text:
"A man walking alone on a deserted beach, brandishing a lantern in his outstretched hand, might be a fool. But, for a ship that went astray on a stormy night, he might be the savior."
Sunday, October 03, 2010
The Syrian Private Sector: A Socioeconomic Farce
Officially disclosed salaries in the Syrian private sector range from the minimum full-time wage of $125 to $42,000 a month. Although I am running the risk of being repetitive and for the sake of clarification, I need to rephrase the last statement. There are private companies and institutions in Syria where one employee is making (in salary) as much as 336 of his co-workers. I emphasized the word employee in order for the reader not to get the matter confused thinking that I meant the owner of the company or the institution.
This is our current state of affairs in a nutshell and 15 years after the government cut the leash and set loose a whimpering private sector in an attempt to help rebuild the dismal economy. What did the rising stars of the Syrian open market and trendy society, the Nouveau Riche and Old Money, the crooks and their offspring, the deserving self-made millionaires and the rarest of them all, the honest entrepreneurs contribute to this country besides sucking it dry of resources, potential and wealth and devastating its environment? If we neglect to mention the pious alms and free dinners (Iftar) they offer to the poor in Ramadan (with an outlandish public exposure); if we turn a blind eye toward the human rights abuses inflicted on their employees, the miserable working conditions, the one-day only weekend, the total absence of medical coverage, the depressing pensions (still offered by the state and not by the private sector), the rampant corruption they are themselves feeding and institutionalizing; what else did they really do? How would a neutral yet informed observer, from the inside or out, rate the private sector in Syria?
Take a 15 minute ride with me through Damascus in an 8 million Syrian Pounds Beemer ($170,000) or a battered Micro-Bus with 9 other sweaty (and stinking) passengers. We will begin our tour near one of the most depressing monuments of the city, the Four Seasons Hotel, where a waitress in the nondescript cafeteria makes $170 a month, working 8 hours a day, 6 days a week and serves coffee for $15 a cup. This is where the Crème de la Crème of Syrian business meet for a quick $100 buffet lunch (per person) and discuss the unreliability of the Syrian laborer then burp without leaving a tip. Less than a hundred meters away, there is a quaint public park lying in the shadow of the oppressive building where a young engaged couple sit on a wooden bench for hours dreaming of, someday, being able to afford an apartment somewhere, anywhere in or outside the city. They buy two coffees from a peddler for 20 cents a cup and nurse them with care to make them last. Apartments in Damascus vary in price like every other modern city of course. In the Western Malki area a nice apartment can fetch $6 million but it's not for them and they accept that. The cheapest 70 square meter box they can ever imagine buying lies 30 minutes or more out of the city limits and sells for $50,000. If they were both average wage earners and if they can go on living in the streets without a bite to eat (or a cup of coffee to drink) and if they save every penny they make it will take them 9 years to buy their dream home. By then, and with the current rate of runaway inflation they will be disappointed to find out that the price has doubled. They could have registered at a cooperative housing project and paid half their salaries until the project is completed in 20 years, on average. But they were wild and careless. They were not smart enough to live on a budget. No wonder our illustrious businessmen were complaining earlier about our unreliable labor.
We are near Kafar Souseh on our Damascene ride where the new trend of consumerism blatantly hit the city in the face. Malls were erected in record times but don't expect a Walmart-like affordable department store here. Blue jeans sell for as much as $400 a pair and an average apartment near the mall will set you 2 million dollars back. A couple of kilometers down the road is the Yarmouk Camp where refugees have settled, awaiting their return to Palestine, since 1948. Families of five persons or more live in single rooms in the back alleys of the neighborhood, in Damascus, the oldest city in the world, where a hotel charges $450 for a single room, no breakfast included, and where a janitor with a wife and kids have to live off the $200 his munificent boss is throwing at him every month.
I know you want me to stop both the depressing tour and post. I just want to provide an answer to a nagging question some of you might have by now. Who in the hell gets paid a salary of $42,000 a month in Syria? While the average accountant's monthly salary is $400 in the private sector, some accountants are making $20,000 and up. They have mastered a highly sought after skill, that of proving to the Ministry of Finance that their employer is breaking even while he's actually making billions in profits; or to a Qatari investor that a company is making billions in profits while it is barely breaking even; or to a Western Principal that a firm is spending millions of dollars on human resources and employees' satisfaction. These hard-to-find and honest accountants along with some private banks' presidents are being paid up to $42,000 a month by legitimate businessmen and businesswomen for their invaluable services, not only to their benevolent masters but to their thankless country as a whole and to all the despicably cantankerous, capricious and unreliable Syrian laborers out there.
"Kess Ekht Hal Zaman Yalli Khalla Al-Manayek Terkab Flayek" Tartoussi Proverb
|What do you think?
27 comments:
- Gabriela said...
New template for the blog... new kind of issues.
Some parts of your post made me think about Peru. It's amaaing to find out we are not that different in spite of lots of factors.
First I want to say "Good Post" ….. When I hear of or read about "Free Private Sector Business" in the Mid-East, I can only shake my head. A free open market business model needs to have local and regional "powers to be" to keep their hands at bay. Not to become too involved in the operations of them. But there is a place and role for them to play and that is to create a climate of a fair tax system, and that human rights are upheld for all. That everyone has the same opportunity to succeed. When favoritisms and unrealistic programs are developed for the favored, while leaving the rest, the common laborers are left to fend for themselves. When the disparity of wages exceeds a 20 to 1 ratio (Executive level to laborer) you create a situation whereby a total middle class is non-existent. I must say that this situation is happening all too often in the western societies and that is resulting in a decreased standard living for all. The industrial motor which makes the things for one to buy become unaffordable. Thus the whole system starts to shut down and jobs get exported to lesser developed countries where those workers, albeit and I say "Happy" to have a job, it starts a cycle where they too can not afford the living standards one would want for family. Unrest and discontent arise when these "commoners" see the disparity. The powers to be cannot understand why all the unrest. Instead of dealing with the problem in an honest way for all the quick answer is to lay more undue regulations and constraints. The old saying is that you give an honest day's wage, for an honest day's work. But like your fat cats at the $100 buffet griping over their unreliable workers, they would rather skimp on the wages and keep the money for themselves. Thus the disparity as you describes goes on. Somewhat sad isn't it?
- Omar said...
yislam timmak Abufares, and mabrook on the new look!
I know quite a few people who have just returned from their summer vacation in Damascus. Their stories echo what you have presented. It really surprises me that an apartment in Damascus could rival, in price, an apartment in Paris with a view of the Eiffel tower.
- Isobel said...
Ya! Great new look, Abufares! :)
As for the post. Wow! An eye opener for me. What disparity between salaries! And how disheartening for the young couple. I'm sure there are many countries where this sort of situation or something similar is the case. Here, many live below the poverty line while others are mortgaged to the hilt to live in their 3000 sq ft homes, while still others afford and live comfortably in their lavish homes. The disproportion, though, seems much less obvious to me. Or perhaps I just haven't ridden long enough on a city bus...
- abufares said...
You never told me whether you like the new look :-)
I have enough knowledge about South America to believe that we share several social and economic ills and lots of the good stuff as well.
- abufares said...
Thank you for the excellent comment which deserves to be posted on its own.
I agree with you that disparity in incomes is affecting all countries, First, Second and Third Worlds.
The effect is somehow amplified in a country like Syria where for decades the economy was controlled and rationed. Then all of a sudden a pack of wolves was set loose on a herd of sheep. You can certainly guess the sad outcome.
I am not one who proposes solutions but I do hope that someday this grotesque injustice is brought to a halt then reversed.
- abufares said...
What I wrote about is so obvious it really takes a "mentally blind" person not to see it.
However, while most point their fingers at the government and the public sector I chose to call things by their names. The private sector is as guilty, if not more, of exploiting, manipulating and robbing the people of their well-being and DIGNITY.
- abufares said...
I'm so glad you like the new look.
You're right I'm describing a universal problem. The degree and peculiarities may vary but the corporate world is exploiting everyone and everywhere.
The situation is not unique to Syria but we should at least be aware that these "persons" should not be in anyway idolized and emulated. If a few of them are honest, hardworking and legitimate the majority are nothing but crooks.
A saddle full of gold does not make a horse out of a donkey (no offense meant to the donkey) :-)
- Karin said...
Great new look Abufares ... I love it! :-)
The article you wrote is making me shake my head in disbelieve ... how in the world is that possible? I wasn't born yesterday nor did I drop in from outer space just a few hours ago and am absolutely and painfully aware of the social injustice which exists worldwide (I saw it at a most apalling degree in India) but that it is THAT extreme in Syria, I didn't know. The gap is wide in Germany as well (increasingly since 1989), here in the US (considering a populus of 300miliion+) probably even wider ... it's depressing! Call me weird but if everyone who has the capability, would assist in one way or another someone who struggles (NOT necessarily with money but i.e. food, ... ANYTHING), this world would be a wee-bit-a-better-place. The core though, is greed (a pest), and crooks, bastards - as long as they exist, thigs won't (CAN'T) change.
Gosh .. I wrote a depressing response ... sorry - but it is an issue which bugs me already for a LOOOONG time and you just happened to have hit the nail on the head!
- abufares said...
Thank you dear friend. I'm so excited about the new look cause it really expresses a mystical dream of mine.
I would daresay that most people in Syria who are employed today and who are not poor rely on a second source of income. It usually is a family piece of land that this 3rd or 4th generation is partially dependent on. But how long will that last?
I believe for most the end of the road is looming closer and this form of (partial) self-sufficiency is coming to a close. If the rampant economic disparity is not handled, quickly, efficiently and authoritatively (yes I'm for intervention when things run out of control like this) the schism will be wider and the bitterness harder to assuage.
- Karim said...
Abu Fares,
I run a market research agency. One of the most interesting/depressing findings of all our surveys shows that while the Syrian population is predominantly young (approx 35% below the age of 15), household composition is skewed in the opposite direction. This means that the vast majority of households are what we call life-stage 3 (a relatively old head of household with a relatively old eldest child). In plain English, more and more people continue living with their parents well into their 30s, even if they are married. The main cause in my opinion is the unjustifiably high price of housing in this country. The main consequence is the increased entrenchment of patriarchal culture that can only lead to a bigger social mess. The middle class is being obliterated.
While I agree that government intervention is necessary when things 'run out of control like this', the prerequisite for such intervention, in my opinion, is for government to be accountable and efficient. Wouldn't you agree?
- abufares said...
Thank you for the insightful and interesting bit of statistics. It does reveal a lot about the core socioeconomic problem in Syria. While I agree that Lack of Affordable Housing is the culprit it is more a result of several root causes. Perhaps the most significant of all is the extremely high fertility rate.
The government is certainly accountable and has not done its fair share of work to alleviate most of our problems. However, I chose to blame the Private Sector for being a freeloader rather than a contributor in sharing its social responsibility. The simple fact that the government is paying, on the average, higher salaries is very disturbing. An employee in a private company is paying more in taxes proportionally(all of his income is taxable) than the owner of the business. While it's true for instance that importers pay taxes on their imports they add it again and collect it from the consumer. Their real profits are rarely taxed, and if so, at a ridiculously low rate.
The private sector, and I mainly mean the BIG FISH is not only getting a free ride but is hindering the chance of improvement for the majority of society.
- Karim said...
Abufares, I'm no fan of the BIG FISH either! You need to take one issue into consideration, however, when you compare wages in the public and private sectors. While the public sector declares the wages it pays to the penny, the private sector does not. This is a form of tax evasion (employer is required to pay a share of social security), which I am certainly not defending, but it's a fact.
In the previous post, the crux of my argument was that the government is not worthy of intervening because of the collusion that exists between it and the BIG FISH you refer to...
- abufares said...
Oh but I have to agree with you on this one. You left me no choice :-)
What you said about salaries not being declared by the private companies is also true I have to admit.
- Joseph said...
I hear you, Abufares, only 3 weeks ago I was in Lebanon. I have one thing to say "Kess Ekht Hal Zaman Yalli Khalla Al-Manayek Terkab Flayek" Tartoussi Proverb. lol
Have a nice evening.
- abufares said...
I'm so glad you approve of the proverb, lolll. Remember ours "Tartoussi" and your dialect are very similar.
I hope you've had a good time in Lebanon and I hope we get a chance to meet one of these days.
- Anas Qtiesh said...
Great post in general, I just have to comment on the shoutout you gave to Walmart.
Walmart is in no way a good thing despite the seemingly cheap prices they offer. Their ethical code and business practices are extremely shady. They drive local small business out of business and they treat their workers like garbage: Low wages, bad working conditions, dismal healthcare, etc.
Heck, there's even a wikipedia article on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Wal-Mart
The best thing to do to keep prices low is to support local business instead of mega projects of any sort.
We're better
- abufares said...
Glad to see you here.
I have to agree that from one particular perspective Walmart might've been a poor choice for my analogy. My intention was to illustrate that the malls in Damascus are not for everyone, unlike Walmart in N. America where they offer an affordable shopping experience to the average consumer. I'm well aware of Walmart's exploits and in particular driving smaller grocery and convenience stores out of business.
The only point I don't agree with is that "We're better." If the sharks and whales we have over here ever get a chance to grow as big as Sam Walton I'm certain they would be a 100 times worse.
The way they are already influencing society and the economy is more devastating than the worst capitalist scenario in any Western democracy.
- Somar said...
mmm,yes Syria is changing dramatically to what I wished to be more competitive system. These changes you are talking about was easily expectable for a period of time. but the real question.. where are we going after..?? is it the right or wrong way..??
actually,everybody seems to wait these answers.. but in my opinion change was important and even late.. Now government must watch the steps carefully these days or there is big chance that every things goes horribly wrong...
- abufares said...
Change by itself is not to be feared nor avoided.
My main point of argument is that although the government is to blame for years of economic mismanagement the leading Private Sector (the top "couple of hundreds" that emerged in the last 15 years) did not make real positive contributions to the country's struggling economy.
Instead of providing any significant added value they've been exploiting, manipulating, racketeering and bribing their way into filling their own pockets only. Thanks to their vagrant abuses (in the decision making process) the middle class suffered a nearly knockout blow.
It's not all the private sector's fault but they are hugely responsible for matters becoming worse rather than better off.
Egypt is a good example of a political system that moved from social to market economy and failing miserably due to lack of reform in political system. They have similar ruling party with same ideology more or less.
Economic reforms without political one is destined to fail since the party will be assuming same roles as now: executive, legislative and judicial.
It is the crappy policy of the socialist baath that led to this disastrous and miserable state. From 1963 until 1990 we haven't seen a decent growth nor respect for human rights or civil liberties. What are you whining about exactly? The $42k/mo salary? The guy is probably running the biggest bank or company. A normal soccer player in the UK playing for the premiere league would make more than that. Give me a break
- abufares said...
Thank you for your comment.
It is my opinion that the leading private sector in Syria (today) has as little respect for human rights as the worst totalitarian system in existence. That I consider a soccer player in England's Premiere League more deserving than any CEO in Syria or in the UK itself is of course my personal opinion.
I don't whine but I'm rather aggrieved when 2 employees working for the same private organization earn respectively $42,000 and $125 a month, a ratio of 336 to 1.
A good friend of mine, reading the article that probably brought you here from Syria Comment recommended this link:
Again, I must thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. Not agreeing with each other is something we can both handle very well I guess.
- Zenobia said...
Depressing but excellent post. thanks for writing about the realities so articulately...
- abufares said...
I just found out that I never replied to you're comment. Damn! What a jerk! I'm sorry. I really never saw it till today. You'll excuse me, won't you?
Thank you for being here :-)
- Zenobia said...
i don't knowwwww. you are almost two years too late, although i probably wrote this one year after the original post, so maybe we are even....
don't be silly... i think i forgot by now...
but i love looking back at writing... unfortunately most of mine looks stupid and naive now, whereas - i am happy to report- yours is as relevant and more so with the test of time... and still always with the glow of humor on the sad reality to wash the bad news down with.
: )
- abufares said...
You should get back to writing, so should I, I think.
As for my post being relevant, well the writings were all over the wall and it is this Private Sector that had so far delayed the inevitable. Their fall will be heard loud and clear.
Thank you :-)


text:
It's not exactly love, but American consumers appear to be developing growing affection for -- or maybe it's just growing toleration of -- their credit card companies, according to a comprehensive survey released Thursday.
Continue Reading Below
For the third year in a row, J.D. Power and Associates found that credit card users are becoming increasingly satisfied with the way they are treated by most card issuers. Overall satisfaction averages 753 on a 1,000-point scale, an increase of 22 points over last year, 39 points over the result in 2010 and 48 points over the 2009 findings.
The latest score represents the highest credit card customer satisfaction since J.D. Power began conducting the survey six years ago. Every credit card issuer, even those lagging at the bottom of the list, registered some improvement in customer satisfaction over 2011.
"This is great news for the users of credit cards," said Jim Miller, senior director of banking services at J.D. Power and Associates. "For customers in general, their experiences clearly are improving."
He and other survey specialists attributed the positive trend to a growing sense of stability throughout the overall financial system, but particularly when it comes to credit card fees, credit limits, credit terms and the like.
"A lot of the changes we were seeing in the industry are now two or more years old," Miller said. "Actually, we are seeing these improvements show up more in the credit card industry than in the rest of the banking system."
As in the past, the survey evaluated these six factors: customer service, credit card terms, billing and payment systems, rewards, problem resolution, and benefits and services. The credit card industry registered improvements in all six of the categories.
Some notable examples:
- An impressive 31-percentage point improvement in problem resolution -- a major source of customer discontent in the past. The average amount of time required to resolve a problem fell to four days this year from five days in 2011. Moreover, a solid 61% of the respondents had their problems resolved during their first contact with their card company. The increase in problem resolution coincided with the first year that a new, national credit card complaint system has been offered by the new federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- A nearly-as-impressive 28-point improvement in customer satisfaction with credit card rewards programs.
- Only 11% of the surveyed customers reported experiencing a problem of any kind with their credit card issuer, a 7-point decrease from 2009.
When all of that is combined with a period of relative calm -- including stability in interest rates and other financial aspects of credit cards -- customers respond affirmatively. That applies to both major types of customers -- people called "revolvers," who don't pay their full balances every month, making them sensitive to interest rate increases, and people called "transacters," who do pay their full balances every month and have a special interest in rewards programs.
"When it comes to stability, when rewards aren't being taken away from you and interest rates aren't going up, people become more accustomed to what they're seeing and they're more satisfied with the results," Miller said.
In addition to an enhanced sense of economic stability (even as the nation still struggles to recover from the Great Recession), the relatively new consumer protections required by the federal Credit CARD Act of 2009 certainly didn't hurt the results. The J.D. Power study involved responses from 13,725 credit card customers and was conducted in June 2012.
"The advantages of the CARD Act certainly are a factor, along with the competitive nature of the business, which is driving issuers to become more customer focused," Miller said. "It's the combination of the two that is coming into play."
American Express, Discover lead Looking at the major issuers, at the top of the heap this year, as they consistently are: American Express (with a score of 807) and Discover (799). Those two companies have held the same top two slots since the first year of the survey.
American Express' results were noteworthy for high marks in customer service and the company's rewards program; Discover scored particularly well in the areas of problem resolution, customer service and rewards.
"They're both very strong, even this year when the industry average has increased and every company in the study saw some increase," Miller noted. "American Express and Discover are particularly strong in communicating with their customers, whether that be in helping them understand the rewards programs or helping them understand the benefits that come with the cards."
American Express representative expressed their own satisfaction over the results.
"While our goal is to satisfy our customers, and not to get awards, we are thrilled to have received this terrific recognition every year since 2007," said Kenneth I. Chenault, the company's chairman and chief executive officer. "Hearing that we scored the highest in customer satisfaction directly from consumers through an independent and prestigious source like J.D. Power is very gratifying."
A spokesman for Discover declined to comment until the company could fully study the survey.
At the bottom of the pack, as in the recent past, was HSBC (703 out of 1,000 points), which announced last year that it was selling virtually its entire U.S. credit card portfolio to Capital One. Capital One (734 points) finished in eighth place in the 11-company survey.
As was the case last year, Bank of America finished in ninth place, this time with a score of 728 points. One of the nation's largest issuers of credit cards, Bank of America had no immediate comment regarding the survey.
Of course, despite the advances, some credit card customers obviously experience problems.
About 1 in 4 of those problems involved the stubborn and aggravating problem of credit card fraud, according to the survey. Now, the good news: more than half of those customers were contacted by their credit card issuer before they realized they had been victimized.
"Credit card companies are very proactive in detecting credit card fraud and protecting their customers," Miller said. "In fact, when their credit card company detects fraud, it actually improves customer satisfaction. It's still disruptive to the customer, but the customer appreciates that their card company is looking out for their best interests."
Overall, he said, the survey's message to credit card customers was clear.
"They can expect to find an issuer who can meet their needs and provide them with the product and service that they expect," Miller said. "And if they are not getting that where they are doing business, this shows that there are places they can go and be very satisfied with their credit cards."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Mom Bloggers that live in Washington State
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By this time of the year, we are more than ready for the tilting of the Earth that heralds the spring equinox and better weather. It's a promise that summer will soon be here.…Continue
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I would love to increase my readership as well. I am finding it a bit difficult. I do like coming on to the site and reading other blogs. I have found some great blogs. I normally keep track of the blogs that I join and try to comment on them at least once every other week until I just never hear from them. I love having tons of blogs to read and respond too.
Hi I'm Rachel
I've newly arrived in Sammamish from the UK and am missing all my blog contacts there, it would be great to meet up with some bloggers over here.
My blog is http://rightfromthestart.wordpress.com and is about early education, parenting and stuff that goes on in my head.
I'll head across to all your blogs and say hi.
Hi there ladies, this girl is from our state capitol! I'm headed over to check your blogs out!
Hi Ladies ... Heather from www.RockStew.com in the Redmond/EastSide area. I'm headed to all your blogs to check them out!
It'd be kind of cool to meet up and share some blog stories IRL.
Hello to everyone from beautiful Bellingham! My name is Sherrie and I am the author of Granny Loves Gift Baskets. Stop by if you get a chance and say hello :)
Hey Jeanie, I too, am a Washington Mom. I'm not far from you - here in Tacoma. Just joined your blog and am looking forward to getting to know you. Feel free to check out my blog: The OBrien Home
Enjoy your weekend,


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Guest post by Melissa Bilash
Does every child have the right to be educated to an extent that is appropriate for their abilities?
Should money be an obstacle when educating high-potential children?
Is there a way to reach a balance between "raising the floor" under low-achieving students and "raising the ceiling" for those already well above the floor? Or are we intent, consciously or unconsciously, on pushing them to the mean, and holding back gifted and talented students instead of cultivating their abilities?
Chester E. Finn, Jr., senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, addresses the topic in his September 18th New York Times op-ed titled "Young, Gifted, and Neglected." In his piece, Finn decries the "systematic failure" of our country's public education system to educate a diverse gifted population. He says that this neglect of high-ability students, and ultimately neglect of "our country's supply of future scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs" takes three forms: lack of early identification; lack of suitable classrooms for gifted education at the primary and middle school levels; and infrequent honors or Advanced Placement classes, which further may not necessarily mean the student taking them is being challenged to the appropriate extent. Further compounding this issue, Finn observes, is the fact that the U.S. Congress has "zero-funded" the Jacob J. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program while no alternative program exists. The only hope is for the TALENT Act, which, as I have talked about will support education for gifted children, to be enacted.
While a few public schools and programs do focus on high-ability, highly motivated students, there are not nearly enough. Nineteen states do not have a single public school for the gifted student population. In his article, Finn advocates for more public schools — such as exam schools — for the gifted so as to give families with limited means more opportunities for their children, and additionally insists that students should not be turned away from appropriate schools and education because there is "no room" for them. However, it is also critical to clarify that the words "private" and "elite" or "prestigious" are not synonymous with "rigorous," and access to private education is no panacea. Even gifted students who do have the opportunity to attend private schools can still be left without a suitable teacher or curriculum with a specific focus on gifted education, to instruct them at a level truly appropriate to their aptitudes and abilities, without adhering rigidly to the typical approach to "quality education." The Davidson Academy is a rare and remarkable example of a school that truly does meet the needs of its gifted students; in addition, the Grayson School is another school dedicated to gifted students and opening soon in the Philadelphia region. Ultimately, this country is in serious need of public and private schools equipped provide gifted students with appropriate education.
At the 2012 NBC News Education Nation Summit, Dr. Carol Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, and a leading researcher in motivation, and Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of a series of studies on grit and perseverance, stressed the importance of teaching children the concept of "grit," which they consider "perseverance and passion for long-term goals… working strenuously toward challenges, maintaining effort and interest over years despite failure, adversity and plateaus in progress." These are lessons that are extremely difficult to learn if children are not appropriately challenged, not given the opportunity to fail, to make mistakes, and to get back up and try again.
How much longer can we ask our gifted and talented youth to wait, sit still, and be content with the status quo while our neighboring countries continue to surpass us every single day? All of these stories, research, and op-ed pieces point to the same confounding yet critical questions: How long will we continue to tamp down the unique abilities and gifts possessed by our brightest students? How much longer can we tell our gifted and talented youth just wait, sit still, and be content with a status quo that continually neglects their potential, telling them over and over that their gifts are not valued? And how much longer will we tolerate this state of affairs without demanding the sort of systemic radical change and support that these students not only need, but deserve?
Bio: Melissa Bilash is one of only 100 Federally Trained Educational Advocates in the United States and is the first Mom Congress Delegate from PA. She runs an Educational Consulting firm in Radnor, PA that focuses on working to build individualized programs for children with Gifted and Special Education Needs.


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From Dan Culhane, the show's promoter.....Cougarlady7 wrote:There is a racecar show going on at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center on Cornwall Rd. in Lebanon PA. It runs till 8pm tonight.
Lebanon Race Car Show has moved into the Lebanon Valley Expo Center starting at Noon time on Thursday February 21st, thru Saturday February 24th. Some Cars scheduled to appear are the NASCAR Nextel , Little Debbie / US Air Force - Woods Brothers Speedway car # 21, a regular Daytona 500 starter for the past 45 years. The Woods Brothers US Air Force car driven by Bill Elliott missed this years Daytona 500 line-up by a fraction, but will be at the Lebanon EXPO. Rich Tobias's Speedway Entertainment Company, will introduce the open-wheeled Super Midget SpeedSTR creation, powered by a Dodge Neon engine, for the first time in Pennsylvania. Several Tobias' SlingShot speedway owners will proudly show their cars. SlingShot graduate Kyle Ebersole of Hershey, will show his new 2008 Troyer Asphalt Modified race car # 5. Bobby Gerhart of Lebanon will show his Eagle Warranty 2007 Chevrolet # 5, that he used to scored his 5th Daytona ARCA RE/MAX 200 win last year. The Pioneer Pole Building, 2008 Bicknell Small Block Modified # 8, driven by Billy Pauch jr, will be in the middle of other Modified and Sportsman Cars. Several Micro Sprint cars from the Clyde Martin Speedway will be there lookin' good. A group of NorLebCo. Quarter Midgets speedsters from Linda's Speedway, will be proudly displayed, by their pre-teen drivers and owners. Two time ARDC Midget Champion Andy Martin of Gordonville, with his white # 21 Midget car, will be honored during the EXPO week. Multi Championship driver Jeff Strunk of Mohnton, the 2007 title holder of Big Diamond and Grandview Speedways Modified Crowns, will be a Special Person on Friday night during Big Diamond Raceway night. Jeff is talented, friendly, talkable and will hold still for photos and autographs. Nationally known oil painting artist, Clark Angstat of Temple, is scheduled to appear, with his array of famous known race car paintings of stars of today and yesteryear. Free admission tickets to the ARCA RE/MAX 200 race at Pocono Speedway in June, will be awarded as prizes to the Lebanon EXPO fans. Chances for a Orlando Florida, - a 5 day & 4 night vacation for two will be available for a ticket purchase, with a drawing for the winner, will happen on Saturday night. .
The DASAH Nascar styled, X-Treme Racing Experience, a DIRT Track Multiple Simulator, will provide hours of racing experience, to all who want to compete against popular speedway drivers, or their own driver friends. The racing Simulator, allows race fans a feeling of true, behind the wheel thrills, with speeds up to 160 MPH on a 1/2 mile dirt track, that will surely test the drivers skills. Visible score cards will record all finishes, for daily award winners of Cash and Prizes.
Great entertainment at Lebanon Motorsports EXPO, will be provided by DEAN-O & Dusty, plus DEAN-O's Friends, with Country Style Songs and Ballads. DEAN-O's group will be on center stage Thursday and Friday starting at 5 PM and Saturday from 1 PM to 3 PM. The very popular Little Miss Race Queen contest for girls 4 yrs to 8 yrs of age, is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2 PM. The Miss Racette Contest for females 16 yrs and older is scheduled for 4 PM on Saturday. The Merchandiser "Best of Show " race car trophy will be awarded before closing time on Saturday at 8 PM.


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Youth MA-1 Flight Jacket with Patches
The MA-1 bomber jacket (also known as the MA-1 flight jacket) was first developed in the mid 1950s. The MA-1 and its predecessor, the B-15 Flight Jacket, were needed at that time because the emergence of the jet age created new requirements for pilot performance, safety and comfort.
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About Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Maryland, College Park offers one of the strongest and most highly-ranked programs in the nation. Led by 89 full-time and affiliate faculty members and 26 research faculty and postdocs, the research programs within the department cover a wide spectrum of activities in the areas of:
- Communications and Networking
- Signal Processing
- Control, Robotics, and Dynamical Systems
- Computer Engineering
- Optics and Photonics
- Circuits and Systems
- Electronic Materials and Devices
- Bioelectronics and Systems
- Applied Electromagnetics
Our close affiliation with a number of research institutes such as the Institute for Systems Research, the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies, the Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics, the Institute for Physical Science and Technology, and the Maryland NanoCenter provides our students and researchers the opportunity for team-oriented, cross-disciplinary research and access to the institutes' state-of-the-art laboratories.
ECE is a large department that offers a broad range of programs and research opportunities. Its research innovations are aimed at helping government and industry face today's most difficult global challenges. Employers and peer institutions recognize the prestige of Maryland's engineering programs.
Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C., offers unique research opportunities with national and government laboratories such as NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Army and Navy Research Labs. No other top Engineering program in the U.S. can provide such close proximity and access to national laboratories, the federal government, and the Department of Defense.


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Blue wall crumbles, Qld win Origin 32-8
The "blue wall" finally crumbled as Queensland showed their true colours, avoiding their first whitewash since 2000 by claiming a rousing 32-8 State of Origin Game III win on Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.
NSW initially showed how they had earned their nickname from Queensland coach and inaugural Maroon Mal Meninga, who rated them one of Origin's best defences.
But instead of ensuring NSW's first "blue rinse" since 2000, the defence cracked as Queensland finally flexed the attacking muscle that had earned them a record eight-year unbeaten run.
In a match that featured a classic Origin "mate against mate" battle between Greg Bird and Nate Myles, Queensland ensured mixed feelings for NSW captain and Wally Lewis Medal winner Paul Gallen when he finally lifted the interstate trophy.
"I hope you enjoy this as much as I do - this is for the five million people back in NSW," Gallen screamed with the trophy aloft.
Blues coach Laurie Daley added: "Before the series, not too much would have given us a chance but this group believe in themselves - to win is pretty surreal."
On a night Queensland looked back fondly at the past, the Maroons showed they still had a bright future.
"It is bittersweet. But it is nice to play some footy in front of our fans - it showed they still have a lot of pride in the jersey," Meninga said.
Queensland were determined to toast their heroes no matter the result on Wednesday night after organising a halftime tribute to the players who had inspired their record unbeaten run.
But instead of crying into their beers, the Maroons' faithful raised their glasses again after Queensland avoided a rare whitewash in a sign the once all-conquering side might not be a spent force just yet.
"There has been a lot of talk about our dynasty being over but, hopefully, this is a step in the right direction and we can be back bigger and better next year," Queensland captain Cameron Smith said.
The match's intensity was summed up Myles' second-half feud with NSW forward and Gold Coast teammate Bird.
Bird appeared fortunate not to be placed on report for a dangerous throw on Myles that led to Johnathan Thurston's 60th-minute penalty that blew Queensland's lead out to 14-2.
But moments later, Myles was booked for leading with the elbow after making contact with Bird's throat, leaving him gasping for air on the ground.
From the ensuing penalty, NSW crossed for a Josh Dugan try despite a hint of obstruction to cut the deficit to 14-8.
However, Thurston - in his 30th straight Origin - set up winger Darius Boyd to cross in the 71st minute, equalling teammate Greg Inglis' interstate record of 15 four-pointers.
Aidan Guerra (74th) and Cooper Cronk - back six weeks after breaking his arm - crossed (78th) to kick off the Maroons' after-party.
Queensland led 6-2 at halftime after NSW's relentless defence finally cracked.
The Blues broke the ice when Maroon Ben Te'o was placed on report for a high shot on Trent Hodkinson before the Blues' No.7 recovered to pot over a 24th-minute penalty.
Momentum appeared to shift after Blues pivot Josh Reynolds was placed on report for a 33rd-minute shoulder charge on rookie Maroons winger Will Chambers.
Four minutes later, bench utility Daly Cherry-Evans set up Smith to score.
Maroons back-rower Corey Parker was named man of the match in front of 50,155.
Reynolds could miss four weeks and three games with an early plea after being charged with a grade-two shoulder charge.
Bird might miss two games for a grade-one dangerous throw but Myles can escape suspension with an early plea for a grade-one dangerous contact charge.
Te'o will miss a week after being slapped with a grade-one dangerous contact charge.
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Wreck kills one on US 40 west of Steamboat
February 13, 2010
Steamboat Springs — A 32-year-old Steamboat Springs woman died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle wreck Saturday evening on U.S. Highway 40.
The wreck occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on U.S. 40 between Milner and Hayden, according to the Colorado State Patrol. A Nissan SUV was heading east on U.S. 40 near mile marker 117, leaving Mount Harris Canyon, when it spun out of control, State Patrol Sgt. Scott Elliott said. The SUV started to fishtail, entered the westbound lane and was hit broadside by a Dodge Ram pickup, he said.
Jenna Gruben, one of the passengers in the Nissan Xterra, was hospitalized and later died, Elliott said.
The Nissan was being driven by Angelica Mangiardi, 33, of Steamboat. Cara Marrs, 40, of Steamboat, also was a passenger in the Xterra. Mangiardi and Marrs were transported to Yampa Valley Medical Center and later released, according to a State Patrol news release.
The driver of the Dodge pickup, Wesley Jenkins of Craig, and his passenger, Denise Ketchum of Craig, sustained minor injuries in the crash and declined medical treatment, according to the State Patrol.
Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected factors in the crash. The State Patrol says driving too fast for the conditions likely was the primary contributing factor.
Recommended Stories For You
The accident was the most serious of a spate of car wrecks Saturday afternoon and evening amid snowfall and icy roads.
Sgt. Seth Merrick of the Routt County Sheriff's Office said he'd responded to several. Merrick said the wrecks started at about 3:30 p.m.
"There's a lot," he said. "It's just kind of that perfect condition where the roads stayed a little bit slushy and as it started to freeze, people started sliding off the road."
He said that several occurred near mile marker 142 on U.S. 40, on Rabbit Ears Pass, but that most resulted in no injuries and little property damage.


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Mobile has a certain magic that keeps you on your toes. Where a melting pot of people, flavors, cultures and traditions become one voice to lead all of life's celebrations. Join the jubilee and welcome every day with an enduring passion and a little soulful hospitality, because life is the ultimate gift. This is the spirit of living. This is what we're born to do.
Funky, feisty, festive. Or historic, hip and happening. Colorful, cool and cultured. You can call this coastal town a lot of things when you have a vibrant 300 year history with lots of stories to tell and long-standing traditions celebrated on a regular basis. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you'll find an authentic experience found nowhere else in the southern United States.
Home to America's original Mardi Gras that rolls through the streets of our historic downtown; dozens of festivals, art shows, or culinary cook-offs nearly every weekend, Mobile takes having fun pretty seriously. If you're looking for a bit more leisurely experience, nearby historic neighborhoods lined with giant live oaks trees or a paddle in one of the most significant river delta systems in the country are just minutes from downtown.
Subscribe to our Visit Mobile Blog for timely and fun suggestions, articles and stories.
Mobile is indeed a special place and our colorful characters, unique places and joy for celebrating even the smallest things are what truly set us apart as a city. A rich heritage and diverse culture come together as one to show a genuine love for our town and the people that visit us! See how we celebrate Mobile in our destination video here!


text: BeyondTheGrave Posted May 12, 2010 What software are you using on your PC for streaming? You may want to try TVersity or something. That's what I use for my PS3 and there's very little I can't watch using that. Tried TVersity. It doesn't work right at times. I'd want to watch a video file that .mkv that has subs on/in it. Tversity wouldn't display them. Looked into how to make tversity display them. And it still would not work. or I'd have to reboot the server several times so it would work. then I couldn't watch content from another computer in another room on the same network. I'd consider the Patriot media box too. Better remote, the ability to put a hard drive IN the unit, built in bit-torrent, optional wireless (with a dongle), and I'm sure a few more that I don't remember. I've got it, and I love it. Patriot Media player page My brother has the Western Digital box, and he likes his too. Not really concerned about adding an internal HDD was just going to connect a external one. I'll look into the patriot media box. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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This post will be much like the Fresno convention, short and sweet! The Fresno convention is one of those rare two-day shows that has all the talent and pageantry of a three-day convention, without the Friday blues that many of us are accustomed to. There are very few shows where you don't hear at least one person say, "Friday was slow… I'll kill it on Saturday." So Fresno just cuts out the Friday complaints and gets right to it on Saturday… [Video on expanded page]
I have a couple peeps in L.A. so I decided to fly into LAX hang out for the night (which is technically all I can stand in L.A. One night. Ha-ha!) and drive up to Fresno early Saturday morning. The drive was relatively painless and cruising through the mountains of the Angeles National Park was pretty cool. Sorry, I would normally drop a nice blurry picture of a mountain shot through a car window here, but I was driving… Two and ten… Safety first! Ha.
It seems that I was not the only one to drive up from SoCal as many California natives including Permanent Mark, Tim Hendricks, Dan Dringenberg, Tennessee Dave and Baba Austin all made the drive up too…
The TAM booth was right next to Chris Yvon from Power Tattoo. I had never met Chris before, but I can't think of a more solid dude to have as a booth neighbor. It also seems that we share the same philosophy on conventions, which is; show some respect to the promoters and stay until the end!
I did the Fresno convention a few years back and both promoters Chris and Jason do an excellent job running this show and we are always happy to do this quick and clean two-day romp in California's Central Valley. And hell, TSOL was plying on Saturday… Can't beat that!
I even got to meet Mike Roche, (TSOL's bass player) who was super-cool. He walked over to the TAM booth to pick up a magazine and he said,"Do you like rock 'n roll t-shirts?"
"Why, yes… Yes sir I do…" And then he throws this sweet eagle (or "sweagle" as I call it) shirt at me… I'm just glad I caught it. Nothing says "boner" more than dropping a shirt thrown by a rock-star. Ha-ha!
I'm so use to three-day shows that this convention actually ended before it began. I did get to see my homies from Santa Rosa Mike Bennett and Justin Shaw of Faith Tattoo. These dudes are seriously awesome… They were the only ones to buy Thom deVita prints from me, which doesn't make them automatically cool, but when they called me the day after the convention to tell me that I accidentally gave them an extra deVita print that they didn't pay for and how and where they could send it back to me… well, extra cool points for that! And they are pretty good at tat zappin' too… Shit, I just said tat zappin'! Oh well… wanna fight?
Speaking of fights… just take a look at homeboy in the video below. I would say this is the true definition of a "solid left!" This video really says it all. Thanks to Dean Williams of Elm Street Tattoo for sending me the footage. I don't know who these people are or what this about… But Smokey's famous line from the movie Friday comes to mind…
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY0C1J8UuuQ&w=505&h=349]
I also ran into Tim Beck from Freedom Ink Tattoo in Peoria, IL… And I think he was one of last people to finish tattooing on Sunday? He did this sweagle on the back of some dude's head… pretty epic.
Oliver Peck and Dean from Elm St. Tattoo were at the end of my row, and Oliver insisted on throwing "Peeps" (the most disgusting Easter candy of all time) at me from about 50 yards away… So I stole a sticker!
Oh… and then I find out Osama bin Laden was shot and killed at about 8 p.m. PST. Years from now people will ask, "Where were you when you found out bin Laden was dead?" And I'll say, "The Fresno Tat Con bro!"
God Bless 'Merica… wait… what just happen there?


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Mo. Gov. Nixon Seeks Medicaid Answers from Feds
JEFFERSON CITY- Gov. Jay Nixon wants to know what modifications to Missouri's Medicaid system may be acceptable to federal health care officials.
Nixon was talking Tuesday with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about a potential Medicaid expansion. Specifically, Nixon wants to know how much flexibility Missouri has to make market-based changes or require co-payments from adults earning up to 138 percent of the poverty level, which is about $27,000 annually for a family of three.
Sebelius has said previously that states must expand Medicaid to that level to qualify for full federal funding.
Nixon also met Tuesday with state senators about a Medicaid expansion and rallied with disabled advocates at the Capitol in support of greater Medicaid coverage.
Missouri's Republican lawmakers have been reluctant to embrace the Medicaid expansion.


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April 28, 2011 - The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a notice of intent this month to approve changes to the values assigned to fish and wildlife in Louisiana, and to modify the list of threatened and endangered species. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recommended the revised values, which are used to determine fines for individuals who illegally take fish and wildlife.
The list of threatened and endangered species will be amended to match the current federal listing of threatened or endangered species that are in Louisiana. Key changes were the removal of the brown pelican and the bald eagle, and the addition of the red wolf.
To view the full notice of intent, please visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/action-items. Public comment will be accepted at the LWFC monthly meetings on May 5 and June 2. Comments will also be accepted by mail to LDWF headquarters in Baton Rouge through June 2, 2010. Mailed comments should be directed to:
David Lavergne
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.
For more information, contact Bo Boehringer at 225-765-5115 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Don't get too bummed. This item is on the way and will be available for purchase as soon as it rolls into the warehouse.
Can't wait? Consider one of the other Stoves & Grills we have in stock.View Similar Products
3 Reviews
Lighter and smaller.
The ridiculously tiny Optimus Crux Stove folds up to fit under a 220g butane canister and weighs only 3.3oz. When you need to go ultralight on your backcountry travels, this stove definitely needs to be with you. The Cruz Stove burns for 90 minutes going full blast with a 220g canister, and it boils a liter of water in only three minutes. When you decide to bring a tarp instead of a tent and pull the frame from your pack to save weight, you better have this Optimus stove on the gear list.
- Steel construction
- Three minute boil time
- 90 minute burn time
- Takes butane and propane gas
- 10,200 BTU output
- Item #OPS000D
Tech Specs
Gearhead Help
Tech Specs
- Reviews
What do you think about this product?
Have questions about this product?
Good Stove.
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Revision: Contacted Optimus, and they sent a replacement. No problems at all with the replacement. I am revising the review from two to four stars.
Original Review: Either all on or all off and not much in between. Failed several times in 40 degree weather. Also it wobbles. Look elsewhere for reliability and a range of simmer. A $15 Coleman Micro stove does a much better job.
light weight and compact stove
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
I've used this stove numerous times in the Eastern Sierras and it does an excellent job of boiling water quickly. It's so light weight you hardly even know it's there, especially when it's securely stored under your fuel canister. Pair this with a light weight titanium pot or kettle ( like MSR's Titan Kettle ) and you'll have an amazingly light and compact cook set. I really like the width of the burner, which is significantly wider than similar stoves in this category. My only concern was fuel leaking from the joint, but I've never experienced an issue. It's a quality stove, and I'd definitely recommend it.
gets the job done
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
This is a compact folding stove,,,you gain great heat, small footprint, and the expense of a little wobble in the stove. It's ok don't get me wrong, I just would recommend using a pot with a large bottom. a cup to boil water just might not be stable....this stove is not worth the grams you loose. Get a slightly larger stove and enjoy your meal.
I am traveling to Fiji and plan on using a camp stove with propane or butane , do you have a distribution / retain outdoor gear shop that I could purchase from once I am on the Island since I can not bring on the airplane any butane ? Thanks for your help or suggestions


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The Danish Football Association (DBU) has suspended on-loan Juventus striker Nicklas Bendtner from the national side for six months over a drink-driving offence.
Bendtner was stopped by authorities for driving on the wrong side of the road on the night of March 2, while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and the country's footballing authority has now issued a statement regarding the future of the attacker.
"Based on Nicklas Bendtner's traffic offence on Saturday night, which affected his public image in a negative way, DBU informed him that we take a clear distance from his breach of the Highway Code Section 53rd," read a statement on the organisation's official website.
"The Football Association expects that he spends the next six months on these considerations, and DBU then will be happy to take a dialogue with him about how he may in the future see himself positively contributing to the binding community around the first team."
Bendtner has appeared 55 times for his country to date, scoring 22 goals.


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*** (out of 4)
Since Robin Thicke broke through as a songwriter in the late '90s, he's always hung around the cusp of stardom, never quite breaking through for himself. That never stopped him from hanging out with some real stars though, keeping the company of guys like Lil Wayne, Jay Z and the Neptunes.
So it's fitting that finally, in 2013, when his No. 1 hit "Blurred Lines" earned him a standing invite to all the coolest parties, he had to be dropped off by Pharrell, who is experiencing something of a renaissance himself this year (with help from Daft Punk). "Lines" has been an enduring and surprising hit, leaning on Pharrell's yacht drums and boppy funk while also getting a boost from its controversial music video.
Thicke's sixth studio album shares the single's name and most of its lusty pop longing. He's talked about not taking himself as seriously on this album, that "[he and his wife] wanted to dance again" and wanted the LP to reflect that. This is where "Blurred Lines" differs largely from R&B; like Justin Timberlake's "20/20 Experience" from earlier this year: Thicke's work is far more concerned with feelings on the dance floor than off it.
And thanks to production from Dr. Luke, Pharrell, Timbaland and mostly Thicke himself, almost every one of the 11 tracks is steppable, though in different ways.
"Does it feel good?" is not only one of Thicke's refrains but his litmus test here, and he tries it on everything, from a funky two-step on "Ain't No Hat 4 That" to the wobbly, house-inspired "Give It 2 U." The latter was produced by Dr. Luke, co-written by will.i.am and features Kendrick Lamar. Not surprisingly, it's kind of a mess--this kind of no-hands-on-the-wheel raving doesn't suit Thicke.
Despite the implications of the single, there's not much agenda behind "Blurred Lines" the album. It's about its grooves, about a good time, and about guys and girls alternately "giving it to" each other. All of this is great, and Thicke sounds engaged, whether belting out "Oooo La La," a funk cut smooth enough to skate on, or crooning low-key on "Top of the World." Because when you're cutting up the dance floor with that special someone, who needs blurred lines or famous friends?
Adam Lukach is a RedEye special contributor. @redeyechimusic
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1v1 Singles League
Season 4
We (amazzony and simor) have decided to take over yorkiepeter's League that he successfully ran for 3 seasons: Season 1, Season 2, Season 3. It's a huge league with 100 players and overall 900 [and a bit more] games will be played per season. For me, it was the first tournament that I joined and I have good memories about it so I feel that it's worth running and I hope that all of you will enjoy it.
yorkiepeter wrote:Matches are set so that non premiums with 2 slots available will be able to play.
- 100 players will be put into 10 Divisions of 10 players.
- Divisions will be made according to rank as much as possible
- Season 4 is a continuation of Season 3 (players from Season 3 have an option to advance to Season 4 and after that new players will be used)
- Season lasts for 6 weeks, during that time everybody has to play 18 games.
- Everybody has to play 9 games on their home field and 9 away (once with every person in their Division).
- Every 2 weeks (3 times in total) 6 games will be made for everybody.
- More detailed explanation how to join games will be given when League starts.
- All games are 1v1 Sequential, Casual and Standard.
- Each participant must choose their home settings (Map, Cards, Fortifications, FoW).
For now, we are waiting people from Season 3 to confirm their wish to keep playing in Season 4 but at the same time accepting new applications to join the league
If you wish to join, please fill out following form:
Current Points:
*Home settings: (Map, Cards, Fortifications, FoW)
(*) Replace the word with your desired Setting. Example (Classic, No Cards, Unlimited, No Fog).
Settings to pick from.
Map: all maps allowed
Cards: No Cards, Flat Rate, Escalating
Fortifications: Adjacent, Chained, Unlimited
FoW: Yes Fog, No Fog
Settings' Statistic of Season 4: CLICK HERE
Common sense rules
1) I am the organiser. If something is wrong or needs to be taken care of/changed then I have the right to do it.
2) Ignore list will be ignored in my tournament (aka if you have somebody in the list who you need to play then for tournament games you need to remove him/her from your ignore list).
3) Alliances are not allowed.
4) With any problems, contact amazzony or simor


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council met this week and for the first time released its full report on the "Buffalo Billion" investment development plan.
The plan, which serves as a roadmap for implementation and details the market analysis, stakeholder interviews and best practices that led to the the council's six signature investable initiatives, can be found athttp://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/themes/nyopenrc/rc-files/westernny/BB_Plan_Cover_Page.pdf. The move kicks off the council's implementation of the "Buffalo Billion" strategic initiatives. In the coming weeks, implementation committees will be formed with area stakeholders and council members.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has committed an historic $1 billion investment in the Buffalo area economy to create thousands of jobs and spur billions in new investment and economic activity over the next several years. This $1 billion commitment to economic excellence in the Buffalo area has the potential to set a new growth trajectory for jobs and the regional economy.
"Because of Gov. Cuomo's leadership in recognizing the critical opportunities at stake in our city and region, we are experiencing significant forward momentum right now - this is truly an exciting time to be a Western New Yorker," said Satish K. Tripathi, president of the University at Buffalo and Regional Council co-chair. "The council is moving forward with an aggressive timetable so we can take full advantage of this window of opportunity. As the first wave of investment for the 'Buffalo Billion', the signature initiatives detailed in this report provide a strong and very broad-based foundation for sustained economic growth and opportunity in our region. From health care, education, and business and industry to cultural tourism and community development, this investment strategy is designed to maximize our region's diverse and distinctive strengths, now and for generations to come."
"It's implementation time," said Howard A. Zemsky, managing partner at Larkin Development Group and Regional Council co-chair.
The council will soon launch six implementation councils, represented by a diverse group of area stakeholders who will bring expertise in the council's areas of concentration (health and life sciences, manufacturing, tourism, workforce, entrepreneurship and revitalization), and will provide guidance on signature initiative design, issue resolution and execution of the signature initiatives.
The WNYREDC co-chairs, along with Bruce Katz, vice president of the Brookings Institution, and his colleagues worked with a group of local institutions - the WNYREDC, University at Buffalo's Regional Institute, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, and Empire State Development, among others - to assess the region's market position, identify distinctive assets and advantages, and lay out a series of investment options in light of the best innovations under way in the U.S. and around the world.
The "Buffalo Billion's" six signature investable initiatives include:
•Buffalo Center for Manufacturing Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility to support the growth of the region's manufacturing sector. It will be a shared services enterprise that provides support in commercializing applied research, developing more efficient operational processes, enabling entry into new markets, and up-skilling the existing workforce.
•The Buffalo Science Productivity and Research Catalyzer, to help bring breakthrough health care innovations to market. The accelerator supports researchers in developing translational research, acquiring patents, and then licensing those patents or developing them into businesses.
•Buffalo Niagara Tourism Program, a regional tourism program to leverage the world-class tourism assets in Niagara Falls and the City of Buffalo through a more coordinated and sophisticated marketing strategy; investments and increased programming in Niagara Falls State Park; investments in other regional tourism assets and amenities; and the creation of regional offerings.
•The Buffalo Skills Partnership, a skills broker with initial investments in rapid right skilling. The partnership will make Buffalo's workforce system the most flexible, diverse and responsive in the nation by aligning education and training behind the skills employers need to expand and workers need for job success.
•Buffalo Breakthrough Business Challenge, a world-class business plan competition to catalyze the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Winners will receive initial funding, incubator space, mentorship and introductions to leading venture capital firms.
•Better Buffalo Fund, to make targeted investments through a dedicated fund to support high-impact economic and community development projects. A competition will determine the best investments, based on overall strategic fit, impact, proven capacity for execution and commitment of additional funds.
In the coming weeks a "Buffalo Billion" website will also be launched.
The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council - a top economic development plan award winner - will play a key role in how funding is used to support the expansion of local companies and how to target the attraction of new businesses across the country and around the globe to come to Buffalo. Those businesses will likely be related in some manner to the cluster industries identified by the WNYREDC in its strategic plan, which include, advanced manufacturing, agricultural/food processing, binational logistics and distribution, energy, life sciences/medical devices, professional services.
To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.


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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, Lamborghini, Lotus, Mazda, Porsche
When is a stock, 167-horsepower Mazda MX-5 Miata quicker than a Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Lamborghini Gallardo, Lotus Elise and a Porsche 911? When it's raining. Sort of.
Mazda Canada arranged a unique drag race to show off the fact that the Miata's optional power retractable folding hardtop can go from top-down to top-up in just 12 seconds flat. In this video, all six cars line up for a drag race, and it starts to rain (well, sort of – but you'll have to watch the video all the way to the end to see what we mean). The green flag is waved, and the timer starts as soon as the convertibles begin to put their tops up. But because the Miata's roof mechanism gets the car's roof back up a full 5.1 seconds quicker than the second-place car, the Mazda gets a serious advantage off the line for the actual drag race.
It's a fun video. And while we've spoiled the results (come on, the video was uploaded by Mazda, you knew the Miata was going to win), be sure to see how it all unfolds, below.
Continue reading Stock Miata beats bunch of high-powered cars in wet 1/4-mile drag race
Stock Miata beats bunch of high-powered cars in wet 1/4-mile drag race originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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Why it's great: "This gentle exfoliator is a dream for problem skin," one reviewer raves. It is a "must-try for those looking for a way to make skin more radiant and soft," says another. Adding water to this powder peel forms a foamy lather that "smells wonderful ... so fresh and so clean." Reviewers with greasy skin particularly love this peel: "It makes my skin feel less oily and more smooth and supple," one reviewer says. "My skin feels firmer and looks calm, more even-toned," another adds.
Agree? Disagree? Write your review for AmorePacific Treatment Enzyme Peel here.
Buy Now on Amazon
*At time of publication
SEE NEXT PAGE: Best At-Home Peel No. 7: DERMAdoctor Physical Chemistry, $75
Older comments
Love the Ren peel.
by Mollysunshine Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 01:51AM Report as inappropriate
might try that
by LittleBunny Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 09:48AM Report as inappropriate
by Nicole2814 Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 01:25PM Report as inappropriate
Nice info
by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:21PM Report as inappropriate
'm very reluctant to try glycolic peels because of the near-horror stories. I may try those renewing creams, though. Numbers 7, 6, and 5 sound great.
by Helmi Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 01:28AM Report as inappropriate
I've been eyeing that REN peel for awhile now. Guess now is a good time to go ahead and get it!
by kimihavens Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 02:03PM Report as inappropriate
I have been on the search for a chemical peel product to use at home. I've considered going to the dermatologist, but have been hesitant because of the horror stories and the bright red skin and all. It's nice to know that I can purchase a product that has been tested and tried by other women. I will probably just shoot right of the top and go for the REN since it is rated No. 1. $55 is not too bad to try an at home peel. Overall, the term chemical peel is a little intimidating so we'll see how it goes.
by flirtygirl214 Friday, July 27, 2012 at 03:15PM Report as inappropriate
I got the Ren in a sample box and maybe I'll try it....
by mhw Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11:46AM Report as inappropriate
Really liked that this round up included the best and the worst. I have been looking for a chemical peel and articles like this give me some great recommendations, and products I now know to avoid.
by HeathRene Monday, July 2, 2012 at 03:15PM Report as inappropriate
This is the one that I found that worked best for me. Hands down, amazing and instant results. Since seeing is believing heres a video I made of my sister using the stuff I ended up buying its on amazon....oro gold 24k gold skin peeling for $70 & theres a video on utube that shows it working called best skin peel product
by undergroundbeau Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 05:53PM Report as inappropriate


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2014 ASP Fiji Pro Preview
Kelly Slater
Kelly Slater has won the Fiji Pro the past two years, and now that he's in control of the ASP World Title race, he's going to lean on the venue to vault him towards his record-setting 12th title. Slater's been visiting Tavarua for over 20 years and knows the wave better than anybody on tour, but that's not going to stop the guys from taking a shot at him.
Taj Burrow
Sitting second in the world after the Rio Pro, once again Taj Burrow is in contention to win a world title. If this year's going to be different than any other, he's going to have to do something special at Cloudbreak.
Gabriel Medina
Sliding from first to fifth on the ASP ratings, Gabriel Medina will be hungry to make the final in Fiji. Renowned for his air game, he's proved he's equally dangerous in heavy, barreling lefts. He lost to Slater in the final two years ago, so he'd love to go one better this time around.
Adriano De Souza
A win at Bells Beach appeared to put Mick Fanning back on track, then he stumbled in Round 2 of the Rio Pro. It's anybody's guess how he'll go in Fiji, but to be sure, he'll make the most out of opportunities like this at Restaurants.
John John Florence
Last year John John Florence got a perfect 10 for this wave. He'd like to make a similar statement this year. Everybody's been waiting for the young Hawaiian to break out, and if Cloudbreak and Restaurants turn on, there's no reason to think he won't at the Fiji Pro.
CJ Hobgood
Claim it like you mean it! Year in and year out, CJ Hobgood is one of the most dominant surfers at Cloudbreak. Don't be surprised if he takes out some big names this year.
Joel Parkinson
In 2012 Cloudbreak got hit by a monster swell, and while the contest was called off until the surf dropped and most of the ASP's surfers opted out of playing chicken with fate, Joel Parkinson was one of the few that reveled in the conditions. He loves Tavarua and is dangerous in any conditions, but especially when it pushes over 10 or 12 feet.
Adriano De Souza
Once again expect Adriano De Souza to be a thorn in everybody's side. But don't expect him to win the Fiji Pro. He'll make a few heats, but the chances of him taking out the event are slim, especially if Slater has a chance to put him in his place.
Michel Bourez
With two wins this season Michel Bourez has positioned himself to be in the world title hunt, but he'll be the first to tell you he's struggled at Tavarua. In fact, the Tahitian's never made a heat there. He'd like to change that this time around.
Nat Young
The most successful Californian on tour, Nat Young sits ninth in the world. Surfing on his forehand in Fiji, he'll be dangerous if the waves are a little smaller and more tricky to weave through. A smart competitor, he could sneak away with a pretty good result.
Jordy Smith
This was supposed to be Jordy Smith's year for a big world title push. So far, not so much. Sitting 10th in the world right now, he'll have to make a big push throughout the second half of the season if he wants to contend. A result in Fiji will go a long way.
Kolohe Andino
Coming off of the best result of his career, a second place in Rio, Kolohe Andino has his work cut out for him in Fiji. His prowess in bigger, more powerful surf continues to improve, which makes this a telling test.
Kelly Slater
Nobody's been more dominant in Fiji than Kelly Slater. He's owned the event the last two years, and now leading the ASP ratings, is looking to advance his case for a 12th world title.
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Google Buzz is important, not because it's the next big thing, but because it's from Google and is bolted onto one of the world's biggest email services, Google's Gmail.
When a service launches with millions of users right out of the gate, we need to take notice. That said, it's still the early days for Google Buzz. It might be a bit premature to be jumping on this bandwagon with both feet. So what should you do?
In this article I'll reveal what you need to know about Google Buzz.
The good news is Google Buzz is not particularly complicated or new. Google has used the most basic features from other popular platforms: friends and status updates.
You can post short messages, comment and "like" other people's messages, plus share links and photographs. All familiar stuff. Your initial friends will be from your Gmail address book and you can find other people with the usual searches for email address and name.


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Human Trafficking: Waking up to the Truth
For Federal Way's Brenda Oliver it's personal.
She first got involved with the human trafficking issue December 21, 2007, the day her friend's daughter, Danica Childs, disappeared. The 17-year-old was on her way to go Christmas shopping with her family. Her mother, Dianne Zoro, says, "I talked to her between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. and she said she was coming home to meet up with her sisters and a couple of friends." Danica never arrived.
Five years later, her friends and family are still waiting.
Her mom says unopened voice messages on Danica's cell phone that day indicate she was involved in prostitution and most likely forced into a prostitution ring, another victim of human trafficking. Each year more than 293,000 children nationwide are susceptible to becoming victims of human trafficking.
Federal Way-based World Vision advocates on behalf of women and children around the world each year. But for most of us that's where we leave the issue — on the other side of the world. But Brenda Oliver says it's something happening here. "People are waking up to the truth of this," she says. "Finally, we're now starting to look at these young women (and sometimes young men) as victims rather than criminals."
Today, Oliver leads the Federal Way Coalition Against Trafficking. She's also Advocacy Chair for Women of Vision – South Puget Sound. She'll be at Federal Way City Hall Wednesday night, January 9 when the city will present a proclamation addressing the city's commitment to enforcing anti-human trafficking laws. Between 150 and 200 are expected.
Brenda and Women of Vision are also promoting a day-long training session at World Vision U.S. Headquarters in Federal Way on Friday, January 25. She hopes to recruit potential trainers and educators to get the Deceptions Awareness program into more schools. To register: www.fwcat.org.
Until then, Brenda Oliver and Danica Childs' friends and family wait for the day a teenager comes home as they work for a day when the traffic will stop.
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults age 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of "labor or services," such as domestic workers held in a home, or farm-workers forced to labor against their will. The factors that each of these situations have in common are elements of force, fraud, or coercion that are used to control people. Then, that control is tied to inducing someone into commercial sex acts, or labor or services.
Because human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries, the U.S. Government and academic researchers are currently working on an up-to-date estimate of the total number of persons trafficked annually in the United States. With 100,000 children estimated to be in the sex trade in the U.S. each year, it is clear that the total number of human trafficking victims in the U.S. reaches into the hundreds of thousands when estimates of both adults and minors and sex trafficking and labor trafficking are aggregated.
For more details: www.fwcat.org
Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 7 – 9 p.m.
End the Demand — All City Forum, Federal Way City Hall
Guest Speakers:
Peter Qualliotine, Co-Founder of Organization for Prostitution Survivors
Brian J. Wilson, Chief of Police, Federal Way Police Department
Nick Lembo, Board Member for Defenders, Shared Hope International


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Coco is back in jail, but maybe not for longBy DALE VINCENT
New Hampshire Union Leader
July 11. 2014 5:55PM
MANCHESTER — Fired Manchester police officer Stephen Coco is back in jail, but he may not stay there to serve the minimum of his one-year sentence for hit-and-run convictions.
Coco's sentence on his plea to two felony charges of conduct after an accident, for injuring two Bedford teens and leaving the scene in an undercover police vehicle March 22, 2013, was one year in jail, one year suspended, two years of probation and restitution.
Coco's attorney, Mark Howard, on Friday said he has filed a motion to block the order sending Coco back to jail, while he files for an expedited appeal of the order at the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
Coco was released on June 5, after 72 days in jail, but the time out of jail on day reporting status will count against the minimum eight months Coco must serve on the one-year sentence if he remains of good behavior.
Howard would not say where Coco is now housed, citing safety issues for the former police detective. Before Hillsborough County Jail Supt. David Dionne put Coco on day reporting status, Coco was housed at the Coos County House of Corrections in West Stewartstown.
A message left for Dionne, requesting information on Coco's current location, was not returned Friday.
Howard disagrees with Hillsborough County Superior Court North Judge Gillian Abramson's reading of a law that took effect in September 2013, permitting the jail superintendent to reclassify a prisoner in his custody for work release, day reporting or home confinement without seeking a judge's approval, as was necessary in the past.
Howard argues the new law only permits a judge to overrule the superintendent for an abuse of discretion. Howard said: "The court's power is limited to 'did the superintendent act within his own rules and regulations,'"
Earlier this week, Dionne said when it comes to making decisions about classification: "I am firm, fair and consistent."
While the change in the sentencing law, which took effect in September 2013, permits a decision by the superintendent without a judicial decision, it also gives the prosecutor an opportunity to seek a hearing if he objects to the reclassification.
Sullivan County Prosecutor Marc Hathaway, who was appointed to avoid local conflict of interest, did object to the reclassification and requested a hearing, which was held July 7.
Howard said Hathaway conceded that the reclassification was done correctly. "There's been no showing of violations," said Howard.
But Abramson, in her ruling, disagreed with the defense interpretation of the court's review authority. Citing the language of the law, which speaks of "a release to be conducive to the person's rehabilitation," Abramson said rehabilitation is not an issue in Coco's case.
"Defendant is not in need of rehabilitation," she wrote. "This is a defendant who requires punishment and deterrence."
Abramson wrote that "sentencing is an exclusively judicial function," and thus a review of a superintendent's decision to release an inmate is "retention of the judiciary's original power to impose sentences."
Abramson also wrote: "The Court possesses an inherent power to take actions necessary to ensure the sentences it imposes are appropriately carried out."
Dionne said earlier this week that superintendents had pushed for the ability to change classification without a hearing, because sometimes it could take months to get a hearing before a judge. They said the delay could jeopardize a prisoner's job or Social Security benefits and medications.
But as a result of the sentencing law change, reclassified prisoners can be out of jail for an extended period of time before a judge conducts a hearing on a prosecutor's objection.
Coco was off-duty in a police-owned SUV when he struck teenagers Dean Drukker and Noah Hickman who were walking in their neighborhood the evening of March 22, 2013. Drukker suffered a head injury and has recovered. Hickman suffered a broken elbow and has also recovered. Coco pleaded guilty to two felony charges of conduct after an accident in a negotiated plea.
Coco got out of jail on June 5. He was living at home in Bedford for a month before the hearing July 7 on the prosecutor's objection to his release.
Crime, law and justice Courts Bedford Manchester Top Section Stories