text: I have been invited to take part in a neighborhood "meat" competition. I have recently had good luck with beer can style smoked chicken, using the "snake bitten" rub from this site, so that is what I'm going with. I will be up against ribs and pulled pork, so wish me luck. I have decided to smoke two birds at the same time and I currently have them soaking in brine over night. More to follow tomorrow!


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(630) 553-2200
Steinwart Audiology & Speech Services
22 years in business1411 S Bridge St
Yorkville, IL 60560-9055
Fax Numbers
- (630) 553-2200
Additional Email Addresses
- firstname.lastname@example.com
Find a Location
BBB File Opened: 12/28/2006
Business Started: 01/01/1995
Business Started Locally: 01/01/1995
Business Management
- Ms. Lisa Hoover-Steinwart, Owner
Business Category
- Audiologist
- Hearing Assistive Devices
- Speech Pathologist
- NAICS: Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists
Licensing, Bonding or RegistrationThis business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
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Licensing information is provided in the BBB Business Profiles to inform the public about industries that may require professional licensing, bonding, or registration. Better Business Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
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Special report: How to leverage IBC and ICC
Product evaluation
Independent evaluation of building products is critical for a building safety system. Construction materials, elements, and components must meet minimum safety and performance criteria established by codes and standards, as do new and innovative products introduced into the market by manufacturers. The IBC does not prohibit the use of new or innovative products or construction methods; rather, it encourages them in IBC Section 104.11, which addresses "Alternative materials, design, and methods of construction and equipment."
The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) is an independent body that evaluates and issues reports of compliance based on codes and standards, with no vested interest in the applicable products or methods. ICC-ES Research Reports are covered in Section 104.11.1 of the 2012 IBC. ICC-ES Evaluation Reports are available to all code users free of charge and provide a valuable tool for the safe and consistent use of construction materials. ICC-ES provides evaluation of sustainability attributes based on green codes, standards, and various rating systems. It also offers building products and plumbing, mechanical, and fuel gas listing programs in support of construction industry professionals. Through a recently introduced listing program, manufacturers who wish to show their building product's compliance with code-referenced consensus standards may apply for a listing to show compliance with the code and the referenced standard.
Accreditation services
Another critical part of the complete building safety system is the qualifications of those who are involved in the building construction process and their continued adherence to recognized and credible standards, such as fabricators, testing agencies, and inspecting entities. The International Accreditation Service (IAS) is the most credible accreditation body in the building construction arena, operating since 1975. The IAS accredits testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection agencies, special inspection agencies, building departments, fabricators, field evaluation bodies, product certification agencies, training agencies, curriculum developments, metal building systems, building department service providers, fire prevention and life safety departments, and personnel certification bodies.
Global services
ICC is committed to promoting safe building construction and working with economies worldwide to enhance regulation and code compliance to increase the effectiveness of building codes. The ICC is also committed to disaster risk reduction and the efficient use and sustainability of natural resources.
ICC Global Services provides cooperation and collaboration in technical and institutional assistance to the global community in the area of building safety. Under the guidance of the ICC Global Membership Council, Global Services works with other ICC departments and subsidiaries to provide assistance in adoption of building code regulations, education and training, certification, code administration and enforcement, and conformity assessment programs.
Reference materials
ICC also publishes code commentaries and significant changes for new editions of the International Codes. ICC has developed seminars for 2012 and 2009 I-Code Significant Changes based on the I-Codes. Commentaries are a practical tool and a convenient reference for the codes. Presented in an easy-to-reference format, the commentary includes the full text of the code, including tables and figures, followed by corresponding commentary at the end of each section in one document. Every chapter begins with "general comments" and "purpose" sections followed by code and commentary to subsequent sections, tables, and figures. While not considered the legally adopted code, commentaries are designed to suggest the most effective method of application, and the consequences of not adhering to the code.
Hamid Naderi is the senior vice president of product development with the International Code Council, where he is responsible for managing the development of ICC technical publications. He is a Certified Building Official (CBO) and has more than 30 years of experience in various areas of construction materials testing, building codes administration, training, and publications.
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Annual Salary Survey
Before the calendar turned, 2016 already had the makings of a pivotal year for manufacturing, and for the world.
There were the big events for the year, including the United States as Partner Country at Hannover Messe in April and the 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago in September. There's also the matter of the U.S. presidential elections in November, which promise to shape policy in manufacturing for years to come.
But the year started with global economic turmoil, as a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing triggered a worldwide stock hiccup that sent values plummeting. The continued plunge in world oil prices has resulted in a slowdown in exploration and, by extension, the manufacture of exploration equipment.
Read more: 2015 Salary Survey


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this is absolutely incredible! Macha must be so happy to have shared time with you ;)
She is in the very best company there is--all our beloved pets who are waiting for us to cross over and be with them again. Hold onto your good memories, keep her forever in your heart, and she will always be with you. My sincere condolences for your loss.
thank you, i just try to imagine her in good company now.....
I am sorry for your loss


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Robinson Cano is a Kyle Seager believer
HOUSTON – Kyle Seager is putting up home numbers that could turn out to be the best we have seen since the Mariners moved to Safeco Field.
Just how good has he been there? If the first half (pre-All-Star break) were to end today, Seager's home OPS of 1.082 would be second only to Edgar Martinez's 1.162 in 2000 for the franchise record and ahead of big numbers from names like Russell Branyan, Alex Rodriguez and John Olerud.
On the list for the highest home slugging percentage before the break, Seager (.657) again would finish second to Edgar (.690) with Raul Ibanez, Branyan and Bret Boone coming in third through fifth. Batting average, you ask? Well, some guy named Ichiro holds the top four spots (topping out at .402 in 2007), but in fifth place is, you guessed it, Kyle Seager.
Without question, he's figured it out at home. Robinson Cano believes this will only lead to better things on the road.
"If you can hit at Safeco, the way he hits, you can hit everywhere," Cano said. "It's not because of the ballpark, it's because one day you play with the nice weather, the next day it's really cold. You can't practice that way and you know your body doesn't react the same way. That tells you how mentally strong he is that he goes every day and he can hit at our place. He doesn't try to change things. Because you know what? If the ball doesn't carry, then you try to get a single. He can hit. And as a player you have got to hit at home and I know he's going to turn it around on the road, because he can hit."
Those words aren't just for us. Cano has spent plenty of time talking with Seager, sharing what he knows of the league and how he believes pitchers are going to attack him. Last week Cano gave Seager a suggestion for an at-bat against a Red Sox pitcher and the result was favorable. When Seager returned to the dugout, he embraced Cano and told him that he was the best.
In Seager, Cano said he sees a player that helps not only the team but Cano himself by hitting behind him.
"I see a guy with a lot of potential. He's a guy that can hit homers, doubles, get hits in the big situations," Cano said. "I'm the kind of guy if I see something that I can tell you as a teammate, I don't care if you can be the leader of the team. I don't care if you are going to be the guy that is going to lead the team in hitting homers. That's the way I play. I want to win. I want everyone to contribute because if they get better, I am going to get better because you are always going to follow teammates. You're going to get hits, I want to get mine. You don't want to go to the game, 'Okay I know things, I am not going to tell anybody.' "
Cano isn't the only one Seager is getting help from. He has clicked with both hitting coach Howard Johnson and manager Lloyd McClendon, too.
"Me and HoJo and Mac have had more detailed conversations, as opposed to 'Hey, you need to work on hitting the ball the other way' or whatever the case is," Seager said. "That's just kind of the way I work, but I like that. If I can pick their brains and get into the deeper conversations about why you want to do something as opposed to just kind of do it, that will help me down the road because if you know what you are trying to do you can repeat it a little easier."
Seager is certainly taking the steps forward that McClendon said he'd like to see, and those steps have him currently second to Oakland's Josh Donaldson in wins above replacement among American League third basemen. Another step or two forward away from Safeco Field and he is well on his way to being one of the elite in baseball.


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17 Top-Rated Day Trips from Paris
The area surrounding Paris is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, lines, and hustle and bustle of the Parisian metropolitan area. All the sights on this list are about an hour or less (by train or car) from the Paris city center. Tourists can escape to the peaceful countryside, visit charming villages, admire glorious churches, and tour magnificent châteaux. Easy day-trip excursions include the incomparable Château of Versailles, the spectacular Gothic Cathedral of Chartres, the serene abbey of Royaumont and the wonderfully preserved medieval town of Provins. For those who love Impressionist art, Monet's Gardens in Giverny are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate Saint-Germain-en-Laye for its antiquities museum, the Napoleonic estate of Château de Malmaison, and the National Renaissance Museum in Ecouen. For families with young children, an outing to Disneyland Paris is not to be missed.
1 Château de Versailles
The UNESCO-listed Château de Versailles is one of the most spectacular sights in France. Originally created for King Louis XIII as a small hunting lodge, the building was transformed between 1661 and 1710 by King Louis XIV (the "Sun King") into a monumental palace. Versailles became Louis XIV's symbol of absolute power and proof of the divine right of the monarch. The master work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the Château de Versailles is a marvel of classical French architecture, designed to awe visitors. The most stunning impression is made by the famous Hall of Mirrors. In this sparkling gilded hallway, courtiers once waited upon the king and queen. Stretching for 73 meters, the room gets its name from the 17 gigantic arched mirrors (each made up of 18 segments) that reflect the sunlight, creating a sensational effect. Other highlights of the château include the lavishly decorated Queen's Bedroom with an exquisite Rococo ceiling and the Hercules Salon adorned with the The Triumph of Hercules ceiling painting by François Lemoyne as well as two masterpieces by Veronese.
A visit to Versailles would not be complete without a tour of the grounds. The château is surrounded by a gorgeous 800-hectare park and elaborate gardens. The beautiful formal French Gardens are the finest example of 17th-century French landscaping. The gardens were created by André Le Nôtre who had previously worked in the Tuileries Gardens and designed the park at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, but Versailles was his masterpiece. The characteristic features of the gardens are their symmetry and the taming of nature into geometric forms, which was the style of the period. Versailles lies 20 kilometers from the center of Paris and is easily accessed by train, which takes about an hour.
2 Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
The beauty of Chartres' Cathedral is said to have inspired faith in the doubtful. This awe-inspiring monument is sure to stimulate appreciation for the glory of medieval Gothic architecture. With its vast nave and brilliant stained-glass windows, the sanctuary has a serene glow. Viewers are awed by the intricate details of the windows, the result of painstaking craftsmanship. Most of the windows date back to the 1200s, which is a true rarity. The immense rose windows are especially stunning. Other highlights include the Life of the Virgin window and the Tree of Jesse window that shows the genealogical tree of Jesus Christ. Because of the historical value of this 13th-century cathedral, UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site.
Every evening from April 12th through October 12th, the town of Chartres has a spectacular nighttime light show. Chartres en Lumières is a unique and free outdoor performance. This artistic show illuminates the town's historic monuments, including the cathedral, using creative visuals and vibrant colors. During the summer, the cathedral hosts a classical organ music festival.
Address: 16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres
3 Château de Fontainebleau
About an hour's drive from Paris, Fontainebleau is a royal French château at its finest. Surrounded by a lush parkland of 50 hectares, the château has more than 1,500 opulently decorated rooms. Visitors glean a fascinating insight into French history; the château was the sovereign residence to kings and queens, emperors and empresses for several centuries. The château was built in 1528 in Renaissance style for King François I, then enlarged by succeeding kings. Napoleon was particularly fond of Fontainebleau but had to sign his first abdication here on April 6, 1814. The château's Grand Apartments still appear as they did during Napoleon III and Eugenie's time. The château has an impressive entrance with a double horseshoe-shaped staircase. The Cour des Adieux courtyard features an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (a replica of the one in Rome), and was built for officials of King François I's court. Also noteworthy are the exquisite Ballroom and the sumptuous François I Gallery decorated with 12 large mural frescoes. The beautiful Gardens exemplify classic French style in contrast to the Jardin Anglais (English Garden). The Parterre was created by the famous landscape designer Le Nôtre with delightful pools and garden figures. Beyond, visitors will find a maze and the Treille du Roi (King's Arbour), with trellised vines. The château's elegant tea room has two terraces to take in the exceptional setting.
Address: Château de Fontainebleau, 77300 Fontainebleau
4 Chantilly
The grandiose Château de Chantilly astounds visitors with its remarkable architecture and unique setting. Surrounded by a swampy valley of marshlands, the château appears to be floating amid many lakes, with a backdrop of lush forest. The château was originally founded in the Middle Ages but was renovated in the 16th century and is a wonderful achievement of Renaissance style. In the 17th century, the Condé family further renovated the château and turned it into a place of entertaining and celebrations. The magnificent Grand Apartments and Small Apartments are opulently decorated with fine furnishings and gilded detailing, reflecting the grandeur of the place. The château is also adorned with masterpieces of art such as the Psyche and Cupid stained-glass windows. The château has its own museum, the Musée Condé, with an incredibly vast collection of art that is second in importance to the Louvre Museum. There are more than 800 masterpieces of classical English, French, Flemish, and Italian paintings. Highlights include works by Carracci, Guido Reni, Salvator Rosa, and Poussin. The château's Baroque chapel was built in 1882 and dedicated to Saint Louis.
The Chantilly Estate has exquisite gardens, which are surrounded by densely wooded parkland. There are French Gardens designed by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, an English Garden with stables, a Chinese-influenced garden, and a small park in the woods. The Chantilly estate has two restaurants: La Capitainerie Les Cuisines de Vatel and the charming Les Goûters Champêtres in the château's hamlet. The estate also features a luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel with a gourmet restaurant, the Jeu de Paume Auberge. The château's train ride is popular with children and the young at heart. Gourmands will be interested in this culinary trivia: Whipped cream was invented in Chantilly and is known as "Crème Chantilly" in France.
Address: Château de Chantilly, 60500 Chantilly
5 Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
One of the most sumptuous castles in France, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte served as a model for Versailles. The story of the Vaux-le-Vicomte began in 1641, when the young Nicolas Fouquet, later King Louis XIV's minister of finance, acquired the property. After making a great deal of money by speculation, he set out to build a magnificent château. However Fouquet's enjoyment of the property was short-lived. He entertained Louis XIV at a spectacular celebration at Vaux-le-Vicomte on August 17, 1661. Three weeks later, he was arrested for enriching himself from his office and condemned to life imprisonment. Vaux-le-Vicomte was confiscated along with most of Fouquet's treasures.
Visitors to the Vaux-le-Vicomte can still appreciate the château's former glory. Fouquet's private apartments on the upper floor have been mostly preserved in their original state. The park, designed by Le Nôtre, is a masterpiece of French landscape gardening with elaborate fountains and oversized statues. The château looks most enchanting on Candlelit Evenings every Saturday from May through October 5th when the château gardens are illuminated by more than a thousand flickering candles, while classical music is played. Candlelit Evenings include a fireworks show at 11pm. The château also hosts events throughout the year such as period costume parties, an Easter egg hunt, and Christmas festivities.
Address: Château de Vaux le Vicomte, 77950 Maincy
6 Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
An easy day trip, Saint-Denis lies only ten kilometers from Paris. The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis is considered the first masterpiece of Gothic art. The basilica was created as the burial place of Saint Denis (Dionysius), the patron saint of France, and the French kings. Since early Christian times, Saint-Denis has been an important place of pilgrimage. The legend of Saint Dionysius describes how, after his beheading on the Butte Montmartre, the saint carried his head in his hands to the place where he desired to be buried. A church was built on the spot in the 5th century, followed in the 7th century by the foundation of an abbey. The present building was begun in the 12th century, which marked a transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The spacious, high-vaulted nave offers a serene sanctuary for spiritual prayer. The choir was created in High Gothic style known as the "architecture of light" for its feeling of airiness. The basilica is also renowned for its 12th-century stained-glass windows. The architecture of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis provided a model, which was followed by Chartres, Senlis, and Meaux Cathedrals.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis
7 Giverny
Those who appreciate Impressionist art will enjoy a visit to Giverny, about 80 kilometers from Paris. In a beautiful setting on the Seine River, the village of Giverny is most famous for its association with Claude Monet. The artist discovered the beauty of Giverny in 1883 and stayed here for thirty years. During the same time, other artists were attracted to the area and were influenced by Monet's techniques of painting in nature. The top attraction in Giverny is Claude Monet's House, a charming countryside retreat where Monet painted his renowned Water Lilies painting. Tourists can see the water lily pond with its iconic Japanese bridge and wander about Monet's blossoming flower garden. The village also has an interesting Romanesque church as well as a Museum of Impressionism, which has its own flowering garden inspired by Monet's gardens at Giverny. The museum hosts interesting exhibitions such as Impressionist works by specific artists and Japanese art that influenced Monet.
8 Provins
Surrounded by ancient fortified walls, Provins was an important merchants' town with bustling trade fairs during the 12th and 13th century. The 13th-century Tithe Barn, a typical Provins building with a vaulted cellar, was used as a warehouse to store goods during markets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Provins boasts more than 50 listed historic monuments within the old town. The Ramparts and fortified gates built in the 12th and 13th centuries are a top attraction. There are five kilometers of 25-meter-high walls surrounding the town, which were built by Count Thibaut IV of Champagne. Another must-see sight, the Tour Cesar, is a 12th-century tower that served as a fortress under King Henry the Liberal; the building exemplifies medieval military architecture and houses the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate church (which was never completed). The most noteworthy church in Provins is the 11th-century Eglise Saint-Ayoul, which features a bright and inspiring sanctuary. Saint Ayoul's relics made the church a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. The Maison Romane (Romanesque House) is the oldest edifice in Provins and houses an excellent antiquities collection including Merovingian sculptures and Gallo-Roman tiles and pottery. Provins is also famed for its trouvères, the troubadours of Northern France.
9 Disneyland Paris
A perfect day trip for families with kids, Disneyland Paris is a gigantic fairyland of fantasy and adventure with more than 50 rides in five magic lands. The main attraction in Fantasyland is the Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty's Castle). The story of the Sleeping Beauty is depicted in stained glass and tapestries, while the vaulted cellars are occupied by a fire-breathing dragon. Other favorite areas are Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups spinning ride and It's a Small World cruise. Children love to fly with Peter Pan over London to Never Never Land, wander through Alice's Curious Labyrinth, soar in the air with Dumbo the flying elephant, travel through fairyland on Le Pays des Contes de Fées (a classic ride), and explore the Pirate's Beach on an adventurous boat ride. Mickey Mouse is sure to be there, too. New attractions include the Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast and a Ratatouille ride.
Disneyland Paris has three restaurants: Café Mickey in Disney Village (Italian food), the Auberge de Cendrillon (Cinderella) in Parc Disneyland-Fantasyland that serves French cuisine, and the Disneyland Hotel that offers international cuisine. Disneyland Paris lies less than 50 kilometers from Paris and is easily accessible by RER train.
Address: Disneyland Paris, 77777 Marne-la-Vallée
10 Château de Malmaison
In the Parisian suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, the Château of Malmaison is a worthwhile and easy excursion from central Paris. The château was built in 1620 in Early Baroque style and was acquired in 1799 by Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife. After being divorced by Napoleon, she lived here alone. The interior features a resplendent Empire style. On the ground floor are the Billiard Room; the opulent Gold Saloon (Salon Doré) with valuable Sèvres porcelain; the Music Saloon (with its original furnishings of 1812, including Joséphine's harp and her daughter Hortense's piano); the Dining Room (with a gilt table service, which was a coronation gift from the city of Paris in 1804); and the Library, which has been preserved in its original state. On the first floor are the Private Apartments of the Emperor and Empress, including the Marengo Saloon with a mural (by Louis David, 1801) depicting Napoleon's victory at Marengo. Tucked away in a corner of the garden is a collection of vibrant roses grown here since before 1800.
Address: 1 Avenue du Château, 92500 Paris
11 Abbaye de Royaumont
This peaceful abbey is surrounded by dense woodlands in a setting that feels much further away than 49 kilometers from Paris. The Royaumont Abbey offers a welcome retreat in nature and a place for spiritual contemplation. The abbey was founded in 1228 by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) and created as a place of theological study. During the Hundred Years' War and the Middle Ages, the abbey was weakened and fell out of use as a monastery. In the 1830s, Royaumont became popular with wealthy Parisians as a resort destination. In 1869, the abbey underwent renovations and became a hospital during the First World War. Visitors can take a tour of the beautiful Gothic abbey and see where the monks prayed, read holy texts, and prepared meals in the refectory. The old sacristy has been converted into an intimate chapel. The serene cloisters and idyllic gardens inspire relaxation and meditation. For those in need of refreshments, there is a salon de thé (tea salon) in a 13th-century Gothic hall.
Address: Abbaye de Royaumont, 95270 Asnières-sur-Oise
12 Musée National de la Renaissance
This exquisite history museum lies 20 kilometers from Paris in the Château d'Écouen, an elegant Renaissance château built between 1528 and 1555 for the Lady Anne de Montmorency. The château epitomizes the architectural style and interior decor of the 16th century, making it the ideal venue to house a Renaissance museum. The renowned collection includes Renaissance decorative arts (furniture, ceramics, stained glass) as well as paintings and tapestries. One of the highlights is a tapestry that depicts the history of David and Bathsheba; another masterwork is the 16th-century Jupiter and Latona tapestry, a piece once owned by Diane de Poitiers. The museum displays a collection of armory, which provides insight into the military history of the Renaissance. The museum also hosts exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors will want to spend some time exploring the lovely grounds. The château property includes 19 hectares of gardens surrounded by more than 100 hectares of verdant parkland.
Address: Musée National de la Renaissance - Château d'Écouen, Rue Jean Bullant, Écouen
13 Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Musée d'Archéologie Nationale)
The birthplace of the composer Claude Debussy and King Louis XIV, the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts one of the most beautiful castles in France. In the 12th century, King Louis VI built a castle here on a plâteau above the Seine River. It was pulled down and rebuilt by King François I, leaving only the keep of the old castle and the adjoining Chapelle Saint-Louis (predecessor of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris). The Chapelle Saint-Louis was begun in 1245 and is one of the earliest High Gothic buildings in the area. The Château of Saint-Germain-en-Laye houses the Museum of National Antiquities, which has an excellent collection of archeological finds and prehistoric art from all over France, spanning the Paleolithic era (including the Venus of Brassempouy) to the Bronze Age and Celtic and Gallo-Roman times. The château also features twin terraces and an English garden designed by André Le Nôtre. From the terraces, there is a magnificent view across the Seine River towards Paris.
Address: Château-place Charles de Gaulle, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye
14 Château de Dampierre
Set in an idyllic verdant landscape 35 kilometers from Paris, this classical Renaissance château was designed by the renowned French architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart who designed Versailles. The château was built in 1670 and belonged to the Dukes of Luynes in the 17th century. Several kings and queens have lived here including King Louis XIV and King Louis XV. During Louis XIV's residence, Le Nôtre redesigned the gardens in the formal French style with geometric forms and decorative pools. The château has a gastronomic restaurant near the property's pond with a terrace lined by chestnut trees. The restaurant is open for lunch daily and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 2 Grande Rue, 78720 Dampierre-en-Yvelines
15 Auvers-sur-Oise
The charming village of Auvers-sur-Oise was a favorite destination of many Impressionist artists, who came to enjoy the beautiful setting and capture the scenery in their paintings. About 30 kilometers from Paris, the village takes visitors into the quaint world of the French countryside. The town's must-see site is the Eglise Notre-Dame d'Auvers, a Romanesque church built in the late 11th century. Perched at the top of the village, this church was immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh in his painting Eglise d'Auvers. There is a statue of Van Gogh by the sculptor Zadkine in the town's Parc Van Gogh. Another monument dedicated to Van Gogh is the House of Van Gogh, a historic restaurant that has a convivial ambience designed to resemble an artists' café. Maison-Atelier de Daubigny is also devoted to Impressionism and displays paintings by well-known artists including Daubigny, Corot, Daumier, and Oudinot. Another top attraction, the 17th-century Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise enjoys a lovely setting deep in a pristine forest. The chateau is also surrounded by formal French gardens and has an Italian-style roof garden inspired by the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Italy.
16 Château de Rambouillet
Nestled in the dense woodland between Versailles and Chartres, this glorious château boasts more than 20,000 hectares of parkland. The park offers pleasant walking trails through the refreshing forest of Rambouillet. Although the Château de Rambouillet is the summer residence of the President of the Republic, it is open to visitors. An easy day trip from Paris (66 kilometers away), the château allows for an appreciation of French history and culture. The château was built in 1706 for the Comte de Toulouse. In 1783, the château was acquired by King Louis XVI, who used it as a hunting lodge. He created the Laiterie de la Reine, a dairy built for Marie-Antoinette that resembled a Greek temple, and established a sheep farm on which merino sheep are still reared. Napoleon made the château his residence, and since 1959 it has been a part-time residence of the French President and is occasionally used for ministerial meetings. The richly decorated interior features fine Delft tiles and period furniture. Notable rooms are the 16th-century Salle de Marbre (Marble Hall), the 18th-century Council Chamber, the bathrooms installed by Napoleon in 1809 and the Ballroom with Aubusson tapestries.
Address: Château de Rambouillet, 78120 Rambouillet
17 Senlis
Brimming with Old World charm, this small historic town lies about 50 kilometers northeast of Paris. Senlis was an important religious city (the see of a Bishop) from the 3rd century until 1790. The old town is dominated by the majestic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis, constructed between 1153 and 1184. This awe-inspiring cathedral represents various Gothic styles, as the edifice was renovated in the 13th century and the 16th century. The richly carved main doorway depicts the triumph of the Virgin. The beautiful interior, dating to the 12th century, is one of the earliest Gothic naves in France. Near the cathedral are the remains of the town's Gallo-Roman walls and of the vestiges of a medieval castle, the Château Royal. In the park of the Château Royal is the Musée de la Vénerie (Hunting museum), which illustrates the art and history of hunting; the museum displays weapons, costumes, hunting horns, and trophies. On the western outskirts of the town are the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater.


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Emollient dominates Ashland Stakes
Credit: The Associated Press
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Running on just a week's rest proved to be easy for Emollient, who bounced back for a nine-length domination of Saturday's Ashland Stakes at Keeneland.
Racing within that short a period is rare in the sport, and Juddmonte Farms manager Garrett O'Rourke said that was considered with Emollient.
But the reward of making the Kentucky Oaks and the belief that she was better than last Saturday's fifth-place effort in the Gulfstream Oaks made it worth taking the chance on a quick turnaround.
Emollient made the decision pay off in the $500,000 stakes race. Ridden by Mike Smith, the 3-year-old filly took the lead from the far 13th post and didn't let up after setting the pace near the rail at the first turn.
"With the 13 (post), you never know how they're going to break," Mott assistant Rodolphe Brisset said. "You never know if you're going to have pressure, but we knew what she could do and I guess she showed everybody today."
The Kentucky bred ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.49 and returned $14.40, $8.40 and 5.80.
"We didn't have to do it, but it was a calculated risk," O'Rourke said. "It was a Grade 1 race, it's the home track and we felt like it was a race that would suit her all along anyway. Obviously, she just never showed up last week for whatever reason.
"Now, if it was an allowance race, we wouldn't have taken the chance. She's done her end of the deal, so we'll give her a nice rest now and we've got a filly for the Oaks."
Tuttipaesi paid $5.80 and $4.40, while Kitten's Point paid $5.20 to show.
Emollient's second victory this year and third in six career starts earned $300,000 and 100 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 3. Trained by Bill Mott, she entered the day with just four points in the standings.
What shocked Smith was how quickly Emollient got out from the far post and put the field behind her, pouring it on down the stretch.
"I knew there was a time or two where she showed she could perform like this," Smith said. "Last time was rather disappointing and for Bill to wheel her right back, I knew there was a reason and I guess it showed today."
Favorite Spring In The Air, who won last fall's Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes here, finished ninth.


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|Product & services pricing
|Chance of future purchase:
|Shipping & packaging:
|Customer service:
|Return/Replacement policy:
"Very satisfied with purchase. Personal service on what kind of kitchen to buy. These are play kitchens for girls or I should say kids. My Grandson plays with it equally even though a gift for Grandaughter. Quick shipping and good price on the product. KidKraft is the brand and I was impressed with the instructions for assembly. No weird or hard or understand instructions. Just reporting a good experience with a small merchant and like to support those types and a really nice wood kitchen. So I give an A. Will be back. "
"I was happy when I was allowed to exchange an item for something else I liked better. I found they were easy to do business with. I like ordering from a small business and supporting them especially when they have decent reviews and the same prices as the bigger online shopping sites. I own a small business myself, and supporting a small business is so important. Why not since they do a good job!"
"This place is a rip off. I ordered a product and it wasn't as advertised. I tried to return it and was given the run around. Its almost impossible to return an item. Several other costumers have been threatened with being sent to a collections agency and that threat is also posted on this store's website. Stay away. Any great reviews you read about this place are most likely from the store itself."
"Poor customer service - I ordered two items. I was informed almost a week after I placed the order that one of the items wasn't available so I requested to cancel the other item as well because it wasn't worth paying all of the shipping costs for just one item. They insisted that there would be a $25.00 restocking fee. The product didn't even ship yet! Also, you cannot reach anyone by phone; they will only communicate via e-mail.
Update- the second item shipped even though I requested to cancel it several times. To make matters worse, it was apparently damaged in shipping per the UPS website and they shipped the product back to the seller. I haven't heard from anyone at Digital gift store. How is this company still in business?"
"I tried last year to buy a KidKraft espresso easel for my daughter and they were sold out everywhere. This year, I started before Thanksgiving. This store actually had the lowest price, even without offering free shipping. I did my research and it turns out, free shipping isn't actually "free". Most stores significantly up the actual product price. This price was low and shipping was reasonable so I went ahead with the order and kept my fingers crossed that I would get back a "we're sorry but..." email as I seem to have issues with. Instead, Monday arrived and so did my tracking information. Today is Thursday and YES the easel arrived this morning - Thank you FedEx who didn't even bother to throw the package out of their moving truck but actually delivered it gently to my front porch. I took it out of the box for a quick once over and it is so pretty! My daughter is going to be thrilled as will I when I no longer have to scrape paint of my dining room table. This was an excellent price and delivery was fast. I guess I'll start making my purchases early! Thanks and Merry Christmas folks!!"
"I found Digitalgiftstore.com easy to do business with. Their site is easy to navigate and has sections going down the side of the homepage to show you an overview of what they sell which is nice. I also like the colors they chose and the the site doesn't look to "busy" with pop ups and such. I probably spent too much time (at work) looking around but found a couple of different things I didn't know I needed until I saw them and ordered. Checkout was pretty standard and I didn't have to sign up for an account to go through.
Shipping was a breeze and I received both items ordered within a week.
This was a really good experience and I'll be back!"
"Ah…. The true test of an online shopping experience – needing to return a damaged item. I ordered a nautical lamp three weeks ago and received it about eight days after the order was placed. I knew just looking at the box the safety of the contents was iffy at best. There was a large dent in the corner of the box and, what appeared to be, drag marks on one side. Clearly, this hadn't left a warehouse this way. Sure enough, the lamp was broken off at between the base and stem – very disappointing. Way to go FedEx. All I could think was "I wish I had a camera on my porch to see what happened so I could become a youtube sensation". No matter – I had to go through the process of doing a return.
I sent the company an email the next morning and attached a couple of pictures of both the damage to the box and the lamp. Fingers crossed… Low and Behold I check my email at noon at there is a response! Not an automated response mind you but a real one from Angela in customer service. Color me shocked. I am thanked for the detailed email with pictures, she lets me know she has forwarded them to the distributor and is expecting to get back to me with instructions within 24 hours. Four hours later, I have a response! The distributor is sending me a new lamp and I am to keep the old one for FedEx to pick up – they are filing a claim. This was a Monday and I had a new lamp in an intact box on Friday. How does that sound?
Based on my now four positive experiences with this company, I can't see why I would choose to order somewhere else if Digitalgiftstore.com has what I am looking for.
"I am very happy with Digital Gift Store. I ordered a Pinnacle locking mailbox that was defective on arrival due to some mysterious problem that wasn't obvious. I didn't find Digital Gift's page on how to handle defective merchandise right away and so contacted Digital Gift. They were very nice and contacted the manufacturer for me. The manufacturer promptly shipped the defective mailbox back and shipped a good one to me. I received excellent and courteous service all the way. "
"Reading the reviews I was thinking I was going to be an idiot for ordering from this site. Interestingly, the order arrived on time with no problems incurred. The return address was not that of digiresources.com but rather that of a nearby Torgoen Dealer (Torgoen was the brand of watch purchased). It is possible then that my experience does not reflect the quality of the site's customer service (which judging from the other reviews) seems abysmal. On the whole I guess this is just a matter of my dumb luck. The watches were on sale and so I saved a decent amount on this purchase, which was a plus. The watches came from a dealer and so they seem to be new and function well. The packaging came with silica gel desiccant, manual, leather box and all that fun stuff. This was a good experience, although I still recommend taking caution."
"I had a great experience with these folks. From start to finish, everything was seemless. I found their site easy to navigate, checkout was a snap, received a confirming email within about 10 minutes, an email with tracking came in about three days later and I had my toaster the following week. They used UPS which I prefer over FedEx and there was no damage to the packing carton that was used. I didn't need to use customer service, which I prefer because that would mean there was a problem. Good experience and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again. "
"I certainly enjoyed browsing their site recently. I did call their customer service line to ask if they had a catalog they could mail out and, unfortinately, they don't. I rarely purchase online from companies I am not familiar with however the fact that they had a toll free number and I was able to reach someone was nice. I did go ahead and place my order over the phone since I was talking with Angela anyway and she was quite pleasant and did not seem to be in a huge rush to get me off the phone. She was nice enough to answer my questions. As promised I did receive a confirmation email within about 2 minutes of order placement and tracking arrived to my email within 3 days. My products arrived within 8 business days and I was quite happy with both the quality and packaging. They have a wonderful selection of nautical items and are quite reasonably priced. Very nice company to place my business with. "
"Do not waste your time with this merchant. Their prices may seem attractive but their billing practices are questionable. If you run into an issue with an order, get ready to be given the round around. I returned an item back to them December 2010 with a prepaid label. The item was delivered a week later and I have yet to see a credit on my credit card. All I get from these people is the round around. They are a small-time shop who turn around and place orders with distributors and you are then left at the mercy of their vendors when something goes wrong. Pay a little more, go with amazon. I wish I had...
"I've used this company three times now for small kitchen appliances and am happy with the service. They are priced reasonably, they let me know if there are any issues (once forgot to put my full street address LOL), shipping is quick and the products are always just as I'd expect - no damage, good working order etc. They have a great assortment of products and some things that are hard to find which is great. Will continue to do business with them."
"Product arrived damaged and wrong color. Tried to fill out online return form for a shipping label. Had to fill it out 3 times because I kept getting errors. Didn't recieve a shipping label so I tried calling but you can't get anyone on the phone. Emailed instead and she says they never recieved the form. She says they will do an exchange but we'll see. Never ordering from them again. Walmart sells the same product but a little more expensive. Should have paid a little more to get better service because the stupid box has now been sitting in my closet for a month. Item does not look like it did on website. IF YOU WANT TO RETURN SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO PAY A RESTOCKING FEE."
"I ordered a watch from DigitalGiftStore.com nearly two weeks ago. This is a terrible company to do business with. They claim that they keep their online inventory updated. They showed this item as in-stock, shipping within 2-3 days, upon my order, and then emailed me the following day telling it me it was not in-stock but could be pre-ordered to be received in 2-3 weeks. Regardless, it was still showing as in-stock on the website. I agreed to the pre-order and later received an email confirmation stating that my credit card was charged and my order had already shipped. The email instructed me to track the package via UPS. My attempts in doing so showed no shipping record with UPS, but UPS stated that the package could take a couple of days to enter the tracking system. I was never able to track it and 4 days later, I was notified by DigitalGiftStore that my order never shipped as I was told and, instead, that it was cancelled due to lack of product inventory. I explained that I did not want to cancel the order but I was given no choice and told that my order would not be fulfilled. This notice came 2 days before Christmas. The customer service representative was very rude and did not understand why I was unhappy by the fact that this process took up nearly the entire week before Christmas, only to have my order confirmed as shipped and then cancelled against my wishes. I re-checked the DigitalGiftStore.com website and the watch was still showing as in-stock and available, shipping in 2-3 days, but at a price $80 higher than it was when I ordered it. It still shows this way and I have been inquiring about the availability, as all I wanted was the watch for my husband. I have received no responses to my numerous inquiries to DigitalGiftStore.com's customer service team or from the original representative I worked with. Still, I manage to receive several emails a day from DigitalGiftStore asking me to answer questions about the watch I never received, as well as requesting my action in confirming myself to be a "trusted reference" for this company. No way! I never received anything but a hard time from DigitalGiftStore.com! I am a VERY frequent online shopper and have never had the unfortunate displeasure of working with a company as awful as this one. Do not order from this company! Any potential savings is not close to being worth their lack of ethics and ridiculous hassles. Their inaccurate information caused me to miss a sale and shipping deadline with another company that had the watch in-stock at a slightly higher price. In the end, DigitalGiftStore.com claims that they do not even have the product available for order, even though they are still advertising it for sale. This is irresponsible, unethical and a very poor method of attempting to do business. Save yourself the trouble and order from another company! "


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Westchester County Receives $738K for Youth Summer Jobs Program
The County of Westchester has received $737,924 to put young people from low-income households to work this summer.
Funded through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the Summer Youth Employment Program connects thousands of selected participants all over the state to jobs that will help them gain valuable work experience and much-needed income. Participants will work in places such as parks, nursing homes, summer camps, child care organizations, senior centers, community recreation centers, and other participating local businesses.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and meet federal poverty level guidelines based on family size. Those who are eligible and interested in participating in the program should call our District Office at (914) 423-4031.


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AISB event Bulletin Item
CALL FOR PAPER & PRESENTATION SUBMISSIONS: Artificial Life 13, July 19-22, 2012, Michigan, USA- EXTENDED DEADLINE
The 13th International Conference on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems
Announcing a submission deadline extension for ALife 13. Prospective speakers and authors must submit the title, authors with affiliations, and draft abstract (for full paper submissions) or first paragraph (for extended abstract submissions) by February 29th to allow us to get the review process started. However, the final submission deadline will be March 11th. ******************************************************* Artificial Life 13 You are invited to submit papers to the upcoming Thirteenth International Artificial Life Conference. Please forward this call responsibly. I. OVERVIEW It is a great pleasure for the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action at Michigan State University to host the 13th International Artificial Life Conference. Artificial life (ALife) refers to the synthesis and simulation of living systems as these occur in nature and also to possible alternative life forms and concepts that may not have occurred in natural evolution-that is, not only in


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It was once described as a "glorified crane," but was so much more than that.
Tireless cargo handler, astronaut platform, and critical inspection tool, the Canadarm was an essential component of NASA's space shuttle fleet from 1981 to 2011.
This past week, it became a permanent exhibit at the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa.
"This exhibit commemorates an important part of our history in space," Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore said at a ceremony to unveil the exhibit. "The Canadarm is a symbol of our country's ingenuity and expertise in space robotics. It has positioned Canada as a leader in space."
Designed and built by SPAR Aerospace, the 50-foot, six-jointed manipulator could move 586,000-pound objects while being controlled by a joystick. It helped launch and repair the Hubble Space Telescope, rescue satellites, resupply the International Space Station, and check the space shuttle for damage following the 2003 Columbia disaster.
It was also used for unexpected tasks. When astronauts discovered potentially hazardous ice that had built up on a shuttle vent in 1984, they tapped it with the Canadarm and it broke off. Problem solved.
"It was like an extension of your own arm," astronaut Joe Engle, its first operator, was quoted as saying by NASA on the Canadarm's 25th anniversary.
"I was just enamored with how neat it was, how much like the human arm it was. How intuitive it was to use the arm. It was my first exposure to real robotics."
Five Canadarms, officially called Shuttle Remote Manipulator Systems, were built for NASA, each emblazoned with the distinctive "Canada" wordmark.
The arm from the Space Shuttle Endeavor, which logged 944 workdays in space and hundreds of millions of miles, is now on display in the museum.
Check out some pictures from three decades of the Canadarm at work in the gallery below.


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Don't miss your chance to see Pitbull in Burgettstown! Check out the schedule below for the concert date of your choice, then buy your Pitbull Burgettstown tickets before they sell out!
Looking for Pitbull tickets in other cities? View all Pitbull tickets »
Sorry! We couldn't find any events for Pitbull in Burgettstown.
If you were searching to see if Pitbull is coming to Burgettstown, then you're in luck! For their latest tour, Pitbull will indeed hold a concert in Burgettstown. Have an awesome concert experience when you go to see Pitbull in Burgettstown. Get your Pitbull tickets Burgettstown and join fellow fans for a concert to remember!


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"Building a New Socialist Countryside" – Only a Political Slogan?
In March 2006, China's National People's Congress officially promulgated the central government's intention to "build a new socialist countryside", a new policy initiative and approach to rural development. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in two Chinese counties in 2008 and 2009, this article investigates how the new policy is being substantiated and implemented at the local level. It argues that by combining China's new fiscal system of transfer payments to poor local governments with administrative reforms, intensified internal project evaluation, and efforts to increase the rural income through a mixture of infrastructural investment, agricultural specialization, the expansion of social welfare, and accelerated urbanization, "building a new socialist countryside" constitutes more than a political slogan and has the potential to successfully overcome rural poverty and the rural-urban divide.
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the proper application to view it first. In case of further problems read the IDEAS help page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
Volume (Year): 38 (2009)
Issue (Month): 4 ()
Pages: 35-62
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ESPNChicago's Nick Friedell writes:
Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and coach Tom Thibodeau have resumed negotiations about a contract extension for Thibodeau, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The Bulls picked up Thibodeau's option for the 2012-13 season after last season. General manager Gar Forman repeatedly has stated that it is the organization's intention to lock up Thibodeau for the long term, even though talks stalled earlier in the summer.
The story includes this old quote from ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy:
"If I was (the Bulls) and Tom agreed to what (Oklahoma City's) Scott Brooks got (a reported four-year deal worth approximately $18 million), the whole thing would take 25 seconds. It's a no-brainer … My thing is he's an elite coach and should be paid like one."
The key term in that quote is "no-brainer."
I can think of absolutely no reason why:
a) the Bulls wouldn't immediately and without regret pay Thibs what he deserves and
b) this hasn't gotten done already.
Think about it. Despite a variety of injuries to key players (Carlos Boozer, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng…), the Bulls had the league's best record in each of Thibodeau's first two seasons. And Thibs reached the 100-win mark faster than any coach in NBA history.
Faster than Pat Riley.
Faster than Gregg Popovich.
Faster than Phil Jackson.
Faster than Red Auerbach.
Riley had Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and the Showtime cast.
Popovich had David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
(Although, to be fair, the Spurs tanked Pop's first season to win the Duncan sweepstakes.)
Jackson had Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and the rest of the early 90s Bulls.
Auerbach had an All-Hall-of-Fame cast of Celtics led by Bill Russell.
Thibodeau had Rose and a cast of solid, hard-working, high-character players. The fact that Thibs has accomplished so much with a one-superstar limit is amazing. And based on many quotes (not to mention on-court performance), his players will walk through wall for him.
The Bulls need to spend the cash necessary to lock Thibodeau up long term. No question.
I wish they'd just do it and put this story to rest.


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An overdraft occurs when the available balance in your account is insufficient to cover transactions you have made, but we pay the transaction(s) on your behalf.
About Overdraft Privilege
- Overdraft Privilege is not a line of credit. However, if you overdraw your account, we will have the discretion to pay the overdraft, subject to the limit of your Overdraft Privilege, after first subtracting the amount of the overdraft service charge(s).
- Overdraft Privilege is a voluntary service and we allow you to opt out at any time.
- We will not pay overdrafts for ATM or debit card transaction unless you have opted in to the payment of overdrafts for these transactions.
- Transactions will be processed against the available balance in your account at the time of processing and we use the available balance when determining whether a transaction will cause your account to overdraw and for charging overdraft fees. If we pay an overdraft, there is a service charge.
Your checking account has two kinds of balances: the "actual" balance and the "available" balance. You can review both balances when you review your account online, at an ATM, by phone, or at a branch. It is important to understand how the two balances work so that you know how much money is in your account at any given time. The actual balance and available balance may differ as the available balance may be reflective of any pending ATM or debit card transactions that have not posted to the account or due to check holds.
It is important to understand you may still overdraw your account even though the available balance appears to show there are sufficient funds to cover a transaction that you want to make. This is because your available balance may not reflect all your outstanding checks and automatic bill payments that you have authorized (or other outstanding transactions) that have not yet posted to your account.
The best way to know how much money you have and avoid paying service charges is to record and track all your transactions closely.
Transactions may not be processed in the order in which they occurred and the order in which transactions are received and processed may impact the total amount of service charges incurred. There are many ways transactions are presented for payment by merchants and we are not necessarily in control of when transactions are received. We may receive multiple deposit and withdrawal transactions on your account in many different forms throughout each business day. This means you may be charged more than one service charge if we pay multiple transactions when your account is overdrawn. There is no limit on the total fees we can charge you for overdrawing your account.
Each item that overdraws your checking account will be charged an Overdraft Privilege Fee of $15.00 per item if the resulting negative account balance is $10.00 or less or $32.00 per item if the resulting negative account balance is more than $10.00. There is no limit to the total fees that we may charge you for overdrawing your account.
Your next deposit will be used to repay the amount of the overdraft and the overdraft fee(s).
You must bring your account to a positive balance within 30 days of the first overdraft resulting in the negative balance. If the account is not brought current within the allotted time frame, we may, in our sole discretion, revoke the Overdraft Privilege from the account. In addition, failure to pay can also result in checking account closure.


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LeBron James's mother, Gloria, was arrested early Thursday after an alleged altercation at the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach.
"There was an incident involving Mrs. Gloria James and an employee of our valet parking provider while she was exiting the hotel early Thursday morning," a spokesperson for Fontainebleau Miami Beach, said in a statement. (Lebron, meanwhile, had a game that night.)
According to a source on the scene, Gloria and some girlfriends came to party at club LIV at the Fontainebleau, where she was being "sweet as pie" during the the night out. When it came time to leave around 5 a.m., a security guard escorted her to the valet area to collect her car. The escort was not because she was behaving badly, the source says, but because it's a Fontainebleau policy to provide their VIP guests with an escort.
"When Gloria went to get in her car, she said she couldn't find her keys which she was told were in the car," the source tells PEOPLE. "She got angry quickly and swung her bag at the valet person who brought the car."
But her aim was off, and Gloria missed the valet with her bag, the source says, so she slapped his face a minute later. That's when, the source says, the police were called, and Gloria was taken into custody early Thursday morning.
The Miami Beach Police Department processed James and charged her with simple battery and disorderly intoxication. The Miami Herald first reported that she would likely face a misdemeanor assault charge.
The Herald also says Gloria James has been in trouble with the law before, having faced a DUI charge in Ohio in 2006.
Gloria raised LeBron, 26, an NBA star, as a single mother. He sports a "Queen James" tattoo in her honor and has described her as a strong-willed woman who kept him humble in the wake of his super stardom.
"She doesn't hold her tongue," he told GQ last year. "If she sees something that she believes isn't right or is right, she's going to speak about it."


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Your donations keep RPGWatch running!
Dark Messiah: Multiplayer Preview @ GameSpot
by Dhruin, 2006-07-19 22:39:00GameSpot jumps into the fray with their preview of Dark Messiah's multiplayer modes:
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic, the upcoming action game from developer Arkane Studios and publisher Ubisoft, is what happens when you combine the fantasy lore of the Might and Magic universe, the multiplayer know-how of Battlefield 2, and the explosive physics of the Source engine. The game will feature a highly open-ended single-player game that will let you end the miserable lives of ugly, ferocious monsters in all kinds horrible ways, with swords, sorcery, arrows, or one of many different kinds of environmental traps that take advantage of the same physics that powered Half-Life 2. But it will also offer class-based, online multiplayer play with a highly unusual, persistent "campaign" that will let you carry your achievements into the next round.
Newsbit options: Add / View Comments (0) | Forward this newsbit | Link to this Newsbit
Information aboutDark Messiah
SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released


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DLSAA Grade School and High School Manila Chapter Board Member Nomination
Calling all DLSAA Grade School and High School Manila Chapter Members!
Please be advised that the election for the DLSAA GS-HS Chapter will be held on its Annual Meeting on 04 February 2017 (Saturday), 8 AM, at the St. La Salle Boardroom (LS 112-113).
Any active* GS-HS Chapter Member may nominate, at most, seven active GS-HS members who will become candidates as Board Trustees. Kindly send your list of nominees to firstname.lastname@example.com on or before 31 January 2017.
* with valid DLSAA card


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Last week couldn't have gone any worse for the LA Galaxy and their CONCACAF Champions League campaign. A loss in Costa Rica and a win by Morelia in Honduras combined to knock the Galaxy from first place to third in the Group A table.
But all hope is not lost. Far from it, in fact.
In what will be their most important match of 2011 to date, the Galaxy can shoot right back towards the top with a win over Morelia on Wednesday. It would be a major step toward qualifying for the knockout rounds and could make their final group-stage match at Motagua on Oct. 20 a win-and-you're-in scenario.
For that to happen, the Galaxy must defeat Morelia at the Home Depot Center. A draw may not mathematically eliminate LA, but one or no points would be catastrophic to the cause.
Alajuelense and Morelia are tied atop Group A on nine points. The Costa Ricans are technically ahead of Morelia via tiebreakers, but both sides are ahead of the Galaxy, who are on six points, and Motagua, who've lost all four games they've played thus far.
Should Alajuelense beat Motagua at home on Thursday, the Galaxy would not be able to catch them.
Still, regardless of what Alajuelense do in Costa Rica, the Galaxy are not out of it. A win over Morelia and they would have as many points as the Mexicans, then would leave LA head to Honduras with a chance of reaching the quarterfinal round.
Worried about the Galaxy's play away from home in this tournament? Refereeing decisions and a well-taken free kick did LA in on the road, not poor play, not frightened players, not a lack of desire.
Now, like other Mexican clubs, Morelia will head into the HDC a confident bunch. The previous two Mexican sides to play at MLS teams have won as Santos and Pumas UNAM beat Colorado and FC Dallas, respectively. It seems as if all Mexican sides have awoken and are suddenly focused on the tournament more than they were at the start.
But there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic:
The Galaxy played Morelia toe-to-toe in Mexico on Sept. 13. Were it not for an unfortunate sequence of events – highlighted by perhaps the biggest officiating gaffe in a tournament of filled with them – the Galaxy would have left Mexico with at least one point, and likely three.
David Beckham will not play on Wednesday due to yellow-card accumulation, but he did not play in Mexico either and the Galaxy were able to score two legitimate goals. LA did well to put pressure on Morelia's goal throughout the match and even after allowing a late equalizer were able to get ahead, although the goal was disallowed.
A draw would suit Morelia best, which means the Mexicans could come to LA looking for just that. When Morelia were looking to attack as they were in Mexico, the Galaxy were forced to be on the defensive somewhat, but were still able to get forward and attack with confidence. Either way, they've shown the ability to go at the Mexican side.
The objective is simple, but accomplishing it won't be. Morelia are playing for their own lives and will pose a challenge.
But the Galaxy are also fighting to survive. And playing at the Home Depot Center seems to tip the scales in their favor.


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Harry Villareal is in his 25th year as a US Open ballperson after nearly not making it to his second.
The South Ozone Park native, now 38, tried out for the job back in 1989 as a sophomore at Archbishop Molloy High School. He enjoyed it, but said he didn't love tennis and considered not returning. Ultimately, when he got invited back Villareal decided, what the heck.
"I was like, "All right, I'm just in high school so I'll just come back,'" he said.
The former Stanners track runner hasn't missed the US Open since then and is currently the oldest person at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center still working matches on court. He was even dubbed a good luck charm during Roger Federer's string of four straight titles.
Villareal has worked nine men's singles finals, including last year's, and can still be seen chasing tennis balls at the net at some of the event's biggest matches. His all-time favorite is still his first final in 1994, when a long-haired Andre Agassi beat Michael Stich for his first crown.
"I have a lot of fun just running after the ball, believe it or not," he said. "Fundamentally that's what it is."
The years on the court have taken their toll physically on Villareal, who works at Better Technology Systems in Chappaqua, N.Y. He stopped playing in ultimate frisbee summer leagues to stay in shape.
He wears two knee braces to help him with the running and the kneeling he has to do while working at Arthur Ash Stadium because of television cameras. Villareal will often ice his knees on the drive home to his Wappinger Falls home or to stay with relatives who still live in Queens. "It's getting more and more difficult," he said.
That hasn't stopped him from remaining one of the top ballpeople at the US Open, according to supervisor Gary Spitz. He called Villareal the consummate professional and unflappable on the court because of his experience. Spitz said Villareal is a great example to the younger workers that you have to treat every match with the same importance.
"I wish I had two, three dozen Harrys," Spitz said.
For Villareal being a ballperson and working with the same people is still an enjoyable experience. No matter how tired he is, he said he still gets an adrenaline rush each time he steps on the court. It is why he doesn't see his time at the US Open ending anytime soon.
"When I can't do it physically, that's probably when I'll stop," Villareal said. "I'll try to keep myself fit. If the knees hold up, I'll keep doing it."
©2013 Community News Group
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While largely out of favor, we are finding Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies that possess the characteristics we typically look for in our investments—high returns on invested capital, strong balance sheets, and attractive dividend yields. Portfolio Managers Jim Harvey and Dilip Badlani run through some names they currently like and talk about why the market is still appealing.
Hong Kong is a market you have visited frequently. What is it about the market that keeps you interested?
Dilip Badlani: Hong Kong is a gateway to China for many foreign investors and a rich financial market for Royce. There are close to a thousand Chinese companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK), and we continue to find a constant stream of new companies coming into the market that meet our quality metrics.
Hong Kong has evolved as an economy. Fifty years ago it was largely centered on manufacturing, but today it is a financial center and service economy that lends itself to companies interested in doing business in China.
So while we do make separate trips to mainland China to do our due diligence on the ground, we typically find ourselves meeting with company management teams in Hong Kong, as that is where their financial headquarters are typically located.
On our most recent trip to Hong Kong we met with approximately 20 companies, zeroing in on those that tend to pay modest dividends, have leadership positions in a specific niche, operate self-sustaining businesses from a capital structure standpoint, and have a high degree of insider ownership.
Jim Harvey: We've been to Hong Kong more than four times over the last two years. We also conduct conference calls with management teams as well as host them in our offices in New York throughout each year.
Dilip grew up in Hong Kong and still has friends and family on the ground, so he knows it quite well.
During our visits we'll often follow up with companies we've met with before—which was largely the case on this trip—either because we own them or we just continue to have an interest in them. Revisiting companies adds great perspective.
The management teams we've known over the years have been straightforward with us. They are not promotional types. They have a firm grasp on their businesses and the business climate in which they operate.
Over the past few years, we repeatedly heard the message that things were not going great for many of them. On this trip several of the management teams we met with showed more optimism, which was really encouraging.
Dilip: Despite the doom and gloom about China's slowing economy, the country is still growing at a very healthy rate for the second largest economy in the world. There's ample opportunity for companies to grow alongside the economy as well as take share from less efficient players. We just want to be correctly positioned with the companies that will benefit from the new trends that are emerging.
Jim: One compelling reason why we're attracted to this market is the large number of companies that possess the characteristics we covet at Royce, such as high returns on invested capital (ROIC) and high cap rates.
But the primary reason we are interested in these Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies today is that they are almost universally out of favor among investors. In our view, this provides a great opportunity.
Also, I think when many U.S. investors think about public Chinese companies they recall the headline-grabbing stories a few years back about several unsavory U.S.-listed Chinese companies that basically went bust.
So I think it's important to note that the companies we meet with are all listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange where they face a much higher hurdle in order to be listed relative to, let's say, the Nasdaq or the NYSE in the U.S. So we like this added layer of protection that comes with listing on the SEHK.
What has changed since your last visit in the summer of 2013?
Dilip: A year ago the sentiment on the ground was more negative, and stocks were not reflecting the negative underlying fundamentals. Now things look more like they've bottomed out, and stocks are definitely reflecting that. Sentiment is not amazing but it's improving.
I think people were expecting a big stimulus initiative from the Chinese government that never came. Now they've adjusted their cost structures to this new reality.
The new Chinese leadership is very serious about fixing the structural imbalances in the economy, and I don't think that, when there's a downturn, we'll see any signs of a property market bubble or a reversion to the old ways. There's been a shift towards more internal growth and a crackdown on corruption, and I think we're beginning to see this take effect.
Jim: Many Chinese companies have been facing a sort of perfect storm of slowing demand and ever increasing rents. This has led to margins being squeezed.
The demand side of the equation has been impacted partly because the new Chinese leadership has clamped down on the practice of "gift giving" among government officials. But consumption in general has also been weak.
Soon we're going to start to anniversary all of these events. Consumers will start buying again as their incomes are still growing and rents will have to adjust. It's not a sustainable situation for retail tenants to surive in an environment where rents keep going up while sales are essentially flat.
We heard several times from management teams that they're expecting rents to stabilize, or at least not go up as much.
Tell us about the companies you've visited, what you are looking for, and what you generally like about the Hong Kong-listed Chinese companies in which you invest.
Jim: Our Hong Kong holdings are very diverse, spanning a range of sectors and industries.
Dilip: The companies we've invested in generally have at least five-year track records. We try to find investments with seasoned management teams that we've met with multiple times.
We're sticking to the Royce methodology of trying to find value-oriented stocks. We're not macro guys, though we are cognizant of sentiment and valuation, so we go where the opportunities are.
We're long-term investors trying to find good companies using the Royce discipline—patience and a long-term investment horizon. Historically, we think that's been a trusted formula for good returns.
We've known Xtep for a little over four years now. It makes fashion-forward sports apparel and footwear. Like everything else that happened in China when things were going well, the industry got ahead of itself; but now there's been a cleansing of inventory in the system.
It's been two years of pain because of too much inventory in the channel—too much optimism built in—and now for the first time in a while it seems like inventory levels have bottomed and sales are starting to pick up.
Through this entire slowdown, Xtep never had to go to the market to issue equity. The company has a stellar balance sheet, it's sitting on a lot of cash, and it's paid a dividend to us every single year we've owned it.
The stock is cheap, trading around 9-10x earnings, and once people realize it's moved from being just a plain vanilla dividend-paying company back to a growth business, we could see the multiple expand. It's pretty impressive what the company's done.
This is a company that was historically just a manufacturer of apparel and footwear for others, and 14 years ago it decided to create its own brand.
Jim: In China, there are five key, recognized Chinese sports footwear brands, and Xtep is one of them. It's pretty much a Chinese-only brand and very well recognized in the country.
This is a prime example of a management team that was open with us when things were not good over the last two years—it described how the channel was stuffed with inventory and product was not moving.
Now management is indicating that it feels things are correcting and inventory levels have adjusted to levels closer to where they should be.
Dilip: Another company that we've owned for a very long time is Pico Far East. This is another case where management really knows what it's doing when it comes to their business.
Pico makes displays for companies when they present at conventions. Upon first look you might think it's not such a great business, but management keeps a close eye on costs and runs a lean organization.
Jim: The company will typically have three to four years of visibility. The one thing that became more apparent on this visit was that Pico's business is far from commoditized. Major global brands such as Mercedes Benz, Citibank, Singapore Airlines, etc. trust the company to build signs and displays that accurately portray their brand images.
Dilip: Again, this is a management team that owns a lot of the company. They've been through several downturns such as the Asian financial crisis back in 1997-98 and the global financial crisis in 2008.
So, like us, they are long-term investors who are just trying to ensure that the company is going to be stronger after each cycle and resilient through every downturn.
Jim: Another consumer company we met with is New World Department Store. The company has been around since 1994, is one of the largest branded department stores in China, and has been consistently profitable.
The company's operating income has grown quite nicely over the years, yet the stock keeps going down because there's been massive multiple compression. New World is just one of many Chinese consumer companies that is not well liked in the market today.
We really like New World's business model, which is very different from the way department stores operate in the U.S. Here, many department stores take huge inventory risks—they have to purchase correctly and be able to sell their products.
The model in China is closer to a consignment model whereby department stores take a piece of the revenues from their tenants, which is also somewhat akin to a REIT structure. This model enables the company to generate significant amounts of cash flow which it has paid out as dividends.
One thing we wanted to gain an understanding of on our most recent trip was how online shopping has been affecting traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. New World operates with what it calls a hybrid online/offline model where customers can take advantage of online promotions and make purchases on the internet and then go pick up their paid items at a nearby store.
New World does this in cooperation with a company called Tencent, which is one of the biggest online companies in China. In partnership with Tencent, New World distributes a co-branded VIP card that gives customers pre-paid functions—they can deposit money onto the card and receive points and credits as they use it.
Dilip: We also own a company called Pacific Online in Hong Kong—a classic case of an orphaned micro-cap. The company was taken public in 2007 by a bank that no longer does sell-side research in Hong Kong. Insiders have been buying shares since the IPO, and the company pays a nice dividend.
Pacific Online is an Internet portal site and operates PConline, PCauto, PCgames, PClady, PCbaby, and PChouse. PConline, which allowed users to share information about buying computers, was its original core business, which has obviously declined a little because consumers are shifting more towards tablets.
However, the company has five other businesses that meet the demands of other consumer markets.
Its U.S.-listed comps trade at multiples at least 3x higher. Management has executed, they've never had to come back to the market to raise cash, and they've always paid a dividend.
It's quite rare to be able to find a fast growing internet business trading at around 10x earnings.
We believe the market will eventually take notice and prescribe the business a much higher multiple. The good thing is management is not being complacent from an operational standpoint.
As they saw the business for PConline slow down, they launched similar portals to help grow the company organically.
Important Disclosure Information
Jim Harvey and Dilip Badlani are portfolio managers of Royce & Associates, LLC, investment adviser to The Royce Funds. In addition to managing Royce International Micro-Cap Fund (RMI), Jim is Portfolio Manager for Royce Heritage Fund (RHF), Royce Micro-Cap Discovery Fund (RDF), and Royce Select Fund II (RS2). He also serves as Assistant Portfolio Manager for Royce Dividend Value Fund (RDV), Royce Global Dividend Value Fund (RGD), and Royce Micro-Cap Trust (RMT). In addition to managing RMI, Dilip serves as Assistant Portfolio Manager for RGD and Royce International Smaller-Companies Fund (RIS). The thoughts and opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of Mr. Harvey and Badlani and may differ from those of other Royce investment professionals, or the firm as a whole. There can be no assurance with regard to future market movements. There can be no assurance that companies that currently pay a dividend will continue to do so in the future.
This material is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a currentprospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. Royce International Micro-Cap Fund invests primarily in micro-cap stocks, which may involve considerably more risk than investing in larger-cap stocks The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of companies headquartered in foreign countries, which may be subject to different risks than investments in securities of U.S. companies, including adverse political, social, economic, or other developments that are unique to a particular country or region. (Please see "Investing in Foreign Securities" in the prospectus.) Therefore, the prices of the securities of foreign companies in particular countries or regions may, at times, move in a different direction than those of the securities of U.S. companies. (Please see "Primary Risks for Fund Investors" in the prospectus.) The Fund's broadly diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.