text:
Group Booking Terms and Conditions
Because you are making a Group Booking, there are additional Terms and Conditions that apply. Please read them and click 'I Accept' below to continue with your booking
General Group Booking Terms
By making a group reservation through Hostelworld.com you agree to the following terms and conditions as set by Hostelworld.com and as set by the hostel in question.
- In order to make a group reservation on Hostelworld.com it is necessary to pay a deposit. The balance is due directly to the hostel according to their payment conditions.
- The booking deposit is non-refundable.
- Please note that any cancellations must be notified directly to the hostel at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled arrival date, unless otherwise stated in the hostel's conditions.
- Hostelworld.com are not responsible for changes or amendments to your reservation once it has been processed. All correspondence with regard to changes to your booking need to be dealt with directly with the hostel.
- Cancellations for reservations must be made directly with the hostel and must conform with the individual hostels cancellation policy (see below)
- It is your responsibility to pay the balance of your accommodation cost to the hostel in accordance with their payment conditions (see below). Failure to do so may result in your reservation being cancelled by the hostel.
- Individual hostels may have special booking conditions relating to group stays, please read the hostel booking conditions carefully before making your reservation.
Hostel Specific Terms & Conditions
The remainder of the amount due will be charged to your credit card ???? Should numbers or room selection change, the per person deposit times the number of people who actually travelled will be deducted from the total accommodation charge levvied by the hostel.
The following group types are not accepted by this hostel: Holiday with Friends, Junior / Primary School, High / Secondary School, College / University, Business Trip, Stag/Hen/Bachelor Party, Sports Group, Cultural Group If you have misrepresented the type of group you are booking for, your booking may be cancelled by the hostel.
Any cancellations resulting from agreement to these terms and conditions under false pretences will result in loss of deposit.
Loppuunmyynti on lähellä
Kiinteistövälitys Kuvaus
Tuoreimmat arviot
" Senhores falta informações detalhadas sobre os quartos. Se tem ou não ar condicionado, pois dormimos muito mal devido ao calor, pois um ventilador pequenino para duas pessoas. A cama eram dois colchonetes de espumas tinha que está explicado quando compramos o serviço. Precisam ter atenção aos copos que servem no café da manhã. Talvez por ser lavado nas maquinas de lava não ficam bem lavados. O atendimento é fantástico não tenho que me queixar quanto a isso. Sem Mais "- Nimetön
Tee varaus matkan varrella uusien Hostelworld-matkapuhelinsovellusten avulla.


text:
You limited your search to:
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Decade: 2010-2019
Collection: Government Documents General Collection
Wastebook 2012
Date: October 2012
Creator: Coburn, Tom
Description: Senator Tom Coburn released his Wastebook 2012, a report outlining wasteful federal policies that cost taxpayers more than $19 billion dollars a year.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
The Financial Crisis Inquiry Report: Final Report of the National Commission on the Causes of the Financial and Economic Crisis in the United States
Date: January 2011
Creator: Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (U.S.)
Description: The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission was created to "examine the causes of the current financial and economic crisis in the United States." In this report, the Commission presents to the President, the Congress, and the American people the results of its examination and its conclusions as to the causes of the crisis.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Rebooting the Government Printing Office: Keeping America Informed in the Digital Age
Date: January 2013
Creator: National Academy of Public Adminstration (NAPA)
Description: The conference report to the 2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act mandated that the National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) conduct a broad operational review of GPO to (1) update past studies of GPO operations; (2) examine the feasibility of GPO continuing to perform executive branch printing; and (3) identify additional cost saving operational alternatives beyond those that GPO has already implemented.The Academy formed a five-member Panel of Fellows to conduct a ten-month study of the agency's current role, its operations, and its future direction. The Panel determined that the federal government in the digital age must continue to ensure that the public has permanent access to authentic government information and that GPO has a critical role to play in meeting this need. GPO leaders have made significant progress in "rebooting" the agency from a print-centric to a content-centric focus, but the agency needs to make further business and operational changes. The Panel issued fifteen recommendations intended to position the federal government for the digital age, strengthen GPO's business model, and further GPO's continuing transformation. Among other things, the Panel recommended that Congress establish an inter-agency process to develop a government-wide strategy for managing the life-cycle of digital government information; GPO ...
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Freedom from Hunger: An Achievable Goal for the United States of America
Date: 2015
Creator: National Commision on Hunger
Description: To identify solutions to hunger, Congress created the bipartisan National Commission on Hunger "to provide policy recommendations to Congress and the USDA Secretary to more effectively use existing programs and funds of the Department of Agriculture to combat domestic hunger and food insecurity." This report is based on the commission members' full agreement that hunger cannot be solved by food alone, nor by government efforts alone. The solutions to hunger require a stronger economy, robust community engagement, corporate partnerships, and greater personal responsibility, as well as strong government programs.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Deep Water: the Gulf Oil Disaster and the Future of Offshore Drilling
Date: January 2011
Creator: National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling (U.S.)
Description: On May 22, 2010, President Barack Obama announced the creation of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling: an independent,nonpartisan entity, directed to provide a thorough analysis and impartial judgment. The President charged the Commission to determine the causes of the disaster, and to improve the country's ability to respond to spills, and to recommend reforms to make offshore energy production safer. This report is the result of an intense six-month effort to fulfill the President's charge. The Commission's report offers the President, policymakers, industry, and the American people the fullest account available of the largest oil spill in U.S history: the context for the well itself, how the explosion and spill happened, and how industry and government scrambled to respond to an unprecedented emergency.
Contributing Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department

subset: commoncrawl


text:
New Markdowns
view full screen
Limited Edition
Romantique Pajama Cami
Style: 570098484
Out of Stock
Blissfully soft cami romanced with scrolling lace, a satin bow and faceted teardrop charm.
- Adjustable straps.
- Double-layered contoured bust.
- Empire waist.
- Approximately 28.5" from shoulder.
- 90% polyester, 10% spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
Read more… Read less…


text:
You are Here:
/ EWP Questions and Answers
Loading Tree...
Immediate work to restore river channels protects private property from further flood damage
The Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) was set up by Congress to respond to emergencies created by natural disasters. It is designed to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural occurrences. The purpose of EWP is to help groups of people with a common problem. It is generally not an individual assistance program. All projects undertaken must be sponsored by a political subdivision of the State, such as a city, county, general improvement district, or conservation district. The United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service is responsible for administering the program.
NRCS may bear up to 75 percent of the construction cost of emergency measures or up to 90 percent in limited resource areas. The remaining cost-share must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services.
All EWP work must reduce threats to life and property. Furthermore, it must be economically and environmentally defensible and sound from an engineering standpoint. EWP work must yield benefits to more than one person.
A constricted river channel caused the raging flood water to find a new path, carving a gorge under this house and carrying away another house just downstream
Public and private landowners are eligible for assistance but must be represented by a project sponsor. The project sponsor must be a public agency of state, county, or city government, or a special district or tribal government.
Sponsors are responsible for providing landrights to do repair work and securing the necessary permits. Sponsors are also responsible for furnishing the local cost share and for accomplishing the installation of work. The work can be done either through federal or local contracts.
EWP work is not limited to any one set of prescribed measures. A case by case investigation of the needed work is made by NRCS. EWP work can include: removing debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded banks; correcting damaged drainage facilities; repairing levees and structures; reseeding damaged areas; and purchasing floodplain easements.
High water deposits debris and sediment on bridges and can damage their foundations
EWP funds cannot be used to solve problems that existed before the disaster or to improve the level of protection above that which existed prior to the disaster. EWP cannot fund operation and maintenance work, or repair private or public transportation facilities or utilities. EWP work cannot adversely affect downstream water rights, and EWP funds cannot be used to install measures not essential to the reduction of hazards. In addition, EWP funds cannot be used to perform work on measures installed by another federal agency.
If you feel your area has suffered severe damage and may qualify under the EWP program, you are encouraged to contact your local general improvement district or county supervisor to request assistance. City and county governments, general improvement districts, conservation districts, and tribal governments are the most common sponsors of EWP projects. The sponsor's application should be in the form of a letter signed by an official of the sponsoring organization. The letter should include information on the nature, location, and scope of the problem for which assistance is requested. Information is available from NRCS offices to explain the eligibility requirements for the EWP program. Send applications for assistance to your local USDA Service Center or NRCS Field Office or your NRCS State Office.
All applications must be submitted within 10 days of the disaster for exigency situations and within 60 days of the disaster for nonexigency situations.
< Back to Emergency Watershed Protection Program
NRCS Home | USDA.gov | Site Map | Civil Rights | FOIA | Plain Writing | Accessibility Statement
Privacy Policy| Non-Discrimination Statement | Information Quality | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov


text:
Topic: Checkboxes in Todo list application
Hi guys,
I'm getting into RoR quite a bit now and enjoying it for the most part . I've started off making a todo List with the adding and editing of items. I am however having a little trouble with checkboxes. I have a field called completed in my database which can either be 0 (Not completed) or 1 (completed) which works well with checkboxes as I understand because 0 will give an unchecked box and 1 a checked box. So this is my _form.rhtml file in the view folder: http://pastie.caboo.se/42290 . This works because I can check the box and omit the changes in the edit view and this will change the record in the database. It also mirrors the changes when I go to the 'Show' page of the particular item, however it is not mirrored in the list view with the correct checkbox. Any ideas why? Here is the code in list.rhtml: http://pastie.caboo.se/42291
Rails is recognising it when it has been set to completed as you can see in this screenshot (list): http://www.mholland.org/list.png . But not displaying the right checkbox. Here in the edit view however, it is displaying the right checkbox. http://www.mholland.org/edit.png .
Any ideas/help/responses are greatly appreciated.
Thanks very much
| My blog |


text:
10 facts on physical activity
Updated February 2014
Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Increasing levels of physical inactivity are seen worldwide. Globally, 1 in 3 adults is not active enough.
However, given a supportive environment, increasing levels of physical activity bring health benefits across age groups. WHO provides recommendations for the optimal amounts of activity, but doing some physical activity is better than doing none. Inactive people should start with small amounts of physical activity and gradually increase duration, frequency and intensity over time.
Both, society in general and individuals can take action to increase physical activity. In 2013, WHO Member States agreed to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025 in the framework of the "Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020".
Read 10 facts on physical activity
Related links
Features homepage
All features by year, topic and WHO region
Online Q&A
Answers to topical questions
Fact files
10 facts and photos on health topics


text:
So, was anyone at this party?
June 25, 2012
4 Comments leave one →
modernagejazz permalinkJune 26, 2012 5:56 am
Isn't this the same photo of Tinsley that was used for an Atlanta party with him and Big Al, prior to the quadruple overtime game?
I bet what the lady performed can be fit in a broad sense of dancing. :)


text:
Family of missing man asks for public's help
The enduring mystique of fire towers/Out There
Americans hang on to a lot of romantic and literary notions about fire towers and about fire lookouts spending months at a time in introspective isolation high above the trees.
Jack Kerouac spent most of the summer of 1956 as a Forest Service fire lookout on Desolation Peak in Washington State's Mount Baker National Forest. He used his notes from that summer in the writing of The Dharma Bums and Desolation Angels. Edward Abbey, another rogue hero of American literature, also worked as a fire lookout, employed by the National Park Service in the desert Southwest.
I have never been a fire lookout, but fire towers have long held a certain mystique for me. It was exciting for me, in the early spring of 2010, to see just the foundation of the fire tower that used to stand not far from the Norwich Mine site in the Trap Hills of Ontonagon County. And when I first heard about the Bergland Tower – that it was still standing – a year or so ago, I was eager to see it, even knowing that the public is not allowed to climb it.
It is easy to imagine fire lookouts writing poetry in the Bergland Tower. It is located at the top of Bergland Hill, at the eastern edge of the Porcupine Mountains and the western edge of the Trap Hills. Beautiful country. As we drove down State Highway 64 toward the trailhead Saturday afternoon, I was excited to get a view of these hills in winter. But a few realities conspired to suppress my poetic notions on my first hike to the Bergland Tower.
From a trailhead on M-64, something like 5 miles south of White Pine, the North Country Trail cuts a fairly straight, 1.4-mile route through a forest of maple and hemlock to the top of Bergland Hill. The short stretch of trail crosses numerous contour lines on a topographic map.
About halfway up the hill, Saturday, the trail got hard to follow. I suspect the snow that covered the hemlock boughs and the windward sides of the maple trunks also covered up a good number of trail blazes. This resulted in a lot of beating around in the bush, looking for blazes, before the tower finally came into view.
The trail, when we rejoined it near the top of Bergland Hill, skirted the edge of an ugly clear cut on the hill's west face. The fire tower was there, at the top of the hill, but so was a big communications tower. Scrub trees obscured most of the grand view I had hoped for.
After the long highway drive to get to the trailhead, all of this was sort of anticlimactic.
But it is Sunday morning now. The sun is rising outside the window as I sit here with pencil in hand and sheets of loose leaf paper scattered across the kitchen table. I'm thinking about the tower standing stoic and gray against the gray sky, wind whistling through its steel frame members.
I'm thinking about what it must have been like to climb fifteen ladders from the top of Bergland Hill to the top of that tower, and then to look out over the Trap Hills, the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior stretching out to the horizon . . .
. . . and the fire tower's poetical mystique remains well intact.


text:
If you're looking for something different, check out local college action. You might get the added bonus of watching me fall on my ass on the ice.
I'm the EMT/"Trainer" in the Kahki pants and blue and gold jacket with big ass fagbag around my waist. I'm usually there an hour before and half hour after the games and will buy the coffee.
Here's some links to browse


text: Sierra Leone Freetown is the capital city of Sierra Leone. The land of Mountain, Mangrove, forests and plateau, Sierra Leone got its name in 1462 from a Portuguese sailor, who called it 'Sierra Lyoa' or the Lion Mountains. The country is located on the Western part of Africa surrounded by the African nations of Guinea and Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean. The largest and the most important city of Sierra Leone is the capital city of Freetown. Apart from this, the other major cities of Sierra Leone are: Koidu (Sefadu); Bo; Kenema and Makeni.


text:
In his first posting, John writes an open letter to his Foreign Service Officer colleagues about the controversial issue of directed assignments in Iraq. The issue raises an interesting question, "Should diplomats and other non-military personnel be forced to work in an active war zone"?
John Matel is a career Foreign Service Officer (FSO) who is currently serving as the team leader of the Provincial Reconstruction Team embedded in Al Asad, Al Anbar Province.
I just finished reading a news article discussing some of my FSO colleagues' vehement and emotional response to the idea that a few of us might have directed assignments in Iraq . To my vexed and overwrought colleagues, I say take a deep breath and calm down. I have been here for a while now, and you may have been misinformed about life at a PRT.
I personally dislike the whole idea of forced assignments, but we do have to do our jobs. We signed up to be worldwide available. All of us volunteered for this kind of work and we have enjoyed a pretty sweet lifestyle most of our careers.
I will not repeat what the Marines say when I bring up this subject. I tell them that most FSOs are not wimps and weenies. I will not share this article with them and I hope they do not see it. How could I explain this wailing and gnashing of teeth? I just tried to explain it to one of my PRT members, a reserve LtCol called up to serve in Iraq . She asked me if all FSOs would get the R&R, extra pay etc. and if it was our job to do things like this. When I answered in the affirmative, she just rolled her eyes.
Calling Iraq a death sentence is just way over the top. I volunteered to come here aware of the risks but confident that I will come safely home, as do the vast majority of soldiers and Marines, who have a lot riskier jobs than we FSOs do.
I wrote a post a couple days ago where I said that perhaps everyone's talents are not best employed in Iraq . That is still true. But I find the sentiments expressed by some at the town hall meeting deeply offensive. What are they implying about me and my choice? And what do they say to our colleagues in the military, who left friends and family to come here and do their jobs? As diplomats, part of our work is to foster peace and understanding. We cannot always be assured that we will serve only in places where peace and understanding are already safely established.
If these guys at the town hall meeting do not want to come to Iraq , that is okay with. I would not want that sort out here with me anyway. We have enough trouble w/o having to baby sit. BUT they are not worldwide available and they might consider the type of job that does not require worldwide availability.
We all know that few FSOs will REALLY be forced to come to Iraq anyway. Our system really does not work like that. This sound and fury at Foggy Bottom truly signifies nothing. Get over it! I do not think many Americans feel sorry for us and it is embarrassing for people with our privileges to paint ourselves as victims.
Al in Washington writes:
Thank you John for a very encouraging piece on the situation in Iraq. I am very much interested in pursuing a career as a FSO. Amongst the many reasons FSO work excites me is the worldwide availability, including Iraq, Darfur, Ulan Batar or anywhere I am needed. Having lived in D.C., I am not excited about exotic capitals (Moscow, London, Paris, etc) and I am looking forward to hardship assignments once I am selected after the publication of the September, '07 FSOT. Once again, thank you.
PS---- Does anyone know when the September exams result would be published?
Mdaham in U.A.E. writes:
Sometimes you feel alone. Sometimes you feel betrayed.
Remember that you are the only hope for freedom.
Is it something worth to lose your life for?
God Bless America.
Charles in Tennessee writes:
Please correct these stats if they are incorrect:
60 deaths per 100,000 occupants per month in Washington, DC
40 deaths per 100,000 military per month in Iraq
Are these stats correct?
If so, perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Washington, DC.
Would all citizens be more safe if congress stayed home?
Stephen in Oregon writes:
I left the Foreign Service in 1967 after serving a 2-year tour in Bamako, Mali. I am dismayed by the Foreign Service Officers that believe that they should be able to decide where and when they want to serve this nation as a preferred, and pampered, elite of this Nation. I hope that all of you that do not want to go to Iraq are assigned there, preferably in the provinces rather than at the main embassy. You make a mockery of all of the military personnel and diplomatic personnel that have, and will serve, there. Many of them making the ultimate sacrifice. Frankly, you are repugnant as a professional diplomat that has taken an oath to serve this great Nation.
Suzann in California writes:
Dear FS cowards, I am a mother whose son re-enlisted to return to Iraq. He didn't have to, he was out of the Army. But he felt a commitment to return with his fellow soldiers. He and his high Friends are going back together. Shame on you to be afraid when you have all the security and privileges. I know of many who have gone to Iraq, A friend's daughter a Marine reserve, closed up her private practice, to go to Iraq. If you don't have to backbone, resign now. God Bless those who serve in peace and in war.
You are not going over there to party; they need you more now than they will need you later.
Ken in Alaska writes:
So, you don't want to go to Iraq. I don't blame you I guess. I probably wouldn't want to go either. The only problem is I don't have some cushy government job. I have my own profession which I do the best I can. I pay out the nose for health insurance. I am on my own for funding my retirement as well as funding yours too! I do my job because that's what I signed up for. If you can't do your job then just say so and quit. Maybe there might follow somebody who can do what they say they'll do and quit parasitic teat sucking at the trough of hard working American Patriots who despise you cowardly blowhards. I think I might have a future at this diplomatic stuff. A real American speaking the truth. How refreshing.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Ken in Alaska -- We do have pretty sweet jobs most of the time. Even Iraq is not that bad compared with some of the jobs some people do every day. I do feel lucky.
Abhishek in Maryland writes:
There are peace fanatics and there are war fanatics, but, in the culture of free society, we respect the views of both. In this exchange of ideas, it is the cowards who are universally denigrated. The FSOs have proved that it is nothing but a bunch of stool pigeons who write memos to Washington. When the greatest democracy in the world has to conduct its business abroad through such faint-of-hearts, one cannot but realize why democracy has made such little headway across the globe.
Steve in Nebraska writes:
Thank you for breathing fresh into the issue of the town hall meeting dispute that has plagued the news here recently. Having a number of diplomats complaining about serving overseas whether in a war zone or not is sickening to say the least. Very few people, whether soldiers or civilians "want" to serve in a hot zone, but when asked (or told) to do so, they go. It is sad to see and hear these gentlemen complaining about an assignment to Iraq. The word "pampered" comes to mind when I think of them.
I am a businessman in Nebraska and although I am as far away from what you are dealing with on a daily basis, please know I am so thankful for you, your colleagues, the soldiers, our leaders and of course our great nation for doing all that you can do while there. Take care and God Bless America.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Steve in Nebraska -- Thanks.
Mary in Connecticut writes:
I have read a number of times that the embassy in Iraq is or will be the U.S.'s largest embassy; while I have not read any specific rationale for its huge size, I presume security considerations may be a factor. Does the size of the embassy mean that a disproportionate number of diplomats are being assigned to this posting? Is that perhaps one of the reasons that Foreign Service officers are not enthusiastic about assignments there? Just what proportion of our foreign service is/has been assigned there? Is this the best use of our diplomat corps?
Marie in California writes:
To those who serve in Foreign Service Office. Hearing about your complaining, crying and moaning about being told to serve in Iraq… I am greatly disappointed in you as I know that my fellow brothers in arms are too. You have let down hundreds and thousands of service men and women who are willing to give their lives for this country. You think you know the dangers or what it is like, but you don't. I've been to Iraq to serve my country and was nearly killed due to my vehicle being destroyed by an IED, served out the rest of my tour in Iraq and continued performing my duty with pride and honor. My husband and I also served in Afghanistan, not because we were told, but because of our duty to country. During our tour in Afghanistan my husband witnessed many friends wounded and killed in combat, but we all know the costs of combat, and we were willing to pay the price, so we went. We have answered the call to duty, so what are you waiting for? It's not like you will be in combat, in the dirt with service men and women of our great nation. Now it is your turn to answer the call. Stop hiding behind your desks and perform your duty for your country.
A proud service woman
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Marie in California -- Please see above.
Gari in New York writes:
Thank you John, for your honesty, courage and conviction. As far as some of your colleagues... Anyone who signs a worldwide availability agreement and has a problem with fulfilling their commitment a)lied about their willingness and I don't want them working for me (the people) and b)obviously took a job for the money (when convenient). My husband, retired Army, took a job and signed an availability agreement. He has been in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once... and will be back in the Middle East again. Do we like it? No. Is it fun? No. Is it dangerous? Yes. Does he (and I) believe in what he (and you and many others) are doing? Yes... He feels if he does his job with the result of even one fewer of our brave soldiers dying, it is worth it.
Honesty... Courage... Conviction... Priceless.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Gari in New York -- Thanks.
John in Texas writes:
Thanks for the comments. My son served fifteen months in Iraq with the 2nd ACR, BA (Before air-conditioning) and ended his tour in 2004 in Najaf. To the bozo who spouted off, I have one word to say: Retire!
Vince in Illinois writes:
I want to thank that arrogant FSO who spoke at the meeting with the microphone for exposing just how rotten the State Department is to the country.
I'm just a normal 33 year old guy in Chicago who is absolutely convinced that the State Department has no freaking idea how to do anything right. Has absolutely no respect for the voters of this country and arrogantly thinks that the nation exists to suffer the decisions that State makes, instead of State recognizing that it's job is to do what the President wants.
That you collective fools are putting together another Israel - Palestinian conference in Annapolis is a testament to your inability to recognize the world in which we're all living.
The Palestinians have been indoctrinating their children into a cult of death worship ever since Arafat entered the West Bank in the 90s.
Hamas has been shelling Israel ever since the Gaza pullout.
How stupid do you all have to be to think anything except war is on the horizon?
This is worse than the Munich Pact. At Munich, they didn't know Hitler was going to take all of CS.
Who can honestly say they don't know the Arabs are determined to wipe out every last Jew.
And you people in my government are going to facilitate it.
I am so distraught by all of you.
You cowards who won't go to Iraq yet are endangering all of us because of your fantasies.
Great job... All of you!
(To those of you who don't fit these descriptions, I sincerely thank you for what must seem like a thankless job... putting up with your petty coworkers and the ideological war they probably wage against you)
- A disgusted American
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Vince in Illinois -- Most FSOs are dedicated and sincere. Diplomacy is a hard thing to get right. When you get it right, everybody just thinks it was luck and when you get it wrong they think you are an idiot.
Deborah in U.S.A. writes:
Thank you. You are a credit to the Foreign Service and this needed to be said by someone like you. It is embarrassing to read what those folks at the town hall meeting said. I personally would fire them on the spot if it was possible. Ridiculous. Thanks for what you do and stay safe!
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Deborah in U.S.A -- Thanks.
James in South Korea writes:
What I'm about to say isn't very helpful but I'm not feeling particularly charitable right now. Maybe you guys should just stay home. After all, the goons from the Army and Marines have been picking up your slack for a couple years now, sometimes doing a better job than you anyways. They can probably do it for a couple more. Of course, if you're not going overseas then you don't need quite so much in your budget do you. DoD is always asking for more money. I know just where they can get it.
P.S. John Matel, if the FSO losers that are sniveling about a tour in Iraq are at all typical, you might want to think about a job with someone else. You don't want to get lumped in with them. The State Dept. doesn't deserve you.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ James in South Korea -- Please see my response to Jonathan. The Marines, BTW, have done an excellent job here in Anbar. They have big boots to fill, but we of the soft hands also have jobs to do.
David in Japan writes:
Mr. Matel, good for you. You are man of character. I have a DOD job that requires I travel to and work in combat zones.I knew this when I took the job as you and your colleagues did. You're right, nobody feels sorry for them. Most feel disgust that while things are fine the have no problem eating at the public trough but when asked to step up as you have done they whine.Keep up the good work and know there are many of us that support the work you and our military are doing.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ David in Japan -- Thanks.
Jonathan in Texas writes:
Dear Mr. Matel:
Given that the conduct of your co-workers brings shame upon themselves, the Foreign Service and America generally, I am curious to know your thoughts regarding:
1) Whether you see the Foreign Service generally as a net supporter of American goals abroad, with the assumption that America should not seek to become more socialistic/atheistic/corrupt/UN-like;
2) What (beyond vigorously pursuing a policy of directed assignments) could be done to shake these children loose from the Foreign Service so they can be replaced by people willing to meaningfully support American and American ideas of human rights, and;
3) In your experience, were the whining FSOs always petulant, or did the Foreign Service rot them?
I would say that you have single-handedly restored some of my faith in your institution, but it would be more accurate to say you've created faith where none had ever been before.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Jonathan in Texas -- I am proud to be FS and proud of most of my colleagues most of the time. We do serve our country and most of us are willing to serve in hard or difficult places. Please see what I wrote to Don above.
TRO writes:
Good on ya, man. It takes a lot for any guy to stand up to those lesser-performing employees in an organization and tell them to get off their butts and do their jobs. And it is heartening to know that there are some FSOs who aren't whiney babies out there.
You're also right in not wanting the whiners to join you. They would be a dangerous distraction and do more harm than good. They should resign, but won't, because that would take courage that they do not possess.
Keep up the good work and God bless and keep you.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ TRO -- Thanks.
Tom in Ecuador writes:
@ Suzann in California -- Suzann you said it all. God Bless your son.
What a bunch of privaleged cry babies.
Neil in North Carolina writes:
I've been catching some of this story and decided to find the Foreign Service Officer's oath and read if for myself. It seems pretty straight forward to me but let's have a look at it.
"I ________, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,"
The United States and all western culture are in a global struggle against Jihadism. These people have vowed to kill us and destroy our way of life. If you don't agree, then resign.
"That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,"
If you do not agree that the Jihadist want to replace the Constitution with Sharia Law and they will continue to sow derision and death wherever they can, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Philippines, Algeria, Pakistan, etc, and you can not do your job to help stop it, then resign.
"That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion,"
Hey, look, times change, I meant it when I took the oath but, you see, the kids are in school, my spouse will be upset, I was going to paint the inside of the house this winter and all this is just more important than the 3850+ US soldiers and many more thousands of Iraqi's that have given their lives. OK - Resign.
"And I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter."
Model the behavior you want from you kids, family, co-workers and community. It's not about you. It's about them. You walk away from your commitments then don't be surprised when they do the same. If it's too much - resign.
"So help me God."
I'm surprised this is still part of the oath. This country and this world is a gift. An opportunity to use your free will to make it better for others. Whether you call it sin or evil or poverty or whatever, there is suffering all around us. As Foreign Service Officers of the United States of America you are in a unique position to make a tremendous positive difference in the lives of millions of people. Don't succumb to slavery of selfishness. Make the most of your opportunity. We're counting on you and so are they.
Sharon in U.S. writes:
Thank you, John Matel, for this post and for this opportunity for a fellow American to respond to your FSO collegues.
I'm a 48 year old grandmother who has co-owned a small business (a machine shop) for twenty-two years. I'm currently also employed as a business development manager for a Fortune 100 company. Inspired by the embarrassing outburst at the town hall meeting, I went to the Department of State's job site and applied for a position in Iraq. If the professionals in the Foreign Service are unwilling to help, then I will happily take one of their spots.
My son was deployed in Iraq for a year, was wounded (he's fine now) and reenlisted on his way out.
I would imagine there are plenty of Americans who believe in the wisdom of helping the Iraqi people through this critical period. Our family is one of them.
Don in Illinois writes:
Thank you, John, for making it clear that not all Foreign Service Officers fall into the "spoiled brat" category. I'm an old, retired military type and am quite familiar with those few who would rather gripe about a situation than accept the responsibility for improving it.
Thanks for renewing my faith in the Department of State.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Don in Illinois -- Most of us are okay. The asses just bray the loudest. Thanks.
Marine Mom in Virginia writes:
As a very proud mom of a 19-year-old U.S. Marine turret-gunner serving in Anbar Province, I will tell FSOs the same thing I tell other moms who express contrived horror at my son's enlistment during wartime, "Good thing your son chose an easier path than serving his country. I wouldn't want that little coward in my son's unit anyway." If you only signed up for the cushy posts in London and Stockholm, we Americans don't want you in Baghdad. Consider early retirement.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Marine Mom in Virginia -- Maybe rode with your son in Anbar. The young men and women in the Marines are great. You are justifiably proud.
Karl in Tampa writes:
@ Suzann in California -- My thanks and appreciation to your son and your family. Thank you also for your comment.
You need to know this: I'm in the Foreign Service and I'm not a coward.
I've volunteered repeatedly for Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places, but the State Department Medical bureaucracy has proven itself incapable of even examining me to see if it's possible to make that happen. [Seriously.]
I just spent over four years in Vienna, Austria, doing arms control at OSCE. I bid on Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Khartoum [the latter 3 with medical approval] and the State Department, in its wisdom, sent me to Florida. [Also seriously.]
A legitimate question to ask of the State Department is why I'm not in Iraq. I couldn't get an answer so I've stopped asking.
Joe in Alaska writes:
Wow...this reads like a section cut by Graham Greene out of "The Quiet American", only with worse grammar.
During the 2+ decades I spent in west and southern Africa, I spent a lot of time around FSOs: I would not have described their lifestyle as 'sweet'. Sending FSOs into war zones in non-diplomatic roles (such as the role Matel holds) is just plain stupid.
Our nation's reputation is in tatters; and the last think State should be doing is sending seasoned career diplomats into zones where their skills are thrown away.
Diplomats are -not-soldiers. To compare them to Marines is absurd. Our marines and soldiers have done their duty, but does any serious thinker believe that a bunch of guys in desert cammo will solve our problems in the middle east and elsewhere?
The desperation shown in Matel's propaganda message is obvious. Forcing U.S. diplomats to serve in Iraq is counterproductive and underscores what we all know: that the mess we made in Iraq is unsolvable without diplomatically engaging Iraq's neighbors.
While Kool-Aid drinkers like Matel might shudder at the thought of actually engaging in diplomacy, here's a constructive proposal: reopen our embassy in Iran and beef up our presence in Syria. Finally, a mission our career diplomats can accomplish.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Joe in Alaska -- I have experienced "actual diplomacy" for 23 years. I am a member of the career Foreign Service and was promoted to the senior FS for work I did before Iraq. I will not cast any more pearls before you.
Bob in El Salvador writes:
You make some very good points but I have to disagree with your suggestion that our agreement to worldwide availability means "anywhere regardless of the risk and circumstances", and that "we all agreed to this type of work."
First, by agreeing to worldwide availability, none of us has agreed to simply turn over the question of our personal security to the best judgment of the State Department in all cases. If the State Department were to order unarmed Foreign Service Officers to serve in a combat zone with no protection whatsoever, "for the needs of the service," would you say you had agreed to that kind of "worldwide availability"? Of course not. There are reasonable risks and ureasonable risks for unarmed civilians. Some of the Foreign Service Officers who disagree with forced assignments to Iraq are simply saying the risks in Iraq are not reasonable for unarmed civilians. And those FSOs are not willing to leave it up to current occupants of the Secretary of State's or Director General's offices to decide what risk is reasonable for them in every imaginable case, including active combat zones like Iraq.
We have also not "agreed to this type of work," as you assert. In fact, when I joined the Foreign Service in 1995, no post was even close to the 70% hardship and danger differential now assigned by the State Department to Iraq. Moreover, at that time, FSOs were not serving in active combat zones anywhere in the world. It can hardly be said, then, that I agreed to this type of work when I joined, given that nothing even close to "this type of work" existed then.
Finally, I disagree with FSOs who say we should be expected to Iraq if they agree with the work the U.S. government is doing there. We cannot pick and choose our assignments based upon our personal agreement with US policies, in Iraq or anywhere else in the world. But the State Department, the President, the Pentagon, you name it, should not seek to compel Foreign Service Officers, unarmed civilians, to serve side-by-side with the military in an active combat zone. The risk to Foreign Service Officers is unreasonable in those cases, and that is why in any other country in the world besides Iraq, our embassy would be on draw-down, operating on a skeletal staff, if at all.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Bob in El Salvador -- The Marines take care of me. There is not much fighting left here anyway. I cannot speak for everywhere in the country, but the war in Anbar is mostly finished. Besides, with all the precautions, I think we are probably safer here than in some other posts around the world.
I also do not like forced assignments. I made my choice based on my circumstances that might not apply to all. However, I think we should all be available in theory at least and we really have not call to complain.
Walt in California writes:
Thank you for your loyal dedication to your country. And thank you to the whiners that complained. We now know how stressful going to such a demanding post can be for some individuals. I hope that the leadership at State can help these folks transition to a position that suits their level of motivation.
William in Dominican Republic writes:
This situation is really getting blown out of proportion, as anyone who has seen the tape of the infamous town hall meeting knows. The majority of the meeting was very calm, and only degenerated when one person -- one officer who is about to retire -- gave his very strongly held viewpoints. The media has run with this story, somehow suggesting that there is a revolt going on at State. It's just not true. Readers should also be aware that thousands of FS Officers have already served in Iraq. Thousands more are currently serving at hardship posts throughout the world. Let's keep things in perspective.
Dipnote Bloger John Matel writes:
@ William in Dominican Republic -- Yes. I hear from my friends that it was not a general problem.
Albert in Oklahoma writes:
@ Joe in Alaska -- Joe in Alaska wrote: "...does any serious thinker believe that a bunch of guys in desert cammo will solve our problems in the middle east and elsewhere?"
Exactly. That's why we need the Brooks Brothers set to get onboard for the big win instead of wanking like a bunch of spoiled teenagers. Particularly at this critical juncture when the situation in Iraq is starting to turn and your country needs you now more than ever.
Sadly, too many at DoS have decided their hatred for the current administration trumps the oath they swore.
Dipnote Blogger John Matel writes:
@ Albert in Oklahoma -- Exactly. Although here in Anbar I tuck my Brooks Brothers shirts into Cabella's pants.
Paul in Virginia writes:
@ Bob in El Salvador -- I am an FSO and when I signed up my understanding was that I go where I am ordered, regardless of my desire to be there or the situation on the ground. Even if we question our personal security, even if it is a war zone, even if we question the work. If an officer does not want an assignment I don't want that person working beside me, and if someone wants to take themselves out of the picture, that is fine by me. I want someone I can trust, someone willing to work, by my side in a tough situation. I have nothing but admiration for the men and women in our Armed Forces. We FSOs may not carry guns but we have a role to play in advancing the goals of the U.S., sometimes in very difficult situations. I really don't think we can pick and choose the type of situation we would like to be in. Iraq is tough, yes, but we have a job to do and if we are told to go we should go.


text:
Lamb Stew
- 5 yellow onions
- 2 turnips
- 5 carrots
- 1 stalk fennel
- 1 cup cooking oil, divided
- 1 1/2 gallons chicken stock
- 1/2 head garlic
- 1/4 gallon orange juice
- 1/4 gallon apple cider
- 1/4 cup coriander seeds
- 1/8 cup fennel seeds
- 1 star anise
- 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 1/8 cup orange zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 leg of lamb
- 3 cups dry white wine
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Your choice fresh herbs, minced, to taste
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
Cut the onions and turnips into quarters. Toss the onions, and turnips, carrots, and fennel lightly in oil and place them on baking sheets. Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. When vegetables are a dark caramel color, remove them from the oven. Reserve 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 turnip, and the stalk of fennel; set aside. Put the remainder of the vegetables in a large pot with the chicken stock, garlic, orange juice, apple cider, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, star anise, cumin seeds, orange zest, salt and pepper. Cook the broth over high heat until reduced by about half.
While the broth is simmering, remove the skin and excess fat from the leg of lamb and cut the meat into 1-inch cubes. Put the cubes on a wire rack to drain or on a clean towel to soak up excess moisture. Add some of the cooking oil to a large heavy skillet and heat over high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the diced lamb. Cook the lamb, in batches as necessary, for 3 minutes on each side, or until browned. Transfer the lamb to a roasting pan. Add the wine to the skillet that the lamb was cooked in and cook, over high heat, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook the wine until reduced by about half and the solids have come up off the pan. Pour the reduced wine over the lamb.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Strain the broth and discard the solids. Pour the broth over the lamb in the roasting pan. Cover the pan with a lid or parchment paper and braise until the lamb is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Once the lamb is tender, remove it from the oven and add the reserved roasted vegetables to the pan. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop and bring to a simmer. Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, to taste. Serve the stew with rustic bread on the side.
Professional Recipe: This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.
Recipe courtesy of Wildflour Cooking Company
Cooking Tips
More Recipes and Ideas
Lamb Stew with Orange
Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger
Spring Lamb Stew
Recipe courtesy of Alex Guarnaschelli
Lamb Chops with Fennel and Tomatoes
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen


text:
Motorola Xoom Android tablet
Motorola Xoom review: An Android 'Honeycomb' tablet that promises a slick multimedia experience
Motorola Xoom review: An Android 'Honeycomb' tablet that promises a slick multimedia experience
Seven ways the iPad 2 is better than Motorola Xoom
Optus has announced that it is now selling Motorola's Xoom Android tablet, and has priced the tablet device considerably lower than rival Telstra.
Motorola's Xoom Android tablet launched in Australia with a disabled microSD card slot, but Telstra has today confirmed that a software update in July will activate the missing functionality.
Motorola has confirmed its much-anticipated Xoom Android tablet will launch in Australia with a disabled microSD card slot, and the company has not specified when it will be active.
Telstra has confirmed it will sell the Motorola Xoom Android tablet in Australia from next month following weeks of rumours.
Seven ways the iPad 2 is better than Motorola Xoom
Apple's iPad 2 may be flying off the shelves, but the coming months will see a number of challengers aiming for a slice of the tablet pie.
All eyes are on the Motorola Xoom tablet, and for good reason: It's the first device in an expected multitude to ship with Google's tablet-optimized Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). The Xoom has a lot of features to like, and a lot to set it apart from the e...
To buy or not to buy? That's the question right now as the Motorola Xoom, Google's first Android Honeycomb tablet, gets ready to make its grand debut.
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers
Visit our shop for the best deals on hot products
Watch our video news and reviews from around the world
Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.


text:
Prep Roundup (5-14-13)
WEST BRANCH-The Alpena JV boys track team took third place at the 9/10 Falcon Invitational at Ogemaw Heights on Monday.
Dylan Goike won the pole vault (12-0) and was part of a second-place 800 relay team (1:42.96) along Ben Manning, John Chen and Josh Bell.
Bell won the 300 hurdles (42.81) and took second in the 110 hurdles (16.54).
Tellis Donajkowski won the 3200 run (11:02.8) and Jordan Ferguson topped the field in the shot put (42-3).
Other top finishers for Alpena included Mitch Mead in the pole vault (4th, 11-0) and Nevin McHarg in the 3200 run (4th, 11:50.8).
Alpena will compete in regionals on Friday at Traverse City Central.
Posen 21-15,
Atlanta 0-3
ATLANTA-Ashley Meyers threw a no-hitter and the Posen softball team improved to 12-0 in the North Star League with two wins over Atlanta on Monday, 21-0 (four innings) and 15-3 (five innings).
Posen scattered 18 hits in the opener and Meyers led the charge, going 3-for-4 with an inside-the-park home run, a double and five RBIs; Hunter Kaszubowski was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and Abbie Deletka was 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.
Meyers allowed one walk and struck out 11 during her no-hitter.
In the nightcap, Taylor Chojnacki pitched the first three innings and allowed one hit, one walk and struck out one. Meyers struck out the side in the fourth inning and Jenna Hincka pitched the final inning, allowing three runs (one earned) and one hit.
Meyers was 3-for-4, Bev Bednarski was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and Chojnacki, Hincka and Danielle Rhode had two hits each.
Posen is 17-4 overall and will play at Hillman on Thursday in a battle of the top two teams in the North Star League.
Hillman 32-18, Fairview 0-0
FAIRVIEW-The Hillman softball team set up a battle of unbeatens with Posen on Thursday after the Tigers defeated Fairview 32-0 and 18-0 on Monday.
Jensen Tchorzynski threw a perfect game in the opener against a young, inexperienced Eagles squad and struck out six.
Hillman (13-3, 12-0 NSL) had 13 hits in the game.
Kalen Tchorzynski pitched the nightcap and struck out eight. Hillman finished with eight hits.
The Tigers host Posen on Thursday. Both teams are 12-0 in the North Star League.
Onaway 3-15,
Central Lake 2-0
ONAWAY-Onaway softball hosted Central Lake on Monday, picking up two Ski Valley wins to improve its record to 11-6 overall and 7-1 in the conference.
Emily Estep picked up the win in the first game, going all seven innings. She allowed both runs, gave up three walks and struck out seven. She also picked up a two-run inside the park home run.
Jade Galer went 2-for-2 while Temara Lupu picked up a double.
Estep pitched all four innings of Onaway's second game 15-0 mercy win. She walked one, gave up three hits and struck out two. She went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double.
Onaway picked up 17 hits in the second game, including 3-for-3 for Galer with a triple. Erica Price also went 3-for-3. Morganne Badgero was 3-for-4 and a double. Lupu went 2-for-4 with a double. Lexi Szymoniak's one hit was a two RBI inside-the-park home run. Megan Estep was 1-for-2 while Lindsay LaLonde had one hit.
"Our bats were on fire in the second game," Onaway coach Jodi Brewbaker said.
Onaway plays in Mancelona on Thursday.
Standish 18-17,
Alcona 2-2
STANDISH-The Standish softball team took two games from Alcona on Monday, winning 18-2 and 17-2.
Karina Cole pitched 3 2/3 innings for the Tigers, allowing 17 earned runs and three walks with three strikeouts.
Alissa Terpstra was 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored and Ally Higgins was 1-for-1 and walked once.
Terpstra pitched the second game for Alcona and allowed 14 earned runs and 10 walks as well as seven his in 3 2/3 innings. At the plate she was 2-for-2 and had a double.
Cole was 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI.
Alcona hosts Tawas on Thursday.
Alpena JV wins
PINCONNING-The Alpena JV softball team won the Pinconning Tournament on Saturday, defeating Big North Conference rival Traverse City West in the final 15-5.
Mykayla Price and Madison Amlotte combined on the mound for the win and Price was 2-for-4 with a home run. Lauren Heath was 3-for-4 with two doubles and Alexis Smith was 3-for-5 with three doubles.
The Wildcats defeated Pinconning in their opening game, 19-3 in five innings.
Price earned the win, allowing one walk and one hit with eight strikeouts. The Wildcats scattered at least a dozen hits in the victory.
Alpena followed that up with an 11-3 win over Freeland. Heath earned the win, allowing four hits and no walks with six strikeouts.
Sarah Bodus was 2-for-4 with a home run; Jennifer Mainville was 3-for-4 with a double and Heath was 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles.
Alpena is 16-0 on the year and plays at Cadillac today.
Hillman 14-23, Fairview 4-0
FAIRVIEW-The Hillman baseball team stayed in the hunt for the North Star League title with a pair of wins over Fairview on Monday, 14-4 and 23-0 (three innings).
Ty Jones and David Julka combined to throw a no-hitter in the second game. Jones struck out five of the six batters he faced in two innings and Julka struck out two of three batters he faced in one inning.
Michael Klein led Hilllman (16-3, 10-2 NSL) at the plate, going 5-for-5 with three doubles and four RBIs; Dylan Ross was 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs; Trenton Hopp was 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs and Mason VanPamel was 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
Kyle Henigan earned the win for the Tigers in the opener, going six innings and allowing four runs on seven hits with 10 strikeouts.
Ross was 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs; VanPamel was 3-for-4 with a double, a triple with three RBIs; and Klein was 2-for-4 with a double an RBI and four runs scored.
Hillman hosts Posen on Thursday.
Arenac Eastern 12-5, Hale 6-0
TWINING- The Hale baseball team lost a North Star League doubleheader against Arenac on Monday, losing the first game 12-6 and the second 5-0.
"Arenac had a lot of 'bloop' hitting tonight. They'd get a few guys on and then just find a way to get them in," Hale coach Ben Murphy said.
Kelby Chrivia was the losing pitcher for Hale. He pitched five innings, gave up 12 runs, seven hits, five walks and struck out 11.
Travis Pript was the big hitter for the night with a three run homer. Kaydon Reimer picked up three hits and one RBI. Dan Katterman had two hits while Billy Culhane had one.
"We hit pretty good but we just couldn't catch up," Murphy said.
Ryan Richardson pitched a solid second game in spite of his loss. He went five innings, gave up only two earned runs, only seven hits, three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Katterman picked up one hit and a stole base.
"Ryan pitched really well, he's had some really good games for us. But we just gotta get behind him with the bats and the gloves if we want to pick up more wins," Murphy said.
Hale is now 3-19 overall and 3-7 in the North Star League. They play in Au Gres today.
Posen finishes 2nd at home invite
POSEN-The Posen baseball team took second place at the Wozniak Invitational on Saturday.
The Vikings lost their opening round game to Superior Central 9-2. Martin Mulka led Posen (4-8, 2-7 North Star League) at the plate, going 2-for-3.
After Superior Central beat Oscoda 9-7 in the second game, Posen led Oscoda 3-1 in the last game of the tournament before the game was called after a few innings due to rain.
Travis Sharpe led Posen, going 1-for-1 with a two-run home run.
Alpena JV finishes 2nd at Saginaw Arthur Hill tourney
SAGINAW-The Alpena JV baseball team took runner-up honors on Saturday at a tournament at Saginaw Arthur Hill.
Sault Ste. Marie edged Alpena 3-2 in the final. Ryan Cadarette pitched for Alpena, going seven innings and allowing three runs on four hits with 12 strikeouts.
Caleb Myers was 3-for-4 with a double, Chris Modrzynski was 2-for-3 with a double and Joe Ayala also had a double for Alpena.
Alpena topped Saginaw Heritage 4-1 in its opening game. Myers earned the win, pitching seven innings and allowing one run on four hits with 12 strikeouts.
Cadarette and Modrzynski each went 2-for-4.
The Wildcats followed that up with a win over Goodrich. Modrzynski earned the win, allowing five hits and striking out 10 in seven innings.
Braeden Werth and Myers both went 2-for-4 and Brody Nowak was 2-for-2.
Alpena is 11-2 on the season and plays at Cadillac today.


text:
This comes from the web board, Beatles Section, over at Bagism
Musictap.net reports a best-of George Harrison disc will be released June 24, instead of June 10. It looks to be titled "The Collection."
& this from Beatle News Briefs @
http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/news/408geo ... ction.html
Rumors that a release called "George Harrison: The Collection" is coming in June started making the rounds Monday. The rumors were first hinted at on MusicTap.net. The only thing we've been able to gather from our sources is that it may involve more than one label. That is, if it's going to happen at all. No one we contacted seems to know for sure as it stands right now. (The title sounds like an unimaginative and unlikely one, at any rate.) We'll let you know more if we hear anything. (Thanks to Steve Crosby for the initial alert.)
If this is true, I'll be hoping for some bonus tracks...UNRELEASED SONGS TYPES OF BONUS TRACKS AT THAT!! We'll see...I truly hope it is a double CD (if it actually exists) like the recent Lennon "Working Class Hero", or "Wingspan"...he truly deserves that, as opposed to a mere single CD. To be honest that didn't even really work for Ringo on his most recent best of (the 20 track one). I thought Ringo great later period, from "Time Takes Time" onwards, really got majorly shortchanged on that one. Blessings!!


text: Staff on December 19, 2011 0 Comments To ensure that your favorite appliances last a long time and continue to work well, you want to make sure you take very good care of them. From big appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to small appliances like toasters and microwaves, caring for their overall function is a must. Without proper care, your appliances may become ineffective, resulting in a higher electricity bill or unfulfilled purpose, or even potentially start a house fire due to faulty wiring or mechanics. Cleaning your appliances after you use them is an excellent way to keep hazards at bay. Small appliances such as waffle makers, sandwich presses, blenders and toasters should especially be cleaned after use to help keep crumbs or uncooked batter from burning and possibly catching on fire. Therefore, after cooking food with these appliances you should wipe or wash them down, but also be cautious of electrical cords and features that may be ruined by contact with water. Inspecting your appliances' electrical connections is extremely important. Appliances age with use and loose wires can be potentially very dangerous to you and your family. If wires seem taut, split or torn and exposing the actual electrical wires, your appliance may be at risk of sparking and starting a fire or electrical surge causing a power outage in the rest of your home. This can also lead to damaging your appliance completely. Overheating is also a common deficiency in older appliances. Being aware of the age of your appliances and their normal function is important so that you can recognize when something is wrong, like overheating or strange noises. This appliance reaction is usually caused due to a backup of dust and dirt blocking the appliance filter. In some vacuums and washer dryers, this is common when the lint filter is filled to capacity with lint or dirt. Make sure to read the instructions on any new appliance you purchase so you know how to care for them and what to do if they need repair. Some appliances are self-explanatory and easy to use, but keeping the instructions handy will help you if you need to repair the appliance or need warranty information. If something goes wrong with any of your appliances, you'll find comfort in knowing you are prepared.


text:
Selective colleges should "redshirt" disadvantaged students, giving them an extra year of college prep, writes Grinnell's president. It works for football players, he argues.
Also on Community College Spotlight: Police used pepper spray on protesters who stormed a board meeting at Santa Monica City College. They object to the college's plans to charge premium pricing for priority access to high-demand classes.


text:
Naples Vacation Rentals
Filtering by: Search term: "Plantation"
Showing 1-13 of 13 in Naples
Naples Vacation Rentals
Filtering by: Search term: "Plantation"
Few places can rival the vacation rental homes and experiences offered in Naples, FL. Step outside your vacation home onto Naples' vast and world-renowned beaches, and swim, surf, sail, kayak, snorkel, or simply sun amidst a beautiful Gulf backdrop. Kick back and watch the surfers and the waves from your rental's own back porch or patio. Spend your days playing in the sand, then retreat back home at night to enjoy all the amenities your vacation home has to offer.
Naples is home to great cosmopolitan shopping and dining opportunities, many that are located at The Waterside Shops. This shopping and dining haven has over 45 unique shops and a number of chic and delicious dining establishments. With beautiful architectural structures situated throughout the complex, The Waterside Shops are a must for shopping and dining enthusiasts alike. Looking for great golf? Head over to LaPlaya Golf Course, a brand new 18-hole course with a beautiful driving range. After playing a round, dine amidst rolling green hills and fairways at the attached restaurant.
Here are a few additional suggested activities:
You'll never run out of fun, exciting, relaxing and romantic things to do while visiting Naples. The best way to experience this Florida paradise is by renting your own private condo a few steps from the beach, or an elegant villa with breathtaking views of the ocean. No matter what time of year you arrive here, you'll have no trouble finding a perfect vacation rental with all the luxury amenities you need to host your family and friends. While you're visiting Naples, consider scheduling side trips to nearby destinations like Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.


text:
Dr. Melissa Harrington, professor of neuroscience and the principal investigator of the NIH grant.
DSU and UD researchers that will benefit from the grant: Leonard Davis, chair of the DSU Dept. of Biology; Dr. Harbinder Dhillon, DSU asst. professor of biology; Dr. Cynthia VanGolen, asst. professor biology; Dr. Rachel Pulverman, DSU asst. professor of psychology; Dr. Melissa Harrington, grant principal investigator and DSU professor of neuroscience; Dr. Jeff Rosen, UD professor of psychology and grant co-principal investigator; Dr. Amy Griffin, UD asst. professor of psychology; Dr. Tania Roth, UD asst. professor of psychology; DR. Anna Klintsova, UD associate professor of psychology; and Dr. Sunil K. Agrawal, UD professor of mechanical engineering.
Dr. Harb Dhillon, DSU associate professor of biology – Understanding the molecular basis of learning and memory using C. elegans.
Dr. Amy Griffin, UD assistant professor of psychology – Role of the rodent medial prefrontal cortex in behavioral plasticity.
Dr. Anna Klintsova, associate professor of psychology, UD – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome model: therapeutic interventions.
Dr. Tania Roth, UD assistant professor of psychology – Lasting epigenetic influence of early-life adversity on the BDNF gene.
Dr. Cindy van Golen, DSU associate professor of biology – CXCR4 controls neurite extension through direct regulation of actin dynamics.
Dr. Sunil K. Agrawal, UD professor of mechanical engineering – Robotic navigation inspired by neuromechanics of C. elegans.
Dr. Rachel Pulverman, DSU assistant professor of psychology – Infant verb learning: from attention to comprehension
Dr. Theresa Szabo-Maas, DSU assistant professor of biology -- DSU influence of environmental and hormonal changes on mechanisms of motor learning.
Dr. Georgianna Gould will join DSU as an assistant professor of biology in January 2013. Her research focuses on the development of social behavior in a mouse model of autism.


text:
Hi all,
Rather than submit links as I find them, I thought I'd put together a weekly summary of cool, geeky, weird, thought-provoking stuff that may be of interest to the Wombatcast community: here's a few things…
Introverts unite!
I'll bet that a large number of geeks (of the comic-book loving, gaming variety) are introverted, and I'd be very interested to hear if the WC community agrees or disagrees. For me, losing myself in books for hours and hours as a kid led in a direct line to me losing myself for hours and hours playing Civilization or Nintendo (and then Playstation, and even later Civilization 5) as I got older. I figured I was just an anti-social weirdo (and I probably was) but there was more to it – I was part of a group of people that may make up 25-33% of the population but who are constantly battered by their extroverted peers to stop being a "weirdo" and be more "outgoing". It's great to see people standing up for the introverted mindset these days – I certainly wish I'd know more of this stuff that follows when I was younger; it would of helped me make more sense out of who I was/am.
If Extroverts get to you – use this
Teh Sexy
Geeky guys have a reputation for not being savvy around the ladies and therefore compensating by lusting after pneumatic comic-book heroines. I'd always sort of figured this was an unfair caricature of geeky guys, but this tumblr page catalogues all the contorting ways it may be true…
…and speaking of sexy – this article shows what happens when someone who has read too much literary criticism plays Skyrim (the author was an assistant producer for Donnie Darko so he gets a pass for name-dropping Roland Barthes and Leopold Bloom in a video game review). I actually think the author makes a pretty neat point so if you can get past his pseudo-academic style I think the article is worth five minutes of your time. I'd quibble with his conclusions slightly because he clearly doesn't know about Japanese "rape games" (and I won't provide a link here because I wish I didn't know about them either even if I've never played one) If there was ever something that demonstrated some geeky guys have serious woman-issues it's that genre of video games.
But, if faux-literary criticism isn't your thing, just go watch Donnie Darko instead. What else are you doing this weekend anyway?
-the professor


text:
Dan Hudson has been the buzz of the White Sox minor leagues since Gordon Beckham earned his promotion to the White Sox. He started the season in Low-A Kannapolis and is currently pitching for the AAA Charlotte Knights. He has pitched in four levels this season, a mostly unheard of feat. So the question this brings up is how does Hudson's stellar 2009 stack up against previous pitching prospects in the White Sox system that had torrid campaigns? …
August 23, 2009
Daniel Hudson compared to other Sox pitching prospects
Leave a Comment »
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI


text:
Dicker: If You Like Hess, You'll Love These Three Instead
The Hess refining assets have been such a strong component of its corporate structure that it's difficult to think of Hess without its 20 terminal fields and east coast refining presence. But the plan to sell everything "downstream" (the transport, storage and refining assets) has really made Wall Street happy; since announcing its restructuring plan, shares have soared. The added interest of Elliot Associates (the hedge fund of Paul Singer) has further boosted shares, as many believe he is investing to position the company for a sale.
What's important are not Singer's motivations for a more active role at Hess. The point is, Hess is vastly changing the historic make-up of its company and its focus and following the lead of Conoco Phillips (COP) , which has spun off its refining assets to Phillips 66 (PSX) , and Marathon Oil (MRO) , which is spinning off its refining assets to Marathon Petroleum (MPC) . All of these oil companies seem to have the same long-term idea: Free up as much investment capital as possible to pursue crude oil production exclusively.
It's where the big oil companies believe the profits will be for the long term: In crude oil production. And if they are right, they are also predicting a higher price for crude and an increasing demand profile for the next decade. Both of these "predictions" fly in the face of the current wisdom, with demand dropping in the United States and Europe and production increasing in the Bakken, Oil sands, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Iraq, Libya, the Arctic -- just about everywhere you can name.
I think Conoco, Marathon and Hess are entirely right -- and if they are, there is only one further question to answer in choosing where to invest: Which of the big E+P companies is making the smartest investments for growing their crude volumes?
While Hess is certainly doing that, other companies not in the crosshairs of massive hedge funders are still undervalued. Three that I think are the best are Noble Energy (NBL) , Anadarko (APC) and EOG Resources (EOG) . Whether their assets are here in the United States or overseas -- onshore, offshore or in the Arctic -- each of these will generate higher crude oil volume growth in 2013 for cheaper margins than the street is expecting. And as Hess is showing, that is all that matters to make share prices move rapidly higher.


text:
The classic design of Preston is sure to please you and your baby boy. Multi-color stripe brings together shades of tan, mocha, cream and blue. Premium fabrics include cream moiré, mocha dot embroidery, super soft chenille damask and two kinds of rich velvets. Quilt back and sheet are ultra soft for baby's comfort. Lux trims include a fun two-tone pom pom and woven cord.
What Comes In This Set?
Interested in an item shown in the picture please call or email us


text:
Workshop on Developing a Business Plan
Category: Classes and WorkshopsCategory: Speakers & Lecture Series
Location: Adrian Lamb Room
This business workshop will help you gain insights on: why a business plan is important and the preparation needed to begin writing it, the components of a business plan, and how to put it all together with supporting documentation. This program is presented by David Albright in cooperation with SCORE.
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get started, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Because their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and a network of 11,000+ volunteers, they are able to deliver services and advice at no charge or at very low cost.
David Albright, a SCORE volunteer, made his career in the consumer products arena. He held the positions of President, Pepperidge Farm, Inc.; President of Godiva Chocolatier Worldwide and President and COO of Glacial Confections, a start-up venture. He currently offers consulting services to venture capital firms focusing on food and confectionary industries. David holds a BS degree from Villanova University, an MBA from Indiana University and a Certificate in Financial Planning (CFA) from Boston University.


text:
BEIJING(AP) Some athletes have been through far more adversity than others to reach the Beijing Olympics. Iraqi sprinter Dana Hussein is one of them.
A sniper took a potshot at her while she was training in Baghdad. She runs in donated spikes. And all the risks she takes were almost for nothing: A dispute with the International Olympic Committee nearly kept Iraq out of the games.
Triumphs of the human spirit; it's not winning but taking part. Hussein embodies both those sporting ideals. In Beijing, the terrors of Baghdad are being replaced by a new fear: having to measure her speed against the world's best.
She expects to grow through the experience, and overcome her fear, if not win.
How fast can you run? ``I don't know,'' she said Wednesday.
Like the wind? ``I hope so, God willing.''
Hussein is like a desert flower, somehow able to blossom in a hostile environment. Iraqi life, she says, has made her mentally tough. She expects that to help her when she crouches in the blocks and looks down the track - 100 meters that the 21-year-old will need to run faster than ever to get past the first heats.
Her personal best - 11.7 seconds - is slower than the Olympic qualifying standard. The IOC says all four Iraqi athletes in Beijing got special invitations to be here. Although there's been talk in the past of doing away with Olympic wild cards for athletes who don't make the grade, only the hardhearted would argue that the Iraqis should have been locked out.
Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, athletes in various sports have been kidnapped or killed in Iraq. Before that, Saddam's son Odai was in charge of sports and put athletes and players through hell, torturing and jailing those that disappointed or crossed him. Some have spoken of being shackled for days against walls, of beatings, whippings and executions.
And sports in Iraq have shown a rare power to unite amid disunity: Iraqi victory in the prestigious football Asian Cup in 2007 - with one Kurd, one Shiite and one Sunni leading the attack - unleashed a flood of joy.
Given the past, it would have been a crime had the IOC and Iraqi officials not come to their senses and struck a last-minute deal that allowed Iraq to take part in Beijing. Hussein had wept bitterly, head bowed, tears dripping down her nose, when she was first told last month that she and other Iraqis could not compete because the IOC was angry that the Iraqi government had dismissed the country's Olympic Committee and appointed its own body that the IOC would not recognize.
Her coach tried to console Hussein by saying that perhaps she could compete at the London Olympics in 2012.
``In this horrible situation, who can say I'll even be alive in 2012?'' Hussein wailed, in a scene filmed by CNN.
It's not usual in interviews to ask an athlete whether they're afraid of being killed.
Discus thrower Haidir Nasir's reply was a simple ``yes,'' with a faint if weary smile.
The trip from his southern city of Najaf to training camps in Baghdad means taking dangerous roads.
``A lot of my friends, neighbors, people I work with in the sports world have been abducted, hijacked or even killed,'' he said.
For the beefy 27-year-old with stubble, the Olympic goal is to break his own national record.
Rowers Hamza Hussein and Haidar Nozad also had their preparations thrown off-kilter by violence, making it impossible on some days for Nozad to make the 15-minute motorbike ride from his Baghdad home to their training spot on the Tigris River.
Hussein is the only woman on the team. She says she's always loved to run.
``Even when her mum used to ask her to get some stuff from the shops, she would go running for it. It was all built in,'' her translator said.
At age 15, she swept the 100, 200 and 400 in a competition at her Baghdad high school. An Iraqi national coach was there that day and took her under his wing. She switched coaches in 2004 - and they have shared heart-in-the-mouth experiences: the 2006 sniper shooting, being caught up together in what she called a separate ``sporadic attack,'' and mortars bombs landing near her training ground.
``To be able to live and train in Iraq under these circumstances,'' she said, ``you need to be brave.''


text: FAQs IATA has been mandated by its Board of Governors to create an industry program for carbon offsets to be offered to its airline members. This document provides airlines, passengers and other interested parties with information on the IATA Carbon Offset Program and wider climate change issues. Download Carbon Offset Program FAQs Document here


text:
NYPA's Friday Matinees Feature Heartwarming Fare
Karen White
315-764-0226, Ext. 304
January 3, 2011
ALLCAPS STYLE SHEET – MASSENA –Movies to warm the heart and bring a smile to your face will be featured in January as part of the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) year-long "Friday Matinees" movie series. The matinee series highlights new and classic movies at the admission-free Hawkins Point Visitors Center and Boat Launch in Massena.
The movies will be shown at 1:30 p.m. in the visitors center auditorium. Free popcorn will also be available.
The movie schedule is as follows:
Jan. 7: "Charlie St. Cloud" (2010). A young man forms a unique connection to the afterlife, when he survives the tragic car accident that claimed his younger brother, in this supernatural drama starring Zac Efron, based on the best-selling book by author Ben Sherwood.
Jan. 14: "Eat Pray Love" (2010). Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) is a modern woman on a quest to marvel at and travel the world while discovering and reconnecting with her true inner-self.
Jan. 21: "The In Laws" (1979). A mild-mannered dentist is about to marry off his daughter though he's never met the boy's father. When the father of the groom comes to dinner, he brings with him weird behavior and an international plot that involves stolen plates for U.S. currency.
Jan. 28. "Victor Victoria" (1982). A female singer (Julie Andrews) masquerades as a man impersonating a woman in Paris, circa 1934. This brings her success in her professional life but complicates her personal life.
Besides enjoying free movies, visitors can sample the array of hands-on exhibits at the Hawkins Point facility, which presents information on such subjects as electricity generation and NYPA's St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project. Visitors are sure to enjoy the panoramic views of the power dam.
During the winter months, the visitors center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, please call the visitors center at (315) 764-0226, ext. 302, or visit NYPA on the web at www.nypa.gov.
About NYPA:
■ The New York Power Authority uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. ■ NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. ■ It is the nation's largest state public power organization, with 17 generating facilities in various parts of New York State and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. ■ Approximately 80 percent of the electricity it produces is clean renewable hydropower. Its lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. ■For more information, www.nypa.gov.


text:
February 2010 Athlete of the Month Tracy Macintire
D3: Can you tell us a little bit about your sports background? Which sports did you do as a kid and as you got older?
Tracy: I grew up playing all the typical little league sports and continued playing baseball and football in high school. I started running in college and did my first marathon while in my surgical residency in Indianapolis.
D3: What is your current job and what do you do?
T: I am an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon in Edmond, Oklahoma. The focus of my practice is maxillofacial reconstruction which involves surgery of the face, mouth and jaws.
D3: What was your motivation to get started in triathlon?
T: I completed the Chicago Marathon in October 2002 while in my residency. I loved the training and racing involved, but wanted more diversity in my workouts. Triathlons were a perfect fit.
D3: When and where was your first race?
T: My first triathlon was the Shelbyville Polar Bear triathlon in Shelbyville, Kentucky. It was in February of 2003, and consisted of a 1.6 mile run, a 6 mile bike ride, and finished with a 200 meter indoor swim. It was freezing cold, so they did the race in the opposite order we normally do triathlons. I struggled to finish each segment, but was thrilled that I could tell everyone I was now an "official" triathlete.
D3: You raced your first IM this year and came in well under your goal time, what do you think was the biggest contributing factor to your success?
T: Consistency was definitely the key to my success. Curt had dialed in very early in my training the volume I could handle from a recovery and a lifestyle standpoint. That allowed me to consistently get my workouts in and not feel I was neglecting other aspects of my life (well, most of the time anyway!) Since I had a training volume that fit my lifestyle, the workouts just became part of my week, so staying consistent was much easier.
D3: You also set PR's at the Olympic and 70.3 distance, which one are you most proud of?
T: I'm most proud of my 70.3 PR. My first 70.3 ever was on the same course with much better weather conditions, and I was able to take an hour and twenty five minutes off that time. It was the first time I felt I was competitive in a race and not just trying to finish.
D3: What is your favorite race and why?
T: My favorite race is Ironman Arizona. It was a great setting and the weather was perfect. I would suspect it's hard to beat your first Ironman experience.
D3: What are your long term goals in triathlon?
T: My long term goal is to keep competing. Each of us is susceptible to that moment when you move from being a triathlete to being the guy that used to be a triathlete. I want to be competing in triathlons for years to come..
D3: If you could spend a day training with anyone, who would it be?
T: I'd like to spend a day training with Curt. I'm pretty sure he'd try to kill me, but since he lives and trains in Boulder with all the other top triathletes, we should have a pretty good group to ride with.
D3: What's in your race future?
T: 2010 will be a year for 70.3 races.
D3: What's your favorite workout?
T: Anything on the bike.
D3: What your least favorite workout?
T: Any of them with the word "interval". You don't become a mediocre triathlete by doing intervals. It takes year of undisciplined, unstructured training to get that title!
D3: Tell us something interesting about you!
T: I'm the Facial Trauma Surgeon for the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team. Go Thunder!


text:
The process of buying a new Toyota car or truck can seem overwhelming if you don't know where to begin. Edmunds.com can get you started on the right track with a convenient directory of Toyota car dealerships in and around Eureka, Missouri. Compare online price quotes on the new or used car, truck, SUV, minivan, or wagon of your choice to locate the best deals. Edmunds.com makes it easy to find trusted Toyota car dealers in Eureka, saving car buyers time and money on what will be an important purchase.
Non Display Review Name "I just bought my 7th car from Lou Fusz and would highly recommend them as an excellent dealer. My salesman Jim Conaway was excellent, no pressure just"... Read more Review by: heartland_rick
Non Display Review Name "The sales staff at Seeger Toyota were great to work with thru the entire purchase process. I purchase a car for my wife every two years and have purc"... Read more Review by: keimer1
Non Display Review Name "When we purchased our 2016 Toyota Prius, we had the best sales experience ever. (This was our 9th new car purchase.) Chris Carr was professional, ti"... Read more Review by: mkrmom1


text:
Raising buildings is only a solution if you commit to holding the beaches in place forever.
Post-Sandy beach replenishment is equivalent to filling up an 80,000-seat stadium 10 times.majority of these funds will be spent pumping sand onto beaches from Delaware to Connecticut. The amount of sand they will move is staggering, approaching 20 to 30 million cubic yards. This is equivalent to filling up an 80,000-seat football stadium roughly 10 times.
Why not start thinking now about how to relocate vulnerable infrastructure?Walton County, Florida, and for the small community of Edisto, South Carolina, among many others. When the federal government endorses spending billions to pump sand on the beaches of New York and New Jersey in an effort to provide the next 5 or 6 years of protection, how can we deny all the other communities that will also want big, expensive beaches? But should U.S. taxpayers be funding a $23 million project in a very small oceanfront community like Edisto? And what about the next coastal community, and the next?
Our federal spending on coastal management and protection is entirely reactive, not proactive.those areas that have the best chance of long-term survival, or maybe those areas that are clearly in the best national interest.


text:
Amtrak CEO: Rural needs trump extras
Amtrak's CEO says passenger rail service in Southeastern Colorado is more important than some other amenities such as chocolates on the pillows for long-distance travelers.
"Our most essential goal is to ensure Amtrak continues to serve small town America that is being abandoned by airlines and bus companies, and keep communities such as Trinidad and La Junta . . . connected by rail to the rest of the nation," CEO Joe Boardman said in a news release.
The comment came as three states — Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas — are struggling to deal with the costs of upgrading tracks by 2016 at the risk of losing service by the Southwest Chief, which runs between Chicago and Los Angeles.
A proposal by state Rep. Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo, would add tracks to include Pueblo as a stop on the route.
Boardman detailed how Amtrak is reducing costs by eliminating amenities such as wine and cheese receptions, complimentary champagne, flowers and vases for dining tables and, yes, chocolates on pillows.
U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., for one, was impressed.
"I am proud Amtrak is cutting unnecessary spending in order to ensure the Southwest Chief can continue to serve the residents of Trinidad, Lamar and La Junta," Udall said. "The Southwest Chief plays a critical role in supporting jobs and keeping businesses and residents of Southern Colorado connected to the broader world. Although Amtrak still has work to do, this is a step in the right direction."
The pronouncement by the CEO does not change Amtrak's stance on its preference to continue using its present route, Amtrak's Chicago spokesman Marc Magliari said.
"There's no change in our position," he said. "We'd prefer the train stay on the current route. The Pueblo question remains open."