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Tony Sparano was a goner as soon as this game ended. He knew it, you knew it—we all knew it. So, rather than talk with reporters about another woeful Jets offensive performance, he just left. No "no comment," "sorry guys, I'm not talking" or "get out of my face, you hyenas"—he just calmly walked out of the room and let basically every New York Jets beat writer chase after him. Look at Connor Orr hop around the slower-footed Brian Costello! So determined.
All Adam Schein of SNY's Jets Postgame show could do was rattle off the names of those left in Sparano's wake like he was watching Secretariat at the Belmont. Or maybe a lesser horse, for these Jets. [SNY]


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UAE. MEED, the Middle East's leading business intelligence provider, identified 25 regional and international companies as the best businesses in the GCC based on their contributions to the development of the region. "It is incredibly important recognise and celebrate the very best in the region," says MEED editorial director Richard Thompson.
"Our objective is to help the region realise its ambitions by bringing together the best in business and government in the region. The MEED Awards aims to shine a bright spotlight on the very best businesses in the region. Congratulations to all of this year's winners."
The UAE had 20 winners including individual honourees such as Male Leader of the Year Paddy Padmanathan, President & CEO, ACWA Power; and Rising Star of the Year Lachlan Jackson, Managing Director, Ecocoast Contracting LLC, which also received the Specialist Contractor of the Year honour.
Corporate winners from the UAE whose impressive achievements contributed to a stronger GCC economy include Kohn Pedersen Fox (Architectural/Design Practice of the Year), Emirates National Oil Company (Business Innovation of the Year), Parsons (Consultant of the Year-Construction & Engineering), Multiplex Constructions (Contractor of the Year), Enviromena Power Systems (Energy Provider of the Year), Dubai Islamic Bank (Financial Institution of the Year), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (Freezone/Special Economic Zone Authority of the Year), Child Early Intervention Medical Centre (Healthcare Company of the Year), GE (Industrial Company of the Year), Al Tamimi & Company (Law Firm of the Year), Agility (Abu Dhabi) PJSC (Logistics Company of the Year), Dow Chemical IMEA GmbH (Manufacturer of the Year), ENGIE (Power/Water Company of the Year), ACWA Power (Renewables Company of the Year), Dulsco (Supplier of the Year), Bee'ah (Sustainable Business of the Year); and Baker Hughes, a GE company (Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals Company of the Year).
Saudi Arabia took centre stage three times with KPMG in Saudi Arabia winning Advisory Services Company of the Year, Dur Hospitality receiving the Hospitality Company of the Year award and Bahri emerging victorious in the Transport Company of the Year category.
Bahrain's shining moment came when Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company SPC was awarded Real Estate Developer of the Year; while Kuwait's Donna Sultan, CEO & President, KEO International Consultants took the spotlight when she won Female Leader of the Year.
The winners were announced in ceremonies held at The Conrad Hotel, Dubai, UAE.
For information on this year's honourees, visit www.meedawards.meed.com.
Photo Caption: MEED editorial director Richard Thompson (File photo)

subset: commoncrawl


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Red bows, green wreaths, white and gold ornaments � the colors and symbols of Christmas tell the story of Christ, said Pastor Jeff Erbskorn of Ascension Lutheran Church in Shelby.
Some traditions were handed down centuries ago from the early Christian church; but the idea of the Chrismon tree is less than 100 years old.
�Within the Lutheran Church, the tradition actually started in the �50s at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Va.," Erbskorn said. "Francis Kipps Spencer, a child of missionaries and a member of the church, was frustrated with the commercialism of Christmas.�
She went to her pastor and complained about the way the Christmas tree looked. He told her the next year she could volunteer to decorate the tree � in whatever way she wanted.
�The next year saw that church's first Chrismon (Christ monogram) tree, and the tradition quickly spread among other churches,� Erbskorn said. �The tradition at Ascension Lutheran in Shelby has a special meaning to me because, as much as the Chrismons tell the story of Christ, Christ tells his story through us. The presence of Christ is seen, felt and heard through the hearts, hands and voices of all those who come together to decorate our sanctuary and fill it with the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world.�
Christmas symbols
Explanations from the Lutheran liturgy for Third Sunday in Advent
THE WREATHS � The wreath is a popular Christmas decoration, but few associate the design with meaning: The circle of the wreath represents the endless love of God, His eternity and perfection. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
THE POINSETTIAS � The poinsettia, also referred to as the Flower of the Holy Night, is a colorful tropical plant discovered in Mexico in 1828 by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett of Charleston, S.C. The star-shaped leaves remind us of the star that led the wise men to Bethlehem to see the promised Savior. The color of the flower represents the blood that was shed as the Savior of the world gave His life upon the cross of Calvary.
THE BELLS � For many centuries, bells were used to give messages. Their vibrations reach far and catch the attention of those in sound�s way. They can call people together. They send out good news. For both these reasons, Christmas bells peal to celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior.
THE EVERGREENS � The most striking and the most universal feature of Christmas is the use of evergreens in churches and homes. Among ancient Romans, evergreens were an emblem of peace, joy and victory. The early Christians placed them in their window to show that Christ had entered the home. Holly and ivy, along with pine and fir, are called evergreens because they never change color. They are ever-green, ever-alive, even in the midst of the coldest winter. They symbolize the unchanging nature of our God, and they remind us of the everlasting life that is ours through Christ Jesus.
THE LIGHTS � The candles in the Advent wreath give emphasis to this time of anticipation. The lights of our Chrismon trees tell us that Jesus is the light of the world.


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What's inside? Here are the questions answered in today's reader mailbag, boiled down to five word summaries. Click on the number to jump straight down to the question.
1. Splitting up retirement contributions
2. Surveys at retail shops
3. Investment or debt?
4. Gum as impulse buy
5. Outsized medical bill
6. Breadmaking tip
7. Avoiding Christmas
8. Savings bonds and student loans
9. Mortgage ballon payment difficulty
10. Investing in class
I get what I call "winter hands" when the temperatures during the day drop into the thirties or below. Basically, my fingertips and palms get a bit puffy and raw simply because of the weather. I know I'm not alone in this.
If I don't nip this in the bud, my hands are in bad shape by February or so, so I splurge on something each December: hand cream. I've tried tons of different things, but this is the only thing that does anything to stop my "winter hands."
Just thought I'd share for the sake of others who find their hands getting raw in the winter.
Q1: Splitting up retirement contributions
Let me start by saying I started at an engineering job coming right out of school 3 years ago, I was used to living on almost nothing as I did in college so I kept it that way when I started my job and put a large chuck of my salary towards retirement. I recently received a promotion and put it all towards my retirement so now I am to the limit of what the government allows you to contribute to a 401k (I put it all towards a Roth 401k if that makes a difference). Also, because of some other circumstances I cannot currently contribute to a Roth IRA.
So my question: Is it smart to put all 16,500 in my company 401k plan or would I be better off only putting only part of it in my company plan and investing part of it myself where I could pick individual stocks etc. My company matches 75 cents of each dollar up to 6% (basically 4%). I am 25 years old and don't have any future need for the money (until retirement) that i know of and have a good emergency fund already. Thanks for your help!!
– Mark
You should put enough into the 401(k) to get the match, then after that you should contribute to a Roth IRA up to the contribution limit.
Why? Having money in both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA hedges your bets when it comes to taxes in retirement, plus a Roth gives you far more investment freedom (as you get to choose your investment house and your specific investments).
If you still have money to save, go back and contribute more to your 401(k). It should be noted, though, that you're almost assuredly in splendid shape for retirement, so if you have other life priorities that come up in the future, don't be afraid to cut back a little on the retirement savings.
Q2: Surveys at retail shops
I have noticed that many of the fast-food restaurants, office supply stores, and other businesses are urging the consumer to go to their website and fill out surveys. Some of them promise the customer a rebate or a coupon or an entry into a drawing for some cash as a reward for doing the survey. What do you think about these surveys? Are they just a means to getting your email address or do they really ever award those cash prizes? Are they worth bothering about? Have you ever heard about anyone actually benefitting from completing these surveys?
– Jennifer
They're probably not worth the time invested in filling out the survey. Let's say that the company is giving out one $5,000 gift card a month. During that month, 50,000 people fill out that survey that takes 5 minutes to fill out. You're essentially burning 5 minutes in exchange for a 1 in 50,000 shot at a $5,000 gift card. There really are better uses of your time.
If you read the fine print of those offers, they usually have a method by which you can contact the company and receive a list of the winners of the survey contest. Such contests are pretty heavily regulated and it would not be worth it for the company to commit fraud.
In the end, I think they're legit, but they're just not a good use of one's time.
Q3: Investment or debt?
A little over a year ago I got married (we're in our mid-20s) with my wife's graduate school student loans just coming out of deferment. We have been making the full payments for the past year, and have thrown several thousand extra when we've had the chance, like my annual bonus and our tax return. She had been working full-time though quit her job 4 months ago due to the terrible working conditions…14-16 hour days, spending additional time working on the weekends from home, etc. She has since been seeking out new employment, but with obvious obstacles at this time.
Our balances on the 10-year plan are: Stafford $20,470 @ 6.05% ($245 per month) / Stafford $19,804 @ 6.55% ($245 per month) / PLUS $34,800 @ 7.75% ($446 per month) / PLUS $30,900 @ 8.25% ($457 per month)…for a grand total of $1,393 per month. I make $70,000 per year, we completely own our apartment and our monthly expenses for maintenance, utilites and the like are around $1,000. We have $85,000 in cash/savings in the bank and my wife also has $35,000 in stock that she inherited from a relative. I currently contribute 7% – my company matches a full 6% – to my 401k which is worth around $30,000; I also have a small pension worth around $20,000.
I want to use the $35,000 in stock to knock off one of the large PLUS loans. We're paying over $200 a month in interest per PLUS loan, so at 12 months x 9 more years, it seems like there is a significant amount of real savings to be had by doing this. My wife strongly believes that we're better off having that stock available in case we ever have a serious need for it, but with how much we already have in the bank, it seems ridiculous to me that we also need the stocks at this time in our life. Is there really any good reason not to use the stock money and get rid of a big chunk of loan? I think we're better off putting that money towards retirement, starting a 529 for a future child, and getting to enjoy ourselves more (we haven't taken a real vacation besides visiting family in over 2 years). If you don't recommend using that stock money, is there anything else you would suggest to help make our loan payment more bearable?
– Sam
I think that your savings (both stock and cash) are outsized when compared to the debts you're holding.
If I were in your shoes, I would calculate your shared cost of living for four months, keep that much in savings, and put the rest – both saved cash and stocks – toward getting rid of as much of that debt as possible. I'd hit the highest interest debts first (the one above 8%, for starters).
There are almost no emergencies in life that will be helped by having more than four months of living expenses in an emergency fund. If one of those extremely unlikely emergencies did come along, the cost would likely be far more than what you have in the fund right now anyway. You're better off putting that money to better use. Remember, you're getting an 8.25% return paying off that largest debt early versus a 1% return in your savings account.
Q4: Gum as impulse buy
I like to keep gum in my car as a breath freshener, as I'm often worried that my breath smells badly. Thus, whenever I'm in the checkout, I tend to pick up a pack of gum. I'm trying to figure out how much this adds up to and whether there's a cheaper way to go about it.
– Evan
If you chew gum on a daily basis, a bulk purchase is probably the best option for you.
I would figure out which brand you like the best, then buy it at a warehouse club in bulk (or have a friend buy it for you there). That's probably the least expensive way to get the gum in significant quantities.
Then, just leave a few packs in your car at all times. If you know the gum is in your car, you won't need to buy it at the checkout. You'll save money just from the cheaper gum, but don't be surprised if you're actually chewing less, too.
Q5: Outsized medical bill
For the past 3 years, my husband and I have been working very hard to be financially responsible. We have paid off 39k in student loan debt (12k to go), put a good down payment on a modest house, drive paid-for cars, taken extra jobs and never incurred any other debt.
Last month my husband ended up in the ER with a partially collapsed lung. A month later it relapsed, and he had to have surgery. We went to our in-network hospital which was supposed to be covered 100% by insurance (except for our 75$ deductible). We tried to asked if the surgeon was in-network and found out he wasn't, but the doctors assured us that in emergencies our insurance pays 100% of usual and customary. It turns out that there is a very large difference between what our insurance deems usual and customary and what the surgeon billed.
We now owe the surgeon $14,000. There were a few charges the insurance denied that we are appealing, but even if those are approved our bill will still be over $10,000. I was tempted to be mad at the insurance company, but when I looked up the procedure codes on the American Medical Association's web site, it turns out they have already paid 4-5x the medicare reimbursement rate for these procedures. I feel like we are being extorted by the surgeon. Basically, he could bill ANY amount he wanted!
What kind of recourse do I have? Should I go to the insurance company? The provider? The state health insurance regulator? My employer (self-insured large company)? Do you think I could settle this with the provider for a couple thousand dollars (we have our first child on the way, so we can't afford to empty our emergency fund)?
– Linda
Your best bet is probably to negotiate with the provider for a settlement.
You can try to appeal through other means, but you've likely hit a limit on what your insurance will provide for this. If the insurance is going far above and beyond Medicare, your state health insurance regulator probably won't be much help, either.
I would suggest trying to negotiate yourself. If you find that you make no headway, you can attempt to use a lawyer to help, but you'll likely end up with legal fees that exceed the cost.
Q6: Breadmaking tip
I've been baking my own bread for the last few months thanks to your extremely helpful blog post. However, I'm having an issue and hope you might be able to help. When I follow your directions to use 1/4 c. milk, I find my dough doesn't bind together and I need to add more. For example, today I added 3/4 c. of milk. Am I doing something wrong to have to add more liquid?
– Candace
My guess would be that it has to do with the humidity in your kitchen. I've noticed that when the air is damp in my area, I don't need as much liquid for any dough I make. When things are dry, I need significantly more liquid (and the dough tends to dry out more).
Another factor might be your brand and type of flour. Some flours make a dough with relatively little liquid, while other flours require a lot of liquid.
I don't think you're doing anything wrong here, as you're not using what I would consider to be extraordinary amounts of milk. Just remember variations like these can cause things to work out in unexpected ways.
Q7: Avoiding Christmas
Early this year, I hit my financial bottom and since then I have paid off a lot of my debt. I've also moved on to a lifestyle where I don't buy many things that I don't need and I find this lifestyle really fulfilling.
My family, though, is moving forward with the same consumerist Christmas they've always had and it just doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm trying to avoid it altogether, but it's pretty tough to do when it's your family. Any suggestions?
– Nelson
Remember why you're getting together with them at Christmas. The real reason for the season has nothing to do with the stuff at all. It has to do with the people.
Many people express how they feel about each other during this season through buying gifts. It's a convenient way to say "I care" to others without having to let your emotional guard down too much.
You can do much the same thing with a handmade gift. Make a soup mix with a handwritten note attached to it. Bake everyone something delicious, like a Dutch letter. These things won't cost you much in ingredients, but they do require time and are made better with a bit of love for the recipient. That last ingredient is really what it's all about.
Q8: Savings bonds and student loans
My husband and I have about $74,000 in student loan debt combined ($8,000 from my undergrad and $66,000 from his undergrad.) We make about $75,000 combined and try to save the equivalent of his income every month which is about $2000. We own a home (a duplex) with a mortgage of 76,000, about half of the assessed value and two thirds of the appraised value. We have about $12,000 in an emergency fund. The $2,000/month in saving that we try to pit aside each month first went to buy two new furnaces and water heaters for the house, the we used it to build up our emergency fund, now we are thinking of splitting it and using 3/4 of the money to snowball our student loans and the other 1/4 to build our seam vacation fund. I also have about $3500 in a mutual fund that I have had since I was a kid and pretty much forget about it as its value jump around with the market. We also have about $3,000 combined from Savings Bonds. We would like to start snow balling the student loan debt but also want to start saving about $6000 to fund a european adventure next september before we start trying to have a baby. The interest rates on the student loan's are $8,001.49 @ 4.00%, $30,490.56 @ 4.88%, $6,144.89 @ 4.19% and $29,659.26 @ 4.86%. We haven't really done anything with the Savings Bonds before because they had a good interest rate at 4% and we liked the idea of having that money liquid. But now that we have a health emergency fund and realizing that three of our loans are incurring more interest that we are earning on the bonds, do you think we should just go ahead and cash them in to make a dent on the loans, or would the debt be miniscule enough not to really matter? Or alternatively, should we use them to put a big dent (half of our goal) in our European adventure fund?
– Sheila
If I were you, I'd consider the bonds to be part of your emergency fund. I would use them last, meaning I'd zero out the emergency fund before using the bonds, because they're earning such a nice rate compared to the savings account.
Then, I'd make sure that I had the right amount in an emergency fund. I would try to target four months of living expenses across all of the emergency fund money. I don't know what your total monthly budget looks like, but it may be that the cash you have right now (the $12,000) is pretty close to that.
Once you know how much four months of living expenses actually is, I'd add together the $12,000 in savings and the $3,000 in bonds, then subtract the living expense estimate from that. I'd then withdraw that calculated amount from the savings account and throw it at the debt. Leave the bonds where they're at, earning 4%.
Q9: Mortgage balloon payment difficulty
My wife and I purchased a home in 2010. We were able to avoid having to pay PMI each month by putting a 10% down payment and taking out two mortgages, one main mortage that is a 30-year fixed at 4.75% and a second that has 15 year term at a 6% rate but is a balloon payment of $60,000. Yes, you read that correctly. It is a 15-year balloon payment with a maturity date of 15 years, making the lump sum balance due in 2025, which by my math (and if I just pay the amounts due each month would be a total of $20,500).
My question to you is how to appropriately factor for the lump sum balloon payment. The easy answer is to say that we'd be selling the place before then at a price that will cover the balance and no need to worry about it (which was the lender's line of thinking). We do live in a great location (suburb of D.C.) and comparable properties have retained, if not increased their value since we purchased. However, I come from a more conservative mindset and am looking at this from a long-term standpoint so I want to make the assumption that we will stay at the place for the long-haul (which would make refinancing the balloon payment an option when we become eligible in about 5 years when we'll have 20% in equity).
The balloon payment has a daily interest rate where the amount of interest owed is the daily rate times the days that have passed since last payment. Any amount paid in excess goes towards principal. Our current method is that we pay $100 extra a month to go towards principal, plus I save $350 in an combination of Roth IRA and ING Savings accounts so that by the 2024 date, we will have enough liquid cash to pay the lump-sum payment due. Is this the right approach?. One thought I have is to pay the $350 immediately each month to lower the principal (and thus decrease the overall interest paid throughout the lifetime of the loan) but we currently keep the savings in the Roth & ING account in the event of a financial emergency and need access to that cash (even though we do have a 3 month emergency fund so I don't know if this is overly conservative). We also keep it in the Roth because then the earnings can grow/compound year over year and I can withdraw the contributions later. Right now we have about $5k in the Roth (contributions that can be deducted) and $1500 in the 'Balloon Payment' ING account.
Should I continue to pay an additional $100 in principal every month and save/accrue $350 in savings accounts, or should we just put all of the $450 into the balloon payment each month to reduce our future liability? Our current method will mean we'll have enough cash to pay off the balloon payment by 2020, making a lump sum payment of $40,000.
– Ronald
If I were in your shoes, I'd probably make sure the Roth was fully funded for the year (meaning that you're putting in about $420 a month) and then put the rest toward additional principal on the balloon payment. This will maximize the value of your Roth, which will return better for you over the long run than a savings account.
If things go well, your income will go up as time moves forward, which means you can slowly contribute more to the balloon payment. This is the best outcome, of course.
If things do not go well, you can use your Roth contributions when the time for the balloon payment arrives. You're still in good shape and you'll retain the Roth earnings.
Q10: Investing in class
I am a high school accounting teacher and want to teach my students about the how the stock market works and how to invest wisely (and cautiously). I thought about having them (with their parents approval, of course) set up an account at Sharebuilders because you can invest for as low as $25 a month. The downside is four dollars each monthly contribution goes towards commissions (almost 20%). Are there any other investment options (with low entry and monthly fees) that I should consider?
– Margie
If I were you, I'd have them all sign up for and play The Stock Market Game or something similar. This is essentially a stock market simulation that enables students to invest virtual money in stocks.
In order to build interest, I would make the thing laden with extra credit for your class. If they manage to beat the S&P 500, they get some bonus points, for example.
At the end of the year, I'd have each student (or team of students) present their investment strategy and how it did to the class.
I wouldn't mix real money into this. You want to teach them how to do this, not have them start taking on real financial losses. The students that are interested will likely move into some level of investing on their own, and it's probably a good idea for those not interested to not have actual money involved at this point.
Got any questions? Email them to me or leave them in the comments and I'll attempt to answer them in a future mailbag (which, by way of full disclosure, may also get re-posted on other websites that pick up my blog). However, I do receive hundreds of questions per week, so I may not necessarily be able to answer yours.


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17. Will Arnett - The Millers
Actor Will Arnett (CBS's "The Millers" and the new film "The Nut Job") visits THE TALK, Tuesday, January 14, 2014 on the CBS Television Network. From left, Sheryl Underwood, Sara Gilbert, Will Arnett, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Julie Chen, shown. Photo: Lisette M. Azar/CBS ©2014 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved


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Actor-producer Lisa Kudrow had two season premieres on different networks this past week — Showtime's "Web Therapy," which goes into its fifth season with Kudrow playing Skyping shrink "without patience" Fiona Wallice, and "Who Do You Think You Are?" a celebrity genealogy show debuting on TLC after three seasons on NBC.
What and who are coming this season on "Web Therapy"?
It has everything to do with where we left off last season. Fiona's husband, Kip, played by Victor Garber, has left Fiona for his campaign manager [Ben], played by Michael McDonald, and they've moved to New Mexico to give it a try. And Fiona's boyfriend, Austen Clarke, played by Alan Cumming, impregnated another woman, Gina Spinks (played by Jennifer Elise Cox), who Fiona knows, and she's an idiot. No marriage, no boyfriend, it's all sort of fallen apart. Fiona's mother has stolen the idea of Web therapy and has started Net therapy, and her assistant, Jerome, has left Fiona to work for [Fiona's mom,] Putsy — that's Lily Tomlin. And Jerome is Dan Bucatinsky.
What we're adding is a [federal] investigation; they're investigating Fiona for campaign finance improprieties. Fiona thinks she's been set up, possibly by Ben. The first thing is she wanted a getaway, so she goes to Laguna. She has this little vacation romance with a character played by Steve Carell. Fiona decides, without asking too many questions, that he's a lowly salesman there for his company retreat until she finds out that's not who he is at all. He was very, very fun too. And cute! I got all giggly.
PHOTOS: 'Friends': Where are they now?
Beyond the fact that this is improv, what is the process?
We do write an outline — [writer-director] Don Roos and Dan Bucatinsky and I and a lot of Don Roos. As we start casting the characters, these talented actors enrich the characters and stories by like a hundred times. Megan Mullally knew she was going to be a Broadway musical composer, so she came to the set with 10 songs. Fantastic!
It seems like you're working with friends. I would think that would be the best-case scenario. Is that one of the things that motivated you to do "Web Therapy"?
Yes and no. The idea motivated us to begin with, just because that's really a stupid idea, and it was a Web series, so we could do whatever we wanted. And we had fun with the idea that it's just two people talking and that's how the stories come out. And we were pretty amazed that it was engaging enough to support a webisode. And then mixing them up and putting them together for a half-hour format when Showtime wanted to license it, that was then another amazement to us, that 28 minutes of it was interesting enough too.
But it's smart to break it up into segments, so that it's like webisodes with a through story.
It's between four and six pieces. Look, I can watch Meryl Streep for 17 minutes. We had a webisode, the first one of her, we didn't know what to cut. It was like 19 minutes long. We had to really force ourselves to cut.
You started your career with improv, right? At the Groundlings?
Yeah, I was told by Jon Lovitz, who's my brother's best friend — I grew up with him — "I learned the most through improvisation," and I said, "Great. I'll start there."
By the way, I see that Fiona Wallice is trying to get her Twitter account verified. Does Twitter verify characters? I would think they would have the same problem with impersonators as real people.
They should, because someone's doing Valerie Cherish, the character I played on "The Comeback," a show that was on HBO one season. And it's not me, but people think it's me. They're doing a fine job; it's not like I want to shut them down. I wouldn't dream of doing that, but I really am doing Fiona Wallice on Twitter.
And you're doing it often. Are you having fun with that?
Yeah, that can be really fun. Whether it's something like "I'm eating a baked potato," because she thinks that's what you do on Twitter. It's fun how smart the Twitter followers are, because they're right in there playing it with me.
PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times
What do you think of virtual relationships?
I don't think much of them. We address it with Mae Whitman ["Arrested Development"] and Darren Criss ["Glee"]. They contacted us because they had this fantastic idea that they're a couple who've been together for two years and they've had an online relationship; they've never even been in the same room. Everything happens through Skype — they have sex. Fiona says, "It's safer to have sex that way. You can't get any diseases." They say, "We're totally safe. We put plastic down over the keyboard." That's coming up.
You have another series premiering this month, "Who Do You Think You Are?" on TLC. As the subject of one episode yourself, you seemed to have a difficult experience.
Yeah, that was personally challenging. I knew that my paternal grandmother, that her whole family had been rounded up and shot, but I didn't know the details. I just knew they weren't in concentration camps, so I kind of let myself believe, 'Oh, we're not part of the Holocaust.' I actually had too much information and education to really believe that, but emotionally I didn't think I could handle it. So I wasn't eager, I have to say. But I went anyway [to Belarus] and found that you can handle more than you think, and it's not even about you, which made it easier.
It actually was very fulfilling to visit my grandmother's village to see where she grew up and see that it was exactly as she described it, to hear from older people about what happened that day and to walk where they walked, down the same little road where they walked to their end. And to see that there's a monument there and pay tribute to the people who had died by bearing witness and broadcasting it also, that it really happened. Because there are still too many people who aren't sure — that's a nice way to put it.


text: nancylee 46 Report post Posted September 27, 2012 Hi all, So I have a small shop with all handcrafted goods, and I have about 4 potters in my shop. I have found that bowls, mugs, etc. under 20 dollars are an easy sell- but the more expensive bowls, vases, etc, take longer to sell, which makes sense. My problem is that I can't keep enough mugs in my shop. Only one of the potters makes mugs - the others don't even though I have asked them about making them. And he only makes two glazes. i am a newer potter, so while I will put some ornaments and small bowls in my shop, i haven't put any of my mugs in the shop because they suck!!! My small stuff and bowls sell very well, mostly becaiuse people love the glaze I use. So...my question? Since i am having trouble getting mugs to sell, and people like my glaze combination, how can I get better more quickly making them? I know, it takes a long time to get good, but I really struggle with them. I can make nice bowls, but since the mugs start out as cylinders, I have more trouble with them. When i go to spread the cylinder, i undercut too much and get a lump of clay on the bottom in the middle, and the edges are thinner. And then the top gets too thin, and forget about getting them the same size!! I realize that I am newer, and that I should ideally spend a lot of time perfecting the art of pottery, and I am in awe at what many of you do, but I really do need to make mugs, so any suggestions would be helpful. I have a class i take, and have watched video after video, but to little avail. Thank you! Nancy Please excuse the poor spelling - this iPad is driving me nuts with the auto correct. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Financial Aid
Our office is committed to helping you finance your education. Students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, student loans and a variety of other resources depending on their background and demonstrated need. Our commitment to your education is as simple as that.
When Should I Apply for Financial Aid?
The first step toward receiving merit-based scholarships is to apply for admission to Virginia Wesleyan University.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be completed after October 1st of each academic year in order to be considered for need-based institutional, state and federal grants, federal student loans, the Federal Work-Study Program, and the federal Parent PLUS Loan. The application for the FAFSA can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to include our school code: 003767. Once we receive a copy of your FAFSA and you have been admitted by the Enrollment Office, we will set up an award package for you.


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Click here to see more…
Category Archives: Wedding
Our Crowdsourced Wedding Film!
In lieu of a hiring a professional videographer, we opted to crowdsource wedding footage filmed by ourselves, friends and guests who were celebrating with us on February 22, 2013 at Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas. 17 people contributed footage, I edited the final film, and the results were just as personal and full of emotion as we hoped for! Enjoy!
Click here to visit Lauren's Vimeo page.
We wanted to be able to involve our family and friends in the wedding celebration, so we made sure to include app ideas for them to use at that weekend. We also sent our guests this message:
"We are so excited to see you all on the 22nd! In case you haven't visited our site, we have this really fun idea for a wedding video.
Using creative collaboration, we are asking guests who have mobile devices to record fun times from their perspective that weekend.
iPhone/ipad/itouch users you can download the 8mm app. Android Users can download Retro Movie Player.
We're hoping guests take snippets of their preparation, travel and time at the wedding ceremony and reception, capturing little details and moments.
:03 seconds to 3 minutes, our goal is to gather footage from all of our friends and create video(s) from that. We want to experience what you experience, and are sure that it would make for a very special memento.
So please, create, contribute, and have fun with us. I have a dropbox folder set up, Or just message me your email to add you to it. Visit https://vonshafer.wordpress.com for any more info.
We cant wait to celebrate with you all!
Everyday – Rogue Wave
Breathe – The Hero Factor
Guests with iPhones used the 8mm App.
Update: The Kids' Disposable Cameras
Update: Day After Brunch Photographs
Update: Reception Photographs
Update: Ceremony Photographs
Update: First Look Photographs
Update: Groom Prep Photographs
Update: Bride Prep Photographs
Photos Photos Photos
courtesy of Shaina Sheaff Photography
I've been so behind on everything in all aspects of life, that i've lapsed from posting about events prior to the wedding, to finishing our thank you cards. I wanted to post another link for those who have asked to see more wedding photographs. Here is a much more detailed post from our friend and photographer, Shaina, about the day. Photos from the reception and Saturday brunch to follow soon. Enjoy!


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Today, I took a day to do some errands, dining and wondering
around this month's hectic Tokyo.
And also, I took a moment to think of all the people I love most
and things I am thankful for...
For the day like this, the most comfortable outfits to wear are
a casual jacket, jeans, and a beanie: all of my staple go-to-pieces.
moto jacket: 3.1 phillip Lim/ sunnies: Tom Ford
pants: MINUSEY(available here) tops: no brand
beanie: Loro Piana/ watch: Hermes
bag: Valentino


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Major Section: PROGRAMMING
(Sublis alist tree) is obtained by replacing every leaf of
tree with the result of looking that leaf up in the association
alist. However, a leaf is left unchanged if it is not found
as a key in
Leaves are lookup up using the function
assoc. The guard for
(sublis alist tree) requires
(eqlable-alistp alist). This
guard ensures that the guard for
assoc will be met for each
lookup generated by
Sublis is defined in Common Lisp. See any Common Lisp
documentation for more information.


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Safety programs cannot be fully effective against crime without the cooperation of the citizens they are designed to protect. Alertness, common-sense precautions, and concern for fellow students, faculty, and employees are keys to preventing crime and helping us ensure that experiences at UNF are positive and enjoyable.
The first step to providing a safe environment is through the University's policies, which are designed to establish a basis for quality campus life. Their effectiveness is dependent upon all of us collectively promoting safety. Policies set a standard of conduct that is most conducive to a safe environment. University policies are administered in general areas: Alcohol and Drug Use and the Student Code of Conduct.
Alcohol and Drug Policies The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. As a result, approximately 20 percent of all UNF students are not of legal drinking age. The University has established specific policies for drinking on campus and has published these rules in several publications. The University of North Florida Student Handbook, published by the Division of Student Affairs, provides campus guidelines for the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol. These guidelines require individuals and/or groups to meet specific criteria prior to obtaining approval to hold events on campus during which alcohol will be served.
The Resident Handbook, is published by the Department of Residence Life and prohibits the use of alcohol in apartments and residence halls by anyone under the age of 21.
The Department of Recreation and Wellness offers programming to help deal with social pressures associated with drug and alcohol use.
Under University rules, a violation of the preceding may cause disciplinary action and under State laws, referral for prosecution.
UNF is committed to an orderly and safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff. To this end, the University advises all community members that it is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, and/or use illegal drugs on its premises or at activities sponsored by the University.
In addition to imposition of disciplinary sanctions under University rules, students and employees may face arrest and prosecution under Federal and State laws that make such acts felony or misdemeanor crimes.
Firearms, Weapons or Explosives
Florida Statutes 790.06(12) and 790.115 forbid the carrying of firearms on a university campus. Firearms are not permitted on the UNF campus, except for those carried by uniformed law enforcement officers.
The unauthorized use or possession of fireworks, dangerous chemicals, explosive materials, devices capable of hurling a projectile, or other lethal weapons on the UNF campus is prohibited by Chapter 790.115(2), F.S.S.
Conduct Standards The published rules of conduct enable the University to meet its mission of contributing to the well being of society. Failure of staff, faculty, students, or student organizations to comply with duly established laws or University regulations may subject the violator(s) to appropriate action by University or other civil authorities.
Florida law prohibits intentionally acting to impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of any State University, Chapter 1006.60(5), 1012.92(3) and 1006.145, Florida Statutes.
In addition to general rules of conduct, the Department of Residence Life has established rules and regulations for students living in the residence halls and apartments.
Sexual Misconduct
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal (including written and electronic communications) or physical conduct of a sexual nature can constitute sexual harassment, a violation of UNF's Sexual Harassment Policy is published in the University Graduate and Undergraduate Catalogs as well as the Student Handbook. Specific information can be obtained from the Department of Human Resources, Division of Student Affairs, and the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.
UNF does not attempt to shelter students or employees from federal, state, or local laws pertaining to sexual misconduct. Individuals who feel they have been harassed should contact the University's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.
Hazing Guidelines
The University of North Florida takes a strong stance against hazing,
and strictly enforces an anti-hazing policy. Any actions or statements
amounting to hazing or intimidation are prohibited and will be dealt
with by the University wherever possible.
UNF's official policy on hazing is the Prohibition on Hazing, Policy Number 5.0020R. Hazing
is defined by the University as: "any group or individual action or
activity which recklessly or intentionally inflicts or intends to
inflict physical or mental harm or discomfort, or which may demean,
disgrace, or degrade any person, regardless of location, intent, or
consent of participant(s)".
University Police The Department of Police and Public Safety is responsible for law enforcement, security, disaster planning, and emergency response at the University of North Florida and is located in the Police Building (41), on UNF Drive, across the street from the Information Booth.
The law enforcement officers of the Department of Police and Public Safety receive their enforcement authority via the provisions of Florida Statute 1012.97. All University police officers are certified by the State of Florida after completion of Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training for law enforcement officers.
Police officers at UNF have full law enforcement authority including arrest powers on all property owned or controlled by the University of North Florida.
The University Police have an excellent working relationship with all local law enforcement agencies that assures the delivery of professional police services. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and other state and federal agencies are available to assist upon request. Communications and coordination with all area law enforcement are maintained on a 24-hour basis via computer networks such as the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
To Report a Crime on Campus In the event of an on-campus emergency, call the University Police Department (UPD) by dialing 911 from any telephone on campus. If you are close to a "Blue Phone," simply push the button and someone will respond to you. If you dial 911 from a cell phone on campus, the call will be sent to the UPD.
Sexual Assault Awareness The Department of Police and Public Safety, as well as other campus offices, presents sexual assault awareness programs to any on-campus group requesting them. Scheduled presentations are arranged for residence halls and apartments. The program offers tips on avoiding and preventing acquaintance/date rape.
Drug/Alcohol Education Programs The Department of Police and Public Safety, in cooperation with other campus offices, provides a wide range of activities and educational programs on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and the consequences of "Driving Under the Influence." Included is the dissemination of information on the use of alcohol and other drugs to better enable students, staff, and faculty to engage in informed and responsible decision making regarding the role of these substances in their lives.
Victim Advocates The Victim Advocate Program provides a support person for anyone who may become a victim of crime. Advocates provide immediate and confidential support for victims and ensure the right of the victim to be informed and treated with sensitivity and fairness. Advocates also make referrals or assist victims with locating other needed services. Victim Advocates are available 24 hours a day to respond to a crisis at (904) 620-1010 of by contacting the Police Department at (904) 620-2800.
Communication Services The office of Communication Services is responsible for all telephones on campus. Elevators are equipped with emergency phones that have a direct line (no dialing is necessary) to the University Police. Contact is made by simply lifting the receiver. The caller location is identified at the Police Department.
The campus is also equipped with emergency "Blue Phones." This system rings directly into the Police Department. Contact is made by simply pressing the button. The caller location is identified at the Police Department.
Police Communications Police Communications Operators answer your call for service or emergency assistance. They provide the communications support to the Police Department and the community. Police Communications Operators coordinate the efforts of police officers that need to be monitored and responded to throughout each day. They also have the responsibility of monitoring alarm systems, answering phone calls, and keeping daily records of police activity.
When calling for service or an emergency, please be prepared to:
Parking Services Parking Services is responsible for the enforcement of parking regulations on campus. All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to display a current parking permit during both daylight and evening hours (this includes individuals who utilize a "Disability Parking" placard). Parking decals can be purchased from the Controller's Office; "day passes" can be purchased at either Information Booth located at the entrances to the UNF campus. Student parking patrollers issue parking citations for illegally parked vehicles and those without parking decals or permits.
Campus Watch Program Campus Watch is a safety and awareness program co-sponsored by the Department of Police and Public Safety and the Department of Residence Life. Similar to the "Neighborhood Watch" program, this endeavor promotes involvement from all members of the community by encouraging a safe and responsible living and learning environment.
Operation Identification "Operation Identification" is a program based on the idea that marked items are more difficult for a thief to dispose of as they can be traced back to the owner. Property is engraved with the owner's drivers license number for identification purposes. The Department of Police and Public Safety offers this service at no charge to participants.
Lighting To provide a safe environment for the university community, we periodically evaluate our lighting system. This system encompasses the roadways, pathways, and parking lots to provide visible paths of travel from buildings and parking areas. With the vast amount of construction and environmental changes, illumination may not always appear the same. Community members are encouraged to report any lighting problems to Physical Facilities or the Police Department.
Key Control Building/Office Keys: Protection of issued keys is extremely important. Do not lend keys, particularly if you are unsure of a person's authorization. Each key is clearly marked "Do Not Duplicate" and any attempt to duplicate a key is illegal. Doors to residence halls or apartments utilize the "Intellikey" locking system. If you feel or believe the locking system has been compromised or if your key has been lost, contact Housing Operations.
The University of North Florida is a public institution and, with the exception of residence halls and labs, is open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. During times when the University is officially closed, University buildings are generally locked. The Department of Police and Public Safety provides regular patrol of buildings and parking lots.
The Department of Residence Life provides information for an effective residence hall security system program. Students are encouraged to adhere to this security program in order to enhance their personal safety and the safety of others. An effective residence hall security program depends upon resident cooperation, staff supervision, and police assistance.
There are no guarantees against becoming a victim. Assailants select their victims based upon desire -- they seek an opportunity. The following suggestions can help you reduce the "opportunity" and make you less vulnerable. Student Resident Living Areas
Apartment complexes, townhouses, condominium communities, and other multi-family dwellings pose unique security problems because of the temporary nature of many residents of lease/rental properties.
Here are a few tips:
In the Office
Personal Safety Self-protection is the use of common sense actions. It means keeping alert to your environment; not taking chances; being safety conscious at all times; being alert for dangerous situations and suspicious persons; taking precautions in your residence, while walking/jogging, driving, or using public transportation; knowing what to do if you are being followed; and knowing what to do if you become a victim. Learn how to protect yourself.
If a Crime Does Occur Call law enforcement immediately! A five-minute delay means that the chance of catching the criminal drops by two-thirds. Dial 911 from any telephone on campus.
What to do if you are raped or sexually assaulted
Decide if you want to report the incident to police. It is your choice to decide to report the rape to police. Reporting means that you are making the police aware that a crime has occurred. Police can only apprehend offenders when they are aware of a crime. Report is not the same as deciding to prosecute. Deciding to prosecute is a decision made by the State Attorney's Office base on the amount of evidence available (including your cooperation) to build a case. It is important that you make the decision of whether you want to notify the police as soon as possible.
Seek medical attention. If you report the incident to the police, medical attention will be provided to you at no cost. The police officer will contact and transport you to the Sexual Assault Response Center for a forensic examination. A forensic examination encompasses both medical services and the collection of evidence for a criminal case. If you decide not to report to the police, it is important that you obtain medical treatment on your own. The primary purpose of a medical exam is to check for injuries, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
If you report to the police, as a victim of a sexual assault/rape, the State Attorney's Office will need your cooperation and assistance to proceed with a criminal case. This may include your participation in the prosecution as a witness. Being a witness entails telling your version of what transpired in court. There are programs to help victims and witnesses with transportation, child care services, clothing and scheduling of cases. There is also victim compensation available to assist with financial issues resulting from the victimization.
If you are the victim of sexual assault/rape and decide not to notify the police, other victim support services are still available to you. UNF's Victim Advocacy Program provides confidential 24-hour crisis intervention services to all members of the UNF community regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus. Advocates are available to provide information, referral and support services by contacting (904) 620-1010. Off campus resources include the City of Jacksonville's Sexual Assault Response Center that provides a 24-hour crisis line at (904) 224-RAPE. The Women's Center of Jacksonville also provides counseling and support services and can be reached at (904) 722-3300. Most services provided by victim service agencies are at no cost to you.
If you are the victim of a sexual assault/rape, all reasonable efforts will be made by the University to accommodate special requests related to campus housing and course enrollment when proximity of residence or enrollment in a course section has the potential of threat or to cause discomfort or embarrassment.
The Florida Constitution guarantees the right of a victim, including the next of kin of a homicide victim, to be informed, to be present, and to be heard, when relevant, at all crucial stages of criminal or juvenile proceedings, to the extent that this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. Crimes Compensation: If you receive injuries, you may be eligible for crime victim compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, etc. For information, contact the Bureau of Victims' Compensation, (904) 488-0848 or the Victim Services Center (through the Duval County State Attorney's Office).
The Office of the Attorney General of Florida provides the Crime Victim Compensation Program for victims who suffered physical injury and filed a police report within three days of the crime unless there is a good reason for reporting it later. Eligible expenses for Crime Victim Compensation include: medical/dental treatment, mental health counseling, lost wages and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the crime. For claim forms and assistance filing the forms contact UNF's Victim Advocacy Program at (904) 620-2528, the City of Jacksonville's Victim Service Center at (904) 630-6300 or the Office of the Attorney General (toll free) (800) 226-6667.
Victim's Rights
Additional information regarding Florida Statute 960.001, guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice systems, can be obtained by contacting the University of North Florida Department of Police and Public Safety or the Duval County State Attorney's Office.
Campus Police
Non-Emergency (904) 620-2800
Investigations (904) 620-1021
On and Off Campus Resources
UNF Victim Advocacy Program
(904) 620-1010
24 Hour Information & Referral (First Call)
(904) 632-0600 or 211
Drug Abuse Helpline
(800) 378-4435
Mental Health Center of Jacksonville
(904) 695-9145
Mental Health Resource Center
(904) 642-9100
UNF Counseling Center
(904) 620-2602
Poison Information Center - Florida
(800) 282-3171
Poison Information - Jacksonville
(904) 549-4480
Rape Crisis Hotline
Sexual Assault Response Center
(904) 549-4600
Student Medical Services (UNF)
(904) 620-2900
Suicide Prevention Center
(904) 632-0600 or (800) 346-6185
Victim Service Center - Jacksonville
(904) 630-6300
UNF Information
(904) 620-1000
THE JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS ACT (Formerly, the "Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act," Public Law 101-542)
This law requires all postsecondary institutions to prepare, publish, and distribute certain information regarding campus crimes and security-related policies to all current students, employees, and to any applicant.
Crime Statistic Information Crime information is updated annually and may be obtained from the Department of Police and Public Safety. In addition, the University's crime statistics are available on line.
This information is being provided as part of the University of North Florida's commitment to safety and security on campus and is the compliance document for the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.
Sexual Offender/Predator Information The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains a sexual offender/predator database. The address is: FDLE, Sexual Offender/Predator Unit, PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1489, phone: (toll free) 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (357-7332).
Programs and services provided by the University Police Department are free of charge. Information may be obtained by contacting the Department of Police and Public Safety at (904) 620-2800.


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But could developers do more to help themselves?
Wind power developers despair of the UK planning system. In many ways, it is easy to sympathise. Applications are rejected by councillors - local politicians - for almost every reason imaginable, from visual intrusion to real or imaginary affects on birds. Local councils decide applications initially. If they say "no", the developer may appeal to the planning inspectorate, a body that advises government ministers - a long and costly option with no guarantee of success. Developers clearly get angry when projects are rejected for what they think are frivolous or misinformed reasons. But do they do all they can to further their cause? Perhaps not. House builders and retailers normally employ public relations teams to consult the public and win local support for their planned projects before councillors consider them. These consultants say it remains fairly rare to be asked to work for a wind developer. This lack of communication can make it easier for opponents of wind to gain councillors' attention than for developers.
Winning hearts and minds
Gemma Grimes, planning adviser to the British Wind Energy Association (Bwea), says: "Local authority planning officers are mostly quite receptive and now have climate-change adaptation as part of their remit. The problem is more with councillors who will turn down wind farms, even when planning officers' advice is to allow them, because constituents make claims about visual intrusion and noise." Bwea, she adds, hopes to employ an officer to revive its Embrace campaign to win public support.
Bernice Roberts, principal environmental planner at planning consultancy Landmark Practice, who has helped wind developers win three applications in the Bristol area, agrees that specialist community engagement is needed. "Our advice to developers is to make sure all the information wind developers give is accurate and defensible," she says. "That sounds like common sense, but we find they think that just because they are green and virtuous they ought to get planning permission just for asking."
Roberts points out that a section of the public supports wind power because of concerns about climate change, and she feels the industry should do more to harness that goodwill. "You get a lot of wind developers who don't talk to stakeholders early enough," she says. "Yet they need to know what the local problems are.
"I asked at one training session how many had, and only two hands went up. It is no good thinking that any planner will see wind power as some moral priority."
Robin Hutchinson, a director of the Green Brain consultancy, says conventional energy generators are more sophisticated in how they deal with the public, and wind is having to catch up with that. "There is a feeling in the wind industry that it should just be given planning permission for asking, and that doesn't happen."
In July, North Dorset District Council rejected Ecotricity's bid to build six 120-metre turbines at Silton. A six-hour meeting, ironically interrupted by a power cut, saw 300 objectors attend. Faced with that, councillors unanimously rejected the project. Roberts comments: "In a case like North Dorset, it takes an extremely brave councillor to stand up and support a wind farm."
Ecotricity's exasperated managing director Dale Vince says: "Two-thirds of all wind projects are refused by councils at the planning stage, yet two-thirds of all appeals are upheld by the government. So a lot of bad decisions are being overturned - eventually.
"Councils are not up to the job, on the whole," he complains. "Their actions have resulted in years of unnecessary delays, cost council-tax payers tens of thousands of pounds and prevented the generation of millions of kilowatt hours of renewable electricity."
Vince, who is considering a revised application, wants decisions on wind power installations made at national level. But North Dorset's council leader, Peter Webb, disagrees. "People who choose to live in a place like North Dorset do so because it is a quiet, rural setting, and when you have people who want to put in a very visual intrusion, and perhaps affect the value of their property, it seems unjust to them," he says. "We have got to develop economic alternative sources of energy. But they can be better placed than in the south of England, which is densely populated."
Hostile councils
That is the crux of the problem. Research by Roberts' company suggests 80% of the UK public support wind power, but only 30% want it generated near their home. One extreme was East Northamptonshire Council's attempt at a near-blanket ban on turbines in its area's rural north. A planning inspector told the council to rethink this, despite admitting the policy enjoyed wide public support. An East Northamptonshire spokeswoman says: "In the most cases, wind farm proposals lead to substantial local opposition. The need for wind turbines to be prominent in order to maximise their efficiency and capacity inevitably means that these often impact upon rural landscapes with open aspects." In April, Enertrag lost a legal battle to build six turbines at Guestwick, in Norfolk. These had been rejected both by Broadland District Council and a planning inspector. The company then won a court order requiring reconsideration, but a second inspector also rejected the scheme and the company tried unsuccessfully to persuade England's High Court to order yet further consideration.
Enertrag UK's manager of projects David Lindley has made five planning applications. Only one has been successful, at North Pickerham, also in Norfolk. He says: "The problem with the planning system is that at a local level decisions are political. But once things get to a planning inspector the decisions are all technical. I think where a wind farm is big enough to sell power to National Grid it should be decided by the government on an inspector's advice - it's too important nationally to be left to local decision."
Councils would resist any attempt to reduce their powers over turbines, which makes it hard to see how enough can be built in the UK to meet renewable generation objectives unless the industry does a better job of winning over public opinion.


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Thanks to Diego Oppenheimer for putting together this post.
When working with PivotTables, you often come across scenarios where you want to work with the same set of items from the data over and over again. For example, you might be a regional manager and you want to create a set of reports about the branches in your particular region, but the list of which are âyourâ branches isnât in the data source, so you always have to filter to the same eight branches, like so:
Example of two PivotTable reports created using a named set of store branches
Of course the examples are endless: you might be a product manager who wants to show the set of products that you are responsible for in many different PivotTables to give different perspectives on the performance of your product line, you might want to have a set of your Top 10 partners, you might have a set with your best suppliers, you might have a set of your âgoldâ salespeople, etc. The point is that the Named Sets feature in Excel 2010 provides you the ability to easily create and reuse this logical grouping of items as a single object that you can add to OLAP PivotTables, regardless of whether this existed in the data source.
Why Named Sets in Excel 2010?
Named sets are a very flexible tool that allows users to do a lot more than just create a re-usable group of items for use in PivotTables. With Named Sets in Excel 2010 you can:
- Create simple, re-usable, groupings of common sets of items for re-use in PivotTables â even when those sets are not present in the data.
- Create PivotTables that combine items from different hierarchies in ways that otherwise wouldnât be possible (what is sometimes called âasymmetric reportingâ).
- Create PivotTables based on your own custom MDX.
- Create PivotTables that dynamically change based on filters by using dynamic sets.
Letâs see how easy it is to create one of these asymmetric reports with Excel 2010 that wasnât previously possible in Excel PivotTables.
Creating an Asymmetric Report with the New Set UI
A very common report layout needed by our customers is to show actual sales for the year 2008 while showing forecasted sales for the year 2009. Here is a PivotTable showing actual, budgeted and forecasted sales quotas for the last two fiscal years (click to see larger image).
As you can observe there is a lot of irrelevant information in our report such as Forecast for 2008 (since we have actual data for 2008) and Actual for 2009 (since this only includes 9 months of data). If I tried to hide Actual it would actually get hidden for both 2008 and 2009, but since I have Excel 2010 I can go ahead and create a set out my information on columns by simply going to PivotTable Tools -> Options in the ribbon, and selecting âCreate set based on column itemsâ.
Now the Named Set creation UI will pop up (click to see larger image):
The UI contains all the tuples that currently define the column labels of my Pivot report. Now I can easily remove the tuples I no longer want. In this case I am going to go ahead and remove:
- FiscalYear 2008 Forecast
- FiscalYear 2008 All (This is my subtotal for FiscalYear 2008 that doesnât really make sense here)
- FiscalYear2009 Actual
- FiscalYear 2009 All
Note: Subtotals and Grand totals can be easily identified because they contain an âAllâ member.
Iâll also go ahead and change my setâs name to something easier to recognize in the future like â2008-09 Actual vs. Forecastâ. Letâs hit OK and see what my report looks like now.
The new set is placed on the corresponding axis
If a display folder was not specified it will be stored under the Sets folder by default.
So now I have a reusable named set that can be used in new PivotTable reports or as part of cube functions. Of course this same feature can be used to create any âsetâ of items (like product bundles offered for Christmas or locations belonging to a particular regional manager), and I can use these across multiple reports. A set could also be used to build a report layout that would otherwise not be possible with PivotTables.
Advanced Named Sets
I have covered how to easily create these sets through the UI, but this is just some of the power and flexibility that named sets add.
For users who are familiar with MDX, you are now able to create just about any PivotTable youâd like to by creating sets based on your own custom MDX definition. The set manager allows you to create a new set using an MDX editor, and also allows you to set advanced options on your set, including making the set recalculate its items based on its context (a âdynamic setâ). For example, you can make a set that shows combinations of products and salespeople when youâre filtering by one manager, but shows products and sales channels when youâre filtering by a second manager.
A couple notes about Named Sets
You may be saying to yourself âhavenât I used named sets in Excel before?â Well, Excel has allowed you to access some named sets that exist on an OLAP data source for a number of versions. In fact, you could even create named sets using the Excel object model in previous versions of Excel, so long as you could figure out how to do so, write MDX for the set, and so long as your set was one that previous versions of Excel could support (the named set consisted only of members from a single hierarchy and was not dynamic). More detail on this can be found here.
Lastly, in Excel 2010, only OLAP PivotTables support named sets. We hope to add named sets to all PivotTables in a future release of Excel.
So there you go; a âshortâ introduction to the world of Named sets in Excel. We think theyâre an addition to Excel 2010 that will make PivotTables a whole lot more flexible and powerful for users. I would love to hear back about how you are putting this feature to use.


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The Online Trust Alliance (OTA) advocates that all businesses create an incident response plan and be prepared for the likelihood that they will experience a breach or data loss in the future. The fact is breaches happen and often at the worst of times. Rather than be lulled into the belief it will not happen to your business, a well-designed plan is emerging as an essential part of regulatory compliance, demonstrating that a firm or organization is willing to take reasonable steps to protect data from abuse. Doing so is good business. Developing a plan can help to minimize risk to consumers, business partners and stockholders, while increasing brand protection and the long-term viability of a business.
This slideshow highlights key questions and recommendations for businesses to consider while building a data loss incident plan.
10 Tips for Making Websites Stickier Develop an effective strategy to keep customers engaged.
The Mobile Work Force Today Mobile employees carry an average of 2.68 mobile devices, including laptops, smartphones and increasingly tablets.
10 New Smartphones for Business New smartphones for today's business user.
Related Topics : Unisys, Stimulus Package, Security Breaches, Symantec, Electronic Surveillance
To protect the company from those insiders who abuse their privileged access and from hackers with stolen credentials, many companies are turning to a privileged access management (PAM) solution. ... More >>
Is fake news a security issue? Some say yes, as it can be used as a social engineering tool to spread disinformation and conceivably to get unsuspecting users to click on malicious links. ... More >>
Blockchain comes with many costs and is surrounded by confusion. Here, we examine realistic use cases, drawbacks and the potential of blockchain. ... More >>


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Mind the gap:伦敦地铁提示音背后的温暖爱情故事
作者:沪江英语 来源:business insider 2013-04-22 11:58
A widow's wish to hear her late husband's voice again has prompted London's subway system to restore a 40-year-old recording of the subway's famous "mind the gap" announcement.
一位孀居老太太希望能再听到她已故丈夫声音的愿望,使伦敦的地铁系统恢复了有40多年历史著名的"mind the gap"的提示音广播。
The Underground, also known as the Tube, tracked down the voice recording by Oswald Lawrence after his widow, Margaret McCollum, approached its staff and told them what it meant to her.
伦敦地铁(the Underground)还有个昵称叫"the Tube"(管子),地铁工作人员在听了玛格丽特·麦科勒姆的故事,了解到这个提示音广播对她意义深刻后,就去查出了她的已故丈夫奥斯瓦尔德·劳伦斯录下的声音。
McCollum, 65, said Sunday she used to frequently visit Embankment station or plan her journeys around the stop to listen to Lawrence's voice, even before his death in 2007. She was taken aback in November when she noticed it had been replaced by a different voice.
"For many, many years it was on the Embankment Station northbound platform. That's a station I used a lot," the retired doctor said.
"对大部分人来说,很多年来这只是河堤地铁站北站台的广播。但是这个站台是我很熟悉的站台。" 这位退休医生说。
Lawrence was a drama school graduate when he auditioned for the Tube recording, she said. He went on to become a theater actor and then worked for a tour and cruise company.
"After he died, I would stay on the platform, I would just sit and listen to it again," she added. "It was a huge comfort. It was very special."
"他死后,我会待在站台上,就是静静地坐着再听次他的录音," 她补充道,"这对我来说是一种很大的安慰。它很特别。"
When McCollum approached a Tube worker, she was told the station had a new broadcast system and it could not use the old recording anymore.
But Nigel Holness, director of London Underground, said its staff has been so moved by McCollum's story that they dug up the recording and gave the widow a copy of the announcement on a CD for her to keep. Tube staff is also working to restore Lawrence's announcement at the station, he added.
The Tube's automated "mind the gap" messages, voiced by various actors, have accompanied countless London commuter journeys since the 1960s. Train drivers and staff made the warnings themselves before that.
伦敦地铁自动的"小心空隙" 提示音,自从1960年代开始伴随着无数的伦敦通勤者的旅途。很多演员参与了这个提示音的录制,在此之前,提示音都是由地铁司机和工作人员自己录制的。
London's subway, the world's first underground railway network, first opened in 1863. It is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
McCollum said she has been overwhelmed by the media attention to her story, and hoped that she could hear Lawrence's voice in the Tube again soon.
"I'm very pleased in Oswald's memory that people are interested," she said. "He was a great London transport user all his life. He would be amused and touched and delighted to know he's back where he belonged."