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Pepper Power
STUBBY. GREEN. THUMB-SIZE. These words don't exactly conjure romantic images of medieval Spanish towns, flamenco bars, or jubilant fiestas—unless you've sampled the diminutive green pimientos de Padrón. These sweet Galician peppers—a staple at any Spanish tapas bar—are so well loved that residents of the village of Herbón, where Padróns were originally cultivated, drop everything and celebrate with a festival when the peppers first begin to appear on plants each August. But Galicians are not the only ones who anxiously await the peppers' annual arrival. In Portland, pimientos de Padrón have developed something of a local cult following as well.
"Around April, customers start calling me asking, "When are the peppers coming? When are they going to be there?" says chef John Gorham of Toro Bravo, where a traditional tapas dish of fried pimientos de Padrón has been a favorite on his late-summer menu since the restaurant first opened in 2007.
Demand for Padrón peppers can be attributed as much to their delicate flesh and grassy flavor as to the amusement taken in eating them. Without warning, one pepper out of every 15 or so will detonate like a firecracker on the tongue. Spaniards delight in this game of culinary Russian roulette, frying up a batch of the pimientos for guests and waiting to see who will land the spicy one (which they say is good luck).
Stateside, pimientos de Padrón remain extremely rare. In most parts of the United States, farmers make do with seeds that have been hybridized with jalapeños, which many chefs say undercuts their trademark sweetness. But Viridian Farms, near McMinnville, is one of the few domestic producers offering true Padrón peppers. Partial to produce from the Mediterranean, owner Manuel Recio acquired his first Padrón seeds in Spain six years ago. Through a lengthy process of trial-and-error—and the discovery of techniques he won't disclose—Recio managed to coax the finicky peppers to grow in Oregon soil. Local chefs and farmers-market fanatics have been seeking them out ever since.
"The first time I tried them, I was wowed by the complexity of the flavor," says Gorham, whose preparation of the pimientos is strictly traditional: blistered in a cast-iron skillet and dusted with coarse sea salt. "I've had them all over the world, and they are always served very simple," he says. "Some things need no help."


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Paintworks Paint By Number Kits are a pleasure to paint and surprisingly quick and easy to do. Kits all contain pre-printed textured canvas, high quality acrylic paints, high quality brush, complete instructions and special techniques. Colors can easily be mixed to create a variety of colors, and they clean up easily with water. Japanese Garden Paint by Number Kit features a full blooming garden with an arched bridge over a pond. 20 x 16 inch.

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Himalaya, Licorice, Organic Digestive Support, 60 Caplets
- Since 1930
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified USDA Organic
- Gluten Free
- Happiness Through Wellness
- Helps Maintain Normal GI Function
- Herbal Supplement
- 2 Month Supply
- Family Owned For More Than 85 Years
- cGMP
- Vegan Friendly
- India Organic
- Certified Organic by Control Union Certifications Control Union 835047
In the ancient texts, Ayurveda noted licorice as a promoter of strength. Its soothing, sweet taste is thought to coat the digestive canal and aid in digestion.
However, modern science has shown that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Unique and powerful components in Licorice seem to have immunomodulating actions supporting not only the digestive system but also the respiratory tree, the liver, and even the adrenal glands.
Happiness Through Wellness
Crafting traditional medicines based on Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old science that believes the journey back to wholeness begins with nurturing the capacity for joy.
Trusting the gifts of nature and the irreplaceable relationship between the plant and its native soil for consistent healing properties.
Contributing to the wellness of the earth by teaching our family of farmers to grow native plants sustainably on their land and reduce the demand on the local environment.
Building communities by advocating women in farming, protecting fair prices, providing maternal health, sponsoring clinical services and offering school wellness programs.
Believing that if wellness is the path to happiness, we must contribute to the wellness of all things. Wellness of people, wellness of the environment, wellness of our communities.
Suggested use
Adults take 1 caplet per day before food.
Other ingredients
- No Wheat
- No Corn
- No Soy
- No Dairy
- No Ingredients of Animal Origin
|Supplement Facts
|Serving Size: 1 Caplet
|Servings Per Container: 60
|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Organic licorice powder (root) (3% Glycyrrhizin, 10.5 mg)
|350 mg
|Organic licorice extract (root) (Glycyrrhiza glabra) (25% Glycyrrhizin, 62.5 mg)
|250 mg
|*Daily Value not established.
Caution: As with any supplement, consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, have a medical condition or are planning any medical procedure. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if any adverse reactions occur. Keep out of reach of children.
While HealthCentralUSA strives to ensure the accuracy of its product images and information, some manufacturing changes to packaging and/or ingredients may be pending update on our site. Although items may occasionally ship with alternate packaging, freshness is always guaranteed. We recommend that you read labels, warnings and directions of all products before use and not rely solely on the information provided by HealthCentralUSA.


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EEOC - Employment Discrimination, Diversity, Harassment, Gender and Labor Issues
We offer a full range of resources to provide you with fast answers to the latest employment issues.
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Private Employment, State and Local Governments, Educational InstitutionsApplicants to and employees of most private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions, employment agencies and labor organizations are protected under the following Federal laws:
RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGINTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
DISABILITYThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, protects qualified applicants and employees with disabilities from discrimination in hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, job training, fringe benefits, classification, referral, and other aspects of employment on the basis of disability. The law also requires that covered entities provide qualified applicants and employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations that do not impose undue hardship.
AGE DISCRIMINATIONThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, protects applicants and employees 40 years of age or older from discrimination on the basis of age in hiring, promotion, discharge, compensation, terms, conditions or privileges of employment.
SEX DISCRIMINATIONIn addition to sex discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (see above), the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, prohibits sex discrimination in payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment.
Retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in an investigation, or opposes an unlawful employment practice is prohibited by all of these Federal laws. If you believe that you have been discriminated against under any of the above laws, you should immediately contact an attorney to determine your rights.


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United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Gropu announce winners of Intercultural Innovation Award
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Placido Domingo in Attendance
Vienna, 27 February 2013 - The Viennese Volkstheatre was host to the UNAOC and the BMW Group last night in celebration of The Intercultural Innovation Award. The coveted international Award is part of an unprecedented partnership between the UNAOC and the BMW Group. Designed to contribute towards social stability and economic growth in multicultural societies, the Award is given to innovative grassroots projects promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
During last night's award ceremony UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced Mexico based Puerta Joven as the top winner of the 2012 Intercultural Innovation Award. President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, Incoming United Nations High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, and Mr. Bill McAndrews, Vice President Communications Strategy, Corporate and Market Communications, BMW Group, presented the Award. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Placido Domingo was also in attendance to congratulate all the winners.
"I commend the leadership shown by the BMW Group in supporting this Award and the projects that are being recognized" stated the Secretary-General. "The creative solutions being showcased tonight hold lessons for all communities and for organizations such as the United Nations."
The top five finalists of the Award receive financial support for their projects totalling USD 100,000. However, all awardees of The Intercultural Innovation Award become members of the World Intercultural Facility for Innovation (WIFI). Initiated by the UNAOC and the BMW Group, WIFI is a platform for all awardees to connect with potential donors, mentors and previous winners. Awardees benefit from customized expertise and resources of both the BMW Group and the UNAOC in the areas of public relations, fundraising, staff planning and marketing.
The Award ceremony took place in the eve of the 5th UNAOC Global Forum where delegations from 135 countries and international organizations, youth, civil society organizations and corporate sector have gathered in Vienna to address the importance of intercultural dialogue. "The Intercultural Innovation Award is the best example of the UN Alliance of Civilizations commitment to action. Both
the Alliance and the BMW Group are committed to helping these winners increase their impact and expand their range of action" stated Al-Nasser.
Bill McAndrews stated "On behalf of the BMW Group, I wish to congratulate all of the awardees. The BMW Group and UNAOC are committed to supporting initiatives through this Award which have a long-lasting effect and sustainable, positive impact. We look forward to supporting their projects; and helping turn their ideas into accomplishments in the months and years ahead."
1st Prize $50,000 USD: Puerta Joven - Languages of Youth (Mexico)
Puerta Joven brings together indigenous youth groups who are discriminated because of their cultural identity or language. Their program fosters youth cultural expressions through mobile phones. Professional filmmakers visit schools and community centers teaching young beneficiaries how to use creative tools found in mobile phones to develop short films.
2nd Prize $20,000 USD: Plain Ink - When Change Reads Like a Book (Italy)
Plain Ink is a pioneering, non-profit social venture harnessing the power of stories; comics and children's books to help children and communities overcome the stumbling blocks of poverty and social exclusion.
3rd Prize $15,000 USD: Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group - Recycling as Bridge and Binder (India)
Through recycling, Chintan's project promotes understanding between poor migrants and the middle class and wealthy residents of New Delhi. Recycling in urban India is undertaken by marginalized migrants.
4th Prize $10,000 USD: Kapamagogopa Inc. (KI) Volunteers - Muslim Youth Volunteering for Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding (Philippines)
Kapamagogopa (KI) is the first and only systematized Muslim volunteer sending program in the Philippines. Young Muslims are mobilized to work as volunteers in non-Muslim organizations to promote development to non-Muslim and Muslim communities in Mindanao.
5th Prize $5,000 USD: TakingITGlobal (TIG) - TakingITGlobal Online Community (Canada)
TakingITGlobal (TIG) works at the intersection of the growing youth demographic, globalization, and the rise of the information society to empower young people as active global citizens and agents of change.
Honorable mentions were given to the other finalists. Further information available on: www.bmwgroup.com/award
Photos of the Award ceremony can be downloaded on: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/
For further questions please contact:
BMW Group Corporate and Governmental Affairs
Milena Pighi
Social Responsibility
tel: +49-89-382-66563
email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Mahdis Keshavarz
tel.: +1.425.591.8781
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Gold Gloves are bunk. Let's talk about them anyway.
Baseball-Reference, because it has everything under the sun, has the lists of Gold Glove winners for the American and National leagues through history. Like other pages on B-Ref, it uses shading to indicate sequences and thus gives the user at-a-glance insight into how often the award at a given position changes hands. (It's also a feature of, inter alia, team defensive lineup pages, so that a position held on lockdown all year by one player is distinguished easily from a rotating cast or platoon situation.)
When you look at the shading of this year's Gold Glove winners, you'll notice just one repeat player in the National League and three in the American. Four out of 18 should not be a surprising number given league turnover and injury and skill erosion and ability whatever-the-antonym-of-erosion-is, but Gold Gloves are, at least to hear statheads tell it, decided on a variety of factors that only partially include actual defensive skill and more importantly deal with questions like "did dude win it last year?" (Or forget statheads — let's ask a labor economist.)
There have been two-league Gold Gloves since 1958. Here's a list of all the previous years in which there were four or fewer repeaters one year to the next: 2011. FIN.
One time! And that one time is cheating, too, because 2011 was the first year since 1959 that the outfield Gold Gloves were awarded to the three separate positions rather than for all outfielders as a lump. The 2010 NL Gold Glove outfield included both Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn, for instance, and thus 2011 had one nearly guaranteed spot of turnover. ("Nearly" because it's possible that either Victorino or Bourn could have moved to a corner for 2012, though that might typically suggest that the man was not worthy of a Gold Glove the previous year. Nor that unworthiness has ever stopped anyone before.)
I'm not going to quantify anything in this article, but let me explain the process by which I manually compiled the above list-of-one. I started with the page of National League winners and scrolled across in each year counting how many repeaters I saw. If the number was four or fewer, I would flip over to the American League page to continue the count for the year in question. If I got to five before even seeing the American League, then obviously I did not need to flip pages because I was already past four and you can't have negative repeaters.
I mention this because I sensed that I started having to flip over to the American League page far more often as time went on, with a particular shift occurring, I would guess, somewhere around the early 2000s. If you click those links above, I suspect you'll agree that, visually, the early 2000s appear much more checkerboard than the monochromatic 1970s. There are certainly still long streaks in modern times, like Greg Maddux, Andruw Jones, Jim Edmonds, Torii Hunter, Ichiro Suzuki, and Eric Chavez, but you also see four winners in the last four years for NL pitchers, first basemen, and third basemen, as well as AL second basemen. Note that free agency creating more league-switchers (if indeed that is true—players changed teams far more often pre-free-agency than "good old days" types like to admit) wouldn't seem to explain the shift because free agency came around far earlier than the early 2000s.
So why all the turnover? If talent and performance are more variable than reputation, it's possible that the managers and coaches who vote on the award are actually aware of or are being told about advanced defensive stats and are thus voting on different criteria than in the past. (Much as we might like them to vote based on their eyes, how hard was Joe Girardi really looking at Alex Gordon's defense in left field the seven times the Royals played the Yankees in 2012? Does it actually matter to him to evaluate Gordon's defense beyond preparation for the third-base coach's decisions about whether to send or hold runners? That is, does he have an incentive to judge enemy left fielders on their defense? And thus does he truly have a sense just from watching the two play a few times a year whether Gordon is better than David Murphy such that his vote can honestly be called "informed"?) It's also possible that the same rules and the same biases and the same shortcuts as ever have applied and it's just circumstance that's resulted in the record turnover of the last two seasons. A position-by-position glance (cough) at how the awards came to pass could be helpful.
American League
Pitcher: Mark Buehrle won three in a row from 2009 to 2011 after Kenny Rogers and Mike Mussina loosened their stranglehold on the award by retiring after 2008. Buehrle abandoned the South Side for a Miami address in 2012, though, leaving AL voters in need of someone new. They copped out and split the award between Jeremy Hellickson and Jake Peavy. Lucky for us all, this doubles the chance (don't check my math on this) that next year's winner at the position is a repeater, especially since Peavy, who could have been a free agent, has signed a multi-year deal in Chicago.
Catcher: Joe Mauer was the reigning champion heading into 2011, but he played just 82 games and got only 47 starts at catcher that year. Matt Wieters took the award and ran with it again this season. He does have a sterling defensive reputation, but it took Mauer becoming a part-time catcher to give Wieters his shot.
First base: Mark Teixeira vs. Adrian Gonzalez in 2011 was a battle of incumbents, with Gonzalez entering the junior circuit after winning the award three years out of the previous four in the NL. Gonzalez won out, which is no real surprise given his visible smoothness and athleticism (would the Yankees put Teixeira in the outfield for interleague play?) and Teixeira generally looking like he has an entire lumberyard in his pants. Gonzalez was traded back to the NL in the middle of this year, though, so Teixeira regained his crown.
Second base: This is weird. Robinson Cano, Dustin Pedroia, and Placido Polanco have each won two awards in the last six years, but none of them were consecutive. If the pattern holds, an entirely new second baseman will win the award in 2013, followed by Pedroia in 2014, then our new Mr. X again in 2015. What do you say? Jurickson Profar? In any case, there does not appear to be any circumstantial rhyme or reason to much of this beyond Polanco leaving for the NL after his second award.
Third base: Adrian Beltre won in 2007 and 2008, then played just 111 games in 2009, allowing Evan Longoria to jump in. Longoria won for two years, but then both Beltre and Longoria played a short-ish schedule in 2011: 133 games and 124, respectively. On the one hand, Beltre missing time gave the voters the opportunity to apply incumbency rules because the two stood on relatively equal footing. On the other hand, Beltre had a batting average over 50 points higher. Beltre's repeat in 2012 doesn't do much to point one way or the other, though, because Longoria played just 74 games and American League third basemen with good defensive reps are in short supply these days. I mean, Brandon Inge managed only 83 games himself and he was a finalist for the thing.
Shortstop: Jeter-Aybar-Hardy is how this has gone the past three years. Maybe not voting for Jeter in 2011 is a sign that voters are waking up, but he did miss about 30 games. On the other hand, there are no playing time or batting reasons for Erick Aybar to have lost the award to J.J. Hardy this season—Hardy, in fact, had a horrible year with the stick. He likely benefited from the light reflecting off the Orioles' run to the playoffs, but Ryne Sandberg, to pick a name, won a lot of Gold Gloves on a lot of ugly Cubs teams in the '80s. This one seems like a legitimate decision that Hardy was a Hoover at short.
Right field: Nick Markakis got hurt this year, so Josh Reddick's Spider-Man routine and flashy, sexy, shiny, gorgeous, orgasmically beautiful arm (okay, Okay, OKAY, ugh) were allowed to step in and bring Oakland its first outfield Golden Leather since Dwayne Murphy in 1985.
Left field: After 2010, Carl Crawford moved to a team with a Green Monster and immediately commenced injuring himself and failing to hit. Alex Gordon stepped into the breach and stood ready to repeat in 2012, which he did.
Center field: Jacoby Ellsbury plays for Boston and thus missed much of 2012 with injury. Adam Jones took advantage. Next year's choice between Jones and Mike Trout (and here's to hoping that both stay healthy and play well enough to make that a genuine choice for the voters) may really put any conclusions regarding the tendencies of Gold Glove voters to the test. Trout is certainly a flashy defender, and both FRAA and the batted-ball metrics agree that Trout is better than Jones. Keep an eye on this one, friends!
Designated hitter: Rafael Palmeiro edged out Edgar Martinez yet again for this one. That makes 22 straight for ol' Finger Wag.
National League
Pitcher: Mark Buehrle moved leagues and stepped into a situation with no clear incumbent, as the prior three winners had been Adam Wainwright (I don't see any external reasons for him not to have repeated in 2010), Bronson Arroyo (who pitched horribly in 2011), and Clayton Kershaw (who might could have won in 2012 had Buehrle not walked in and started bossing everyone around like he does god he's so annoying).
Catcher: Yadier Molina is starting to look like Ivan Rodriguez (not literally) with five straight wins and no real end in sight given that he just had his age-29 season. Buster Posey's going to have to slug .700 to have a chance.
First base: Four winners in four years, and it's kind of weird. Adrian Gonzalez won in 2009, lost in 2010, then left the league for 2011. Albert Pujols won in 2010, lost in 2011, then left the league for 2012. Joey Votto won in 2011, lost in 2012, then [REDS FANS RUN SCREAMING INTO THE STREETS]
Sorry. The real problem was that Votto missed a lot of time and, as mentioned, the other recent choices, Pujols and Gonzalez, left the league. This spot presents another interesting scenario for 2013: does Adam LaRoche, assuming he stays in the NL, win again? Does Votto reclaim his crown with his health? Does Gonzalez become the de facto incumbent as a Dodger? Or do they split the vote and Susan Lucci breaks out as the surprise winner?
Second base: Darwin Barney did nothing with the bat, a whole lot with the glove, and simply stole the award from Brandon Phillips, who had won two in a row.
I can't make any argument that this award was anti-incumbent, but I would like to point out something: the thing that Barney did in 2012 is set a record for most consecutive games at second base without the official scorer giving him an error. It isn't clear to me how happy we nerds should feel. On the one hand, Barney likely was not given the award because of reputation (nobody knew his name before this year) or hitting (.305 career OBP, .299 this season), so in a sense, he was chosen for fielding. On the other hand, errorless streak. We all know how useless errors are. I'm scratching my head. Is this a step forward or a step back for defensive-award voting?
Third base: Scott Rolen won in 2010, then played 157 games combined over the next two years. Placido Polanco won in 2011 and then played 90 in 2012. I think it's fair to consider this position to have been sans incumbent. Consider also that winner Chase Headley broke out with a .498 slugging percentage (with half his games in Petco!) and was recognized as one of the best players in the game this year. As long as he's not a butcher in the field, that's exactly the kind of profile that winds up recognized with Yellow Handwear. (I'm really really running out of ways to describe the award without just saying "Gold Glove" over and over. Work with me.)
Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins won from 2007-09. Then he got hurt in 2010. Troy Tulowitzki won in 2010 and 2011. Then he got hurt in 2012. Rollins was waiting in the wings to take back what was rightfully his. (Note: I have no idea if it was rightfully his or not. Given that he is a professional ballplayer, I'm sure he considered it so.) As you've seen at this point, this is an archetypal Gold Glove story.
Left field: Carlos Gonzalez won an outfield award in 2010. Gerardo Parra won the left field award in 2011 as Gonzalez played just 61 games in left, with another 64 in right and center. Gonzalez became a full-time left-fielder this year, though, and was thus positioned to take back the award.
Center field: Matt Kemp won in 2011, then got hurt a lot this year. He's probably better suited to a corner anyway and probably won the 2011 honor based on his offensive work. Which was absurdly stellar. Anyway, in 2012, with Kemp hurt, Andrew McCutchen hit like an MVP candidate. Guess who won the Gold Glove. (It's not Andres Torres.)
Right field: Jason Heyward legitimately stole this from Andre Ethier, especially given their very similar slash lines at the plate. I don't see anything (other than defensive merit) stopping the voters from taking Ethier.
Are you still with me? Let's go back and do a tally. Of the 14 trophies that changed hands, I count four as having done so "legitimately"—American League second base and shortstop and National League second base and right field. I haven't proved a thing in my life since I quit doing math after college, but I think there's at least a suggestion here that the (un?)conventional wisdom regarding Gold Gloves, that they're based on hitting and fame and incumbency, is still very much true, and that we're looking at a fluke season or two of significant turnover being caused by a freak storm of rule changes (the shift in outfield awards), injuries (especially Mauer, Longoria, Tulowitzki), and league-switchers (Buehrle and Adrian Gonzalez in particular) more than by a shift in voting patterns.
It's also possible that managers are in fact using data provided by front office nerds to vote, or that they're smarter about how they vote with their eyes (not being fooled by tricks of the memory and flashy plays), but it's being masked by the narrative I've constructed above. Like I said, I can't prove anything, but I would suggest that this does not appear to be the most likely explanation for Gold Glove voting at this time.
So but hey, mazel tov to the winners one way or the other, and I hope they enjoy their bonuses.
Thank you for reading
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Merkel says EU budget talks will be tough, outcome unclear
German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged her EU partners on Saturday to work together to get a deal on the 27-member bloc's budget at a summit this week, warning that agreement was far from certain.
EU leaders meet in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to try to clinch a deal on its 1 trillion euro budget for 2014-2020 after they failed to do so in November.
In her weekly podcast, Merkel said she expected very difficult negotiations.
"Germany will try to contribute to a result. We will only be able to see at the end of next week whether it succeeds," she said.
"But it is worth trying," she said, adding that at a time when many European countries are struggling with economic growth, an EU budget deal would give certainty for financial planning.
She said the budget must be used to make sure the EU increases its competitiveness and that member states' economies become gradually more aligned.
In preparation for the summit, Merkel is holding a round of talks in the coming days. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy comes to Berlin on Monday and she is to visit French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday evening.
Merkel had struck a more positive note earlier this week at a news conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, saying she was very optimistic about a deal.
Monti wants a reform of the EU system of rebates, arguing that Italy's contribution to the budget is out of proportion to its real wealth. Some net contributors, such as Britain, have demanded deep reductions in EU spending plans.
(Reporting by Madeline Chambers, editing by William Hardy)


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|Australia v England - Dec 11-16, 1970
|Australia v England - Dec 14-18, 2017
|Test records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
|India v New Zealand - Dec 9, 1980
|Australia v Pakistan - Jan 19, 2017
|ODI records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
|Australia v New Zealand - Dec 11, 2007
|Australia v Sri Lanka - Oct 31, 2010
|T20I records | Results | High totals | High scores | Most runs | Best bowling | Most wickets | Partnerships | Statsguru
|Records index
The WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association Ground), which is built on old swamp land, has been the home to many sports, including AFL, rugby (both codes) and soccer, but its real fame is as a cricket ground. Although it was first used in 1890, transport problems meant it was not part of Australia's main cricket community. The arduous trip from the east was eased a little with the building of a railway, but the journey still took several days. It was only with the introduction of scheduled flights that Perth become truly accessible.
The WACA staged its first Test in 1970-71 and soon established a reputation for being a fast and hard track, and that continued until the last couple of years when the surface flattened out. The often intense Perth heat is famously eased in the afternoon by the Fremantle Doctor, a breeze which sweeps in along the Swan River.
The future of the WACA has been increasingly under the spotlight and despite investment in the spectator accommodation, the switch of AFL to the nearby purpose-built Subiaco Oval [capacity 43,000] has led to serious financial issues and the WACA has struggled to pay its way.
In 2002, the ground was redeveloped and its capacity reduced to make it more economical. Features included building a new small grandstand and players' pavilion, reducing the size of the playing arena, and replacing seats with grass hills on each side and replacing all the seats with new ones. As a result, the permanent capacity of the stadium is 22,000 with the use of temporary stands used for all major events to boost it to 24,500.
Martin Williamson December 2006
Thu Mar 23 - Mon Mar 27
10:00 local | 02:00 GMT
Sheffield Shield
Final - Western Australia v Victoria
|- Day and Night - International Matches - Covered by Cricinfo
|No responsibility is taken by Cricinfo for the accuracy of this information.


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|United States
Society in the middle colonies was far more varied, cosmopolitan and tolerant than in New England. In many ways, Pennsylvania and Delaware owed their initial success to William Penn.
Under his guidance, Pennsylvania functioned smoothly and grew rapidly. By 1685 its population was almost 9,000. The heart of the colony was Philadelphia, a city soon to be known for its broad, tree-shaded streets, substantial brick and stone houses, and busy docks. By the end of the colonial period, nearly a century later, 30,000 people lived there, representing many languages, creeds and trades. Their talent for successful business enterprise made the city one of the thriving centers of colonial America.
Though the Quakers dominated in Philadelphia, elsewhere in Pennsylvania others were well represented. Germans became the colony's most skillful farmers. Important, too, were cottage industries such as weaving, shoemaking, cabinetmaking and other crafts.
Pennsylvania was also the principal gateway into the New World for the Scots-Irish, who moved into the colony in the early 18th century. "Bold and indigent strangers," as one Pennsylvania official called them, they hated the English and were suspicious of all government. The Scots-Irish tended to settle in the back country, where they cleared land and lived by hunting and subsistence farming.
As mixed as the people were in Pennsylvania, New York best illustrated the polyglot nature of America. By 1646 the population along the Hudson River included Dutch, French, Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, English, Scots, Irish, Germans, Poles, Bohemians, Portuguese and Italians -- the forerunners of millions to come.
The Dutch continued to exercise an important social and economic influence on the New York region long after the fall of New Netherland and their integration into the British colonial system. Their sharp-stepped, gable roofs became a permanent part of the city's architecture, and their merchants gave Manhattan much of its original bustling, commercial atmosphere.
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Source: U.S. Department of State


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Each year we get a chance to drive the all-new or significantly revised pickup trucks that are sold in the United States. And we make sure to test each of those vehicles to find out which should be your top choice.
First up is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The all-new frame and chassis deliver what is probably the strongest and most nimble Chevy pickup ever made, and now it comes with six different high-tech powertrain choices. With eight new and distinct trim packages, first-time and long-time pickup buyers will appreciate the redesigned interior and larger bed sizes.
Next was the segment's best-seller, the Ford F-150, but now offered with an all-new high-tech 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel and buttery smooth and versatile ten-speed transmission. The new diesel will be offered across all trim packages, from XL to Limited, and will deliver 440 pound-feet of torque with an EPA rating of 30 mpg on the highway.
Our third competitor was the GMC Sierra 1500 which also offers a new frame and chassis and a set of six new powertrain choices, similar to its structural sibling the Silverado 1500, but the Sierra 1500 differs more than ever before with its new look inside and out.
And our final nominee is the all-new Ram 1500, which we first saw at the Detroit Auto Show last year. The new Ram light-duty benefits from a stronger frame and chassis for better payload and towing numbers, as well a pair of new class-exclusive mild-hybrid powertrains—one V-6 and one V-8, but the major attention grabber for this truck is a luxurious new cab and interior layout that's getting tons of attention for its 12-inch touchscreen and elegant design.
And the winner is the Ram 1500. Not only is it a sweet riding pickup truck, but it also has one of the most luxurious interiors you'll see anywhere in the auto industry. And for that reason we gave it our best pickup truck of 2019.


text: I own a newer version of the Starmate and have all 30 presets used yet I get only a few alerts. At times when I find a band or song I know I have preset I try to save it again in the memory and it won't let me. Is there something I need to do to fix this?


text: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Advocacy Alliance (KAA) is the non-partisan voice for over 2.5 million breast cancers survivors and the people who love them. The SC Mountains to Midlands Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is dedicated to combating breast cancer at every front. Our mission is to translate the Komen promise to end breast cancer forever into action at all levels of government to discover and deliver the cures.


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This is the fifteenth in a series detailing the 34 steps I recommended for making a Fantasy Sandbox Campaign. Today's post will cover part of the following step.
Pick the 4 or 6 most important Population locales and draw a quarter page sketch map of the settlement.From Step VIII
0504 Kathi (village) Human
This is a farming village on the eastern shore of the Isle of Piall. The village has 300 humans and is held by Sir Vandas Gervon a distant cousin of Baron Argus. A third of village is devoted to fishing and the remainder works the surrounding fields. Despite Baron Argus' disapproval Sir Vandas tries to be helpful to the Sheriff. He hopes to win the Sheriff's recommendation so he can send his son, Andal to be a squire at the royal court in Haras.
- This the manor house of Sir Vandas Gervon, his wife Elessa, and their 5 children the eldest of which is the 17 year old Andal. Visitors with any status will be greeted with a royal welcome and a feast at the manor's great hall. During which Sir Vandas will question the party to see if some type of squireship can be secured for Andal.
- This is the small merchant quarter of the village. It has the Goldenrod Inn, a Smithy, and a Carpenter's workshop. Across Byway is a small temple of Veritas run by two priests and three acolytes.
- This is a pasture. It is used for grazing the local herd before the fall slaughter and the spring lambing.
- This is the North Field over 800 acres of cropland (much of this extends off map). Kathi practices two crop rotation. Currently this field is in fallow.
- This is the South Field which is another 800 acres of cropland (also extends off map). Currently this field is planted with wheat, barley and rye. The Village Reeve and Sir Vandas are considering whether to switch to a new system of rotating three fields.
- These are various individual vegetable gardens tended by the villages. They are crisscrossed with number small paths.
- This is the home of the fisherfolk of the Kathi. They are led by Donard Tivor a huge hulk of a man. He takes little interest in the conflict between Moran of Carras, and Helmar of Datha. When either tries to interfere with one of his fishermen, he smacks the offender upside the head with his large fishclub. Known for eating the head of a herring for good luck prior to the start of a fishing season.
This is pretty much a typical manorial village. You have the lord who is Sir Vandas who has the power of justice over the serfs of the village. Freedmen can appeal to the king's sheriff in Mikva however as a practical matter this is only done as a matter of last resort as most try to avoid causing major trouble in the small village. The villagers have several officers the Reeve which works with Sir Vandas on day to day administration, the Beadle in charge of collecting fines and keeping the peace, the Woodward in charge of making use that the woods are properly used, and the Hayward which inspects the fields, and tools to make sure everything is done properly.
The freedmen of the village will include the innkeeper, the smith, the carpenter, several yeoman who hold land rent-free in exchange for being ready for instants military service. A handful of the villagers hold strips in their own name with the only requirement that they pay a rent for using the common plow.
I recommend Harnmanor as the most gamable treatment of Manorialism. Fief and A Magical Medieval Society are both likewise good. Ken Follet's World without End, the sequel to Pillars of the Earth has several chapters set in a medieval villages that has useful stuff for gaming. Finally on Lythia.com a well done generic manor was released.
That it for part XVI next is Part XVII where the town of Mikva is detailed.


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I know, I know… how can I even show my face around here? And I deserve it. Leaving you all high and dry. Ok, so maybe I'm being a little dramatic. But bear with me. I've been parenting and vacationing and organizing and garage saling and birthday-ing and working… you know, living. I do have happy news, I have had consistent clients from the get go, which is pretty exciting if you ask me! In fact, I have clients through February! (How awesome is that?!)
But the thing that drew me back here… well, really I've been thinking about doing a post for over a week now. Sharing various stories and laughs and pictures, but the thing that made it necessary to do today… is simple. Littlest is 2. I know, I know…it does seem like just yesterday I was recounting his birth (horrors and wonders alike)! And then I was dealing with the aftermath of his birth around his first birthday.
And now here we are, his second birthday. My baby is two years old. My baby is no longer actually a baby. My house will no longer contain any babies. My house will never again be home to a baby. A baby will never again belong to me. Do you see the digression? Do you feel it? I feel it. I'm pretty sure I've been feeling it for about a month. I've become incredibly emotional and perhaps even a little irrational. You see, I would've been the little old woman who lived in a shoe, who had so many children she didn't know what to do… and I would've liked it that way. Lots of people look forward to the end of babyhood and enjoy toddlerville and the elementary years; I am not them. Ok, that's not entirely true- I do enjoy toddlerville and I am enjoying the beginning of our elementary years. But I am not a mama who looks forward to babies no longer being babies.
Obviously (as I've said before, I know), I would never trade Littlest's sweet self for the option to have more children. But it is still bittersweet to watch him grown and to know that this is the end of babyhood. And childbearing. I'm even sad that I'll never labor and birth another baby. That's right, I'm in that deep.
But in the midst of the sadness, there is this deep thankfulness and joy. I have my boy and I get to witness his growth! My itty-bitty boy who never should have survived the pregnancy and his mama who almost bled out without anyone noticing. I have him. I cuddle him. I teach him. I
try to ignore him listen to him. I love him. And looking at him today, I still see the miracle he was the day he was born, and the miracle he's been every day in between.
Littlest E, you will always be the baby (as all of my children will always be my babies) and a constant reminder that miracles happen every day and to every day people. I am so, so blessed and thankful to be your mama. Happy birthday, my boy.


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Album of the Day 10/29/11
Still getting back on track, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Saturday's album was #459:
The Jazz Combo From I Want to Live
Noir jazz doesn't get any more lurid, or any better, than this smoldering, haunted 1958 session featuring variations on Johnny Mandel's theme from the docudrama about executed convict Barbara Graham, the last woman to die in the gas chamber at San Quentin, who may well have been innocent. The band, led by Gerry Mulligan and featuring Shelly Manne on piano, Art Farmer on trumpet and Bud Shank on alto sax, is first-rate. The album actually starts with the downright sexy, tiptoeing Black Nightgown before the brooding, doomed main title theme; the suspenseful Night Watch; the jaunty San Francisco nightclub scene where all the accomplices think they'll get away with murder (they didn't); the offhandedly wrenching, pleading Barbara's Theme and a cruelly ironic Life's a Funny Thing to end it. Here's a random torrent via Groove Depository. Big shout-out to Nellie McKay for inspiring this pick – and for writing her own musical about this sad chapter in American "justice."
Album of the Day 10/26/11
As we usually do every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Wednesday's album is #462:
Jazz on a Summer's Day
This is a case where you really should get the movie: the visuals of this 1960 documentary of the 1958 Monterey Jazz Festival are fascinating and often hilarious. It's best known for Anita O'Day, stoned out of her mind, wailing her way through Sweet Georgia Brown and Tea for Two with a great horn player's imagination and virtuosity. That's just the juiciest moment; there's also a young, ducktailed Chuck Berry doing the splits on Sweet Little Sixteen; Dinah Washington making All of Me sound fresh and fun; Gerry Mulligan and his band; and cameos by George Shearing, Thelonious Monk, Big Maybelle, Chico Hamilton, a lot of Louis Armstrong and a real lot of Mahalia Jackson at her peak doing spirituals and a final stirring benediction. Some of you may scoff at how mainstream this is…until you hear what this crew does with a lot of standard fare. The random torrent here is for the movie rather than the stand-alone soundtrack.
Album of the Day 10/24/11
As we usually do every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Monday's album was #464:
Gerry Mulligan – The Concert Jazz Band at Newport 1960
This one of those recordings that went unreleased for decades, most likely because the sonics aren't quite up to cd quality. But in the age of the mp3, it's not as if most people can tell the difference. And the versatile, nonconformist baritone saxophonist/composer's big band is absolutely smoking, snaking their way up Kai Winding's Broadway, taking the Theme from I Want to Live deep into noir territory, going Out of This World and then to gypsyland with Manoir de Mes Reves. They go swinging into the blues with the Johnny Hodges homage Carrots for Rabbit, then expansive versions of Sweet and Slow, I'm Gonna Go Fishin' and go out on a high note with Blueport. There are also a couple of bonus tracks from European shows around the same time. Here's a random torrent via Moha Offbeat.
Album of the Day 10/23/11
As we really try to do every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Sunday's album is #465:
Ella Fitzgerald – Twelve Nights in Hollywood
The "great American songbook" was the elevator music of its era – 99.99% of it is garbage. But when jazz musicians got ahold of it, magic could happen. This 2009 four-cd box set of previously unreleased 1961 and 1962 small club dates is notable for being Ella backed by a small combo – just understated piano, bass and drums – which gives her the advantage of not having to belt over the roar of a big band. So as with Sarah Vaughan (see #611 on this list), this gets the nod over the rest of her exhaustive catalog because she really gets to take it deep into the shadows. To be truthful, there is some schlock among the 77 tracks here, but there are also innumerable wee-hours gems, notably the original jazz and blues songs: Billie Holiday's Lover Come Back to Me; Ellington's Caravan and Squeeze Me; Ray Charles' Hallelujah I Love Him So; Monk's Round Midnight and Les Paul's How High the Moon. There are also expansive versions of One for My Baby, The Lady Is a Tramp, Anything Goes, All of Me, Love For Sale (where she leaves no doubt that it's about a hooker) and the famous moment where she decides to be a rock singer for thirty seconds before jumping back into Cole Porter's Too Darn Hot. Here's a random torrent.
Album of the Day 10/21/11
As we do pretty much every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Friday's album is #467:
Cannonball Adderley – Mercy Mercy Mercy: Live at the Club
More than virtually any other artist, alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley successfully bridged the gap between R&B and jazz: he was terrifically popular in the urban juke joint scene, and did his best work live. This 1966 album with a kick-ass band including brother Nate on cornet and a young Joe Zawinul on piano gets the nod because it doesn't have any of the schlock he occasionally tried to jazz up, like stuff from Fiddler on the Roof. Right off the bat, he spirals all over the place on the opening theme, aptly titled Fun, followed by the swinging proto-funk of Games, the title track (a surprise top 20 hit), the fiery Sticks, Zawinul's Hippodelphia and a killer, eleven-minute version of Adderley's own Sack O'Woe, taking the set out on an exhilarating note. If you like this stuff, get to know his other 60s material: it's pretty much all great. As Joe Strummer said, only half-sarcastically, "Don't step on my Cannonball Adderley lp's or cds." Here's a random torrent.
Album of the Day 10/4/11
As we do pretty much every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Tuesday's album was #484:
Jazz at the Philharmonic 1949
These concerts were parties, not sedate mellow jazz, and the crowd got passionately involved. For that reason (and because the recordings tended to be noisy as a result), there is a jazz element that has looked down on this annual series of recordings that went on through the 1950s. This one is probably the wildest: after promoter Norman Granz's interminable band intros, it's got the landmark moment where Lester Young famously leaps in during Charlie Parker's Leap Here. There's also Coleman Hawkins wailing on Rifftide, chilling out on Sophisticated Lady and the whole crew (especially trumpeter Fats Navarro) getting involved on The Things We Did Last Summer along with bluesy, Bird-driven versions of Lover Come Back to Me and Back Home Again in Indiana. And where can you grab a download? Nowhere! Blame the snobs, not us.
Album of the Day 9/21/11
Pretty much every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Wednesday's album was #497:
Hank Mobley – Soul Station
This 1961 album is sort of a tenor sax response to Almost Blue, with a similarly beautiful nocturnal vibe. Which on one hand makes perfect sense since it has Wynton Kelly on piano and Paul Chambers on bass, with drummer Art Blakey in almost shockingly cool mode. Mobley made a name for himself playing just a hair behind the beat for maximum swing impact (something that didn't ingratiate him to his hard-bop contemporaries), and he does that tunefully and memorably here, on their remake of the Irving Berlin ballad Remember as well as originals like the wryly soulful This I Dig of You, Dig This, the aptly titled, somewhat ambiguous Split Feelin' and the high point of the album, the title cut. It ends on a poignant note with If I Should Lose. Who says sidemen can't make great albums as bandleaders? Here's a random torrent via Jazz Is My Life.
Album of the Day 8/19/11
Every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Friday's album was #529:
Charles Evans/Neil Shah – Live at Saint Stephens
We go to the well, or to be precise, to a church in the wilds of Pennsylvania for this one, a hypnotic, often downright macabre 2009 set of originals and improvisations by this dynamic baritone sax/piano duo. Shah's glimmering chromatics evoke Erik Satie as much as they do Keith Jarrett, livened and eclectically flavored by Evans' panoramic lines – he uses the entirety of his range including all kinds of harmonics. Yet as bracing and strange as this is, most of it you can hum. It's a couple of mini-suites, a playful, bluesy Jan Roth cover, and many lengthy passages alternating terse, blues-based purism with murky, often menacing suspense from both instruments. Too obscure to make it to the usual sources for free music, it's still available from Moppa Elliott's fantastic Hot Cup Records label.
If you like this you might want to check out our brand-new wilder, crazier sister blog New York City Music Daily.
Album of the Day 8/17/11
Every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Wednesday's album was #531:
Monty Alexander – Yard Movement
What the Jamaican pianist did on this 1995 live release was pretty radical at the time, but when you think about it, all he did was basically bring reggae full circle. Consider: reggae comes from rocksteady, rocksteady from ska, ska from calypso and calypso from jazz. Alexander has been a lyrical, exuberant player for decades, and immersed in the style even if he didn't start out playing it, so it was a natural progression for him. His equally ecstatic band here includes reggae guitar icon Ernest Ranglin (a jazzcat himself – see #903 on this list). They kick it off by winding their way up slowly and deliberately into a twelve-plus minute version of Bob Marley's Exodus, hitting the same hypnotic groove as the original but with cascading, incisive leads by the piano instead of the guitar. The rest of the album is all Alexander originals: the more stern Regulator; the blissful ballads Crying, Love Notes and Moonlight City, his popular tribute to his favorite Jamdown spot, Strawberry Hill, and the hot closing jam, Sneaky Steppers. Pretty much everything Alexander has ever done is worth a spin, including his latest, Harlem-Kingston Express live record. This one is streaming in its entirety at grooveshark; here's a random torrent via Ras Cope.
Album of the Day 8/9/11
Every day, our 1000 best albums of all time countdown continues all the way to #1. Tuesday's album is #539:
Either/Orchestra – The Calculus of Pleasure
Before Ethiopiques, before Either/Orchestra became Mulatu Astatke's North American backing unit, they were a very clever, original, often noirish big band. When they weren't doing cinematic, genre-defying instrumentals that bridge the gap between rock and jazz, that is. Literally everything saxophonist/composer Russ Gershon's long-running Boston outfit has released is worth hearing; this 1992 release gets the nod because it's probably their darkest and most cohesive. The real stunner here is a sad, elegaic ballad aptly titled Grey. There's also the bracing, uneasy swing of Whisper Not; Bennie Moten's Weird Nightmare, with its tongue-in-cheek Mingus echoes; the cinematic, suspenseful Consenting Adults; Ecaroh, which alternates between creepy bossa nova and swinging contentment; Unnatural Pastime, which begins as an animated jump blues but gets dark fast; and the epics Miles Away and The Hard Blues. Most of this is streaming at myspace (and surprisingly, this playlist isn't interrupted by ads); here's a random torrent via Six By Six.


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As the only International youth hostel located in the University town, the newly renovated PekingUni International Hostel in Beijing Haidian District is perfect for International students and tourists visiting Beijing. It is surrounded with the most famous universities in China. To name a few, they include the Beijing Language and Culture University, Tsinghua University, Peking University, China University of Geosciences, China University of Science & Technology
The Haidian University town District is an ideal place for leisure and entertainment. It is also famous homeland for foreigners. You can find all different kind of restaurants-Chinese, Western, Japanese, Korean, other 24 hour fast food store (McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut etc). Besides, it is easily accessible to everything you need-Supermarket, Wastons? Starbucks, Computer Mall, Night Bars, Karaoke, Massage & Spa, Gym and Internet Cafe
Situated near the WuDaoKou metro station, it takes only 15-minute ride to the Summer Palace by bus, 5 minutes ride to the Ruins of Yuanmingyuan, and 15 minutes ride to the 2008 Olympic village. You can also take the metro and subway to go to the Lama Temple and Tiananmen Square. It is also very convenient to the Badaling Great Wall and the Ming Tombs


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Register for the Understanding Swaps Markets - Livestreamed, on October 17, 18, 24 and 25.
- All payments must be made in Euro
c) Please be aware that your name will be included on the delegate list on the online learning platform. If you do not want your name included, please email the Education team.
d) We would like to send you by e-mail occasional news from ICMA including regulatory updates and invitations to ICMA events and training courses, you can unsubscribe from this at any time.
1.1I understand that my reservation for the above course shall be accepted and confirmed if ICMA sends me a respective confirmation in writing within 3 business days from receipt of my payment. I also understand that if ICMA does not send me such confirmation within the specified period my reservation could not be considered and that the course fee will be refunded to me in full.1.2I agree that ICMA shall have the right to cancel courses and workshops at its own discretion for any reason (including e.g. if a sufficient minimum number of participants is not reached before the start date of the relevant course). In the event of such cancellation, the course fee will be refunded to me in full. I agree that ICMA shall not be liable for any expenses incurred by me, my employer, or anyone else on my behalf, due to the cancellation.1.3In the case that I want to cancel my reservation for this course I shall notify ICMA (attention Education Team) in writing without delay. I agree to the following cancellation fees being applied by ICMA:until the 30th calendar day before the start date of the relevant course = 10%from the 29th calendar day to the 15th calendar day before the start date of the relevant course = 50%from the 14th calendar day to the last calendar day before the start date of the relevant course = 75%on or after the start date of the relevant course = 100%Refunds will only be processed after the completion of the relevant course and after the return of any course material already provided to you. Any such material must be returned undamaged and at your own expense.1.4I agree that if I fail to attend or complete this course within the given deadline, without following the cancellation procedure (see 1.3 above), no refund of the course fee shall take place.1.5Delegates must register before the course in order to be allowed to join the course. I understand that registrations for online and livestreamed courses are non-transferable and non-refundable. I understand that substitutions can be made for classroom based courses at no charge subject to the condition that ICMA (attention Education Team) is notified accordingly in writing and provided with the details of the substitute (see 1.1 above) not later than 48 hours before the relevant course commences.1.6I agree that ICMA and its affiliate entities may retain the information supplied on this form on a database and use it for the purpose of course and event administration, and, IF I have ticked the relevant boxes above, include my name and name of my employer in a class list which may be distributed at the course in hard copy or to other registered delegates in electronic form as well as for the purposes of advertising future courses and events and promoting ICMA.
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Please tick here to agree to the terms and conditions


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Welcome to Information Technology Solutions servicing Imperial County. With over 45 years combined relevant IT, Audio/Visual and Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) experience, our team has a vast array of expertise in technology based applications and solutions. We are one of Southern California's only IT firms that provide complete consulting, design and engineering, bid assistance, project management and E-Rate planning services. As subject matter experts, we provide our clients with the following services:
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- Fiscal Tracking and Control
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- Requests for Proposals, Request for Quotes or Request for Bids
- Environmental Safety and Government Compliance
- Expertise in Codes and Standards
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programs
- Leaders in "Technology Project Management"
Our commitment to advocate for our clients through the entire project has brought about a new level of true customer service. During the programming phase, we assist our clients in organizing their needs, identifying priorities and budgetary requirements. We provide technical solutions and collaborate with technical staff in order to develop client approved solutions. Our ability to translate client needs into successful technology projects is based on a commitment to excellence.
At ITS, relationship building is a major priority. Many of our Southern California clients have been with us since 1993, proving that they come first. This philosophy has led ITS to be a leader in the design and deployment of integrated technology solutions on a diverse platform of technological fronts.
Whether it's updating an existing building, campus, system platform, or the creation of an all new technology infrastructure, ITS has the expertise to ensure your vision becomes reality... "From Concept to Completion," Information Technology Solutions is Southern California IT specialists.


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Many different parties may have "rights" to your property such as mortgage and leasehold rights, liens due for unpaid taxes and lien claims to those to whom the owner owes money, just to name a few. Some of these claims actually attach to the property's title.
When you buy a home, building, or vacant land, your attorney will perform a complete investigation (the "title search") on every aspect of the property looking for such risks.
Even after the search is completed, you will need protection in the event a hidden risk has been missed in the public records or someone makes a claim on the title to your property. Title insurance protects you against risks and insures you against loss.
North Carolina is an "attorney state" which means that title insurance is ordered by your closing attorney through the title company. Title insurance is a one-time fee that will appear on your closing statement.
HPW Market Title will gladly work with any attorney in the state of North Carolina that is approved by our underwriter, Chicago Title. However, for your convenience, we do provide a list of attorneys who are competent attorneys that focus primarily on real estate law.
Most people don't realize they have a choice in title insurance. In order to make your decision easy, the HPW Market Title team offers clients our 'Big Three Guarantee,' to ensure you are receiving the best coverage and the best service available.
If you would like more information about our North Carolina title insurance services, call HPW Market Title today at (919) 582-2555 for further information and assistance. We look forward to hearing from you!
© 2021 Howard Perry & Walston Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.
Howard Perry & Walston Realty, Inc. fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by or related to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. While we make every effort to ensure that school and district boundary data are up-to-date, it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.


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Saskia Oosting, an orange lei flapping around her neck, shouted joyfully as she approached the finish of the 2009 Miami Marathon (see image right). She crossed the line with her arms spread wide, as though in flight, in 3:47:59 — aBoston Marathon
Katie Kirwan was seeking that same satisfaction at the Carlsbad Marathon 12 months later. She passed the half in 1:50:43 — on pace for the 3:40 she needed — but when the 3:40 pace group passed her in the 23rd mile, she says, "It was just devastating. Like a kid having her ice cream stolen or something." She crossed the line in 3:49:38.
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More From Runner's World
For 113 years the Boston Marathon has inspired excellence in distance runners, and for 40 years Boston's qualifying times have defined the evolution of a sport. Their fine-tuning reflects two running booms, women's participation, the growth of age-group competition, the advent of computer timing, and a shift from competition toward participation. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), historically slow to embrace change, was nonetheless at the forefront of all these developments.
In the late 1960s, after decades of 200-man fields, the early ripples of the running boom reached Boston. Thirteen hundred runners entered in 1969, overwhelming organizers and leading to discussion of qualifying times.
Jeff Johnson covered "The ' Jogger ' Controversy" for Distance Running News by surveying some of the top finishers: Peter Stipe, of, ironically, the B.A.A. team, said, "There is a unique atmosphere surrounding an event where the worst can compete with the best… . It is Everyman's race." Teammate Phil Ryan asked, "Why limit this race to people of above average running ability? … Allow [joggers] to gain their own spot in the sun."
Johnson also quoted Jock Semple. The 1969 field was mostly "joggers, idiots, and prank runners," he declared. And Jock made the rules. For 1970, a 4-hour qualifying time would be used. When 1,000 entered, the standard was improved to 3:30 for 1971 — and a thousand more entered. The B.A.A. wanted to discourage entrants but instead had inspired them.
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Oosting entered her first marathon in 1996, inspired by two neighbors who ran the 100th Boston. "If they can run a marathon, so can I," she thought. So she did, finishing in about 4:30. By the turn of the century she'd run six more.
Neither her training nor her racing were particularly scientific. She'd run the first half in two hours and try to hang on. A qualifying time remained distant. When she joined a running club in 1998, she says, "That's where I met real runners." In 2000 she broke 4 hours for the first time.
Today, Oosting is often out the door at 6 a.m. so she can be back to get her kids ready for school. A good week is 40 miles in five days of running. Though her coach would like her to do more, she fears the sacrifices that would demand. Consistency at any level has benefits, though, and five healthy years of this have made her stronger and faster. She broke 4 hours for the second time in 2007.
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Phone calls to the Boston Athletic Association in the 1960s and 1970s were answered in a smelly, windowless room in the Boston Garden. There, Jock Semple would drag the phone around while attending to clients on rub-down tables and in whirlpools.
Semple worked with Celtics and Bruins and boxers and tennis stars, but nothing was dearer to him than the Boston Marathon. "Marathon runners were considered second-class citizens in my day. Freaks," he wrote in his autobiography, Just Call me Jock. "We weren't considered serious athletes. Except in Boston."
Semple, B.A.A. president Will Cloney, and a small cast of volunteers handled all of the organizational duties, such as they were. The B.A.A. had no office nor paid staff. "If you wanted to get into the race you had to go through Jock," recalls Nate Greenberg, a former Boston Bruins PR man and frequent visitor to Semple's training room. "He would question you on the phone as to what was your time and where did you run."
Semple is, of course, best known for his failed attempt to remove Kathrine Switzer's number in 1967. Ultimately, there may be no better example of an athlete being driven to succeed by Boston's standards. "I was with Jock plenty of times when he was saying he could 'walk' the speeds some of these jerks were running; they're just joggers and the Boston Marathon is no place for them!" Switzer recalls. "[This] of course made me plenty steamed as my first Boston was 4:20 … . This, more than anything, propelled me into becoming a good runner." In 1975, she ran 2:51:37.
* * *
When Katie Kirwan thinks about her high school sprinting career she remembers one of her worst races most fondly. "We just qualified," she says of the team that went to the Penn Relays. The memories of being on that stage are stronger than those of the dropped baton. Kirwan still has her bib number from that race. "That's how I feel about Boston," she says now. "It's so prestigious and it's such a select group."
When she began running marathons, Boston, with its qualifying requirement, appealed to her. "It was probably more a lofty goal — something I couldn't even attain," she says. From a 4:19 debut she improved in every marathon, eventually running 3:44:15 in Chicago last fall. "It's been a very gradual progression getting to the Boston qualifying time," she admits. In Chicago she passed through the half in 1:50, but then faded. For the first time she targeted a winter marathon — Carlsbad in late January — and hoped to finally break 3:40.
Then, in November, Boston's 2010 field filled. "I think I got a little deterred by that," she confesses now. She arrived in Carlsbad without having gone on a long run in two months.
In 1972, Jock Semple wrote an essay for Boston: America's Oldest Marathon, reflecting on the race's significance. "Boston has helped develop more marathons and it has improved the caliber," he wrote. "The ordinary runner today is far, far ahead of the good runner of the '30s, when I was running." His crowd-control measures had created a pleasing trend: Marathoners were getting faster and faster. By 1980, the standards were as hard as ever — 2:50 for open men, 3:20 for women — and still 5,471 entered.
Despite such growth, the 1980s brought tumult. Semple and Cloney gave way to a board of governors, and the B.A.A. clung desperately to its amateur traditions. In one example of organizational hubris, board member Rod McDonald told the Boston Globe in 1984, "There is no need for [prize money]. Boston is the mecca for all runners. You can't go to heaven until you've run Boston." A year later, the Globe's Will McDonough wrote, "It is hard to decipher whether the Boston Athletic Association suffers from ignorance, arrogance, or both. The vote here is for both."
Elites were running where they could get paid — which was anywhere but Boston — and the masses had an increasing number of options. Pittsburgh launched a May marathon in 1985 with $120,000 in prize money, while overseas, London was in the midst of a steady climb toward 20,000 runners. Chicago eclipsed 10,000 entrants for the first time in 1986 — and threatened to move to the spring. In Boston, entries shrank from 6,924 in 1984 to 4,904 in 1986.
Boston mayor Ray Flynn, worried about the reputation of the race — and the empty hotel rooms on race weekend — began pressuring the B.A.A. to offer prize money. "The BAA doesn't own the Boston Marathon … . It belongs to the people," he wrote in July 1985. A few days later, the B.A.A.'s board voted to award prize money in 1986.
By fall, the B.A.A. had pushed aside two other old traditions, accepting a sponsor — John Hancock signed a 10-year, $10 million contract — and hiring a full-time staffperson, choosing Guy Morse to direct the race. For the 1987 running, the open men's qualifying times were eased for the first time, adding 10 minutes to make it an even 3 hours, and attracting 1,500 more runners than in 1986.
* * *
By the 11th mile in Miami, Oosting had settled into a rhythm with Christophe Dagassan, whom she had met at one of the aid stations. She shared her goal with him, and he offered to help. "Qualifying for Boston is everyone's dream," he said, recalling their chance encounter. "I could relate in the sense that I set big goals, and when I achieve them it's an amazing, amazing feeling."
The two worked together, Oosting sharing splits from her watch, Dagassane trying to rein her in. Oosting felt like her coach was on her shoulder. They ran like that for about 10 miles. Finally, she began to pull away. Dagassane watched her disappear up the road without a word. He didn't want to break her rhythm. A year later, Oosting still easily recalls the elation of reaching the finish line. "I was crying, I was [so] happy."
When she got home, she found a congratulatory email from Dagassane in her inbox: "Brilliant race!" he wrote. Adding, in a followup, "I am so happy for you. I know how much it means to qualify for Boston."
* * *
By 1990 "there was a large audience eager to run Boston," says Guy Morse. "We realized that we could handle more runners and still provide everyone with a first-class experience." The B.A.A. moved to 5-year age groups and eased the qualifying times across the board. The men's and women's 18-39 standards shifted from 3:00 and 3:30 to the less aesthetically pleasing 3:10 and 3:40, where they remain today.
If those changes were a small step toward becoming a mass marathon, then the 100th running in 1996 was a large step. The largest marathon in history (to that point) had approximately 25,000 qualifiers and 13,000 nonqualifiers. The latter consisted of 8,000 charity runners, tour-group runners, and invitational entries (non-qualifiers receiving entries from sponsors, city and town officials, and race organizers), and 5,000 selected in a special lottery.
Though charities had participated in Boston before, 1996 launched the B.A.A.'s current charity program — a selection of Boston-area organizations that receive a limited number of entries. About 2,300 runners will run for B.A.A.- and John Hancock-affiliated charities in 2010. When combined with the invitational entry program, the number of non-qualifiers in the field can approach 20 percent.
By the time Oosting finally qualified she had run Boston four times already, twice for charity and twice with numbers received through her running club. She speaks of accepting the club numbers with a hint of guilt.
"It's just because you know someone," she says. But rather than cheapen the idea of qualifying, these experiences only stoked her desire. Ultimately, the pay off was worth all of the work. "I've earned it. I'm here on my own power," she recalls thinking as she stood in Hopkinton last year, moments before running a new PR of 3:44:01.
Kirwan admits that she also considered the charity option. She inquired about entries a couple years ago before deciding that's not how she wanted to get in.
"I want to be authentic about it," she says. "It's such an emotional thing, I think, because a lot of people spend so much time training for it, and for some people it's a lifelong goal."
As elusive as a Boston qualifier has been, Kirwan doesn't sound discouraged. Quite the opposite. With the memory of Carlsbad still fresh, she was already trying to choose a spring marathon, and plans to run the New York City Marathon in the fall.
* * *
Telephone calls to the B.A.A. now ring in a Back Bay office just a few blocks from the finish line. Glass cases filled with a century's memorabilia line the hall, and a gold unicorn sculpture guards the door. A full-time staff now organizes the event and, once a month, the board of governors meets in a conference room. Guy Morse, now the B.A.A.'s executive director, works from a corner office decorated, in part, with Red Sox and Bruins memorabilia — like Semple's training room, a reminder of the marathon's stature among Boston's sporting institutions. Also like Semple, Morse finds himself faced with the challenge of growing numbers.
In 1997 the B.A.A. instituted a 15,000-entrant limit, for the first time suggesting that a qualifying time might not be enough to gain entry. Since then the B.A.A. has walked a careful line politically and technologically. While balancing the concerns and demands of the communities on the course and the event's infrastructure, the B.A.A. has managed to increase the field limit to 25,000. In 2008, for the first time, registration was closed in late February when the field filled. In 2009, registration closed in January, and for 2010 registration lasted just 66 days, closing on Nov. 13.
"Clearly another boom is at play here," Morse says. "Everyone who is selling a product that sells out is happy. And so are we — except that we are not happy that we were not able to capture every qualifier." Morse adds, however, that 1,000 more qualified runners are entered in 2010 than 2009.
So what next? "We are looking at all of our systems and the communities along the route, who help dictate how large the event can be," Morse says. "We think there are ways to increase the field slightly to accommodate the maybe two or three thousand runners who didn't get in this year because they qualified in a later race."
"I'm not convinced that tampering with qualifying standards is the answer," Morse says. He's been at the B.A.A. through three revisions of the qualifying times; each time the standards were eased. Might they consider reversing course and tightening? "It's an option. We're aware of it. And it's been done before," Morse says. "But it's not my preference. I'm more interested in seeing if there's a way to accommodate the runners by increasing the field size slightly by 2,000 or 3,000. Even [going] up to 30,000."
Though there are inevitable grumblings about the diminished meaning of the qualifying times and the dilution of the field with non-qualifiers, this recent growth speaks to Boston's continued significance.
"It's clear to me that [the qualifying times] have become THE — capital T-H-E — standard that most runners will define themselves by. There aren't many other tangible standards out there," Morse says. "They've become our most valuable franchise."
* * *
A yellowing page from Runner's World hangs on the door of Oosting's refrigerator, buried beneath a stack of take-out menus. Stats and graphics reveal the results of a Boston Marathon survey. Following Miami, Oosting circled "16+" with a red marker. According to the survey, two percent of qualifiers need that many attempts.
Oosting's elated finish in Miami can be witnessed on any given weekend, in marathons around the world. First-timers and veterans, men and women, young and old. Kirwan hopes to join this club soon. She's also represented in those qualifying stats: 13 percent need 6-10 attempts. Her next marathon will be her eighth, and she's determined to break the 3:40 barrier.
"I think it's the ultimate goal if you're a competitive runner," she says of the Boston qualifier. "You're part of the club."


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Below the top 4 teams, there's a Division 2. The prize for them is a TF spot rather than a medal, but the competition will be no less close and intense.
Our good friend Albert has put together a stellar analysis that will be of interest to all gymfans. He's crunched various numbers, including those from 2011 worlds and the test event.
2012 Olympics WAG Team Predictions.
This is an excellent tool, but obviously there are lots of other factors to consider. Not much information about any of these teams seems to have emerged from training reports so far, and what we have had is relatively obvious- Tweddle is looking good on bars, apparently. So for the moment, most of what we have to go on is based on performances prior to the Games rather than training.
Brazil can be ruled out of the top 8. Even at the Test Event, they looked like the weakest of the 12 teams. By a long way. This was before Tears Barbosa threw her toys out of her pram and had her bluff called, leaving Brazil with the moral high ground but without their best athlete.
We'd like to be more positive about them, as they're nearly as old as we are. But it isn't going to happen. They'll be propping up the standings unless some other team has a disaster. Hopefully, Daiane has brought enough drugs with her to help them all block everything out.
The French are also a pretty long shot, simply because of injuries. It's a shame, but they just don't have the personnel.
And so there were six: GB, Australia, Canada, Japan, Italy and Germany. Six into four doesn't go.
Readers will be aware that Stoi! was not very happy with the British team selection. We don't understand why either Cairns or Pinches are on there. It should've been Downie and Francis instead.
Initially, we thought we might end up getting our wish anyway. There are often shenanigans in the GB camp, and the fact that someone isn't named to the initial team in no way, shape or form means she won't compete. Ask Imogen Cairns. But it's getting a bit late for that now.
On paper, the British should make top 8 easily. They finished top of the 'best of the rest' league in Tokyo, with the 5th place in team finals. And of course, there'll be hometown advantage. There is, however, a rather large turd threatening to drop into the water pipe. It goes by the name of beam.
As luck would have it, that's the event where GB start. And the prelims rotation is horrifying, since the selectors in their wisdom decided to discard 1 of the only 2 acceptable beam workers available. As Tweddle hasn't competed the event all quad, they're going to be running with Tunney-Pinches-Cairns-Whelan. Take some time to think about that.
If they can all stay on, more power to them and they should make the top 8 easily. If they don't, well, they could be on for another 9th place. They can absorb one or two falls no problem, and even a so-so beam rotation is likely to be enough. But they can't melt down. So it is going to be brown trousers time.
Germany also seem to have a blind spot on beam. We had them down as potential bronze medallists at Euros, but they served up sub 40 beam rotations in both prelims and finals. We would say it's a Western European thing, but it's one of the stronger events for the Italians. As with the British, if they can stay on then there's no reason they can't qualify top 8. But there is reason to be sceptical. Either way, their vault and bars are always worth watching.
At the Test Event, Canada were fabulous and we were tremendously excited for them. In the space of a couple of years they went from mostly rather pedestrian and uninteresting to a really sharp crisp team with some beautiful work. Alas, our favourite Peng Peng Lee, she of the flares on beam, was injured a couple of months ago and there was woe and desolation. Still, at least there's the gorgeous Victoria Moors. A double double, AND she can dance!
If there is any justice (there isn't) she will medal on floor. Albert's analysis would seem to suggest that Canada will just miss out on top 8 without Lee, but we think it might be relevant that they have the momentum and buzz at the moment. The Canadians are arguably going in on more of a high than higher ranked teams like Australia and Japan. Don't underestimate the importance of this. Additionally, they're probably the team who've benefitted most from adding 1996 born athetes to the lineup. Between 2011 worlds and the test event they pretty much transformed.
Vanessa Ferrari once again leads the Italian team, and gives Romania some competition in the 'Skimpiest Leotard Worn By Veteran' category, or should we say CATAgory. Preliminary reports suggest they might be more tastefully attired than usual. And of course, this is a lucky venue for them. They won the test event, and Ferrari is the AA and floor champion.
She too has a double double, and we will never cease to be amazed at how she can pull that off with a belly and boobs. Inspirational.
Whether or not they make the top 8, we think they could well have the most finalists of any 5th-12th ranked team. Fasana is in with a shout of making vault, Ferrari can still post quite sizeable scores on bars and floor when she feels like it, and the lovely Elizabeth Preziosa has made a number of major beam finals now. Nobody else outside the top 4 has any real chance of qualifying someone to each final.
This leaves Japan and Australia, both of whom have been TF stalwarts in recent years. The Japanese, though, are on a bit of a downward spiral. They look much, much less impressive than they did in 2008-9. Around this time, they were talked of as possible team medallists. We never bought into that particular claim, but for a while they were in the 5th-6th bracket quite comfortably. They aren't now, and we haven't forgiven them for not selecting Mai Murukami. True, she's not what she was, but she was their best floor worker and usable on vault. But the Japanese selection process really doesn't reward specialists. They may or may not live to regret this.
We don't really know that much about this Australian lineup, having been unable to recover from the sense of loss we felt when it was revealed that Joura wouldn't be on the team after all. But they usually make top 8. As usual, they are quite weak on bars, while beam and floor are strengths. No surprise there, as that's how their star performer Lauren Mitchell rolls. While they've had some decent bars workers in the past, at the moment they're like an Antipodean Romania.
In most major competition, the race for the final 4 team final spots usually comes down to who hits best. This will probably be what happens here. The fact that only 3 scores will count rather than the previous 4 does leave less room for error. If a team lose 1.0 for a missed routine, that's a greater percentage of a 3 event total than a 4 event total. So stability has to matter more- although so too will D scores. It remains to be seen whether this changes anything. The favourites would probably be GB, Italy, Canada and Australia. But we'll see.


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Episode 2.19
Writers: Greg Berlanti and Geoff Johns, Andrew Kreisberg and Keto Shimizu
Director: Jesse Warn
THE ONE WHERE: Oliver strikes back against Queen Industries following its takeover by Isabel – and battles to stop Slade from creating a Mirakuru-powered army…
THE VERDICT: It starts strongly, lobbing us straight into an action setpiece: Oliver, Sara and – splendidly – Felicity, ditching masks and superheroics for balaclavas and wire-cutters in a good old fashioned commando raid. The use of the Clock King's skeleton key is a clever callback, an unobtrusive but credible use of show continuity. And it ends with a marvelously spectacular explosion, just before the title card. Now that's breathless. The rest of the episode never quite recaptures this dynamism and thrust but then it doesn't want to. It's a chance for a breather after last week's full-throttle blinder.
The title "The Man Under The Hood" promises an episode out to explore Oliver's psyche – or else a gripping tale of car maintenance - but that's ultimately something of a misnomer. Yes, we see Oliver struggling to reconcile his personal crusade with his relationship with Thea and dealing with the repercussions of the takeover, along with his guilt over the death of Ivo. But the best scene, the key scene, belongs to Lance, telling Laurel to forget the man and just view the symbol: "It's the Arrow that matters." Pay no attention to the man under the hood… It's a well-judged moment, soulfully played by Paul Blackthorne, whose Lance now seems a perilously vulnerable figure in Iron Heights (that beating made me wince).
Deathstroke is still a vital presence, of course – just watch those bullets bounce off him in pure comic book style - and his hand to hand combat with Oliver is a highlight, another of the show's finely choreographed and smartly edited fight scenes. Watch and weep, Agents Of SHIELD .
A final word for Willa Holland as Thea, heroically uttering the line "What I am is the daughter of two mass murderers… not one, but two" and managing to make it sound less than halfway preposterous. Now that's medal-worthy.
TRIVIA: This episode smuggles two more DCU characters into the Arrow canon. The two lab geeks we meet are Cisco Ramon – AKA sonic-powered superhero Vibe – and Caitlin Snow, alias the villainous Killer Frost. Cisco pointedly uses the word "vibe" in this episode while Caitlin, a character with the power to manipulate ice, refers to "her own definition of cool." We'll see both of these characters in the Flash TV show.
DID YOU SPOT?: "This equipment belonged to Arthur Light": a shout-out to DC supervillain Dr Light, a former STAR Labs employee who uses his light-manipulating powers for criminal purposes. First seen in Justice League Of America 12 in 1962 he's been a member of the Suicide Squad and once engaged Deathstroke to protect him from the JLA – an assignment that precipitated the whole Deathstroke/Green Arrow feud in the comic books.
DID YOU SPOT? 2: That police sketch of the Hood on Laurel's clippings board is by Mike Grell, writer/artist of the acclaimed Longbow Hunters saga.
Felicity: "That's swell. Barry's in a coma and he's already moved on."
Arrow is broadcast in the UK on Sky 1 HD


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Debt limit is a term that creeps into the political lexicon every so often; it happens when America's legal borrowing limit reaches its congressionally set upper bound. Since the US nearly always runs an annual deficit, it has to confront congressionally approved borrowing limits. Congress persistently acts in the worst interest of the country by using the debt limit as an excuse for political brinksmanship.
The debt-limit debate is a charade. Everyone who understands it knows that. The US has been a borrower for nearly two centuries. It has never defaulted. But we do use this congressionally introduced fiction to exacerbate political animosity. We are about to reach our debt limit again and witness another debt-authorization fight.
Fiscal cliff is another fiction. We do not need to have expiration dates on legislation, tax policy, or spending mechanisms. Congress designs them to mature immediately following a national election. Again, this is a charade created by the scoundrels that we elect to serve us in Washington. In fact, Democrats and Republicans agree on this one. They coalesce into a common threat to us by purposefully choosing termination dates that follow hard on the heels of elections. They exploit the short memory span of the distracted American electorate. Shame on us for having such short memories.
Now, we will witness both the debt-limit and fiscal-cliff debates; both charades are in play.
Why aren't Americans furious about this game that is being played at their expense? American voters don't want this charade, and they know the uncertainty caused by it is harmful to them.
We could chastise Congressional representatives, senators, and the White House and its advisors, each and every time they engage in these shenanigans. We don't. American voters, CEOs, Wall Street investors, and the working public could make that chastisement a consistent, intense, and vitriolic affair. We don't. Our so-called leaders could be told, "I am sick and tired of you manipulating the political process in order to create a crisis that hurts me. If this nonsense does not stop, you will not be able to convince me to be loyal to you because I am a Republican. You will not be able convince me to be loyal to you because I am a Democrat. You will not be able to convince me that you are responsible in the execution of your public office. Instead, you will have become my enemy. Therefore, I will vote you out. My most important political mission will be to get rid of incumbents like you who create a crisis when none is necessary."
We could say that. We don't.
Winston Churchill said, "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried." Churchill also said, "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they've tried everything else." Sir Winston was correct.
We hope your Thanksgiving holiday was a good one. It provided America with Black Friday, football games, traditional turkey cuisine, and our custom of familial gathering. One hundred fifty million of us moved around to visit the rest of us. We have enjoyed our uniquely American tradition. Now we must get back to business.
We will soon approach year-end, with its next round of holidays and celebration of a new year. Between now and then, we will watch the Washington charades play out. Will we remain distracted and voiceless as our lame and lame-ducked leaders continue these charades? Sad to say, this writer thinks we will be too silent.
Our greatness as a country is that we move on in spite of our government. We thrive not because of Washington but by overcoming it. We succeed because half of our US economy is privately owned and independently managed. That's right; over half the GDP comes from small business. The majority of jobs are created by those firms.
When it comes to publicly owned business, the US stock market realizes the world is not coming to an end. Market agents and investors recognize that the Federal Reserve's policy is firmly in place, that we will not permanently go over the fiscal cliff, and that we will not default despite the debt limit charade. Markets are beginning to accept that the Fed will keep interest rates extraordinarily low for a number of years.
During that time the US GDP will grow from the present level of $16 trillion to about $20 trillion by the end of the decade. The key drivers of that growth will be in services. But we will also see a "kick" coming from housing recovery and energy sector expansion. American growth will slowly morph from tepid to robust. Remember: this will take several years.
The recognition of these facts will send the stock market higher, maybe much higher, maybe very much higher. We have continued to be fully invested and are likely to be in that mode during an extended bull market run. We expect the S&P 500 Index to close above 2,000 before the end of this decade. The Index is about 1400 now. We expect the S&P 500 Index earnings to rise from the present level of about $100 to a level of $125-$140 by the decade's end. Any surprise is likely to be on the upside.
If we are close to being right with our forecast, US stocks are cheap.
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General Penalties
|Maximum Penalty
|Mandatory Minimum Jail Time
|Offense Status
Maximum Penalties
License Revocation
|Refusal or Alcohol Score below .20 Breath or Blood Alcohol Content (BrAC/BAC) or .25 Urine Alcohol Content (UAC)
.20 BrAC/BAC
.25 Urine Alcohol Content (UAC)
>.25 BrAC/BAC
>.30 BrAC/BAC
1st Offense
180 days and/or $1,000
6-month license revocation
|10 days
|15 days
|20 days
|2nd Offense
1 year and/or $2,500-$5,000
1-year license revocation
|10 days
|25 days
|30 days
|35 days
|3rd Offense
1 year and/or $2,500-$10,000
2-year license revocation
|12 days
|35 days
|40 days
|45 days
|4th and Subsequent Offenses
|1 year and/or $2,500-$10,000
|45 days (add 30 days for each subsequent offense)
|65 days (add 30 days for each subsequent offense)
|70 days (add 30 days for each subsequent offense)
|75 days (add 30 days for each subsequent offense)
Additional Mandatory Minimum Penalties
- Minor in the Vehicle. In addition to the penalty in the chart, a person will receive 5 days Mandatory Minimum sentence for each minor that is properly restrained in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt and 10 days Mandatory Minimum sentence for each minor that is not properly restrained. In addition, the possible maximum fine, noted in the second column of the chart, is increased by $500 for each properly restrained minor and $1,000 for each improperly restrained minor.
- Prohibited Drugs. Persons driving impaired who have a Schedule I chemical or controlled substance or PCP, Cocaine, Methadone, Morphine, or one of its active metabolites or analogs in their blood or urine will receive an additional Mandatory Minimum sentence. The amount of required jail time begins with 15 days for a first offense and increases with each subsequent conviction.
- Commercial Vehicle, including taxis and pedicabs. In addition to the penalties in the chart, drivers of these vehicles will receive a 5 day Mandatory Minimum sentence. *** Note that a person driving a commercial vehicle is "per se" (in and of itself) impaired if their BRAC/BAC/UAC is .04 or above.
Zero Tolerance for Youth
In 2007, 31 percent of young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were killed in alcohol related crashes vehicle had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .01 or greater, and 26 percent of young drivers had BACs of .08 or greater. The risk of a fatal crash for drivers under 21 is greater at low alcohol levels than it is for older drivers.
It is illegal in every state for persons under the age of 21 to purchase and publicly possess alcoholic beverages. In support of these laws, it is illegal for persons under 21 who have been drinking to drive. A zero tolerance law makes it illegal "per se" (in and of itself) for persons under the age of 21 to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood.
The use-lose statutes make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, transport, or consume alcohol. A youth with a measurable amount of alcohol in his or her body is in violation of the law and loses his or her driver's license, usually for six months to one year. For youths not yet licensed to drive, the law typically delays issuance of a driver's license for a specific period (usually six months to a year).
***Adults/Parents who aid minors in obtaining alcohol may be fined $300 and have their licenses revoked for up to 90 days.
Underage (Under 21) Laws and Consequences
- Drinking and Driving. ANY measurable amount of alcohol in breath, blood, or urine puts the person on the chart above and qualifies them for additional mandatory minimum periods.
- Possession of a false ID, altered driver's license, or lying about age to get alcohol. Criminally prosecuted, $300 - $1,000 fine, and suspension of driver's license for 90 days to one year.
- Consuming alcohol. Civil fine of $300 - $1,000 and suspension of driver's license for 90 days to one year.
Related Links
- DC Vision Zero
The District is committed to protecting the lives of those traveling on city roads. DC Vision Zero Road Rules represents the city's goal of reducing traffic fatlities to zero. Traffic deaths are preventable.