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March 01, 2015
February 28, 2015
February 27, 2015
Key Takeaways from the Federal Government's Newly Issued Guide to the FCPA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have jointly released long-anticipated guidance on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). In announcing the release of this 120 page publication, aptly entitled, A Resource Guide to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (Guide), these two federal agencies responsible for enforcement of the 1977 statute proclaimed that not only does the Guide set forth a detailed analysis of key provisions of the FCPA, but the document is also "an unprecedented undertaking by DOJ and SEC to provide the public with detailed information about our enforcement approach and priorities."
The FCPA broadly prohibits paying or providing things of value to foreign officials with the intent to influence the official in his or her official capacity or to secure any other improper advantage. The Guide comes in the wake of wide-spread criticism of the government's aggressive enforcement campaign which has prompted highly publicized settlements totaling billions of dollars in corporate fines and an upswing in criminal cases against corporate executives and other individuals. Pressure for more detailed guidance has been voiced by the business community, defense bar, and academia alike, over what is perceived to be lack of clarity in key provisions of the FCPA along with the government's broad interpretation of these provisions. Even the judiciary has weighed in through critical court opinions and dismissal of recent government cases.
While the Guide addresses a variety of topics in some detail, the publication primarily recites legal opinions advocated by the government in its enforcement cases. In other words, the Guide does not contain any new substantive positions or interpretations and therefore provides few revelations for seasoned FCPA practitioners. For example, the publication does not give bright line tests or definitive answers to many of the most important questions in play, nor does it prescribe a safe harbor or affirmative defense for an adequate compliance program, as lobbied for by the business community and which is included in the recently enacted UK bribery law.
Even with these omissions, however, the Guide should be viewed as a useful compilation of pre-existing enforcement pronouncements and opinion procedure releases. Perhaps most noteworthy is the Guide's insight into DOJ and SEC enforcement practices by the use of hypotheticals and case studies explaining the government's rationale for pursuing or not pursuing enforcement actions. Topics highlighted include the definition of a foreign official; jurisdictional issues, such as who is and is not covered by the statute; what constitutes proper and improper gifts, travel and entertainment expenses; the nature of facilitating payments; the use of third parties; how successor liability applies in the mergers and acquisitions context; the hallmarks of an effective corporate compliance program; and guiding principles of enforcement.
Some of the key takeaways from the Guide follow.
Foreign Official Defined
The FCPA applies broadly to payments to any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any foreign government, department, agency, or instrumentality. While government ministers, agency employees, and elected members of government are clearly foreign officials, as the Guide notes, most difficulties in interpreting whether an individual falls within the scope of the FCPA have come from state-owned or controlled companies. The Guide, therefore, provides a non-exclusive list of factors that may be used to determine if an entity is an instrumentality of a foreign government:
- the foreign state's extent of ownership of the entity;
- the foreign state's degree of control over the entity (including whether key officers and directors of the entity are, or are appointed by, government officials);
- the foreign state's characterization of the entity and its employees;
- the circumstances surrounding the entity's creation;
- the purpose of the entity's activities;
- the entity's obligations and privileges under the foreign state's law;
- the exclusive or controlling power vested in the entity to administer its designated functions;
- the level of financial support by the foreign state (including subsidies, special tax treatment, government-mandated fees, and loans);
- the entity's provision of services to the jurisdiction's residents;
- whether the governmental end or purpose sought to be achieved is expressed in the policies of the foreign government; and
- the general perception that the entity is performing official or governmental functions.
No single factor is dispositive, and companies should be aware that the degree of ownership by the foreign government may be less important than the degree of governmental control. Companies should also remember that even if an entity is not an instrumentality of a foreign government, corrupt payments may still violate the Travel Act, anti-money laundering laws, or local laws.
Gifts, Travel and Entertainment Expenses
Contrary to the hopes of many in the legal and business community, the Guide does not provide any specific guidelines as to what gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses violate the FCPA when provided to government officials. Instead, the Guide simply reiterates the basic principles that the DOJ and SEC have emphasized in previous releases and opinions: small gifts or modest entertainment are permissible, but lavish hospitality and extravagant gifts are more likely to be considered to have corrupt intent. According to the Guide, a gift is more likely to be considered appropriate if it is:
- given openly and transparently;
- properly recorded in the giver's books and records;
- provided only to reflect esteem or gratitude; and
- permitted under local law.
Entertainment and travel should be modest and emphasize training or company inspections, rather than sightseeing. Consistent with prior pronouncements and practice, the Guide confirms that "reasonable meals and entertainment expenses, or company promotional items, are unlikely to improperly influence an official and, as a result, are not, without more, items that have resulted in enforcement action by DOJ or SEC."
The Guide emphasizes that companies should have clear and transparent policies and reporting guidelines for gifts to and entertainment of government officials which should include procedures for approval and clear monetary thresholds.
Facilitating Payments
The Guide emphasizes that the FCPA's exception for "facilitating or expediting payments" made in furtherance of routine governmental action is a narrow exception. Routine government action must be non-discretionary, and may include processing visas, providing police protection or mail service or supplying utilities. Facilitation payments do not include payments intended to obtain some benefit that the payer is not entitled to receive, nor do they include payments intended to influence a decision to award new business.
The Guide does not provide any bright-line rules for determining if a payment falls within the exception, though it does state that a large payment is more "suggestive of corrupt intent to influence a non-routine governmental action." The Guide reminds companies that facilitation payments must be properly reported and points out that even if a payment is a proper facilitation payment under the FCPA, it may be a violation of local law or other countries' foreign bribery law (such as the UK Bribery Act, which does not contain a facilitation payment exception).
Use of Third-Party Agents
Given the number of FCPA cases in recent years involving agents or other third parties, it is not surprising that the Guide discusses the FCPA's prohibition on corrupt payments made through intermediaries. The Guide emphasizes that the FCPA imposes liability not only on those with actual knowledge of bribes, but those who are willfully blind to the likelihood that an agent retained on their behalf is engaging in corrupt practices. While the Guide does not provide any new insight on the use of third-party agents, it does include a list of common red flags associated with third parties:
- excessive commissions to third-party agents or consultants;
- unreasonably large discounts to third-party distributors;
- third-party "consulting agreements" that include only vaguely described services;
- the third-party consultant is in a different line of business than that for which it has been engaged;
- the third party is related to or closely associated with the foreign official;
- the third party became part of the transaction at the express request or insistence of a foreign official;
- the third party is merely a shell company incorporated in an offshore jurisdiction; and
- the third party requests payment to offshore bank accounts.
The Guide emphasizes the need for due diligence to reduce the risks associated with using third-party agents.
Successor Liability in the M&A Context
The Guide emphasizes the role of thorough due diligence in mitigating the risk of successor liability for pre-merger FCPA violations. According to the Guide, the DOJ and SEC expect companies considering mergers or acquisitions to:
- conduct thorough risk-based FCPA and anti-corruption due diligence on potential new business acquisitions;
- ensure that the acquiring company's code of conduct and compliance policies and procedures regarding the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws apply as quickly as is practicable to newly acquired business or merged entities;
- train the directors, officers, and employees of the newly acquired business or merged entities, and when appropriate, train agents and business partners, on the FCPA and other relevant anti-corruption laws and the company's code of conduct and compliance policies and procedures;
- conduct an FCPA-specific audit of all newly acquired or merged businesses as quickly as practicable; and
- disclose any corrupt payments discovered as part of its due diligence of newly acquired entities or merged entities.
According to the Guide, if an acquiring company promptly remedies and reports violations uncovered in due diligence, the DOJ and SEC are much less likely to pursue enforcement actions against the acquiring company, although they may still prosecute the predecessor company. An acquirer's failure to stop misconduct from continuing after an acquisition, however, can be grounds for successor liability under the FCPA.
Hallmarks of an Effective Corporate Compliance Program
The Guide emphasizes the importance the SEC and DOJ places on a strong compliance program noting that "an effective compliance program is a critical component of a company's internal controls." According to the Guide, the government will often consider the adequacy of the program in determining whether to bring an enforcement action and/or mitigate sanctions in an FCPA case. Acknowledging that "there is no one size fits all" compliance program, and that each program "should be tailored to an organization's specific needs, risks, and challenges," the Guide sets forth the hallmarks of an effective program:
- a commitment from senior management and a clearly articulated policy against corruption;
- a code of conduct and compliance policies and procedures that are clear, concise and accessible to all employees;
- oversight of the compliance program by one or more specific senior executives who have appropriate authority within the organization, adequate resources to ensure implementation and direct access to the organization's governing authority, such as the board of directors;
- tailoring of the compliance program to the risks that the company faces;
- means to communicate the relevant anti-corruption policies and procedures throughout the organization, including through periodic training and certification for all directors, officers, relevant employees, agents and business partners;
- appropriate disciplinary procedures and incentives;
- appropriate, risk-based due diligence for third parties;
- a mechanism for employees to report confidentially any suspected or actual misconduct and a process for investigating and documenting the company's response;
- continuous auditing, review and updating of the compliance policies to address new risks; and
- pre-acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration for mergers and acquisitions.
While having a well-constructed and consistently enforced compliance program is not a total defense against prosecution, the DOJ and SEC will consider the adequacy of the program in determining what action to take in the event a violation is discovered. In particular, according to the Guide, the adequacy of the compliance program will help determine whether the matter can be resolved through a deferred or non-prosecution agreement, the length of a deferred prosecution agreement, the need for a monitor, and the need for or term of probation.
Guiding Principles of Enforcement
The Guide reiterates prior guidance contained in SEC and DOJ releases detailing the factors the two governmental bodies consider in determining whether to bring an enforcement action and/or mitigate sanctions in connection with an FCPA investigation. In addition to a robust compliance program, these factors emphasize the nature of the alleged wrongdoers response to the discovery of a potential problem, including a thorough internal investigation and, where appropriate, self-reporting, and cooperation with any ensuing government inquiry and remediation.
Generally, neither the SEC nor the DOJ publicizes a decision not to prosecute a company that it has been investigating. But, in one of the most interesting sections of the Guide, the DOJ and SEC provide six anonymous examples of instances where the agencies declined to pursue cases and list the factors that influenced their decision. Every one of the six examples included some version of the following factors:
- the company discovered the violation or potential violation on its own and promptly self-reported to the SEC and DOJ;
- the company conducted a robust internal investigation;
- the company disclosed all other red flags discovered during the internal investigation to the SEC and DOJ;
- all employees involved in the misconduct were terminated or disciplined;
- the company immediately severed ties with any third-party agent, construction firm, or local law firms involved; and
the company immediately took substantial steps to improve its compliance. Examples of the type of improvements that were considered substantial include:
- reorganizing the compliance department;
- appointing new compliance officer dedicated to anti-corruption;
- reviewing or auditing all international third-party relationships;
- providing comprehensive FCPA training to all employees;
- instituting internal audits of customs payments; and
- enhancing internal controls and record-keeping policies.
Additionally, in certain instances, the following factors were a consideration in the DOJ or SEC's decision not to pursue a case against a company:
- payments were uncovered by the company's internal controls before payment was actually made and management blocked the payment and immediately reported the issue to the General Counsel and Audit Committee;
- the total amount of improper payments was small, as was the potential profit;
- the potential bribe was an isolated incident involving a single employee;
- small bribes were wrongly approved by the company's local law firm;
- the company began using a more lengthy and costly permit process, using lawyers rather than customs agents; and
- in an acquisition, the acquiring company had a robust compliance program and internal controls, identified potential improper payments during pre-acquisition due-diligence, implemented a comprehensive remedial plan, and ensured that the new subsidiary was promptly incorporated into the acquirer's internal controls and compliance environment.
These factors are consistent with the instances where Andrews Kurth has been able to persuade the SEC and DOJ not to bring FCPA cases against our clients. For instance, the SEC and DOJ credited our client's culture of compliance, its compliance policies, programs, and controls, its high level of cooperation in the investigation, and the thoroughness of the internal investigation conducted by Andrews Kurth in determining not to bring an enforcement action relating to our client's use of a freight-forwarding company in West Africa, while other oilfield services and oil and gas companies who used the same freight forwarding company were fined hundreds of millions of dollars in connection with alleged bribes.
More information on this success can be found here.
Given the gravity of the potential consequences of FCPA violations, companies and their management should be particularly mindful of these governmental expectations when confronted with a potential FCPA violation.
Applicability of the Guide
The Guide is not legally binding, nor does it change the law in any way. Despite the hopes of many in the legal and business community, it does not provide a safe harbor for companies with compliance programs meeting certain criteria. The Guide should, instead, be viewed as a helpful resource that gathers into one document guidance that had been scattered through multiple cases, opinions, speeches, fact sheets, and releases. While it does not provide any clear answers, it does provide an overview of the questions that should be asked and the factors that should be considered in designing and implementing an anticorruption program.
Final Considerations
The Guide demonstrates that there are no one-size-fits-all approaches to FCPA compliance. The Guide confirms that the SEC and DOJ expect companies to customize their due diligence and compliance programs to the nature of their business, the type of interactions with government officials, and the countries in which they operate. Companies should continuously monitor the effectiveness of their programs, promptly address any potential problems, and ensure that any changes in business structure or operations are accounted for in compliance policies and procedures.
Click here to view the complete FCPA Resource Guide.


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Income inequality is surging, and there are few countries where it is rising faster than the United States. The distance between rich and poor is greater in America than nearly all other developed countries, making the US a leader in a trend that economists warn has dire consequences. GlobalPost sets out on a reporting journey to get at the 'ground truth' of inequality through the lenses of education, race, immigration, health care, government, labor and natural resources. The hope is to hold a mirror up to the US to see how it compares to countries around the world.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin has one of the most even distributions of income in the US, but the middle class now fights to preserve its prosperity.
Midwestern states were among the earliest and most enthusiastic participants in the second industrial revolution. From Detroit to Milwaukee to Mankato, people built foundries and steel mills and factories. They built the crucial machines of the 20th century – cars, cameras, backhoes, pacemakers, tractors, radios, motorcycles, washing machines and airplanes. The auto industry in Detroit led the way, but its supply chain reached into towns across the region, including Sheboygan. And the Midwest was the nation's breadbasket too. It had the best farmland on the continent and giant food companies like Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill and General Mills.
Workers could expect to graduate from high school, get a job at a factory, raise a family, send their kids to a Big Ten university and retire comfortably. The Midwest was the "place that created the American mass middle class," Lou Glazer, president of the economic and public policy group Michigan Future, wrote. "Largely because of high-paid, unionized factory jobs this was the place where if you worked hard you were most likely to realize the American Dream."
The future of human consumption is anyone's guess, but one thing is certain: $30 per hour on the assembly line will be tough to come by. What workers expected and received in the Midwest after World War II – which Glazer refers to as the "American Dream" – looks now like a highly specific moment in human history, one that doesn't translate to the future.
The Sheboygan River winds its way across the level land to the big lake, and the first residents of the city settled on its banks in the 1830s. The first wave of German immigrants came in the 1840s, bringing with them an enduring reputation for thrift, industry and sausage-making. Sawmills, flour mills and cheese factories sprang up across the region. The city's south pier eventually came to serve as a dock where large lake boats unloaded coal onto smaller boats that could make their way to other towns further inland by navigating the little rivers that empty into the lake. (It is now a resort and hotel.)
The Kohler Company was founded in 1873 by an Austrian immigrant named John Michael Kohler, when he and a partner bought a foundry that made field plows and feed cutters for farmers.
The Kohler Design Center features thousands of kitchen and bath products and has become a tourist destination. |
Kohler introduced enameled steel bathtubs to American consumers in the 1880s. Now the company sells all kinds of bathroom fixtures and motors and owns resorts and golf courses in Wisconsin and Scotland. The firm is one of the largest privately held companies in America and employs about a tenth of metro Sheboygan's workforce.
The front office at Kohler looks like an administrative building at an Ivy League college. There's a clock tower and a green lawn out front. Behind that is a complex of factories and parking lots stretching nearly a mile to the east. Opposite the office, on the other side of the street, stands the American Club, where bellhops in red coats and black bowler hats carry bags for tourists from Chicago. The club was built in 1918 as a dormitory for immigrant workers. Now it is an elaborate resort where people stay when they come to Sheboygan to play golf. A wood fire burned in a waiting room and women at the front desk were handing out champagne on a Saturday in January. The company's tagline is "gracious living."
"I don't work for the money," says Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr., president of the company, in a promotional video at the Kohler Design Center. "I work to advance living environments, if you will, and I get very excited about that, whether it's a golf course, whether it's the interior of a house, whatever."
The Kohlers have built their own little "living environment" around Sheboygan, including the American Club, an art center downtown adjoining the founder's original home, and some famous golf courses. Whistling Straits, a traditional links course among man-made dunes next to the lake north of Sheboygan, has twice hosted the PGA Championship.
A fish fry in the City Club Tavern and Grill in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Friday night is set for fish fries throughout Sheboygan County. A fish fry is a tradition when friends and family meet at the local bar at the end of the work week. |
Over in Plymouth, Mayor Don Pohlman was bragging about his town and one of its companies, Sargento Cheese. It was Friday night at City Club, a bar in the middle of town. Waitresses were serving fried perch and Brandy Old Fashioneds garnished with olives. Pohlman noted his town's work ethic, its high wages and its output of cheese.
Sargento, founded in 1953, cuts and packages cheese. If you live in America and shop for groceries, you've probably seen the name. The business generated a billion dollars in revenue in 2011.
"You don't go there and goof off. You go there and work!" said the mayor. "There are no $20,000-a-year jobs at these cheese factories, they don't exist."
As sure as the sideburns that stretch down below his ears, Pohlman is confident in the family-held businesses that employ most of the citizens of his town. He tells stories about leaders from Sargento and Sartori remembering the birthday of a line employee, or showing up to a worker's funeral. The companies pay well and they're loyal, he said. They might not be if they weren't owned by local families.
"If Sargento was owned by stockholders, the money would be moving out of town," Pohlman said.
And yet money is already moving out of the community, in the sense that Sheboygan County has lost the earning and spending power of thousands of manufacturing jobs over the past dozen years. All the private commerce in the world doesn't exempt the area from the fact that labor is being automated and moving to countries where lower wages are acceptable.
Sheboygan is exactly the type of city that's vulnerable. In 1990, two of every five jobs in the county was in a factory, and those positions paid about $47,000 per year. As recently as January, the Business Journal in Milwaukee reported that 46 percent of Sheboygan's earnings are in manufacturing.
The county lost 8,400 – or 31 percent – of its manufacturing jobs between 2000 and 2011. Thomas Industries and Pentair left town. Auto parts maker J.L. French was bought by an Italian company. Hundreds more jobs were lost at Kohler. The 20th century's golden age of factory jobs has been sliding for decades and the recession crystallized the shift by erasing 2.7 million manufacturing jobs in the United States between 2004 and 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Improvements in information technology and artificial intelligence will almost certainly replace more workers in the future.
"Wages for average workers have basically been stagnant in spite of the fact that we've seen increases in productivity," said Martin Ford, author of Lights in the Tunnel, a book predicting massive US job losses in the face of defter and more capable information technology. "The job market is polarized."
The middle class in America lost both its factory jobs and a third of the value of its homes during the recession. That's changed how the class defines itself, said Ken King, president of the Family Services Association, a credit counseling service.
"The middle class has gotten to the point where you can't define it any more," said King, who lives in a beige-and-brick house on a street that tees into a park in north Sheboygan. "We used to look at middle class as being a standard of living which is I have a house, I have a car and I have some toys."
Alyssa Medina, 24, has a 1-year-old daughter and is homeless in Sheboygan. |
The ranks of the poor in town have grown as the population in the middle is gradually eliminated.
Alyssa Medina and her 1-year-old daughter had just checked into a homeless shelter on a little hill just north of the Sheboygan River. Medina, 24, grew up in a trailer park with her mother and now has three children of her own. She also has health problems. She had been a temporary worker for Old Wisconsin Sausage, but was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, stopped working and lost her apartment.
"My situation in itself is pretty complicated right now," she said.
She handed a bottle to her daughter Elicia, a curious girl with curly brown hair. If Medina took classes to re-certify herself as a nurses' assistant she could get a job at a nursing home making between $11 and $12 per hour. But that requires arranging for child care, and she says because of the M.S., she can't see well.
"There's ups and downs to your life and right now I'm in a down part," Medina said.
She believes she will get things straightened out, but she knows it will be difficult.
"You need a good education to get a good job," she said, wistfully.


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Lee grabs the acoustic guitar and strums some chords while James tears into a package he received in the mail. Two weeks ago he ordered a Screeching Weasel T-shirt and he assumes this is it. It is A sort of. The shirt he ordered was black; the one that arrived is white. He already has a white one. "I was going to wear that shirt at the show tomorrow," he complains. Lee asks if he can have it and James throws it to him in disgust. "Let's get out of here and go to Y&T," he commands.
Yesterday & Today Records is James's favorite place to purchase the vital, fresh music that Miami radio just doesn't play. Bands he loves, such as the Queers, and songs he loves, like "Teenage Bonehead," can be found in the pale blue bins of the small store.
Y&T, located in a strip mall on SW 57th Avenue in South Miami, is also a repository for obscure older recordings (cassettes of the first two Soul Asylum albums, back when they still had a punk edge) and used posters of bands that are no longer trendy (R.E.M., the Smiths, the Cure). T-shirts of every current pop band line the walls: Belly, Hole, and Nirvana still, despite the year-old suicide of lead singer Kurt Cobain. James heads straight for the bins of vinyl seven-inch singles to see if there are any new Screeching Weasel records he doesn't already have. The singles are often the only way he can hear new music. Up by the front door James checks to make sure photocopied notices for the upcoming Smerffs show are prominently displayed. He flips through a few of the free magazines stacked near the cash register. "I just want to be able to like open up Maximum Rock 'n' Roll -- it's the biggest 'zine around -- and just be able to like see our names somewhere in that. It's nothing special, but I want to do it to be a band. It is my dream to get in Maximum Rock 'n' Roll."
James is running late at 5:30 p.m. It's time to go to Patty's, but not before some fast food. "Taco Bell should like rule the world," James shouts over the music on the way to the restaurant. "Did you ever see Demolition Man, where all the restaurants are the same? That's like my dream. Me and Lee always said that if we can get famous, we're going to buy a Taco Bell and then we'd get to eat all we want any time we want."
James's evening meals are almost always eaten at home, where his mother spends much of the day preparing dinner. "My mom's whole life is revolved around dinner," he mutters as he downs a Taco Supreme, a Texas Taco, and water from a clear plastic cup. "It's like, 'You need to be here at dinner because I planned out dinner all day. When you don't show up for dinner, it messes up my whole plans.' I mean, if like not coming home for dinner is messing up your whole plans, I mean there is something wrong there. I mean, dinner is your whole life? I don't know. It's just really bad."
James's mother, Christine, admits that she probably does spend too much time planning and preparing dinners, but the evening meal has always been very important to her. "It is the only time the whole family comes together," she explains. "I like to hear what they've done with their day and what they hope to do the next day." She has consciously arranged her life in order to make dinner such a priority.
Just 22 years older than James, Christine is a third-generation Miamian reared in a house her grandfather built in the venerable northeast section of Miami. She moved to Miami Beach in the sixth grade and didn't leave until she entered college at the University of Miami. The school gave her a full scholarship because of her outstanding talents on the violin.
But after only two years, she dropped out. "I had reached my goal in music," she recalls as she toys with her necklace, which bears three gold charms: a cross, a tennis racket, and the word Mom. "I always said I wanted to be concertmaster at the UM orchestra. When I made top violin after two years, I was bored. And then James's dad came into my life." Jim Fullwood was a gem dealer at the time who traveled all over the country before he eventually returned to teach tennis at his father's club. To a bored concertmaster who had lived her entire life in the same place, he was as dazzling as the stones he sold. "I thought that was just very exciting -- to travel -- and so I kind of left town with him without telling anybody," Christine recalls. "We were gone for I guess six months, but we did come back and we did have a formal wedding."
James was born soon after they returned to a life that proved to be more uncertain than Christine wanted. Because Jim worked on commission, money was always a concern. As Christine looked at their future together, she didn't see a time when she could ever quit her job as a legal secretary to stay home and raise children. She wanted a different life. Her mother, who had divorced after 29 years of marriage, told her that if she was ever going to leave James's father, she should do it quickly, while the child was still young. Christine did just that.


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This isn't a project that began with a name and obligated all design decisions to follow in its wake. In contrast, says Hufft, the design process is really what dictated the form and shape of the house, like a sculpture. What begins as a solid concept creates a project that neatly connects all features. Often, it is only after the design is completed that the theme clearly reveal itself to Hufft.
When Hufft was hired to the head the design of this house, the family had purchased this two-acre plot in the center of a 13-lot subdivision in Springfield, Mo. The home was designed to be inward focused, to accommodate future growth on all four sides.
Ultimately, the clients decided to purchase the entire development and preserve the surrounding open space. While the house had already been designed, this left infinite possibilities for the landscape.
The landscape architecture of the Curved House starkly contrasts the hyper designed and customized nature of the architecture. Landscape architect John Galloway planted the remaining 13 acres of land with native prairie grasses.
The landscape architecture of the Curved House starkly contrasts the hyper designed and customized nature of the architecture. Landscape architect John Galloway planted the remaining 13 acres of land with native prairie grasses.
A natural berm planted with sumac trees lines the approach to the house. As the trees mature, they will create a solid screen along the entry road, making the home visible only through Galloway's aperture installation.
Although the courtyard no longer serves as the only landscape feature of the house, the need for this central core is just as important as when it was designed. It anchors the house and the clients' place within the landscape. Instead of using this space as an outdoor escape, it can serve as sheltered refuge for a house that drifts in 13 acres of prairie.
While the courtyard was designed to be enjoyed outdoors, it was also necessary to consider that the climate of Missouri prohibits being outside year-round. Planted directly in the center of the house is a flowering dogwood — Missouri's state tree. Despite harsh weather, the progression of the tree throughout the year will connect the interior with the landscape.
In tune with Hufft's design philosophy, the Curved House elegantly reaffirms its theme throughout the home. The shelves that line the hallways hug the contours created by exterior walls.
The steps to the pool gracefully arc in unison.
A unique aspect of Hufft's office is that in addition to a full service design studio, they also have an in-house fabrication shop — making many of these ultra-custom aspects possible.
The clients' interest in sustainability and low-energy alternatives inspired Hufft to implement alternative energy sources for powering the house, as well as using local and reclaimed materials to construct it. The entire pool cabana is powered by photovoltaic cells, and a geothermal system on the property cools and heats the house.
The light gray color of the locally-sourced Spanish tile roof reflects solar heat, keeping the house cool. Local black Endicott brick with a Manganese finish creates a beautifully subtle sheen that nicely highlights the curves of the walls. Oiled Ipe wood, a sustainable material, accents the brick, richly contrasting the green of the prairie grass.
Abundant natural light fills the house, which reduces the need for artificial light and excess energy consumption.
Commercial-grade aluminum windows complement the aesthetic of the house and require next-to-no maintenance.
Low-VOC finishes were used throughout the house. In the kitchen, the cabinets are reclaimed and the countertops are recycled glass.
Hufft designs spaces meant to inspire, but ultimately he aims to create homes that really make you feel comfortable — from the inside out. The Curved House is full of light and warmth, and leaves you feeling like you've just had a big breath of fresh air.
See more photos of the Curved House
Photography by Mike Sinclair
Stunning Berkeley Courtyard House
Home Designs: The U-Shaped House Plan
The Case for Interior Courtyards
See more photos of the Curved House
Photography by Mike Sinclair
Stunning Berkeley Courtyard House
Home Designs: The U-Shaped House Plan
The Case for Interior Courtyards


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William J. 'Bill' Voorhees
William J. "Bill" Voorhees, 69, Smith Center, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at Hays Medical Center.
He was born May 9, 1944, in Smith Center to Millard F. and Mary Ellen (Kelley) Voorhees.
He married Patricia Watson on March 17, 1967, in Smith Center.
Survivors include his wife, Smith Center; two sons, Jerry Voorhees, Phillipsburg, and Steve Voorhees, Hays; two sisters, Nancy Hanson and Susan Hanson, both of Mankato; his stepmother, Ilene Voorhees, Smith Center; and seven grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center; burial in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday, with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until time of service Monday, both at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to First Congregational Church of Athol, or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in care of the funeral home.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.allfaithsfuneralchapel.com.


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Main Content:
Gap Mens Briefs
Gap offers a comfortable, great-fitting selection of mens briefs. Our men's briefs are made from soft fabrics that are designed to keep their shape and give the ultimate fit. The cotton fabrics used to make our briefs for men are cool and comfy and look great even after multiple washings. Find mens underwear briefs in classic white, gray and black. We sell our briefs in sets of two for your convenience. Briefs from this assortment make great gifts for all the guys on your gift list and they will thank you for the comfortable, great-fitting underwear. Find mens briefs with Gap logo brushed elastic waistbands and soft ribbed fabric in our designer underwear collection.


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The police blotter
The information provided is from the Rohnert Park Public Safety Office and reflects the Arrest Log from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15. The log is comprised of arrests and some of the more interesting calls. For those who are curious about the local police response to all calls, the Calls for Service section of the Rohnert Park Public Safety website has the most recent activity logs.
On Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 2:26 a.m., a West Sacramento woman was arrested on suspicion of stealing a car and an outside warrant at the intersection of Donna Court and Santa Dorotea Circle. At 10:58 a.m., a San Rafael man was arrested on suspicion of violating his probation and a DUI near the 6100 block of Commerce Boulevard. Police responded to the intersection of Avenida Cala and Synder Lane, where at 3:10 p.m. they arrested a Santa Rosa man on suspicion of public intoxication.
Things were relatively quiet Monday, Jan. 14, with a single arrest at 1:31 a.m. involving a Santa Rosa man on Arlen Drive being arrested for suspicion of domestic violence battery.
Sunday, Jan. 13, involved a bit more work for officers starting at 1:29 p.m., when a local man was arrested in the Padre Parkway shopping center for an outside warrant and possessing a shopping cart that he apparently did not own. His companion, a local woman, was also cited for an outside warrant. Across the freeway on the 5600 block of Redwood Drive, a Santa Rosa man was cited at 3:46 p.m. for driving with a suspended or revoked license. Police disrupted some shenanigans at Motel 6 on Commerce Boulevard when two separate Petaluma residents attempted to pass fictitious checks and receive stolen property. A man was arrested at 8:24 p.m. on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and possession of a controlled substance along with an outstanding bench warrant and the fake check charges, while a woman was arrested at 10 p.m. for a violation of probation in addition to the fake checks.
Friday is often one of the busiest days for officers, and things were no different on Jan. 12. At 12:05 a.m., a Santa Rosa man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and resisting a peace officer at the 600 block of Racquet Club Circle. At 1:29 a.m., a Novato woman was cited on suspicion of possessing controlled substance paraphernalia at the 6100 block of Commerce Blvd. Then at 5:19 a.m., a Forestville man was arrested at the 6100 block of Commerce Blvd. on suspicion of false impersonation and probation warrant felony. The rest of the morning was quiet, but then at 2:25 p.m. a local man was arrested on Elsa Avenue for suspicion of false imprisonment, domestic violence battery and carrying a loaded firearm in public. At 3:57 p.m., a Sebastopol woman was arrested on Highway 101 northbound for theft of a vehicle, driving without a license and evading a peace officer. She was given a free trip to the Sonoma County Jail. At 10:55 p.m., a Cotati man was arrested on suspicion of a DUI on the 1700 block of East Cotati Avenue.
On Friday, Jan. 11 at 2:23 a.m., a local man was cited on Commerce Blvd. for suspicion of a DUI. At 4:12 a.m., a Redwood Valley man was arrested on the 6200 block of Redwood Drive on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and substance paraphernalia. Just after noon, a Windsor man was arrested on the 4900 block of Golf Course Drive on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance and substance paraphernalia. Two juveniles were cited later at 8:50 p.m. on the 600 block of Rohnert Park Expressway for possessing alcohol.
Thursday, Jan. 10, started off with an arrest at 11:06 a.m. of a transient for public intoxication at 5020 Redwood Drive. Two drivers were cited for displaying false proof of registration during the day. Then a Forestville man was cited at 10:55 p.m. on Business Park Drive for possessing controlled substance paraphernalia and violating probation.
Wednesday, Jan. 9, was a relatively easy day, with a citation given out at 3:45 a.m. to a local man for driving with a suspended license and displaying false proof of registration. Then at 6:08 p.m., a Cotati man was arrested at the intersection of Rohnert Park Expressway and Stony Point Road on suspicion of possessing a blackjack.
– Nick Walden


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Start learning with our library of video tutorials taught by experts. Get started
Create and publish sophisticated electronic forms using the latest version of the Microsoft form-creation tool InfoPath.
Shows how to create and publish sophisticated electronic forms using InfoPath 2010.
Demonstrates how Microsoft's solution, InfoPath, can be used to create custom forms and deliver them via email or web sites.
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16 Tons taphouse & 16 tons Cafe 265 E. 13th Ave & 2864 Willamette St. 345-2003 & 485-2700. sixteentons.biz & 16tonscafe.com. [BOTTLESHOP, BAR; CAFE] Taphouse features more than 700 beers, wines and ciders, with growler fills and rotating list of draft beers. Noon-10 pm Su-W, noon-midnight Th-Sa. Cafe offers growler fills, beer and wine menus, Best of Eugene trivia night. 9 am-10pm daily.
The Bloody Mary, that quintessential tomato and vodka drink, is no longer considered just a hangover corrective. When well garnished with vegetables and perhaps a shrimp (and even a hamburger, as I found at one Junction City spot), it's a darn good approximation of a soup and salad — virtuous enough to provide some vitamins while smoothing out any roughness of the day.
I survive mainly on kombucha, coffee and hard liquor. Mixing coffee with whiskey is kind of a no-brainer. I'm perky and buzzed — what could go wrong? Kombucha, in large doses, has a similar effect on me. Given my predilection for caffeine and adult beverages, kombucha cocktails strike me as pure genius.
Donie Smith started working at the Horsehead Bar about a year ago, but that was enough time to garner her a "sexiest bartender" win. A Cottage Grove native, Smith says she was a bit surprised to hear she had won. She shouldn't be, because voters raved about her "perfect smile," "great personality" and "sweet-ass tats."
The people behind popular Eugene restaurant Party Downtown, located at 55 W. Broadway, apply a "make-it-in-house" ethic to everything they do, from curing meats to baking bread. Bartender James West is particularly passionate about house-made liqueurs — distilled spirits infused with the flavors of fruit, berries, herbs or even flowers.
"I want to make things that are for sale in the liquor store," West says. "But if we have as good or better ingredients in the valley, I will forgo buying something and make it myself."
From food cart to store front, Red Wagon Creamery has come a long way. The ice cream shop is well known for wonderfully eclectic, handmade ice cream flavors like carrot jalapeño, peach rosemary and Saturday Morning, meant to taste like the milk left over after a bowl of Fruit Loops. But stick around after 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, and the creamery transforms into Red Wagon After Dark, where bartender Amanda Hoffman throws booze into the mix of creamy deliciousness.
My dad approached parenting in his own way. When my older brother Taylor started wearing obscene clothing during his rebellious youth, my dad responded by wearing a brown bag over his head like a chef's hat the next time the two of them went grocery shopping. He's a maverick in just about every way except his fashion, so it makes sense he made me attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting after I was caught drinking during high school.
Ben Lundberg, 33, was born and raised in Eugene and has been tending bar at the Starlight Lounge for more than four years. In his spare time, he's a photographer, which adds to the list of admirable qualities that voters mentioned, including his "boyish charm" and "phenomenal personality." One voter opined that Lundberg is "downright a good person." What could be sexier?
Monday nights are usually reserved for recovering from a big weekend or loathing the realities of a new week. At The Barn Light, however, Mondays take on a new meaning: game night.
Sure, it's nothing compared to the rowdiness of Eugene's weekend bar scene, but that's not the intention. On Monday nights, Barn Light is like the ultimate living room with a stocked bar, baristas and board games at the ready. Game night isn't about whom you know or what you're wearing, it's about coming together and rolling the dice.
A guy named Kennedy walks into a bar two weeks before St. Patrick's Day. That sounds like the start of a bad joke, and sometimes it is. Kennedy: a quintessentially Irish name. St. Paddy's Day: America's most Irish of holidays. Commemorating the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Paddy's has lost its religious meaning, particularly in the U.S., becoming instead an excuse to eat a lot, drink more and toast all things Eire.
It's a minute before half past nine on a Saturday night in downtown Eugene's Barmuda Triangle. Four bartenders dressed in sleek black stand at their posts behind the long, narrow bar at Starlight Lounge. The bar stools have been removed, the limes have been cut and the saltshakers are at the ready.
Ding! Ding! Ding! The clock strikes 9:30 and bartender Jonna Threlkeld taps the ceremonial brass bell with a stirring spoon. Patrón Hour has begun; crowds line up at the wooden bar and the cool blue agave nectar flows down rows of shot glasses.
There are many bars and nightclubs where the ambiance and the pours can send us back a few decades in a woozy, boozy time travel machine — think '80s night at John Henry's — but the increased popularity of some cocktails take a century-deep plunge. Distilleries such as 4 Spirits Distillery in Corvallis have put a twist on alcohol and inspired bars to serve drinks from the Prohibition era of the '20s and '30s. Perhaps banning booze paves the road to revelation — these cocktails are the rage once more.
Born but not raised in Eugene, Jackalope bartender Summer McCarty returned to the Willamette Valley in '93 from Southern Cali, bringing the sunshine with her. After graduating from high school a year early in Junction City, and living in a home that's been in her father's family for "over 100 years," McCarty couch-surfed her way into Eugene residency. When she's not helping customers down drinks, the yoga lover is doing downward dog, or spending time with her hubby and three kids.
What do you drink?
A self-described "townie" (he graduated from South Eugene High School), Eirrin's Bistro and Pub bartender Teren Baker began tending bar two years ago at Emerald Valley Golf & Resort, where he mastered a mean Tom Collins. He juggles slinging drinks with slaying the guitar in his punk-rock band, Pirate Radio, and doing "daddy duty" with his 6-month-old daughter. Ask him about his Guinness Irish bread (yes, that's a thing). Don't ask him to store your 12-pack from home in Eirrin's fridge (yes, that's happened).
When Johnny Appleseed roamed the countryside planting apple seeds in the late 1700s, he wasn't growing apples for food. His apples had higher standards, destined to become delicious hard apple cider. Back then, hard cider was the drink of choice, as it was easier to make and more accessible than beer.


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Courtney Lenz is a five-year veteran of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading squad. She's been left out of the girls being sent to cheer at the Super Bowl because she says she's being punished for announcing her retirement after the season, and she's asking for the internet's help.
Please take a moment to sign in with your Facebook account to share videos and news on your timeline.


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Are free-to-play experts the new games writers?
I was complaining to a friend the other day about the attitude that many AAA developers seem to have towards free-to-play and paymium design, to retention and monetisation, to cross-promotion. A games writer "It's like they think...
- Posted 2 years ago


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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
The Inland Steel Company was a U.S. steel company active in 1893-1998. Its history as an independent firm thus spanned much of the 20th century. It was headquartered in Chicago at the landmark Inland Steel Building.
Inland Steel was an integrated steel company that reduced iron ore to steel. Original founders included mining engineer, Moise Dreyfus, who immigrated from Alsace-Lorraine France. Its sole steel mill was located in East Chicago, Indiana, on the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal and a large landfill protruding out into Lake Michigan. The steel mill's shoreline location enabled it to take in steelmaking commodities, such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, by lake freighter. Throughout much of its life, Inland Steel operated its own fleet of bulk carrier vessels.
Inland Steel was founded in 1893 through the purchase, by financier Philip Block, of a small failed Chicago Heights, Illinois steel mill, Chicago Steel Works. The Block family led Inland Steel's recovery and, in 1901, Inland Steel pledged to raise more than $1.0 million to build an open-hearth mill in East Chicago. This expansion caused the firm to grow more than tenfold in size, from 250 workers in 1897 to 2,600 in 1910.[1]
Inland Steel continued to face heavy competition from U.S. Steel, the Pittsburgh-based giant that at that time possessed a dominant share of the U.S. steel market. World wars increased steel demand and pushed Inland Steel forward. In 1917 (World War I), Inland Steel's production broke the 1.0-million ton (0.9m tonne) mark for the first time; and in 1930 the firm completed a new office headquarters in East Chicago, which survives. By World War II the Chicago-area steelmaker had 14,000 employees and was producing 3.4 million tons (3.0m tonnes) per year.[1]
Starting in the 1950s, Inland Steel specialized in cold-rolled sheet and strip steel for motor vehicles. In 1956-1957, the successful firm constructed a new corporate headquarters, the Inland Steel Building, in downtown Chicago. Employment at the Indiana Harbor mill rose toward its peak of 25,000 in 1969.[1]
The decline in the U.S. steel industry, starting in 1970, affected Inland Steel. Foreign steel companies were increasing their presence in the world steel market. During the late 1970s Inland Steel formed several joint ventures with Nippon Steel to create I/N Tek and I/N Kote, but profitability continued to be difficult to attain. After a series of internal reforms, Inland rapidly became so profitable in 1997[2] that, uniquely amongst U.S. integrated steel mills, they became desirable for acquisition. Ispat International acquired Inland Steel in 1998, and the assets of Inland Steel are now part of ArcelorMittal.[1]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Inland Steel Company. |


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Highest rated from past: 7 days / 30 days / 365 days | Best of the Vent
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If you like a vent, press this to move it higher up the list.
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Falcons O-line: Matt Ryan can't throw passes lying on his back.
I really think Missouri will win Saturday afternoon.
Detroit fans are now witnessing what made Hawks fans cringe for nine years - Josh Smith's inconsistent play.
The Falcons had to leave the country to win a game??
Other teams are making moves now, but Wren sits on his hands waiting to pick up the scraps come March. Typical Braves.
Jason Kidd the coach is not as good as JK the player was.
McCann will need that $17 million a year to live in NYC.
Will Auburn be able to take it to another level again after two straight emotional wins? Let's hope so.
Vandy is the only loss Georgia needs to be ashamed of.
Why all the hate for the Ohio State Buckeyes?


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Very Good Recipes of Dutch Recipe
There is one Dutch Recipe recipe on Very Good Recipes.
Do you like dutch recipe recipes?
Click on the title of a recipe or the photo of a dish to read the full recipe on its author's blog.
Cavolini di Bruxelles e castagne / Brussels sprouts and chestnuts
By briciole
01/11/13 17:52
[cliccare il link per andare alla versione in italiano] What a couple! Have you ever noticed how pretty a Brussels sprout is? Each one is a miniature cabbage. I have been handling many recently and I still marvel at their perfection. Brussels sprouts are...
Add to my recipe book


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The RANN's Website now in Latvian and Portuguese!
After the new Finnish and Dutch versions, discover now the Réseau Art Nouveau Network's members and activities in Latvian and Portuguese!
Final symposium Art Nouveau in Europe: Visions and Revisions at the Museum of Architecture and Design in Ljubljana – on 20 March 2015
Travelling exhibition The Nature of Art Nouveau 1 in Ljubljana – from 20 January to 19 April 2015
Online activities Art Nouveau and Nature now available on our Website!
Exhibition Flora's Feast at the Halles Saint-Géry in Brussels – from 7 February to 29 March 2015
Exhibition The Norwegian Japonism at the Jugendsilsenteret in Ålesund – from 26 September 2014 to 7 April 2015
Exhibition Ways to Modernism at the MAK in Vienna – from 17 December 2014 to 14 April 2015
With the support of the Culture Programme of the European Union
Responsible publisher: Arlette Verkruyssen, General Director, Brussels Regional Public Service - Bruxelles Développement urbain (Brussels Urban Development), CCN - Rue du Progrès 80, B. 1, 1035 Brussels - Belgium


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We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! If for any reason you decide that your purchase just isn't for you, simply return the item within 30 days of receipt and we'll cover the return shipping when you choose our FREE Pre-Paid Return Shipping Label. Learn more about our return policy.
Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
These Prada Eyeglass Frames Reviews happen to be a brilliant way to get an unbiased opinion on Prada Eyeglass Frames. Customer opinions are a terrific way to look at several Eyeglass Frames from Prada quick and easy. These consumer written testimonials consist of consumer ratings, recommendations and feedback. Read the pros and cons from individuals who have experience and knowledge using each Prada Eyeglass Frames. You'll find all the best Prada products here at OpticsPlanet like, Prada Eyeglass Frames. We know the need for finding the knowledge and an overall understanding of something you pay for, so take the time to learn what consumers just like you have to say about all of our leading Prada Eyeglass Frames within our web based product reviews. If you wish to take part in a discussion about Prada Eyeglass Frames, check out our OpticsPlanet discussion forum.


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DPS Campus, NH 5 Nidamanuru, Vijayawada - 521104, Andhra Pradesh, India. Telephone :0866 2844844 / 944, 0866 - 659 3333 / 659 4444, Mobile :+91 9866205555 / 9440802726, Email : email@example.com, Website : www.dpsvijayawada.org.
Delhi Public School, Vijayawada, is located in a sprawling and serene surroundings in the Vijayawada city a commercial city of Andhra Pradesh.
DPS, Vijayawada was started in the year 2007 with an aim of imparting complete education, in CBSE mode, to make leaders in every sphere of life.
Delhi Public School, Vijayawada is looking for qualified & experienced K to 12 teachers with a flair for teaching, inclination to adopt and use modern teaching tools & methods and willingness to work in a team.
Interested candidates may send their resume, with passport photo to the above email address or by post on or before 25 March, 2010.
II Class train fare will be reimbursed to the candidates called for personal interview.


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Wiz Khalifa - On My Level Ft. Too Short [Official Music Video]
Too Short
Too Short
Short Dogg
Shorty the Pimp
Too Short Videos
Improving Short-term Memory
Are there any brain exercised you can do in order to improve your short-term memory? Are these to...
Martin Short - Spiritual Side Of Hollywood
Martin Short - Spiritual Side of Hollywood
Jacqueline Voll Short Program 2004 Buddha Bar
Dutch National Championsship figure skating 2004 short program juniors, music by Buddha bar Nede...
Crossing The Line - New Short Film By Peter Jackson
A 30 sec trailer of a test short/film with the RED camera. Go to http://www.red.com/ to get the h...
Strangers- Short Film
strangers (2004)- short film by: Erez Tadmor & Guy Nattiv
Wiz Khalifa
Cameron Jibril Thomaz
Young Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa Videos
Black & Yellow - Wiz Khalifa [hd]
Black & Yellow - Wiz Khalifa [HD]
Cee Lo Green - Bright Lights Bigger City Ft Wiz Khalifa (official Lyric Video)
Bright Lights Bigger City ft Wiz Khalifa is out now and available to buy from: http://bit.ly/e3Zt...
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Game "purp & Yellow" La Leakers Skeetox Remix Music Video (trailer)
The official music video trailer for the upcoming Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa & Game "Purp & Yellow" ...
Lloyd Banks Co-signs Wiz Khalifa And J. Cole
Lloyd Banks gives his stamp of approval to Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, and Curren$y, and offers advice ...
Natalie Nunn Talks About Wiz Khalifa And Amber Rose Part 1 - Www.jemblog.com
http://www.JemBlog.com - Natalie Nunn Talks about her "relationship" with rapper Wiz khalifa. She...


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Call 0333 400 9500 or Email us
Product details
Logic3 Xbox 360 VGA TFT AV Cable 2.3m
Write a Review4 of 4 Reviews
Top quality and great sound
Fantastic - these cables are very good quality. My son can now take advantage of full HD quality using this cable connecting his original XBox 360 to the PC/VGA input on his new 19" widescreen HDTV. The picture quality is superb. I'm dumbfounded that these are generally so hard to get a hold of as the picture quality is so superior to the standard output. If your TV supports it, this can be set to higher than standard HDMI output. Well done Maplin!! Top product!!
very pleased,connected up to my amp and the sound is out of this world 10/10.
Good Product for the money, brilliant quality, connections do not feel cheap or wobbly, only thing i will say is if you have computer speakers where the speakers output is the subwoofer, do not use the audio cables in those connections, blows up your sub!!!!, exellent product though
Ask a Question4 of 4 Questions
Pete said:
Will this allow me to record videos of gameplay for youtube and such
karl dewey said:
could you use a phono to 3.5mm adapter with the RCA connection on this in order to sue with the "audio in" next the VGA input on a TV
dai barnes said:
will you be able to play a xbox 360 through a VGA monitor using this lead?
Nick Dehnel said:
Will this product allow me to display a video signal from a VGA out on computer onto a TV?
Bulk Prices
Item code | Item name | Quantity | Price |
A32HK | Logic3 Xbox 360 VGA TFT AV Cable 2.3m | (1+) | £9.99 |
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Working with organisations for nearly 30 years, Maplin offers a nationwide range of benefits to our business users:
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Contact our business team on
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To receive your free copy of the Maplin Catalogue just call 0333 400 9740.


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Haylie Duff Hairstyles
Credit: © Sara De Boer / Retna Ltd.
Haylie Duff
Jun 18 2008
Haylie Duff's super sexy hairstyle has lots of body and long layers.
Styling Tip
Apply a handful of volumizing mousse mixed with a few drops of shine serum onto damp hair. Blow-dry two-inch sections with a large round brush, lifting up at the root to enhance volume. Roll your bangs forward, under and to one side. Quickly roll two-inch sections of dry hair onto large Velcro rollers before hair cools from the blow dryer. Allow to set for 10 minutes. Unwind the rollers and lightly coat your fingers with pomade and run through hair to break up the curl.


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Lacrosse Magazine, owned and published by US Lacrosse, the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse, is circulated to more than 430,000 members of the organization as one of the benefits of membership. Join Today!
Welcome to the US Lacrosse West Championships, a first-class tournament for boys' and girls' teams in the western United States and a qualifying tournament for the annual US Lacrosse U15 National Championships.
Register Now
Boys' and girls'U11, U13 and U15 teams
Become a Member
Tournament with pool play followed by bracket play
2015 site TBADates TBA
See Event History
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Omarion - I Would Never Tell
I Would Never Tell Omarion
Editor Rating: HOTTTTT
User Rating:
Have you heard Omarion's new track I Would Never Tell? It dropped on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011.
Listen to I Would Never Tell, the latest track from Omarion. The cut dropped on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011. Omarion's future brightens with every new release, and I Would Never Tell certainly isn't an exception. It's a fitting addition to a solid catalogue that Omarion has been developing since stepping foot in the game. We're excited to hear more.
Check out Omarion on Come And Fuck With Me (Full). Check out Omarion's profile page for the most recent info, news, songs, and mixtapes.
Let us know what you think, folks.


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NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney attends the 2014 Women's Media Awards at Capitale on October 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for The Women's Media Center)
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An aluminum alloy body and plenty of color help the Galaxy S6 forge a new Samsung path.
Prepare yourself for Samsung's most premium flagship phones yet. For the phone maker, they're anything but typical.
Subtle rounding on both sides lends this S6 variation some symmetry -- and a way for lefties to play along.
Let's see what Samsung's and Apple's flagship smartphones have under the hood.
Forget plastic. Bold decisions to use premium materials and remove some favorite features will have Galaxy fans reeling, for better or for worse.
Pricing not available
Is Samsung afraid to commit to one Galaxy S6? The two new models are the same, except for the screen -- and both remove features fans loved. Meanwhile, HTC shows off the Grip fitness band and Vive VR headset.
The Mobile World Congress event is a vital one for Samsung. Along with the Galaxy S6, we'll be watching for new wearables and a mobile payments system.
There are leaks and teases aplenty ahead of Mobile World Congress 2015, while Google Wallet is looking to make a comeback and Pebble's latest smartwatch, Time, is out now on Kickstarter.
What can you do with a doubly curved screen? CNET's Jessica Dolcourt shows you here.
A slow year for tablets finally kicks into gear with a variety of new models debuting at MWC 2015.


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One of America's finest and most authentic rye whiskey. Great price for an excellent 6 year Rye.
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
The item you have chosen is in stock, and has inventory in our warehouse and one or more stores. Below is the current quantity on hand information for this product within our database. It is never more than five minutes old. Additionally, our shopping cart looks at real time inventory so when you add an item to you cart we will do an immediate check of available inventory and alert you if there are any issues.
Jefferson's Ocean Voyage #4 Aged at Sea Very Small Batch Bourbon 750ml $82.99
Sazerac 90-Proof Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml (3 bottle limit) $29.99
Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml (oversized bottle, ships as 1.5L) $46.99
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text: poppendieck seeks to understand "how soup kitchens and food pantries became the response of choice to the escalating needs unleashed by the recession of the early 1980's." this reliance on charity exists in stark contrast to food assistance policy during the great depression, when public outcry and strong advocacy replaced soup kitchens and bread lines with cash relief, and later work relief and social insurance. sweet charity? carefully chronicles the many facets of emergency food distribution in the united states and challenges us to consider whether this should be considered the most effective response to hunger in the united states. this insight was developed through many hours of interviews and participant observation in soup kitchens, food pantries, and food banks across the country. poppendieck analyzes the forces motivating the individuals she meets to explain what has driven the emergence and institutionalization of such a large charitable force, and what this involvement costs at the expense of broader social activism. by defining the problem as hunger the "emergency food system is helping to direct our attention away from the more fundamental problem of poverty, and the even more basic problem of inequality" however, while they don't solve deeper problems private food assistance programs do fill an immediate need. it is another manifestation of a perennial dilemma for social activists. do we take the moral high ground, fighting for fundamental change, and ignore the plight of those who can't eat today? poppendieck describes the "vicious circle" which leads emergency food providers and anti-hunger advocates to argue for funds for programs they "never meant to start" and which they consider "band-aids at best." in order to lobby for these supports, they promote private food assistance as efficient and effective, thus "unwittingly supporting further devolution of public support programs." in the effort to attract donations, "the images of emergency food clients typically used in fund-raising campaigns are generally the images of patient sufferers, humbly waiting." poppendieck powerfully contrasts this picture with the "images of poor people projected by the civil rights movements or the organizing drives of the farmworkers in the 1960s... the grandchildren of selma and delano are in the soup kitchen lines, looking sad and downtrodden before dinner, or smiling and grateful afterwards." poppendieck's research challenges the image of the emergency food system as simply arising from the spontaneous efforts of communities responding to visible hunger among their neighbors. she reveals how specific federal policies drove the early expansion of the emergency food system, creating a network which could later be used to justify shrinking federal resources to meet basic needs. in 1975, the community services administration offered an unsolicited grant to the st. mary's food bank in phoenix, arizona to provide technical assistance to teach communities to set up food banks. this grant established second harvest, the national network of food banks, which continued to receive funding for five years. after this, food banking began to spread more rapidly. another early anchor for the system was government commodities which "were important in calling attention to hunger, and crucial in drawing many providers into the work in the first place." the well known tefap program provided not only usda commodities but administrative support funds which helped "stabilize many programs created during the emergency phase, allowing the development of capacity-cold storage and transportation, for example-that would enable food banks to solicit and handle donations from other sources." having worked at food banks the last ten years, i have often grappled with the question of whether it is possible to promote food distribution and work for fundamental change. sweet charity? brings a new level of sophistication to the dialogue by detailing the role of the emergency food system in society and by focusing our attention squarely on the policy implications of feeding people without taking action to prevent hunger. poppendieck's analysis forcefully reminds us that we must authentically involve people from low income communities and address underlying social and economic inequalities if we are to achieve food security for all. putting prevention at the center of community well being


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We used this as our babies first food at 5 months. It's so convenient and nice to know that it's organic with no additives. Very easy to pack up and take with you too!
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My daughter loves the food! The variety in the set is great too! It's easy to take along OR make at home!
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ABC News' Rick Klein reports: Does someone control an army around here? Another day, another public display of disaffection with your government: As the House stands on the verge of approving a sweeping health care reform measure, the biggest show in town has the distinct scent of tea. Thursday's "House Call" gathering, on the West Front of the Capitol, comes at a critical time in the health care debate — sandwiched between those mixed-bag election results and the first vote by a full congressional chamber on health care. It's not the kind of event (even if it reaches proportions some organizers are predicting) that's likely to change many minds. But if you need evidence of where the political energy and excitement has gone, one year since Grant Park, a lunchtime midday rally in Washington isn't a bad place to start. (Try to imagine the old Obama campaign army pulling off something roughly comparable in as short a time, with as little formal planning — or even with spreadsheets and call lists and marching orders, for that matter.) Telling, particularly in the wake of NY-23: House Republican leaders — including Leader John Boehner, Whip Eric Cantor, Conference Chairman Mike Pence, and Republican Study Committee Chairman Tom Price — plan to speak. (Not that they necessarily what to make of the energy that will be on display Thursday, either.) But the day belongs to Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn. From the release out Thursday: "On the heels of an election arguably reminiscent of 1993′s reaction against HillaryCare, nearly one thousand activists with Patients First–a project of Americans for Prosperity — traveled to Washington on Thursday to say once again, 'Hands Off Our Health Care!' Joining other Americans participating in Rep. Michele Bachmann's 'House Call on Health Care,' Patients First activists from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia will participate in a rally at the Capitol before visiting their Congressmen to express opposition to the government takeover of our America's health care system." A different kind of army, perhaps: "Democratic sources tell me that AARP – easily the most influential seniors lobby – will endorse the health reform legislation put together by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats," ABC's George Stephanopoulos reports. "A public announcement is expected tomorrow or Friday, in advance of a vote by the full House likely to come on Saturday." Behind Thursday's noise: "Rep. Michele Bachmann isn't going down without a fight," Eric Roper reports in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "The Republican lawmaker has been on a media blitz promoting tomorrow's rally against the Democratic health care proposal on the steps of the Capitol, which she has dubbed 'The Super Bowl of Freedom.' Actor Jon Voight and author Mark Levin are expected to attend in addition to Republican House leadership." "Nothing scares members of Congress more than freedom-loving Americans," Bachmann, R-Minn., told bloggers and activists Wednesday night, per Politico's Daniel Libit."Don't bring your pitchforks," Bachmann said, "bring your video cameras." (Odd timing: "The aide who helped turn Rep. Michele Bachmann into a controversial mainstay of cable news has informed colleagues that she's quitting — just as the firebrand Republican congresswoman prepares for her biggest media moment yet," Politico's Jonathan Allen reports. "Multiple sources have confirmed that Michelle Marston, a veteran Hill aide, is leaving Bachmann's office.") How big could this get? "Some conservative groups said they were responding to Ms. Bachmann's request. In a statement, Tony Pessaro, the founder and chairman of a 'tea party' antitax group in Bel Air, Md., said he had filled two buses and was working on a third," The New York Times' David M. Herszenhorn reports. It had been a while since Republicans had a good Election Day: "There's a political rebellion going on in America, and what we saw last night was just a glimpse of it," Boehner, R-Ohio, told ABC News in a joint interview with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "Another tea party group in Arkansas said it was encouraging members who could not visit Washington to fax their elected officials at precisely noon Thursday, and they singled out Representative Mike Ross, Democrat of Arkansas, as a target." McConnell, R-Ky., handicapping health care: "You've got a lot of newly elected Democrats — as they had two good years in a row — who are hanging on by their fingernails, and being pushed by the speaker and the majority leader to support legislation that they now know for sure their constituents don't approve of." (Watch "Top Line" at noon ET at ABCNews.com for more from Boehner and McConnell, plus a live interview with RNC Chairman Michael Steele.) Interesting counterpoint, from David Plouffe, reacting to Tuesday's results: "I think there's some notion out there among some that we can press a button on a computer and turn people out. It doesn't work that way. None of this is transferable," Plouffe tells ABC's Aaron Katersky. Where's the energy? "It's not a resurgent right wing that should trouble Obama's party," E.J. Dionne Jr., writes in his Washington Post column. "But for the moment, the thrill is gone from politics, and that is very dangerous for the mainstream progressive movement that Obama promised to build." More pushback — a 12-hour (!) online town hall — "Pelosi Plan Exposed" — organized by GOP leaders and campaign officials.
Pushback to the pushback: Americans United for Change is up with "a rapid response TV ad" that renames the House health care bill: "The Health Insurance Industry Profits Protection Act." From a spokesman: "With the House vote now expected on Saturday, we're putting $17k behind this spot to air it heavily on DC area cable (CNN and MSNBC) by the end of Friday so lawmakers are sure to see it."
Reverberations: "Democrats on Capitol Hill began a nervous debate Wednesday about the course President Obama has set for their party, with some questioning whether they should emphasize job creation over some of the more ambitious items on the president's agenda," The Washington Post's Michael D. Shear and Paul Kane report.
"Moderate and conservative Democrats took a clear signal from Tuesday's voting, warning that the results prove that independent voters are wary of Obama's far-reaching proposals and mounting spending, as well as the growing federal debt. Liberal lawmakers, meanwhile, said the party's shortcoming came in moving too slowly on health-care reform and other items that would satisfy a base becoming disenchanted with the failure to deliver rapid change in government."
Susan Milligan, in The Boston Globe: "Democratic moderates who will determine the fate of much of President Obama's domestic agenda heard an early warning from this week's off-year elections: Congress had better do something about the economy, or sitting lawmakers will lose their jobs in 2010."
The New York Times' Carl Hulse: "Democrats still face the political dilemma that has dogged their health care efforts this year and will continue to face tough choices as they take up issues like curbing global warming. Should they concentrate on motivating their core supporters, many of whom appeared to stay away from the polls in New Jersey and Virginia, by taking a more liberal approach, for example by embracing a public health insurance option? Or do they try to write health, energy and fiscal policies that can attract independents, who broke for Republicans in Tuesday's voting, in order to protect more moderate Democrats in conservative districts where spending and the rising debt are top worries?"
Surely the next election will be national, if this one wasn't…
David Axelrod, to ABC's Jake Tapper: "I think that young people were energized by the President about the set of issues and concerns that he ran on. I think they'll be energized again in 2010. But you know some of it is a personal appeal and we are going to work hard over the next year to make sure that in these national elections that are coming up our voters and particularly young voters are strongly engaged."
But what if the race in New York wasn't the only one on the ballot that mattered? "The Democrats' problems concern direction and mood; the Republicans' loss in the 23rd showed a weakness of tactics," Margaret Carlson writes in her Bloomberg News column. "As hard as it may be for the GOP to contain Sarah Palin (R-Facebook), Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and their various allies, it's a lot harder to deal with a public that's losing faith in government to improve their lot."
"For Obama and the Democratic congressional leadership, the off-year results arrived at a moment when their fragile internal coalitions are facing severe tests," David Broder writes in his column. ":The White House is attempting to stage-manage a crucial vote-counting exercise in both the House and Senate to determine whether Democrats can risk bringing landmark health-care bills to the floor. And within weeks, Obama may precipitate a similar test of support on a new policy toward Afghanistan."
Not that Democrats take cues from this particular pundit, but still: "Looking ahead, the bad news for Democrats is that the legislation that helped lead to the collapse of support for their party on Tuesday could yet inflict more pain on those foolish enough to support it," Karl Rove writes in his Wall Street Journal column. "The health-care bill House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to vote on this week could sink an entire fleet of Democratic boats in 2010."
Over on the Republican side — behind the celebration, concerns: "The same conservatives who energized the party this year forced out a Republican nominee they considered too moderate; their candidate lost to Democrat Bill Owens," USA Today's Kathy Kiely reports. "There was no sign the family feud was ending Wednesday, as Republicans offered sharply different spins on Owens' victory."
Adam Nagourney, in The New York Times: "Throughout the day Wednesday, Republicans grappled with the disappointing outcome of a special election for what had been a reliably Republican House seat in upstate New York. That contest became a battleground between the party establishment and a conservative insurgency demanding more ideological purity from candidates."
Tending the grassroots — particularly the breeds that grow in Florida: "We will not spend money in a contested primary," Sen. John Cornyn, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told ABC News. "The first lesson is that competitive primaries are generally a good thing."
Lessons of NY-23: "It was just a disaster waiting to happen so I don't think it was so much about the Democrat got elected, it was that the Republicans really fumbled the ball and the Democrats fell on it in the end zone," former Gov. Mike Huckabee, R-Ark., said Wednesday on ABCNews.com's "Top Line."
On health care — a Saturday vote: "House leaders said that they were confident of reaching their goal in time for a Saturday debate on the most significant changes to the nation's health-care system since the creation of Medicare in 1965. They released 42 pages of amendments to the 1,990-page health package unveiled last week, a move that started the clock ticking on their pledge to make the legislation publicly available for 72 hours before lawmakers are asked to pass judgment," The Washington Post's Lori Montgomery reports.
"Democrats tacked new provisions onto the legislation late Tuesday, clearing one of the final hurdles for bringing the bill to the floor," The Wall Street Journal's Janet Adamy and Martin Vaughan report. "But the changes didn't resolve sharp differences among Democrats over how the bill handles funding for abortion, with some saying they won't support the legislation until it addresses their concerns."
Voting — on Shabbos? "My rabbi said there's a Talmudic exemption for the public option," said Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., per The Hill.
Who to watch: "Blue Dog Democrats face a dilemma this weekend: Should they oppose legislation they believe is flawed, or move the bill out of the House in the hopes of it changing in conference?" The Hill's Jared Allen reports. "Many Blue Dogs are expected to face the grimmest reelection prospects of any Democrats, and the upcoming healthcare vote is giving some significant pause."
The president's day: "The president today will make good on his campaign promise to host a White House Tribal Nations Conference. Leaders from 564 federally recognized tribes will come to the Department of the Interior for an all-day forum discussing concerns in the Native American community," per ABC's Sunlen Miller.
Canceled for… too MUCH hype? "Earlier today we were surprised to see promotion for a 'debate' between former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton at Radio City Music Hall in February," ABC's George Stephanopoulos reports. "But now we are hearing that this event has been cancelled by the former presidents who say they never agreed to a debate, but back to back speeches. Clinton and Bush have done the joint appearance thing before – last spring in Toronto."
The Kicker:
"We got walloped." — Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.
"From my perspective, we won." — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
For up-to-the-minute political updates check out The Note's blog . . . all day every day:


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To see a map of the area that was burned, visit the maps, click the overlays button (top-right) and select the "Great Fire damage" option.
Daily entries from the 17th century London diary
To see a map of the area that was burned, visit the maps, click the overlays button (top-right) and select the "Great Fire damage" option.
Great Fire: Oxford Dictionary of National Biography article now available:
Great Fire: Pudding Lane baker Thomas Farriner, London, 1666:
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: new podcast biography available:
Life and Character of Charnock
by William Symington
"To a person of these studious habits it may easily be conceived what distress it must have occasioned to have his library swept away from him. In that dreadful misfortune which befell the metropolis in 1666, ever since known as "the fire of London," the whole of Charnock's books were destroyed. The amount of calamity involved in such an occurrence can be estimated aright only by those who know from experience the strength and sacredness of that endearment with which the real student regards those silent but instructive friends which he has drawn around him by slow degrees; with which he has cultivated a long and intimate acquaintance; which are ever at hand with their valuable assistance, counsel and consolation, when these are needed; which, unlike some less judicious companions, never intrude upon him against his will; and with whose very looks and positions, as they repose in their places around him, he has become so familiarized, that it is no difficult thing for him to call up their appearance when absent, or to go directly to them in the dark without the risk of a mistake. Some may be disposed to smile at this love of books. But where is the scholar who will do so? Where is the man of letters who, for a single moment, would place the stately mansions and large estates of the "sons of earth" in comparison with his own well-loaded shelves? Where the student who, on looking round upon the walls of his study, is not conscious of a satisfaction greater and better far than landed proprietor ever felt on surveying his fields and lawns—a satisfaction which almost unconsciously seeks vent in the exclamation, "My library! a dukedom large enough!" Such, and such only, can judge what must have been Charnock's feelings, when he found that his much cherished volumes had become a heap of smouldering ashes. The sympathetic regret is only rendered the more intense, when it is thought that, in all probability, much valuable manuscript perished in the conflagration."
The Fire of London
Link to a 45-minute BBC Radio 4 In Our Time podcast
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss The Great Fire of London which destroyed up to a third of the city in 1666. Samuel Pepys described the scene in his diary: "all over the Thames, with one's face in the wind, you were almost burned with a shower of firedrops…and in corners and upon steeples, and between churches and houses, as far as we could see up the hill of the City, we saw the fire …It made me weep to see it."
The London that rose from the ashes was a visible manifestation of ideas; of the politics, religion, economics and science of the heady Restoration period.
Christopher Wren, of course, but also Robert Hooke, The Royal Society, St Paul's Cathedral, the Restoration court of Charles II and, inevitably, building regulations.
With Lisa Jardine, Centenary Professor of Renaissance Studies at Queen Mary, University of London; Vanessa Harding, Reader in London History at Birkbeck, University of London and Jonathan Sawday, Professor of English Studies at the University of Strathclyde
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Chart showing the number of references in each month of the diary's entries.