text:
Jaclyn Joslin takes the Art Attack challenge to benefit Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS
A favorite, Friday tradition is back on Kansas City Live. It's the return of Art Attack, where we challenge a local artist to create something wonderful in just under one hour. Jaclyn Joslin, owner and interior designer at Coveted Home, is taking the Art Attack challenge this week to benefit Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) .
DIFFA's Holidays by Design
Saturday, November 17 / 7 p.m.
The Rotunda of Town Pavilion
1111 Main Street
Kansas City, MO
Tickets: $50 (advance), $60 (at the door)


text:
My advice in the many pages of this site is based not only on my experience as an indoor allergy sufferer and past victim of Sick Building Syndrome, but also on my many years of academic and work experience in the environmental sciences and the home air purifier industry.
To begin your journey toward a more healthy, safe, and sustainable home I recommend you begin with the basics.
Following is a healthy home infographic with some tips for improving the environmental health and safety of your home.
How does your home measure up?
Our ancestors lived in well-ventilated (drafty) homes built mostly of inert all-natural materials, such as locally quarried stone and hand-cut timber.
I guess you could say Green building was the norm a hundred years ago.
There were far less chemical toxins inside homes back then. But climate control was also more difficult.
Contrast that to modern times, when indoor air pollution has become a man-made global epidemic.
Our homes are exponentially more air-tight and energy-efficient. But this means they also have the tendency to accumulate off-gassing toxins from the many chemical-based products they are constructed from and filled with.
The costs and benefits of the past have been inverted in today's homes. We have gained energy efficiency, but lost air quality because of all the accumulating by-products from our "better living through modern chemistry".
But green building is once again becoming the norm and indoor air quality has become the main focus of creating healthy home environments.
No wonder air purifier sales have exploded upwards over the last decade.
But is air purification enough?
As you can see by the image above, an effective healthy home strategy is not about focusing on one magic bullet, such as an air purification system and room air cleaners as a catch all.
Don't get me wrong. An efficient HEPA air purifier able to capture the tiniest of particles and toxic chemical gases found in most homes IS important and I'll definitely help you find the best purifiers.
But source control and prevention of biological contaminants and chemical toxins should be the priority because no room air cleaner will filter out 100% of indoor air pollutants in any given volume of air, nor will it be able to always intercept pollutants before an occupant inhales them.
It is always best to control the conditions and sources before hazards result, as opposed to just treating the symptoms after there is already a problem.
For example, many homeowners and tenants think that a room air cleaner will greatly reduce or eliminate the potential health issues caused by significant amounts of second-hand cigarette smoke indoors.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Sources of the cigarette smoke should be totally removed from inside first and foremost because not even the best air purifier filters can keep up with high volumes of damaging smoke particles and toxic gases (such as Carbon Monoxide and Benzene) that indoor smoking typically causes.
I stress source control above all else throughout this site.
Air cleaners are more of a stop-gap measure not to be solely relied upon to completely fix indoor air quality problems.
Another major take-away from this site is that the majority of your "Human Footprint" and your indoor air quality, results directly from what goes into and comes out of your humble abode.
Again this ties in with source control and it is the reason why there is no place like home for "going green", clean, and toxin-free.
To learn more about how you can reduce health hazards in your home and lessen your environmental impact, try searching Home Air Purifier Expert.com for specific topics using the following site search box.
Site Search of Home Air Purifier Expert.com
Find It Fast
Keep In Touch
Healthy Home Insights
Join the expert's free mailing list to get the best healthy home strategies, advice, future freebies, coupons, and updates.
My #1 Healthy Home Tip:
The smartest move you can make is to first test your indoor air quality to know with certainty what specific pollutant sources may be poisoning the air your family is breathing.
Once you identify and quantify hazards like hidden toxic black mold colonies and hundreds of volatile chemical compounds - then you can better decide how to remove or minimize the hazard sources.
Here is the highly advanced, accurate, very affordable and easy to use pro-grade test kit used by healthy home experts and professional inspectors (but without the middle man mark-up or need for an expert to run test or interpret results...you just flip a switch)...

subset: commoncrawl


text:
There are several bands using this name: 1) Krama is a duo band from Greece. Behind Krama Project are Greek duo Dimitris Violitzis and Elias Garanis. They start producing progressive trance music in 2001 after a lot of experiments in various styles, including experimental, i.d.m., classical etc. Dimitris Violitzis is music technologist,sound designer,and programmer and also running his solo downtempo experimental project Tau.T.C. since 2006. Elias Garanis has various studies in music theory.
No stations playing Krama now
No albums found


text:
- Check out our Ebola Virus Disease page which addresses a number of commonly asked questions related to sample collection and submission.
- CLIA Certification Certificates are now available.
- What is a public health laboratory? Watch this animated video to learn how public health laboratories protect the public against diseases and other health hazards.
The Serology Section is located in the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory at 250 N. 17th Avenue in downtown Phoenix. The Serology Section is mainly responsible for performing diagnostic testing and providing information on Infectious Diseases. Other responsibilities include the testing of reference specimens submitted from public and private laboratories for diagnostic purposes, out-of-state premarital testing, and certain tests that are unavailable (not provided) statewide. The State Public Health Laboratory is the go-between when forwarding serological specimens from private and public health facilities for submission to the Centers for Disease Control.


text:
Ticklists: Top quality Alps under 4000m.
Photo: Approaching halfway © Rikardo
View all 33 photos or Submit a new photo of this climb.
Awesome climb very long , went down to giannetti after realising we would have to reverse all the pitches of the summit ridge to get to abseil rings . Lots of traffic but worth it .kingjam - AltLd - 30/Aug/15 with rob scarisbrick
10hrs in vapour v's 1size to small, bad idea! Busy day on the ridge a bun fight at the first pitch saw us shuffled back a few parties, nevertheless we moved well had awesome weather the whole day and arrived at the Gianetti in time for pasta and beer. We changed from the original plan to descend the north ridge which would have required retracing the last half dozen pitches just to get back to the start of the abs.RobScarisbrick - AltLd O/S - 30/Aug/15 with James
Little AndyH - AltLd O/S - 26/Aug/15
robgixer - Lead - 26/Aug/15
Hidden - 13/Aug/15
Left the sasc fura at 04:10. Started climbing at 06:40, topped out at 10am. 3.5hrs on route. Moved together all the way. Probably 12-15 teams behind us! Walked down to Gianetti hut for pasta and coffee lunch then walked down to Bagni del Masino for 16:00. chapmand - AltLd O/S - 03/Aug/15 with Ian Stewart
Sir Stefan - AltLd - 17/Jul/15 with Niels Riegels
krispy_fish2000 - AltLd O/S - 14/Jul/15
Richard Goodey - Jul/15
Got about a third of the way up before a storm rolled in and we had to bail. Great climbing up to there and pretty straightforward on the whole - easy slab climbing with regular ring bolts to clip for runners while moving together. The snow patches were just about passable in trainers, without crampons or axe but an axe between two to chop steps might have been a bit more pleasant. Will definitely be back for this one and the Cassin.Rob84 - Lead dnf - 08/Aug/14 with Mel
Ab back down took longer. Should have gone into Italy.cearbhalld - AltLd O/S - 06/Aug/14 with Dave Keogh
davkeo - AltLd O/S - 06/Aug/14 with Cearbhall Daly
Little AndyH - AltLd O/S - 05/Aug/14
Bloody Brilliant. First proper alpine climb. Took just over 5 hours, descended down the Italian side and hitch hiked all the way round to Bondo in the same day. Sam Marks - AltLd O/S - 04/Aug/14 with Jack Hodgson
Bivied just below the first snow field, climbed the route in 5 hr 15 minutes, descended the Italian side and hitched all the way back round to Bondo in one awesome day. First big alpine route, well pleased!Jodgson - AltLd - 04/Aug/14 with Sam Marks
JessWilliams - AltLd - 04/Aug/14 with Dad
Hidden - 2nd O/S - 31/Jul/14
Julian Prieto - AltLd O/S - 31/Jul/14 with Ian Clifford
cliffy - AltLd - 31/Jul/14 with Julian Prieto
Freshprintce - AltLd O/S - 17/Jul/14
We were planning on descending the ridge but decided on ascent that it would be too much faffing... dropped down to the Gianetti hut instead and walked back the next day. I do not recommend that walk, horrible!! Loose choss on sloping ledges. If I'm up there again, staying in the bivi hut on the summit and descending the ridge the following day would be a much better option.
Ridge was fantastic though! Moved together for all of it, though rope drag shortened a few sections significantly. Don't think it was much faster than pitching it efficiently, but possibly more fun :)maria85 - AltLd O/S - 05/Sep/13 with Jules
Uisdean hawthorn - 01/Sep/13
I was a bit too tired to appreciate the views from the top.Kirill - AltLd - 21/Aug/13 with Stevo
Up the north ridge (7 ish hours) and down the same side (6 ish hours). For descent mixture of down climbing and abseiling to the top of Another Day in Paradise, you can't simply ab down the north ridge on brass ring bolts, the shape of the ridge doesn't allow this and I think some of the ring bolts are more than 50 metres apart and not in the logical place for repeated abseiling, despite what the Chris Mellor guide says). Then 14 abseils down Another Day In Paradise which I guess was quite risky given we can't climb F6c! However we did have another party behind and in front of us that could!
A long tiring but very satisfying day with very good weather and views. We started scrambling up to the start from our bivi at dawn and came back to the same spot at dusk and walked back out getting to the campsite at around midnight, having got up at 5 am!
We only moved together for the first 2 pitches, and around 4 higher up as well as for most of the scrambling to the summit after the last pitch.CurlyStevo - AltLd - Aug/13 with Kirill S
We decided to climb as much as we could setting a limited of reaching as high as possible by 1pm. By 2:18pm we reached the exit area for another day in paradise, We weren't quite sure where we were, thinking we were at the top of the technical climbing we decided to ab back down as my partner wanted to be back in Bondo that night. Not seeing this as dnf but not perhaps the start of something new in my climbing. Still amazing climbing up to this point nothing difficult just bold.matthomas79 - 30/Jul/13 with Paul Lee
long, abseil descent not so bad if you stick to the ridge/rings. advise twin 60s, lots of stations could be skipped on way up and down. GuyVG - AltLd O/S - 26/Jul/13 with oli
Abseil retreat around halfway up after rain and hail made further progress problematic to say the least. Still lots of snow on the approach - crampons and ice axe necessaryAJH - 18/Jul/13 with Keith
wherewelf - Jul/13
Tdavy01 - Jul/13
Rickrick - Jul/13
nking100 - 2013
in descentalasdair19 - 2013
Awesome Climb. 4 and a bit hour ascent. Really enjoyed it!!mdryburgh - 2nd O/S - 06/Sep/12 with James Smith
Hidden - 06/Sep/12
fishjh2 - 2nd - 25/Aug/12
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 17/Aug/12
very easy pleasant climbing with stunning views. loooong descent back down if you drop your belay plate!benkelsey - AltLd O/S - 17/Aug/12 with Remus Knowles
Hidden - 2nd O/S - Aug/12
Aaron Lines - AltLd - Aug/12 with stu
Hidden - Lead O/S - 30/Jul/12
Just excellent, start to finish. Perfect conditions. Less fun getting to the Gianetti hut. A big rock fall just after we got down clipped a party behind us.Poco Loco - AltLd - 18/Jul/12 with Bald Eagle
A truly superlative climb and the Pom and I were truly blessed with perfect conditions. Take double ropes for the descent into Italy to the Gianetti Hut, as the ab rings are well spaced, and be careful of much loose rock... BALD EAGLE - AltLd - 18/Jul/12 with James Pomeroy
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 16/Jul/12
7 hours to summit. Came down on the Italian side which involved down scrambling and 4 abseilsadamwesthead - AltLd O/S - 17/Sep/11 with Zeb
zebster - AltLd - 17/Sep/11 with Adam
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 13/Aug/11
al99 - AltLd O/S - 12/Aug/11 with Martina Zandonella
martinazando - AltLd O/S - 12/Aug/11 with Al Benson
Cold Cold Cold. And long. zach.stone - AltLd - 10/Aug/11 with Robert King
Cold wind kept up all day making it a bit tiring. Everything you'd expect from a classic alpine route: a bit longer than you'd expected, big queues and loose rock :-)
Descented to Gianetti - glad didn't go down the ridge!bigbobbyking - Lead O/S - 10/Aug/11 with Zach Stone
pete1993 - AltLd - 10/Aug/11
Phil Emerson - AltLd - Aug/11
Dave Latimer - AltLd O/S - Aug/11
route was super dry in late August - we were 1st out of the hut at about 4.30 - changed into rock boots at the little col and then 3hrs 20 to the summit - only pitched the short crux traverse. rapped down and passed several very slow parties all stuck on the grade 4 slabs. Feet were like hambergers at the bottom. Nice beer in the hut, back at the car by 5.15 and just in time for a pizza from the Stone Bar back in Argentiere before 10.Cham32 - Aug/11
benclimbing - AltLd O/S - Aug/11 with Dave Latimer
Tried to do this route earlier in the trip but we were caught in a thunderstorm during the walk in the night before. After getting soaked and sleeping in very wet tents we woke up to bad weather so had to head down the mountain without trying the route. On second attempt we Bivviied the night before the climb and then got about 3/4 up before the weather closed in. Having no wish to be caught in a second storm on the Badille we started descent at 11am via abseil. The descent took 4+ hours not including the 3 or 4 hour walk down the mountain.libby.southgate - AltLd - 12/Jul/11 with Emily Roo
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 12/Jul/11
had been hoping to do the cassin but conditions didnt allow, moved together, then abbed the ridge, not nearly as bad as some make out, abbing on one rope helps stop faff, 10 hours up and down.Ginger McGrath - AltLd O/S - 11/Jul/11 with phil emerson
jonnie3430 - Lead O/S - 11/Jul/11 with Marie
Hidden - AltLd - Jul/11
Hidden - AltLd rpt - Jun/11
It's easy to underestimate the climbing on this route. Most pitches seemed to have a hard move or two, so we pitched the whole thing. 12 hours from col to summit (for competent VS climbers). Bivied on way down. Longest and best thing I've ever led for sure. Pero - Lead - 04/Sep/10
Fantastic, but took about 10 hours, finishing about 5pm. Not enough time for Swiss descent, so attempted to get to Rif. Gianetti. Got too dark so had to bivvy. garywong - AltLd O/S - 26/Aug/10 with Ben Ram
thecurlyone - AltLd O/S - 26/Aug/10 with Gary Wong
Hidden - 23/Aug/10
An absolutely phenomenal route that keeps going and going. Seriously underestimated how long it would take and ended up taking 11hours to the summit. Off route and benighted on descent and slept on a ledge in the original descent gulley. wildrover220 - AltLd O/S - 21/Aug/10 with Ali Dixon
Moved quickly together in approach shoes, lewis followed an alluring ledge littered with pegs, pulled some loose flakes off and took and ankle damaging fall (3/4 up route). Lowered lewis + abbed back down ridge. Matt Bennett - AltLd dnf - 04/Aug/10 with Lewis Grey
Relatively slow start compared to others as we simul climbed we soon caught up with the teams ahead. Weather was good so we just followed the others but his slowed ascent (summit about 16.30 - Gianetti abt 21.00. Staretd raining about midnight and downpur continued all the following day (Thurs)Pete Nugent - 04/Aug/10 with John Venier
Hidden - AltLd dnf - 04/Aug/10
Hidden - Lead O/S - 01/Aug/10
R2B - 2nd dnf - 01/Aug/10
Hidden - AltLd O/S - 31/Jul/10
Hidden - 2nd O/S - 05/Jul/10
alidixon - 2010
classic long day wouldn't do abs again!!J1PEF - AltLd - Aug/09
Hidden - AltLd - Aug/09
innes - Lead O/S - Aug/09 with Ruth
My favourite climbing experience so far, wow what an amazing experience! We bivied on the ledge at the base of the route, long tiring day out (we walked off the Italian side the same day- all the huts were full) but so worth it!Elsier - AltLd - 26/Jul/09 with Stuart
Karl Wooffindin - AltLd - 17/Jul/09 with Pete Whittaker
Hidden - Lead O/S - 17/Jul/09
Lack of crampons made walking v. difficult - too much snow hanging around late in the season!
Start from Sasc Fura at 4:30, base of ridge 7:30, summit 11, abseil down (don't do it...) and back for beers at the hut for 5pm.
Chris led whole thing, I just kept up!Pythonist - AltLd O/S - 10/Jul/09 with Chris Jennions
Hidden - 2nd - Jul/09
4hrs from Col to summit. 10hrs from summit to Bondo. Will walk off the Italian side next time. liamoloughlin - Lead - Sep/08
tumbling wizard - AltLd - Aug/08
davebrox - Lead β - Aug/08
Hidden - AltLd - 31/Jul/08
4:15 for the route, twice as long to get back down and then another trek back to the car = 15 hours. It was a quality day though!Paul Phillips - UKC and UKH - AltLd O/S - 29/Jul/08 with Liam O'Loughlin
Descended normal route in to Italy and walked back the next day. Next year; Cassin!Byronius Maximus - AltLd O/S - 29/Jul/08 with Guy Wilson
Guy Wilson - Jul/08 with Byron Buck
barrington1978 - Jul/08
Hera - 2nd O/S - Jun/08
7hrs 15mins to summit. Moved together all the way. Descended down route. Had to bivy on mountain on descent cos got dark and couldn't find ab stations. 29hrs total. 1st alpine route!lx - AltLd - 08/Sep/07 with andy barker
Ken Applegate - Lead - Sep/07 with Phil Applegate
Took longer than expected. Nearly got hit by a TV-sized block that Ben's dad sent down from above on the ascent. Got most of the way back down before an unplanned bivvy. Ben and his dad were quicker and got off the ridge. Did the remaining few abseils the next morning. Amused to find out that Ben and his dad couldn't find the hut in the dark and ended up sleeping in the trees within a very short distance of it!Andrew Barker - AltLd O/S - Sep/07 with Phil Applegate, Ken Applegate, Alex Fry, Curly Ben Harding
Hidden - Aug/07
Amazing, go down off the other side, NOT back down the ridge!!Adam Booth - AltLd O/S - 08/Jul/07 with Ed Booth
Ed Booth - AltLd - 08/Jul/07 with Adam Booth
Moved together, descended South side and walked back round to Bondo in 1 V long day!Gustav - AltLd O/S - Jul/07 with James H
tjekel - 2007
Hidden - 2007
Moving together all the way up only to get beasted by a storm just as we started descending. Lightning is not our friend but helicopters are!maresia - 2nd O/S - 09/Aug/06 with Mike Kann
My first ever alpine route. Climbed roped together, took bout 10 hours to the top climbing roped together. What an experience one I will never forget. At the top the exposer of 1000meteres or so went write to my head I could do two things freeze or just continue to laugh, so I laughed all the way across the top ridge. At the summit every1 took the piss when I pulled out a jar of olives and a kinife which I carried with me to the top. We were going to abb back down but that was so not going to happen, so we decided to head to the italian hut. We got lost on the one abb and went down a scary gully, at bottom we read in guide book do not go down the death gully o well to late. We then got to the hut but had no passports to get back into switzaland the next day. So I drank my way threw italy and dave went to get the car ashe had his passport was quite drunk by this point.Dale - AltLd O/S - Aug/06
Hidden - AltLd - 10/Jul/06
Stone Muppet - 2006
Dale's first alpine route - quite an introduction! A proper classic: a superb line that grabs your attention from miles away and provides plenty of enjoyably exposed climbing. Abbing back down the ridge looked a right pain, so we changed our minds and descended into Italy. Passed the night after a grappa or two at the very pleasant Gianetti hut, then spent the next day drinking our way back to the campsite by foot, bus, train and car. All in all, an excellent adventure.Andy Clarke - Lead O/S - 10/Aug/05 with Dale
4 hours up, more down!danm - Aug/05 with Doctor Cook
andyinglis - Aug/05 with neil adams
Moved together all the way up in 3:15tom.e - AltLd O/S - Jul/05
Neil Adams - AltLd O/S - Jul/05 with Andy Inglis
jamie ward - AltLd O/S - 07/Aug/04 with simon fairman
Stunning route, moved together on a lot of it but had to pitch some of it. The weather came in from the South though so we got to the summit in an almighty thunder storm. Hair standing on end under my helment and the static in the air was palpable. The original intent was to abseil down the route but due to the storm we headed for the Gianetti Hut, descending down the South Face normal route in appauling conditions. Heavy rain, hail stones, deafening thunder that was instantaneous with the lightning. A bit on the scary side at the time, but all the more fun for it looking back. The food at the Gianetti Hut was amazing. From when we got up at Sasc Fura to when we arrived at Gianetti was 16 hours in total, and epic day, now a treasured memory.
The return over the Porcellizzo and Trubinasca Passes felt long and hard the day after, taking 9 hours to get back to the car near Bondo.jsw1 - AltLd O/S - 29/Jul/02 with Kezia Pugh
dan gibson - AltLd O/S - Aug/01 with helen gibson
Dave - AltLd - 2000
alternating leads / moving together. descended same route by abseil - long and awkward. I would recommend much shorter descent to the south side, though this has a longer walk back nickdonohue - AltLd - Jul/99 with Mike ?
IanGilbertJones - AltLd - 09/Aug/97 with Geoff Quinn
Hidden - AltLd - Aug/97
Marti999 - AltLd - 1996
Hidden - AltLd - 1995
Simul climbed all but one pitch, then abbed the route taking twice as long as climbing it.Guy - AltLd - 1993
Not sure of year. Camped on ledge just at start. First on route. Great day with perfect weather.
garywalker147 - AltLd O/S - Aug/92 with Frank Steinmaier
babymoac - Lead - 19/Jul/90 with Howard
Richard Weller - AltLd - Jul/88 with john sanders
KlaasW - 1982
RichardMc - AltLd - 26/Jul/79 with Angel Vila
Were heading for Cassin, but as we got up from bivy the rain came in. Opted for the N Ridge and did this, from about a third of way up in dry weather. Had some lightening on the summit so headed off at speed and down the same route. Mainly very easy climbing, odd bits pitched and majority moving together.uphillnow - AltLd - Aug/78 with Al Bennett
Hidden - AltLd - 07/Aug/75
Users with this climb on their wishlist are:
JuneBob, bonoid, kingjam, Davros the Psyched, brew_guru, ajeakins, ads, MSchobitz, Calum Wadsworth, Larey, lanky and weak, Zack Scott, pugilistswine, Finn Curry, the ant hill mob, dan wisey, Patrickmartin99, buffalo606, Julesthe1st, Nath93, Dougbart, Conor1, mhawk, RyanOsborne, beckycoles, ijsbeer, oliverk, CM1992, Col Kingshott, Steve33, southern_smit, Alex90, andymoin, seanlikeskites, ChrisBrooke, waldenmatt, steve.frankel, web10steelj, Tom F Harding, Laurie85, Triggerhappyteacher, The Mountain Goat, alexanderjwatts, morsy, rocktigger, brianrunner, monsteratt, Tempest, shaun walby, willworkforfoodjnr, Sankey, jfmchivall, zach.stone, Andy Chubb, Tom_Harding, stemill, Clucky, Poco Loco, Goose2006, Dr Caterpillar, MattOwen, Alexander123, KeithW, Tobias at Home


text:
A M-Braves player gets ready to pitch.
- Filed Under
If you want someone to take you out to the ballgame this spring and buy you peanuts, Cracker Jack, baseball merchandise and some good, clean family fun, the 2013 season of Mississippi Braves starts today.
The season opens today at 7 p.m. with a five-game homestand against the Mobile BayBears - the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks - at Trustmark Park. Gates will open one hour prior to the first pitch.
The M-Braves will play Mobile today through Monday. Check the schedule on the official site - mississippibraves.com - for game times. ...


text:
Mossy Oak® 3,000 - lb. Camo Winch
Item # WX2-232876
- Google+
- Details & Specs
Mossy Oak® Camo Winches with literally TONS of pull power, BIG BUCKS OFF !
Pulling out stumps, getting your ride unstuck, clearing blockage, loading equipment... it all just got a whole lot easier. These Mossy Oak® Camo winches deliver peak performance. Choose from 2,000-lb. or 3,000-lb. rated models. That's a ton or a ton and a half! For an ATV, boat or snowmobile, you'll be all set.Both versions with:
- Powerful 12V permanent magnet motor
- Free-spooling cam action clutch
- Power operation both in and out, with handheld controller with 6'l. cord
- Strong steel aircraft-grade cable with replaceable clevis hook
- 153:1 gear reduction
- Front and rear mounting bolt holes
- Pull-handle release
- Roller fair lead included.
Get an awesome deal on the raw-power Winch you need when you order ONLINE today!
!!! Limited Quantities !!!
.9-hp 12V DC motor. 5/ 32 " diam. cable, 49'l. 11 1/ 4 x 4 x 4"h. Weighs 19 lbs., 8 ozs.
1.34-hp 12V DC motor. 3/ 16 " diam. cable, 46'l. 12 3/ 4 x 4 x 4 1/ 2 "h. Weighs 22 lbs., 5 ozs.
- Reviews
Mossy Oak 3,000 - lb. Camo Winch is rated out of 5 by 1.Rated 3 out of 5 by GEORGE E from It would have been nice to know what vehicles this winch would have fit on because it doesn't fit my OHV.Date published: 2013-07-08
<!--BVSEO|dz:Main_Site-en_US|sdk:v220.127.116.11-n|msg:Error: Request errored out - The remote server returned an error: (403) Forbidden. -->
- Articles & Tips
Don't Forget
Kolpin® ATV Tool KitNon-Member $39.99 Buyer's Club $35.99
You May Also Like
2,500-lb. Talon® ATV Winch with Rocker SwitchNon-Member $129.99 Buyer's Club $116.99
3,500-lb. Talon® ATV Winch with Rocker SwitchNon-Member $159.99 Buyer's Club $143.99
Extreme Max Bear Claw Roller FairleadNon-Member $24.99 Buyer's Club $22.49


text: Page Content 1Black Affinity Achievement Award Established in 2004, the Black Affinity Achievement Award is presdented to an outstanding community member or an alumnus/alumna who has shown distinguished achievement in their given field, as well as support to the College community around issues of diversity. 2015 Black Affinity Achievement Award Winner Dexter Williams Dexter Williams M'98 has been an active member and advocate for the Black Affinity Conference since its inception in 1999. Additionally, Dexter has served on the Babson Alumni Association Board of Directors for the past four years. Dexter's passion and enthusiasm for Babson and the Babson Black community has truly shown through is work and dedication to both the Alumni Board of Directors and the Black Affinity Conference. Dexter currently works as a Supervisory Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank in New York. Please email Matt Cotty with any questions.


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
If there were any doubters remaining, and apparently there were, they should be quieted now.
Before Friday's University of New Mexico Invitational, Los Alamos runner Orion Staples said there were Albuquerque Academy faithful claiming on the Internet that the Hilltoppers' decisive victory at the 2011 state tournament was a happy turn of events for Los Alamos and nothing more.
Well, maybe not.
The Hilltopper boys, along with the Hilltopper girls, the queens of New Mexico cross country, scored wins at the UNM Invitational meet, their season openers.
Los Alamos' boys stole the show in that race, scoring a scant 38 points, less than half the total of Class 5A juggernaut Cleveland. Los Alamos placed four runners in the top 10 in a loaded field of individuals.
Meanwhile, the Hilltopper girls may not have been the flashiest team running Friday night, but they were far and away the most consistent.
The Hilltopper girls nipped a top-loaded St. Pius X by four points to claim the title in their first race of the season.
The UNM Invitational is traditionally the largest single running event in the state. This year, 35 boys teams and 33 girls teams took part, including heavyweights such as Cleveland's Storm, Rio Rancho, Academy and La Cueva.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Los Alamos Monitor, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
If you are new to the award winning Los Alamos Monitor and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.
|ZIP Code:


text:
Monday, July 29, 2013
Peace, Love, And Happiness...
9 comments:
the purse is so worth the splurge! great casual look and as always, great shopping : > thanks for sharing with Vis Monday.ReplyDelete
Love the outfit...total boho cuteness!ReplyDelete
Debbie :)
Peace Love & Happiness to YOU. The bag is so worth it! Enjoy.ReplyDelete
I am in love with that great belt you are wearing and love the jeans as wellReplyDelete
love the bag.ReplyDelete
come check out my blog k?
I love your top! It looks great on you, too! My body shape does not do crop-top well, but I wish I could pull it off! :)ReplyDelete
LOVE those jeans on you! Jealous.ReplyDelete
Marie @
Lemondrop ViNtAge
love your style! and there's nothing wrong with splurging on a great bag! I usually keep everything to bare minimal, but when it comes to a purse and a solid structured pair of shoes for my terrible feet - I'll splurge!ReplyDelete
new follower from www.clairemillersmile.blogspot.com
Congrats on the new job! details, details. hahahaha.ReplyDelete
I am better enough to comment, but thanks for your fun comments on my leo and snake skin. I have been wanting to wear that all summer but with white pants/shorts and not my white skirt. Finally, did!
This peace sign top is perfection! Great ensemble!! great!!!
Thank you all for your kind words..They touch my heart, and leave a smile on my face. Thanks for stopping by.


text: Gary Hubler | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information Official Broadway League sites: - sites - broadway.org broadwayleague.com broadwayfanclub.com kidsnightonbroadway.com stagespecs.org tonyawards.com Quick Search For: In This Category: All Show People/Org. Theatre Season Gary Hubler Performer Male Productions ProductionsDate of ProductionsI Had a Ball[Musical, Comedy, Original] Performer: Gary Hubler [Dancer]Dec 15, 1964 - Jun 12, 1965 Find out where Gary Hubler and are credited together © 2001-2015, The Broadway League, All Rights Reserved. (Copyright and Disclaimer)


text:
Wedding Event Rentals near crumpton,md
Other Wedding Vendors near crumpton,md:
|Wedding Band (152)
|Wedding Beauty & Health (767)
|Wedding Catering (370)
|Wedding Ceremony Music (151)
|Wedding DJ (464)
|Wedding Dress & Attire (227)
|Wedding Event Rentals (134)
|Wedding Favors & Gifts (157)
|Wedding Flowers (421)
|Wedding Invitations (228)
|Wedding Jewelry (222)
|Wedding Lighting & Decor (49)
|Wedding Officiant (347)
|Wedding Photography (1145)
|Wedding Planning (518)
|Wedding Rehearsal Dinner (151)
|Wedding Transportation (113)
|Wedding Travel Agents (101)
|Wedding Venue (784)
|Wedding Videography (192)
You've chosen the maximum (5) items in this category. Compare your items or remove and replace with another.Compare Now
0 Vendors Selected. Select up to 5 vendors to compare in one of the following categories: Venues, Bands, Catering, Photography or Videographers.
Prop Stop Photo Booth70 Reviews
Our photo booths are stylish, sophisticated, and allow you to fully customize it's look
Baltimore, MD | 301-367-4230
The Prop Stop Booth is an open style set up with your choice of backdrop The backdrops are seamless which gives a modern appeal to the...(more)
White Glove Rentals3 Reviews
Forest Hill, MD | 443-567-5157
White Glove Rentals was expanded when Rusty Love Vintage's inventory found a new home. Coupled with all our existing inventory and Rusty Love's...(more)
2hands studios19 Reviews
Rentals, Styling, Decor, Invitations and Planning for weddings and special events
Annapolis, MD | 443-207-2470
2hands studios is a working studio and all around creative space near the Annapolis mall. Here, we offer event styling and decor in addition to...(more)
Instant Memories Photo Booth2 Reviews
Annapolis, MD | 410-858-4975
Instant Memories Photo booths is based in Southern MD. We provide photo booth services in the DC Metro Area (including DC, MD, NJ and VA). We...(more)
Photo Booth Exposure
Owings Mills, MD | 888-935-5535
The Only Professional Quality Photo Booth Compare our photos & see the difference Our award-winning photo booth makes memories and instantly...(more)
Contact Us Website
Because we need reviews we are offering 20% off any photobooth rental. You will agree to write a review on our Weddingwire profile page. Good for the first 10 customers that sign up.
XOXO vintage12 Reviews
Vintage rentals for specialty weddings and events
Annapolis, MD | 443-756-7074
Hello Beautiful! Welcome to XOXO vintage. We are a specialty wedding and events rental company based out of Annapolis, MD. We serve the...(more)
Tents 4 Rent, inc & RestRoom Trailer Rentals104 Reviews
Denton, MD | 410-479-8368
We our a family owned and operated business since 2002! We are here to help you with all your event needs! Any themed Birthday party for your...(more)
Price Rentals & Events9 Reviews
Chestertown, MD | 443-282-0173
Price Rentals & Events is a party supply and rental business located in Chestertown, MD focusing on tent and inflatable rentals. Price...(more)
PHOPROS Event Photography, LLC
Millersville, MD | 443-595-7591
It's PARTY TIME and we at PHOPROS hope that you are excited as we are. PHOPROS is now open and ready to help you create the most awesome event...(more)
TapSnap 10205 Reviews
Metz Enterprises, LLC
Havre de Grace, MD | 443-807-3112
We've done away with the traditional photo booth and reinvented it for the digital era. That means no walls. No ceilings. No limits on your...(more)
One Rock Studio/Charm City Photo Booths76 Reviews
Experience the difference!
Essex, MD | 888-663-7621
One Rock Studio is a full service entertainment company specializing in photography, videography, entertainment, photo booths and more. We are able...(more)
Ebb Tide Tent & Party Rentals23 Reviews
Queenstown, MD | 410-827-0333
We provide tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, linens, lighting and a Photo Booth! (more)
A&R Rentals2 Reviews
Baltimore, MD | 877-572-7342
A&R rentals is an event rental business. We specialize in renting equipment to weddings, anniversaries or even engagement parties. We strive to...(more)
Rustic Sophisticate LLC.1 Review
Rentable Props & Decor for Weddings & Events
Eldersburg, MD | 301-466-6644
Rustic Sophisticate rents high quality props and decor in Rustic, Elegant, vintage, Victorian and contemporary styles. We deliver our props and...(more)
Table Toppers4 Reviews
Let us help set the table for your next party!
Baltimore, MD | 410-769-9339
Baltimore's Best! Specializing in unique and custom linens for high-end events! Ranging from linens for a intimate dinner party or a...(more)
Eastern Shore Tents and Events28 Reviews
Chestertown, MD | 410-810-0686
Welcome to Eastern Shore Tents & Events. For more than 9 years, we have been the Eastern Shore's premeir wedding and event rental company and have...(more)
Party Plus Tents + Events57 Reviews
This is your love story....let us help you write it!
Glen Burnie, MD | 410-768-1933
Fairy tales do come true!!!! As you embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life, trust Party Plus Tents Events to make your every...(more)
Contact Us Website
Book your tent with us today! Party Plus is currently offering 15% off of your entire order when you rent a tent.
Baltimore's Premier Event Solutions36 Reviews
Middle River, MD | 410-630-4121
As an entertainment company we realize times change, trends are different, and the needs of our clients vary. For many years, Baltimore's Premiere...(more)
Vintage Affairs36 Reviews
Elkridge, MD | 410-215-2466
Let us assist you in staging your affairs ~ everything from weddings to corporate events to themed parties. You may choose from our vast inventory...(more)
Select Event Group47 Reviews
Love Weddings? We do, too!
Laurel, MD | 301-604-2334
INSPIRE. DESIGN. CREATE. With forty years of experience creating successful events, Select Event Group takes pride in being a total rental...(more)
Pixilated Photobooth59 Reviews
Baltimore, MD | 888-902-0054
Pixilated provides a positively unique way to capture your event while having more fun than you can possibly imagine. We combine the spontaneity...(more)


text: Make a tax-deductible donation to Preservation Maryland today. Help support our programs in advocacy, funding and outreach. Be a part of Maryland's only statewide historic preservation organization. Any gift of $35 or more entitles you to membership. Students may join at the $20 level. Please be sure to include an email address in your billing information so that we may keep you informed of activities and events. To make a donation in honor or in memory of someone, click here. Thank you for your support.


text:
Frankie Valli and the Four SeasonsSun, October 6, 2013 - 7:00 PMMurat Theatre in Indianapolis, IN
We are sorry, the date for this event has already passed. This event took place on 10/6/2013. Click here to view upcoming events for Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Still unsure? Check out our user reviews for:
Have a question? Need help? Call us at 800.477.5285


text:
All Staff are in Full-Day Professional Development on Monday, Oct. 12. Offices will be closed.
Press Releases
News Stories
Contact Us
us on
Family Access
Staff Access
Internal Mail
Teacher Portal
22 Valley Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
» District
District Provides New Targeted Support to At-Risk Students
Montclair Public Schools has capitalized on the opportunity to enrich the Educational Support & Personal Motivation program ("ESPM Zone") at Montclair High School.
The ESPM Zone program was the initiative of, and is run by, Kevin Richberg, an assistant football coach and teacher of advertising, marketing, and finance at MHS. It is a year-long academic support and mentoring program.
The program, which began in September 2009, at the start of the school year, is an eighth-period class consisting of 25 MHS football players who have been identified as academically at-risk scholar/athletes. They are provided tutoring, counseling, homework assistance, and mentoring for a full period prior to practice, Monday through Friday. The class continues beyond football season, through the end of the school year.
In compliance with funding constraints contained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), we have been able to procure the services of the renowned education motivational speaker, D. West and his team of former professional athletes to supplement the ESPM Zone program. This six (6) month intensive character education and leadership component is intended to instill the motivation and confidence that so many young at-risk students lack. Educators have long acknowledged the direct correlation between student motivation and student achievement. Consequently, the incorporation of the character education/leadership program into the pre-existing ESPM Zone program is measurably significant.
Mr. West and various members of his team work with the ESPM Zone students every other Tuesday for the full eighth period class, employing in-person interaction, media and technology. Additionally, the program includes a parental outreach component through which Mr. West establishes a one-on-one dialogue with the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the individual students. The program also provides professional development for the teachers and counselors that provide services through the ESPM Zone program.
The overall success of the ESPM Zone program will be assessed in a variety of ways inclusive of the improvement of grades, goal attainment, attendance, and surveys.
Additionally, the stimulus funding for this character education/leadership program allows for the provision of similar services to a designated group of STARS students at Glenfield and Mt. Hebron Middle Schools. This character education/leadership program will also run for six (6) months.
A salient predictor for academic achievement is a student's capacity for deferred gratification. Many academically at-risk students have no concept of deferred gratification in any aspect of their lives. Many have "magical" dreams, having no rational conception and/or commitment to the steps necessary to the attainment of such dreams. For a variety of reasons they have not learned to set and believe in achievable goals that have personal significance to them. They have not yet mastered the ability to press on in the face of adversity. As a result, ultimately many of them give up, quit, and/or fall far short of the academic masteries that are essential to their lifelong success in the 21st century.
Mr. West's team and program provide real world, tangible connections that classroom teachers for the most part cannot access. Bringing in successful veteran professional athletes, who share personal childhood goals, obstacles, and successes, provides an opportunity for the internalization of hope and drive that is outside of the typical classroom construct for these students.
In a word, it's MOTIVATING!
Article Date: Nov 03, 2009
Contact Us
Teacher Portal
Skyward - Family Access
Skyward - Staff Access
Internal Mail
United Streaming
The Official Website of the Montclair School District
Copyright © 2006 - 2015


text:
- Home
- Features
- Reviews
- Countries
- T20 Leagues
- IPL Teams
Ajay Suresh takes a look at each IPL team and analyses their strenghts, weakness and chances for success in the IPL 2014 Team Previews.
An original TWP production reliving the Sachin years.
Guest writer, Deepak Balamurali writes a tribute to India's greatest cricketer.
A look at India's latest move of promoting Suresh Raina to the no.4 spot in ODIs.
We review Cricket Coach 2014 and talk about all the new features
We review International Cricket Captain 2013 and talk about all the new features
The small boy, who like every other Indian boy dreamed of playing for his country in his country's colours and here I was in front of the mirror unable to hold back my emotions as they rushed in. I splashed cold water on my face hoping that it would hide my joyful tears. Could it be that the same boy who once was almost paralyzed be playing for the Indian cricket team in today's match?
I arrived at the stadium and soon was into drills and practices. Fielding drills and last minute warm ups went while the captain won the toss and elected to bat in the first test between India and Australia. I learned then that the eighteen year old boy would be making his debut in this match by opening for his country. A childhood dream just became true. And for a cricket fanatic like me, who lived, ate and breathed cricket it was more than a dream. Of the millions, I was chosen here to represent my country and that was something one always longs for.
I quickly donned my batting gear and as I bent down to tie my shoe lace; I could see my fingers tremble at the mere thought of playing for my India.
Seeing the sun beating down hard, the clouds motionless, one knew that it was going to be a stuffy humid day. I didn't seem to mind the temperature as I didn't notice it, at least not until I had donned my equipment and took my blade.
I stepped out of the pavilion along with Gambhir and instantly was blinded by the sun. Though temporarily blinded I could hear thunderous roar greeting as we walked to the centre. I looked around and saw people cheering and welcoming the two Indian warriors as they walked towards the pitch. I saw my mother and father and all my loved ones and friends in the pavilion cheering me on. The others, barely even knew my name but here they were applauding.
What was waiting for me, I did know. I was preparing for years for this one moment and now I suddenly felt not ready. As I took each step towards the centre, the more the feeling persisted. The hope and joy of a billion people was now suddenly on my young shoulders.
The mercury seemed to go a few centigrade up all the sudden as I reached the centre. And I started to sweat profusely.
"Leg Stump", I said to the umpire and carefully took my time taking guard. Then as I surveyed the field, I felt shivers up my spines. The expectations were high, the adrenaline was flowing, my heart beating madly as my childhood dream that I had nourished for the last decade or so was to become reality. I said a few words for heavens to hear.
The first ball of the match would be bowled by Brett Lee, the fastest in the world. He had the ball in his hand, the fielders were ready, the keeper was ready, the stadium was ready, and the world was ready and here was my chance to live my dream.
I took my stance, and rapped the ground hard twice and the umpire said play. Lee came running in as the world waited with baited breath and I with my heart in my throat.
The ball was released, my bat hit the dirt, and behind me, my timber shattered. First ball duck was my score; a debutant had struck out first ball for a golden duck.
As I walked back, my head fixed on the giant screen as it replayed my childhood dream. A Yorker at 150 Kilometres was all it took to end my childhood dream.
But as I neared the pavilion, I felt my heart light and my head with immersed in the joy of tasting the dream that I had carried, nurtured, and hoped to live every minute for the last ten years. It was as if a huge boulder had been lifted from my shoulder and I could only wait and hope for my second innings.
Copyright © 2012 Max Mag Theme. Designed by Templateism


text:
January 16, 2014
Star News
American woman on ganja rap remanded
An American woman who is accused of taking steps to smuggle 33 pounds (15 kilograms) of ganja overseas was remanded into custody when she appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Adrienne Foster of Miami, Florida, is charged with possession of, dealing in, taking steps to export, and conspiracy to export ganja.
canned ackee
Reports are that Foster, who is married to a Jamaican man, was accosted at the Norman Manley International Airport after a brown suitcase she was carrying was searched. The suitcase was alleged to contain several items inclusive of cans, which was said to contain canned ackee. It is alleged that upon closer inspection, airport officials found the ganja in the cans.
Foster was ordered to return to the court by Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey on January 30 for a mention hearing.
Home | Gleaner Blogs | Gleaner Online | Go-Jamaica | Go-Local | Feedback | Disclaimer | Advertisement | Privacy Policy | Contact Us


text:
|Contact Us
Special Webiste to Know about temples, festivals, saints, scholars, arts, trades, monuments,
spitirual, historical, muscial, cultural, traditional, social functions and tourism
One of the greatest festivals in India, which attracts large crowd of pilgrims from all parts of the country, will be performed at Kumbakonam, in the holy Mahamaham Tank. This holy bathing festival of Mahamaham occurs once in 12 years more...
Kaveri or Cauvery River is among the most sacred rivers of India The river Cauvery has been the inspiration for various civilizations. From its birth in Talakaveri till it merges with Poombukar
Divyadesam Vishnu Temples
Padalpertra Siva Temples
Navagraha Temples
The Mummurthis The Trinity of Music
Thiruvarur The Mummurthis The Trinity of Bajans Near Kumbakonam
Music and Culture
The Tamil nadu especially Thanjavur District, has always been the seat and centre of learning and culture Musical Generous in all the area like vocal, veena, bharatham, violin, Nathaswaram and so on.
Holy River Cauvery
Kaveri or Cauvery River is among the most sacred rivers of India The river Cauvery has been the inspiration for various civilizations. From its birth in Talakaveri till it merges with Poombukar
Raja Vedapatasala was found in the year 1542 AD (478 years old) by illustrious statesman and Chief Minister for 3 Nayak kings of Thanjavur - Sri Givinda Deekshithar The Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library is one among a few medieval libraries existing in the world. It is an unique unparalleled repository of culture. more....
Thajavur District popularly known cultural centre which is enclaved with many "SAIVA" and "VAISHNAVA" Temples and encircled with "NAVAGRAHA" temples is not only famous for its Legendary Reputation, but also for its unique Traditional Traders on Bronze Icons i.e., moulded Idols: Brass utensils, Stainless steel articles, Lead utensils, Pooja articles, Paintings and on Pure Silk.
Three UNESCO Monument are there near Kumbakonam. Thanjavur Big Temple, Dharasuram Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple
Vekkaliamman Temple Woraiyur
Folk dance is very simple with the background of Gramiya padal. In all villages of India especially Tamilnadu , the special Folk dance is perform in the temple festival. It is unique and special type of steps and songs.
Natyanjali, the tradition of concentrated expression of devotion to the Lord of Natya, through dance on the occasion of 'Maha Sivaratri' particularly inside the temple complex, was revived in Chidambaram in the early 1980s. It has gradually spread to many centers where ancient and important Siva temples are located, many with a 'swayambhu lingam' as the main deity.
All right reseved :: copy right to www.heritagetown.org :: 2010 - 2012


text:
All of us who are big fans of blonde wigs already know of the versatility of the various looks that you can achieve. Another great look can be achieved by wearing blonde wigs with bangs. This is a really hot look and can frame your face just perfectly for whatever occasion that you have planned.
By choosing to purchase and wear blonde wigs with bangs you are actually multiplying the options you have available to create just the look you want. In other words you not only get to choose from a fantastically wide array of blonde looks (from flowing long blonde wigs, to sexy platinum, to 70's style blonde wigs, right through to the wholesome "girl next door" look), but you also get to choose the exact shade of blonde hair that you wanted, and to cap it all off, you get to choose from the different styles of bangs to really pin-point the fabulous look you were after.
After all it's not so simple as saying "I want a blonde wig with bangs." You also have the choice to mix it up when you consider the type of bangs you want to highlight.
Check Out The Various Types Of Blonde Wigs With Bangs That Are Available
Although a great look, sometimes the traditional straight bangs just won't cut it ('scuse the pun :-)), and why limit yourself to just that anyway? Especially when you consider what other types of blonde wigs with bangs you can get. Maybe you wanted more of an "untidy" look that the uneven cut of choppy bangs will give you, or perhaps you were more after the look that blunt bags would give you. Or you might want to achieve the more ethereal look that wispy bangs will give, or the more "in your face" look that can be achieved by power bangs.
So as you can see, the various styles of blonde wigs with bangs including blunt bangs, wispy bangs, side-swept bangs, parted bangs, power bangs, short bangs, choppy bangs, pin-up bangs, along with a multitude of other types of blonde wigs with bangs, can really help you individualize your look. Blonde wigs with bangs also give you the opportunity to go for a more conservative look with what could be called "traditional" bangs, or you can go for the more outrageous look that can be achieved with some of the more extravagant style of bangs.
Other Advantages Of Blonde Wigs With Bangs
Some types of bangs can be quite "severe" in how they are cut and how they frame the face. For those women who want to experience that more severe look, but don't want to actually cut their own hair, then buying and wearing blonde wigs with bangs can be a great way to achieve the look on a part-time basis!


text:
It's been a month since President Obama's Sept. 2 major disaster declaration for the state of Connecticut following Tropical Storm Irene. FEMA and its state partners continue to make major strides in the support of the Constitution State's recovery.
Providing assistance & getting the word out to survivors
Our community relations teams have been canvassing the state and have visited more than 5,600 homes. Working closely with faith-based and community-based organizations, we've met face-to-face with nearly 16,000 people to let them know about the many resources available to them for disaster recovery. To date, our community relations teams have also facilitated a dozen local forums, answering requests from towns, congressional staffs, mayors and selectmen. These efforts have led to more than 6,000 residents registering for assistance and more than $4.3 million in aid being disbursed to disaster survivors.
Keeping the pace, we have transitioned 11 Disaster Recovery Centers into seven Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Location Outreach Centers, with one disaster recovery center open through Oct. 6. These centers allow residents and business owners to meet with SBA officials to answer their questions, explain SBA's disaster loan program and help them complete their disaster loan application.
Meanwhile, we continue to meet one-on-one with officials from local jurisdictions to provide information and assistance regarding their damage claims. We currently have more than 80 meetings scheduled with local officials in town and city governments to share information about disaster recovery programs.
Rebuilding tips for Connecticut residents
We're also helping survivors rebuild smarter, providing the public with tips and advice at 19 home improvement stores throughout the state. While shopping, residents can stop by a mitigation outreach table and find out how to protect their homes from future storms and disasters. Here are details about some of the upcoming mitigation events in:
Together with our partners across the emergency management team, we will continue to remain focused on making the state's recovery a speedy and thorough one.


text:
by Margaret McArthur
I know the joyous abandon of dining with a woman who isn't shy about acting happy. My mother's side of the family is mental illness-free, and she's a fabulous cook. But when she enters a restaurant she's also uniquely capable of abandoning herself to appetite, enthusiasm and wonder. A chic, well-traveled grande dame, she's never become jaded and for her every restaurant outing is an occasion of delight. Restaurants are so eager to enchant her that they roll over on their backs and beg her to scratch their tummies. Last month, I sipped a late afternoon Dubonnet with my parents at the bar of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Mummy loved the elegant nibbles set out on the bar -- the cool luxe. She commented on the embroidered linen coasters; the bartender handed her a starched snowy stack with his compliments. Another meal at a two-star with Mummy: the staff sent her home with an armful or orchids fit for the Queen Mother. She declined a basket of the beautifully rolled hand towels from the Ladies Room. It was a close escape: five more minutes and the staff would have boxed up the custom china (service for twelve) she'd admired, the executive chef's Bragard jacket and two racks of pre-sale.
Two weeks later, Mummy's LA stories and royal treatment were distant dreams stiffened against a Great Lakes November wind. They shivered as I scraped the copy of Ruth Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires (Penguin Press, 2005) from under the front-stoop doormat where the UPS guy had hidden it -- not the last gasp of memory, I would learn, but a premonition of bracing refreshment.
I slid through the back-from-work ritual: fed the cats while holding my breath to avoid the whiff of Seafood Supper, put a pan of water on the stove and checked for that ominous tinge of pink behind the glassine windows of the bills. I broke a nail prying open the cardboard coffin from Amazon, removed my business heels and hose and found an ashtray. For the rest of the evening, I raised myself only twice, and only from necessity.
Ruth Reichl is, thank God, living proof that an Art History major can find a good job, have a good time, and make a lot of money. She lived the California Culinary revolution, fed a commune in Berkeley, palled with Alice Waters, cooked at and co-owned a restaurant, edited the Los Angeles Times food section, won awards for journalism and memoirs. That's before her stint as restaurant critic for the New York Times, 1993-1999, the period she describes in Garlic and Sapphires. She's now editor-in-chef of Gourmet magazine. Her professional cred is impeccable, but her memoirs are as intimate as the secrets shared between siblings: Reichl is the most emotionally available food writer since M.F.K. Fisher. She knew Fisher, of course -- Mary Frances packed a lunch for Reichl and Michael Singer, her husband, and told them to follow a path until they found a clearing suitable for an amorous fete-champetre. There isn't any name worth knowing in the food culture that Reichl doesn't know; her stories read like Tiger Beat for foodies (boomers of the female persuasion will recognize that as a compliment). Who knew, for instance, that the grandmotherly Marion Cunningham once stockpiled gin because she was terrified that distillers would stop making it? (She got herself off the sauce by force of will.)
All of us who've survived high school understand that appearance is all: prom and pompoms for the pretty, Saturday nights with Starsky and Hutch for the plain. Every girl wants to know how the other one sees life, and how life sees her. If you're a woman over forty, you've looked around for your mother and realized that she's not in the room, or even in town -- her voice has become yours. Ruth Reichl decided to go there.
She would actually become her late mother, wearing her mother's dress and jewelry, haircut and attitude. Mom Miriam was a no less difficult woman than Ruth had remembered, but the daughter finds herself confessing "Having spent most of my life being embarrassed by Mom, I was surprised to see how easily I slipped into her shoes."
Finding out it was fun was even more frightening: "Becoming my mother was like getting cosmic permission to abandon my superego, act without considering the consequences, behave badly." Ruth as Miriam not only was a little old lady who didn't take any crap at New York's 21, she felt free to return elderly oysters, demand that tepid soup be reheated and coach the waiter on the amount of cheese to add to the Caesar Salad. When Mom went to the Four Seasons she lived large and loved life -- and so did her daughter. "My mother could be difficult, but when she was happy she was uniquely capable of abandoning herself to the moment. In becoming her I had shed the critic, abandoned the appraiser who sat at a distance, weighing each bite, measuring each dish."
An outing to Le Cirque disguised as Molly Hollis, a retired schoolteacher from Birmingham, Michigan, in an outdated Armani suit in the company of another lady of a certain age got them an excellent dinner, a tiny back table and invisibility -- the service ran the nasty gamut from arrogant to zilch. When Warren Hoge, the assistant managing editor of the Times took Ruth and her husband to lunch, Sirio Maccioni gave them a better table and swapped out the raspberry tartlets: "Anyone with eyes could see it: the new raspberries were twice the size of the old ones . . . " On another visit she made a reservation under an assumed name but went undisguised. The silky Mr. Maccioni wasn't fooled twice -- he kept the King of Spain waiting in the bar and swept her party to a front four-top.
Tender at the Bone is Reichl's bildungsroman: her childhood with her bi-polar mother, her schooldays in Montreal, (once my city) and Ann Arbor, and her fateful move to California. In Comfort Me with Apples she confides about her marriages, love affairs and maternity -- a food writer channeling Colette. Garlic and Sapphires is subtitled "The Secret Life of a Food Critic in Disguise," and it's a personal peek into the alternate lives she invented while trying to foil the sharp-eyed restaurateurs who taped up her picture in their kitchens. Like a master spy or a good actor she didn't just pull a wig over that glorious bedhead -- she prepared for her parts with makeup, costume and back story. She inhabited the roles, and then discovered that the roles inhabited her; she even found that her signature on the credit card slip had morphed into another woman's handwriting. Reading about these other women is like discovering that your sister really is a modern-day Mata Hari, the Cate Blanchett of restaurant writers. Ruth Reichl, a few years older than I, is my pick for coolest big sister ever -- one who lets you sneak a long look inside her diary.
My husband opened the door; I put him in charge of dinner without looking up. I remember him handing me a glass of wine as he checked out the cover of the chronicle that had entranced me all evening. "Any good?" he asked. I handed him the book in order to answer a phone call ("Yes, we need new energy-efficient windows. No, I'm not interested."), then had to pry it from his paws. I turned off the pan of water I'd started for skinning fresh tomatoes and told him it was fine to use canned for quick-and-dirty pasta putanesca. Four hours and a dinner break later I'd finished. I guess you could say Ruth had me from Garlic.
Ruth Reichl will be featured in an upcoming eG Spotlight Conversation, 28 November to 2 December 2005.
Margaret McArthur, aka maggiethecat, is host and Dark Lady of the Daily Gullet Competition forum. She writes, cooks and tends her garden near Chicago.
Photo by Brigitte Lacombe.
My Sister the Spy
Started by Daily Gullet Staff , Nov 22 2005 01:55 PM
6 replies to this topic
Posted 22 November 2005 - 01:55 PM
Posted 24 November 2005 - 01:00 AM
Sapphires and Garlic is a great book. I cheated a bit and we listened to the audio book version of it during a 9 hour road trip to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. It is a fascinating story of her tenure at The New York Times, bookended by her jobs at the LA Times and Gourmet. Far more goes into that job than I ever thought of, and her personal memories are fun and sobering at the same time. A real glimpse into the busy life of a writer, wife, and mother. Highly recommended!
Screw it. It's a Butterball.
Posted 25 November 2005 - 02:58 PM
Writing talent must be a family trait, Maggie. I enjoyed your account very much. I bought and read "Garlic and Sapphires" as soon as it was published and loved it. I then worked backward and read "Comfort Me With Apples" and "Tender At The Bone." All three are can't-put-it-down books. I hope she will write more.
Posted 03 December 2005 - 01:31 PM
Just finished Comfort Me With Apples, thanks for the heads-up on the new one!
Posted 03 December 2005 - 02:59 PM
Brava, Maggie-- a brilliant piece; I enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed reading the books! Tiger Beat, indeed!
Are you next?
Are you next?
Edited by BeefCheeks, 03 December 2005 - 03:00 PM.
BeefCheeks is an author, editor, and food journalist.
"The food was terrible. And such small portions...."
--Alvy Singer
"The food was terrible. And such small portions...."
--Alvy Singer
Posted 09 December 2005 - 08:09 AM
I've actually devoured (pun intended) both "Comfort..." and "Tender..." and have been (spend-thriftfully) awaiting the paperback edition of "Garlic..." It's been agonizing to wait, but since I'm abroad, it's really rather infeasible for me to obtain the hard-copy in English as it is... and I'm soon returning to the U.S., so I decided to wait... but I can't wait to tear through another Reichl read!
I'm also really anxious to get my hands on "The Perfectionist" - especially after having dined through the Michelin Guide Rouge all across Europe.
I'm also really anxious to get my hands on "The Perfectionist" - especially after having dined through the Michelin Guide Rouge all across Europe.
"Watermelon - it's a good fruit. You eat, you drink, you wash your face."
Italian tenor Enrico Caruso (1873-1921)
My flickr account
Italian tenor Enrico Caruso (1873-1921)
My flickr account
Posted 17 December 2005 - 08:15 PM
I adored this book, just like I adored her other two. I think she's a great writer, very entertaining to read and refreshingly honest.
I love what you say about her being living proof that someone with an art history degree can have a meaningful and lucrative career!!
OH and btw, the pasta carbonara recipe in there ROCKS.
I love what you say about her being living proof that someone with an art history degree can have a meaningful and lucrative career!!
OH and btw, the pasta carbonara recipe in there ROCKS.
Born Free, Now Expensive


text:
Featured Design: Luxurious Walk-In Closet
So many women dream of a "hers" closet, where everything is custom organized to fit their wardrobe and their lifestyle - without sharing the space with a spouse!
This California Closets walk-in is the perfect example of what a dream "his and hers" closet can be. It features stunning contemporary features and functional design.
Take a look at these pictures and imagine that this is YOUR custom closet!
Her Side: Contemporary, Luxurious, Romantic
The combination of soft, textured wood tones (our Umbrian Oak Lago® finish) with ivory accents creates a peaceful, romantic feeling.
A vanity is included with a back-lit ivory insert that casts a soft glow as you put on make-up or choose accessories. LED puck lights line the upper edges of the closet to make it easy to pick the right outfit.
The lighted shelves featuring favorite shoes and purses makes the closet seem like your own personal boutique.
This jewelry drawer with gray velvet trays features a glass top so that you can see your choices before you even open the drawer!
Using birch hosiery inserts keeps delicates organized and protected.
I love the drawer handles - they add just the right amount of sparkle to an otherwise subdued palette.
This is the kind of closet that can help you feel inspired to start the day!
What do you think? Could this be your side of a luxurious "his and hers" closet?
Tell me what you think in the comments, and if you've found this post inspiring, please share it with your family and friends!
Ginny Snook Scott
Ginny Snook Scott is the chief design officer at California Closets. She has over 25 years experience with California Closets and has helped over 1,000 clients create custom closets and organize their home. Connect with Ginny on Google+.


text:
01482 381850
Mon - Sun: 8am to 11pm
|Awarded a Food Hygiene Rating of 5
|Broadcasts Live News
|Cask Marque Accredited
|Children Welcome
|Has Parking
|In Good Beer Guide
|Racing UK Shown
|Sky Sports
|TV Screens
The name of this Wetherspoon pub recalls the royal charter granted to Hull Corporation, in 1447, to elect a suitable and discreet man as Admiral of the Humber. The city's Lord Mayor is still elected to that office, although its power no longer exists.
This site is part of Grosvenor House, a name echoed in the Grosvenor pub, which once stood a few metres away. Grosvenor House was built on the site of the Master Mariner Almshouse, erected by Trinity House in 1834. It was known to the inmates as The Ship, from the carving of a ship's hull on top of this grand building. In 1937, there were 48 inmates. Four years later, the almshouse was destroyed by enemy action, and the site cleared in the 1950s.
This pub shows live Sky Sports and live ESPN Sports.
We also show live subtitled news (on silent) throughout the day.
Simply enter your town, postcode or pub name
Download the Point Of Interest (POI) file for your sat nav device


text:
Review Details
GE SmartWater MWFINT (International MWF) Refrigerator Filter Replacement Cartridge
Product Rating:
Product Review (submitted on December 30, 2012):
It was worth getting the international model which is identical to the US model only cheaper. It fits great and is the original part from GE. If you get three it's much more reasonable.


text:
|Photo Gallery
|Auto Loans
|Today's Posts
|Mark Forums Read
|Auto Escrow
|The Auction Block Buy, Sell, Trade your parts and pieces!!
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
|Display Modes
1962 Ford Ranchero/ Falcon Big Block Drag Car
One of a kind 1962 Ford Falcon Ranchero, BDS 871 Blower , Street Legal, Drag Car. 8.89 at 152 mph in the quarter, and can go faster!
AS SEEN ON TV! Featured on Speed Channels hit show Pass Time.
Just change the tires, add the exhaust and drive her anywhere. Sorry, no air conditioning, but the power windows work just great! Clear title.
Too Much Stuff To List!!!!!!!
All steel 2x3 box tubing complete chassis car. Steel one piece tilt front end. Certified for 8.50's. Tubbed with 33./16.5/15 MT slicks on the back and 26/7.5/15 MT on the front, all on competition convo-pro wheels by Center Line. Slicks still have plenty of passes on them. Strange aluminum center section rear with 410 gears, 35 spline Moser axles with a Ford 9", and ladder bar. Strange coil over shocks on the rear with Hal coil over shocks on the front. 15 gallon fuel cell for street use, with a Magna Flow fuel pump and a Mallory Series 500 filter. All Braided fuel lines from the front to the back. Parachute, wheelie bars, 2 Jaz racing seats with a 5 point harness, window net, overhead switch panel, Auto Meter gauges, and a Turbo Action shifter. Custom Door panels, Custom dash. Electric water pump, transmission cooler and aluminum radiator both with electric fans. 30
Optional Big Block Ford 532 cubic inch motor, with a 871 blower. Blue Thunder heads and probe rotating assembly. Roller cam shaft, 730 lift, stud girdles, main stud girdle, 10 quart pan, oil accumulator, sheet metal valve covers, blue thunder blower intake. 2 and 3/8" custom headers with a top of the line Performance automatic C-4 transmission with brake.
Estimated 1,000+ Horse Power!
Over $60,000.00 invested, $25,000.00 in motor alone.
Chasis Only $15,000.00.
Turn Key $28,000.00 with 532CI
Turn Key $19,000.00 with 514CI
Spare Big Block Ford 514 Short Block with Lunati Rods and Pistons $30,000.00 gets it all!
Street Tires and Street Exhaust go with it!
Click on Links to see Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZH-T-npRCY SpeedVision Pass Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvfBDREr3d8 2009 Ford Races
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRw7xVzhRmI 2010 Ford Races
Call Jerry @ 941-920-1565 or 941-756-1075
Email any questions to firstname.lastname@example.com
Last edited by ford565; 04-14-2010 at 07:56 PM.
No questions from anyone? Call me 941-920-1565
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
|Display Modes
Linear Mode


text:
At The Jawa Report blog Rusty Shackleford reports that a professional PR firm appears to be spreading false attacks against Sarah Palin on the Internet.
A YouTube video that appears to have been produced by the PR firm Winner & Associates falsely claims Sarah Palin is a member of the Alaskan Independence Party. Shackleford has evidence that Jared Liu-Klein, an Associate at Winner & Associates, posted this video on website DemocraticUnderground.com more than a week after reports of Sarah Palin's membership in the party had been debunked.
I just spoke with Liu-Klein on the phone and asked him about the matter, but he said that he would have to get back to me later. I gave him my email address and asked if he could give me a simple yes or no answer if he had ever posted a video on the Internet about Sarah Palin and the Alaskan Independence Party. Liu-Klein replied: "I'll have to get back to you as soon as I can." Then he hung up the phone. I'll post Liu-Klein's response if and when I get it.
As Shackleford notes, "the million dollar question is who, if any one, paid Winner & Associates to produce this ad?" Schackleford observes that the voice used in official Obama-Biden ads as well as ads produced by chief Obama strategist David Axelrod's company sounds like it was also used in the anti-Palin Alaskan Independence ad.
Here is a YouTube video comparing the Alaskan Independence ad with an official Obama-Biden ad:
The voice in both ads sounds quite similar, but it's certainly possible that Winner & Associates could have hired a narrator who had done work for Axelrod's company and the Obama-Biden campaign. Whatever the case, it appears that Winner & Associates--a professional PR firm with extensive connections to the Democratic party--is behind false attacks on Sarah Palin.


text:
Franklin The Chef Line LaminAire Convection Oven
Model GHCV-1A-20
1 Phase
120 Volt
8.7 amps 60Hz
Used - Was in working condition when removed from service
Missing a couple knobs. It does have a temperature knob. I took the photo before putting the knob back on (I cleaned the knob)
Double-Door / Five (5) shelves
Outside measurements 33"h x 38"wide x 43"deep
Right now it is on a pallet and the legs are off. The legs are 27" in height.
Inside measurements 27"wide x 27"deep x 20"high
Asking $1,500.00
Pickup only.
Contact via email or call
Thank you.
Location: Toledo


text:
|Woolly Worm Winner!
|Written by Steve Frank
|Sunday, 18 October 2009 02:07
Woolly Worm Warmth--Noah Jens of Chapel Hill
His weather prediction? Cold and snowy might be a good start, with the Woolly Worm Festival attendees bundled up in their 'woolies' with snow flurries much of the day. Cars were seen travelling through Banner Elk with a good accumulation of snow on top. The Woolly Worm Festival continues today.
It was also a cool, damp Valle Country Fair yesterday in Valle Crusis.
|Share This Article:


text:
If you are interested in Applying for a Property Tax Loan Get Started Now and Get Approved Today
Diversified Portfolio's 4-Step Property Tax Loan Process.
Our primary mission is help our fellow Texans
pay their deliquent Property Taxes in quick and efficient manner with a affordable Property Tax Loan.
Se habla espanol!
Complete Loan Application and Provide Necessary paperwork
Complete Loan Application and Provide Necessary paperwork
Verify paperwork and Begin the Loan Process
Verify paperwork and Begin the Loan Process
Process the Loan for Approval
Process the Loan for Approval
Set Notary Meeting Date for Closing
Your Main Reasons to Choose Us
Friendly & Courteous Customer Support
Focusing on customer service is one of primary missions
Utilizing the latest computer technology to process your property tax loans
Focus on Building Succesful Long-term Relationships
Willing to do what it takes make it an easy and helpful process.
Locally Based in Houston Texas
Serving Texan homeowners and businesses
and more...
The staff of Diversified Portfolio, LLC is comprised of a diverse set of individuals with completely different backgrounds. This is the difference maker for our customers. We understand you because we are just like you and love what we do. Take a look to the right and put a face with the name of this family owned and operated company.
Diversified Portfolio LLC. helps Texas property owners pay their residential and commercial property taxes. Property taxes are usually expensive and lump sum payments can catch most property owners by surprise. We do offer the most competitive rates in the industry. Loans are available for almost any type of real estate as long as the borrower is not in bankruptcy and the property is reasonably maintained. This includes residential, commercial, investment properties and vacant land.
Our office is based in Houston and can directly handle all type of commercial and residential property tax loans in the state of Texas. We service a wide variety of business types: individuals, partnerships, corporations, sole proprietor and limited liability companies.


text: I'm a food photographer based in the San Francisco area, and I love my work. If you want beautiful photos for your food-related business or publication, I'd love to talk to you about your needs and how I can make some great-looking pictures for you. I'm based in Berkeley and cover the San Francisco metro area from Mendocino to San Jose and beyond. Never had any food photography done for you? It's pretty straightforward, and I'm happy to give you more details about the process of making food and drink photos, pricing, and more.


text:
Monk: Mr. Monk Buys A House (season premiere)
Monk's sudden displeasure with his home is rooted in his discomfort in his life now that Dr. Kroger is gone. The ultimate egotist, in that Monk cares most for himself, Adrian is desperate to throw himself into work to avoid the irritating piano-playing coming from the little girl across the street and disturbing the sanctuary of his home. Kudos to the new therapist, Dr. Bell, for connecting the dots and quickly sizing up why Monk finds the music so displeasing.
Hector Elizondo seems to fit in perfectly and Monk's new therapist. His office is a model of symmetry and he even has Adrian's favorite bottled water ready for him. Without saying, you think that maybe Dr. Kroger -- who did know Bell -- prepared him with notes about how to make Monk your client! He was almost too perfect. He even gave him a wipe after shaking his hand.
Was it realistic that Monk would have so precipitously leap into the buying of a home? No. Was it a huge coincidence (or was it?) that Honest Jake -- guest Brad Garrett -- runs in to Monk at Lowe's (it looked like Lowe's with the blue vests) and offers him a business card? Yes. Did the story dovetail too neatly into Monk's new home being the center of a murder/money scheme? Absolutely.
But by now, fans of Monk are not looking for great mystery storytelling. The writers have twisted the plotting like this for years, with rarely a good pay-off for all that pretzel-making. Therefore, the fun of the show is watching Monk in all of his OCD madness, and a smidge of humanity, figure things out and solve the puzzle.
The great surprise -- if you want to call it that -- of this episode was how Jake tied in to the money. Garrett got to play a stone cold killer, a guy who could pull the trigger or stab a woman without conscience. Quite a switch from Robert on Everybody Loves Raymond!
As the story wrapped, Monk was back in his apartment and -- presumably -- the house is up for sale. He can tolerate the piano playing, even enjoy it now, because Dr. Bell has made him understand that in doing so, he's reminiscing about his relationship with Dr. Kroger. Dr. Kroger wasn't just Monk's therapist, you see, he was his...Dr. Kroger.
Other points of interest
-- Dr. Bell's first name is Neven. It's a palindrome, as Natalie points out, which should please Monk. Unfortunately, it's not a perfect one because of the capital N in Neven!
-- Did you recognize comic Jack Carter as old man Moody in the wheelchair? He didn't look the same, but I recognized his voice.
-- You know how you can tell this is a not a procedural drama like Law & Order or CSI? Brad Garrett's character would have worried about forensics, you know, leaving fibers at the murder scene or fingerprints or blood splatter. He just stabbed and shot without a care.
-- Two movie references right off the top; first, Moody was talking about Gregory Peck in The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit. Second, when the nurse pushed him down the stairs, it was a direct homage to Richard Widmark in his star-making, Oscar-nominated role as a killer in Kiss of Death.
-- It was a damn shame that the destroyed Monk's new house. It was a great-looking place before the construction. At that point, I was thinking of another movie reference, The Money Pit!
-- Natalie is a smart cookie. She saved the day by knowing Morse code and how to start a fire. Maybe she was a Girl Scout, too.
-- When Jake referred to Monk as Columbo, it seemed like a Brad Garrett ad lib.
-- Product plug: Mayflower movers. I guess it was fairly inoffensive, and it was more realistic than Maytulip movers, let's say.
-- Moody goes on and on about a neighbor he had named Nabors. A reference to Monk co-producer, Doug Nabors?
-- In the end, there was a really nice salute to Stanley Kamel with a shot of his picture in a frame in Monk's apartment, then a dedication in the end credits.


text:
Three Disturbing Trends in Commercial Banking
March 13, 2012
Christopher Papagianis
The recession officially ended in July 2009, and yet the speed and scope of the subsequent recovery have been disappointing. Recent economic data have been encouraging, but there are three ominous trends in the consumer banking space that signal the waters ahead may be choppy.
1. No new banks were chartered in 2011
The Financial Times reported recently that not one new, or de novo, bank was created in 2011. (The FDIC actually lists three new bank charters for 2011the lowest number in more than 75 yearsbut they all involved bank takeovers of other failed banks.) What are some of the possible implications?
First, investors are clearly still gun-shy about banking. The dearth of new small banks is also a negative sign for small businesses generally, as they are particularly dependent on small banks for loans. Since most employment growth in the U.S. comes from small businesses that use external finance to grow into large businesses, a decline in these businesses access to loans could limit future employment growth as well.
The dominant narrative in 2011, like the 2010 version, was one of bank failures and distressed acquisitions. The FDIC reports that about a hundred banks failed and another hundred were absorbed this past year. But industry consolidation has been prevalent since the 1990s, as this excellent image-graphic from Mother Jones (where you can click on the image to enlarge it) reveals.
Overall, the number of banks declined by 15 percent in the past five years, to 7,357, while revenues decreased for the fourth consecutive year, to $737 billion. Although this is partly due to the Federal Reserves low-to-zero interest-rate policy, which reduces interest income, non-interest income also fell in 2011 for the second consecutive year.
2. The big are getting bigger
Today, about two-thirds of all U.S. commercial bank assets are at five banks: Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citigroup, U.S. Bancorp and SunTrust Banks. A related and troubling trend is that much of the growth in lending in 2011 was also concentrated at the largest banks. The implication is that the "bigger are getting bigger" trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
The graph below shows the trend in assets by bank size. Since 1993, big banks share of assets has skyrocketed while smaller banks share has been in a near-terminal decline.
In addition, the FDIC reports that banks with assets over $1 billion witnessed an increase in business lending in 2011, while firms under that threshold actually saw lending decline. David Reillys speculation on what may be fueling this trend is noteworthy:
The difference in lending may be due in part to the fact that bigger banks tend to have a client base that itself is bigger, more credit worthy and more export oriented. Such companies are likely seeing an earlier benefit from a firming of economic conditions in the U.S.
Meanwhile, bigger banks are going after more middle-market clients in a bid to win market share. And while the biggest banks suffered some of the worst blows during the crisis, they seem to have worked through problems at a somewhat faster clip.
In part, that may be because the biggest banks have large credit-card portfolios where losses are quickly flushed out. Smaller banks with mostly residential or commercial real-estate loan books tend to take longer to work their way through problems. Or it could be that bigger banks capitalized on the fact that they received the most government assistance during the crisis and continue to enjoy a cost-of-funding advantage.
The difference in lending may be due in part to the fact that bigger banks tend to have a client base that itself is bigger, more credit worthy and more export oriented. Such companies are likely seeing an earlier benefit from a firming of economic conditions in the U.S.
Meanwhile, bigger banks are going after more middle-market clients in a bid to win market share. And while the biggest banks suffered some of the worst blows during the crisis, they seem to have worked through problems at a somewhat faster clip.
In part, that may be because the biggest banks have large credit-card portfolios where losses are quickly flushed out. Smaller banks with mostly residential or commercial real-estate loan books tend to take longer to work their way through problems. Or it could be that bigger banks capitalized on the fact that they received the most government assistance during the crisis and continue to enjoy a cost-of-funding advantage.
According to the FDIC, big banks average funding costs are one-third lower. The average funding costs for banks with more than $10 billion in assets is 0.66 percent, compared with about 1 percent for banks with less than $1 billion in assets. Why is that the case? Well, the largest banks have about 20 percent less core capital as a share of total assets compared with smaller banks (8.7 percent of total assets relative to about 10.5 percent for smaller banks). Less equity and lower funding costs result in a return on equity (the key measure for bank profitability) for big banks that is almost double that of banks with less than $100 million in assets.
3. The government dominates consumer credit through big banks
A war is brewing between the private bank sector and the government over who exactly controls the allocation of consumer credit in this country. Consumer credit is probably too tight today. A popular refrain that often follows this observation is that if only the government would return some of the decision-making power to the private sector (i.e., let lenders decide who gets approved or denied for a loan), then there would be more lending and the economy would recover faster.
There is undoubtedly some truth to this argument, but the scary proposition is that many of the largest banks are perfectly happy to allow the government to maintain its broad guarantees on consumer loans, effectively absolving private banks from having to evaluate and manage credit risk while simultaneously ensuring that they receive a steady stream of fee income.
The consumer credit market comprises about $13 trillion in outstanding loans or debt. The mortgage market, or home loans, make up the overwhelming majority of this total (a little over $10 trillion). The other major categories are student loans, credit cards and auto loans (about $2.5 trillion). Today, the government has outstanding guarantees on close to 60 percent of all mortgage-related debt, or almost $6 trillion in aggregate. Moreover, practically every new home loan made today is backed by the government, so this percentage and aggregate dollar amount is only climbing. And for certain mortgages, the government is happy to offer special benefits to the banks or lenders that are responsible for the most loan volume (see page 8 of this report).
The effect is that the government is determining the underwriting standards who gets qualified for a loan and who doesntand is bearing 100 percent of the credit risk on loan defaults, while private banks and lenders serve effectively as middlemen processing paperwork and helping to match consumers with the right government-guaranteed loan product.
The government has also increased its direct-lending activities over the past four years from $680 billion to nearly $1.4. trillion. Most of this growth in direct government lending has come from a quadrupling of student loans, from $98 billion to more than $425 billion. Today, the government now practically stands behind all new student lending.
With credit cards, private banks are still responsible for underwriting standards and default or credit risk, but Congress has introduced new command-and-control price caps on certain products. Auto loans remain relatively untouched, but the Fed did establish in the heat of the crisis the Term Asset-Backed Security Loan Facility (TALF). The TALF provided government financing for banks and other financial institutions to buy billions in auto loans. Plus, it is important to recognize that the Feds quantitative easing programs have been the biggest government lending program of all, as the Feds asset purchases have amounted to over $2 trillion in loans to the government-sponsored entities, or GSEs (i.e., Fannie and Freddie), and the U.S. Treasury.
Whats particularly disturbing about these three trends is how the underlying dynamics are interrelated and actually reinforcing one another. Small banks are being pushed to the side by big banks. The banks that are "too big to fail" are only getting larger and adding to their market share of consumer loans. But then a closer examination of who exactly is responsible for the losses when a consumer defaults on a loan (increasingly, its the taxpayer) reveals the true depths of the governments influence, if not control, over consumer credit.
Snapping this vicious vortex is perhaps the greatest challenge that policymakers and the U.S. economy face in the coming years. A future where the provision of consumer credit is increasingly dictated by big banks and government bureaucrats is not consistent with the image that Americans like to project across the world, namely that the U.S. is a beacon or defender of private markets and capitalism.
Original Source: http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2012/03/13/three-disturbing-trends-in-commercial-banking/
America's Legal Order Begins to Fray Heather Mac Donald, 09-14-15
Ray Kelly, Gotham's Guardian Stephen Eide, 09-14-15
Time to Trade in the 'Cadillac Tax' on Health Insurance Paul Howard, 09-14-15
Hillary Charts the Wrong Path on Wage Inequality Scott Winship, 09-11-15
Women Would Be Helped the Most By an End to the 'Marriage Penalty' Diana Furchtgott-Roth, 09-11-15
A Smarter Way to Raise Paychecks Oren Cass, 09-10-15
Gambling with New York's Pension Funds E. J. McMahon, 09-10-15
Vets Who Still Serve: After Disasters, Team Rubicon Picks Up the Pieces Howard Husock, 09-10-15
The Manhattan Institute, a 501(c)(3), is a think tank whose mission is to develop and disseminate new ideas
that foster greater economic choice and individual responsibility.
Copyright © 2015 Manhattan
Institute for Policy Research, Inc. All rights reserved.
52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New
York, N.Y. 10017
phone (212) 599-7000 / fax (212) 599-3494


text:
|Print Page
For many old age is a time of retirement, of doing what one wants. In some minds it a period in which a person can just relax, and take it easy.
But for many senior citizens, there is more to life than taking it easy. In fact, true to the values of their youth they want to make a difference. One way to do that is the Foster Grandparent Program.
Utah's Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), operates in Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, and Tooele Counties. These counties have two commonalities. First, they are all rural, depressed counties and they have limited resources available to senior citizens. They also have a combined population of 95,909 and with 14.44 percent of this population being seniors.
The FGP improves the living conditions of the seniors who call one of these counties home. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, 13.7 percent of persons living in these counties are below poverty level.
FGP provides opportunities for limited-income people age 60 and older to serve their communities by providing one-on-one tutoring to at-risk children and youth in schools and Head Start programs. Foster Grandparents serve from 15 to 40 hours a week and receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour. They also receive accident and liability insurance, meals while on duty, reimbursement for transportation, and on-going training. Foster grandparents provide the extra care and attention at-risk young people need to experience academic achievement, in addition to growing and developing the strong mental, emotional and social interaction skills that are essential to their ability to reach their maximum potential. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, 41 senior volunteers provided 26,960 hours of service while providing an understanding, caring role model for the youth served.
The Foster Grandparent Program has two distinct target populations. The first is children, three to 18 years of age. These children may come from economically depressed homes where basic needs are often barely being met. More and more children are being raised in single parent families or in homes where both parents are working. They have minimal educational skills and parental involvement is sporadic.
The increasing numbers of immigrant families in Utah bring new challenges and language barriers. Additionally, Utah's Early Childhood Blueprint for Progress shows that 30-40 percent of children entering school have a health or developmental condition that potentially interferes with their readiness to learn. By pairing an at-risk child with a caring adult, that child's special needs can be addressed and the child will have a better chance of success in school.
The second target population is composed of individuals who are 60 years of age and older and who meet established income eligibility guidelines (125 percent of poverty level). Most of those who currently qualify for the program are women with very limited income, and the stipend they earn as foster grandparents dramatically improves their quality of life and ability to live independently. Social Security benefits are often minimal and do not cover their cost of living, no matter how modest their living accommodations. These seniors on a limited income are given an opportunity to receive a stipend for their service and thereby improve their quality of life.
Teachers and principals in schools and Head Start programs utilizing foster grandparents report improved performance by those receiving tutoring and are requesting the involvement of even more seniors than are currently serving. Volunteers are recruited through local agencies serving seniors, such as senior centers, pharmacies, medical centers and hospitals, etc. Recruitment strategies include advertising in local newspapers, city newsletters, agency newsletters and posting flyers and announcements in community centers, stores, schools and doctors' offices.
New volunteers receive information and training from station coordinators. Volunteers are then offered a position based on their current interest, knowledge, skill and availability. Ongoing trainings and monthly in-services provided by Volunteers of America, Utah are open to local community agencies interested in participating as well as volunteers, station supervisors and coordinators.
Each year a volunteer recognition event is held to allow volunteers who are in diverse sites to meet with one another and discuss in person the successes and challenges that are being experienced. It is an opportunity for Volunteers of America, Utah and the community to express their appreciation of the individuals who are giving so much to their local communities.
The FGP is funded by a variety of public and private sources, including renewable government contracts with United Way of Salt Lake and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). FGP's total budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal year is $278,132. The fundraising goal for this program from foundations and corporations is $65,000 with the balance of the program expenses being supplied from on-going contracts.
The FGP's sponsoring organization, Volunteers of America, is a national non-profit, faith-based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement. The Utah affiliate serves over 10,000 individuals throughout the state each year. Volunteers of America, Utah operates 10 human service programs in the areas of homeless outreach, substance abuse detoxification and treatment, domestic violence counseling, substance abuse prevention, and senior volunteer services.
For more information about the program interested parties can call 435-381-2765.
|Print Page