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Anyone gone back to work after 3 months or less?(11 Posts)
firstimer30s Fri 13-Dec-13 19:04:20
missmargot Fri 13-Dec-13 19:12:23
ajandjjmum Fri 13-Dec-13 19:18:53
Juliet123456 Fri 13-Dec-13 19:37:35
janey68 Sat 14-Dec-13 10:18:03
Juliet123456 Sat 14-Dec-13 15:36:58
firstimer30s Sat 14-Dec-13 20:39:42
Kelly1814 Sun 15-Dec-13 19:57:07
Mary2010xx Sun 15-Dec-13 20:06:41
firstimer30s Mon 16-Dec-13 18:17:04
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I've been reading books like crazy lately, and my stacks of books have been piling up. It was great to be able to share a box of books with someone last time (and to get them out of my house), so I am running another Clear My Shelves Giveaway!
Same rules as last time:
US Only (will be mailed US Priority Mail in a flat rate box)
Winner must agree to not receive monetary compensation now or in the future for any book in the box(they are all ARCs)
Winner must agree to publicize (via Goodreads, Amazon, a blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc) their thoughts on these books as they are read – advanced readers copies are meant for publication and that's what I would like you to do as well. Note I did NOT say you HAD to be a blogger – you can get creative with your publicity
No substitutions! The box is full as is, and will be taped up and sent once a winner is chosen. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

subset: commoncrawl


text: North America In 'North America' North AmericaBirmingham and Chicago: Sister CitiesResearch and CollaborationFulbright and the University of Birmingham Back to 'Strategic global engagement' Sister Cities: Birmingham and ChicagoOur engagement with North America We are making significant investment to support academic engagement in North America. As part of our engagement we have developed a flourishing network of faculty-faculty relationships with leading academic institutions, generating research results and funding successes. Exciting educational opportunities have been established for students through new exchange partnerships, prestigious internships placements and collaborative teaching arrangements. Sister cities: Chicago and BirminghamBuilding on the twenty-year sister city relationship between Birmingham and Chicago, we have identified the greater Chicago region and Midwest as a specific regional focus for commitment. The Sister City relationship is based on a similar background and outlook.Explore our Sister City relationship Our strategic alliance with IllinoisWe have strengthened our links with North America by announcing the establishment of a strategic alliance with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, investing institutional resources in support of the partnership's expansion and sustenance.Our strategic alliance with Illinois The US Ambassador's visit to BirminghamThe University of Birmingham was honoured to welcome His Excellency Matthew W. Barzun, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to campus in early 2014 as part of a wider visit to the city of Birmingham.Find out more about the recent visit


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Advanced Search
Adaptive Learning | News
DreamBox Learning has launched a new middle school math curriculum for students in grades 6-8.
An extension of the company's curriculum for students in elementary and middle school, DreamBox Learning Math for Middle School is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and features more than 350 new lessons.
"Based on analysis of the student's demonstrated understanding and learning, DreamBox Learning adapts content, pace and sequence to provide a learning pathway and appropriate support," according to a news release.
The self-paced program features continuous embedded assessments and can be used as a supplement to existing curriculum. Topics covered include basic functions, geometry, ratios and single-variable equations.
"In middle school, we see students express a growing need for independence and the desire to take more control over their learning. With DreamBox Learning Math, our teachers can quickly establish an understanding of a student's ability and ensure there's a tailored instructional program in place that is appropriate for that particular student," said mSchool Founder Elliot Sanchez, in a prepared statement.. "This student-directed approach allows students to focus on their zone of proximal development."
DreamBox Learning Math for Middle School is currently available for deployment before the 2014-2015 school year. More information is available at dreambox.com.
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Find out why over 900 educators in 48 states say they could be better equipped for emergencies – and what stands in their way. Plus, learn how your school can improve safety, emergency preparedness and everyday efficiency in this just-released report. Download the results and see how your school communications compare.
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more melting heart by scottchurchWatch
©2010-2016 scottchurch
yesterday's job
Oh my goodness she's so cuuuuuuuute!
*finds a bucket and starts mopping up my melted heart*
*finds a bucket and starts mopping up my melted heart*
great light !!!
Cute scene of a baby walking, his face expression is simple.
Great capture. I'm always amazed at photographers ability to capture a moment in time and preserve it forever. Capturing a posed model or a scenic vista is great, but seeing that instant, that single slice of time and making it eternal (or close to it, anyways) is god-like sometimes, it seems to me.
Awww so cute. I want one.
cute little one


text: If you think Walgreens is expensive, look at CVS. It is selling for over 75x earnings. I think that walgreens at 36 andchange is fairly valued based on current earnings and the premium that has been built in the stock price. Let's face it, thefundmamentals for both companies are good. Increase in rx drugs, great merchandising etc. The big question is who will win the battlebetween CVS and WAG. I would not bet against WAG. They are well managed and have no debt. Their expansion is financed by internalgrowth and earnings. This in my opinion is overlooked by alot of people. Walgreens is on a fast track to expand into new markets.CVS is buying Arbor and trying to grow through acquisition. I think WAG has the edge. New RX markets, a brand name like Coke anda great future ahead of them. They are also setting the trend on 3rd party insurance prescription reimbursements. They willre-negotiate rx contracts and will begin to dictate, to some extent, what they take and don't take as insurance plans. This is a longterm growth stock, big gains will come to those who buy on dips and hold through thick and thin. CVS will be no match


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BATES MOTEL Renewed for Two More Seasons, THE RETURNED Cancelled
June 15, 2015
Will that then be the end for Norma and Norman?
'X-Men: Apocalypse': Evan Peters on Topping the Quicksilver Sequence, Magneto, and More
No 'Deadpool' Director's Cut Coming
Over 60 Images of 'Batman v Superman' and 'Captain America: Civil War' Lego Sets at…
'Deadpool' Takes in Giant $47.5 Million at Friday Box Office
Best Movies to Watch on Valentine's Day
Will that then be the end for Norma and Norman?
"There are many examples of repressive societies where people have to adopt elaborate strategies to survive and that just felt like really dramatic territory, if we could put that in a contemporary American context."
Three seasons in to 'Bates Motel,' and Vera Farmiga continues to give one of television's most dynamic and hypnotic performances.
At WonderCon, the showrunners of 'Community', 'The Goldbergs', 'Orphan Black', 'Gravity Falls', 'Salem', 'Bates Motel', and 'American Odyssey' discuss social media, working with networks, and their take on "remake fever".
The two discuss the difficulty in keeping the relationship between Norman and Norma fresh, the show's 5-season endgame, why Season 3 will leave the audience "open-mouthed and panting," and more.
She talks about her character, working with Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga, and whether or not she's a 'Psycho' fan.
Your Mondays are about to get a whole lot creepier thanks to the return of 'Bates Motel' and the series premiere of 'The Returned.'
It's open season at the Bates Motel, as Norman begins to more clearly fulfill his psychotic destiny.
Psycho killer, qu'est-ce que c'est?
The creepy factor in Norman and Norma's relationship reaches new heights of horror.


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1750 Jackson StreetSuite 243Barnwell, SC 29812ph: 803.259.7446fax: firstname.lastname@example.com
Barnwell County
South Carolina
The best of both worlds - that is Barnwell County. Barnwell is comprised of a strong manufacturing and industrial base that is balanced by agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Barnwell County is a compact 553 square miles which contains seven incorporated municipalities.
The Chamber's motto, "Working Together Works", is visable throughout the community. It is our goal to promote our region and to provide ongoing support of area businesses and industries.
Fall Events
Saturday, October 10th
10 am - 1 pm
6th Annual Touch A Truck
Fire Safty Fun Day
Every Tuesday & Saturday through October 10
City of Barnwell
Farmers Market
We want to get the word out about our members' events. Contact the Chamber of Commerce today to see how we can help!
For more details on these events see our Upcoming Events
Copyright 2009 Barnwell County Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
Web Hosting by Yahoo!


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October 11th, 2011 by claremont
A big hello to all those brides and grooms we met at the Charmandean Wedding … Read the rest
October 3rd, 2011 by claremont
Well yesterday was a true scorcher down here in Brighton & Hove. The sea was … Read the rest
August 23rd, 2011 by claremont
If you're thinking of coming down to Brighton and Hove, why not come down … Read the rest
April 18th, 2011 by claremont
We're offering two special 4 night deals as from Easter Monday. Ideal timing for a … Read the rest


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By Francis Tsai. This is a highly practical guide for budding artists who want to create their own extreme sci-fi worlds. Core elements of sci-fi art are taught through ingenious exercises and eleven detailed step by step projects. Subjects covered include aliens, robots, space ships, weapons, space stations and strange planets. It contains instruction suitable for beginners and more advanced artists, and is accompanied by an awesome gallery of the author's work.
More Ways To Shop
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Let Us Help You
Contact Jerry's Artarama


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If you appreciate MMA Digest, you can drop a tip or gift and pick up some Good Karma here: http://tinyurl.com/7ff33x7
If you want to promote/advertise your product, email [email protected]watch video >>
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson tells Inside MMA correspondent Ron Kruck Why he is done with the UFC, what was his breaking point with the organization, and what his next move may be. watch video >>
Get all the latest in MMA at http://MMAWeekly.com - 'Shogun' Rua is prepping to lock horns with Dan Henderson on Nov. 19, but after 'Rampage' called him out, the former light heavyweight champ had so watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant went to the world famous Kings MMA in Huntington Beach to catch up with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and hear what he had to say about his upco watch video >>
UFC light heavyweight Shogun Rua training boxing at Kings MMA with Rafael Cordeiro. He's expected to fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 190 in Brazil. Follow: https://instagram.com/kings_mma watch video >>
in this mma interview Quinton "Rampage" Jackson talks his feb 28th fight, says half the reason why he joined was to fight King Mo and that Bellator is getting more ratings than the UFC. For more Bo watch video >>
After his company debut and first knockout victory in five years at Bellator MMA 108, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson conducted a media scrum where he answered questions about his comeback fight against Jo watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you the UFC Fight Night: Mauricio "Shogun" Rua vs Chael P. Sonnen post fight press conference LIVE from the TD Garden in Boston, MA. Be sure to visit http://www.MMAHEAT.com for m watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's complete UFC Fight Night open workout from the Boston Garden, which took place three days before his fight against Chael Sonnen. UFC Fight Night is se watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant spends a few minutes with UFC Fight Night headliner Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and hears his thoughts on fighting Chael Sonnen. Shogun talks about having Renato "Babalu" Sobral watch video >>
http://www.MMAWeekly.com/ -- Quinton Rampage Jackson recently signed a multi-faceted, mluti-year deal with Bellator MMA, TNA's Impact Wrestling, and Spike TV. The deal will see Rampage return to MMA, watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T.'s Karyn Bryant sits down with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and hears what he has to say about his fight with Glover Teixeira, which took place at the UFC watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's UFC on FOX 5 open media workout, which took place at the Hyatt in Seattle, Washington, three days before his fight with Sweden's Alexander Gustafsson. watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you the face-offs between Mauricio "Shogun" Rua / Brandon Vera and Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida / Ryan Bader, which took place immediately following the UFC on FOX 4 pre-fight press watch video >>
MMA H.E.A.T. brings you Mauricio "Shogun" Rua's open workout in advance of his main event fight with Brandon Vera at UFC on FOX 4, set to take place August 4th in Los Angeles, CA. Be sure to visit watch video >>


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Laces - Stock by MariaAmandaWatch
©2013-2016 MariaAmanda
OMG .. Those eyes
You look absolutely beautiful as always! Love the lace around the eyes! It created a unique effect. So pretty!
C'est divin...
Beautiful as always!
Wow, you are beautiful!!!! Your face reaches perfection!!!
this photo is retouched? or u have a awesome skin?
Wonderful, i love it
I like the lacy eyepieces you wore. From the thumbnails they seemed like tattoos. How did you make them?
une photo magnifique! C' est une des + belles de mes favoris
Those lips! My goodness, you're gorgeous!!
How is the lace stuck on?
It's like a sticker, but for the face. It's very easy to apply and remove, and you can use it again.
wow stunning!!
wow so perfect
I really like this one. Awesome and elegant.
You have Beautiful eyes
So hypnotizing
So hypnotizing
Wow! This is so amazing! :3
Your eyes *-*
That's just magic
you are incredible my dear!!
very cool! thought this was a digital portrait art first ha
woaw wonderful maria you looks like butterfly
Your eyes are so beautiful
Breathtakingly beautiful
Great Images Thanks you !!!! :0


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Step 1
Notify Disability Services as early as possible of the need for accommodations (at least two weeks in advance, sometimes longer depending on the type of accommodation needed). For all disability-related accommodations, including academic accommodations and housing, contact Laura Kcira-Barry, disability services coordinator, at (401) 341-3150 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Step 2
Provide relevant and current documentation of the disability. Documentation must provide clear and specific information about the nature of the disability for which accommodations are being requested, as well as information about its current limiting impact on learning or other major life activities within the University's living and learning environment.
Documentation most often refers to the student's most recent psycho-educational, medical, psychiatric or other evaluation or assessment, and reflects the student's learning and functioning (including the nature and extent of the impact of the disability) at the time of entrance to Salve Regina. Other types of documentation such as self-reporting, copies of IEPs or 504 plans or older assessments, in combination with other more recent types of information/third party assessments or observations, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Temporary accommodations will be provided if the student needs additional time to provide disability documentation and the need for accommodation or academic adjustments is deemed likely by the disability service provider on the basis of the information provided.
Mail or fax documentation to:
Disability Services c/o Academic Center for Excellence
100 Ochre Point Ave.
Newport, RI 02840
Fax: (401) 341-2912
Step 3
Consult with the disability services coordinator in person during the first two weeks of the semester to determine reasonable accommodations and discuss the process for their implementation. Complete relevant forms and receive letters of accommodation for professors. The office is in McKillop Library, Room 208.
Step 4
Meet with each professor to provide the letters of accommodation and to discuss how accommodations will be implemented in the context of each course. This discussion is vital to process, as the way accommodations play out within the context of each course will vary.
Step 5
Throughout the semester, consult with the disability services coordinator as needed to adjust accommodations and/or rectify problems. It is the student's responsibility to notify the coordinator of any concerns about accommodations and their implementation.
Step 6
Meet with the disability services coordinator at the start of each semester for which accommodations are needed to review disability needs and receive new accommodation letters for professors.
Important Principles
- Disability accommodations operate differently in college than in secondary education. Accommodations in college are determined by the university disability service provider, and are based on information in the documentation provided as understood within the context of the university setting. These accommodations may sometimes be different than those a student may have received in high school.
- Students are responsible for requesting accommodations and making all arrangements with Disability Services and their professors. Students must make their request for accommodations at least two weeks before they are needed (sometimes longer). Accommodations do not apply to events, assignments, grades or activities (such as exams) that have already taken place. Therefore, it is important for students to arrange accommodations before they are needed. Accommodations not requested in the timeframe and manner outlined by the University cannot be guaranteed.
- Temporary accommodations will not extend beyond one semester. Documentation not received by the end of the semester for which temporary accommodations were provided will not be renewed.
- Accommodations are designed to provide equal access and should not be viewed as a guarantor of academic success. In addition, accommodations that would necessitate a fundamental alteration of an essential course or program requirement, as determined by the university as a whole or by an individual professor or program, will not be deemed "reasonable" and will not be permitted. This includes policies on course waivers and/or substitutions.


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Catwoman 1887 by MichaelDooneyWatch
©2012-2016 MichaelDooney
Another commission for the upcoming MegaCon show in my 1887 theme. Ink, gray copic markers and white painted details.
I really want to cosplay this. This is awesome!
fabulous! i would love to have a print of this!
Would you be happy if someone actually makes this a tattoo and carves to his skin forever?
Awesome work¡¡¡
Meoowwww all mine as always a knock out Michael
I wanna get this as a tattoo!
MeeYOW! Awesome work Mike!
absolutely awesome! what a great concept! it's exactly what the superhero life would've looked like in the 1800s
absoloutley gorgeous!
This is beautiful!
Please tell me we're going to get to see some of the men in your 1887 theme! These are really fantastic.
these have all been done as commissions, so I guess we'll have to see if somebody asks
Uhhh sexy!! Thats really good. I love it and her look~
her face is really nice
her face is really nice
I love the fancy hair, right up Selina's alley
Very interesting doing !!
This vision of Catwoman's extra : old-vintage can be cool....
This vision of Catwoman's extra : old-vintage can be cool....
Awesome artwork
very nice!
I wish you luck( but with such an amazing work you wont even need it)
Love it
Awesome concept.
Just amazing!
wonderful series... awesome concept!
We have a WINNER


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Best Wine Selection In A Restaurant (1999)
Smith & Wollensky
Bad news for wine-loving vegetarians. Most of Miami's best wine lists are in restaurants that cater to carnivores. This year's best is no exception. It's the popular and pricey New York import Smith & Wollensky. They've got some 350 very drinkable choices, and a mind-blowing inventory of more than 14,000 bottles. Out of necessity the neatly stacked bottles make up the primary décor of the restaurant. They are everywhere: in a second-floor cellar, in bins behind the bar, lined up on tables in the dining room, even mounted on the walls. Most important, the stuff that pours forth makes for a superb glass of wine. "We don't even consider a Bordeaux or cabernet unless they have at least four years in the bottle," says wine director Danny Thames, whose careful selections also go well with the exceptional aged beef, the restaurant's claim to fame. Be sure that you'll pay for it. Only about two dozen fall below $40.
Location Details
1 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach FL 33139
Miami Beach FL 33139
More Food & Drink Awards
Best Black Bean SoupTaco Rico Tex Mex Café
Best PizzaSpris
Best BagelsBagels & Co.
Best French FriesOasis Café


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We always display our lowest prices. As soon as an item ships, we email your tracking number to you. Take advantage of our good natured program and get free shipping when you buy BMW L7 O2 Sensor parts from us $75 at a time. If you ever have a problem with your order, we will do our best to correct the problem. Our customer service is second to none in the auto parts industry. We ship our BMW L7 O2 Sensor parts from many different warehouses from all across the USA. Every BMW L7 O2 Sensor parts has been discounted to wholesale or lower to give you the best deal possible. Please feel free to email our customer service department with any questions or comments you may have about your BMW L7 O2 Sensor parts order.
Randy S. - Chandler, AZ: I just wanted to thank you guys for providing the pricing on parts that you do. I called two parts yards and could not get a better price on used parts. I will definitely continue to be a customer! Thanks for your time.


text:
Hi there!
Has anyone had experience with IVF that has NOT had problems getting pregnant based on their own bodies? As in: Male Factor Infertility?
My husband has produced two great kids who are now adults (he had a Vasectomy). I've never even tried to be pregnant, haha. So - I'm thinking that my age (29) and the fact that, as far as we can tell, he has functioning sperm that are just "trapped", it might make our IVF more likely oto be successful? I'm hoping so, anyhow.
Has anybody had this experience? Healthy female, and a "healthy" male who just can't get those little guys out due to surgical procedure? How many IVF/ICSI cycles did it take?


text:
Mumsnetters aren't necessarily qualified to help if your child is unwell. If you have any serious medical concerns, we would urge you to consult your GP.
mild nausea for a week. To the doctor or not?(6 Posts)
KerryKetosis Wed 06-Feb-13 19:41:29
brettgirl2 Wed 06-Feb-13 19:36:34
KerryKetosis Wed 06-Feb-13 19:17:26
BeaWheesht Wed 06-Feb-13 18:51:59
KerryKetosis Wed 06-Feb-13 18:47:47
KerryKetosis Wed 06-Feb-13 16:08:57
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Worth Playing: 04/04/2014
Nothing goes together like Metal Gear and a video game adaptation of the movie My Girl.
Bombin' the A.M. With Scoops and the Wolf: 03/31/2014
We have a lengthy chat about the tone of Ground Zeroes, Burial at Sea, inFamous 2, John Carmack using blogs, and more.
Metal Gear Solid 4 Review
Brad shares why you're never too old to roll into people's knees.
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Daniel Dae Kim, HTY Bring "Hold These Truths" to Hawaii
You may not know his name, but Gordon Hirabayashi's story is one you'll remember. Hawaii 5-0's Daniel Dae Kim is working on a very special project with Honolulu Theatre for Youth. HPR's Molly Solomon caught up with the actor and has this report.
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Are you Shin Yoshida?Claim your profile
Publications (11)14.73 Total impact
Article: UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1*28 Polymorphism-directed Phase II Study of Irinotecan with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Aim: We performed a phase II study of irinotecan with 5'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5'-DFUR) for metastatic colorectal cancer based on UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 polymorphism. A total of 28 patients were enrolled. The dose of irinotecan was 150 mg/m(2) for patients with the *1/*1 wild-type genotype, and 70 mg/m(2) for those with the *1/*28 mutated genotype. The primary end-point was the response rate (RR); secondary end-points were safety, time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS). In 28 patients total, genotype was wild-type in 22 and mutated in six. The RR was *1/*1 (22.7%; wild-type) vs. *1/*28 (16.7%; mutated); the median TTF was 5 months vs. 4.5 months, and the median OS was 13 months vs. 17.5 months, respectively. None of these differences were significant. Toxicities of grade 3 or higher were neutropenia (9.0% vs. 0%, respectively) and diarrhea (13.6% vs. 0%, respectively). This genotype-oriented therapy was effective and safe, and thus appears useful for patients who have complications or advanced age.
Article: Overexpression of the RD RNA binding protein in hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often exhibits a poor prognosis due to metastatic spread caused by portal vein invasion (PVI). In the present study, we attempted to identify a novel therapeutic target related to PVI of HCC. Based on pooled genomic data, we identified RD RNA binding protein (RDBP), a member of the negative elongation factor (NELF) transcription elongation regulatory complex, to be preferentially overexpressed in HCC with PVI. We used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immuno-histochemical analyses to investigate the relationship between RDBP mRNA and protein with metastatic potential in sample sets of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC and corresponding non-HCC liver tissues. We also used the small interfering RNA technique to examine the role of RDBP in invasion and proliferation of HCC cells in vitro. Our data showed that both mRNA and protein levels of RDBP were significantly higher in HCC compared to non-HCC liver tissue, and that these levels were also significantly higher in HCC with PVI compared to HCC without PVI. Multivariate analysis revealed that RDBP protein levels were an independent risk factor for early intrahepatic recurrence of HCC within 2 years of surgery. Knockdown of RDBP protein significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of cells in vitro. These data demonstrate that RDBP is related to the metastatic potential of HCC, suggesting a possible candidate for prevention of HCC cell metastasis.
Article: Immunoregulatory effects of PSK on the Th1/Th2 balance and regulatory T-cells in patients with colorectal cancer[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: It is very important for immunotherapy to release Th2-dominated and Treg-dominated immunological conditions in patients with malignant diseases. In the present study, we assessed the population of CD4+IL-10+T-cells and CD4+Foxp3+T-cells in peripheral blood in patients with colorectal cancer using a flow cytometric analysis, and we investigated whether Th2-dominated and Treg-dominated condition could be modulated by PSK. Peripheral blood samples were collected preoperatively from 40 patients with colorectal cancer before and after oral administration of PSK (3 g/day × 1 week). After PSK treatment, CD4+IL-10+T-cell percentages decreased in 63% of patients and CD4+Foxp3+T-cells percentages decreased in 63% of patients. However, no correlation was found between the ratio of CD4+IL-10+T-cell percentages and that of CD4+Foxp3+T-cell percentages after/before PSK treatment. These results suggest that PSK could release Th2-dominated and Treg-dominated immunological condition in patients with colorectal cancer. Further examinations are needed to investigate the after/before percentage ratio of CD4+Foxp3+T-cells can be useful predicting parameters for the selection of responders of PSK.
Article: Clinical evaluation of the combination treatment of intrapleural or intraperitoneal administration of lentinan and OK-432 for malignant effusion[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The combination treatment of non-specific immunomodulator Lentinan (LNT) and OK-432 is effective for controlling Th1/Th2 balance and inducing Th1 dominant status in cancer patients. According to this rationale, we tried an administration of LNT and OK-432 in the pleural or peritoneal cavity for patients with malignant effusion. In all 21 lesions of the 20 cases, 10 revealed a complete disappearance and 7 revealed diminution of the effusion. The efficacy of this treatment is 81%. All patients developed a clinical efficacy in 1 to 3 courses of this treatment, and 9 lesions developed clinical efficacy in only 1 course. None of patients developed toxic symptoms LNT, and 10 developed a low grade fever by OK-432. The combination of LNT and OK-432 is effective and for QOL conserving loco-regional treatment.
Article: Phase I, study of irinotecan and doxifluridine for metastatic colorectal cancer focusing on the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: (Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 722–727) Although individuals carrying the UGT1A1 allele *28 have an increased risk of severe toxicities associated with irinotecan, no phase I study has been conducted based on the polymorphism. This report presents the recommended doses of irinotecan for patients with the respective genotypes. Twenty-seven patients with advanced colorectal cancer were enrolled in this study, and the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was genotyped before chemotherapy. One course of chemotherapy consisted of irinotecan infused once every 2 weeks at 70, 100, 120, and 150 mg/m2 at dose levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and doxifluridine was administered orally. This treatment continued for at least 12 weeks. The dose-limiting toxicity was determined as grade 3 hematological and non-hematological toxicities for the TA6/TA6 (6/6) and TA6/TA7 (6/7) genotypes. The pharmacokinetics of irinotecan, SN-38, and SN-38 glucuronide, was assessed at dose level 2. Eighteen and nine patients had the 6/6 and 6/7 genotypes, respectively. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not observed up to dose level 4 in patients with the 6/6 genotype. In contrast, MTD was observed at dose level 2 (100 mg/m2) in patients with the 6/7 genotype. Patients with the 6/7 genotype had a significantly higher area under the plasma time–concentration curve 0-∞ SN-38 (P = 0.022) and biliary index (P = 0.030) than those with 6/6. The recommended starting doses of biweekly irinotecan for phase II/III were 150 mg/m2 for patients with the UGT1A1 6/6 genotype and 70 mg/m2 for those with the 6/7 genotype, respectively. The gene polymorphism should be considered when determining the precise recommended doses to be administered in phase I studies.
Article: [A case of ascending colon cancer successfully treated for synchronous liver metastases with mFOLFOX6 after a resection of the primary tumor].[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We report a case of ascending colon cancer successfully treated for synchronous liver metastases with mFOLFOX6 after a resection of the primary tumor. A 79-year-old woman was diagnosed as having an ascending colon cancer with synchronous liver metastases. After right hemicolectomy, she was treated with mFOLFOX6. A partial response was observed after the fifth course and CEA decreased to a normal range (8 ng/mL). A complete response was observed after the ninth course and the treatment finished at the twelfth course. Sequentially, she was treated with UFT/LV/PSK after three courses of FOLFIRI regimen. The patient is alive without recurrence.
Article: Increased Prevalence of Regulatory T-Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Although recent studies have shown that FoxP3 represent the most specific Treg marker only a few studies have reported on the presence of FoxP3(+)Treg in peripheral blood. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were harvested from 37 healthy volunteers and 94 patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The prevalence of Treg co-expressing CD4(+)FoxP3(+) was analyzed using flow cytometry. The prevalence of Treg in the peripheral blood of gastrointestinal cancer patients was significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers (p=0.012). In early stage I cancer, Treg levels tended to be higher than those in healthy volunteers (p=0.069); these levels were significantly reduced after tumor resection (p=0.0027). The prevalence of Treg was increased in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, even in the early stages of the disease. Since Treg levels decreased after curative resection, it is possible that tumor cells may have induced and expanded the Treg pool.
Article: Improvement of early delayed gastric emptying in patients with Billroth I type of reconstruction after pylorus preserving pancreatoduodenectomy[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Early delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is the most common complication after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PpPD). Recently, a vertical antecolic reconstruction for duodenojejunostomy was recommended to decrease the incidence of early DGE in patients with Billroth II-type reconstruction after PpPD. However, Billroth I-type reconstruction (B-I) after PpPD is still favored in Japan. Twelve consecutive patients with B-I were prospectively enrolled. Our technique includes an end-to-side duodenojejunostomy and alignment of the stomach contours with fixation of the greater omentum to the abdominal wall in order to promote passage from the stomach through the jejunal loop. DGE was evaluated according to the consensus definition of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). DGE was absent, with the nasogastric tube removed within 3 days in all patients. Mean duration of nasogastric tube placement was 1.5 +/- 0.4 days. Mean maximum suction volume was 85 +/- 32 ml/day. Preliminary results were encouraging simply with relief of the outflow disturbance around the duodenojejunostomy in patients with B-I after PpPD. These findings warrant further prospective randomized trials at either multiple or high-volume centers.
Article: Concomitant Overexpression of Heat-shock Protein 70 and HLA Class-I in Hepatitis C Virus-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is reportedly frequently reduced in cancer. We examined heat-shock protein (HSP) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV-related HCC was examined in 73 patients who had undergone hepatectomy, and the relationship between HSP70 and HLA class I expressions, clinicopathological factors and survival was evaluated. Immunohistochemically positive results for HSP70 and HLA class I were seen in 67 (92%) and 43 cases (59%), respectively, while 38 patients (52%) were positive for both. Increased HSP70 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with high histological grade of tumor differentiation (p = 0.0179), whereas reduced HLA class I immunoreactivity was significantly associated with large tumor size (p = 0.0082). No differences were apparent between disease-free and overall survival in regard to expression levels. These results suggest that HSP70 expression may be related to tumor differentiation and HLA class I loss may occur with tumor growth in HCV-related HCC.
Article: Adoptive immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer using MUC1 peptide-pulsed dendritic cells and activated T lymphocytes[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis. The clinical efficacy of immunotherapy using both dendritic cells pulsed with MUC1 peptide (MUC1-DC) and, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) sensitized with a pancreatic cancer, YPK-1, expressing MUC1 (MUC1-CTL) was evaluated. Twenty patients with unresectable or recurrent pancreatic cancer were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated into adherent cells for induction of MUC1-DCs and floating cells for MUC1-CTLs. MUC1-DCs were generated by culture with granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and then exposed to MUC1 peptide and TNF-alpha. MUC1-CTLs were induced by co-culture with YPK-1 and then with interleukin-2 (IL-2). MUC1-DCs were injected intradermally and MUC1-CTLs were given intravenously. Patients were treated from 2 to 15 times. One patient with multiple lung metastases experienced a complete response. Five patients had stable disease. The mean survival time was 9.8 months. No grade II-IV toxicity was observed. Adoptive immunotherapy with MUC1-DC and MUC1-CTL may be feasible and effective for pancreatic cancer.
Article: [Adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion after resection of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer].[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We examined retrospectively the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) chemotherapy comparing systemic treatment as adjuvant therapy after the curative resection of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer. Seventeen cases of HAI and 8 of the systemic treatment were enrolled in this study. We compared the pattern of recurrent sites and the overall survival rate between the two groups. There was no difference in a patients' background. Intrahepatic recurrence rate was lower and extrahepatic recurrence rate was higher in the HAI group, but not significant. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rate was 94, 72, and 49% in the HAI group and 100, 100, and 50% in the systemic treatment group (p = 0.29), respectively. HAI chemotherapy did not contribute to the elongation of survival time in comparison with systemic treatment. This study indicates that there is no efficacy of HAI alone after the resection of hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer and that there is need to use systemic chemotherapy together with HAI to prevent an extrahepatic recurrence.
Top Journals
Yamaguchi UniversityYamaguti, Yamaguchi, Japan


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At a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's Waste Site Cleanup Advisory Committee, MassDEP announced that it will soon begin the process of contacting owners of previously closed sites where the available data suggest that trichloroethylene (TCE) levels may be problematic. Back in June of 2014, MassDEP promulgated rules updating its standards to reflect the most recent USEPA toxicity values. MassDEP updated its imminent hazard standards for TCE exposure in indoor air and simultaneously updated its MCP Method 1 soil and groundwater standards and reportable concentrations… More
Category Archives: Massachusetts DEP
When Is A Discharge to Groundwater a Discharge to a Water of the United States?
The Clean Water Act regulates discharges of pollutants to waters of the United States. That term is not understood to include groundwater. The Sierra Club was unhappy about alleged discharges to groundwater from coal ash disposal facilities at the Chesapeake Energy Center power plant. The plant had a solid waste permit for the disposal facilities under Virginia law and, one can at least infer, was in compliance with the solid waste permit.
What's a creative environmental lawyer to do?
Allege that the groundwater… More
Perhaps Massive Purchases of Canadian Hydropower Would Not Be a Panacea
Governor Baker recently submitted Senate Bill No. 1965 to the Legislature. It calls for utilities to solicit long-term purchases of renewable energy. We are talking about as much as 1/3 of Massachusetts' annual electricity use over a 15-25 year period. Two rationales are often provided to justify the large purchase of Canadian hydropower. First, cheap hydropower will ameliorate the high cost of electricity. Second, it will help Massachusetts attain its initial Global Warming Solutions Act goal of reducing GHG emissions by 25% below 1990 levels by 2020. Sounds like a win-win. More
Stop the Presses: RGGI Works
When the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was first implemented, there were questions regarding how much of an impact it would actually have on GHG emissions. I recall Ian Bowles, then Secretary of Environmental Affairs in Massachusetts, saying that, while reductions would happen, the main purpose was to provide a template and to demonstrate that an emissions trading program could be implemented successfully.
Those doubts were only heightened when a combination of cheap gas and the Great Recession were understood to have caused low allowance prices in the RGGI auction. If… More
MassDEP Has A Lot of Discretion in Implementing the Global Warming Solutions Act
Unsatisfied with the pace of the administration's implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act, the Conservation Law Foundation sued the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, seeking a court order requiring MassDEP to:
promulgate regulations establishing a desired level of declining annual aggregate emissions limits for sources or categories of sources that emit greenhouse gas emissions.
The Court did not oblige. Earlier this spring, noting the vagueness of the requirements imposed on MassDEP by the GWSA and the discretion given to MassDEP,… More
The Stormwater Mess Continues in Massachusetts: CLF and CRWA Sue EPA
In February, we noted that the Conservation Law Foundation and the Charles River Watershed Association had threatened to sue EPA for failing to require that "commercial, industrial, institutional, and high density residential property dischargers of nutrient-polluted stormwater" obtain NPDES permits, and for failing to make a final determination on CLF's and CRWA's petition that EPA exercise its residual designation authority with respect to stormwater discharges in the Charles River Watershed.
If this was a case of "sue and settle", at… More
Here's Another Nice Mess: Executive Order 562 Claims Its First Victim
Last Friday, I posted about Governor Baker's Executive Order 562, which requires cost-benefit analysis, cost effectiveness analysis – and more – before state agencies can promulgate regulations. It took less than a week before it became clear that EO 562 has real teeth. Yesterday, MassDEP sent out a one-paragraph notice delaying hearings on its proposed Clean Energy Standard, citing EO 562 as the reason:
MassDEP is postponing the hearings and comment period on the proposed Clean Energy Standard rule until it has completed the reviews required under the recent Executive Order 562.
It will be interesting to see… More
There's Undoubtedly A New Sheriff in Town in Massachusetts
I have never agreed with those in the environmental community who are opposed to cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis. Cost-effectiveness analysis just seems a no-brainer to me. As to cost-benefit analysis, we do it implicitly every time we write a regulation, and I don't understand the unwillingness to do so explicitly.
All of which serves as burying the lede to Executive Order 562, issued by Governor Baker this week. The order applies to both existing regulations and those proposed or to be… More
MassDEP — A Voice of Reason in the Stormwater Permitting Debate
EPA has been working to craft a general permit for small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems for quite some time. The most recent draft permit, published last September, has received significant comment, most recently from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. While emphasizing cooperation and appreciate for EPA's efforts at collaboration, it is difficult to read MassDEP's comments as anything other than as a sign of significant concern about overreach by EPA.
What's the problem with the draft permit? Nothing that a modicum of attention to cost – and cost-effectiveness – couldn't solve. Indeed it's telling that MassDEP… More
Is a Clean Energy Standard Coming to Massachusetts? We'll See What the New Governor Thinks
Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection proposed to implement a "Clean Energy Standard," which would require that, by 2020, at least 45% of electricity sales come from sources which have "clean energy attributes." The required percentage would increase to 49% by 2024, and MassDEP would then have to define percentages going forward at least 10 years in advance, with the caveat that the required percentage can never decrease.
What energy sources would qualify as having clean energy attributes? The proposal includes two options.
All generation units that are RPS Class I renewable generation units Any generation unit… More
Not a Good Day For Cape Wind: NStar and National Grid Terminate the Power Purchase Agreements
According to today's Boston Globe, both NStar and National Grid have terminated their power purchase agreements with Cape Wind, citing the failure by Cape Wind to meet a December 31, 2014 deadline to obtain financing and begin construction. Cape Wind is asserting that the utilities may not validly terminate the PPAs, arguing that the protracted litigation against the project excuses Cape Wind's obligation to meet the December 31 date.
I'm not going to get into the merits of the contractual wrangling. I'm only going to note here that this development… More
MassDEP Releases Its Draft Vapor Intrusion Guidance
MassDEP has recently released for public comment draft Guidance on Vapor Intrusion. The proposed guidance would replace MassDEP's December 2011 Interim Final Vapor Intrusion Guidance, which saw minor revisions in the spring of 2013. The guidance has undergone a substantial revision, largely to make changes that correspond to the recent regulatory reforms to the Massachusetts Contingency Plan.
The guidance provides MassDEP's recommended technical and regulatory approaches to addressing the vapor intrusion pathway at sites contaminated with releases of… More
EOEEA Releases Draft Ocean Management Plan Update: Now with Fees
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) recently released for public review and comment a draft update to the Ocean Management Plan for the Commonwealth. The Oceans Act, signed by Governor Patrick in 2008, required the Secretary of EOEEA to develop a comprehensive ocean management plan to be reviewed every five years. The first plan was released in 2009, and the recently released update is a result of this five year review. The plan addresses the areas of habitat, fisheries, sediment resources, recreational and cultural services, transportation and navigation, and… More
CERCLA Preempts Local Cleanup Bylaws; PRPs Everywhere Breath a Sigh of Relief
In an important decision yesterday, Judge Douglas Woodlock of the District of Massachusetts confirmed that CERCLA preempts local cleanup bylaws. The case involved one aspect of the cleanup of the W.R. Grace Superfund Site in Acton, Massachusetts. In 2005, EPA issued a Record of Decision requiring operation of a groundwater pump and treat system in what is known as the Northeast Area of the Site. However, EPA recognized that the contamination in the area was limited and stated in the ROD that the treatment system might be turned off in three years if certain criteria were met. After three… More
I Thought Redeveloping Brownfields Was a Good Idea: Apparently the Boston Globe Hasn't Gotten the Message
In an article earlier this week, the Boston Globe reported on concerns that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is planning to weaken cleanup standards for hazardous waste sites in Massachusetts, seemingly in response to pressure from developers. The article is so wrong and the concerns are so misplaced that some response is necessary.
First, we expect MassDEP to regulate in the face of uncertainty. That means that MassDEP must set cleanup standards without perfect knowledge. As a result, most people – and certainly the environmentalists complaining about the regulatory changes – would expect MassDEP to err on the… More
RGGI: the Hot New Investment Tip?
In last week's auction held by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), not only did the allowances sell at $3 — the highest clearing price in four years, other than the June auction's $3.21 — but a majority of the allowances sold to investors, rather than the large generators of electricity whose carbon dioxide emissions are regulated under RGGI. Fifty-seven percent of the allowances were bought by commodities firms, traders, and other third parties, marking the first time in RGGI history that an auction garnered such interest and participation from these outside entities. By comparison, 81% of the allowances… More
Standing Matters, TMDL Version
Last week, in Conservation Law Foundation v. EPA, Judge Mark Wolf ruled that CLF did not have standing to challenge EPA's approval of total maximum daily loads promulgated for certain waters in and around Cape Cod. Given the increasing number of citizen suits involving TMDL promulgation, the decision is important.
CLF asserted two claims. First, it alleged that EPA wrongly classified certain sources, including septic systems, storm water systems, and waste water treatment facilities as non-point sources, rather than point sources. Second, it alleged that the TMDLs failed to take into account the need for additional stringency due to… More
MassDEP Proposes Amendments to CO2 Budget Trading Regs to Implement RGGI Program Changes
On Friday, MassDEP released for public review and comment draft amendments to the CO2 Budget Trading Program regulations. These amendments are designed to implement the changes to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) agreed to by the RGGI states earlier this year as part of the 2012 Program Review.
As Seth previously discussed, the major change is a new cap that reduces the baseline budget of allowances for 2014 by 45%, with additional 2.5% reductions in the years 2015 through 2020. The reduction… More
I Believe in Environmental Regulation, But….
As readers of this blog know, I believe in governmental environmental regulation. We have a complicated world and it is not surprising that many activities, including those generating greenhouse gases, cause negative externalities. At the same time, however, I have spent more than 25 years representing regulated entities in negotiations with government regulators and it is impossible to do such work without obtaining an appreciation for the very significant costs that bureaucracies impose.
With all due respect – cue the upcoming diss – to my many friends in government, the absence of market discipline or the ability to fire nonpolitical… More
Massachusetts Releases Its Revised Solid Waste Master Plan: Are We Really on a Pathway to Zero Waste?
On Tuesday, MassDEP announced release of its updated Solid Waste Master Plan, subtitled "Pathway to Zero Waste." The Plan's most significant discussion relates to the state of the solid waste market and the Plan's goal for disposal reduction. The Plan announces a goal of reducing solid waste disposal by 30% from 2008 to 2020, from 6,550,000 tons to 4,550,000 tons. However, the Plan acknowledges that, even if that ambitious goal is met, there will still be a shortfall of 700,000 tons in solid waste handling capacity in Massachusetts.
This is where the Plan's controversial modification of the existing… More
When is a Park not a Park? The SJC Declines to Give Broad Interpretation to Article 97
Earlier this month, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued its decision in Mahajan v. DEP, holding that the Boston Redevelopment Authority's (BRA) proposed redevelopment of Long Wharf in Boston is not subject to Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Among other things, Article 97 protects park lands from being disposed of or used for other purposes, absent a supermajority vote from both branches of the Legislature.
This was an important win for the BRA, because the SJC reviewed the BRA's powers of eminent domain, and affirmed that those and other legal tools "enable the BRA to guide private… More
MassDEP Regulatory Reform Release 2.0: Wetlands, Water, and Waterways
In addition to its MCP package, MassDEP has also released its formal regulatory reform proposals for its water, wastewater, wetlands, and waterways programs. As with the MCP proposal, the water package took longer than it should have, and may not be perfect, but is definitely worth the wait. MassDEP has provided two separate helpful summaries of the changes, one concerning wastewater issues and the other concerning wetlands, waterways and water quality.
On the wastewater front, the most significant change is the complete elimination of sewer extension/connection permits. MassDEP has acknowledged that those permits are purely redundant… More
MassDEP Formally Proposes MCP Reforms: It's About Time? Job Well Done? Definitely Both.
On Friday, MassDEP issued the formal public comment draft of its package of regulatory reforms under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan. Overall, it's certainly a good package, which will facilitate getting to an endpoint with reduced transaction costs, but no decrease in environmental protection. It's not perfect (and you have until May 17, 2013 to provide comments to help make it more perfect), and it took far too long, but congratulations are still due to MassDEP.
MassDEP's summary organizes the proposed changes into five broad categories. Highlights in each area include the following:
Permit, Tier Classification, and Numerical… More
MassDEP Tightens TCE Indoor Air Regulation: The $64,000 Question? What About Closed Sites?
Last week, MassDEP released new guidance on how it is assessing exposures to TCE in light of EPA new assessment of TCE risks released in September 2011. The biggest issue is that concerns about fetal exposure have caused MassDEP to tighten the imminent hazard threshold for indoor air exposures to 2 ug/m3. That's an order of magnitude reduction from the prior standard of 20 ug/m3.
MassDEP has apparently thus far taken the position that it is not planning on reopening closed sites based on the new IH criterion. However, they are going to be under a lot of pressure… More
MassDEP Begins to Roll Out Its Regulatory Reforms: Good News on the Solid Waste Front
As I've previously discussed, MassDEP has been embarked on an effort – prompted by shrinking budgetary resources – to promulgate a package of regulatory reforms. While the package was announced in March 2012 and updated last October, we only saw the first set of actual proposed regulations last week, when MassDEP announced changes to both its asbestos regulations and its solid waste regulations. This post will focus on the solid waste package.
On initial review, it's a good package. It's not a panacea, but was never intended as such, and it certainly contains a… More
MassDEP Issues a New Solid Waste Master Plan: A Difficult Road to Achieve Some Ambitious Goals
Late last week, MassDEP announced release of the 2010-2020 Solid Waste Master Plan, subtitled "Pathway to Zero Waste." James Collins might describe that as a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. I have nothing against Big Hairy Audacious Goals, but sometimes they are implemented through Big Hairy Audacious Regulations. Time will tell if that's the case here.
The Master Plan goals are to reduce solid waste by 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 – not quite zero waste, but… More
MassDEP Issues Final Rules for Anaerobic Digestion Facilities: Let's Hope They Work
This week, MassDEP announced that it had finalized regulatory revisions intended to encourage anaerobic digestion projects in the Commonwealth. The regulations are the culmination of a long stakeholder process . Since our firm knows from personal experience MassDEP's ability to tie itself in knots on this issue, there is little doubt that this package was necessary as a practical matter.
Highlights of the regulations include:
An exemption from the site assignment process for anaerobic (and aerobic) digestion operations A general permit for digestion operations receiving no more than 100 tons per day (30 day rolling average) – That's up from a 60 tpd limit… More
Accidental Success? Even Without National Climate Policy, US Emissions May Fall Enough To Avoid Failure
In 2009, at the international climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, President Obama pledged that the US would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. Since then, national efforts toward comprehensive climate legislation, or even making concrete strides to intentionally reduce emissions on a national scale have been, let's say… lackluster. But even so, a recent report by Resources for the Future predicts that the US will hit 16.3% reductions over a 2005 baseline by 2020. Moreover, because the report is intentionally conservative, and downplays the future impacts of investments in efficiency and other reductions in demand, the 17% goal… More
MassDEP Issues Its Decision on the Palmer Bio-mass Facility: Right on the Merits, Wrong on Standing
I finally had an opportunity to review the recent Final Decision in In the Matter of Palmer Renewable Energy, concerning the proposed Palmer biomass facility. Last week, MassDEP Commissioner Ken Kimmell affirmed the Recommended Final Decision by Presiding Officer Timothy Jones, rejecting challenges by the Conservation Law Foundation to the air permit issued to the project by MassDEP. For practitioners, the case is important, but a decidedly mixed bag.
First, on the issue of broadest importance, I'm sorry to say that MassDEP missed a real opportunity to conform its standing requirements to the actual meaning of Chapter 30A. Instead,… More
Repeat After Me: There Ain't No Such Thing as a Free Lunch
Yesterday, the Boston Globe reported that MassDEP is considering promulgating new regulations to manage noise from on-shore wind turbines. I sympathize with my friends at MassDEP, who are trying to implement a clean energy agenda and ensure that Massachusetts meets the aggressive carbon reduction targets in the Global Warming Solutions Act. This is no easy task in a home rule state that would have a fighting chance to win any national NIMBY championship competition.
I hope against hope that the Department can take some action that will not unduly obstruct construction of wind projects, but that will, if not… More
Massachusetts' Climate Change Efforts: Nation-Leading, But Still Not Good Enough?
Massachusetts was one of the first states to launch an ambitious greenhouse gas reduction program, setting a 2020 goal of cutting emissions 25% from 1990 levels and a 2050 goal of an 80% reduction. With less than eight years to go before 2020, is the Commonwealth on track to measure up? According to a report released this week by think tank MassINC and the Clean Energy States Alliance, maybe not.
The report concludes that, although Massachusetts has implemented many effective programs — notably the renewable portfolio standard, energy efficiency programs, and Green Communities program, all of which… More
A Few Small Steps For Regulatory Reform In Massachusetts: MassDEP Releases Its Final Action Plan
Yesterday, MassDEP released its Final Action Plan for Regulatory Reform. It pretty consistent with the draft package I summarized last October. There is some good stuff in the package, but it really is baby steps. MassDEP's own ground rules precluded the adoption of any changes that could not be described as Pareto improvements– If any stakeholder would be made worse off, it just wasn't going to happen. Thus, MassDEP imposed the following limitations to ensure that the changes would not:
Cost MassDEP money Impose burdens on municipalities Reduce public process Require statutory… More
Is Massachusetts the NIMBY Capital of the World? What Will Be the Impact of the Wind Turbine Health Impact Study?
Yesterday, the "Independent Expert Panel" convened by MassDEP to review whether wind turbines cause any adverse health effects issued its report. I was pleased that the headline in the Boston Globe was that "Wind turbines don't cause health problems." Similarly, the Daily Environment Report headline was that "Massachusetts Study Finds 'No Evidence' of Health Impacts from Wind Turbines."
I hope that that's the way the report will be read, but I'm worried. Perhaps I just have too many NIMBY-related scars. Whatever the reason, I am worried about the report's statements that there
is limited epidemiologic evidence suggesting an association between exposure… More
MassDEP Issues Vapor Intrusion Guidance: Don't Worry; It's Only Guidance
Last week, MassDEP finally issued its long-awaited vapor intrusion guidance. Including appendices, it is 148 pages. There is a separate 52-page response to comments on the draft guidance. MassDEP has certainly learned that guidance must at least be described as guidance. The disclaimer runs a full page, and includes the following text:
MassDEP generally does not intend the guidance to be overly prescriptive. Use of such words as "shall," "must," or "require," however, indicates that the text is referring to a specific regulatory and/or statutory requirement, rather than a suggested approach and/or optional measure. Use of the words "should" or "recommend" indicates… More
Democracy In Action: Environmental Legislation Edition
What follows is the full text of Bill S.325, introduced in the Massachusetts legislature this term.
SECTION 1. LIABILITY RELIEF In the event an individual or group of individuals unknowingly purchase contaminated residential land that does not qualify for Brownsfield funding and are not the polluter, they must be relieved of liability and fines in connection with said pollution. The Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) must be proactive in balancing public safety with feasibility. Specifically, where you have residential land that naple is present on part of the land. And, the innocent land owner wants to build over the area… More
MassDEP Issues Its Regulatory Reform Proposal
Earlier this week, the Massachusetts DEP issued a package of regulatory reforms. While the focus of the package was on finding ways for MassDEP to implement its mission with fewer resources, a number of the reforms are specifically targeted at facilitating the development of renewable energy. If you want to see more about that angle, you can take a look at our client alert about the reforms.
On the non-energy side, my personal favorite is MassDEP's expressed willingness to review the role of its hazard ranking system in the state Superfund, or Chapter 21E, program. Given the way the 21E program… More
Coming Soon to Massachusetts: Adaptation to Climate Change
The abandonment of any discussion of climate change in Washington has not been followed in Massachusetts. Yesterday, Rick Sullivan, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, released the Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report, providing the fruits of a lengthy process in Massachusetts to look at the impacts of climate change on five areas: Natural Resources and Habitat; Key Infrastructure; Human Health and Welfare; Local Economy and Government; and Coastal Zone and Oceans.
Certainly, the summary of potential impacts in Massachusetts is not a pretty picture – speaking metaphorically, anyway; many of the pictures in the report actually are pretty cool. For those… More
The Conservation Commission That Couldn't Shoot Straight
It's easy enough to complain about EPA; I've even been known to do it on occasion. However, in Massachusetts, we have a different problem. We let local municipalities regulate all sorts of matters in which they have no expertise. We even delegate to municipalities the implementation of our state Wetlands Protection Act. That's how we end up with cases such as Lippman v. Conservation Commission of Hopkinton. Lippman didn't make any new law, but it does illustrate what havoc local boards can wreak.
The Lippmans wanted to build a single family house on land subject to the WPA. They… More
MassDEP Commissioner Ken Kimmell Wants Regulatory Reform: Do the DEP Employees Want It?
New MassDEP Commissioner Ken Kimmell has launched a regulatory reform effort at DEP. As everyone knows, Ken did an outstanding job as EEA General Counsel and I expect he will be an outstanding DEP Commissioner. I hope he succeeds and I fully support the regulatory reform initiative. However, he does have one major problem – his staff, other than his senior staff, doesn't believe in it. Street level bureaucracy is not an abstract intellectual concept; it's something the regulated community deals with every day. When the Commissioner starts rolling out reform initiatives, even if they are protective of the environment, will his staff be on… More
The Regulators Still Hold All the Cards: The SJC Affirms DEP's Regulatory Authority Over Cooling Water Intake Structures
Sometimes I'm so timely I can't stand it. This morning, I posted about the difficulty in challenging regulations under Massachusetts law. Later this morning, the SJC agreed. In Entergy v. DEP, the SJC upheld DEP's authority to regulate cooling water intake structures under the state CWA. Funny how the SJC cited to the same language here as did Judge Sweeney in the Pepin case.
We will apply all rational presumptions in favor of the validity of the administration action and not declare it void unless its provisions cannot by any reasonable construction be interpreted in harmony… More
A Twofer: Indoor Air and Guidance v. Regulation
Vapor intrusion is the issue de jour at federal and state Superfund sites. On the federal side, EPA announced in January that it was considering adding vapor intrusion criteria to its calculation of hazard ranking scores. Frankly, as a concept, it's hard to dispute. In fact, aside from when actual public water supplies are contaminated, indoor air is probably about the only risk associated with Superfund sites that we should care about. Every analysis EPA has ever done has shown that risks associated with Superfund sites are otherwise overestimated and it is not a cost-effective place to be putting environmental protection dollars. The question… More
Sometimes, Settlements Really Are Win-Win Propositions: An Innovative NDPES Settlement That Works For Everyone
I don't normally blog about cases in which I'm involved, but since this one made the front page of the Boston Globe, I suppose it's sufficiently newsworthy. Yesterday, EPA announced that a settlement had been reached among EPA, MassDEP, our client GenOn Kendall, and the Charles River Watershed Association and the Conservation Law Foundation concerning the NPDES permit for Kendall Station. As a result of the settlement, when all the equipment needed to implement it has been installed, both the water intake and discharge and the thermal load will be… More
The Next Big Thing for the Future of Everything
In what might not be an overstatement, Seth has described Massachusetts' Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), as "the future of everything". If so, welcome to the future of the future of everything. The GWSA requires the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to set a 2020 goal for state-wide reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, and, before January 1, 2011, to create a plan outlining how to get there. Just in time, EEA yesterday released the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020, which sets the 2020 emissions goal at 25% below 1990 levels (the maximum reductions… More
Which Take Longer in Massachusetts, Permit Renewals or Permit Appeals?
An adjudicatory hearing decision issued by MassDEP in September just came to my attention. The decision in the case, In the Matter of Town of Plymouth, is worth reading for those of you interested in the emerging issues related to concerns over nutrients and how nutrient discharges will be regulated in groundwater or surface water discharge permits.
What caught me eye about the decision, however, wasn't its substance, but was instead its procedural history. The Town of Plymouth first obtained a permit for the groundwater discharge from its municipal wastewater treatment plant in 2000. The Eel River Watershed Association appealed that… More
More on TMDLs, or Too Much Darn Litigation
Sometimes, the headline writes the story. EPA's TMDL program under the Clean Water Act has been the subject of so much litigation since its inception that EPA has a web page devoted to the status of litigation on the establishment of TMDLs.
Bringing things close to home, the Conservation Law Foundation and the Coalition for Buzzards Bay filed suit late last month, challenging implementation by MassDEP and EPA of the TMDL program for certain embayments on Cape Cod and Nantucket. (Full disclosure time – this firm represents the CBB on unrelated matters.)
The law suit claims that MassDEP erred in… More
Fishing, Fowling, Navigation and Wind Energy: SJC Approves Cape Wind Siting Process
The Cape Wind project cleared another important hurdle yesterday with a 4-2 ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, holding that the state Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) can authorize local construction permits for the project's transmission lines. The decision in Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound Inc. v. Energy Facilities Siting Board is particularly significant because it means that the renewable energy project has all of the state and local permits it needs to move forward.
In late 2007, after the Cape Cod Commission denied its proposed Development of Regional Impact (DRI), Cape Wind applied to the EFSB for… More
There Is a Statute of Limitations For Challenging Permits In Massachusetts (Or, We're Crazy Here, But Not That Crazy)
Those who operate industrial facilities or do development in Massachusetts often know far more than they would like about Chapter 214, § 7A, the environmental citizens' suit provision of the Massachusetts General Laws. Chapter 214, § 7A, eliminates plaintiffs' usual obligation to demonstrate standing and simply gives 10 citizens the right to sue to prevent or eliminate "damage to the environment." The damage does have to constitute a violation of a statute, regulation, ordinance, or by-law, the major purpose of which is to prevent damage to the environment.
Chapter 214, § 7A, does not contain any statute of limitations. Does this mean that ten persons… More
The SJC Really Means It: Only the Legislature Can Give Up the Public's Ownership Interest in Tidelands
As many of you know, the Commonwealth's tidelands licensing statute, Chapter 91, is one of my favorites, for no other reason than that it gives me the opportunity to talk about where the "waters ebbeth and floweth." Deriving from the Colonial Ordinances of 1641 and 1647, Chapter 91 is about as arcane as it gets – which, of course, lawyers are supposed to like.
The short version is that the Commonwealth holds the fee interest in "Commonwealth Tidelands" – those below the low water line. While the Commonwealth can… More
Renewable Energy In Massachusetts: Is The Answer Finally Blowin' In The Wind?
It has long been understood that Massachusetts that the Commonwealth cannot meet its renewable energy goals with solar power alone. Solar is great, but really ratcheting up the percentage of energy supplied by renewable sources is going to take a big commitment to wind. In fact, Governor Patrick announced a goal of 2,000 MW of wind on- and off-shore in Massachusetts by 2020. There are currently 17 MW of wind power in Massachusetts.
Everyone knows the permitting travails – now, hopefully, over – that Cape Wind has faced. It is less known that on-shore wind has not been any easier to develop in… More
Taking it to the Streets: the East Coast's Newest Climate Initiative
It may be time to learn a new acronym. The 10 RGGI states, plus Pennsylvania and Washington DC have banded together to create the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) — a group that has pledged to create a plan to address the estimated 30% of greenhouse gas emissions on the eastern seaboard caused by the transportation sector.
In a Declaration of Intent released Wednesday, the leaders of the environmental, transportation and energy agencies of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington DC, pledged to develop and implement a three-year work… More
Water, Water, Everywhere: More Than a Drop to Treat
Last week, EPA released its Clean Watersheds Needs Survey 2008 Report to Congress. I have three immediate reactions to the Report. The first is that there are a lot of needs out there. The Report's bottom line is that there is currently an expected shortfall of $298 billion over the next 20 years for clean water infrastructure. As Congress turns from short-term stimulus spending to long-term concerns about the deficit, it's difficult to see Congress being eager to hear National Association of Clean Water Agencies Executive Director Ken Kirk say that
the federal government must become a long-term partner in developing a… More
EPA's Move to Regulate Stormwater Discharges from Development Gathers Steam; EPA Issues Mandatory Questionnaire For Public Comment
EPA is proceeding with its plan to establish a new program to regulate stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment, with a target date for a final rule by November 2012. The next step: the reissuance of draft mandatory questionnaires that, once finalized, will be sent to various stakeholders, including approximately 738,000 owners and developers of residential, industrial and commercial sites. According to EPA, the "target population for the Owner/Developer Questionnaires is all development establishments in the United States," as defined by 8 NAICS codes (see Part A.4 of EPA's Supporting Statement for further information on… More
Still Hope For New Municipal Waste Combustors in Massachusetts?
Yesterday's New York Times had a very interesting article regarding the use of advanced municipal waste combustor technology in Europe. As the article notes, such plants are relatively commonplace in Europe, whereas literally no new waste-to-energy plants are being built in the United States. Ian Bowles, our own Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs – and someone who has generally been a very successful promoter of renewable energy technology – acknowledged that "Europe has gotten out ahead with this newest technology."
This shouldn't be surprising given that states such as Massachusetts have moratoria on new municipal waste combustors. It's difficult to… More
EPA Keeps Up the Stormwater Drumbeat: Releases Draft Permit for Charles River Communities
EPA Region 1 continues to roll out new programs on the stormwater front, and this week's development is particularly important for private property owners in the Charles River watershed. The agency released proposed amendments to the Residual Designation for the Charles River ("RDA") and a Draft General Permit for Residually Designated Discharges. While the proposed permit only affects the Massachusetts communities of Milford, Bellingham, and Franklin, EPA has stated that it may expand the General Permit to include other Charles River communities in the future, so property owners along the entire length of the Charles River should be paying attention.
… More
The Arguments Are All Moot Now: The SJC Upholds the Legislature's Chapter 91 Amendments
I've been waiting to write this headline ever since the SJC took this case. Today, the SJC issued its long-awaited decision in Moot v. Department of Environmental Protection. For those of you who pay attention to where the waters ebbeth and floweth – or at least where they ebbed and flowed in 1641 – you know that this is the second time that Moot has been before the SJC.
After the SJC struck down MassDEP regulations which provided that landlocked tidelands did not need a license under Chapter 91, as the Commonwealth's waterways statute is now known, the Legislature took a… More
Believe It Or Not, Sometimes MassDEP Does Things of Which the SJC Does Not Approve
Those of us who advise clients regarding compliance with environmental regulations have often been in the awkward position of agreeing with clients that the agency position is, shall we say, misguided, yet at the same time advising against legal challenge, because the judicial review deck is stacked so heavily in favor of the agency. (In another time or place, one might ask why this is so.)
Nevertheless, occasionally, the agency loses and, when it does, that loss can be instructive. Yesterday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that MassDEP may not impose conditions on registrations under… More
Dog Bites Man, Monday Edition: Massachusetts Retains Its Municipal Waste Combustor Moratorium
As most of my Massachusetts readers know, on Friday, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles and DEP Commissioner Laurie Burt announced that Massachusetts would retain its moratorium on new construction or expansion of municipal waste combustors. Although the overall outcome is not really a surprise from this administration, a few points are worth noting.
The announcement says nothing about new technologies, such as plasma arc gasification. Arguably, such a technology is not "incineration" or "combustion," so we'll have to see whether the administration remains open to such alternatives to traditional incineration.
The administration emphasized that it is committed… More
A Follow-up On Regulatory Reform in Massachusetts: Secretary Bowles Starts to Get Some Suggestions
As I discussed last week, in response to the current dire state fiscal outlook, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles announced, pursuant to a request from Governor Patrick, a search for "options for departmental reorganization and consolidation, streamlined operations and procedures, and new models for doing the public's business." Given that Secretary Bowles has invited public assistance, it should not be too surprising that some folks have stepped up to the plate, so I thought I would share submittals that I have seen.
Recently, both NAIOP and the Environmental League of Massachusetts have made suggestions to… More
Desperate Times, Desperate Measures? Massachusetts Environmental Agencies Look to Reinvent Themselves
On the be careful what you wish for front, Massachusetts Energy and Environment Secretary Ian Bowles announced yesterday an effort to examine "options for changes in administrative structures and programs to meet environmental goals in light of budget challenges." The announcement identifies three separate areas of investigation:
Public-Private Partnerships – This makes a lot of sense, but, based on the announcement, seems to be too narrowly focused. The announcement indicates that the review will focus on management of properties owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. However, we shouldn't just be looking at whether to let Disney sponsor the… More
RGGI Prices Fall Again in 5th Auction: $2.19 and $1.87
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has released the clearing prices from its 5th quarterly auction of CO2 allowances, held on September 9, 2009. Prices for the 28.4 million 2009 vintage allowances sold fell sharply from the June auction's clearing price of $3.23 to $2.19, and the 2.1 million 2012 vintage allowances sold for only $1.87, just one cent above the market floor of $1.86, and well below the $3.05 that they earned at the March 2009 auction, which was the first at which these later vintage allowances were offered for sale.
Interestingly, while the number of participants in… More
Is it Good News or Bad? MassDEP Wins an Adjudicatory Hearing Appeal
Although not breaking any new ground, a decision from the Massachusetts Appeals Court last week provides a helpful summary of the discretion typically given to MassDEP in making permitting decisions. In Healer v. Department of Environmental Protection, abutters to a proposed wastewater treatment facility in Falmouth sued MassDEP, claiming that the groundwater discharge from the leach field associated with the facility would damage drinking water supplies and nearby wetlands. The Court affirmed the MassDEP Commissioner's rejection of the abutters' challenge.
As the Court noted
the "applicable standard of review is "highly deferential to the agency" and requires the reviewing… More
Massachusetts Limits The Standing of Businesses to Challenge Permits Issued to Competitors
In an important decision yesterday, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the operator facility participating in the renewable portfolio standard program did not have standing to challenge a state decision authorizing other facilities to participate in the RPS program. The decision may have broad implications regarding when businesses may challenge the issuance of permits or other approvals to competitors in Massachusetts.
In Indeck Maine Energy v. Commissioner of Energy Resources, the plaintiffs operated biomass facilities which were authorized to sell renewable energy credits. When the Department of Energy Resources authorized two other biomass facilities to sell RPS credits, plaintiffs sued.
… More
Massachusetts Finalizes Global Warming Solutions Act Reporting Regulations
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) yesterday published a final amendment to the first set of Global Warming Solutions Act regulations, 310 CMR 7.71. These regulations set a baseline for Massachusetts' 1990 emissions and create a reporting system that will track emissions going forward, providing a framework for economy-wide reductions of 10% to 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. The regulations are the first phase of implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act, passed last August, which, at the time, called for the largest cuts in greenhouse gas reductions seen in the nation.
In short, the reporting regulations… More
More on Guidance v. Regulation
Laura Rome of Epsilon has helpfully reminded me that the maturity of a regulatory program is also relevant to whether an agency should proceed by guidance or regulation. With newer programs that remain in flux, the flexibility inherent in guidance – and the easier amendment process for guidance – counsels in favor of guidance rather than regulation.
Laura's comment also reminded me that, a few years ago, NAIOP was sufficiently concerned about MassDEP's use of guidance as an end-run around the formality of the regulatory process that it submitted to MassDEP suggested "Guidance on Guidance." The overarching… More
Regulations v. Guidance: Pick Your Poison
There are not too many areas of environmental law where practice intersects frequently with academic theory. One such area is whether agencies should use notice and comment rule-making any time they want to set forth policy or whether they should instead be permitted to use flexible guidance documents. The real issue from the practitioner's point of view is the extent to which use of guidance permits street level bureaucracy a degree of unfettered discretion that is truly scary. Like Judge Roy Bean, these bureaucrats are the law West of the Pecos – or at… More
RGGI's Third Auction Brings In Divergent Bids of $3.51 and $3.05
RGGI, Inc. the operators of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) today announced the results of its third auction of CO2 allowances, held on March 18, 2009. The auction offered allowances from all ten states participating in RGGI — Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.
As we noted earlier, new for RGGI's third auction was that the states offered just under 2.2 million allowances for the 2012 vintage, providing a first-look at future market prices for RGGI allowances. These 2012 allowances sold at a clearing price of $3.05, while the 31.5 million… More
Massachusetts Takes Steps to Ensure That Stimulus Spending is Not Bogged Down in Environmental Reviews
It looks as though Massachusetts is going to at least try to avoid having lengthy environmental reviews create obstacles to spending its share of the federal stimulus package. A draft report prepared by the Commonwealth's Permitting Task Force makes several recommendations which, if implemented, would indeed help to ensure that the money can get out the door and the shovels in the ground. Highlights include:
Allowing projects to proceed, at their own risk, during permit appeals. Providing that appeals related to any stimulus projects would be heard in the permit session of the… More
RGGI'S Second Auction: Prices Rise to $3.38
RGGI, Inc., the operators of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced today that the second auction has proceeded smoothly and as planned. All 31,505,898 allowances offered for sale at Auction 2 on December 17 were purchased at a clearing price of $3.38 per allowance. This price is above the first RGGI auction's clearing price of $3.07, and in line with recent prices for RGGI futures on the Chicago Climate Futures Exchange, which traded Monday at the same price. Auction 2 was the first to feature allowances from Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York, a factor which might have caused… More
Get Ready for Carbon Reporting in 2 weeks!
Massachusetts and California seem to be neck-and-neck in the race to be the first state to cap greenhouse gases economy-wide.
Massachusetts issued emergency regulations last week which create the first phase of a mandatory reporting program, thus taking the title of first state to implement the beginnings of an economy-wide cap and trade plan. The regulations commence January 1, 2009, so Massachusetts facilities that might need to report should read Foley Hoag's Client Alert on the new regulations very soon.
Not to be outdone, California also released big news last week. With the Air Resources Board's approval of the Scoping… More
It's Not All About Climate Change: Massachusetts DEP Proposes New Stormwater Permitting Regime
Although some of you may think that the regulatory agencies are now all climate change all the time, Massachusetts DEP has demonstrated that there is still life in some more traditional aspects of environmental regulation. MassDEP has just proposed sweeping new stormwater regulations that would go far beyond the traditional EPA model of regulating construction sites and stormwater discharges from industrial facilities.
DEP's proposal is far too detailed for a blog post. For those interested in this issue, take a look at the client alert we issued, which hits the big issues. One big-picture item to note: There certainly seems to be… More
You Want a Permit? You May Have to Get in Line.
It's not really a surprise, but the nation's financial woes have begun to affect state government. On Wednesday, Governor Deval Patrick announced a set of wide-ranging budget cuts, intended to save more than $1 Billion. The cuts were made necessary by a steep drop in tax revenue and predictions that the drop will continue for the rest of the state fiscal year. The Governor's stated intention is to avoid cuts in local aid and education funding and this announcement did avoid any cuts in these areas.
Therefore, it is not surprising that agencies such as the Executive Office… More


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Bafta stars take their seats early
Some of Hollywood's biggest names took their seats early as organisers of the film Baftas made their preparations for the biggest night in the UK movie calendar.
Although they were not actually there in person, stars such as Matt Damon, Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett were allowed to take the best positions in London's Royal Opera House.
The team working on the EE British Academy Film Awards - taking place on Sunday - were marking out the guests' seats with place-names and photos of their faces ahead of Sunday's big night.
Several of the prominent attendees were confirmed today, with Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper and Dame Judi Dench among them.
Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks and Martin Scorsese will also be treading the red carpet at the ceremony, which is being screened by BBC1.
Helping to present the awards will be the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeremy Irons, Kiefer Sutherland, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Stanley Tucci and Uma Thurman.
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Methods For Mastering Your Great Iphone Faster
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Best Bread (2011)
MJ Breads
When it comes to bread, master baker Michael John sure knows what he's doing. Sharing space with his gifted wife, Tammie Coe, MJ cranks out beautiful loaves of sourdough, rye, and wheat. As a testament to his quality, you can find his bread at Phoenix favorites such as the Breadfruit, Postino, and Bertha's Café, to name a few. Or just pay a visit to the little shop on Roosevelt Row and pick up a perfectly crusty baguette for your next dinner party or one of their amazing turkey sandwiches on a tender ciabatta roll.
More Awards from This Winner
Location Details
610 E. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix AZ 85004
Phoenix AZ 85004
More Food & Drink Awards
Best Underground Supper ClubWoody's Underground
Best Tunnel in a Tourist TrapRustler's Rooste
Best Underground Food TraditionA Mormon pantry
Best Shaved-Ice CartDouble D Lite


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Tuscaloosa's April rain more than doubles average
Published: Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 5:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 5:07 p.m.
April was an especially rainy one in Tuscaloosa this year.
The city usually receives an average of 4.21 inches of rain during the first full month of spring, according to the National Weather Service. This year, 10.46 inches fell between April 1 and April 30.
The April 2014 rainfall total is more than 6 inches higher than the 3.92 inches recorded in April 2013.
The record-setting high for a month of April was in 1979, when Tuscaloosa received 14.41 inches of rain. The least amount was in April 1987, when just 0.3 inches fell.
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Friends of Adventure by Starfighterace-421Watch
©2012-2016 Starfighterace-421
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