C.F. Reus Deportiu draw Lleida (0 - 0)

C.F. Reus Deportiu draw Lleida (0 - 0) .

CardsAt minute 7, Rúben Semedo gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 25, David Fornies gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 47, Baquero gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 68, Dani Fragoso gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 76, Raúl Fuster gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 89, Xisco gets a Yellow Card.

C.F. Reus DeportiuÉdgar,Francis,Guillem,Denis,Dinis,J. Olmo,Joshua,Miguel Marín,Moyano,Ñoño,Óscar Rodríguez,Riki,Rúben Semedo,Álex Colorado,Eliseu,Folch,Guedes,Jaume Delgado,Masqué,Muneta,Roger,Vitor,Édgar,Fran Carbià,J. Giménez,Masgue Vila,Sellarès,Victor Garrido,Xisco,Édgar,Rúben Semedo,Miguel Marín,Moyano,J. Olmo,Álex Colorado,J. Giménez,Édgar,Folch,Vitor,Xisco,LleidaÁlex Cobo,Jorge Mediavilla,Pau Torres,Baquero,Barreda,Dani Fragoso,David Fornies,Ekhi,Raúl Fuster,Viñes,Albistegi,Dídac,Eugeni,Miramón,Molo,Nacho Sierra,Noel,Pau Bosch,Putxi,Sañudo,Chupe,Diego Sánchez,Osado,Óscar Canadell,Salva Chamorro,Pau Torres,Dani Fragoso,Raúl Fuster,Ekhi,Barreda,Albistegi,David Fornies,Salva Chamorro,Baquero,Osado,Miramón,TableHércules C.F. - 33Espanyol B - 32Gimnàstic Tarragona - 32Huracán de Valencia - 29Villarreal C.F. B - 28C.F. Reus Deportiu - 28C. Lleida Esportiu - 28Alcoyano C.D. - 27Badalona - 25Mallorca B - 25L Hospitalet - 24Valencia Mestalla - 22U.E. Olot - 21Olímpic de Xàtiva - 21Baleares - 20U.E. Sant Andreu - 20 Eldense C.D. - 19Cornellà U.E. - 18Elche Ilicitano C.F. - 17Zaragoza B - 17

Atlético B draw SD Leioa (1 - 1)

Atlético B draw SD Leioa (1 - 1) .

Goals39 min. Ander Vitoria converted a Goal for SD Leioa64 min. Ian converted a Goal for Atlético BCardsAt minute 69, Mario Marín gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 71, Ormazábal gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 81, Julio gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 86, Julio gets a Red Card.

At minute 87, Erik Polanco gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 87, Aitor gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 88, Degre gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 89, Sergio García gets a Yellow Card.

Atlético BBernabé,David Gil,Y. Bounou,Aitor,Borja Paris,D. Gama,Elbis,Galass,Iván Pérez,Lucas,Mario Marín,Nacho,P. Trigueros,Rougalas,Tiri,Alejo,Andrés Robles,Benja,Borja Martínez,Dani Espejo,Keita,M. Ndoye,Nacho Huertas,Ramos,Roberto,S. Ezzatollahi,Xu Xin,Zubi,Borja Galán,Dani Aquino,Héctor Hernández,Ian,Marko,Pierre,Samuel,Samuel,David Gil,Mario Marín,Dani Espejo,Nacho,Aitor,Benja,Borja Galán,Andrés Robles,Pierre,Ian,Dani Aquino,SD LeioaDiego de Miguel,Iturrioz,Oubiña,Urtzi,Aitor,Alaña,Arkaitz,Diego Simón,Erik Polanco,Garmendia,Goikoetxea,Julen,Larrucea,Oier Barrado,Ormazábal,Unai,Degre,Diego,Endika,Javier,Julio,Paredes,Txus Del Prado,Adrián,Ander Vitoria,Borja,Iker Bilbao,Iván Diez,Reguero,Sergio García,Xabi Martínez,Yurrebaso,Iturrioz,Garmendia,Larrucea,Aitor,Oier Barrado,Alaña,Erik Polanco,Julio,Reguero,Sergio García,Ander Vitoria,TableHuesca - 34Real Unión de Irún - 31Barakaldo - 30Bilbao Ath. - 29RM Castilla - 28Toledo - 28CD Guadalajara - 27Getafe B - 26Sestao River - 26Leioa SD - 26Tudelano - 25Amorebieta - 24Fuenlabrada - 24UD Socuellamos - 23R. Sociedad B - 22Las Palmas At. - 21Rayo B - 21Atlético B - 19UB Conquense - 17Trival Valderas CF - 15

Toledo lost against UD Socuellamos by 1-2

Toledo lost against UD Socuellamos by 1-2 .

Goals11 min. Pelegrina converted a Goal for UD Socuellamos60 min. Bienve converted a Goal for UD Socuellamos88 min. Aitor García converted a Goal for ToledoCardsAt minute 15, Ocaña gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 17, Pepe Aicart gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 25, Jesús García gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 30, Zurdo gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 33, Ocaña gets a Red Card.

At minute 44, Bocanegra gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 82, Rufino gets a Red Card.

At minute 89, Zurdo gets a Red Card.

At minute 89, De Lerma gets a Yellow Card.

ToledoLuisma,Manolo,Óscar,Perales,Mikel,Morales,Pedro,Rubén Garcés,Tete,Tomás,Toño Vázquez,Aitor García,Barranco,De Lerma,Fernando Acuña,Héctor,Iván Mateo,Pepe Aicart,Rubén,Sorribas,Valín,Aarón,Colinas,Eneko Eizmendi,Megías,Rufino,Manolo,Morales,Tete,Mikel,Rubén Garcés,Pepe Aicart,Colinas,De Lerma,Rufino,Eneko Eizmendi,Barranco,UD SocuellamosMaramba,Bocanegra,Jesús,Pablo Coronado,Aleix,Carlos Crespo,Jacinto,Pablo,Pelegrina,Rodriguez Martinez,Salva,Zurdo,Berni,Carlos García,Chato,Jesús García,Kike Dominguez,Ocaña,Santi Cabeza,Bienve,Calle,Javi Bolo,Juanma Ortiz,Luis,Bocanegra,Carlos García,Zurdo,Jacinto,Pelegrina,Salva,Jesús García,Bienve,Ocaña,Kike Dominguez,Calle,TableHuesca - 34Real Unión de Irún - 31Barakaldo - 30Bilbao Ath. - 29RM Castilla - 28Toledo - 28CD Guadalajara - 27Getafe B - 26Sestao River - 26Leioa SD - 26Tudelano - 25Amorebieta - 24Fuenlabrada - 24UD Socuellamos - 23R. Sociedad B - 22Las Palmas At. - 21Rayo B - 21Atlético B - 19UB Conquense - 17Trival Valderas CF - 15

New York State Moves to Ban Fracking, Citing Health Concerns

(ForEffectiveGov.org)

New York State officials gave residents an early Christmas present when they moved to ban high-volume hydraulic fracturing (or fracking) within state lines. The decision followed the release of a long-anticipated public health study that found many potential negative impacts from the natural gas drilling method. The announcement comes as a relief to state advocates who have been urging officials to ban fracking for years due to its environmental and public health risks.

New York State has had a de facto ban on fracking since 2008 while officials awaited the release of an environmental impact report and a public health impact study. Environmental Commissioner Joe Martens and State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker shared the results of the public health study with Governor Andrew Cuomo during a cabinet meeting on Dec. 17. They highlighted the “many red flags” raised by fracking and noted the shortage of scientific studies examining these risks. Zucker concluded by saying that he would not want own his child to play near fracking wells and that he cannot support high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York.

Cuomo previously noted that he would defer to the experts when determining the fate of fracking in New York. The study and the advice from top environmental and health officials convinced him that the risks from fracking are too high.

Zucker said the Department of Environmental Conservation will issue a ban on fracking early next year, following the release of a legally binding environmental impact statement.

Fracking’s Many Risks

When New York first initiated its statewide fracking moratorium in 2008, relatively little was known about the health and environmental impacts of this drilling technique. Fracking injects water and chemicals deep underground to fracture bedrock and release trapped oil or natural gas. The technique is behind the oil and gas booms in states like North Dakota and Pennsylvania.

Industry continues to assure citizens that fracking is "safe," but a growing body of scientific evidence has raised significant concerns with the practice, with numerous studies identifying public health risks and environmental impacts. A recent study across five states detected dangerous levels of cancer-causing substances in the air near fracking sites. Moreover, a recent analysis of scientific studies, medical research, and government and industry reports concluded that regulations are not capable of preventing these dangers.

New York’s public health impact study, led by its Department of Health, focused on a wide scope of impacts, from land and water pollution to effects on communities.

The study identified several areas likely to be negatively impacted by fracking:

Air quality: Methane emissions from natural gas wells have been well documented. Additionally, pollution from trucks traveling to and from well sites increases airborne emissions of benzene, a cancer-causing substance, and toxic particles. Such pollution contributes to climate change, increases cancer risks, and exacerbates respiratory diseases.

Water quality: Faulty well construction can allow methane to escape into groundwater, polluting a critical drinking water source that many people depend on. Spills and inadequate waste disposal can also contaminate water sources.

Seismic activity: Fracking has been linked to increased earthquakes in many regions, producing possible public safety concerns.

Community impacts: Rapid construction and operation of fracking wells can be accompanied by increases in crime, traffic fatalities, and other disturbances that impact the quality of life for nearby communities.

The impact study relied on research conducted in other states where extensive fracking is currently taking place. As Zucker and Martens emphasize, more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with fracking. In the meantime, New York State has chosen to play it safe.

New York Not Alone in Scrutinizing Fracking Hazards

Other states, including California and New Mexico, have moratoriums on fracking or pending bans on the practice. Additionally, several towns and cities across the country have banned fracking within their borders. Within New York State alone, 180 municipalities have issued bans or moratoriums, speaking to the force of the anti-fracking movement within the state.

New York State’s decision comes just weeks after Maryland’s governor announced he will allow fracking in the state. Outgoing Governor Martin O’Malley is drafting strict regulations for fracking, which will go into effect after he leaves office in January. It remains to be seen whether these proposed rules – which some claim will be the strongest in the nation – will sufficiently protect against the many concerns outlined in New York’s public health study.Source: www.foreffectivegov.org

Sestao River beat Las Palmas At. (3-2)

Sestao River beat Las Palmas At. (3-2) .

Goals11 min. Y. Qasmi converted a Goal for Sestao River24 min. José Manuel converted a Goal for Las Palmas At.29 min. Jito converted a Goal for Sestao River46 min. Jito converted a Goal for Sestao River82 min. Borja converted a Goal for Las Palmas At.CardsAt minute 11, Leto gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 27, Álex Martín gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 37, Y. Qasmi gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 44, Guillaume gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 59, Leo gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 66, E. Jaio gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 70, Stephane gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 71, Raúl Domínguez gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 77, Eneko gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 85, Stephane gets a Red Card.

At minute 88, Ricky gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 89, Álvaro gets a Red Card.

At minute 90, Matías gets a Red Card.

Sestao RiverDavid Moral,Etxebarrieta,Raúl Domínguez,Álex Cacho,Artabe,Cabero,E. Jaio,Iñigo Tobia,M. Méndez,Resines,Sergio Rodríguez,Ander Lafuente,D. Guerrero,David Medina,Eneko,Gil,Maestresalas,Mikel,Unai,Yanis,Guillaume,J. Hernáez,Jito,Ricky,Y. Qasmi,Raúl Domínguez,Resines,Sergio Rodríguez,Cabero,E. Jaio,David Medina,Guillaume,Eneko,Y. Qasmi,Jito,Ricky,Las Palmas At.Álex Martín,Dani Lorenzo,Ale Rivero,Álvaro,Ayoze,Borja Vera,Fran Gil,Jesús Valentín,Juanpe,Leto,Maikel,Óscar Pérez,Benito Ramírez,Borja,Castaño,Jesús Álvaro,Leandro,Leo,Manu Dimas,Marc,Matías,Nili,Pipo,Sandro,Stephane,Adrián,Álvaro,Athuman Gonzalez,Cristian Barrios,Germán,José Collado,José Manuel,Pedro,Álex Martín,Óscar Pérez,Jesús Álvaro,Stephane,Leto,Matías,Adrián,Manu Dimas,Álvaro,José Manuel,Leo,TableHuesca - 34Real Unión de Irún - 31Barakaldo - 30Bilbao Ath. - 29RM Castilla - 28Toledo - 28CD Guadalajara - 27Getafe B - 26Sestao River - 26Leioa SD - 26Tudelano - 25Amorebieta - 24Fuenlabrada - 24UD Socuellamos - 23R. Sociedad B - 22Las Palmas At. - 21Rayo B - 21Atlético B - 19UB Conquense - 17Trival Valderas CF - 15

Beef Industry Groups Meet to Discuss Sustainability but Leave with a Marketing Plan

(ForEffectiveGov.org)

A coalition of beef producers and major food companies met last month in Brazil to address an issue of increasing importance: the significant, harmful environmental impact of raising beef cattle in a world with a growing population and declining resources.

Instead of developing a workable blueprint for sustainability, they walked away with a marketing manual.

The meeting came shortly after the release of a recent United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that concluded that if humans chose to eat less meat, it would have a greater impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions than better cropland or livestock management.

The UN s emphasis on the effects of animal agriculture on greenhouse gas emissions is not new. A 2006 report published by its Food and Agriculture Organization, titled Livestocks Long Shadow, concluded that:

Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than all transportation combined.

The livestock sector may well be the leading player in the reduction of biodiversity, since it is the major driver of deforestation, as well as one of the leading drivers of land degradation, pollution, climate change, overfishing, sedimentation of coastal areas and facilitation of invasions by alien species.

The livestock industry also emits 65 percent of all human-produced nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that has 296 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, and 37 percent of all human-produced methane, another potent greenhouse gas.

In an open letter to the Global Roundtable on Sustainable Beef (GRSB), more than 20 public interest organizations, including the Center for Food Safety, Food and Water Watch, and Friends of the Earth, wrote that the document that resulted from the meeting in Brazil is fundamentally flawed.

Instead of setting any standards or creating a certification program for beef produced in a more sustainable way, the Roundtable laid out a vague set of ideas that reinforce a business-as-usual approach and ask farmers to voluntarily make changes, without specifying what those changes should be.

Rather than asking its members to take a long, hard look in the mirror, it appears as if the GRSBs chief concern is to protect the vested interests of those stakeholders who profit most from the existing intensive and unsustainable production model and who stand to lose the most from change, wrote the public interest critics.

With the human population expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, we need to shift our dietary habits toward foods that can be produced in more sustainable ways and that use the least resources possible. If we are serious about addressing climate change, we need to reduce government subsidies that support the production of beef and other meat products that undermine our climate commitments. Sixty-three percent of U.S. government food subsidies support the meat and dairy industries while less than one percent support the production of fruits and vegetables. We should reverse these subsidies to reflect both what federal nutrition guidelines recommend and whats best for our environment.

Photo by Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, used under a Creative Commons license.Source: www.foreffectivegov.org

Famous Military Veterans Part II

(U.S. Army) Baseball PioneerJackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) Baseball Pioneer Drafted in 1942 and rose to the rank of second lieutenant.
Joe Louis (1914 – 1981) Heavyweight Boxing Champion Enlisted in the Army in 1942 at Camp Upton on Long Island, NY
Medgar Evers (1925-1963) – African-American civil rights activist from Mississippi involved in efforts to overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. Evers fought in both France and Germany during World War II, and received an honorable discharge in 1946.
Mel Brooks – Actor, Producer, Writer – was not only a corporal in the U.S. Army, but he graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and served in World War II, and on occasion, he even defused landmines.
Elvis Presley (1935-1977) Singer, Actor – Elvis joined the army and served for two years in the Armys finest Armored Tank Divisions
Al Gore – Former Vice-President and Presidential Candidate – Gore enlisted in the Army in 1969, despite his opposition to the war, and fought in the Vietnam War.
Clint Eastwood – Actor and Director – he was drafted into the Army and served during the Korea war.
Charles Rangel New York Congressman – served in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of the Korean War. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor for his service during the war.
James Earl Jones – Legendary actor and activist was in the ROTC in college and graduated from Army Ranger School.
Carl Reiner Actor, Director, Writer, Producer, Author During World War II from 1943 until 1946 Reiner worked as a radio operator but was transferred to serve in the Army Entertainment Section.
Tracy Marrow (Ice-T) Rapper, Actor Served four years in the Army.
Laurence Tureaud (Mr. T) Actor, all around tough guy – After leaving school Tureaud enlisted in the United States Army in the mid-70s, and served in the Military Police Corps. In November 1975 he was awarded a letter of recommendation by his drill sergeant, and in a cycle of six thousand troops he was elected “Top Trainee of the Cycle” and promoted to Squad Leader.
Burgess Meredith (1907 1997) Actor, Director Served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. Meredith reached the rank of Captain.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809 1849) Writer and Poet Extraordinaire Attended West Point Military Academy and enlisted in the Army.
Source: www.army.mil

Huesca beat Tudelano (1-0)

Huesca beat Tudelano (1-0) .

Goals55 min. José Gaspar converted a Goal for HuescaCardsAt minute 43, Álex Sánchez gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 55, Manolín gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 60, Víctor Bravo gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 71, Reche gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 87, Josan gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 88, Dani Jiménez gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 89, Nandi gets a Yellow Card.

HuescaAitor,Dani Jiménez,Alex,Aythami,Carlos David,Gaspar,Mallada,Morillas,Scardina,Álex Bernal,Camacho,Fito,Íñigo Ros,Jonathan Sesma,Josan,José Gaspar,Lucas,Manolín,Quique Rausell,S. Gassama,Sosa,Tyronne,Guillem Martí,J. Esnáider,Javi Cabezas,Ramón Murillo,Dani Jiménez,Carlos David,Morillas,Alex,Aythami,Íñigo Ros,José Gaspar,J. Esnáider,Manolín,Tyronne,Guillem Martí,TudelanoFernando Ribas,Pagola,Delgado,Jonathan,Lalaguna,Lumbreras,Mario,Morgado,Nandi,Andoni Conget,Ardanaz,David Lázaro,Iñigo,J. Azpilicueta,Julen Goñi,Lucho,Reche,Víctor Bravo,Álex Sánchez,David,Luariz,Pagola,Nandi,Lumbreras,Mario,Delgado,David Lázaro,David,Álex Sánchez,Morgado,Víctor Bravo,Reche,TableHuesca - 34Real Unión de Irún - 31Barakaldo - 30Bilbao Ath. - 29RM Castilla - 28Toledo - 28CD Guadalajara - 27Getafe B - 26Sestao River - 26Leioa SD - 26Tudelano - 25Amorebieta - 24Fuenlabrada - 24UD Socuellamos - 23R. Sociedad B - 22Las Palmas At. - 21Rayo B - 21Atlético B - 19UB Conquense - 17Trival Valderas CF - 15

Club Marino Luanco draw Racing Ferrol (1 - 1)

Club Marino Luanco draw Racing Ferrol (1 - 1) .

Goals53 min. Joselu converted a Goal for Racing Ferrol85 min. Juanma Torres converted a Goal for Club Marino LuancoCardsAt minute 60, Jonathan gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 78, Pablo Suárez gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 89, Alan Ávila gets a Yellow Card.

Club Marino LuancoJosé,Rafa Ponzo,Boris,Guaya,José Ángel,Nico Pandiani,Pablo Suárez,Yun,D. Piñera,D. Piñera,D. Piñera,D. Piñera,Dudi,Espolita,Fidalgo,Fran Pastor,Imanol,Iván Prendes,Jorge Merino,Omar,Tito,Xabi Semedo,Yeo,Alan Ávila,Alejandro,Juanma Torres,Naya,Paramio,Rafa Ponzo,José Ángel,Pablo Suárez,Espolita,Xabi Semedo,Yeo,Omar,Alan Ávila,Nico Pandiani,Fran Pastor,Imanol,Racing FerrolGalván,Mackay,Álvaro,Antonio López,Cristian,Maceira,Tena,Víctor Vázquez,Adrián Cruz,Carlos López,Dani Rodríguez,Iosu Villar,Iván Forte,Jonathan,Samuel Piette,Thiago,Brais,Dalmau,Joselu,Marcos Álvarez,Pablo Rey,Vela,Mackay,Víctor Vázquez,Maceira,Tena,Jonathan,Dani Rodríguez,Marcos Álvarez,Joselu,Iván Forte,Dalmau,Pablo Rey,TableReal Oviedo - 40Guijuelo - 35UD Logroñés - 34Real Murcia - 33Racing Ferrol - 29Valladolid B - 29Real Avilés - 28Coruxo - 28Cultural Deportiva Leonesa - 27Compostela - 26Zamora - 23UP Langreo - 23Celta B - 22Burgos CF - 21Atl. Astorga - 20Sporting B - 17Somozas UD - 15CD Lealtad - 14CD Tropezon - 13Club Marino Luanco - 9

Weekly Address: Americas Resurgence Is Real

(White House) WASHINGTON, DC — In this week’s address, the President reflected on the significant progress made by this country in 2014, and in the nearly six years since he took office. This past year has been the strongest for job growth since the 1990s, contributing to the nearly 11 million jobs added by our businesses over a 57-month streak. America is leading the rest of the world, in containing the spread of Ebola, degrading and ultimately destroying ISIL, and addressing the threat posed by climate change. And earlier this week, the President announced the most significant changes to our policy towards Cuba in over 50 years. America’s resurgence is real, and the President expressed his commitment to working with Congress in the coming year to make sure Americans feel the benefits.
The audio of the address and video of the address will be available online at www.whitehouse.gov at 6:00 a.m. ET, December 20, 2014.
Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
December 20, 2014
Hi, everybody. As 2014 comes to an end, we can enter the New Year with new confidence that America is making significant strides where it counts.
The steps we took nearly six years ago to rescue our economy and rebuild it on a new foundation helped make 2014 the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. Over the past 57 months, our businesses have created nearly 11 million new jobs. And in a hopeful sign for middle-class families, wages are on the rise again.
Our investments in American manufacturing have helped fuel its best stretch of job growth since the ‘90s. America is now the number one producer of oil and gas, saving drivers about 70 cents a gallon at the pump over last Christmas. The auto industry we rescued is on track for its strongest year since 2005. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, about 10 million Americans have gained health insurance in the past year alone. And since I took office, we have cut our deficits by about two-thirds.
Meanwhile, around the world, America is leading. We’re leading the coalition to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL. We’re leading the global fight to combat the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. We’re leading global efforts to address climate change, including last month’s joint announcement with China. We’re turning a new page in our relationship with the Cuban people.
And in less than two weeks, after more than 13 years, our combat mission in Afghanistan will be over, and our war there will come to a responsible end. Today, more of our troops are home for the holidays than at any time in over a decade. Still, many of our men and women in uniform will spend this Christmas in harm’s way. And as Commander-in-Chief, I want our troops to know: your country is united in our support and gratitude for you and your families.
The six years since the financial crisis have demanded hard work and sacrifice on everyone’s part. But as a country, we have every right to be proud of what we’ve got to show for it. More jobs. More insured. A growing economy. Shrinking deficits. Bustling industry. Booming energy.
Pick any metric you want – America’s resurgence is real. And we now have the chance to reverse the decades-long erosion of middle-class jobs and incomes. We just have to invest in the things that we know will secure even faster growth in higher-paying jobs for more Americans. We have to make sure our economy, our justice system, and our government work not only for a few, but for all of us. And I look forward to working together with the new Congress next year on these priorities.
Sure, we’ll disagree on some things. We’ll have to compromise on others. I’ll act on my own when it’s necessary. But I will never stop trying to make life better for people like you.
Because thanks to your efforts, a new foundation is laid. A new future is ready to be written. We have set the stage for a new American moment, and I’m going to spend every minute of my last two years making sure we seize it.
On behalf of the Obama family, I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas.
Thanks, and have a wonderful holiday season.
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

Balikesirspor beat Kasimpasa (5-3)

Balikesirspor beat Kasimpasa (5-3) .

Goals8 min. E. Scarione converted a Goal for Kasimpasa50 min. G. Unal converted a Goal for Balikesirspor53 min. B. Çalık converted a Goal for Balikesirspor54 min. T. Torun converted a Goal for Kasimpasa63 min. S. Yildrim converted a Goal for Kasimpasa63 min. S. Yildrim converted a Goal for Balikesirspor78 min. A. Ozturk converted a Goal for Balikesirspor80 min. R. Donk converted a Goal for Kasimpasa90 min. M. Celik converted a Goal for BalikesirsporCardsAt minute 22, T. Torun gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 30, K.seras gets a Yellow Card.

BalikesirsporR. Efendioglu,E. Furkan,E. Salk,Z. Ayvaz,A. Kulusic,A. Yildiz,Nuno Coelho,O. Alkan,U. Akdemir,A. Ceviker,A. Lalawele,Alanzinho,André Santos,B. Cevahir,E. Arslan,E. Ataseven,H. Hatipoglu,I. Depe,K. Akyuz,Khalifa Jabbie,M. Celik,M. Gurbuzerol,M. Reis,R. Vargas,S. Uzun,A. Ozturk,B. Çalık,G. Unal,S. Yildrim,E. Salk,A. Kulusic,A. Kulusic,H. Hatipoglu,B. Cevahir,U. Akdemir,A. Ceviker,E. Ataseven,R. Vargas,B. Çalık,S. Yildrim,S. Yildrim,G. Unal,KasimpasaH. Kala,Kaan Bulut,M. Kula,Metin Sevinc,A. Isaksson,E. Özbir,I. Avcibay,A. Turan,B. Basdas,E. Kartal,E. Süme,I, Cengiz,I. Eker,O. Sam,R. Donk,S. Kaplan,V. Yaman,Y. Ayhan,A. Öztürk,Castro,E. Scarione,H. Colak,K. Aktas,K. Coulibaly,K.seras,M. Fritzler,M. Yildirim,Ö. Hurmaci,T. Torun,A. Buyuk,Ismael Ayaz,R. Babel,S. Aygünes,Sanharib Malki,T. Viudez,A. Isaksson,R. Donk,B. Basdas,I. Eker,S. Kaplan,K.seras,A. Öztürk,E. Scarione,A. Turan,H. Colak,T. Torun,TableGalatasaray SK - 31Fenerbahçe - 30Beşiktaş - 29Istanbul B.B. - 24Trabzonspor - 22Mersin Idmanyurdu - 21Bursaspor - 20Genclerbirligi SK - 20Kasimpasa - 19Akhisar Belediyespor - 18Konyaspor - 16Karabukspor - 15Kayseri Erciyesspor - 14Eskisehirspor - 13Gaziantepspor - 13Rizespor - 10Sivasspor - 10Balikesirspor - 8

Weekly Address: Giving Thanks for Our Troops

(White House)

President Barack Obama tapes the Weekly Address in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 12, 2014.

(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

In this week s address, the President thanked the men and women in uniform who serve and sacrifice to protect the freedom, prosperity, and security that we all enjoy as Americans. On Monday the President will visit troops at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey and voice his appreciation in person for their incredible service.
These troops, as well as the many who are still overseas, have met every mission they have been tasked with, from bringing a responsible end to our war in Afghanistan, to working to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL, to saving lives by fighting to contain the spread of Ebola. During this holiday season, a time of blessings and gratitude, the President reminded everyone to find a way to thank and serve the members of the military who serve us every day.

Transcript | mp4 | mp3
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

The Faces of Health Care: Keith C.

(White House)

"…I was locked into my job because of health care. The Affordable Care Act enabled me to resign and devote my full efforts to what I believe is a much more important calling."

Health reform has given many Americans the freedom to pursue their dreams -- and Keith C. is one of them.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

President Obama: "Nashville Shows How Immigrants Benefit All"

(White House) Earlier today, The Tennessean published the following op-ed from President Obama. In it, he discusses his executive actions to help make America s immigration system smarter and fairer, and why we still need Congress to pass a common-sense law to fix the system.
Learn more about the actions the President is taking on immigration.

Many Americans think of Nashville as the home of country music, barbecue, and a hit TV show. What they may not realize is that, in recent years, Music City also has had one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in the country.
"New Nashvillians" are from Somalia and Nepal and Laos. They re from Mexico and Bangladesh. Nashville even boasts the largest Kurdish community in the United States. They work as teachers in our schools, doctors in our hospitals, and cops in our neighborhoods. They start small businesses and create jobs making this city a more prosperous, more innovative place. "They" are "us."
When done right, immigration benefits everyone. But our immigration system has been broken for a long time. Families who try to come here the right way can get stuck in line for years. Business owners who treat their workers right see the competition exploit undocumented immigrants. None of us likes the idea that someone could reap the rewards of living in America without its responsibilities. And folks who desperately want to embrace those responsibilities have no way to come out of the shadows and get right with the law.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

President Obama Thanks America s Troops and Marks a Milestone in the Afghanistan War

(White House)
"The message I’m here to deliver on behalf of the American people is very simple: It’s just to say thank you."
President Obama traveled to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey today to offer his thanks to the U.S. military members and families stationed there and across the world for their service to our country:
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Albacete lost against Llagostera by 0-2

Albacete lost against Llagostera by 0-2 .

Goals16 min. Imaz converted a Goal for Llagostera50 min. Imaz converted a Goal for LlagosteraCardsAt minute 17, Pitu gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 26, Núñez gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 39, Ríos gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 65, Keko gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 83, Enric Pi gets a Yellow Card.

AlbaceteAlberto,Casero,Diego,Dorronsoro,Héctor Pizana,Antoñito,Candelas,Carlos,Fran,Gonzalo,J. Pulido,Juanra,Noguerol,Núñez,Pol Bueso,Rojas,Cidoncha,Diego Benito,Edu Ramos,Indiano,Israel,Jorge Díaz,Juanra,Mario,Miquel,Moutinho,Portu,Samu,Borja Navarro,César Díaz,Chumbi,Keko,Rubén Cruz,Dorronsoro,J. Pulido,Gonzalo,Núñez,Antoñito,Keko,Portu,Jorge Díaz,Edu Ramos,Cidoncha,César Díaz,LlagosteraMoragón,Nico Ratti,René,Aimar,Alcalá,Enric Pi,Jordi Masó,Jorge,Marc Garcia,Ríos,Ruymán,Vallho,Anas El Morabet,Barnils,Diego Rivas,Jordi López,Óscar Rico,Pitu,Tarradellas,Tito,A. Perea,Aumatell,Eloy,Imaz,Joan Pons,Juanjo,Nuha,Querol,Robert,Sergio León,Moragón,Vallho,Jorge,Enric Pi,Jordi Masó,Pitu,Tito,Querol,Ríos,Imaz,Sergio León,TableLas Palmas - 36Sporting - 33Real Betis - 33Girona - 31Valladolid - 29Ponferradina - 29Real Zaragoza - 28Alcorcón - 27Mirandés - 25Numancia - 24Alavés - 23Lugo - 22Tenerife - 22Barcelona B - 20Leganés - 20Mallorca - 20Recreativo - 20Osasuna - 19Llagostera - 19Racing Santander - 17Sabadell - 15Albacete - 15

In Memphis, Attorney General Holder Talks About Building Trust Between Communities and Law Enforcement

(White House)

Watch on YouTube
Last week, Attorney General Eric Holder traveled to Memphis and held a roundtable discussion on improving the relationship between the city s people of color and local law enforcement.
In the wake of the recent police-involved deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and others, the President has called for an increased effort to help rebuild communities trust in local law enforcement and the justice system. In that vein, the Attorney General will be holding similar discussions in a number of other cities across the country.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Nation s Doctor: Dr. Vivek Murthy Is Confirmed as Surgeon General

(White House) The Surgeon General is America s doctor, responsible for providing Americans with the best scientific information on how to improve our collective well-being. Now, Dr. Vivek Murthy will be the next physician to don the lab coat of the Surgeon General after the Senate confirmed his nomination today.
"I applaud the Senate for confirming Vivek Murthy to be our country’s next Surgeon General," the President said following the confirmation. "As ‘America’s Doctor,’ Vivek will hit the ground running to make sure every American has the information they need to keep themselves and their families safe. He’ll bring his lifetime of experience promoting public health to bear on priorities ranging from stopping new diseases to helping our kids grow up healthy and strong."
Here s a quick rundown of what you need to know about our next Surgeon General:

What does the Surgeon General do
The Surgeon General s chief responsibility is to protect, promote, and advance our nation s public health. He or she provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve our health and reduce the risk of illness and injury.
On top of overseeing 6,700 members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Surgeon General is also the Chair of the National Prevention Council, a group of 20 federal departments and agencies that is committed to prevention and wellness for individuals, families, and communities.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Real Betis beat Racing Santander (2-0)

Real Betis beat Racing Santander (2-0) .

Goals3 min. Dani Ceballos converted a Goal for Real Betis90 min. Jorge Molina converted a Goal for Real BetisCardsAt minute 11, Borja San Emeterio gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 38, P. Orfila gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 55, L. Reyes gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 65, Álvaro García gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 82, J. Figueras gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 90, Dani Ceballos gets a Yellow Card.

Real BetisA. Adán,Dani Giménez,Javi Montoya,Pedro López,Álex Martínez,Bruno,C. Piccini,Casado,D. Perquis,J. Figueras,José Caro,Molinero,Varela,A. N diaye,Á. Vadillo,Cejudo,Dani Ceballos,F. Kadir,Fabián,J. Matilla,L. Reyes,Nono,Sergio,Vilarchao,Xavi Torres,Chuli,Dani Pacheco,Jorge Molina,Rubén Castro,V. Rennella,A. Adán,J. Figueras,Bruno,Varela,C. Piccini,A. N diaye,Dani Ceballos,F. Kadir,L. Reyes,V. Rennella,Rubén Castro,Racing SantanderMario,Puras,Raúl Fernandez,Bernardo,Borja San Emeterio,Fede,Francis,Iñaki,Juanpe,Oriol,P. Orfila,Samuel,Saúl,Adán Pérez,Álvaro García,Andreu,B. Granero,Durán,Iván Moreno,Javi Soria,D. Concha,M. Koné,Mariano,Miguélez,Óscar Fernandez,Mario,Juanpe,P. Orfila,Saúl,Borja San Emeterio,Andreu,Fede,Iñaki,D. Concha,Mariano,Adán Pérez,Adán Pérez,TableLas Palmas - 36Sporting - 33Real Betis - 33Girona - 31Valladolid - 29Ponferradina - 29Real Zaragoza - 28Alcorcón - 27Mirandés - 25Numancia - 24Alavés - 23Lugo - 22Tenerife - 22Barcelona B - 20Leganés - 20Mallorca - 20Recreativo - 20Osasuna - 19Llagostera - 19Racing Santander - 17Sabadell - 15Albacete - 15

First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrates the Holidays with the Children s National Medical Center

(White House)

First Lady Michelle Obama reads Twas the Night Before Christmas" during a Christmas holiday program at the Children s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Dec. 15, 2014. The First Lady is seated with Elves Aaron Irby (age 9), and Kyra DeStefano (age 10), right, and Obama family pets, Bo and Sunny.

(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

First Lady Michelle Obama visited the patients at the Children’s National Medical Center today in Washington, D.C., continuing a tradition dating back more than 60 years to First Lady Bess Truman. First Dogs Bo and Sunny joined Mrs. Obama to help spread holiday cheer to the kids and their families.
After meeting with patients and doctors in the surgical care unit and with the infectious disease team, the First Lady sat down with Santa Claus to read Twas the Night Before Christmas to a group of children gathered in the hospital s atrium.
CHILD: I knew it was Santa!
MRS. OBAMA: You knew it was Santa! It’s a Christmas story, who else would it be

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Economy in 2014

(White House) The U.S. economic recovery took a major step forward in 2014, achieving a number of important milestones. American businesses set a new record for the most consecutive months of job growth: now 57 straight months and counting. By November, the economy had already added more jobs than in any full calendar year since the 1990s. And crucially, the pickup in job growth during 2014 occurred primarily in higher-paying industries, while nearly all of the employment gains have been in full-time positions. At the same time, the unemployment rate fell below 6 percent for the first time since 2008.

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Faces of Health Care: Lynnette J.

(White House)

"When I opened the envelope containing my insurance card, I got a bit teary eyed. Thank you a million times."

Lynette J. is a small business owner from Hyattsville, Maryland. Her business has been open for more than seven years, she s 34 years old, and at the time she wrote the President this past August, she was about to make her first doctor s appointment in more than five years. That s because she s now covered thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Villarreal beat Deportivo (3-0)

Villarreal beat Deportivo (3-0) .

Goals10 min. J. Dos Santos converted a Goal for Villarreal67 min. L. Vietto converted a Goal for Villarreal72 min. L. Vietto converted a Goal for VillarrealCardsAt minute 56, Sidnei gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 61, Toché gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 71, Lopo gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 75, Bruno gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 80, Pina gets a Red Card.

VillarrealAitor Fernández,Juan Carlos,Miguel Bañuz,S. Asenjo,A. Marín,A. Rukavina,B. Jokic,D. Jiménez,Dorado,Gabriel,Jaume Costa,Mario,Musacchio,Pablo Íñiguez,Víctor Ruiz,Bruno,Cani,D. Cheryshev,H. Pérez,J. Dos Santos,Javi Espinosa,Moi Gómez,Pina,Trigueros,G. Dos Santos,Gerard Moreno,I. Uche,L. Vietto,Nahuel,S. Asenjo,Víctor Ruiz,Gabriel,Jaume Costa,Mario,Bruno,Trigueros,D. Cheryshev,J. Dos Santos,L. Vietto,I. Uche,DeportivoFabri,G. Lux,Canella,Iago,Insúa,Juanfran,Laure,Lopo,Luisinho,M. Diakité,Manuel Pablo,Seoane,Sidnei,Álex Bergantiños,D. Salomão,H. Medunjanin,José Rodríguez,Juan Carlos,Juan Domínguez,L. Fariña,Wilk,Dani Iglesias,H. Postiga,I. Cavaleiro,I. Cuenca,Lucas,Marcos Remeseiro,Toché,Fabri,Sidnei,Lopo,Canella,Juanfran,I. Cavaleiro,Álex Bergantiños,L. Fariña,Juan Domínguez,José Rodríguez,Toché,TableReal Madrid - 39Barcelona - 38Atlético - 32Valencia - 31Villarreal - 30Sevilla - 30Málaga - 27Celta - 20Eibar - 20Espanyol - 20Athletic - 19Rayo Vallecano - 17Getafe - 16R. Sociedad - 15Levante - 15Almería - 13Deportivo - 13Granada - 12Córdoba - 11Elche - 10

New Recommendations to End Pirate Fishing and Seafood Fraud

(White House)

Seafood fraud can happen at any point in the supply chain, undermining law-abiding fishers and misleading consumers. (Photo credit: NOAA)

America’s fisheries drive coastal economies and put food on the tables of families across the country. Unfortunately, the twin global issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood fraud undermine the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries and fish stocks.
Global losses attributable to IUU fishing are estimated at $10 billion to $23 billion annually. Pirate fishing vessels take in fish without regard to the sustainability of ocean ecosystems. Not required to file trip plans or carry transponders, the ships roam the oceans in the shadows and become vectors for human, drug, and arms trafficking. Black-market fishing distorts legal markets and displaces law-abiding fishermen, ultimately serving as a drag on the global economy. These challenges can be compounded by seafood fraud — the mislabeling, misbranding, or falsification of product origins — which can occur at any point in the supply chain.
Today, the federal task force on combatting IUU fishing and seafood fraud released its final recommendations to tackle these complex challenges. President Obama announced the creation of the task force at the State Department’s Our Ocean conference in June, and for the last six months, under the leadership of NOAA Administrator Kathy Sullivan and Under Secretary of State Cathy Novelli, representatives from 14 agencies have come together to answer the President’s call to action.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

5 Things You Need to Know About Alaska s Bristol Bay

(White House)
President Obama just took action to protect one of Alaska s most powerful economic engines and one of America’s greatest national treasures: Bristol Bay.
Today, he signed a Presidential Memorandum that withdraws these beautiful and pristine waters from all future oil and gas drilling. "These waters are too special and too valuable to auction off to the highest bidder," the President said.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Email: "What the President Just Did"

(White House) Earlier today, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell sent this message to the White House email list on President Obama s action to protect Bristol Bay. Didn t get it Make sure you sign up for email updates here.

Just now, the President took action to protect a place called Bristol Bay, Alaska. Here s why that matters:
It places a national treasure -- and one of the nation s most productive fisheries -- off limits for oil and gas leasing. Alaskans have been fighting to preserve Bristol Bay for decades. Today, we got it done.
Bristol Bay helps to produce 40 percent of America s wild-caught seafood each year. It supports $2 billion every year in commercial fishing, and supports good jobs in sport-fishing and tourism.
These waters are beautiful and valuable, and today s action will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy their bounty.
It s a big deal. Watch the President s announcement, and take a look at these photos of the place this Administration just took definitive action to protect:

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Faces of Health Care: Marjorie F.

(White House)

"I was quoted $800 a month … and then was promptly denied, due to my pre-existing conditions. When I signed up this month through Covered California however, the process was virtually painless, and now I have insurance that I can afford."

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

President Obama Charts a New Course on Cuba: 5 Things to Know

(White House)
Watch on YouTube
"Change is hard -- in our own lives, and in the lives of nations. And change is even harder when we carry the heavy weight of history on our shoulders. But today we are making these changes because it is the right thing to do. Today, America chooses to cut loose the shackles of the past so as to reach for a better future -- for the Cuban people, for the American people, for our entire hemisphere, and for the world."
-- President Obama, December 17, 2014

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Panionios draw Atromitos (2 - 2)

Panionios draw Atromitos (2 - 2) .

Goals14 min. S. Napoleoni converted a Goal for Atromitos34 min. D. Kolovos converted a Goal for Panionios34 min. D. Kolovos converted a Goal for Atromitos40 min. S. Napoleoni converted a Goal for Atromitos47 min. D. Kolovos converted a Goal for Panionios47 min. D. Kolovos converted a Goal for AtromitosCardsAt minute 32, G. Kontoes gets a Red Card.

At minute 32, G. Kontoes gets a Red Card.

At minute 87, L. Agouazi gets a Yellow Card.

PanioniosC. Kostakis,Georgios Kotsalas,T. Fountas,G. Anestis,N. Giannakopoulos,N. Papadopoulos,A. Avlonitis,A. Kouros,Chatziisaias D.,D. Toskas,E. Kouloucheris,Gezos K.,K. Lambropoulos,M. Zacharakis,Tasoulis C.,V. Oikonomou,X. Panos,A. Ibagaza,A. Kurdi,A. Lasnik,C. Aravidis,C. Rivero,Gjini D.,K. Korkontzelos,K. Panagiotoudis,L. Argyropoulos,M. Dounis,M. Siopis,Masouras G.,N. Pantidos,O. Boumale,P. Mitropoulos,S. Fourlanos,V. Bouzas,A. Giannou,D. Kolovos,F. Durmishaj,K. Stavrothanasopoulos,L. Kampantais,M. Maroukakis,Smirlis A.,N. Papadopoulos,N. Pantidos,V. Oikonomou,L. Argyropoulos,Tasoulis C.,P. Mitropoulos,M. Siopis,M. Siopis,A. Ibagaza,A. Ibagaza,D. Kolovos,D. Kolovos,O. Boumale,A. Giannou,AtromitosKyriakos Kivrakidis,P. Theologou,P. Theologou,Panagiotis Balas,A. Gorbunov,L. Cennamo,M. Sifakis,V. Barkas,A. Kantoutsis,A. Kouros,C. Arkoudas,C. Gromitsaris,E. Nastos,Fytanidis,G. Kontoes,G. Seitaridis,K. Giannoulis,N. Lazaridis,Pitu,S. Tavlaridis,T. Papoutsogiannopoulos,A. Tatos,Brito L.,E. Dimoutsos,F. Georgiou,J. Nwgem,J. Umbides,L. Agouazi,M. García,M. Kallergis,P. Ballas,P. Mpalas,W. Iglesias,A. Karamanos,A. Papazoglou,D. Limnios,D. Papadopoulos,F. Tavares,J. Arago,S. Napoleoni,A. Gorbunov,Fytanidis,S. Tavlaridis,G. Kontoes,G. Kontoes,E. Nastos,Pitu,L. Agouazi,Brito L.,J. Umbides,A. Papazoglou,A. Papazoglou,S. Napoleoni,TableOlympiakos Piraeus - 33PAOK - 31Asteras Tripolis - 28Panathinaikos - 26Veria - 25Xanthi - 24PAS Giannina - 23Atromitos - 23Panaitolikos - 21Kalloni - 21Kerkyra - 18Platanias - 18Panionios - 15Levadiakos - 14OFI - 14Panthrakikos - 12Ergotelis - 10Niki Volos - 7

Ex-Im Bank: Supporting American Jobs, Protecting American Taxpayers

(White House)
With the U.S. economy on the move -- and with worldwide demand for quality, innovative goods on the rise -- there have never been greater opportunities for American small businesses to prosper on the global stage and add good-paying jobs here at home.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States, or "Ex-Im," is a small agency that exists to equip U.S. businesses with the financing tools they need to overcome obstacles and open new markets for their goods and services. We know that when entrepreneurs are empowered to win export sales against their foreign competitors, businesses grow, our economy becomes more durable, and layoffs are replaced with Now Hiring signs in communities across our country.
Our 2014 Annual Report, available here, details some of the work we did this year -- which happened to mark our 80th anniversary -- to support U.S. job growth and promote American economic leadership abroad.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

What They re Saying: The President s Action on Cuba Policy

(White House) Today, the President announced the most significant changes to our Cuban policy in more than 50 years -- ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance our interests for decades.
People and organizations from around the world are weighing in. Take a look at what they re saying, and then add your voice to the conversation using hashtag #CubaPolicy.
"Commercial exchange between the U.S. and Cuban private sectors will bring shared benefits" —@USChamber: http://t.co/dgRlTCQdQs #CubaPolicy
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 17, 2014

Read more here.

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Judicial Nominations: Accomplishments and the Work That Lies Ahead

(White House) Before the Senate adjourned last night, it confirmed 12 federal district court nominees, for a total of 307 lifetime-appointed federal judges confirmed during President Obama’s first six years. These confirmations include two Supreme Court Justices, 53 circuit court judges, 250 district court judges, and two Court of International Trade judges. Over the past two years, the Senate has confirmed 134 judges—44% of President Obama’s judicial confirmations, and the most in a two-year Congress since 1979-1980. We’re proud of all of our nominees and grateful to the Senate for its action.
President Obama will continue to consult with Senators—Democrats and Republicans—to identify lawyers with the necessary intellect, integrity, temperament, and commitment to equal justice under law to serve as lifetime-appointed judges. He also will continue his unprecedented commitment to expanding the gender, racial, sexual orientation, and experiential diversity of the men and women who enforce our laws and deliver justice.
President Obama’s judges have broken barriers across the nation, including four who were confirmed last night:

Loretta Biggs, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, is the first African American female judge to serve on her court.

Elizabeth Dillon, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, is the first female judge to serve on her court.

Amit Mehta, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, is the first Asian American Pacific Islander judge to serve on his court.

Robert Pitman, confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, is the first openly gay lifetime appointed federal judge in Texas.

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

President Obama: "Happy Hanukkah, Everybody!"

(White House) We ve koshered the kitchen and set up the menorah. And this afternoon, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed hundreds of guests here at the White House for the second night of Hanukkah.

Watch on YouTube
Joined by the First Lady and Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson of the American Jewish University in Los Angeles, President Obama retold the story of Hanukkah, "a story that took place more than 2,000 years ago, when a small group of Maccabees rose up to defeat their far more powerful oppressors."
In the face of overwhelming odds, they reclaimed their city and the right to worship as they chose. And in their victory, they found there wasn’t enough oil to keep the flame in their temple alive. But they lit the oil they had and, miraculously, the flame that was supposed to burn for just one night burned for eight. The Hanukkah story teaches us that our light can shine brighter than we could ever imagine with faith, and it’s up to us to provide that first spark.

The President also took time to highlight a new Hanukkah story: the return of American aid worker Alan Gross from Cuba.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Honoring Our Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families During the Holidays

(White House)

Holiday decorations at the Naval Observatory Residence, in Washington, D.C., December 3, 2014.

(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

This holiday season, in honor of our service members, veterans, and their families, the Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden dedicated five trees at the Naval Observatory Residence representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Capturing their personal experiences, military families from all across the country handcrafted the ornaments that adorn the trees. Atop each tree is a gold star, embodying the spirit, bravery, and patriotism of those who serve.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

2014 Has Seen Largest Coverage Gains in Four Decades, Putting the Uninsured Rate at or Near Historic Lows

(White House) Earlier this week, the National Center for Health Statistics released new data on health insurance coverage during the second quarter of 2014, the first federal survey data that largely capture the effects of the Affordable Care Act’s first open enrollment period. These new data confirm earlier findings that 2014 has seen dramatic reductions in the share of Americans without health insurance, reductions that correspond to an estimated 10 million people gaining coverage since before the start of open enrollment.
This progress is even more striking when viewed in historical context. Building on work by other researchers, the Council of Economic Advisers has constructed estimates of the share of Americans without health insurance extending back to 1963. These estimates show that the drop in the nation’s uninsured rate so far this year is the largest over any period since the early 1970s, years in which the Medicaid program was still ramping up and the Medicare and Medicaid programs were expanded to people with disabilities.
With this year’s decline, the nation’s uninsured rate is now at or near the lowest level recorded across five decades of data. Furthermore, new data out today on Medicaid enrollment and data on Marketplace plan selections from earlier this week show that progress in reducing the number of uninsured Americans is continuing.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Vitesse beat Heracles (3-0)

Vitesse beat Heracles (3-0) .

Goals25 min. B. Traoré converted a Goal for Vitesse32 min. Z. Labyad converted a Goal for Vitesse44 min. B. Traoré converted a Goal for VitesseCardsAt minute 22, B. Traoré gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 27, J. Veldmate gets a Yellow Card.

VitesseE. Room,J. Houwen,M. Meerits,P. Velthuizen,A. Kruiswijk,D. Mori,F. Van Der Struijk,G. Kashia,K. Leerdam,N. Aksentijevic,P. Van Aanholt,R. Achenteh,Wallace,B. Traoré,C. Atsu,C. Cuevas,D. Oliynyk,D. Pröpper,Diks,Francisco Junior,Gino Bosz,J. Mceachran,J. van der Heijden,M. Nakamba,M. Vejinovic,R. Ibarra,T. Janssen,W.vink,Z. Labyad,Abiola Dauda,B. Darri,M. Havenaar,U. Durdevic,V. Qazaishvili,E. Room,J. van der Heijden,G. Kashia,R. Achenteh,Diks,M. Vejinovic,V. Qazaishvili,D. Pröpper,Z. Labyad,B. Traoré,R. Ibarra,HeraclesB. Castro,D. Telgenkamp,M. Brouwer,R. Fij,R. Pasveer,B. Rienstra,B. Schenkeveld,C. Gortemaker,F. Aktaou,J. Streutker,J. Veldmate,L. Van Dijk,M. Koenders,M. Te Wierik,M.engberink,R. Zomer,D. Rienstra,D. Vujicevic,I. Bel Hassani,J. Belterman,J. Pelupessy,K. Quansah,M. Fledderus,M. Heerkes,R.hemmink,S. Cziommer,Sibum,T. Bruns,A. Kangaskolkka,B. Linssen,B. Powell,D. Avdic,D. Paljic,E. Gyasi,J. Navrátil,M. Amoah,M. Rosheuvel,M. Schamp,M. Uth,O. Tannane,W.weghorst,D. Telgenkamp,J. Veldmate,M. Te Wierik,F. Aktaou,F. Aktaou,M. Koenders,I. Bel Hassani,M. Fledderus,T. Bruns,B. Linssen,W.weghorst,O. Tannane,TablePSV - 43Ajax - 39Feyenoord - 31PEC Zwolle - 29AZ Alkmaar - 28FC Twente 1965 - 26Cambuur - 26Groningen - 24FC Utrecht - 23Vitesse - 22Heerenveen - 22Willem II - 21FC Excelsior - 17ADO Den Haag - 16Heracles - 16Go Ahead Eagles - 16NAC Breda - 13FC Dordrecht - 7

The Faces of Health Care: Mavis C.

(White House)

"I have never wanted to ask anyone for anything, but when [the Affordable Care Act] made this surgery possible for me, I just had to write you a thank you letter."

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Watch: The President s Science Advisor Answers Your Questions About Climate Change

(White House)
Watch on YouTube
Last month, Dr. John Holdren -- the President s science advisor -- invited the public to ask him anything about climate change on social media using the hashtag #AskDrH.
Since then, he s gotten a lot of questions. Brandon, a seventh-grader, wanted to know if climate change will affect him during his lifetime. A number of people asked whether climate change is driving extreme events, like the heavy snowfall we ve seen recently in Buffalo, New York. Some people wanted to know what Dr. Holdren is doing to prevent climate change himself.
And Dr. H answered. In a video series we re releasing today, Dr. Holdren answers some of the questions you asked about our climate, and explains some of the science behind how our planet is changing.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Email from President Obama: "The U.S. and Cuba"

(White House) Earlier today, President Obama sent this message to the White House email list about his recent announcement on Cuba. Didn t get it Make sure you sign up for email updates here.

Yesterday, after more than 50 years, we began to change America s relationship with the people of Cuba.
We are recognizing the struggle and sacrifice of the Cuban people, both in the U.S. and in Cuba, and ending an outdated approach that has failed to advance U.S. interests for decades. In doing so, we will begin to normalize relations between our two countries.
I was born in 1961, just over two years after Fidel Castro took power in Cuba, and just as the U.S. severed diplomatic relations with that country.
Our complicated relationship with this nation played out over the course of my lifetime -- against the backdrop of the Cold War, with our steadfast opposition to communism in the foreground. Year after year, an ideological and economic barrier hardened between us.
That previous approach failed to promote change, and it s failed to empower or engage the Cuban people. It s time to cut loose the shackles of the past and reach for a new and better future with this country.
I want you to know exactly what our new approach will mean.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Excelsior lost against Ajax by 0-2

Excelsior lost against Ajax by 0-2 .

Goals83 min. M. Van Der Hoorn converted a Goal for Ajax88 min. R. Zivkovic converted a Goal for Ajax88 min. R. Zivkovic converted a Goal for AjaxCardsAt minute 35, Adil Auassar gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 75, R. Van Rhijn gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 87, T. Serero gets a Yellow Card.

ExcelsiorA. Damen,B.de Jong,B.machini,G. Coutinho,J. Deckers,K. Abel,B. Kuipers,D. Bovenberg,D.smith,Fischer,J. Mattheij,J.dongen,K.kamerbeek,K.karami,T. Eekman,Van Diermen,Adil Auassar,E. Nuytinck,E.brito,J. Stans,L. Bruins,L. Hutten,M. Berkvens,R. Stolte,Rick Kruys,T. Varela,Vermeulen,C.de Reuver,D.blij,D.van Mieghem,Jordan Rolly Botaka,L.veldwijk,M. Maletić,Moussa Kalisse,N. Gouriye,R. Janga,Tom van Weert,G. Coutinho,G. Coutinho,J. Mattheij,Fischer,B. Kuipers,D. Bovenberg,Rick Kruys,Adil Auassar,L. Bruins,N. Gouriye,N. Gouriye,J. Stans,Tom van Weert,AjaxD. Boer,J. Cillessen,P. Leeuwenburgh,J. Riedewald,J. Veltman,K. Tete,M. Van Der Hoorn,N. Boilesen,N. Moisander,N. Viergever,R. Ligeon,R. Van Rhijn,S. Denswil,D. Blind,D. Klaassen,L. Duarte,L. Schøne,N. Zimling,R. Bazoer,T. Serero,A. El-Ghazi,A. Milik,K. Sigþórsson,L. Andersen,Q. Menig,R. Kishna,R. Murić,R. Zivkovic,T. Sana,V. Fischer,J. Cillessen,N. Moisander,J. Veltman,J. Riedewald,R. Van Rhijn,T. Serero,L. Andersen,D. Klaassen,R. Kishna,A. Milik,L. Schøne,TablePSV - 43Ajax - 39Feyenoord - 31PEC Zwolle - 29AZ Alkmaar - 28Cambuur - 26FC Twente 1965 - 25Groningen - 24FC Utrecht - 23Vitesse - 22Heerenveen - 22Willem II - 20FC Excelsior - 17ADO Den Haag - 16Heracles - 16Go Ahead Eagles - 16NAC Breda - 13FC Dordrecht - 7

President Obama Creates the Task Force on 21st Century Policing

(White House)
Watch on YouTube
Trust between law enforcement agencies and the people they protect and serve is essential to the stability of our communities, the integrity of our criminal justice system, and the safe and effective delivery of policing services.
In light of the recent events in Ferguson, Staten Island, Cleveland, and around the country, the Administration announced new steps to strengthen the relationships between local police and the communities they are supposed to protect and serve. One of the primary actions was the creation of a task force to improve community policing.
This afternoon, President Obama signed an Executive Order to create the Task Force on 21st Century Policing, and announced the members of the new task force.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Faces of Health Care: Peter M.

(White House)

"...I ve felt strong enough to liberate some of my extra savings that I d been holding onto for healthcare emergencies, so I m now able to help more with my son s college expenses ... My guess is that there are many more Americans whose new health insurance is already allowing them to contribute more fully to the economy and their communities."

read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

NAC Breda lost against Feyenoord by 0-1

NAC Breda lost against Feyenoord by 0-1 .

Goals32 min. C. Kazim-Richards converted a Goal for FeyenoordNAC BredaA. Jonker,A. Noppert,G. Babos,J. Ten Rouwelaar,A. Damcevski,B. Bodor,G. Swerts,H. Drost,J. Van Bezooijen,K. Kwakman,K. Van Der Weg,R. Amieux,S. De Roover,E. Falkenburg,El Allouchi,I. Ssewankambo,J. Buijs,J. De Kamps,J. Sarpong,J. Suk,P. Gommeren,R. Stuij Van Den Herik,T. Gilissen,Uroš Matić,V.vermeer,A. Hadouir,A. Tighadouini,B. Robinson,D. Verbeek,Darren Maatsen,E. Hooi,K. Boateng,M. Seuntjens,R. Poepon,S. Perica,J. Ten Rouwelaar,K. Van Der Weg,G. Swerts,R. Amieux,I. Ssewankambo,Uroš Matić,J. De Kamps,J. De Kamps,E. Falkenburg,E. Falkenburg,A. Tighadouini,J. Sarpong,S. Perica,FeyenoordE. Mulder,K. Vermeer,R. Graafland,J. Mathijsen,K. Boulahrouz,L. Wilkshire,L. Woudenberg,M. Nelom,M. Steenvoorden,R. Lopes Cabral,S. Van Beek,T. Kongolo,J. Clasie,J. Goossens,J. Toornstra,K. El Ahmadi,L. Immers,R. Karsdorp,T. Vilhena,A. Achahbar,B. Basacikoglu,C. Kazim-Richards,E. Manu,J. Boëtius,M. Te Vrede,R. Schaken,W. Dammers,W. Verhoek,K. Vermeer,T. Kongolo,S. Van Beek,M. Nelom,K. Boulahrouz,L. Immers,K. El Ahmadi,J. Clasie,J. Boëtius,C. Kazim-Richards,L. Wilkshire,TablePSV - 43Ajax - 39Feyenoord - 31PEC Zwolle - 29AZ Alkmaar - 28Cambuur - 26FC Twente 1965 - 25Groningen - 24FC Utrecht - 23Vitesse - 22Heerenveen - 22Willem II - 20FC Excelsior - 17ADO Den Haag - 16Heracles - 16Go Ahead Eagles - 16NAC Breda - 13FC Dordrecht - 7

Dan Pfeiffer Joins Medium: "Breaking Down the Worst Year in Washington"

(White House) Today, Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer joined the new publishing platform Medium -- authoring a post that reflects on the incredible amount of progress made in 2014 despite some claims that the President had "the worst year in Washington." Moving forward, he will continue to post important highlights, insights, and reflections on the President s agenda.
(For more posts from across the Administration, be sure to also follow President Obama and the White House on Medium, as well.)
In today s post, he reflects on 2014 as a year of real and meaningful progress for President Obama and the progressive agenda -- no matter what the critics have said. He goes on to note a few meaningful progress points from the year:

2014 has been the strongest year of job growth since the 1990s.

America s uninsured rate dropped to near-historic lows in 2014 -- In spite of the fact that this time a year ago, politicians and the press were predicting the demise of the Affordable Care Act.

The President made historic progress across the board on the central global challenge of the next century: Climate change and environmental protection.

President Obama s Executive Action to fix our immigration system is the most meaningful effort in decades to make the system fairer, more transparent, and more predictable.

In his six years in office, the President has reshaped the federal judiciary to include more women, minorities, gays, and lesbians, so it might resemble more closely the nation it serves.

Read the full post on Medium -- and then share it with anyone you know who might need a reminder of exactly how much got done in 2014.

Source: www.whitehouse.gov

West Wing Week 12/19/14 or, "Todos Somos Americanos"

(White House) This week, the President traveled to Fort Dix to thank our troops, took action to protect Alaska s Bristol Bay, and announced historic changes to America s relationship with Cuba. That s December 12th to December 18th or, "Todos Somos Americanos."

Source: www.whitehouse.gov

Olympique Marsella beat Lille (2-1)

Olympique Marsella beat Lille (2-1) .

Goals32 min. Autogoal from N. RouxLille61 min. I. Gueye converted a Goal for Lille69 min. M. Batshuayi converted a Goal for Olympique MarsellaCardsAt minute 63, M. Frey gets a Yellow Card.

At minute 76, A. Romao gets a Yellow Card.

Olympique MarsellaB. Samba,S. Mandanda,B. Aloe,B. Dja Djédjé,B. Mendy,Doria,G. Andonian,J. Morel,L. Abergel,L. Mendes,N. N koulou,R. Fanni,S. Sparagna,A. Ayew,A. Barrada,A. N doumbou,A. Romao,B. Cheyrou,B. Tuiloma,Boutobba,D. Payet,F. Kadir,F. Thauvin,G. Imbula,M. Amalfitano,M. Bangoura,M. Lemina,M. Lopez,R. Alessandrini,W. Jobello,A. Gignac,A. Omrani,M. Batshuayi,M. Sougou,Porsan-Clemente,S. Mandanda,N. N koulou,R. Fanni,B. Mendy,B. Dja Djédjé,M. Lemina,G. Imbula,F. Thauvin,A. Ayew,M. Batshuayi,A. Gignac,LilleS. Elana,V. Enyeama,A. Soumaoro,A. Traoré,C. Halucha,D. Rozehnal,D. Sidibé,F. Béria,M. Baša,P. Souaré,S. Corchia,S. Kjær,Y. Kone,E. Debordeaux,F. Balmont,I. Gueye,J. Aholou,J. Delaplace,M. Martin,Marcos Lopes,R. Mavuba,S. Meite,D. Origi,M. Frey,N. Roux,R. Mendes,R. Rodelin,S. Kalou,V. Enyeama,M. Baša,S. Kjær,P. Souaré,D. Sidibé,R. Mavuba,I. Gueye,F. Balmont,R. Mendes,N. Roux,D. Origi,TableOlympique Marsella - 41PSG - 38Olympique Lyonnais - 36Saint Etienne - 33Monaco - 32Girondins Bordeaux - 31Nantes - 30Rennes - 28Stade de Reims - 28Montpellier - 26Nice - 22Guingamp - 22Lille - 21Toulouse - 21Lorient - 20Lens - 19Evian Thonon Gaillard - 19Metz - 19Bastia - 18Caen - 15

"America s Resurgence Is Real": President Obama Reflects on 2014

(White House)

President Barack Obama holds a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House.

December 19, 2014.



(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

As 2014 winds down, President Obama stopped by the press briefing room in the White House to offer his thoughts on what the past year has meant for the country. "I said that 2014 would be a year of action and would be a breakthrough year for America," he said. "And it has been."
Here s a look at what happened this year, in the President s own words:
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

The Trans-Pacific Partnership and Financial Regulatory Reform

(White House) The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for America to set the rules for global trade in the 21st century. The agreement aims to expand access to the world’s fastest-growing markets, even as we enshrine higher standards of protection for workers and consumers.
Recently, questions have arisen over how we will protect the progress toward a safer financial system that we have made since the crisis in the context of these trade negotiations. President Obama inherited a financial crisis that was the consequence of years of poor financial regulation, and he made Wall Street reform a top priority as he worked with Congress to craft a set of historic protections that ultimately became the Dodd-Frank Act. Since he signed that legislation in 2010, his Administration has made significant progress implementing its key provisions. Just as important, the President has pushed for stronger rules across the globe through the G-20 and other venues, and he has also fought against repeated attempts to undermine Wall Street reform here at home. He will do whatever it takes to make our financial system stronger and more stable.
read moreSource: www.whitehouse.gov

Weekly Address: Americas Resurgence Is Real

(White House) In this week’s address, the President reflected on the significant progress made by this country in 2014, and in the nearly six years since he took office.
This past year has been the strongest for job growth since the 1990s, contributing to the nearly 11 million jobs added by our businesses over a 57-month streak. America is leading the rest of the world, in containing the spread of Ebola, degrading and ultimately destroying ISIL, and addressing the threat posed by climate change. And earlier this week, the President announced the most significant changes to our policy towards Cuba in over 50 years.
America’s resurgence is real, and the President expressed his commitment to working with Congress in the coming year to make sure Americans feel the benefits.

Transcript | mp4 | mp3
Source: www.whitehouse.gov

New York Weekly Traffic Report - Saturday December 13, 2014 to Friday December 19, 2014

Gridlock Alert Dates for 2014 are as followsFriday 12/12, Wednesday 12/17, Thursday 12/18, and Friday 12/19.Motorists are urged to use mass transit.East River Bridge CrossingsBrooklyn BridgeDue to the Brooklyn Bridge Ramps Rehabilitation Project, several lane closures may affect motorists travelling between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Local streets may experience single lane closures as needed and Manhattan-bound lane closures continue overnight throughout the duration of the project. Any other closures, including Manhattan-bound closures that extend into daytime hours during selected weekends, will be highlighted below. Brooklyn-bound traffic will be maintained throughout the project as will the spans pedestrian and cycling path. During Manhattan-bound closures, motorists will be detoured to the nearby Manhattan Bridge or may choose other crossings.Unless otherwise notified of specific occurrences, nighttime closures are as follows:Overnight/Weekend Detours for Manhattan-Bound Traffic Monday - Thursday nights: 11 pm* to 6 am Saturday 12:01 am* to 7 am Sunday 12:01 am to 9 am * To allow traffic to clear before the reversal begins, the eastbound BQE exit onto the bridge closes 30 minutes earlier and other Brooklyn ramps onto the bridge shut down 5-15 minutes earlier. Manhattan BridgeThere are five lanes from 6 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday westbound (Manhattan-bound) of which two are on the north upper roadway (the left lane HOV2+) and three on the lower roadway; two lanes are maintained on the south upper roadway eastbound (Brooklyn bound). No trucks are permitted on the North Upper westbound roadway from 5 am to 10 am Monday to Friday. Overnight Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 9:30 pm, there are five lanes eastbound and two lanes westbound. To support Brooklyn Bridge closures, the lower roadway will be Manhattan bound westbound from 9:30 pm to 2 pm weekdays. There are five lanes westbound to Manhattan and two lanes eastbound to Brooklyn over the weekend from 9 pm Friday to 3:30 pm Monday. One of three lanes on the lower level Manhattan-bound/westbound may be closed 10 am to 2 pm and 12:01 am to 5 am weeknights through December 2014.Williamsburg BridgeThere are four lanes of traffic in each direction on the bridge. Trucks are allowed on the outer roadways only. A single lane in each direction may be closed off peak hours as needed to facilitate NYCDOT bridge inspection and maintenance work.Ed Koch/Queensboro BridgeThe North Inner Lower Roadway is Manhattan-bound with access from Queens Plaza North to Second Avenue and East 60th Street. The South Inner Lower roadway is Queens-bound with access from 2nd Avenue to Queens Plaza South. Trucks are allowed on the lower inner roadways only. Trucks are prohibited from the upper and outer roadways. The North Upper Roadway is Manhattan-bound at all times. Access is to East 62nd Street/East 63rd Street in Manhattan from Thomson Avenue, 21st Street at Queens Plaza North, and 11th Street at Queens Plaza South in Queens. The South Upper Roadway is Queens-bound except Monday to Friday from 6 am to 9:30 am when the roadway is reversed and accommodates the Manhattan bound high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane containing two or more people. Access is to East 58th Street/East 57th Street in Manhattan from Thomson Avenue or 21st Street at 43rd Avenue in Queens. The South Outer Roadway of the lower level is open to passenger cars only with access from westbound 59th Street off of 1st Avenue to Queens Plaza South (except 9 pm-6 am nightly when roadway is closed to traffic).ManhattanWest 59th Street between Northbound Route 9A Service Road and Southbound Route 9A Service RoadThese streets are closed all times from October 28, 2013 to December 31st, 2014 by NYCDDC/DOS to facilitate the reconstruction of a pier platform. Motorists should follow posted detour.Southbound Route 9A Service Road from West 59th Street to West 55th StreetThese streets are closed all times from October 28, 2013 to December 31, 2014 by NYCDDC/DOS to facilitate the reconstruction of a pier platform. Motorists should follow posted detour.West Street/9A northbound between Albany Street and Liberty StreetThe northbound left turn will be restricted starting February 26, 2011 and the left turn will be permitted at the prior intersection of Albany Street. This work will occur through December 2014 to facilitate NYSDOT construction activity.West Street/9A from West Thames Street to Chambers StreetOne lane may be closed northbound from 10 am to 3 pm and 10 pm to 5 am and southbound from 10 am to 2 pm and 7 pm to 5 am weeknights, as well as all day Saturday and Sunday. Two lanes may be closed from 10 pm to 5 am northbound weeknights, 1 am to 8 am Saturday and 12:01 am to 9 am Sundays and 12:01 am to 5 am southbound on weeknights, 1 am to 11 am Saturdays and 12:01 am to 11:00 am Sundays. This work is necessary to facilitate NYSDOT and Port Authority NY/NJ for roadway construction work through January 5, 2015.Chambers Street between Broadway and Greenwich StreetThese streets were converted from two-way to a one-way westbound operation on August 29, 2010 to facilitate major water and sewer utility work and roadway reconstruction by NYCDDC.Broadway between Liberty Street and Pine StreetOne lane of traffic is maintained for NYCDDC long-term roadway reconstruction.East Houston Street between the Bowery and Suffolk StreetA minimum of two lanes in each direction are maintained to facilitate NYCDDC roadway reconstruction through Spring of 2015. Lane closures will be confined to actual work areas only.Avenue D from East 12th Street to East 13th StreetThis roadway is closed with further notice to facilitate a NYCDEP pumping station capital project.Hudson Street between North Moore Street and Worth StreetTwo northbound lanes are maintained to facilitate NYCDDC water-main project.1st Avenue between East 57th Street and East 59th StreetFour lanes of traffic are maintained through late 2015 to facilitate NYCDDC water main installation.2nd Avenue between East 59th Street and East 57th StreetThree lanes of traffic are maintained from 10 pm to 5 am Monday nights to Saturday mornings to facilitate NYCDDC water main work through late December 2014.2nd Avenue between East 101st Street and East 93rd StreetFour lanes of traffic are maintained 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm weekdays, (three lanes other times) to facilitate long term NYCT Second Avenue Subway construction activity. On East 96th Street four lanes are maintained, two westbound and two eastbound. Left turns from westbound 96th Street onto southbound 2nd Avenue are permitted though December 2016.2nd Avenue between East 95th and East 91st Streets/East 79th Street and East 78th StreetsFour lanes of traffic are maintained 7 am to 10 am, and 3 pm to 7 pm weekdays, (three lanes other times) to facilitate long term NYCT Second Avenue Subway construction activity through June 2015.2nd Avenue between East 88th Street and East 82nd StreetFour lanes of traffic are maintained from 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm weekdays (three lanes maintained all other times) to facilitate NYCT 2nd Avenue Subway construction activity through May 2016. Note: Two 14 foot lanes of traffic are maintained on East 86th Street between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, one lane eastbound and one lane westbound with no left turns permitted westbound on East 86th Street to southbound 2nd Avenue.2nd Avenue between East 74th Street and East 66th StreetFour lanes of traffic are maintained from 7 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm weekdays (three lanes maintained all other times) to facilitate NYCT 2nd Avenue Subway construction activity through December 2016. Note: Three lanes of traffic are maintained between East 71st Street and East 69th Street.2nd Avenue between East 33rd Street and East 34th StreetA minimum of three lanes of traffic are maintained 7 am to 3:30 pm daily to facilitate NYCDDC water main project through early 2015.3rd Avenue between East 33rd Street and East 34th StreetA minimum of three lanes of traffic are maintained 7 am to 3:30 pm daily to facilitate NYCDDC water main project through early 2015.3rd Avenue between East 57th Street and East 59th StreetThree lanes of traffic are maintained overnight from 12:01 am to 5 am weeknights through mid-December 2014 to facilitate NYCDDC water main work.7th Avenue between West 42nd Street and West 47th StreetsTwo lanes of traffic are maintained during Con Edison utility work from 11 pm to 8 am, Sunday nights to Friday morning, and 1 am to Noon Saturday/Sunday. During these times one lane of traffic is maintained on crosstown streets. On a nightly basis work is confined to the specific areas within the above limits of 7th Avenue. This work is expected to continue through 2014.Broadway between West 44th Street and West 47th StreetPlaza reconstruction and utility construction work is occurring by NYCDDC and Con Edison between West 44th Street and West 47th Street. During this work portions of the plaza area are closed.10th Avenue between West 30th Street and West 33rd Street (Vicinity of the 30th Street Entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel)Three lanes of traffic are maintained to facilitate NYCDDC contractors water main installation project started again in early February 2014 through 2015.11th Avenue at West 30th StreetThree lanes of traffic will be maintained on 11th Avenue, and one lane of traffic on West 30th Street through 2016 to facilitate NYCDDC water main work and new building construction activity.West 30th Street between 11th Avenue and 10th AvenueOne lane of traffic is maintained on West 30th Street to facilitate new building construction and/or NYCDDC contractors water main installation project through December 2015.West 33rd Street between 10th Avenue and 11th AvenuesOne lane of traffic is maintained through 2015 to facilitate new building construction activity.East 55th Street between Madison Avenue and Park AvenueOne lane of traffic is maintained during MTA East Side Access Project through November 2015.East 58th Street between Queensboro Bridge ramp to South Upper Roadway and 2nd Avenue and from 3rd Avenue to 2nd AvenueOne lane of traffic is maintained 7 am to 3:30 pm daily through late 2015 to facilitate NYCDDC water main installation. Two lanes of traffic are maintained all other times.East 63rd Street between 3rd Avenue and Park AvenueOne lane of traffic is maintained off peak hours and two lanes maintained peak hours, to facilitate NYCT 63rd Street Station construction related to the 2nd Avenue Subway project through 2015.BronxCross Bronx Expressway (Alexander Hamilton Bridge) between Amsterdam Avenue and Webster AvenueOne lane may be closed in each direction 11 pm to 5:30 am weeknights, 12:01 am to 5:30 am Saturday. Two lanes eastbound may be closed 12:01 am to 5:30 am Saturday and 12:01 am to 6 am Sunday. Two lanes may be closed westbound 1 am to 5 am Saturday, 2 am to 5:30 am Sunday to facilitate NYSDOT bridge rehabilitation and maintenance work through June 2015.Major Deegan Expressway under High Bridge (Depot Place to West 170th Street)One of three lanes in each direction will be closed 10 pm to 5 am Monday nights to Saturday mornings to facilitate NYCDDC overhead work on High Bridge structure to December 31, 2014.Goulden Avenue between Sedgwick Avenue and 205th StreetOne lane in each direction is open to traffic on Goulden Avenue to facilitate NYCDEP water main project.Palisades Avenue at Independence AvenuePalisades Avenue is closed to facilitate NYCDDC retaining wall reconstruction. Motorists should follow posted detour route.BrooklynGowanus Expressway/Belt Parkway Interchange between 92nd Street and 54th StreetOne of three lanes is closed on the outbound/southbound Gowanus Expressway between the Belt Parkway exit and the 3rd Avenue entrance. Note: A new traffic pattern with a middle lane closure is in effect and motorists proceeding to I-278/Verrazano-Narrows Bridge may use each side of the work zone. Motorists proceeding to the Belt Parkway (passenger cars only, no trucks) should use the left side of work zone. Motorists proceeding southbound to the 6th Avenue exit or 86th Street exit should use the right most lane. One of three lanes may be closed inbound/northbound from 11 pm to 5 am Sunday night to Friday morning, 11 pm Friday to 8 am Saturday and 11 pm Saturday to 11 am Sunday. A minimum of two lanes must be maintained outbound/southbound from 12:01 am to 6 am Monday to Friday, 12:01 am to 8 am Saturday and 12:01 am to 11 am Sunday. This work is necessary to facilitate NYSDOT long term rehabilitation until approximately May 2015. Note: The center lane in bound between 72nd Street and 53rd Street is closed as of Saturday May 18, 2013 through Fall 2014 for concrete deck replacement. Motorists wishing to use the 3rd Avenue exit must use the right most lane for access. Three in-bound lanes will continue to be available with the use of the newly constructed flyover ramp on the left side of the inbound roadway.Third Avenue between 65th Street and Prospect AvenueOff-peak lane closures may occur to facilitate NYSDOT roadway work on the Gowanus Expressway structure. Lane closures are confined to the actual work area only.Gowanus Expressway Inbound/NB over the Gownus Canal between Center Street and BQE/Hugh L. Carey Tunnel InterchangeA work zone will be set up in the center lane and four lanes of traffic will be maintained inbound. Note: A new traffic pattern is in effect and motorists continuing on I-278 may use each side of the work zone. Motorists proceeding to the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel must use the extreme left lanes. The two right lanes will have access to the BQE and Hamilton Avenue exits only and the two left lanes will have access to the Hugh Carey Tunnel. Off-peak one lane closures will occur Monday to Friday from 11 pm to 5 am, 12:01 am to 5 am on Saturday, and 12:01 am to 9 am on Sunday. This phase of construction will occur from January 6th through December 2014.Hamilton Avenue between Clinton Street and Prospect Expressway; Third Avenue between Prospect Expressway and 65th Street; 65th Street between Third Avenue and Sixth AvenueOne lane may be closed on the above roadways northbound towards the Brooklyn Battery tunnel from 10 am to 3 pm weekdays. One lane may be closed on the above roadways southbound towards the Verrazano Narrows Bridge from 7 am to 3 pm weekdays to facilitate NYSDOT long term work.Prospect Expressway (inbound) Northbound at Gowanus Expressway InterchangeA special contra-flow lane is open for buses from 6 am to 10 am Monday to Friday. The priority lane will use the outbound Prospect Expressway connector ramp for inbound buses. The Prospect priority lane will run parallel to the Gowanus Expressway special lane from the Prospect/Gowanus interchange to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel.Brooklyn Queens Expressway westbound between Cadman Plaza West and Hamilton AvenueOne of three lanes may be closed 12:01 am to 1 am and two of three lanes may be closed 1 am to 5 am Tuesdays and Thursdays through December 2014 to facilitate NYCDOT bridges under decking maintenance and repairs.Atlantic Avenue between Fort Greene Place and Carlton AvenueThree lanes of traffic are maintained westbound and two lanes maintained eastbound as part of the Atlantic Yards long term construction project. The left turn from southbound Atlantic Avenue onto 6th Avenue southbound is closed and motorists should use Carlton Avenue and follow detour.6th Avenue between Pacific Street and Atlantic AvenueThis street was converted from two-way to one-way northbound toward Atlantic Avenue the night of November 19th, 2014 to facilitate Pacific Park Brooklyn project (formerly Atlantic Yards) long term construction for approximately 8 months.Rockaway Parkway under Belt ParkwayOne lane in each direction is maintained through March 2015 to facilitate NYCDOT bridges rehabilitation.Belt Parkway over Fresh Creek Basin and Paerdegat Basin Bridges (between Flatbush Avenue and Pennsylvania AvenueOne of three lanes in each direction may be closed 10 am to 2 pm and 10 pm to 5 am weekdays. Two of three lanes in each direction may be closed 1 am to 5 am weeknights. Closures are required to facilitate NYCDOT bridge reconstruction through March 2015.Belt Parkway between Flatbush Avenue and Knapp Street (over Gerritsen Inlet)One of three lanes in each direction may be closed 10 am to 2 pm and 10 pm to 5 am weekdays. Two of three lanes in each direction may be closed 1 am to 5 am weeknights. Closures are required to facilitate NYCDOT bridge reconstruction/replacement through March 2015.Belt Parkway/Shore Parkway at 69th StreetOne lane in each direction may be closed from 10 am to 2 pm weekdays to facilitate NYCDOT Bridges reconstruction work.Queens149th Street Bridge (over LIRR) between 41st Avenue and Roosevelt AvenueThis Bridge is closed to traffic during NYCDOT bridge rehabilitation.Belt Parkway between Cross Bay Boulevard and 149th StreetOne of three lanes in either direction may be closed 10 am to 2 pm weekdays and 10 pm to 5 am weeknights. Two of three lanes in either direction may be closed 1 am to 5 am weeknights to facilitate NYCDEP sewer reconstruction through July 2016. Additionally one of two lanes on the Nassau Expressway exit ramp to eastbound Belt Parkway from 115th Street to 128th Street will be closed.Grand Central Parkway between 82nd Street and 111th StreetOne lane in each direction may be closed 10 am to 2 pm and from 10 pm to 5 am weekdays, and 10 pm Friday to 7 am Saturday, and 10 pm Saturday to 3 pm Sunday to facilitate NYSDOT landscaping from March 31 to January 31, 2015.Grand Central Parkway under 44th StreetOne lane in each direction may be closed 11 pm to 5 am, and two lanes in each direction closed 12:01 am to 5 am weeknights to facilitate NYCDOT bridge painting through December 2014.Van Wyck Expressway between Jewel Avenue and Union TurnpikeOne of three lanes in each direction may be closed 10 am to 2 pm and 1 am to 5 am Monday through Friday. Two of three lanes in each direction may be closed 1 am to 5 am Monday to Friday to facilitate NYSDOT long term Kew Gardens Interchange rehabilitation through February 2017.Union Turnpike Service Road eastbound between 128th Street and 134th StreetLong term construction for the Kew Gardens Interchange NYSDOT project requires the right lane closure. All existing travel lanes will remain open by shifting traffic to the left.Staten IslandStaten Island Expressway (Entire Length)One of three lanes in each direction may be closed 10 am to 3 pm (9 am to 3 pm eastbound) weekdays and 10 pm to 5 am Monday night to Friday morning, 12:01 am to 10 am Saturday and 12:01 am to 11:59 am Sunday. Two of three lanes in each direction may be closed 11 pm to 5 am weekdays, 12:01 am to 7 am Saturday, and 12:01 am to 8 am Sunday. These lanes closures are required through March 2015 to facilitate NYSDOT rehabilitation construction activity.Martin Luther King Expressway northbound exit/entrance ramps to/from Trantor PlaceEffective November 4, 2013 the northbound exit ramp (last exit before Bayonne Bridge) is closed. The Trantor Place entrance to northbound Expressway/Bayonne Bridge is also closed. Motorists should follow posted detours and use the prior Forest Avenue exit, and the Forest Avenue entrance. This long term closure expected through February 2017 is part of the PANY/NJ work associated with the Bayonne Bridge navigational clearance closure project.Staten Island/New Jersey CrossingsBayonne BridgeOne of two lanes in each direction is open to traffic for PANY/NJ long term navigational clearance project. No oversized or overnight vehicles are permitted. Overnight Bridge closures started January 8th, 2014 and continue through the duration of the project. The closures are: Monday through Thursday from 9 pm to 5 am and Friday midnight to 8 am Saturday. No weekend closures on Saturday and Sunday and holiday weekends. During closures, motorists should use the Goethals Bridge as an alternate.Information about scheduled maintenance and construction on MTA Bridges and Tunnels can be found on the MTA Web site.Source: www.nyc.gov

New York Special Traffic Report - As of 12/5/14

2014 Holiday Construction Embargo November 21, 2014 and November 24-January 2, 2015A special Holiday Construction Embargo shall be in effect for the period of Friday, November 21, 2014 from 6:00 am to 11:59 pm and again from Monday, November 24, 2014 from 6:00 am through Thursday, January 2, 2015 11:59 pm. As a result, all routine work shall be suspended during the embargo period unless approval for the work is granted by the Departments Office of Construction Mitigation and Coordination (OCMC). Such suspension shall not apply to emergency work for which an emergency number is obtained by the permittee pursuant to the provisions of section 2-11 of the Departments Highway Rules.It shall be a violation of the Departments Highway Rules to perform any work on the street during this embargo period without the prior approval of OCMC or the receipt of an emergency number. The Department will strictly enforce this embargo and violators are subject to penalties.See the list of the affected locations and the conditions for this embargo.Brooklyn Bridge RehabilitationDuring the rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge, several lane closures may affect motorists travelling between Manhattan and Brooklyn. One of three Brooklyn-bound lanes will generally be closed during weekdays from 6 am to 3 pm in order to facilitate long term bridge construction. Local streets may experience single lane closures as needed and Manhattan-bound lane closures continue overnight throughout the duration of the project. Any other closures, including Manhattan-bound closures that extend into daytime hours during selected weekends, will be highlighted below. Brooklyn-bound traffic will be maintained throughout the project as will the span s pedestrian and cycling path. During Manhattan-bound closures, motorists will be detoured to the nearby Manhattan Bridge or may choose other crossings.Learn more about the Brooklyn Bridge RehabilitationChambers Street ReconstructionThe Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is performing work on Chambers Street in order to install new water mains and upgrade other utilities. To safely accommodate the work, parts of Chambers Street between Broadway and West Street will become one-way, open to only westbound traffic. During Phase I, scheduled to end in late 2011, work will be performed between West Broadway and West Street. Phase II, scheduled to run from late 2011 through summer 2012, will include work between Broadway and West Broadway. Two-way traffic will be maintained on blocks not under construction.Download an informational booklet on the Chambers Street reconstruction(pdf)Closure of the 149th Street Bridge over the LIRRBeginning on May 10, 2010, DOT will rehabilitate the 149th Street Bridge over the Long Island Rail Road, between Roosevelt Avenue and 41st Avenue in Queens. The roadway, sidewalks, and parapet will be completely rebuilt and replaced. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November, 2011. Please use the 147th Street or 149th Place bridges as alternate routes.Lane Closures on the Brooklyn-Queens ExpresswayOn or about April 29, 2010, DOT will begin work on the on the Summit Street Pedestrian Bridge over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The existing protective coating will be cleaned and removed through abrasive blasting techniques. A new, epoxy-zinc protective coating system will be applied to all steel superstructures. In order to mobilize equipment at the work site, during the work the contractor will close two lanes on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Kane Street and Hamilton Avenue for work under the Summit Street Pedestrian Bridge. These lane closures will occur:Tuesday to Friday: 1:00 am to 5:00 amSaturdays: 1:00 am to 6:00 amSunday: 2:00 am to 7:00 amConcrete barriers, advanced warning signs and pavement markings will be installed to maintain the safe flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the vicinity of the work area. The contractor may also close one traffic lane to permit the installation of paint containment units while maintaining the remaining lanes of traffic at all times. To limit construction noise all construction activity will be undertaken in accordance with the noise mitigation code.Source: www.nyc.gov

New York Weekeend Traffic Report - Friday December 5, 2014 to Sunday December 7, 2014

ManhattanWest 15th Street between 9th Avenue and High Line ParkThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.East 18th Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.West 26th Street between 7th Avenue and 6th AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm to facilitate crane operation.West 27th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th AvenueThis street will be closed 6 am to 9 pm Saturday and/or Sunday to facilitate crane operation.West 28th Street between 11th Avenue and 12th AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 12:01 am to 10 am to facilitate crane operation.West 30th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th AvenueThis street will be closed 6 am to 9 pm Saturday and/or Sunday to facilitate crane operation.West 121st Street between Broadway and Amsterdam AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm to facilitate crane operation.East 124th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm to facilitate crane operation.West 173rd Street between Fort Washington Avenue and BroadwayThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm to facilitate crane operation.Charles Street between West Street and Washington StreetThis street will be closed 6 am Saturday a to 9 pm Sunday to facilitate crane operation.Peck Slip between Pearl Street and Water StreetThis street will be closed 8 am to 10 pm Saturday and 9 am to 10 pm Sunday to facilitate crane operation.Franklin Street between Broadway and Church StreetThis street will be closed Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and/or Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.Franklin Place between Franklin Street and White StreetThis street will be closed Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and/or Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.Nassau Street between Ann Street and Beekman StreetThis street will be closed Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm to facilitate concrete operation.Manhattan/BrooklynBrooklyn BridgeDue to the Brooklyn Bridge Ramps Rehabilitation Project, several lane closures may affect motorists travelling between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Local streets may experience single lane closures as needed and Manhattan-bound lane closures continue overnight throughout the duration of the project. Any other closures, including Manhattan-bound closures that extend into daytime hours during selected weekends, will be highlighted below. Brooklyn-bound traffic will be maintained throughout the project as will the spans pedestrian and cycling path. During Manhattan-bound closures, motorists will be detoured to the nearby Manhattan Bridge or may choose other crossings.Unless otherwise notified of specific occurrences, nighttime closures are as follows:Overnight/Weekend Detours for Manhattan-Bound Traffic Monday - Thursday nights: 11 pm* to 6 am Saturday 12:01 am* to 7 am Sunday 12:01 am to 9 am* To allow traffic to clear before the reversal begins, the eastbound BQE exit onto the bridge closes 30 minutes earlier and other Brooklyn ramps onto the bridge shut down 5-15 minutes earlier. Williamsburg Bridge (Eastbound to Brooklyn)One of four lanes will be closed 6 am to 2 pm Saturday to facilitate NYCDOT bridges maintenance work.BrooklynUnion Street Bridge over Gowanus CanalOne lane northbound will be closed Sunday from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm to facilitate bridge repair work.Third Street Bridge over Gowanus CanalOne lane in each direction will be closed Sunday from 7 am to 12 Noon to facilitate bridge repair work.Starr Street between Central Avenue and Wilson AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.Boerum Place between Pacific Street and Atlantic AvenueThis street will be closed Saturday and/or Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm to facilitate crane operation.Brooklyn/QueensGrand Street Bridge over Newtown CreekThis bridge will be closed Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm to facilitate NYCDOT bridge repairs.QueensFestivals, Parades and EventsChristmas Light Show ParadeThe following streets will be closed Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm for the Christmas Light Show Parade as permitted by NYPD.Formation:Rockaway Boulevard between 101st Street and 103rd Street (Eastbound)Route:Rockaway Boulevard between 103rd Street and 142nd Street (Eastbound)Dispersal:Rockaway Boulevard between 142nd Street and 143rd Street (Eastbound)Staten Island/New Jersey CrossingsBayonne BridgeOne of two lanes in each direction is open to traffic for PANY/NJ long term navigational clearance project. No oversized or overnight vehicles are permitted. Overnight Bridge closures started January 8th, 2014 and continue through the duration of the project. The closures are: Monday through Thursday from 9 pm to 5 am and Friday midnight to 8 am Saturday. No weekend closures on Saturday and Sunday and holiday weekends. During closures, motorists should use the Goethals Bridge as an alternate.Information about scheduled maintenance and construction on MTA Bridges and Tunnels can be found on the MTA Web site.Source: www.nyc.gov