text:
Drivers first must cruise the one-way street for a spot. If drivers find a spot, backing out of the angled spaces often is a leap of faith, as it's almost impossible to see if cars are coming. Checking for vehicles' reflection in large glass store windows helps some, and occasionally a pedestrian will put out a hand to stop traffic and wave for a driver to pull out.
But the biggest problem seems to be one of availability. Business owners and employees often tend to spend the entire day parked in one of the few spaces along the one-way street. The practice is making it hard for customers to find a convenient place to park, particularly for those quick trips just to pick something up and get back on the road.
Livingston Kelley, owner of Livingston's Photo, is one merchant feeling the parking problem pressure. It's a soapbox he admits he's been on for a while, but so far nothing's improved.
"I've heard discussions about parking for 35 years," he said.
His customers most often are popping in to drop off or pick up pictures. But with business owners and employees taking up on-street parking, and customers coming downtown to eat or shop, there isn't enough parking to go around, Kelley told town board members Thursday night.
Kelley asked if perhaps the town could put up universally recognizable signs directing drivers to the town's municipal parking lot, located on Railroad Avenue just off of Main Street. The problem with that request? There already are signs. Granted the green and white signs are a little small, but they spell out their purpose pretty clearly — free parking for everyone.
It seems a case of out of sight, out of mind. The lot is just a little too far away for drivers who are used to the small town convenience of having their car right at hand. Parking in the lot would mean about a 50-yard uphill walk to get to Main Street.
The east end of downtown has its own parking lot where the Ritz Theater used to be and is regularly full.
"Unless I'm loading or unloading, I park in the Ritz place," Marion Jones, a former board member and merchant, told town aldermen.
The issue has left town board members wondering what else they can do to encourage business owners and employees who tend to park once a day and stay to make use of the free municipal lot off Railroad Avenue and allow customers better Main Street access.
At one time, downtown spaces had time limits and a police officer assigned to enforce them. A similar arrangement might be what's needed to keep the traffic flowing, board members said. Also, Jones said that he had spoken with Sam Cogdill, who formerly ran a car dealership at the east end of street, and the businessman said he might be willing to lease out parking spaces in the dealership's old display lot. The dealership building has been sold and is in the process of being converted to a furniture store.
The town invited merchants and downtown employees to discuss parking at the next board meeting to be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 4.


text:
Ethics Minor
Why Study Ethics?
Jointly administered by the Religious Studies and Philosophy Departments, the ethics minor is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to think critically and constructively about ethics, morality, and character development in a variety of professional, cultural, and social contexts. The course of study will enhance students' critical thinking and leadership skills so that they can develop creative solutions to ethical questions, problems, and conflicts they'll encounter in their personal and professional lives. As a multi-departmental program, the ethics minor complements major programs of study, preparing students for the complexities of the workplace, as well as for graduate studies in numerous fields including medicine, business, communications, and law.
The goals of the minor are to:
- Promote the importance of ethics and moral leadership in creating a good life, academically, personally, and professionally.
- Provide students with a solid foundation of ethical principles, values, and norms, as well as the fundamentals of practical moral reasoning.
- Enhance students' critical thinking and leadership skills so that they can develop creative solutions to ethical questions, problems, and conflicts they'll encounter in their personal and professional lives.
- Offer students opportunities for sustained study of ethical issues in their chosen disciplines.
Ethics and the St. John Fisher College Mission
The ethics minor is an integral part of the mission of St. John Fisher College, which is a "collaborative community dedicated to teaching, learning, and scholarship in a student-centered educational environment. The College is guided by its liberal arts tradition and its Catholic heritage, as expressed in the motto of its founders, the Basilian Fathers: "teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge." Fisher engages individuals in lives of intellectual inquiry, professional integrity, and civic responsibility, where diversity and service to others are valued and practiced."
"A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help."
—Albert Schweitzer
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
The Peace and Justice Lion is the symbol for the Ethics Minor at St. John Fisher College. The creation of the lion was funded by the Jennifer Patterson Koon Peacemaking Foundation. It was designed and painted by Fisher students. Elizabeth King Durand, who has taught drawing and painting at Fisher for many years, explains the students' creative process:
When the SJFC students who created the Lion for Peace and Justice began the project they had a number of attributes and symbols in mind. The lion's multi-colored mane represents diversity. Rising from the earth are various shades of green and images of plant life suggesting growth and vitality. These colors meld into shades of blue that symbolize water, sky and clouds. An abstract dove of peace rests on the lion's forehead, calling forth peaceful thoughts. The golden gleam in his eye represents hope. I believe the student artists achieved the right balance of strength and peace.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mystery of Chaco Canyon DVD
Code: M6992 Narrated by Robert Redford Produced by Anna Sofaer, The Solstice Project Publisher: Bullfrog Films ISBN:1560299991 56 minutes Teacher's Guide in PDF format
Member Price: $21.32
Non-Member Price: $24.95
Ever since she discovered the "Sun Dagger" twenty years ago, Anna Sofaer and a team of researchers have been exploring the enigmas posed by massive prehistoric ruins in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. Now a new explanation of the mystery is emerging. For years archaeologists have assumed that Chaco was primarily an ancient trading center. This film shows that it was, instead, a complex ceremonial center, harmonized by extraordinary astronomical alignments of buildings and roads, and elegant light and shadow markings. Aerial and time lapse footage, computer modeling, and interviews with scholars show how the Chacoan culture oriented and located its major buildings in relation to the sun and moon. Contemporary Pueblo Indians, descendants of the Chacoans, speak of the spiritual significance of Chaco's mysteries in their world today. ^~Narrated by Robert Redford ^~Produced by Anna Sofaer, The Solstice Project ^~Publisher: Bullfrog Films ^~ISBN:1560299991 ^~56 minutes ^~ Teacher's Guide in PDF format
Related Item(s)
Prehistoric Cultures of the Southwest Series - Ancestral Puebloans
Author: Rose Houk
Publisher: Western National Parks Association
Soft cover: 16 pages, 9" x 9".
Member Price: $3.38
Non-Member Price: $3.95
Chaco Culture Magnet
Measures approximately 2�" x 3�".
Member Price: $3.41
Non-Member Price: $3.99


text:
Doc Rivers says Avery Bradley is not expected to practice Saturday afternoon.
Chris Paul had a virtuoso performance during a 133-105 win over the Pelicans on Saturday, scoring 20 points with five rebounds, 20 assists, three steals, one 3-pointer and no turnovers.
Rudy Gobert scored 17 points with 14 rebounds and six blocks against the Kings on Saturday.
Gordon Hayward (finger) returned from a one-game absence and scored 26 points in Saturday's 104-84 win over the Kings.
Cheick Diallo cashed in on an opportunity against the Clippers on Saturday, scoring 19 points with 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes.
Marc Gasol capped his magnificent week with 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, two blocks and one 3-pointer during a 110-89 win over the Warriors on Saturday.
Austin Rivers left Saturday's game vs. the Pelicans with a possible concussion and will not return per Clippers PR.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points with seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two turnovers in 38 minutes against the Heat on Saturday.
LeBron James had himself a day in Saturday's 116-105 win over the Hornets, racking up 44 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, five 3-pointers, one block and three steals in 42 minutes.
Nikola Jokic was fantastic off the bench during a 121-113 win over the Magic on Saturday, scoring 14 points with six rebounds, six assists, one steal and two blocks in 26 minutes.
Kenneth Faried bounced back nicely in 24 minutes against the Magic on Saturday, scoring 19 points with 10 rebounds and one assist.
Wesley Matthews stayed hot on Saturday vs. Houston, scoring 26 points on 8-of-22 shooting.


text: This is just ridicolous, by the knicks not playing marbury (their best player) they r just saying they dont care about winning now, gus johnson said something about that, so if they bench him their saying they dont care about winning now which is true and completley dumb. U have to try to win every game with the best lineup u have benching marbury is just not right. Mardy collins has no offense, duhon just looks avg just PLAY MARBURY


text:
From the Office of Advisory Council on the Digital Economy
April 28, 2000
Contact: Ray Sullivan or Eric Bearse
(512) 463-0715
Good afternoon. Chairman Maples, members, thank you for taking time to be here again today. I'm very pleased with the work you have done so far. As leaders of the New Economy, your insight is invaluable in helping us make the most of this prosperity for all of our citizens.
I am looking forward to your work today, because the issues you will be discussing - technology, workforce development and education - are so intertwined. It's no exaggeration to say that education and workforce development are the operating systems of the digital economy in Texas.
Without a skilled and educated workforce, the technology infrastructure in this state will soon wither. That's why education is - and must continue to be - our state's top priority. I've often said that education is the best crime prevention tool we have. It's the best welfare reform tool we have.
And - most important to you - education is the best tool we have to make Texas the technology capital of the world. The trends are good. In recent years, we've toughened our accountability system, making it a model for the nation. Last year, we took the next step in education reform by ending social promotion in Texas.
The results speak for themselves. After just a few years of reform:
In the last five years, we've seen public school funding increase by $8.3 billion - a 56 percent improvement - per student funding is up 37% in spite of our skyrocketing student population. During the last session, Governor Bush and the legislature used 75 cents of every new dollar available for education. We raised teacher pay, created a $100 million college scholarship program, and still managed to balance our budget and cut taxes by nearly $2 billion dollars.
In the coming years, K-12 education will continue to be a priority, but we need to build on the solid foundation now in place to improve our colleges, universities, technical schools and community colleges. Only one in five Texans - just 20% - have a college degree. That's not good enough.
Across the United States, some estimates show that there are 1.6 million information technology jobs waiting to be filled. While those jobs sit open, there are only a small fraction of that number of computer science and other technical graduates coming out of Texas colleges and universities this year. With such a gap, competition for top talent is fierce.
To put it simply, the needs of the New Economy have changed faster than our educational system has. A recent survey asked top business people what they look for in their employees. The results are interesting. They want people whom:
So to succeed in the new economy, young people need basic skills, they need to know technology, and they need to be able to adapt that technology. In other words, we must educate good thinkers. Accomplishing that is a tall order, but I'm an optimist.
We're working on plans to do more at the higher education level. Enhancing the use of technology in our public schools, colleges and workforce training programs can help. Through the Technology Infrastructure Fund, a majority of Texas schools are already wired to the information superhighway. But without staff training and support, the one sure outcome of wiring schools and hospitals and libraries is a higher electric bill.
We must also start to change the culture - prevalent in some of our schools - from teaching "computers" - to using technology as a portal to help students expand their horizons and learn the skills they need to succeed in the new economy.
When it comes to workforce development and lifetime learning, our community colleges are vitally important to Texas. Texas community colleges are doing some very exciting things when it comes to using technology and educating the workforce of the 21st Century. You will hear from some of them today.
I hope you can help generate ideas about how the private sector and community colleges can work closely together to help bridge the technology skill gap facing our state and our nation today. And finally, I encourage you to talk about technology transfer - how to reap the greatest economic benefits for Texas from our state's world-class higher education institutions.
Texas ranks sixth in the nation at federal higher education research dollars. For a state as large and dynamic as Texas, that's not good enough. I'd like your thoughts about how Texas can do a better job of attracting those research dollars here. And how we can transfer that basic university research and development into meaningful and marketable technologies.
At the first meeting of the Advisory Council on the Digital Economy, I encouraged you all to help create a long-term strategy for making Texas the world's leader in technology research, development, innovation and job creation. Since that strategy depends upon building on our education successes to create an educated, skilled and technology-friendly workforce, I hope you'll use your own educational backgrounds, your technology and business expertise, and the information you gather at meetings like this one - to make sure that Texas gets the job done right.
Thank you.


text:
« Back
Jaako Laajava, facilitator of the 2012 Middle East WMD-Free Zone conference, right, meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali akbar Salehi
Press TV
"Prospects for a WMD-Free Zone in the Middle East"
Op-Ed, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
May 28, 2012
Author: Martin B. Malin, Executive Director, Project on Managing the Atom
Belfer Center Programs or Projects: International Security; Managing the Atom; Science, Technology, and Public Policy
As negotiations with Iran over the future of its nuclear program inch toward a possible deal, another intractable Middle East problem with a nuclear dimension is likely to start getting more serious attention. It is the question of whether there is any chance that Israel, Iran, and their Arab neighbors will agree to discuss establishing a regional zone free of all nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and their delivery systems.
Earlier this month in Vienna, Jaakko Laajava, a Finnish diplomat and the facilitator of the proposed 2012 Middle East WMD-Free Zone Conference, reported to the Non-Proliferation Treaty preparatory committee meeting that although he had conducted more than 100 meetings -- both inside and outside the region -- he had yet to secure an agreement from all relevant states on participation. News of Laajava's no-news statement was met with another round of eye-rolling and finger-pointing: The likely holdouts are Israel and Iran, with a major question mark hanging over Syrian participation.
After decades of backsliding, proliferation, and conflict in the Middle East, the conventional wisdom says the current round of efforts will fail. I think the conventional wisdom is wrong.
In the past, many leaders in the Middle East have seen chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons as an attractive answer to their problems. But this logic is changing. Developments in the region are creating conditions that make progress on arms control and disarmament more possible, not less.
Read the whole article at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
For more information about this publication please contact the MTA Program Assistant at 617-495-4219.
For Academic Citation:


text:
|Back to Main Print This Page Email to a Friend
A leg MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the leg uses strong magnets to create pictures of the leg. This may include the ankle, foot, and surrounding tissues.
A leg MRI also creates pictures of the knee.
MRI does not use radiation (x-rays).
Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces many images.
MRI - lower extremity; Magnetic resonance imaging - leg; Magnetic resonance imaging - lower extremity; MRI - ankle; Magnetic resonance imaging - ankle; MRI - femur; MRI - leg
You will be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothes without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Some types of metal can cause blurry images.
You will lie on a narrow table that slides into a tunnel-like scanner.
Some exams use a special dye (contrast). Most of the time, you will get the dye through a vein in your arm or hand before the test. Sometimes, the dye is given into a joint. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly.
During the MRI, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room. The test most often lasts 30-60 minutes, but may take longer.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan.
Tell your doctor if you are afraid of close spaces (have claustrophobia). You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Your doctor may suggest an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not as close to the body.
Before the test, tell your health care provider if you have:
Because the MRI contains strong magnets, metal objects are not allowed into the room with the MRI scanner:
An MRI exam causes no pain. You will need to lie still. Too much movement can blur MRI images and cause errors.
The table may be hard or cold, but you can ask for a blanket or pillow. The machine makes loud thumping and humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help block out the noise.
An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time. Some MRIs have televisions and special headphones to help the time pass.
There is no recovery time, unless you were given a medicine to relax. After an MRI scan, you can return your normal diet, activity, and medicines.
This test provides detailed pictures of parts of the leg that are hard to see clearly on CT scans.
Your doctor may order an MRI of the leg if you have:
A normal result means your leg looks okay.
Abnormal results may be due to:
Talk to your health care provider about your questions and concerns.
MRI contains no radiation. There have been no reported side effects from the magnetic fields and radio waves.
The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions are rare. However, gadolinium can be harmful to people with kidney problems that need dialysis. If you have kidney problems, please tell your health care provider before the test.
The strong magnetic fields created during an MRI can cause heart pacemakers and other implants to not work as well. It can also cause a piece of metal inside your body to move or shift. For safety reasons, please don't bring anything that contains metal into the scanner room.
Tests that may be done instead of an MRI include:
A CT scan may be preferred in an emergency. The test is faster than MRI and often available in the emergency room.
Wilkinson ID, Paley MNJ. Magnetic resonance imaging: basic principles. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 5.
DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 24.
Grainger RG, Thomsen HS, Morcos SK, Koh DM, Roditi G. Intravascular contrast media for radiology, CT, and MRI. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 2.


text:
Choose the period
Today, while riding the train home, I noticed a man who kept looking at me. Annoyed, I told him to be less obvious and to stop staring. He promptly responded, "Bitch, I'm gay, and even I can tell no one would want to look at you." FML
by assoutofuandme / 02/14/2013 at 2:39am / United States (California) / Transportation
Today, I lit my beard on fire while trying to light a cigarette driving to work. I got fired from work when I got there because of my appearance. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 8:55pm / United States (Oregon) / Money
Today, just so my family would think someone might actually be interested in me, I bought myself roses and attached a secret admirer card to them. My plan would have worked if I hadn't forgotten to take the receipt off the kitchen counter. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 8:18am / United States (Michigan) / Love
Today, I had to use a dictionary before I realized I was being flirted with. FML
by lex / 02/14/2013 at 6:01am / United States / Love
Today, I had to explain to my white girlfriend that dating me doesn't give her the right to call my mother the n-word. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 11:30pm / United States / Miscellaneous
Today, I felt frisky, so I did my hair and put on make-up and some lingerie. I walked into the living room, where my husband was playing a video game. He glanced up, said, "Oh, for fuck's sake." and made me wait nearly 15 minutes for him to reach a save-game point. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 6:00pm / United Kingdom (Staffordshire) / Love
Today, my hairdresser apologised because he couldn't distinguish the hair from the back of my head from the hair from my back. FML
by Edgarillo / 02/14/2013 at 2:59am / Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) / Miscellaneous
Today, I tried to give some change to a homeless man. My girlfriend pulled me away and ranted about how homeless people are all basically bastards who deserve their misfortune, and that I shouldn't give "our" money away. FML
by dating a fucking psycho / 02/14/2013 at 3:06pm / United States (North Carolina) / Money
Today, my girlfriend bought herself a brand new iPad and iPod Touch, and returned my aging iPod and Kindle, which she constantly steals for her own use. She considers it my Valentine's Day present. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 3:23pm / Germany / Love
Today, I had to yet again explain to the guy I live with that just because you can't see dirt, it doesn't mean it's clean. And so letting his dog lick the plates is NOT the same thing as washing up. He won't listen to me, and he uses my plates. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 8:08pm / United Kingdom (London, City of) / Animals
Today, I went to the market to buy some groceries. Before I got even half-way home, a guy stormed toward me, pulled what looked like a knife, and chased me around the block while screaming that he'd kill me for sleeping with his wife. Nope, still a 15-year-old virgin here. FML
by Anonymous / 02/14/2013 at 4:50pm / Saudi Arabia (Ash Sharqiyah) / Miscellaneous
- 1
- « Previous page
- Next page »


text:
Race includes a 5K Run or Walk with optional chip timing, an 8K chip-timed Run and a 5K chip-timed Stroller Run on USATF-certified courses through the Inlet. Awards presented to top male & female chip timings in age categories.
Early Registration(through 3/13/13) guarantees a t-shirt. Cost is $15 regular or $20 for chip.
Late registration(March 14 - 26) cost is $20 regular or $25 for chip.
Packet Pick-up and Day of Registration(March 28 - 30) cost is $25 regular or $30 for chip.
Event Date:: Mar 30, 2013
Event Start time:: 08:00 AM
Event End time:: 09:30 AM
Event Location: Morse Park Landing in Murrells Inlet
For more information:: www.murrellsinletsc.com


text:
Category: Multimedia/Video/Video-RecordingOpen Video Capture 1.24.409Author: DigitByte Studio
Operation System: Windows AllLicense: DemoSize: 641 KBDate: 2007-03-06
Open Video Capture can capture video from webcam, TV Tuner card, digital video, digital camera and other capture devices. It can set video compression codec and audio compression codec, output frame size and frame rate. Open Video Capture is a useful and very easy to use utility.
The Video Capture also snapshots pictures with the hotkey. It can set each capture device's properties, preview and record real-time video, watch TV if TV Tuner is installed.
The Video Capture supports open compression system for video and audio. It encodes AVI files with DIVX, XVID, Windows Media Audio and Video Codec, DV Video Encoder, etc.
· Microsoft DirectX 9.0 or later
· DivX codec is recommended
· 2G free space of hard disk
· 128 MB of memory
· 800Mhz CPU
· capture 1-minute video
Download software
Unlock software
Download serilas


text:
Vonage Introduces Wireless VOIP Handset
Posted by Categories: Wireless / WiFi
Now this is something I can really sink my teeth into. I have Vonage broadband phone service at my house and I absolutely love it. For $24.99 a month I can make unlimited calls to anywhere in the US and Canada. Now Vonage is preparing to offer wireless VOIP services. Using any standard 802.11b network, users can use this phone to make calls on their vonage account. How cool is that?
Read More | EE Times
New Socket 939 Motherboards Released
Posted by Oscar M. Cantu Categories: PC / Laptop
The moment many people have been waiting for is here. No longer are Athlon 64 buyers constrained to only a handful of motherboard choices. Nine motherboards have been released and available for purchase. The new motherboards are:
- Abit AV8-3rd Eye
- Albatron K8X890 Pro
- Asus A8V Deluxe
- Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe
- EPoX EP-9NDA3+
- Gigabyte GA-K8NXP-9 – nForce4 And 1394b
- Gigabyte K8NSNXP-939 – nForce3 And 1394b
- Leadtek Winfast 755FXK8AA
- MSI K8N Diamond – nForce4 SLI
- MSI K8N Neo2
- Soltek K8TPRO-939
Although these motherboards are high in price, the performance makes up for it. These motherboards offer a bundle of high performance features such as dual-channel memory. AMD's high performance CPU is sure to sell even more now that a vast variety of motherboards are available, and more are sure to come. Now that you are hyped and ready to buy that brand spanking new motherboard, read the full story and reviews by Tom's Hardware Guide.
Read More | Tom's Hardware
EICU - Remote Patient Monitoring
Posted by Categories: Misc. Tech
The next generation ICU (Intensive Care Unit) is on the horizon. The eICU (enhanced Intensive Care Unit) allows doctors to remotely monitor multiple patients in different ICU's. Basically the way it works is that monitoring stations contain multiple screens that display patient's diagnosis and progress, doctor's notes, and vital signs. The people remotely monitoring the patients alert the nurses at the hospital of any suspicious changes via video conferencing equipment.
Read More | eWeek
Latest Gear Live Videos
- Subscribe:
- YouTube
- iTunes High Definition
- iTunes Standard Version
Most Influencial Invention of the Past Half-Century
Posted by Categories: Misc. Tech
CNN.com has posted the results of a three-month long survey on the Most Influential Inventions of the past 50 years. The silicon chip, created 44 years ago, was voted number one with 24% of the votes, and the internet came in a close second with 20%. Also discussed in the article is the radio, invented in 1901. The radio allows users to listen to broadcasts wirelessly, and is still a very useful device today. The recent "tsunami disaster [is] an example of the wireless radio's ability to give people valuable information during times of crisis." Read more for information about the poll, and a discussion about the other inventions that have changed the world.
Read More | CNN.com
Online Donations Total Over $350 million For Relief Effort
Posted by Categories: Corporate News
The death toll for the tsunami in Asia reached over 150,000 this weekend, with over a third of those deaths being children. As reported earlier in our article on HelpDisasterVictims.com, the internet community has reached out to those in need, and it is reported that over $350 million has been donated by internet users and corporations alike. This CNET article discusses several of the donations being made by corporations, such as the Microsoft Corp donating $3.5 million, and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation announcing a $3 million donation. Amazon and Google have both made it easier for their users to donate to the Red Cross and other organizations. eBay, MSN and Yahoo have also posted links to organizations. If you would still like to donate to help those in need, check out some of those sites or read more below.
Read More | CNET ZDNet
Return of the Jukebox
Posted by Categories: Music
It's not that I am old by any means, but I remember going into a diner and being able to pop 50 cents into a little machine on my table and listening to some music while I waited for my food. You will notice that these days you don't see many of these. One company is trying to change that. eCast has developed a Digital Jukebox system that works over existing broadband connections. You can listen to any song that is contained in their database. The neat thing is, if you visit their website, you can see the last song that was download and where it was downloaded from.
Read More | The Boston Globe
TivoToGo Launches
Posted by Categories: Home Entertainment
This should excite all of you Tivo users, because now you can take your recorded video on the road with you. In case you have been living under a rock for the past few years, Tivo is a pioneer in the Digital Video Recorder industry. DVR technology allows you to record live video from your TV directly to a hard drive, effectively eliminating the need for a VCR. TivoToGo allows recorded shows to be transferred to Windows XP or 2000 based PCs or laptops via a home computer network. Users would have to download free desktop software from the TiVo Web site onto their computers. TiVoToGo will be part of a free TiVo update, which you may have already received. Unfortunately, if you use a DirecTiVo, you don't get to play with the rest of us. One other nice feature is that users will be able to burn DVD's of their favorite shows; however, this feature will not be available till shortly after launch.
Edit: If you have a Humax, Pioneer, or Toshiba TiVo/DVD
Recorder, it looks like you will have to wait until later this year to receive the TiVoToGo update. Damn.
Read More | Silicon Valley
Top 10 Viruses Listed
Posted by Hector Martinez Categories: PC / Laptop
Panda Software, a virus prevention technology firm, recently announced the top 10 viruses detected by ActiveScan, its free online scanner. At the very top of the list is Downloader.GK Trojan. This also marks the first time that a trojan tops the list, normally occupied by worms. The trojan is installed when an unsuspecting user agrees to download a specific ActiveX control, which then installs and runs two adware programs on the computer it infects.
Read More | Techtree
Video Phones as Early as 2009
Posted by Categories: Cell Phones
26 companies, including Cingular, NTT DoCoMo, NEC, Siemens, and Vodafone have begun working on a unified data standard for the next generation of cell phones. The new technology dubbed "Super 3G", is said to be capable of almost instantaneously transmitting high-resolution video.
Read More | EE Times
Security Threats On The Internet
Posted by Oscar M. Cantu Categories: Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop
The year two-thousand-and-four was a year filled with many online security threats. Worm, viruses, spam, and spyware all filled the internet traffic lines, infecting many computer systems. According to the Associated Press, those were among the top internet threats of 2004. Chances are that you too were affected in some way this past year, be it by a virus or by spam. As technology evolves, perpetrators are able to build more sophisticated tools to launch more attacks. As Gregg Mastoras, senior security analyst at Sophos Inc, put it, "…there is no silver bullet technology." It seems as though security updates can barely keep up with today's attackers. As the stakes are raised higher each day, what's in store for 2005? Possibly even greater attacks, possibly even to Microsoft software alternatives such as Firefox. In this high-tech world, no one and nothing is safe.
Read More | Yahoo!
© Gear Live Inc. – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.


text:
Car loads of rockets and trailers full of model planes rolled in to the airport that early Saturday morning to both watch and fly their rockets.
Yates said. "It's fairly informal, and it's just a bunch of guys having fun. Good, clean, safe fun."
The crowd, from ages 3 to 68, amassed to watch the show with rocketeers from as far flung as Falfurrias, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Austin attending the event.
This is the first time Beeville has ever hosted one of the monthly launches and fly-ins, and the city government was more than thrilled to be part of the event.
"They were very receptive, as a matter of fact," Yates said.
"A lot of what we do basically is aeronautical engineering in the miniature. So, we have educational opportunities for youth, whether it be civil air patrol, ROTC, schools, kindergarten through grade 12 and college, and we have curriculum available as well.
"We're very active with youth in the community."
Young spectators were also allowed, under strict supervision, to launch one of the biggest rockets that day.
A total of 54 rockets were blasted into the air that day, as well as model aircraft which filled the skies, doing tricks and wowing the crowd with magnificent skill.
With the event's success, a series of contests and shows are being currently worked out.
Yates said, "They were very receptive to getting special events and competition type events out here.
"Our parent organization, NAR (National Association of Rocketry), has competition events where we have people coming in from all over the United States to compete.
"One of the events that we're going to be setting up ourselves is what's called the Texas Vertical Mile.
"Basically, it's a speed contest from the ground up to 5,280 feet up to see how fast you can go.
"It's similarly set up like the Texas Mile that's currently going on with the automobiles, except we do it with rockets."
And, while the event went on without incident and the crowds hung around while the temperatures rose well into the 90s, no participants or spectators seemed to mind as they kept their eyes planted toward the skies.
For more information about joining STAC, you can visit www.stac.us or contact William Yates at (361) 571-1564.
Paul Gonzales is the entertainment writer at the Bee-Picayune and can be reached at 358-2550, ext. 116, or at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Programs of Study Home | Programs of Study | Graphic Design Media Arts | SPCH-1110 - Public Speaking SPCH-1110 - Public Speaking This course will enable students to practice the skills necessary for presenting speeches in a variety of contexts. It will focus on the organization, preparation, research, and evidence needed for a presentation that is tailored to fit the audience. This course will enhance the student's listening skills which will assist them in everyday situations. Students will perform at least three research-based oral presentations before an audience. Academic Level Undergraduate Subject SPCH-Speech Department Academic Transfer Credits 4.5 Prerequisites Take 1 groupTake ENGL-0980Take ENGL-1010Take ENGL-1015Take ENGL-0985 Corequisites None Return to Graphic Design Media Arts


text:
Air Bag Parts
Air Intake Parts
Antenna Parts
Body Control Modules
Body Parts
Brake Lights and Parts
Brake Parts
Console Parts
Coolant Tanks and Hoses
Cup Holders and Parts
Dash Switches
Dash Trim
Door Hardware
Emblems, Decals Nameplates
Emissions Parts
Engine Parts
Entertainment and Sound
Exhaust Parts
Fuel Related Parts
Fuse Box Parts
Hood Parts
Ignition Parts
License Plate Brackets
License Plate Lights
Lights and Related Parts
Mirrors and Switches
Radiator / Cooling /Thermostat
Roof Rack Parts
Seat Parts
Shop By Vehicle
Smart Junction Boxes
Spare Tire Parts
Speakers and Components
Steering System Parts
Sun Visors and Parts
Suspension Parts
Tail Gate/Lift Gate/Trunk
Trailer / Towing
Transfer Case Parts
Transmission Parts
Turn Signal Parts
Wheels / Center Caps
Window Parts
Window Switches and Trim
Wiper / Washer Parts
Wiring Connectors and Plugs
Type your search in the box, then tap search on your device keyboard to see results.
*Shop By Part Type*
Acura Auto Parts
Buick Auto Parts
Cadillac Auto Parts
Cargo / Storage
Chevrolet Auto Parts
Ford Auto Parts
GMC Auto Parts
Honda Auto Parts
Hummer Auto Parts
Hyundai Auto Parts
Kia Auto Parts
Lexus Auto Parts
Lincoln Auto Parts
Mazda Auto Parts
Mercury Auto Parts
Mitsubishi Auto Parts
Nissan Auto Parts
Pontiac Auto Parts
Saturn Auto Parts
Scion Auto Parts
Subaru Auto Parts
Toyota Auto Parts
Genuine Part
3 Year Warranty
Order By Noon For Same Day Shipping
Currently: In Stock
First Time Shopping With Us?
Watch a Short Video About Us and See What We're All About.
Our 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee is Simple:
Take up to 30 days to examine and use your part If during the 45 days you feel the Auto Part you bought from us is not of the absolute, highest quality in both function and craftsmanship, We will make it right with a refund or a replacement.
More About Our Parts:


text:
Getting around Singapore
Minutes away from world-famous business areas and shopping areas in Singapore, Mandarin Orchard Singapore serves as the perfect base for your Singapore stay.
Singapore is well-known for its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening every day, making it a destination like no other. Visit the internationally acclaimed Singapore Zoo or the Night Safari, the island playground of Sentosa, the glitz and glamour of Orchard Road, or the historical Singapore River.


text:
On Irene Anniversary, streets flood in WRJAugust 29,2013
By Eric Francis
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – Exactly two years after Tropical Storm Irene inundated sections of White River Junction there was an eerie flashback Wednesday night as a torrential thunderstorm and an accompanying water main break sent several streets under water.
Drivers found themselves up to the bottoms of their car's doors in water in several spots ranging from Gates Street behind the large telephone company building to the railroad underpass on Maple Street right next to the Hartford Town Hall where two cars that had been headed in opposite directions found themselves stalled about 9:30 p.m.
Supervising the efforts of two tow trucks that had been called in to haul the stranded drivers to safety, Hartford Police Sgt. Connie Kelley said she was nearly caught up by the freak storm herself.
"I came down the hill on Route 5 by the former LISTEN Center/25,000 Gifts building and hit basically like a lake in the road and the water came up over my hood," Sgt. Kelley recalled.
Crews later determined that a water main had given way near the intersection of Routes 4 and 5 sending a wave of water that actually pushed a television set that had been sitting in front of the former LISTEN building clear down the hill to the intersection in front of the Bugbee Senior Center.
"This is unprecedented," noted Hotel Coolidge owner David Briggs shortly after 10 p.m. as he waved a flashlight across the completely flooded parking lot behind the Gates Briggs Building. The building houses the Briggs Opera House and several downtown businesses including Revolution and the popular Tuckerbox coffee shop.
For a time much of Currier Street, which runs behind the Hotel Coolidge, was flooded right up to the curbs, as were stretches of nearby Gates Street and Church Street in front of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.
Briggs said the parking lots in the downtown have never flooded like this in previous years but he said this is the second time they've done so this summer. "Something has changed," he said, pointing out that the water in the basements of the downtown block appeared to be coming in from, rather than going out through, the storm drain system.MORE IN NewsNarration and audio production by RH Alcott Full StoryNarration and audio production by RH Alcott Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
Striped Maxi Skirt
Style: 570099555
Out of Stock
Long black skirt brightened with modern white stripes. Fluid stretch jersey knit topped with a wide, flat elastic waistband for an easy fit.
- Can be worn at the waist or below.
- Slight A-line shape.
- Unlined.
- 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
- Length: 39.5".
Read more… Read less…


text:
Yesterday, I attended the "New Silk Road"ministerial at the German Mission in New York. Afghanistan's neighbors and some of its many international friends -- 30 delegations in all -- joined in promoting the vision of a more prosperous future for Afghanistan and the region. The Secretary was joined in the chair by the German and Afghan Foreign Ministers, each of whom spoke in support of greater regional cooperation.
After a week in which terrorists used heinous violence against those who would advance peace and reconciliation, the meeting was a welcome reminder of the strong consensus in the international community to support a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
The Secretary noted that we have all learned from hard experience that lasting stability and security go hand in hand with economic opportunity. Everyone who spoke, including Afghanistan's neighbors, emphasized the importance -- and the opportunity -- of greater regional integration.
For centuries, traders criss-crossed South and Central Asia on the "Silk Road," trading goods over thousands of miles while serving as a conduit for the spread of knowledge, ideas, and culture. In recent years, trade and commerce in the region has been stifled by war and regional rivalries. As the Secretary said, it is now time do the hard work of putting aside old enmities and rivalries to focus on opportunities, not just threats. The revitalization of regional trade, the opening of markets, the free movement of people, and the development of robust private sector-led growth is good for Afghanistan, good for the region, and good for the United States and their partners.
The Secretary called this the "New Silk Road," an international economic and transit network that links Central and South Asia, with Afghanistan at its heart. The vision of a New Silk Road complements efforts to seek a political solution to Afghanistan's decades-long war. An Afghanistan firmly embedded in the economic life of a thriving South and Central Asia will incentivize those interested in peace and reconciliation.
Afghanistan's neighbors and near-neighbors have a major stake in ensuring that Afghanistan continues its progression from post-conflict society to a full, stable, and active player in the global economy, and yesterday's meeting was an important step in that process.
Everyone in attendance understood that we have much work to do to start making this vision a reality to the people of the region. There are a number of important diplomatic conferences on the calendar in the next few months, that will focus our regional diplomatic efforts, including meetings in Istanbul and Bonn.


text:
Many of as are using wget as a quick command line download tool to fetch data from the web using HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. We usually pick download mirror closest to our location in hope for better download speed, start wget and hoping for the best. Aria2 download tool offers an alternative solution to wget with increased potential for greater download speed by downloading from more than one source in the single session.
Along the usual protocols supported by wget aria2 also offers download resume and additional download options using torrents, magnet URIs and metalinks. This article explores some aria2 download techniques which potentially could ease wget's work load.Read more ...
Here is a short tip on how to automatically submit a HTML form using a Linux command line and perl script. For this example we would need a WWW::Mechanize perl module and some basic PHP website. Let's start with simple PHP website. The website will consist of two files:
<form action="submit.php" method="post"> First Name: <input name="fname" type="text" /> Last Name: <input name="lname" type="text" /> <input type="submit" /> </form>Read more ...
My Debian (up to date) system will automount USB pen drives on the fly, but not a 1 Tb external USB drive (Iomega), which will mount but it has to be attached before booting. How to I change the behaviour for the Iomega usb large drive so I can mount it after the system is up? Thanks.
If your 1 Tb external USB drive mounts when it is attached before booting you may have a line in your /etc/fstab configuration file which mounts it during the boot time. If this is the case and you plug in your external USB drive after the boot, execute as a root user:
# mount -a
This will mount all devices which are not currently mounted, including your Iomega USB drive.
However, this may not be the most reliable solution since the base device file name for your drive can be different every time you plugin your USB disk. Since you have already mentioned that you are using other USB pen drives, your base device file name for your Iomega USB disk can be anything like: /dev/sdb1, /dev/sdd1 or /dev/sdXn .
I have exactly the same problem with my external WD USB drive as it mounts automatically in Fedora but not in Debian. Therefore, I recommend use autofs. autofs is very simple a neat solution. It takes little bit of configuration but its worth it !
To avoid any confusion whether base name for your USB block device is /dev/sdb1, /dev/sdd1 or /dev/sdXn we make it permanently /dev/Iomega anytime you plug it in. This can be done with help of udev device manager. You should have udev already installed on your system, otherwise install it with:
# apt-get install udev
Next, search for a current base name of your external USB disk using fdisk command:
# fdisk -l
This will return something like this:
Disk /dev/sdc: 2000.3 GB, 2000396746752 bytes 255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 243201 cylinders Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes Disk identifier: 0x001425a0 Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System /dev/sdc1 1 243201 1953512001 b W95 FAT32
Where the base name for your external USB device is /dev/sdc. Next, use udevinfo command with /dev/sdc as an argument to get model attribute:
$ udevinfo -a -p /sys/block/sdc/ | grep model ATTRS{model}=="Ext HDD 1021 "
Now, that we have model attribute, we can add it to /etc/udev/rules.d/custom.rules by following line:
SUBSYSTEM=="scsi", ATTRS{model}=="Ext HDD 1021 ", SYMLINK+="Iomega%n"
At this point all we need to do is restart udev device manager:Read more ...


text:
I was having supply issues and then stopped pumping at work altogether. My supply went down even more. I decided to start making myself pump again at work, twice a day now, to try to build my supply back up. Today was day one. So, just to make you feel better, I wanted to let you know that I got a combined total of 1.5 ounces between the two pumping sessions. Talk about PATHETIC!!!
Will these efforts just be futile?


text:
Your browser currently is not set to accept Cookies. Please turn it on or check if you have another program set to block cookies.
Why is the price hidden?
Festool 57000011 Hat
Enter your zip code for estimated shipping dates
Orders must be placed by 5PM EST.
Certain items require 2-3 business days to ship and is clearly indicated on the product page. These items cannot be expedited.
Delivery times on Economy and Freight orders vary, exact delivery date cannot be determined.


text:
|Room Type
|Rate per night
|Single / double including breakfast and tax
|Single / double all inclusive
(breakfast, lunch, dinner, tax)
Located in the geographic center of the México, Querétaro is a modern industrial city, built around a beautiful colonial center. The conference will be hosted at the headquarters hotel, Hotel Misión Juriquilla, which occupies the main building of an eighteenth-century hacienda and includes large patios, two restaurants, a pool, and a spa. A variety of restaurants and bars are located at walking distance from the hotel, which is located along the Juriquilla Golf Resort, about one mile from the UNAM campus.
The GSA room block offers the special rates noted at right. To make your reservations, email email@example.com; phone
+52 (442) 234-0000,
Or online at http://www.hotelesmision.com/Home.aspx?Preserve=1.
To reserve, please use the promotional code: GSA
|click for larger map
Querétaro is located 140 miles northwest of Mexico City and 190 miles east of Guadalajara. The Querétaro International Airport has direct flights from Houston (Continental), Dallas (American), and Monterrey, México (AeroMexico). Taxi from the Querétaro airport to Hotel Misión is ~US$25. A direct shuttle bus connects Mexico City International Airport to Querétaros bus station for US$19 (see primeraplus.com.mx). Hotel Misión Juriquilla is located off the Juriquilla exit of Highway 57, 15 km north of Querétaro.
Travel Advisory: Make sure your institution allows travel to Mexico.


text:
Holiday travel guide
Published On: Nov 04 2011 01:27:08 PM CDT Updated On: Oct 02 2014 02:49:08 PM CDT
Holidays are a very busy time for travel and getting to and from your destination isn't always a picnic. Make your next airport adventure a little more relaxing by following some of these pointers to travel like a pro.
The views expressed are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms Of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms.


text:
All about multimedia -ask, learn, share.
Find multimedia knowledge here
Most frequently searched keywords
Most read questions of the week
What is magix.info?
Do you have questions concering a specific problem, or are you experiencing difficulties with a MAGIX program? Do you want to improve or consolidate your knowledge of software and all things PC related? If so, you've come to the right place!
magix.info is the multimedia information and education portal from MAGIX. This service provides answers to your questions and solutions to photo, video, music and website creation issues.
The main focus of this portal is to gather, exchange and communicate information on photo editing, video editing and music production, which in turnhelps build a connection to MAGIX software products.
You can also share your own photos, videos or songs and comment and rate other users' creations. Upload your favorite content and find out what other members of the community think of it!


text:
"The work of priestly formation these days must involve a strong catechetical component since so many of our people have been deficiently formed. The resources you provide are allowing the Church to do a better job in preparing Catholics to know and defend their faith more effectively."
"Love men, slay error; without pride be bold in the truth, without cruelty fight for the truth."


text:
So in Red's world you to have intricate knowledge of the CBA to be a passionate fan of the game of baskeball?? Hmm.. ok.
And Red, one could make a cogent arguement that your repetitive, fixated posting re: our coach rivals that of KFFQ over the last week or so, and has been quintessential foolishness. Pot calling the kettle black if you ask me..


text:
Home List of Titles Balamory revisited: an evaluation of the screen tourism destination-tourist nexus
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/47026
- Title
- Balamory revisited: an evaluation of the screen tourism destination-tourist nexus
- Author(s)
- Connell, Joanne; Meyer, Denny
- Abstract
- It is well-established that tourism induced by film and television (TV) (screen tourism) is a phenomenon of global significance, and a number of studies since the 1990s have explored its impacts on specific destinations and communities. While some research provides insights into motivations of screen tourists, understanding of the experiences of screen tourists in film and TV locations remains an emerging area of inquiry. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to explore the interface between the screen tourist and the destination. The results of empirical research with screen tourists to the Isle of Mull (Scotland) to view the filming location for the children's TV show Balamory are discussed. First, the degree to which people are attracted to a location through film connections and the types of visits are explored. Second, the nature of visit experiences is analysed, allowing some consideration of emerging issues for both visitors and the destination. Third, the visitor propensity to return for a future visit is examined. The paper identifies that the lower the influence of Balamory for the visit, the higher the level of adult satisfaction, and that a return visit was more likely if visitors were satisfied with their trip, especially if Balamory was not the only reason for the visit. A structural equation modelling approach is adopted to explore some of the issues induced by an evaluation of visit experiences and the perceived likelihood of repeat visits, generating a range of widely applicable implications for screen tourism destination management and development.
- Publication type
- Journal article
- Research centre
- Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences.
- Source
- Tourism Management, Vol. 30, no. 2 (Apr 2009), pp. 194-207
- Publication year
- 2009
- Keyword(s)
- Children; Film; Film tourism; Movie; Scotland; Television; Tourist experiences; Visitors
- Publisher
- Pergamon
- 0261-5177
- Publisher URL
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Peer reviewed


text:
TastyBytes Boston – Location-Based Services: Not Just For Mayors
Yesterday, after a brief hiatus, Compete's TastyBytes series made a comeback in a big way. Held at Towne Stove and Spirits in the heart of Boston, we had an engaging crew of panelists and an awesome group of about 50 attendees from the marketing industry, agencies, and brands to discuss the location-based services space, how it's developing, and what it means to consumers and marketers. In case you're unfamiliar with


text:
A classic riding boot with snaps make 'Melissa' a little bit sweeter than the traditional buckle boot from Frye. For celebrity style, pair them with super skinny jeans and a leather peplum shirt.
No results found.
We are not perfect but we try to be! If you are not satisfied, please let us know how we can improve your footnotesonline experience!
Most orders ship within 24 hours of being placed, Monday-Friday. Please refer to the Shipping map below to estimate your delivery date.
Visit US Shipping Page or the International Shipping Page
Please enter your information and we will alert you when your request becomes available!
Note: Due to their popularity, some sizes may not be available from the manufacturer. However we will do our best to accommodate you. Thanks!
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.


text:
Beatrice H. ColeJune 12,2013Beatrice H. Cole
May 11, 1929 - June 9, 2013
MANCHESTER Beatrice H. Cole passed away peacefully Sunday, June 9, 2013, surrounded by her family, after complications from surgery at Fletcher Allen Hospital.
Bea, Queen Bea, Mom, Gram, and Great Gram, as she was affectionately known by all who knew and loved her.
Mom lived her life with unselfish patience, and kindness.
She had many hobbies including sewing, needlework, and knitting mittens for everyone at Christmas. She loved bird-watching, especially hummingbirds, and was the first to spot them in the Spring.
She had a huge vegetable garden and beautiful flower beds, allowing her to enjoy fresh flowers on her table and over the kitchen sink. At the first sign of spring she would pick wildflowers from the woods surrounding her home. She loved the smell of lilacs, and peonies, always took a moment to stop and smell the flowers.
As with her cup of tea, it was important to her that you sit and enjoy the time with family and friends, never hurried or rushed.
Mom was a great baker and made delicious pies, cakes, rolls and biscuits, she always baked a scratch cake for our birthdays. She was a great listener and listened to all of us with patience and kindness. Mom was strong and never let life get her down. Before macular degeneration took her sight, Mom loved to read and continued her love of books by listening to them on tape.
She was a huge fan of professional tennis, from John McEnroe to Roger Federer, she watched, listened to every Open with delight.
Most of all, Mom loved her family and was the best Mom, Mother-in-law, Gram, ever ... and will be missed dearly.
Bea was predeceased by her son Raymond, 10-6-1997, and husband Everett, 11-9-2004.
She leaves her sons, Leslie Cole and Barbara of Manchester, Laramie and Tanya of Wheatland, WY, and Spencer and Mia of Manchester; her daughters, Arlene Hodge and Erwin of Londonderry, Audrey Roberts and Bob of Bondville, Melanie Kent and Frank of Dorset, Maisie Kilburn and Dan of Manchester, and Natalie Macksey and John of Arlington, VT. She had 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of Beas life at the Eagles Club in Manchester, VT, on Thursday, June 13, 2013, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.MORE IN ObituariesJohn R. Hadeka
FAIR HAVEN John Ronald Ronnie Hadeka, 72, died Monday, Dec. Full StoryGladys M. McCaffrey
Gladys Mae McCaffrey, 77, of Rutland died Wednesday morning, Dec. Full StoryMarlene Burke
Marlene Burke, 82, widow of Robert F. Burke, of Rutland died Wednesday, Dec. Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed


text:
BLUE Bites® Natural Soft-Moist Dog Treat
Grab a handful of BLUE Bites and watch your furry friend come running! These chewy dog treats are made with a unique blend of natural ingredients that help provide important health benefits. BLUE Bites are tender, tasty tokens of your affection for furry family members of all shapes and sizes. Moist and meaty, BLUE Bites are made with naturally healthy and delicious ingredients. Plus, BLUE Bites are the only moist dog treats with a unique blend of natural ingredients that help provide specific health benefits.
Food Type: Dog Treat
Life Stage: Adult
Health Consideration: Cardiac, Hip & Joint, Immune System
Flavor: Chicken
Primary Ingredient: Chicken
Nutrition Option: Natural
Package Weight: 6 oz
Deboned Chicken, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Maple Syrup, Vegetable Glycerine, Whole Ground Potato, Gelatin, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Salt, Flaxseed (natural Source Of Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids), Blueberries, Phosphoric Acid (an Acidifier), Natural Smoke Flavor, Sorbic Acid (a Natural Preservative), Vitamin A, Calcium Ascorbate (a Natural Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Citric Acid (a Natural Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (a Natural Preservative), Rosemary
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein (min) 10.0%
Crude Fat (min) 4.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 2.0%
Moisture (max) 30.0%
Glucosamine* (max) 300 mg
Chondroitin* (max) 50 mg
*Not recognized as essential by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles
Now: $ 9.76 to $ 19.54
Now: $ 6.99 to $ 29.99
$ 9.99 to $ 17.99
Now: $ 10.49


text:
3 Trends That Rule the Precious Metals Market, Part I
Understand that in normal markets (and normal market conditions), there would/should be a host of variables that influence the precious metals market -- as with any other market. However, what has been completely lost in all the white noise coming from the mainstream media is that conditions have literally never been less normal.
Specifically, not only our markets but our entire economies have been perversely warped through pursuing (or simply allowing) the most extreme policies and the most extreme behavior in our markets in all of history.
These extreme policies, and the extreme behavior they have spawned, now totally drown out all other factors, even many of the most basic elements of supply and demand. Indeed, the ultimate proof of the cluelessness of media drones (and the mainstream "experts" who feed those drones) is the fact that none of them have even the slightest awareness of how economic fundamentals have been skewed in such an extreme and flagrant manner.
The purpose of this piece is to identify the three policy/behavior trends in our economies and markets today that either subsume other factors or simply render them (at the moment) irrelevant with respect to gold and silver. Understand that because the second and third trends are derivatives/consequences of the first trend, there will be considerable overlap here, so readers are encouraged not to become side-tracked by issues of semantics. Those three trends are:
1. Excessive money-printing
2. Gross misallocation of capital
3. Long-term destruction of the supply chain
Excessive Money-Printing
There is simply no other single dynamic in the global economy today (and specifically Western economies) that comes anywhere close to the significance of the utterly insane monetary policies that Western governments have allowed to occur. Indeed, so dominant have these forces become that no one (not even our governments themselves) find it the slightest bit noteworthy that the Money-Printers (i.e. the privately owned cabal of central banks) now absolutely dictate economic policies to our (supposedly) sovereign democracies .
The most current and extreme example is Greece. Here the bankers (and their political servants) have made it clear that they are going to force one election after another unless/until the Greek people "elect" a government who will do exactly what the bankers tell them to do : inflict more savage/suicidal "austerity" on that economy so the Bond Parasites can continue to receive their interest payments.
Understand, there is no long-term economic "plan" of any kind for Greece, not even any theoretical hope for solvency. Instead, the entire purpose of forcing more austerity on the Greek people is to allow the bankers to print even more money -- which they will then lend to this totally insolvent economy . None of the media drones or their "experts" consider this at all unusual or inconsistent either.


text:
Late last Friday night, I received a message on Instagram about this pair of socks:
A friend saw them on www.Modcloth.com, and was double-checking to make sure I was the designer behind the print. If you know me at all, you know I designed this:
Yep, they certainly looked a lot like my design. But sadly, they are not. All of these years of watching independent designers get copied by large corporations or national brands, and now it looked like I was in the same boat.
Having no idea what to do, I posted my disappointment on instagram, and decided to sleep on it. I would formulate a plan the next day.
By the next morning, there were over 100 angry comments on my Instagram account. Many were directed specifically at Modcloth and it's founder, Susan Gregg Koger. By lunch time, Susan herself had personally written me to say that she supports independent artists, has a strong policy against knockoff designs, and would have her sales team contact me and the manufacturer, Socksmith, first thing this week.
On Monday, I received both a follow-up email from Modcloth, and a surprising email from Holly, the actual designer of the socks at Socksmith. It completely took me by surprise. She explained her entire design process, how she took to the internet for inspiration (noticing a trend of hearts on typewriters--who knew?), drew an antique typewriter and planted a heart right in the center of the page. She mentioned that several times she herself has been copied and how terrible she felt. She wanted me to know that she had not intentionally copied my design, but had arrived at a similar place from a different path.
Now, the last thing I want to feel like is a pushover or a fool. But you know what? Not once, but twice recently, I have been involved in the creation of original designs that it turns out, already exist. Someone else had the exact same idea, and had put it on fabric before me. In both cases, by sheer luck, I managed to bump into the original design before anything went into production. I can't imagine my mortification if those designs had gone to print.
So, if the tables were turned, and I had sent one of those designs out into the world, how would I want to be treated?
I would want someone to believe my story, as unlikely as it would sound. I would want to be treated with dignity. So, that's how I decided to respond. I wrote Holly back, explained how disappointed I was when people excitedly thought this was my design, how I appreciated her email, how I really don't know how to handle this, but I was just going to do my best and give the benefit of the doubt. I told her of my recent experiences with designing something that had already been designed, so I know this could happen to me too. Holly thanked me for understanding, then offered to pay me my normal licensing rate for having the design look so much like mine.
This isn't the usual ending to this kind of story, but it's one I'll gladly accept. We all got to act like normal human beings, no one had to raise their voice. I genuinely appreciate Susan Koger's quick response, and feel badly that so many people (myself included) initially thought Modcloth was to blame. I appreciate that the designer herself contacted me, and understand from my own personal experience that these things happen, as unlikely as it may seem. I appreciate that Socksmith took the high road and contacted me first.
I also appreciate all of the people who rallied behind me on Instagram. Several designers were quick to offer support and many many people came to my defense... you all are an amazing community. Nice to know you have my back:)


text:
Blog Archives
What Is Radiation Right?
Modern science has many amazing technologies that let doctors diagnose and treat a variety of illnesses. At Medical Center Arlington, your safety and security is always our priority while using these innovative treatment methods. So that our patients are always …
Categories: Main Tags: Arlington, benefit, CT Scan, Medical Center Arlington, MRI, radiation, Radiation Right, risk, TX, X-ray 0 Comments and Reactions


text:
We're turning up the volume on radio measurement.
Nielsen has completed its acquisition of Arbitron, enhancing the scope of the data and analytics we gather across the physical and digital radio dial.
As the definitive source for comprehensive radio metrics and insights, Nielsen Audio has the beat on this dynamic and evolving industry. Radio today is about more than what's playing and being heard. It's about industry buzz words like audience reach, effective radio buys, multi-platform utilization and audience value—terms that we speak fluently.
We're also on top of tomorrow's trends. That's because we know the way that we consume content—whether that be by listening or watching—can shift as consumers choose different devices. Our Portable People Meters, for example, shed light on consumption trends across radio, broadcast TV and cable. We also offer mobile on-device meters to help everyone from software providers to media content owners understand the consumer's complete mobile experience.
And with Nielsen Audio, you're never left to figure things out on your own. In addition to knowing listeners' radio and lifestyle preferences, Nielsen Audio has the tools, services and software to help radio stations, and programmers, make the most of their air time. After all, we know that having great analytics is only part of the puzzle, so we help radio groups streamline their sales processes and provide insight that helps stations tailor their programming effectively.
It's time to tune in to absolute audio measurement and insight. It's time for Nielsen Audio.


text:
Dane Co. inmate declared AWOL
Man didn't return to jail as scheduled
Published On: Jan 23 2013 10:20:14 PM CST
An inmate in the Dane County Jail has been declared absent without leave.
Gary Brown, 40, of Madison, is currently serving a four month probation sentence for substantial battery, according to the Dane County Sheriff's Office.
Brown was released from the Public Safety Building on Wednesday morning to attend New Beginnings at Bethel Church in Madison. He was scheduled to be back at 4:15 p.m. but did not return, sheriff's officials said.
Anyone with information on Brown's whereabouts is asked to call 911.
Copyright 2013 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
A bold and all-embracing exploration of the nature and progress of knowledge from one of today's great thinkers. Throughout history, mankind has struggled to understand life's mysteries, from the mundane to the seemingly miraculous. In this important new book, David Deutsch, an award-winning pioneer in the field of quantum computation, argues that explanations have a fundamental place in the universe. They have unlimited scope and power to cause change, and the quest to improve them is the basic regulating principle not only of science but of all successful human endeavor. This stream of ever improving explanations has infinite reach, according to Deutsch: we are subject only to the laws of physics, and they impose no upper boundary to what we can eventually understand, control, and achieve. In his previous book, The Fabric of Reality, Deutsch describe the four deepest strands of existing knowledge-the theories of evolution, quantum physics, knowledge, and computation-arguing jointly they reveal a unified fabric of reality. In this new book, he applies that worldview to a wide range of issues and unsolved problems, from creativity and free will to the origin and future of the human species.
Filled with startling new conclusions about human choice, optimism, scientific explanation, and the evolution of culture, The Beginning of Infinity is a groundbreaking audio book that will become a classic of its kind.
©2011 David Deutsch (P)2011 Gildan Media Corp
"Provocative and persuasive…Mr. Deutsch's previous tome, The Fabric of Reality, took a broad-ranging sweep…The Beginning of Infinity is equally bold, addressing subjects from artificial intelligence to the evolution of culture and of creativity; its conclusions are just as profound." (The Economist)
"Brilliant but difficult to understand"
I'd HAVE to listen to it again if I want to understand some of the many highly abstract intellectual concepts introduced by Deutsch. I think this is a compelling read anyway. I will listen again.
No. I wouldn't say they were too technical, just above my intellectual and cognitive "pay grade" in some areas. I suspect most listeners will feel the same way. Though I personally have a PhD in an admittedly unrelated-to-physics but nonetheless a very analytical and technical field, I simply could not follow certain discussions, such as the one relating to Quantum Mechanics.
He was competent and a clear enunciator. However, I think actually READING a physical book would be better in this case: It would enable one to go back to prior sentences or pages to reread them. The nature of his book is such that if you didn't understand the initial paragraphs of a topic he introduces, the odds are good that you won't understand the rest of the discussion. His arguments are like building blocks.
Yes, "Infinity Hotel" was one. Another was a discussion of his views, which I share, on how mankind should deal with the prospects of global warming.
Deutsch is absolutely a genius. I am not convinced he is necessarily right when he tries to extend his scientific reasoning to completely unrelated fields, but he definitely makes you think in a completely new light. I'd say "Bravo". This is a very important book.
The Beginning of Infinity delivers a wonderfully dizzying display of intellectual virtuosity. I find it hard to conceive of the depth of preparation that must have gone into preparing the amazing synthesis that is provided by Deutsch in this light hearted, weightily significant masterpiece. At many points in the book, its depth of insight, its level of surprise, its ability to reach for the important in phenomena from sub-sub-sub-microscopic through to ultra-cold of deep space, from the soul-crushing impact of static societies through to the freewheeling exploration of world-views and universes had me exclaiming (sometimes to the surprise of others as I lived the book between my ear buds over several days). Deutsch tackles giants (Dawkins, Hofstadter and Dennet and many many more) without perceptible fear of authority - addressing the magic of their insights and the folly of their oversights with candid and calculated precision. I loved his portrayal of people as universal explainers / makers of meaning. I loved the picture he creates of the acceleration of possibility now that evolution is released from the constraints of the biological. I loved his firm hold on the possibility for repeatedly stepping beyond gloom that is available only to participants in dynamic society. I loved the brightly lit lobby of Infinity Hotel and its implications for metaphor in learning. And I was frustrated to all hell that Deutsch still failed to convince me on multiverses despite clearly thinking in the spaces where I always find objections (over the blithe extrapolations over orders of magnitude between observed phenomena in the quantum world to make proclamations about implications in the world of emergent phenomena we inhabit in our macroscopic lives) - perhaps I just need to listen to that section three more times ....
Dixon's consistently fresh presentation throughout this gargantuan task is a credit to him - a really great read.
My strong impression is that this is an audiobook that no English-speaking person anywhere should fail to listen to and luxuriate in - in this case, "life changing" is for real. Thank you both for slipping its explosive reality into my unsuspecting June 2015.
I live in Seattle. I write code. I listen when I'm out with the dog.
"A Perspective Shifter"
This book has flaws. Dr. Deutsch makes a few generalizations that I found a bit unfair -- related to physiological research and sustainability as it relates to environmentalism.
It's a perspective shifter.
I think about progress and humanity and our place in the universe differently.
I think about science and the scientific method differently.
It gave me glue to connect concepts I've found and liked from other books.
It's deep. It's complex. It's not "easy".
But certainly valuable.
l'enfer c'est les autres
"Covers nothing to everything"
One of my favorite books and provided me with many insights into our place in the universe and how we know the things we know. Deutsch explains the very small to the very large. He provides a reasonable explanation of the measurement problem in physics and a consistent theory on multiple universes. His survey of different schools of philosophies is one of the best I've read. He even has a detailed chapter on developing the most efficient election process which doesn't fully fit the theme of the book, but he explains it so well it becomes an intriguing chapter.
After reading the book, you will have an appreciation for the infinity and understand what is meant by 'everything possible will happen with certainty".
"This book is a wild ride!"
Wow. I do not pretend to understand even the 20th part of the ideas in this book. Who would have thought that a physicist and mathematician could express himself so eloquently on so many disparate subjects? This book is all over the map; it's a wild romp through an amazing mind. David Deutsch's ego must be at least the size of the Milky Way Galaxy--no, wait, that's too "parochial", too provincial by N orders of magnitude! Well, I guess it does take some bravado to take on evolution, quantum mechanics, history, universality, even knowledge itself, and still find time for politics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and a conversation with Socrates. Along the way, as Deutsch manages to drop an amazing idea you never heard before into just about every paragraph, his major theses boils down to two things: first, good explanations lead to an infinity of knowledge, while bad explanations have only the power to fool us; and secondly, there will always be problems, but they can be solved if we can separate the good explanations from the bad ones.
Doing that in the real world we live in every day is hard, way harder than I think Deutsch realizes. We are fallible human beings who more often than not ignore even the most elegant of explanations with impunity. That said, being inside his head for the last couple of days was a privilege indeed.
By the way, the reader did a great job of not being in the way!
I focus on fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, science, history, politics and read a lot. I try to review everything I read.
"You have to take the bad with the good"
I am not sure if this book is an optimistic anti-dogmatic prescription for unlimited progress or anti-religious liberal ravings about how people should think. Maybe it is a bit of both.
Some nits: The author describes Good Explanations and criticism as the key to progress. Near the end of the book he suggests calling Good Explanations, instead, misconceptions (which I find better, but still not quite right). I would instead use the less loaded term of Story. With a Good Explanation being a Falsifiable Predictive Story. The author also uses Testable which is not quite right. I like Falsifiable as being more to the point.
I was quite unimpressed by the dialog and the description of the multi-worlds interpretation as a Good Explanation.
This book has some of the same undercurrents as The Singularity is Near, but is more rambling, less focused, and more philosophical. Although there were a lot of interesting ideas in this book, there was also quite a lot missing. It seems to me there is much more to a really Good Explanation than is implied, and there is more yin-and-yang to conservative verses progressive than the author presents.
Nevertheless it is a good listen for anyone interested in thinking about how the scientific method really works. Unfortunately some parts are pretty boring or just tedius.
"Three books in one, but not necessarily a value"
When writing a review, I like to wait a few weeks after listening to a book. I find, when I look back, that my memory is able to distill some of salient points and I am better able to reflect on the essence of a particular book. As far as this work is concerned, here are the reflections that come to mind:
1. In my opinion, there seems to be a theme, perspective, tone, whatever one wishes to call it, by physics/hard science authors that their particular field entitles them to comment on or critique general issues or questions with a greater weight or authority than others. This also tends to create hyperbolic and grandiose titles like "The Begining of Infinity: Explanations that Transformed the World.No doubt this is related to the rigorous standards of their discipline. One may have heard such statements like " there is nothing else but physics" (I am heavily paraphrasing). In particular, one section of this book asks us to believe that even beauty is objective, can be given criteria and scientifically explained. That's right, beauty is no longer in the eye of the beholder but is subject to the laws of physics too. Thus, following these suggestions to their conclusions, all art curriculums should be replaced by science courses and legitimate beholders will have first interned at Fermilab.
Very often however, they neglect to point that their positions, postulations and conclusions are based on a particular interpretation and not necessarily on proven fact, though they would have us think otherwise. In this case, the author is known for espousing ideas based on the many worlds interpretation of quantum physics, hardly a widely accepted view. Listening to this book, one would never know that.
2. I liked the beginning of the book. It started well and I felt it had some promise, but about mid-way through it seemed to go off the rails a bit. Beginning about the time the author is imagining dialogs with Socrates, I began to lose the thread of the material. By the time it was finished, some 12 hours later, I felt and still feel like there were a couple of different books buried in the contents. It was as if the author had gone back and picked out particular essays or short works over his career and tried to stitch them together into some sort of coherent framework. Perhaps in one of the many alternate quantum worlds this and similar techniques are more successful.
3. One of the books' main arguments, as I found some 18 hours in, is that in the authors view, mankind has potential limited only by the laws of physics. Given time, anything that is possible will be achieved (more or less - again I am paraphrasing). In my opinion, the gentleman is far too sanguine with regard to humans and human nature. The last couple of hours seemed almost pollyanna-ish. Perhaps I am being too hard, it was after all very close to a listening marathon, but I seriously doubt anyone would suggest that this book is an example of the objective beauty it suggests. It did, in fact, infinitely transform me in a being 20 hours older than I was before.
"What an amazing book..."
Going on my third listening of the book...
You've never heard of most of the ideas in this audiobook. It's a masterpiece of original thinking from a creative genius.
Get this audiobook before your friends do, you'll have a 50 year head start in diner party converstations.
"Deutsch is a master of sophistry."
Deutsch no. Dixon yes.
Not that hard.
never before
David Albert wrote an excellent and friendly review of this book in The New York Times Sunday Book Review of 08/12/2011. Despite it's positive tone, it reassured me that I made the correct decision to stop listening to it. Sadly, it took me about 12 hours to decide that. Deutsch is smart and eloquent, but he's a master sophist. He writes clearly and skillfully, but treats his conjectures as facts. A term I once heard for this is "lying the truth". He convinces himself that things are actually the way he thinks they are, and then he writes as if that is the case, which in his created mindset, it is. He covers many topics. For those where you have some knowledge, the holes in his certainty are obvious. For those where you don't have some knowledge, you're in danger of accepting some ideas as truths that are no more than pure speculation on his part.
"Probably better in book form"
I must confess that I gave up part way through the book. This is only the third book in many years of listening that I could not force myself to see through to the end. I really liked parts of the book but really disliked other parts. The chapter titled The Dream of Socrates was too much for me. It seemed to go on and on without saying anything that I cared about. The reason I think this would be better in book form is that then you could flip through and read parts of interest and ignore the other parts. Since I'm usually driving when listening to audio books, skipping through the book is not an option.
"Interesting, complex and sometimes flawed!"
David Deutsch is a genius. As the father of modern quantum computing, he has an exceptional mind, and I found this book full of stimulating ideas and arguments going well beyond the reach of Physics.
His thesis, based on a synthesis of Popper, Dawkins and Hilbert, as well as his own interpretation of the Many Worlds theory of QM, is that through creativity, and the continuous search for "good explanation", we are able to shape our environment in ways no other force of nature is capable, and the reach of that ability is infinite.
At times his arguments are really hard to follow, and I suspected he may be slipping in some slightly dubious logic. For instance, his argument against the "Anthropic Principle" explanation for the "fine tuning problem". However, his early chapters e.g. on Hilberts "Infinity Hotel" and on "fungible" universes in QM are exhilarating.
However, as the book went on, I became increasingly irritated. Having persuaded us of the power and reach of "good explanations", he betrays these very values. In his chapter on aesthetics, he specifically rejects the explanation that we find flowers beautiful for biological reasons (e.g. bright colours as a super stimulus for a species once adapted to seek brightly coloured ripe fruits), and instead opts for an "objective beauty" explanation, which explains nothing.
To add insult to injury he follows this by a lengthy explanation of cultural evolution based on Dawkins "meme" theory, (which itself is a poor explanation, which even Dawkins has not bothered to develop). Deutsch's conclusion that in the past creativity was used to suppress innovation is bizarre. "Dual Inheritance Theory" (which includes memes), provides a better explanation, contrasting vertical (traditional) and horizontal (progressive) modes of cultural information transmission, each of which carries benefits and dangers. His final chapters on ecology, were therefore unconvincing.
Overall, very interesting, often complex, sometimes flawed.
"Very worthwhile. Fantastically narrated"
Like some other reviewers I wasn't convinced by the author's interpretation of a few issues such as the description of objective beauty and arguments leading on from it. However, for the most part this is fantastic with some very thought inducing analogies, including Startrek teleporters in parallel dimensions. The bit about political systems and fair political representation was also incite full.
The book is also very well narrated, one of the best I've heard. I listened to it in 1.25x speed.
"Stuff David Deutsch Was Interested In At The Time"
This is a weird grab-bag of ideas all jumbled into a book and tenuously brought under a single title.
It starts badly. After listening to the first couple of chapters I was close to abandoning it. Firstly it seemed like this was going to be Yet Another Neo-Atheism book. That's fine, but it's covered better elsewhere and it isn't why I bought this book. I got the impression his publisher had told him to put in concepts X, Y and Z liberally to appeal to a particular book-purchasing audience. Yawn.
One of his foundational concepts is nonsense on its face: he argues that to say there is a limit to human understanding is to invoke the supernatural. But any concept which can't be expressed in the number of particles in a brain can't be understood by it, so a limit obviously exists. You might have an interesting discussion about what it is, but he denies the possibility. He even comes back to it many times, which is disappointing.
Also, the multiverse. Don't get me wrong, this chapter was actually pretty interesting, but what's it doing in this book? I think it's his pet theory or something. He tries to argue to reject the multiverse explanation is bad philosophy. This just comes across as sour grapes.
There were many good things in this book, and on balance I'm glad I finished it. His theory of explanations is interesting and well expressed. The chapter involving the discussion between Socrates and Hermes was initially weird, but I ultimately really enjoyed where he went with it and appreciated the style. Also, despite having nothing to do with the rest of the book his exposition on the multiverse is worth a listen.
Narrator was excellent, very easy to listen to.
"Essential for people not just physicists."
Amazingly well written and logical guide to the past, present, and future of explanation, and knowledge. Don't read another book without it. Listen and then listen again.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text:
Thank You Heavenly Dozen
When words are not enough, the gift of tasty snacks sends sincere appreciation. The gift box with "Thank You" emblem contains Cheddarific, Chicago Chic, Cookies & Dream, Better Salt and Pepper, Brown Sugar Caramel, Kettle, Macadamia Magic, French Caramel, Buttery, Spicy Cheese, White Cheddar and Nutty Caramel. A delightful way to say Thank You! (This product contains 12 servings of popcorn. 1 cup = 1 serving)


text:
Still wet in debt: Two years after Irene, Vt. towns drip red inkKevin OConnor / Staff Photo
Ludlow Municipal Manager Frank Heald displays his towns annual report, just one of dozens statewide detailing the continuing cleanup after Tropical Storm Irene.
The three-member Select Board in Reading, population 666, thought Tropical Storm Irene was history.
Then it began to pen an update for this months annual report: We are pleased to write that all of the repairs to roads, culverts and bridges damaged by Irene have been completed.
Just not all permitted or paid for, it continues. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently told Reading it lacked approval for some of the work. That, in turn, has delayed the Windsor County town from receiving some $600,000 in expected reimbursement a shortfall bigger than the $531,755 in taxes proposed to fund the municipalitys entire general budget for the coming fiscal year.
From northwesternmost Alburgh to southeasternmost Vernon, flip through many Vermont town meeting reports this season and youll find communities flooded by the weather in 2011 and cleanup costs in 2012 are still mopping up the financial fallout in 2013.
The storms and calamity that marked the beginning of fiscal year 2012 finally subsided at least the storms did, begins the Select Board in Dummerston, population 1,864. The calamity continued, but it was more of a bureaucratic nature than of Mother Nature.
The three-member Select Board in Halifax, population 728, is still tangling with federal and state paperwork to pay off Irene repairs approaching $4 million five times its annual municipal budget.
The fiscal year 2012 budget deficit is largely due to Irene, it writes. Work and project financial closeouts will continue in fiscal year 2013 and possibly beyond.
Cavendish, population 1,367, uses its report to explain the statewide process for covering its more than $3 million in local damage: FEMA reimbursements for qualified expenses are 90 percent (usually it is 75 percent) and the state adds another 5 percent to leave a net expense to the town of 5 percent.
The state Legislature, for its part, has capped local financial liability for cleanup and restoration to no more than 3 percent of a municipalitys 2011 tax rolls. Almost 50 communities have borrowed money while they determine how to pay off repair bills, the Vermont League of Cities and Towns says. Most figured that federal and state reimbursement would come shortly after reconstruction.
Most figured wrong.
The real cost
Wilmington, population 1,876, was the hardest-hit Vermont town, with more than $13 million in Irene damage. But its just one of dozens throughout the state facing the same problem.
We have some items that we believe will be covered in full by FEMA but havent received the final approval on, local leaders write. The state has held back their portion of the payment until the final closeout is done for all projects. We are also waiting on the last payment from our insurance company. Once all these are finalized, we will know what the real cost will be to the town.
Rockingham, population 5,282, devotes two full report pages to detailing both its nearly $4 million in damage starting with the Bartonsville Covered Bridge washout seen by a half-million YouTube viewers and a lingering shortfall of nearly $500,000.
In last years report the town was still waiting for determination from FEMA on debris removal and reimbursement, its Select Board writes 12 months later. As of this report, the town has not yet received a determination.
Bethel, population 2,030, saw the storm damage 60 of its 70 miles of local highway and destroy the machinery that powers its wells and wastewater treatment plant leaving more than $8 million in bills. But two years later, taxpayers still dont know what it will ultimately cost them.
The financial consequences of Irene will likely not be realizable, its Select Board writes, until the time of budget preparations for the towns fiscal year 2015.
Such uncertainty is trickling down to other spending, as seen in dozens of the nearly 150 reports on file at the Vermont secretary of states office.
Westminster, population 3,178, already was facing years of loan payments due to its 2009 decision to buy the towns former post office for $112,000. Then Irene racked up public infrastructure damage of $1.3 million, leading to difficult budgetary choices, as the town can barely afford to cover interest on its outstanding loans, let alone try to pay them off.
Pawlet, population 1,477, is one of many towns seeking money any way it can.
A culvert on Betts Bridge Road was installed with Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, it reports. Bridge #6 on Route 153 on Town Highway #1 has been refurbished through a VTrans Structures Grant. Rafter Road has been rebuilt and all culverts replaced through Local Roads Grants. The town has been able to repair additional damage resulting from Irene through the Select Board working with FEMA.
A job itself
But for many communities, that challenge is as unprecedented as the storm.
Listen to leaders in Grafton, population 679, as they fill out paperwork to pay off $5.2 million in Irene repairs to 45 of the towns 55 miles of roads: For a few it seems like it will never go away, as a small group at the Town Hall continues to work through the FEMA process.
And Ira, population 432, which thought it was spared with only $55,000 in damage: The paperwork involved with FEMA was a job itself. Every dollar spent for stone, gravel, equipment, etc., had to be documented and separated and attached to each project that was done in town. This was actually harder than performing the road repairs.
And Strafford, population 1,098, which has juggled 60 separate worksheets in hopes of recovering $2.7 million in cleanup costs: I actually anticipate, the town clerk writes, that we will not be done with Irene until late 2014.
Townshend, population 1,232, has gone to court to challenge FEMA for not paying for an upgraded Dam Road culvert required by the state Agency of Natural Resources.
This matter is being appealed for a second time this time by the Vermont attorney general as a test case for all the towns in Vermont that have been left in the same position, local leaders write.
In Sharon, population 1,502, the three-member Select Board and four-man road crew are adding their support.
Sharon has joined with the state and numerous towns to appeal decisions made at the federal level we can only describe as unnecessarily bureaucratic, wrong-headed, capricious and in many cases many times more costly and which are needlessly made vulnerable to future damage with concomitant risk to people, property and the environment.
A wake-up call
Shrewsbury, population 1,056, is a bit more conciliatory as it awaits its own litigation on culvert costs: 2012 was the year for paperwork. 2013 promises more of the same. We ask for your continued patience with progress (or lack thereof).
Not all communities are complaining. Woodbury, population 906, sustained more than $400,000 in damage yet only had to pay a remarkable $2,600 because of federal and state reimbursement.
Fletcher, population 1,277, watched 2011 winter snow flatten its town garage and spring rain flood its roads before Irene hit. Last years report lamented that FEMA had changed its promised compensation estimates from $427,000 to $350,000. This year it received a final figure of $413,000, leaving a surplus approaching $50,000.
Orwell, population 1,250, anticipated federal compensation of $18,000, only to receive $76,000: When the Select Board saw that unbudgeted income was actually coming, we then lowered the municipal property tax rate by 2 cents, it reports.
Overall, Vermont citizens and communities so far have reaped almost $170 million in FEMA money and almost that much more in funds from the Federal Highway Administration and other government agencies. If filling out the accompanying paperwork isnt enough, many localities also are writing new flood plain regulations to qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program.
Irene was a wake-up call, writes the Select Board in West Fairlee, population 652. Most natural disasters are localized and not eligible for state or FEMA relief funds. We must ensure that the highway capital fund maintains an emergency balance to protect us in the future.
Local leaders in Chester, population 3,154, simply are thankful for finally paying off their Irene debt and dodging another set of bills: It would be an understatement to say we were very fortunate that Hurricane Sandy missed our community at the end of last year, and we are no doubt grateful, they conclude, but we certainly sympathize with those areas that were affected by that horrific storm.
firstname.lastname@example.com IN Central VermontBRATTLEBORO Brooke Shields gift list is sweetening a Vermont family farms sale of maple syrup. Full StoryMONTPELIER City councils from Barre and Montpelier have placed the Central Vermont Public... Full StoryWoodstock After more than four hours of sometimes-tense courtroom arguments that raised serious... Full Story
- Most Popular
- Most Emailed