text:
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics (Nasdaq:MYGN) announced today that Myriad RBM, a wholly owned subsidiary of Myriad Genetics, has entered into a research collaboration with Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, and Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. Through this collaboration, Myriad RBM will perform protein biomarker research for the Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) study, the world's longest and largest randomized clinical trial in pre- and early diabetes. The relationship between the biomarker results and clinical outcomes will be analyzed by investigators at PHRI.
As part of the agreement, Myriad RBM will analyze over 8,000 serum samples collected in the ORIGIN study using its DiscoveryMAP® 250+ quantitative immunoassay panel. Sanofi conceived of the application of Myriad RBM's technology to ORIGIN with a goal of identifying biomarker profiles that may optimize treatment and improve patient care.
"We are pleased to be partnering with Sanofi and PHRI, world leaders in diabetes research, on this critical study," said Craig Benson, President of Myriad RBM. "We believe this collaboration will result in better care for millions of patients with diabetes; a global epidemic that remains a critical unmet medical need."
Funded by Sanofi and directed and managed by PHRI, ORIGIN is a unique, six-year landmark cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trial, that evaluated Lantus® (insulin glargine) versus standard care in over 12,500 individuals at high CV risk with pre-diabetes or early type 2 diabetes mellitus. Spanning 40 countries worldwide, it was the world's longest and largest randomized clinical trial of its type in this population.
"This biomarker project using DiscoveryMAP is a logical extension of the landmark ORIGIN study," said Dr. Matt McQueen, Research Laboratory Director, PHRI. "The measurement of hundreds of relevant proteins in metabolic, inflammatory and other important pathways has the potential to improve treatment protocols for diabetes."
This collaboration could represent up to $10 million in companion diagnostic service revenue for Myriad over the next two fiscal years. Additionally, this agreement was contemplated in the Company's Companion Diagnostic Service revenue revised guidance for fiscal 2013 which was previously communicated on November 5, 2012.
About Myriad RBM
Myriad RBM's biomarker discovery platform provides clinical researchers, physicians and healthcare providers with reproducible, quantitative, multiplexed data for hundreds of proteins to advance drug development and patient care. The company's proprietary Multi Analyte Profiling (MAP) technology offers pre-clinical and clinical researchers broad, cost-effective analyses of multiple proteins from a single, small sample volume. MAP technology also supports Myriad RBM's drive to develop companion diagnostics in areas of unmet medical need such as neuropsychiatry, nephrology, and immunology. Myriad RBM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Myriad Genetics. More information about Myriad RBM is located at www.myriadrbm.com.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a commitment to improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. Myriad is focused on strategic directives to introduce new products, including companion diagnostics, as well as expanding internationally. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: www.myriad.com
Myriad, the Myriad logo, Myriad RBM, DiscoveryMAP are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-G
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing, scope, goals, completion, and anticipated outcomes of the collaboration and study to perform protein biomarker discovery on over 8,000 serum samples from patients with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes; the Company's belief that this collaboration will result in better care for millions of patients with diabetes; the expectation of this collaboration representing, and the Company realizing, over $10 million in companion diagnostic service revenue for the Company over the next two fiscal years; the inclusion of this agreement in the Company's Companion Diagnostic Service revenue revised guidance for fiscal 2013; and the Company's strategic directives under the captions "About Myriad RBM" and "About Myriad Genetics". These "forward-looking statements" are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that sales and profit margins of our existing molecular diagnostic tests and companion diagnostic services may decline or will not continue to increase at historical rates; the risk that we may be unable to expand into new markets outside of the United States; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and companion diagnostic services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and companion diagnostic services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and companion diagnostic services and any future products are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with manufacturing our products or operating our laboratory testing facilities; risks related to public concern over genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we acquire; the development of competing tests and services; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement and invalidity claims or challenges of our patents; risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.
CONTACT: Myriad Contacts: Investor Relations Jim Evans, Chief Financial Officer (801) 584-1143 email@example.com Myriad RBM Chris Martin, Director of Communications (212) 275-2623 email@example.com Media Relations Stephanie Ashe Continuum Health Communications email@example.com:Myriad Genetics, Inc.


text:
Nov. 13, 2010
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The UC Santa Barbara swim and dive teams defeated visiting Cal Poly on Saturday afternoon in a dual meet at Campus Pool. The Gaucho women beat the Mustangs, 157-141, while the men edged out Cal Poly, 155-141.
In a meet that came down to the last couple of events, Cal Poly captured an early lead behind the strong performances of its divers. Sami McIntyre and Meaghan O'Meara went one-two on both the one-meter and three-meter boards. McIntyre posted a score of 253.10 on the one-meter and 215 on the three-meter to capture first place in both events. The Gauchos' lone woman diver, Missy Burley, took third on the three-meter (174.35) and fourth on the one-meter (168.85).
On the men's side, Cal Poly's Toby Reaper and Trevor Foster also went one-two on the two boards. Reaper captured first place on both boards with a score of 235.15 on the one-meter and 224.40 on the three-meter. Max Brookman took third for the Gauchos on the low board with 136.30 points while Trevor Hough captured third on the three-meter with 152.45 points.
UCSB began its comeback during the first swimming events as the women went one-two in the 400 medley relay. The team of Katie Stover, Sophia Yamauchi, Miranda Schneider and Mariah Tharp finished first in 3:49.15. The men's "A" relay also took first with Ryan Garcia, Kevin Ferguson, Max Horrell and Chris Peterson clocking in at 3:19.78, beating out Cal Poly's second-place team by over eight seconds.
The Mustangs showed their strength in the distance events. The reigning Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Swimmer of the Week, Lacy Buck captured first in the 1,000 freestyle (10:07.19), but the Gauchos captured second through fourth in the event as Andrea Ward (10:11.25), Emma Hunt (10:27.79) and Astrid Amsallem (10:28.48) combined to match Buck's first-place points.
In the men's 1,000, Cal Poly's Konrad Antoniuk took first in 9:38.78 as the Mustangs swept the top-three finishes in the event. Buck and Antoniuk both also took first-place later in the meet in the 500 free. Buck touched the wall in 5:02.06 while Antoniuk finished in 4:35.75.
Following the 1,000 free, the UCSB women won the next three events with Katie Stover taking first in the 200 free (1:51.38), Allie Knight taking first in the 100 backstroke (57.67) and Sophia Yamauchi taking the top finish in the 100 breaststroke (1:02.87). Each repeated as event winners later in the meet as Stover and Knight tied for first in the 200 back with a time of 2:03.33 and Yamauchi won the 200 breast in 2:16.97.
Kendall Neely rounded out the women's top individual finishes, placing first in the 50 free in 23.28.
Garrett Thompson captured the Gaucho men's first individual win of the meet in the 200 free, touching the wall in 1:40.05. The UCSB men went on to take first-place in six of the following nine individual events. Kevin Ferguson dominated the 100 breaststroke, posting a time of 55.48, which was 4.52 seconds faster than the second-place finisher. He then won the 100 free in 44.95.
Max Horrell won the 200 fly in 1:52.81, beating out Antoniuk by two seconds. Later in the meet, Horrell won the 100 fly in 50.26 seconds.
Chris Peterson won the 50 free in 23.28 and Evan Simoni captured 200 breast in 2:06.86 to round out the Gauchos' first-place finishers on the men's end.
The Gauchos closed the door on the Mustangs in the 400 free relays. The women's team of Yamauchi, Stover, Neely and Mariah Tharp posted a time of 3:25.90, beating out Cal Poly by almost five seconds. The men's team of Ferguson, Thompson, Ryan Hanni and Peterson then went 2:59.48 beating out the Mustangs by over eight seconds to secure the dual win.
UCSB will be back in action next week as the swimmers head to the Arena Invitational in Long Beach, Calif. for a three-day meet that runs Friday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 20.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Event: Bollywood celebs like John Abraham, Anupam Kher, Mahie Gill, Meera Chopra, Chunky Pandey, Vashu Bhagnani, David Dhawan, Boney Kapoor, Abbas-Mustan, Satish Kaushik, Saurabh Shukla and other cast of the film were snapped at the 'muhurat' GANG OF GHOSTS. The film marks the Bollywood debut of Priyanka Chopra's cousin Meera Chopra.
Guest List: John Abraham, Anupam Kher, Mahie Gill, Meera Chopra, Chunky Pandey, Vashu Bhagnani, David Dhawan, Boney Kapoor, Abbas- Mustan, Satish Kaushik, Saurabh Shukla, Boney Kapoor
Bollywood celeb Aamir Khan along with wife Kiran Rao were spotted at PVR.
Bollywood producers-directors Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Krishan Kumar, Ravi Bahl, Divya Khosla Kumar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Wardha Nadiadwala celebrate diwali with Bhushan Kumar
Bollywood celebs Kareena Kapoor Khan, Malaika Arora, Sonali Bendre, Nimrat Kaur among others were snapped by paparazzi.Bebo looked super cool in a casual look. She wore a white t-shirt with yoga pants...
Bollywood actress Shama Sikander celebrated Diwali festival at her residence.
Bollywood celebs Aamir Khan, Zaira Wasim, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Anil Kapoor, Nitesh Tiwari, Aparshakti Khurrana, Bhushan Kumar, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Sachin Tendulkar, Rajkumar Hir...


text:
NHL GMs looking at abolishing fan-approved shootouts
The disdain with which many people in the NHL hold the shootout is expected to be further evident at the general managers meetings beginning Monday.
Talks will continue for the next couple of days on ways to bring a conclusion to games in overtime, including extending the extra period and perhaps going to 3-on-3 play to avoid having games decided by what many in the game consider a chintzy skills competition.
More than a few GMs cringe at the idea of a playoff spot being decided by a shootout.
It has been a talking point for the last year, but the momentum seems to be there this time around for change.
It's a bit of a tight rope to walk, however, because the NHL's own polling of fans shows the paying customers are fans of the shootout.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has said the league's research regularly returns approval of the shootout in the 70-80% range among fans "which on any question is an extraordinarily high number," Bettman added.
Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon sums up the attitude of most of the general managers who will tackle the issue in their discussions over the next three days.
"It's a team game and I've always been a big proponent of that," said Tallon. "The fans really like the shootout, so it's got to be some kind of hybrid, I would think, that would allow the team concept to have more of an impact than an individual. But still, we're in the entertainment business and we've got to sell tickets and get people to enjoy the game and leave with a good feeling about the game.
"The shootout probably has addressed that in a way."
Since it was introduced for the 2005-06 season, 13.3% of regular-season games have been decided by the shootout (it's down a touch to 12.6% this season).
There are a few things that can be done to increase the odds of a game being decided in overtime before it gets to a shootout.
Having the teams change ends before overtime would be a start. That would lead to the so-called "long change," where the net a team is defending is farther away from its bench. That could increase the chances of a team being unable to change players, leading to tired guys being on the ice, or getting caught in a bad change and opening up some ice for the opposition.
Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland has been leading the charge to expand overtime to 10 minutes with perhaps the additional five minutes being played 3-on-3. With two fewer players and more open ice the thinking is goals will be scored.
"We'll see," said Tallon. "We've talked about it and it was heavily discussed the last time we met and I'm sure that will be a focus of the conversation moving forward in the next couple of days. It's just a matter of what's good for the game."
The 30 general managers will be divided into groups of 10 for Monday morning's session and each group will be tasked with debating one of the issues, say expanding overtime, increasing the scope of video review or the issue of a coach's challenge.
There's some support for expanding video review to all aspects of what led to the goal, apart from what might be judgement calls by officials on penalties. A play could be backed up to consider whether the puck entered the zone legally.
NHL senior vice-president of hockey operations Colin Campbell has said he would like to be able to review missed offside calls that lead to goals.
With the technology the NHL has now, there is a growing feeling video review should be expanded to incorporate common sense. For instance, if a referee blows his whistle because he has lost sight of the puck, but it's been in the net for two seconds, well, that should be a goal.
A hot point has also been the puck off the netting. A puck hitting the netting was missed in the seconds before Niklas Kronwall scored for the Detroit Red Wings in a game in January against the Los Angeles Kings. His shot hit the net and bounced in off the back of Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick. It tied the game with 27 seconds left in the third period and the Wings went on to win the game in a shootout.
That play seems to have spurred momentum to expand video review.


text:
2701 Vista View Lane
Prosper, TX 75078
Sq Ft
Custom Dave R. Williams, one and half story updated home located on one of largest lots in sought after in Whispering Farms. This corner lot, three car garage home features all bedrooms on first floor and beautiful hand scraped wood floors along with transitional colors. Freshly painted gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double ovens, gas ctop, huge breakfast bar, and built-in desk. Kitchen opens to family room with stone fireplace, built in's and views of the sparkling pool and spa. A private master retreat has spa like ensuite. The well thought out floor plan has a study and Texas-sized game-media room up with a full bath. This backyard was made for entertaining with a diving pool and spa, extensive covered outdoor living and plenty of room for play. Spectacular views. The roof and gutters were just installed June 2018!
Additional Property Details
Homeowners Association (HOA)
Lot & Land
*Note: All room dimensions, including square footage data, are approximate and must be verified by the buyer.
The information contained herein is furnished by the owner to the best of his/her knowledge, but is subject to verification by the purchaser, and agent assumes no responsibility for the correctness thereof. The sale offering is made subject to errors, omissions, change of price, prior sale, or withdrawal without notice. In accordance with the Law, this property is offered without respect to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. This is not intended to solicit property currently listed.Listing Agent:Stacey Zimmerman
Broker:Ebby Halliday, REALTORS Plano
Safety Rating
Commute to Work
School Districts
Results received from this calculator are designed for comparative purposes only, and accuracy is not guaranteed.
(972) email@example.com Visit Our Website
When you decide to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, your search should start and end here. Home Team Mortgage has been the Ebby Family Companies preferred lender for more than 20 years! We have every Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and Jumbo loan product you could ever want, but we also offer a unique set of specialty programs exclusively for our preferred partners. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 30 offices in the DFW area to conveniently serve you. Choose a lender you can trust to find the mortgage loan that best suits your needs.
4 Beds 4.1 Baths 3,781 Sq Ft
Stacey Zimmerman: (469)865-3656
4 Beds 3.1 Baths 4,271 Sq Ft
4 Beds 4.1 Baths 4,162 Sq Ft
4 Beds 3.1 Baths 5,375 Sq Ft
5 Beds 5.2 Baths 6,807 Sq Ft
Paulette Greene Group: (214)957-3372New!
4 Beds 3.1 Baths 3,723 Sq Ft


text:
AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy says the economic difficulties felt by the club have led to him being able to rise to prominence, although admits he could never have expected 2012 to go as well as it has.
A year ago, the youngster was on the outskirts of the team, but this term his stock has skyrocketed after scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances in Serie A making him top goalscorer in the league.
And the 20-year-old, who has also broken into Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad, can hardly contemplate what has happened in a whirlwind 12 months.
"It's all a bit unexpected," he told La Stampa. "A year ago, I would never have believed that I would be Serie A top scorer now."
El Shaarawy also believes the financial situation that hit Massimiliano Allegri's side has aided his development, meaning the Rossoneri look to their youth squad rather than foreign talent.
He added: "The economical crisis has helped me, and lot of youngsters have been given a chance to display skills and they've taken advantage of that.
"We just needed some space – it makes no sense to go and buy players abroad when you already have good players at home."
Despite the possibility of other clubs being interested in the prodigious talent, the former Genoa man hopes Milan will be in a position to ensure whereby staying put will be the best option for his career.
"I've supported Milan since I was a kid," he said.
"However there is nothing certain in football. If a big offer was made for me then I'd hope Milan would have the strength to keep me."


text:
NEW SMYRNA BEACH — When her children were young, Tamara Messina dreamed of a job where she could work from home and spend quality time with her family.
But the demands of her career as a Boar's Head distributor prevented that dream from becoming a reality for more two decades, she said.
Messina finally achieved her goal this past June when she opened the doors of her new business, the Inn on the Avenue, a bed-and-breakfast on New Smyrna Beach's beachside.
"I enjoy people. I enjoy cooking. And after being out in the corporate world for years, I just really wanted to stay home and this gave me the opportunity to do that," Messina said. "Even though my kids are grown now, I can take care of other people, make them breakfast and make them comfortable."
Built from the ground up on the site of the old Douglas home at 309 Flagler Ave., Messina and her boyfriend Dominick Caputo, a general contractor, designed every aspect of the sunshine-yellow guest house.
The inn earlier this month won first place in the Flagler Merchants Association's "Light up Flagler" Christmas decorating contest.
Reminiscent of homes in New Orleans' Garden District, the B&B sports hardwood floors and an eclectic mix of modern amenities interspersed with hand-selected antiques.
"It took me about a year to shop," Messina said, referring to her hunt for just the right items in every room of her sea-themed inn.
"I pretty much had in mind what I wanted to do in each room … so we went on power shopping trips," Messina said.
That search included antique stores and thrift shops up and down the East Coast as far as North Carolina and Tennessee, she said, adding, "I'd grab my mom, who is 74 years old, and say 'Come on, we're going shopping.'"
Room rental rates at the Inn on the Avenue range from $109 to $229 a night depending on the season and the room's location. Amenities include flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, in-room thermostats, and a custom breakfast experience Messina adopted from her favorite DeLeon Springs restaurant, The Old Spanish Sugar Mill.
"I used to take my son there all the time," she said of the West Volusia eatery. "We would wait for hours to get in that restaurant. They have griddles built in every table in the restaurant and I thought, 'Gosh, I would love to do that sometime in my house.'"
A handmade mosaic table at the Inn on the Avenue, crafted from the same materials used throughout the construction process, features two built-in griddles where guests can customize pancakes and omelets.
Another feature at the B&B is its display of artwork by local artists throughout the upstairs hallway, and a pair of balconies with rocking chairs that overlook the city's quaint seaside shopping district.
The addition of Messina's bed-and-breakfast fills a niche for New Smyrna Beach, said Carl Watson, executive director of the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority. The city's Flagler Avenue corridor and adjacent streets boast more than 20 restaurants and eateries as well as dozens of retail and service-related businesses, but the Inn on the Avenue is one of only four lodges in the immediate area. It's also the only one that's a bed-and-breakfast.
"It provides more room availability on Flagler Avenue where so many of our fine restaurants are," Watson said. "And it allows visitors to enjoy having a place to stay where they can just stroll to restaurants and the many great unique shops."
Opening bed-and-breakfast fulfills owner's longtime goal
NEW SMYRNA BEACH — When her children were young, Tamara Messina dreamed of a job where she could work from home and spend quality time with her family.


text:
Attacks show bolder terror threat growing in China
BEIJING (AP) — Recent deadly attacks in China blamed on Islamic extremists are getting bolder and bloodier, targeting civilians rather than the authorities and further challenging Beijing's ability to stop them.
The latest attack on Wednesday at a train station in the far-western region of Xinjiang — where extremists among the Turkic Uighur Muslim population have been waging a simmering insurgency against Beijing for years — left three people dead and 79 injured, prompting Chinese President Xi Jinping to demand "decisive actions" against terrorism.
Authorities said two of the dead were assailants, marking the attack as an apparent suicide bombing that hints at a further escalation in tactics, said Raffaello Pantucci, a terrorism expert at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies in London.
Prior to that, in March, five knife-wielding men and women believed to be Uighurs (pronounced WEE'-gurs) slashed at crowds indiscriminately at a railway station in southwestern China, killing 29 people. And last year, three Uighurs rammed a vehicle into crowds in a suicide attack near the Forbidden City gate in the heart of Beijing, killing themselves and two tourists.
While these attacks are still relatively crude and bear little sign of specialized training, they seem to have an audaciousness and deliberateness that wasn't present before, said Andrew Small, an expert on China and Central Asia at the German Marshall Fund in Washington, D.C.
"The capacity of groups inside China to mount effective, politically targeted attacks does seem to be growing," Small said. "It's a step beyond the sort of localized incidents in western Xinjiang that were taking off a few years ago."
Embarrassingly, the latest incident came as Xi wrapped up a four-day trip to the region that included a visit to an anti-terror unit and bold talk from the leader about the need to maintain social stability at all costs. It also came on the eve of the May Day holiday, possibly targeting Xinjiang's growing tourism industry.
Pantucci said the fact that the attack took place in a relatively secure major city was also significant.
"The nature of this attack and its location is a further demonstration of the growing intensity of the problems," Pantucci said.
Urumqi was the scene of ethnic riots that killed nearly 200 people in 2009, but has been relatively quiet since.
No arrests have been reported and no one has claimed responsibility for the train station attack in the regional capital Urumqi, about 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles) west of Beijing.
For years, militants in Xinjiang have carried out attacks on police and government officials using knives, vehicles and homemade explosives. The extremists want to overthrow Chinese rule while many others want greater autonomy and freedom to practice their culture and religion.
Uighur activists say the violence is being fueled by restrictive and discriminatory policies and practices directed at Uighurs and a sense that the benefits of economic growth have largely accrued to Chinese migrants while excluding Uighurs. The knowledge that Muslims elsewhere are rising up against their governments also seems to be contributing to the increased militancy.
China's response has generally been to crack down ruthlessly on the one hand, while promising economic benefits on the other.
The most recent attacks deviate from previous ones in that they are increasingly targeting civilians and attempting violence on a larger scale, apparently pointing to a greater level of organization and planning.
Such attacks are designed to "instill fear by sheer randomness" and provoke retaliation from Beijing that would boost resentment among Uighurs and further support for the extremists, said Ahmed A.S. Hashim, a terrorism expert at Singapore's Nanyang Technical University.
China's ability to gather useful intelligence and analyze it to prevent attacks has long been criticized as weak, Hashim said, adding that security forces also lacked effectiveness.
"A purely military counterinsurgency or counter-terrorism campaign may not suffice if movement isn't made on the political front to assuage Uighur political demands," Hashim said.
It isn't clear whether the recent incidents of violence are being directed by some sort of larger organization, as Beijing frequently alleges. China has blamed numerous incidents on overseas-based separatist radicals in the East Turkistan Islamic Organization, although it has presented little evidence.
"The big unknown is whether there is now a higher level of coordination taking place, or whether these are just individual groups employing similar methods," Small said.
Hashim said he expects to see a further evolution of the Uighur insurgency, possibly into a more sophisticated form that would include the use of improvised explosive devices, car bombs, ambushes and major attacks on infrastructure.
The point, he said, would be to "undermine China's showcasing of Xinjiang as a developing region where different ethnic groups live in harmony."
A further concern for Beijing is the effect the U.S. withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan will have on Xinjiang's security.
Instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some Uighurs are reportedly hiding among jihadi groups in the lawless northwest, could allow insurgents greater freedom to set up camps and cross the border into China, Small said.
Government adviser and anti-terrorism researcher Li Wei agreed that change and instability in the fragile states along China's periphery had a direct effect on Xinjiang's security.
"Due to changes in the domestic and international situations, terrorists are becoming more rampant in some western Asian regions and some neighboring countries. Therefore, the anti-terror situation becomes increasingly serious in China," Li said.


text:
The dollar fell the most in three weeks as Federal Reserve chairman nominee Janet Yellen said the economy must improve before monetary stimulus can be trimmed.
The pound gained after the Bank of England improved its outlook for unemployment in its quarterly inflation report. The euro erased losses against the dollar amid bets the decline was excessive as traders bet that the European Central Bank won't embrace quantitative easing anytime soon. Sweden's krona slid as Finance Minister Anders Borg said a strong currency was a "risk" to the economy. U.S. stocks rose to a record.
"The equity market isn't worried about tapering, why should the currency market be worried about it?" Yra Harris, the chief trader and analyst at Praxis Trading in Chicago, said in a telephone interview.
The Bloomberg U.S. Dollar Index, which monitors the greenback against 10 major counterparts, fell 0.4% to 1,018.48 as of 4:49 p.m. in New York, the biggest drop since Oct. 22. The gauge reached 1,025.01 yesterday, the highest since Sept. 13.
The euro rose 0.3% to $1.3482 after falling as much as 0.3%. The yen gained 0.4% to 99.24 per dollar after sliding to 99.80 yesterday, the weakest level since Sept. 13. Japan's currency traded at 133.83 per euro.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index of stocks gained 0.8% to 1,782, reclaiming its record on a closing basis for the first time since Oct. 29.
Yellen Appearance
Unemployment is "still too high, reflecting a labor market and economy performing far short of their potential" and that inflation is "expected" to remain below the Fed's goal for 2% price increases, Yellen said in testimony prepared for her nomination hearing tomorrow before the Senate Banking Committee.
Yellen will be defending quantitative easing, a policy of buying bonds to drive down yields and lift asset prices, which has swelled the Fed's balance sheet to almost $4 trillion while facing four Republicans who voted "no" on her 2010 successful bid to be vice chairman.
The U.S. Federal Reserve will pare its bond-buying program to $70 billion at its March 18-19 meeting from the current pace of $85 billion, according to the median of 32 economist estimates in a Bloomberg News survey on Nov. 8.
Copyright 2014 Bloomberg. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
Roofing Companies in Pembroke Dock
List of Pembroke Dock based roofing contractors and suppliers offering installation, repairs and maintenance services.
Business Listings
HGC Roofing was established in 1992. As professional roofers, we guarantee that you will be totally satisfied with your new roof. Whether it be for your garage, house or company premises we will be pleased to give you a value for money quote, please feel free to contact us either by email or telephone.
Euro-Tech Roofing is independent of any manufacturer giving us the freedom to provide you with truly impartial advice, and to specify the most appropriate solution for all your roofing requirements. As an approved contractor and registered member of Homepro/Fairtrades we can provide fully independent insurance backed guarantees on all contracts.
Glamorgan services provides a comprehensive, high quality building refurbishment package to a wide variety of clients. Services provided include roofing, suspended ceilings, partitioning, fire protection, flooring, carpentry,electrical, plumbing, decoration, and furnishings. All of these services are offered on an individual basis or any combination that clients may require.
Avon Sheeting Ltd have been established since 1968 carrying out all types of roofing, cladding and felting contracts. Throughout the years we have had the pleasure of supporting both the Public & Private Sectors, including local fabrication firms, many local Builders and the DIY Enthusiast. Our Portfolio consists of Sports Clubs, Football Stadiums, Industrial Units, Car Dealerships.
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home and business premises. A leaking or insecure roof can lead to long term problems such as rotten timbers or other structural damage. Many homeowners make the mistake of spending time and money on internal refurbishment while neglecting the basic fabric of the building.
Rollaclad is a manufacturer of coated steel cladding and roofing sheets, used in the construction of metal buildings. All our products are manufactured on our premises to meet customers' individual requirements. We supply sheets in a range of colours and materials.
Duraseal was formed in 1995 by Geraint Hughes after working for 10 years in the Glassfibre Roofing Industry. Duraseal specialise in all aspects of Glassfibre Roofing, from complete new work to full refurbishments. Duraseal can carry out Glassfibre Roofing from the smallest e.g. a porch roof, to the biggest e.g. a factory roof
We are a local family roof repair company based in Swansea, UK, established over 25 years. Our services include 24/7 emergency storm damage, and normal roof repair services. We can fix all types of roofs and issues, but specialise in the installation and repair of rubber flat roofing. From leaks and holes, missing tiles or slates, damaged fascias/guttering or chimney work, to installing a whole new
Avonside Roofing is a professional, forward-looking company. Since its inception in 1987 it has grown to be one of the largest roofing contractors in the country. Our geographical spread is unsurpassed, with 14 offices in strategic locations across the UK. The spectrum of contracts we operate on includes national house builders, local authorities and construction companies. In addition, social housing
CFR is an approved contractor for many superior, high quality roofing materials and as a member of two professional trade organisations (FMB and CRC), you can be assured of a professional, high standard of workmanship. Membership to these organisations includes strict entry requirements and vetting procedures.


text:
Posted 25 March 2014. PMN Crop News.
Intensive Management Pushes Soybeans to Maximum Yield Potential
Genetics, agronomics play key role
Source: DuPont Pioneer Press Release. www.pioneer.com
Des Moines, Iowa (February 14, 2014)--As soybean researchers continue pushing achievable soybean yields, DuPont Pioneer agronomists advise growers to manage their soybeans intensively for high yield.
Mark Jeschke, DuPont Pioneer agronomy research manager, says the biggest challenge to high soybean yields is changing the mindset about managing your soybean crop.
"Over the years, soybeans have gotten less attention during the growing season," says Jeschke. "There are many legitimate reasons - the major pest list is longer for corn; soybean pest problems are often localized and do not occur every year; and soybean planting frequently takes a back seat to getting the corn into the ground."
However, the researchers working in the labs, greenhouses and test plots want growers to know that the reward will be there for intensive soybean management.
The first step in managing for high yield is stand establishment. Earlier planting and higher levels of crop residue mean growers often drop the planter into colder, wetter soils. As a result, the potential for seedling diseases increases.
"Seed treatments protect seed planted into challenging conditions," Jeschke says. "Fungicide seed treatments offer multiple modes of action that protect against a broad spectrum of early season diseases, such as Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, and Pythium."
Adding an insecticide to seed treatments helps control pests before their feeding can provide an entry port for disease. Seed treatment options also include a rhizobia inoculant/extender and a biological component that helps increase nodulation for better nutrient availability and uptake by the plant.
Soybean growers can also gain an advantage with narrow rows. Drilled narrow rows and 15-inch planted rows typically out yielded 30-inch rows by an average of 3¬-4 bu/acre in studies published over the last decade.
"Growers generally see higher yields as soybean rows narrow. The results have been fairly consistent," Jeschke says.
The DuPont Pioneer agronomist also offers these additional management tips:
• Plant as early as practical using full-season varieties for your geography. The plants will flower earlier and produce more nodes, increasing the potential for greater pod and seed numbers.
• Manage soil fertility. Soybeans utilize 55% more potassium than a 200 bu/acre corn crop, so residual corn fertility may not be enough.
• Practice crop rotation to break disease and insect cycles, lessen their severity, and increase yield.
• Achieve excellent stand establishment in all tillage systems with planting equipment adapted to residue conditions.
Finally, Jeschke recommends growers monitor in-season weed, pest and disease problems, and manage accordingly.


text:
NBA considering Heat, Nets nickname jerseys
NBA considering Heat, Nets nickname jerseys
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett may soon wear uniforms unlike any other.
Some members of the Miami Heat have been told that the NBA is considering having them and the Brooklyn Nets wear "nickname jerseys" for at least one of their matchups this season.
Heat guard Ray Allen says he wants to wear "Shuttlesworth" as a nod to his character in the movie "He Got Game."
Allen says he thinks players "will get a good kick out of it."
The NBA has not announced the nickname-jersey plan, though some players have been aware of the notion for several weeks. They were asked to submit what names they would want to wear.


text:
White Polka Dot Balloons 36 in - Red
$ 8.00
Make a statement with these high quality, giant 36" round balloons! They are perfect for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, and photoshoot props.
Qty: 1
Size: 36" inch
Color: Red Dots
Balloons are shipped un-inflated. Helium quality.
*Take caution and discard any broken balloons. Keep away from children under the age of 8 as they can choke on un-inflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required.


text:
Things to Do in London
Are you planning to visit London soon? Find free or cheap things to do on your London trip; fun and cool things to do; things to do this weekend; things to do with kids; unusual or romantic things to do in London. There are plenty of London breaks to choose from, whether you are coming for a day trip or for a whole weekend in London. Plan ahead for your trip to London: search for upcoming events, museum and galleries, sightseeing tours, theatre shows, bars, restaurants, nightlife, days out and even day trips from London. Visiting London has never been easier with these ideas for London breaks.


text:
The topic we hear analyst relations (AR) professionals and other vendor staff talk the most about is Gartner. There is always something brewing about the Gartnerians' business model, research methodology, product management and policies that gets under the skin of AR pros around the globe. While there is widespread feeling in the AR community that Gartner does not listen to us, we think that a productive use of an hour is participating in the Gartner Quarterly AR Call and telling the Gartner executives exactly what is on your mind. With a variety of GVPs and VPs participating, we think that AR pros should give these executives the benefit of the doubt that they will listen to well reasoned observations with positive suggestions about how to correct the situation. To register, click here.
This particular AR community will be a little more — and a little less – interesting than most. More interesting because the focus is on the details of how AMR is going to be integrated into Gartner (click here for a round up of SageCircle posts on the AMR acquisition by Gartner). Less interesting if AMR is not relevant to your AR program or if you are not an enterprise research client of AMR.
This particular call should also prove to be interesting to enterprise (aka end user) clients of AMR Research. While the focus is on issues of interest for AR professionals, enterprise clients of AMR should be able to pick up important intelligence about what is happening with their favorite AMR analysts and that could impact contract renewal decisions.
Replay of the webinar "SageCircle Analysis of Gartner's acquisition of AMR Research" is now available. To receive a link and password to watch a streaming version of the webinar please email "info [at] sagecircle [dot] com". Please include your job title and company name. Agenda:
- Basics of the deal
- SageCircle Analysis of AMR's and Gartner's Motivation
- Highlights from Gartner December 3rd AR Community Call
- Commentary on Points from Gartner AR Community Call
- Recommendations for Research Clients
- Enterprise
- Vendors
- Recommendations for Vendor AR Teams
—- Text from Gartner's email —-
|Dear Colleague:As promised during our Continue reading
Filed under: News | Tagged: acquisition, AMR Research, analyst relations, AR, Gartner | 1 Comment »


text:
HARRISBURG, Pa. — The 127-page transportation legislation signed into law this past week culminated years of planning and presents an imposing set of challenges for Pennsylvania's transportation planners.
The law will ramp up over five years to raise at least an extra $2.3 billion annually — or about 40 percent more — to build and repair roads and bridges and underwrite mass transit systems.
It should go a long way toward modernizing transportation infrastructure across the state.
It also created programs and changed rules regarding how major public works projects are planned and executed in the nation's sixth most populous state.
PennDOT must decide if it wants to borrow money early on. Additionally, planners debating how to use the new money will have to balance the competing demands of aging infrastructure with economic development and congestion.
There seems to be consensus that Pennsylvania has more than enough needs to exhaust the billions of dollars that will pour in from the law's sharp increase in gasoline taxes and higher fees on motorists.
But information about what exactly it will pay, and when, is still emerging.
PennDOT executive deputy secretary Brad Mallory said his agency plans to provide guidance soon on how much of the funding will be available in various parts of the state.
Mallory said transportation planning that has tended to focus on preserving the existing system can now be more ambitious and add new roads or lanes.
"If you've got enough money to adequately address your bridges, it's not such a bad idea to support your economy a little bit and economic development issues as well," Mallory said.
The law establishes new approaches to planning and funding bridge repairs and construction, always on the minds of county officials, said Doug Hill with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
One component expands on a pilot program to bundle bridge projects that are located near one another, saving money on design and construction, while another authorizes counties to add $5 to the cost of vehicle registrations to fund local improvements.
"It's a new concept," Hill said. "It's not something we've set down yet with PennDOT in detail to determine how they plan to administer it."
Hill said counties are also keenly interested in an incentive for mass transit agencies to study consolidation and millions of dollars being made available annually for "multimodal" improvements that will generally require a 30 percent local match in cash.
"We'll take a little bit of time on transition, a little bit of uncertainty in the short term," Hill said. "We know ultimately it's what we need to keep our bridges, get our bridges back into good repair."
For local governments, the law will increase by more than 60 percent the state money they get to build and maintain roads, which is known as the liquid fuels payment. It also helps upgrade and sequence traffic lights, which are locally owned and maintained, and increases funding for dirt and gravel roads from $4 million to $35 million annually.
"It won't take care of the problem, but it will make a difference," said Elam Herr with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.
Pennsylvania has a system of rural and municipal planning organizations that meet regularly to determine, working with PennDOT, which projects should be undertaken over the next 12 years. The 12-year plan is updated on a rolling basis every two years, so with the infusion of new money, next year's version will get a great deal of attention.
Critical needs, structurally deficient bridges, safety-related projects and deferred maintenance generally get priority as planners map out which work will make it into the Transportation Improvement Plan, the name of the 12-year plan's first four years.
"It's sort of a question of, 'What do you do first?'" said Barry Seymour, executive director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, which encompasses Philadelphia and its ring counties. "But at the same time, given that this money provides a long-term funding source, I think folks will begin to look at future investments, opportunities for new capacity."
Amy Kessler, a transportation planner with a six-county regional planning commission based in Ridgway in northwestern Pennsylvania, said some decisions are awaiting news from PennDOT about the area's financial allocation.
"We're going to focus on the trunk of our tree and maintaining our existing infrastructure," Kessler said, referring to the most heavily traveled corridors that connect populations and move freight. The new money, she said, is "going to allow us the ability to do long-range planning for our infrastructure versus a Band-Aid approach, year-to-year."


text:
In March of 2011, Nintendo released the 3DS handheld system. The price was 249.99 USD. That price point, which certainly was astronomical, did not last more than six months before Nintendo took nearly 80 dollars off the price. Was that needed? No. What they did not attempt to do was put out meaningful games that people wanted to buy the handheld for. There was the less than stellar launch line up, and not much else when they announced the price drop. Even when the system was reduced for sale the public was not that happy about it either. Many had just bought the system no more than six months ago for a considerable amount more.
I already own a Wii U, so a price cut is rather needless for me. More games please.
The Wii U needs more games, I say.
The author's right about the 3DS. The real problem with it at launch wasn't the price. It was the the lack of games to justify its original price tag. It didn't start selling until the new games came around.
How bout some better games AND drop the price. That oughta work.
You could have a price cut tomorrow but you can't just miraculously develop games in 24 hours. The Wiiu has only just released and it will take time to develop games, so it's pointless asking for one or the other. They ARE mutually exclusive. I doubt that Nintendo will drop the price considering the Wiiu is the first console they're actually losing money on. They'll wait for the software support. Then we'll have a better idea of how well it is doing.
the thing is barely 2 months old and people are already crying for a price cut?


text:
or login
modMittens in organic sly fox
snug, warm hands are essential for little ones!
winter style & protection continue to the tips of baby's fingers with our toasty, warm, fleece-lined modMittens!
with these adorable, comfy, and warm mittens your little girl or guy will be perfectly fashionable and perfectly warm!
available in all the great fabrics featured in our skiBonnet collection, the modMits offer a removable strap that connects the mittens (no more lost, lonely mits!) and can be strung through the arms of your child's jacket.
the infant mittens are thumbless, perfect for infants and toddlers who still have a hard time with finger dexterity. And, with all those tiny fingers together, hands stay warmer! the toddler mittens have a thumb. this is a wonderful feature for older toddlers who want to be able to pick things up.
although the mittens are not waterproof, they do provide good protection in short bouts of play in the snow. you could even use them while building a snowperson!
sizes: thumbless infant mit fits 0-18m; thumbed toddler mit fits 18m-4t. the mitts, mittens, and the strap are all machine washable & can be tumble dried on low.
how do i know what size to order?
our bonnets come in 6 sizes. our smallest size fits most newborns and our largest size fits most kids ages 4 and up-- and adults! although we have made rough estimates as far as age of the child they'll fit, there is a very large range of head sizes within each age range. this means that the best and most reliable way to size a bonnet for your darlin' guy or gal is to measure their head circumference.
how should i wash my bonnet?
although it's best to wash your bonnet by hand and line dry it (or dry it flat on top of your washer or dryer), you can toss it into the machine with your other wash and it'll do just fine. wash only using COLD WATER, and if you place the hat in the dryer, dry it on low. use a warm, cotton-setting, steam iron to press your bonnet if necessary. we like to dry out hats flat because it saves energy and they don't need to be pressed. they'll have a softened, worn look as opposed to a crisp press, but that's what we (personally) prefer. if you love the crisp press, just run a steam iron over the bonnet when it's slighlty damp or spritz it & press. usually pressing the back of the bonnet and the brim will polish it up nicely. make sure not to hit the little ribbon tag with your iron or it can melt.
once your package ships we'll send another email with a link so you can track your order & know exactly when it'll arrive on your doorstep. we normally ship orders within 1-3 business days for in-stock items. but, since we're a small company, sometimes we are a little slower. if you need your order **FAST** please email us and we'll do everything we can to accommodate your request. if you live in the US, you can expect your order to arrive within about 2 weeks, usually quite a bit sooner than that. if you're overseas, things are more complicated (and slower) because of both distance and customs.
we offer many options so you can choose a shipping method that meets your needs.
domestic shipping methods:
first class * priority mail * priority mail express * ups
prices increase accordingly.
international shipping methods:
first class * priority mail * priority mail express
you can get an exact quote by adding items to your cart and choosing "shipping quote" on the cart page.
we never expect that there will be a problem. but we're human and our items are handmade. everyone once in a while, a stinker of a snap or an off-kilter seam slips through.
no matter what the problem is, if you're not happy, we're not happy. it's that simple.
and so, our bonnets are totally guaranteed against manufacturing defects, for LIFE. shirinkage, wash fading, and color-bleeding when exposed to pool chemicals are not considered maufacturer defects. if you have a problem, email us and we'll work with you to make it right. take a moment, please, to read our returns & exchanges page as they're explained in more detail there.
warranty coverage extends even to people you pass the bonnet on to. they're guaranteed, forever. once we see the defect, we will repair or replace your hat at our discretion.
of course, we can't really help if your dog chews up your hat or if you accidentally put it in the blender.
please note that because of variability of washing methods, washing machines, water temperatures, and detergents, we do not guarantee that your 100% cotton bonnet will not shrink or fade in the wash. but if it's something we didn't do quite right, we'll MAKE it right.
we're proud of our products and we stand behind them. 100%.


text:
What You'll Get
Like celebrities, whales frequently bask in the flash of onlookers' cameras but will retreat to their underwater caves when overwhelmed. Spy sociable whales with this Groupon.
$29 for an Adult Ticket for a Whale-Watching Cruise (a $48 Value)
Customer receives one adult ticket to any 2012-season whale-watching cruise, including the fuel charge. Although opening dates depend on the weather, the whale-watching season typically runs from mid-April or early May through October. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge except for trips during weekend afternoons July 1–October 1. Limited availability for tours on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. from July 1 through October 1. Though Cape Ann Whale Watch sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.
The Fine Print
Promotional value expires Oct 28, 2012. Amount paid never expires. Reservation required; subject to availability. Subject to weather. Children under 3 do not ride free on weekend afternoons between July 1 to October 1. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
About Cape Ann Whale Watch
Since 1979, the whale-watching pioneers of Cape Ann Whale Watch have escorted more than half a million spectators fascinated by the sea's magnificent leviathans on three- to four-hour treks 15 miles off the Gloucester coast, earning it a spot on the Top 5 American Whale-Watching Tours by Joshua Horwitz, author of War of the Whales. Aboard the lightning-fast 115-foot Hurricane II, passengers can witness the natural grace of humpback whales, finback whales, dolphins, and pirates disguised as mermaids feeding and frolicking just feet from the boat. In the course of the approximately 30-mile circuit, a naturalist from Whale Cetacean Alliance narrates excursions, illumining the sight of each water dweller by discussing why whales breach, how to recognize individual humpbacks, and various feeding styles.


text:
Shipwreck Beads Video Library
Beads, Baubles and Jewels Collection
New to beading? Check out these quick instructional videos from the television show Beads Baubles and Jewels to learn the most essential basics of beadwork! These videos not only teach you the techniques necessary to create unique and fashionable designs, they also include discussions on material and color choice. Each video is also accompanied by catalog links to take you to all the supplies used by the various artists in their pieces!


text:
Belkin Enterprise announced the industry's first USB smart-card and Common Access Card (CAC) reader specifically designed for today's demanding government applications. Offering the broadest range of smart card compatibility, including Class A, B, C (5v, 3v and 1.8v), the Belkin USB Smart Card and CAC Reader features a compact, tamper-resistant design for easy one-handed card insertion that is ideal for government data security use.
Designed to support smart cards meeting ISO7816 standards, which include the Defense Department's CAC and the PIV cards used in civilian agencies, the smart card reader has been built from the ground up to assure high security for government applications. Its uni-body enclosure works to eliminate entry points and prevents physical electronic tampering. All firmware is in ROM to assure no risk of alteration.
For ease of operation, the Belkin card reader offers an ergonomic design with a large card opening for quick, one-handed card insertion. The unit also features an optimized insertion angle for versatile under-desk, desktop and stackable mounting. To reduce user error, interchangeable color chips can be installed on the reader to associate it with an established network for easy identification. The reader operates seamlessly with Windows 7 standard CCID drivers, so no additional software or drivers are required.
"Our new smart card reader has been built from the ground up for demanding government applications," said Carlos del Toro, senior global product manager for Belkin. "We have packed the unit with unique features that make the reader the most efficient to use in its class, while delivering the iron-clad security that government applications require. It's the perfect combination of reliability and usability that only Belkin can achieve."
The Belkin USB Smart Card and CAC Reader is available now though Belkin's U.S. network of distributors and value added resellers. All card readers come with three-year warranty and support, and are TAA compliant.
About the Author
Connect with the GCN staff on Twitter @GCNtech.
E-Mail this page
Printable Format
Yes, I agree that it reads like a press release. However, there definitely is a need for external card readers. For Card Issuance, we need two readers: one for our PIV and one for the PIV to be updated or issued. It's also handy to have a second reader on your system to test someone's card. In addition, we've had problems with with both the built-in reader in our laptops and the built-in reader in the keyboards (our laptops are docked and have an external keyboard and second monitor). Castigate them for reprinting a press release, but don't tell me the need for external card readers is irrelavent.
No, not everyone has keyboard readers- mostly because the keyboards they come with are less than stellar. And even for laptop-only shops, some people need 2 readers, or their desktop physical setup makes using the built-in reader a royal paim. (Lots of DOD shops decided to go Laptop Only for COOP, even though 2/3 of the machines never will be undocked.)
Congratulations on publishing a vendor press release, GCN. Excellent reporting. You do realize that every agency already has smart card readers built in to their keyboards and laptops, making this product (and its announcement) irrelevant.
Advanced Search
8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 510
McLean, VA 22102
© 2018 1105 Media, Inc.
8251 Greensboro Drive, Suite 510
McLean, VA 22102703-876-5100 © 1996-2017 1105 Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Rookie Cingrani creates tough choice for Reds
CINCINNATI -- On the afternoon of April 28, Rice University head baseball coach Wayne Graham was afforded some free time to catch one of his former players pitching on television. It was Reds rookie left-hander Tony Cingrani facing the Nationals.
Graham would not be disappointed as he watched Cingrani have a buzz-worthy performance -- 11 strikeouts and two hits over six scoreless innings for a 5-2 win. That was the day that Cingrani became the fifth Cincinnati pitcher to record four strikeouts in one inning.
CINCINNATI -- On the afternoon of April 28, Rice University head baseball coach Wayne Graham was afforded some free time to catch one of his former players pitching on television. It was Reds rookie left-hander Tony Cingrani facing the Nationals.
Graham would not be disappointed as he watched Cingrani have a buzz-worthy performance -- 11 strikeouts and two hits over six scoreless innings for a 5-2 win. That was the day that Cingrani became the fifth Cincinnati pitcher to record four strikeouts in one inning.
It wasn't just that his former pitcher achieved the feat, but just how Cingrani did it.
"I thought that was really thrilling to see him do that," Graham said by phone last week. "That one inning was one of the most impressive innings I've ever seen thrown in professional baseball. He was in trouble, and it looks like he made up his mind that, 'I belong here and now this is my way to show you I belong up here.'"
Belonging and getting to stay in the Majors could be different things in this case. Whether Cingrani gets to remain looms as a very large question for the Reds. With Johnny Cueto due to have his second Minor League rehab-assignment outing on Tuesday, the ace could return to the rotation soon. Manager Dusty Baker, pitching coach Bryan Price and general manager Walt Jocketty will likely have to chose between keeping Cingrani or fifth starter Mike Leake.
"Whatever they tell me to do, I will do," said Cingrani, who is ranked No. 3 on the Reds' Top 20 Prospects list. "Leake has been here for four years, and I wouldn't be surprised if I go back down."
Leake will make his next start on Wednesday vs. the Marlins, while Cingrani will take the series opener at Philadelphia on Friday. Whatever the decision is, there is no debating that Cingrani helped the club get through what could have been a debilitating absence of Cueto.
"The silver lining is he's gotten extended time here, so the lining is that he's put us in a position to win," Baker said. "What if he had come up and got shelled, and then who are we to turn to then? Who's our next line of defense? Had we lost four out of his five starts or whatever it is, [heck], we'd be seven [games] out, or worse. That's that he's done. He's kept us in games."
At the Major League level, Cingrani has kept Cincinnati in games with primarily one pitch -- a mid-90s mph fastball that every hitter knows is coming. In five starts this season since he was called up from Triple-A Louisville to replace Cueto, Cingrani is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA, seven walks and 37 strikeouts in 28 innings.
"You can't ask for anything more. This is where you want to play," Cingrani said of his experience thus far.
The zenith of Cingrani's brief tenure was likely that game at Washington. Cingrani struck out leadoff hitter Denard Span, but threw a wild pitch to let Span reach safely. Before long, there were runners on second and third with no outs and then the bases loaded with two outs.
The fourth strikeout of Cingrani's fourth inning was a 96-mph heater that had Adam LaRoche staring at strike three to end the jam. All four strikeouts in the inning came on fastballs.
"When there are guys on second and third and nobody out, I got [ticked] off, so I hit my spots and got the ball to move," Cingrani said.
"The obvious focus and determination were all there," Graham said. "He actually elevated his fastball a couple of miles an hour. He went back to a closer mode to get out of that inning, it seemed like."
Graham, 77, is completing his 22nd season at Rice and his 33rd year as a college head coach. A 2012 College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, his Owls won the 2005 national championship. Among his former Rice players is slugger Lance Berkman, and during his time before Rice at San Jacinto College, Graham had pitching greats Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte under his watch.
After transferring from South Suburban Junior College in his native Illinois, Cingrani pitched for Graham on the Rice campus in Houston from 2010-11, before he was a third-round pick of the Reds in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.
It was at Rice where Cingrani improved his mechanics to get more from his bread-and-butter pitch -- the fastball. During his junior year, Cingrani was prone to slinging his left arm way behind his back. Graham and the coaching staff told Cingrani to shorten his arm action and delivery. Not only did his command immediately improve, his velocity did likewise, as it jumped from the mid-80s to the low-to-mid-90s.
"I was able to throw my fastball and making sure I was hitting my spots," Cingrani said. "It helped me develop my fastball a little better."
During his senior year, Cingrani became the closer and often worked up to three innings at the back end of a game. He was named the team's Most Valuable Player as he posted a 1.74 ERA with four wins and 12 saves. Cincinnati turned him back to a starter in its Minor League system, and Cingrani made a rapid ascent up the ladder and reached the big leagues as a September callup last year.
According to Fangraphs, Cingrani is third among Major League pitchers with at least 20 innings in throwing his fastball 82.4 percent of the time. Last year's National League leader among all qualified pitchers in fastball percentage was D-backs lefty Wade Miley, who threw it 72.2 percent of the time.
"He has even better command of it now than when he was here," Graham said. "He didn't walk people here, but he's able to move it to both sides of the plate and down. The one game I saw most of, he was really moving the ball around the strike zone. And he does hide the ball real well to where it explodes on the hitter. His 94 [mph] is really a 97, because he hides the ball so well."
On Friday vs. the Brewers, Cingrani had his shortest start, lasting only four innings and allowing two runs on back-to-back homers by Jean Segura and Ryan Braun in the fourth. His pitch count was elevated to 85 in that short outing.
Cingrani's current boss, Baker, wouldn't mind seeing the pitcher diversify his repertoire a little more -- especially the second and third time through a batting order.
"The second time through and third time through is even tougher, because they know the action on your ball and they can bring the ball here or in or out or whatever it is," Baker said. "He's going to have to come up with a secondary pitch, especially against a team like that team. They can hit that fastball. They ain't hitting .300 on breaking balls. He's on the way. I'm just glad he's had the success that he's had so far."
Cingrani also has a changeup and a slider. Like Baker, Graham agrees that he would also like to see him develop those pitches more.
"The more his breaking stuff evolves, the better he'll be," Graham said. "I think he'll evolve a good slider. It's decent now, but if it gets good, he could be another Steve Carlton -- you never know. That slider became Steve's great pitch. Tony will need to make that more of a go-to pitch than it is right now."
Cingrani felt he had enough to compete well at big league level and could expand his bag of tricks as needed.
"If something is not working, I just compete," Cingrani said. "I go out there, see what I have, and if it's not working, I try to get them out however I can get them out."
That has mostly worked for Cingrani so far, but will it stay that way? That's what the Reds will have to figure out while making a tough choice.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon.


text:
Friday, September 21, 2012
P comme Petale de Rose
23 comments:
There is a love little Rosé..Pétale De Rose..I think I loved it first because of it's name..like Le Bonheur..either white or red..again..it's name..either the label or the name..or Jacque's.ReplyDelete
I like eau de rose in certain baking too..and Crabtree and Evelyn's Rose soaps..
and your darling pinks..everything that you paint..
If ever I receive roses..I always do pinch and save the petals...I made rose hip jelly once but preferred the one I bought at The Cape..probably the memories associated with the trip.I have rose buds to put on cakes..and rose teas:)
I once tried to make a rose petal necklace.. you made beads by rolling the petals..I gave up too soon..I would have needed too many roses!
Roses in the garden..on French Ephemera..on little girls and big boys:)
Hmm..you never even asked if I liked roses..LOL...and here I am..well telling you.
- Replies
Pierre Herme was at Laduree originally and got the whole macaron trend going.Delete
They created nothing new but fancy boxes and spa products.
PAUL Boulangerie, a big global corporate company bought Laduree in 2000 or so.Delete
They have an industrial bakery, Mont Blanc that makes the macarons for McDos.
I would imagine Laduree's macarons are industrial as well but made on a different site - they're proud of selling tons of macarons per day.
I love your painting 'Petale de rose macarons'so charming, also the minature rose plant in the little green bucket. I was in Limoges a few weeks ago & bought two just like that, only I chose pale pink. Then wandered into 'Gifi' a cheap chainstore near where I live & bought the same little green buckets to put them in. How lovely to see them on your post. P.S. Thank you for your help on the RYBReplyDeleteReplies
There's something irresistable about mini colorful buckets isn't there?Delete
Your Rose painting is gorgeous. I love pink anyway. Love the Rose Macarons too. I only have one rose bush with pink roses at the moment. Think I will go smell it after seeing these. :)ReplyDelete
I am not that interested in macarons but I want that rose painting :)ReplyDelete
besitos, mon cherie !!
Lovely post. Ahh... rose macarons, tea, and jelly... The mouth doth water just thinking of that!ReplyDelete
- Geri NJ6:47 AM
Beautiful! I was also wondering about the name of the shop and thought as you did, and I'm thinking maybe a sort of French vernacular for a double take ~ which is the same thing I guess ~ interesting how the roots of English are in many ways French. Also, so odd...was just having a discussion about Jamaican coffe the other day!ReplyDelete
You are completely, totally enchanting. Thank you for this bit of whimsy for the 1st weekend at the beginning of Fall. Love you !!ReplyDelete
Here's the thing: Pink can be really pukey forgive that expression, as in Barbie Doll Pink, or in My Little Pony Pink, but it can also be beautiful. And YOU have made it be beautiful!ReplyDelete


text:
Many programs are available from federal and state governments, non-profits, manufacturers, and other organizations to help you get the drugs you need at a reduced cost. Eligibility is often based on income, insurance or Medicare status, and other factors. You'll need to apply through each program, either online, over the phone, or with your doctor's help. The following program is offered by the manufacturer of this drug.
|Program Name:
|Genentech Access Solutions
|Phone Number:
|How do I apply?
|Ask your doctor to help you submit an application. You can find the form on the program website.
|What are the benefits?
|You can receive your medication at no cost.
|What are the restrictions?
|Most people without insurance and with limited incomes will qualify. You will need a valid prescription and proof of househould income.
|Keep in mind


text:
In Chancery
- The Forsyte Saga, Book 2
- Letto da: David Case
- Durata: 11 ore
- Versione integrale
- Data di pubblicazione: 13 11 2006
- Lingua: Inglese
- Editore: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Sintesi dell'editore
After suffering the death of her lover and abuse from her husband, Soames, Irene Forsyte finally leaves her marriage for good. Though socially disgraced by her affair, she forms a bond with the late Old Jolyon, a father of the Forsyte clan who had grown distant from the family after reconciling with one of his outcast sons. The young Jolyon had been disinherited after divorcing his wife to marry a penniless foreign governess.
Now, with both his father and his beloved wife dead, the younger Jolyon finds himself drawn in sympathy to Irene, who was so dear to Old Jolyon in his final days. Their shared troubles blossom into a romance, to the horror of Soames Forsyte.
Altri titoli dello stesso
Cosa ne pensano gli iscritti
- Chad
- 27 01 2009
Keeps getting better
I've just finished the second volume and the story keeps getting better! One note about the recording: in the last hour of the recording there is some repetition of material just read and there seems to be a short section that's out-of-order. Might be best to have the book in hand for the last 10-15 pages.
5 su 5 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- Cariola
- 29 03 2013
The Saga Continues
This second installment of The Forsyte Saga didn't quite measure up to the first, The Man of Property, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It is mainly taken up with the marital difficulties of the second generation; Soames's indecision over whether or not to divorce Irene, who left him twelve years earlier, and Winifred's decision to divorce her alcoholic, spendthrift, philandering husband, Monty Darty. In between we have second cousins Holly and Val falling in love and marrying against their parents' wishes, and Irene, Soames, and Young Jolyn each give love a second (well, in the case of Jolly, third) chance. I missed Old Jolyn and the aunts, and old James grumbles towards death with slightly less charm than previously. But alas, times are moving on: Queen Victoria has passed, and the flower of England are fading away in the first world war. Nonetheless, I liked In Chancery well enough to continue with the series.
3 su 3 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- David
- 11 12 2013
Excellent: but note that end of file is incorrect
I will someday write a review of the full Case reading of The Forsyte Saga, which as you see by my ratings I think is outstanding, but just wanted to note here that the last "chapter" in this download ("Interlude") includes instructions to "turn the cassette over", deletes some material, and repeats two large sections of text, which destroys the beauty of the Interlude. Just a warning for those who do not have a printed copy of the book. This corruption was noted by Chad in Texas way back on 01-27-09, and Audible should fix this.
2 su 2 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- Utente anonimo
- 10 02 2010
Excellent, just like the first book!
It is amazing how a book written so long ago is so current! Galsworthy catches all the small nuances of life and relationships and the narrator just adds to the enjoyment
1 su 1 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- Suzanne Haraburd
- 03 06 2009
Fascinating story - great insight
The Forsyte Saga series starts off a little slowly at the beginning of "The Man of Property", then inexorably draws us into its world of complicated passions and motivations. David Case's inimitable narration brings the story into vivid life. Positively addicting!
1 su 1 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- koni
- 03 03 2008
Better than the first
I liked this Book 2 better than Book 1. However, you'll be lost if you don't listen to Book 1 first.
1 su 1 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione
- Amazon Customer
- 06 08 2011
Continuing excellence
David Case continues to read the Forsyte Chronicles beautifully. They are books that I have read 'on the page' many times and (so far) there has been nothing to jar against my impressions of the characters. His understated performance in a somewhat dry, drawling voice still makes me cry at the sad parts and laugh when Galsworthy makes pointed comments.
I'd have given five stars but for the poor editing: towards the end of "Awakening" a message about turning over the audio-cassette has been left in and section of the story is repeated.
2 su 2 utenti hanno ritenuto utile questa recensione


text:
Vibrance, Hand Knotted Area Rug, 6' 2" x 8' 10"
Solo Rugs
In saturated, all-over dyes, these hand-knotted rugs have modern vibrancy. Originally a Moroccan, Traditional, or Ikat, the rugs reveal classic designs beneath their gorgeous colors. Whether a soft pastel or a vibrant hue, the rugs make bold chromatic statements.
Product Specifications
- Dimensions
- Width: 74 Height: 106
- Material
- Wool
- Lead Time
- 0-3 Weeks (Quick Ship)
Nearby Showrooms
About Solo Rugs
For over 50 years, beautiful design is what first inspired our founders to begin importing and selling hand-knotted rugs. Today, we carry a breadth of inventory in sizes and qualities previously unimaginable.


text:
Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon star in this Clint Eastwood-directed film, which tells the inspiring true story of Nelson Mandela's efforts to unite his country while President of South Africa in the mid-1990's. Following the apartheid era, Mandela is faced with a society ruled by racial tension and prejudice. He embarks on a series of initiatives that he hopes will unite the citizens of his country. One of these involves joining forces with François Pienaar (Damon), Captain of South Africa's rugby team. The predominantly black citizenry had previously rooted against their home Springboks, which is comprised of nearly all white men. By allying himself with Pienaar, Mandela hopes the country will come together and support their team as they ready to compete for the 1995 World Cup.
Invictus Reviews
Rating: PG-13
Length: 134 minutes
Release Date: Decelmber 11, 2009
Directed by: Clint...
No fan sites added yet


text:
Please click here for the newest admin memo regarding exams.
To check out VOICES OF THE FUTURE: The Official Newsletter of the Council for American Students in International Negotiations (CASIN), please click here.
The journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence, and will publish:
· Original articles in basic and applied research
· Case studies
· Critical reviews, surveys, opinions, commentaries and essays
We invite you to submit your manuscript(s) to email@example.com for publication in the Maiden Issue (April 2009). Our objective is to inform authors of the decision on their manuscript(s) within four weeks of submission. Following acceptance, a paper will normally be published in the next issue. Instruction for authors and other details are available on our website; http://www.academicjournals.org/JLCR/Instruction.htm
Main Chicago-Kent event
Academic calendar
CLE calendar
Alumni event calendar
Admissions calendar


text:
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
|Display Modes
STeVEs Custom Kernel and ROM for YP-G1 (Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 EU + USA Version)
Hi all,
I'm glad to announce the first custom kernel and rom for YP-G1 - Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 EU and USA version
IMPORTANT NOTICE: DON'T TRY TO INSTALL ON A galaxy S wifi 5.0 player or a Korean Galaxy S wifi 4.0 => It will brick your device
Kernel changelog:
STeVE's Kernel 3.0
-Based on STeVE's kernel 2.1
-Added all major cpu governors (interactive, interactivex, smartassv2, lazy). Interactive is now the default one for good responsivity
-Added all major I/O schedulers (sio,v(r),bfq,...). SIO is the default one
-Maximized SD card read speed with read ahead
-Init.d script support (Klin's patch)
-Overclock and undervoltage support
At default, no overclock is applied. Kernel is tweaked for good battery/performance ratio. If you want you can tune your parameters using SetCPU (available on market) or similar programs.
USA Download: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59125319/STeVEs-3.0-USA.tar
EU Download: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59125319/STeVEs-3.0-EU.tar
STeVE's Kernel 2.1 for YP-G1 USA only (thanks sandro87 for testing)
-Based on Original XXKPQ Kernel
-Added Voodoo sound patches
-Added ClockWorkMod Recovery: you can flash zip updates, backup/restore the whole rom, mount storage on recovery and more
-Can work with XXKPN and XXKPQ stock samsung rom.
-To use voodoo sound you need, after kernel flashing with odin, to install Voodoo control or Voodoo Control Plus
NOTE: Don't use ROM Manager: it's a modified version of CWM so it won't work correctly
Download link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59125319/STeVEs-2.1-USA.tar
STeVE's Kernel 2.1 for YP-G1 EU only
-Based on Original XXKPQ Kernel
-Added Voodoo sound patches
-Added ClockWorkMod Recovery: you can flash zip updates, backup/restore the whole rom, mount storage on recovery and more
-Can work with XXKPN and XXKPQ stock samsung rom.
-To use voodoo sound you need, after kernel flashing with odin, to install Voodoo control or Voodoo Control Plus
NOTE: Don't use ROM Manager: it's a modified version of CWM so it won't work correctly
Download link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59125319/STeVEs-2.1-EU.tar
ROM Changelog - only for YP-G1 EU:
-Contains the STeVE's Kernel 1.0. If you want to update to kernel 2.1, flash it after flashing the rom
-Based on original XXKPQ samsung stock rom
-Contains root and superuser permissions
-Tweaked theme: honeycomb statusbar icons, transparent notification pane, ICS windows effects
-CRT screen off animation
-If you start from a XXKPN or XXKPQ you can skip wipe to keep your existing applications and settings
Download link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/59125319/steves-10.tar
Some notes:
Kernels contain Voodoo sound, clockworkmod recovery and are available for EU and USA versions. After flashing the kernel you will not notice any change. You have to download and install manually Voodoo Control or Voodoo Control Plus applications to use Voodoo Sound. Voodoo sound gives you louder music, better S/N ratio (less hissing and noise), overall better sound quality and a useful hardware bass boost feature without affecting battery life.
Voodoo sound patches are developed by supercurio, I only integrated that in my kernel for galaxy player.
ROM contains some graphical tweaks (theme), new window animations (ice cream sandwich style) and a standard CRT off screen animation. ROM is available only for EU galaxy players. For USA is not available and will not be available but if you are skilled enough you can use UOT kitchen to customize your theme (Be sure you have a original ROM backup in case you brick).
Please flash the latest STeVE's 2.1 kernel after ROM flashing.
Flashing guide (thanks stryfewalker):
1) Before flashing the kernel, the Samsung USB drivers must be installed. To do this install Samsung Kies Suite (Recommended) or install them manually.
2) Download and install Odin 1.85
3) Download the right kernel for your player (EU or USA version)
4) Extract the zip file. Inside there is a tar flashable with ODIN
5) Put your player in DOWNLOAD MODE (With the device powered off press simultaneously Power button, menu button and volume down button until a green android symbol appears)
6) open ODIN and connect your player via usb
7) in ODIN window select PDA and choose the packet tar you want to flash. (must use the .tar file, do not extract the .tar)
8) Make sure Re-Partition in unselected (OR YOU WILL BRICK THE DEVICE)
9) Press start and wait for the end of the procedure (don't disconnect the device until flashing is complete or you will brick the device)
Note: Please try this at your own risk. I will not be responsible for bricked devices
Last edited by -SteveS-; 04-05-2012 at 01:33 PM. Reason: Version 3.0
|[Remove Advertisement]
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »
|Thread Tools
|Search this Thread
|Display Modes
Threaded Mode
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:46 AM.


text:
MALDEF Lawsuit: Texas' School Funding System Unlawfully Shortchanges Many Districts and Students, Including Low Income and English Language Learner Children
Educators, Parents and Community Leaders fully support first statewide adequacy lawsuit filed by MALDEF seeking fair share of funding for all Texas schools
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Today, against the backdrop of the Dr. Jose A. Cardenas Early Childhood Center – located in the school district at the center of MALDEF's first landmark school finance case, Edgewood v. Kirby, back in the 1980s – MALDEF announced the filing of a major education funding lawsuit against the State of Texas. Along with Edgewood I.S.D., MALDEF represents McAllen Independent School District (I.S.D.), San Benito I.S.D., La Feria I.S.D., three parents from Pasadena I.S.D., and expects to add more plaintiffs in the coming months.
Flanked by Edgewood Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jose A. Cervantes as well as parents, students, and community leaders,MALDEF's Southwest Regional Counsel David Hinojosa laid out the three key claims made by the Plaintiffs, including the first statewide adequacy claim made on behalf of low income and English Language Learner children. For a summary of the claims, see below.
David Hinojosa stated, "The State has left many Texas children behind by blatantly defying its constitutional duty to fully support their education. Every Texas child should have the opportunity to go to college and this lawsuit will ensure that opportunity."
MALDEF has led the battle for fair school funding in Texas courts for four decades. In our first school finance case, Edgewood v. Kirby, the Texas Supreme Court declared that our Texas Constitution mandates: "children who live in poor districts and children who live in rich districts must be afforded a substantially equal opportunity to have access to educational funds." The Texas educational system has fallen woefully short of this mandate, particularly with respect to providing equal educational opportunity to Latino students who now account for one out of every two students and low income students who account for three out of every five students.
Dr. Jose A. Cervantes stated, "All school districts are facing challenges with the recent budget cuts, but for districts like Edgewood and McAllen, the inequities are patently unfair. The gap of over $1,000 per child translates to over $22,000 per classroom. This is reprehensible."
Yolanda Canales, a plaintiff and parent of a child in the Pasadena Independent School District, added, "It is simply unfair that we are paying higher tax rates, but our schools continue to suffer. My daughter's high school does not have enough books so students don't receive homework. Her classrooms are overcrowded and the teachers are overwhelmed. Something must change and it must change now."
Without adequate funding and resource support, many school districts will continue to suffer from the budget cuts, arbitrary funding mechanisms, and increasing unfunded or underfunded state mandates that have made it all but impossible for these school districts to provide Texas students with a quality education and preparation for college and the job market. With this lawsuit, MALDEF aims to remedy this problem and help create a better, more efficient school system for all Texas students, Latino and non-Latino alike.
Summary of Claims
First, the equity claim alleges that the State has shown inequitable and arbitrary treatment against property-poor school districts in violation of the Texas Constitution, which mandates that the State provide an efficient public school system. Gaps in funding have increased between 2-3 times the amounts authorized in recent school finance cases, forcing property-poor districts to tax much higher than property-rich districts. This claim also alleges that the shift from a formula-based system to an arbitrary measure known as "Target Revenue," compounded by budget cuts, disproportionately affects such property-poor districts.
Second, the adequacy claim, alleges that the State inadequately funds low income and English Language Learner (ELL) students through an arbitrary funding process that does not provide the necessary resources for those students to acquire the quality education that the Texas Constitution demands. After eight years ofTAKS testing, 31% of economically disadvantaged students failed to achieve the minimum standard on all-tests and 42% of ELL students failed. Preliminary results from the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) exams, which are more rigorous than TAKS, are even worse: on the Algebra I test, 55% of low income students failed, compared to 30% of non-economically disadvantaged; and 79% of ELL students failed, compared to 40% non-ELL students who failed. Furthermore, only 38% of low income students and 5% of ELL students are regarded as being "College Ready" under the State's definition. .
Third, the tax cap claim alleges that the State has controlled the setting of local tax rates for low wealth districts to the point where such tax regulations has become an unconstitutional statewide ad valotem tax. Because property-poor districts are forced to cap at or near the tax in order to attempt to provide an adequate education, local school districts have lost all meaningful discretion in setting their tax rates. Knowing that eliminating the cap altogether could destroy equity among school districts across the state, this lawsuit will also seek a declaration that the cap remains essential insofar as the Legislature continues to rely on local property values to fund public education.
Click here to view a copy of the complaint
Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation's leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Often described as the "law firm of the Latino community," MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit: www.maldef.org.
For all media inquiries, please contact Laura Rodriguez.


text:
compiled by Teresa Martin Klaiber
April 2011
Those of us that live in Eastern Kentucky have rich histories from all corners of the world. My maternal line has wonderful Quaker heritage dotted with great stories including the Mains, McGrew and Ong families.
Today there are three Friends Meeting Houses in Kentucky: Berea, Louisville and Lexington. Least you think Kentucky does not have Quaker heritage let me remind you that Daniel Boone was a Quaker. Dear Myrtle addressed migration of Quakers into Kentucky in her advise column which is very informative.
As I sat down to scan my Mains family materials I realized that I have not reviewed these treasured documents in some time. I descend from Culbert Mains who died in 1761 in York County, Pennsylvania by his son Robert Mains.
I joined the NSDAR, in the state of New Jersey, under Robert Mains in 1979 [#635867]. Robert was a Pvt. 8th Class in the Cumberland County Militia 6th Battalion. Looking at the application I am flooded with memories. Both the Regent, Rowena Robinson Billos, and Registrar, Esther Adalaide Gerald, dear friends, are now deceased as is one of the ladies that endorsed my papers. My sons called her the "Cookie lady." Kathryn Burkley never failed to give my sons healthy oatmeal cookies and was honored to get the name. Her friendship brings back many memories. The final endorsement was by my now lifelong close friend Denise Plested.
It is not just researching and learning about your ancestors but about the journey and the people and friends you make along the way. When I started looking at the Mains family I was quickly told to contact a distant cousin in Cambridge, Ohio. Little did I know how that journey would play out.
Mary Bernice Johns did not just hand me the genealogy I was seeking. She rather gave me a treasured scavenger hunt. It was the early 1970's and we resided in New Jersey. I would ask a question and in return receive little cards and messages with rhymes saying "If you look for - such and such book - you might find a clue." With little children under tow I would seek out the valued item or publication and then write her once again excited with my find. I especially enjoyed a one line note that said simply "You know you have a link to Ong's Hat." What fun! Of course we visited Ong's Hat.
Blessed living within proximity of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Swarthmore, Rutgers and many other resources I began to put together the proper lineage.
Little did I know that in just a few years our relationship would grow and our lives would touch each others. In time our personal lives took us back to beloved Ohio where I realized I was just a few short miles from Mary Johns home. I could not wait to meet this lady who seemed to be such a character. I carefully followed directions to her home. It was not hard to find.
Mary Bernice Johns lived in a two story pink house - solid pink - really pink and not hard to find. I was greeted with "If you want anything I have you must wait til I die." I assured her I came to see her and was a bit confused by that first greeting. But something told me this meeting was good for both of us. I told her I had saved every note she had mailed me. She cackled loudly and said "I was afraid you would not write any more if I gave it all to you at once." I quickly realized she was lonely and I looked forward to our friendship.
Mary Bernice Johns never married and spent her life teaching in Cambridge, Ohio. She was devoted to her only brother Llewellyn James Johns [1899-2002]. As I crossed the threshold I entered a world of large floral pink everything. She proudly told me she had even designed the carpet that matched the pink floral drapes.
She had extraordinary ideas. Besides teaching she created and patented several glass paperweights.
Mary was born 20 March 1902 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of John Arthur Johns and Armintha Brown. Her recall was wonderful and we had many chats about ancestors and her genealogy adventures. Our visits eventually included trips to the doctors and dentist as she struggled to stay independent. Finally one day she called and said she had checked herself into the nursing home.
Visits in the nursing home were short as she declined and a guardianship auction was arranged. True to her character instructions were carried out by her brother's caregiver and her Power of Attorney. The auctioneer called stating that when they moved the items for auction there were instructions for boxes of genealogy that I was to share with another cousin on the Brown side. At that time I had no idea that these materials would include correspondence beginning in 1925 that would become instrumental in my continued research.
Besides the materials that were set aside for us, I attended the auction. The following describes some of her beloved belongings from the letter I wrote the Brown cousin the following day. "...the teddy bear brought $900.00 as did the carpet in the living room. The corner cabinet brought $2,700.00. One piece that drew my attention was a ...chest...that the auctioneer described as about 1810 made in western PA. ...enclosed are the tin types ...two brown envelopes are stock pictures...majority ...are marked as McKeesport or the area...there were over seven whale oil lamps...None sold for less than $200.00...The only piece that you may be disappointed that I did not purchase was a stock photograph of a stage and team with a sign across the stage stating Arkansas Transport. There were four or five in the open stage and the driver. the back said simply "J. A. Brown."...it sold for $65.00...I purchased some of her original art for the paperweights, a piece of copper luster creamer and...Among her original art work [paper weight] were notarized statements that these were her original designs ...I will place them in the Cambridge Museum..."
I was also contacted by the real estate agent that needed books and left over papers cleared from the house. I am so thankful for that call for we retrieved even more family history and donated historical books to the school library where she had taught.
Mary Bernice Johns died 4 March 1994. As my husband and I walked into the funeral we thought we were in the wrong place. Only two gentleman were in attendance: her brother and his caregiver. Llewelyn hugged and thanked me for being her friend. We quietly waited and not one single person attended this woman's final good byes. I had no idea that besides being a distant cousin that I truly was the only friend she seemed to have in the end. No matter what her life had been with others she had been a good mentor to me in many ways. She is buried in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Among the correspondents and materials are letters from Scott Lee Boyd author of The Boyd Family and Leota Huemme Koontz author of the Koontz Family And Relatives. Photographs included a circa 1930's view of Finley Mains home in Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Comparing with 1979 photographs provided by a fellow researcher the house had weathered well.
Not only did this portion of my life journey teach me about my Quaker Friends heritage I acquired many new friends.
Often I think we pursue our genealogy quest and correspond with many, even more so, with internet technology, without really taking the time to get to know the people sharing the information. Every person mentioned has left me with a lesson in life and I am a better person for knowing each of them.
Mary Bernice Johns, Armintha Brown Johns, Nancy Mains Brown , Jacob Mains, Finley Mains & wife Jane Watson, James Mains & wife Rebecca McGrew, Robert Mains, Culbert Mains.
Teresa Lynn Martin, Mary Helen Feyler Martin, Howard Clayton Feyler, Dessie Mae Clayton Feyler, Anna Jane Graham Clayton, Mary Jane Mains Graham, Finley Mains & wife Jane Watson, James Mains & wife Rebecca McGrew, Robert Mains, Culbert Mains.