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|GRE Overview
|GRE Course Syllabus
|GRE Specific FAQ's
|GRE Course Reviews
6 Week In Person GRE Prep Class – $549
Our structured, In Person 6 Week GRE Course will thoroughly prepare you for all aspects of the exam. Our course provides comprehensive, guided instruction to help you achieve your personal best GRE score.
We have a proven 18 year track record of in person, classroom based courses with expert instruction focused on fulfilling and addressing student test prep needs. Tens of thousands of students have chosen our efficient program because it makes preparing for the GRE as stress free as possible.
A live, in person, classroom based course is the best way to prepare for the GRE. Our structured 6 week classroom based course has an optimal schedule and provides in-depth preparation and directed homework assignments in a concise format. We have the best instructors who are GRE test prep experts who exhibit individual concern and attention to their students and provide guidance and direction in the classroom. Our instructors teach exclusive test strategy and methods, and the core content required for the GRE exam. They demonstrate how to navigate questions step-by-step, how to break down problems into easy to understand building blocks, and how to approach each question type correctly. Our instructors define what is expected, motivate students while holding them accountable, and provide a logical study plan outside of class, which takes the guesswork out of preparing for the GRE. With our holistic, immersion approach, we manage students' stress and test anxiety so that our students can reach their potential. Our in person, classroom based course will provide you with everything you need to achieve your personal best GRE score.
GRE Course Highlights
- 6 Week Format, Meeting 3 Hours Once per Week (Syllabus)
- 18 Hours of Live, In-Person, Classroom Based Instruction
- Learn from the Best Instructors who have Top Test Scores, University Teaching Experience,
and a Graduate Degree (Ph.D., Master's, or J.D.)
- Exclusive Techniques and Test Strategy
- Content Reviews to Promote Content Mastery for All Areas of the Test
- Adaptive Curriculum that Adjusts to Student Scoring Levels
- Strategic, Straight-Forward, Comprehensive Approach
- Effective and Concise Course Materials, Including 4 Official GRE Practice Tests
- Personal Attention and an Individualized Study Plan for Each Student
- A Peer Support Network in a Collaborative Learning Environment
- We Utilize Official Test Questions Published by the Testmaker
- Small Class Size
- Psychology Behind the Test for Those with Stress and Test Anxiety
- Nationwide Locations: Convenient Schedules and Start Dates Throughout the Year
All of our courses are guaranteed with a Free Repeat. Our Free Repeat Policy allows students to repeat their entire course one time at the next session, free of charge, and for any reason. There are no homework, scoring, practice test, or attendance requirements to utilize the free repeat. Our guarantee eliminates the hassle of "score increase" policies which require students to jump through hoops, navigate through confusing requirements and endure an endless amount of red tape. We have established our Free Repeat Guarantee with our students' needs in mind. Please click here for more information and the terms and conditions of our Free Repeat policy.
Backed by our Free Repeat Guarantee*
Total Course Cost – $549
When Our Next Class Begins:
Our Next GRE class begins on March 14th (2021). New Courses are offered about every six weeks.
As the best test prep value we want to ensure that every student has access to our high-quality, in person, classroom based GRE course. Our comprehensive GRE course is priced at $549 including all materials, and provides you with everything you will need to fully prepare for the GRE Exam. Below we describe our GRE course in detail. Our GRE course is made up of several components that interrelate to provide you with the most complete preparation available. Each component is critical to the effectiveness of the course and is necessary to help you succeed and obtain your personal best GRE score. For an in-depth exploration of each major component please click Learn More > within each section. Wherever you want to go, our 6 Week GRE course will get you there.
The Advantage of an In Person, Classroom Based GRE Course
We focus exclusively on live, in person, classroom based courses. If you learn best in an interactive classroom setting, with guided and expert instruction from a real, live instructor, then our GRE test prep course is for you. Many students can experience heightened anxiety and stress when preparing for the GRE. This heightened stress can be best alleviated and managed in a live interactive classroom format; a format in which an expert instructor guides a class of students towards the same goal: their personal best GRE score. We have dedicated all of our energy and resources into developing the best classroom based GRE course available.
Our dynamic course allows students to get help in real time. Our instructors can pick up on areas of weakness and address questions as they occur. Students can ask questions about challenging problems and receive immediate feedback. The human interaction of a classroom based setting is critical to learning. An in person classroom based course provides in person support and allows you to spend time on what really counts.
To achieve your personal best score, you need direct guidance, instruction and interaction from a live, expert instructor who has experience and knowledge; a leader who has been through it before. With the structure of an in person course, instructors hold students accountable for completing their work and staying on task. An in person course helps students foster a positive relationship with their instructor and facilitates productive interactions between students. The class dynamics of an in person course allow students to feel connected by a common goal: to achieve their personal best GRE score. Our classroom based students excel.
Strategic Straight-Forward Approach
The Xceptional Advantage consists of a strategic, straight-forward approach to GRE test prep. Our full-length 6 week GRE course comes with concise materials, utilizes official test questions and is focused with an effective class structure. Our pragmatic approach is a clear, concise method that provides a logical structure to preparing for the GRE exam. We focus students' time and studies into areas that maximize efforts and promote effective use of resources; all of which culminates into an increased score.
Our full-length, comprehensive course is logically structured like a university class. It features content and strategy lectures, interactive learning in the classroom, and homework that includes untimed practice questions and timed full-length practice tests. We logically plan our students' work both inside and outside the classroom to effectively maximize their time and effort. We know what works, and we provide guidance and leadership to guide you toward your personal best GRE test score.
We use official test questions and full-length practice tests throughout our course. Utilizing real test questions makes the difference. When you practice with real test questions, you'll know exactly what to expect on the actual exam. You will know how each question type is constructed and how to approach each question with the appropriate strategy or technique. Practicing with real test questions during the course enables you to be confident when approaching the real exam on test day; there will be no surprises. Practicing with real questions is the best way to improve your score.
Our course materials are expertly integrated and interwoven into our class lectures for the most clear-cut and strategic prep available. We have a streamlined approach to our course format and are selective about our course materials. Many students can become stressed, distracted, and overwhelmed by preparing with resources filled with extraneous topics and information. Xceptional Prep materials are concise and to the point; we don't overload and inundate students with useless materials and resources that they will never use. Our straight-forward study materials make for an effective use of students' time and energy.
The best test prep course maximizes student performance by focusing only on what counts, what's critical to students' success, and what will improve student test scores. Our practical approach reduces student stress and anxiety and helps students approach the tests logically and strategically — test prep does not have to be any more difficult or complex than needed. Xceptional Prep students spend time on what counts, and our structured approach encourages the discipline and confidence needed for success. With Xceptional, you can trust that you'll have the most pragmatic, concise course available for maximum score improvement.
The Best Instructors
A Xceptional Prep Instructor makes the class. Our selection of highly qualified and experienced instructors is unmatched in the industry. We hire high-level GRE instructors who are articulate, intelligent, and experienced. We carefully select our instructors based on their test scores, teaching experience, and graduate education. All of our instructors have (1) A Top GRE Test Score, (2) University Teaching Experience, and (3) a Graduate Degree (e.g., Ph.D., Master's, or J.D. degree). Many of our instructors are university/college professors at your local institutions. We hire instructors only for classroom based GRE courses: this allows us to carefully select our faculty. Our small staff means real quality control and we pay our instructors well above the industry standard. We believe that a great instructor is an integral part of the test prep classroom experience so we hire only the best in the industry.
All of our outstanding instructors have prior university teaching experience and a graduate education. This gives them the ability to teach, not just the ability to get a good score. Having prior teaching experience affords the skills needed to facilitate an effective class. Instructors with university experience are of a higher caliber, are competent at an advanced teaching level, and have the teaching experience to more readily convey challenging concepts. We provide formal training to each instructor so they can integrate their teaching skills, test taking ability, and the Xceptional Methods and Curriculum into a rigorous and effective course.
Having a graduate degree is important for depth and breadth of analytical thinking and for the maturity in teaching and student interaction. Going through years of graduate education brings experience and knowledge in how to learn, effective teaching techniques, and it advances the skill of the instructor. Our Instructors are adaptive and flexible to the needs of their students. They are experts at working with all scoring levels and educational backgrounds. At the class level our instructors will take into account test scores, class participation, homework progress, and student needs and then will adapt the class to the scoring levels of the students. Instructors also adapt the curriculum at the individual level and can provide an individualized, optimal study plan for each student. Our compassionate and dependable instructors are test prep experts who are committed to your success.
Our classroom instructors teach the entire class, so there is consistency and teaching stability for our students. Having a stable instructor is important to class dynamics, continuity, and consistency. We focus on hiring instructors who are concerned mentors, who motivate students and foster long term results. Xceptional instructors work hard, are diligent, and put student needs first. Not only do they help students set achievable goals, but they also direct a path towards attainment while continuously monitoring their students' progress and results. They try and make class engaging so you are excited to come each week, work hard, and improve your score. Our instructors stand out from the competition.
Test Strategy and Content Mastery
Our GRE course includes test strategy and content mastery. Other companies may only provide test strategies and tricks, but at Xceptional Prep, we believe that a great test prep course should provide both test strategy and content mastery. Effective and useful test strategies are covered in detail to ensure that students are learning the most successful strategies, techniques, time saving efficiency ideas and methods available to increase their GRE test score. Our strategies and techniques are backed by extensive research and have been proven to provide maximum results. They are continuously researched and tested on current test questions and are updated to reflect any test changes. Xceptional Prep students use the most updated, effective, and researched test strategies in the industry.
Our GRE course includes comprehensive content reviews designed to teach students the content required for each section of the test. Class time is devoted to content mastery to get students up to speed on topics that they might have forgotten from their educational studies. In class, instructors provide a Mathematics Review, Data Analysis and Statistics Review, and Writing Review. Our content reviews are an in-depth treatment of specific topics where instructors teach and discuss, while exploring their use within each question type. Our content lectures develop student skills and knowledge that leads to a confident approach to any test problem. We include the most advanced content which many other test prep companies ignore.
Your instructor will teach you how to think like a test prep expert and pick up the patterns of the GRE exam. Picking up the consistent test design patterns of real, official tests is one of the most crucial aspects of effective test preparation. Your instructor will teach you the nuances of how the test is written, the traps and distractor choices, and how to avoid the traps and faulty decisions that could lead you down the wrong path. Our students learn to think like a GRE test designer and pick up the ways they structure, write and design test questions. We deconstruct the exam into simple and straight-forward concepts which translates into increased understanding and manageable questions. Xceptional instructors then teach our proprietary techniques and specific test strategies for each test subsection and question type. Once students learn how to solve problems correctly, we work on timing and speed to help students complete problems more quickly and efficiently. We teach time management, time saving efficiency ideas, and quick problem execution throughout the course. The efficient use of time is important to peak test performance. Xceptional students can tackle any problem they encounter with ease and confidence.
Instructors illustrate the steps and strategies using real test questions, leading students to a more advanced level of study. This cumulates in students' ability to tackle the toughest GRE questions. We know how the GRE is designed and know the content required and strategies to use to help students reach their best possible test score. Upon completion of the course, students will have a toolkit of methods and strategies available to use on test day. When students recognize the pattern to a question, they can search their toolkit for the appropriate method, strategy, or technique, and implement it to come to the right solution. It's very much like having a set of keys on a keychain and flipping through those quickly to apply the correct key, or "strategy" to the specific question at hand. You'll be able to go through your list of memorized ideas one by one, applying them to specific questions. Students will exit our course with a wide variety of skill sets: the ability to see patterns, apply tools, and break down complex problems; these skills will allow students to tackle any question on the exam. With our test strategy and content mastery, students will be thoroughly prepared to approach test day with complete confidence.
Adaptive Curriculum
Our GRE course adapts to student needs and is for all scoring levels. Students today have diverse educational backgrounds, varying abilities, unique learning styles, and different test prep needs. We recognize that a GRE course must be adaptive in nature, not only at the curriculum level, but at the student level as well. Our instructors have been trained and are equipped to expertly adapt the course curriculum to student needs, and at the same time, present the curriculum in an engaging manner that focuses on our easy to learn building blocks approach. In our GRE Course you will be given structure, guidance, and an individualized overall plan, specifically geared towards your needs. We know that each student is unique and will benefit the most from a custom tailored curriculum. Our adaptive curriculum is the best in the industry.
Students thrive in our classroom based, adaptive format; a class format where instructors adapt the curriculum to student needs, which is further enhanced by a small class size. Instructors keenly monitor and adjust the class to the scoring level of the students. They adapt the curriculum and hone in on where students need the most help. Instructors utilize initial starting scores, practice test scores, student content and strategy mastery progress, and student feedback to adapt the course. With our adaptive course, students learn what they need, at their own pace, and in the most effective way possible.
Xceptional Prep instructors are concerned about their students' success and will work hard to develop an optimal, overall study plan for each and every student. We make sure that everyone, regardless of initial starting score, will have a curriculum that leads to success. Instructors can create individualized, overall plans for each student, based on their weaknesses and strengths. This allows each student to maximize their study efforts, both inside and outside of the classroom. With our custom curriculum and personal attention, we ensure that everyone will have a test prep program that is uniquely tailored to their needs.
Committed, personal attention from instructors is a Xceptional hallmark. Instructors are available for outside class help as an added benefit to students. Our instructors are available to meet with students briefly before or after class. Students can e-mail their instructor with questions, and instructors provide e-mail help throughout the course. Time is built into each class to address student questions, including help in solving difficult problems from homework and practice tests. Instructors also will provide brief make-ups should students miss a class. In our GRE course student needs are placed first; we want each and every student to succeed.
Our Research and Development Team of PhD's and Professors, ensures that you prepare with the most up-to-date and cutting edge curriculum. We are classically trained in psychometric theory (a fancy way of saying Test Design and Development) and conduct real-world research which provides our students with the most current GRE methods and strategies. We are one of the few companies that have been invited by the Educational Testing Service (The GRE's Test Maker) to their comprehensive workshops on GRE changes and updates. Our comprehensive curriculum is continually updated to reflect these test changes and provides students with the most up-to-date prep available. In addition, we utilize the most recent questions and official texts. Xceptional Prep students prepare with the most up-to-date curriculum available.
Psychology Behind the Test
We incorporate psychology into our GRE course and it is one of the core strengths of our curriculum. Students who prepare for the GRE can face a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. We have developed a curriculum that integrates the linkage between psychology and test performance. Our course helps students channel their stress in an effective way, and provides students with the necessary skills to manage and navigate the psychological aspects of test preparation. We focus on a study plan that results in a moderate level of stress or the "sweet spot" that leads to peak, optimal test prep performance. Our course reduces stress by clearing a path to the goal of your personal best GRE test score.
We firmly believe that our psychology component provides students an additional advantage to our already well established and comprehensive curriculum. This core advantage helps students to focus better, master their anxiety, and perform at their peak on test day. Your mental mindset plays an important role in how you perform in the course and on your official GRE exam. We help our students achieve a positive mindset, a clean mental slate, and a "can do" attitude. Students' belief in their abilities, and more importantly in themselves, is essential to realizing their potential. If a student is "all in" when preparing for a test, he or she has the best possible chance for success.
Many students come to our courses for our integration of psychology. Xcpetional Prep pioneered this original approach, which has enabled our students to better relax, focus on the task at hand, and devote all of their mental energy into doing their personal best on the GRE exam. Our integration of psychology gives students the tools necessary to excel and the motivation to succeed.
Class Size
Our GRE class has a maximum of 15* students because we believe a small class size is important to student learning. We have one of the best student-to-instructor ratios in the industry. Studies have shown that lower student-to-teacher ratios contribute to better retention, and a more direct and closer interaction, resulting in a higher score on the GRE exam. Students benefit from a small class size because it increases interaction, fosters peer relationships, and allows instructors to know their students and help them better deliver test prep to individual concerns and needs. Student learning is increased: the dynamics of an in-person classroom based course are enhanced by a smaller class size.
With a smaller class size, students receive more personal attention from their instructor. Students will be able to work directly with their instructor and spend time on personal areas of concern or difficulty. Students will be able to have a positive working relationship with their instructor, not be just a nameless face in a large lecture hall class. A small class size ensures that instructors can manage their students' efforts better. In a small class, instructors have time to answer student questions and can more readily adapt the curriculum to the students' level. Individual progress is better monitored because there are fewer students to account for and instructors don't have to repeat themselves in a small class setting, which allows for better use of class time. The small class size of our GRE course allows instructors to be more flexible in their teaching so that students learn exactly what they need.
Proven Track Record
We have helped tens of thousands of students improve their GRE test scores since 2002. We have a 18 year track record of proven, high-quality, classroom based programs. Our stable network of instructors and locations provides consistent access to year round GRE test preparation courses throughout the United States. We provide classroom based GRE test preparation courses in twenty-three cities in nine states. Students come to us through positive word of mouth from both past and current students, and choose us because we have earned their trust. You can trust Xceptional Prep to provide high-quality, nationally recognized classroom based test preparation courses.
We have worked with many well known and respected institutions and universities since our founding, including Reed College, University of Massachusetts Medical School, U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command, Sacramento State University, California State University, Bakersfield, and Western Oregon University, to name a few.
Xceptional Prep has built a reputation for high-caliber, classroom based test preparation courses. We are continually asked back by schools and institutions to conduct their in-house test prep offerings. Our 17 years of experience in classroom instruction provides the expertise and knowledge to guide students throughout the test preparation process. Our success has also led to increased student enrollments every year since our founding. You can trust Xceptional to help you reach your potential and achieve your personal best GRE test score.
Xceptional Prep is one of the few Test Preparation Companies that have been invited by the Educational Testing Service (The GRE's Test Maker) to their comprehensive workshops on GRE Changes at their headquarters in Princeton, NJ. As one of the few national test preparation companies we are recognized by the testmakers and receive personal invitations to their conferences. We learn first hand about new changes and recent developments from the test developers and division heads. Our management team has talked with and met the people who actually make the tests. Most smaller and regional companies are not afforded this important opportunity. We incorporate all that we learn from these sources into the most up-to-date and comprehensive test preparation curriculum and courses offered, anywhere. You can trust Xceptional Prep to prepare you for any changes that might occur on the GRE exam.
Free Repeat
All of our courses are guaranteed with a Free Repeat. Our Free Repeat Policy allows students to repeat their entire course one time at the next session, free of charge, and for any reason. There are no homework, scoring, practice test, or attendance requirements to utilize the free repeat. Our guarantee eliminates the hassle of "score increase" policies which require students to jump through hoops, navigate through confusing requirements and endure an endless amount of red tape. We have established our Free Repeat Guarantee with our students' needs in mind. Please click here for more information and the terms and conditions of our Free Repeat policy.
Our GRE course is guaranteed with a Free Repeat. Our Free Repeat Policy allows students to repeat their entire GRE course one time at the next session, free of charge, and for any reason. There are no homework, scoring, practice test, or attendance requirements to utilize the free repeat. Our guarantee eliminates the hassle of "score increase" policies which require students to jump through hoops, navigate through confusing requirements and endure an endless amount of red tape. We have established our Free Repeat Guarantee with our students' needs in mind. Please click here for more information and the terms and conditions of our Free Repeat policy.
Everything You Need for a Higher Score
Our in person, classroom based GRE course will provide you with everything you need to achieve your personal best score on the exam. Upon completion of our course you will have the skills and knowledge to do your very best. Our GRE prep course will provide you with the structure of what to do, when to do it, and how to do it so that you will be 100% prepared on test day. You will work with an instructor who has been in your shoes before and who has aced the GRE exam. With our classroom based course a peer support network will be there to help you get through the course successfully. Our concise, effective course materials are expertly integrated into the lectures and there is nothing more that you will need to purchase to fully prepare for the GRE.
This is a comprehensive, challenging course that demands your effort and excellence. Students who are fully committed, do their work, are diligent, complete their homework, and participate in class will be the most successful. Come join the tens of thousands of students who have achieved their personal best score on the GRE exam.


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Welcome to our website! As we have the ability to list over one million items on our website (our selection changes all of the time), it is not feasible for a company our size to record and playback the descriptions on every item on our website. However, if you have a disability we are here to help you. Please call our disability services phone line at (203) 743-6761 during regular business hours and one of our kind and friendly personal shoppers will help you navigate through our website, help conduct advanced searches, help you choose the item you are looking for with the specifications you are seeking, read you the specifications of any item and consult with you about the products themselves. There is no charge for the help of this personal shopper for anyone with a disability. Finally, your personal shopper will explain our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and help you place an order if you so desire.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Federal Offshore Drilling Safety Committee May Disband Even as Concerns Mount
An advisory committee formed after 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster could be meeting for the last time this week, because its charter is set to expire.
A committee that advises the federal government on how to make offshore oil drilling safer could be disbanded next month, even as the recent grounding of a Shell rig in Alaska is drawing new attention to the dangers of deepwater drilling.
The Ocean Energy Safety Advisory Committee [1] (OESC), an advisory panel to the Department of Interior, was created after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill to gather input from a variety of stakeholders about the government's drilling policies. The 15-member panel—composed of government officials, academics, industry representatives and environmentalists—will meet today and Thursday for what could be its last meeting.
The committee is expected to vote on recommendations that its six subcommittees have been working on for almost two years, including a subcommittee focused on Arctic drilling. The recommendations will then be sent to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement director James Watson.
The committee will also discuss whether to ask to keep the panel alive after its two-year charter expires [2] in February, said chairman Tom Hunter, a former president of Sandia National Laboratories. Salazar will make the final decision.
"If you look at what we've done and what needs to be done ... then I think a committee of this type is valuable," Hunter said.
Offshore drilling is continuing to expand, with the Obama administration planning [3] to hold more than a dozen offshore lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic by 2017. Although the government isn't obligated to act on OESC's recommendations, the committee plays an important role in giving the government broader input on crucial issues, said member Tad Patzek [4].
"We bring perspectives that are not necessarily present at the Interior Department given the staff they have," said Patzek, chairman of the Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Austin.
"We've made some hard-hitting recommendations that may or may not be used. Our role is to advise and we have advised, believe me."
Lois Epstein [5], Alaska program director for the Wilderness Society and a member of the OESC, said the recent incident in Alaska reinforced the importance of scrutinizing the risks of drilling, especially in the Arctic. The committee's Arctic subcommittee wasn't part of the original charter, but members elected to create it after seeing the unique risks posed by icy seas. The subcommittee is chaired by U.S. Geological Service geophysicist Stephen Hickman.
"It took some time to convince everyone that drilling in the Arctic was different than anything else, but we provided a lot of examples and showed them how tough it is," Epstein said. "The bigger picture is that the Arctic is harsh, it offers you surprises and you need to have the basis to make good decisions."
The subject took on new importance after the grounding of Shell's Kulluk drilling rig in late December. The rig became stranded after its tow ship lost power and the rig was eventually grounded on an island off Alaska during heavy storms. This week, the rig was refloated and dragged to safer waters [6] where it is being inspected.
According to news reports, there has been no sign of leakage, averting what could have been a dangerous and costly spill.
Drilling opponents say the accident shows that Arctic lease sales should be suspended, or at least more carefully scrutinized, while the government studies the possible risks.
Congressional Democrats, including House Natural Resources Committee ranking member Ed Markey (Mass.), have asked for more information on the rig disaster and the response. On Tuesday, the Interior Department announced a "high-level," 60-day investigation [7] of Shell's entire offshore drilling program off Alaska's coast, which will include assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Last week, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Wilderness Society called on the White House [8] to put an immediate hold on permits in the region.
"The risks are too big to get this wrong, especially in one of the most fragile places on the planet," said NRDC director of national parks and Alaska projects Chuck Clusen on a press call. "As we've learned ... from the grounding of the Kulluk, the risks of exploration extend up and down the fragile Pacific coastline from Seattle to the top of the world."
Hunter, the OESC chairman, said the committee hasn't specifically discussed the Kulluk incident, but it could certainly come up at the meeting this week. The Arctic subcommittee is expected to discuss technology and weather issues particular to that region, and to stress the importance of engaging local residents before and during drilling operations.
The other five subcommittees will also issue lists of recommendations. The spill prevention subcommittee will focus on technology like leak detection systems, while the containment committee will offer recommendations on managing incidents and reducing environmental damage after spills. Another subcommittee will deal with spill response, paying special attention to how to more smoothly involve federal authorities as the industry responds to an incident.
The safety management systems subcommittee has examined existing safety programs, but Hunter said its work has expanded to studying the industry's safety culture and how public policy can influence industry decisions. The final subcommittee, led by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement deputy director Walter Cruickshank, has explored whether the government should set up an institute for drilling technology.
Epstein said the benefit of the committee's input on these issues is that many of its members are from outside the government and can look at current policy with fresh eyes.
For example, she said, current regulations on drilling technology are relatively sparse and in some cases might not require the best available technology. The committee has discussed recommending that that leases require rig operators to use the newest and best technology.
"When you step back to look at what's really the issue, you start to see what is relevant and what is not and that tells you more about how the government should regulate these complex systems," said Patzek, the committee member from the University of Texas.
Of particular importance will be the committee's vote on whether to recommend that Salazar extend its charter. An Interior Department spokesman did not respond to request for comment on the committee's future.
Hunter said the committee's role could be adjusted if it is given an extension. The composition of the committee could be changed, he said, perhaps by including more members from academia or non-governmental organizations (currently seven members come from the government)—or by narrowing its focus to a few specific issues rather than the entire scope of offshore drilling.
Epstein said the Kulluk incident proves that more research and input from advisory committees is not only helpful, but also necessary, as the United States resumes offshore oil exploration.
"There's a tremendous benefit to the DOI to having all of us give them feedback on an ongoing basis. I think it would cause some problems if they go in a new direction," Epstein said.


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The Transportation Security Administration is moving ahead, on a faster-than-expected timetable, to close a gap in security screening of international air cargo carried aboard US-bound passenger flights.
Air freight forwarders and members of the global shipping industry learned Friday that TSA appears poised to require them to screen, by year's end, 100 percent of such cargo bound for the United States. That would be two years sooner than expected.
Just last year, the TSA told Congress that screening 100 percent of international in-bound air cargo would be delayed until at least 2013. But TSA is looking to accelerate that timetable after the terrorist bombing attempt in late October, in which explosives were secreted inside printer cartridges sent from Yemen to Chicago – and were intended to blow up in cargo holds of passenger jets while they were in the air. [Editor's note: The last two paragraphs were changed post-publication to make clear that the requirement is not yet final.]
Carriers now have 45 days to comment on the proposed mandate, with TSA reviewing industry comments before it makes the rule final.
A push to screen all cargo was a response to "the latest threats and the considerable progress made by industry in screening international inbound cargo," James Fotenos, a TSA spokesman, wrote in an e-mail. "TSA's mission is to ensure the safety of the traveling public.... After the thwarted attempt by terrorists to ship explosives aboard aircraft headed to this country last October, TSA immediately took a number of steps to enhance security by tightening existing air cargo."
Among those steps for US-bound international flights, TSA ordered a ban on any cargo designated as "high risk." Other safeguards, meanwhile, heavily restricted small packages sent by mail, which often travel in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft.
The policies, combined with bad weather, meant that some people in the US waited weeks to get their packages, especially over Christmas when there was a big jump in the amount of intercontinental mail. In some cases, the US Postal Service was forced to reroute US-bound mail, putting it on air-cargo-only flights and even ships.
"I had a batch of items sent to the US on the 26th November that took ages," wrote Chocolatecatgirl, an eBay seller in Britain who sells items in the US. "One customer got snotty after 2 weeks and I had to refund."
Delays have lessened as mail volume has dropped – and as postal systems abroad have become familiar with US requirements, say US Postal Service and air cargo experts.
But will new air freight requirements cause the same kind of disruption with air cargo that occurred with small mailed packages in December?
"TSA continues to work with the air cargo industry to implement the robust security measures with the least amount of impact on the flow of air cargo and mail inbound to the US," Mr. Fotenos wrote.
Freight forwarders, who use the cargo holds of passenger aircraft to move thousands of tons of freight each day, have long resisted a requirement of 100 percent screening, arguing that it would throw a monkey wrench into the finely tuned global supply chain.
"International aviation authorities ... suggest that screening all international cargo may not improve security and would likely cause economic damage to our slowly recovering economy," Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association, wrote in an e-mail. "TSA is aware of the challenges and criticisms of the Congressionally-mandated screening regime, and we are hopeful they will thoughtfully address these during the comment period." [Editor's note: The original paragraph has been changed to make clear who suggests that comprehensive cargo screening may not improve security.]
Freight forwarders, he said, prefer "risk-based freight assessments," in which air cargo is evaluated for higher-risk items that are then screened, rather than requiring screening of all items. In November, Mr. Fried urged Congress to "reject additional calls for 100 percent screening of inbound cargo."
After 9/11, Congress approved the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001. It required screening of "all passengers and property transported on passenger planes," including air cargo aboard those planes – about 7,500 tons per day.
By mid-2007, TSA had improved passenger screening but still wasn't doing the job with air cargo, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General said in a report titled "Transportation Security Administration's Oversight of Passenger Aircraft Cargo Security Faces Significant Challenges." TSA oversight "does not provide assurance that air carriers are meeting congressionally-mandated goals," the report found. "Consequently, the process increases the opportunities for the carriage of explosives, incendiaries, and other dangerous devices on passenger aircraft."
To fix such problems, the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 mandated that the Department of Homeland Security (TSA is an arm of DHS) physically screen at least 50 percent of passenger aircraft cargo on both domestic and incoming foreign passenger flights to the US by February 2009. All such cargo was to be screened by August 2010.
Now the 100 percent target for international incoming cargo is Dec. 31, 2011.
Of course, TSA could simply refuse admittance to flights that are not inspected to its standards. But that could also produce acute economic hardship for passengers who would have to pay more to fly to the US without the economic bonus of cargo in the hold beneath their feet.
[Editor's note: The original version of the headline and subhead was changed to reflect the fact that TSA's action is a proposal.]


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University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. They're one of the UK's leading universities, with an international reputation for excellence and world-class research. Unified by the power of discovery and understanding, staff and students are committed to finding new ways to transform the world we live in.
Home University of Sheffield Insight
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Assisted a client in its global restructuring, which required a reduction in the headcount of its Thai operations. The client sought our expertise in reducing the number of employees, while avoiding the potential for litigation relating to unfair termination. We crafted a multi-tiered solution involving voluntary resignation packages that employees would happily accept. As part of this solution, we advised the client on strategies for communicating with its employees regarding the restructuring. Ultimately, the client met its goal in headcount reduction and continues to operate in Thailand.
Business conditions, labor sentiment, and new opportunities evolve swiftly in the growing economies of Southeast Asia. Tilleke & Gibbins helps employers navigate these shifting legal landscapes by providing advice on labor law and employment matters that is timely and time-tested, innovative and practical.
Our first goal is to help employers formulate long-term, yet flexible, strategies on conditions of employment, staff restructuring, labor-management relations, and other critical employment issues. By helping employers create a positive work environment, we help companies save recruitment and litigation costs, react to changing labor conditions, and attract and keep talented employees.
When conflict cannot be avoided, Tilleke & Gibbins brings or defends our clients' employment claims in court. We combine the strength of our dispute resolution and litigation team with the expertise of our employment attorneys.
We offer the following services:
- Strategic Employment Advice: Conditions of employment, work rules and regulations, employment agreements, benefit plans, executive compensation, labor protection, workers' compensation, social security, provident funds, and safety issues
- Commercial Transactions: Issues related to labor expansion, contraction, and integration due to mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring
- Labor-Management Relations: Conflicts in the workplace, strike management and control, lockouts, and labor demands
- Immigration: Work permits, visas, and permanent residence permits
- Employment and Labor Litigation: Enforcement of restrictive covenants related to competition and trade secrets, termination of employment claims, and sexual harassment claims
Read about some of our recent victories below. We have:


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Item Description
Painting, Directing John Brown to the Free State Camp
Author: Reader, Samuel James
Date: August 3, 1856
Painting of John Brown being led to a Free State camp by Samuel Reader. John Brown disguised himself as a surveyor to monitor the activites of proslavery forces in the Kansas Territory. Here, the artist depicts himself leading Brown to a camp on Pony Creek in Brown County on August 3, 1856.
Location of Original: KSHS/Kansas Museum of History Call Number: 1983.5338, OA/Picture, Documentary
Item Number: 102759 Number of images: 1
Keywords: Art; Artist; Brown County, Kansas Territory; Brown, John, 1800-1859; Free state; Free state activities; Objects; Reader, Samuel James; Surveyors
pg. 1


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The classic debate: arguably better looks with a hardtop, or the open-air thrill of a droptop. Which will you be having?
Welcome to Morning Would, where we present you with some of the most desirable, controversial cars ever built and ask what you would do to drive one.
The Reventon is one of the coolest (and rarest) Lamborghinis ever built, which is impressive coming from a company that's made some pretty cool and rare cars in its day. It was inspired by a fighter jet (and subsequently inspired the styling of the Aventador), and was at the forefront of the matte paint craze. If we could have one we'd take it, but in what flavor?
If you want to go full fighter-jet, obviously you'll need the hardtop. This is how the car was intended to be consumed. But, if you want to hear that V12 a little better, and feel the wind in your hair (at about 180 miles per hour), it'll have to be the roadster. You can see the roadster in action here
Which one are you going to take? We might have provided an opinion here if we weren't so divided ourselves. Let us know what you decide down below.
Photo Credit: GFWilliams


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Free offline Dutch dictionary and thesaurus plus Dutch to English translations. Play audio pronunciations of words, save unlimited bookmarks, and use voice searches. * 85,000+ Dutch definitions, all available offline! Bonus content available in online mode. * Access synonyms, example sentences, and more, all from authoritative sources. * Dutch-English translations. * Play audio pronunciations and learn how to say the word. * Save unlimited bookmarks and quickly view your favorite words. * Use native voice search to look up a word just by saying it. (With supported devices) * See search suggestions as you type and always find what you're looking for. * Advanced search options. * View recent searches. * Adjust font size. * Share your favorite words through social networks, emails and text messages. (With supported devices) * This is not a trial version. You can access all content immediately and forever! How do we do it? TheFreeDictionary.com - Farlex apps have been downloaded tens of millions times across multiple platforms, with top ratings after hundreds of thousands of reviews. We work with the best publishers to bring together trusted content in the most comprehensive, authoritative dictionary apps on the market. Our flagship app is The Free Dictionary (TFD), powered by TheFreeDictionary.com. Find our other apps by searching "Dictionary by Farlex" in the App Store.
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Ethiopia Sugar Mummy Is Looking For A Good Man To Marry
Ethiopia sugar mummy is currently searching for a passionate and affectionate young man who loves tourism, art and culture to be her boyfriend and soulmate.
This is the message Ethiopia sugar mummy sent us…
My name is Amanda, I am a 50 years old doctor and entrepreneur seeking to meet a gentleman who I can build a real, serious, long term and long lasting relationship with. Someone who is serious minded and trustworthy.
This Ethiopia sugar mummy is an influential and wealthy single lady who is just out here to find true love, happiness and joy. She just wants to feel truly loved, special, cared for and appreciated by the one she will choose to be with her.
She has been heart broken several times before by disloyal and unfaithful men, who took advantage of her generosity and trust. They gambled with her feelings, cheated on her and wasted the money she entrusted to them.
This is why Ethiopia sugar mummy has therefore decided to become friends with the person first, in order for them to create a healthy relationship and see if they will be compatible with each other or not.
She is serious and will leave no stone unturn to make sure you are content and happy with your life. Ethiopia sugar mummy will give you all the pleasures of this world and buy you anything money can afford, your family members will also be well taken care of by her.
She will sponsor your education to any level you want and in whichever country you prefer. All Ethiopian sugar mummy wants from you is for you to always be there to satisfy her needs and make her happy all the time, no matter her mood.
How To Get Connected To Ethiopia Sugar Mummy
Follow only the rules by our Admins, this is because there is no trusted Sugar mummy agent, as they are all swindlers. Sugar mummies are all over the world and if you drop your details, if this Sugar Mummy does not choose you, another might like your profile or WhatsApp profile picture and call you.
- Drop your details in a concise way you think she will like to contact your number.
- Use your WhatsApp details more preferably to enable her view your Profile Picture.
- Register here
- Do not try to over explain yourself or no Sugar Mummy will believe you.
- Note that, Stiest only drop requests of Sugar Mummies and do not guarantee that they must choose you.
- Sugar Mummies choose anyone they want out of their own discretion, you must not be the one selected.
- Just keep trying and dropping your details until luck is fetched.


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By Mary Wisniewski
CHICAGO, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Tiny fragments said to be from the manger that held the infant Jesus, the veil of his mother, Mary, and a thread from the cloak of St. Joseph will be displayed by a Roman Catholic church in Chicago when it celebrates its 155th anniversary on Sunday.
The fragments, released by the Vatican in 1972, were a gift to the Holy Family Church from the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, also in Chicago. Displaying them now has particular significance because of their association with Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus.
The Rev. Jeremiah J. Boland, administrator of the church, said on Friday that he is "not that interested" in carbon testing the items to see if they are from the beginning of the Christian Era.
"The Vatican has its own process to determine the authenticity of things," Boland said. "I'm more concerned with it as an object of faith."
The manger relic has "more authenticity" since it was brought from the Holy Land to the Vatican in the 5th century, Boland said.
"One could argue how real the relics of Mary or Joseph are, but there were all sorts of objects over the centuries that have been venerated and are based on faith rather than on scientific explanation," he said.
Holy Family, built in 1857-1860, is the city's second-oldest church and one of only five public buildings that survived the 1871 Great Chicago Fire.
The fragments will be on display in a crystal reliquary, a vessel in which relics of saints are preserved.
Boland said that Our Lady of Pompeii had been founded as an Italian parish, while Holy Family had been an Irish parish. In the past in Chicago as in other U.S. cities, immigrant Catholics tended to stay in parishes that reflected their ethnic backgrounds.
"In the history of the neighborhood there was a lot of tension between groups," said Boland. "The parishes weren't immune to some of these difficulties." The gift of the relics, he said, "is a healing gesture."
The mass celebrating the transfer of the relics will be held on Sunday morning, and the relics will be displayed during the afternoon.
The church will also exhibit manger scenes from around the world, including Kenya, Ireland, Italy, France, Poland, Peru, Vatican City, Mexico, Egypt and Jerusalem. (Reporting By Mary Wisniewski)


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Plumber York
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We pride ourselves in offering our customers a professional service with City & Guilds qualified plumbers and we guarantee all our workmanship for 12 months.
Quality is of the highest standard and we cover all aspects of general plumbing from a leaking tap or burst pipe to a complete bathroom or kitchen installation including tiling, plastering and even electrics in conjunction with
www.mwelectricalservicesltd.co.uk at competitive rates. We offer a free no obligation quote and no hidden call out charges for emergency repairs.
Plumber York


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Student or Learner
Question: related to assembly's impeachment to the president,
this situation can magnify the concerns of foreign investors about the stability of Korean society with the existing problem of North Korean's nuclear weapons. Write the letter within 250 words which certains the foreign investors that this situation will not be connected to instability of the society.
A:" To whom it may concern
I am sorry fot that the current situation of Korea may make you feel instability for your investment in Korea.
When i heard the news that our President got in trouble by the impeachment, the first concern I thought was that the foreign investors like you might worry about their investment to Korea. But I am certainly sure that the situation you are worrying about will not affect your assets and other investments.
The republic of Korea is very attractive country for industrial investment and other sectors, though it embraces some risk caused by the nuclear weapon of North Korea. Let me cite some of the reasons. First, the industrial infrastructures of Korea is strong enough to overcome the risk it has. Second, It has strong supports from the government for the foreign investment. The government provides lots of advantages that can make investors feel comfortable to invest and achieve lots of benefits for themselves. For the last, the country has a great potential to grow more up in its industry and investment sectors. As you know, the country has been growing up rapidly and become one of the successful countries over the world. Over the past decades, it has become one of the members of OECD
from the poorest country.
I, again, am certainly sure that the situation making you worried will not be harmful with the reasons mentioned above. The country is sitll one of the most attractive countries for investment sectors and I believe that you will enjoy your benefits with the best environment.
I am grateful to write this letter to you and hope you will enjoy all the advantages Korea provides.
Yours sincerely
Joseph Choi
p.s. Thank you for helping me always. Anyway please correct my essay and
add your comments. It would be ok though you correct everything. And it would be great for me if you add some comments that indicate what i have to put some more to the letter and what ability i should have to write the letter and to have writing skills. Thank you!!


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THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
The book Expert Cube Development with Microsoft SQL Server 2008
Analysis Services is finally available on Kindle!
I received many requests for that and the last one just a couple of days ago from Greg Low in its useful review. I'm curious to see whether the sales of this book will continue also on Kindle. After 2 years this book is still continuing to sell as in the first months. The content is still fresh and will be good also with the next release of Analysis Services for developing multidimensional models. Thus, the only explanation is that the adoption of Analysis Services is still increasing and after the first cubes, readers look for more advanced content. We'll see if Kindle will follow the same trend as the printed version!
How about a discount for those of us that already own the hard copy? ;)
Good question! :)
I asked to the publisher...
Cool - Just off to buy my Kindle Copy. Have used the hard copy a lot!
Do the screenshots and stuff work well on the kindle? I know its great for text but when you have shaded diagrams and screenshots of dialogs they've often looked a bit hard to read on a kindle. Its the only thing putting me off getting one.
I cart my PDF library around with me on a USB stick instead, though there are some you can't get PDF's of and that's why there's always a stack of books on my desk :-)
My paper copy of Expert Cube Dev is looking a bit well thumbed these days.
@Craig: I talked with the publisher, it seems an issue to combine a discount for Amazon-Kindle for existing customers with the printed book. Sorry for that. But I will try to push harder for this request.
@Steve: I will take a look - do you have a Kindle DX or the little one?
I had just mentioned Expert Cube Development in a blog post and was looking for a reference URL and came across the news that NOW the book is on Kindle. Alas, too late for me. I've been lugging the printed version back and forth to work to read on the train.
I have to say, it's a great book. I've picked up a lot from it.
Thanks for the nice word, Mike!
about a year ago, the publisher added the ePub version of the book in addition to the already existing PDF version, see here:
If you, like me, bought both versions of that book on that site (print + eBook), you're entitled to the ePub version and can download it for free, then convert it to the mobi format (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle#Epub_support), transfer that file via the USB cable and use it on your Kindle.
I've been reading it on my 6" Kindle ever since I've bought it (the Kindle, not the book) and it looks just fine.
OK, so you bought your book on Amazon or another bookshop? Not a problem at all. Even now it's cheaper to buy the eBook version on publisher's site than the Kindle version on Amazon. Of course, it's not a one click action like buying Kindle books on Amazon, but if you're reading this blog, it shouldn't be a problem :-). Not to mention that you get both the PDF and ePub versions, so you can really read it anywhere on anything, anytime.
It's great that the book is finally available in Kindle format too, for those who prefer simplicity, but I thought I let you know these things. The choice is yours, of course.
Good luck with additional sales Marco, it's a great book!
thank you very much for your detailed instructions and feedback!


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IntroductionUsually seen on a day trip from Goroka, Asaro is well-known for the eerie mud masks of the local tribe. Be forewarned that the tribal ceremony performed for tourists is...well, touristy, and typically lasts no more than 10 minutes. Mud masks made by the tribe are usually available for sale in the market near the Bird of Paradise Hotel in Goroka. 260 mi/420 km northwest of Port Moresby.
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Jason Harris has resigned as a member of the Shapleigh Budget Committee, leaving a vacancy which needs to be filled as soon as possible because the committee is ready to start the budget process for 2013.
Steve Foglio, Bill Mageary, and Nancy Small are the current members of the committee.
The purpose of the budget committee is to review all the budget requests from the town's various departments, as well as to interview department heads for further information or clarification on their requests. When the warrant containing all the articles for the town meeting is prepared, the committee makes recommendations that provide some direction to the voters.
Interested individuals may contact the selectmen's executive secretary at 636-2843, ext. 401, for further information.
Shapleigh Town Clerk Joanne Rankin and several of her ballot clerks attended a training session at the Limington Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 22.
Rankin, Nancy Small, Else Maria Cook and Brenda Goodwin are now prepared to utilize the electronic tabulator for the presidential election and state referendum to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Shapleigh Town Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. They will train the deputy town clerk and the remaining ballot clerks.
Motorists traveling the roads in Shapleigh last Friday morning were greeted with bright double-yellow lines separating the two halves of the roads. These stripes are particularly helpful on dark or foggy nights when visibility is most difficult when driving on roads, particularly on ones that have been built or paved this season, such as the Back Road or Gore Road.
This striping is done late at night, so there is minimum interference from traffic. Some roads that are wide enough have not only the center lines but also the white lines at the side of the roads to designate where the shoulders are located.
Each year, Maine Revenue Services requires each municipality to complete a Municipal Valuation Return (MVR), which contains a great deal of information that is helpful to the state when it comes to making any changes in the tax laws.
The MVR includes information about the numbers and classifications of veterans and their widows; tree growth; use of parcels; the number of new dwellings in town during the past year; land splits; and more.
The Town of Shapleigh has provided information requested by the Maine Revenue Services so that its Property Tax Division can complete a Sales Ratio Analysis.
Title 36, Section 328(8), requires that municipal assessors conduct annual sales ratio studies. Maine law also requires that each municipality achieve a minimum assessment ratio of 70-percent and a maximum rating of assessment quality of 20.
The Property Tax Division of the Maine Revenue Services provides support to assist assessors in achieving these requirements of the law. This a cooperative effort during which the assessors complete a Sales Analysis Return. The Property Tax Division sends forms to the towns that the assessor completes and returns; the forms contain property transactions recorded at the Registry in their county for a specific period. The assessor fills in the assessed valuation of the property as of April 1 of that year, the size of the parcel, the property class and notes, whether or not there were special circumstances they are aware of and why this sale should not be considered in the sales ratio analysis. Later on, a field representative of the Property Tax Division makes an appointment to visit the town hall to review property cards and discuss the sales.
An edited sales analysis of developed parcel transactions will be included with the preliminary 2014 State Valuation Report from the Maine Revenue Services.
The Shapleigh Board of Selectmen has signed a contract to market part of the former Hooper Property at 38 Back Road.
The house, barn, garage and outbuildings will be sold with several acres. The land that wraps around that parcel will still remain town property.
Net funds realized from the sale will be used to reimburse the town's undesignated fund, from which the purchase price was originally taken by vote of the townspeople when the entire 22-acre parcel was purchased from the Hooper heirs.
The town's code office has issued permits to the following individuals for their projects:
■ Rene Therrien, Map 23, Lot 17, of Director's Lane on Mousam Lake, to cut 8 trees, with 8 trees to be replanted in the same general area, and stumps to remain;
■ Robert Michaud, Map 36, Lot 3, of Indian Village Road on Square Pond, to cut 3 trees, with 8 to be replanted in same general area, and stumps to remain in place;
■ Richard Davies, Jr., Map 44, Lot 12, of Silver Lake Road, to build a 12-foot by 14-foot bathroom addition;
■ Susan Fitzgerald, Map 16, Lot 14, of 31st Street on the Lower Mousam, to replace a 12-foot by 60-foot seasonal-use mobile home with a new 28-foot by 44-foot cape-style, seasonal-use modular home on a full foundation;
■ Dorothy Clark, Map 30, Lot 40, of Hawthorne Road on Square Pond, to replace rotted sills and other associated rot, per the submitted quote;
■ David Boutilier, of Treasure Island Road, to build a 24-foot by -foot garage and a 16-foot by 16-foot shed;
■ William Epperly, Map , Lot 80, of Whippoorwill Lane on Silver Lake, to build a 15-foot by 20-foot addition to a barn for storage; and
■ Donald Lamontagne, Map 21, Lot 34, of 24th Street on Mousam Lake, to cut two large pines within 100 feet of the water, with 6 trees to be replanted and maintained, and the stumps to remain in place.
The declared value of these improvements is $188,500.
Also, certificates of occupancy were issued to Raymond Martel, Map 2, Lot 34 A-1, of Walnut Hill Road, and Diane Bragdon, Map 34, Lot 3, of Cedar Drive on Square Pond.
Maria Marchant, the proud parent of two Eagle Scouts, has informed the Shapleigh Board of Selectmen that her son, Kevin Anthony Evard Marchant, has completed the requirements for Eagle Scout ranking.
In honor of his achievement, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 11.
For his Eagle project, Kevin created and entered accurate GPS coordinates of seven Life Flight Landing Zones in Shapleigh, Newfield and Parsonsfield. Notebooks with exact Landing Zones and Coordinates will be distributed to Life Flight, Sanford Dispatch and Newfield Fire and Rescue.
The board of selectmen will be sending Kevin a letter of commendation for this achievement. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
■ There is a great need to assist folks in our own neighborhoods, particularly during cold weather and the holiday season. The Acton-Shapleigh Lions Club attempts to meet those needs by raising funds through its regular "all you can eat," five-dollar pancake breakfasts held at the Acton Town Hall on the first Saturday of each month, year round. The next breakfast is this Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 to 10 a.m.
■ Lions from Zone 2 gathered at the Acton Town Hall on Sept. 17 for a meal and a meeting. Zone Chair Gerald Coutu welcomed everyone, led the four-point Lion Greeting, and welcomed several guest speakers during the evening.
Zone 2 is comprised of the Acton-Shapleigh Lions Club, the Limerick Lions Club, the Lyman-Dayton Lions Club, the Hollis Lions Club, and Massabesic Lions, all of which were represented at the meeting.
Kay Parent, the Lions Poster Person, was among those who spoke about the Lions projects. Patty Adams, currently of the Dayton-Lyman club, was also one of the speakers.
All present Lions clubs had a spokesperson who informed all of the others about their activities.
■ Lions clubs throughout Maine have sponsored pumpkins for L.L. Bean's annual pumpkin festival in Freeport. Funds generated by this program benefit Camp Sunshine and all the children who go there. The local Acton-Shapleigh Lions donated $100 (equal to 10 pumpkins). At the time of this writing, 7,242 pumpkins have been purchased with a balance of 2,758 remaining toward the 10,000 goal.
■ Improving eyesight is one of Lions' main projects. The Massabesic Lions Club gathers old, used eyeglasses and processes them for reuse.
■ The Acton-Shapleigh Lions Club also has provided $200 to local food pantries for the holidays.
For more information about how to become a Lion, call Joan Dyer at 636-2615.
If you are an older resident of Acton or Shapleigh and would like to join the company of other folks your age for fun, food, and fellowship a couple times a month, you may wish to consider joining the OWLS (Older, Wiser, Liberated Seniors).
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The first meeting is a luncheon at noon at the Acton Town Hall. A $4 donation is requested. The second meeting is at the same location but is for coffee and donuts at 1 p.m.
During the past couple of years, the OWLS have taken "foliage trips" by bus and train and enjoyed turkey dinners and lobster and clam bakes.
The Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society at 122 Emery Mills Road opened its doors on Wednesday, Oct. 24, to welcome the OWLS. Guests were served popcorn, donuts, cookies, coffee and cider for refreshments during the gathering.
Dick Neal, a member of the historical society, extolled the benefits of preserving many of the artifacts and old records of both towns in a structure that was a one-room schoolhouse in actual use until the 1950s. The town gave the building to the historical society when it first formed in 1964. Since that time, several historical books have been published, many artifacts have been donated to the museum, more than 100 years of town reports have been gathered from each town, and historical photos have been found, framed and hung on the walls. Notebooks full of information about various families are on the shelves.
The building itself has been improved and maintained by the society since its formation. The classroom is the meeting room, and there is a kitchen, bathroom, and a storage room, the latter of which was built onto the original schoolhouse years ago.
In the future, the society will relocate the bathroom, which currently is accessed through the kitchen and down a step. The proposed location will be much more appropriate and safer to access.
There are many gifts to the society that are stored in the back room, waiting to be cataloged and placed on display. The Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society's headquarters is a great beginning for those seeking to trace their roots. During the winter, the building is closed; it reopens in the spring.
If you are interested in the history of Acton and Shapleigh, please consider joining this organization to assist in preserving local heritage. The society is always looking for new members to help it to grow and promote interest in the historical aspects of both towns.
The society raises funds through weekly games of Kitty Whist throughout the summer. It also holds a calendar raffle and sells historical publications to enhance its treasury.
In recent years, voters in both towns have approved an appropriation of $1,000 towards the maintenance of the society's building and programs.
Harris resigns from budget committee
Jason Harris has resigned as a member of the Shapleigh Budget Committee, leaving a vacancy which needs to be filled as soon as possible because the committee is ready to start the budget process for 2013.


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"From Kalamazoo to the White Mountains of Greer, Arizona. I watched the rolling green hills and farmland of the Midwest turn into the dry and canyon-filled regions of New Mexico and Arizona. Taking a road trip by yourself is an amazing experience, and I recommend everyone take the time to embrace yourself and the newfound territory you are rolling across." —Codi Thompson
"We drove from Denver to north New Mexico, then to West Colorado, Durango, Monument Valley, the Four Corners, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas over a two week period. My two sons and wife recall that trip as the most memorable ever." —Byron Cobb
"Driving to Key West is pretty cool! There are great stops along the way in Key Largo and Islamorada, with Key West as a fun and funky final destination. We added to our trip and took the boat ride to Dry Tortugas National Park, too. Fun times!" —Jodi Foxx
"My sister and I did an amazing road trip through parts of France last year. Paris to the beaches and memorials of Normandy to Mont St. Michel, then through the Loire Valley stopping at many of the famous chateaux and back to Paris. A perfect trip." —Sophia Rigatou
"My two favorite road trips were both driving around the state of Colorado. We did it when I was a child and that's when I first fell for the beauty of the state. My husband and I took a similar road trip a few years ago and I believe the state is truly magical. The beauty of Colorado cannot be accurately described with words—it must be experienced in person." —Chris Thomsen
"My favorite road trip was from Phoenix, Arizona, to Moline, Illinois, with my now husband and our German Shepherd for our wedding! We packed up our car with our clothes, my wedding dress, some snacks, and of course left enough room for our dog to be comfortable. It was a nice way to see some new parts of the country." —Ana Sill
"From Philly to San Diego—Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Wrigley Field, Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, Corn Palace, Devil's Tower, Yellowstone, Reno, Yosemite, San Francisco, L.A., San Diego, and all the off-hand scenic things you see along the way. I felt truly free from everything and I've been dreaming about a repeat trip ever since!" —Lisa Chubb Bucci
"Tucson to San Francisco and then down the Pacific Coast Highway to L.A. and Hollywood. This was the first trip to Northern California for my husband and as soon as we hit San Francisco he yelled out "Water!" and nearly scared me to death! Yes, I was driving...in traffic." —Brenda Scott
"Australia. The landscape changes dramatically, from mountains to deserts to beaches." —Manuela Anamaria
"The Hana Highway in Maui." —Tracey Carman
"From Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park." —@dlcuratolo
"Pacific Coast Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego." —Laura Whisney
"New York City to San Francisco and back. Dipped south heading west so I could hit the Grand Canyon, and rode north heading east so I could see the salt flats and Mount Rushmore. Made the trip solo in my '69 Camaro convertible with no air conditioning. The 327 engine got me eight miles to the gallon. Gas must have been cheap then because I couldn't afford it now!" —Barbara Traveler
"Started at Sandy Point, NJ, and climbed the lighthouses. We drove down to Cape May and stopped all along the way at every lighthouse down the coast. This was in September when it wasn't so hot and humid as New Jersey can get in the summer. It was a splendid trip. We ended up in Atlantic City for a night of gambling." —Tina Marts
"The grueling drive between Scottsdale, Arizona, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. It encompasses Petrified Forest, Montezuma's Castle, and Meteor Crater." —Martrese White
"From East Texas through Biloxi, then down to the groovin' Florida Keys all the way to Key West. Made lots of stops along the way to check out points of interest. Lots of fun!" —Glenda Schill
"My favorite road trips are always the ones through the Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, especially in fall. The leaves and the views are spectacular!" —Kristen Mankosa
"Circle all five Great Lakes." —James Michalek
"4,500 miles starting in Louisiana, through Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, then home to Louisiana. This allowed me to see the remaining states to make 50 and my mom has seen 48." — Magnolia Gypsy
"From Whistler, we drove the U.S. west coast and from Baja to Cabo, then back up thru Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Utah, Yellowstone, Idaho, and Washington State. " —@AmeliaPotvin
"Took a 1,000-mile road trip along the coast of South Africa. Stunning!" —Nicole LaChapelle
"Drove through Tennessee. We hit Knoxville (and Dollywood) and then ended in Memphis (had to see Graceland!)." —Becky Ellzey
"Definitely St. Marys, Georgia, stopping in Savannah for three days, and Beaufort, South Carolina, for three days. Fell in love with Beaufort and her islands so much we are renting a house for a week in October. Talk about friendly low country!" —Laney Hoffman
"I don't have a favorite road trip and I've done quite a few. However, I always have fun and the mood is good when I go from San Diego to Las Vegas. But I think it's the destination that's getting us hyped." —Terri Lundberg
"We rode a Harley Davidson from Rome, Georgia, to Morrow Bay, California. We turned right when we got to the Pacific Ocean and went north to Tacoma, Washington. We rode 6,500 miles in 15 days. Best road trip ever!" — Sonya Black
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Review | The Frutería-Botanero
There are a handful of restaurants in San Antonio whose ambiance or food transport you from the Alamo City, making you feel that you've left the city for different environs.
Newest on the list? The Frutería-Botanero, thanks to the vibrant setting created by chef Johnny Hernandez, who drew inspiration for his latest restaurant from the fruit stands of Mexico.
The name, Frutería, translates to "green grocer," and Hernandez has created that fresh vibe at his contemporary eatery that's in the building that houses the Steel House Lofts in Southtown. Botanero refers to the casual evening space where people gather for snacks and cocktails.
From the attractive artwork and specially built cabinet that houses the Frutería's stash of tequilas and mezcals to the tableware and colorful leather chairs and wood-block-topped metal tables, the talented Hernandez knows how to set a stage. His keen eye for design carries through in everything, from the heavyweight paper napkins that appear almost clothike to the attractive black takeout boxes.
But after an enticing setting and equally appealing menu and prices, some things fell short once dishes started to arrive.
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To put it simply: Some items need that same sizzle that's a mark of the setting.
We first noticed it in the aguas frescas. A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice couldn't awaken the pineapple drink, while the cantaloupe agua fresca was so sweet, the flavor of the fresh fruit was barely apparent. While the selection of tequila and mezcal is impressive, a cocktail expert in our group thought the fresh fruit-infused cocktails were overly sweet.
It also was evident in an albóndigas torta, which layered hard-cooked-egg-stuffed meatballs in sauce with pinto beans, shaved onions and oregano. It begged for flavor, even salt, which wasn't available at the table. Until, that is, we got a bite of fresh oregano leaves still on the stalk, which overpowered the dish.
The seared fish torta with avocado cream, lettuce, tomatoes and escabeche also lacked textural and flavor contrast. The pickled vegetables seemed to have been quickly run through a pickling brine rather than luxuriating in it, which gave a hint to the problem.
We fared better with the Tex-Mex breakfast tostada topped with tomato sauce, scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado and crema. It needed salt, but we enjoyed seeing a dish on a menu that we hadn't previously found locally.
A Frutería highlight are the fresh fruit juices and licuados (smoothies). A blend of mango, cantaloupe, pineapple and orange juice called the Rico Suave was refreshingly delicious and perfectly blended. Fresh-squeezed orange juice showed just how good juiced fruit can taste.
In the evening, the restaurant becomes a hip cocktail lounge/eatery with snacks/tapas, gorditas, chiles rellenos, cazuelitas and more. We much preferred the dinner fare over lunch, particularly a pork-roasted tomatillo-chile cazuelita topped with thin rings of fried onion. It was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. A crab salad-stuffed, pan-fried chile relleno, one of Hernandez's favorite dishes on the menu, also worked well.
We loved the flavor and texture of the fat fresh corn cakes that accompanied the fresh cheese in a guajillo sauce.
You'll want to save room for dessert. The bread pudding was a favorite of our lunch group as was a creamy passion fruit custard.
Right now, Hernandez is moving between his local restaurants while working on a Frutería at the Houston airport and a second location of his La Gloria at the San Antonio International Airport.
We know just how good his food can be; hopefully when he's here to focus efforts on his latest restaurant, the necessary fine-tuning of menu items will occur.


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New members of The Houstonian Club will attend the Taylor Swift concert in November at Minute Maid Park in Houston, compliments of the club. The four-ticket package, valued at $600, was included as a promotion for all members who joined the club in June.
The promotion, along with the start of summer, the oppressive Texas heat and the completion of club renovations, factored into a record-breaking month for the high-end club. Even with initiation fees of $14,000 and $24,000 (depending on the type of membership and services purchased), the club brought in $720,000 in initiation fees in June on a budget of $352,000, says Colleen Kennedy, director of membership sales at The Houstonian.
The aggressive marketing perks are not limited to new memberships. The Houstonian has offered existing members a new iPad 2, a $400 hair dryer, concert tickets and tickets to a Houston Texans football game as gifts for referrals.
"Most clubs think, 'We'll give personal training or we'll give nutrition or we'll give the things that you are selling,' because that's what you think goes with the membership," Kennedy says. "Sometimes, it's nontraditional things."
High-end clubs such as The Houstonian have remained afloat even as the economy remains sluggish. In-city private membership clubs that offer high service levels and expensive pricing also have fared well during the past few years, says Rick Caro, president of Management Vision Inc., New York. Among those clubs are the New York Athletic Club, the Los Angeles Athletic Club, the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle and the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, OR.
"They require current members to sponsor new members," Caro says. "The fitness component is at least adequate, if not huge, depending on the facility. They benefit from history, positioning, pricing and their social component, often tied to the food and beverage element and the facilities."
Caro adds that even with membership cancellations at some of these facilities, they often have waiting lists to tap for new members. Kennedy says that The Houstonian has used waiting lists until certain facilities have become available after renovations. Although a waiting list can sound prestigious, Kennedy says it can be "a nightmare to manage" as people on the list who have paid their money get impatient, lose interest or join another club.
"You lose a portion of your people on your waiting list that were really ready when they were ready to join," Kennedy says.
According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association's (IHRSA) Health Club Consumer Report, industry membership rose by 10.8 percent in 2010 from 45.3 million to 50.2 million. More than 14 million members joined a health club in 2010 while less than 10 million members left their clubs. Overall, clubs had an attrition rate of 22 percent, according to the IHRSA report.
The Houstonian has about 6,000 memberships from five membership levels. Kennedy says she wants the capacity of the club to be around 6,250 memberships. The club might sell 22 memberships in a month but may also lose 22. Of the 22 members that leave, 19 may have moved, she says.
Lower-priced or mid-sized clubs can keep their attrition rates down and their retention levels up even without fancy promotions. Kennedy says five keys that any club can use are keeping staff turnover low, using frequent mailings and public relations, taking care of the members, using subliminal advertising to piggy-back on some of the hottest trends and news of the day, and making sure that the product is good enough to match the membership price and experience.
"You can't sell anything without a good product," Kennedy says. "You just can't."


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WBUR News
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Hernandez Can't Watch AFC Championship
Former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez can't watch football on TV for his own safety, the sheriff in charge of the prison said on Saturday.
"When somebody with any kind of fame comes in, there are already wise guys who try to improve their own stature by hurting him," Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson told The Associated Press. "We don't want to have any problems."
Hernandez has been held without bail at the Bristol County House of Correction in North Dartmouth, Mass., since he was charged in June with the murder of Odin Lloyd, a 27-year-old semi-pro football player. The Patriots released him on the day he was arrested.
Hodgson said this week that Hernandez won't be able to watch his former teammates play in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos because he isn't allowed to watch TV at all. The sheriff said on Saturday that Hernandez is kept separated from the other inmates under "special management" because of his fame.
"My job is care and custody. First and foremost, we have to be concerned about the safety of the inmate and the officers," Hodgson said. "I can't put this guy in a vulnerable situation where there are people who would like to prove they're more important" by hurting Hernandez.
Hodgson said the decision to keep Hernandez separate was made when the former NFL star first arrived at the prison. He is only allowed outside of his cell three hours a day, and never at the same time as other inmates.
"I've spoken to him about it, and he understands it," Hodgson said. "I'm not going to tell you that he enjoys it all the time."
Hernandez is different from the other inmates in special management because he is still awaiting trial. Most of the others in the separate unit were in the general population before losing privileges due to bad behavior.
"Of course, we recognize that everyone's innocent until proven guilty," Hodgson said. "But also a judge doesn't feel like you're able to be in the community on bail. I don't make those decisions to send people to our institution, but when they get there, I have a responsibility to make sure they're safe, they're fed."
Unlike those who have lost their privileges, Hernandez is allowed access to the prison commissary, Hodgson said. But it wouldn't be safe to have a TV in the unit.
"He does get some privileges that the others don't because he is a pretrial detainee," Hodgson said. "There are times when he's asked for a TV. But we can't have a television in the unit he's housed in. That would be looked upon by the other individuals in the unit as a special privilege and create animosity."
Hodgson said the decision to separate Hernandez from the general population is reassessed periodically,
"He knows that I'm looking out for his welfare," the sheriff said. "It's not the ideal situation. It's jail.
"It's a delicate situation."
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ST. PAUL -- Political differences separating Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican legislators when they took office at the first of this year shut down state government today.
A judge who ordered some state programs to continue operating called the situation a "constitutional crisis."
After nearly a week of marathon negotiations, Dayton and Republicans failed to reach a budget deal Thursday night as rhetoric escalated and negotiations slowed to a stop.
"Unlike the Republican legislators, I believe in putting Minnesotans first," Dayton told reporters late Thursday.
Republicans Thursday night pleaded with Dayton to call them back into a special legislative session so they could pass a temporary state budget. It would have lasted until July 11, giving negotiators time to finish bills funding state government.
"Let's keep the state of Minnesota open," Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said, standing outside of Dayton's office. "Please don't shut us down for tax increases."
But Dayton said he needed to agree to an entire budget before he could agree on a temporary budget, or even sign individual spending bills.
"I have consistently said I will not agree to anything until I agree to everything," Dayton said.
Republicans said all day Thursday that a budget deal was possible. "We are incredibly close," Koch said.
It was not clear what will happen next, other than most state government programs are suspended. Dayton said he would reach out to Republicans, but there was no indication when any further budget talks could be held. Koch said Republicans would be willing to talk if Dayton invited them.
Predictions from Capitol insiders ranged from a shutdown of a few days to all summer.
As the hours wound toward the midnight shutdown time, hundreds of state workers, who expected soon to be without work, gathered outside the state Capitol in what they called a vigil for services that would disappear in a shutdown. More than 20,000 are without state jobs today.
The shutdown is the only one in the country, even though most other states faced problems similar to Minnesota's $5 billion deficit.
With little more than three hours left before a shutdown, most House and Senate Republicans walked into their chambers and took the seats they use during a session. Leaders said they did it to show they were ready to pass a temporary budget to keep government operating.
Rep. Dan Fabian, R-Roseau, said that going to the legislative chambers and inviting the media in was not a stunt. Instead, he said, "we're hoping the governor will call us to work."
"We are here, we want to reach an agreement," Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, said.
Rep. Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake, said Dayton should call a special session.
"We found agreement on a majority of the bills," he said.
But Dayton said Republicans refused to agree to more revenue, proposing instead to delay school payments and borrow money from a tobacco lawsuit settlement.
Dayton said that on Thursday he lowered his proposed tax increase and limited to only a fraction of the richest Minnesotans. But Republicans constantly reject any tax increase and even gave up a much-desired tax cut during budget talks.
Republicans went into the talks insisting that the budget, to begin today, be no larger than $34 billion. Many Republicans campaigned saying a budget should be closer to $30 billion.
The latest Dayton offer before the talks was to spend $35.8 billion, with a $1.8 billion tax increase on the state's highest earners. He originally wanted to spend $37 billion.
The shutdown scenario comes about because Republicans and Dayton do not agree on how much to spend in the next two years, and what programs should get that money. Without a budget deal, state agencies cannot spend money.
Since a shutdown cannot happen in an instant, Minnesotans saw signs it was coming throughout Thursday: Minnesota state parks were closing, road construction projected wrapped up, lines developed to buy lottery tickets and more than 20,000 state workers packed up their belonging to face the largest layoff in state history.
As most of the state's 200 lawmakers were in their offices and ready to vote in what would have been a hastily called special legislative session, chief budget negotiators only met sporadically through the day.
The longest-serving Minnesota Senate majority leader, watching the proceedings because the events are historic, did not expect an agreement.
"Someone has got to say 'uncle' at some point," Roger Moe said, most likely after political pressure comes from a government shutdown.
A judge on Wednesday ordered that more than a third of state employees remain at work during a shutdown to deliver what she called essential services. That means prison guards will be on duty, state troopers will travel the highways, most Minnesotans who receive state-funded health care will be served and people needed to write a state budget will remain on the job.
But programs ranging from the lottery to state parks are closed.
Don Davis reports for Forum Communications Co.