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Newtown Township
Board of Supervisors
Minutes of August 13, 2009
The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors met on August 13, 2009 in the Township meeting room at 7:30 PM. In attendance and voting were Supervisors: Vice Chairman Robert Ciervo, Secretary-Treasurer Michael Gallagher, Philip Calabro and Jerry Schenkman, members. Also present were: Joseph Czajkowski, Township Manager, Jeffrey Garton, Township Solicitor and Michele Fountain, Township Engineer.
Call to Order: Vice Chairman Ciervo called the regular meeting to order at 7:30 PM with a moment of silence and an invocation by Pastor Gerry Newswanger of First Baptist Church of Wycombe. This was followed by and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Changes to the Agenda: Mr. Czajkowski announced that the Police Report would be removed from the agenda and the Sarcone Deli Conditional Use would be moved up on the agenda.
Public Comment: Resident Jay Sensibaugh thanked Mr. Schenkman for attempting to show the interim supervisor interviews on video. The public and the press should have had an opportunity to see the prospective candidates.
Dr. Ciervo noted that the Board had not discussed holding televised interviews. The interviews were advertised and open to the public and the press.
Mr. Gallagher noted that he had considered whether to televise the interviews but found the costs of about $900 to be prohibitive.
Mr. Schenkman said that he had only briefly discussed the possibility of televising the meetings with Mr. Gallagher who had referenced the very high cost.
Resident Brandon Wind said that he wanted to thank Tom Jirele for his almost twelve years of service to Newtown Township. His non-partisan efforts and his leadership will be missed. He suggested that the Board consider re-instating the second public comment at the end of the meeting. Many residents find it difficult to arrive for the 7:30 start of the meeting.
Mr. Gallagher, Dr. Ciervo and Mr. Schenkman agreed that the Board should discuss re-instating the second comment.
Special Actions
Elected Auditor Vacancy: Mr. Gallagher moved to nominate Neil Poppel to fill the vacancy as elected auditor. Mr. Calabro seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Schenkman said that this is a well deserved appointment.
Dr. Ciervo said that he fully supports Mr. Poppel and thanked him for his willingness to serve the Township.
The motion passed 4-0.
Judge Donald Nasshorn administered the oath of office to Mr. Poppel.
Board of Supervisors Vacancy: Mr. Gallagher moved toappoint Brandon Wind to act as interim supervisor. Dr. Ciervo seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Gallagher noted that Mr. Wind has experience as a Planning Commission member and has indicated that he would not be interested in seeking the endorsement to run for Supervisor in the November election.
Dr. Ciervo said that many good people had been interviewed. Mr. Wind would be an asset to the Board because of his experience as an attorney and his knowledge as a Planning Commission member. Mr. Wind is already very familiar with the recent review of the Sycamore Street TC district zoning as well as the proposed redevelopment of the Acme site.
Mr. Wind thanked the Board for the very transparent process of public interviews. For the most part, political concerns were kept out of the procedures.
The motion failed 2-2 ,with Messrs. Calabro and Schenkman voting nay.
Mr. Gallagher moved to appoint Matt Benchener to act as interim supervisor. Dr. Ciervo seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Gallagher noted that Mr. Benchener has been a member of the Financial Planning Committee and has an understanding of the Township's budget.
Dr. Ciervo said that Mr. Benchener's skills would be an asset to the Board. During his interview he made some very specific suggestions for reducing costs.
Resident Joseph Caracappa said that he has known Mr. Benchener for a number of years. Mr. Benchener had worked summers in his law firm during college. He would be an excellent choice for the Board of Supervisors because of his expertise in finance.
Resident Steven Rose said that he has known Mr. Benchener for one year. He admires Mr. Benchener's drive and enthusiasm and his passion for the community. He would be an excellent choice for the Board.
Resident Chris McCluskey spoke in support of Mr. Benchener's nomination and enumerated his many outstanding qualities and urged the Board to appoint him interim supervisor.
Resident Matt Benchener thanked those who spoke on his behalf. He urged the Board to take the decision of selection of a supervisor seriously because this year's tax revenue appears to be about 10% below what had been anticipated and the budget preparation will be an important issue in the coming months.
Resident Jim McCrane said that while all of the candidates are very worthy, he would urge the Board to consider Glen Beasley, who has been a Township volunteer for many years and is currently the chairman of the Financial Planning Committee. He has been working on predicting Township revenues and expenses for over a decade. He has no political ambitions and would seamlessly slip right in to begin working with the Board.
The motion failed 2-2, with Messrs. Calabro and Schenkman voting nay.
Mr. Schenkman moved to appoint Glen Beasley to act as interim supervisor. Mr. Calabro seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Schenkman echoed Mr. McCrane's comments, noting that Mr. Beasley has served the Township's committees, boards and commissions for over thirty years. He has the time and the commitment to be an excellent addition to the Board of Supervisors.
Dr. Ciervo agreed that Mr. Beasley interviewed very well and his skills would be beneficial to the Board, however he feels the two previously nominated candidates would be stronger.
Resident Joanne Bintliff Ritchie said that she had attended most and had reviewed tapes of all of the interviews. She has worked many years in human resources. She feels that Mr. Beasley is the most qualified and had strong commitment to the community and the skills necessary to be an excellent supervisor.
The motion failed 2-2, with Dr. Ciervo and Mr. Gallagher voting nay.
Mr. Calabro said that he would like to nominate Nancy Crescenzo to the Board because she has been a dedicated "watchdog" for the community for a number of years. She is up to date on all of the issues facing the Board in the coming months and she is very knowledgeable about the people of Newtown and would represent them well.
Mr. Calabro moved to appoint Nancy Crescenzo to act as interim supervisor. Mr. Schenkman seconded. The motion failed 2-2 with Dr. Ciervo and Mr. Gallagher voting nay.
Mr. Garton explained that if the Board is unable to agree on a suitable candidate for supervisor, within 15 days the vacancy board must be convened and the vacancy board chairman will cast a vote. This will be a special advertised meeting, not an agenda item at a regular meeting. It will take place on August 26, 2009 at 7:30 PM before the regular meeting is called to order.
Mr. Gallagher thanked all of those who interviewed for the position. The Board members all learned a great deal by hearing of different perspectives on the issues facing the Board in the coming months. He thanked Judge Nasshorn for waiting to administer the oath of office had the Board agreed on a candidate.
The Board agreed with Mr. Gallagher and asked those who had applied to stay involved as there are openings for volunteers on other Township committees boards and commissions.
Minutes, Bills Lists and Reports
Minutes: Mr. Schenkman moved to accept the minutes of July 22, 2009. Mr. Calabro seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Bills: Mr. Gallagher moved to authorize payment of bills totaling $1,067,063.44. Mr. Schenkman seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Mr. Gallagher moved to authorize interfund transfers totaling $440,917.75. Mr. Calabro seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Solicitor's Report
Sarcone's Deli/Kathleen Cassalia – 2100 South Eagle Road; Conditional Use: Mr. Garton said that the applicant is seeking conditional use approval for use E-5 eating place and E-6 eating place/take out. The application has been advertised on July 30 and August 6, 2009 in the Newtown Advance. The Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended approval of the application.
Engineer John Anderson and applicants Kathleen Cassalia and Peter Cassalia were in attendance to review the plans. Mr. Anderson noted that the space has formerly been occupied by Quiznos Subs and by My Girlfriend's Kitchen, both take out restaurants. The parking is as per the shopping center's shared parking.
Mr. Gallagher moved to approve Sarcone Deli's application for conditional use for an E-5 a eating place and E-6 eating place/drive in at 2100 South Eagle Road in the PC, Planned Commercial Zoning District, subject to the following conditions:
Mr. Schenkman seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Calabro asked whether the applicant would like to ask for extended hours or additional employees in the event that the business is very successful.
Ms. Cassalia said that there will not be more than five employees. This number accommodates overlapping shifts of part time workers. The restaurant is a franchise of a South Philadelphia deli; bread is brought to Newtown for the sandwiches from downtown. It will not arrive before 8:00 AM and will no longer be fresh after 10:00 PM.
Dr. Ciervo questioned the use E-6, as he believed this was for drive-in.
Mr. Garton explained that the E-6 includes both take out and drive-in. Because of the location the applicant has agreed not to have a drive in window.
Ms. Cassalia said that there would be a few tables for customers who wish to eat their sandwiches in the shop, but the bulk of the business is take out.
Resident Karen D'Aprile said that she is familiar with Sarcone's in Philadelphia and is thrilled to see them opening in Newtown.
Resident John D'Aprile said that he grew up near the original Sarcone's. He is very excited about the new location. He commented on the wonderful fresh bread.
In response to Dr. Ciervo's question, Ms. Cassalia said that the bread would be brought up each morning for the sandwiches. At this point there were not plans to sell the bread separately, but that might be reconsidered, as it appears there is a demand.
The motion passed 4-0.
Reports of Committees, Boards and Commissions
Board Members: Dr. Ciervo said that he has reviewed the reserve fund balances with the Finance Department. On December 31, 2007, the balance was $2.8M; on December 31, 2008, the balance was $3.0M; on June 30, 2009 the balance was $2.906M. The Board had agreed to allow the Township Manager to dip into the reserve if necessary.
Mr. Czajkowski said that this has not been necessary yet.
Mr. Gallagher noted that the earned income tax revenues, as of July 2009, were down $40,000 over last year. He said that this is a good sign, although the Township might feel the impact of the economy more in 2010.
Dr. Ciervo noted that the approved 2008 budget had been $10.67M, but the new Board of Supervisors had re-opened the budget in early 2008 and reduced it to $10.09M. Over all, spending has gone down.
Mr. Schenkman noted that these are budgeted numbers, not actual numbers.
Planning Commission: Chairman Allen Fidler reported that the Planning Commission has had numerous discussions about the E-5 and E-6 eating place uses, primarily because the drive-in, while permitted in the E-6, is not necessarily a part of every E-6 application. The Commission has considered whether to remove "take out" from the E-5 use or possibly placing a limit on the percentage of take out to be permitted with an E-5.
The Planning Commission continued its discussion of Sycamore Street by considering the addition of two new uses, a mixed use and a Planned Commercial Development (PCD). The new mixed use would combine two or more already permitted uses on any lot within the TC district, regardless of lot size. It was noted that there are already a number of non-conforming mixed uses on the east side of Sycamore Street already. As part of this discussion, the Commission reviewed an existing provision for a fee in lieu of parking. As currently written, no specific dollar amount is attached to the fee, nor does the provision dictate the number of parking spaces which can be addressed by a fee. This is left to the discretion of the Board of Supervisors. It was the Commission's consensus that the current provisions should remain in the Ordinance.
The Commission discussed possible performance standards for the PCD, which would be a new use in the current TC District, not a new zoning district. The PCD would be permitted on lots larger than two acres. It would contain a mix of two or more uses that are permitted in the TC district. The PCD would have more than one building, not one large building. The PCD could have a 30 foot height restriction on the portion of the structure built at the streetscape setback, but the Commission considered allowing a height of up to 40 feet for portions set back farther from the streetscape/sidewalk setback. The current Ordinance describes the front yard setback as 20 feet from the right of way or the average setback of the adjacent buildings. At least some portion of the PCD structure should be at the streetscape or minimum setback, to prevent plans with deeper setbacks with front yard parking in order to qualify for the additional height. For buildings with greater than 100 feet of frontage, the members suggested that the setback should be varied but has not yet recommended any specific interval for the staggering of the setback. For side yard setbacks for the PCD, the members agreed that 10 feet would be recommended. This would be 10 feet on each side of the property. A minimum distance requirement of about 10 feet between the multiple buildings in the PCD was also recommended.
The current impervious surface ratio for the TC district is 80%. The Commission discussed whether to reduce that amount for a PCD, with the possibility of regaining the 80% or even possibly bonus impervious through providing certain energy efficiency measures such as LEEDS certification or green roofing or by installing public amenities such as pocket parks, band shells and fountains. The Commission agreed to leave the impervious surface at 80% but wanted the Supervisors to be aware of the conversation leading to this recommendation.
In discussion of the mix of uses for a PCD the Commission would like input from the Supervisors on whether to require a portion to be residential. Requiring a residential component could be beneficial to the downtown in that it provides round the clock presence and vitality and would help reduce some of the parking demand, as residential parking requirements would be lighter than commercial and would work well in a shared parking arrangement.
Looking ahead, parking requirements are still to be reviewed, after which the Commission hopes to have a completed draft of recommendations to serve as a guide in discussion with the Supervisors at a joint meeting.
Mr. Schenkman noted that in limiting the PCD to 2 acres, the Acme site would be left out.
Mr. Fidler said that there is not a magic number for this, but most of the lots that might be subject to redevelopment in the TC district are about 2 acres. The smaller lots on the east side of the street are somewhat protected by the restrictions of the historic district.
Mr. Schenkman said that there are only a few key issues that the Planning Commission would seek Board input on. He urged the Board to place a joint conversation with the Planning Commission on a work session agenda in September.
The Board will soon be considering the adoption of the new Joint Comprehensive Plan. When the Planning Commission reviewed this Plan in December of 2008, the members had agreed by a vote of 7-1 that the Board adopt the Plan, but to also "….undertake an effort to consistently and accurately classify Township roads." Mr. Jirele had agreed to work on this effort in 2010. As the Board considers adoption of the plan, the Planning Commission would like to remind the Board of concerns about roadway classifications.
Open Space Plan Adoption: Mr. Garton explained that the Board has received the revised open space plan from Bucks County Planning Commission. A resolution adopting the plan will be required if the Board is to participate in the County Open Space Program. This is not necessary for the grants available for the "natural areas" program, a separate fund.
Mr. Gallagher said that the plan can be amended to react to changes within the Township. It has flexibility.
Mr. Schenkman commended the Open Space Committee for the hard work that went into drafting the plan. He particularly commented on the priorities set forth, which will be an aid in evaluating open space for preservation.
Dr. Ciervo said that on page 12, there is a list of goals and objectives and page 32 references a worksheet which is not included in the copy. He expressed some concern about this worksheet which gives weighted values to certain features.
Mr. Gallagher explained that in creating the list of goals and the worksheet for evaluation, the Open Space Committee attempted to avoid appearing to target a particular parcel. The County requires that some kind of evaluation sheet be included in the plan. This one was created by the Environmental Advisory Council to rank the environmental aspects of the open space parcels.
Mr. Schenkman said that the worksheet would be beneficial as a framework for evaluation and will keep emotion out of considerations.
Dr. Ciervo said that he has some concern with the ranking of the goals, particularly the low rank for preservation of farmland. He said that he would prefer that the goals be weighted equally.
Mr. Garton explained that the worksheet would not be the decision maker but only a help in guiding decisions.
Mr. Gallagher said that there had been some discussion of keeping the Open Space Committee. The Committee had been formed as an ad hoc committee with representation from the Board, Planning Commission, EAC and Park and Recreation Board. The Committee's charge had been to revise the open space comprehensive plan. The majority of the members of the Committee preferred not remaining active, leaving open space preservation to the Board of Supervisors with consistent input from the Planning Commission, EAC and Park and Rec Board.
As the Board continued to discuss the goals and the two guiding principles of sustainability and respect for the rights of property owners, Mr. Gallagher noted that the Bucks County Planning Commission was excited about this portion of the plan and has used it in discussion with other municipalities.
Resident Jay Sensibaugh said that he had been part of the Committee. He noted that the weighted worksheet was to be used for environmental aspects only. However, when evaluating a parcel, other factors come into consideration, such as willingness of property owners to cooperate with the preservation effort, historic significance, public access, possible recreational use as well as the preservation of farming. He noted that the plan does not have a table of contents and many referenced attachments are not included. He also suggested that the plan be placed on the Township Web site so that residents and Township volunteers would have an opportunity to review and comment.
Dr. Ciervo agreed that the draft is somewhat incomplete. He also agreed that it should be made available to the public on the Web site. He continued to express concerns about the weighted system of evaluation.
Mr. Gallagher noted that the plan must be adopted by December 2012, so there is time for the Board and public to review and comment further.
Mr. Gallagher moved to table consideration of adoption of the Open Space Comprehensive Plan to September 9, 2009. Dr. Ciervo seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Land Development
Newtown Athletic Club Request for Waiver of Land Development: Mr. Garton explained that the applicant has requested that the Board waive land development process for a proposed two-story addition with a 1681 square foot footprint to its facility.
Mr. Gallagher said that he is not inclined to consider this request for a large addition without the applicant being in attendance to discuss it.
Mr. Gallagher moved to table consideration of the NAC request for a waiver of land development to a future meeting no later than the last meeting in September. Dr. Ciervo seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Reports of Officials
Liquid Fuels dot Grants – Resolution to Authorize Electronic Access to PennDOT Systems: Mr. Gallagher moved to adopt Resolution 2009-R-21, authorizing electronic access to PennDOT systems. Mr. Schenkman seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr. Czajkowski explained that there are about 12 reports to be filed. There is not additional cost to the Township.
The motion passed 4-0.
PA Conservation Works! Energy Savings LED Street Light Grant Resolution: Mr. Gallagher moved to adopt Resolution 2009-R-22 for the PA Conservation Works! Energy Savings LED Street Light Grant. Mr. Schenkman seconded.
Discussion of motion: Mr.Czajkowski said that this application was made with Doylestown. There is a 10% match equaling $25,000, coming from the streetlight maintenance fund. While the match is not required, those applicants providing some matching funds are given more favorable consideration. The money saved in energy costs will recoup the match in about 18 months. A sample light is being installed at Norwood Avenue and Sterling Street. These lights can be programmed to dim late at night and in the early morning.
The motion passed 4-0.
Other Business: Mr. Czajkowski provided samples of open space signage for the Board to consider placing at Township preserved open space locations. The cost is about $689 per 2'X3' sign. About 5 signs would be needed.
Patel Residence, 430 Durham Road – Request for Extension to Fulfill Requirements of Temporary CO. : Mr. Garton reminded the Board that a condition of Zoning Hearing Board relief had been that Mr. & Mrs. Patel refurbish the exterior of their existing house to match the appearance of the new house built on their property. The Patels have sought an extension to complete the work. Their neighbor, Mr. Jefferson, has objected to the appearance of the old house and has asked for additional buffering to shield the old house from his view across the street.
Mr. Patel explained that the CO for the new house has been issued and he was given only 30 days to complete the refurbishing of the exterior, which he says is insufficient. He would also like some guidance from the Township as to exactly what is required.
Dr. Ciervo read from the Zoning Hearing Board decision dated March 23, 2007, which states that the accessory structure will be "modified so as to have the same exterior finish as the new residence." In addition the Patels are to "plant additional buffer plantings be provided along Durham Road frontage at the reasonable direction of Newtown Township." Dr. Ciervo takes that to mean that the exterior should be the same color and the same materials as the new house.
Ms. Fountain said that 5 Norway Spruce trees have been planted along Durham Road, 2 in front of the new residence and 3 on the other side of the driveway. She has agreed that these plantings satisfy the intent of the decision. She said that she has met with Mr. and Mrs. Patel and Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson to attempt a resolution. Mr. Jefferson does not want to see the old house at all; he is asking for a full buffer. That is not the requirement of the Zoning Hearing Board decision.
Mr. Gallagher asked Mr. Patel whether he would attempt a compromise with his neighbor, perhaps sharing the cost of some additional buffer plantings.
In response to Mr. Calabro's question, Ms. Fountain said that the buffering provided does meet the requirements of the decision. It asks for buffering along Durham Road, not necessarily only in front of the old house.
Mr. Jefferson said that he does not think the buffering is adequate. He looks directly across at the old house. He objects because it now looks incongruous next to the new house. He said that if the Patel family has been granted the variance to have the two houses on the property, the old one should be completely buffered. He does not object to the granting of an extension if the old house is sufficiently buffered. He claimed that he had not been notified of the Zoning Hearing Board application, or he would have objected at the time.
Dr. Ciervo reviewed the Township's record of mailing to Mr. Jefferson's address, attempting to learn whether the mail is undeliverable since his address is 413 Durham Road possibly leading to some confusion because Durham Road is also known as Route 413.
Mr. Jefferson assured the Board that this is his mailing address but he did not get any letter about the Zoning Hearing Board application.
Dr. Ciervo said that the Township can document that notification had been sent. It had also been advertised. The Board must decide now whether to grant an extension to Mr. and Mrs. Patel to allow them time to refurbish the exterior of the old house. It appears that if the neighbors can resolve their issues regarding the buffering, Mr. Jefferson would not object to the granting of the extension.
Mrs. Patel said that she has complied with the requirement to buffer the Durham Road frontage. She is now seeking guidance on the exterior of the old house and asking for an extension. She asked whether the exterior has to be the same or similar and whether the roof must also be the same. Their roof is only a few years old. She complained that the development next to her property has been left messy and incomplete and she would like that addressed.
Dr. Ciervo said that the Board must decide whether to grant the extension to make the old house exterior, including the roof, look the same as the new house, meaning the same color and same exterior materials.
The Board discussed whether to consider adding the requirement of additional plantings as a condition of granting an extension. They also discussed an appropriate length for the extension.
Mr. Garton explained that without the extension the veterinary clinic in the old house would lose its CO.
The Board members all indicated that if some agreement could be reached with the neighbors, they would be inclined to grant an extension of one year. They urged Mr. and Mrs. Patel and Mr. Jefferson to take a break and discuss this privately, then return to the meeting.
After a short break, Mr. and Mrs. Patel and Mr. Jefferson returned. No compromise had been reached. Mr. Patel said that because he has a veterinary clinic on the property he does not want to completely obstruct the view of the house from the road.
Mrs. Patel asked for a clear definition of what must be done to the exterior of the house to comply.
Mr. Garton said that it must be the same color and materials. The Township Manager would send a letter outlining exactly what would be expected to comply with the Zoning Hearing Board.
The Board briefly discussed a fee schedule for an extension.
As it was clear to the Board that a compromise could not be reached, Dr. Ciervo suggested giving a 90 day extension to complete all exterior refurbishing to the satisfaction of the Township.
Mr. Schenkman said that with a 90 day extension, if all work were not complete, Mr. and Mrs. Patel would be in much worse shape as they would be in violation.
Dr. Ciervo moved to grant a 90 day extension to comply with the Zoning Hearing Board decision requiring the refurbishing of the exterior of the existing house, including matching the roof. The motion failed to be seconded.
After lengthy discussion of possible compromises, Mr. Gallagher suggested tabling the decision on the extension for two meetings. During that time, Mr. and Mrs. Patel could work with contractors, getting estimates for costs and a time table. They could also attempt to work with a landscaper to find some inexpensive trees to create more buffering. At the end of that period they will return to the Board and present a plan for landscaping or they will have a timeline for completion of the exterior. The Board could then decide whether to grant an extension.
Mr. Garton explained that the Patels would have 27 days to either resolve their differences with Mr. Jefferson or do the façade work if the Board decided to table the consideration of the request.
Mr. Gallagher moved to table consideration of a request for an extension on the temporary CO until September 23, 2009. Mr. Calabro seconded.
Discussion of notion: Dr. Ciervo said that he has misgivings about postponing the decision. If no work has begun by the meeting in September, it will be too late to complete work before winter.
Mr. Schenkman said that when the Patels return, they will have either satisfied the Zoning Hearing Board requirements or will have a plan and timeline in place. If not they will be in violation, as the CO has already expired.
The motion passed 3-1, with Dr. Ciervo voting nay.
Approval of Land Development Waiver Agreement for the Bucks County Association for the Blind: Mr. Calabro moved to approve the waiver of land development for the Bucks County Association for the Blind. Dr. Ciervo seconded and the motion passed 3-0-1, with Mr. Gallagher abstaining. (Mr. Gallagher briefly left the room during this vote.)
Engineer's Report: In response to Dr. Ciervo's question, Ms. Fountain explained that the Council Rock North artificial turf field installation had been delayed, not by permit difficulties with the Township but with DCCD permits.
Traffic Engineer's Report: Andrew Brown of Carroll Engineering was in attendance to review the Act 209 Transportation Impact Fee Agreement. Carroll Engineering proposes to update the Act 209 report, which had been completed in 2001, establishes the impact fees to be paid by developers for new PM peak hour trips. With recent changes to proposed land use, completed capital projects and the age of the document, an update to existing Roadway Sufficiency Analysis and Capital Improvement Plan is appropriate.
In response to Dr. Ciervo's questions, Mr. Brown explained that an impact fee for the plan for the Melsky tract had been calculated when that plan was submitted.
Mr. Garton said that the fee agreement must be updated periodically. Mr. Brown would work with the Township Traffic Impact Fee Advisory Committee. The cost would come from TSA funds.
Mr. Brown said that he was fairly certain that the traffic impact fee would increase as there have been inflation increases to such costs as fuel and asphalt, which would be included in the update.
Mr. Schenkman noted that the cost in Carroll Engineering's proposal is an estimate of $52,000. He asked if there is any possibility it would exceed that amount.
Mr. Garton suggested that the Board could approve the proposal with a cost not to exceed $52,000.
In response to Dr. Ciervo's question, Mr. Brown said that the update would take about 6 months.
Mr. Gallagher moved to authorize Carroll Engineering to conduct an updated Roadway Analysis and Capital Improvement Plan with costs not to exceed $52,000. Dr. Ciervo seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Regarding the proposed plan to extend Terry Drive through to the Newtown Bypass with a right in/right out opening, Mr. Brown explained that PennDOT requires extensive justification and approval from the district office. PennDOT has requested that an expanded preliminary traffic assessment be conducted with additional traffic counts and study work be done to justify the proposed project.
Dr. Ciervo noted that in the Carroll Engineering proposal, there is reference to PennDOT's suggesting limiting access in Newtown Gate. He is reluctant to explore that as a solution to the traffic problems in the Business Commons.
Mr. Garton suggested that the Board contact its state representatives to get support for the proposal, possibly avoiding some of the additional expense.
Mr. Gallagher asked Mr. Czajkowski to contact the state representatives.
Mr. Gallagher moved to authorize an additional $1500 for traffic count and an additional $23,800 or Comprehensive Point of Access Study, with the understanding that work would not commence without authorization from Township Manager Joseph Czajkowski. Dr. Ciervo seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
Mr. Brown said that he has studied a possible reduction of speed limit on Newtown Yardley Road. Counts show that 85% of vehicles coming off of the Bypass travel at 44 MPH. PennDOT would allow a reduction to 40 MPH immediately on turning from the Bypass to the next reduction point.
Mr. Garton said that he would work with Mr. Brown on drafting an ordinance reducing the speed limit.
Old Business: Vaughn Deroussyan was in attendance to discuss his request to place stormwater management on German Avenue and use his stormwater basin for additional parking at Newtown Plaza Shopping Center. He said that the estimate for an underground stormwater retention basin was $250,000, which he cannot afford. He showed a map of the area he wishes to use for the basin. The Township had requested use of his basin for other properties' run-off and he has cooperated with that request.
Mr. Garton explained that the paper street German Avenue, if vacated, would not belong to the Township or to Mr. Deroussyan, but to the neighbors behind Mr. Deroussyan's property, who own the small strip of land on the other side of the paper street.
Dr. Ciervo said that if Mr. Deroussyan wanted to use that land he would need to work with his rear yard neighbors, not with the Township.
Ms. Fountain noted that Newtown Plaza Shopping Center is already at the maximum impervious surface. A variance would be needed to pave for additional parking.
Dr. Ciervo advised the Board that an executive session would take place after adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 11:35 PM.


text:
- Two from Leslie Botha:
- Another method of period elimination, endometrial ablation, is marketed as easy-breezy menstrual suppression, claiming "64% reduction in women reporting pain" and "71% reduction in women reporting a lack of self-confidence". (Note the happy ladies dressed all in white on NovaSure's website.)
- Yet another period-tracking app for dudes: FloJuggler is designed for men to track periods of multiple ladies – girlfriends, mom, wife, boss. Surprisingly, the slogan is not "For men who are afraid of women".
- The FDA warns that women using Evamist, a spray formulation of estradiol, should stay away from children and pets. Adverse effects include "premature puberty, nipple swelling, and breast development in girls, and breast enlargement in boys" and similar effects in canines.
- The new, improved version of the female condom is being aggressively promoted in Washington, D.C., to prevent the spread of HIV.
- Apparently some viewers of the ITV soap Emmerdale were upset when the phrase "jam rags" appeared on a blackboard shopping list.
Saturday Surfing: Midsummer EditionJuly 31st, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
Reproductive CoercionJuly 29th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
In our May 28 "Saturday Surfing" round-up of recommended reading, we highlighted Lynn Harris' essay for The Nation about new research on "reproductive coercion": the alarming frequency with which young men try to get their partners pregnant, often by sabotaging birth control methods. Yesterday, GritTV with Laura Flanders interviewed Harris and Elizabeth Miller, the researcher who conducted the study, about the phenomenon and public health responses.
Exercise for dysmenorrhea?July 26th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
Women have long been advised that exercise is among the best pain relievers for painful periods. But a new Cochrane Review (also published in July, 2010, issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology) indicates that research confirming that advice is inconclusive.
Yet, the data on exercise and dysmenorrhea are quite limited, and only one clinical trial met review standards. The main outcome measure was the change in The MOOS Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) after three cycles of treatment. The MDQ is commonly used in menstrual cycle research (and also commonly criticized). Exercise was found to improve MDQ scores within three cycles. This Cochrane review offers some preliminary, although not robust, evidence for the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
So if exercise helps your period pain, keep it up!
Saturday Surfing: Lazy Days of Summer EditionJuly 24th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
- A couple of our favorite ladies were interviewed in a couple of great lady blogs this week: Chris Bobel spoke with Adina Nack of Girl with Pen about her new book, New Blood: Third-Wave Feminism and the Politics of Menstruation (Rutgers University Press, 2010), and Shameless interviewed Madeleine Shaw and Suzanne Siemens of Lunapads.
- Dr. Petra Boynton pointed us to this engaging discussion of the seemingly endless debates over usage of the word vagina, noting that often "those who feel it doesn't matter what we call sex, our genitals, or experiences are already in a privileged place."
- Our Bodies, Our Blog rounds up the news about tenofovir gel, a vaginal microbicide that has the potential to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS through sexual contact.
- Ms. Magazine's Blog points out that Sarah Palin's animal role model, the mama grizzly, is pro-choice. (Sarah Palin is not pro-choice.)
New Technology, Same MistakesJuly 22nd, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
We've written previously about some of the apps for tracking menstruation and PMS, but this new iPhone/Pad app for tracking ovulation is problematic.
iOvulation is an application that calculates the time of ovulation and generates your personal fertility calendar. Simply enter the length of your menstrual cycle and the date of your last period, and iOvulation will calculate your fertile days.
The web site suggests it useful both for trying to conceive and for trying to prevent conception. However, I wouldn't recommend the latter, as its algorithm appears to predict ovulation based on dates of menstruation: "The ovulation dates are calculated based on normal menstruation calculation logic for women having regular periods."
In other words, it perpetuates what Toni Weschler, author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement and Reproductive Health and Cycle Savvy: The Smart Teen's Guide to the Mysteries of Her Body, labeled the two biggest myths about menstruation in this interview with Scarleteen: (1) the idea that ovulation occurs on Day 14, and (2) A normal menstrual cycle is 28 days.
Also of interest is how squeamish the creators appear to be about sex and reproduction: the web site refers to "unprotected i*********e" and notes that the probability of conception is calculated "based on your ovulation time and other factors such as lifespan of the egg and s***m". (For those of you unaccustomed to the practice of concealing obscenity with asterisks, that's "intercourse" and "sperm".)
As someone who studies and teaches sociolinguistics and writes about menstruation, I've seen a lot of euphemistic language over the years. But marking intercourse and sperm as unfit for print is a first.
Hot Flash—Progesterone is an Effective Alternative to EstrogenJuly 19th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
Guest post by Jerilynn Prior, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research
It's been two weeks since Chris Hitchcock and I returned from San Diego's recent Endocrine Society meetings. We are feeling incredibly happy with the success of our protracted, intense commitments to a controlled trial of oral micronized progesterone (marketed in the USA and Canada as Prometrium®) for night sweats and hot flushes/flashes. At the Endocrine Society we presented the first-ever trial showing that the molecularly identical progesterone by mouth is effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS = hot flushes/flashes and night sweats)(1). We were also invited to present our data at an Endocrine Society-sponsored press conference.
Why did a scientific study require so much from us? First, this trial started in 2003 as the initial scientific venture of the newly founded Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research–thus CeMCOR's reputation became tied to this trial. Second, despite concerted efforts, we were never able to obtain peer reviewed funding for this study—we successfully supported it with individual private donations. Finally, because of the "estrogen myth" and its corollary negatives about progesterone, I wanted to gain additional accurate information about how Prometrium® works in women's cardiovascular system from this same study. For that reason we decided to enroll only very healthy women who were within 1-10 years since their final flow—they had to be non-smokers, without obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and further to have normal measured waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar levels. Therefore many women were interested but few were eligible.
Late last fall when we broke to code on this study, we were ecstatic to discover that our trial was highly successful. After only three months' therapy with Prometrium® (300 mg at bedtime daily) the 127 (of 133 randomized) women's vasomotor symptoms score (VMS Score, combination of number of flushes times their intensity during the day and during sleep) was decreased by about 60% on progesterone compared to less than 30% decrease on placebo.
In early June we learned the answer to another important question: Does progesterone effectively treat intense VMS? The answer is yes! Although less than half all the treatment-seeking women in our study met the FDA's criteria for more than 50 moderate-intense VMS/week, the 30 women who did who were randomized to Prometrium® showed significantly more improvement in hot flushes than did women on placebo.
What were the reactions to this news? Some local doctors said they already knew that progesterone was good for VMS! Others people were curious, or skeptical but many realized the importance of providing women with an effective alternative to estrogen for VMS. Other reactions were predictable—many questions about whether this couldn't really be explained, somehow, by estrogen (Prometrium® is converted into estrogen—not!). And there were several questions about side effects and alleged serious health risks from progesterone (wrongly attributed because of confusion of progesterone with synthetic progestins). Happily I was able to respond that participants had no serious negative effects—more placebo-treated than Prometrium®-treated women dropped out before completion. And it is likely that in estrogen-treated women progesterone decreases breast cancer risk rather than increasing it as medroxyprogesterone does (2). Because of Prometrium®'s significant sleep benefit (3), some women who entered the trial sleep-deprived experienced short-lived morning drowsiness. But the estrogen myth-related mood, bloating, weight gain, migraine headaches, and breast tenderness did not occur.
An epic journey for me, Chris, and CeMCOR ends in triumph. Now that the dust has settled, I am so grateful that CeMCOR's many researchers over the last six years dedicated themselves to a world class trial, that local donors made the trial possible, and that the Prometrium® and placebo were provided by Schering Canada (for the first two years) and subsequently by the world-wide manufacturer, Besins Healthcare of Belgium.
Where from here? First, in the fall we will start a new Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded trial of Progesterone for Perimenopausal Night Sweats using the same design as in this study. Second, I'm tickled to discover what new we can learn about progesterone from analysis of information we have already collected as part of this trial: how women feel through their Daily Menopause Diary® data, and what happens with hot flushes on stopping progesterone and placebo (in particular, do they soar higher than baseline as occurs when estrogen is stopped?). In addition, we will soon know what changes occur in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thyroid function, blood clot risks, and quality of life in women treated with progesterone rather than placebo. We already know, from a specialized study of blood flow in the forearm, that progesterone does not have negative effects and tends to increase flow like estrogen does (abstract presented at the 2010 Endocrine Society). Finally, we have solid scientific evidence with which to counter the smirking negatives directed at "bioidentical progesterone."
Reference List
- Prior JC, Hitchcock CL. Progesterone For Vasomotor Symptoms: A 12-Week Randomized, Masked Placebo-Controlled Trial In Healthy, Normal-Weight Women 1-10 Years Since Final Menstrual Flow. Endocrine Society Abstracts . 2010. Ref Type: Abstract
- Fournier A, Berrino F, Clavel-Chapelon F. Unequal risks for breast cancer associated with different hormone replacement therapies: results from the E3N cohort study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2008; 107(1):103-111.
- Schussler P, Kluge M, Yassouridis A, Dresler M, Held K, Zihl J et al. Progesterone reduces wakefulness in sleep EEG and has no effect on cognition in healthy postmenopausal women. Psychoneuroendocr 2008; 33(8):1124-1131.
Saturday SurfingJuly 17th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
What we're reading this week:
- From Change.org, another report of a man denied access to emergency contraception.
- A new survey conducted by Wyeth-Pfizer finds that most women do not talk to doctors about menopausal symptoms.
- At Huffington Post, Robyn Cohen explains why endometriosis needs more media attention.
- Bitch Media reviews and recommends Hot Pantz, a zine of DIY gynecology.
- In response to Amanda Marcotte's call to make oral contraceptives available over-the-counter, Heather Munro Prescott calls for expanding access to the Pill without losing respect for the range of women's experiences with hormonal contraception.
- Via Shelby Knox, a possible new trend in vulva decoration: Twattoos. (Think twice before you click that link, because once you look, you can't un-see that.)
The Red Scare: Blood RitualsJuly 16th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
Anyone else seen the premier issue of Whore! Magazine (Fast, Feminist, and Feminine) yet? My copy arrived yesterday and while I haven't read the whole thing yet, I'm enjoying the quality of the writing and the production values.
I'm also pleased to see a positive story about menstruation in a magazine, in Tracy Merlau's essay, "The Red Scare". It's short, sentimental essay about adolescence and menarche, and the sadness of the nearly complete absence of any public recognition, let alone celebration, of menarche for girls in the U.S.
Hot Flashes: Now Especially for Fat LadiesJuly 14th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
Since yesterday, although it seems longer, my RSS reader has been clogged with links to news reports about a UCSF study in which some women who lost weight found that their hot flashes diminished. Of course, that's not what the headlines say. Here's a sample of some of the titles of current stories about this study on Google news:
- Hot Flash Relief: Weight Loss Works, What Doesn't? (US News & World Report)
- Bad hot flashes? Try dropping a few pounds (MSNBC.com)
- Losing weight may ease menopause symptoms (NBC13.com)
- Symptoms of Menopause Can Be Relieved by Weight Loss (Health News)
- Weight Loss Helped Overweight And Obese Women Reduce Hot Flushes (Medical News Today)
OK, that's enough – see the trend? Suddenly weight loss is the cure for hot flashes. But in the actual study – which was about urinary incontinence, not menopause -141 women provided researchers with data about their hot flash symptoms six months after the study began. Sixty-five of the 141 women said they were less bothered by their hot flashes six months after participating in the weight loss program, 53 reported no change, and 23 women reported a worsening of symptoms.
Look at those numbers again, more slowly this time: 65 of 141 women who participated in a weight loss program were less bothered by hot flashes after six months. That's 46% of the women – less than half – who found relief. Almost as many reported no change in symptoms, so why is this being touted as a successful intervention?
Because the women lost weight. Most of the news reports of this research stop just short of fat-shaming, but I submit that is exactly why this study is getting so much media attention. Even though it is well-established that diets do not work, even if you call them a "lifestyle change" or "a whole new way of eating", and that the BMI (Body Mass Index) is useless as a gauge of health. In fact, fat is not a measure of health. But why pass up an opportunity to shame women about their bodies?
Saturday Surfing: Heat Wave editionJuly 10th, 2010 by Elizabeth Kissling
- Woman's Day magazine blog tackles myths of menopause: Part 1 and Part 2.
- Knitting Clio asks Should the Pill be Set Free from the Prescription?
- STI rates are higher among men who use erection dysfunction drugs (Viagra and Cialis) than among men who don't, according to researchers at Harvard.
- Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert, authors of The Menopause Book, call shenanigans on the repeated 'male menopause' stories in the media lately.
- Lady Blue Balls: Courtney at Feministing discovers that women experience sexual frustration, too. Other suggested names include pink balls and violet vulva.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Definition of Kentish plover in English:
Kentish plover
A small white-breasted plover related to the ringed plover, found on most continents.
- Charadrius alexandrinus, family Charadriidae; American races are sometimes treated as a different species. North American name: snowy plover.
Example sentences
- Researchers from six countries studied three shorebird species - western sandpipers, Kentish plovers, and Common sandpipers - that are both socially and genetically monogamous.
- An estimated 1.5 million eared grebes, 50,000 Wilson's phalaropes, 50,000 California gulls, and 200 snowy plovers visit Mono Lake each spring and summer.
- A short description of each of the ESA-listed marine birds is provided below, except for the western snowy plover, a shorebird that does not occur in the area of whaling activities.
Early 19th century: so named because of its first discovery in Kent, but now extinct in Britain.
For editors and proofreaders
Line breaks: Kent|ish plover
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
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text:
by Joseph Heller
Catch-22 Mortality Quotes
How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Behind him, men were dying. Strung out for miles in a stricken, torturous, squirming line, the other flights of planes were making the same hazardous journey over the target, threading their swift way through the swollen masses of new and old bursts of flak like rats racing in a pack through their own droppings. One was on fire, and flapped lamely off by itself, billowing gigantically like a monstrous blood-red star. As Yossarian watched, the burning plane floated out on its side and began spiraling down slowly in wide, tremulous, narrowing circles, its huge flaming burden blazing orange and flaring up in back like a long, swirling cape of fire and smoke. There were parachutes, one, two, three…four, and then the plane gyrated into a spin and fell the rest of the way to the ground, fluttering insensibly inside its vivid pyre like a shred of colored tissue paper. One whole flight of planes from another squadron had been blasted apart. (13.42)
Death is characterized as a dehumanizing experience. Those who are dying are often denied human characteristics. The falling planes are described as "rats" or a "star" or "tissue paper." Also, the scale of death is frightening.
Quote #2
Along the ground suddenly […] he saw dozens of new mushrooms the rain had spawned poking their nodular fingers up through the clammy earth like lifeless stalks of flesh, sprouting in such necrotic profusion everywhere he looked that they seemed to be proliferating right before his eyes. There were thousands of them swarming as far into the underbrush as he could see, and they appeared to swell in size and multiply in number as he spied them. He hurried away from them with a shiver of eerie alarm and did not slacken his pace until the soil crumbled to dry sand beneath his feet and they had been left behind. He glanced back apprehensively, half expecting to find the limp white things crawling after him in sightless pursuit or snaking up through the treetops in a writhing and ungovernable mutative mass. (14.31)
Yossarian sees death everywhere, even in the peaceful woods. He sees mushrooms as dismembered fingers crawling towards him in masses like hands ready to drag him back to Bologna, the location of the mission he just deserted.
Quote #3
People knew a lot more about dying inside the hospital and made a much neater, more orderly job of it. They couldn't dominate Death inside the hospital, but they certainly made her behave. They had taught her manners. They couldn't keep Death out, but while she was in she had to act like a lady. People gave up the ghost with delicacy and taste inside the hospital. (17.4)
The hospital keeps a much tamer version of Death within its walls – one that allows people to die with dignity – unlike the uglier version out on the battlefield. However, death is still as inevitable within the hospital as it is outside.


text: Two capacitors, C_1=50.0 �F and C_2=10.0 �F, are connected in series and charged with a 200-V power supply. (a) Draw a circuit diagram and (b) calculate the total energy stored in the two capacitors. (c) What potential difference would be required across the same two capacitors connected in parallel for the combination to store the same amount of energy is in part (b)? (d) Draw a circuit diagram of the circuit described in part (c).


text:
kitty litter, and find all of you fell down on the job. Some critters drank the punch, ate the coconuts without peeling and mutilated the pineapple, burned the wild hog, and threw the band in the pool. You weren't supposed to go wild until dusk.
Doesn't this sound like a wedding party we all have had the good fortune to have attended in years past.
Sentiment: Strong Buy
...these guys are all electronic. They have no party manners. Short circuit bots.
Are you saying Pugwash Station is taking more out than in? I thought many wanted to stay on this pond. Maybe the bad manners of some of the guests drove them away? BEAV, if you see anyone out of order take them over to the falls and give them a one way ride of a lifetime.


text:
Today was the big day! It was Christmas Concert night at the North Pole. All the young elves were so excited to perform. Mrs. Claus and I had great seats right up front.
The play was about a present that the elves forgot to make. At the last minute, they discover the mistake.
In the play, the elves race around to get the doll made in time. The actor elves bump into each other in their rush. They do flips as they bounce toys back and forth. I was afraid they were going to drop them. But they always managed to catch them JUST in time! Fantastic!
The little actor elves each play the role of one of my workshop elves. They captured their silly habits perfectly. Hilarious!
Then the set changed to a family room. A little girl named Sarah lived there. Mouse the Littlest Elf was Sarah.
Then everything was very quiet.
Suddenly, "Santa" came shooting down the pretend-chimney. Soot flew everywhere. No one could see anything!
Everyone was trying to see who was playing Santa. He was all covered in dirt from the chimney. Finally he said, "Och, what are you all gawking at anyway!"
Everyone cheered. It was Scunner! Scunner the Grumpy Elf was dressed up like me! Fabulous!
Well Scunner, I mean "Santa", started laying out presents.
That was when "Sarah" snuck on stage to see "Santa" filling her stocking.
She tapped him on the shoulder.
She scared him so badly he just about jumped out of his troosers! Then "Santa" pretended to fall backward over the couch.
Well Santa could not finish his job now. So "Sarah" decided to help.
She put out the rest of the presents. She even ate one of the cookies.
Then "Sarah" noticed the paint was still wet on her pretty doll's face.
That was when "Santa" popped up from behind the couch. He promised to never forget Sarah's present again. They end the show by sharing the last cookie. Bravo!
It was a wonderful show! I am so proud of the young elves. What a great way to celebrate the Christmas season!
Merry Christmas!
Santa Claus
P.S. Have you ever been in a Christmas concert? What did you like best about it? You can click here to tell me about it or, scroll down to see what other people have written!


text:
WESTERN GRADE, LLC was founded in 2001 by two cousins, Troy & Trent Gillespie. These two men had a vision of creating a company unique to the White Mountains, the place where they were raised. The goals they set were simple, do honest, quality work while forming a network of friends through clients and associates. This network would provide service to the community with unsurpassed quality. This network would also provide a better way of life for their employees than available elsewhere in the White Mountains.Western Grade started small, on a shoe string budget with rental equipment and 5 people. Our hard work, dedication and commitment to success were and remain to be the keys to our growth. Today we have 4.5 million dollars in equipment and stand 45 strong. We are thankful for the success of our past and excited for the opportunity to excel in our future.
Western Grade has established a name synonymous with excellence, integrity and repeat customer satisfaction. We have become good friends with a majority of our clients and have established many successful relationships. We live here in the small communities of the White Mountains where word of mouth is everything, so we cannot afford to soil our reputation with anything less than first quality.We come from a long heritage of earth-movers and builders from horse drawn to hydraulic. In today's high speed environment grandpa's equipment just won't do. We have made special effort to acquire and maintain a fleet of the most cutting edge, late model equipment available today. This fact combined with our highly skilled staff assure the most efficient end result for you the "customer".


text:
Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:56 pm
Post subject: craving for fish??
Anyone craving for fish? I'm eating fish cooked in Indian style everyday as I'm from India. I know fish is not very good to consume while pregnant. But, I feel like eating with rice at least once a day. I'm eating sweet water fishes like carp. Any one eating fish? I'm little worried as I'm eating more fish than what's recommended.


text:
Volunteer State celebrates World Breastfeeding Week
The Tennessee Health Department is promoting World Breastfeeding Week by reminding mothers there are designated breastfeeding experts available in all of the state's county health departments.
According to the department, many mothers get off to a good start with breastfeeding, but it drops off in the weeks and months after delivery.
Numerous studies have found that peer counselors improve breastfeeding rates. The health department says more information about breastfeeding can be found in health departments as well as on its website.
The department also reminds mothers that Tennessee state law protects the right to breastfeed in any location and requires employers to accommodate breastfeeding mothers at work.


text:
Definition of earned run in English:
earned run
A run scored without the aid of errors by the team in the field (i.e., by hits, walks, and outs that advance base runners).
Example sentences
- Personally, I tend to favor pitchers who throw more innings with fewer hits, earned runs, and home runs allowed while also striking out more batters.
- In a strange twist, Morris, who had pitched so brilliantly the year before, was roughed up for ten earned runs in 10.2 innings while pitching for Toronto.
- In his fourth start of the season last night, Weaver pitched five innings with no earned runs, allowing two hits and no walks against seven strikeouts.
For editors and proofreaders
Syllabification: earned run
Definition of earned run in:
What do you find interesting about this word or phrase?
Comments that don't adhere to our Community Guidelines may be moderated or removed.
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text:
Sometimes, It'S The MusicAs I continue on my journey, I am becoming more circumspect. I think most here would recognize this situation as somewhat cyclical. At least, that's what I see from a lot of the stories posted and that rings quite true for me.
The cyclical nature is frustrating as hell, as you can resolve to change (regardless of what that entails for you personally) and then have your best laid plans toppled by a deft move to the left by your spouse.
If you've ever seen "The Hunt for Red October", I have started thinking about it as a "Crazy Ivan". It seems that while content to keep the status quo, my wife pulls a Crazy Ivan every now and then to make sure I'm still following her. She changes her modus operandi or takes notice of signals I might be giving off (which is quite unusual).
I'm sure this make reading some of these stories excruciating for those farther along the path to freedom.
In any event, sometimes the only thing that can jar me from my compliance with this circular jaunt around the actual issue is music.
Does this happen to you?
Certain songs can almost command a listener to really take stock of their life, their love and their direction. In fact, listening to music, for me, is nearly a metaphor for living my life in a sexless marriage. Often I enjoy the beat and the tune for its own sake. I will even get a smile out of it and feel contentment. Then when I listen to the lyrics and what the song is really saying, I get past the superficial and realize that I don't embody what the song is all about. I can fake it, but I can't lose myself in the music any longer. Very much like the false life I try to enjoy. I'd go crazy if I got up every day spitting nickels about the lack of intimacy I face. I have to take little victories when my kids do something amazing, when my wife is a great mom or when something unrelated to either of us makes the day a happy one.
Of course the underlying issue still remains.
Recently there was a post on EP asking for the best love song that didn't have the word love in it. Because I'm a competitive bastard, I racked my brain for an answer and came up with "Run To You" from The Bodyguard soundtrack. I wish I hadn't answered the question, because the song has been in my head for days, laughing at me.
Some of the really tough lyrics are below. If you have a similar song that jars you, I'd love for you to share it in a comment.
Each day, each day I play the role
Of someone always in control
But at night I come home and turn the key
There's nobody there, no one cares for me
Oh what's the sense
Of trying hard to find your dreams
Without someone to share it with
Tell me what does it mean?
I wanna run to you, I wanna run to you
Won't you hold me in your arms
and keep me safe from harm?
I wanna run to you but if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay or will you run away?
Yea, music can be tough. For me it was,
"you got me stealing your love away, cuz you never give it,
peeling the years away and we can't relive it"
Music is incredibly difficult for me. Songs can stir up my feelings like nothing else.
"Our song" has become very painful for me to hear and I'll switch the station ASAP if I hear it.
Some really rough ones for me are
"I can't make you love me" (the Bonnie Raitt version) can make me blink back tears no matter where I am.
"I'll close my eyes, then I won't see
The love you don't feel when you're holding me"
"Grey street" by Dave Matthews Band
Oh there's an emptiness inside her
And she'd do anything to fill it in
And though its red blood bleeding from her now,
It felt like cold blue ice in her heart
And she feels like kicking out all the windows
And setting fire to this life
She would change everything about her
Using colors bold and bright
When all the colors mix together
To grey, and it breaks her heart
It breaks her heart"
"One" by U2
"Did I ask too much? More than a lot
You gave me nothin' now it's all I got
We're one but we're not the same
Well we hurt each other then we do it again
You say love is a temple, love a higher law
Love is a temple, love the higher law
You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl
And I can't be holdin' on to what you got
When all you got is hurt"
"Payphone" maroon 5
You can't expect me to be fine
I don't expect you to care
I know I said it before
But all of our bridges burned down
I've wasted my nights
You turned out the lights
Now I'm paralyzed
Still stuck in that time when we called it love
But even the sun sets in paradise...
I'm at a payphone trying to call home
All of my change, I spent on you
Where have the times gone?
Baby, it's all wrong
Where are the plans we made for two?
If happy ever after did exist
I would still be holding you like this
All those fairy tales are full of sh!t
One more f*cking love song, I'll be sick
And one day recently my good friend sent me the song "pearl" by Katy Perry.
She was a hurricane
But now she's just a gust of wind
She used to set the sails of a thousand ships
Was a force to be reckoned with
She could be a Statue of Liberty
She could be a Joan of Arc
But he's scared of the light that's inside of her
So he keeps her in the dark
On very bad days maybe "shattered" by OAR.
Just off the top of my head!
Clearly music speaks to me on a regular basis. I'll worry if I begin to answer :)
Life is an unrelenting comedy
I think that "Crazy Ivan" manoeveur was actually to DETER another sub from shadowing.
None the less, you are likely quite right. Your missus probably DOES want you following, but at distance. Such distance nominated by her.
It is an ILIASM truism really. The refuser doesn't want you, but they DO want you around.
Tread your own path.
beyonce's "I care":
"....I told you how you hurt me baby
But you don't care
Now I'm crying & deserted baby
But you don't care
Ain't nobody tell me this is love
When you're immune to all my pain...."
Mary J. Blige, the chorus from "fade away":
"....sometimes I wish that I could stand here & fade away
So that no one could see the tears running down my face
Oh invisibility would be great
Couldn't look at myself in the mirror
Asking myself how dumb could you be?
Maybe everything would be much clearer
If no one else could see me..."
there's more but these two were up this morning.
you bet. but for me, really feeling it with the music is therapeutic.
I can't listen to popular music for too long without blowing a gasket. Too many raw nerve endings over the course of living. I stick to baroque music with its intellectual and aesthetic clarity. It's an elevator out of the emotional basement.
when you tread your own path the Crazy Ivan is useless
love how you are able to relate to music...
I hate it when music laughs at me...,I can barely listen to the radio anymore..I'm scared to hear "Tainted Love"...


text: What is wrong with the American public and the media? We are being deluged with the Gen. Petraeus scandal. I understand that this can have scandal can have an impact on national security because of the access that Broadwell had. My concern is that we know more about this than we know about what happened in Benghazi. Four Americans died in service to our country and the press has avoided asking the tough questions. For the Administrations part, they avoid all questions on this issue. Where are the Woodward and Bernstein of our time? No administration should be allowed to get away with this kind of behavior, no matter if an R or a D follows their name. Why are people not standing up and demanding answers? Have we turned a corner in this country and been led to a place where apathy for significant events is the norm? This country is quickly becoming something that is not recognizable. Our press is sadly lacking and a case can be made that they are directly responsible for our downfall. The agenda of the media is supposed to truth, not cheerleading one side or the other. I do believe that many people hunger for a change in our media and news organizations. It is time for "We The People" to stand up and demand that our press do its job.


text:
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Radius: ... miles
One of Britain's most inventive and talented performers with his instantly recognisable creations, Orville and Cuddles. Keith and Orville shot to fame on children's TV in the 1980s and made it into the pop charts with the song 'I Wish I Could Fly'.
See more info at henderson-management.co.uk/KEITH%20HARRIS.html
Image © Keith Harris
Keith Harris
Have Your Say
- Did you see Keith Harris? Why not write a review?


text:
The third in a three-session course exploring the scientific basis for climate change will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at North Mountain Park, 620 N. Mountain Ave. The cost is $5 per class or $12.50 for the series.
Attendees have been encouraged to attend all three sessions, but each can be a stand-alone event.
Preregister online at www.ashland.or.us/register or call 541-488-6606.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
AmpliChip Assay Helps Prescribe Drugs
It has long been the intention of chemists to develop ways to tailor medicines specifically to peoples' genetics. While that's still a long ways off, new developments in pharmacology are opening doors for patients that were previously inconceivable. One such development is the AmpliChip from Roche. It can analyze a person's genetic makeup and ascertain whether a… Read More


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UNECE Agrees on Charter on Sustainable Housing [viewed]
8 October 2014: The UN Economic Commission for Europe's (UNECE) Committee on Housing and Land Management (CHLM) has agreed on the text of a Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing. While technically nonbinding, the Charter represents a political commitment by the 56 UNECE Member States to address a wide variety of environmental, health and social issues associated with housing, and provides guidelines and benchmarks for monitoring progress. It also supports policies and actions, and encourages international cooperation at all levels. The text was agreed during the Committee's 75th session, held on 8-9 October 2014, in Geneva, Switzerland.


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Contractors working on a home for quadruple amputee and retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills reported $10,000 to 15,000 worth of tools missing from the construction site Thursday morning.
Thieves stole a number of items, including a $4,000 generator.
When employees at Hammond Lumber heard about the theft, they dropped off a new set of tools at the construction site, allowing the contractors to meet their deadline.
Mills is just one of five quadruple amputees in the world from both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to survive his injuries. Construction workers have a picture of him hanging at his unfinished home, drawing inspiration from his story.
The new three-story home is handicapped-accessible, and features an elevator and sliding glass doors.
Mills was in Washington, D.C. at the time of the theft, workers told WMTW News 8.
Anyone with information about the theft should call Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy Aaron Moody at 626-0154.


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View the original review at: http://www.countryweekly.com/reviews/missing-years
Hang on, Tim Rushlow fans—the singer who led Little Texas through 1990s hits like "My Love" and "God Blessed Texas" is nowhere to be found on the group's first album in a decade (nor, for that matter, is longtime keyboardist Brady Seals). Guitarist Porter Howell has stepped into the frontman role, and happily proves himself very much up to the task on Missing Years. Listeners primed by the enjoyable recent concert album The Very Best of Little Texas: Live and Loud will eat up Missing Years, which brings the band's 1990s sound into the present—and never feels as if anything is missing.
[1] http://www.countryweekly.com/reviews/5th-gear
[2] http://www.countryweekly.com/reviews/between-raising-hell-and-amazing-grace-big-rich


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Democratic candidate Virg Bernero was on a mission
"It's not rocket science. You get 2 podiums, a journalist in the middle, and you have a debate," Bernero says.
The mayor showed up unannounced to his opponent Rick Snyder's town hall meeting in Westland on Monday evening.
"I'm hoping for a handshake agreement for 3 televised debates," Bernero says. "That's what we were discussing before he pulled out of negotiations."
He came with a letter hoping to sit down with the businessman, but Bernero got more than he bargained for.
Snyder invited Bernero to join him in an impromptu town hall.
"I appreciate the Mayor being a part of this. And I thank you for your patience," Snyder says, addressing the crowd.
The candidates took questions from the audience, ranging in topics from education to medicaid. But some weren't so thrilled by the mayor's presence.
But most people we spoke to say they walked away with a better understanding of both men.
"I came here to see one candidate and I ended up seeing both," says Westland resident Margaret Harlow. "They were very gracious to one another. I was impressed."
"It was very informative. I haven't made up my mind yet," says Westland resident Leonard Poger. "There were good questions from the audience, and they were both very informed."
As for future debates, that's still up in the air.
"One of the problems with the history of debates, at least in the primary cycle, it was soundbites and bickering. And that adds no value," Snyder says.
"The problem is so many people are excluded," Bernero says. "In a democracy, you need people to be able to shop and compare."
All in all, the mayor accomplished his goal.
"The mayor wrote me a letter," Snyder says. "I'll read his letter."
"Hopefully he sees that I don't bite and a debate won't be a bad thing," says Bernero.
The mayor is hoping for three televised debates in large media markets. Snyder called-off negotiations last Friday. Both candidates told us they're open to sharing the stage at more town hall meetings.


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Event: The EnV White Party
May 9, 2011
Friday evening was the highly anticipated EnV white party presented by CS Magazine. eDrop-Off held an exclusive pop-up shop at the event where guests were able to browse and bid on our fashionable merchandise. Some other highlights of the night included the special tastings from Mercadito & Bridge Bar, the performance by Dan Black, and of course the amazing view from rooftop of the stylish EnV apartments.
Take a look at some of our photos from the event…
See all of our photos from the event on our community page.
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Simultaneous equations are equations that involves two or more unknown variables. There must be as many equations as the number of unknown variables in order for us to solve the problem. In this example, we shall only solve linear simultaneous equations. Linear simultaneous equations take the following forms:
Simultaneous equations can normally be solved by the substitution or elimination methods. In this program, we use the substitution method. Reorganizing the equations derived the following formulas:
x = (b * n - d * m) / (b * c - a * d)
y = (a * n - c * m) / (a * d - b * c)


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Hanna Tapped To Negotiate U.S. Highway Bill
Washington, DC (WIBX) – A former construction worker turned congressman is becoming one of the driving forces behind discussions about a new highway bill.
Congressman Richard Hanna was just tapped by House Speaker John Boehner to join the House-Senate Conference Committee to determine highway funding.
Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica said that Hanna's 30-plus years as a business owner make him one of the "star" members of the committee.


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The Central Christian men and women both had rough days at home Saturday, with the men falling 78-76 in overtime to Bellevue and the women dropping a 96-52 decision to the College of Saint Mary.
In the men's game, the Tigers had a slight 34-33 halftime lead and pulled ahead by 10 in the second half before the Bruins fought their way back and forced the overtime.
The Tigers (17-8) prolific Chris Jones fouled out with two minutes left in the extra period, giving Bellevue the opportunity to claim the win.
Central finished 28-of-63 from the floor 9-of-20 from distance. They hit 11-of-17 foul shots.
"We are snake bitten right now," Central coach Tony Romero said. "We just can't seem to finish off games."
In the women's game, the College of Saint Mary hit 17 three-pointers on their way to the 96-52 win over the Tigers.
Central (3-23) shot 19-of-51 from the floor and hit on only 3-of-10 from three-point distance. The Tigers were 11-of-21 from the foul line.
Central was led by Krystina Powell with 10 points on the night.
"It was a tough game for us," Tigers coach Robert Lancaster said. "We just couldn't get much going on offense."
Central is back home tonight as the Tigers celebrate senior night against Southwestern Christian University. Sarah Hawthorne, Chris Jones, Kaelon Gary, Jeff Jackson and Aaron Cannon will all be recognized in-between the women's and men's games.
Tip off is at 5:30 p.m.
Location, ST | website.com


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Quick description
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre offers fantastic views over Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh International Conference Centre is just 400 metres away and there is free Wi-Fi in the public areas.Built in 1892, this beautiful building is only a 10-minute stroll from the shops of Princes Street and vibrant local night life.The modern en suite rooms have luxury Egyptian cotton bedding, hairdryers and tea/coffee.The Monboddo Bar has stylish leather seating and is open until 01:00. The award-winning Bread Street Brasserie serves modern and classic dishes. The menu includes fresh Scottish beef and fish.
Room information
A 37-inch flat-screen TV, king-size bed and an en suite bathroom are featured in this room, along with a mini fridge.
Room facilities include
With a 37-inch flat-screen TV, this room offers an en-suite bathroom and a mini fridge. The room has a mini bar, available at an additional charge.
With 2 double beds, this room includes a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The room can accommodate a maximum of 2 persons.
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