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Thief's Club Missions
A select few master pickpockets are invited to join the "Guild of Thieves"
Show off your Pickpocketing skills and you might get their attention...
Set 1
Catch a Courier
Couriers are marked on the map as a red-colored moneybag. The Couriers hold a musket and run around in circles. If they see you, they run the otherway and shout "Stay away from me!" Simply chase after them and tackle them down. There is no way for them to spawn so just try to stay in the busy parts of New York and Boston.
Chasing and/or killing a Courier in front of Redcoats/Patriots will result in instant Notoriety!
Kill 25 Enemies From Hiding Places
There's various types of hiding places throughout the game. Try to find one that is near a building, then run around and attract the guards. Run back and Eagle dive into the Haystack to kill them. You could also Whistle. Another tactic is to go to Sequence 9, Missing Supplies, and just keep restarting the checkpoint after you get in the haystack and kill two guards.
Loot 10 Bodies
Hold the B/O button to Loot a dead enemy until the action is complete.
Perform 25 Air Assassinations
Press Square/X from a high vantage point to perform a Air Assassination. These can also be done on horseback.
Pickpocket 200 Pounds
Walk up to civilians from behind and press and hold O/B button to pickpocket them.
Set 2
Escape from open conflict by escaping or hiding places 10 times
Trigger Open conflict with gurads and then run away. When the indicators of the enemy turn gray, Connor can then hide in a Hiding spot (using bushes, haystacks, or blending, or sitting on benches) until the threat subsides.
Lure Away a Guard Dog using Bait 3 Times
The video and text are two different locations you can go to either one.
At the General store in the middle of the Frontier there is a dog. If you walk up that road just let it sniff you then run away and throw bait, rinse and repeat.
Perform 30 Stealth Kills Without Being Detected
Approach an enemy from behind and use a Low Profile Kill on them and walk away.
Steal Everything a Guard Has 3 Times
Just keep holding O/B to steal everything.
Steal Everything a Rich Citizen Has Without Being detected
Go to New York or Boston and find people wearing fancy clothes similar to Haytham's and just pickpocket them.
Set 3
Find and Empty 10 Chests in New York
Buy the chest map at the General Stores to reveal chest locations and then approach them and open (or lock pick) them.
Pickpocket 1500 Pounds
Poison 5 Enemies
Use the Poison dart on the enemy.
Successfully Attack and Loot a Convoy 3 Times
These appear in the Frontier. They have a fixed location on the road to the left of the map.
Win 500 by playing minigames
See Original Gamer for tips on the minigames. If you want to play them legitimately, Checkers or Bowls is probably your best bet. If you just want to speed through this use a web-based game to quickly win at Nine Men's Morris.
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As if it wasn't already clear that the IRS faces challenges in implementing the new GOP tax law, a new report by the agency's independent taxpayer advocate warns just how daunting a task the agency has on its hands.
The IRS will have to update its systems, publish new forms and publications, revise regulations, train employees on the new tax law and answer taxpayer questions about it. A preliminary estimate from before the tax law was passed put the IRS cost of implementation at $495 million over two years — at a time when budget cuts have already "challenged the agency's ability to perform the basic tasks of administering the tax system."
The report says that IRS funding has fallen about 20 percent in inflation-adjusted terms since 2010. Even before the new tax law was passed, the agency expected to be able to answer about 60 percent of public calls during tax season and 40 percent for the full year. Its employee-training budget has been cut by almost 75 percent since fiscal 2009.
Based on what happened following the 1986 tax reform and the 2008 stimulus, the new law will only add to the IRS workload.
"We have already seen confusion about withholding changes, confusion about the deductibility of prepaid property taxes, and confusion about whether states can allow taxpayers to make charitable contributions in lieu of taxes as a way of permitting their residents to claim larger tax deductions than would otherwise be allowed because of the new $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction," National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson said. "The IRS will have a lot of issues to work through, and taxpayers will have a lot of questions. But with more funding, strong leadership, and a closer working relationship with Congress, I am convinced the IRS can do the job well."
Whether the IRS gets additional funding remains a question. But Olson also wrote that the IRS has opportunities to improve even without more money. "Limited resources cannot be used as an all-purpose excuse for mediocrity," she wrote.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Chanel Pink Up by Shane Bowden £250.00 Add to Basket read about delivery options Art Info The Artist Dimensions in cm: 50x50cm or 92x92cm Materials: Stencil Art Delivery: Free worldwide shipping. Dispatched within 3 working days Artwork Code: Chanel2 Description: Handpulled Silkscreen On Canvas of the highest quality. Choose your solid wooden frame colour: White or Black Choose Size: 50cm x 50cm : £ 250 GBP ($ 385 USD / € 340 EUR) (includes worldwide shipping) or 92cm x92cm : £ 550 GBP ($ 850 USD / € 750 EUR) (includes worldwide shipping) Contact: email@example.com to complete your order. Payments are taken by Paypal or Bank transfer or SumUp - debit & credit card payments accepted. Dispatching happens within 3 days of receiving payment. Delivery time up to 5 working days from dispatch date. Born in Brisbane, Australia in 1974. Lives and Works in San Diego, California, USA. Ever a mercurial figure, Shane Bowden eludes public apprehension & definitions by constantly shifting styles & adhering to his own intuitive program of freedom & novelty of execution & themes. He has been described as Andy Warhol on steroids and the new Damien Hirst. In addition to his own name, he also works under the alter ego's / collections of Mofisto, S & B, Aw.then.tik.8.ed, Yves Kaiser, Bakku-shane. See all work by Shane Bowden Add to Wishlist Contact the Artist Share This


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Since 1923, we have been focused on innovation and leadership in diabetes care. Today we have a broad portfolio of medicines.
Since the launch of our first pen needle in 1985, we have been committed to enhancing injection experience by putting technology in patient hands.
Access information on our products for rare bleeding disorders, growth hormone-related disorders, and women's health.
Find information on our treatment for chronic weight management in adults who are overweight with one weight-related comorbidity or obesity.
The link above used in conjunction with the FDA-approved product labeling may be used to determine U.S. patents associated with the corresponding U.S. marketed product.
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Click on the thumbnail graphic for the snowpack map by basins. There is an ugly red splat over the upper South Platte River.
Click here to download a copy. Here's an excerpt:
January brought cold temperatures and little moisture to Colorado until the very last week when a significant snow storm hit most of the state. Areas near Steamboat Springs and Durango received upwards of 18 inches during the last week of the January, yet due to the dry start to the month, statewide snowpack ended up being only marginally better than the previous month. Increased snowpack percentages across southwestern Colorado were offset by significant decreases in the northeastern basins and all major basins remain below normal for this time of year. Consecutive months of below average snowpack accumulation are statistically decreasing the possibility of reaching normal conditions by April. Last year's below average snowpack did not offer any buffer to our current situation. Currently, reservoir storage volumes across the state are at 69 percent of average and 66 percent of last year's storage. The February 1 streamflow forecasts reflect the below average snowpack conditions throughout the state. The San Miguel, Animas, Dolores and San Juan basins are the only areas in the state where forecasts for April to July runoff volumes improved this month. Water users in all basins should start planning for below average surface water supplies this season. The potential for shortages this season is great.
Snowfall across Colorado was nearly nonexistent for most of January. During this time snowpack percentages were decreasing daily as the gap between current conditions and long-term normals widened. The situation began to improve during late January when storm systems brought much needed moisture to the state. The storms were not enough to tip the scales to normal, but they did help halt the downward slide. Statewide snowpack was at 72 percent of normal as of February 1. The basins that benefited the most from these storms were the basins in the southwest region of the state. The snowpack in the Upper Rio Grande basin increased from from 65 percent of normal on January 1 to 78 percent of normal on February 1. The combined San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan basins jumped 18 percentage points in January; from 70 percent of normal to 88 percent of normal on February 1. The Arkansas and Gunnison River basins each showed a nominal increase in snowpack percentage compared to last month. The remaining basins in the state showed an overall decline in the percent of normal from what was reported on January 1. The South Platte basin had the largest departure from last month's report. The snowpack in this basin dropped 13 percentage points this past month, declining from 67 percent of normal on January 1 to just 54 percent of normal February 1.
Precipitation across the state during the month of January was 83 percent of average. Statewide totals were influenced by above average monthly totals recorded in the Upper Rio Grande and the combined basins of the San Miguel, San Juan, Dolores and Animas Rivers. During January the Upper Rio Grande basin received precipitation that was 107 percent of average for this time of year and precipitation in the southwest basins was 120 percent of average. The Gunnison basin came in at 90 percent of average for the month. The remaining basins received between 69 and 72 percent of average precipitation during January with the exception of the South Platte Basin. The South Platte basin recorded just 50 percent of the average precipitation for the month. Year to date precipitation for the state remains below average for this time of year; as of February 1 total precipitation was just 72 percent of average.
Reservoir Storage
Due to last winter's poor snowpack, reservoir storage volumes continue to track below average levels. At the end of January reservoirs within the state were storing 2,311,000 acre feet of water. At this same time in 2012, reservoirs in the state held 3,606,000 acre feet. Below average storage volumes were reported at the end of January in the Arkansas, Gunnison, Colorado, South Platte, Upper Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores, and San Miguel basins. The greatest departure from average was in the Upper Rio Grande basin which reported its reservoirs volumes at just 51 percent of average. The Yampa and White River basins reported reservoir storage to be 103 percent of average and 85 percent of last year's storage. The storage in the Yampa and White basins may currently be above average, but these basins have the smallest reservoir capacity in the state.
Streamflow forecasts across the state reflect the below normal snowpack conditions measured on February 1. Forecasts for all points across Colorado are calling for below normal seasonal streamflow volumes this spring and summer. The lowest forecasts, as a percent of normal, occur in the Arkansas and South Platte basins. Forecasts in these basins are less than 65 percent of normal and as low as 45 percent of normal for the April to July time period. Forecasts for the Colorado, Gunnison, and Yampa and White basins have declined from those issued last month; expected streamflow volumes in these basins generally range from 50 to 70 percent of normal. As a result of the large snowfall amounts received in January, current runoff forecasts in the Upper Rio Grande and the combined San Juan, Animas, Dolores and San Miguel basins have improved somewhat from last month's predictions. It is important to note that at this point in the season the mountains have typically accumulated 60 percent of their annual snowpack in Colorado. The potential for recovering to normal conditions at this point in the season is not promising, but it is possible if we see exemplary spring conditions.


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Today in Kickstarters That Look Pretty Cool, here's Gridlock Tactics, a "biopunk" role-playing game whose creators say they were inspired by the likes of Final Fantasy Tactics and Disgaea.
The people behind Gridlock Tactics—some of whom worked at Beenox, the studio behind the last few Spider-Man games—want $50,000 to make it happen. They hope to release the game during November or December of 2014.
Video below:


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Pendulum of Fate in motion,
Slicing through the union between time and space;
Now is too soon a memory of yesterday,
Was it ever mine?
Dust particles shimmer like glitter in the right light.
They blanket the lifeless, and bury the dull.
Here is an apple.
Here is a book.
Here is a chair.
Here is a girl.
Here is a boy.
This is what a dream looked like.
This is how an apple rots.
This is what a book looks like unread.
This is how empty a chair looks on its own.
This is what time does to a boy and a girl.
Life is precious, but is it?
Tired arms cease to cling to a body of air,
An idea that will never be.
Pendulum of Fate in motion,


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the STITCHES Online
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Thursday 08/07/2014, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Skill LevelEasy
Class Hours3
TeacherBrooke Nico
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Tackle Box for Tackling Lace with Brooke NicoLearn all about the essential tools to make your lace knitting easier and more fun. We'll discuss the various types of yarns and fibers for lace, and which fibers are best suited to which lace stitches. We'll look in depth at blocking, including a demonstration of blocking a shawl, and how to use your blocking wires and pins. We'll also discuss stitch markers, tools to keep you on track with your knitting, and some great home-made hints and tricks that I use all the time!
SuppliesSharp scissors, notebook, pen or pencil with an eraser, stitch markers, blunt tapestry needles (large and small), flexible tape measure, small calculator, and needles & crochet hooks of various sizes.


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Your pregnancy and baby guide
Help your baby enjoy new foods
Once your baby is eating solids, it's important to give them a wide variety of foods from the 4 main food groups:
Open all pages about Your pregnancy and baby guide
Main navigation
Getting pregnant
- Secrets to success
- Am I pregnant?
- Problems
I'm pregnant
- Early days
- Week by week
- Twins
- Preparing for the birth
- Work out your due date
- Tests scans and checks
- Your pregnancy (antenatal) care
- Vaccinations
- Your health and wellbeing
- Existing health problems
- Common pregnancy ailments
- Pregnancy-induced conditions
Labour and birth
- The start of labour
- The birth
- Emotions and worries
- Premature babies
Your newborn
- How to breastfeed
- Breastfeeding problems
- Lifestyle and breastfeeding
- Bottle feeding
- Newborn screening tests
- Newborn essentials
- New parents
- New mums
- Twins and multiples
Babies and toddlers
- Weaning and solid foods
- Teething
- Baby health and care
- Spotting signs of serious illness
- Reflux in babies
- How to take a baby's temperature
- Reducing the risk of SIDS
- Treating a high temperature
- Sleep problems in children
- Coughs, colds and ear infections
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Infectious illnesses
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- Safety and accidents
- Parenting
Once your baby is eating solids, it's important to give them a wide variety of foods from the 4 main food groups:
- fruit and vegetables
- starchy carbohydrates
- dairy
- pulses, meat and other proteins
Getting your baby used to eating a variety of foods from the start will help set them up for a lifetime of healthier eating.
It's a great habit to get into, and one that will hopefully help avoid fussy eating and make your life a bit easier as your baby gets older.
Take your time
Allow plenty of time for eating, especially at first. Rushing or forcing your baby could lead to feeding problems.
Go at your baby's pace and stop when they show you they have had enough. Do not leave meals until your child's too hungry or too tired to eat.
Offer different foods
Babies like to choose for themselves and sometimes take their time getting used to different foods.
Keep offering a variety of foods and gradually introduce news foods.
Offer less sweet vegetables
Offer vegetables that are not sweet, such as broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, from the start.
Be patient
It may take 10 or even more attempts for your baby to accept new foods, particularly as they get older.
They might make funny faces, but this does not mean they do not like it. They're just getting used to new flavours and textures.
Finger foods
Encourage your baby to feed themselves with their fingers. This way they can show you how much they want to eat, and it helps them get used to different foods and textures. It's also good for developing their hand and eye co-ordination.
As a guide, the best finger foods are foods that can be cut up into pieces big enough for your baby to hold in their fist and stick out of the top of it. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well.
It can get messy
But this is an important part of your baby's development. Encouraging your baby to touch and play with their food will help them learn how to eat and enjoy different foods, flavours and textures.
You may want to cover the floor with newspaper or a protective mat to make clearing up easier.
Let your baby guide you
Most babies know when they're full, so let your baby guide you and never force them to eat.
Follow your baby's cues and learn to recognise when they're hungry and when they have had enough.
Babies under 12 months do not need snacks. If you think your baby is hungry in between meals, offer extra milk feeds instead.
Try not to worry
There will be days when your baby eats more, some days when they eat less, and some days when they reject everything. This is perfectly normal.
Do not focus on what your baby eats in a meal or a day. It's more helpful to think about what they eat over a week.
Show them how you eat
Babies copy their parents and other children, so you can help them by showing them that you eat healthier foods.
Babies enjoy watching you eat and learn from being a part of family mealtimes.
Help them join in by talking to them and giving them food when you or the rest of the family are eating.
Having mealtimes around the same time every day can make it easier for your baby to know when it's food time.
Foods high in sugar, fat and salt
Avoid giving your baby sugary drinks and snacks high in sugar, fat or salt, as these can fill your child up so they're not hungry for healthier food.
It's best not to get them used to these foods and drinks, as this may make them more likely to want them as they get older.
Try homemade
You can make healthier homemade food from simple ingredients with no added sugar or salt, which can also be cheaper than shop-bought baby foods. This also helps your baby get used to family foods.
Jar, pouches and packet food
Baby food in jars, pouches or packets can be handy, but portion sizes are often too big and much of it has the same texture.
This may make it harder for your baby to accept more varied textures and move on to family foods as they get older.
Jars and pouches can be useful when you do not have much time or if you're out with your baby.
If using pouches, always squeeze the contents onto a spoon. Do not let your baby suck straight from the pouch, as it may contribute to tooth decay.
Packaged baby snacks, such as rusks, baby biscuits and baby biscotti, should not form part of your baby's diet, as they may contain lots of sugar.
Sit up straight
Make sure your baby is sitting safely, in an upright position, so they can swallow properly.
Keep distractions to a minimum
During mealtimes, avoid sitting your baby in front of the television, phone or tablet.
More information
Page last reviewed: 04/10/2019
Next review due: 04/10/2022


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INDIANAPOLIS -- The second day of on-field workouts at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine featured the glamour positions: quarterback, running back and wide receiver (a high-interest group, to say the least). Here are my thoughts on the prospects who stood out, for better or for worse:
Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida: As the only member of the "Big Three" quarterbacks (Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Bortles) to throw in front of the scouts, Bortles took advantage of his opportunity to convince everyone that he's a legitimate franchise quarterback. Bortles certainly impressed evaluators with his statuesque frame and prototypical physical dimensions (6-foot-5, 232 pounds). Additionally, his athleticism was better than anticipated, as the Central Florida product logged nice marks in the vertical leap (32.5 inches) and broad jump (9-7).
In throwing drills, Bortles showed above-average arm strength and touch on vertical tosses, dropping the ball down the chute on go-routes and post-corners. He also flashed superb anticipation on intermediate routes by routinely delivering the ball right in the strike zone on digs and speed outs. Although he was slightly off target on a handful of throws, Bortles' ball placement was on point for most of the session. With a few more workouts (including his pro day) to strut his stuff, Bortles' draft stock should just continue to rise.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson: Watkins delivered on his promise to put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Clemson standout clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash, while also displaying exceptional quickness in change-of-direction drills. Most importantly, Watkins showed strong hands and excellent ball skills while snatching live throws in the positional workout. He is more polished than I expected as a route runner, displaying balance and body control while getting in and out of breaks. With a strong resumé backing up his athletic exploits, it's a virtual lock that Watkins will be the first receiver to come off the board on draft day.
Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M: Big-bodied receivers are all the rage in today's NFL, with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall, A.J. Green, Larry Fitzgerald and Julio Jones setting the standard at the position. Following his strong performance at the combine this weekend, Evans could be next in line. Standing 6-4 3/4 and 231 pounds, Evans clocked a 4.53-second 40 and posted a 37-inch vertical jump. While those numbers don't jump off the stat sheet at first glance, when you consider his massive frame, the marks reveal a dynamic big guy with exceptional lower-body explosion. Evans also displayed better-than-anticipated fluidity and body control in his route running. He was efficient getting in and out of the breaks, and flashes a burst tracking balls down on intermediate routes. Most importantly, Evans caught the ball well in drills, exhibiting strong hands while snatching everything in his sizable strike zone. Given the impact big receivers are making on the league nowadays, Evans is an intriguing prospect with the potential to be a true No. 1 receiver.
Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State: The Biletnikoff Award winner continues to impress scouts with his combination of speed, quickness and burst. Cooks led all receivers in the 40-yard dash (4.33), 20-yard shuttle (3.82) and 60-yard shuttle (10.72). He continued to impress in positional drills by exhibiting noteworthy polish as a route runner. Cooks is not only smooth and fluid coming out of breaks, but he shows terrific awareness in finding the ball at the last minute. These traits are uncommon in young receivers, which is why the buzz should build around Cooks' game and potential following his solid performance in Indianapolis.
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Odell Beckham, WR, LSU: The LSU star has rarely been mentioned as a top prospect, but he should get plenty of burn after posting impressive times in the 40 (4.43), 20-yard shuttle (3.94) and 60-yard shuttle (10.93). This confirms the explosiveness displayed by Beckham on tape, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the draft. Additionally, Beckham caught the ball well and was more polished as a route runner than I expected. With Beckham also regarded as one of the top returners in college football, it's quite possible he enters the discussion as a Day 1 selection.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville: Bridgewater is considered the most pro-ready QB prospect by many evaluators, but his decision to bypass much of the workout has led to questions about his athleticism and arm talent. No throwing drills, no 40-yard dash, no 60-yard shuttle -- these voluntary absences have scouts wondering about his overall competitiveness. Bridgewater can certainly erase doubts by performing well at his personal workout, but questions about a possible diva-like attitude could linger.
Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona: The Arizona standout was unquestionably one of the top runners in college football, as evidenced by his 3,814 rushing yards over the past two seasons, but his pedestrian 40 time (4.70) will scare some teams off. Carey looked lethargic running down the track, casting doubt upon his home-run speed at the next level. Although Carey's track record and film suggest he will not have a problem generating production as a pro, the disappointing time on the stopwatch could diminish his value on draft boards around the league.
Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU: Landry entered the weekend viewed as a solid Day 2 selection, but his disappointing 40 time (4.77) and vertical leap (28.5 inches) spawn concerns about his overall explosiveness. Teams now view Landry as a possession receiver with limited big-play potential, despite his impressive flashes on tape. Given the depth and talent of the 2014 receiver class, this lackluster showing in Indy could push Landry into Day 3 consideration.
Guys in the spotlight on Day 3
Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina: Breathless Clowney hype has been replaced recently by questions about his work ethic, desire and leadership skills. Teams wonder if he has the intangibles needed to be a great player at the next level, despite his freakish athletic talent. With cautionary flags beginning to pop up in conversations about Clowney's worthiness as the top overall pick, the South Carolina star must put on a show Monday to tip the risk-reward ratio in his favor.
Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA: A short time ago, Barr was considered the biggest challenger to Clowney's status as the No. 1 defender in the draft, but the buzz has subsided in recent weeks. Questions about Barr's technique and polish have led some to designate Buffalo's Khalil Mack as the top contender to Clowney's throne. Given the recent slide down the charts, Barr needs a strong performance in drills to put himself back into the conversation about 2014's top defensive prospect.


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I've now read the Thornburgh report in its entirety, and have just finished giving an interview to CBS News, some (small) portion of which is likely to be on the evening news tonight.
In general, the Thornburgh report is better than I expected. It criticizes 60 Minutes harshly, and is a treasure trove of factual information. However, while the report is damning, the question is whether it is damning enough. In two key respects, the report walks up to the precipice, but declines to jump.
First, it directly addresses the question whether the 60 Minutes report was motivated by political bias against President Bush. The panel's conclusion is at page 211: "The Panel does not find a basis to accuse those who investigated, produced, vetted or aired the segment of having a political bias." But the grounds set forth in support of this conclusion are unpersuasive, and the authors completely fail to address the evidence of political bias that their own report contains, especially with respect to Mary Mapes.
In fact, the report contains repeated indications that Mary Mapes, in particular, dripped with anti-Bush venom. On July 23, Michael Smith, a freelance journalist in Texas who was working on the story along with Mapes, sent her an email that began: "I am close to something that the Bushies are worried about…" Mapes responded: "I desperately want to talk to you….Do NOT underestimate how much I want this story."
On July 30, Mapes sent an email to one of her superiors at CBS in which she wrote: "…there is some very interesting Bush stuff shaking out there right now…Re…his qualification [sic] and refusal of service in Vietnam, etc. Lots of goodies."
On August 3, she emailed again: "There is a storm brewing in Austin re the Bush stuff….It is much more intense than it was four years ago and there is a strong general feeling that this time, there is blood in the water."
Finally, on August 31, only eight days before the 60 Minutes show aired, at a time when Smith and Mapes were desperately trying to persuade Bill Burkett to give them the anti-Bush documents that they had heard he possessed, Smith sent an email to Mapes proposing that they set up a book deal for Burkett so that he could be paid in exchange for turning over the documents:
Today I am going to send the following hypothetical scenario to a reliable, trustable editor friend of mine…
What if there was a person who might have some information that could possibly change the momentum of an election but we needed to get an ASAP book deal to help get us the information? What kinds of turnaround payment schedules are possible, keeping in mind that the book probably could not make it out until after the election.
Mapes replied: "that looks good, hypothetically speaking, of course."
It's also worth noting that both Mapes and Dan Rather continue to defend the 60 Minutes report, and to claim that the documents are authentic. Rather says he believes in the documents because "the facts are right on the money." Given what we now know, this statement is delusional. The Thornburgh report does an excellent job of analyzing the content of the fake documents, and showing that they are, in many respects, at odds with reality as we know it from other sources. And the report discloses for the first time that, during the course of her "investigation," Mary Mapes was told that no influence was used to get President Bush into the National Guard, that there was no waiting list for pilots, and that Bush actually volunteered to go to Vietnam. So one can only wonder in what respect Rather thinks "the facts are right on the money."
Mapes's reaction to the knowledge that there was, in fact, no waiting list for pilots during the relevant time period is redolent of bias against President Bush, if not monomania:
Mapes indicated in the April 1999 email that she had been informed that there was no waiting list for President Bush's TexANG unit at the time he entered. She posited the "darkest spin" that then-Colonel Walter Staudt, then in charge of the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group, deliberately kept these spots open "to take in the children of privilege…while maintaining deniability." Mapes told the Panel that she never found any proof for this theory.
Finally, what are we to make of the fact that the Panel specifically found that the 60 Minutes report broadcast on September 8 contained repeated misrepresentations? The report, often in harsh and condemnatory language, specifically finds that the program misrepresented what CBS had been told by document examiners. It says, with respect to the interview with Robert Strong, that "virtually every excerpt used from the Lieutenant Strong interview was either inaccurate or misleading." And it concludes that the Ben Barnes interview excerpts were "misleading." These characterizations are at odds with the report's assurance that the problems with the report were due only to haste and competitive pressure. Competitive pressure does not cause a reporter to make affirmative misrepresentations and misleading statements. If it wasn't political bias that drove the show's inaccuracies and misleading content, what was it?
The second issue that the report fails to address is the communication and apparent coordination between 60 Minutes staff and the Kerry campaign. We now know that there was more communication than had previously been acknowledged. In addition to Mapes's famous phone call to Joe Lockhart, asking him to talk to Bill Burkett, she had several conversations with Chad Clanton, who also worked for the Kerry campaign. Clanton told the panel that Mapes asked him what information the Kerry campaign had gotten from other reporters about the National Guard story, and also told him about the story she was working on for 60 Minutes. So at a minimum, we know that the Kerry campaign knew about the 60 Minutes story while it was in preparation. And it is fair to assume that Clanton put the most benign interpretation on his several conversations with Mapes.
There is obvious circumstantial evidence for coordination as well as communication, given that the DNC launched its "Fortunate Son" ad campaign, which duplicated the themes of the 60 Minutes program, the very next morning after the program aired. The Thornburgh report raises some tantalizing questions about the timing of the 60 Minutes report, but does not try to answer them. First, it notes that early in the summer of 2004, Mapes wrote in an email that the program would air in September–a time usually devoted to reruns. At that time, the story had not yet coalesced; how could Mapes state with such assurance when it would run? Then, the program was moved at the last minute from late September to September 8. The Thornburgh panel attributes the haste with which the show was put together to this schedule change, but never asks why the change was made. An obvious possibility is that 1) the show was moved up because the information being put out by the Swift Boat Vets was killing John Kerry's candidacy, and the Kerry campaign wanted the show moved up to help stem the tide; and/or 2) the show was moved to September 8 to tie in with the DNC's "Fortunate Son" ad campaign. Unfortunately, the Thornburgh group seems not to have pursued this important question.
The relationship between the Kerry campaign and the 60 Minutes story is a subject that badly needs to be investigated, but the Thornburgh group did not pursue the issue beyond noting the communications between 60 Minutes staff and the Kerry campaign.
No doubt we will be commenting further on the Thornburgh report in the days to come, but those are my chief thoughts after reading the report.
I should add that I don't attach great significance to the authors' failure to state a definite conclusion that the documents were fakes. The report does an excellent job of marshalling the evidence as to content, format and typography. No one (except, perhaps, Dan Rather) can read that evidence without concluding that the documents were a hoax. Whether the authors stopped short of the obvious conclusion in order to help CBS, or out of an excess of caution, I have no idea. But the evidence arrayed by the authors against the CBS documents is the last nail in the coffin of those who have continued to argue that they might, after all, be genuine.


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Rihanna's latest video hasn't even been completed yet and already it's the subject of protest, this time from a farmer in Northern Ireland who stopped the shoot to demand that she put her clothes back on. According to a BBC report, Rihanna was shooting a clip for the single "We Found Love" in the pun-ready town of Bangor, where her production crew had secured the right to use a field belonging to Alan Graham. Unfortunately, that crew forgot to mention to Graham that Rihanna planned to spend the video stripping down from a flannel shirt into a bikini before removing her top entirely, all in a metaphorical interpretation of the way we can only find love by removing the many layers that separate us from other people, and also to get her breasts out there for people to look at.
So when Graham—who says he's never heard of Rihanna, and thus clearly doesn't understand her artistic process—noticed gawkers stopping along the nearby freeway, and witnessed his crops souring in the presence of Rihanna's exposed breasts, he climbed down from his tractor and told them to cease filming immediately. For his part, Graham says he and Rihanna reached an amicable understanding ("We shook hands," he says), and adds, "From my point of view, it was my land, I have an ethos and I felt it was inappropriate. I was unhappy with her state of undress. I wish no ill will against Rihanna and her friends. Perhaps they could acquaint themselves with a greater God." "Nah, that's okay," God said.


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Sony's Cyber-shot WX150 packs the punch of a bigger, more expensive digital camera into a thin and light frame that makes it much more convenient to use.
Just 0.85 inches thick, the super-slim Cyber-shot WX510 has an 18.2-megapixel sensor, along with Clear Image digital zoom technology that lets users magnify an image by an impressive 20 times. It also has unique features like Picture Effect, which lets photographers customize their pictures using nine different techniques.
The Cyber-shot WX510 comes in a range of colors and sells for $230 on Sony's website.


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Who We Are
Jasper Mountain is a unique organization, it is a treatment family, and it is a place of hope for children and parents who search for answers. Since 1982, we have been growing and learning along with the children and families we serve. Jasper Mountain is many things but there is nothing quite like it anywhere!
Jasper Mountain provides a continuum of programs that meets the needs of emotionally disturbed children and their families. Services include an intensive residential treatment program with a therapeutic school, a short-term residential center, treatment foster care program, community based program and crisis response services.
What We Do
We support not judge. We develop a road map to healing and hope when one is needed. We live what we recommend to others. We do not shy away from the most difficult challenges, we embrace them. We work to bring healing one child and one family at a time. Our success rate is only as good as the progress the next child makes. We never give up.
With a primary mission to offer help and hope for children and families, Jasper Mountain has developed specializations in areas such as attachment issues, sexual reactivity, anti-social and violent behavior and treating severe trauma. We have experience with adopted children including foreign adoptions and subsequent challenges for parents. All programs are guided by the agency philosophy to treat the intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the child – thus treating the whole person. Jasper Mountain currently works with children from around the United States and is available for private placements.
Quick Links
Links to popular and useful pages within Jasper Mountain's website.


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Joan VanSickle
ESTHERVILLE – Memorial services for Joan Van Sickle, 77, of Estherville will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at Grandview Baptist Church in Estherville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the church only on Wednesday. Interment will be at East Side Cemetery in Estherville.
She died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is in charge of arrangements.


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In February 2007, a high-stakes experiment involving a single person with HIV and leukemia got under way in Berlin. To cure his cancer, the "guinea pig" in the study, an American named Timothy Brown (but known in the press as "the Berlin Patient") had to undergo a stem cell transplant, wiping out his immune system and replacing it with the stem cells from a donor. What made this a groundbreaking case is that Brown agreed to receive HIV-resistant stem cells. The goal was ambitious: to cure Brown's cancer and to help him grow a new immune system impervious to HIV infection, all the while subjecting him to unpleasant side effects and a risk of serious treatment-related illness or death.
It's one thing to let a person like Brown—who would have died without a stem cell transplant—take such a risk, and quite another to let an HIV-positive person with a near-normal lifespan thanks to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy do the same. Yet allowing people who are otherwise healthy to enter potentially risky studies is exactly what may be needed to move cure research forward. Whether research regulators will allow such studies to proceed is another story.
Philip Dickey, a 44-year-old HIV-positive man from Miami, says he'd be willing to do so if the right experiment came along, and he's the kind of guy whom many medical ethics committees would fight to keep out of a risky study. He's only been HIV-positive since September 2008, and though his CD4 cells dipped below 500 just one time, he's been taking ARVs for several years with few negative consequences. He feels, however, that it's almost an obligation for some people to put their well-being on the line so that other people may one day live free of HIV.
"The benefits I have in my life today are because people took risks," Dickey says. "Sometimes you do things because you know that it's going to be a part of helping other people."
Not everyone will be as willing as Dickey to put the greater needs of society above their own, but prominent San Francisco AIDS researcher Jacob Lalezari, MD, says that there are plenty who will—and who already do.
"I can't tell you how many people I've enrolled in studies over the years, who enrolled knowing full well that they were taking some risks, knowing full well that they would derive no benefit, and knowing full well that they might be dead before any conclusion was drawn from the study," he remarks.
The big question then, as AIDS cure research takes its biggest steps forward in decades, might not be whether healthier people with HIV will put their lives on the line, but whether the groups that regulate AIDS research will let them.
Adventures in Cure Research
Until recently, researchers who chose to pursue cure-oriented research were considered naive and misguided by more conservative scientists. That all changed, however, with the case of Timothy Brown. Brown has been off all ARV therapy since he received his first round of donor stem cells, which carried a unique mutation making them naturally resistant to HIV infection. After undergoing two rounds of stem cell transplants (both from the same donor), he has his leukemia finally in remission, and at this point, experts can't find HIV in his body no matter how hard they look.
Cure research has experienced a resurgence now that we know it is possible to take a person chronically infected with HIV and perform an intervention that leaves him or her able to either eliminate or at least control HIV without the need for lifelong ARV therapy.
Simply because there's growing interest in trying to eradicate HIV, however, doesn't necessarily mean that such experiments will proceed quickly and easily. Just ask David Margolis, MD, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Margolis—who was at the forefront of believers in the possibility of HIV eradication—has spent much of the last couple of years getting a cure-related study off the ground.
Margolis wants to test the potential of a cancer drug called Zolinza (vorinostat, SAHA) to reduce the reservoir of infected, but sleeping, cells that are typically out of reach of ARV drugs. When he initially proposed doing the Zolinza study, he first had to persuade the drug's maker, Merck, to allow him to study it for HIV, and not cancer, for which it has been approved. Pharmaceutical companies are notoriously shy of ceding control of their products in this way, but Merck agreed.
With Merck on board, Margolis also had to convince funders that the study had enough merit to deserve the money. His highest hurdle, however, and one he originally failed to overcome was convincing the FDA that the drug was safe enough to study in people with HIV who were otherwise fairly healthy.
Margolis says he fully supports the ethical requirement that researchers must do everything possible to minimize risks to those who choose to participate in trials. What's more, he is sympathetic to the challenges faced by the FDA, which is dually charged with protecting the public while also hastening the speed of drug development.
"Their first job is to protect patients, and their other job is to not end up on the front page of The New York Times [in a scandal]," he comments.
In Margolis's case, the FDA had applied the brakes on his study because the results of laboratory tests indicated that Zolinza, while a treatment for some types of cancer, had the potential to lead to other types of cancer, at least in cell cultures. These results, along with unknown safety variables, delayed movement on Margolis's study for over a year. Though Margolis eventually prevailed, the FDA's hand-wringing frustrated Margolis, who along with Zolinza's inventor, felt the cancer risks were being overstated.
Margolis worries about how regulators are viewing the risks they'll allow participants to take in such cure-oriented studies. "Are we drawing the line in the right place: Is it too conservative, or too risky?" he asks.
Jonathan Jay, JD, a bioethicist at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation in Rockville, Maryland, who consults on ethical issues as a contractor with the Division of AIDS at NIH, concedes that ethics committees and regulators—such as the FDA, institutional review boards (IRBs) and data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs)—do run the risk of slowing down important research.
"I agree that the particular procedures involved in ethics review and in regulatory approval may not be as efficiently designed to reach those goals as they could be," he says, noting that the goal is to protect study participants without unduly bogging down or roadblocking research that could ultimately save lives. "It's definitely a valid complaint, but it would be a big mistake to swing too far in the opposite direction."
To do so, suggests Jay, would be unethical, and the ethics have never been more complicated since the first U.S. AIDS cases were described in 1981.
It is challenging enough to define the appropriate balance between risk and benefits when the people being studied are quite ill. When the study participants are doing well, however, the ethical considerations become quite murky.
Untangling the Ethical Web
To untangle the ethics of a study, researchers and regulators are always faced with a long list of questions. They must look at whether a study is well designed and whether the treatment or procedure being evaluated is likely to improve the standard of care or lead to significant advances in the field. Researchers must also document that they've done everything possible to minimize risks to the participants. Researchers also need to prove they will do everything they can to ensure that potential volunteers fully understand their risks before consenting to participate. This last piece, informed consent, is the real linchpin in deciding the ethics of a trial.
Another ethical consideration is a person's motivation for joining a study. Only recently, for example, have ethicists begun to grow comfortable with people taking risks purely for altruistic reasons. While no longer the case, it wasn't so long ago that people who wished to donate a kidney to a stranger were rarely allowed to do so. Ethicists worried that altruism itself couldn't adequately explain why a person would take such a big risk and experience such pain and discomfort for a person they didn't even know.
Confusing matters is the fact that ethical questions such as these are based on unknown variables. The reason we conduct clinical trials in the first place is to determine whether a new treatment or procedure works or is safe. And it is Phase I studies that potentially carry the most weighty ethical concerns, given that very little is known at this stage in the research process about a treatment's effectiveness or safety in human subjects.
Yet that's where we are with cure-related studies, solidly stuck in the early Phase I experimental process. That's why researchers and regulators are having these difficult discussions about when or whether to allow healthier people to enter these studies, where the risks are potentially high and the possible benefits are anything but guaranteed.
For cure research, Jay says, "There are lots of reasons to be concerned that even someone who says all the right things about wanting to help others and understanding that there's no benefit to him or herself, there might be reason to wonder if that's a subject who understandably holds out hope—maybe a sort of irrational hope—that the intervention might in fact help them a lot."
Jay's concern is backed up by Margolis, who says that it is especially true when people think they are in a study where curing HIV is the ultimate goal. "The cure thing is a very slippery slope," Margolis says. Even when you tell potential participants there's no chance they'll be cured as a result of participating in a study, and even when the participants insist they understand this, Margolis says, "when they find out the results later they are disappointed that they weren't cured."
"Not all of them," he adds, "but some of them."
"Researchers and ethicists tend to prefer using sicker patients for high risk research, though this raises questions about informed consent," Jay says, explaining that whether to use sicker people or better-empowered people is a deep ethical question that HIV cure stakeholders need to address—sicker people have less to lose health-wise, but healthier, better-empowered people might tend to make more well-informed and freer choices.
Jeff Gamel, who found out he had HIV in 1985, would likely fall into the camp of people who are sicker. The 49-year-old Alabaman, who currently lives in Birmingham and has been plagued with health problems for years, is very well informed. He says he'd be in a good place to judge risks but has become more leery than he once was about participating in a study.
"Right now, I'm at a point in my life that I wouldn't take as many risks as I would have a few years ago," Gamel reasons. "I've had so much damage done to my body already, from years of medication."
Still, Gamel says if the study were the right one and he felt the risks weren't too high, he'd sign up.
Risk Versus Reward
The potential risks from cure-oriented research should not be understated. In Brown's case, for example, high doses of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs needed to be administered to obliterate his immune system and then allow the donated HIV-resistant stem cells to take root and proliferate. In effect, Brown was at significant risk for life-threatening infections, serious liver damage, debilitating damage to the mucosal lining of the mouth and throat, and rejection of the donated cells—to name a few possible complications.
Strategies that don't require chemotherapy ablation also carry potential risks. Lalezari and his colleagues are conducting a study in patients with advanced HIV infection in which some of their CD4 cells are painlessly removed, genetically modified and reinfused. A collaborating team of researchers is using the same technology to alter the stem cells of people who require a stem cell transplant to treat their cancer. The researchers hope to artificially make a person's CD4 cells as resistant to infection as Brown's have become.
Things have proceeded well enough so far that the next of these studies will possibly be open to people living with HIV but who've never taken ARV drugs before. While none of the studies conducted thus far has even hinted that the gene-modified cells could be dangerous, Margolis says there's still room for concern.
Margolis says it would be puzzling if people didn't carry at least some concern about gene therapies, where strings of DNA are sliced and diced. "I will bet you that [there will be] a couple of snips at various places in the genome [where there shouldn't be cuts]," explains Margolis. "It doesn't have to happen often, but if it happens at the wrong place at the wrong time, that's [problematic]."
Another route Margolis and others are pursuing is to eventually wage a full-scale assault on HIV—purging it from inside the cells where it currently hides out and then beating it down with potent ARV therapy. To do this, however, it might ultimately be necessary to wake up latently infected cells to such a degree that it could have consequences—very serious consequences—including inflammatory damage in the brain and other organs.
Either approach, however, will eventually have to be studied in people who are doing well on ARVs, and these studies will often require them to stop taking HIV therapy. Though the most forward thinking researchers are beginning to describe when and how it might be ethical to ask someone to take an HIV treatment interruption, many researchers—and, more importantly, regulators—remember the disastrous results of some previous treatment interruption studies.
I'd Like to Be a Prophet
Activists and researchers have begun engaging the FDA and asking for its views on the risks for cure-oriented studies. What's more, at a meeting held recently in Baltimore to discuss these issues, a group of researchers, activists and ethicists charted out the key ethical questions that will need to be answered—and the regulatory processes that will need to be improved so that cure research can move forward as quickly, but safely, as possible.
Stephen LeBlanc, an activist with the AIDS Policy Project, was at the Baltimore meeting, and he's concerned about the potential roadblocks. He and other activists have been working diligently for the past couple of years to move cure-related research forward as quickly as possible.
"The community needs to stay involved as the research gets bigger," LeBlanc urges, "because [regulators] and funders—who are going to have to give approval for this research to move forward—haven't been part of these discussions yet, and they're going to need to hear from people with HIV that this research is important and critical and that people are going to want to participate in it."
According to Lalezari and Margolis, recruiting people with HIV into these studies is not likely to be a huge challenge, but it will take diligence to make sure the right people are chosen for studies, and that researchers are vigilant in protecting them from risk by ensuring that they know those risks.
Matt Williams falls somewhere between Dickey and Gamel in terms of his willingness to participate in a study. The 47-year-old from Brighton, England, learned of his HIV status in 2003. Though Williams has participated in at least one study over the years, he says it was very low risk.
He says he is more of a "Phase II guy" than someone who'd stick his neck out on a really early study, but he would consider entering a Phase I study if some of the smartest activists he knows felt the treatment had promise and the risk wasn't too high. Like Dickey and Gamel, he too feels the desire to make a contribution to his HIV-positive peers.
When asked about the source of his altruism, he says, "I am reminded of the end of Angels in America, a quote, 'We are not prophets' or something like that. But it would be exciting and humbling to be a prophet in a small way, to have taken part in the trial that led to a cure."
What Would You Do to Cure HIV?
Research geared toward curing HIV is experiencing a resurgence. With new enthusiasm and increased funding, researchers are beginning to plot new interventions to bombard the virus in unusual ways. The first round of studies is bound to carry serious health risks, however, and many will fail. The big unanswered questions are whether HIV-positive people will volunteer for these trials—and if so, whether the FDA and other regulators will let them.
In February 2007, a high-stakes experiment involving a single person with HIV and leukemia got under way in Berlin. To cure his cancer, the "guinea pig" in the study, an American named Timothy Brown (but known in the press as "the Berlin Patient") had to undergo a stem cell transplant, wiping out his immune system and replacing it with the stem cells from a donor. What made this a groundbreaking case is that Brown agreed to receive HIV-resistant stem cells. The goal was ambitious: to cure Brown's cancer and to help him grow a new immune system impervious to HIV infection, all the while subjecting him to unpleasant side effects and a risk of serious treatment-related illness or death.


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Other Vehicles You May Be Interested In
Price does not include government fees and state/local taxes, or any applicable fees. Depending on the age of the vehicle, normal wear and tear should be anticipated. Prices are subject to change without notice. While we do our best to describe our vehicles accurately, some descriptions and/or images provided by third parties may differ from the actual information or appearance of the vehicle. Catalano Motors assumes no liability for omissions or errors in this vehicle's description and encourages prospective buyers to verify the information carefully through contacting the dealership directly. Catalano Motors has the right to cancel a sale or a promise of a sale if an incorrect price has been given by mistake. All finance offers are O.A.C (On Approved Credit) / O.A.D (On Approved Deposit).
Our payment calculator tool is based on Tier 1 Credit and provides estimated monthly payments only. Actual payments may differ from that shown.
Tax, Title, Tags and $995 LoJack Vehicle Recovery System registration fee not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us.


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A product of the Inscription Collection. Atolyewolf is displaying the Inscription Collection, which espouses the charming impulse of Orhon Inscriptions' universality; its' everlasting unearthly treasure. This collection is specifically tailored for the ones who like living with the marks of the past.
925kt Aged Silver
Standart for ''Medium and Large'' sizes
* This product comes in a sleek black pull out box.
* Avoid contact with creams, perfumes, alcohol, bleach and similar chemical substances.
#ATOLYEWOLFGet featured by showing us how you wear your Atolyewolf Jewelry. Your instagram photos with the hashtag #atolyewolf to join the conversation! You can access the product details by clicking on the pictures you like, you can buy the product.


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This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
The Bonneville T100 Black is loaded with urban style and attitude. Brimming with sophistication and individuality, the T100 Black takes styling to a different level with fully blacked-out high-quality details, including wheel rims, engine finish and beautiful twin skin 'peashooter' exhaust in a matt black finish for a truly distinguished look.
NOTE: Description, features and specs are from the 2019 model.
Front - Single 310 mm floating disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Rear - Single 255 mm disc, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper, ABS
Front - Wire 32-spoke – steel rims, 18 x 2.75 in.
Rear - Wire 32-spoke – steel rims, 17 x 4.25 in.
Front - 100/90-18
Rear - 150/70-R17
Jet Black
Matte Ironstone / Matte Black
Honda Products
*MSRP excludes destination charge. Visit powersports.honda.com to view applicable destination charge amount


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Popular with millennials, Roth IRAs have become the token choice for the under-34 crowd's retirement income. But recent data shows baby boomers might be missing out by sticking with traditional IRAs.
Investors under 34 years old have more than eight times more money in Roth IRAs than traditional IRAs, according to a recent T. Rowe Price study. Investors between 18 and 24 have more than 16 times more money in Roth IRAs. A greater preference for traditional IRAs emerged when the study looked at investors over age 50.
"The benefits of tomorrow's tax-free retirement withdrawals with a Roth IRA far outweigh the benefits of today's tax-deduction and other possible benefits with a Traditional IRA," said T. Rowe Price senior financial planner Stuart Ritter. "Even though the Roth IRA contribution doesn't qualify for an income tax deduction, decades of compounding tax-free money can generate more spendable income in retirement."
The study showed that young investors weren't the only ones able to benefit.
"It's great that so many young investors are selecting the Roth IRA," Ritter said. "While the benefits of Roth IRAs are more pronounced for millennials, our research shows the majority of investors would still be better off using a Roth IRA than a traditional IRA."
The Roth IRA produced more spendable retirement income in most of the scenarios analyzed. Based on data as of year-end 2013, the study examined how much more spendable income in retirement an investor who used a Roth IRA would have compared with an investor who used a traditional IRA.
Based on the study, a $1,000 Roth IRA contribution by a 25-year-old would yield 18% more retirement income than the same amount saved in a traditional IRA if the investors stayed in the same tax bracket.
(The calculations assumed the investor retired at 65, started in the 25% tax bracket and invested the $250 tax deduction from the traditional IRA contribution in a separate, taxable account. They assumed a 7% return for the retirement accounts).
The reason millennials benefit so much from Roth IRAs is because the longer their contributions have to compound tax-free, the more those contributions could be worth in retirement. The study also noted that "younger investors may be in a lower tax bracket today than they will be later when they potentially earn higher salaries. This means that the income taxes they pay on their Roth IRA contributions are taxed at a lower rate today than any potential contributions later."
The study does also note that there are situations when traditional IRAs are a better option than Roth IRAs.
The traditional IRA looks more valuable in scenarios where the investor is more than 50 years old and his tax bracket drops by at least 9%, as the study showed. While most investors remain in the same tax bracket during retirement, a 65-year-old would only need a 6% drop in her tax bracket for the traditional IRA to be more beneficial than the Roth IRA in retirement.
"A significant drop in tax rates between when the investor made her IRA contribution and began retirement withdrawals can often be offset by the power of tax-free compounding," Ritter said. "But for investors nearing retirement, there isn't enough time for the money to compound at a rate to counter the significant reduction in their tax bracket during retirement."
Andrew Rice, CFO of Money Management Services Inc., suggested in a ThinkAdvisor blog that the Roth IRA may not be as advantageous as it appears.
"Many of you will argue that the Roth IRA is tax-free for life, while the other is taxable when withdrawn. That's true, based on the current tax laws," Rice wrote. "However, in my experience many clients live on less money in retirement, usually dropping them at least one tax bracket below where they saved/contributed the money while working."
Rice added that saving pre-tax instead of after-tax dollars allows clients to build the same sized nest egg while leaving them some extra cash to "live a little along the way" to retirement.
— Related on ThinkAdvisor:


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8 Best Practices for Food Brands on Pinterest
Pinterest has become the fastest growing website ever, now with nearly 12 million monthly users. The site illustrates the evolution from the "social graph" to the "interest graph" – or the shift from friend-based networks to those that connect people based on their shared interests.
Food is one of the major niches or shared interests on Pinterest. In fact, food lovers were among the first on Pinterest; they saw the benefits of pinning instead of clipping recipes. These foodies used boards to plan dinner parties, collect holiday baking ideas, and create their own virtual cookbooks.
Not surprisingly, food bloggers have also become Pinterest power users. The Food and Drink category has become one of the largest and most active in terms of pins and repins.
While the Pinterest terms of use prohibit commercial use of the site, Pinterest's lack of enforcement means that marketers are rapidly turning to Pinterest to help visually curate their brands. (No doubt the legal issues surrounding Pinterest will be worked through and the terms of use will likely evolve.) In the meantime, there are numerous opportunities for food brands to leverage this easy-to-use, image-sharing social network, although it's best for marketers to work with experienced legal counsel to minimize risks.
Here are eight tips and best practices to get you started.
1. Add Value
Offer helpful advice and useful ideas that your followers would find valuable. Cooking Light, one of the early stars on Pinterest, has created a series of boards that feature timely holiday recipes, seasonal menu ideas and how-to cooking techniques, along with DIY projects and kitchen resources. Most content originates from CookingLight.com, which has made Pinterest the most important social media referral source for the site, according to Allison Lowery, who manages Pinterest for the magazine. Cooking Light was also quick to add "pin it" buttons to all online recipes to make it easier for readers to pin to Pinterest.
2. Tell Stories
Pinterest was made for visual storytelling. Grocery delivery service Peapod tells a tale with its "Delivery Trucks" board. The pins share images from the road by showcasing the various trucks in transit. One truck got stuck in an NYC blizzard; another donated food in Connecticut as part of Peapod's Kids Give Back program. A separate Pinterest board provides the back stories of Peapod's delivery truck drivers.
3. Host a Contest
Several food brands have achieved success with "pin and win it" contests on Pinterest. Saveur magazine created a dinner party pinboard contest, asking pinners to build a dream dinner party on their own boards using at least three recipes from Saveur.com. Participants tagged pins with #saveur and #dinnerparty to help extend the reach (the hashtag searchability function of Pinterest is similar to Twitter). The winner will be featured on Saveur.com. Similarly, Relish magazine created a three-day "Pinathon" to see who could pin the most content from Relish.com to win prizes. Before launching a contest, be sure to consult Pinterest's terms of use.
4. Curate Your Core Values
Create boards that showcase the lifestyle your brand represents, not simply the products it sells. Whole Foods, one of the first food brands on Pinterest, features boards on gardening, recycling and fitness. You'll also find pins of inspiring kitchens and art projects, along with faces impacted by the Whole Foods Foundation, the grocery chain's charitable group, which addresses world poverty and hunger.
5. Collaborate
Create collaborative boards that allow external pinners to contribute. It's a way to award and engage a few of your top evangelists or favorite bloggers. For instance, create a board dedicated to their pins, an approach used by Better Homes & Gardens and Whole Living magazine. America's Test Kitchen created several boards focused on projects that feature pins from contributors – from homemade gifts to slow-cooker recipes.
6. Engage and Intersect
Panera asks its followers to share their favorite pairing (like soup and salad) using the hashtag #youpicktwo. A board is dedicated to these creative pairings, and even features photos of pairs like Julie & Julia or Will & Kate. Dunkin Donuts asks users to share what they're drinking and how they're "running on Dunkin."
7. Leverage Your Offline Events
Use Pinterest to bring your offline activities to life with photos and video footage. One of Greek yogurt brand Chobani's boards highlights the travails of the CHOmobile as it canvasses the country. Cabot Creamery showcases farm families that are a part of the Vermont cooperative, and McDonald's has a Pinterest board dedicated to the building of its first Olympic park restaurant in London.
8. Be Pinnable
Ultimately, Pinterest is all about visual content, so be sure your site has quality images worthy of pinning. Each online recipe and article needs some type of image, or it's virtually unpinnable. Flash-based websites are also unpinnable. On the other hand, infographics are popular on Pinterest; consider ways you can convert your written content into an infographic. Install a "pin it" button and "follow me" badge on your site, and be sure to promote your Pinterest account across your other channels. Include key words in the description of your pin to increase your searchability, and recognize users who pin you by visiting pinterest.com/source/yoursitehere.com to see where your pins are showing up.
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, robynmac


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Sport Aircraft Club of SA members enjoy all categories of sport and recreational flying, aircraft construction and related social activities.
We welcome owners, restorers, builders and potential builders as well as anyone with a love of flying and aeroplanes.
Meetings - Second Wednesday of the Month (except November - Christmas Dinner and January)
The Public Schools Club, 207 East Terrace, Adelaide
Check the Calendar for details.
Hangar 22 - Pallamana Airfield. Please Email the Secretary to check when we will be at the Hangar.
Contact a Council Member.


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I am using Photoshop to do detailed work that requires navigating around a 5000 x 5000 (or so) image to look at individual pixels, where I know the row and column index of the pixels in question.
Currently, I am using the Navigator to jump to approximately the correct location, and then scrolling (or using the hand) to bring the desired pixel into view.
However, better would be a command that would place a given pixel (with a certain row, column index) into view. This also has the advantage that the pixel will always be centered.
Is it possible to do this with Photoshop? Thanks.


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Radio was in its infancy during the First World War. It was crucial to battlefield communications and maritime navigation but it would be the 1920s before radio sets in the home and public broadcasting revolutionized popular culture in Europe and North America.
That doesn't mean there wasn't popular music. There were musical halls. There was sheet music. There were after-dinner sing-alongs. In the wealthiest households there were hand-cranked phonographs playing the latest hits on celluloid cylinders or, the height of fashion, gramophones spinning tunes on flat, grooved disks. Manufacturers had even begun producing portable players for the men in the trenches.
Music hall performers such as Marie Lloyd and George Formby set the tone of the times with upbeat, comic and risque numbers. Recruitment songs were everywhere in 1914 but, as the war dragged on and the death toll mounted, they were pushed aside by nostalgic laments for home and comicly bitter takes on the futility of war and the ineptitude of officers.
Have a listen to our selection of First World War songs from 1919 and the years after the war.
Click here to listen to more songs from the First World War.


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Holt fitting in nicely in utility role with Sox
HOUSTON -- Coming to Houston wasn't exactly a homecoming for Red Sox infielder Brock Holt, but it was close enough.
Holt played one year at Rice before being drafted by Pittsburgh in the ninth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Boston acquired him in December as part of the Joel Hanrahan trade.
Holt grew up in Stephenville, Texas, and played two years at Navarro College before transferring to Rice.
"I wanted someplace close to home and I wanted a chance to get to Omaha [for the College World Series]," Holt said of choosing Rice.
Rice, which won it all in 2003, nearly made it back to the College World Series in 2009, losing to LSU in the Super Regionals at Baton Rouge. LSU went on to win the College World Series that year.
Holt decided it was time to move on.
"I didn't really have any idea where I'd be drafted," he said. "I expected to go maybe a little higher. I was ready to try professional baseball. Being in the top 10 rounds is still pretty good. I've had to prove myself every step of the way. I was fortunate, because [Pittsburgh] was a good organization to come up in."
Holt hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates last September after batting .432 in 24 games for Triple-A Indianapolis.
The trade to the Red Sox surprised him.
"I was a little shocked at first, because I didn't know what to expect," Holt said. "I didn't know my name was being talked about being traded. I heard the Red Sox organization wanted me as part of the deal. It's not that the Pirates didn't want [me]. The Red Sox wanted me. That made me feel good, to come over here and playing with an organization like that. I was pumped."
Holt made his 14th start of the season Tuesday night at third base. The Red Sox have had six players start at third base this season, with Will Middlebrooks making the most starts with 52.
Holt could be playing more if he wasn't with a first place team, but he is happy to be where he is.
"You can think different things, but I'm just happy to be here and be part of this experience, be around such a great group of guys," he said.
Holt said the No. 1 thing he learned this season is versatility.
"Coming in, I played basically middle infield," he said. "In Spring Training, I started working at third base. Also, being able to work with [Dustin] Pedroia at second base, he's one of the best to ever play that position. I've learned more about playing second base, too. Playing different positions will help me in the future."


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a free RSS Parser & XML Parser for PHP 5+
The RSS_PHP commercial version (v3) is now more of an XML_PHP - you can use it to quickly interface with ANY XML document; Further, you can now also convert any Array to XML.
RSS_PHP Introduction
RSS_PHP is a RSS Parser and XML Parser for PHP 5+, utilising the DOM to parse any valid XML Document including RSS, with provisional support for ATOM feeds.
Unlike many RSS Parsers, RSS_PHP also gives you full access to every part of the original RSS feed; including RSS attributes, RSS extensions, XML namespaces, XML stylesheets and node values.
This RSS Parser was created to be as simple as possible. Here's a working example which will parse a full RSS feed, it'll also automatically convert the XML Document to UTF-8 from any other encoding:
$rss = new rss_php;
$items = $rss->getItems(); #returns all rss items
IMPORTANT: A major peice of relatively unknown functionality is that RSS_PHP returns the actual DOMElements from the raw DOMDocument (although they have been modified slightly) - meaning that from any returned element you can access the full DOMDocument and have access to all the normal PHP DOM properties and methods.
Full documentation and examples of RSS_PHP are available on the site, or you can download the latest version of RSS_PHP for all your RSS & XML Parsing needs.
Commercial version (v3) released
A commercial version (v3) of the RSS Parser / XML Parser for PHP [rss_php] is now released and available for download. This release fixes a couple of tiny bugs and adds far more functionality (its now more of an XML-PHP ;).
Additional functionality of RSS_PHP Commercial (v3):
- Full XML Parser, parse anything XML Based
- Array to XML conversion, convert XML to Arrays and Arrays to XML [array to xml example]
- XML Modification, turn XML into an array, change values and write the XML back out, preserving the original formatting
- Automatic XML Encoding Detection and conversion to UTF-8
- XPath support and functionality
- Greater flexibility with the addition of getElementsByTagName and getValuesByTagName
- Preliminary ATOM feed support
- Support of XML Namespaces and DOM Processing Instructions (XML Style-sheets)
- Custom Integrated HTTP Transport Handler
Our original version (RSS_PHP v1) is still freely available.
Download page for Commercial & Free Version
IMPORTANT: getChannel() function deprication.
In version 3 of RSS_PHP the RSS Parser specific function getChannel() has been depricated; users are encouraged to use any of query('xpath/here'), getElementsByTagName('tagname') or getValuesByTagName('tagname') instead.
RSS_PHP Information
I've spent years using XML in all it's formats, within that time I've seen literally thousands of people ask
how can I parse RSS with PHP?; and the majority of the time the answer has been quite simply:
use REGEX.
Personally, I think REGEX is fine solution, I've even used it to built my own XML & Markup parsers and established PHP frameworks on them, however the aim should be to keep things Really Simple, seeing as RSS isn't exactly the most complicated XML document to date.
Thankfully PHP (5+) already gives us everything we need to get started parsing RSS and XML, indeed it negates the need for REGEX or third-party extensions such as expat in this context.
Parsing RSS and XML in PHP using DOM Functions
With PHP 5 came the intoduction of the DOM Extension; to quote directly from the source:
The DOM extension allows you to operate on XML documents through the DOM API with PHP 5.
Rather than using any third party modules, or custom XML parsers like many other RSS parsers; RSS_PHP makes good use of the aforementioned DOM Extension.
RSS_PHP Dependencies
As RSS_PHP utilises the DOM to parse RSS, and the DOM Extension is installed as part of the PHP Core, RSS_PHP's only dependency is PHP 5.
RSS_PHP Internationalization and Character Encoding Support
RSS_PHP now features automatic XML Encoding Detection and conversion to UTF-8
Supported Versions of RSS
RSS_PHP works with all versions of RSS, including related modules, attributes and extensions, currently tested and verified against:
RSS_PHP supports all flavours of RSS 2.0; including
all its wacky permutations, some of these include:


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Have you seen or heard this statement before? Can you believe how many people fall for this type of marketing. Want to know the truth? Well read on!
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES, July 31, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ — "We're better than most, and we get companies that coveted top-spot." Really?
Do you, can you or should you believe digital marketing agencies or internet marketing consultants that promise they can get you "TOP placement" or "the number 1 Spot" for Pay Per Click (PPC) advertised search results on Google? How about that organic 1st spot, using Search Engine Optimization (SEO)?
I get calls all the time from people asking our firm to review or give advice or match an offer when a vendor has promised these top placement guarantees. We also get calls when people want to switch vendors because they are not getting promised results, and also from people wanting to switch because they did not understand what was said to them and aren't getting expected results.
Why do people believe this type of statements?
Normally I tell everyone to hang up the phone on salespeople making outlandish guarantees like those above. However, tonight as I write on the subject, I am rethinking my standard position and my reaction to these aggressive pitches.
So, I stopped writing and devoted some serious brain power to the subject. Then I started using Bing and Google to validate or disprove what I have always believed.
Have I heard this before?
I decided to think of businesses that couldn't or wouldn't employ PPC advertising. I started out feeling positive that I could find a few rather easily. I tried "Forensic Dentist Philadelphia." Nope, there were two paid advertisers. Interestingly on the forensic dentist search, the organic section showed the City of Philadelphia in the 1st and 2nd positions. Proving many SEO best practices at work. (A discussion for a future post.)
I searched on Google using the keyword "cat walker Philadelphia." Then I tried another "best brownies Philadelphia." I wanted three examples, so I searched "Medical Marijuana Philadelphia." I also tested these on Bing just to validate my conclusions. Finally, I used variations like "near me" There were no businesses advertising these services, using these searches on either engine.
I Was Wrong!
If you are selling any of these products today, and you want to advertise them on Google or Bing; I could promise that I can get you the 1st paid advertised position on both search engines using these keywords. I could further tell you that I could accomplish this within 1 or 2 days.
However, can I guarantee that nobody would come along and take the top spot? Yes, if I am lucky! No, if I am honest!
Unfortunately, most cats do not like being walked, and I think most people wouldn't pay for that service. Most people don't need a dentist that works on dead folks. Medical Marijuana is not available for sale, yet, in Philadelphia.
So, I do not see too much potential for this business right now. The brownie business would be a good place for a smaller business to at least checkout.
However, Was I Wrong?
After thinking I would be correct, I found that technically I was wrong!
A promise can be made, but you had better dig deeper into what will be delivered. As I write this blog, I can assure that if you want to advertise your medical marijuana business in Philly, on Google and or Bing, I can be almost 100% guarantee that I can deliver.
Unfortunately, the brownies are another story; another brownie business could be having a campaign set up as we speak. If that is the case, the budget, daily spend, geographic settings and all of the other aspects of Google AdWords come into play.
If we were just talking about organic listings and SEO, the forensic dentist Philadelphia search would yield results showing The City of Philadelphia coming up first and second, which proves that promises and guarantees about positioning are at best misleading and at worst fraudulent!
How much content do you need to post and with how many keywords do you need to beat the medical director for the city? How many backlinks would you need to beat this referral source? Why it certainly can be done, but how long and what type of budget would you need to hit the top spot effectively?
Very few fields change quite as quickly as digital marketing. All it takes is one tweak to a search engine's algorithm or a slow shift in preference regarding social media platforms and the entire industry switches up tactics.
Thus, the thinking around it and the sales strategy for it has to change, too.
If what you are hearing is something you heard a few years ago, it is past its sell-by date.
You should be presented with new ideas, interesting techniques, and unfamiliar thinking. You as agency, consultant or digital marketing professional should know better than to make promises just to get a client. When you cannot deliver will you keep that client? Do you think making false or empty promises helps the image of the industry?
The Conclusion
When buying services or expensive items for your business, take heed!
Over the years, I have learned to ask deep, delving questions. While I believe people on their face, I also know that if they have a financial interest or gain, they could exaggerate (lie, tell untruths) or whatever just to get the business.
A great man once said "trust but verify." Do your due-diligence and ask questions when people make outlandish claims. Don't let liars, cheaters and losers beat you and take your money. It isn't just money; it is your time, energy and well-being! Remember, Karma does not really help you. However, it can make you feel better!
About The Author
Mike Bannan is the Managing Partner of Results Driven Marketing, LLC. Mike has over 30 years experience in sales and marketing which includes over 20 years in online services and digital marketing.
Results Driven Marketing, LLC is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. RDM is a full-service agency that practices the art of marketing of Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine optimization, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, and Website Design, development, deployment, and hosting. RDM provides complete inbound marketing services and is a HubSpot enterprise partner. RDM is the registered owner of "Turning Clicks Into Clients®" and also owns the RD-Metric, Web Market Central, and Web Market Central blog.
Call Mike or contact the firm to ask about the complimentary 45-minute marketing assessment.
Mike Bannan
Results Driven Marketing, LLC
email us here
Source: EIN Presswire


text: Oud Luxury Diffuser - 250ml £62.00 Inspired by the majesty of ancient Persian cities and the intense heat of the Middle Eastern desert, Oud luxury perfume diffuser has a deep and mysterious aroma. Reminiscent of the bustling souks in Dubai and Bahrain with their exotic blend of woods, resins and deep spices, Oud exemplifies the aroma of Middle Eastern markets and heady Arabian Nights. Top notes of black pepper, saffron and dark amber are blended with cederwood, sandalwood and neroli, ending with base notes of frankincense, spice fruit teas, patchouli and Oud – also known as agar wood, a rare and precious natural oil from north east India. We've detected you're visiting our site from outside of the UK. Unfortunately we are not able to ship our diffusers internationally, however please do contact us if you would like further information. - + Top Notes Frankincense & Oud Perfume content 250ml Reviews Be the first to write a review. Add Your Review Rating (5 is best) 1 2 3 4 5 Your name Your email Review


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EDI Basics | One-Stop Resource to Learn about Electronic Data Interchange
Over 85% of all electronic business transactions take place using EDI. It has proven to be the best way for you to exchange business documents quickly and securely with any organization anywhere in the world. If your organization isn't already using Electronic Data Interchange, it's likely that some of your trading partners are. So what is it? What benefits can it offer your business? How can you get started? You'll find all the answers here. Click here to get started!
What is EDI?
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents in a standard electronic format.
EDI continues to prove its major business value and demonstrate benefits by lowering costs, improving speed, accuracy and business efficiency.
EDI Resources
Find resources ranging from useful tutorials to frequently asked questions, a comprehensive glossary of terms, blogs, a quiz and multimedia content.


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|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
|« Date » · « Thread »
|Electronic Dental Claims via the Internet
|Sun, 16 Jan 2000 11:53:12 GMT
**************** Attention Dental Professionals **************** -------------- Press Release - January 14, 2000 -------------- EDI-Health Group offers www.WebClaim.net, a unique web site that allows dental providers and billing centers direct access to hundreds of paying organizations through the World Wide Web. Dental offices can now submit their claims without the use of third party software such as practice management programs by using a simple Internet connection. We maintain and store provider, patient and their insurance coverage information on secure, state of the art servers. The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Current services on the site include: Electronic Processing of Dental Insurance Claims. Electronic Processing of Dental Pre-treatment Authorizations. Online Editing and Claim Validation. Comprehensive Reporting. Claim Tracking. Upcoming services on the site include: Patient Eligibility and Benefit Information Verification. Submission of Requested Digitized X-Rays. Practice Management Tools such as payment tracking, recalls, ledger, etc. For more information: Visit the site at http://www.webclaim.net or call toll free at 1-877-WEB-CLMS (1-877-932-2567) or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com ---------------------------------------------------- For list of participating payers refer to: http://www.webclaim.net/payers.htm ---------------------------------------------------- For free secured signup & access to members area: https://secure.webclaim.net:80/signup.html ---------------------------------------------------- For pricing schedule refer to: http://www.webclaim.net/pricing.htm ---------------------------------------------------- To be removed from this list, simply send an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com with the subject matter of 'unsubscribe'.
|View raw message


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Tax Entity Changes
Existing businesses changing their tax entity (for example incorporating your sole proprietor business) need to re-register and provide their current business tax account number. You will generally be issued a new tax account number for your new tax entity.
Send the Registration Form (Form REG) for the new entity


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After compliment from Bench, Mesoraco in six-hole
CINCINNATI -- During the weekend, former Reds catcher and Hall of Famer Johnny Bench tweeted that current backstop Devin Mesoraco "will bat in the cleanup spot before his career is over." At the time of the tweet, Mesoraco hadn't started a game higher than seventh in the lineup all season, but on Tuesday, he was inserted into the sixth spot behind Jay Bruce.
In 16 games since the All-Star break, Mesoraco entered Tuesday batting .315 (17-for-54) with four homers and 12 RBIs. Reds manager Dusty Baker has been pleased with Mesoraco's play at the plate and behind it, especially with fellow catcher Ryan Hanigan on the disabled list since June 11.
For Mesoraco, he said nothing about how his approach changes moving into the sixth spot, as he hopes to continue swinging the bat well no matter where he's hitting.
"It's one spot," Mesoraco said. "I've been hitting seventh, eighth sometimes. I think that you earn your way up the order with how you perform. I think it's definitely a good feeling that I'm hitting the ball a little better, and swinging the bat that they think I'd be better off a little higher in the lineup. Hopefully I'll go out there and reward them and drive in some runs."
More so than moving up in the lineup, Mesoraco was excited about what Bench had to say regarding his future.
"That was cool," Mesoraco said. "I've spoken to him a couple times, and he's always been very complimentary. When you get that kind of word from him, it's pretty special."


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Physician and Advanced Practice Clinician Opportunities in Northern Virginia
Sentara Medical Group is a division of Sentara Healthcare, one of the most progressive and integrated healthcare organizations in the nation. Sentara Medical Group was created in 1995 to optimize patient access by expanding Sentara's geographical reach, which today also includes Northern Virginia.
The Northern Virginia region includes the cities of Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Stafford, Prince William County and surrounding areas.


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Seasonal influenza vaccination strategies
The immunity that is elicited by influenza vaccines is not as long lived as the immunity following natural influenza infection. This is especially so for individuals in the so-called risk groups, hence people have to be vaccinated annually. There are three influenza immunisation strategies used in Europe: to protect the vulnerable, to protect healthy children, adolescents and adults and to reduce overall influenza transmission.


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High court could put brake on greenhouse gas rules
- Can the EPA regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants%3F
- Industries%2C states%2C Republican opponents say it%27s executive overreach
- Environmentalists say the Clean Air Act covers all pollutants
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court weighs in Monday on one of the most intractable issues of our time: global warming.
To hear environmentalists tell it, the health and welfare of Americans will be jeopardized unless the government can continue to combat climate change by regulating greenhouse gas emissions from all sources.
To hear industry and state government opponents of greenhouse gas regulations tell it, billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are threatened as a result of a power grab by the Obama administration.
In truth, both sides may be exaggerating. The combination of cases to be heard by nine justices over 90 minutes has turned out to be less than meets the eye. That's because the court isn't questioning the danger of greenhouse gases or the government's first effort to suppress them via tailpipe emissions.
The battle pits President Obama's environmental agenda against its fiercest critics in a case that could limit the Environmental Protection Agency's options as it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, industries and other stationary sources.
"It could literally stop the ongoing regulatory thrust of the EPA in its tracks," says Richard Faulk, an environmental law expert at Hollingsworth and George Mason University School of Law. "They will have to go back to the drawing board."
The case is a sequel to those decided by the high court in 2007 and 2011 — cases that affirmed the government's authority to regulate greenhouse gases from motor vehicles under the 1970 Clean Air Act. For that reason, "even a narrow victory for industry would be an important victory," says Jacob Hollinger, a former EPA lawyer now at McDermott, Will & Emery.
Industries, a coalition of conservative states, Republican lawmakers and others claim the law doesn't empower the administration to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other stationary sources. They say those regulations, begun in 2010, risk jobs and economic development.
Unlike other air pollutants, carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming are so ubiquitous that the EPA raised the law's threshold level requiring a permit from 100 tons per year to at least 75,000 tons. Opponents say that amounts to rewriting an act of Congress — even though the higher threshold makes it easier for some to avoid the permitting requirement.
The administration, along with environmental groups and a number of other states including California and New York, say the Clean Air Act was meant to address all air pollutants, including greenhouse gases. Once the administration addressed auto and truck emissions, they argue, the next natural step was stationary sources.
The EPA's decision to multiply the level of emissions requiring a permit was simply common sense, proponents say, to avoid requiring permits from more than 80,000 mid-size businesses, hospitals, universities, apartment buildings and shopping malls.
Indeed, the federal appeals court for the District of Columbia Circuit — a relatively conservative court until Obama's recent appointment of four members — ruled against the industry's broader challenge in 2012.
Jonas Monast, director of the climate and energy program at Duke University, says the Obama administration's climate action plan isn't jeopardized by the court case. But he says it could be forced to focus only on certain polluters, such as the new and existing power plants the Obama administration seeks to regulate under a different program.
"It could stretch out that regulatory process," Monast says.
The showdown over greenhouse gases represents the second major environmental case to come before the court this term. The other one, argued in December, tests the legality of a federal rule requiring that upwind states slash ozone and fine particle emissions because of their impact on downwind states.
Despite its narrow focus, the greenhouse gas case raises several important issues that could have repercussions, depending on the high court's ruling.
First, how much authority does an agency have to change the letter (and in this case numbers) of a federal law? The issue comes up frequently when literal readings of a law would produce absurd results.
Second, will the Obama administration be able to substitute air pollution permit programs for its failed "cap and trade"effort in 2010 to set an overall ceiling on greenhouse gas emissions?
Third, will the justices see this case as part of a pattern of executive branch excess, similar to the current Supreme Court battle over Obama's "recess appointments" to labor and consumer protection boards without Senate confirmation? If so, an industry victory could have greater political than legal implications.
"Politics matters," says Richard Lazarus, an environmental law professor at Harvard Law School. "There will be people who will take this as a rebuke."