text:
Consumer Confidence in U.S. Decreases More Than Forecast
Confidence among U.S. consumers fell more than forecast in March as Washington's budget battle soured Americans' views of the economic outlook.
The Conference Board's index declined to 59.7 from a revised three-month high of 68 in February, data from the New York-based private research group showed today. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg projected the March measure would fall to 67.5.
"This is really quite a big hit," said Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomic Advisors Inc. in White Plains, New York, who projected a reading of 63. "The longer confidence stays down and the further it falls, the more chance that it will be reflected in weaker spending."
Concern mounted that sweeping cuts in planned government spending may hinder the expansion and limit recent progress in the labor market. At the same time, a rally in stocks and a housing rebound that's helping shore up household balance sheets may help keep consumer purchases, which account for about 70 percent of the economy, from slumping.
Stocks held gains after the report, with the Standard & Poor's 500 index climbing 0.6 percent to 1,560.51 at 10:34 a.m. in New York.
Economists' Projections
Forecasts of 79 economists surveyed by Bloomberg ranged from 60 to 72. The measure averaged 53.7 in the recession that ended in June 2009.
Another report today showed home prices in 20 U.S. cities jumped in the 12 months to January by 8.1 percent, the biggest year-to-year gain since June 2006 and a sign the housing-market recovery is strengthening. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values climbed 1 percent from December.
The Commerce Department said sales of new homes in February capped the best back-to-back months in more than four years. Purchases of newly built homes fell 4.6 percent to a 411,000 annualized pace, following a 431,000 rate in the prior month.
The Conference Board's gauge of consumer present conditions dropped to 57.9 in March from 61.4 in February. The measure of expectations for the next six months decreased to 60.9 from 72.4.
Those expecting business conditions to improve in the next six months declined to 14.4 percent in March, the smallest share since November 2011, from 18 percent the prior month.
"The recent sequester has created uncertainty regarding the economic outlook and as a result, consumers are less confident," said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at the Conference Board, said in a statement.
Jobs Outlook
The share of consumers expecting more jobs to become available in the next six months slumped to 12.3 percent in March, the worst reading since October 2011, from 16.1 percent in February.
The share of respondents who expect an increase in their income in the next six months fell to 13.7 percent from 15.8 percent the prior month.
The number of respondents who said jobs are currently plentiful fell to 9.4 percent in March from 10.1 percent.
Other measures of consumer confidence have been mixed. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort monthly gauge of expectations improved to minus 4 in March from minus 7 in February, according to results of the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index. The weekly measure fell for the first time in seven weeks, to minus 33.9 from minus 31.6.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment decreased in March to 71.8 from 77.6 the prior month, as Americans' expectations deteriorated.
Payroll Tax
Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI), whose brands include the Olive Garden and Red Lobster, is among companies seeing signs of a pickup in household spending after 2 percentage-point increase in the tax that funds Social Security. The levy means Americans earning $50,000 a year are taking home about $80 less a month.
"The consumers just weren't prepared, despite all the conversation, for the payroll tax increase, and there was a pretty rapid spike up in gasoline prices," Clarence Otis, chairman and chief executive officer of Darden, said on a March 22 earnings call. "But March indicates that consumers have adjusted."
A pickup in the labor market may help sustain sentiment and spending. Employers hired a net 236,000 workers last month following gains of 119,000 in January, Labor Department figures show. That helped to push the unemployment rate down to 7.7 percent, its lowest level since December 2008.
Fuel prices are also stabilizing after rising since mid- December. The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline was $3.67 on March 24, down from $3.79 at the end of February, according to AAA, the largest U.S. motoring group.
To contact the reporter on this story: Jeanna Smialek in Washington at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Chris Wellisz at firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Hello Dhamma Wheelers,
Just thought I would share a I made for myself with Mahācattārīsaka Sutta and it's MA parallel overlapped by color. It's based on , which gives more detailed information.
Some differences in MA that I find striking are:
- absence of taint & taintless distinction
- absence of the "spontaneously reborn beings"
- the livelihood section seems to complement the Pali's more synoptical version.
- presence of definitions of sammāñāṇa & sammāvimutti (I only remember seeing something similar in as suvimuttacitto & suvimuttapañño)
Maybe some of you have some insightful comments to offer.

subset: commoncrawl


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President's Proposal Demonstrates Commitment to Disconnected Youth, but Doesn't Go Far Enough
Feb 15, 2012
By Kisha Bird
At the start of this year, the President called for an "all hands on deck" approach to addressing the disconnected youth crisis. The White House Council on Community Solutions released a report noting that 6.7 million youth (ages 16 to 24) are not enrolled in school and are detached from the labor market. In his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013, the president continues to draw attention to persistently high unemployment among the nation's youth and young adults and the grave situation facing disconnected youth.
In this tough economic climate, the president's budget makes some key investments in youth. The budget:
- Includes $12.5 billion for the Pathways Back to Work Fund, a component of the American Jobs Act, including $2.5 billion for summer and year-round employment for youth and $10 billion for subsidized jobs for low-income adults. The proposed funding for the Pathways Back to Work Fund is not included in the Department of Labor's budget but will require Congress to act on bills introduced in the House and the Senate.
- Signals the Administration's intent to work across agencies, including the departments of Labor, Justice, Education and, and Health and Human Services, to strengthen federal programs serving disconnected youth as well as identify administrative barriers to blending funding for this population. The budget includes $10 million for this purpose through the Workforce Innovation Fund. In addition, the Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Education provides $5 million to strength interagency strategies and services to disconnected youth. The Department of Health and Human Services budget also includes $5 million to serve this population.
- Maintains funding for the Department of Labor's YouthBuild program at $79.6 million, and strengthens the Job Corps program through reform efforts to improve outcomes for disconnected and disadvantaged youth. CLASP supports the administration's recognition of Job Corps as an important national resource to train and educate disconnected youth. Proposed funding for Job Corps is $1.65 billion, a slight decrease (3.1 percent) in funding from FY 2012.
- Supports investments and administrative priority to disconnected youth. Particularly, it includes $150 million in the Department of Education Budget for the Investing in Innovation Fund, a 30 percent increase in funding available to districts and community partnerships to improve K-12 achievement, decrease dropout rates and increase high school graduation.
- Makes new investments in postsecondary education, including $8 billion jointly administered with the Department of Labor to support job training and state partnerships with community colleges. This funding presents a real opportunity to establish training pathways for low-income workers, including reconnecting youth and young adults.
While these proposals are promising and demonstrate the Administration's commitment to youth, the budget does not go far enough. The core funding for youth employment and training opportunities through the Workforce Investment Act has been flat funded, which means nearly an 11 percent cut since the first Obama Administration budget proposal and a 17 percent reduction since 2004. Over the same period, youth and young adults have experienced the lowest employment levels since World War II, and employment participation rates for black and Hispanic teens has been consistently below 20 percent.
The budget also does not provide funding for the High School Graduation Initiative, one of the only discretionary funding streams dedicated to dropout recovery and prevention. Overall, the president's FY2013 budget recognizes the challenges disconnected youth face, but it offers few guaranteed federal investments for states and communities to develop systemic dropout recovery approaches and employment programs. As the budget process now moves to Congress, leadership in the House and the Senate is critical. Congress should act to ensure investments for the Pathways Back to Work fund and Community College Initiative are realized. In addition, reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act, Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Carl D. Perkins Act are long overdue. These reauthorizations would provide a foundation for strategic federal approaches and investments for disconnected youth. Congress should take the necessary legislative steps to prioritize education and workforce investments for disconnected youth and ensure they have a fair shot at full participation in our society.


text: Kobe Bryant has lashed out at Los Angeles Lakers management for leaving teammate Pau Gasol wondering whether he's about to be traded. In a postgame monologue punctuated by a couple of profanities, Bryant says the Lakers either need to trade Gasol or come out and say it won't happen. Bryant's comments came in the aftermath of a 102-90 loss at Phoenix on Sunday night.


text:
If the government hopes that the introduction next year of no-frills default superannuation funds, known as MySuper, will help to reduce member fees, it may be mistaken.
Fees are important because they can make a big difference to the amount of money a member will save over his or her lifetime.
When ministers first announced an overhaul of Australia's $1.4 trillion super industry in the wake of the global financial crisis, they called for total fees to fall to below 1 per cent of member assets, down from more than 1.2 per cent at the time.
But analysis by research house Chant West, obtained exclusively by The Australian Financial Review, shows that between 2005 and 2012 fees actually rose for members with super savings of $25,000 – the average across Australia.
When the size of the balance is lifted to $50,000, the picture is mixed, but the trend for not-for-profit industry funds is the same.
Total charges on accounts with $50,000 in the industry fund sector jumped nearly 50 per cent over the past five years to 0.97 per cent, while fees for retail funds fell from 1.52 per cent to 1.44 per cent. Much of the increase in industry fund fees is blamed on administration charges, which cover the processing of data and contributions, marketing, custody, member communications and basic financial advice and education.
Between 2005 and 2012, industry fund administration fees nearly doubled to 0.31 per cent.
For retail schemes, which are largely owned by the major banks and listed wealth companies, administration fees fell to 0.75 per cent from 0.81 per cent.
The rise in administration charges may not be a bad thing, particularly if it is justified by an improvement in services. This is exactly what appears to have happened, says Chant West. "[The rise in administration fees] can be attributed to the considerable improvement in industry funds' service offering as they have sought to match the range and quality of services offered by their master trust competitors and have spent money on fund promotion. That improvement has been welcome, but it has clearly come at a cost," the research firm argues in the report.
Industry super fund bosses say demand for services is rising as members age and want more information about their savings.
"If you have an older demographic, you need much more interaction with members," says John O'Flaharty, chief executive of Statewide Super, based in South Australia.
"Members are becoming more demanding as the system matures and they have more money in their accounts," says AustralianSuper boss Ian Silk.
On the other hand, retail funds have been launching low-cost products, such as BT Financial's Super for Life and ANZ's Smart Choice, and have also been working to reduce fees on existing platforms in an effort to attract more members.
Of Australia's 100 biggest super funds, the $32 billion First State Super scheme in NSW offers the lowest fees for default members with balances of between $50,000 and $250,000 (see table opposite). But boss Michael Dwyer says administration fees are about to rise from $1 a week to $1 a week plus 0.15 per cent of the size of a member's balance, and warned other schemes would follow suit. Even after the fee increase, First State Super is expected to be the fifth cheapest fund in the Chant West universe.
With older members demanding more services, trustees being forced to adhere to a far stricter regulatory regime and set aside reserves in case of operational mishaps, fees will need to increase, Dwyer says.
AustralianSuper, by contrast, says it will be able to maintain its administration charge, already higher at $1.50 a week, for at least another two years while maintaining service standards. This is largely because of its size, says Silk. The fund oversees about $45 billion of investments.
The Chant West survey indicates that the difference in the level of total fees charged by retail master trusts and small corporate master trusts is minimal, partly because of the increased level of competition in the retail master trust sector.
"Retail master trusts need to charge fees that are competitive with industry funds," says Ian Fryer, head of research at Chant West.
There was an interesting trend for savers with larger balances.
Retail funds offer greater rewards to members with larger balances than do industry funds.
Members of retail funds with a balance of $250,000 pay 35 per cent less in fees than members with just $25,000 of savings.
Members of industry funds with a balance of $250,000 pay 25 per cent less than those with $25,000 in their account.
That said, the average total charged by industry funds for savers with $250,000 in their account is 0.84 per cent, against 1.27 per cent for retail master trusts.
Cheaper deals, however, are available. Members with higher balances in public sector funds pay an average of 0.79 per cent, while those in corporate schemes pay just 0.6 per cent on average. Still, experts argue that funds have a point when they say their aim is to be value-for-money rather than cheap.
The Australian Financial Review


text:
HOUSTON — An additional two million pounds of produce, the equivalent of 63 truckloads, was distributed through the Houston Food Bank this holiday season thanks to the Houston Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association's annual Gift of Produce.
The donation was capped off by a presentation at City Hall Dec. 14. Houston Mayor Annise Parker said the donation is essential to help raise fresh fruit and vegetable consumption among the populations most in need.
"Many don't see a lot of fresh produce in their neighborhood store," Parker said, while emphasizing that many in need are hard-working families struggling to make it.
This was the 26th annual Gift of Produce to the food bank, and in that time the donation amount has increased from 100,000 pounds to more than two million in the past two years, said Pierre Boucha, HFFVA president, of Los Angeles-based Paramount Farms.
"To date, we've donated more than 25.9 million pounds of produce to the Houston Food Bank," Boucha said.
Bouche said the donation is thanks to HFFVA members, including:
- Country Fresh Inc.
- MountainKing Potatoes
- Paramount Citrus
- POM Wonderful
- The Kroger Co.
- H.E. Butt Co.
- Randalls
- Grocers Supply Co.
- Dole Food Co.
- Del Monte Fresh Produce
- Chiquita Brands International Inc
- Fiesta Mart
- Schoenmann Produce
- Food Town
- Target
- DiMare Fresh Inc.
In addition to the fresh produce donation, Food Town Grocery Stores presented a check for $25,000 to the Houston Food Bank.
This is the largest single fresh produce donation to a food bank in the U.S., Boucha said, and the HFFVA is working to further its mission of increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
"We're working to find ways for how the trade can effectively reach the community," he said.
The association plans to have a golf tournament fundraiser again this spring, the proceeds of which will go toward programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in the greater Houston area.


text:
With the 21st pick the New York Yankees select Ian Kennedy, RHP, USC
With the 21st pick the New York Yankees select Ian Kennedy, RHP, USC
"I came here to kick ass and chew bubble gum... and I'm all out of bubble gum."
- - Rowdy Roddy Piper
"It takes a big man to admit when he is wrong. I am not a big man"
- - Fletch
With the 22nd pick in the MLB Amatuer Entry Draft, the Washington Nationals Select: Josh Butler RHP, University of San Diego
Cincinnati Here We Go.
26 Years and Counting...
Pick #23:
The Astros select
Kyle McCulloch, rhp, Texas
Kyler Burke Ooltewah HS L/L 6'3" 205 1988-04-20 HS 350K
Comments: A toolsy outfielder, he's got all five, particularly power. A pretty good LHP, but future lies in OF. He's the best high school talent to come out of Tenn. since Todd Helton.
The only thing the Braves love more than drafting HS players is drafting a HS player who lives within driving distance of Atlanta.
At 24, Atlanta selects Kyler Burke, OF, HS (Tennessee),
Austin Kearns sent me his picks...
With the 25th overall pick in the 2006 draft, the Angels select David Huff, LHP, UCLA
lolliipopcurve also sent me his picks.
With the 26th pick in the draft, the Dodgers select Matt Antonelli, 3B, Wake Forest.
M2 is on the board for the next two picks...
Hmm, I had three guys I wanted with my two picks and Antonelli and Huff were two of them. lollipop was totally taking Antonelli because he's a Pibbidy boy. I guarantee it.
Anyway, with the 27th pick, the Boston Red Sox select Colton Willems, RHP, John Carroll Catholic HS, Fort Pierce, Florida.
Last edited by M2; 06-03-2006 at 05:27 PM.
Wait until the year after next year.
And with the #28 pick, the Red Sox select Pedro Beato, RHP, St. Petersburg JC, originally out of Queens, New York.
Oh yes, one more thing ... Yankees suck.
Last edited by M2; 06-03-2006 at 05:28 PM.
Wait until the year after next year.
Reds44 is on the clock followed by MattyMo...
I like that pick m2.. i thought he would go higher.Originally Posted by M2
"I hate to advocate chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone... But they've always worked for me."
-Hunter S. Thompson
Me too. It was literally a case of him being the highest-rated guy left. I figured I wouldn't argue with all the folks who've scouted him and rated him so high. I still rather would have had Antonelli mind you, thought the Reds should have tried to lure him three years ago.Originally Posted by cincyinco
Wait until the year after next year.
I was planning to draft Pedro Beato probably at 32.
Thanks OBM -- I'm back and will handle pick 31 -- thanks.
"Baseball is a very, very complex business. It's more of a people business than most businesses." - Bob Castellini
Reds44 picks Jeffress
MattyMo is on the clock.
Last edited by OnBaseMachine; 06-03-2006 at 09:24 PM.
Did you make Reds44s pick?Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine
". . . acquiring J. Blanton from Oakland for, apparently, Bailey/Cueto, Votto and a lesser prospect. I do it in a second . . . The Reds' equation this year is simple: Make Matt Belisle your #3 starter . . . trade for Blanton, win 85 or more, be in the mix all summer." - Paul Daugherty, Feb. 8, 2008
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.


text:
There's no easy, direct way to San Diego International Airport without a car or shuttle.
Mayor Bob Filner, like others before him, wants to change that frustrating fact, and soon. He called for building a trolley link to the downtown airport during his State of the City address on Tuesday, while pledging to push for more resources for alternative transportation.
Long-term plans already call for creating a transit hub on the north side of the airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, where buses, trolleys, Amtrak and Coaster trains and possibly bullet trains could one day drop passengers.
Early options call for building a pedestrian bridge and adding direct shuttles between the airport and one of two trolley stations just north of the airport, either the Washington Street station or Middletown station. That unfunded $29.3 million first phase of the transit hub could open by 2015 at the very earliest, according to transit planners.
Transportation observers on Wednesday reacted to Filner's call for a trolley-to-airport link by saying there's support for bolstering airport-transit connections. But getting them done fast won't be simple, they said.
"The biggest challenge the mayor will face is getting his regional colleagues to buy-in," said Elyse Lowe, executive director of the nonprofit Move San Diego, which advocates for alternatives to driving. "He will have to do some horse-trading."
The San Diego Association of Governments, the region's transportation agency, and not the mayor's office, controls the priority list for mass transit and freeway projects across the county. It determines much of the funding, too.
SANDAG's board consists of elected leaders — including Filner — from all 18 cities in the county and two county supervisors.
Former Encinitas Mayor Jerome Stocks, who stepped down from SANDAG's board last year after serving as chairman since 2011, said he supports fast-tracking a trolley link and is "absolutely certain it can be done."
Still, he cautioned, it will take years to complete environmental reports, get permits and build any trolley connection.
"(Filner) might rub up against it if he says: 'Well, I'm going to jump to the front of the line,'" Stocks said. "If you really want to get radical change, you're going to have to get the majority of the region to sign-off."
Lowe said Filner could also go directly to the public for support by initiating a ballot measure to raise taxes for public transportation.
As of Wednesday evening, Filner's office had not responded to requests for an interview with the mayor or more details about his push for a trolley link.
In his speech, Filner said: "I will ask SANDAG to re-prioritize transit funds to fast-track alternative and public transportation options. I will advocate at the Airport Authority for an airport that is designed around multimodal access and served by light rail and direct access from Interstate 5, rather than relying exclusively on automobile access from Harbor Drive."
Today's transit-to-airport options are limited, and in some cases obsolete.
There's the trolley station on Washington Street just north of the airport. But it's hardly ever used by airport passengers, Stocks said, because it's across the runway from the terminals and requires either a bus connection, taxi or a circuitous, nearly 3 mile walk around airport property to its entrance.
It would be used to link the trolley to the future transit hub.
For Amtrak and Coaster rail passengers, the Santa Fe Depot is now the closest station to Lindbergh Field. But it also requires a bus, taxi or a 2.5 mile walk.
The trolley-to-airport link would be one piece of a much larger transformation at the airport.
As part of its conceptual plan called Destination Lindbergh, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority in 2009 envisioned a three-phase, $4 billion expansion that gradually would shift the focus of operations from the airport's south side, along Harbor Drive, to the north side next to Interstate 5. It said a transit hub and possibly terminals would eventually be built on the north side and that roadways would directly connect with I-5.
Reached for comment, representatives for the airport authority and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System both said SANDAG controlled the speed with which any future trolley link is built.
"Once they build it, we'll find a way to operate it," said Rob Schupp, MTS' spokesman.
"We don't control any of the roads or routes into the airport," added Katie Jones, an airport spokeswoman.
A spokesman for SANDAG referred a reporter to a September 2012 update on transit plans at Lindbergh Field, which noted the trolley link plan was unfunded.
Gary Gallegos, SANDAG's executive director, said the mayor's support would "probably" speed plans for a trolley link to the airport, though he said it doesn't guarantee funding will be available.
"I think we would definitely welcome the mayor's enthusiasm," Gallegos said.


text:
July 28, 2011
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) revealed on July 28 that federal inspectors issued 194 citations, orders, and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 12 coal mines and two metal/non-metal mines during the month of June.
The coal mines were issued 154 citations, 12 orders, and three safeguards, while the metal/non-metal operations were issued 21 citations and four orders.
These inspections, which began in force in April 2010 following the explosion at Upper Big Branch Mine, involve mines that are said to merit increased agency attention and enforcement due to their poor compliance history or particular compliance concerns, including high numbers of violations or closure orders; indications of operator tactics, such as advance notification of inspections that prevent inspectors from observing violations; frequent hazard complaints or hotline calls; plan compliance issues; inadequate workplace examinations; a high number of accidents, injuries or illnesses; fatalities; and adverse conditions such as increased methane liberation, faulty roof conditions, and inadequate ventilation.
"The impact inspection program has been an invaluable tool for identifying and addressing mines with serious compliance issues," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "While we are still finding mines with chronic problems, we are cautiously optimistic that the majority of operators are getting the message."
As an example from last month's impact inspections, MSHA conducted an impact inspection June 13-16 at Lehigh Southwest Cement Co.'s Lehigh Permanente Cement Co. This is a large cement facility located in Santa Clara County, Calif., employing about 106 miners. MSHA issued 21 citations and four unwarrantable failure orders during the inspection.
Inspectors noted a number of hazardous conditions, including tripping hazards in workplaces, passageways, storerooms and service rooms; safety defects not repaired in a timely manner, including not securing inspection doors on a kiln and sharp metal roofing hanging down in a travelway; miners working at elevation without proper scaffolding or working platforms; warning signs not readily visible to prohibit smoking and open flames where a fire or explosion hazard exist, and not securing guards while operating machinery.
This is the third impact inspection at this mine. Previous inspections were conducted in January and April 2011.
As a second example from last month, an inspection party arrived during the evening shift on June 3 at S&H Mining Inc.'s S and H Mining Inc. mine in Anderson County, Tenn. Inspectors immediately captured the mine phones on the surface to prevent advance notification. They issued 32 citations and orders, nearly half of them designated as significant and substantial. This is the second impact inspection conducted at this mine; the first was conducted in March 2011.
MSHA issued five 104(d)(1) closure orders and one 104(d)(1) citation for unwarrantable failure of the operator to conduct and record on-shift inspections of its belt lines. Timely on-shift examinations are necessary for the protection of miners from hazards and conditions that may develop during the shift and cause a mine fire.
One 104(d)(1) citation was issued for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to install a male disconnecting device for a battery charger. One 104(d)(1) order was issued for unwarrantable failure of the mine operator to maintain the continuous mining machine in permissible condition. A 104(b) closure order was issued for failure to abate a previously cited violation for not being able to calibrate the methane monitor on the continuous mining machine. These conditions, if left unchecked and in concert with other conditions, could potentially cause a mine fire, explosion or electrocution of miners.
Inspectors issued other citations for inadequate roof support, electrical violations, and accumulation of combustible materials. Additional violations included failing to record that a search was conducted for smoking articles, a non-permissible roof-bolting machine, an inadequate fire suppression system on a surface belt drive, and an inoperative methane monitor on the continuous mining machine.
Since April 2010, MSHA has conducted 292 impact inspections, which have resulted in 5,207 citations, 490 orders and 19 safeguards.
Click here for a spreadsheet of the results.


text:
Click here, or on the image above, to see a clip from Wild Strawberries.
It's fashionable now to dismiss Ingmar Bergman as an antique, which he certainly is not, or to remember him for one film only, Persona (1966), which is undoubtedly a masterpiece, but his earlier films, such as the often-parodied The Seventh Seal or the measured, reverential Wild Strawberries (both 1957), are superb examples of personal filmmaking, made possible by Bergman's long-running arrangement with the Swedish national film company, Svensk Filmindustri, which allowed him to spend the cold winters in Stockholm directing a play, only to emerge every Spring to shoot a new film.
Woody Allen, in particular, is a longtime admirer of Bergman's, and has remade, after a fashion, several of his films, but all I really want to do here is to call your attention to Wild Strawberries, in particular — remade by Allen as Deconstructing Harry (1997), the tale of an elderly professor emeritus, Isak Borg (Victor Sjöström), who travels from his home to his former university to accept an honorary degree for his lifetime of work.
Though the Wild Strawberries starts with a horrific nightmare that Isak endures the night before he is to accept the award (see the clip above), the film concentrates mostly on the often-fractious relationships between Borg and his daughter-in-law Marianne (Ingrid Thulin), who is unhappily married to Isak's son Evald (Gunnar Björnstrand).
Nothing much happens, but then again everything happens, and the film ends on a note of redemptive hope, as the visions of Isak's youth return to him as if in a dream, to comfort and reassure him, as he faces his inevitable death — indeed, actor/director Victor Sjöström, one of the veterans of the Swedish film industry, died shortly after the film's completion, and before a rough cut could be assembled.
In the midst of life, we have to accept our faults and failures, and keep moving on towards the light, guided by the past, as we move inexorably into the future with each passing moment. Wild Strawberries is a sublime film, and is earnestly recommended, whether you've seen it or not. It certainly repays repeated viewings.
Tags: Gunnar Björnstrand, Ingmar Bergman, Ingrid Thulin, Svensk Filmindustri, Victor Sjöström, Wild Strawberries


text:
In the huddle
Class: AAAA
Enrollment: 1,372 (697 male)
Offense: Pro-I
Defense: 4-3
Last year: 10-3 (4-1 in YAIAA Division I)
Coaching staff
Coach: Brad Livingston (187-134-4 in 30 seasons)
Assistants: Matt Baker, Tony Desenberg, Charlie Grimm, Patrick Strine, Matt Snyder, Andy Horn, George Touras, Greg Witmer, T.J. Santos, Rob Davenport, Joe Dydek
2011 team statistics
Rushes-yards: 389-2,194
Passing: 135-230-2,056-32
Turnover ratio: Plus-12
Their role, they know, is a critical one. The Panthers head into the 2012 season stockpiled with speed and skill-position talent. Players such as running back Marquis Fells and quarterback Corey Hartz form the core of an offense that should flash plenty of big-play potential.
Hence those early workouts.
"We've spent a lot of time together," Livingston said, referring to his offensive line, "and most times it's the highlight of my day."
Three returners along that line -- senior Asyck Schildt and juniors Shane Walker and Eric Ramirez -- earned significant time last season, and Livingston said he was pleased with the progress that group had shown leading up to the start of camp.
At the skill positions, Central appears to be set. Fells should be the focal point of the offense, after leading the team in rushing last year (738 yards, five TDs). The receiving corps -- including Darian Hampton and Jay Stone -- also should be strong, despite the graduation of one of the area's top pass catchers, Jalil Ford.
At quarterback, Hartz will replace Brandon Baker, who threw a league-best 31 touchdowns and just five interceptions last season. Hartz has showed poise during spot duty in the past.
"It's a big plus because it's not like we're having to break somebody in," Livingston said of Hartz. "Even when he was playing receiver last year, he kept his hand in the quarterback position when he could."
The Panthers' defense could be a bigger question, with just three full-time starters returning -- Fells at linebacker, along with Hartz and Buffalo commit Andrews Dadeboe in the secondary. Still, Livingston lauded in his defensive line, calling it the Panthers' deepest position on defense. Seniors Chris Shultz and Randy Pham will be counted on to anchor that unit.
Save the date: As always, the Panthers' season starts off against perhaps their fiercest rival. But that Week 1 clash with West York is about more than just bragging rights. Last year, when Central beat the Bulldogs for the first time in four tries, it acted as a harbinger for the success that followed.
"It sets the tone for the season basically, how we play in the first game," senior tight end Nate Trona said.
Intangibles: As is typically the case when a successful group of seniors graduates, a new set of Central players will have to fill the leadership void. Still, it seems confidence has carried over from last year's playoff run, when the Panthers nearly knocked off eventual state champion Central Dauphin in the District 3 semifinals.
"In a way, we lost a lot," Fells said. "And in another way, we didn't. Most of us out here have a lot of experience."
Bottom line: The amount of speed Central puts on the field will give defensive coordinators nightmares. But how quickly can the players around those skill guys develop? As it looks now, the Panthers figure to be in the Division I title mix once again.
email@example.com; 771-2045; @johnsclayton
Do you prefer defensive end or defensive tackle? More D-tackle because I just get to run at anybody, but I still have to follow my priorities gap-wise and everything. It's just fun getting in and (getting that) knocking people in the mouth kind of mentality; just hitting people as hard as you can. I'd like to try D-end this year because I've gotten a lot quicker from 10th grade when I played offense. Even from this last season, I've gotten a lot faster.
What did you do to get quicker? After the season, even during the season, I did a lot of agility work with a lot of people. Even now, I do a lot of stuff with some of the football guys. During our down time we do a lot of agility stuff, even at practice. While we are in our little groups doing stretches we kind of do our own agility work that I came up with. Just so we can get our D-lineman quicker and a little more agile.
What do you love the most about football? The rush on a Friday night. I don't really feel it until I step on the field. Or go out for pregame warmups ... Just getting out there under the lights and playing under the lights. All the fans in the stands, you can hear them. Everything going on at once; it's a lot of fun for me.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment? The West York game. Like the first five plays of the game I jumped off the ball on the snap because I was nervous. It was the first penalty of the year for anyone, and I just felt like an idiot. As soon as it happened, I just coached myself the rest of the way through the game. The whole way through the season I didn't jump anymore.
Biggest inspiration? Probably my stepdad (Brian Reever) because he got me into football. I used to play for West York back in boys club in fourth or fifth grade. Then I ended up quitting, unfortunately, because I didn't like the running. He got me back into it. My ninth grade year, it was the West York game because my brothers were still playing for boys club. I was sitting there and saw all the Central York guys walking into the stadium, and he tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'That is what you could be doing this year,' and it just hit me.
Who has the best nickname on the team? Probably Nate Trona. We all just call him TroneDog on the field.
Click here to print out and build your own Central York "Paper Champ."
Click here to print a week-by-week schedule for all 22 YAIAA teams, plus Gettysburg, Northern York and Red Land.
2011 preview: Panthers have plenty of potential
York Daily Record 2011 Division I football all-stars
York Daily Record 2011 Division II football all-stars
York Daily Record 2011 Division III football all-stars


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A Cinderella story
Dear Mess Cleaner Upper at No Accountability Practice:
I hear your pain. Let me first say that your practice is more typical of how practices operate. It's many-an-employee's fantasy that somewhere out there is a practice where everyone communicates directly. There are, but these positions are few and far between—everyone likes working at these practices and they rarely leave because the culture is so good.
You need to address your problem with direct communication—starting with your practice manager. Speak to her directly and follow this script to outline your discussion:> Describe the behavior you witness with her and your co-workers.
> Describe how it affects you and others.
> Ask for help to resolve the issue.
If you get a negative or nonsupportive response, tell her that you'd like to speak with the practice owner about the same issue, and ask her to join you for the conversation. Your goal is to clear up communication and make your frustrations known. If they respond to the feedback and coaching, great! But if they don't, you now know the lay of the land politically. Good luck! —Shawn
Got a question? Ask Shawn.
Maybe you're tired of babysitting your team members. Perhaps you're looking for strategies to beat a bully. Shawn can help. Shawn McVey, MA, MSW, is a member of the Firstline and Veterinary Economics Editorial Advisory boards and CEO of McVey Management Solutions in Chicago. Email your question to [email protected]


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No one is immune to the frightening sights at Morey's FEARS. We caught some of our Beachfront Bloggers "enjoying" the Ghost Ship last weekend. If WE are this scared, what chance do YOU have?
Denise may be like a fish in the waterpark, but she entered uncharted waters in the Ghost Ship…
You may be accustomed to Lee's giant smile at Guest Services, but I bet you've never seen her make this face before!
Even Jack Morey, who has been through the Ghost Ship no less than 300 times I'm sure, could not escape the wrath of the undead crew.
Can you make it through?
Find out this weekend at Morey's FEARS- Terror on the Boardwalk. It's your last chance this year to experience the only haunted pier in the world! Buy your tickets now to avoid the wait. We are anticipating large crowds on Saturday night so come Friday night to avoid longer lines.
If you "like" us on Facebook, click the Morey's FEARS tab for an exclusive fan coupon code for discounted tickets!


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I must admit I've never been to Texas, but this is how I imagine the weather. Every day high above 90 degrees. Where a high of 92 is a cool down. Where we don't get any rain - don't bother looking at the forecast - it isn't going to rain.
Thank God for A/C, otherwise I would move I really would.


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Military base movie theaters are closing because of the shift to digital projection.
Here's an interesting piece by Dirk Lammers of the San Francisco Chronicle on the closing of numerous military base movie theaters around the globe, because they can't get the funding to make the jump to digital projection. As Lammers writes of the photo above, "movie patrons wait for the showing of Hotel Transylvania inside the theater on Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota on its last day of operation, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service theater serving airmen and their families is one of 60 across the globe that's closing because it's too expensive to switch from 35 millimeter film prints to an all-digital projection format.
Stacey Darling loves watching family movies at the Ellsworth Air Force Base theater in South Dakota because it's so much more affordable than taking her three children to the multiplex in nearby Rapid City. Darling, whose husband is an airman, has been catching second-run films on base for about 2 1/2 years, and was there Saturday for the theater's last showing. The movie theater is among 60 around the globe run by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service that is screening its last picture show amid the industry's conversion to digital projection.
Darling said she wishes she could go to the theater even more now that her husband, Senior Master Sgt. David Darling, has deployed to southwest Asia. [But] it's just not cost effective for the exchange service to invest the $120,000 per theater needed to convert from 35 millimeter film to the new format at the theaters that are being closed, said spokesman Judd Anstey. 'At locations where customer attendance is decreased due to a preference for off-installation entertainment venues, a determination has been made that continued operation is no longer a viable option,' Anstey said."
I have only this to say: $120,000 a theater to convert to digital? This is too much money? These theaters provide both entertainment and a meeting place for those in the armed forces; once again, one more place for people to gather together and share a sense of community is vanishing in the digital era.


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HCSC x Burton Shred Scout Backpack
Shred the endless winter with our most feature-loaded pack. It's got it all, including a hood, removable lunch cooler, and tablet sleeve.
We recommend arriving in Govy prepared for whatever camp throws at you with the 26-liter Burton HCSC Shred Scout pack. It comes outfitted to haul a full kit of glacier riding gear from sunscreen, music and spare goggles to a hydration bladder and extra layers. When the park laps are done, the pack provides boot carry function, a laptop sleeve and skate carry straps. A front accessory pocket internally organizes small essentials.
- Cush Ergonomic Shoulder Harness
- Ergonomic Back Panel
- Fleece-Lined Goggle / Sound Pocket
- Front Accessory Pocket with Internal Organization
- Zip-Off Jacket Hood Helps Protect You From the Sun
- Removable, Insulated Hood/Lunch Sack Can Attach to Shoulder Straps or a Belt
- Padded Laptop Sleeve [13in x 6in x 1.5in] [32cm x 14cm x 3cm]
- Removable Padded Tablet Sleeve [10in x 8in] [25cm x 20cm]
- Hidden Zip Pockets
- Hydration Compatible
- Lifetime Warranty


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Audi's all-new 2013 RS 5 Coupe is sophisticated, fast, gorgeous and bad to the bone. The RS 5 adds a heightened performance level to Audi's A5 stable which consists of several models including: the A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S5 Cabriolet and now, the RS 5 Coupe.
The 2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe is truly a force to be reckoned with, considering that it is propelled by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-liter, DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated V8 engine with electronic fuel injection that delivers 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm while developing 317 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes and launch control program. It's the most fuel efficient car in its class and does not incur a gas guzzler tax despite the high-revving engine and it's capability of moving from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 174 mph.
The engine is positioned up front in a longitudinal orientation and transfers power to the ground via Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system. There's also a newly-developed crown-gear center differential that contributes to the car's enhanced performance.
The all-new RS 5 was developed by Quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audi AG. It is a classically and elegantly styled coupe that comes with track-tested performance and the latest state-of-the-art technologies that Audi has to offer. Fuel economy is well within reason considering the car's performance output -- 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The RS 5 may be operated in a fully automatic mode, or the driver can shift using either the gearshift lever or steering wheel mounted paddles. The driver is able to select from auto, comfort, dynamic and individual Audi Drive Select system settings, which adjusts the vehicle's transmission shift characteristics; throttle response, dynamic steering and sports differential. The RS 5 stands ready for either a pleasant, but spirited weekend drive or for a stint on the track at the drop of a hat.
The RS 5 rides on sport-tuned suspension componentry that's 0.8-inches lower than its A5 stablemates, and rolls on either 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels as standard fare or optionally available 20-inch, five-blade spoke alloys, shod with performance rubber.
Bringing the RS 5 Coupe to a halt are four-wheel, internally vented discs with ABS and ESC and an integrated Sport mode that may be switched off entirely. Audi is able to fit the RS 5 with 15-inch front ceramic carbon-fiber discs for enhanced braking performance.
Visually, the RS 5 Coupe displays stylish new clear-cut accent lines, adaptive xenon plus headlamps with a sweeping strip of LED daytime running lights, oversized air inlets for improved cooling of the engine, front brakes and radiators. The newly designed front bumper tapers downward into a splitter, which is available in an aluminum-optic paint treatment. The fenders are flared, featuring crisp horizontal upper edges, and side sills display angular caps. The single-frame grille trim strips, side windows and outside mirrors sport a matte aluminum look. In the rear, twin oval exhaust pipes are integrated into the bumper, delivering an authoritative performance note. A sport-tuned exhaust with black oval tips is optionally available. A large diffuser protrudes upward at a pronounced angle, and there's an integrated rear decklid spoiler that rises automatically at 75 mph and lowers at 50 mph. It may also be manually activated at the touch of a button.
Moving to the inside, power-adjustable sport seats provide supportive side bolstering and integrated head restraints. Nappa leather is standard fare, with optional leather/Alcantara®, seating surfaces and rock gray seat piping adding to the interior's sporty flavor. An RS logo, 3-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel further contributes to the car's sense of performance purpose. Carbon fiber trim accents make a performance statement as well. The pedals and footrest are trimmed in aluminum, with aluminum trim adorning the doors as well. The driver information system includes a lap timer and there's a launch control system for fast, efficient off-the-line get-aways.
Comfort and convenience features abound including: Audi's parking system with rearview camera and audible alarm, Audi's adaptive cruise control, Side Assist and Dynamic steering. There's Audi connect and Audi MMI Navigation plus featuring high resolution Google Earth imagery. Audi connect provides an industry first factory integration of Wi-Fi® service and connections for up to eight Wi-Fi devices, allowing continued connectivity even when on the move.
My test 2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe featured Quattro, and the 7-speed S tronic automatic transmission. The base price was set at $68,900 while the special Sepang blue pearl effect paint, Audi MMI Navigation plus package, Sports exhaust system, 20-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero rubber and destination charge bumped the final count and amount to $75,820.
SUMMARY: The 2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe is stunningly beautiful -- more appealing than a BMW in the same class. OK, that's subjective, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it's exceptionally seductive. It sits low, with an aggressive stance, especially with the 20-inch wheels and tires. The powertrain sounds as good as the car looks and the ride quality, while very firm, is not at all harsh. Yes, there are more powerful coupes and sedans available in this price range, but the RS 5 Coupe is definitely capable of holding its own with any of them.
Acceleration is brisk and responsive -- not turbo quick mind you, but effective and impressive none-the-less. In terms of handling characteristics, the RS 5 is nimble and athletic with exceptional stability.
Should you happen to be shopping for an attractive, comfortable, quick and fun-to-drive performance oriented coupe, then you owe it to yourself to give the Audi RS 5 Coupe your consideration -- it's definitely a force to be reckoned with. Audi is a noteworthy player in the market place across its entire model lineup.
2013 Audi RS 5 Coupe Quattro S tronic
Base Price: $68,900.
Price as Tested: $75,820.
Engine Type and Size: 4.2-liter, DOHC, 32-valve, naturally aspirated V8 with electronic fuel injection. It's the most fuel-efficient car in its class without a gas-guzzler tax on it,
Horsepower (bhp): 450 @ 8,250 rpm
Torque (ft./lbs.): 317 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed S tronic automatic with sport and manual shift modes and launch control program.
Drivetrain: Longitudinally mounted front engine; Audi permanent Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Front - Five-link front suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar, lightweight aluminum components.
Rear - Independent, trapezoidal-link rear suspension with resiliently mounted subframe and anti-roll bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel internally ventilated discs with ABS and ESC with an integrated Sport mode that may be switched off entirely.
Tires: Pirelli P- Zero 275/30 ZR20 97Y mounted on 5-arm (spoke) Rotor alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Length Overall: 183.0 inches
Width: 79.5 inches
Height: 53.8 inches
Curb Weight: 4,009 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 16.1 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
Drag Coefficient: 0.32
0 - 60 mph: 4.5 seconds; Top speed = 174 mph electronically limited.


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Apples quick a new build of ios 5.11 already...
As long as you know how to use redsn0w correctly. It will leave the baseband untouched. You make the no baseband file in it, iTunes that NOBB file onto your phone. Then run it in redsn0w. I did like sn0wbreeze but past few firmwares it seemed buggy and slow and using redsn0w my phone seemed to work a little better. But guess it's always good to have more than one set of people working on jailbreaks.
its just personal preference, use whatever you jailbreaking program you like.
what ever floats your boat. The choice if which one to use comes down to your personal situation.
I use sn0wbreeze instead of redsn0w because redsn0w cant create a custom firmware with an Increased partition. Sometimes i use my idevice for pentesting hence why i need the increase partition for installing alot of tools.
I just appreciate the JB thanks Devs
1) sn0wbreeze jailbreaks and retains baseband in one step (just restore and be done), but IIRC does not fix 6.15 LS prob
2) redsn0w requires at least two steps to work (restore with NO_BB firmware, then rerun RS to jailbreak & hacktivate), but fixes the LS issue on 6.15 basebands.
I'll wait for the latest update of redsn0w. I want to preserve my baseband. (for resale - I'm waiting for the new iPhone before getting rid of my iPhone 4.
IMHO, Redsn0w works better for me than Sn0wbreeze, because Redsn0w has more options, even though Sn0wbreeze is easier to use. It is also not buggy either. I'm hoping Redsn0w will work with the new Apple update for the A4 GSM devices.


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Tokyu Hotels Locations
Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu
A refined style based on a theme of simple and modern interiors. Visit Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu for first-class comfort with well-planned facilities and services for both business and relaxing in the city, as well as special services for female guests.
Good sleep with "the Comfort Pillow"
The Tempur Comfort Pillows are set in all the rooms of Excel Hotel Tokyu for your better night's sleep.
Free High Speed Internet Access
Free High Speed Internet Access are available at all guest rooms at this Narita Airport Hotel.
Ladies Excel Room
Special rooms for female guests will be offered at every Excel Hotel Tokyu. This 4 star hotel in Narita offers room interiors and services that appeal to women.
Comfort Room
We offer Comfort Rooms with massage recliners and Tempur-Pedic Swedish Neck Pillows(TM) to ensure that you are well rested for your busy day ahead.
Relaxing bars and lounges
Each hotel is equipped with bars and lounges for you to enjoy the city nightlife.
Bars/ Sapporo,Akasaka,Yokohama Narita
Lounges/ Sapporo,Akasaka,Shibuya Yokohama,Toyama,Kanazawa


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Faced with a reduced (but recovering—so far) portfolio, children still in college, and not a clue what else I would rather do, I've given some thought to simply working forever. Not a bad plan, if I can manage it.
Many people think they'll have to work forever—and they aren't particularly happy about the prospect. By 2020, most baby boomers will be in their 60s, and about half of them think they will delay retirement beyond age 65. (We haven't yet seen much evidence that the first wave of boomers to reach their 60s are choosing to delay retirement, but time will tell.)
Before the introduction of Social Security, the burden of lifetime financial support rested squarely on the shoulders of workers and their families (except for the lucky few with pension plans). Many people didn't stop working until failing health gave them no other choice. Social Security introduced partial income replacement for a broad swath of the American work force. (The value of this income replacement is measured by what's known to Social Security administrators and financial planners as the replacement ratio.) Today, the key to being able to retire, assuming you're in good health, is a combination of income replacement and personal savings.
The rapid decline of traditional pensions has altered the picture once again. Factor in Social Security's increase in the "full retirement age"—which lowers the replacement ratio at any given age—and you have to wonder if workers will continue to elect early Social Security benefits. Will they instead keep working, in order to improve that replacement ratio? The answer, of course, depends on how much workers save, Social Security policy changes, the economic environment, and a host of other factors, some of which are unpredictable.
I was reading a research paper from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College recently. It discusses the impact on Social Security checks of:
• An increase in the Social Security full retirement age, from 65 to 67.
• Rising Medicare Part B premiums.
• Higher income tax on Social Security benefits, a growing likelihood.
The paper used data from 2002, and some of the numbers are probably outdated. But the concept holds. Combine these three factors, and you're looking at a tsunami.
A "medium earner" who fully retires at age 65 has a lower replacement ratio than someone who retires at 67. In 2006, the difference was about 8.9%. But in the future, the factors I mentioned above will increase the gap even more. To fill that gap, we'll need to work longer. The question is, how much longer?
Based on the same research paper, and not taking into account any unforeseen changes to Social Security (those other than the three listed above), someone retiring in 2030 would need to work approximately 3½ additional years to achieve the same replacement ratio that's available to those who take full retirement benefits today. That means that instead of retiring at 65, boomers born in 1965 will need to work until about age 68½.
If a medium earner accumulated substantial savings in a 401(k) or other accounts, the picture brightens considerably. The researchers assumed savings sufficient to purchase an annuity income stream equal to a replacement rate of 20%. This shaved the additional work time to just over two years—a significant improvement.
I don't believe any of these numbers are precisely accurate. That's not possible. But they do raise an essential question: If there hasn't been a fundamental shift in your personal savings, what other choice do you have but to work longer?
• All investing is subject to risks. Annuities are suitable for long-term investing, such as retirement investing.
• The links to PewResearch.org, SSA.gov, and CRR.BC.edu will open new browser windows. Vanguard accepts no responsibility for content on third-party websites.
• We invite your comments on this Vanguard Blog entry. Comments will be monitored and published at Vanguard's discretion. Comments received prior to July 7, 2009 will not be published.


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Fashion Forecast
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In honor of Oktoberfest, which is in full swing all over the world, here are some great Beerfest Do's and Don'ts from Keyon. Be sure to check out more Do's and Don'ts from Mark over here.
Wow, Beefest Do's and Don'ts. There's so many Don'ts that I hope I'll be able to help with some of the Do's. I guess the Do's and Don'ts are determined by if you're in season or if you're out of training season.
Do's: Get a designated driver.
Do's: Bring a lot of cash.
Do's: Make a pretzel necklace, I don't know why, but everyone else does.
Do's: Remember to eat before you head out the door.
Do's: Take a shower before you go. I've been to way too many summer Beerfest's where the overlying theme is awful B.O.
Do's: Wear shoes. Those things can get crowded and you have to protect your toes for your next race.
Do's: If you're still in training mode, rotate a cup of water every other beer. This will help cut down on the beer consumption and keep you within proper limits.
Do's: Set a limit for how many beers you want to drink. You can still have fun without drinking a ton during Beerfest.
Do's: Take lots of fun pictures to remember the day.
Don'ts: Don't drive home. Seriously, get a Designated Driver.
Don'ts: If you're a girl, don't wear high heels to these things. Especially if you have a race coming up, skip the heels. How bad would it be if you couldn't compete because you hurt your ankle walking on all that uneven grass during Beerfest.
Don'ts: If you have a race coming up its probably a good idea for you skip the beer altogether. If you're concerned with staying hydrated, skip the beer and just drink water and enjoy the scene.
Don'ts: Don't wear your nicest clothes. As the day progresses, spills are guaranteed, by you or by others.
Don'ts: Don't be that guy…(you know what I mean)


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When Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the the 2013 SL550 at this week's Detroit auto show, we weren't surprised at what we saw; the new model blends the previous-generation SL with the look of the SLS AMG supercar.
The design is more of a careful evolution of the previous car than something radically new. The R 231-generation SL would be easily identifiable as a Mercedes and as an SL without the badges. Tradition continues with the long, muscular hood, rounded rump, and side vents. Returning from the outgoing model are the triangular-shaped taillights; however, for 2013, the lamps are filled exclusively with LEDs and the reverse lights move down to the rear diffuser. Overall, the look clearly pulls from the current range of Mercedes-Benz sports cars, with a square, upright grille and twin-bladed side vent like the SLS AMG supercar. There is further SLS influence in the cabin, with a large infotainment screen sitting high atop the center stack, flanked by large, circular HVAC vents. Keeping with trends, the console-mounted transmission shifter shrinks to a stubby actuator, here wrapped in leather and embossed with the SL logo.
That shifter is connected to a revised 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission that will send power to the rear wheels. Thrust will be provided by the same twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.6-liter V-8 found in the S-, CL-, and CLS-Classes. In the 2013 SL550, it will produce a 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque and Mercedes estimates a 4.5-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph.
The 2013 SL will appear in dealerships this spring; Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce pricing for the car, but expect a number near or north of the current SL550's $105,825 price tag with its destination charge.
For more on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550, check out our First Look here. For more on the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, including videos, the latest photos, and more information, click here to visit our Detroit Show homepage.


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i just saw the "Note The D3DX (D3DX 9, D3DX 10, and D3DX 11) utility library is deprecated for Windows 8 Release Preview and is not supported for Metro style apps." in the D3DX 11 Reference and am a little concerned and confused.
What does this mean?
Does it mean if I use D3DX functions in my engine my game just won't run on windows8 and higher? does it mean my past games that use these function won't run either. If i update dx on my current system (vista) when a later version of dx11 is released or greater will that cause a problem? I hope this doesn't mean i have to make my own math and texture loading library, man i really don't need the extra workload if this is the case.
anyway really just want to know how this effects someone makeing a pc (not interested in mobile devices) only engine for thier game for windows and what i'll have to do differently. thanks.
I don't know the specifics of this case, but typically "deprecated" does *not* mean that the library will be altogether removed and games/engines that require it will crash. It's more of a gentle suggestion that you shouldn't use this library anymore for new projects (presumably there's something else you're supposed to use instead). DirectDraw, for instance, has been deprecated for years yet DirectDraw apps still work, AFAIK.
In any case, it seems it would be easy enough to install the D3DX .dll alongside your app when you install it. Microsoft allows these .dlls to be redistributed with your project. In fact, that might be just what "deprecated" means in this case - that you have to install it yourself rather than relying on it to be on the user's system already.
Thanks Reedbeta will keep that in mind and hope that is the case, It does make sense what you say, it just shocked me to see this and i was curious i had missed something vital for future development.
@David Gallagher
i just saw the "Note The D3DX (D3DX 9, D3DX 10, and D3DX 11) utility library is deprecated for Windows 8 Release Preview and is not supported for Metro style apps." in the D3DX 11 Reference and am a little concerned and confused. What does this mean?
Deprecated generally means you should not use it if at all possible. It means the vendor is starting the legwork to get dependecies dropped so that the entire system can be dropped. Usually, this is because there is a "better" replacement, but not always. In this case, Microsoft is alerting you to the fact that this utility library will not work in the WinRT/Metro app stack.
As far as Win8/Metro, Microsoft is embarking on a diversification (and/or yet another migration) of the development ecosystem. They do it often, mostly to support a continued reason for endless certification as a revenue stream, but in this case it has a basis in technology too.
Windows has always been stuck in a symbiotic relationship with Intel, but with the growing success of ARM, they realize they have to start being able to support very different hardware or risk die off. So, they built a new version of Win32, called WinRT. Win32 and WinRT are both ABIs. But, instead of beating devs into WinRT, they are making it alluring. Lots of Metro libraries, lots of new tools and "stuff", and the Metro store, will operate solely through your involvement of WinRT, not Win32, in your application. Also, for selfish reasons, WinRT has an API focus on allowing Microsoft to strictly and quickly review your app for store placement. There's lots you can't do through the WinRT API as it currently stands. You can write a WinRT disk formatter, for example, and especially not sell it on the Metro Store.
I suspect that eventually WinRT grows to replace Win32, but this will take a long time. Win32 is "too big too fail" quickly; it must be nursed into oblivion very carefully and very slowly.
Thanks very much alphadog for expanding on this, I guess i have been in been buried in my hole a little too long and totally missed hearing about winRT, hopefully I'll have a few more cycles with win32 before being a must change situation. I think I will continue to use D3DX at least for now and down the line if it becomes absolutley neccessary to ditch it, i guess i'll have no choice. Thanks for the insight into things to keep an eye on for the future.


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MISST program hosts information meetings around Ohio December 11-13 for classes
beginning in February, 2008
The Muskingum College Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies will host a series of informational meetings across Ohio beginning December 11 for its Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology (MISST) program. Registration is open for the spring cohort of the MISST program, which begins in February.
The informational sessions will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the following locations:
Tuesday, December 11, at the DoubleTree Hotel, 6200 Quarry Lane in Independence, Ohio
Wednesday, December 12, The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, 55 South First Street in Newark, Ohio.
Thursday, December 13, at the Concourse Hotel, 4300 International Gateway (airport), in Columbus, Ohio
No pre-registration is required to attend the sessions.
MISST is a two-year program, blending "any time, any place" on-line education with periodic face-to-face residencies. Participants are able to maintain their full-time employment, and to incorporate their newly acquired knowledge and skills directly into their daily work.
This master's degree prepares business and information technology professionals to successfully integrate strategy and technology. The program focuses on the effective and innovative use of technology to strategically advance an organization.
Students participate in an experiential learning curriculum consisting of nine projects, of which two are designed to serve the strategic goals of the participants' own organizations.
Working in teams, students are presented with authentic business challenges and interact with team members to identify and analyze problems, develop appropriate business strategies and align technology to support their strategies. MISST provides hands-on learning, preparing students to immediately apply their learning to their work.
For more information on the MISST program, contact the Muskingum College Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies at 740-826-6128 or email email@example.com. The web site for the program is www.muskingum.edu/~misst.
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Marketing Sponsored by
A cycle of action.
A table of Spend, Talk, Engage and Prefer engagement and loyalty movements.
In a beauty market that grows more competitive by the day, the decline of consumer loyalty is unwelcome news. Ernst & Young reports brand loyalty is plummeting, and only 25% of consumers say brand loyalty affects their buying behavior. Discovering alternative products from friends or bloggers, as well as enticing offers from an ever-growing list of new brands, is easier than ever. Social sharing and growing use of mobile technologies make loyalty a moving target.
But while consumer behavior might be changing, consumer needs have not. They still crave brands and retailers that make them feel smart and deliver consistency. This represents a huge opportunity for brands. By capitalizing on innovation in data-driven consumer centricity, beauty marketers can gain unprecedented loyalty from consumers—by demonstrating unprecedented loyalty to consumers.
Marketers often talk about taking consumers up the loyalty ladder from brand awareness to preference, loyalty and advocacy. If loyalty is just a series of steps building to stronger love, why have so few companies managed to hold on to their customers? Loyalty doesn't work this way.
Many marketers often think they've done enough to capture consumers' affections. That's why customer retention rates in the 60–65% range are considered good in some categories. Let's be clear: It's unacceptable to lose four of every 10 customers because they don't follow your rigid, pre-determined path to loyalty.
Just as every consumer is unique, every path to purchase is a multifaceted and multidirectional journey, influenced by many factors. Today, these include a combination of traditional media, advertising, store visits, social media, direct marketing, websites, mobile apps, word of mouth and habit. Some journeys may be direct and the result of a particular shopping mission, or they may be more spontaneous and inspired by several influences.
Brands need to consider all the potential actions a consumer takes when engaging in the beauty category and with their brand, and understand what will have the greatest impact on loyalty.
Marketers play a vital role in these influences. By developing a deeper understanding of consumers' wants and needs, every aspect of the consumer experience can become much more personalized. Personalization makes brands more human and relevant. Further, personalization helps win greater consumer attention. In today's economy of distraction, attention is highly prized and hugely valuable in building loyalty.
Loyalty goes beyond a program. It's an approach to doing business that places value in understanding what consumers value, delivering this consistently and prioritizing loyal customers—the engine of growth for brands.
Data analysis shows a loyal consumer can be worth between 12 and 20 times the value of a non-loyal consumer. Taking care of your best consumers sounds simple, but most companies try to grow business through acquisition. Without a commitment to learning about the consumer, it's impossible to know what resonates best with loyal customers and encourage them to keep coming back. In categories like beauty, where there is a greater capacity to connect with consumers, loyal customers can often be the best people to tell you straight what works and how to give them more of what they want.
However, research often misses the drivers behind loyalty, because people aren't always aware of why they do what they do. Shopping data can illuminate what consumers value. This includes what drove the decision, giving clues to the rewards where they might find value. Combining data sources from influences throughout the customer journey can provide a full picture understanding of what matters to them. When you consider how much they reveal about themselves in browsing and purchasing behaviors, it's offensive not to use that information to improve their experience.
There is often a wide gap between what a beauty brand promises to deliver and what consumers experience. The pump dispenser that breaks after a month, the bronzer-smeared sampling station littered with dirty tissues, the snooty sales associate—these all leave negative impressions. An accumulation of failures large and small, usually totally unnoticed by the brand, destroys loyalty.
Purchases are only one output of loyalty. Looking solely at purchases gives a narrow view of the contribution consumers can make to a business. It's not exploratory or descriptive of the underlying motivation. It also fails to explain why a consumer is loyal to a brand.


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Evaluation of a lighting system
Visual ergonomic aspects of the workplace's design are important for a stimulating working environment. There is an excellent method called "visual evaluation" available to review and assess a room with an installed lighting system, which is simply based on describing what you see in the room.
Evaluate the room visually through its lighting system, colours and design. These factors affect each other and are difficult to assess individually. The room colours should not be distorted, and visual work should be possible without the discomfort of glare or reflections.
The room's visual quality governs, to a large extent, your health and your performance capacity. It is therefore important that you do not completely rely on computer calculated results. Try to make a visual evaluation of your own workplace using the adjacent table.
Rank the opposite pairs on a scale of 1–5.
|Light level
|– is it dark or light in the room?
|dark – light
|Light distribution
|– how is the light distributed in the room?
|varied – equally
|Light colour
|– is the light colour experienced as warm or cold?
|warm – cold
|– how are the colours and objects viewed?
|distorted – natural
|– does unpleasant glare occur?
|troublesome – not noticeable
|– whether they are hard or soft?
|hard – soft
|– whether they are intense or diffuse?
|intense – diffuse


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Everett Ottoman
- New Colors
- Overview
Kick up your feet. The low-slung Everett Upholstered Ottoman's clean, mid-century-inspired lines make a sophisticated spot to rest your legs, your laptop or a tray of cocktails.
- 24"w x 18"d x 17"h.
- Solid wood frame and legs with Chocolate-stained finish.
- Polyester foam padding for maximum comfort.
- Imported.
- Online only.
- Details + Dimensions
- Overall product dimensions: 24"w x 18"d x 17"h.
- Seat depth: 17".
- Clearance: 5.5".
- Removable legs.
- Number of boxes: 1.
- Shipping package: 27"w x 18"d x 12.5"h.
- Packaged weight: 20 lbs.
Assembly required. View assembly instructions.
Spot clean. Blot spills as quickly as possible. For stubborn spots and stains, blot excess liquid immediately with a clean, absorbent sponge or cloth. If necessary, use a slightly dampened white cloth and wipe the affected area gently two or three times and take a dry cloth or tissue paper to blot the area dry. Always test-clean on a hidden area to confirm results. Under normal usage/conditions, regular dusting and vacuum cleaning in crevices or bottoms is all that is necessary to clean your furniture.
- Shipping + Return Info
- Most purchases are shipped from our Distribution Center by UPS, arriving in 4-5 business days.
- Quick Ship fabric items receive delivery in 2 - 4 weeks.
- Special order fabric (SPO) items receive delivery in 8 -10 weeks.
- For our guide to measuring for delivery click here.
The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping options. Please note, some furniture, rugs and other large items that are bulky or heavy items have a delivery surcharge listed in parentheses ($) after the item price. These delivery surcharges are in addition to the standard delivery shipping charges. View Shipping Rates and Options
We happily accept returns on stocked items within the time frames listed below. Products designated as special order (SPO) cannot be canceled or returned. All items on our website and in-store are considered 'stocked' unless expressly identified as 'special order' instead. Prior purchases are not eligible for price adjustments. Please familiarize yourself with our returns policy before placing your order.
Stocked Items: If you are dissatisfied with your purchase of a stocked item, you must exchange or return it within the following time frames for a full refund of the merchandise cost (delivery fees are non-refundable). Outside these time frames, we will replace or refund your purchase against manufacturer's defects ONLY. Please note that we cannot accept returns on gift cards or items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price ending in .99 or .97.
- Quick Ship upholstery items must be returned within 7 days of the order receipt date.
- All other stocked products must be returned within 30 days of the order receipt date.
Special Order Items (SPO): Because they're custom made to your specifications, special order items may not be canceled or returned and are exchangeable against manufacturer's defects ONLY. SPO includes special order upholstery items, monogrammed/personalized items, special order rugs, one-of-a kind rugs and any products being shipped directly from a third-party vendor. Any special order items will be flagged as 'special order' in your shopping cart. NEW JERSEY CUSTOMERS: Special-order upholstered furniture returns are subject to applicable state law and are non-returnable after 24 hours of delivery.
For further assistance please call our customer service department at 1.888.922.4119 or send an email to email@example.com


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Why hasn't J. C. Penney (JCP) figured out less is more?
Ron Johnson hit the CNBC airwaves (AGAIN) today to give investors a laundry list of why JCP is still on track to becoming "America's Favorite Retailer." Problem is RJ's credibility has plunged more than the stock price since he took the reins.
At this point it would be a better idea for Johnson and Ackman to keep their heads down until they have something real to tell us. We are not interested in hearing how JCP is on the right track after you have burned $1B in cash, increased a revolver (that you apparently "may" tap at some point) and sent discount hungry shoppers running for the exits to the tune of an estimated minus-30%-plus comps for Q4?
While I was waiting in the green room wings to do a post RJ follow up on CNBC I could not believe what I was hearing. Here are a few highlights:
- In July RJ told investors not to use the word sale. Call it a gift. Don't use that nasty word. Apparently now it is ok to use the dirty word. In fact RJ says he is sorry he didn't start with the word from the beginning? OK at least we got that straight. Sales ARE back.
- RJ still asserts customers know the right price. I disagree. Customers know when they see a discount. Perception is reality. The compare program or a reference point does not make consumers feel they are getting a deal. Last week I received an email for a Valentine's Day pendant with and EDLP (every day low price) of $60 but the appraisal value was $70 to $75. Does that make me feel good about it? JCP thinks so. I do not.
- A coupon is not a coupon but $10 off a $10 purchase acts like a coupon, according to RJ. Self-explanatory confusion. If I tell you Barney is yellow you should believe me.
- JCP will return to growth this year. What? Really? This is about as credible as last year's guidance. We know how that worked out.
- Today we were told JCP is still on track to add shops this year with the goal of 40% of the store being transformed by Back-to-school. Take that, analysts who are implying otherwise.
- If Ron had to do it over again he would do it "almost" the same. Maybe some different tactics. Oh no he didn't follow that with a Google/Apple analogy.
- Stores are busy. If comps are minus-30%-plus this quarter what does slow look like?
- Will JCP tap the revolver? JCP says it will transform the company with cash on hand, but that doesn't mean it won't use revolver at some point. That sounds like a yes to me
- Team has done great job of managing cash. They have burned $1B. And from my view they are going back toward the strategy they started with.
- And my favorite? RJ suggests some investors are trying to make short term money in artificial ways. Little jab at the shorts. I'm not sure how investors could possibly view this stock other than in the short-term.
Full disclosure this long-term JCP bear bought stock yesterday. When the NY Post and late to the game sell-siders pile on the dismal quarterly news just may be in the stock. For now that is.


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A new report from UC Davis shows that California agriculture is weathering its worst drought in decades due to groundwater reserves, but the nation's produce basket may come up dry in the future if it continues to treat those reserves like an unlimited savings account.
The UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences study, released today at a press briefing in Washington, D.C., updates estimates on the drought's effects on Central Valley farm production, presents new data on the state's coastal and southern farm areas, and forecasts the drought's economic fallout through 2016.
The study found that the drought — the third most severe on record — is responsible for the greatest water loss ever seen in California agriculture, with river water for Central Valley farms reduced by roughly one-third.
Groundwater pumping is expected to replace most river water losses, with some areas more than doubling their pumping rate over the previous year, the study said. More than 80 percent of this replacement pumping occurs in the San Joaquin Valley and Tulare Basin.
The results highlight California agriculture's economic resilience and vulnerabilities to drought and underscore the state's reliance on groundwater to cope with droughts.
"California's agricultural economy overall is doing remarkably well, thanks mostly to groundwater reserves," said Jay Lund, a co-author of the study and director of the university's Center for Watershed Sciences. "But we expect substantial local and regional economic and employment impacts. We need to treat that groundwater well so it will be there for future droughts."
Other key findings of the drought's effects in 2014:
• Direct costs to agriculture total $1.5 billion (revenue losses of $1 billion and $0.5 billion in additional pumping costs). This net revenue loss is about 3 percent of the state's total agricultural value.
•The total statewide economic cost of the 2014 drought is $2.2 billion.
•The loss of 17,100 seasonal and part-time jobs related to agriculture represents 3.8 percent of farm unemployment.
•428,000 acres, or 5 percent, of irrigated cropland is going out of production in the Central Valley, Central Coast and Southern California due to the drought.
•The Central Valley is hardest hit, particularly the Tulare Basin, with projected losses of $810 million, or 2.3 percent, in crop revenue; $203 million in dairy and livestock value; and $453 million in additional well-pumping costs.
•Agriculture on the Central Coast and in Southern California will be less affected by this year's drought, with about 19,150 acres fallowed, $10 million in lost crop revenue and $6.3 million in additional pumping costs.
•Overdraft of groundwater is expected to cause additional wells in the Tulare Basin to run dry if the drought continues.
•The drought is likely to continue through 2015, regardless of El Ni?o conditions.
•Consumer food prices will be largely unaffected. Higher prices at the grocery store of high-value California crops like nuts, wine grapes and dairy foods are driven more by market demand than by the drought.
If the drought continues for two more years, groundwater reserves will continue to be used to replace surface water losses, the study said. Pumping ability will slowly decrease, while costs and losses will slowly increase due to groundwater depletion.
California is the only state without a framework for groundwater management.
"We have to do a better job of managing groundwater basins to secure the future of agriculture in California," said Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which largely funded the UCD study. "That's why we've developed the California Water Action Plan and a proposal for local, sustainable groundwater management."
Failure to replenish groundwater in wet years continues to reduce groundwater availability to sustain agriculture during drought — particularly more profitable permanent crops, like almonds and grapes -- a situation lead author Richard Howitt of UC Davis called a "slow-moving train wreck."
"A well-managed basin is used like a reserve bank account," said Howitt, a professor emeritus of agricultural and resource economics. "We're acting like the super rich who have so much money they don't need to balance their checkbook."
To forecast the economic effects of the drought, the UCD researchers used computer models, remote satellite sensing data from NASA, and the latest estimates of State Water Project, federal Central Valley Project and local water deliveries and groundwater pumping capacities.
The analysis was done at the request of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which co-funded the research with the University of California.
The report's other co-authors include UC Davis agricultural economists Josu? Medell?n-Azuara and Dan Sumner, and Duncan MacEwan of the ERA Economic consulting firm in Davis.
California produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables and nearly a quarter of the nation's milk and cream. Across the nation, consumers regularly buy several crops grown almost entirely in California, including tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, almonds, walnuts, grapes, olives and figs.


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Roof Shoveling in Highland, MD 20777
Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. has been providing reliable and quality roof shoveling in Highland, MD since 1982.
When it comes to a shoveling roofs in Highland, our skilled roofers do the job right, maintaining our commitment to quality and high standards. We at Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. have the experience and dependability that you are looking for in Highland. We offer the most professional and affordable residential and commercial roof shoveling in Highland, MD.
Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. can efficiently shovel a roof in Highland, doing a safe and thorough job. We are the best choice when it comes to shoveling snow and ice off roofs in Highland. We have the right equipment and know-how to carefully shovel roof snow and remove ice dams that may form from the continual melting and re-freezing of snow. Is there ice in your gutters in Highland? Call Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. to help you with that potentially dangerous home maintenance task.
Do you need roof shoveling in Highland or help with removing ice off your roof? Don't wait till the snow and ice damage your property. Call Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. now! We know how to shovel a roof safely and efficiently. Let Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. and our experienced roofers in Highland handle your roof shoveling and do the job right without damaging your roofing material or the structure of your house or building! Remember, we are your go-to roofing company in Highland!
Since 1982, Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. has been shoveling roofs in Highland. We have built a reputation being dependable and affordable for 35 years. You can trust that Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc.'s roofers in Highland are as courteous as they are knowledgeable.
Contact Kelbie Home Improvement, Inc. about your roof snow removal in Highland, Maryland. Our Highland crew will be happy to provide you with a competitive roof shoveling quote and stand by the outstanding roofing service that we deliver.
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Call for FREE Roof Shoveling Quote


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ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan girl who was attacked by a raccoon as an infant will undergo her last surgery of the year Friday at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.
When Charlotte Ponce was just three months old, her face was mauled by a pet raccoon after her parents left her unattended in 2002.
Charlotte Ponce, now 10, will endure a series of reconstructive surgeries after her face was mauled by a pet raccoon when she was three months old.
Now at the age of 10, Charlotte will have her fifth facial surgery this year to further rebuild her face.
About Charlotte:
Charlotte and her brother were adopted by their great-aunt and great-uncle in 2005 after the state terminated their biological parents' rights.
She lost her nose, an ear and part of her lip and spent many months in the hospital fighting to survive after the attack.
Over the last five months, Charlotte has endured surgeries to reconstruct the damage caused by the raccoon.
Watch: Charlotte's 1st surgery at Beaumont Hospital.
Friday's surgery will complete her nasal reconstruction and will give her full breathing abilities to her nose again, said Beaumont.
Live updates
Beaumont will be live Tweeting during Charlotte's surgery to provide updates on her condition.
Surgery is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m.
You can follow the procedure live at #HealingCharlotte.@Beaumonthealth
Previous surgeries:
August 15, 2012
Charlotte starts the first stage of her nasal reconstruction.
October 4, 2012
Second stage of nasal reconstruction with a forehead flap; nasal structure support and cartilage graft.
November 2, 2012
Third stage nasal reconstruction.
November 16, 2012
Fourth stage nasal reconstruction with closure of the nose and tissue rearrangement; second stage lip reconstruction.
The hospital says Charlotte will be back in six months to begin work to reconstruct her ear.
More about Charlotte's journey:
Michigan girl needs surgeries after raccoon mauls her face.
Charlotte recovers after surgery.
Charlotte greets reporters at Beaumont Children's Hospital.
Copyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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CHINO HILLS – Ruben S. Ayala High School students will put on multiple performances of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast."
Students from the high school's drama department will have shows at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and continuing on April 25, 26 and 27 at Ayala High, 14255 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills.
There will be one matinee show at 2 p.m .on April 27.
Tickets: $10 general admission and $5 for students, children and senior citizens.
Snacks and drinks will be available before the show and at intermission.


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CHICO — Today is the day when many men and women strive a little more to show their loved ones just how much they care.
It may be with cologne, a box of truffles or a bouquet of daffodils. Perhaps it's a sweet note tucked inside a lunch box.
A better measure of love, some say, is showing that sentiment the other 364 days a year.
Twenty local couples recently shared the most romantic gesture they've ever received — many of which did not take place on Valentine's Day — and five couples whose stories proved most popular took a few minutes to tell us how they've kept the romance alive.
Daily rituals are really important for the Sorensons, who have been married 37 years.
They get up each day together, pray together and eat breakfast together. When Jan leaves for work, Cindie waves goodbye to him at the door.
He calls her during the day to see how she is, and each night when he comes home, they sit down and spend a few minutes just talking about their days.
"They are the everyday simple things," Cindie Sorenson said. "Both of our parents really modeled great marriages for us. When you get to our age, you realize how lucky we were."
Readers loved their story about Jan surprising her by buying and restoring a 1965 Volvo s122 that matched one she had in college (http://goo.gl/HAeSa5), but the Chico couple also knows love is also about small gestures, she said.
Whether it's her tucking a note in his lunch box, or how when they are driving home in separate cars, he always waits for her to pull out and lead the way, their feelings speak for themselves.
"I love that he always just wants to make sure I am happy and taken care of," she said.
With two children and the hustle-bustle of busy lives, it's not always easy to remember romance, said Jennifer Hoglund, who was shocked this year by her husband, who had planned for months to surprise her on her birthday by bringing together all her best friends from across the country (http://goo.gl/LIx7vf).
Yet, after 10 years of marriage, she said they still know how to warm each other's hearts.
Sometimes it's when he picks up her favorite cider at the grocery store just because he knows she likes it, or it's when she plots out a series of romantic activities to ensure they keep the love alive.
"It's not an all-the-time kind of thing," she said. "But it's important to take little things that you can do to let other people know you are thinking of them."
John Fogarty, who was a reader favorite for his gesture of bringing long-stemmed red roses to the Sabbath House for its female guests last year on Valentine's Day (http://goo.gl/fsfCS3), said he personally prefers small gestures. He and his wife, Deborah, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, and he said he does his best daily to show her how much he appreciates her.
He makes the bed, helps around the house, and just "make sure I get my honey-dos done," he said with a smile Thursday.
Lori Eckart admits she is spoiled by her husband, who married her seven years ago shortly after her cancer diagnosis (http://goo.gl/3WJCfW). He massages her feet while they watch TV, keeps her table with fresh flowers and does most of the cooking because she doesn't like to.
"You don't have to be like Eric and give flowers once a week, but if men would just do those little gestures throughout the year," she said. "I told him, "Every day is Valentine's with you.' The little things every day are what is important, not just once a year.
While not very romantic herself, Eckart does little love actions too, and has a small surprise planned for his birthday today.
"And I tell him I love him all the time," she said. "When he comes home, I welcome him with opens arms."
Good attitudes are the recipe for love for Julie and Randall Marquez, who met and worked at the DMV together until they realized their friendship blossomed into something more (http://goo.gl/KQi57w).
They married July 25, the first wedding for each of them. Both are in the 50s and could not be more in love, she said.
"I think the thing is when you meet somebody when you are older, you are really truly best friends, and you appreciate the gift of every day," she said.
They also have weekly dates, he brings her flowers "not when he's in trouble and not when it's an occasion," and she likes to bake him treats. They also make it a priority to spend quality time together.
"We laugh a lot. We just laugh ourselves sick sometimes," Marquez said. "Life is too serious and you have to do something about that."
Reach reporter Ashley Gebb at 896-7768, firstname.lastname@example.com, or on Twitter @AshleyGebb.


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We love a chic little sleeve to freshen up a classic cocktail silhouette. This flirty number does the trick in lustrous silk taffeta with a plunging V-neck and radiating pleats at the waist. Dress it up for big-city fêtes or keep things simple for seaside nuptials. Online only.
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