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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40664437932379534402014-10-04T18:06:22.438-07:00Hood Canal Bridge BlogFrom the Washington State Department of TransportationJeremy Bertrandhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-17967357512818563472009-07-10T10:22:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:35:12.114-07:00Hood Canal Bridge Blog signing offJust the other day, I was reading through the Hood Canal Bridge Blog comments posted during 20-cycle tests that eventually led up to the June 3 reopening and – before I knew it – I found my heart racing and an all-too-familiar itch to post an update.

It's been more than a month since we reopened the bridge and I was quite honestly surprised at my reaction. I was also very encouraged.

The HCB blog was pretty unique because it truly seemed remind people something that many tend to forget – the government is comprised of people just like you. (Gasp!) No, it's true, really. It allowed us to do away with some of the stodgy overtones and just chat. While this is the nature of blogs, I felt there was a real connection that went beyond cyberspace and the keyboard – for me at least.

More than once, I'd get an update at a meeting or on the phone and say something like, "I've got to get this to my people." "My people" being those who were relying on the blog for the latest project information, and chiming in with questions and comments.

In total, more than 31,000 people – which, according to the 2000 US Census, is roughly the combined populations of Port Angeles and Port Townsend – visited the blog, and posted about 700 comments.

The HCB Blog had a pulse all its own, a true sense of community and real interaction that kept things lively, informative and even entertaining.

When people got upset, others would step in and do something that is pretty much unheard of – defend a state agency. I'd always try to take such negative comments in stride, but admittedly enjoyed seeing the community "police" itself as it were.

Truth be told, I've got a pretty thick skin – and a thick skull to match, if you ask my wife – which is the result of more than a decade working at community newspapers. The thick skull is something I was born with, if you ask my mother.

People who have followed the blog likely won't have to ask either of them.

Our blog has served its purpose and run its course – an obstacle course at times – and is closing up shop on July 17.

And so, as I write my final post here, I'd just like to express my sincerest thanks to all who visited, followed and shared their thoughts on the HCB Blog. I am proud to have been a part of such a grand community, humbled by your praise and honored to have been able to lend a hand.

"Bikini" Joe Irwin
WSDOT Communications

You can still have your questions answered and comments addressed by e-mailing me at firstname.lastname@example.com or calling firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-64378495140924835402009-06-30T15:04:00.000-07:002009-07-01T12:47:25.269-07:00Filling the gap for safer bicycle travel across the bridgeWe are working hard to address several items communicated to us by the biking community. We are aware of the challenges bicyclists have experienced on the Hood Canal Bridge's new grated roadway. We are sorry that bicyclists were injured and hope they are better soon.

Although the new Hood Canal Bridge was designed and constructed with bicyclists in mind, the new grated roadway was not created for bicycle travel. The designed and recommended path to travel is along the eight-foot concrete shoulders (as they have ample riding room) and along the shoulder areas on the trusses and draw span as they feature special, solid, non-slip surfaces.

From now through September, bicyclists are unable to access eight feet of the shoulder area on the east truss because concrete barrier lines the roadway to provide safe worker access during anchor cable connection operations. In this situation, we recommend dismounting and walking your bike over the grated roadway.

Some bicyclists who have chosen to ride on the grated roadway to go around the barrier have had trouble navigating a small gap that runs lengthwise down the east truss. We are installing material that will fill this gap in the grated roadway until the shoulders are fully reopened. Even with this fix, we still recommend bicyclists use extra caution and/or other travel options (i.e. walking their bikes) around the concrete barrier.

Additional temporary signage will be added soon on the bridge to alert bicyclists to the roadway conditions. We will keep you posted as we adjust what we can to offer the safest access possible when crossing the firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-78457684731439520432009-06-30T13:21:00.000-07:002009-06-30T13:27:08.325-07:00Why the roadway has a bit of a waveOver the past few weeks, our crews have been taking a look at exactly why the bridge is a little wavy. They are in the process of determining what will be done to fix it.

Data so far is pointing toward the undulations being a result of building and piecing the bridge together a section at a time. Could we have done the work any differently? Yes, but everything comes with a price.

Option One: Build at the Site

When WSDOT built the new west half in 1978-1982 much of the roadway work was completed at the bridge site. This process could have been used for the east-half replacement. The trade off was that the bridge would have been out of commission for up to three years.

Option Two: Build off site

The biggest goal of the east-half replacement project was to minimize the time the bridge was closed to traffic. This meant matching up sections that were built in different locations.

While each roadway section meets the required specifications of being within 1/8th inch over the length of sections, when connected together the overall roadway is a little wavy.

Many discussions took place, talking through what absolutely had to be done before we could safely open the bridge to traffic and what we could do later during short night time closures. Ultimately, we decided to reopen the bridge as soon as possible and work through the roadway issue later.

Thank you for your patience as we make adjustments to your new email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-46781927777285072262009-06-19T13:33:00.000-07:002009-06-19T13:35:46.981-07:00Hood Canal Bridge closes four times for 90 minutes June 24 and 25Drivers can expect four 90-minute closures of the Hood Canal Bridge between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. overnight Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25 while crews adjust the draw span bumpers. The bridge draw spans must be opened to complete the work.

There will be two closures each night. After the first nightly closure, there will be a 15-minute travel window during which drivers can cross the bridge before the second closure begins.

WSDOT completed replacing the Hood Canal Bridge's east half and east and west trusses June 3, but the project is scheduled to continue through December 2009. For more information on the Hood Canal Bridge Project, please visit www.HoodCanalBridge.com.email@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-35636421209163172782009-06-16T07:49:00.000-07:002009-06-16T10:10:42.258-07:00What could we have done better?Hello all,

I figured I'd wait a little while, allowing everyone to get back into their routines and a giving people some time to reflect before asking for some feedback that wasn't influenced by the much appreciated post-opening bliss.

Your bridge is back, but what -- within reason, of course -- could WSDOT have done better to make your life easier during the closure? We all should know by now that car ferries weren't feasible this go-round because there simply weren't enough boats to go around.

WSF did what it could to assist the project but what else could our state agency as a whole have done? Be open, be honest.

Your input good, bad and everything in between is important to us. Thank you for your time and consideration.

One more thing, since so many of you asked, here's the draw span video on Flickr...email@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-49676564591442153282009-06-05T10:10:00.000-07:002009-06-06T15:35:57.519-07:00Ribbon Cutting Event Icing on the CakeToday the official SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge Ribbon Cutting event was completed. Even the weather knew better than to be bad. There was no raining on our parade!

Getting everyone and everyting in place was a little hectic but fun. The smell of seawater was in the air, good food lined the tables, dogs joined in the festivities, bicyclists walked around in bright jerseys, vintage cars from the years the bridge was built welcomed attendees and people laughed and smiled. It was good, very good.

The Chimicum band played, Paula Hammond, Washington Transporation Secretary spoke, Dan Mathis from Federal Highway Administration read an original poem about the bridge (with some great rhymes I might add), and there was a feeling of mutual appreciation all the way around.

The best part of the day for me was meeting all of you that tune in here to get information. Thank you for coming to introduce yourselves. I think we should have set Joe up to do autographs the way everyone was asking for him.

The ribbon cutting marks the end of major bridge work for a long time. There is a bit left to do - upgrading the west-half mechanical and electrical systems, connecting the new east-half anchor cables and taking care of small details here and there. The in-water work will continue until October and the retrofit work probably through the end of the year. We will be doing periodic updates on the work so we hope you check back in now and then.

For now, let's celebrate!!

-Becky email@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-29896474795554486212009-06-04T13:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:02:50.420-07:00Celebrating a world-class accomplishmentBy now thousands of drivers are getting back into something they surely missed dearly May 1-June 3 -- their routines.

The daily commute to and from the Olympic Peninsula is suddenly a one-car affair. Much easier than a car-bus-water-shuttle-bus-possibly-another-car-and-maybe-even-a-ferry-ride affair. Much easier.

As if that isn't enough cause to celebrate, you've also got a new Hood Canal Bridge that'll last the next 75 years. The people who put this floating marvel together and those who helped everyone get around during the bridge closure are throwing a party Saturday, June 6 and you're on the invite list.

We'll have a variety of events and venues that will showcase the unique food, maritime flavor, arts and music and outdoor activities that are easily reached by crossing the Hood Canal Bridge.

The beauty of the celebration is that it's actually two (count them two) parties that span Kitsap and Jefferson counties.

Ribbon Cutting Event
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Salsbury Point County Park
3160 NW Wheeler Street off SR 3
(Just north of the bridge's east end in Kitsap County)

The official ribbon cutting ceremony will recognize community leaders, the bridge contractor, welcome elected officials from the area, with appreciation extended to all who helped. The Chimacum High School Band will provide music. Please RSVP for this event at 253-305-6400.

Bridge Opening Bash
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Place: Port Townsend

Port Townsend will host a party -- and this is a town that knows how to throw a shindig -- to celebrate the completion of the Hood Canal Bridge project. PT welcomes everyone on Saturday, June 6 with free outdoor music, food and special events.

For more information, visit www.EnjoyPT.comfirstname.lastname@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-65148389129140492122009-06-04T06:51:00.000-07:002009-06-04T07:25:16.999-07:00Project success, and way too many people to thankThe bridge is open and as usual, there are about 10,000 people to thank (now where is my list?). I'll group them to keep things simple.

First and foremost, thanks to everyone who stuck it out throughout the project, taking on everything from longer commutes, too much time away from their families, weather-related water shuttle delays and the like for weeks on end. Let's face it, it pretty much stunk.

But it's over now and think of all the interesting experiences you had that no one anywhere else -- on the planet, mind you -- had this past month. Years from now, you can bore your great grandkids with tales of the May-June 2009 bridge closure. So much to look forward to.

So much has ended.

This project was years in the making, and everyone from the engineers who designed it, to the construction managers and crews who put it together, to the people who tracked thousands of change orders, materials documents and fiscal transfers, those who developed the water shuttle/transit plan and made it work, office staff who coordinated events and made sure things went smoothly, and everyone else who participated in what truly was a team project, is to thank. (I'm sure I'm missing more than a few, but they know who they are.)

We had quite a cast and everyone played a vital role.

This blog (my first) was so much fun, I had to make sure I was still getting paid for it. In the end, all jokes -- and bikini carwashes -- aside, I'd like to say thanks again for sticking with us.

It was a bumpy ride at times, slow at others, but as the opening approached (5, 10, 15, 20) this was where people came for their information, updates and to cheer the progress on. The excitement, the anticipation, the relief provided the gas that fueled this blog and made it go.

My sincerest thanks to one and firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-15997895118521800592009-06-03T22:14:00.000-07:002009-06-03T22:17:14.835-07:00You hit the jackpot...it's open...eight days earlyThe world's longest floating bridge over saltwater is open to traffic once again...even eight days earlier than scheduled...well actually 11 days if you count in those nasty weather days when we couldn't work.

We hope you enjoy the wider shoulders and smoother ride. Drive email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-42625165812133010372009-06-03T20:54:00.000-07:002009-06-03T21:57:18.665-07:00Draw span passed the test...just a few things leftFor most of the afternoon, I have been literally sitting on the edge of my chair, waiting for this bridge to open. Many of my colleagues have left, their jobs done, but I am staying until we open. Do I have to? Well, yes but I want to also.

All day the memories of opening the bridge to traffic back in August 2005 have been flooding back. The one rising to the top is the moment we opened and the first cars went rolling by with horns honking and hands waving. Since that time, four years ago, I have been waiting for this night. So in a few hours, after we move the last of the draw span testing equipment out of the way, I will be standing at the bridge trailer, waving to you all as you go by, enjoying the moment and basking in the knowledge that somehow what I do makes a difference for you.

Look for another update shortly!

- Becky firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-47677698375515338802009-06-03T19:44:00.000-07:002009-06-03T20:23:49.905-07:00Count is up to 15Lucky number 13 came and went and crews pressed on to test number 15. All is still going well. Stay tuned as we get closer to that magic number 20. Are you enjoying the suspense yet? It is almost as good as a movie...well, almost.

p.s. - If things continue to go well, be ready for a morning commute across the new firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-78485584562579699692009-06-03T17:50:00.000-07:002009-06-04T06:20:14.969-07:00Ten down, ten to goEric Soderquist, former Hood Canal Bridge Project Director and the greatest mentor I ever have had in life, said often about work planning and execution, "Go slow so you can go fast." Obviously the team listened. The hard work from yesterday is paying off today. We took time to get draw span adjustments completed on Monday and Tuesday in order to help ensure the 20 cycle tests would go well once we started today.

Completing 10 cycles is great news but there is still a chance we have to start back at zero. When we did this same test in Seattle, we completed 12 cycles then had to start back at the beginning so don't hold your breath yet...

- Becky firstname.lastname@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-86549329052930863872009-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:002009-06-03T16:39:16.046-07:00First Five Down, 15 to goThe first five draw span tests are complete and all five were keepers. The east control tower housed engineers, electricians and bridge maintenance staff, all watching the progress intently.

Each cycle brings its own excitement - Lights on, roadway gates down, barrier gates down, center locks up, end locks up, all three lift spans up, draw span engines start, gears move, draw span starts going back (slowly at first and then more quickly), roller guides rumble, control tower floor vibrates, draw span slows and stops, then it all happens again in reverse until one cycle is complete.

Although you can't feel the control tower floor vibrate from your house, you can watch the work on our bridge traffic camera.

The tests are expected to take anywhere from 8-10 hours, but this timeframe is wholly dependent on how things go. If test No. 7, or 12 or 19 raises serious concerns or fails, we're back at square one. Stay email@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-12842759856973073032009-06-03T08:19:00.000-07:002009-06-03T14:28:52.916-07:00Draw span tests get green lightWe finished functional testing of the bridge about 10:45 p.m. last night, checked the last box on the 93-page, 1,400-item check list (whew!) and started the 20 consecutive draw span tests around 2 p.m. today. You can watch the progress on our bridge traffic camera. We'll provide updates every two hours.

There are still a few punch list items we're working through, but nothing that will affect or delay the "20-cycle" tests.

That's the latest from the hardworking engineers technicians and construction workers who have brought us so much success and removed half of the world's longest floating bridge over saltwater and replacing it, along with two trusses, in a little over a month. My hat's off to these guys.

We're almost there.

The tests are expected to take anywhere from 8-10 hours, but this timeframe is wholly dependent on how things go. If test No. 2, or 12 or 19 raises serious concerns or fails, we're back at square one.

We don't want to have this happen anymore than people who have added hours to their daily commutes. However, it is a condition -- that means almost isn't good enough -- that must be met before we can reopen the bridge.

We'll do our best to keep everyone posted as things firstname.lastname@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-49081341683321773212009-06-02T17:26:00.000-07:002009-06-02T19:06:07.440-07:00Draw span testing moved to WednesdayThe exact SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge opening time is still unknown because, as we experienced today, testing work is unpredictable. I know that wasn't what you wanted to hear. Believe me, I feel your pain. With seemingly the whole peninsula having my cell phone number saved as a speed dial, I am as anxious as you are to know when the bridge is opening.

What I do know is that the crews are working long hours, focused on opening the bridge as soon as possible by completing draw span adjustments now in order to help ensure the 20 cycle tests will go well once we start.

I spent most of the morning out on the draw span myself, watching crews work through the draw span check list's 1,400 electrical, mechanical and hydraulic items. The primary challenge today was aligning the pontoons ends correctly each time.

According to Scott Ireland, Hood Canal Bridge Contruction Manager and expert, joining the new bridge components to the existing west half adds another set of challenges to completing this very technical bridge that requires extensive checks and adjustments to ensure its safe and reliable operation.

So now draw span testing is now scheduled for Wednesday. Another update will be provided Wednesday evening so check back then.

-Becky firstname.lastname@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-51348130372459493572009-06-02T10:46:00.000-07:002009-06-02T14:18:09.044-07:00What happens after the bridge reopensA few days from now, the bridge will reopen to travelers. And when people are done dancing in the streets, high-fiving and enjoying the direct link across the Hood Canal... you might start wondering, "How the heck do I get to my car?"

Answers to this and other noodle scratchers are provided below. As usual, questions and comments are appreciated and anticipated.

WSDOT will continue to provide transportation services for the day the bridge reopens and one day after to help travelers return to their normal commute. Security will remain at the park and rides until the Sunday following the opening.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead. Bridge opening and get around information will be posted on the water shuttle, busses and transit stops prior to the reopening. For more information, call 1-877-595-4222.

Transportation details for night opening and day opening

Scenario One: Bridge opens at night

DAY ONE

- Water shuttle service will end.
- Transit connections between the park and rides would be by bus (instead of bus-boat-bus) every 30 minutes starting at 4 a.m.
- Clallam Transit's express route will run to and from the Port Gamble Park and Ride.
- Jefferson Transit Route #7 will return to normal operations
- Starline Kitsap county-based service will continue per the established schedule
- The Port Townsend to Edmonds car ferry will end or be rerouted to Kingston as appropriate.
- Medical bus services will be provided Paratransit Services, Starline and Dungeness Line.
- Marine traffic restrictions will change. Check the notices to mariners.

DAY TWO

- Transit connections between the park and rides would be by bus every 30 minutes or as needed instead of bus-boat-bus starting at 4 a.m.
- Clallam Transit's express route will run to and from the Port Gamble Park and Ride.
- Starline Kitsap county-based service will continue on an "as needed schedule."
- Medical bus services will be provided by Paratransit Services, Starline and Dungeness Line.
- Marine traffic restrictions will change. Check the notices to mariners.

Scenario Two: Bridge opens during the day

DAY ONE

The existing transportation system would stay in place until the next day.
Marine traffic restrictions will change. Check the notices to mariners.

DAY TWO

- Water shuttle service will end.
- Transit connections between the park and rides would be by bus (instead of bus-boat-bus) every 30 minutes starting at 4 a.m.
- Clallam Transit's express route will run to and from the Port Gamble Park and Ride.
- Jefferson Transit Route #7 will return to normal operations. Starline Kitsap county-based service will continue on an "as needed schedule."
- The Port Townsend to Edmonds car ferry will end or be rerouted to Kingston as appropriate.
- Medical bus services will be provided Paratransit Services, Starline and Dungeness Line. Marine traffic restrictions will change.
- Check the notices to firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-42127959838520853362009-06-01T14:05:00.000-07:002009-06-01T15:05:18.144-07:00Draw span tests scheduled to proceed TuesdayFine-tuning work continues as WSDOT and Kiewit-General prepare to run 20 perfect openings of the bridge tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. These tests are required to show that the bridge meets the operational standards for providing a safe and reliable draw span.

It's very important to note that these tests are scheduled to run tomorrow, the operative word being "scheduled." As with any major construction project, there are some unexpected kinks. This project is no different and given the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic components that must work in sync perfectly, right now we've got our best irons out.

Adjustments are still being made that will determine whether we can proceed as planned tomorrow. Your safety is our number one priority, and we're not going to open a bridge that isn't reliable.

All that said, the successful 20 cycle tests are one of the last things we have to do to reopen and give you back your bridge. We thank you again for your email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-13282837965581791242009-06-01T08:08:00.000-07:002009-06-01T11:26:57.731-07:00And now, with out further delay... your 'Sunday' updateHello all,

Our apologies for not providing you the progress report as promised on Sunday. We blew it big time and are truly sorry about that because we know how trying the closure has been on everyone.

We're in the final stages of the project now and are scheduled to complete 20 perfect openings of the bridge tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. These tests are required to show that the bridge meets the operational standards for providing a safe and reliable draw span.

When the tests are done, we'll have an extremely clear idea on when the bridge will be ready for 16,000 vehicles that cross it daily.

Over the weekend, crews from contractor Kiewit-General and WSDOT completed the following operations:

• Pulled together or "tensioned" the majority of the pontoon UVWX/RST joint
• Started Truss and transition span expansion joints
• Continued electrical wire installation and connecting and final ballasting
• Completed bolting started final tensioning

The exact opening time is still unknown because the testing work is unpredictable. Even if the crews have 19 successful tests and then the draw span doesn't work on the twentieth test, they must begin the testing sequence with a count of zero once again.

An update on draw span work and testing progress will be provided on Monday afternoon (We'll make certain of it).

After the bridge is open, WSDOT will continue to provide transportation services for the day the bridge opens and one day after to help travelers return to their normal commute. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting www.HoodCanalBridge.com or by calling firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-41383963418977808492009-05-29T15:06:00.000-07:002009-05-29T15:14:55.029-07:00Still on track for first week of JuneJust a quick update that we are still on track to open the bridge to traffic the first week of June.

Crews today focused on testing the new drawspan, which is why the center channel was closed for several hours during the middle of the day.

The project team is also focusing on important but not-so-visible tasks that must be completed before the bridge is safe for people to drive across.

We sent out a press release today to update the media, and the principal project engineer had a quote that I think makes the bridge construction relatable to a lot of people who have built or remodeled a home.

Dave Ziegler said: "Like when building a new house, even though it might look ready from the outside, there is lots of interior work to do before move-in day arrives."

But we're getting really close. We'll provide an update Sunday afternoon describing how the remaining work is progressing. Stay tuned.Jamie email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-411776024528960062009-05-28T13:09:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:15:59.654-07:00There's more to the milestone list than just milestonesWhile no major milestones were checked off the extensive Hood Canal Bridge Project to-do list yesterday, work continues to move forward and toward an early-June reopening.

Achieving some construction milestones takes more time than others, so if you're hanging your hat on our online list, consider another hook. There's much more going on than just what's on the list after all.

And construction, I'm finding, is a series of tiny steps that eventually lead up to a finished product. We're taking these steps now as we head into the final days of the project.

We're taking core samples, checking psi readings, tensioning bolts, placing polymer concrete, stripping pourback forms, adjusting the bridge alignment and meggering cables (whatever that is) among numerous other tasks. And while these steps are fairly unremarkable on their own -- and even confusing -- they're all part of the process that will bring us a wider, safer, more reliable bridge.

So, I encourage you to read between the lines on this list, because these milestones are achieved by tiny steps that are all too easily missed when the focus is solely on huge leaps and bounds firstname.lastname@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-90792805129806214662009-05-27T13:15:00.000-07:002009-05-28T09:03:42.373-07:00Are we there yet? No. Are we there yet? No. Are we...... there yet? No, but we're getting closer.

We've been swamped of late with people asking us when we're going to open. Exactly. To the day. To the hour, even.

The stream of questions is understandable. People are getting anxious to reclaim their bridge and, in some cases, their lives as they shave hours off their commutes and travels to and from the Olympic Peninsula.

For the past few years, we expected to deliver the new bridge and two trusses in six weeks. Mother Nature threw a tantrum for a few days, made a mess, put us behind schedule, and we got stuck cleaning up. More than three days were added to the schedule due to weather delays.

It was ShamWow time. Our construction crews and team members made us proud as they took advantage of the weather, bringing the east and west draw spans together for the first time since May 1, placing transition span and roadway spans and completing Q/R pontoon joint grouting.

Doing so, they cleaned a week off extended schedule. Putting the expected reopening date at June 8. They soaked up three more days like cola off a shag carpet. Putting their collective nose to the grindstone and the expected reopening date at June 5.

So, what's the exact date now? Our latest schedule shows us reopening during the first week of June. Does this mean June 1? No. June 2? No. June 3? No, it means the first week of June.

We're not trying to be difficult here. Just accurate. Very accurate. So accurate that when we have the definite opening date, we'll be as sure as we can be that the date will stick. We'll have a better idea about where we stand this Friday, May 29.

Thanks for staying with us. And rest assured that we'll let you know the opening date as soon as we can.

Until then, thank you. We deeply appreciate your patience, questions and comments. Your participation and support has been astounding. Keep it up, just a few more days to email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-61874652733897110332009-05-26T11:58:00.000-07:002009-05-26T13:08:50.780-07:00No wind, no problemWith the absence of wind, construction on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge blew forward this weekend.

Mild weather -- well mild compared to what we saw a little earlier this month -- allowed crews to line up the east and west draw spans this weekend and mark spots that will be drilled out so WSDOT can bolt huge rubber bumpers on the ends of the draw span pontoons.

These bumpers not only prevent damage when the two pontoons come together, but they also help align the sections when they do.

The connection and grouting between draw span assembly pontoon Q and the retrofitted pontoon section RST is complete and transition spans, which bridge gaps in the bridge, providing addition flex between the pontoons, the trusses and the fixed roadway approaches in Kitsap and Jefferson county.

Post-tensioning strands between pontoon sections RST and UVWX were stressed, or pulled together, to about 50 percent. Crews are bolting the expansion joints and pulling wire through conduit -- this electrical work is expected to wrap up this weekend.

Let's hope this break from Mother Nature's tantrums firstname.lastname@example.com://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-51638089502911927572009-05-25T16:40:00.000-07:002009-05-25T17:04:39.928-07:00Weekend work brings Hood Canal Bridge reopening closerWhile most people were playing during the holiday weekend, Hood Canal Bridge construction crews were working hard. I had move fast all day to keep up. The crews teased me about my new "employee wellness program" as I trooped up and down stairs, out and back the bridge twice to see both roadway span sets and clear down 3/4 of a mile to the center of the bridge. My only break time was "riding" the draw span out as the team pressed the east and west ends together for the first time.

The last hike from the draw span was certainly worth the effort. I stood under the new east truss and looked down the bridge - a bridge without big gaps - stretching from Kitsap to Jefferson County.

The bridge can support worker foot traffic (a few short hops still required), but it is not ready for the public to use by foot or by car. But, accomplishing several milestones this weekend did move the scheduled bridge reopening closer by three days, possibly as early as June email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-9407060482812955192009-05-25T07:29:00.000-07:002009-05-25T08:18:02.366-07:00Plan ahead for busy travel on alternate routesHeading out the door today on your way to or from the Olympic Peninsula, please use extra care when you hit the roads.

It's Memorial Day and that usually means traffic jams. Roads to and from the peninsula (US 101, SR 3 and SR 16) have been busier than usual with the bridge closure, and will experience even higher volumes throughout the day as people head home.

Aside from gassing up the car, and making sure you have snacks and water on hand, there are a few other things you can do before you go:

* Call 1-877-595-4222 for trip-planning help
* View Hood Canal area traffic cameras
* Download the transportation options map at www.HoodCanalBridge.com
* Subscribe to e-mail updates and text messaging updates at www.HoodCanalBridge.com

On the road:

* Tune to the following stations for Highway Advisory Radio

 Kitsap County * SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge – 530 AM
 * SR 104 Kingston – 1610 AM

 Jefferson County * SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge – 530 AM
 * US 101/SR 20 – 1580 AM

 Clallam County * US 101/SR 113 – 1580 AM
 * US 101/SR 112 – 1580 AM

 Thurston County * US 101/Mud Bay Road – 530 AM

* Pay attention to electronic readerboard signs
* Call 511 for traffic email@example.com://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-4066443793237953440.post-27153635635982212932009-05-24T10:23:00.000-07:002009-05-24T10:30:48.049-07:00Testing new draw span requires noon to 4 p.m. closure of marine channel today (May 24)Attention marine travelers: Boaters will NOT be able to travel through the channel between noon and 4 p.m. today, May 24. Crews working on the SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge project are testing the new draw span. (More information for mariners)Jamie firstname.lastname@example.com


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Softball hosts Albany in pivotal weekend showdown
May 4, 2012
Stony Brook, N.Y. - The Stony Brook softball team will wrap up the regular season this weekend when Albany visits University Field for a critical conference showdown starting Saturday at 1 p.m. The Seawolves hold a half-game lead over the Great Danes in the standings and will look to lock up the top seed in the America East playoffs.
Playoff Picture
The Matchup
Albany's Arms
Hot Hitters
Swipe Success
Stony Brook and Albany have been the most active teams on the basepaths this year in the America East. The Great Danes lead the conference with 92 stolen bases, including 26 by Diane MacDowell and 23 by Vicky MacFarland. Stony Brook ranks second with 71 steals, led by seniors Alyssa Hawley (17) and Suzanne Karath (16).
Senior Day

subset: commoncrawl


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Selective (Breast) Pathology Fellowship
About the Program
The Breast Pathology Fellowship program at MD Anderson Cancer Center is accredited by the ACGME. This one-year program that provides a thorough exposure to diagnostic surgical pathology of the breast as well as insight into the multidisciplinary management of breast disease. The main objective of the program is to provide the fellow with proficient diagnostic skills, in-depth understanding of the implications of pathologic diagnoses in the management of breast cancer patients and a unique translational research experience. The program also allows the fellow to understand the histopathologic entities that constitute benign and malignant breast disease and be able to identify morphologic features of non-proliferative, and atypical benign breast lesions and their associated risk for the future development of invasive breast cancer.
The breast fellow will spend time in the frozen section laboratory for intraoperative evaluation of breast surgical specimens, grossing of cases and touch imprints of breast and lymph nodes. The fellow will look at slides of all these cases, generate reports and sign the cases with a breast pathology faculty and will also become an expert in reporting breast cases. There is extensive emphasis on multidisciplinary approach to specimen evaluations, and the fellow interacts closely with breast surgeons and radiologists in the evaluation of specimens. During mandatory rotations, the breast fellow learns the protocols employed for immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies and all aspects of breast cytology. It is expected that the breast pathology fellow will develop sufficient expertise to classify premalignant lesions, invasive carcinoma and the clinical implications of these diagnosis. The use of immunohistochemical markers such as estrogen and progesterone receptor and HER2/neu (including the use of fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis) and their impact on breast cancer treatment options are addressed. The breast fellow is also exposed to newer techniques that promise to impact pathologic diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including cDNA microarrays, laser capture microdissection and breast cancer tissue arrays. The fellow also concentrates on signing out breast pathology consultation cases and outside consultation cases from a very active breast clinic and regional/national consultation service respectively, with a staff pathologist. The fellow discusses the cases at the Multidisciplinary Breast Care Clinic Conference, which provides a unique learning experience. The research aspect of the fellowship is tailored to meet the individual fellow's interest. He/she has the opportunity to conduct clinical projects, and/or translational research projects or spend time in a basis research laboratory focusing on breast cancer related basic science research.
Candidates must be board certified or eligible for certification in anatomic pathology or AP/CP.
Application Deadline
December 31 (18 months prior to the start of the training year)
Commensurate with the candidate's level of training.
For More Information
Aysegul Sahin, M.D.
Program Director, Breast Pathology Fellowship Program
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Pathology, Unit 085
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77030
For inquiries, please contact the program manager:
Kareen Chin
Phone: 713-792-3108
Fax: 713-745-0789


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Photograph by MikeNasty
And now my brain hurts…
via MikeNasty on Reddit
Categories: ART, PICTURE OF THE DAY
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text:
Amount: $4,000 - $12,000 ($1,000 - $3,000 per year for four years)
Number of Awards: up to 8 per year.
Requirements: Incoming physics major; good SAT/ACT scores; personal essay + letter of recommendation.
Note: you must enter the university as a declared physics major in order to receive this scholarship.
Please contact Bruce Hrivnak or Stan Zygmunt for more information or to apply.


text:
East Islip High School's French Club paid a visit to fifth-grade classrooms at neighboring Connetquot Elementary School on Jan. 12, with the goal of sparking the younger students' interest in studying the French language.
The idea behind the club's linguistic outreach was to introduce French through various games and activities taught by the high school's French Club students, including monument and sound bingo, a color slap game and a beat-the-clock number game. The fifth-graders all received goody bags filled with French-themed items at the end of the presentation.
"The Connetquot students had a terrific time," said French teacher Lauren Pinka, urging them to "sign up for French, c'est fantastique!"


text:
"Where do YOU seek Advice?"
I easily receive fifty emails a day asking equipment advice. It's only natural since we tend to go to the older folks seeking advice since in theory, they've already found answers with their extra years. Not that I like to think of myself as old, I'm not but I have been doing thing for a while and have accumulated some trivia I can share. But an email today made me laugh out loud, and than made me think. The emailer asked, "where do YOU seek advice?" As many know, I am constantly pushing the envelope and in that process, trying out new gear. Well, who do I ask about that new gear? This is especially true the last couple of years when it comes to video and sound. Well, being the nut case trying something new, I tend to have few peers I can tap for answers. Now this might sound corny to you, but the one source I keep pounding, and I mean pound are my friends at B&H Photo (You know I have a hotline at B&H, the number is to your right, that you can call and "Moose" folks will help you just like I can). Now, I am constantly sending "The Kid" emails asking questions and I know the first response will be something like, "I'll get right back to you" and he does. That's because "The Kid" is a kid, a very smart one who goes out and finds the answers I need from either those in B&H or from the manufactures. Now his bating average is about 90% and that works just fine for me. Where do YOU seek advice? There are lots of possibilities but the one thing I want to remind you in the process, keep in mind that it is only, advice. YOU must take that info and put it through YOUR head and YOUR heart to see if it's the answer for you. Being creatives and storytellers, there are a lot more correct answers than one. It might take time, but finding the right answer for you is very much part of the photographic journey.


text: The owner, (Katy), told us she purchased this house from an elderly man who had lived in the house since the 1940s. Its apparent from the looks of the inside and outside of the house that she has done very little to the place since she purchased it. Apparently she thinks renting out an extra room in the house makes... More


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SBA 8(a)
In construction, two things matter: commitment and delivery. What separates these two – all too often – are excuses, delays, missed deadlines, financial risk, and wasted time.
At QSSI, we keep our promises – without keeping our clients waiting. Our comprehensive construction services are delivered to you with a keen sense of urgency and an eagle eye on your bottom line.
|SBA Certified 8(a) & SDB


text:
Professor David Sandino
|Associate Professor of Law, 2010
Acting Director, Center for Water Law and Policy
(806) 742-3990 x256
Email: email@example.com
Appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Sandino served as Chief Counsel for the California Department of Water Resources from 2006-2010 and worked on water, environmental, and energy issues during his twenty year career with the Department. As Chief Counsel, he managed thirty-five attorneys and received the Departments management excellence award in 2010. The Department operates the largest state-built water system in the United States, the State Water Project, which delivers water to 25 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland.
During his tenure with the Department, he also served for four years as lead counsel for the California Reclamation Board (currently named the Central Valley Flood Protection Board), which is responsible for flood control protection in the Central Valley. From 1995-2000 he also worked as lead attorney for the Department in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta Hearings, which allocated responsibilities to meet environmental water quality standards in the Delta.
He has taught water law, environmental law, energy resources law, real property and local government law at Santa Clara University School of Law, University of San Francisco School of Law, and Golden Gate University School of Law. He also created and teaches a water law and policy course to environmental professionals at the UC Davis Extension and the UCLA Extension. He received a distinguished teaching award from UC Davis for his contribution to natural science continuing adult education. He received a 1999 Fulbright Fellowship to teach in Russia, where he taught international environmental law at the Moscow State Academy.
He is on the Board of Editors of California Environmental Law Reporter, and he has written numerous articles on the environment, water, and land use. He has been a frequent speaker on California and western water and environmental issues at conference and seminars.
He served on the City of Davis Planning Commission and Natural Resources Commission. He currently serves on the City of Davis Policy Advisory Commission, which reviews internal police investigations.
He received his A.B. in chemistry from UC Davis in 1980. He continued his education with a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he graduated in 1984. He received his LL.M specializing in pubic international law in 1987, from the University of London, King's College. While in London, he studied under a Rotary Foundation Graduate Fellowship.


text: I don't know what it is about the color yellow but I am instantly drawn to all shades of yellow. This is not a "trend" for me. My love for yellow has been going on now for about 15 years (at least that is when I started recognizing this obsession.) As I was shopping earlier this week I kept noticing all the items I was drawn to were yellow, like a magnetic force. I can't control myself I want all yellow objects. Here are a few images that I currently am loving in the color yellow.


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Tularemia (also known as deerfly fever or rabbit fever) is an infectious disease. Tularemia was first described by scientists in 1911. Its ability to infect whole populations was seen during outbreaks of water-borne disease in Europe and the Soviet Union in the 1930s and 1940s.
Health experts believe that tularemia is underrecognized and underreported. There are about 200 reported cases in the United States each year. Of these cases, less than 2 percent are fatal. Most cases occur in rural areas in the south-central and western states from June through September (tick season) and generally infect hunters. From 1995 to 1997, approximately half of all U.S. tularemia cases were reported from Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas.
Worldwide, the disease occurs in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, China, and Japan, and almost always in rural areas.
Last Updated July 29, 2014


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Happy Birthday, Mr. Madison!
On March 16, we celebrated a very special birthday at the home of the Father of the Constitution! Montpelier welcomed friends from all over to celebrate James Madison's 261st birthday!
The day began with the launch of ConText, an online, crowd-sourced commentary of "Notes of Debates on the Federal Convention of 1787." Madison carefully created the "Notes" as a record of the Constitutional Convention's proceedings for future generations. ConText offers users a broad range of options including:
• A current events section, which relates the "Notes" to today's constitutional issues, as well as historical and theoretical sections that provide insights into the debates at the Convention
• An encyclopedia of people and terms that users may add to and edit to advance all users' understanding of particular topics
• Searches by topic, keyword, or tag
The commemoration continued with an afternoon wreath laying ceremony in the Madison Family Cemetery. Colonel Frank N. McKenzie, assistant chief of staff, Marine Corps Base Quantico, presented the presidential wreath from President Barack Obama. Additionally several local organizations presented wreaths to honor the fourth president. John A. Ragosta, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities resident fellow, delivered his remarks entitled "Is James Madison Still Speaking to Us About Religious Freedom?"
If you missed the commemoration, you can still catch up on the day's events. To start using ConText, visit the Center for the Constitution's website. You can read Ragosta's remarks on the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities website, and event photos are now on our Facebook page.


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Turco on Neal: 'He's a danger every time he's on the ice' - 03-11-12
After today's game, Bruins goaltender Marty Turco was asked to assess the development of Penguins forward James Neal. The two were teammates for a few seasons with the Stars and Turco actually allowed Neal to live with him as a rookie in 2008-09. Today, Neal collected a goal and two assists against his former landlord.
"I was a little more than a teammate. I was more like a surrogate dad, brother. From the onset, I got to know him well. He stayed at my house when he turned pro, just to help him along the way. I had help. I went to college, I wasn't young like he was. James is a great player. When he plays with confidence and he's high stepping, uses his speed and size like he has been all season ... he's a more than effective player. He's a danger every time he's on the ice. You got to know where he's at. He's got a little different release than most guys.
He's good. He's a heck of a hockey player. I think the maturation of him here in Pittsburgh has really come full circle in terms of his total game. I think their coaching staff, in particular Dan (Bylsma), has done a great job just letting him know where to be. And you probably get more chances, that's they way the game is. You play better defensively and you're in position more often, you'll get those chances. And he gets them anyway because he has a little sneaky speed and his long reach and good stick. He likes to shoot it from anywhere.
He almost got me sleeping on one. On his assist there, I was expecting him to shoot of course. I'm sure he'd love to beat me. It's no surprise to me anyway of the year he's having and going to the all-star game. He deserved that. He's going to stay on the horse. He's a well-rounded kid."
(Photo: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)


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Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 220.127.116.11
Forum Moderators: DixonJones & mademetop
I totally know what you mean. I just want stats, I don't want to hand over my wallet. There is a product that I've been using for a while that has the "big guys" feel to it but doesn't cost a dime call NetTracker Lite.
Hopefully it won't as bad as a rusty screw driver for you :)
send me a sticky and I send over the url.
LogParser is impressively flexible, though to really work it up into significant reporting you'd have to write a LOT of queries! It runs on SQL-like queries; if you have any background in similar material it will be pretty straightforward to learn. I'd never touched the stuff before and I'm up and running with a relatively low time investment. I'm using it for log pre-processing, or at least developing some queries and batch files toward that end... If you're really inventive and have lots of time to invest, you could probably make LogParser do some lovely reporting.
It's worth checking out if you have the time. The forums at www.logparser.com (the unofficial support site) offer good, fast support. I've been really impressed so far. There are a lot of examples directly related to logfile analysis for top stats and that sort of thing in the LogParser help documentation, which is actually pretty decent, and on the support site as well.
I believe you can find it at [analog.cx...]
If the URL gets deleted do a search for download analog cx -- it's the site with the .cx extension


text:
The assistant dean is responsible for all aspects of student life and is often the first person to whom students turn when they encounter problems. Because the assistant dean is a tutor, he or she is able to offer advice about matters related to the classroom and to academic matters in general. Working directly with the assistant dean is the director of residential life, who oversees areas of campus life such as housing and student activities. Both help students learn how to live together in a small academic community and both are available to talk over issues related to campus life, health or safety, or personal matters. They may also refer students to both on and off campus resources. Together the assistant dean and director of residential life help to uphold the standards of conduct the St. John's community sets for itself.
The director of residential life is the Title IX coordinator for the college. The policies and protocols concerning sexual misconduct can be found in the Student Handbook, Appendices A-C.
Students who would like to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act should submit the Disabilities Registration Form to Assistant Dean Jan Arsenault or Director of Residential Life Matt Johnston.


text:
- Text Size:
- ASmall Text
- AMedium Text
- ALarge Text
This week's Hometown Hero spends more time volunteering each week than most people do working.
The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


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Restaurant Reviews
Eat here: Six restaurants Leslie Brenner says are hot right now
Photo: Ben Torres/Special Contributor
MONICA'S NUEVA COCINA -- After leaving Monica's Aca y Alla behind, Monica Greene now rules the roost at her vibrant new modern Mexican spot in Oak Lawn.
To post a comment, log into your chosen social network and then add your comment below. Your comments are subject to our Terms of Service and the privacy policy and terms of service of your social network. If you do not want to comment with a social network, please consider writing a letter to the editor.


text:
Twice this year, I was privileged to speak at Roach's Cove Baptist Church and each time I shared some of the ROW mission opportunities with the congregation of my friend, Pastor Gary. Recently, I learned that the Vacation Bible School director at the church decided the VBS mission offering should go to support a ROW project!
Specifically, they took the offerings the children brought during VBS and made Fishers of Men Bags for ROW to distribute.
I share this project idea almost everywhere I go because it is so easy to do. $10.00 at the mega-mart of one's choice can put a spool of line, weights, hooks, and floats in a zip-lock bag. Furthermore, the change from that $10.00 can be forwarded to ROW (in the bag) to put language-specific Gospel tracts in the bag for distribution by a ROW mission team. So that's what Pastor Gary's church did! We shot the photo to the right with some of the bags made during their VBS and we are grateful to have one more tool/opportunity to share the Gospel.
Thanks for staying in prayer for what is happening at ROW!
God things happen when His people pray!
Keith Burnett


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Share your style: #myonepieceAdd Photo
McCoy Plug-In Item # A5649
Plug-In Industrial Cord Pendant
Customize This Product
The utilitarian McCoy was first marketed as an "electrician's supply." We've made it even more functional by giving in a cord and plug, so you can hang it yourself. Your electrician may not be happy about that, but we're certain you'll love the light's go-anywhere adaptability.
If you ask us, plug-in pendant lights are just about the smartest thing out there. You can hang them where you like, reposition them when you want, and take them along if you move.
- 20 feet of twisted cloth cord in your choice of colors
- Built to order to your custom specifications in our Portland, Oregon factory
- Max 40W bulb
- Not UL listed
- Swag hook not included
- Assembled in the U.S.A. of domestic and imported parts
You May Also Like
Customer Service
Call us at 1-888-401-1900
- Mon - Fri
- 6am - 6pm PST
- Saturday
- 7am - 5pm PST
- Sunday
- 9am - 3pm PST
More Information
Need assistance with handcrafted solutions? Call us at 888-401-1900, useor email customer service.
McCoy Plug-In
Plug-In Industrial Cord Pendant


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Halloween Owl Mailwraps Magnetic Mailbox Cover with adorable owl wearing witch's hat and colorful fall leaves. Created by Artist Jennifer Brinley. Halloween magnetic mailbox covers snap into place using 2 strong magnetic strips. Designed to fit standard metal mailbox 6 1/2 wide x 19 deep. Ships in 1-2 days.
Mailbox Cover Adapter Kit is designed for use with non-metal mailboxes. Halloween mailbox covers with vibrant colors, artistic details, and charming decorative elements. Transform your ordinary mailbox into a work of art. Magnetic mailbox covers easily snap into place onto metal mailboxes. Change mailbox covers every season and every holiday. Buy mailbox covers direct from Flags On A Stick.


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Tag Archives: AJ McLean
The Backstreet Boys Nailed Me and Hamilton, Ontario Last Night
The Backstreet Boys stopped by Hamilton, Ontario, Canada last night while touring on their second North American leg of their In A World Like This tour. I didn't get to see them during their first leg when they stopped in … Continue reading
Backstreet Boys Documentary in the works – Fan Perspective
Yup, you saw the title. I really hope this works out to be an awesome piece of film and it's available to the audience that will watch it. The Backstreet Boys are in the works to have successful producer, Stephen … Continue reading
Kevin Richardson rejoins the Backstreet Boys & AJ is reproducing!
This shit is already trending worldwide so it's kinda old news (although it was released like 7 minutes ago). If you shelled out the money to see the live show featuring the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block … Continue reading
Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean got married Skull & Crossbones style
AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys got married to his long time love on December 17, 2011 while thousands of grown-up women reminisced on what could have been……*sigh* He's been engaged a few times before so I honestly didn't think … Continue reading


text: Their home loan was fully repaid within three years. They have a substantial amount invested in mutual funds and have sufficient life insurance cover. Besides, there's about Rs 8 lakh in their savings bank accounts. One would think that Animesh and Neeti Singh have managed their finances very well. Or have they? Financial experts would not agree because they hold way too much cash.


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All aboard! Get your engines of fun ready to go! Need something to help your child choo, choo, choose what to wear? This Child Cotton Train Engineer Hat is sure to do the trick!With a blue and white pinstripe, this engineer cap is sure to bring out the conductor in you for Halloween! Everyone will buy a one way ticket to check you out in this happy headpiece!With this Child Cotton Train Engineer Hat, your last stop party will be anything but a train wreck this Halloween season!
Available in Sizes:
Standard - One Size (Child)
Item Includes:
Pictured items not included:
100% Cotton.
Care Instructions:
Wipe clean with damp cloth. Line dry. Do not wash. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Do not dry clean.
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text: Cape Town - Springbok scrumhalf Francois Hougaard says they are by no means lacking in intensity as they prepare to face minnows Namibia on Thursday.WIN a pair of the new adidas rugby bootsWIN a Rugby World Cup ballThe Boks are expected to ease past their African neighbours, but Hougaard told the Beeld newspaper his team-mates refuse to view the game as a gimme."There is no way that we will fall into any sort of comfort zone. The competitiveness between the players is just too strong and the pride to give your best for your country and the Springboks is too big. We may know a few of the players from the other team (Namibia) and some of them are team-mates in provinces, but this is firstly a Test that you are playing for the Springboks," said Hougaard."It remains a privilege and a chance you must grab and cherish."Even though he was picked at scrumhalf for the clash against Namibia, the 23-year-old Blue Bull realises his chance for a permanent spot at No 9 will come in future.Du Preez is expected to be back at scrumhalf for the game against Samoa."Fourie (Du Preez) deserves to play there. He is one of the senior players and decision makers in the team."And Hougaard is more than happy to help out as a substitute on the wing for the rest of the tournament."The fun part in coming on as a substitute is that the coach expects you to try and make an impact and on the wing you play the situation, so it's easier. Scrumhalf-play is far more structured," said Hougaard.Teams:South Africa:15 Pat Lambie, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Willem Alberts, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), Gurthro Steenkamp.Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Francois Louw, 19 Heinrich Brüssow, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Juan de Jongh.Namibia:15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Heine Bock, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 7 Jacques Burger (c), 6 Tinus du Plessis, 5 Nico Esterhuyse, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Marius Visser, 2 Bertus O'Callaghan, 1 Johnnie RedelinghuysSubstitutes: 16 Hugo Horn, 17 Jané du Toit, 18 Pieter Jan van Lill, 19 Rohan Kitshoff, 20 Ryan de la Harpe, 21 Darryl de la Harpe, 22 Conrad Marais* Click HERE for the latest RWC odds on BET.CO.ZA


text:
Taxi service express Taxi service in johor bahru.
please cal me: vincent's taxi company
hotline :0167735730 or 0187819424 .
can call if you want to go for outstation.johor, taxi, transport services
Location | 地区: johor
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text:
Post Chemotherapy Care
Post Chemotherapy Treatment
Cancer is an ongoing disease process since cancer cells continuously invades the entire body. In response, treatment also takes phases and cycles to reach therapeutic effect.
During treatment, systemic approach has been applied, and it will follow to even up to post treatment. Post treatment primarily aims to evaluate the condition of the patient in relation to his disease process. The following are main objectives of post treatment:
Post treatment includes blood, laboratory tests, x-rays, and diagnostic studies must be employed to attain the objectives of post treatment. It also involves counseling and rehabilitation. Patient must be advised to follow regular check- up schedules to maintain monitoring of recovery.
There are certain instances that post treatment reveals need for more cancer therapies. Cancer cells are very opportunistic; they could attack an individual during conditions wherein immune system is low. It usually occurs when a patient takes for granted home instructions given. They solely believed that one cancer is cured, it could no longer reoccur. Nutrition is also part of the post treatment. During chemotherapy, patients energy requirements was greatly used thus, anorexia and fatigue is manifested. Since the patient is slowly recovering, a patient must double time to recover what was lost. Nutritious foods and a balance must be consumed by the client.
Underlying cause of the specific type of cancer must be explained to the client so that prevention and recurrence may be avoided. Proper hygiene is also a vital component of post treatment since it's the primary defense against infection that would initiate disease manifestation. The primary and the most important hygiene practice are effective hand washing.
Counseling and rehabilitation is a big part of post treatment of cancer. During these times, patient must be encouraged and supported to have a positive self and body image. Complete recovery is not purely medical, it also entails acceptance of the disease process. Home instructions must be followed accordingly. Drugs must be taken at the exact time, right dosage, right route and drug interactions must also be taken into considerations. Drug therapy does not end after therapy. It follows throughout the post treatment. All preparations prior, during and post therapy must be committed to memory so that if recurrence is the possible patient will likely know how to response to the situation. Recurrence of cancer after chemotherapy account to some cancer patients, especially those diagnosed with advance stage of cancer.
Post treatment is necessary for the healthcare providers to assess patients' needs for possible surgery or effectiveness of chemotherapy on patients' condition. Radiation therapy maybe initiated along with other therapies if chemotherapy is ineffective. After care is also essential and also considered as part of the entire treatment. Cancer is a disease that requires phasing and staging. Thus, treatment must be followed entirely giving important considerations even to the post treatment.


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WATERTOWN, Wis. – In a game against the #1 Concordia University Chicago Cougars, Maranatha generated 461 yards of offense in a 62-26 loss on Saturday afternoon.
The Cougars opened up with a touchdown on the opening possession, and added another score at the end of the quarter for a 14-0 lead.
Trailing 42-0 in the second quarter, freshman running back Kiel Larson (Owatonna, Minn.) had several quality runs, and quarterback Brandon McCormick (Edwards, Ill.) tossed a 31 yard touchdown to freshman wide receiver Tanner Carrillo (Hartford, Wis.) to put Maranatha on the board.
On their second scoring drive, McCormick rushed from one yard out, and on their next possession, Larson had a 34-yard scamper to cut the deficit to 42-19.
Concordia added three more scores before freshman backup quarterback Josh Davidson (Watertown, Wis.) connected with Carrillo on a 53-yard touchdown.
Carrillo finished with 112 yards receiving and two touchdowns, while Larson racked up 160 yards on a 6.5 average with a touchdown.
On defense, sophomore linebacker Ethan Kennon (Raleigh, N.C.) recorded 13 tackles, while linebacker Jordan Dersch (Pratville, Ala.) notched 11.
The game against Concordia Chicago concludes the 2012 season for the Crusaders.


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The Lisa Shawl is a free crochet pattern - a fun, quick crochet project with beads to spice it up. The shawl is named after my gorgeous and colourful friend Lisa who was the first person to love this design :) The beads are easy to add, visible from both sides and add a lovely weight to the finished piece.
Sorry but I cannot open page to pattern I chose. After initial free pattern do you have to pay for downloads?
I love this pattern! Problem, I am having difficulty with the set up rounds (2nd round).I am missing something in the wording. I have tried several times to work the set up, but no luck. Help! Thanks! Patrice s.
I had some trouble with the starting rounds and have frogged it all 3 times already...I look forward to completing this!
I've already printed this pattern and don't need it anymore. How do I delete it from my patterns?
I have tried everything to get this pattern and all I get is odd numbers and I would really like to make this for a wedding I have to go to so maybe someone can help me
I would love to make this. Just can't find the pattern. Just like other patterns I wany to get. If we can't get the patters then why say we can when we can't.
Once you get this shawl going, it's really easy and fun to do. It doesn't require a lot of counting so you can pick it up and put it down very easily. I'm VERY happy with the results. Thanks for the great pattern!
I have downloaded this pattern. I have purchased the yarn. I am unable to purchase a 3.75mm crochet hook. What size crochet hook would you suggest I use: a 4.00mm or a 3.50mm?
3.75mm is a size F or 5 (in the US). If you can't find one then you should make a test swatch and check your gauge and go with the closest
You did not include a gauge or tension guide in the pattern instructions?
I would imagine that with a shawl, gauge is not quite as important, however it IS good to include in the pattern what gauge (tension) the designer achieved. Some beginning designers don't know HOW to calculate their gauge. It's probably why this pattern is free. The designer isn't quite 'up to snuff' on all the nuances of designing and writing out instructions yet. A lovely piece anyway. I'll be downloading it and making it for myself and for others. Perhaps one of us could leave a comment as to the tension we achieved to help out the designer...she could take a look at the different tensions and give a general one by calculating the differences and coming up with a general "guesstimate". T'would be a nice thing for those of us who can calculate our tension to do for her! When I make mine, I'll leave a comment with the gauge I achieved. Why don't you do the same so she has a general idea of what tensions we get? Just make sure we put down what size hook we used..Imperial (US) and Metric? Good idea? A nice thing to do, I believe!
I made this for my friend, who happens to be named Lisa. It's simply gorgeous and really pretty easy to make once you get started. Thank you for such a great pattern, my friend really loved it.
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"Truth or Dare" by Tiger Lily Swift
Categories: Hunter X Hunter
Characters: Original Character(s), Reader, Gon, Killua, Kurapica, Leorio
Description: Hmmm...let's see.....OH YESHH...
@#$& Summary!
You were waltzing down the street when suddenly someone jumps at you and captures you.Next thing you knew you were on a sofa,with Gon,Killua,Leorio,Kurapika and my two OCs Hana and Izumi.Anyway,Gon suggested to play 'Truth Or Dare'and if you don't agree,Izumi'll decapitate your head.So,you were dumb enough to believe her and voilá you play truth or dare and have spam-throwing-parties :D
Rules(Hey people,these are important!):
1.You HAVE to be paired with someone except Kurapika becuase Hana's super clingy to him after what happened.Izumi might impal you if you choose Killua bit oh well,Hana's there to protect you....
2.Fluffy,lemon,non-lemon,NO ROMANCE-only friends,even if the pairing thingy,and oh,Angsty comedy.
3.Make sure you play a song by Taylor Swift,Katy Perry,Kelly Clarkson or Avril Lavigne and make a chapter song-fic.NO KURAPIKA X READER,OR ELSE JEFF THE KILLER WILL KILL YOU AT NIGHT.
4.Make sure you have 3 chapters or more;and have a......[secret smut,especially Hana and Kurapika,but of you include You X Hana,Kurapika will be like,Ok.But if you choose You X Kurapika,please make sure that your death wish is ok].
5.Make sure they have fun things as Truth Or Dare like,Hana singing/shouting Wrecking Ball outside her Villa;Kurapika having to burn his tabard(:-[) and so much more.....
6.Make sure someone else comes in from ANOTHER anime and says,"Oh shit,I'm in the wrong challenge...."but you threathen him/her and she/he join it.
7.Make sure that Kurapika stares at the new boy;or Leorio stare at the new girl.[Again,Hana×Kurapika or please write your death wish now].
8.Make sure to throw spams at me also*gives a hug*.
Hana:DON'T PAIR KURAPIKA WITH SOMEONE ELSE OR ELSEE......*laughs creepier than Hisoka*
Posted: 06/06/14 | Deadline: None
This website is solely for non-profit entertainment purposes only. No profits are being made from this website whatsoever. All fan fiction represented in this archive are © their respective owners and/or authors. All original works are © their respective authors. No reproduction of the written works in this archive is permitted without prior consent of their respective authors. All Rights Reserved. Icons used on this site are from famfamfam.com. Protected by Spam Poison Bleach, Ichigo are © Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Tite Kubo.


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Sighting Basics
Sighting Location
|New York
|New York
|United States
Sighting Specifics
|Viewing Distance
|501 Feet - 1 Mile
|Sighting Duration
|Object Features
|Object Flight Path
|Hovering then path
|Object Shape
|Weather Factors
Sighting Details
My apt located in NYC UWS on 28th floor with an unobstructed view of the entire east side skyline, and no window treatments. Just observing the beautiful night sky from the balcony I noticed 2 objects hovering in the sky just stationery at first. I photographed the objects then they moved closer to the building. After a bit they flew low and close to the building. No noise. Very big. Lots of lights. Living in the center of NYC in lui of the past horrors there is no way these objects were flying undetected. So no fear but this had been going on since 2009 and I had lived there unremarkably since 2002. There were many strange objects in the skies and I would be curious to know if others have documented any events. I have many photos of whatever these flying things were. Some smaller odd shapef objects just flew in a circle all night long every night. Media to follow under separate cover.
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- There have been 801 other sightings in New York
- There were 2 other sightings in New York on or around August 13th 2013
- This sighting has never been favorited.


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Stephen Jay Gould, Biologist and Theorist on Evolution, Dies at 60
Published: May 20, 2002
(Page 2 of 2)
In March, Dr. Gould saw publication of "The Structure of Evolutionary Theory" which he described as his magnum opus and over which he toiled for decades. The book lays out his vision for synthesizing Darwin's original ideas and his major contributions to macroevolutionary theory.
"It is a heavyweight work," wrote Dr. Mark Ridley, evolutionary biologist at University of Oxford in England. And despite sometimes "almost pathological logorrhea" at 1,433 pages, "it is still a magnificent summary of a quarter-century of influential thinking and a major publishing event in evolutionary biology."
Dr. Gould was also dogged by vociferous, often high profile critics. Some charged that his theories, like punctuated equilibrium, were so malleable and difficult to pin down, that they were essentially untestable.
After once proclaiming that Dr. Gould had brought paleontology back to the high table of evolutionary theory, Dr. John Maynard Smith, evolutionary biologist at University of Sussex in England, wrote that other evolutionary biologists "tend to see him as a man whose ideas are so confused as to be hardly worth bothering with." Sometimes these criticisms descended into so-called "Gould-bashing" where the charges were as personal as intellectual. Punctuated equilibrium, for example, has been called "evolution by jerks."
Some who study smaller-scale evolution within species, called microevolutionists, reject his arguments that there are unique features to large-scale, or macroevolution. Instead they say that macroevolution is nothing more than microevolution played out over long periods. Dr. Gould also had heated battles with sociobiologists, researchers employing a particular method of studying animal behavior, and there are many there who reject his ideas as well.
Others criticized him for championing theories that challenge parts of the modern Darwinian framework, an act some see as aiding and abetting creationists. Yet Dr. Gould was a visible opponent of efforts to get evolution out of the classroom.
Most people knew Dr. Gould as an entertaining esssayist. Credited with saving the dying art form of the scientific essay, he often told tales of scientific insight by pulling together unrelated ideas or things. (He began one essay by conjoining Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin - an unlikely couple - noting his discovery that they were born on the same day.) A champion of the underdog (except in his support of the Yankees), he favored theories and scientists that had been forgotten or whose reputations were in disrepair.
Dr. Gould also popularized evolutionary ideas at Harvard, sometimes finding his lecture halls filled to standing room only. But while his tales of adventure typically took place in the library, colleagues said that Dr. Gould, whose specialty was Cerion land snails in the Bahamas, was also impressive in the field.
Noting that in graduate school Dr. Gould dodged bullets and drug runners to collect specimens of Cerion, a group comprised of both living and fossil species, Dr. Sally Walker, who studies Cerion at University of Georgia, once said, "That guy can drive down the left side of the road," which is required in the Bahamas, "then jump out the door and find Cerion when we can't even see it." Then, she recalled, this multilingual, internationally respected Renaissance man, student of classical music and astronomy and countless other eclectia, might joyously break out into Gilbert and Sullivan song.
Dr. Gould is survived by his wife, his mother, his two sons from a previous marriage, Jesse Gould of Cambridge and Ethan Gould of Boston, his stepson Jade Allen of Gainesville, Fla., his stepdaughter London Allen of Manhattan and his former wife Deborah Lee of Cambridge.
Dr. Gould had an earlier battle with cancer in 1982. Diagnosed with abdominal mesothelioma, he reacted by dragging himself to Harvard's medical library as soon as he could walk. In a well known essay entitled, "The Median is not the Message," he described discovering that the median survival time after diagnosis was a mere eight months. Rather than giving up hope, he wrote that he used his knowledge of statistics to translate an apparent death sentence into the hopeful realization that half those diagnosed survived longer than eight months, perhaps much longer, giving him the strength to fight on.
"When my skein runs out I hope to face the end calmly and in my own way," he wrote. However, "death is the ultimate enemy — and I find nothing reproachable in those who rage mightily against the dying of the light." He survived the illness through experimental treatment.
Dr. Gould received innumerable awards and honors, including a MacArthur "genius" grant the first year they were awarded. He served as president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and won the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. He was the Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology at Harvard and the Astor Visiting Research Professor of Biology at New York University.
Whether eloquently and forcefully championing new or forgotten ideas or dismantling what he saw as misconceptions, Dr. Gould, who died in a bed in his library among his beloved books, spent a career trying to shed light on an impossibly wide variety of subjects.
He once wrote, "I love the wry motto of the Paleontological Society (meant both literally and figuratively, for hammers are the main tool of our trade): Frango ut patefaciam — I break in order to reveal."


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|A protestor meets Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney last week at Government Buildings in Dublin.
The outline of the government's proposals for legislation on abortion were agreed by the cabinet and published last week.
It's important to remember that what we have so far is the heads of the bill rather than the full detail. There will be much discussion as all the detail emerges in the coming weeks, and the overall bill may be finessed somewhat before it becomes law.
But the heads of the bill give the proposed framework and the outline is clear. The basic structure is unlikely to be changed.
The first thing to be said is that there is no proposal to change the constitutional position here which gives a pregnant woman and her fetus an equal right to life. Our Supreme Court interpreted this 30 years ago to mean that abortion is permissible here only when there is "a real and substantial risk to the life, as opposed to the health, of the mother."
The proposals produced by the government last week aim to make clear what this means, and to provide a legal framework for abortion in such cases.
The second thing to be said is that although women will be able to have a termination here under a legal framework for the first time, the proposed regime is so restrictive that the thousands of Irish women who now travel to Britain for abortions every year will continue to do so. In reality, there will be no change for them.
The core of the proposed restrictive abortion regime will be what one minister referred to last week as the one, two, three structure (the one, two and three being the number of doctors required to allow an abortion in different scenarios).
In the first scenario -- in a case of acute medical emergency requiring a termination -- only one doctor will be required to certify that a woman can have an abortion. In cases like this the "real and substantial risk to the life of the mother" will be immediate. To avoid any delay in preserving the life of the woman, only one doctor will be required to certify that an abortion is necessary.
In the second scenario, where there is a "real and substantial risk to the life of the mother" that is not immediate (in the case of certain diseases like cancer, for example), two doctors will be required to certify that an abortion is necessary. In such non-emergency cases the threat to the life of the woman must be real, even though it is not immediate.
If either continuing the pregnancy or eventually giving birth would be a real threat to the life of the woman, an abortion may be performed. The decision by the two doctors must be unanimous.
One of the doctors must be an obstetrician or gynecologist and the other a specialist in the relevant area (for example, a specialist in uterine cancer). During their assessment one of them may consult the patient's own doctor.
If the two doctors involved refuse an abortion the woman will have the right to appeal, and that appeal will be heard by another two doctors of similar experience within seven days.
The first two scenarios relate to physical medical circumstances. The third scenario relates to psychological circumstances.
In the third scenario, the pregnant woman does not have a physical medical problem but is suicidal because of the pregnancy and wants an abortion. In such cases three doctors -- two psychiatrists and an obstetrician or gynecologist -- will be required to certify that an abortion is necessary to preserve the woman's life. Their decision must be unanimous.
The woman who is claiming to be suicidal because of her pregnancy will be examined by the panel of three doctors to see first if there is a "real and substantial risk" of her taking her own life, and second, if the suicide risk can only be averted by abortion. Again, the decision has to be unanimous. If the three doctors do not all agree on the need for an abortion, the woman will be refused.


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Story Highlights
A new year provides each of us with a dose of optimism and a chance to begin again through resolutions that often seek to eliminate a bad habit.
In looking at the markets and the global economic landscape we see opportunities in several areas in 2013. The challenge once again, of course, is political uncertainty. Although the economy will always face unforeseeable geopolitical headwinds, the continuing appetite among policymakers for high-stakes political brinkmanship – particularly in the U.S., but also elsewhere as we saw last year in Europe – continues to present what we see as arguably the most significant risk. For lack of a better term, it has become our worst habit and one that we desperately need to break.
A look at some of the issues – political and otherwise – that we will be monitoring closely as we identify opportunities in the new year:
The political issue at the top of everyone's mind at the end of 2012 was, of course, the fiscal cliff. Although Congressional leaders and the White House were able to broker a last-minute deal to avert a crisis, lawmakers surprised no one in falling far short of a grand bargain to address the nation's budget issues. As a result, it is widely expected that the spending versus revenue fight between Democrats and Republicans will continue for additional rounds – the next one focused on the need to raise the nation's debt ceiling.
The bitter and acrimonious debate that was a part of the 2011 debt ceiling debate led to the first ever downgrade of the nation's credit rating. Unfortunately, the debate this time around could be even more heated since the fiscal cliff agreement only delayed by two months a decision on some $100 billion in 2013 spending cuts – moving it right into the same timeframe as the debt ceiling discussion. Finally, the deadline for a new federal budget will hit in late March.
Meanwhile, the last minute New Year's holiday agreement, although largely seen as preventing a plunge over the cliff, did come with what might be considered its own hangover: tax increases for more than three quarters of U.S. households, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. While the deal prevented 99% of Americans from seeing an income tax increase, it allowed the expiration of a temporary reduction of the nation's Social Security payroll tax. Combined with tax increases for higher earning individuals and families, the Center estimates 77% of American households will face higher federal taxes in 2013.
As a result, we expect a fiscal drag of about $200 billion next year, which will pressure first quarter growth, says Derek Hamilton, vice president and global economist.
"Further dealings over the next two months will continue in the face of a needed increase in the debt ceiling. These negotiations will likely result in some further fiscal tightening," Hamilton says. "However, increasing clarity in Washington on fiscal policy should allow corporations to increase spending once again."
Despite some of the fiscal cliff agreement's shortcomings, equities rallied in the aftermath of the deal, showing yet again that it is perhaps difficult to overstate the impact of political uncertainty on the economy.
"Government policy regarding taxes and spending has unquestionably held back financial markets," says Hank Herrmann, chief executive officer of Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. and chairman of the Investment Policy Committee. "As the drama of government policy wanes, it brings good news for businesses. It brings more willingness to increase capital expenditures and boost hiring. All of it is good for economic growth and good for investors."
Assuming the U.S. can get through the political rhetoric that is bound to fill the first quarter and potentially spill into the second, we believe the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) should begin to improve and bring job growth along with it through the year, particularly in the second half of the year.
The U.S. should be able to achieve around 2% growth for the full year thanks to three sectors where we expect to see strengthening performance:
It is important to keep in mind that growth in each of these areas, which are particularly labor intensive, should spur job growth in the U.S. and improve business confidence, potentially adding some degree of stability to the economic recovery.
For many investors, the challenge will be how equities respond to the evolving environment. One thing we believe is important to keep in mind is that difficult economic periods generally foster stronger companies. These firms usually have the large cash balances, extremely low debt levels and strong cash flow necessary to survive a downturn and potentially thrive in an improving environment.
"Yes, the macro environment has been tough, but many chief executives have looked at this situation as an opportunity to innovate and get more competitive," says Philip J. Sanders, chief investment officer. "Today, we find ourselves, despite the challenging macro environment, with U.S. corporations that are in the best financial shape they have ever been historically. Companies all around the globe have used this difficult economic environment to learn how to run their businesses better, to innovate and become more competitive and productive. They are finding opportunities and appear to have the financial wherewithal to take advantage of them."
We expect investors, who have been leery of risk assets for some time, to return to equities in 2013 as growth becomes more apparent and confidence grows among both businesses and investors. The large cash balances have led many corporations to initiate or increase dividends, which have become an important benefit for investors seeking income with the dividend yield on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index now higher than most U.S. Treasuries. As a result, we expect equities to outperform bonds.
The short end of the yield curve is unlikely to move in 2013. The Federal Reserve has said it expects to hold its key interest rate at 0 to 0.25% for another two years. The question for fixed income investors is what happens at the long end of the curve if, as we expect, investors begin to move more aggressively back into equities.
Ten-year Treasury yields rose to their highest level in eight months after the Federal Reserve released a report indicating that Fed officials expect the central bank's bond buying program to end this year – the first sign that the Fed will eventually tighten its extremely loose monetary policy. Those fixed income investors who view the primary risk in bonds as credit risk – or the risk of getting repaid – may instead find that they are facing more significant interest rate risk than they realized. The 10-year U.S. Treasury closed 2012 at a meager 1.78%, well below its 50-year average of more than 6% and far below what we believe investors will accept as the risks become more apparent and equities become more attractive.
We expect the global economy to continue to improve with growth of around 3 percent, which is not as strong as we might like, but is better than what we saw in 2012. Our view is based on developments we expect in several important regions.
In Europe, the European Union is moving to what we hope to be a less tumultuous period than what we saw in 2012. That is not to say there will be no challenges. Banking and sovereign debt have been addressed, but there still is not a fiscal union and a lot of uncertainty.
Among the developments that will be closely watched are, as always, the European elections, most importantly in Germany where Chancellor Angela Merkel will seek her third term. Although Merkel is expected to win, the bigger question will be the makeup of the German parliament and if Merkel ends up heading a bipartisan coalition.
We expect the European economy to muddle through this year with modest growth in the core. But, if the economies across the European Union merely stabilize, that is good news for investors.
We expect China's economy can maintain its strong growth rate, with real annual GDP growth sustainable around the 7% level and inflation of 3 to 4% over the long term. The country named new members to the Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) in late 2012, which also signals the new government leaders. Xi Jinping was named to the top position as general secretary during the party's 18th National Congress in late 2012, and he will become president of China in March 2013. Li Keqiang, the No. 2 in rank on the PSC, will become premier.
We think Xi Jinping will have a better opportunity to push economic and political reforms than was the case for outgoing President Hu Jintao when he took over 10 years ago. China is the world's second-largest economy and the world's fastest-growing major economy. It has grown its economy by an average of 10% per year over the past 30 years. It also is a key driver of the global economy as the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer.
"Mass market consumption in China is growing and we see much more room to grow. We think China can succeed in a push toward a market-driven economy, from an exportdriven one, with a focus on increased domestic consumption," says Michael Avery, executive vice president of Waddell & Reed and co-portfolio manager of Waddell & Reed Advisors Asset Strategy Fund.
Meanwhile, China's dispute with Japan has had a negative impact on Japan's economy, which has hurt auto exports to China. Japan, which has also been hurt by the global slowdown, may benefit if Japan's central bank eases monetary policy, which we expect as political pressure mounts. We expect the yen to weaken, helping Japan's economy, which we believe has bottomed.
Similarly, we believe most emerging market economies have bottomed as well. India continues to have a problem with investment spending, as issues with government policies have limited the pace of infrastructure spending and corporate capital spending. We believe the government has realized its mistake, and is starting to push through some reforms to boost the economy, which we expect to grow around 6% this year. Meanwhile, we expect growth of more than 5% among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
"About one person in seven lives in the developed world. We continue to believe that means there are significant opportunities in the emerging markets through companies that provide goods and services to the growing middle-class populations," Avery says.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The opinions expressed in this article are current through January 2013. Opinions are subject to change at any time based on market and other current conditions, and no forecasts can be guaranteed.
Consider all factors:Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and it's possible to lose money by investing. International investing involves additional risks, including currency fluctuations, political or economic conditions affecting the foreign country, and differences in accounting standards and foreign regulations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets. Fixed income securities are subject to interest rate risk and, as such, the net asset value of the Fund may fall as interest rates rise. These and other risks are more fully described in the Fund's prospectus. Not all funds or fund classes may be offered at all broker/dealers.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a fund carefully before investing. For a prospectus, or if available, a summary prospectus, containing this and other information for the Waddell & Reed Advisors Funds, call your financial advisor or visit www.waddell.com. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
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