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[UPDATED: See end of article for information on who this "DHinMI" tool actually is.]
Markos Moulitsas and the band of self-important anonymous losers that he's allowed to dominate the front page at the world's largest supposedly-Progressive blogsite continue their cowardly march towards full self-destruction.
Today's example comes by way of a comment from the anonymous (read: cowardly) "DHinMI", one of the loudest, most obnoxious and knowledge-challenged of Kos' stable of front-page sidekicks hell-bent on further discrediting the once-prestigious website:
Though, unlike Bev Harris and ourselves, who put our real names behind everything we do, "DHinMI" enjoys anonymity as he/she spews his/her unsupported, fact-free allegations. He/she does, however, offer an email address where folks might try to offer this numbskull a few facts if he/she ever becomes interested in any (which seems rather unlikely at this point): firstname.lastname@example.com
"DHinMI's" comment, ironically enough, is posted in support of a front page article by Moulitsas himself today, in regard to a NYTimes article reporting that some 80 precincts in some of NYC's most African-American dominated precincts registered 0 votes for Barack Obama in their unofficial tallies. Kos then goes on to wonder if the article thus indicates that NYC's "voting machines don't spit out paper ballots? That should be SOP for these things."
NYC, of course, still uses the old lever machines which, of course, do not "spit out paper ballots", something that it seems great champions for the cause of Election Integrity, such as Kos and "DHinMI", ought to know by now.
What "should be SOP for these things," is that people who write at high-profile, influential Internet sites ought to learn what they're writing about before they write about them so that they don't mislead folks into believing they know what they're talking about.
Today's Daily Dose of Daily Kos loser-dom comes on the heels of yesterday's report in which they ominously threatened former CIA agent, Larry Johnson, with permanent banning should he have the temerity to continue his support of Hillary Clinton on their site. Why they seem hell-bent on proving Bill O'Reilly right over there remains a mystery to us, and further begs the question of how long it'll be before the dKos readers who tend to "get it", even as the front-pagers don't, will continue on at that place.
Previous BRAD BLOG-reported examples of dKos front-pagers, including "DHinMI" and Kos himself, busily destroying dKos' previously good name can be found here.
UPDATE: "DHinMI" isn't that anonymous after all. And whaddaya know, he's a member of the official Democratic Party machine. Knock us over with a feather...
"Dana Houle is a political professional now living in Washington, DC.," according to less-than-thorough bio found at dKos.
A bit more digging finds that he was, until a bit of a problem last year, the well-paid Chief of Staff to the U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire's 2nd district, Rep. Paul Hodes, who has been an ally of HAVA co-author and e-voting champion, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, since arriving in Congress in 2007.
Given that we noticed "DHinMI's" attacks on The BRAD BLOG and Election Integrity advocates just after the New Hampshire Primaries blew up, his fealty to the state of NH, their embarrassment of an election system, and the honorable Majority Leader come as little surprise.
All of that also may help to explain why he'd be working so hard in his quest towards trying to discredit Election Integrity advocates and places like The BRAD BLOG and BlackBoxVoting.org, etc. with unsupported and breathless claims in the hopes of sliming us with charges of "tin-hattery."
In other words, the shameful Houle seems to be an irresponsible Leftie Swiftboater of the highest order.
One would think the rules of transparency and ethics would dictate a bit more info on his Daily Kos bio, given his (at least previously held) high-ranking position within the Democratic Party apparatchik. But, as we've come to learn, transparency isn't of much interest to officials from NH, those in Hoyer's office, or amongst the Kossack muckety-mucks.
(Hat-tip BRAD BLOG commenter Dan.)
UPDATE 2/17/08: An emailer writes in to point out: "You may know this already, but Hodes had been an early cosponsor of Holt's awful bill".
"Holt's awful bill" would be Congressman Rush Holt's awful Election Reform bill HR811, which we were honored to help his office write prior to it's introduction. Despite our best efforts, unfortunately, the bill as currently written is, indeed, "awful" and will, in fact, to paraphrase "DHinMI" (Dana Houle) do "more harm than good" for Election Integrity in America. Little wonder then that Houle would want to attack us, since his boss, Paul Hodes, was so terribly wrong in supporting that bad bill. You can read the entire ugly story on our HR811 Special Coverage page.
Of course, had "DHinMI" made very clear, as we do, who he was in the first place when he began his attacks on Election Integrity advocates, we would have had a better idea where he was coming from, and why he was making such attacks. But, apparently, it's more convenient for the cowardly Houle to obscure such points wherever possible rather than have a legitimate debate (which I'm happy to have with him out in the open, anytime, anywhere, so the rest of the world can decide for themselves whose actually doing "more harm than good" for the cause of Election Integrity in America.)
UPDATE 2/18/08: Yes, we know it's difficult to understand that most folks, such as ourselves, don't generally bother to read dKos' front page, where their "ABOUT" button is located. They don't include that button on single diary pages as posted by users, the ones we tend to get pointed to when someone let's us know there's something of note over there. So we failed to notice "DHinMI's" bio originally.
Had we noticed it, we would have seen that he was actually Dana Houle, and a "a political professional now living in Washington, DC." But we wouldn't have known, of course, that he had been Chief of Staff to a Congressman from New Hampshire, who had conflicts of interest with a number of the points that "DHinMI" had been ranting about, without Googling to connect some of those the dots. The dKos bio doesn't disclose those germane points, or many of the others mentioned above which would seem to offer the --- at the very least --- the appearance of a conflict of interest with many of "DHinMI's" pseudonymous (or actually, anonymous to most readers) postings.
When we write about Rush Holt's Election Reform Bill, HR811, for example, we go out of our way to DISCLOSE the fact that their office asked us to help write it prior to it's release. It seems the right thing to to do, even though we do not support the bill. No such disclosure, is apparently necessary for the Kossacks.
The front-pagers are out in force over there today, making excuses for themselves, and continuing their attempts at sliming/discrediting The BRAD BLOG again in this thread today, instead of taking responsibility for their behavior. As with the Bush Administration, it's everyone's fault but their own.
Also, as with the Bush Administration, the idea of following their own rules doesn't apply themselves, of course. Though their posting rules, if you can find them on the site --- as used to ban loads of posters who disagree with the dKos gatekeepers about issues of Election Integrity --- state that "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence" and that "defamatory writing [is] prohibited".
Nonetheless, it hasn't stopped their own front-page posters from making extraordinary, defamatory allegations, without bothering to supply any evidence at all (because there is none) that The BRAD BLOG has made claims of "stolen elections", "fraud" and other such "conspiracy theories."
Oh, well. It's their own grave. Unfortunately, it's also all of ours in the bargain.


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The Municipality of Norristown's Taxpayer Bill of Rights was first adopted by Ordinance 16-01, the regulations of which were outlined in Resolution 21-46. You can read the full list of regulations in Resolution 21-46.
The Municipality of Norristown collects real estate taxes for Montgomery County, Montgomery County Community College, the Municipality of Norristown and if applicable, the trash fee for the Municipality of Norristown.
The Montgomery County Board of Assessments, contacted by calling 610-278-3761, can provide assistance with changes to owner information and mailing address for property tax bills.
The fee for tax certification is $35 per property. Requests can be submitted by phone, fax or email, but the request will not be fulfilled until payment is received. Call the Finance Department at 610-270-0431 or fax to 610-270-0445.
Currently, online payments are only accepted for parking ticket violations.
The amount of the fee, $65 is the same, but they are separate fees.
The Residential Rental Property License fee is a fee per charged to residential rental property owners on a per rental unit and is paid to the Municipality of Norristown.
The Business Privilege License fee is the annual business owner (including Residential Rental Property owners) and is charged per business and paid to H.A Berkheimer Associates.
No, Norristown Area School District taxes are collected by H.A. Berkheimer and Associates. They can be contacted by calling 610-599-3143 or by visiting them online.
Contact the Norristown Police Department Parking Enforcement for information regarding the process to dispute a parking ticket.

subset: commoncrawl


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A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
Fewer Americans Believe E-Cigs Safer Than Tobacco Cigarettes: Study
But e-cigarettes continue to rise in popularity, with sales nearing $1.7 billion
Friday, May 23, 2014FRIDAY, May 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- As they learn more about electronic cigarettes, American smokers are becoming less likely to believe that the devices are a safer choice than tobacco cigarettes, a new study finds.
In 2010, nearly 85 percent of smokers believed e-cigarettes were less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, but that dropped to 65 percent of smokers in 2013, researchers report in the August issue of theAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine.
"This apparent decline in smokers' beliefs about reduced harm of e-cigarettes compared with regular cigarettes is perplexing against the background of advertising and media messages touting e-cigarettes as safer alternatives and cessation aids," study co-investigator Cabral Bigman, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said in a journal news release.
"One possible explanation is that the increased media attention over the lack of [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] approval and regulation of this emerging tobacco product, injuries arising from e-cigarette-induced fires, and health concerns from toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes in recent years may have conveyed conflicting information about the relative safety of e-cigarette use," Bigman said.
The FDA last month proposed long-awaited regulations governing the fast-growing electronic cigarette industry. The new rules would give the agency the authority to regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products, placing them under the same requirements as cigarettes. That would include a ban on the sale to minors.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that turn nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals into a vapor that can be inhaled. Most are designed to look like a tobacco cigarette, but some look like pens, USB drives or other everyday objects.
The devices are becoming more popular. It's predicted that sales of e-cigarettes will soon reach $1.7 billion, or about 1 percent of current sales of regular cigarettes in the United States.
The current study included data from the Health Information National Trends Survey. The investigators found that Americans' awareness of e-cigarettes rose from about 16 percent in 2009 to 77 percent in 2013.
"In the beginning of 2013, more than three in four respondents were aware of this novel product," study co-investigator Andy Tan, from the University of Pennsylvania, said in the news release. "The rise in awareness of e-cigarettes could reflect sharp increases in advertising expenditures by manufacturers, availability in retail stores across the country, and presence in popular media."
Those more likely to know about e-cigarettes included young people, current and former smokers, and those with higher levels of education. Those less likely to know about the devices included Hispanics and older people, the study authors noted.
The researchers also found no link between increased awareness about e-cigarettes or beliefs that they are less harmful and smokers being more likely to try quitting.
"One potential interpretation is that adult smokers have not yet accepted e-cigarettes as a means to quit smoking," Tan said in the news release.
The finding means that any claims that e-cigarettes help reduce the health threat posed by regular cigarettes are likely premature, he added.
SOURCE: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, news release, May 15, 2014
Copyright (c) 2014 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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1345.4 - SA Stats, Aug 2009
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/08/2009
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PRICE INDEXES Adelaide's largest percentage increases in prices from the previous quarter were in the areas of Clothing and footwear (3.9%), Health (3.6%) and Household contents and services (2.1%). The largest decreases in prices from the previous quarter were for Financial and insurance services (-1.2%) and Food (-0.7%). WAGE PRICE INDEX The wage price index for all employee jobs in South Australia increased by 0.4% (in original terms) between the March and June quarters 2009. This was less than the national increase of 0.6% over the same period. WAGE PRICE INDEX QUARTERLY CHANGES, Total hourly rates of pay excluding bonuses, Original, South Australia HOUSE PRICE INDEX Preliminary estimates show that the price index for established houses for Adelaide (in original terms) increased 3.4% in the June quarter 2009; the first increase since the March quarter 2008. Price rises were recorded in all other capital cities between the March and June quarters 2009 resulting in an increase in the price index for the weighted average of the eight capital cities of 4.2% over this period. Over the year to the June quarter 2009, the preliminary estimates show the price index for established houses for Adelaide rose 2.7%, while the weighted average of the eight capital cities decreased 1.4%. Document Selection These documents will be presented in a new window. |


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Stainless steel Cookie Cutter 5 Petal Flower S/S. 6.75 x 6.5cm. At widest points. 2.5cm high. Decorate with royal icing or use a gorgeous pattern in fondant using our patterned rolling pins!
This cutter has many uses in baking, craft and textiles. It is ideal, used in the kitchen, for cutting cookie dough, shortbread, fondant icing, sandwiches, fruits and cheese plus also can be used with modelling clay in ceramics and pottery, jewellery making, fimo, sculpy and even playdoh. Or how about using it as a stencil in felting, scrapbooking, candle and soap making. The cooking and craft ideas are endless.
Stainless steel Made in China


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A mid planter in a unique bubble antique finish. A stand out item ideal for a variety of planting. Also Avaiable in a short set as well.
Round Pot
Green Purple
Frost Protection:
100% Frost Proof
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Categories: Atlantis, Planters
Tags: green purple, saigon
Product FAQs
Yes! All our pots are garden pots and therefore have drainage holes (except the Giant Bonzai Dish). The bigger the pot, the more holes there will be.
All pot dimensions are external measurements and not necessarily the size of the opening at the top (depending on shape).
We don't know! We have a huge array of pots and we do not weigh each one. Most of our pots are large and heavy hence why we use a palleted carrier for delivery.
The majority of the pots we sell are glazed in one form or another and are therefore 100% frost proof and you have complete peace of mind throughout the hard winter months. Without a glaze, our Tuscan / Terracotta range are porous and are therefore susceptible to very hard frosts.
With a few simple precautions you can easily protect Terracotta pots also. Please see our additional information on this - Looking After Terracotta Pots
The only safe way to transport heavy pots is on wrapped pallets. The delivery charge is totally dependant on where you are located and what we in turn are charged by the carrier company. We make a loss on pretty much all of our deliveries. We acknowledge that for some locations the prices are high, but we have no leeway on this at all.
We do offer a collection service to those that would prefer to pick up their pots and you can choose this option on checkout.
Due to large volume, orders are currently taking about 7-10 days. We thank you for your patience.
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Atlantis Saigon Green Purple


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Browse our selection of Power Semiconductors
Click here for Zilog products
IXYS owns and operates four manufacturing facilities around the world, in addition to establishing alliances with selected world class foundries. IXYS strives to provide maximum flexibility and efficiency in order to cost-effectively serve its customers on a global basis.
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Hey Dude. I'm guessing that it was you that moved the random thoughts thread. It's a shame that such a legendary thread should end up in Politics, just because James wants to touch my cock. You should have just deleted the posts or locked the thread for a few days.
Hiya dude. Anything you could do about this? Jim's pretty upset about being banned... http://www.mercuryserver.com/forums/...ng-away-tracks
have fun in cali!
well thank you. i always knew you wanted to be a woman
clear out your inbox man, i gots a msg for ya. late.
what's up throb?
Are you Kidding me??
I got some N64 Games Yo!!
DUDERZ get a life!!!
WHOA I can change this!1!
Here since 2002
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Sir Toastiness
Paging Doctor Weeds...we have a shortage on 1st St.
Originally Posted by Kamal adam wtf did you add


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An outstanding businessman came to us and said, "My life is a complete wreck. I have spent so much this past year on psychiatrists—they cannot patch me up. I'm too far gone to save. The only hope for me is if God would remake me."
Our minds immediately flew to Jeremiah, the 18th chapter, and the wonderful story of the potter's house.
Jeremiah says, "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make" (Jeremiah 18:3-4).
Then Jeremiah went on to quote God as saying, "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand" (Jeremiah 18:6).
Here is a vivid picture of life painted by the Prophet Jeremiah. He portrays God as the divine potter and man as the clay that the Master Artist seeks to make into a vessel of usefulness. But in the process, the vessel becomes marred—a flaw appears in the work—and tenderly the skilled Craftsman of life refashions it to His own liking.
What an accurate portrayal of people! We, like that vessel, were made of earth. The Bible says, "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7).
Three points stand out boldly in the parable of the potter: made, marred and made again.
First, He made it
Man, in his pride and self-styled wisdom, would claim that he is self-created. He would wrest himself from the skillful hands of the Potter, and cry, "I evolved and I am the product of natural law; I am self-created!" He would devise all sorts of theories to convince himself that he came into being independent of Almighty God. But despite all his claims of self-creation, the only true record and the only true evidence indicates that it was otherwise.
The Bible says that God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness … So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him" (Genesis 1:26-27).
And, notice, God did not make man haphazardly, but with an infinite plan and purpose. He made him in His own image and likeness: a creature with which He could commune and fellowship. You were made for God's fellowship, and to fulfill any other purpose is to fail to fulfill your destiny.
That heart of yours, which, despite its evil and waywardness, in its serious moments cries out for fellowship with the infinite God. That mind of yours, so fraught with evil imaginations, sensual images and earthly aspirations, longs for communion with the divine Potter.
That body of yours, tired of its labors and wanderings, aching with loneliness, hungers for companionship with the One for whom you were created.
Thousands of people admit that they are unhappy. Economic security, recreation, pleasure and a good community to live in have not brought about the peace and happiness they expected. The reason is that man was created in the image of God and can find no complete rest, happiness, joy and peace until he comes back to God.
You were not only made for a purpose, you were made with a will of your own. This will of yours is capable of obeying or disobeying, of choosing life or death, darkness or light, Heaven or hell, sin or the Savior. If there is no will, there can be no true love.
God wanted us to love Him willingly, with a free heart, by choice. This was the only way true love and fellowship could be achieved. As we all know, man failed. Curiosity, lust and pride caused man to turn his back on all the golden promise of Eden and to ply his way to the forbidden tree with its peculiar beguiling.
Second, God's vessel became marred
That paradise of peace was turned into a prison of confusion. The sun sank over the fringe of Eden and the gloom of despair and loneliness settled down upon the world. Man, who a few hours previously had basked in the glorious light of Eden, now hid in the shadows of a haunted forest and the sword of his conscience cut deeply into his soul. "The vessel had become marred in the hands of the Potter." Man had become a sinner, a transgressor, a disobedient child of creation. He was immediately classified as an alien from God and even as an enemy.
The wreckage of sin's devastation can be seen strewn along the shores of time. History is full of it. Cain, vanishing into a forest of condemnation, with his innocent brother's blood crying from the ground; the faithless people of Noah's generation, slipping into the relentless flood of God's judgment; the sufferings of a wicked Pharaoh, as he wantonly defied God's plea of mercy; Samson, who once knew the presence of God's Spirit, blindly and remorsefully turning the mill of his enemies; King Saul, consumed with envy, falling on the edge of his own sword; Jezebel, defiant and unbelieving, cast from the window of her palace for the dogs to eat; David, broken and shattered with sorrow brought on by his own imagination.
It seemed that God's plan had failed—that Satan, who coveted God's throne, had outwitted the Most High, and that the whole human experiment had ended ingloriously. But the Potter was not thwarted by the marring of His vessel. Immediately, in love and mercy, He put His plan into action to restore the marred vessel to a vessel of honor. Even in the judgment He pronounced was a hidden promise of hope. He said, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel" (Genesis 3:15).
The seed of the woman was to be the Son of God who would fatally bruise Satan's head and restore ruined man to God. So, although the story of Genesis contains tragedy, it also holds out radiant hope and a golden promise of restoration.
The fall—the marring of man—had proved one thing: man's righteousness had utterly failed. God gave him liberty and he abused it. God gave him strength and he dissipated it. God gave him privilege and he squandered it. This vessel that God had created broke at the point of man's responsibility and became utterly marred.
Every day a million scenes like the one in Eden are reenacted. Men trade their divine rights for a pittance of pleasure, their favor with God for the tawdry things of this world. Each day a thousand sons of Adam slip away into the shadows of their spiritual Eden. But now as then, God in patience and tenderness seeks to restore and redeem His marred vessels.
Through Christ, a way has been opened to God, but now as then, we must approach Him in the manner which He has prescribed, and not our own.
Third, He made it again into another vessel
My first impulse was to use the word mended for this point, but it doesn't fit the picture or the parable. The Book of Jeremiah doesn't say the Potter mended the vessel; it says, "He made it again into another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make."
Our ruin was complete, but our redemption is even more complete. We were utterly marred; we are made completely new in Christ. We were utterly lost; we are saved through Him to the uttermost. Salvation is not a patching up of the old man—it is a new creation. "Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The emphasis today, in many circles, is on patching up the old nature. They see in it some degree of righteousness remaining; some hope apart from a divine miracle; some way of skirting the doctrine of the new birth. "Think good thoughts; do good deeds; be the person you ought to be!" But human nature in its unredeemed state is helpless to think good thoughts, to do good deeds, to measure up to God's requirements.
The Bible says, "You were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation" (Ephesians 2:12-14).
A gospel that appeals to our reason or righteousness will always be popular, for people like to feel that we can circumvent the cross of Christ. The cross left no footing for man to stand upon. It put the responsibility of man's redemption upon Christ. Had not man failed? And was he not and is he not continuing to fail? Hasn't history proved that "there is none righteous, no, not one"? (Romans 3:10).
The cross comes with its mighty power to bring low as well as to exalt, for it exalts none but those whom first it humbles. It calls the pious worshiper to come down out of his ivory tower and to take his place at the cross with the outcast and the vile. It tells the earnest seeker and the anxious inquirer that by their own efforts they are made not one whit better until they put their hope fully in Him who was slain. It tells the sincere evangelical, whose mind is a treasury of orthodox doctrines, that he must stand beside the drunkard and harlot and say, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" (Luke 18:13).
I realize that these are hard sayings, but the Bible says that the cross is an offense to the righteousness of man. The cross says that "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23). It decrees that every person, marred by sin, must be remade.
It is more than pardon, for forgiveness cancels the old wrong but leaves a man where he is morally. It is even more than justification, for justification makes a man judicially worthy in the sight of God. The cross means life. The theme of the New Testament is life, eternal life. "In Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). "Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
So the heavenly Potter, through a process that unfolded through the centuries, "made it again into another vessel as it seemed good to the potter to make."
But the will of man remains intact. The first man used his will to choose death. You must use your will to choose life! Every provision has been made. Every promise is yours, but it will not be forced upon you. God invites, but you must come. The Bible says, "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version.


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Are You Suffering From Tennis Elbow?
Sometimes, either by injury or overuse, the site where these muscles insert can start to become either irritated or inflamed. This condition is known as lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow"- although the majority of those affected do not have to play tennis.
Some examples of this include tennis, carpentry, bricklaying, knitting, playing piano, typing, or lifting objects with your palm facing down. The condition is much more likely to strike your dominant arm.
The pain will typically begin as an intermittent or gradual discomfort during activity and then it progresses so that even simple activities, like holding a coffee cup, can become painful. Pain may in some cases increase when you straighten your arm, grip a doorknob or shake hands. The pain can also vary from mild to severe and commonly radiates into the forearm, sometimes to the wrist.
In most cases, the first step in a successful treatment plan is to modify or eliminate activities that cause these symptoms. At night, do your best to avoid sleeping with your elbow compressed beneath your pillow. Also, you should try to avoid lifting heavy objects with your palm facing down. Tennis or racquetball players may need to consider changing to a lighter racket or try a smaller handle.
If the situation calls for it, we may prescribe a "counterforce brace" for your elbow. This brace will act as a temporary new attachment site for your muscles and will help to reduce the stress that is being placed on your elbow. We may prescribe some sports creams and home ice massage as well. Always remember to be be patient with your recovery!


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Italy is an addictive place. You get a taste of it, and you want more. Indeed, one could spend a lifetime exploring Bella Italia and still not see everything. But with the Euro still relatively strong against the Dollar, it isn't the most budget friendly travel destination for American travelers.
If you want to spend a week or more in any one town or city in Italy, you've probably considered renting a furnished apartment. Below you'll find some tips for navigating the selection process and making the most of your experience.
Weigh your options- and your baggage. If you travel light, and don't mind packing and unpacking frequently, renting an apartment might not make sense, unless you plan to spend a significant amount of time in one place, i.e. at least a week. Some landlords in Italy will rent by the night, but most do not. If you have kids or are less mobile, using one place as a base makes sense.
Take a look at the places you want to visit and look into the logistics of making day trips from your base. In some cases, the places you want to visit might not be easy or inexpensive to do as day trips. In choosing your base, try to find a place that's a transportation hub and is big enough to have a wide variety of restaurants. Car rentals can be prohibitively expensive in Italy, especially if you can't drive a stick, and gas is pricey, so finding a good hub and choosing your rental home or apartment near public transport is especially critical.Consider looking before you leap. There are a host of great sites for browsing vacation rentals, including Trip Advisor's FlipKey, VRBO, HomeAway, Wimdu, AirBnb,9 Flats, Owner Direct, BB Planet, Ancora Italia, and a host of others. Depending on how long you plan to stay in a place, how risk averse you are, and how important it is not to unpack multiple times, you might consider booking a hotel or B & B for a night or two and then checking out apartments in person before you commit. You can make contact with owners through the aforementioned sites, set up appointments, and pick the one you like best.
This option is more time consuming, but if you want to make sure you find a place you like, it might be the best idea because it can be hard to gauge what an apartment is like based on website photos. (It's amazing how misleading photos can be in some cases) When you're on the ground, you can also gauge what the neighborhood is like, and you might be able to negotiate a better deal in person. That said, if you're traveling during the high season in Italy, you might end up getting leftovers if you wait until you arrive to book.
Watch out for events and major holidays. If you plan to find an apartment after you arrive, contact the local tourism office and find out if there are any major events, festivals or conferences going on at the time you'll be there. If you arrive in town during an unusually busy period without a reservation, you might be out of luck.
Make a list of the amenities you need. In contacting a host of different property owners, it's easy to get mixed up with who promised what, so make a list of the things you think you need. For example, number and size of beds required, WIFI, A/C, shower with bathtub, crib, washing machine, (you won't find dryers in Italy) dishwasher, etc.
Double check their location on Google maps. A lot of owners will try to be vague on the exact location of the apartment and won't reveal the exact address until you pay them. Don't accept their assurance that the place is centrally located on face value, and multiply all time estimates by 2. So if they say it's a ten minute walk to town, assume it's 20 to be on the safe side. (At least)
Clarify Internet capability if you need it. If a place advertises WIFI, you can expect it will generally be fast enough to send and receive email, but if you need to do more than that, it's best to let the owner know that you need to work while you're in the apartment. Ask them how fast and reliable their Internet connection is. If they're noncommittal, and you need reliable Internet, look elsewhere.
WIFI can be very hit or miss in Italy, and you might find yourself sitting in your windowsill searching for neighbors' unsecured connections. If you check out the place in person, I highly recommend bringing your laptop or mobile device and doing an Internet speed test on premises. If they have a modem, bring your own Ethernet cord and plug in- you'll get better speed.
Watch out for Italian beds. Most mid range and high-end hotels in the U.S. have very high quality beds. Do not expect that level of comfort while renting apartments in Italy. In Italy, box springs aren't commonplace and many apartment owners skimp on quality when it comes to buying mattresses. I've slept in beds that are about as soft and comfortable as the Rock of Gibraltar.
You can ask owners how comfortable the bed is and they will invariably tell you it's comfortable but some are more convincing than others, and if they hesitate and waffle, you can bet that the bed isn't very comfortable at all. Of course, the only way to find out for sure is to go check the place out in person, or comb the online reviews of the place.
Don't be afraid to haggle. Depending on the situation, you might be able to get a substantial discount if you ask for one. The closer you inquire to your date of arrival, the better your chances. If an owner's apartment is vacant a couple days before your arrival, an offer of 75-80% of their asking price might sound better to them than getting nothing for the week.
Clarify what's included in the price. Some apartments charge extra for utilities, and items like heat can be very, very expensive in Italy. If you have to pay extra, get a firm range on how much the utilities might cost up front. Many owners also charge "cleaning fees," so it's also best to clarify that up front as well.
How equipped is it? Most apartment rentals will include enough supplies to do some basic cooking, but what's included varies wildly. Some places will expect that you buy your own soap, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, etc. and some will not. If you're only going to be there for a week, and need to go out and buy lots of essentials, the cost can add up quickly, but if the place is very well equipped, it can save you a lot of time and money.
Try to avoid payment in full, if you can. Even places that look great can sometimes have lots of problems that aren't immediately apparent. If you're staying in a place for a while, ask if you can pay for the first night or two up front and then pay the rest later. That way, if there are serious problems with the apartment, you have some leverage to extract yourself from the commitment. I've found that owners who have the best places tend to be fine with this arrangement, while the ones who have dodgy places are the most likely to object and want full payment immediately.
Ask how things work. Some landlords will assume you'll figure out how all the various appliances work, but I think it's always a good idea to walk around, test everything and ask questions before they leave.


text:
Hey there, I just got back from a short residency down in a small town two hours north of Mexico City called Tequisquiapan. I was asked to come down there to meet some of the crew of the Clipperton Project, which basically is going to be a crazy boat trip in March with scientists and artists going out to a very remote atoll in the Pacific called Clipperton Island. Anyways, I thought you might like to see some photos of the town and the graffiti that I was surprised to find there.
I found this whole crew of kids working on this wall on the outskirts of Tequisquiapan. I guess this huge wall borders a guys house, he said he invited these guys to come paint it and that he would rather have that then the political paintings that usually get painted on it without his permission.
This was a spot where people used to wash their laundry. Supposedly there is a place in every town in Mexico where people see the ghost of a woman who drowned her own son to revenge her cheating husband. This is where people have seen her in Tequisquiapan
Alan and I also taught some painting workshops at a local school.
When an old political group is ousted, they just put a small X over it.


text:
...that i'm lazy?
'Cause I am.
Case in point: Cinnamon rolls. They're one of my favorite things for breakfast, if not the tippy-top dog (which should come as no surprise, since about 90% of my posts involve that enchanting, and soothing spice), but I rarely find the motivation to make them for myself.
Fortunately, I've found a local bakery that makes a sensational sampling. Each roll has just the right amount of flakiness, a wonderful balance of cinnamon and butter, and the perfect dose of sugary glaze. This discovery is dangerous, for the place is right down the road and very reasonably-priced...
Dang it. How can I resist?
Do you have a go-to cinnamon roll recipe? Better yet, one that requires little effort? Do tell! And while you're at it, what makes a cinnamon roll different from a cinnamon bun? I've always wondered.
January 22, 2010
have i told you lately...
YumLabels: breads, breakfasts, cinnamon!
74 comments:
- Julia said...
The recipe I used for cinnamon rolls was quite delightful, but I can't say they require little effort. On the bright side, you can make them the night before, leave them in the fridge, and then bake them first thing in the morning -- which, if you're like me, is a god-send, since I'm totally non-functional first thing.
http://www.growcookeat.com/2009/02/inspiration-cinnamon.html - January 22, 2010 at 8:00 AM
- Sinful Southern Sweets said...
This is one of my favorite simple cinnamon rolls: http://tiny.cc/tKlyZ
Oh, how I love cinnamon rolls! - January 22, 2010 at 8:12 AM
- Kate at Serendipity said...
I wish I could buy these near me. It's probably just as well that I can't, though. I'm too lazy to make them. I just like to eat them! Gorgeous photo, Grace.
- January 22, 2010 at 8:13 AM
- Jennifer said...
I'm embarrassed to say I've never made cinnamon rolls. But then, I've only started working with yeasted things in the past couple of years and I've stuck with bread because it's forgiving.
The recipe I've always wanted to try is Pioneer Woman's- they look sooo good. But for Christmas I got the KA flour whole grain baking book and there is a good recipe in there (by one of my favorite writers, Jodi Picoult which is kind of weird but I digress)and now I think that should be my first attempt...hey, I think I see a blog post in my future :) - January 22, 2010 at 8:25 AM
- Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...
I would have to just move.
- January 22, 2010 at 8:28 AM
- Gloria Baker said...
I love cinnamon rolls!! gloria
- January 22, 2010 at 8:31 AM
- Anonymous said...
Looks yummy! I bake cinnamon rolls with yeast that are labor intentsive,but also have quickies that satisfy the craving:) Use the can bisquits, quarter each one, dip in melted butter, then roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Lay in a glass pan, and bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Drizzle with frosting (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) Or another option: Use crescents (from a can) roll out, press seams together, and spread with melted butter,sprinkle with white sugar and cinnamon, roll up and cut into small slices. Bake at 350 until light brown. Drizzle with same frosting as before. These are only good the same day you make them, not like the "real" ones that can be frozen. I wish you lived closer Grace, I would deliver my homemade ones to your door:)
- January 22, 2010 at 8:47 AM
- Foodie with Little Thyme! said...
I don't have one for I too am lazy! I think a bun has nuts?????
- January 22, 2010 at 8:56 AM
- George Gaston said...
Grace, I'm like you ~ it is hard to resist a good cinnamon roll.
Here is something I do:
1 sheet puff pastry, cold but not frozen
1 cup cinnamon-brown sugar (2 Tbsp + 1 cup)
1 cup pecans, chopped
Take puff pastry and roll it out on a parchment papper covered counter. Spread cinnamon-brown sugar pecans across puff pastry - leaving an inch from one long side. Roll puff pastry toward that long side.
Put the roll into fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up. Then cut into 2 -inch slices. place face down on parchment paper baking sheet.
Bake them in the preheated 375 degrees F oven for 30 minutes or until gold brown.
Let them cool about 10 minutes and drizzle with a loose royal icing (confectioners' sugar-and-milk)
Then try to only eat one..... - January 22, 2010 at 8:57 AM
- ♥peachkins♥ said...
i buy my cinnamon rolls..heehee.. until I learn how to bake...or you can send me yours...
- January 22, 2010 at 8:58 AM
- shaz said...
Oooh these look good Grace. I tried making cinnamon rolls once - except they were called scrolls and contained raisins (which I left out). It was pretty tasty but unfortunately involved a bit of work - explains why I haven't made them since :) Good luck and do share if you find a super easy one.
- January 22, 2010 at 9:09 AM
- Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...
I am sure I couldn't resist either. The best place here in these parts is about an hours drive and I don't want poor substitues, so, cinnamon rolls are a very special treat:D
- January 22, 2010 at 9:11 AM
- Robin said...
I like to make quick cinnamon rolls, pretty instant gratification and no yeast. I do like a good cinnabon now and again but I stay away since they are so fattening!
- January 22, 2010 at 9:12 AM
- Mireya said...
Hey, lazy or not - that cinnamon roll looks daaaang good and I don't think I'd be able to pass it up either!
- January 22, 2010 at 9:24 AM
- kat said...
We love these too but don't make them either cuz they are too much work in the morning. I have though taken the buttermilk bread recipe from ABin5 & made it into mini cinnamon rolls like Zoe showed on her blog. They were exactly the same but mighty tasty
- January 22, 2010 at 9:40 AM
- Kathy Walker said...
I hate to admit this but I have never made cinnamon rolls. I think it is the fear of eating them all then wearing it! These look quite tasty...I think the gals at work need to sample them...it is time for me to venture out!
- January 22, 2010 at 9:58 AM
- Barbara said...
This recipe comes from Fine Cooking and has been receiving raves while floating around the internet recently. I was going to fix it over the holidays, but decided that we were in baked goodie overkill.
http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/fastest-cinnamon-buns.aspx - January 22, 2010 at 9:59 AM
- Donna-FFW said...
They do look like the perfect roll. When I make cinnamon rolls, I use Pioneer Womans recipe because it makes 7 pan fulls and they freeze beautifully. I dont use her maple glaze however, I use a cream cheese frosting glaze or a simple confectioners sgar one.
- January 22, 2010 at 10:06 AM
- TKW said...
Anyone who makes cinnamon rolls that don't have "Pop'n Fresh" on the can is NOT lazy, in my book.
- January 22, 2010 at 11:54 AM
- Lindsey@pickyeatings said...
Well you know how I feel about cinnamon buns, as I totally just wrote about them, and love them.
- January 22, 2010 at 12:09 PM
- Rosa's Yummy Yums said...
Your rolls looks so scrumptious! I love that yeasty treat!
Rosa - January 22, 2010 at 12:20 PM
- Hungry Dog said...
OMG. Those look awesome. I love cinnamon rolls too, although I wouldn't ever bother to make them. Why bother when someone else can do the work? Have a great weekend, Grace!
- January 22, 2010 at 12:23 PM
- Josie said...
This is a perfect example of a pastry that I have zero interest in learning to make at home. A whole tray of warm cinnamon rolls is just dangerous.
- January 22, 2010 at 12:54 PM
- Mini Baker said...
wow!!! your cinnamon rolls look so flaky!!
- January 22, 2010 at 1:50 PM
- Anonymous said...
That looks like one perfect cinnamon roll! I'm also too lazy to make them myself but haven't found a place that makes really good cinnamon rolls yet.
- January 22, 2010 at 3:07 PM
- Marjie said...
Bun, roll...same thing with a different name. I've made cinnamon rolls with yeast raised dough, and I just love them. They are labor intensive, though.
- January 22, 2010 at 4:06 PM
- noble pig said...
I make Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls becuase the glaze is the best I've had.
- January 22, 2010 at 4:09 PM
- lisaiscooking said...
We have a strange trend among our local bakeries' cinnamon rolls. Several bakeries are doing it now. They're not topping them with a white, sugary frosting. Instead, they sprinkle on more cinnamon sugar. Still delicious, but I sometimes miss the frosting.
- January 22, 2010 at 4:49 PM
- Habbala said...
Cinnamon rolls definitely take effort, but I will tell you the one trick that I learned that makes it easier! FLOSS.
Once you roll up the dough/sugar&cinnamon goodness instead of cutting the roll with a knife, use floss. Slide it under and cinch of the rolls... it makes perfect rolls. - January 22, 2010 at 5:19 PM
- Emily said...
You've hit one of my soft-spots. I LOVE cinnamon rolls. I can't have them around me because I'll eat them. This one looks perfect! Good cinnamon rolls are hard to come by. And hard to make.
- January 22, 2010 at 5:37 PM
- Pam said...
They are my favorite treat too. The only reason why I make them is so I can put EXTRA cinnamon and sugar in them...mine are dripping with it. Mmmmm.
- January 22, 2010 at 6:15 PM
- vanillasugarblog said...
gracie I am going to make some bacon-cinna rolls from scratch soon. put I'm lazy at times too, well, impatient is more the word and I have to admit those rolls at Starbucks weren't that bad. I dive right into the middle part and it was pretty damn good.
- January 22, 2010 at 7:54 PM
- oneordinaryday said...
Not too surprised that you love cinnamon rolls, Grace! haha I found a couple recipes I want to try. One of them is one Ingrid made a while back. Hope you find a great recipe and share it asap!!!
- January 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM
- Melanie said...
Wow, those rolls look fantastic, bakery-bought or not. Everyone deserves a little laziness now and then. And as for me, I have no idea the difference between a cinnamon roll and a cinnamon bun. Hope someone will enlighten me soon.
- January 22, 2010 at 9:10 PM
- Sook said...
I usually make the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon roll recipe but heck, that takes about 3 1/2 hours!! :) We used to go to Great Harvest for a yummy cinnamon roll. Theirs is huge and flavorful! These cinnamon rolls look amazing, too.
- January 22, 2010 at 9:23 PM
- pam said...
I don't have cinnamon roll recipe, which is why I wished that I lived near your fabulous source!
- January 22, 2010 at 11:01 PM
- Julie said...
How convenient! They do look awesome. I'm also a PW cinnamon roll fan. But they're hardly effortless :)
- January 22, 2010 at 11:16 PM
- foodhoe said...
oof... that looks magnificently crispy and flaky, gooey and delicious!
- January 23, 2010 at 12:14 AM
- Anonymous said...
I have no idea what makes a cinnamon bun different from a cinnamon roll. But roll always sounds plain while buns sound cute! hahaha, I love eating these layer by layer, each crusted with it's own sprinkle of cinnamony sugary goodness.
- January 23, 2010 at 1:47 AM
- Lucie said...
Mmmm those look good!!! I make my American grandma's recipe--they get smothered in so much cinnamon buttery goodness that you can't even tell that they're rolled up. I guess that's why we call them sticky buns! Her recipe is quite simple, but the America's Test Kitchen one also seems nice.
- January 23, 2010 at 4:11 AM
- Kitchen Butterfly said...
Oh it looks lovely...though I have a love-hate-love relationship with cinnamon. Why doesnt someone somwher try orange and vanilla rolls................. Maybe you?? Please????
- January 23, 2010 at 5:23 AM
- Barbara said...
Boy do I have a recipe.
Ina Garten's. Made with puff pastry. I served them Christmas morning and there were moans all around. - January 23, 2010 at 7:42 AM
- Mimi said...
I use my mom's 1950's Betty Crocker recipe. I let them rise over night in the fridge and bake them fresh in the morning. The key to good cinnamon rolls is to eat them when they are fresh out of the oven. So you need to finish off that pan of rolls right away, no left overs!
Mimi - January 23, 2010 at 12:11 PM
- Erica said...
Those look fantastic! I love cinnamon rolls!
- January 23, 2010 at 12:51 PM
- Faith said...
A cinnamon roll as delicious as that is dangerous around me! Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite guilty pleasures. ;)
- January 23, 2010 at 3:29 PM
- pigpigscorner said...
Oh man..we are alike! Cinnamon rolls have been on my to-cook list for like FOREVER.
- January 23, 2010 at 4:02 PM
- The Teacher Cooks said...
Why make cinnamon rolls when you can buy these?
- January 23, 2010 at 7:05 PM
- Ingrid_3Bs said...
Grace, I have an awesome recipe which I blogged about a couple of months ago and it involves no yeast. Is light and tender much like ones made with yeast. The dough is easy to work with and they don't take much longer than anything else to make and bake. I have since made several different yeast filled ones and my children always mention that one as being their favorite. I'd be happy to send you the link if you're interested.
~ingrid - January 23, 2010 at 8:50 PM
- Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...
Hehe I'm lazy too! lol But yes the Nigella Lawson Norwegian cinnamon bun recipe is incredible but should come with a word of warning as it's freakishly good and you may find yourself downing 5 as I did :P http://www.notquitenigella.com/2008/03/19/nigella-lawson-norwegian-cinnamon-buns-from-how-to-be-a-domestic-goddess/
- January 24, 2010 at 8:25 AM
- Chef Aimee said...
I steer clear of cinnamon buns, rolls, all of it! Its just too good and I would eat the entire tray. :)
- January 24, 2010 at 10:45 AM
- Unknown said...
oooh that looks dangerous! I've only made cinnamon rolls once and they were good. not great but good. I did see a recipe somewhere (damn...where was that ) that allowed the dough to rest in the fridge over night so you don't have to get up at 3:00am to have fresh rolls for breakfast. And I have no idea what the difference it between the buns and rolls. Now i have to go find out. See what you've done? LOL
- January 24, 2010 at 1:38 PM
- Lynn said...
Yum. Love to make (and eat) cinnamon rolls, but they do require a bit of time. I cheat by using the bread machine, but still, they definitely take some effort.
- January 24, 2010 at 5:47 PM
- Velva said...
I have no idea the difference between a "bun" or a 'roll". I know they taste so wonderful. Honestly, if the place down the road sold good coffee too-I would be there every morning for a cinnamon roll or bun and I would be in heaven.
- January 24, 2010 at 7:36 PM
- megan said...
I'm also looking for a good cinnamon roll recipe. I've never made them from scratch. I plan to try the pioneer woman's cinnamon rolls sometime soon. i just need the time/reason to do it.
- January 24, 2010 at 8:06 PM
- Kathleen said...
These look divine! I've never made them from scratch!
- January 24, 2010 at 9:29 PM
- marla {Family Fresh Cooking} said...
Um, tempting photos, hello!! Thank goodness I do not seek out the cinnamon roll because I would devour them, many of them! The smell of a freshly baked cinnamon roll is unlike any other. If I were to seek one out, first choice would be homemade. Second choice would come from the Blackmarket Bakery in Irvine, CA.
- January 25, 2010 at 9:45 AM
- Amanda said...
I am with you girl... there is a place in Fargo, ND that had the BEST cinnamon rolls... I dont even try to compete!
- January 25, 2010 at 10:18 AM
- Maria said...
If this is lazy, sign me up:)
- January 25, 2010 at 10:36 AM
- Juliana said...
I too love cinnamon rolls, specially the smell of it when in the oven baking...so irresiteble! Please share with me whenever you find an effortless cinnamon bun recipe :-)
- January 25, 2010 at 1:09 PM
- Jennifer said...
I use the cooks country cinnamon roll recipe, and it is the best, truly! Those rolls look pretty tempting to me!
- January 25, 2010 at 1:28 PM
- Jessica@Foodmayhem said...
Cinnamon roll recipes do require a little bit of work. It's a yeast dough, so if I had a great place near me making them, I might just be buying them too!
- January 25, 2010 at 1:46 PM
- LillSis said...
Unfortunately, I don't have a great cinnamon roll recipe, but these look great! They might even tempt me even though I don't have a sweet tooth.
I hate to admit it, but if my family ever gets cinnamon rolls, which is rare, they probably came from a refrigerated can of dough. - January 25, 2010 at 8:40 PM
- Lori said...
Funny I just posted a cinnamon roll recipe. I wish it were quick. But it is pretty simple and in my opinion pretty delicious.
- January 25, 2010 at 9:24 PM
- Bunny said...
Grace if were only so that we could find a cinnamon roll recipe that didn't take all that much work,but they're sooooooo worth it! I make cinnamon rolls with a potato bread recipe, I use a cinnamon filling recipe from Carol and a cream cheese icing that just tops it of nicely. Now you've gone and made me hungry for them!
- January 25, 2010 at 11:00 PM
- Albany Jane said...
Oh man, for a second I thought you had a recipe for these! Where's your source?
The last batch I made I really liked, mainly because they were slathered in caramel goodness. The only down side is they're baked together in one pan, so it's more like pull-apart buns and they don't look like traditional rolls. Otherwise I'm not a big fan of cinnamon rolls - usually they're too big, dry, and not sweet enough for me. It's really the dryness that's offputting to me.
I have no idea about buns V. rolls. To me a bun doesn't really look like anything but a bun, and the roll is, well, roll shaped? - January 26, 2010 at 8:28 AM
- kimberleyblue said...
I'm a little too lazy to make my own cinnabon buns as well, but absolutely adore them. I would love a place close by my house that made delicious ones...though I'm sure my waistline wouldn't!
I like how light and airy these one look. - January 26, 2010 at 9:45 AM
- Sophie said...
My cinnamon roll recipe is kind of a pain lol. But man I would love to sample these!! :)
Thanks for dropping by the blog, Grace! Hope life's been treating you well :). - January 27, 2010 at 11:49 AM
- MJOS42 said...
What local bakery do you get them from? They look amazing. My mouth is watering already...
- January 27, 2010 at 7:30 PM
- Y said...
Dang, that looks good. Nay, amazing. One of those times I'm actually glad I live too far away!
- January 28, 2010 at 3:48 AM
- Laura said...
My dad makes them and they are amazing. My grandma's were excellent (mom's mom) and she was famous for them and needless to say she was miffed when she tried my dad's (and he is a not a cook). He deep fries them and they are TO DIE FOR.
- January 31, 2010 at 4:37 PM
- Deborah said...
Yeah, I love cinnamon rolls, but rarely make them because of the time and effort involved...
- January 31, 2010 at 10:31 PM
- Lisa said...
Oh my. That's gorgeous! I want one.
- February 1, 2010 at 4:51 PM
- Eve said...
Good cinnamon rolls don't exsist in the UK... My heart is still mending from this break.
Maybe I should have a go at making them. Or the easier option, move back state side! - February 3, 2010 at 7:25 AM
- Carolyn Jung said...
I vote for having cinnamon rolls for dinner instead. In the morning, I'm just too bleary-eyed to be making yeasted dough, letting it rise, rolling the darn thing, cutting it, and arranging it in the pan. But in the afternoon, I'd be more than energized to do it. Anyone with me? Who likes cinnamon rolls for dinner instead? ;)
- February 9, 2010 at 11:51 PM


text:
Pancreatic cancer begins in the tissues of your pancreas — an organ in your abdomen that lies horizontally behind the lower part of your stomach. Your pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugars.
Pancreatic cancer often has a poor prognosis, even when diagnosed early. Pancreatic cancer typically spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it's a leading cause of cancer death. Signs and symptoms may not appear until pancreatic cancer is quite advanced and complete surgical removal isn't possible.
Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers in the US and about 7% of cancer deaths.


text:
For outside groups that want to come to campus for meetings and activities contact:
For outside groups that want to come to campus for meetings and activities contact:
Jessica Dillon
Joseph Buckheit email@example.com
Surprise! Right in the middle of Long Island's Nassau County. Beautiful. Green. Open. Accessible. An unexpected urban oasis, NCC's campus houses 47 buildings on 225 acres, which makes us the largest single-campus community college in New York State.
Next door? Plenty of shopping, with two major malls — including Roosevelt Field — nearby, lots of great eateries, from casual to fancy, and major sports facilities. Our other neighbors include the Cradle of Aviation Museum and historic Mitchel Field.
Look beyond our tree-lined streets, grassy quadrangle, and semicircle of picturesque homes that now serve as classrooms and offices. Discover our state-of-the-art classrooms and labs, top-notch presentation and performing spaces and outstanding athletic facilities, including the indoor George B. Costigan Physical Education Complex and the outdoor Mitchel Park Athletic Complex.
The multilevel Plaza — with a fountain and waterfall pool, grassy, stepped seating area and lots of open space — anchors our 12-story triangular Administrative Tower. Other buildings include the A. Holly Patterson Library, two academic wings and refurbished former military buildings now used for classrooms and offices.
The Student Center offers study lounges, conference rooms, offices for student activities and student government, student newspaper workspaces and a multipurpose room for banquets, dances, film and video presentations, theatrical productions and large meetings. The Social Science and Visual Arts building houses 37 classrooms, two high-tech lecture halls and cutting-edge artist studios.
Conveniently located on campus and supervised by expert staff, the Children's Greenhouse childcare center provides safe, fun and educational experiences for families of NCC students, faculty and staff.
Our up-to-date classrooms and labs offer the latest equipment for exceptional instruction in health sciences, engineering technologies, marketing and business, computer technology, liberal and fine arts, mathematics, digital communication technology, natural and social sciences and the performing arts. You'll find Academic Computing Centers and Learning/Help Centers located in department spaces across campus.
Near the Endo Boulevard entrance to campus, NCC's two-story North Annex opened in 2009 with a computer lab, student learning center/lounge, and classroom spaces outfitted with smart boards and natural lighting.
Indoors or out, NCC's campus offers a wide range of exceptional facilities designed to accommodate educational, recreational, conference and community activities. If your organization or group seeks a convenient location with functional and adaptable spaces, NCC has what you need.


text:
A Warming Ocean
Global warming affects the Earth's oceans and its wildlife
by Liz Olson
Related Links
Scientific evidence has confirmed that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are harmful to Earth's atmosphere. Recent reports have found that global warming also poses a threat to the oceans.
Rising temperatures
A rise in ocean temperatures is considered one of the most harmful results of global warming. A warmer ocean could result in the loss of many fish and coral, which are vital to the ocean's ecosystem. In 2007, the surface temperature of the ocean was the highest it's been in 30 years.
How much of the ocean is polluted?
Oceans—an important source of food and recreation for humans—cover two-thirds of Earth's surface. The Journal of Science published a report in their February 15, 2008, issue about the effect of human pollution on the ocean. According to the report, only 4% of the world's oceans are considered pristine—meaning they are untouched by human contamination—and 40% are strongly affected by pollution. Eventually, though, even the pristine oceans, which are in the Arctic, will be contaminated by human pollution.
Oceans absorb 80% of greenhouse gases and 50% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Over the past 50 years, as carbon dioxide emissions have increased, the ocean's temperature has steadily risen. Some negative impacts of the temperature increase include the melting of glaciers, higher sea levels, intensified storms, acidification of the ocean, and decreasing populations of marine life
Oceans become more acidic
Billions of tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere each year, mainly from deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. Oceans absorb about a million tons of carbon dioxide per hour. In its natural state the ocean is alkaline, but with the absorption of too much carbon dioxide, it is becoming more acidic. Carbon dioxide forms carbonic acid when it dissolves in the water. With rising levels of carbon dioxide emissions, the ocean cannot absorb enough to keep the delicate ecosystem unharmed.
A warmer and a more acidic ocean will harm organisms at the bottom of the food chain first, such as coral and plankton, which will eventually harm the entire food chain. Scientists predict that the Ph level of the ocean will fall half a unit by 2100, making some areas of the world's oceans, including the Southern Ocean, uninhabitable for corals. In the last 30 years, 80%-90% of coral cover in Caribbean reefs was destroyed.
The vanishing polar icecap
The greatest damage caused by warmer water can be seen in the Arctic. If the polar icecap continues to recede at its current rate, the ocean level will rise 20 feet by 2050. Scientists took a measurement of the icecap that the covers the North Pole in 1979. A 2007 measurement of the same icecap indicated it had receded 43% since 1979. Rising sea levels threaten coastal land—potentially wiping out wetlands, wildlife habitats, and destroying coastal property. Not only will melting icecaps in the Arctic cause higher sea levels, but it will also harm the population of certain animals such as polar bears, who use the ice to hunt and reproduce. Due to the vanishing sea ice, polar bears were put under the protection of the Endangered Species Act on May 15, 2008.
Storms are predicted to intensify with the warming of ocean water as well. Scientists have seen a greater number of hurricanes at higher intensity since the 1970s. Coastal land and communities especially in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean will suffer from more severe storms.
What can be done to slow global warming?
Global warming cannot be reversed, but in order to slow the process, greenhouse gases have to be capped, energy consumption and the use of alternative fossil fuels reduced, and deforestation must be curtailed.
Source: www.oceanconservancy.org
- More from Environment


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Many businesses are already finding success through AdWords, but we know many of you are looking for an easier way to begin advertising online. Visit www.google.com/awexpress to sign up or learn more about how it works.


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British Columbia's education minister hopes the government will be able to avoid school closures under any scenario but he would defer to advice from public health officials should COVID-19 cases worsen.
Rob Fleming said Tuesday that the government would look to keep schools and daycares open even if the province were to lock down the economy to stop community transmission.
"That doesn't mean that we wouldn't amend how we deliver education," he said in an interview.
"But I think we've learned from the early days of the pandemic that shutting down schools was probably a mistake when we should have focused on safety protocols."
Those involved in the education system agree that it is important to keep children in school so they do not suffer developmental setbacks, he said.
Fleming said schools are safe although there is "increasing concern" about community transmission in the regions covered by Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, especially in Surrey.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced bans related to social gatherings, group fitness, workplaces and travel in the two regions on Nov. 7 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The restrictions are in place until Monday.
Fleming said he is waiting for the results of those restrictions before making further decisions with advice from health officials.
"It may include a modified break schedule over the winter. It may include some direction from public health on the various layers of protection in the school including masks. It may look at some other amendments we may make."
Four out of 643 schools in the Fraser Health district have been closed either because of an outbreak or staffing shortages related to COVID-19. The other schools remain open and the level of transmission remains "incredibly low," Fleming said.
Henry has said schools are a reflection of what's happening in the community, but COVID-19 transmission rates are lower in schools than elsewhere.
"It's incredibly important for families and for children to have in-person, in-class (education), but we're looking at all of our options," she told a news conference on Monday, referring to an extended winter break.
Fleming said officials believe children may be safer in schools.
"If you were to send kids home right now and suspend school, public health would be very concerned that kids would be having playdates and all kinds of informal activities that would actually put them in an unregulated area of greater concern, which would be transmission that occurs in households."
READ MORE: B.C. teachers' union calls on Horgan to limit Fraser Health class sizes to 15 students
Thanksgiving and Halloween gatherings brought spikes in cases and officials are worried the winter break could bring similar results, he said.
"We do want students and families to enjoy time together, and we want them to have a much-needed rest. So, we're going to consider that. We haven't made any decisions yet."
B.C. officials are watching a number of western European countries for how they manage their schools and what community restrictions they implement to curb the spread of the virus, Fleming said.
On Nov. 2, Germany embarked on a four-week "lockdown light" where restaurants, bars, sports and leisure facilities were closed, but schools and shops remain open.
France, which has had more infections since the pandemic started than any other European country, is in the midst of a month-long lockdown that has left most adults confined to their homes for all but one hour a day, although schools remain open.
"We look, of course, to other provinces, that we've been in close contact with. And early on in the development of our plan, we leaned most heavily on Denmark and New Zealand to create the K-12 safety guidelines for B.C. schools," Fleming said.
The minister stressed the importance of children and youth "being around peers" and learning not just academics but also social skills, including how to cope during a pandemic.
"Kids are actually quite adaptable, they've learned, you know," he said.
"I think we worried, will they wash their hands? Will they follow the rules and stay two metres apart in the hallways and not get into each other's personal space, be respectful? And they've shown they're very, very good at that."
Hina Alam, The Canadian Press
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I actually thought about Phorums before but it turns out that there is already a domain called Phorums that is something into like fashion or TV.
No announcement yet.
AGP users, UNITE!!!!
X1950 Pro 510 AGP on a Via chipset board pumpin' an amd 64 4400+ (opteron really, but don't matter much I think).
I was told they would try to get me into the beta list aswell, having had loads of PCI-e -> AGP card problems.
Luckly since 7.11 I think it was? I got 3D working so i'm quite happy atm.
did you turn off compose ( I think that is what its called) in xorg.conf file? I had a white screen when I added drivers and I only had to turn off that and when I rebooted everything was back to normal ( except for the 3d but I had no problems doing other stuff
Here's my config:
SAPPHIRE ATI 9600XT 128MB AGP (8x)
CRT 19" monitor: Philips 109B (109B10) with a resolution of 1600x1200 or 1280x1024
Motherboard: ASUS K8V SE Deluxe/ VIA K8T800 & VIA VT8237
Processor type: AMD64 3000+
Amount of memory: 1GB
Distro used: Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon (32-bit)
Kernel version: 2.6.22-14(.52)
xorg-version: 7.2-5ubuntu13
fglrx: 8.37.6, the only driver that works with wine (0.9.40) + LEGO Star Wars II on my system. Note: The 8.02 release does not work with wine + LEGO Star Wars II in case anybody is interested. BTW, I tested this with wine versions 0.9.40 thru 0.9.55.
I dunno if all the hassle is actually of any worth for me, as i'm about to get a new comp with a 8800GT in it but well i think it might help the others...
I own a Sapphire X1600pro with 512MB vram. other specs:
Gentoo ~amd64
1.5 Gig of Ram
Nforce3 Chipset
I tried every X-Server, Kernel and ATI-driver combination since the release of 8.433 (i think it was officially called 7.11 or something) and well some were working (kinda) but most don't
the problems i experienced ranged from suddenly missing XV-extension (VERY annoying), to X-Server refusing to start... And no i don't have the Logs any more when X refused to startup Anyway I hope (for the sake of competition) that some time in the future ATI will finally manage to close the gap to nvidia both performance- and support-wise. It's gotten better over the last few months but it's still far away from being acceptable not to speak of being good. As it got better i do have hope that sometime in the future they will definitely be able to do that but as it is at the moment i'm not going to buy a ati-card any more...
Hey guys, I sent a private message to bridgman, asking him if there is any possibility of ATI creating a database of users using their proprietary driver who have problems, to help find the problem with the driver.
First I thought of creating a form in some site, and ask users in this thread to fill the form so we create a database which might help us track the problem. I'm not sure but I guess the problem may not be related to the driver only, but a combination of xorg, libraries and kernel version, because Pseus has 2 systems working with driver catalyst 7.11 and 8.1.
I'm awaiting an answer from John. If ATI don't help us out I'll create a form somewhere to collect this info. I hope ATI sensibilizes for our cause. Would be better for everyone if this info would go directly to them I think.


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By David Crane
defrev (at) gmail (dot) com
April 19, 2011
Last updated on 4/20/11.
A German company called Blucher Systems GmbH (Nettetal, Germany) is making and marketing an interesting thermal/IR (Infrared) camouflage/"signature management" fabric technology that can protect whatever it's covering from being detected by optoelectronic devices, i.e, thermal/IR imagers. This very interesting fabric/material, which utilizes metallized fibers to achieve this unique IR/thermal signature reduction effect, comes in various visible camouflage prints, and can be applied to clothing (including military BDUs and ponchos) and camouflage nets (camouflage netting).
The clothing product is called "Ghost", and the camo netting material is called Spectralflage. Catchy names.
An infantry warfighter wearing Blucher Ghost thermal/IR combat camo fabric will enjoy a greater survival prognosis because, well, we'll let the company tell it:
A person wearing Ghost® shows reduced infrared emissions and thus a lower radiant temperature. The infrared pictures appear scattered and detection as a human being can be successfully avoided. Significant signature reduction is provided in the UV, NIR and TIR (3-5 µm / 8-12 µm) ranges. In the visual range Ghost® is also highly effective. Coming in various camouflage prints, it can be adapted to all types of countryside. Various background colors with different emission factors are available.
DefenseReview (DR) assumes that Ghost fabric, which weighs only 55 g/m² (350g/12 oz for full garment, comprised of wide jacket and pant) can be manufactured in some of the latest and greatest combat camo patterns, like Crye MultiCam multi-environment/multi-terrain combat camo, the myriad Hyperstealth digitial "Fracture Camouflage"-type fractal geometry C2G camouflage patterns, DCS A-TACS Advanced Tactical Concealment System camo, etc.
Blucher Ghost anti-thermal/IR camo and STS Arms anti-NV (night vision)/near-IR weapons coating/camo would appear to be a good combo for SPECOPS assaulters/operators and snipers.
Blucher Systems' Spectralflage two-dimensional (2D) anti-IR/thermal camouflage netting product (as in multispectral camouflage) is, according to the company literature on it, "non–snagging, easy to use and with its high tear strength, very durable." Defense Review is curious as to how Spectralflage multi-spectral netting stacks up against Saab Barracuda infrared/thermal signature-management vehicle camo with regard to anti-thermal/IR combat performance, weight, and cost. DR published a piece on Intermat Stealth anti-thermal camouflage makeup and paint back in early 2005, and we were intrigued by it. A soldier wearing Blucher Ghost fabric could also wear Intermat Stealth makeup for more thorough anti-thermal camo coverage. And, the Intermat Stealth vehicle camo paint can be combined with Spectralflage anti-thermal camo netting, whereas the Saab Barracuda anti-thermal camo netting would appear to be a directly-competing product.
In DR's opinion, multispectral combat camouflage technology that incorporates both anti-NV and anti-thermal/IR camo tech is necessary for future warfare in the 21st Century, particularly for military Special Operations Forces (SOF) (including snipers/long-range-interdiction specialists), as you can't truly own the night without it. Modern military infantry combat forces can't afford to stop at camouflage that only works in the visible light spectrum, since more and more countries and malevolent forces are acquiring both night vision and thermal/infrared imaging devices, as time marches on.
If you don't own the night, you don't own the battlefield (Copyright David Crane 4/19/11).
It should be noted that Blucher Systems also manufactures Saratoga CBRN protective fabric, which can be used to make military camouflage CBRN BDUs. However, we don't know whether or not it can be integrated with the Ghost anti-thermal/IR-detection technology. Blucher Saratoga fabric is already being used for the U.S. military's Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble ("JPACE") and the German Bundeswehr's IDZ-BS CBRN BDU for their "Infantryman of the Future" program. "CBRN" stands for "Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear".
Image(s) Credit: Blucher Systems GmbH
Company Contact Info:
BLÜCHER SYSTEMS® GmbH
Van-der-Upwich-Str. 37
41334 Nettetal Germany
Phone: +49-2153-9540-0
Fax: +49-2153-9540-70
Email: email@example.com
Website: http://www.bluecher.com/en/bluecher-group/bluecher-systems
BLÜCHER GmbH
Mettmanner Straße 25
40699 Erkrath, Deutschland
Tel: +49 (0) 211 92 44-0 | Fax: -211
Intermat Group SA
108, N. Plastira
Nea Smyrni
171 22
Athens, Greece
Phone: +30 210 94 02 977
Fax: +30 210 94 04 604
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: http://www.intermatstealth.com
Johan Friberg
Vice President, Marketing
Saab Barracuda
Direct Phone: +46 493 14805
Mobile Phone: +46 734 180 018
Main Phone: +46 13 180 018
Email Contact Page: http://www2.saabgroup.com/en/_functions/MailForm?contact=1048
Website: http://www2.saabgroup.com/en/AboutSaab/091228_business_units/barracuda.htm
© Copyright 2011 DefenseReview.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without receiving permission and providing proper credit and appropriate links.
Related Articles:
SSFN ExtremePro LandCamo Terrain-Specific/Mission-Specific Digital Combat Camouflage Patterns
Intermat Anti-Thermal/IR Camo Tech for Infantry and Special Operations Forces
Infrared/Night Vision Fusion HMD Developed for Future Force Warrior (FFW)
Is 'Invisibility Cloak' for Combat Uniforms/BDUs Here Right Now?
Company claims optical camouflage could have protected Israeli warfighters.
DefRev Scoop: Jordan Adopts Hyperstealth Advanced-Tech PSD Urban Digital Camo
Tactical Assault Camouflage (TACAM): Multi-Environment Counterterrorism Camo
Crye Precision MultiCam Multi-Environment Camo Coating for Tactical Small Arms
New MultiCam Multi-Environment Camouflage Pattern by Crye Precision


text:
1000 x 1500 Double Skin opening roof Light from Coxdome
Ref: RL1000x1500TRDSOP£1,166.00
price incl. VAT £1,399.20
Delivery Format: Large Item
Lead Time: 3-5 days
see delivery tab for details
Rooflight complete with 150mm Kerb.
Opening is for ventillation only, please call if you require an access roof light.
Areco are able to offer a full range of rooflights for the flat roofing industry, with options available for cold applied roofing systems, bituminous membrane and mastic asphalt systems. A full range of shapes and sizes are available including domes, squares, rectangles, circles and pyramids. Within the range are options for the rooflights to be produced with fixed tops or openings for ventilation. The ventilation can be provided by various methods including, worm-gear opening, open and close ventilation strips and access hatches. Rooflights can also be supplied with various different layers of glazing to help achieve U values and clear and opal finishes to provide UV protection.
The Coxdome Trade Range is a high quality, universal, 'out of plane' rooflight system.
The range is available in a variety of shapes and sizes and whether you're a roofing contractor, an architect, a building contractor or a residential client there is an application for all flat roofing requirements.
Manufactured from extruded white PVC-u they come with 150mm splayed upstands.
Available in double or triple skin polycarbonate glazing they can be specified either spherical or pyramidal. Please refer to the section on glazing for individual performances and refer to the relevant Building Regulations thermal performance requirements.
Installed to the manufacturer's instruction the Trade Range offers excellent waterproofing properties. Weathered to the full height of the upstand water penetration is virtually impossible.
The range is available in a wide variety of sizes and can be specified fixed, with or without background ventilation, or with hinged ventilation.
- High quality, cost effective rooflight
- High Security Fixings as standard
- Polycarbonate impact resistant glazing
- UV Stable PVC-u white upstands
- Fully CE Marked products
- £15 per order for orders including only Standard Items
- £30 per order for orders including Large Items
- Special orders carriage will be quoted accordingly.
Delivery can only be made to addresses in mainland England, Scotland and Wales.
IMPORTANT: Most deliveries will be sent by courier and will need a signature on delivery. For your convenience please give a delivery address where someone will be available to accept the goods during the day.
For goods in stock we aim to get them to you in 4-7 days. Goods sent direct from the manufacturer have different despatch times, as indicated in the product descriptions.
Although it is extremely rare for damage to occur during transit, please remember that a consignment must not be signed for if there is any evidence of damage. It is your responsibility to check the contents of your package and notify the driver that you wish to decline delivery. Please report any damage or shortages to us within 48 hours so we can arrange for replacements to be sent. We will not be liable for replacement of any broken pieces if they have been signed for in "Good Condition".
COLLECTION of standard stock items can be made from our premises. Opening Hours Mon. to Fri. 7.30 am to 5.00pm Sat: 8.00am to 12.00 pm
Refund Policy: Returns.
Returns may be made within 14 days of delivery for unwanted goods and 30 days for faulty/damaged goods. We are unable to accept returns of bespoke items. Please email us with details of your returns at firstname.lastname@example.com quoting you order number. Returned goods must be undamaged and carriage is the responsibility of the customer - sorry, but we are unable to arrange collections.


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If the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman, many same-sex couples could be in for substantial tax windfalls.
The Supreme Court is expected to discuss whether to hear cases challenging the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, later this month. If the court decides to review the law, it could later rule that same-sex couples married in states where gay marriage is legal should also be considered married in the eyes of the federal government.
If this happens, the financial landscape for same-sex couples would change drastically. And not just going forward. Some couples who are already married at a state level would suddenly qualify for refunds of estate or income taxes that they paid as a result of DOMA going back to 2009, said Nanette Miller, head of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) practice at accounting firm Marcum LLP.
Since same-sex couples can't file federal taxes jointly -- and can't combine their incomes and deductions to take advantage of lower tax rates and certain credits -- many pay thousands of dollars a year in extra income tax. This is especially true when one of the spouses earns a lot more than their partner.
Related: Same-sex couples: We just want equal benefits
Miller estimates that, on average, clients who would qualify for extra income tax refunds in the event that DOMA is overturned could expect to receive refunds of around $10,000 for each year they were married since 2009.
And depending on the individual situation, the windfalls could be much larger -- especially since same-sex couples would also be able to claim the extra tax that was paid on a home sold in one person's name, money gifted to a spouse or health insurance benefits received through a partner's plan, said Ken Weissenberg, a partner at accounting firm EisnerAmper.
"[On the very high end], you're potentially talking $40,000, $50,000, $60,000 -- the numbers could be off the charts," said Weissenberg. "I think it will be a very pleasant surprise for a lot of them."
Estate taxes would be fair game, too. Currently, the surviving spouse in a heterosexual marriage can inherit their spouse's estate tax-free, while the surviving partner in a same-sex relationship is charged a 35% estate tax on anything that is transferred in excess of the exemption (so anything more than $3.5 million for 2009 and $5 million in 2011).
If DOMA is overturned, those who paid taxes on their deceased spouse's estate could amend their estate tax return and be refunded the extra money they paid.
In one case challenging DOMA that the Supreme Court may choose to review, Edith Windsor of New York, had to pay more than $300,000 in estate taxes when her partner died. All of that would be returned to her if DOMA is found unconstitutional, said Weissenberg.
Related: Firms make financial planning more gay-friendly
Same-sex couples who have been married since 2009 or earlier in a state or country where gay marriage is legal need to act fast, though. You typically only have three years from when your taxes were filed to amend your returns. So people who filed their 2009 taxes on April 15, 2010 and want to amend them will have until April 15, 2013 to file what is called a protective claim.
Doing this will ensure that if the Supreme Court hears a DOMA case after that statute of limitations expires, the IRS will have a record of the claim and your refund for that year will be protected, said Weissenberg.
To claim a refund for income tax, couples must amend their returns by changing their filing status to "married filing jointly" and recalculating the amount owed. They must also write "protective refund claim" across the top of the amended return and attach a statement explaining that, in the event DOMA is found to be unconstitutional, they will be eligible to file taxes jointly and this would be the new tax liability based on that status, said Weissenberg.
Before doing anything, however, check with your accountant to make sure it makes sense to file a claim. Some couples won't benefit from amending their returns and filing jointly. If both spouses have similar incomes, for example, it's possible they won't be owed anything.
Related: Gay marriage boosts NYC's economy in first year
Weissenberg said some of his clients are nervous that filing a protective refund claim will trigger an audit. While amended returns are typically audited at a higher rate, he said it all depends on whether it's worth it to the client. "If they determine that the amounts [they would get back] are significant, they should definitely file the protective claim," he said.
Of course, if DOMA is upheld by the Supreme Court, no one will receive a refund. But if the court decides to strike down the law, prepare to wait for the money you're owed: The IRS will be dealing with a huge flurry of amended tax returns, said Miller.


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Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle Class A-B-C fires.
This type of extinguisher is designed to extinguish fires that usually occur in homes including wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.
Show All Answers
A fire in your home can change your life completely. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important.
The U.S. Fire Administration has published a booklet that can help you get through this rough time.
This publication will provide you with some valuable information on what you should do after experiencing a fire in your home.
Click here to view the publication
No, city ordinance prohibits outside burning leaves within the city limits.
Petersburg Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services does not fill fire extinguishers.
You must contact us to schedule a tour.
Remember, even when tours are scheduled, the tour may be cut short or cancelled due to the station receiving an alarm and having to leave.
To schedule a tour, please contact the Public Educator @ 804-733-2328.
**Tours may be unavailable due to the COVID-19 Pandemic**
Every smoke alarm has a test button, usually in the center of the alarm.
Press the test button and hold it for a few seconds.
If it is working correctly, the alarm will sound and will automatically stop when you release the button.
Remember to test your smoke alarm monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
We recommend you change the batteries in your smoke alarms every 6 months.
An easy way to remember is to change batteries when you reset your clock for daylight savings time.
Most modern smoke alarms will chirp to alert you the batteries are low. You should replace the batteries and test your smoke alarm.
Smoke alarms can be purchased at any hardware or large commercial department store.
Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Remember to test the alarms regularly!
The four basic steps in creating an escape plan for your home includes: drawing a floor-plan of your home; agreeing on a meeting place; practicing your escape plan; and making sure your exit drill is realistic.
Assure that you have a well-defined escape plan. Make sure that people who are confined to a wheelchair have immediate access to their wheelchair when an emergency occurs.
Leave the area immediately and dial 911 from a safe location!
The hose can be damaged and any firefighter at the end of a nozzle will have the water interrupted and possibly cause injuries or death.
Any hose that is driven over without protection has to be taken out of service and tested.
Call 911 immediately. Downed and arcing power lines are a very dangerous situation! Do not approach any area with downed power lines.


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Numeracy History
The NNN is delighted to present our on-line, open-access journal: Numeracy: Advancing Education in Quantitative Literacy. Visit the Web site to learn more about the journal and to download articles.
This February, the Board of the National Numeracy Network announced the establishment of The Steen Award for the best article from the most recent volume of Numeracy, as judged by the Awards Subcommittee. The award is named for Lynn Steen, one of the early leaders of the quantitative literacy movement and author of many influential works promoting QL. (Biography of Lynn Steen) (Acrobat (PDF) 93kB Feb24 13)
Criteria for selection include:Although Numeracy has been published since January of 2008, this is the first time NNN has provided special recognition for authors. The Board intends to continue this award annually, and to provide a special one-time award for the best article selected from the first four years of publication. Award winners will be invited to a special presentation acknowledging their accomplishment at the NNN's National Meeting.
This year's award, selected from articles in Volume V, published during 2012, goes to Annamaria Lusardi, Professor of Economics and Accountancy at the George Washington University School of Business for her article, "Numeracy, Financial Literacy, and Financial Decision-Making," Vol. 5, Issue 1, January 2012. (Biography of Annamaria Lusardi) (Acrobat (PDF) 8kB Feb24 13)
While there were a number of high quality articles to choose from in Volume V, Lusardi's stood out for its clarity, thoroughness in reviewing the relevant literature, timeliness in addressing an issue that has had a significant impact on the global community in recent years, and relevance to examples that could be used in a QL classroom setting. It is an article that should be accessible and of interest to a wide audience.
Len Vacher and Dorothy Wallace, two of the NNN's founding board members, had a grand plan to fill a major void: create a peer-reviewed journal to "promote education that integrates quantitative skills across all disciplines and at all levels." At the NNN's August 2006 board of directors' meeting in Seattle, Vacher and Wallace proposed the idea for the journal, which was unanimously approved. They then got to work. In December 2006, Wallace, Vacher, and Todd Chavez, from the University of South Florida's Libraries, guided a subset of NNN board members and associate editors in a journal planning meeting at Dartmouth College. The planners agreed that the journal should publish scholarly research and evidence-based case studies on a wide array of QL topics, including education research, teaching strategies and resources, curriculum design, assessment strategies, and faculty development. They agreed that the journal's scope should also include perspectives, notes, reviews, and commentaries. Since its first edition on January 1, 2008, Numeracy has published two issues per year. By the start of 2013, Numeracy had more than 32,000 downloads. We hope you enjoy reading the journal and that you will consider submitting to it, as well.
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