support of this plan."
At this late hour, Speaker Boehner should heed this warning from his own conference, drop his insistence on an irresponsible short-term bill and pass the proposal outlined by Senate Majority Leader Reid. As Mr. Hoyer said this morning at his weekly pen and pad briefing, Speaker Boehner should not count on Democratic votes to support his short-sighted proposal.
And now it appears he may not be able to count on Republican votes either.
AP: GOP lawmaker: Boehner's debt bill lacks support
By CHARLES BABINGTON Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A top Republican House member says he thinks Speaker John Boehner lacks the GOP votes needed to pass his debt-ceiling plan in the House.
Jim Jordan of Ohio told reporters Tuesday that he's confident "that as of this morning there are not 218 Republicans in support of this plan." That's the number needed to pass bills in the House. Democrats are expected to overwhelmingly oppose Boehner's plan for a two-step debt-reduction process.
Jordan chairs the Republican Study Committee, which includes scores of House conservatives. He says he opposes Boehner's plan because it would not cut spending enough and it would not require a balanced budget.
We already know that Speaker Boehner has offered a short-term debt limit plan that would return our country to a state of imminent default within months, subjecting our economy to high levels of uncertainty. Now, CNN has reported that passing the Boehner plan would likely lead the rating agencies to downgrade America's AAA credit—a step that would destroy jobs by dramatically raising interest rates for millions of Americans. On the other hand, passing the compromise plan put forward by Senate Majority Leader Reid would reduce the deficit by enough, and extend the debt limit by enough, to preserve our top-rated credit. A compromise to raise the debt limit through 2013 would show the world that America can be counted on to pay its bills—but Republicans' radical and unpopular approach is inspiring no such confidence. Watch the video here.
Wanted to pass along this handy list from National Journal summarizing the consequences of failing to ensure we pay our nation's bills. These are costs Americans can't afford. We hope Republicans will take note and work with us on a long-term, balanced compromise that would reduce the deficit and ensure we pay our nation's bills.
National Journal
Six Costs of Not Raising the Debt Ceiling
By Julia Edwards
What started as hot air has now become a thunder cloud. Should Congress fail to reach a compromise to raise the debt ceiling, a multitude of economic sectors could take a hit—if not come to a screeching halt. We review the effects as forecasted by economists and ask "Should you worry?" The answer, in short: Yes, probably so.
1. Global economy: Asian and European stocks "shuddered," on Monday, as William Alden of the Huffington Post put it, after Congress failed to reach a compromise by the end of last week. The tumble was slight for now, but Alden suggests that the fall was just the first tremors of a greater catastrophe waiting when the stalemate in Washington triggers panic on Wall Street.
2. Government programs: If the Treasury loses its authority to borrow, economist Nigel Gault of IHS Global Insight predicts that the government would have to cut its spending by 40 to 45 percent. Highway projects, federal courts, Pell Grants, and food stamps are all on the line.
3. The recovery: Gains made since the bottom fell out in late 2008 could slip away and "would no doubt have a very adverse effect very quickly on the recovery," said Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke.
4. Your retirement: This one's still up in the air. President Obama said recently that Social Security payments are on the line, should the country not be able to borrow. But budget analysts say that the administration could ensure that the checks are paid.
5. America's credit: Standard & Poor's said last week that there is a 50 percent chance it would cut the nation's credit rating within the next three months. If no deal is reached, Standard &Poor's said that the United States' credit would be reduced from AAA to D.
6. Businesses: In a no-deal scenario, businesses could squeak by without paying increased taxes. But when they see a 10 percent decrease in the gross domestic product, loss of confidence from foreign investors, and a consumer base slipping back into a recession, that tax freeze may look less appealing.
Polls show overwhelming support for a balanced plan to reduce our deficit and pay our bills—even among Republicans. House Republicans standing in the way of a compromise and pushing our country toward default are far to the right of most Americans. Last night, President Obama urged Americans who support a compromise solution to contact their Members of Congress and make their voices heard.
Reporter David Weigel asked if any of his readers were following through, and the response he got was a strong "yes."
Pop Quiz for Senator Bob Corker (R-TN):
Which option will keep us from defaulting?
A. Compromise on a balanced package that includes revenues and spending cuts, and increase the debt limit
B. Chill out
Sen. Corker's Response: B
Wrong Answer. Instead of telling the American people to "chill out and not worry so much," it's time for Republicans to stop risking our economic security and work with Democrats to take a long-term, balanced approach to pay our nation's bills and reduce the deficit so we can give businesses and the markets the certainty they need.
Wanted to be sure you saw this White House blog post by White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer highlighting Republican opposition to short term debt limit increases. In a quick turnaround, Republicans are arguing for short-term extensions of the debt limit, which would put our economic security at risk and create uncertainty for businesses and the markets.
Some Republicans in Congress Once Argued Against Short-Term Solutions - They Were Right
Posted by Dan Pfeiffer on July 25, 2011 at 08:00 AM EDT
Despite warnings that a short-term extension could lead to a credit downgrade and higher interest rates resulting in a tax increase on every American, Republicans in Congress continue to push for a "my way or the highway" solution that could put our credit rating at risk and leave the cloud of uncertainty over the American people.
In June, House Majority Leader Cantor "Was Explicit That He Wants A Single Debt Ceiling Vote For This Congress - Not A Series Of Short-Term Extensions." Now House Republicans are arguing that we should adopt multiple short term solutions that would leave that cloud of uncertainty hanging over our economy continually for the next two years, if not longer.
Indeed, before they were for a short term solution, it turns out they were against it for the very same reasons President Obama believes it is the wrong approach. As recently as earlier this month, Republicans in Congress expressed concern about the impact of a short term solution.
Here are a few examples:
Rep. Cantor, 6/22/11: Cantor "Pushed Back Hard" On Notion of Short Term Debt Limit Increase. "House Majority Leader Eric Cantor pushed back hard Tuesday against Senate Republican suggestions of a scaled-back, short-term debt deal, saying it's 'crunch time' in White House budget talks and 'if we can't make the tough decisions now, why... would [we] be making those tough decisions later. I don't see how multiple votes on a debt ceiling increase can help get us to where we want to go,' the Virginia Republican told reporters. 'It is my preference that we do this thing one time.... Putting off tough decisions is not what people want in this town.'" [Politico, 6/22/11]
Rep. Cantor, 6/13/11: "Was Explicit That He Wants A Single Debt Ceiling Vote For This Congress - Not A Series Of Short-Term Extensions, As Some Have Suggested…'We Are Looking To Try And Achieve Real Reforms, Real Reduction In Spending, So That We Can Accomplish This And Hopefully Get To A Better Economic Outlook,' Cantor Said." "Tuesday's budget meeting is just one of three planned this week by Vice President Joe Biden. And returning from a weeklong recess, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor spoke bluntly of seeing a 'very sick economy' at home in Virginia and the need to address the debt issue before the financial markets 'make this decision for us.' 'We feel very strongly that one of the reasons why we continue to see an ailing economy is that people have very little confidence, have very little certainty in terms of where we are headed,' Cantor told reporters. He was explicit that he wants a single debt ceiling vote for this Congress - not a series of short-term extensions, as some have suggested. But much depends, too, he said, on the final deal between Obama and Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). 'We are looking to try and achieve real reforms, real reduction in spending, so that we can accomplish this and hopefully get to a better economic outlook,' Cantor said. 'Because if you don't, if you just check the box and raise the debt ceiling, I believe the markets take care of it for you. Interest rates will skyrocket, and there will be no way for us to see any return to growth anytime soon. We will have to raise taxes and the rest. No one wants that.'" [Politico.com, 6/13/11]
Rep. McCarthy, 6/24/11: "Shied Away From The Idea Of A Short-Term Solution." "McCarthy shied away from the idea of a short-term solution or a temporary debt ceiling increase in order to buy time on reaching an agreement on entitlement reforms." [The Hill, 6/24/11]
Rep. Camp, 6/21/11: "House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.) also shot down a short-term increase. 'It doesn't give you certainty,' Camp said. 'Ideally you'd like to get that settled and not have it continually a hanging-over issue.'" [The Hill, 6/22/11]
Sen. McConnell, 6/22/11: "[Sen.] McConnell Declined To Call For A Short-Term Increase In The Debt Ceiling When Reporters Asked Him About It Tuesday. 'We Are Still Hoping For A Very Large Package That Will Impress The Ratings Agencies, Impress Foreign Countries And Astonish The American People…" "McConnell declined to call for a short-term increase in the debt ceiling when reporters asked him about it Tuesday. 'We are still hoping for a very large package that will impress the ratings agencies, impress foreign countries and astonish the American people that we're actually going to come together here and take advantage of this terrific opportunity that's provided by the president's request of us to raise the debt ceiling,' McConnell said. 'Beyond that I'm not prepared to go, because there are all kind of moving parts underneath those general principles.' A GOP aide said McConnell's statement over the weekend was meant to show that Republicans would not accept a bad deal in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. The aide acknowledged that it could be difficult to even pass a short-term increase in the House and emphasized that McConnell wants big cuts and a long-term deal." [The Hill, 6/22/11]
Dan Pfeiffer is White House Communications Director
This morning, Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist made a big splash by saying that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire in 2012 would not violate his organization's pledge against tax increases.
"Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase," Mr. Norquist told us. So it doesn't violate the pledge? "We wouldn't hold it that way," he said. – Washington Post Editorial, 07/21/11
After Norquist and ATR tried to walk his comments back, the Post posted audio of the exchange in which he clearly says the words in question.
This morning, Mr. Hoyer said he welcomed the comments and that he hoped Congressional Republicans would take this into account as they continue to refuse to add revenues to a deficit reduction package.
But Norquist continued to backpedal, saying Whip Hoyer "is wrong" on his position today on MSNBC. We here in the Democratic Whip press shop, can't help but wonder how "Hoyer is wrong" when Whip Hoyer directly quoted Norquist himself. And now there is an audio recording to back this up.
Whip Hoyer continues to advocate for a balanced approach to reduce the deficit and hopes Republicans will work with Democrats on a big, balanced agreement that includes both revenues and spending cuts. Moving forward, we hope Republicans will heed Norquist's words and abandon their ideologically rigid position and work with us on a compromise.
Key Point: "Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase," Mr. Norquist told us. So it doesn't violate the pledge? "We wouldn't hold it that way," he said.
Out from under the anti-tax pledge
Washington Post Editorial, Published: July 20
WITH A HANDFUL of exceptions, every Republican member of Congress has signed a pledge against increasing taxes. Would allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire as scheduled in 2012 violate this vow? We posed this question to Grover Norquist, its author and enforcer, and his answer was both surprising and encouraging: No.
In other words, according to Mr. Norquist's interpretation of the Americans for Tax Reform pledge, lawmakers have the technical leeway to bring in as much as $4 trillion in new tax revenue — the cost of extending President George W. Bush's tax cuts for another decade — without being accused of breaking their promise. "Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase," Mr. Norquist told us. So it doesn't violate the pledge? "We wouldn't hold it that way," he said.
Of course, letting the tax cuts expire is decidedly not Mr. Norquist's preference. Indeed, as a matter of policy, he is passionately opposed to a single dime in new tax revenue. But the fact that Mr. Norquist interprets his own pledge to permit such conduct suggests that Republican lawmakers who have been browbeaten into abjuring any tax increase, at any time, for any reason, may not be as boxed in as they believe. The official Republican line has been that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire, even for those earning more than $250,000, would be a job-killing tax increase. The fact that the godfather of the pledge does not interpret the lapse as an increase is significant.
Mr. Norquist's comments come at a moment of remarkable and welcome fluidity in what had seemed to be a solid wall of Republican opposition to raising any tax revenue at any time for any reason. The surprising reemergence and expansion of the Senate Gang of Six this week was accompanied by a flurry of statements from Republican senators endorsing a proposal that included $1 trillion in new tax revenue. "This is a serious, bipartisan proposal that will help stop Washington from spending money that we don't have, and I support it," said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), the GOP conference chair. "A fair compromise," said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.). There may not be time to translate the gang plan into law as the debt ceiling looms, but these reactions suggest that future negotiations could be conducted from a base line of reality.
Too often in recent years, the tax debate has resembled a one-way ratchet: Taxes can go down but never back up, except if a booming economy produces additional revenue. It is important to remember that the Bush tax cuts were passed at a moment when, hard as it may be to believe, enormous surpluses were in sight and a big worry among economic poobahs was whether the debt was being paid off too quickly. There is no policy basis for insisting that these tax rates are graven in stone and immune to change given the changed circumstances. And the Norquist pledge, it turns out, is not a suicide pact preventing such a sober reassessment.
Wanted to make sure you all saw this article in the New York Times outlining the damage to our fragile economy that default would do. So far, House Republicans have refused to heed the warnings and have refused to work with Democrats on a big, grand bargain approach to deficit reduction that includes revenues.
Maybe these warnings from the Times will wake them up:
"Volatility in stocks has soared, and some investors say stock prices are falling because a United States default could severely raise companies' costs of doing business.
"In the Treasury market, investors are starting to sell, fearing that the government will not make good on some interest payments that will be due next month. And complex financial instruments that will pay out if the United States defaults have become twice as expensive to buy as they were at the start of the year.
"…The metaphor is a pile of sand," said Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody's Analytics. "You keep putting one piece of sand on the pile, nothing happens, and then, all of the sudden it just caves."
"…Deterioration of investor confidence in the United States could also hurt the value of the dollar, according to William H. Gross, co-chief investment officer of Pimco, a bond fund based in California. Mr. Gross said he believed that the dollar would become weaker because of the country's inability to deal with its rising deficit.
"…One of the worst possibilities that people in the financial industry, like Mr. Lengsfield, have been discussing is that scores of insurance companies, pension funds and mutual funds might be forced to dump their Treasury holdings. Some investors have rules that they cannot hold assets that are rated below AAA. It was this sort of rule that drove the forced selling of mortgage bonds during the financial crisis."
As the article clearly states, the longer we wait, the more damage is done. Out-of-touch Republicans need to realize we are out of time. It is time to come together around a balanced approach.
Republicans may be in denial about the catastrophic consequences of failing to ensure we pay America's bills, but it's clear that states will pay the price if Congress doesn't come together on a balanced agreement to ensure we pay our bills. In case Republicans need a visual to understand the impact, CAP has put together an interactive map showing how states would be affected, with each losing hundreds of millions of dollars if we fail to ensure we pay our nation's bills.
From the Center for American Progress:
Interactive Map: No Debt Limit Increase Means Big Cuts to State Services
By Michael Linden, Jordan Eizenga
Each year state governments rely on the federal government for between 25 percent and 50 percent of their revenue. The federal government funds hundreds of billions of dollars in state services, including employment and training programs, emergency fire services for rural communities, hazardous waste removal, wildlife conservation, health care services, and even programs to provide bulletproof vests to local law enforcement.
These services will find themselves on the chopping block if the debt ceiling is not raised.
This interactive map shows that no state would be spared by these cuts. Each stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding if the debt limit isn't increased regardless of how Treasury decides to prioritize payments.
It's time for Republicans to work with Democrats on a big, balanced agreement to pay America's bills, reduce the deficit, and avoid drastic cuts to critical programs that Americans rely on.
From the Democratic Whip Press Shop:
We know that Republican debt limit antics have reached the point of absurdity when The Onion hits the nail on the head describing the Republicans' position that's putting our economy at risk. Republicans may be pushing our country toward default, but at least they're pushing the bounds of satire at the same time:
Congress Continues Debate Over Whether Or Not Nation Should Be Economically Ruined
WASHINGTON—Members of the U.S. Congress reported Wednesday they were continuing to carefully debate the issue of whether or not they should allow the country to descend into a roiling economic meltdown of historically dire proportions. "It is a question that, I think, is worthy of serious consideration: Should we take steps to avoid a crippling, decades-long depression that would lead to disastrous consequences on a worldwide scale? Or should we not do that?" asked House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), adding that arguments could be made for both sides, and that the debate over ensuring America's financial solvency versus allowing the nation to default on its debt—which would torpedo stock markets, cause mortgage and interests rates to skyrocket, and decimate the value of the U.S. dollar—is "certainly a conversation worth having." "Obviously, we don't want to rush to consensus on whether it is or isn't a good idea to save the American economy and all our respective livelihoods from certain peril until we've examined this thorny dilemma from every angle. And if we're still discussing this matter on Aug. 2, well, then, so be it." At press time, President Obama said he personally believed the country should not be economically ruined.
Wanted to make sure you all saw this post in the Washington Post's Plum Line blog about how House Republicans are so dug in on the deficit issue, they are not even willing to listen to Ronald Reagan.
The post contains a letter President Reagan wrote to then-Senate Minority Leader Howard Baker in 1983, imploring him to raise the debt limit. "The full consequences of a default or even the serious prospect of default by the United States are impossible to predict and awesome to contemplate," Reagan wrote. "The Nation can ill afford to allow such a result."
Key Point: I don't imagine that House Dems actually think the words of Reagan will sway some of today's Tea-infused House conservatives. But they are hoping that the specter of Reagan repeatedly urging a debt ceiling hike for the good of America will emphasize to everyone else just how extreme and ideologically rigid the House conservative position has become.
With less than two weeks to go before America defaults on its debts, House Republican Freshman are still trying to score political points and push their extreme agenda, even if it means America not paying its bills for the first time. Or even if it means turning on their own party leaders.
As Politico reports:
"As the bipartisan Gang of Six proposals gained momentum and the president seemed ready to jump on board, some in the vocal class reflected their deep distrust of the institutions warning of an economic Armageddon — not just the White House and Wall Street but their own party in some cases. And while they said they're sticking to their principles, they also may be taking themselves out of the final phase of negotiations.
"There is no reason to call this thing a default, the issue is whether to have an increase in the debt ceiling," said Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks, a freshman who sometimes notes that he studied economics at Duke University. "There will not be a default of our credit unless the president decides on his own to breach our obligation to our creditors — that's an entirely separate issue from raising the debt ceiling, but nevertheless the president has acted like not raising the debt ceiling is equivalent to a default. It is absolutely not equivalent to a default to our creditors."
"If Congress fails to find a deal to raise the debt ceiling before Aug. 2, the freshmen said it won't be their fault — it'll be the president's
Rather than attacking the President, House Republicans should focus on reality. Default could place social security checks at risk, jeopardize the 401k's of American workers, harm interest rates for homeowners, and actually increase the deficit.
And clearly, neither the American public, nor Republican leaders agree with House Republicans. More from Politico:
"Never mind the polls that suggest Republicans are losing the messaging war — one this week showed that 71 percent of Americans disapproved of how congressional Republicans were handling the debt ceiling war and another that 67 percent support raising taxes on corporations."
"…But the freshmen aren't just attacking Obama — they're targeting some in their own party. Freshman Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh circulated a letter he said was signed by roughly 50 members asking the House GOP leadership to 'publicly disavow' the last-ditch debt-limit proposal pitched by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, vowing not to bring it up for a floor vote 'in any form.'"
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Home Opinion SAFETY ON THE SLOPES
- Dick Mason
- The Observer
The death of a skier at Mount Hood Meadows last week is triggering an avalanche of concern in the Northwest skiing and snowboarding world.
Questions are flying like snowflakes in a high mountain storm.
"People are constantly asking me about it,'' says Dick Knowles, director of the Ski Anthony Lakes Nordic Center.
The accident occurred Jan. 5 when a snowboarder collided with skier Geoffry Braden, 45, of Portland, at the top of North Canyon run. Braden died from head trauma. The snowboarder left the scene and has not come forward.
The tragedy is drawing a flurry of attention to the need for constant safety vigilance on the slopes.
Mike Gooderham of La Grande, a member of the Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, is convinced that one can never focus too much on safety.
"Potential collisions are always around whether you are skiing, sledding or snowboarding,'' Gooderham says.
He notes that these potential collisions are not only with people but also trees, rocks and other inanimate objects.
Knowles says that even when cross country skiing the potential exists for a serious mishap.
"There is speed and blind corners (in Nordic skiing),'' Knowles says.
Whether on an alpine slope or a Nordic trail, skier and snowboarder safety can be boiled down to two simple elements.
Gooderham defines ski and snowboarding safety in terms of the seven-point Safety Code endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association. The seven basic rules are posted at many ski areas and are on the back of lift tickets at places like Ski Anthony Lakes.
Gooderham says one of the most common violations of the seven-point safety code involves skiers and snowboarders who obstruct alpine trails. Often he will see people who stop to make an adjustment in the middle of a busy route
"Not a day goes by when I'm patrolling a high traffic area when I or another patroller doesn't have to tell someone to move out of the way,'' Gooderham says.
Ski instructors are among those most at risk on the slopes because they are standing and thus accidental targets for out-of-control skiers.
"(Skiers accidentally colliding with instructors) happens to a lot of professionals,'' Knowles says. "Anyone teaching a class can get tagged.''
He knows of instructors who have sustained broken bones after being hit by skiers.
To protect themselves and their students, instructors need to make sure their classes are taught in safe zones away from exposed areas and ridges where out-of-control skiers or snowboarders can hit, Knowles says.
People taking ski instructor certification classes receive extensive instruction on how to select safe locations for classes, Knowles says.
The mix of skiers and snowboarders found on the slopes of many ski areas today is not increasing the risk of accidents, Gooderham says. He explains that snowboarders are well aware of the ski safety code and do a good job of adhering to it. Years ago when the sport was new, the presence of snowboarders added to the risk on ski slopes because some were not familiar with the safety code, Gooderham says.
Skiers and snowboarders now have a healthy understanding and respect of each other's sport. Gooderham notes that one member of the Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, Butch Sagaser of Mount Vernon, rides a snowboard while checking the slopes.
Jayne Baremore, manager of the Epidemic Board Shop in La Grande, believes that the keys to being safe on the slopes are the same for snowboarders and skiers. One needs to pay attention, remain in control and stay within your ability level, she says.
Gooderham believes that everyone who skies and snowboards could reduce their chances of injury by wearing release bindings. The bindings release your boots when the pressure reaches a predetermined level. This prevents injury when there is a heavy fall since your skis or snowboard do not stay attached to your legs. Fractures and torn ligaments can otherwise result.
"When your boot is moving one way and your body another, something has to give,'' Gooderham says.
All alpine skiers he sees wear release bindings. But the ski patroller observes a small percentage of snowboarders and Nordic skiers who do not. He would like to see all of them switch to release bindings.
Helmets can also reduce one's risk of injury. Gooderham notes, though, that helmets do not protect one from the neck and back injuries people often sustain in collisions.
In his 45th year as a member of the Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, Gooderham believes his sport is very safe. He says a study several years ago indicated that less than 1/2 of 1 percent of skiers who had never received instruction are injured each year. The number is lower for skiers who have received instruction.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tack is a mobile design and development company based in Denver, Colorado. With our broad experience and narrow focus, we design for use and build to last.
We push our clients, and the industries they hope to advance, into uncharted territory. The balance of risk and creativity is where great ideas come to life.
Our satisfaction lies in designing and executing ambitious ideas. We distill the complex and delight users with intuitive solutions.
Control your Philips Hue lighting from your iPhone or iPod touch. You'll see your environment in a whole new light.


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November 28, 2014
State workers have rounded up and moved some young geese away from a Lincoln lake.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission workers removed about 25 goslings at Pine Lake.
The move followed complaints that the Canada geese population had soared at the lake in southeast Lincoln and that the goslings were eating plants and leaving droppings on sidewalks and the swimming beach.
The goslings were taken to a wildlife management area outside Lincoln. No adult geese were moved because they would have led the younger birds back to Pine Lake once they could fly.
The commission took the action at the request of the Pine Lake Association.
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Search pictures and profiles of Senior Singles near you right now. Discover how online dating sites make finding singles in the United States, Canada, and all over the world simple, safe and fun! Once you browse profiles and pictures start flirting, messaging and connecting with other members of the SeniorPeopleMeet.com community. Search today and find other sexy, intelligent singles for casual dating or a serious relationship in your area.Search Single Senior Men | Search Single Senior Women
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I'm honest, caring, loyal, shy at first until I get to know whom I'm with.Work as a golf course superindendent & don't have much time too look aroud, so I though I might give this a try. I'm not into the bar scene.
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Like sports, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing. Basically most outdoor activitys.
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1514 E Morris St
Dalton, GA 30721-3694
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Birchwood Medical PracticeThe Health CentreKings RoadHorleySurrey, RH6 7DGTel: 0844 815 1990
The practice history dates back to the beginning of the 20th century when one of the former senior partners followed a family tradition of doctoring in Horley. As the growth of Horley led to an increased list of patients, so too did the number of doctors.
We transferred into the Kings Road surgery in 1976 and in May 2005, after many years of planning, moved into the current premises known as Birchwood Medical practice.
Since 2009, Dr Elango Vijaykumar is the senior partner of the practice.
Birchwood Medical practice is one of the 18 practices in the East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). http://www.eastsurreyccg.nhs.uk/
Flu vaccination clinics will be held at the Birchwood Medical practice on 4th , 11 th and 25 th of October 2014. About 4900 patients are expected to be vaccinated then as part of the national immunisation programme. Reminder letters are to be sent from September.
Flu is spread from person to person through the droplets produced during coughing or sneezing. The risk of serious illness or death from 'flu is highest amongst children under six months, older people and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases like asthma, and cardiac disease as well as patients with suppressed or compromised immune systems and pregnant women.
In the autumn/winter of 2014/2015 the annual nasal spray flu vaccine will be available for all children aged two, three and four years old as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
Do you qualify for a flu jab?
All patients aged 65 and over
Asthma which requires the use of steroid (brown) inhalers
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; bronchiectasis; cysticfibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
Chronic heart disease
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic liver disease
Chronic neurological disease including stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Diabetes – All type 1 and type 2 patients
Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including chemotherapy and HIV infection.
All pregnant women at any stage of their pregnancy
People in long-stay residential care homes
Registered carers of an elderly or disabled person
If you are in any of these groups and would like to receive the vaccine, do contact the reception Staff on 08448151990 after 11:00am.
To be recognised as a Centre of Excellence that provides the highest quality of NHS care, which is equitable, family orientated and evidence based.
We will consistently strive to provide comprehensive health care that fully reflects and addresses the needs of the community we serve. Key to this will be evidence based patient centred care. Respect and courtesy towards our patients and their carers will be a hallmark of our efforts. We will at all times respond adequately and appropriately to the needs of our patients, within the scope of The NHS. We will continue to provide the highest standards in teaching and training to future generations of health care professionals.
Copyright 2006 - 2014 My Surgery Website | Privacy & Usage | Edit | Staff Home | Site Map | Accessibility


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I just read a Story on Comcast.net my ISP that a West Covina CA woman was shot while on the phone with 911 reporting a break in. I cannot figure how to link the story but the gist of it went "deputies report that while she was reporting a breakin they heard several shots and the line went silent.
Keep this story in mind next time someone tries to tell you that 911 negates the need for a defensive firearm!!!


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Seagrove Beach Condo Rental Photos and Description
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 8 Sleeps
Our top-floor, (Building 6--closest to the beach), corner condominium is the perfect getaway for rest and relaxation in gorgeous Seagrove beach.
Relax on the captain's chairs on the deck and take in the panoramic view or snooze on the comfortable couches with the ocean sounds and breezes in the background.
Steps away on the boardwalk is the award winning Sea grove beach with warm, clear emerald water--perfect for swimming and strolling.
Keep the kids in view from the balcony of the condo while you make lunch or take a sun break.
Our decor is perfect for easy living - Denim and summer white with splashes of tropical color. The bedrooms are comfortable and cozy - the master is equipped with a king size bed, private bath and beach view.
The two additional bedrooms- one with two double beds and the second with a queen, share a centrally located full bathroom. There are 4 TV's in the condo; easy to entertain the kids.
The kitchen is fully equipped and a BBQ grill is ready to fire up. A full size front-load washer and dryer are available for your convenience. Beach side Villas has two heated pools, tennis and shuffleboard courts.
The famous 30A bike path is two blocks from the complex and if you are in the mood to explore, Seaside, Rosemary and Grayton are a bike ride away.
Come and enjoy all 30A has to offer; restaurants, ambiance, and most importantly, an attitude shift. Relaxation and peace of mind guaranteed!
- Suitability:
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets not allowed
- wheelchair inaccessible
Why Mary Beth Zimmerman chose Seagrove Beach
We've been vacationing in the area for years and just had to have our own place - and this one was perfect! The location is so convenient to all the amenities of 30-A.
What makes this condo unique
Our condo has everything you need to have a wonderful, relaxing vacation. Just steps away from the beach, you can enjoy playing and strolling on the beach.


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Optimization is a very common problem in data analytics. Given a set of variables (which one has control), how to pick the right value such that the benefit is maximized. More formally, optimization is about determining a set of variables x1, x2, … that maximize or minimize an objective function f(x1, x2, …).
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Jan 16 2013 / 10:50


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Stowe Townhome Rental Photos and Description
3/4 bedrooms + Sofabed, 4 bathrooms
Casa Riverwalk offers a spacious and well-appointed townhouse with gorgeous views of Mount Mansfield and Luce Hill. The townhouse features a convenient location off of Mountain Road, less than 10 minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe Village and Trapp Family Lodge. The Stowe Rec path and many restaurants are only minutes away. A wonderful space for family and friends to get together for the perfect winter or summer vacation.
The townhouse features a well-equipped kitchen including a gas cook-top/oven, microwave oven, granite counter-tops, and Bosch dishwasher. The dining room table seats 8 and has wonderful views of Luce Hill.
The two master suites include private bathrooms with jetted tubs and gas fireplaces. Additional sleeping space is available in the finished basement which includes a bunk bed, a queen bed, and a full bathroom.
As an option, a third master suite with a view of Mount Mansfield and a fourth full bath can be included in the rental.
Other features include an outside hot tub with a Mount Mansfield view, washer/dryer, high-speed Internet with Wi-Fi access, HDTV with cable and a Blu-ray player, and a gas fireplace in the living room.
- Suitability:
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- limited accessibility
- non smoking only
What makes this townhome unique
This Lindel Cedar house is exceptionally well built, beautiful and comfortable. The views of Mt. Mansfield, the soaring ceilings and the cozy fireplaces made this place irresistable to us. And we hope you'll share our feeling.


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National Oilwell Varco Training Managers earn $51,000 annually, or $25 per hour, which is 16% lower than the national average for all Training Managers at $60,000 annually and 13% lower than the national salary average for all working Americans. The highest paid Training Managers work for Toys R Us at $109,000 annually and the lowest paid Training Managers work for McDonald's at $23,000 annually. Browse National Oilwell Varco Salaries by Job Title →
Update your browser to have a more positive job search experience.Upgrade My Browser


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One Hudson Squares lunchtime go-to, Eet our own Cond Nast cafeteria closed over the New Year and is now a catering facility. Even if the coffee was better than at Inhouse Nosh (the knish canteen in our previous office building), Eets market-menu pretentions and loungy mod dcor (not to mention its ridiculous prices) were nowhere near as endearing. But it sure did a better job with fish than our new takeout spot, the normally reliable Just Delicious Deli check out the three barely opened mussels and the clenched-tight clam that probably added a pricey pound or two to our deli-buffet paella. Plus, we got stuck with an inexplicably detached shell-on shrimp tail Sure, its our fault for going with deli-buffet paella, but come on! We never thought wed almost miss a place that doesnt know how to spell the word eat.
Hudson Square Lunch Spot, Eet, Is Closed Like a Bad ClamBy Daniel Maurer
And: Why deli paella is not a good idea.


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I bought this cover to replace one from Amazon. Compared to the other one, this one is sized correctly, has a beautiful print that stays lined up, there is no bias in the seeming, everything lays flat and it matches my bedroom beautifully! I recommend it.
I was very happy with ordering and receiving the product in a timely fashion. I love the duvet set, it sets off my bed in a colorful way. thank you, Pat
Very happy with quality. Color looks just like picture.
This duvet color is the perfect weight, not too thin but also not too heavy that it adds a lot of extra weight to the comforter. The colors are not overly bright which I found perfect. I would highly recommend this duvet cover....especially for the price.
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
FINAL SALE EXCLUSION: Items marked as FINAL SALE are not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error.
Our standard shipping method is ground shipping. We also offer expedited shipping for most items. Your final shipping cost and estimated delivery timeframe will be available at checkout.
Standard shipping details
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* For your safety, some orders go through our loss prevention department. If we select your order for this process, we will immediately notify you that there may be up to a 3-day delay on your order.
** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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Properties in Hockley, Essex between £190,000 and £200,000
Properties in Hockley, Essex
Gallery view List view Map view 8 properties found
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£194,995 Sold STC 3 Bedrooms Rectory Avenue, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3AW
A three bedroom semi detached house situated in a popular residential location. The property benefits from Upvc double glazed windows, two reception rooms, double glazed conservatory, low maintenance rear garden, fitted kitchen and off road parking.
Horizon Estate Agent Ltd
£195,000 Sold STC 3 Bedrooms Westbury, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1UL
This THREE bedroom property is situated on the popular Holt Farm Estate and has been much improved and MODERNISED by the current owners to a high specification. The property has a good size lounge, a full width MODERN KITCHEN BREAKFAST ROOM with
Horizon Estate Agent Ltd
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Jeff Gilbert
Automotive reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBS Radio News…
I'm now celebrating more than twenty years at WWJ, and have the honor of being the only broadcast reporter in the U.S. assigned to exclusively cover the auto industry.
What more could any reporter ask for here in the "Motor City?" There's been a lot of news to cover in the last few years. But, it's even more exciting now, because I'm covering the re-birth of one of the nation's most important industries.
I get to talk with people who make the industry run, and get to drive some really cool vehicles…including some of those concept cars that you see at the auto show each year. Of course, I'm at the North American International Auto Show every year…but I've also covered shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Frankfurt, Germany. My work is regularly heard on CBS Radio Network.
You can hear my reports on WWJ Newsradio 950 at any time. But, I also host "The Car Chronicles," which runs every afternoon on WWJ. You may also hear my weekly "Car Chronicles" feature on CBS Radio Network affiliates around the country. I also write many of the auto industry related stories you see on this web site. And, I'm even starting to dabble in video.
I've covered a lot of stories in nearly four decades in broadcasting. Among them: The 1981 Reagan Inaguration and 1993 Clinton Inauguration, the 1992 and 2004 GOP Conventions, the first World Trade Center bombing and the 1987 plane crash at Detroit Metro Airport. I've even covered some big sports stories, including Super Bowl XL, and the 2004 Rose Bowl. I got to see history being made when I became–as far as I know– the only reporter to visit all three sites, in the 24 hours after the September 11, 2001 "Attack On America."
I've also received more than my share of broadcasting awards. The number is well over a hundred, including: the National Headliner Award, the Ohio State University Award, The International Automotive Media "Moto" Award, and the Gold and Bronze Medals from the International Radio Festival of New York. I've also been honored sixteen times by the Michigan Associated Press Broadcasters as the top radio reporter in Detroit.
I'm also one of the fifty "jurors" who get to vote on the North Amercian Car and Truck of The Year Awards.
I'm married to Dr. Cheryl Kovalski, who is an Oncologist/Hematologist here in Metro Detroit. We live in Northville with our son Christopher, who was born in 1995.
I invite you to follow me on Twitter @jefferygilbert.
August Car Sales Rate Best Since 2006
Sales up six percent over last August, shattering expectations. Seasonally Adjusted Annual Sales Rate (SAAR) comes in at 17.5 million.
Launching A Legend
Ceremonial first 2015 Mustang rolls off the assembly line at Ford's Flat Rock Plant.
Ford Getting Ready For An Important New Truck [VIDEO]
Ford is using 1100 18-wheelers to move parts for a new body shop into the Dearborn Truck Plant.
GM Brings Bike Sharing To Technical Center
Program expected to give General Motors workers a faster, healthier way to move among the tech center's 61 buildings.
"Mustang Unleashed": Designer T-Shirts For A Classic Sports Car
Car companies look for different ways to market vehicles and reach new audiences.
Get A First Look At GM's Second Generation Chevy Volt
"The Volt did and continues to do great things for the brand," said Chevrolet marketing chief Tim Mahoney.
Governor Snyder Touts Auto Industry Turnaround
Governor defends right-to-work legislation, says priority is to attract new talent to auto industry.
Stable Gas Prices, Younger Buyers, Expected To Push Car Sales Higher
Experts at Traverse City Conference predict continued growth, but raise some concerns about the impact of new trends.
Auto Supplier Makes Big Commitment to Detroit
American Axle will establish Advanced Technical Center in Detroit, create 70-100 jobs.
July Car Sales Soar Back To Pre-Recession Levels
Chrysler sales rise 20 percent. Ford sales up 10 percent. GM sales jump 9 percent.


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It's a particularly good week at Red Rocks, with something like half of our recommended shows taking place at the World's Sexiest Natural Ampitheatre. There is a particularly appealing collection of Colorado talent taking that stage on Thursday, when DeVotchKa joins the symphony orchestra for what i ... More >>
It's a good one, folks: KS 107.5 FM's Summer Jam brings hip-hop royalty to Englewood tonight, and most of the people there will probably be capping off their weekends with The Fray at Red Rocks on Sunday. There's more: Dragondeer, subject of this week's Backbeat feature, will release its long-awai ... More >>
HAVOK @ MARQUIS THEATER | FRI, 6/21/13 Hot on the heels of its European tour with Cephalic Carnage, Suffocation and Fallujah, Havok is preparing for the release its new album, Unnatural Selection, next Tuesday, June 25. The ten-track album, the band's fourth release overall and the followup to 2011' ... More >>
THE HEAD AND THE HEART @ MAGNESS ARENA | SAT, 5/25/13 Formed in Seattle in 2009, this project started out playing open mics and within a year after playing countless shows, the Head and the Heart independently released its debut album. The band, whose self-titled album came out on Sub Pop in 2011, i ... More >>
Neil Halstead was one of the guitarists and singers in pioneering shoegaze and ambient band Slowdive in the late '80s and early '90s. Taking guitar sounds and often blurring the sonic signature with synths through creative use of delay pedals and loops, Slowdive was more of a dream-pop band through ... More >>
Hell yeah! It's finally Friday! Welcome to the weekend! Feel like tossing back a few cold ones and seeing some live music? You've come to the right place. There's an overwhelming number of outstanding shows for you to check out this weekend. We've got all of them listed in our concert calendar if yo ... More >>
Welcome to the weekend! Another diverse lineup of musical goodness awaits you. Tonight at Red Rocks, Ghostland Observatory and MiM0SA kick off two nights of electronic goodness that will culminate with a show featuring STS9 tomorrow night. And there's a full slate of rock on tap as well, including M ... More >>
Welcome to the weekend! Whoo freaking hoo! Another stacked one on tap. Tons of options no matter your flavor. We've got Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga and more at KS 107.5's Summer Jam, Big Head Todd and the Monsters's annual sojourn to Red Rocks, a parade of imports, including Destroyer, Sarah Jaffe, ... More >>
Ah, yes, welcome to the weekend! Been a long week, and now you're about to get to enjoy a long weekend. As always, a plethora of enticing options this weekend and it's another good mix: Tonight, a trio of local release parties featuring Signal Path, Mancub and Rockie kick things into gear, along wit ... More >>
LUCINDA WILLIAMS at PARAMOUNT | 11/12/11About a halfway through Lucinda Williams' two-hour set on Saturday night, it felt somebody hit a switch at the Paramount Theatre and all the sudden the place was electrified. For the first hour, the crowd of mostly middle-aged folks sat fairly complacen ... More >>
Eliza SohnEmil Amos of Holy Sons Emil Amos is part experimental rock musician and part philosopher poet. Amos is a champion of stripping away the layers of conditioning we accept as payment for being part of a mainstream society that demands obedience to arbitrary rules of identity and what ... More >>
Bruce SpringsteenWorking on a DreamColumbiaReviews for Springsteen's latest tend toward extremes, with most critics declaring it to be either a work of absolute genius or an exercise in vapidity whose lyrics could use a major infusion of seriositude. The confusion is understandable. After all, Worki ... More >>
Please don't let this man near an Obama rally. It finally happened: After two years of waiting for him to slip up, to make some grave error that will end his bid to be the first guy named Barry to become president, Barack Obama on Thursday made the decision that will cost him his chance at history ... More >>
Good Housekeeping was a little stiff. (photos by Tom Murphy). Good Housekeeping, Hawks of Paradise, Joshua Novak and Monofog Thursday, July 3, 2008 Larimer Lounge Better Than: A line-up where all the bands are pretty much the same. Good Housekeeping opened the proceedings with a cover of "Pink R ... More >>
Our top DVD picks scheduled for release this week.
Pandora.com offers a whole new approach to discovering music.
Be there or be square!
Marianne Dissard and Na�m Amor speak the international language.
The rest of the planet generated some good CDs this year, too.
Bright Channel's astral exploration finally takes off.
Two great mix tapes to get you rollin' and rockin'.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists find that just a spoonful of anger helps the medicine go down.
Spoon and Rafter(4AD)
Paul Weller, the mod heavyweight champion of the world, weighs in with Illumination.
From punk to folk, poetry to prose, Patrick Porter is a voice of unease.
Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval warms up to a new project.
It's Hard to Find a Friend (Jade Tree)
The sultry Brit-poppers of Cousteau go deep.
As Badly Drawn Boy, Damon Gough colors outside the lines.
Conor Oberst sees the world through Bright Eyes.
Former Archers of Loaf frontman Eric Bachmann exchanges indie cred for songcraft.
(V2 Music, Ltd.)
Brilliant Concert Numbers
(Old Gold Records)
Backwash gets caught up in merger mania!
Edith Frost creates music that fits the season perfectly.
Do the members of Morcheeba make trip-hop? No--they make music.
Red House Painter Mark Kozelek wants you to know that he isn't suicidal.
On his own, Mike Johnson sounds nothing like his main band, Dinosaur Jr.
Neil Halstead on the moody, desolate sound of Mojave 3.


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Returns from deployment
Navy Seaman Quartermaster Striker (QMSN) Nathaniel Allison, who is assigned to USS Enterprise (CVN-65) aircraft carrier, returned July 15 from his Middle East deployment to his stateside assignment in Virginia.
He was chosen Jan. 23 as Sailor of the Day.
He is married to Marlonda Allison, who also serves in the Navy. She is completing her second enlistment and is stationed in Virginia.
A 2005 graduate of Monroe High School, he is the son of Rich and Jan Allison of Monroe.
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Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch
- Click to Talk
View property, WalkScore, and Driving Directions
Fax: (941) 907-0077
At Colonial Grand at Lakewood Ranch luxury apartments you'll enjoy the best life has to offer. Prestigiously located, its 1, 2 and 3 bedroom stylish homes are walking distance to fine shopping and restaurants.
Floorplans and Pricing
1 Bedroom
|1 Bedroom 1 Bath
|1 Bathroom
|$1305 - $1580
|Room Planner
|Check Availability
2 Bedrooms
|2 Bedroom 2 Bath
|2 Bathrooms
|$1345 - $1665
|Room Planner
|Check Availability
3 Bedrooms
|3 Bedroom 2 Bath
|2 Bathrooms
|$1580 - $1935
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Features and AmenitiesBack to Top
Special Features
- Boat Parking Available
- Intrusion Alarms
- Pet Friendly
- Walk to shops, restaurants, and entertainment!
Community Features
- Business Center Onsite
- Fitness Center
- Garages
- Playground
- Pool
Apartment Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm System
- Broadband Internet Access
- Carpet
- Ceiling Fan
- Dishwasher
- Extra Storage
- Garbage Disposal
- Microwave
- Patio or Balcony
- Tile Floors
- Vaulted Ceiling
- Walk In Closets
- Washer Dryer In Unit
Additional Information
Apartments in Community: 288
Pet Policy
Maximum of 2 pets per home.
- Cats Allowed
- Large Dogs
- Pets Allowed
- Small Dogs Allowed
Local Schools
- Braden River Middle School
- Lakewood Ranch High School
- Willis Elementary School
We believe school data to be accurate, but do not guarantee that. Please be sure to verify where your children will attend school before making your housing decision.
As you search for your perfect apartment, please keep in mind that rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability are very fluid in the apartment industry. Based on many factors, the rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability can actually change not just daily, but hourly, if not even more quickly. While our advertisers do take steps to keep their information current, the rental rates or availability you may find here now at ForRent.com may not be the same as when you contact the communities.


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Yup, still alive. Got things in the plans for a run at a little bit of fat loss starting next week. Will be switching stuff up and am unsure if I'll be logging online in dual journals or not. May...
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The Clines
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View property, WalkScore, and Driving Directions
Home sized rental apartments with carports. One bedroom apartments two bedroom apartments three bedroom apartments in Johnson County, KS. Overland Park. Shawnee Mission Schools.
Immediate Application Approval!
Floorplans and Pricing
1 Bedroom
|1 Bedroom 1 Bath
|1 Bathroom
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2 Bedrooms
|2 Bedroom 2 Bath
|2 Bathrooms
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3 Bedrooms
|3 Bedroom 2 Bath
|2 Bathrooms
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Features and AmenitiesBack to Top
Special Features
- Easy highway access to I-35, 69
- Immediate Application Approval
- Patios and Balconies
- Minutes from shopping and dining
- Close to Dowtown Overland Park
- Close to Sprint Campus
- Spacious floor plans to choose from
- 1, 2 and 3 bedroom floor plans
- Sized like homes with up to 1546 sq ft
- Carports Available
- Minutes to KC Downtown
- Swimming Pool & Clubhouse with pool table
Community Features
- Apartment
- Club House
- Courtyard
- Freeway Access
- Garden Style
- Garden Style
- Public Transportation
- Surface Lot
- View
Apartment Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Cable or Satellite
- Carpet
- Garbage Disposal
- Internet Access
Pet Policy
Pet Deposit $200 - Pet Rent $15 Breed Restrictions 65 pounds or less
- Pets Allowed
Local Schools
- Apache Elementary School
- Shawnee Mission West High School
- Westridge Middle School
We believe school data to be accurate, but do not guarantee that. Please be sure to verify where your children will attend school before making your housing decision.
As you search for your perfect apartment, please keep in mind that rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability are very fluid in the apartment industry. Based on many factors, the rental rates (including specials and discounts) and availability can actually change not just daily, but hourly, if not even more quickly. While our advertisers do take steps to keep their information current, the rental rates or availability you may find here now at ForRent.com may not be the same as when you contact the communities.


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NZXT wants to make your case pretty now, with the Hue. The Hue can add any color to your computer, with many special effects. So let's have a look at this accessory.
The Hue is comprised of three pieces: a 5.25-inch control unit with attached wires, a two meter flexible strip lined with LED's, and a little bag of M3 screws to fasten the control unit. The strip is backed with 3M 200MP double-sided sticky tape so you can lay it along the floor, up the wall and along the ceiling of your computer case and still have some left over to make a horseshoe in the top of your case. The control unit lets you change the colors in an "infinite" variation, with the knobs doing double duty to give you an array of special effects.
(Courtesy NZXT)
NZXT has expanded their bay devices with HUE; an LED configuration that is customizable to your liking. HUE grants you the power to select how you want to illuminate your chassis with infinite possibilities. Take charge of the RGB controls to adjust the color fade, pulsating light effects, and brightness levels of your internal LED sleeve. HUE is equipped with an on/off mode for times you may need to go stealth and possesses a unique semi-mesh design, blending flawlessly into any chassis with a mesh front panel.
- Infinite color options that you can customize to your heart's content
- Three RGB controls to adjust the color settings, brightness level, and pulse speed of the internal LED sleeve
- On/off mode to completely disable the LEDs
- Effect modes: normal, fading, flashing, and pulsating of colors
- Internal LED sleeves that vibrantly illuminates and accents your chassis based on your liking
- Unique mesh design that blends flawlessly into any chassis with a mesh front panel
Exploring the Hue
Open the box, you will find the 2-meter LED strip coiled on a clear plastic tray. The strip in the picture has already had its turn on the case, so the paper lining doesn't look quite new.
Handsome little devil, isn't it? Neat and trim.
The wire to the strip is 50cm long (19.5 inches). That was long enough to reach across the case so the light strip could start in the bottom back corner. The SATA power wire is 60cm long. That's 34 inches. SATA? That's right. The Hue is a SATA device. You might possibly build a rig with no Molex plugs.
The control panel continues to look neat and trim when mounted in a case – the NZXT Phantom 410, er, in this case (sorry; the pun is almost unavoidable). And then we had some LED strip left over, so it goes into the top space of the case.
If you're willing to set up the lighting and not make any changes, you don't even need an open 5.25-inch slot. You can simply find a place to stash the control unit in your case. In fact, you could probably dismount the PCB from its 5.25-inch case so it would take up less room.
Using the Hue
So how do we use this device?
Trying to download the Hue manual from NZXT's website gets you a 404 error, so I'll try to wing it for you. The manual is a double-sided 20.5 by 14-inch piece of paper, with large line drawings showing you how to install your Hue on the back side, and line drawings showing you the various parts of the device on the front. Also on the front side is an explanation of the various modes, in eight languages. I'll stick with English; my German is rusty.
The three control knobs continuously vary the Red, Green and Blue LED's. Pressing on the Red knob will give you five levels of brightness. The light levels in the pictures below were on the lowest level. The brightest level is bright indeed. Pressing and holding the Green, or middle button, will power the unit on or off.
The Blue button has the most complex functions. Press it and you will cycle between the various color modes: Custom Color Display (adjusting the relative colors by turning the three knobs), Custom Color Flashing, Custom Color Fading, Flashing Color Changing, and Fading Color Changing. During the various modes, turning the Blue knob changes with each mode. It's dizzying, but it all works. Lots of fun effects.
Below is a selection of colors: blue, red, red and blue (gets you purple) and green.
In order to let you know what colors you have chosen, the control unit's faceplate glows with those same colors:
They're like eyes glowing in the dark. We're watching you!
NZXT provides us with a convenient way to produce and manage colors on our rigs. No matter what your color preference, you can have it. You get it all in one system, and don't have to assemble the color capacity from disparate devices. It's cool.
- It works as advertised: infinite colors, lots of special effects.
- Lights up your system.
- Generous length of wires.
- Powered by SATA.
- None
I spent a fair amount of money on CCFL's and LED clusters to light up my rig. This would have made the job much easier.
Verdict: thumbs up.
Click the stamp for an explanation of what it means
- Ed Hume (ehume)
Tags: Hue Review, NZXT, NZXT Hue, NZXT Hue Review
Leave a Reply
- got mine and almost half the strip doesn't light up blue, deal breaker considering I have a blue theme and only bought it for the blue, and different modes. seems a lot of people have this problem.givmedewWhy is everyone fighting for one of my 5 1/4 bays. I wish they offered this with a controller that was all shoved into a tiny box that was like 1"H x 2"W by whatever deep.
It is def cool looking but I my 5 1/4 bays are taken up by resevoirs!
There is a similar product available at IKEA (called DIODER) that is veeeery small, but without the fancy fading and such. It works just as good.
givmedewCan you control those strips with a T-Balancer BigNG?
I have one just laying around since I got a Sabertooth 990FX I just don't have a use for it anymore.
You could make something with three voltage-regulated fan outputs.txus.palaciosLooks cool, but it ain't for me... Not that I won't like to have different colours and that in my case, just that I could do something with RGB LED stripes and an Arduino. It would be cheaper (you can find a meter of RGB LED stripe for barely 5 USD), open source (want to control depending on your CPU temperature? You could hack something with a LM35!)
Can you control those strips with a T-Balancer BigNG?
I have one just laying around since I got a Sabertooth 990FX I just don't have a use for it anymore.Why is everyone fighting for one of my 5 1/4 bays. I wish they offered this with a controller that was all shoved into a tiny box that was like 1"H x 2"W by whatever deep.
It is def cool looking but I my 5 1/4 bays are taken up by resevoirs!Steven90Wonder is it can do white light?
It can do white. It's controlled via RGB, so depending on the amount you adjust each hue (get it?) depends on the color.
For the price, there's nothing else out there that can compete with it from a manufactured level. Of course, DIY'ers and modders could probably put something together similar, though, that might take a bit of ingenuity and a knowledge of circuitry to do so.
The nice thing is that this uses Superflux LEDs, not your standard 3-5mm LEDs. The color and light is richer and more balanced throughout than typical LEDs can offer.@Steven90, for light, red + blue + green = white.Wonder is it can do white light?I was planning on doing something like this with an addressable LED strip in my case already. Like others have said, this seems to be aimed at those who want a "pre-built" package for case lighting.
And awesome idea txus.palacios. Totally forgot about reacting to the temperature of various components (or possibly the water temp in a liquid cooling setup). I will have to add this to my list of ideas. Now I just have to find the time to make it clean and hidden...Not a bad price, and takes care of all the DIY. But, like txus.palacios said, you could homebrew this yourself.Ooh...very cool.
I don't have any lights in my case yet (Still a WIP with mods and water cooling)
I might pick this up.
Thanks for the reviewLooks cool, but it ain't for me... Not that I won't like to have different colours and that in my case, just that I could do something with RGB LED stripes and an Arduino. It would be cheaper (you can find a meter of RGB LED stripe for barely 5 USD), open source (want to control depending on your CPU temperature? You could hack something with a LM35!)
Nevertheless, it's a nice project that will find a home for those that don't want or don't have the time to mess with DIY electronics.
@TJ, I hardly think RGB stripes can give UV light, because they are merely three LEDs (R,G,B) stuffed in the same SMD package)
@Ehume, nice review. I just find a little think you could improve. Could you upload a video showing the different effects? And what the blue knob does while it's fading? That would make the review perfect :thup:!looks like a pre-order is up for $32.99 at NZXT armory store
http://store.nzxt.com/product_p/ac-hue.htmHow much? It's a cute idea, but not worth much money or installation effort.i don't think it does UV, but if you found someone manufacturing UV strip leads i am sure could throw it into the mix.
Maybe we can suggest this to them for the next revision. As I do love UV reactive case modifications.Does this support UV?
I know it does Violet, But Unsure if It can hit the UV spectrumThat is pretty cool. If I still used a case (and used lighting for that matter) I would pick one of these up.ohhhh this is what was in everones white box :rofl:


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Ryan Reynolds
While many couples have been hosting parties to announce the sex of their baby-to-be,
Things are going quite well for Blake Lively and her first pregnancy, and it turns out she and husband Ryan Reynolds are already talking about a second baby.
An insider told E! News that the "Gossip Girl" hottie and her hunky "Van Wilder" hubby want their kids to be close in age.
They're both gearing up to give birth in the months to come, and last night (October 20) Blake Lively and Alicia Keys garnered plenty of attention at the 2014 Angel Ball in New York City.
Joined by her handsome husband Swizz Beatz, the "Fallin" singer strolled up to Cipriani Wall Street wearing a lovely loose-fitting black gown as she prepared to perform for the packed crowd.
He's always had a quick wit and a mastery of sarcasm so it's no wonder Ryan Reynolds was ready with some seriously horrible baby names during a weekend interview.
While chatting with Canadian television program eTalk, the "Van Wilder" hunk was asked about possible monikers for his soon-to-be-born offspring with Blake Lively.
They're two of the hottest Canadian exports in recent memory, and on Saturday (October 18) Rachel McAdams and Ryan Reynolds were inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame.
The "Mean Girls" starlet was joined by members of her family as well as CWOF Chair Dan McGrath as she received her award at the Sony Centre in Toronto.
They're one of Hollywood's most adorable married couples and now Blake Lively and Ryan Reynoldss are on the road to parenthood.
According to Lively's website Preserve, she's pregnant with her first child as she shared a photo of her own baby bump taken by her brother Eric Lively.
Continuing work on their forthcoming flick, Katie Holmes and Ryan Reynolds converged on the set of "Woman in Gold" in Los Angeles yesterday (July 16).
The "Van Wilder" hunk looked handsome as he meandered around a lake with his "Dawson's Creek" darling costar, who was pushing a stroller.
Every parents' worst nightmare is having their child kidnapped, and the new teaser trailer for "The Captive" is filled with suspense and drama.
Written and directed by Atom Egoyan, the forthcoming thriller stars Ryan Reynolds, Scott Speedman, Rosario Dawson and Mireille Enos.
With the comfort from his wife Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds skipped the after party for the premiere of his movie "The Captive."
Variety reviewed the film calling it, "a ludicrous abduction thriller that finds a once-great filmmaker slipping into previously unentered realms of self-parody. Was greeted with a smattering of boos," during the 2014 Cannes Film Festival screening over the weekend.
His wife Blake Lively has already started making the rounds on the red carpet, but now it's Ryan Reynolds' time to shine at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival .
On Friday (May 16), the "Green Lantern" hunk teamed up with Rosario Dawson for "The Captive" press duties in Nice, France.
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