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Timeless and classic beauty Constance Jablonski graces the pages of Spanish Harper's Bazaar April 2011 looking ever-so gorgeous. She's featured in a perfectly styled editorial wearing the latest in spring denim by Stella McCartney, Christian Dior, Mango and D&G. We are really loving everything from the denim apron and the boxy denim dress to the paper bag waist jeans. With it's overall understated neutral allure and subtle sex appeal that keeps it chic, we can't help but to wonder one thing: is denim the new black? We'll leave that for you to ponder about! Meanwhile, be sure to infuse your spring wardrobe with a dose of spring denim.
Images via Fashion Gone Rogue.
—Sandoval Gomez
Tags: Boxy Denim Dress, Christian Dior, Constance Jablonski, D&G, Denim Apron, Mango, Paper bag waist jeans, Spanish Harper's Bazaar April 2011, Spring Denim, Stella McCartney


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Mesa women cruise past Highlands
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference basketball is a test of which teams can play well on consecutive nights.
The second-night results can go a long way toward deciding a conference championship. Early this season, the second night has been a struggle for the young Colorado Mesa women's basketball team.
All that changed Saturday night.
The Mavs (6-2, 3-1 RMAC) played one of their most complete games of the season in an 83-55 victory over New Mexico Highlands at Brownson Arena. Good ball movement, efficient offense, hard-nosed defense — and only eight turnovers — allowed the Mavs to win their 39th consecutive home game without a loss since Taylor Wagner took over.
Taking care of the ball allowed the Mavericks to run their offense and take high-percentage shots, even against Highlands' zone defense. Mesa shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and 45.6 percent overall.
Against the zone, the 3-point shooting took over and the Mavericks rebounded well against it, with a dozen offensive rebounds. When Highlands switched to man-to-man, the post players had a field day. Mesa's balance showed — the Mavericks hit 10 of 24 from the 3-point line and scored 22 points in the paint.
"We talk about any time we face a zone, that encourages the 3-point shooting, so we shoot it, but we've got to keep possessions alive, so we've got to get in there and rebound," Wagner said. "That's where we get those put-backs or a broken play for a 3 real quick. I thought our post players did a real good job tonight."
The four post players combined for 20 of CMU's 40 rebounds and Mesa blocked six shots against the smaller Cowgirls. Ashley Stevens, a 5-foot-10 junior forward, played 15 solid minutes in the second half with eight points, four rebounds and two steals.
"I was more in my area," she said. "I've always played a post, never really played on the perimeter, so I'm trying to figure that out. When we run four out, one in, I either play a 4 outside or a 5 inside. It's a little bit of an adjustment."
Saturday, she was the 5 and looked clearly more comfortable.
"They didn't really push you, and we got good position in front," she said. "Just make moves. They didn't double and collapse, so it was easier one-on-one."
The Mavericks opened a 34-25 lead at halftime and, much like they did Friday, went on an early run in the second half. This time, though, they didn't let up as they stretched the lead.
"We've struggled the second night and we've been really shaky but we rolled over the second half from last night into tonight and had to play with energy," said sophomore guard Erin Reichle, who led all players with 25 points. "We brought it.
"It's like Coach says, once they're down, we're not out of the woods. We have to keep going and can't stop until they stop. I think we did a good job of that."
It was a five-point game, 38-33, less than four minutes into the second half when the Mavericks made their move.
Stevens was fouled and hit a pair of free throws and Shanna Halalilo buried a baseline jumper in transition. Reichle followed with a 3 in transition and Stevens grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed 3-pointer and hit the bucket.
Right after Stevens' follow, Laurel Kasel got an open look and hit a 3 from the corner for a 50-33 lead. Stevens stepped in front of a pass on defense for another steal, and with 12:46 to play, Reichle took a skip pass and hit yet another 3 against Highlands' zone for a 53-35 lead. They methodically built the lead to 31 points with 5:21 to play when Kasel found Halalilo inside for a bucket and a 74-43 lead.
Mesa attacked the basket when Highlands came out of its zone and got to the line 25 times, making 21 free throws, one more than Highlands attempted, another key to success.
"We get more comfortable every game," Wagner said.
Reichle agreed: "It's definitely a good thing we're taking big steps."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Pipe Valve Flange Pipe Fitting Landee
Valves, ball valves
Top Entry Ball Valves Key Specifications / Features
Top entry ball valves with firesafe test to API 6FA passed
Valve Body materials: A105, LF2, F11, F22, F304, F304L, F316 and F316L
Manufacturing standards: API6D, API608 and BS5351
Pressure: ANSI class 150 to 2500 (PN1.6 to 42MPa)
Applicable temperature: -196 to 650 degrees Celsius
Valve Connection: flanged and butt-welded
Ball Valve Size range: 2 to 48 inches (15 to DN1,200mm)
Print this page
Type: Y Type Lateral. Materials: ASTM A234 WPB. Size: 24 Inch. Wall Thickness: 3/8 inch.
Pipe Fitting Type: Union. Material: ASTM A105. Class Rating: 3000#. Size: 2". Ends: NPT. Standard: MSS-SP-83.
Type: Pipe Union. Material: ASTM A182 F316. Class Rating: 3000#. Size: 1/4". Ends: NPT. Standard: MSS-SP-83.
Hexagon Nipple NPT 3000# 0.25inch x 0.5inch A105 Type: Hex. Nipple. Material: ASTM A105. Ends: NPT. Class: 3000#. Size: 0.25
A182 GR F51 (UNS S31803) HEX HEAD PLUG MNPT. Type: ASTM A182 GR F51 (UNS S31803) HEX HEAD PLUG. Material:
A790 GR S31803 Pipe Nipple. NIPPLE, PIPE, 3/4IN X 3IN LG, SCH 160, PBE, A790, GR S31803. Type: A790 GR
Type: Pipe Nipple. Material: A333 GR. 6 LTCS (Low Temperature Carbon Steel). Surface finished: Black. Ends: PE (Plain Ends). Standard:
Type: Seamless Stainless Steel Concentric Reducer. Material: SS 304. Size: 2 x 1 inch. Wall thickness: 2 mm.
Type: Concentric Reducer. Material: ASTM A234 WPB. Surface finished: Black Painting. Standard: ANSI B16.9. Ends: BW, Bevelled Ends. Thickness: SCH.40
Pipe Fitting Type: Concentric Reducer. Material: ASTM A420 WPL6 LTCS (Low Temperature Carbon Steel). Surface finished: Black Painting. Standard: ANSI
Pipe Fitting Type: Eccentric Reducer. Material: ASTM A234 WPB. Surface finished: Black Painting. Standard: ANSI B16.9. Ends: BW, Bevelled Ends.
ANSI B16.49 3D hot induction seamless bends Type: 90 Degree, pipe bend. Radius: 3D ( 1677 MM ). Material: ASTM
API5L X60 / A860 WPHY 60 Bends, R=5D. Type: Pipe Bends. Radius: R=5D. Standard: ASME B16.49. Materials: API5L X60 /
PIPE,SEAMLESS,6IN,SMLS,SCH 160 X 20FT LONG,A790,GR S31803 Material: Duplex Stainless Steel - ASTM A790 GR S31803. Type: Seamless. Ends: Bevelled Ends
ASTM A312 TP304, Stainless steel, seamless. Size: 8 inch x sch 10s x 5.8 m. Material: ASTM A312 TP304.
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text:
Gin's trying to save her. That's why he didn't kill her in front of Aizen.
Still wondering what Don can do. Surprise shinigami?
Or, does keigo get some kind of power up too?
Bleach is so messed up right now.
Ishin says they can't sense Aizen's reiatsu cuz he is on another lvl or wahtever. Then everyone can sense his ass.
I can understand Gin why he is moving away from the battle with Rangiku...I would do the same. And yes, Gin stabbed her, I would do the same.
wtf, I am more interested how Keigo managed to borrow Afro Samurai's sword (why bring him up, anyway?!), and how he suddenly can feel Aizen's reiatsu <.< That makes little to no sense at all.
Avatar and signature by me.
I hope Ranjiku really dies this time. In fact, I can't really fathom why Kubo is even setting up this little story involving Rangiku.
Did Gin really try to Kill her, does Gin's Zanpakuto has another hidden ability when he stabs someone with it?
I am not perfect and I defy you to prove otherwise
Growing Old Gracefully is an Oxymoron ... Mostly Moron !
Source: Mangahelpers
Verifcation: Confirmed
Source : BA
Credits: 69ruma
Verification : Confirmed
69るま ◆KENseIuXK2 :2010/07/14(水) 18:45:54 ID:nhm6Zg190
Rangiku appears before Aizen and Gin.
Don Kanonji grumbles that he was going to stop those two. He then escapes with Tatsuki.
去り際誰だろう、苺の知り合いかな、着物も着てるし。苺め、あんな美人の知り合いがいるなんてきいてないぞ 、意識を朦朧とさせばがらたつ。
As they leave Tatsuki wonders hazily, "Who was that? Is she Ichigo's acquaintance? She's wearing a kimono. Ichigo, you didn't tell me you knew someone so beautiful."
愛染が乱菊と話そうとするのをさえぎり、昔の知り合いがすいません、あっちへ連れてきますわと ギン。
Aizen tries to speak to Rangiku but is interrupted by Gin. "Excuse my acquaintance. I'll take her over there and then come back."
時間ならあるから、ここでゆっくりと話すといいという愛染だが、お邪魔でしょう、と乱菊を連れて行くギン。 相変わらず面白い子だと愛染。
"You have time. Feel free to speak here," says Aizen. But Gin says they'll just be in the way and leaves with Rangiku. Aizen: "Amusing as always, that boy."
ビルの屋上、なんできてん?というギン。霊圧が消えたからすぐにせんかい門で先回りしたのよと 乱菊。
On the roof of a building, Gin asks how she came to be there. Matsumoto: "After your reiatsu disappeared I immediately used the senkaimon to get here before you."
Gin: "Not that. Why did you come staggering here?"
決まってんでしょ、あんたがいるからよと乱菊。ようやく直接きける、どうして愛染の下に、信じてた吉良を裏 切るようなことするのと乱菊。
Rangiku: "Isn't it obvious? Because you're here. I can finally ask you in person why you're serving under Aizen, and why you betrayed Kira, who trusted you."
Gin: "Are you speaking truthfuly? Are you really speaking about Izuru?
どうして来てもうたんやろ・・・なぁ乱菊と続けるギン。そしてほとんど距離がない状態で邪魔や。と乱菊に刀 の切っ先を向ける。ドッという文字。
Why did you come here...Rangiku. You're a hindrance when you're so close by." Gin points his sword at her. SLASH!!
We see Don Kanonji fleeing. Tatsuki says they can slow down now. "There's Arisawa!" cries Keiko, carrying a sword.
アフさんが向こうに倒れてたから借りてきたとケイゴ。アフさんて?というたつきにあとで教える とケイゴ。
"Afro-san was collapsed over there so I borrowed it." Tatsuki asks who "Afro-san" is and he explains.
千鶴は?小島は?というたつきに、水色はみつけた、本匠とあっちにいる。それより今は逃げるんだ、さっきの やつの気配がこっちに近づいてるとケイゴ。
"What about Chizuru and Kojima" she asks. "I found Mizuiro. He's over there with Honshou. We're running away now.Those guys from before are getting closer.
ビルの屋上から去るギン、そこには胸から血を流して倒れる乱菊。手には刀。去るギンを横目で見 る愛染。
Gin leaves the rooftop, and behind him is a fallen Rangiku with blood streaming from her chest. He has a sword in his hand. Aizen gives him a sideways glance.
Source : 2ch / AkibaSP
Credits: 69るま ◆KENseIuXK2
Verification : Confirmed
i think Isshin couldn't sense the reiastu that Aizen usually presents, but because he was going through some changes with the Hougyoku being embedded into himself, that's why he said what he said. the same thing you can say is going on with Ichigo's powers, until Ichigo finally controls his powers, then he'll be able to move forward and become truly stronger. this whole scenario isn't that hard to figure out, Kubo is just trying to make all this more than what it is.
i just want a conclusion now, so something new can happen. there hasn't even been a new character introduced in over two years alone, what the hell, Kubo.
We dont need introduction of new characters we need old one to die haha
but hey ur telling me that the afro dude is weaker than keigo? Afro dude passed out keigo didn't and he was in front of Aizen when afro dude wasnt?
Ganryu (whatever spelling) and Hanatarou almost passed out when they felt patched Zaraki yet Keigo ran in front of new bully Aizen.
I know Kubo is trying to show countless of times how strong Aizen is so he can make the series go a little longer. But seriously he is using so many bad examples right now haah
I think the afro guy was put under a spell like the rest of the town. Hes such a minor character people dont even remember his name they probably forgot he was even in K-town.


text:
West Richland Police Make Arrest After Gun Incident
West Richland police respond to a weapons complaint Sunday, which leads to an arrest. Below is the official release from the department:
On February 17 approximately 8:10 A.M. West Richland Officers responded to a weapons complaint involving a handgun at Bombing Range Road at Van Giesen.
The victim, an off duty Hanford Patrol captain, reported an adult white male driving a black Toyota Tacoma or Tundra pickup, displaying temporary license plates, driving aggressively northbound on Bombing Range Road approaching the cross-street of Van Giesen. Once at the intersection the victim was directly next to the aggressively driven vehicle and looked over at the driver who was pointing a black semi automatic handgun at him.
The nature of the call solicited response from Benton County Sheriff's Office, Richland Police Department and Fish and Wildlife officers. A Sheriff's Deputy and West Richland Sergeant located the suspect vehicle at a residence near the intersection of Jamison and 59th where they observed a male matching the description, provided by the victim, walking out from behind a nearby outbuilding east of where the pickup was parked. The subject, identified as Stuart H. McKenzie of Kennewick, was immediately detained. Containment was established around two residences and the occupants from both houses where called out and briefly detained.
A search warrant was obtained for the suspect vehicle and consent to search by the owner of 1007 N 59th avenue was provided to officers where two handguns were located and seized. Stuart McKenzie was questioned and later booked into the Benton County Correction Center for Assault in the second degree.


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Chelsea trigger Demba Ba clause
Demba Ba's Newcastle exit moved a step closer on Wednesday when Chelsea finally triggered the release clause in his contract.
- Related Content
Demba Ba
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The Blues have been given permission to talk to the 27-year-old Senegal international after meeting the £7million figure stipulated in the deal he signed with the Magpies during the summer of 2011.
Ba was withdrawn from the Newcastle squad for Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash with Everton at St James' Park as a result.
A club statement said: "Newcastle United can confirm that Chelsea Football Club has made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player's contract.
"The club has given the player permission to speak to Chelsea FC and therefore he will not be included in the squad against Everton."
The move comes as little surprise after the Londoners held talks with the player's representatives at the weekend and came just hours before they confirmed the departure of Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool.
Those discussions were later described as "unproductive", but there was a feeling that it would not be the end of the matter.
Newcastle have tried unsuccessfully to renegotiate Ba's contract in recent months to prevent a repeat of the speculation which surrounded him during the summer.
However, with the former Hoffenheim and West Ham forward's representatives actively trying to move him on - Magpies boss Alan Pardew hit out earlier this week at the network of people purporting to be looking after the player - their hopes of securing him on a firmer footing always looked doomed.
Ba has been a major hit on Tyneside - he scored 16 goals last season and took his tally for the current campaign to 13 with a double in the 7-3 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday - and Pardew was desperate to keep him.
However, Newcastle were not prepared to shatter their wage structure to accommodate his demands.
The initial three-year contract was complicated with Newcastle looking to protect themselves after Ba had earlier failed a medical at Stoke because of a chronic knee condition, while the player kept his options open.
He has now opted to consider the alternatives, although it remains to be seen if Chelsea are prepared to give him what he wants, with any deal sure to cost them way in excess of £7million even before his salary is taken into account.
The Magpies will receive only a proportion of the transfer fee should the transfer go through, but have actively been pursuing a replacement, with Marseille's Loic Remy understood to be at the top of their list.
In the short term, Ba's compatriot Papiss Cisse is likely to return to the central role in which he prospered during the second half of last season as Pardew's men attempt to improve upon a run of just two victories in their last 11 league games.
Meanwhile, the Magpies appear to have won their battle with the Nigeria Football Federation, for the time being at least, after Shola Ameobi was left out of the final squad for the African Nations Cup.
Pardew has insisted for several weeks that the 31-year-old striker would not be joining up with his country despite warnings from coach Stephen Keshi that he would demand FIFA took action if he did not.
Nigeria's media officer Ben Alaiya told BBC Sport: "Shola's refusal to answer calls gave Keshi no other option than to allow him to concentrate on his club.
"The coach and team secretary made several attempts to reach Shola but there was no answer. The coach waited to hear back from him but a call never came.
"A decision on the next move will be made at the appropriate time."
Click here for completely free £10 bet with Sky Bet & £5 free every week


text:
Task 24 Re-JUNE-venate
Uploaded by Westina, Jun 29 2011 12:07 AM
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- Uploaded: Jun 29 2011 12:07 AM
- Views: 1,242
- Category: Re-JUNE-venate 2011
My layout using item created in Task #22 and the photo from Task #23.
John coaxes the amaryllis into bloom each year. Its the same bulb that Cintra gave us as a Christmas gift about 5 years ago. The others have died off but this one keeps on going. January 2010, Auburn, WA
DCA Memories of Home
ASO SS Tools Shapes Journaling Labels
BMU SS Paper Edgers Scallop
This is beautiful. My grandmother kept her mother's amarylis going for decades after Great grandma passed away. I remember admiring them as a child, looking forward to their vibrant blooms. What a wonderful reminder of promise and potential. Thanks for sharing.
My BIL gave us a amarylis bulb almost 30 years ago. It still flowers every year. Not sure if it's the same bulb or the babies, but we have still got it. This layout is so beautiful. I love all the flower clusters. Everything is just wonderfu.
What a pretty LO! I love the entire composition of this one. You did a wonderful job! Your photo looks so inviting too. Beautiful.
What great details here! Lovely photo too. Great LO!
Beautiful! That photo of the amaryllis is so striking.
Your photo is lovely! That flower looks like it's surrounded by a lot of love and encouragement. I think it will bloom again. I like your colors and layers, and that lovely blending.
Beautiful layout. Perfect word art for your lovely photo.
This LO is absolutely gorgeous ...the colors and the mixture of patterns are so beautiful.
This is gorgeous! What a beautiful photo! I love all the layers and the embellishments! Great job!
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About Jeff Masters
Cat 6 lead authors: WU cofounder Dr. Jeff Masters (right), who flew w/NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990, & WU meteorologist Bob Henson, @bhensonweather
By: Dr. Jeff Masters , 3:17 PM GMT on January 11, 2010
The Deep South shivered through a ridiculously frigid weekend, with low temperature records crumbling over much of Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. This morning, record lows for the date fell in Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Tallahassee, and St. Petersburg. The most extreme low temperature record this morning was set in Key West, where the mercury fell to 42°F at 5am--the second coldest temperature ever observed in Key West. This is just 1° warmer than the all-time coldest temperature observed in Key West--41° in January of 1981 and 1873. Widespread reports of sleet and snow flurries accompanied the cold blast across Central Florida on Saturday, the eighth snow event in Florida since 2000, according to Wikipedia. It remains to be seen how much damage the $9.3 billion Florida citrus industry will see because of the cold blast, which is the most severe in Florida since the December 1989 cold wave that devastated the citrus industry. Temperatures below the 28° that causes fruit damage affected some citrus-growing areas again this morning, for the third consecutive morning.
Figure 1. Ice encases citrus in Altoona, Florida. Image taken Sunday, January 10, 2010 by wunderphotographer CAVU.
Intense and long-lasting cold
In Texas, two airports tied all-time January low temperature records on Saturday morning--Hondo, who's 12°F tied the record set January 11, 1982, and Cotulla La Salle, which hit 16°F, tying the record set January 13, 1975. Most of Texas' airports set daily low temperature records on Saturday morning. Saturday's low in Waco of 8°F broke the previous record of 15° for the date, and was the first time Waco has been in the single digits since the -4°F reading on December 23, 1989. Not only has the South's cold been intense, it has been exceptionally long-lasting. Montgomery, Alabama has had a low temperature below 25° nine consecutive days, breaking the old mark of seven straight days set in January 2001. With the cold snap only grudgingly scheduled to release its grip on the South, Montgomery can expect to run their streak of sub-25° lows to at least eleven straight days this week. Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida now have their second longest streak of days with a minimum temperature below freezing, at nine and eight days, respectively. Pensacola may equal or top their record of eleven straight days (set in January 1940) later this week, but Mobile is unlikely to break their record of fifteen straight days (set in February 1940). Also of note is that Key West has seen five consecutive days with low temperatures below 50 degrees (January 7th - 11th). This is the second longest such streak recorded in Key West, one day short of the record six-day streak on December 1 - 6, 1876. Key West has a decent chance of tying that record on Tuesday morning, when the low should fall to 50 or below.
A nicer beach weekend in Antarctica than Central Florida
Saturday's high and low temperatures in Orlando and Daytona Beach, Florida were 40° and 30°F. Tampa's high and low were 42°F and 29°F. Under sunny skies and light winds less than 10 mph, Saturday's high and low temperature at San Martin Base, Antarctica were 44° and 34°F. Gray, cloudy skies with winds gusting to 16 - 21 mph greeted beach goers at the beaches near Daytona Beach and Tampa, so it was a much nicer day at the beach in the Antarctic Peninsula than in Central Florida on Saturday (the Florida Chamber of Commerce loves stats like that!) Nice beach weather in Antarctica continued through Sunday, with sunny San Martin, Antarctica (high 41°, low 35°) recording an average temperature warmer than most stations in Central Florida. In all fairness, it is summer in Antarctica, and the ocean temperatures in Florida were a bit warmer than in Antarctica.
A major pattern shift coming
As I noted in my previous post, a sharp kink in the jet stream and a strong negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation is responsible for this winter's cold blast over eastern North America and Europe. The ridge of high pressure that has been blocking the west-to-east motion of weather systems over the past ten days is weakening, though, and a major shift in the winter weather pattern is in store for the Northern Hemisphere by late this week. A more typical El Niño pattern will set up, with the jet stream diving southward over California, bringing a strong flow of moist, Pacific air to the West Coast. A strong low pressure system will also bring heavy rain to the Gulf Coast on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures will slowly moderate across Europe and the Midwest and Eastern U.S. this week as the pattern gradually shifts, and more ordinary winter weather can be expected in these regions by next weekend.
Figure 2. Departure of the surface temperature from average for the first eight days of 2010 shows much colder than average conditions were present over the Midwest and Southern U.S., much of Europe, and Central Asia. Much warmer than average temperatures were present over the Northwest U.S., Greenland, the Arctic, and Southern Asia. A sharp kink in the jet stream was responsible for the temperature anomaly pattern. Image credit: NOAA/ESRL.
Jeff Masters
The views of the author are his/her own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Weather Company or its parent, IBM.
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Cat 6 lead authors: WU cofounder Dr. Jeff Masters (right), who flew w/NOAA Hurricane Hunters 1986-1990, & WU meteorologist Bob Henson, @bhensonweather


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By Steve Del Vecchio, Chris Thompson, and George Galindo
"Trust but verify" was a slogan used during the Cold War to describe the basis for transparency in political relationships. Today, the term can be used to describe a strategy for narrowing the "trust gap" not between nations, but between companies and stakeholders.
No matter what kind of organization you manage, trust is an integral component of your brand. Yet, in a globalized, hyper-networked world where information—good or bad, true or untrue—can go viral in a matter of minutes, trust is under siege. Reputations that took years to build can be lost in seconds. Consider the plights of companies caught up in a rash of trust-eroding situations: financial services companies that underestimated their exposure to subprime securities, Internet companies accused of mishandling private information, manufacturers struggling to explain the causes of poor product quality and serious mishaps at their facilities.
Such events were once exceptions. However, with emerging technologies and business practices such as digital distribution, cloud computing, and longer supply chains, they are increasingly becoming the norm and are causing a significant shift to greater transparency. (See Figure 1.)
How should companies respond? How can they protect their brands? How can they effectively address these issues and tell their stories with credibility?
Whether you are trying to prevent a trust-eroding event or repair the damage after one has occurred, transparency is key. No longer a luxury limited to forward-thinking, market-leading organizations, transparency has become a marketplace imperative that is being demanded of all companies by regulators, board members, shareholders, customers, and business partners— in short, all stakeholders.
Clearly, in an increasingly competitive environment, good governance demands that organizations address transparency issues in order to be able to establish and maintain credibility. Indeed, transparency can be a company's salvation and a powerful differentiator. But is transparency enough?
While transparency is an all-important first step in building trust, it is not the entire solution. Without credibility, transparency remains an unverified promise. Fortunately, companies are not powerless in this regard. Organizations can achieve the transparency and credibility that lead to trust in the marketplace in two ways: (1) by taking steps to do so internally and (2) by enlisting the help of an independent third party.
The steps that companies can take internally to achieve transparency and build trust include communicating frequently and consistently, establishing priorities, focusing on customer service, and leveraging social media.
Lurking in the back of every CEO's mind is the fear that any day could bring a trust-eroding event that threatens the very life of their business. Consider the pharmaceutical company whose marquee drug turns out to be more harmful than healthful, the toy company whose best sellers contain life-threatening chemicals, or the automotive manufacturer plagued by an unrelenting stream of product defects. Such an event affects not only the company directly, but also its customers, suppliers, and vendors.
There was a time when a company caught up in a trust-eroding event such as a product failure or a financial scandal might take a defensive, even a confrontational posture with customers and investors. Those days are gone. In today's business landscape, frequent and consistent communications are critical to establishing and maintaining trust and credibility among stakeholders. The accepted wisdom among those who deal with corporate crises is that once an event has occurred, communicating the problem honestly to stakeholders, accepting responsibility, and positing a workable solution beat stonewalling any day and are most important to defusing a volatile situation. In fact, with regard to trust, it has been our experience that the communication around an event ultimately trumps the event itself. Even in the absence of a problem, frequent and consistent communication can be critical to building and sustaining stakeholder confidence and loyalty.
Certain industries are more prone to publicized trust-eroding activities, and companies subject to such events are wise to have communication plans in place. A company's plan might include analyzing regulations and the company's own policies, procedures, and agreements to determine compliance and its manufacturing processes to uncover any risks—financial reporting, operational, product safety, and so on—that, if left unmitigated, could result in a negative event. A public statement regarding such an assessment might be appropriate and could provide a level of comfort to company stakeholders.
pg. 1


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At a glance
What do investors think about sustainability? Are they incorporating environmental and social issues into investment practices and strategies, and will they in the future? We asked investors about these issues to learn more about their perspectives.
What do investors think about sustainability issues? Do these issues factor into investment strategies and practices? Will they in the future?
Four in five investors responding to our survey said they considered these concepts in one or more investment contexts in the past year. And about 85% expect to consider them three years from now. But investors are not happy with corporate reporting about sustainability—they're still not getting the information they're looking for. Investors want to be a part of the sustainability dialogue. And they want direct engagement with the companies in which they invest.
A diverse mix of institutional investors responded to the survey: About 45% are asset managers, one-third are pension funds, and the remaining represent a variety of other types of organizations. In total, responding investors represent assets under management (AUM) of over $7.6 trillion.¹ When broken down by demographic information, some numbers are very small (e.g., number of hedge funds, number of mutual funds), and thus the margin of potential error can be quite significant. All demographic information should be considered when evaluating these results.
¹To calculate AUM, we used the low number within the range provided in survey results (i.e., for those responding that they manage assets valued at "between $25 billion and just under $100 billion," we used $25 billion in our AUM calculation). For those who reported that they manage assets under $500 million, we used the number $1 million. For those who responded that they manage assets valued at over $100 billion, we used the actual AUM as reported in each institution's public website. All of these values were retrieved on March 20, 2014, and if reported in other than US dollars were converted based on currency rates as of that same date.


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Pelham Business Council
April 22, 2014 @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Open to all Pelham business owners. This is your opportunity to speak to city leaders and discuss current items importatn to you and your business.
Come network with other business owners in our city.
Lunch is provided.


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This Halloween, A Trick Would Be A Treat
Graphic Comments
October 31 2012 09:29AM
Seriously, I wouldn't even care if it was Brad Marchand notching a trick against the Canucks.
Ok, actually that's not true. I would definitely care. What I don't care about, it seems, is the NHL. Trying to find something that engages me enough to put stylus to screen has been a chore. It's gotten to the point that for some reason I'm even paying attention to some stupid chocolate bar tournament in the Irrational Post.
How stupid is it? Well, they didn't even include Coffee Crisp. And where's the Kit Kat, or the Oh Henry or the Mars? This is like the AHL version of a chocolate bar tournament. Is there some candy bar lockout I haven't heard of?
Anyway, now that you know how low I've had to sink this week, let's find out what else is in the Graphic Comments Halloween grab bag as we review This Week In Hockey...
We'll start with last week's big announcement that the NY Islanders were moving to Brooklyn, or as @TheStanchion so aptly put it:
Signs I am tired of the lockout: I can't even bring myself to care about the Islanders moving slightly to the left.— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) October 24, 2012
See, even Wyatt Arndt, a guy so heavily invested in his hockey fandom that he's running a Fake Hockey Season during the lockout, is starting to lose interest. That's how bad this is, folks!
As for Islanders fans, they weren't very impressed either. We managed to survey all six of them, and it turns out the "big" announcement was actually the biggest among many recent disappointments for the Islanders' faithful:
I guess NY Islanders fans actually took Mike Milbury's advice. Tennis anyone?
The Islanders' move from Nassau County to Brooklyn will put two teams within the physical bounds of New York. So if New York can support two teams (three if you count the Devils just across the river in New Jersey), some might wonder why the Greater Toronto Area couldn't support another NHL franchise. The fact is, the southern Ontario market could easily support another team, but the Maple Leafs simply won't allow anyone else to milk their cash cow.
And if you think that's going to change any time soon, I've got a bridge to sell you:
Last week was also the expiration of the NHL's deadline for reaching a new CBA deal in time to salvage a full 82 game season. The deadline was completely artificial, and set as part of the NHL's last offer, but I won't hold that against them. I've always been a fan of deadlines, artificial or otherwise, because there's nothing like a time crunch to get the creative juices flowing and that's when innovative solutions tend to materialize.
Of course, if you've been paying attention, you'll know that I don't think it was just the deadline that was artificial but also any intent on the part of the NHL to actually reach a solution so soon. And that, is about as unhelpful as you can get:
So, the deadline came and went. We've had no talks since and none are planned. We're back to another round of finger pointing and more posturing.
In essence, we're reached a stalemate. But this isn't chess. Though if it was, I think the NHL might be playing that 3D version of chess they played on Star Trek. After all, I have previously pointed out that Bettman is likely a Klingon from around Uranus.
But I digress.
The point is that this stalemate is more like a marriage after seven years:
And you know what happens when somebody gets the seven-year itch? There's a third party getting screwed.
Speaking of which, I'm reminded of an apocryphal story about a guy finding his wife having sex in a hotel room, realizing that it's with Dominik Hasek and then going out for a drink with him, which brings us back to the chess theme:
Maybe there's a message in here for the players and the fans who are getting screwed by the NHL during the lockout. At the very least, drinking should be involved.
As the deadline to save a full season schedule was passing, ensuring the third lockout during Gary Bettman's tenure as NHL Commissoner, over at NBA headquarters David Stern announced he was retiring. So while the NBA got a retirement, we're stuck with the same old, same old:
Finally, the weekend started with a lot of bluster and there were signs that a major storm was brewing, but by Monday it had fizzled out:
In related news, I undersand Ryan is dressing up as a waffle for Halloween.
October 31 2012, 09:44AM
Nobody Venns like you GC.


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A short Primer to Java Memory Pool Sizing and Garbage Collectors
By user13333379 on Aug 14, 2007
This short primers uses 5 short videos to explain the inner workings of the memory pools in the Java heap. The 5 brief videos use the freely available visualgc to explain when to bump up which parameters. Read more.[Read More]


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Referring back to the logic analyser screen shots you posted earlier, the middle one (clock connected to XTAL1 through 1.5K resistor) looks exactly as it should.
Quote from: dc42 on Nov 18, 2012, 11:43 amReferring back to the logic analyser screen shots you posted earlier, the middle one (clock connected to XTAL1 through 1.5K resistor) looks exactly as it should.Are you certain? I does look like a nice clean clock signal but I read that horizontal scale as 1/10 of a second.If I'm reading it correctly, the SCK period would have to be about 1/2 of a second (which may actually work).
Aakash, are you certain that images 1 and 2 were taken with the sane sketch generating the clock signal?
Can you post the sketch you are using to generate the clock signal?
// Generate a square wave of a given frequency on the OCR1A pin#define REQUIRED_FREQUENCY (1000000)#define REQUIRED_DIVISOR ((F_CPU/REQUIRED_FREQUENCY)/2)#if (REQUIRED_DIVISOR < 65536)# define PRESCALER (1)# define PRESCALER_BITS (1)#elif (REQUIRED_DIVISOR < 8 * 65536)# define PRESCALER (8)# define PRESCALER_BITS (2)#elif (REQUIRED_DIVISOR < 64 * 65536)# define PRESCALER (8)# define PRESCALER_BITS (3)#elif (REQUIRED_DIVISOR < 256 * 65536)# define PRESCALER (8)# define PRESCALER_BITS (4)#elif (REQUIRED_DIVISOR < 1024 * 65536)# define PRESCALER (8)# define PRESCALER_BITS (5)#else# error Bad frequency#endif# define TOP (((REQUIRED_DIVISOR + (PRESCALER/2))/PRESCALER) - 1)void setup(){ pinMode(9, OUTPUT); digitalWrite(9, LOW); TCCR1A = 0; TCCR1B = (1 << WGM12) | PRESCALER_BITS; // turn on TCCR1C = 0; OCR1AH = (TOP >> 8); OCR1AL = (TOP & 0xFF);}void on(){ TCNT1H = 0; TCNT1L = 0; TCCR1A = (1 << COM1A0);}void off(){ TCCR1A = 0;}void loop(){ // Generate a burst 2ms long, then wait 10ms before generating the next one on(); delay(2); off(); delay(10);}
But how could a 1MHz signal on XTAL1 give rise to a signal of about 12Hz on CLKOUT ?
Note: I tried removing the void loop() and just putting on() at the end of setup() and that resulted in no clock signal being output on CKOUT. There was a clock signal being output on the source Arduino, however.
That should have been exactly the right thing to do. Try doing it again, but also reduce REQUIRED_FREQUENCY in case 1MHz is a little high, given that you have the resonator still connected and a 1.5K resistor in series with the clock signal. As the Arduino you are using to generate the clock is also 3.3V, I think you can also safely try it without the 1.5K series resistor. What you are looking for is a signal on CLKOUT at a reasonable frequency.
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Communication from God to his children on earth. Revelation may come through the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost by way of inspiration, visions, dreams, or visits by angels. Revelation provides guidance that can lead the faithful to eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom.
The Lord reveals his work to his prophets and confirms to believers that the revelations to the prophets are true (Amos 3:7). Through revelation, the Lord provides individual guidance for every person who seeks it and who has faith, repents, and is obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ. "The Holy Ghost is a revelator," said Joseph Smith, and "no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations."
In the Lord's Church, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators to the Church and to the world. The President of the Church is the only one whom the Lord has authorized to receive revelation for the Church (D&C 28:2–7). Every person may receive personal revelation for his own benefit.
- By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live:Deut. 8:3; ( Matt. 4:4; D&C 98:11; )
- The Lord speaks in a still small voice:1 Kgs. 19:12;
- Where there is no vision, the people perish:Prov. 29:18;
- Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets:Amos 3:7;
- Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father:Matt. 16:15–19;
- The Spirit will guide you into all truth and will show you things to come:John 16:13;
- If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God:James 1:5;
- All things shall be revealed:2 Ne. 27:11;
- I will give unto the children of men line upon line:2 Ne. 28:30;
- There is nothing secret that will not be revealed:2 Ne. 30:17;
- The Holy Ghost will show unto you all things:2 Ne. 32:5;
- No man knows God's ways save it be revealed unto him:Jacob 4:8;
- Alma fasted and prayed for revelation:Alma 5:46;
- Things never revealed will be revealed to the faithful:Alma 26:22;
- Those who deny revelation know not the gospel of Jesus Christ and do not understand the scriptures:Morm. 9:7–8;
- Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith:Ether 12:6;
- My word shall all be fulfilled:D&C 1:38;
- Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?:D&C 6:22–23;
- I will tell you in your mind and in your heart:D&C 8:2–3;
- If it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn:D&C 9:8;
- Deny not the spirit of revelation:D&C 11:25;
- Those who ask shall receive revelation upon revelation:D&C 42:61;
- Whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be the voice of the Lord:D&C 68:4;
- God shall give you knowledge:D&C 121:26;
- Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son:JS—H 1:17;
- We believe all that God has revealed and will yet reveal:A of F 1:7, 9;


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Cigarettes: A Case Study in the Slow Rise of Excise Taxes
Posted by Paul Blair on Monday, March 30th, 2015, 1:26 PM PERMALINK
The 18th century English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson defined excise taxes as "A hateful tax levied upon commodities, and adjudged not by the common judges of property, but wretches hired by those to whom excise is paid." In the midst of ongoing debates about tax hikes on tobacco cigarettes, liquor, soda, and vapor products, this seems relevant.
Over the last two years, a new target for the public health wretches has emerged, replacing the long-standing number one target of sin taxes aimed at extracting money from low-income consumers. Electronic cigarettes and vapor products are disruptive, innovative, technology products that are accomplishing what the public health community never could - they're getting people to quit smoking. Some estimates and national surveys suggest that more than six million people in the United States are daily vapers. This comes at a time when cigarette smoking rates are among the lowest they've been in years.
In 2014, 15 states considered proposals to tax vapor products like tobacco products with taxes as high as 95 percent. Alternative proposals, like those on the books in North Carolina, subject vapor products to a smaller tax of $.05 per mL of liquid nicotine. A proposal in Arkansas this year would do the same thing.
A recent history of cigarette tax increases should provide some insight into the future of e-cigarette and vapor product taxes, should more states add excise taxes to the books with regards to the products. As we at ATR have noted before, e-cigarettes should not be taxed like tobacco products. Currently, only Minnesota and North Carolina impose sin taxes on the products - with Minnesota taxing them at 95 percent, up 75 percent from two years ago.
But what about smaller taxes, less than 75, 95, or 50 percent? A look at cigarette tax hikes since 2000 may shed light on the threat of accepting such proposals.
The average excise tax on a pack of cigarettes in 1999 was 38.9 cents. Today, the current average excise tax is $1.54 per pack. States have increased tobacco taxes about five times as often as they have raised alcohol taxes between 2000 and 2015, with 111 increases over that time according to the National Association of State Budget Officers.
Source: NASBO
Click here for a list of every statewide cigarette tax hike between 2000 and 2015.
As you can see, the years during and immediately following a recession saw the largest number of cigarette tax increases. In 2003, 19 states increased tobacco taxes; 15 in 2004 and 16 in 2010.
What does any of this have to do with e-cigarettes and vapor products? Many state legislators have begun to realize that their increasing reliance on tobacco revenue to fund a wide range of programs may have been a bad bet. With declining cigarette revenue, states stand to lose (and are) billions of dollars in tax dollars. One would hope this could be celebrated, as less and less people are smoking but many legislators are clearly more concerned with compensating for this declining and lost revenue. And not in public health.
E-cigarettes are the new target. Click here to view a map of the tax threats in the states.
The rise in cigarette excise taxes over the past 15 years should provide a warning to those who think once a tax is on the books in a state, there won't be efforts to raise it slowly over time. Minnesota's tax on e-cigarettes began at 75 percent and is now 95 percent. Some taxes are far more damaging than others. But the fact remains, it is much easier to fend off new taxes than to fight higher taxes. Just ask smokers.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Conservative Coalition: Free File Is the Solution to Tax Complexity
Posted by Alexander Hendrie on Thursday, February 23rd, 2017, 3:00 PM PERMALINK
ATR President Grover Norquist today led a coalition of 19 free market groups urging Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to support making the Free File tax preparation program permanent.
The current complexity of the tax code makes it difficult – if not impossible – for taxpayers to file on their own. Free File is critical to addressing this complexity. The program is an innovative public-private solution to tax complexity that has served more than 40 million taxpayers and saved $1.3 billion in preparation costs since its inception.
It is also a far superior method of dealing with tax complexity than the alternative – having the IRS file taxes for individuals. This would be a clear conflict of interest and would empower the IRS – an agency that already struggles to fulfill its existing responsibilities to taxpayers – with even broader power over the paychecks of American families.
The full letter can be found here or below.
February 23, 2017
The Honorable Steven T. Mnuchin
United States Treasury Secretary
Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20220
Dear Secretary Mnuchin:
On behalf of the undersigned conservative, free market organizations, we write in support of making the Free File tax preparation program permanent in 2017.
The Free File system is an innovative public-private solution to tax complexity that has served more than 40 million taxpayers and saved $1.3 billion in preparation costs since its inception. The program offers 70 percent of taxpayers, or those making less than $64,000, access to electronic filing software provided by leading private companies free of charge.
Today, it is difficult or impossible for most taxpayers to file their own taxes. The tax code is more than 75,000 pages long and contains over 2.4 million words. This complexity forces American families and businesses to spend more than 8.9 billion hours and $400 billion complying with the code every year.
Free File is critical to addressing this complexity. The program has frequently been reauthorized since it was introduced in 2008, and has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress.
Despite the success of this program, some, like Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have called for the program to be eliminated based on the notion that the government should have sole responsibility over tax preparation. In place of making Free File permanent, she has called for having the IRS file taxes for individuals as their solution to tax complexity.
This would be a mistake and would empower the IRS – an agency that already struggles to fulfill its existing responsibilities to taxpayers – with even broader power over the paychecks of American families. Having taxpayers receive a bill from the IRS would also be a huge conflict of interest given the agency already assesses tax liability for taxpayers.
In addition, it would require an increase in IRS manpower due to complexity associated with an expanded responsibility. Given the existing complexity in the code, it would be difficult – if not impossible – for everyday taxpayers to know if they were paying the right amount of taxes under this scenario.
The Free File program has been a clear success in ensuring taxpayers are able to comply the absurdly complex tax code and is a vastly superior solution to having the IRS file taxes for Americans. We urge you to make Free File permanent in 2017.
Grover Norquist
President, Americans for Tax Reform
Dan Schneider
Executive Director, American Conservative Union
Phil Kerpen
President, American Commitment
Dan Weber
President, Association of Mature American Citizens
Norm Singleton
President, Campaign for Liberty
Jeff Mazzella
President, Center for Individual Freedom
Tom Schatz
President, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
Katie McAuliffe
Executive Director, Digital Liberty
George Landrith, President
Frontiers of Freedom
Mario H. Lopez
President, Hispanic Leadership Fund
Tom Giovanetti
President, Institute for Policy Innovation
Allen Gutierrez
National Executive Director, The Latino Coalition
Seton Motley
President, Less Government
Colin Hanna
President, Let Freedom Ring
Charles Sauer
President, Market Institute
Pete Sepp
President, National Taxpayers Union
Karen Kerrigan
President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
David Williams
President, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Berin Szoka
President, TechFreedom
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
The Honorable Kevin Brady
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch
Chairman, Committee on Finance
U.S. Senate
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
More from Americans for Tax Reform
ATR Supports IP Guidelines Coalition
Posted by Celeste Arenas on Thursday, February 23rd, 2017, 2:24 PM PERMALINK
Americans for Tax Reform joined a coalition of over 70 groups urging the 115th Congress to protect intellectual property rights for every American innovator. In this letter, they put forth a set of guidelines and principles that will enable the Trump Administration to uphold, protect and enforce intellectual property protections.
Some points of the letter are extracted below.
Intellectual property deserves the same protection as physical property:
"The Founding Fathers recognized the importance of IP in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution: "To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries."
"IP rights are not regulations—they are property rights that, when combined with the freedom to contract, facilitate markets."
Intellectual property rights are vital for free speech, economic growth and consumer protection:
"Strong IP rights go hand-in-hand with free speech as creators vigorously defend their ability to create works of their choosing, free from censorship."
"IP rights create jobs and fuel economic growth, turning intangible assets into exclusive property that can be traded in the marketplace… IP-intensive industries added $6.6 trillion to the value of GDP in 2014, equal to 38.2 percent of total GDP. In a knowledge based global economy, America's ability to remain a world leader in creativity and innovation depends on strong protection of IP."
"IP rights protect consumers by enabling them to make educated choices about the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of their purchases."
Online intellectual property must be protected on the internet:
"Protecting IP and internet freedom are both critically important and complementary—they are not mutually exclusive. A truly free internet, like any truly free community, is one where people can engage in legitimate activities safely, and where bad actors are held accountable."
Our letter urges the federal administration to uphold the Founding Fathers' vision for American innovation that is protected and facilitated through sound intellectual property protections.
Tax Reform: A Century of Setbacks
Posted by Elizabeth McKee on Thursday, February 23rd, 2017, 10:45 AM PERMALINK
Adherents of Americans for Tax Reform are sure to recognize some of the more important moments in the history of American tax policy. Readers are sure to be familiar, for example, with the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913, which allowed for the creation of a federal income tax. Starting off in 1913, income taxes were, by modern standards, incredibly low, with a top income bracket of 7% for those individuals earning more than $500,000 per year. In 2013 dollars, that would be the equivalent of a maximum 7% income tax rate for people earning $11,595,657 or more. At that time, the tax code was only 400 pages in length - an easy read for anyone who cared to put in the time.
So what changed? How did we end up with the 75,000 page regulatory behemoth that rears its ugly head every April to - mentally and financially - exhaust American families? The transformation can be traced back to the Revenue Act of 1917. Now approaching its centennial anniversary, the act sought to finance American involvement in World War I. This ground-breaking legislation ratcheted up tax rates in every income bracket, with a new top tax rate set at 67%. After the war ended, taxes never returned to their pre-war levels, and by 1952, the country's top earners were paying 92% of their income to the federal government. In addition, the Revenue Act of 1917 introduced a steep "corporate excess profits tax" on companies that made more than 8% of their revenues in profits. In 1917 - 1918, the size of the IRS more than doubled, employing 9,600 workers. Today, 85,000 people are employed by the IRS.
In 1913, arguing against the ratification of the 16th Amendment, Virginia delegate Robert E. Byrd predicted:
A hand from Washington will be stretched out and placed upon every man's business; the eye of the Federal inspector will be in every man's counting house . . . The law will of necessity have inquisitorial features, it will provide penalties, it will create complicated machinery. Under it men will be hailed into courts distant from their homes. Heavy fines imposed by distant and unfamiliar tribunals will constantly menace the tax payer. An army of Federal inspectors, spies and detectives will descend upon the state . . .
After over 100 years of tax reform, Byrd's words seem positively prescient. The long arms of the IRS reach into every home and business in America. Today, even the most ardent conservatives can scarcely dream of a 7% tax rate, where once only the nation's wealthiest would ever be asked to pay such an exorbitant portion of their incomes. If the last 100 years have taught us anything, it's that tax increases are rarely temporary. It's time to put an end to the World War I revenue extraction mechanisms that continue to affect American households to this day.
Simplify the tax code. Lower the tax burden. Reign in the IRS.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Four Ways Neil Gorsuch Could Affect Your Business
Posted by Elizabeth McKee on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017, 2:55 PM PERMALINK
On January 31, conservatives were heartened to hear of Trump's nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Gorsuch accepted his nomination by highlighting the importance of "impartiality and independence, collegiality and courage," and his political viewpoints are conservative. Gorsuch aptly described the late Justice Antonin Scalia as a "lion of the law," and previously Gorsuch has opposed requirements in Obamacare that mandate religious health care providers provide contraceptive services.
Neil Gorsuch's political leanings and impeccable qualifications should come as welcome news to Donald Trump supporters, many of whom were deeply invested in the nomination of a new Supreme Court Justice. Forbes reports "21 percent of voters surveyed by the exit poll consortium of the five networks and the Associated Press on Election Day, said appointments to the Supreme Court were the most important factor in deciding their vote." (This may mean something to you if you still believe in exit polls.)
Although Supreme Court cases dealing with social issues may be more widely-publicized and politicized than others, restoring balance to the Supreme Court through the selection of a new justice has the potential to affect every sector of American society. Supreme Court Justices serve on the court for life, and it's impossible to predict exactly what cases could arise during Justice Gorsuch's career. However, if Neil Gorsuch is confirmed to the Supreme Court in a timely manner, here are four cases that he might rule on that would affect American businesses.
1. Murr v. Wisconsin
The case of Murr v. Wisconsin deals with the ever-important issues of property rights and eminent domain and is scheduled to be argued in front of the Supreme Court in March of this year. In brief, the case arose when the government, without the permission of the plaintiff, combined two of the plaintiff's lots into one larger parcel that could no longer be developed or subdivided. The plaintiff argues that in this way, the government deprived the Murr family of half of the value of their land without just compensation. The Supreme Court's decision on this issue could have an enormous impact on property owners, and perhaps even on the real estate market. The Cato Institute finds, "This destabilizes property owners' reliance interests and discourages property investment. State and local governments across the country have been using the vagueness of Penn Central to facilitate taking private property without just compensation."
2. TC Heartland LLC v. Kraft Foods
TC Heartland v. Kraft Foods centers on patent rights and the protection of intellectual property. Currently, patent cases can be tried in any district in the country – even those that have nothing to do with a case itself. This leads to a practice called "venue shopping," and some courts may encourage patent suits to be filed in their district. Citing the Electronic Frontier Foundation, World IP Review reports "'One such court is the Eastern District of Texas, a rural area with almost no manufacturing, research or technology facilities, where more than one-third of all patent cases in the country were filed last year.'" The Supreme Court may decide to rule against such practices – a major development in the world of patent law.
3. Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International, Inc.
The case of Impression Products, Inc. v. Lexmark International, Inc. also deals with patent rights, and deals with an essential question for any patent holder: if you sell a patented product – in the U.S. or abroad – does another company have the right to purchase, repurpose, and resell that product? Impression Products argues, "The first sale of the cartridges, either in the U.S. or abroad, exhausted Lexmark's U.S. rights to exclude." The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments for this case in March, and its decision may drastically affect the way American manufacturers do business.
4. House v. Burwell
House v. Burwell is an incredibly relevant case in today's political climate and a direct challenge to Obamacare. The Washington Post reports, "In House of Representatives v. Burwell, the House challenged the legality of subsidies the Obama administration paid to insurers. Judge Rosemary M. Collyer ruled that the House as an institution had standing and that the payments were made without an appropriation."
Admittedly, House v. Burwell is currently still in appellate court, and, depending on the decision of that course and the progress that Republicans make in "repealing and replacing Obamacare," House v. Burwell may never reach the SCOTUS. However, even if this case is halted before it reaches the highest court of the land, the healthcare debate itself is not going away.
More cases regarding the government's involvement in healthcare are guaranteed to arise in our lifetime, and it is essential that our new Supreme Court justice has a firm understanding of the role of government and a deep-seated respect for the Constitution. Neil Gorsuch, we hope, is just such a man.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Coalition to Congress: Preserve Advertising Deduction in Tax Reform
Posted by Alexander Hendrie on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017, 2:00 PM PERMALINK
ATR President Grover Norquist today led a coalition of 12 free market groups urging Congress to maintain the advertising deduction in the tax code and implement immediate, full business expensing.
The House Republican "Better Way" tax reform blueprint makes important, pro-growth changes to the code, such as implementing full business expensing. As the coalition notes, this will streamline the tax code:
"Implementing full business expensing is also a way to stop the code from arbitrarily picking winners and losers. Existing rules create needless complexity, and force business owners to make decisions for tax reasons, instead of based on what is most economically beneficial."
At the same time, forcing advertising costs to be depreciated over several years will undo any improvement to the code, will hurt economic growth, and harm businesses across the country:
"Restricting the ability to deduct advertising costs would be detrimental to local and national advertisers, broadcasters, print and online media, and other firms that rely on advertising as their primary source of income. Imposing higher costs on businesses would reduce their ability to create jobs, value, and economic growth."
The full letter can be found here or below.
February 22, 2017
The Honorable Kevin Brady
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means
U.S. House of Representatives
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
The Honorable Orrin G. Hatch
Chairman, Committee on Finance
U.S. Senate
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairmen Brady and Hatch:
On behalf of the undersigned organizations we write in support of immediate, full business expensing as a crucial concept in pro-growth tax reform. Under the current system of depreciation, business owners must deduct the cost of purchasing equipment over several years depending on the asset they purchase, as dictated by complex and arbitrary rules.
Replacing this system with full business expensing should be an integral part of creating a tax code that encourages growth, innovation, and a competitive economy. According to research by the Tax Foundation, implementing full business expensing would lead to 5.4 percent higher long-term GDP, would create more than 1 million full time jobs, and would increase after-tax income by 5.3 percent.
Implementing full business expensing is also a way to stop the code from arbitrarily picking winners and losers. Existing rules create needless complexity, and force business owners to make decisions for tax reasons, instead of based on what is most economically beneficial. Currently, there are two different systems of depreciation and investments can be depreciated over 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 25, 27.5, 30, 35, 39, 40, or 50 years depending on the system used and the asset purchased. This makes no sense and is bad tax policy.
The House Republican "Better Way" blueprint released last year meets the goals of full expensing by implementing a "cash flow" system of taxation. Under this system US business receive a zero percent rate on any expense or investment made.
Regrettably, other tax reform proposals, like the "Tax Reform Act of 2014," released by former Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp went in the other direction. Not only did the plan lengthen depreciation schedules, it also took aim at specific business costs, like advertising expenses.
This is the wrong approach to tax policy and would undermine the gains from full business expensing. Congress should make the tax code as simple and fair as possible. That means treating all expenses equally, whether that means wages and other forms of compensation, travel, rent, advertising, etc. None of this is particularly exotic.
If Congress attempts to pick winners and losers by singling out certain industries, it will invariably create far more losers than winners. For instance, denying full expensing to advertising expenditures would negatively impact an industry that contributes $5.8 trillion in total economic output and is tied to 20 million jobs directly or indirectly.
Restricting the ability to deduct advertising costs would be detrimental to local and national advertisers, broadcasters, print and online media, and other firms that rely on advertising as their primary source of income. Imposing higher costs on businesses would reduce their ability to create jobs, value, and economic growth.
Any serious, pro-growth tax reform package must include across-the-board, full business expensing. Any proposal that limits businesses' current ability to deduct advertising costs, or other costs central to running a successful business, should be rejected immediately.
Grover Norquist
President, Americans for Tax Reform
Pete Sepp
President, National Taxpayers Union
Steve Pociask
President, American Consumer Institute
Thomas Schatz
President, Council for Citizens Against Government Waste
Katie McAuliffe
Executive Director, Digital Liberty
George Landrith
President, Frontiers of Freedom
Mario H. Lopez
President, Hispanic Leadership Fund
Tom Giovanetti
President, Institute for Policy Innovation
Allen Gutierrez
National Executive Director, The Latino Coalition
Karen Kerrigan
President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
David Williams
President, Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Berin Szoka
President, Tech Freedom
More from Americans for Tax Reform
21 of 22 Indiana House Republicans Break Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Posted by Miriam Roff on Friday, February 17th, 2017, 3:54 PM PERMALINK
Yesterday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1002, which imposes a whopping 34 percent increase in the state's gas tax. Among the 61 representatives who voted for this massive tax hike were 21 Taxpayer Protection Pledge signees.
Despite claims that some legislators in Indianapolis have made, the $0.10 increase in the gas tax does not qualify as a user fee. It's a blatant tax hike on hardworking Hoosiers.
Grover Norquist, president of ATR, noted in the Indy Star how state legislators who voted for this tax hike have betrayed their constituents:
"Most of the Republicans who are in the House and Senate promised their voters they would not raise taxes: some in writing, some in person. Did any of the Republicans thinking of voting for another tax hike on consumers say they would do this when they asked for their citizens' vote in the last election? If not, why double cross their voters."
Following the House vote, Norquist explained how Gov. Eric Holcomb can look to other Republican governors for an approach to tax and transportation policy that is preferable to the one taken by the Indiana House this week:
"Governor Pence opposed and defeated efforts to raise the gas tax in Indiana. Taxpayers certainly hope that Gov. Holcomb will be as strong a defender of taxpayer interests as Pence was/is. The tax and spend lobby obviously hopes that his inexperience will allow the lobbyists to beat him and raise taxes. If the governor wants more road money he could follow the path of Governor Christie of NJ and other states that have insisted that any gas tax be accompanied in the same bill with an income tax cut of greater size. If the advocates of a gas tax will not support an income tax cut to offset the gas tax—they just want higher taxes not more roads."
As a friendly reminder to voters, the following Republican House lawmakers broke their pledge by voting for the gas tax hike this week:
Representative James Baird (R-44), Representative Robert Behning (R-91), Representative Timothy Brown (R-41), Representative Woody Burton (R-58), Representative Martin Carbaugh (R-81), Representative Robert Cherry (R-53), Representative Wes Culver (R-49), Representative Steven Davisson (R-73), Representative Jeff Ellington (R-62), Representative David Frizzell (R-93), Representative Robert Heaton (R-46), Representative Todd Huston (R-37), Representative Don Lehe (R-25), Representative Jim Lucas (R-69), Representative David Ober (R-82), Representative Jerry Torr (R-39), Representative Thomas Washburne (R-64), and Representative Cindy Ziemke (R-55).
Representative Tim Wesco (R-21) deserves kudos, as he was the only Pledge signer to uphold his commitment to voters by voting no on the gas tax increase yesterday.
HB 1002 now heads to the Senate, where it will be voted on in the coming weeks.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
CFPB Officials Making More than the Vice President?
Posted by Daniel Uzi Frydman on Friday, February 17th, 2017, 3:14 PM PERMALINK
Created as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is possibly the biggest and most financially infuriating failed experiment to come out of Dodd-Frank. While the CFPB claims to be a voice for the "little guy" the Bureau's exorbitant salary's and spending practices highlight just how out of touch CFPB officials are with those on Main Street America.
As a result of power granted under Dodd-Frank and the Obama administration's push to regulate every nook and cranny of American's lives and the economy, the CFPB has evolved into one of the most extreme examples of unaccountable bureaucracy's to date. The CFPB Director is not only immune from standard removal processes by the president, but lacks any Congressional oversight because the CFPB is not subject to the appropriations process, as they receive their funding straight from the Federal Reserve, leaving the taxpayers and their elected representatives in the dust.
Recently released public data shows that the lack of Congressional oversight and other factors have amounted to exorbitant salaries at the CFPB, among other wreck less spending issues. A troubling amount of CFPB employees are being paid more than members of the Senate, the Cabinet, and even the Vice President of the United States.
CFPB employees are enjoying some of the most fluffed salaries in all of D.C., especially when one considers they are a group of unelected bureaucrats supposedly working with the interests of the common American at heart.
Currently, 39 CFPB employees earn more than Vice President Mike Pence's annual salary of $230,000. Additionally, 201 CFPB employees make more than Senate majority and minority leaders Mitch McConnell and Charles Schumer, who earn $193,000 annually. It does not stop there, 54 CFPB employees earn more than Paul Ryan's $223,000 annual earnings. Finally, another 170 CFPB employees earn more than the Attorney General, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretaries of Defense and State.
It's all to ironic that the agency that is supposed to be looking out for the little guy is actually padding the pockets of their own employees with exorbitant salaries that rival those of some of Washington's most powerful leaders.
The cherry on top of the paradox that is the CFPB is the Bureau has been plagued in the past for overspending such as headlines last year highlighting the cost of the Bureau's $150,000,000 lair, situated across of the White House. With a purchase price of $150,000,000, it would be fair to assume that this building would come with everything a government agency would need right? Not for the CFPB, in fact, the CFPB ordered up a grand $216,000,000 renovation for the building.
The CFPB website claims, "We arm people with the information, steps, and tools that they need to make smart financial decisions." Funny, when according to CFPB, their office renovations were to include a public plaza featuring "sunken gardens, cascading waterfalls on reflective carnelian granite, a 'living wall,' timber lounges, sculptural seating, a reflecting fountain, a covered 'porch' canopy with wisteria and a bronze kiosk," costing the taxpayers $285.32 per square foot.
Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI), former Chairman of the House Financial Services Oversight Subcommittee, criticized the CFPB last year on this issue saying, "DC may be the only place on Earth where it is considered 'reasonable' for a federal bureaucracy to spend over $200,000,000 to renovate a building it doesn't own — a full $50,000,000 more than the building is worth."
The exorbitant salaries, the expensive downtown building, the $216,000,000 renovation, and the "public plaza" are just a few symptoms of an out of control agency that is not subject to congressional oversight or appropriations. The 115th Congress should look to reign in the CFPB by placing the Bureau under the Congressional appropriations process.
Photo Credit: Ted Eytan
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Tax Reform Must Preserve the Deduction for Advertising Costs
Posted by Natalie De Vincenzi, Alexander Hendrie on Friday, February 17th, 2017, 10:00 AM PERMALINK
2017 marks a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform. As lawmakers move forward with tax reform, they must retain the ability of businesses to deduct advertising costs. Eliminating or removing this deduction would distort business decisions and undermines the goals of growth, simplicity, and equity that drive tax reform.
[ATR letter in support of preserving advertising deduction]
Treating Advertising Costs Differently From Other Business Decisions Would Distort the Tax Code: Advertising is one of many costs of doing business that firms are properly allowed to deduct, and has been treated as such in the tax code for more than 100 years. Other costs to businesses include wages and other forms of compensation, travel, and rent.
There is little difference between advertising costs and these other business expenses. Changing current law would needlessly create a bias against investing in advertising. In turn, this would encourage businesses to make economically inefficient decisions based on tax reasons.
Eliminating the Advertising Deduction Would Have Drastic Economic Consequences: Past tax reform proposals have called for limiting or eliminating the advertising deduction as a "pay-for" in tax reform. However, any revenue raised in this way would be dwarfed by the negative impacts to the economy.
In total, advertising directly or indirectly supports almost 22 million jobs and $5.8 trillion in total economic output. Every dollar of advertising spending generates $22 of economic activity. Advertising associated with local radio and television is alone projected to contribute more than $1 trillion in economic output and 1.38 million jobs.
Preserving the Deductibility of Advertising is Consistent With the Principles of the "Better Way" Tax Reform Blueprint: One of the most pro-growth changes in the House Republican blueprint is the creation of a "cash-flow" business tax that allows businesses to immediately deduct the costs associated with necessary expenses like the purchase of tangible and intangible assets.
This gives business owners a zero percent rate on dollars spent when they invest in their business, which in turn drives stronger growth, and helps create more jobs and higher wages. In fact, implementation of immediate full business expensing would lead to an estimated long-term GDP growth of 5.4 percent and create more than one million jobs, according to the Tax Foundation.
Implementing full business expensing is a vital step toward creating a pro-growth tax code. At the same time, taking the existing treatment of advertising costs in the other direction by forcing it to be depreciated over multiple years makes no economic sense and undermines both the economic gains and the rationale for moving to full business expensing.
As part of the tax reform conversation, legislators should oppose any proposal that removes the ability of businesses to deduct advertising costs as a necessary business expense. Limiting this provision would undermine economic growth, the principles of the "Better Way" blueprint, and completely distorts business decisions.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
FCC fraud prevention protects taxpayers and low-income Americans
Posted by Celeste Arenas on Thursday, February 16th, 2017, 3:35 PM PERMALINK
Executive Director of Digital Liberty Katie McAuliffe published an op-ed on the Hill demonstrating why the FCC needs better fraud prevention in light of a criminal case wasting hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds and failing to serve low-income Americans with no communication access.
"In 2010 the FCC became aware of $6.5 million fraudulently obtained by Sandwich Isles Communications owner, Albert Hee, from the USF's High Cost program. But the agency waited 4 years to take action. During the FCC's inaction, more than $100 million in taxpayer dollars meant to help the disconnected lined the pockets of Albert Hee.
The FCC must actively prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the distribution and allocation of taxpayer funds. The cost of fraudulent companies and their subsequent, lengthy investigations detracts from funds specifically designed for assisting low income Americans in accessing communications technology."
Read the full article here.
More from Americans for Tax Reform
ATR Supports H.R. 1051, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act
Posted by Natalie De Vincenzi on Thursday, February 16th, 2017, 12:14 PM PERMALINK
One of the many Obamcare tax hikes was an income tax increase that increased the threshold at which Americans could deduct out of pocket medical expenses. Prior to Obamacare, this threshold allowed Americans to deduct any out of pocket medical expense that exceeded 7.5 percent of their annual adjusted income, but Obamacare raised this threshold to 10 percent. This increase has a large effect on many including the elderly who typically have high medical expenses and the least flexibility in their income.
Representative McSally (R-AZ) has introduced legislation, H.R. 1051, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act, to put a stop to these Obamacare tax increases and provide much needed tax relief for seniors and the middle class. Last year, the legislation passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 261-147 and as such, it should have no problem being passed again this year. Americans for Tax Reform supports this legislation and urges all members of Congress to support it as well. See the letter here or below:
February 16, 2017
The Honorable Martha McSally
United States House of Representatives
510 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman McSally,
I write in support of H.R. 1051, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act, legislation to stop Obamacare's 2017 tax increases on out of pocket medical expenses and provide tax relief to Americans. This piece of legislation easily passed in the last Congress with large bipartisan support and will most likely pass again with widespread support.
Seniors and the middle class bear the brunt of Obamacare's tax increases. Prior to passage of Obamacare, Americans could deduct out of pocket medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of their adjusted annual income. 10.2 million families used this tax provision in 2012 with an average of under $8,500 in medical expenses claimed. More than half of the families that used this provision made less than $50,000 per year.
Thanks to Obamacare, this threshold increased to 10 percent for most families, and on January 1, 2017 it also increased for seniors. This tax hike represents President Obama once again violating his "firm pledge" against "any form of tax increase" on any American earning less than $250,000.
Typically, the elderly have the costliest medical expenses and require greater medical care. In addition, they typically no longer have an influx of income, instead relying on their savings. Obama's tax increase from 7.5 to 10 percent will have a ringing effect on seniors, who often no longer have an influx of income.
H.R. 1051 stops this tax increase on seniors and reinstates the older, lower threshold for medical expenses for all Americans. This tax hike represents yet another way Obamacare has hurt American families, who were already struggling to receive the medical care they need.
Americans for Tax Reform supports the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act and urges all members of Congress to support and co-sponsor this important legislation to relieve Obamacare's tax burden on the middle class and seniors.
Grover G. Norquist
President, Americans for Tax Reform


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UGG Australia Brooklyn Flap Shoulder Bag
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In true UGG fashion this beautiful leather handbag is high fashion with a rustic touch. Grab the UGG Australia Brooklyn Flap Shoulder Bag for a fabulous new look!
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Willa Holland Gossip
Willa Holland gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Tiger Eyes
April 26, 2013 18:27:30 Posted at April 26, 2013 18:27:30
First call up the memory. The dusty book with the library smell and the girl from the book-modelling place (where do they find those people)? The utter unfamiliarity of New Mexico for most of her readers, who were conditioned to believe that all Judy Blume books would happen a train ride away from Manhattan. Full Story
Tiger Eyes!
October 12, 2010 13:15:00 Posted at October 12, 2010 13:15:00
Written by Duana Judy Blume has been posting about location scouts and casting on Twitter for "Tiger Eyes". You remember it, right? The one where Davey's father dies and she has to move to New Mexico and she meets Wolf in a canyon? It turns out it's one of the few Judy Blumes I read only once. Full Story


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The picturesque Bechyně Spa in South Bohemia, with a tradition stretching back more than three hundred years, is an ideal place for healing and wellness. The local peat, which is applied in the form of wraps and baths, is acclaimed. After indulging in an anti-stress or restorative massage or a chocolate wrap, get ready to explore the rich past of the town. On the nearby square you will find a Franciscan monastery with the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Another breathtaking experience is a ride, either by car or train, over the Rainbow Bridge, which offers stunning views. At the Bechyně Chateau, in addition to an exhibition devoted to the former owner of the domain, Petr Vok, you can visit a gallery of children's portraits which has no parallel in Europe.
For more information please contact:
Tourist Information CenterBechyně, Náměstí T.G.M. 5


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|Zoom In
You have Goldilocks mid-sized wheels on your all singing, all dancing trail bike, and the thought of compromise makes you feel mildly ill. Admit it, you're a perfectionist. Thankfully, though, Fox Racing Shox has you covered with the 34 Talas 27.5in 160 FIT CTD with Trail Adjust Fork. Not only do you get 160mm of trail-taming suspension travel in a stiff, mid-sized chassis, but you're also able to lower it 30mm in order to give your climbing prowess a boost. Now, your bike will be just right, no matter what the trail throws your way.
Like recent generations of Fox's Factory series forks, the Talas 160 controls its stroke with the venerable FIT damper. As you may have guessed, 'FIT' is an acronym, and it stands for Fox Isolated Technology. And, unlike a traditional open bath system, FIT means that the damper fluid is sealed in an air-tight bladder. This prevents contamination, which improves the consistency of the damper on long descents.
Long-time Fox riders will immediately notice Fox's Climb, Trail, Descend damper adjustments. And there's no need to worry, you're still getting the same adjustments to high- and low-speed compression, only its now packaged in a more user-friendly format. Climb mode provides the most damping for a near locked-out feel. Meanwhile, it still provides a bit of cushion for any unexpected hard hits. Click the damper into the Trail mode, and you'll find that there's ample low-speed compression in order to keep the fork riding high in the travel through berms, jumps, and rocks. Better yet, it still provides plenty of compliance in order to smooth out the ride. Trail mode has three sub-settings that allow you to tune exactly how much feedback that you need from your suspension. And, as you may have guessed, Descend mode provides the lightest compression damping for a plush ride.
Talas is short for Travel Adjust Linear Air Spring, and the ability to reduce the travel and fork height for climbing is what sets the Talas line apart from the Float line. This version of Fox's Talas spring sees some updates that cater to aggressive riding styles. Specifically, there's now a progressive ramp-up added to the end of the stroke, which helps to resist bottoming. And like previous generations, you're able to lower the fork 30mm, from 160mm to 130. So, you're able to expect this to steepen your head tube angle by about a degree, while lowering your bottom bracket roughly a half-inch. These geometry changes avoid low-speed handlebar flop, which aids in the climbing ability of modern long-travel trail bikes.
The 34 Talas 160 comes with Kashima coated stanchions. And, in addition to being 100% gold'er than the competition, the Kashima coating is harder than standard stanchion coatings. This equates to a longer wear life, as well as smoother suspension action.
The 34 chassis is brand new to Fox lineup, and it fills an obvious gap. Splitting the difference between the light weight of the 32 chassis, and the bombproof reliability of the 36 series, the 34 is built as a perfect companion to the latest generation of aggressive use trail bikes. At just over four pounds, this fork is no heavyweight. Better yet, it's built to ride rough rails day in and day out. That's thanks in part to the massive tapered steerer tube, which fights flex, especially under hard braking. And speaking of stiffness, Fox uses Shimano's 15mm QR axle assembly, which provides both added stiffness and increased security over a traditional 9mm QR skewer.
The Fox Racing Shox 34 Talas 27.5in 160 FIT CTD with Trail Adjust Fork is available in the color Black and with a 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube. Please note that this fork is only compatible with 27.5-inch wheels and 15QR thru-axles.
|Fox Racing Shox 34 Float 27.5 160 FIT CTD w/ Trail Adjust Fork
|Fox Racing Shox 34 Talas 160 CTD Remote Fit 26" Fork
|$1,085.00 - $1,165.00
|Fox Racing Shox 34 Float 26in 160 FIT CTD w/ Trail Adjust Fork
|Fox Racing Shox 32 Talas 27.5in 140 FIT CTD w/ Trail Adjust Fork


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i see.. thank you sir. i already have a code. but still im not that confident about the about.
im using MQ-7 sir
I assume it's this: http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9403
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FERRON-Joshua Chase Benson, age 23, returned to his Heavenly home on Oct. 7, 2008, after a motorcycle accident in Provo, Utah. He was born March 20, 1985, in Price, Utah, to Jacen and Annette Jex Benson.
Chase had a loving, generous heart and cared deeply for his family members and friends. He showed great tenderness for young children, especially toward his sister, Brianne, who adored him.
Chase loved to camp, hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors. He could be a real joker and had a great sense of humor. He delighted in testing his father's strength-pitting him in wrestling matches.
He is survived by his sweetheart, Janeen Nelson, of Duchesne County; his parents, Jacen and Annette Benson; his siblings: Jennifer (John) Steinman, Chelsea (Chase) Behling, Chantelle (Buck) Parrish, Connor Benson, and Brianne Benson; his grandparents: Ralph and Linda Benson, and Patsy Jex; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Ronald Jex; grandmother, Ruth Richmond; and his great-grandmother, Juanita Averett.
Chase is loved and will be missed greatly by all his family and friends.
Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, at the Ferron Stake Center. Chase was laid to rest in the Ferron City Cemetery. Services were in the care of Fausett Mortuary.


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A Story of God's Messenger and the Revelation That Changed the World
HarperOne, Paperback, 9780061782435, 267pp.
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
In this riveting novel, beloved international bestselling author Deepak Chopra captures the spellbinding life story of the great and often misunderstood Prophet.
Islam was born in a cradle of tribal turmoil, and the arrival of one God who vanquished hundreds of ancient Arabian gods changed the world forever. God reached down into the life of Muhammad, a settled husband and father, and spoke through him. Muhammad's divine and dangerous task was to convince his people to renounce their ancestral idols and superstitious veneration of multiple gods. From the first encounter, God did not leave Muhammad alone, his life was no longer his own, and with each revelation the creation of a new way of life formed and a religion was born.
Muhammad didn't see himself as the son of God or as one who achieved cosmic enlightenment. His relatives and neighbors didn't part the way when he walked down the parched dirt streets of Mecca. There was no mark of divinity. Orphaned by age six, Muhammad grew up surrounded by dozens of cousins and extended family to become a trusted merchant. Muhammad saw himself as an ordinary man and that is why what happened to him is so extraordinary.
Rooted in historical detail, Muhammad brings the Prophet to life through the eyes of those around him. A Christian hermit mystic foretells a special destiny, a pugnacious Bedouin wet nurse raises him in the desert, and a religious rebel in Mecca secretly takes the young orphan under his spiritual wing. Each voice, each chapter brings Muhammad and the creation of Islam into a new light. The angel Gabriel demands Muhammad to recite, the first convert risks his life to protect his newfound faith, and Muhammad's life is not a myth but an incredible true and surprisingly unknown story of a man and a moment that sparked a worldwide transformation.
"Chopra shows that neither revering nor reviling Muhammad will unlock the meaning he embodied. So what will? Chopra's answer is bound to challenge Muslims and non-Muslims alike."
-Irshad Manji, Director, Moral Courage Project, New York University
"Chopra takes us into the past through the Prophet Muhammad's journey, and brings wisdom and perspective to an often misunderstood figure. His compassionate and clear depiction is a courageous undertaking, and a valuable effort against the enemy of ignorance. An important and timely book, indeed."
-Greg Mortenson, New York Times bestselling author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools
"I am grateful that Deepak Chopra, instead of adding to the often useless pile of [Muhammad] biographies, has instead crafted an absorbing novel based on Muhammad's life. Any reader will come away better informed both about the prophet himself and about Islam, the world's second largest religion."
-Harvey Cox, Hollis Research Professor of Divinity at Harvard University, and author of The Future of Faith
"It's worth discovering Muhammad through Deepak Chopra."
-Ayaan Hirsi Ali, bestselling author of Infidel and Nomad
"Compellingly told, this is not only good storytelling, it also helps readers, especially non-Muslims, better understand the complexities and contradictions surrounding Islam."
"[O]ne of the most imaginative and touching biographies of Muhammad….Chopra's grasp of Muhammad's life and mission extends his range in a surprising direction; his popularization is welcome."
-Publishers Weekly
"...an intricate, deeply considered depiction of the Prophet's life. At a time when Muhammad is largely misunderstood outside (and sometimes inside) of the Muslim world, the novel givesa vivid voice to his story."
-The Daily Beast
"It is a positive portrait that nonetheless points to human flaws and complexities."
-The Arizona Republic
"...profound summation of his life, teachings, and service of humanity..."
-Spirituality & Practice
"His approach is as engaging as it is informative and deeply humanizing. The first-person narratives each paint a new layer onto the picture of the Beloved of God, in all his humanity and complexity and perfection."
-Dalia Mogahed, in a Huffington Post review
"...the finest of his long shelf of books. ...Chopra returns in his own attractive voice with one of the more level, tough-love, discussions of Islamic religion available."
-The Daily Beast
"[Chopra] produces an imaginative, evocative rendition of what it must have been like to be in the company of such an individual, making his way in an environment in many ways so alien to our own."
-The Historical Novels Review