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Cultural and Medical Traditions
Minnesota's children's hospital, Minneapolis, MN
Who are the Somali? The Somali people are an ethnic group in the U.S. who emigrated from the African country of Somalia. Large numbers of Somali refugees began arriving in the United States in 1993. An estimated 50,000 or more Somali now live in Minnesota.2 Many Somali live in the Cedar-Riverside and Philips areas of Minneapolis, as well as smaller groups in St. Paul and greater Minnesota.
Where did they come from? Somalia is a long, narrow country on the east coast of Africa. Most of Somalia is hot and arid, and experiences drought when rainfall is less than normal. About 60 percent of Somalia's people were nomadic or semi-nomadic herders. The rest were farmers or lived in cities. Mogadishu is the capital and largest city.
How did the Somali get here? Once a colony of Great Britain and Italy, Somalia achieved independence in 1960. From 1960 to 1969 Somalia was a democracy. In the 1980s, however, an increasingly oppressive dictator controlled the nation. Under increasing opposition from the Somali people, the Siyaad Barre regime collapsed in 1991. The country fell into anarchy, with increased fighting between rival clans, as well as armed bandits and warlords. In addition to the civil war, the Somali people suffered drought, food shortages, and famine. Over one million people fled the country to refugee camps in neighboring countries. Relief agencies in 1993 estimated that one half of all Somali children under the age of five had died.3
Language: Somali is spoken universally by the Somali people, with some regional variations. Written Somali uses the Roman alphabet. Arabic is a common second language (It is the language of Islam). Many Somali are fluent in several languages. Older Somali may speak the language of the former European colonists--English or Italian. Literacy is low (its literacy rate in 1990 was 24 percent4), in part because the language was not written until 1971. Because of the civil war and political upheaval, education has decreased considerably.
The Somali language has traditionally been an oral one. Storytelling is a highly honored traditional art. Traditions and political discussions were composed in a poem, which was then repeatedly delivered in numerous communities.5
Social structure: The social structure in Somalia is based on family and clan group. Membership in the clan is determined by the paternal (father's) lineage. Somali families traditionally live in multi-generation households. Under Islamic law a man may have as many as four wives, but only if he can support them equally. Under the law, a father is duty bound to support his children. In the event of divorce, the children belong to both the father and the mother, but may continue living with the mother.
Divorce was common in Somalia, and continues to be so in the United States. Children become adults at age 15. Young adults and unmarried children live with their family.
Names: Somali names have three parts. The first name is the given name; oftentimes it is the name of a grandparent (but it is the parent's choice). The second name is the name of the child's father, and the third name is the name of the child's paternal grandfather. Thus siblings, both male and female, will share the same second and third name. Other immediate family members will have different second and third names. In addition, women do not traditionally change their name with marriage.6 Traditionally, the Somali use the first and second names when identifying someone, without the use of the last name. This causes confusion with the U.S. system of using the first and last name.
Role of father: Traditionally, the father has been the decision-maker and wage earner for the family. He interacts with society outside of the home. If the father is absent, the decision-making role for the family is passed on to an older male relative, or to an adult son. After the age of ten or so, the father and other male family members assume the role of training the male children.
Role of mother: Traditionally, the roles of men and women have been separated in most areas of life. Today, Somali women carry out many of the duties previously accomplished by men. This change is in part due to the 1991-1994 civil war, when women conducted most of the nation's business.
Women wield considerable influence within the household.7 The mother cares for the children and prepares the food. Children are highly valued in Somali culture, and a woman's status is enhanced by the number of children she has. It is common for Somali to have large families. Birth control practices are not widely used. In the past, arranged marriages were more common than now. After marriage, women leave their families to live with their husbands. According to Islamic tradition, women are expected to cover their bodies, including their hair. Most Somali women do not wear a full-face veil.
Role of elders: Elders are respected, and continue to have an active role in the family for as long as they are able. Elders are addressed as "aunt" or "uncle," even if they are strangers.8
Etiquette: In Islamic tradition the right hand is considered the correct and polite hand to use for daily tasks such as eating, writing, and greeting people. The left hand is considered incorrect. If a child begins to show a left-handed preference, the parents will train the child to use the right hand. Traditionally, men and women do not touch members of the opposite gender outside of the family--handshaking with the opposite gender is not done. Some Somali in the U.S. have adapted to American culture, however, and will shake hands with an American of opposite gender. Many social norms are derived from Islam, and thus are similar to other Islamic cultures.
Religion: The majority of Somalis are Sunnis Muslims. Islamic religion is an important part of Somali life. Islamic religious teachings provide meaning for living, dying, family life, child rearing, and the maintenance of health. In recent years, Islamic fundamentalism has increased as some Somalis have sought comfort from the horrific events of the past few years.9
In Islam, prayer is performed five times a day; at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and in the evening. Prayer can be performed at home, in the workplace, in school, outdoors, or in a mosque. Before prayer, the hands, face and feet are washed.10 Islam forbids eating of pork, drinking alcohol or touching (or being near) dogs.
Holidays: The most important is the Islamic holiday of Ramadan. During this month- long holiday people refrain from drinking, taking medications, or eating during daylight hours. Pregnant women, the very ill, and young children are exempted from the fast. Two important religious holidays follow Ramadan. IED-A is about one month after Ramadan, and IED-ALADHI about two months. The Somali Independence Day, July 1, is also a holiday. Many religious holidays involve the ritual killing of a lamb or goat.
Nutrition: The traditional staples of the Somali diet are rice, bananas, and the meat of sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. In the parts of Somalia that were under Italian rule, many people eat pasta as a staple food. The local bread of Somalia is somewhat like pita bread. Corn and beans also are grown and eaten.
The Somali diet tends to be low in fresh fruit and vegetables, though the southern part has locally grown vegetables. Coffee and teas are the preferred drinks. All meat must be ritually slaughtered according to Islamic law. Twin Cities stores sell "Halal" or specially prepared meat. It is customary for Somali men and women to eat separately. Food is eaten with the right hand. Due to the war and drought, many thousands of Somali starved to death or are malnourished.
Use of Stimulants: Qat, (also spelled khat, chat, kat) is a mild stimulant some Somali men use. It is derived from fresh leaves of the catha edulis tree. The leaves are chewed to release the stimulant. Qat is felt to make thoughts sharper, and is often used while studying. In the U.S., the federal Drug Enforcement Agency recently changed the designation of Qat from an unrestricted drug to a schedule I drug (most restricted) due to concerns for potential abuse.11
Time: Traditionally, the Somali organized their activities according to the season, the time of day, and the duties of Islam. Somalis in the U.S. follow Islam, but recognize they live in a secular world.
Health Care
Medical care and conditions: In Somalia, the major illnesses are malnutrition, including iron deficiency anemia, Vitamin A deficiency, and scurvy. The following infectious diseases are common: diarrheal disease, measles, malaria, and acute respiratory illness.12 Recent emigrants to the U.S. may have these conditions. Some 47 percent of the recently arriving Somali population are affected by one or more kinds of intestinal parasites. However, HIV infection rate in 1997 was 0.25, well below that of other African nations.13
Health conditions in Somalia dramatically declined during the war. In 1991, only 37 percent of the population had access to clean drinking water, and 27 percent had access to biomedical (western) health care services.14 The average life expectancy is now 43-47 years.15
Experience with biomedicine: Before the war, there was limited biomedical health care. National health care services were available on a limited bases. There were some private health care providers. However, most health care personnel and facilities were concentrated in Mogadishu and a few other larger towns.16 Patients of biomedical health care providers were almost always given an antibiotic. Therefore, Somali patients in the U.S. may expect to receive medication with every health care visit.17 Appointments were not taken for a health care visit, and those needing care arrived at the clinic or hospital and waited their turn to be seen.
Traditional healing: Most Somalis are familiar with traditional Somali healing practices. Illness in the traditional worldview may be caused by communicable disease, by God, or by spirit possession. The "evil eye" is a concept believed in by many Somali. The evil eye is misfortune or illness caused by a person wishing harm on another. A mother's behavior during pregnancy or God's will affect the health of the baby.18
There are several types of traditional healers in Somali culture. Spiritual healers use religious rituals for healing. General practitioners are skilled in cauterization, minor surgery, blood letting, bone setting, and the use of herbal medications.19 The traditional healers are wise men or women in the community who learned their skills from older family members. Healing techniques include applying a heated stick from certain trees to the skin. This is done for tuberculosis, hepatitis or diarrhea to stimulate the immune system. Herbs and prayer also are used for healing.
Somalis believe spirits reside within each individual. When the spirits become angry, illnesses such as fever, headache, dizziness and weakness can result. The cure involves a healing ceremony including reading from the Koran, eating special foods, and burning incense.
Health prevention: Health prevention, in the traditional Somali worldview, is primarily through the use of prayer and living a life according to Islam. U.S. Somalis likely do not practice preventative health. Health care, both traditional and western, is for acute illness. A common view among Somalis is that an individual cannot prevent future illness, as the ultimate decision on this is in God's hands. Taking medications, such as anti-tubercular agents, when one feels healthy is also not within the traditional Somali worldview.
Health care procedures: Most Somali patients accept surgery and blood drawing. Health care decision making usually involves the entire Somali family, with the male family members being the family spokesperson. The father is expected to give consent for medical procedures or surgery. If he is absent, the mother can give consent. If neither is present, maternal uncles can do so.
Mental health: Mental health care also is a concept new to many Somalis. Traditionally, mental illness is believed to be caused by spirit possession or as a punishment from God. Spiritual healing is required for mental illness. Traditional Somalis viewed people as mentally healthy or mentally ill. They did not see a continuum between the two states.
Mental illness had a social stigma and usually the family attempted to care for the ill person within the family.
As with many other refugees, depression and anxiety are common to many Somali in the U.S. Many have lost family members or are separated from them. An estimated 30 percent of all refugees have been victims of torture.20 An estimated three of four Somalis were traumatized by the civil war. Many have psychosomatic symptoms as well.
Death and dying: Somalis view dying in a religious context. Dying is salvation and part of the cycle of life. When a Somali person is terminally ill, it is considered uncaring for a health care provider to tell the dying person. The family should be told. They will tell the patient. It is acceptable, however, to tell the patient about the extreme seriousness of their illness.
When death is impending, a special portion of the Koran, called yasin, is read at the bedside. Following a death, a skeik is called to prepare the body. A female shek cares for women, and a male sheik cares for men. The skeik cleans and perfumes the body, places it in white clothing, and says the appropriate prayers. In Somalia, the deceased's next of kin is responsible for placing the deceased in the grave. In Minnesota, the Islamic Care Center handles all arrangements, if a family requests them to do so. The anniversary of a loved one's death is commemorated.21
Pregnancy and childbirth: Traditionally, Somali women marry early and childbearing usually commences shortly thereafter. It is not unusual for a Somali family to have seven or eight children. Expectant and newly delivered mothers benefit from a strong network of women within Somali culture. Before a birth, the community women hold a party (somewhat like a baby shower) for the pregnant woman as a sign of support and celebration.22 Traditional birth attendants assist with the majority of deliveries in Somalia, as well as provide post-natal care. Long training with a seasoned traditional midwife was required before one could become a birth attendant. Births most frequently occurred at home. Traditionally, the baby's father is not present during the birth, though this is changing in the U.S. Before delivery, a Somali mother's circumcision must be cut open to allow passage of the infant. After delivery, the area is again sown together.
Post-partum practices: After a child is born, the new mother and baby stay indoors at home for 40 days, a time period known as afatanbah. Female relatives and friends visit the family and help take care of them. This includes preparing special foods such as soup, porridge, and special teas. During afatanbah, the mother wears earrings made from string placed through a clove of garlic. The baby wears a bracelet made from string and herbs to ward away the evil eye. Incense is burned twice a day to protect the baby from the ordinary smells of the world, which have the potential to make him or her sick.
At the end of the 40 days there is a celebration at the home of a friend or relative. The baby is given a name at birth. There also is a (second) naming ceremony for the child. In some families this occurs within the first 2-3 weeks of the baby's life. In other families, the naming ceremony is held at the same time as the celebration at the end of afatanbah.23
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is common for up to two years after birth in Somalia. Most mothers give colestrum. Some believe colestrum is not good for the baby. As a result, supplementation with animal milk (camel, goat, and cow) is often given in the neonatal period, especially during the first few days of life. It was common for infants, including newborns, to be given liquids with a cup rather than a bottle. (In rural areas, access to bottles was limited.) A mixture of rice and cow's milk is introduced at about six months of age, and solid foods after that. Many Somali mothers in the U.S. now bottle-feed their babies.24
Infant care: Diapering is not common in the rural or poorer part of Somalia. When the baby is awake, the mother will hold a small basin in her lap and then hold her baby in a sitting position over the basin at regular time intervals. Somali mothers claim that within a short period of time infants are trained to use the "potty." At nighttime, a piece of plastic is placed between the mattress and bedding. The bedding and plastic are then cleaned daily.25
Irregular pigmentation, known as "mongolian spots" may be present on the lower back, buttocks, or thighs of Somali infants, and may be interpreted as bruises by some U.S. health care providers. Pigmentation usually evens out, and the spots disappear by the time the child is three or four years of age.26
Circumcision: Circumcision is universally practiced for both Somali males and females. It is viewed as a rite of passage, and is necessary for marriage, as uncircumcised people are seen as "unclean." Male circumcision is performed between birth and five years of age. It is accompanied by a celebration involving prayers and the ritual slaying of a goat. The circumcision is performed either by a traditional or biomedical health provider. Female circumcision includes several different procedures in which varying amounts of the genitalia are removed. In Somalia the procedure known as infibulation was practiced, in which all the external genitalia are removed and the labia majora are sutured together leaving a small opening for passage of urine and menstrual flow. A traditional female practitioner performs the procedure in Somalia. It is usually performed between birth and adolescence.
Circumcision creates many health problems for women including urinary tract infections, menstrual problems and infections, and increased risks related to pregnancy, as well as chronic pain.27 Douching is a common practice. Because of long tradition, both Somali men and women fear their daughters will not marry if uncircumcised.
Female circumcision is not a requirement of Islam. In the U.S., it is against the law to circumcise a female child. Female circumcision in the U.S. has become a complex and emotionally charged subject. Most Somalis in the U.S. believe the practice is obsolete.
Suggestions for treating Somali patients:
- Provide information to begin to familiarize Somali refugees with U.S. health care practices.
- Establish a relationship with the Somali family before care begins. Building respect is essential. Providers need to be receptive to the family's suggestions.
- Try to establish a health care plan with both the father and the mother. But if one is not available, it is acceptable to talk to either parent. Female health care providers may be more effective in talking privately with the child's mother, without the presence of male family members, as the mother is the child's primary care provider.
- If at all possible use a trained medical interpreter. Children should never be used. Presence of the family is desirable, but not to interpret the conversation.
- Inquire about dietary restrictions, the use of herbal medications, and provide privacy for prayer. Consider establishing a "walk-in" type clinic rather than set appointment times.
- Keep in mind that many of the Somali refugees have experienced horrific events and may be experiencing posttraumatic stress. Somalis have no word in their language for stress. Many also may be stressed by financial constraints or overcrowded housing.
- If medications are not prescribed during a health visit, providers need to explain why not.
- Keep in mind that the role of the children, particularly adolescents, is changing with immigration. Somali children are quick to learn the values and behaviors of American culture, which may be different from those of their parents. This produces additional stress on a family. Health education materials may need to be given verbally--either in person or in a video--as many Somali have limited English proficiency. Recognize that female circumcision is a sensitive issue for Somali women, and strive to keep the lines of communication open.
- Use the right hand to give food or medications to a Somali client, as the left hand is considered "impolite."
- Consider changing medication schedules for older children during Ramadan, because they may not be taking any food or fluids during the day.
- Provide opportunities and a location for prayer (at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and in the evening). Do not interrupt prayer, as it is a time during which the divine is present.
- Allow patients to wear amulets, if possible. They help keep evil spirits away and have medicinal value.
- Somalis believe spanking is an acceptable practice. This may complicate diagnosis and make Somalis apprehensive about bringing their child in for care.
- Don't use finger gestures to get attention, as it is viewed as disrespectful.
- Ask for permission before touching the patient to offer comfort.
- During long procedures, repeat necessary information and frequently offer reassurance.
- Ask what their symptoms are. Many Somalis will describe pain by saying they hurt all over.
- Remember that there is always great variability among people in any group. Health care providers are encouraged to view individuals as unique persons within their cultural framework.
End Notes
1 General characteristics of the Somali as a cultural group are summarized here. Factors such as how long the Somali have lived in the U.S., the strength of their personal identity with their Somali roots, and their Islamic faith will result in individual variation. Children's Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota prepared this description. Representatives of the Somali community of the Twin Cities of Minnesota reviewed and critiqued the information. Somali representatives were: Samira Dini, Asli Egal, Faduma Hassan, Roda Jama, Mohamed Mohamed, Farhiya Mohamed Moor, Nadifa Osman, and Salah Warsame.
2 Somali Benabiri Community of Minnesota estimate.
3 Putnam, D.B. & Noor, M.C. (1993) The Somalis: Their History and Culture (Available from The Refugee Services Center, The Center for Applied Linguistics, 1118-22nd St., NW, Washington DC, 20037).
4 Metz, H. C. (1993) Somalia: A Country Study. Washington, D C: Federal Research Division.
5 Hassig, S. (1997). Somalia. New York: Caverdish.
6 Lewis, T. (1996). Somali Cultural Profile.www.healthlinks.washington.edu/clinical/ethnomed.
7 Hanson-Ericson, V. (1996) Health Care Beliefs and Practices of Somali Immigrants: A Thesis. The College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, MN.
8 Lewis, T.
9 Hassig, S.
10 Davidhizar, R. & Gigier, J. (1998). Canadian Transcultural Nursing. St. Louis: Mosby.
11 Lewis, T.
12 Lucken, S., staff physician, Dept. of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN. Improving Health Care for Somali Children by Better Understanding Somali History, Culture and Medicine, Aug. 31, 1999.
13 World Health Organization. Somali Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, June, 1998.
14 Lucken, S.
15 World Health Organization. The World Health Report 2000 Health Systems: Improving Performance, July, 2000.
16 Metz, H. C.
17 Lewis, T.
18 Hanson-Ericson, V.
19 Hanson-Ericson, V.
20 Hanson-Ericson, V.
21 Lewis, T.
22 Lewis, T.
23 Lewis, T.
24 Lewis, T.
25 Lewis, T.
26 Davidhizar, R. & Giger, J.
27 Hanson-Ericson, V.
Date Last Modified: 08/25/2003


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Five asylum seekers feared dead in latest Christmas Island boat tragedy
- From: News Corp Australia Network
- August 20, 2013
UP to five people are feared to have gone down with an asylum boat which sank north of Christmas Island this afternoon.
A desperate navy rescue saved about 100 people on board the vessel, but the Australian Maritime Safety Authority revealed several people are likely to have drowned.
Information from survivors suggested that up to five people remained unaccounted for, but they may have gone down with the boat.
After an extensive search for survivors or bodies, none were sighted.
"It is therefore believed any people unaccounted for have gone down with part of the vessel," Customs said.
The 106 survivors are being transferred to Christmas Island for health and security checks.
The search was launched after the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) received a request for help from someone on the boat on Tuesday morning.
HMAS Parramatta reached them at 12.20pm (AEST).
HMAS Pirie and a BPC aircraft were called in for the rescue efforts.
Two people rescued were treated for minor injuries.
"The vessel was upright, but partially submerged. A number of people were sighted in the water," Customs said.
The boat was about 120 nautical miles north of Christmas Island.
The tragedy comes as Immigration Minister Tony Burke and Foreign Minister Bob Carr are in Indonesia attending a regional anti-people smuggling conference.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott warned against Senator Carr and Mr Burke signing up to any agreement that may come from the talks due to the fact that the government was in "caretaker mode" ahead of the election next month.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lobbying Tracker
Follow Washington influence using Sunlight's Lobbying Tracker tools for keeping up with K street. Keep checking this page as we add more resources and tools to LobbyTrack.
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Miller & Chevalier for Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Date received: Sept. 3, 2013
Issues: Taxation/Internal Revenue Code
Specific issue: International tax and other tax reform issues related to Puerto Rico.
Bickwit, Leonard Jr
Femia, Rocco
Gerson, Marc J (covered positions: House Ways & Means Comm., Tax Counsel )
See original filing


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Sir William Blake Richmond (English, 1842 - 1921)
William Blake Richmond was the son of artist George Richmond. He was a great admirer of classical art and of the Pre-Raphaelites, and produced both paintings and sculptures. Richmond is best known for his mosaic decorations in St Paul's Cathedral, London, which he worked on from 1891 to 1904. These works caused much controversy, and were criticized by those who claimed that mosaics were not part of English tradition and had no place in the cathedral.


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looks like emericas got some dope new choes coming out. The cruisers and nailers GOAT shoes look sick, and are those emerica slippers on the side?
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From working traffic signals to "I'm Back" signs in front of formerly flooded homes, Minot is showing signs of recovery.
"It's no easy task recovering from a flood that caused more than $1 billion in damage," Minot Mayor Curt Zimbelman said at a news conference held Monday to update the community on the recovery progress.
However, he added, "I felt we would come along quicker than some communities, and I think we have. I think we have come a long ways. Certainly when you are dealing with the public and all the different situations, I realize in many cases we are not moving fast enough, especially on the buyouts. I was hoping that we would be further along. I was really feeling that we would have some of the hazard mitigation funds in our hands so we could do the buyouts."
Article Photos
Jill Schramm/MDN
Not for long will this pedestrian bridge across the Souris River remain off its foundation and littered with flood debris. Bridge repair projects are to be bid this fall.
Jill Schramm/MDN
A Federal Emergency Management temporary housing unit sits behind a house undergoing flood repairs Monday. Fewer than 1,000 units remain of about 2,000 units once in place to accommodate flood evacuees.
With the assistance of state funds, the first round of voluntary buyouts should be complete before Jan. 1, said Cindy Hemphill, city finance director. The city sent out 107 purchase offers and expects to close on 82 and possibly 83 homes.
Another round of voluntary acquisitions of homes in the footprint of a flood protection plan will occur if the state provides funding.
Hemphill said the city must wait to see what the state Legislature decides. If a positive decision is made, the earliest the city might see any money is August 2013.
The city doesn't have complete figures on how many people living in Federal Emergency Management Agency temporary housing units are waiting for buyouts. Often residents can't make future plans because they continue to make mortgage payments on their damaged houses. An earlier survey of about 1,200 households in FEMA temporary housing units generated 600 responses and of those, 31 indicated that they are waiting for buyouts.
Just under 1,000 temporary housing units remain occupied at private sites and at group sites. That represents 963 households, including 351 renters and 612 homeowners.
"So 2,200 to 2,300 people are still looking for a permanent solution for housing after the flood," Zimbelman said.
He said the landowner who owns the land for Virgil Workman Village is considering allowing a mobile home park in the location so temporary housing units could remain long-term. He added that the city also is considering opening property north of the Northeast Bypass, north of the agricultural park, for a mobile home park.
"We need mobile home parks desperately here. I have talked to several that would like to come in and start a mobile home park but I am afraid that they can't do it at a cost that people could afford to live in it," Zimbelman said. If the city can invest in infrastructure to make setting up a park more affordable, the likelihood of getting another park increases, he said.
In other recovery news, the city reported:
Recovery groups have put more than $10 million back into the community.
FEMA and the Small Business Administration have given low-interest loans and grants totaling nearly $400 million.
Repair work on streets lights and intersection signals along federal-aid roads is essentially complete, with only minor tasks remaining. Those projects cost $651,000, with the city responsible for $214,700.
Clean up along the river was accomplished thanks to 700 volunteer hours by Minot Air Force Base's 91st Missile Security Forces.
Clean up of debris along the dead loops of the river is complete. The city's 25 percent cost share is $54,338.
Sanitary sewer, water lines and pump station work in design or under way totals $22.2 million.
Meanwhile, city staff and flood recovery consultants are making progress on details of programs in the city's $64.5 million Community Development Block Grant.
The CDBG program to rehab or reconstruct flood damaged property focuses first on the elderly and disabled living in FEMA units. More than 100 households have been identified.
Hemphill said 77 households filled out applications, and of those, 12 have received final approval and are scheduled for damage inspections.
"We are continuing to reach out to individuals that we believe are qualified based on the survey that we did," Hemphill said.
The program can provide up to $60,000 for rehabilitation and $150,000 for reconstruction for low- to moderate-income households. For information or applications, people can call 837-5813 or visit the disaster recovery office in Arrowhead Shopping Center.
The CDBG program does not allow for reimbursement for work already done. However, if people have started but not yet finished, the work remaining may be eligible.
Zimbelman said the largest recovery project, enhanced flood protection, could take 10 years or more to complete. The governor's budget will include money for engineering work in 2013, but Zimbelman said the Legislature still must give its approval.
"There are no guarantees at this point that funding is secured," he said.
The city council approved a flood plan that would protect the city to 27,400 cubic feet per second, which is the flood of record that occurred last year. Engineers currently are analyzing the cost of plans that protect to 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 cfs. The analysis being conducted will only include changes in levee height, not in the footprint.
Zimbelman said the city has been told that it has the same flood protection level now as before the flood. He said that means the city can handle up to 9,000 cfs with its ability to raise dikes quickly and get better access to the river due to homes being removed with the buyouts.
The flood plain has not yet changed, although FEMA intends to make revisions. The flood plain is largely considered to be inside the river banks.
The city still advises people in the valley to carry flood insurance, and not just because the threat of another flood continues to exist.
City manager David Waind said once the new flood map is drafted, flood insurance premiums will increase. Currently, the cost is about $400 a year for $250,000 in coverage.
Waind said it is uncertain how much rates will increase but he has seen numbers three to four times higher for people who have the insurance and even higher for those who hadn't previously carried it.
"We think it's important that people understand that and that they do get the flood insurance," Waind said. "It would be wise for them to secure it while they can still get the preferable rate."


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A teen armed with a loaded rifle led police on a pursuit through Carbon County Thursday night.
It started on Route 209 in Mahoning Township, where officers were conducting a DUI checkpoint.
A pickup truck made an illegal U-turn before the checkpoint, so officers initiated a traffic stop, police said.
The truck led officers on a chase through Lehighton and Franklin Township, eventually ending on Route 209, police said.
A 15-year-old from Kunkletown was driving the truck intoxicated, said police, adding that the teen also had a loaded Savage .243 rifle in his possession.
He is facing a number of charges and is now in a juvenile detention facility.


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CHENEY, Wash. (AP) - Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Trent Dilfer is out indefinitely because of a sprained ligament in his right knee.
Team officials would not say when Dilfer could return. Dilfer and coach Mike Holmgren were both unavailable for comment.
Dilfer injured the medial collateral ligament of his right knee during the second quarter of the Seahawks' 28-10 exhibition loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night.
Playing in his third series against the Colts, Dilfer was hit by defensive tackle James Cannida and defensive end Chad Bratzke as he attempted a pass to Koren Robinson in the second quarter.
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Fifth through eighth grade students from five schools in Onondaga and Madison counties will compete in playoffs Tuesday in the 26th annual Drug Quiz Show. The competition starts at 6:30 p.m. and awards will follow at 8:30 p.m. at Bishop Grimes High School, 6653 Kirkville Road, East Syracuse.
The quiz show tests students' knowledge of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during game-show style competitions. The winning team will receive T-shirts, certificates, and trophies.
This year, Christian Brothers Academy, North Syracuse Junior High, Wellwood Middle School, Tully and Chitttenango will take part.
The quiz show is struggling with funding cuts, and is looking for donations to keep it operating, and sponsors.


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DETROIT, MI -- Whether you're headed to the jazz festival, the state fair, the renaissance festival or Arts Beats and Eats this Labor Day weekend, be prepared:
There's an increasing chance of storms in the Detroit area through Monday, according to the National Weather Service, "with scattered thunderstorms a good bet by this evening as a cold front drops into southeast Michigan."
(Related: Beware of switching winds this weekend if you are going to play on the water)
"A few spots, especially north and west of Detroit could be hit with damaging wind gusts, large hail and flash flooding," reports Accuweather.com.
"People spending time outdoors, especially the Michigan State Fair and on the lakes Friday through the weekend, should keep an eye out for rapidly changing weather conditions."
Evening hours will be the most vulnerable to storms.
Heavy rains struck parts of western Wayne County Thursday evening, causing some minor flooding, but spared much of the rest of the region.
There's a chance Detroit-area storms Friday night could be severe, according to the weather service, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to 1 inch in diameter.
Follow MLive Detroit reporter Khalil AlHajal on Twitter @DetroitKhalil or on Facebook at Detroit Khalil. He can be reached at email@example.com or 313-643-0527.


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- World Championships
- Youth/Junior World Championships
- Continental Championships
- Worldcups
- IBU-Cup
- Continental Cups
- Summer Biathlon
- Olympic Events
- others
Snow Just in Time for IBU Cup 2
|08.12.2011, Ridnaun / Luis Mahlknecht/ IBU Inf. Dept
|Individual and Sprints in Ridnaun
|A 2.5K loop was prepared with artificial snow in Ridnaun, Italy that many athletes used for training in the last few days. However, snow arrived last night just in time for the IBU Cup 2 this weekend, creating a picture perfect scene at the top of this scenic valley.
Hoping to Make it to the World Cup
The first IBU Cup of the season was held in Östersund because winter came late in Scandinavia as well as here, therefore the start list was full of World Cups competitors. Now, at IBU Cup 2, the "second division" athletes take over with many of them hoping for a promotion up to the World Cup.
The individual and sprint competitions on Saturday and Sunday will not be boring as there will be a number for strong athletes competing. While the individual is a perfect opportunity for strong shooters to finish high in the result lists, the sprint will offer an opportunity to the blazing fast skiers.
Biathlon Powers
The French IBU Cup team will make their first appearance here as the entire A-team started in Östersund. Ludwig Ehrhart, already strong last year, is expected to fight for a podium spot again, especially in the individual as Jean Pierre Amat's athletes are traditionally strong on the shooting range. Germany's Benedikt Doll who sprinted onto the podium in Östersund will also compete again. His German team is one of the powerhouses on the IBU Cup, just like the World Cup circuit. The Italian team with Pietro Dutto, Daniel Taschler or Alexia Runggaldier also want to perform well in front of the home crowd.
Russian Team
Of course, the ever-deep Russian team has to be considered, as well as the fast Norwegians where a string of athletes can climb onto the podium on any given day. The same goes for the Ukrainians with several athletes hoping for a start in next week's E.ON IBU World Cup Biathlon in Hochfilzen. A switch of athletes will be easy for all, now that IBU Cup 3 in Obertilliach is going to be so close to the third World Cup of the season.
First, everyone has to perform at their best here in Ridnaun. The new stadium, the site of the IBU OECH last February, is ready and the tracks are in good condition. After the new snow, these tracks do not wind through brown grass but through a backdrop of the fantastically wintery Alps.
The women will start at 10 am and the men at 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.


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ZEELAND, MI — West Michigan Community Bank plans to break ground this summer on a new branch in Zeeland after city planners recommended approval of a rezoning request for a long-vacant parcel where the bank will be built.
The Planning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of rezoning the property at the northeast corner of State Street and Washington Avenue to highway commercial. A second vote is still needed from commissioners later this spring before going on to City Council for final action.
The property is currently part of a special mixed-use zone district along Washington Avenue that the city established in 2005 to try to encourage a combination of retail, office and residential uses. However, developers say the zone's requirements, which include a "build-to" line to encourage buildings closer to the street, have made the property hard to develop.
"It's been a challenge to get something built in that area," project architect Matt Heidloff said.
Goodwill Industries had proposed a 10,000-square-foot store on the site in 2007, but its proposal was rejected by commissioners. Goodwill later decided to locate the store in the Bridgewater Place strip mall just north of the city.
The new branch would replace the current West Michigan Community Bank branch, located in the Batts Plaza strip mall on the northwest corner of Washington and State. Construction would get under way in the summer and the new office would be open this fall, bank President Phil Koning said.


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|By Yujin (Yujin) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 04:02 am: Edit
Damn, I just got a 1260 on my SAT. (570V, 690M). The reading just simply killed me but I did quite good on the Sentence and Analogies. It was my first time and I'm afraid of doing bad on it again.
Math, I can mos def bring up with good practice and not making unnecessary errors.
I'm thinking about switching to ACT. I feel that I am pretty good in science with reading graphs and whatnot. English is not that hard for me either. Of course, the reading will once again be kinda difficult. But I'm not sure though, that's three sections I can do good on but one I won't do so good on.
|By Mattman (Mattman) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 10:51 am: Edit
I'd say it's worth taking the ACT just because it tests you in a different kind of way, possibly one you're much better at.
I made a 1270 and 1280 SAT and 28 ACT, so they're about the same, but some people do substantially better on one or the other.
|By Sns22022 (Sns22022) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 12:11 pm: Edit
I got a 1380 on the SAT and a 32 ACT, which is a bit higher then my SAT. Hey,..anything counts. lol.
|By Yujin (Yujin) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 03:08 pm: Edit
Yeah..the math part where you see which is bigger on the SAT also killed me too..
they dont have that on the act, do they?
|By Sns22022 (Sns22022) on Sunday, April 18, 2004 - 11:54 pm: Edit
THANK GOD no. The only math problems I really missed on the SAT were those...and I got a 700 so I basically missed the entire thing. Ahh,..sometimes I wish I was a sophomore taking the new sat.
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Hand Held Meters for Mills & Secondary Wood Manufacturers
L601-3 Handheld Moisture Meter
The rugged L601-3 is specifically designed for the demanding environments of
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A simple menu system guides you step by step through the selecting, storing, and reporting process.
Aware of today's growing need for timely, accurate moisture monitoring information and record keeping for mills, we have introduced the L622 Digital Recording Moisture Meter.
In the 15%+ moisture content range, the L622 has improved accuracy over earlier models, combining non-pin "wood-friendly" scanning with our latest micro-computer technology.
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Wagner Meters' electromagnetic wave technology makes it possible to take multiple readings throughout an entire stack in just minutes.
Designed for applications in either lumber producing or wood manufacturing markets, the MMI1100 moisture meter is easy to use, easy to program, and offers data collection and assessment capabilities in the palm of your hand.
The MMI1100 moisture meter is perfect for QC personnel for those applications where simple data analysis is critical.


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New Security cameras installed in downtown GreenvilleUPDATED 11:46 PM EST Dec 04, 2013
New surveillance cameras have been installed in downtown Greenville as part of a new security plan aimed at keeping residents safe.
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Home > Family Crest Gifts > Family Crest Rings
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Family Crest Rings, Signet Rings, Seal Rings


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You don't have to travel far to find a crab salad molded into a spherical shape these days, but the pearly smooth surfaces of the crab-and-celery root remoulade suggested the hand of a sculptor as much as a chef. A shallow moat of satsuma reduction added a sweet note of a noticeably higher pitch than the lump meat's. Accent ingredients -- hair-thin slivers of apple, a few celery leaves -- bridged the divide.
The dish was representative of MiLa's style not just because it was artful and ingredient-driven but because it followed a certain logic, one that extended to the entrees that followed: a redfish fillet wrapped in a phyllo crust and a thick, crispy disc of pork confit. A comma-shaped brushstroke of pureed celery root and dark lobster jus edged the plate of the former, while Creole mustard jus united the latter with its bed of creamed collard greens.
The meal was typical of those I've enjoyed over the past several months at MiLa, whose kitchen has been setting the bar high. I can't remember the last time I've eaten lunch at a great restaurant where the quality matched what you find at dinner. And I didn't even get to the desserts yet.
817 Common St., 504.412.2580
Four Beans
Open:Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dinner 5:30 to 10 p.m. daily.
Prices: Lunch: starters and salads $6 to $12. Entrees $17 to $22. Three-course prix fixe $20. Dinner: starters and salads $7 to $18. Entrees $19 to $36.
Reservations: Required.
Credit Cards: All major.
Parking: Valet in hotel's lot.
Food: Excellent to superior. The food of married chefs Allison Vines-Rushing and Slade Rushing is artful and ingredient-driven, and it follows a certain logic. The chefs have a gift for casting familiar ingredients and recipes in flattering new light. The occasional stumbles decreased with each passing visit, and in recent months the kitchen has been setting a very high bar.
Ambiance: Very good to excellent. The razzle-dazzle swagger projected by the bamboo-floored dining room is refreshing in a town that embraces decay. Still, there is an unmistakable disconnect between MiLa's nuanced food and its unsubtle appearance.
Service: Very good to excellent. The stiff service that was common through last spring has given way to a warm institutional confidence. The floor staff on recent visits has been gracious and knowledgeable, although the reservation desk is still disorganized. MiLa's wine list contains well-chosen bottles, but its wine program is not yet comparable to the city's best.
Comfort: Excellent to superior. The tables are roomy and well-spaced, and noise isn't a noticeable problem even when the dining room is crowded. The wraparound booths offer privacy but can feel isolating if your preference is to be in the thick of a restaurant's action.
Best bets: Crab and celery root remoulade ($12 at lunch); oyster Rockefeller deconstructed ($12); New Orleans barbecue lobster ($18); seared venison loin ($36); sweet tea-brined rotisserie duck ($32); grilled local wahoo ($26); root beer "float" ($9); Muscadine wine gelee ($7)
Ginning up three-course lunch deals -- and at $20, MiLa's is a genuine deal -- was not what drew Allison Vines-Rushing and Slade Rushing away from New York more than three years ago. But the fact that MiLa's married co-chefs are doing just that -- and doing so impressively -- suggests they have found peace with their position in New Orleans' culinary universe. The chefs have willed MiLa to become an excellent restaurant, and they've done it against steep odds.
The couple arrived in summer 2005 to open Longbranch, which they envisioned as a destination restaurant on the north shore. The restaurant would be uncompromising, a country retreat with a long wine list and a garden out back. Diners were expected to make the trek eagerly in formal attire.
That, at least, was the plan before Hurricane Katrina, which spoiled Longbranch's planned opening along with much of the public's appetite for extravagance. The restaurant served memorable food, but the circumstances required its ambitions to be dramatically scaled back. By 2007, when the couple moved on to the new restaurant being built inside the Renaissance Pere Marquette Hotel, they had learned to reconcile the conflict between art and commerce. Longbranch had failed, and they needed jobs.
Viewed as a life lesson, the Katrina experience no doubt helped ease the chefs' transition to their new professional home, which on the surface is not an ideal fit.
It is no crime that the newly renovated restaurant space -- the former home to Rene Bistrot -- is relentlessly contemporary, a description that could easily apply to many of MiLa's dishes. The razzle-dazzle swagger projected by the bamboo-floored dining room, with its glassed-in wine collection and wraparound booths, is refreshing in a town where the blind pursuit of ineffable "soul" causes many local business owners to mistake grime and decay for allies. I also enjoy how the bottom-lit bar makes a glass of ice water resemble a chalice of molten lava.
Still, there is an unmistakable disconnect between MiLa's food and the restaurant's unabashed hipness. The chefs' highly nuanced cooking only highlights the lack of subtlety surrounding it.
Vines-Rushing and Rushing make it work anyway. Meals begin with a bread basket containing warm corn bread accompanied by two miniature cast iron pans. One contains creamy Vermont butter; the other, smoothly pureed white beans -- something a waiter on a visit last spring called "redneck hummus." The disarming touch implies nothing is too rugged for a linen-covered table as long as it tastes like home.
The sentiment befits native Southerners -- Vines-Rushing is from Monroe, Rushing from Tylertown, Miss. -- and it applies to dishes that are far removed from the traditional Southern table. Dishes such as the barbecue lobster, a riff on the Pascal's Manale invention that manages to honor the original without degrading the lobster, which arrived sweet and succulent the last time I ordered it.
The rotisserie duck benefits from the chefs' refined palates. And once you lick your plate clean, you'll have no trouble imagining rural hunters brining their birds in sweet tea and eating them with roasted beets in a sticky reduction of dates. Combined with ruby-red wine sauce, each rich bite of the seared, nearly fork tender venison loin seemed bottomless. (Was that juniper I tasted? Or an illusion created by the quatre epices, a French spice blend that generally includes pepper, ginger, cloves and nutmeg?)
MiLa's chefs have a gift for casting familiar ingredients and recipes in flattering new light. They demonstrated this semi-famously with their deconstruction of oysters Rockefeller, in which they unearth the dish's essence by breaking it down to component parts. I've enjoyed my share of wahoo, but never have I appreciated it like I did at MiLa. The piece of fish, cut taller than it was wide, sat on fans of bacon-roasted endive with a few porcini mushrooms. Grill marks crossed the grain of its flesh, which was pink at the center, its juices slowly marbling the clear, buttery, truffle-scented sauce.
MiLa's menu changes frequently and a few of my favorite dishes from past meals are not currently in rotation. While I miss the smoked pepper-dusted tuna, I don't miss the stumbles that were common early on but have become less so with each passing visit. There was undercooked lobster, dry pompano, clumpy sweet potato pappardelle and staff members whose temperaments ran the gamut from stiff to stressed. But every meal I've had at the restaurant dating to early this year has been better than the one before. Over three visits since last summer, I don't recall being disappointed by a single dish.
And MiLa's desserts have always been close to flawless. In a more delicious world, MiLa's rice pudding, which toes the line between creamy and dense, would dislodge creme brulee from its omnipresent perch. Brioche beignets provided light-as-a-feather ballast to a plate of caramel-poached apples, a taste of autumn reinforced by a scoop of spiced ice cream.
Muscadine wine gelee, served beneath a cloud of sweet cream, exists in that previously undiscovered space between Jell-O and cold soup, a beguiling mixture of citrus and vegetal flavors embedded with seasonal fruit. MiLa's root beer "float" is even more outlandish. Built from vanilla bean bavarois and ginger snap tuiles, it looks like a thin, rectangular piece of glass tile. But plated with a ball of Abita root beer sorbet, the glistening creation tastes precisely like its inspiration. It's a dessert capable of evoking powerful memories. You're also unlikely to encounter anything like it anywhere else.


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When I first opened my foodie penpals box a few weeks ago I could smell the peaches. I'm sure that my penpal didn't go to a peach farm and pick these however just knowing they were much fresher than what turns up in our grocery store. The smell immediately brought me back to my favorite farmer's market in Old Town Alexandria, VA. The first weeks in Virginia were a confusing mess. I have to admit I was terrified to go almost anywhere because I was so afraid of getting lost. We lived on a very long street that stretched miles – all the way to the Potomac harbor. I learned this street first. Each trip I became more adventurous, going a little further. Then, I stumbled on the farmers' market.
With my boys in tow (because they were both still pretty small!) we wove our way around the booths. I picked up zucchinis and felt a pang of homesickness for my Midwestern roots. But then, I stumbled on the peaches. PEACHES?!?! Truth be told I hadn't even thought of the different produce that would be available to us living in this different climate. Let's just say I bought a lot of them. Every week we went back and I would get peaches – we were all peach-ed out by the time the season closed.
So that first scent of peaches left me standing at my counter missing Virginia just a little.
Two of the peaches were a little bruised from their long travels and so I wanted to use them right away. I decided to make a peach cobbler based off of a recipe I found in the Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville's New South Kitchen Cookbook. It's a beautiful book, that takes me back to the Southeast (and makes me wish desperately for a trip to Asheville, NC).
This is best eaten hot – I loved serving it on top of plain Greek Yogurt for breakfast.
- 5 peaches, skin removed and cut into slices
- 1 1/4 c water
- 1 c sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- t Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds
- 1/2 cup sweet white rice flour
- 1/2 stick butter
- Preheat oven to 325F. Mix 3/4 c water with 1/2 c sugar until well combined and then add all of the peeled and sliced peaches. Place into an oven proof baking dish and bake 10 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400F.
- In another bowl mix the vanilla, 1/2 c water, cinnamon and almonds.
- Drain the peaches, reserving the syrup. Mix the syrup with brown sugar, cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the peaches, along with the almond mixture.
- Finally in a food processor add the butter and sweet rice flour and pulse until it looks crumbly. Add this to the top of the peaches.
- Slide the dish into the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top starts to brown and the liquid is reduced.
- Eat hot as a dessert with ice cream or as breakfast with some yogurt.
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The Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket is an affordable, high-performing 2.5-layer rain shell. It has the function and attention to detail we expect from Patagonia and is a great deal. It is very similar in design and construction to our Best Buy winner, the Marmot PreCip; however, the PreCip breathes better, is more ventilated, and we recommend it over the Torrentshell for hiking, backpacking, and other more high energy adventures. That said, the Torrentshell does a little better job sealing out the downpours and its hood plays really well with helmets. It is more durable as well, so it's more appropriate for rough activities like climbing and mountaineering.
If a truly ultralight rain jacket is what you're after, check out the Marmot Essence, our Editors' Choice winner.
< Go to Rain Jackets - Men's
Hands-on Gear Review
Patagonia Torrentshell Review
Rain Jacket
Cons: So-so ventilation, small zipper pulls and cord locks
RELATED: Our complete review of rain jackets - men's
Analysis and Hands-on Test Findings
Review by:
Brandon Lampley
Review Editor
Last Updated:
November 11, 2014
The Patagonia Torrentshell is the highest overall scoring jacket in our tests that did not receive an award. It's an excellent jacket. Very similar in design to the Marmot PreCip, it's a little more durable and more mobile when the hood is over a helmet.
Performance Comparison
Water Resistance
No complaints here, the Torrentshell earned a good score for water resistance. The hood has well thought out features and fits with a helmet better than others. There is a large stiffened brim and the elastic cord that tightens around the brow passes through a soft fabric sleeve on the underside. This creates some space between your brow and the hood. Another cinch on the back of the hood adjusts the height of the brow. The Torrentshell was weather tight with ball cap, helmet, or just your head; and the hood rolls away if you prefer. Velcro at the cuffs and a relatively long waist combine to seal out the downpours.
Breathability & Ventilation
We found Patagonia's 2.5-layer H2No laminate fabric to be fairly breathable. This jacket didn't steam up too much when hiking in the drizzle. The Torrenshell's pit zips are average and get some air flowing through the generously cut torso when open. Fully opening the wrist cuffs also allows a little additional air movement. The similar Precip and Columbia Evapouration both have mesh-lined hand pockets that add to their ventilation, while the Torrentshell has fully waterproof hand pockets. In general, we find most top performing rain jackets have mesh-lined hand pockets to add to their ventilation in warm weather. The Torrentshell, along with the Marmot Minimalist, feature waterproof pockets, a feature more common to hardshell jackets.
Comfort & Mobility
There's nothing fancy about the Torrentshell; for the most part, it features the minimum to get the job done well. It doesn't have a fleece patch at the chin, but does have one at the back of the collar, which we didn't find added much. The hood design is very comfortable around the face and though the three cord locks are small, adjustment is simple. Because of the small cord locks and the small string pulls on the pit zip and pocket zippers, operating them is a pain with gloves on. We found the PreCip's zippers and cord locks easier to manipulate with cold or gloved hands. What the Torrentshell does offer is great mobility. The hood moves with or without a helmet better than others and the generously cut torso stays put when reaching with the arms.
The Torrentshell weighed in at 12.1 ounces, right in the middle of the pack, and practically the same as the similar Marmot PreCip and The North Face Venture.
We feel this model is one of the more durable jackets we tested. Patagonia's construction quality is top notch and the 50D ripstop nylon face fabric is burlier than similar models we tested.
Packed Size
This jacket stuffs into its left hand pocket and there is a webbing clip-in loop for securing it to a harness or backpack. Some jackets compress small but it's a struggle to get them in their pocket; the Torrentshell stows easily. It's not the smallest when packed, but the ease of stuffing and clip-in loop are nice.
The Torrentshell has the best hood we tested for use with a helmet. A stiffened brim, along with a fabric sleeve for the around the face elastic cinch are very comfortable on the brow. The cord locks for this cinch, as well as the brim height adjustment, are exterior and easy to adjust when the collar is zipped up tight. There's a micro-fleece patch at the back of the collar, a hang loop, and a snap closure for rolling and stowing the hood. Large pit zips are covered by an exterior storm flap. The Torrentshell's hand pockets are fully waterproof and the jacket stuffs into the left hand pocket. The wrist cuffs are lined with a soft nylon taffeta and adjust with a Velcro tab. The elastic hem cinch has cord lock adjustments on both sides.
Best Applications
The Patagonia Torrentshell works well for most wet and rainy activities. It's high performance enough for backcountry use and fine for around-town use as well. With its generous cut, we found it easy to layer underneath for cold weather. Because the hood works so well with a helmet, this is our favorite rain jacket for climbing and mountaineering.
At $130 this is a great deal. With its attention to detail, Patagonia has designed a durable product that offers stellar weather protection at a relatively inexpensive price. That said, the Best Buy winning Marmot PreCip is less expensive and with its superior breathability and ventilation, we think it is a better choice for high energy adventures.
The cleverly named Torrentshell is a rugged, streamlined 2.5-layer rain jacket. Its water resistance is top notch, it breathes fairly well, and it sports a functional, comfortable hood. While it's crafted with helmet-clad climbers and mountaineers in mind, it's also a great jacket for hiking and backpacking.
Other Versions
Patagonia Torrentshell - Women's
Torrentshell Rain Pants
— Brandon Lampley and Robert Beno
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Lobbying Tracker
Follow Washington influence using Sunlight's Lobbying Tracker tools for keeping up with K street. Keep checking this page as we add more resources and tools to LobbyTrack.
Lobbyist registrations
McDermott, Will & Emery for Avalara
Date received: Oct. 10, 2012
Issues: Taxation/Internal Revenue Code
Specific issue: S. 1452, H.R. 2701 S. 1832, H.R. 3179
Eynon, Edward (covered positions: Dep COS Cong.Shadegg; Coun:Cong.Gallegly;OIC;H GovRefOvrst; 2000-02: Deputy Chief of Staff, Rep. Shadegg; 1998-99: )
Ransom, David (covered positions: 2007-08: Sr Communications and Policy Advisor, House; 2007-08: Sr Communications and Policy Advisor, House; Majority Leader Steny Hoyer; 2002-06: Communications; Director, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer; 1999-2001:; Communications Director, House Committee on Administration; (Steny Hoyer, Ranking Member). )
Ryan, Stephen M (covered positions: 1987-91: Gen Counsel, Govt Affairs Comm, US Senate; 1986:; 1987-91: Gen Counsel, Govt Affairs Comm, US Senate; 1986:; Asst US Attorney, DC; 1984-86: Deputy Counsel, President's; Commission on Organized Crime. )
See original filing


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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today endorsed Rep. Richard Hanna in the 22nd Congressional District as he seeks to hold off three potential conservative challengers in a Republican primary.
One potential GOP challenger, state Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, has criticized Hanna's record on fiscal policies -- noting he voted twice to increase the federal debt ceiling without insisting on concessions from Democrats. She has accused Hanna of straying from conservative principles.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce gave Hanna its highest rating among all of New York's 27 House members based on his voting record.
Hanna, who owned an Upstate construction company for about 30 years, "will help produce sustained economic growth, help create jobs, and get our country back on track," U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue said in a statement.
The nation's largest business group has spent heavily to support the election of business-friendly conservative candidates to Congress. In 2012, the Chamber paid about $131,000 for a TV ad campaign supporting conservative Republican Ann Marie Buerkle, of Onondaga Hill, in her unsuccessful bid for re-election in the 24th District.
Contact Mark Weiner at email@example.com or 571-970-3751. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWeinerDC


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Award-Winning Author and Journalist Tracy Kidder Comes to Benaroya Hall
* Additional fees apply. No coupon or promo codes necessary to enjoy the displayed discount price.
The last date listed for Tracy Kidder was Wednesday March 2, 2011 / 7:30pm.
Currently at Benaroya Hall - S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Seattle Symphony Plays Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.3 & Symphony No.2
- Full Price:
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Take in two seminal early works by Beethoven as Seattle Symphony gives a lively performance of the… More
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He was interesting, entertaining and loosened up more as the talk went on. I realized very quickly that he was telling us about his editor and long time friend Todd in much the same fashion he has written about the doctors in his books. I enjoyed the Q&A.
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great event, extrememly well attended. My only complaint is that the ushers did not manage the Q&A process well. I would have loved to have asked a question, but I could not get an ushers attention to get a card to write out my question.
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I enjoyed seeing and hearing Tracy Kidder. Unfortunately, as my companion pointed out, the sound system was not up to par, and it was frequently difficult to hear Mr. Kidder clearly, during his recitation. The Q&A session did not, however, for...continued
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I was initially disappointed that he wasn't going to talk about his latest book. However, my disappointment disappeared as he talked warmly and intelligently about the relationship he and his editor have shared through the years. The Q & A...continued
Quotes & Highlights
Check out the promo video for Strength in What Remains on YouTube.
To learn more about Tracy Kidder, visit his website.
Tracy Kidder graduated from Harvard and studied at the University of Iowa. He has won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Award, and many other literary prizes. The author of Strength in What Remains, Mountains Beyond Mountains, My Detachment, Home Town, Old Friends, Among Schoolchildren, House, and The Soul of a New Machine, Kidder lives in Massachusetts and Maine.


text:
A week after a Howell man stabbed an Ypsilanti Township man, an injury that proved fatal days later, and then killed himself on U.S. 23, investigators are still following up on the case.
On July 14, Robert David Richmond — 46 of Howell — walked into Mike's Welding and Fabricating, 1539 Ecorse Road, and asked for Shaun Psimer by name, according to witnesses. Richmond then stabbed the 36-year-old Ypsilanti Township man in the throat and in the back before walking out of the store.
Richmond fled the area and later shot and killed himself on northbound U.S. 23 in Green Oak Township. Psimer held on until Thursday, when he succumbed to his wounds and died at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Superior Township.
Despite both the suspect and the victim dying, Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Geoffrey Fox said detectives will keep investigating the case.
"Just because the suspect is deceased doesn't mean we stop everything," he said. "We still continue to investigate it until we have some sort of closure."
Mike Olson, the owner of the shop, said Richmond asked for Psimer by name. He then entered the restroom, which Psimer had entered shortly before, and stabbed him, Olson said.
Olson said he found his friend sprawled out on the bathroom floor, bleeding from his wounds. Olson called 911, and Psimer was taken to St Joseph Mercy Hospital by Huron Valley Ambulance crews.
Psimer was initially listed in stable condition on July 15, but his condition quickly worsened. His medical needs meant investigators never got a long interview with him about the incident.
Fox said last week that detectives did interview Psimer following the stabbing, but very briefly. Investigation during the weekend did not turn up any definitive revelations on the possible motive for the stabbing.
"No concrete motive has been established," he said.
The incident was the first of two incidents in the last week in which an assailant took his own life shortly following an attack.
On Saturday, a man shot a Willis man in the front yard of his home in the 8500 block of Bunton Road. The victim in that case, Nicholas Elka, is recovering at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
The man then shot himself once fatally in front of the home, according to residents.
When reached Monday, Michigan State Police officials said there was no update on the investigation and the name of the shooter has not been released. More information on the case could come Tuesday.
Anyone with information on these incidents is encouraged to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office anonymous tip line at 734-973-7711, Michigan State Police at 1-810-227-1051 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK UP (773-2587).
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for The Ann Arbor News. He can be reached at email@example.com or you can follow him on Twitter. Find all Washtenaw County crime stories here.


text:
A mix of culture, gospel and celebration will be on tap as First Baptist Church hosts the African Children's Choir in concert Friday. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. at the church, 1400 Williams Blvd. in Kenner.
Dressed in ethnic costumes, the young choir will fuse uplifting traditional African gospel songs and dances with contemporary gospel music. Popular children's tunes and traditional Gospel favorites also will be performed.
The Grammy-nominated choir has toured internationally since 1985 to raise awareness about Africa's orphaned and abandoned children.
The concert is free, and everyone is invited to attend. Donations will be accepted to help the choir with its mission of raising money to support educational and humanitarian programs across East and South Africa. Made up of African children ages 7 to 11, the choir provides an opportunity of hope for its gifted and talented participants. Many of the singers have lost one or both parents to poverty or disease.
"The concert will be very exciting," said Julie Mckeever, the church's ministry assistant. "About 20 children from Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan and Kenya will be performing. They have toured all around the world, and this is a great opportunity to help support their cause."
Mckeever said church members have volunteered to house the children and their group leaders to decrease tour costs.
"This is a great opportunity for the members," she said. "It is not only fun, it also gives them a chance to get an education and better their lives. It is just a really good thing."
For information on the concert or the choir, contact Mckeever at 504.466.5381.


text:
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Planning board hones in on Langley's historic building demolition rules
Be more specific.
That's what members of Langley's Planning Advisory Board said to the city's planning director at a meeting Wednesday regarding rules and regulations for the demolition of historic buildings.
As the city's draft standards exist now, buildings that are at least 50 years old would qualify as historic structures. But the exceptions and the steps a building owner would have to go through need refining, according to the four board members at the meeting.
The Langley City Council approved an emergency six-month ban on demolition of historic buildings after the owners of the Dog House Tavern, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, asked the city about the demolition process.
Now in the second month of the moratorium, the city is scrambling to come up with rules and regulations to keep a cornerstone building in its downtown core. Members of the city's Historic Preservation Commission and the South Whidbey Historical Society were also at the meeting to speak on the historic component of the standards. Bob Waterman, one of the commission members and a member of the South Whidbey Historic Society, said it was important to keep the Dog House standing.
"People who come to visit the town look in and ask, 'When is it gonna open? Why isn't it open?' … It's a very important part of Langley's history," he said.
The board also had concerns about what an owner would need to provide as evidence that renovating or restoring a historic structure was an "economic hardship." As the language existed, board member Gail Fleming said it was "wishy-washy."
"There's certainly some gray areas in that," said Jeff Arango, Langley's director of Community Planning.
He cited that a simple equation of what a typical rent would bring in versus cost of restoration or renovation could be a guideline, though the issue was not a matter of new construction or renovation being cheaper. The burden of proof would be on the property owners, not the city.
Already written into this round of the draft was language to combat someone letting a historic building fall into disrepair. One of the provisions for allowing demolition was if a building was found to have structural integrity issues. Under the proposed new code, structures listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the Washington Heritage Register must be maintained. Langley's building official is also granted authority to inspect historic properties periodically "to determine compliance." Arango said that if a building was neglected, the city could charge fees or, in extreme cases, claim eminent domain.
Langley's planning office will work with the South Whidbey Historical Society to create a list of buildings which will be covered under the definition of historic structure.
Lorie McNeill, a First Street property owner, asked about the cost of the city-funded survey and how much time would be added to the demolition permit process if the new rules are approved.
"Building is expensive on Whidbey Island, on top of added time," she said. "At what point are we pricing ourselves out of business?"
A rough estimate, Arango said, of the survey would be $2,000. He also said the demolition permit process could take two months, depending on how prepared the owner is to prove an historic building meets the city's new criteria.
Trying to preserve the look and character of First Street, the Planning Advisory Board looked at building dimension rules. Should someone make it through the demolition checklist, they would also be asked to provide building plans which would have to adhere to new requirements that would be in line with the existing appearance. The idea, Arango said, is to keep someone from buying several properties and buildings, demolishing them and erecting one massive structure.
One way the city hopes to determine its look is with setbacks of upper levels. Existing code requires a setback of upper levels along the north side of the road down the bluff to Seawall Park, but lacks a set depth. Arango recommended a minimum of 5 feet per floor, a measurement he said was arbitrary but allowed for a better look than cutting 10 feet into the building's dimensions. He also said that a tradeoff could be made by setting back the ground floor farther from the seawall and combining setbacks.
The purpose of requiring the setbacks and a building width of 30 feet is to keep a building from encroaching on city property, as in the case of the Dog House Tavern's stairs and deck, which is currently allowed by the city. Setbacks also will vary the waterside face of the buildings to keep it from looking like one sheer wall.
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By Sharna Johnson: CNJ Staff
Officials are revising jail protocol and policy after an inmate escaped last month and it took two days before law enforcement was notified, said Curry County Manager Dick Smith.
The Dec. 23 escape from Curry County Adult Detention Center prompted a two-fold administrative and criminal investigation by officials and area law enforcement.
District Attorney Matt Chandler said he has received and is reviewing reports from his investigators and the Curry County Sheriff's office. Upon the conclusion of his review, he will determine if criminal charges will be filed.
He declined to identify who might fall under the scope of the criminal investigation.
"There is no real distinction between staff and the inmates. If a crime has been committed, it becomes the duty of our office to file a charge. I hope to have all the reports finalized by Monday," he said.
The administrative investigation was completed last week and has uncovered faults ranging from breakdowns in staff communication, staff training issues, lax observance of procedure and equipment problems among other issues, Smith said.
As personnel issues are resolved in coming weeks, Smith said more in-depth information regarding changes could be explained publicly.
"We do have a good plan already implemented. Some of it involves working through personnel issues — all of it ties together," he said.
Smith said he couldn't discuss disciplinary actions administrators may take, as those matters are ongoing and involve legal, confidential personnel issues, he said.
"There were some problems with communication between shifts and officers. We are aware of that — we're not trying to hide that. Some people messed up and somebody escaped. We are absolutely responsible for that," Smith said.
"I do think it's fair for the community to know what (corrective) actions are being taken. Some of those actions are going on right now."
Guadalupe Rodriguez, 29, was helping out in the kitchen at the time of his escape.
Staff did not notice his absence until mid-day Christmas day and it was not reported to area law enforcement until evening, records show.
Rodriguez was captured without incident Dec. 28 in Dimmitt, Texas.
Smith was recovering from an illness that had him hospitalized during that period, but said he has been brought up to speed on the developments and has been closely involved in the process since his return to work last week.
At the core of the matter are some fundamental problems Smith said have plagued the jail for some time. He cited a lack of resources to train staff, high employee turnover rates and overcrowding as intrinsic problems facing the jail.
"We have an old facility that was never designed for this many prisoners," Smith said. "We have never been up to staff and have not been able to hire officers. This is a huge problem.
"I think we're going to have to look at salaries and training. We've been trying to get a detention officer training center started (in the state for more than seven years). Our goal has been to have a well-trained, professional staff," he said.
The facility was designed in the early 1990s to accommodate approximately 130 inmates with a maximum safety load of 175, he said. An average of more than 200 prisoners push the facility beyond its capacity and burden a staff that's smaller than officials would like.
"I think our warden and our management staff has done a wonderful job with what they have to work with but I think there are some systematic things involved — I think we've done a great job with what we have to work with."


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Skip to comments.Colorados Pot Shops Say Theyll Be Sold Out Any Day Now
Posted on 01/04/2014 9:02:25 PM PST by Ken H
A few days into the experiment, the new world of legal recreational marijuana sales in Colorado appears to be a big successso much so that pot shops are finding it impossible to keep up with demand.
According to the Denver Post, at least 37 stores in Colorado were licensed to sell recreational pot to anyone 21 or over as of New Years Day. The Associated Press and others reported long lines outside Denver pot shops, with some eager customers forced to wait three to five hours before getting a chance to go inside, step up to the counter, and make a purchase.
Prices have been steepin some cases, stores were charging $50 or even $70 for one-eighth of an ounce of pot that cost medical marijuana users just $25 the day beforeand taxes add on an extra 20% or so. Even so, sales have been brisk.
The two operational pot shops in Pueblo collectively sold $87,000 of marijuana on January 1, per the Pueblo Chieftain, and store owners say that if demand persists anywhere near the current high, theyll be sold out in the very near future.
(Excerpt) Read more at business.time.com ...
Then watch the 9-1-1 switchboards light up.
I think you mean 7-11.
Anyone else notice how the news clips of the pot smokers lining up to buy weed in Colorado looked just like the homos in Utah lining up to get married?
Brave New world.
A drugged population is a controlled one.
This is not how I envisioned the rollout of Pot America to take place. I've always imagined it going through the normal drugs channels, and seen myself one day rolling joints overnight in the pharmacy. These dispensaries are killing my buzz, yo.
What follow-on effect is this having on the price of video games and Doritos?
Do you support Colorado's authority under the Tenth Amendment to carry out this policy, even though you disagree with it?
I can't see Colorado ever being a "red" state again. (As in Red or Blue).
Choomers are such chumps.
Ironically, these leftscum and potheads are paving the way for countering over-reaching fedgov power. After all, what they are doing is a blatant violation of federal law. Meanwhile, obastard plays another round of golf in Hawaii.
Can't decide yet if this is a good thing or a bad thing...
The sad part is that pot is a "gateway" drug. That means that many of the stupids will go on to "bigger" and "better" highs. Ain't that just swell?
America 2014: dope, homosex, and open-borders.
This country is ready for the ash heap. To think that most of my adulthood I would have been willing to give my life for my country. No way in hell would I do that now. Not for this deviant, putrifying nation.
Mr. 10 amendment do you support the "right" of states to allow queer marriage if they want?
Why go to the government approved, overpriced dispensories? Don't the buyers already have connections?
I am indifferent to it.
But I do think its eerie how much those lining up for pot in Colorado looked like those gays lining for same sex sodomy sanction licenses.
Here in Dem controlled Maryland the one party government made heavily taxed casinos legal.
A drugged population is a controlled one, and collect those taxes.
Its actually better than it has been. Drug use and alcoholism are way down from their peaks. We have other problems but this one is getting better.
The other matters, such as collapsed morals, failing marriages, bastard children, overwhelming bureaucracy and fascist corporatism are much worse than drugs have ever been.
The Federal government has absolutely no authority to regulate what people smoke. None whatsoever v
Legal pot costing plenty more than the black market. A windfall for state tax coffers. Feds will be climbing on this gravy train posthaste. And so it begins.
so we pricing out people who can use it for legit medical purposes.
Potheads=dumbheads is correct.
But still, we have always had the dumb, and pot doesn't make them dumb, it just identifies them.
I always agreed with Bill Buckley that pot should be legal. Its filthy stuff but banning it is worse.
The influx of liberal potheads could easily reverse that trend.
I thought this was supposed to reduce prices. Don't high prices usually cause a black market on the stuff? Maybe now, the dealers on the streets will be making more money too.
I am indifferent to it.
So you're indifferent as to whether the Tenth Amendment is honored?
So then has the aroma wafted over into Loveland Kansas yet???
But then they would drain out of somewhere else that they already infest. Net effect is a wash.
1) Federal ban on drugs (such as marijuana) is unconstitutional.
2) State ban on drugs (such as marijuana) is constitutional under the 10th Amendment.
3) If a state decides not to ban a drug (such as marijuana) then that is the state's right.
Personally, I would like to see government charity (housing, food stamps, healthcare) entirely stopped. Be responsible. Don't expect anyone (taxpayers) to rescue you from bad decisions. If that is the situation, and if someone uses drugs and does OK, then I have no problem with it.
Is someone legally challenging Colorado passing this law legalizing and taxing their residents getting high?
Or are you asking my opinion on an non-issue?
Yes, I know it's B. Obama seems happy with this.
"The other matters, such as collapsed morals, failing marriages, bastard children, overwhelming bureaucracy and fascist corporatism are much worse than drugs have ever been."
In large part a consequence of drugs in our society.
I'd like to see a state legalize heroin and crack just to see what the "state's rights" absolutists say about it.
There has never been a law against smoking anything, fed or state.
Correction. There's never been a law against smoking dope.
There, though have been laws against smoking in specified locations.
I know that's always been an argument of the legalize crowd but I never bought it. The users have already established what price they are willing to pay-why would a seller, especially if turned out to be the government-charge any less than the illegal dealers did?
Not that I know of.
Or are you asking my opinion on an non-issue?
Just trying to determine where you stand on the Tenth Amendment. I'll put you down as "indifferent".
You mean they don't already? I worked for the state of California, for more than 25 years, and was in the Air Force for 20. In both, initial drug screening was a condition of employment, and we could expect random testing at anytime. I wonder if this law means that we can expect MJ use at Fort Carson, or the Air Force Academy?
Question to anyone.....
I quit smoking reefer in 1992.
Back then, in Iowa City, IA, you could buy a quarter ounce bag of excellent quality, mostly buds, for $40.
What is the going black market price now for similar weight and quality?
There ya go.
Is your whole life dedicated to irrelevance?
Do you know for sure that they are NOT working on that too?
Yes, we have always had the dumb. But, why would one WANT to make oneself dumb and dumber by imbibing a drug (a gateway one at that) to make oneself dumb?
You yourself said that it's filthy stuff...so WHY make it legal? Bill Buckley was a genius but he wasn't perfect, especially if he endorsed a drug that is "filthy stuff."
It also is a gateway drug. What fun: preparing for the taking of worse drugs.
I was young and stupid and tried it. The BEST part of it was that it left no hangover. However, once was enough. I KNOW how stupid people look when they're high. Not pretty.
Lol. I remember how COOL people thought they were when they were high. One guy saw himself high and shook his head in disbelief and embarrassment. He remembered that HE thought that he was having fun! He just looked looped and stupid, crawling around in the nearest gutter, laughing his head off, having a great ole time. That view of himself embarrassed him.
I don't know whatever happened to him. Hah, maybe he's running a Fortune 500 company now.
I taught college students for many, many years. They learned VERY EARLY in their college classes of the efficacy of staying stone, cold sober...at least when they needed their brains to function and function well.
Better than booze for keeping everyone Low Info.
I got hell from some libertarians here for pointing out that legalizing those two would be a disaster.
I don't know if you remember Serbian Ron Paulist Bokababe but she freaked out when I differed with her on legalizing those, because Ron Paul said it would be cheaper if we let them get high on crack and Meth then WE paid for their treatment after they got tired of getting high.
I am generally states rights on most issues and think the Federal governments domestic role should be limited to interstate stuff.
As I asked, who is demanding that Holder crack down on this?
I think this means that most of these buyers don't have connections. In other words, a whole new segment of people are trying pot.
liberals bemoan the fact we have laws against using drugs, used to have laws against booze, have laws against prostitution, etc.
looks like early humans knew that if you left people to indulge in vices we would not last long as a species.
It seems you could easily apply all of that to alcohol as well, except I would rather deal with someone who smoked a bowl the night before than drank to excess.
It is funny how much my experience with people who smoke a lot is from the stereotype on here. Lots and lots of smart capable people, who don't escalate to harder drugs, smoke weed regularly.
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