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Focus area: Adaptation
Website: www.iucn.org;
Activity page: http://iucn.org/about/union/secretariat/offices/asia/asia_where_work/pakistan/projects/archived_projects/proj_arc_efr/
Location: Nawanshehr town, District Abottabad in Khyber Pakthunkhwa Province Pakistan
Established: July 2011
The balance between population and available water makes Pakistan one of the most water-stressed countries in the World. More pressure is added by the effects of climate change and also by the in population and the demand.
Securing universal access to safe and reliable drinking water is one of the leading challenges for sustainable development in Pakistan. Water is linked to poverty in many ways, affecting livelihoods, income and health, and exacerbating gender disparities and social exclusion.
Environmental fiscal reforms (EFRs) have been described as a strategy that redirects government taxation and expenditures towards set of activities in support of sustainable development. The idea is to use fiscal instruments by modifying the prices of environmental goods and services in order to influence behavior and incentivize environmental protection (including charging appropriate prices and user charges for various natural resources extraction activities; making polluters pay for internalizing externalities, and rationalizing subsidies on environmentally harmful fuels). The funds raised through these measures can be channeled to specific priority sectors including climate change adaptation and vulnerability reduction.
The goal of the activity Building Coalitions for Change to Implement Pro-poor Environmental Fiscal Reforms was to showcase the application of pro-poor EFRs as a viable instrument for promoting sustainable development with climate change adaptation co-benefits.
The activity's objective was to identify institutional, legal and policy arrangements for effective and sustained fiscal decentralization, to promote district level implementation, and to build capacity and support among government, civil society and private sector for EFR options that will show practicable options for adapting to climate change and thereby reducing people's vulnerabilities to environmental and climate changes. This goal was achieved through policy research, enabling institutional and policy frameworks, capacity building, awareness raising and finally by piloting selected EFR options. One pilot EFR intervention was in water supply, the other addressed solid waste management.
This activity was the first application of EFR in Pakistan. It was also innovative in its pro-poor focus and its cooperative nature.
As part of the drinking water supply reforms, a block tariff system was introduced with varying rates based on usage. Gender aspects were incorporated by involving women and youth in the water distribution and watershed management activities, thereby targeting a particularly vulnerable segment of society. Broad involvement also enhanced the awareness and understanding of environmental services such as water provision, its value as well as potential climate change impacts or ways to innovate and adapt.
To improve the longer-term provision of water to the town, about 4,000 saplings were planted in selected watersheds in Nawanshehr, with the help of the incoming fees. Indigenous and multipurpose tree species (including fruit-bearing trees) were selected to create an adapted and adaptive natural environment that is more resilient to environmental and climatic changes. The rehabilitation of the watershed significantly improved environmental quality, including soil erosion and water retention, and well as ensured longer-term resilience.
In the solid waste sector, pro-poor EFR have been successfully demonstrated. Solid wastes that are freely disposed not only create health hazards for people, livestock and the environment, they are also a missed opportunity to recover valuable resources and generate energy. Avoided emissions thereby mitigate environmental and climate change impacts.
Mitigation / Adaptation
Potential for scaling-up and replication
The results already achieved in this activity from 2006-2010 include:
Due to its successes in Abbottabad, the concept of EFR has been integrated in the "Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper II" being finalized by the Government of Pakistan.
The broad engagement and active involvement of local institutions, administration, communities including children and commercial service provision in the capacity building and pilot processes have established high buy-in and commitment, therefore showing significant changes in environmental management in Abbottabad.
Improvements of the local governance structures were achieved. Cooperation lays a very important foundation for adaptability of these structures, processes and activities to future external changes (including climatic) and demands.
The EFR activity has generated high quality research work that has explicated the applicability of fiscal measures in Pakistan for resource management, adaptation co-benefits and pro-poor decision-making.
The activity aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of poverty reduction and environmental improvement through undertaking a set of environmental fiscal reforms initiatives.
In the drinking water sector 2,700 feet of new water distribution pipes were installed in Nawanshehr to ensure that sufficient water is supplied to domestic consumers. Thereby, and by planting trees and maintaining the watershed, short and long-term employment opportunities were created. Capacity of the Union Council was built to improve water resource management and to ensure access to all consumers. A progressive block tariff system was then introduced in which consumers pay according to usage; beneficiaries of "Zakat" and "Bait-ul-Maal" are exempted from any payments except for nominal monthly fees in order to ensure water access to all segments of the community. Also, the introduction of fees introduces an incentive to conserve scarce water resources.
Importantly, involvement of women and youth were sought in all aspects of the activity, since often women are the ones directly using e.g. cooking water. Citizens, in particular children and women, showed high motivation to manage solid waste for betterment of environment, health hazards and also to generate revenue.
In the solid waste sector pro-poor fiscal measures have been successfully demonstrated in many forms. Through community mobilization, five Mohellah Environmental Committees have been established and have hired their own waste collectors paid through small contributions from all the households. Secondly, school environmental clubs were established in five schools in Nawanshehr. Children are educated on recyclable materials and encouraged to bring these to their school once a week. These are sold to local merchants to generate revenue for the school, which is utilized for betterment of services and excursions into the natural environment. Thirdly, kitchen gardening practices through composting of organic waste have been promoted and at least nineteen kitchen gardens established during the activity duration. This practice was very well received particularly by low income households as it helps in reducing expenses for purchased vegetables. Fourth, registered waste merchants pay Rs.150 per month to the Town Committee as tax, in return of permission to do business in the area and creating further income opportunities through paying garbage collectors. The town utilizes the collected revenue for betterment of services and through registration has better management oversight. The pilot showed that waste management can directly and significantly improve quality of life for local residents and reduce long-term environmental pollution.
Overall, the environmental conditions in Nawanshehr town are reported to have significantly improved because of implementing the pilots in the two sectors. Performance and capacity to better manage the existing resources and infrastructure have significantly and lastingly been strengthened.
The improved environmental conditions in Nawanshehr have created further demand to introduce other environmental fiscal measures in the area and also to implement the tested measures at a wider scale. This shows the high applicability and suitability of simple EFR measures to the area.
The proposed replicability of this EFR activity targets two main aspects. On the one hand dissemination of the research work, success factors and recommendations to all tiers of policy, administration and communities shall widely raise awareness and support decision-making. On the other hand the feasibility of EFR and the opportunities therein when applied on a larger scale need to be communicated, in order to achieve lasting development results in which environmental factors, social participation and economic instruments are involved.
A conducted research study showed that among the urban sample 92% were willing to pay for improved water services, whereas in rural areas 69% overall were willing to pay. The mean willingness to pay was estimated at 58 rupees per household per month. Both aspects show high potential for replicability and upscaling of EFR in the water sector.
Output 1 for upscaling: Achievements and lessons learnt documented:
Output 2 for upscaling. Effectiveness and efficacy of EFR for adapting to climate change disseminated, opportunities for up-scaling explored:


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Ear, Nose & Throat Doctors in Houston
If your tonsils are aching or your ears won't stop popping, visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Houston, Texas. Folks with fractured noses near Interstate 69 or Highway 59 can benefit from seeing a Houston ear, nose, and throat specialist, as can folks with sinus issues who reside by Bear Creek Park. On ZocDoc, you can customize your search for a physician by typing in your desired specialty, current location, and preferred insurance provider. Making an appointment is so easy!

subset: commoncrawl


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Dean Holdsworth has reached an agreement in principle to become the new manager of Aldershot.
The 42-year-old former Wimbledon and Bolton striker will leave his post as Newport County boss to replace Kevin Dillon at the EBB Stadium.
He is set to finalise the terms of his contract with the Shots on Wednesday ahead of a press conference at 1:30pm.
Holdsworth leaves Newport in the Blue Square Conference Premier play-off places after guiding them to promotion from the Conference South last season with a record haul of 103 points, beating the previous mark set by Aldershot in 2007/08.
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms


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Want to be the online Don Bradman or Ian Salisbury?
Then join CW Cricket today. It's what all the cool kids desire.
RIP Craig Walsh (Craig) 1985-2012
RIP Hughesy 1988-2014
Yeah if the selectors had picked him for the 2005 Ashes tour when he was in an unbelievable run of form at one-day level (think he was averaging over 100 after fifteen matches at that point), then his average in England might be somewhat better (and the Aussies might have won the series...)
It's a shock, but it is refreshing to see a great player (and he is/was that, just short of the pantheon perhaps, but a quality, quality performer) go out so palpably on his own terms instead of having to have the bat metaphorically prised out of his hand by dewey eyed selectors without the balls to do it.
Always leave them wanting more, as someone once said. Barnum, probz?
Kudos Michael; top player and, moreover, a top chap too.
Cricket Web's current Premier League Tipping Champion
- As featured in The Independent.
"Like queuing at the post office, or a cardboard cup of weak milky tea there is a quality of slightly clichéd but still beautifully reassuring Englishness about watching Cook bat"
- Barney Ronay
great player,
very poor timing though
he leaves australian batting in a very dire state with big series' ahead.
huge shock
Proud Supporter of All Blacks
Priorities should be the team and himself. Individual legacy a distant third. He said he wasn't looking forward to the Ashes and Indian tour like he normally would so pulled the pin. Not ideal timing for the team but perfectly understandable decision.
Whoa, didn't see this coming. What a player he has been, probably the Aussie wicket I have personally valued most from 06-07 onwards, even allowing for his 2009 flop, because when he gets in against us, my word. In an era where younger cricketers are generally behaving more like footballers and being typically less likeable, Hussey has been a true gent of the sport, comes across as such a top geezer.
All that being said, this is pretty good news from an English POV. Oz got some serious transitioning to do with the batting it seems.
Originally Posted by Axl Rose
RIP Craigos. A true CW legend. You will be missed.
Now, the ashes series in England will just be a formality really.
Can see Australia getting hammered.
It will all come down to the series in Aus.
Wow. I am shocked. It's a shame he didn't have the desire to help lead Aus through an Ashes tour, as his seniority and experience would be needed then more than ever. Still, I guess if you're not feeling it, you had better go. Interesting the comparison with Ponting. Some may say Hussey's was a more dignified exit. But there's also something admirable about Ponting's unceasing desire to represent Australia. Anyway, kudos to Hussey. A fine career.
'It is hard to recall a batsman quite so serene, so unrushed, so unflappable.' Chris Ryan on ... look to the left. Ahhhh.
Will be huge loss for AUS.Now they have one genuinely great batsmen in the side and that's about it really.
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A meeting of the FIFA Futsal Committee, chaired by Manilal Fernando, was held this morning in Bangkok. Several important issues regarding Thailand 2012, future editions of the FIFA Futsal World Cup and the general development of futsal were discussed, with a few of the key points outlined below.
adidas Golden Ball contenders
The FIFA Technical Study Group presented its five-strong shortlist for the player of the tournament award, a list which comprises two players from Brazil (Fernandinho, Neto), two from Spain (Kike, Torras) and Portugal's Ricardinho. The winner will be determined on the final day by votes from the TSG and the assembled media.
Referees announced
It was revealed that Peru's Hector Rojas will take charge of the final, while the third-place match between Italy and Colombia will be overseen by Jose Katemo of Angola.
Doping tests
A total of 96 doping samples were conducted up to and including the quarter-finals, all of which were analysed at a WADA-accredited laboratory in Bangkok. All samples proved negative.
Bidding for 2016
It was announced that six nations - Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Iran, Puerto Rico and Spain - have submitted bids to host the next edition of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2016. A final decision on where the tournament will take place will be taken by the FIFA Executive Committee in May of next year.
Developing women's futsal
With a third women's international competition due to take place in Portugal next month, the Committee also made a firm pledge to review elite futsal competitions for female players.


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Innovative and built to perform like no other bay boat you've ever seen, Robalo engineers have successfully mixed a shallow water draft with a feather soft 15-degree Extended V-Plane bottom design and an aggressive hullside flare so you can travel wherever the fish are biting. Big on features and even bigger on performance, we've made it easy to fall in love with the 206 Cayman. No Haggle Reel Deal pricing includes a trailer. Upfront, the forward casting platform with its twin huge fish lockers and lockable rod storage is state of the art. Aft, the convertible seating opens up all kinds of possibilities. Amidships, the helm console that's more stylish and functional than you've ever seen in a 20-footer. Six rods store at the ready. One of three livewells is tucked under the front seat so bait is accessible no matter where you are onboard.
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text:
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I'm not sure how many people read the conversation we had last week (this week?) about sexual orientation and employment with the NFL, but a report from this week sheds light on that:
Prospects Nick Kasa, TE from Colorado, Le'Veon Bell (yes, that one), and our own Denard Robinson stated in interviews that they were asked, essentially, whether they were gay or straight during the combine. The NFL is going to investigate at least one team, and it stated that league policy is that sexual orientation should not be considered in the hiring process. The NFL-NFLPA collective bargaining agreement also prohibits such discrimination, and the NFLPA may conduct its own investigation into what happened at the combine.
The NFL also said, "Like all employers, our teams are expected to follow applicable federal, state and local employment laws," though I'm not sure how much we can apply a generic statement like that to this situation.
Anyway, this furthers what I thought was an interesting discussion and has nothing to do with the basketball team. I also realize the flammability of this topic, but we did okay last time.


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I think that Irina was good at heart. she was trying to the right thing. I think why she went to the Volturi right away is because immortal children was the reason her mother was killed. she probably didn't think it was fair to let someone get away with it and she probably wanted to do it quick so no harm was done. (the crazy blood-thirst and all)
also, speaking of getting to know her more, I am writing a fan fiction about when she travels to the Cullen coven to talk but sees Renesmee instead. most of the time she is going to be running through the wilderness, so readers will be able to see her thoughts. I'm going to give her a more clear past and try to make her as alive as Bella and the Cullens seem to me.
and does anyone know Irina's mother's name. right now I'm lending my copy of Breaking Dawn to a friend, so I don't know if its even in there, but it would be great if someone knew. also any other information will be taken graciously, because since I don't have the book, I can't make sure that I'm not changing anything Stephenie has already written about her.


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Cisco ( CSCO) beat Wall Street's second-quarter earnings and revenue estimates. The networking company reported revenue Wednesday of $12.1 billion, up from $11.5 billion a year earlier and just above analysts' estimates of $12.06 billion. Excluding items, Cisco earned 51 cents a share, compared with 47 cents a year earlier. Analysts were looking for profit of 48 cents. The company's non-GAAP earnings included a tax benefit of about 1 cent a share. "Cisco delivered record earnings per share this quarter and record revenue for the eighth quarter in a row in a challenging economic environment," CEO John Chambers said in a statement released after the market close. For the third quarter, Cisco predicted revenue between $12.06 billion and $12.3 billion and earnings, excluding items, between 48 cents a share and 50 cents a share. Analysts are looking for sales of $12.22 billion and earnings of 49 cents a share. Cisco's second-quarter gross margin came in at 60.7%, down from 61% in the first quarter. In the prior year's quarter, Cisco's gross margin was 61.3%. Cisco Beats Earnings Estimates, Delivers Record Revenue
Automaker General Motors ( GM) is expected by analysts Thursday to report fourth-quarter earnings of 51 cents a share on revenue of $39.14 billion.
Whole Foods ( WFMI), the natural and organic grocery chain, said Wednesday that fiscal first-quarter profit rose 24% as revenue jumped almost 14%. Whole Foods narrowed its revenue forecast and said its earnings growth may slow through the remainder of the fiscal year.
PepsiCo ( PEP) is expected by analysts Thursday to report fourth-quarter earnings of of $1.05 a share on revenue of $19.7 billion. 5 Stocks With Big Insider Buying
CBS ( CBS) is expected to post fourth-quarter earnings of 69 cents a share.
-- Written by Joseph Woelfel >To contact the writer of this article, click here: Joseph Woelfel >To submit a news tip, send an email to: email@example.com.


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01 January 2009 19:00
Did you know ?by dhiraj
A video post on the trends that can be seen on knowledge, learning and education and a comparison of different geographical reasons, with interesting facts and figures.
1 (1 marks)
Founded in late 2003 and heartquartered in France, we are non-profit and independant.
We believe in the open web, think internet services should be sustainable, build for the long term.
While we are re-launching the service, we only accept new members through invitation.
last mark : 01/01/2009 19:03


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Ya I think that's a good call man these trucks love the lighter tires IMO. The perform better regardless of gearing
6S OR NOTHING............................ maybe 5s
The mashers are probably a bit harder on everything too
Yep and I really like the way they look
6S OR NOTHING............................ maybe 5s
The mashers did look good when I drove next to my maxx with the trenchers. Badlands don't have the monster look!
Been a month no word on the ball x. I bought a set of traxxas cvds for the maxx and they sent me two sets!
I bought them online and another set showed up today!
Don't know what I am going to do with those yet. They do look and hook pretty good but wish they were lighter
Lucky I have drawer full of Cvds that will never get used lol the just bend so easy in my case others seem to be fine
6S OR NOTHING............................ maybe 5s
I believe the trenchers and mashers weigh pretty close. 3.6.lbs vs 3.58
I never planned on running cvds with the rpm's. I wouldn't of on my maxx but didn't even think that I needed them when I spent 100 bucks for the proline powerstroke's. It was either sell the shocks or run cvds
Revo with the badlands looks good til I drive next to my daughters maxx running trencher's! Then they look whimpy!
Mashers are right up.there with the threnchers!
Last edited by 50togo; 04-10-2013 at 01:01 AM.
If you want to run dog bones in the front center shaft kershaw will sell the 8x54mm shaft separately for ten bucks shipped!
proline should make some badlands x's
With great brushless comes great responsibility.
those would be nice!
I think they should make a Badlands MT, a monster truck size.
6.5 tall and 3.75 wide! not 5.85 2.72!
looks like these will work for the rear center cvd 8x142mm HPI86054
Last edited by 50togo; 04-10-2013 at 05:47 PM.
Don't really plan on getting it wet but I have a monster 2 coming be here friday
Got an email the ball x may ship Saturday!
Last edited by 50togo; 04-11-2013 at 12:53 AM.
Jesus, Lights, RC
From here http://www.ebay.com/itm/190815879042...84.m1439.l2649
No that was a -not really planning to get it wet! I like how the fan is on all the time too. Might put the muchmore ultra high speed fan on it too! And while I am at it maybe shorten some wires
Last edited by 50togo; 04-11-2013 at 12:52 AM.
83 today and upper 70's all week!
So when I put my badlands back on they must of had poison oak on them.
Yep its back should of wiped them down
Now I keep a some rags and a bottle of alcohol in my trunk! Wipe everything down after a ride
Last edited by 50togo; 04-11-2013 at 06:14 PM.
how does it feel to go from the mashers to the badlands?
Is it windy down there 50? here its been like 15mph- 45 some days gusts getting to 55mph too much to be out there with all the trees growing this time of year allergies like crazy!!! temps though nice of 75-80
Living life.
I know! Forgot about it and didn't plan on running the badlands for a while! Hope it doesn't last 5 weeks like last time
No just breezy early in the week we had wind
Hot today would have been a very nice day to run but needed a new fridge so spent the day looking for one.
Living life.
How does it feel going with the badlands now after being with the mashers for awhile? Notice the difference in handling at all?
Living life.
I would like to know that too! I might get mashers for running on road and in the snow and some off road ofcourse.
And about the poll, i immediately voted yes! I'm Really liking this thread. Loads of information, nice pictures and bashing spots and loads of carnage due to heavy bashing .
Last edited by WesleyK; 04-14-2013 at 04:45 AM.
I don't see a poll. Does it not show up in tapatalk?
I have Badlands and Trencher X's. The first time I've ever run my ERBE I did it with Trenchers, and the second with Badlands. It didn't take long to realize that badlands just aren't for me. They don't grip the rocks as well, and the seem much slower with them due to their smaller size.
I imagine Badlands would be perfect on a track, but for bashing on rocky terrain like I do, they're nowhere near as good as Trenchers.
Sorry I was mia the last few days. Woke up friday with a bad case of vertigo
I haven't taken it out yet but as ignis said it will depend on your terrain. Rough stuff mashers, on jumps probably badlands will be easier on the truck .smooth fast surfaces badlands. Streets mashers will wear better
I would of left the mashers on if I would of known the badlands would give me poison oak again!
Thanks for the votes
Last edited by 50togo; 04-14-2013 at 11:12 AM.
I compared the stock castle fan off my mamba monster to a 30mm muchmore ultra high speed fan. Put power to the castle couldn't even hear it and 4" from my face barely feel it and then the muchmore fan was much louder from the airflow and from over 12" away could still feel it. It would be a cheap cooling upgrade
Jesus, Lights, RC
Thats actually a great idea! Might be the easiest way to help cool your esc.
I have run that fan from the time I bought my truck and love them! the only problem is the blades can be very weak sometimes. I have had a few DOA's also, but customer service was awesome. They sent me 6 new ones when I complained about the duds... I am now looking at the tornado fans from yeah racing to see how well they do. For just one dollar more they may be the victor of my testing.
I reject your reality and substitute my own!


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The federal government will make sure people know how much money is really coming from the controversial new mining tax - if the tax commissioner agrees, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.
The Senate ordered the tax commissioner this week to reveal how much money, if any, has flowed from the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Treasury forecast that the tax on the super profits of iron ore and coalminers would raise $2 billion this financial year, but analysts believe that's unlikely.
Despite calls to reveal the amount, the government has been insisting the commissioner can't reveal the tax receipts of mining companies for legal reasons.
Mr Swan said the government believed any MRRT revenue data should be published but says it is up to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to decide.
"If the ATO assesses it can provide information specifically about MRRT revenue from the second quarter to the government, then we will ensure it is made public," he said in a statement on Friday.
Protecting the confidentiality of individual taxpayers was essential, the Treasurer said. "But I believe there is a case to examine whether large and multinational businesses should have the same level of confidentiality about the taxes they have paid."
Mr Swan said revenues from the mining tax had taken a massive hit because of ongoing uncertainty in the global economy, volatile commodity prices and the high Australian dollar.
"MRRT is a profits-based tax that raises more revenue when profits are higher and less when they are lower; that's the whole point of the tax," he said.
Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury said earlier this week the government was looking into how corporate tax laws could be made more transparent.


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Nature at 7 p.m. Sunday asks one of life's funny questions, why do we like cats and dogs?
Masterpiece Classic at 8 p.m. Sunday presents Charles Dickens' much-loved "Oliver Twist," the story of a young orphan and his adventures in 19th-century London.
Through interviews with medical historians, psychiatrists and desperate families, American Experience at 8 p.m. Monday tells the gripping tale of the lobotomy, one of the most barbaric mistakes of modern medicine.
Simon Schama reconstructs the epic journey of John Clarkson, a young Royal Navy lieutenant, who was sent to North America to fulfill a promise of freedom to the African-American slaves who fought for the British in Rough Crossings at 9 p.m. Monday.
Nova at 7 p.m. Tuesday investigates the mysterious feathered dinosaurs that are challenging old ideas about the origin of bird flight, found preserved in China's Liaoning Province.
Frontline at 8 p.m. Tuesday examines the causes of the worst economic crisis in 70 years and how the government responded, with inside stories of the Bear Stearns deal, the Lehman Brothers collapse, the propping up of AIG and the $700 billion bailout.
Independent Lens at 9 p.m. Tuesday tells the story of Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington's co-composer, who wrote some of the greatest American music of the 20th century but struggled under the prejudice of being a gay man in the 40s and 50s.
Journey to some of Canada's most isolated adventure destinations in Adventure Lodges of North America at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
American Masters at 8 p.m. Wednesday follows the life and career of director/choreographer Jerome Robbins, a man who transformed Broadway with shows such as "West Side Story," "Gypsy" and "Fiddler on the Roof."
Sarah McLachlan graces the ACL stage in support of her greatest hits album, "Closer" followed by British rising star Duffy in Austin City Limits at 10 p.m. Wednesday and 11 p.m. Friday.
Docubloggers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday looks at how the Museum of Weird in Austin is keeping Austin even weirder.
Downtown at 8 p.m. Thursday examines the role of public art, the history of Rainey Street and the resurgence of crafting.
Rick Steves journeys to Iran to better understand it's rich and historic culture, as well as to capture a view of modern-day Tehran in Rick Steves' Iran at 9 p.m. Friday.
Nashville brothers Kings of Leon perform followed by Texas rock & roll legend Rory Erickson in Austin City Limits at 7 p.m. Saturday.


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I'm not a James Cameron fan boy. What man can be cool with the man that married one of the most bad ass chicks in movie history, remember Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. She should have continued making movies and kicking ass after that. He almost redeemed himself with the series Dark Angel that really catapulted Jessica Alba to stardom, but again she had not done much action since. So while Cameron does have a history of making the women he portrays in films kick ass, they seem to not do much of it in other movies after. I cannot be too mad at him since he also gave us First Blood and Aliens, and it is in the process of bringing the manga Battle Angel Alita to live.
This piece of work is truly movie magic. Sure, the story might be over simplistic, the theme and many movie elements borrowed but as far as direction Avatar will become a masterpiece.
The colors and textures in the movie don't feel like CGI even if the colors are extremely unnatural. He managed to create a tropical paradise that looks even more spectacular at night.
I had never seen a 3D movie before and since we had the option we decided to pay a little more. It was absolutely worth it. The action sequences are as excellent as the ones in Terminator.
It is not a short movie, but the time went by extremely fast. The movie might have been a little slow at times but you cannot notice since you are drooling at the amazing imagery in front of you.
There is not much I can say about the movie or the story without pretty much giving it away. So I will just tell you to go watch it, enjoy it, and be truly entertained.


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User:Pranav Rathi/Notebook/OT/2010/12/16/IR Optical Tweezers
Theory of the Optical Trap (Physics of the trap)
Physics of the optical trap can be explained very well in terms of the size of the particle (micron sphere/bead) relative to the wavelength of the trapping light. Particle size (diameter) in comparison to the wavelength helps us deciding which approach (method) is better: Ray optics Or Electric-dipole Approximation.
When the wavelength is larger than the diameter (λ>d: Rayleigh regime, WLDR), electric-dipole method is used, when it is smaller (λ<d: Mie regime, WSDM) ray optics method is used. But there is a discrepancy here: neither method is appropriate, when the particle is in intermediate regime (d≈λ), unfortunately this is our case. To deal with it, we will have to extend Mie theory to the case of highly convergent beam. Experimentally this case is no different. Forces for this case can be fairly-easily approximated thorough ray method.
Ray Optics Method
In the ray optics (geometrical optics) regime, the Gaussian beam can be decomposed into individual rays, each with its own intensity, direction and polarization, which propagates in a straight line of uniform refractive medium, and follow Snell's law[1] at the interfaces. Each ray has the characteristics of a plane wave of zero wavelengths and can change direction (reflection and refraction) at interfaces, and change polarization at dielectric interfaces following Fresnel equations [2].A graphic view of simple ray model is shown in the figure. The trap consist of an incident parallel beam of Gaussian TEMoo mode and arbitrary polarization enters a high NA numerical aperture objective such the one we are using [3]. The rays are focused one by one to a dimensional less focal point f (original focal point).
- The math for the model is developed on these bases.[4]. All the pictures I am using are from the link.
A ray is incident on the sphere at an angle θ to the surface normal. The linear momentum of light of wavelength λo can be expressed as:
Where p is momentum, E is energy and c is the speed of the light in vacuum. We know the relationsand so
- where nm is the refractive index of the medium. This is the momentum of a single photon.
From Newton's second law:
Force of N photons:
In Gaussian beam the highest intensity is at the beam axis, where the largest population of photons exist thus highest momentum and force.
In terms of photon flux:
Now force in a scattering medium of refractive index n:
Where P is the incident power and Q is the dimensionless factor (efficiency). Q is therefore the main determinant of trapping force. It depends upon the NA, laser wavelength, light polarization state, laser mode structure, relative index of refraction, and geometry of the particle. Value of Q is in between 0<Q<1. Since force is a function of incident angle and power. Power depends on the Fresnel law of refraction and reflection; this all is taken care by the dimensionless factor.is the incident momentum per second.Since most scattering spheres are in the aqueous medium (water)of some refractive index nm, so the effective refractive index of the particle is . Where np, is sphere refractive index in vacuum. In our case we use Polystyrene beads with refractive index .
The force on the particle can be divided into two: Gradient Force and Scattering Force. Total force is a combination of these two forces. Computation of the total force on the sphere consists of summing the contributions of each beam ray entering the aperture at the radius r with respect to the beam axis and angle β with respect to the y-axis (fig:). The effect of neglecting the finite size of the actual beam focus is negligible for spheres much larger than the wavelength. The point focus of the convergent beam gives the right direction and momentum of the each ray with polarization. The rays then reflect and refract at the surface (interface) of the sphere giving rise to the optical forces. There is a discrepancy here due to the use of highly convergent Gaussian beam. We are ignoring the curvature of the phase-front, that its planner, which is not correct. Gaussian beam has a planner phase-front at the focus which changes to highly curved as beam moves to the far-field (distance larger than the Rayleigh range). Expansion angle (diffraction angle) for highly convergent beam can be as large as 30o; this does not fit with geometrical optics. Another important point is; Gaussian beam propagation formula is strictly correct only for a transverse polarized beam in the limit of small far-field diffraction angle. This formula therefore provides a poor description of a highly convergent beam used in trap.
The proper wave description of a highly convergent beam is much more complex than the Gaussian beam formula. It involves strong axial electric field components at the focus and requires use of the vector wave equations as opposed to the scalar wave equation used for Gaussian beams. So this model does not fit around and at the region of the focal spot, but it is fairly close in the far-field.In our case diffraction angle is, which is same as the convergence angle φ (65o) inside the water. Inside the bead φ is much larger to be 80o. So for this range this method is applicable. But over some range of NA (definitely less than 1.2)the scattering force is higher than the gradient force. The gradient force behave non-monotonically with transverse gradient field which decreases the trapping due to gradient force. And also for high NA the beam convergence is high, which results in smaller spotsize and Rayleigh range, which means higher divergence angle. As divergence angle gets closer to the convergence angle the ray model starts falling. So only a range of NA is best for the ray model.
In Fig: The force due to single ray of power P hitting a dielectric sphere at the in the incident angle θ with incident momentum of. The total(net) force on the sphere is the sum contributions due to reflected ray of power PR and many emergent refracted rays (due to multiple internal reflections) of power PT. The total force is divided into two: Scattering force (FZ,Fs) in the direction of the original incident ray and the gradient force (FY,Fg) orthogonal to the direction of refracted ray. The case shown in the figure is general; particularly the forces are measured in the form of their components in the x, y and z directions acting from the bead center.
Where θ and r are incidence and refraction angles related by Snell's law. R and T are Fresnel reflection and transmission coefficients. Since R and T are polarization dependent the force will be differet for different TE/s and TM/p polarizations. These formulas are sum over all the scattered rays and therefore exact.
Fresnel coefficients:
For TE/s:
For TM/p:
Here the polarization orientation is based on the vertical (yz fig: sample plane facing us/the normal to this plane is also a normal into our eyes). In our case the laser is TM/p polarized in the sample plane. So the eqs. 1,2,3 and 4 can be used to computer simulate the trap for our case.
The absolute magnitude of the total force is the vector sub of the components:
The net trapping force is a contribution of the two forces and it is a function of θ and n. For optimum trapping θ is required (see eq. 1 & 2). Optimum θcan be achieved by using a high NA objective with over-filled back aperture. In that case incidence angle θ will be equal (close) to convergence angleφ.
- Force along Z-direction
The scattering force along the z-direction can be shown as:
use eq.1 to calculate Fs.
The gradient force along the z-axis can be shown for two cases:
- When the focus is below the sphere center (fig:):
The the zth component of the gradient force is negative and given by:
use eq.2 to calculate Fg. And the total force in the -zdirection:
- When the focus is above the sphere center:
The the zth component of the gradient force is posative and given by:
And the total force in the +zdirection:
Since scattering force is always along the z-direction the equilibrium point is always slightly below the sphere center ( see fig: S≠0). Which mean that the trap center is slightly below the bead center where the backward gradient force just balances the weak forward scattering force. Away from this point the gradient force dominates the scattering force and always has finite net trapping force.
Total force can also be computed for different forcus positions (S) along the z-direction, relative to the sphere center. In such cases incience angle can be computed through:
Where Rb is the bead radius. In ray model forces are independent of the radius Rb=1:
Where ± S is the distance between the focus f (trap canter) and the sphere center O. If focus is below the sphere center S is negative and vice-versa.
- Force along Y-direction:
Fig ; in this case focus of the trapping beam is located along the y-direction. β in the angle between the y-axis and the incidence plane, γ is the convergence angle to the y-axis.α is the angle ray making to the horizontal plane. Knowing α and β we can calculate γ, and using γwe can calculate θ:
WhereS' is the distance between f and O along y-direction.
The net force here particularly depends on the polarization. In eqs. 1& 2 , not only R and T depends on the polarization but also the power P. For the case of an incident beam polarized perpendicular (TE) to the y-axis, for example, one first resolves the polarized electric field E into components E cos β and E sin β perpendicular and parallel to the vertical plane containing the ray. Each of these components can be further resolved into the so-called TM/p and TE/s components parallel and perpendicular to the plane of incidence in terms of these angle μ between the vertical plane and the plane of incidence. By geometry,. The fraction of power lies in the p and s components. This is a general case. In particular case if ray incidence such μ (ray is in the vertical yz-plane) is zero than the polarization can alone be determined on the bases of the vertical plane.
- For TM/p polarization: parallel to the y-axis:
The power in p polarization is:
The power in s polarization is:
- For TE/s polarization: parallel to the y-axis:
The power in s polarization is:
The power in p polarization is:
Knowing θ , PTMand PTE one can compute the gradient and scattering force components for p and s separately using eqs. 1 and 2 and add the results.
- For arbitrary position:
Forces for the arbitrary position of focus is shown below for the first quadrant of the sphere (quadrent of the topright of the fig:). Similar expression are obtained for other quadrants.
Electric Dipole MethodWhen the wavelength of the light is larger than the particle (sphere)(D < .1λ) diameter, this approach can be useful. In the fig: the laser is TM,p linearly polarized. The high intensity induces dipole moment and particle behaves like a dipole. The negative charge is stretched in the electric field direction by distance d and gives p=q.d polarization. The polarization is proportional to the electric field, and the force on the dipole is proportional to electric field gradient and polarization by Lorentz force. For TM00 Gaussian mode intensity profile, the highest intensity gradient is towards the beam axis so, so as the force on the dipole.
In Rayleigh regime, the trapping force is decomposed into two: Gradient force and Rayleigh scattering force (here is a link for a good reference [6] . The gradient force is given by Lorentz force.
- ::
The math can be see through this link[7]. After some math the force is given by:
In the medium of refractive index nm force would be:
In terms of intensity:
For Gaussian beam:
Where ηm is the medium wave impedance, nm is medium refractive index and α is the polarizability and given by (see Jackson: Classical ED sec. 4.4):
n is the effective refractive index of the particle. So the force:
If ignoring the wave impedance:
The scattering force is proportional the third power of the particle radius. Force is also proportional to the intensity gradient of the beam and in the same direction. So particle feels an attraction force towards the region of high intensity. The force is analogous to the eq.1 of the ray model. Stable trapping requires that the gradient force in the -z direction, against the direction of the incident light, be grater then scattering force. Just like RO model, increasing the NA decreases the focal spot size and increases the gradient strength. Hence, in the Rayleigh regime, trapping forces in all directions increase with higher NA. For a trapped particle, the effect of Fs is to move the equilibrium trapping position upward away from the focus.
- Scattering force is given by Rayleigh scattering: Over Rayleigh regime the particle is much smaller than the spotsize, the electric field is uniform over the particle cross section and it can be taken as single point scattering source. Thus the force is given by:
Ps is the power scattered. For Gaussian beam:
So the force is:
Where scattering cross section of a Rayleigh particle of radius r:
Since the scattering is isotropic over the cross section; the net momentum is transferred in the forward direction. This force is similar to the force in eq.2 of RO model.
As for the small particle, the criteria for the axial stability of the trap is that R; the ratio of the backward axial gradient force to the forward-scattering force, be greater than the unity at the position of maximum axial intensity gradient. For a Gaussian beam of focal spot ω_0 this occurs at the axial position:
This condition strictly applies to the Rayleigh regime where the particle diameter 2r ≤ .2λ≈ 80 nm. In practice R requires to be larger than unity.
So there two stability conditions for the trap:
- R≥1 for any spotsize.
- Boltzmann factor , where is the potential of the gradient force. This condition is equivalent to requiring that the time to pull a particle into the trap be much less than the time for the particle to diffuse out of the trap by Brownian motion.
And also remember that the gradient force is still polarization dependent, for linearly polarized light the gradient force will be much higher in the direction of the electric field polarization. So the stiffness along the electric field will be much higher than the stiffness in the transverse direction (the ratio of the two stiffness will depend on the ratio of the polarization). For circularly polarized light it will be distributed over the transverse plane of the particle, which is normal to the propagation vector z).In our experiments particles are much bigger than 80nm. Even though particles upto 15 nm have been trapped successfully in the Rayleigh regime this model is not useful for us. For our size (.5 to 1μm) this model's accuracy is 30%.
Electromagnetic Field Model (Intermediate size regime)
EMF-model is applied when the particle diameter is .2λ ≤ D ≤ 1λ (λ is the wavelength in the medium). Unfortunately we follow this regime because we use .5 and 1 μm beads at 1064nm. For such particles diffraction effects are significant which we been ignoring in the previous models. And also for highly convergent (high NA) beams, the vector character of the EM field cannot be neglected (paraxial approximation / RO model uses scalar form). These are the factors make realistic forces-computing difficult in this size regime. The time-averaged force due to an arbitrary particle, is given by the following integral over the surface enclosing the particle[8]:
Where Tij is the Maxwell stress tensor [9], nj is the outward unit normal vector, and the brackets denote temporal average of the force. Where Tij is:
Where ε is the electric permittivity of the medium, r is the radius of the closed surface and a is the radius of the sphere.. The difficulty lies in deriving all six components (x,y,z or θ,ρ,φ) of E and B at the surface of the particle, because the field includes contributions from the incident beam as well as the scattered and internal fields.
- The key steps in the process of force estimation:
- To solve Helmholtz equation, a vector potential function which can be expended in infinite series, is used. First term in the series represents the paraxial approximation. Second and fourth represent third and fifth order corrections (only even terms are taken). The Gaussian parameter s helps in deciding that upto what order must be used in approximation. s is defined as:
The accuracy of any order corrections depends on s, as s approaches 1 any order corrections are not accurate. And the model starts falling. Generally this happens when the beam waist approaches ω0 < .15*λ0. The infinite-series represents the incident and scattered fields using the Ricatti-Bessel and spherical harmonic functions.
- Solving the scattering coefficients by evaluation of the boundary conditions at the sphere surface.
- Determine an exact expression for the radial component of the incident Gaussian beam.
- Derive the expansion coefficients that describe the incident Gaussian beam.
- Once the scattering and expansion coefficients are known, the EM forces can be determined from the above given Maxwell stress tensor.
As we already know for highly convergent beam the paraxial approximation given by the zeroth order term is not valid anymore, this problem is solved upto an extent by addition terms that describe both the transverse and axial field components present the beam at focus [10][11].
However the field expressions for the Gaussian beam are not exact solutions to the Maxwell equations regardless of the level of approximation. Therefore there will be some error in the predicated forces, and it becomes significant when evaluating the case of a large particle held within a trapping beam. The approximation used in the EMF model is the primary limitation as we have seen above, to determine the radial component of the incident electric field. Because the field expressions used to describe the Gaussian laser beam are not exact solutions to Maxwell's equations, the resulting boundary conditions are poorly fit at the surface of the sphere when the sphere size is large and the spotsize is small. One alternative to using a high-order correction to the Gaussian laser beam in this size regime is to treat the focusing of the trapping laser beam as a diffraction problem. Recent calculations employing the Fresnel- Kirchhoff diffraction integral, suggest that it may be possible to determine the EM fields at the trap focus for highly converging laser beams using Fourier transform techniques.
To understand the behavior of the particle within the trap, we examine the forces acting on the particle. The above discussed radiation forces are a part of it, and there are other force too: Gravity, buoyancy, Stokes drag, and radiometric forces. Information regrading these forces is very important to estimate and measure the trapping forces on the bead in the specimen. I will discuss this in the next few sections.
Disregarding of the model, trapping and radiometric forces are sensitive to the parameters describe focused laser beam; beam convergence (angle), spotsize, beam profile, polarization, the relative refractive index and laser power up to an extent. I have already collected these parameters for our trap:[12]and [13].
Now I will discuss a comparison between the models: In RO model the NA of the objective and the extent of the entrance aperture filling are critical parameters. By using a high NA objective and overfilling the entrance (back) aperture, optimum values for axial Q(trapping efficiency) can be achieved. Axial Q is also a strong function of the location of the focused spot with respect to the sample chamber cover slip inner plane. And that is due to the fact that objectives intended for biological research usually are designed to image objects attached or very close to the cover-slip to minimize spherical aberration. This effect can be canceled by using an objective with spherical aberration correction collar for different cover-slip thicknesses (like one we have). OR keep the trap closer to the surface.
Though Axial Q in RO model does not depend on the particle radius r but for the particles smaller than 20μm Q drops with radius. Of both the parameters (Na and r) Q is most sensitive to the NA when the particle is large. In fact, for this model NA determines whether or not trapping is possible. So, strong 3D trapping requires the largest possible convergence angle and the smallest spotsize. For the EMF model: Axial Q depends heavily on NA (small spotsize) and the radiusr, this dependence becomes more significant when particle diameter reaches the wavelength.The dependence on r reaches to r3 in the ED method.
Transverse trapping efficiency in RO model is not significantly dependent of r when the particle is bigger than 10μm.
The final parameter is polarization. In all three models transverse efficiency is polarization direction dependent. Efficiency in direction of electric field is more, than the efficiency in the transverse direction. This difference can be eliminated if the laser is circularly polarized.R and EMF models have two regions of applicability. For large particles (D≥10μm), the RO model has sufficient accuracy and is the simplest to use. When the particle diameter is less than 10μm, the RO model becomes less accurate, and the more complex EMF model is applicable. Unfortunately, errors in the EMF field calculations become prohibitive even for the fifth-order [14] field corrections when the particle diameter is larger than 1μm for a laser spotsize on the order of ~.4λ. Thus. there is still a range of 1-10μm of particle diameters for which neither model is sufficiently accurate to describe the laser-particle interaction. For a very small particles ~.1λ ED model appears to fit. All the models are power dependent, force increases as the power increases, but the maximum power is set by the absorption by the bead, and so as the maximum force.
In summary, the RO model is seen to be highly accurate for the prediction of the axial forces and reasonably accurate for prediction in the case of transverse forces in the size regime > 10μm as can be seen in the figure:. The RO model has a reduced accuracy below 10μm; for 1μm diameter beads, the measured Q was comparable for transverse trapping and was lower by nearly a factor of 5 for axial trapping. Fig: shows maximum axial trapping efficiency Q as a function of the radius [15]. RO regime is applicable above 10μm and EMF is below 1μm. The EMF model has some problem in the region >1μm and more work is to be done to increase the accuracy in this region[16].
Force Calibration and Measurement
No current theory is reliable in the computation of the trapping forces for particular region (.1λ<D<1.5λ) and trapping geometries, so these forces are determined empirically. Since the empirical nature of the measurement, calibration is must. And before calibration, since the optical forces are not alone, there is a need of understanding and calculation of the other forces on the particle. In this section, first i will briefly discuss the other forces and their effect on the particle (especially for our size; diameter of .5 and 1μm), and than I will discuss calibration methods (especially the one we are using) and optical force measurement techniques (especially the one we are using).


text:
Hi PHP Geeks,
I need somebody who will create a program like this stickers site quotation system.
This is the flow. The customer will fill-up the quote form then after clicking submit button the user and the admin will receive quote details in there emails.
User receives -> receives confirmation email and quote details
admin -> receives quote details of the user.


text:
Prada's Revenge, Squiring Bosworth and The Fur Flies
Vengeance is Hers: Guy Trebay reports that Miuccia Prada called her new collection, "revenge on men for the social and sartorial contortions they impose on women." Run you fools. [NY Times]
Blue Crush: Kate Bosworth's beau asked if she was Kate Hudson when they first met. Great "neg" dude. [NY Observer]
Wooly Bullies: There is no escaping the fur. [AFP]
Shoe Shine: The bestest sneaker polish kit ever. [Cool Hunting]
Hot Wrap: "Gossip Girl" character drives sales of polka-dot J.Press scarf. [Racked]
Hip Waders: The new Levis Red line—jeans for anime characters.[Denimology]
Bye Bye, Miu Miu: Prada discontinues the men's side of their bridge line. [WWD, 1st item]
Designer Knocks Off: Margareta ven den Bosch, the longtime head of design at H+M is retiring and being replaced by pupil Ann-Sofie Johansson. Now, maybe, that Ma and Pa shop can finally sell some clothes. [DNR]


text:
Cowra's Ed Fagan is not afraid to announce his love for Dick Smith's food on television, even in an ad deemed too offensive for prime time.
The local farmer features in a promotion for Dick Smith's products found unsuitable to screen during 6pm news bulletins on Australia Day for its innuendo.
Mr Fagan's delivers his line, "I love Dick", as a tractor rolls by on his Cowra farm during the ad.
Wyangala's Pam Marsh also appears, repeating the 'Dick joke' inside Windsor Farms Foods' cannery as locals work behind her.
Dick Smith invites viewers to "chow down on my OzEnuts" peanut butter, and says Sam Kekovich's lamb ads are "as wrong as a dead dingo's donger".
Mr Fagan said he found the ad funny and that publicity surrounding its double entendres has gained exposure for Australian-made products.
"I can't see anything wrong with a bit of fun. At the end of the day Dick doesn't have the ad budget of the big companies who spend millions on ads. He relies on exposure for marketing," he said.
"He's been very smart in that nine out of 10 ten people in Australia would know about Dick Smith's food ad, but he hasn't actually paid for ad space yet.
"What he's aiming to do is get people to eat Australian products. Dick's the only one educating the Australian public about where their food comes from."
He said the ad's classification shows Australia is a "nanny state".
"A piss-take ad is not offensive. Anyone who finds it offensive should take a look at themselves and wonder if they've got a sense of humour, because it is funny."
Dick Smith asked Ms Marsh to appear in the ad when meeting her as she left work at Windsor Farms.
She said the ad is no more offensive than movies and TV shows airing at prime time.
"I've seen a lot of different programs on prime time TV that I don't think should be there as far as airing. So yes, I think the ad is suitable for prime time TV," she said.
"I don't think it's meant to offend anybody. My grown up children think it was appropriate and amusing and didn't worry at all that I was saying [that line]."


text:
|1. Consistent solution for all web sites taking a side-by-side path.
|2. Full load balancing can be achieved. Affinity restriction is not applied any more.
|3. Can be easily switched to native ASP.NET state management by the end of migration.
|4. Better security; data remains on the server side.
|5. Does not consume bandwidth; data remains on the server side.
|1. Development cost and time. Custom state management has to be implemented for both ASP and ASP.NET (if third-party software is not acquired).
|2. Native state management has to be replaced with a custom one. Minor code changes are necessary.
|3. Will become obsolete after all the web sites are migrated.
Table 3: Pros and cons of server-based synchronization.


text:
|2012-08-14, 19:51
|Link #10641
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Age: 32
|2012-08-14, 20:10
|Link #10642
Sharing my world thru art
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Anywhere I can draw inspiration from
Age: 35
Man, you guys make marriage seem the bane of humanity lol! But I agree don't rush into things because of society or pressure. But marriage with the one you truly love is the best thing in life. Granted they're some days my wife get on my nerves so bad that I want to lock her up and throw away the key, but I love her more than anything in this world. Celebrating 4 years of marriage this year :P. Patience will reward you
|2012-08-14, 20:53
|Link #10644
Love Yourself
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Northeast USA
Age: 32
Don't set superficial targets for things like getting married. I never thought that I would get married in my early 20's; I always figured it would be the late 20's or early 30's. But then, I never counted on meeting such a wonderful woman at that stage of my life. We dated for a few years before I proposed to her, so it's not the case that I rushed it - you should certainly take your time to evaluate the person, and consider the marriage potential. But if you've found the right person, even if it's earlier (or later) than you were planning, then why not? Life never goes according to plan anyway
|2012-08-15, 05:39
|Link #10645
He Without a Title
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The land of tempura
|2012-08-15, 09:03
|Link #10646
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: The Abyss
Age: 28
|2012-08-15, 12:22
|Link #10647
The Most Hated
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: A random coordinate on the space-time continuum
Age: 30
ohhh.. yep you are right, never settle for 2nd place when you have the chance to win.
many times i think if girls nowadays are so liberal in terms of mentality so they go and ask boys out....where were they when i needed them the most.....
ok i'm just kidding, but girls do go after the guy they like but in an indirect way, to make the guy notice her, so if you ever encounter a girl like that, go for it (if you are single); i'm not a fan of cheating, i am actually against it, break up if you don't like your partner...no?
and one little thing to add... when you are in love you see the world in pink so sometimes you end up with the wrong person even if they love each other....so i think some rational thought might be good to insert there not just the feeling....
i think i never had the situation where a girl tried to make me notice her.....or i was too preoccupied with something else....that was my biggest fear in high school.....that i chase after a girl and ignore or not notice the one that chases me...
up until now i have no info about it but if i heard that there was a girl that liked me then.....i'd do something regrettable for being an ignorant fool about the only chance that could have made my high school life bearable.
anyway enough of the past.. we live in the present and there are a ton of girls waiting for me out there....so i have to get to work.....
i was searching yesterday on badoo for girls in my zone just to see the "merchandise" and i think i have a weakness for girls whose eyes are captivating (blue, green, grey) and also i prefer girls with longer hair....short hair is for boys i think, but i saw many girls who looked awesome with short hair so it depends on the person...
generally i would say that a girl appeals to me enough when i look at her from head to toe and the general aspect gives off harmony in her beauty....
this is why i don't say i prefer girls with huge racks although flat chest is a no-no or something like that....
if i look at a girl and that harmony is present then she is on my "hunting list"
|2012-08-15, 12:43
|Link #10648
This is my title.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philippines
|2012-08-15, 12:51
|Link #10649
Everyone gets rejected sometimes.
@young marriage, don't get me wrong, people are free to do what they like, I simply don't see it as an option for myself to get married anywhere in the next 3-4 years.
I actually know quite many young parents or married couples and know that age doesn't have much to say when it comes to happiness.
There are many reasons for me not to think about marriage anytime soon, but anyone else might not see them as an hinderence at all. It's all a question of priorities.
I still have to confess: I'm somewhat sceptical when it comes to young marriage and getting (planned) kids at a young age.
Simply because many don't think enough about the consequences and waltz into their responibilties only thinking about how great everything will be. Then they throw in the towel, because it was too hard after all ...
Being naive is fine, if it only affects you, but when kids get involved I'm alarmed.
As I said, young marriage isn't bad, but considering the differences in experiences and what not I personally could never do it.
But I sincerely wish all married couples the best - no matter the age. It's always a challenge, even if you waited an eternity to tie the knot. There's never a guarantee, but I still hope that I'll find happiness in a 'boring' married life sometime later in my life
|2012-08-15, 14:17
|Link #10650
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
I always thought the problem with "nice" guys was the passive aggressive idea that "being nice" solicited an equal return of love/romance/sex. Sometimes girls just don't have feelings for a guy, regardless of how charming or handsome he is. And I've found in most of my experiences, the "nice guy" that complains about girls isn't that nice at all. Believing that love if given should be received wholesomely and reciprocated, seems....devious.
But, that isn't to say that nice guys are sneaky and manipulative for the sake of love. My good pals are leaps and bounds nicer than I am and were the bees knees for a lot of girls in school. And I find that it's not being nice nor dangerous that really got girls attracted to them, it was simply because they had a lot of fun. Everybody enjoys being around people that can make them laugh or feel a wee bit of happiness.
|2012-08-15, 17:04
|Link #10651
Knight Errant
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Age: 29
So, 24 is young for marriage now?
Well, my great grandmother got married at 16.
My mother gave birth to her first child at 28 (after being married a few years).
On the flip side, my dad was 40 when that first kid was born.
I think 24 is young for men, but about average for women.
|2012-08-15, 19:34
|Link #10652
Love Yourself
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Northeast USA
Age: 32
It's a perfectly valid argument to say that tax incentives should only be given to people who have children (and I include adoptive parents - including homosexual couples - in that). The rules seem a little strange as they are.
My wife and I have both changed since we met. Alongside our personal changes and circumstance changes, our relationship has changed as well. In some ways it has changed for the better; in some ways it has changed for the worse. Looking ahead, we have a few location changes ahead of us, career developments, children, and other life-changing experiences to go through. We've done a great job of growing together and staying pretty well synchronized with one another, and we're both devoted to keeping things that way. All the same, I recognize that we have some challenges ahead of us, and we'll both need to work to ensure that the relationship continues to flourish through them.
You can only generalize so much, but a lot of girls don't like that. One thing that a lot of girls (and guys) claim to be appealing about guys over girls is how forthright they are. They just come out and say things; you don't have to guess hidden intentions or the true meaning behind wordplay.
It may seem aggressive to express interest and force a girl to decide whether she's interested enough to go on a date with you, but I think you can do that and still be a "nice guy."
|2012-08-16, 00:15
|Link #10653
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
I personally would find being born because of a tax break in a marriage as depressing. Having being accidentally born as the result of a condom breaking is one thing, but because of a tax break? ...I would feel so used.
I actually think that girls like nice guys quite a bit, it's just that the rejected "nice guys" tend to be the most vocal about their cynicism. And there is nothing wrong with being cynical about love, but there is something wrong with believing that just because you are nice that you deserve something.
|2012-08-16, 01:33
|Link #10654
This is my title.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philippines
A "nice guy" who is nice just because he likes a girl and expects love returned isn't exactly a nice guy in my book. I had this kind of experience before... Fortunately I haven't met another one like him again.
|2012-08-16, 05:16
|Link #10655
Join Date: May 2012
|2012-08-16, 06:09
|Link #10656
Knight Errant
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Age: 29
1. Invite for casual lunch, repeat as necessary to get to know them.
2. Proceed to a more intimate date if you think she's into you, and you're into her.
3. If the intimate date works out, good work, you have a girlfriend.
My problem is that I haven't really met any women I felt particularly into in the last few years.
|2012-08-16, 06:14
|Link #10657
This is my title.
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Philippines
Attention is nice sometimes. Heck I admit I like getting attention. But I don't like being praised too much like I'm some perfect goddess or something which is what that guy I talked about in my previous post did. He was too fast, was nice just because he wanted me to like him, and when I rejected him, he proceeded to think I was some cruel monster or something.
|2012-08-16, 06:29
|Link #10658
The Most Hated
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: A random coordinate on the space-time continuum
Age: 30
wow... the nice guys turn bad.....interesting topic in hand.....
it is true that there are many guys out there that are like that.. they are only nice to the girl who is actually their love interest and the rest is just hinderance to him. the problem is that these are actually the bad boys in "sheep's" coat. so i defend the true "nice guys' reputation.....
i despise people who are acting in a dual manner.....this is why i also have negative feeling toward my brother because i know him and when he talks on the phone with a girl and his personality is the complete opposite it is hard to me to not say anything. so this creates stress between us. anyhow i think if you want to get a love-partner then you have to be yourself, else the person you want to love you will only love a facade, not your true self.
i might be considered selfish here but sorry i might be egoistical but as a self-proclaimed nice guy i think a true nice guy acts like i do..... many of you know (i wrote it sometime) that in the past i was bullied and humiliated but even though these things happened i never lost my humanity, and this is why i was used.
i helped anyone that asked for me, as long as i could, and many times the persons bullying me were asking for my help....you think the obvious response would have been: why should i help you?" this could be the chance to retaliate.
but i never was like this i helped them even though in the end the usual things would continue.......
okay okay, i know... now you are saying you were outright stupid to help them if you knew nothing is gonna change.
But think about it why violent conflicts erupt? because they fight back, and this causes a cycle of violence......you hit me.....i hit you back......
So i was thinking that i would control my vengeful comments and actions and help them.. let me show them that i am a human after all, and i use my brain.....
these days i think this was naive but it made me learn a lot,
so back to the topic.....the real nice guys have it bad. it requires courage, determination and more courage to overcome the limitations put on by society and prejudice.
as a last request please do not judge me by these egocentric comments, i really don't want to sound that way, but as i had many times the experiences of a normal person i can almost connect to any situation and many times i start analyzing the situation starting from me....
i wrote this i think but i do not consider myself a good person, i have a lots of defects, but i am conscious of them and try my best to overcome them...
|2012-08-16, 06:51
|Link #10659
He Without a Title
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: The land of tempura
I have however been having the same problem you have: I just haven't met anyone I'm even remotely interested recently (and by recently I mean over a year). I chalk it up to finishing up my engineering degree. Dudes... Dudes everywhere!
|2012-08-16, 07:26
|Link #10660
Knight Errant
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Age: 29
|advice, break-ups, dating, dating after divorce, divorce, happiness, love, pairings, single dad, single mom
|Thread Tools


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We've all heard rumors about the mythical "Walmart Wolverine." Sporting their strange-shade-of-overly-bright-Michigan attire and acid washed jeans. Masturbating to Pop Evil. Yelling "F*ck INSERT OPPONENT HERE!" like they were Buckeye fans.
But, like Bigfoot, I thought -- nay, hoped -- they were a figment of a jealous MSU imagination. Sadly, I'm here to report that they are real. And below is the video proof. Captured on YouTube for all the world to see.
It pains me to post this. It really does. I'd much rather post this video of an adorable 5-year-old singing The Victors. Or the dude from OFFICE SPACE and his Michigan cubicle. Or a frightening look at what life would be like if you were trapped in a Broadway musical this weekend. Or what passes for a wild and crazy night in the dorms at Spartyville. Or this clip of an MSU fan who apparently traveled in a time machine from the set of FLASHDANCE, circa 1983, to share her opinion on the M/MSU game. But the journalistic integrity you've come to expect of the MZone demands I share the video below immediately, shining light where there is darkness. Oh sure, if this was an OSU fan, I'd be giddy to pass it on.
But it's not. Not today. It's a Michigan fan. A Michigan fan and his 12 gauge shotgun.
Ah, yes -- "Go Blue, bitches!" The famous cheer Fielding Yost brought with him to A2 along with the Winged Helmet.
All I can say is God help us
POST-GAME UPDATE II: I sure hope somebody took his shotgun away after the game today.


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Reuters television White House correspondent Jon Decker reports that President Bush's dog Barney, going on a walk this morning on the North Lawn, let his reaction to the news show.
He "bit my right index finger this morning -- as I reached down to pet him," Decker said. The bite broke skin and the wound was bleeding enough to prompt White House physician Dr. Richard Tubb to treat Decker with antibiotics. He will also be getting a tetanus shot.
If you watch the video on the website, you can see that Barney's body language is very clear and that reporter was oblivious.
Our local news used the video as an opportunity to teach children how NOT to approach a dog.


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Thanks Gary. Thanks for the doubts too.
Thanks Gary. Thanks for the doubts too.
They don't have to be marketable. If you're selling them only at your seminars, you have a ready-made audience, right?
If you were trying for traditional publishing, it would be entirely different. In that case, I would agree with Gary.
Last edited by leslee; 03-05-2012 at 09:16 AM.
There is really a lot more to these books than what I said on the post yet judgement is being made on their marketability.
Judgment is being made based on the information you provided.
You can't expect us to take into consideration information you have chosen not to share.
My judgment on marketability was based on the market for memoirs of what information you revealed. Are you a celebrity? If not, the market has been glutted with memoirs on cancer and teacher experiences, most of it self-published and family/home-town limited in appeal/sales, because there's a very limited market for the memoir form on these topics and/or for any memoir not by a celebrity.
Has your objective market research told you otherwise?
Sorry if you'd prefer to hear this after you've sunk your time, emotions, and money into it rather than from the get go based on market research.
If it's the market you are interested in, fictionalized versions stand a slightly better chance over memoirs.
I appreciate what you're saying. I guess I felt like I wasn't asking if these books were marketable.
Last edited by greg winick; 03-05-2012 at 11:45 AM.
Thanks Gary,
I know you know how the market works, and I see how without celebrity status, my memoir will never be considered by agents and publishers. That is why I am self publishing my first book. Perhaps I can ask you another question. I am trying to figure out what genre my book would actually be classified under.
My book is about overcoming great obstacles, and the obstacle of having my wife and son simultaneously diagnosed with inoperable tumors was actually placed in front of me last year. But my book is not about just that. I go back into my childhood where my brother and I were abandoned by our parents and forced to support ourselves at the age of 14 and 12. I show how we overcame that and how I was able to earn incredible amounts of money as a teenager in order to support us in our own apartment. I then take the reader through a lifetime of being an entrepreneur with many failures who ultimately makes millions in business. My book shows how I use a new age philosophy for overcoming many things, my anger toward my parents, my failures in business, and my many insecurities. I use this philosophy to overcome the greatest obstacle I ever encountered and I detail how my wife was miraculously saved and how my son, whose diagnosing was absolutely impossible to overcome, was also saved after undergoing the most complicated neurological surgery in medical history.
What genre would this be?
I see how without celebrity status, my memoir will never be considered by agents and publishers. That is why I am self publishing my first book.
Wait a minute. That isn't what Gary said. He said there was a limited market, not that your book would never be considered.
You know - if you want to be traditionally published, you can always take a crack at it. Put together a query letter and try it. If it doesn't work out, you're still free to self-publish.
Last edited by leslee; 03-05-2012 at 01:26 PM.
From your description, I'd probably try it in "Inspirational," and I wouldn't just do it in print; I'd do it as an e-book too.


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CARSON, Calif. -- The University of Delaware will have yet another senior take part in a collegiate football all-star game this weekend as Blue Hen offensive tackle Erle Ladson has been selected to play in the third annual National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) Collegiate All-Star Bowl Game.
Ladson will be among 110 collegiate seniors taking part in the game, which will be played this Saturday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. (ET) at the StubHub Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in the Greater Los Angeles area.
"Playing in the NFLPA Bowl is another opportunity to play the game of football," said Ladson. "With this game however it's like a week-long interview where I can impress the over 150 scouts and team personnel here. I owe the University of Delaware for every opportunity it has given me. Allowing me to graduate and earn a quality education and the culmination of the last five seasons has prepared me mentally and physically to take the next step. No matter what happens I will always bleed blue and gold."
Former NFL head coaches Dick Vermeil (National) and Denny Green (American) will serve as head coaches. Team practices and the game will be televised live on the ESPN2.
A 6-6, 335 lb. history education graduate from Bronx, N.Y. (Cardinal Hayes HS), Ladson was a four-year letterwinner for the Blue Hens and a three-year starter at offensive tackle. He played in 48 career games and started each of the final 23 games of his career.
He was a member of Delaware's 2010 NCAA national runner-up squad and this past season helped Delaware's offense score 30 or more points eight times and rank No. 2 in the CAA in scoring offense (31.2 points per game) and No. 3 in passing offense (240.0 yards per game).


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Mentors are important people. Most of us, at some point in time, have had one. These older, wiser, more experienced individuals voluntarily choose to help us in endeavors that are passionate to us. Without them, we may have given up on a dream. The impact they can have is immense.
These same mentors are so valuable at bringing "new blood" into these activities. Hunting and fishing are no different. Without young people finding an interest in the sports that we enjoy, those sports could eventually fade into oblivion.
I am quite ecstatic to report though that bass fishing is gaining a strong foothold in our high school and college aged youth throughout the nation. In case you were not aware, most every high school in the surrounding area now has a bass club.
The largest bass fishing organization, B.A.S.S., has also eagerly jumped on board. The Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society has long been the leader in national and regional tournaments. They now have a viable and active collegiate level tournament series as well. Not only do rival schools battle it out on the gridiron, they can now match wits on the water.
These clubs talk fishing, practice fishing and even compete in local tournaments to test their new knowledge and skills that they have acquired. What started as a small grassroots movement several years ago has turned into a strong following.
These eager students are good for the sport in many ways. They encourage conservation and sustainable practices, they purchase equipment and stimulate the fishing industry and in-turn will pass their knowledge to their children someday.
These high school students need your help though. Without mentors, they are not able to learn new things and expand their passion for the sport. I always like to compare fishing to a toolbox. A new angler to the sport may have only a couple of tools in their box. They are limited in the success they can have because they might not have the right tool for the job.
A more seasoned angler's toolbox has many more choices. Conditions change all the time. A veteran to the bass world knows how to put down one tool and grab another when necessary. The only way to learn these skills is through trial and error, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
The best part about mentoring these young anglers is that they are willing and ready to listen to what you have to say. They are sponges trying to figure out ways to put more fish in the boat. The other benefit is, we just might learn something from them we haven't tried either.
As mentors, there is another critical way in which we can help these youth fishermen. They need access to boats. Not all these individuals have a boat which they can use. This is not only challenging for a fun day on the water, but it's almost impossible to host a small tournament without boats.
Most of the local bass clubs at area high schools that I am aware of use adults as drivers on tournament days. Many of the events in our area take place on the Des Plaines River. The anglers then spread out throughout the river systems — some heading east towards Joliet, while others point their boats west and head towards the Illinois or Kankakee Rivers.
If you think that you might be interested in helping out by providing a boat and mentoring these kids, contact your local high school. Just ask the office personal to speak to the faculty member in charge of the bass club. They can put you in touch with the right person.
This is a great way that we can give back to the sport. Most of us would not be as passionate about fishing if it weren't for someone helping us along the way. Even if you can only give up one day during the year to spend it on the water with a high school angler, that one day will be meaningful to both you and the young man or woman who needs your help. Be a fishing mentor!
Help a young person learn their way around the lake
Mentors are important people. Most of us, at some point in time, have had one. These older, wiser, more experienced individuals voluntarily choose to help us in endeavors that are passionate to us. Without them, we may have given up on a dream. The impact they can have is immense.


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Report: Eagles Interview Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly
The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly for their coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the meeting told The Associated Press.
Kelly was the third college coach Philadelphia interviewed since firing Andy Reid on Dec. 31. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information, said the Eagles met with Kelly on Tuesday.
Penn State's Bill O'Brien and Oregon's Chip Kelly interviewed with the Eagles last week, but chose to stay at their schools.
The Eagles have interviewed six candidates and plan to meet with four others.
Kelly recently called coaching Notre Dame his dream job, but he wouldn't be the first to explore his options perhaps even to get a raise to stay put.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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The Cobblers swooped for the 21-year-old after he left the iPro Stadium at the end of the season.
He had loan spells at Swindon and Gateshead but never made a first-team appearance for the Rams.
"I've joined for a new challenge, I know it's a big club, and I want to get some games under my belt and try to further my career. I joined Derby at 15 up until now of course and left this summer," Lelan told the club's official site.
"I grew up following Derby, I was a season ticket holder, it's a bit thing to leave you're home town but I'm not scared of it. It comes with the job."
Northampton boss Chris Wilder added:
"Josh is a right back who is mobile and athletic and he can fill in other positions as well.
"He has a good pedigree, he has had a good grounding with Derby and he has had loan spells at clubs who play a good footballing style.
"He was close to Derby's first team, but the change of management pushed him down the pecking order and he is keen to try and push his way into first team football.
"In a way his background is similar to Lawson D'Ath, a youngster with a good grounding and a handful of games under his belt from a few loan spells, and like Lawson last year, he is joining us at a good age. He has impressed me when I have seen him and he conducts himself well."


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Kingfish delivers another strong performance
Press Release – Kingfish Limited
Total shareholder return increased 18.1% for the six month period • Discount between share price and NAV narrowed from 16.0% to 8.6% • 4.42 cents per share of dividends paid • Total of 16.9 million warrants exercised over two-year lifeFor immediate release:
29 November 2012
Kingfish delivers another strong performance
• Total shareholder return increased 18.1% for the six month period
• Discount between share price and NAV narrowed from 16.0% to 8.6%
• 4.42 cents per share of dividends paid
• Total of 16.9 million warrants exercised over two-year life
NZX-listed investment company Kingfish Limited (NZX: KFL) today announced a net operating profit for the six month period ended 30 September 2012 of $11.5 million.
In the six months to 30 September 2012, Kingfish's adjusted net asset value (NAV)* increased by 7.9% despite being negatively impacted by the dilutionary effect of the warrants exercised in the period at 95c each. 14.0 million warrants were converted into ordinary shares during the six months, and a total of 16.9 million have been exercised over the two-year life of the warrants.
Excluding the dilutionary effect of the warrants, Kingfish's adjusted NAV* increased by 10.4% for the six months, ahead of the NZX50 Gross Index which rose 9.2% over the same period. Since inception (2004), Kingfish's adjusted NAV* is up 74.4%, significantly ahead of the NZX50 Gross Index which is up 47.9%.
The share price traded between $0.93 and $1.06 during the period, closing at $1.05 on 30 September 2012. Since then, the share price has continued to strengthen, closing at $1.10 on 28 November 2012. Total shareholder return increased 18.1% in the six months, and is up 69.1% since inception.
In accordance with Kingfish's dividend policy (2% of average NAV per quarter), the company paid 4.42 cents per share in dividends during the six months. On 21 November 2012 the Board declared a dividend of 2.29 cents per share to be paid to shareholders on 21 December 2012.
The discount between Kingfish's share price and its NAV at 30 September 2012 was 8.6%, which has narrowed considerably over the six months from 16.0% at the start of the period. Kingfish Chairman, Alistair Ryan commented: "We are encouraged to see a strong total shareholder return for the period which was the result of a robust portfolio performance."
Kingfish Manager, Fisher Funds, said: "The New Zealand share market has had a period of strong performance. Due to the slow-moving economy, this performance has been driven more by an increase in equity prices than by any uplift in expected earnings growth."
During the period, Kingfish reduced its holding in Metlifecare, Acurity Health (formerly Wakefield Health) and Pumpkin Patch while increasing its holding in Trade Me, Freightways and Summerset. Cash as at the end of September was high ($21.2m) due to the exercise of warrants ($11.6m) in early September.
The fundamentals of the Kingfish portfolio are positive relative to the broader market. According to the consensus of analysts' forecasts, the earnings of Kingfish's investments are expected to grow by 18% in the coming year with shares trading around 14.8 times earnings.
Mr Ryan said: "It is pleasing to note that the positive performance of the Kingfish portfolio has continued during the first half of this financial year."
*Total Shareholder Return and adjusted NAV assume all dividends are reinvested, but exclude imputation credits
About Kingfish
Kingfish Limited is a listed investment company that invests in New Zealand companies. The investment portfolio of Kingfish is managed by Fisher Funds Management Limited, a specialist fund manager with a track record of successful investing. Kingfish aims to offer investors competitive returns and access to a diversified portfolio of investments through a single, tax efficient investment vehicle. Kingfish may invest in companies listed on the NZX, NZAX and unlisted companies. The company listed on the New Zealand Exchange in March 2004. /ends
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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Former WWE star Matt Hardy arrested for alleged hotel brawl with wife
Published 11:30 am, Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Former WWE Superstar Matt Hardy reportedly has been released on bail from a Virgina jail after an alleged motel room brawl with wife Reby Sky, according to TMZ.
The website reports both Hardy and Sky were arrested for assault and battery. Mugshots show both Hardy and Sky scratched and bloodied.
Hardy last wrestled with the WWE in 2010 where, as a member of the Hardy Boys with brother Jeff, he was an six-time World Tag Team Champion. Hardy also has wrestled for Ring of Honor (ROH), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), the latter in which he was a World Champion.


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Body identified as student falsely implicated in Boston bombing
BOSTON: A body found floating in the Providence River was that of a 22-year-old student who was falsely implicated in the Boston Marathon bombings, Rhode Island officials confirmed on Thursday.
The body of Sunil Tripathi, who had been missing since March 16, had been found by the Brown University's men's rowing crew team late on Tuesday.
"We have been able to conclusively determine the body is that of Sunil Tripathi, but will not be able to determine the cause of death for several months," said Dara Chadwick, a spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Department of Health.
The case received national media attention after social media websites last week lit up with a false rumor that Mr Tripathi, who was on an approved leave from Brown, was one of the suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings.
The actual suspects have been identified as brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
Mr Tripathi's family condemned those reports last week, but on Thursday they posted a statement of thanks on a special website which had been set up to help find the missing student.
"As we carry indescribable grief, we also feel incredible gratitude," the family said. "To each one of you – from your hometown to many distant lands – we extend our thanks for the words of encouragement, for your thoughts, for your prayers and for the love you have generously shared."
Brown University President Christina Paxson said on Thursday: "We extend our deepest condolences to Sunil's family for their loss and for the immeasurable pain they have endured during this period."
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Certain errant spirits are never at home till they are abroad: they crave for a something which I think they will never find, either in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth, so long as they are in their present mind. They never rest, for they will have nothing to do with an infallible revelation; and hence they are doomed to wander throughout time and eternity, and find no abiding city. For the moment they glory as if they were satisfied with their last new toy; but in a few months it is sport to them to break in pieces all the notions which they formerly prepared with care, and paraded with delight. They go up a hill only to come down again. Indeed they say that the pursuit of truth is better than truth itself. They like fishing better than the fish; which may very well be true, since their fish are very small, and very full of bones. These men are as great at destroying their own theories as certain paupers are at tearing up their clothes. They begin again de novo, times without number: their house is always having its foundation digged out. They should be good at beginnings; for they have always been beginning since we have known them. They are as the rolling thing before the whilrwind, or 'like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt,' Although their cloud is not that cloud which betokened the divine presence, yet it is always moving before them, and their tents are scarcely pitched before it is time for the stakes to be pulled up again. These men are not even seeking certainty; their heaven lies in shunning all fixed truth, and following every will-o'-the-wisp of speculation: they are ever learning, but they never come to a knowledge of the truth.
As for us, we cast anchor in the heaven of the Word of God. Here is our peace, our strength, our life, our motive, our hope, our happiness. God's Word is our ultimatum. Here we have it. Our understanding cries, 'I have found it'; our conscience asserts that here is the truth; and our heart finds here a support to which all her affections can cling; and hence we rest content.
Charles Spurgeon, The Greatest Fight in the World, 40-42