Author: Serkadis

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Coordinator for Community Service cultivates student leadership and student learning through community service opportunities that foster positive community impact and a life-long ethic of civic engagement. As an advisor and mentor, the coordinator works closely with students as they develop, implement, evaluate, and reflect on their community service initiatives. The coordinator frequently engages students and student groups in critical conversations about social justice and demonstrates enthusiasm for the wide variety of causes and passions brought forward by students.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee key community service initiatives. (30%)

• Service Trips: Support effective and safe implementation of over 25 service trips annually, through student leader training and advising, participant training, and chairing the Service Trip Advisory Council.
• Social Change Grants: Recruit and advise applicants for social entrepreneurship grants of $5000 and $6000 to develop and implement innovative community projects.
• University-Wide Blood Drives: Collaborate with two area blood banks and student-led Blood Drive Leadership Team to implement four, day-long drives at 10 locations across the University, collecting over 1800 units of blood annually.

Advise student-led community service groups with attention to student learning and organizational development. Groups include: Dance Marathon, Alpha Phi Omega, Mr. Wash U, and Habitat for Humanity. (30%)

Supervise student interns, including Blood Drive Coordinator, Blood Drive Team Leader, and three Marketing & Communications interns. (10%)

Provide training and consultation to student leaders and staff advisors of community service and philanthropy efforts. Training and discussion topics include effective and responsible practices in community service and fundraising, community partnerships, peer education around social issues, reflection, and program planning. (20%)

Contribute to initiatives, meetings, and events of the Community Service Office, units within Campus Life, and the Gephardt Institute for Public Service, including: Service First, Public Service Fair, Faces of Hope, Gerry and Bob Virgil Ethic of Service Award, Community Service Connection email newsletter, student staff training & development, and outreach efforts to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. (10%)

ABOUT US

Washington University in St. Louis is a premier, highly selective, independent research university, serving approximately 6000 full-time undergraduates and 5000 full-time graduate/professional students. Approximately 33% of undergraduates identify as multicultural or international, and 75% of undergraduates live in University housing.

Our mission for the undergraduate experience is to build and sustain an undergraduate experience of exceptional quality where students, known by name and story, prepare themselves for lives of purpose and meaning.

The Gephardt Institute for Public Service promotes life-long civic engagement and sustained community impact of students, staff, faculty, and alumni/ae through five key areas: international service, community-based teaching and learning, co-curricular service, civic life & public service careers, and alumni/ae involvement in service.

The Community Service Office serves as a catalyst for students to connect with, build, and sustain meaningful service initiatives in partnership with communities in and outside of St. Louis. Our office is uniquely situated within both the department of Campus Life (which focuses on student involvement, engagement, and leadership) and the Gephardt Institute for Public Service. Our efforts are led by three professional staff and nine student interns.

Student involvement in community service is motivated by genuine passion for social justice. All community service opportunities are led by students with staff support and advising. Student participation in community service is voluntary. 73% of our undergraduates participate in community service (an average of 12 points higher than our top seven comparison schools), and 86% of our seniors participate in community service.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Social Work, or related field.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. Energy, vision, initiative, creativity, ability to collaborate, tolerance for ambiguity, ability to embrace and navigate change, and sense of humor.
• Demonstrated professional experience and passion for working with college students in co-curricular settings. Working knowledge of student development and effective practices to enhance student learning.
• Comprehension of social issues addressed by community service and subtleties of building programs that are respectful, meaningful, effective and sustainable.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with a culturally diverse and broad range of stakeholders, including student leaders, campus colleagues, non-profit agency partners, and senior-level administrators and external advisors.
• Ability to work frequent evening and weekend hours.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs.
• 1-3 years professional experience in Student Affairs or higher education.
• Past domestic and/or international volunteer experience.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three references electronically on the Human Resources website: http://hr.wustl.edu. We will be conducting interviews at the NASPA conference in Chicago; please indicate if you are planning to attend (position number: P-5118). Please learn more about the office at www.communityservice.wustl.edu, and direct questions to communityservice {at} wustl(.)edu.

The HP Envy 15 is ushering in USB 3.0 by becoming the first notebook from a mainstream brand to offer the new interface. USB 3.0 will come standard on models configured with a Core i7 CPU and the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830 GPU. The HP EliteBook will be getting the same treatment within the coming weeks. Exciting, I know.

If you can’t wait for the good times to start rolling, head over to HP Direct where you can configure an Envy 15 with USB 3.0 for only $1,449. Or you can buy the Seagate BlackArmor PS 110 500GB kit that comes with an USB 3.0 ExpressCard adapter.

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

Please indulge me as I begin this post with a quote from the Ultimate Ears 18 press release:

“The Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors are expected to be available beginning in February for a suggested retail price of $1350 (U.S.). (The price of the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors does not include the initial cost to have a qualified audiologist create your ear impressions.) The optional ambient noise feature can be added to your custom monitors for an additional $50 (U.S.).”

I’m not entirely sure how much it costs “to have a qualified audiologist create your ear impressions,” but I’m guessing that it’s not a service offered at your local Sam’s Club.

If you’re an aspiring musician, though, think of these things as a big fat write-off on next year’s tax return. And if you’re a professional musician, you probably already have these or something comparable. For the rest of us, $1350 plus a trip to the neighborhood audiologist just isn’t in the cards, financially.

As for the nuts and bolts, each earbud contains six speakers. How do they do that?! They also reduce ambient noise by 26 decibels. Here’s more:

“In addition to the six-speaker design, Ultimate Ears’ newest monitors combine four-way crossovers with acoustic and electrical tuning, patent-pending triple-sound channels and a new low-distortion cable to create the Ultimate Ears sound signature. Each sound channel includes an acoustically tuned in-line filter that keeps the frequencies separate and balanced until they blend naturally in your ear – not inside the monitors.”

Sounds nice. Pun intended.

Full press release:

Ultimate Ears Rocks Industry with Six-Speaker Custom In-Ear Monitors

Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors Deliver Best-in-Class Sound, Fit, Comfort

The 2010 NAMM Show

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–To deliver a live-sound experience directly to your ears, Ultimate Ears, a product unit of Logitech® (SIX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), today introduced the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors. Featuring the company’s first six-speaker design, the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors offer you and your band one-of-a-kind sound definition and clarity. Handcrafted like the finest instrument for a comfortable fit, while reducing ambient noise by 26 dBs, Ultimate Ears’ new monitors are designed for performing artists and audiofiles alike.

“These Ultimate Ears 18 Pros are unbelievable – very crisp, detailed and more pronounced”

Ultimate Ears professional in-ear monitors are used by 75 percent of the world’s touring professional artists, including world-renowned bands such as The Killers, Kenny Chesney and the Jonas Brothers. Customized to be as unique as your fingerprint, the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors feature a proprietary six-speaker design that fits six individually tuned drivers in each ear, delivering the audio without distortion that artists demand for live stage performing. No matter how loud you’re rocking out on stage, when you’re using the new Ultimate Ears monitors you’ll enjoy amazing instrument and vocal clarity in the mid range, extended sound reproduction of the high notes, as well as a powerful and visceral low end.

“Ultimate Ears is synonymous with live stage performance, and the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors are an extension of this lineage,” said Philippe Depallens, Logitech vice president and general manager of the Ultimate Ears product unit. “These new in-ear monitors are our next-generation, top-of-the-line professional monitors that build on decades of music and technology expertise. With the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors, you get the distinctive Ultimate Ears sound signature you expect and deserve.”

In addition to the six-speaker design, Ultimate Ears’ newest monitors combine four-way crossovers with acoustic and electrical tuning, patent-pending triple-sound channels and a new low-distortion cable to create the Ultimate Ears sound signature. Each sound channel includes an acoustically tuned in-line filter that keeps the frequencies separate and balanced until they blend naturally in your ear – not inside the monitors.

Professional artists and sound engineers who have tested the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors on stage had this to say:

“The new Ultimate Ears UE 18 Pro custom monitors are simply the best I’ve used on stage – a new benchmark has been set,” said Jon Lewis, professional sound engineer for AC/DC. “The low end and levels that can be achieved are outstanding. It’s like wearing a pair of reference studio headphones on stage.”

“These Ultimate Ears 18 Pros are unbelievable – very crisp, detailed and more pronounced,” exclaimed a very excited Natalie Cole. “I have more control over what I hear and therefore more control of my vocals through my microphone.”

The Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors are compatible with wireless transmission systems and portable media devices. Packaged in a rugged, personalized aluminum roadie box, the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro monitors are designed to withstand the rigors of any tour.

Pricing and Availability

The Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors are expected to be available beginning in February for a suggested retail price of $1350 (U.S.). (The price of the Ultimate Ears 18 Pro Custom Monitors does not include the initial cost to have a qualified audiologist create your ear impressions.) The optional ambient noise feature can be added to your custom monitors for an additional $50 (U.S.).

Ultimate Ears monitors are made specifically for each of our customers and you will need to have ear impressions made by an audiologist. Please contact us or check on our website to locate a Ultimate Ears qualified audiologist. Once Ultimate Ears has received your ear impressions, we will create your personal set of in-ear monitors. For additional information, visit www.ultimateears.com.

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

According to the New York Post, White House budget director Peter Orszag announced his engagement to an ABC news reporter six weeks after his ex-girlfriend gave birth to his baby.
People are shocked – the White House has a budget director!

The Fed’s comment period on Reg. Z and yield spread premiums ended Christmas Eve. But not before several Senators fired off a public letter to the Fed Chairman. They call on the Chairman to adopt as “final” the proposed amendments to Regulation Z that ban yield spread premiums. Those in the business obviously had several months to voice their comments, but the Senator’s letter ties YSP’s in with subprime lending saying, “they too often stripped the wealth that working families accumulated over many years. Eventually, they stripped wealth from our entire economy…. the broker also stood to earn thousands of dollars in additional bonus payments from the lender if he could convince the family to take out a higher priced mortgage…”

I am glad that they cleared this up, and noted that yield spread premiums and subprime loans caused the credit mess. I’d always thought it was investor demand, Wall Street actions, poor rating agency judgment, questionable borrower and lender ethics, etc. Their letter makes it much more straightforward. (Ha!) Here’s one article on the status of things.

As one originator noted, “The problem they cite may be now irrelevant due to the new GFE, which requires that the broker disclose their total compensation under ‘Origination Charges,’ and though this number may include expected credit from the lender, the form does not allow for an entry titled, ‘Yield Spread Premium.’ It requires any credit from the lender (like YSP) be included as a credit to offset the borrowers’ out-of-pocket closing costs. So ‘YSP,’ as an accepted mortgage finance term, no longer exists due to RESPA 2010. Brokers earn ‘Origination Charges’ and lenders either pay a credit or charge a discount based on rate. As with most government efforts, this is late and off-target.”

However, the fact remains that much of the public believes the information in this letter. And some are quick to point out that most savvy brokers will figure out a way to be compensated for originating a loan, even if the yield spread premium goes away.

What seems to be a common mistake that brokers are making on GFE’s? According to Wells Fargo’s wholesale group, they are receiving loans with multiple GFE’s – they only want one. And loans with a signed and dated 1003 and GFE dated before 1/1 do not need to be re-disclosed – brokers can use the old GFE and do not need to send a new one. Lastly, the GFE must match the Fee Detail Sheet exactly.

Remember that HUD’s public stand was a recently announced 120-day moratorium on the new RESPA rule provided good faith efforts are being made to comply with the new rule. Neither the effective date of the rule nor the obligation to comply has changed; however, HUD will be lenient with companies for the first 120 days as long as they follow existing rules & FAQs and have made a sufficient investment in technology, training and quality control. This sounds pretty subjective, and it is best just to follow the guidelines.

Are you part of the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System?

The public can view Mortgage Loan Originator licensing information through the NMLS Consumer Access path starting January 25^th. The website (NMLS Consumer Access) will make information available about mortgage loan originators due to the SAFE Act.

more news on NMLS, Met Life, Flagstar, government intervention, the market, economic news, and joke of the day … <<<< CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE

Editors Announce Platinum Award Winners

After driving, debating and tallying the votes, Cars.com’s editors have named the Ford Fusion Hybrid the Best of 2010 in the sites annual Platinum Awards, which recognize the best cars of the new model year.

Other Platinum Award winners include Best New SUV, Chevrolet Equinox; Best New Compact, Mazda3; Best New Hatchback, Kia Soul; Best New Hybrid Hatchback, Toyota Prius; Best New Hybrid Sedan, Ford Fusion Hybrid; and Best New Wagon, Subaru Outback.

To choose the 2010 Platinum Awards, Cars.com’s expert reviewers drove and tested all of the newly introduced and redesigned models for 2010. From that pool of about 70 cars, they chose their favorites based on features, driving quality, mileage and overall value.

“The Cars.com Platinum Awards represent the best work by automakers for the 2010 model year. These vehicles excel on all levels,” said Patrick Olsen, editor in chief at Cars.com.

“The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid outshined all 2010s, earning it the title Best of 2010, Cars.com’s most prestigious award. We’ve seen hybrids come into their own over the past few years, but none have been so free of compromise as the Fusion Hybrid.  We recommend that shoppers – green or otherwise – take a serious look at this car.”

About the 2010 Platinum Award Winners:

• Best of 2010, Ford Fusion Hybrid: The Ford Fusion Hybrid surpassed all others to earn Cars.com’s best overall title for 2010. According to Cars.com editors, the Ford Fusion Hybrid distinguishes itself from other hybrids with a more refined ride, smooth brakes, confident acceleration, a comfortable interior and helpful features.  Overall, what the Fusion Hybrid does best is not act like a hybrid at all, while returning mileage of 41/36 mpg city/highway.
• Best New SUV, 2010 Chevrolet Equinox: The Chevy Equinox vaults into the top tier of small crossovers thanks to its impressive redesign. If you’re a little concerned that a small crossover like the Equinox might not be big enough for your kids, don’t be. It offers one of the largest, most comfortable backseats in its class, and the seat itself can recline and slide rearward for additional legroom. The small crossover segment is crowded with competitive entries like the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue, but the new Equinox matches them in many ways and exceeds them in others. It all adds up to one of the most promising new cars of 2010.
• Best New Compact, 2010 Mazda3: While there are many small cars out there, the Mazda3 is one of the few that’s really fun to drive. There’s good power from either available four-cylinder engine, and in a segment where many cars can’t handle a parking lot, the Mazda3 scoots through corners with gusto. It’s got the right standard features as well as a good mix of options that should let you pick and choose among them to get the best price for your budget – so it’s strong in the “value” category.
• Best New Hatchback, 2010 Kia Soul: Kia’s foray into the fickle compact-hatch segment had us scratching our heads at first. But the little runabout proved itself. Agile moves and decent cabin quality emerged as strengths early on.  By summer, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety had crash-tested the Soul, and it emerged a Top Safety Pick on par with the well-established Scion xB. The Soul is also dirt-cheap. Consider this: Well under $14,000 gets you power windows and locks, air conditioning, an iPod-compatible stereo and the sort of safety features for which you’d pay extra in a lot of midsize family sedans just a few years ago. Plus, it has a 10-year powertrain warranty and a cargo area that can handle whatever your teenager chucks in it. Color us convinced. Kia is one of a few brands whose sales are up this year, and cars like the Soul make it easy to see why.
• Best New Hybrid Hatchback, 2010 Toyota Prius: The Toyota Prius closed out its second generation with a 2009 model that was America’s most efficient car and most affordable hybrid. Truth be told, if it had continued for a seventh model year, its 48/45 mpg city/highway still would have beaten all comers. Instead, the all-new 2010 improves on the previous generation in every way – starting with a markedly higher EPA-estimated 51/48 mpg. Higher mileage usually doesn’t come in larger, faster packages, but the 2010 Prius is both, able to do zero to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. The base Prius’ improvements over last year’s model would be impressive even if its starting price weren’t lower – yes, lower – by $1,000. Like we said, it’s better in every way.
• Best New Hybrid Sedan, 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: There’s one reason the Fusion Hybrid made this year’s list: It’s a terrific car.  It just happens to also be a hybrid with better gas mileage – 39 mpg combined – than the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which gets 34 mpg combined. It doesn’t reach the Toyota Prius’ levels of efficiency – that iconic car gets 50 mpg combined – but the Fusion Hybrid doesn’t make the sacrifices that the Prius does. The Fusion Hybrid is capable, quiet on the road and sports plenty of creature comforts.  Even though the driving experience is more seamless than almost any past hybrids we’ve tested, Ford doesn’t try to hide its green factor. The Fusion’s innovative and completely customizable gauge cluster is the best we’ve seen from any automaker in terms of looks and displaying useful information.
• Best New Wagon, 2010 Subaru Outback: Redesigned for 2010, Subaru’s popular wagon is now more like a crossover than a car, and it’s grown up a bit in terms of interior room. That’s not a bad thing as its interior quality has improved, the rear legroom is now spacious – before it was nearly nonexistent – and there are nifty features like self-storing crossbars. The ride is more comfortable, and the driver has a higher seating position than before; the Outback remains a car that’s easy to get the family into and out of. While the Outback can tackle off-road chores, on-road it’s quieter than ever with less wind and road noise, which makes it an infinitely better daily driver. Add up the value equation of the car’s starting price, past reliability and standard all-wheel drive and it’s easy to see why the Outback made our short list.

About Cars.com

Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car.

With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company ( WPO).

Absopulse Electronics’ BKP 419-EH is a rugged, industrial quality, DC/DC plug-in converter that uses field-proven technology to generate up to 1500W output power, depending on the cooling method employed. The natural air convection cooled version generates 1000W, and the unit with forced-air cooling by system fans generates up to 1500W. Heat generating components are installed on aluminum heatsink blocks, which are connected to the heatsink fins on the side of the module, ensuring excellent heat dissipation.

This compact plug-in module measures 4U x 16HP x 12” and is typically used in 19” rack-mount applications. The standard version of this plug-in module can be operated from a 125Vdc (105 – 140V range) line voltage and delivers a single output of either 24Vdc or 48Vdc. Other input and output voltages are available on request. A built-in redundancy diode allows for parallel connection or N+1 redundant operation, including hot-insertion. The front panel of the module has an output voltage ‘ON’ LED indicator, voltage adjustment potentiometer and test points.

Designed for heavy-duty industrial environments, the BKP 419-EH meets IEC 61371 Categories 1 A & B shock and vibration standards, with additional ruggedizing and conformal coating available as an option. The BKP 419-EH has input and output filtering in compliance with EN55022 EMI standards. Full electronic protection eliminates the possibility of failure due to abnormal operating conditions, including application errors.

Now of course we do not know how many HTC HD2’s were sold, but we can be very certain HTC’s whole first shipment did in fact sell-out, with shortages all over the place.

The same can not be set of HTC’s Android ‘superphone’ , which is estimated to have sold only 20 000 units, despite the full force of Google’s all powerful advertising network being behind it.  In fact its likely if you look to the left you will see an add for the Nexus, as Google has been pushing its ad onto many Windows Mobile sites using Google ads, and of course most companies would kill to get a front-page add on the Google search home page.

Claims of 6 million Nexus One sales in 2010 now seem a tad optimistic – 20 000 x 50 is only equal to one million.

Read more about the Google Nexus phone sales disappointment at Venturebeat here.

MQL oil used in minimal systems for all the alloys of good tough ability

Specifications:
Usable for Stainless steel – Steel strongly legacy Compatible with micro pump systems (VIP4) Compatible with Venturi systems (MKD) Greater duration to the tools job Decrease cycle time

This is a neat cutting oil. It is designed for machining, milling, boring, tapping, moulding, bossing, shearing, and other operations when there is a need for a product with a high EP power.

It does not contain mineral oils. It is made up of synthetic esters mixed with active/inactive sulphur-containing compounds, greasing agents, sulphur-and¬-phosphorus-containing additives, antioxidants and metal passivators.

Adjust the Projector Height at the Push of a Button

Multimedia and video – projectors are becoming ever more popular not only as visual aids in lecture halls, seminar and conference rooms but also as home cinema systems. In order to minimize the visual impact of the of the projector itself on the room in which it is installed, the ideal solution is to hide it in a suspended ceiling.

Ketterer has developed a special motorized ceiling bracket for mounting video projectors in large spaces. The system can be adapted to any size of projector using two linear units that can be continuously varied in with. Its range of two meters enables it to cover even larger distances.

The projector can be extended at the touch of a button and is immediately ready for use. It can be brought into the exact position desired with an easy-to-use controller.

An elegant solution, one that not only protects your projector against smoke and dust but also against theft. We can custom-design a system for you that suits your individual needs. Give us a call!

PTFE-based metal-polymer materials: DU®, DU®B, DP4™, DP4B™, DP31™, DP10™, DP11™

Our metal-backed, PTFE-based (polytetrafluoroethylene) polymer bearing materials have a common structure, consisting of a steel backing bonded to a porous bronze sinter layer. This bronze sinter layer is impregnated and overlaid with the filled PTFE bearing lining.

The steel backing provides mechanical strength, while the bronze sinter layer provides a strong mechanical bond between the backing and the bearing lining. This construction promotes dimensional stability and improves thermal conductivity.

These polymer bearing linings, being predominantly PTFE, offer exceptionally low friction.

Thermoplastic-based metal-polymer materials: DX®, DX®10, DS™, HX™

DX, DS and Hi-eX have a similar structure to the PTFE-based materials described above; but with these products, the bearing lining consists of a filled thermoplastic extruded tape.

These materials are generally designed to operate with marginal lubrication. DX and HX are most commonly provided with a uniform pattern of indents in the bearing surface that act as grease reservoirs.

The incorporation of PTFE filler in DS enables this material to operate dry when required. Due to the inherent lower friction of this polymer blend, it is usually supplied without indents.

The high-performance engineering polymer found in HX gives this material excellent temperature and chemical resistance combined with good load capacity and is particularly suited for operation under arduous conditions with oil lubrication.

PACT principals are among the pioneers in the water desalination industry. Since the early 70s PACT principals have designed and built scores of water desalination plants both for industrial and municipal applications. Among the various desalination processes such as MSF, VC, MED . (thermal processes) and Reverse Osmosis, the latter is the desalination process where PACT has made its mark among the leaders in the field

PACT desalination plants treat brackish and high brackish well-water sources as well as seawater sources ranging from 30,000-45,000 mg/l TDS. Standard capacities manufactured by PACT cover few cubic meters per day up to 1000 m 3 /day. Custom-built systems up to the tens of thousand of m 3 /day are designed in-house and built to the most stringent specifications. Making use of high grade SS alloys for protection against aggressive marine environment as well as state-of-the-art energy recovery equipment for the most efficient use of energy (energy is the single most expensive item in cost of water desalination).

Google doesn’t usually let outsiders dictate product features or updates and prefers to do a lot of in-house testing and experimenting. But, then again, YouTube isn’t exactly Google, it managed to keep some of its personality even after being acquired by the giant web company. So it’s taking an alternative approach, by Google standards, by going for&… (read more)

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

In something of a repeat of the judicial system barring the videotaping and live broadcast of Joel Tenenbaum’s trial, the Supreme Court voted to bar video streaming of a controversial court case in California. The 5 – 4 ruling was supported mainly on procedural grounds — about how the courts couldn’t make such a “change” without giving more notice. It’s difficult to comprehend how that makes any sense. This is not a massive “change” in procedures or anything that affects how the judicial system works. It’s merely an attempt to provide more transparency to what goes on in the court rooms, which seems like an extremely laudable goal, no matter where you stand on the various cases where this issue has come up.

Of course, while officially the ruling was about procedural issues, the majority did also claim a fear that broadcasting the trial would put a chill on witnesses. This seems backwards. This is the public court system, and reporters are allowed to report on (most) cases, so anyone who testifies is going to be known to the public anyway and what they say will be reported on, too. How is that any different than if the video is recorded and broadcast in some manner? If there are special cases where video might create a real chilling effect, deal with those special cases, rather than pushing a blanket “no video rule.” As Justin Silverman wrote before the ruling came out, the idea that videos in the courtroom would lead to attacks on witnesses made no sense, since it was already illegal to attack witnesses and we have a legal system to deal with that:

What good is giving the press freedom if it is not allowed to use the tool of its trade? In this case, that tool is a video camera. Similarly, law enforcement has many tools of its trade, the most important being the law. In California, the law includes prohibiting the very acts Prop 8 supporters and–apparently–the Justices are so concerned about. Perhaps it’s too much to ask, but can we just let both journalists and police do their jobs?

By staying the broadcast of this trial–and impliedly finding that Prop 8 supporters will suffer “irreparable harm” absent a stay–the Supreme Court seems to be advocating curtailment of the press as a means of law enforcement. In a sense, there’s a backwards Heckler’s Veto at play: the Court is protecting the right of witnesses to speak by limiting the ways in which they will be heard and preventing retaliation by those who will not have heard them. Instead, those witnesses should take the stand knowing they will be given the largest forum possible in which to speak and the strongest protection against those who may retaliate when they do so.

And that retaliation is a big may. Among their reasons for requesting a stay, the petitioners say that “public broadcast can intimidate witnesses who might refuse to testify or alter their stories when they do testify if they fear retribution by someone who may be watching the broadcast.” Further, “all of the petitioners’ witnesses have expressed concern over the potential public broadcast of trial proceedings and some have stated that they will refuse to testify if the district court goes forward with its plan.”

In a controversial case such as this one, no doubt the unpopular speaker is a nervous one. But I’m skeptical that witnesses already committed to testifying will suddenly shy away because of the prospect of video dissemination. Do they not realize that, without a single camera, the San Jose Mercury News is reporting live accounts that include the names of those taking the stand? That special interest groups will be Twittering their testimony as they speak? That there are already websites identifying Prop 8 supporters and where they live? Banning a broadcast, I believe, will not change this. But to allow a broadcast, I’m certain, will further enlighten the debate….

Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

In his first State of the State address, Gov. Pat Quinn vowed to be Illinois’ “Building Governor” and continue his plan of action to create and retain good-paying jobs, revitalize the State’s economy and rebuild the public’s trust in its government.

“Make no little plans. This is a time for bold and determined action,” said Gov. Quinn.

“As Illinois’ ‘Building Governor,’ I am reinvigorating our State economy, creating and saving jobs statewide while rebuilding the people’s trust in their elected officials and government.”

The Governor’s speech addressed several key themes:

• Creating, Saving Jobs in Illinois: Governor Quinn reasserted his bold and comprehensive strategy dedicated to putting people back to work across Illinois.
  • Illinois’ job revival is being fueled by passage of Illinois Jobs Now!, the first major jobs and construction program in nearly a decade, which will create over 439,000 jobs over the next six years. To date, $1.5 billion in Illinois Jobs Now! projects are moving forward. These projects alone are estimated to create and retain over 11,000 direct and indirect jobs in Illinois.
  • Governor Quinn has also taken swift action to ensure that Illinois receives the maximum amount of funds available through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. As a result, Illinois has consistently ranked in the top five states for the number of transportation projects and the amount of federal stimulus dollars received. To date, Illinois has disbursed more than $5.6 billion creating thousands of direct jobs across the state.
  • The proposed sale of Thomson Correctional Center to the federal Bureau of Prisons is estimated by the White House Council of Economic Advisors to create up to 3,800 new jobs and more than $1 billion in economic activity over just the first years of operation for the hard-hit Northwest Illinois region.
• Investing in Illinois Economy and Businesses: Governor Quinn is committed to working with big and small business. He noted that the Quinn Administration has already finalized 55 business investment packages, designed to generate or save jobs. To date, these packages are creating more than 8,000 jobs and retaining more than 3,000 positions. These business development deals assist companies, which want to relocate or stay in Illinois. In addition, the Governor has proposed tools to help small businesses thrive, such as bolstering startup and micro-businesses by creating Angel Investment Tax Credits and expanding venture capital funding for seed and early-stage firms.
• Restoring Ethics and Integrity to State Government: Governor Quinn has increased governmental ethics, developed stricter boards and commissions requirements, enacted a stronger Freedom of Information Act, provided greater access to government decision-making and reaffirmed his commitment to pension reform. A longtime proponent of accountability in government, Governor Quinn advocated for and signed the first-ever recall law for a sitting governor. In addition, the Governor stood up for everyday people by signing the first-ever campaign contribution limits into law. Governor Quinn is also proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow citizens to propose ethical reforms and put them in a binding referendum.
• Preserving and Building Education: Illinois’ strong investment in education has been highlighted by President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan this year. Already, Illinois has received more than $2.5 billion in education funding through federal stimulus efforts, and the administration is competing for more money available through the federal “Race to the Top” funding program. Governor Quinn also won the battle to restore the Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) after approximately 138,000 MAP grant recipients were to receive only 50 percent of their award, covering only the fall 2009 school term.
• Building Roads, Bridges, Transportation Hubs: Governor Quinn noted the Illinois Department of Transportation’s building effort is underway with $3.1 billion in committed projects in 2009. In addition, Illinois is becoming a major “inland port” with the development of Union Pacific’s new intermodal facility in Joliet that will create an estimated 7,000 jobs.
• Investing in Public Health and Safety: Governor Quinn stressed a number of new laws to guard public health and safety, including The Smoke Free Illinois Act, which ensures that residents can breathe fresh air while they are at work and in public places; the Dental Clinic Grant Program that increases access to dentists and affordability of treatment for low-income families in underserved areas; and legislation to combat childhood obesity. Governor Quinn also recently named health and civil rights advocate Dr. Quentin Young as Illinois’ first Public Health Advocate to develop programs to improve public health through education and assist residents in understanding healthcare coverage provisions
• Protecting Consumers: Governor Quinn highlighted laws that will provide consumers with greater services and protections. For example, insured people whose health claims are denied can now have those decisions reviewed and decided upon quickly by a qualified, independent doctor. In addition, more uninsured women will now be eligible for breast cancer screenings and treatment, and struggling homeowners will now receive a 90-day moratorium before a home foreclosure to give families the extra time they need to refinance or figure out a payment plan before losing their home.
• Fighting for Illinois Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families: Governor Quinn reiterated his commitment to Illinois servicemembers and vowed his continued support. He noted that programs like “Operation Employ Veterans” will help servicemen and servicewomen transition into civilian life by providing employment training and contact with potential employers. In addition, construction gets underway this year on a new 200-bed Illinois Veterans’ Home at Chicago, creating 200 local jobs.

In his State of the State address, Governor Quinn said Illinois is facing an unprecedented budgetary crisis.

He again vowed to address the crisis through a combination of major cuts and efficiencies; using strategic borrowing; accessing more federal funding; and enhancing revenues.

The Governor also thanked the General Assembly for moving forward on his plan to overhaul the Illinois Department of Corrections’ Meritorious Good Credit program.

Based on recommendations of former judge and criminal justice expert David A. Erickson, the Governor’s overhaul includes a provision to require state prison inmates to serve at least 60 days of their sentences before they could be considered for good-time credit off of their sentences.

After serving nearly a year in office, Governor Quinn said the citizens of Illinois now have greater confidence in their State government. Having endured the upheaval of the previous administration, which ended in the previous governor’s impeachment and removal from office, Illinois is on the road to recovery.

“While great progress has been made this first year, we have much more to do. By working together for the common good, we are on our way to building a stronger Illinois,” said Gov. Quinn.

Renault F1 Team will present their 2010 challenger before the official winter testing kick-off for the upcoming season of Formula One. More exactly, as confirmed by the Enstone based organization via a press release, the R30 will be made available to the media on January 31, less than 24 hours before the Valencia test.

Nevertheless, the French-Luxembourg team will make it to the Ricardo Tormo circuit on February 1st, as the car launch media event will take place at the very circuit where the … (read more)

Okay, so the headline is a mouthful. That repetitive “T” may not roll well off one’s tongue. But, the fact is that I’ve been talking about the Vision Industries Tyrano fuel cell plug-in hybrid truck since May 2009.

The original idea was to test and rollout the truck in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California in order to help cut down on smog in those locations. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger even gave the Tyrano his blessing and FedEx has started testing this same vehicle as well.

Now, Visions Industries has expanded the scope of its hydrogen truck offerings. Teaming up with Capacity of Texas, Incorporated, Vision Industries is producing the world’s first ZETT (zero emissions terminal tractor).

The ZETT will not be a recreation of the wheel, however, as Vision will not have to build this tractor from the ground up. Instead they will be using the Capacity of Texas PHETT (plug-in hybrid electric terminal tractor – the world’s first) as the jumping off point.

The Vision ZETT will be able to work two 8-hour shifts before refueling and when it does come time to refuel, this will take only 15 minutes. This is a huge advantage over any battery only terminal trucks.

With tougher U. S. emissions standards for trucks expected to be implemented by the government this year, Visions Industries is at the leading edge of helping specific industries comply with these anticipated standards.

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Hummer

Lost in the hoopla surrounding General Motors’ attempted sale/wind-down of Saab and Ford’s situation with Volvo and Geely has been any word surrounding the sale of Hummer to China’s Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery. Whatever the state of the Hummer transaction, it appears The General is done waiting. The Detroit News reports that GM plans to halt Hummer production at its Shreveport, LA assembly plant on Monday until a sale of the brand is complete. The factory builds the H3 and H3T (models that account for about 25-percent of the plant’s overall production) and the General says it’s premature to speculate how much the facility’s 1,120 workers will be affected.

Hummer dealers currently have a stockpile of about 2,100 H3 variants on lots – enough of a supply to last seven months at the model’s current take rate. Hummer spokesman Nick Richards told the DetNews that H3 production will ramp back up after the sale “once marketing kicks back in and there is new interest and enthusiasm.” Of course, if the Hummer sale ends anything like GM’s Saab and Saturn debacles, that date could be never.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: GM to idle Hummer production on Monday until China deal goes through originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article