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May 15, 2013
Hallie Wilson and Chelsea Goodacre were named first-team all-Pac-12 as announced by the conference on Wednesday. Five other Wildcats were honored by the Pac-12.
Brigette Del Ponte, Lauren Young, Kelsey Rodriguez and Mandie Perez were recognized with honorable mentions. Young and Perez were named to the all-freshman team while Nancy Bowling received an honorable mention to the all-rookie squad.
For sophomores Wilson and Goodacre the first-team status was a first; Wilson was named to the second-team as a freshman. Wilson and Goodacre lead the team with batting averages of .371 and .343, respectively. Goodacre's 17 home runs and 58 runs batted in are most on the team.
The citation for Del Ponte marks her fourth consecutive year receiving recognition by the conference. Del Ponte, a first-team selection as a sophomore and second-team member as a freshman and junior, is batting .247 with six home runs and 32 RBI on the year.
Young, Rodriguez, Perez and Bowling are receiving honors in their inaugural year with the Wildcats.
Arizona State's Amber Freeman was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and Oregon's Jessica Moore was the conference's Pitcher of the Year. Kayla Bonstrom (Stanford) was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. The Defensive Player of the Year went to Washington's Shawna Wright and the Pac-12 Coach of the Year was awarded to Mike White of Oregon. The Ducks' Alexa Peterson (.471) earned the conference's batting title.
First Team
Name Position Year School
B.B. Bates (2) OF Sr. UCLA
Kayla Bonstrom UTL Fr. Stanford
Ally Carda P/UTL So. UCLA
Courtney Ceo SS Jr. Oregon
Cheyenne Coyle SS Jr. Arizona State
Dallas Escobedo (3) P Jr. Arizona State
Hooch Fagaly 1B Jr. Washington
Amber Freeman C So. Arizona State
Chelsea Goodacre C So. Arizona
Cheridan Hawkins P Fr. Oregon
Victoria Hayward OF Jr. Washington
Kaylan Howard 2B Sr. Oregon
Jolene Henderson (3) P Sr. California
Kaitlin Inglesby (2) P/DP Jr. Washington
Stephany LaRosa (2) INF So. UCLA
Jessica Moore (3) P Sr. Oregon
Alexa Peterson DP Jr. Oregon
Jenna Rich (2) INF Sr. Stanford
Janie Takeda OF So. Oregon
Hallie Wilson OF So. Arizona
(2) - Two-time All-Conference selection
(3) - Three-time All-Conference selection
Second Team
Name Position Year School
Lea Cavestany OF Sr. Oregon State
Cheyenne Cordes SS So. California
Kate Dickman LF So. Utah
Natalie Hampton 1B Fr. Oregon State
Kylee Lahners OF So. Washington
Samantha Pappas OF Sr. Oregon
Mackenzie Popescue P Jr. Arizona State
Jackie Sweet 2B Sr. Utah
Hanna Winter INF So. Stanford
Lindsey ZIegenhirt C Sr. California
Honorable Mention
Jenna Becerra, STAN; Desiree Beltran, OSU; Allexis Bennett, UCLA; Koral Costa, ORE; Kailee Cuico, ORE;>Brigette Del Ponte, ARIZ; Marina Demore, OSU; Chalese Fankhauser, UTAH; Kiara "Ya" Garcia, OSU; Teagan Gerhart, STAN; Dani Gilmore, OSU; Jessica Hall, UCLA; Sarah Hassman, STAN; Danielle Henderson, CAL; Kelsi Hoopiiaina, UTAH; Alix Johnson, ASU; Victoria Jones, CAL; Bethany Kemp, ASU; Janelle Lindvall, ORE; Kayce Nieto, UTAH; Samantha Parlich, ASU; Mandie Perez, ARIZ; Jessica Plaza, STAN; Kelsey Rodriguez, ARIZ; Cassandra Roulund, STAN; Elizabeth Santana, OSU; Mysha Sataraka, UCLA; Kimberlee Souza, WASH; Haley Steele, ASU; Kelli Suguro, WASH; Bailey Wigness, ASU; Leah White, STAN; Shawn Wright, WASH; Lauren Young, ARIZ.
Name Position School
Allexis Bennett OF UCLA
Kayla Bonstrom UTL Stanford
Koral Costa 3B Oregon
Nikki Girard UTL Arizona State
Natalie Hampton 1B Oregon State
Cheridan Hawkins P Oregon
Janelle Lindvall C Oregon
Kayce Nieto P Utah
Jessica Plaza C Stanford
Mandie Perez OF/DP Arizona
Mysha Sataraka INF UCLA
Kelsey Stevens P Stanford
Khala Taylor LF California
Lauren Young 3B Arizona
Honorable Mention
Vanessa Alvarez, CAL; Nancy Bowling, ARIZ; Paige McDuffee, UCLA; Jennie McNeil, WASH; Danica Mercado, ORE; Brittany Moeai, UCLA; Shelby Pacheco, UTAH; Kaitlin Schaberg, STAN; Kristen Stewart, UTAH.


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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, is the largest overhaul of the US healthcare system since the 1960s. The Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare, aimed to extend health insurance coverage to some of the estimated 15% of the US population who lack it. Those people receive no coverage from their employers and are not covered by US health programs for the poor and the elderly. To achieve this, the law requires all Americans to have health insurance, but offers subsidies to make coverage more affordable and aims to reduce the cost of insurance by bringing younger, healthier people into the health insurance system.
Obamacare also requires businesses with more than 50 full-time employees to offer health coverage, although this provision was delayed until 2015 to allow more time for compliance. The law creates marketplaces where individuals can compare prices as they shop for coverage. In addition, the law bans insurance companies from denying health coverage to people with preexisting health conditions, allows young people to remain on their parents' plans until age 26, and expands eligibility for the government-run Medicaid health programs for the poor. The ultimate goal for the law was to slow the growth of healthcare spending in the United Sates, since the US has the highest healthcare spending in the world.
Obamacare was to be in full swing in 2014, and it is 2014 and everyone is a least a little anti-Obamacare, and why not? The open enrollment period for purchasing health insurance on the government-run exchanges is officially over as of Monday evening. The total number of Americans insured through the federal and state-run insurance marketplace could reach over seven million, despite the increase of disapproval of Obamacare. Many conservatives believe the Obama administration is overstating the numbers. The problem with the numbers is the administration has not revealed how many of these enrollees have made their first payment.
There are a few people that are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act, but many are losing, and a majority of them are seniors. There are many individuals losing out because of Obamacare, young people, healthy people, sick people, and others. The people that are losing in this Obamacare are people whose new insurance is more expensive and less satisfactory because of the new regulations. People are losing jobs because their employer cannot afford the mandates. Many seniors had found with the Affordable Care Act not only did their premiums go up but the insurance coverage went down. In addition, seniors are losing because their Medicare Advantage program will be peeled back, or the local hospitals are no longer taking the Medicare Advantage because of the cuts to Part A. Many seniors have found their premiums up and their coverage down and back into the position of not being able to afford healthcare. Furthermore, they are also worried about Medicare and with Medicare cuts, how much more of their coverage will decrease and their Medicare advantage plans increase in cost.
In the celebration of April fool's day, let's take a look at how the American public were fooled by Obama's record of dishonest healthcare promises like "keep your doctor," and then Obama admitted Americans wouldn't be able to keep their doctor after saying for years that they could. Another dishonest healthcare promise was "keep your plan," and then millions lost their healthcare coverage with the implementation of Obamacare. Seniors here is an added injury for you with Obamacare, on April 7th the Obama Administration is scheduled to finalize deep Medicare Advantage cuts that would result in more seniors losing access to their doctors.

subset: commoncrawl


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The horror comedy "A Haunted House 2" is the sequel to the 2013 box-office hit "A Haunted House," starring Marlon Wayans as Malcolm who, after exorcising the demons of his ex-girlfriend, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend (played by Jaime Pressly) and her two children. After moving into their dream home, Malcolm is once again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. "A Haunted House 2" is inspired by the latest supernatural horror movie franchises and shows that this time, it's not just the house that's haunted. Here is what Wayans (who co-wrote the "A Haunted House" movies) said at a press conference for "A Haunted House 2."
"A Haunted House 2" has even crazier things than the first "A Haunted House" movie. Can you talk about that?
You can't try to force crazy. Crazy kind of comes. Dare I say, it should come from an organic place. Actually, the way we approached the movie was story first, which is bizarre. So as we were approaching doing the story, and we were thinking about character progressions and who he can encounter in this one, how we can make the well of comedy different, all of a sudden, we were watching these movies, and it goes in our computer, and out come these sick, sick things.
It's not just my fault. I want to blame my writing partner and producer Rick Alvarez. I'm just taking the bullets for us. But I don't think your approach can go, "I want to be crazier! I want to be wilder!" Because you couldn't get wilder than the [first "A Haunted House" movie]. We had a ghost rape! You can't beat ghost rape!
This one ["A Haunted House 2" is a little bit more grounded but more cartoony. I like Malcolm's unraveling, and that's what makes it fun. It just comes from a natural place of him having to deal with all these obstacles in his way.
Malcolm has taken on a step-parenting role to his girlfriend's kids. He didn't have a parental role in the first "A Haunted House" movie. What can you say about that big change?
Do you see my maturity? Did you see we only had one flatulence scene in the home? Think about this: a Wayans film with just one flatulence scene. One! That's growth! And I'm a father!
There was a lot of things we put in there; the thought of it made me and Rick laugh. The kid having an imaginary friend, like they have in all these movies, but he's the worst imaginary friend ever. That just makes me laugh: the idea of a ghoul trying to kill these guys, it never works. It always backfires on him.
I'm trying to mature, but I'm always going to be a 15-year-old prepubescent boy. I just try to have fun. Those are your fun years. You're just like, "I don't give a hell. You're just going to let loose and laugh at everything. I'm not worried about bills." I want the audience to feel that when they come to the movies. I want them to feel like a 15-year-old going to see their first R-rated film and just go, "This is fun!"
One of the crazier scenes in "A Haunted House" 2 is when Malcolm has sex with a doll …
That was a lot of fun. I was like, "I need one more take! We need one more! I'm not done yet!" The doll loved it!
You also poked fun at the Kardashians. Did you have more jokes about the Kardashians that didn't make it into "A Haunted House 2"?
I could've done a whole script about the Kardashians. Actually, I think the whole run was a little bit longer. We pared it down. We did it around the time that Lamar [Odom, Khloe Kardashian's then-husband] started smoking crack, so we did that. And then we missed the whole divorce thing. And the whole Kanye rant. We missed all that.
Can you talk about all the physical comedy that you had to do?
The physical is fun to do. I'm a big fan of physical comedy. I've always been, since I was a child. I grew up watching Abbott & Costello, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Jim Carrey, Jerry Lewis. I'm a fan of guys who, when you put them in a regular situation, and their reactions, because of the real situation, just goes to a cartoony place. But it's based on something that's a real reaction that you would have, but it's just that those people come across as cartoony.
Any other actor in "Liar Liar," to me, doesn't hit the same levels. Jim reacting the way he reacted, you forgave it because it came out of truth and the complications of the situation. So I like the physical element to it, because it takes the joke to somewhere different.
Like watching Richard Pryor, the comedian. He would tell you the joke, but then he would animate it. And when he animated it, you laughed two times harder or three times harder when he animated it. And sometimes, he would do a character or do a voice, and it just made it that much funnier. It gave it five dimensions instead of two.
For more info: "A Haunted House 2" website


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The ever so popular Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn finally has a confirmed month of when the PS4 version will hit shelves. XIV was released on the PS3 and PC last August and has been growing ever since with somewhere near 2 million subscribers and counting. Now Sony has announced the expected release month of the PS4 version along with some video on what the remote play will look like.
Final Fantasy XIV on PS4
Reported by Nova Crystallis Sony released information that April is the month that the PS4 version of XIV will be released. For those of you who have the PS3 version you're able to upgrade to the PS4 version for free if you want to. This version will utilize most of the PS4 features really well especially with the social interactivity of the PS4. There's also a video of how the PS4 version will look and how remote play will look on the PS Vita.
Also, on February 22, 2014, PS4 owners will be able to try out the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV in the beta. On December 14th, as part of the 11th installment of the letters from the producer LIVE, Naoki Yoshida will be demonstrating XIV on the PS4 to get everyone pumped and ready for its release. All you XIV players better be ready for December 17th, for that's when Patch 2.1 hits, implementing reworks on the Warrior class, putting in free company houses, releasing the 24 man raid of the Crystal Tower, and much more.
For more information on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn or anything else Square Enix related please stay tuned to Enix Origin. We have a nice friendly community as well so feel free to join us as well so you can get your Square information first!


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- Recap with our main Transfer Deadline Day blog here.
- Lunchtime round-up of Man City transfer stories.
- The latest on Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle.
A very good morning, and welcome to our live blog of Manchester City's Transfer Deadline Day dealings.
The Blues have been superb this season, Manuel Pellegrini having worked wonders since taking the reigns in the summer.
The Chilean's daring, attacking tactics have brought the best from Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo and plenty of other players, and lifted morale among the squad.
With such an impressive squad, City are hardly desperate for new faces today. Yet with Joleon Lescott edging towards the exit door and Martin Demichelis not getting any younger, there could be scope for a defensive acquisition or two.
Stay with us throughout the day for all the rumours and news.
David Anderson brought us this story yesterday. Could it go through before the deadline?
City are exploring the possibility of making a deadline-day swoop for Porto's highly-rated defender Eliaquim Mangala.
City have been tracking Mangala for months and initially saw him as a summer transfer target, but they may bring their plans forward after being told there is a chance they could land him before the transfer window closes.
The French international centre-half is highly rated and City could steal a march on their rivals for his signature by moving now.
Porto have slapped a £45million pricetag on Mangala and City are believed to be willing to pay £38million.
Should the Mangala deal go through, it could pave the way for Joleon Lescott to move to West Ham United on loan, with a view to a permanent deal.
The England international has been linked with a move throughout the window, but reports yesterday suggested he would see out the remaining six months of his contract at the Etihad.
However, our man John Cross believes Pellegrini will let him depart if he can finalise the switch for Mangala.
Sam Allardyce wants Lescott at Upton Park to boost the Hammers' survival bid but may struggle to match his current £90,000-a-week wages.
Could this be the man to provide a little grit in the City defence? We all know he's a colossal Blues fan...
What a pleasure to meet the boxing legend @HitmanHatton , a very funny and great guy!! pic.twitter.com/1HcDoUihct— David Silva (@21LVA) January 30, 2014
Mangala isn't the only Porto player to have caught Manuel Pellegrini's eye. Midfielder Fernando could be a City target, and would cost around £8million.
The Brazilian was the subject of an interesting transfer story on Transfer Deadline Day last summer, with Everton reportedly seeking a work permit to sign him.
City officials apparently spent over eight hours discussing a move with his representatives last night, but will have to fend off interest from neighbours Manchester United.
Some more on Eliaquim Mangala from Ed Malyon:
The Frenchman is determined to play regular football ahead of the World Cup and is apparently unconvinced that he would immediately nail down a first-team place under Manuel Pellegrini.
MirrorFootball understands that while City are keen to secure the signing of Fernando today, they may pay for Mangala now and leave him in Portugal until June.
Both players would be ineligible for City's Champions League campaign, but would add quality and depth to a squad that is still battling for a historic quadruple.
The Manchester Evening News are reporting that City could use Javi Garcia as a makeweight in a move for Fernando.
The Spaniard knows Portugal's Primera Liga well, having played for Benfica before coming to the Etihad, and could be worth between £5million and £10million.
Garcia has flattered to deceive in Manchester, and would surely relish the chance to actually, y'know, play football every week again.
If Javi Garcia does toddle over to Porto, City's Spanish clique may need a new member...
Jesús Navas, @javigarcia06, @21LVA y @_AlvaroNegredo_, antes de salir a entrenarse esta mañana. pic.twitter.com/h0aLyGQEme— Manchester City FC (@MCFCEspanol) January 20, 2014
Our man in Manchester has this for us:
Manchester City remain hopeful of a double deadline day swoop for Porto duo Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando, in a deal that would cost them close to £50million.
But Porto's reluctance to lose both on deadline day, with their defender Nicolas Otamendi also a target on deadline day, could see them only sanction the sale of one.
Everton have now reportedly joined the race to re-sign Joleon Lescott, according to Sports Direct News.
The England international has been heavily linked with West Ham this month, although a move would only go through if City bring in Eliaquim Mangala.
Should the transfer merry-go-round swing into action and Jonny Heitinga moves to Galatasaray, Roberto Martinez has earmarked Lescott for a return to Goodison Park.
Here's some news from our man in Manchester, David McDonnell:
Manchester United have ruled out a deadline day move for Porto's Fernando, leaving the way clear for local rivals Manchester City to land the midfielder.
David Moyes looked at the Brazilian-born star - who is out of contract in the summer - as a stopgap measure before trying to land his major transfer targets in the summer.
But senior United figures have this morning told MirrorFootball they are not in the market for Fernando.
City's out-of-favour midfielder Jack Rodwell could be a surprise target for Atletico Madrid.
The Daily Mail report that the 22-year-old is on their shortlist for a loan move, along with a number of potential other targets.
Rodwell was substituted at half-time during last weekend's FA Cup win over Watford and could find his first-team opportunities further reduced by Fernando's proposed arrival.
The latest from the Sunday Mirror's Simon Mullock:
It looks increasingly like Joleon Lescott will stay at Manchester City - even if the Blues are able to rush through their £37million move for Porto's Eliaquim Mangala.
I am told that Lescott is happy to see out the remaining few months of his contract and assess his options at the end of the season when he will be available for free.
West Ham and Fulham have both made enquiries about the £24million defender and a switch to Besiktas was on the cards until the Turkish club reneged over terms.
A source close to the player said: "Unless an unbelievable off is put on the table in the next 12 hours then Joleon will be staying put."
Important weather update from the Manchester Evening News' man at the Etihad. Makes me happy to be in a warm office, this.
Disgusting weather in Manchester shouldn't hamper negotiations with Mangala and Fernando. It's raining in Porto, too pic.twitter.com/tHX1I4SI4a— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) January 31, 2014
Almost midday on Transfer Deadline Day, and the hyperbole hurricane is already beginning to rattle the windows here at MirrorFootball Towers.
Here are the deals that have been done so far:
- Cardiff have completed the loan signing of Wilfried Zaha.
- Sunderland have signed Liam Bridcutt from Brighton.
- Fulham look to have picked up Lewis Holtby on loan, pending confirmation.
In between updates on here, we're frantically ticking off classic Sky Sports cliches from this list. How many have you picked up on already today?
City's move for Eliaquim Mangala, could be scuppered by late interest from Ligue 1 rivals Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Le 10 Sport, both clubs are willing to meet FC Porto's £45million pricetag and would offer him a significant wage increase to lure him to France.
Manuel Pellegrini's side remain favourites to land the 22-year-old but the offer of a return to his homeland - in a World Cup year - could sway his decision.
Whatever happens today, City are unlikely to be shopping for the kind of players they were chasing on Transfer Deadline Day in 2007.
That January, Stuart Pearce was desperate to sign Tottenham forward Mido, but Spurs called the deal off just hours before the transfer window closed.
The Egyptian was set to join the all-star attacking line-up of Bernardo Corradi, Georgios Samaras, Paul Dickov, and Darius Vassell, but Martin Jol cancelled the deal.
"The doctor was there waiting to do a medical, which tells you how advanced we thought it was," Pearce said at the time.
"Then we get a call at 11.30pm saying Spurs were pulling out. It was a bit of a bolt from the blue, that's for sure.
"I am sure the fans will be disappointed - I know I am."
David Maddock has some news on one of Manuel Pellegrini's major targets:
It seems that City are closing in on the Porto defensive midfielder Fernando. If they get their man – as is beginning to seem likely – then Manchester United and Everton will have to look elsewhere.
Será que parece? pic.twitter.com/Te9CUCJA2S— Fernando Oficial (@Fernando_Reges) January 20, 2014
Joleon Lescott's future remains up in the air, with West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald coy over a last-minute move.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce was so busy with comings and goings at Upton Park today that he sent McDonald in to do his weekly press conference.
And when asked about a move for the England man, McDonald played it safe.
"Joleon Lescott is Manchester City's player and, until that changes, I cannot comment," he said.
We were hoping for some clarification on the Mangala/Fernando situation at Porto, but their manager Paulo Fonseca is being a little coy.
"Obviously we can't ignore these transfer stories, but I'm not going to talk about them today," he says at the start of his press conference.
Although seconds later he opens the door again:
Paulo Fonseca: "Fernando is a really important player for us, but no one is irreplaceable."— Jack Lang (@snap_kaka_pop) January 31, 2014


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Chairman Rogers Launches 2014 Securing Our Future Summer Speaking Series
May 13, 2014 Contact: Susan Phalen
email@example.com or 202-225-4121
Chairman Rogers Launches 2014 Securing Our Future Summer Speaking Series
Washington, DC – Today, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) Chairman Mike Rogers announced a summer speaking series addressing current and future threats facing the United States and the policies needed to confront those threats. Chairman Rogers also will challenge the growing strand of isolationism in America and highlight the pitfalls of such a policy to U.S. national and economic security. In concert with the series, HPSCI will release speech text and video when available to engage with Americans around the country on these key national security policy issues.
Chairman Rogers' 2014 Securing Our Future Summer Speaking Series will include the following:
May 13, 2014
Isolationism's Threat to American Security and Prosperity
Washington, DC
May 30, 2014
U.S. Policy to Defeat Terrorism 13 Years After 9/11
Washington, DC
June 12, 2014
Cybersecurity, the Future of the Internet and Signals Intelligence
Washington, DC
June 17, 2014
Al Qa'ida: Environments Driving the Terrorism Landscape
National Defense University – Washington, DC
July 26, 2014
Intelligence's Role in Shaping Foreign Policy
Aspen, CO
**For regular updates, "Like" the HPSCI Facebook page, follow @HouseIntelComm on Twitter or go to the HPSCI Website.
To unsubscribe/ subscribe to Committee email updates, click here to update your preferences


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Yes, I'm from Ohio. But I do not discriminate when it comes to good beer. And regardless of your love for Ohio, you have to admit Michigan has some pretty damn great beers.
The Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival is a gathering that any true lover of craft beer should try to attend at least once. With more than 800 (yes, you read that right - eight HUNDRED) different beers to choose from, there is definitely something for everyone. Of course it would be impossible to try every type of beer you wanted to try (not that there aren't those who don't put in a serious effort, myself included), which is why I think it's a good idea that you pair up when you attend a festival of this caliber.
My partner this year was Detroit's own craft beer examiner, Eric Stevens, who also doubles as Charlotte's newest craft beer examiner as well. Between the two of us, I do believe that we were able to sample a good portion of the festival's offerings. While we definitely went after the old favorites like Shorts, Bell's, Founders, Hopcat, Atwater, we were also excited to try some of the lesser known breweries' creations. This pairing was pretty perfect (alliteration!) because unfortunately, I'm not into IPAs and he doesn't care too much for wheat beers, so we were able to offer each other perspectives of beers we didn't really want to try. Here are some beers that really stood out and, if you ever have the chance to try, you definitely should.
- Sherwood Brewing Co.'s Cukuler Ale. Cucumber and beer aren't two things I think should go together, but they often do. There were some other cucumber-flavored microbrews here, but this one was probably the best of them all.
- Tapistry Brewing Co.'s Mr. Orange. Hard not to hear Stealer's Wheel and picturing Michael Madsen going nuts on some poor dude while sipping this concoction that was made with blood oranges, chamomile and rose hips.
- Brewery Ferment's Vacationer's Daily. Cream ale with lime peel. 'Nuff said.
- Original Gravity's 440 Pepper Smoker. I love any beer that adds heat to the mix. This smoked amber had a subtle, yet yummy jalapeno taste - not too hot, but enough to let you know it was there.
- Griffin Claw's Wicket Wit. This wasn't a complicated beer, after all it was a sour witbier. But this was my absolute favorite beer out of all the ones I tried. Hands down.
- Grand Rapids Brewing Co.'s Philanthropist. Here's a beer you can really feel good about drinking. You can love people while also knowing the ingredients in the beer are all organic. Isn't that special?
- Kuhnhenn Brewing had two beers that I didn't exactly enjoy, but they get honorable mentions because of their names: The Fluffer, a session IPA, and Penetration Porter. I really have no idea what they were trying to get at there. (Heavy on the sarcasm.)
While there were certainly many other beers, those are the ones that stood out the most. However, beer festivals are never just all about the beer. Food must be had and I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to the spectacular cheese plate offered by Traffic Jam and Snug. This place is billed as one of Detroit's overlooked treasures and I would tend to agree. If you're ever in the area, make this place one of your stops.
One of the main attractions of this year's festival was Dark Horse Brewing. Every year their set-up is something to see and makes you feel like you should run off and join the militia or something. This year they felt like the big dogs of the festival with their bi-level "tent" that was complete with air guns to shoot out t-shirts to eager fans and a six-foot block of ice from which you could fill your glass with Dark Horse Brewing beer. Again, though, with all the camo and long beards, it seemed like there was going to be some overthrowing of a government.
All-in-all, the 17th Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival was a hit. People were happy, drinks were plentiful and everyone seemed to be having a good time. The absolute best part of the festival was running into so many Ohio people. Some people came up from Ohio to enjoy the beer while others were transplants. It's always nice to see that there is such a deep love of craft beer that it is able to overcome any ideas of what side of the border is better (cough...Ohio...cough). But in all seriousness, as a stranger in a strange land I was welcomed with open arms by the people of Michigan. We Ohioans will hopefully do the same as people from up north start to trickle down to see what all this noise is as our city's craft beer presence grows more and more.
See you next summer, Michigan! Cheers!


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Suicide: Know the Signs & Help Make a Difference
Did you know that most suicidal people show some signs that they are thinking about suicide? Anyone, including you, can play an important role in preventing suicide.
Learning what the signs are, even if they are very subtle, may help you to help someone you love or care about at a crucial moment.
Some people believe it can be harmful to talk to someone about suicide. But the real danger is not talking about suicide. Often, when people hear themselves talk about suicide, it causes them to reconsider or it relieves them and helps them feel less alone, less pressure, and much less like dying.
Take the time now to learn what signs to look for so you're ready to help when it may matter the most.
Teens thinking about suicide may show some of these signs:
- Personality change: They show a significant personality change
- Reckless behavior: They act in ways that could be dangerous and don't care about the consequences
- Neglect of personal appearance: They have an unusual neglect of personal appearance, lack of personal hygiene, and stop caring about even basic grooming
- Loss of interest: They lose interest in pleasurable activities they once enjoyed
- Substance abuse: They are drinking alcohol or using other drugs
- Sudden mood changes: They become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
- Physical pain: They frequently complain about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, etc.
- Changes in sleep: They sleep more and are restless
Older adults thinking about suicide may show some of these signs:
- Giving away possessions: They give away prized or favorite possessions
- Sudden mood changes: They are uncharacteristically sad or depressed or are unusually happy or content after a period of significant depression
- Changes in sleep: They sleep more or can't sleep and are restless
- Putting affairs in order: They rush to complete or revise a will
- Anxiety: They appear nervous, shaken or worried
- Saying goodbye: They give away possessions, indicate they are saying farewell or end relationships
- Neglecting doctor's orders: They ignore medical advice
- Hopelessness: They make statements of hopelessness
- Withdrawal: They withdraw or isolate from friends and family
If you recognize any signs, what's important is to ask questions, listen, and help the person to find help. And remember that you are not alone in helping someone in crisis. There is help available to you, and to the person experiencing an emotional crisis.
San Mateo County Suicide & Crisis Intervention
(650) 579-0350 or 800-273-TALK (8255)
If you or someone you know is in a psychiatric crisis, call 911 or go to Psychiatric Emergency at San Mateo Medical Center, 222 West 39th Avenue, San Mateo, or call (650) 573-2662.
For more information on suicide, County programs, or for training, contact:
Katy Davis
San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Initiative Coordinator
(650) 372-3214
You can also visit San Mateo County Health System online at http://smchealth.org/suicideprevention
Remember, before starting a conversation with someone you are concerned about, be sure to have suicide crisis resources on hand. And do not put yourself in danger. If you are concerned about your own safety, call 911.
For more information on warning signs, how to start a conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide, and other useful information on preventing suicide, visit http://www.suicideispreventable.org/


text:
UTHCT is first academic medical center in UT System to be named 'Nurse-Friendly®' hospital by Texas Nurses Association
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has been named a "Nurse-Friendly®" hospital by the Texas Nurses Association, one of just 31 hospitals in Texas to achieve this distinction.
"Being named a 'Nurse-Friendly®"' hospital means the Health Center provides an environment that respects the value of nurses and ensures quality patient care. We're the first academic medical center in The University of Texas System to achieve this designation," said Kleanthe Caruso, UTHSCT's vice president for Patient Care Operations and chief nursing officer.
"We're proud of this accomplishment. It's the result of efforts by both staff and management to create an atmosphere where nurses are valued. And it shows that Tyler is a city where nurses have excellent opportunities to pursue their profession," Caruso said.
To achieve Nurse-Friendly® status, a hospital undergoes a vigorous review that includes a confidential online survey of nurses working at the facility. Nurses are asked if the hospital is committed to nurses and if it values their contributions to the pursuit of safe, quality patient care. Survey results must confirm that 12 essential elements of an ideal nursing environment exist in the hospital. The Nurse-Friendly® designation lasts three years, after which the hospital is evaluated again.
UTHSCT President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun said, "It's common sense that creating an atmosphere where nurses can thrive translates into committed nurses who are providing positive patient outcomes. UT Health Science Center is dedicated to supporting the 12 essential standards of an ideal nursing environment."
The TNA introduced the program two years ago in response to research that showed a link between direct nursing care and positive patient outcomes. Since 1998, the nursing profession has been experiencing a severe workforce shortage. Nurses who were passionate about caring for patients were being driven out of the profession because of their work environment, the TNA said. Nurses are the largest part of the health care workforce.
Using ideas and suggestions from nurses, the TNA developed a set of 12 research-based standards that define a workplace atmosphere where nursing can thrive and quality patient care can be delivered. These standards are the criteria on which the Nurse-Friendly® program is based. They include giving nurses more control over the care they give patients, ensuring that nurses work in a safe environment, having systems in place to address patient care concerns, providing nurses with opportunities for professional development, and demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based medicine and better patient outcomes.
Helen Miner, Ph.D., RN, director of the Lake Country Area Health Education Center on the UTHSCT campus, has been involved with the Nurse-Friendly® Hospital Project for three years. The project was funded by a five-year $1.2 million federal grant to the TNA and the East Texas AHEC to work with small and rural hospitals.
"The purpose of the Nurse-Friendly® initiative was to show that improving the working environment increases the recruitment and retention of registered nurses," Dr. Miner said.
"The Health Center shared information and worked to demonstrate that it meets the 12 criteria that research has shown increase the retention and recruitment of nurses. The Health Center is the only medical center in Texas that achieved Nurse-Friendly® status with its acute care and outpatient clinic nurses," she said.
The TNA is a professional organization of registered nurses and the only Texas affiliate of the American Nurses Association. The organization promotes quality patient care by encouraging high standards in nursing practice, legislative involvement, and public policy advocacy.


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Buffett Called US Senator about Tax Inversions
Warren Buffett Talks to Senators Sometimes
Surprisingly, This Warren Buffett Myth Is Dead Wrong
Investment Classics
Venture Capital
Crystal Gazing
Behavioral Finance
Warren Buffett
Hedge Funds
Capital Markets
People >> Peter Lynch
People >> Phil A. Fischer
People >> John C. Bogle
People >> Jim Rogers
People >> Andrew Smithers
People >> Bill Miller
People >> Bill Nygren
People >> Michael Maubossin
People >> Bill Gross
Jason Zweig: A Fireside Chat With Charlie Munger
(13th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Confucius said that real knowledge is knowing the extent of ones ignorance. Aristotle and Socrates said the same thing. Is it a skill that can be taught or learned?
Faber Thinks Gold Has Bottomed
(13th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Marc Faber of the Gloom Boom & Doom Report thinks geopolitical issues will become more important for US markets, and says he thinks gold has bottomed.
Munger Hosts Groupies, Mocks Wall Street, Praises Buffett
(12th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Charles Munger became a billionaire helping Warren Buffett build Berkshire Hathaway Inc. into the fifth-biggest company in the world. Looking back, he says his contribution was minimal.
Warren Buffett Talks to Senators Sometimes
(12th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Warren Buffett was thinking about investing a few billion dollars in a deal. But he worried that the deal might be negatively affected by some possible legislation.
Words of wisdom from the 'Wolf of Wall Street'
(12th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Martin Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street has intimate knowledge of how to scam investors and persuade even prudent people to part with their cash.
Buffett Called US Senator about Tax Inversions
(12th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Lawmakers, specifically Democrats, are very concerned about inversions, in which a United States company will buy a foreign competitor and then make its home country that new tax domicile. The inverted company will usually end up with much lower tax rates.
Like Buffett, Pick Investments That Last Forever
(12th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Like many of his quips, its good for a laugh but also contains a kernel of investing truth: The real gains from stock investing are not made from trading but from owning.
Value Investing Not 'Hot,' But Profitable
(11th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The investor cannot enter the arena of the stock market with any real hope of success unless he is armed with mental weapons that distinguish him in kind, not in a fancied superior degree, from the trading public.
Is your portfolio truly diversified?
(11th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
By being aware of these events' impact, you can see that workings of the markets especially their volatility may not be as mysterious as you thought.
Berkshire: Still Beating The S&P
(11th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Charlie and I believe the gain in Berkshire's intrinsic value will over time likely surpass the S&P returns by a small margin. We're confident of that because we have some outstanding businesses, a cadre of terrific operating managers and a shareholder-oriented culture.
Fidelity Investments Did A Study On Which Client Accounts Did Best And What They Found Was Hilarious
(11th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Ritholtz and O'Shaughnessy spend much of their discussion talking about the ways people screw themselves when investing, because nothing gets in the way of returns quite like someone who thinks they have a great idea.
How Focus Investing Can Save Your Portfolio
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Most people own lots of stocks, thinking they are lowering their risk. But this just isnt so. After as few as six names, you could be fully diversified.
Keep a long-term horizon in value investing to gain most
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Value investing is a strategy that seeks to buy stocks that have been undervalued by the market. The strategy here is to buy stocks at less-than-its intrinsic value.
David Abrams Talks Investing At The Height Of The Financial Crisis
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
David Abrams isnt saying that investing is easy, quite the opposite. One of the constant refrains in the writings we were able to find is that successful investing is mostly a matter of hard work and good judgment. But he also thinks that investment strategies need to be based on fundamentals if theyre going to last the test of time.
Free Yourself from Cycle of Emotional Investing
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
In many areas of your life, you're probably aware that it's useful to keep emotions out of your decision-making - and that's certainly the case with investing. However, it can be difficult to keep your feelings from influencing your investment decisions.
Investing Under the Influence of Fear
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Fear is among the strongest emotional motivators and drives human decisions in a way most other emotions cant. When we are afraid, we instinctually take actions to eliminate our fears. Often these actions are not logical or rational, but rather a reactionary protective measure.
The Education of a Value Investor: A Transformative Quest for Wealth, Wisdom, and Enlightenment
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Its important, author writes, to discuss just how easy it is for any of us to get caught up in things that might seem unthinkableto get sucked into the wrong environment and make more compromises that can tarnish us terribly.
Be Humble, Become Wealthy
(10th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
We are both by design and by culture inclined to be anything but humble in our approach to investing. We usually invest on the basis that we're certain that we've picked winners, we sell in the certainty that we can re-invest our capital to make more money elsewhere. We are usually wrong, often extremely wrong.
Investing habits: The good and the bad
(9th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Choosing good investments is a necessary condition for successful investing. But it's also important to engage in good behavior once those investments have been selected.
Biggest Discovery about Value Investing
(9th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
One of my initial reasons for doing so was the better long term returns the share market had delivered compared to other options such as bonds or gold.
How to Master Investing Mentality
(9th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Value investing is the art of buying an asset that is trading at less than its intrinsic value. Famous value investor Warren Buffett has mastered the art of buying companies that the market has underestimated.
Why Wont the Obama Administration Talk About Warren Buffetts Burger King Corporate Inversion?
(9th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
While the expressions second half which references something walking is inappropriate for this page, it seems fitting when considering the actions of Warren Buffett over the years.
Howard Marks on Risk Assessment, Market Strategy-video
(6th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Howard Marks, chairman of Oaktree Capital Group LLC, talks about assessing market risk, volatility and sentiment. Marks speaks with Stephanie Ruhle and Erik Schatzker on Bloomberg Television's "Market Makers.
The Case for Sticking With StocksNo Matter the Price
(6th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
How much money should you keep in the stock market even if you're worried that it's now significantly overpriced?
5 Buffett Quotes about Investing
(6th September 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Theres no doubt that Warren Buffett is the most successful investor that history has ever seen. And when it comes to his investment philosophy, it really isnt a secret. He has shared tidbits with the world throughout his lifetime in the form of many memorable quotes and quips.
Stock Markets
New/Network Economy
Technical Papers
People >> Greenspan
People >> BRIAN ARTHER
People >> Paul Romer
People >> Paul Krugman
People >> Fredrick Hayek
People >> Joseph Schumpeter
People >> Andrew Smithers
People >> Keynes
4 Must-Read Books on Storytelling
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Stories are the way in which we teach moral lessons, keep an audience engaged in what were saying, and convince others to pursue a course of action. In the business world, where time is short, and you need to make a point quickly the favorite device is the anecdote. These short stories help others see your point of view. I cant count the number of times Ive been in a meeting where all of the evidence is pointing towards a clear path when someone, usually someone in a senior position, offers up and anecdotal counter-example.
Why American History Is Not What They Say: An Introduction to Revisionism by Jeff Riggenbach
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Jeff Riggenbach's book is a godsend for anyone who needs a crash course in revisionist history of the United States. What is revisionism? It is the retelling of history from a point of view that differs from the mainstream, which always treats the victor (the state) as glorious and the conquered (individual liberty) as deserving of its fate.
Review of Austrian Economics, Volume 9 by Murray N. Rothbard
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Murray Rothbard had long dreamed of an Austrian academic journal. In 1986, his dream came true. The Mises Institute published it, and it changed everything. The Austrians could focus on internal development, highlight the contrast with the mainstream, and show their wares to the profession and the world at large.
Economic Calculation in the Socialist Commonwealth by Ludwig von Mises
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
This is the essay that overthrew the socialist paradigm in economics, and provided the foundation for modern Austrian price theory. When it first appeared in 1920, Mises was alone in challenging the socialists to explain how their pricing system would actually work in practice.
From Bubbles to Boiling.
"In 1929 there was only one bubble, the stock market bubble. At the time the governments were disciplined, stuck to the rules and were not afraid to apply the necessary corrections. Governments still had gold reserves as an anchor and only few people were indebted. The situation today is totally different. There are many bubbles, too many: the currency and credit bubbles, and their parallel debt bubbles, the stock market bubbles, the derivative bubble, the world wide real estate bubble, the travel bubble, the population bubble."
Bubble Bath
"In the wake of the bursting of the dot.com economic bubble, one refrain is commonly heard: how was it that reasonable people could get suckered into pouring money into endless new startups that had no product and no potential for profits, in an entire economic sector that had little history of profitability? A recent Wall Street Journal article outlined how sometimes the delusions ran deep--and were intentionally laid. And are continuing."
Seeing Bubble.
"Lower interest rates, lower energy prices and the tax cut should restore confidence and spending. Should this fail to occur, present market values will almost certainly qualify as another "bubble". It's also possible that the drip, drip of bad corporate- earnings reports will slowly drain investors' confidence and spontaneously depress the market-and the economy. Alan Greenspan likes to say that a bubble becomes obvious only with hindsight. But even now the market is providing an impressive imitation.
When Bubbles Burst
Tulips. Dot-coms. Hey, manias happen. But most don't lead to economic disaster.
Who Blew the Dot-Com Bubble?
"Henry Blodget, Wall Street's loudest cheerleader for Internet stocks, made it to the front page of the New York Times last week. And thereby hangs a tale about the media and the bubble."
At diner, appetite dips for stocks.
"Newton eatery hit by market blues By Ross Kerber, Globe Staff, 3/8/2001 - Newton Eddie Cimen hears a lot of complaints at his Newton diner these days -about the markets, not the omelettes."
The Quest for Economic Freedom.
"The virtuous cycle, of dollar favorable capital flows and resulting "prosperity," depended upon the cooperation of a voluntary and able consumer, a voluntary and able international investor, an accommodative monetary policy, an accommodating administration and banking system, and most importantly, a benign global economic environment in which soft dollar deals would actually work. Almost none of these factors exists today, except for the few Japanese investors who have already forward sold enough dollars for the moment that they can afford to volunteer their complicity for a little while longer."
How Could Irving Fisher Have Been So Wrong?
"An analysis of why both the US financial system and economy are grossly maladjusted and acutely unstable."
The TSC Streetside Chat: Andrew Smithers, Founder of Smithers & Co.
At thestreet.com In an interesting chat with Thestreet.com, Andrew Smithers, a Brit who heads Smithers & Co., a London based firm that provides advice to 80 of the world's largest fund money-management companies, suggests that the American stock market is in the biggest bubble it's ever had, and it exceeds the excesses of 1929, 1937 and 1968. For those of you who like to get to the bottom of the subject, Mr. Smithers has just co-written a book, 'Valuing Wall Street: Protecting Wealth in Turbulent Markets' (McGraw-Hill), in which he argues that the stock market is more overvalued than any time in history.
Letter of credit
'The Economist' The recent issue of 'The Economist', (June 24th - 30th 2000) carries a brilliant piece in the 'Economic Focus' section (Pg. 106) about Andrew Smithers' new book, 'Valuing Wall Street: Protecting Wealth in Turbulent Markets' (McGraw-Hill). This book advocates a ratio called "Tobin's q" as the best way to judge whether stockmarkets are soundly valued - and concludes that Wall Street is oh, about two-and-a-half times higher than it should be. This article when read in conjunction with the preceding piece offers a better perspective.
The Meaning of 'Over-Valued'
By, Christopher Mayer at Mises.org The author attempts to see whether the three common features of a bubble: one part fundamental (i.e. a technological revolution), one part financial (i.e. a surge in money and credit) and one part psychological (i.e. a suspension of belief in traditional valuation measures) exist in the current bull market. You might guess the answer, but read the piece.
Can the Stock Slide Be Stopped?
By, Llewellyn H. Rockwell, Jr. What should be the right government policy towards a falling stock market?
The Beast Awakens
By Sean Corrigan at gold-eagle.com A rise in the American CPI at 5.6% annualized over the last three months and 4% over the last six, has been the worst since 1990 and opens up the way for a savage reassessment of the mental construct into which asset valuations must fit. Juxtaposed with alarming proportions of margin debt and consumer credit, the picture seems precarious. Although the article talks about the American economy, these days the goings-on there have quite an impact here - investors in tech stocks will testify - it is worth a read.
"The Damn'd South Sea"
By Christopher Reed in the Harvard Magazine Irrational exuberance pervades the stock market. Speculators pay ever-higher prices for shares despite scant evidence of underlying value. Skeptics warn that the bubble will burst. This must be England in 1720. Britain's greatest financial speculation and its unhappy ending, documented in a rich Harvard collection. George Colony's
Modigliani's Message: It's a Bubble, and Bubbles Will Burst
By Floyd Norris, The New York Times Dr. Modigliani says that there are two warranted prices for a share. The one he prefers is based on such fundamentals as earnings and growth rates. But the bubble, he says, is rational in a certain sense. The expectation of growth produces the growth, which confirms the expectation; people will buy because it went up. The trouble is that the bubble price is naturally unstable. It can keep rising only so long as expectations keep growing. But once you are convinced it is not growing anymore, nobody wants to hold a stock because it is overvalued. Everybody wants to get out and it collapses, beyond the fundamentals. Dr. Franco Modigliani knows something about the fundamentals. Now 81 years old, he won the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics in 1985 in part because of his pioneering work in just what those fundamentals are.
Bubble baths nothing new for investors
By Michael Pollak in the Akron Beacon Journal Financial bubbles, those dangerous combinations of crowd psychology and alluring, wispy investment offers, have a long and painful past. Today's dot-com investors may get an education from three of history's hottest deals: tulipmania, the South Sea bubble and the Mississippi scheme. Careless folks have been losing their shirts on get-rich-quick schemes at least since 1634.
The Trouble with Bubbles
World Economic Forum - Worldlink March/April 1999 This time will be different, say the speculators eager to cash in on the latest investment frenzy. The problem is that each time it's the same. As JK Galbraith has said, financial genius is before the fall. This article is eminently readable, what with the precipitous fall in the NASDAQ.
Bubble psychology
By David Dreman Forbes Magazine - March 08, 1999 THE DOW IS HEADED for 1,000,000. That's what investors expect, although they probably don't know they expect it. David Dreman explains that investor expectations are unreasonable whilst describing the anatomy of a bubble. If you are a BULL, read this to find out how much BULL-S there is in this BULL market. If you are BEAR, read it anyway.
'THE ECONOMIST': LEADER, 25th September 1999 Households and firms are on a borrowing spree. The private sector's financial deficit has risen to an unprecedented 5% of GDP (in the previous 50 years it has never exceeded 1%). Money-supply growth is rapid. And America's current-account deficit is heading for a record 4% of GDP this year. These are all classic symptoms of a bubble.
Economic basics predict apocalypse
By, Rick Ackerman - eXaminer.com Dr. Kurt Richebacher (pronounced REESH-a-baisher), former chief economist and managing partner at Germany's Dresdner Bank says, a deflationary collapse lies ahead that will ravage the world's bourses and usher in a dark period of austerity and financial discipline. Where others see a New Era of productivity growth and industrial efficiency, he sees duplicitous bookkeeping and manufacturing's steep decline. They talk of a booming U.S. economy; he sees a profitless mirage. They worship capitalism's bold risk-takers; he scorns them for recklessly piling leverage to the sky. Someone's going to be wrong, but judge for yourself. A fantastic contrarian piece!
Spinning Financial Illusions - The Story of Bubblenomics
By - William A. Fleckenstein Fleckenstein begins by describing the various factors that collectively have created the financial environment in which we currently find ourselves. He then demonstrates that this is a bubble by comparing today to the late 1920s and offers some thoughts as to the potential severity of the aftermath of this bubble. Lastly, he makes a stab at guessing what might pop it. Although the article relates to the stock markets in the U.S. and more specifically the tech businesses there, it may set you thinking about the implications of a deflation of the U.S. tech bubble. A fantastic article
Information Technology
People >>Bill Gates
Bill Gates: My 13 favorite talks
(4th December 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
When we asked Bill Gates to curate a list of his favorite talks, his first response was, There are too many to pick, really. Here, he's whittled it down to 13 essentials.
Kill the Password: Why a String of Characters Cant Protect Us Anymore
(3rd December 2012)
Contributed by Abhay Bhagat
Its not a well-kept secret, either. Just a simple string of charactersmaybe six of them if youre careless, 16 if youre cautiousthat can reveal everything about you.
Microsoft Said to Speed Windows Upgrades to Once a Year
(3rd December 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Microsoft aims to upgrade the software more frequently, about once a year, rather than every two or three years as its done in the past, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the product plans are private. The company plans to unveil the first of these updates in 2013, one of the people said.
Frozen Water and Organic Material Discovered on Mercury
(30th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
For the first time, scientists have confirmed that the planet Mercury holds at least 100 billion tons of water ice as well as organic material in permanently shadowed craters at its north pole.
Seeing the light: Ed Boyden's tools for brain hackers
(27th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Ed Boyden, an engineer turned neuroscientist, makes tools for brain hackers. In his lab at MIT, he's built a robot that can capture individual neurons and uses light potentially to control major diseases -- all in his quest to 'solve the brain'.
The Scientific Blind Spot
(26th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
In 1870, German chemist Erich von Wolf analyzed the iron content of green vegetables and accidentally misplaced a decimal point when transcribing data from his notebook.
Having Broken CO2 Speed Limit, World Now "Stepping on the Gas"
(26th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The United Nations Environment Program warns that global emissions of greenhouse gases are opening up a widening gap between reality and climate change goals
Galaxy Might Be Most Distant Seen Object
(26th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Thanks to gravitational lensing by a cluster of galaxies, the light emitted by a small galaxy 13.3 billion years ago has reached Earth. John Matson reports
Global Energy: The Latest Infatuations
(24th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
In energy matters, what goes around, comes aroundbut perhaps should go away
Solar storm as desert plan to power Europe falters
(24th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
An ambitious plan to provide 15% of Europe's power needs from solar plants in North Africa has run into trouble. The Desertec initiative hoped to deliver electricity from a network of renewable energy sources to Europe via cables under the sea.
In His Own Words: Bill Gates Dishes on Computers, Religion and Being Smart [Excerpt]
(24th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Bill Gates in His Own Words readers get a glimpse of the visionary Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist's philosophy on business, technology and life via some of his most memorable quotes
European Exoplanet-Hunting Space Telescope Nears Its End
(23rd November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
A pioneering European space telescope that discovered the first rocky extrasolar planet is on its last legs, Nature has learned.
Planting Seeds of Dementia
(23rd November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
A cascade of misfolded proteins may trigger Alzheimer's By Carrie Arnold Researchers have untangled some of the neurological events that may ultimately lead to Alzheimer's disease. Two new studies show that a protein implicated in this form of dementia can infect other neurons to spread disease across the brain. These problematic proteins clump together, which can lead to cognitive problems.
Galapagos' Extinct Tortoise Species Could Come Back to Life
(23rd November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
A species of giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands could be brought back from extinction despite the death earlier this year of the famed "Lonesome George," a tourist magnet and conservation icon who was the last of his kind.
Hunt for Life under Antarctic Ice Heats Up
(23rd November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
On the heels of a Russian drilling effort that reached Lake Vostok, British and American teams also aim to penetrate ancient subglacial lakes By Quirin Schiermeier and Nature magazine
Curiosity Rovers Secret Historic Breakthrough? Speculation Centers on Organic Molecules
(21st November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The report comes by way of the rovers principal investigator, geologist John Grotzinger of Caltech, who said that Curiosity has uncovered exciting new results from a sample of Martian soil recently scooped up and placed in the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument.
Brainwave-Controlled Helicopter Lands on Kickstarter
(21st November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The system uses a NeuroSky MindWave Mobile EEG headset to record brainwave data, which is then sent to software on either a tablet/smartphone or on a specially designed pyramid-shaped base. The software converts the brainwave data to flight commands, which control the flight of the spherical helicopter,
'Super-Jupiter' Discovery Dwarfs Solar System's Largest Planet
(20th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
In a rare direct photo of a world beyond Earth, astronomers have spotted a planet 13 times more massive than Jupiter, the largest planet in our own solar system.
Humans, chimpanzees and monkeys share DNA but not gene regulatory mechanisms, scientists report at ASHG 2012
(12th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Human Shares ove 90 % of their DNA with their primate cousins. The expression or activity patterns of genes differ across species in ways that help explain each species' distinct biolgy and behavior.
Mini Mover and Shaker: Single-Molecule "Engine" Vibrates Macro Object
(12th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The random motion of a hydrogen molecule can drive the oscillation of a much larger structure By John Matson
Spooky Science: Make a Ghostly Illusion
(12th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Halloween is a time for sharing ghost stories and watching spooky movies. But have you ever thought about the science behind some of these uncanny experiences? Haunted houses, for example, take advantage of the way your brain uses sensory information.
Climate Change Threatens Legacy Coffee
(12th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Rising seas and severe storms are the most talked-about threats of climate change. But here's another: no more coffee. Because rising temperatures may cripple wild populations of Arabica coffeethe most cultivated species in the world.
Can Concrete Be Bendable?
(10th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The notoriously brittle building material may yet stretch instead of breaking
Undead-End: Fungus That Controls Zombie-Ants Has Own Fungal Stalker
(9th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
A specialized parasite fungus can control ants' behavior. But that fungus also faces its own deadly, specialized parasites
The Energy Opportunity in Wasted Heat
(9th November 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
For every one unit of energy that is converted into electricity in power plants today, two units of energy are thrown away. This wasted energy is primarily in the form of heat or thermal energy and, there is technology available today that can turn this waste into a usable energy stream.
Corporate Governance
People >> Peter Drucker
People >> Narayan Murthy
People >> Jack Welch
Why Marketers Want to Make You Cry
(22nd August 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
All too often, mature brands believe that they have to change the brands core message when in fact, the core message doesnt need to change, but the way the story is communicated does. After all, even though times change, our emotions dont.
What Thomas Piketty Got Wrong
(17th May 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Its a treat to have data about all the major countries over the last couple of hundred years and see how they stack up, both with their own past and between each other.
Increase Workplace Flexibility and Boost Performance
(25th March 2014)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The potential benefits of workplace variability are numerous increased morale, motivation, and the ability to attract and retain talent yet many managers dont know where to start. Others are afraid that performance could suffer or something important could fall through the cracks.
(15th March 2013)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
tramadol ev 100 mg tablets - tramadol tolerance
7 Highly Effective Habits
(1st March 2013)
Contributed by chetan parikh
This is the first study to examine what factors are associated with an increased follower-count on Twitter over an extended period of time. Hutto et al. (2013) studied 507 Twitter users over 15 months and half-a-million tweets
Famous Resolution Lists: Jonathan Swift, Susan Sontag, Marilyn Monroe, Woody Guthrie
(2nd January 2013)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Stay glad. Keep hoping machine running. Love everybody. Make up your mind.
Ravi Venkatesan: Winning in India Can Help Companies Win Globally
(15th June 2012)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Under Ravi Venkatesan's leadership from 2004 to 2011, Microsoft India's revenues grew fivefold and the country became one of the fastest growing geographies for the software firm.
Churchill and Drucker: Perfect Together
(23rd October 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Ties between the two men go way back. In May 1939, Churchill reviewed Drucker's first major book, The End of Economic Man, for The Times Literary Supplement, praising him as "one of those writers to whom almost anything can be forgiven because he not only has a mind of his own, but has a gift of starting other minds along a stimulating line of thought."
Excerpt: The Drucker Lectures
(25th September 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Most people know Peter Drucker through his books and articles. But Drucker was also a great speaker, especially in the classroom, where his students would sit rapt, listening as he pulled facts from his encyclopedic mind and shared insights on countless subjects. This side of the "father of modern management" is captured in The Drucker Lectures, (McGraw-Hill, 2010). Edited by Rick Wartzman, executive director of the Drucker Institute and a columnist for Bloomberg Businessweek, The Drucker Lectures features 33 of his most important talks. The earliest was delivered in 1943. The latest were given at Claremont Graduate University in 2003, two years before Drucker died. The excerpt below, on "The Future of the Corporation," comes from one of those final lectures.
Activists get help from SEC
(25th August 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
It's a good time to be a corporate gadfly.
Why Corporate Governance Matters to Everyone
(18th August 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
So many of the problems we face today result from poor decision-making by private corporations. Prominent examples include the Gulf oil spill and the seriously weakened financial sector, which is imperiling the rest of our economy. However, so many who describe themselves as liberals or progressives seek to address such problems with more government regulation and programs instead of by preventing the bad decisions at the source, which is likely to be more efficient from a resource utilization perspective.
Relational Letter to Occidental Petroleum
(10th August 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
This letter to Occidental Petroleums board of directors from Ralph Whitworth of Relational Investors (VII, September 30, 2009) and Anne Sheehan of the California State Teachers Retirement System outlines why the activist investors are seeking to replace at least four board members: [T]he board, as currently composed, suffers from entrenchment and ossification, which renders each of its members incapable of functioning as vigorous and independent shareholder representatives.
How to Make an American Job Before It's Too Late: Andy Grove
(6th July 2010)
Contributed by Abhay Bhagat
Recently an acquaintance at the next table in a Palo Alto, California, restaurant introduced me to his companions: three young venture capitalists from China. They explained, with visible excitement, that they were touring promising companies in Silicon Valley. Ive lived in the Valley a long time, and usually when I see how the region has become such a draw for global investments, I feel a little proud.
The new pluralism
(22nd March 2010)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Power in modern society is progressively being diffused, moving away from central government to interest groups, even to single individuals. Society and the body politic in democratic societies are becoming pluralist in new ways. This phenomenon was analysed by management guru and social science professor Peter Drucker in his book The New Age. A clear understanding of this development would help political and social leaders to cope with changing electoral aspirations.
The Drucker School of Management Honored as an 'Excellent Business School' by Eduniversal
(24th April 2009)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
The Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management was recognized as an Excellent Business School by EDUNIVERSAL, an organization that helps students choose the best business schools worldwide. The Drucker school was honored to be among the 1,000 selected business schools in the world because of its strength in the US and international influence.
Peter Senge
(21st November 2008)
Contributed by Rohan M. Shah
Peter Senge (born 1947) studied aerospace engineering at Stanford University before moving into the field of organisational behaviour and becoming director of the Centre for Organisational Learning at MITs Sloan School of Management. He is credited with developing the idea of the learning organisation, based on his study of social systems and the relationship of the whole to its constituent parts. A learning organisation, he once said, is continually expanding its capacity to create its future.
Economic Depressions: Their Cause and Cure
(3rd October 2008)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
We live in a world of euphemism. Undertakers have become "morticians," press agents are now "public relations counsellors" and janitors have all been transformed into "superintendents." In every walk of life, plain facts have been wrapped in cloudy camouflage.
Peter Drucker's "Unfinished Chapter:"
(6th August 2007)
Contributed by Abhay Bhagat
The influence the CEO has on people--individually and collectively.
Management: A movie guide
(6th July 2007)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
I've read about shamrock organisations, horizontal organisations and federal organisations. I've read about intelligent enterprises and spider-web organisations. The most-quoted management guru Peter Drucker said that managing an information-based organisation is more like conducting a symphony orchestra than running a business on traditional lines. Others have compared it to running a jazz combo, and then there are those who say it's like running a sports team.
Q&A with management guru Jim Collins
(18th June 2007)
Contributed by Abhay Bhagat
The bestselling author answers our readers' questions about business, leadership - and mountain climbing.
Beware the 'Walking Dead': Analyzing Customer Data from a Multi-Service Firm
(14th June 2007)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Think of them as the "walking dead," a type of customer who currently maintains service with a particular company, but whose next action will most likely be to discontinue that relationship, according to a new study that examines how the customers of a telecommunications firm acquire and discard services over time. The paper -- "Modeling the Evolution of Customers' Service Portfolios," by Wharton marketing professors Peter Fader and Eric Bradlow and a former Wharton PhD student -- focuses in part on whether it is possible to predict future purchasing patterns by looking at past buying behavior.
At 3M, A Struggle Between Efficiency And Creativity
(4th June 2007)
Contributed by Abhay Bhagat
How CEO George Buckley is managing the yin and yang of discipline and imagination
Here Today, Discounted Tomorrow: Strategic Shoppers Know When to Buy, and at What Price
(1st June 2007)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Some shoppers just can't help themselves and buy mostly on impulse without regard to price. Others are die-hard bargain hunters, who only open their wallets for a discount. Then there are the strategic consumers, who are willing to buy full-price sometimes, but at other times they will wait for a bargain. According to new research by Gérard P. Cachon, professor of operations and information management at Wharton, and doctoral student Robert Swinney, it's these customers that retailers need to focus on in order to reap the full benefits of lean retail inventory management and variable pricing.
Marketers For Charity: Peter Drucker
(1st June 2007)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Few have had as great an impact on the business world as Peter Drucker. So, it is more than fitting to have his work amplified on Branding Strategy Insider during this years Marketers For Charity effort.
The best business books of all time? Here are the choices of our panel of CEOs and experts
(25th May 2007)
Contributed by Chetan Parikh
Robert Bruner still remembers the first book he read as a manager. It was 1988, and Bruner, now the dean of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, was an up-and-coming professor, respected for his work in finance. But he'd never managed people before. And when he was charged with overseeing the first year of the school's M.B.A. program, Bruner began to struggle.Under fire, Bruner scrambled for guidance. He found it in Peter Drucker'sThe Effective Executive. In the book, published two decades earlier, the dean of management thinkersknown for his study of GM under Alfred Sloanoffered advice to managers burdened with exactly Bruner's problems.
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The Real Warren Buffett
The website of James O Loughlin, author of "The Real Warren Buffett".
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The General Center for Internet Services Inc. ( GCIS ) is one of Canada's oldest and largest Internet services provider and e-commerce application developer. Originators of the famous Pagina+ (tm) Search Engine Optimization service, GCIS is in business since 1996.
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Hollow Earth & Other Stories collects the first B.P.R.D. mini-series, as well as the first Abe Sapien one-shot and some back-up features. Coming out of Hellboy, the book had some big shoes to fill when it was first launched, but quickly established it's own distinctive identity. While this identity has itself changed a lot over the years, the first volume is still the best jumping on point and features some classic adventure mixed with horror.
Hollow Earth begins with Liz Sherman seeking out a remote temple above the arctic circle in an attempt to gain control of her pyrokinetic powers. After this short prologue it quickly jumps to the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense headquarters, where the team is welcoming a new member in Johann Krauss. Johann was a psychic medium before a terrible incident reduced him to an ectoplasmic entity the B.P.R.D. has encased in a suit. Things start to go badly for Liz, forcing her to send a psychic cry for help out to Abe back at the Bureau. This results in the mounting of a rescue mission, including Abe, Johann, Roger the Humonculus and Field Director Kate Corrigan. Over the course of the next few issues the team will discover the ruins of an ancient underground civilization, gigantic monsters and the (typically) potential end of the world. It's a classic Mignola story inspired from equal parts of adventure, horror, classic pulp stories and debunked pseudo-science.
One of the best aspects of the book, and one that often flies under the radar, is the amount of humour that the series packs in. While it may get lost in the horror and action, there's honestly a chuckle every few pages and it's one of my favourite aspects of Mignola's work. Even amongst the doom and gloom there's a humour reminding us that these comics are meant to be fun. It's odd to think of a series that eventually evolves into the outright end of the world as funny, but B.P.R.D. has honestly given me more laughs than a lot of comedy books.
The creative team for the mini-series features some interesting choices, including Ryan Sook, Christopher Golden and Tom Sniegoski in addition to Mike Mignola. Golden and Sniegoski are credited as Mignola's co-writers, and this collaboration must have been enjoyable for Mike since he'd go on to work on three illustrated novels with Golden. Sook's art pays obvious homage to Mignola's Hellboy style, creating a continuity between B.P.R.D. and its parent book that enforces the idea of an expanding universe. At the same time, his own personal flair shines through, especially in a few panels distinctly his own.
Drums of the Dead was the first solo Abe Sapien release, coming from the team of Brian McDonald and Derek Thompson. I's a story about Abe investigating mysterious incident of possession along oceanic shipping lines. The story was released as a single issue (split with Heads, a short Hellboy back-up) so it progresses quickly from boarding the boat into a flat-out brawl. McDonald doesn't just write a fist-fight though, tackling some dark subject matter in the story's end. Thompson provides art with heavy use of shadows, giving the story an almost claustrophobic feel that fits the tight confines of a ship.
The Killer in My Skull and Abe Sapien Versus Science were both originally short back-up features written by Mignola and drawn by Matt Smith. The Killer in My Skull features the first appearance of Lobster Johnson, trying to solve a locked-room murder mystery. The result is uncovering a conspiracy involving telekinesis and fighting a gigantic floating brain. It's an almost surreal blast of a story, encapsulating some of the weirder vibes Mignola can channel. Abe Sapien Versus Science is an introspective story about Abe as he remembers what it was like to be first discovered by the B.P.R.D. The reason for these unpleasant memories is his observance of Roger the Humonculus, recently recovered during one of Hellboy's adventures. It's an important story in establishing Abe's character as well as bringing Roger into the team.
The selection of stories is perfect for the first volume of the series. They may be grouped because of their chronological publishing dates, but their ability to be collected together as an introduction to the team is quite serendipitous. The selected stories honestly structure the first volume perfectly, providing a good selection to build both the team and the book. They start to lay out the team dynamics early and establish the characters strongly while also giving the book as distinct feel different from Hellboy.
There are two stories that push Abe to the forefront, positioning him to take the central lead left vacant with Hellboy's absence. At the same time, since Hollow Earth is really about the search for Liz and Abe Sapien Versus Science is also the awakening of Roger, both characters are also emphasized as central to the team and story. This all comes together to make B.P.R.D. stand out as a team book foremost, whereas Hellboy was really about a lead character and his supporting cast. Even the addition of Johann brings an essential part of the team dynamic in his role as the rookie (essential to any team book) and ectoplasmic medium in a rubber suit (… also essential?).
The inclusion of a Lobster Johnson story may seem arbitrary, lumping all the non-Hellboy stories into B.P.R.D., but it actually reflects the essence of the book. B.P.R.D. as a book makes the statement that the B.P.R.D. as a team has a life after Hellboy and that there are enough mysteries in the world for two books to be exploring them. The inclusion of Lobster Johnson further emphasizes this, promising that the world is even bigger with even more mysteries and interconnected stories to uncover.
The last few years have proven this especially true, seeing that Lobster would eventually get his own book, as well as solo adventures for Abe and the introduction of Witchfinder. The world that Mike Mignola first created in Hellboy has proved compelling enough to spawn all of these books, not to mention movies and books. While the sheer amount of releases may make some fans choosy about what to spend their time on, B.P.R.D. is essential reading to any Hellboy fan as well as fans of great adventure and horror stories.


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Ice-T has achieved true O.G. status in the rap game, having arguably created the blueprint for gangsta rap (among other things). He parlayed his successful recording career into an enduring film and television career. Surely, a man who has been traveling that road for the past 28 years must have a few stories to tell. Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood collects those stories and arranges them into a single epic.
Ice-T received a lot of help from co-writer Douglas Century, who is no stranger to Hip-Hop or the street life, having penned New York Times best-selling Street Kingdom: Five Years Inside of the Franklin Avenue Posse in 1998. Century has grown considerably since the publication of that novel, as Ice-T has grown from a rapper to a recognizable television personality and that experience informs every part of Ice.
The reader learns of Ice-T's life as a young boy in New Jersey. His parents' lack of warmth gave him a detached perspective on life that served him well when he was suddenly forced to relocate to South Central under tragic circumstances. His high school years came amidst the burgeoning Los Angeles gang scene. In this portion of the book, Ice's ever-cool persona is thawed somewhat to expose a level of vulnerability that belies his stage persona. The loss of innocence is apparent, and Ice generates ample sympathy from the reader despite his stoic delivery.
That same balance is maintained in the chapters chronicling his years in the military and the duration of his criminal career. Ice's experiences as part of burglary ring are as crazy as anything you're likely to hear in one of his raps, but grounded in reality despite the larger-than-life presentation. Ice-T and Century realize that compelling realism has no need for exaggeration. That is a lesson that has been lost upon the dozens of gangsta rappers that emerged in Ice-T's wake. This sense of literary discipline serves Ice well.
The book gives equal time to Ice-T's show business endeavors, from his first groundbreaking singles to his role in New Jack City and beyond. Ice-T gets behind the scenes of the production, relating the experience from the eyes of the mostly unknown (at the time) cast. The cop killer controversy is finally and thankfully put on blast. Its effects on Ice-T's career and his relationship with Time Warner are put squarely into perspective, without the interference of pundits and the like.
The Soulja Boy debacle is also covered, as is the current state of mainstream Hip-Hop. Ice-T acknowledges the futility of engaging in such a pointless "beef" without apologizing for his feelings about Soulja Boy's brand of music. Hustler though he may be, Ice takes Hip-Hop seriously and that shines through, making his insights into the culture worthwhile.
The biggest strength of Ice is how packs so much into just 250 pages. That density also serves as the biggest source of frustration. The story moves along with such nimble ease, that one wishes Ice-T would expound more on his life's experiences. We don't really get any insight into his recording process, or the creation of classic albums like O.G. Original Gangster. The lack of "liner notes" in such instances isn't necessarily a flaw. The book reads just fine without it. Still, it would have made a highly enjoyable experience that much more satisfying.
Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood is one of the best rapper autobiographies ever written, and perhaps the most complete product Ice-T has ever delivered? It fills in the gaps of his celebrity bio in a way that hardly feels puffy or embellished. He emerges as both more human and more iconic. His legacy is one of the most productive and substantial in the history of Hip-Hop. Ice reminds the world of that fact without an ounce of pomp or hubris.
Out of 5
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Immediate Response
Going by a news paper article about a forth coming cyclone, Sarvodaya carried out a disaster management briefing at the end of November at the monthly district coordinators meeting, with the help of an officer from the Department of Meteorology. Due to this pre-meditated exercise Sarvodaya was in a very strong position to handle the disaster, hours after the tsunami struck morning of 26.12.2004. Sarvodaya deployed its entire available staff at the Headquarters and as many as possible in the field to deal with the devastation caused by the tsunami, ignoring nearly all of its day to day regular activities both in the field and at the Headquarters. For about a week, normal Sarvodaya work came to a virtual standstill. Many volunteers assisted in this effort and assistance was also forthcoming from the private sector and other agencies.
Sri Lanka's coastal areas were the hardest hit. The most affected are the poorest of the poor who live very close to the beach, often sandwiched in-between the sand and the train tracks or road. The proximity to the coastline and the vulnerability of their wooden huts left thousands of people dead and large numbers homeless without access to even the most basic necessities. Although exact numbers are not available yet, women and children are bearing the brunt of the disaster.
The Eastern, Northeastern and Southern side of the island were the most affected. Many areas on the Eastern Coast were very remote and inaccessible and information was scarce. The cities of Matara, Hambantota and Galle on the Western side were very heavily affected as well. Coastal roads and train lines have been destroyed and it was initially virtually impossible to physically reach the most affected areas.
Communication was difficult and getting an accurate assessment of the devastation's extent was impossible. Land phone lines and even mobile phone connections were virtually non-existent in many parts of the country and the electricity supply had been cut off. Even police and rescue teams could not reach many affected areas. Some police stations and security buildings were also destroyed. Rumours and misinformation became rampant.
Despite these challenges the Sarvodaya response was swift and systematic. As soon as the news of the disaster reached the Sarvodaya headquarters in Moratuwa on Sunday December 26 around 10.30 a.m., a special Disaster Management Operations Centre was set up and began to receive reports from the Sarvodaya district offices in the affected areas. Staff members and volunteers from non-affected Sarvodaya Districts and Divisional Centres were sent to affected areas.


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Howard Porter (Geezer)
Position: Small Forward and Power Forward ▪ Shoots: Right
Height: 6-8 ▪ Weight: 220 lbs.
Born: August 31, 1948 in Stuart, Florida
Died: May 26, 2007
High School: Booker in Sarasota, Florida
College: Villanova University
Draft: Chicago Bulls, 2nd round (15th pick, 32nd overall), 1971 NBA Draft
NBA Debut: October 29, 1971
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Send an email to Dr. Phil Williams
Dr. Phil Williams
Visiting Research Professor
Area(s) of Expertise: Transnational Crime
Email Dr. Phil Williams
Dr. Phil Williams is the Wesley W. Posvar Professor and Director of the Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. His previous assignments included Visiting Professor at the Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College; and Visiting Scientist at CERT Carnegie Mellon University, where he worked on cyber-crime and infrastructure protection. Dr. Williams has worked extensively on transnational criminal networks, terrorist networks, terrorist finances, and has focused most recently on the rise of drug trafficking violence in Mexico. He has published extensively in the field of international security. He has written many books on the field of international security including: Crisis Management (1976); The Senate and U.S. Troops in Europe (1986); and, (with Mike Bowker) Superpower Detente: A Reappraisal (1987); along with a number of edited volumes on Russian organized crime, trafficking in women, and combating transnational crime. Dr. Williams is also the author of From the New Middle Ages to a New Dark Age: The Decline of the State and U.S. Strategy (Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, 2008) and Criminals, Militias and Insurgents: Organized Crime in Iraq (Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, 2009). He also co-authored (with James Cockayne) The Invisible Tide: Towards an International Strategy to Deal with Drug Trafficking Through West Africa (International Peace Institute, 2009). VANDA FELBAB-BROWN is a Fellow in the Latin America Initiative and in the 21st Century Defense Initiative in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution. She is
*The above information may not be current. It was current at the time when the individual worked for SSI or was published by SSI.
SSI books and monographs by Dr. Phil Williams
Drug Trafficking, Violence, and Instability
April 19, 2012
Authored by Dr. Phil Williams, Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown.
The world of armed groups has changed and is continuing to change. What impact will these changes have on the threats and challenges to national and global security in the world today? This monograph focuses on the complex relationship between human security, crime, illicit economies, and law enforcement. It also seeks to disentangle the linkages between insurgency on the one hand and drug trafficking and organized crime on the other, suggesting that criminal activities help sustain an insurgency, but also carry certain risks for the insurgency.
Criminals, Militias, and Insurgents: Organized Crime in Iraq
August 26, 2009
Authored by Dr. Phil Williams.
Criminal enterprises and activities had a debilitating impact and made the attainment of U.S. objectives in Iraq much more difficult. Organized crime inhibited reconstruction and development and became a major obstacle to state-building; the insurgency was strengthened and sustained by criminal activities; sectarian conflict was funded by criminal activities and motivated by the desire to control criminal markets; and more traditional criminal enterprises created pervasive insecurity through kidnapping and extortion. Organized crime also acted as an economic and political spoiler in an oil industry expected to be the dynamo for growth and reconstruction in post Ba'athist Iraq.
From the New Middle Ages to a New Dark Age: The Decline of the State and U.S. Strategy
June 03, 2008
Authored by Dr. Phil Williams.
The author contends that the long-term decline of the state will move the world into a New Dark Age in which the forces of chaos and disorder will be almost overwhelming. Alternative options for the U.S. response to the security challenges posed by such an environment are examined.
SSI articles, editorial, and briefs by Dr. Phil Williams
Drug Trafficking, Violence, and the State in Mexico
April 02, 2009


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- Filed Under
PRESS RELEASE: Direct from Change.org
WASHINGTON, DC – Target confirmed today that it will opens its doors for Black Friday earlier than ever this year at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, following a trend announced last week by other retailers like Walmart. Over 150,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org started by California-based Target employee Casey St. Clair calling on Target to "save Thanksgiving" and stick to a Friday opening time.
In the past week, more than 40 new petitions have been created on Change.org calling on retailers to allow families to spend Thanksgiving together and open on Friday — many of them focused on Target.
Casey St. Clair of Corona, California, is a Target employee who created a Change.org petition asking the company to "take the high road and save Thanksgiving." In her petition, Casey writes:
I am a recent transplant to California with my boyfriend. I don't have any family out here and having to work on Black Friday prevents me from going home to the east coast to see my family. My boyfriend does have some family out here so Thanksgiving is the one day we get to spend with people we know. I currently work two jobs, substitute teach and work Target at nights and weekends, so having Thanksgiving off really does give me that one day to relax and visit family I otherwise have no time to see.
Jennifer Ann of Vernon Hills, Illinois, whose brother is a Target employee, started a separate petition on Change.org calling on Target to respect the national holiday. Jennifer notes that she has been looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with her entire family, but fears that it won't be the same if her brother, a Target employee, will be called to work on Thanksgiving. Jennifer writes in her petition on Change.org:
Family has always been important to me and Thanksgiving is all about family. I love seeing family that we haven't seen in years and spending time with each other on the only day when we can all get together. Last year, it became clear to me that for some large retailers, this holiday isn't about family or being grateful at all.
Last November, more than 200,000 people joined Target employee Anthony Hardwick's Change.org petition calling on Target to save Thanksgiving for its employees, their families and consumers by opening on Black Friday instead of on Thanksgiving itself. In addition to receiving national media coverage, Hardwick's petition inspired more than 150 other Change.org petitions asking major retailers to save Thanksgiving and put employees and families first.
"Building off of the incredible energy we saw around Black Friday opening times on Change.org last year, it's remarkable to see so many employees and consumers calling on retailers once again to 'Save Thanksgiving,'" said Charlotte Hill, communications manager at Change.org. "It's clear that the concerns reflected in Casey and Jennifer's petitions are resonating with people."