text:
A new report from the Tax Justice Network found trillions of untaxed wealth that the world's richest people are hiding. Here's what you need to know.
$21 trillion. That's how much the world's richest people are hiding in offshore tax havens worldwide. Or it may be more, as much as $32 trillion—the real amount is, of course, almost impossible to track.
While governments slash spending and lay off workers, citing a need for "austerity" because of the slow economy, the ultra-rich—fewer than 10 million people—have stashed an amount equal to the US and Japanese economies combined away from the tax man. This is according to a new report by the Tax Justice Network, and their findings are shocking. The lost tax revenue from offshore tax shelters, they note, "is large enough to make a significant difference to all of our conventional measures of inequality. Since most of the missing financial wealth belongs to a tiny elite, the impact is staggering."
James S. Henry, who was former Chief Economist for McKinsey & Co. and is the author of the book The Blood Bankers as well as articles for publications including The Nation and The New York Times, dug into information from the Bank for International Settlements, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the United Nations, central banks, and private sector analysts and found the outlines of the giant pool of cash floating in that nebulous location known as "offshore". (And this is just money—the report leaves out things like real estate, yachts, art, and other forms of wealth the super-rich are hiding, untaxed, in offshore tax havens.) Henry refers to it as a "black hole" in the world economy and notes that, "despite taking pains to err on the conservative side, the results are astonishing."
There's a lot of information to wade through in this report, so we've broken out 6 things you should know about the money the world's richest are keeping from the rest of us.
1. Meet The Top .001%
"By our estimates, at least a third of all private financial wealth, and nearly half of all offshore wealth, is now owned by world's richest 91,000 people– just 0.001% of the world's population," the report says. Those top 91,000 have about $9.8 trillion of the total estimated in this report—and fewer than ten million people account for the whole pile of cash.
Who are those people? We know they're the richest, but what else do we know about them? The report mentions "30-year-old Chinese real estate speculators and Silicon Valley software tycoons," and those whose wealth comes from oil and the drug trade. It doesn't mention, but could, US presidential candidates—Mitt Romney's famously taken flak for having money stashed in a Swiss bank account and in investments located in the Cayman Islands. (Politifact rated these statements in a recent Obama ad "true.")
Drug lords, of course, need to hide their ill-gotten gains, but plenty of the other ultra-rich are simply avoiding paying taxes, constructing complicated trusts and other investments just to shave a few more points off the bill they pay to their home country. And it's all adding up.
2. Where's the Cash? It's Complicated
"Offshore," according to Henry, isn't a physical location anymore—though plenty of places like Singapore and Switzerland, he notes, still specialize in providing "secure, low-tax physical residences" to the world's rich.
But these days, "offshore" wealth is virtual—Henry describes "nominal, hyper-portable, multi-jurisdictional, often quite temporary locations of networks of legal and quasi-legal entities and arrangements." A company may be located in one jurisdiction, but it is owned by a trust located elsewhere, and administered by trustees in a third location. "Ultimately, then, the term 'offshore' refers to a set of capabilities," rather than to a place or multiple places.
It's also important, the report notes, to distinguish between the "intermediary havens"—the places most people think of when they think of tax havens, like Romney's Cayman Islands, Bermuda, or Switzerland—and the "destination havens," which include the US, the UK, and even Germany. Those destinations are desirable because they provide "relatively efficient, regulated securities markets, banks backstopped by large populations of taxpayers, and insurance companies; well-developed legal codes, competent attorneys, independent judiciaries, and the rule of law."
So the same folks avoiding paying taxes by shuffling their money around, in other words, are taking advantage of taxpayer-funded services to do so. And here in the US, certain states have begun, since the 1990s, to offer inexpensive legal entities "whose levels of secrecy, protection against creditors, and tax advantages rival those of the world's traditional secretive offshore havens." Combine that with the declining share of US taxes paid by the rich and corporations, and we're starting to look awfully appealing to those looking to squirrel away money.
3. Big Bailed-Out Banks Run This Business
Just who is facilitating this process? Some familiar names surface quickly when you dig into the data: Goldman Sachs, UBS, and Credit Suisse are the top three, with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan Chase all in the top ten. "We can now add this to their list of distinctions: they are key players in many havens around the globe, and key enablers of the global tax injustice system," the report notes.
By the end of 2010, the top 50 private banks alone were managing some $12.1 trillion in "cross-border invested" assets for their clients. That's more than twice what it was in 2005, representing an average annual growth rate of over 16 percent.
"From banks to accountancy firms and corporate lawyers, some of the biggest businesses in the world are part of the fabric of global tax avoidance," writes financial researcher (and former Goldman Sachs trader) Lydia Prieg in The Guardian. "These companies are not moral entities that we can shame into paying their fair share; they exist to maximize their profits and those of their clients."
"Until the late 2000s," Henry notes, "the conventional wisdom among flight capitalists was 'What cold be safer than 'too big to fail' US, Swiss and UK banks?'" Without the bailouts that came along with the 2008 financial crisis, he adds, many of the banks that are stashing cash for the ultra-rich wouldn't exist anymore. The assumption of government backing is the very reason why those uber-rich are banking with the big guys to begin with.
4. Inequality Is Worse Than We Thought
With all this wealth hidden around the world, impossible to count as well as to tax, the Tax Justice Network points out, it's certain that we're underestimating the amount of income and wealth inequality we have. Stewart Lansley, author of The Cost of Inequality, told Heather Stewart at the Guardian: "There is absolutely no doubt at all that the statistics on income and wealth at the top understate the problem."
When calculating the Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality in a society, he said, "You don't pick up the multimillionaires and billionaires, and even if you do, you can't pick it up properly."
This is such an important issue that the Tax Justice Network included a second report alongside Henry's, titled "Inequality: You Don't Know the Half Of It." The report details all the problems with the way we calculate inequality now, which often seem to boil down to the fact that we have no accurate measure of the true wealth of the super-rich. Income tax data is available, but if there are really trillions stashed around the world in tax havens, how do we calculate the true incomes of the world's wealthiest?
Inequality has already been skyrocketing around the world, by the measures we currently use. If the top 1 percent in the US don't own just 35.6 percent of the wealth, for instance, but a much larger chunk that's hidden away somewhere, what does it mean for us? Don't forget, as the report notes, that "inequality is a political choice"—that we determine what to do as a society based on the amount of inequality we think is tolerable or just. If that number is far greater than we think, how is that skewing our priorities? Many Americans are already misinformed about our level of inequality—but this report confirms that even supposed experts were wildly underestimating the problem.
5. "Indebted" Countries Aren't in Debt After All
Henry's report breaks out a subgroup of 139 countries, mostly lower or middle-income ones, for further study, noting that by most calculations, those 139 countries had a combined debt of over $4 trillion at the end of 2010. But if you took into account all that money being held offshore, those countries actually had negative $10 trillion in debt—or as Henry writes, "[O]nce we take these hidden offshore assets and the earnings they produce into account, many erstwhile 'debtor' countries are in fact revealed to be wealthy. But the problem is, their wealth is now offshore, in the hands of their own elites and their private bankers."
Henry further notes that the developing world as a whole turns out to be a creditor of the developed world, rather than a borrower, and has been so for more than a decade. "That means this is really a tax justice problem, not simply a 'debt' problem."
But those debts, as we've noted, fall on the shoulders of the everyday working people of those countries, those who can't take advantage of sophisticated tax shelters.
And this, of course, isn't only a developing world problem. These days, Henry notes, the developed world has its own debt crisis (witness the ongoing troubles of the Eurozone). The French economist Thomas Piketty notes, "the wealth held in tax havens is probably sufficiently substantial to turn Europe into a very large net creditor with respect to the rest of the world."
6. How Much are We Losing?
That's the bottom line, isn't it? It's impossible to say for sure, of course, because these numbers are all just estimates, but Henry guesses that if this unreported $21 trillion earned a rate of return of 3 percent, and that income was taxed at 30 percent, that alone would generate income tax revenues of around $190 billion. If the total amount of money in tax havens is closer to his higher estimate, $32 trillion, it'd bring in closer to $280 billion—which is about twice the amount OECD countries spend on development assistance. In other words, a lot of money. And 3 percent returns are about as conservative as you can get.
That's just income taxes. Capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, and other taxes would bring in even more.
That's why, at the end of the day, Henry says that we could look at this as good news. "The world has just located a huge pile of financial wealth that might be called upon to contribute to the solution of our most pressing global problems," he writes. "We have an opportunity to think not only about how to prevent some of the abuses that have led to it, but also to think about how best to make use of the untaxed earnings that it generates."
A quick message before you keep reading
We're proud to publish real news 365 days of the year, completely free of charge to our readers. But producing high-quality, independent work is not cost-free – we rely heavily on your support.
If you found the piece above useful, informative, or inspiring, please consider supporting Truthout with a tax-deductible donation. A gift of any size makes a difference and helps keep this unique platform alive.


text:
The top 5 Super Bowl commercials of all time
Coke – "Mean Joe Greene" (1980)
Technically this commercial debuted before just before the start of the Super Bowl, but we had to add it to the list anyway because of its iconic status. After a tough game, Greene comes limping into the stadium tunnel. He meets a kid. The kid offers Greene his Coke. Greene gulps it down before tossing the kid his jersey. The commercial has been remade several different times with different sports, but none can compare to the original.
Master Lock – "Shot Lock" (1973)
This ad is so convincing, it makes you want to lock up everything. Pictured is a sharpshooter taking aim with a high-caliber rifle. His target: a Master Lock padlock. A bullet blasts right through the lock and still holds. The commercial is so convincing Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters" attempted the same feat and got the same results.
Apple – "1984" (1984)
It's soul-destroying to watch a roomful of people listening to a "Big Brother" type, but that's exactly what the commercial portrays. Then suddenly from the back, a woman comes running up and throws a sledgehammer through a theater screen, shattering it. Then, the words: "On January 24th, Apple will introduce Macintosh. And you'll see why 1984 won't be like '1984'." As it turns out, Apple didn't magically change the world overnight, what with so many people still surfing the Internet on a PC 20 years later. But we feel they are well on their way. Our entire newsroom is filled with Macs, and our pockets full with every version of the iPod.
Budweiser – Just about everything
You can't mention Super Bowl commercials without mentioning Budweiser. From funny to dramatic, the company has done it all. Our favorites include Hank the Clydesdale who trains with a Dalmatian to make the team and 1995's "Frogs." Something about three frogs sitting on a log and croaking "buuuud," "wiiiise" and "errrr" still has us cracking up. We also have to respect A-B's homage to 9/11 in 2002 with an ad where the Clydesdales kneel before the New York skyline where the World Trade Center towers used to be. In 2005, we choked up again when we saw an ad featuring a crowd of people in an airport applauding returning soldiers.
EDS – "Herding Cats" (2000)
File this under funny. Marlboro-esque cowboys attempt to wrangle a heard of running cats. The ad is made complete with the cowboys talking about life, injuries and how they couldn't imagine it any other way. Apparently it's some metaphor having to do with the company, but we like it because it shows burly cowboys being nice to furry felines. We're still not sure what EDS does though.
Honorable mentions
Coke – "Parade Balloons" (2008) – Parade balloon versions of Underdog and Stewie from "Family Guy" battle for an inflatable Coke. Charlie Brown gets the drink when he appears out of nowhere.
E*Trade – "Banking Baby" (2008) – Something about a talking baby, sitting so close to a computer, managing finances no less, had us really freaked out.
Pepsi – "Sucked In" (1995) – A boy sucks on his straw a little too hard and ends up inside the bottle of Pepsi.
Pepsi – "Security Camera" (1996) – A security camera in a convenience store spots a Coke deliveryman reaching for a can of Pepsi. His thirst is never quenched after a pile of cans come tumbling out of the cooler leaving a mess on the floor.
Lake Sun Leader

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Jammu and Kashmir government to tourism in India and the world's most widespread in the north to promote. Himalayas and the first time this series is about 3505 meters above sea level snow in the Himalayas, where a gang of tourists Tibetan Buddhist culture, as well as the appearance of nature can be a pleasant and natural beauty, romantic place to enjoy. Gumpa, snowy mountains and brilliant blue skies and the environment that attracts tourists worldwide every year to have this beautiful place. Some of the features in this area include:
In support of the Palace:
These are all the tourists visiting this place attracts the brightest. Namgyal hill overlooking the city from the outskirts of this architecture is to destroy its beautiful scenery attracts tourists. The architectural design of the building looks like a sweat in Lhasa. This is a residential complex in Singen King Namgyal, the 17th century was built. The architectural splendor of the nine races in the Buddhist murals, traditional tangkhas (painted or embroidered in the book), fresh, Murabaha, Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha statue) is not known. This is a spectacular panoramic view over the roof of the castle attraction of this place more attractive.
Shankar Gompa:
Those of Tibetan Buddhism, a subsidiary of the convent school Gelukspa Spituk Skyabje Baku (Spituk head monk created the first version) is. The official residence of the Gelugpa sect in Ladakh Kushok Baku bread. This site is one of the most popular tourist spots for the large and rich collection of benefits. Furthermore, your boss and work from the air the golden spiral, and Dharmesh chakras, "the first sermon of Buddha at Sarnath, a symbol that the two deer, surrounded by four gods, and confirm the Murabaha. The most striking feature of this country , colorful walls decorated with high ceilings Murabaha Gompa its fixed.
Stoke Palace Museum:
In this particular case. The most visited sites in the region with other experts, about 14 km long bridge Choglamsar What is known for the family, the royal palace, the museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and their big, luxurious, royal family, king and queen, grand piano action with copper coins, gemstones and deposits, instruments, costumes and other beans. Departments, including the collection of stones and jewels of the most interesting and exciting part of this site.
Some other well known areas of this website Pangong Tso, Shanti broken, and many other groups Choel Dupgyud.
Ladakh is the beginning of summer trips for tourists in the world. Jammu and Kashmir and one of the most beautiful. sparkling snow-capped mountains in the world of tourism for their networks Tibetan style, color, and a large number of tourists involved in culture in the four years the Tibetan Buddhist world recognizes the ruins of the old palace Gompa.


text:
Astec Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTE) Announces Its First Quarter Conference Call April 23, 2013 At 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time
Apr 16, 2013, 07:00 ET
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- You are invited by Astec Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTE) to participate in a conference call to review its First Quarter 2013 financial results.
Astec Industries, Inc. will be releasing its First Quarter 2013 financial results to the wire services on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at approximately 7:00 A.M. Eastern Time.
The live call will begin on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Time. J. Don Brock, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, W. Norman Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer, David C. Silvious, Chief Financial Officer, and Stephen C. Anderson, Vice President of Administration and Secretary will host the call.
To access the call, dial (877) 407-9210 on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time for the call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8049. You may also access a live webcast of the call by visiting www.astecindustries.com/conferencecalls. You will need to give your name and company affiliation and reference Astec. An archived web cast will be available for ninety days at www.astecindustries.com.
A replay of the call can be accessed through midnight on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, by dialing (877)660-6853,or (201) 612-7415 for international callers, Account #286, Conference ID #412258. A transcript of the conference call will be made available under the Investor Relations section of the Astec Industries, Inc. website within 5 business days after the call.
Astec Industries, Inc. (www.astecindustries.com) is a manufacturer of specialized equipment for building and restoring the world's infrastructure. Astec's manufacturing operations are divided into four primary business segments: asphalt production equipment, mobile asphalt paving equipment, aggregate processing and mining equipment, and oil, gas and water drilling equipment. Additionally, the Other Group contains one subsidiary that manufactures equipment used for wood processing and recycling and one that is a company-owned dealership located in Australia.
If you have any questions about the call schedule, please contact Linda Foreman at
(423) 553-5946 or [email protected]. Conference call information is also located on the website at www.astecindustries.com.
SOURCE Astec Industries, Inc.


text:
S015 Double Bowl Stainless Steel Sink$624.00 - MSRP
Solera offers undermount, top-mount, apron, and dual-mount stainless steel sinks in a variety of bowl and gauge options. Each sink is fully insulated with sound dampening pads, making it no surprise that Solera customers choose stainless steel kitchen sinks more than any other material.
Our grids and cutting boards are custom-made to fit our sinks. The grid protects the base of the sink, while the natural cutting board gives you more useable work space. We offer two different strainers: the standard strainer has a removable tray, while the basket strainer features a deeper, perforated metal basket with a handle.
- 16- or 18-Gauge Steel Available
- Certified High-Quality 304 Stainless Steel
- Brushed Satin Finish
- Offset Drain
- Fully Insulated
- Cardboard Cutout Template Included
- Installation Hardware Included
- Limited Lifetime Warranty


text:
Charlotte, NC –-(Ammoland.com)- As we reported last November, the ongoing effort to fully vindicate the fundamental, individual right to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense took a major step forward with House passage of H.R. 822, the "National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011."
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), has 245 cosponsors and was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 272-154.
After passage in the House, the bill was sent to the Senate, where it remains. Since November, the Senate has failed to take any significant action on the bill.
Recently, the Attorneys General of 22 states and the territory of Guam wrote a letter of support for H.R. 822 to Reps. Stearns and Shuler, stating in part, "While some have suggested this legislation would endanger public safety, our experience suggests the opposite. Individuals with concealed carry permits from our states have proven to be more law-abiding than non-licensees, and in many instances have been able to defend themselves and others effectively from criminal attack. Many of our states also have laws recognizing out-of-state permits, and people carrying concealed handguns under those laws have done so without any unusual problems."
The Attorneys General also urged the Senate to take action on the bill.
H.R. 822 would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes. A state's laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. The bill applies to D.C., Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. It would not create a federal licensing system; rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Rep. Stearns has introduced such legislation since 1995.
To read the letter in full, please click here.
About NRA-ILA
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org


text:
As promised here is part 2 of my best books of 2016! This time around I'm doing books I loved and read this year that were NOT published in 2016.
Also as with the other post these are in no particular order and I will leave links to my full reviews if I have them!
11.) The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
This is an excellently written historical fiction/horror combo and when I say well written I mean the writing is definitely one of the best parts. Plus it's got monsters, awesomely creepy and horrifying monsters!
You can read my full review of "The Monstrumologist" here.
10.) Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
I don't think I need to even explain this do I? A group of criminals in a wonderful fantasy world plan and execute a heist, how the heck does this NOT sound awesome? Because it is!
You can read my full review of "Six of Crows" here.
9.) Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
This was a fun, entertaining, and light-hearted read that is full of awesome art and humor too! I adore this book it's definitely my all time favorite graphic novel.
You can read my full review of "Nimona" here.
8.) Through the Woods by Emily Caroll
This is a quick and super creepy graphic novel full of short stories with some great art. When I say creepy I mean creepy too!
You can read my full review of "Through the Woods" here.
7.) Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
This is probably the best sci-fi book I've ever read and it has everything! A cool formatting, space viruses, crazy AIs, and just overall space epicness.
You can read my full review of "Illuminae" here.
6.) The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
This book was definitely a huge surprise for me since the covers made me expect some light, fluffy YA Fantasy book which wasn't the case at all. I especially loved Kestrel the main character because she's definitely not your ordinary YA heroine!
You can read my full review of "The Winner's Curse" here.
5.) Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Not only does Laini Taylor have the some of the most beautiful writing but this is just such a great, unique, story. The mythology and world building is seriously fantastic as well.
You can read my full review of "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" here.
4.) The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Yet another really surprising book for me since it seems almost every YA paranormal book is disappointing to me, I'm glad that wasn't the case with this one. I loved how mysterious and driving the story-line was and all of the characters are just…wonderful.
You can read my full review of "The Raven Boys" here.
3.) Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
This is the book that officially made Jay Kristoff one of my favorite authors and made me want to get my hands on all of his books. For me this is how you write fantasy books perfectly. Great world building, mythology, characters, and mind-blowing plot twists!
You can read my full review of "Stormdancer" here.
2.) Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics
I don't think there are enough GOOD AND ACTUALLY SCARY YA Horror books out in the world but this is one of the few. It's short, terrifying, and has a few great twists as well…..but mostly it's just terrifying.
You can read my full review of "Daughters Unto Devils" here.
1.) Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi
This is a middle grade graphic novel series that is just as fun to read as an adult, trust me! It's a mix of fantasy and a bit of sci-fi as well and the overall story line is very compelling and fun to read through.
I'm hoping to have a review up for Volumes 1-7 soon as well!
What were some of your favorite backlist reads in 2016?
Were there any that were disappointing for you?
Have you read any of the books on this list?
Let me know in the comments!


text:
- This event has passed.
PRIVATE Kart Racing School, Stage 1 – Audi – 8:00am – 2:00pm
August 20, 2019 @ 8:00 am - 2:00 pm$495.00 – $2970
This full day program is the first step for future kart racers and those looking to better their driving skill. Participants of the Kart Racing School, Stage 1 begin the day by learning the fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and kart control. With this information fresh in mind, drivers will suit up, fit to karts and fire up engines. Drivers complete a total of six 15-minute lapping sessions around our 3/4-mile road course throughout the day, taking away a better understanding of racing lines, proper braking technique, acceleration, cornering forces and vehicle balance.
Kart Racing School, Stage 1 not only includes time behind the wheel, but also ample time working with our team of professional driving instructors. Drivers are provided feedback and coaching after every track session in order to optimize their ability to improve and gain consistency.
Graduates of Kart Racing School, Stage 1 are eligible to return for Kart Racing School, Stage 2. Upon completion of Stage 2 you will be eligible to obtain a Kart Racing License. This license qualifies the holder to enter our Arrive and Drive Kart Racing Series and Arrive and Drive Endurance Kart Racing Events
1. What is required to drive the Racing Karts?
Drivers should have the basic knowledge of how to drive a vehicle. The karts are simple to drive in practice but take skill to drive fast and effeciently. We'll share with you the knowledge and give you the tools to be your fastest.
2. What if I crash? Am I liable for the cost of repairs?
You are responsible for crash damage of up to $600 PER INCIDENT.
3. Do I need my driver's license to race one of your racing karts?
No, a license is not required. In fact, our racing school is open to drivers 13 years and older. Please check with a racing consultant if you want to drive, but don't meet the normal age requirement.
4. What if it rains?
We run the program rain or shine. The karts are well equipped to handle performance driving in wet conditions with rain tires. Of course, in the case of unsafe levels of rain, the program is subject to cancellation. Cancellation Policy
5. How do I get my Kart Racing License?
You are eligible for a kart racing license upon successful completion of Kart Racing School, Stage 1 & 2. Once you have completed the courses, you can request an application from your racing consultant, and they will help you through the process.
6. Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, but your driving suit needs to be at least a single layer karting suit rated for abrasion resistance, and your helmet must meet current Snell approval.
7. Can I bring spectators?
Yes, you can bring your fans to watch or take photos for you. No unattended guests under 18 years of age are allowed.
8. Will the session be video recorded?
You have the opportunity to rent a GoPro for $100 which includes a 32GB microSD card for you to keep. Mounts are preset in the car for an optimal recording angle. Reserve one early, supplies are limited. Renters are liable for the camera if lost or damaged and will be charged retail price in the event they don't return the GoPro.
"I don't think I'll ever do anything that awesome again."
"If you want to go fast…get to Simraceway. Period."
"If you do this once, you'll want to comeback again and again!"
"The only downside is the mild depression you may feel a few days after when you're jonesing for another fix from Simraceway."


text:
Ring personalized (silver and gold) with a name and a inner engraved.
Madirolas Jewelry Design.
PLAIN ring, personalized with a name, a inner engraved and polished gloss.
Choose the name and the inner engraved (date, message,...) you want and we do.
Sterling Silver 925.(6,60 grs.) Gold 18k (0,5 grs. aprox.) (size: EU 14 - US 7). Wide: 9,5mm. Delivery time. Consult our pdf file for calculating the size.
Technical elaboration: Idea. 3D designed. Step by metal. Casting. Finish and polish using the techniques of the craftsman jeweler.All works of MADIROLAS JEWELS are presented in custom boxes, adding a unique touch to a design gift.Please fill in the "Details" for any other characteristic you want to specify.
JoomShopping Download & Support


text:
[Editor's note: No PRJ file? No problem. Use this new guide by M. Maher from ESRI Press to learn map projection basics and the ArcGIS commands (versions 9 and 10) that register map data to common coordinate spaces. Read the first chapter and table of contents at ESRI.]
Republished from Vector One.
'Lining Up Data in ArcGIS' – a guide to map projections is a new book from ESRI Press. It is authored by Margaret M. Maher. Since I don't have ArcGIS running in my office I couldn't try out some of the details provided in the book, nevertheless, I did spend some time running through the book and offer the following comments.
One of the issues that many people encounter with GIS data revolves around projections, coordinates and lining up data with already existing spatial information. I've made the mistake myself numerous times, excited to get the data into the system, only to open the map window and finding what I just added from Berlin is placed in Oklahoma, Alberta or the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. How did that happen? Because I never lined up the data properly.
This book is very helpful. It explains how to identify geographic coordinate systems as compared to projected coordinate systems. If you are using ArcMap, then this book will show exactly how to determinine projections and set them. It even provides examples for going to ArcGIS Online, downloading imagery and aligning it properly.


text:
Previous versions of the UStream app for the iPhone only allowed you to stream video from the service. Their latest offering finally allows you to record and send video to the web.
Granted, there are other applications in the App Store that already do this like Kyte and 12Cast, but UStream promises high quality video and better flexibility with regard to where your video is shared. Currently, videos can be uploaded to UStream, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, or UStream on Facebook. You can even edit videos already on UStream directly from your iPhone.
It isn't the live streaming everyone wants, but until Apple and AT&T allow it to happen, developer's hands are tied. [TechCrunch]


text:
home > archive > 2003 > this article
Enter Stage Gabbing
Canada wrong to disavow a war with Iraq
By Steven Martinovich
(March 24, 2003) - Not surprisingly, Prime Minister Jean Chretien has come under heavy criticism for his decision not to support the American-led war against Iraq. Canadian Alliance Leader Stephen Harper called for Canadian troops in the region, including those in exchange programs with the militaries of the U.S., Britain and Australia, to decamp on the grounds that if they won't be fighting there's no reason for them to be there. Premiers Ralph Klein and Ernie Eves have both stated that Canada could suffer economically over its stand.
In explaining his decision Chretien stated that he believed the UN disarmament process hadn't been given enough time to work -- this after 12 years -- and that it must be Iraqis themselves to affect a regime change. The Chretien government's foreign agenda has been muddled at best in recent years but this latest rebuke to our allies may be the most serious yet.
"If we start to go and change every government that we don't like in the world, where do we stop? Who is next? This is something that we have to reflect on," he stated after months of indecision, not to mention reflection.
Chretien has not realized, where US President George W. Bush has, that the world is far from moving away from an era where the global peace and security, not to mention the promotion of Western democratic values, isn't best secured with military might. Chretien would appear to be under the impression that continued diplomatic dialogue, whether or not it bears fruit, is the exercise of moral power -- and is always better than military action.
Chretien is essentially adopting a European approach to the issue of Iraq, one that Robert Kagan described in his recently released book On Power and Paradise, sees nations "turning away from power ... moving beyond power into a self-contained world of laws and rules and transnational negotiation and cooperation."
That sees organizations like the UN taking the lead over issues like Iraq, despite the fact that it's recent past includes failing to act in Kosovo, Rawanda and other trouble spots when it had a chance. It's a world where raw power has been banished and men like Saddam Hussein are persuaded to comply with world demands via diplomacy and commercial trade. Using force to remove men like Saddam Hussein, the thought goes, is more dangerous then the man himself.
While that theory may be seductive, Europe and Canada are only able to promote to it thanks to decades of security provided by the US. It's one thing to subscribe to Enlightenment era philosophy about the perfectibility of man and the world, it's quite another to realize that both are far from being perfect. By refusing to take a realistic view of what it will take to force Iraq to comply with UN Security Council resolutions, Canada and Europe are essentially forcing the US into the unilateral path they have accused it of taking.
Canadians might be tempted to argue that Chretien's disavowal of the war against Iraq is a promotion of Canadian values, of our desire for a multilateral approach to solving the world's problems. Canadians used to uphold another value, one that led it to fight in two world wars. We used to believe that evil in the form of people like Hussein should never be allowed to stand. It would appear that our allies, the Americans, the British and the Australians, are the only ones now willing to fight to make it so.
Thanks for reading,
Steven Martinovich
Get weekly updates about new issues of ESR!
© 1996-2003, Enter Stage Right and/or its creators. All rights reserved.
You've seen the banner,
now order the gear!
Visit ESR's anti-gun control gear web site for T-shirts, mugs and mousepads!


text:
Moderator: Post Mortem Mods
Dana wrote:two forums with multiple subforums
Pixelmage wrote:Ok, here it goes:
Fan Continuity Section
- Planning: So far, the only board we'll need for this section. Once we decide on the events, we'll need to have other subsections parallel to this to actually run them. I have Tom's requirements in mind for what we can do with this. So it's a sensitive area, but assuming we will attempt to run events like a monthly Wall Emergency, or go through with Xana's spin off idea, it would be wise to have it organized. How many and what will the other forums under this section is hard to pin down at the moment, because we don't have a set plan for this yet. I would't expect this to get more than 3 or so. Anything bigger and it'd be wiser to move this into a dedicated domain.
General Discussions Section: This will actually be our off-topic, with a slightly more orderly approach.
- General Discussion: A traditional off-topic for everything that fits nowhere else. It's possible to split even this into subsections like Literature, Gaming, etc. But I don't particularly believe it's necessary. What I mean is, having a thread to discuss Butcher, and one to discuss PTerry is not enough reason to have a literature subforum. The volume of content without the subdivisions will probably be big, but making the subdivisions means each sub-section will have precious few content... Or some will have a lot while others will be left to dry.
- Metaguard Projects: This would be a hub for us to organize group efforts (Christmas Carol, ARG Character Profiles) and talk about projects we're working on, like the thread about TvTropes pages we edit or NaNoWriMo novels, namely, stuff we're working on and want input or hivemind power on. I'd make this separate from the Fan-Continuity because the things that would fit here would be more of one shot works than anything resembling an actual continuity.
- Roleplaying: Well... We hope to keep our current games running. And other people manifested desire to run games, along with non-players who are interested in getting into one of these. Having a section for this means we can keep it well contained and organized.
Qara-Xuan Zenith wrote:I think we should also have a canon discussion section. I mean, yes, the ARG is over, but there's still plenty to discuss-- for example, Radio Void Rebel, and the secret messages we're still trying to decode and things (and possible connections with past and future episodes of Echo Chamber).
Just my two cents.
RotavatoR wrote:I would like subsections on different kinds of media.
RotavatoR wrote:Would we still be able to edit the structure later if we're not happy with it?
RotavatoR wrote:What do you mean by "two forums"?
Pixelmage wrote:I'd like to bring up one question here as well. Assuming that model:
Administrative tasks, like board-specific moderator nomination, sub-section creations for the fan-continuity board... Would one of you keep track of that? I do realize that since you'll be using the archives as part of your resume, you'll all keep an eye here. What I'd like to know is how you'll approach that issue of day-to-day watch.
On of the points raised in the chatroom that I'll already mention here, is the idea of promoting one of us to handle that. I realize that idea brings up a lot of concerns though, so I'll not elaborate on it for now. I may bring up my ideas if you do consider it.
Pixelmage wrote:V2 of the layout proposal: blablabla not quoting the whole thing here
Sicon112 wrote:Well, locking General would give me nowhere to work on Connor Raikes' puzzle or look into the hidden message in EPF, and obviously nowhere to talk about RVR and A's tweets.
Pixelmage wrote:
- Adminverse/Echo Chamber Discussion: It's not like we'll stop following the developments with Radio Void, or the episodes of EC. There's season 3 coming up, this really deserves a separated place. It could be a sub-forum of General, and initially I just assumed we'd have threads on this subject there... But this place is the result of the Echo Chamber ARG after all. This really should have it's own section. Credits to Q for pointing out. And after some thinking... New people coming to read the archives should have a place like this to talk to us directly about it.
Dryunya wrote:
- WTF forum, entirely frozen in stasis at the point the ARG officially ended. General discussion, off-topic, announcements and all.
- Post-mortem.
- Metaguard hangout.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
Record: a specific piece of recorded information generated, collected, or received in the initiation, conduct, or completion of an activity, and that comprises sufficient content, context, and structure to provide proof or evidence of that activity. At SLAC, a record is broadly defined as documentary material, in any media, that is created or received in the normal course of laboratory business, is worth preserving, either temporarily or permanently, because it provides evidence of the organization's policies, procedures, activities, and decisions and has technical, administrative, historical, and/or legal value. SLAC records cannot be destroyed unless they are covered by a records schedule which indicates the authorized point at which they can be legally destroyed. Please see the list of archival material that is of interest to the SLAC Archives and History Office.
Non-records: Nonrecords are copies of documents maintained in more than one location or materials available from public sources, which can be disposed of at the discretion of the user. Please see the list of non-archival material compiled by the SLAC Archives and History Office.
Personal and professional papers: Personal and professional papers are documentary materials (in any media) of a private or nonpublic nature that do not relate to or have an effect upon the conduct of SLAC business. A good source for information on this topic is the AIP webpage about scientific source materials.
Accession: a group of records or archives from the same source taken into the Archives at the same time.
Records series: Record series are units of files or documents arranged according to a filing system or kept together because they:
Cubic foot: a standard holdings measure. Records occupying a space 12"x12"x12". A standard archives carton is actually not cubic foot but is said to be a "cubic foot."
-- Return to top --


text:
You learn a lot backstage talking to the best of the best makeup artists, hairstylists, and manicurists in the biz. In addition to just being a behind-the-scenes spectator.
Here are a few things we thought you'd like to know, too:
1. "If you're in a hurry, you don't have to use a base coat when you're painting on opaque nude polish," says manicurist Jin Soon Choi. "Lighter colors don't contain strong color pigments (found in bright and dark colors) that stain the nail, so you don't really need to protect the nail bed in this instance."
More From Cosmopolitan
2. "You can create instant waves in your hair by braiding multiple sections (around eight) and then running a flat iron over them," says hairstylist Orlando Pita. "The heat changes the shape of the hair, leaving you with tighter waves. After each section cools, unravel them and brush them out a little to make them look uniform."
3. A light pink eyeshadow can replace your blush. Makeup artist Diane Kendal used this technique on the models at Tory Burch because she liked the color so much and didn't want to part with the color.
4. This may sound counterintuitive, but manicurist Marian Newman told us at Tory Burch that, "A thick layer of top coat is better than two thin coats. The science behind it is that a top coat is designed to dry fast and protect the polish underneath it; the thicker you put on one coat the faster it dries and the better it protects."
5. The "V" nails at Prabal Gurung designed by Jin Soon Choi look intimidating, but they're really not. To DIY, Jin says to first paint your nails with a base color. Then, create a diagonal line, using another polish shade, from the bottom left corner of your nail to the middle of your nail, filing in the space to the left of the line. Finish by making a diagonal line from the bottom right corner to the center of your nail, filling in the open space to the right of the line, and layering on a top coat to seal everything in.
6. The best nail shape isn't a square or an oval, it's called a "Cutip," manicurist Marian Newman told us at Tory Burch. "The term refers back to the shape that reflects your cuticle shape, which, in turn, gives you a customized shape that is different on everyone." She used the technique at the show and every girls' shape was different. So cool.
7. This isn't a tip per se, but we thought it was too cool to not share. Fiji water is soon launching Fiji Water Straws. Basically, it's a reusable bottle with a hole drilled into the cap with a straw stuck in it. The cap was created for easy, on-the-go hydrating, but so far has come in handy at award and fashion shows to avoid makeup mess-ups. Genuis!
Will you be incorporating any of these tips and tricks anytime soon?
Photo: Getty Images
Follow Carly Cardellino on Facebook and Twitter.
Carly Cardellino was the beauty director at Cosmopolitan. If you follow her Instagram, then you know she'll try just about any beauty trend or treatment once (the pics of her purple hair are on IG to prove it). But her favorite part about being in beauty is finding the most effective products, and then sharing that intel with others—because who wants to spend money on stuff that doesn't work? No one, that's who. Her most recent discovery: De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment, which will change your blemish-clearing game! Hopefully through the beauty stories she writes—and the experiences she shares—you can see exactly why she's in this business.


text:
Seeing as yesterday was Holocaust Remembrance Day, I wanted to post about my experience traveling to Auschwitz in Krakow, Poland this past summer, in addition to meeting a Holocaust survivor in Budapest just a few short days after. I already wrote about this a few months ago in my blog, but seeing as this important day is designated to remember the atrocities that occurred years ago, I thought it would be appropriate to repost some of my experiences.
When my tour group arrived at Auschwitz, the line of people waiting to get in seemed endless. The one positive note about this experience was that so many people wanted to learn about the tragedy that was the Holocaust, so at least we as a society are not forgetting our past. As we walked through the gates into the camp, a sign above us read, "Arbeit Macht Frei," or "Work Makes You Free," and one could feel a chilling sensation passing by these words, all while knowing what had once happened here.
There must have been thousands of people on separate tours walking through the camp, but even so, it just seemed so gloomy and desolate. You read about the tragedies that occurred here, you hear stories, and you see movies, but there is nothing that can truly prepare you for walking on the actual grounds. The fencing and barbed wire, the watchtowers, and old, dark brick blocks, and the gloomy gray sky above us really makes you think how people were able to survive such conditions and brutality. The strength and courage that everyone must have had during the Holocaust is unbelievable, and there really aren't any words that can describe how it makes you feel.
Throughout our tour, we saw hundreds of suitcases, personal belongings, and family treasures that countless people were stripped of. And as we concluded the tour with a viewing of the gas chamber and crematorium, we saw where many of these people were stripped of their lives. It is crucial that we do not forget about this devastating time in history so that such atrocities do not repeat themselves. Genocide has occurred all throughout the world, and with such unspeakable acts of horror continuing to this day, we must speak on behalf of those who lost their lives and advocate for those still alive today before it is too late.
A few days after touring Auschwitz and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, my tour group arrived in Budapest, Hungary, where we walked through the immaculate Dohány Street Synagogue. After walking through the beautiful Synagogue, we came across an elegant little shop run by this cute, little elderly woman who was selling handmade Jewish crafts and goods. We were told that this elderly woman, Lucy Brown was actually a Holocaust survivor. Lucy was a teenager when she, her mother, and sister were taken with the other women from their town on a march, led by the Arrow Cross Army. As they were marching towards the Danube River (where the Jews would be shot and thrown into the River), a street cleaner opened up a gate to clean the grounds behind the gate. Lucy grabbed her mother and sister, and ran through the gate, and fortunately enough, the Arrow Cross leader didn't notice. Lucy ripped off the yellow stars from their shirts, and the three of them went into hiding until the end of the war, thanks to gentile neighbors and friends of theirs. Because of Lucy's courage, she saved herself, her mother, and her sister.
There are countless stories of heroic Holocaust survivors, but we must listen to them and pass these stories on before there is no one left to share such experiences.


text:
Monday, August 2, 2010
Easy Bake Oven
11 comments:
- AnonymousAugust 2, 2010 at 1:26 AM
"the cake came out of the pan piecemeal like a uterus in a laparoscopic hysterectomy"ReplyDelete
only on a medical blog :)
love it!
Great post!ReplyDelete
Some of us have cook, some of us don't. Thank God for good bakeries. ;)
Love this post, Gizabeth!ReplyDelete
Aw! Sicily is going to be an awesome cook. What a great present!ReplyDelete
I'm no cook either, I'd probably have the same luck! Kids enthusiasm is infectious, though, makes everything worthwhile.ReplyDelete
I chuckled at the laparoscopic hysterectomy reference, too. Good one.
my easy bake oven likely found its way to the trash after the bulb got too hot and the pans burned me.ReplyDelete
I had one of the 1980/1990's easy bake ovens.
Thanks, all!ReplyDelete
Bus Driver - I don't think they have changed all that much. Luckily for kids (my memory and Sicily's recent experience) it is more about the doing stuff together than the taste/outcome.
What could be better to a 7 year old than making miniature desserts, burned or not?
Yum! That's the way they are supposed to turn out! Maybe you can post a picture, but it might be better (or worse) in our imagination :-) Ah, yes, definitely love baby wipes and will keep them around (everywhere, car, bathroom, etc) even though no longer for their original purpose!ReplyDelete
I should have taken pics! Finally figured out how to hook up my new Droid to my laptop last week. Next time, I promise.ReplyDelete
"Despite liberal greasing by Jack, the cake came out of the pan piecemeal like a uterus in a laparoscopic hysterectomy."ReplyDelete
OK, OK, I see another commenter already said something, but I already had it copied and ready to paste. This may be the best quote ever.
Glad you like it - I had to chuckle myself when I thought of it. Haha. I hate looking at disoriented chunks of uterus. Much prefer them to come out whole - easier to gross in and look at under the scope. Selfish way to look at it - I know. A pathology pet peeve.ReplyDelete


text:
Roomy Waialae Nui Home
For $1.6 million you get a lot of space and some interesting taste.
For about $1.7 million bones you can become the proud owner of this Waialae Nui Ridge house with views of Diamond Head, Koko Head and the ocean, from really generous floor-to-ceiling windows. The current homeowners turned a downstairs bedroom into a study, so you could do some biz there while looking out the window. I'd be distracted, but perhaps nice views make you do better work, rather than none at all (which is the case for yours truly, but don't tell my editor).
There's a great big patio, and just enough of a yard beneath it to feel like you've got some earth to call your own. The kitchen is very modern, despite the unfortunate flowers painted on the floor, and there are several remodeled bathrooms that have a sleek, almost space-age feel with a prominent sink and metallic track lighting. They also include, inexplicably, bidets. I won't knock 'em because I've never tried 'em.
Bedrooms are roomy—there are three—and there is a fantastic game room on the second floor that is windowed on two sides and has a wet bar. And there are closets galore, tucked everywhere. There's a spacious entry, spacious upstairs bedroom with a private lanai, and plenty of space to lounge. This place is all about room to move.
The only head-scratching I did was looking at some of the design. For instance, the dining room floor is carpeted, but has a spot that's marble and wood inlay for the table. It's well-made, probably expensive, but something about the color combo, or the marble, reads a little 80's. And those bathrooms with bidets I mentioned earlier? The sleek, modern design didn't extend into the master bath, which looks older and only has one sink at an odd angle to the rest of the bathroom.
But keep this place on your "to do" list—that 3,000-plus square feet gives you a bunch of room for improvement.
Money Talk: $1,675,000, fee simple
Contact: Patricia Case, Case Properties International, 526-2273


text:
45,000 people had to be evacuated after two extremely dangerous bombs were found in the Rhine River, 65 years after they were dropped by British and American planes.
The biggest was a British 1.8-ton bomb that had the potential to destroy the entire city center, according to the fire department of Koblenz, the German town were the devices were located. The bombs had remained unperturbed in the Rhine River for decades. This metal beast was found completely intact and ready to go when the water level dropped to an all-time low this year.
But the most dangerous was the American 275-pound high-explosive bomb. While the British shell was in good condition and its deactivation was relatively straightforward, the compact bomb was extremely difficult to deactivate. The impact had made it highly unstable.
The bomb experts destroyed a third device too, but this one was only annoying: a fog generator dropped by Allied airplanes to make hard for anti-aircraft battery operators to hit bombers. [CNN]


text:
Bibb Co. officers suspended after traffic stop with judge
MACON, Ga. - The Bibb County sheriff said Thursday that two of his officers will be suspended without pay for their actions at a traffic checkpoint where a local judge was stopped.
Sheriff's officials say officers stopped Bibb County Judge Howard Simms on Sept. 22 for a license check during an operation they called "Rolling Thunder." Sheriff's reports state the judge was allowed to drive home although a roadside breath test showed his alcohol level was above the legal limit.
Sheriff Jerry Modena says a captain will be suspended for five days and a sergeant will be suspended for three days.
Simms, a Superior Court judge and former district attorney, said in a statement last month that he was entering an in-patient alcohol addiction treatment facility. The judge has not been charged with DUI.


text:
Welcome Materials
Visit Columbus, GA will work with you to make your attendees feel welcome with helpful information and materials. We're pleased to provide the following complimentary Columbus welcome information for your attendees:
- Columbus Visitors Guides & Maps
- Coupons & special offers (as available from local partners)
Visitors Guides provided upon request. Larger quantities are available based on the number of room nights in Columbus-Muscogee County; ask to review our policy for this.
We also provide an information rack stocked with brochures at The Columbus Convention & Trade Center.
Visitors Guides may be purchased at 30¢ each for non Columbus-Muscogee County events and for requests of quantities over 50 that are not accompanied by local room nights.
Premium Items: Offered "At Cost"
- Plastic Bags: 30¢ each
- Pens: 30¢ each
- Name Badge (white background with black lettering): 25¢ pin-on; 75¢ lanyard
Assembled Welcome Bags:
Complete, assembled welcome bags are available at 80¢ each.
Bags include: Columbus CVB Plastic bag, Visitors Guide, pen, and other local offers and brochures per request.
Go All Out IN COLUMBUS GA BOOK YOUR STAY


text:
Johnson wins 4th straight NASCAR championship
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Jimmie Johnson was chasing much more than a championship.
He was also chasing NASCAR history.
The most dominant driver of this decade won a record fourth consecutive championship Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he raced hard to finish fifth when 25th-place would have gotten the job done.
In doing so, Johnson joined Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and teammate Jeff Gordon (4) as the only drivers to win more than three titles.
"The cool thing is, we're not done yet," he warned.
All he ever wanted was a chance to race against the very best. Maybe even win a race or two.
Never did he expect to be a champion.
Especially four times over.
"I grew up on two wheels in the dirt," the 34-year-old Californian said. "I had no clue I was going to end up here racing stock cars and doing something that had never been done before. To do something that's never been done in the sport, and love the sport like I do and respect it like I do and the greats — Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon — to do something they have never done is so awesome.
"And to win four championships in eight years, what this team has done — this is unbelievable."
Johnson bulldozed his way into the record books, pouncing when the 10-race Chase for the Sprint Cup championship began to pull team owner Rick Hendrick into the record books with him. Johnson's title gave a record 12th overall championship to Hendrick, who was in North Carolina with a niece who was undergoing an emergency liver transplant.
In his absence, Johnson, Mark Martin and Gordon celebrated a 1-2-3 finish in the final points standings, just the second time in NASCAR history a team owner has swept the standings.
"Heavy hearts and prayers with the boss man and the family," Martin said, paying homage to Hendrick. "That sort of takes a little bit of the shine off of it. But congratulations to Hendrick Motorsports, to Jimmie Johnson — Superman — and to my team."
Superman, indeed.
Johnson now stands atop NASCAR as a one-man dynasty, much like Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Lance Armstrong in their sports.
Only Johnson hasn't been feted under a blizzard of confetti by himself. His mighty Hendrick team rules NASCAR the way UCLA once dominated the hardwood or Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls reigned supreme.
There's seemingly plenty of chances left for Johnson's tag-team with crew chief Chad Knaus to keep Hendrick and the No. 48 in the title hunt for another decade.
Johnson signed a five-year contract extension to drive for Hendrick through 2015, and Knaus has insisted the No. 48 team can keep this pace for the next several years.
Johnson doesn't want to take anything for granted along the way.
"I don't know if we'll win another championship," he said. "I feel in my heart we'll be competitive, but at some point in time, we won't be that team."
That's why Johnson never let up in pursuit of the championship. He raced hard for wins in nine of the 10 Chase races, and for all 400 miles at Homestead, where he threatened to try to run down the leaders to better his eventual fifth-place finish.
It made for a sometimes testy drive into history for Johnson, who was at times annoyed at rival drivers and even Gordon, the mentor and teammate who helped him land his job with Hendrick Motorsports.
Nobody gave Johnson anything, either. The other drivers raced hard around him all day, making Johnson earn every point in a race won by Denny Hamlin, who established himself as a driver to watch in 2010 by winning a career-high four races this season.
Hamlin also managed to keep pace with Johnson at times but fell out of contention with three DNFs.
"We're going to be there, I promise you," Hamlin said. "I promise you, the next couple years, we're going to win the championship. But right now, there's no one more deserving than Jimmie."
Johnson won seven races this season, four after the Chase began in September. In fact, since the Chase format began in 2004, Johnson has won 18 of 60 Chase races.
He's done it by almost never choosing the safe route. He did it just once this year, at Talladega when he ran near the back of the field most of the day to avoid the trouble at the Alabama track.
Only the joke was on him when his problems popped up a week later, at Texas, where he was wrecked on the third lap and lost 111 points from his cushion over Martin. It still left him with a cozy 78-point margin headed into last weekend's race at Phoenix, where he probably could have laid back and protected his lead.
Instead, he pounced and earned a dominating victory that set the stage for an easy Sunday.
"The pressure of winning the fourth didn't really hit me until hitting the wall at Texas," he admitted. "And then it was like 'Oh, man.' It was a great reality check."
Of course, he couldn't get off the gas.
After several tense laps chasing Gordon for fifth place — Johnson at one point complained over his radio "I let him go, now why won't he just go somewhere!" — he asked Knaus if he had enough time to catch Hamlin and the leaders.
Johnson didn't like being told no by his crew chief.
"Is that a dare?" he asked Knaus.
"No. That is a fact," Knaus replied.
So is Johnson's place in history, which seems to be undervalued despite 47 victories since 2002. He's never finished lower than fifth in the final standings and actually had a shot at winning the championship in 2004 and 2005 — only to fall short in the finale.
"Jimmie is an incredible, incredible talent. He is the most underrated driver in this garage," Knaus said. "That guy can do things in a race car that I've never seen before. I hope this proves it to everybody."
His competitors insist time will take care of Johnson's legacy, but they continue to marvel at his success.
"If you would have told me four years ago that someone would win four championships in a row, I would have told you you were crazy," said Jeff Burton, who finished second in Sunday's race.
Even Gordon, who won four quick titles early in his career but has been shut out since 2001, is impressed.
"As a competitor, that Johnson ticks me off. As a friend, teammate, fellow car owner, they're amazing," Gordon said. "I never thought in my career, in my lifetime, I'd see somebody win four in a row. To see it happening right in front of your eyes makes it even more extraordinary."


text:
By Sonya Hamasaki, CNN
Los Angeles (CNN) - On a brisk, spring-like day in March, Diana Rivera walked into a classroom at Centinela Valley Adult School, just like she'd done everyday for nearly the past two months. She was eager to hear a lecture in her "medical assistant" class, a course she believed would be key to successfully starting a career in the medical field. Getting there had been a struggle.
"I searched and searched for so long," she said. "I tried to get in three years ago, but there was a waiting list."
The medical assistant course was started 12 years ago, and over the years, it grew to become one of the most popular on campus. But on that day, just as Rivera was settling into her coursework, everything changed.
"They just came in, gave us notice that school was over, and took us out," she said.
And just like that, her dreams vanished. The class and its instructor were suddenly eliminated due to cuts in state funding.
"It was devastating," Rivera said. "I was let down."
But as she was escorted off campus that morning, what she didn't know was that her teacher was also about to become her champion.
Educator Cristina Chiappe, who created the course and has taught it since its inception, suddenly found herself unemployed. And while she no longer had a physical location to teach, she never once thought to stop the class.
"I didn't want to leave my students with nothing. They cut the money back. This is not all about money, it's about education," she said.
So Chiappe came up with an idea – one that her students and onlookers have described as "brave", "risky" and "heroic."
She decided to continue teaching her group of displaced students, and open her own school.


text:
California man throws spear at moving car, police say
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento police say they have arrested a man who threw a spear at a moving car.
The Sacramento Bee reports Wednesday that the spear was lodged in the car after hitting its front fender.
Police say a witness called Tuesday night to report a man standing in the road throwing a spear at a passing vehicle, and officers arrested 56-year-old Jeffrey Allen Jones on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.
A police mug shot of Jones shows him with long hair and a long graying beard, with his mouth agape and his eyes closed.
It was not immediately clear what the spear was made of or where it came from.
There were no reports of any injuries.


text:
Central African Republic: UN envoy urges calm after transition leaders step down
In a statement issued by his office in Bagui, Babacar Gaye, Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office for the Central African Republic (BINUCA), took note of the resignation yesterday of President Michel Djotodia and Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye.
"He calls on members of the National Transitional Council (CNT) to mobilize around the urgent election of a new transitional executive, as agreed at the extraordinary summit of Heads of States of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) yesterday, 10 January 2014, in N'djamena, Chad."
Armed attacks between ex-Séléka and Christian anti-balaka militias have escalated significantly in the past two weeks, despite the creation of a transitional government following the attack a year ago by mostly Muslim Séléka rebels which forced President François Bozizé to flee.
Since then, thousands of people are estimated to have been killed, nearly 1 million driven from their homes, and 2.2 million, about half the population, need humanitarian aid.
Delivering a message on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the ECCAS Summit on Thursday, Mr. Gaye stressed that the past year's events have profoundly damaged the relationship between Muslim and Christian communities in the CAR, and warned that there is a real danger of further upheaval along religious lines.
"The horrific cycle of violence and retaliation between communities must stop immediately," he said. "Distrust is high and violence has fuelled anger and a thirst for revenge," he added, highlighting the need to prioritize reconciliation efforts. Disarmament of combatants in accordance with international standards is essential, Mr. Ban stressed, noting also the importance of demobilization and reintegration of the former fighters.
Today, Mr. Gaye called on the people and the leaders of the CAR to maintain calm and show maturity following the leaders' resignations. "Along with the International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), French forces, SANGARIS, have made important progress in securing Bangui," he said, adding that their efforts must be supported, especially as numerous threats persist.
"The entire UN System and our humanitarian partners are fully mobilized to assist approximately two million people who are in urgent need of assistance across the country," he said.
To that end, yesterday, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) issued an appeal for $40.2 million for CAR. That request, which is for the period to the end of March, follows appeals launched by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in late December for $152.2 million in immediate support needs for a 100-day plan for CAR.
UNHCR's supplementary appeal for CAR aims to support more than 1 million people, including 86,400 refugees in neighbouring countries and 958,000 internally displaced persons.


text:
Welcome To AlbumLinerNotes.com
"The #1 Archive of Liner Notes in the World"
Your Subtitle text
Home Page
Artist List
The Smothers Brothers
Something I Said
At The Purple Onion
The Smothers Brothers
Biography by Jason Ankeny
Ironically enough for an act built around the tensions of sibiling rivalry, the Smothers Brothers were the longest-lived comedy team in history; originally a folk duo, the brothers tempered their childlike, irreverent musical humor with enough sly satire and subtle political commentary to earn both an ardent following from the counterculture and considerable backlash from more conservative quarters.
Tom (born February 2, 1937) and Dick (born November 20, 1939) first teamed professionally while attending San Jose State University. After a tenure in a folk group dubbed the Casual Quintet, the Smothers broke off as a duo in 1959; while their act initially consisted of straightforward folk tunes, audiences responded even more favorably to their between-song banter, and gradually all of the brothers' material reflected their offbeat comic sensibility, a perennially wide-eyed worldview steeped in playful sibling rivalry primarily directed at Tom's supposed dull wit.
By the time of their 1961 live debut At the Purple Onion -- released concurrently with their season-long tenure as regulars on The Steve Allen Show -- the Smothers' act still skewed towards straight songs, and the comedic content of their performance resided primarily in the introductions to the musical performances. As indicated by its title, 1962's Top 40 hit The Two Sides of the Smothers Brothers reflected the dichotomy even more clearly; while one half of the record was devoted to serious, if lightweight, songs like "If It Fits Your Fancy" and "Stella's Got a New Dress," the remainder focused on comic numbers like "Cabbage" and "Chocolate," the latter penned by frequent accomplice Pat Paulsen.
With 1963's (Think Ethnic!), their transformation into pure comedy was complete; all of the songs were performed with tongues planted firmly in cheek, punctuated by breezy banter and light-hearted bickering. Curb Your Tongue, Knave! followed later in the year and was the duo's biggest hit, falling just short of the Top Ten, while 1964's It Must Have Been Something I Said! reflected their continued growth as performers capable of everything from love song send-ups ("Jenny Brown") to cracked history lessons ("Civil War Song").
With 1964's Tour de Farce American History and Other Unrelated Subjects and the following year's Aesop's Fables the Smothers Brothers Way, the duo turned towards music aimed specifically for younger audiences, while 1965's Mom Always Liked You Best! (its title the brothers' definitive tag line) crystallized their sibling squabbling antics. A short-lived sitcom, The Smothers Brothers Show, debuted that same year, while Golden Hits of the Smothers Brothers, Vol. 2 -- there was, of course, no Volume 1 -- featured re-recorded renditions of favorite bits, and appeared in 1966.
In February 1967, the duo launched The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, a variety program for the CBS network. An immediate hit, the series was topical and irreverent, poking fun at institutions ranging from the government to motherhood. As a result, it was also highly controversial, and the Smothers frequently butted heads with network censors. While very much a traditional show in terms of format and structure, the Comedy Hour won a devoted following from the burgeoning youth culture; while not overtly political, the show was far more topical than anything else on the air -- co-star Pat Paulsen launched a 1968 Presidential campaign, while blacklisted folkie Pete Seeger, a frequent guest, made waves by performing his Vietnam protest song "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy."
After a 1969 sketch satirizing organized religion drew fire from the nation's clergy and forced an on-air apology, CBS threw in the towel and cancelled the show despite high ratings and a recent Emmy Award for writing. A year later, the program resurfaced on ABC, but its momentum was destroyed, and it again disappeared a few months later. Ultimately, the controversies crippled the Smothers' career; they did not return to recording, and toured sporadically over the next several years. Another variety series, The Smothers Brothers Show, debuted on NBC in 1975, but lasted only 13 weeks. After over a decade of low-visibility touring and nightclub performances, CBS brought back The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1988; after little more than a year on the air, it too was cancelled, and the team returned to the live circuit once again.
Content provided by All Music Guide. (C) 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.


text:
Dec. 18, 2010— -- The campaign to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," which bars gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military, gained a historic victory today with the Senate voting to end the policy and send the bill to President Obama's desk.
Sixty-five Senators, including six Republicans, voted in favor of the measure. The House approved repeal earlier this week.
Passage of the bill to end "don't ask, don't tell" is a major victory for Obama, who has promised to end the 17-year-old law and had come under intense pressure from gay rights groups to do so before Republicans take control of the House in January.
"It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed. It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly," Obama said in a statement hailing the historic Senate vote.
Still, advocates cautioned that gay and lesbian service members will not be immediately allowed to serve openly and could still face disciplinary action for revealing their sexual orientation.
The legislative repeal gives military leadership control of a timetable for implementing the change, stipulating that it can only occur after the president, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Congress "certify" the military is ready. After certification, there would be a 60-day grace period before it takes effect.
"Gay, lesbian and bisexual service members posted around the world are standing a little taller today," said Aubrey Sarvis, an Army veteran and executive director for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, "but they're still very much at risk because repeal is not final ... Certification and the 60-day Congressional requirement must be wrapped up no later than the first quarter of 2011. The bottom line: for now, gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members must remain cautiously closeted."
The groups says more than 13,500 service members have been discharged from the military under the 1993 law.
Majorities in Military, General Public Support Repeal
In the hours before today's vote, Senate Democrats vehemently argued that it was long past time that the policy come to an end.
"The existing 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is inconsistent with basic American values," said Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., who introduced the stand-alone bill in Congress last week after Senate Democrats failed in an attempt to pass the repeal attached to the annual defense authorization bill.
"If you care about national security, if you care about our military readiness, then you will repeal this corrosive policy," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY.
But Senate Republicans argued that implementing a repeal during a time of military conflict was a mistake.
Arizona Sen. John McCain, an outspoken opponent of repeal, dismissed a Pentagon study supportive of the change and said he believed ending the policy would harm the troops.
"If it isn't broke, then don't fix it," he said of the policy. "All this talk that it's a civil rights issue and equality -- the fact is the military has the highest recruitment and retention in its history. That it's harmed our military is not supported by the facts ... We are doing great damage, and we are possibly and probably ... harming the battle effectiveness which is so vital to the support of the men and women of the military."
A Pentagon study released earlier this month found that there would be minimal risk to military effectiveness in enacting a repeal.
Fifty to 55 percent of those surveyed said the repeal wouldn't have any effect, 15 to 20 percent said it would have a positive effect and 30 percent said the effect would be negative. The report also concluded that encounters with gay service members are common.
Obama, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen and Defense Secretary Gates have all called for a repeal of the policy.
Four GOP senators today voted in favor of repeal -- Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Scott Brown of Massachusetts and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
The most recent ABC News/Washington Post poll found 77 percent of Americans support allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military, the largest show of support in the history of the policy.


text:
Reader's Watchdog: Contractor agrees to repay for work not done on Des Moines home
Des Moines contractor Georgios Symeonidis has agreed to pay restitution to a California couple who complained about his work to the Des Moines Register Reader's Watchdog.
Symeonidis, 52, owner of American Artisan and Traditional Homes, has agreed to repay Kalai and Raj Govender of Citrus Heights, Calif., the $40,000 they gave him to renovate a home on Kingman Boulevard. The couple had purchased the home for their son, Krushen, a medical student at Des Moines University, according to Des Moines Police Sgt. Jason Halifax.
Kalai Govender told the Reader's Watchdog in August that Symeonidis promised to make the home the best looking one on the block. By last spring, the renovation had ground to a halt.
Symeonidis told me ghosts were a reason why the work stopped. He talked of screams his workers heard and a photograph that he said exploded after he picked it up in the house.
Later, one of his subcontractors told me that Symeonidis bounced $3,000 worth of checks and owed him about $8,000 for his work on the Drake neighborhood house as well as two of Symeonidis' own residences. Symeonidis now faces charges for allegedly writing those checks to the plumber, according to Halifax.
Symeonidis and one of his employees, Arteum P. Brodeur, also were accused of stealing GPS surveying equipment worth about $12,000 in April. Symeonidis was convicted of second-degree theft earlier this month.
He struck a deal with prosecutors to take an Alford plea on a charge of fourth-degree theft. A Polk County judge gave Brodeur 109 days in jail for time already served.
Brodeur, 20, who has past convictions for theft and burglary, wrote on court declaration papers that he works for Symeonidis' company, American Artisan. Yet, he also claimed he had no income.
Lee Rood's Reader's Watchdog column helps Iowans get answers and accountability from public officials, the justice system, businesses and nonprofits. Contact her at email@example.com or 515-284-8549.


text:
Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.
The Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park, Mile Square Park and the golf courses use recycled water for outdoor irrigation. Recycled water is not potable and is not subject to the water restrictions. Therefore, the watering schedule at the Sports Park will be set to maintain the fields in proper condition for the community's enjoyment.
Show All Answers
Fountain Valley has permanent water conservation requirements in place to promote the efficient use of water and reduce or eliminate water waste in the City. These requirements are in effect at all times and additional requirements may be implemented in response to water shortages.
A Level 2 Water Supply Shortage was declared by the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley on June 21, 2022. As a result, additional water restrictions were implemented. The Level 2 Water Restrictions are effective July 1, 2022, until further notice. They include the following:
All water customers are required to comply with the water conservation requirements. For more information, visit Water Restrictions.
The City has had permanent water conservation requirements in place since 2009 to promote the efficient use of water and reduce or eliminate waste of water in the City. These requirements are in effect at all times and additional requirements may be implemented in response to water shortages.
A Level 2 Water Supply Shortage was declared by the City Council of the City of Fountain Valley on June 21, 2022. The Level 2 Water Restrictions are effective July 1, 2022, until further notice.
The 11-20% reduction is measured by comparing the monthly water consumption for Fountain Valley to the same time period in the previous year. The City's water consumption is the amount of water the City produces/purchases and delivers to the community.
This reduction is a community effort and will not be enforced at the individual water customer level. Fountain Valley water customers developed good habits during the previous drought and have continued to follow the City's permanent water conservation requirements. Since over 50% of water is used outdoors, the Level 2 Restrictions focus on limiting outdoor water use as an effective means of reducing the community's overall water usage.
Outdoor watering is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, or a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Sprinklers may be turned on for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. (Permanent)
Outdoor watering is limited to no more than 15 minutes per station per day. (Permanent)
Outdoor watering that causes more than incidental water runoff is prohibited. (Permanent)
Watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall is also prohibited. (Permanent)
Watering is limited to 3 days per week, as scheduled. Odd Addresses - Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. Even Addresses - Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday. Commercial, Industrial & Institutional Sites - Monday, Wednesday & Friday. (Level 2)
Commercial, Industrial & Institutional sites, including HOAs, are prohibited from using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf. Watering of trees and other perennial non-turf plants is allowed. (Level 2)
As part of the City's efforts to help customers manage their water usage and save money, the City offers all residents and businesses the ability to monitor their water consumption through the City's Water Usage Customer Portal. Customers can use the portal to view their water consumption data online and sign up to receive email alerts. Click here to learn more about the Water Usage Customer Portal.
Fountain Valley is continuing its efforts (in person, through letters, door hangers, etc.) to make customers aware of violations that occur. This will typically be a step-up process that focuses on education and assistance to help the customer remedy the issue. Customers who violate these regulations will be issued a warning for the first violation and will be subject to fines of up to $1,000 for continued violations.
The water restrictions do not apply to the use of recycled water for irrigation purposes. The Fountain Valley Sports Park, Mile Square Park, David L. Baker Golf Course, Mile Square Golf Course, Green Valley Park, Hyundai Motor America and areas along the Santa Ana River Trail utilize recycled water for irrigation purposes and are not subject to the watering restrictions.
Non-functional turf is turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Non-functional turf does not include sports fields and turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events, such as parks and school fields.
The prohibition against the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf only applies to commercial, industrial and institutional water users, including HOAs. It does not apply to individual residences.
"Commercial, industrial and institutional" refers to commercial water users, industrial water users, and institutional water users as respectively defined in Water Code, section 10608.12, subdivisions (e), (i), and (j), and includes homeowners' associations, common interest developments, community service organizations, and other similar entities but does not include the residences of these entities' members or separate interests.
California Water Code Definitions (Section 10608.12)
Commercial Water User - a water user that provides or distributes a product or service.
Industrial Water User - a water user that is primarily a manufacturer or processor of materials as defined by the North American Industry Classification System code sectors 31 to 33, inclusive, or an entity that is a water user primarily engaged in research and development.
Institutional Water User - a water user dedicated to public service. This type of user includes, among other users, higher education institutions, schools, courts, churches, hospitals, government facilities, and nonprofit research institutions.
Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking.
Fountain Valley is doing many things to reduce water use on public property, such as using recycled water to irrigate landscapes, reducing irrigation run times, and replacing turf and other ornamentals with drought tolerant landscapes. The City stopped watering ornamental turf on public street medians as mandated by the State several years ago and is exploring drought tolerant alternatives. Fountain Valley also continue its outreach to the public regarding water conservation and available incentives for customers to install water efficient devices.
In response to the Level 2 Water Restrictions, the City is restricting its outdoor watering to 3 days a week (as assigned on Monday, Wednesday & Friday) at all of the City's properties, facilities, parks, right-of-ways, etc. The City has also stopped irrigating the areas of non-functional turf identified at City Hall, the Senior Center, Fire Station No. 2, the City Yard and Well #8.
Please note that the Fountain Valley Sports Park is irrigated with recycled water that is not subject to the Level 2 and permanent water restrictions.
Customers can water from midnight to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to midnight on their assigned days. Watering is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Yes. Watering using a hand-held bucket or similar container, or a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Outdoor areas are usually broken up into smaller areas for irrigation purposes. One section is watered for a set amount of time and goes off. Then another section is watered and goes off until the entire area has been watered. Each section (usually controlled by its own sprinkler valve) is a "station." Therefore, each station can be watered for up to 15 minutes per station per day.
Outdoor watering is limited to a maximum of 15 minutes per station per day. For most irrigable areas and most irrigation systems, 15 minutes is too long and will result in more than incidental runoff which is prohibited. The time frame was put in place to not only accommodate residential users, but also larger commercial and recreational areas that may need longer to cycle through each station. The combination of 15 minutes per station and no more than incidental runoff should be self-limiting. If someone can water 15 minutes without creating runoff then they can do that. If runoff is created at 5 minutes, then that should be the end of the watering time for that station.
No. All outdoor watering is limited to 3 days per week on the schedule established and posted by the City. With the limit in watering days and the provision that there can be no more than incidental runoff, it is believed that this combination will provide the best opportunity for measurable conservation.
More than incidental water runoff is prohibited during outdoor watering. It carries pollutants to the ocean, wastes water and is a sign that too much water is being applied to the area. If you are experiencing runoff, reduce the amount of time that you are watering. If the area needs more water, try watering for a short amount of time before 9 a.m. and again after 6 p.m.. Just make sure that your total watering duration per station per day is not more than 15 minutes. You will probably find that you need less than 15 minutes per station per day.
Overspray is different than runoff. Overspray is when sprinklers reach beyond the area being watered and spray hard surfaces, such as streets, sidewalks and driveways. This can be controlled by turning down sprinklers and/or adjusting the sprinkler heads to better direct the water. If you would like to replace your old sprinkler heads with more water efficient rotating sprinkler nozzles, rebates may be available at www.ocwatersmart.com.
There are a wide range of programs and incentives to help you reduce your daily water use. The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and the City of Fountain Valley offer rebates on water efficient devices, like smart sprinkler timers and rotating sprinkler nozzles; rebates for replacing turf with California Friendly landscapes; rebates on clothes washers and premium high efficiency toilets; free home water use surveys and water-wise gardening classes; and much more. For more information, visit our Water Efficiency Rebates & Programs webpage.
A public street median is the portion of the roadway separating opposing directions of traffic that is owned and maintained by a public entity, such as the City.
The strip of grass between the sidewalk and the curb is called the parkway. It is within City right-of-way, but it belongs to the homeowner and is the maintenance responsibility of the homeowner. Parkways can be watered on the same schedule as the rest of the outdoor landscaping. If you would like to remove turf in this area and replace it with drought tolerant landscaping, you may do so by requesting an encroachment permit from our Public Works Department. Please know that turf removal rebates might be available through the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). If you would like more information about turf removal and available rebates, visit our Turf Removal webpage.
No. Landscape irrigation systems that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two gallons of water per hour and weather-based controllers or stream rotor sprinklers that meet a seventy percent efficiency standard are not limited to 15 minutes per station per day.
They are subject to the same restrictions regarding duration (no more than 15 minutes per station per day).
Absolutely! In fact, we would encourage that. To make the best use of this water, it is suggested that you use it during the evening hours or early morning to minimize evaporation.
No. Gray water, while well-meaning for drought conditions, does present other concerns. If there is any runoff, it becomes a pollutant for downstream waters, including the ocean. Additionally, all gray water in the City of Fountain Valley that is sent to waste through inside drains eventually ends up at the Orange County Sanitation District. There it is recycled and converted along with black waste water into potable quality water that is replenished back into the groundwater basin for pumping and potable use.
You can report water waste online or by calling 714-593-4600.


text:
Safe, durable, and awesome children's sunglasses in a classic aviator design.
Lenses: Lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, and per FDA requirements, are impact and shatter resistant.
Frame: Flexible rubber frame doesn't break, and is 100% BPA-free. Frame meets or exceeds CPSIA safety standards for children's products.
Fit: Junior Babiators fit most children ages 9 months through 3 years. However, fit will vary by child, depending on your child's head size. If you feel your child may be between sizes, we recommend ordering down a size.


text:
Incident management for high-velocity teams
Browse topics
More resources
Nailing the incident management process like an IT Operations pro
By Nick Wright, Atlassian Service Operations Manager
First, let me get something off my chest: front-line support people are the unsung heroes of every business.
Every. Business.
I truly believe that tech support should be considered a service industry, and customers should be able to leave tips for agents who deliver excellent service. I would happily leave a tip for every killer support person who resolved my issues quickly—and with a smile–if only I could.
But I digress. If you're reading this, you probably manage or serve on a help desk team. Your hair is probably also on fire right now. It really burns. The smell is awful, too. So let's do something about that—and get your IT incident management process under control.
Before we dive into incident management, though, let's get on the same page about some common terminology.
Learn incident communication with Statuspage
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to use incident templates to communicate effectively during outages. Adaptable to many types of service interruption.Read this tutorial
Incident communication templates and examples
When responding to an incident, communication templates are invaluable. Get the templates our teams use, plus more examples for common incidents.Read this article


text:
For most people, getting out of bed in the morning is a bit of a struggle. Luckily, the 10 clocks below are here to help. Some wake you up with an annoyingly loud noise, while others won't shut off until you complete a task--but they all promise to get even the sleepiest sleepyhead up and moving.
Start Your Engines
It's full speed ahead as soon as this Genuine Hotrod Hardware drag-racing alarm clock goes off. The dashboard-inspired clock makes engine-revving sounds and flashes colored lights at the set time, so you'll feel like you're waking up right on the racetrack.
Hide and Go Seek
There's no excuse for waking up late with this alarm clock. As soon as you hit "snooze," Clocky jumps off your nightstand and begins moving around the floor, looking for somewhere to hide. Nothing like a little hide-and-go-seek to rouse you from your slumber.
Ever wonder what waking up in the army would be like? Find out for yourself with this Drill Sergeant Alarm Clock, which blasts the army's morning bugle call, "Reveille," before your very own drill sergeant starts shouting orders.
Duck for Cover
This Sonic Grenade alarm clock is guaranteed to get your sleepy children out of bed. Just pull the pin, throw the grenade into the room and get out of the way as it emits an ear-piercing noise.
Blast Off
The Rocket Launcher alarm clock will really "launch" you from your bed. When the alarm goes off, it shoots a rocket off in your room, and the only way to turn it off is to locate the rocket and place it back on the launch pad.
There's probably nothing more annoying than putting together a puzzle before you've even had a cup of coffee, but with the Puzzle Alarm Clock, you'll have to do just that. Once your alarm goes off, three puzzle pieces go flying in the air, and you have to return the colored shapes to the correct places in order to shut it off.
Get Up, Stand Up
The toughest part about waking up for many people is physically getting out of bed. Luckily, the Carpet Alarm Clock helps you work through the hard part, by forcing you to stand up and step on the mat to turn it off.
Don't Drop the Bomb
You know that moment in a movie when the hero has mere seconds to dismantle a bomb before it explodes? You can experience that excitement every morning with the alarm clock. When the Banpresto DangerBomb alarm goes off, a series of loud explosive noises will sound until you've successfully disconnected the correct wire.
The KUKU alarm takes the experience of waking up on a farm to a whole new level. When it's time for your alarm to go off, it starts crowing and five tiny eggs are released into a basket. In order to get the noise to stop, you have to deposit the eggs back into the clock.
It Keeps Going and Going
The No Snooze alarm clock ensures you'll wake up the one—and only—time your alarm goes off. A bright green light is emitted from the top and beeping noises sound continuously until you've successfully lifted and rotated the alarm's strap for 1 1/2 minutes. Think you can just take out the batteries? Not so fast—the alarm comes complete with built-in electrically rechargeable batteries.
Style Your Bedroom for a Better Night's Sleep: