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A transcript of the State of the State speech delivered by Ohio Gov. John Kasich in Lima on Tuesday night:
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members and colleagues from the General Assembly, members of my cabinet, the great people of Lima. We love the way you welcomed all of us here today. Am I right, members of the General Assembly?
And, of course, my wife, Karen Kasich. Sweetie, would you stand and say hi?
I believe that jobs are our greatest moral purpose. And when I say it, I have a couple of thoughts in my head, a couple of videos that run through my mind. Think of a dad who goes home one day. Mom's at the dinner table. Maybe she just got home from work. Kids are gathered around. Dad says to the family, "I've got some news for you. I lost my job today."
Maybe the kids don't all understand it. Maybe one of them begins to cry. Think about the mom. Single mom, dad ran out on her, two or three kids, struggling every day, she hears word of layoffs. She says, "How am I going to make it?" She doesn't tell the kids.
Let's switch that picture just for a moment.
Put that same family at that table, and dad comes home, and he sits with his family. Says, "Honey, kids, I got a job today." And the kids start to squeal and clap.
Or the single mom who gets the oldest daughter and takes her up to her bedroom and said, "You know, Honey, I thought it looked pretty bad for us, but I got a promotion. We're going to make more money. Things are going to be better for our family."
That's what I think about every day when I get up, and my mission has been to create a growing economy that allows people to realize their hopes and their dreams and their purposes. Because it's through our work that some of our life has meaning.
It's about our mission. It's about the purposes that the Lord set out for us.
And my mission is not just to give some people work. My mission is to make sure that everybody in our state has the chance to realize their hopes and dreams and that their families can do much better. Because it's not good enough for some to do well while we leave others behind. And so we must work every day to make sure that everyone has a chance in Ohio.
When I came into office, I came in and built a team of really great people, including members of the Assembly that would put Ohio to work and reclaim our rightful place in the United States of America as one of the great states. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I can tell you with great confidence we are succeeding here in Ohio in turning our state around, and it is fantastic.
Today we are up 120,400 jobs -- 120,400 families that have a better life. We're No. 1 -- No. 1 -- in job creation in the Midwest and No. 6 in job creation in the United States of America.
Our budget is balanced. In two and a half years at the end of this fiscal year -- this is pretty breathtaking -- we have gone from $0.89 in our rainy day fund to a $1.9 billion surplus.
And our credit outlook has improved. When they downgraded countries all over the world -- in fact, even downgraded the United States of America -- Ohio's credit outlook has improved.
And as you know, Lima and Allen County, right where we are tonight, of course, are shining examples of a community that is coming back strong. Thanks to the hard work of the people here, thanks to their creativity, and you've learned about it today from manufacturing to advance manufacturing to the ability to move things through this area because of their strategic location. We're doing better here in Allen County. The unemployment rate has fallen from 10.8 percent to 7 percent in the past two years, and right here in Lima, 2,200 new private-sector jobs have been created.
Lima is winning, and Ohio is winning.
This took a lot of effort; it took a special partnership with you, the General Assembly. The first thing we had to do was restore confidence and respect in our state. I mean, we had to balance the budget. No more smoke and mirrors. No more moving things around. We needed to have a structural balance, and it had to be done for no other reason than common sense.
Hey, folks, I know many people have lost their way in Washington, D.C., but you can never spend more than what you take in. Overtime, it makes no sense. If a state can't manage its money -- if it can't balance its budget -- what can it manage? How can people have confidence in it if we can't get the common sense things right?
Well, in the process of balancing this budget, I hope you all note, we didn't just cut, we reengineered many of our programs. Thanks to the great work of Greg Moody and John McCarthy, we reformed Medicaid.
For 25 years, this state wanted Mom and Dad to have the resources to stay in their own homes if they were able and not be forced into a nursing home, where they could stay in their own homes, where they could be more independent, more healthy, more independent at a much lower cost. For 25 years, this was, this effort was made to fix this. We did it, didn't we? We got it done. And now Mom and Dad can stay in their own homes, and they can be healthier and more independent. We won that battle.
We moved to coordinate care. You know, 4 percent of Medicaid recipients drive over 50 percent of the cost. Their care was not coordinated. It didn't make much sense to them. And you know how complicated it is for all of us to be in a position to be able to understand health care and the ins and outs. We're now coordinating the health care of that 4 percent so their care is not just coordinated but logical and where they are healthier. And the whole country now is looking at our program.
We have slowed the growth of Medicaid to 3.2 percent -- unthinkable in many places in this country -- and we're now one of the great leaders in the country for Medicaid reform. Other states are looking at what we have done in Ohio to not cut people off, not to reduce their benefits, but to make the system work better. And that's the way you move to balance a budget.
We've also reengineered state government. We've used the private-sector techniques of Six Sigma, Kaizen and many other reforms.
Joe Testa, over at the tax department, Joe figured out folks here in Allen County and across the state who are watching, that many businesses have been over paying their tax bill. And you know what the government did? Never told them. Kept their money in a drawer somewhere. Kept the secret from them because after four years, that money became the property of the state of Ohio.
Well, Joe figured it out through his team's efforts, and we have returned millions of dollars to over 3,500 businesses who had overpaid their taxes, and Joe is just getting started. It is time that the government treat the taxpayers with respect and help businesses when they pay their bills.
We've reduced the number of state employees to the lowest level in 30 years, and you know how we've done it? Teamwork. We don't need to fill all the positions. We can get people to think differently. We have a way to go on all that, but we're making progress.
And we needed to lower taxes, and we needed to make our state more competitive. Ladies and gentlemen, this is not ideology; this is just the way the world works. You know, it is necessary to grow an economy and to create jobs by reducing that income tax. I just want you to know, I talk to these CEOs all the time -- I talk to them through in the state, and I talk to them around the country, and not long ago, I talked to them in other parts of the world -- and when you tell them that you are reducing taxes and reducing the taxes on income, they get it. It sends a message and a signal that Ohio's open for business.
And at the same time we killed the death tax. The driver behind that: Bill Batchelder. And you know why? The heirs of our entrepreneurs -- the owners of these small businesses and our great small farmers -- they shouldn't have to sell the farm and sell the small businesses to pay the death tax for their parents who built something. They should be able to pass this on to next generation.
We also created JobsOhio because the government agency that was created 50 years ago for the purpose of business development, it became antiquated and it became slow. You know, in the 21st century you must move at the speed of business. You cannot move at the speed of the statute. You must be out there every day understanding what the job creators are saying, and JobsOhio has allowed us to think about defining our economy, and, in fact, we are.
Think about Ohio. When you leave Ohio, you say to people, "What do they do in Ohio?" Well, you know, they're all manufacturing. Well, we love manufacturing or agriculture, we love farming, but JobsOhio has led us begin to think about things like bio-health, automotive, advanced manufacturing, polymers and chemicals, financial services -- No. 2 in property and casualty in the country. IT -- there's nothing that's happening more exciting than in the area of IT. Aerospace, where we're now beginning to work in the Dayton area thinking about being able to fly unmanned vehicles. In the area of agribusiness and, of course, energy, which has us all excited, and logistics.
You see, if you have many different areas that you target, when one part of the economy goes down, it doesn't mean it sinks your state. And so JobsOhio has been able to work to diversify us, and it's clearly working. And now that we're funded, we think we're even going to get more out of Jobs Ohio than we've seen so far.
We also moved directly in the direction of common sense regulations. Mary Taylor -- Mary, stand up -- our lieutenant governor of the state of Ohio.
Mary's husband, Mary's husband is a small businessman. He knows about the regulations and how they can kill small businesses, particularly the smallest businesses that are really fragile. Mary runs the Common Sense Initiative.
And let's just talk about our philosophy in one area -- oil and gas. We believe in having an environment where we can prosper the oil and gas industry, but we also believe that in the process of doing it, we cannot endanger people and we cannot endanger the environment. And if you use common sense, you, in fact, can protect the public safety. You, in fact, can protect the environment and you can create jobs, and we are doing it in Ohio. Thank you, Mary, for your efforts at bringing common sense.
For me, there was always something unique about Ohio, something special. I can't help but smile when I think about coming to Ohio as a kid, as a little boy, seeing Cleveland. Cleveland rocks. Literally.
Been to the Hall? Lake Erie. Every time I fly up there, I look at that lake and I say, boy, are we lucky to have that Lake Erie right here in Ohio. We've got to take better care of it and we have to tell people more about it.
You know, I loved Ohio then, but then my father took me to Columbus to visit Ohio State University. A lot of dads, a lot of moms took their kids to visit Ohio State. I fell in love. You know, I sensed Ohio's excitement then, I felt its opportunity. I knew Ohio was going to be my home, and nobody was going to drag me away from this place because it's just so, so awesome.
But, folks, we have all seen our state drift over time. We've seen it get old. We've seen it begin to misfire and fall behind. But like a great old home, I knew Ohio could be restored to its grandeur, to its greatness. You see, Ohio is a land of hope and opportunity -- realize dreams for our families. We're safe, we're friendly, we're filled with the potential to pursue our passions. We take care of our neighbors. You know, Ohio is a place where we can work, contribute, build a better community. We can be a shining example of how when people get together, they can get it right. And not just for ourselves, but for our children, of course, most especially.
But, folks, the rebuilding has to continue. We can't rest on our gains. We haven't tapped all of our potential. There are too many challenges that haven't been met and we move forward with this vision in mind and therefore, we must continue to build our economy, continue to build the new and exciting 21st-century jobs, and we must rebuild our roads, and our highways, and our bridges. We must provide for our children the opportunities that we all had. We need to lift, we need to lift the poor, we need to lift the beleaguered, and we need to have America follow us because I think they're beginning to, and perhaps one day they may even join us here in the great state of Ohio.
This is our vision, and our budget is the next step in that vision, but I would ask all of you to keep your eyes focused on the mountaintop. Don't get distracted or discouraged by the twists or the turns or the detours along the road. I really believe our legacy depends on what we do.
You know, Ohio is getting it right and it's being noticed. As most of you know here and some that are watching may not know, I recently traveled to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. I really wasn't that excited about going until I got there because I had the chance to meet with scores of job creators, CEOs. You know, they all wanted to meet with me. And you know why? Because they couldn't figure out why we were figuring it out.
All over the world, things aren't working. There's so much dysfunction. There's so much falling apart, and they asked me one simple thing: How are you getting these jobs created? What are you folks doing in Ohio? And not only that, they're saying, "How can you go from $0.89 to a $2 billion surplus, from $8 billion in the hole to a surplus? How is it happening? Because this is something we have to pay attention to because we may want to come to Ohio."
It was so fantastic to be there and to be a person that could represent everyone here. I wish you were all there. Because we think some of them are going to come to Ohio. We think we do have them excited because of the work that all of us have done.
Well, what do we do now? Should we rest on our laurels? That's what most people think when you pull out of the depths of where we were -- just, you know, kind of relax. Should we put the state on cruise control? Oh, I got another one for you -- why don't we just spend the surplus? Things are good, just go ahead and, you know, take your foot off the gas. Well, we're going to keep our foot on the gas here in this administration, and we hope you will join us.
And when we look at the great companies around the world, companies that continue to innovate, continue to embrace change, companies that have leaders with vision -- think about this, folks -- the ones that are the most exciting in the world today: Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, Google, the Cleveland Clinic, IBM, and right here in Northwest Ohio, Marathon. These companies strive for change every day and the State of Ohio must do it as well.
We cannot rest on our laurels. These companies, the companies don't fear big ideas. We must not fear big ideas. We must embrace them. Oh, yeah, let's debate them. And that's the fun part of being in the government, debate them without the personal attack, debate them on the merits, but embrace them, because at the end of the day, big ideas, it will renew us, it will restore our youth, it will give us excitement.
We will have a sprint in our step because big ideas renew people. The only thing that can stop us, ladies and gentlemen, is the fear of change, the fear of big ideas. Let's not go there. We're starting to hit on all cylinders.
Our program of innovation and common sense policies, we believe, does create success. Just like the first budget helped us to dig out of the hole and set the stage for growth, this allows us to shift into higher gear. Our budget is designed to come together and create jobs and let's not forget, to provide help for the most vulnerable.
First and foremost, Ohio's taxes are too high, and they are particularly punishing to our small businesses. We punish our small businesses with too high of taxes in our state.
Flat out, end of story. They are the engines of job creation in our state. And let me be clear, this is a comprehensive program to cut taxes by $1.4 billion, and I'll talk about a few of the specifics. We propose lowering the sales tax from 5 1/2 to 5 percent.


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27 April, 1945 — Kingston, New York
Item in the Kingston Freeman 27 Apr. 1945: Ralph Cozza liberated by the Americans. Mrs. Jenevieve Cozza, 20 Abruyn St. has received a letter from her husband, PFC. Ralph Cozza, who has been reported Missing in Action since Jan. 30. He states that he was a prisoner of war, but has been released. He is in the best of health and back in the fighting lines with his old buddies. Pfc. Cozza is in the infantry and has been overseas since last September.

subset: commoncrawl


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WEPL Premier One Second XI
Bridgwater 238-3 beat Corsham 236-5 by seven wickets
HALF centuries from Scott Sealey and Liam Kitch propelled Bridgwater II to a commanding seven-wicket victory over reigning champions Corsham at The Parks on Saturday.
Kitch (68) and Sealey (50) shared an opening stand of 145 in 23 overs as Bridgwater chased down 236 with just under four overs to spare.
On winning the toss Corsham elected to bat and built a solid foundation through Tom Abbot (39) and Gabriel Field (23), with 62 for the first wicket.
Chris Singleton dismissed both openers in his second spell, but then Corsham upped the ante, led by a good 50 from Andy Davis, as he shared stands with Will Wales and Adam Mitchell.
Mitchell was to play a brutal innings of 61 not out off only 35 balls to propel his side to a competitive total of 236-5 as Corsham added more than 100 in the final 10 overs of the innings.
The Bridgwater openers set about their task in aggressive fashion, with Kitch in particular playing some early shots to the boundary.
Kitch managed three maximums with some superb clean hitting, and whilst Sealey was more watchful, he provided a good foil as Corsham's bowlers toiled on a good wicket.
Sealey fell for a fine 50 just after the drinks break, and when Kitch followed soon after with the score on 161 Corsham may have sensed a route back into the game.
This was quickly closed by Jonathan Vickery (39no) and Kerry Windsor (13) as they shared a good stand of 45 to bring their side within touching distance of victory before Windsor fell LBW.
This brought Ed Habberfield to the crease, and his cameo 23no supported the untroubled Vickery, who finished unbeaten on a run a ball 39, Bridgwater reaching their target in the 41st over.
The seconds would like to thank umpire Alan Prowse, Scorer Andrea Taylor, Match Sponsors T/Stop and Durleigh Electrical Ltd and Match Ball Sponsors TMB Patterns LTD


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Telemarketing Podcast Transcript
Welcome to the Informed Consumer, providing the latest tips and tools to assist consumers in making informed decisions, from the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch.
Today's topic is: Telemarketing.
Trying to limit the number of telemarketing phone calls you receive? Are you still receiving annoying telemarketing calls even though you've submitted your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry?
Make Sure You Are Registered
- Consumers can limit telemarketing calls by registering their personal home and cell telephone numbers with the National Do Not Call Registry. You can register online at www.donotcall.gov or call toll-free 1-888-382-1222, TTY 1-866-290-4236, from the telephone number you want to register.
- There's no charge to register, and you can register at any time. Ignore email alerts from companies offering to register your number for a fee or before a deadline: they are scams.
- Your registration is permanent and doesn't need to be renewed. Verify your registration after significant changes in your account – like a change in billing name – as these changes can sometimes trigger a deletion in the Registry.
- Because the system automatically removes most numbers that are disconnected, you may need to re-register if your service has been disconnected and reconnected.
- The Registry accepts both landline (home) and cell phone numbers, but cell phones receive fewer telemarketing calls because federal regulations prohibit telemarketers from using automated dialers to call them.
Some Telemarketers Are Allowed to Call
- Most telemarketing calls – that is, calls to sell you goods and services – should stop 31 days after registration. Companies can call, however, if you've given them written permission to do so.
- Federal law allows calls from companies with which you have an existing relationship. Unless you tell the company to place you on its own do-not-call list, you may receive telemarketing calls up to 18 months after you make a purchase or payment, or up to three months after you submit an inquiry or application.
- Federal law also allows calls from or on behalf of charities, political organizations, and telephone surveyors.
Virginia Law Also Protects Your Telephone Privacy
- The Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act (VTPPA) prohibits telemarketers subject to the VTPPA from calling a telephone number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Under the VTPPA, a telemarketer may call a residence only between 8:00AM and 9:00PM, must promptly identify himself using his full name and company, and may not intentionally block caller-identification services. If a consumer asks not to be called, that request must be honored for at least 10 years.
- The VTPPA's penalty provisions allow consumers to sue violators and recover damages of $500 for each violation, or up to $1,500 for willful violations.
Complaints and Contact Information
- Keep a pen and pad of paper near the phone to jot down information about unwanted telemarketing calls, including the date, time, names, and purpose. These details will help you document your complaint.
- If you receive an unsolicited telemarketing call more than 31 days after your registration, you can file a complaint with the National Do Not Call Registry at 888-382-1222 (TTY: 866-290-4236). You're not required to provide your name and address when making a complaint.
- The National Do Not Call Registry is a joint undertaking of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC), but is managed by the FTC.
Thanks for listening to the Informed Consumer. For more information on this topic or if you feel that you've been a victim of a scam, please contact the Consumer Affairs Branch at 703-222-8435 or visit our web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer. Informed Consumer is produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, government.


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Raibeaux wrote:Yep. From recent forum experience I can tell you it's fine. And I can tell you one more little thing with absolute, 100%, gut-lock-cinch, no-question-about-it, complete certainty: you do NOT want to use a diamond plate to break in a diamond plate.I've been checking the relevant obituary columns the last few days to see if a certain knife nut is listed after I asked THAT question. I was afraid I had given him a heart attack.At least I finally did take the paper bag off my head.So far, so good on the obiturary columns.
Knife Fanatic wrote:If you want to break in a diamond plate, simply flatten a few stones with it, or run a piece of scrap steel over the surface (aka sharpen a beater blade, butter knife, or nothing) just to get the really big nasty diamonds off, which they're going to break off fast anyways. They purposely saturate the surface with diamonds to make sure you get them in there. So really, breaking in a diamond plate is as simple as lapping your coarsest stone for a few minutes... DONE! Don't overthink it, breaking it in is really just a precaution if you're going to do a knife on it right out of the box. A new diamond plate out of the box will completely destroy any steel that gets in its path, aka you better have really steady hands if you're going to use it right away or goodbye finish and/or edge. Atoma plates are far better than DMT, that's why they're more expensive. That being said, I own a DMT, and love it. I want an Atoma though.
Jack wrote:Wow, I'm really glad I read this one AFTER i took my Tojiro DP to my DMT Course, then fine. Thats okay because I expect an Ozuku to be delivered today and I will go to town on some knives again. How do you feel about a progression from DMT to Shapton Glass to Jnat?
Jack wrote:I would like to emphasize that there are 2 people names Jack involved in tis thread
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Taxes » Tax Deductions »If you think your tax deduction for charitable contributions ends when you write a check to your church or drop off that box of clothing at the Salvation Army, think again. You may be cheating yourself.
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Taxes » Tax Deductions »
If you think your tax deduction for charitable contributions ends when you write a check to your church or drop off that box of clothing at the Salvation Army, think again. You may be cheating yourself.
The IRS allows several different ways to take tax advantage of your goodwill.
Volunteer work itself does not produce a tax deduction. However, your travel expenses getting to and from the volunteer location are deductible. If you use your car to help out once you get there -- for example, delivering food to the needy for your church -- that counts, too.
You can take a standard deduction of 14 cents per mile on your tax return. Or, if it's more advantageous and you kept track, you can deduct the actual cost of your gas for your philanthropic driving. With either choice, you also can include any parking fees or tolls paid.
If you pay for some of a qualified organization's expenses and aren't reimbursed, these costs can count as charitable deductions. This might be buying stamps for a group's mailings or purchasing office supplies for the organization's administrative operations.
If your volunteer work requires you to wear a uniform -- say, as a Red Cross hospital aide -- the cost of the clothing and of keeping it clean are deductible.
Did a student live with you last year? If you meet all three parts of a three-part test, you might be able to deduct some expenses associated with that boarder, either a foreign or American student.
You can deduct up to $50 per month for each full calendar month the student lives with you. The IRS even eases the definition of a month in these cases. When a student meets the three conditions above for 15 or more days, that counts as a full month.
You also can give appreciated assets, enabling you to avoid paying capital gains taxes while simultaneously getting a tax deduction. This tax move is most beneficial if you donate stock you've owned for more than a year and its value has increased substantially.
If you sell the appreciated stock, you could face paying taxes at the 15 percent long-term capital gains rate on your profit (20 percent for certain high earners with adjusted gross incomes in 2014 of $406,751 or more for single taxpayers, and $457,601 or more for married joint filers). Even if you give the cash you make from the sale to a charity, you'll still have to pay the taxes. But if you give the stock directly to the qualified organization, you can claim a deduction for the full asset price at the time you donated it and escape the capital gains tax bill.
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.
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Co. G of the 147th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry
May 16, 1864 — Camp Dennison, Ohio
Milton Evans served with Company G of the 147th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. They mustered in May 16, 1864 at Camp Dennison, Ohio by Major G. E. Johnson (A.C.M.) Mustered out August 30, 1864 at Camp Dennison, Ohio by 2nd Lieutenant William Stanley, 10th Infantry, U. S. A. Milton was 19 at the time and he served 100 days as did the rest of his company. He enlisted on May 2, 1864. This Regiment was organized at Camp Dennison, May 16, 1864 to serve one hundred days. It was composed of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, and Eighty-seventh Battalion, Ohio National Guard, from Miami County. On the 20th of May the Regiment started for Washington City. Upon arrival it reported to General Augur, and was ordered on duty at Fort Ethan Allen. On the 27th of May four companies were ordered to Fort Marcy (this is where R.M. Evans stayed for the duration.) On the 1st of June Company A was detailed to perform guard duty at Division Headquarters and remained there during its term of service. At midnight on the 11th of June the Regiment was ordered to Fort Reno. Marching as far as Fort Stevens the One Hundred and Forty-seventh moved into the trenches as a support to the First Maine and First Ohio Batteries. In this position the Regiment remained until July 4th, when it returned to Fort Ethan Allen. On the 23rd of August it was ordered to report at Camp Dennison, Ohio and was mustered out August 30, 1864 on expiration of term of service.
The above photos are the actual words from a copy of the diary Robert M. Evans kept while serving with Company G of the 147th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry.


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See more from the Pali Volterra collection.
Pali Volterra Collection 3 Piece Nursery Set (White)
Please Note: Image shown is shown in Vintage Cherry
A swatch of the White has been included in the image for you to see.
Volterra Double Dresser, Forever Crib, and the universal Bookcase/Hutch in White.
- The toddler rail and the full-size bed rails are sold separately -
Volterra is a town in the Tuscan region of Italy's rolling countryside, founded in the 7th century BC and worldwide known for the extraction and production of alabaster. This magical city is the inspiration for the Volterra Collection.
Solid Substrate: Poplar
Veneer Substrate: Basswood
Volterra Forever Crib (59 x 30.25 x 48)
The magical city of Volterra, in Tuscany's rolling countryside, is the inspiration for the Volterra Crib.
We know that nothing is more magical than bringing home your new little one, and the Volterra Forever Crib is the perfect crib to come home to. A delicately curved molding piece along the top of the crib frames the bed and hints at sweetness and style. With a wooden mattress support system, you can be assured that your baby is being well supported during sleep. The support can also move to three positions to make it easy to reach your newborn, and it can be lowered as your little one grows. Designed with sturdy feet and a classic railing around the bed, this crib can easily transition to a toddler bed, a child's day bed, and a full-sized bed providing years of style in your home.
The Volterra Forever Crib is made in the Pali tradition of fine craftsmanship that focuses on quality construction. The finish on the crib is non-toxic, and all of our finishes are regularly tested to ensure that they exceed the required standards for lead. Because of our commitment, you can be sure that your purchase is both safe and stylish.
Forever Crib Features and Benefits
- Volterra Forever Crib Features and Benefits
- Full-size Crib easily converts to:
- Toddler Bed (Toddler Rail Kit sold separately)
- Child's Day Bed (posts from Toddler Rail Kit required)
- Full-size Bed (Universal Rails sold separately)
- Three-position orthopedic mattress support made of solid wood gives a baby's delicate spine the ideal support for a correct posture
- Complies with all crib standards required by CPSC (ASTM F1169-07 and 16CFR1508)
- Finishes exceed lead and heavy metal content requirements required by CPSC (ASTM F963-07 and 16CFR1303)
- Converting from crib to full-size bed helps our environment by eliminating the need for new furniture using more new raw materials
Bookcase Hutch (47 x 14 x 42)
is a wonderful example of Pali's desire to help you create the perfect room for your child. Designed to function as a hutch for extra storage space when your little one is a newborn, this piece can be converted to a bookshelf that will complement any of our bedroom sets. The hutch fits on top of any of our double dressers or combos that are at least 50 inches wide, and it can also be used as a stand alone bookcase when fitted with the included pre-assembled base. It includes two adjustable shelves, and a front frame keeps the shelves in place. This piece is a lovely and useful addition to your little one's room.
Made from wood that has been harvested from sustainable forests in New Zealand and finished with non-toxic finishes that are regularly tested to ensure that they exceed the required standards for lead.
Volterra Double Dresser (50 x 20 x 36)
This roomy double dresser from Pali's Volterra collection promises plenty of storage for all your little one's clothes and necessities. With its classic Italian style, solid rubber wood construction and smooth finish, this spacious bureau works for babies and children alike. Pair it with the matching Volterra Hutch for a beautiful, functional look or mix it up with your other nursery decor for a stylish and eclectic ensemble. It features six, easy gliding drawer boxes for keeping baby's extra blankets and more. Some assembly is required
Volterra Casegoods Features and Benefits
- Traditional Shaker design that is versatile enough to be sold with a variety of Pali cribs
- Solid Pine drawer boxes with English dovetail construction at front and rear
- Structural elements use only solid wood
- Full-extension drawer glides for safety and ease of operation
- Complies with ASTM F2057 Standard Specification for Chests, Door Chests and Dressers
- E1 Standard Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) exceeds CARB formaldehyde emissions requirements
- Removable case tops in the event a repair is required
- MDF back panels are attached using screws spaced every 6-8" for secure attachment and easy to access the case interior in the event a repair is needed
- Adjustable nylon glides are attached to front case posts for leveling on uneven surfaces (only for cases over 30" in height)
- Tip restraint packets are supplied for all cases over 30" in height
Combining curves with straight lines makes the Pali Volterra Forever Crib visually pleasing, and allows it to fit into any setting. We carry the entire Pali Volterra Collection, as well as the rest of the Pali Furniture, for your convenience. You can also shop for other Pali Cribs, Pali Conversion Kits, and Crib Mattresses on our website.
The straight lines of the Pali Volterra Double Dresser perfectly complements the curves found in the rest of the Pali Volterra Collection, allowing it to fit into any setting. We also carry all other Pali Furniture, for your convenience, including Pali Dressers and Pali Double Dressers.
The Pali Bookcase Hutch is perfect for any nursery. It comes in a variety of colors that will allow it to work with not only the Pali Volterra Collection, but also the other collections that Pali Furniture offers. Place this item on top of any of the Pali Double Dressers and you have a stylish way to add more storage to your nursery. To see other Pali Bookcase Hutches, check out our website.
View More Pali Nursery Sets
View More Pali Cribs
View More Pali Conversion Kits
Additional Info


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This wonderful soft roving British yarn is a designer's dream.
Softest Merino Wool is a super soft, chunky and roving yarn composing of 100% extrafine merino wool. Its seven shades are varied and heritage inspired and its comfort will provide a perfect way to keep warm and cosy during cooler months.
A super soft, brushed effect blend of 32% nylon, 27% wool, 25% alpaca and 16% yak, which is created using the patented soffili production method. This results in a stunning, voluminous, light and airy yarn.


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Small yogurt producer Stonyfield's Greek yogurt line is the winner in a decision that leaves Chobani out of Whole Foods' dairy aisle.
According to the Associated Press, Whole Foods announced its decision to phase out Chobani Greek yogurt of its stores in early 2014, fueled by a push to no longer sell food that use genetically modified ingredients.
It's also to offer more exclusive and organic products.
"Whole Foods Market challenged its Greek yogurt suppliers to create unique options for shoppers to enjoy - including exclusive flavors, non-GMO options and organic choices," the company said in a statement. "At this time, Chobani has chosen a different business model."
According to Stonyfield chairman and co-founder Gary Hirshberg, the switch is also part of a growing consumer trend to make purchasing choices based on where their food is coming from.
"This is not anti-GMO, necessarily, this is pro-transparency," said.
Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya doesn't believe the decision will mark an end to their relationship with Whole Foods.
"Though we have very limited distribution within Whole Foods, they have been an important partner of ours over the years," he said in a statement here. "As the number one Greek Yogurt brand in America using only natural ingredients, we share an affinity with Whole Foods and its shoppers. We know our fans love buying our products in their stores and we hope to continue our partnership moving forward."
Reactions to the decision have been mixed for Chobani fans, with some demanding the company stop using milk from cows fed GMO grain, while others remain unfazed.
"Thank you for standing up for American agriculture and the Good Ag Practices that are in place for production. In order to feed the world, we'll need to utilize the best SCIENCE in our food production and make decisions based on fact vs. emotion. I've always been a fan but I'm thrilled that you didn't cave to Whole Foods and will continue to make your product available in other retailers! Thank you," one of the company's fans said on their Facebook page.


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Quote: An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in a particular country, state, or other territory. Typically a nation's official language will be the one used in that nation's courts, parliament and administration
Quote: Typically a nation's official language will be the one used in that nation's courts, parliament and administration.
Quote: Originally posted by fileboy2002: The government document you cited earlier reaffirmed the official status of English WITHIN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
Quote:I have no personal issues with anyone speaking any languages as long as in the work place everyone understands the language being spoken. Meaning if your work place is mostly English then work needs to be conducted in English, at least in the work space. Any public or common areas are fair game.
Artifacts from the Ryukyu Kingdom missing since WWII.
Visit www.ShisaLion.Org
to view pictures
Stun Guns
Self Defense Products-stun guns, pepper spray, tasers
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Complete surveillance systems for covert operations
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Asylum Images
Book presents photo tour of the Trans-Allegany Lunatic Asylum. A must if you're going to take a ghost tour!


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Presentations, reports, web pages -- they all look better printed in color. Monochrome printers continue to churn out crisp-looking text at a fast clip for the majority of users. Meanwhile, color laser and LED printers are popping up in sales, marketing, art, creative, graphic-design, and in-house publishing departments -- not to mention the executive suites, where products and ideas must be presented in the best light. Small offices that can afford only one printer may also turn to a color model.
In search of the perfect enterprise color printer, we tested 13 models from nine vendors. Entry-level models for small or low-volume offices start at $2,000. Faster, more expandable models occupy the midrange. At the high end you'll find mega-volume, wide-format, do-it-all powerhouses costing nearly $7,000, including our highest-rated model, the Xerox Phaser 7750DN.
We ran each printer through a battery of quantitative and hands-on tests, looking at everything from print speed and print quality, to setup, management, and ease of use. Print quality ranged predictably from good to great, but sluggish print speeds surprised us. Even the fastest model in the roundup averaged a disappointing seven pages per minute, printing graphics samples that included Excel pie charts, presentation slides, and high-resolution gray-scale and color photos. Text speeds fared better, ranging from 10ppm to 25.3ppm. Considering seven of the 13 printers carried 128MB or more of main memory, we had expected more speed.
But office printing isn't just about speeds and feeds. We crunched the numbers on consumables such as cartridges to assess long-term costs, which can be exorbitant. We also delved into the printers' management tools to see how easily you could monitor status, configure settings, and analyze usage data. Naturally, no one printer excelled at everything. Read on for the strengths and weaknesses of each contender.
Brother HL-4200CN
Although Brother's bargain-priced HL-4200CN offers a good set of features for small workgroups, mediocre performance and high consumables costs dampen its rating. Faster, more economical printers are available in the same price range.
Text printed on the HL-4200CN came out quickly, but letters looked slightly fuzzy and heavy, especially at smaller font sizes. Color photos looked realistic, but simple presentation slides showed banding and moiré (unintentional background patterns). Color speeds averaged a pokey 2.2ppm in our tests.
Consumables costs pose a bigger problem for the HL-4200CN. Its low-capacity toner cartridges have to be replaced more frequently, making this printer one of the more expensive to maintain among those we tested.
A few flaws mar the HL-4200CN's compact design. The printer continues to print even if you remove the plastic toner-cartridge cover, which doubles as part of the main output tray. Printed pages don't jam, but they pile up untidily and sometimes pick up loose toner. The HL-4200CN's multipurpose tray requires much effort to open.
The HL-4200CN's best feature is its software. The BRAdmin Professional management application is useful, despite its outdated look. Instructional videos in Macromedia Flash walk users through basic tasks such as changing toner. And the CD-based documentation is thorough and well written.
Bargain hunters should look to the Oki Data C7300n; it's a better value for the price. The Brother's twin, Xerox's Phaser 6250N, offers a better if pricier implementation.
Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 5500n
HP's Color LaserJet 5500n easily dominates its bigger sibling, the Color LaserJet 9500n. It's faster and lower priced; it offers mostly comparable specs and proves itself equally good at printing text and graphics. But Xerox's Phaser 7300DN is better still, being faster and cheaper to maintain.
The Color LaserJet 5500n earns top marks for its simple, wizard-driven setup and powerful, multidimensional Web JetAdmin management software. The default installation script automatically creates and assigns a TCP/IP port, assigns an IP address dynamically, and sets the printer as a shared device.
Print quality fared better than print speed. The Color LaserJet 5500n printed excellent quality text but at a pedestrian rate. Graphics came out at a similarly moderate pace but displayed banding, moiré, and a washed-out palette. The Xerox Phaser 7300DN was faster overall but rated still lower in print quality.
The Color LaserJet 5500n is built for heavy, varied traffic. It has a high monthly duty cycle, a high maximum paper capacity, and wide-format capabilities. The unit itself is hulking -- impossible for one person to move. The panels that open to expose paper paths and replaceable parts are durable, smooth-hinged, and well suited to heavy use. Decals inside the panels give clear visual cues for removing the toner cartridges and clearing paper jams.
Hewlett-Packard Color LaserJet 9500n
HP's Color LaserJet 9500n is a good printer with tough competition: Xerox's comparably priced, powerful Phaser 7750DN and the faster, lower-priced HP Color LaserJet 5500n. If long-term costs concern you, however, this printer is a little more economical than its sibling.
The heaviest and tallest printer we've seen, the Color LaserJet 9500n rolls on its own wheels. Built for heavy traffic, its 200,000-page monthly duty cycle is the highest in our roundup, and its paper trays can accommodate tabloid (11-by-17-inch) paper. Only its maximum paper capacity of 1,100 sheets seems lowball; other members of the Color LaserJet 9500 product line can take more.
Everything else about the Color LaserJet 9500n's design was exemplary. A multitude of doors make the insides easily accessible. HP includes tongs -- yes, tongs -- to help you finagle jammed sheets out of the printer's depths. A spring-loaded output tray lowers itself as more paper accumulates. And the control panel is easy to understand.
Top-notch documentation includes a printed user guide tucked inside one of the front doors (as well as more detailed content on a CD). The polished Web JetAdmin software makes monitoring and managing the printer a breeze.
The Color LaserJet 9500n printed beautifully but at mediocre speeds. Text stayed crisp down to miniscule font sizes. Color samples looked smooth and realistic. The Phaser 7750DN and the Color LaserJet 5500n, among other printers, outpaced it.
Although its high-yield consumables should save you money over time, the Color LaserJet 9500n's expensive drums -- one for each color -- push its long-term expenses higher. It's still a little cheaper to maintain than the Color LaserJet 5500n, but the Phaser 7750DN is cheaper by several thousand dollars.
If the Color LaserJet 9500n was a little faster or a little cheaper, it would gain more of an edge over the competition. But for the price, the Xerox Phaser 7750DN gets the nod; and as an alternative, the Color LaserJet 5500n betters the 9500n in everything but consumables.
IBM Infoprint Color 1354n
IBM's Infoprint Color 1354n performed nearly identically to its clone, the Lexmark C752n, but the similarity is a mixed blessing. Both printers achieved decent speed and good overall print quality. They offered the same exhaustive documentation and sophisticated MarkVision management software. But IBM's version costs more overall, and HP's Color LaserJet 5500n and Xerox's Phaser 6250N offer stronger packages.
The Infoprint Color 1354n is bulky -- two sets of handholds help you hoist its 105 pounds -- but mostly well designed. Its maximum paper capacity is a high 3,100 sheets with extra-cost trays. The full-width front panel offers easy access to the consumables and the paper path. The panel flexes noticeably when open, however, and its hinge seems flimsy. The printer surprised us by pushing printed pages out the upper-right access door when we left it open by mistake. IBM says this feature is intentional, but it's undocumented -- and the printer reacted by jamming and going offline.
A few problems mar the printer's otherwise incredibly helpful labelling and documentation. Removing the toner cartridges is complicated by the presence of two unlabeled sets of arrows pointing in different directions. You could easily mistake the fuser's release levers for two nearby, nonremovable latches; an illustration in the user's guide makes their differences unclear.
Print quality and speed on the Infoprint 1354n varied. Text pages printed at a moderate pace but looked very good, just a little thick. Graphics pages printed slowly and suffered from banding, a little moiré, and a generally washed-out look.
We don't know why IBM charges a little more for this printer and its consumables than Lexmark does, but considering that it's otherwise identical, it's the lesser value of the two.
Konica Minolta Magicolor 3300 DN
The Magicolor 3300 DN closely resembles both the Brother HL-4200CN and the Xerox Phaser 6250N, but of the three it offers the least polished implementation. Setup went smoothly (after we located a couple of ActiveX controls necessary for the installation -- but oddly missing from Windows Server 2003). Documentation is thorough and well written, but information on the utilities is scattered through multiple volumes, making it hard to know what to install.
The 3300 DN printed inconsistently as well. Text moseyed at a moderate pace, coming out fuzzy and heavy-looking. Color prints came out slowly; and whereas presentation slides looked good, photos looked dark and exhibited moiré. Consumables are pricey, and half-capacity starter cartridges force you to buy your first replacements soon after purchase.
Design aspects we disliked in the Brother HL-4200CN crop up again in the Magicolor 3300 DN. The multipurpose tray is difficult to open. And the printer prints even if the plastic panel serving as both toner-cartridge covers and output tray is removed -- a careless oversight at best.
The Magicolor 3300 DN would serve a small workgroup adequately but not as well as other models we tested. The Xerox Phaser 6250N and the lower-priced Oki Data C7300n are better buys in this price range.
Kyocera Ecosys FS-C5016N
Everyone knows that the real money for printer vendors lies in the consumables, not the machines. And as our calculations show, the less expensive printers often have the most expensive consumables costs over time. But one entry-level model bucks the trend. Kyocera's Ecosys FS-C5016N's long-life drum saves you thousands of dollars compared to other printers.
If time is money, however, then the Ecosys FS-C5016N exacts its fee by posting the slowest times by far on our performance tests. Text printed at a sedate average of 10ppm; color pages, on average, crawled at a slothlike 1.3ppm. Print quality was good overall, but text looked a little heavy, and color samples seemed a little darker than usual.
It's too bad, because the printer has many other nice attributes. The FS-C5016N has a high maximum paper capacity (with extra-cost trays). Kyocera's KM-Viewer software (in both Windows and Web form) offers a bevy of features and a clean, simple interface. Its documentation is exhaustively detailed, but we disliked having to jump from one manual to another to perform our network installation.
Offices that want to shave every penny off printing costs may consider the Ecosys FS-C5016N regardless of its performance. The busier the office, however, the more this printer will frustrate users.
Lexmark C752n
Lexmark's C752n has plenty of good points, including simple setup and operation, plus its full-featured, intuitively designed MarkVision management tool. But its expensive consumables and so-so print quality drag it down compared to others in the roundup.
Setting up and using the C752n is almost soothing. The printed documentation illustrates every step of the installation, and the wizard often knows the right setting before you do. During printing, the control panel's LCD offers up helpful messages and diagrams, such as which of the four zones contains a jam.
The C752n's imposing boxy, bulky design has its ups and downs. It has a sky-high maximum paper capacity of 3,100 sheets. The entire front panel swings upward to expose the innards; well-illustrated labels guide the removal of errant pages. But both the panel and its hinges seem flimsy. And as with its IBM twin, a printed page fell out the open upper-right access door and caused a jam.


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Note: This article contains disturbing content that may be triggering for some readers.
By Ruth Sherlock
In the jails and interrogation centres of secret police, prisoners have been brutalised, either at the hands of officers, or more often with a bottle or other utensil.
"In detention facilities rape is clearly used as a form of torture to humiliate and degrade people, and to bring back the wall of fear," said Nadim Khoury, Deputy Director for the Middle East at Human Rights Watch.
The claims come as Britain prepares to launch a campaign against rape as a weapon of war that will be the centrepiece of its presidency of the G8 countries next year.
William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, will today recruit the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to highlight the issue at a meeting at the Foreign Office.
He has ordered the establishment of a special diplomatic team to document and help ensure the prosecution of sexual war crimes in conflict zones to support the initiative.
Meanwhile refugees fleeing Syriahave told the Telegraph that regime militia are using rape and the threat of it to scare the opposition.
(To read full article, visit this Telegraph link)
© 2016 National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
This site is supported by Grant/ Cooperative Agreement No. 1UF2CE002359-04 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


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Growing resiliency in children starts with you
As a children's advocate I used to tell people what I did and they would get sad for me. I would quickly reassure them that I loved my job because I got to see so much hope and resilience. Every child or teen I met with was amazing in their own way. That's why I was so excited to share what I learned in the Growing Resiliency webinar for the Lifespan Project.
During the webinar we asked participants to think about some common characteristics of a child. They came up with great ideas-- silly, playful, timid, energetic...the list went on. Ultimately they painted a bright and cheerful picture. I also asked them to describe characteristics of a child who had been abused. They offered a mixed response-- strong, scared, untrusting, tricked. The point of this exercise is to show that any of the first set of descriptors are still there for a child who's survived sexual abuse. It's so important that we speak to and play with the silly, energetic child while also working through the feelings of distrust or fear.
Throughout the rest of the webinar we discussed the ways that CSA impacts both the child and the family's experiences along different social levels. It was a great scenario based discussion. Lexi from PCAR was my co-presenter and she shared some powerful information about the 7 C's of resiliency and ways that advocates can foster those traits in the children they work with. Even more importantly, we talked about ways you can build these skills for non-offending family members.
This was a fun webinar to facilitate and I think many of the participants gained a lot from discussing ideas with one another. If you're interested in checking it out, a recorded version is available on our campus.
This blog post is part of the Feminism is for children series in honor of SAAM.


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Poole residents are to be charged for dumping some kinds of waste as the council seeks to save £50,000.
From October 1 visitors to the household waste and recycling centre at Nuffield will have to pay to dispose of asbestos, plasterboard, gas canisters, tyres and soil and rubble.
The charges have not yet been set but will be decided by the head of consumer protection over the next few weeks.
They are expected to be similar to other local charges, for example it costs around £5 to dispose of a tyre.
The disposal of normal household waste and recycling will remain free for local residents. Last year the council spent more than £55,000 disposing of the materials collected at the tip, for which it aims to introduce charges.
Due to changes in landfill tax the cost of the disposal of soil and rubble alone is to rocket from £5,000 to £35,000 a year.
The proposals were approved at cabinet and will save the council £50,000 a year as it works to close a £13.5million funding gap in its budget to 2018.
Cabinet also gave approval to officers to develop proposals to find savings of a further £75,000 from the operation of the waste centre by restricting access for vans which will reduce the cost of commercial waste treatment.
Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment, Borough of Poole, said: "The council, and therefore our council taxpayers, incur a significant cost as a result of people disposing of non-household materials at our waste and recycling centre.
"However, the size of the financial challenge faced by the council unfortunately means we have no option but to introduce a charge. Several other local authorities already charge for non-household materials at waste and recycling sites and we will only look to introduce charges that reflect other local options for disposal."


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An Investment in Her Is an
Investment in Our Future
When girls and women learn, we all win
Education can close the gap
Access to education and technology must become a global, fundamental right for girls and women. Intel technology–based programs in education and digital literacy are empowering women around the world, and the impact is clear:
- They gain the skills to become more self-confident and productive.
- They access and generate new sources of prosperity, and invest them in the health, education, and well being of their families and communities.
- They reach out to help others move forward, initiating and escalating cycles of empowerment.
- Employment and entrepreneurship increase significantly.
- Poverty decreases, GDP increases, and positive global change results.
Giving girls a chance to learn and prosper
Access to educational programs can provide girls with the opportunities for quality education and personal growth through technology, scholarships, and community learning programs. Through programs such as the Intel® Learn Program and the Intel® Computer Clubhouse Network (ICCN), girls gain the skills to become the next generation of leaders.
Giving teachers the tools to make a difference
Over the past 12 years, Intel has trained more than 10 million teachers, including an estimated 5 million female teachers in 70 countries. The Intel® Teach Program helps teachers become more effective educators by training them in ways to integrate technology into their lessons. By doing so, they can help their students develop the problem-solving, critical-thinking, and collaboration skills they need to succeed in the global economy.
Girl Rising—The Film
Directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, which tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls and narrated by 9 renowned actresses.
A location near you >
- Read More
- ˄
- ˅


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Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at close on Thursday:
AGK - AGL ENERGY - up 43 cents, or 2.8 per cent, a $15.61
The competition tribunal has backed energy giant AGL's bid to buy two NSW state-owned power stations.
CTX - CALTEX AUSTRALIA - up 12 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $21.71
Fuel supplier Caltex has warned of a fall in first half profit, including a large loss from its refining operations.
ILU - ILUKA RESOURCES - up 15 cents, or 1.8 per cent, at $8.45
Mineral sands miner Iluka has approached the operator of a titanium mine in Mozambique about a possible takeover.
MVF - MONASH IVF - up 5.5 cents, or three per cent, at $1.905
One of Australia's largest fertility companies has enjoyed a successful debut on the share market.
NCR - NUCOAL RESOURCES - steady at 1.3 cents
A NSW coal company is mounting a constitutional challenge in the High Court to a state law cancelling corruption-tainted exploration licences.
SXL - SOUTHERN CROSS MEDIA - up two cents, or 1.9 per cent, at $1.07
The former boss of Southern Cross Media, Tony Bell, has resigned from the company's board.
TAH - TABCORP - up 21 cents, or 6.2 per cent, at $3.60
TTS - TATTS GROUP - up 13 cents, or 4.35 per cent, at $3.12
A judgement in a Supreme Court case involving Tabcorp, Tatts and the Victorian government, related to the expiration of the companies' gaming machine licences, is expected late on Thursday.


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>Running 101>Strides
I've got a fever...
I have heard a lot about training with something called "strides"... is that just walking fast to increase your stride legnth, or am I way if... and also, what good do they do to your running time?
On your deathbed, you won't wish that you'd spent more time at the office. But you will wish that you'd spent more time running. Because if you had, you wouldn't be on your deathbed.
When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?
Runners run.
How To Run a Marathon: Step 1 - start running. There is no Step 2.
Ok, I understand strides, but how do they differ from intervals and tempo running?
Ricky —our ability to perform up to our physiological potential in a race is determined by whether or not we truly psychologically believe that what we are attempting is realistic. Anton Krupicka
12 Monkeys
Enter one and race it.
I'm running somewhere tomorrow. It's going to be beautiful. I can't wait.
Poor baby
shonan marathon, girl
next race SHONAN MARATHON nov 3rd, 2012, OSAKA MARATHON nov 25th, i am aiming for nyc!
Agreed. This is the best way.


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Michelle Obama has gushed over the Oscar-nominated film Beasts of the Southern Wild, calling it one of the "most powerful and most important" movies in a long time in a ringing endorsement delivered less than two weeks before this month's Academy Awards ceremony.
The US first lady commented during a Black History Month workshop on Wednesday at the White House for about 80 middle- and high-school students from the District of Columbia and New Orleans. The movie was set in Louisiana.
Students saw the film, then got to question director Benh Zeitlin and actors Dwight Henry and nine-year-old Quvenzhane Wallis. Wallis stars in the mythical tale of a six-year-old girl named Hushpuppy struggling to survive in the southern Delta with her ailing father as a storm approaches. Her world consists of a tight-knit, shantytown community on the bayou with wild animals, both real and imagined.
The film won four Oscar nominations, including for best picture, best actress and directing.
Michelle Obama said she saw the 93-minute film over the US summer with a large group of friends and family who ranged in age from three to 73, and they were enthralled by it.
"It's rare these days to find a movie that can so completely and utterly captivate such a broad audience and that was one of the things that struck me about this movie," she said. "It managed to be beautiful, joyful and devastatingly honest."
The first lady said Beasts makes viewers "think deeply about the people we love in our lives who make us who we are" and shows the strength of communities and the power they give others to overcome obstacles.
"It also tells a compelling story of poverty and devastation but also of hope and love in the midst of some great challenges," she said.
Michelle Obama also said it was "cool" that "there are so many important lessons to learn in that little 93 minutes".
"That a director and a set of writers and producers can say so much in just 93 minutes," the US first lady told the students. "And it doesn't always happen in a movie, quite frankly, but this one did it, and that's why I love this movie so much and why our team wanted to bring it here to the White House and share it with all of you."


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GORNAL Athletic are set to continue their survival battle when they take on Westfields at Garden Walk tomorrow.
Fans unable to watch the clash can keep up to date with all the action with The News' live match updates.
We will be in action from 2.30pm with team news before providing regular updates when the match kicks off at 3pm.
Gornal will be aiming to get a vital three points as they look to stay in the Midland Alliance under new manager Andy Wyton.


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WILTSHIRE Police is appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Swindon.
The incident took place shortly after 4.20am on Sunday (January 26) at Bridgemead roundabout, Swindon.
A silver Volkswagon Golf collided with a set of traffic lights before coming to a halt on the middle of the roundabout.
As a result of police enquiries, three men – one aged 22 and two aged 25, all from the Swindon area, were arrested on suspicion of drink driving. All three have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Wiltshire Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the Bridgemead area of Swindon between 4am and 4.30am on Sunday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.


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Total number of stocks: 1269
Portfolio value: $488 B
Portfolio value: $488 B
* "Hold Price" is the term we use to indicate the price at which our Super Investors are comfortable owning a security. It is the price of the security as of the portfolio date (usually quarter end). It's a reasonable indicator of a stock's undervaluation at that price, otherwise it would have been sold. We only provide this value when a security is owned by at least two Super Investors. In the case of reporting dates being different, we calculate a weighted average price.


text: Combating Human Trafficking Perspectives on slavery from Asia, Eastern Europe and Chicago. Twenty miles from Wheaton College's campus, people are enslaved. On Monday, Nov. 19, students were given a glimpse of this reality. The Justice Coalition assembled a panel of members to discuss the topic from three different pockets of the world: Asia, Eastern Europe and Chicago. More > New Home for the Arts The performing arts on Wheaton's campus look forward to new facilities as a part of the Board of Trustees' Strategic Priorities. The sciences may have claimed Wheaton's most recent addition to campus structures, but the performing arts are next on the list for new facilities. In May 2012, the Wheaton College Board of Trustees established four Strategic Priorities, one of which was to "Enhance Music and the Performing Arts." In the Strategic Priorities document, the trustees said that "Wheaton's most pressing facility need" is new facilities for the Conservatory of Music, due to the fact that the current buildings "lag far behind the caliber of our program and in some cases are unacceptable for our current program." More > Bible vs. Quran: Trustworthiness of Texts Evaluated Keith Small analyzes historical credibility of the Bible and the Quran. Can the Bible or the Quran act as a guidebook to life? This question was explored as a group of about 50 students and community members gathered in Blanchard to hear a discussion entitled "The Bible vs. the Quran: How Do the Texts Stand Up to a Fair Test?" On Thursday, Nov. 15, Keith Small, who is a member of Avant Ministries and teaches for the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and the London School of Theology, was the featured lecturer for the night. More > Wheaton off to perfect start to season Men's basketball team hold an undefeated record with four games under their belt. With the end of November comes the beginning of basketball season, and the Thunder men's team welcomed it with four straight victories to start the year. Wheaton was 3-0 in contests prior to Thanksgiving and before going on the road on Wednesday, Nov. 28, and defeating the University of Chicago to improve their record to 4-0. More > Hello, Texas Thunder women return to San Antonio for second straight year. For the second consecutive season, the Wheaton Thunder women's soccer team is headed to San Antonio to compete for the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Championship. The team left on Wednesday, Nov. 28, for the Final Four, which begins this afternoon, Nov. 30, when Wheaton takes on Emory University (Ga.) in the National Semifinal round (5 p.m. CT; WETN 88.1 FM). More >


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KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — The federal government is recommending a phased start to treatment of radioactive waste at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in Washington state.
The Tri-City Herald reports the Department of the Energy proposes starting to treat some of the 56 million gallons of waste held underground at Hanford as soon as possible. Meanwhile, work would continue to resolve technical issues at a plant that will turn high-level waste into glass for disposal.
The federal government created Hanford to build the atomic bomb at the height of World War II. Today, it's the nation's most contaminated nuclear site, with cleanup expected to last decades.
In June, the federal government notified state officials that it is at serious risk of missing two cleanup deadlines at Hanford. Gov. Jay Inslee has said the state would work to ensure that federal cleanup commitments are met.


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Red, White, & Blue Pinwheel
This pinwheel would go really well in a centerpiece or would be a fun party favor for guests. This is a great 4th of July multi-use decorations.
This pick is perfect for sprucing up your 4th of July decorating scheme. I love that it comes with all three colors: red, white and blue - so you don't have to buy 3 different ones.
This confetti will add pizzazz to your table-scape with minimal effort. I really like the prismatic effect of flags - they will glimmer in the warm summer sun for your 4th of July pool party or picnic.Tags: DIY, stripes, stars, sparkles, crafts, crafting, party supplies, party, Arts and CraftsAdded 9 Years Ago from Partyamerica


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D.C. of Norfolk, Virginia, wrote to us with this question:
How's it going Steven? This is your long lost email bud in Norfolk, VA. Still waiting for you to come see us little people here in the Norfolk, Virginia Beach area.
I could use some EXPERT advice of yours. Just got a Weber 2290 Kettle Rotisserie. I've used it once already and I love it on my Weber kettle. Gonna get a Performer this spring. Only thing is, it gets a lot of airflow and hard to control the temp. Some suggest to close the bottom vents all the way and the same for the top vents. Would you concur on that or do you suggest something different. I'm all ears.
In advance, thanks for your help Steven.
PS - I know you hear this a lot, I love Primal Grill, especially the crew cut ins. I was wondering who was eating all that great food you cook on the show. But, I do miss the music from Barbeque University."
We advised him that closing the vents would starve the fire, and suggested he invest in a grill thermometer for his kettle. Other suggestions, Board? Neither Steven nor I have had problems with our rotisseries...


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METAIRIE — Even at age 33, five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith still puts the "wow'' in the Carolina Panthers' passing game with his ability to move the chains and change the complexion of games while facing double coverage.
But former LSU standout Brandon LaFell appears to be closing the gap on Smith, game by game, catch by catch, yard by yard, touchdown by touchdown. One day, who knows? LaFell may become the passing fancy for Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
As his third NFL season draws to a close Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the 26-year-old LaFell is giving off those kinds of vibes.
"He's been tremendous,'' Carolina coach Ron Rivera said of LaFell during a conference call this week. "He's our No. 2 (wide receiver) right now. He just gets better and better each week.''
Through 15 games, LaFell ranks third on the team with career highs of 39 catches for 615 yards and four touchdowns — this despite being slowed by a concussion, a chipped bone in his right foot and turf toe since Week 8. Of 69 passes thrown to him, LaFell only has three drops for a respectable 56.5 completion percentage.
"I feel I can keep improving and keep getting better,'' said LaFell, a third-round draft pick in 2010 who has caught 12 passes for 137 yards in five games against New Orleans.
"I feel like I've improved a lot over the last couple of years, and I hear it a lot from other DBs. So I just have to keep doing what I'm doing, keep getting better, and learn as much as I can from Smitty (Steve Smith) while he's here.''
Smith leads the Panthers with 70 catches (on 129 targeted passes, with five drops, for a 54.4 completion percentage) for 1,101 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Greg Olsen has chipped in with 65 catches for 800 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.
But it's the play of LaFell that has Rivera excited as this season winds down.
"Last year, when we were going into training camp, I was a little disappointed in him,'' Rivera said of LaFell, who on Christmas Eve 2011 caught a franchise-record 91-yard touchdown pass in a 48-16 win against Tampa Bay.
"We brought in Legedu Naanee to be the starter, and I think that put a little fire in him a little bit. He took it personal, and I'm telling you: The young man has developed into a solid football player.''
Saints CB Jabari Greer (concussion) and RB Pierre Thomas (knee) are among three players who won't dress out for Sunday's finale with the Panthers. Also out is DT Akiem Hicks (knee). ... TE Jimmy Graham (wrist/finger), FB Jed Collins (knee) and RB Chris Ivory (hamstring) are probable. ... For the Panthers, RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle), C Geoff Hangartner (foot), LB James Anderson (back) and WR Joe Adams (ankle) are all questionable, while DE Greg Hardy (not injury-related) and LaFell (toe) are probable. ... Former Saints linebacker Rickey Jackson, a 2010 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will meet fans at the Saints Hall of Fame Museum, located at Gate B on the Plaza Level of the Superdome from 10-11:15 a.m. Sunday. The museum is free of charge to ticket holders for three hours before and 45 minutes after each home game.


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Which Celeb's Beach Style Do You Have?
Is your beach style sweet like Selena Gomez's, playful like Audrina Patridge's, or sporty like Jessica Biel's?
-Faye Brennan
You may not realize it, but what you wear to the beach or the pool says a lot about you and your personality. True, you may just be wearing a bathing suit, but it's the style of the bathing suit and how you wear it that speaks volumes.
If you are curious about what your beachwear preferences say about you, compare your style with the following sun-lovin' celebrities'. Are you sweet like Selena or sexy like a VS model? Here is your chance to find out:
Read 20 Crazy Expensive Swimsuits
Although she was photographed in this bikini while having a PDA session with Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez's look is sweet and innocent overall. The bow in her hot pink bikini top adds a cute factor, and her only accessories are sunglasses and hoop earrings. Sweet, indeed!
In a playful look like Audrina Patridge's, you are ready for whatever a beach day may throw at you. Whether that means lounging around or playing in the water with a beach ball, you can easily kick off your espadrilles and have fun (and your bright bathing suit will stay in place!).
Check you out, sexpot! If you like to wear black, revealing monokinis, sheer cover ups or any kind of animal print, you like the sexy look on the beach. Victoria's Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, and Adriana Lima do it well, but when you come out of your hotel room all sexified up, you give them a run for their money.


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Welcome to Dragon Cave! Dragon Cave is an online adoptables game. Collect eggs, raise them to adulthood, and then breed them to create interesting lineages. New types of dragons are added regularly!
Ice Dragons are fierce predators who hunt using their extremely cold breath. The breath of an ice dragon can freeze its prey solid in seconds. The body of an ice dragon is so cold that icicles will form along its skin no matter the outside temperature.
Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling's wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.
Dragons don't communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.


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PHILADELPHIA – University of Pennsylvania women's soccer player Ana Chevtchenko has again been called up to Russia's full national side, this time for a pair of matches against the United States.
The Russians and the U.S. team will meet twice in the next week here in the States, the first match taking place Saturday (Feb. 8) at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., and the second taking place next Wednesday (Feb. 12) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The United States and Russia will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and again at 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday. Both matches will air on the U.S. Soccer website.
"I am extremely happy that Ana is getting to represent her country against the U.S. women's national team this week," said Penn's head coach, Darren Ambrose. "Representing your country is the highest honor you can get in sports,and is one Ana has worked hard to achieve. We are proud of her and excited to see her compete against the United States."
Chevtchenko, a freshman midfielder who missed most of the 2013 Penn season due to injury, was called up to Russia's national team during the college season for its World Cup qualifier against Germany. Though she was born in Portland, Oregon and continues to live there with her family, Chevtchenko has dual Russian citizenship which allows her to play for Russia's national team.


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I have the following code that creates a new user. I am using PHPUnit to prepare test cases but however my code coverage is unable to cover the exception case i.e.
throw new Exception(__CLASS__ . ': Invalid data');
Can someone please show me how to cover the exception case in phpunit using assertInstanceOf() or something else?
* Creates a new user
* @param string $email
* @param UserType $UserType
* @param string $prefix
* @param string $customFromName
* @param string $customFromEmail
* @param string $signature
* @return UserID
* @throws Exception If Invalid Data is Provided
static public function Create($email, UserType $UserType, $prefix, $customFromName, $customFromEmail, $signature)
if (!$UserType instanceof UserType) {
throw new Exception(__CLASS__ . ': Invalid data');
$UserID = parent::Create($email, $UserType, $prefix, $customFromName, $customFromEmail, $signature, true);
return $UserID;
Many thanks
That will never happen. PHP will complain if you try to pass in something that isn't a UserType because you have the type hinting in the function signature. Remove that if() it is useless.
Thanks for your reply.
Please elaborate this statement of yours "PHP will complain"
Many thanks once again
1) Your code is incorrect, it must be
if (![b]([/b]$UserType instanceof UserType[b])[/b]) {
throw new Exception(__CLASS__ . ': Invalid data');
Otherwise you're checking if the negation of the $UserType (which is false), is in instance of UserType, which of course it isn't, so the if never ever fires)
Even if you fix this, it still won't work because,
2) PHP enforces that you give it an instance of UserType, as @QMonkey; already said. If you don't, you get an error like:
Catchable fatal error: Argument 2 passed to A::Create() must be an instance of UserType, instance of stdClass given
3) I don't think you should be testing this at all, since you're basically getting down to testing the PHP core, which is not what unit tests are for -- they are for testing your application. Let the PHP core devs worry about testing the PHP core. If you were to test this you might as well start testing if PHP finds that 1 + 1 equals 2...
Thanks ScallioXTX
So you mean so say that PHPUnit should NOT check for exceptions? If so, then the code coverage does not cover even 90%
That's what you took from what I said? That is absolutely NOT what I'm saying! PHPUnit should definitely check for exceptions, but it should not check if PHP does indeed throw a fatal error when you pass an object that does not fit a type hint (in your case when you pass the Create function anything other than a UserType instance).
Your exception is not needed since PHP will check that the object you pass to the Create() function is indeed an instance of UserType. If it isn't, PHP stops with a catchable fatal error. Just like that. No more code will be executed, because you said the function must get a UserType instance but you gave it something else. There is no need you for to throw an exception yourself, since you're double checking something that PHP already checked, which makes no sense.
Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Ok so If I understood correctly, I should be using a try/catch block instead of the throw exception one?
No. Please read the thread again. All the info is there. There is is no exception, there is only a fatal error if you pass a wrong object.
For completeness sake: a fatal error is not the same thing as an exception, they are two completely different things.
Suppose in the following case:
require "/path/does/not/exits";
Is it a good idea to wrap th above code in try catch block since PHP will display a fatal error since its looking for a non-existant file?
try catch blocks catch Exceptions, they do NOT catch fatal errors, since that's something else entirely. So to answer to your question, it's not a good idea, because it doesn't do anything. Try it and see for yourself, I encourage you to!
Thanks for the reply, Will try it.
Can u also tell me how do I cover the following exception case in my PhpUnit test?
$DB->Insert(db query here...);
$lastInsertID = $DB->InsertID();
if (!$lastInsertID) {
throw new Exception('Unable to insert new record');
One thing I dont understand is that whether we group it using brackets or not, it does not matter as what you said. Consider these 2 examples:
Can u pls give me an example supporting your statement?
It appears you are right and those parentheses aren't needed (since instanceof has a higher precedence than !).I stand corrected
ok thanks for confirming that,


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Six months ago we embarked on a global series of Solution Showcase events where Adobe Partners joined us to present their LiveCycle based solution to a panel of judges. We've had some real fun with some amazing, remarkable and well designed solutions and frankly, some ugly ducklings but serve-the-purpose solutions. Adobe delivers the message of user-centric design and customer experience management (CEM) so next week in New York the partner community day is dedicated to User eXperience.
At our Showcase event next week in New York we are looking forward to 13 solution presentations from our global partners:
The lucky winners of the showcase in New York will join the 16 winners of the previous events in San Jose, Washington and Amsterdam:
To get an idea of what the showcase events are like, here is a video of the recent Amsterdam venue:


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The flavors of a fall harvest and cinnamon are welcoming and comforting, perfect for someone whose spirits may need a lift. And while the flavor says autumn, the ingredients are available year-round – so enjoy!
Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray 9x5 in. loaf pan with vegetable pan spray; set aside.
In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. In medium bowl, whisk together oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir into flour mixture. Stir in zucchini, apple and pecans, mixing until just combined. (Do not overmix.) Turn mixture into prepared pan.
Bake 60-70 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool bread in pan 10 minutes. Remove bread from pan; cool completely on cooling grid.
Makes about 12 servings.
Cook's Tip: If desired, substitute chopped walnuts or other favorites for pecans.
Gift Giving Tips: Baked gifts are perfectly paired with gifts that will get continuous use, such as a Loaf Pan. Cool bread according to recipe instructions, then return to cleaned pan. Slip the bread along with pan into a Large Treat Bag; secure the bag with a twist tie and a beautiful ribbon. Trim away any excess from the top of the bag.
If desired, include additional kitchen utensils that complement the theme of the gift, such as placing the wrapped pan on a wooden cutting board. Secure the bottom of the bag to the board using double stick tape, then tie both with another ribbon. Attach a recipe card for future baking occasions.


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By Tom Miller and Will Freeman
Beijingers call the hot and sticky months of July and August the "sauna" season. On muggy summer evenings, sensible locals sweat it out in the capital's old lanes with sticks of fatty lamb kebabs and cold bottles of Yanjing beer.
But real men roll up their T-shirts under their armpits, ditch the pansy lager, and instead glug down the local firewater known as baijiu – a potent mash of sorghum, rice, unhusked barley and other grains.
For foreign businessmen forced to drink the stuff at countless banquets, baijiu provides an infamous challenge for the unconditioned palate. But this white spirit – generally 40-60 per cent alcohol by volume, but sometimes 70 per cent plus – is a mainstay of Chinese culture, first popularised during the Xia dynasty 4,000 years ago.
Baijiu, the world's largest spirits category by volume, traditionally dominated the domestic booze market. But in recent years, sales volumes of China's national liquor declined as beer, a foreign upstart, gulped up market share.
Now baijiu makers are fighting back with a proliferation of new luxury varieties designed to appeal to the country's growing band of big spenders. Revenues are shooting up at major distilleries and baijiu is giving beer a run for its money.


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Let's talk left-handed relief, shall we?
The Mets enter the offseason with Tim Byrdak, last season's best lefty reliever, still recovering from shoulder surgery. Can he pitch in 2013? If so, not until much later in the season.
This week, they removed Justin Hampson from their 40-man roster, and Hampson became a free agent.
Robert Carson struggled in his big league time.
Josh Edgin was impressive at times, but he's essentially all they have, and he allowed righties to post an .831 OPS in his rookie year.
So typically, a team should probably look at add a lefty reliever, right?
Well, couple things. Mets probably don't have enough money to add a starting outfielder, and they need three of them. Then there's catcher, where Josh Thole was simply not acceptable after coming back from his concussion, and Kelly Shoppach is a free agent. So lefty reliever is down on the list, and there probably won't be much money for one.
But as you probably can tell from my headline, there is a lefty reliever hitting the market who could be a low-cost option for the Mets: Oliver Perez.
Briefly: I argued for the Mets dealing for him last summer. They didn't, and instead, the renewed Perez pitched to 2.12 ERA for the Mariners. And as you may remember, the Mets bullpen… didn't have a 2.12 ERA. Not only could things have gone better with Perez in tow, it is hard to argue they could have gone any worse.
What is interesting about Perez is that the very thing that kept him from succeeding with the Mets in 2009-10, a precipitous drop in fastball velocity, has disappeared. He averaged 93.7 MPH with his fastball in 2012, which is on par with his 93 from 2004, the breakout season he enjoyed with the Pirates.
If you'd like to argue that Perez failed in New York in 2009-10, which is true, I'd point out that he was a better than league average starter for the 2007-08 Mets.
Ultimately, beggars can't be choosy, and there probably isn't a better lefty option out of the bullpen that the Mets can afford than Oliver Perez. That he's likely to be affordable because of his struggles until 2012 makes him an ideal buy-low candidate. That those struggles came with the Mets is what makes it hard for Mets fans to swallow. But is the fact that he lost his fastball here any more relevant than if it had happened in St. Louis or Chicago?
Not to me. So Oliver Perez, back to the Mets. Who is with me? And if not, can you argue why not in baseball terms, rather than by making psychological diagnoses you are in no position to make?
Have a good weekend.


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Perpetual Calendar Black Red
Not exactly sure how it works, but it would bring a piece of art into your home. You can use it forever, really. Simply move the two magnetic balls to mark the date and month. Originally designed for the Museum of Modern Art, now you can have it in your own home. Can be hung on a wall or propped up on a desktop.


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WEST Midlands Ambulance Service is gearing up for another potentially hectic evening as England prepare to face Uruguay in their second game of the World Cup.
Calls to the service rose significantly before, during and after last Saturday's match against Italy, with the total number of incidents much higher than a normal Saturday night.
With tonight's game due to kick off at 8pm the trust's acting emergency services director Nathan Hudson said: "We will once again have additional crews and paramedics in rapid response vehicles in place around the region along with extra staff in the Emergency Operations Centres in Brierley Hill and Stafford.
"We all have our fingers crossed for the right result.
"All we'd ask is that 'when' that happens, people enjoy the moment sensibly.
"After all, there's at least one more match to play."


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Management Sponsored by
Editor's note: The 2014 graduates of the cosmetics and fragrance marketing and management master's degree program at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York presented their Capstone presentations at "The Changing Face of the Beauty Consumer," event, sponsored by Unilever U.S., at FIT's Morris W. and Fannie B. Haft Auditorium on Wednesday, June 4, 2014. This year, students presented on a theme that dives into the challenges shaping the way beauty companies operate from economics to gender to ethnicity.
The following white paper, "Accessible Beauty," accompanied the presentation from group leader Jessica Dudley (L'Oréal) and co-leader Heather Cunningham (Shiseido Group USA), as well as Natalia Espejo (Unilever), Jennifer Lacenera (IT Cosmetics) and Dudley Williams (L'Oréal).
"I certainly am interested in accessibility, clarity, and immediacy."
—Paul Muldoon (Poet)
"I believe in accessibility. I believe in honesty and a culture that supports that. And you can't have that if you're not open to receiving feedback."
—Mindy Grossman (Chairman and CEO, HSN)
On the last day of the 44th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, leading financial experts offered a "cautiously optimistic" outlook on the global economy. One expert, Laurence Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Blackrock, USA said, "The U.S. economy is going to be fine;" however he warned that the world will exist in a state of significant volatility, adding, "This doesn't mean we will end up in a bad place. But there will be a lot of disruptions" (World Economic Forum, 2014). These disruptions stem from a variety of global changes that will come together to create a new global landscape in 2030.
With experts from the National Intelligence Council, Standard Chartered Bank, and the World Economic Forum predicting significant economic changes by 2030, how will the average U.S. consumer's consumption habits evolve? Furthermore, how can the beauty industry prepare for these changes and remain relevant to the 2030 consumer? This paper will introduce a new consumer group and consumption equation created through the research and analysis of economic and demographic global trends. Analysis of consumer preferences and consumption patterns reinforce tactical recommendations for the beauty industry to take in order to best prepare for the 2030 marketplace.
Global Economy: Research published by Standard Chartered Bank predicts the global economy will double by 2030 with Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increasing from $69 trillion (USD)1 in 2013 to an estimated $129 trillion; however, the role of today's developed economies, including the U.S., will have changed. World growth will primarily be driven by the emerging markets, which are estimated to contribute 70% of total increases.
New regional and bilateral trade agreements, coupled with the effects of globalization and the Internet will quadruple world trade to $75 trillion from $17.8 trillion in 2012. Trade between emerging markets will account for 40% of the total growth, up from just 18% in 2012. By 2030 the National Intelligence Council estimates that continental Asia will surpass North America and Europe combined in terms of GDP, population size, military spending, and technological investment. With an estimated GDP of $38.5 trillion, the U.S. economy will fall behind China, where GDP is expected to reach $58.8 trillion (Standard Chartered Bank, 2013; National Intelligence Council, 2012).
Despite the changing role of the developed markets in 2030, the U.S. will continue to play a vital part in the global economy. With private sector balance sheets largely fixed—indicating economic stability—Standard Chartered names the U.S. as the developed country with the strongest momentum going into the next decade. Furthermore, it is doubtful that any individual emerging market, even China, will attempt to usurp U.S. global leadership as emerging market perspectives are focused on reshaping regional structures (Standard Chartered Bank, 2013; National Intelligence Council, 2012).
Global Middle Class: With the number of impoverished individuals worldwide2 expected to fall below 500 million by 2030, a decline of 50% from 2014, per capita income levels are expected to rise by as much as 170% in China and India as they experience catch up growth (National Intelligence Council, 2012; Standard Chartered Bank, 2013). A 2011 report issued by Ernst & Young Global Limited (EY) supports this claim, estimating new middle class consumer growth of 3 billion people by 2030, representing a growth in demand from $21 trillion in 2011 to $56 trillion (EY, 2011). Maria Pinelli, Global Vice-Chair Strategic Growth Markets for EY explains: "There is a huge potential for middle class consumerism in rapid-growth economies."
Meanwhile, today, the American middle class has already lost its distinction as the most affluent middle class segment in the world, becoming victims of rising income inequality. For the past decade, U.S. GDP growth has been driven by the top 10% of earners, with median middle class income remaining flat (+0.3%) since 2000, compared with 20% growth in Britain and Canada in the same time period (Leonhardt & Quealy, 2014). This disparity has prompted President Obama to proclaim, "Inequality is the defining challenge of our time." If this pattern persists, living standards will continue to converge between the U.S. and today's emerging markets.
Individual Empowerment and Global Connectivity: In 2013, more than 70% of the world's population owned at least one mobile device and it is forecasted that by the end of 2014, in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, more people will have mobile network access than electricity at home (National Intelligence Council, 2012). Technological advancement and greater access to social media empowers individuals in ways previously unavailable. For example, according to the 2030 Global Trends report issued by the National Intelligence Council, Muslim women have recently adopted social media as a way of connecting with each other in "safe spaces" to discuss issues such as women's rights, gender equality, and the role of women within Islamic Law. They predict that as technology advances so will connectivity, giving individuals a stronger voice through the power of informal networks, creating a shift in power away from today's hegemonic authorities.
An increase in global migration due to aging Western populations will also strengthen global connectivity. In 2013, only two countries, Japan and Germany, had a median age over 45. By 2030, this number will increase to over 20 developed countries, triggering migration from younger economies to fill entry and lower level jobs. In America, the percentage of young people will continue to grow through 2030; however, their percentage of the total population will decline from 14.0% in 2012 to 12.8%, creating the same need for international migration (National Intelligence Council, 2012).


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I've just been notified that I've been chosen to speak at the upcoming Land Records and Genealogy Symposium in Beatrice, Nebraska on July 15 and 16, 2011.
I'll be presenting Social Networking: New Horizons for Genealogists as well as my new Google for Genealogists lecture.
This is a new event for me and is coordinated by the historian at the Homestead National Monument in Nebraska – a National Park Service site. The symposium will be held at the Southeast Community College of Nebraska in Beatrice.
©2011, copyright Thomas MacEntee


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The general take this morning seems to be that Satya Nadella, Microsoft's new CEO (left), is not really such a new type after all: an insider, well-liked, who won't shake things up too much, etc etc. I am sure this is largely true – the politics of the tech world are not my area of expertise. But in one area at least, I think the analysts are wrong: public image. I mean, take a look at the photograph on front pages everywhere (including our own): Mr Nadella, looking relaxed, staring into the distance in a…hoodie. Let me say that again: a hoodie. A hoodie! This signifies, it seems to me, a real generational shift, and an effort for Microsoft to at least appear to be part of the current buzz-worthy conversation. Read more
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