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Report NEP-HRM-2007-11-17This is the archive for NEP-HRM, a report on new working papers in the area of Human Capital & Human Resource Management. Fabio Sabatini issued this report. It is usually issued weekly.
Subscribe to this report: email, RSS or Twitter.
Other reports in NEP-HRM
The following items were announced in this report:
- Svitlana Maksymenko & M. Rabbani, 2007. "Do Economic Reforms and Human Capital Explain Post-reform Growth?," Working Papers 330, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Economics, revised Nov 2007.
- Merike Darmody & Emer Smyth & Selina McCoy, 2007. "Adolescents' Educational Attainment and School Experiences in Contemporary Ireland," Papers WP213, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
- Olusegun A. Akanbi & Niek J. Schoeman, 2007. "The Welfare Implications of Expenditure on Education and Public Expenditure in General in African Countries," Working Papers 200707, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
- Djavad Salehi-Isfahani & Daniel Egel, 2007. "Youth Exclusion in Iran: The State of Education, Employment and Family Formation," Working Papers e07-2, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Economics.
- Item repec:dgr:eureri:300011799 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Item repec:dgr:eureri:300011915 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Joseph Kaboski & Trevon D. Logan, 2007. "Factor Endowments and the Returns to Skill: New Evidence from the American Past," NBER Working Papers 13589, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Nekby, Lena & Rödin, Magnus & Özcan, Gülay, 2007. "Acculturation Identity and Educational Attainment," SULCIS Working Papers 2007:6, Stockholm University Linnaeus Center for Integration Studies - SULCIS.
- Jeanette Findlay & Patricia Findlay & Chris Warhurst, 2007. "Estimating the Demand for Union-Led Learning in Scotland," Working Papers 2007_38, Business School - Economics, University of Glasgow.
- Item repec:clg:wpaper:2007-11 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Gary D. Hansen & Selo Imrohoroglu, 2007. "Business Cycle Fluctuations and the Life Cycle: How Important is On-The-Job Skill Accumulation?," NBER Working Papers 13603, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Luigi Guiso & Fabiano Schivardi, 2007. "What determines entrepreneurial clusters?," Economics Working Papers ECO2007/48, European University Institute.
- Item repec:pra:mprapa:5654 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Fredriksson, Peter & Öckert, Björn, 2007. "Resources and student achievement – evidence from a Swedish policy reform," Working Paper Series 2007:26, IFAU - Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy.
- Item repec:dgr:eureri:300011916 is not listed on IDEAS anymore
- Pasquale Tridico, 2007. "Flessibilità e istituzioni nel mercato del lavoro: dagli economisti classici agli economisti istituzionalisti," Working Papers 0706, CREI Università degli Studi Roma Tre, revised 2007.
- Emer Smyth, 2007. "Unemployment - Stage or Stigma? Being Unemployed During an Economic Boom," Papers WP215, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).


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Documentary tries to solve the mystery of how 11 mountain climbers died in 2008
"The Summit"
Rating: R
When: Opens today
Where: Landmark Hillcrest
Running time: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Much remains unclear about the events of Aug. 1 and 2, 2008, on the mountain known as K2, except that 11 climbers died there. As a possible result of disorientation from high-altitude sickness, darkness and the physical separation that existed between multiple mountaineering teams from many different countries, even eyewitness accounts of the tragedy that is the focus of the documentary "The Summit" are, at best, contradictory and, at worst, hopelessly confusing.
One thing is as clear as the crystalline sky that greeted 25 climbers on those fateful days. The accident — the worst since the summit of K2 was first conquered in 1954 — was a nightmare. "The Summit" adequately captures that horror.
To refer to the episode as a single accident is misleading. It was a series of largely unrelated accidents, as the film lays it out, using a mostly seamless mix of found footage, survivor interviews and re-enactments.
The most surprising thing revealed by the film is this: Many of the deaths occurred not during the difficult ascent, but during the even more grueling descent.
Many things went wrong, including an ice fall from the serac that severed a rope line, marooning several climbers; snow blindness; an avalanche; shortages of rope and other equipment; and delays in getting started that pushed the return trip for some well into nightfall. Because "The Summit" jumps around in time, and because the events on the mountain happened over two days, and at locations often far apart, the already garbled chronology of deaths is made even more confusing.
This in some ways enhances the drama and mystery of the film, not to mention the atmosphere of pandemonium. At the same time, it's frustrating not to know exactly what occurred when, how and to whom.
Of course, some of this is because nobody really knows everything that happened, except, as someone notes, the mountain itself.

subset: commoncrawl


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Special thanks to everyone who showed up and respected the venue and staff. Trash was minimal and hopefully we will be able to do it again soon. Keep your eyes open for more Funkyard Presents events in the near future!
Erik Koral
JamBase So-Cal Correspondent
Go See Live Music!!


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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Water managers face a challenge that could ultimately result in the closing of Clear Lake to tournament angling, causing millions of dollars in economic losses to an angling and business community that is prospering of late because of its prolific bass fishery.
"Clear Lake is the best bass fishery in the country," said Aaron Martens, the 2005 BASS Angler of the Year.
"Losing Clear Lake as a fun-fishing lake, let alone a tournament destination, would be heartbreaking."
The threat of closure comes in a small package. The quagga or zebra mussels, two exotic species each about the size of a fingernail that were first introduced in the Great Lakes via ballast water from oceangoing ships, are quickly spreading across the West. The exotic shellfish were discovered in the lower Colorado River in 2007.
Weighing the costs of dealing with potential infestations, water managers in California and other Western states are committed to protecting their lakes and reservoirs. Among the proposals is the elimination of boating and fishing.
"This is a huge problem for us right now," explained Pamela Francis, spokesperson for the Lake County Water Resources Board.
"Our board of supervisors met March 25 and passed an Urgency Ordinance in an effort to keep mussels out of Clear Lake. We ordered several portable cleaning stations and put in place a mandatory inspection process for all boats in the county."
The problem facing the Lake County Water Resources Board is implementation.
"Currently, there are only six locations in the county that offer inspections for boats," continued Francis. "The ordinance is now in place. Oncea boat is inspected, its owner will receive a sticker showing the boat to be mussel-free. We hope this will curb the threat until we can put the rest of our plans in motion, sometime in June, we hope."
Penalties for being stopped without a sticker are serious. "If boats don't have the [inspection] sticker and are caught on the water, they will be fined, potentially charged with a misdemeanor, and will face having their boat impounded. We're serious about compliance," Francis told BASS Times.
Though anglers are perceived to be the culprits in spreading exotic mussels throughout the West, Francis is quick to point out that they're not the only focus. "I'm convinced that professional anglers take great care of their boats. My fear is that someone who doesn't hold to a professional standard will contaminate the lake. We believe that houseboats and other watercraft could be responsible for spreading the mussels as well."
It's estimated that the cost of running the inspection stations, when installed, will cost several million dollars a year to man and operate. With this added expense comes another stern warning. "If we find one bass boat without a sticker, you can kiss tournaments on Clear Lake goodbye for next year — and that's a promise," warned Francis.
Because of the heavy tournament load on Clear Lake, groups of people who object to tournament angling for various reasons are leading the charge to ban events. "There are a lot of angry people in this area," said Francis.
"They will be watching for someone to break the law."
Water managers believe that tournament anglers must adopt a "clean and dry" protocol in order to protect themselves from problems when taking their boats to and from infested waters, according to Francis. "If anglers were to obtain a certificate that states their boats were cleaned, inspected and found to be mussel-free as they leave infested waters, and their boats remain dry for five days before coming here, it will be a much simpler process to inspect boats."
Lake County officials won't stop until a solution to the mussel threat is found. "Although we don't want to ban tournaments or curtail boating on Clear Lake," concluded Francis, "the Casitas board had no problem banning boats for a year, and Cachuma's board lacked one vote from having the same outcome. We were just one vote short of closing Clear Lake ourselves last month.
"I hope we're able to work through this challenge, but there are no guarantees."
For more great stories and the latest bass
fishing news, subscribe to BASS Times.
Call 877-BASS-USA to order today.


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Narrow your search
A trip to the gym reveals another unfortunate iPhone element.
New third-party apps with added capabilities could make a huge improvement, but there's more we'd like to see.
A new batch of Ferrari-themed audio gear is pulling donuts at CES, made by Logic3. Headphones and speaker docks are the order of the day.
A new, tougher version of the popular Klipsch in-ear headphones features an all-weather design.
Going its separate way from Beats, Monster launches its new Inspiration headphones in Apple stores today. So, how good are they?
The BBC's iPlayer is compatible with so many portable devices now it's almost funny. So here's your ultimate reference resource: we've tested and judged every single one of them
Donald and Jasmine are back and ready to catch up on FLAC-compatible MP3 players, speakers that use "twoofers," headphones that use speakers, and a handy way to control your iPod while keeping your eyes on the road.
Controls for both functions built into headset, marketed for iPhone.
Check out the latest postings from the CNET Blog Network.
The ubiquitous white earbuds revolutionized digital music and consumer electronics in October 2001, and Apple shows no signs of letting up. Photos: iPod through the years


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Fitch Affirms Digital Realty Trust's IDR at 'BBB'; Outlook Stable Business Wire NEW YORK -- December 4, 2013 Fitch Ratings has affirmed the credit ratings of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR) and its subsidiaries (collectively, Digital Realty) as follows: Digital Realty Trust, Inc. --Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB'; --$720 million preferred stock at 'BB+'. Digital Realty Trust, L.P. --IDR at 'BBB'; --$2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility 'BBB'; --$950.2 million senior unsecured term loan at 'BBB'; --$1.7 billion senior unsecured notes at 'BBB'; --$266.4 million senior unsecured exchangeable notes at 'BBB'. Digital Stout Holding, LLC --IDR at 'BBB'; --GBP400 million unsecured guaranteed notes at 'BBB'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. KEY RATING DRIVERS The affirmation of Digital Realty's IDR at 'BBB' takes into account the company's strong access to capital evidencing increasing institutional acceptance of the company's data center portfolio, as well as adequate liquidity due to laddered debt maturities, moderate retained cash flow and a less aggressive development pipeline. Credit strengths also include a global platform, limited tenant concentration, and a seasoned management team. These strengths are balanced by uncertainties involving the leasing environment following reduced occupancy rates and select rental rate roll downs; however, fixed-charge coverage should remain appropriate for the 'BBB' rating. Corporate leverage is low for the rating although unencumbered asset coverage is somewhat weak for the 'BBB' level as the company's unsecured debt incurrence has outpaced the growth of the unencumbered pool. Leasing Environment Uncertainties Same-property net operating income (NOI) declined by 0.6% year-over-year in the third quarter of 2013 (3Q'13) following growth of 7.7% in 2Q'13 and 8.1% in 1Q'13, driven primarily by a non-cash straight-line rent adjustment booked during 3Q'13 (excluding this adjustment, same-property NOI growth would have been +4.4%). In addition, same-store occupancy decreased to 91.8% as of Sept. 30, 2013 from 93.7% as of Dec. 31, 2012, principally due to a sizeable non-data center asset lease expiration. Cash rental rate roll downs on renewal were negative 5% on average for the year-to-date period ended Sept. 30, 2013. Rental roll downs are possible in 2014 when 9.4% of rents expire as well as in 2015 when 8% expires. Nevertheless, the company sees an opportunity to increase revenues from colocation i.e., providing space, power, connectivity and outsourced IT solutions for corporate enterprises. Colocation provides an alternative vehicle for growth that would enhance DLR's revenue diversity to the benefit of unsecured bondholders. Tenant retention was high at 92% for the year-to-date period ended Sept. 30, 2013, indicating that only select tenants have chosen not to renew in favor of building their own data centers, which is a secular data center industry risk. In addition, the weighted average remaining lease term for the portfolio is approximately 6.9 years, providing cash flow stability absent tenant bankruptcies. Solid Fixed-Charge Coverage The company's fixed-charge coverage ratio was strong for the 'BBB' rating at 3.0x for the trailing twelve months (TTM) ended Sept. 30, 2013, compared with 3.0x in 2012 and 2.9x in 2011. Fitch defines fixed-charge coverage as recurring operating EBITDA less recurring capital expenditures less straight-line rent adjustments divided by total cash interest incurred and preferred stock dividends. Fitch anticipates that a backlog of leases signed but not yet commenced will offset potential further rent roll downs and increased capital expenditures associated with the lease-up of vacant space. Fixed-charge coverage should remain solid for the 'BBB' rating in the high 2.0x range. In a stress case not anticipated by Fitch in which rental rate roll downs result in low single digit same-store NOI declines, coverage would decline to 2.5x, which would remain adequate for a 'BBB' rating. Reduced Development Pipeline Fitch views favorably DLR's reduction in development activities in response to market conditions. DLR's direct costs to-be-spent represented 5.2% of gross asset value as of Sept. 30, 2013 compared with 6% as of year-end 2012 and 6.9% as of year-end 2011. Total construction-in-progress is approximately 25.1% pre-leased as of Sept. 30, 2013, indicative of elevated lease-up risk. Construction costs on a per-square foot basis are declining as well but remain high compared with other commercial property sectors. Strong Access to Capital The company continues to demonstrate strong access to multiple sources of capital on favorable terms. In January 2013, Digital Stout Holding, LLC issued GBP400 million of its 4.25% guaranteed notes due 2025 and in April 2013, the company issued $250 million of 5.875% series G preferred stock. In August 2013, the company refinanced its revolving credit facility, increasing its total borrowing capacity to $2 billion from $1.8 billion and also refinanced its senior unsecured multi-currency term loan facility, increasing its total borrowing capacity to $1 billion from $750 million. In September 2013, DLR formed a joint venture with an investment fund managed by Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI) and contributed nine Powered Base Building data centers valued at approximately $366.4 million. The PREI-managed fund took an 80% interest in the joint venture and DLR retained a 20% interest. Adequate Liquidity Liquidity coverage assuming no additional capital raising, calculated as liquidity sources divided by uses, is 1.1x for the period Oct. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2015. Sources of liquidity include unrestricted cash, availability under the company's global credit facility, and projected retained cash flows from operating activities after dividends and distributions. Uses of liquidity include debt maturities and projected recurring capital expenditures and development costs. Assuming 80% of the company's secured debt is refinanced--a scenario not likely as the company continues to unencumber the portfolio--liquidity coverage would be 1.3x. Debt maturities are laddered in the coming years with 3.3% of debt maturing in 4Q'13 followed by 9.3% in 2014 and 10.8% in 2015. In addition, the company's adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) payout ratio was 83.4% in 3Q'13 after averaging 81.5% in 2012 and 77.8%, reflective of good internally-generated liquidity. Global Platform Digital Realty offers Turn-Key Flex, Powered Base Building, and colocation space and its 130 properties span 33 markets across 10 countries and four continents. This significant market presence gives the company strong tenant relationships; approximately 58% of the company's customers occupancy space in DLR data centers across multiple markets. Top markets as of Sept. 30, 2013 were London (11.7% of rent), Northern Virginia (9.7%), Dallas (9.2%), New York (8.8%), and Silicon Valley (8.3%). Limited Tenant Concentration Tenant concentration continues to decline, which Fitch views favorably and which differentiates DLR from its major competitors, CoreSite Realty Corporation, DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. and Global Switch Holdings Ltd. (Fitch IDR of 'BBB' with a Stable Rating Outlook). DLR's top five tenants comprise 23.3% of total base rent, compared with 23.1% to 61% for its primary competitors. DLR's top tenants as of Sept. 30, 2013 were CenturyLink, Inc. (IDR of 'BB+' with a Stable Rating Outlook) at 8.1% of rent, IBM (IDR of 'A+' with a Stable Rating Outlook) at 4.9%, TelX Group, Inc. at 4.4%, Equinix Operating Company, Inc. at 3.2% and Morgan Stanley (IDR of 'A' with a Stable Rating Outlook) at 2.7%. Technical Team Focused on New Initiatives The company offers customized solutions to its tenants; recent initiatives in 2013 include the launch of EnVision, a comprehensive data center infrastructure management (DCIM) solution that provides increased visibility into data center operations, and the launch of Digital Open Internet Exchange (Digital Open-IX), a neutral and member-governed internet exchanges self-regulatory body in North America, similar to the system in Europe. The initial rollout for Digital Open-IX will take place in the New York metro area and Northern Virginia, followed by deployment in several other U.S. markets. Low Corporate Leverage for 'BBB' Leverage is low for the 'BBB' rating, with net debt as of Sept. 30, 2013 to latest 12 months (LTM) recurring operating EBITDA at 5.6x compared with 5.6x as of Dec. 31, 2012 and 4.7x as of Dec. 31, 2011. The incurrence of debt to fund a portion of acquisitions and development contributed towards the trend. Fitch's base case anticipates that the company's same-property NOI will be flat over the next 12-to-24 months, which will result in leverage in the low-to-mid 5x range. In a stress case not anticipated by Fitch in which the company experiences low single digit same-store NOI declines, leverage would approach 6.0x, which would be weak for a 'BBB' rating. Separately, in October 2013, DLR's board of directors authorized a $500 million share repurchase program although the company has yet to utilize the program. Fitch does not expect the company to access this program heavily; should the company do so, it would weaken the position of unsecured bondholders. Slightly Weak Unencumbered Asset Coverage Digital Realty is committed to an unsecured funding profile. However, the company's unsecured debt incurrence has outpaced the growth of the unencumbered pool. Unencumbered assets (3Q'13 unencumbered NOI pro forma for redevelopment and development NOI divided by a stressed capitalization rate of 10%) covered unsecured debt by 1.9x as of Sept. 30, 2013. Third quarter 2013 actual unencumbered asset coverage was 1.7x, down from 2.0x as of Sept. 30, 2012 and Fitch anticipates that unencumbered asset coverage will be 1.8x based on cost remaining to be spent on development. Preferred Stock Notching The two-notch differential between Digital Realty's IDR and its preferred stock rating is consistent with Fitch's criteria for corporate entities with an IDR of 'BBB'. Based on Fitch's criteria report, 'Treatment and Notching of Hybrids in Nonfinancial Corporate and REIT Credit Analysis,' dated Dec. 13, 2012, the company's preferred stock is deeply subordinated and has loss absorption elements that would likely result in poor recoveries in the event of a corporate default. Stable Outlook The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's projection that fixed charge coverage will remain in the high 2x to low 3x range, that leverage will remain in the low-to-mid 5x range, and that the company will continue its gradual tenant and asset diversification via acquisitions and development. RATING SENSITIVITIES The following factors may result in positive momentum in the rating and/or Outlook: --Increased mortgage lending activity in the datacenter sector; --Fitch's expectation of fixed-charge coverage sustaining above 3.0x (fixed-charge coverage for the TTM ended Sept. 30, 2013 was 3.0x); --Fitch's expectation of net debt to recurring operating EBITDA sustaining below 4.5x (Sept. 30, 2013 leverage was 5.6x). The following factors may result in negative momentum in the rating and/or Outlook: --Sustained declines in rental rates and same-property NOI; --Fitch's expectation of fixed-charge coverage sustaining below 2.5x; --Fitch's expectation of leverage sustaining above 6.0x; --Base case liquidity coverage sustaining below 1.0x. Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com. Applicable Criteria and Related Research: --Recovery Ratings and Notching Criteria for Equity REITs (Nov. 19, 2013); --Corporate Rating Methodology (Aug. 5, 2013); --Criteria for Rating U.S. Equity REITs and REOCs (Feb. 26, 2013); --Treatment and Notching of Hybrids in Nonfinancial Corporate and REIT Credit Analysis (Dec. 13, 2012). Applicable Criteria and Related Research: Recovery Ratings and Notching Criteria for Equity REITs http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=722363 Corporate Rating Methodology: Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=715139 Criteria for Rating U.S. Equity REITs and REOCs http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=700091 Treatment and Notching of Hybrids in Nonfinancial Corporate and REIT Credit Analysis http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=696670 Additional Disclosure Solicitation Status http://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=810571 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Contact: Fitch Ratings, Inc. Primary Analyst Sean Pattap, +1-212-908-0642 Senior Director 33 Whitehall Street New York, NY 10004 or Secondary Analyst Steven Marks, +1-212-908-9161 Managing Director or Committee Chairperson John Culver, CFA, +1-312-368-3216 Senior Director or Media Relations Sandro Scenga, New York, +1 212-908-0278 email@example.com
Fitch Affirms Digital Realty Trust's IDR at 'BBB'; Outlook Stable
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We have lived in Titusville for 56 years and did not realize we had become a retirement community, as some recent letter writers have stated.
Maronda Homes has been developing a new subdivision for the past three years that is made up of very large homes, most of which have been bought by younger families. Only a few lots remain. I'm sure these families would like more shopping choices in Titusville.
This past year, three new companies have come to Space Coast Regional Airport, where the largest helicopter school ...


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Students wishing to major in history typically declare their intention sometime in the fourth semester of College. The requirements for a major in history emphasize both a broad exposure to different time periods and regions of the world, as well as a rigorous engagement with the practice of history as a discipline grounded in the use of primary sources. All courses are designed to contribute in various ways to the College's Learning Goals.
Though not required for the history major or minor, an independent study course is often one of the most rewarding experiences in the history curriculum. Whereas 100-300-level survey and seminar courses introduce students to periods and themes designed by members of the faculty, an independent study course allows a student to chart her own intellectual path.
The History Department contributes to a number of the College's pre-professional nexus programs, and the history department encourages students to consider pairing a major in history with a NEXUS. Students often use history courses to complete these NEXUS programs:
The study of history is much bigger than one department, and students are strongly encouraged to complement their major program with related programs and offerings from across the campus, the Five Colleges and beyond through study abroad programs.


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SFGov Key Services:
City Services on your Mobile Device
Find Out More
SFGov Residents Key Services:
Keep Our City and Streets Clean
SFGov Business Key Services:
Assistance for Businesses
SFGov Government Key Services:
Review all the Approved Legislation
SFGov Visitors Key Services:
Visit Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island
SFGov Online Services Key Services:
Pay Online for Fees and Services
SFGov Help Key Services:
Request a City Service 24/7 with 311
The San Francisco Elections Commission oversees all public elections in
San Francisco. It sets general policies for the
Department of Elections and is
responsible for the proper administration of its general practices.
See About Us for more information.
For more frequent announcements like of website postings and changes, see the
Commission Twitter account:
Follow @SFElectionsComm
For past announcements, see the
Past Announcements page.
The latest information on upcoming meetings appears below. Cancellation
notices for regularly scheduled meetings also appear below. The list below
is subject to change, for example if a special meeting is added or a
regular meeting is canceled.
Check meeting agendas for detailed meeting information. For past meetings
and for general meeting information, see the
Meetings page.
Agenda & Packet
*BOPEC stands for Budget and Oversight
of Public Elections Committee.
Tweets by @SFElectionsComm


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Veterans claims office offering assistance: The Staunton Veterans Claims office of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services will have itinerary office hours from 9 to 11 a.m. the third Wednesday of each month at Waynesboro Senior Center, 325 Pine Ave. Free assistance with veterans administration claims activity will be provided. For more information, call 332-7840.
Chili festival announced: Lumos Plaza will be the site for the Virginia Chili, Blues 'n Brews Festival from 3 to 10 p.m. Sept. 21. The event will feature talents of Big Bill Morganfield and Ana Popovic. This event benefits Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. For additional information, visit www.virginiachili.com.
Mount Solon
Lions Club announces broom sale: The Lions Club will host its broom sale from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Mount Solon Post Office.
Church to host Homecoming service: Community United Methodist Church, Cedar Green Road, will host its Homecoming service beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday. The quest speaker will be Ronald Hill. The quest speaker for the 3 p.m. service will be Pastor Mary Pysell. All are welcome to attend.
Exhibit announced at Museum: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library will host an exhibit from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Ellen Axson Wilson. Artifacts, clothing, letters all from Ellen's life and never before exhibited to the public will be on display.The cost is $5 for League of Friends Members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call 885-0897, ext. 113 or email email@example.com.
MaDee Project fundraiser announced: The 4th annual Music for MaDee and Madee's Market will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Barren Ridge Vineyards. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students and children 5 and under are admitted free. This MaDee Project helps area families who have children battling cancer. For more information, call 540-849-9635 or email email@example.com.


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Lauren Conrad on The Hills: "I Didn't Know Anybody Wanted a Reunion!"
Lauren Conrad went through her fair share of breakups and makeups on MTV's Laguna Beach and The Hills -- and now she's reliving every moment courtesy of Retro MTV, which is re-airing every episode through Friday, Aug. 9. The event will culminate with a never-before-scene alternate ending for The Hills. (The latter series concluded in July 2010; Kristin Cavallari joined the show after Conrad decided to leave midway through the show's fifth season.)
PHOTOS: The Hills cast, then and now
Us Weekly spoke to Conrad while she was promoting her latest novel, Infamous, on May 30. "I didn't know anybody wanted a reunion!" the 27-year-old fashion designer said of teaming up with former costars Audrina Patridge, Heidi Montag and Whitney Port. "I think we have mini reunions sometimes on our own, but I don't think there's any plans for an official reunion."
PHOTOS: Lauren Conrad's BFF history
Conrad has remained closest with Lo Bosworth, who now lives full-time in New York City. "We have been best friends since we were young," said Conrad, who also keeps in touch with her Laguna Beach costar Trey Phillips.
PHOTOS: Lauren Conrad's love life
Though she had a reality show in development in 2010, the show was scrapped by MTV. Conrad has no plans to return to the medium that first made her famous. "I think reality television is very different than it was a few years ago. I think people are going more and more for shock value. And as much as The Hills was laced with scandal and catfights and whatnot, I think it was still meant to be an aspirational show," she told Us. "We were working toward something, we were living our lives, we were having relationships."
VIDEO: Lauren Conrad reveals her craziest fan encounter ever
Conrad added, "I think there was still a little bit of heart in our show -- at least I like to think so."
This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Lauren Conrad on The Hills: "I Didn't Know Anybody Wanted a Reunion!"
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Thick as a Brick is like the best album ever.
Digging: MED, Blu and Madlib - Bad Neighbor
Album Rating: 4.5Too long since I last listened to this. Still rules.
woah even nagarok likes it
Album Rating: 4.0nobody dislikes this
i think this just might be the best mdm album i have ever heard
Album Rating: 3.5It's pretty sweet, agreed.
Album Rating: 3.5The riff that comes in around 16 and a quarter minutes is perfection.
Album Rating: 4.5
you just dont seem like a dm kind of guy
Album Rating: 3.5You don't need to be a DM guy to know this is awesome.
oh, thats pretty cool then; i guess everyone in sputnik who likes metal starts listening to more extreme forms of it sooner or later
Album Rating: 4.5Yeah, sputnik is definitely responsible there in my case.
Album Rating: 3.5About time you started listening to more DM than just Death, Viper.
i liked in flames before i even got here actually, but yea i dont listen to much dm
Album Rating: 3.5Everybody likes early In Flames. If you like this kind of stuff you should listen to At The Gates. You might like some newer MDM like Be'lakor and Insomnium too.
Album Rating: 4.5If you like this, You love Opeth
Album Rating: 4.5It's impossible to dislike this album
Album Rating: 5.0EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
Album Rating: 4.5ANOTHER SKY IS YOUNG
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


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Champneys offer a wide range of spa days and spa breaks. They have 4 main luxury spa resorts for their spa breaks as well as several day spas located in some great shopping locations making them perfect for a girls day out.
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2000 Mercury Sable • 100,000 miles
Where is fuse 227 located in centrai junction box of 2000 mercury sable
December 13, 2012.
December 13, 2012.
You need to verify the fuse there's no such thing as 227 and what is it relates to
No.27 fuse is for the rear control unit antenna
No.27 fuse is for the rear control unit antenna
Dec 13, 2012.
Dec 13, 2012.
I drive a mazda soho 121 1998 model and my flickers and fan on the inside does not work, however in the fuse box just below the steering wheel the ports where the fuses plug in are ...
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I have a Saab 9-3 convertible (1998). The Maxi fuse (number 5), has blown. I fitted a new fuse, started the car for a few seconds, and checked the fuse to find it was again blown. I ...
1 answer • 1998 SAAB 9-3 • 112 miles
I have a 1999 Pontiac Montana, and had to replace a blown Maxi fuse for the ignition, it started up after replacing it but upon starting agin it blows the fuse again....why?
8 answers • 1999 Pontiac Montana
My fuse blown on my headlights but i don't know which fuse it is because the fuse cover is missing with the numbers of different parts. i drive a 93' Chrysler New Yorker 3.3 engine
1 answer • 1993 Chrysler New Yorker • 196,500 miles


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Maybe it's me but I cannot find a list or map showing these sites. We are currently riding the Pacific Coast and would like to have this info. So your help would be great!
Maybe it's me but I cannot find a list or map showing these sites. We are currently riding the Pacific Coast and would like to have this info. So your help would be great!
Visit the on-line Bike Touring Archive at www.biketouringtips.com
Thanks! That will work.
I could not find a map a few months ago when I was there. I ended up sorting thru the guidebook looking to see which parks had hiker biker sites, then creating waypoints in the GPS app on my tablet (MapsWithMe) so that I could plan out where to stay more than a day or two ahead. Took a few hours to do so but in the end I was glad I spent those hours.
I also used this link to create a list so that I could double check to make sure my list was accurate.
Hike or Bike Campsites
I recommend you avoid Del Norte, Mill Creek Campground, we were led to believe that it would be a 200 foot drop in elevation to get there, but it was more like 600 feet. That meant that we spent a long time cranking up an 8 percent grade the next morning to regain that 600 feet. Plus the hiker biker site was very unimpressive, insect colony living in one of the food lockers, the park staff appeared to use the area as their ash disposal area, we were told a bear cub liked to frequent the site, etc. Many of the sites in the campground were very nice, but the hiker biker site was obviously chosen by someone that hated hikers and bikers.
I created a new list from the link above right now, pasted it below. I do not know when I post this if the names below will be active links or not.
Park Name Region County Angel Island State Park San Francisco Bay Area Marin Austin Creek State Recreation Area North Coast Sonoma Benbow Lake State Recreation Area North Coast Humboldt Big Basin Redwoods State Park San Francisco Bay Area Santa Cruz Bothe-Napa Valley State Park North Coast Napa Brannan Island State Recreation Area Central Valley Sacramento Carpinteria State Beach Central Coast Santa Barbara Castle Crags State Park Shasta Cascade Shasta Castle Rock State Park San Francisco Bay Area Santa Cruz Caswell Memorial State Park Central Valley San Joaquin China Camp State Park San Francisco Bay Area Marin Clear Lake State Park North Coast Lake Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation Area Central Valley Colusa Cuyamaca Rancho State Park San Diego County San Diego D. L. Bliss State Park High Sierra El Dorado Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park North Coast Del Norte Doheny State Beach Orange County Orange El Capitán State Beach Central Coast Santa Barbara Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park North Coast Humboldt Half Moon Bay State Beach San Francisco Bay Area San Mateo Hearst San Simeon State Park Central Coast San Luis Obispo Hendy Woods State Park North Coast Mendocino Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park San Francisco Bay Area Santa Cruz Henry W. Coe State Park Central Coast Santa Clara Humboldt Redwoods State Park North Coast Humboldt Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park North Coast Del Norte Lake Perris State Recreation Area Inland Empire Riverside Leo Carrillo State Park Los Angeles County Los Angeles MacKerricher State Park North Coast Mendocino Manchester State Park North Coast Mendocino McGrath State Beach Central Coast Ventura Millerton Lake State Recreation Area Central Valley Fresno Morro Bay State Park Central Coast San Luis Obispo Mount San Jacinto State Park Inland Empire Riverside Mount Tamalpais State Park San Francisco Bay Area Marin New Brighton State Beach San Francisco Bay Area Santa Cruz Palomar Mountain State Park San Diego County San Diego Patrick's Point State Park North Coast Humboldt Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Central Coast Monterey Point Mugu State Park Central Coast Ventura Portola Redwoods State Park San Francisco Bay Area San Mateo Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park North Coast Humboldt Refugio State Beach Central Coast Santa Barbara Richardson Grove State Park North Coast Humboldt Russian Gulch State Park North Coast Mendocino Salt Point State Park North Coast Sonoma Salton Sea State Recreation Area Deserts Riverside Samuel P. Taylor State Park San Francisco Bay Area Marin San Elijo State Beach San Diego County San Diego Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area Inland Empire San Bernardino Sinkyone Wilderness State Park North Coast Mendocino Sonoma Coast State Park North Coast Sonoma Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area North Coast Mendocino Sunset State Beach San Francisco Bay Area Santa Cruz Topanga State Park Los Angeles County Los Angeles Turlock Lake State Recreation Area Central Valley Stanislaus Van Damme State Park North Coast Mendocino
Last edited by Tourist in MSN; 08-09-14 at 11:15 AM.
Lime Kiln SP hiker/biker site, Big Sur. It looks like a strange site, but it has one of the best views and was as quiet as any we used on the coast. Limekiln SP
Last edited by Doug64; 08-09-14 at 11:56 AM.
When I stopped at Limekiln a couple of weeks ago they turned me away saying they had no hiker/biker sites anymore. It was only another couple of easy miles to Kirk Creek campground, which had wonderful hiker/biker sites.
Manchester hiker biker site was an open field, cold water only and no showers. We moved to the nearby KOA, much better facilities including laundry and showers for not much more money.
That seems a good list for the coastal area, but they left out some inland mountain parks that have nice HB sites:
MacArthur-Burney Falls
Donner Memorial
Grover Hot Springs (stay in day use area, ranger will unlock bear box for you)
Calaveras Big Trees
San Jacinto (Idyllwild)
Also on or near the coast route are some city or county parks with HB sites, such as the Veterans Memorial in Monterey, Gualala, Stillwater Cove, and Doran Regional (Bodega Bay) in Sonoma County on the north coast, and Cachuma Lake in Santa Barbara County. You can also probably dry camp on the beach for not much in the Oceano State Recreation Area, but it would no doubt be very busy, noisy, windy, and otherwise unpleasant. Does anyone know of any other HB sites along the coast other than these?
Refugio State Beach was my favorite stop on the whole Pacific Coast. Beautiful site right on the beach. My least favorite was Manchester State Park. If I was going to do the trip again I would stay in the KOA next door. Not much more expensive and much nicer. If you get to an area without a state park look to see if there are any county parks. I stayed in a couple that were quite nice.
Raybo's link above is excellent.
Last edited by Norsman; 08-13-14 at 02:15 AM.
The ACA seems to be trying to get a no-turn-away policy in many states,
Bike Travel Best Practices for State Park Campgrounds | Adventure Cycling Association
but then the campground staff may not be aware of it (see comments) Almost any state park in California could easily allow HB overnight camping in the day use areas at no extra cost (as does Cuyamaca State Park, the ****** list is wrong, and you could fit 100 tents in the picnic areas there). I've also seen and talked to many cyclists that have been rather nastily turned away from "full" HB sites (still had plenty of space in there) along the SoCal coast. One was very unhappy after having ridden 98 miles through the hottest day of the year (105 F right on the beach) and was told "it's only another seven miles to the next HB site, but we can't say you won't be turned away there, too!"
It seems to be related to how busy the parks are, and how many idiots and yahoos the staff have to deal with each day. Pretty soon, they just say "No!" to anything. When I've ridden up to the inland Socal state parks, the rangers have been very interested in my ride, and seemed happy to see me and show me the HB sites.
I actually had a California park staffer say to me that hiker bikers do not bring in as much revenue as RVs. I also had an Oregon park staffer say to me that during her 10 plus years with the park system, no hiker or biker had ever been turned away.
Overall, I felt like the State of Oregon was happy to have me visiting their parks. I did not get that welcoming feeling from California.
Oregon published a great map for their coast route which they mailed to me at home before I left for the trip.
And those shoulders in California... ...
As if California should be turning away any source of revenue...I have been turned away from San Elijo after riding down there for a "test camp". Was told it was full, though I could clearly see that it was practically deserted. Guess they did not think a local might choose to use the facility. Called the parks director and explained what had happened...nothing changed as far as I know. We do have a lot of transient folk here in San Diego county, so I can understand their concern, but when clean cut rider with a fully pannier'd cycle shows up, use some common sense already!
I have utilized the H&B site at Doheny and have never been turned away. They actually seemed interested in the bicycle tourists arriving there. Guess it is dependent upon the particular park's staff and what they regularly have to deal with.
On the plus side, the parks home page now has HB info on the first page:
Hike or Bike Campsite
There is a limited opportunity for individuals to utilize a hike or bike campsite at San Elijo State Beach. The shared site is available on a first come, first served basis. Registration is permitted after 4PM and occupants must vacate the site no later than 9AM the following morning. The hike or bike site is available for one night only and is designed to permit the individual a stop over point prior to continuing on their hike or bike journey. A nominal per person fee is charged and must be paid prior to entering the campsite.
Talking to a traveling biker one time, we got on the topic of the book Bicycling The Pacific Coast by Tom Kirkendall. He mentioned that the first version of the book was a good resource cause it shows some of the B&H sites that are no longer around (closed). I just saw that the book is going for $4 w/shipping at Amazon (for refer).
Anyone have any knowledge or checked out some of the closed spots?
We get a carton of the ODOT Pacific coast route every year , CalTrans may have something similar for their portion of the coast ..
but as so many take Electronics, their downloads may do.
Looking at the California State Park's own websr have it.ite, there are lots of parks that used to have HB that no longer offer them. You could always rent a normal site, though reservations for those can range out to months...sometimes years! Guess not enough people bike California's coast any longer. Well, it won't matter. Soon we will have a 100 billion dollar train that will transport one from some small farming town in the central valley to some small town in the high desert. That takes the sting out of it some.
I would avoid Veterans Memorial in Monterey. I was there about a 1.5 weeks ago and was full of what looked as homeless people and it is a steep climb from lower part of city. I was lucky to get a offer from a local to camp in back yard. There is also a hostel in town that maybe worth making an advanced reservation.
The HB in Oceano is terrible. Very near Hiway 1 and would even cause tent to move from vehicles driving by.
The Refugio SP was one of the nicer site on coast. I liked the city parks in smaller towns on the NT more than most of CA coast HB sites.
California state parks budget officials for years unable to explain surpluses - State Parks funding - The Sacramento Bee
Of course, the surpluses are easily explained by CA having camping fees far over what most other states charge.
We camped a few nights ago at Guluala . The raccoons were so bad they ripped open food lockers knocked a bike over and were quite vicious. One guy stayed up all night to keep them at bay. As we rode further south we heard that this park had a reputation for this problem.


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Paul Revere Bird FeederItem # HN-OIN036
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Paul Revere Bird Feeder
The birds are coming! The birds are coming! Inspired by the lantern brave Paul Revere may have carried on his midnight ride, the Paul Revere Bird Feeder features four sides with classic window-pane designs allowing you to see through to the clear plastic seed holder underneath. This holder will accommodate up to 2.5 lbs. of seed which is easily accessed by birds at the bottom of each side. A metal lid in a hammered gunmetal finish flips open for easy filling, and it's secured shut with a shiny copper latch.


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I have made this salad 3 times now and each time different. I never used the beets but did use butternut squash instead. Made a very nice looking salad. Use the hints on peeling the pomegranate to not make a mess.
Quinoa Salad with Oranges, Beets & Pomegranate
From EatingWell: November/December 2012
Roasted beets and sweet dates, tangy oranges and juicy pomegranate seeds make this quinoa salad recipe festive. It pairs beautifully with turkey or roast pork.
9 Reviews for Quinoa Salad with Oranges, Beets & Pomegranate
Salads and side dishes are usually so boring, but ths one really stands out. You can also make all the components a day or two ahead of time and then assemble at the last minute. I omitted the beets because not everyone likes them, and added walnuts as another reviewer suggested.
This is a great recipe, and well worth the work of seeding the pomegranate, roasting the beets and segmenting the orange. I would leave the dates out in the future - I love dates but in this dish, they ended up pasty and the flavor did not mesh well with the other fresh flavors. Will definitely make this recipe again!
I followed this recipe to the tee and it turned out great! It will be a wonderful addition to my recipes!! I think I might try adding walnuts.


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Schill Robinson Insurance has four offices across the Lower Mainland and has been serving clients throughout British Columbia for over 35 years. Our team is buiMore
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1997 Mitsubishi Mirage
Not sure if it's related but the past 6 months my car has been shaky on start but once I'd hit 3rd gear it would go away and it would just happen every now in then. Recently just got it inspected, fuel filter replaced and oil changed and all was fine. Then my car went out on my while I was driving and wouldn't start back up now it starts intermittently and if it starts doesn't drives normal. My dad looked at it and when he popped the fuel filter lid to make sure it was getting fuel he thinks he released some pressure or something bc it started right up but he said it looked like it was working fine. My battery had been replaced within the last year so it's not that. And we noticed most of the times it won't start it's cold outside. My dad is thinking its something electrical or a sensor but when we took it to the shop it started for them and the couldn't get a code from it and said to start with a tune up so my dad is doing that but it doesn't seem to be helping.
March 1, 2013.
March 1, 2013.
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