* Work with China to teach: official Nov 22, 2009
However, National Council Association of Chinese Language Schools deputy chairman Steve Chang (iq) said simplified Chinese was gradually becoming the standard in Chinese-language learning and that many schools in the US have switched to teaching the simplified form at the request of parents from China. While both simplified and traditional Chinese characters are part of the Chinese language, traditional Chinese characters are at the root of Chinese culture and it would be difficult for one... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 22, 2009
Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site ... The study by Stanford University researchers compared the Atkins approach with three others: the standard low-fat, reduced-calorie regimen long recommended by many physicians and weight-loss experts; the Zone, a reduced-carbohydrate approach developed by author Barry Sears; and the very low-fat, high-carbohydrate regimen created by... (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
The surprising persistence of Chinese communism Nov 22, 2009
By sparking growth, liberalization has made the urban elites, who are critical to any political movement, less interested in pushing for political change that might upset their standard of living. But even as it has opened the economy, the party has maintained enough control of economic levers - banks, key companies - that the urban elites see the party as part of the creation of wealth, rather than an impediment to it. (Boston Globe)
Squaresville, USA: How to fix American politics, one right angle at a time Nov 22, 2009
Border areas would be held to a somewhat looser standard, as would irregularly shaped areas like Cape Cod and the eastern shore of Maryland ... So, as districts are redrawn, they d need to meet a standard of compactness - say, a Hill Ratio of less than 1. (Boston Globe)
Rodeo queen prepares for the ride of a lifetime Nov 22, 2009
(Each vote is 99 cents plus standard text rate; visit for details) ... Monochromatic looks are standard, too, with matching shirts, belts, jackets, jeans and boots. (The Clarion-Ledger)
On the final two nights of 'Dancing with the Stars' season nine... Nov 22, 2009
On the final two nights of 'Dancing with the Stars' season nine (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Geithner Is Not Going Anywhere Nov 22, 2009
Ohio is going after the credit-ratings agencies in court, suing Moodys, Standard & Poors, and Fitch, the New York Times. Specifically, the state claims it lost $457 million from its pension and retirement funds thanks to the agencies being in cahoots with the issuers and banks behind much of the bad debt responsible for the losses. (Slate)
California unemployment hits 12.5% Nov 22, 2009
To help people cope with the long-term unemployment that has been characteristic of this recession, Congress has passed several extensions to the standard 26 weeks of jobless benefits ... But Employment Department spokeswoman Loree Levy said Californians who filed unemployment claims after June 14 may be ineligible for anything beyond the standard 26 weeks because the extensions available in 2009 expire at the end of this year. (San Francisco Chronicle)
EPA: Uranium from polluted mine in Nev. well... Peggy Pauly lives in a robin-egg blue, two-story house not far from acres of onion fields that make the northern Nevada air smell sweet ... Nov 22, 2009
The tests found levels of uranium more than 10 times the legal drinking water standard in one monitoring well a half mile north of the mine ... 4 milligrams per liter more than 100 times the standard. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Weekend preview of the Pac-10 Nov 21, 2009
"I honestly think SC set the bar and everybody is working like crazy to rise up to that standard," Stanford coach said ... "I think Coach [Pete] Carroll set the standard for this league," he said. (Arizona Sports -- Rivals.com)
Ohio files suit against rating agencies Nov 21, 2009
State attorney-general Richard Cordray filed the lawsuit against Standard s, Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings on behalf of five Ohio public employee retirement and pension funds hit by the financial crisis. The suit is the latest against credit ratings agencies, which had given mostly positive reports about risky mortgage-based securities issued during the subprime boom that have lost nearly all of their value. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Man gets 50 years in Terrell case Nov 21, 2009
"This trial showed some of the problems that used to happen with child abuse cases in Kaufman County. Now that we have established a children's advocacy center for interviews and examinations and put standard procedures in place for child abuse cases, we have child abuse cases with stronger evidence to insure child molesters like Rockwell get hammered.". Rockwell will officially be sentenced by Chitty on Monday. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Palo Alto High principal reflects on 'egg wars' Nov 21, 2009
too long." Indeed. Then PA Online posted a self-serving "reflection" along with a call to "move on". I am tempted to come up with analogies, but will defer. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] I've got a bit of a line into the details of what went down, has gone down, this event and other things....from the Senior Prank criminal charge of years ago to this. Using long suspension threats ala "confess to ze crime or we won't reduce it".... then kid found to be totally innocent. Kid... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Bars & Clubs Nov 21, 2009
Despite only a few short years in operation, you can pretty much consider the Standard hotels rooftop bar a local nightlife veteran. From buttoned-up office workers who flock to the space for happy hour drinks to the swanked-out late-night crowd, the place is always buzzing. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Herschel Walkers first MMA bout set for Jan. 30 Nov 21, 2009
I m too young to have seen Walker at UGA but he seems to be the standard barer at the school. The only way I would even consider watching this was if Tebow was fighting Now that s a warrior. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Billikens on Quest for Third A-10 Championship Crown, NCAA Berth Nov 21, 2009
Record Watch: The Billikens have shattered the program's season record for hitting percentage in each of the past two seasons, and it appears as if SLU is about the better the standard again in 2009 ... 255 rate to break the previous standard of ... SLU's digs standard is 1,625 and counting. (Slubillikens.com)
Three visions of all-consuming hell A boat, a flick, a reality show. Is it... Nov 21, 2009
I suppose the good news is, whenever tacky cruise ships make the news -- usually because of a nasty flu outbreak on board that turns the entire vessel into a floating vomitorium -- I'm wont to recall the late David Foster Wallace's pitch-perfect, all-time classic piece from Harper's () years back that set the standard for brilliant literary takedowns. Far as I'm concerned, anything that re-ignites an appreciation for DFW can't be all bad. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Berkeley Students Protest Student Fee Hike Nov 21, 2009
the sad truth is that KUWAITE ,who we fought GULF war 1 for ((WHO SUB CONTRACTED OUR MILITARY FORCE )),APPRECIATES its citizen and the KINGDOM looks out for its subjects;by 1)no-one pays TAXES;state,federal etc;2) they receive FREE medical from birth til death;3)they receive free education including a 4 year college;they pay 30 cents for a gallon of gas;they receive a marriage gift from the KING of 15,000 $;and at the end of the year they get a check from the KING who shares his nations wealth... (CBS News -- US)
Batteries not included Nov 21, 2009
A recently approved standard means the chargers will be compatible with all plug-in cars from 2010 and beyond. The network is to include 1,000 home chargers to be given free to the first people to buy or lease the car, plus 1,500 charging stations to be installed at malls, workplaces and downtown areas throughout the region. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Click to read:14 Percent of U.S. Homeowners In Peril Nov 20, 2009
14 Percent of U.S. Homeowners In Peril - CBS News. WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2009. (CBS News)
Google PC will start in seven seconds or less Nov 20, 2009
Google said the software will initially be available by the holiday season of 2010 on low-cost netbooks that use memory chips to store data instead of slower hard drives, the current standard. Sundar Pichai, vice-president of product management for Google's Chrome OS, said that computers running Chrome OS will be able to start in less than seven seconds. (India Times)
Five Places: As green as it gets Nov 20, 2009
Here are five California places to visit, some old and some new, that have gone above and beyond to reach the gold, er, green, standard. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Chase ends in crash Nov 20, 2009
LodiFreeThinker wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:42 PM:" I don't blame this officer, its standard policy to chase suspects when they run.However, look at the elements at play. You have two 2000-3000 pound chunks of steel rocketing down the road at nearly 100MPH risking the life of their occupants and everyone around them. People can and do get killed. Property is damaged, and more good guys are put at risk then bad guys.For what? Don't they know where he lives? Why not catch him while he's on foot, at... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
CEDIA Outraged By California Energy Commissions (CEC) Approval Of HDTV Energy-Efficiency Standard Nov 20, 2009
CEDIA Outraged By California Energy Commissions (CEC) Approval Of HDTV Energy-Efficiency Standard Ruling Will Negatively Impact CEDIA Members Businesses in California ... The Custom Electronic Design llation Association (CEDIA) is outraged by the adoption of the unnecessary and harmful regulation regarding the California TV energy efficiency standard the CEC chose to adopt yesterday. (Multichannel News)
Researchers ask: Are caged chickens miserabl... Nov 20, 2009
By the early 1970s, cages were commonly used for egg-laying hens and are now the standard home for hens, which can lay up to 300 eggs a year. Hens lay eggs for up to two years, then typically are used as meat for humans or animal feed. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
SDG&E, politicians turn over new Leaf Nov 20, 2009
A recently approved standard means the chargers will be compatible with all plug-in cars from 2010 and beyond. It is to include 1,000 home chargers to be given out for free to the first people to buy or lease the car, plus 1,500 charging stations to be placed at malls, workplaces and downtown areas throughout the region. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Economy showing signs of sustained growth Nov 20, 2009
The Standard & Poor s 500 Index fell 1. 3 percent to close at 1,094. (Boston Globe)
California Energy Commission Rule to Impact HDTV Industry Nov 20, 2009
"Energy Star is a badge of honor for manufacturers. This is a mandatory standard." ... Many TVs Today Meet the CEC Standard ... According to the CEC, nearly 1000 HDTV models on the market today already meet the Tier 1 standard for 2011, and some 300 meet the 2013 standard (Tier 2). (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Red Cross holds winter classes Nov 20, 2009
Saturday, Nov. 7: Standard First Aid with CPR/Automated External Defibrillator Adult and Child, plus CPR Infant, 9 a.m. ... Tuesday, Nov. 17: Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child plus CPR Infant, part one, 6 p.m. ... Thursday, Nov. 19: Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child plus CPR Infant, part two, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: Volunteer Orientation/Fulfilling Our Mission, 9 a.m.; Mass Care, 1 p.m.; Shelter Operations, 3 p.m.; Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
California sets limits on energy-gulping TVs Nov 20, 2009
When fully implemented, California's standards will be the most stringent for new TVs in the world, said Noah Horowitz, a senior scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group that backs the regulations ... This is expected to set a new industry standard for TV manufacturers everywhere by virtue of California's sheer size as a consumer market ... The Virginia-based Consumer Electronics Association has said a fourth of all TV sets for sale today would fall short of... (Scientific American)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 20, 2009
Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site ... The study by Stanford University researchers compared the Atkins approach with three others: the standard low-fat, reduced-calorie regimen long recommended by many physicians and weight-loss experts; the Zone, a reduced-carbohydrate approach developed by author Barry Sears; and the very low-fat, high-carbohydrate regimen created by... (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
California Continues to Hemorrhage Red Ink Nov 20, 2009
Amid the state's financial woes, Standard s and Moody's Investors Service downgraded California's credit rating this year. Standard s has given California an "A" bond rating, which is the lowest of any state except for a handful of states whose bonds are not rated at all by the Wall Street credit-scoring firms. (Newsmax)
Municipal Bond Yields Slide to Four-Week Low as Sales Outlook Declines Nov 20, 2009
The bonds, backed by a senior lien on revenue from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, are rated A+ by Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poors. (Updated Nov. 20). (Bloomberg -- US)
Intel, Google take seats on smart grid board Nov 20, 2009
The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) will provide technical guidance on smart grid standards and specify testing and certification requirements for grid interoperability ... The group was organized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of its effort to accelerate the move to smart grid standards ... Board members include Internet veteran Vint Cerf of Google; Brian Markwalter who heads up standards efforts for the Consumer Electronics Association and Matt... (EETimes)
Clear Lake Arts Center stages 'Cheater's Theater' Nov 20, 2009
To help make our sites more responsive to the needs of our visitors, we may utilize a standard feature of browser software, called a "cookie". The cookie doesn't actually identify the visitor, just the computer that a visitor uses to access our site. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Dems hope Palin disrupts GOP's game plan Nov 20, 2009
29-per-night Essex House luxury hotel (robes and slippers come standard) overlooking New York City's Central Park for a five-hour women's leadership conference in October 2007. With airfare, the cost to Alaska was well over $3,000. (San Francisco Chronicle)
How To Be an Anti-Feminist Feminist Nov 20, 2009
We are undervalued or ignored by society which consciously and unconsciously assumes that the male is the standard or the norm. . (Slate)
Gross Says China Has Own Bubble to Face as Exports Fail to Find Consumers Nov 20, 2009
Fed Chairman said after a Nov. 16 speech in New York that its not obvious asset in the U.S. are out of line with underlying values after a 64 percent in the Standard & Poors 500 Index from its March low. For China, the government may need to rein in credit growth to tame inflationary pressures and keep asset bubbles from emerging, the OECD said. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 20, 2009
No way by my standards ... TimeRanger wrote on Nov 13, 2009 4:18 PM:" NASCAR needs to return to its roots where every item on every car had to be offered to the public - by the manufacturer - either as standard equipment or as an option...minus the extensive safety equipment of course. Today's "template" cars are a joke. ". (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Top Eurobank prepares for 'global economic collapse'... Nov 20, 2009
Only recently have banks such as Standard Chartered openly rejected domestic growth in favour of ;greener pastures;: and how much money have they taken from the Government ... We've been off a gold standard since 71 they won't go back on it and confiscate it. (The Drudge Report)
Family-friendly California deals for the holidays Nov 20, 2009
Why it's a deal: By booking this package, you'd save about 30 percent off standard prices. Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Jerry Brown snared in his Tapegate trap Nov 20, 2009
Three: Brown and his deputies have demonstrated one standard for themselves, but a different standard for others. In September, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked Brown to investigate the community activist group ACORN - in light of secretly videotaped conservations between ACORN staffers and conservative activists James O'Keefe III, 25, and Hannah Giles, 20, who posed as a pimp and prostitute looking for ACORN's help in getting housing while breaking the law. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
From the good news, bad news file Nov 20, 2009
(H/t: The Weekly Standard s ) ... I ve been living in the Miami area for the last six months, and the drivers here are pretty aggressive even by Atlanta standards. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Questions linger in case against fired county engineer Nov 20, 2009
We are getting up to what the standard level of security is for county government, said county attorney Craig. We are implementing the security measures that a lot of government has in place. (Lake Wales News, FL)
Green-building Growing, More Jobs, More Buyer Interest Nov 20, 2009
Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. (RealtyTimes)
Parents demand probe of 'egg war' investigation Nov 20, 2009
" I wonder how she would feel if her child had been hit in the eye? No doubt the school would be facing a lawsuit. These parents really need to get a clue. Posted by mike davis, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, 5 hours agolast year, in an investigation about freshman friday, i was told, through a friend, that I could turn myself in for a lesser punishment. When I did not turn myself in, I was never punished at all. I think there should have been some punishment for last years... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Judge rules same-sex couple must be repaid after denial of benefits Nov 19, 2009
Applying that standard to Levenson's case, "the challenged denial of benefits is constitutional only if there is a rational basis," Reinhardt wrote ... The judge also cited the 1996 decision in Romer v. Evans, in which the top court applied its Cleburne standard and found unconstitutional a law that discriminated against gays and lesbians ... Foul language (defined by prime-time standards) will not be tolerated. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
UC Berkeley must scale back on downtown museum Nov 19, 2009
"It is ultimately the chancellor's decision," Rinder said, "but I agree with his analysis. ... We had set some interim fundraising benchmarks to have a standard by which to judge our success. ... The trigger point was in November, this month. By then we had brought in about $81 million toward our $200 million capital campaign. ... The gap was just too great, looking forward." The $200 million included anticipated cost overruns. The university has recently taken belt-tightening measures,... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hundreds cheer Palin in Mich. for book tour Nov 19, 2009
The song "Only in America," a standard on George W. Bush's 2004 campaign stops, played as Palin's tour bus, painted to resemble the cover of her book, pulled up to the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids. "I just can't tell you how good it is to be back in Michigan," the former Alaska governor said after getting off the bus carrying her youngest son, Trig. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Atkins Fares Best in Study Of Four Weight-Loss Regimens Nov 19, 2009
Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site ... The study by Stanford University researchers compared the Atkins approach with three others: the standard low-fat, reduced-calorie regimen long recommended by many physicians and weight-loss experts; the Zone, a reduced-carbohydrate approach developed by author Barry Sears; and the very low-fat, high-carbohydrate regimen created by... (Yahoo News -- Diet and Nutrition)
Chinas ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal Nov 19, 2009
China s ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal. 4:16 pm November 18, 2009, by Jay. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Red Cross holds winter classes Nov 19, 2009
Saturday, Nov. 7: Standard First Aid with CPR/Automated External Defibrillator Adult and Child, plus CPR Infant, 9 a.m. ... Tuesday, Nov. 17: Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child plus CPR Infant, part one, 6 p.m. ... Thursday, Nov. 19: Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child plus CPR Infant, part two, 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5: Volunteer Orientation/Fulfilling Our Mission, 9 a.m.; Mass Care, 1 p.m.; Shelter Operations, 3 p.m.; Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Adults and Child... (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Holiday Helpings x 2 = Yummy Nov 19, 2009
She's been teaching classes around the country since her "Thanksgiving Table" came out in 2002, and says that the second entree is a standard feature, especially in the South, and for regular Sunday dinners as well as special meals. "For many," she writes, "Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a holiday ham sharing center stage with the Thanksgiving roast turkey.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Nov 19, 2009
" 11. John Rizzo, CIA deputy general counsel (2002-2004), acting general counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (2001-2002, 2004-present) As deputy general counsel and then acting general counsel for the CIA, John Rizzo's name appears on all of the known OLC opinions on torture for the CIA. For , Rizzo provided a number of factually contested pieces of information to OLC -- notably, that Abu Zubaydah was uncooperative and physically and mentally fit enough to withstand waterboarding and... (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Questions linger in case against fired county engineer Nov 19, 2009
We are getting up to what the standard level of security is for county government, said county attorney Craig. We are implementing the security measures that a lot of government has in place. (Lake Wales News, FL)
* Gluttony as patriotic duty Nov 19, 2009
Carnegies serves its standard Thanksgiving meal all day next Thursday, at NT$490 per person for lunch and NT$630 for dinner, with no service charge ... Next Friday from 7pm to 10pm, the sports bar serves a Thanksgiving spread that includes the standard roast turkey, gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 19, 2009
No way by my standards ... TimeRanger wrote on Nov 13, 2009 4:18 PM:" NASCAR needs to return to its roots where every item on every car had to be offered to the public - by the manufacturer - either as standard equipment or as an option...minus the extensive safety equipment of course. Today's "template" cars are a joke. ". (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Police: Sexual assault victim 'very uncooperative' Nov 19, 2009
Police, Acker said, are reminding the community of the standard advice for taking walks at night: buddy up and be careful in dark areas. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the police department at 650-330-6300, or call the anonymous tip hotline at 650-330-6395. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Stanford's star stays grounded Nov 19, 2009
The standard course load at Stanford is 15 credits. This quarter, Gerhart is taking 21. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Calif. adopts TV efficiency rule Nov 19, 2009
The requirement will be tougher in 2013, with only one-quarter of all TVs currently on the market meeting that standard ... Commissioners said energy-efficiency standards are the cheapest and easiest way to save electricity ... Environmental groups supported the tougher standards and hope they will prompt manufacturers to make new energy-efficient models for the rest of the nation. (Boston Globe)
USFS urged to allow night aerial firefightin... Nov 19, 2009
"Nighttime air attack is a standard," said the executive review of the department's actions during the Station Fire, which became the largest in county history as it spread over 250 square miles, killing two firefighters and destroying 89 homes. The review was sent to the county Board of Supervisors late Tuesday and posted on its Web site. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
As Electric Cars Arrive, Where Will They Plug In? Nov 19, 2009
The plug will fit into a car's socket, with the other end fitting into a standard 110-volt or 220-volt outlet. It will become the industry standard by 2011 ... "There aren't going to be any Beta vs. VHS issues to confuse the introduction of electric cars," says Gery Kissel, a General Motors Corp. engineer who served as chairman of the Society of Automotive Engineers committee, which compiled the EV-charging standards to which all manufacturers have agreed. (Time.com)
Clear Lake Arts Center stages 'Cheater's Theater' Nov 19, 2009
To help make our sites more responsive to the needs of our visitors, we may utilize a standard feature of browser software, called a "cookie". The cookie doesn't actually identify the visitor, just the computer that a visitor uses to access our site. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Stanford's star stays grounded Nov 19, 2009
The standard course load at Stanford is 15 credits. This quarter, Gerhart is taking 21. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Studio featured on 'Queer Eye' ready to sell its shares Nov 19, 2009
But last year, it paved the way for a return across the bay, signing a 10-year lease on 67,000 square feet on the top three floors of the historic Standard Oil Building at 225 Bush St.. "We sense that we have the wind at our back," Wayne Badovinus, chief executive, told The Chronicle for a profile of the company last year. (Yahoo News -- Queer Eye for the Straight Guy)
