text:
Podium athletes None Development athletes 8 UK Sport Mission 2012 progress rating Amber Richard Yule, interim performance dir
In the past year we have … created a smaller, tighter performance programme in the light of reduced funding for our 2012 programme which concentrates on our best young talent (five players reduced from 12). We are consistently producing European and world class under-18 junior players.
In the next two years we will … transform this young junior talent into serious medal potential contenders for the 2016 Olympics and to perform with real credibility in 2012. Exciting collaboration with the Chinese TT Association recently agreed which will mean close cooperation with the CTTA in terms of joint training opportunities and the provision of high quality practice partners for our national centre in Sheffield.
Medal tally prediction … We have no medals forecast for 2012. The Games in 2016 are our realistic medal goal.


text:
1)See List of Attendees at end of minutes
2)Powerpoint presentations will be available on the Council's website.
3)Attachments available by request.
DENVER, COLORADO,/td>
Welcome to the Council meeting was given by Gail Mallard, Co-Chair, USGS.
Nat Miullo, Chief, Water Quality Unit, Ecosystem Protection Program, of the EPA Region 8,welcomed attendees to EPA Region 8 and gave an overview of the programs Region 8 is working on. Nat expressed a real interest in the Council and the work of the Council with the Framework.
Janice Ward, Assistant Regional Hydrologist, gave the welcome for the USGS. Janice gave greetings from Tom Casadevall the Regional Director and Bill Carswell, the Regional Hydrologist, who were not able to attend the meeting. The Central Region managers are very proud of the new USGS laboratory on the Federal Center that was opened just about 3 years ago and are pleased the Council has scheduled the field trip to see the Lab.
Jill Minter gave an overview of the monitoring activities in EPA Region 8 for the Water quality unit and monitoring team. (Attachment 1) This group is working with state partners on monitoring strategies. Their focus is on improving data management for data sharing and new technologies. They are also developing State and Tribal fisheries programs. They will be restarting a monitoring work group in Montana. Jill gave a brief overview of each of the states represented by Region 8 and some of the highlights of their programs. See Fact Sheets for Region 8. (Attachment 2) A question and answer session was held and some questions came up about EPA providing a copy of credible data laws in Wyoming and Montana. (Jill will make these available to Council.) See Montana website at http://www.deq.state.mt.us/ppa/mdm/SCD/scdindex.asp
Tony Selle and Arne Sjodini gave presentation on STORET including a question and answer session. Participants are concerned and asked whether Region 8 participated in the effort between USGS and EPA to develop a seamless approach to bring data from STORET and NWIS together. Karen Klima, EPA, indicated that there is a program that will use the internet to get data from both NWIWS and STORET. Karen indicated that a discussion on this issue is scheduled during the Work Group session on data management.
Bill Horak, District Chief, USGS Colorado District, gave overview of the USGS District Programs. Bill discussed funding and agencies that Colorado District is working with on water quality monitoring . Bill discussed the current drought situation in Colorado . (See the Colorado Drought Watch on the District's web page.) There are 20 sites where there are 30 years or more of record.
Don Campbell gave a presentation on Monitoring of High Altitude Ecosystems. Mountains are also the primary water supply in the western United States. They are valuable for reference sites. USGS is involved in this project with Park Service and the Forest Service. Primarily what we are looking for is acid rain and, more recently the importance of nitrogen deposition. They are starting to look at mercury pollution.
Julianne Brown, USGS, gave presentation on Collaborative Water Quality monitoring in Big Thompson Watershed Forum.
Charles Sutfin, EPA Director,Assessment and Watershed Protection Division, gave presentation on the monitoring initiative. (See Attachment 3 "A National Monitoring/Assessment Approach")
Charlie Peters gave overview on the draft National Monitoring Framework. (Attachment 4) The process of monitoring can be looked at as a series of related activities that start with the definition of information needs and end with the use of the information product.
Modeled after ACWI Federal Roundtable, this session gave an opportunity for Federal agency representatives to highlight significant agency activities; budget initiatives, water resources issues, and concerns in the Central Region. The following Federal representatives participated in the Roundtable:
Janice Ward, Assistant Regional Hydrologist, USGS, gave overview of Regional activities for USGS. Historical information is available on USGS website regarding droughts. Water quality synoptic studies show where most of drought areas are. Starting in 2003, we hope to add some biological components-some important information on streams during drought is needed. Fire science-two years ago work was done with Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and this work heightened during the wildfires of this year-there are a number of mapping initiatives for very specific information on fire issues. Ft. Collins Science Center and Bill Horak, Colorado District, working on post fire issues. Area study will look at prescribed burning to control fires. Agriculture practices-looking at confined animal feeding areas, fertilizers, rivers initiatives, and water quality studies.
Barry Long, National Park Service, indicated that there is a water quality Partnership with the USGS that started in 1999 and continues with an approximate annual budget of $2.1 million. In addition, NPS has initiated a national quality water monitoring program funded by the Natural Resources Challenge. In FY 2001 and FY 2002, $1.275 million was used for quality water monitoring in 12 networks, primarily to conduct data gathering and design monitoring plans. Approximately $1.775 will be used for planning in FY 2003, and 17 NPS monitoring networks will be funded. In FY 2004 or 2005, all 32 networks will be funded for quality water monitoring with an approximate annual budget of $2.9 million. (Attachment 5, Overview of Park Service programs for water)
Nat Miullo, EPA, gave overview of activities in EPA Region 8. EPA is in the forefront of voluntary monitoring in each one of the states to get EPA networks out there to help with projects. 2003 remained level in budget area. We are shifting resources to fire and drought. Working closely with U.S. Forest Service on impacts of fire and also with the National Park Service. Considering potential program on pharmaceuticals with Colorado.
Joan Carlson, U.S. Forest Service, stated that the Forest Service's primary focus has been on putting out the fires. Their next job is emergency watershed restoration, and looking at prevention of wildfires in the future. Developing TMDL for restored lands. New national emphasize is to use best management practices. There will be some coordination of getting data from NWIS and STORET.
Treste Huse, National Weather Service, Senior Service Hydrologist, from Boulder, discussed Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services. NWS is making limited use of long-term climate forecasting, which will produce hydrologic forecasts from several days to several months. It is a long-term service initiative. Funding for FY 2002 is estimated at$1.5M. Website for the Central Region is http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/ahps/. (Attachment 6 and 7, NWS Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Services.)
Hal Stanford, National Ocean Service, gave presentation of the Special Projects Office. They are very concerned about making data really usable. National Status and Trends Program data on the web. San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound projects--data for these three projects are on the web. We plan to include data from other agencies so that data on certain programs come from Federal and other programs. Hal indicated the if Council is interested he can invite colleagues to give presentation on the National Status and Trends Program at next meeting.
MONITORING COUNCIL Bill Horak, President,CWQMC, Holly L. O. Huyck, Steve Lohman, and Ben Alexander of CWQMC gave presentations. Handouts at the meeting included CWQMC brochure, Recommended CWQMC Shared Database Information, Flyer for May 2002 Swap Meet at CWQMC Meeting, Purpose and Goals and Planned Actions for 2002 of CWQMC (Attachment 8)
Linda Green opened discussion and distributed framework presentation from Charlie Peters. (Abby Markowitz will make flipchart notes available to Council.)
Gregory Mohrman, Chief of the Lab, led the tour of the National Water Quality Laboratory at the Denver Federal Center. Participating in the tour of the lab was Timothy Miller, Chief of the National Water Quality Assessment Program, USGS. Handouts at the Lab include sample Surface Water Quality Field Notes, List of acronyms for materials used at Lab; Lab Fact Sheet dated June 2001, Newsletter, and Summary of Lab Data dated July 10, 2002 (Attachment 9).
Deborah Patton gave a presentation of the activities of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona works with 21 tribes in Arizona and across the Southwest. All tribes are very much interested in water issues. Water is sacred to the Tribes and very important. There is concern that water on tribal lands are impaired; especially during this time of drought and wildfires. More than 400,000 square miles of forest on tribal lands have been destroyed by the fires, and until a recent storm in Phoenix, they were 104 days without rain. There are currently issues of political and cultural concerns due to the fires. Funding is minimal for tribal activities. Other than on the east coast, the Inter Tribal Council get calls from other tribes for training and other communication. There is a network of communication; Deborah has a national mailing list. Deborah indicated that Region 9 would like to be involved in NWQMC. Deborah communicated with her partners-all associates that she works with-prior to this meeting to see what they wanted her to present and communicate to the NWQMC. What they want most is to be included whenever we speak of Federal, State, and local partners. They are most concerned that Tribes are included in those considerations. Include tribes in issues; keep communication lines open; and include tribes in what you are doing. Tribal material distributed at the meeting include brochures on Drinking Water and Tribal Water Systems Program, and announcement of Arsenic Drinking Water Workshop sponsored by the Inter Tribal Council. (Attachment 10)
Randy Brown, Region 8, Tribal Assistance Program, gave presentation of tribal activities in the region, and how to work effectively with the tribes-understand the culture, open-mindedness, humor, be flexible, talk early and often, use common sense.
Toni Johnson spoke of the current issues and action items with ACWI on tribal issues. (Attachment 11) Try to organize more activities and meeting with tribes specifically to try to get tribal participation at the next National Conference and in organizing a Tribal Workshop. Toni is the representative to the American Heritage Rivers Workshop. That group is also working to establish tribal communications.
Don Dycus presented a video overview of the facilities of the Chattanooga Convention Center as well as the Chattanooga area. The convention center will have about 300,000 square feet when an enlargement to the facilities is completed within 9 months. There are enough hotel facilities in the area to accommodate a large group. Currently, in the April-June, 2004, timeframe, space is available at the Chattanooga Convention Center. In order to have the conference in 2004, a decision on the site must be made within the next 6 months.
David Denig Chakroff noted that awards were presented at the National Conference in honor of Elizabeth Fellows. In addition lobby plaques were to be presented at the National Conference for the Headquarters Offices of USGS an EPA. However, the plaques were not completed in time for presentation at the National Conference last May. David, therefore, formally presented the plaques to the Co-Chairs of the Council for the offices of EPA and USGS. The enscription on the plaques reads
Linda Green reviewed the strategies for organizing the National Conference and the outline for workshop and conference agenda. The focus was on having all of the sessions fit into the draft Monitoring Framework. At the end of the National Monitoring Conference in Madison, a session was held on detailing and finetuning the Framework.
Evaluation Results of the Conference were distributed to the group. (Attachment 12) Ratings of sessions and workshops were done on a basis of points, 5 being excellent and poor being 1. Breakdown of attendance shows Federal and State being making up two-thirds of the registration (Federal being somewhat higher than State participation) and one-third of the participants being from private, academia, a non-government organization, Tribal, local, international, and others.
Abby Markowitz, Tetratech, led the discussion on results and other issues about the conference. Each Council member and all who attended the Conference had an opportunity to present their views. David said there was some disappointment on his part about the University participation (Madison is the location of University of Wisconsin). There was a lot of enthusiasm about helping the Council and willingness of presenters. We need to followup; those people are ready to do something productive. Gail Mallard mentioned that we should think how the Workshops are conducted because they were not distinctive from the other sessions. There were extremely good presentations but not really a "workshop." Charlie Peters suggested that we need to integrate the workshops more into the conference sessions. Charlie also indicated that we should think about having more invited speakers. Mary Ambrose said that there needs to be more ground-water monitoring into the sessions. Mary said that she would like to see the report backs on the website in order for people to have a reference and not to rely on their memory of what was said. Herb Brass indicated that it is up to the various work groups to get together and review their contacts and how to best communicate with them. Herb said the international component was significant to the conference because the international participants' contributions added much value to the conference. Linda Green said that the vendors were very pleased with the conference and with the contacts that they made at the Conference. Volunteer monitors are very interested in coordinating volunteer monitoring into the conference.
Robert Ward indicated that they have a draft article for the AWWA Impact publication. This article will be on the Council's Framework and is to be published in the September 2003 issue.
Barry Long said it was evident from the comments of the report backs that each of the work groups have different focuses which might mean that we need to develop new work groups; also that the framework of the Council and that of the Methods Board are different. These are issues to be considered.
Chuck Spooner said he was hearing a consistent theme-communication. This is an issue that all of the work groups need to address. We have 2 years until the next conference, and we need to find better ways in which to communicate with our organizations on the conferences.
Other preparations for next National Conference are:
Prepare a list of what work groups need to discuss in regard to the Monitoring Framework and the next conference.
Prioritize the parts of the cogs that your group can work on.
Gather case studies or success stories that others can take back to their organization for examples that will help them in their work.
Identify issues for a cooperative effort between work groups.
Issues for work groups:
Topics of Issues for Work Groups:
Communication-who should we be in touch with.
Possible topics for products-see 18 and 19 of conference evaluation.
What's in it for the monitoring community.
Increasing membership constituencies
Identify products/efforts to work on
Prioritize work in their cogs.
What do we want to show 2 years from now to indicate what we have accomplished.
Charlie Peters and Herb Brass gave presentations on:
Early Warning Monitoring and the Use of New Technologies
Toni Johnson gave a brief update on the TMDL Science Conference administratively sponsored by Water Environment Federation and scheduled for November 13-16, 2002, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Toni distributed a list of preliminary action items from the ACWI Meeting (Attachment 13) that was held April 2-3,2002, in Herndon, Virginia. It was suggested that we might want to have a mid-year meeting of ACWI before the next annual meeting. ACWI's charter is currently renewed every two years. We need to consider a 4-year renewal rather than every 2 years. The Charter is up for renewal in 2003; in addition, membership is also up for review this year. We have a short time in order to get vacancies filled and have the entire membership approved. There are currently six vacancies; we are trying to get FEMA on the ACWI. All of the memberships rest with an agency or association.
Jeff Loser provided an update on American Water Resources Association (AWRA) and the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) ground-water conferences. Check out the website at http://www.gwpc.org. The AWRA is having two conferences this fall, policy dialogue, Sept. 17-18 in Washington, DC, which is specific to policy issues. They are hoping to attract 400 or more participants. For more information, see website at http://www.awra.org.
Linda Green circulated the kit that will be distributed for National Monitoring Day. Linda also distributed a brochure of Celebrating 30 years of the Clean Water Act. (Attachment 14) The Council is preparing a letter of support of National Monitoring Day. There is a similar effort to get support from States. This will be a good recognition of monitoring and water quality. Some agencies might invite the public to go along with them to see how they monitor waters and the work they do. The kit cost $17.50 to purchase. A classroom could get one or two kits. Data entry is going to be via the internet. We hope to make this an annual event. The National Monitoring Day data will serve as an educational tool but will not be used as official data by the agencies. ACTION ITEM: Complete draft of letter of support to America's Clean Water Foundation (National Coordinator of the Year of Clean Water and National Water Monitoring Day). THIS ACTION COMPLETED-LETTER SIGNED AND SENT AUGUST 12, 2002 (ATTACHMENT 15).
The meeting opened with Chuck Spooner recognizing the outgoing members, Fred Banach and Lyle Cowles.
Water Information Strategy. Robert Ward reported for WIS. Karen Klima, EPA, will head the Task force on Information Infrastructure in support of the framework. Task Force will develop information infrastructure model that fits the framework; prepare impact paper on that concept; and second paper will be on data management Storage systems are going to be linked. Updating is a topic unto itself. We will leave data management where it is on the framework graphic. The third task is to inventory information management tools that already exist. The eletronic sampling logs is an example. Plan to demonstrate case studies at the next 2004 National Conference. Tim Miller is going to work with Karen Klima to identify a USGS co-chair for this task force. Peter Tennant will begin to develop an approach of how to develop data analysis methods. Draft of glossary for review to be sent to Council. The glossary is to be published in the IMPACT publication, September 2003. Letter from Robert Ward and Charlie Peters to Council Co-Chairs on preparation of IMPACT articles (Attachment 20) Glossary will use core terms rather than organization jargon. Another activity that we will be looking at is Chuck Sutfin's request that we assist in development of national framework. Chuck Spooner will get a more detailed explanation of this request from Chuck Sutfin. ACTION ITEM: National Water Quality Monitoring and Asessment Initiative. Council support to assist in development of a national monitoring initiative. More detailed information required. (Chuck Spooner to get details from Chuck Sutfin.)
Collaboration and Outreach. Linda Green reported that they focused on communication strategies. We really need to make a concerted effort to get back to our constituents to let them know what we are doing. This is very important. Each of the work groups are to contribute a fact sheet. It is important to gather all the powerpoint sessions that are presented to the Council so we can put these on the website. It would be good to get all the presentations that were made at the conference on the website. The C &O Workgroup is continuing support for state and regional councils. We would like to organize a meeting for state and regional councils at the National Council meeting. Try to get those councils to the meeting. We discussed the time of year for the next National Conference and decided May would be good. A topic for the next meeting is Expanding the Framework. We are also considering having more invited speakers at the 2004 National Conference. Co-Chairs for 2004 National Conference need to be named. Fred Banach will remain on the work group although rotating off Council as a representative for Region 1. Jim Laine, Alternate for Region 3, volunteered to serve as co-chair for the C & O Work Group.
Watersheds Components Interaction. Jeff Loser reported for the group. They chose not to reverse plans but to move forward in a variety of ways. Plans are to expand topics for work shop to include other issues-- not just a ground-water/surface-water workshop. Plans include a strong workshop developed for the National Conference in 2004. Specific products not yet identified but will be named within the next 6 months. Recommendations were made for consistent methods for models. The WCI Work Group needs to discuss with the Methods Board how the Methods Board has been incorporating models. We had some discussions about how to provide products in support of the monitoring assessment initiative and the TMDL issues. We agreed to identify liaisons to every work group so we will be assured and have a greater awareness of what other groups are doing to ensure better interactions.
Methods Board. Herb reported for the Methods Board. The Methods Board framework is organized to be consistent with the national framework. We will incorporate collaboration and outreach into the MB. Promote implementation of ACWI recommendations by senior managers at Federal and State organizations. Methods Board Work Groups are considering 2 year plans. We will finalize those at our next Board meeting in October or November. There are plans to publish a Board newsletter with Abby Markowitz's help. Newsletter will explain what we are doing. Karen Klima, EPA, will help to update the MB website. Performance Based Management System name changed to Performance Based Systems. There is a real strong desire to advocate PBS and we are considering a workshop. Cliff Annis chairs the PBS workgroup. We need to see how many Federal labs are accredited and will be looking at State labs accreditation.
Interactive Discussion of Framework Abby Markowitz led discussion on Work Groups and the framework.
WIS. Impact issue comprises all of framework. New Task Force will deal with all cogs of framework but focus on the cog labeled "manage data." Looking at focus of monitoring design and inventory data analysis which fits the cog "interpret results." Glossary would fit all cogs.
C&O. State and Regional Councils fits all cogs. National Conference covers all of framework. Impact article covers all aspects of Framework.
WCI. Series of Fact sheets covering all aspects of Framework but focusing on design. Case studies would focus emphasis on "interpret results." Conference Workshop not at the point where it would fit but would cover all aspects of framework.
MB. National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) really goes all around framework. NEMI goes in "Design and Manage Data."
Discussion on Cog "Conveying Results." Toni Johnson suggested that National Conference and IMPACT article goes to "convey results" cog. Abby suggested that the C&O group find ways to "convey results". Jim Cox indicated that other work groups need to get information to C&O in order for them to convey results. Track 6 papers from the National Conference are on website to convey results.
Information Infrastructure Task Force will examine ways to convey results.
WATERSHED COMPONENTS INTERACTIONS Jeff Loser reported that Seth Makepeace's participation will change as he has changed position from Representative to Alternate for Tribal issues. Karl Muessig has agreed to serve as co-chair (replacing Seth) with Jeff. Discussed Impact Issue. Result of the conference is bringing new members for the work group. Moderators should thank their presenters. Co-Chairs will send letters of thanks to moderators. The WCI Work Group discussed data comparability. A priority of Council is to get both USGS and EPA to work together on data comparability. We are trying to facilitate a merger of NWIS and STORET. It's quite clear that STORET does not have enough money to keep marketing a system at the pace we need. STORET version II will be out in October; however version III is not on the schedule. The agreement has not been implemented. The Council should prepare a resolution to go directly on the agenda at the next EPA/USGS meeting. (The resolution encourages EPA/USGS to resolve compatibility problems of NWIS and STORET. The proposed resolution for completion of the agreement should go to ACWI. Jim Cox suggested a committee be set up to monitor progress on this issue and with whom to communicate. Barry Long, Karl Muessig, Jim Cox, and Hal Stanford are to establish this committee. They will ask for report at next meeting. The EPA/USGS agreement was distributed (Attachment 16) and the proposed recommendation was distributed (Attachment 17). ACTION ITEM: The resolution will be rewritten for vote by Council. We will then send to EPA and USGS as well as ACWI. Council will have an opportunity to respond within 2 weeks. THIS ACTION COMPLETED. THE RESOLUTION WAS REWRITTEN AND APPROVED. KARL MUESSIG SIGNED THE LETTERS TO EPA AND USGS ENCLOSING THE RESOLUTION WITH A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN USGS AND EPA ON AUGUST 9, 2002. (ATTACHMENT 18)
Fred Banach sent letter to Congressman Kind re approval of his support through the proposed Upper Mississippi Basin Conservation Act. Fred signed letter under his organization and indicated he was co-chair of the Council's Collaboration and Outreach Committee. (Attachment 19) COPY OF LETTER SENT TO COUNCIL VIA EMAIL ON 10/1/02.
UPDATE AND PLANS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS We are going to assume a three-meeting schedule for 2003. Next meeting will be scheduled for early November or December, keeping away from Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. (MEETING SCHEDULED FOR PHOENIX, ARIZONA, DECEMBER 9-13, 2002.) Second meeting to be scheduled as early in March or April, 2003, and then again in August or September, 2003. Work groups can be worked in between those dates. A Methods Board meeting is tentatively scheduled for late October or early November. (MB MEETING WAS HELD IN RESTON, VA, SEPTEMBER 23-26,2002.) Deborah Patton, new Tribal representative, has offered free facilities for December meeting. See Council website for water-related meetings. PLEASE REMEMBER TO MAKE US AWARE OF SIGNIFICANT MEETINGS SO THEY CAN BE POSTED ON WEBSITE AND TO AVOID CONFLICTS. Council should give consideration to inviting people to Council meetings so that we can give presentation on our activities as well as inviting guests to give us presentations. Create new ways of communication.
REPORT ON MEMBERSHIP ISSUES Lyle Cowles term as Federal Monitoring Representative expired. Lyle's replacement from EPA could represent Monitoring and also fill the Region 9 slot. Charlie Peter's suggested that Lyle's replacement be knowledgeable in EMAP. For replacement of State representatives, a first consideration might be their Alternate. Fred Banach's term on Council expired, but Fred will continue on the C&O Work Group. Paul Currier, currently the Alternate for Region 1, agreed to step up as representative for Region 1. Deborah Patton, who also gave a presentation at this meeting, has agreed to be the Tribal representative to the Council. Deborah also mentioned that she would fit best on the C&O work group. Deborah replaces Seth Makepeace as the Tribal representative. Seth will serve as Alternate for Tribal issues. Region 8 is also vacant and Deborah will propose candidates for the Region 8 slot. Formal letters will go to the organizations of those agreeing to serve on Council for approval.
CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE Plans are underway to organize National Conference for 2004. We need to name Co-Chairs and people to work on Committee. Abby Markowitz put together a list of conference responsibilities, and timeline of tasks to be accomplished. Timeline should really start 18 months before the conference. As a business manager, Chuck Spooner will be Co-Chair. Role of conference committee has esentially been a "steering committee." Chuck Spooner suggested that we have contractors rather than a sponsoring agency to organize conference. . We do need someone to write the checks and take registration funds. One of the early agenda items for the conference planning committee is whether conference should include other sponsors. Judy, I suggest deleting some of the material because I'm not sure that Chuck can pre-select the contractor for the conference.
The following agreed to work on the Conference Planning Committee-Don Dycus, Hal Stanford, Charlie Peters, Abby Markowitz, Jim Laine, Herb Brass, and Linda Green.
CLOSING Gail thanked EPA for the facilities, especially Jill Minter in assisting with arrangements for the meeting as well as presenting the overview for EPA Region 8. Gail also thanked Bill Horak, USGS, for arranging presentations from USGS and the Colorado Council.
|Judith B. Griffin
Executive Secretary
Bill Backous
Jim Laine, Alternate Region 3
Jim Cox
Fred Banach
Linda Green
Jeff Loser
Gregg Gross
Peter Tennant
Hal Stanford
Geoffrey Ekechukwu
Mary Ambrose
Charlie Peters
Robert Ward
Barry Long
Judy Griffin
Al Korndoerfer
Don Dycus
Gail Mallard
Chuck Spooner
Toni Johnson
Karl Muessig
Herb Brass
Jim Harvey
Steve Walker
Lyle Cowles
Bill Horak, U.S. Geological Survey
Nat Miullo, EPA
Tony Selle, EPA
Arne Sjodini, EPA
Juliane Brown, USGS
Don Campbell, USGS
Mitra Jhq
Karen Klima, EPA
Joan Carlson, U.S. Forest Service
Janice Ward, U.S. Geological Survey
Charles Sutfin, EPA
Deborah Patton, Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.
Holly Huyck, Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council
Abby Markowitz, Tetratech, Inc.
Randy Brown, EPA
Tim Miller, USGS
Gary Rosenlieb, National Park Service
Bill Jackson, National Park Service
Bill Backous
Jim Laine
Jim Cox
Fred Banach
Linda Green
Jeff Loser
Deborah Patton
Greg Gross
Peter Tennant
Geoffrey Ekechukwu
Mary Ambrose
Karl Muessig
Robert Ward
Barry Long
Al Korndoerfer
Don Dycus
Gail Mallard
Chuck Spooner
Mitra Jhq
Nat Miullo
Joan Carlson
Karen Klima
Jill Minter
Jim Harvey
David Denig-Chakroff
Steve Walker
Judy Griffin

subset: commoncrawl


text: I have several projects in progress currently (March 2016). In press and to appear in 2016 is a commentary on Horace Odes 2 for the Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics (green and yellow) series; a monograph on the reception of Horace in the Victorian period for Duckworth should be out in 2017. A further project in the mid-term is a study of the reception of Apuleius' Metamorphoses in European literature and art since Shakespeare (in collaboration with Dr Genie May of the University of Leeds). Co-edited conference volumes in progress with teams of colleagues include one on the reception of Sappho at Rome, one on ancient prose, one on E.R.Dodds, one on the weaker voice in Latin literature, one on Performing Epic and one on Seamus Heaney and the classics. I have also agreed to edit the Silvae of the great Scottish neo-Latin poet George Buchanan (1506-1582) for an international Buchanan edition.


text:
2 Min Read
* Canadian dollar at C$1.2575 or 79.52 U.S. cents * Bond prices mixed across the maturity curve By Solarina Ho TORONTO, Jan 29 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar was trading at levels not seen in nearly six years against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session after the Federal Reserve maintained its view that U.S. interest rates could rise this year. Diverging monetary policies between the Fed and the Bank of Canada, highlighted by last week's shock rate cut in Canada and the Fed's upbeat outlook on Wednesday, have firmly pushed the Canadian dollar onto a weaker path. Markets are currently pricing in about a 57 percent probability of another interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada in March. "These factors suggest the Canadian dollar is unlikely to recover any significant strength anytime soon," said Shaun Osborne, chief currency strategist at TD Securities. The Canadian dollar was trading at C$1.2575 to the greenback, or 79.52 U.S. cents, weaker than Wednesday's close of C$1.2520, or 79.87 U.S. cents. This was its weakest intraday level since April 2, 2009. Market participants will be looking to a slew of data from the United States and economic growth data for November in Canada on Friday for further direction. Osborne expects the currency to close somewhere near C$1.26 or a little above that level by the end of the week. Canadian government bond prices were mixed across the maturity curve, with the longer-term securities lower. The two-year was down 3 Canadian cents to yield 0.450 percent and the benchmark 10-year was off 14 Canadian cents to yield 1.367 percent. (Reporting by Solarina Ho; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli)


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Failure at some point in everyone's life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable. As a child I stuttered, and she lovingly told me it was because I was so bright I couldn't get the thoughts out quickly enough. When I was not as well dressed as others, she told me how handsome she thought I was. When I got knocked down by guys bigger than me, she sent me back out and demanded that I bloody their nose so I could walk down that street the next day.
My mother's creed is the American creed: No one is better than you. You are everyone's equal, and everyone is equal to you.
Another year and no raise?
Did you hear the company may be cutting our health care?
Now, we owe more on the house than it's worth. How are we going to send the kids to college?
How are we gonna be able to retire?
That's the America that George Bush has left us, and that's the future John McCain will give us. These are not isolated discussions among families down on their luck. These are common stories among middle-class people who worked hard and played by the rules on the promise that their tomorrows would be better than their yesterdays.
. He chose to go to Chicago. The South Side. There he met men and women who had lost their jobs. Their neighborhood was devastated when the local steel plant closed. Their dreams deferred. Their dignity shattered. Their self-esteem gone. [dream deferred is from the line in the play, "A dream deferred dries up like a Raisin in the Sun"]
John McCain is my friend. We've known each other for three decades. We've traveled the world together. It's a friendship that goes beyond politics. And the personal courage and heroism John demonstrated still amaze me.
But I profoundly disagree with the direction that John wants to take the country. For example, John thinks that during the Bush years "we've made great progress economically." I think it's been abysmal.
And in the Senate, John sided with President Bush 95 percent of the time. Give me a break. When John McCain proposes $200 billion in new tax breaks for corporate America, $1 billion alone for just eight of the largest companies, but no relief for 100 million American families, that's not change; that's more of the same.
Even today, as oil companies post the biggest profits in history -- a half trillion dollars in the last five years -- he wants to give them another $4 billion in tax breaks. But he voted time and again against incentives for renewable energy: solar, wind, biofuels. That's not change; that's more of the same.
Millions of jobs have left our shores, yet John continues to support tax breaks for corporations that send them there. That's not change; that's more of the same.
He voted 19 times against raising the minimum wage. For people who are struggling just to get to the next day, that's not change; that's more of the same.
And when he says he will continue to spend $10 billion a month in Iraq when Iraq is sitting on a surplus of nearly $80 billion, that's not change; that's more of the same.
Should we trust John McCain's judgment when he said only three years ago, "Afghanistan we don't read about it anymore because it's succeeded? Or should we trust Barack Obama, who more than a year ago called for sending two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan?
The fact is, al-Qaida and the Taliban -- the people who actually attacked us on 9/11 -- have regrouped in those mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan and are plotting new attacks. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff echoed Baracks call for more troops.
John McCain was wrong. Barack Obama was right.
Should we trust John McCain's judgment when he rejected talking with Iran and then asked: What is there to talk about? Or Barack Obama, who said we must talk and make it clear to Iran that its conduct must change.
Now, after seven years of denial, even the Bush administration recognizes that we should talk to Iran, because that's the best way to advance our security.
Again, John McCain was wrong. Barack Obama was right.
Should we trust John McCain's judgment when he says there can be no timelines to draw down our troops from Iraq that we must stay indefinitely? Or should we listen to Barack Obama, who says shift responsibility to the Iraqis and set a time to bring our combat troops home?
Now, after six long years, the Bush administration and the Iraqi government are on the verge of setting a date to bring our troops home.
John McCain was wrong. Barack Obama was right.
Millions of Americans have been knocked down. And this is the time as Americans, together, we get back up. Our people are too good, our debt to our parents and grandparents too great, our obligation to our children is too sacred.
Friday, August 29, 2008
DNC Convention Zingers - Biden
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text:
Victoria Wilson's Profile
I have been making various styles of corsets since 2009, when I learned the art of corsetmaking from Canada's lingerie expert and "queen of fit" Beverly Johnson.
I sold my first corset in early 2010, and officially started Victoria Wilson Corsets in January 2011. Since then I have been constantly researching and trying new methods materials and styles to try to bring you the best corsets possible at a reasonable price.
I now work with supertalented stitch witch Natalie in our Bloor Street West studio.
We use the best materials available, including imported cotton coutil linings, garment and upholstery quality outer fabrics, and all steel spiral and flat boning.
We use our own hand drafted patterns for most styles,…
- Female
- Joined March 22, 2012
- Victoria Wilson
- Toronto, ON, Canada


text:
It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our simple sign up form and login to the site.
This step is elective but will dramatically multiply your chances of your profile being viewed by others. Write about yourself, your pasttimes and upload a nice photo of yourself.
Use our website's advanced search to spot members who meet your criteria. Or just leaf through listings and spot daters that appeal to you.
Discovered someone who looks like a good match? Send a note to them or just a wink and take it from there. With a little luck you'll be on your way to a lifetime of happiness.
It's quick and easy


text: Elise Zelechowski is deputy executive director of the Delta Institute, a Chicago-based nonprofit that works with individuals, organizations and communities to demonstrate that building better economies and reforming our relationship with the environment go hand in hand. She specializes in community and economic development projects with a focus on environmental sustainability. She worked on the recent opening of the ReBuilding Exchange in Chicago, which collects donated used building materials from deconstruction projects, renovations and other sources for resale to the public.


text:
Auditing and Reporting Module (ARM) Module
Analyze captured data immediately using preconfigured reports, or custom design your own reports.
EFT's Auditing and Reporting Module (ARM) captures all of the transactions passing through the EFT platform and then allows you to query the data and view reports from EFT's Administrative console. You can analyse captured data immediately using the preconfigured reports, or custom design your own with the included report designer.
Key Features
EFT with ARM captures significantly more data points than standard file logging. Data is stored in real time in a relational database, which you can then query from the EFT Administrator, or query directly from your own reporting system.
Query live data and pull it into a report in seconds. When a report is executed, EFT with ARM connects to the database and retrieves audited data based on the specified criteria and generates a report you can view directly in the EFT Administrative console. Use the preconfigured reports, or create your own reports using the visually-based report designer.
Search for a particular transaction from a specified date range. You can also select a report and then perform searches on it for even more granular analysis, filtering the results based on multiple criteria such as time, protocol, IP, file name, or bytes transferred. EFT with ARM enables you to find out what is happening and analyze why quickly and efficiently. You can export reports in .html, .pdf, .vp, or .txt formats.
The included preconfigured reports have been carefully selected based on extensive interviews and research into the most important reporting needs, such as troubleshooting, nonrepudiation, billing, and trending.


text:
High Stock Levels
52 sold
Item Information
Genuine Spare Part for select Ariston, Hotpoint and Indesit washers. Genuine Indesit spare part
Door Glass
- Weight
- 2.1kg
- Manufacturer Number
- Product Number
How to Advice
How to change a washing machine door
How to change the door glass on a washing machine
How to change a glass door bowl on a washing machine Hotpoint WMA60P
Fits the Following Models
Choose a manufacturer to reveal the models that the part Indesit Washing Machine Porthole Door Glass is suitable for.
Search our range of Indesit Washing Machine Porthole Door Glass C00193819 by Ariston models by entering your model number to perform a search.
Customer Reviews
Write your own review of Indesit Washing Machine Porthole Door Glass.
glass porthole
31 Dec 2013 by nicola
Washing Machine Part
Excellent price and communication. The part took a little longer to come than I had hoped but the delivery cost was so cheap that I have no complaint at all about this.
Thanks, I'll be using you again for definite.
04 Oct 2011 by Steve
Questions & Answers
Delivery Information
For UK orders we offer a Free Delivery, Standard or Next Working Day delivery service.
We have separate delivery charges for Europe, North America, Japan and the Rest of the World based on the size, weight and destination of your order.
Please view our About Delivery page for full details.
Returns & Refunds
If an item is faulty or damaged on delivery and we are notified within 24 hours we will arrange for a replacement or a refund of the item - it needs to be within this time period for us to make claims with our couriers.
If you have simply changed your mind or no longer require the item(s), you must notify us within 7 days from receiving your order. The item(s) must be in their original unused and unopened packaging and be in a resalable condition for a full refund. You will need to pay for the cost of returning the item(s) and the item(s) remain your responsibility until we receive them.
Please view our Returns & Refunds page for full details.


text:
Economy gaining steam
Sat., Dec. 22, 2012
Faster growth seen if 'cliff' is averted
WASHINGTON – Fresh signs of a strengthening U.S. economy on Friday suggested that if Congress and the White House can avert the "fiscal cliff," the economic recovery might finally accelerate in 2013.
Consumers spent and earned more in November. And for a second straight month, U.S. companies increased their orders for a category of manufactured goods that reflects investment plans.
In light of the latest figures, some analysts said the economy could end up growing faster in the current October-December quarter – and next year – than they previously thought.
Helping lift the optimism of some analysts was a government report that consumer spending, which fuels about 70 percent of the economy, rose 0.4 percent in November compared with October. Spending had dipped 0.1 percent in October. But that decline was linked in part to disruptions from Superstorm Sandy.
Incomes rose 0.6 percent in November, the biggest gain in 11 months. It reflected a rebound in wages and salaries, which had been depressed in October.
A separate report Friday showed that a category of durable-goods orders that tracks business investment surged 2.7 percent. That gain followed an upwardly revised 3.2 percent jump in October, the biggest in 10 months.
The back-to-back increases followed a period of weakness in so-called core capital goods that had raised concerns about business investment, a driving force in the economy.


text:
Tallest buildings in the Philippines
People around the world gauge a city's success according to the number of skyscrapers it has. The more a place contains, the more progressive it should be. And if it contains several, then height becomes crucial.
While not the tallest ones in the globe, the Philippine skyscrapers rank as some of the highest in southeast Asia. Most of them are office buildings situated in the business districts of Ayala Avenue and Ortigas Center.
1. PBCom Tower
PBCom Tower in Makati is currently the Philippines' tallest skyscraper, and the 83rd highest in the world. Located along Ayala Avenue, it is the headquarters of the Philippine Bank of Communications, one of the oldest Philippine banks, and also home to various call center companies. It stands at 259 meters (850 feet), which translates to 52 stories and an 8-level radio tower. The building was designed by international architect firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Its construction was finished in 2000.
2. G.T. International Tower.
The second tallest skyscraper in Makati is also the second highest in the Philippines. G.T. International Tower, located a few blocks away from PBCom Tower, stands at 217 meters (712 feet) and 47 stories. It is one of the distinguishable buildings along the Makati skyline for its distinct wedge shape. MetroBank chairman George Ty is the owner of the building, and the said bank is the structure's main tenant. Construction concluded in 2002.
3. Petron Megaplaza.
Before the construction of the PBCom Tower, the Petron Megaplaza, standing at 210 meters (689 feet), enjoyed the distinction of being the tallest structure in the country. Another Makati resident, the building is the headquarters of Petron Philippines. It contains 45 stories, and finished construction in 1998.
4. Union Bank Plaza.
Strolling along Ortigas Center one will immediately notice the tallest building in the business district: the Union Bank Plaza. Built in 2004, this 49-storey skyscraper stands at 206 meters (676 feet). The exteriors are very distinct for the use of blue glass walls and steel columns.
5. 1322 Golden Empire Tower.
The Golden Empire Tower, standing at 203 meters (666 feet), is the tallest residential building in the Philippines. This condominium is in the prime location of Roxas Boulevard, in front of Manila Bay. Construction finished in 2004.
- http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=878
- http://skyscraperpage.com/cities/?cityID=817
- http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/?id=100396
Original content from WikiPilipinas. under GNU Free Documentation License. See full disclaimer.


text:
The EU trade commissioner said a 5% duty would be put on exports from the US to Europe from Monday because of unfair help to firms by Washington.
Pascal Lamy said rates would continue to rise unless the US changed its law.
But with jobs an issue in the US, there will be grassroots political pressure not to back down.
The trade dispute between America and Europe has been a war of words so far with tariffs threatened but not imposed.
That will now change.
The World Trade Organisation, which polices world trade, has ruled that a tax break given to American exporters, like Boeing and Microsoft gives them an illegal unfair advantage.
Trade commissioner Mr Lamy told American legislators on a visit to Washington that the tariffs will be imposed on Monday.
"We have been extremely patient, but there is no way we can avoid these sanctions which will hopefully concentrate minds on the urgency of passing legislation," Mr Lamy said
An extra five 5% tax will be put on some US exports with the rate rising the longer Congress and the Senate refuse to change the law.
If no changes are made, the duty will reach 17% by March 2005.
The EU decision gives American lawmakers a dilemma.
With jobs an issue for US elected officials, there will be grassroots pressure not to back down to an international body like the WTO or to what they will see as European politicians.


text:
Bobby Bottleservice Wants On "Jersey Shore"
In this Funny or Die parody, comedian Nick Kroll's alter-ego "Bobby Bottleservice" auditions for MTV's "Jersey Shore." In his audition video, he says he plans on using his winnings from the show (he's under the impression it's a competition with prize money) to buy a gold jet ski, as well as calf implants. Oh, and for those who are worried he might be a misogynist like Mike "The Situation" and Pauly D, no worries. "I say breasts because I love women and I don't call them cans or big fat titties because I love my mother and I respect women." Can the show get a ninth roomie please? [Funny Or Die]


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Virginia Mill Works Co.- 5/8" x 4-7/8" Sunset Mountain Oak Prefinished Handscraped Easy Click Solid Flooring- 30 Year Warranty
This flooring can be floated (recommended), stapled (optional) or glued (optional).
A beautiful handscraped butcher block solid wood floor that can be installed in all levels of the house, including basements! A true do-it-yourself REAL SOLID WOOD product - no glue, no nails, no mess - installs just like laminates. Features the easy installation method of dropping and locking. Solid wood butcher block construction is more stable than traditional solid wood floors and offers durability and structure. Each plank is completely sealed (top, back and sides).In addition, the pattern effects of the construction make for a great look that adds character to the flooring.
Colonial American homes were built with wooden floors that were sawn using basic hand-held tools. The hand-crafted workmanship that went into those floors can be found in Virginia Mill Works handscraped floors.
About Handscraped Flooring:Handscraped or distressed hardwood floors have a natural worn appearance. They look like floors from the days when floors were finished by hand.Please note this product is a nominal 3/4" thick, but due to its scraping process the thickness may be as thin as 5/8" in the scraped areas.
Lumber Liquidators... More Floor, Less $$
Want more?We also offer professional installation options at great prices!Call 1-877-477-1116 or click here for more information
We caught up with real Lumber Liquidators' customers who volunteered to discuss their floor shopping, buying and installation experiences. In no way did these customers receive compensation for their kind words. (They're speaking straight from the heart.)
(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
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Reviewed by 11 customers
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I love the way it looks.
By pat
from Lakewood, Ohio
I put it in my kitchen with white cabinets....the contrast of the two look awesome!
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
everything we hoped it would be!
By Meghan the midwife
from Winter Haven, FL.
This was my husband and my first attempt at installing a wood floor. Our neighbor had a terrible time with a glue and nail hardwood and I was concerned about laminate durability. This solid hardwood click install floor was the best of both worlds--easy to install and very durable. The prep work (ripping out old carpet and tack strip) and setting a line to start were the most difficult parts of the installation. I would not hesitate to use this product again!
Beautiful but not uniform
By Munchies
from Great Lakes, MI
The wood itself is lovely but not all planks are created equal - especially the shorter ones. If I had to do it all over again I'd select a different product. Beware of the width of the planks. If you get one that is not cut exactly plumb, a gap will occur and that plank will set about 1/8 inch lower than the level plane of the floor. With that gap in one piece, the gap will stair-step its way all across the floor to the wall. This doesn't look good and the pieces won't lock into place as they should. Some planks are also warped making the fitting less than a snap. If you must have this floor, proceed carefully and be prepared to throw out quite a bit that is less than a perfect fit. If you proceed, you'd better also have brown caulk with you to fill in gaps that occur from poor fitting or warped product.
Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Sunset mountain oak
By Jccevette
from Tunkhannock,Pa
Looks great! Pieces snapped together easy. Each box had only 2 half pieces, which worked out great. Highly recommend!
Service and delivery comments:
Entire order was in within a week.
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Great product - lots of
By rscottj
from Greensboro NC
I installed 500 square feet in my LR, Foyer hall and upstairs hall. Overall very satisfied. The only negative I can cite is that each box contained one board replaced with shorter versions. Sometimes it was a 2/3 borad and a 1/3 board. But 90% of the time it was three 1/3 boards. The 1/3 boards are not nearly as usefull as the 2/3. Seems like they were trying to pawn off excess short pieces.
Images shared by rscottj
Tags: Made with Product, Picture of Product
Tags: Picture of Product, Made with Product
Way too easy to install
By Ken V.
from Dubuque IA
Thie flooring was very easy to install, the only issue that I had was you can not change the direction if you have an "L" shaped hallway
(1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Love the floor, but install takes work
By The dry side of the state
from Pasco, WA
Beautiful floor but does take work to install, especially the varying widths of real wood. Just had to match them up. Loved the ease of the drop and lock with no pounding with a hammer.
Even with the delays of being back ordered the Kennewick store was fantastic to work with.
(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
Very Pleased
By JR
from Breckenridge, TX
We installed this floor (600 sf) in our ranch house three months ago and couldn't be happier. The install in the main room was a breeze but halls and closets can slow down installation. We had the whole job done in 8 hours. We used a power mitre saw to cut the segment lengths and a Sears table saw to rip the edges where necessary. All of the pieces "clicked" together easily or with a few taps to a block with a rubber mallet. We have a large dog (70lbs) and have not seen any scratches or marks created by his claws.
Images shared by JR
Main room
Tags: Using Product
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
This stuff is fantastic
By Russ
from Memphis Tn
We started off just doing the dining room and our floor looked so good that we continued thru the entryway and living room. This floor looks fantastic
(7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)
Love it!
By Susan
from Winston Salem NC
So easy to install. We have three dogs and there is no marring or scratching.
Do you have questions about this product?
AnswerBox - Get answers from Staff Experts and real customers by clicking "Ask a question" or click here to ask our Customer Service Team
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This flooring is constructed and tested to meetor exceed industry standards for emissions.


text:
Current Newswire:
The Oregonian: Linux Lab Keeps Focus as Turmoil Hits Cyber WorldFeb 03, 2004, 12:00 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Mike Francis)
[ Thanks to Stu C for this link. ]
[Editor's Note: There may be a free demographic-only survey that pops up before you can view this article. -BKP]
Related Stories:
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text:
A lawn mower Gone Mad The Sterling Cooper ad men and women always learn the ills of heavy drinking the hard way.
During head secretary Joan Holloway's goodbye party on Mad Men, the office gang takes turns riding around on a lawn mower.
I then used the same bike to pull my lawn mower (which I had also purchased) around the neighborhood to jobs.
Others trimmed hedges and trees, put the lawn mower to their grass, bolstered up sagging fences, and rehung gates.
He was rather glad it was not the season for the lawn mower.
Fred, of the furnace and lawn mower, would shake a doleful head.
"He has gone to town to have the lawn mower repaired," answered Laura.
The shearing machine acts on the principle of the lawn mower and either cuts the nap completely or leaves a pile surface.
Don't you remember Bikey, who threw you over the lawn mower?
We finally solved it with the aid of a lawn mower, flower beds, and imagination.


text:
I must start this blog (like the previous one), by stating that I am a part-time Advisor to Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs advise the UK government on its financial strategy as regards Northern Rock, including the proposed bond issuance discussed below. I amnot involved in any way with the Northern Rock-related advisory activities of Goldman Sachs, and have no inside information on these activities. This blog represents my personal viewsonly.
The Liquidity Support Facility under which the governmentlends, through the Bank of England, to Northern Rock, has provided around £ 26billion so far. In addition thegovernment guarantee around £ 30 billion of Northern Rock deposits and other liabilities. The clock is ticking on, at least, theLiquidity Support Facility. Under EU lawand rules governing state aid, this financial support will have to stop nolater than the end of February 2008. Northern Rock pay a fee for the deposit guarantees offered by thegovernment. Since we don't know the size of this fee, or the manner in which itwas determined, we cannot be sure whether there is a element of subsidyinvolved in the deposit guarantee also. Withwhat I know of the history of the Northern Rock debacle, and of the mainplayers involved, I would be staggered if there were not a significant subsidyfrom the tax payer to Northern Rock involved in the deposit guaranteearrangement – a subsidy that also would become illegal after February 29 underEU law on state aid. I hope that when(if?) there is a full audit of the financial transactions involving thegovernment and Northern Rock, we will be able to uncover all the facts.
The government are about to propose an arrangement, preparedwith the assistance of Goldman Sachs, for a massive extension beyond the end ofFebruary 2008, of the period for which the government will offer financialsupport to Northern Rock. They mustbelieve that the proposed arrangement will not fall foul of the Brussels rules against state aid.
From what I have been able to gather from publicly availableinformation, under the proposed arrangement, Northern Rock will issue up to £30billion worth of bonds in the market. The bonds may have a maturity of up to 10 years and will be guaranteedby the Treasury. Northern Rock will paya fee to the Treasury for the guarantee. The bonds issuance by Northern Rock allows it to repay some or all ofthe Liquidity Support Facility loans it has obtained, while leaving it withsome cash with which to welcome its private sector saviours who now may beinduced to come on board.
One of the reasons private rescue efforts have faltered sofar, is that is was obvious that something like the financial assistancearrangements extended to Northern Rock under the Liquidity Support Facilitywould also have to be made available to any private sector party taking on theownership and management of Northern Rock. Neither the Branson nor the Olivant consortium were willing to repay thegovernment more than half its Liquidity Support Facility exposure up front.With the bond issuance, the government can be repaid not by BransOlivant orwhatever consortium emerges as the buyer of Northern Rock, but by thepurchasers of the new bonds issued by Northern Rock and guaranteed by thegovernment. So the government guaranteesits own repayment up front, by trading it for a longer-term exposure toNorthern Rock.
This government guarantee represents a subsidy to NorthernRock, permitting the bonds to be priced as if they were Treasury debt. This is why the fee is necessary to stop theEuropean commission from vetoing the guarantee as illegal state aid. The German Landesbanken used to benefit froma similar government guarantee on their borrowing. This was ruled illegal and the guaranteeswere stopped.
What is the magnitude of the subsidy inherent in thegovernment's guarantee of the bonds to be issued by Northern Rock? The price of a service is subsidy-free if itis not less than the marginal cost of providing the service. The marginal cost to the government ofproviding the guarantee is the probability of a default occurring on the bondsissued by Northern Rock and guaranteed by the government, multiplied by theamount the government will have to pay the bond holders if and when a defaultoccurs. All this has to be thought of'dynamically', that is, over a horizon of up to ten years, but the principle isclear. If the bond had a one-yearmaturity, the one-year probability of default were 10 percent and the recoveryratio (the fraction of the amount due that is ultimately paid by Northern Rock ifand when a default takes place) 60 percent and the annual discount rate 5percent, then a subsidy-free fee for a £30 billion loan would be £1.26 billion. For a 10-year £30 bn bond with a constantannual interest rate of 5 percent, straight-line amortisation, a constantannual default probability of 10 percent and a constant recovery ratio in theevent of default of 60 percent, the subsidy-free fee for the guarantee would be£882 million. With an eighty percentrecovery ratio, that number would go down to £441 million. If in addition the constant annualprobability of default were only 5 percent, the figure would do down further to£262 million[1].
Notethat the correct economic measure of the subsidy involved is not the differencebetween the interest rate that Northern Rock would have to pay on the bondwithout a government guarantee and with a government guarantee. Under current conditions that amount wouldprobably be infinite, since Northern Rock cannot borrow long-term in themarkets on any terms. The economicallyrelevant measure of the subsidy is the difference between the marginal cost tothe government of providing the guarantee and the fee charged for the guarantee. This characterisation of a subsidy-free price as one where theprice of a service equals the opportunity cost of providing the service, is notsimply a matter of definition. It is theappropriate measure for benchmarking a subsidy because, under quite generalconditions, if a service can be provided at a this subsidy-freeprice, this will enhance economic welfare. Therefore, it is the naturalstarting point for the analysis of the conditions under which the provision ofa welfare-enhancing service requires subsidies. (For more on this see WillemH. Buiter and Max Schankerman (2002), "BlendedFinance and Subsidies: An Economic Analysis of the Use of Grants and OtherSubsidies in Project Finance by Multilateral Development Banks".)
There is also the question as to for how long and on whatterms the government guarantee of the deposits of Northern Rock (and ofassorted other Northern Rock liabilities) will be extended. If the government were to continue toprovide a guarantee for, say, the next ten years, for the same amount of deposits and othercredits it currently covers under its deposit guarantee, the exposure of thegovernment would be about double the amount of the (up to) £30 bn bond that isin the works, and the subsidy-free guarantees of the total exposure would bedouble the amounts calculated above.
Key to any acceptable solution must be the end of governmentsubsidies to Northern Rock. By now, theTreasury, Bank of England and the FSA must have figured out a way to quicklypay off the guaranteed depositors of Northern Rock in the event that NorthernRock goes into administration (insolvency). This could be achieved within a couple of working days, by the by theBank of England buying the deposits from Northern Rock for cash (something thatought to make the Administrator happy) and selling them again to one or moreviable private banks. With a workablescheme for preventing a bank run in place, Northern Rock has no systemicsignificance. Its insolvency would notthreaten financial stability in the UK or elsewhere. Indeed in the longer run,the insolvency of Northern Rock would no doubt enhance the financial stabilityof the UK banking sector, because it would represent a stark warning against recklessfunding strategies. It would be a pokein the eye for moral hazard and other perverse incentives.
Because Northern Rock is not systemically significant, thereis no case for subsidising it, or for subsidising private consortia trying topurchase it. All guarantees, of bothbonds and deposits, must therefore be offered at subsidy-free prices.
It is key that Parliament, the markets and all UK tax payers have full information about all the terms of the financial deal thatis being struck by the government. Therehas been a lamentable lack of transparency thus far. There is no public information about the exact,detailed terms on which the Liquidity Support Facility is lending to NorthernRock. We also don't know the feeNorthern Rock pays for the deposit insurance granted by the government.
That lack of transparency is unnecessary and damaging to theproper functioning of the markets Northern Rock competes in. It also makes a mockery of politicalaccountability. The extent to which theUK Parliament has become a toothless lapdog that dare not challenge its masteris astonishing. Oversight withoutinformation is a joke. The governmenthave by now acquired (deservedly) such a reputation for stonewalling withimpunity request for information that ought to have been in the public domainright from the start, that Parliament often no longer even bothers to requestrelevant information.
It is time for the Parliamentary lapdog to get fitted with aset of canine dentures and to take a course in assertiveness training. Parliament and the public at large have theright to know by how much the government have been subsidizing Northern Rockthus far, and how much more the government plan to provide as subsidies in the future.


text: Duplex is a set of shell scripts (bash) that emulate duplex printing (on both sides of the paper) for sheet-fed printers that do not support duplex printing in hardware. It can operate as a pipe so that applications can use it as a duplex printing driver. Its unique feature is its ability to print many duplex print jobs in one batch, printing the odd sides of all jobs and then the even sides in just two passes. It has a limited graphical interface.


text:
Her mother bared her breasts in Striptease and her father has gone shirtless in countless movies – so why wouldn't Scout Willis walk topless around the streets of New York?
The 22-year-old daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis went au naturel (from the waist up) for a stroll in the Big Apple this week as a protest against Instagram's policy against nudity.
In recent weeks, the social-media site has been criticized for deleting pictures of breast-cancer survivors and women breastfeeding.
On Tuesday, Willis tweeted a photograph of herself shopping for flowers in downtown New York with the caption, "Legal in NYC but not on @instagram."
Willis, who has worked as both an actress and model, also issued the tweet, "My comfort with my body should not be dictated by how others perceive me. However, I don't wish to force this view on anyone."
Willis even changed her Instagram name to "Scout (Aerola) Willis" before the account was deleted.
According to the Instagram terms of service, "You may not post violent, nude, partially nude, discriminatory, unlawful, infringing, hateful, pornographic or sexually suggestive photos or other content."
Earlier this month, Rihanna posted several half-nude photos taken from a French photo shoot to her Instagram account.
Instagram responded by temporarily suspending the singer's account and ordering her to remove the photos.
Rihanna countered by posting the same pictures on to her Twitter account.
Levar Burton's plan to resurrect Reading Rainbow has found its pot of gold. Within hours of the launch of the Kickstarter campaign to bring back the venerable PBS kids show as a Web series, the project had already hit its goal of $1-million (U.S.). Mounted by Burton, the campaign had originally set a deadline date of July 2 to raise the cash. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that we would reach our goal on the very first day," said the former Star Trek: The Next Generation star. "People are getting involved. It's been pretty overwhelming."
Source: Deadline
How much did Lana Del Rey get paid to sing at last weekend's wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West? Not one penny, says the singer. Brushing off reports that she received $2.8-million (U.S.) to perform three songs at the wedding ceremony in Florence, Italy, Del Rey told TMZ this week that she received no compensation for the gig. When asked by a TMZ correspondent how much it would cost the cameraman to have her sing at his wedding, Del Rey said, "I'd do it for free just like I did this one." Added Del Rey: "I would never let a friend pay me to sing at a wedding."
Source: Us
Rihanna is the new queen of YouTube. The singer's personal YouTube channel, RihannaVevo, has become the first to exceed an aggregate of five-billion views in the past week. The statistic was released by the website VidstatsX, which showed 5,036,358,777 views as of Wednesday. In second place was the Turkish music site MuYap, which features obscure music videos, followed by the video-game content provider Machinima.
Source: Mashable
Actress Stacey Dash has joined Fox News. Best known for her role in the 1996 film Clueless (and also the short-lived TV spinoff of the same name), Dash will serve as an on-air contributor to the all-news channel and will begin appearing in the prime-time period next week. In 2012, Dash made headlines for publicly endorsing Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney on her Twitter account.
Source: MediaiteReport Typo/Error
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text:
Barbra Streisand Among First Guests on Couric's New Talk Show KATIE
The incomparable Barbra Streisand will make a rare television appearance on the debut season of Katie Couric's new daytime talk show KATIE. The superstar will discuss her passion, women and heart disease, as well as her return to Brooklyn for her first performance there in more than 50 years.
Streisand has appeared on Broadway in I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE and FUNNY GIRL, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. Streisand won the 1968 Academy Award for Best Actress for the role in the film version of the musical. Her next two movies were also based on musicals, Jerry Herman's Hello, Dolly!, directed by Gene Kelly (1969), and Alan Jay Lerner's and Burton Lane's On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, directed by Vincente Minnelli (1970). Additionally, she has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, one special Tony Award, five Emmy Awards including one Daytime Emmy, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.
Katie Couric returns to daily television with the premiere of her new, nationally syndicated talk show, on Monday, September 10th. The one-hour program, in front of a live studio audience in New York, has been cleared on leading broadcast television stations in more than 96% of the country (check local listings, www.katiecouric.com).
The longtime co-anchor of NBC's "Today" and anchor of the "CBS Evening News" will mark her "new beginning" by featuring conversations with women who are also marking similar transitions in their lives.
On Monday, September 10th, the premiere episode of "Katie" will be packed with surprises. In addition, Katie will be joined by Platinum recording artist, TV personality and fashion designer Jessica Simpson, who will reveal what life has been like after having her first child this past May. For the first time, she'll discuss some of her most intense challenges, including losing the weight she put on during her pregnancy, the journey to get back into shape, the nasty rumors that have surrounded all of that, and how she's learned to juggle motherhood and her billion dollar business empire. Also on the premiere episode: nine-time Grammy-winning artist Sheryl Crow, who is 50, and like Katie, a single mom and embarking on an exciting new phase of her own career. Crow, who has written and performed the theme song for "Katie," entitled "This Day," will also talk, for the first time, about her recently diagnosed brain tumor.
On Tuesday, September 11th, Katie has an exclusive interview with 24-year-old Aimee Copeland, a Georgia graduate student who this summer lost parts of all her limbs to a rare flesh-eating bacteria. Still facing a rigorous recovery process and learning to use her prosthetics, Aimee defies all odds and walks, for the first time, onto Katie's stage, demonstrating extraordinary strength and courage. Aimee shares her story of survival, how she encouraged those closest to her during this trying period and discusses her new life.


text:
why style?
i like your herb
Was drinking at the bar last night. One one that's literally one backyard away from my new house. Got drunk then had to leave cuz an underage friend of mine got carded. So we went to my place and chilled, drank some more as we waited for pizza to come. Got really drunk. Finally the pizza arrived which means smoke time! The delivery driver (also my dealer and brother of a roommate) packed this ffaatt bowl of some mixed dank goodness and we smoked it. I was completely fucked up. That shit made me seriously retarded. I proceeded to spend the next two hours sitting outside with my best bro and listen to the gentle rain and a passing train in the distance. It was glorious.
i ripped .7 in one hit last night in my room
my lungs almost died
in a 1footer glass none the less
Peace, Love, Unity, And Having Fun
smoked weed out of a new meh pipe found a plasma tv on the road picked that shit up gonna make a 100 picked up 30x smoked 4 hits open and lclosed visuals were very nice good day
a meh pipe? or a meth pipe? that's fucking wild...
and you incoherently babble, indicating your free spirit. good for you.
damn, got off house arrest for a little while today, cruised down the interstate, smokin' a blunt. felt so nice. i get back to the crib, dad gets in the car with me to go to the probation office, and he says "you've been smoking in here, i can tell" i said "me? nahhhh"
meh- an okay pipe ...well it is the herbal thread
my boy who had my weed fo this weekend just got jumped sucks dick so bad just lost 20 fuckin bucks
My (mis) diagnosis for schizophrenia should in no way be used to construe that any of my statements on this forum are false or inaccurate. I speak nothing but the gospel of truth in my battle against the evil followers of Zandar the monkey king, who have come here to prepare for Zandars arrival and the enslavement of mankind
DO NOT risk interaction with others until you have smoked cannabis. DAMN THE MONKEY KING!
shits real and fucked


text:
Police believe that a man who robbed a coffee shop Sunday night has struck again.
Marshall James Roberts, 25, is suspected of robbing Health Care Credit Union at 769 E. South Temple about 11:00 a.m. Friday, said Salt Lake police Detective Dennis McGowan.
The suspect in surveillance footage from that robbery is the same man as the one seen in footage of the robbery of Coffee Noir at 1035 E. 200 South about 8:21 p.m. Sunday.
In both robberies, the suspect passed a note to an employee indicating he had a weapon and was able to evade police called to the scene.


text:
For those of us who long for the golden days of airplane travel—when
boarding a plane was inherently luxurious in its exoticism, travelers
dressed for the occasion and, most importantly, checked their bad
manners at the cockpit door—but aren't necessarily interested in
censuring modern decorum-challenged travelers too forwardly, pardonMOI
to the rescue.
This webshop specializes in calling cards with witty
phrases (from the "Ice Breaker" edition: "We've been eyeing each other
for too long. Care to try it by candlelight?" to the "Unzipped"
edition: "I couldn't help but notice that you have food in your teeth.
You look delicious enough on your own.") to hand out in potentially awkward or uncomfortable confrontations.
The most exciting
edition, for travelers, is called "Mind Your Business Class." With 14 cards that address all manners of mile-high disturbance, it features cards with phrases like: "I couldn't help but notice that your group is
too loud. I don't mind myself, but we've been getting complaints from
other planes."
So, get some peace and quiet while preventing a
possible in-air scuffle, and maybe even elicit a giggle or two from
your would-be adversary? Reason enough to load up on these wallet-sized
Sarah Storms is an editorial intern at Travel + Leisure.


text:
by Staff Writers
Redmond, Wash. (UPI) Nov 19, 2012
Microsoft has confirmed it is investigating reports of Windows Phone 8 devices suffering random reboots and problems syncing email messages.
Windows 8 smartphones from both Nokia and HTC are having issues with random reboots, Slash Gear reported Monday.
While Microsoft told CNET, "We are currently investigating reports of these incidents," it has been unable to offer users any advice or fix yet.
With Windows Phone 8 devices just starting to hit the market, the glitch is not good news for Microsoft, which launched Windows Phone 8 as a mobile operating system intended to take on dominant Android and Apple iOS phones.
No similar problems have been reported on phones running the earlier Windows 7 OS, CNET said.
Airline cabin crew to get tablet computers
The airline announced the move Monday during the Windows 8 launch event in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, home to the airline, CNET reported.
The HP ElitePad 900 tablets will use a business app called Knowledge Driven In-flight Service, or KIS, which can provide airplane, crew and customer information, officials said.
"To support our crew, we have created an application on Windows 8 that delivers a unique, personalized experience with the necessary information for our cabin crew to better serve the needs of customers," Emirates Cabin Crew Senior Vice President Kevin Griffiths said in a statement.
"The Windows 8 platform running on HP ElitePad 900 devices gave us this option, allowing us to create the KIS app that enables our crew to offer an experience not available on other airlines."
The airline said it would have 100 tablets in its planes by the end of January 2013 and 1,000 by the end of the year.
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text: After 3 or 4 weeks of my door locks, windows and sun roof working fine, today nothing works....I do not think this car will ever be the same after being in the flood last April..One thing I noticed this time is the power window switches do not light up....Inside lights work in the manual position but will not come on when the door is opened...The wipers only work on the high setting and will stop where ever they are when turned off...I love this car. It runs like a top , has many new parts and would go anywhere but it is driving me nuts!!! Im sure alot of you have seen my threads about this car.....Any more idea's on what I can try???:mad:


text:
When the warm weather moves in, Bostonians move out! There's something about dining al fresco —
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 4:00 PM by Pamela Frechette
When the warm weather moves in, Bostonians move out! There's something about dining al fresco —
Tuesday, June 27, 2017 10:00 AM by Ross Pavlovich
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 10:00 AM by Smart Destinations
Any true Bostonian knows that rain is not a valid excuse for missing out on anything, so when I saw
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 4:00 PM by David O'Donnell
From tree lightings and holiday markets, to outdoor ice-skating rinks and annual performances,
Thursday, September 29, 2016 8:46 AM by David O'Donnell
ArtWeek Boston, the Hub's biannual civic arts festival, returns this week with an amazing lineup of
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 10:36 AM by Kacie McFadden
It's a beautiful Boston afternoon in the heat of August. You're taking a leisurely stroll in the ever-peaceful Public Garden when, out of nowhere, a wild Pidgey appears!
Monday, June 20, 2016 3:31 PM by David O'Donnell
Summer in Boston has arrived and that means an exciting season of festivals, concerts, al fresco movies and music, and of course lots of fun on the water! From Fenway Park concerts to Free Fun Fridays and famous feasts in the North End, Boston is dynamic this summer and a perfect destination for all tastes and ages. Come hit up the Hub for a big festival!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 12:40 PM by David O'Donnell
February has arrived and Boston is the place to be! Looking for romance? The Boston Wine Expo, happening February 13-14 at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center, is the perfect affair for a first date, fifth date, or fifth anniversary. Featuring chef
Friday, January 29, 2016 4:30 PM by Turner Skenderian
Friday, December 18, 2015 8:17 AM by Edee Snider
As everywhere around the country, the Holiday Season is full of parties, festivities and all kinds of special events. Boston doesn't disappoint. Every day and night, there are tree lightings, concerts, afternoon teas, holiday theatre, the Nutcracker and so much more.


text:
Pat Gunning's Taiwan Home Page
November 28, 2004
This page contains (a) facts about the Taiwan Government, (b) two relatively long essays, and (c)
a variety of short essays that I wrote about Taiwan before 1999, and (d) links to some related
cites. About half of the short essays were published in one of the local English language
newspapers. Comments are welcome.
Facts About Taiwan
● The Constitutional Structure of Taiwan's Government
Major Essays
● A Proposal to Decentralize Higher Education in Taiwan: The Voucher System (long)
● What Should We Do About Taiwan?
● Wise Central Planning?: The Chinese on Taiwan
Short Essays
● Afghanistan, Vietnam, and the Superpowers
● Good Leaders and Good Government
● Responsibilities of the Judicial Yuan
● Apply for Nafta Membership Now
● Election Fraud: The Proper Response
● Joining the North American Free Trade Agreement
● A Referendum on Reunification
● Words and Meanings in International Politics
● Economic and Political Development of Taiwan
● Profiteering by Politicians and the Blind Trust
Links to Related Cites
● Pat Gunning's Democracy Home Page
● Asia Studies Virtual Library
Gunning's Address
J. Patrick Gunning
Professor of Economics/ College of Business
Feng Chia University
100 Wenhwa Rd, Taichung
Taiwan, R.O.C.
Please send feedback
Email: email@example.com


text:
Are you looking for a home or an apartment for rent in Houston?
Browse our Houston rental home listings today to find the rental house in Houston that is perfect for you. Searching for a rental home in Houston on HoustonRentalApartment.com is free and easy.
HoustonRentalApartment.com lets you search thousands of listings of houses for rent, condo rentals, townhomes for rent, duplexes for rent, and other types of home rentals and apartments for rent in Houston. Start your search today!


text:
Adoptalk & Publications
A Guide for Limiting the Use of Long-Term Foster Care as a Permanent Plan —
Executive Summary
Empirical research and child development theory emphasize that the best place for children to be raised is in a family environment, either with their birth parents or with new, permanent families. These forever families provide children with the continuity and stability they need to develop into healthy, secure adults, as well as ongoing support they can rely on for a lifetime. It was this recognition that led to the 1980 enactment of Public Law 96-272, the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act. In the 20 years before enactment, numerous studies documented long stays in care, unstable placements, little contact between social workers and families, and infrequent visits between children and their birth parents. By 1977, well over half of the 500,000 children in care had been there over two years. On average, children stayed in care for 47 months?nearly four years of their lives. The foster care system, intended to provide temporary care, had become home for far too many neglected and abused children.
Public Law 96-272 was designed to address these problems by refocusing child welfare practice on permanence for children. The legislation institutionalized the notion of permanency planning?"the systematic process of carrying out, within a time-limited period, a set of goal-directed activities designed to help children live in families that offer continuity with nurturing parents or caretakers and the opportunity to establish lifetime relationships" (Fein et al., 1990). Permanency options were designated in order of priority: 1) family maintenance and reunification with the birth family; 2) adoption; 3) guardianship; and 4) long-term foster care. This order was determined by how likely each placement was to provide long-term stability for the child within a family environment.
From 1979 to 1985, this renewed focus on permanence, accompanied by fiscal incentives to states, helped significantly decrease the number of children in out-of-home care and their lengths of stay. In the mid-80s, however, the emergence or increasing severity of family problems such as drug and alcohol addictions, AIDS, poverty, and violence reversed this positive trend. The number of children in out-of-home care increased approximately 75 percent from 1985 to 1995, and is once again nearing an all-time high of over 500,000 (CWLA, 1997).
Overwhelmed by the increasingly complex needs of families and children, systems are clearly struggling to achieve timely permanence for children in their care. In part, foster care rolls are growing because more children are staying in care longer (Wulczyn & Goerge, 1992). While the majority?roughly two thirds?return to their birth parents, the others, particularly those in care over 18 months, are never reunited (U.S. House of Representatives, 1996). Approximately 100,000 of the children in foster care will not return home, yet only 20,000 were adopted in 1995 and a mere 7,000 were permanently placed with guardians (CWLA, 1997). Although least likely to offer a child family continuity and stability, LTFC is designated as the permanent plan for a significant number of children. An APWA survey of 18 states revealed that 14.9 percent of children in care had long-term foster care as their case plan goal (APWA, 1994).
Given its significant role in permanency planning, the question remains: Can a long-term family foster care placement provide a child with a forever family?a family that will be a source of support for life, not just until a child turns 18? Achieving Permanence for Every Child is designed to address this question and encourage practitioners to challenge themselves to explore alternatives to long-term family foster care.
Section 1
In this section, we reexamine what permanence means for children in foster care and explore why LTFC is used as a permanent plan. The section also identifies long-term effects of LTFC on children and the system, targets barriers to alternative permanency options, and suggests practical policy, management, and practice solutions.
Key Findings on the Use of Long-Term Foster Care
The Effects of Long-Term Foster Care
Alternatives to Long-Term Foster Care
We examine the system barriers to ensuring permanence for more children in care and offer practical front- and back-end solutions to these impediments.
Summary of Recommendations
The recommendations we proposed require reforms within several contexts?public policy, management, and practice.
Subsidized guardianship needs to be carefully examined.
The President's recent Executive Memorandum challenges child welfare systems to increase the number of foster children who find permanent homes. Since LTFC offers children limited opportunities to achieve true permanence, agencies who rely heavily on the plan are unlikely to meet this goal. Agencies need to stop relying on LTFC and start addressing system barriers so that more children find forever families.
Section 2
This section includes a tool for assessing the use of the long-term foster care as a caseplan. The tool provides exercises focused on gathering information, developing consensus around the use of long-term foster care as a case plan, and devising solutions to barriers for children with this plan.


text:
It only takes a minute to get started. Fill out our simple sign up form and login to the website.
This step is voluntary but will drastically raise your chances of getting noticed by other people on the website. Tell people about yourself, your pasttimes and upload some good photos of yourself.
Use our website's advanced search to discover members who satisfy your needs. Or just scan through listings and discover singles that appear interesting.
Identified someone who appeals to you? Send a note to them or just a wink and see what develops from there. With a little luck you'll be on your way to finding that special someone for you.
It's quick and simple


text:
Here's an imponderable travel question: Is a "free" checked bag transferable to another airline?
Specifically, if your flight is canceled and then rebooked on a different airline — in other words, if the carrier endorses your ticket to another airline — should that endorsement include the ability to check a bag free?
That is the question confronting Rick and Carole Sheviakov, who recently flew from San Francisco to Seattle on United Airlines. The return flight was canceled, and United rebooked the couple on an Alaska Airlines flight.
The Sheviakovs have a Mileage Plus Explorer card, which gives them a "free" checked bag. I put the term "free" in quotes because the Sheviakovs paid for the amenity with an annual fee and by heavily using the card. There is no such thing as free. But I digress.
"A customer service rep assured me that any fees would be reimbursed and noted it in the file," says Rick Sheviakov.
It didn't happen.
The Sheviakovs had to pay $50 for their "free" bags on Alaska Airlines. They didn't mind because they had verbal assurances from the Seattle representative, a woman named Diana, that they would be covered. They assumed that would mean they'd receive a $50 check.
Instead, they got this:
It is unfortunate that we were unable to reschedule you on the next available United operated aircraft. We realize that as a United MileagePlus Explorer Cardmember you were exempt of the baggage fees when traveling on United. Unfortunately, when travel is on another carrier, the baggage policy of that airline applies.
You are a valued MileagePlus member and we appreciate your business. It is never our intent to inconvenience our passengers. I regret any misinformation you were given concerning reimbursement of the baggage fees paid to Alaska Airlines. However, I'm unable to refund charges collected by another airline.
In recognition of our appreciation and as a goodwill gesture, I will send you a $100 electronic travel certificate to be used toward a future ticket on United. The terms and conditions of the certificate will be sent from a different email address within 3-5 business days.
(At this point in the story, I usually offer a word or two about the hazards of loyalty programs and the evil of affinity cards. I don't want to disappoint you, so here it goes: Mileage-earning credit cards turn otherwise rational consumers into clueless lemmings, forcing them to spend money they don't have in order to collect rewards that quickly expire. They should be banned by law, along with all ridiculous loyalty programs.)
The Sheviakovs appealed, of course. To which United said:
I regret you're dissatisfied with our response and continue to be
disappointed with United.
You asked us to reexamine your request, and we have done so. All things considered, we do support our earlier decision. The $100 certificate was intended as compensation to offset your out of pocket baggage expenses along with a gesture of goodwill to provide you with a chance to experience the service you deserve. While I understand you do not feel it is meaningful given your circumstances, I hope you will accept it in the spirit in which we have intended.
We appreciate your understanding and will do our utmost to make your future contacts with United satisfactory in every respect.
I'll take that as a hard "Nyet."
But still, it raises the question: When an airline endorses a ticket to another carrier, how much of the ticket should it endorse? Should it cover the "ancillary" purchases, such as luggage fees or Wi-Fi?
That's actually an interesting discussion.
If Sheviakov had purchased a bag, United would probably reimburse the cost. Then he could just take the money and pay for his bag to be transported on Alaska.
Then again, if he'd been flying on an airline that offered a bag as part of its fare, like an international carrier or Southwest, and his ticket were transferred, would it also cover his checked bag? Probably not.
There's also this: United gave him twice what he was asking for in vouchers. No, it's not the same as money, but it's better than nothing.
For the rest of us, this is nothing more than a cautionary tale about the "benefits" of affinity cards. Airlines, and the credit card companies with which they're in cahoots, love to take your hard-earned money, but when it comes to giving it back, they're not as enthusiastic. Think about that the next time you give all of your loyalty to one airline or one credit card.
The loyalty only goes one way.


text:
Slight coolant leak... Where the heck is it going?
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Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Mass
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 894
Mein Auto: 2003 530IA
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Originally Posted by
About your start up after the overnight pressure test with pressure drop. Any white smoke out the tailpipe? Of course if your driving a mopar classic I'm sure you know where I'm going with this.
Did your antifreeze fluid consumption/loss rate increase during the period of time after pressure test and the running unstable period? Motor ever been overheated or run on the hot side, but still in limits? No need to reply just food for thought in the the even you haven't gone down that road already.
White smoke; Not that I can remember but I was more worried on what the heck was going on at the time.
Increase after pressure test; No
Overheat; Never since I've owned it as a CPO at 52K miles. Temp Always runs right in the middle. Could something have happened with the previous owner? Possibly but my dealer did give me a copy of all service history on the car and nothing other than maintenance service wiper blades dead bulbs, showed up. Overall quite clean hence I bought it. One owner car, not leased.
Perhaps I'll pressure test it again and see what happens. Part of me does not want to know. What does seem to be clear is that combustion gases are not leaking into the cooling system nor is any oil. I do not see any antifreeze in the oil either.
I was thinking of buying a UV dye and see if I can pinpoint leaks from that.
Ever wonder why 5 series electrical issues are common and complicated.. Spend time here and you will understand why.
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