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Understand the child benefits that may be available to you in Greece…
There are a number of benefits that you may be eligible for if you are bringing up children in Greece.
Birth benefit
The birth benefit, given to all insured women, is one payment, made to help defray the cost of treatment in a maternity clinic or hospital. The benefit is equal to 30 times the day wage of an unskilled worker.
To claim for maternity or birth benefits, the following documents are required:
the applicant's insurance booklets from the last two years or a certificate authenticated by the IKA office of the insured person's place of residence
a health booklet (individual and family if applicable)
a certificate from an IKA gynaecologist indicating the expected date of delivery
a declaration from the employer stating that the woman has stopped working
a declaration form completed by the woman stating the date on which she stopped working (the form is available at local IKA offices)
the birth certificate of the child
Employed mothers are also entitled to an additional six months of maternity protection leave and reduced working hours leave at the end of their maternity leave. Benefits are paid by the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED), if the woman has received maternity payments from the IKA and has a work contract.
Don't forget that our team here at Amesotis can help you through every step of this process. So feel free to contact us for further information.
(source: greece.angloinfo.com)
Understand the child benefits that may be available to you in Greece…


text: I have upgraded from my Eris to the Incredible 2. I see a fair number of used Eris for sale on Ebay and wondering how I would go about selling mine? What do I need to do to the phone? Do I have to inform Verizon for any reason so the buyer can activate it? Thanks.

subset: commoncrawl


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There has been a lot of discussion lately about a major bugfix update heading to Nexus and various Android devices. It is rumored to be called 4.4.3 which seems accurate since the changelog hints at a whole bunch of fixes for bugs.
As usual, there has been little public acknowledgement from Google about current bugs in Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Other than the few included in 4.4.1 and 4.4.2, I haven't heard hardly anyone discussing any bugs with KitKat. The few I have seen Google confirm have been a Flac playback issue and a battery drain bug caused by the camera. Even the camera issue has only recently been talked about within the Android community. This past week changed everything though. Now we are seeing hints at a changelog that shows us what we can expect in the latest Android update.
Fix for a random reboot
USB debugging security fix
mm-qcamera-daemon crash and optimization fixes
Other camera fixes
Power Manager display wakelock fix
Multiple Bluetooth fixes
Subtitle fixes
App shortcuts sometimes got removed from launcher after update
Camera focus in regular and HDR modes fixes
App shortcuts security fix
Wi-Fi auto-connect fix
Frequent data connection dropout fix
Stuck in activation screen fix
Missed call LED fix
Data usage graph fix
FCC compliance fix
MMS, Email/Exchange, Calendar, People/Dialer/Contacts, DSP, IPv6, VPN fixes
Internet telephony fix
Miscellaneous fixes
This sure is a lot of stuff that hasn't been talked about until now. We can only suspect that most of these bugs are random and does not affect everyone. I would love to see a detailed report that explains how these bugs are able to be reproduced. I've flashed my Google Nexus 5 at least 50 times since October and have yet to get stuck at the activation screen. I don't have any WiFi auto-connect issues on either my Nexus 4, Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 (2012) devices. However, just because we don't see issues like this day to day doesn't mean they aren't there.
I am happy to see a lot of security fixes included in this update. On one hand it's sad to know there are so many bugs in 4.4.2 that are related to security but on the other it is a relief that they will be getting fixed. I have seen a lot of users complaining about Bluetooth connectivity issues with Android 4.4.2 and it's caused many people on the XDA forums to blame custom ROM and custom Kernel developers. I'm sure all of these community developers will be happy to see these fixes implemented.
What are you most excited to see getting fixed in Android update 4.4.3?
Source: IB Times


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Best Western Ingram Park Inn
6855 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238-4113
Phone: 210/520-8080 | Fax: 210/522-0892 | 78 Rooms
Check Out Time: 11:00 AM | Check In: 3:00 PM | Online Reservations
Welcome to the Best Western Ingram Park Inn located conveniently on Loop 410 short drive from the San Antonio Center.
Guests in town find themselves conveniently close to everything, we are minutes from from you favorite local area destinations like SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk. As a military-friendly hotel, a hot buffet breakfast is a must to start your morning on the right note. Indulge in hot waffles, a display of fresh fruits, your favorite morning pastries and endless 100% Arabica coffee. A cereal and yogurt bar completes the most important meal of the day.
There's plenty of truck parking at our San Antonio hotel, making us a favorite for truckers, campers and those with bigger rigs. Centrally located to San Antonio attractions, you'll find commutes quick and easy, whether you're heading to famous barbeque joints or a business meeting. Nothing beats a morning at SeaWorld followed by a trip to the National Shooting Complex or Northside Stadium. Need recommendations? Our friendly staff is always available to help.
Southern hospitality is our specialty, whether you're here for the Fiesta Texas or for a meeting at the Southwest Research Center. Employees of Citicorp and workers with the Texas Biomedical Research Institute are just a few of our regular guests. At our San Antonio hotel, everyone from families on vacations to road trippers and corporate executives prefer to stay with us for the comfort, top amenities and competitive rates.
Lackland Air Force Base is a short drive away, and some fantastic shopping is nearly at your doorstep. However, if you prefer to relax, know that our luxurious bedding and cool, quiet rooms are always guaranteed. You'll be treated like part of the family here, complete with home cooked breakfasts and helpful staff.
Book your next stay at Best Western Ingram Park Inn today! Enjoy your stay.
Hotel Amenities & Services
- Complimentary breakfast.
- Complimentary full breakfast, choice of breads, cereal, fruit, hot eggs, hot breakfast meat, other hot items, yogurt, juice, and coffee.
- Outdoor pool
- Guest laundry
- 24-hour front desk
- Safe deposit box
- Truck/RV parking
- Free parking
- Photocopy services
- Exterior corridor
- Dry cleaning
- Business center
- Photocopy services
- Parking for the physically challenged
- Outdoor parking
- 24-hour complimentary coffee in lobby and fresh baked cookies in the evenings in the lobby.
- Courtyard
- Cash machine (ATM)
- SATRANS independent shuttle provides regular scheduled shuttle service from the San Antonio International Airport to the Best Western Ingram Park Inn from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily
- Group Sales: 800-704-9998 or Juan Martinez at 210-520-8080.
- High-speed Internet access
Best Western Ingram Park Inn
Take advantage of the savings and fun with this special offer available at the best western ingram park inn in San Antonio.
Best Western Ingram Park Inn
Conveniently located, the best western ingram park inn in San Antonio, Texas is shown on the map. Detailed driving directions from popular points or nearby cities are listed below. For those with GPS, here you go:
Longitude: 29.459865 / Latitude: -98.625089
Driving Directions to Hotel
From: All directions. Exit 11 Ingram Rd. S bound and pass Ingram traffic light or exit 11 Ingram Rd N bound and turn around at traffic light.
From: Dallas. Take Interstate 35 South to Interstate 410 get off on Exit 11 - Ingram Road, hotel is on access road 0.5 mile
From: Houston. Take Interstate 10 West to U.S. 90 West to Interstate 410 East get off on Exit 11 - Ingram Road, turnaround at Ingram Road light and stay on access road.
From: Laredo. Take Interstate 35 North to U.S. 90 West to Interstate 410 East get off on Exit 11 - Ingram Road, turnaround at Ingram road light and stay on access road.
From: El Paso. Take Interstate 10 East to Interstate 410 West get off on Exit 11 - Ingram Road, hotel is on access road 0.5 mile
Best Western Ingram Park Inn
We care about the quality of your stay with us. Below are nearby attractions, shopping and restaurants that are popular with our guests. Listed locations are nearby with approximate distance listed where available.
Most Popular Area Attractions
AT&T Center
The city of San Antonio is home to many wonderful attractions. The Alamo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Fort Sam Houston, the River Walk and the AT&T Center, are just a few. The AT&T Center, originally named the SBC Center, was built in 2002 as the home court for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association.
This indoor arena is located on the east side of San Antonio, next to the Freeman Coliseum. Since 2002, the AT&T Center has also been the home for the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League in San Antonio. The San Antonio Silver Stars, of the Women's National Basketball Association, have played their home games in the center, since 2003.
Rodeo fans flock to the center for the annual San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, to watch one of the largest rodeos and livestock shows in America. With a capacity of 19,000, the center hosts many top-name music concerts and events.
Camp Bullis
Officially Camp Bullis Military Training Reservation, Camp Bullis is set in the southern plains of Texas, just north of San Antonio. Established in 1917 and named for Brigadier General John Lapham Bullis, the 28,000-acre site of controlled by the U.S. Air Force.
JBSA-Bullis acts as a maneuvering ground for the Army, Air Force, and Marines. Camp Bullis is also a field-training site for Fort Sam Houston's Brooke Army Medical Center. Along with Camp Stanley, Bullis is part of the Leon Springs Military Reservation.
Fiesta San Antonio
Featuring over 100 events, the 11-day Fiesta celebration is the largest festival on the San Antonio calendar. Held annually throughout the San Antonio metropolitan area, the festivities take place in Alamo City spots like the La Villita Historic Arts Village, the River Walk, and – of course – the Alamo.
Established in 1891, the historic Fiesta event offers three massive parades like the Battle of Flowers Parade and the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, plus live music, great food, and carnival setting throughout SA.
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle
Named after the first president of the Republic of Texas, Fort Sam Houston was built in 1876 near San Antonio.
The Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle, the oldest structure at this United States Army Post, housed Geronimo and his fellow Apaches. The fort has served as the headquarters for the United States Army North, the United States Army South, and the Medical Education & Training Campus.
Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was posted twice at the fort from 1915 to 1917 and again in 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He met his spouse Mamie Dowd at the fort.
Their first home together is housed at the fort and is one of the fort's preserved historic monuments. Enjoy touring Fort Sam to learn more about its history and San Antonio.
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Set along Interstate 37, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – known also as the San Antonio Convention Center. Located in downtown San Antonio along the River Walk, the convention center encompasses 1,300,000 square feet.
A venue for more than 300 San Antonio events per year, the Gonzalez Convention Center includes the meeting spaces, ballrooms, and exhibit floors – plus the 2,500-seat Lila Cockrell Theatre. Find the facility by the iconic Tower of the Americas in HemisFair Park, just south of the Alamo.
Institute of Texan Cultures
Located in HemisFair Park, the Institute of Texan Cultures is a cultural museum operated by the University of Texas at San Antonio. The ITC covers 182,000 square feet, and features a 65,000-square-foot exhibit space.
Host to the annual Texas Folklife Festival, ITC is a member of the Smithsonian Affiliates program. Established in 1968 in downtown San Antonio, ITC draws more than 200,000 annual visitors.
Kiddie Park
On your next trek through Texas, head for the San Antonio area and find some of the very best family-friendly fun in the state. Venture over to Kiddie Park, one of the premier amusement parks in San Antonio. Opened in 1925, Kiddie Park is on the northwest corner of Mulberry Avenue and Broadway Street.
At Kiddie Park, you'll find a variety of theme park rides, all ideal for little kids. You can host a party or corporate event at Kiddie Park, and there's also the Kiddie Park Snack Bar where you and the kids can indulge. Kiddie Park is the oldest chilren's amusement park in the entire United States.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
First established in 1939, the La Villita Historic Arts Village is a visitor-friendly arts district located in downtown San Antonio. Southern Texas travelers may explore this early neighborhood for shopping, restaurants, festivals, and more.
La Villita features the Arneson River Theatre on the River Walk, and hosts annual events like the Dia de los Muertos, the International Accordion Festival, and Fiesta. First time visitors are encouraged to try the La Villita Walking Tour.
Lackland Air Force Base
Part of Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland Air Force Base is located in San Antonio in the southern Texas Plains. Established in 1941,Lackland AF B is controlled by the United States Air Force, and offers basic and technical training.
Part of Air Education and Training Command, Lackland AFB features units like the 37th Training Wing, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, and the Defense Language Institute. Lackland is also home to the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument and the Basic Military Training graduation parade.
Mission Del Lago Golf Course
With expansive fairways, selectively placed bunkers, and stunning views of the Texas plains, Mission Del Lago Golf Course is a premier destination. One of San Antonion's top golf courses, Mission Del Lago is 18 holes, and is part of the Alamo City Golf Trail.
Whether you're staying in San Antonio propper, or visiting in from any of the charming, nearby suburbs like Lytle or Schertz, you'll find some of the best local golf at Mission Del Lago Golf Course. Yielding stunnging views of Mitchell Lake, Mission Del Lago Golf Course has a driving range and a practice green so you can warm up before your tee time.
Morgan's Wonderland Park
An ideal place to spend a spring or summer afternoon, Morgan's Wonderland Park is a premier family destination in San Antonio. Plan your next visit to Texas and be sure to include a stay in the San Antonio area. Morgan's Wonderland Park is just one of the many exemplary attractions in the area.
Opened in 2010, Morgan's Wonderland is a unique experience, to say the least. While the park features a wide range of themed rides, they also take special care to ensure that all members of the family can enjoy their time – in particular, those with special needs. Don't miss the Pirate Island Playground & Garden.
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
For more than 100 years, baseball fans in San Antonio have been cheering on the San Antonio Missions, a minor league team. The Missions, an AA affiliate of the San Diego Padres, have played Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium, since it was constructed in 1994.
The stadium is named after Nelson W. Wolff, a former Texas State Senator and former San Antonio Mayor. He currently serves as the Bexar County Judge. Located on the west side of San Antonio, The Wolff features fixed seats, luxury box seats, and a picnic area. The total capacity of the stadium is approximately 9,500 fans.
Get your tickets to a Missions game or a University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners baseball game for a fun day at the ballpark.
Randolph Air Force Base
Part of the Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph Air Force Base is located in San Antonio in the southern Texas Plains. Established in 1930, Randolph AFB is controlled by the United States Air Force, and headquarters of the Air Education & Training Command.
Randolph AFB units include the 359th Medical Group, the 12th Flying Training Wing, and the 902d Mission Support Group. Randolph also features the Air Force Personnel Center, and the Randolph Field Historic District – a National Historic Landmark.
Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
The only brewstillery in Texas, the Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is a combination brewpub and distillery set in San Antonio. Beers include Mission Trail Ale, Oatmeal Pale Ale, Mesquite Smoked Porter, and La Bestia Aimable, or try some handcrafted Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Set in northern San Antonio just east of the San Antonio International Airport, the Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is a great stop during your tour of Texas Hilly Country breweries – and surrounded by plenty of Best Western hotels in San Antonio.
Rebecca Creek Distillery
South Texas' first distillery, Rebecca Creek Distillery is a privately held "Spirited Texas Distillery" located in San Antonio. This southern Texas, traditional copper pot distillery is home to two impressive spirits: Enchanted Rock Vodka and Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey.
Rebecca Creek Distillery also features free public tours, held on Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Enjoy your day at the Rebecca Creek Distillery, and your night at a Best Western hotel in San Antonio.
San Antonio International Airport
Established in 1941 in north San Antonio, San Antonio International Airport encompasses 1,200 acres. The San Antonio airport has two commercial runways, in addition to the one general aviation runway. The airport averages 260 domestic and international arrivals and departures each day via 27 gates and 13 commercial airlines.
The free cell phone waiting lot, convenient parking, rental car agencies, the GO Airport Shuttle, and variety of restaurants and shops are just some airport amenities.
Alamo Field and was a training base for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. At the completion of the war, the airfield added a terminal, baggage claim area, and control tower. By 1968, a concourse was added with eight gates in preparation for HemisFair '68. Continual improvement throughout the years included an additional terminal, parking garage, and new control tower.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
History buffs discover so much in San Antonio – as five historical missions are located in San Antonio. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service since 1983, preserves four of the Spanish frontier missions.
The missions were built along the San Antonio River, between 1690 and 1720 to promote Christianity to the native settlers. The State of Texas operates the most famous and fifth mission, The Alamo.
The four missions included in the park are: Mision Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepcion de Acuna, also known as Mission Concepcion, Mission Espada, Mission San Jose and Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio continues to operate regular catholic services in these missions. While in the park, also visit the Espada Aqueduct and the Ethel Wilson Harris House. Stop by the visitor center to get more information and sign up for a guided tour.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk, started as a simple botanic garden along the San Antonio River in 1956. Through the years, improvements were made and the public park grew to become a five-mile stretch of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
River Walk is now one of the top tourist attractions in Texas, and hosts several events all year long. Visit this area attraction for an enjoyable day at the park or a fun night out.
The Rivercenter Mall, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Arneson River Theatre, and Pearl Brewery are all favorite stops along the River Walk.
Schedule your visit to attend one of the annual festive events, such as Mardi Gras River Parade, or the St. Patrick's Parade & Festival.
SeaWorld San Antonio
SeaWorld San Antonio is a popular family attraction in River City. Schedule plenty of time in San Antonio to see all of the wonderful animal exhibits, shows and tours. Park favorites include Dolphin Cove, Penguin Encounter, Sharks and Coral Reef, Alligator Alley, the Azul Show, and the One Ocean Show.
Reserve a spot in one of the exclusive park experiences, such as the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Dolphin Discovery Tour. Those ready for more adventure, love riding the Great White and Steel Eel roller coasters, Journey to Atlantis water ride, and the Rio Loco river ride. Kids love the Shamu Express kid-sized coaster.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
A 200-acre fun-filled amusement park, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is ideal for the whole family. Kids love the Amerigoround, Buckarooz, Taz's Tornado, Kiddee Koaster, Texas Treehouse, and Yosemite Sam's Wacky Wagons. Thrill-seeking adults have a screaming good time on Superman: Krypton Coaster, Scream, Poltergeist, and Goliath – to name a few.
The summer-time White Water Bay water park is filled with tubular water slides, water funnels, and one of the largest wave pools in America. Throughout the season, a variety of park events and entertainment, featuring the Looney Tunes characters, complete your park visit in the San Antonio area.
The Alamo
The Alamo at Night
Established in 1724 in San Antonio, the famed Alamo was a home to missionaries for almost 70 years.
During the 1800s, the mission housed a Spanish military unit – becoming the living quarters for Revolutionaries and Royalists for 10 years.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Mexican military launched an attack on the Alamo. The Alamo is known as the "Shrine of Texas Liberty," for the sacrifice of the Texan soldiers.
During your San Antonio travels, be sure to visit the 4.2-acre Alamo complex to learn more about its rich 300-year history.
Stroll through the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum, the Gift Museum, and the beautiful Alamo Gardens.
The Republic Golf Club
The Republic Golf Course is a top golf destination in San Antonio. Consistently rated as the No.1 area course by the Express News, The Republic Golf Course is 18 holes, playing to 7,007 yards from the championship tees.
Plan your exploration of the San Antonio area and bring your clubs – 18 holes at The Republic Golf Course is the ideal day time activity for you and your friends, business partners, or family. The Republic Golf Course also hosts large scale events like reunions, weddings, and business conferences.
Travis Park
Covering 2.6 acres, Travis Park is located in downtown San Antonio between the River Walk and the Alamo. The public park is owned by the City of San Antonio, and operated by the River City's Parks & Recreation Department.
Set at the corner of Navarro and Travis streets, the Travis Park is known for hosting annual Jazz'SAlive – a free outdoor jazz festival. The park is named for William Barret Travis, and the land was first settled in 1870.
More Area Attractions & Services
- 5.00 mile(s) from Sea World®, SeaWorld offers rides, carnival gamres, water parks, and entertainment for the entire family.
- 15 mile(s) from Six Flags® Fiesta Texas, Amusement park with rides, food, and water parks.
- 10.00 mile(s) from Market Square (El Mercado
- 12.00 mile(s) from Buckhorn Hall of Horns Mu
- 13.00 mile(s) from San Antonio Botanical Gar
- 13.00 mile(s) from Japanese Tea Gardens
- 14.00 mile(s) from King William Historic Dis
- 14.00 mile(s) from Witte Museum
- 14.00 mile(s) from LaVilita
- 14.00 mile(s) from Ripley's Believe It Or No
- 14.00 mile(s) from The Alamo
- 14.00 mile(s) from Riverwalk
- 15.00 mile(s) from Tower of the Americas
- 15.00 mile(s) from San Antonio Museum of Art
- 18.00 mile(s) from Splashtown Water Park
- 22.00 mile(s) from Mission Trails
- 22.00 mile(s) from Mission San Jose
- 25.00 mile(s) from Retama Race Park
- 33.00 mile(s) from Natural Bridge Caverns
- 0.50 mile(s) from Ingram Park Shopping Mall, theaters
Local Area Recreation Opportunities
- Outdoor pool
Nearby Restaurants
- 0.50 mile(s) from 25 restaurants
Best Western Ingram Park Inn
Enjoy your stay with us even more by checking out some of the most popular area points of interest in or near San Antonio. Chase the links to explore the local region even more.
Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Nova Scotia | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon | Caribbean


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Ladies' Night kicks off in Traverse City
Thu, 12 Dec 2013 22:23:32 GMT —
Thursday night women will be out in full force for the annual Ladies' Night in Traverse City.
A night dedicated to all the girls, it's an evening full of free hors d'oeuvres and wine, give-aways, and live music.
The majority of stores all along Front Street and throughout downtown offer spectacular deals - and many restaurants have extended happy hours and food deals.
Organizers say it makes shopping a lot more fun and helps local businesses.
"Ladies' Night and Men's Night are a big economic boost for local businesses downtown," said Colleen Paveglio, the Marketing Director at the TC Downtown Development Authority. "They're all open late and bring a lot of people downtown - we would say a couple thousand people downtown - for shopping tonight, so they do well."
Ladies' Night is from 5pm-9pm Thursday night.
Men's Night will take place Thursday, December 19.


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VALENCIA, Venezuela — They range from wealthy businessmen to boisterous students and poor single mothers, jammed together 10,000 strong in a stadium, chanting "change is possible!" and shoving forward to greet the man who is challenging President Hugo Chavez's grip on power.
There's a problem, however: Leopoldo Lopez can't run for office.
Like many of Chavez's opponents, some of whom are in jail or have fled the country, Lopez is barred as a candidate because of a government corruption probe against him.
It's a tactic critics say Chavez uses to put his opponents' political ambitions on indefinite hold as he heads into next year's congressional elections and his own re-election campaign in 2012.
Chavez insists he is simply enforcing the law, and corruption in Venezuela is widespread.
Lopez, a former Caracas district mayor, says that if he can't run, he'll recruit those who can.
To unseat Chavez is a task widely seen as futile at present. But the mere fact that Lopez's efforts are resonating with ordinary Venezuelans shows that the democratic spirit still burns in the nation of 28 million.
Lopez, 38, is crisscrossing the country wooing students, trade unionists and others with promising leadership skills. He hopes to mold them into a political movement for Venezuelans who are disenchanted with Chavez's decade-long rule, as well as with the elite who governed the country before him.
While Chavez's appeal is in his embrace of the poor, Lopez wants to capitalize on the growing frustration that an oil-rich country, busy taunting the United States and making alliances with Iran and Russia, can't tame inflation and crime or deliver uninterrupted water and electricity.
"What we want is to build a new majority from the bottom up — not just through negotiations and agreements between elites," Lopez said. "It's a longer road, but for us, it's the only road that gives us possibilities of winning."
By "elites," he means the wealthy but fragmented — and increasingly gray-haired — opposition. But he too could be called elite, coming from a wealthy Caracas family, educated at Kenyon and Harvard in the American "empire" that Chavez reviles.
Chavez supporters dismiss him as a self-interested rich kid seeking to recover what the country's wealthy "oligarchy" has lost to Chavez's socialist measures. But his supporters love his charisma, his message of change, and his blond wife, Lilian Tintori.
Lopez knows political success won't come easily.
Despite recent dips in the polls, Chavez remains the country's most popular politician. But Lopez has made inroads with former Chavistas such as Rosmely Quiroz, 45, a single mother of two who says inflation makes it impossible to live on her minimum-wage salary — $445 a month.
Lopez "is different from the rest," Quiroz said, chanting with the crowd at a recent rally in Valencia, an industrial city where Lopez kicked off the movement he calls Voluntad Popular (Popular Will).
Chavez, a former military officer known to supporters as El Comandante, rose to power on the votes of Venezuelans disaffected with the old parties which they viewed as corrupt and detached from the poor. The opposition then made two critical mistakes: It tried to depose Chavez in a coup in 2002, then boycotted congressional elections in 2005, handing Chavez a majority in congress.
But in elections last year, anti-Chavez candidates rebounded, capturing the Caracas mayoralty and five of the 24 states, including three of Venezuela's most populous. The pro-Chavez congress struck back by removing power and budgets from local and state officials.
Many opposition politicians, labor leaders and university students have been charged with criminal offenses over the past year that have landed them in prison or forced them to leave the country.
Lopez, who had won a landslide victory to become mayor of Chacao, one of the capital's wealthiest districts, was barred from seeking re-election because of the corruption probe. The case is still open two years later, even though no charges have been filed.
"That's the strategy: They shelve my case indefinitely, trying to end my political career," Lopez said.


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Practical Piano Pedagogy
August 11 – 13 2016
An Intimate Gathering of Teachers Seeking Growth
The faculty of The New School for Music Study and the leaders of The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy introduce a new summer program for teachers. Practical Piano Pedagogy is a seminar designed for piano teachers and pedagogy students who desire to improve their teaching and performing skills. Enrollment is limited.
Study with the faculty of NSMS in an intimate learning environment, through one-on-one applied piano and pedagogy lessons and small-group discussions. Expect to be involved and participate! Masterclasses, recitals, and presentations will frame the activities of each day.
Presented by
The New School for Music Study
In cooperation with
The National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy
2016 Schedule Practical Piano Pedagogy Faculty


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PRZOOM - /newswire/ -
Moorpark, CA, United States, 2009/07/14 - Eric Pilaud has been appointed to the position of President & CEO of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), effective July 1. Eric was previously in charge of Strategy, Customers, Innovation & Technology for Schneider Electric. NYSE: ST
Eric Pilaud, Executive Committee member of Schneider Electric has been appointed to the position of President & CEO of Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST), effective July 1, 2009. Eric was previously in charge of Strategy, Customers, Innovation & Technology for Schneider Electric.
Eric began his career as both a university professor and researcher and a corporate consultant in the information technology sector. He joined Schneider Electric subsidiary SES in 1986. Five years later he was appointed to head SF Gandy in Chalon-sur-Saone (France). Mr. Pilaud spent 1995 to 1998 in the UK, first as director of Westinghouse Systems and then of the Automation and Control Division. He led the Schneider 2000+ Company program from 1999 to 2000. He was subsequently responsible for the development of eBusiness within the group (eBusiness@Schneider Electric) until 2001. Between 2002 and the end of 2003, he was in charge of the Strategy Markets Division. In 2003, he was named Executive Vice President for the Strategic Deployment Division and in 2005, he assumed additional responsibility for the companys new Services Division. In July 2006, he was appointed Executive Vice President in charge of Strategy, Customers & Technology Division and the Services & Products Business Unit.
According to Eric, Despite the current challenging economic environment, Custom Sensors & Technologies has the ability to grab huge opportunities. In a world where intelligent and communicating sensors play an increasing critical role in every application, we will invest in technologies and customer intimacy to create a reference in our industry.
Eric replaces Hal Grant, who acted as interim CEO from March June of 2009 after the departure of Chuck Treadway who held the position of President and CEO at CST for three years.
About Custom Sensors & Technologies (CST)
Headquartered in Moorpark, CA, Custom Sensors & Technologies (cstsensors.com), is a global business unit of Schneider Electric, and is comprised of the industry-leading brands of Crouzet, Kavlico, Crydom, as well as the former divisions of BEI Technologies, including Newall and Systron Donner. CST provides sensors, controls, and actuation products for the transportation, industrial and aerospace & defense markets.
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centers/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 120,000 employees achieved sales of more than 17.3 billion Euros in 2007, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations Make the most of their energy.
Agency / Source: Kavlico Corp. | Sensata Technologies GmbH
Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)
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- Bleu Zone
Mobile, AL - Destinee Showell qualified for nationals in the 100m dash this past weekend at the University of South Alabama Invitational.
Showell, a sophomore, from Universal City, TX, ran a season personal best time of 12.21. Showell is also a member of the 4 x 100m relay team that has already qualified for nationals. The 4 x 100m relay team (Henry, Showell, Smith, James, and Keller) also placed 2nd overall and brought their time down to 47.51.
Other top finishes include:
100m dash
Courtney Henry 8th(17) 12.28
200m dash
Destinee Showell 6th(24) 25.26
Courtney Henry 11th(24)25.85
400m dash
Sandreka Keller 5th(16) 1:00:40


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Find hotels & motels in Nags Head using the list below. Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in or near Nags Head, NC for your upcoming personal or group trip. We provide the best Nags Head, North Carolina hotel and motel rooms. Browse the Nags Head area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Nags Head hotels. Need 5+ Rooms? Secure Nags Head Group Hotel Deals
The Nags Head center is around the area of Jockey's Ridge State Park and 4 miles southeast of Port O' Call Restaurant.
If you enjoy a relaxing and serene vacation experience, the city of Nags Head is the place to be! There are a variety of amazing beachfront restaurants and shopping areas (Tanger Outlet Center and the Outer Banks Mall) to choose from. One of the most prominent attractions is fishing as the city has three different piers (Nags Head, Outer Banks and Jennette's Pier) to explore and spend the day at. Visit during the months of July and August to experience all of the outdoor music, festivals and magic show performances all around the city. October is also an exciting month to visit the Outer Banks Seafood Festival with an assortment of live bands, cooking demonstrations and of course, lots of delicious fresh food to eat. Local hotel accommodations include Nags Head Inn, Comfort Inn South Oceanfront and the Bodie Island Resort. Have a great stay!
How should we direct your call?
Below are reviews of the city of Nags Head, NC from an actual visitor's perspective.
Have been coming to Nags Head for 40 years and staying in beachfront cottage until this short stay while we were in town for a wedding. We love EVERYTHING about Nags Head, except those pesky hurricanes of course.


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Silk'n Flash & Go Hair Removal Device
Silk'n Flash & Go Hair Removal Device Reviews
Just need a little patience!I bought this device sbout 5 months ago and am so thrilled I did! This was a true \"investment\" that was well worth the money. I was diagnosed with PCOS several years back and have spent literally thousands of dollars on hair removal packages. This handy little device is JUST as good and keeps me from having to sell my firstborn to pay for all those packages! I have used it so far on my face and ...read morecalves and it has made such a HUGE difference. By summer, my legs will be sitting pretty. There are 5 settings on this and each cartridge has 1000 pulses. For larger areas, I had to replace the cartridge after 2 months and each cartridge is between $30-$50 depending on where you buy it. Also, this is the ONLY FDA approved hair removal device. Definitely a must have; you will not be sorry! — 3 years, 11 months agopixie_dust | 492 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 17 of 17 people said helpful
course gray hairDoes this work on course gray hair? — 2 years, 6 months agonaughton | 1 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 3 of 7 people said helpful
AmazingI'm amazed how well this product works. I've done just 2 treatments and am already seeing results! But I will add that I am the perfect candidate for this technology--extremely fair skin with very dark hair. — 3 years agokittencon | 1 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 2 of 3 people said helpful
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This beautiful rectangular scatter cushion with flower detail is limited edition from The Cushion Collection. Place on outdoor furniture for a beautiful natural feel or in the lounge or a bedroom.
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Syngenta Seedcare launched an updated online training module that educates audiences about corn nematodes and how to protect corn plants from these invisible but costly pests. The module was first launched in 2009 but now has major updates.
"Irreversibly damaged corn plants are often the first sign that corn parasitic nematodes have infected a field," said David Winston, Seedcare product lead, Syngenta. "But the symptoms are often attributed to other causes. We designed this online tutorial as an important educational tool."
Through a series of short, informative sections, participants learn about corn nematodes, including how to identify them and prevent yield loss. The module underscores the commitment of Syngenta to provide farmers with technologies that will help them grow more corn.
Plant-parasitic corn nematodes are microscopic, threadlike worms that infect corn plants and cause symptoms including overall stunting or wilting, yellow leaves and damaged or swollen roots with lesions. There is no rescue treatment for corn nematodes—plant health cannot be restored after corn nematodes have infected and damaged the corn plant. Yield loss is irreversible as well.
The product of note from Syngenta is Avicta Complete Corn, a nematicide/insecticide/fungicide seed treatment.
Syngenta has a library of interactive training tutorials to learn more about important farm management topics at http://farmassist.com/Tools/OnlineTrainingModule/trainingmodules.aspx.


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If your dog's skin appears red, inflamed and itchy with multiple scab wounds and hair loss, your dog may be infected with mange. Mange, also referred to as canine scabies, is a skin disease where tiny mites invade your dog's body and reproduce in droves on your dog's skin. Mange most commonly occurs on the lower limbs and around the eyes and lips. Provide relief from mange by administering natural remedies for this disease.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax Solution
Create a mange treatment solution by filling a 5-gallon bucket with warm water and adding a 7 oz bottle of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to the bucket. Add 1 cup of borax to the mixture and let it dissolve. Add more borax in small amounts to the mixture until the borax no longer dissolves. This indicates the mixture is fully saturated and ready to use. Stir the mixture, which is now like a paste, thoroughly and bath your pooch in the solution once a week. Do not rub your dog dry after bathing it in the mixture, which will partially remove the mixture from your dog's body. Instead, let it soak in and heal your dog's mange.
Garlic may be applied topically and administered orally for the treatment of mange as it contains sulfur, which is repulsive to mites. Dilute garlic tincture (pure liquid garlic) with water and apply to affected areas. Use one part tincture to two parts water to dilute. For example, if using 1 tbsp. of tincture, use 2 tbsp. of water. Garlic's antibacterial properties also minimize the risk of bacterial infection on the skin. Add half or a full dropper of liquid garlic to your dog's water or try chopping garlic cloves and mixing them with your dog's wet food.
Additional Topical Remedies
Other natural topical remedies for mange include a neem oil and lavender essential oil blend. Combine one part each of lavender and neem oil with 10 parts almond oil to make a skin rinse that can be applied to affected areas once or twice daily. Apply yarrow oil, ointment or salve to affected areas, which stops the bleeding from oozing wounds and quickens the healing process. Aloe vera's skin-healing properties also may be used in the treatment of mange as it contains antiseptics for healing and skin soothing. Use pure aloe vera gel or fresh-squeezed pulp.
Additional Internal Remedies
Additional internal remedies for the treatment of mange include bacteria-killing, raw, unprocessed apple cider vinegar. Add 1 tsp. to your dog's food to treat symptoms. Open a capsule of echinecea and add it to your dog's food to boost its immune system, therefore making the body more capable of fighting mange. Chop some pieces of burdock root or dandelion and add it to your dog's foot. Burdock is a blood cleanser that helps eliminate toxins through urine and also treats dry, scaly skin. Dandelion cleanses the liver, the body's main source of removing toxins.
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Russia's leader Vladimir Putin will be one of the statesmen attending Friday's 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, the greatest amphibious assault in the long history of warfare.
I suspect that his thoughts may occasionally drift back east - and well might they, for what was happening on the Eastern Front was of greater significance than what happened on the beaches of Normandy.
This is not to belittle or diminish the extraordinary heroism of those who secured the beachheads, or indeed the brilliant planning (and deception) which preceded the landings. It is simply to remember that Hitler, and the grotesque evil of Nazism, would never have been vanquished had it not been for the sustained valour of the Russian people, and their colossal sacrifice (14 million troops killed or missing; another five million severely wounded, and around eight million civilians killed).
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As the Allied forces landed in Normandy, the Russians were preparing for the vast battles that really turned the war. These began about a fortnight after D-Day. Around 1.3 million troops in 166 divisions, deploying hundreds of tanks and supported by 6000 warplanes, were about to give Hitler's armies a pounding from which they never recovered. These men, and indeed their generals, who fought so resolutely against Hitler's elite armies, are now largely forgotten in the West. They deserve to be remembered.
For example there was the exceptionally precocious general Ivan Chernyakhovsky. In the summer of 1944 Chernyakhovsky was just 38, yet he had already led the Russian Sixth Army in their significant victory at Kursk, and he was about to win more crucial battles in the great offensive that began on June 22.
Not once, but twice, he was made Hero of the Soviet Union. Adept and confident in handling huge forces, he was typical of the best Russian generals. He was killed in East Prussia early in 1945 when he was hit by shell fragments.
I cannot pronounce his name; but then it's hardly a household name in the West. Indeed, that's the problem.
Within three days of the start of the Russian offensive, at least 20,000 German troops had been killed. Many thousands more were taken prisoner. The Soviets drove west, and more victories were recorded as the Germans retreated. This was the probably the most successful sustained operation of the entire war. A German commander reckoned that in the summer of 1944 the German armies in Russia suffered the worst series of defeats in their history.
The Russian leader, Joseph Stalin - "Uncle Joe" as President Roosevelt of the US called him - was no democrat. As a commander he could, and did, behave with a fearsome ruthlessness that would have been impossible in the West. In crude terms, he was not fighting for freedom so much as the very survival of his country. He was fighting Hitler, his erstwhile ally, because Hitler had stupidly invaded Russia.
In March 1946, in one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century, delivered in Fulton, Missouri, Winston Churchill articulated his "strong regard" for the "valiant Russian people" and for "my comrade, Marshal Stalin". He said he understood the Russian need to secure its western frontiers. He added: "We welcome Russia to her rightful place among the leading nations of the world. We welcome her flag upon the sea."
But then he warned that an "iron curtain" was descending across Europe. He had to "portray the shadow" that was falling not just on Europe, but the world.
Churchill's speech was acutely prescient in its anticipation of the Cold War and of the need for the UN to establish peace- keeping forces. It acknowledged the immense sacrifice and bravery of the Russians, yet at the same time warned the rest of the world about them. It caused a global furore. Stalin himself was furious.
In a way, the position has not really changed. We have to be wary of the Russians, of course we do, but we also must remember, always, that the Second World War would not have been won without them, and that their sacrifice was almost beyond imagination.


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You're right and yet wrong.
Magic is the face of the LA Lakers. You insult him, you insult the franchise, as well as their fan base.
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You're right and yet wrong.
Magic is the face of the LA Lakers. You insult him, you insult the franchise, as well as their fan base.
It wasn't about being the team everyone loved, it was about beating the teams everyone else loved.
Division Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Conference Champions 1955, 1956, 1988, 2005
NBA Champions 1989, 1990, 2004
Hey listen, if you've been here for any length of time, you know that I'm not one to defend Ron. That said, I stand by what I said: Those in glass houses... Who is Magic to indict anyone because of their destructive behavior? If you really want to get into the dark side of the NBA and sports in general, you have only to examine Magic's behavior while he was an NBA player.Originally Posted by denyfizle
Um, guys is my memory that bad???
I, for some reason, remember that Magic got Married to Cookie after he announced he had H.I.V. or am I totally off base with that?
Also let's not get into cheating spouses with Ron, because he has no rights to throw stones either.
So, IMO, that makes him a two time loser in this debate.
Not only did he F up in his job, but Ron has had a little extra on the side as well.
As far as I know Magic was never ever ever close to being booted from the NBA let alone the Lakers.
BTW, does anybody really believe that Magic was any worse than any other baller back in the day with the women?
Well, there was A.C. Green.BTW, does anybody really believe that Magic was any worse than any other baller back in the day with the women?
Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!
As Peck said, Ron certainly shouldn't be criticizing how one treats the women in his life.Originally Posted by pacerwaala
Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!
To answer your first question. Yes.Originally Posted by Harmonica
To respond to your second statement, no you are correct I don't know about all of the ballers.
I should have said "some of the ballers" not all.
I know they were together when he announced his HIV issue but I don't know if they were yet married. I'm trying to find the info just to confirm it one way or the other.
Meanwhile... I did find this (which seems somehow relative to the thread):
Johnson and the Lakers rebounded in 1981-82, winning their division and defeating the 76ers in another six-game NBA Finals in which Johnson repeated as MVP. The season also had its share of ugliness. Early on, Westhead wanted to restructure the offense in a way that Johnson believed would have reduced his role. In a widely reported incident, Johnson exploded in the lockerroom after a game in Utah. "I can't play here anymore. I want to leave. I want to be traded," he was quoted as saying. Reporters waited for the signal that Johnson was joking. It didn't come.
Westhead was fired the next day and replaced with assistant coach Pat Riley. At Riley's first home game, fans at the Forum booed Johnson during introductions. In Seattle he was jeered whenever he touched the ball. He paid the price in the All-Star balloting and was not selected as a starter for the only time in his career other than his injury season. It took Johnson's stellar playoff performance to silence the hecklers.
Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.
"A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, thats teamwork."
-John Wooden
Yes, you are correct about the pregnancy.
But I guess I was just under the impression that they either weren't married that long or something.
I'm just remembering this stuff off of the top of my head so I could be totally wrong here.
I'm not saying Magic was a saint, but to compare one to the other is just beyond my ability to comprehend.
Johnson was so successful that he became really famous. He played on the Los Angeles Lakers and everywhere they went there were fans waiting for his autograph. Women found Johnson attractive and he was never at a loss for a female companion. In 1991, Johnson married his longtime girlfriend, Cookie. Only weeks later he found out he was HIV positive. So Johnson did one of the hardest things he says he has ever done—he told Cookie. He then decided that he wanted to tell the world. "There was never any question that I would go public," he said. "I've always lived straight up and faced up to whatever happens." That year Johnson told the world and retired from basketball. He started to speak out about HIV/AIDS and educate youth about the disease. He created the Magic Johnson Foundation so he could raise money to fund AIDS research, care and education. Johnson's popularity resulted in his being voted as a starter in the 1992 All-Star Game and, later, chosen for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team.
Nuntius was right for a while. I was wrong for a while. But ultimately I was right and Frank Vogel has been let go.
"A player who makes a team great is more valuable than a great player. Losing yourself in the group, for the good of the group, thats teamwork."
-John Wooden
Here's an article: http://www.aegis.com/news/lt/2001/LT011102.html
The former Earleatha Kelly, Cookie had been with Johnson since college. She had endured the Showtime years, when the line of women willing to have sex with Johnson rivaled the line of autograph seekers. When Johnson told her, he said he would understand if she left him.
He says she slapped him for making that suggestion. "We just cried and held each other. The greatest thing that ever happened to me was that she stayed. I think that's why I'm alive today."
Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!
Wow Ron needs to turn off the tv...
12/27/2005 at Spurs - SamBear - 3
1/2/2008 vs Memphis - SamBear - 19
4/9/2014 - Luis Scola also recorded a season high with 24 points and Evan Turner added 23 for Indiana.
I'm still not sure where Magic is judging Ron Artest. He just said that he wouldn't take Ron and that he is close to ending his NBA career. Neither statements are that shocking or mean spirited.
But since I have never cheated on anyone is my opinion more informed when I say I wouldn't take Ron on my team?
"They could turn out to be only innocent mathematicians, I suppose," muttered Woevre's section officer, de Decker.
"'Only.'" Woevre was amused. "Someday you'll explain to me how that's possible. Seeing that, on the face of it, all mathematics leads, doesn't it, sooner or later, to some kind of human suffering."
Magic was never charged with making threats to the mother of his child.Originally Posted by Harmonica
Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!
"Well, there was A.C. Green. "
A.C Green the real 40 year old virgin.
The dude said "he was saving it till he got married"
We should all learn from him.
A.C you are the man
Originally Posted by Harmonica
nah dude you listen. Ron's cooments were out of line while Magic's was relevant to the subject at hand. Ron got criticized because of his actions that have been currently the talk of basketball country and Magic is a paid analyst and what was wrong with what he said? he said that one more incident from Ron after he gets traded then he doesn't get another contract. SERIOUSLY Ron is lucky to be still in the league after all the BS he's done. had he not had his talent trust me he'd be playing in a third world country now. and whatever grudge or history or whatever snot you have on Magic does not interest me. Ron was wrong so for you to say he's right makes me think you're a knucklehead yourself
Ron's an idiot. As for Magic, his behavior did hurt his team because he probably would have played 2 to 3 more years had he not had to bow out because of the AIDS scare.
Originally Posted by Harmonica
I have no idea why we are even debating this.
What does Ron's actions in basketball world have anything to do with Magic Johnsons actions in the real world.
If you don't lke that Magic works at TNT ok, but I just can't even see why we are comparing the two.
If Magic would have complained about Ron's mental stability & not taking his meds. then ok, but Ervin was talking about Ron's job. Which is what he is being paid to do.
Do you have a problem with what Barkley saying anything about Ron? If not, why not? Chuck has had his fair share of off court problems.
Again, I'm not sure why we are even talking about this.
Here let's change the subject matter to something we both can actaully understand.
I hear that the Pacers want to send Ron to Sactown for Brad.
I think that most of you guys are totally missing the point. Everyone seems to think that in one instance we are talking about a man's career and in the other instance, we are talking about a man's personal life.
If you tell me that you will not take a chance on me, you aren't saying a word about my career.
You are talking about my character, clear and simple.
Magic Johnson makes a statement about a man's character, the back, the man (Artest) responds back, and you somehow think the two are not the same? I suppose the only thing Artest would be guilty of is not putting himself above it all and simply "turning the other cheek".
Now I don't know about you guys, but the most important things to me are the health/safety of my family and our reputations.
In the workplace, the only thing of importance that I take to work and come home with every day is my reputation. If you attack that, then it forces me to defend it.
In Ron's case, the mistake he made really couldn't be defended. And he said as much in his interview. So, human nature being what it is, he did what he thought was the next best thing. He reduced the power of the attack on his character by pointing out the hypocrisy of the one who made the statement.
Bottom line is that when you attack the character of someone else, then by default your own character becomes fair game to the one you attacked.
In this regard, I don't think Artest is any different than any of us.
So if your boss ever fires you then a perfectly valid reply would be to say that his wife should divorce him because he's cheated on her? After all, your boss has just said that you are unfit to work for him, and you have to defend your reputation.
Maybe Ron should challenge MJ to a duel, you know to protect his honor.
It would probably look something like this.


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Doc Savage on the Funny Pages
Chuck Welch
April 2, 2012 - article
We rarely feature Doc Savage material that doesn't reside in the Hidalgo Trading Company. (Links get moved, sites close, and other problems just remind us it's better to keep everything in-house.) That said, rush over to Rip Jagger's Dojo to read The Return of Dave Cockrum's Doc Savage — two weeks of Doc for the…
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Those were awesome!! Where did they come from? Were they ever published?


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With treatment you're likely to recover from granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Even so you may feel stress about possible relapse or damage the disease may cause. Here are some suggestions for coping with the disease:
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Return to Index
Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test
(HbA1c; GHb; Glycohemoglobin; Diabetic Control Index)
A glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein found in blood red cells) that has attached to glucose. The higher your blood sugar is, the more that glucose gets attached to your hemoglobin.
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Reasons for Test
HbA1c shows how high your blood sugar levels have been during the past 3 months. This can help your doctor determine how well you are controlling your diabetes. Your doctor may also use HbA1c to test you for diabetes.
What to Expect
Description of Test
You will be asked to sit. An area inside your elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe. A large band will be tied around your arm. The needle will then be inserted into a vein. A tube will collect the blood from the needle. The band on your arm will be removed. After all the blood is collected, the needle will be removed. Some gauze will be placed over the site to help stop bleeding. You may also be given a bandage to place over the site. The process takes about 5-10 minutes.
After Test
Apply pressure to the site until bleeding stops.
How Long Will It Take?
Less than 5 minutes
Will It Hurt?
It may hurt slightly when the needle is inserted.
Talk to your doctor about what goal is right for you. If your HbA1c levels are high, you may need a change in treatment, such as:
- Changing your medications
- Increasing your level of physical activity
- Modifying your diet
Talk with your doctor about when you should be tested again.
Call Your Doctor
After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Persistent bleeding or discharge
- Pain
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Diabetes Association
National Diabetes Education Program
Canadian Diabetes Association
Health Canada
American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care. 2003;26 Suppl 1:S33-S50.
American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes—2008. Diabetes Care. 2008;31:S12-S54.
Aronow WS, Ahn C, et al. Relation of increased hemoglobin A1c levels to severity of peripheral arterial disease in patients with diabetes mellitus. Am J Cardiol. 2007;99(10):1468-1469.
Check your hemoglobin A1c IQ. National Diabetes Education Program website. Available at: http://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Publications/vodold/vspr9905.htm. Accessed September 3, 2015.
A new number. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2008/nov/a-new-number.html. Accessed September 3, 2015.
Pradhan AD, Rifai N, et al. Hemoglobin A1c predicts diabetes but not cardiovascular disease in nondiabetic women. Am J Med. 2007;120(8):720-727.
Saudek CD, Herman WH, et al. A new look at screening and diagnosing diabetes mellitus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(7):2447-2453.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Kim A. Carmichael, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 09/2016
- Update Date: 09/03/2015


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Learn great skills to get ready for trips to the beach or a day on the water at a lake. Irving has easy access to neighborhood pools and welcoming aquatics staff. Fun for the whole family, learning to swim is an investment in life that lasts a lifetime.
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It's never too late to learn to swim, and no better time than now. Adult swim classes are for ages 14 and older.
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To accelerate learning or just want to work on a particular skill, create a custom class.
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This class is a way to begin or add some variety to an exercise program. Water aerobics can be ideal for a low-impact exercise or recovering from an injury.
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Classes offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings; Monday and Wednesday evenings; and Saturday mornings.
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text: Arnd Baecker wrote: >Hi, > >just for the fun of it I wanted to test the thread aspect on >our dual opteron, but don't get very far in the installation: > > Thank you for these results. I'm not sure what is going on. Are you sure your not picking up headers from somewhere else as well? I would be interested for example to see the file: scipy/base/src/__ufunc_api.h This file is autogenerated, and it could be that something is wrong there. Most likely it is a problem with the header. See below... >compiling C sources >gcc options: '-pthread -fno-strict-aliasing -DNDEBUG -g -O3 -Wall >-Wstrict-prototypes -fPIC' >compile options: '-Ibuild/src/scipy/base/src -Iscipy/base/include >-Ibuild/src/scipy/base -Iscipy/base/src -I/scr/python/include/python2.4 >-c' >gcc: build/src/scipy/base/src/umathmodule.c >In file included from build/src/scipy/base/src/umathmodule.c:7477: >scipy/base/src/ufuncobject.c:95: error: conflicting types for >'PyUFunc_FF_F_As_DD_D' >build/src/scipy/base/__ufunc_api.h:38: error: previous declaration of >'PyUFunc_FF_F_As_DD_D' was here >scipy/base/src/ufuncobject.c:95: error: conflicting types for >'PyUFunc_FF_F_As_DD_D' >build/src/scipy/base/__ufunc_api.h:38: error: previous declaration of >'PyUFunc_FF_F_As_DD_D' was here >scipy/base/src/ufuncobject.c:113: error: conflicting types for >'PyUFunc_DD_D' > >This is with >gcc -v >Reading specs from >/scr/python/bin/../lib/gcc/x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu/3.4.4/specs >Configured with: ../gcc-3.4.4/configure --prefix=/scr/python/ >--enable-shared --enable-threads=posix --enable-__cxa_atexit >--enable-clocale=gnu --enable-languages=c,c++,f77,objc >Thread model: posix >gcc version 3.4.4 > > >I don't need this at the moment (the normal scipy does work >fine on that machine now), but if it is of any help >for `newcore`, I will follow any advice to debug this ;-)... > > It's also possible that something I did recently messed up the ufuncobject.h header (I was playing with some threading issues --- (non-object-array) ufuncs are supposed to release the GIL to allow other Python threads to proceed. I'll look into that. >Best, > >Arnd > >P.S.: for `scipy_new`, on a different machine I also get the -lamos error >and have to comment out > #config.add_subpackage('special') > #config.add_subpackage('optimize') >in Lib/setup.py > > Yes, I think I got this to work, because I played with some stuff in scipy.distutils and then built around libraries previously-compiled. Pearu is supposed to fix this very soon (I just commented out the addition of the __OF__ +self.name stuff in the add_library method of Configuration class in scipy.distutils.misc_util to get it to work). Thanks for your tests. -Travis > > >_______________________________________________ >Scipy-dev mailing list >Scipy-dev at scipy.net >http://www.scipy.net/mailman/listinfo/scipy-dev > >


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Twitchen Farm
Devon EX31 4TT
Your hosts are sisters Helen and Jaye and their families Mark, Keith and Peter.
Bed and Breakfast £35 to £42.50 per person per night, depending on the room you choose.
Double, Family, Twin en-suite rooms all with tv, wifi, beverage tray and controllable centrel heating. Dogs welcome in some rooms.
Breakfast lovingly prepared using local and organic produce. Special diets catered for.
Stunning location on the outskirts of village with fabulous views all around.
Great pub, use the farm walk to go to the pub.
Good access via M5, A361 and A399.
Easy to visit; long sandy beaches Woolacombe, Saunton. NT Arlington Court, Dunster Castle. Kids attractions Exmoor Zoo, The Big Sheep. Railways Lynton Cliff Railway, Woody Bay Station. Gardens Marwood, RHS Rosemoor.
Actitivities; Walking maps and advice available. Cycling bike hire nearby or barn store for your own. Horse riding stables nearby. Surfing. Wildlife safari.
Good food; The Black Venus, Fox and Goose, Exmoor Forest Hotel, Fish and Chips, Lynmouth Pavilion and many more.
We look forward to welcoming you and please please phone if you have any questions, we are happy to help. Jaye and Helen


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Parkeracing Continues Corvette Tradition in AGT Wilton, CT- Today, parkeracing announced it's intentions to compete in the AGT Series beginning with the 4th of July round at Lime Rock. "We are making significant changes to almost every system of...
Parkeracing Continues Corvette Tradition in AGT
Wilton, CT- Today, parkeracing announced it's intentions to compete in the AGT Series beginning with the 4th of July round at Lime Rock. "We are making significant changes to almost every system of the Corvette and are working feverishly to meet our target date" stated owner and driver Keith Parker.
Upgrades include wheels and tires along with brakes. The engine and trans, aero package, and paint will be feeshened prior to the car's debut at Lime Rock. "We hope to let fans follow along with our progress on line at www.parkeracing.com as soon as the site finished" Parker went on to say.
Keith Parker has remained loyal to the Corvette marquee throughout his racing career, beginning with a 1971 LT-1 coupe he autocrossed with the National Council of Corvette Clubs in 1987. Moving to a '68 coupe dedicated as a race car in 1989 Keith won a South Jersey Region SCCA Solo II class championship in B/SP and made the move to wheel to wheel competition the following year.
Competing in the Eastern Motor Racing Association's STGT class, Keith finished 2nd for the season and also took 5th place overall in the East Region NCCC competition the same year. The next year the current car was purchased as a project and two additional years were spent putting the car together. An extensive testing program paid dividends as Keith placed second in the American Thundercar Racing Association's all Corvette race at Sebring FL. in 1995, the first race for the car. The following year, again at Sebring, Parker placed first in class at the NCCC National Convention.
Keith has owned and race Corvettes since 1979 and was a co-founder and first President of a NJ Corvette Club in 1983. In addition, he has been active at the regional and national level with NCCC. Parkeracing will have a major announcement concerning sponsorship soon.
The American GT Challenge will open its inaugural season at South Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina April 10 through 11th. The American GT Challenge uses purpose built tube frame chassis cars, power by a V-8 & V-6 engine, with composite bodies, replicating series produced American touring or grand touring cars competing exclusively on Goodyear Racing Tires. For more information visit www.americangt.com


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Three new books bring e-media to the printed page.
IraqiGirl: Diary of a Teenage Girl in Iraq (Haymarket Books) by Hadiya is a blog about the U.S. military occupation of Mosul, Iraq, by a girl who was 15 when she began writing it in 2004.
Undiscovered Gyrl (Vintage) by Allison Burnett is a novel in the form of a blog that relates the adventures, amorous and otherwise, of 18-year-old wild girl Katie.
The World According to Twitter (Black Dog) by David Pogue, the New York Times personal tech columnist, gathers the clever answers of Pogue's half-million Twitter followers to questions like "You can send one tweet back in time . . . What and who?"
Colette Bancroft, Times book editor


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Brent Boyer: Last call for Locals
April 21, 2011
Steamboat Springs — Everyone has a story worth telling.
I think it was Doug Cosper, my Reporting 1 professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, who told me that. It's an oft-cited turn of phrase for journalists, as it should be. Spend a bit of time with anyone and you're sure to learn something interesting and worth sharing with others.
Cosper's words stuck with me, and I'm reminded of them every spring as we prepare another edition of Locals, our annual collection of profiles of Routt County residents.
My own Locals assignments throughout the years have given me the great pleasure of getting to know some fascinating residents, people such as Bill McKelvie, Tom Sharp, Dave Schmid, Steve Dawes, the late Kathy Main, Bill Bowes and Steve and Denise Hitchcock.
It's been more than 15 years since the Steamboat Pilot & Today first began publishing an annual Locals section. In that time, we've written about hundreds of Routt County residents, some of them newsmakers already, many of them not. And perhaps that's what I most enjoy about Locals — the chance to learn about someone whose face I may know from the grocery store aisles or their place of employment, but whose other ties to the community may be less visible.
The deadline to turn in nominations for the 2011 edition of Locals was last week, but I hate the thought of not compiling as extensive a list as we can from which to choose this year's profiles. If you know someone the community ought to get to know, too, please email the nominee's name and contact information to Eugene Buchanan at firstname.lastname@example.com. Include the reason for your nomination as well as your contact information.
Recommended Stories For You
Locals will be published as part of the summer edition of At Home in Steamboat Springs magazine, scheduled to hit newsstands July 1.
Brent Boyer is editor of the Steamboat Pilot & Today. He can be reached at 970-871-4221 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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Analysts Discuss New Congress, Iraq Violence
[Sorry, the video for this story has expired, but you can still read the transcript below. ]
JUDY WOODRUFF: And now the analysis of Brooks and Dionne, New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne. Mark Shields is off tonight.
David, to you first. This new terrible spike in violence in Iraq — or I should say another — is this a new phase or is this just more of the same? How do you read it?
DAVID BROOKS, Columnist, New York Times: Well, I think the big implication, first of all, is that events in Iraq are happening faster than events in Washington. And what we're seeing is the disintegration of Iraqi society.
I think about 10,000 Iraqis move every week back to their tribal homelands — Shia to Shia areas, Sunni to Sunni areas. And so you've had almost half a million people move. And so what's happening is society as an organism is pulling back into itself. And I suspect that American policy and world policy hasn't really caught up with that yet.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Do you see it that way?
E.J. DIONNE, Columnist, Washington Post: Well, you know, I mean, the administration wanted to wage this war in the worst way, and in the other sense, tragically, it did.
I mean, from the very beginning, we have not — we were not able to establish order in Iraq, which was the thing that Iraqis expected us to do. And we let these problems fester and fester, and I think the administration didn't realize that there was a time limit on this, that the American people weren't willing to stay here forever.
They didn't have all the time in the world, and that the forces on the ground, as was mentioned in the earlier segment, were going to begin to fly apart, if we didn't really establish order and some trust in our ability to provide order so the Iraqi government could have confidence.
I think the problem now is that it's not clear how you put this back together. Once the china is broken, it's broken. And there are a lot of regional forces with both an interest, on the one hand, in avoiding civil war — and that's what we've got to count on, that we can get some of those regional forces together to say, "If this gets out of hand, we're in trouble."
On the other hand, Iran does have an interest in its influence in the south, and I think Iran profits from the fact that we are in the middle of this mess. And Syria, whose help we need, is also a real problem for us, not only in Iraq, but also in Lebanon. So this is a very, very difficult situation to solve.
Regional influence
JUDY WOODRUFF: Well, speaking of these regional forces, David, tomorrow was supposed to be a meeting that the Iranian leader had called of the Syrians and the Iraqis. That meeting may be in doubt. But there do seem to be some effort -- the president's going to be there meeting with the Iraqi leader in Lebanon next week. Could there be a regional answer somehow?
DAVID BROOKS: I hope so, but I guess I'm a little dubious. In the first place, as somebody mentioned earlier in the program, Muqtada al-Sadr is having trouble keeping up with reality on the streets. I really have trouble thinking that people in Tehran, or Amman, or Damascus are going to be any better at keeping up with what's actually happening on the streets than Muqtada al-Sadr who's sitting right there.
And then the second thing to fear is the way this will ripple out throughout the Middle East. The Sunni-Shia warfare that's going on right now is not going to be unwatched in Saudi Arabia, in Lebanon, and in other places where there's either Shia or Sunni and Shia populations with presumably higher and higher levels of hostility.
And I have to say, the one approach that seems to make some sense to me right now is an approach that's long been championed by a guy named Peter Galbraith and has more recently been championed by Joe Biden and Les Gelb, and that's acknowledging the reality on the ground, and not trying to partition the country, but acknowledging that people are moving back to their areas, and trying to set up some local authorities within sectarian groups.
JUDY WOODRUFF: So are you saying the regional efforts are really just a sideshow here, and the focus needs to be inside Iraq?
DAVID BROOKS: I really have trouble believing people outside Iraq are going to be able to do a better job than we have or anybody else has in imposing order in Iraq. And by the way, I'm not totally convinced that Iran's interests dovetail with ours to any great extent, let alone Syria's interest.
Syria has an interest, for example, in Lebanon, in destabilizing the Lebanese government. We have an interest in propping up that government. Our interests just don't dovetail with regimes like Syria and Iran.
JUDY WOODRUFF: And, E.J., you know, isn't it what -- I mean, aren't we hearing from different sources that talking to the region may be what the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group is, among other things, that they're going to suggest?
E.J. DIONNE: When you have no really good options left, you go to options that may or may not work, but they're all that you can try.
And I agree with David. I think that the regional powers have real conflict within themselves over what they want. He's right that our interests conflict with Syria's and with Iran's.
On the other hand, as he said earlier, Syria and Iran, and certainly Saudi Arabia, and certainly Jordan, do not have an interest in this thing flying apart. I mean, it could be very, very dangerous to them. And so, while this is not a great option, I do think that it is one option worth pursuing, trying to get some regional cooperation to ending this.
I have some sympathy for the Galbraith-Biden idea, in terms of quasi-partition, not quite partition. The problem is, it doesn't seem to play in Iraq. A lot of the Iraqis on various sides say they don't really want to do this.
So other ideas floating around that maybe the American forces are going to have to pull back and let some of this conflict play itself out, because we don't want our forces sitting in the middle of a civil war, because that is a no-win situation for our own troops.
Stay or go?
JUDY WOODRUFF: David, some people would look at what's going on and say there's no reason to wait another minute, that whether it's the solution you just described or another one, something needs to happen very, very fast. Do you agree with that, or do we have more time?
DAVID BROOKS: Well, I certainly understand E.J.'s point that, why should we sit in the middle of a civil war? On the other hand, there does seem to be some acknowledgement among people of all stripes that we have had some effect on keeping the lid on this civil war, and if it spills out into civil war and really hundreds of thousands are killed, that's a moral disgrace, and a national disgrace, and an international disgrace.
And furthermore, again, what I mentioned was the rippling out of the Sunni-Shia split could be widespread. The fact is -- and the depressing fact is -- and I have no positive solution -- is that the record of civil wars ending with some sort of moderate solution is not a good one historically.
Generally, one side or another tends to win. And the side that would win in Iraq is the more popular side, the Shia side, which is not the more popular side in the Arab world. And so it's not a hopeful situation, but I do think pulling out -- I still think pulling out would hasten the explosion.
E.J. DIONNE: Well, I think the question is: Will staying in keep the explosion from happening? And that at some point we're going to have to look at this and say, We're not going to leave American troops there forever. This war, as of Sunday, will be longer than World War II was.
The voters clearly signaled that impatience with what's going on over there. And so while I think you can't just pull the troops out willy-nilly, I think we need a path to get out of there within the next year or so that causes the least possible damage to our interests and to the Iraqis.
Potential roles for Democrats
JUDY WOODRUFF: E.J., very quickly, back home, you have the House Democrats, Nancy Pelosi, saying she wants a caucus of House Democrats. She's invited Zbigniew Brzezinski from the Carter administration, Richard Holbrooke, the former U.N. ambassador, to sit around and talk to them. What else can the Democrats do, other than just criticize? Are they in a position now to be part of a constructive solution?
E.J. DIONNE: Well, some of that's up to the president. I mean, the president, under our system, has almost the entire power over foreign policy, unless Congress is willing to cut off funds for the war, which most of the Democrats have said they don't want to do because they don't want to endanger our troops.
But a lot of the people who voted for the Democrats in this year's elections were voting for -- to use a Democratic slogan -- a new direction in Iraq, and they were voting to get us out of there. So I think it's incumbent upon the Democrats to put together alternatives.
I think you have people like Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Senator Carl Levin, who are trying to suggest paths toward withdrawal that would be, you know, less destructive to the Iraqis and to us. And I think the Democrats have to do that.
JUDY WOODRUFF: David, what is the most useful role for the Democrat right now in this?
DAVID BROOKS: Well, I do think doing what Joe Biden is doing, which is just throwing up ideas. There's no question, as E.J. indicated, the direction of Democratic policy is toward withdrawal.
The problem will be, they've been quoting a lot of military experts and a lot of former generals all through the last three years as authorities on Iraq. Most of those authorities do not think we should leave, and so suddenly they'll be going against the authorities they've been quoted.
I should mention, I think, the president's biggest problem would be the Republicans, not the Democrats. House Republicans, Senate Republicans -- those few that remain, that happy band -- they want to be out. They do not ever want to face another election, 2008, with American troops substantially in Iraq. And so they are going to be a bigger problem for the White House than the Democrats probably.
E.J. DIONNE: I think that's right. And I think the Democrats don't want to be in a sort of "stab in the back" position. They don't want the Republicans to take the mess that they started and, if it turns out badly, they'll blame the Democrats for it. So they have to walk a very careful line.
The future of moderate Republicans
JUDY WOODRUFF: And we just heard Kwame Holman's report -- excellent report -- on what's happened to the moderates. And among others, we heard Jim Leach say the center has disappeared. I mean, do you agree with that?
E.J. DIONNE: Well, I think the Republicans vacated the center, which is why really good people, like Jim Leach, lost in the last election. I think all the Republicans in that piece were very clear about why they lost.
Barney Frank, the congressman from Massachusetts, once said that, with the exception of Leach and a couple of others, the moderate Republicans are the people who were always with you when you don't need them, and that the problem was that many of these moderate Republicans -- they didn't stick together as a group.
Enough of them always vote for the conservative leadership that the conservative leadership could run roughshod over anyone who didn't buy conservative or very right-wing ideas.
And I think this is the election in which the American people decided, even if they're decent, smart, moderate, if they're Republicans that are going to be voting for policies well to the right of where they are -- a lot of these folks were elected by Democrats who crossed lines to vote Republican -- it's very hard to be a moderate Republican anymore.
The irony is the Republicans now need moderates more than ever if they're going to rebuild their majority, and they have fewer of them.
JUDY WOODRUFF: David, how do you see the implications of the fewer and fewer moderates in the Republican side?
DAVID BROOKS: Well, obviously, the party, first of all, has to get out of an intellectual rut. You know, listening to Kwame's piece, I was reminded of a meeting I had -- I think it was about October 8, 2005, 13 weeks before the election -- with about 26 House moderates, most of whom subsequently lost their jobs. And they knew 13 months before the election they were going to lose.
They were in a total panic about it. And yet the party did nothing -- I recall another meeting with a group of senators who said, "We've got to protect our moderates." The party did nothing about it. Why did the party do nothing about it?
First, because they couldn't really believe they were going to lose, because they have this victorious mentality. But second, and most importantly, because they were in an intellectual rut, which was all conservative, all the time. And so they really had no intellectual energy for the center.
And so what the party has to do is create something like a Republican Leadership Council. The Democrats have the DLC, which is for moderate Democrats. The Republicans have to create a body of ideas that will appeal to people in New England and the upper Midwest. They have none of that right now, and that's their core problem going ahead.
JUDY WOODRUFF: Well, until that happens, David, what are the implications for policy right now?
DAVID BROOKS: Well, I do think, as Jim Leach put it, there is no center. Some of the Democrats are now centrists, but there is just still the tone of partisanship.
Team spirit dominates everything still on Capitol Hill. And after this moment of peace right now, I suspect we'll return to that with a vengeance. The only hope will be that 2008 candidates, who I really think are pretty unorthodox and could be a breath of fresh air.
JUDY WOODRUFF: On that note, E.J., unless you want to say something in five seconds...
E.J. DIONNE: It depends on whether John McCain and Rudy Giuliani, for example, decide they want to be that breath of fresh air. Or do they think they still have to chase the right wing in the party in order to get the nomination? And then they'll lose the opportunity to do what David rightly says the Republicans need to do.
JUDY WOODRUFF: And it looks like Mr. Giuliani and Mr. McCain are about to look at this seriously.
E.J. DIONNE: It does seem that way. I still don't think Giuliani is going to run, but that's a personal view. And I'm often wrong on these things.
JUDY WOODRUFF: We'll give you another chance to talk about that.
E.J. DIONNE: Thank you.
JUDY WOODRUFF: E.J. Dionne, thank you very much. David Brooks, thank you both.


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WITH SALES of more than 1m units worldwide, the Combat of Giants franchise has already seen significant success on DS.
In Dinosaurs Strike, Ubisoft is putting Mr T-Rex and co at loggerheads again – this time on Wii. The publisher says the brand offers younger players the thrill of controlling a giant creature and fighting others to survive.
Players can take control of 18 different dinosaurs including a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor, Triceratops, Ankylosaurus and more. These can be customised with 12 different colour options, strike patterns and extra horns.
Each dinosaur has its own special abilities and must defend themselves from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as well as their opponents.
Gameplay follows the traditional 2D fighter system with a player declared winner after claiming two of three rounds.
There is also a 'Domination' mode where users must take on eight opponents back-to-back before facing a huge boss. Up to four gamers can play in versus and tag team modes.
Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs Strike is a unique offering for younger players and fighting fans.


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U.S.: After a Frugal February, the Consumer Rides Again
A quick glance at some of the recent economic data will tell you that it's way too soon to start celebrating a new dawn in the U.S. economy. Since this sham of a recovery began more than a year ago, expectations from the boardroom to the family room have been kicked around like a soccer ball, thanks to one extraordinary event after another. Trying to divine any sense of the economy's future has been all but impossible.
But maybe, just maybe, a first inkling of light on the horizon is signaling brighter days. One ray is the surprising speed and precision with which the war in Iraq was carried out, while keeping the oil fields safe, limiting collateral damage, preventing wider Mideast turmoil, and avoiding any new domestic terrorism. Big questions remain, of course, but the military achievements so far have bested nearly all expectations, and some of the uncertainty that had weighed so heavily on the U.S. and global economies is beginning to lift.
Another sliver of light is the U.S. consumer. Early data had suggested that a falloff in consumer demand was imminent. But in March, households served notice that news of the death of their spending was greatly exaggerated (chart). Moreover, household confidence bounced up in early April, obviously reflecting the successful war effort.
Improving the jaded attitudes of business executives and investors will be tougher. CEOs will measure confidence not by the way they feel, but by the volume of new orders they book. Wall Street, which is shifting its attention from Iraq to the economy and profits, is stuck looking at mostly dismal prewar data, such as the downbeat March reports on industrial production and payroll employment. The key postwar data won't arrive until late spring, and those will be the real test of how the second half is shaping up.
THE LATEST NEWS from households is especially encouraging. The Commerce Dept.'s measure of March retail sales rose 2.1% from February. Except for the auto-related surge in spending following September 11, when zero percent financing was introduced, that was the largest monthly increase in 10 years.
The Commerce results are in sharp contrast to the soft March sales reported by individual chain stores. But that performance is measured from year-ago levels. And in 2002, Easter occurred in March; this year it falls in April, making the year-ago comparisons for March look unduly weak.
Strong auto sales also boosted March's total, but even excluding cars, sales still posted a solid 1.1% advance. The strong March showing, plus an upward revision to February sales, means that economic growth in the first quarter may not be as dismal as some forecasters had feared. Moreover, weekly surveys of store sales in early April show an exceptionally strong pickup in buying activity, compared with March. That suggests that second-quarter spending is off to a solid start.
HOUSEHOLDS CONTINUE TO SHOW keen interest in buying homes. Actual building and sales data are still prewar, but mortgage applications through early April have picked up again after a steep slide in March. The four-week average of applications to buy a home stands at the highest level since last summer, as mortgage rates remain exceptionally attractive.
In addition, builders are upbeat about the future. In March, housing starts rose a solid 8.3%, reversing the weather-related drop of 10.4% in February. The National Association of Home Builders' index of market conditions in April held at the low March level, but the NAHB said that builders' optimism about conditions six months ahead surged. Builders noted that attention to the war had depressed sales temporarily.
On the refinancing front, applications are coming off their record high, hit in March, but the first-quarter surge means extra cash will help to support consumer spending in the second quarter (chart).
Given the bounce in household spending, it now appears that the weak winter data were distorted by the temporary effects of severe weather, war worries, and higher energy prices, all of which are now turning around. That was true for industrial production, which fell 0.5% in March, after a 0.1% dip in February. Excluding a weather-related drop in utilities output, production fell only 0.2% last month, and all of that reflects a drop in only one sector, auto output. Even there, the return of cheap financing should boost car sales this spring and lift production schedules.
If consumer demand continues to look stronger this spring, activity in the industrial sector will follow suit. Retailers have cut their inventories to levels that, when compared to sales, are extremely low by historical standards. The same is true for manufacturers and wholesalers. As demand picks up, reordering will feed into additional production very quickly.
ONE DRAG ON THE ECONOMY that will take a longer time to reverse is weak foreign demand. Yearly U.S. export growth in the first quarter was only half that of imports. Weak export gains won't prevent a recovery in industrial activity, but they will limit the rebound. The latest forecast from the International Monetary Fund projects only 1.1% growth in the euro zone this year, compared with 2.2% for the U.S., and only 0.8% for Japan. Moreover, the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Asia threatens major damage to the economies of that region. U.S. exports to emerging Asian nations have accounted for more than half of the growth in overall U.S. exports in the past year.
Yet even though foreign demand is weak, U.S. exporters are reaping some competitive advantage from the dollar's depreciation over the past year. Perhaps more important, because the weaker dollar is pushing up import prices, some additional pricing power is starting to show up at the early stages of U.S. production, and the trend in the prices of retail merchandise shows less need for stores to discount so deeply (chart). Just a smidgen of pricing power will boost the bottom lines of many companies, especially since they will keep a close eye on costs this year.
One common view of the outlook right now is that the excesses of the late 1990s are still holding back the economy, and to some extent that may be true. However, after three years of cutting capacity, reducing inventories, adjusting balance sheets, restating earnings, and lowering expectations, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue that those excesses remain major deterrents to growth.
That notion will be put to the test this summer. With war uncertainty lifting, the current exceptionally stimulative mix of monetary and fiscal policy will have the opportunity to work its magic on domestic demand, perhaps unfettered by any more extraordinary events. And just maybe, this recovery finally will start to act and feel like the real thing.
By James C. Cooper & Kathleen Madigan