Byline: Associated Press
ALBANY More than $113 million in federal aid, held up for years in many cases, will finally make its way to local governments, Gov. George Pataki announced Sunday.
The money stems from a dispute between the state and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over how to allocate …
Banks and brokers will fail to crack the retail gem that is the high-net worth investor unless they seek unprecedented partnerships with real estate, tax and law experts. They also should spend wisely on cleansing and integrating disparate back-office databases so they can offer complete arrays of financial services-akin to the family office-to this most demanding customer.
It's the nimble ability of the family office, experts say, to offer a full-spectrum of highly personalized and trusted services, whether it's in tax or estate planning, real estate or investing, that major banks and brokers must emulate, and for which they're essentially competing against in the grab for wealth management dollars.
The challenges go beyond writing …
Third-seeded Serena Williams clinched the Bangalore Open title Sunday, defeating fourth-seeded Patty Schnyder 7-5, 6-3 in the final.
Williams dominated the 1 hour 23 minute contest with her powerful serve and ground strokes. Schnyder committed several unforced errors in trying to hit deep and keep Williams at the baseline, a ploy that often saw her hitting long or wide.
"It's good to be a champ here, it always feels good to win," said Williams.
"I did not want to make too many errors. That was my game plan, but I did not stick to it," she said. "It wasn't my best match. Patty played well and forced me to do …
The country-pop star was late for an appointment to talk abouther brooding new album, "Interiors," because she was stuck behind theeasel. Cash had been painting a picture of a distraught woman with atriangle drawn on her throat.
Even for a woman who says she enjoys "taking flashlights intodark corners" in her music and painting, "Interiors" is a sharp turninward.
It's a vulnerable album for a woman who, with husband RodneyCrowell, formed a hip royal couple on the Nashville music sceneduring the 1980s.
The songs on the …
A five-strong team of pupils from years seven to eleven travelled to Whitby to take part in the annual quiz in aid of Saint Catherineas Hospice in Scarborough, which was hosted by Wes Stakes from Yorkshire Coast Radio.
Headlands were up against teams from six different schools including Scarborough College, Graham School, St Augustineas School, Fyling Hall School and two teams from Whitby School.
After a nervous start, Headlands gained in confidence and made steady ground against some strong opposition.
Each team had three rounds a general knowledge, spelling and a themed round that was chosen at random.
Keeping their heads under pressure, …
Byline: KENNETH AARON Staff Writer
ALBANY - How menacing are the University at Albany's Campus Action and Campus Greens chapters?
Menacing enough that the Department of Defense included a pair of protests by the groups on a database of potential threats ear lier this year.
The list, posted this week on MSNBC's Web site, showed that the Pentagon ultimately deemed the on-campus protests last spring against military recruiters to be less than threatening.
But the notion of the government spying on peace activists alarmed the students, UAlbany President Kermit Hall and free-speech advocates alike.
"It's threatening democratic rights," …
MINNEAPOLIS -- First Bank System Inc. said its board has approved the redemption of the $89 million outstanding amount of the company's 10.5% …
A former justice ministry investigator denied Wednesday that he threatened to harm Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, following his arrest on accusations of intimidating politicians and media personalities.
The man, identified by the Ministry of Justice as Yang Ching-hai, acknowledged he sent parcels containing bullets to Taiwanese lawmakers, but denied making written or other threats to Chen and his family.
Chen revealed last week he had received an unsigned letter by someone who warned him to "beware of two bullets" and threatened to "rape Chen Hsin-yu and kidnap little An-An," referring to his daughter and grandson.
A …
This line of pneumatically powered ball valves (photo) is constructed of Corzan CPVC for use in applications that require elevated-temperature and corrosion resistance. All models are designed for on-off service; and the actuator will close the valve automatically in the event of a power failure. In applications where the valve should not close--such as water cooled …
Tony Civello stepped down as chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores last April, but his legacy of leadership and efforts on behalf of community pharmacy continue to make a difference.
Kerr Drug's chairman, president and chief executive officer offered fresh evidence of his unswerving commitment to the profession when he appeared before the House Committee on Small Business last month (see story, page one). Civello did not disappoint those who have come to expect straight talk from him about the challenges confronting retail pharmacy and the urgent need to address them.
Taking exception to the testimony of Dennis Smith, an official at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid …
Byline: Brian Windhorst
Oct. 22--COLUMBUS -- Enough of the resting and the practicing, the Cavaliers plotted to treat Saturday night's preseason game like it was for real. Unfortunately for them, the plans were ahead of the play.
The Cavs were sluggish in the first half and rusty for much of the game against the Atlanta Hawks, who showed up with the same intentions but a tad more vigor early, and it showed. The Hawks ended up beating the Cavs, 90-88, in overtime. It was a game that turned out to be somewhat intense late, much to the delight of the 10,235 fans at Nationwide Arena. But it still demonstrated the Cavs' distance from being a finished …
Tramya McCray is two years old, with pigtails framing a face that is destined to break a thousand hearts.
Last Friday, she had to spend most of the afternoon away from her pals at child-care while she attended ceremonies at Hefferan Elementary School's library.
She squirmed now and then in Denise Pierce's lap and gazed curiously around at shelves of books and dozens of grown ups who must have looked unfriendly to Tramya because of their serious faces.
Tramya's mom, Nicole Rainey, was one of the 21 victims of the E2 disaster Feb. 17. Denise Pierce is Nicole Rainey's cousin, and now she's Tramya's caretaker.
All those books are the property of the West Side's …
Byline: TOM HUNDLEY Chicago Tribune
PARIS - For the eighth year in a row, an American rider led the pack into Paris to claim victory in the Tour de France. The only difference is that the rider was not Lance Armstrong, who retired after his 2005 victory.
The new champion is Floyd Landis, whose triumph Sunday capped one of the most astonishing comebacks in the Tour's 103-year history.
"I want to say thank you to everybody who kept believing, most of all my team," Landis said from the top step of the victory stand. "When things weren't going so well, they kept fighting and never stopped believing."
Crowds six-deep lined the Champs Elysees as …
Cadillac
Driveline noise, vibration at highway speeds. Some 2004-05 CTS-V models may produce a vibration or moaning noise while being driven on the open road. One likely cause of the trouble, says Cadillac, is an incorrectly indexed driveshaft, which can lead to an out-of-balance condition when the shaft rotates at highway speeds.
To make a definitive diagnosis, start by getting the car up on a lift. Then go to the differential and locate the blue paint mark on the differential flange and the white paint mark on the driveshaft. They should be aligned with each other. If they are, this information doesn't apply; continue troubleshooting until the problem is resolved. If the paint marks aren't aligned, remove the six driveshaft-to-differential flange nuts and bolts, then rotate the shaft until both marks are dead on.
Continue the fix by cleaning up the bolts and applying threadlocker (Part No. 12345493 or an equivalent) to the threads. Allow the threadlocker to cure for about ten rninutes, then lift the driveshaft to the differential flange and install the bolts and nuts, making sure both paint marks are still aligned. Using the illustration at right, tighten each nut in the sequence shown to 44 ft. -lbs. To complete the job, lower the vehicle, then go on a road test to confirm that the vibration or moaning noise has been eliminated.
Ford Truck
Knocking or cackling noise from engine. Some 1998-2003 Econolines, 1999-2003 F Super Duty pickups and 2000-03 Excursion SUVs with the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel may produce a knocking or cackling sound from under the hood. Ford says the noise is similar to that of an intermittent rod knock and usually gets worse as the engine warms, and attributes it to the No. 8 cylinder being starved for fuel. Installing a special "LongLead" injector (Part No. XC3Z9E527-AARM) into the No. 8 cylinder hole should put a quick end to the noise.
Although the injectors run off the high-pressure oil pump, the low-pressure fuel pump is vitally important for proper operation of the injectors. Make sure the fuel pump is capable of putting out a minimum of 55 psi on both engine banks. Before installing the new No. 8 injector, take a look at the top of the present injector already in the truck. If you see a blue solenoid with the letters "LL" stamped on it, the updated injector is already installed. After installing the new injector, the PCM will have to be reprogrammed to prevent the injector from flagging a false Cylinder Contribution Test trouble code during future diagnostic routines. Check with a dealer for the specifics of the new calibration.
Dodge Truck
MEL on, fuel trim DTC(s) stored. Some 2004 Dakotas and Ram pickups with the 3.7L engine may illuminate the MIL and store DTC P2097 (downstream fuel trim rich - bank 1) and/or P2099 (downstream fuel trim ricli - bank 2) in computer memory.
Dodge says that if there are no driveability issues or symptoms associated with the codes, they're probably bogus and caused by software issues in the PCM. Reprogramming the module with updated calibration files is the only sure-fire way to keep the MIL off permanently.
The do the flash, you'll need a DRB III scanner operating at the latest software level. The actual calibration files are available on DealerCONNECT via the internet.
Hyundai
MIL on, acceleration position sensor DTC stored. Some 2001-05 XG300/350 and Sante Fe models with 3.0 and 3.5L engines may turn on the MIL and log DTC P1151 (acceleration position sensor 2 out-ofrange) in computer memory. According to Hyundai, a likely cause of the code is a bad acceleration sensor and/or PCM.
Start your diagnosis off by connecting a scan tool to die DLC. Now tum the ignition on and read the PID for the acceleration sensor 2 voltage with the throttle closed. You should see between .3 and .9 volt. Next, push the accelerator pedal to the floor and read the wide-open throttle voltage. This reading should be between 4.5 and 5.0 volts.
If the voltage readings are not within spec, check the wiring and connector to the sensor. If everything looks okay, replace the acceleration sensor with a new component (Part No. 35357-3B011). Now wipe out the code and go on a long test drive. If the MIL stays off, you're done with the fix. If it comes back on, the PCM has an internal glitch. Following are the part numbers for the upgraded modules now available:
Model/Production Run Part No.
XG-7/1/00to9/l/01 ........ 39110-39077
XG-9/2/01 to 7/24/02. ..... 39110-39680
XG-7/25/02 to 10/9/02. .... 39110-39681
XG-10/10/02to 2/1/03. .... .39110-39961
XG-2/2/�3 to end of '05. . . .39106-39350
Santa Fe 2WT>-1/t5/03
to 6/25/03 ........... .....3910&-39610
Santa Fe 2WD-3/26/03
to end of '05. ............. 39106-39612
Santa Fe 4WD-1/15/03
to 6/25/03 ............... .3910&-39910
Santa Fe 4WD-3/26/03
to end of '05. ............. .39106-39911
Ford
Starting difficulties. The owner of a 2005 Focus model with the 2.0 or 2.3L engine and MTX-75 manual transmission may complain that the engine is difficult to start or may not start at all. According to Ford, the problem is often intermittent, won't be accompanied by an illuminated MIL or trouble codes and is most likely due to software glitches in the PCM. Reprogramming the module with updated calibration files is the only sure-fire fix. You'll find the new files in WDS release B36.12 and higher, or B37.3 and higher. If you have a subscription, you can also download them off the internet at www.motorcrajt.com.
GM
SRS light illuminated, DTCs logged. Some 2005-10 GM cars, pickup trucks and SUVs may illuminate the SRS light and store DTC B0071 in the Passenger Presence System module and DTC B0081 in the Sensing and Diagnostics module.
According to the General, both codes are the result of a defective belt tension sensor in the passengerside front seat-belt buckle. Replacing the buckle with an updated design should put an end to the trouble. Check with a dealer for the part number of the specific buckle in question.
The following vehicles are prone to the condition and can benefit from the upgraded buckle:
2005-07 Bulck Terrazas
2005-09 Chevy Uplanders; Pontiac Montanas
2006-07 Chevy Monte Carlos
2006-08 Chevy Impalas
2006-10 Bulck Lucernes, Cadillac DTSs, Chevy HHRs, HUMMER H3s
2007-10 Cadillac Escalades, Escalade ESVs & Escalade EXTs; Chevy Avalanches, Cobalts, Colorados, Silverados, Suburbans & Tahoes; GMC Canyons, Sierras, Yukons, Yukon Denalis, Yukon XLs & Yukon Denall XLs; Pontiac 65s
2009-10 HUMMER H3Ts
Suzuki
AWD system inoperative, starting difficulties, DTC logged. Drivers of 2007-09 XL-7 SUVs may complain that their all-wheel-drive system doesn't work, with the Service AWD light illuminated on the dash. The problem will often be accompanied by starting troubles, such as a nocrank or slow-to-crank condition. If you hook up your scanner, you'll likely encounter DTC C0550 or C056D in the clutch control module (CCM). According to the folks at Suzuki, all these symptoms might be due to a low battery condition on the truck.
To start your diagnosis, use a DMM to check the voltage at the battery. If it's below 9 volts, perform a charging system check, a parasitic draw test and a battery load test, replacing parts as necessary until you've got full juice to the CCM. Now clear the DTC and turn the ignition off for at least two minutes. Then turn the ignition back on and wait to see if the DTC resets. If it doesn't, the low battery condition was probably the source of all the trouble. If the code does reset, follow its trouble tree to completion until the problem is resolved.
Ford Truck
Noise from front drive axle(s). Some 2005-07 2WD F-250 and F350 Super Duty pickups built before 7/21/06 may proauce a humming or grinding sound from the front axles while being driven. According to Ford, one probable cause of the noise is a worn front wheel bearing. The front bearing wears prematurely due to water, sand and other road debris getting into the roller cage via the grease seal. The problem can occur at one or both sides of the truck. Replacing the bad bearing and installing an updated disc brake shield that incorporates a protective foam seal to keep out the elements should prevent further noise issues. Order Part No. 7C3Z-2B159-B for the right-side disc shield, 7C3Z-2B159-A for the leftside shield.
Chevrolet
Oil leak from rear of engine. Some 2006 Chevy Cobalt, HHR and Malibu models with the 2.2L Ecotec Four may produce a leak from the rear portion of the engine. Chevy says that although the leak may appear to be emanating from the rear main seal, a more likely source is one or both of the oil galley plugs located just above the seal. The plug(s) usually leaks because it was inadvertently damaged or insufficiently tightened during engine assembly.
To make a definitive diagnosis, you'll have to remove the transmission, then the flywheel. If you notice oil seepage from either plug, remove both of them and examine the threads. If the threads look okay, apply sealant (Part No. 12346004 or an equivalent), then reinstall them and torque to 44 ft.-lbs. If the threads are stripped or worn, replace them with ones that have sealant preapplied and again tighten to 44 ft.-lbs.
Nissan
Transmission noise. Some 2002-06 1.8L Sentra models equipped with the RE4F03B automatic transmission may produce a chirping sound when the transmission shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear. Nissan says the noise is most apparent under light-throttle conditions and is most likely the result of problems in the transmissions high clutch assembly.
Adding two bottles of a new ATF treatment (Part No. 3 1003-3 1X6 IP.) down the dipstick tube should help eliminate the noise. Before adding the friction-modified treatment, get the transmission to operating temperature, then check the fluid level on the dipstick. If the level is in the HOT range, drain about a pint of fluid from the pan to prevent overfilling.
Dodge Truck/Jeep
Bogus DTC(s), possible driveability issues. Some 2004 Dodge Dakotas and Earn Trucks, along with Jeep Liberty and Cherokee models - all with the 3.7L engine - may illuminate the MIL and log DTC P0116 in computer memory. The coolant sensor code may be accompanied by assorted misfire codes, oxygen sensorrelated codes and erroneous codes related to the fuel system, all with no driveability symptoms present when the MIL comes on. Furthermore, Jeeps with manual gearboxes may experience a stumble or hesitation when the transmission is shifted aggressively through the gears.
According to the folks at Dodge/Jeep, all these gremlins are the direct result of software glitches in the PCM, and reprogramming the module is the only reliable fix. Models affected include Ram Trucks built before 4/13/04, Dakotas built before 4/20/04 and Libertys and Cherokees built prior to 4/1/04.
To do the flash, you'll need a DRB III scanner operating at the latest software level. The new calibration files are available on TechCONNECT via the internet.
Cadillac
Noise, clunking sensation from steering column. Some 2003 CTS models built prior to VTN breakpoint 30134433 may produce a noise or clunking sensation from the steering column. According to Cadillac, the steering issues are more obvious during turning maneuvers, and are caused by too much play in the upper intermediate shaft. Installing a newdesign intermediate shaft made to closer tolerances (Part No. 25749288) should eliminate the problems in short order.
Kia
Humming noise, vibration when a/c system is activated. Owners of 2002-05 Sedona models may complain of an irritating humming noise and vibration when the a/c system is turned on. One likely cause of the trouble, reports Kia, is the a/c compressor mounting bracket twisting under load. Installing a new-design, heftier mounting bracket (Part No. 1K52Y 15810FFF) should put the noise and vibration issues to rest.
Mini
Bear suspension noise. Some 200810 Cooper Clubman models may produce a clicking sound from the rear suspension when driven over rough or uneven road surfaces. According to the folks at Raybestos Brake & Chassis, the noise can be heard on vehicles built from 12/31/07 through 12/30/09, and is most likely the result of excess weld splatter on the chassis at the rear shock upper attachment points. Removing both shocks, grinding away the splatter, priming the bare metal and installing a gasket (Part No. 33 50 6 798 878) on the top of each upper shock mount should silence the noise permanently.
[Sidebar]
Realigning the paint marks on the differential flange and driveshaft of 2004-05 CTS-V models and tightening the retaining nuts In the sequence shown should eliminate the vibration or moaning noise that plagues some of those vehicles.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The U.
S. Department of Justice's U.
S. Attorney's office for Southern District of Florida issued the following press release:
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.
S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)'s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami Field Office, and Robert L. Crowder, Sheriff, Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), announced today's guilty plea of Robert Wesley Harden, 21, of Fort Pierce, Florida, before U.
S. Magistrate Frank J. Lynch, in Ft. Pierce.
Harden pled guilty to one count of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, Section 2251(a). At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and up to the statutory maximum of 30 years' imprisonment. In addition, Harden faces a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and registration as a sex offender.
According to the criminal complaint and a stipulated factual basis in support of guilty plea filed with the court today, on October 5, 2010, ICE HSI special agents executed a federal search warrant at a Port St. Lucie address, where they encountered Harden. During the execution of the search warrant, Harden admitted observing child pornography using Peer-to-Peer applications, but claimed he deleted the files after he determined it was child pornography. Harden denied communicating via the internet with any underage girls online. Harden provided the agents two of his email addresses and identified his laptop computer in his bedroom, which they seized.
A subsequent forensic examination of the Harden's laptop revealed numerous internet chat files documenting text communications between Harden's screen name and a 15 year old girl from Iowa. In addition, a review of the computer's contents showed that Harden had repeatedly requested sexually explicit still pictures and web camera transmissions from the victim and her 6 year old sister. The agents also recovered sexually explicit images of the 15 and 6 year girls from Harden's computer. Further review of Harden's email and chat accounts revealed that Harden had assumed an online identity profile of a minor male in order to contact more than 100 separate chat room profiles of minor females. Harden solicited these minor females to take sexually explicit pictures of themselves and to send him the pictures.
Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in Ft. Pierce and Cedar Rapids, Martin County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa City Police Department for their work on this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.
S. Attorney Carmen Lineberger.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
Technical comments about this website can be e-mailed to the Webmaster. PLEASE NOTE: The United States Attorney's Office does not respond to non-technical inquiries made to this website. If you wish to make a request for information, you may contact our office at 305-961-9001, or you ma send a written inquiry to the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, 99 NE 4th Street, Miami, Fl. 33132. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com
MORGANTOWN, W.Va., April 6 -- West Virginia University issued the following news release:
Michael Cole, Tyco Electronics vice president of the Americas, will talk about establishing successful international partnerships-from joint ventures to contract manufacturing-Saturday, April 10 at 9 a.m. in Room 128 at the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics.
Also, Laszlo Horvath, president of ActiveMedia and a leader in helping businesses promote their products online, will talk about trends in Internet marketing Saturday at 1 p.m. Both lectures are being given to an export class and are free and open to the public.
Cole is vice president of Tyco's Communications and Industrial Solutions Business unit for the Americas and industry executive for Global Datacomm growth. Tyco Electronics is one of the world's largest providers of engineered electronics components, networks solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and specialty products with fiscal 2009 sales of $10.3 billion in more than 150 countries.
He joined Tyco Electronics in 1997. Before that he served as district sales manager at Molex for eight years. He earned a degree in marketing from West Virginia University.
Horvath, will speak on "Search Engines: Your Virtual Sales Force," and will look at how search engines became the operating system of the Internet and how potential customers, clients and partners use searches to navigate the web.
Horvath founded ActiveMedia in 1996 and established relationships with leading interactive and consumer brands. Previously, he had worked with America Online. Laszlo placed the first online advertising programs at AOL's largest content site.
Horvath received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1995. He graduated from the Film Academy of Budapest in 1989 as a film and television director. Laszlo received his Bachelor of Arts degree in languages and literature from the ELTE University of Budapest, Hungary.For more information please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, Email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com.
William Riley, 304/293-7885.
A group of Buffalo's largest downtown landlords wants the city todo something about the "commingling" of underage people with those of legal drinking age in bars and restaurants.
Citing concerns about people under 21 congregating downtown, especially on Chippewa Street, the Buffalo Place board of directors called on city lawmakers to pass legislation that "resolves the issues" caused by commingling events.
The board wants the Common Council to target promotional events where those age 18 to 20 are admitted to bars along with older adults, even though they're underage for drinking alcohol.
Such events have been criticized as contributing to excessive underage drinking, bad behavior by patrons and even violence.
The board made a general request for some controls rather than specifying a ban on all commingling.
"Stopping commingling means I can't take my son to Salsarita's," said board President Anthony Colucci III, noting that even Thursday at the Square concerts could be affected. "So we felt we should leave it to the legislators to resolve."
Also during the meeting, Colucci reported that the third of four Thursday at the Square concerts will take place today, while the Buffalo Place Rocks the Harbor concert series starts June 24 and 25. The Downtown Country Market will also begin its regular season today.
And directors heard a presentation on the region's new "BuffaloFor Real" marketing slogan from Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, presidentand CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, now rebranded as Visit Buffalo Niagara. She described the research and process that were involved in developing the slogan to target so-called "cultural tourism."
"The cultural tourist is the cream of the crop," Gallagher-Cohen said. "These are really high-value folks."
She said the new slogan and low-cost campaign were created withthe help of 13 volunteer marketing experts from several localagencies. Since then, she said, her organization has revamped itsmarketing brochure and website, while developing a six-minute videoand more than a half-dozen Internet videos, or "webisodes," topromote the region.
"We don't need a silver bullet to solve our problem. This is a marketing issue," she said.
The board also learned that Buffalo police have posted a "chief car" at the intersection of Main and Court streets from 7 to 9 a.m. and from noon to 2 p.m. daily. The car also sweeps the area every hour.
Police reported one recent arrest for sexual abuse, three for assault, as well as a few for petit larceny and other crimes, including "public lewdness" for urinating in public. They also cautioned that some kids are using squirt guns filled with bleach, not water.
Some property owners complained that the urinating problem stems from a lack of enough Port-a-Potties downtown.
"That troubled me a great deal," Colucci said.
e-mail: jepstein@buffnews.com
Win lunch with Lou.
---
Dina Elizabeth Hovde
---
Look, the world would be a better place if we all got jiggy withit.
Huh? youre probably saying now. Let me explain.
I was thinking about those tiny cheeseburgers that I love so muchfrom White Castle.
For years, regular folks nicknamed them sliders because, ah, theyslide right down your throat.
I suspect the parent company hated the reference at first butthen embraced it. Now everyone who makes a small burger cant wait tocall them sliders.
What about that other burger joint, McDonalds? The nerve of somepeople to nickname it Mickey Ds. The company now uses it in some ofits advertisements.
And Federal Express? Well, so many people nicknamed it FedEx theyopted to officially change the name of the company.
So that brings me to our Vancouver. I was checking out someInternet domain names this week. And guess what is being bought upby the boatload?
The nickname The Couv.
Youre welcome to take your shot at buying some domain with couvor couve in it, but many of them are gone.
But heres the deal. If more and more folks are referring to us asThe Couv, then why dont we (dramatic pause required here) officiallychange our name to that?
The mo is there!
So what would be working against us? We keep thinking like oldpeople, people!
Throw out the top hats. Become cool cats.
Hey, if we could fix Main Street so that it actually flows intotown, not just out, we could fix anything.
The Couv could reinvigorate the city, put a swagger in our swing,plus lower the incidence of cavities.
Yes, it could be that good.
Free lunch, free lunch
So heres a chance to win a free lunch with me. In 50 words orless, tell me why you feel changing our name to The Couv would begood for the city, good for its residents. This is an e-mail- and/or website-only contest. Id encourage teachers (who could send hard-copy entries) to use it as a fun class exercise for creativethinking and creative writing.
Deadline is Friday, Feb. 11.
Now, get jiggy with it!
Elizabeth Hovde
Many of you will remember Elizabeth Hovde. She was a member ofour editorial board and wrote a column for us for a decade.
A few years ago, Elizabeth was looking for more flexibility inher schedule. She and her husband have two young sons, and we allknow how that goes. Eventually, she found a good match with TheOregonian as a contract writer.
Many of us here were very sorry to see her leave, but life leadsus down many different paths.
Then last week, we received some difficult news. Elizabeth hadbeen in a serious skiing accident at Mount Hood. She wore a helmet,but despite her safety measures, she remains hospitalized.
As you might imagine, medical bills with something like thismount up quickly, so an account has been established at iQ CreditUnion to help. Its the DE Hovde Fund, account number 194436. Youcould write a check to the DE Hovde Fund, iQ Credit Union, PO Box1739, Vancouver, WA 98668.
I missed Elizabeths energy beginning on the day she left TheColumbian. She was bright, witty and tough. If you thought you couldback her down in a philosophical fight ... well, think again.
So now shes in another fight, and Im certain shell win this oneas well.
But those medical bills! Thanks for considering.
Lou Brancaccio is The Columbians editor. Reach him at 360-735-4505 or lou.brancaccio@columbian.com.
Vote on The Couv as a name on our poll at www.columbian.com.
The furor over the recent vote by trustees of Randolph-MaconWoman's College to adopt coeducation is not what has been widelyportrayed in the media. It is not about disliking men. As a wife andmother of two sons, I can assure you of that.
It is also not about the relative merits of coeducation versussingle-sex education. Both options are valuable and have theirsupporters and rightly so.
No, the furor was caused when the trustees and officials of Randolph-Macon decided it was necessary to impose sudden andsignificant changes without adequate consideration of students andalumnae.
Despite the recent trustee decision, I believe Randolph-Macon willsurvive as a women's college. Why?
Most important, the school is worth saving. A first-rateeducation, the writing across the curriculum program and the abilityto produce high-achieving women are just a few of its fine qualitiesworth preserving.
It has an excellent per-capita endowment for a school its sizewith $133 million for 712 students.
Randolph-Macon's enrollment has been largely stable at 700 to 800 students for decades, with the exception of the 1960s when babyboomers entering college pushed enrollment to 900 students. In thelast 10 years, enrollment has been quite steady, even increasingslightly over the past three years.
The school just completed a successful $100 million campaign. Asof June, the college's most recent fundraising campaign had raised$105 million, $5 million more than its $100 million goal. These fundswere collected before most donors knew of the serious challengesfacing the college. If donors had known, they likely would havedonated considerably more funds to save Randolph-Macon.
Yet there are challenges.
Admissions materials and efforts can be improved. Randolph-Maconhas an excellent product but, for some reason, this message is notbeing received by many prospective students.
Retention rates, now in the range of 61 percent, can also beimproved. Options include reallocating funds currently spent onpoorly attended mixers, to fund activities that do enhance thesocial lives of students. The key is to study other women's collegesand look at how recruiting and retention methods differ. Thesemethods obviously work well elsewhere, and Randolph-Macon is too goodnot to be able to do the same.
We know that paid consultants do not hold the key to the successof Randolph-Macon.
For one big thing, unlike alumnae, they are not passionate aboutthe school or convinced of the benefits of our college. In addition,consultants are not accountable if their research turns out to befaulty or their suggestions lead to disappointment.
I believe the trustees and college officials have tried their bestand I am grateful for their service. However, trustees and otherofficials have, regrettably, given us ample reason to question theirjudgment.
-- They did not provide full and forthright disclosure regardingthe college's financial condition.
-- They did not provide full and forthright disclosure regardingthe fact that going coed was under serious consideration.
-- Trustees provided only about one month for people to react tothe strategic plan to drastically change and the information that thetrustees were poised to endorse it.
-- Most disturbing to me is that they have denied those whobelieve in Randolph-Macon and want to help save it a meaningfulopportunity to do so.
-- Finally, they have not provided current students withreasonable notice of the planned changes.
Our numbers are growing and we are in this for the long term.Students have submitted a list of demands to the trustees and areawaiting an answer.
In the meantime, alumnae and friends will continue to support thestudents. The number of people on an Internet listserv dedicated topreserving Randolph-Macon is now 800. A legal defense fund has beenestablished at preserveeducationalchoice.org. And a petition to keepthe school a women's college at http://www.petitiononline.com/rmwc/petition.html now has more than 4,750 signatures.
In the end, Randolph-Macon will survive and prosper.
Melanie West
West, a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman's College, class of1990, is an attorney living in Richmond.
CANBERRA, Aug 19 AAP - Main stories in today's Canberra Times:
Page 1 - A staunch republican and vocal critic of the federal government's role inthe war on Iraq named Tasmania's next governor; Mourner reflects on tragedy of motorcycleday out that killed two and injured 10; Serious accident on the weekend threatens to shutCanberra's controversial fireworks industry; Sightings of Tasmanian tigers running wildin parkland 25km for Melbourne's CBD.
Page 2 - Richard Butler faces the biggest challenge of his turbulent and talkativecareer, shutting up about political controversies; ACT plans to build a jail next to theCanberra airport; Vietnam Veteran makes annual pilgrimage to Anzac Parade to rememberhis comrades; Prime Minister John Howard urged China to continue its constructive rolein ending the nuclear standoff with North Korea; Vietnam veteran says Australian armysoldiers went about their jobs in Vietnam courageously, staunchly and with the odd wisecrack;ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says there is merit in forging a sister-city relationshipwith Baghdad.
Page 3 - The vicious bashing of a Sydney father and his baby daughter appears to havebeen a case of mistaken identity; NASA astronaut says the view of earth from outer spaceis not of a beautiful, pristine planet; Geoff Clark has not ruled out a legal challengeto the government's decision to suspend him as ATSIC chairman.
World - US troops shot dead an award-winning Reuters cameraman outside Baghdad; Finaldeath toll from European heatwave could hit 5,000; WHO says billions more condoms areneeded to prevent the escalation of HIV/AIDS.
Business - Westpac Banking Corp reveals it was a likely bidder for National Bank ofNew Zealand, raising the prospect of a bidding war over the $6 billion asset; BHP BillitonLtd has declined to comment on speculation it is considering a bid for British power plantAES Drax Holdings.
Sport - Harry Kewell will be asked to perform the same match winning role which devastatedEngland six months ago when he spearheads Australia in Tuesday's soccer internationalagainst Ireland; Shaun Micheel hit the shot of his life at the final hole to win the USPGA Championship by two strokes.
AAP sm/maur
KEYWORD: FRONTERS ACT
Two men will face a Sydney court today charged over a protest that delayed the departureof an Australian warship bound for the Persian Gulf.
Peace activists yesterday scaled the sides of HMAS Sydney and unfurled an anti-warbanner in a high-profile protest that brought the vessel to a halt.
Ten people were arrested.
Two New Zealanders, aged 38 and 33, are due to appear in the Downing Centre Local Courttoday charged with wilfully preventing the free passage of a vessel.
The remaining protesters were charged with the same offence and are expected to facecourt on April 30.
AAP RTV hn/wz
KEYWORD: IRAQ FRIGATE PROTEST (SYDNEY)
The chairman of the new Council for Australian-Arab Relations says the commercial relationshipwith Arab nations could continue despite the potential conflict with Iraq.
BRENDAN STEWART -- who's also chairman of wheat exporter AWB -- has told ABC radiothe prospect of war needs not harm trade.
Mr STEWART says that while Australia's been involved with the UN and other countriesin military actions within those regions, it's still been able to manage it's businessinterests there.
…
The NSW Government is to provide an extra $100 million to fund wage rises for low paidcommunity workers.
The welfare sector has applauded, saying the government's ensured the viability ofmany organisations.
The pay issue has been the subject of argument between the CARR and HOWARD governments,with federal authorities not agreeing to pay their share of the wage rise.
New South Wales Community Services Minister CARMEL TEBBUTT says NSW is now coveringthe entire cost.
She says many welfare organisations were facing cutbacks or closure because they couldn'tafford the wage increases.
ALAN KIRKLAND from the state Council of Social Service says the payment is historic-- but NSW taxpayers should be angry that the state government is meeting the federalgovernment's responsibility.
Federal Family and Community Services Minister AMANDA VANSTONE says the Commonwealthhasn't been responsible for the relevant services since 1992.
AAP RTV rcg/arb/gjr/rp
KEYWORD: WELFARE (SYDNEY)
Five marijuana enthusiasts have been arrested in Darwin today -- even though they saythe three-foot joint they rolled for their protest was made only of legal herbs.
A melee developed after more than 100 people gathered in Darwin's Raintree Park thisafternoon to protest against the proposed toughening of Northern Territory drug laws.
While their giant joint was said to be purely symbolic -- observers say many demonstratorsappeared to be passing around real joints despite a heavy police presence.
Network Against Prohibition spokesman GARY MYERHOFF was the first to be arrested --with police planning to charge him with refusing to obey a directive to leave the park.
Another three protesters were arrested in the melee as more than a dozen police wrestledMr MYERHOFF into a police van.
Police say a quantity of leafy material was seized and one man will be charged withpossession of cannabis.
They say there may also be other resist arrest, disorderly behaviour, assault and drug-relatedcharges laid after the protest.
AAP RTV rmg/ge
KEYWORD: MARIJUANA (DARWIN)
Australia's human rights watchdog says the Woomera detention centre breaches internationalconventions.
The attack came as Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD poured cold water on a UN visit to the facility.
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission says there is a culture of despairat Woomera with children exposed to high levels of violence and denied education.
Human Rights commissioner SEV OZDOWSKI predicts the authors …
