text:
Learn to use Visual Studio, Visual Studio Online, Application Insights and Team
Foundation Server to decrease rework, increase transparency into your application and increase the rate at which
you can ship high quality software throughout the application lifecycle
Some teams like to track bugs as tasks and other teams track them as backlog items, such as user stories or requirements. If you're using a Scrum project, bugs are already in your backlog. However, if your team project was created using the Agile, CMMI, or other process template, bugs don't appear on the task board or the backlog pages.
This post shows you how to add bugs to either the task board or the product backlog.
You can add bugs or other work item types to appear in either the task board or the product backlog, but not both.
NOTE: With the witadmin command line tool, you import and export definition files as shown in this post. You can also use the Process Editor GUI tool, available with the download of TFS Power Tools, or TFS Team Project Manager, a community resource project available on codeplex.
The steps provided in this post describe how to make changes to a team project that is based on either the Agile or CMMI process templates that TFS provides. The state model for the work item types that you add must align to the metastate mappings specified within the CommonConfiguration file. If they do not, additional definitions must be made as described here.
To track bugs as tasks, you add required fields to the bug work item type, and you add the bug work item type to the Task Category. Here's how you do that for a team project based on the MSF for Agile process template.
cd %programfiles%\Microsoft Visual Studio 11.0\Common7\IDE
On a 64-bit edition of Windows, replace %programfiles% with %programfiles(x86)%. You can download Team Explorer for free.
witadmin exportwitd /collection:"http://MyServer:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection" /p:MyProject /n:bug /f:Directory/bug.xml
<FIELDS>. . . <FIELD name="Activity" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Activity" type="String" reportable="dimension"> <HELPTEXT>Type of work involved</HELPTEXT> <SUGGESTEDVALUES> <LISTITEM value="Development"/> <LISTITEM value="Testing"/> <LISTITEM value="Requirements"/> <LISTITEM value="Design"/> <LISTITEM value="Deployment"/> <LISTITEM value="Documentation"/> </SUGGESTEDVALUES> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Stack Rank" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.StackRank" type="Double" reportable="dimension"> <HELPTEXT>Work first on items with lower-valued stack rank. Set in triage.</HELPTEXT> </FIELD>
<FIELD name="Remaining Work" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.RemainingWork" type="Double" reportable="measure" formula="sum"> <HELPTEXT>An estimate of the number of units of work remaining to complete this task</HELPTEXT> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Original Estimate" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.OriginalEstimate" type="Double" reportable="measure" formula="sum"> <HELPTEXT>Initial value for Remaining Work - set once, when work begins</HELPTEXT> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Completed Work" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.CompletedWork" type="Double" reportable="measure" formula="sum"> <HELPTEXT>The number of units of work that have been spent on this task</HELPTEXT> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Start Date" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.StartDate" type="DateTime" reportable="dimension"> <HELPTEXT>The date to start the task</HELPTEXT> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Finish Date" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.FinishDate" type="DateTime" reportable="dimension"> <HELPTEXT>The date to finish the task</HELPTEXT> </FIELD>. . . </FIELDS>
You can also manage the items in the Activity field using a global list.(For a team project based on MSF for CMMI, you would add the Discipline and Stack Rank fields.)
NOTE: The backlog and board pages use the Stack Rank field to manage the sort order of work items. This field must match the field assigned to the Order type in the CommonConfiguration definition file. To download this file, use witadmin exportcommonprocessconfig.
<FORM>. . . <Group Label="Status"> <Column PercentWidth="33"> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="System.AssignedTo" Label="Assi&gned to:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Rank" Label="Ran&k:" LabelPosition="Left" NumberFormat="WholeNumbers" MaxLength="10" /> <Control FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Activity" Type="FieldControl" Label="Activity" LabelPosition="Left" EmptyText="<None>" /> </Column> <Column PercentWidth="33"> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="System.State" Label="&State:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="System.Reason" Label="&Reason:" LabelPosition="Left" /> </Column> <Column PercentWidth="33"> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Triage" Label="Triag&e:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Priority" Label="Priorit&y:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.OriginalEstimate" Type="FieldControl" Label="Original Estimate" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.RemainingWork" Type="FieldControl" Label="Remaining" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.CompletedWork" Type="FieldControl" Label="Completed" LabelPosition="Left" /> </Column> </Group>. . . </FORM>
witadmin importwitd /collection:"http://MyServer:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection" /p:MyProject /f:Directory/bug.xml
witadmin exportcategories /collection:"http://MyServer:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection" /p:MyProject /f:Directory/categories.xml
<CATEGORY refname="Microsoft.TaskCategory" name="Task Category"> <DEFAULTWORKITEMTYPE name="Task" /> <WORKITEMTYPE name="Bug" /></CATEGORY>
NOTE: It's OK for the bug work item type to belong to two categories—the Bug Category and the Task Category. It just can't belong to both the Task Category and the Requirements Category.
witadmin importcategories /collection:"http://MyServer:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection" /p:MyProject /f:Directory/categories.xml
You might have to refresh the task board for the bugs to show up.
NOTE: You can't add bugs through the Implementation tab because that tab is restricted to user stories and tasks only. To support adding bugs through the Implementation tab, modify the FORM section of the user story work item type to include the filter for bugs. For example, include the <Filter WorkItemType="Bug" /> syntax as highlighted below.
<Tab Label="Implementation"> <Control Type="LinksControl" Name="Hierarchy"> <LinksControlOptions> <WorkItemLinkFilters FilterType="include"> <Filter LinkType="System.LinkTypes.Hierarchy" /> </WorkItemLinkFilters> <WorkItemTypeFilters FilterType="include"> <Filter WorkItemType="User Story" /> <Filter WorkItemType="Task" /> <Filter WorkItemType="Bug" /> </WorkItemTypeFilters> <ExternalLinkFilters FilterType="excludeAll" /> <LinkColumns> <LinkColumn RefName="System.ID" /> <LinkColumn RefName="System.WorkItemType" /> <LinkColumn RefName="System.Title" /> <LinkColumn RefName="System.AssignedTo" /> <LinkColumn RefName="System.State" /> <LinkColumn LinkAttribute="System.Links.Comment" /> </LinkColumns> </LinksControlOptions> </Control> </Tab>
Work item types that you add to the Requirements Category show up on the backlog pages. For the configuration to be valid, you must first add the estimate and backlog sort order fields to the bug work item type.
<FIELDS>. . . <FIELD name="Story Points" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.StoryPoints" type="Double" reportable="measure" formula="sum"> <HELPTEXT>The size of work estimated for implementing the bug.</HELPTEXT> </FIELD> <FIELD name="Stack Rank" refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.StackRank" type="Double" reportable="dimension"> <HELPTEXT>Work first on items with lower-valued stack rank. Set in triage.</HELPTEXT> </FIELD>
For a team project based on MSF for CMMI, you would add the Size and Stack Rank fields.
<Column PercentWidth="33"> <Control FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.StoryPoints" Type="FieldControl" Label="Story Points" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Triage" Label="Triag&e:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Priority" Label="Priorit&y:" LabelPosition="Left" /> <Control Type="FieldControl" FieldName="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Rank" Label="Ran&k:" LabelPosition="Left" NumberFormat="WholeNumbers" MaxLength="10" /></Column>
witadmin exportcategories /collection:"http://MyServer:8080/tfs/DefaultCollection" /p:MyProject f:Directory/categories.xml
<CATEGORY refname="Microsoft.RequirementCategory" name="Requirement Category"> <DEFAULTWORKITEMTYPE name="User Story" /> <WORKITEMTYPE name="Bug" /></CATEGORY>
NOTE: It's OK for the bug work item type to belong to two categories—the Bug Category and the Requirements Category. It just can't belong to both the Task Category and the Requirements Category.
After adding the Bug type to the Task Category, I notice that when I go to the Sprint Backlog and click the plus to add a child to a User Story, it shows a loading icon, and never finishes. I can only add children by right-clicking on the user story. Is this a known issue?
Our team is using the Scrum template. Would you have any advice on accomplishing the same as above on that template? For instance, several fields that you show already in the WIT are not present, and as well I get an error 'The form uses undefined field 'Microsoft.VSTS.Common.Rank'.
Any "bug as a task" love for the Scrummers?
Ryan - the loading icon should resolve after a few seconds and create a User Story.
Kathryn - I am referring to the plus symbol on an existing user story, which normally opens the form for a new Task, but in this case, should offer a choice of Task or Bug. That's where it freezes the item up.
Ryan - I have never heard of that behavior before. Do you have a consistent repro? I would love to work with you to get the bug fixed.
I speak of the ability to have a bug represented as a child of Product Backlog Item. The PBI edit form (and task board) currently do not allow me to create bugs, only tasks. I *can* create bugs elsewhere, and add them to the sprint and thus the taskboard as a row and then add tasks to that. What we would like to do is open a PBI (or press the plus icon on the task board for a PBI) and have the option of creating and linking a bug with the hour tracking fields similar to how they are represented above.
Additionally, the link you replied with is broken.
Sorry for the broken link. This topic, Customize Work Item Tracking and Your Team Project (msdn.microsoft.com/.../jj190744.aspx), contains information about customizing the agile planning tool pages.
Your Scrum project (if created using Scrum 2.0 or later) should have the bug work item type added to the Requirements Category and therefore you should be able to add it from the product backlog page as a backlog item.
However, if you want to add the Bug as a child to a PBI and have it show up on the task board, then you need to take these steps:
1. Add the following to the Bug work item type definition:
a. Activity field
b. Remaining Work field
2. Remove the Bug work item type from the Requirements Category and add it to the Task Category (category definition file).
3. Either swap out the workflow section defined for the Bug wit with that defined for Task:
a. Task states are To Do, In Progress, and Done.
b. Bug states are New, Approved, Committed, and Done.
OR Add mappings for the Bug metastates in the CommonConfiguration file:
<TaskWorkItems category="Microsoft.TaskCategory">
<State value="New" type="Proposed" />
<State value="To Do" type="Proposed" />
<State value="Approved" type="Proposed" />
<State value="In Progress" type="InProgress" />
<State value="Committed" type="InProgress" />
<State value="Done" type="Complete" />
You will need to export and then import the CommonConfiguration file using the witadmin exportcommonprocessconfig and witadmin importcommonprocessconfig.
Hope this helps.
Ewald - I can most certainly reproduce. Feel free to contact me!
And here I am logged in, so you actually can contact me! :)
@Ryan: shoot, I am not receiving notifications on posted comments. You can contact me at ewald_dot_hofman_at_microsoft_dot_com.
I would love to hear what your repro is.
Once I managed to include the bugs in my task board, I had the following issues:
- Bugs are created as active. If I want to use them as tasks in my board, I can't track a transition state from new to active (when someone started working in it) as I do with regular tasks. If I create the 'new' state for bugs in the process editor, the board will stop working and TFS will show an error message.
- Bugs have the 'resolved' state, which is not tracked on the board. What happens is that once bugs are resolved, they disappear from the board until they are closed.
Any suggestions on how to work around those issues (if that is possible)?
Bernardo - The workflow states and metastate mappings must be in sync for the Bug. IF you change the workflow states, then you must change the metastate mappings in the commonConfiguration file.
I'm having an issue trying to get bugs to appear in the backlog.
Our project is using the CMMI Process template, and we are running TFS 2012 Update 1. We've made no modifications up to this point.
I added the Discipline field to the bug workitem definition. StackRank was already in the field list so didnt need to modify it. I then added both these fields to the form layout and imported the changes. In visual studio, bugs showed the new fields as expected.
The issue comes when trying to modify the categories. I added the bug workitemtype to the requirementcategory like so:
<CATEGORY refname="Microsoft.RequirementCategory" name="Requirement Category">
<DEFAULTWORKITEMTYPE name="Requirement" />
<WORKITEMTYPE name="Bug" />
But after importing this change to the categories. The backlog page in the web portal shows the following error:
TF400917: The current configuration is not valid for this feature. This feature cannot be used until you correct the configuration.
I didnt make any modifications to the CommonConfiguration.xml because StackRank was already set for the Order type.
<TypeField refname="Microsoft.VSTS.Common.StackRank" type="Order" />
Am I missing something else here?
Fixed my issue above!
I got the backlog to show bugs after adding the Size field (Microsoft.VSTS.Scheduling.Size) to the bug item definition. Was suggested here - social.msdn.microsoft.com/.../5d760572-8682-4970-baa3-d102992b395b
Is there anyway to get the WIT ID to show on the cards in the task board?


text:
Narrow your search
Asktechnosys come up with great Biography application for Bill Gates.William Henry "Bill" Gates III (born October 28, 1955) is an American business...
Russian competition authorities give Google until November 18 to reverse contracts requiring phone makers install its apps.
The search giant faces more scrutiny in Europe. This time, Russia says Google is being anticompetitive with business practices around its Android mobile operating system.
Like European authorities, the US Federal Trade Commission has begun looking into how Google treats mobile apps that compete with its own, Bloomberg says.
A new online platform created by a law firm and public affairs company aims to help victims eager to sue Google over antitrust issues in Europe.
The country's competition watchdog gives Microsoft the green light, under several conditions, after 21 months of review.
Al Franken is particularly concerned about whether Apple has stymied competition in the music-streaming business by controlling its own application marketplace.
In a letter to the attorneys general of New York and Connecticut, lawyers for the Universal Music Group say the label hasn't engaged in anticompetitive practices with Apple over free streams from Apple rivals like Spotify.
App maker Disconnect accuses Google of abusing its "dominant position" in a complaint filed with the European Union.
Comcast's $45.2 billion merger with Time Warner Cable is officially dead, and the companies may have the fiery Net neutrality debate that raged this past year to blame.
After meeting with regulators, Comcast looks to be giving up on its plan to acquire the cable giant, according to Bloomberg.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jeremy Davies
Trivia and Quotes
Quotes (6)
Jeremy Davies: The creators of Lost are endowed with some seriously certified, god-size talent. For a misfit like me, an offer to make coffee for those gentlemen is one I'd find terribly difficult to pass up.
Jeremy: I'm kind of an agent's nightmare, because I've basically been hijacking my skinny acting career for years to turn it into film school.
Jeremy: I never expected that a misfit like me could get very far in this business. You know how competitive it is. It's almost like winning the interplanetary lottery to get anywhere within.
Jeremy: I have many strange pockets that are filled from my own life, different shades of dark and light, different colors. Rather than define a role completely, I like to make a selection and be aware of who I've been and how that goes into the character's perhaps twisted behavior.
Jeremy: If I have a page of dialogue, with ten lines on it, to arrive on the set thinking that's all I should offer, that would make me feel like I was insulting the director. I like to have so much more underneath. Each line I say is the consideration of a heartbeat.
Jeremy: (About his upbringing) I'm from America. I grew up mostly in isolation and had a really peripatetic youth. There 're many pockets of America that have echoes for me. But beyond stating that, which is fairly dull, I don't really want to get into my family.
Trivia (14)
In 2012, Jeremy won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series playing on Dickie Bennett on Justified.
In 1999, Jeremy was nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Theatrical Motion Picture for the film Saving Private Ryan.
Jeremy won a Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for best supporting actor in the movie Saving Private Ryan.
Jeremy is known to play damaged and offbeat characters. He likes to play them because he likes to be challenged and play complicated roles.
Jeremy lost 33 pounds for the movie Rescue Dawn.
Jeremy doesn't think it's his job to refuse a role he is offered. However, he does say that it has happened.
Jeremy grew up without television, and had never been struck by any film. It was the complexity of acting that drove him to his career.
Jeremy is the son of the famous children's author Mel Boring.


text:
The latest in the line of strictly lifestyle pieces from the Jordan brand is this gray version of the Jordan V2 Grown shoe. The newest color option in a model released just this year, this version features gray tumbled leather with a white outsole. As usual for Jordan's lifestyle products, this combines elements of his basketball shoe heritage into an off-court piece. The Grown, loosely modeled on a casual boot, has a side gusset for easy on/off – and just to make sure it has some "classic Jordan" to it, there is a lace-covering placket running up the front, and matching-color Jordan heritage logo on the outsole – all very understated, of course. Jordan Brand lifestyle shoes haven't been for everyone, but the Grown in Gray leather should broaden the appeal – it's a very versatile casual shoe, that should appeal to fans of the Jumpman along with those looking for a sleek, athletically-inspired casual shoe. via Rock Paper Scissors.
Style: #414174-203


text:
Henry Coppée
|Henry Coppée
|October 13, 1821
Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
|March 22, 1895 (aged 73)
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
|United States
|Educator, Author
Henry Coppée (13 October 1821 – 22 March 1895) was an American educator and author.
Henry Coppée was born in Savannah, Georgia, to a family of French extraction that had formerly settled in Haiti. He studied at Yale University for two years, worked as a civil engineer, and finally graduated from the West Point in 1845. He served in the Mexican–American War as a lieutenant and was brevetted captain for gallantry at the battles of Contreras and Churubusco.[1] During the American Civil War, he edited the United States Service Magazine.
Coppée was professor of English at West Point from 1850 to 1855 (when he resigned from the army), and then professor of English literature and history in the University of Pennsylvania from 1855 to 1866. He was selected by Asa Packer as the first president of Lehigh University, an office he filled from 1866 to 1875. He also served as the university's president pro tempore twice: for a few months following the resignation of Lehigh's second President John M. Leavitt (1880), and again, at the passing of Robert A. Lamberton in September 1893 to his own death in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on March 22, 1895.[2][3]
Lehigh University's Coppee Hall (built in 1883) was named for him; it was first a gymnasium, later the home of the Department of Arts and Science, and now is home to the Journalism and Communication program. During Coppée's tenure, much building was done on the new campus. A Moravian church on Packer Avenue was remodeled into Christmas Hall, a house for the president was erected, and Packer Hall, the university center, was built. Coppée lectured in history, logic, rhetoric, political economy and Shakespeare.
Selected works[edit]
- Elements of Logic; Designed as a Manual of Instruction (Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co., 1858)
- Elements of Rhetoric; Designed as a Manual of Instruction (Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co., 1859)
- Gallery of Famous English and American Poets (Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co., 1859)
- A Gallery of Distinguished English and American Female Poets (Philadelphia: E.H. Butler & Co., 1860)
- The Field Manual for Battalion Drill (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1862)
- Grant and His Campaigns: A Military Biography (New York: Charles B. Richardson, 1866)
- Elements of Logic; Designed as a Manual of Instruction, Revised Edition (New York: American Book Company, 1872)
- A History of the Civil War in America (Philadelphia: Porter and Coates, 1875)
- History of the Conquest of Spain by the Arab-Moors (Boston: Little, Brown, & Company, 1881)
- General Thomas (New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1893)
- ^ Chamberlain, Joshua Lawrence (1901). Universities and Their Sons: University of Pennsylvania. Boston: R. Herndon Company. pp. 334–335. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
- ^ Yates, Willard Ross (1992). Lehigh University: A History of Education in Engineering, Business, and the Human Condition. Bethlehem: Lehigh University Press. pp. 31–32. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
- ^ Yates, W.Ross (1992). Lehigh University. p. 57,89.
- Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Coppée, Henry". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
External links[edit]
|Wikisource has original works written by or about:
Henry Coppée
- Works by Henry Coppée at Project Gutenberg
- Works by or about Henry Coppée at Internet Archive
- Henry Coppée Letters. Available online through Lehigh University's I Remain: A Digital Archive of Letters, Manuscripts, and Ephemera.
|Preceded by
|President of Lehigh University
|Succeeded by
John McDowell Leavitt


text:
My laptop died on Thursday, so I don't have much for my week. Most of it is Christmas downtown and some bokeh tonight.
My laptop died on Thursday, so I don't have much for my week. Most of it is Christmas downtown and some bokeh tonight.
I didn't have the best week, but more than made up for it on Saturday when we went to the Oliver Kelly Farm to see how the holidays were celebrated on a real life working farm back in the mid-1800's. It was a lot of fun. Not to mention beautiful weather at about 30 degrees. Wish we would get more snow. We went on an oxen-drawn wagon ride and saw a Great Blue Heron rookery. So glad we went. Other than that, real life settled in this week with the holidays, science projects, birthday parties and what-not.
Enjoy :)
I had a variety this week, Monday to Monday. It was 40 degrees last Wednesday with blue skies. Today it was under 20 with a light snow falling and a dusting on the ground. Tonight it will be single digits, and then supposed to get warm again this weekend. Only in Minnesota. :)
Bah Humbug.
I hate Christmas. Plain and simple. I hate it worse than I hate sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. I have not "felt" Christmas in a very, very, very long time.
When I was a kid I loved Christmas. We always had an awesome Christmas. My grandma lived with us, so we always celebrated at home. There were always presents under the tree. LOTS and LOTS of presents. Sometimes they would trail out into the middle of the floor from under the tree. One of my favorite memories was the Christmas I was 9 years old. I got a puppy. A poodle. And oh how I loved that puppy until I was 19 years old and we had to put him down. Most of the rest of the family hated him, though, LOL.
This is a pic of my sister and brother on a Christmas Eve before I was born. Couldn't find one of me in my mom's stash :(
Christmas Eve at my house was a site. I have a very large family, my mother coming from a family of 11 children. And they had kids, and they had kids, and so on. On Christmas Eve, they would start coming in the afternoon and the last one left around midnight. My mother, her sisters and my grandma always baked a TON of cookies, breads and candies. At last count before my grandma passed away at the age of 86 in 1987, she had 32 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and a couple of great-great grandchildren. I think. LOL. Every last one of them, their spouses and kids, received a gift on Christmas Eve from my grandma. She must've started shopping early!
I was never able to open presents on Christmas Eve until I was in junior high. At that time, as with any other kid, it was all about the presents. My grandma passed away in 1987 at the ripe old age of 86. Very few relatives came after that on Christmas Eve. It seems like our family "disbanded" so to speak when grandma died. She wasn't there to keep us all together. I haven't seen a lot of family members for years. Over the years we have lost many aunts, uncles, and cousins to cancer, stroke, heart disease, or what have you. Including my own brother at age 53 in 2005. After Grandma died, my parents sold the house I grew up in and moved down the block. When I was in my early 20's, Christmas started to lose it's fun. My parents still managed to make Christmas big, celebrated by immediate family members and a few relatives who decided to drop by. By then, it was all about the grandkids, as it should be.
After my parents sold the house, my mother took an early retirement. Her health failed very fast after that. She has CHF, COPD and has been confined to a wheel chair for many years, with my dad taking care of her. They lost the house and moved into an apartment. They weren't as financially sound as they had been, and my mother always felt bad that she couldn't do Christmas like she did before. By then I didn't care, it just seemed like another day to me. Another hassle. When I got married and my ex couldn't hold down a job, EVER, Christmas became a burden and I started hating it. We had his family AND my family to buy for and the money was never there. It became a very stressful time of year, as I know it is with many, many families. Running here, running there, buying this, buying that.
When Baylee was born, it changed a bit because we had our own child and could start new traditions. But it was very short-lived, as I soon became a single mom. Needless to say, my hatred of Christmas got worse. I struggled every year to buy her "the gift" that she wanted. Seemed like every year it was something, as it is with all kids :) I remember one year when she was 3, she wanted a life size Barbie. It was $100 and there was no way I could afford that. I had just gotten laid off and we were living with relatives. My former co-worker friends all pitched in and "Santa" got the Barbie for Baylee. I've said it before, good friends are a rare find and some days I don't know what I would do without mine.
We finally decided a few years ago in my family that we were just going to buy for the kids. Not each other. That made it a bit more tolerable for me. I still always kept a smile on my face, took Baylee to see Santa, baked with my mom, put up the decorations, but I became more and more depressed every Christmas. There was the Christmas my great nephew was born six weeks early and came home from the hospital Christmas Eve. That same Christmas my dad had triple bypass surgery (at the same hospital no less). Last year was the worst. My mother became ill 4 days before Christmas and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital where she almost died. She was released from the hospital two days after Christmas. It was rough, but I tried to make the most of it for Baylee's and my dad's sake. Have I mentioned I hate Christmas?
Until now.
I don't know what it is, but for some reason, "I got a Feeling", as the song says :) I am getting into decorating, making lists, already started baking. I bought a new tree after the cat broke our old one last year. We decided on a 3-footer. Now that we have it up, I hate it! I want my big tree back. What is this little tree in my house? I don't want it. It'll do for this year, but we will be on the hunt for a new tree after Christmas again :) I find myself looking in the paper for deals, finding holiday things for her and I to do, make, see, etc. I don't know if I am making up for lost time or what. I spent last night driving around town taking pics of my wonderful little town lit up at Christmas. In an SUV with no heat. It was 20 degrees. But I loved it. I would've continued, but I heard "Can we go home now, I'm freezing MOM" LOL.
My mom, Baylee and I spent a day last weekend baking Spritz and cut out cookies. I have not made either in years. We had a great time, and Baylee even commented on how much fun she had with grandma frosting the cookies. I know that will be a precious memory of hers for years to come, epecially when my mother is gone. Just as I have precious memories of my own grandma doing the same exact thing. I wish I had taken photos of Grandma and Baylee, but my mom is camera-shy. I did take a picture of the cut-outs and posted it on Facebook. A couple of my cousins commented on what fond memories they had as a child coming to my house and visiting on Christmas Eve. That warmed my heart. Because I have the same fond memories.
I thought for sure after the year that I have had, that this Christmas would be even more depressing, but for some reason, I have Christmas spirit again. Is it my newfound passion for photography that is changing my mind? My search for spirituality? I have no clue. I have made plans for us to go to an old 1800's working farm to see how the pioneers fared over the holidays, Breakfast with Santa, and maybe, just maybe, we will be going downtown on the train for some shopping and the evening Holidazzle parade. I am scaring even myself. I can imagine what Baylee is thinking. "Who are you and what have you done with my mother?" She knows how I hate Christmas.
Maybe it is that I am finally finding out what Christmas is all about. It's not about the money, commercialism, shopping, etc. It is about giving, family, love and being together. And of course Jesus, which is another blog entirely. The two Christmases I spoke about earlier I have come to realize were Christmas miracles. My great nephew Cooper was born 6 weeks early, but he was definitely an early Christmas present to his parents, my dad's bypass was a success and he is doing well today at age 80. And my mom pulled through her episode last year and we celebrated Christmas a couple days late.
I'm still broke, I'm always late with my bills, I have no heat in my truck, I got in a fender bender last week, I had a flat tire on Monday and I still have some crap going on in my personal life. But the way I see it is that I have a roof over my head, food on the table, I have a vehicle that gets me to a job that I am thankful for during these stressful economic times. And I have my camera. I have found peace in photography. I am at peace more now than I have been in years.
I am very blessed to have family and friends who care about and support me. Without them, I wouldn't be me, and I thank God for them every day.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go watch "It's a Wonderful Life", my favorite all-time Christmas movie. Clarence was right.
"Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends" (Mark Twain)
Kind of a ho-hum week, but a bit of variety nevertheless. My photos, Monday to Monday.


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Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus reconcile
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By Meg Swertlow
Looks like love does conquer all. Estranged couple Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus are back together after filing for divorce in June, reports E! News' Ken Baker. The gossip guru and the duo's longtime friend said the twosome had gone to therapy and have decided to rekindle their defunct romance.
RELATED: Billy Ray Cyrus, wife Tish to divorce
"I spoke to Tish and she told me they both woke up and realized they love each other and decided they want to stay together." Baker added, "They recently went into couples therapy, something they hadn't done in 22 years of marriage, and it's brought them closer together and really opened up their communication in amazing ways."
Baker said that 53-year-old Tish talked openly about the highs and lows of a long marriage, saying, "She also said marriage can be really hard, especially after 22 years of being in the entertainment business, and admitted they've had rough times. But they both realized they didn't want to be another statistic and want to make it work."
RELATED: Life in Photos: Miley Cyrus
Tish explained that couples therapy was what helped her stay together with the 51-year-old singer and television actor. "They went into the therapy with the goal of divorcing in a way that was healthy for the children, but ended up coming out of it with the realization that they in fact want to stay together. Tish sounds happy and energized about having this fresh start," said Baker.
Rumors of the reconciliation had been swirling since earlier this month, after Miley's parents were spotted on what appeared to be a beach date.
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|James "Pee wee" Madison
|Last Night
|The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band, Vol. 2
|Otis Spann
|Wonder Why
|The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band, Vol. 2
|Muddy Waters Band
|Blues For Spivey
|The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band, Vol. 2
|Otis Spann
|Diving Mama
|The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band, Vol. 2
|Otis Spann
|She's My Baby
|The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band, Vol. 2
|Babe Stovall
|My Brown Is A Mistreater
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|Big Joe Williams
|Move Your Hand
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|John Henry Barbee
|Six Week Old Blues
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|Olive Brown
|Woman's Lament
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|J.B Lenoir
|Korea Blues
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|Roosevelt Sykes
|Dirty Mother Fuyer
|Encore! for the Chicago Blues
|Big Joe Williams
|Drifting Blues
|Kings and the Queen Volume Two
|Memphis Sim
|European Blues
|Kings and the Queen Volume Two
|Roosevelt Sykes
|Sleeping All Day Blues
|Kings and the Queen Volume Two
|Bukka White
|Brownsville Tennessee
|Spivey's Blues Cavalcade
|Johnny Shines, Big Walter Horton & Sunnyland Slim
|Nidnight Darling
|Spivey's Blues Cavalcade
|Buster Benton
|I Must Have A Hole In My Head
|The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and his Chicago Blues Band
|Carey Bell
|One Day You're Going To Get Lucky
|The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and his Chicago Blues Band
|Larry Johnson
|My Hoodoo Doctor
|The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and his Chicago Blues Band
|Victoria Spivey
|I'm Taking Over
|The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and his Chicago Blues Band
|Otis Spann
|I'm Accused
|Up in the Queen's Pad
|Otis Spann
|Vicksburg Blues
|Up in the Queen's Pad
|Sunnyland Slim
|Blues Drive Me Out Of My Mind
|Victoria Spivey Presents The All Stars BLUES WORLD of Spivey Records in Stereo
|Cryin' Marie Dixon
|Three O'Clock In The Morning
|Victoria Spivey Presents The All Stars BLUES WORLD of Spivey Records in Stereo
|Lonnie Johnson
|Be Careful
|Kings and the Queen Volume Two
Show Notes:
|Victoria Spivey
Spivey Records was a blues record label, founded by blues singer Victoria Spivey and her partner and jazz historian Len Kunstadt in 1961. The label was originally called Queen Vee Records, changing the name to Spivey records the following year. I believe only a couple of 45's were issued under the Queen Vee imprint. Spivey Records released a series of blues and jazz albums between 1961 and 1985. Most sessions took place at New York's famous Cue Studios, some happened late at night at Victoria and Lenny's home studio while others took place at informal setting like hotel rooms or even at Willie Dixon's home in Chicago. Spivey put out some very eclectic records, with varying quality but through Spivey's connections she managed to get top notch artists to record for her including Big Joe Williams, Lonnie Johnson, Roosevelt Sykes, Otis Spann, Memphis Slim among many others. Spivey died in 1976 but the label continued until the death of Len Kunstadt in 1996. The whole catalog included some forty albums. Today is part two of our selective look at the Spivey label, focusing on the records and sessions done before Spivey passed away. The bulk of the Spivey catalog has never been issued on CD. Below is a summary of today's featured albums.
|Read Liner Notes
|Read Liner Notes
Spivey's companion Len Kunstadt was the editor and publisher of Record Research magazine, which he founded in the late 1950's and was Spivey's agent, manager and long time partner. In an interview with Norbert Hess he had this to say: "Victoria knew the musicians and scouted for new talent. This went on for 16 years. In my opinion, from 1961 up to her death in 1976, she was more creative than ever before. Her fantastic way of winning over Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters for our company, and her concern for Bob Dylan. Sometimes I thought she was crazy. I could tell a lot of stories. The musicians would have killed for her. At first, they didn't like her, but after a split second they became her fans up to the very end. She was sometimes a little difficult because she was a genius."
|Photo from Otis Spann's 1967 Bluesway session: l to r – Otis Spann, Lucille Spann, Len Kunstadt, Victoria Spivey and Muddy Waters (photo by Denns Chalkin).
Before summarizing today's featured albums it's worth giving some background on Spivey's career. Spivey learned to play piano and sing when she was quite small, and by age twelve she was performing at the Lincoln Theatre, until the manager discovered she couldn't read music. She continued to play at house parties and clubs, learning from local musicians such as John Calvin, and occasionally sharing a gig with Blind Lemon Jefferson. By age twenty, she had moved to St. Louis, where she made her first record for OKeh, the legendary "Black Snake Blues." The year 1928 saw Spivey teaming up with Lonnie Johnson to record a number of double-entendre vocal duets that sold quite well, but she continued to write songs and record for OKeh until she took time off to appear in King Vidor's film Hallelujah in 1929. When she returned to the recording studio in late 1929, she was under contract to Victor. Spivey continued to record throughout the 1930s, for both Decca and Vocalion, and as her recording career ended, she hit the road, traveling with the Olsen and Johnson's "Hellzapoppin'" troupe, owning a club in East St. Louis, and finally retiring to work in the church. But in the 1960's she came out of retirement to appear at clubs such as Gerdes Folk City. Before forming her label she reunited with Lonnie Johnson appearing on his album Idle Hours for Bluesville in 1961, he in turn backed her on her album Woman Blues and she also appeared on Songs We Taught Your Mother alongside Alberta Hunter and Lucille Hegamin. There was also a session for Folkways in 1962. Beginning in 1962 Spivey wrote a semi-regular column in Record Research called Blues Is My Business.
Victoria Spivey Presents The All Stars BLUES WORLD of Spivey Records in Stereo was the eleventh record on the Spivey label. The album comprises of sessions recorded at Willie Dixon home in Chicago in 1969 and sessions done in New York in 1970. Dixon is helped out by hs Blues All Stars which include Sunnyland Slim, Johnny Shines, Clifton James and Cryin' Marie Dixon. Accoring to the notes there's big news: "ATTENTION: SMOKEY HOGG IS NOT DEAD!!" At least that's what Victoria Spivey thought when she "rediscovered" him in Brooklyn, N.Y. and what Len Kunstadt thought when he penned the liner notes for the album. Smokey actually passed in 1960 and this was Willie Anderson Hogg. He calimed to have recorded in the pre-war era but these sides for Spivey are his only know legacy.
|Read Liner Notes
The Muddy Waters band cut two albums for Victoria Spivey's Spivey label: The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band (1966) and The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters Chicago Blues Band Vol. 2 (1968). The Muddy Waters records are the only ones I know that have been issued on CD. These came out on the Japanese P-Vine label with several extra tracks. Today we feature tracks from the second volume. Muddy Waters is listed as "Main Stream" for contractual reasons and probably doesn't play on all the tracks. These sessions were recorded after a 1966 date at New York's Cafe Au Go Go. The performance was written up by Len Kunstadt in Record Research 83 (1967) and concludes with "Victoria Spivey, perhaps their greatest fan, and a lucky devil, was fortunate to capture some of the sounds of Otis, George, Luther, Sammy and Francis for the latest release on the Spivey label." As Kunstadt wrote of their live performance: "There was a combustible spark in the atmosphere – and every time Muddy would hit the stand and tell the throng 'He Had Been Mistreated' or he was the 'Hootchie Cootchie Man' or he would confide in you about his 'Five Long Years' the audience exploded into applause and rapport. Muddy and his band were keyed to greatness. OTIS SPANN, Muddy's 'Little Brother', was the anchor man and cohesive agent of the group with his brilliant dominant blues piano."
Otis Spann appears on several Spivey albums including both volumes of the The Bluesmen of the Muddy Waters albums, The Everlasting Blues vs. Otis Spann and Up In The Queen's Pad. As Spivey wrote in a column in Record Research magazine in 1970 shortly after Otis' passing: "He was like a son, a brother and what a pal. Otis came into my life in 1963 during that American Folk Blues Festival (same one with Lonnie!) that toured all over Europe. …The European tour was really fine but Otis and his crazy lovable ways made it wonderful."
|Read Liner Notes
Encore! for the Chicago Blues was the ninth album on the Spivey label and a sequel to Chicago Blues
A Bonanza All Star Blues LPreleased in 1964. According to the notes: "This album is a sequel anthology to Spivey LP 1003 which commentated Victoria Spivey's first visit to Chicago in over 25 years. An informal blues party was given by host Willie Dixon in which such colorful talented artists as Homesick James, St. Louis Jimmy, Sunnyland Slim, Washboard Sam, Koko Taylor, Evans Spencer, John Henry Barbee and Willie himself, Miss Spivey by recording for her youthful record company. …Most of the artists are back again. In addition bonus tracks from studio and field recordings by other fine performers supplement the 'regulars'."
Kings And The Queen Volume Two was issued in 1970 and a sequel to Three Kings And The Queen issued several years earlier. Some of these sessions are likely from the same as the first volume and others probably later. Once again Bob Dylan appears alongside Victoria and Big Joe on a couple of songs. Alos appearing are Lonnie Johnson, Memphis Slim and Roosevelt Sykes. Both volumes of have been reissued on the European Doxy label on 180 gram vinyl only releases.
Spivey's Blues Cavalcade was issued in 1970 and the fifteenth album on the Spivey label. This is a grab bag of tracks with some of these recorded in the 60's – leftover tracks from previous Spivey albums.
By the end of the 1960s, Willie Dixon was eager to try his hand as a performer again, a career that had been interrupted when he'd gone to work for Chess as a producer. He recorded an album of his best-known songs, I Am the Blues, for Columbia Records, and organized a touring band, the Chicago Blues All Stars, to play concerts in Europe. Among the albums he cut during this period was 1973's Victoria Spivey presents The All Star Blues World of Maestro Willie Dixon and his Chicago Blues Band. This is a terrific outing spotlighting a great band that included Buster Benton, Carey Bell, Lafayette Leake and Larry Johnson.
Victoria Spivey began endorsing Otis Spann, telling the world of his genius – in her own inimitable way – via the pages of of her column in Record Research, and sporadically recording him for her Spivey Records label between 1967 and 1969. The sessions that comprise Up In The Queen's Pad were recorded in 1968 and 1969 at Spivey's home in Brooklyn backed by guitarist Sammy Lawhorn. The album was issued posthumously, possibly around 1980. One other song from this session appears on the album Spivey's Blues Showcase.


text:
November 30, 2015
CAMARILLO, Calif. (November 19, 2012)--The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has dropped 7 cents over the past two weeks, to the latest Lundberg Survey of fuel prices, which puts the price of a gallon of regular at $3.47.
Midgrade costs an average of $3.65 a gallon, and premium is $3.78.
Diesel dipped 4 cents to $4.04 a gallon.
Of the cities surveyed in the lower 48 states, Memphis, Tenn., has the nation's lowest average price for gas at $3.04 while Long Island, N.Y., has the highest at $4.18.
In California, the lowest average price was $3.59 in Sacramento and the highest was $3.83 in Bakersfield.
The average statewide for a gallon of regular was $3.77, down 21 cents.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The search found 157 results in 0.188 seconds.
Here's what happens when you send in your C.V.
This common interview question can be dangerous if you don't know how to handle it.
Since 1998, the best career advice for industry-bound scientists.
The key to presenting your weaknesses in a job interview is to make them nonthreatening and present a plan for addressing them.
"If you are asked this question, you must be prepared to answer on the basis of some very specific intelligence that youve gathered about the companys range of salaries."
Young scientific and technical entrepreneurs are not alone in the Netherlands.
The Rand report concludes that, although adequate data and accurate assessments of labor market conditions are important for many different parties, early career and prospective scientists are especially vulnerable.
"Something quite unique about computer science: We don't have a postdoc tradition. That's because we have historically had so many positions available in Ph.D.-granting departments and available for fresh Ph.D.s. Traditionally, when you get your Ph.D. [in computer science], you've got some place to go. There was always more demand than there was supply, and industry was soaking up half."
Whitney B. Hill, who joined MVA in October as a research scientist, prepares and analyzes environmental samples for identification and characterization using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
I've also learned that entrepreneurship is not about the pursuit of fast money; it's about achieving a long-sought personal goal.
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text: BANGOR — Carole Swan, who spent 19 years as a Chelsea selectwoman signing warrants and conducting other town business, testified in federal court here Wednesday that she is illiterate. "I can't read or write," she said. "I never took minutes. I can read numbers." Swan made the surprising statement when she took the witness stand during a pretrial hearing in U.S. District Court, where she faces federal extortion charges for allegedly accepting kickbacks from a town road contractor, as well as other crimes. Shortly after saying that, she provided the names of four people she said witnessed her efforts to investigate that same contractor, Frank Monroe, of Whitefield, and spelled the last name of one of those witnesses. (read more at Kennebec Journal)


text:
- Filed Under
At some point in their research almost every genealogist encounters a term with which they are not familiar.
These abbreviations may include b. for born, d. for died, and m. or md. for married. Along the same line, s/o denotes son of, d/o indicates daughter of and w/o or h/o refers to wife of or husband of.
The word "deceased" is often abbreviated "dec'd" in old documents, particularly probate and estate records. One other common abbreviation is "c" or "ca," which stands for "circa," meaning "about." An example would be "John Doe was born c. 1818." ...


text:
SpaceX?s Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to fly to the International Space Station.
- Filed Under
SpaceX is now targeting late April for a possible launch of its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from Cape Canaveral to the International Space Station.
A senior NASA official last week said the launch appeared to be on track for early April.
But SpaceX's latest tentative planning date reserved with the Eastern Range is April 20, the company confirmed. ...


text:
FSN Pittsburgh unveils Thursday night football lineup
TribLIVE Sports Videos
New Latrobe coach Ray Reitz will put his rebuilding program on display Sept. 17 in the opener of FSN Pittsburgh's scheduled lineup of Thursday night high school football telecasts.
The opponent: None other than Gateway, which was nationally ranked through most of the 2008 season and has played in the past two WPIAL Class AAAA championship games.
Latrobe was 3-7 last season, but Reitz, who led Jeannette to the 2007 PIAA Class AA title before accepting the Latrobe job this year, greeted the news with enthusiasm.
"It's a great thing for the kids," he said. "It will get them exposure. They haven't had that in a while."
FSN Pittsburgh will televise seven regular-season WPIAL games on Thursdays, beginning at 7 p.m., plus three playoff games (7:30 p.m.) on the first three Fridays in November and four championship games Nov. 27 or 28 at Heinz Field. After the Thursday games, the "Trib Total Media High School Edition" will preview Friday's games.
The package has one fewer game than last year because the network and the WPIAL did not want to go against the Steelers, who open their season Sept. 10.
|Must-see TV
|Sept. 17
|Latrobe at Gateway
|Ray Reitz's rebuilding program at Latrobe gets big test
|Sept. 24
|Central Catholic at Upper St. Clair
|Rematch of Central Catholic's one-point victory in 2008
|Oct. 1
|Seton-La Salle at Sto-Rox
|Penn State recruit Paul Jones leads Sto-Rox at QB
|Oct. 8
|Ford City at Shady Side Academy
|Allegheny Conference runner-up visits defending champ
|Oct. 15
|Thomas Jefferson at Chartiers Valley
|T.J. puts reputation on line against Big Seven Conference rival
|Oct. 22
|Fox Chapel at Penn Hills
|Division I recruits abound in this Quad East showdown
|Oct. 29
|Montour at West Allegheny
|Neighboring Class AAA rivals chase past glory
|Nov. 6, 13, 20
|WPIAL playoff games
|Nov 27 or 28
|Class AAAA, AAA, AA and A title games at Heinz Field
Another highlight of the schedule pairs Shady Side Academy, trying to defend its Class AA Allegheny Conference championship, against visiting Ford City on Oct. 8.
"We lose a lot of guys," Ford City coach John Bartolovic said, "but we should be ready to go by then."
Bartolovic said he doesn't expect his players to be camera-shy.
"I really didn't think about it," he said, "but once the game gets going that disappears. It's like any big game. I think it'll be pretty neat, being the game of the week."
FSN Pittsburgh's high school telecasts beat all other regions in the country last season in attracting viewers. Of the top 20 telecasts, 11 were on FSN, including six of the top seven.
Play-by-play announcer Rob King and analyst Craig Wolfley will return to call the games.
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text:
- SCU Home Page
- About SCU
- Admission
- Academics
- On Campus
- News & Info
- Alumni
Fr. Coz Blog
Fr. Coz Health Update
Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010
Dear Alumni/Friends of Fr. Coz:
I hope this note finds everyone well and you are enjoying the Holiday Season. As you probably know, Father Coz has not been well and I wanted to provide you with an update on his health. He recently spent 10 days in the hospital due to bleeding from prostate cancer. He was on Coumadin for his heart condition, which contributed to the bleeding. During his hospitalization it was discovered the cancer had spread to his bones and one of his lungs. Because of this latest episode of bleeding, which required him to receive blood transfusions, Fr. Coz is no longer able to take Coumadin which could result in a greater risk for a another stroke or even a heart attack. Even through all of this news, Fr. Coz still maintains his sense of humor and wit...one of the many reasons why we all love him so dearly.
I am writing this note so you will all keep the Padre in your thoughts and prayers. In addition, I encourage you to visit him at the Los Gatos Novitiate as he is still able to receive visitors and is heartened by the company. While no one can predict the outcome of his condition, Father Coz is certainly someone I am thankful for not only during the Holidays, but everyday of my life that he is with us. We will toast to Fr. Coz on April 16, 2011 at the 5th Annual Pause for Coz Celebration and hope you will be able to join us as well.
I will try to keep everyone updated regarding Father's condition via this blog as well as via Scott Asher's Facebook page under "Pause for Coz". Please pass along this information to others as we continue to honor a "Living Legacy".
Feel free to contact me directly via email at firstname.lastname@example.com or 650-520-5062.
Happy Holidays,
Steve Erbst '88 & Family
Posted by Steve Erbst
Tags: coz


text:
Lubbock McDonald's to Celebrate McHappy Day to Support Ronald McDonald House
McDonalds to Start Posting Calorie Count on Menu Boards
McDonald's Shows People How to Make Big Macs at Home
McDonald's Confirms It Is No Longer Using "Pink Slime" In Its Hamburger Meat
Chicken McNugget Diet Sends 17-Year-Old to the Hospital
Mom Seeking Clean Play Areas For Kids Banned From McDonalds
McDonald's a Victim of Racial Hoax
Woman Refuses to Pull Over for Cops, Goes to McDonald's Instead
Subway Passes McDonald's as Fast Food Kings
Subway has become the new king of the fast food world. The sandwich franchise passed powerhouse McDonald's for the most chains across the world. The number of locations may be bigger than McDonalds, but the sandwich shop doesn't even come close to the Golden Arches in another category. Click through to see some staggering numbers, and let us know which fast food restaurant you prefer.


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Updated November 23, 2011
Congratulations to Matthias Hunt, the 2011 Pro Tour Rookie of the Year!
The player with the most Pro Points at the end of a tournament season who has not participated in a Pro Tour or World Championship tournament in any previous season is identified as the Rookie of the Year. In addition to the title, the Rookie of the Year receives travel and accommodations to his or her choice of one of the next season's Pro Tour events (for which that player has an invitation) or to the World Championships.
This page shows all rookie players who have received at least 10 Pro Points in the 2011 season.
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Posted on: March 10, 2008 1:59 pm
Men's Volleyball
Well the BYU men's volleyball is strutting their stuff sweeping #5 Pepperdine on Saturday night. With a 3rd string setter nonetheless. They travel to UCLA this weekend to take on the Bruins. UCLA is only one of four teams with an all-time winning record against the Cougars along with Pepperdine, IPSW, and Long Beach State.


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The Blog
Top 10 Letters
Libertarians, Karl Rove, Libertarians, James Bond, and Libertarians.
11:00 PM, Nov 24, 2002
Which Republicans are those? The Republicans who passed the Farm Bill? The Republicans who continue to subsidize corporate interests? The Republicans who enact steel tariffs? The Republicans which plan to use the Homeland Security act to collect and track the personal information, spending habits, movements, finances, and thoughts of every single American citizen? The Republicans who, under George W. Bush have grown the Federal government at a rate surpassing any of his predecessors since World War II?
She is correct in assuming that votes for Libertarian candidates are votes lost by the Republicans. Libertarian voters have realized that the Republicans are fast becoming the party of big government.
--Rob Griffin
As a current registered Libertarian and former registered Republican, I want to comment on a couple points Rachel DiCarlo made in her article.
First, she says that Libertarians believe in an "isolationist" foreign policy. This is absolutely wrong. Libertarians believe in a completely unfettered exchange of goods and ideas between individuals and companies, without regard for where those entities happen to reside. We believe that any country's foreign policy should be based primarily on free trade and open communication. Whatever you might call it, that is certainly not my definition of isolationism. Libertarians also believe in the use of force for self defense, but only when it's absolutely necessary. We certainly don't think that any country should dictate to another country through the use of force or threats of war. It's good to introduce people to the benefits of liberty, but not by putting them at the point of a sword. That is not likely to succeed in many cases.
Second, she says that Republicans believe in "smaller government." Back when I was in the Republican party, when President Reagan was setting the agenda, that statement may have had some truth. It certainly is not true now that Bush and his gang are in charge. The last couple of years have seen a tremendous, really unprecedented increase in the size and scope of the federal government. Not only has it grown larger, it has become vastly more intrusive. Particularly grating to those of us who believe in the worth of the individual are the statements and actions of John Ashcroft, whose persistent attacks on almost every aspect of the Constitution's Bill of Rights (with the notable exception of gun ownership) are the very antithesis of the Libertarian position.
One might argue that the Democrats are even more authoritarian than the Republicans, and it is therefore a mistake for Libertarians to "spoil" Republican victories. But I say, at least we know the Democrats for what they are: outright authoritarians. They, unlike many of the Republicans, aren't lying about their intrusive agenda. So I personally will be more than pleased to "waste my vote" to help Republican victories to be "spoiled" whenever it suits me to do so.
--Steven Randolph
Fred Barnes should also realize that George W. Bush and Karl Rove are triangulating (A Simple Plan). (1) Bush supports strict constructionist judges to keep the right on board while making an appeal to the center, which prefers elected representatives making laws instead of judges. (2) Bush supports education reform with Ted Kennedy and backs a major federal expansion in education. (3) Bush plays easy on immigration and affirmative action to keep the Democratic base in play or at home. Brilliant work Mr. Rove.
--Paul Deffebach
Jonathan V Last identifies the basic flaw in the Bond franchise: The movies are superhero flicks, not spy films. And they're not very good superhero flicks at that. But Last, perhaps feeling the effects of the retro-style affectation from which most men of our generation suffer, fails to recognize that this has been true almost from the beginning of the franchise. Only a few of the Bond films--"Dr. No" "Never Say Never Again," for example--even try to be spy movies, and they mostly fail.
Which is too bad. There aren't enough spy flicks, and very few good ones. As John Le Carre has shown, espionage is a genre well suited to exploring Western morality in extremis. And, in fact, many of the best spy movies have been based on Le Carre's work. "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" and the recent "The Tailor of Panama" stand out as good movies with crowd-pleasing suspense that manage to make important moral points. The latter even starred James Bond himself, Pierce Brosnan, as exactly the kind of British secret agent Bond would be in real life. (Never mind that the producers undercut the author's story by altering the ending so that the United States did not, after all, land its invasion force. Cowards.)


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Thailand forum
Train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Joined Travelfish
3rd August, 2009
Posts: 7
Total reviews: 2
Hello everybody
We are thinking of taking the train rather than the plane from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (17.55-7.00). We will be travelling on to HCMC later the same day. However I have a few questions:
1) we are a family of five (3 kids aged 12, 10 and 5) Will we be able to fit into two 1st class compartments or would it be better for a good nights sleep with 3? it is difficult to see how big the beds are...
2) when we arrive in Bangkok at 7 in the morning we would like to find somewhere to leave our bags for a few hours before we continue to the airport to catch the plane to HCMC - do you know if this is an option at the station?
3) how long will it take us to make it from the station to the airport - planning on flying in the afternoon (3-4 o'clock I think)
hope for some informative answers
#1 Posted: 29/1/2011 - 22:39
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Joined Travelfish
29th January, 2011
Posts: 1
Train is a good choice, done that trip myself a number of times. I dont really know about this new 1st class compartments, as i usually go for 2nd class sleeper. In 2nd upper bed you sleep one person and in the lower bed you easely sleep one adult and a child or 2 lovers. There is a left luggage in bankok trainstation and to go to airport you just hop on the subway, change to bts (skytrain) and chainge again to airport link. Takes about 2h if your unlucku. Faster would be a meter taxi takes from 30 to 60 min depending on traffic. I often opt for the bts as im trawelling alone bit i think it will be cheaper for your whole family to opt for the taxi. Ask a cabdriver when you arrive how long it takes to get to the airport from hua lompomg around that time you want to go. It is difficult for us to know as bangkok is under constant rebuilding. Happy traveling.
#2 Posted: 29/1/2011 - 23:27
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You can get a good sense of the 1st class sleepers on http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm
and it's going to be at the discretion of the railway ticket booth if they let you triple-up in one of the adjacent compartments but if so I think it would be suitable for your family comfort-wise. Just note the aircon can be really cold and dank so sleep with some warm fleecy clothes in addition to the supplied bedding.
#3 Posted: 31/1/2011 - 00:59
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Joined Travelfish
12th February, 2006
Location United States
Posts: 2581
Total reviews: 47
Places visited:
At least 98
i'd think you'd be able to fit into two first-class compartments too, but like Bob says, it will depend on if the ticket seller will be able to accommodate that request or not. the train being in thailand, it won't hurt to ask!
the advantage of taking two first-class compartments is that you can get adjacent compartments with a pass-through door. adds a bit of safety and security for you, since i'd guess the adults will be in one compartment and the children in the other. one of the reasons i like the first-class sleepers is because the aircon Bob mentioned above is adjustable through those type of nozzles you find on an airplane. twist open for more or closed for less.
no matter what, book ahead if you can because the trains fill up.
i'd want to leave a big chunk of time, along the lines of two hours, for the trip from Hualamphong to the new airport - particularly on a weekday. odds are it will take less than an hour, but i'd much prefer to be an hour early than an hour late for my check in. cheers.
#4 Posted: 31/1/2011 - 01:53
Joined Travelfish
3rd August, 2009
Posts: 7
Total reviews: 2
Thanks a lot for your informative answers! Travelfish is always the place to go
#5 Posted: 3/2/2011 - 02:38
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Select Local Merchants
Booth's BrewingRead MoreBooth's Brewing outfits customers with quality beer- and wine-making supplies, from Briess dry malts to brew kettles by Blichmann Engineering. Hops-savvy staffers also guide students through the basics of crafting custom beers at home with beer-brewing classes. The sessions familiarize students with standard brewing equipment and ingredients, arming them with the theoretical and practical knowledge to successfully make beer at home without fitting their bathtub with a blowoff hose.333 Falkenburg Rd. NTampa, FL US
Florida WineryRead MoreOnce you uncork one of the bottles from Florida Winery, its smell and taste will be unforgettable. Stop by their store when passing through Saint Petersburg. Whether you prefer white or red, sweet or dry, Florida Winery has wine options for everyone. You can find parking easily in one of their many available spaces. Smooth reds. Fruity whites. Florida Winery will help you fill your glass with the best wines in Saint Petersburg.800 2nd Avenue NortheastSaint Petersburg, FL US
Rosa Fiorelli WineryRead MoreWhen Rosa Fiorelli and her husband crossed the pond from Sicily, they found the landscape of eastern Manatee County to be remarkably similar to their Mediterranean home—and ideal for growing grapes. In their backyard, they planted five rows of grapes alongside their humble garden, and reserved a corner of the garage for winemaking. From such modest beginnings, Rosa Fiorelli Winery expanded exponentially, going on to produce a long list of award-winning wines. Today, visitors can explore the 3,000-square-foot winery and 10-acre vineyard, getting glimpses into all the stages of winemaking, from grape cultivation to foot-squashing and fermentation.4250 County Road 675 EBradenton, FL US
Sarasota VineyardRead MoreA towering wine rack spans an entire wall and glimmers with more than 1,000 bottles. Across the room, a lineup of nitrogen-regulated Enomatic machines dispenses samples from 80 wines to be sipped, swirled, and theatrically spit while reclining on a leather sofa, or while sitting at the long wooden bar. Small, shareable plates populate Sarasota Vineyard's menu in the forms of cheeses, roasted olives, and prosciutto-wrapped figs, ideal for pairing with wines or barley pops from a list of 20 beers.1528 Main StreetSarasota, FL US
Grape ExpectationsRead MoreYour next meal awaits at Grape Expectations in Winter Haven. For comfortable outdoor service, Grape Expectations sets up a seasonal patio. Put on your dancing shoes! The restaurant provides plenty of space for those who love to boogie. Forget circling the block, Grape Expectations has plenty of nearby parking options. Commute by bike to Grape Expectations and find easy bike parking.5535 Cypress Gardens BlvdWinter Haven, FL US
The Corkscrew WineryRead MoreAmid hanging lamps, rustic wooden tables, and exposed brick walls decorated with antique corkscrews, patrons of The Corkscrew Winery learn what it takes to make their own wine. Owners Kelli and Joe Carvalho walk participants through the process, in which students pick from hundreds of varietals before fermenting their concoction, which yields up to 30 bottles of anything from riesling to malbec. Clients can customize their labels to produce a memorable gift, a house blend for a restaurant, or a special wine for a wedding reception.1171 Main StreetThe Villages, FL US


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ArkivMusic Recommendation
Merry Christmas from Vienna / Vienna Boys Choir
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CD: $14.99In Stock
On sale! $16.98 CD: $14.99 Add CD to Cart
One of the oldest boys choirs in the world, and certainly one of Austria's most famous cultural exports, are joined on this all-new holiday album by special guest artists Aida Garifullina and Rolando Villazón for an eclectic selection of seasonal favorites.
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Also from August 4
Lead stories
6:00 a.m.
- Rural Eudora man dies after accident on property Friday
- August 1, 2010
- A 59-year-old rural Eudora man died Friday from injuries suffered in an accident on his property.
All stories
- Sunflower Broadband acquired by Georgia-based company
- August 4, 2010
- Knology of Kansas Inc., a newly formed part of West Point, Ga.-headquartered Knology Inc., will acquire Sunflower Broadband from The World Company.
- Weather pushes crops
- August 4, 2010
- With the continued mixture of heat and rain, conditions have been good for the growing season. Douglas County Extension Agents Bill Wood (crops) and Jennifer Smith (horticulture) shared their thoughts on the season.


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Welcome to Celebrity Bartender where we provide you with extraordinary, professional and specialized bartending services to meet your every occasion. By choosing Celebrity Bartender, you are ensuring that you and your guests will receive the superstar treatment that you deserve.
We understand that at your party or special event, you... read more
Welcome to Celebrity Bartender where we provide you with extraordinary, professional and specialized bartending services to meet your every occasion. By choosing Celebrity Bartender, you are ensuring that you and your guests will receive the superstar treatment that you deserve.
We understand that at your party or special event, you are the celebrity that everyone has come to see and we are there to help you celebrate and enjoy yourself. Plus, there are no surprises or disappointments when your bartender shows up. Be sure to take a look before you book and see our photos.
Whether you are planning a birthday party, office party, themed party, wedding, anniversary, graduation, corporate fundraiser or grand gala movie premier, everyone deserves celebrity treatment and we will not disappoint. We add the stardust, the spark and the personality to help ensure that your event will be unforgettable and we do it at an affordable price. Call Celebrity Bartender today and book the best for less. Cheers To You.
"Thank You for making our USC graduation party a great success. When you with your staff arrived, your black outfits with cardinal ties matched your professional take charge attitude while jumping right in to prep both bars for our soon to arrive guests. Your staff mixed our Trojan-themed special menu drinks with ease and served them with a warm smile to our friends. From mixing the concoctions to flow down the Trojan Ice Luge to coaching the lugers and even providing a cocktail napkin bib for Grandma at the end. You were the perfect compliment to our top drawer party. The compliments that you received reflect well on us the hosts which is most appreciated. For the first time, we were able to enjoy our own party. We will be sure to request your services again. Fight ON!" Brent and Shelly C. - Proud Parents of the Graduate.
"Wesley and I just returned from our honeymoon and we have to express how thankful and appreciative we were of your services. Our wedding day was so special to both of us and we know that you had a part in that. Everything looked AMAZING! We are still receiving compliments of how great everything was. The Diamond Bar Center even wanted to compliment us on our wedding and they had great things to say about your services. If you are so inclined, you could send me a few business cards and I will leave them at the Diamond Bar Center office with their coordinators. I am going over to see them next week to show them pictures. I told them that I would highly recommend you in the future for any event. Mahalo (thank you)," Julie
"I just handed out your last business card and was hoping you can send me more. I highly recommend your services here at the center and I hope I have been able to provide you with more business. I left you a message on the number provided below. Let me know if you can send me more info for our future services."
Recreational Specialist - City of Diamond Bar
"I cannot THANK YOU enough for making my birthday party such a blast. We received so many compliments on your behalf. You and your staff were so professional. We really loved the fact that you kept in contact with us prior to the party because it showed you really cared and wanted the party to be a great success. All of our guests were extremely pleased and so were we! The drinks were awesome. We will definitely recommend Celebrity Bartender to our family and friends and as for us, we cannot wait until our next party. Once again THANK YOU so much for being a part of such a memorable event." Laurence and Lisette (Birthday girl)
"Thank You Celebrity Bartenders…With no prior knowledge or personal experience working with Celebrity Bartender's we booked them for a Birthday Party… WOW the services that were provided were phenomenal. Our Bartender and bar-back came prepared and aimed to please the whole time they were with us; Professional, friendly, attractive, personable and FUN are just a few of the qualities that we experienced. Thank You again Celebrity Bartender's for making our Party a Hit, we can hardly wait to book for our next event!" Christina
"I wanted to personally "Thank You" for your outstanding service on the evening of my 30th B-day. When I came out and saw the set up on the bar I was astounded of what a great set up you did! Thank you for working with me on the Drink Menu's they came out perfect!! All of my guests were extremely happy with your service and have requested Celebrity Bartender for their future event's. Our family will definitely be contacting Celebrity Bartender for our future events. Thank you so much for adding such a classic taste to our event." The Birthday Girl, Adriana
"A couple of months before my birthday, I booked a bartending service (which was not Celebrity Bartender). A week or so before my party, this other bartending service starting giving me a lot of grief. So I went straight to the Internet and within days, I had another booking I felt very comfortable with. That second booking was with Celebrity Bartender. I was very happy with our (pre party) communications. I had previously hired bartenders that were horrible with pre party communication. The day of my party, I was so pleased when my bartender arrived, who also added fun to the party. They did a great job! My guests could not stop asking me where I got my bartender from, because they were so wonderful! This was a very important networking birthday party for me because many of my guests were cast members from a theater production I was in at the time. As the final night of our performance neared, the cast asked me if I would be interested in throwing a cast party. They also requested that I hire the same bartender from my previous party. My guests, who were at my first party, were ecstatic to find out that the same bartender would be returning to bartend again for our cast closing party. And once again, Celebrity Bartender did a great job. Not only mixing a great drink but creating a great bar experience for my guests. One of the best parts about the great job that they did, was the morning after both of my parties, my kitchen where the bar had been set up, was so clean, that I could not believe I had just had a party the night before. Other bartending services that I had hired in the past, sent bartenders that left my kitchen a mess. Thanks so much Celebrity Bartender. I hope I can book you for all of my future parties for years to come." Jaime
"I just wanted to say thank you so much again for sending such great bartenders to work my party. They did a fantastic job! I couldn't have asked for a better couple of Bartenders. We received so many compliments on the both of them. The clean up was fantastic. I really appreciated them both. From what I saw the their tips were great, I so hope they were happy, as they did such a great job. Thanks again. I will definitely recommend your services and I will call you when I decide to have another party." Phyllis
"Thank you so much for coming and bartending my Bachelorette Party! Both of you were AWESOME and I can not wait see you again at the wedding or who ever you decide to work it. I had a GREAT time, and thank you for being so GREAT with all of my guests. Since you guys have bartended three of our friend's wedding too, it is like you are our resident bartenders. See ya soon." Christine
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- Careers
- Newsroom
- Corporate Profile
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Documents
- Board of Directors
- Policy-Making Officers
- Diversity and Culture
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Serving Communities
- Environmental Sustainability
- Social Media
For Immediate Release
Jane Yedinak
(415) 765-3241
Tanya Peebles-Hill
(213) 236-5329
SAN FRANCISCO, December 21, 2011 – Union Bank, N.A., today announced that Senior Vice President Elaine Genevro has been promoted to regional executive for the Northern California region. Based in San Francisco, she reports to Executive Vice President Michael Feldman, head of California Branch Banking.
"Elaine is an accomplished executive with more than 31 years of experience in the financial services industry, and her expertise is very important as we continue to service the Northern California region," said Feldman. "Elaine's leadership and insight will help guide our teams as we continue to foster long lasting community relationships and offer our new and existing customers outstanding products and services."
Genevro joined Union Bank in 2003 as a senior vice president and regional manager when Monterey Bay Bank, where she served as director of Retail Banking, was acquired by Union Bank. In 2009, she was named a market president for Central California. Prior to Monterey Bay Bank, Genevro served as a senior vice president and regional manager for Bay View Bank, where she oversaw the bank's offices in the Greater Bay region. She also held management positions at First Interstate Bank and Bank of America.
Active in the community, Genevro serves on the board of the Marine Mammal Center and was a member of the Advisory Council for Children's Hospital Central California and the executive chair for the 2010 American Heart Association's Central Valley Heart Ball. She has also served on the boards of Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula; Junior Achievement of Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay; San Jose Silicon Valley Ballet; Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce; Watsonville Rotary and the Cabrillo College Presidents Circle.
Genevro studied business and economics at Fresno State University and holds a degree from the University of Virginia Graduate School for Retail Bank Management.
About UnionBanCal Corporation & Union Bank, N.A.
Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $84 billion at September 30, 2011. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service commercial bank providing an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. The bank operated 404 full-service branches in California, Washington, Oregon and Texas, as well as two international offices, on September 30, 2011. UnionBanCal Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world's largest financial organizations. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.


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Health Insurance Exchanges/Marketplaces
Public Health Insurance Marketplaces are available in every state in the U.S. Also known as public exchanges, these government-run online "shopping" hubs are available for individual consumers and small businesses, with fewer than 50 full-time employees, to compare plan offerings and buy health insurance.
The Marketplaces are governed by individual states, the federal government, or a partnership between the two. Health plan options and legal standards vary by state. Read the Marketplace fact sheet to learn more about the federal rules shared by all Marketplaces.
Development Updates
Insights for Individuals
Insights for Brokers
Insights for Employers
Development Updates
Read the most recent Marketplace guidance:
- Final 2015 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters - 3/10/2014
- Hardship Exemption and Catastrophic Plans for Certain Individuals - 12/20/2013
- Aligning Individual Mandate Penalties With the Open Enrollment Period - 10/29/2013
- General Questions for Agent/Broker Federally Facilitated Marketplaces Registration - 10/2/2013
- Health Insurance Marketplace Applications Published - 9/27/2013
- Temporary Guidance on the Employee Notice of Exchange Options - 5/10/13
- Exchange Navigator Requirements Defined and "Employee Choice" Delayed for SHOP Exchanges - 4/9/13
Plan Requirements – updates and/or impacts
All Marketplace plans are certified Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) providing essential health benefits. This means each plan sold on a Marketplace must meet all the legal requirements established in the health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). However, state-run Marketplaces may have their own health plan rules and regulations in addition to those mandated by the federal law. As a result, plans vary from one Marketplace to another; this includes coverage requirements and costs.
Individual and small group plans sold in the private market must also cover the essential health benefits required by the federal law, as well as any state requirements for any given state in which they are sold. Insurers may offer additional plans in the private market, however, these private plans cannot be purchased with federal subsidies.
Insights for Individuals
All Americans are now required to purchase health insurance as further explained on the Individual Mandate page. Health coverage can be purchased just as it always has – either through group plans, such as employer-sponsored plans, or through individual private insurance. The new option for Americans is Health Insurance Marketplaces.
Every Marketplace is required to have a website, toll-free call center, and people trained and certified to help in-person. Health and Human Services has developed a central online resource that connects Americans to their state-specific Marketplace, healthcare.gov.
Plans available on marketplaces are not free. However, they could be subsidized by tax credits based on total household income. Eligible people with lowest income levels can choose less robust plans to not owe premium payments. However, individuals offered employer-sponsored individual coverage – that meets all the federal requirements of employers – will not be eligible for a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Insights for Brokers
Brokers and agents may seek the same training and certification as Navigators and non-navigator personnel for any given Marketplace.
Certification is required to help individuals enroll in any Marketplace plan. While Navigators and non-navigator personnel are funded through the Marketplace, brokers and agents are compensated as stated in their selling agreements with respective insurance companies – unless regulated differently by the state.
There is general information about the role of agents and brokers in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace on the CMS website.
We highly recommend agents and brokers interested in becoming certified in Federally Facilitated Marketplaces review the FAQs posted by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). There are many clearly laid out details to help ensure training and certification are completed successfully.
Insights for Employers
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchanges are established in every state to assist small employers in sponsoring health coverage for their employees. All states currently define small employers as having 1-50 full-time employees. In 2016, all states must raise the participation threshold to include employers with 1-100 full-time employees. And in 2017, states may choose to offer large group coverage through the SHOP.
There are additional impacts to large employers, with more than 50 full-time employees, to help support administration of Marketplace coverage, specifically providing a one-time Notice of Coverage Options to all employees, annual Form W-2 reporting and new annual IRS reporting of large employers and insurers of group plans. Employers will receive notification when any employee is certified eligible for subsidized Marketplace coverage – and have time to appeal such eligibility if a compliant employer-sponsored plan was offered. Employers who do not appeal subsidy certification of any full-time employee will be subject to tax penalties.
Additional Resources and Tools
Created out of the Health Care Reform law, Health Insurance Marketplaces are a new way to find and buy health coverage.
Cigna supports the development of a Health Insurance Marketplace that facilitates access to high quality and cost-effective care.
Listen to Cigna experts discuss important information and insights about Health Insurance Marketplaces.
See which states Cigna is selling individual and family health plans both on the Marketplaces and in the private market.
Related Requirements
Under the health care reform law, all people must have minimum essential coverage beginning January 1, 2014.
Businesses must offer affordable medical insurance that provides "minimum value" to employees and their dependents.
New fees and taxes will help fund expanded programs and services. Employers will pay some of these fees while others will be paid by insurers and individuals.
These new standards are required for individual and small group plans and may also affect large group plans.
New rules take effect each year. Keep up to date with our interactive tool.
Common questions, common answers. Our FAQs simplify the legal lingo.


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Rodeo competition sizzling on Sunday
SAN ANGELO, Texas - Sunday's fifth performance of the 78th Annual San Angelo Rodeo was jam-packed with great performances that captivated an enthusiastic crowd at the coliseum.
Three of the Top 4 scores so far in the entire rodeo were recorded in the first section of bull riding.
Jade Wade, the first bull rider of the afternoon, turned in the best score of the day with an 87. He ranks second overall behind leader Tyler Smith, who scored an 88 last week.
Two other bull riders — Tate Stratton, of Stanley, N.M., and Shawn Hogg, of Odessa — also dazzled the crowd with scores of 85 and 86, respectively.
But Wade, who hails from Alamo, Nev., stole the show while riding Haley's Comet.
"It's pretty exciting to be the first guy out and to get the highest score," Wade said. "I've had a few higher scores, but anything over 80 is pretty good. And when you score over 85, it's really good.
"The bull felt like he was bucking pretty hard. He's a younger bull. I didn't know a lot about him, but I heard he bucked pretty good. He was pretty fun to ride. I'm pretty sure I'll be back for the finals (on Saturday)."
Cash Myers, who is a household name among rodeo fans, lived up to the hype in steer wrestling by turning in the best time of the day with an eye-popping time of 3.4 seconds.
"I had a good enough steer and my horse felt great and I was able to capitalize," said Myers, who drew raucous cheers from the audience when his time was shown on the video screen.
Waller's Heath Ford stood out among the other bareback riders with his loud orange chaps that he started wearing during the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas last year.
Ford showed that he's more than just a fancy dresser as he dazzled the fans with an 80 aboard a horse named Commotion Toddy.
One of Ford's friends bought the chaps for him, and they've since become his trademark look.
"They dang sure may not be the color that I would pick myself, but I like them and I've had a lot of people comment on them," Ford said. "A lot of people recognize me because of them. People on Facebook and Myspace offered to buy them. They want to hang them on their wall.
"I don't care to stand out necessarily, but I don't want to just be one of the guys. I want to be my own man."
Arguably the best performance of the day was near the end when reigning world champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi, of Victoria, rode her horse Duke to a sizzling time of 13.99 seconds, the best so far in San Angelo this year.
"I'm pretty pumped about that," Pozzi said. "My goal is to win a lot this winter and not have to rodeo as hard this spring. I've kind of been doing that. I've won like $31,000 so far. I've had a nice start to the year."
The rodeo will resume on Wednesday with a 7:30 p.m. performance.
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