Calif. city building a "tsunami-resistant" port

An Oct. 26, 2012 photo shows a large backhoe repairing damage caused by the March, 2011 tsunami at the boat basin in Crescent City, Calif. Once it overcomes some construction setbacks, the port hopes to have the West Coast's first harbor designed to withstand the kind of tsunami expected to hit every 50 years. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)

An Oct. 26, 2012 photo shows a large backhoe repairing damage caused by the March, 2011 tsunami at the boat basin in Crescent City, Calif. Once it overcomes some construction setbacks, the port hopes to have the West Coast's first harbor designed to withstand the kind of tsunami expected to hit every 50 years. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)

An Oct. 26, 2012 photo shows a large driling rig, at right, waiting for a custom drill bit to install bigger and stronger dock pilings to take the place of docks destroyed by the 2011 tsunami from Japan. Once it overcomes some construction delays, the port hopes to have the West Coast's first harbor designed to withstand the kind of tsunami expected to hit every 50 years. Due to the formation of the sea floor and the configuration of the harbor, Crescent City regularly takes the biggest hit of any port on the West Coast from tsunamis, whether they come from Chile, Alaska or Japan. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)

A March 12, 2011 photo shows sunken and damaged boats in the boat basin at Crescent City, Calif., after a powerful tsunami sent repeated surges that broke up docks and tore loose boats. After one tsunami after another over the decades, the port hopes that repairs under way will make the harbor able to withstand a similar tsunami in the future. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)

CRESCENT CITY, Calif. (AP) ? It doesn't matter if the earth sways in Chile, Alaska or Japan, the formation of the sea floor along the U.S. West Coast generally aims any tsunami surges at the tiny California port town of Crescent City. Churning water rushes into the boat basin and then rushes out, lifting docks off their pilings, tearing boats loose and leaving the city's main economic engine looking as if it has been bombed.

That's what happened in March 2011, when a Japanese earthquake sparked a tsunami that sank 11 boats, damaged 47 others and destroyed two-thirds of the harbor's docks.

Port officials are hoping that tsunami is among the last of many that have forced major repairs in Crescent City, a tiny commercial fishing village on California's rugged northern coast. Officials are spending $54 million to build the West Coast's first harbor able to withstand the kind of tsunami expected to hit once every 50 years ? the same kind that hit in 2011, when the highest surge in the boat basin measured 8.1 feet and currents were estimated at 22 feet per second.

Officials are building 244 new steel pilings that will be 30 inches in diameter and 70 feet long. Thirty feet or more will be sunk into bedrock. The dock nearest the entrance will be 16 feet long and 8 feet deep to dampen incoming waves. The pilings will extend 18 feet above the water so that surges 7 ? feet up and 7 ? feet down will not rip docks loose.

Crescent City was not the only West Coast port slammed by the tsunami, which was generated by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake in Japan. The waves ripped apart docks and sank boats in Santa Cruz, Calif., and did similar damage in Brookings, Ore., just north of Crescent City. But their geographical location doesn't make them as vulnerable to multiple tsunamis.

"Normally, Crescent City takes the hit for all of us," said Brookings harbormaster Ted Fitzgerald.

Since a tidal gauge was installed in the boat basin in 1934, this small port has been hit by 34 tsunamis, large and small. It typically suffers the most damage and the highest waves on the West Coast, said Lori Dengler, professor of geology at Humboldt State University.

The sea floor funnels surges into the mouth of Crescent City's harbor, and the harbor's configuration magnifies them, experts say.

A wave generated by an earthquake in Alaska on Good Friday, 1964, killed 11 people and wiped out 29 city blocks. That was 10 years before the boat basin was even built.

When the waves hit in 2011, the port was still repairing damages from a tsunami that hit in 2006. Officials already had a plan for dealing with future tsunamis, said Ward Stover, owner of Stover Engineering in Crescent City, which put together the plan.

With no tsunami building codes, Stover said the state of California and Crescent City decided to prepare for the kind of tsunami expected to hit every 50 years. They rejected as too expensive building a tidal gate to close off the mouth of the harbor or trying to survive a powerful tsunami like the one that hit in 1964. Instead, they planned to make the docks strong enough to ride out the most likely surges.

"It's tsunami-resistant, not tsunami-proof," Stover said.

Construction has been marked by one delay after another. Government funding was slow, and a custom-built drill bit for installing the extra-strength pilings deep in bedrock broke. So authorities switched to installing temporary docks the old-fashioned way, by pounding in the pilings, to get them through the winter. Many of the 60 commercial fishing boats based in Crescent City are still mooring in the outer harbor. Others have to make do without water or electricity.

The March 2011 tsunami was a wake-up call for communities up and down the West Coast. Many improved tsunami evacuation plans and held mock evacuations.

But some experts say the West Coast is still not taking the threat seriously enough.

"Many ports on the West Coast are in denial as to their tsunami hazard," said Costas Synolakis, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Tsunami Research Center at the University of Southern California.

___

Jeff Barnard can be reached at https://twitter.com/JeffBarnardAP

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-11-22-Tsunami%20Repairs/id-3c175d95e6d244c2863f76c44a7351ff

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Sport Fishing Boats ? 3 Of The Best | recreation and sports blog ...

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When Asthma Attacks: Top Tips For Controlling Your Condition ...

Are you someone who has to deal with asthma? This article is filled with a number of great tips to help you better manage your asthma.

Asthma generally takes a long time to develop, and the symptoms may be vague at first, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. People can even die from their very first asthma attack as they?re not prepared for it! Given that fact, if you have any kind of consistent cough or respiratory ailments, consulting a physician for testing is a good idea, since you want to know if you are suffering from asthma and if so, what to do about it.

Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. You can buy these vitamins to help you get better function from your lungs and control your asthma symptoms. You can gain vitamins from supplements or the old fashioned way, from food! Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn?t healthy, it won?t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.

TIP! If the room that you?re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack.

For asthma sufferers, the unscented option is always the best choice among different products. Products with a strong smell such as air fresheners, incense or perfume can trigger asthma attacks. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Try to maintain the air in your house as free from possible asthma triggers as possible.

Over time you should work to strengthen your body and increase the capacity of your lungs. Never tempt an attack by starting a grueling workout when you know you cannot finish it because of asthma.

A handful of primary initiators of asthma, and its attack triggers, lie right in your residence. These are dust, mold and spores. To keep healthy, lower your risk of an asthma attack by getting rid of these triggers from your home. On top of that, doing housecleaning regularly can prevent build up of these particles.

TIP! If somebody has serious asthma, make sure that they consult with a doctor before doing any type of vigorous physical activity to make sure it?s safe. You don?t want to go running or biking and end up in the hospital.

The tips you have read above should be useful in controlling the symptoms you experience from asthma. The most important step is to take this advice and use it. Individuals who ignore warning signs or underestimate the impact of symptoms are placing themselves in grave danger. Make sure to protect yourself by adhering to this advice about strategies to help control your asthma.

Source: http://giorgiosantini.com/when-asthma-attacks-top-tips-for-controlling-your-condition.html

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6 Ways Couples Can Connect During the Holidays | World of ...

Even though the holidays are about loved ones, they somehow don?t leave much time for couples to connect. Between added responsibilities and family obligations, it might seem like you?re spending less and less time together. Or maybe quantity isn?t the issue, but quality time is.

?It is very important for couples to remember that although they are integral parts of their extended families, and for couples with children, integral parts of creating rituals and memories for their children, they also ? first and foremost ? have a?commitment?to each other,? said Nikki Massey-Hastings, PsyD, a clinical psychologist who works with couples.

But while connecting might be tricky, it?s absolutely possible. Here are six ideas for reducing stress and staying connected during the bustling holiday season.

1. Be selective.

Talk to your partner about the events you?ll attend. ?Decide where you will go for which holiday, and alternate the choices every year,? said Mudita Rastogi, Ph.D, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Arlington Heights, Ill. Being selective with your holiday plans minimizes stress and lets you enjoy the events you do attend, she said. ?

2. Be fair.

When making plans, don?t shoot down your partner?s ideas. As Rastogi said, ?If hubby insists on spending the whole weekend with Grandpa Henry, try to understand why.?

And brainstorm a variety of solutions. For instance, she said, you might drive separately to an event.

3. Have special traditions.

You probably have a number of traditions with your extended family, Massey-Hastings said. For instance, you might eat your holiday meal at the same place every year or have a specific way of opening presents, she said. And if you have kids, you might take them to the same holiday attractions, she said.

Traditions that involve the two of you are just as important. These rituals help to bolster your bond, Massey-Hastings said. And they protect against potential stressors that might come up from spending time with your extended family ? for instance, your traditions might include selecting a new ornament every year or enjoying a special holiday date.

4. Sneak in together time.

Cook an interesting meal together, go to the movies or use your time in the car to catch up, Rastogi said. Even if you?re at someone else?s home for the holidays or hosting loved ones, carve out some alone time.

For instance, go to your room 30 minutes before you need to sleep, wake up 30 minutes before you need to start getting ready, go for a walk or run errands together, Massey-Hastings said. If you have kids, this time without mom and dad helps them bond with their other relatives, she said.

5. Get creative together.

?Create a collage of pictures for your annual holiday letter, bust out your favorite playlist and practice your dance moves for the holiday party, or write your own song with your sweetie,? Rastogi said. It?s also a great way to relieve stress, she said.

6. Make time for intimate moments.

It?s important to connect with your partner in all areas of your relationship, and that includes sexual intimacy, Massey-Hastings said. You might try different locations ? like a bathroom or private backyard under a blanket ? positions or activities, she said. Or you might just try being ?quiet in a house full of loved ones.?

Connecting during the holidays might be a challenge, but with a little bit of planning and effort, you can have fun as a couple and nourish your bond.

Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. is an Associate Editor at Psych Central and blogs regularly about eating and self-image issues on her own blog, Weightless.

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Tartakovsky, M. (2012). 6 Ways Couples Can Connect During the Holidays. Psych Central. Retrieved on November 21, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/11/20/6-ways-couples-can-connect-during-the-holidays/

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This Week's Pet: Check Out the Cats and Dogs Still Looking for Homes

For this Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to feature not one pet in Adopt Me! but all the pets that we've featured recently that are still available for adoption at PAWS in Tinley Park.

Check out the following videos to see how cute and friendly these animals are. And go to their individual profiles for more information.

CATS

Squirt:?1-year-old domestic short hair with a stealthy, curious side

Snuggles:?7-year-old domestic medium hair cat who enjoys cuddling.?

Baby:?a playful, affectionate 3-year-old domestic short hair cat with orange, black and white fur.

DOGS

Angel:?7-year-old German Shepherd mix, with tan and black fur, who has a calm, warm and affectionate demeanor.

Source: http://orlandpark.patch.com/articles/this-week-s-pet-check-out-the-cats-and-dogs-still-looking-for-homes

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Fredericksburg, VA City Guide | Design*Sponge

Photos by Heather and Michael Fonteneau

This week?s Fredericksburg City Guide comes from Heather and Mickael Fonteneau of Atelier Fonteneau. After meeting and living in New York, Heather convinced Mickael that living in the Virginia countryside would be just like moving back to life in the French countryside . . . sort of. That?s when the couple stumbled upon Fredericksburg and set up a workshop where they design and build custom furnishings, architectural woodwork, kitchens and residential and commercial spaces with their team (their benches can be seen in the Sneak Peek of Susan and William Brinson?s New York loft space).

Today they share their now-home of Fredericksburg, VA, in this amazing guide! Thank you, Heather and Mickael, for taking us on a tour of your beautiful city. ??Stephanie

Read the full guide after the jump . . .

Equidistant from Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA, Fredericksburg is perhaps best known for the University of Mary Washington and its civil war landmarks, battlefields and the many places where George Washington slept, but it?s much more than that. It?s also a sweet piece of small-town America with a fast-growing art, food and design scene at its historic downtown core. There is a strong sense of ownership and entrepreneurship downtown, where the majority of shops and restaurants are owned and operated by members of the community. Everyone seems to know everyone, and if they don?t, they soon will. Fredericksburg is a hospitable city that loves a party, so be sure to check out the calendar for events celebrating everything, including Greek heritage, Oktoberfest, dog parades, Bastille Day (a personal favorite!), home and garden tours and the list goes on. That plus the abundance of awesome colonial American, Victorian and early 20th-century architecture are great reasons to add the ?burg to your list of places to check out in Virginia.

Be sure to check out this?Fredericksburg Google Map with all the below listings.

DOWNTOWN

See/Do

Carl?s Ice Cream is affectionately known as ?Carl?s? and is a Fredericksburg institution that oozes delicious soft-serve. This place definitely has its own cult following that will brave crazy long lines and inclement weather. Carl?s has been owned and operated by the same family since 1947 and still operates out of a 1940s frozen custard walk-up. There are four flavors available (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and pineapple), as well as sundaes, shakes, malts and frozen slushes. In warm weather or at the end or beginning of the season, be prepared to wait in a line that wraps around the block and down the street, but once you see the electric lights of the Carl?s sign calling, there?s no going back. Closed between the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the Friday of Presidents Day Weekend.?2200 Princess Anne Street. 540.368.0000

Goolrick?s Pharmacy is one of America?s longest continuously running pharmacies that still offer traditional sandwiches, malted milks, milkshakes and cherry Cokes from a Norman Rockwell-era lunch counter. A mix of regulars and tourists mingle here over egg salad, BLTs, potato chips and macaroni salad, as well as other nostalgic sides. The menu is simple, and the seating is limited, but if you see a stool, steal it. 901 Caroline Street. 540.373-9878

Don?t miss the Fredericksburg Area Museum located on the corner of Princess Anne and William Streets. It?s a small museum showing both permanent collections and changing feature exhibitions that highlight the ?burg?s history in art, architecture, economy and community, among other topics. Make sure you take time to pass through the museum shop, which can also be accessed independent of the museum. 1001 Princess Anne Street. 540.371-3037

I would be remiss if I didn?t mention all of the tours available in Fredericksburg. There is a tour for almost anything, including the Kenmore Plantation and Ferry Farm;?the Mary Washington House;?a trolley tour, an architecture tour; a ghost tour and riverboat lunch, brunch or dinner tour. That said, some tours and events are offered on a regular basis, while others are offered seasonally. It?s best to check with the Fredericksburg Visitor?s Center. 706 Caroline Street. 540. 373.1776

Eat

Let me start by saying that we L-O-V-E love Food?. Food? (say it like foodie) serves up an ever-changing menu of fresh, regional, seasonal food that makes you feel as though everything is right in the world. Owners and BFFs Joy Crump and Beth Black and their staff have created a go-to for happy, amazing food without the fuss. Find your way through the wrought iron gate, down their beautifully decorated alleyway lined with outdoor seating, and into the small dining room. Be forewarned: The set-up is a bit unconventional. Come inside, grab a menu, order at the counter and find a place to sit ? the food will be on its way. Because Food? doesn?t offer traditional table-side service (although I?ve never wanted for anything), they don?t ask for tips. They just ask that you have a great meal, make yourself at home and stay a while. And you will. Come for (weekend) brunch, lunch and dinner. Love. 1006 C / D Caroline Street. 540.479.1370

Bistro Bethem is owned by husband-wife team Blake and Aby Bethem and was one of the first places we loved (and still love) in Fredericksburg. The Bethems focus on spinning local farm-fresh produce into comfortable fine dining. Their cozy space houses artwork from local artists, a 300-year-old pine bar with some of the most interesting handcrafted drinks in town, periodic live music and a warm and knowledgeable staff. Keep an eye out for their upcoming burger restaurant and rooftop bar. Reservations recommended. Closed Monday. 309 William Street. 540.371.9999

Sammy T?s has been a Fredericksburg mainstay since opening in 1981. Housed in a former auction house, Sammy T?s menu serves up diverse daily specials and a vegetarian (and vegan!) friendly menu. Its friendly staff, rotating local art collection and timeworn interior let you know you that have found the neighborhood joint. 801 Caroline Street. 540.371-2008

Up early? Make your way over to Eileen?s Bakery and Caf? for the cases full of freshly baked breads, pastries, confections and an array of breakfast sandwiches and small plates. On the far end of Caroline Street?s retail row, Eileen?s is located in a small renovated church building with a garden patio in the back. The George?s Mess is a local favorite and no-fail choice for breakfast. If you linger long enough, lunch starts at 11 a.m. with seasonal homemade salads and sandwiches. Closed Monday. 1115 Caroline Street. 540.372-4030

While it?s a few blocks up from most of the downtown action, if you make the (albeit short) trek, you will find a couple of the nicest guys and some of the best, baddest sandwiches in town at Jake & Mike?s. In addition to their long, very worthwhile sandwich menu, Jake & Mike?s is open for Sunday brunch and dinner on Tuesday through Sunday with a range of specials and unpretentious simple dishes. Sit down, relax and dig into their famous Russian Reuben or BLT or po?boy . . . 806 William Street.?540.370-4590

La Petite Auberge has remained the place to go for regulars for over 25 years with their menu of traditional French and local dishes. This place feels storied, like a bit of an institution, and has certainly stuck to its old school roots. The service is fab, as is the food, and I tend to cozy up to their bric-a-brac-laced bar for a laid-back dinner. The kitchen was recently handed down from father to son, and I think it will be interesting to see what the new generation of La Petite brings. Closed Sunday. 311 William Street. 540.371-2727

Castiglia?s is Mickael?s go-to corner joint for wood-fired pizza in a warm, homey, leisurely environment with casual outdoor seating. The Castiglia family?s Italian eatery has been a mainstay for years and is soon expanding, with a wine bar and rooftop expansion. 324 William Street. 540.373.6650

Bist du hungrig?!? If you are hungry, welcome to The Bavarian Chef. This restaurant is an extension of a family-owned German restaurant by the same name located in Madison, Virginia, that offers up traditional Bavarian lunch and dinner as well as additional options for those who aren?t sure whether they should schnitzel or sp?tzle. The Bavarian chef takes up the interior of a retired railroad station (right next to the Amtrak), and when you come, you should (1) make a reservation and (2) come hungry. You will be fed well. You will wish that you wore your elastic pants. You will see a dirndl or two. Closed Monday. 200 Lafayette Boulevard. 540.656-2101

Soup & Taco is a tiny slice of a lunch or quick dinner spot. In addition to having soup and tacos, they have a simple, straightforward menu of traditional fresh Mexican and Tex-Mex plates. Seating is limited. Closed Monday. 813 Caroline Street. 540.899-0969

Drink

Fredericksburg?s?Capital Alehouse is a sister location in a small local group of alehouses throughout Virginia. For those who just want a good, cold beer, this is the place to park it. The alehouse serves over 55 beers on tap and over 300 by the bottle on a winding iced bar top. 917 Caroline Street. 540.371.2337

If you?ve been in Fredericksburg for more than ten minutes, you?ve most likely seen Hyperion Espresso perched on the corner of William and Princess Anne Streets. Yes, it?s a coffee house. A very good one, in fact. But it?s also where people congregate, spilling outside and monopolizing the outdoor tables and chairs for as long as they please.? Aside from a sweet spot to have a non-alcoholic drink, they also offer light breakfast and snack options. 301 William Street. 540.373.4882

Kybecca wine bar is a popular stop for wines by the glass or bottle and cocktails. Outfitted with an Enomatic machine, featured wines are available in pours of various sizes, which are great if you want to try different types of wine without committing to a bottle (or a full glass).?400 William Street. 540.373.3338

Shop

Whittingham is a treasure trove of interesting home accessories ranging from quirky boxes and objects to dishes and serverware to art, mirrors, linens, glassware and the list goes on. This store has great seasonal home accessories, as well, and a constantly changing, often hilarious storefront window. Next door at the Kitchen at Whittingham,?you will want for nothing in the way of specialty ingredients, cook and bake ware, and interesting quirky hooks and accessories. The Kitchen at Whittingham hosts regular cooking classes taught by local chefs on Thursdays and Sundays. This is my go-to place for interesting and affordable gifts. 1021 Caroline Street. 540.374.0443

While the ?burg has several antique stores, none of them, in my opinion, are as well curated as Beck?s antiques. Wandering into Beck?s is like stumbling into the attic of a family member who collected only cool and interesting things. While the prices vary, the quality of the furniture, china, crystal, jewelry and textiles is unmistakable. Once you make it to the back of the store, you will find a solid collection of old books ranging from American history to art and architecture.?708 Caroline Street. 540.371.1766

R&R Antiques is one of the largest antique shops in Fredericksburg, with 40-plus vendors. I like this place because it?s a hodgepodge of items that you can get lost searching through. If you do take your time and look through the odds and ends, you can get very good deals on items that might easily be overlooked by others. Recent finds include 19th-century apothecary jars, crystal and marble lamps for under $100 and interesting floral prints. The back of the store has a sizeable collection of vintage accessories, clothes, shoes and furs. 1001 Caroline Street

PA Dutch Food & Candy is a great little store that sells just about every kind of imported and iconic candy imaginable. Every time I come to this store, I try something new and interesting, and it never gets old. Its sister store,?PA Dutch Tea & Spice Company, is located next door. The shelves are lined with boxes housing different sized pouches of spices and loose teas, all with samples available for sniffing. They also have a nice selection of tea pots, infusers and accessories. 1013 Caroline Street. 540.656.240

Libertytown Arts Workshop is a working art space and gallery tucked away on Liberty Street that houses the works of several skilled craftspeople and artists. Pieces range from pottery to photography and are for sale in the gallery, and group classes are taught in the workshop. The workshop hosts a variety of events, as well, so be sure to check their calendar. My personal favorite is potter Neal Reed.?916 Liberty Street. 540.371.7255

I recently wandered into Savvy Chic and immediately found a handful of pieces that I wanted to take home with me and could actually afford to do so. The shop features a mix of funky refinished pieces, accessories and architectural elements from varying periods and styles. 619 Caroline Street. 540.368.5440.

The ladies behind Beaucoup Vintage and Madeline Ruth have teamed up for their new joint venture, Forage. The recently opened shop sells a really well-edited selection of consignment and vintage clothes and accessories.?208 William Street. 540.656.286

Emporio is another newer home store that offers upcycled and repurposed furniture, art and accessories that lean toward the glamorous and gilded. Recent finds include large demijohn bottles, painted bamboo screens and folksy paintings. 703 Caroline Street. 540.373.0619

Fredericksburg has an abundance of art galleries that are worth checking out. I especially like Art First Gallery,?which has represented local artists for 20 years with a variety of abstract, landscape, portrait and mixed media. Attached to Art First is Brushstrokes Gallery, also featuring local artists. 824 Caroline Street. 540.368.0560

The recently relocated DuJardin has an interesting mix of home accessories with an emphasis on European design. I come here to check out seasonal items, gifts and the small garden area in the back of the store. Recent finds include European egg ornaments painted with little owls. Cute! 822 Caroline Street. 540.374-1001

PonShop is a gallery and retail space with a little bit of everything. Owners Scarlett and Gabriel Pons? space is a good place to go for mixed media art, ceramics, paintings, clothing and handmade objects from local and regional artists, including their own art. The shop also teaches classes on art, from ceramics to street graphics. 712 Caroline Street. 540.656-221

Unleash your inner prepster! Lydia?s Monogrammed Gifts and Accessories is a mecca for all things monogrammed (and I?m a sucker for a monogram). The front of the store features gifts including travel bags, home accessories, adorable baby toys and linens, and the back of the store houses specialty stationery. I like to come here for easy gift shopping. Closed Sunday. 417 William Street. 540.373.7023

If you?re like me, books are really important to your personal space. I like to troll Read All Over Bookstore,?Riverby Books and Griffin Bookshop and Coffee Bar for used art, architecture and cookbooks, as well as classics with beautiful loungy spaces to waste away the day. 307 William Street,?540.656.2911;?805 Caroline Street,?540.373.6148; and 723 Caroline Street,?540.899.8041

Stay

Located in the historic district but a few blocks removed from the restaurants and bars (and partying college kids) is the charming Kenmore Inn. The Kenmore Inn is a traditional bed & breakfast with nine rooms each named and decorated for a historic figure connected to Fredericksburg. There?s also a cozy bar and restaurant that spills out into a semi-private brick courtyard with views of a really amazing residential area. 1200 Princess Anne Street. 540.371.7622

Built in the 18th?century, the Richard Johnston Inn has been around the block, so to speak. In its previous life, the inn was home to Richard Johnston, one of Fredericksburg?s 19th-century mayors, and it has since been transformed into an award-winning inn. Closer to the action on Caroline Street, the Richard Johnston Inn is known for hosting special events and parties. The inn has an additional ?I wish that was my house? property available, the Caroline House, located a few blocks away. 711 Caroline Street. 540.899.7606

RIGHT OUTSIDE OF DOWNTOWN

Though not part of a designated neighborhood, these spots are worth checking out while visiting the ?burg.

Belmont, Gari Melcher?s Home and Studio, is a crush-worthy country estate that I highly recommend taking the time to see. Previously the home and studio to prominent 18th-?and 19th-century painter Gari Melchers and the love of his life, Corinne, the estate now serves as a museum, gallery space and lush garden space open to the public (except Wednesdays). Belmont holds periodic events, so be sure to check the calendar. 224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA 22405. 540.654-1015

Another great little hideaway is A. Smith Bowman Distillery, located right outside of the historic downtown core.? Tour the distillery Monday through Friday to learn the history and process of one of Virginia?s pioneers in making hand-crafted spirits, and then hit up the gift shop for their small-batch whiskey, gin, rum and vodka.?1 Bowman Drive. 540.373.4555

Around the corner from A. Smith Bowman Distillery is Blue & Gray Brewing Company brewpub, which houses Fredericksburg?s own brewery. Tours and free samples are available on Saturdays and at varying times throughout the week for brewpub guests. 3300 Dill Smith Drive. 540.371.7799

When the weather?s nice, especially in the fall, and you?re feeling one with nature, head to Virginia Outdoor Center to take advantage of the Rappahannock River. VOC offers kayaking and canoeing trips that cut through the ?burg, as well as lazy days of tubing. 3219 Fall Hill Avenue. 540.371.5085

Events

?

Famous Locals

• Philanthropist and author Doris Buffet (resident)
• Actor Judge Reinhold (raised here)
• Actor Danny McBride (raised here)
• Artists: Neal Reed, Barbara Taylor Hall, Patricia Thalman

Source: http://www.designsponge.com/2012/11/fredericksburg-va-city-guide.html

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Afghan revolving door: 5 US generals, 5 years

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 9, 2011 file photo, Gen. David Petraeus, then top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, arrives for an interview at the NATO's head quarter in Kabul, Afghanistan. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, March 9, 2011 file photo, Gen. David Petraeus, then top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, arrives for an interview at the NATO's head quarter in Kabul, Afghanistan. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)

FILE - In this July 5, 2010, file photo, Gen. David Petraeus, then newly-installed top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, eats bread at a bakery in Kabul, Afghanistan. Petraeus, a four-star general, took over the Afghan command in July 2010 to fill a void after Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal was fired after his scathing remarks about America's civilian leadership. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Ahmad Massoud, File)

FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 file photo, U.S. Gen. John Allen, then top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, speaks during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. Allen is under investigation for thousands of alleged "inappropriate communications" he had with a Florida socialite also involved in the David Petraeus case. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, May 30, 2010 file photo, U.S. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, then top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, adjusts his headphone during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. McChrystal was fired after his scathing remarks about America's civilian leadership. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008 file photo, U.S. Gen. David McKiernan, then top commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, speaks during a news conference with Afghan Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Mohammad Akram, not pictured, in Kabul, Afghanistan. McKiernan was ousted on May 11, 2009, a year before his term as commander was set to end because newly-elected President Barack Obama wanted a new war policy. Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, since the American invasion in late 2001. While some analysts say fresh eyes are important, others wonder if the revolving door command has hurt U.S. continuity with critical Afghan partners. (AP Photo/Musadeq Sadeq, File)

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) ? For former CIA director David Petraeus, it was a one-year stint as top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. His replacement is scheduled to leave next year after 18 months in the job.

And now the sex scandal that draws them together ? Petraeus' career toppled and Marine Gen. John Allen's possibly on hold ? also has placed greater attention to the quick turnover of American battlefield chiefs in the 11-year war.

Nearly two dozen generals have commanded troops from the United States and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, since the American invasion in late 2001 ? with five U.S. generals running both commands in the past five years alone.

There is no firm evidence the Pentagon's revolving door in Afghanistan has posed any significant obstacles for U.S. troops, but some military analysts suggest the frequent changes at the top create potential breaks in continuity in the critical cooperation with the Afghan political leadership and security officials.

"The learning curve is pretty steep," said retired Lt. Gen. David Barno, who commanded U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2003 and 2004. "One of the critical coins of the realm in being effective in this kind of environment is relationships among your allies, relationships with the host nation, and with the Afghans."

Iraq also had regular command changes, including Petraeus in charge during the U.S. troop "surge" in 2007 that helped dislodge insurgent control from key areas. But the war strategy in Afghanistan has, at many times, been even more complex as fronts shift and Taliban fighters regain strength.

"Rotating top commanders on an annual basis makes no management sense," Thomas E. Ricks, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, wrote in an opinion piece published recently in The New York Times.

"Imagine trying to run a corporation by swapping the senior executives every year," he continued. "Or imagine if, at the beginning of 1944, six months before D-Day, Gen. George C. Marshall, the Army chief of staff, told Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme allied commander, that it was time to give someone else a chance to lead."

Petraeus, a four-star general, took over the Afghan command in July 2010 to fill a void after Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal was fired because of scathing remarks about America's civilian leadership. McChrystal's predecessor, Gen. David McKiernan, was ousted on May 11, 2009, a year before his term as commander was set to end because newly elected President Barack Obama wanted a new war policy. He had succeeded Gen. Dan McNeill, who served in 2007-08.

Petraeus completed a one-year term and retired to become CIA director in September 2011.

He resigned Nov. 9 after he had an extramarital affair with his biographer. Allen, who also has four stars, is under investigation following revelations that he exchanged thousands of emails with a Florida socialite also involved in the Petraeus case, including a few which were found to be of a questionable nature.

Some analysts and former military officers say that rotating generals so quickly creates a disconnect between the commanders and their Afghan allies, including the mercurial President Hamid Karzai. Commanders also have to deal with billions of dollars in funds and the complexities of handing over security to the Afghans by the end of 2014, including building an army and police of 352,000 almost from scratch.

Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, a spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defense, said the longer a NATO commander stays in the job, the more chance he has to really understand Afghanistan.

"For us, an Afghan army corps commander should stay in his position for at least three years," he said.

Jawed Kohistani, military analyst in Kabul, said he thinks a constant changeover of senior NATO commanders or Afghan military leaders hampers coordination of the two forces. Staying longer, he believes, allows a commander to know insurgents and their weaknesses.

"It gives an opportunity for the enemy to use this gap ? the time between the leaving of one commander and the arrival of another ? to their advantage," Kohistani said. "There should be enough time for a NATO commander to get to know the Afghan president, vice presidents, security ministers and assess the situation. If he doesn't have enough time to do all these things, it has a negative effect on the security situation."

Obama sped up the confirmation hearing last week for Gen. Joseph Dunford to become the 15th ISAF commander and replace Allen, who was to leave in the spring after 18 months at the helm for a new job as U.S. European Command chief and NATO supreme allied commander. But Allen's confirmation has been postponed until an investigation into his role is concluded.

There have also been about a half-dozen U.S. generals who only commanded American combat troops in the first years of the conflict.

By comparison, the command tours of generals in Iraq "averaged almost twice as long as ISAF's," said Stephen Biddle, a professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University.

Given the huge funds involved in the war effort, running the Afghan campaign has been as complicated as managing a multibillion dollar corporation.

Anthony Cordesman, a national security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the lack of continuity includes both the military and civilian presence in Afghanistan, including the State Department and other agencies.

"What the Afghans see is constant change at every level," he said. "They constantly see people come and go. They have no reason to establish lasting relationships. People leave at the point where they're becoming most effective."

He added that "this constant rotation is a problem everybody recognizes, but no one has really been willing to address."

The Pentagon also has a number of senior leaders ? ranging from the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and defense secretary to the commander of U.S. Central Command ? who also play key roles in the war strategy and provide some continuity.

"There is no doubt that the frequent changeover is tough. There is a learning curve each time a new man takes the helm,"

"The good aspect to this is that it brings a fresh set of eyes," said Michael O'Hanlon, a fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington. "It's not realistic to have commanders serve a whole lot longer than, say, Gen. Allen ... as these folks get tired."

___

Baldor reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez and Deb Riechmann in Kabul contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-11-20-Afghanistan-Revolving%20Generals/id-4bcd63c428274029b2684697b08089c8

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