text:
February 8, 2005 11:06 AM PST
Catfight in the spyware corral
- Related Stories
Webroot latches on to $108 million in VC fundingFebruary 6, 2005
Venture investing in tech companies risesJanuary 20, 2005
Worst spyware queues upDecember 21, 2004
ComScore: Spyware or 'researchware'?December 20, 2004
EarthLink finds spyware running amokOctober 5, 2004
It's a "catfight in the spyware corral," as one security expert called it.
Webroot Software, Aluria Software and Computer Associates International's PestPatrol successively announced their departures in recent days from the Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology vendors (Coast).
The walkout came just weeks after the group welcomed adware-maker 180Solutions as a member. That decision capped growing frustration over the group's direction, according to representatives from Aluria and Webroot, making it impossible for them to remain.
"Coast had done an about-face, starting to allow and entertain requests for so-called adware companies to join," said Richard Stiennon, vice president of threat research at Webroot, which makes the popular spyware removal tool Spy Sweeper.
The infighting highlights sharp disagreements within the software industry over "adware" and "spyware," a difficult-to-define class of applications that trigger advertising on PC screens and collect data, such as Web surfing histories, to personalize marketing messages. Practices run the gamut, from displaying small banner ads inside applications to infiltrating operating systems and taking over key computing functions without notice or permission.
While clear examples of legitimate and illegitimate behavior are easy to find, drawing a bright line between them has proven to be extremely difficult.
According to Stiennon, Webroot co-founded Coast in 2003 to help establish industry-binding guidelines defining spyware and a code of ethics surrounding the distribution of desktop software. Instead of sticking to the mission, he said, the group sought to reform bad actors by helping them change and become certified.
"It became clear that the anti-spyware members would be outnumbered by the companies that had nothing to do with anti-spyware," Stiennon added.
Webroot's departure Friday caused a domino effect among its partners. Aluria resigned, and then Computer Associates said Monday that it, too, would leave.
The remaining members of Coast include advertising software makers New.net, Weatherbug and 180Solutions.
Todd Sawick, a representative for 180Solutions, said that the company is disappointed with Coast's troubles. But he reiterated that the company's software was certified "spyware free" by the group.
"We are moving forward on an individual basis with all the former Coast scanning application members. We're proud of our accomplishments with Coast and will continue to serve as a leader in legitimate keyword search advertising," he said.
180Solutions, which makes downloadable software that tracks
Page 1 | 2
2 commentsJoin the conversation! Add your comment
- The thieves have taken over the house
- I call them thieves because they steal (specifically use without permission) computer resources (disk space, computer memory, computer processing power) from their victims. Even if they installed using a well known and expected mechanism instead of a vulnerability they'd still be thieves if they were installing without the victims explicit permission.
COAST decided to invite the thieves to participate and have lost their organization because the thieves have gained control. It just drives home the point that you can't trust thieves.
- Like Reply Link Flag
- Excuse me but...
- Excuse me but when a company installs software on your computer secretly so that they can push ads to your (that you not no money from, just a waste of disk space, memory and other resources) and so they can track what you do on the net what the hell are you supposed to call this? It is spyware otherwise they would have asked you to install it, you would get a little money kick back from installing it, you would be able to uninstall it without having to jump through flaming hoops from hell and they would track every move you made on the net.
This is all bulls*hit and all involved with approving such cr*p knows it.
- Like Reply Link Flag


text:
Connect with us:
These needles from Tulip are the finest needles in the world. Nickle coated steel needles are flexible yet incredibly strong. They are packaged in their own little needle case. The needles measure .46mm x 51mm and feature a slightly rouded tip to help avoid splitting threads. Ideal for beading and bead embroidery.
4 Needles per package
Made in Japan
Tell A Friend
Regular Price: $4.95Your Price: $3.71You Save: $1.24 (25%) each
Availability: In Stock
Customers who bought this item also bought:
This product has not yet been reviewed.
Please login or register to write a review for this product.
Home | Featured Products | Sales & Events | Store Location | Privacy Policies | Shipping & Returns | Contact Us | New Products | Classes | Class Policies | Calendar | Our Instructors

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Our Environmental Concerns
Help us save the rainforest.
Tropical forest are under particular pressure as they are located in developing countries where many people are struggling on a daily basis merely to survive. You may have heard some claims about the threats facing the rainforests and about people who's responsible. Let's look at the truth, you may be surprised! Click HERE to see a report about responsibly harvesting lumber.
Sustainable Forestry From AdvantageLumber.com
Is there such a thing as sustainable forestry? What kind of environmental impact does logging really have in heavily regulated areas like the Amazon? Discover how AdvantageLumber.com provides you with decking that originates from well-managed forests. As a certified FSC wood supplier, you'll also learn that unlike agriculture or cattle ranching, logging actually helps preserve the rainforest.
Help Us Prevent Slash & Burning of the Amazon! This track of land, over 2,000 acres, was burnt by a cattle farmer to make room for grazing. We pride ourselves on the fact that we save thousands of acres every year from being burnt for agricultural cash cropping and cattle land. By selectively harvesting a few trees per acre we can assure that the forest will be able to be reharvested in as little as 10 years. This ensures that the forest will not only survive, but also improve for many generations to come. By buying tropical timbers from a reputable company that practices good forestry, you are helping to save the forest by putting a value on the timber so that the land is not burnt. It may seem unbelievable that someone would burn forest that contained valuable timber, but the fact is that for a cattle farmer it is more profitable than to go through the bureaucracy of obtaining the necessary environmental surveys and obtaining the slew of permits needed to harvest, mill, and export even a few trees per acre. Click HERE to see a report about responsibly harvesting lumber.
Cattle Ranching in the Brazilian Amazon
Since the 1970's the leading cause of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is Cattle Ranching. When cattle ranchers first came to the Amazon they contributed to only 30% of all deforestation. However that number increased dramatically when traditional cattle farming was transformed into the large-scale ranching business that exists today. According to The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), "between 1990 and 2001 the percentage of Europe's processed meat imports that came from Brazil rose from 40 to 74 percent" and by 2003 "for the first time ever, the growth in Brazilian cattle production—80 percent of which was in the Amazon—was largely export driven." Click HERE to see a report about responsibly harvesting lumber.
Some Facts About Tropical DeforestationBrazil lost nearly 150,000 square kilometers of forest (an area larger than Greece) between May 2000 and August 2006. Since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. Why is Brazil losing so much forest?
Why is the Brazilian Amazon Being Destroyed?
WHAT DOES THIS GRAPH MEAN?? Most deforestation (60-70%) in the Amazon is a direct result of cattle ranches. The majority (33%) of the remaining deforestation comes mostly results from small-scale subsistence agriculture. Despite the widespread press attention, large-scale farming (1%), and logging (3%) currently contributes relatively little to total deforestation in the Amazon. Most soybean cultivation occurs outside the rainforest in the neighboring "cerrado" grassland ecosystem and in areas that have been previously cleared.
The logging industry contributes only a small percentage (3%) of Amazon deforestation and yet there are several different final destinations for this lumber. Amazon logging supplies both the international and domestic lumber industries. So of the total 3 percent of logging an even smaller percentage is actually shipped outside of Brazil for international use. Click HERE to see a report about responsibly harvesting lumber.
Although the wood and wood products industry is a very small part of the problem, it can be a large part of the solution.
Good markets for wood & wood products will help save the forest. A thriving international market provides an economic reason to carefully manage them. Bans & boycotts of tropical timber products are counterproductive to the purported goal of saving the rain forest in that they reduce the value of the forested land. If we stop buying these products, we would remove the incentive to manage the forests and we would actually encourage their conversion to other uses, which is what we need to avoid. The land with trees MUST be more valuable than the land without them. Click HERE to see a report about responsibly harvesting lumber.
Save the Rainforests! Buy Tropical Wood Products from Responsible Suppliers!!!
Call Us Toll Free for a Decking Quote


text: Sat watching beyond the mat again and was thinking wouldn't it be great if someone done a similar documentary today. I'm sure Vince is missing a trick with behind the scenes stuff. A lot of ppl would want to see a proper reality tv/ film documentary wouldn't they? I know I would


text:
Norwegian company EnviroNor sparked a healthy debate in Madrid at the recent WEX conference when it put forward an idea to turn redundant oil and gas tankers into mobile water treatment units.
The proposed system works by converting a used oil, gas or other product tanker into a treatment plant by fitting it with the necessary equipment, including filters and piping, and making structural modifications to tank spaces.
An influx of saline water will flow 40-60km inland into the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta's coastal provinces next month, according to the Southern Irrigation Science Institute.
The intrusion will cause a shortage of fresh water for households to use during the dry season, said the institute.
The delta's provinces have begun implementing measures to control saline water intrusion, including closing sluice gates at river mouths.
While the earth is blessed with 11 quintillion gallons of fresh water, waste and inefficient distribution systems have turned this theoretically inexhaustible resource into a key commodity for long-term investors, nations and non-government groups to fight over.
The investment opportunity is vast, with $11 trillion in infrastructure projects required by 2030 just for the world to keep up. And with close to 800 million people currently cut off from reliable sources of clean water, the basic humanitarian need for dams, pipes and purification plants has never been higher.
This Conference is considered one of the most important international conferences on desalination & the widest specialized regional gathering to discuss desalination researches, technologies, economies & sustainability.
ARWADEX Conferences have contributed & will continue to contribute in introducing the private sector to investment opportunities available in the desalination industry & studying the issues ...
Bangalore, India's third largest city and one of the fastest growing economic hubs in South Asia, stares at an almost certain water crisis in the near future as both the civic administration and the citizens struggle to cope with the already dwindling fresh water resources.
Welcome to the world's first international conference on OTEC and developing countries! The object of the conference is to bring together the world's leading OTEC researchers with organizations that specialize in funding, people from aid organizations, researchers in development/humanitarian issues/sustainability, and governmental institutions.
The goal of the conference is to establish connections between people who, within a few years' time, can provide ...
Energy Recovery Inc., the leader in harnessing reusable energy from industrial fluid flows and pressure cycles, today announced that EPC Abengoa will use the Company's premium PX® technology in two desalination plants in Ghana and Oman. Both of these arid countries are home to growing populations with limited access to fresh water resources. The PX Pressure Exchanger® will save more than 52 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year in each country. For reference, it takes about 1 kWh of energy to power a hot shower for three minutes.
The amount of fresh water consumed for world energy production is on track to double within the next 25 years, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects.
And even though fracking—high-pressure hydraulic fracturing of underground rock formations for natural gas and oil—might grab headlines, IEA sees its future impact as relatively small.
The European Union (EU) has awarded FIGARO (Flexible and Precise Irrigation Platform to Improve Farm Scale Water Productivity), an international Consortium led by Netafim Ltd , €6 million to develop new precision technologies to improve irrigation management to increase water productivity in major water-demanding crops.
Visitors to Bali, the Gambia and Goa use 16 times as much water as local residents. Such disproportionate use of fresh water by tourists in developing world destinations is causing local conflict, exacerbating poverty and helping to spread disease, says NGO Tourism Concern in a new report.
The report examined five coastal destinations popular with international tourists – the Gambia, Bali in Indonesia, the islands of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, and Goa and Kerala in India.
Sirkar's recently patented system can deliver about 80 liters of drinking water per 100 liters of seawater, he says. A comparable reverse-osmosis system—which relies on pressure to force seawater through a salt-filtering membrane—would reclaim 41 liters from that same amount of saltwater, according to Sirkar.
We've seen numerous innovations over the years that aim to enable farming for those with scarce resources. We've encountered various solutions that help overcome space limitations, for example, and now we've come across a concept that focuses on a limitation of a different kind: Fresh water — or the lack of it in so many parts of the world. With water efficiency in mind, Dubai-based Agricel recently launched a farming system that uses a film-like material instead of soil and allows farmers to use 90 percent less water.
Read more: http://j.mp/ICFopI
The Science Daily (8/5) reported that as one-third of the world faces a lack of fresh water, "a new Yale University study argues that seawater desalination should play an important role in helping combat worldwide fresh water shortages -- once conservation, reuse and other methods have been exhausted -- and provides insight into how desalination technology can be made more affordable and energy efficient." According to Menachem Elimelech, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering at Yale, and William Phillip, now with Notre Dame, the new study demonstrates "that reverse osmosis req
AquaSPE AG | Copyright © 2015 | Zürich Switzerland
AquaSPE complies to Swiss law & the Swiss Data Protection Act


text:
Chefs on a Mission
6 chefs transforming the way we eatuser rating
While some celebrity chefs love being bad, a growing majority want to do good. No longer content drawing raves from foodies and critics, a handful of culinary stars have set out to change the way we eat and the way we think about food. We reached out to food stars who are going beyond creating sensational fare—they are working to transform the way the world eats.
Front and center is outspoken British chef Jamie Oliver, who is using his fame, charm and the power of television to inspire Middle America to swap mozzarella sticks for carrot sticks. "Kids have a civic right to be fed healthy food," says Oliver, who has four children of his own.
José Andrés is another culinary darling who does more than his fair share. When the Spanish chef isn't juggling his seven stateside restaurants in Washington, D.C., Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, he's flying to Haiti to teach earthquake victims how to cook with solar power or teaching adults who are overcoming addiction, incarceration or homelessness how to prepare a healthful meal from scratch as part of community kitchen DC Central Kitchen's culinary job training program. During a "60 Minutes" interview last year, Andrés exhorted his peers to do more: "Chefs of America … we should be more outspoken about the way we are feeding America," Andrés said. "We should be more committed to the 97 percent of Americans who don't come to our restaurants."
Each of the following chefs is trying to do exactly that. Some, like Oliver and Dan Barber, are well known. Others, like Ray Garcia, are newer to the cause—and the limelight. But all have taken their beliefs far beyond the sanctum of their dining rooms. Read on to see what Oliver, Barber and Garcia as well as Michel Nischan, Bill Telepan and Bruce Sherman are doing to support their causes and beliefs—from nutrition education to affordability of good food. —Pascale Le Draoulec
Learn more about the Chefs
Click on the chef's name or image below to learn more.
Jamie Oliver
British chef, cookbook author and food activist
Dan Barber
Executive chef and co-owner of Blue Hill NYC/Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Ray Garcia
Chef at Fig in Santa Monica, Calif.
Bill Telepan
Chef and owner of Telepan, New York City
Michel Nischan
Founder and CEO of Wholesome Wave, chef/partner at The Dressing Room, Westport, CT
Bruce Sherman
Chef/partner at North Pond, Chicago, national chair of The Chefs Collaborative
Pascale Le Draoulec is a James Beard Award–winning author who has written about food and restaurants for more than 15 years.
0 comments


text:
Here is another icon set that I made nearly two years ago. I always planned to make over 1,000 of these but never got round to it. There are 310 of them and they are designed to be used on web design projects, but some are also suited to be used as system icons. They are all 16 by 16 pixels, in PNG format and free to use in print and web projects.
Slowly chipping away at getting this site fully online, I've made a number of 48 by 48 icons for use on the front and back-end of the site. I'm releasing them for free use under the Creative Commons (by) licence.


text:
get excited...
The Best 10 Days of My Life.
Check out our anniversary video and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.View Now
Your One Stop Shop
Sports fans, poker enthusiasts, horse racing aficionados and casino game lovers know...Learn More
Today's Prize...
Day 10- December 13
Today we celebrate the fact that Bovada is the ultimate one stop shop. End this party on...Learn More


text:
Classic PraiseItem #: HL.08743622
Our Price:
Unrated ( Be the first to review this item )
Composed by Benjamin Harlan.
Daybreak Choral Series. Voicing/Format: IPAKCO. 8.75x11 inches. 12 pages. Published by Hal Leonard. (HL.08743622)
Free Shipping on this item in orders above $199
In Stock
Found in: Christian Choral Sheet Music
Beethoven's Sonata Pathetique is paired with the favorite praise chorus As the Deer resulting in a fresh and moving anthem of faith and comfort. Benjamin Harlan's careful craftsmanship shines in this warm offering. Audio available on Daybreak BonusTrax CD #08743775.
Songs Include:


text:
Editor's Note: At press time, the FY2011-12 budget was still being reviewed and revised by lawmakers. However, it was anticipated that a final budget would go before the full House and Senate for approval prior to Memorial Day.
When Gov. Bill Haslam unveiled his inaugural budget in March, a collective gasp could be heard around the state as healthcare providers tallied the steep cuts that would impact services to many of Tennessee's most vulnerable citizens. Two months later, that gasp turned into an audible sigh of relief when the governor's amended budget proposal restored a considerable portion of the funding to TennCare, mental health services and other safety net providers.
The budget submitted in mid-March for FY2011-12 called for nearly $120 million in cuts to TennCare. With the accompanying loss of federal match dollars, officials would have had to shave more than $200 million from the program. Proposed cuts included reducing the reimbursement rate for non-emergency cesarean sections and emergency room care provided for non-emergencies, as well as placing more limits on prescriptions.
Mark Your Calendars
Tennessee Health Care Campaign 2011 Annual Conference
Moving Forward: Making Health Reform Work for Tennessee
Options and Opportunities for 2012
Saturday, June 11 • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Meharry Medical College, S. S. Kresge Learning Resource Center
1005 Dr. D. B. Todd Blvd. • Nashville, TN 37208
Register online at www.thcc2.org
For more information, call (615) 227-7500 or toll free (877) 431-7083
Additionally, the initial budget called for cutting 600 jobs at two developmental centers (Greene Valley and Colverbottom) run by the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, cutting $13 million from Meharry, as much as $47 million from nursing home care, and millions more from Jellico Hospital, the Regional Medical Center in Memphis, medical transportation providers, diagnostic and imaging services, home health and dental services for children.
Still, these cuts would have seemed mild compared to the draconian measures that would have been required without approval of an extension to the hospital coverage assessment. Gov. Haslam's initial budget presumed an extension of the assessment at the rate of 4.52 percent of gross revenue (up from 3.52 percent in FY2010), which was expected to leverage nearly $450 million from Tennessee hospitals and draw down an additional $870 million in federal match dollars. Without approval from lawmakers, TennCare would be facing an additional $1.3 billion hole in its budget.
Avoiding Catastrophe
When the amended budget was released in early May, safety net providers and advocates were pleased to see that a number of cuts had been eliminated or lessened. The reversal of fortune has been attributed to several factors including higher-than-expected tax collections, the Tennessee Hospital Association's (THA) backing of the coverage assessment, a windfall from the federal government to correct a Medicare payment mistake, tightening the budget in other areas, and advocacy and education efforts from safety net providers.
State officials now expect to collect about $50 million more in tax revenues than originally anticipated. Tennessee will also be the recipient of approximately $82 million from the federal government as the result of the Social Security Administration wrongly categorizing patients as SSI rather than SSDI beneficiaries. The result … the state paid for services that should have been covered under Medicare. Additionally, more than $30 million has been 'found' for healthcare by tightening up other state department budgets.
The THA, which originally urged lawmakers to pass a one-year hospital coverage assessment in FY2010, backed legislation to extend and increase the fee for the coming budget year beginning July 1. Increased enrollment, costs, and utilization — combined with the loss of one-time federal stimulus dollars last year — were responsible for the 1 percent increase in the assessment. As with last year's legislation, hospitals would not be allowed to pass along any portion of the assessment to patients. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved this measure in late April.
Although significant cuts still exist, providers and advocates largely believe patients have dodged a bullet if the revised budget passes as anticipated. However, arguments are being made that even more cuts could be avoided if the state would consent to maximize its available resources.
Reaction and Reality Check
Beth Uselton is executive director for the Tennessee Health Care Campaign (THCC), a nonpartisan organization that advocates on behalf of Tennesseans accessing healthcare services. She said THCC has a three-pronged approach to serving its constituency — direct services including helping individuals find resources in their own community, advocacy for healthcare accessibility and affordability, and public education about the many different provisions and options under state and federal health laws.
Years of TennCare cuts coupled with the economic downturn and the termination of federal stimulus dollars at the end of this month have created what Uselton called a perfect storm of increased need and decreased resources. "We all understood the budget decision the new administration was going to have to make," Uselton said. "It was clear the governor knew the important role of the social safety net, but it (the budget) did include significant cuts that would have damaged the cornerstone of the health and social service infrastructure that was developed over decades."
Recognizing Tennessee's economic realities, a coalition of nonprofit advocacy and provider groups joined forces prior to state elections last fall to serve as a resource to lawmakers and to search for ways to minimize the impact of budget cuts on healthcare delivery. In addition to THCC, the coalition includes the League of Women Voters of Tennessee, the Tennessee chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Tennesseans for Fair Taxation, Tennessee Citizen Action, Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, Tennessee Disability Coalition, Tennessee Justice Center, Tennessee Kidney Foundation, and the Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association.
Uselton said each of the separate organizations worked with lawmakers to underscore the larger community impact of cuts to the safety net. She added that it was important to the coalition to not just complain but to offer constructive alternatives. "We started doing research on sources of funding that could prevent those cuts," said Usleton. "There are compassionate and fiscally responsible ways to deal with the problems we're facing in the new budget reality."
After the initial budget proposal was released, a top priority was to restore the proposed 8.5 percent rate reduction to mental health providers and to eliminate or minimize other TennCare cuts. "Our position was, as much as possible, to maintain TennCare. Any cuts to that spending had a three-fold impact, which could be devastating to the medical safety net," she said. "Our thought (about TennCare cuts) was that's 'penny wise and pound foolish' because it left federal matching funds."
With the release of the amended budget early last month, Uselton noted, "We applaud the governor's administration for recognizing the full impact of the original proposed cuts and taking steps to prevent that devastating impact on the social infrastructure … especially at a time when more people are in need of those services."
Anthony Fox, executive director of the Tennessee Mental Health Consumers' Association (TMHCA), said his organization had advocates at Legislative Plaza before furniture was even moved into new lawmakers' offices. He said he believes that effort combined with the willingness of the General Assembly and the governor to learn about the impact of cuts in communities and the experience of Commissioner Douglas Varney of the Department of Mental Health all worked in favor of restoring much of the mental health funding for the coming year.
He added there was a preconceived notion that perhaps the new administration and lawmakers would be a particularly tough audience. Instead, he said, advocates have been pleasantly surprised at their interest in hearing about how dollars are put to work on the ground and the fresh viewpoints the new legislators bring to the table. "We feel this administration is more social services sensitive. Commissioner Varney came from a service provider background. We also feel like Gov. Haslam is a very compassionate man. This administration has a very different approach. It's a better approach," he said appreciatively.
That said, Fox would still like to see changes in the way the Department of Mental Health's budget is handled. "About a third of our budget at TMHCA is from the Department of Mental Health's discretionary budget so we wait each year until about this time to see if that money is going to be reflected in a new budget," he explained, noting that funding is used for peer-to-peer services, mental health education and support, and advocacy and empowerment programming. "I would hope there would be some sort of sustainability to the budget."
To restore some of the remaining cuts and shore up services, Uselton said she would like to see the state explore the additional funding resources identified by the coalition. Some of those avenues include tapping into the Rainy Day Fund with $283 million and utilizing some of the $260 million in the TennCare reserve fund. With the TennCare reserves in particular, Uselton noted, "That $260 million in practice could be tripled if put into use. We can't get match dollars until we actually spend on services. That federal match money isn't going to wait for us. It's being drawn by other states so we are essentially leaving it on the table, and it's disappearing."
Fox agreed. He noted that mental health transportation service cuts remain even in the amended budget. Using dollars from TennCare reserves could draw down additional federal funds. "It just makes sense when you can get a two-for-one match," he said. Fox added that if transportation services weren't restored, people would ultimately wait longer to access services and then end up utilizing emergency transport in the form of an ambulance. Not only does that form of transportation cost a lot more, the patient would now access care at a higher level of acuity, which also has a much higher price tag.
Ultimately, the coalition members pointed out, never accessing reserves or a rainy day fund is the same thing as not having them at all. After all, the group reasoned in a recent position paper, "It makes little sense to save money as a means of preventing possible cuts in the future if doing so means making definite cuts in the present."


text:
University Life Programming Grant
Every academic year, University Life awards grants for programs that impact the quality of campus life at George Mason University. Funding priority is given to grant requests received by the following dates:
- 8 weeks in advance of the program(s) for grants $1000 or greater
- 2 weeks in advance of the program for grants under $1000
Click here to learn more about the University Life Programming Grant.
Auxiliary Enterprise Management Council (AEMC)
- AEMC Information and Guidelines
- AEMC Request Form
- Examples of Projects Funded in 2012-2013
- Examples of Projects Funded in 2013-2014
- Reimbursement Report
Requests will be reviewed within two weeks after the following submission dates: July 10, October 16, January 15, February 26 for the 2015-2016 academic year.
For more information, contact:
Alissa Karton
Patriot Green Fund
Any student, faculty, or staff member may apply for funds to support a sustainability project. Please visit the Office of Sustainability for more details about the type of projects that will be supported by the PGF.
Parents Fund
Every April, a portion of money raised in the Parents Fund will be allocated to support strategic initiatives within University Life and partner offices.
Learn more about the Parents Fund allocation process and to submit your request.
About Us
University Life creates purposeful learning environments, experiences, and opportunities that energize ALL students to broaden their capacity for academic success and personal growth. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and direct services, students discover their unique talents, passions, and place in the world.
Take a look through the list of University Life offices to see the great opportunities and resources available to you!


text:
Transportation Special Session gets underway
By Michael Shaw, VP, Government Relations
|» More
California Paid Sick Leave law goes into effect
By Nicole Rice, Lobbyist
|» More
Environmentalist lawsuit against OEHHA rejected
By Mike Rogge, Policy Director - Environmental Quality
|» More
New one-stop-shop website for business owners
By Gino DiCaro, Vice President, Communications
|» More
More Recent Capitol Updates
» California Paid Sick Leave law goes into effect July 2, 2015
» Environmentalist lawsuit against OEHHA rejected July 2, 2015
» New one-stop-shop website for business owners July 1, 2015
» Manufacturers can comment on workforce recommendations July 1, 2015
» Fed Update: Urge Congress to re-authorize Ex-Im Bank June 30, 2015
Dorothy Rothrock
Gino DiCaro
» Manufacturers comment on new proposed CA climate change goals June 3
» California manufacturers on Gov. Brown's new greenhouse gas goals: April 29
RT @CAREAboutEnergy: Cost analysis should be a priority for all new policies – including new CA climate change proposals #SB350 #SB32 http:…
7 hours ago
Losing #ExIm means the U.S. is losing #jobs. It's time for Congress to VOTE to reauthorize #ExIm4Jobs... http://t.co/ZviUiwVYPK
13 hours ago
RT @WaltersBee: Senate @CAproTem Kevin de Leon's bill to cut auto fuel and raise renewable energy (SB 350) getting a tough hearing in Assem…
1 days ago
For member only benefitsMember only benefits »


text:
Rumor Mill
Top message: my opinon by johnstonhurd
Replying to: Re: my opinon by golfather
Re: my opinon
Why for the love of God or money would i switch to verizon or any other carrier from Sprint? The phones are better, cs is improving, the plans are better, 7pm unlimited n/w, vision doesn't go against your minutes, great coverage if no sprint tower i digital roam off a verizon tower at NO CHARGE! unlimited pcs to pcs. Ptt is better than verizons and free with my plan, Service works the same wherever you go, 2000 anytime shared for $105, pictures included with vision, my buddy a verizon supervisor just bought a vm4500 cause he is tired of me showing him up with his funny looking pos LG. to repeat what golfather said keep hatin Sprint will just keep bringing the heat.
No replies to this message


text:
As of Monday, October 10, 2011
© Copyright 2015 Gwinnett Daily Post
Thomas James (T.J.) Highfill, Sr., age 89, of Snellville, Georgia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 8, 2011, after a short battle to cancer. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 36 years, Earmon Irene Highfill on January , 10, 1981; and his second wife of 29 years, Betty Britt Highfill on January 28, 2009; parents, Martha Rebecca Booth Highfill and Will Mont Highfill. He is survived by his four children; Thomas James (Tommy) Highfill, Jr. and his wife Denise of Loganville, GA, and their three children, Brian Highfill, Josh Highfill, and Christine Luttrell; Michael Mont (Mike) Highfill, Sr., and his wife Deborah of Snellville, GA, and their six children, Michael M. Highfill, Jr., Angie Banks, James John, Eric John, Alesha Knight, and Jennifer Champaign; Anna R. (Becky) Wilson and her husband Michael F. of Braselton, GA, and their three children, Chasity Martin,
Caroline Wilson, and Christian Wilson; John Wayne (Johnny) Highfill and his wife Cheryl of Roberta, GA, and their five children, Andy Highfill, Anthony Highfill, Hannah Highfill, Preston Wood, and Eric Wood; 24 great grandchildren; and a host of many friends. Mr. Highfill was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 25, 1922. He was a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a Deacon at Gloster Baptist Church, Lilburn, GA for 29 years, and also at Fellowship Baptist Church, Lilburn, GA for 22 years. He was a loving, kind, caring and gracious father and grandfather. Mr. Highfill was a great story teller and he will be missed more than words can express. He was a World War II veteran and served under General Patton throughout Germany from July, 1944 to June, 1946, serving in the United States Army 359th Infantry Company. He was a light machine gunner, and received the EAME Service Medal with Two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Highfill was a proud American who loved and believed in his country. He retired from the General Motors Assembly Plant after 31 years of service, and was a member of the Mountain Park Masonic Lodge #729 F. A.M. A Service Celebrating the Life of Mr. Highfill will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel with Rev. Raymond Wilson and Rev. Wesley Davis officiating. Interment Eternal Hills Memory Gardens with Military Honors and Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends on Sunday and Monday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Flowers accepted. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, Snellville Chapel, "A Family Company," Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200 has been entrusted with the arrangements.
More like this story
- Thomas, Highfill Sr. ( October 10, 2011 )
- Thomas, Highfill Sr. ( October 9, 2011 )
- Betty Highfill ( January 28, 2009 )
- Deborah John-Highfill ( May 23, 2015 )
- Ernest Irvin ( February 7, 2012 )


text:
Change requires repetition, understanding and skilled coaching. Our various camps offer all of this and more. These include our Ski College, 3 Day Ski Academy and Women's Snowboard Camps.These multi-day camps offer high caliber instruction with our top rated instructors as well as discounted lift tickets for those without a season pass.
Park City Mountain Resort
1345 Lowell Ave
PO Box 39
Park City, UT 84060
(435) 649–8111
© Park City Mountain Resort
Get snow reports, I Ride Park City updates and more by signing up for our newsletters.Sign Up
In Partnership With


text:
How do you carry while riding?
View Single Post
Law Dawg (ret)
Studly Adventurer
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Left Coast
Oddometer: 820
"fag bag"?
Originally Posted by
Sorry, but nothing says "I have a gun" more than a fag bag....
This is exactly how I carry...have for years. Lets do the math here; Only LEOs and crooks (well, some other armed citizens too) will know you are packing. If you are carrying legal you have nothing to fear from the LEO. The crook knowing I am prepared is most likely to leave me alone. I just don't see a problem with that.
Most folks are as clueless about firearms as they are about driving their cages and will not notice. IMHO a fanny pack is the safest least obvious way to carry concealed on a bike. And yes I have crashed (trip to the ER) while wearing my rig (Glock 21).
Firefly; the way it will actually be...rednecks in space, dealing with the mess made by urban progressives while being hounded by them and all without any goofy alien stuff. Shiney!
Law Dawg (ret)
View Public Profile
Find More Posts by Law Dawg (ret)


text:
It's a Google world we live in. Google is one of the biggest digitalzillas out there (and they're native to the San Francisco Bay Area, just like Shmoop). Between providing free email with almost unlimited storage space (that's right, you never have to throw away another picture you sneak and email from fbk) and access to shared Google Docs, Google certainly has your number. Think about what you might use email for and from what handle you'd want your parents or teachers getting your messages. Figure out how to get free email access and how you can get your work on with your classmates on Google Docs.
When your instructor asks you to, open these links in your browser:
How To Set Up A Gmail Account. Watch the video, then create your own Gmail account.
Tech Goes Home tutorial for Google Docs. Watch the video and make your own Google documents.


text:
Improving the flow to use recycled water
Legislation seeks to streamline regulations to boost drinking water supply
Several residents have also lodged protests. Howard Wilshire of Sebastopol, for example, wrote that more stringent standards and regulations are needed.
"In view of the rapidly growing body of scientific evidence of the drastic effects of poorly regulated discharges of toxic materials into our waterways on aquatic and human life, a proposal to reduce the standards for discharge of treated, but still contaminated, waters is not defensible," said Wilshire, a retired federal geologist.
Some environmentalists are wary given the complexity of more than 70 pages of Hueso's proposed changes to highly technical state law governing wastewater reclamation.
Jill Witkowski, legal clinic director for San Diego Coastkeeper, said "some of our partners have raised concerns about this bill that we are looking into." The local group has not settled on a position, but "we are excited to see water recycling being addressed at the state level. It's crucial from an environmental standpoint and water security standpoint to facilitate water recycling."
Price also has been a nagging issue, beyond plant construction costs. But just like turning seawater into drinking water, the costs of capturing wastewater is coming down with technological advances, supporters say.
"As far as recycled water goes, it's the most important bill in the last 20 years," said Deven Upadhyay, a water resources manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Is toilet-to-tap losing its yuck factor?
The term "toilet to tap," while fading, still dogs San Diego. It became a household slogan that derailed the city's bid for a purification project in the 1990s.
"That was a political campaign designed to instill fear," Hueso said.
The National Academy of Sciences in January issued a study touting water purification.
Actually, San Diegans already drink water cleansed of contaminants. Sewage, farm chemicals and industrial waste are routinely poured into the Colorado River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta systems feeding into San Diego. Water agencies then treat the water to meet public health standards.
"The legislation will not strip away any protections for public health," said Dave Smith, managing director of WaterReuse California, which is sponsoring the measure,
The California champion of turning wastewater into drinking water is Orange County, where wastewater has been purified and mixed into groundwater for drinking water use since 2008. The commingled water is even delivered to Disneyland.
The Orange County Water District, which manages 350 square miles of a vast basin in the region, plans to enlarge its reclamation plant to handle 100 million gallons per day by the fall of 2014.
San Diego region projects may benefit
The legislation could be a boost for two major wastewater reclamation programs in San Diego.
The city of San Diego is operating an $11.8 million demonstration plant at its North City facility in Sorrento Valley to convert small amounts of wastewater to tap water. None of the recycled water flows to taps — yet.
The plant goal is to produce 16 million gallons of purified water daily.
A just-released two-year study suggests that a successfully permitted expanded facility would save ratepayers and provide more reliable supplies. But hurdles, including an estimated $3 billion price tag, remain.


text:
Knox automobile, Portland, ca. 1909
Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Purchase a reproduction of this item on VintageMaineImages.com.
The Portland Company sold Knox automobiles from early 1908 until 1914.
The autos were not made after 1914, but Knox produced trucks until 1924.
Other Information
- Title: Knox automobile, Portland, ca. 1909
- Creation Date: circa 1909
- Subject Date: circa 1909
- Town: Portland
- County: Cumberland
- State: ME
- Media: Photographic print
- Local Code: Coll. 242 Box 30 Folder 5/14
- Collection: Portland Company records
- Object Type: Image
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society
489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822
Cross Reference Searches
LC Subject Headings
Manufacturing industry--Maine--Portland
Knox Automobile Company
Portland Company (Me.)--Manufactures
Metalworking industry--Maine--Portland
Automobile dealers--Maine--Portland
Share what you know about this item
... Or if there's a problem with this page, tell us.
We do NOT offer appraisals on like items. Check our Note on Appraisals.


text: http://androidforums.com – OK. Here is my senerio, I got a new phone for boost after my old one got wet. Its the ZTE Warp sequent. I started to get ads recently about a month or two ago. I don't know why but I get them on my notification bar. The phone vibtayes and the light goes on like if it was a message or a new email. Also when I turn on the phone I get black screen and I press them home button and it goes back to normal. I also get redirected to thegoogle play store when I unlock my phone sometimes to a game app and I sometimes get an app shortcut to n app I don't have. The phone itself is rooted but when I tryed (General)


text:
Mailing Address:
500 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Contact 1: Ken Newman, Dir. of Sales
Contact 2: Angela du Passage, Asst. Dir. of Sales
Phone: (504) 595-5527
Toll Free: (800) 235-3396
Fax: (504) 592-5615
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: www.sheratonneworleans.com
Meeting Rooms: 54
Exhibit Space: 105,000
Meeting Capacity: 2,700
Banquet Capacity: 2,000
Guest Rooms: 1,110
Suites: 53
Sq. Ft. Largest Room: 28,000
On Site: Business center, VIP floor, wireless & DS3 high-speed Internet access, A/V services, 2 lounges, restaurant, Starbucks, outdoor pool & fitness facility.
Comments: On historic Canal Street bordering the French Quarter, just steps from shopping, legendary nightlife & world-famous restaurants, the Hotel features versatile & expansive meeting space.
Meeting tips & the latest news from the Southeast sent to your inbox.Sign Up
Let us know your picks for the South's most creative and professional CVBs, conventions centers, hotels and other meeting sites.Go
Nominate meeting and event planners, and convention services managers for our monthly and annual Meeting Pro To Watch Awards.Go
Was an event held at your site or destination creatively and professionally executed? If so, nominate it for our annual recognition.Go
Nominate your pick for the top meeting sites that are newly opened and top sites that have recently renovated or expanded.Go


text:
|Doubletree Hotels Cleburne hotels are provided below. Search for cheap and discount Doubletree Hotels hotel rates in Cleburne, TX for your upcoming individual or group travel. We list the best Doubletree Hotels Cleburne lodging so you can review the Cleburne Doubletree Hotels hotel list below to find the perfect place.
This page will provide Cleburne, TX lodging that have similar quality of Doubletree Hotels.
Booking a group or meeting? Set up a group hotel block in Cleburne TX
All Doubletree Hotels in or near Cleburne
Hotels like Doubletree Hotels
Next: Show All Available Comparable Hotels with Pricing >


text:
Damon Campbell Interviews Hoodie Allen
While backstage at Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio over the weekend for Self Diploma's Summer Concert Series, I sat down with headlining act Hoodie Allen for an interview made possible by my previous interviewee, D-WHY.
"This kid is blowing my mind!" exclaimed the former Google employee, as we discussed freestyling for Little Brother when he was part of an events committee at UPenn that booked them for a show, putting a car on the roof of his high school as a senior prank (he was class president), having his first kiss at sleepway camp, and more.
"This was a fantastic interview," he said. "I think people learned a lot about me that I didn't want them to know…and…that's perfect!"
Shot by @aaronklisman


text:
Full steam ahead for new Springfield rail
Artist Impression of Springfield Central Station. Courtesy of Trackstar Alliance.
Brookwater residents are eagerly awaiting the completion of the $1.2 billion Springfield rail line, which is expected to open mid next year.
Brookwater Residential General Manager Terry Honan said the new rail line will provide Brookwater residents with a direct link between Greater Springfield and Brisbane when it opens in 2013.
"Brisbane will soon only be a stone's throw away for Brookwater residents, with the construction of the Springfield Line on-track for completion in 2013," Mr Honan said.
"Once completed, commuters will be able to travel to direct to Brisbane's CBD in around 30 minutes."
Stage 2 of the Richlands-to-Springfield rail project will see 9.5 kilometres of dual rail line built to new stations at Springfield (near Woodcrest College) and Springfield Central (near Orion Town Centre).
Springfield Central Station and Springfield Station will be complete with 100 and 200 park 'n' ride car parks respectively, as well as bicycle lockers and racks.
Springfield Land Corporation Deputy Managing Director Raynuha Sinnathamby said the new rail line was just one of the exciting new developments happening in the Greater Springfield community.
'The new rail line will provide a direct link between Greater Springfield and Brisbane City, which will give thousands of residents and students better access, cheaper travel and fewer delays in their daily commute," Ms Sinnathamby said.
"Greater Springfield is experiencing rapid growth at the moment, with developments such as the Springfield rail line, upgrades to the Centenary Highway and construction of Good Shepherd Catholic School and the Hymba Yumba Community Hub all well underway this year," she said.
Queensland Rail predicts the new rail line will help encourage business development and job creation in the area, with approximately 3200 jobs expected to be created over the life of the project.


text:
Credit : Merino/INFphoto.comEarn Points
The Kardashians
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Eats Ice Cream — Looks Very Disheveled!
Pregnant Kim Kardashian has never been one to just throw on an outfit before leaving the house. Everything she wears is planned, calculated, and created by a high-end designer. So you can imagine our surprise when Kim stepped out in Beverly Hills on March 15 looking — well, basically like she'd just rolled out of bed!
From her disheveled hair to her nightgown-like ensemble, this is not the perfectly-put-together Kim we are used to seeing. What's more, the mom-to-be even ditched her signature stilettos for a pair of (gasp!) flats. We don't even remember the last time appeared in public without heels!
For all the latest updates about Kim Kardashian's pregnancy, click here!


text:
Thousands of protesters have been on the streets and squares of central Kiev for about three weeks, in rallies marred by violence. Kiev opted to sign a $15 billion deal with Moscow despite protester demands in the capital that Ukraine look westward.
Go to Part 1 of live updates.
15:12 GMT: Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passes a bill awarding amnesty for all the pro-EU protesters detained on Kiev's Maidan since the beginning of the unrest.
11:50 GMT: Next year, Ukraine will pay its citizens $750 million in compensation for their devalued deposits in the Soviet-era Sberbank, Yanukovich vows, adding that this sum is provided for in the 2014 budget.
He adds that he personally insisted on the move, while members of
the government of the former soviet state had their doubts about
whether the expense was appropriate.
In total, the Soviet-era Sberbank owes Ukrainians over $12.5 billion.
11:44 GMT: President Yanukovich says his decision to run for a second term in 2015 will depend on his rating.
"If my rating is low and there is no prospect [to win the vote], I won't get in the way of the country's development," he tells reporters.
11:25 GMT: Yanukovich slams opposition leaders for harboring their own political ambitions and conducting "revolutionary" actions.
"Personal ambitions have to be kept in check. I am categorically against politicians who have initiated revolutionary actions," Reuters reports him telling a news conference in Kiev. "We have a constitution and law. Wait for the elections and the Ukrainian people will have the last word."
11:18 GMT: President Viktor Yanukovich criticizes Western politicians who visited a protest encampment in Kiev during the unrest.
He says he is opposed to the interference of representatives of other states in Ukraine's internal questions and them feeling "they are masters here," he tells journalists during a televised conference.
"I'm categorically against anybody coming here and teaching us how to live," he says.
11:15 GMT: Ukraine will accept a $15 billion aid package from Russia because of high gas prices and debt repayments to the IMF, Yanukovich says. That, however, does not contradict Ukraine's policy of European integration, he adds.
22:19 GMT: EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton says that the new Russian-Ukrainian deal will not hinder EU's resolve to sign an Association Agreement with Kiev.
"The EU remains open to signing an Association Agreement with Ukraine. We do not believe that the agreement between Ukraine and Russia will create obstacles for this," Ashton was quoted by Interfax.
14:07 GMT: Ukrainian pro-EU rally has the nationalist Svoboda party as its major driving force and the loudest voice. RT's Aleksey Yaroshevsky has taken a closer look at the party's slogans to find out they are quite contrary to European values. While western leaders used to harshly criticize Ukrainian right-wing factions some time ago, they now seem to see nothing wrong in walking side by side with those adhering to quite radical views.
Video: /files/news/21/6a/90/00/1150753_yaro_1200_480p.mp4
12:25 GMT: Former Ukrainian foreign minister Vladimir Ogryzko says the recent economic aid deal signed between Kiev and Moscow will deprive Ukraine of its autonomy in managing its own foreign affairs and do nothing to keep the country from sinking further into debt.
"Today the Ukrainian government has lost the right to foreign policy maneuvering," he said.
Ogryzko added that after inking a deal for cheaper Russian gas, which will also see Russia purchase $15 billion dollars in securities from the debt-ridden country, Kiev will now be forced to coordinate matters of foreign policy with Moscow. He concluded that Ukraine had sold out its sovereignty to solve the country's gas problem.
12:15 GMT: Ukraine's ex-finance minister Viktor Pinzenik from the opposition UDAR party said the economic deal would not "solve the problems of Ukraine."
"Instead finding a way out of the problems from living a life in debt, Ukraine has further been pulled into debt," Pinzenik said.
Pinzenik said the interest rate on the loan remained unknown, and at any time Russia could opt "to give or not give" the funds, making the credit a means of exerting pressure on Ukraine.
10:55 GMT: Ukraine's Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov said that signing an agreement with the EU would have "given the country a New Year's present" amounting to a crisis and a social collapse. To draw a parallel, the PM compared the prospect with a deal with Russia.
"Let's examine how the possible course of events, had we not reachedthat agreement [with Russia on December 17], if approximately a month ago we had not taken the tough but necessary decision of halting the signing of an agreement [with the EU]… after several days of applause and jubilation over the signing, Ukraine would have to face a tough reality," Azarov said at a meeting on Wednesday.
8:40 GMT: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed Russia's "surprise" that Western powers have continued to push Ukraine to have closer ties with Europe despite the fact that Kiev has accepted a financial package from Moscow
Russia is "surprised by attempts to put overt pressure on the Ukrainian government, which continue despite the decisions made in Moscow yesterday," Lavrov told the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament on Wednesday.
Lavrov said Western attempts to influence Kiev were inherently contradictory, as they denied Ukraine the right to act in accordance with its own laws and national interests as a sovereign state.
"Our position is based on respect for the sovereign respect of Ukraine," Lavrov continued. "We hope that Ukraine will be able to overcome its problems with have accumulated – to do so within a constitutional and legal spheres – and to make its own decisions."
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich reached a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow that will see the Russian government buy $15 billion in Ukrainian debt by investing in Ukrainian securities using money from Russia's Welfare Fund. Also, from January 1, Ukraine will be able to purchase Russian gas for $268 instead of $400 per 1,000 cubic meters.
19:48 GMT: US Senator John McCain told The Daily Beast that Washington "did not threaten" Kiev with sanctions, but would consider sanctions in case the Ukrainian government attempts further violence against peaceful protesters.
"We didn't threaten the sanctions, but we both said that sanctions would be a consideration if there was any brutality against the protesters," McCain said following his two day trip to Ukraine.
While not specifying what these sanctions could mean, McCain said Kiev "should not have any doubt that there would be consequences for any further violence".
19:30 GMT: Washington responded to the Kiev-Moscow deal by saying it "will not address the concerns of tens of thousands of Ukrainian protesters," Reuters reported, citing White House spokesman Jay Carney.
While saying White House officials had not seen details of the deal, in which Russia agreed to send a $15 billion lifeline to Ukraine, Carney claimed any such deal will not content the demonstrators protesting against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich's U-turn on the EU association agreement.
18:40 GMT: The Ukrainian opposition demanded the government lower tariffs on communal services by 30 percent after getting a "discount" on gas from Russia.
Addressing President Yanukovich from a stage on Maidan, Arseny Yatsenyuk of the Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party called on the government "to lower all the tariffs in Ukraine in connection with the lowering of gas prices" and was supported by cheers from a crowd of demonstrators, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
18:00 GMT: Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has signed an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, under which Russia is to buy $15 billion in Ukrainian debt by buying Ukrainian government securities.
According to Putin, Russia will invest roughly 17 percent of its $88 billion National Welfare Fund for the plan.
Yanukovich announced he also secured a more favorable Russian gas contract, with Ukraine now having to pay $268 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas instead of $400.
There was "not a word" about the Russia-led Customs Union during the Moscow talks, Yanukovich later stressed.
12:40 GMT: The Ukrainian parliament has attempted to start functioning again, but its session lasted less than 10 minutes on Tuesday.
That was due to the fact that the opposition blocked the
parliament's tribune before the session began, and that's
happened for the second time this month.
MPs are set to consider the country's 2014 budget on Thursday.
"The majority of the deputies are ready to work, not to block the parliament's work," Speaker Vladimir Rybak said, Itar-Tass news agency reported.
11:31 GMT: Protesters on Independence Square in Kiev are waiting for the results of President Yanukovich's trip to Moscow. The Ukrainian leader arrived in the Russian capital on Tuesday and is currently meeting with President Putin to discuss economic cooperation and sign some documents.
13:11 GMT: Kiev should make up its mind about euro integration in order to re-start negotiations with the EU, according to Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorsky. He also said that the decision to stop the talks is sensible at the moment, as Ukraine should establish the format of its euro integration for the country.
11:00 GMT: The session of the Russia-Ukrainian interstate commission is set to take place on December 17 in Moscow, and will be presided by Presidents Putin and Yanukovich. Russia and Ukraine are set to sign a significant quantity of documents, according to Kremlin's statement.
09:33 GMT: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to discuss the preparation for the January Russia-EU summit, as well as the situation in Ukraine, with the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU). Lavrov will also have a separate meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton.
Vytautas Leskevicius, Deputy Foreign Minister of Lithuania, which is currently the chairman of the EU Council, emphasized that Russia's foreign minister would be told about the "inadmissibility of putting pressure to bear on Ukraine."
Earlier, Vladimir Chizhov, Russia's Permanent Representative at the EU, had spoken about the accusations of Russia "pressuring" Ukraine in an ITAR-TASS news agency interview. In his turn, he said that it's the EU which is putting pressure on Ukraine and compared the EU actions akin "to steamrolling."
03:50 GMT: Ukraine is planning to agree to Russian gas prices and resume talks about a three-party gas consortium to look after Ukraine's pipeline network next week, Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov told Ukraine's Inter TV channel.
An intergovernmental Russian-Ukrainian commission is scheduled to take place in Moscow on Tuesday. Yanukovich is said to be in attendance.
00:04 GMT: Ukraine's Prime Minister, Nikolay Azarov, stated that no documents will be signed in relation to the country joining the Customs Union during the interstate commission meeting on December 17 in Moscow. He clarified that before anything is signed, it must be approved by the cabinet and "right now there are no documents that directly or indirectly have any relation to the Customs Union," Azarov told Inter TV channel.
23:06 GMT: US Senators John McCain and Chris Murphy met with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich. The president "emphasized the invariability of the European integration course of Ukraine and the faithfulness to national interests of the state," according to the leader's website.
Yanukovich assured that the government will do everything in its power to make certain that citizens' rights for peaceful demonstrations are protected, and confirmed that there will be an investigation into the events of November 30 on Independence Square - the day security forces launched a crackdown on protesters. The two sides have agreed to continue negotiations.
19:55 GMT: Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay
Azarov is hoping for a breakthrough in re-negotiations of the
price of Russian gas during an economic forum with his Russian
counterparts on Tuesday.
"It's high time this was sorted out," he said during a TV appearance on the local Inter channel "We are hoping to come to a final arrangement when we meet up."
Cash-strapped Ukraine has been locked into a high-priced contract with Russia, which sees it pay substantially more than the European average. Azarov said he hoped to bring supply prices in line with the rest of the continent.
17:10 GMT: Opposition activists have ended their protest outside Ukraine's Security, Internal Affairs and Central Election Committee offices. The crowd has moved to Independence Square, where opposition supporters have been camping out during three weeks of protests. No violence has been reported.
15:13 GMT: Opposition MPs in the Ukrainian
Parliament have collected more than 170 signatures for the
dismissal of the government of Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov,
parliamentarian Oles Doniy told reporters.
"When I put my signature, it was the 175th," Doniy said.
Taking into account the votes of the Communist party, the resolution already has the support of around 210 deputies - much more than the 150 votes required for the bill to be considered.
On December 3, parliament participated in a no-confidence vote for the current government, but the motion was defeated and the government stayed in place – much to the disappointment of opposition leaders.
The opposition is urging parliament to once again consider the dismissal of the government on December 17, the 66th birthday of Prime Minister Azarov.
15:17 GMT: Three columns of demonstrations have
moved out from Independence Square to hold protests in front of
the Ukrainian government buildings in Kiev.
The opposition leaders sent their men to the Ukrainian Security Service headquarters and the Interior Ministry, claiming that those agencies were responsible for the violent crackdown on the Maidan rally on November 30.
The third group is heading towards the Central Election Committee due to early parliament elections taking place in five of the country's districts on Sunday.
urging Russia not to interfere with Ukraine. Yet says failure
to forge closer ties with EU could damage US/Ukraine relations
— Paul Scott (@PaulScottRT) December
15, 2013
12:50 GMT: US Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and
Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) have addressed the anti-government rally
in Kiev.
As McCain took to the stage, he told demonstrators that their peaceful protests are "inspiring the world."
"People of Ukraine, this is your moment. This is about you, no one else. This is about the future you want for your country. This is about the future you deserve," he said. "We are here to support your just cause, the sovereign right of Ukraine to determine its own destiny freely and independently. And the destiny you seek lies in Europe."
"The US is with you," he vowed to the crowd.
McCain was accompanied on stage by Sen. Christopher Murphy.
"Ukraine's future stands with Europe, and the United States stands with Ukraine," Murphy said, urging protesters to continue their fight.
Video: /files/news/21/6a/90/00/1141938_ukr_mcc_web_480p.mp4
12:39 GMT: US Senator John McCain has met with opposition leaders. He said that Ukraine's future is with Europe and voiced his support for pro-EU protesters.
Greeting protesters upon our arrival in #Kiev
today #Ukrainepic.twitter.com/shHMm44EhL
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain)
December 14, 2013
12:21 GMT: Over 35,000 pro and anti-EU supporters have gathered for mass protests in Kiev, says Kiev police press service. 20,000 people are now on Independence Square, while 15,000 activists have gathered in Mariinsky Park.
12:10 GMT: One protester died during the pro-EU demonstration on Independence square. A police official said the body didn't bear any signs of violence. The possible cause of death might have been a heart attack, the official added.
11:35 GMT: Ukraine should maintain friendly relations with Russia, says Vitaly Klitschko, the leader of the Udar (Strike) Party, Der Spiegel reports, as cited by Itar-Tass.
"Every country needs normal relations with its neighbors. And Russia is one of our most important trade partners. However, Ukraine shouldn't forget about its own interests," he said.
When asked about the possible division of Ukraine into conservative east and pro-European west, he said that "the reasons for both pro and anti-integration protests are the same - unemployment, poor medical service and injustice". Klitschko has also reiterated his intention to run in the 2015 presidential elections.
11:15 GMT: 18,000 people have gathered on Independence Square to support EU integration, while 15,000 activists came to support the ruling Party of Regions in Mariinsky Park, as of 1pm local time, according to police estimations.
10:48 GMT: Several thousand activists supporting the ruling Party of Regions have gathered in Mariinsky Park for a rally to support Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
There are several buses with police nearby. It was earlier announced that the demonstration will take place on European Square, but then the location was changed to Mariinsky Park which is near the Cabinet of Ministers and Ukrainian parliament buildings.
10:10 GMT: About 2,000 people have gathered in the center of Simferopol, the capital of Ukraine's Autonomous Republic of Crimea, to show support for the Ukrainian authorities, reports RIA Novosti. They are scheduled to take a train to Kiev to show their disagreement with the opposition and urge the government to stop the destabilization of the country.
The activists are carrying Ukrainian flags and placards saying, "Ukraine is not Maidan!" "No to Orange Coup," "No to foreign intervention."
"Those who are currently protesting on Maidan [Independence Square] are lying. This is not the opinion of the whole nation. The people of South-Eastern Ukraine have their own opinions and are indignant about the latest events in the country," said Crimean Vice Premier Rustam Temirgaliev.
09:50 GMT: Opposition activists are arriving on Independence Square for a public gathering which is scheduled 12:00 local time (10:00 GMT), says RIA Novosti. Some of the protesters stayed on the square overnight.
The demonstration of the ruling Party of Regions to support the Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovich, will take place on European Square at the same time only hundreds of meters away from Independence Square. Protesters are also starting to gather on European Square, though at the moment there are few people there except for police cordons.
So far police officials haven't reported any violations or mass disorder in the places where the protests are scheduled.
06:50 GMT: Parliamentary by-elections are being held on Sunday in five constituencies of Ukraine, amid the ongoing mass protests in Kiev. The polling was called by parliament after the Central Electoral Commission dismissed the results of the 2012 general election, citing violations.
The Commission called upon all participants of the mass protests not to campaign for their candidates on the election day, since it would violate the law.
An astounding 70 candidates are running for the parliamentary seat in one of the constituencies. The large number resulted in ballot papers there being one meter long.
The commission is to announce the results of the by-election no later than December 30.
06:15 GMT: The leader of the opposition nationalist party, Bratstvo (Brotherhood), Dmitry Korchinsky, has been put on the international wanted list, says Vasily Paskal, the head of the criminal investigation department of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry.
"We have information that certain members of Korchinsky's organization – about 15 people – have been living in his office. He used them to carry out the most radical actions," Paskal reported to the country's interior minister.
According to the Ukrainian Interior Ministry, more than 300 Bratstvo activists, guided by Korchinsky, were behind the clashes outside the Presidential Administration building on December 1. They used a bulldozer to push back on a cordon of police officers and security troops. Over two hundred people, including protesters and police officers, were injured in the scuffles on that day.
On December 5, Ukrainian prosecutors made a request to the Kiev court to arrest Dmitry Korchinsky.


text:
New mystery novel explores K-9 bond
Do you ever worry there are too many mystery writers setting their books in Southern California?
I don't. When my first book was published in 1990, there were so few mystery writers in San Diego that Bob Wade (the late crime novelist and U-T reviewer) actually called me up to congratulate me. I think he wrote in his review that for a city the size of San Diego, it is amazing how few crime writers there are. That's changed. I'm glad I was in the vanguard of that movement, but still our county is bigger than many states, and there are so many facets to San Diego County that I don't feel in my lifetime I could exhaust the possibilities.
Did the experience with wildfire here in recent years influence your decision to make fire a big part of the new book?
To some extent it did. As San Diegans experienced, when you are in the path of a fire, it's unworldly. It's terrifying. I'll never forget during the Witch Creek fire going out and seeing this gray world with orange overtones and cinder in the air. That fire was still many miles from my house. I remember going out at night and seeing the red horizon and the burning in the distance and thinking how terrible it is for those people who are right in the thick of that fire. To use a bad pun, it burned itself in my memory, that's for sure.
Where did you get your funny bone?
To me, it's always been if you can make people comfortable and laugh, usually your life is a little easier. In some ways I was the class clown because it allowed me a chance to express myself. So I guess it's never changed. I like cracking wise. I like funny lines. I enjoy humor. I naturally inject it in most of my novels.
The novel I had the most trouble writing was "Shame." One of the reasons it was my book from hell is because my protagonist was the son of a serial murderer and I figured in order to escape his past he would try to be a wallflower. So here I created this character who ran away from his life, is trying to blend in and he can't make any jokes because that wouldn't fit who he's trying to be. I'd painted myself into a corner.
So then I had to introduce a drag queen who used one liners and I introduced a true-crime writer. So I basically made three protagonists because I found a book without humor wasn't coming to life. And to me, the magic of a book coming to life — I'm still a huge fan of any book that makes me feel like I'm there.
"Burning Man," by Alan Russell, Thomas & Mercer, 328 pages, $14.95


text:
Organisers of the much awaited fundingraising musical extravaganza of the ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) dubbed "peace dinner" are leaving no stone unturned in making the event a success, as meetings and other preparations intensified over the past few days.
The Daily Observer Tuesday evening caught up with the chairperson of the party's Fundraising Committee, Fatou Lamin Faye, who is also the minister of Basic and Secondary Education, at the APRC Political Bureau in Kanifing where she indicated that preparations are at an advanced stage.
Minister Faye told this reporter that preparations are on track and that they have got confirmation of the arrival of the two main artistes for the event, Vivian Chidick and Philip Montero from Cape Verde.
"The venue for the gala dinner is at the Senegambia Garden on Friday, 15th February, and the dance will be held on Saturday at the Pencha Mii Hall of the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi," she disclosed.
The ruling party's fundraising chair underscored that the initiative is meant to raise funds so as to ensure that they are able to comfortably fund the upcoming April 4th Local Government Elections.
"We thought we need to bring the party supporters together to wine and dine with our president, have fun and generate income for the upcoming Local Government Election. The upcoming poll is as important as that of the Presidential and National Assembly because it is the Local Government Election that determines the councilors that work at the grassroots. If we are to eradicate poverty, we have to make sure that we focus attention on the grassroots," she said.
Minister Faye continued: "I am even led to believe that the dance is going to be even more enjoyable, though it is not a gala dinner but then the artistes will have more time to entertain whoever buys a ticket. This will also create the opportunity for them to dance and enjoy themselves.
"So we want to enjoin our well-wishers to buy a table. We have a platinum table for D50, 000 and platinum plus for D60, 000. So we calling on all APRC supporters and well-wishers to come and join us and support the party because it is a worthy cause."
She added: "The resources we are going to generate is not only going to be used for the elections, but we will also use part of it to fund other activities of the party in the areas of education, women and youth empowerment, agriculture and health. These are key issues that the APRC is giving a lot of attention to. Some individuals have even donated some money. It is a big number and I cannot enumerate them. We want to treat people specially and be rest assured they will have a great evening on this day," she concluded.


text:
I began collecting at four years old, and have been on-again/off-again doing so ever since.
What I am primarily interested in would be Hall Of Famers. I really enjoy the Certified Auto and Game Gear cards. They were unavailable 'in the day'. I am a Cubs fan, but that doesn't mean I want every Aramis Ramirez or Jeff Samardzija card you have. When it comes down to it, I'd prefer a serial numbered Star card to a Jersey card of a common.
The Holy Grail I refer to iswhat usually sends me away from collecting for months or years. It would be nice (on a budget) to have a network of traders that, whether they have similar collecting goals or not, are compatible. I'm more than willing to ship base cards (stars, commons, and rookies alike) of the team of their choice to someone if I get something of value in return. Serial number cards of low-demand players, minor premium cards, pretty much anything to justify the shipping cost. Base commons end up curbside eventually, so I'd really enjoy finding outlets for them. I'm willing to ship other stuff to get it done, but I have to get something of value in return
Check my pages. Let me know if anything catches your interest. Be forewarned, I have no time for people who offer me garbage for quality. The lasttime someone pulled that trick, both of us were very unsatisfied. So, just don't.


text:
Home | Current Issue | Past Issues | Search | Collections | PDA Services | Subscribe | Contact Us | Help | ACP Online
|About Annals
Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM), an organization of more than 115,000 internal medicine physicians and medical students. The following highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information. For an embargoed fax of an article, call 1-800-523-1546, ext. 2656 or 215-351-2656. Full content of the issue is available on the Internet at http://www.annals.org.
Automatic monitoring of blood pressure in patients' homes with weekly reports to physicians and patients was effective in reducing pressure levels, according to a new study (Article, p. 1024). Patients in the randomized, controlled trial had reduced readings compared to another group of patients under 'usual care.' The benefits were "particularly striking for African-American patients," says the author.
The rising cost of prescription drugs is discussed by two authors in this issue of Annals. One writer says price controls -- particularly governmental controls -- would lead to a cascade of effects from reducing incentives for research to creating an "entrenchment of vested interests" that would make it "difficult to dismantle controls" (Perspective, p. 1060). An editorial calls on the U.S. pharmaceutical industry to voluntarily reduce drug prices (Editorial, p. 1068). A decrease of only 1.2 percent overall would reduce consumer drug costs by about $1.7 billion a year, an amount approximately equal to $2,000 worth of drugs for each of the 850,000 Medicare recipients who spend that much per year or more out of pocket, the author says.
Some studies have shown that as many as one-third of all heart attacks suffered by people without known heart disease may go unrecognized and that unrecognized heart attacks are more common in women than men. However, a new study of 2,763 postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease found only 11 of 256 nonfatal heart attacks had gone unrecognized (Article, p. 1043).


text:
John Weigle stamp column: Plan to put living person on stamp might be dead
Plans to announce the first living person to be pictured on a U.S. stamp are being delayed because some members of the U.S. Postal Service board of governors have expressed concerns about the idea, Linn's Stamp News reports in its July 16 issue.
The subject of the first living person stamp was originally scheduled to be announced in May. The change in policy was announced last year. The policy until then was that no one except former presidents could be shown on a stamp until 10 years after they died. The idea behind the old policy was to avoid snap decisions that might later be regretted as history looked back at stamp subjects. Presidents could be honored on their first birthday after their deaths under the old policy.
Many foreign governments have issued stamps showing living people, especially entertainers, to attract topical collectors and fans of the stamp subjects. The U.S. Postal Service announcement of the change said those chosen would be "acclaimed musicians, sports stars, writers, artists and other nationally known figures."
The board of governors expects to discuss the subject at a meeting in August or sooner, Linn's said.
Linn's said it isn't clear how many of the board's nine members have questioned the plan, but it had comments from three. James C. Miller III of Virginia, nominated by President Barack Obama for a third term, said at his confirmation hearing that picturing living people on stamps "would be a very bad idea. ... For every friend you would make, you would make thousands of enemies."
Thurgood Marshall Jr., the board chairman, said he's intrigued by the idea to increase revenue by selling more stamps, but said he's "also of the opinion that the unique honor of being depicted on a U.S. postage stamp should be the result of very careful vetting." He said he'd like to hear more from the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee and Postal Service managers.
Linn's quoted board member James H. Bilbray, of Nevada, as saying, "Many of us have reservations about this."
Stamp collectors are split over the idea. Many said when it was announced that there should be a waiting period before people can be pictured on U.S. stamps, while others said they'd enjoy stamps showing living people. It appears, Linn's said, that even if the board accepts the plan, the first stamp showing a living person could not be issued before next year.
Two major shows — AMERICOVER 2012, sponsored by the American First Day Cover Society, and the American Philatelic Society's StampShow 2012 — will be in California in August.
AMERICOVER, the 57th annual convention and exhibition of the American First Day Cover Society, will be Aug. 10-12 at the Irvine Marriott, 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine. The hotel phone number is 949-553-0100.
Here is some general information from the society's website at http://www.afdcs.org/americover/americover.html:
"The three-day event is a World Series of Philately show, and the exhibits are nearly all FDCs. The grand award winners are eligible to compete for the WSP Champion of Champion trophy as the best exhibit in U.S. philately."
Several groups will have meetings and seminars during AMERICOVER, and a youth area will let children make their own cachets (pictorial envelopes) and learn about stamp collecting.
The show's souvenirs include covers, of course, and a T-shirt.
More general information may be obtained by sending an email to email@example.com or by writing to AMERICOVER chair Cynthia Scott, 4505 Chapel Drive, Columbus, IN 47203.
StampShow will be Aug. 16-19 at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The American Philatelic Society's website at http://stamps.org/STAMPSHOW-SS says StampShow expects more than 150 dealers, nearly 15,000 pages of exhibits, a public auction, first-day ceremonies, 50 societies and more.
Admission to both shows is free, although there might be parking fees, depending on the venue.
More details on both events should be posted by mid-July on their respective websites.
Goebel Senior Center Stamp Club, Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. The club meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. For further information, call President Richard Countess at 818-889-2669.
Simi Valley Stamp Club, 1 p.m., first and third Monday of each month (except in January, February and September), at the Senior Citizens Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Call Jeff Goldstein at 579-7907.
Ventura County Philatelic Society, Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road, Ventura, first and third Mondays of each month, 8 p.m.
This list, which includes a few national shows in Northern California and San Diego County, is compiled from a number of sources. If you plan to travel a long distance, it's a good idea to check to be sure the event has not been canceled. Bourses are commercial events where dealers show their goods. Stamp shows are sponsored by a club or federation (group of clubs) and feature competitive exhibits in addition to the bourse. For more information about shows around the world, visit http://www.stampshows.com. To save space, details of monthly shows are printed once under the heading "Monthly show details," with references back to that from the date of the show. No more than three months of shows are listed.
First Saturday: INTURPEX Stamp and Cover Expo, Arcadia Masonic Temple, 50 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia. Commercial. Free admission and parking.
The Original First Sunday Stamp Show: Masonic Hall, 14750 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Commercial. Free admission and parking. Stephen Pattillo, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com. Web site: http://www.stampshowsteve.com.
5-Star Stamp Show: YWCA Regency Room, 735 E. Lexington, Glendale. Commercial. Free admission and parking. (Stephen Pattillo, see information at Original First Sunday Stamp Show).
Quality Sunday Stamp Show: Anaheim Plaza Hotel, 1700 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. Commercial. Free admission and parking, (Stephen Pattillo, see information at Original First Sunday Stamp Show).
Today (July 7): INTURPEX, see monthly shows for details.
July 28: 5-Star Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
July 29: Quality Sunday Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Aug. 4: INTURPEX, see monthly shows for details.
Aug. 5: Original First Sunday Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Aug. 10-12: AMERICOVER, Irvine Marriott, 18000 von Karman Ave., Irvine. American First Day Cover Society show.
Aug. 16-19: StampShow, Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento. American Philatelic Society show.
Aug. 25: 5-Star Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Aug. 26: Quality Sunday Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Sept. 1: INTURPEX, see monthly shows for details
Sept. 2: Original First Sunday Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Sept. 14-16: San Marino Stamp Show, Masonic Center, 3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino, commercial show. Free parking, admission.
Sept. 22: 5-Star Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Sept. 23: Quality Sunday Stamp Show, see monthly shows for details.
Most U.S. issues can be obtained at any large post office or from the Stamp Fulfillment Services, Box 41936, Kansas City, MO 64141-6636. The center accepts credit card orders at 800-782-6724. This calendar was compiled from Postal Service announcements, Linn's Stamp News and the Virtual Stamp Club website. Issue dates and first-day cities are subject to change.
July 20: Four 45-cent Major League Baseball All-Stars commemoratives (Joe DiMaggio, Larry Doby, Willie Stargell and Ted Williams) in panes with all four stamps and in individual panes for each player (the individual players stamps are scheduled to be released on July 21, in Boston, Mass.; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pa., and New York, N.Y.), Cooperstown, N.Y.
July 28: Four 45-cent Innovative Choreographers commemoratives (Isadora Duncan, José Limón, Katherine Dunham and Bob Fosse), Los Angeles.
Aug. 16: 10 45-cent Flags of Our Nation coils (part of a series continuing over several years), Sacramento.
Aug. 17: 45-cent Edgar Rice Burroughs commemorative, Tarzana.
Aug. 18: 45-cent War of 1812 commemorative showing the USS Constitution, Boston.
Sept. 11: 45-cent O. Henry commemorative (Literary Arts series), Greensboro, N.C.
John Weigle's e-mail address is firstname.lastname@example.com. His blog is at http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/weigle. He is a longtime collector and member of the Ventura County Philatelic Society.
On the Net: http://stamps.org; http://virtualstampclub.com; http://www.vcphilatelic.com
Subscribe to the Ventura County Star
Need Help? Call us at 1-877-710-6182.
Monday-Friday: 6am-3pm / Saturday: 6:30am-10:30am / Sunday: 7am-11am


text:
Is Greg Smith disingenuous? Willfully blind? Machiavellian? Deluded? Peeved by the size of his bonus and feeling vindictive? Or simply stupid?
Whatever the case, the now-former Goldman Sachs banker set both Wall Street and Main Street agog when he quit his job yesterday and, not contenting himself with sending his resignation letter to his bosses, decided he would publish it as an op-ed column in The New York Times. The reason he's walking away from a job that pays a healthy seven-figure salary and bonus every year aroused even more comment. "The interests of the client continue to be sidelined in the way the firm operates and thinks about making money," Smith opined.
To anyone who followed the Congressional hearings in April 2010, focusing on Goldman's now-infamous "Abacus" structured transaction, that's hardly news. Since then, we've had years to digest the reality that when a Montana senator demanded of the Goldman Sachs honchos lined up in front of his subcommittee whether they believed they were working for themselves or their clients, Dan Sparks, former head of Goldman's mortgage business, had to pause before he replied. Even then, the best answer he could come up with was, "that's a complicated question."
Smith's tirade, which easily matches that of Matt Taibbi in Rolling Stone that labeled Goldman a "vampire squid," the answer is simple: yes. His motives for commenting publicly, however, were being analyzed with a growing level of skepticism and even downright cynicism yesterday afternoon. Why, pundits wondered, had Smith ever believed anything different about Wall Street? Why had he been content to swallow his dissatisfaction and disillusion until (so rumor would have it) he received a bonus he believed didn't reflect his talents or contributions? Weren't his complaints sheer hypocrisy? Well, possibly.
But the bottom line is that Smith represents a large number of bankers on Wall Street. I talked to a lot of them when researching my book, Chasing Goldman Sachs, first published in the summer of 2010 (and in an updated paperback edition last October.) Many of them would only agree to discuss their concerns about the way the industry and their firms had changed over the last two or three decades if I agreed not to use their real names.
Once I made that promise, scores of current and former bankers just like Smith told me they wanted to do the best for their clients. They loved the big fat paychecks, but they also relished the challenges of finding a clever solution to a client's corporate finance problem, helping an investment manager unload a big block of stock, or structuring financing for a complex buyout deal. The folks who created credit derivatives were exhilarated not by the fat bonuses, the promotions or the chance to make money off clients, but by the rare opportunity to create a genuinely new financial instrument that would enable users to keep lending to long-term clients while diversifying their credit exposure.


text:
True Value email campaigns
Situation: True Value corporate has 3 different agencies and therefore 3 different styles of emails going out to their customers from the brand advertising group, the loyalty program, and the ecommerce group.
Solution: CWD was hired to create a unified voice and style for all of the emails from True Value. We craft the messages with a bit of humor in order to connect with readers in a more emotional way. Strong subject lines and social media strategies help these new emails build their community and improve click through.