text:
A Study of Aleglitazar in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Who Have Not Previously Received Anti-Hyperglycemic Therapy
This study has been completed.
Hoffmann-La Roche
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Hoffmann-La Roche
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: September 20, 2012
Last updated: August 9, 2016
Last verified: August 2016
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of aleglitazar monotherapy compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have not previously received anti-hyperglycemic therapy. Patients will be randomized to receive oral doses of 150 mcg aleglitazar once daily or placebo. The anticipated time on study treatment is 26 weeks.
|Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
|Drug: Placebo Drug: aleglitazar
|Phase 3
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double (Participant, Investigator)
Primary Purpose: Treatment
|Official Title:
|A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase III Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Aleglitazar Monotherapy Compared With Placebo in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) Who Are Drug-Naïve to Anti-Hyperglycemic Therapy
Further study details as provided by Hoffmann-La Roche:
Primary Outcome Measures:
- Change from baseline in hemoglobin HbA1c [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
Secondary Outcome Measures:
- Change in lipid profile [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
- Change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
- Responder rate as defined of hemoglobin A1c (HbAc1) <7.0% (<6.5%) [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
- Change from baseline in homeostatic index of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS) [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
- Change from baseline in homeostatic index of beta cell function (HOMA-BCF) [ Time Frame: From baseline to week 26 ]
- Safety: incidence of adverse events [ Time Frame: 30 weeks (26 weeks treatment and 4 weeks follow-up) ]
|Study Start Date:
|November 2012
|Study Completion Date:
|September 2013
|Primary Completion Date:
|September 2013 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
|Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Drug: Placebo
oral doses once a day for 26 weeks
|Experimental: aleglitazar
Drug: aleglitazar
150 mcg orally once a day for 26 weeks
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult patients, >/=18 years of age
- Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, type 2 within 12 months prior to screening
- Patients who have not received a anti-hyperglycemic medication for at least 12 weeks prior to screening and for not longer than 3 consecutive months in the past
- HbA1c >/=7% and </=9.5% at screening or within 4 weeks prior to screening and at pre-randomization visit
- Fasting plasma glucose </=240 mg/dL at pre-randomization visit
- Agreement to maintain diet and exercise habits during the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, secondary diabetes, diabetes resulting from pancreatic injury, or acute metabolic diabetic complications within the past 6 months
- Any previous treatment with thiazolidinedione or a dual peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonist
- Any body weight lowering or lipoprotein-modifying therapy within 12 weeks prior to screening (except stable dose of statin)
- Symptomatic congestive heart failure classified as New York Heart Association class II-IV at screening
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01691755
Hide Study Locations
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01691755
Hide Study Locations
|United States, California
|Chino, California, United States, 91710
|Los Angeles, California, United States, 90057
|Santa Ana, California, United States, 92701
|Thousand Oaks, California, United States, 91360
|Upland, California, United States, 91786
|West Hills, California, United States, 91307
|United States, Florida
|Boynton Beach, Florida, United States, 33472
|Cooper City, Florida, United States, 33024
|Coral Gables, Florida, United States, 33134
|Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32216
|Kissimmee, Florida, United States, 34741
|United States, Georgia
|Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30338
|United States, Illinois
|Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60607
|United States, Indiana
|Avon, Indiana, United States, 46123
|United States, Missouri
|St Peters, Missouri, United States, 63376
|United States, North Carolina
|Greensboro, North Carolina, United States, 27408
|United States, Oregon
|Portland, Oregon, United States, 97239
|United States, Pennsylvania
|Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States, 16602
|Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States, 18510
|Tipton, Pennsylvania, United States, 16684
|United States, South Carolina
|Greer, South Carolina, United States, 29651
|United States, Tennessee
|Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37919
|United States, Washington
|Spokane, Washington, United States, 99202
|Aguascaliente, Mexico, 20230
|Cuernavaca, Mexico, 62250
|Culiacan, Mexico, 80020
|Durango, Mexico, 34000
|Durango, Mexico, 34080
|Guadalajara, Mexico, 44600
|Mexico City, Mexico, 11650
|Monterrey, Mexico, 64460
|Pachuca, Mexico, 42090
|Queretaro, Mexico, 76000
|Tampico, Mexico, 89000
Sponsors and Collaborators
Hoffmann-La Roche
|Study Director:
|Clinical Trials
|Hoffmann-La Roche
More Information
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 25, 2017
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
Henry RR, Buse JB, Wu H, Durrwell L, Mingrino R, Jaekel K, El Azzouzi B, Andjelkovic M, Herz M. Efficacy, safety and tolerability of aleglitazar in patients with type 2 diabetes: pooled findings from three randomized phase III trials. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2015 Jun;17(6):560-5. doi: 10.1111/dom.12455. Epub 2015 Apr 8.
|Responsible Party:
|Hoffmann-La Roche
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT01691755 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|September 20, 2012
|Last Updated:
|August 9, 2016
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Glucose Metabolism Disorders
Metabolic Diseases
Endocrine System Diseases
Hypoglycemic Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 25, 2017


text:
'"We felt we were getting a good veteran guy that played a good number of games last year (31) that could step in, I guess," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "We're looking at playing him in that 15-to-20-game range, give or take a few games here or there. There's going to be a hard plan going into the season on where we're going to play him."'
You are here: Home / SabresBeat / Lalime strong in Sabres debut

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Nialip 500 mg
Images for reference only. Packaging will vary.
Ask A Pharmacist
Please feel free to ask our pharmacists any questions about Nialip.
140 tabs for $92.05 ($0.66 per tab)
Nialip from online pharmacy: Singapore
Save money today when you buy Nialip 500 mg online from The Drug Company. If you have any questions about ordering, call 1-888-254-3038 toll free and speak with a customer service representative. You can also use the Live Chat feature to ensure you find the medication you are looking for. Either way, you can arrange for home delivery of your prescription order, by phone or entirely online. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the prescription you need for Nialip 500 mg.


text:
I would like to find transfer function of my real time system. I put in the attachment as test.txt (time, stimuli, response). I have some troubles to find the transfer function of my system. Basically I send a signal to the piston pump and I drive the motor of the piston, then I read the flow rate on the flowmeter. The flow we can write as derivative of the motion multiply surface of the piston Q=dh/dt*A. We can notice that phase starts from about plus 90 degrees (estimation1.vi look at phase). As in my system is a derivative my transfer function should be something like ( for example for second order) b2s^2+b1s+0 / a2s^2+a1s+a0 and etc. I made a vi but Labview cannot find anything reasonable. Maybe somebody has an idea to improve my vi?
Thank you for any help.
Best regards,
Solved! Go to Solution.
Hello Nemesis,
I have had a look at your VI, but one thing that surprises me is that you do not seem to use your first column (time) in any of your calculations.
I did see you used fixed parameters, but your time array does not seem to be 100% equidistant.
Are you allowed to extrapolate this behavior that way?
Can you give me some more information about the units you're measuring?
This wll allow me to further check where things might be going wrong.
Other question:
I see you're using state space models?
Are you familiar with the theory behind this?
Hello Thierry,
Thank you for replay. I will try to replay to your questions.
1) Yes, I do not use time anyway. I noticed that something is wrong. I will try to fix it.
2 - 3) I wrote a vi in Labview that simulate sinusoidal wave and send it to the piston pump as a position. The signal is sent in V (0-10 V equals -12 to 12 mm). Then I read the signal on the flowmeter, normally it is 4-20 mA and then I convert it to V. (I checked in flowmeter how is correspond voltage for minimum and maximum flow e.i. 4 and 20 mA) Then my stimuli signal and response signal is in V. After that, the signal is saved on USB stick with frequency 100Hz (dt 0.01s). Actually my signal has some noises and does not reconstruct perfect wave signal. Therefore I saved about 10 times signal for each frequency (0.1 to 10/15Hz) and then I post-process in Matlab (look in the attachment for the equations). X(t) input signal, y(t) output. Then, I was trying to find transfer function manually by looking at the potential poles and zeros. It sometimes took me some time by I got it well. (Look in the attachment mag1,ph1). Unfortunately, the last configuration of my system gave me the results with those I have some trouble to find a good and stable transfer functions. Even if I I can find something like in the attachment (mag2,ph2) it needs very high order of transfer functions and then I have problem to put in Labview for further control. I tried something like in attachment (estimation_TF.vi) with TF the estimation function but I often got an unstable function for my data. I added the last measured results.(test003.txt)
It is my first touch with estimation methods in Labview. Actually, I use Matlab for calculations and post-processing. If the methods are similar between Matlab and Labview then I can say that I know something about state space models. Anyway I will be glad to hear something new or probably something that I do not know. As we renewed license for Labview and I got addition modules I thought that it could be a great opportunity to try something new that can speed up my work or even makes it easier and better, more efficient.
I will be glad if you will be able to help me.
Best regards,
Hello Nemesis,
How does your system physically look like?
Do you have a schematic of the components you're using?
How are you measuring your system?
Are you using anti-aliasing filters?
Is it possible to do another measurement with a different excitation?
Is there a specific reason you're using a swept sine?
Are you sure your system is behaving linear?
What type (num. and den. order ) of transfer function are you expecting (or did you have before)?
Is there a certain theorem you have to follow to obtain "correct" results?
One thing that was incorrectly done in your original calculation was the used window length.
To be able to correvtly compare your results you should take the window length for the FRF equal to the length of the input signals X and Y for your TF model estimate.
PS: I was able to get a transfer function as result, but please also take into account the high standard deviation on the calculated FRF. That's why you're experiencing an unstable system.
PPS: Please don't mind the looks of the code, because it was just meant to show a comparison.
1) Unfortunately I cannot post the schematic of my system.
2) I have NI hardware: NI9024, NI9112, NI9265, NI9203, NI9215, NI9217, NI9263, NI9472 and NI9481. I do not use any additional special filters. There are filters in the electromagnetic flowmweter or the linear motor but I send the sinusoidal wave to the linear motor through the NI9263 and then I read flow on the NI9203. I just re-scaled the flowmeter signal from mA to V.
I can put a different excitation signal but I will not have typical response like for other systems. The step or something like that does not work with this system therefore I work with sinus signal.
3) I put the signal response for f=0.1Hz and f=10Hz in the attachment. My post-processing has for a task to average the noises and any other perturbations.
I believe and I know that the system is hardly linear. In my system I have pipes that are not rigid. They are soft such as a silicone pipe. If we simple compare hydraulic system to the electric one we can write that it is like a RLC system for each of a pipe (a picture). We have friction effect, viscous effect, compliance effect and viscoelastic effect of pipes. Then 7 parts of these kind of system with different resonance plus another equipment sych as pumps, valves etc.
I got before a good estimation with num = 5 (s^4) and den = 8 (s^7).
4) It is difficult to find a good theorem for my system. I will have to put somehow the Navier-Stokes equations if I want to do it what I think is quite difficult.
Actually it is difficult to put any initial data. Now I based on the previous transfer function. num = 1.226e-006 s^4 + 0.0001119 s^3 + 0.00206 s^2 + 0.07692 s + 0, den = 5.676e-011 s^7 + 3.633e-009 s^6 + 4.23e-007 s^5 + 1.453e-005 s^4 + 0.0006311 s^3 + 0.01016 s^2+ 0.1717 s + 1.
Hello Nemesis,
I'm kind of surprised by your answer.
If the system is not linear, then why do you want to use a Transfer Function to characterize it.
Is it possible to do measurements with a different amplitude for the sinewave?
Reducing the amplitude (and therefor also the power) of the signal could also reduce the non-linearities you're observing.
Would this be possible or would you then no longer be able to adequately "stimulate" the signal.
Can you send me the data that you could correctly use to produce a transfer function in Matlab?
Hello ThiCop,
I have already done it. It is quite small amplitude that I am using. I sent you my data (in columns: f(rad/s), mag(dB), phase(deg)).
I put also a vi to construct a signal in time domain. Just pay an attention that the data has to be amplitude instead of magnitude.
hello Kamil,
I'm not able to open this VI.
The results file also seems to be empty.


text:
The Clayton Valley Charter football team took advantage of four first half turnovers, had 502 yards on the ground and Miles Harrison scored five first half touchdowns as the Eagles started Diablo Valley Athletic League play with a 71-14 win over host College Park on Friday.
"It's a good win because they are a good team, they run a good system and they had two weeks off to get ready for us," Clayton Valley coach Tim Murphy said. "Our offense was good the entire game and I was happy with the way we responded to how they moved the ball early on against us."
Harrison had 175 yards, all in the first half. He scored four times on the ground, including a 43-yard run that was followed by a 76-yard run by Gabe Taylor.
A 31-yard scoring pass from Taylor to Harrison on the first half's final play put an exclamation point on the game for Clayton Valley (5-1, 1-0 DVAL).
College Park (3-2-1, 0-1) answered the first Harrison score with a 43-yard run by Ray Jackson to tie it at 7-7 early on.
Jackson had 119 yards and two scores for the Falcons, who moved the ball well for large portions of the game, but turnovers proved too costly.
Northgate 65, Mt. Diablo 8: Eric Haynes ran for 189 yards and four touchdowns, and Kyle Austin threw for three scores — all of it in the first half — as the Broncos (6-0) stayed undefeated in their Diablo Valley Athletic League opener.
Haynes needed only 14 carries to rack up his total and scored on runs of 5, 41, 8 and 25 yards, and Northgate was never challenged. Mt. Diablo (2-4, 0-1) did not record a first down until Austin Hunt and Darneall Jenkins teamed up on an 87-yard touchdown pass with 8:22 left in the second quarter.
The two teams used a running clock in the second half after the Broncos scored on eight of their nine first half possessions to build a 55-8 lead at intermission.
Austin, threw all three of his touchdowns to wide receiver Jake Smith. The two connected on a 19-yard score to cap Northgate's first possession, then combined on a 25-yard strike on the first play after recovering a Mt. Diablo fumble on the ensuing kickoff. Smith caught an 8-yard scoring pass in the third quarter.
Nick Mastrelli scored on a 16-yard run in the third quarter for Northgate.
Hunt completed 16 of 27 passes for Mt. Diablo but was intercepted by Mastrelli and Eddie Acosta. The Red Devils' only score came when Hunt threw a flanker screen to Jenkins, who broke a tackle and outran the Northgate secondary for the score.
— Rick Hurd
Concord 46, Ygnacio Valley 0: The visiting Minutemen took a 30-0 lead at halftime and went on to beat the Warriors in the DVAL opener for both teams.
Quarterback Mitch Daniels threw touchdown passes to Ronnie Algood and Mason Knight, and Malik Blackburn scored the first of his two touchdowns on a 25-yard run as Concord (5-1, 1-0 DVAL) pulled away from Ygnacio Valley (1-5, 0-1) in the first half.
— Staff


text:
Carp sends Red Sox to second straight walk-off win
Heroics come after Uehara blows rare save following Lester's gem
BOSTON -- Mike Carp spent much of June watching his teammates struggle offensively from his couch, wishing he could do something about it. The lefty embraces his role as a matchup pinch-hitter who is often called on in late-game situations.
Carp said it was sometimes hard to watch, and he wanted to turn the TV off when the Red Sox couldn't cash in on late chances. While recovering from a broken bone in his right foot, there was nothing Carp could do.
But on Thursday as a pinch-hitter, Carp slapped a line drive to left field with one out in the 10th to score Daniel Nava and give the Red Sox a 4-3 win over the White Sox at Fenway Park. Thanks to some timely hitting, Boston salvaged a split of a four-game set and finished its homestand 3-7 with consecutive walk-off wins.
"It's a tough gig to come up there and everybody expects you to get the game-winning hit after you sat on the bench for three and a half hours," said Carp, who grounded out as a pinch-hitter with two on and two out in the eighth Wednesday after coming off the disabled list Monday. "But it's nice to even them out every now and then and come up with the big one."
Nava walked to begin the 10th after pitch-hitting for Jonny Gomes, then Mookie Betts moved him over with a sacrifice bunt. Chicago intentionally walked Stephen Drew, then Carp, pinch-hitting for David Ross, singled off Ronald Belisario.
Carp took a fastball away down 1-2 in the count to Belisario, then figured the righty would try to bust him in. The next pitch, a sinker, caught too much of the plate. Carp put it through the hole to score Nava, who slid under Tyler Flowers while the catcher reached up to grab a high throw.
Carp became the hero only because of a Chicago rally in the ninth, though. To start that frame, Koji Uehara was late getting to the bag when Alexei Ramirez grounded a ball softly to first. Despite being called out, a challenge by White Sox manager Robin Ventura overturned the ruling and Ramirez was ruled safe.
Two batters later, pinch-hitter Conor Gillaspie snuck a line drive inside Pesky's Pole to tie the game. It was the infielder's third homer of the series and fourth of the season.
Junichi Tazawa pitched a perfect eighth to give Uehara a save opportunity. Andrew Miller got into some trouble in the 10th, putting runners on second and third, but got Ramirez to ground out back to the mound to end the inning.
The White Sox struck in the first on an RBI double by Jose Abreu, but after that, it was all Jon Lester. The lefty allowed a run on seven hits while fanning 12 over seven frames. He showed his best swing-and-miss stuff, striking out two batters in each of the first five innings.
The now three-time All Star didn't allow a walk, and each of the five singles he allowed weren't particularly hard hit. They just found their way through.
"I had pretty good command of my fastball to both sides, but I think the biggest pitch was my curveball," Lester said. "I was dropping it in for strikes and bouncing it too. When I'm able to do that, I can get some separation from my fastball and cutter. It widens the plate for me. I was able to exploit that today."
Of concern for the Red Sox, though, was that White Sox lefty Jose Quintana was even better through five innings. Quintana retired their first 15 batters on just 61 pitches before walking Drew and Ross on full counts to start the sixth, ending his bid for a perfect game. Jackie Bradley Jr. then singled between first and second for the Red Sox's first hit to tie it.
Bradley missed on two bunt attempts during that at-bat while trying to get runners to first and second.
"I wasn't even thinking about [the no-hitter]. I was just trying to execute and advance the runners after not getting the bunt down," Bradley said. "It just found a hole."
After Quintana forced a pair of groundouts, David Ortiz slapped a double off the Green Monster to score Ross and Bradley, giving the Red Sox a 3-1 lead.
"We were able to bunch the few hits that we did get with the walks we were able to draw," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "And timely hitting today was the key."
Quintana allowed just two hits, two walks and three runs with seven strikeouts over seven frames. But as its been for much of the last two years -- Quintana led the Majors with 17 no-decisions in 2013 -- it wasn't enough, and the Red Sox head to Houston for one last series before the All-Star break winners of two straight.
"[Quintana] has pitched for us very, very well," said White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton. "And some days, I know the record might not show how well he's done just with how well we've hit sometimes, but he's done extremely well for us this year."
Steven Petrella is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. Visit image gallery to purchase the image.
The New Zealand Rugby League hope to turn the NRL Grand Final weekend into a football fiesta, with an annual Kiwis match preceding the Grand Final.
As a solution to the perennial battle for more games for the Kiwis - and to try to dilute the Australian advantage gleaned from established State of Origin combinations - the NZRL plan to stage a test match on the Saturday of Australasian league's biggest weekend.
The game, to be played against Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands or Papua New Guinea, will likely be held in New Zealand.
Despite the plethora of Samoan and Tongan players within the New Zealand league scene, the Kiwis have only met Tonga on four occasions and Samoa just once - before the 2008 World Cup.
Papua New Guinea was the regular opponent in the 1980s (the Kiwis and the Kumuls met on seven occasions across the decade) but much less so since then, with only two clashes in the last 15 years and none between 1997 and 2008.
The New Zealand side would be chosen from the eight NRL teams that don't make the play-offs as well as the two teams that are knocked out in the first week of the finals.
"We hope to make it a permanent fixture," says NZRL CEO Jim Doyle, "and a highlight of the calendar."
"It's a way to get our team together and fit and also a chance for some of the younger players to play another international match. We probably couldn't call it an official Kiwis test - because some players would not be available due to ongoing club commitments - but it would be a New Zealand XIII."
This year the team could have been selected from the Eels, Panthers, Warriors, Roosters, Knights, Titans, Tigers, Dragons, Sharks and Broncos, with stars such as Benji Marshall, Shaun Johnson, Ben Matulino and Josh Hoffman available for such a match.
Outside World Cup tournaments, the Kiwis have often struggled to play a meaningful number of games due to the restricted calendar. The Kiwis have only played two test matches this year, whereas the All Blacks will have played 13 tests by the end of the year and the All Whites have already completed the same amount.
- By Michael Burgess


text:
Have you liked' the Fuel Up to Play 60 Facebook page? The page recently hit 100,000 like's'! Earlier this fall we told you about Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60), a program that was founded by you, and the National Football League, with support from the USDA. The program works to battle the nation's childhood obesity epidemic by getting students actively involved in making healthy choices, including eating more dairy foods. It is currently in more than 73,000 schools with 11 million students. Check here to see how you can help your local school become involved in FUTP 60 if it isn't already.
Dairy producers across the nation regularly participate in FUTP 60 school events where they see the power of the program! Check with your local dairy checkoff organization to see how you can get involved. You can read more about the program and learn how your peers are helping to grow its awareness in addition to connecting students to the true source of their favorite dairy foods in a recent Progressive Dairyman magazine: www.progressivedairy.com/downloads/2012/09/1312pd_checkoff_watch.pdf
Finally, we'll leave you with results of a recent survey of FUTP 60 leaders. The results revealed that the program is helping students meet their nutritional and physical activity needs:
56 percent feel FUTP 60 is increasing access to healthy foods on campus (up from 45 percent in 2011)
70 percent think the program is helping students make healthier food choices (up from 61 percent in 2011)
69 percent believe that it positively influences their school environment (up from 61 percent in 2011)
Let us know how you and your family are actively promoting Fuel Up to Play 60 in your local schools!


text:
Two schools proposed for downtown Escondido could make it harder for new liquor stores, wine tasting rooms and restaurants to open nearby, city officials said this week.
State regulations governing how close schools can be to businesses that sell alcohol will be a factor in city approvals that both schools need before they begin construction.
The regulations could force some businesses selling alcohol near the schools — a Catholic university and a charter high school — to close during school hours or limit their advertising, city planner Bill Martin said.
Such restrictions would be a hurdle to the city's longtime goal of bringing more night life to downtown, which is mostly empty after the retail shops close in the early evening.
Martin said he was optimistic the possible restrictions wouldn't be a big problem. He said they would affect only new businesses where people would buy alcohol they take home, such as liquor stores and tasting rooms, called "off-sale" locations. And the businesses wouldn't be regulated unless they are within 600 feet of a school.
Martin said officials from the state's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control told him existing businesses would be in the clear, and that there would be no effect on new businesses where alcohol is consumed on-site, such as bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
"The one area it could potentially affect would be off-sale locations," Martin said. "The two conditions mentioned were hours of operation and advertising, but there could be more."
Martin said he plans to thoroughly explain the possible restrictions to the Escondido Planning Commission during a public hearing scheduled March 26 for the proposed charter school, The Classical Academy. The school plans to take over the North County Times site at Valley Parkway and Kalmia Street.
Jennifer Ward, a supervising investigator in the beverage control department's San Marcos office, declined to discuss specifics of how either proposed school would be regulated or how the schools might affect proposals for downtown bars and restaurants.
She said her agency sometimes creates different restrictions for on-site versus off-sale alcohol establishments near schools, but said the process is complex.
"Each license is investigated independently and a variety of factors are taken into account to determine whether or not conditions will be placed on a license," Ward said.
Ward said universities and high schools would fall under the same state regulations.
Barbara Redlitz, the city's planning chief, said the city hadn't yet discussed the Catholic university's proposal with the state beverage control department.
The City Council approved a downtown zoning change last week to allow the university to take over three downtown buildings near Grand Avenue and Maple Street: AmericaWest Bank, H. Johnson Furniture and the Mingei International Museum.
But Redlitz said the university hadn't yet submitted a formal application to the city.
Grand Avenue has several restaurants that serve alcohol. Supporters of the proposal from the university, John Paul the Great, said they expect the campus to attract more restaurants to the area because the school's 150 students will be new customers.
The university, in Scripps Ranch, expects to grow by 20 percent each year, officials said.
Cameron Curry, executive director of the Classical Academy, said he hopes his proposal doesn't jeopardize plans for any alcohol-related businesses.
"Restaurants are part of a thriving economy," he said.


text:
The second of two proposed coastal resorts in Sand City — both of which have been in the works for years — has entered a key phase likely to lead to city approval in early 2013.
Called "The Collection at Monterey Bay," the project's draft environmental impact report was released by the city in late November. The public comment period runs until Jan. 15
Proposed by King Ventures of San Luis Obispo, the project calls for development of a 342-room resort west of Highway 1 on 26 shorefront acres immediately north of Tioga Avenue.
The site is one of two development areas allowed under a 1996 agreement the city made with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District and state parks department, said Steve Matarazzo, administrator for Sand City.
The agreement, which grew out of a push by open-space advocates to acquire Sand City shoreline property for preservation, designated 75 percent of Sand City's coastal lands for open space, while reserving 25 percent for development under its approved local coastal plan, Matarazzo said.
The other building site, located further north, is a 39-acre former sand-mining area where developer Ed Ghandour has pursued a hotel-resort project for almost 20 years.
His proposed Monterey Bay Shores Ecoresort — which calls for a 161-room hotel, 180 condominiums, conference facilities, a spa and restaurant — has been locked in a battle for several years with the state Coastal Commission.
A decision in a San Francisco Superior Court case, in which Ghandour is seeking either a coastal permit or a rehearing before the commission, is expected in January, Matarazzo said.
With the King Ventures project, Matarazzo said the City Council likely will consider approval of a final EIR and the project itself in March.
"We anticipate an appeal to the Coastal Commission," Matarazzo said, simply because of the controversy engendered by coastal development projects.
Amy White, executive director of LandWatch Monterey County, said Monday she had just picked up a copy of the draft EIR and expected the group would submit comments in the next few weeks.
"Anytime there is a large coastal development in Monterey County, LandWatch is going to be concerned and review the EIR," she said.
Matarazzo said both Sand City resort projects are consistent with the city's local coastal plan and have been designed with clustered buildings, as recommended by the Coastal Commission, he said.
King Ventures began work on the project in the early 2000s, when Sand City chose the company as the master developer for one project parcel known as the McDonald site. The developers then purchased the second site — the Sterling site — and acquired rights for 20 acre-feet of water.
The entire project, which could be developed in two phases, would need 50 acre-feet of water. The balance of the necessary water is available from Sand City's desalination plant that went online in 2010, Matarazzo said.
According to a city report, the first phase would be a 139-room hotel, while the second phase would include a 203-room hotel, two restaurants, conference facilities, a spa, bakery, juice bar, wine center and a public parking area.
Asked about the similarities between the two projects, Matarazzo said, "Both of those developers know the market better than I do."
The draft EIR identifies a potential significant environmental impact to views, Matarazzo said. Lowering building heights in some areas would mitigate the issue, he said.
As for traffic impacts at the Highway 1-Fremont Boulevard interchange and other nearby streets, the draft document says the project would pay its fair share of development impact fees.
Larry Parsons can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 646-4379.


text:
- Starbucks Digital Network
We're bringing the most interesting stuff on the web right to your comfy chair. It's the Starbucks Digital Network.
- Wi-Fi
Our coffee brings people together – and our Wi-Fi service helps keep them connected. Learn how to surf while you sip at Starbucks.
- Mobile Applications
You can use your phone to pay for your purchases at Starbucks. It's fast, easy and convenient.
- Store Design
What makes a Starbucks coffeehouse such a vibrant and inviting space? A philosophy of community and environmental responsibility.
Find a Store
Join the Conversation on Twitter
- Starbucks Coffee Company @Starbucks
- Starbucks Careers @StarbucksJobs
- Starbucks Store @StarbucksDeals
- Starbucks Rewards @StarbucksGold
- MyStarbucksIdea.com @MyStarbucksIdea


text:
Burton-on-Trent, UK – 11 January 2013 Clinigen Global Access Programs (Clinigen GAP), a division of Clinigen Group, has appointed Dominic Atkins as global business development director, effective immediately. In this senior commercial role reporting to Mark Corbett, Clinigen GAP's vice-president, and based near Basel, Switzerland, Dominic will be responsible for identifying, assessing and developing new international business opportunities across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle.
In a career spanning almost 20 years, Dominic has developed extensive expertise in sales and marketing at national and international level. He also has experience in public policy/issues management, alliance management and business development.
Most recently, Dominic held a senior marketing position at Shire Human Genetics Therapies (Shire HGT), where he led and implemented marketing strategies throughout the EMEA region. He was previously director of business development and marketing at Santhera Pharmaceuticals and has also worked for Novartis and Wyeth (now Pfizer). He graduated from King's College London with a degree in Chemistry and Management Studies.
Mark Corbett said: "We are delighted that Dominic has decided to join Clinigen GAP at such an exciting stage of our development. We are enjoying strong growth in our business and he is an excellent addition to our team. Dominic brings tremendous knowledge of the industry, as well as insights into our key strategic areas of specialty pharma and orphan drugs. Dominic also has direct experience of setting up and running early access programs and a strong network of contacts, which will bring a unique level of understanding to his interactions with our current and future pharmaceutical clients."
About Clinigen GAP
Clinigen Group is a global specialty pharmaceutical products and services business headquartered in the UK, with offices in the US and Japan. Clinigen's Global Access Programs division (Clinigen GAP) specializes in the consultancy, development, management and implementation of global access programs for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Clinigen GAP provides clients with a fully outsourced solution for managing access to medicines which are otherwise unavailable in one or multiple markets.
Clinigen's highly experienced team combines pharmaceutical and service expertise in the execution of innovative programs and is currently implementing programs providing medicines for thousands of patients globally.
For more information, visit www.clinigengroup.com
Media contact
Pete Chan at Tudor Reilly
Office: +44 (0)207 034 3208
Mobile: +44 (0)7725 554 632
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Moderators: Timko, Fritz, Solty, Booter, Blake_T, Frank Delicious
masterbeato wrote:...900 feet, everybody is happy.
Frank Delicious wrote:You will be well accepted here.
bergdawg wrote:I'm bergdawg, Prerube is my nemesis.
Furthur wrote:Either get a lighter one, throw harder, or find a disc with more glide.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
Sixth Annual Jackie Tournament
Additional Information
The North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center is holding it's sixth annual "Jackie" Golf Tournament on Wednesday June 5th at the Stonebridge Gold and Country Club. You can support the tournament by playing in a foursome for $340. All proceeds benefit the senior citizens center.
Jackie Wobler-Lawler sat on the North Utica Community Center's Board of Directors for over ten years, and was passionate advocate for seniors and children in the greater Utica Area. All proceeds from the tournament help the center in overcoming obstacles and challenges we face in the provision of services and programs to all age groups during difficult economic times.


text:
Celebrities Front Row at New York Fashion Week Spring 2014
See All the Stylish Stars Celebrating Fashion Week
See All the Stylish Stars Celebrating Fashion Week
Sure, the models coming down the catwalks are sporting the latest beauty trends for Spring 2014, but the front row is filled with equally fabulous editors, buyers, and — of course! — fashionable celebrities. Whether they're friends of the designer or catching the show for what to wear next season, there are plenty of familiar faces. Click through to see who we spotted out at parties and sitting front row at this season of New York Fashion Week.
0previous images
63more images


text:
June 2012
Ø To facilitate the Computer Refresh process, a survey is provided to determine the priority and eligibility of your current computer
Ø A physical inventory was conducted but we need to validate the accuracy against our inventory and that each computer is being accounted for
Ø The survey will include: User Profile, Computer Information and Training Needs
Ø If you own more than one computer (desktop and laptop not including iPads) or have designated computers in your department, please fill out an additional survey (one survey per computer)
Ø A survey is not necessary for the computers in the Labs
Ø The survey should take less than 5 minutes
SURVEY: Submit by July 6, 2012
To begin the survey <click here>
If you have questions regarding the survey or timelines for completion, please call the HelpDesk at (707) 654-1048. If you are not available or do not have access to your computer, you can submit the survey when you can.
Based on the physical inventory and the survey, computers that are older than 4 years old or the condition of your current computer will be refreshed. We can determine the age of the computer based on the Make, Model and Asset Tag.
Phase I: All computers in the labs that have been identified will be refreshed (July 2012)
Phase II: Staff and Faculty computers who are on campus during the summer (July – August 2012)
Phase III: Remaining Faculty and Staff computers returning for Fall 2013 and any outstanding computers that were not refreshed in Phase II (August – December 2012)
The computer labs will be the first priority. Then we will proceed with the computers that are older than 4 years. However, computers less than 4 years old will be considered for replacement if the computer's condition is deemed to be unacceptable after being evaluated by IT. So it is important that you fill out the survey promptly regardless how old your computer is.
REPLACEMENT of CURRENT COMPUTER:
Once we receive your response and determine your eligibility, we will send you an email to schedule a day and time to replace your computer. Make sure you remove all unnecessary files before you hand over your computer to IT. You must be present during the first part of your scheduled appointment because you need to login for the IT technician so he can confirm the transfer of files, the installation of appropriate software and the mapping of shared drives and printers. Please note there will be a 2-4 hour downtime during this migration process.
Since the new computers will be loaded with the Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2007, training will be provided for those who are not familiar with the new version. Please indicate on the survey which method of training you prefer.
Do not reply to this email. Please enter any comments, questions and concerns you have regarding the computer refresh in the survey or contact the HelpDesk at (707) 654-1048. Please indicate if you have immediate needs as this will help us in the prioritization process.


text:
The Tap Out - Defining Moments In Wrestling History
by, 10-13-2012 at 08:05 AM (3944 Views)
Hi all and welcome to
As I have mentioned before I haven't been a 100% wrestling addict all the time, I've left during the bad times and returned during the good.
I wanted to share my defining wrestling history and the moments that sent me away and moments that brought me back.
Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels
I remember first getting Sky TV when I was a kid and the first channel my dad turned the TV onto had WWF wrestling on it and I was hooked, the lights, the showmanship, the good guys, the bad guys and the all out action. There was a lot during this time that appealed to me as a child. The strict divide between good and bad, the simplicity of the story lines. The commentary from Monsoon and McMahon. It was excellent. I was enamored with the Bret Hart/Shawn Michaels rivalry and the rivalry between Bret and Owen. As a child it was all real to me and when Vince screwed Bret in Montreal that was me done and I left wrestling behind.
The Rock and Stone Cold
The next time I saw wrestling was by accident. I was working as a chef and used to get home very late on a Friday night (when Raw used to be shown in UK) I flicked through the channels when I got home and came across Raw. I saw an eyebrow raising hooligan in the ring giving a promo and wearing a very colorful shirt, whilst talking this man was interrupted by a countdown on the screen, once the countdown reached zero another man entered and these two went back and fourth for a few minuets and before I realized It I was captivated by these two men..The Rock and Jericho!! I then started watching every Friday night and all the PPV available on Sky, I watched everything through the whole Rock/Austin era. The Hardyz struggle to become champions, TLC, NWO etc I was hooked. Sadly after a few years The Rock left to peruse acting. Stone Cold took a reduced role due to injury. Huge steroid looking guys started to come in (Brock and Batista) and I just lost interest. it was almost spiteful as I was watching the rise of a singles Jeff Hardy winning the title off HHH and thought they had huge things in store for him (which they later did) and then to have a huge monster like Lesnar come in, destroy the Hardyz and moved up the ladder far too fast IMO (I believe this single man lead to the new craze of throwing people into the title picture before they had earned their stripes in the Mid Card) and again due to all this I left wrestling again.
The Summer of Punk
Once I moved in with my then girlfriend and got a new job there was very little time to watch anything to do with wrestling etc and it wasn't until a good friend started at the same place as me that we got to know each other that he sent me a message stating that I needed to watch the end a raw for a promo by some guy he though was cool..CM Punk. I watched this promo on you tube and instantly had my mind blown...I was like WTF have I been missing, this guy was phenomenal on the mic and suddenly my passion had been re-lit and I was hooked once again. Unfortunately the summer of Punk was diluted by the addition of Nash and HHH and turning Punk into some Tweener not funny comedy sketch. Thankfully before I decided to leave again they have now turned him heel and this is working for him and there is potential in the new up and comer Ryback. I shall be watching for some time to come but I'm certainly looking forward to what the next defining moment in WWe history will be for me.
What moments have changed the way you view the wrestling world?


text:
'); var yuipath = 'clientscript/yui'; var yuicombopath = ''; var remoteyui = false; } else // Load Rest of YUI remotely (where possible) { var yuipath = 'http://yui.yahooapis.com/2.9.0/build'; var yuicombopath = 'http://yui.yahooapis.com/combo'; var remoteyui = true; if (!yuicombopath) { document.write('
Pretty stupid to have a review option, and not actually have the ability to use it.
Very few things are reviewable. But in this it wouldn't have made any difference since it hit the side of the backboard
You may say we didn't deserve to win this game, but the score said otherwise. The jazz did enough to win and should be proud, but so did the pacers.. . Particularly in crunch time. The refs just wiped out their efforts. Heck the game should have been over when west got fouled at the end of regulation.
Again, kudos to the Jazz for a great game but it was still frustrating.
Why are people saying this? It's a sphere. It can hit the back corner and still have forward trajectory. What cannot happen is for him to be lined up behind the glass and have it hit the side. Bottom maybe but not the side.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
The rules disagree
http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_8....av=ArticleListb. Any ball that rebounds or passes directly behind the backboard, in either direction, from any point is considered out-of-bounds.
They blew the call but we sucked tonight we didn't deserve this game so I am not really upset about it. We should of beat them by double digits if we played good and not so sloppy.
Because it was also thrown from a lower angle. Unless it just completely hit the bottom of the backboard first. But he threw the ball from behind the backboard, unless the ball spun in the air it either had to hit the back then bottom or just bottom. The rules indicate only the side and front are inbounds. I don't know what it means for the bottom, but I don't think it could hit the side.
It was too close to tell in real time though. The whole point is to get the call right for questionable calls. That was questionable. It needs to be based on that, more so than individual situations.


text:
This week we learned that Saint's Row IV will have to go head-to-head with GTA V, and that a new game criticism publishing label has formed.
Here's a roundup of the biggest news this week on MCVuk.com's sister site MCV Pacific:
- Saint's Row IV's classification debacle in Australia left its release date uncertain. It has now been confirmed by distributor All Interactive Entertainment that the edited version will be arriving late due to production delays, and will undoubtedly be launch much closer to behemoth Grand Theft Auto V than the company would like.
- GTA V itself, meanwhile, was confirmed this week as having EB Games' biggest ever midnight launch, an indicator that pre-orders must be through the roof.
- Following on from the success of his book Killing is Harmless, Brendan Keogh is teaming up with Aussie game critic Daniel Golding to launch a publishing label aimed at long-form game criticism.
- With Australia's development scene now being all about indie, Qantm College in Sydney gathered a panel of local successful indie developers to discuss the challenges now facing the raft of smaller companies trying to get their feet off the ground.
- The MOGA, the controller which clips on to your android device, has just launched in Australia through Bluemouth Interactive.
MCV Pacific is a new digital venture from Intent Media, the UK publishing company behind the world's leading video game b2b brand, MCV. Make sure you sign up to the MCV Pacific Newsletter. To find out how MCV Pacific can support your business year-round across its online, email and social channels, contact Lesley Blumson on +44 (0) 1992 535 647


text:
Recall advocates who want to oust Supervisor Susan Adams will fan out in San Rafael with petitions this weekend as they launch a drive to collect the signatures of 6,368 registered voters.
Recall leaders Alissa Chacko and Carol Joyce Sheerin of San Rafael both reported "overwhelming" response from voters who began signing their petitions this week.
"People just stop me and ask if they can sign," Chacko said, adding volunteers will be "in many areas of the district" this weekend. In addition, tables will be set up in Marinwood Park, the intersection of Las Gallinas Avenue and Cedar Hill Drive, and elsewhere.
Volunteers are scheduled to circulate petitions in Terra Linda, Santa Venetia, Los Ranchitos, Marin Lagoon and elsewhere, Chacko said.
Sheerin said some recall advocates are "a little bit concerned about what's going on," citing yards that were egged, hackers who shut down Chacko's email and other incidents she described as intimidating.
"But we are very pleased with the support we are getting from across the county," she added, inviting supporters and campaign donors to check out the website at www.marinrecall.com
The website makes clear that the first recall drive against a Marin County supervisor in more than 50 years is about more than plopping affordable housing complexes in suburban neighborhoods.
Advocates say efforts to oust Adams from office are focused on what they call her lack of accountability to constituents.
"Whether it be the control of information, the 'divide and conquer' approach to the very community which put her in office, the aggressive stance taken to dissenting opinion, or the failure to address a number of issues other than land use, Supervisor Adams is not representing her constituency," the website declares. "Though Supervisor Adams' support of multiple affordable housing initiatives that will disproportionally impact the community is a central issue, there are other examples of her failure to represent her constituency."
The website goes on to say Adams several years ago insisted that a public safety building next to the Marin Civic Center was a "done deal" for Santa Venetia, then flip-flopped to claim a Marin Commons site near the Marin YMCA was her idea all along. It says issues and improvements in Santa Venetia, Lucas Valley and Marinwood have languished or been ignored.
The petition circulated by recall supporters includes a statement from Adams as is required by law. The supervisor says she has an open door policy and has a record that "speaks for itself," including resolving issues at San Rafael Rock Quarry, "working with constituents on rehabilitation of Marinwood Plaza," and dealing with flood control, bayland protection and a host of other matters.
Recall campaigners have 120 days to collect the signatures needed for a ballot measure to oust Adams for "failure to represent her constituents." If enough signatures are gathered, an election could be scheduled in March or April, just before the June election, in which Adams has pledged to seek re-election. The recall election would cost about $250,000, according to the county elections office.
The petition is signed by Carol Joyce Sheerin, Meehyun Kurtzman, Michael Kurtzman, Carolyn Lenert, Joe McBride, Alissa Chacko, Steve Chacko, Elizabeth Ferris, Nancy Ahnemann and Raymond L. Lorber.
Contact Nels Johnson via email at email@example.com


text:
A crash and fire that closed northbound I-75 for at least six hours early Monday morning left two motorists dead after their vehicle was trapped under a semi-truck that caught fire.
Firefighters and police officials were sent to the scene of the collision just after midnight. Reports detailed that a semi-truck was on fire on northbound I-75, north of Rochester Road.
While the fire was being put out, officials noticed what looked like another car under the semi. It was mangled so badly by the flames, it was nearly indistinguishable, said Troy Assistant Fire Chief David Roberts.
"There was no license plate that we could see," Roberts said. "It was even hard to tell what kind of vehicle it was. In fact, I think (officials) still don't know exactly what kind of vehicle it was."
Two people who were inside of the trapped car have been confirmed dead.
The pair who were found inside the car were burned so badly that most officials involved assume they will have to be identified by dental records. Both were scheduled for an autopsy, according to Oakland County Medical Examiner's Office investigators. Officials reported they were waiting for a dental records check on the motorists.
The driver died from multiple injuries sustained during the initial crash, while the passenger died from thermal injuries in the fire, along with blunt force head trauma, investigators said.
The driver of the Art Van semi, who suffered only minor injuries in the accident, told police he was able to escape before the flames grew, said� Troy Police Department Sgt. Andy Breidenich.
After the crash, he told officials his "truck jack-knifed, then caught on fire. He was able to get out of it, but later, had no idea he hit a car," Breidenich said of the initial investigation.
The driver was treated at the scene by emergency personnel.
Another witness said they saw the car, which could only initially be identified as a Pontiac following the incident, driving slowly with its hazard lights -- but no headlights -- on along the highway.
"There's not much more we know about how the crash happened," said Breidenich.
At one point during the fire, the semi's fuel tanks ruptured, causing burning diesel fuel to spread along the highway and leak into drain pipes.
After the blaze was extinguished, a HAZMAT team was called to the scene to handle the spill, and the Michigan Department of Transportation was notified for extra cleanup assistance. The northbound lanes of I-75 were reopened around 6 a.m.
Staff writer John Turk covers the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, police and general assignment. He can be reached at 248-745-4613.


text:
I love the way this one turned out. Isn't it amazing how different fabrics change the whole look of the quilt? (this was my first quilt in this pattern…this was my second) This fabric collection is Summer House. Its not my usual color combo but I love it now that I can see it almost finished.
I'm in the midst of quilt market preparation madness. I'm thinking now that it was a really bad idea to wait until the week before to do EVERYTHING. If I don't have time to check in before market…come visit me in Booth # 2310. Now back to the last minute scramble!


text:
Time to Refocus on the Balance Sheet
Over the past couple of years, as stock prices have continued to climb higher, investors tend to pay more attention to the income statement. To be sure, earnings growth drives investment returns, but my concern is that investors are focusing too much on the income statement, and the balance sheet is acting as a sidekick. Given today's stretched equity valuations, investors should refocus more attention on the balance sheet.
A strong, healthy balance sheet is the defensive line of a business. And as my favorite football coach, Nick Saban of Alabama (I'm a Georgia Bulldogs fan at the core, but I think Saban is a gridiron genius), demonstrates time and time again, most recently last week against LSU, defense can often be the best form of offensive. A strong defense will protect you during the times when your offense is not at its best.
In business, this philosophy of a strong defense is critical. A strong defensive company, one with a strong balance sheet, creates a valuable degree of downside protection when the company's offensive position -- revenue and profit growth -- stumbles. Most importantly, a strong balance sheet lets the company dictate its future outcome. And when a business is faced with economic uncertainty, that control can mean the difference between future prosperity or a future of mediocrity.
Investors are going to be faced with a degree of market and economic uncertainty in the near future. As I opined in my column yesterday, that uncertainty should not be an absolute deterrent to making investments if the price value equation is right. Even after yesterday's market drop, there are not a lot of attractive opportunities today. But some names are still hated by Mr. Market, and that disdain can often create an attractive price.
Small-cap Sterling Construction Apple (STRL) is such a name. After climbing as high $17 a little over a year ago, shares have settled around $9-$10. A few unprofitable projects and continued uncertainty relating to federal highway spending have kept investors on the sidelines. The company is debt free and holds $4.20 a share in cash, and book value per share is nearly $13. Sterling will report after the market closes today. If the news is just minimally favorable, I suspect the undervalued stock price will react positively. If the quarterly is not favorable, a further decline will make the share price more intriguing in the context of the pristine balance sheet.
Financials were hit hard yesterday in response to the election, on the assumption that tougher regulation is in the future for the financial industry. My only response to that is to look at the stock market performance of the big financials so far in 2012: Goldman Sachs (GS) up 24%, Wells Fargo (WFC) up 16% and Bank of America (BAC) up more than 70%. If the shares continue to slide, remember that you are investing on the basis of how attractive the price is relative to all other obstacles. Financial regulation has always existed.
Avoiding loss of capital -- being defensive -- can often be the best offensive strategy. An investor's opportunity set includes not only the opportunities of today but those of tomorrow.
There's no substitute for a trading floor to get great ideas, so Jim Cramer created a better one at Real Money and blogs there exclusively. We then added legendary hedge fund manager, Doug Kass, with his exclusive Daily Diary and best investing ideas. Staffed with more than 4 dozen investing pros, money managers, journalists and analysts, Real Money Pro gives you a flood of opinions, analysis and actionable trading advice found nowhere else, and allows you to interact directly with each expert.
Already a Subscriber? Please login.


text:
Item #
Model # S216508CSCWSS |
About this item
This stunning 3 piece set features lab-created ceylon sapphires and white sapphires set in sterling silver.
We're sorry, this item is not available in your selected club.
Lab-Created Ceylon and White Sapphire 3 Piece Set in Sterling Silver
This incredible value ring, pendant and matching earring sapphire ensemble has 11.5 ct. t.w. of ceylon sapphires and 1.33 ct. t.w. of white sapphires. All three pieces are set in sterling silver for an added look of elegance. The pendant comes on an 18" rope chain and the earrings feature lever-back closures to make the perfect statement.
- Sterling Silver Setting
- 3 piece set
- Lab-created ceylon and white sapphires
- 3.2 ct. created ceylon sapphire center stone
- 0.51 ct. t.w. round-cut created white sapphire accents
- Size 7
- 3.2 ct. created ceylon sapphire center stone
- 0.42 ct. t.w. round-cut created white sapphire accents
- 18" Excell rope chain with lobster claw clasp
- 5.12 ct. t.w. created ceylon sapphire center stone (2.56 ct. per earring)
- 0.43 ct. t.w. round-cut created white sapphire accents
- Lever-back closures
This product is covered by the Sam's Club Member Satisfaction Guarantee.
Assembled Country
Component Country
Shipping Info
Standard - 2 to 6 business days
Premium - 2 to 4 business days
Express - 1 to 2 business days


text:
Quentin feels good in return to Cactus action
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Left fielder Carlos Quentin, appearing in his first Cactus League game since March 8, played four innings in the field and said his sore right knee responded well.
"I moved around fine, the pain was minimal and I was able to manage it fine. I think that every day I'm getting stronger. My endurance is getting better," Quentin said.
"I feel more and more like a player who can be counted on every day."
Quentin went 0-for-3 and reached base on an error in the first inning. He hit two deep fly balls and felt good about his swing. So did his manager, Bud Black.
"I thought he swung the bat very well and had some hard contact," Black said. "He was moving around the diamond pretty well, too."
Quentin wasn't tested much in left field, though he gave chase to an extra-base hit that center fielder Will Venable eventually retrieved.
Since March 17, Quentin has played in five Minor League games. He played six innings in left field in a game Saturday, though he wasn't tested much defensively. He did slide into second base trying to break up a double play.
Quentin was in the starting lineup for a Cactus League game March 8 against the White Sox and had two plate appearances -- he was hit by a pitch and lined out to center field. But rain halted play and the game was canceled.
He felt encouraged by playing in a real game Tuesday and is hopeful he can get in another one before the team leaves Arizona after a game Thursday.
"I plan on being out there tomorrow," he said Tuesday. "They [the team] have a clock on me for how long they want me out there."
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Measuring out your horse's grain, feed, and supplements couldn't be easier! Heavy-duty polypropylene 3-quart scoop includes built-in gradation marks so you'll always know how much you've scooped. Plus, its enclosed design reduces spillage and waste. The 3-Quart Plastic Feeding Scoop's flat-bottom design lets you set it down with no tipping worries, and easily stack multiple scoops for storage. The 3-Quart Plastic Feeding Scoop is also ideal for scooping and pouring wild bird seed, as well as lime for your barn floors. Choose Red or Blue. 3-Quart Plastic Feeding Scoop measures 6.25" x 6" x 9.25" high.
Shop all stable supplies.
Please click on "More Information" for care instructions.


text:
The ladies of Augusta, Maine, set in operation and carried out a novel idea, namely, the distribution of over fifty bushels of doughnuts to the Third volunteer regiment of that State. A procession of ladies, headed by music, passed between double lines of troops, who presented arms, and were afterwards drawn up in hollow square to receive from tender and gracious hands the welcome doughnation. [Frazar Kirkland, "Anecdotes of the Rebellion," 1866]
Meaning "a driving in tight circles" is U.S. slang, 1981. Compare also donut.


text:
20% off most-loved bridesmaid styles | Ends Tonight! | Use code: BHLDNLOVES
Enjoy 20% off select bridesmaid dresses in stores and online. Discount applied using code BHLDNLOVES at checkout. This offer applies exclusively to items within the section online marked "Most-Loved." Does not apply to sale merchandise and cannot be combined with any other offers. Ends 9/26/2017 at 11:59PM EST.
Share Outfit
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is your one-stop shop for all things bridal and event. We're here for every aspect of your big day, bridal shower and wedding décor, bridesmaids, wedding gown and even your honeymoon wardrobe. Our web stylists are available to answer any styling questions you have, from which delicate earring to wear to whether that bridal sash goes with your wedding gown. We love our #BHLDNbrides and can't wait to help you celebrate. Head over to our wedding blog for more inspiration, tips AND advice for all your wedding or event needs.


text:
Protests outside troubled Caerphilly council's meeting
9:58am Wednesday 29th January 2014
9:58am Wednesday 29th January 2014
CAERPHILLY council's interim chief executive said the authority will not become complacent after a special inspection showed improvements in governance.
Yesterday's full council meeting was preceded by a protest from dozens of members of Unison who objected to a proposed reduction of the casual mileage rate for council staff.
In September, the Wales Audit Office announced its intention to conduct a special inspection into corporate governance arrangements at the council following the findings of the appointed auditor who issued a report in the public interest in March 2013.
The special inspection report, which cost the authority £130,000, said: "We found that there is a strong determination amongst members and officers to ensure the governance arrangements are working properly and to re-build the council's credibility."
It also added that "there has been a healthy focus in the council on getting on with providing services and dealing with normal business".
In response to the report, Stuart Rosser said: "It was in all our interest to have (the report). We are well on our way to getting back to where we were but there is still a lot of work to do. It gives us some room for confidence but not complacency."
Council leader Harry Andrews added: "It's clear now that we're a different authority to what we were 12 months ago. There's still more work to do and we'll continue to build on this positive progress."
The issue of unlawful payments was also briefly discussed at the meeting. In April 2012, payments totalling £218,563 were paid to 51 senior staff (the Hay salary group) as a buy-out of essential user car allowances and annual leave.
The WAO published a report on December 19 confirming what members already knew, which was that these payments were unlawful. The council's interim chief executive Stuart Rosser provided members with an interim report on November 19, in expectance of the official WAO report a month later, in which he gave background context to the WAO's report.
Council chief executive Anthony O'Sullivan and his deputy Nigel Barnett have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and misconduct in public office.
© Copyright 2001-2017 Newsquest Media Group


text:
The primary mission of the USD Law Raza Law Students Association is to articulate and promote the educational, professional, political and social needs and goals of Latino law students. We strive to facilitate discourse and professionalism among all law students on campus and instill in all members of USD Law Raza a greater commitment to the needs of the Latino community.
La Raza Law Students Association
Organization Contact
Mayra Castro


text:
Brentford boss Mark Warburton was far from disappointed with his side's 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town on Saturday.
A Louis Thompson strike for the hosts late in the first half was compounded by Bees midfielder Adam Forshaw's red card early in the second period as Warburton's men lost ground on league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
They are still seven points clear of third placed Leyton Orient with four games remaining and Easter weekend wins over Preston North End at home and at MK Dons will rubberstamp elevation to the Championship.
Three points in Wiltshire would have gone a long way to making the run-in a mere foramility, but Warburton remained delighted with his side's efforts.
"If you start flashing yellow cards early in the game...and I said to the fourth official, 'we're going to have someone sent off here'... low and behold we did," said the manager.
"It was a rash tackle and a yellow card and there's no argument.
"We were very good the last half an hour. We bossed it. That's why we were frustrated when we gave away the goal. We were in control of the game.
"Loads of positives. Some of the performances were excellent. No lack of desire, intent or focus. Very pleased.
"Had we lost the game and not shown the right application it would have been different."


text:
Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents: End of the Rainbow
Milwaukee Repertory Theater continues its 2013/14 Season with a celebrated production of Peter Quilter's End of the Rainbow, a new play with music. The recipient of rave reviews in London, Broadway and L.A. including four Olivier Award nominations and three Tony Award nominations, End of the Rainbow stars 12-time Jeff Award-winning Chicago actress Hollis Resnik as Judy Garland. Resnik will be the first American-born actress to play the role. Joining her are Thomas J. Cox (Anthony), Nicholas Harazin (Mickey) and Rep Associate Artist Jonathan Gillard Daly (Various). Directed by Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements, End of the Rainbow was featured in Time Magazine's "Top Ten" List and called "electrifying" by The New York Times.
End of the Rainbow is set in December 1968, and Judy Garland is about to make her comeback . . . again. In a London hotel room preparing for a series of concerts, with both her new young fiancé and her adoring accompanist, Garland struggles to get "beyond the rainbow" with her signature cocktail of talent, tenacity and razor-sharp wit. This savagely funny drama offers unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of the most beloved figures in American popular culture.
The production features Garland's most memorable songs including "The Man That Got Away," "Come Rain Or Come Shine," "The Trolley Song" and, of course, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." End of the Rainbow runs in The Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse from January 7 – February 9 and opens Friday, January 10.
Performance Times
Tuesday: 6:30pm*
Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30pm
Sunday Evening: 7:00pm
Fri/Sat Evening: 8pm
Saturday Matinee: 4pm
Sunday Matinee: 2pm
Wednesday Matinee: 1:30pm
*Once per run otherwise 7:30pm


text:
THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
I'm not going to ask you to vote for the abstracts that I submitted for the PASS Summit. I'm not even going to mention the abstracts that Roger and Ashley submitted. I figure if you're reading this, you may have already read the post I wrote about them, back before SQLPASS had said that there'd be voting.
Instead, I'm going to pick a few people that I recommend you vote for.
The people I'm going to pick are Paul White, Chris Testa-O'Neill and Erin Stellato. Three very different people, even from different countries. But I don't think any of them have spoken at the PASS Summit before, and it would be good if they got accepted.
Paul White (NZ) is a fellow blogger at sqlblog.com. If you haven't read his stuff, you're seriously missing out. He spends an inordinate amount of time researching the behaviour of SQL Server, and has discovered all kinds of amazing things. He recently gave a presentation at the Boston SQL Saturday, and there was a lot of good feedback about it.
Chris Testa-O'Neill (UK) is one of the organisers of the SQLBits conferences in the UK, and has also appeared on many of the eLearning training for Microsoft. He hails from Manchester but has family living in Adelaide. He visited over Christmas and did an excellent job of speaking at the Adelaide SQL Server User Group.
Erin Stellato (US) blogs at erinstellato.com (I guess that makes sense). I met her briefly at the last PASS Summit, but over recent months have had a few conversations with her about some of the things she writes about on her blog. She submitted an abstract for 24 Hours of PASS event, but didn't manage to get enough votes to speak. Despite this, I know she knows her stuff, and would do an excellent job presenting.
So there's three people that I recommend you vote for. You can easily see the abstracts they've submitted on the site, to help in your decision. There are plenty of other people you should vote for too, such as the Scottish Jen Stirrup, the Aussie Darren Gosbell, or Seattle's own Kendra Little (I think they haven't spoken at the PASS Summit before either) – but please have a look through the names and pick some that are not the usual suspects.
If you would like to receive an email when updates are made to this post, please register here
Subscribe to this post's comments using
Thank you very much for the call out Rob :) I'm honoured. I have to say that Kendra, Erin, Chris and Paul had my votes since I follow closely on Twitter and they're on my 'get to know better!' list.
I've heard Chris before, he's an excellent speaker and it would be great if he got the chance to speak at SQLPass.
It would be nice to have some non-US speakers, I think, in order to emphasise that SQLPass is accessible across the world. I've attended a SQLPass meeting here in London, and it was very good.
I am surprised Paul White is not an automatic in, if nothing else because of his crazy in-depth blog posts that are so well done. Learned a ton from the guy in the past year and passed around his posts to many coworkers.
Good list of people that should be presenters at the Summit. It's always good to get new people on the schedule. I was in Paul's session at SQLSaturday - Boston and it was fantastic. Great 300-400 level session of which there are too few.


text:
ANOTHER Australian traveller has died after a night of partying in a south-east Asian country, adding to concerns about binge drinking and potentially fatal locally-made cocktails.
Darwin man Kane Scriven, 40, has died after a night of drinking in Laos, according to a friend who asked not to be named.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed the death, although further details are unknown.
Mr Scriven was working for Work Boats Northern Australia before leaving Darwin for the trip.
Just more than a week ago, Denni North, 33, died after being found barely conscious beside a swimming pool in Bali.
Perth man Liam Davies, 19, died last week after methanol poisoning from a drink on the Indonesian island of Lombok.
Melbourne man Sebastian Eric Faulkner, 21, plunged to his death from the ninth floor of a hotel in Phuket on New Year's Day.
Laos has become a popular destination for mainly young Australian adventure travellers.
Three Australians died in the country within a month last year, two of them from tubing, a sport involving floating down a river.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, has appealed for a ban on the selling of adulterated drinks overseas.


text:
The 2008 farm bill officially expired as of Sept. 30 and several industry organizations issued a joint statement Oct. 1 indicating their stance on what would happen until the next farm bill is passed and takes effect. These organizations explained which programs and industry segments would be most impacted by the expiration of the bill. The groups issuing the joint statement included American Farm Bureau Federation, American Pulse Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, National Milk Producers Federation, National Sunflower Association, United Fresh Produce Association, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, U.S. Canola Association and Western Growers Association.
The joint statement said: "The 2008 law governing many of our nation's farm policies expired on Sunday, Sept. 30, and the 2012 Farm Bill needed to replace it is bottled up in Congress. While the Senate and the House Agriculture Committees were both able to pass their versions of the new farm bill, the full House was unable to do so. While expiration of farm bill program authorities has little or no effect on some important programs, it has terminated a number of important programs and will very adversely affect many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation efforts."
In the statement, the groups allege that dairy producers will face the most significant challenges as a result of the expiration of the farm bill. The Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program expired on Sept. 30 and leaves dairy farmers uncertain if adequate assistance will be available to compensate them. There are no other safety nets to help dairy producers offset the high feed costs.
Another aspect that could impact farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses will be the program Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), which pool technical and financial resources to conduct overseas market development.
"Since 31 percent of our gross farm income comes from exports which also make a positive contribution to our nation's trade balance, trade promotion is an important part of our safety net. Other countries will most certainly take advantage of the fact that the program is rendered inoperable and will do what they can to steal our markets – and everyone knows, the hardest market to get is the one you lost," the organizations said in their statement.
In addition to the FMD program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) will be impacted. Now that the farm bill has expired, no new signups will be allowed for either program. With about 6.5 million acres planned to rotate out of the CRP this year, this could be a challenge for some. In addition, there cannot be sign up for the Wetlands Reserve Program or the Grasslands Reserve Program.
"Both versions of the new Farm Bill contain funding for the disasters facing the livestock industry due to the drought. However, programs are currently only available for lack of forage, as well as death of animals," the organizations explained.
"Numerous other programs, including energy, agricultural research, rural development and funding for new and beginning farmers could be added to this list of affected programs. The bottom line is that while expiration of the Farm Bill causes little or no pain to some, others face significant challenges."
This is the not the first time a farm bill has been allowed to expire. "This would be only the second time since 1973 the farm bill has been allowed to expire. In 2007, when the bill expired for 67 days, the rural community did not collapse, nor were farm-state lawmakers and lobbyists particularly concerned," said Heritage for America.
Click here to read the entire statement from ag industry groups.


text:
Prize Recipient
Malachi Tatum
My name is Malachi Tatum, and I am a native of Baltimore City. Currently, I attend Morgan State University as a junior. I am pretty new to the world of Physics. I was introduced to it only during my junior year of high school; during which time I enjoyed the abstract nature of the science. The current plan is for me to go to graduate school and hopefully earn my PhD in Physics. But first, I must learn more about the science and learn more about my likes and dislikes.


text:
A NEW bus service for Bromsgrove and Droitwich residents is launching next month.
The new improved 145 service, operated by igo and supported by Worcestershire County Council, is a combination of the existing routes 145 and 141, with only slight changes to the route in Cofton Hackett and Rubery areas.
The service operates between Droitwich and Longbridge, via Bromsgrove.
The rest of both routes will be retained but now on an hourly peak service instead of every two hours at the moment.
Vitally important school time services will be retained.
The new service is launching on Monday, September 1.
Although the name of igo is new in the industry, it is in fact the new bus services brand name of West Midlands Special Needs Transport (WMSNT) - a registered charity known throughout the West Midlands.
Des Rogers, operations manager for WMSNT, said: "WMSNT already operate several bus services in the West Midlands all of which are operated as community bus services on a not for profit basis.
"WMSNT decided that there was a need in the rural areas for bus services especially for children and the elderly who live in some beautiful but isolated areas.
"We hope that by increasing the frequency of the service local people will be encouraged to use it more and therefore make it a successful venture."
The service is working with townsfolk and businesses, such as Avoncroft Museum, to encourage more visitors to the area.
There are also reduced fares for Bournville College students, on producing their student pass.
Timetables are being distributed throughout the local area.
A copy is also available on the website wmsntbusservices.org, or call 0121 327 8128.


text:
EPISODE 28: two men out
Going to the All-Star game this past summer with Nicholas was a night I had looked forward to with the same level of expectation that in my bachelor days was reserved for a big date. Instead of primping in front of the mirror to Chumbawumba, though, I boarded the 7 train to Flushing with an eight-year-old boy decked out in Mets gear and a baseball glove. There would be no foul balls for Nicholas to catch that night, though, just a few object lessons in the fine line one walks between being a fan and being a lout.
The All-Star game is the one time during the season when the best baseball players from the National League square off against the American League's finest. It is a hot ticket as the location moves from city to city every year. This past winter when Nicholas found out that the game would be in New York and at Citi Field (the home of our beloved Mets), he was desperate to go. We made a deal that if he was an All-Star second-grade student during the spring term, we would be attending the All-Star game. At least once a day in May, some variation of the following exchange took place.
"Dad, I got an A on my maths test. How are you doing with the tickets?"
"You worry about the subtraction, and let me worry about the tickets."
We made a deal that if he was an All-Star second-grade student during the spring term, we would be attending the All-Star game
Since The Mets play in the National League, we would be rooting for the National League, and in particular the starting pitcher Matt Harvey. Nicholas and I both have a man-crush on the 25-year-old phenomenon. He came out of nowhere this season and has been a bright spot in a lackluster Mets season. Harvey can throw a fastball that consistently clocks in around a jaw-dropping 98mph. He's also willing to poke fun at himself - on the day before the game he did a segment for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where he asked New Yorkers, who had no idea they were talking to the real Matt Harvey, what they thought of the real Matt Harvey. Oh, and he reportedly dates Anne Vyalitsyna, a Victoria's Secret model (admittedly more impressive to man than boy).
Instead of striking out the first batter, however, Harvey allowed Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels to rip a double down the first base line. When Trout connected, I looked over at Nicholas and noticed his lower lip starting to quiver. I said a silent prayer that Harvey would regain his composure as he prepared to pitch to Robinson Cano, one of the best hitters on the New York Yankees. Instead of striking him out, he hit Cano with a pitch on his quad muscle, an injury that would take Cano out of the game.
"Yes! Way to go, Harvey. Show 'em who's boss!" screamed Nicholas at the top of his lungs. On the one hand, an American League star leaving the game in the first inning was a boon for us, but I don't subscribe to the anything-goes-at-the-ballpark school of thinking. (Case in point: in the eighth inning, Neil Diamond took to the field and sang "Sweet Caroline", which is the sing-a-long anthem for Boston, a city that endured a terrible tragedy this spring. A few rows away from us some over-served Yankee fans yelled, "Hey, Neil, go the f$%k back to Boston." The remark wasn't just rude, it was ill informed, as Mr Diamond was born and raised in Brooklyn.)
With the exception of politicians and Muhammad Ali, no one ever won a competition or played better by berating his opponent
To me, how you behave at the ballpark should be a continuation of how you behave everywhere else. With the exception of politicians and Muhammad Ali, no one ever won a competition or played better by berating his opponent. So I filed Nicholas' outburst away on my parental iCloud and made a note to follow up. That moment arrived a few days later when he was reading the sports pages at the breakfast table.
"Bad news/good news, Dad," said Nicholas as he looked up from his New York Post. "The Mets lost to Atlanta last night, but Eric Young stepped on their pitcher's foot. Tim Hudson broke his ankle, and he's out for the season. Yes!"
The heir extended his hand for a high-five.
"No high-five, Nicholas," I said. "You can't cheer when someone is injured. You remember how we have been talking about empathy a lot this summer, and how I'm hoping to see more of that from you? Cheering for Tim Hudson or Robbie Cano's injury is anti-empathy."
"I thought empathy was being nice to my little sister?"
"It is, but what it really means is looking at a situation from someone else's point of view. Like the old Native American* saying goes, 'You can't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins.'"
"I like moccasins, but I didn't have a pair this summer."
Sometimes parenting feels as if you're an ocean eroding a cliff face. In the short run, who can tell the difference?
I tried a different tack. "Maybe there will be a new boy or girl in your class this autumn. Empathy would be remembering what that experience was like for you and then trying to make the new person feel at home. That's what a gentleman does: he makes other people feel comfortable."
"OK, OK, I get it. Can I just eat my breakfast, please?"
I let the matter drop. Sometimes parenting feels as if you're an ocean eroding a cliff face. In the short run, who can tell the difference?
I didn't give our pow-wow much thought until a few weeks later when we were spending the weekend at a friend's country house. Nicholas had been hanging out with another houseguest, Tim, a five-year-old boy. They had spent the weekend playing basketball and attacking adults in the pool. My wife, Honor, had bought each of the boys their own balsawood glider, and the younger one had broken his. At first he tried to switch his broken plane with Nicholas', and when Nicholas put a stop to that, Tim threw a fit.
Nicholas and I stood on the lawn of the house listening to the younger boy wailing away inside the house. Suddenly, my son breathed a sigh of resignation and went after him. When he returned, he no longer had his airplane with him.
I kissed the top of Nicholas' head and said, 'You're an All-Star son.' I was proud of him, and I felt as if I had just pitched a perfect game
"Where did your airplane go?" I asked.
"I gave it to Tim. I didn't want him to be sad."
Before I could say anything, another father, who had witnessed the scene, said, "Big moment, little man. Give me five." Nicholas gave the dad a high-five.
I kissed the top of Nicholas' head and said, "You're an All-Star son." I was proud of him, and as we headed back into the house I felt as if I had just pitched a perfect game and was now exiting the field while the PA system blared Chumbawumba.
*I honestly do say "Native American" because children now grow up in such a PC, nut-free, free-range, everything-is-groovy sort of way that Nicholas has corrected me when I refer to the bad guys in the cowboy movies as "Indians".
To read Mr Brodie's previous columns, click here. Follow Mr Brodie on Twitter @jbrodieny


text:
Los Angeles -- Survey results released Thursday by PriceGrabber revealed that 16% of consumers will shop using a mobile device during the holiday season, compared with 13% last year. Nearly all respondents indicated that they will do some online shopping from a computer.
The number of consumers who plan to visit brick-and-mortar stores dropped by two percentage points to 46% compared with last year.
PriceGrabber's data also saw an increase in the percentage of purchases that will be made from a mobile device this holiday season compared with last year. In 2012, the average consumer will make 6% of their holiday purchases from a mobile phone, 62% online and 32% in brick-and-mortar stores. In 2011, the average shopper said he or she would make only 4% of purchases from a mobile phone, 63% online, and 33% in brick-and-mortar stores.
Of the survey respondents planning to use a mobile device to shop this holiday season, 37% said they plan to do the most shopping from their mobile device on Black Friday (Nov. 23). Cyber Monday (Nov. 26) followed closely with 36%. Eleven percent preferred the Saturday after Black Friday (Nov. 24) and 10% indicated Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 22). Only 6% plan to shop on Sunday, Nov. 25 from their mobile device.
When mobile shoppers were asked to select all of the ways in which they plan to use their mobile device to save money on holiday gifts this year, 70% said they plan to check prices online before making an offline purchase. Sixty-six percent indicated that they plan to make purchases from their mobile device, 52% plan to view retailer emails containing coupons and discounts while shopping in stores and 46% said they will use comparison shopping applications and bar code scanners to save money. Forty-one percent noted they will have retailer coupons texted directly to their phones, 40% plan to check store inventory before shopping in brick-and-mortar stores and 33% said they will download shopping apps to earn cash, rewards and points.
"We anticipate that online and mobile shopping will continue to increase in popularity this holiday season because it allows consumers to easily compare products and read merchant reviews, as well as locate the best price on every product without having to visit each and every brick-and-mortar store," said Rojeh Avanesian, VP marketing and analytics of PriceGrabber.com.
When asked to select all of the reasons why they will shop online or from a mobile device for gifts this year, 76% of survey respondents hope to avoid the crowds in brick-and-mortar stores. This number was closely followed by 75% who like to take advantage of free shipping and another 75% enjoy the convenience of shopping around the clock. Seventy-two percent cited the simplicity of price comparison shopping, 67% seek discounts and free shipping and 57% like to read customer reviews.


text:
Integrative Studies (Core) Curriculum
This is the full Integrative Studies Curriculum. Some students satisfy some of these requirements before coming to Houghton or through other Houghton pathways (like our honors experiences).
Faith Foundation
- Biblical Literature
- Introduction to Christianity
- Writing in the Liberal Arts
Foreign Language
- Foreign language, one year's study
Health and Wellness
- Fitness for Life with Lab
- First activity
- Second activity
Creation: understanding the natural world
- Mathematics
- Lab science
Culture: understanding human thought and creative expression across time
- Art or Music
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
Community: understanding human society
- Anthropology, Communications, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology
- An additional course in another of these disciplines
Send an email to request information on Integrative Studies at Houghton.
Integrative Studies Director: Susan Bruxvoort Lipscomb


text:
A civil lawsuit against the Sequoia Union High School District over a hazing incident within the Woodside High School boys basketball program has been settled out of court.
A petition for settlement was filed Tuesday in San Mateo County Superior Court on behalf of N'Jai LeBlanc, the father of a victim in the incident that occurred the night of Dec. 27 at a hotel in the Central Valley town of Newton.
Chris Dolan, LeBlanc's attorney, said via email on Wednesday that a tentative settlement has been reached "without the district admitting liability, that would resolve all potential claims against the district and its coaches."
LeBlanc confirmed a deal has been struck.
Dolan's San Francisco firm filed a legal brief in the case in January, alleging assault and battery, bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Dolan did not provide details of the settlement, citing privacy concerns in a case involving a minor. He said the eventual disclosure of the petition will be left up to a yet undetermined San Mateo judge, who will have to approve the deal before it can be finalized.
"We have been working cooperatively with the district and their attorneys," Dolan wrote, "and hope to have this behind everyone soon so the boys can go back to their normal routine without having to look back at this difficult period in their lives."
LeBlanc's son was not the only alleged victim, but the civil suit lists only LeBlanc as petitioner.
The hazing incident took place while the Woodside team was in Newton to play in a holiday tournament.
The accusations were described by Dolan in a Jan. 16 letter to Woodside principal Dianne Burbank and James Lianides, superintendent of the district that covers much of southern San Mateo County. That letter alleged that the player was mistreated by older members of the team. The claim says coach Daniel Fountain — who was dismissed from his job along with an assistant coach in the aftermath of the incident — called for a team meeting, at which time the player was duct taped to a chair and physically abused.
The complaint said the player screamed out for the coach, only to be told by his assailants that the coach would not help because "the coach picked you, he wanted us to do this to you."
It goes on to say Fountain came into the room after the assault and tore the tape off the player's mouth, asked what happened, and when told by the player the coach then said, "Do you know Spanish?" The player said he did not, then the coach said, "Well, you will watch Spanish TV for a couple of hours" and placed him in front of a TV turned to a Spanish network.
Eventually, the player was cut free by a teammate, the complaint letter says, after his clothing had been torn and cut, his watch and debit card had been taken and his neck chain had been broken.
LeBlanc, who runs MVP Sports Clinics, a youth basketball program with a motto of "MVP Morals, Values, and Principles," also sued the Redwood City School District in December of 2012. In that incident at Selby Lane School in Atherton his son, who is African-American and was 12 years old at the time, was allegedly called "my slave" by a school employee who instructed him to clean up garbage form the school's cafeteria floor. That case was settled out of court in January.
Email Greg Frazier at firstname.lastname@example.com; follow him at Twitter.com/dailynewsgreg.


text:
Everyone agrees that it's rather stupid for a federal funding dispute to idle about 70,000 workers on airport-related construction. Just as absurd, there have been 20 stop-gap funding bills passed for the FAA since 2007. News stories are digging into the political disputes surrounding the FAA, but they aren't addressing the root problem.
Downsizing Blog
Budget Deals and Tax Increases
Centrist and liberal columnists are lamenting the lack of tax increases in the debt deal. But the hollowness of the deal itself provides a good justification for Republicans to oppose all tax increases in such bipartisan deals.
Debt Deal to Slow the Economy?
The Washington Post reports that spending cuts in the budget deal threaten to slow the economy. The article quotes a number of economists who seem to harbor a rather extreme Keynesian bias in their thinking.
Debt Deal: Spending in Perspective
The following chart looks at total projected federal spending according to the Congressional Budget Office's adjusted March baseline and its score of the debt deal. The chart only considers the reduction in outlays resulting from the deal's cap on discretionary spending, which the CBO says will save $917 billion over the next ten years. It does not consider the $1.2-$1.5 trillion in future "deficit reduction" that Dan Mitchell discusses here.
Budget Deal Doesn't Cut Spending
Republicans and Democrats have come together on a "historic" budget deal that cuts federal spending by more than $2 trillion over 10 years. The Washington Post's lead story calls the cuts "sharp" and "severe."
However, the budget deal doesn't cut federal spending at all.
Boehner's New Plan Doesn't Cut Spending
House Speaker John Boehner has revised his budget plan in response to an unfavorable analysis by the CBO. The CBO has examined Boehner's new plan and finds that it would cut spending by $917 billion over 10 years. Of the total, only $761 billion would be cuts to programs. The rest of the savings would be from reduced interest costs.
Close My Post Office
The USPS is proposing to close 3,700 post office locations across the country, as mail volume falls and the agency is losing billions of dollars.
Boehner Plan Doesn't Cut Spending
House Speaker John Boehner is scrambling to revise his budget plan after the CBO found that it would only cut spending by $850 billion, not the $1.2 trillion promised.
Thoughts on the Boehner Plan
These are the times that try budget analysts' souls—especially budget analysts who'd like to see Washington dramatically cut spending. The debate over lifting the debt ceiling has produced a number of proposals from Capitol Hill—none of them have been worth celebrating. We can now add House Speaker John Boehner's latest proposal to the pile.
Senate Hearing on Debt
I testified to the Senate Finance Committee today regarding federal spending and debt.
Here are some of the points I made: