mike.fleming: May 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Senator accuses IRS officials of withholding information in 2012 about agency practices

Douglas Shulman, former commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (Gary Cameron/Re??

Two top Internal Revenue Service officials knew that the agency was using a list to scrutinize applications for tax-exempt status that included the phrase "tea party" as early as the spring of 2012, but did not tell lawmakers until this year.

Former IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman and outgoing Commissioner Steven Miller told the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday that they knew last year that the IRS had a "Be On The Lookout" list while processing nonprofit applications and that tea party groups were on it. The extent of their knowledge at the time, however, was limited, they said.

The IRS is facing scrutiny after a Treasury Department inspector general report detailed how the agency unfairly targeted conservative groups applying for nonprofit status between 2010 and 2012. IRS officials deny that the practice was politically motivated but have admitted that mistakes were made in the agency's approach to responding to applications.

"What I knew sometime in the spring of 2012 was that there was a list that was being used, knew that the word tea party was on the list," Shulman, who served as IRS commissioner from 2008-2012, said during the hearing. "I didn't know what other words were on the list, didn't know the scope and severity of this, didn't know of groups that were pulled in or groups that would have been pulled in anyway."

Miller, who served as deputy commissioner in 2012 and is acting commissioner until next month, also said he knew of the list in May 2012. Both men emphasized that they weren't made aware of all of the facts surrounding the case until last week when inspector general released a report outlining the IRS practices.

On June 18, 2012, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, the top Republican on the Finance Committee, co-signed a letter to the IRS leaders requesting information about whether tea party groups had been targeted unfairly. Hatch received a response from the IRS that did not mention the list.

On Tuesday, Hatch asked Shulman and Miller why they did not provide more information when he requested it at the time.

"You knew this was going on, why didn't you let us know?" Hatch asked during the hearing. "That's what we were inquiring about when we sent these letters to you. ... Nowhere in your responses did you indicate that the IRS was improperly selecting tea party organizations for extra scrutiny. Nowhere in your responses did you indicate that you knew that the IRS was asking improper questions about donor contributions. You just sat on that guilty knowledge."

"That's a lie by omission," Hatch said.

"I did not lie, sir," Miller said.

In March 2012, Shulman testified before two House panels that he was not aware of the IRS "targeting" groups for political purposes.

"This notion that we are targeting anyone, I think, is off," Shulman told a House Financial Services subcommittee on March 21, 2012.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/senator-accuses-irs-officials-withholding-information-2012-agency-154929004.html

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Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield: Triple Negative Breast Cancer ...

Emma Stone dolls ups while attending the 2013 Peace, Love & A Cure Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Benefit on Tuesday (May 21) in Cresskill, N.J.

The 24-year-old actress was joined by her mom Krista, a breast cancer survivor, Mary J Blige and boyfriend Andrew Garfield, who Emma was seen kissing.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Emma Stone

Last week, Emma and Andrew were spotted taking solo strolls in the Big Apple.

The Peace, Love & A Cure Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation aims to be a ?credible source for triple negative breast cancer information, a catalyst for science and patient advocacy groups, and a caring community with meaningful services for patients and their families.?

15+ pictures inside of Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield attending the Peace, Love & A Cure Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Benefit?

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Source: http://www.justjared.com/2013/05/21/emma-stone-andrew-garfield-triple-negative-breast-cancer-foundation-benefit/

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Cameron committed to ruling in coalition until 2015 - spokesman

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron is committed to governing as part of a two-party coalition until the next national election in 2015, his spokesman said on Tuesday, days after Cameron raised the prospect of the alliance breaking apart.

Cameron has ruled with the Liberal Democrats, his junior coalition partner, since 2010, but the two have taken increasingly different positions on issues such as Britain's role in Europe and Cameron on Sunday for the first time raised the possibility that the coalition might not last until 2015.

Some analysts believe the Lib Dems might be tempted to leave Cameron ruling alone at the head of a minority government nearer the next election to try to differentiate themselves in voters' minds from Cameron's ruling Conservative Party.

When asked on Tuesday whether Cameron himself was committed to governing in coalition until the next election, his spokesman simply said "yes".

"The coalition has a very clear programme and it's getting on with implementing it," the spokesman told reporters.

On Sunday, Cameron told Britain's Total Politics magazine that the best way to improve the country was to continue with the coalition. But he added: "But if that wasn't the case then we'd have to face the new circumstances in whatever way we should."

(Reporting By Andrew Osborn; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cameron-committed-ruling-coalition-until-2015-spokesman-123457424.html

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Xbox One runs three operating systems, including cut-down Windows for apps

The latest update out of the currently unfolding announcement in Redmond: the next-generation Xbox will run three operating systems simultaneously. Complementing Windows 8 and RT on PCs and tablets, there'll be a third distinct version of Microsoft's operating system that has been pared down specifically for the new console. This will be the main system OS used to run apps such as Skype and other non-game titles downloaded from the Xbox storefront. At the same time, virtualization technology similar to Microsoft's Hyper-V will be used to allocate the bulk of system resources to a second, dedicated "Xbox OS" when the user loads up a game. This game OS will remain a fixed entity throughout the life of the console, so that game developers can be confident their games will run regardless of how much the Windows side of the machine gets updated. Finally, a third OS will work as a middle-man between the two, allowing the two sides of the console to talk to each other. Read on for more.

Filed under: Gaming, Home Entertainment, Microsoft

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-runs-three-operating-systems/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Sports world keeps eye on Oklahoma tornado

Los Angeles Dodgers' Matt Kemp reacts as he crosses the plate after hitting a home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, May 20, 2013, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

This frame grab courtesy KFOR TV shows the aftermath of a massive tornado as much as a mile wide with winds up to 200 mph roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, May 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Courtesy KFOR TV)

This frame grab courtesy of KFOR TV shows the aftermath of a massive tornado as much as a mile wide with winds up to 200 mph roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, May 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Courtesy KFOR TV)

The massive tornado that ripped through a handful of Oklahoma City suburbs and killed at least 50 people grabbed the attention of the sports world on Monday, especially the players and coaches with ties to the area.

Kevin Durant, a three-time scoring champion for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, posted on his Twitter account that he was praying for everyone involved. He added: "Everybody stay safe!"

Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner went to Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, just south of Oklahoma City. The school had its roof torn off and walls knocked down. Some of those killed died at the school.

"I mean, it's terrifying," the right-hander said.

Hefner still has family living in Moore. He said he had been in contact with his mother, who told him his cousins and uncles were OK.

"It's just unfathomable," he said. "I used to live there."

Dodgers star Matt Kemp posted on Twitter: "'m giving $1000 for tonight's HR and every HR until the All-Star break for the victims of my hometown in OKC. (hash)PrayforOklahoma"

Coverage of the tornado damage was on the clubhouse TV as the Red Sox prepared for their game at the Chicago White Sox.

"It's a tragedy when you see a natural disaster like that take place, so many innocent people that are certainly affected, if not directly by injury or possibly loss of life," Boston manager John Farrell said. "Having been though something similar back in 1997 that had probably very similar damage, it's a scary situation. Our thoughts are with all the people affected."

Farrell played for Oklahoma State in college, and then served as the assistant coach and pitching and recruiting coordinator for the Cowboys for five seasons from 1997-2001.

"The location today is very close to where it was back in '97," Farrell said. "Just that area just south of Oklahoma City seems to be right in the path of unfortunately a lot of storm fronts and certainly the tornadoes again today."

White Sox manager Robin Ventura also played his college ball at Oklahoma State, where was a three-time All-America. The Santa Maria, Calif., native said he didn't know anything about tornadoes until there were a couple that passed through the area while he was in school.

"It's scary," he said. "There's nothing you can do about it."

Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden, who played at Oklahoma State and grew up in the Oklahoma City area, was relieved that no one in his wife's family was injured.

"Devastating damage to Moore, Oklahoma due to Tornadoes," Weeden wrote on his Twitter account. "Please keep these people in your prayers. Thankfully (at)MelanieWeeden family is safe."

Kansas coach basketball coach Bill Self also went to Oklahoma State.

"We wish nothing but the very best for (those affected by the storm) and our thoughts are with them," he said.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2013-05-21-US-Severe-Weather-Sports/id-a8030e647e55495fa6555b9de6fe8a89

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NH Senate backs conservation, higher education

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- The Senate Finance Committee voted Monday to tentatively set the University System of New Hampshire's aid at $153 million ? the same amount as the House but $12 million less than the system's trustees say they need to honor a pledge to freeze tuition.

The committee addressed that and other issues as it began making preliminary decisions on its two-year budget plan.

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Morse proposed restoring New Hampshire's UNIQUE college scholarship program ? aimed at high-need students ? to its original purpose rather than continuing a practice of using some scholarship money as state aid.

The committee voted to replace the scholarship money with state tax funding then set the system's aid at the figured proposed by the House.

The university system had pledged to freeze tuition in return for a larger increase in aid. The trustees previously called on the Senate to restore the funding to the governor's level and said the lower amount jeopardized the tuition freeze promise.

The committee made a similar decision to maintain the House's aid levels to the community technical colleges.

The panel also agreed tentatively to restore $3 million in funding to the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment program that the House had diverted to other state spending. Senate Democratic Leader Sylvia Larsen questioned if funding the program would mean cutting social service programs.

Morse, R-Salem, said he thought the funding was possible, but it could be revisited if the committee has trouble making the health and human services budget balance.

The committee voted to use $16 million in renewable energy funds to help pay for the spending.

Morse cautioned the committee that Monday's decisions were far easier than the ones to come, especially in dealing with the human services programs.

The committee hopes to wrap up work on its version of the $11 billion budget late this week or early next week. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the budget June 6. Then, the Senate and House will meet to negotiate a compromise.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/nh-senate-backs-conservation-higher-204333725.html

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Monday, May 20, 2013

And the Powerball winner is... someone in Florida

The winning ticket for the record-breaking $590.5 million Powerball was sold in Zephyrhills Florida. The ticket-holder has not yet come forward.

By Karen Brooks and Steve Gorman,?Reuters / May 19, 2013

A cashier fills up a customer's ticket for her selections for the Florida Lottery Powerball at the Lawrence Shell gas station in Boynton Beach, Fla., May 18. The winning ticket, worth $590.5 million, was sold in Zephyrhills, Fla., though a winner has not come forward.

Joe Skipper/Reuters

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A single winning ticket for a record US Powerball lottery jackpot worth $590.5 million was sold in?Florida, organizers said late on Saturday, but there was no immediate word about who won.

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The winning numbers from Saturday night's drawing were: 10, 13, 14, 22 and 52, with a Powerball number of 11, and the odds of winning were put at one in 175 million.

The winning ticket was sold at a?Publix?supermarket in?Zephyrhills, a suburb of?Tampa, according to CNN.

The grand prize, accumulated after two months of drawings, surpassed the previous record Powerball payoff of $587.5 million, set in November 2012, but fell short of the $600 million sum lottery officials had been advertising.

Organizers had said the final jackpot total could end up slightly higher or lower than expected depending on final sales reported by all 43 participating states, plus the District of Columbia and the?US Virgin Islands.

The largest jackpot in US history stands at $656 million, won in the Mega Millions lottery of March 2012. That prize was split between winners in?Maryland,?Kansas?and?Illinois.

The?Multi-State Lottery Association, based in?Iowa, announced Saturday's Powerball results in a brief message on its website, saying, "There was one winner sold by the?Florida?Lottery for the last drawing's $590,500,000 grand prize."

There was no further information immediately disclosed about the winning ticket, such as where in?Florida?it was sold or whether more than one individual purchased it.

Had Saturday's drawing failed to yield a winner, the jackpot for the next drawing, set for Wednesday, would have risen to $925 million. After Saturday's results were announced, the jackpot was reset back to $40 million.

"IF I WIN"

The extremely long odds of winning did not deter people from buying up tickets at staggering rates.?California?was selling $1 million in tickets every hour on Saturday, said?Donna Cordova, a spokeswoman for the?CaliforniaLottery, which has only been selling Powerball tickets since April 8.

Texas Lottery?officials reported $1.2 million in hourly sales between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. local time, with ticket sales for the Saturday draw topping $18.4 million.

The ticket sale rate on Saturday was nearly double Friday's rate,?Kelly Cripe, a spokeswoman for the?Texas Lottery, said, and a jump of some 686 percent over last Saturday.

Many Americans were playing the "if I win" game ahead of Saturday's drawing.

"If I win, I'm going to spend a lot of it on liquor, women and gambling," said?Austin?lawyer?Donald Dickson. "I'll likely squander the rest of it."

In New York City, talent acquisition agent?Michelle Amici?was more philanthropic. "Not sure that I'd buy anything," she said. "Rather, I'd attempt to quench my wanderlust by traveling the world. I'd also donate a large portion to education reform."

Lottery players such as?Austin?marketing professional Becky Arreaga were not discouraged by the long odds.

"As long as the odds are 1 in anything, I'm in," said Arreaga, a partner at Mercury Mambo marketing firm. "I truly believe I could be the one."

The $2 tickets allow players to pick five numbers from 1 to 59, and a Powerball number from 1 to 35.

"It's only a couple bucks for a small daydream," said?Russell Williams, 35, a salesman in?Austin,?Texas.

Reporting by Karen Brooks in?Austin,?Texas, and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg McCune, Doina Chiacu and Pravin Char

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/YmeTfKAvzTs/And-the-Powerball-winner-is-someone-in-Florida

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Graphic Artist at Adexen Recruitment | Ngcareers

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Job reference n?: NGA1281?

Function: Other

Our client

Adexen Recruitment Agency is looking for a Graphic Artist for a leading and full- service international practice, provides timely and solution-driven services to its clients across markets in Europe, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North and South American.

Job description

The Graphic artist is responsible for creating design solutions that have a high visual impact. He/She will work to an agreed brief with its internal customers and line manager and develop creative ideas and concepts, choosing the appropriate media and style to meet the company?s objectives.

The job is located in Lagos- Nigeria

Responsibilities

Meet company stakeholders to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job
Interpreting the business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose
Estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients
Developing design briefs by gathering information and data through research
Thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts
Using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time
Presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients or account managers
Working with a wide range of media, including photography and computer-aided design (CAD)
Proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work
Contributing ideas and design artwork to the overall brief
Demonstrating illustrative skills with rough sketches
Working on layouts and art working pages ready for print
Keeping abreast of emerging technologies in new media, particularly design programs such as QuarkXPress, FreeHand, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3ds Max, Acrobat, Dreamweaver and Flash
Developing interactive design
Commissioning illustrators and photographers
Working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, stylists, illustrators, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists

Qualifications et experience

University Degree or HND in any relevant field
2-3years' experience in similar role
Strong Computer Skills
Creative Flair, Originality & Strong Visual Sense
Proficient with the use of the Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, GIMP, Dreamweaver, Web Design Software
Oral & Written Communication

Source: http://ngcareers.com/2013/05/graphic-artist-at-adexen-recruitment

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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Hofstra student killed by police during break-in

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) ? In what police are describing as a crime of opportunity, a wanted man with a criminal history dating nearly 15 years entered a front door that had been left open at a New York home near Hofstra University.

A short time later, the intruder, Dalton Smith, and a 21-year-old college junior, Andrea Rebello, were both dead. The two were killed early Friday by a Nassau County police officer who fired eight shots at the masked man, hitting him seven times but also accidentally hitting Rebello once in the head, Nassau County homicide squad Lt. John Azzata said Saturday.

Smith was holding Rebello in a headlock and pointing a gun at her head before he turned his gun at the officer, Azzata said, prompting the shooting.

"He kept saying, 'I'm going to kill her,' and then he pointed the gun at the police officer," Azzata said.

A loaded 9 mm handgun with a serial number scratched off was found at the scene, police said.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale said he had traveled to Rebello's Tarrytown, N.Y., home to explain to Rebello's parents what happened.

"I felt obligated as a police commissioner and as a parent to inform them as soon as all the forensic results were completed," Dale said.

The veteran police officer, who was not identified, has about 12 years of experience on the Nassau County police force and previously spent several years as a New York City police officer, Dale said.

The officer is currently out on sick leave. He will be the focus of an internal police investigation once the criminal investigation is completed, which is standard police procedure in any officer-involved shooting, the commissioner said.

The shooting came just days before the school's commencement ceremonies, which are scheduled for Sunday.

A university spokeswoman said students will be handed white ribbons to wear in memory of Rebello. The shooting, which took place just steps from campus, has cast a pall over the university community as it geared up for commencement.

Earlier Saturday, police announced that Smith, 30, had been wanted on a parole violation related to a first-degree robbery conviction. A warrant was issued for Smith on April 25 for absconding from parole, police said.

Smith had what police described as "an extensive criminal history," which included arrests for robbery in the first degree in 1999, promoting prison contraband in the second degree in 2000, robbery in the first degree in 2003, assault in the second degree in 2003 and robbery in the second degree in 2003.

Rebello was in the two-story home in Uniondale, N.Y., with her twin sister Jessica, a third woman and a man when Smith, wearing a ski mask, walked into the house through an open front door, Azzata said.

The door was left open after someone had moved a car that was blocking a driveway, Azzata said.

When Smith entered, he demanded valuables and was told they were upstairs, Azzata said.

Smith, apparently unsatisfied with the valuables upstairs, asked if any of the four had a bank account and could withdraw money, Azzata said. The intruder then allowed the unidentified woman to leave and collect money from an ATM, telling her she had only eight minutes to come back with cash before he killed one of her friends, Azzata said.

The woman left for the bank and called 911, according to Azzata.

Minutes later, two police officers arrived at the home and found Rebello's twin sister Jessica running out of the front door and the male guest hiding behind a couch on the first floor, Azzata said.

One of the officers entered the home and encountered Smith holding onto Rebello in a headlock, coming down the stairs, Azzata said. Smith pulled Rebello closer and started moving backward toward a rear door of the house, pointing the gun at her head before eventually threatening the officer, Azzata said.

The Rev. Osvaldo Franklin, who gave Rebello and her twin their first communions, on Saturday night told The Associated Press their mother, Nella, couldn't even speak to him earlier in the day.

"She was so devastated," said Franklin. "She's just crying. We have to pray for Andrea, to pray for Jessica because she needs help."

Franklin said a funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., and will be in Portuguese.

"The family's a very good family, they have very good values," he said. "They are a very good, very devoted family."

___

Associated Press writer Jake Pearson in New York contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hofstra-student-killed-police-during-break-065118864.html

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Tickets for Feast Portland 2013 Go on Sale Monday - Portland Food

There are quite a few heavy hitters among the chef lineup for the 2013 Feast Portland. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 20th. ?Visiting chefs include:

Hugh Acheson ? Top Chef, Five & Ten, The National, Empire State South ? Atlanta, GA

Matt and Ted Lee -?The Lee Bros., Charleston, S.C.

Local Talent Including Greg Denton, Gregory Gourdet, Jenn Louis, Vitaly Paley, Naomi Pomeroy, Andy Ricker, Gabriel Rucker and Cathy Whims

PORTLAND, ORE. ? May 17, 2013 ? Like the chefs, artisans, farmers, winemakers, brewers, and distillers who will appear at Bon App?tit Presents: Feast Portland: A Celebration of Oregon Bounty, the flagship food and drink festival of the Pacific Northwest has sown, watered, loved and nurtured a second epic year of events, September 19-22, 2013. Break out the handiwipes as tickets go on sale Monday, May 20 at www.feastportland.com with a schedule of more than 40 events around Portland, Oregon. Attendees will once again Feast to fight childhood hunger, with net proceeds from the festival donated to Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength.

In keeping with its founding philosophy of facilitating collaborations between local chefs and some of the world?s most renowned names as well as fresh faces, Feast Portland 2013 promises a lineup as unique to food and drink festivals as Portland itself ? from large-scale tasting events like the The Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational, Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting presented by Alaska Airlines, The USA Pears Night Market presented by Snake River Farms, and High Comfort at The Nines, to intimate sit-down dinners, hands-on classes, live culinary demonstrations, thought-provoking speakers, and industry get-togethers. Aaron Barnett (St. Jack), Jason Barwikowski (The Woodsman Tavern), Greg Denton (Ox), Patrick Fleming (Boke Bowl), Jason French (Nedd Ludd), Rick Gencarelli (Lardo), Benjamin Gonzales (Nuestra Cocina), Gregory Gourdet (Departure), Christopher Israel (Gr?ner), Jenn Louis (Lincoln), Vitaly Paley (Paley?s Place), Trent Pierce (Roe), Naomi Pomeroy (Beast), Andy Ricker (Pok Pok), newly minted 2013 James Beard Foundation (JBF) award winner Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), Adam Sappington (The Country Cat), Scott Snyder (Levant), Erik Van Kley (Little Bird), Johanna Ware (Smallwares), Cathy Whims (Nostrana) and others welcome a roster of visiting chefs including Hugh Acheson (The National), 2013 JBF award winner Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food), 2013 JBF award winners Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski (State Bird Provisions), Sean Brock (McCrady?s), Floyd Cardoz (North End Grill), Tom Douglas (Tom Douglas Restaurants, Lola), Renee Erickson (The Walrus and the Carpenter), Jason Franey (Canlis), Aaron Franklin (Franklin BBQ), Duff Goldman (Charm City Cakes), 2013 JBF award winner Stephanie Izard (The Girl and the Goat), 2013 JBF award winner Christopher Kostow (Meadowood), Matt and Ted Lee, Matt Lightner (Atera), David McMillan and Fr?d?ric Morin (Joe Beef), Thomas McNaughton (Flour + Water), Sarah Simmons (CITY GRIT), Christina Tosi (Momofuku Milk Bar), Michael Voltaggio (ink.) and Kris Yenbamroong (Night + Market).

Tickets, which can be purchased at feastportland.com, are for more than 40 events around Portland, Oregon, and offer a broad range, from the free Whole Foods Market Best Butcher Contest & Fishmonger Face-Off to individual event tickets starting at just $10 to ?The Package,? which includes one ticket each to the Friday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting, Saturday Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting, Sandwich Invitational, Night Market, and High Comfort, at $465.

?Feast Portland was created to capture the current energy and enthusiasm that?s driving America?s food renaissance in one of its epicenters, Portland, Oregon. We?re excited for another year of showcasing regional culinary talent and Pacific Northwest bounty alongside internationally recognized chefs, industry leaders, influential media, and other top food-world influencers,? said festival co-founders Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch.

?I?ll just go ahead and say it: Portland has the most dynamic, delicious, and straight-up fun food scene in the country,? said Adam Rapoport, editor in chief of Bon App?tit. ?And this is a festival that captures all those qualities. Just ask all the big-name chefs hungering to get on board with it.?

Sponsors and partners of Feast Portland include: Bon App?tit, Travel Oregon, Whole Foods Market, USA Pears, Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, Alaska Airlines, Lincoln Motor Company, Snake River Farms, KitchenAid, SagaCity Media, Travel Portland, King Estate, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Union Wine Company, Nicky USA, Oregon State University: College of Agricultural Sciences, Pacific Natural Foods, Archery Summit, Hawks View Cellars, San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, William Grant & Sons, Chase Bank, Provenance Hotels, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Tillamook Cheese, Oregon Brewers Guild, Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission, Seafood Oregon, Bob?s Red Mill, Texas Pete?s Sauces, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Adelsheim Vineyard, Boedecker Cellars, Chehalem, Domaine Serene, Elk Cove Vineyards, Sokol Blosser, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Hotel Fifty, The Heathman Hotel, The Nines, Ecotrust, HOTLIPS, Le Cordon Bleu, Portland Art Museum, West Coast Events Productions, Young?s Market Company, KATU, Eater.com, The Oregonian, and Pollinate.

?Feast Portland takes place in the ingredient epicenter of the world ? Oregon,? said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. ?We invite visitors to come before and stay after the festival to see where the fresh, artisanal food comes from in Oregon, making it the premier culinary destination that it is.?

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
A complete listing of events and participants can be found on the Feast Portland Web site.
The Widmer Brothers Brewing Sandwich Invitational Presented By Lincoln Motor Company
Location: Director Park | Date: Thursday, September 19, 2013 | Time: 6pm-9pm | Price: $95
What happens when 15 of America?s top chefs convene to harness their culinary ambition between two slices of bread? Enter the Sandwich Invitational; Feast Portland?s killer kick-off party, where wildly imaginative, chef?d-up interpretations redefine everything you thought the lowly sando could be. Enjoy sandwich bliss under the stars at Downtown Portland?s urbane Director Park, an experience paired with craft brews from legendary local Widmer Brothers Brewing plus Northwest wines and cocktails.

Oregon Bounty Grand Tasting Presented By Alaska Airlines: Friday and Saturday
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square | Date: Friday, September 20, 2013 and Saturday, September 21, 2013 | Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm | Price: $60/day
Portland?s ?living room,? Pioneer Courthouse Square, transforms into the city?s dining room for two days as dozens of the region?s most celebrated wineries, breweries, chefs, and artisans take over Downtown Portland?s most prime real estate for the festival?s premiere daytime event. Experience the scene, meet the chefs you?ve read about, discover the best Oregon wines and craft beers, and enjoy cooking demonstrations from celebrated chefs like Michael Voltaggio, Chris Cosentino, Jenn Louis, and Gabriel Rucker at the KitchenAid Main Demo Stage.

The USA Pears Night Market Presented By Snake River Farms
Location: Ecotrust Building | Date: Friday, September 20, 2013 | Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm | Price: $125
Join locally and nationally renowned chefs as they transform Portland?s historic Ecotrust building into the nation?s liveliest outdoor celebration of global street food. Called the nation?s best event of its kind by Food Republic, the Feast Portland Night Market is imbued with the spirit of the great bazaars of Southeast Asia and the Latin world. Enjoy a who?s who of craft beer, wine, and spirits to fuel an experience that embodies the sights, sounds, and smiles of a world culinary journey.

Whole Foods Market Best Butcher Contest & Fishmonger Face-Off
Location: Director Park | Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013 | Time: 11am-2pm | Price: FREE
After months of regional competitions at Whole Foods Market stores across the country, 12 butchers and fishmonger finalists are sharpening their knives to go head-to-tail for the glory of being named best in their craft. Come watch the sparks fly as the butcher and fishmonger finalists battle their way to the top. They will be judged by an expert panel that includes top chefs and media on presentation, craftsmanship and swagger in dazzling demos of knife work. Sample some surf-and-turf from Whole Foods Market?s meat and seafood partners, pause for live music, snap a picture in the photo booth, and even learn a thing or two about high-quality meat and sustainable seafood.

Whole Foods Market Speaker Series
Location: Portland Art Museum | Date: Friday September 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2013 | Price: $10 each.

The Speaker Series showcases industry panels led by top culinary thought leaders in the world of restaurants, food, media, government, agriculture, business, and food policy.

High Comfort At The Nines
Location: The Nines Hotel | Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013 | Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm | Price: $175.
What happens when comfort food gets pushed out of its comfort zone? What would grandmother?s food taste like if grandma had a Michelin star, an immersion circulator, and a pantry full of Iberian ham, foie gras, and candy bars? The answer: High Comfort, the most decadent culinary event around. Last year?s event saw meat cereal, caviar sandwiches, and a charcuterie hall of fame without rival. This year, some of the best chefs from the US and Canada are taking it to the next level. Get ready to be fed silly and sip Oregon wines and champagne. Don?t plan anything early the next day.

Hands-On Classes & Tasting Panels
Location: Throughout Downtown Portland | Date: Friday, September 20, 2013 ? Sunday, September 22, 2013 | Price: $45-125
For those who want to bring home more than just a wristband from the festival, the Hands-On Classes offer a unique setting to learn the tricks of the trade from the experts themselves. The Tasting Panels explore how Portland is at the forefront of a myriad of culinary industries, from cocktail infusions and nostalgic chocolate desserts to the return of the ever-popular competition, Wine vs. Beer.

Dinner Series
Location: Various Portland Restaurants | Date: Thursday, September 19, 2013 ? Sunday, September 22, 2013 | Time: 7pm | Price: $150
With each dinner combining the talents of a visiting chef and a Portland chef, the Feast Portland Dinner Series celebrates the spirit of culinary collaboration. These intimate dinners also feature selections from premier Oregon wineries and other local libations.

Brunch Series
Location: Various Portland Restaurants | Date: Sunday, September 22, 2013 | Time: 10am | Price: $75
A new addition to the Feast Portland lineup, the Brunch Series will combine the culinary talents of a visiting chef and a Portland chef. Each duo will create a collaborative menu for Portland?s most beloved meal, Sunday brunch.
In addition, visitors and media are invited to expand their Feast experience by taking advantage of pre- and post-event options that will take them to Oregon tastemakers? favorite mouthwatering spots. Travel Oregon?s ?Trails to Feast? inspirational itineraries give a firsthand look into Oregon?s bounty ? meeting the farmers, fishermen, winemakers, foragers and food artisans who contributed the ingredients for Feast. For more information or to plan your tasty trail, go to TravelOregon.com/see-do/eat-drink. For more information regarding Feast media credentials and a hosted trip, go to FeastPortland.com/press.
# # #

ABOUT BON APP?TIT PRESENTS FEAST PORTLAND
Bon App?tit presents Feast Portland: A Celebration of Oregon Bounty is the flagship food and drink festival in the Pacific Northwest, capturing the current energy and enthusiasm driving America?s food revolution. Founded in 2012 by Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, Feast Portland showcases local culinary talent and Pacific Northwest ingredients alongside internationally recognized chefs, culinary professionals and industry leaders. Feast Portland is also a festival with a mission, donating its net proceeds towards ending childhood hunger in Oregon and around the country through Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Share Our Strength. For more information visit www.feastportland.com and follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter (@FeastPDX).

ABOUT Bon App?tit Magazine
Bon App?tit and bonappetit.com , the fastest-growing epicurean site, deliver not just recipes, tips and techniques, but a world of lush travel, high-gloss entertaining and up-to-the-minute restaurant coverage. It?s a visually arresting publication, driven by excellent photography, clean graphics and headlines that pop. And notable faces, too: Each issue features of-the-moment tastemakers, from chefs and restaurateurs to fashion designers and celebrities. All of these elements combine to make Bon App?tit the largest epicurean magazine in America with the most affluent readership.

ABOUT TRAVEL OREGON
Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors? experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission aims to improve Oregonians? quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state?s $9.2 billion tourism industry that employs over 91,000 Oregonians. www.TravelOregon.com.

Source: http://portlandfoodanddrink.com/tickets-for-feast-portland-2013-go-on-sale-monday/

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Most Popular Posts Last 30 Days - Family Home and Life: Say It ...

Welcome bloggy friends! Do you know that this is my favorite post of the week? It sure is, I really enjoy y'all! It is wonderful to have friends stop by and share. Be sure and check out all the comments from last weeks SIS to see if there is any info you can use.?

Have you tried the trick I shared with you last week? How is it working for you??

I needed to make new buttons for my bog last week and found a free code generator that I wanted to share with you all. Made it a little easier for me. ?Here is the link for it. Do you have a blog button for your blog? Check it now and then to make sure it is working properly.?

A great tip from last weeks comments below....I just don't know how to do it! Do any of you? Grandma Kc also sent me this link about Google Authorship and SEO?importance. It helped me out; thanks Kc!

What questions do you have today? Need help with something blogging related? Ask away in the comments and we'll see if someone can help you out.?

By the way! If you have an old Say It Saturday button (or any of my other buttons click here) please take a new one. The old ones won't work sometimes anymore due to a change that Google made in blogger. Thanks to Joyce for alerting me there was a problem!

**On occasion someone will accidentally link up something they didn't mean to or spell something wrong or whatever. If this happens to you when you are?linking, you should see a very small?red X?by your new link. If you click on the red X, your link will be deleted. Thanks!?

I'm so glad you stopped by today!?

This is a?link up for older bloggers; but you don't need to be a grandparent to link up.?
Link up to three post, not to your home page, and link that back to Family Home and Life.?
While you are here I hope you will visit the other linkers and come back to see who links up later. We all love comments!?
No Etsy shops please. This link closes on Monday night.?

Be sure to visit Lisa at?Grandma's Briefs?to join her linky, GRAND Social, on Mondays. Thank you for linking up with me!

Source: http://www.familyhomeandlife.com/2013/05/say-it-saturday_18.html

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Saturday, May 18, 2013

US Criticizes Russian Missiles Sale to Syria (Voice Of America)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/306616970?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Georgia governor engaged in Bible dispute

ATLANTA (AP) -- When Ed Buckner and his family went to a north Georgia state park to celebrate his son's birthday, he was surprised and concerned to find Bibles in the state-owned cabin he had rented.

An atheist, Buckner believes that no religious literature should be provided in government-owned lodging, and he presented that concern to management at the Amicalola Falls State Park.

Officials told Buckner they would remove the Bibles from all state park resorts while the state attorney general looked into the matter. Not long afterward, however, the AG issued a ruling saying the state was on firm legal ground because it hadn't paid for the books. On Wednesday, Gov. Nathan Deal ordered the Bibles returned.

Deal argued that if the state didn't pay for them, it can't be seen as endorsing them. He also noted that any religious group can donate literature. But his action sparked a string of comments on social media and captured the attention of local news television stations. It also prompted some to question why this hasn't been more of an issue in the U.S. before.

Buckner is pondering his next move. One idea he is considering is to test the state's offer to accept literature from other religions in state-owned lodging. He also said he would be willing to participate if an organization with similar beliefs decides to launch a lawsuit over the issue.

"I think government entanglement with religion is a very dangerous thing," he said in a telephone interview Thursday. "When you go into a state park cabin and the only piece of religious literature there is a Protestant Bible, that suggests the government's endorsed that particular perspective."

But Edward Queen, a professor at Emory University in Atlanta and director of the school's Ethics and Servant Leadership program, said he sees no obvious legal grounds for a challenge.

"The fact that you have an inherently sectarian religious document on state property, that in and of itself presents no real challenge if the state has not purchased it," Queen said. "Where it might possibly become an issue is if the state were to refuse to do the same thing for other groups."

Bill Nigut, Southeast regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, said people have become accustomed to seeing Gideon Bibles in the nightstands of hotels and motels and that may be why many don't think twice when they see them in state park lodging.

He wonders if more people might object, however, if they came across different religious texts.

"What if it were the Hebrew Bible? What if it were the Quran?" he said. "When you frame it in that context, I think it's a little easier to understand why people who are not Christians could be uncomfortable seeing the Bible in a hotel room."

The Bibles are donated by Gideons International, an evangelical Christian group based in Nashville, Tenn. Gideons spokesman Malcolm Arvin said he didn't know how many Bibles had been donated for distribution in state or national parks, but he doesn't recall ever having heard about it being a problem.

The National Park Service contracts with private operators to run lodging, and it's up to those operators whether they want to put Bibles or other religious documents in the rooms, said Bill Reynolds, assistant regional director for the Southeast. The park service doesn't require or prohibit the provision of Bibles, he said.

William Hunter, a Sunday school teacher who was visiting Georgia's Fort McAllister Historic State Park south of Savannah on Thursday, said he wholeheartedly endorsed having Bibles in state-owned cabins.

"I know that Gideon Bibles have saved people's lives," said Hunter, a retired government civil service worker who sat in the shade outside his camper at the park's campground. "They go into a motel room and are going to blow their brains out. And then they find that Bible."

Hunter keeps a Bible filled with passages he's underlined and notes written in the margins inside his camper. He stashes a second copy in his pickup truck.

Hunter's wife, Nancy, said the Bibles can't hurt nonbelievers but should be available to anyone seeking spiritual comfort.

"That's a problem with the United States today is they're taking Jesus Christ out of so many things," she said.

Making Bibles available on state property was not a problem for park visitor Rebecca Wade, either. A retired saleswoman from Mount Dora, Fla., Wade said she's no fundamentalist, though she tries to live by the Ten Commandments.

"I don't mind the separation between church and state, but people are getting carried away to the point that it's crazy," Wade said. "Nobody's going to pick a Bible up if they don't want to."

___

Bynum reported from Richmond Hill, Ga.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/georgia-governor-engaged-bible-dispute-125757816.html

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Hangouts updated to correct tablet compatibility issues

Hangouts

Nexus 7 and other tablet users can now update to replace the Google Talk app

Following its announcement at Google I/O, the new Hangouts app from Google has had a bit of a rocky rollout to certain devices. Because it replaces a pre-installed system app (Google Talk), there are some complications with pushing an update that makes so many changes. When the app first hit the Play Store many users wouldn't get the option to update, especially if they were on tablets. Google has just pushed out an update today that should fix those issues, making the app compatible with tablets of all sizes.

The app's description has also been updated to note that it is aware of some compatibility issues, and that Hangouts is actually being rolled out over the course of several days. That would explain why some users that were eager to install saw some hiccups. Rest assured that as of now most devices (using Android 2.3 and up) should be good to go with an update from the Play Store directly.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/K_ZO3A6V11A/story01.htm

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Friday, May 17, 2013

Another round for the House on 'Obamacare'

WASHINGTON (AP) ? One more time, with feeling! The Republican-led House voted yet again Thursday to repeal President Barack Obama's health care law, knowing full well that won't stop it.

Only months away from the rollout of coverage for uninsured Americans, it was the 37th attempt in a little more than two years by House Republicans to eliminate, defund or partly scale back the Affordable Care Act. The Democratic-led Senate and the president will simply ignore the House action, which came on a virtual party line vote, 229-195.

But in a Congress where spin often trumps legislation, Republicans see a political advantage to keeping the pressure up as the administration tries to get all the moving parts of the law finally working.

Starting this fall, uninsured people who can't get coverage through their jobs will be able to sign up for government-subsidized insurance that takes effect Jan. 1. The rollout promises to be bumpy because about half the states are still resisting the law, and congressional Republicans won't provide the administration with funds it says are needed for a smooth implementation.

Democrats said the House vote was a pointless exercise. They noted that the ACA ? as the law is known ? has been upheld by the Supreme Court, and millions are already receiving some benefits, from young adults able to stay on a parent's insurance until age 26, to seniors on Medicare whose high prescription drug bills have been reduced.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California said the vote was "a waste of the public's time."

Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., called it an "obsession ... bordering on the absurd."

But Republicans see a soft target in a costly program that continues to divide the country.

They're hoping that implementation problems next year will help the GOP take control of the Senate in the midterm congressional elections and build on its House majority. Part of the political strategy behind Thursday's vote was to give freshmen Republicans a chance to vote on full repeal of what they dismiss as "Obamacare."

"Republicans will continue to work to scrap the law in its entirety so we can focus on patient-centered reforms that lower costs and protect jobs," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

What that alternative would look like, no one really knows, because Republicans have not presented a plan of their own since Obama's law was debated in Congress more than three years ago.

Boehner said a GOP approach would include medical malpractice reforms, risk pools for people with pre-existing medical problems, and letting individuals buy coverage from out-of-state insurers to spur competition. But nothing has been finalized.

Boehner also pointed out that not even Obama believes the health care law is perfect. On seven previous occasions GOP efforts to scale back parts of the law were eventually accepted by the president and signed into law. They included a Medicaid formula that would have allowed thousands of middle-class people to qualify for nearly free coverage, a long-term care insurance plan likely to go belly-up, and paperwork requirements protested by small businesses. The administration sees those as relatively minor changes.

The House debate got creative. Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., compared the health care law both to a looming iceberg and an impending train wreck. Bachmann said there was a point to holding another repeal vote. "It's our job to defend liberty," she said. "And that's why we have to end this horrible piece of legislation." Back home, her political operation teed up an ad to spread word of the vote and her role in it.

Three years after its passage, Americans remain divided over Obama's signature domestic policy achievement. Even the uninsured are confused about whether they will be helped. Many people who have coverage worry it will raise their costs and make it harder for them to see their doctors. Some of the law's underlying goals, such as a ban on insurers turning away people with pre-existing conditions, remain popular. However, the requirement that virtually all Americans carry coverage or face fines is still widely disliked.

Although health insurance premiums have not gone down, as Obama once promised, there's no evidence that the law is breaking the bank. Health care costs have been growing at historically low rates, providing a respite for government programs like Medicare and employer plans as well. Experts say most people with job-based health insurance are unlikely to see major impacts from the law next year.

Less certain is the outlook for people who buy their own coverage and for small businesses. The insurance industry says premiums in the individual market are likely go up by double digits in most states. The administration says part of the reason costs could go up is because the coverage will be more comprehensive. But many people will receive tax credits under the law to offset those costs. Still, the anxiety is building as the law's full implementation draws closer.

On one of its official Twitter accounts, the White House tweeted "It's. The. Law." adding the hashtag (hash)ObamaCareInThreeWords.

___

Associated Press writer Brian Bakst in St. Paul, Minn., contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/another-round-house-obamacare-192134867.html

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Methane emissions higher than thought across much of U.S.

May 15, 2013 ? After taking a rented camper outfitted with special equipment to measure methane on a cross-continent drive, a UC Santa Barbara scientist has found that methane emissions across large parts of the U.S. are higher than currently known, confirming what other more local studies have found. Their research is published in the journal Atmospheric Environment.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, stronger than carbon dioxide on a 20-year timescale, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, though on a century timescale, carbon dioxide is far stronger. "This research suggests significant benefits to slowing climate change could result from reducing industrial methane emissions in parallel with efforts on carbon dioxide," said Ira Leifer, a researcher with UCSB's Marine Science Institute.

Leifer was joined by two UCSB undergraduate students on the road trip from Los Angeles to Florida, taking a primarily southern route through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and along the Gulf of Mexico. They used specialized instrumentation, a gas chromatograph, to measure methane. The device was mounted in the RV, with an air ram on the roof that collected air samples from in front of the vehicle.

"We tried to pass through urban areas during nighttime hours, to avoid being stuck in traffic and sampling mostly exhaust fumes," Leifer said. "Someone was always monitoring the chromatograph, and when we would see a strong signal, we would look to see what potential sources were in the area, and modify the survey to investigate and, if possible, circumnavigate potential sources."

The researchers meandered slowly through areas of fossil fuel activity, such as petroleum and natural gas production, refining, and distribution areas, and other areas of interest. The wide range of sources studied included a coal-loading terminal, a wildfire, and wetlands.

The team analyzed the data in conjunction with researchers at the University of Bremen, Germany, who analyzed inventories and satellite data from the Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) instrument onboard the European Space Agency's (ESA) ENVISAT satellite to confirm the finding of strong methane sources in regions of fossil fuel activity. The surface measurements found methane levels increased as the researchers moved toward Houston, and then decreased as they continued westward -- the same trend observed in satellite data spanning the continent.

Previous methane studies have focused primarily on large-scale airborne data, which were challenging to separate from local sources, according to Leifer. In fact, clear identification of individual sources often could not be conducted, requiring computer models and other surface measurements.

The team compared maps of estimated methane emissions based on data from the International Energy Agency of the U.S. Department of Energy with satellite methane maps. They found that, in some cases, to explain observed higher methane concentrations required higher emissions than current emission maps present, particularly in large regions of fossil fuel industrial activity. In other cases, though, they could rule out that wetlands such as swamps may have been important. In such cases, separating wetland methane contributions from fossil fuel industrial contributions was not possible with their approach, Leifer said, "This is a topic we are investigating further through new research," he added.

"Methane is the strongest human greenhouse gas on a political or short timescale, and also has more bang for the buck in terms of addressing climate change," said Leifer. "This research supports other recent findings suggesting that fugitive emissions from fossil fuel industrial activity actually are the largest methane source. This clearly indicates a need for efforts to focus on reducing these methane emissions."

The researchers found the highest methane concentrations in areas with significant refinery activity, and in California in a Central Valley region of oil and gas production. Methane levels near refineries were not uniform, varying greatly from spot to spot and at different times. Nighttime concentrations were dramatically enhanced when the winds died down, forming a calm, shallow atmospheric layer near the surface, according to Leifer.

Perhaps the most surprising discovery was made in the Los Angeles area, where the study highlighted the importance of geologic methane emissions in the North Los Angeles Basin, centered on the La Brea Tar Pits. Rough estimation of emissions from the data suggests 10-20 percent of the methane emissions from Los Angeles could be natural geologic, influenced by the vast number of abandoned wells throughout the area.

This study was supported by a National Science Foundation Rapid Response Grant, by NASA and ESA, as well as JAXA, the Japanese Space Agency. Support also came from the Department of Energy, through the Gulf of Mexico Hydrates Research Consortium, the University of Mississippi, the University of Bremen, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Space Administration.

According to Leifer, these results illustrate the need for satellite technology to further this type of research and also to provide guidance to decision makers. "We are working with methane data from the Japanese satellite, GOSAT, to continue these investigations," Leifer said. "We look forward to when new tools, like ESA's CarbonSat and NASA's HyspIRI spacecraft, are in orbit to help, as well as results from a new joint NASA/ESA airborne campaign, COMEX, with University of Bremen researchers to improve further methane satellite designs." COMEX will test different airborne remote sensing technologies for application to methane observations.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/~3/DnGC7eoeqfI/130515165021.htm

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

HP Pavilion G6-2248CA

The HP Pavilion G6-2248CA ($449.99), available in Canada, is a good, not great, buy for the price. It's a full-featured 15.6-inch laptop for under $475. It has decent battery life, but otherwise has mediocre performance numbers. It's designed to be a workhorse alternative to the inexpensive tablets of the world. It's not a perfect value PC, considering its competition, but for the price you may be able to overlook the occasional wait for the PC to finish the tasks you're performing.

Design and Features
The G6-2248CA is pretty standard looking. It's designed to be appeal to most of the population, so it has basic looks with a glossy black visage. The 15.6-inch screen dictates the size of the chassis, which is 3.6 by 37.6 by 24.4 cm (HWD), and the system weighs about five and a half pounds. It's a little heavy compared to the ultrabooks you see promoted by Intel, but it's certainly portable enough for the home or college campus. The G6-2248CA comes with a chiclet-style keyboard with full numeric keypad, which may come in handy if you're entering a lot of numbers, like in actuarial or engineering programs. The keyboard isn't backlit, but that's okay since the system is so inexpensive.

The G6-2248CA has a textured surface on its trackpad, which can help keep it from feeling tacky if you use the system while munching on cheese puffs, for example. The multi-touch trackpad supports Windows 8 gestures like bringing up the charms bar. The screen supports 1,366-by-768 native resolution, sufficient for 720p HD, though 1080p HD will have to be scaled down for the screen. The system was certainly powerful enough to view both types of HD video from online sources.

The system has a decent amount of connectivity, with two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, VGA, Ethernet, and HDMI. Be careful with the USB ports, as all of them are black. USB 3.0 ports are more commonly molded in blue plastic on other systems to help you tell them apart from the slower USB 2.0 ports. The system also has a SD card reader and DVD burner. The DVD contributes to the thickness of the system, but may be important for casual users that still want to use older programs found on DVDs or CDs. The G6-2248CA comes with 6GB of memory and a 750GB hard drive. The 6GB is a good amount, and more memory lets you open more tabs simultaneously or multitask running several programs at once. In contrast, the more expensive Asus VivoBook X202E-BH91T-CB ($499.99) has to make do with 4GB of system memory, holding it back on some performance tests (see below).

The system comes with quite a few pieces of pre-loaded software, including Solitaire, Mahjong, HP Connected Photo (Snapfish), Kindle, HP+ (online store), Skype, Norton Studio (60 days trial subscription), Netflix, eBay, Microsoft Office Trial, HP connected music, and HP MyRoom (video conferencing). Most of these programs and applications are veiled ads for their respective services, but they can be convenient if you already use them in your day-to-day life. Though it's quite a lot of extra stuff, the 750GB hard drive still has plenty of space for all your music, photos, and videos. The G6-2284 comes with a one-year warranty.

Performance
HP Pavilion G6-2248CA The Pavilion G6-2248CA comes with an AMD A4-4300M processor with integrated AMD Radeon HD 7420G graphics. These components translate into decent, if uninspiring performance on our benchmark tests. The G6-2248CA is certainly slower than Core i3-powered systems like the Lenovo IdeadPad N581 ($499) or the higher end AMD A8-4500M-powered HP Pavilion M6-1148CA ($599.99) on our Handbrake and Photoshop multimedia tests. The situation is much the same with the day-to-day PCMark7 test, at least when you compare the G6-2248CA to the Lenovo N581. That said, the G6-2248C is still faster that the Pentium processor-powered Asus VivoBook X202E-BH91T-CB. The Pentium CPU keeps that Asus system at the back of the pack with almost excruciatingly long Handbrake and Photoshop test times.

The G6-2248CA excels at our battery rundown test, coming in at eleven minutes short of five hours (4:49). The Lenovo N581 comes close at 4:43, but all the others in this roundup come in and hour or two behind the G6-2248CA. Basically, this means that the G6-2248CA should last for a few hour-long classes and still manage to keep you system powered while you grab a cup of coffee in the study lounge. Battery life is one the G6-2248CA's few remarkable differentiators.

The HP Pavilion G6-2248CA is a decent, if unexciting value laptop. It's got the battery power to last you through most of a school day, plus its price tag won't leave you gasping for air. Take a look at the system if you really need to save money over all other concerns, but note that buying a system with extra performance oomph will cost a bit more (about $50 more).

BENCHMARK TEST RESULTS

COMPARISON TABLE
Compare the HP Pavilion G6-2248CA with several other laptops side by side.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/_hJr_SF2hLI/0,2817,2418818,00.asp

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Ouster of IRS official isn't ending investigations

President Barack Obama speaks on the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of conservative groups for extra tax scrutiny in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday May 15, 2013. Obama announced the resignation of Acting IRS Commissioner Steven Miller, the top official at the IRS. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Attorney General Eric Holder testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, before the House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department. Holder is expected to face aggressive questioning on topics ranging from the Justice Department's gathering of phone records at the Associated Press to the government's handling of intelligence before the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Attorney General Eric Holder, the nation's top law enforcement official, prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, before the House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on the Justice Department. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte,R-Va., wants to know more about the unwarranted targeting of Tea Party and other conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service and the Justice Department's secret seizure of telephone records at The Associated Press. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

The John Weld Peck Federal Building, shown Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in Cincinnati, houses the main offices for the Internal Revenue Service in the city. The IRS apologized Friday for what it acknowledged was "inappropriate" targeting of conservative political groups during the 2012 election to see whether they were violating their tax-exempt status. In some cases, the IRS acknowledged, agents inappropriately asked for lists of donors. The agency blamed low-level employees in a Cincinnati office, saying no high-level officials were aware.(AP Photo/Al Behrman)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Don't look for the outcry over the Internal Revenue Service's improper targeting of tea party groups to subside with the ouster of the agency's acting commissioner.

Three congressional committees are investigating, and the FBI is looking into potential civil rights violations at the IRS, Attorney General Eric Holder said.

Other potential crimes include making false statements to authorities and violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in some partisan political activities, Holder said.

President Barack Obama said Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew had asked for and accepted Steven T. Miller's resignation. Obama is expected to name a new acting commissioner by the end of this week.

"Americans are right to be angry about it, and I am angry about it," Obama said Wednesday evening in a televised statement from the White House. "I will not tolerate this kind of behavior in any agency but especially in the IRS, given the power that it has and the reach that it has into all of our lives."

Miller's ouster came five days after an IRS supervisor publicly revealed that agents had improperly targeted groups with "tea party" or "patriots" in their applications for tax-exempt status. It came a day after an inspector general's report blamed ineffective management in Washington for allowing it to happen for more than 18 months.

The report said tea party groups were asked inappropriate questions about their donors, their political affiliations and their positions on political issues, resulting in delays averaging nearly two years for applications to be processed.

Miller, a 25-year IRS veteran, took over the agency in November, when the five-year term of Commissioner Douglas Shulman ended. Shulman was appointed by President George W. Bush.

Obama has yet to nominate a permanent successor. A new acting commissioner was not announced Wednesday evening.

In an email to employees, Miller said: "This has been an incredibly difficult time for the IRS given the events of the past few days, and there is a strong and immediate need to restore public trust in the nation's tax agency. I believe the service will benefit from having a new acting commissioner in place during this challenging period."

At the time when tea party groups were targeted, Miller was a deputy commissioner who oversaw the division that dealt with tax-exempt organizations.

The report by the Treasury inspector general for tax administration does not indicate that Miller knew conservative groups were being targeted until after the practice ended. But documents show that Miller repeatedly failed to tell Congress that tea party groups were being targeted, even after he had been briefed on the matter.

The IRS said Miller was first informed on May, 3, 2012, that applications for tax-exempt status by tea party groups were inappropriately singled out for extra, sometimes burdensome scrutiny.

At least twice after the briefing, Miller wrote letters to members of Congress to explain the process of reviewing applications for tax-exempt status without disclosing that tea party groups had been targeted. On July 25, 2012, Miller testified before the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee but again was not forthcoming on the issue ? despite being asked about it.

In all, members of Congress sent at least eight letters to the IRS over the past two years, asking about complaints from conservative groups that they were being harassed by the IRS. None of the IRS responses acknowledged that conservative groups were targeted.

Miller was scheduled to testify Friday at a Ways and Means hearing. A committee aide said Wednesday evening that Miller was still expected to attend the hearing.

"These allegations are serious ? that there was an effort to bring the power of the federal government to bear on those the administration disagreed with, in the middle of a heated national election," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. "We are determined to get answers."

The Justice Department opened its criminal investigation last Friday, Holder said.

"I can assure you and the American people that we will take a dispassionate view of this," Holder told the House Judiciary Committee at a hearing Wednesday. "This will not be about parties, this will not be about ideological persuasions. Anybody who has broken the law will be held accountable."

But, Holder said, it will take time to determine if there was criminal wrongdoing.

Wednesday's hearing was the first of several in Congress that will focus on the issue. The House Oversight Committee announced Wednesday that it would hold a hearing May 22, featuring Lois Lerner, the head of the IRS division that oversees tax exempt organizations, and Shulman, the former commissioner.

The Senate Finance Committee announced a hearing for next Tuesday.

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Associated Press writer Jim Kuhnhenn contributed to this report.

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Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stephenatap