text:
March 13, 2011
Boxscores: Western Kentucky | Louisville
Site: Louisville, Ky. (Ulmer Stadium)
Event: Louisville Classic
Scores: Western Kentucky 3, #6 Michigan 2; #6 Michigan 2, Louisville 0
Records: U-M (25-1), WKU (14-7), Louisville (13-8)
Next U-M Game: Thu-Sat., March 17-19 -- at Judi Garman Classic (Fullerton, Calif.)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan softball team split a pair of contests on the final day of the Louisville Classic, suffering its first loss of the season against Western Kentucky, 3-2, before rebounding with a 2-0 win over host Louisville on Sunday afternoon (March 13) at Ulmer Stadium.
Freshman rightfielder Lyndsay Doyle (Channahon, Ill./Minooka Community HS) headlined the Wolverines' offensive efforts with a 3-for-6 performance on the day, posting two hits in the day's first game before driving in the winning run in the finale. Sophomore second baseman Ashley Lane (Escondido, Calif./Escondido HS) used a two-run homer to account for both of Michigan's runs against Western Kentucky.
Sophomore RHP Stephanie Speierman (Columbia, Md./Hammond HS) earned the victory against Louisville, improving to 12-0 on the season with a four-strikeout, five-hit performance through five innings. Senior RHP Jordan Taylor (Valencia, Calif./Valencia HS) struck out 12 against WKU while allowing four hits and three walks en route to her first loss. The Wolverine ace picked up a save in the second contest, giving up one hit and striking out two Cardinal batters in two innings.
After both Michigan and Louisville threatened in the early innings, the Wolverines finally broke through with a run in the fifth inning. Freshman catcher Caitlin Blanchard (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield HS) smacked a line-drive single up the middle to lead off the inning before her pinch runner, junior Jaclyn Crummey (Macomb, Mich./Dakota HS), stole second and third to put herself in scoring position. With two down late in the inning, Doyle connected with the 1-2 pitch and chipped it over the infield into shallow centerfield to earn the first run batted in of her collegiate career.
The Wolverines cushioned their advantage in the top of the seventh. Lane led off with a fly ball into the right-center gap, and when Cardinal centerfielder Tesha Paysen failed to come up with the ball on a diving attempt, Lane pulled into the third base for the first triple of her career. She came home in the next at-bat when Blanchard lifted a high sacrifice fly into deep centerfield.
Louisville's best opportunities came in the fourth and sixth innings. The Cardinals put two in scoring position in the latter frame before freshman leftfielder Nicole Sappingfield (Norco, Calif./Norco HS) brought a quick end to the threat, sprinting to make a grab in shallow left before gunning a perfect throw to the plate to catch Paysen for the third out.
Taylor entered the game after Louisville put runners on the corners with one outs in the sixth. She persevered through an 11-pitch at-bat to get the first out on a strikeout before needing just five more pitches to force a popup and groundout to get out of the jam.
Michigan saw its 24-game win streak end in the day's opener after trailing for most of the game. The Wolverines narrowed the gap on Lane's two-run homer in the seventh but could not push across the necessary tying run. Junior third baseman Amanda Chidester (Allen Park, Mich./Cabrini HS) accepted a four-pitch walk to initiate the rally with two outs, and after Lane took the next pitch for a ball, Lane hammered out the second she saw, driving a liner over the leftfield fence for her ninth long ball of the season.
Western Kentucky earned its runs in the third and sixth innings. After leading off the former inning with back-to-back singles, the Lady Toppers took consecutive walks to push across the game's first run. They added another on a sacrifice fly to deep centerfield in the next at-bat before Taylor got herself out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts.
After two quick outs in the sixth, WKU extended the inning when catcher Sara Williams took an inside pitch off her arm to earn first base. Third baseman Amanda Walden made Michigan pay for the baserunner, ripping a screamer down the rightfield line to score Williams from first base. The throw home arrived simultaneously, but Williams slid to just barely beat the tag at the plate.
The Wolverines failed to convert on several scoring opportunities throughout the contest and left 10 runners stranded, including three apiece in the first and fifth innings. Doyle led off the latter inning with an infield single to third base and advanced a base on an errant throw to first. Sappingfield sent a looping single into shallow centerfield, and senior first baseman Dorian Shaw (Burke, Va./Robinson SS) accepted a five-pitch walk to load the bases, but WKU got the lead runner on a fielder's choice before setting down Lane swinging for the inning's final out.
The Wolverines will head west next week (Thursday through Saturday, March 17-19) for the annual Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, Calif. Michigan will open play Thursday against Arizona State (1 p.m. PDT) and host Cal State Fullerton (7:30 p.m. PDT) at the Titan Softball Complex.
With today's outcomes, Michigan is now15-1 in the all-time series against Louisville and 2-1 in the all-time series against Western Kentucky.
Michigan's 24-game winning streak marked the best season start in Wolverine program history. Prior to 2011, U-M's best start came in 1981 when it went 7-0.
Freshman leftfielder Nicole Sappingfield saw her hit streak end at 20 games with her 0-for-3 showing against Louisville. Over the 20-game stretch, Sappingfield batted .441 (30-for-68) with 15 runs scored and 15 RBI. It was the longest recorded hit streak in Michigan softball history.
Adding freshman Lyndsay Doyle's first collegiate RBI in the Louisville game, 14 Wolverine players have recorded at least one RBI this season.
Michigan Head Coach Carol Hutchins
On the loss to Western Kentucky ... "Some days the game is hard, and I thought it was hard for us all weekend. We gave them runs -- we walked them, we hit them -- but the bottom line is our offense didn't come through and give us any support. Jordan (Taylor) isn't going to be perfect every game. We just didn't have our A game today on either side of the ball. I don't think our approach was good today. You can't react to losing as something good or bad; you have to stay even-keeled. I thought we did that for the most part. We had a case of our veterans trying way too hard, and as you can see, the young kids picked us up in that second game. They made that happen. We just need to keep building as a team. It's going to take all of us, and it did today to pull out a victory."
On preparing for next weekend's Judi Garman Classic ... "We just need to compete. It's not about the other teams. We can't start defining ourselves by who we're playing. We haven't done that yet, and if they start doing it now, they can expect to have a hard time. We just need to play the game and enjoy competing. It's going to be good competition, and I would think they'd be excited about it."
U-M Sophomore Second Baseman Ashley Lane
On the weekend performance ... "This whole weekend was a test for us, coming back from a long spring break and then heading down here. It was a struggle for us, and we seemed tired. But we pushed through. We came up short in that first game, but we can learn something from it. We're not discouraged by the loss. It was going to happen. That's the game. We just didn't seize our opportunities."
U-M Freshman Rightfielder Lyndsay Doyle
On starting to come on during her rookie season ... "Every opportunity I get, I just take it for what it's worth and try to get better with every at-bat. Every ball I get in the outfield, I'm working to get better. That's all I'm trying to do and help team as much as I can."
On how the team can rebound from a loss ... "We just need to continue playing one-pitch softball, as Hutch always says, and stay in our moment. When that's your focus, you get better every pitch. We want to work together as a team and pick each other up. It was a tough day today, but we worked through it."
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
Sign up for Michigan Insider to be the first to learn about 2018 Michigan softball ticket opportunities.


text:
Pre Break in Mods
Hey guys,
So My 14 Max Steel SRT should be waiting for me when I get back to Italy (away on business). I have been ordering like crazy, and should have all my after market parts by the time i get back also. What I am wondering is should i wait until 500 miles or so before I change out any performance parts? Is there an advantage to waiting? Or should i just go for it on day one (which is my preference! Wanna take like 3 days off just to mod and drive :)). Below is a list of parts i have waiting for it. Please let me know if there is something you think I should wait on. Of course all cosmetics will be done ASAP.
Fastmann TB
BT CAtch Can
BT underhood Kit
22" FR with 305/35/22 VREDS
GTHaus Full Catback (hopefully be there when i get back)
Road Magnet Mid Levels
Black 392 Hemi side badges
Thanks in advance
Re: Pre Break in Mods
I would break in for 500 miles before doing any performance mods if for no other reason than to notice the difference they would make. It will make you appreciate all the great mods you have purchased that much more IMHO!!!
Re: Pre Break in Mods
idk man those hemi side badges might be too much for it ....
lol j/k, like SRTBLK said, I would only drive it around first, just to see the difference when you put the parts on to really appreciate it.
|All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:13 PM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2012 - JeepGarage.Org
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Owners Community

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Take a moment to look back 12 years ago... it was a time before college admissions, when education and naptime were synonyms.
No matter where we were on social ladder, most if not all of us had something we wanted to become: doctors, athletes, lawyers.
We didn't know much about what those jobs entailed, but figured that as long as we did something we loved, it wouldn't matter. And that's really what made those times so special: we didn't know a lot, but we didn't let that stop us.
Now, we are nearing our final moments as high school students, and throughout these past four years, we've learned and experienced more than we could have hoped for.
We were the pioneers of our high school: in sports, we've had teams like tennis and softball shape CIF history, as well as student athletes be recruited for universities across the nation; in service, we've created clubs to give back to the community.
And not very many seniors get to say that they have ever seen their principal in street clothes movin' like Bernie.
But despite all of the fun and knowledge we've taken in, there are still a lot of things we don't know.
Many of us have never been away from home; we don't know what career path to take or major to study; half of us still don't know how to get around the E-wing... I blame the numbers.
Yet beyond what we don't know, there are concepts which we are exposed to and unhappy with, but can't change.
We have been graded based upon common assessments and national exams; categorized by our Grade Point Averages and have been told that we CAN or CANNOT do things based upon how we compare with other students.
It's sad to see how we've been conditioned to separate ourselves instead of finding things we have in common.
But rest assured, once we leave high school and enter the real world, we'll never take a test again, we'll never have to spend hours studying topics that we'll never use, YES I am talking to you Quadratic Formula, and we'll always earn what we deserve, because out there, in the "real world" things are unequivocally fair and optimistic ... if you didn't catch the sarcasm just now, you're probably asleep and have missed the boat.
So I'll remind you: the reality is that... we live in the real world, right now.
The reality is that things are going to be unfair, we are going to be judged based upon things that don't represent who we are or how capable we are, there are going to be people who try to stop us simply because they can.
But out there, a parent note doesn't mean anything.
You aren't allowed to be tardy or absent from life.
I know, deep, for a lot of you, this just got real, I can see it on your faces.
Let's step back and look at our situation: we are still learning, and are vulnerable. Real-world experiences have yet to touch many of us. And that requires us to move past high school drama and relationships and get to what's significant.
So without sounding like a guidance counselor, I challenge our class to do a couple of things before we take our first steps as adults.
First: cherish the people and memories that are important to you: It's easy to think that after 18 years, we know everything inside and out.
But, if filling out the FAFSA was any indication, we still rely on our parents, and relatives daily.
In addition, there are Blackhawks who have passed on but are still an inseparable part of our class - Kaevonne Davis, gifted athlete and student, who was a friend to every person who needed one; Mike Newbold, English teacher and speech coach who never let his students get away with anything but excellence and honesty.
As a flock of students, we don't leave anyone behind.
Yes, the world is a demanding place, but the only time you ever lose yourself is when you forget where you come from, and the people who brought you there.
Do not lose your roots for money, success, power, because without family, without persons to fall back onto, we cannot support ourselves.
Second, and most importantly, be daring.
You don't have to discover a cure for cancer or become the president of the United States to be happy... you just have to do what you did when you were in kindergarten: have the guts to dream big: to "go big or go home" - and in all seriousness, it's true.
There is no in-between, there's no such thing as being half-happy or half-satisfied, you either are or you are not.
Believe me when I say that there are people who will gladly tell you what you should do, and unlike our parents and friends they aren't doing it for our best interests.
Every single one of us has the potential to stand on our own... we came onto campus, and were forced to be leaders... there was no one to tell us what being a Citrus Valley student meant. And that was great.
Now, you have to tell others what being you means. You have to conduct yourself in a manner that shows you are serious about your future, and won't compromise yourself for others.
So girls - remember CLASS may be spelled with A-S-S but that doesn't mean you have to shake your tush.
And guys: There is a world beyond Xbox and Doritos, trust me, you just have to look for it.
I would end this by asking all of us to throw up our hats and yell at the top of our lungs.
But, we signed a senior contract and I don't want to be kicked off stage.
So I'll leave you with this: Congratulations Class of 2013. We have proven ourselves to be capable of moving beyond high school. Yes, there have been hardships and difficult moments along the way. But the choice to make today and each day a great day or not has always been... yours. Thank you.


text: I barely changed oil 3 weeks ago and now my motor oil is reading low on the dipstick. How is this when I put 5 quarts the last time I changed oil? 1 more weird thing is that the dipstick is showing different oil levels on each side. Have guys encountered this kind of problem or is thsi normal?


text:
"Greetings! The Dallas Chapter of the National Consortium of Black Women in Ministry invites you to join us for a fellowship meeting on Saturday February 6, 2010. We are meeting at Petaluma's in Cedar Hill, TX (Uptown). See you there at 5:30…"
500 members835 Comments 43 Likes
Judith Phillips has not received any gifts yet
© 2017 Created by Raliegh Jones Jr.. Powered by


text:
Mother's new knitting machine fascinates Pingu but he is not allowed to help as much as he would like. He helps Mother put up a sign and attract customers for woolly scarves and mittens, but he really wants to get his flippers on the knitting machine. When Mother takes a rest from her work, he seizes his chance to knit up a storm.
Last on
Wed 25 Mar 2015 06:20


text:
Tom Ross
Tom Ross' column appears in Steamboat Today. Contact him at 970-871-4205 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Find more columns by Tom here.
Steamboat Springs If the most memorable live rock concert of your life took place at Red Rocks Amphitheater near Morrison, or perhaps, the University of Colorado's Folsom Field, there is a good chance that the late Barry Fey, of Feyline Presents, was the promoter.
"He basically put Denver and Colorado on the map as a major stop for concert tours," Steamboat concert promoter John Waldman, of Great Knight Productions, said Monday. "In those days, Feyline did everything."
Fey died in Denver on Sunday at age 73, and with him passed a significant chapter in the history of live rock music in the Rocky Mountain region. Fey successfully promoted concerts by the Eagles, the Who, U2, Bruce Springsteen Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, The Byrds, Cream and so many Rolling Stones shows the band and promoter both have lost track of them.
Starting with a humble nightclub in southwest Denver, The Family Dog, and a breakthrough booking of The Doors just as "Light my Fire" was released, Fey established himself as the go-to guy for band managers trying to line up shows between Chicago and California.
But Fey's greatest contribution to Denver and the region may have been helping to establish Red Rocks as one of the most sought-after concert venues by the artists themselves.
In his 2011 memoir, "Backstage Past," he recounted how he first booked regional bands into a small college gym in Rockford, Ill. Before long, he was signing The Byrds and the Kingsmen to play in the same venue.
Through a chance acquaintance, Fey booked The Association ("Along Comes Mary") to play a frat party at the University of Denver, a city he had never visited. Fey moved to Colorado where he earned a reputation with touring musicians for making them feel appreciated and inviting them to his home for a spicy shrimp dinner.
Waldman told me Monday that he can't really claim to have known Barry Fey. However, they did collaborate on some concerts involving major acts that wanted to gig in a mountain town.
One of the dates they collaborated on involved filling in a date for Crosby, Stills and Nash after some of their shows fell out just two or three weeks before the date.
Waldman booked CSN into Vail's Gerald Ford Amphitheater and sold it out, no problem.
I've been to some pretty cool concerts at Red Rocks — how about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers opening for Bob Dylan, then remaining on stage to perform as his band? But I can't tell you definitively if Feyline Presents was behind that mind-blowing concert or not.
What I can be certain of is that Fey promoted the 1981 show with George Thorogood and the Destroyers opening for the Rolling Stones in Folsom Field. I know because RollingStone magazine interviewed Fey about that very concert.
What I remember best, in addition to how animated the Stones were on stage, is that a gentle rain fell for perhaps 15 minutes in the midst of the concert, and afterward a brilliant rainbow appeared in front of the Flatirons.
It was far out, man. Apparently the Stones dug it, too.
Fey related in the November 1981 interview that as he walked off stage after the show, guitarist Ronnie Wood said he didn't think the band would ever do a better outdoor show. I know I'll never forget it.
To reach Tom Ross, call 970-871-4205 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Sale of 18 land parcels in Cass County approved
WALKER – Land Commissioner Joshua Stevenson obtained county board approval Tuesday to advertise 18 non-conservation land parcels for sale to the public at a 9 a.m. June 23 auction at the courthouse in Walker.
Bidders must submit bids at or above appraised values. Those values range between $400 for a city lot in Bena to $60,000 for a 40-acre tract in McKinley Township. Locations and values for these lots can be viewed on the county website after May 11.
Stevenson told the county board the values reflect recent sales on neighboring properties and are at or slightly above assessing department appraisals. He told the board he does not want to drive down private property values by offering county land at a lower price than he believes real land values to be.
The board selected the lower of two bids received to burn 105 acres of prairie in Section 9 of McKinley Township to enable the county to maintain a native grass prairie in an area where the county has encouraged a prairie chicken population.
Minnesota Native Landscapes will conduct the burn for $3,675. They must bulldoze a perimeter buffer between the burn area and neighboring properties before they can do the burn, Stevenson told the board.
The firm conducting the burn also will be responsible for any damages if the fire escapes the prescribed burn area, Stevenson said.
The board authorized Stevenson to have the state hand-seed oak tree acorns in the Mud Goose Wildlife Management Area just north of the Leech River in Unorganized Township. Timber was harvested recently on this site.
Scott's Helicopter was the lowest of two bidders the state selected to do tree seeding from the air. Cass will use that service under a 2008 cooperative agreement with the state to seed 113 acres of county land in other areas of the county this summer.
That seeding will be white and red pine, balsam fir and white spruce. It will be applied on nine sites in Shingobee, Hiram, Powers, Trelipe, Thunder Lake and Inguadona Townships.
Stevenson said he has had better luck with seeded trees surviving deer browsing than the areas where the land department has had young seedling trees hand planted.
Additionally, aerial seeding costs a third as much as planting seedlings, so if deer do eat those seedlings, the area can be re-seeded at a cost still below that of hand planting seedlings.
"There clearly are areas of the county with heavy deer populations, though, where re-planting trees using any method is a challenge after an area is logged," he said.
Infrared Baron was the lowest of three bidders to provide aerial photographs for the county. The bid also covers a portion of Crow Wing County. Cost for Cass will be $23,364. Cost for Crow Wing will be $9,364.
Cass land department will hire two survey firms to identify boundaries of property the county owns and manages prior to advertising the four sites for timber cutting. These bidders were the lowest of eight.
Kohout Surveying will survey three sites, one each in Pine River, Wilson and Moose Lake Townships, for a total of $16,800. Kramer, Leas, Deleo will survey one site in Bull Moose township for $17,150.


text:
Roundy Landscaping strives for excellence and provides you with a clean and comfortable landscaped yard. We will meet with you and provide a free estimate for any curbing, concrete, block wall installation, sprinkling system installation and anything else you may need in your yard. Roundy Landscaping is your choice for quality landscaping at a fair price!
Our designers and technicians can design, remove and install landscapes that are affordable, and customized to your needs; potentially, helping you lower your water costs while enhancing the appearance of your property.
Typically, when enhancing your landscape you'll wish to:
- Reduce maintenance costs
- Enhance function and use of space
- Convert unused areas to add value and style
- Tree pruning and adding additional plants
- Watering systems
- Appropriate drainage
Give us a call today for all your landscaping needs. At Roundy Landscaping, we do our best to install a landscape that will please you while fitting your budget.


text:
From that list, Barker has already visited North Carolina, Duke, Boston College and Stanford. He left for a trip to Florida Tuesday, and intends to visit Penn State for the program's spring game.
The BB&N junior doesn't expect to make a commitment soon, "It's still pretty early. Right now I'm keeping all my options open." (ESPN.com)
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Email
Related: Football Recruiting | Blake Barker
Recent Football Recruiting News:
Ready to go: Brian Anderson preparing to play center at UNCWednesday May 24, 2017


text:
Selling Your Business to a Foreign Buyer
My business sells replacement parts for tractor and truck engines. I have customers in 25 nations, as our products are highly popular in overseas markets, particularly in developing countries. I'd like to sell the company and am interested in promoting the sale internationally. How do I start?
—W.K., Turlock, Calif.
Start by pulling together and organizing your company's past three years' worth of tax returns, financial statements, and sales records. This paperwork will help a qualified business appraiser make an independent valuation of the company's market value.
"Before you approach any potential buyers, you want to have an informed understanding of what your business is worth," says Glenn S. Liebman, a forensic accountant who does business valuations at the Woodbury (N.Y.) firm of Klein Liebman & Gresen. Ask your business appraiser to prepare a written analysis of the business that you can present to interested buyers.
Your next step will be to hire a professional—typically a business broker or investment banker, but sometimes attorneys or accountants serve this function—to represent you to potential buyers, shepherd your company through the due diligence process, and help you evaluate offers. Business brokers typically will ask for a modest retainer up front to offset initial marketing costs.
Commissions are paid at the close of the sale and range from 6% to 10% of the sale price. A broker will serve as an intermediary between you and potential buyers, representing your interests and shielding your company from unqualified parties. "You don't want your competition to find out that you're thinking about selling your business," points out Gene Pepper, a Glendale (Calif.) business consultant and broker.
That's why you'll want a third party to be the public face of your sale. Such a professional will disclose your identity and the financial details of your company solely to parties who demonstrate a serious interest in purchasing. "A broker knows what questions to ask to separate [potential purchasers] who are real and sincere from the phonies and people who could be a danger to your enterprise," Pepper notes.
The International Business Brokers Assn., http://www.ibba.org/, based in Chicago, is a trade organization representing brokers all over the world. Its Web site includes a "find a broker" function that you may find helpful, as well as information about the various professional certifications that business brokers can hold and what they mean.
"Choose an intermediary with a good, proven Web site," Pepper recommends. "In today's business-for-sale marketing, the Internet is invaluable."
Colin Gabriel, a longtime business broker and author of How To Sell Your Business and Get What You Want, published by Gwent Press, recommends that you consider listing your company anonymously (or have your broker do so) at SellerWorks.com, a Web site that allows sellers to list for free. Buyers and brokers who want to contact you will pay a fee to get your contact information. Then you—or your broker—can decide which inquiries to follow up on.
"Over 90% of the answers you get will come from intermediaries. Most brokers will pursue any and all deals, but you might find brokers [based in the U.S.] who were born elsewhere—say India or Britain—who work on deals with people in their country of origin," Gabriel says. "Once, I initiated a transaction via this Web site where the buyer was in France, the seller in New Jersey, and a critical supplier in Taiwan had to approve the transaction. Somehow, it worked."
While you are smart not to exclude potential international buyers, don't assume that you'll get a better price abroad, Gabriel says. "There is almost certainly much, much more money chasing deals [in the U.S.] and more willingness to accept risk. Closing a business sale usually takes months, with risks at many stages, and a foreign buyer—especially from a developing country—would be especially problematic."
Plenty of U.S. companies would appreciate the fact that you are doing substantial international sales, Gabriel notes, and you are likely to get a higher price with fewer hassles if you sell domestically.
For additional information on this topic, check out the Kauffman's eVenturing Web site, which currently features several articles from experts offering practical guidance on business sales and from entrepreneurs who have successfully sold companies. Good luck!
Have a question about your business? Ask our small-business experts. Send us an e-mail at Smart Answers, or write to Smart Answers, BusinessWeek.com, 45th Floor, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10020. Please include your real name and phone number in case we need more information; only your initials and city will be printed. Because of the volume of mail, we won't be able to respond to all questions personally.


text:
WD TV Live Games and Services
My large (and continuously growing) multimedia library usually manages to satisfy the family's entertainment appetite, but there are times when music and movies give way to fun and games. The WD TV Live is a media player first and foremost, but it came as a surprise that the device also offers many parlor-style video games such as Blackjack, Poker, Chess, and Sudoku.
All of the games featured on WD TV Live are free, and do not require any premium account to enjoy. funspot offers a staple selection of 2D games that have been designed to work well with the remote control, but Games by PlayJam takes things a step further and delivers unique arcade games as well as multiplayer gaming tournaments (for players who have created a free PlayJam account online). Considering the $89.99 price tag for WD TV Live (from Newegg or Amazon), Western Digital certainly packs a lot of value into this little media player.
Western Digital has included dozens of popular media sources on the WD TV Live, most of which are streamed in high definition and completely free. I found most of the services to be useful, albeit occasionally limited, at delivering entertaining multimedia content. While WD TV Live offers namesake features like 'Live TV' services, both Skitter TV and SlingPlayer require a previously established account (although it doesn't appear that Skitter's service is ready for prime time, and does not offer end-user accounts). Unfortunately, if you want cable television-level entertainment programming you'll need to subscribe to a premium service like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Flixster, and MLB.tv.
Many of the free services offer a lot more than you might expect, and occasionally offer full-series programming. I wasn't the target audience for some shows, but others were right up my alley. AOL HD (Services → Web Video) offers plenty of high-definition programming that's on-par with premium services, and gives WD TV Live owners free access to shows like Engadget TV (below). One noted concern was the lack of visible playback buffering, since each item would begin immediately and occasionally stutter at the start. This wasn't an issue for every service, but it did indicate that buffering might not be controlled at the device level. Western Digital offers a full catalog of their available services, complete with details and requirements.
There are plenty of music services available from big names such as Pandora, Shoutcast, and Spotify, so streaming your playlist over WD TV Live is always an option when your eyes are occupied elsewhere. Flickr and Picasa are convenient photo services for showing off your latest pictures to a captive audience, presuming you don't already have them indexed on the device.
Social networks are fun, and have grown in popularity over the past ten years, so it's not surprising to see Western Digital include the most popular among them on their WD TV Live media player. Twitter hasn't been added (yet), but Facebook is included as a reduced-functionality version of the social media website. As of firmware 1.09.10, this particular service does not load post images and consequently makes some conversations seem out of context. It works at the most basic level, which is probably sufficient for most users, but videos saved to Facebook wouldn't play.
Considering how limited most other media players we've tested have been, it's refreshing to see so much attention given towards developing the WD TV platform. Firmware updates are frequently published and pushed out to the devices with very little user intervention needed, so I expect WD TV Live to only get better with time. There are a few things missing that we've seen elsewhere, such as public-access Internet TV/Radio tuning and web page browsing, so hopefully Western Digital continues their pursuit to include everything under the sun inside WD TV Live.


text:
Ah, the middle of February. We all know what that means: Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue has arrived.
Barack Obama is living in his own dream world.
Just guessing here, but I imagine forecasters at the Weather Channel are embarrassed about having to give winter storms names like "Juno," "Kari" and "Linus." Juno is what they called the almost-big one that hit the Northeast in late January. My radar says marketing gurus, not meteorologists, are behind this nonsense.
The full-court press is on from every organ of enlightened liberal opinion: the Supreme Court must not decide this term's big Obamacare case, King v. Burwell, on the actual legal merits, which are a slam-dunk for the plaintiffs. Instead, supporters of the government want the case decided on the consequences of the Court stopping the flow of illegal subsidies. And they want to ignore the fact that stopping the subsidies will actually free millions of people in opt-out states from the individual and employer mandates. They only want to talk about people who would lose subsidies.
If I were still a practicing ob-gyn and one of my patients said she was not going to vaccinate her child, I might try to persuade her to change her mind. But, if I were unsuccessful, I would respect her decision. I certainly would not lobby the government to pass a law mandating that children be vaccinated even if the children's parents object. Sadly, the recent panic over the outbreak of measles has led many Americans, including some self-styled libertarians, to call for giving government new powers to force all children to be vaccinated.
With Valentine's Day upon us, female readers are again pummeling me with questions on how to woo the modern male.
There's a big bad brouhaha over at NBC with anchor Brian Williams misremembering being shot down in a helicopter on a trip to Iraq, when the facts seem to indicate that although he did fly in a helicopter, and was over Iraq, he was not shot down. Well, come on; the guy was close. Got two out of three. They keep you in the bigs with a .667 batting average, right? Well, this time around... maybe not.
There are those who dare to suggest that Texas unduly restricts firearms. They object at having to take a safety class and obey certain rules governing the concealment of their deadly weapons. Their solution is called "constitutional carry," or the belief that the Constitution allows them to openly wield guns without restriction, apology, or safety training.
At last, the story can be told!
Your reaction to the following facts about Loretta Lynch, President Obama's pick to be the next Attorney General, may tell you more about your own political leanings than those of Lynch.
California is experiencing an entirely new disturbance in the Force.
Listening to the attacks on vaccines, I'm reminded of the closing line in The Great Gatsby: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
And so another Republican politician, once viewed as a thoughtful leader and having national political potential, proves to be anything but. Is ivy leaguer Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal symbolic of what will make his party fail -- or, in our sound bite, snarky, 21st century America, succeed?
The internet is really wasted on me and wife Melissa around Valentine's Day.
Women have long been annoyed that they do more housework than men, as demonstrated by many studies, but now they are really steamed.
Page 80 of 191
The House is holding inconsequential hearings on why Donald Trump hired, and then fired, General Mike Flynn as National Security Director.
A select group of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) passengers discovered what happens when government ignores the "Broken Windows" theory of policing in favor of ...
I give up.
Page 2 of 2
Local News
Area Briefs
On the Record
Oil & Gas
News Tips
Archived Articles
Local Sports
Prep Sports
Community College
Pawnee County News
Pawnee County
Pawnee County Briefs
Letter to the Editor
Send Letter to the Editor
Editorial Cartoons
eTribune Subscriptions
Delivery Issue
Change Address
Vacation Stop/Start
Staff Directory
Place Announcements
Barton Community College
Local Life
Club News
Menus and Activities
CMYK Publications
Photo Galleries
Employment Opportunities
Inspire Health Magazine
Contact Us
Great Bend Tribune
2012 Forest Ave.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Map and info click HERE
Advanced Media Solutions CLICK HERE


text:
Few of the inhabitants of the rarefied world of fashion have the character and charisma to challenge Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani, best known simply as Valentino, one of the last of the great couturiers. In a career that has spanned five decades, Valentino has dressed royalty – political, Hollywood and literal – but it is for the red evening gown that the 80-year-old is best known.
To celebrate half a century since the first presentation of Valentino's couture label, at the Pitti Palace in Florence no less, a new exhibition opens in London's Somerset House later this week. It focuses entirely on the couture creations of the house the output of which now includes ready-to-wear, accessories and fragrances.
Through the work of Valentino himself and that of his successors, creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, three curators chart half a century of beauty, wealth and style.
One of the team of three responsible for realising a grand plan that includes 130 archive pieces of couture is fashion academic Alistair O'Neill. "Mr Valentino and Mr Giammetti [Valentino's business partner and companion] wanted to stage a project in London that would help raise awareness of what Valentino stands for," says O'Neill. "Very little of his work has been seen in this country." Valentino's work has been the subject of many exhibitions in recent years, while a 2008 documentary, Valentino: The Last Emperor, shared the designer's larger than life persona with an extended audience.
However, O'Neill wants to put a singularly English spin on the Roman house, and "address the concerns of a London audience".
"Firstly, I want to explore the Italian couture process rather than that of the French, that the preoccupations of collections are rooted in the craft skills of the atelier, of le ragazze – the dressmakers who after 30 years of work are still called 'the girls'," he says. This craftsmanship is explored in a series of films which show le ragazze at work, as well as original samples of their handiwork the intricacy of which has to be seen to be believed. O'Neill and fellow curators Patrick Kinmonth and Antonio Monfredo were granted access to the house's archive in Rome, as well as Valentino's personal archive.
Although the red evening gown may be Valentino's signature, it would be wrong to suggest that his work is formal only. "We wanted to show the full range, it was important to me to show day wear, it's a fundamental facet to the people who can afford couture."
Indeed, those who can afford bespoke are buying not only a new wardrobe but entry to an exclusive world. "Valentino lived his life in couture," says O'Neill. "And that is something clients aspire to be a part of."
Couture of course means different things to different people, to some it is a status symbol, to others a beautiful fantasy. And to Valentino? "Couture for me is the maximum freedom of real creation," he says. "No limit to creativity, to beauty. No boring numbers but pure imagination. I hope it still represents the same for my fellow designers who work in couture."
It is this passion and imagination that propelled a lengthy career, "Each decade was the source of great inspiration and profound changes," says the designer. "The 1960s were for me the discovery: opening my fashion house, the first success, the encounter with women who help me creating my style. The 1970s meant establishment, the creation of ready to wear, the branding of my "V", the fashion inspiration of the freedom. The 1980s were the commercial years, the big diffusion, the important business deals, the building of an empire."
It has of course not all been plain sailing: "The 1990s were interesting, but the most depressing in a certain sense, I don't like to remember the fashion of these years. The 2000s have been the big change in fashion. The creation of the big conglomerates, the bottom-line importance. And for me the beautiful, unforgettable, touching moment of quitting. But for me a woman has always had the desire to look her best. Beauty does not change, style does."
It is a testament to the designer's legacy that since his departure the Valentino collections have remained faithful to his romantic aesthetic in a way that is at once modern and nostalgic, and with the master's approval. Indeed, creative directors Chiuri and Piccioli were first appointed by Valentino himself, to launch an accessories line in 1999. They later started the successful younger line Red Valentino in 2003, but despite Valentino's backing were not chosen to replace him on his retirement. Instead that role went to Alessandra Facchinetti who parted ways with the company after just two seasons.
With Chiuri and Piccioli as creative directors the company has flourished creatively and commercially. In July of this year the Valentino Fashion Group was sold to Mayhoola For Investments, a group backed by the Qatari royal family, for a reported $858m (£538m). At the time, a Mayhoola spokesman told Women's Wear Daily: "Valentino has always been a brand of unique creativity and undisputed prestige... Their ability to blend the aesthetic values of the founder, Valentino Garavani, with a contemporary and sophisticated vision, has been instrumental in enhancing the brand's relevance and establishing a platform with significant future potential."
Being able to look to the future with an eye on the past is a skill that Valentino was in possession of. Asked to name his favourite design his answer is perhaps surprising: "Probably the dress Julia Roberts wore to the Oscars in 2001. That was the most sensational dress seen on a celebrity. It created the new fashion item, the vintage. It was great fun to watch it on TV for me."
For most, an image of an actress on a red carpet or from a catwalk report is the closest they will come to couture creations such as these, and a rare opportunity to see these great works up close explains the appeal of the modern fashion exhibition. Although a big fashion name is by no means a guarantee of success there is a voracious appetite for exhibitions rooted in couture and costume that reflects the idealism and escapism of fashion's current mood. In London, the V&A's current shows, Hollywood Costume and Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, similarly tap into the fantasy world of fashion. "Staggering" advance sales at Somerset House indicate that the Master of Couture has still got it – and we all want it.
Valentino: Master of Couture: 29 November 2012 – 3 March 2013, Embankment Galleries, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA; admission £12.50; somersethouse.org.ukReuse content


text:
Chicken Kapama ~ Greek Chicken Stew
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (3-4 tablespoons)
We love Greek Islands too! This dish sounds delicious--especially on a cold snowy day. If we ever get a cold snowy day. I'm not complaining though!!
Love Greek food, so this is a must try; true comfort food. we are freezing up here.
Pam, Living now in East Tennessee, we don't have much of a chance to dine out and enjoy Greek food. Chicago does spoil a person for this cuisine. Greek Islands is fine but our choice in Greektown was Santorini. Thanks for the recipe! Take Care, Big Daddy DaveReplyDelete
Este pollo se ve fantastico.
Te deseo un feliz año
Sounds just delightful love these types of spice with chicken yummo!ReplyDelete
Bonnie, I'm not complaining either! This weather is great! Glad you like Greek Islands too! Opa and the best to you!
Rita, thanks! It's in the low 50's now but, Wednesday night is supposed to turn cold and bring snow. Yuch!
Dave, there are so many ethnic restaurants around here and I'm so glad you mentioned Santorini. I've not been there but it's on the list to go since you mentioned it! Happy 2012!
jose manuel, gracias! Este pollo es facil y delicioso!
Claudia, thanks! The cinnamon flavor blends wonderfully with chicken.
Hi Pam...this sounds good and it looks like it might be easy to make...the ingredients are my kind of stuff, so I'm pretty certain I would love it...
I appreciate you for sharing all the delicious recipes..
Oh Pam, this looks so delish!ReplyDelete
Oh this looks delicious! Did my post make you want "Greek?" I can't wait to make this!
Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
This is such a comforting dish Pam. Tomatoes just seem to go so well with a chicken stew.ReplyDelete
This sounds wonderful. Yum!ReplyDelete
A friend of mine has a recipe very similar to this that she gave me last year that I never tried... I need to stop wasting time! It looks and sounds so good!ReplyDelete
I love your twist on kapama Pam! All the ingredients you used are favorite of mine!ReplyDelete
Shug, it is really easy and good too, so I hope you try it. Thanks for stopping by!
MaryBeth, it is! Glad to "see" you!
Mary, yes! I saw your mac and cheese. Yum!
bellini, thanks! I so agree about the tomatoes.
Christine, thank you!
Jenn, you have to try it. I know you love chicken! lol
Katerina, I'm sure you know best about it and I would love to have a meal cooked by you! This version is pretty tasty! Thanks for the visit!
Dear Pam, I love your description of Greece. Sounds lovely. This chicken also sounds perfect to go along with the setting you have envisioned. Blessings, Catherine xoReplyDelete
I love Greek flavours so I know I would love this. DianeReplyDelete
Catherine, thank you! Glad you liked it and hope you have a great day!
Diane, yes! Then you would like this. A good day to you!
Your chicken dish sure looks delicious, like the addition of cinnamon.
Hope you are having a wonderful week Pam :-)
Juliana, thank you! And I hope you have a good day tomorrow!ReplyDelete
Great recipe, Pam! We love Greek food. Every time we go to Denver, we eat at a restaurant called, Pete's Greek Town.ReplyDelete
Sounds delish!ReplyDelete
Yum, the aroma of this simmering away in a crock pot sounds heavenly. This is a good weekend for some tasty comfort food. Snow is in the forecast.ReplyDelete
I've never heard of it but I absolutely adore the flavors in it. Now just to figure out how to get it on the grill.ReplyDelete
I know little about Greek food. All I know - this sounds terrific.ReplyDelete
How am I supposed to relax in a world where "truffle" can mean either chocolate or fungus?
- from a cartoon by Dan Piraro
I am happy to hear what you have to say, and appreciate your taking the time to stop by and leave a comment.
Keep Smiling,


text:
FDA Approves Afstyla for Adults, Children With Hemophilia A »
"The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved antihemophilic factor (recombinant), single chain (rVIII-single chain; Afstyla, CSL Behring) for on-demand treatment and control of bleeding episodes, routine prophylaxis to decrease t"...
Read the FDA Approves Afstyla for Adults, Children With Hemophilia A article »
(potassium chloride) Extended-Release Tablets USP
K-TAB (potassium chloride extended-release tablets) is a solid oral dosage form of potassium chloride containing 750 mg of potassium chloride, USP, equivalent to 10 mEq of potassium in a film-coated (not enteric-coated), wax matrix tablet. This formulation is intended to slow the release of potassium so that the likelihood of a high localized concentration of potassium chloride within the gastrointestinal tract is reduced. The expended inert, porous, wax/polymer matrix is not absorbed and may be excreted intact in the stool.
K-TAB tablets are an electrolyte replenisher. The chemical name is potassium chloride, and the structural formula is KCI. Potassium chloride, USP, occurs as a white, granular powder or as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a saline taste. Its solutions are neutral to litmus. It is freely soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol.
Inactive Ingredients
Castor oil, cellulosic polymers, colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10, magnesium stearate, paraffin, polyvinyl acetate, titanium dioxide, vanillin and vitamin E.
What are the possible side effects of potassium chloride?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- confusion, anxiety, feeling like you might pass out;
- uneven heartbeat;
- extreme thirst, increased urination;
- leg discomfort;
- muscle weakness or limp feeling;
- numbness or tingly feeling in your hands or feet, or around your mouth;
- severe stomach pain, ongoing diarrhea...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of K-Tab »
What are the precautions when taking potassium chloride extended-release tablets (K-Tab)?
Before taking potassium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney problems, high levels of potassium in the blood.
Due to rare reports of stomach/intestinal ulcers and bleeding with sustained-release potassium products, taking a liquid form of potassium is preferred. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have throat/stomach/intestinal problems such as blockage, narrowing, or ulcers.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription...
Last reviewed on RxList: 7/28/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
K-Tab FDA Prescribing Information
Additional K-Tab Information
K-Tab - User Reviews
K-Tab User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication K-Tab sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.


text:
Apparently some of the eggs seized by police in the raid on Justin Bieber's house are now talking. There have been competing reports in the tabloids about what exactly is going on in Justin's life and what was spotted by police in the raid. A few things here. You know that I'm not a fan of Bieber but I also believe that people need to be told the truth about things when it is out there. When the police raided Justin Bieber's house they found drugs in plain sight and Lil Za took the fall for everyone in the house. When you are a hanger on that is your job. You get to have the fun but you are also going to have to be the one who has to deal with the consequences. Everyone enjoyed the drugs but only one person was going down. If, as TMZ reported there were cookie jars filled with pot in plain sight someone would have been arrested. You don't think they would have loved to do so? Ditto with drug paraphernalia. If its in plain sight they are going to do something and if they believed there were more drugs they would have gone back to a judge and got a new warrant.
As far as the texts to Selena Gomez and from her that Radar has been reporting, both Selena and Justin and their various people say they are fake. Now, I am never one to believe a word a publicist says about anything because they basically will say or do anything to get people off the scent but here is where things start to fall apart. If you choose to believe that Justin's cell phone was seized by police then what you have in the texts is a brand new cell phone that Justin acquired and then someone managed to get the messages and send them to Radar. There are texts that specifically mention the raid which means it is a new cell phone. Yes, Justin could very well have more than one phone but the police had a warrant to take all his cell phones. So, you are telling me that as soon as he gets a new phone the first thing he did was take peen shots and start sending those out? Does Justin need rehab? Yep. Is he a drug addict? Yep. Is he a tool? Yep. At the same time though there is no need to pile on and say things just to get page views.


text:
Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak Merlot 2008
Merlot from Napa Valley, California
Winemaker's Notes
The 2008 Twomey Merlot is a luscious wine of moderate alcohol that achieves a beautiful balance between ripeness and freshness. It has a garnet color with purple edges and an enticing nose of perfectly ripe, fresh black cherries, violets, nutmeg and dark chocolate. It has a bright attack and a satiny mouth-feel. The fresh cherry fruit returns on the palate and the wine is full bodied without being cloying. The finish is vibrant with notes of dark chocolate and enough tannic grip to ensure good cellaring. This beautiful Merlot will continue to give drinking pleasure through 2023, with proper cellaring.
Blend: 92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
Critical Acclaim
Wine Enthusiast - "Made with a drop of Cabernet Franc, this Merlot is rich, smooth and bone dry. With modest alcohol, it brims with flavors of black and red currant, licorice, anise and white pepper, as well as a subtle touch of sweet, smoky new oak. the grapes come from the cool Soda Canyon area of Napa Valley, at the base of Atlas Peak."
Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak Winery
Twomey Cellars originated with a remarkable vineyard, the Soda Canyon Ranch in southeastern Napa Valley, which the Duncan family – owners of Silver Oak Cellars – acquired in 1999. Planted with the finest French clones in well-drained volcanic soils, the Merlot that is grown there possesses such extraordinary complexity that it calls for a wine of its own. Silver Oak's winemaker, Daniel Baron, developed his passion for Merlot during the early 1980s while working in Pomerol and St. Emilion. He had always hoped to make a California Merlot with a French sensibility, but for many years lacked access to fruit with the characteristics he required. When the Duncan family acquired Soda Canyon Ranch and Daniel realized it was planted with top-flight French clones, Daniel's long-held dream of producing a Napa Valley Merlot with depth and concentration became reality.
The Duncan Family's spirit of innovation would lead them to discover new varietals when in 2000, they secured the nine-acre West Pin vineyard in Sonoma's Russian River Valley, legendary for its extraordinary Pinot Noirs. Several years later, they acquired a winery in Healdsburg where the Pinot Noirs are now produced. Twomey is dedicated to producing Pinot Noir that achieves the greatest balance & expression from four top California appellations, including Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Anderson Valley and Santa Maria Valley. Twomey's newest offering is Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp, refreshing wine that originates at the family's estate vineyard in Calistoga. Today, Twomey Cellars is run by Managing Partners and brothers David and Tim Duncan. Founding winemaker Daniel Baron and Winemaker Ben Cane carry out their vision of making wines that eloquently express their vineyard and vintage. View all Twomey Cellars by Silver Oak Wines
About Napa ValleyView a map of Napa Valley wineries
It's hard not to think of Napa Valley when thinking of California wines. The region is, after all, the one that brought world recognition to California wine making. The area was settled by a few choice wine families in the 1960's who bet that the wines of the area would grow and flourish. They were right. The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980's, when vineyard lands were scooped up and vines were planted throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, from large conglomerates to small boutiques to cult classics. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux Blends. Whites are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Notable FactsWithin the Napa Valley lie smaller sub-AVAs that lend even more character specifics to the wines. Furthest south is Carneros, followed by Yountville, Oakville & Rutherford. Above those two is St.-Helena and finally, just granted an AVA, Calistoga. These areas are situated on the valley floor and are known for creating rich, smooth Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. There are a few mountain regions as well, nestled on the slopes overlooking the valley AVAs. Those include Howell Mountain, Stags Leap and Mount Veeder. Wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, benefiting from more time in the bottle to evolve and soften.
About CaliforniaIt's not rare to see a wine's country of origin listed as "California." A country into itself in the wine world, California makes enough varieties and styles to match many European wine countries. It produces a diverse range of wines that span the quality spectrum.
The most famous of the California wine regions is Napa Valley, and these wines are certainly outstanding – but it's not as broad and diverse as its larger neighbor, Sonoma County. Down south, Santa Barbara's Santa Maria Valley is well-known for its Rhône blends, as well as cool-climate varieties like Pinot and Chardonnay. The Central Coast, the largest California AVA, has many different microclimates that lead to a wide range of wines with many sub-AVAs.
Customer ReviewsSign In to Add Your Review54.8 out of 5 stars


text:
September 10, 2011 saw the second SSR issued for 2011 (effective September 12, 2011). You can also view and download the entire ruling as a PDF here.
SSR 11-2p deals with Documenting and Evaluating Disability in Young Adults. Much of the ruling is a summary of how Social Security should evaluate cases for claimants with ages between 18 and 25. However, there are several interesting items:
First, the ruling makes it clear that evidence generated during childhood (before the 18th birthday) can be relevant in an adult claim. The ruling describes how evidence such as IEPs, and performance in on-the-job training programs, and community based instruction can be helpful in evaluating disability:
A. Evidence Regarding Functioning From Educational Programs
As we discussed in section I.C above, we may have evidence about a young adult's functioning from school programs, including IEPs. This evidence may indicate how well a young adult can use his or her physical or mental abilities to perform work activities. The following examples of school-reported difficulties might indicate difficulty with work activities:
- Difficulty in understanding, remembering, and carrying out simple instructions and work procedures during a school-sponsored work experience;
- Difficulty communicating spontaneously and appropriately in the classroom;
- Difficulty with maintaining attention for extended periods in a classroom;
- Difficulty relating to authority figures and responding appropriately to correction or criticism during school or a work-study experience;
- Difficulty using motor skills to move from one classroom to another.
B. Community Experiences, Including Job Placements
1. A young adult may receive services in a community setting(s) through a school or a community agency, such as a mental health center or vocational rehabilitation agency. These services may include:
- Community-based instruction (CBI), or instruction in a natural, age appropriate setting (for example, trips to the grocery store to develop math, sequencing, travel, and social skills).
- On-the-job training (OJT), or placement in various work sites in the community for vocational training and experience, frequently in an "˜'enclave" (small group) of students with a job coach (for example, placement in an enclave in a motel to learn housekeeping tasks such as bed-making and vacuuming).
- Work experience, or supervised part-time or full-time employment to assist a young adult in acquiring job skills and good work attitudes and habits.
2. A young adult may participate in several""or even many""OJT or work experience placements that are unpaid, paid at SGA levels, or paid at less than SGA levels. Some young adults have multiple placements as part of a transition plan that expose them to a variety of work settings. Other young adults have multiple placements because of unsatisfactory performance.
Regardless of whether the work was SGA, information about how well a young adult performed in these placements can help us assess how the young adult functions. For example, a young adult who was unable to sustain OJT placements may have limitations in the ability to understand and remember instructions or to persist at work-related tasks. In contrast, a young adult who performed OJT placements successfully may have a good ability to respond appropriately to supervision. In addition, information about the degree to which a young adult needs special supports in order to work (such as in supported or transitional employment programs) may also help us assess the young adult's functioning. Emphasis added.
C. Psychosocial Supports and Highly Structured or Supportive Settings
As for all adults, psychosocial supports and highly structured or supportive settings may reduce the demands on a young adult and help him or her function. However, the young adult's ability to function in settings that are less demanding, more structured, or more supportive than those in which people typically work does not necessarily show how the young adult will be able to function in a work setting. We will consider the kind and extent of support or assistance and the characteristics of any structured setting in which the young adult spends his or her time when we evaluate the effects of his or her impairment(s) on functioning.
D. Extra Help and Accommodations
Working requires a person to be able to do the tasks of a job independently, appropriately, effectively, and on a sustained basis. In this regard, the analysis for adult disability determination purposes is similar to our "˜'extra help" rules for children. If an adult with an impairment(s) needs or would need greater supervision or assistance, or some other type of accommodation, because of the impairment(s) than an employee who does not have an impairment, the adult has a work-related limitation.
We consider how independently a young adult is able to function, including whether the young adult needs help from other people or special equipment, devices, or medications to perform day-to-day activities. If a young adult can function only if he or she receives more help than would generally be provided to people without medical impairments, we consider how well the young adult would function without the extra help. The more extra help or support of any kind that a young adult receives because of his or her impairment(s), the less independent he or she is in functioning, and the more severe we will find the limitation to be.
1. Accommodations
a. Accommodations are practices and procedures that allow a person to complete the same activity or task as other people. Accommodations can include a change in setting, timing, or scheduling, or an assistive or adaptive device.
b. Some young adults with impairments need accommodations in their educational program in order to participate in the general curriculum or in a transitional program. The fact that a young adult receives or has received accommodations as a part of his or her IEP or Section 504 plan, may be an indication that he or she has a work related limitation. For example, evidence showing that a student requires an audiotape recording of oral directions for replay at school because he cannot remember more than a one-step instruction might indicate that the student will have the same inability to remember more than a one-step instruction without special assistance in a work setting.
c. Some accommodations may indicate an impairment(s) that meets or medically equals a listing. For example, the need for an augmentative or alternative communication or AAC device (for example, an electronic picture board or an electrolarynx) might indicate a speech impairment that meets listing 2.09 or an impairment that meets one of the neurological listings in section 11.00 of the listings.
d. When we determine whether a person can perform his or her past relevant work, we do not consider potential accommodations unless his or her employer actually made the accommodation. This means that we cannot find that a young adult can do past relevant work with accommodations unless the young adult actually performed that work with those same accommodations and is still able to do so now.
e. When we determine whether a person can do other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, we do not consider whether he or she could do so with accommodations, even if an employer would be required to provide reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
2. Effects of Treatment, Including Medications
Treatment, including medications, can have a positive effect on a person's ability to function in a work setting. For example, a young adult who takes an antidepressant medication may be able to interact appropriately with supervisors and co-workers. Treatment, however, may not resolve all of the functional limitations that result from an impairment(s). Medications or other treatment may cause side effects that affect the mental or physical ability to work. For example, an anti-epileptic medication may cause drowsiness that affects the ability to concentrate; daily chest percussion therapy for cystic fibrosis may cause fatigue because of the physical effort involved in the therapy. The frequency of a young adult's treatment may preclude him or her from maintaining a full-time work schedule; that is, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week on a sustained basis.
E. Work-Related Stress
1. Working involves many factors and demands that can be stressful. For example, some people may experience stress related to the demands of getting to work regularly, having work performance supervised, or remaining in the workplace for a full day, 5 days a week on a sustained basis. Moreover, one person's reaction to stress associated with the demands of work may be different from another's, even among people with the same impairments.
2. Sources familiar with the young adult may provide insight about the effect of stress on his or her physical or mental functioning and what, if any, psychosocial supports or structure he or she would need when experiencing work-related stress. We consider impairment-related limitations created by a person's response to the demands of work when we assess RFC.
The ruling also discusses how Social Security should determine if the work performed by a younger individual is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The ruling provides the general rule that reporting earnings are presumed to have been fully "earned" by the younger individual without a subsidy. However, this presumption can be rebutted.
IV. Determining Disability
A. Determining Whether a Young Adult's Work Activity is SGA
When we determine a young adult's earnings for SGA purposes, we count only those earnings that are attributable to his or her own productivity. We assume that a young adult's reported earnings are attributable to his or her own productivity unless there is evidence indicating that those earnings are greater than would be attributable to his or her productivity.
The ruling goes on to discuss instances where earnings my have been subsidized — which might mean that the work was not a Substantial Gainful Activity.
1. Work Activity
Many young adults with disabilities have worked. The work experience may have been (or may be, if the person is still working) subsidized, in a sheltered setting, or performed under special conditions. As for any adult, we exclude subsidized earnings. In addition:
- Some young adults whose impairments arose during military service continue on active duty and receive full pay while they are in treatment for their impairments. They may also receive payments while working in a designated therapy program or on limited duty. Active duty status or receipt of pay (for example, sick pay) by a member of the military does not indicate by itself that the service person has demonstrated the ability to do SGA. We will consider the actual work activity, not the amount of pay the service person receives or the duty status of the service person, when we determine whether the work is SGA.
- Young adults may have impairment-related work expenses; that is, expenses for an item or service that directly enables a person to work and that the person necessarily incurs because of an impairment(s). We deduct impairment-related work expenses from a person's wages or self-employment income before we determine whether the wages or self-employment income constitute SGA.
2. Volunteer Service Young adults with disabilities may participate in government-sponsored programs for volunteer activity, such as AmeriCorps VISTA. We do not count as earnings payments a person receives from some of these programs.
3. Unsuccessful Work Attempts Some people have brief periods of work with earnings at the SGA level. We will consider the possibility that a brief period of work was an unsuccessful work attempt when we are determining whether the work was SGA. If a period of work is an unsuccessful work attempt, we will not consider that work to be SGA when we determine if the young adult is under a disability. However, as we noted in section III.A, covered wages or self-employment income from an unsuccessful work attempt may provide work credits that establish disability insured status under title II.
The ruling also deals with younger individuals at Step 5 of the sequential evaluation process: ability to adjust to "other work." Generally, younger individuals have the most difficulty proving disability:
2. When a young adult has only exertional (strength) limitations and has an RFC and vocational factors that match the criteria of a rule in the Medical-Vocational Guidelines in appendix 2 of subpart P of the Regulations No. 4 (grid rules), the grid rules always direct a decision of "˜'not disabled" for young adults.
Fortunately, it is a rare case that only results in exertional limitations. And the rule acknowledges that non-exertional limitations (from limitations on the use of the hands and arms, to bending and stopped, and even an inability to work a 40 hour week) can erode the job base and allow an individual to be found disabled.
For cases with non-exertional limitations due to mental impairments (including psychological, developmental, and cognitive), the ruling is instructive in that it indicates the criteria Social Security should most focus on:
c. If a young adult has a substantial loss of one or more of the basic mental demands of competitive, remunerative, unskilled work, the occupational base will be significantly eroded, despite vocational factors that we would ordinarily consider favorable (for example, young age, college education, and skilled work experience). The basic mental demands of competitive, remunerative, unskilled work include the abilities to:
- Understand, remember, and carry out instructions;
- Make simple work-related judgments typically required for unskilled work;
- Respond appropriately to supervision, coworkers, and work situations; and
- Deal with changes in a routine work setting.
Of course, this is not a complete list of possible limitations. However, it is interesting to see what Social Security recommends that its adjudicators focus on.
The ruling also reminds Social Security that since younger individuals are more likely to be coming fresh from school (high school or college), they are more likely to be able to step into skilled jobs.
d. Adjudicators must remember that young adults are more likely to have recent educational experience that provides for direct entry into skilled work; some will also have vocational experiences (see section C. above) that provide them with skills they can use in skilled or semiskilled work.
One adjustment consideration with skilled work is how much has the the industry changed since the skills were acquired. The more the tools and techniques have changed, the greater the adjustment required. For example: the skills acquired in a business assistant program 20 years ago are dated and would likely result is some adjustment to work in today's office. However, a recent graduate would have minimal adjustment. The greater the adjustment, the less likely the individual is actually able to perform the duties required.
The ruling reminds Social Security not to rule out skilled work as the basis of a possible denial (even without no prior job experience) due to recent training, internships and/or job placement.
Also valuable is the discussion of evaluating inconsistencies in the evidence. One example is the possibility of a "good day" during a consultative examination:
5. An apparent inconsistency is not always a true inconsistency. For example, the record for a young adult with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may include good, longitudinal evidence of hyperactivity at home, in the classroom, and on work experience placements in the classroom, but show a lack of hyperactivity during a consultative examination (CE). The observations during the CE may represent a "˜'good" day, rather than the overall level of functioning or the effect of an unusual setting. In this case, there would be only a normal variation in functioning at the time of the CE.
Thanks to David Traver for bringing the ruling to my attention.
Photo by Patty Maher


text:
Tweets from @TBHomeTeam/writers
MORE from our HomeTeam writers.
Fri. October 19, 2012 | Rodney Page | Email
Bradenton Christian returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but it was all Blue Jackets after that in a 63-24 romp Friday.
Quarterback Colby Robinson threw four touchdown passes, Napoleon Maxwell caught a touchdown pass and returned a punt for a TD, and Jestin Green had two interceptions to lead AFA. The Blue Jackets also had a defensive score.


text:
Whether it's a succulent pot roast, cheesy casserole, or warming, savory stew, we love Sunday supper. It's a dinner party without the formality, where family and friends gather for easy conversation and good food – lots of it!
more about: Football
National Championship: Show Us Your Photos
It's here, it's here! The day that college football fans plan for all year long. Here's how some of you prepared for the big game. (And yes, we know that not everyone is pulling for Alabama, but they are the SEC contenders!) Hosting a viewing party? Or are you getting ready to go into the stadium? We want to see […]
5 Things We're Buzzing About This Week
Every Monday we bring you the SL Hot List, a round up of the five latest and greatest things to hit the South. Consider it your weekly update on our region's most buzzworthy food, culture, and style news.
Archie Manning Shares His Favorite Game-Day Memories
He's a man that needs no introduction. Former Ole Miss quarterback legend and dad of NFL champions, Peyton and Eli, Archie Manning is synonymous with "the love of the game." He's even on the board of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. While compiling facts for The Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook, we asked "Papa Bear" a few questions about game day:


text:
Make PoliceOne your homepage
If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browser's Help menu
6 New Courses and 30 New Videos from PoliceOne Academy
Editor's Note:
September 11, 2001 was the deadliest day in U.S. law enforcement history — 72 officers lost their lives. To mark this solemn anniversary, PoliceOne presents a series of outstanding features. We've compiled the thoughts and memories of officers around the country about where they were during the attacks and where we are going in the fight against terrorism. Guest contributors and regular columnists have authored thought-provoking articles and commentaries. We encourage you to visit the PoliceOne 9/11 Tribute Page and add your own voice to the conversation.
— Doug Wyllie, PoliceOne Senior Editor
A New York City Police Dept. officer plays the trumpet over Ground Zero. (AP Photo)
Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Update
Profile | Change
Email Address | Privacy
Policy | Advertise


text:
Krystan B.
Nanny in Culloden, WV 25510.
Looking for full-time work as a nanny.
Enhanced Background Check not run.
Enhanced Background Check(Not Run)
Basic Background Check not run.
Basic Background Check(Not Run)
Motor Vehicle Records Check not run.
Motor Vehicle Records Check(Not Run)
Culloden, WV
- Age 23
- 10 years paid experience
- Female
Last signed in: More than 6 months
Preferred Rate $9-$13 per hour
Krystan's Bio
I've always enjoyed working with children. I have experience with newborns all up to 13 years of age. I worked in my high school daycare and also worked in a day are center for almost a year. I've never been happier. Unfortunately I had to leave because the pay wasn't good. I have bills to pay and I'm planning my wedding. I would be more than happy to help out families in any way I can. I enjoy helping them learn new things and grow.
Age Specific Experience
10 years of paid child care experience with:
- First year
- Toddlers (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler (3 to 5 years)
- Grade School (6 to 11 years)
- Pre-teen/Teenagers (12 years and over)
Special Needs Experience
Special Needs Conditional Experience
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Skills & Abilities
Additional Services:
- Potty Training
- Meal Preparation
- Light Housekeeping
- Willing to drive children to events, school, appointments, or carpooling
- Homework Help


text:
Purchase Custom Decals and Labels in Australia
Promote your business with advertising material that is attention grabbing and professional and go with Signmaker Solutions. We have been established for over 30 years and specialise in printing plastic labels in Sydney. We print 'in-house' using screen print, digital print and thermal print processes, offering high quality print and exceptional service throughout Australia. We create vinyl wall decals and stickers as well as waterproof labels for Sydney businesses. We offer affordable print package for your organisation for when you're required to order in bulk.
Our industrial labels within Sydney are suitable for all
Our custom decals, stickers, vinyl labels & signs are perfect for local government, schools, universities and small businesses. Our waterproof labels and vinyl stickers are an attractive, professional and fun way to promote your business and get your message across.
See what else we offer
We also print large waterproof and weather resistant outdoor banners and high resolution photographic quality indoor banners to make your company stand out from the crowd.
Our experienced in-house design and production staff specialise in sign printing, including custom made stickers, custom made labels, decals and vinyl labels within Sydney. We can print industrial stickers, advertising banners and cling stickers – whatever you need. Click here to start! We can provide a custom stickers/sign printing package to suit your needs, so call Signmaker Solutions for a quote today.


text:
Here 'Buster'
Buster Park, a Playground for Dogs, is the name of the Brainerd's new dog park.
Approval for the dog park — with plans to use about 40,000 square feet in Kiwanis Park — was given in December.
Brainerd resident Bob Rudsenske donated $15,000 to help build the park. His dog's name is Buster.
Elite Fence of Baxter was approved for the bid of $10,250 for the fence and $2,252 for the installation. The Brainerd Park Board voted against requiring a special dog park license to use the park, noting the number of out-of-town visitors to the area.
Tony Sailer, parks and recreation department director, reported fundraising for other amenities in the park, such as signs, is continuing. The 4-acre Kiwanis Park is at 1101 East River Road in Brainerd.
Previously, Sailer said Kiwanis Park was chosen because of its central location in the city and connections to the existing Boom Lake Trail and future plans to connect the Buffalo Hills trail.
RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at 855-5852 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz.


text: Download Free Mp3 Blink 182 She S Out Of Her Mind. See the first video preview before downloading it. We do not store songs mp3 in our hosting. If there is a broken link we are not in charge of it. Download mp3 Blink 182 She S Out Of Her Mind free right now!!


text:
Contact us 24/7: +1 877 678 9627
View product details
Zoom In
- - This item's measurements are:
- Drop 2.5cm
- Width 1cm
Halleh's 18-karat gold earrings are an easy way to work contemporary glamor into everyday looks. Set with 0.62-carats of pavé diamonds, this triangle pair is carefully made by hand. We'll be wearing ours with everything from leather pants to tailored dresses. For pierced ears.
- - Handmade
- - 18-karat gold
- - Pavé diamonds, total weight: 0.62-carats
- - Butterfly fastening for pierced ears
- - Come in a designer-stamped presentation box
Product Code: 444879
Shop more:
For alternative suggestions, contact our Fashion Consultants
Help & Advice
Product Code: 444879


text:
Thieves ruined Christmas for dozens of families by burgling a charity and stealing hoards of presents destined for needy children.
The gifts, donated by wellwishers, were taken on the eve of a Christmas party along with party food and food hampers for families living below the poverty line.
The break-in at Home-Start in Merton has left dozens of children, whose parents cannot afford to buy presents, going without.
The charity supports disadvantaged children, including those who are disabled and those who live in either single parent families and homes in which there is domestic abuse or mental illness.
Staff at Home-Start arrived at work on Wednesday and found windows has been smashed, 71 presents had been stolen along with £150 worth of party food and festive food hampers for parents.
Sharon Ashby, senior co-ordinator at the charity, said: "It makes you feel numb, you just feel sick.
"It is such a cruel thing to do. The whole team here give so much so that these families have a better life.
"There are some wicked people in this world."
Hundreds of gifts had been wrapped up for 60 families attending the Christmas party. They were all put into bags for each family and those filled with the most gifts were taken.
Most were donated by Kings College School in Wimbledon, as well as some from the public.
So far, up to 11 new presents have been donated and several monetary donations have been made to the charity since news of the burglary broke.
Local councillor Miles Windsor, who is also a trustee of Home-Start Merton, said: "It is appalling and disgusting that at this time of year people can be so heartless and callous.
"It's abhorrent that people would steal from needy children. I hope that if anyone has any information they will show humanity and report it to police."
To donate go to virginmoneygiving.com and type in Home-Start Merton
- More about:
- Burglary
- Charity
- Children
- Christmas
- Family And Parenting


text:
Stanton Distinguished Leaders Series to Host Dan Och
The Stanton Distinguished Leaders Series at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business will host Dan Och, founder and CEO of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group, on Monday, March 24, 2014 in the Rafik Hariri Building, Fisher Colloquium. He will discuss "The Hedge Fund Business: Where It's Been and Where It's Headed."
The Stanton Distinguished Leaders Series brings to Georgetown's campus leaders who are renowned in their fields to share their unique experiences with the school's students and alumni and to engage in dialogue about leadership in an ever-changing world.
Och is the founder, CEO, and chairman of the board of directors of Och-Ziff Capital Management Group and the Partner Management Committee. Prior to founding Och-Ziff in 1994, Och spent 11 years at Goldman Sachs & Co. He began his career in the Risk Arbitrage Department and later responsibilities included head of proprietary trading in the Equities Division and co-head of U.S. equities trading.
Och holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the boards of the Robin Hood Foundation and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, as well as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and the New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
This event is closed to media.


text:
- Slogan
- Home
- Search
- Submit Link
- Submit Article
Shane English WEB Directory » Recreation » Collecting
|Autographs (1)
|Militaria (0)
Want to suggest a category?
Active Links: 151508
Pending Links: 26317
Todays Links: 2
Total Articles: 0
Total Categories: 18
Sub Categories: 3515
Links Sort by: PageRank | Hits | Alphabetical
| Shopping Reviews for Collectors - http://boydshomereunions.com
Do you like to collect? Then this site is the best place to visit for ideas on what to collect, where to find them and the best deals. Provides lots of ideas for giving collectible gifts and shopping. Find plenty of information on shopping. - [Read more]
| Amazing Club - http://amazingclub.net
For Exploring the World be connect with Us Our Site contain Amazing Picture and Articles which will suprise you - [Read more]
| Cyberfunz - http://cyberfunz.com
Watch Free Funny,Amazing and Sex video and also read Joke and Shaire Be connet with Us for Enjoyment - [Read more]
| Vintage Lovelies - http://www.oldfashionpassion.com
Authentic Vintage Lovelies, uncovers an array of unbeatable and fascinating treasures. Discover your old-fashion passions with these dazzling and divine vintage lovelies. - [Read more]
| Victory Trading Cards - http://www.victorytradingcards.com
Shop at VictoryTradingCards.com for Sports Cards, Trading Cards, Gaming & Entertainment Cards and more! With all of the top brands and hundreds of products, you're sure to find exactly what you're looking for! - [Read more]
| Reborn Baby Dolls - http://reborndolls.org/
The hobby of creating reborn baby dolls began around 1990 when doll enthusiasts wanted more realistic dolls. Since then, an industry surrounding reborn dolls has emerged. Reborn dolls are primarily purchased on the internet but are available at fairs. - [Read more]
| Ancient Coin Shop - http://www.romeosromancoins.co.uk
Romeo's Roman Coins offer genuine ancient coins plus 1500 years old, Roman, Greek or British. We buy and sell ancient coins. Augustus specialists. View our inventory, full of beautiful ancient coins. - [Read more]
| Aquarist Help - http://www.aquaristhelp.com
Personal blog of an aquarium keeper sharing his wealth of knowledge with other fish keepers. Keep your aquariums looking great, your fish healthy and strong living a long and happy life, books and more. - [Read more]
| Cellular Tones - http://www.cellular-tones.com
Blog featuring information on popular cellular phone ring tones, where to buy them, where to download them for free, which ones are popular, what phones support ring tones and much more. Reviews and news also available. - [Read more]
| Bonin Sports Cards - http://www.boninsportscards.net
Offering Baseball, Football, Basketball and Hockey sports cards and memorabilia. Free shipping on all orders over $25. - [Read more]


text:
Kansas City native Michael Curry is making a name for himself in the 3-D printing world. Now dubbed a "3-D Printing Evangelist," a Google tech term, Curry has become the first person in the United States to create a fully printed electric vehicle! Curry was featured in a KSHB article here, but he also documented his work via YouTube.
Curry has also been featured in a Netflix exclusive original documentary "Print the Legend." We will be airing an exclusive teaser during the Faire this year.
Be sure to come and see the teaser and Curry's printed car.


text:
Strict Standards: Declaration of C_DataMapper_Driver_Base::define() should be compatible with C_Component::define($context = false) in /nas/content/live/axisphilly/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/datamapper/class.datamapper_driver_base.php on line 609
Strict Standards: Declaration of C_DataMapper_Driver_Base::initialize() should be compatible with C_Component::initialize() in /nas/content/live/axisphilly/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/datamapper/class.datamapper_driver_base.php on line 609
Strict Standards: Declaration of C_Displayed_Gallery_Mapper::define() should be compatible with C_CustomPost_DataMapper_Driver::define($object_name, $context = false) in /nas/content/live/axisphilly/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/nextgen_gallery_display/class.displayed_gallery_mapper.php on line 4
Strict Standards: Declaration of C_Displayed_Gallery_Mapper::initialize() should be compatible with C_CustomPost_DataMapper_Driver::initialize($object_name) in /nas/content/live/axisphilly/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/nextgen_gallery_display/class.displayed_gallery_mapper.php on line 4
Resentment over the city's policy of giving 10-year tax abatements to new construction has been bubbling below the surface for years.
Folks don't like the fact that while they pay real estate taxes on their home, the owners of that fancy new house down the street is exempt from paying a large portion their taxes. (The land is taxed, but improvements are not.)
Now, with the citywide reassessment know as AVI, the debate over the tax abatements is joined again. In a city with 579,000 properties, why should 15,000 owners enjoy a generous, 10-year tax holiday? The abatement is given citywide, and the aggregate market value for the abated properties is $8 billion. It includes residential and commercial construction.
Kevin Gillen, economist at the Fels Institute, recently stepped into the fray with a report that seeks to justify the abatement using facts and figures (see below).
According to Gillen's analysis, the tax abatement has played a major role in Philadelphia's revival. In the 10 years before the tax abatement, the city issued building permits for 6,405 housing units; since then it has issued 17,700.
Most economists and public policy people I know agree with Gillen's analysis: The abatement did its job. It was a tax incentive that spurred development. While it was not the only factor, it was a significant one and an overall plus for the city.
Whether we need to continue it in its present form — on all new construction and major renovations — will be a matter of debate, probably in City Council.
But, let's take a step back and ask a more fundamental question: Why do we need to give any tax abatements? Why did new construction in the city lag behind regional and national averages for so long?
Gillen's analysis is helpful in answering those questions. In Philadelphia, there is a fundamental imbalance between the cost of new construction and the prices that project will yield.
In his analysis, Gillen said he looked at building costs and found that Philadelphia ranks fourth in the nation in cost per square foot. It is $128 per square foot here, compared to a national average of $102 per square foot. Only New York, San Francisco and Boston have higher costs, so we are in heady company.
The problem is we cannot get New York, Boston or San Francisco prices for our homes. We don't have the wealth. Our median household income is lower — a lot lower — than that of those cities. At $37,000 a year, we are far below the U.S. income average of $50,000 per household.
Why are construction costs so much higher in Philadelphia? High labor costs. The building and construction trades unions enjoy a virtual monopoly on construction in the city and the hourly rates their workers charge are high. Using an all-union workforce can add 30 percent to the cost of a project. (You can fly under the radar and use non-union help on small projects, but watch out if you try that with larger ones. The Ratmobile will soon be parked outside.)
Developers know how to use spreadsheets. On any given project, they will add in all of their costs, and then estimate the price they can get for the properties. The difference is their profit. If that bottom line is too small — or a negative number — they won't proceed.
Paul Levy, head of the Center City District, learned this through experience in the mid-1990s. At the time, the city's office center had migrated west to new office towers on the west side of Market Street. Older retail establishments were exiting the city.
The District commissioned a study to develop a strategy to combat vacancies. The result was "Turning the Lights on Upstairs." Released in 1996, it recommended strategies for converting old office and retail space into residential uses. The study made a lot of sense. It even gave specific examples of buildings ripe for conversion. But no developers bit.
What could be done to push this project along? New York had offered tax abatements to spur development on Wall Street. Levy and others went to City Councilman Frank DiCicco to see if the same could be done here. In 1997, a law was passed allowing a five-year tax abatement, but only for projects involving conversions of commercial/retail properties into residential ones in Center City.
The bottom lines on the developers' spreadsheets suddenly jumped in an upward direction. They were able to charge higher prices to buyers who would get some of that money back through tax abatements. The conversion boom began.
In 2000, at the urging of Mayor John Street, City Council increased the abatement to 10 years, made it for major renovations and new construction for all types of properties and applied it citywide. A citywide building boom commenced.
People tend to view the abatement as a subsidy for developers and home buyers. In reality, it is a taxpayer-financed subsidy for the building trades unions. It allows unions to maintain wages that are higher than the average in the region and in most other cities.
In the post-AVI frenzy, Council could choose to do away with the abatement. Several Council people say it is no longer needed to sustain development.
They are kidding themselves if they believe that. Do away with the abatement if you wish. But unless something is done at the same time to lower construction costs, you can kiss the building boom goodbye.
Fels Institute Labor unions Paul Levy Philadelphia politics. Kevin Gillen Politics Tax abatement


text:
This is really embarrassing, guys, but I just completely forgot about International Hot & Spicy Food Day this year. I know! My absolute favorite holiday! I know you're all probably on top of your Hot & Spicy game, and that you sent your cards days ago so that they'd arrive right on time, but if you haven't figured out how you'll celebrate this totally legitimate holiday here are some of the Slope's spiciest dishes:
1. Shiro Wett from Ghenet Brooklyn, $13
The Ethiopian restaurant serves this spicy and boldly seasoned bean dish on injera, the spongy flatbread. Get it as part of the vegetarian combo (pictured above) which offers four selections per person.
(Photo credit Garrett Ziegler)
2. Spicy Roll Dinner from JPan, $16
Get your wasabi fix with this trio of spicy hand rolls, featuring spicy tuna, spicy salmon, and spicy crunchy triple fish roll.
(Photo credit Kelly B.)
3. Chicken Vindaloo from Aarpan, $11.95
This chicken dish, which one Yelp user warns "might make you sweat a bit," features boneless chicken pieces prepared in a hot curry sauce. Balance the heat with some white rice.
(Photo credit Saori E.)
Lobo Bloody Maria from Lobo, $8
See if you can handle the spicy drink, made with house Bloody Mary mix and Ancho Chile-infused tequila. You may want a chaser.
(Photo via Yelp)
Any mouth-watering dishes we missed?
Photo of chilis via marzbars