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Why not a defensive player for the Heisman?
Why not a guy who tackles, intercepts, sacks and causes fumbles and mayhem on the other side of the line?
Instead of a player who scores touchdowns, why not a player who stops touchdowns?
Instead of a player who throws passes, why not a guy who intercepts passes?
Why not Manti Te'o?
Notre Dame's superstar linebacker has been a tour de force this season and has placed himself in the Heisman Trophy conversation. But if history is any indication, he won't win it.
Know how many players who played strictly on defense have previously won the award? ZERO.
Which is just plain wrong. Where is it written that the Heisman Trophy — supposedly presented to the best college football player in the country — can't be awarded to defensive players? Aren't they football players, too? Fifty percent of college football players are eliminated from contention every season.
Of the 77 players who have been awarded the Heisman, 71 have been quarterbacks or running backs and five have been receivers.
But what about Charles Woodson, you're thinking? He's the only Heisman winner who played primarily on defense, but he earned much of his notoriety for his versatility as a punt returner and wide receiver. If not for his offensive and special teams exploits, and the publicity it engendered, he probably wouldn't have won the award. It might have gone instead to the player who was second — a quarterback named Peyton Manning.
"Defensive players can now go out and play their games; this has opened doors," Woodson said after winning the award.
It was wishful thinking.
Check the list that accompanies this column and you'll see that defensive players have gotten little consideration for the Heisman. If you're wondering why great defensive players such as Chuck Bednarik, Donn Moomaw, Kurt Burris, Alex Karras, Lee Roy Jordan and Dick Butkus aren't listed ?— all of them finished in the top five — it's because they also played offense. It wasn't until the rules were changed in 1965 to allow unlimited substitution that players began specializing in offense or defense.
Another note: Syracuse's Ernie Davis, like others of his era, played both ways because of the limited substitution rules, but he won the award because of his exploits at running back, not linebacker. The closest a defensive specialist has come to winning the Heisman was when Pittsburgh defensive end Hugh Green finished second to running back George Rogers in 1980
"It's strange," says Lance Reynolds, an assistant coach at BYU for three decades. "The reason it happens is because the press that offensive players get far outweighs the press defensive players get. It's going to be tough for defensive players to compete. The stats can verify the performance of a receiver, quarterback and running back. They can back up people's opinions."
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, a former all-conference linebacker and defensive coordinator, says it would be "awesome" if Te'o won the award, but he's realistic.
"The Heisman is, unofficially, the award for the best offensive player on one of the best teams in the country," Whittingham says. "That's who wins it. The description of the Heisman doesn't say that, but for all intents and purposes that's what it is. The rationale is that it's easier for the public to identify with offensive skill positions, the glamour players."
And, no, he doesn't think it's fair. Whittingham offers a solution: "What they should do is admit that the Heisman goes to the best offensive player, then have a separate award, another Heisman, for the defensive player — some way to recognize defensive players. I know there are some awards for defensive players, like the Butkus Award, but nothing that is the equivalent of the Heisman."
Last time we checked, tackling, shedding blocks and covering the field are part of the game, too, and no one does it better than Te'o. He is arguably the best football player in the country and certainly the best player on unbeaten, No. 3-ranked Notre Dame, which boasts a defense that allows an average of only 11 points per game.
In 10 games, Te'o, a senior from Hawaii, has collected 46 solo tackles, 46 assisted tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 10 pass deflections. He is a game-changer. He made a leaping interception with four minutes left to secure a 13-6 win over Michigan — his second pick of the day — to go with 8 tackles. In a 17-14 win over BYU, he had 10 tackles and an interception. In a 30-13 win over Oklahoma, he had 11 tackles, two tackles for losses, one sack and a game-clinching interception.
"The guy is all over the field, pass coverage, breaking on the ball, setting our defense off," says Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly.
In recent polls Te'o trails Kansas State's Collin Klein and Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel in the Heisman race. Klein and Manziel are — surprise — quarterbacks. Quarterbacks have won 10 of the last 12 Heismans.
But Te'o is becoming a national sensation and recently landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated. All of which must be bittersweet for BYU. Te'o is a devout Mormon whose cousin once played for the Cougars. BYU was one of his five official recruiting visits. He eventually narrowed his choices to USC and Notre Dame.
At least BYU officials can be happy that Te'o has represented his church well at the famed Catholic school and engendered much goodwill along the way. He is a popular player who has won over fans with his play on the field and his behavior off the field. After Te'o's girlfriend and mother died within days of each other, thousands of leis were passed out to fans at the Michigan game in his honor. After the game, the crowd serenaded Te'o.
"He's a great player," says Reynolds, who high-fived Te'o in the tunnel before their teams met each other in South Bend. "And I like the kid besides. I was in his home recruiting him. The guy is a stud and a great kid. I'd want him to win the Heisman because I know him and because he's one of our guys and because of the way he conducts himself."
Email: [email protected]


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Malady deadly to bats found in North Carolina
Malady deadly to bats found in North Carolina (North Carolina, United States, North America)Published by USFWS Southeast Region - www.fws.gov/southeast/news on 2/9/2011
White-nose syndrome, the disease that has killed hundreds of thousands of bats in the Eastern United States, has been discovered in a retired Avery County mine and in a cave at Grandfather Mountain State Park, marking the arrival of the disease in North Carolina.
"White-nose syndrome is confirmed in Virginia and Tennessee, so we expected we would be one of the next states to see the disease," said Gabrielle Graeter, a biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. "This discovery marks the arrival of one of the most devastating threats to bat conservation in our time."
Although scientists have yet to fully understand white-nose syndrome, current knowledge indicates it's likely caused by a newly discovered fungus, Geomyces destructans , which often grows into white tufts on the muzzles of infected bats, hence the disease's name. The first evidence of this fungus was collected in a New York state cave in 2006. Since then, it appears to have spread north into Canada and as far south as Tennessee, which reported its first occurrence last winter, and now North Carolina. In the Northeast, the disease has decimated some species of bats. It seems to be most fatal during the winter months, when hundreds of bats are hibernating together in caves and mines. It's not known if the disease will similarly affect all species in all regions of the country, though bat mortality and the diversity of species affected in the Northeast suggest the impacts will be significant.
On Feb. 1, a team of Commission biologists were conducting a bat inventory of the closed mine where they saw numerous bats displaying symptomatic white patches of fungus on their skin. Five bats from the mine were sent to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study unit at the University of Georgia for testing, which confirmed the presence of white-nose syndrome.
In late January, a team of state, federal, and private biologists were conducting a bat inventory of a cave at Grandfather Mountain when they discovered a single dead bat. Following state white-nose syndrome surveillance protocols, the bat was sent for testing and it has been confirmed for white-nose syndrome.
The discovery of white-nose syndrome comes as Commission biologists work through bat inventory and white-nose syndrome surveillance efforts at numerous caves and mines in western North Carolina this winter as part of a grant awarded by the Service to several states on the leading edge of the disease's spread.
North Carolina is home to three federally endangered bats, the Virginia big-eared, Indiana, and gray. Virginia big-eared bats are known from the Grandfather Mountain cave and have been seen in the Avery county mine, though not recently. Thus far, the disease has not been observed in Virginia big-eared bats farther north, however it has greatly impacted Indiana bat populations at infected caves and mines. Both of the North Carolina sites have Eastern small-footed, little brown, Northern long-eared, and tri-colored bats while big brown bats are also found at the mine – all bat species that have been affected to some degree by white-nose syndrome in the Northeast.
"The discovery does not bode well for the future of many species of bats in western North Carolina," said Sue Cameron with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. "Although researchers are working hard to learn more about the disease, right now so little is known. There has been some evidence that humans may inadvertently spread the disease from cave to cave, so one simple step people can take to help bats is to stay out of caves and mines."
"Cavers are passionate about what they do and we truly understand that asking them to stay out of caves is no small request and we greatly appreciate their sacrifice," said Cameron, noting that the western North Carolina caving club, Flittermouse Grotto, has been very supportive of efforts to protect the area's bats.
In 2009, fearing the disease could be transferred from cave to cave by humans, the Service released a cave advisory asking people to refrain from entering caves in states where white-nose syndrome has been confirmed and all adjoining states. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission holds a protective easement on the mine and both it and the Grandfather Mountain cave have been gated and closed to the public for years to protect hibernating bats.
For more information about white-nose syndrome, visit http://www.fws.gov/whitenosesyndrome.
###Photos can be found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast/sets/72157625882981881/

subset: commoncrawl


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LL Cool J Tickets
LL Cool J, short for ladies love cool James, has been a prominent figure on the hip-hop scene since the mid eighties. Back when it was fat gold chains and pumas with extra wide laces, LL Cool J was helping to spread the under ground culture of hip-hop through the mainstream. With hits like "Mama Said Knock You Out" and "Hey Lover" LL Cool J has shown that he can be hard-core rapper and romantic R&B singer. One of the legends of hip-hop, LL Cool J is an artist that will stand the test of time.


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Submission + - Will the first manned mission to Mars be a reality TV show? (mars-one.com)
Dr Max writes: No joke, a dutch company called mars one is seriously planning a mission to Mars paid for as a reality TV show. The 6 billion dollars they need to pay for the one way trip for 4 astronauts, might actually be possible when considering everyone on earth will tune in for different landmark events (Their departure from Earth, the journey to Mars, landing, and the first months on Mars). Applications for wanna be Martians will start next year, and further trips are planned for after the first lot get settled; but be prepared for 10 years of training, 20 minute delays to earth, high radiation on the 7 month trip over, harvesting your own food (although some supplies will be sent from earth), and conducting research and construction on mars.


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William J. (Bill) Cannon, who served for six years as a Lincoln County commissioner, died Thursday morning (July 18, 2013) at Donalson Care Center after an extended illness.
Mr. Cannon, who was 83 and a resident of Fayetteville, served on the Lincoln County Commission in the early to mid-1990's. Additionally, he was a member of the 1989 Lincoln Leadership Class, served on Leadership's board of directors for several years and was a member of the Lincoln County Health System Foundation.
A native of Fort Valley, Ga., he was the son of the late John Jefferson and Nannie Belle Mullis Cannon. Mr. Cannon was a graduate of the University of Georgia and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the 82nd Airborne Division.
He retired from Ralston Purina Company and was a real estate investor. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Scarboro Cannon; sons, Steven Cannon and David Cannon and wife, Marcia, all of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Bryant Cannon of Utah, and Curt Cannon and Amy Ann McCormick, both of Fayetteville.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday morning at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Todd Jenkins officiating. Burial followed in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family asked that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church.


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Power Ranger: Rangers' Moreland takes stage Tuesday at Crawdads Hot Stove
In just a few short days, a World Series star will be speaking in the area.
Texas Rangers first basemen Mitch Moreland will be the highlight of the 2011 Hot Stove Banquet presented by the Hickory Crawdads on Thursday, Jan. 27 at Rock Barn Golf and Spa.
Tickets for the event are available now and cost $35. Discount group tickets are also available and cost $200 for eight tickets.
The 25-year-old Moreland was a participant in the Texas Rangers amazing postseason, in which they reached the 2010 World Series as champions of the American League.
He led the Rangers with six hits in the "Fall Classic". He held a .462 average and tied for team honors with three RBI and one HR.
"We are thrilled to have Mitch Moreland as our speaker for our annual Hot Stove Banquet," said Crawdads general manager Mark Seaman. "The fact that he went to a World Series in his first season in the major leagues will no doubt be interesting to hear about."
Before coming to the Rangers, Moreland spent time with the Class-A Clinton LumberKings of the Midwest League, the Class-A Advanced Bakersfield Blaze and the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders.
In Jan. 2010, Moreland was invited to Texas Rangers spring training and would join the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks. He stayed there until July, when he was called up to the Rangers main roster.
"Mitch will be able to relate well to our fans, having played at this level as recently as 2008," Seaman said. "The combination of this, plus his World Series experience, gives him a unique perspective and should make it an enjoyable evening for all that attend."
Also that night, area high schools and college coaches from Catawba Valley Community College, Lenoir-Rhyne, Appalachian State and Hickory High School will speak and give a preview of their team's seasons.
The banquet begins at 6:15 p.m. with a social gathering before Moreland steps to the microphone at 7 p.m. There will also be a silent auction with local and national sports memorabilia that fans will be able to bid on.


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Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1)
- Synopsis
- Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy--until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save--or destroy--the Empire."An authentic work of great talent."--The New York Times Book Review"Christopher Paolini make[s] literary magic with his precocious debut."--People "Unusual, powerful, fresh, and fluid."--Booklist, Starred"An auspicious beginning to both career and series."--Publishers WeeklyA New York Times BestsellerA USA Today BestsellerA Wall Street Journal BestsellerA Book Sense BestsellerFrom the Hardcover edition.
- Copyright:
- 2003
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- Publisher Quality
- 9780375890369
- Related ISBNs:
- 9780375826696
- Publisher:
- Random House Children's Books
- Date of Addition:
- 06/29/11
- Copyrighted By:
- Christopher Paolini
- Adult content:
- No
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Children's Books, Teens, Literature and Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Submitted By:
- Bookshare Staff
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.


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To anyone out there in Pettalk that might remember me (Emeraldgreen), I just wanted to say hello. I don't know where the time has gone but here it is three years later and I've been thinking of visiting Pettalk so I finally emailed Karen to help login because my username or password wasn't working.
I hope everybody is doing well!!! My husband and I moved to another island in 2010 but found it a bit remote so we have just returned to Quadra about a month ago and I'm back working with the cat rescue group. I never stopped but couldn't do any hands on work from afar and just did things like handled their emails and maintained the website and made posters for adoptable kittens and cats etc.. But now I'm so happy to be able to help with the real work of trapping and checking in on foster homes and adopting cats out. To date we've fixed 243 cats and found homes for about 100 kittens and cats. We're hoping to get a whole bunch of work done this year and with kitten season around the corner we're about to get started with the trapping next month.
It still amazes me that the cat rescue group started because of one little guy named Barney and that his life was extended because of the support, kindness and generosity of this Pettalk group. I still think of Barney alot and it always leaves me with a special feeling. I can't say I've ever experienced anything quite like that and I sure am grateful that so many of you were there to help in million different ways. Barney's Angels.
Well, I'll keep this short but just wanted to say a quick hello and hope to chat with some of you in various posts over the next while. I'm going to have to update my pets in my photo section as many are no longer with me (RIP: Muddy- most loyal dog ever, Paddington Bear- gentle giant, Jimmy- my soul cat). But of course, more rescues have joined us (Jojobears- 8year old shep/cattledog cross we adopted in May, some feral cats that I had been fostering but they remained with us as barn cats and live a happy life). The rest of the gang is still with us and just a bit older. ;)
p.s. I just found messages in my inbox from 2009 and 2010 that I've now read and will respond to. Sorry for the delay.


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Self-proclaimed health guru Suzanne Somers is being roundly accused of pushing false information to the public.
In an article headlined "Suzanne Somers' Health Advice May Be Dangerously Wrong," LiveScience columnist Christopher Wanjek says "nearly every sentence Somers says about health is incorrect" � particularly about her use of hormone therapy after menopause.
"Women need to understand the potential harm of the hormone therapy Somers promotes," Wanjek says.
In addition, Somers wrote an anti-Obamacare screed that contained numerous obvious errors and had to be corrected, UPI reports.
Somers, who starred in the ABC sitcom "Three's Company" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, has written 24 books about diet, exercise and alternative medicine. She told Oprah Winfrey's audience that she takes 60 pills a day and injects the hormone estriol directly into her vagina.


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Utah Public Radio Receives Grant to Investigate Cache Valley Air Pollution
Thursday, Mar. 07, 2013
Utah Public Radio received a Community Engagement grant from the Public Insight Network to produce an investigative report on air pollution in Cache Valley. Funds were awarded to 17 public media newsrooms nationwide in February. UPR was selected based on a project proposal to shift Cache Valley's air pollution conversation from partisan politics to human health issues.
"There are other communities in the state of Utah that suffer from the pollution concentration that comes from winter inversions, but Cache County usually tops the list," said UPR reporter Jennifer Pemberton in the grant application. "As a smaller community with a bigger problem, Cache County is under-represented in the coverage of Utah's air quality problems."
The grants are intended to help stations generate content, organize events and meet the information needs of their communities through engagement. The funding awarded to UPR will assist the station in organizing events and to conduct an investigative report on local air quality. The report, due in July, will be led by Pemberton and UPR producer Shalayne Smith Needham.
"We are providing these funds in an effort to encourage stations to involve their communities more directly in content and discussion around important local and national issues as well as to encourage more newsrooms to adopt the PIN model of engaging communities in journalistically relevant ways throughout the editorial process," the grant announcement from the Public Insight Network read.
The Public Insight Network is a platform from American Public Media that connects journalists and citizens to inform news stories and strengthen communities.
Utah Public Radio broadcasts from the main campus of Utah State University in Logan and is a service of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, providing national news and public radio programming as well as local Utah news on a statewide network of translators.
Related link:
USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Contact: Jennifer Pemberton, (435) 797-0705, firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact: Shalayne Smith Needham, (435) 797-0320, firstname.lastname@example.com
Source: Utah Public Radio


text:
Psycho Bunny Classic Polo Shirt KR00001
This product was discontinued May, 2014 and is no longer available. Please consider one of the Customer-Recommended Replacements above, or try a new search.
Dress up in the classic look of a polo with the hopping fun of a psycho bunny. Features classic styling for everyday wear. Made of 100% Pima Cotton.
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AP source: Westerman to run for Cotton's House seat
LITTLE ROCK (AP) - A person who has spoken to state House Majority Leader Bruce Westerman says the lawmaker plans to run for the south Arkansas congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton.
The person said Westerman planned to announce in August he'll seek the Republican nomination for the 4th District after Cotton launches his bid for the U.S. Senate. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because Cotton had not yet formally launched his Senate campaign.
Cotton's expected candidacy will set off a domino effect for other state offices. Lt. Gov. Mark Darr has also said he's likely to run for Cotton's seat if Cotton runs for Senate.
Janis Percefull, a community college teacher, is the only Democrat running for the 4th District seat.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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9/10 people polled also couldn't tell the difference between rabbit shit and deer shit.
And nine out of ten couldn't tell the difference between your statistics and bullshit.
That said it is a useful comparison.
Someone who is just walking in the woods probably cannot tell rabbit shit from deer shit. A tracker or someone dependent on hunting for food certainly will.
Someone who just needs to run a browser and word processor probably can't tell Windows 7 from KDE. Someone who needs to configure and administrate systems for an organisation certainly will.
9/10 people polled also couldn't tell the difference between rabbit shit and deer shit.
And nine out of ten couldn't tell the difference between your statistics and bullshit.
That said it is a useful comparison.
Someone who is just walking in the woods probably cannot tell rabbit shit from deer shit. A tracker or someone dependent on hunting for food certainly will.
Someone who just needs to run a browser and word processor probably can't tell Windows 7 from KDE. Someone who needs to configure and administrate systems for an organisation certainly will.
Also 9/10 enjoys group rapes
Someone who just needs to run a browser and word processor probably can't tell Windows 7 from KDE. Someone who needs to configure and administrate systems for an organisation certainly will.
I actually had a long argument with my SO about Linux vs. Windows issue. My main point was this: whenever she experiences any trouble she still complains to me, and for me it is much easier to deal with Linux. So she gave it a try and it all went OK to her own surprise, she had no troubles using FF, Gimp and Pidgin.
I have the opposite problem. My wife won't touch linux but still wants to use my PC.
Then she gripes that it doesn't "automatically log in" or gives me the "we should share passwords".
I say to her, "Do you know shit about Linux?" "no" "THEN YOU DON'T NEED MY PASSWORD FOR SHIT".
Dude she just wants your password to check your email and make sure you don't have anyone on the side
I say to her, "Do you know shit about Linux?" "no" "THEN YOU DON'T NEED MY PASSWORD FOR SHIT".
Careful, sledgehammers need no passwords.
Nah, the dead can't talk.
You know anything about putting my honda back together?
I set up my wife on my PC on another virtual terminal - (ctl-alt-F8), it automatically logs her in on boot-up, and whenever she needs "her" stuff, it's all there for her. With all her own passwords. Plus, my "stuff" remains untouched - so whether I'm downloading torrents, or in the middle of composing an email, wp, graphic, presentation...it's all still there when she's done (ctl-alt-F7, back to me)
Actually, this is a point of contention between me and my wife... Ocassionally, when Im on the computer she wants to check her hotmail email or stuff, and becomes angry when I tell her she cannot login into Pidgin unless she does it from her own user account.
"But MSN in Windows allows you to sign out and sign in again with a different username!" She says
"Yeah, but UNIX has a different philosophy, every user should have its own desktop and its own settings!"
"Why? You and all your Linux friends are a bunch of paranoid idiots! What's the point of so many passwords? Who do you think is going to try to hack you?"
"[sigh] You can then reboot into windows when I'm done with this..."
This is why I have no problem with my GF running windows. If it breaks, I don't know what to do with it anyway, so it's not my problem.
I'm sure that most people will see the difference when trying to install a game, sync their PDA (with the instruction on their constructor webpage not matching what they see on their screen) or try to open the crappy humor Powerpoint filling their mailboxes. No need to be a admin to see a subtle difference between linux and windows if you don't have a diligent kid/friend that take care of every single installation problem for you.
This video reminds me of all those "infomercial" showing the latest innovation in carpet cleaning or kitchen robot
And nine out of ten couldn't tell the difference between your statistics and bullshit.
that's because 9 out of 10 statistics are made up 73% of the time.
I'll admit I fell for it. But in my defense, they showed it to me in the morning and I was really tired that morning for some reason. It's like someone switched out my usual high quality Columbian coffee with Folgers or something that day.
I mean; even the editors themselves state that there isn't any conclusion to be drawn here; "we've learned nothing" because there simply are too many factors to consider. People don't know Windows 7 or people don't know KDE. Or people don't really care at all. So; fun movie, move along.
Any OS can look impressive when you find a demo that shows off all the eye candy to its full extent. You could have shown these people DWM configured nicely they would think it would be the next generation OS, UI. Vista got good visual reviews too. The problem is when you start working with it, things change. KDE and GNOME while have a rather niced polished UI, you still need to do things the Unix/Linux way. The same with windows no matter what you do to the UI it is still windows and need to work with it.
What I find really funny comparing Windows/Gnome/KDE with a Mac. The Mac actually has a lot less eye candy, yet perception has it as having more.
My favorite piece of eye candy was the "static" when opening the photo.
When the hell is somebody going to fix that, and whos fault is it?
X? WM? Graphics Driver?
it's getting old.
Totally agree with you - although at the end the ZDnet video they said 'they learnt nothing', that's not quite correct. They learnt that nobody in their (presumably not very scientific sample) has any idea of what KDE4 looks like...
So, as you imply, should be on 'idle' really...
I think I learned quite a bit. I learned that when you get people in front of a camera talking about your product, they don't really pay very much attention to what they are seeing. If you look like a representative of the company, most people are going to say kind things.
Which to me, says an awful lot about the Mojave Experiment. It doesn't really matter what people say they think in that setting. It matters what they think when they install the OS on their own computer, and for Vista that hasn't been very good.
It also makes me question the effectiveness of usability labs I've sat through in the process of developing software for corporations. It's a painful process, and now I wonder if it is very accurate at all.
It's very misleading, people could have pretended any OS or GUI, including MacOS-X - because the 1-2 min demonstration saying "look how easy it is" could have been a Vista desktop with a different background image, and people would be alike fooled. So the laugh was good, but it just shows how misleading suggestive presentations are, and what people truly value: easy to use, and they believe it (first) when you tell them, and get pissed (later) when it's not so as told (like in case of Vista).
This isn't a troll - I installed it with Suse 11.0 last year and though it was supposedly a release version it was utterly unusable, unstable and missing important features. I had to install 3.5.4 to actually get some work done. Since then I haven't bothered to check what state 4 is in now as I felt the KDE team (and Suse) had, to be polite, been rather dishonest about it. Is it worthwhile looking at it yet or should I just stick to 3.5 for the forseable future.
Yeah, 4.2 is far, far better than 4. I use it and love it!
The question is: Is KDE 4.2 better than 3.5.x?
I've found that 4.2
* looks nice,
* is slow to draw things on the screen,
* still has fewer things working than its 3.5.x predecessor.
Although I found that I could alleviate most of the slow screen painting using desktop effects with KWin's composition manager. However, like all the other broken composition managers out there, you get a nice desktop that can't run 3D applications.
Lure them in with spinning cubes and wobbly windows and then break their hearts by te
However, like all the other broken composition managers out there, you get a nice desktop that can't run 3D applications.
I run X-plane all the time under Gnome and compiz-fusion. It's almost as fast as without compiz running (indirect rendering does take a hit), and it still gets a very reasonable frame rate. Maybe Kwin's compositor prevents #D apps, but in general composite managers should not and do not. Now I do prefer to turn off the effects when I do run a game. But yes, 3D apps certainly do work u
I blame the distro. They should not have made KDE4 the default so early - they should have stuck with KDE 3 until at least 4.2.
AS far as I can remember KDE 4.0 was well know not to be really ready.
I've been using KDE4 since openSUSE started including the previews.
I felt the KDE team (and Suse) had, to be polite, been rather dishonest about it.
I don't know but to me it always seemed clear that the 4.0 was more a "early tester" release.
By now KDE4.2 is starting to get really usable and really configurable and could be used by more casual users.
Sure, if you have tons finely tuned stuff in KDE3.5, you'll really miss them.
But KDE4.2 offers enough basic functionality to be usable by most people.
Is it worthwhile looking at it yet or should I just stick to 3.5 for the forseable future.
If you don't depend on highly specific KDE3.5 customisations,
or if you're ready to spend time re-tuning everything again in a slightly different way,
then KDE4.2 is definitely worth giving a try.
On the other hand if you absolutely require the same level of ultra smooth-polished user experience that KDE3.5 offers, you'd better stick with the KDE3.x branch for now and probably wait until somewhere around the KDE4.5 version. (maybe just giving quick shot to KDE4.3 and 4.4 just to watch progress).
Ditto for KDE5.x in a couple of years : stay with KDE4.5 until that one matures.
It is indeed surprising AND unsurprising.
The video ends with the two guys discussing "what have we learned today". FTFV:
-- Are you saying that we learned nothing?
-- Nothing.
If you can't distinguish KDE from Windows, and vice versa, that's reason enough to avoid both.
So what does this experiment show? That people just aren't computer savvy.
It shows that the supposed problem, "People just can't understand how to use Linux" is bunk. If they can't even tell it from the latest and greatest Windows, how can it be any more confusing for them than Windows is?
Put another way, if the users are going to be confused anyway when upgrading from XP, you might as well upgrade to Linux and get off the treadmill.
Anyone staging a demo can find a number of people to say oooh ahhhh.
Seriously. This is the problems with computers today. The perception of "usability" is not actual "usability."
We all know, at the end of the day, "usability" is how easy it is to accomplish one or more tasks, to a certain degree the ease at which you learn how to do these tasks, and lastly the predictability and reliability of accomplishing your tasks.
So, if something is easy to do, easy to learn, and rewards careful execution with consistent outcome, the thing is easy to use.
Now, where does flashy eye candy come in to that picture? It doesn't. That's why military vehicles are all drab colors. The criteria is utility not beauty.
Sure, I do *like* the way KDE 4 looks, but it is less usable than KDE 3.
Apps and games baby...Uhh, uh-huh, yeah.
Seriously thou, the rub comes in with what the Win32/64 platform can run more than anything else these days. Both Mac and GNU desktops are plenty mature enough to deal with what most normal users would want. The main thing is now the sheer force of inertia that the Windows platform has in terms of what it runs natively.
Oddly enough the same group of people who want more Applications for Linux, are also so dead against Web Applications and Cloud Computing, which in essence gives apps to these platforms. Really other then Games, CAD or High Performance Apps. A Well Designed web app can do the job, and work on Linux, Mac, Windows, BSD, Solaris... As most applications are based on Text Input some calculations Text or simple graphic output, Web Based apps are a good choice.
At the end, they should have said:
"Have you ever heard of Linux?"
"What have you heard?"
"What you say if I told you this was Linux and not MS-Windows?"
linux mojave TM
And sad thing is...I can bet that in 2 years or so many MS-fanbots will point to KDE4 while saying "see? Linux doesn't innovate, it just rips off Windows!"...
I started the video, and it stuttered, and started over... with an actual demonstration of Windows 7. I had to reload the page to get the KDE4 prank video.
Was that supposed to be some kind of Zen test?
Explaining tabs in the browser is harder, the vast majority will still shut down the browser instead of just the tab they were in.
Although KDE4.2 is showing great promises it's all but ready for full roll out.
But I sure like the way they are moving, it's nice to look at and the way they are splitting configurations like through widgets is in my view nice if only because it's optional.
But even in this demo we can see one of the issues, while rolling through the windows you notice how a video window is momentarily loosing like what seems sinc.
Now once it'll get snappy like KDE3.5 and robust as the OS underneath...
Exercises like this might be fun, but they have no practical purpose.
Linux desktops aren't marketed, they are judged by their users based on useful metrics: configuration options, stability, tools, etc.
In Windows world, 95, XP, and Vista were all marketed to the public primarily by showing static screens illustrating how pretty they were. Windows' classic interface looks bland today, but it was hip in the 90's. XP's fisher price interface was a hackish step further. Aero is a half-hearted catchup maneuver to Linux and OSX, delivered in a business-minded blandness that only Microsoft thinks is "innovative". Each of those versions were marketed the same, but received differently based on almost everything except their appearance. No one has ever said UAC prompts are pretty, they're too busy being annoyed by them.
Which desktop is more visually attractive has little to do with how much can be done with it, and how efficiently.
In less than a century, computers will be making substantial progress on ... the overriding problem of war and peace. -- James Slagle


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Inside the '84-'01 Jeep CherokeePosted in How To on March 1, 2010
The '84-'01 Jeep Cherokee, also known as the XJ, is one of the most affordable and competent off-road vehicles ever produced. Few other 4-bys offer the room, off-road prowess, and aftermarket attention that the Cherokee does. From the introduction of the square-bodied SUV in 1984 to the end of its production run in 2001, the XJ has created an enthusiast following unlike any other SUV.
No matter if you are a desert racer, a rockcrawler, or a weekend trail cruiser, the XJ can be easily adapted to your wheeling needs. While the Cherokee platform, like many other OEM vehicles, has its better years, the XJ's basic attributes-its solid front and rear axles, multilink front and leaf-sprung rear suspension, and beefy drivetrain-make it an excellent builder's platform. Though its Unitbody construction isn't as durable as a body-on-frame design, welding to the sheetmetal structure is possible, and there are a many simple ways to strengthen the unified chassis.
With high production numbers and an 18-year run, the XJ's used sale prices have dropped dramatically over the past decade. In fact, they're so cheap that many Cherokee builders often look at them as a disposable vehicle. This means that after the Cherokee's body has been pulverized through years of wheeling the owner can simply peel off all his sturdy aftermarket parts and move them over to another XJ for under a grand. While they are not all $300 Jeeps, we regularly find older models for under 1,500 bucks on places like Craigslist.org and have even found late-models for less than 3K.
As one of the last SUV's sold in North America with a solid front axle, the XJ was a monumental vehicle that left a lasting impact on our hobby and industry. If you are in the market for a new daily driver, a weekend wheeler, or a Cheap Truck Challenge competitor, maybe a new-to-you Jeep Cherokee is just the 4x you've been looking for. Here is a little build advice and technical information that we've gathered over the years.
Engine Things to Avoid The early Cherokees ('84-'86) were equipped with either 2.5L 4-popper or a 2.8L GM V-6. Both engines are less than worthy of the XJ platform and unless you are thinking about doing a complete powertrain swap we'd say pass on these years.
Things to Look For The first model year for the 4.0L inline-six was '87, but it used a closed-loop cooling system. That system can be problematic but is easily upgraded to the open style.
The '91 Cherokee saw huge gains with the new High Output 4.0L, which was equipped with a multiport fuel injection system said to put out 190 hp.
While there were a few tuning upgrades, an equal-length intake in the '99, and a switch to spark packs in the '00, the powerful and reliable inline-six remained basically the same throughout its last decade of production. And although rear main seal leaks are common, the engines are known to chug on well past 200,000 miles.
Transfer case Things to Avoid While we've pretty much established that pre-'87 Cherokees are not the golden years, we will continue this point by examining the early models' transfer case options. With an NP207, an NP228, or an NP229 (fulltime case), the transfer cases offered are not necessarily weaker units, but they don't offer the sort of aftermarket support and attention as the NP231 and NP242.
Things to look For The NP231 and NP242 are both great cases available in the '87-'01 XJ. Both cases received a 2.72:1 low range and have aftermarket goodies available like 4:1 kits, slip-yoke eliminators, and wide chain upgrades. The NP242 was even offered with a fulltime option for those who frequently drive on snowy roads.
Transmission Things to Avoid Behind the early four-cylinders was an AX-4 then AX-5 manual. Both stick boxes are weak and should be avoided if possible. In the '87-'89 models a Peugeot BA-10 manual transmission was placed behind the six-cylinder. Unlike the AX-5, which is simply weak, the BA-10 is a poorly built gearbox that brings more headaches than it's worth.
Things to Look For The AW-4 automatic transmission came on the scene in the '87 model and remained behind the powerful inline-six until the '01. The Aisin-Warner units are beefy autos and usually trouble-free as long as basic care and maintenance have been followed. Those of you who love the freedom of the gearshift will want to look for '89 and newer XJs equipped with the AX-15. While the highly desirable NV3550 manual made an appearance in the '00 model, you aren't likely to find many floating around.
Axles Things to Avoid Most of the '84-'91 XJ's high-pinion Dana 30 front axles came equipped with a vacuum disconnect system. These old-style disconnect systems can be problematic, especially as time wears on. There are a few upgrades and options to improve or bypass this system, such as swapping in a one-piece passenger axleshaft along with a new seal, but you are still left with the cast disconnect housing on the axle.
From the '89 model forward, ABS was an option on all Cherokees. If you can find one without the brake nanny, you're in luck, as the ABS systems don't work stellar off road. Also, if you are planning an axle swap, you may end up dealing with a ABS light on the dash.
The Dana 35 rear axle is never an exciting sight for an off-road enthusiast and was placed under that back of the Cherokee throughout its long run. The last two years of the Cherokees production offered a weaker low-pinion Dana 30 front axle. Looking back, we now know that the low-pinion front axle borrowed from the TJ parts line signaled the end for the XJ.
Things to look For Some of the '87-'89 Cherokees with the towing package received a Dana 44 rear axle, which is always a bonus, but is pretty rare. The more common and strong rear axle to look for is the 29-spline Chrysler 8.25, which appeared in the mid to late '90s. Look for the 8.25-inch rear axle to be more squared off than the rounder Dana 35.
Up front the stronger 297 front axle U-joints made their first appearance in '89 Cherokees equipped with ABS and became standard in '97 and newer Dana 30 front axles. The '91-'99 high-pinion Dana 30 front is a great axle, as the stronger U-joints, reverse-rotation gearset, and high-clearance front shaft make it great for a builder who wants to stay on a 35-inch or smaller tire.
Interior While interior can be a personal preference, we are big fans of how much cleaner the '97-'01 dash looks. That's not to say the '84-'96 interior looks bad, but when you compare both side by side, the older style really looks dated. Both setups are very functional and comfy, offering plenty of room for four people and gear. Though in 1997 the body style was made a bit rounder, the overall layout and visibility of the platform remained the same.
The Hatch It's not uncommon to see the hatch of older Cherokees cracked around the window and edges. Until the '97 model all XJ rear hatches were made of fiberglass. They were switched to steel for the remainder of the platform's life.
The Build Plan So now that you're on the path to crafting your own new-to-you XJ, how should you build it? Well, that's up to you, but we do have a few words of advice before you dive too deep in on the project.
The most important step is determining whether this is a primary or secondary vehicle. XJs can make for a great daily driver and a weekend wheeler, but be prepared to spend a little extra dough on the purchase of a model that's been well kept.
For us, we think the Cherokee is a great secondary vehicle for the simple fact that they are cheap. We'd look for a '91-'96, toss on a small lift, a set of 33s, and maybe a lunch box locker or two, and then wheel the doors off-literally. For under 4K you could have a completely capable and modified XJ that can provide years of wheeling fun for the entire family.
|•'91-'96 XJ, auto, non-ABS
|•Lock-Right front and rear lockers, www.richmondgear.com
|•Rough Country 4 1/2-inch lift, www.roughcountry.com
|•32- to 33-inch mud terrains on black steel wheels
|•Kevin's Off Road rock sliders, www.kevinsoffroad.com


text: Anita Marion Thelma Wildes passed away at her home in Colville on June 15, 2012 at the age of 89 after a lengthy illness. She was born to Rasmus and Nettie (Fosen) Malde in her parent's home in Poulsbo on Oct. 19, 1922 and attended school in Poulsbo. She graduated from North Kitsap High School. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. She married Harry Julian Wildes Jr. on August 15, 1941 at Poulsbo Lutheran Church, spending 52 years of marriage raising their children in Poulsbo and Bremerton. She retired on Lindsay Beach in Quilcene. Anita enjoyed travel with her husband, working on Guam for seven years for the Postal Service while Harry worked in the shipyard after retiring from the Navy and then the Naval Shipyard. They enjoyed several years in Iran and Hawaii with friends Chuck and Jim Daniels. She lost Harry to cancer in 1993 and her youngest daughter, Lonnie F. Smith, passed away in 2010. Anita always kept her hands busy knitting or crocheting and family and friends will always treasure the many afghans, sweaters and kitchen towels she lovingly made for them over the years. She is survived by her older sister and best friend, Alva Joyce; sister-in-law Dorothy Osmanson and husband Marvin; daughter, Annette L. Lamphere; son, Harry J. Wildes (Bud) III and his wife, Carol; son-in-law, Charles W. Smith; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grand children. A celebration of her life is planned by the family at a later time this year. In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated by: Hospice of Spokane Tri-County Branch, P.O. Box 808, Chewelah, WA 99109. The Hospice staff were so gracious in providing comfort and care during Anita's last days.


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public static void main(String[] args) { int InvoiceNum = 2000; int BalanceDue = 2000; int Day = 31; int Month = 9; int Year = 2013; int DayOne = 30; int DayTwo = 31; //Day/month Combos if(Month==9||Month==4||Month==6||Month==11&&Day>=31) Day = DayOne; if(Day>=32&&Month==1||Month==2||Month==3||Month==5||Month==7||Month==8||Month==9||Month==10||Month==12) Day = DayTwo; // forcing numbers to 0 if(InvoiceNum>1000) InvoiceNum = 0; else InvoiceNum = InvoiceNum; if(Month>12) Month = 0; else Month = Month; if(Year<2011||Year>2017) Year = 0; Year = Year;
Basically, my assignment is, for example, if someone puts Sept. 31st, to force it to sept. 30th. I'm not getting any errors of any sort, it just isn't forcing the numbers to what I want them to b. also, when I tried to make it something like "if(Day>32&&Month==1, 2, 3" etc. it doesn't work at all.
Sorry for the bad explanation of my problem, I don't know a lot of the terminology so I'm just trying to make it so it'll be somewhat understandable.
My code forcing them to zero if month is over 13, etc. all work. Which is why I don't understand why the Day/Month combo ones aren't working.


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Feb. 4, 2006
Durham, NH - The Yale gymnastics team competed last Saturday at the Fox Run Invitational, which was hosted by the University of New Hampshire. New Hampshire captured the team title with a score of 194.375. Minnesota finished the meet with a 193.875. Yale came in third place with a 187.525, and Temple scored 182.200 for fourth place.
Kimberley So '09 captured fourth place on the vault, with a score of 9.750. Miki Seltzer '07 also performed well on the vault, scoring 9.600.
So also posted a 9.600 on the beam, which was the Bulldog's highest score in the event. Not far behind So was Laura Lombardi `08, who scored a 9.575 in her first showing on the beam this year. Alina Liao '09, who was last week's ECAC Rookie of the Week, also scored a 9.575.
Yale's top score on the uneven bars was by Sarah Peterson '07, who put in a stellar performance for a 9.525.
In the floor exercise competition, Seltzer had Yale's highest score, with a 9.650. Suchitra Paul '07 also performed well, scoring a 9.600.
So and Liao put in an equally strong showing in the All-Around competition. Both had an All-Around score of 38.025 for a fourth place tie.
The Elis will travel to State College, PA on Friday, Feb. 10, to face off against Penn State, Nebraska and Rutgers at 7 pm.
Report filed by Christie Yang '06, Yale Sports Publicity.


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The Asian Film Festival of Dallas launched last night at Landmark's Magnolia Theatre, and it continues through next week. Among the offerings are two gay films screening Monday: The Thai lesbian feature Yes or No, screening at 7:30 p.m., and the horror thriller I Am a Ghost from queer director H.P. Mendoza, screening at 9:45. There will even be a LGBT mixer (Mendoza in attendance) between both screenings on Monday night, at Malai Kitchen in the West Village. (We are giving away tickets to both show and the mixer, so stay tuned!)
Uptown Players is back in the Kalita after a long pause while the Dallas Theater Center used the space with Coy Covington again taking on one of Charles Busch's drag roles in The Divine Sister. Two other outright farces are also continuing this weekend. Stage West is putting on the rarely-performed Joe Orton sex farce What the Butler Saw and Second Thought Theatre is just across the parking lot from Uptown with The Bomb-itty of Errors at Bryant Hall on the Kalita campus. Live The Divine Sister, both have tons of cross-dressing. That's also true of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which continues until August, and Avenue Q at Theatre Three. Both are terrific summer shows with huge gay appeal.
Friday through Sunday is Taste of Dallas at Fair Park, with tons of vendors from La Madeleine to Tiff's Treats to Pho Colonial, plus chef demos, beer and wine tastings and more. Once that's over, Perry's Steakhouse has a welcome way of celebrating the 4th of July all month — it's called the 4 for 4 after 4 deal. Basically, there are four menu items that cover the waterfront: the Perry-tini lemon drop cocktail, a polish sausage app, an 8 oz. pork chop and a dessert … and each cost only $4 after 4 p.m., Mondays—Wednesdays. I mean, any time you can get something for four bucks at a restaurant, it's a good deal, but Perry's is a pretty high-end place with excellent food.


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The video doesn't work, seems like they haven't uploaded it officially to YouTube yet, but I found it here, will take a look at it for you
Krisia Todorova - Vyarvam v chudesa (Вярвам в чудеса)
Vyarvam v chudesa (Вярвам в чудеса)
|thanked 8 times
|Vyarvam v chudesa (Вярвам в чудеса)
|Planetata na detsata (Планетата на децата)
Done, very good job, I must say, you had very minor mistakes (mainly words that sound like other words) I've changed the punctuation around a bit too, but now it should be ok.
Yep, since they started paying the artists for views, they really keep an eye on a violated copyright videos, but I believe it will be uploaded soon on Slavi's channel there.
Will answer you in English, as I know the grammar terminology in English more than in Bulgarian, haha
the sense of the sentence is absolutely the same, just the grammatically right way of writing it is with the -ът/-ят form (пълен член). Смисълът is a subject in the sentence (Смисълът е в това, if you swap it around). As for the "все същият" - the perfectly grammatically correct sentence will be "и слава Богу, той е все същият", which, as you see again, it's still linked to the subject (which I believe is the life by the way, not "me", in both Slavi's verses). But in the song, "той е" is not written, as you understand it from the context. As for his sentences themselves, I would translate them with present perfect in English. That's called "минало свършено деятелно причастие" and has the function of a verb instead of adjective in these cases - have no idea whether it exists in other languages (haven't seen it in the others I'm learning/knowing - but check out this one, point 2, it may help you understand it, if you've never seen such construction).
I may try to explain it to you in another way, as you're a Russian speaker and may find it easier - both masculine definite forms (пълен и кратък член, don't know that term in English) have different usage - one of them (пълен член) is used as definite form when the noun is in a nominative case (subject), where as the other (кратък член) is used when the noun is in the accusative case (direct object), and if I'm not mistaken, it's also always introduced by a preposition (Compare Пътят е дълъг and Те вървят по пътя). That's one of the hardest things in the language that many people don't know/bother to write correctly, as we usually don't have cases, just some things are leftovers.
And something from me as info - a Bulgarian speaker will usually not pronounce the -т in the masculine nominative definite form - not only in the songs, but in the general speech too (you can hear something like пътя е дълъг instead of пътят е дълъг). Just it's consider illiterate to skip it if you write
That became a bit too long, hope I was helpful!
I hoped it was implied from my question that I know the difference between full and short forms of the definite forms, I've read about them a lot as though the definite article is present in English it's an absolutely foreign concept for Russian and other Slavic languages, except Bulgarian (and Macedonian). I've also read many times that -т at the end of the full definite forms isn't pronounced, thus I haven't said anything about not hearing it.
Nevertheless thanks for your throughout explanation, which unfortunately hasn't fully satisfied me in the case of "същият". What I meant is a need of clarification as your second explanation uses different terms and all I've read before uses only the terms "subject" and "object". I'll use simple sentences "The life is good" and "The flat is my life" as examples. While in English in both cases what's after "is" is the object, in Russian and, as I understand it, in Bulgarian too, it is still uses nominative and not accusative "case", thus "Животът е хубавият" and "Апартаментът е моят живот", am I right here? So in case of such sentences it's not only the subject or the object to look out for, but also how it is used.
I've reread the text and may be inclined to agree that Slavi sings about life and not himself. However it may be a problem in my Russian translation as life in Russian is feminine. As for the other suggestions it is a little funny that verb forms ending in -л in Russian are just plain forms of past tense but they are inflected only by the grammatical number and gender and not by the grammatical person. While we have Active Past Participle and applying it to the perfective verb we can get "Perfective" Active Past Participle, it is used more to describe an completed action as an attribute of something not the action itself. Compare the participle form in "упавшая книга" (the fallen book / падналата книга) and the verb form in "упала книга" (the book have fallen / паднала (е) книгата). Thus it seems this use of a participle as a verb is unique to Bulgarian. The book on Bulgarian grammar for native Bulgarian schoolchildren is a rather interesting reading. Thanks for the link by the way. I think it somewhat helped me only because my native language is a Slavic one.
EDIT. Looking on the text from the "живот" point of view one instance seems off to me in the first Slavi's verse. It's "питам". According to the discussion above "питал" here seems to me more logical.
Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I'm explaining you something you know, I just tried to differentiate them. You always challenge me asking me questions I'm not sure about haha
Just take a look here first, I think it may help you understand the reasoning behind your doubts about the example you gave above. Read that, and then maybe you'll understand the case with същият, if not, will try to find something more helpful.
To use your simple terms - "The life is good" is "Животът е хубав", not хубавият, the second sentence is right. I think "good" is not an object but adjective in your case. A right sentence would be "Това е хубавият живот", this is the good life. It's still not an object though - the good life IS this, the good life is still a subject, as it's the one linked with the "is". But please read through the link I gave you, it turned out it's not only for subjects, but for some other cases too, like a subject and an adjective that are linked together (I admit it, I don't know the Bulgarian grammar, I just know what's right). Also, bear in mind that in Bulgarian it's absolutely possible to have changed word order, it's really often seen in songs, so it's not always subject-verb-object.
Now, I've never studied any English syntax, so I have no say on what's the right grammatical construction as compared to Bulgarian. I personally have found that studying a language through English is hard, as many things just don't exist in other languages with more difficult grammar. There are no cases, no verb forms for the different persons/numbers, no masculine/feminine nouns, grammatically everything is rather plain (except the many rules exceptions, like the past tense forms), which makes it even more difficult to understand the difficult stuff. It's good you know a Slavic language as a native, but don't over rely on that, because sometimes you give me examples of things that are right in Russian, but completely wrong in Bulgarian and the other way around - use the similarities wisely It's always interesting to me too to see how different rather similarly looking languages are.
As for the Slavi's part, well, you can't be more black than white, it sounds racist that's why I believe it may refer to the life, not to him, but you can always interpret it in a way that sounds good to you and add an explanation in the comments. The school books are the best way of learning, if you're confident enough to understand them, so go for it, there are some available even online, try 5/6/7 grade, that's when they start learning the grammar, if I'm not mistaken (or they haven't changed the system completely since I was a student).
I got really confused at one point, so excuse me if I went off topic, I hope I managed to find an answer to your question
Don't be sorry, I'm not complaining in any way, just stating the facts. I myself sometimes write too much.
I'm very much glad that I have a language other than English as my native. While reading information provided by your link I tried to compare what I was reading with both English and Russian grammars. And here we are. I could not find anything similar to съставно именно сказуемо in English, only "the verb" that is essentially is a verb, but this concept is very much existent and used in Russian. Though I needed to look up the grammar rules as I just use Russian without any thought on grammar, the same to a lesser extend is true for English, and instinctively know what's right and wrong. Thus now I understand the cases with both същият and смисълът.
But according to this, point 1.2.2 and the second NB, something like "животът е хубавият" is possible, but in this case хубав is just not defined enough. If it were "животът ми е най-хубавият", it'll be more indicative of the case. And here is the point where my familiarity with Russian led me astray. As the sentence "жизнь хороша" (life's good) does have съставно именно сказуемо, I used it instinctively forgetting that there also must be some definiteness in it.
When learning Bulgarian I try to find similarities with other languages I know, it's only natural and really helps when the concepts are the same. But it's also very easy to get things mixed up when the concept looks the same, thus the research and the questions and of cause there is no point in trying to match everything just the similar concepts as every language has its own unique features.
NB. While Bulgarian has short and full forms for the pronouns, Russian doesn't have them, but it has the same short and full form concept for the adjectives and the participles, which Bulgarian doesn't. Interesting!
And you won't scare me with the changed word order either. While Russian normally has S-V-O word order, it can easily have almost any word order because of the case system. And the word order used in sentences usually depends on what the emphasis is.
For black and white even in case of Slavi singing about himself I've never even thought about some exterior feature. I had a vision similar to black and white stripes of life (does it make sense so worded?) applying to him, as in, his life was more dark than bright. I think I'll use the interpretation that Slavi sings about himself as a old man that has seen much and Krisia as his apprentice. Beautiful image!
As for studying from the school books, I've read somewhere that it is not good idea to learn foreign languages this way. I'm not sure I agree, at least if one knows enough basics to understand these books. Of cause to learn this way a language from the ground up is very cumbersome and unpractical. I'll try to find some just to check them out. I have one textbook on Bulgarian in Russian I find it much boring, hope these will be better. D)
Feeling confused is a good thing, as it normally leads to research and enlightenment. 0)
I think I now understand the main topic of our discussion.
Много благодаря за ти времето и желая успех!
Glad I helped, Ivan, wish you all the best too! I'm the same regarding grammar, I know the things naturally (and because I read a lot), but your questions always enlighten me too - I hated syntax at school, I've never known the parts of the sentences myself, I started learning them when I studied Italian as a first language in school and when I started with the Albanian, as it has cases which we don't... otherwise I was completely ignorant regarding these hard linguistic things.
The books for foreigners are good, but mainly to grasp the basics, as most of the times the authors are not natives to both languages to explain all the hard things properly. Rare languages usually have such books until level like A2, so give a try to the school books, they tend to be explained for 10 years old kids, so use rather simple terms. You seem to have the basic fondation already, so you can only benefit from them
Gloria, there is a question at other place. It is also posted by the author in my English translation.
Не е ли:
"...и на всеки, който то (сърцето) обича."?
And my answer is:
That's good question! It is "сърцето", but is it the subject or the object? I'm not totally sure. I hear "го" and understand it as someone who loves the heart (and its owner). It can be "то" to mean someone who is loved by the heart (and its owner). Only the text author can tell the truth.
I'd like to know what your intuition tells you. It is just the repetition of the line about owning place in heart with other words or a reference to someone who also returns the love. Your thoughts on this will be very much appreciated! :bigsmile:
I agree with that suggestion, it's really "и на всеки, който то обича", plus it makes more sense. I hear it in the exactly same way btw. I'm amazed you can always find so much meaning I never considered myself, behind everything
It's subject (although it doesn't change); put in simple words - I believe my heart, and I believe everyone I love, that's what they sing. Nothing about anyone returning the love, as far as I see.


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Release Notes: Several bugs in the previously-introduced control library have been fixed.
Release Notes: The b_text function is removed. Text formatting functions with string output are added. A bug in the function return optimization is fixed (the bug was optimizing the return away). A bug in the associative array insertion algorithm was fixed. The temporaries allocator has been revised for improved performance. A new library providing for I/O polling and activity scheduling was introduced. A bug in the b_drop function was fixed.
Release Notes: The procedural interpreter is now making use of the entire temporaries allocator definition, and its use needs to be updated accordingly. Libraries are expanded. A bug introduced with the recently-added line/words reader was fixed. An interface allowing passing all function arguments in a function call is added.
Release Notes: Aime libraries are expanded. Silent versions of the error trapping interfaces are introduced. A more powerful line reading, word splitting function is included.
Release Notes: A bug in the previously introduced function referral mechanism has been fixed. Two severe bugs in reference management have been fixed. A couple of minor C interface changes were made for greater uniformity. Aime libraries are extended.
Release Notes: A symbolic type for the "object" type is introduced. A couple of bugs are fixed. Internally, the aime coded functions are now referable objects.
Release Notes: This release sees minor extensions to the aime libraries and minor C application programming interface changes.
Release Notes: The global context pointer is removed. The associative array library is expanded. A memory leak in the same library is fixed.
Release Notes: An aime language manual is added. The GPL version is fixed; it is now 3 for all source files. The list and byte array libraries are expanded. Right to left associativity is fixed for all assignment operators. Several uninitialized variable bugs are fixed.
Release Notes: The file library has been extended. The byte arrays may now function as in memory files.


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If Rancho Cotate High's varsity football team baked the cake with consecutive fumbles in Oakdale territory to start the game, then Oakdale linebacker Bastian Jimenez added the frosting by grabbing a fourth quarter fumble and rumbling 55 yards to the dinner plate during a 55-21 gorging of the visiting Cougars on Friday.
A Friday excursion that started with a long trek to Aptos on the coast of California included a walk-through just beyond the beach for Oakdale High's varsity football team. Hours later Oakdale walked through upstart Aptos High with a triumphant 55-21 victory. The win over the well-disciplined Mariners, a classy Division III team from the Central Coast Section, was Oakdale's second straight over a well-respected program that qualified for the playoffs in 2010.
At first glance, the players opposite Oakdale High's freshman football team fit perfectly into the environment on The Corral's artificial turf on Sept. 8.
One of the most powerful rushing football teams in Sac-Joaquin Section football history has a new trick up its sleeve in 2011 - the air attack.
Sac-Joaquin Section Bylaw 511.6 isn't nearly as lifeless and eerie as the image of a cow skull resting on the artificial turf at The Corral, but it certainly gets the point across.
Over the eight years of my journalism career, I feel I have stayed relatively unbiased in my coverage of high school athletes.
Oakdale High sophomore quarterback, Spencer Thomas, has displayed superb athleticism all season, with ever-increasing poise well beyond his age as a first-year varsity Mustang starter.
Daniel Linder's face was wrought with disappointment, but the Oakdale High senior's voice had an unmistakable semblance of pride on Saturday as he summarized the 14-game journey he and 50 football teammates shared this season. Oakdale snared Valley Oak League co-champion status and then dispatched all comers on the way to the D3 final, closing the year at 10-4 overall.
With 11 seconds to play in Friday's opening half and his team sporting a one-touchdown lead, Oakdale High linebacker A.C. Brown crushed Casa Roble quarterback Mitch Samson just as he released an incomplete pass on a roll-out to his left.
It would be hard to find two athletes in the Sac-Joaquin Section with the same tenacity and skill as Oakdale High standout defenders and football seniors A.C. Brown and Blake Thompson. The pair has harassed opposing runners and quarterbacks all season, and did more of the same with constant trips into the Placer backfield during a Nov. 19 road win in a 7-6 playoff victory. With conditions forcing both teams to rely almost solely on the run, Brown and Thompson were a constant disruptive force at the line of scrimmage, and managed great containment at the edges to limit ...
A constant downpour turned the Placer High football field into a swamp on Friday, but the rain and mud couldn't keep Oakdale High's varsity football team from qualifying for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals with a thrilling 7-6 victory over the host Hillmen.
While four other Valley Oak League varsity football teams floundered with losses in the first round of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, the Mustangs preserved league prestige with a one-sided 56-21 win over visiting Christian Brothers on Nov. 12.
It took just a minute and four seconds for Oakdale High's varsity football team to give their new black playoff jerseys that special pay dirt tint.
A 42-13 third quarter lead effectively put away Sonora High's varsity football team, but Oakdale players, coaches and fans were on pins and needles well after Friday's Valley Oak League finale at The Corral, hanging on announcer Pete Simoncini's every word as he announced the Manteca vs. East Union final score.
Football may be a game of yards, but it came down to inches for Oakdale High's varsity football team during a highly anticipated Valley Oak League showdown with host Manteca on Friday.
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2010 National League Championship Series, Game # 5: True grit shown by a wounded Doc Halladay, a weird top of the third and a Jayson Werth homer gives the Phils a 4-2 win, sending the series back to Philly.
True grit shown by their ace Roy Halladay, who was pitching through a mild groin injury, a wierd-o top of the third inning where the Phils took the lead, and a solo blast by Jayson Werth in the top of the ninth gives the Phils a 4-2 win, as they cut the Giants' lead in the series, 3-2. The game will now return to Philadelphia for game six on Saturday.
The Giants took the lead in the first as, with two men on, and with one man out, Buster Posey hits into an RBI force out, 4-6, on a possible doubleplay grounder that was botched by second baseman Chase Utley before he threw to second base to force out Freddy Sanchez, who had earlier singled, allowing Andres Torres, who had started the inning off with a walk, and then went to third on Sanchez's single, to score, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead, as Posey beats shortstop Jimmy Rollins' throw to first. The Phils then came back in the third. Raul Ibanez started the inning off with a single, then moved up to second base as Carlos Ruiz is hit by the pitch. Roy Halladay then bunted the ball in front of the plate, although possibly a foul ball, it was called fair by the home plate umpire, as Posey grabbed the ball and threw it to third, trying to get out Ibanez, as Halladay stood in the batter's box, thinking it was foul, but, Pablo Sandoval was unable to get back to the third base bag, as Ibanez is called safe, while Ruiz reach second base. But, Sandoval then recovers and threw to first base for the out, 2-5-4, as the throw beats Halladay to the bag, as Halladay is credited with a sacrifice bunt. The next batter, Shane Victorino, then hits a grounder towards first baseman Aubrey Huff, who committed a fielding error as the ball hit against his right leg, and bounce into left center field, allowing both Ibanez and Ruiz to score, giving the Phils a 2-1 lead, while allowing Victorino to move up to second base. Placido Polanco then followed with an RBI single, scoring Victorinio, giving the Phils a 3-1 lead. The Giants got a run back in the fourth as, with a runner on second, and with one man out, Cody Ross hits an RBI double, knocking in Pat Burrell, who had earlier doubled, making it a 3-2 Phils' lead. Halladay would then keep the Giants down, squashing a pair of rallies in the fifth and the sixth innings. The Phils then tried to add to their lead in the seventh as they placed runners on the corners, with Rollins on third, who had started the inning off with a single, before stealing first second, and then third, and Ruiz on first, who had walked, with one man out, before pinch hitter Ross Gload ended the inning by hitting into a line out-doubleplay, three-unassisted. The Phils would finally increase their lead in the ninth as Jayson Werth hits a lead-off home run, his second home run of the series, giving the Phils a 4-2 lead. That would end up being the final score as Brad Lidge would receive his first save of the series as he pitches a 1-2-3 inning, getting pinch hitter Travis Ishikawa to end the game by striking out on a foul tip caught by Ruiz.
Roy Halladay gets the win as he pitches six innings, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out five. His series record is now 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA. Jose Contreras receives his first hold of the series as he pitches two-thirds of an inning, giving up a hit, while striking out a batter. J.C. Romero also gets his first hold of the series as he pitches a third of an inning, getting out the only man that he would face. Ryan Madison receives his first hold of the series as he threw a 1-2-3 inning, striking out the side. Brad Lidge receives his first save of the series as he also pitches a 1-2-3 inning, striking out a batter. Tim Lincecum took the lost as he pitches seven innings, giving up three runs, two of which were earned, on four hits and a walk, while striking out seven. His series record is now 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA. Sergio Romo and Javier Lopez combine for a scoreless inning, giving up a walk (Romo), while striking out a batter (Lopez) between them. Ramon Ramirez pitches two thirds of an inning, giving up a run on two hits. Jeremy Affeldt pitches a third of an inning, striking out the only batter that he would face.
The Phils had only six hits in the game, with Raul Ibanez leading the team with two hits, both singles. Placido Polanco, Chase Utley, Jayson Werth and Jimmy Rollins had the other four Phils hits, with Polanco, Utley and Rollins' hits being singles, with Polanco knocking in a run, while Werth's hit was a solo home run. The other two Phil's runs came in on an error hit by Shane Victorino, with him receiving an RBI. The offense still have not had a breakout inning, but it has once again taken advantage of the opponent's mistake(s), this time to get the game taken back to Philadelphia.
The Phils (2-3) are still alive in the series, as they take a day off before coming back to Philadelphia to face the Giants (3-2) in game six of the series on Saturday.


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Amanda Knox wrote an impassioned letter to the Italian court trying her for the murder of her roommate today, telling the court that she was "afraid" to return to Italy for the trial, but insisting that "I am not a murderer."
Interested in ?Add as an interest to stay up to date on the latest news, video, and analysis from ABC News.
Knox's five page letter may be her most comprehensive defense of her innocence in the death of Meredith Kercher, her English roommate who was found in the Perugia cottage they shared in 2007 with her throat slashed.
In her letter, Knox tells the court she has not returned to Italy for the trial because she fears the prosecutor's "smoke and mirrors will blind you."
Read Amanda Knox's Letter to the Italian Court Insisting on Her Innocence
She notes that she and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito have already been convicted once of Kercher's killing. She spent four years in an Italian prison until an appeals court threw out the conviction in 2011. Last year, Italy's supreme court ruled that a new trial must be held, claiming the appeals court did not properly consider certain evidence.
Knox's lawyers made their summations in the third murder trial today and submitted her letter as part of its defense. A verdict in the case is expected in January.
In her letter, Knox argues that the evidence indicates she is innocent, partly because none of her DNA was found at the scene of Kercher's murder. She recounts the lengthy interrogation that she says resulted in a coerced statement that implicated her in Kercher's death, which she quickly tried to recant.
Her quirky behavior in the days after the killing in which she and Sollecito cuddled, was not an indication of a cold killer, but of her distress. "When I needed comfort Raffaele embraced me," she wrote.
Knox also denies prosecution claims that there was hostility between herself and Kercher. "Meredith was my friend... She never gave me so much as a dirty look," she wrote.
Knox told the court, "I am not a psychopath," and lists the names and adjectives she has been called by prosecutors: "Conniving, manipulating, man-eater, narcissist, enchantress, duplicitous, adulterer, drug addict, an explosive mix of drugs, sex and alcohol, dirty, witch, murderer, slanderer, demon, depraved, imposter, promiscuous, succubus, evil, dead inside, pervert, dissolute, psychopath, a wolf in sheep's clothing, rapist, thief, reeking of sex, Judas, she-devil, Luciferina..."
"This is fantasy," she concludes.
Knox ended her letter by writing that the prosecution insists on trying her for a third time because "they cannot bring themselves to admit, even to themselves, that they've made a terrible mistake."


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — One of the investment community's great national pastimes is guessing which companies loom as possible takeover candidates in the coming year.
An investor can feel gratified in two ways if he or she is crafty enough to predict which companies will be taken over. First, it can be satisfying to have done the research and seen your work pay off.
Then, of course, there is the matter of the tidy profit you reap when the company's stock appreciates during an acquisition.
As for me? Don't worry. I don't have a horse in the race. That's because I adhere to my employer's ground rules, so I don't invest in media stocks. We want to make sure that there is not even an appearance of a conflict of interest in my columns.
So, if any of these takeover stories comes to fruition in 2013, I will happily settle 12 months from now for the gratification of writing, "I told you so."
1) Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., US:SNI The Suspense Builds: One of the leading lifestyle-content providers has plenty to offer a prospective buyer. It controls HGTV, the Travel Channel and the ever-popular Food Network.
Last October, the death of 94-year-old Robert P. Scripps, a grandson of company founder Edward W. Scripps, threatened to change the structure of the company. The Edward W. Scripps Trust controlled the company.
Last August, TheStreet suggested that Walt Disney Co. DIS, -0.39% might jump in and offer about $10 billion to acquire the company. TheStreet reported that Disney's "next blockbuster" could turn out to be an acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive.
Wall Street is still waiting to see how the Scripps situation shakes out. But as The Wall Street Journal noted in a piece in October, immediately following the news of the Scripps death: "That's not to say a deal couldn't be done. A good offer could prompt the family to agree to sell."
2) Sirius XM Satellite Radio SIRI, +1.16% Where There's Smoke: The state of 10-year-old Sirius continues to raise eyebrows along the media landscape. Liberty Media owns 49.8% of Sirius and is all but wielding control over the satellite radio company.
And this week, Sirius named sales and operations chief James Meyer to be its interim chief executive, effective at once, to fill the shoes of the outgoing CEO Mel Karmazin. Karmazin is exiting as Liberty Media doggedly attempts to secure a controlling interest.
On Oct. 2, shares of Sirius reached a four-year high in robust volume after a Citi analyst hiked his investment rating for Liberty Media US:LMCA on, as Investors Business Daily noted, "the probability the media company will buy Sirius."
3) Dish Network. The Takeover Stock That Cried Wolf: Yes, again, the media are raising the possibility that Dish DISH, -0.92% will be gobbled up. Wireless industry observers have heard the talk before, and before that as well.
Wall Street's true believers have opined that DirectTV DTV, +1.92% or AT&T T, +0.38% might want to take it over at some point.
"The theory is that AT&T would like to own the spectrum Dish has piled up (and) that there would be significant synergies from a Dish/DirectTV deal and that the video market is a lot more competitive than when the government rejected an attempt to merge the two satellite TV companies back in 2001," Forbes.com pointed out back in June.
4) Washington Post. Is the End Coming? The Washington Post Co. US:WPO has the same problems as every other major media company: monetizing the Internet and coming to terms with the decline in print advertising.
The Post's newspaper division had an operating loss of $56 million for the first nine months of this year. The company's challenge is heightened by the erosion of its prime financial asset, its Kaplan education department. Kaplan has suffered as the Obama administration makes life more difficult for-profit colleges.
The Post made news in 2012 by recruiting Martin Baron from the Boston Globe to be its top editor and announcing plans to construct a paywall, in which the venerable Post newspaper would begin charging its readers and customers a fee to view some of its contents.
"We are obviously looking at paywalls of every type," Post Chairman Donald Graham told The Wall Street Journal.
Is a newspaper company merely a trophy for a buyer? If so, there seem to be plenty of prospective trophies to go around these days. Among the other newspapers that have been mentioned in media reports, you have the Tribune Co., which publishes the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, and the Financial Times. The FT is reportedly being sought by Thomson Reuters TRI, -0.74% and Bloomberg.
The Post represents an attractive media asset because of its dominance in the hub of U.S. government and influence as well as its reputation for producing high-quality journalism. In an era when blogs — some of questionable quality — are all the rage, a brand name such as the Washington Post carries plenty of weight.
5) The New York Times. Will Bloomberg Make a Move? Inside and outside the New York Times Co. NYT, +2.35% headquarters, observers continue to watch and wait. It's a question of soap-opera proportions by now: Will he or won't he?
The "he" is New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose terms ends in a year. The speculation is that Bloomberg, the founder of the Bloomberg information and news global empire, will do something dynamic once he leaves office after his third term. Don't expect him to retire to his apartment and clip coupons.
It wouldn't surprise anyone in the media industry if Bloomberg used his company, Bloomberg LP, to make a move on the Times Co. The Bloomberg company might even eventually emerge as a white knight if an unwanted suitor tried to acquire the Times.
Or, the shrewd multi-billionaire Bloomberg could try to take over the Times by using his personal resources, independent of his business.
The Times is often mentioned in a Bloomberg-related scenario because it oozes with prestige and could offer a buyer such as Bloomberg the kind of instant and sweeping credibility that only a handful of media brand names can deliver.
Clearly, Michael Bloomberg — the-billionaire-businessman-turned-three-term-New-York-mayor — thinks big. If Bloomberg wanted to wield considerable influence on society after he left Gracie Mansion, he could fulfill his objective by buying the Times.
MEDIA WEB QUESTION OF THE DAY: What media companies do you think will be acquired in 2013?
Feel free to post your comment here.


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Sept. 16, 2013
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State men's hockey team will have at least 10 games televised to a national audience, including seven games on BTN, during the 2013-14 season, the Big Ten Conference announced Monday.
The Nittany Lions will appear on BTN, which is available to more than 75 million homes throughout the United States and Canada, six times during the regular season and at least once during the Big Ten tournament. Penn State will play on national television at least three additional times with contests on either ESPNU or ESPNEWS.
Fans will have the opportunity to watch the Nittany Lions' historic first game at Pegula Ice Arena Friday, Oct. 11 on the BTN. In the matchup, Penn State will face off against Army at 8 p.m.
BTN will also broadcast Nittany Lion home matchups against Minnesota Monday, Jan. 13 (time to be determined) and Michigan State (Friday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.). Penn State's game against the Gophers is during the Nittany Lions' Big Ten home-opening series.
Penn State also will have three road contests broadcast on BTN, beginning with a matchup against the Spartans Friday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Nittany Lion away games against Michigan Feb. 21 (6:30 p.m.) and Minnesota Friday, Feb. 28 (9 p.m.) also will appear on the network.
ESPNU will broadcast the Nittany Lions' home matchup against Michigan (Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.), while ESPNEWS will air Penn State's home game against Michigan State Feb. 15 (3:30 p.m.) and a road contest against Ohio State Saturday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.
Additionally, Penn State's matchup at Michigan Saturday, Feb. 22 is scheduled to air regionally on Fox Sports Detroit Plus at 7 p.m.
The Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Championship will be played March 20-22 at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minn. All three rounds will appear on BTN.
In 2013-14, head coach Guy Gadowsky welcomes back 18 returning letterwinners, as well as nine newcomers, as the Nittany Lions join the Big Ten for the league's first season. Penn State, who returns its top 13 point producers and nearly 94 percent of the team's scoring, also boast four NHL draft picks on the roster, including juniors Max Gardiner (Deephaven, Minn.) and Patrick Koudys (Smithville, Ont.) and freshmen Eamon McAdam (Perkasie, Pa.) and Mike Williamson (Leduc, Alta.).


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November 8, 2012 (WASHINGTON) – The Sudanese government on Thursday pushed back against recommendations made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on subsidies saying it is not binding to Khartoum.
- The IMF headquarters is seen in Washington. File Photo: AP
In its annual report on Sudan released this week the IMF commended the government for rolling out the austerity package last summer which included partial removal of subsidies on sugar and petroleum products.
The move was made to curb the widening budget deficit which resulted from losing oil as the main economic lifeline in the wake of South Sudan independence in July 2011. The south contained the bulk of the oil reserves that helped fuel the economic boom in Sudan over the last decade.
But despite the belt-tightening and unpopular measures undertaken by Khartoum, which also included reducing government ministries on state and federal level, Sudanese officials warned that more is needed to lift the country's ailing finances.
The IMF seemed to share the same assessment saying that it wants Sudan to enhance tax policy and revenue administration "by reducing tax exemptions and improving tax compliance". It also urged the East African nation " to pursue the phasing-out of subsidies and develop a well targeted safety net system. It also recommends imposing a profit tax on gold producers as the sector develops".
However the Sudanese state minister of finance Abdel-Rahman Dirar downplayed the advise which raised concern among the general public on the possibility of seeing further increases in prices.
Dirar noted in statements carried by the government sponsored Sudanese Media Center (SMC) that Khartoum already slashed subsidies in June.
Analysts say that Sudan has limited options in addressing the current economic crisis due to U.S. comprehensive sanctions imposed since 1997, its inability to borrow from international funds because of more than $40 billion in debt and reluctance of oil-rich Arab states to inject desperately needed cash into the government coffers.
Critics say that Khartoum has forfeited an opportunity to use the oil wealth to develop other sectors of the economy such as agriculture and manufacturing. Sudan appears keen however on focusing on new exploration efforts to increase oil production which currently stands at around 120,000 barrels per day (bpd).
IMF also warned that Sudan's oil production will likely drop which casts doubt over projections made by oil minister Awad Al-Jaz this year that the country will reach 180,000 barrels bpd in the first quarter of 2013.
"[O]wing to waning mature fields (higher quality Nile blend) and other technical production problems, 2012 production is expected to sharply decline by 60 percent to 117 to 120 thousand barrels per day (bpd)," said the IMF report.
"Enhanced recovery in existing fields and further exploration will likely help production to increase again starting in 2013, with a peak expected in 2020 at near 240 thousand bpd, before a gradual decline to about 144 thousand bpd begins in 2030".
But the IMF carried good news for Sudan as it forecasted an annual increase of 3% in gold production through 2020 before declining at same rate after 2026. It noted that Sudan's gold exports tripled since 2009.
In a response attached to the report Sudanese authorities expressed reluctance on implementing some of the recommendations particularly related to widening tax base.
"My authorities recognize that gold and agricultural sectors are potential sources of raising tax revenue. However, at the moment, they fear that imposing taxes may result in smuggling of gold, and consequently loss of foreign reserves, as the sector is presently dominated by small artisans. In addition, imposing agricultural tax is not considered appropriate as it would mean taxing the poor who derive their livelihood from agriculture".
Sudan also stressed that it is committed to a "flexible exchange rate regime "but prefer a gradual and comprehensive approach to avoid escalating inflation".
The central bank devalued the pound last July by almost halving its value to try bridge a gap to the black market rate, which has become the benchmark for companies. It currently stands around 6 pounds for the dollar in the black market.
The IMF said the devaluation helped ease pressure on Sudan's foreign exchange reserves which stood at about $1.3 billion which covers a little under two months of imports.
As the currency remained weak, annual inflation hit 45.3 percent in October compared to September, which is more than double the level of a year earlier.
The IMF underscored the gravity of challenges faced by the Sudanese economy.
"The economic situation is expected to continue to be difficult during the next 18 months (2012–13), clouded by the impact of South Sudan's secession and tight financing constraints" the IMF said.
The world financial body also warned that increased military tensions along the borders with South Sudan could lead to increase military spending thus hurting the budget.
Sudan's GDP is projected to shrink by -11.1% this year and -0.6% in 2013 according to IMF figures.


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Time Regained was written in the year 1931 by Marcel Proust. This book is one of the most popular novels of Marcel Proust, and has been translated into several other languages around the world.
This book is published by Booklassic which brings young readers closer to classic literature globally.
- This book can be read on up to 6 mobile devices.


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Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra Sitting on Top of the Hot Seat?November 29, 2010
Being the head coach of a professional sports team is no simple task.
When the athletes don't perform well, who does the media point their fingers at first?
When a team doesn't live up to its hype, who's there to blame besides the coach?
Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat hold a record of 9-8 on the season, good enough for sixth best in the East.
The Heat entered the current season with arguably the most hype and expectations that the league has ever witnessed.
After 17 games, it's safe to say that the team looks discombobulated.
Wade and James don't seem comfortable on the court alongside one another and neither is playing the basketball that many expected them to play.
To add fuel to the fire, the team is in desperate need of a legitimate starting point guard and center.
Carlos Arroyo does not complement the big three and all three centers for Miami are either too old (Dampier and Illgauskas) or lack offensive talent (Anthony).
Power forward Udonis Haslem suffered what could be a season-ending injury and the team doesn't get sharp-shooting Mike Miller back for at least another month.
ESPN reported that a source has stated that head coach Erik Spoelstra has been too tough on the team.
"He's jumping on them," one source said. "If anything, he's been too tough on them. Everybody knows LeBron is playful and likes to joke around, but Spoelstra told him in front of the whole team that he has to get more serious. The players couldn't believe it. They feel like Spoelstra's not letting them be themselves."
"He's not a motivator," one of the sources said. "Instead of coaching he's at the point where the players are starting to sense that he's fearing for his job."
Miami's President, Pat Riley, has stated in the past that Spoelstra's job is secured and that Riley himself will not return to the sidelines to coach the Heat.
Most analysts and fans would take that statement with a grain of salt due to the fact that anything could change overnight in the crazy world of sports.
Right now, it seems like Miami's situation could not get any worse: They're 9-8, chemistry is completely lacking, and worst of all, their coach is starting to panic.
But is Spoelstra the one to blame?
Chemistry isn't something that players can build overnight and one factor for the slow start could be attributed to Wade being sidelined for the entire preseason—missing Wade for those seven games could've delayed the teams ability to coalesce on the court.
Instead of pointing fingers, the Miami Heat players, especially the big three, need to look at one another and find the heart of the champion within.
Do you think Erik Spoelstra will be fired before the end of the season?
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