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CHICAGO — While all the space is occupied on the decade-old Chicago International Produce Market, there is no joy among wholesalers and distributors about the attrition that has claimed two big tenants over the past several years, industry leaders said.
Auster Co. closed its doors on the market a couple of years ago. More recently, World Wide Produce Inc. has quit operating.
Panama Banana has expanded into some of the units formerly occupied by Auster, and J.L. Gonzalez has expanded its footprint by acquiring space formerly used by World Wide Produce.
One of the bigger challenges to the market is that one major player seemingly goes out of business each year, said Mark Pappas, president of Coosemans Chicago Inc.
"The obvious thought would be if someone closes, the more business there would be, but I never thought like that," Pappas said. "I look at it like there is a shrinking customer base," he said.
Not all the companies who have gone away were poor operators, Pappas said.
In today's economic environment, being successful requires more than putting the key in the door.
"You have to work at it," he said.
Departures open doors
The market retains its energy, wholesalers said.
"When you come down here, you can get everything on one strip," said Steve Chmelovsky, president and chief executive officer of Everyday Fresh Produce Inc.
The demise of operators has opened the door for other wholesalers to add commodities, he said.
"For us, there is no comparison of being on this market compared to being somewhere else."
Going forward, Chmelovsky agrees he would like all operators on the market to stay open.
"We don't want to see guys that go out of business. We would rather they stay open and the market stays a full-service market," he said.
The market has changed over the years so that wholesalers there are not so much the specialists they used to be but instead offer a bigger portfolio of produce options, sources said.
The wholesale market opens at 3 a.m., and some buyers arrive that early to see what items are fresh, said Jason Gonzalez, transportation manager with J.L. Gonzalez.
Older buyers typically arrive at the market from 3-5 a.m., while younger buyers arrive from 6-9 a.m. Meanwhile, some buyers are placing orders by smartphone.
Strong competition
While some market players have fallen by the wayside, Gonzalez said the competition for business is as stiff as ever.
With more operators carrying more produce options, diligence is required to make sure that buyers who move from dealer to dealer are good credit risks, he said.
"There are less vendors today selling more items than the product lines it used to be," said Deke Pappas, co-owner of Panama Banana. "We are all kind of stepping on each other's toes, which allows independents to come in to make some tremendous buys."
Pappas said independents are looking for pricing commitment, but wholesalers face a fluid market, he said, with overnight price variations caused by many vendors selling the same products.
The market is in good shape and remains in a strong competitive position, said Lisa Strube, director of finance for Strube Celery & Vegetable Co.
Strong wholesale market operators are needed, even by retailers who increasingly depend on direct shipments from shippers, said Ed Romanelli, vice president of sales and marketing with Agrow Fresh, who notes retailers have to space their orders far out in advance and can be caught short.
"You are missing out on business at retail if you don't have product in the warehouse," Romanelli said.


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Here is a list of events and goings-on in the world of genealogy blogging. Here's what is happening in the coming week:
Daze of the Week!
Some of you may have noticed that in each Genealogy Blogging Beat we now feature national holidays and some of the more offbeat holidays. Here are some dates next week to look out for so you can plan your blog posts for next week:
- October 12: Old Farmer's Day
- October 13: International Skeptics Day
- October 14: Be Bald and Be Free Day, National Dessert Day
- October 15: National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day, National Grouch Day
- October 16: Bosses Day (US), Dictionary Day
- October 17: Hagfish Day, Mulligan Day
- October 18: National Chocolate Cupcake Day, No Beard Day
- October 19: Mammography Day
Happy Blogiversary!
If your blog anniversary is coming up soon, make sure it gets on our GeneaBloggers calendar! Remember to send your blog anniversary info to GeneaBloggers.
Genealogy Webinars This Week
For more information on genealogy webinars check out GeneaWebinars.
Appearances By GeneaBloggers Members
For a listing of speaking engagements by genealogy bloggers, along with their profiles and available presentations, visit GeneaSpeak.
GeneaBloggers on Facebook
Check out the Facebook page for GeneaBloggers (http://www.facebook.com/Geneabloggers) and click LIKE in order to follow the latest news and events related to GeneaBloggers on Facebook.
52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy
52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2012) that invite genealogists and family historians to highlight those genealogy resources for which they are thankful. This is also a way to mention a favorite site or tool to others and if you don't already utilize that resource, you'll be able to follow the blog posts that help you understand why the resource is important!
You do not have to be a blogger to participate. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your thoughts on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files.
- Week 42: Biggest Genealogy Accomplishment. What do you feel is your biggest genealogy accomplishment?
What were the steps you took to get there, and what was the end result?
This week's prompt runs from Sunday, October 14, 2012 through Saturday, October 20, 2012.
GeneaBloggers Calendar
And don't forget to check out other upcoming events at the Geneabloggers Calendar. This is the same Google calendar that has been in existence for quite some time. And if you subscribe to the calendar you'll receive email reminders of events.
© 2012 copyright, Thomas MacEntee

subset: commoncrawl


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One of the frustrations of being a lawyer is the imperative to recommend the least-risky course of action, even knowing that our clients' success often requires taking risks. This imperative arises because the lawyer who advises the most thorough (and expensive) approach is beyond reproach when things go bad, whereas the lawyer who tries to give more practical guidance may not be. Being a naysayer becomes the safest bet.
This is especially true in the context of privacy and data security. The requirements imposed by various jurisdictions can be Byzantine. The consequences of shortchanging privacy and data security can be serious. As a result, lawyers rarely (if ever) advise their clients that less-than-perfect measures may be "good enough." In-house counsel who turn to specialized privacy practitioners for guidance are far more likely to be told that they need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars improving their privacy practices than that what they're doing is probably good enough. I've given such advice myself. What may be lacking in such recommendations, though, is enough background and context to enable useful cost/benefit analysis. Clients may end up overwhelmed, panicked or confused.
This is unfortunate, because things are not as bad as many people seem to think. In the hope of providing some balance for the risk-avoidant advice that I and other privacy practitioners provide, here are five reasons why not. Caveat: This is not legal advice and should not be relied upon by anyone at any time. (See what I mean about risk avoidance?)
1. We're mostly just talking about consumer data.
There are many reasons why you may want to protect the security of your own data and communications. But the complex and rapidly-evolving regulatory framework surrounding privacy and data security doesn't require you to. Efforts to implement company-wide global privacy practices can lose sight of practical reality that if you keep consumer data secure and only use it in permitted ways, you may be compliant enough to satisfy most statutory mandates.
2. We're mostly just talking about specific data fields.
Credit card numbers, social security card numbers, passwords, and driver's license numbers are the usual suspects – this is the data that you have to protect (health records too, of course - more on this below). Most privacy and data security laws don't impose any requirements with respect to other kinds of data about consumers, as long as it's collected using proper means.
3. Most consumer data has little or no monetary value.
Although your customers' order history or shopping habits may be fascinating to your marketing department, they probably don't have much value on the open market, which means that the servers on which this data is stored shouldn't have much appeal to hackers. This doesn't provide any actual protection against data breaches, of course, but it may offer a little bit of peace of mind that reasonable security measures will suffice for this type of data. It also means that consumers may not suffer legally cognizable harm if your servers are breached.
4. Absent identity theft, plaintiffs are having trouble establishing cognizable harm when their credit card numbers are stolen.
When credit card numbers are stolen but not used for fraudulent purchases, courts have consistently held that no cognizable harm has occurred. See, e.g., Reilly v. Ceridian Corp. (increased risk of identity theft resulting from a breach not a cognizable harm); Krottner v. Starbucks Corp. (same); and Worix v. MedAssets, Inc. (same, collecting cases). Although plaintiffs' attorneys are still trying to get over this hurdle, to date they have not succeeded.
5. You may already be compliant.
As noted above, data security laws generally only protect specific kinds of data. Those same kinds of data – especially credit card data, medical records, and financial data – were subject to various security requirements before the current attention to data privacy, and many organizations have long-established policies and processes for protecting them. For example, all credit card data is subject to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS), and businesses that comply with PCI-DSS requirements should be in compliance with most other regulations applicable to that data.
This is not to say that companies should not invest in reviewing and improving their data privacy and security standards – they should. But the situation may not merit the level of stress that I have seen in some of my clients.


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LOUISVILLE – Approval of a new lease agreement today by the Kentucky State Fair Board moves the reopening of Kentucky Kingdom to as early as spring 2014.
The investors, Kentucky Kingdom LLLP, now must secure the final private loans – worth$25 million - before the park can open.
The investors have agreed to initially invest $45 million in the park, which has been closed since 2009.
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'"We got ourselves in a hole and we got (into eighth)," said Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, whose team also fell Saturday in Montreal. "It's a step forward. We've got a long way to go, but we can take a little bit of a break here, a little bit of a breather, readjust and feel good that we got ourselves out of a rut. We've been playing good hockey. It hasn't translated everything into wins, but I think you guys can agree it's been pretty damn good hockey."'
You are here: Home / SabresBeat / Sabres see positives in OT loss


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A vibrant plethora of flowers at the Lunar New Year Fair at Victoria Park in Hong Kong on February 7, 2013. (Wendy Tang/Asia Society)
©2017 Asia Society | Privacy Statement | About AsiaSociety.org | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Contact
Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government. All views expressed in its publications and on its website are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.


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Danielle Parker of Fulton, Ga., is accused of killing her ex-girlfriend and reportedly posed as the victim on social media and via text, reports ABC's Atlanta, Ga., affiliated-station WSBTV.
Danielle Parker, 30, is charged in the shooting death of East Point Police Officer Crystal Parker, her ex-girlfriend. According to local authorities, Danielle Parker allegedly shot Crystal Parker in the head in her home around the July 4 holiday.
According to police records, someone sent Crystal Parker's boss a text message from her phone around the time she was killed. The text said she wasn't able to come to work because she was visiting her father in the hospital.
"I wasn't in the hospital," Joe Parker, Crystal Parker's father, told WSBTV. He added that he wanted Danielle Parker out of his daughter's life, saying, "I told her many times, 'You don't need her.' "
Detectives found Crystal Parker's wallet and debit card at Danielle Parker's home days after the officer was killed. They also discovered a video game system that was stolen from the victim's house weeks prior to the killing. Danielle Parker told detectives she didn't leave her home the day authorities believed Crystal Parker was murdered.
Detectives say the women had been in a 5-year relationship but broke up, and that Crystal Parker had a new girlfriend. According to police, someone used the officer's Facebook account around the time she was killed and sent a vulgar message to the officer's new partner.
The victim's friend told the news station that Danielle Parker posted a message on Facebook using the name "Blaque Widow," writing that she loved Crystal Parker. The message was posted on July 8, a day after Parker's body was discovered, Project Atlanta reports.
"No words can express the pain and hurt I feel right now. ..Last night I lost the Love of my life for the last 6yrs Crystal A Parker. will always love you and miss you, you will forever in my HEART.# Love You 4 ever," the Facebook post reads.
Detectives also added that the victim's cell phone connected to a cell tower near Danielle Parker's home and that they found a .38-caliber bullet inside her home - the same type of bullet used to kill Crystal Parker.
The officer's father told the news station that the death of his daughter hurts even more because someone she knew allegedly killed her.
"It hurt because she been so kind to that person but that person didn't appreciate anything," he told WSBTV.
Danielle Parker was arrested on July 9 and charged with murdering Crystal Parker, Project Atlanta reports.
From our media partner EDGEJason St. Amand


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The End is Nigh...
Mezco presents Living Dead Dolls: The Four Horsemen Of The Apocolypse; War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death. Each doll comes complete with real cloth clothing and their own unique hobby horse. Pestilence also comes with a plague mask and War comes with a gas mask. Each doll comes packaged in their own coffin.
Available for pre-order now through mezcotoyz.com priced at $135 per set. The Four Horsemen Of The Apocolypse are slated to ship October/November 2012.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance, the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com, Toynk.com, PastGenerationToys.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, and MonkeyDepot.com.
For action figures, statues and sculptures, go to CSMooreStudio.com.


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Bradley Walker wrote:Animix wrote:It's been repeated many times but here's good info on grip.
As to the outward pull, yes, this is where acceleration helps alot. You want to absolutely hit the disc with every ounce of speed and grip force you can at the apex. Markus Kallstrom demonstrates this the best.
Those vids are amazing!!!
If you really look... Nate Doss is the best "snap thrower" of the bunch. He perfectly demonstrates the optimum snap motion that we have been discussing. He actually throws with something like 85% snap.
Boy's lost some weight too... Getting lean.
The lower link was edited by mafa and shot by me at Tali Open and President's Cup hole 17 2009. President's Cup vids were the last ones my Casio EX-F1 took before breaking down.
Look at how fast Markus accelerates in the last inches of the throw. He's faster than others in normal speed when he is slowed down in the footage. Jesper Lundmark has some wicked angles spinning the disc. After the elbow bend he's got the most angles geared toward spinning the disc. That is the hammer head throwing analogy Bradley has demonstrated. Linus Åström has the most power coming from the non throwing arm. That is half a misnomer because he swings so hard with the left arm that he basically throws himself rotationally right and a little back to front Great talent in these vids so thank you thank you thank you players in the videos!!!


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Close to 70 percent of emerging viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS, West Nile, Ebola, SARS, and influenza, are zoonoses. But until now, there has been no good estimate of the actual number of viruses that exist in any wildlife species, according to a release from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.
Scientists there have reported on a novel new study that has estimated a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals awaiting discovery. That is a manageable number, they believe, and identifying and collecting information on those viruses could be a cost-effective strategy for early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks in humans.
"Historically, our whole approach to discovery has been altogether too random," says lead author Simon Anthony, D.Phil, a scientist at the Center for Infection and Immunity (CII) at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. "What we currently know about viruses is very much biased towards those that have already spilled over into humans or animals and emerged as diseases. But the pool of all viruses in wildlife, including many potential threats to humans, is actually much deeper. A more systematic, multidisciplinary, and One Health framework is needed if we are to understand what drives and controls viral diversity and following that, what causes viruses to emerge as disease-causing pathogens."
To develop an estimate of total mammal viruses, the team studied flying foxes, the world's largest bat species, in Bangladesh. The bats are known as a source of several outbreaks of Nipah virus in humans.
The team collected 1,900 biological samples from the bats and used polymerase chain reaction to identify 55 viruses in nine viral families. Of these, only five were previously known, including two human bocaviruses, an avian adenovirus, a human/bovine betacoronavirus, and an avian gammacoronavirus. The other 50 viruses were previously unknown, including 10 in the same family as Nipah. The researchers also used a statistical technique to estimate there were another three rare viruses unaccounted for in the samples, upping the estimate of viruses in the flying fox to 58. They used that figure to extrapolate to all 5,486 known mammals, yielding a total of at least 320,000 viruses.
Based on the flying fox study, the researchers were able to develop cost estimates for collecting virus information on a broader scale. They estimated their cost for surveillance, sampling, and discovery of all 58 flying fox viruses at $1.2 million, and used that figure to extrapolate a total cost of $6.3 billion for all mammals. Given the disproportionate cost of discovering rare viruses, they estimate that limiting discovery to 85 percent of estimated viral diversity would bring the cost down to $1.4 billion.
"By contrast, the economic impact of the SARS pandemic is calculated to be $16 billion," says Anthony. "We're not saying that this undertaking would prevent another outbreak like SARS. Nonetheless, what we learn from exploring global viral diversity could mitigate outbreaks by facilitating better surveillance and rapid diagnostic testing."
The team plans to repeat the process in two follow-up studies—one in a species of primates in Bangladesh in order to see if their viral diversity is comparable to the flying fox's, and another in Mexico, where analysis of samples from six species of bats that share the same habitat, to determine the extent to which they share viruses. With additional resources, they hope to expand the investigation to other species and viral families.
The paper is published in the journal mBio.
Read more from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.


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CHICO -- The two-hour forum with City Council candidates during Friday's twice-yearly Great Debate was filled with the to-be-expected talk about pension reform, creating jobs and fixing the city's budget, but a few new ideas did emerge during the event.
Dave Kelley's answer to improving entertainment downtown was to put in a multiplex movie theater.
Andrew Coolidge said out-of-control Labor Day revelry could be quelled if police began a wristband system, checking IDs of tubers before they got on the river to make sure they were of legal age to drink and then ensuring safe rides home.
And Randall Stone said university students might find a better job market for themselves in Chico after graduation if they all had local internships during their college years.
Fielding questions from students, the 10 active Chico City Council candidates made one final public push for their platforms.
The forum hosted by Chico State University and the city of Chico was one part of an all-day event where students discussed and presented on local issues and wider topics including tax havens, the Affordable Care Act, law enforcement, drug policy, welfare spending and Proposition 30.
First-year Chico State student Ashley Meyer said the forum helped finalize her voting decisions, especially on Measure J, the telephone users tax.
"It was interesting," she said. "When I was going through the ballot, I didn't have an idea of who I was going to vote for. Now I do."
When a student asked Dave Donnan how he plans to bring a multi-use sports complex to Chico without hurting the budget, his answer was it would be privately funded. With regard to how it would help the city, he said it would be a boost to restaurants, hotels and other businesses during events.
Tami Ritter was asked how she would improve tourism, and she said the city needs to focus on some of its basic services, such as affordable housing and public safety. "We can't separate the housing issue from the tourism issue from economic development," she said. "They are all tied together."
When Toby Shindelbeck was asked how he'd address high unemployment, he said Chico needs to change its reputation of being unfriendly to business by make the process easier, and waiving or deferring taxes and fees for new businesses.
Bob Evans said if the city wants to attract employers, it needs to declare economic development and jobs a No. 1 priority. It also needs to look at regulations that are prohibitive to expansion.
When asked what financial plans he would develop to fully fund police and fire, Sean Morgan said it's not as easy as raising taxes. The city needs to build revenue instead, he said, by getting rid of regulations and permitting to encourage business growth.
Ann Schwab said the city needed to continue with a priority-based budget.
"If we want to fund another $1 million to police and fire without any additional jobs, what do we take away?" she said. "The street trees, Bidwell Park, road repair? What the people want, we will do it."
Kimberly Rudisill was asked what jobs she would cut if she had to in order to create more public safety jobs. She mentioned the Planning Department, saying the city could outsource those tasks when needed, and added it could find savings through pension reform.
A repeated theme was to simply encourage students to take an active role in local government.
"Events like this are part of how we get informed in this community," Zach Justus, an assistant professor in communication studies, told the crowd. "Make sure you vote, regardless of who you vote for. If you don't vote, it means you are letting somebody else speak for you."


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We offer integrated "Advise to Execute" services that can help you in all stages of your IT transformation.
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CCPA's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE MUSICAL Hosts Family Day Today
Curtain Call Performing Arts' production of "A Christmas Carol, the Musical" hosts Family Day at the San Leandro Arts Education Center today, December 16th, to provide family entertainment at an affordable price, in effort to make the arts accessible to everyone.
The Box Office opens at 1PM and the show begins at 2:00PM. Children in grades K-5 - admission $1.00 with paid adult ticket. Adults $25.00, Seniors $22.00. It all takes place at the San Leandro Arts Education Center (SLHS Campus), 2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro, Calif.
The Mission of Curtain Call Performing Arts (CCPA) is to produce exceptional Theatre, Music and Dance training and performance experiences for youth, and adults.
The Vision of CCPA is to ensure that performance-based arts are accessible to everyone who desires to participate or attend performances by keeping both ticket prices low and class/workshop tuition affordable.
For more information, visit www.curtaincallperformingarts.org or www.facebook.com/curtaincallperformingarts.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
I am new to ACParadise, Nice to meet you! I will be uploading all my cosplays over the next few weeks, please check back^^
Just a normal girl who loves to dress up and make things, follow my journey on my blog!
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors To Recognize Citizens and Staff
Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
Dec. 4, 2003
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors To Recognize Citizens and Staff, Adopt Resolutions and Issue a Proclamation
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, beginning at 9 a.m., will recognize the following citizens and staff for their accomplishments, adopt two resolutions and issue a proclamation. For more information, call 703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935.
James Allred to Leave Architectural Review Board
James Allred, of Reston, will be recognized for his years of leadership and service on the Architectural Review Board.
Herndon High School Girls' Cross Country Team
The Herndon High School Girls' Cross Country team will be recognized for its outstanding accomplishments during the 2003 season. The team's principles of teamwork and sportsmanship resulted in winning the AAA Division State Finals at the Great Meadows course in The Plains, Va. Members of the team include: Meghan Ashworth, Jessie Erickson, Heather Fisher, Carleigh Gregory, Kristin Hart, Bailey Jensen, Megan Keeling, Colleen Lear, Jenny Miller and Sarah Sieb. Michael Maloney is the head coach and Sinclair Adam Seavey and Peter Sherry are the assistant coaches.
Launching Civic Duty
Nearly 300 students from schools in Fairfax County will be recognized for participating as election pages or election officers in county polling places for the Nov. 4 General Election. Students attended a disability awareness class as well as an election training class in order to assist voters. The Fairfax County program received national recognition from the Election Center in 2002 and serves as a model for other jurisdictions in the country.
Dewey Bond to Be Recognized for Service
Dewey Bond will be recognized for 16 years of service on the board of directors of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District. During Bond's tenure, innovative ways of protecting and enhancing the county's natural resources evolved in response to changing conditions and opportunities. Bond championed improved site design techniques, stream restoration efforts, conservation planning and public outreach activities.
Giving a Business a Good Start
The Incubator Program of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce will be recognized for the support provided to new and small businesses. Features of the program include access to a consultant bank, educational programs, mentoring accountants, networking opportunities and office space. The program began in 1999.
A Bright and Shining Star
The Morning Star Program of Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect will be recognized for the many years of effective and nurturing service it has provided to youth in the Bailey's Crossroads and Culmore communities.
A History of Service and Commitment
The United Christian Parish, Reston, will be recognized for 30 years of service to the Reston community as well as missions in foreign lands. The church, established in 1973 as a local ecumenical experiment, has become a national ecumenical model. The United Christian Parish successfully combines the traditions, customs and beliefs of four distinct denominations that include the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church USA, United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ. The congregants assist with community needs through the Work-Sunday Program, clothing drives and collecting food for those less fortunate.
Suzanne Rudiselle to Be Recognized
Suzanne Rudiselle will be recognized for her 15 years of service as the pastor of the United Christian Parish, Reston.
Let the Games Begin
The Reston Triathlon Association will be recognized for its effort in organizing the Reston Triathlon. Engaging more than 400 athletes of all ages swimming in Lake Thoreau, cycling along the roads and running the trails of Reston, the triathlon is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Reaching Out to Help Children
The Medical Care for Children Partnership will be recognized for providing medical resources for children of working poor families through partnerships with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, fee for service physicians, dentists and the Fairfax County Office Partnerships. More than 1,400 uninsured children are able to receive medical care through the partnership. The Medical Care for Children Partnership was selected as one of the eight high performance partnerships in the United States by the National Academy of Public Administration.
January is National Mentoring Month
The Board of Supervisors will proclaim January 2004 as National Mentoring Month in Fairfax County. The proclamation notes that adult-to-child mentoring is a proven, effective strategy to match caring, responsible adults with students to provide guidance, build confidence, give stability and lend direction. The Board of Supervisors urges all citizens to volunteer as mentors and promote awareness, involvement and support of mentoring programs.
Karate Team Represents U.S.
The Board of Supervisors will recognize the American Amateur Karate Federation Karate Team for its accomplishments at the XIII Pan American Traditional Karate Championships held in Goiania, Brazil, Nov. 15 - 16. Among the members selected for the team representing the United States, seven trained at the Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean through instruction offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Urban Forestry Division – 30 Years and Growing
The Board of Supervisors will adopt a resolution to recognize the Urban Forestry Division on its 30th anniversary. For the past 30 years, the Office of the County Arborist, now known as the Urban Forestry Division, has worked to ensure the vitality of the county's forest and preservation of the natural environment. The division also leads the fight against gypsy moths and other forest pests and assists in the efforts to battle the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus. The county's commitment to preserving trees has brought impressive results. Although the county population has exceeded 1 million, high-resolution satellite imagery reveals that in 2000 about 45 percent, or 105,750 acres, of Fairfax County's 235,000 acre landmass was covered with trees. In 2002, Fairfax County received its 20th consecutive Tree City USA Award, plus a second Tree City Growth Award for significant improvements to its urban forestry program and local ordinance. The Urban Forestry Division is part of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.


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KANSAS CITY, Mo.—What we learned as No. 7 Kansas predictably drubbed Texas Tech, 91-63, in the second Big 12 Tournament quarterfinal Thursday afternoon at Sprint Center:
McLemore is getting the message
This became the fourth consecutive game in which freshman guard Ben McLemore—who, frankly, played himself off of the Sporting News All-American first team—attempted at least 10 shots.
Or maybe it's not accurate to say he played his way off the first team. Maybe he not-played his way off. The problem with McLemore never has been what he does; it's what he does not do.
He's a shooting guard, and he doesn't always shoot. Though he is Kansas' primary scoring option, though he is probably the most talented player in Division I, he has gone through 12 games this season in which he did not attempt double-figure shots.
The most recent of those was on the road at Iowa State, when his 2-for-6 non-effort nearly cost KU a victory. It took a sort of miracle succession of officiating decisions to get the Jayhawks into overtime that night, where they were able to pull away.
In his first-ever Big 12 Tournament game, McLemore was the player most everybody, especially coach Bill Self, wants him to be. Self told Sporting News prior to the tournament that he'd rather see McLemore have a bad shooting day than simply not shoot.
"Certainly, he's done a much better job over the last month or so of plugging himself in," Self said.
McLemore left the game Thursday with just under five minutes left with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Before departing, he showed the kind of dominant offensive player he can be by making a shake-dribble crossover move to blow past his defender and then glided along the baseline beneath the backboard to score on a reverse layup.
It was as pretty a play as anyone has delivered this season. It was no surprise McLemore could do it, but maybe a pleasant one that he would.
Those adidas uniforms don't look bad in white
After all the fuss about Cincinnati's garish outfits and Notre Dame's neon green—not exactly the color of St. Patrick's Day—Kansas took the courts in their adidas custom impact camo uniforms in the Big 12 quarterfinals.
The verdict: At least until the Elite Eight, KU figures to look quite sharp.
The KU blue version we've seen in photographs might be hard on the eyes, but the camouflage pattern on the home white shorts actually dressed up the KU outfit. The jerseys looked almost like classic Kansas, except for a strip of that camo pattern on each player's ribcage.
As the No. 1 seed, Kansas will wear white as long as it's alive in the Big 12. As a likely No. 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, it will wear white until deep into the event. But it's not committed to wearing these whites. Self told the Lawrence Journal-World beforehand that would be dependent "on how we play in them, or whatever."
KU will be well rested
When Self sent four starters back into the game with 10 minutes left and a 22-point lead, it was a clear sign he wanted them to get a little work. They really could have sat the whole rest of the game without being tested.
When the bench finally was clear at the end, KU still was growing the lead. It was a 29-point advantage when McLemore left, and it grew to 33 later. The deep reserves handled things well enough that Self eventually felt comfortable sitting down.
The five KU starters averaged 13 minutes of rest per man, with center Jeff Withey getting a welcome 14 minutes and senior point guard Elijah Johnson 14. That should help in Friday night's semifinal against Iowa State (7 p.m. ET).


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Photo Gallery: Artful Homes
Get creative with your home decor.
Photo Gallery: Artful Homes
Black and white graffiti accents lend a street art-style feel.
Shredded document paper framed in plexiglass by artists Jennifer Marman and Daniel Borins complements the MDF Italia dining table. The graffiti fabric by Charles de Castelbajac on the chair backs echoes the artwork. The Louis XVI console was painted black to fit with the dining room's two-tone colour palette.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
Artful details lend a sophisticated vibe.
A dining table with legs that resemble molten metal branches was conceived of by designer and homeowner Jeffrey Douglas and designer Rob Zinn of BlankBlank. A trio of framed photographs by Veronica Bailey, a giant painting by Anne O'Callaghan and a stunning Jeff Goodman Studio chandelier give the room an artistic mien.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
A black and white palette never goes out of style.
Initially an impulse buy, designer Sloan Mauran calls this stylized ram's-head dining table her greatest find. The table, comfortable vintage velvet Z chairs and lamps establish an authentic, glam 1970s tone.
Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Warm-Weather Vacation Homes and Sloan Mauran's Palm Beach Home.
A large photograph makes a dramatic impact.
This homeowner mixed antique caned chairs with a bench to make the dining room feel eclectic and fun. The large photograph is by a friend of the owner, Daniel Shipp, and lends the room a dramatic focal point. A red pendant lamp adds a pop of colour.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
Kate Horsman creates a beachside mood in her condo.
The fashion stylist and Bullet with Butterfly Wings blogger was inspired by her passion for surfing when it came to decorating her coastal home. A soft palette of whites and creams, translucent materials and natural textures lend an airy, sun-bleached look. In the dining room, a weathered wood table and shell chandelier give a nod to nature. Modern chairs and a silver branch sculpture strike a glamorous note.
See more nature-inspired decor in our photo gallery.
An abstract painting picks up on red accents in this living room.
Homeowner Colomba Fuller peppered her loft with her signature colour, red. A graphic painting by David Urban provides modern contrast to an antique daybed, side tables and vase. The artwork's red, black and white palette echo the loft's colour scheme.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
Pink accents on a white backdrop.
J.Crew knitwear designer Olympia Bermann created a feminine, sunwashed look in her NoLita walk-up. A cotton candy-pink painting hangs above the sofa, and matches one of the small framed pieces of art propped up on the floor. An antique chair and charcoal portraits hung on the back wall enhance the artful vibe.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
Oversized art adds a surprising element.
When everything in a space is of expected scale, relative to human proportions and perception, the result is comfortable but predictable. Introduce pieces that break from that norm to showcase a single item or spark conversation. In this small room, large artwork provides big impact without taking up precious floor space.
Find more ideas in our gallery of living room design principles.
A pink painting sets the tone for this soft, feminine space.
A Chinoiserie painting using pastel colours complements the decor in the rest of the room. Exotic botanical pillows, mint vases, gold accents and fresh tulips round out the room's light, airy vibe.
Framed art in varying sizes lends a casual feel.
Use every available inch of wall space by hanging artwork from baseboard to crown moulding and around a doorway. This collection is varied in subject matter, size and framing, but it looks cohesive thanks to a colour palette — warm neutrals punctuated with black and white — reflected in the rest of the room.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
A wall of mirrors visually expands this industrial loft living room.
"Artist, stylist and designer Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo of ABCD Design created this huge dramatic wall in her former NYC loft with black paint and 48 rectangular mirrors," explains Kim Johnson, co-author of the popular Desire to Inspire blog. "Mirrors work magic to make spaces look larger by reflecting the space. With huge artwork already taking up the other wall, this was a brilliant idea to dress up a large blank canvas."
See more Desire to Inspire favourites in our photo gallery.
Accents in sorbet colours create a space as pretty as a painting.
Colourful paintings hung in modern white frames are an easy way to embrace the watercolour trend. Luscious hues like rose, ochre, violet, turquoise and cobalt create a broad palette that pops against white walls. Let the artwork set the tone when selecting fabrics for pillows and furniture.
See more artful homes in our photo gallery.
This painting adds punch to a black and white room.
Vibrant, cobalt blue brush strokes anchor the room and provide a modern contrast to the white antique dresser. The piece plays off a black accent wall and contemporary accessories for an eclectic look.
A major overhaul resulted in a dramatic transformation.
Every surface was redone, making the room one of the most elegant in the house thanks to dark wood, stone counters and muted brass taps. The pièce de résistance is a hand-painted silver and gold-leafed cherry blossom mural by Peter Costello. The sculptural freestanding tub is filled by a floor-mounted brass faucet in a warm gold tone.
See more bathroom makeovers in our photo gallery.


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Life Before Birth
by Marjorie A. England
[1996, St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Wolf, 228 pages, paperback]
[Review first published in Midwifery Today Issue 41, Spring 1997, © 1997, Midwifery Today, Inc. Review by Jill Cohen.]
The first edition of this book, published in 1983, was the first book to show full-color photographs of normal embryonic and fetal development. The second edition continues in the same vein, with updated literature and photography, and uses the Carnegie system of staging to measure development and maturation. Contemporary ultrasound imaging augments the photographs and text.
This full-color volume takes the reader through the normal process of fetal development including pre-embryonic, embryonic and fetal stages. It continues with fetal membranes and placenta, head and neck development, followed by the formation of the thorax, abdomen, limbs, bones and joints, and muscles. All photographs and scans are meticulously identified, tiny feature by tiny feature.
This atlas of embryology is geared for all who might be interested: nurses, midwives, students and doctors as well as families and mothers-to-be. The photographs are astounding, and draw the reader deeper and deeper into the detailed miracle of fetal development.
It must be noted that all of the illustrations are from human specimens, many that were prepared over 40 years ago. Any individuals who object to this will most likely not be interested, but as the preface reads, "It is hoped that this second edition will serve the students of medicine and its allied fields to visualize the beauty and three dimensional nature of human embryonic and fetal development."
Reviewer Jill Cohen practices midwifery in Eugene, Oregon.


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Charleston Sights
Everyone starts a tour of Charleston in downtown's famous Historic District. Roughly bounded by Lockwood Boulevard on the Ashley River to the west, Calhoun Street to the north, East Bay Street on the Cooper River to the east, and the Battery to the south, this fairly compact area of 800 acres contains nearly 2,000 historic homes and buildings. The peninsula is divided up into several neighborhoods,
starting from the south and moving north, including the Battery, South of Broad, Lower King Street, and Upper King Street ending near the "Crosstown," where U.S. 17 connects downtown to Mount Pleasant and West Ashley.
You'll see no skyscrapers in the downtown area, because building heights are strictly regulated to maintain the city's historic setting. In the 1970s, most department stores decamped for suburban malls, turning King Street buildings into rows of (architecturally significant) empty shells. Soon, preservation-conscious groups began to save these beauties, and by the mid-1980s the shopping district was revived with the addition of the Omni Hotel (now Belmond Charleston Place). Big-name retailers quickly saw the opportunity in this attractive city and settled in as well. Lower King thrives and Upper King is booming, with many new businesses—hip bars and restaurants in particular—targeting the city's young, socially active population. Look up at the old-timey tile work at the entrances; inevitably it will have the names of the original businesses.
Beyond downtown, the Ashley River hugs the west side of the peninsula; the region on the far shore is called West Ashley. The Cooper River runs along the east side of the peninsula, with Mount Pleasant on the opposite side and Charleston Harbor in between. Lastly, there are outlying sea islands: James Island with its Folly Beach, John's Island, Wadmalaw Island, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan's Island. Each has its own appealing attractions, though John's and Wadmalaw have farms instead of beaches. Everything that entails crossing the bridges is best explored by car or bus.
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Of all the football factories in all of high school football Jordan Smallwood wasn't sure that Oklahoma was ever going to walk into his. Sure the Sooners were aware of him after signing his teammate, Alex Ross, in the class of 2012 - but were they ever going to give him a serious look?
The 6-foo-2, 190-pound receiver from mighty Jenks in South Tulsa went to last weekend's Oklahoma summer camp with hopes of being noticed by Sooner receivers coach Jay Norvell.
As it turns out it wasn't just Norvell who took notice of his ability.
NOTE: Make sure to expand the video by selecting the arrows in the lower right-hand corner for full high-definition resolution.
Video By: Eddie Radosevich
"The coaches took me out of camp and showed me around the place and the campus and all of that stuff since I was leaving early," Smallwood said. "They told me really liked me so we want to show you around and get you to some games.
"Honestly, I didn't take it that seriously because they were talking about how they only had two spots open. I was just hoping that they would wait so they could see how I do and now they've offered."
After attending the camp, Smallwood clearly came away not expecting much in the near future from the Sooners. Then on Thursday afternoon his offensive coordinator Dub Maddox let the world know, via Twitter, that the Sooners had offered Smallwood.
Interestingly there was one person who wasn't aware.
"I didn't know all day. I guess my coaches knew and didn't want to tell me while we were practicing," he laughed.
"When they told me I was shocked, I just couldn't believe it."
But when he did find out, he wasted little time getting in touch with the head Sooner and letting him know of his desire to head to Norman.
"I just got done talking to coach Bob Stoops about 30 minutes ago. I talked to him and just great things came out of it," he said. "I've already committed, I already let them know.
"He said that now that I've got you, you've got to be a man of your word, a lot of schools are going to come in hot and say you've got to do this and got to do that, but I'm there, so it's a good thing, he was excited and we just talked after that."
Obviously Stoops' decisive nature in handling Smallwood's recruitment was a bonus for the three-star pass-catcher. However, he is aware that it's Norvell who he'll spend most of his time around in Norman. So what type of relationship do the future mentor and protégé currently have?
"I've been talking to him for a couple of days, he is a cool guy. When I was at camp we were just cracking some jokes, and I wanted to get to know him. This season wise hopefully I can get some trips to games in," he explained.
The development between the spring of his sophomore year and this spring has been nothing short of miraculous, not only has Smallwood put on some serious muscle but has become a stronger route runner and looks more explosive than ever before.
Is it simply a natural maturation or has Smallwood made a concerted effort to improve his game?
"Man, it's all hard work, that was the whole name of the thing, a lot of things happened after last year. I knew it was time to step up and do what we do best and finish this year strong, I really took it seriously, over the years I have, tried to gain the weight I needed to gain and speed wise, that was my really big thing, me coming out faster than I was last year," Smallwood stated.
"Oklahoma, they said I'm a real big guy, they like my size, and I'm real quick and I've gotten faster than I was last year. That's what they were talking about. Also they said I'm good kid, people always say good things about me and that they like guys like that at the school. I'm not for sure how they'll use me yet but hopefully they can use me at a lot of positions."
It's a dream that Smallwood is still getting his head around that he is living.
"This is actually the school I've always wanted to go to, I didn't think I was going to get looked at. I hoped they would look at me, and when they said something and told me this. It was a moment when I knew, dreams do come true," he said.
"I was surprised, I'm not going to lie. I mean I've got this whole nation of great players and I was just hoping to get a chance to get one (scholarship offer). Now though, this is it, I don't have to worry about anything else and can just focus on high school and my team."
Though Smallwood admits he is surprised, it's not due to a lack of talent or anything that says he wasn't worthy of the attention he sought - and had not previously received - from a major program. Smallwood might not fit into the mold of the big vertical receiver nor the slippery slot receiver - but while many wonder what role that might leave him tethered to, he says the lack of clarity of a position simply makes him multi-faceted.
"I think it helps a lot, I can do this and I can do that, when people have that skill I have another skill and I can use that to my advantage. I try to use that; I might not be the fastest, or the biggest and just try and improve it. I just try and go off of that; I just have to get bigger and stronger. The best way I can."
Smallwood, who learned of his offer and made his commitment while at a team camp in Bentonville, Ark. and as of yet hasn't had a chance to see his parents and revel in the excitement of his decision.
"I'm not for sure what's next, I'm just trying to enjoy this. Hopefully getting to share all this with my family. I already talked to them and they said they are proud of me. We just talked about, I've just to use this, and you've got to keep your standards high. I've got a reputation now, people can say this or that but I have to do the right things - I have to watch my surroundings."


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- September 20: FCA Recalls Chrysler Pacifica Minivans To Fix Seat Belt Buckles recalls | 6 days ago
- August 22: Chrysler Recalls Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger Cars recalls | 35 days ago
- August 12: Daimler Recalls Sprinter 2500 and 3500 Vans Over Takata Airbags recalls | 45 days ago
- July 22: Chrysler Recalls Dodge Challengers That May Roll Away recalls | 66 days ago
- July 15: Chrysler Recalls 442,000 Cars and SUVs Over Alternator Failures recalls | 73 days ago
NHTSA — Fuel/Propulsion System Problems
CarComplaints.com Notes: The first year of the new Dodge Dart had a rough start, with owners reporting a disproportionate number of engine and transmission problems.
For transmission, the main complaints are transmission failure & rough shifting. So far, average mileage for transmission failure is 25,000 miles. Not good.
For engine problems, it usually starts with the engine light coming on for any number of reasons: bad sensors, ignition coil replacement, bad wiring, faulty gas cap ... dealers are replacing various components with varying degrees of success, or telling owners they can't duplicate the issue.
3.7definitely annoying
- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 34,202 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
fuel system problem


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Boras has confidence in Bogaerts, Drew
MINNEAPOLIS -- Red Sox third baseman Xander Bogaerts finished the first half in a severe slump, but it is just a temporary condition, said agent Scott Boras.
Due to the way Bogaerts eased his way to the Major Leagues late last season and helped the Red Sox win the World Series, he masked some of the natural development issues that have led to his struggles this season.
"You come up to the big leagues your first year and there's no expectancy, and the other thing is the league doesn't know you," said Boras. "You've got to remember that Xander has had very little time in the Minor Leagues and he's learning how to hit sliders and breaking balls and the timing of it in the Major Leagues."
Boras has represented many star players over his decades in baseball, and he has no doubt Bogaerts can get to that level.
"Athletically, there is nothing that Xander can't do," Boras said. "I think we all trust that and know that the one thing he can't do is accelerate experience. When you have great, precocious athletes, they've conquered every dynamic that's given them. I don't think in the Minor Leagues they have sliders like that. He's just getting those at-bats and getting the timing. And I think we're going to see him once he gets that part where you wait and you stay inside the ball, and he gets that timing and the depth of the ball, he gets a significant amount of experience. And then, watch out."
Bogaerts started the season at shortstop but moved to third base when another Boras client -- veteran Stephen Drew -- re-joined the club in June.
After not having Spring Training, Drew is hitting .151 in his first 93 at-bats of the season.
"I think it's all a function of timing," said Boras. "One of the things is Stephen is stronger. He's the strongest he's ever been in his career. He's had a good deal of time to work out, he was at our sports fitness institute every day, really made a diligent effort. He's a guy who has strength under him.
"We get scouting reports, they're saying he's never played better defense, that his range is even better. He's really returned to a level of play that's probably beyond what it was when he was 25 or 26 and had a healthy ankle. That seems to have resolved itself.
"Now in the batter's box, it's really just about him. The Drew's take pitches, Drew's work the counts, they do things. And I think to get that acumen of being comfortable in the batter's box, I think that kind of started to unfold a little in Houston [before the All-Star break]. He's a lifetime .270 hitter and that's not going to go away, and he's in the prime of his career so I'm not concerned about him."
Ian Browne is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brownie Points, and follow him on Twitter @IanMBrowne. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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A BAND formed in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be representing the UK in an international contest.
WEAK13, who are now based in the Black Country but were founded locally by vocalist and guitarist Nick J Townsend, have been nominated in the best hard rock song category at the 13th Independent Music Awards for their self-released track, You Don't Love Me,
The three-piece, which also features Neel Parmar on drums and Wesley Smith on bass, will be judge by artists and industry experts in the international programme that helps get independent artists the recognition they need to reach more fans around the world.
For more information, go to independentmusicawards.com.


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- About
Dean's Message
Welcome to NSU, the only optometric academic institution in the state of Florida.
Vision, Mission, and Goals
Your future is in our sights. We strive towards excellence.
About NSUCO Faculty
Impressive, aren't they? Read their biographies to learn about their precise interest.
The Doctor of Optometry program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
- Students
Future Students
Discover why our students are proud to live, study, and provide eye care in the diverse South Florida community.
Current Students
Our link to sharklink helps you link in and link out.
- Graduate & Professional
An online program in Clinical Vision Research enables professionals to contribute to advancement of the field.
Become a physician in four or five years with NSU's Doctor of Optometry programs.
Continuing Education
NSU's College of Optometry supports the professional development of optometric physicians.
Gain advanced primary care experience in a variety of ocular and optometric specialties.
- Undergraduate
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Explore all of the academic opportunities that NSU has to offer undergraduate students.
Student Life
Learn why the years you spend at NSU will be some of the best you will ever have. Go Sharks!
Discover exactly what you need and when to be admitted to NSU.
Financial Aid
Search for scholarships and learn about the financial aid process.


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'The eighth-place Islanders had already done what they had to do. Receiving two goals each from Parrish and Roman Hamrlik, they dominated the Montreal Canadiens, 5-1, and remained 3 points ahead of Buffalo with two games remaining. An Islanders victory or a Sabres loss will lock up the Islanders' third straight playoff berth.'
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text:
Abu Dhabi and Dubai face different real-estate futures
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are facing different real estate futures
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Short-term demand remained subdued in Abu Dhabi's real estate sector owing to increased supply as major projects reached completion this year. Meanwhile, Dubai's real estate market was back on an upward trend in 2012, said real estate experts.
According to a Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) report, there are grounds for cautious optimism for the prospects of the Dubai real estate market in 2013, with most sectors of the industry ending the year in the early upturn stage of their cycle.
"While the real estate sector has lagged the overall economy during 2012, there are now signs that confidence is returning among both investors and developers, particularly in the last six months, with a number of major new projects announced," JLL's report said.
The report showed that investors remain confident, with the city emerging as the clear favourite among major real estate investors across the Mena region.
"There are indications that some of the lessons of the last real estate crisis have been learned. The most important of these is the need to adopt a long-term and coordinated approach, rather than developing too much real estate too quickly," JLL said.
The report stressed that most sectors are likely to continue to experience some growth in prices and rentals in 2013.
Alan Robertson, CEO of JLL Mena, said: "In 2012, the UAE real estate market has been a tale of two very different cities. We have seen cautious optimism returning to the Dubai market. The recovery has, however, been very selective and focused on only the best quality projects, locations and developers."
Robertson added: "While 2013 is likely to see a broader based recovery, the strongest performance will remain concentrated on those projects for which there is confirmed investment and tenant demand. The significant levels of vacancy and further new supply will limit the extent to which poorer quality projects and those in secondary locations will benefit."
Ziad Al Cha'ar, managing director, Damac Properties, said that 2012 saw the Dubai real estate market get back on track, with opportunities abounding in 2013, supported by more considered and stable growth plans.
"Dubai's property market will grow at a steadier and more stable pace over the next year, providing solid investment opportunities for the savvy investor," said Al Cha'ar.
He added that independent reports have put the growth in prices of real estate in Dubai through 2012 at anywhere from 7-19 per cent, depending on location and the quality of the project.
"Growth is sustainable in the near future if you know where to look. For example, 2012 has delivered on our predictions at the start of the year — prices in the Dubai market steadily grew with each quarter outperforming the last. In 2013, buyers will definitely be able to benefit from this capital growth, but will need to be very savvy about where they invest and in which projects."
Abu Dhabi market
With regard to Abu Dhabi, the JLL report said that the capital city has become more cost-competitive. Its urban infrastructure and quality of life continue to improve through better quality accommodation and ongoing improvements to social infrastructure and additional moves to channel demand to the Abu Dhabi emirate in line with its 2030 Vision.
"Demand remains suppressed in the short term. While supply continues to increase as major projects reach completion, vacancy rates are set to rise further and consequently rental values have continued to decline throughout 2012," JLL said.
"Abu Dhabi lags further behind in its recovery. The government of Abu Dhabi remains committed to a broad range of capital projects and infrastructure developments, but demand remains weak pending the return of major government capital spending whilst supply continues to drive the emirate's vacancy levels," said Robertson.
He added: "Until we see more take-up of available space, rents will continue to suffer. However, as with Dubai, there are examples of where good quality space that is meeting expectations, has attracted quality occupiers and where rents have stabilised."
The JLL report stressed that the government of Abu Dhabi is strategically targeting distinct market sectors and phasing these projects over a longer time frame.
The report expected that additional job growth is required to drive demand and absorb vacant supply. The prospects for 2013, therefore, remain contingent on major government spending, the report said, adding that the prospects for Abu Dhabi in the medium term are very strong because the government remains committed to Vision 2030.
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Raburn hopes to be back in lineup Thursday
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ryan Raburn felt good enough coming off his two-hit "B" game performance Tuesday to speculate that he could be back in the big league lineup as soon as Thursday.
The outfielder went 2-for-3 with a walk against the White Sox, and said any lingering effects from his right-field wall collision last week aren't going to be made worse by getting back into games.
"I felt good, so hopefully get back in there tomorrow and see where it goes," Raburn said, adding that he didn't know if he would potentially be a designated hitter or play right field.
"[Raburn] swung the bat well," manager Terry Francona said of the "B" game. "Still a little sore. But it's just a contusion, so he's sore. It's not going to set him back."
Raburn has been out of the lineup since Friday after injuring himself tracking down a fly ball against the Cubs and suffering a left knee contusion and a cut lip. He's 6-for-10 with three runs, two doubles, two home runs and six RBIs in five Cactus League games.
"If I can get around all right -- it still hurts -- but it's one of those things where I don't think I'm going to hurt it any worse than it already is," he said.
Joey Nowak is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @joeynowak. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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The team at Century 21 City Central bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Brisbane inner city property market. Specialising in providing a wide range of Real Estate services including sales, rentals and project marketing. With Directors Philip Jenkins and Sarah Banachak offering a new style, combining years of business acumen and real estate experience, along with comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of the local area Century 21 City Central offers a strong team of committed, caring professionals exceeding expectations.
The cornerstone of our business is "Success by Commitment." There are many attributes that distinguish Century 21 City Central in the real estate market, from the professionalism and commitment we offer every client, to the insight and expertise we bring to every transaction. All to represent both Buyers and Sellers with unsurpassed service. This has propelled us to the forefront of residential real estate for both sales and rentals. A Philiosophy of Success "Deliver through dedication to professionalism a service to our clients that sets us apart from our competitors." Each property and real estate transaction is different, requiring special consideration and a unique approach. By providing exceptional service before, during and after the transaction, we strive to help our clients successfully achieve their real estate goals. We utilise the most current technology and innovation combined with local and global knowledge to assist you with all your real estate needs. Whether you are new to the market or an experienced investor, we have the expertise, proven track record, and resources to help you achieve your real estate goals.


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Scientists are beginning to unravel the mechanisms behind the therapeutic effects of psychedelic drugs.
Augmenting the Genetic Alphabet
May 7, 2014|
For the first time, synthetic DNA base pairs are replicated within living bacteria.
May 7, 2014|
For the first time, synthetic DNA base pairs are replicated within living bacteria.
May 7, 2014|
In a proof-of-principle study, scientists show that the three-dimensional shape of a cancer cell genome can reliably classify subtypes of human leukemia.
May 5, 2014|
Examining more than 20 years of Swedish birth records, researchers determine that autism risk is influenced equally by genetic and environmental factors.
May 2, 2014|
Male scientists stress mice out; using SCNT to reprogram adult cells; acetate can reach mouse brain, reduce appetite; WHO sounds "post-antibiotic era" alarm
May 1, 2014|
Researchers stake their proprietary claim on the genome-editing technique.
May 1, 2014|
Neurons may use interferon signals transmitted over great distances to fend off viral infection.
May 1, 2014|
From research results to electronic health records, biomedical data are becoming increasingly accessible. How can scientists best capitalize on the information deluge?
May 1, 2014|
Linking single-gene defects to inflammatory bowel disease in young children may help all sufferers of the illness.
April 30, 2014|
Independent teams culture the Middle East respiratory system coronavirus and identify human antibodies that could inform therapies.
April 29, 2014|
Molecular markers of a mother's nutrition around the time of conception can be found in her child's DNA.


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Salgaocar FC scraped their way to a 2-1 win over Pailan Arrows who looked short of ideas in attack...
Pailan Arrows started with Shaiju Mon down the right flank, while youngster Tirthankar Sarkar played down the left. Sonu Beniwal played as left back while Pritam Kotal partnered skipper Shouvik Ghosh in central defense. Strangely Holicharan Narzary only found his place on the bench, as the line was led by Seminlen Doungel.
Meanwhile, Salgaocar, fresh from their 9-0 mauling of United Sikkim, looked confident of recording another thumping win, this time over the AIFF developmental squad. They started with two foreigners leading the line, with Josimar D' Silva partnering Gabriel Obatola to make a fiery attacking duo.
The match started on a bright note for the away side, who were hungry to seize the advantage and get the opening goal as quickly as they could. They had to wait only six minutes before the first chance presented itself only for Gabriel Obatola to make a hash of the gilt-edged chance.
After flicking the ball over Pritam Kotal in defense, Obatola had only the goalkeeper to beat but dragged his shot wide.
Just four minutes later, Milagres Gonsalves was guilty of wasting yet another chance as he went clean through after Josimar found him with a through pass from the edge of the box. This time too, it ended similarly as he failed to test Soram Poirei in goal.
The match began to be bogged down with Salgaocar doing all the probing without any end product, while Pailan Arrows failing to manufacture any meaningful chance themselves. Two minutes before the half hour mark however, it was only the inside of the upright that prevented Salgaocar from opening the scoring as Fulgano Cardozo's hopeful shot from outside the box, following a corner was deflected towards goal by Obatola. Soram was well beaten and luckily the ball rolled out after hitting the inside of the upright.
In the 36th minute, Pailan Arrows made the away side for all the wasted opportunities, as Vishal Kumar's long ball was brought down perfectly by Doungel who then displayed remarkable skill to nutmeg the ball past Augustin Fernades, leaving him for dead. What followed was even better as he drove into the box and let loose a belter, giving Karanjit Singh in goal no chance.
Shocked by going behind, Salgaocar started pressing more, and it was in the 43rd minute that they got their reward as Francis Fernandes' hopeful cross from the right was headed in by Josimar and even though Soram got a touch to the ball, there was too much power on the header for him to keep it out.
Just after the break, Obatola made amends for his previous miss as he found the target in the 50th minute taking advantage of a shocking piece of defending from Pritam Kotal who failed to control the ball letting him have a free run.
Salgaocar allowed Pailan to have more of the ball after taking the lead, instead of going for the kill. They preferred to sit back and protect their lead and their attacking threat was further hampered when Obatola had to go off after a knock.
The game did pick up with about fifteen minutes remaining from regulation time, as Milan Singh drove from midfield and almost scored after exchanging a neat one-two just outside the box with Doungel but scuffed his shot which Karanjit could save easily.
On the other end, substitute Marcus Mascarenhas almost made an immediate mark as he first dispossessed Tirthankar in his own half, before driving forward down the right with intent, accelerating past the full back with ease and putting in a good ball for Josimar. It took a timely intervention from Shouvik Ghosh to prevent Salgaocar from further extending their lead.
With chances dying out at the end, as Pailan failed to create in spite of having the better of the possession while Salgaocar were happy to sit back and defend the lead.
Deep into injury time, Salgaocar could have seen the scoreline read 3-1 in their favour after Francis Fernandes' powerful free-kick came off the chest of the Arrows keeper, but onrushing substitute Marcus Mascarenhas made a hush of it hitting the rebound high and wide.
Follow Kaustav Bera on
How do you stay up with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com –your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.


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The Louisiana Lottery Corp. reported that nobody won the major jackpots in the Louisiana Lotto and multistate Powerball drawings Wednesday night.
Louisiana Lotto players matching all six numbers drawn would have won or shared a $675,000 prize.
The prize will rise to an estimated $725,000 for the next drawing, on Saturday.
Powerball players matching all five numbers and the Powerball would have won or shared a $151 million jackpot. That prize will rise to an estimated $176 million for Saturday.
Also, the lottery says, no one won the $50,000 Easy 5 jackpot. Saturday's drawing will be worth $60,000.


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VIERA, Fla. - The Washington Nationals plan to move their spring-training operations out of Viera, possibly after the 2015 season, according to Brevard County Commission Chairman Andy Anderson, who has been working to keep the team on the Space Coast.
Local 6 news partner Florida Today reports Anderson said he has received word that the Nationals are in talks with another county interested in using a combination of state funds and county tourism tax money to build a new stadium for the Nationals, and that the Nationals will not be renewing their lease at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
The state money could come from a pool of funds recently approved by the Florida Legislature to help communities keep spring-training operations in the state, rather than more teams moving spring training to Arizona.
An official announcement with further details is expected within weeks, Anderson said.
Anderson said it is unfortunate that state money is being used by one Florida community to lure a major league spring-training operation from another Florida community.
Anderson said Brevard County now will have to decide what to do with Space Coast Stadium, which is also used by the Brevard County Manatees, the Milwaukee Brewers Class A minor league team.
Anderson said the options include finding another major league team to replace the Nationals, trying to get a second minor league team to play there, using the stadium complex for amateur baseball tournaments, or scheduling concerts and other special events there.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text: Aaron Roderick, who was passed over in favor of Brian Johnson for Utah's offensive coordinator's position a year ago, is leaving the Utes to join BYU's coaching staff, sources have confirmed. Roderick was a receiver at BYU in 1997-98 and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for the Cougars in 1999. After coaching stints at Snow College and SUU, he joined the Utes in 2005 as the receivers coach. Since then, he has served as co-offensive coordinator (2010) and as the passing game coordinator this year. Roderick briefly left the Utes in January of 2009 to join Washington's staff. He returned to the Utes less than two weeks later after having a change of heart. Roderick, who initially accepted a position as co-offensive coordinator along with Dave Schramm before leaving for Washington, resumed his role as the receivers coach upon his return. While Utah coach Kyle Whittingham invited Roderick back on the Utes' staff, the incident may have harmed Roderick's long-term future with the Utes. With Utah's offense struggling in 2009, Roderick and Schramm flip-flopped positions and Roderick called the plays for the last six games. After being promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2010, Roderick was moved back to receivers coach in 2011 to make room for Norm Chow. Chow served as Utah's offensive coordinator for just one year before leaving for Hawaii. Despite his experience, Roderick was passed over for the offensive coordinator's position as Whittingham tabbed Johnson as the next offensive coordinator. Roderick was named the passing game coordinator. In a similar situation to 2009, Roderick replaced Johnson in the box for the last five games, although the Utes maintain Johnson continued to call the plays from the field. Despite his seniority, Roderick made just $200,000 in base salary as the passing game coordinator, putting him behind defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake ($500,000), Johnson ($225,000) and running backs coach Jay Hill ($225,000) in salary. - Lya Wodraska


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Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotel3.5-star hotel with 5 restaurants and 2 spa tubs
Popular property highlights
Situated in Michigan City, this spa hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Washington Park Zoo, Trail Creek, and Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. Whittaker Woods Golf Course and Galien River County Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Hotel Features
Along with 5 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and a casino. Free WiFi in public areas, free valet parking, and free train station pick-up are also provided. Additionally, an indoor pool, a nightclub, and a health club are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 486 rooms feature comforts like pillowtop beds and premium bedding, while conveniences include refrigerators and coffee makers. Other amenities available to guests include free WiFi, cable TV, and room service.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa features a full-service spa, 2 spa tubs, an indoor pool, and a health club. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 5 restaurants and guests can grab coffee at the coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.
A business center is on site at this 3.5-star property. Event facilities measuring 32,000 square feet (2973 square meters) include conference space. This business-friendly hotel also offers a casino, a nightclub, and spa services. Complimentary self parking and valet parking are available on site.
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Conference space
- Full-service spa
- Hair salon
- Free WiFi
- Total number of rooms - 486
- Number of floors - 22
- ATM/banking
- Free valet parking
- Free self parking
- Number of restaurants - 5
- Conference space size (meters) - 2973
- Shopping on site
- Spa services on site
- Indoor pool
- Business center
- Casino
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Health club
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Number of spa tubs - 2
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Multilingual staff
- Nightclub
- Porter/bellhop
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Conference space size (feet) - 32,000
- Year Built 2008
- Number of meeting rooms - 13
- Free train station pickup
- Number of buildings/towers - 2
- Television in common areas
- Wedding services
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Indoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, Free valet parking
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Premium TV channels
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Shower/tub combination
- Desk
- Premium bedding
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Cable TV service
- Daily housekeeping
- Designer toiletries
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Rollaway/extra beds available
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Free WiFi
- Room service (limited hours)
- Pillowtop mattress
Where to Eat
William Bs Steakhouse - This fine-dining restaurant serves dinner only.
Its Vegas Baby - This restaurant serves dinner only. Reservations are required.
The Game - This restaurant serves dinner only.
Options Buffet - This buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Nelsons Deli - This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
Nearby Things to Do
2 spa tubs are on site along with an indoor pool. Other recreational amenities include a health club.
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Golfing nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
Spa Services
Spa Blu has 9 treatment rooms. Services include massages, facials, body wraps, and body scrubs. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy.
- Steam room in spa
- Number of treatment rooms 9
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Hydrotherapy treatments
- Sauna in spa
- Spa tub in spa
- Massages
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- In-room accessibility
- Roll-in shower
Hotel Policies
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: USD 11.99 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- Blue Casino Chip
- Blue Chip Casino
- Blue Chip Casino Hotel
- Blue Chip Casino Hotel Michigan City
- Blue Chip Casino Michigan City
- Blue Chip Hotel
- Blue Chip Hotel Casino
- Casino Blue Chip
- Chip Casino
- Chip Hotel
We should mention
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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California Souvenirs
"The Golden State"
California Souvenirs | California Dinosaur | California Unicorn
California was the 31st state in the USA; it was admitted on September 9, 1850. It is by far the most populated state in the US. The news of the gold rush in 1848 brought in some 300,000 people. The states diversity ranges from the Redwood Douglas Fir forests of the northwest, to the Mojave Desert of the southeast. In the west is the Pacific coast and in the east the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Below you can see all of the available California souvenirs and stuffed bears, and its major cities of Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco. We also have a California dinosaur and a California Unicorn. Our plush bears are manufactured by Symbolz®, Souvies®, and Peace Pals®. Choose your favorite California state bear and California souvenirs and add them to your cart.


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The conference bus repeaters can be used in the NetRateBus conference network for the extension of individual branches (CA 4212, CA 4222) or as T or X adapters (CA 4224) for new branches or loops. Furthermore, the repeaters with DC connection can be used instead of additional power supplies, e.g. when there is not enough room for an additional power supply unit.
beyerdynamic Inc. USA56 Central Ave.Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone +1 (631) 293-3200E-mail


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Going for making my own video music, instead of the royalty-free route (can RF be applied on "commercial" videos anyway?) I've been searching for software to do the trick.
Don't know how these packages work, though I do play piano, I'm on an extreme budget right as it so happens, I could manage with the pc keyboard.
When going through the mic, would like to alter my voice somewhat, perhaps disguising it.
Anyone familiar with what might meet my needs?
Although I have never added music to a video, I believe a lot of those that do use an electronic keyboard. I have two of them and they both have microphone attachments and recording capabilities. Price-wise, the new ones they can be as inexpensive as under a hundred dollars to costs which range in the thousands. I'd look to eBay for a bargain if you are on a budget.
My small, 61 key keyboard has multiple rhythms and backgrounds you can add. My full-size 88 key keyboard doesn't have the rhythms but is does have several symphonic capabilities, including percussion, and you can record several "tracks" and play over them, merge them, etc. You can also add voice recording, but I don't know if you could "disguise" your voice.
Can this be done with software alone and a pc?
I don't know because I have never tried it. I do know that there are downloadable piano apps. I imagine that some of them are probably touch screen. I don't have touch screen but I have tried out a few that use the keyboard. I didn't see the quality of sound there , but I suspect that has to do with your computer sound card and speaker system. What I didn't like about the ones I tried is that you used your keyboard to "play" them. It was kind of like learning where the keys were all over again and as far as hitting sharps and flats, that seemed to be on a "need to know" basis as I could find little documentation that explained it. However, I haven't tried for a couple of years so either new applications or even older ones probably show measurable improvement.
I used to create songs with Magix Music Maker. It's not a software for professionals, but you can still create your own songs and soundtracks with it.
I'm wondering about copyright...when you make music tracks with these programs. Does each maker retain a copyright when its partially "pre-made". Especially when you go to sell the site with the vids attached. Along with how unique a sound you can attain.
Also mulling over whether I can take a mic, add my voice narration and edit the pitch, etc through Music Maker.
If you create a song or soundtrack yourself, then you are the owner of your compositions and can use these in commercial products. But it's best to do a search on "Magix Music Maker copyright" or something similar to get more detailed information.
If you record a copyrighted song, even if you change it a bit, it is still copyrighted although it might be a "derivative work". If you are thinking of adding contemporary music to your videos, it's best to ask for permission from the copyright holder first. Even though there are tons of You Tube videos that have embedded music, I would rather be safe with permission than to have to fight some rock star with deep pockets in a lawsuit.
you can hook up a midi keybord, or a keyboard with usb or midi out, to the free audacity, then you can download some free dx or vst plugins etc and install it into audacity (or another host), to give it all kind of sounds.
I have an Edirol midi keyboard connected to my pc through USB, and I also have a Roland G-800 arranger workstation hook'd up through its midi out port. I am using a M-audio Delta 1010 soundcard to hook it up. Host application is cubase, but audacity has support for plugins as well.
Using a midikeyboard and a softsynth, you can play all sort of instruments like, drums, cello, guitar, piano etc... if you play piano or know music notes and theory, you can program many of these synths without a midi keyboard
There are a lot of free plugins to choose from, just google around a bit.
You can change your voice in a similar way, just dl a free EQ, delay chorus compressor, pitch shifter plugin and start to rock, or get ohmboys and start tweaking
There are a lot of free software for all this, so there is really no need to spend a truckload of cash when you are first starting out
Some interesting options being offered here...
If you want to create music on your PC you are after something like a "sequencer" which will let you use software synths (VST/DX/etc) to use a keyboard with or to fill in manually with a "piano roll", similarly for drum machines, or recording audio with a microphone and adding effects to it to manipulate it however you like.
The "big boys" ($200+) of the sequencer world are Cubase and SONAR on the PC, but both offer cut-down versions for much lower prices (<$65). There are completely free alternatives like [Sampletude Silver, [URL="http://www.audiomelody.com/software/kristal/"]KRISTAL, and [URL="http://www.audiomelody.com/software/temper/"]Temper as well. My personal favourite, however, is [URL="http://www.audiomelody.com/software/reaper/"]Reaper - which is free to fully try and just $60 for limited commercial use (check the [URL="http://reaper.fm/purchase.php"]license). If you're looking for VST synths and other instruments as plugins then head over to [URL="http://www.kvraudio.com/"]KVR](http://www.audiomelody.com/software/sampletude-silver/)
You could also try the "studio-in-a-box" packages like Reason or Orion, but they are relatively expensive if you're on a very limited budget.
If you think a sequencer is overkill, you could just use a synth like Propellerhead's famed ReBirth RB338 which mimics the Roland 303 synth and 808 and 909 drum machines. It's a bit long in the tooth now, but is now free and lets you make pretty reasonable dance/EDM music with little effort.
@masm50; fantastic recommendations! Thanks!
Pleased I could help!
I've spent a bit of time playing around with [Trackers. They can be quite a fun way of making music. There's a bit of a learning curve but there is a very good free one called [url=http://openmpt.org]OpenMPT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracker_(music_software)).
It might be quite of a long shot, but if you can find a Yamaha EX5, they are a quirky synthesizer/sequencer/effects bank that you can do everything in the unit without hooking up via Midi. Certainly it is easier to use a Midi device like this using a program like Cubase, but in a pinch I have written commercial music on this device that was quite well received.
The reason I cal the EX5 quirky is that many people had trouble using the unit as it is a cross between midi sounds and sampled wave-forms. It also has a sample on it so you can record clips into the flash memory or connect a (shudder) fast SCSI hard drive to record the wave forms. The multi-tamberal layers on it were very advanced for the time, so it has excellent analog sounds (like the original Moog, strings, woodwinds, and horns) It also allows one to build wave forms crossing samples with oscillators and you can create some wicked club type sounds. The effects are reasonably good. I'm not sure if these are coveted units due to the usability issues, but I did not have a problem using it and learning its' ropes so most of you should be ok.
If you willing to set up a Linux computer then there is a host of free audio Midi mixers, sequencers and non-destructive audio editors.
I can't suggest any keyboards as I can't play myself so I'm not informed at all. As a free software to mix channels and add effects I do have a suggestion: Audacity. You may want to compare it with those others that have been mentioned.
There are various software available online and you can easily download other good option is different audio apps that can make the video niche. especially if you have made a video on the trip it has blurry images and weak voice that isn't audible for everyone we can make it perfect by using these apps.