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16 September, 2010 | (01 hr)
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At the midyear mark, 2010 is notable for a number of catastrophes worldwide, both manmade and natural. These include the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the largest oil spill in Chinese history in Dalian, the wildfires in Russia, the floods in Pakistan, flash floods this spring in the United States, and flooding in Eastern Europe.
The severity of these events demonstrates that the world is changing, and that we have entered a new era of catastrophes. If you consider the twenty-five most costly insured catastrophes (in 2008 prices) in the world since 1970, 17 of them occurred since 2001, 12 of them in the United States. Prior to Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the insurance industry had never suffered any loss of over $1 billion. Losses radically rose in the 1990s and that trend has continued in the last ten years due primarily to increased property values at risk.
As each tragedy unfolds we learn of multiple failures in risk preparedness and management. There are many reasons for this human failure, starting with lack of risk awareness and a belief that "this won't happen to me." We tend to underestimate these risks and often don't learn from past experiences. People place too much weight on immediate considerations, and don't consider the long-term benefits of investing in mitigation measures for future benefits. Governments are usually called upon as the last resort. However, as we see with the BP oil spill, industry can be saddled with both with clean-up costs and disaster preparedness. And unless we take steps to prepare in advance of a disaster, all of us as taxpayers will pay dearly for the costs of assistance and relief in the aftermath of future catastrophes.
This webcast will discuss:
- What underlies the increase in catastrophic losses
- How we can do a better job at assessing these risks and characterizing the uncertainties surrounding these estimates
- What are the political and economic ramifications of ignoring extreme events
- What are biases and simplified rules of thumb that decision makers utilize to deal with extreme events
- What are the challenges we face in coping with short term or myopic thinking regarding extreme events
- What types of economic incentives, standards, regulations and insurance contracts should be considered to encourage long-term thinking
Audience: Corporate environmental engineers and production managers, environmental and health & safety managers, VPs of sustainability, corporate social responsibility and citizenship, legal departments, investor relations, marketing and communications, financial analysts.
Howard Kunreuther
Professor Kunreuther has a long-standing interest in ways that society can better manage low-probability/high-consequence events related to technological and natural hazards, and has published extensively on the topic. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAA...Full Bio
Franklin W. Nutter
Franklin Nutter has held the position of President of the Reinsurance Association of America since 1991, and from 1981-1984. In the interim, he was president of the Alliance of American Insurers and Property Loss Research Bureau, which have now merged as the Property Casualty Insurance Associatio...Full Bio
Dinah A. Koehler, Sc.D.
Dinah Koehler, Sc.D. is research leader for sustainability and climate change at Deloitte Research – the research division of the Deloitte US firm. She earned her Doctor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Risk Management from Harvard's School of Public Health, did coursework at ...Full Bio


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Tories welcome minority status for Corniche people
The Tory faithful have welcomed the 'long overdue' news that Corniche people are to be recognised and protected as a national minority, thus guaranteeing the human rights of the super-rich. This, they said, should also send a clear message to the rest of the country that it is not enough to simply be ' quite well-off' any more. [read...]

subset: commoncrawl


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Beatmixing is a disk jockey technique of mixing two tracks so that the beats of one occur at the same time as the other.
Beatmixing was invented in the late 1960s by Francis Grasso, who tried to keep people from leaving the dance floor between the songs. Initially he was looking for records with the same tempo, counting the tempo with a metronome. When the tempos didn't match, he was adjusting the pitch control on the turntable to bring the beats in sync. Rosie, a mixer built for him by Alex Rosner, let him listen to any channel in the headphones independently of what was playing on the speakers, allowing him to beatmatch the records by ear; this became the defining feature of DJ mixers.
These days beatmatching and beatmixing are considered basic techniques among DJs in electronic dance music genres, and it's standard practice in clubs to keep the constant beat through the night, even if DJs change in the middle.
The beatmixing technique consists of the following steps:
1. While a record is playing, beatmatch a new record to it, using headphones for monitoring. Use gain (or trim) control on the mixer to match the levels of the two records.
2. Restart and slip-cue the new record at the right time. Pay attention to track structures; careful phrasing can make the mix seamless.
3. Before fading in the new track, check that the beats of two tracks match by listening to both channels together in the headphones, as the sound from the speakers can reach you with a delay.
4. Gradually, fade in parts of the new track while fading out the old track. While in the mix, ensure that the tracks are still synchronized, adjusting the records if needed.
Pitch and tempo
The pitch and tempo of a track are normally linked together: spin a disc 5% faster and both pitch and tempo will be 5% higher. However, some modern DJ software can change pitch and tempo independently using time-stretching and pitch-shifting, allowing harmonic mixing. This technique is referred to as beatmatching.
Radio Imaging
Beatmix or beatmixing however should not be confused with another term used in radio imaging. Radio imaging refers to any produced audio material sung or voice over used to identify a radio station. A radio imaging company in Seattle, Washington called ReelWorld used the term "beatmix" to refer to a type of imaging material in which a jingle, a voice over liner and audio clips are produced to blend on a song intro. The concept is still the same with DJ beatmixing.
An electronic mixer is a device that combines two or more electronic signals into one composite output signal. There are two basic types of mixer. Additive mixers add two signals together, and are used for such applications as audio mixing. Multiplying mixers multiply the signals together, and produce an output containing both original signals, and new signals that have the sum and difference of the frequency of the original signals.
[edit] Additive mixers
Additive mixers add two or more signals, outputting a composite signal that contains the frequency components of each of the source signals. The simplest additive mixers are simple resistor networks, and thus purely passive, while more complex mixers employ active components such as buffer amplifiers for impedance matching and better isolation.
[edit] Product Mixers
Ideal product mixers act as signal multipliers, producing an output signal equal to the product of the two input signals. Product mixers are often used in conjugation with an oscillator in the communications field to modulate signal frequencies. Product mixers can either up-convert or down-convert an input signal frequency, but it is more common to down-convert to a lower frequency to allow for easier filter design. In many typical circuits, the single output signal actually contains multiple waveforms, namely those at the sum and difference of the two input frequencies and harmonic waveforms. The ideal signal may be obtained by removing the other signal components with a filter.
Product mixers have been implemented in a wide variety of ways. The most popular are Gilbert cell mixers, diode mixers, diode ring mixers (ring modulation) and switching mixers. A diode mixer has two or more signals going into a diode. Diodes mixers take advantage of the non-linearity of diode devices to produce the desired multiplication in the squared term. It is a very inefficient method as most of the power output is in other unwanted terms which need filtering out. Inexpensive AM radios still use diode mixers.
Gilbert cell mixers are just an arrangement of transistors that multiplies the two signals. The switching mixers (below) pass more power and usually insert less distortion.
Switching mixers use an array of Field effect transistors or (in older days) vacuum tubes. These are used as electronic switches, to permit the signal to go one direction, then the other. They are controlled by the signal being mixed. They are especially popular with digitally-controlled radios.


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Alternative Parts
Microprocessor Supervisor with Chip Enable Signals, Adjustable Low Line Voltage Monitor, Adjustable Watchdog Timer, Low Line, Power Fail and Watchdog Status Outputs, Reduced Power Consumption. Upgrade for ADM697
Features and Benefits
- Superior Upgrade for MAX696/MAX697
- Specified Over Temperature
- Adjustable Low Line Voltage Monitor
- Power OK/Reset Time Delay
- Reset Assertion Down to 1 V VCC
- Watchdog Timer—100 ms, 1.6 s, or Adjustable
- Low Switch On Resistance
- 1.5 O Normal, 20 O in Backup
- 600 nA Standby Current
- Automatic Battery Backup Switching (ADM696)
- Fast On-Board Gating of Chip Enable Signals (ADM697)
- Voltage Monitor for Power Fail or Low Battery Warning
Product DetailsThe ADM696/ADM697 supervisory circuits offer complete single chip solutions for power supply monitoring and battery control functions in microprocessor systems. These functions include µP reset, backup-battery switchover, watchdog timer, CMOS RAM write protection, and power failure warning.
The ADM696/ADM697 are available in 16-pin DIP and small outline packages and provide the following functions:
- Power-On Reset output during power-up, power-down and brownout conditions. The RESET voltage threshold is adjustable using an external voltage divider. The RESET output remains operational with VCC as low as 1 V.
- A Reset pulse if the optional watchdog timer has not been toggled within specified time.
- Separate watchdog time-out and low line status outputs.
- Adjustable reset and watchdog timeout periods.
- A 1.3 V threshold detector for power fail warning, low battery detection, or to monitor a power supply other than VCC.
- Battery backup switching for CMOS RAM, CMOS micro-processor or other low power logic
- Write protection of CMOS RAM or EEPROM (ADM697).
The ADM696/ADM697 is fabricated using an advanced epitaxial CMOS process combining low power consumption (5 mW), extremely fast Chip Enable gating (5 ns) and high reliability. RESET assertion is guaranteed with VCC as low as 1 V. In addition, the power switching circuitry is designed for minimal voltage drop thereby permitting increased output current drive of up to 100 mA without the need for an external pass transistor.
Product Lifecycle Production
At least one model within this product family is in production and available for purchase. The product is appropriate for new designs but newer alternatives may exist.
Reference Materials
Solutions Bulletins & Brochures (1)
Design Resources
ADI has always placed the highest emphasis on delivering products that meet the maximum levels of quality and reliability. We achieve this by incorporating quality and reliability checks in every scope of product and process design, and in the manufacturing process as well. "Zero defects" for shipped products is always our goal.
PCN-PDN Information
Sample & Buy
The USA list pricing shown is for BUDGETARY USE ONLY, shown in United States dollars (FOB USA per unit for the stated volume), and is subject to change. International prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees and exchange rates. For volume-specific price or delivery quotes, please contact your local Analog Devices, Inc. sales office or authorized distributor. Pricing displayed for Evaluation Boards and Kits is based on 1-piece pricing.


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Women at the Frontline of the AIDS Response
This film is about women from different parts of the world who are active in the HIV activist movement. They discuss gender inequality and the exposed situation of women and girls and explain the educational and empowering work which they are doing in their communities.


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Cell Culture: The World Market For Media, Sera And Reagents - Industry Share, Size, Trends, Analysis And Forecasts, 2012 - 2018
The global market for cell culture is forecasted to reach the value of $4.2 billion by the year 2016 at the compounded annual growth rate of 8.8%. Cell culture is the procedure in which cells are grown under controlled conditions. The market for cell culture is undergoing significant growth since the past few years mainly because of the growth in the biopharmaceuticals market. Cell culture is the most integral part of biopharmaceuticals development, bioprocessing, and manufacturing.
The selection of cells for cell culture depends on various technical and economic factors. E. Coli, Bacillus, Subtitlus, and yeast are the most preferred bacteria for cell culture as they grow easily and independently and possess metabolic capabilities. Development in vaccines is also fuelling the growth of the cell culture industry to a great extent. Influenza vaccines were first developed with the help of egg-based technology; however, because of its labor intensive approach, this technology was replaced by cell culture. Growth in the influenza vaccines market will subsequently drive the growth of cell culture industry.
Major market players are investing significantly in the Asian market due to the flattering scenario for stem cell research. There is also tremendous growth potential for this industry in the US and European markets as several cell culture-derived pharmaceutical drugs are launched in these markets. Biopharmaceuticals represents the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical market. Increase in development and production of biopharmaceuticals is the most important driver of the cell culture market.
This research report on "Cell Culture - the World Market for Media, Sera and Reagents" analyzes this market depending on its market segments and major geographies. The report provides comprehensive analysis of current market trends, market growth drivers, factors limiting market growth, market structure, and market projections for upcoming years. The report also provides analysis of recent developments in technology, Porter's five force model, and complete company profiles of top industry players. It includes review of micro and macro factors significant with respect to existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.
Geographies analyzed under this research report include
- North America
- Asia Pacific
- Europe
- Rest of the World
Major Players
Some of the key players dominating this market are - Advanced Biotechnologies Inc., Affymetrix Inc., AMRESCO Inc., Analytical Biological Services Inc., Athena Enzyme Services, Atlanta Biologicals Inc., BD Biosciences, Bioreclamation Inc., Cell Essentials Inc., CellGenix Technologies Transfer GmbH, and others.
Reasons for Buying this Report
- The report provides complete analysis of major competitors and their strategies
- This research report provides forward looking perspective on major market forces driving and restraining market growth
- It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of the market and by making in-depth analysis of industry trends
- It provides clear understanding of key product segments and competitive environment
- The report provides pin-point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors
- The report provides technological growth map over time and explains its impact on industry
- It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major industry segments
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text: Korean Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - Best Business English Books Speak Korean Now! Korean Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Best Business English Books Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> FAQ View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message The HammerJoined: 18 Jan 2003Location: Ullungdo 37.5 N, 130.9 E, altitude : 223 m Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 7:21 pm Post subject: Best Business English Books I am looking for really good business English textbooks. Any suggestions? Class size = 5 to 12 students Abilility = beg. - int. - adv. Back to top panthermodernJoined: 08 Feb 2003Location: Taxronto Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 10:15 am Post subject: Cambridge published the best book I have seen. I can"t remeber the proper name but I remember that they stocked it a B & L in COEX. Back to top GodzillaJoined: 06 Jun 2003 Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 5:40 pm Post subject: Market Leader works for me Back to top gypsyfishJoined: 17 Jan 2003Location: Seoul Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 4:13 am Post subject: Communicating In English by Simon Sweeney Working in English by Leo Jones Back to top DerrekJoined: 15 Jan 2003 Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 4:31 am Post subject: There's a book called, "Business Class" by Longman, which is interesting, and full of stuff. Don't bother with the tape. It's all British. The book costs 30,000 won, but has so much more than other books. It's for high level students, though. Bought it at COEX. You might also throw in some business slang/idioms from "The Slangman" series, or "Idioms for Everyday Use" by Broukal.Last edited by Derrek on Sun May 16, 2004 4:33 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top Pyongshin SangjaJoined: 20 Apr 2003Location: I love baby! Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 4:33 am Post subject: Simon Sweeney also wrote Communicating in Business. It's good. I am using it now. Back to top gypsyfishJoined: 17 Jan 2003Location: Seoul Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 6:39 am Post subject: Pyongshin Sangja wrote: Simon Sweeney also wrote Communicating in Business. It's good. I am using it now. I believe it's basically the same book, but with a more British bent. Back to top The HammerJoined: 18 Jan 2003Location: Ullungdo 37.5 N, 130.9 E, altitude : 223 m Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 7:54 pm Post subject: Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to go with Market Leader. Thanks God.......................zilla. The Hammer Back to top MosleyJoined: 15 Jan 2003 Posted: Sun Jun 27, 2004 8:56 pm Post subject: The "Better-English" website has a fair bit on business English. Back to top AuslegungJoined: 14 Jan 2009Location: MB, SC Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:52 am Post subject: The thread is old I know, but for posterity's sake, Business Explorer is a pretty good book for a student who is already in business and wants to learn practical English and cultural differences. It's focus is listening/speaking, but as of today the cd is hard to get. Seems like no one is keeping it on hand and there's a 4-8 day (or week, idk cuz idk Korean) shipping for it. The cassette, however, is only ₩5000, while the cd is over ₩30,000. Back to top westonwJoined: 25 Oct 2006Location: Omungwelume, Namibia Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:18 am Post subject: When I was looking for a Business English book it felt like a loose/loose situation. Most seemed to be primarily focused on grammar & vocabulary lessons, and lacked the business applications I wanted - Resume, Job Descriptions, Interview Skills. The best book I found was New International Business English by Cambridge Press. However, it still wasn't spectacular so I had to create half of the lessons on my own. Good Luck! Wes Check me out - www.whataboutwes.com or Follow the Education at - http://wes.weston.blogspot.com Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> FAQ All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Forums:----------------FAQJob-related Discussion ForumGeneral Discussion ForumOff-Topic ForumTravel ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumBuy/Sell/Trade Forum You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe


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Ramos improving behind plate
VIERA, Fla. -- Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos was behind the plate during a bullpen session for the second day in a row. Unlike the previous day, Ramos' right knee didn't get tired, and he was able to hit without any problems.
Ramos played in only 25 games after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against the Reds last May. Manager Davey Johnson said Ramos most likely will not play until the second week into the Grapefruit League season.
Ramos is expected to start the season as the backup catcher behind Kurt Suzuki.


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Every year I get requests for this calendar… Here is the info you need to order your new calendar for 2013…
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – "The 2013 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is now available for everyone to enjoy," according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
The cover of this award-winning wall calendar features an outstanding painting of a male and female goldfinch painted by West Virginia artist Rhea Knight. This highly detailed work of art is only one of the 12 beautiful paintings in this year's calendar. A variety of wildlife are depicted including a black bear and her cubs, a family of squirrels, a swallowtail butterfly, a musky, and ruffed grouse. Two months feature white-tailed deer and December highlights the snowy owl, a species which makes an appearance in West Virginia every few years. Paintings of cottontail rabbits, a hooded merganser, and a praying mantis round out the year.
Accompanying each painting is a brief description of the featured animal and the artist's contact information. Feature articles include the importance of white-tailed deer in West Virginia, DNR's trout stream restoration program and the improving fisheries in Cheat Lake. The calendar also contains the 2013 hunting and fishing license fees.
"The calendar is full of interesting daily facts, best fishing days and times, and monthly tips to help you fully enjoy the outdoors," Taylor said. "Its $10 price tag makes it a terrific bargain and a great holiday gift."
The 2013 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is available at DNR district offices, department stores, newsstands, convenience marts and food stores throughout the state or through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241; phone: 304-637-0245. A list of vendors selling the calendars is available online at www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeCalendar.shtm. If buying through the mail, make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of $15.50 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (West Virginia residents add $.60 tax for each calendar; VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted).
Organizations, clubs and civic groups can profit by selling the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar as part of their fund-raising activities. Interested organizations should contact the DNR at the above address for more information.
"The 2012 calendar won a Gold Award in an annual contest sponsored by the Calendar Marketing Association," Taylor noted. The award was in the most informative wall calendar, retail division.
Related articles
- 2013 W.Va. Wildlife Calendar goes on sale (wvgazette.com)


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In honor of last week's Independence Day celebrations, the editors at Total Car Score have come up with their list of the 10 Best American Cars currently on the market. Beyond just a patriotic gesture, the ranking serves to showcase the strength and quality of the domestic auto industry.
At the top of the list is the 2012 Cadillac CTS. In fact, six of the top 10 American-made cars are from General Motors: three Cadillac models, and one each from Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC. The two other Big Three Detroit automakers, Ford and Chrysler, are represented with two spots each on the list.
Total Car Score, a car comparison website and comprehensive auto rating system, assigns a Total Car Score (or TCS) to each vehicle in the market. The TCS score is an overall industry assessment combining quantitative car reviews from all the major automotive authorities (including The Car Connection).
Karl Brauer, editor in chief and CEO of Total Car Score, commenting on the list, said, "It's worth noting that while no compact domestic models made the list, Ford's 2012 Focus was less than half a point behind the [Chrysler] 300 SRT8.
"With a growing interest on small cars and high fuel efficiency, it's likely we'll see a domestic economy car in next year's Top 10 Best American Cars list," Brauer said.
Here is the list of this year's winners, with excerpts of Total Car Score comments, along with a few of our own garnered from The Car Connection reviews.
1. 2012 Cadillac CTS – With an overall "superb" Total Car Score (TCS) of 86.49, the 2012 Cadillac CTS is not only an appealing American entry luxury car, but its first-place ranking is illustrated when "reviewers compare it favorably to European rivals, which used to have the segment sewn up." The Car Connection review of the 2012 Cadillac CTS concludes: "It has a styling leg up, and the 2012 Cadillac CTS backs up its looks with good dynamics, good build quality and a competitive set of body styles and options."
2. 2012 Buick LaCrosse – Noting that the 2012 Buick LaCrosse posted the highest score in the large sedan category, the overall 85.01 TCS score receives reviewer praise for its "quiet ride, responsive handling, strong V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive." Here's what our editors have to say: "As a sophisticated, roomy, tech-savvy premium sedan—now with up to 36 mpg—the 2012 Buick LaCrosse hits the mark for a lot of shoppers who want luxury on a limited budget."
3. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse – The family-friendly eight-passenger and the "uncommonly adult-friendly third-row seat" are obvious attractions, contributing to the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse TCS of 84.87. The Car Connection editors comment: "A very spacious interior, seating for eight, and a smooth, quiet ride make the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse a top pick for families."
4. 2012 Ford Flex – While its style may not appeal to everyone, there's no arguing the 2012 Ford Flex has a lot to offer, as borne out by its overall 84.44 TCS. Among the positive attributes are its "roomy, comfortable interior and excellent crash test ratings." On The Car Connection side: "One of our top-rated vehicles, the 2012 Ford Flex has real distinction, along with top-shelf turbo power, great seats and great features."
5. 2012 GMC Acadia – With a TCS of 84.18, the 2012 GMC Acadia, note editors, "is located in the sweet spot between truck-based SUVs and minivans." The Car Connection has equally high praise, saying the 2012 GMC Acadia is "the most carlike of GMC vehicles," is "better for people than a big SUV, better looking than a minivan," and has top overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
6. 2012 Cadillac CTS-V – The high-performance version of the CTS, the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V is, according to Total Car Score editors, "a genuinely strong contender among the usual German suspects in the premium sport sedan segment." Its overall TCS of 83.65 bears that out. Of course, there are sedan and wagon variants of the CTS-V line as well. Our editors get right to the point: "With its ZR1-derived powertrain, the 2012 Cadillac CTS-V stuffs Vette excitement into a track-ready coupe, wagon or sedan."
7. 2012 Chrysler 300 – Its overall 83.29 TSC is credited largely to the comfortable ride, powerful engines, all-wheel drive capability and new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Car Connection editors, meanwhile, say that the 2012 Chrysler 300 is "riper and more mature," has "classically handsome looks and, in the right versions, big rear-drive fun."
8. 2012 Ford Taurus SHO – Although it "isn't exactly your typical family car," what really sets the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO apart – and leads to its overall 83.22 TCS, is its "gutsy" 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine and firmer suspension tuning delivering confident handling. Our editors have this to say about the 2012 Ford Taurus SHO: "In top SHO guise, it's a strong, tech-loaded 365-horsepower luxury performance sedan that can sticker at $45k or even higher."
9. 2012 Cadillac SRX – Giving kudos to the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine under the hood of the 2012 Cadillac SRX (replacing two smaller engines), handsome styling inside and out and standard suspension delivering smooth ride and confident handling, Total Car Score editors weighed in with an overall 83.01 TCS. The Car Connection says: "With a smooth new engine and a rich, uniquely American interior, the 2012 Cadillac SRX appeals to those who want a lot of luxury and flair but don't require driving excitement."
10. 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 – Hailed by critics as "one serious high performance automobile," the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 achieves its spot in the Top 10 Best American Cars (with overall TCS of 82.59) thanks to its 470-horsepower HEMI V-8 "that hurtles the car from a standing stop to 60 mph in less than five seconds." Our review of the 2012 Chrysler 300 (including SRT8), says that the "SRT8 belts out a meaty, NASCAR-ish throb that few cars—even muscle cars—can match."
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection.


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Toddler Backpacks
Toddler Backpacks
Stylish range of Toddler Backpacks for boys and girls in a variety of different styles and sizes. From top brands available such as Skip Hop, Wildkin, Babymel and Stephen Joseph and the option to personalise the quilted Stephen Joseph collection, every children's backpack and children's rucksack is perfect for pre-school, nursery, school and overnight trips.
Both our Skip Hop ranges featuring characterful animals and themed designs, such as Owl, Monkey, Zebra, Jungle, Dinosaur, Butterfly and Russian Dolls. Bright and colourful and made of high-quality material, both these ranges include adjustable, padded straps, a hanging loop and space to store water bottles.
The Wildkin toddler backpack is specifically designed to hold a child's comforter, blanket and any other favourite toys in the fully lined main compartment. Made from canvas and with adjustable straps, they have the unique feature of a fully insulated, spacious outer pocket for storing little ones packed lunches, food and drinks. Effectively a school lunch box attached to a school backpack, this innovative backpack also has a reflective trim around the pocket for safety when toddlers are on night time adventures. Designed for ages 2 to 4+ years, young children will love taking this characterful backpack on day trips.
Please read our blog 's article :


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Sometimes a frenemy just isn't enough.
Sometimes it's not enough to smile when you run into each other on a mutual friend's Wall, or to make nice to someone in public and then complain about them to your partner in private. No. Sometimes you just need a foe. Perhaps, even, a nemesis.
Epic's Tim Sweeney suggests that for true plot and character development, any story needs to have a foe. And that includes the story of your life... as told on Facebook.
Of course, it makes sense why Facebook only has ways to codify, quantify, and acknowledge positive actions or relationships. There's enough drama all over every inch of the site without a "foe" category and no matter how often part of my secret heart sympathizes with the calls for a "dislike" button, I never particularly want or truly expect one to appear.
Perhaps this is why Facebook can never truly represent the breadth and depth of the human experience. We need adversity to grow, and Facebook lets us block those who cause us strife. Like the two dozen in-laws who never stop talking politics...
(Top photo: Shutterstock)


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Most retail investors have been exposed to emerging market stocks, even if only in broad international equity funds, but many are novices when it comes to investing in bondsand currencies.
Given the debt and growth problems plaguing the U.S. and eurozone, and the resulting tumult across world stock markets, it might be a good time to look at these asset classes, say analysts.
"What's happened is now not only an interest-rate play but a currency play," Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, told CNBC. "You've seen these currencies in emerging markets strengthen over the last five years."
And long term, emerging markets should return to fundamentals—meaning continued growth—which will benefit bonds and currencies.
"Eventually emerging market currencies and the [Chinese] renminbi [or yuan] will be coming to the forefront," says Ivan Leung, chief investment strategist for Asia at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. "And local, emerging fixed-income markets offer real yields. Sovereign credit ratings and fiscal fundamentals are trending upwards," Leung adds.
In the last two years, another phenomenon has been at play: Retail and institutional investors in search of yield are finding it in long-duration bonds in emerging markets denominated in local currencies, according to research compiled by UBS.
"This is something we've never seen before in the emerging world," Jonathan Anderson, economist at UBS, told clients in a Sept. 15 research report.
Gaining Entry
One way retail investors gain access to these bonds is through a handful of specialized exchange-traded fundsthat have popped up in recent years, according to Morningstar.
These funds include SPDR Barclays Capital Emerging Markets Local Bond , WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt,andiShares JPMorgan USD Emerging Markets Bond.
One reason these bonds may continue to do well is that the global growth slowdown is taming inflation in hot emerging economies, leading central banks to curb interest rate hikes, says Leung at JPMorgan.
"If you are right thinking a central bank is close to finished with raising interest rates, it's a great time to look at buying bonds," he says.
Ted Wright, director of portfolio management at Genworth Financial Asset Management, has been investing in local currency bonds for his retail clients "to access countries that we think have higher growth potential than the U.S."
Specifically, Genworth seeks out managers who look for opportunities in economies that are growing faster than that of the U.S., and have strong reserves backing their currencies, which allows for currencies to appreciate, Wright says. "Many of those economies are tied to the Chinese currency."
Brian Gendreau, market strategist at Cetera Financial Group, agrees foreign bonds may provide opportunities now.
"PIMCO has for some time been arguing that it makes sense in this environment to avoid bonds of developed countries with high debt loads and paralyzed policy-making bodies in favor of bonds of countries not in that situation," Gendreau says. "Bonds of Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and many of the emerging markets come to mind in this regard."
But, Gendreau notes, emerging market local-currency bonds haven't performed well lately.
UBS also cautions that flows into emerging market local currency bonds have been so robust lately that ironically, the trend could lead to trouble.
"This is now the one consensus overweight in the (emerging market) world, and clearly the one crowded foreign trade," Anderson writes.
Also, investors need to remember all emerging markets aren't alike, and that's as important for bond and currency investors to consider as well as equity investors. There's a vast difference between China and India on the one hand, and smaller countries, such as Estonia or Chile on the other.
Anderson went back to 2008 in another report to look at how emerging markets weathered the global financial crisis. The two lessons from that period: size and global financial exposure matter.
In other words, the countries that fared best were larger, including China, Indonesia, and India, and less exposed to global financial markets, which were collapsing. Despite having large domestic economies, Russia and Brazil were widely exposed to foreign markets and as a result suffered, Anderson notes.
Today, most emerging economies have a lower-export-to-gross domestic product ratio than they did in 2008, so their economies aren't as vulnerable to a slowdown in exports and "virtually no countries," UBS says, have high or rising current account deficits, with the exception of Turkey.
Also, few countries have large foreign financial market exposures, UBS says.
The danger remains with small, open economies, however.
"If global growth comes down hard, the Thailands, Taiwans, Czech and Slovak Republics, and even the Mexicos of the world will inevitably come down with it," Anderson writes.


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Intimidated by a $300 Prince of Persia statue? Try a $250 Prince of Persia action figure instead. This one even looks like Jake Gyllenhaal!
While Sideshow's premium statue looked like Clive Owen's long-lost Persian twin, Hot Toys have got the chesty star's look down pat, with smoky eyes and a beard so soft it makes even his stubble look like something you could snuggle up to at night.
It'll be released in either Q3 or Q4 this year, and while no price has been attached, you normally pay around $250 for other Hot Toys "Movie Masterpiece" figures, so this one should be no different, espeicially since he comes with not only interchangeable hands and weapons, but an entire alternate outfit as well.


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JetBlue, Delta ask exemptions from DOT tarmac rule
JetBlue and Delta want temporary exemptions from a new government rule that will limit the time passengers can be held on the tarmac. They say delays caused by the closure of the main runway at New York's JFK airport could cost them millions in fines.
The Department of Transportation's new rule, which goes into effect April 29, orders airlines to let passengers off planes delayed for three hours or face hefty fines. In December there were 22 flights nationwide that were delayed for more than three hours from gate to departure. The new DOT rule could slap an airline with a fine of $27,500 per passenger for that kind of delay. For an average Boeing 737 with a full load of passengers, the fine could be around $3.5 million.
JetBlue and Delta are the biggest operators at JFK, an airport that was among the worst in the nation for delays last year. The JFK runway closed March 1. That is already causing delays and they could get worse.
May is the first full month the new DOT rule will be in effect. It also is the start of the peak travel season. The airlines have already cut their schedules by about 10 percent to help ease delays until the runway reopens in July. About one-third of JFK's traffic and half of its departures are now diverted to three smaller runways.
"Although JetBlue has already taken several steps to minimize the impact of this closure on its JFK operations, this exemption is necessary to ensure that JetBlue is not penalized if JFK becomes gridlocked at peak operating times," the airline said in its request to DOT.
The Federal Aviation Administration expects delays at JFK will average about 50 minutes during peak times and 29 minutes at other times during the four-month shutdown. That is about the same as delays on busy summer days.
The airlines aren't just worried about New York delays. Airport construction and other disruptions at a major airport often have a ripple effect on many flights because pilots, flight attendants and airplanes that are needed elsewhere during the day are held up.
"One late flight may delay three additional flights if the resources connect differently, and two or more late flights may delay several more flights," JetBlue said.
Major cities that are most effected by delays at JFK are Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orlando, Florida.
One-third of the nation's air traffic goes in, out, or over New York airspace every day - accounting for three-quarters of all chronic airline delays, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.


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There are no Upcoming Shows listed for this comedian.
A brief and mostly true account of the band
Part I: Song
Formed in Brooklyn, New York, Piñataland is (from left to right in the photo) Bill Gerstel, David Wechsler, Robin Aigner and Doug Stone. Starting as an odd and frantic polka band, main songwriters Doug and Dave's fascination for the stories and sounds of the Weird Old World slowly led the band down a darker, more unusual path.
Piñataland conjure the strangeness of history to life with a grand Americana orchestra including violins, tuba, pedal steel guitar, banjo and more. Far from being "old-timey" purists, the band's strikingly original music resembles some never-existed pre-WWII rock, lurching from the epic and grandiose to the haunting. Piñataland draws inspiration from the all-but-forgotten events of the past, yanking dim but startling memories directly into the audience's waiting ears.
The menacing "Ota Benga's Name" summons the tragic ghost of the African pygmy who found himself living in the monkey house of the Bronx Zoo in 1904. "The Sky Is Blue, the Highway Wide", tells of a fervor fueled road trip after the grisly double murder by the Lafferty brothers. These and other events hidden in our collective unconscious come to light on the band's two Songs for the Forgotten Future albums.
Part II: Stage
In addition to touring the Eastern United States, Piñataland have been featured on NPR's All Songs Considered; they have performed (and demonstrated wax cylinder recording) at the Thomas Edison Historic Site; they have appeared at the American Museum of Natural History's Margaret Mead Film Festival, and played the historic Atlantic Avenue Subway Tunnel.
Piñataland have also performed on New Jersey's legendary WFMU; played at both Coney Island and Riker's Island, and staged a multimedia performance at HERE Arts Center.
Pinataland's Upcoming Shows
Pinataland is Known For


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"Although O'Neal was unavailable for comment Friday, two sources close to him confirmed his continued interest in the Celtics, even though they currently have no room, or exceptions, under the salary cap to pay him beyond the NBA veteran's minimum of $1.35 million."
When Perkins returns from injury, the Celtics 5 man big man-rotation would be KG, Glen Davis, the 2 O'Neals and Kendrick. No word on whether their jerseys would read "S. O'Neal" and "J. O'Neal" (doubtful, unfortunately).
So how do you feel?
tb727 7/23/2010 10:26:00 PM Tweet Edit


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Who is the JMU entrepreneur?
Undergraduates (of all majors) think differently — and act earlier
By Carol Hamilton ('97M)
Excited whispers and gestures make the classroom buzz with energy and expectation. Students huddle in small groups debating current social and industry trends, challenging economic conditions, and emerging technologies— disruptive forces that create chaos ... and opportunity.
JMU is fostering a growing network of entrepreneurs who see risk as an opportunity, and who also see ambiguity as an invitation to rewrite the rules and create new business models that solve today's problems.
These students represent all majors on campus and bring talents and expertise from their disciplines, generating a powerful collaboration for examining problems, testing assumptions and proving the viability of a new product or market. In the College of Business Venture Creation class, Jake Rasmussen ('12), integrated science and technology major, brings a new design for solar panels developed in his ISAT course. He works diligently with Ian Burpo ('12), an international business major with a passion for social entrepreneurship, and Bret Ervin ('12), a management major with a penchant for sales. As a team they develop a plan, Green Heat, to bring an affordable product to local farmers to reduce energy consumption and production costs. These students—who are now brand new alumni—love a challenge and are driven to succeed.
JMU entrepreneurs are also competitive and persevere to achieve their goals. In 2011 management majors Amber York ('12) and Michelle Carter ('12) designed, manufactured and sold an iPhone accessory that they developed in the Entrepreneurship class taught by William Wales. In the spring 2012 Venture Creation class, they worked with Matt Long ('12), a political science major, and Anthony Frye ('12), a justice studies major, to scale the product for a larger market. Alumnus Terry Bandy ('80) anchored the team as a seasoned business professional and entrepreneur, talking to the team weekly to challenge their assumptions and guide them to resources. Pricelesspocket.com was born.
Entrepreneurially minded undergraduates are attracted to JMU because of the friendly campus; the high level of engagement among professors, students and alumni; and the breadth and quality of education afforded by a highly regarded liberal arts institution.
To a degree unprecedented in higher education, JMU faculty members eagerly join forces across disciplines, sharing their expertise and resources to spark innovation in the classroom, in student organizations and in the community. JMU faculty members model and encourage collaboration—a critical factor in entrepreneurial success.
The close ties created through the Madison Experience beckon alumni to return. John Rothenberger ('88), serial entrepreneur and founder of SE Solutions, was a marketing major who didn't fit the mold. After graduation, he became the top salesman for a small company and learned the ropes. At age 28, he started a computer hardware business and discovered entrepreneurship as his career. After discovering his path, he wanted JMU students to test their own entrepreneurial aspirations earlier in their careers. So in 2005, he partnered with me to offer MGT 472 Venture Creation as an opportunity for undergraduate entrepreneurs of all majors to learn to think differently, to discover an entrepreneurial career path and to launch a business following graduation. Thanks to this immersion experience, students are accelerating their career paths by two years because they are making informed choices to enter the start-up, the mid-sized company or the corporate world.
Some are even starting businesses. Statistically, new ventures are launched 10 or more years following college graduation. From the Venture Creation class alone, JMU averages one new business launch per semester. Rothenberger's dream has come true... and this is only the tip of the iceberg.
In January, Andrew Mortillo ('13) and Gilbert Welsford ('12) started the Society for Entrepreneurs on campus. Thirteen members were selected through a group interview process to identify students with a personal passion, the entrepreneurial drive, a strong work ethic and a commitment to start a venture during their college careers or following graduation.
The Society for Entrepreneurs invites JMU entrepreneurs to share their stories and give critical feedback to students' endeavors. Cory Suter ('06) used the SOE think tank to test his latest endeavor, Direct Congress, an online voting platform to develop public policy. SOE members carefully read the business plan, met to develop their questions, conducted research, and then hammered Suter with questions and suggestions during two hour-long teleconferences. Suter was thrilled. A Harrisonburg native, Suter started BioNeighbors, a green-roofing business in Philadelphia, a few years after graduation, based on the business plan he developed in the 2005 Venture Creation class. He sold BioNeighbors to the employees in 2011 and is now pursuing his doctorate in economics at Temple University while launching Direct Congress. Suter is a serial entrepreneur in the making.
The passion and enthusiasm among JMU students are enticing more alumni to return to campus. They are serving as board members, mentors, speakers and co-conspirators in creating real-world learning opportunities for students. These alumni bring hard-earned experience and vibrant professional networks into the JMU entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thanks to alumni, JMU hosts an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, the COB 300 Business Plan Competition, the JMU Challenge, and tours to businesses in New York and San Francisco, to name a few.
Alumni are actively participating in initiatives like the JMU Alternative Fuel Lab, the Wind Energy Center, the arboretum, and the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. These alumni are deeply committed to JMU. They value their Madison Experience and want to give back. They help students develop and test ideas, tap resources, secure internships and jobs, and make connections around the globe. Their contributions are adding exponential value to the JMU learning experience.
So who is the JMU entrepreneur? He or she can be found in any major and usually doesn't fit the mold of the surrounding culture. These entrepreneurs see the world differently and pursue opportunities using the resources at hand. Most of them are intense competitors and relish a challenge. They pursue their dreams with passion and determination. They value opportunities to learn, connect and achieve. They dream big and give generously. They are ...JMU.


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Information and Pricing
Call or email for details.
; (559) 539-0207
All weddings include:
- Event Consultation
- All Linen & Tableware: cloths, napkins, plates, utensils, glassware
- Our experienced Staff
- Ceremony Setup
- Tables and Chairs and Setup for Reception (you provide centerpieces)
- Cake/pie Cutting & Plating service
- Decoration removal
- Breakdown and Cleaning
What's included:
- Use of ranch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Rehearsal, Ceremony and Reception
- Set up and cleanup, sorting and recycling (we are extremely conscientious)
- Tables and Chairs for both Ceremony and Reception
- Off-street parking
- Covered ceremony site
- Use of our Remote PA for ceremony music
- Seating in Pavilion, Patio and/or Grape Arbor
- Use of fire ring, firewood, wedding arch
- Use of kitchen, barbecues, banquet and buffet tables
- Handicapped toilet facilities
- Handicapped parking
- Bridal changing room
- Groom changing room
Our pavilion has lighting and electricity and a built-in surround sound system for wonderful music (live or DJ), IPOD plug-in, fans, heaters. Use our Route 65 Grill caterer or BYO. Ask us for help.
River Ridge Wedding Packages:
75 guests: $4,000
100 guests: $4,750
125 guests: $5,750
150 guests: $6,750
"I had such a wonderful wedding and I especially loved the ceremony. Thank you so much for making it so special and exactly what we wanted." Betsy
"Our wedding day at the ranch could not have been more perfect. With the beauty of the ranch and help from Gary the day was relaxing and care-free. We were able to enjoy every moment stress free. Every need was met to perfection, I felt like our wedding day was truly a dream come true. I continue to receive compliments from our guests on the beauty and uniqueness of the ranch. Everything we imagined it to be was a reality! We are grateful to have been so well accommodated and taken care of- every question was met with helpful answers. Our wedding at River Ridge really was the best day of our lives and we could not have asked for a more perfect place to start the rest of our lives together!"
"Gary, thank you so much, it really was an amazing day. We were sitting in Hawaii on our honeymoon talking about how perfect it was and how glad we were to get to have such a beautiful wedding at the ranch. Thank you for sharing the ranch with us, it really meant a lot. Thank you for all of your help and for putting up with us! I had a few friends send me some pictures from our wedding at the ranch if you want me to send you some I'd be glad to! Thank you for everything!" Mandi
"We are so very appreciative of being able to have our daughter's wedding on your beautiful ranch!! You really went the extra mile to make sure every guest and even the crazy parents of the bride were comfortable!!" E.K.
"Thank you for the infinite patience, grace and careful cultivation of beauty that gave us a magical place to bring together our family and friends… River Ridge is very special to us – and you served up divine hospitality." S.K.
"Gary, you have created a paradise surrounded by hills. Thanks for all the effort to help make our special day so joyous." K.K
"Hello. I wanted to tell you thank you again for a great day at your ranch. Everyone has told me how beautiful it was there and they all had a great time. The photographer has our album ready for me to pick up today. I can't wait to see those." K.D.
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"We both had an amazing weekend, everything went according to plan and all of our guests had a fun time. Most importantly we were both very happy with the ceremony and the evening party. The ranch was a wonderful venue! I know many of our guests enjoyed the peaceful surroundings." D.
"We want to be sure to give you our thanks for all your help, advice and hard work in making Marcus and Rochelle's wedding so wonderful for them! We appreciate all that you do." Ruth


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Georgia Peach, I will have the added excitement of thinking of you tonight. I remember way back when the finale city was reported here and I cheered for you! Thank you for everything!
Will we see Peach somewhere in the finale?
Quote from: lostinTARland on December 11, 2011, 07:25:45 PMWill we see Peach somewhere in the finale?Oh lordie...let's hope not!!
But yes, their "dump" clue was effective.
I miss finales with lead changes and really interesting memory challenges like the great final episodes of seasons 12 and 14. Those are the most recent finales that really excited me because regardless of the teams in them, they were great viewing. The last five finales have had little suspense with the exception of TAR15. In that season at least the team that arrived first at the final task did not win but Meghan and Cheyne overtaking the other two was hardly a surprise. And that leg was poorly designed with no memory tasks which is a shame considering that that season was so good.
Quote from: Cocoa on December 12, 2011, 06:39:45 PMBut yes, their "dump" clue was effective.Me think that clues like this one are not good for finales. It's good when its a normal leg to create tension ("of they made an error! Will they be eliminated??") but it dosent work when you want all three teams at the final challenge at the same time.
This finale really needed more tasks.
Presented by the TAR DETECTIVE TEAM, with special thanks to walkingpneumonia, Chateau D'IF, the fabulous on site helpers, and my wonderful city!Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/v/g3nQixVdOfE?version=3&hl
FINALE LOCATIONSLocated 2 miles from Atlanta Hartsfield, Flight Safety operates the worlds largest fleet of full flight simulators.http://www.flightsafety.com/http://www.flightsafety.com/fs_location_center.php?c=1142&_ce=0&_site_unique=16231754624e2c74ee541008.49795707http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7670163=====================Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and operated by the Atlanta History Center, the Margaret Mitchell House is a turn-of-the century, three-story, Tudor Revival building where Margaret Mitchell lived and wrote her Pulitzer-Prize winning book, Gone With the Wind. Built in 1899 by Cornelius J. Sheehan, the single-family home on fashionable Peachtree Street was converted into a ten-unit apartment building in 1919. Margaret Mitchell and her husband, John Marsh, moved into Apartment No.1 in 1925, when the building was known as the Crescent Apartments. Mitchells apartment is the only interior space of the restored house that is preserved as an apartment and maintains original architectural features, including the famous leaded glass window which Mitchell looked out while writing the book. Guided tours of the Margaret Mitchell House are offered daily and include visits to her Crescent Avenue apartment, which she affectionately nicknamed The Dump, and to exhibitions about her life and the movie version of her book. http://www.margaretmitchellhouse.com/=================================== Turner Field, Home of the Atlanta BravesThe lot on the site of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium contains an outline of the playing field, including markers for home plate, the bases and the location of Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run.http://mlb.mlb.com/atl/ballpark/directions/index.jsp?content=map===================================Traditionally known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta, Swan House is an elegant, classically styled mansion built in 1928 for the Edward H. Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. The mansion, designed by famed Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze, provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Atlanta family during the 1920s and 1930s. Virtual Tour of the Gardens:http://www.seeit360.com/ahc/swanhouse_back2.htmlhttp://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/cms/Swan+House/116.html===========================
The essence of a good finale is not to have obscure clues but challenging tasks. A good memory task like that of TAR 8, TAR 9, TAR 12, TAR 14 runs up the drama of the finale.Somebody needs a spanking to help them design more creative final legs. They odd to take a few advices from our awesome game hosts.
Quote from: georgiapeach on December 12, 2011, 04:11:50 PMQuote from: lostinTARland on December 11, 2011, 07:25:45 PMWill we see Peach somewhere in the finale?Oh lordie...let's hope not!! I was looking at the front of the "grassy knoll" outside the Flight Training building but couldn't see Peach anywhere. Looks like Peach will remain an enigma...
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Category: Children, Youth, & Families , Girls & Women , Immigrant & Refugee Services , Veterans & Military Families , Health, Wellness, & Senior Services , Basic Needs, Food, & Housing , Legal Services & Justice Programs , Community & Civic Engagement
Works to reduce domestic violence by expanding access to justice
Learn More
Legal Services & Justice Programs
Covers the local D.C. community through a digital news outlet
Community & Civic Engagement
Researches and advances policies for a more vibrant and inclusive D.C.
Music therapy for people with disability, medical, or life challenges.
Children, Youth, & Families
Creates deaf-led services to support deaf survivors of domestic violence
Girls & Women
Provides affordable housing and services for older adults with limited income
Basic Needs, Food, & Housing
Empowers parent leaders to use their power and voice in education policy.
Offers vision screening and blindness prevention services
Health, Wellness, & Senior Services
Offers support to ease, end, and prevent homelessness locally
Serves DC�s marginalized communities through local food and community housing.
Empowers service-disabled veterans, military spouses, and caregivers through entreprenuership programming
Veterans & Military Families
Raises, trains, and places service dogs free to disabled veterans
Distributes food for the weekend to local K-8 students.
Educates, supports, and advocates for people living with mental illness
Educates and Advocates for safer public spaces
Organizes communities and educates voters to act and get involved
Organizes education, advocacy, events, and support for LGBTQ+ families
Maximizes independence and reduces isolation among vulnerable senior citizens
Offers safe, welcoming shelter and support to homeless LGBTQ youth
Champions the dignity and rights of vulnerable DC seniors.
Restorative justice programming to reduce truancy and suspensions.
CROSSLIST FROMYouth Education & Enrichment
Food, clothing, education & emergency support for underserved families.
Provides emergency food and financial assistance in Alexandria.
Supplies free legal services for domestic survivors of sex trafficking.
Child care and emergency assistance to our vulnerable neighbors.
Advocacy and services for those living with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Provides exemplary, safety-net medical care for Arlingtonians in need.
Providing housing and supporting resident services to lower-income neighbors.
Delivers comprehensive medical care for low-income and uninsured families in Arlington.
Aims to end homelessness through supportive services and housing.
Offers same-day emergency assistance to cover basic needs for Arlingtonians in crisis.
Helps seniors experience joy and healthy aging through multi-disciplinary arts experiences.
Empowering South Asian women to lead abuse-free lives.
After school and summer mentoring programs targeting low-income Asian American youth.
Provides legal services for low-income Asian immigrants with limited English proficiency.
Serves Asian/Pacific Islander survivors of gender-based violence.
Mental health/wellness for everyone, regardless of ability to pay.
Empowers young adults and the anti-poverty agencies at which they are placed.
Legal, social, and interpretation services for low-income immigrants.
Immigrant & Refugee Services
Offers adoption, education, and support services for birth, adoptive parents and adopted children.
Closing the academic achievement gap for youth in Ward 5.
Creating inclusion opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers long-term mentoring to those in child welfare system.
Provides, at no cost, life-saving technology to communities served.
Offers education, housing, and life skills programs for homeless young mothers.
Purchases and maintains community-based housing for mentally disabled persons.
Helps survivors of brain injury lead fulfilling lives.
Welcomes children with chronic health conditions to medically managed summer camps.
Promotes healthy youth relationships and an end to dating violence.
Helping families overcome homelessness and achieve stable, independent futures.
Operates early childhood education and stabilization services for homeless families.
Provides emergency and long-term services to help those in need in Fairfax County.
Reduces inequities east of the Anacostia River through community collaboration
Supports homeless women in DC with housing, health, employment and education.
Defending immigrants' rights through legal services, education and advocacy.
Helps older adults age safely and comfortably in their own neighborhood.
Shelter and supportive services for homeless adults and families.
Advocates for abused and neglected children and youth.
The ONLY locally-focused guide to giving, connecting you to the Greater Washington area's best, most trusted charities.
Offers adoption-competent mental health services that strengthen foster/adoptive families.
Advocates for smarter and more compassionate policies for war's civilian victims.
CROSSLIST FROMInternational Programs
Offers legal services, support, referral, and advocacy for Latino immigrants.
Supports immigrant community with employment protection, English classes and skills training.
Empowers homeless with meals, case management, healthcare and encouraging potential.
Fulfills emotional, educational, and material needs of at-risk children and mothers.
Catalyzes affordable housing and economic development in DC.
Advocates for equitable and inclusive communities in the DC region.
CROSSLIST FROMEnvironment & Animal Services
Feeds Fairfax County families in need through volunteer-run food pantry.
Cooking and nutrition education provider for underserved kids and families.
Surrounds students with support, empowering them to stay in school.
Helping to embrace, educate, and empower those affected by crime.
Offers leadership development, advocacy, and college programming for girls and families.
Support services for homeless and low income families and individuals.
Free legal education, advice and representation for needy clients
Transitions families from homelessness to independence through housing and educational programming.
Providing health and human services for Montgomery County's most vulnerable residents.
Provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services to low-income families.
Builds a clean, equitable, and local renewable energy system through solar co-ops.
Provides free mediation and conflict resolution services in Montgomery County
Advocates for and protects abused and neglected children in foster care.
Empowers low-income youth of color through photography and advocacy training.
CROSSLIST FROMYouth & Community Arts
Building a healthier, more inclusive, local food system.
Offers high-quality, compassionate healthcare to low-income adults.
Uses advocacy and programming to cut DC's teen pregnancy rate in half.
Alleviates financial stress on families by providing diapers to low-income families.
Helps Latino immigrants transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
Advancing food justice in the nation's capital.
Working to improve the nutrition of low-income District residents.
Provides high-quality legal services for low-income Washingtonians.
Ensuring safety and self-determination for domestic violence survivors in DC.
Uses poetry, soccer and service learning to inspire youth in after-school programs.
Provides safe housing for survivors of domestic violence.
Creating pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Housing services for formerly homeless families.
Prevents homelessness, and re-houses those who have lost their homes.
Provides court appointed volunteers to advocate for abused/neglected children.
Enhances Fairfax County Public Library programs and services.
Early childhood education program serving low-income, working families.
Helps teens in foster care find family.
Empowers low-income Latino families with educational and support services.
Housing and case management for Fairfax working homeless.
Provides guidance and basic human service to help rebuild lives.
Changes lives for foster youth through safe and engaging programming.
Providing free food to neighbors in need in Northern Virginia.
Fights food waste and hunger by empowering student leaders.
Advocates to free prisoners of conscience through law and politics.
Inspires business professionals to engage with local nonprofits.
Athletic and educational programming for young people in DC.
Provides prison-to-community reentry assistance for female ex-offenders.
Empowers people to leave homelessness and rebuild their lives.
Supporting independent investigative journalism through grants, fellowships, and mentorships.
Serves as DC's original stage for Latinos and youth.
CROSSLIST FROMPerforming, Literary, & Visual Arts
Trains underserved youth to be leaders through media creation.
A service-rich day center for chronically homeless individuals.
Mentors over 2,200 pre-teen girls annually, activating confidence & competence.
Offers youth development programs for girls that include physical activity.
Helps girls in Northern Virginia build confidence through physical activity.
Global affairs and leadership development program for underserved youth.
Affordable housing provider for low-income working families
Training athletes to be health educators for teens.
Equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.
Health services, core needs for low-income, pregnant DC teens and women.
Offers comprehensive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse
Renovates housing for the homeless in partnership with shelters.
Reduces stress and trauma through play for children experiencing homelessness.
Helps families achieve self-sufficiency and permanent housing.
Empowering homeless/low-income families to create stable homes.
Free cancer programs providing emotional support, education, wellness, and hope.
Reinventing the way hospitals care for seriously-ill children.
Helping children and their incarcerated fathers build stronger bonds.
Empowers at-risk children to succeed through comprehensive programs.
Companionship and practical help for end-of-life and support during grieving.
Housing developer and counseling agency for low-income communities.
Provides affordable independent housing for people in mental health recovery.
Provides housing and services to homeless and at-risk families.
Legal counsel and an opportunity to rebuild their lives for trafficking survivors.
Alzheimer's and dementia adult day health and education/resource center.
Provides safety-net services for isolated, low-income elderly.
Providing support, education, and prevention to end domestic/dating abuse.
Builds support for social, racial, and economic justice and equality in local communities.
Houses and cares for ill and dying homeless individuals.
Suicide prevention resources and support for teens.
Providing affordable housing and programming to residents of Ward 1.
Legal services for low-income immigrants in Northern Virginia.
Free, one-to-one exercise programs for young people with disabilities.
Inspires youth leadership through academics, wellness, and civic engagement.
Empowers Asian community residents to contribute to US society.
Serves needs of homeless adults through a daytime community-based drop-in center.
Helps people in financial crisis regain stability and achieve self-sufficiency.
Empowers students with entrepreneurial leadership and confidence to transform communities.
General civil legal services for DC residents living in poverty.
Helps low-income, immigrant youth learn about American civic life.
Empowering families to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Empowers adults through English language training.
CROSSLIST FROMAdult Literacy & Learning
Responding to personal & systemic violence with tested peace-building skills.
Offers holistic ministry and services to families in poverty.
Provides food, emergency financial assistance, youth programs and educational opportunities.
Shelter and support services for domestic and sexual violence victims
Feeding the hungry of Loudoun County, Virginia.
HUD-approved housing counseling agency and youth mentoring programs.
Holistic maternal health and wellness programs for expectant mothers.
The main Food Bank serving Montgomery County.
Establishes sustainable indigenous programs to help landmine affected countries.
Helps low-income and refugee families rebuild their lives.
Recruits and matches mentors with mentoring programs in the DC area.
CROSSLIST FROMMentorship & College Access
Primary and specialty outpatient healthcare for the medically underserved.
Operates free news services for the blind, visually impaired and disabled.
Preserves affordable housing to support and strengthen healthy, diverse neighborhoods.
Prevents and corrects the conviction of innocent people.
Collaborates to end long-term homelessness in Washington.
Improving the lives of precariously housed and homeless youth.
Primary healthcare for over 4,000 low-income individuals annually.
Encouraging, promoting, and facilitating broad and inclusive civic engagement.
Provides shelter and services to victims of domestic violence.
Providing legal services to low-income DC residents.
Empowers crime victims through case management and legal services.
Heals lives of homeless women and children by creating new futures.
Recovery home and life management programs for young men.
Offers therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities, youth-at-risk, and recovering military.
Collects surplus of fresh food and redistributes to those in need.
Nonprofit central-fill pharmacy providing life-saving medications for the uninsured patients of Northern Virginia.
Services throughout the cancer continuum for underserved Latinas.
Assists those involved with the criminal justice system.
Assists individuals returning home from incarceration and court-involved adults and youth.
Empowering youth through the transformative power of the arts.
Interactive theater for children in hospitals and care facilities.
Helping formerly homeless women obtain and maintain permanent housing.
Connects authors and books with students to build equitable access.
Supports youth in DC's juvenile system with legal advocacy and mentoring programs.
Mobilizes Veterans to end Veteran homelessness.
Provides financial and community support for wounded, injured, or ill veterans.
Provides grants for extracurricular activities to children of service members.
Programs and services for people facing Parkinson's.
Helps disadvantaged students gain literacy, technology and college readiness skills.
Remedying conditions of chronic poverty through education and employment.
Provides therapeutic, recreational, social and educational programs for teens and adults with developmental differences.
Supports parents and child care providers so children can thrive.
Students achieving positive change in themselves and their community.
Assistance and advocacy for victims of military sexual trauma.
Advocates for improving school food/educating students on healthy choices.
Serves as a home repair and rehabilitation program for low-income homeowners.
Unique and holistic eating disorder recovery services and community education.
Gives families of critically ill children a home away from home.
Provides services to child victims of abuse in Washington, DC.
Provides housing, treatment, and recovery services to homeless/at-risk individuals.
Supporting, coaching, training our unhoused/unemployed neighbors to reach their goals.
Educates Latino boys and prepares them for high school success.
Child abuse prevention through public/parent education and child advocacy.
Supports older court-involved youth with disabilities through special education legal services.
Providing services and housing options for vulnerable older adults.
Supplies safe havens and growth opportunities for homeless and disadvantaged youth.
Fosters independence to enable Alexandria seniors to age in place.
Serves as volunteer-based organization dedicated to life-enriching services for the elderly.
Provides meals, clothing and basic services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Writing program and publishing house for unheard voices.
Advances critical life skills of underserved youth through arts education.
Community based health, education, and arts organization.
Empowers LGBTQ youth through leadership development and mentorship.
Sports programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
Emergency shelter for homeless families with children in Montgomery County.
Amplifies nonprofit impact through storytelling and video.
Using the arts to power literacy, create understanding, and building community.
Support programs for stroke and brain-trauma survivors.
Providing professional attire and job-readiness support.
Protecting immigrant women and girls fleeing gender-based violence.
Mobilizes Americans to thank service members through scholarships for their families.
Offers services for hard-to-reach, homeless men, women, and children in the DC area.
Job training and personal development program for women in need.
CROSSLIST FROMLife Skills, Training, & Employment
Provides torture survivors with employment, legal, and health services.
Provides children with tools to become the compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Addresses emotional needs of children with cancer through art therapy.
Safeguarding the rights of low-income DC families facing debt-related crises.
Offers pro bono legal and other professional services to veterans.
Serving justice-involved citizens pre- and post-release.
Strengthens the Northern Virginia community through volunteerism.
Advocacy, outreach, and education for better bicycling for everyone.
Supports economic opportunity in local underserved communities through loan funding.
English classes and workforce development programs for adult immigrants.
Legal services, advocacy, outreach, and education to address homelessness and affordable housing.
Transforms lives of girls through tuition-free private education.
Providing after school debate in under-served communities.
Services for low-income seniors to help them age in place.
Mental health services for victims of trauma, grief and loss.
Western Fairfax's go-to referral for emergency needs assistance.
Offers comprehensive support for individuals lifting themselves out of poverty.
Develops life skills for youth with experiential learning, leadership training, and service.
Makes mental health counseling accessible to all.
Strengthens women's technology, communication, and advocacy skills to support democratic and ethical practices, and enhance human rights.
Provides mental health housing and support services to adults with chronic and persistent mental illness.
Gives people opportunities to hone writing skills and share their stories.
Provides programs to make daily life more manageable for wounded service members and their family caregivers.
Builds the leadership and power of DC young people.


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Norm Luppino a 23-year veteran of the Manatee County Planning Department, announced his candidacy for the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners District 4 seat today.
Throughout his tenure with Manatee, Luppino was case manager for hundreds of development proposals, including large-scale projects such as University Walk, University Park Country Club, Creekwood, Lakewood Ranch, Tara, the State Road 70 Wal-mart, Kohls/Fresh Market shopping center, The Consession, Heritage Harbour and more.
Luppino has a bachelor's degree in architecture from Lawrence Technological University and a master's degree in urban planning for Michigan State University. He has been a resident of Manatee since 1986. He is a Republican.
Luppino served multiple terms as president of his neighborhood association and was a team captain for the American Heart Association and Keep Manatee Beautiful. As board member and chairman of the Crosley Estate Foundation, Norm was instrumental in the establishment of the successful Crosley Festival of Trees, an event that has raised $250,000 to restore this historic landmark.


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Teen Mom Cast Will Finally Leave the Nest
The four teen moms at the heart of MTV's Teen Mom — Amber, Catelynn, Farrah, and Maci — will be moving on to bigger and better things after the show airs its fourth season this summer. While MTV won't say whether the girls opted to leave so they could focus on their continuing education, or whether MTV forced them out for getting too old, the end result is we'll soon be seeing the last of them, outside of endless reruns.
MTV released an exclusive statement to US Weekly.
Season 4 will be the final season of Teen Mom with Maci, Catelynn, Amber and Farrah. They will continue to be a part of our MTV family, and we're thankful to these brave young women for sharing their stories and helping to make a positive impact on teen pregnancy prevention.
While the girls have appeared in teen pregnancy PSAs — hence MTV's note about "prevention" — the series Teen Mom has been criticized for rewarding the act of getting knocked up at a young age. You know, have a baby, become an MTV star.
That's up for debate. For these particular four girls, however, the Teen Mom journey is over. It's probably worth noting that MTV hasn't expressly said the Teen Mom franchise is over, just that its main cast is leaving. I'm sure they could theoretically find a group of younger, hotter, pregnanter teens to follow with cameras. But that's just speculation.
[Image via AP]


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Real Racing Review
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Genre: Racing
- Released: 8 Jun, 2009
- Size: 136.6 MB
- Price: $2.99
- A number of different control schemes to suit a player's personal preference.
- There are a number of different modes, both online and offline.
- Players can use their iPod during the game.
- 1st person camera angle is the only view option available.
- The game has a moderate price that may deter some players.
- Players are unable to continue current races if they exit the application.
If you love racing games, and can get over the moderate current price, then Real Racing is a great play with tons of play options and deserves a spot on your iPhone.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Real Racing is a fast paced and competitive track racing game for the iPhone that puts players behind the wheel of a cavalcade of impressive cars. You'll race around a number of different tracks in the hopes of earning the championship gold and securing a place in history. Players can choose from a selection of different game modes and race against other drivers to see who's the fastest.
The game's default controls include automatic acceleration, tapping the screen to brake and tilting your iPhone to steer. The controls are easy to use but can be a bit sensitive at times. Fortunately there are a number of different control schemes available to suit a player's preference.
The game's 3D visuals look great but players are limited to either a first person 'driver's seat' point of view or third person, which may not be everyone's favourite camera angles. The sound is well done and allows players to access and use their iPod during gameplay. As well as the career mode, time trial and quick race modes, players race head to head via a Wi-fi connection or can connect to the online races after signing up to verse players from around the globe.
Real Racing is an enjoyable substitution for speeding around a real race track. There are plenty of cars, tracks and modes to keep gameplay fresh and you entertained. What better way to experience the high speed thrills of the racetrack than in the drivers seat?
DescriptionExperience all of the excitement, competition and glory of championship racing. This is handheld racing like you've never seen before, in the most stunning, realistic and intuitive racer on iPhone and iPod touch. Get Real Racing today, and find out what everyone is raving about!
WINNER – Apple Design Award 2010:
WINNER – IGF Mobile, Technical Achievement
WINNER – IMGA, Excellence in Connectivity
* 9.5/10 Gamespot
* #1 Racing Game in 55 countries
- 6 car grid. Unlock 48 cars in 4 classes and 12 unique tracks set in city, forest and desert environments.
- 6 game modes including massive career mode with 76 events.
- Touch or tilt to steer, manual or automatic acceleration and braking.
- In-car cockpit view or external camera.
- *NEW* up to 4-person online multiplayer through Game Center (3G or Wi-Fi).
- Local multiplayer supporting up to 6 players (over Wi-Fi).
- Earn more than a dozen all-new achievements.
View achievements and leaderboards in the Game Center app (on iOS 4.1 devices). Online content requires an internet connection.
- Watch video replays and easily upload to YouTube.
Race the way you want to, with 6 different game modes. Challenge friends in local or online multiplayer and leave them in your dust! Work your way up from rookie to world champion in Career mode. Slice off another split second in Time Trial and upload your personal best. Only got a minute? Get behind the wheel for a Quick Race.
Tear through forests, seaside circuits and burning deserts, with the roar of the engine and the sounds of an adoring crowd in your ears! Beautiful track environments, carefully detailed cars and console quality 3D sound effects create the most exhilarating racing experience on the iPhone.
Intuitive, realistic controls take care of things under the hood just like an expert pit crew, while you focus on your racing line. Accurate surface variations including asphalt, grass, gravel and chicanes affect vehicle speed, responsiveness and handling.
Our unique in-car cockpit view places you in the driver's seat. Get feedback from the animated driver and race data incorporated into dashboard instruments.
Looking for more than just factory settings? Adjust handling and sensitivity to suit, with a huge range of options. Control methods include tilt to steer or touch to steer, manual or automatic acceleration and brake-assist options.
Easily set up a link to your YouTube channel to publish your best laps automatically then share them with friends.
Log in to Game Center to challenge and compete against friends from around the world in a race of your choice and/or open auto-match slots and wait for other players to join! Compete for glory in a range of online leagues through Cloudcell, and battle your way through rival drivers from all over the world to advance to the top.
Compare achievements and time-trial results with friends and rivals with Game Center (iOS4.1 devices only) and Cloudcell (all devices). Visit realracing.cloudcell.com to see lap times and set up your own custom leaderboards.
76 events in the full career mode, 6 modes of play, local and online multiplayer, numerous online leagues and rankings against your friends or the world ensure endless hours of fun.
With Firemint Real Racing, the race is in your hands…
*****Buy now and start your engines!*****
What's New in Version 1.27* Players can now unlock cars, tracks and events via In-App Purchase
* Fixed graphical issue affecting 3rd generation devices with iOS 5
We appreciate the continued help of players to identify and detail bugs. Firemint is dedicated to updating our games regularly to make sure they deliver the very best gaming experience.
If you have any issues to report or suggestions to make, please visit our support site at: http://www.firemint.com/support


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SAN FRANCISCO —Carlos Beltran just keeps on hitting, and like everyone else, he has taken notice of Alex Rodriguez's woeful postseason problems.
Beltran's two-run home run in the fourth inning last night proved to be the difference in the Cardinals' 6-4 victory over the Giants in Game 1 of the NLCS at AT&T Park. This was his 14th postseason home run in 29 games.
The ex-Met owns the all-time postseason at-bats per home run ratio of 7.71. Babe Ruth is next at 8.60. Beltran hit .444 in the NLDS. This was Beltran's third home run of this postseason. This is the kind of production the Giants hoped they would get from Beltran when they traded Zack Wheeler for him in 2011.
The veteran knows what it takes to succeed and he believes A-Rod's problems are from the neck up. A-Rod is 3-for-23 this postseason.
"Talent-wise, [Rodriguez] is the same,'' Beltran told The Post.
Beltran then pointed to his head and said, "Sometimes it's all here. You try to do too much, no matter how long you play this game, whether you are a rookie or a 17-year veteran, we all go through it.''
That's what he believes A-Rod is going through now.
"Alex is a great guy, a professional,'' said Beltran, a free agent the Cardinals signed to replace Albert Pujols. "Being able to play in New York is just different. Playing in New York is just another world. I believe if you can play in New York and do well, anywhere else is a piece of cake.
"For Alex, I believe, he can help the [Yankees]. It's not like everyone there is raking,'' Beltran said. "I mean there are a lot of guys hitting a buck something. But being the player that he is, they expect a lot from him; not only the organization, fans, and I believe he expects a lot from himself.
"I got the opportunity to work with Alex in the off-season in 2003 and that guy works,'' Beltran said. "He really takes pride in what he does. Sometimes you are going to be a good ballplayer. Sometimes you won't be a good ballplayer.''
Beltran took the called strike heard around the world in 2006 with the Mets to end the NLCS against the Cardinals. He's on a tear now. He has tried to keep it simple this postseason.
"In these games, I am not going to do more than I am capable of,'' Beltran said. "I don't feel the pressure. It's hard for me to explain this production. I'm just enjoying myself. Because, as a player, in my 15-year career, this is only the third time that I've been in the playoffs.
"You really have to enjoy the moment because you never know when it's your last chance. I know if I am healthy I am going to do well. I feel good right now.''
Noted veteran Lance Berkman, who was a teammate of Beltran's in Houston, "Carlos has gotten the chance to demonstrate to a national audience his skill set, when he gets hot he can carry a team.''
Beltran loves playing for St. Louis and with these teammates. "These guys have this mentality of no panicking,'' he said.
Beltran is replacing Pujols, but he doesn't look at it that way.
"We are two different ballplayers,'' Beltran said. "He was an unbelievable player for this organization. I just told myself I can't go there and get caught up in this comparison. I have to be me and play the game the way I always play, focus on realistic goals. You can't say, 'Well, Pujols left. He used to hit 45 home runs so I have to come here and hit 45.' No, that's not me. I've always been a player who is around 25-30 homers. I have to do my job and stay healthy. That is something I put in my mind and I never got away from that.''
Beltran has stayed relaxed with the Cards, something Rodriguez has not done with the Yankees.


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I'm interested in your Global Medical Insurance plans for a missionary network I'm developing. I understand you have an employee group plan, but none of these professionals are technically working FOR us as much as WITH us. Do you offer any group rates for independant workers?
Thanks for your help,


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Adjustments to the Draft have been for the better
Earlier signing deadline helps players, teams and college baseball coaches
Major League Baseball's tinkering with the First-Year Player Draft is working.
With a signing deadline of 5 p.m. ET on Friday, teams are getting players under contract faster than ever. Just as importantly, prospects are assuring themselves of an opportunity to get their first season in pro ball out of the way, expediting their potential development instead of delaying the debut for a year because of prolonged negotiations.
And it's been a bonus for college coaches, who are finally getting some time -- limited as it may be -- to replenish the recruiting classes that fall victim to players giving up college eligibility to sign a pro contract. With limited scholarships allowed by the NCAA, a coach could have a recruiting class decimated if he lost three or four prime players to professional baseball, especially if he didn't have an opportunity to pursue replacements, which often happened in the past.
Here's the bottom line: There is a tendency to draw out negotiations until the deadline is approaching. Nobody wants to blink.
Now the bluff can be called roughly a month after the Draft is held, which gives both sides ample time to negotiate, benefitting not only the professional teams and the players, but also college coaches, who have time to look for replacements to players they lost to pro ball.
In the old days, it was a headache for all sides, because players could sign until the day they attended their first classes in the fall. That provided a skewed signing system, with some schools starting in late August and others not until late September.
In the first adjustment, baseball adopted an Aug. 15 universal signing deadline. Two years ago, 22 of the 33 first-round selections did not sign until Aug. 15, effectively delaying their pro debut a year.
This year? Two days before the deadline, only 13 players among the 316 selected in the first 10 rounds of the Draft remain unsigned -- four of whom were first-round picks. And one of the 13 unsigned -- left-handed pitcher Matt Krook, the 35th player taken overall by the Miami Marlins -- had an agreement in place, but medical issues developed and the deal was voided.
It would be a surprise if any of the remaining unsigned first-rounders -- University of San Diego third baseman Kris Bryant (No. 2 overall) with the Chicago Cubs; University of North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran (No. 6 overall) with Miami; right-hander Christian Bickford (No. 10 overall) of Oaks Christian High School in Westlake, Calif., with Toronto; and Fresno State outfielder Aaron Judge (No. 32 overall) with the Yankees -- failed to agree to terms.
The revised approach, including allotments for signing bonuses at each choice in the first 10 rounds, has kept an ongoing increase in the bonus money, but has not created a regression. The 29 first-round picks who have signed received an average bonus of $2,500,321, second all-time to the $2,653,375 average for the first-round signees in 2011.
And teams have shown an ability to be creative to sign players who slipped in the Draft.
Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea of Indiana State, who last fall was considered in the mix as the No. 1 pick overall, slipped to Kansas City with the 34th overall pick, but he still received the fourth-highest bonus in the Draft thus far -- $3.55 million, despite an allotment of $1,623,000 for that slot.
Josh Bell, who received $5 million from Pittsburgh as a second-round pick in 2011, is the only player ever taken after the first round since the adoption of the allotment approach to receive a larger bonus than Manaea.
Four other Draft choices received more than $500,000 over the allotted bonus for where they were drafted:
• Outfielder Austin Wilson of Stanford agreed to $1.7 million from Miami, $590,000 over the allotment;
• Right-handed pitcher Cole Wiper of Oregon was a 10th-round pick of Texas, and he signed for $700,000 -- $564,700 over the allotment figure;
• Infielder Dom Nunez of Elk Grove (Calif.) High School signed an $800,000 bonus as a sixth-round selection of the Rockies -- $535,000 over slot money;
• Shortstop Oscar Mercado of Gaither High School in Tampa, Fla., was given $1.5 million bonus as the second-round pick of St. Louis, which was $529,600 over bonus.
The Cardinals also juggled their allotment money so that they could sign their 11th-round pick, right-handed pitcher Steve Farinao of Head Royce High School in Oakland, to a $750,000 deal, even though any amount in excess of $100,000 given to a player selected after the 10th round is counted against the team's bonus pool. It's the largest bonus given a player taken after the 10th round under the new system.


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Featured Project
California Offshore Wind Power Forum
The California Offshore Wind Power Forum was held at UC Davis on June 11 & 12, 2013. The proceedings are now available and can be accessed by clicking the link above.
Featured Project
The Electronic Wind Performance Reporting System (eWPRS) is a publicly accessible database of wind plant performance data in California. Click the link to access data dating back to 1985.
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