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Talk of inflation is generally referenced by annual pricing: how much more was paid this year over last: 2%, 5% etc. Other times, it compares the cost of things from 10 to 100 years ago. Then there is the composite from a 'basket of goods' that offers the 'average' rate of inflation to them as a whole. And always to be heard, we have Fed critics and conspiracy buffs with a special focus on commodity pricing (like gold and oil). They compare prices from decades past against those paid today. Comparisons start at 1,000% for tall tales of doom from banking manipulations or the Federal Reserve's takeover of US mint (money). Others point to the rate of capital to assets. The more dollars 'chasing' the same asset, faster the dollar falls.
We find all these to be outdated – if not entirely misleading. We propose the Cost-to-Income comparisons. This is further indexed against the cost of technology to income. We call this the Tech Affordability Index: TAI (as in Thailand). This offers a much better inflation model whether for economic review, monetary policy or conspiracy banter.
Tech Affordability Index: Cost to Income
Let's first cover this Cost-to-Income index. Rarely is inflation talked about as a percentage of our income. Why? Income Indexed Inflation seems a more accurate reading or at least, a more useful one. It allows us to better chart spending, investment and lifestyle – as we show below.
Food and gas offer great examples. Let's track food prices as a percentage of our income. By this measure, it's actually (much) lower than most any other time in history. Food was significantly more expensive centuries ago though money was apparently 'worth more' (and gold much less). Workers of yore paid a larger portion of their income to eat a meal. They paid more through millennia's of gold (backed) currency. We generally pay much less (by comparison) though we have 'fiat' paper money.
Ironically, food has never been cheaper then since Nixon took us off the gold standard.[1] In short, currency valuation is often a secondary factor to food prices. America personifies the point.
Ag Infrastructure vs. Fed
Food technology, distribution efficiencies and gov't stabilization programs combined into a much larger role than the rate of inflation. Nixon dropped us from the gold standard, but our food technology improved dramatically by then. The 1970's and 80's saw the golden age of modern agriculture.
This infrastructure is not accounted for in today's food index. It's always about capital infusion rather than food production. This focuses upon the wrong end of food valuation and so distorts forecasts, narrows our options at the expense of more obvious and promising prospects.
We see this in today's rising food costs. These price jumps have more to do with degrading infrastructure then fed printing (monetary policy).
Several examples:
· Petroleum based agriculture has finally peaked after decades of historic break-through. The age of petro-ag has finally begun its spiral of diminishing returns – at an exponential rate of decline.
· This coincides with billions of people coming online to access the global network of food production - once the sole purview of America.
· Third World countries are now Developing Nations closing off ever larger swaths of arable lands and other cheap production resources.
· Another billion people are making their way into 'the middle class.' This means resource intensive foods like meat and high fat diets in place of sustainable grains of traditional staples.
· This is further strained by severe climatic shifts of droughts, floods, fires and freezes that drastically undercut production and distribution even further.
Each one these would represent a setback to America's food production. Combined, we have the makings of a food crisis unparalleled in modern history. These factors play a much larger role to rising food prices then Fed policies alone.
Let's say food production held steady or even improved over this last decade. The cost of food would have also held steady (or also fallen against a sliding dollar).
Take milk as an example. Say the dollar lost 50% of its value. Let's also say diary production doubled (and so its cost also fell by half). The cost to us would be the same though the dollar itself was half its original value. This happened to food prices once we left the gold standard after Nixon. America's ag-tech dramatically expanded food production lowering food prices just as the dollar began to spike. The same would be true again if wages doubled. In either case, the affordability is not defined solely by the dollars rate of 'inflation.'
In this example of milk, the falling dollar would only be the first variable. Rising milk production would be the second variable and a counter balance to it. This production off-set is not accounted for in today's inflation model though it is often the larger factor of a tech based world.
Overlooking production has several liabilities. To begin, it misses all the important trends of production and so remains blind to their long term impact. More ominously, it presents a different set of remedies. If food prices are solely due to capital infusions, the ONLY solution would be reducing our money supply. Hence calls for public controls upon the fed. And yet, nationalizing the Fed (as banking critics call for), would have little impact upon today's rising food prices. Nor would a stronger currency. Prices won't be tempered until this food infrastructure has been resolved. Most fed critics miss this because the production side has been overlooked by their fed centric inflation model.[2]
Gas Cheaper in 80's then 30's
Gas offers another great example. In the 1980's, gas was $1 a gallon. Oddly, this was actually cheaper then gas selling for 10 cents - 50 years before. Here's how. My Grandma's income was just $35 a week in the 1930's. Gas cost her 10 cents a gallon back then. By the 1980's, the weekly salary was $400 while gas was just a dollar a gallon. Gas was actually cheaper for us (than for Grandma 50 years before). Grandma paid 10 cents a gallon, but it took up more of her income then it did our own.
They call this 'adjusted for inflation.' That's the clumsy way of recalibrating cost to income. This measure is used sparingly and often, only as an afterthought. However, this Cost to Income index may also prove less effective than one additional measure we add here.
Cost Per Mile – to Income
Grandma's story presents us with a more accurate index: Cost Per Mile - to Income. Grandma paid more of her income (at 10 cents a gallon). And…., she also got fewer miles per gallon (then we did). Gas was 1,000% higher by the 1980's and yet, our higher dollar cost took a smaller bite out of the average income. This was further supplemented with more miles per gallon than Grandma got from her car.
The old inflation model treats this as some kind of oxymoron or economic riddle - a higher number of dollars that still cost us less.
Inflation divided by Technology
We finally cracked this riddle. It's technology. Some call it 'productivity,' but technology sits center to this as well. Productivity is a round-about way of counting technologies improvements.
(Technology simply means things that allow us to do the same thing: better, faster, cheaper, larger, etc.)
This gives us a duel track for indexing inflation. On the one side, we have inflation eating away at the 'purchasing power' of the dollar. On the other, we have technology that keeps allowing us greater utilization of that very same dollar. Technology's offset is overlooked by today's inflation model. The auto industry gives us a superb demonstration how we can change this.
Tech Affordability Index
Here's an easy way to incorporate technologies impact. Index technology by the Cost Per Mile as it compares to our income. This gives us a more accurate reference point to begin tracking our 'true' cost. It's also far more useful than saying gas rose 1,000% over 50 years. A 1,000% price jump is fairly USELESS information. Actually, it's completely misleading. It says we pay a lot more dollars for gas. ..And yet, it fails to show we spend less per mile (of our income).
How to compensate for this: We call it the Tech Affordability Index: TAI. The Tech Affordability Index of the 80's supplied America with gas that was more affordable to us than the 1930's. What a surprise this would be to most Americans (from the 80's).
TAI then combines this Cost-Per-Mile with the Cost to Income. We would now say it took 4 minutes of work (in the 80's) to go one mile. Or, 15 miles-per-hour-of-work. This could be compared to Grandma's 7 minutes of work per mile (in the 1930's). Grandma was getting 8 miles-per-hour-of-work as compared to our 15. Here we have a more accurate picture to the true cost of gas (to us) over the previous 50 years. (Working example)
This context is entirely missed with the present inflation index. This in turn grossly exaggerates liabilities and leaves us with miscued forecasts. Banking conspiracies are a case in point. Most fed critics are breed upon the natural conclusions of today's inflation model. By their measures, most every year of the last 80 had us months away from complete economic collapse. Their forecasts are mostly based upon the amount of money released into the economy. They have only counted the first variable of our economic equation - inflation. They overlook the second one: technologies offset.
Such critics take credit for predicting a 'Stock Market crash;' but they skip the other 80 years of growth they overlooked. You're bound to be right about a 'market correction' at some point over 80 years. That does not make for sound forecasting. They failed to account for the many phases of prosperity in between. The Tech Affordability Index can capture this side of the inflation offsets at long last.
'Productivity' Misses Consumer Tech
Today's inflation model does offer us the 'Productivity' scale. Productivity measures some of tech's impact in work performance, but it ignores much of inflation's consequence upon consumers. This seems as intentional as it is the natural oversight of a capitalist based system. The greater crime is that it also misses much of technologies finest contributions to consumer budgets as well. Technologies biggest (inflation) offsets are right here on the consumer side. These benefits are entirely overlooked by today's inflation model.
Worker Productivity had more bearing in a manufacturing based economy. It's becoming ever more meaningless in a consumption based one. Productivity offers some indications for corporate planning, but it fails consumers miserably. TAI makes up for this. TAI becomes a critical index to understanding a consumption-based and technology driven economy.
Time & Income Demos
Measuring income to tech utilization offers a parallel track against 'the rate of inflation.' It gives us a more accurate picture and with it, a new set of options and tools.
Some examples:
· We work til April 15th to cover our taxes. This more clearly defines the impact of taxes upon our lives as it relates to both our income and the time it takes to pay for it. (Saying taxes cost 2,500% over the last 80 years is all but useless information on a practical consumer level.)
· The first two weeks of our paycheck goes to rent. This is a more accurate snapshot of housing cost to our daily lives as it pertains to both our income and the time it takes to earn it.
· We have the ever notorious shopping madness of Black Friday in October. Retailers are said to break-even on this day. They covered all costs for the year. Any money made thereafter is 'all' profit and so, stores offer their BIG SALES EVENTS: 25%; 50% and even 75% Off.[3]
Tech Beats Inflation
The best example of tech utility cost maybe in today's high gas prices. Today's high prices can run $4 against that $1 a gallon from the 1980's. These prices are certainly more expensive than Grandma paid (as a percent of her income in the 1930's). We do indeed pay more (per mile), and yet, it still cost less once compared with those of a hybrid.
Hybrids reset the Cost Per Mile once more. Hybrids cost less per mile then we paid in the 1980's. We see hybrids hitting 300 miles per gallon.[4] That's a penny a mile. Grandma was paying roughly 1 cent a mile[5] even before being 'adjusted for inflation.'
Technology is a powerful offset against inflation and often, far more so then Fed (capital) policies. Technology can leapfrog ahead inflation and does so regularly. In the case of gas, hybrids are doing this now.
Hybrids outperform inflation by double (maybe triple). In other words, if gas prices doubled tomorrow, a hybrid would leave you paying less per mile than Grandma did (as compared to her income in the 1930's). Put simply, technology is the overriding variable to inflation rather than the cost of gold alone. Welcome to America's real minting press: US Innovation and technology.
Better Cost Per Mile is only the first of many hybrid benefits:
· The high cost of fuel has become the incentive for tech upgrades. Manufacturers and buyers are committing ever larger sums to hybrids.
· Technology is getting cheaper by the day. An ever growing number of drivers are able to afford it.
· This gives us a step for step replacement against oil inflation
· Tech is replacing foreign dependency with domestic technology
· Reducing oil imports (which use to run 20% all foreign imports).
Hybrids now afford us a very different dynamic. Today's high gas prices have an inverse impact upon the economy. We no longer face the same disruptions from spiking oil prices as the nation once did. Instead, it spurs us to spend billions on investment. As a final bonus, this market hands us the next generation of jobs and innovation.
Technology has hit that tipping point wherein each successive oil spike is countered with the next wave of re-investment. This loops into lowering tech cost ever further giving us broader market utilization. Higher the price = greater the investment for the next generation jobs and innovation.[6]
The economics of expensive oil have now become the exact opposite of the 1970's that so plagued Pres. Carter. Tech has crossed this extraordinary milestone and yet, it's dreadfully understated by media, politics and academia alike. Why? It starts with our old inflation model. This old inflation index is so poorly equipped for understanding the economics of this new world and all the added factors at play upon it. This is but one of many such liabilities.
This maybe best personified by conspiracy buffs. They begin their narrative in measuring gas prices against those of 1930's. It leaves us with these harrowing forecasts and desperate policy prescriptions:
· nationalize the fed or
· revert to the gold standard –
· preferably both, they say
· US dollar is going to collapse any day now (for the last 50 years).
On the other side, we have neo-cons calling for trillions in military spending for a 'stronger presence' in the Middle East – with the hope of cheaper oil through war and intimidation.
Compare these policies to our simple prescription for more hybrid investment. Nationalizing the fed, reverting to gold or further militarization of foreign policy would have a much smaller impact then hybrids could offer us.
A mere 1% the cost of military intervention of the Gulf Wars may allow hybrids triple the impact to American drivers (or so our solar industry would suggest - below). Rather than 'cheaper' gas, hybrids hand us a whole lot more miles per gallon.
Tech Replacing Colonialism
Tech utility represents one of history's greatest power shifts of the modern era, if not millennia. Put simply, tech may become the official replacement to colonialism. A story not yet final or recognized.
Colonialism was built upon ever greater access to global resources. In this old paradigm, prosperity was largely decided upon by a nation's access to commodities. It was a commodity based world; primarily won and secured through military might. Hence, the ever expanding military budgets and obsession with standing armies.
A market based, tech driven system replaces the role of military conquest with market gains won with hot, new products. Consumer and industrial tech are the guns of choice in this new paradigm. Products decide how much territory is lost or won in the power struggles of the modern day. Meanwhile, commodities are measured more by ones utility of them rather than our access to them. Put simply: Those with commodity riches or larger militaries are losing out to those winning over market share and building the latest gadgets and cutting edge tech.
A commodity rich country with a powerful army like we see of both Russia and Iran will lag those that are more tech and product proficient - like Japan and S Korea. A better example maybe the USA with its massive military but dwindling manufacturing base against China's commercial rise that now translates into ever expanding influence far beyond its military might. It's the dawn of a new era. Commodity utility will reign over its producers. Market reach offers greater influence over those of military might. Prosperity is decided upon production and product rather than colonial establishments. It's a new paradigm the US has not yet fully comprehended. Yes, our military budget is based upon an outdated paradigm from the old imperial world that is as outdated as the kings before them.
Behold the 21st Century where guns and gold are no longer the baseline to power and prosperity. In this new world; commercial reach, tech savvy and marketing brawn are increasingly the deciding factor to wealth and influence. The soldier of this war is the worker and the victory is had through hot products. The Tech Affordability Index brings this new world into focus for the first time.
Herein presents TAI's greatest contribution. TAI automatically tends towards this natural progression for gas optimization in place of today's push for cheaper oil via militarization. It's more than just recalibrating foreign policy. It gives us this whole new paradigm. This tech option becomes obvious only by transposing the old inflation model with TAI. We will find this true for a host of other industries as well.
The stunning success of our solar power industry gives us a superb example. Pres. Obama backed the industry with about $20 billion in federally guaranteed loans. Around $2 billion was lost when a number of these companies went bankrupt. Solyndra made national headlines. Republicans held this high to embarrass the President and condemn liberal policy. And yet, both they and Democrats overlooked the glory of this failing.
Solar prices imploded almost 75% in 3 years. They were selling for just 25% their original price. Solyndra could no longer compete at these give-away prices. This price collapse is a testament to solar's grand success. Technology had reduced the cost of energy by nearly 80%. How both parties failed to see this leaves me stumped. Imagine; affordable, self-sustaining energy at long last. What could be a greater policy victory? It speaks to the power of technology and the critical role of gov't's investment in it. It holds a host of other such benefits. They too were overlooked (in part because of this old world inflation model).
Other benefits of solar:
· Collapsed the price of solar panels by 80% in less than a half decade.
· Solar has since created billions in new industries (manufacturing to instillation)
· Saved us trillions more in petroleum dependency over the coming decades.
· Transferred over hundreds of billions from Middle East oil producers and converted it into new equity for American homeowners.
(Property prices spike 20% to 50% in the 6 weeks it takes to install them. This equity comes out of the pockets of dictators abroad. It's a very modern answer and a market led response to energy dictators.)
· Added taxes for gov't and more business for contractors and banks (equity loans).
· Foreign policy priorities and military budgets reset along with it.
· Tax-payers got trillions in direct returns on their couple billion in solar 'investment.' Such is the nature of technology.
Let's compare this $2 billion cost against those of the last 2 Gulf Wars. We spent $3 to $5 trillion defending 'American Interest' in the Middle East. (Yes, of course, we were there for oil.) Ironically, the wars left us paying twice the price for gas.
War (or at least the Gulf Wars), have a dreadful rate of return as compared to technology (at least as it pertains to hybrids and solar panels). This may only be true now that hybrid technology has reached this level of performance. From this point onwards, war (for oil) may likely prove a very poor substitute compared to tech investment. And yet, such wars seemed so critical by this old inflation model. Conspiracies and Neo-cons are similar in this way. Their policy prescriptions are victims of this old inflation model.[7]
Gold's Cost to Technology vs. Dollars Cost to Gold
Solar demonstrates another and much larger advantage of tech over commodities. Commodities will eventual hit upon a phase of escalating prices. It's the nature of any finite resource against rising consumption. Technology is just the opposite. Prices fall in direct relation to technologies expansion. [8]
This recast technology from one of indulgence, performance or utility and into the official answer to a world of fast diminishing resources. A commodity's utility is multiplied by technology. Greater the technology, greater the multiple of a commodity's utility.
This creates a direct and symbiotic relationship between the commodity and its tech counterpart. The real value of a commodity is not simply in how many dollars it takes to buy it, but also in how much more utility technology provides it. It's therefore accurate to measure the commodity by our cost to than purchase its Tech Utility. And so, the measure of inflation is not solely in how many dollars it takes to buy gold, but rather, how much gold it takes to buy its corresponding technology.
How much gold did it take to purchase that same 1 mile of Grandma's income as compared to a mile from a hybrid today? That's where you find the true measure of inflation and the actual price of gold to the dollar. Our dollar can purchase a whole lot more miles via technology than Grandma ever could. Maybe calling this the Grandma Index would be a more fitting name. Welcome to the Grandma Index.
i-Phone Cost in Gold: Yesterday vs. Today
The technology of an i-Phone use to take up a whole room and cost millions (or many bars of gold). Today, the same gold can buy millions of such i-Phones. Or, you can get the same i-Phone for just a half ounce of gold rather than requiring several bars of it.
The same is true of solar panels (home energy), hybrids (transportation energy), super-foods (nutrition), e-books (education/communication), etc. Simply go through each industry and see the cost of gold to its tech counterpart. Then off set that cost against the time it takes the average worker to afford that technology. That's your true rate of inflation for that commodity.
Each commodity would be indexed against its corresponding tech developments. Our index may have several more steps over the old one, but it leaves you with greater accuracy and a corresponding policy platform not possible with today's inflation model.[9]
Hybrid Mile Cost in Gold
Let's use hybrids again. They give us better miles per gallon, but most can't afford it.
How much would $50 billion allow us to drop that cost?
($50 Billion: 1% cost of Gulf Wars.)
Solar's $19 billion gov't investment dropped the price 80% in 5 years. Would a similar investment do the same for hybrids?
By this scale of investment, hybrids would then also become affordable to the average buyer.
Solar's total investment was $19 billion, but the actual 'cost' was just the $2 billion lost to bankruptcy. That's 10% the total investment. Let's say hybrids proved the same. A $50 billion investment would cost us $5 billion. That's 0.01% the cost of the Gulf Wars. That's a penny to every 100 dollars spent on war.
Tech Investments vs. War offers us the greatest contrast of cost efficiency. We have finally reached a point wherein tech investment can be 99% to 99.99% more cost effective then war. A new era has dawned upon us wherein 'give peace a chance' may find its new motto with 'give tech a chance.'
Old Index: Middle East War: $5 TRILLION. Cost of gas = 10 cents a mile.
(If this war cost was added into the price of gas, it would likely double or triple that cost. Working figures)
TAI Index: Hybrids: $5 Billion. Cost of gas = 1 cent a mile.
These are the questions and policy leads we beget of TAI as compared to the old inflation model that otherwise lead to calls for (Gulf) Wars or nationalizing the fed. TAI's effectiveness can be measured in the savings and efficiencies from this old brand of policy proposals against those of tech.
TAI hands us new options with a host of advantages:
· a fraction of the upfront cost (of war),
· multiple savings to the consumer (10 cents vs. 1),
· better for the economy (more jobs),
· stronger industry (tech enhanced)
· self-sustaining (cut out oil-dictators)
· falling cost (as tech cheapens)
Food Example in notes.[10]
Dollar to Utility vs. Commodity
This brings us to one of the big, big bonuses. A commodity's rate of utility to the average American now resets the value of the dollar to this new standard of living. So though the dollar itself may buy a smaller portion of a given utility, the American worker can afford a far greater utility of it. That's a wordy way of saying that affordable hybrids will up the dollar's value – even if we 'borrowed' or 'printed' money to make it happen.
Remember, the value of the dollar is set by what the consumer can afford to buy with it. Greater utility means greater value to the consumer. That is all it takes to make the dollar worth more. That is why today's 'Productivity' Index on worker performance is such a poor measure of inflation. It misses the consumer's rate of tech utility.
This greater utility purchasing power is something of a back door to resetting the dollar's value. We may have more dollars in the market place and yet, we can still buy more utility with it. Tech not only allows us to leapfrog ahead inflation, it also allows the dollar to do so as well. This little discovery will completely reset economic and foreign policy formulas.
This is the story of the US dollar ever since we left the gold standard. We keep dumping hundreds of billions of dollars into circulation and yet, we have found new technologies that allow us to buy more utility with less value. That is not just the story of the American consumer, but the American dollar too.
The other way to cut inflation is not simply in printing fewer dollars, but more so, through investing in more technology offsets to commodity inflation. This means hybrids not only provide new jobs and economic efficiencies, but it also impacts the value of the dollar in direct portion to that utility's affordability.
Hybrids are not only more affordable then war, but they have a much larger inflationary offset then war. The other way of saying this is that printing up more dollars to invest in technology will have the opposite effect of Pres. Bush doing so for war. War gave us inflation. Technology will give us prosperity and a stronger dollar.
Gold -:- Technology x Income = Inflation
Here's TAI's Formula:
'Adjusted for Inflation' means:
Inflation – Gold -:- Technology x Income = Tech Affordability Index: TAI.
Step by step of TAI Equation:
Gold -:- Technology = would be the Cost Per Mile by a Hybrid
X Income = how much income it takes to buy a mile of performance from a hybrid car
- = Minus the amount in Gold to buy a mile of hybrid (technology) against the rate of inflation.
(It cost less this year then last).
Technology is the big reset button of commodity consumption. Asset pricing is no longer a stand-alone measure as we see of today's inflation model. Skipping over tech's offsets leaves us with a skewed view of our economic status and so leading us down the road of doom. It's a muddled directional guide at best. How than, can they offer any effective monetary prescription, accurate projections or meaningful recourse?
TAI is far more telling of our present economic state and the growing promising dynamics in play upon the horizon. It offers a new picture very much different from those confined to the old world view. Greater accuracy translates directly into easier prescriptions for it starts upon the magic of the modern world: technologies growing opportunities over yesterday's barriers long past. Welcome to the Tech Affordability Index: TAI.
[1] There was an initial price spike after Pres. Nixon dropped gold-back dollars. That inflation shifted as we transitioned into the 'petro dollar.' There was a whole lot more oil then gold and so the USA could print up a whole lot more money without the same inflation. There was always a new oil supply to back our latest wave of dollars. Nor was Gold consumed in such massive amounts like we see of oil. In contrast, oil has intensive demand from every country that consumed millions of barrels each and every year. This created far more demand for oil then we could ever get from gold. Simply put: The petro-dollar bought America trillions worth of value far beyond our own economic outputs. The big surprise: the petro-dollar of the 'big bad' banks and oil cartels created the basis of American prosperity over this last Century.
This discussion is for another article, but it presents a different context to the role of the oil and banking industries. America created the market for oil and then cashed- in upon that demand, first through sales and then as the foundation to our petro-dollar. The dollar then allowed other countries to print far beyond their own gold-reserves. The currency of these other countries was now based upon an ever expanding petro-dollar. This in turn provided hundreds of billions of added currency value for other countries to also issue against. Countries could develop based upon US loans and purchases –all possible from the oil reserves that the dollar was printed upon. Oil not only gave the US a gold-like backing, but it also served as the conduit for all other paper currencies that were tapping these same oil values - via the dollar. Yes, America went into other countries for oil, but the value they took in oil was based upon the added value the US created for that oil. It did not exist before the America created that market value. The USA did not leave those countries with less by taking their oil, but provided a whole new platform of wealth via the dollar's oil backed money along with the larger value for the country's oil reserve. America gave them this double value, first with the US dollar against the country's own currency. This was on top the new found oil value the US was buying and selling for and from them – starting at 10 times oils original price. This banking and oil cabal did more then give us history's cheapest energy source for decades. They also gave us history's greatest 'backed' commodity for our own currency. Oil WAS so much better then gold. Oil was a major factor of our superpower status and ended up becoming the basis of all the worlds modern economy for the whole of the 20th Century. Simply extraordinary.)
[2] The controlling interest behind banks and the fed have themselves built a Federal Reserve Centric system (inflation or otherwise). They thought they (the feds and banks) sat center of all social economic issues. They have failed to realized that the new world order is not them, but technology, and it has left them as a second, third and in some cases, even a forth variable of influence upon our economy. They are far behind the curve on this for a growing number of industries and other areas of the economy. That is why they have an ever diminishing impact upon the economy no matter how much money they print up. They are third and forth party rather then sitting center as they use to. TAI resets our system upon the primary factor against inflation today – technology.
[3] Christmas 'Super Sales' highlight the difference of a time based index versus a capital one. Stores already covered all their cost (of inventory etc.) in the first 11 months of the year. The profit is then counted by the total sold in the last 6 weeks. They no longer count profit; nor even losses. A TV can sell for 20% below cost. Why? The cost was already covered in the first 11 months. The more sold, the more 'profit' to the bottom line – irrespective of profit margins. Imagine: selling at a 20% loss and still making a profit. How? Time scaled accounting versus price (or profit) based inventory. TAI will offer these kinds of insights, tools of planning and economic revamping over the old model of accounting inflation.
[4] Depends upon model and conditions such as driving less than 70 miles per day - which represents about 80% of all driving and so they only need to use gas the other 20% of the time or 300 miles per gallon.
[5] At 10 cents a gallon for 15 miles per gallon.
[6] Gov't investment should be geared to building enough (technology) infrastructure to get an industry to this tipping point wherein market demands can now be offset with market investment of the countering technology. Hybrids have finally reached that point. Gov't can and should play a decisive role in jumpstarting each industry into this 'tipping point.'
[7] Stabilizing the currency was often the answer, but more often, things were related to Middle East 'peace.' Middle East politics became ground zero to 'American interest' that was best served by military might. This culminated with the two 'Gulf Wars' that were considered to be more oil based then moral or even geo-politically motivated. $2 to $5 trillion later, gas prices are up rather than down with federal deficits bearring the most obvious scars to a host of war cost liabilities.
[8] Each generation of tech is based upon (in part) how much more utility it can gain over its previous counterpart. Successive generations of cars allow us better gas millage until you hit a new tech leap such as hybrids. In the case of petro agriculture, it's an oil commodity based technology and so they are now hitting that wall of diminishing returns as you get from any commodity based platform. Oil is hitting its exponential price hike. As such, the next trend in food tech will likely come from non-petroleum based production techniques. It appears that organic and small farm models would be examples to the kinds of new found tech for they are the least oil dependent.
[9] If housing is more expensive, Asians, as an example, do better given they share living space as compared to the more independent Caucasians. In other words, family is the technology offset to expensive housing. If it were food related, Cosco would be a deciding difference. If its fuel, hybrids would be. Technology is a critical comparable for it talks to capacity and individual empowerment. A smart phone has taken over a great deal of a secretaries functions of 50 years ago allowing the average person nearly as much organizational efficiency as a CEO of the 1980's. This translates into reaching larger goals then our social economic counterpart from the 80's. This is as true in business as it is in academia, the arts and many areas of lifestyle. Assuming we pay more in food and fuel, we find it offset in reaching our educational, vocational or personal goals. (Housing per square feet with modern equipment vs. the bulky furniture of decades past. Variety of food vs. cost alone.)
[10] We will find this once more with Food. Petro-agriculture provided production wonders that are now past their prime. It takes ever larger investments for ever smaller returns. This means that most new proficiencies are likely to come from outside petro-agriculture. That is best summarized in Organic produce (the definition of non-petro ag).
The same is also true of corporate agriculture. It's another area of food infrastructure that has past its prime. It too has an accelerating rate of diminishing returns. Here again, the solution is most likely going to be found outside the corporate biz model. That would be small local farmers and home gardens. They are the likely counterpart to petro-corporate agriculture. Food prices would now be rated by the cost for an organic 'Victory Garden.' The small, home garden may be the new hybrid of food production.
The food Index would be further measured to a cost per ounce of protein and calories to income. A growing number of areas would find organic home gardens offering more protein and calories as compared to corporate petro ag. The ever rising cost of petroleum will continue to separate the price advantages between the two. These are the kinds of policy considerations TAI will lead us to.


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Easton Police Department
The Easton Police Department is charged with the enforcement of laws, and the preservation of peace within the Town of Easton.
The Easton Police Department exemplifies what this Town represents – tradition, honor, commitment, strength and innovation. We dedicate ourselves to work in partnership with the community to provide public safety and to improve the quality of life in every neighborhood in the Town of Easton.
The Police Department has a modern police facility including administrative offices, a computerized communication center, and detention area. The police facility has enhanced the operations and professionalism of this agency.
Any new programs have been implemented under the "Community Policing" concept. Several state and federal grants have been awarded to this department which has assisted the funding of new programs and the purchase of some modern police equipment. Some of these programs have included (1) the Seat Belt Safety Awareness Program under the direction of the State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation, (2) The Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program funded by the Department of Justice provides funds for the purposes of reducing violent crimes and improving public safety.
Number 5 Easton, CT: Safest Cities in Connecticut
Easton, CT is one of the two smallest cities on our list. It is also situated in Fairfield County. For anyone who wants the community feel of a small town, Easton is a great choice. The town has a rich history and an abundance of farms pepper the area bringing old world charm to the town. With an active police force that works hard on keeping residents safe and involved in the public safety of their community, it's no surprise that this small town is one of the safest ones in the state.
Population: 7,000
Violent Crimes per 1000: 0.00
Property Crimes per 1000: 5.27
Crime Index: 92
Safer than 92% of US cities

subset: commoncrawl


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Voters will have another chance this May to increase property taxes in a last-ditch attempt to solve the county's fiscal problems.
County commissioners will meet tomorrow (Feb. 7) to decide what kind of tax levy will go on the ballot and how much that levy would be. The meeting will be held in the county annex building in Gold Beach at 1:30 p.m.
It will likely comprise wording for a five-year, temporary tax increase of $1.84 per $1,000 assessed valuation for those living in incorporated cities and $1.97 per $1,000 valuation for those living in unincorporated Curry County. The tentative dollar amounts are based on the respective uses of county services used.
The decision did not come easily.
The new board of commissioners has only been seated since Jan. 7, and has held six meetings to discuss methods to fix the budget. Surveys have been conducted, and numbers have been crunched. And department heads have pleaded with county commissioners over the past several months find money to save their services.
All commissioners admit they need to do something, and all agree they've run out of time.
"Commissioner (Susan) Brown campaigned that if she won the election, she would hit the ground running," said Commissioner David Itzen. "It's time to start running."
The four options they have examined include a 2 percent or 3 percent county-wide sales tax, a tax levy to provide funding for a law enforcement district, another to create a five-year bridge to give commissioners time to find a stable means of revenue — including working toward formation of that district — and the "burn the county down" option: do nothing.
"This whole budget process has consumed my first month as a commissioner," said Commissioner David Brock Smith. "I have done nothing but work on these numbers — and they are much worse than I could ever have possibly expected."
Itzen and Smith Monday agreed they prefer the five-year bridge levy, while Brown again adamantly said she would not support something that is not a permanent fix, such as the creation of a district that she prefers.
A law enforcement district would work much in the manner other special districts do. Law enforcement would be removed from the county's general fund and operate off its own tax levy that would provide it a steady revenue stream. Putting a tax levy referendum on the November ballot would give commissioners time to create the district, Brown said.
Bishop said it takes about two years to get a district established, based on discussions he's had with numerous other county sheriffs throughout the state. That would mean the county would be without county services for at least a year-and-a-half until money started to flow in — and then they'd be scrambling to reinstate services and personnel and at a much higher cost than keeping services and employees in place.
Brown said she's talked with various attorneys who said a district can be established in six months — in time for voters to approve a November levy supporting it. Yet, if commissioners were to wait until November to put something on the ballot, the county would lose all revenue that would ordinarily be garnered between July 1, the beginning of the fiscal year, and November.
"I am not willing to wait until November," Smith said Monday. "I don't understand why we can't build a bridge to get to the district. Why?"
"It (the five-year levy) is not a long-term solution," Brown answered. "It only takes two commissioners to get it on the ballot, and if you do … I will keep my fingers crossed and hope it passes. But I will not support it."
Itzen and Smith tried to convince Brown otherwise, but she was resolute.
If voters approve a five-year bridge levy, tax revenue would continue to flow into county coffers.
But Brown doesn't want to have to go to the citizens a second time — either to continue the five-year bridge or ask for funding for a law enforcement district. Ideally, Itzen said, by then, new economic development will be in place and tax would sunset.
"This is an emergency for Curry County," he said. "But I firmly believe we don't have the time to put together a taxing district together in the time we have."
If voters don't approve a tax referendum, the county will be forced to work with a $2.1 million budget beginning July 1, which will involve laying off 65 more employees, closing the jail and ending most county services.
This fiscal year's operating budget, which ends June 30, was $3.6 million, with law enforcement spending the bulk of it. Bishop operates his department with four patrol officers, who often end up filling in at the communications facility or on jail duty. County roads are no longer patrolled 24/7.
Bishop is far from the only one being affected.
Ken Dukek, director of the juvenile department, has one employee to oversee 65 percent of its case load — 26 youth — while he handles intake and the "informal" cases that don't go through the courts.
"Theft, shoplifting, harassment; we just don't have resources to deal with those things, and sometimes that results in worse things," he said. "We can only handle what we can handle."
When that department was fully funded, the percent of recidivism — defined as three crimes after the first time a youth comes in contact with the legal system — dropped to 2 percent, the lowest in the state. Now, it's up to 9 percent, Dukek said, and he expects that to increase to 11 or 12 percent.
And the sheriff's office was just hit with another dilemma after failing — again — its fire inspection at the jail.
It's been written up for numerous violations in the every-other-year inspections since 2004, Bishop noted, and this time, it's for not having a fire suppression system. Such a system costs about $100,000.
"It is what it is; we just have to accept it," he said. "We either get funding or we won't even have what we have."
Bishop emphasized the importance of the three commissioners working in unison.
"We've all got to come together on this or none of it will work," he said. "You three have to come together. Susan Brown has to come on board with the levy, or you have to come on board with a district. You run a car in the red line so long, it'll break. We've been in the red line for a long time. And if the only funding we get is where we are now ($2.1 million), we will break."


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The JFS ALWP program gives community members an opportunity to age in a less institutionalized setting. The program provides assistance to clients with no family support and those with minimal financial means while eliminating unnecessary admission to skilled nursing facilities for care. ALWP offers clients a chance to move in to a setting familiar with their culture and dietary requirements.
For more information please contact Heather Angel (818) 769 0560
12821 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606
Need Help? Start with JFS Central Access (877) 275-4537©2014 JFS. All rights reserved. Register or Login | Contact | Privacy Site Map JFS CARE site
Social services for Nazi victims have been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany for the Emergency Assistance Program for Nazi Victims at the direction of the United States District Court supervising the lawsuit in Re: Holocaust Victim Assets Litigation (Swiss Banks)


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It sometimes seems that we go through our lives wanting so badly to make a difference and wanting to form meaning out of nothingness. So often we look for companionship in our new 55" LCD TV or in our new Acura SUV with heated seats and extra cup holders. The loneliness still persists. We work 40+ hours per week, climb the corporate ladder, run ourselves to death, only to feel ultimately empty. Contentment is only a nebulous theory that we unknowingly strive for but can't seem to grasp what it might be like to arrive at. The conflict in my life internally or externally seems to destroy my hope for utter contentment. Maybe it isn't possible to be content. Maybe we were not created to be utterly content here.
I went to listen to one of my favorite author speak the other night. He proposed a preposterous hypothesis that perhaps God meant for us to have conflict in our lives. This made me begin to contemplate why the God that I had been taught about would ever want me to have conflict in my life. Having thought through various ideas, I soon realized that the God that had been presented to me in Sunday school up through high school and even some in college was not the real God. The God I grew up learning about was said to have told me that if I went to church on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday nights, didn't have sex until I was married, didn't drink alcohol, didn't use bad words, and most importantly didn't use musical instruments in worship (This one makes me laugh hysterically) then He would take care of me and I would be happy for the most part. I put my coin of good behavior in the God slot machine and more times than not the God slot machine would pay off rewarding me with good things. It was somewhat of a barter system because God obviously needs me to behave down here and likewise I needed for things to go smoothly in my life right? This is not the God I now know and have a relationship with. More importantly this is not the God that I know from reading the ancient texts.
As I continue, I do not hide the fact that much of what I am saying is a twist of what Donald Miller writes and spoke on a few nights ago as I sat soaking up his words like a fair skinned red headed child soaking up UV rays. Perhaps when God created the world, He placed conflict in it for a reason. Perhaps conflict was present before the fall of man. Don Miller led me to Genesis chapter 2 where Adam and God are hanging out in the Garden. Let's not forget that the Garden of Eden is a perfect environment. Things were physically and emotionally as God meant for them to be. Then we read chapter 2. God made Adam but Adam was lonely. God said, "It is not good for my man Adam here to be alone." This is the first time that something is "Not good." So in the epitome of perfection; a perfect man, a perfect God whom the perfect man is in relationship with, a perfect environment for the perfect man to be in relationship to a perfect God, there is conflict. So then God creates Eve right? Wrong. God then brings all of the birds and fish and animals to Adam to name them. Now imagine how long that would have taken to name all of the animals. 20-50-100-150 years maybe. For 150 years, things were not as they should have been. Things were not ultimately good because it was not good for the man to be alone. For 150 years, however, God allowed Adam to be alone while Adam worked. Why would God allow this conflict to intentionally persist? God could have created Eve once He realized that there was a discrepancy between the way things should have been and the way things were.
It is here that we realize why God gets paid the big bucks. It is here that we acknowledge that it is good that we are not in control and that He is. I struggle to wrap my mind around how He uses conflict to our benefit though. I lightly dabble in the thought that by creating conflict God is trying to draw me into a more intimate relationship with Him. I say lightly dabble though because that explanation sounds so cliché. In part, this may be true. There is more to it than that though. Perhaps conflict also lets us appreciate part of creation. The toil and sweat of a farmer in his field makes the harvested crop more greatly appreciated. The storm makes the calm seas more welcomed. The loneliness of the man in the Garden makes the creation of a companion so appreciated, so cherished, and so treasured that he would surely delight in this gift that God had generously given him. Conflict in creation is God's blessing to us in balancing that which we yearn for and struggle against. It is when we can understand the role of conflict that we might take the nothingness, the loneliness, and the emptiness and allow God to form our meaning and define contentment for us.


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Bobby Jones - Stroke of Genius Showtimes and Tickets
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Dvd Release Date: 2004-11-30
Genre: Drama,
Rating: PG
Duration: 2hrs 00min
Before Tiger Woods, before Jack Nicklaus, there shined one of the most gifted natural athletes the world has ever known -- Bobby Jones. His competitive zeal and mastery of golf propelled him into the national spotlight. But, pressure from family, friends, fans, and press turned his fun into toil. He was a great champion because he was the best at his game, but he was a hero because he realized there was something far more important in life. In an ironic twist of fate, Jones was crippled with a degenerative back disorder, syringomyelia. True to his character, he stated simply that one must "play the ball as it lies."
Cast and Crew
- Starring
Aidan Quinn, Jeremy Northam, Jim Caviezel, Claire Forlani, Connie Ray
- Directed by Rowdy Herrington
- Produced by John Shepherd, Kim Dawson, Tim Moore
- Written by Rowdy Herrington
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Thomas Sweeney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Contact Information
Phone: (518) 244-2486
Email: [email protected]
Office: Education Building, Room 4E, Troy Campus
B.S., Mathematics, Fairfield University
M.S.(R), Mathematics, St. Louis University
M.S., Computer Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Ph.D., Matheamatics, St. Louis University
Tom has three main "loves" in his life: his family; mathematics; and college hockey. He recognizes that attitude and enthusiasm serve as the bedrock of a happy life and successful learning. He has been known to use humor in his teaching to reduce the level of anxiety many feel toward mathematics and to increase interest among participants in the classroom experience. He has been at Sage since 1978.
" Why is a bad attitude like a flat tire? Because you are going nowhere until you change it".
Teaching Responsibilities
Problem Solving Mat 511
Calculus I, II, III Mat 201/202/203
Discrete Mathematics Mat 209
Statistics Mat 220
Probability Mat 303
Geometry Mat 308
Contemporary Mathematics Mat 109
Mathematics for Teaching and Learning Mat 111
Departmental Responsibilities
Mathematics Program Coordinator, Russell Sage College
Advising Responsibilities
3-2 Mathematics/Engineering Advisor
Advise all other majors in Mathematics
Advise Mathematics M.A.T. students
College Responsibilities
Council for Education
Admissions Committee M.A.T. program
Distinguished Faculty Service Award 1994-95
Research Interests
Effective Strategies for Teaching and Learning Mathematics
Teaching Mathematics with Technology
Problem Solving
Professional Activiities
Consultant and Workshop facilitator for Professional Development School at Troy P.S. 12; Carl C. Icahn Charter School, Bronx , NY; Riverfront Consortium Schools, Capital District, NY.
Executive Board Member, AMTNYS
Mathematical Association of America
Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State
Pi Mu Epsilon
Other Interests
Humor, Walking, Listening to music, Puzzles


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Best Friends 12
Wildly hot, striking scenes of perfect pairs getting some quality time! It`s girl on girl with the real pros!
Studio: Sunset Media | Production Year: 2012
Performers: Sandra Romain Tia Tanaka Persia DeCarlo Reena Sky Renae Cruz Daisy Rocks
Tags: lesbian
Categories: Lesbian


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Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Westminster and Windham County in Vermont. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Westminster, VT today!
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Country singer, husband and father Tate Stevens won a $5-million recording contract as winner of season 2 of "The X Factor" on Thursday night. During the Wednesday night finale (part one), Stevens gave an encore performance of "Anything Goes" (his audition song), a duet of "Pontoon" with country band Little Big Town, and country ballad "Tomorrow." Runner-up Sonenclar sang "Feeling Good," "How Do I Live" (a duet with Leann Rimes) and "Hallelujah."
During the Thursday-night results show, the contestants performed holiday songs, and guest artists included Pitbull with "Don't Stop the Party" and One Direction, with a live performance of "Kiss You" from their current chart-topping release.
Mentors Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid praised each of the contestants for strong performances, reiterating that it was anyone's game. Under the mentorship of L.A. Reid, Stevens beat out girl group Fifth Harmony, a quintet formed by X Factor judges from top auditioners as well as 13-year-old prodigy Carly Rose Sonenclar. The contestants sang holiday tunes during Thursday night's two-hour live finale.
Stevens, a street crew worker from Belton, Missouri, always made it clear that he had put everything on the line to win. The now 37-year-old had put his music career on hold to be there for his wife and children. When his family encouraged him to try out for "The X Factor," Stevens took the audition stage and immediately won over the panel of celebrity judges.
Who did you want to win "The X Factor": Fifth Harmony, Carly Rose Sonenclar or Tate Stevens?


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Update 4/12/14: Icicle was adopted! Please continue to share to help find homes for the other dogs.
The Richland County Dog Shelter is sending out an urgent plea. Right now the shelter is completely full. Some of the dogs have been there for many months now.
Shown below are photos of just some of the nice dogs awaiting adoption or rescue. The large-sized dogs are especially urgent, although dogs of all sizes are available. There are also many Beagles at the shelter right now.
If you are able to adopt or rescue any of the dogs, please email the Richland County Dog Warden at firstname.lastname@example.com to request an application, or visit the shelter.
Contact information:
David Jordan, Richland County Dog Warden
810 North Home Rd.
Mansfield, OH 44906
Phone: 419-774-5892 or 419-774-5893
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
See more dogs on the RCDW Facebook page.
To receive my future articles on other animal-related issues, please click on "Subscribe" above the "Comments" section. There is no cost to subscribe. You can also follow the Mansfield Animal Advocacy Examiner on Facebook.
RCDW longest residents
Some of the longest residents of the Richland County Dog Shelter include Gordie, Lois Lane, Howl, Icicle, Chicken Hawk, Cider and Bradford. Please share to help them find good homes.
Gordie is a mystery breed, possibly Hound and Labrador Retriever mix, but he's not a large dog, weighing only 35 pounds. Gordie was picked up as a stray in August 2013, and no dog should spend so much of their life at a shelter. He is friendly with a great personality, although he should be the only male dog in the house.
Note: Clicking on names on this list will bring up that dogs information on Petfinder.
4/12/14 update: ADOPTED!
Pretty young female Pit Bull Terrier Icicle is approximately one year old and 47 lbs. She is deaf and needs help ASAP. Icicle loves playing, and even though she doesn't bark, she loves to be vocal with her toys. Icicle came to the shelter as a stray with her buddy Glacier in November 2013. Although adopted out, she was returned to the shelter after suffering from separation and anxiety. Icicle needs an experienced or patient family. She is sweet and amazing and just needs a little love and understanding. The shelter says "Please spread the word for me as I need a special person to help teach me the world through hand signals and extra love."
Lois Lane
Pretty female Pit Bull Terrier Lois Lane has been at the shelter since September 2013. She is a sweet girl who was scared at first but is slowly getting better.
Howl is another long-time resident. He is a Shepherd and Blue Lacy mix who came to the shelter as a stray in October 2013. Howl is a friendly boy and very sweet. The shelter reports that while he doesn't do well with some male dogs, while at the vets on neuter day, Howl and another male dog named Hugo actually cuddled up together. Please give this sweet boy a chance.
Chicken Hawk
Another urgent dog is Chicken Hawk, a male Shepherd mix. He is good with other dogs, but not chickens, which is why he ended up at the shelter. Running around loose, he may have just been hungry.
Chicken Hawk is already neutered and thought to be house trained, so is ready for his new, forever home.
Cider is a young male Pit Bull Terrier. He is approximately two years old and weighs 55 lbs. Cider is friendly and smart, and knows several commands, and has done very well with children and other dogs.
The shelter says he doesn't always present well in the cage, he can be a little barky but once out of his cage and taken for a walk or during play time he is truly amazing. Cider needs an approved adopter or a rescue ASAP.
Bradford is a large male Shepherd and Labrador Retriever mix. He is scared to be at the shelter, but is otherwise very playful and sweet. Contact the shelter if interested in this handsome boy.
Irish Wolfhound mix Mozart is a young male, smaller than most Wolfhounds. He was very thin when he arrived at the shelter. Just ask the RCDW staff, they will tell you that Mozart is a very sweet, lovable boy.
Male Pit Bull Labrador Retriever mix Hugo is a handsome, happy and fun-loving guy. Hugo is such a clown, he will keep his family entertained. But Hugo is not doing well in the shelter environment. He needs a home of his own.
Hugo is very smart, knows several commands, and loves cuddling up in his bed.
Suggested Links
- Mahoning County Dog Shelter relocating; see dogs up for adoption
- Franklin County Dog Shelter under investigation following cruelty claims
- Fletch, dog that snatched treat from girl at shelter, will not be euthanized
- Ohio Animal Week: join the event bringing together people and animals
- Blind woman receives a surprise after her guide dog is stolen


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The forms and policies collected below are intended as samples. Review them with your employment law counsel to confirm that they are appropriate for your specific needs and situation. Used as a starting point, these can greatly reduce the cost of having an attorney draft documents from scratch for use in your organization.
View E-Alert Archives


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Just watch the pre-market action. The specialist, Market Maker, will set the price in pre-market and more often than not, the closing price will be in that neighborhood. TSM is in the hands of the most corrupted traders you could find today. TSM of course, does nothing to protect the interest of the share holders. Bottom line, good company, awful stock.
By George, this stock is the worst of its kind. Criminals, from the upper levels all the way to the specialist. I hope they all end up in jail. We'll see
This stock is in the devil's hands. Markets are on fire and this POS bleeding like there's no tomorrow. Go to hell TSM
Check it out.....At $11.51....Something is up......http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/ExtendedTradingTrades.aspx?selected=TSM&mkttype=after
Nothing's up really, just after hours shorts covering their position before the Bernanke announcement. Tomorrow the bleeding will continue


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Pros and Cons to Barred Windows
Weigh the options for bars over your window before making a decision. Photo Credit: magnetbox
Most homeowners would agree that burglar bars on the house windows are not very attractive and suggest a run-down or crime-ridden area. But security bars are an effective deterrent against theft and home break-ins. So what's the answer, bars or no-bars?
If you're determined to stop burglaries and home invasion from occurring, security bars send a loud message. They tell potential thieves to stay away, because breaking in will only them cost them time and money — something burglars don't have a lot of. According to most security firms, barred windows are a strong crime deterrent for two reasons: the visual intimidation they present and potential noise created while trying to circumvent these barriers.
So why don't more people install bars on their homes? Obviously nobody likes their home to resemble a prison, nor do their neighbors.
However, you can purchase sliding or rolling metal bars for windows or get decorative wrought iron to create a somewhat happy medium. Another option could be to protect basement and garage windows or areas of the house that are hidden from sight— burglars tend to work these locations more frequently.
While it's a good thing to protect your home's valuables, window bars aren't the most attractive thing you put on your house. It drives down property values and tends to isolate individual homeowners. If you have to put up bars on the home windows, it says a lot about the safety of the neighborhood. Organizing watch programs and posting neighborhood watch signs could be more productive in the long run.
Safety issues are also at stake. Current building codes and local laws prohibit the use of window bars that are not easily opened from inside. In case of fire or emergency, security bars need to quickly snap open from the inside to allow for evacuation. Older security bars or rolling grills may be potential hazards in this regard.
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jedi knight cut scenes
hey guys,anyone know where i can find/download the cutscenes for JK? i have a copy of JK that i got off of [deleted],the game itself is intact. i've beat the game countless times,but i've never seen the cutscenes. whoever uploaded it on limewire cut the cutscenes out to make the file smaller. feel free to email me if anyone has these or can extract the cutscenes from the game files/cd. i know the acting is really weak,but i'd like to see the cutscenes,i know i'm missing out on a lot of story. :lsduel:
[edit:bill - no email addresses for you]
I could try to get them for you...give me about...oh say...a couple days or a week and you'll have them from me...
Buy the game, you can probally get it off of ebay for 5 dollars.
yar, thar be pirates about in these here waters...
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The entries in DARE include regional pronunciations, variant forms, some etymologies, and regional and social distributions of the words and phrases.
Selected maps show where words were found in the 1,002 communities investigated during the fieldwork.
Some entries include audio recordings of the original DARE field interviews.
For a written or oral word to be included in DARE it must be a regional or folk term. Words from a standard dictionary are not included.
The DARE database can help with research along the lines of the well-cited "Pop vs Soda" debate.


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Please call
for availability.
A brilliantly stimulating desk lamp from acclaimed contemporary designer Karim Rashid.
As seen in "Velocity" magazine, this supple and organic contemporary lamp design is from the imagination of designer Karim Rashid. A chrome base supports a clear glass orb with an apple glass inner shade. Has an on-off, in-line switch.
Shop all George Kovacs
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How to get started on a bicycling commuting program
by Ann Brennan
As gas prices soar, more and more cyclists are taking to the roads for their morning and evening commutes. But often, even with the motivation to get started on a cycle commuting program, it is difficult to decide how to start.
Few cyclists jump into cycle commuting with both feet. It is a process. But where does the process start? What do you need to know? How do you do it safely and make sure you get to and from work on time in the process?
Isaias O'Daniell uses his bike to commute a total of 15,000 miles a year. Even so, he suggests cyclists start slowly and develop a routine that works for them before trying to do it every day, especially, if they will be cycling twenty or more miles each way.
Most cyclists find that the route they drive is different from the one they ride to work. By using maps and practice rides on their days off they have learned about trails, alleys and back roads they had never seen before. Sometimes these alternative routes offer a shorter distance to work but more often than not the benefit is simply being away from traffic.
The commuter cyclists I spoke with agree that it is important to remember recreational riding is a whole different animal than commuter cycling. The pressure to be on time can cause you to make mistakes you would not otherwise make. Keep in mind that there will be more traffic during commuting hours and the drivers are, more often than not, distracted because they are also on their way to work.
Because learning what you will need to carry with you is a process in and of itself, the cyclists I spoke with suggested making one day a week a logistics day. This is the day you bring in clothes, shampoo, shoes and the extra food you will want to eat before heading back out on your bike at the end of the day. Ben McKeown, who describes himself as a sometimes commuter, pointed out that shoes are heavy. He suggests leaving a pair of shoes at the office fulltime so you are never in the position of having to carry them.
"But," Mike Binnix another full time commuter adds, "you should not be discouraged if on the second ride in, you get to work or school and discover you forgot your shoes or glasses. If you commit to giving bicycle commuting a try, give it a real try. Make the round trip at least five times over a few weeks and it will become second nature to you."
Most importantly just as with fitness and recreational rides, remember all of your safety equipment – a tube and C02 cartridge, a small first aid kit and lights, lights, lights. There is no such thing as too many lights.
Lori Garlands who works from home but uses her bike for business meetings several times a week believes there is no reason to learn any lesson the hard way.
"Reach out to the cycling community through local bike shops, bike groups, or even the guy you see riding every morning while you're sitting in your car. Everyone I have met is willing to share their knowledge and direct you to others that may know more."
Commuter cycling is not second nature to most of us, nor is it rocket science. Whether you hope to cycle to work on a daily basis or you hope to add one or two days of cycling into your schedule it can be done safely and efficiently by starting slow and learning the ropes along the way.
Ann Brennan is a freelance writer and fitness columnist from Annapolis, Maryland. She writes for Patch and for Ann's Running Commentary.


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Archive for : ' nonviolence'
Parenting for A Peaceful World
"How we treat the child, the child will grow up to treat the world" -Pam Leo My interest in creating a better future always has me thinking about children and the world they will inherit. A [...]
Will Global Crises Lead to THIS Beautiful Resolve?
January 27, 2014
Lakota Chief Shares White Buffalo Teachings
February 03, 2014
Honoring Sacred Sites, World Peace & Prayer Day
May 05, 2014
Rewiring The Global Brain for Peace
August 27, 2014
Creating Culture: A Village Way of Life
April 14, 2016
Happiness is Letting Go of Outcomes
April 10, 2016
Mother Earth as Divine Lover
March 02, 2016
Street Art that Changes the way we see the World
January 31, 2016
5 Ways to Have the Best Breakup Ever!
This is a beautifully written post. I happened upon it at the beginnin
Integral Dreaming, Collective Awakening
Thank you and I love these discussions. Here in Costa Rica where I l
This Sublime Dance, a Journey Between the Covers
I own this book, and I agree - it is nothing short of glorious! It's a
Turning Grief Into Compassion & Personal Power
I loved what I read the video though you could not see the translation
How a Hopi Elder Changed My Life
I am grateful for this share, I too have felt that there is the after


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Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, there are approximately 2,100 unintentional deaths from carbon monoxide every year in the US.
We turned to Lieutenant Pat Moore with Chelan County Fire District 7 for some ideas and tips to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Most people recover completely after a carbon monoxide poisoning but in severe cases, symptoms can persist for many weeks or even months afterwards and can cause permanent brain damage or damage to the heart.
"CLICK HERE" for Audio


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Brad Schneider Receives National Award for Fortitude
May 8, 2012
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Doug Richards
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF senior Brad Schneider has earned the David Toms Award, which is presented to the men's collegiate golfer who has overcome adversity to achieve excellence, the Golf Coaches Association of America announced Tuesday.
In 2006, Schneider fractured his right femur while playing football with friends in his hometown of Valrico, Fla. Schneider endured nine surgeries and spent four months confined to a hospital bed. He was unable to walk without assistance for six months.
Thanks to physical therapy, Schneider learned to walk again and returned to the golf course eight months after his injury to chip and putt. He arrived at UCF In the fall of 2007 and redshirted while continuing to rehabilitate his injury.
Since 2008, Schneider has played in every tournament for UCF and has enjoyed great success. He has been a member of four NCAA Regional squads and one team that advanced to the NCAA Championship, and he has helped the Knights claim three Conference USA championships. Schneider has earned All-C-USA Second Team honors three seasons. As a senior, he has five top-10 individual finishes, and he earned medalist honors at the Northern Intercollegiate during the fall.
"It is a really cool award," Schneider said. "The injury was a hard thing to go through. I have been lucky to still be able to play golf at a competitive level. It is really nice to be honored this way."
Schneider and the Knights will compete in the NCAA Regionals in Stanford, Calif., starting May 17.
"The award recognizes all of Brad's dedication," UCF head coach Bryce Wallor said. "He has put in so much effort for his institution, our team and himself. I could not be more proud of him. To be recognized nationally for his comeback is a great acknowledgement of his hard work."
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On January 27, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Zippo Manufacturing Co. announced a voluntary recall of approximately 17,500 Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle Lighters, citing a potential burn hazard. When adjusted to the maximum flame setting, the Candle Lighters can produce an excessive flame.
The recall affects Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle Lighters with date codes G09 or H09 embossed on the black adjuster knob on one end of the lighter. The product is finished in high-polish chrome or white, measuring 6.5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
The company has received no reports of injury so far, and the products were sold in Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle stores nationwide and online in November 2009.
Customers with recalled products are urged to stop using the product immediately and contact Zippo for information on returning the adjustment knob and receiving a free replacement lighter. The company can be reached at 800-320-7490.


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October 29, 2007
State lawmakers are considering a proposal to include dental care for people with disabilities and the elderly in California's health care reform, thanks to a special task force spearheaded by the Pacific Center for Special Care at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
The Statewide Task Force on Oral Health for People with Special Needs and Aging Californians, co-founded by faculty members Dr. Paul Glassman and Christine Miller, presented a letter of resolution to Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) on Friday, Oct. 19, following the task force's annual meeting in Sacramento, Calif. More than 80 representatives from government and social service agencies signed the letter urging the state legislature to provide funding for oral health care for low-income people with special needs and older adults.
"The task force has identified and collected data that demonstrate that people with disabilities have more dental disease and more trouble accessing oral health services than other segments of the population," said Glassman, co-director for the Pacific Center for Special Care. "It is also clear that the number of people with disabilities is growing dramatically and these individuals are likely to have limited financial resources."
In addition to the oral health resolution letter presented to state legislators, the task force has drafted a policy brief asking for support of a program that would make it easier for dentists to treat aging adults and people with disabilities. The program would provide dentists with training to treat patients with special needs and allow for increased reimbursements from Denti-Cal, the state's dental insurance plan.
Founded in 1998, the Pacific Center for Special Care is a grant-funded division at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry devoted to promoting and expanding access to affordable, quality oral health care for people with special needs throughout California.
Category Type: Community Outreach
Contact: Office of Marketing and Communications, 415.929.6434, email@example.com


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Catch any good movies this weekend? New to theaters this Friday were "If I Stay," "When the Game Stands Tall," and "Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For." Were the Ninja Turtles able to hold on to their number one spot? On Monday, the Box Office updated their charts to feature the top 10 movies of the weekend.
Underserving heroes, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," stole the crown from "Guardians of the Galaxy" for a couple of weeks. Now, the real champs are back as "Guardians of the Galaxy" retakes the number one spot with $17.6 million. This brings their worldwide total to $489.5 million, ranking at number 10 for Marvel Comic films.
New debut "If I Stay" made it to number three with $16.3 million. Sport film "When the Game Stands Tall" didn't score as well and only reached number five with $9 million. Both ranks are better though than number eight, which is where "Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" landed with $6.4 million. Below is the complete chart of the top 10 movies for the weekend of Friday, August 22, through Sunday, August 24.
1. "Guardians of the Galax" $17.6 million
2. "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" $16.8 million
3. "If I Stay" $16.3 million
4. "Let's Be Cops" $11 million
5. "When the Game Stands Tall" $9 milion
6. "The Giver" $6.7 million
7. "The Expendables 3" $6.6 million
8. "Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" $6.4 million
9. "The Hundred-Foot Journey" $5.5 million
10. "Into The Storm" $3.8 million


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Comments on Company Magazine Fashion Awards 2012 TypePad 2012-08-08T14:04:53Z Wallis StyleTalk http://blog.wallis.co.uk/wallis-style-talk/ tag:typepad.com,2003:http://blog.wallis.co.uk/wallis-style-talk/2012/08/company-magazine-fashion-awards-2012/comments/atom.xml/ Oban commented on 'Company Magazine Fashion Awards 2012' tag:typepad.com,2003:6a011570a966f2970b017c3700988b970b 2013-02-21T02:29:08Z 2013-02-21T02:29:08Z Oban http://gwiazdooo.zzn.comblogwebmaster148787 A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat evaluation on this. And he in...
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6-0, Senior, Post
Statistics: Two-time most valuable player of District 2-5A. Two-time member of the Globe-News Super Team. Signed with Oklahoma. Averaged 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds for the regional quarterfinalist Lady Sandies. Will play in an all-star game in Atlanta next week sponsored by Adidas.
Quote: "Leah is what I call a very unselfish and very talented young lady," said Amarillo High coach Dale Blaut. "She plays with the team concept extremely well. She is definitely a Division I player. She can play defense, she can play offense, she can rebound. Leah is the entire package."
LeBron James Drives a $50,000 Hummer. What Do You Drive? "My first car was an '86 Ford Tempo. I drive a 4Runner right now. My parents decided my Tempo wouldn't be able to make it to and from Norman, so I got the 4Runner. Plus, I could barely fit myself and all my gear into the Tempo."
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State Bank of India – Smt. Arundathi Bhattacharya
Allahabad Bank – S. A. Phanse
Bank of Baroda – S. S. Mundra
Bank of India – V. R. Iyer
Bank of Maharashtra – Vacant
Canara Bank – R. K. Dubey
Central Bank of India – Rajeev Rishi
Corporation Bank – Sadhuram Bansal
Dena Bank – Ashwini Kumar
Indian Bank – T. M. Bashin
Indian Overseas Bank – M. Narendra
Oriental Bank of Commerce – S. L. Bansal
Punjab and Sindh Bank – D. P. Singh
Punjab National Bank – K. R. Kamath
Syndicate Bank – Sudhir Kumar Jain
UCO Bank – Arun Kaul
Union Bank of India – D. Sarkar
United Bank of India – Smt. Archana Bhargava
Vijaya Bank – H.S. U. Kamath
Andhra Bank – Vacant
IDBI Bank – M. S. Raghavan
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Getting it REIT in Japan
"We were one of the first to offer services to Real Estate Investment Trusts, known as J-REITs in Japan," says Shohei Harada, who is in charge of EY's J-REIT practice. Shares in J-REITs are traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and the trusts invest in real estate directly. "It's a complex field combining property and investment products. As a result, our clients – the companies that run these trusts – place a premium on our deep industry knowledge of both real estate and financial services. The fact that we've been advising the J-REIT market since its inception adds to our specific knowledge."
EY is the only organization in Japan to have a team dedicated to J-REITs, offering a one-stop shop for tax, accounting and regulatory-related services.
In January 2013, EY was selected by Nomura Real Estate Holdings when they established the Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc., a J-REIT that comprises warehouses and commercial properties, mainly around Tokyo. We provided assurance, tax and advisory services in connection with the fund's initial public offering (IPO) in June, the largest J-REIT IPO ever recorded, which raised ¥161b (US$1.7b).
"A J-REIT has to meet many regulatory requirements not only just in tax but also those set by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Japan's Tourism and Financial Services Agency," continues Shohei.
"Nomura was impressed by our reputation and good track record," says Shohei. "We'd worked on two of their previous J-REITs and our knowledge of J-REITs goes back a long way. In 2001, we were selected as advisors for Japan's first ever J-REITs, two IPOs that listed simultaneously. This came about because we were one of the first to commit to the emergent J-REIT market, working alongside regulatory agencies on various issues in the early stages."


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Cardinal Dolan hits the mark in the WSJ piece today on immigrants in the United States and the concern and role of the Catholic Church. Read it here: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303918804579107131431541914?mod=djemEditorialPage_h
Cardinal Dolan points out three important ways that Catholic Charities works with immigrants: the dissemination of good information to thousands of immigrants each year through the New Americans Hotline, English and civic classes at the new International Center and support to day laborers in Yonkers. Right now, prayer combined with hard work is needed ensure that those rumblings in Washington, D.C. about possible immigration reform and a good Farm Bill will happen. This Farm Bill addresses the need for supplemental meals that so many families rely on. The immigration bill must address a broken immigration system with fair policies that address family unity, a pathway out of the shadows, border security and a legal option for businesses to hire the workers they need. For the individuals and families that Catholic Charities serves, both of these are critical.


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LAS VEGAS — One thing is certain about Las Vegas: it changes on an almost daily basis.
It's not the same city that the laundry industry visited at Clean '03, and definitely isn't the same as it was for Clean '97. It has grown from a small desert town to one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
Gone are the dark, velvet-walled hotels and casinos of Bugsy Siegel's day. The new Las Vegas continues to add larger, more elaborate and elegant hotels and towering condominiums to its skyline.
While casinos and glitz are still predominant, and some of its amazing architecture is "over the top," the city's growth has brought world-class dining and entertainment, cultural venues, and great shopping.
"What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" doesn't necessarily refer only to what people do there. It also refers to the many things happening there, and the many people who stay there to enjoy and benefit from them. The metro area's population has grown from a small getaway for Hollywood celebrities to almost 2 million people.
And who wouldn't want to come to this city that has everything?
Where else in the world can you view the city from the Eiffel Tower, have a Roman holiday, take a gondola ride through Venice's Grand Canal, enjoy a pastrami on rye in a New York deli, watch dolphins frolic in blue waters, and sip a cool drink in a tropical paradise – all in one day?
Add an abundance of restaurants and entertainment venues, plus the educational value of products and services to be found at Clean '07 this week, and you'll know you shouldn't miss this biennial opportunity to attend this all-industry trade show, says Riddle & Associates, its longtime management firm.THE STRIP: FOUR MILES OF EXCESS
From the Stratosphere hotel on the north to the Mandalay Bay Resort on the south, The Strip is four miles of excess: huge themed hotels, extravagant displays, neon, amusement attractions, billboards and souvenir shops.
Crowded sidewalks outside and hotel casinos inside provide some of the best people watching anywhere in the world – 24 hours a day.
Beautifully landscaped walkways along The Strip with pedestrian bridges over Las Vegas Boulevard make it safe and pleasant to maneuver through the inevitable crowds of people.DINING CHOICES ABOUND
Food in Las Vegas can be anything you want it to be. You can still find an inexpensive steak-and-egg breakfast and a $1.99 hot dog and beer. You just have to look for them. This is one place where fast-food chains are not necessarily the best bargains.
Las Vegas has become a world-class dining city with prices to match. Some of the country's most famous chefs have opened eateries in Las Vegas.
To keep you inside their walls, most hotels have a variety of restaurants – from snack bars to white tablecloths – and most have outstanding food.
Each of the Clean '07 hotels offers a wide variety of food, ambiance and price – both ethnic and American, Riddle & Associates says.
At Paris, for example, you can have a $6.99 crepe from a sidewalk creperie, a filling and delicious meal for less than $25 at a sidewalk café, or enjoy five-star French cuisine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant – among the hotel's other offerings.
Almost all hotels offer a buffet with an incredible variety of food, which is the best value if you like a lot to eat. Prices have increased, however. Breakfast usually is $6 to $10. A dinner buffet can run from $13 to nearly $40 at the Wynn. The least expensive buffets are at smaller, older hotels.WORLD'S ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL
When Clean '07 closes each day, there is a wealth of entertainment available to suit every taste, Riddle & Associates advises.
Tickets to big-name entertainers can be expensive (up to $225 for Celine Dion or Barry Manilow), but one doesn't have to spend money to have fun in Vegas. Free entertainment is everywhere as well.
Some name acts scheduled to be in town during Clean are Dion, Howie Mandel, David Copperfield, Blue Man Group, George Wallace, Toni Braxton, Rita Rudner and Joe Piscopo.
Danny Gans – singer, comedian, impressionist – has been the city's mainstay act for several years.
Some shows recreate old favorites. Barbra & Frank: the Concert That Never Was brings sound-alikes of Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra together. Fab Four Mania sings the Beatles. There is a Musical Tribute to Liberace, and The Rat Pack is Back.
If Broadway shows are your preference, you can dance in the aisles with Mamma Mia!, sing along with Forever Plaid, laugh out loud with Menopause: The Musical or Monty Python's SPAMALOT, marvel at the music of Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular, or be amazed by David Hasselhoff's singing and dancing in The Producers.
For spectacular production, Cirque du Soleil offers five shows around town with O, its aquatic tapestry of artistry, surrealism and romance, its most popular, and LOVE, its newest, celebrates the music legacy of the Beatles. Another aquatic spectacular, Le Rêve at Wynn, has gotten rave reviews.
Las Vegas is well known for its variety shows and burlesque reviews. They're everywhere, but the longest running and probably the showiest is Jubilee at Bally's, featuring Las Vegas showgirls, comedy and more.
Remember that a show may be "dark" on a day you wish to see it. It's a good idea to order tickets in advance.
If shows aren't for you, view a collection of priceless artwork at the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum or see Madame Tussaud's Celebrity Encounter at the Venetian.
Downtown Las Vegas is home each evening to the $70-million Fremont Street Experience, a five-block pedestrian concourse featuring 2.1 million lights and 208 speakers in a special light-and-sound show. You'll also find the Neon Museum downtown.
For no-cost entertainment, one merely needs to walk up and down The Strip. In addition to great people watching, you can see the Sirens of Treasure Island, an erupting volcano at The Mirage, talking Roman statues and changing lighting at Caesars Forum, a beautiful water show at Bellagio, a harbor rainstorm at Aladdin/Planet Hollywood, and a light, water and sound show at Bally's.
Inside the hotels are free shows with good, but lesser known, entertainers, and don't miss the flair bartenders at Harrah's.
You can also visit botanical gardens, aquariums, a lion habitat, and see Siegfried & Roy's famous white tigers.VENTURE OUT OF TOWN
Time permitting, Las Vegas is surrounded by unlimited natural beauty.
Nearby you'll find Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon, the world-renowned Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Valley of Fire State Park and the Mojave National Preserve.
Within a day's drive, you can reach such popular destinations as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and the cities of Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs.SHOP TILL YOU DROP
For shoppers, The Strip is a bonanza for those who prefer to stay inside. Shopping venues designed to replicate the great cities of the world allow one to browse the stores of Paris, Rome, New York, Cairo, Venice and the South Pacific.
More than 100 stores and 11 restaurants occupy the Forum Shops at Caesars, featuring an array of the finest upscale designer shops.
The cobblestone streets and alleys of Rue de las Paix at Paris open to a number of French boutiques.
The cobblestone walkways at The Venetian house the Grand Canal shops around a reproduction of that famous waterway.
Browsers at the Desert Passage at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood will find 170 reasonably priced specialty stores and 15 restaurants in a newly renovated marketplace.
Bellagio features an exclusive collection of high-end jewelers and fashion boutiques.
For just plain mall shopping, Fashion Show Mall houses 140 stores, including most usually found in a typical upscale mall.
Vegas: Ever-Changing Fantasyland Offers Great Deal More Than Gaming
LAS VEGAS — One thing is certain about Las Vegas: it changes on an almost daily basis.


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Ishmael Flory, fighter for equality, 96
Ishmael Flory, veteran trade union organizer, activist in the African American freedom movement, and a longtime leader of the Communist Party in Illinois, died Feb. 4 in Chicago following a long illness. He was 96.
Budgets of mass destruction
After factoring out the Social Security surplus and adding in a pricey supplemental appropriation for the war in Iraq, the federal budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2004 could reach $700 billion.
Marchers denounce mental health cuts
SAN ANTONIO – Marching from historic San Fernando Cathedral to Travis Park United Methodist Church on Jan. 15, nearly 180 mental health consumers, family members, clergy and other mental health advocates brought attention to the fact that an incident involving an out-of-control mental health consumer never should have occurred.
New bill aims to defend womens rights
National Organization for Women (NOW) President Kim Gandy and other women's rights leaders held a Washington, D.C., press conference Jan. 22, the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, to announce the introduction of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) that would codify the landmark Supreme Court decision protecting reproductive rights.
National Clips
WASHINGTON: Defense contractors owe $3 billion in taxes / MONTGOMERY, Ala.: No charter schools in Alabama / NEW YORK: Librarians, booksellers launch petition drive against Patriot Act / ARLINGTON, Va: Int'l panel says 'give D.C. a seat'
Breakthrough in struggle for same-sex marriage rights
While the Massachusetts Legislature adjourned Feb. 13 without having added an amendment to the state's constitution banning same-sex marriage, the nation's attention swung to the other coast when San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.


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- Private full-day tour of Arraiolos and Évora in the peaceful Alentejo region of south-central Portugal
- Explore Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit impressive historical sites, such as the Chapel of Bones, Saint Francis church and Roman temple
- Admire beautiful hand-made carpets in Arraiolos
- Private tour in luxury vehicle, ensuring a more personalized experience
What You Can Expect
Leaving Lisbon early in the morning you will cross the rolling plains of this almost unexplored region where the olive and cork oak trees are abundant and essential to the region's economy and lifestyle.
The town of Évora, the walled World Heritage Site, is an astonishingly well-preserved piece of history. With your guide you will be invited to visit the Saint Francis church and the sinister Chapel of the Bones proving that life for some might have been just one more step towards the desired eternity.
Walking up the old narrow streets you'll reach the central Giraldo square where you will begin to walk up to the top of Évora reaching the 13th century Cathedral and the surprisingly well preserved Roman temple. But in one of the hidden corners of Évora lies the core of all its knowledge and perseverance: the 16th century University where still today hundreds of students search for the much-wanted sapience. If you're a handicraft fan then let our guide introduce you to a modern handicraft studio that they've found when walking in Évora (closed on Sunday).
After a reinvigorating lunch break in one of the much celebrated restaurants in Évora, that prepare with heart and soul the regional olive oil, bread and garlic recipes, it will be time to leave to the village of Arraiolos. The 'eternal bride', as it is called by locals, is a splash of immaculate white-washed houses on the golden plains and blue skies. Life here has slowed down the pace a little to appreciate the rhythm of nature and the skillfulness of the Arraiolos carpets being embroidered by the delicate hands of local women.
This tour is operated in a luxury vehicle as you tour the majestic sites of Portugal.
Customer Reviews
April 2013
Very interesting tour and the guide - Tiago - excellent from the professional point of view.
July 2010
Gregg R Canada
July 2010


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FAIRBANKS — Abraham Henry Sr. ran his first sled dog race when Franklin Roosevelt was president, World War II was raging and Alaska was still a few decades away from statehood. It was 1940, and Henry was 4 years old.
Last month, Henry's racing career came full circle. The 78-year-old Venetie traditional chief took his last competitive run on April 12 during the Venetie spring carnival. He crashed during the 14-mile race, he said, but finished with his sense of humor intact.
"They gave me the sportsmanship award," Henry said by telephone from his Venetie home. "They're nice people here."
The run was the last of many races for Henry, who said he won seven of them through the years. But Henry pointed out that his team has always been about more than racing. His dogs were the muscle behind his subsistence lifestyle for years, helping him haul firewood and make runs down his trapline.
Many people use snowmachines today for those activities, but Henry said he still prefers a more traditional form of transportation.
"I like dogs," he said. "They don't cost me nothing and they never break down."
Henry and his wife, Sally, raised their large family in Venetie while running dogs, and the tradition will continue. Henry said his teenage grandson, Daniel, will take over his eight-dog team to check the trapline and maybe run the occasional race.
Henry said he's enjoyed his lifestyle, and is happy to pass it on to a new generation.
"He'll be a good driver," Henry said. "He's not going to watch TV — he's got to work."


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Remember These Biblical Messages
This letter is to the people of this once great nation. Do you remember in Genesis 19 when the angels came to Sodom to take Lot and his family out of the city? When God's messengers came into the…
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