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Submission + - School determines child lunch unhealth, Send home bill instead (theblaze.com) 3
halfEvilTech writes: A North Carolina mom is irate after her four-year-old daughter returned home late last month with an uneaten lunch the mother had packed for the girl earlier that day. But she wasn't mad because the daughter decided to go on a hunger strike. Instead, the reason the daughter didn't eat her lunch is because someone at the school determined the lunch wasn't healthy enough and sent it back home. What was wrong with the lunch? That's still a head-scratcher because it didn't contain anything egregious: a turkey and cheese sandwich, banana, potato chips, and apple juice. But for the inspector on hand that day, it didn't meet the healthy requirements.


text: Valve's working with the folks behind popular Counter-Strike mod Gun Game to officially add a similar mode to the downloadable Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it announced today. On top of that, we have new screenshots for you to gawp at. "We are excited that Valve reached out and is working with us to ensure Arsenal Mode is the best version of Gun Game," the mod's project lead Michael Barr said in today's announcement. The original Gun Game mod starts players with a pistol and rewards them with a new weapon every time they get a frag, going through all the sidearms, then moving onto the shotguns, assaults rifles, and whatnot until only the greatest weapon remains: the knife. In the original, whoever gets through all the guns and stabs a sucker wins the round. If this all sounds familiar but you haven't played CS, Gun Game modes also appear in Call of Duty: Black Ops and Modern Warfare 3, and have been modded into heaps more games. Valve's stab at Gun Game in CS:GO is the 'Arsenal' game type, with eight new maps of its own and the two modes Arsenal: Arms Race and Arsenal: Demolition. Valve hasn't explained quite what these are yet, but one imagines Demolition is CS's standard DE mode with Gun Game levelling, while Arms Race may well be the popular Gun Game team deathmatch. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is slated to launch in early 2012 for download on PC, Mac, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The PS3 edition will support cross-platform play with PC and Mac, as well as keyboard and mouse controls. Click for nine new CS:GO screenshots

subset: commoncrawl


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I grew up in the rural American West. I got my first hand-me-down bolt-action .22 rifle at age 10 from my father. He didn't any more idolize guns than I or my friends did. But I did shoot the odd rabbit and fictional Soviet invader in the form of a ponderosa every now and again.
In the 1960s, guns were as much part of the landscape as snow shovels and chainsaws -- but they were never framed as a "God-given right." We just had them and used them from time to time, like any tool or a sled.
Most people understood that the Second Amendment, and the rest of the Constitution, was written by men guided not by religion, but by disciples of the enlightenment. Some were atheists.
Thomas Jefferson was directed by principles of rational thought. God didn't give or take rights. The Constitution was written on the principles of rationality, core human morality and framed by the rule of intelligent law wrapped in a republic. This defined our rights then as it does now.
Our founders would be the first to acknowledge that our rights and the Constitution change throughout time. Slavery was abolished and women were allowed to vote. What an accomplishment that our founding document moves with the times (albeit painfully).
It is time now for the next progression.
State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, expressed concern for going to work in our state Capitol and says she feels safer sitting next to her armed colleagues in the Senate chamber.
Still, she blindly lauds the Second Amendment. Our elected representative's concern with being shot as a servant of our democracy could not be a stronger indicator (except for the slaughter of our children) about why we need a shift in gun laws, gun enforcement and a broader look at the Second Amendment.


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Latest WFMU show
D:O RadioTune into D:O Radio every Monday 12-3pm EST, on one of WFMU's internet streams, Give the Drummer Radio. New, live shows every week. OUR SHOWS ARE ARCHIVED OVER HERE. Have a listen!
What?An mp-free jazz blog focusing on rare or out-of-print music. We generally publish once a week. Songs will be available for a limited time, and are for evaluation purposes only. Attend concerts. Buy music.
Who?Chilly Jay Chill (aka Jeff Jackson) and Prof. Drew LeDrew (aka Jeff Golick). Requests, rants, and rights issues to: destination.out [ at ] gmail [ dot ] com.
How?Just be yourself.
- Jean Michel Van Schouwburg said hello i saw a copy of Funk Dumpling in a Brussels...
- Emiliano said I had the pleasure to be in Verona on 1987 at 17 &...
- Eigil said Congratulations, Peter F.!
- pof said Much Love to FMP!
- marten512 said Its all gone very quiet . . . too quiet . . .
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Tag Archives: Ted Curson
TEARS FOR CURSON: Ted Curson (1935-2012)
CINQ QUATRE MUSIS SACRUM Ted Curson Urge Fontana : 1966 TC, trumpet, pocket trumpet; Booker Ervin, tenor saxophone; Jimmy Woode, bass; Edgar Bateman, drums. Update: We're sad to learn that Ted Curson just passed away. RIP to an under-appreciated trumpeter… Continue reading
Category Ted Curson Tags Booker Ervin, Edgar Bateman, Fontana, Jimmy Woode, Ted Curson


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JOHN GIOIA (joy-a) | Contra Costa County | Board of Supervisors | District One 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D | El Cerrito, CA 94530 | (510) 374-3231 www.cocobos.org/gioia For Immediate Release December 13, 2012 For more information contact: Luz Gomez, Deputy Chief of Staff – 510-374-3231 Office; 925-785-2439
What: Annual Verde Elementary School Toy and Coat Distribution
When: Friday, December 14, 2012; 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: Verde Elementary School, 2000 Giaramita Street, N. Richmond, CA
Why: More than 300 kindergarden – 6th graders at Verde Elementary School will be receiving a new coat and wrapped present at tomorrow's toy & coat give–away.
Verde Elementary School is located in the East Bay unincorporated community of North Richmond in Contra Costa County, which is considered to be one of the most impoverished communities in the Bay Area.
County Supervisor John Gioia, whose West County District includes North Richmond, has been organizing the toy and coat distribution for the last 14 years.
This year, more than 20 volunteers to help sort and wrap items, and donations from the public totaling nearly $8000 have made the event possible. The toy & coat give-away will begin at 9 a.m. Toys will be located in the school's multi-purpose room. Coats will be given at the library.


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Some days my muse just doesn't want to wake up.
I know Exactly how she feels.
I've been churning lots of ideas through my mind. New banner for my blog, new writer/author Facebook page, getting organized, dream boards, and typing the piles of notes I've collected for my next book on the outlaws of eastern Arizona.
Setting up Goodreads, cleaning out drawers, doing some bits of art, loom knitting, and even a wee bit of poetry.
I have a memoir journal workbook started; in my mind.
I'm having fun with a new Smashbook. It is my idea book, calender and stuff keeper. I'm liking it far more than the usual planner.
What are you up to?
What was your favorite type of music as a teen? Has it changed over the years?
Describe a "surprise bag" you or somebody you know bought.
Did you ever come close to drowning?
Did you ever nurse a sick pet?
Write about breaking something.
Write about a basement.
What were some special treats your mother made for you?


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As anyone with kids can tell you, food coloring can bump up one's perception of taste--one reason why they're so widely used in the U.S. But the day-glo colors of traditional food colors scare me--and with good reason. Many food colorings approved by the U.S. are actually banned in other countries.
A few cases in point: A known carcinogen, FD&C Red No. 40 is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway. FD&C Yellow No. 5 is banned in Austria and Norway, since it's linked to asthma attacks and thyroid tumors.
Natural food coloring how tos:
Using about 1/4 cup of vegan buttercream icing as a base for each shade, I came up with 4 shades: yellow, mint green, blush, and raspberry. I wanted to add as much color as possible without altering the flavor. You'll need to double or triple the recipes and experiment with the intensities, depending on the quantities of and types of food you want to color. Mix in the coloring well to avoid streaking.
Yellow: Add 1/4 tsp and a large pinch of stale turmeric to the icing. Turmeric is often used to give vegan puddings and tofu scrambles that "eggy" shade. This is a good use for turmeric that's past its prime, since stale turmeric is fairly flavor neutral.
Blush: Using a sieve, mash the juice from 3 fresh or thawed frozen raspberries directly into the icing.
Mint green: With a fork, mash 1/4 of a small avocado until creamy. Mix this into your icing. [The avocado makes your icing thinner, but in a fluffy, pleasant way.]
Raspberry: Using a sieve, mash the juice from 6 fresh or thawed frozen blueberries and 6 fresh or thawed frozen blackberries directly into the icing.
This list is certainly not definitive. Other natural sources of color include carrots [orange], annatto [yellow], beet juice [pink to red] and chlorella or spirulina [green]. Experiment and color your world! And if you don't have time to make your own food colorings, please be safe and buy all-natural versions.
As most of you know, I took down my original blog (urbanvegan.blogspot.com) several years ago after the dissolution of my marriage. It was too painful/weird for me to leave up what had become a visual diary of my life, meals and travels with my ex. While closing down the original blog was healing for me, it had its downside in terms of frustrated readers. People still email me, inquiring as to the whereabouts of certain posts and recipes. In response, I've decided to occasionally republish some of the more popular articles in a new feature,"Blasts from the Past." If there's a recipe or article you'd like me to repost, please comment or email me.


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|Is Caltrans planning to remove Botts dots?
Let us assure you that there are no immediate plans to get rid of Botts' Dots. Caltrans is simply experimenting with different types of striping that shows promise for providing better visibility, durability and, yes, providing a tell-tale thump under tires to warn motorists if they drift out of their lane. It was experiments such as these that led to the development of Botts' Dots in the 1950s, and we are always looking for ways to do things better and safer. The bottom line is that for a vast majority of highway applications, Botts' Dots are here to stay.


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Not long after Champ Payne put a ring on Betty McCollum's finger in April 1852, he and his 17-year-old bride left Missouri for Oregon.
It was a year, historians believe, when nearly 10,000 people pushed West with their ox teams, some seeking gold in California and others free land in the Oregon Territory.
A Cave Junction newspaper, quoting a Payne descendent in 1984, said that this wasn't Champ's first overland trip across the plains. In 1849, when he was 17, he went in search of California gold with his older brother, James. According to the story, the brothers stayed until 1851 and returned to Missouri after making "a little bit of money."
Champion Turpin Payne and Elizabeth "Betty" McCollum were both born and grew up in Chariton County, Mo. Champ's mother died when he was 4, and his father died when he was 10. Except that Champ and Betty had married in Keystville, Champ's hometown and the county seat, little more is known about their early life.
The newlyweds arrived in the Willamette Valley on Aug. 31, 1852, and within a month they had claimed 320 acres northeast of Harrisburg.
After farming in the same location for nearly 16 years, Champ and Betty brought their seven surviving children to Jackson County and settled east of Phoenix on land beneath the rocky cliffs that still bear the family name.
The Paynes had 11 children in all, but only nine survived to see the 20th century. Their youngest was born when Elizabeth was just about 40 years old.
On the annual newspaper listing of Jackson County's affluent residents, Champ Payne was consistently ranked as one of "Our Wealthy Men," sometimes known as "Our Heaviest Taxpayers."
Their farm, with a panoramic view of the valley, was home to one of the county's earliest commercial dairies, selling milk and home-churned butter.
A 1931 Mail Tribune article remembered "Grandma Payne" as a "thorough believer in diversified farming."
Her garden was irrigated with water piped from a nearby creek in a homemade, somewhat leaky canvas hose. There were the usual assortment of farm animals and, according to the article, annual summer cattle drives to Klamath County, where the Payne's cows could feast in "luxuriant summer pastures."
In 1870, brother James and his family left Missouri and were reunited with Champ in Jackson County, living nearby until 1875, when they moved to Josephine County, east of Cave Junction. There, James helped build the Althouse Church.
Champ Payne retired from farming in the late 1890s, turning over operation of the farm to his son, Champ Jr.
In November 1900, Champ and Betty bought land on North Main Street in Ashland and began to build a house. Within a year, and after spending $600, the house was finished and the Paynes moved in. Betty remained in the house even after Champ died in February 1919. In 1923, she finally sold the house and moved in with Champ Jr. She died in April 1929 and, within days of their 77th wedding anniversary, the couple were reunited in the Phoenix Historic Cemetery.
Writer Bill Miller lives in Shady Cove. Reach him at email@example.com.
A Champion monument
Not long after Champ Payne put a ring on Betty McCollum's finger in April 1852, he and his 17-year-old bride left Missouri for Oregon.


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Improved chronic fatigue symptoms after removal of mercury in patient with increased mercury concentration in hair toxic mineral assay: a case
– Source: Korean Journal of Family Medicine, Sep 2012
By Sae-Ron Shin, A-Lum Han
[Note: The full text of this article, demonstrating the potential impact of chronic mercury intake in the diet (in this case from fish), is available free here. The mercury removal strategy the doctors employed in this case was "a dietary medication designed to remove heavy metals…containing…zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium, and L-cysteine."]
Clinical manifestations of chronic exposure to organic mercury usually have a gradual onset. As the primary target is the nervous system, chronic mercury exposure can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headache, and poor recall and concentration. In severe cases chronic exposure leads to intellectual deterioration and neurologic abnormality.
Recent outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and pathogenic avian influenza have increased fish consumption in Korea. Methyl-mercury, a type of organic mercury, is present in higher than normal ranges in the general Korean population.
When we examine a patient with chronic fatigue, we assess his/her methyl-mercury concentrations in the body if environmental exposure such as excessive fish consumption is suspected.
In the current case, we learned the patient had consumed many slices of raw tuna and was initially diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, we suspected that he was
• Exposed to methyl-mercury and
• That the mercury concentration in his hair would be below the poisoning level identified by World Health Organization,
• But above the normal range according to hair toxic mineral assay.
Our patient's toxic chronic fatigue symptoms improved after he was given mercury removal therapy, indicating that he was correctly diagnosed with chronic exposure to organic mercury.
Source: Korean Journal of Family Medicine, Sep 2012;33(5):320-5. PMID:23115707, by Shin SR, Han AL. Department of Family Medicine, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea.


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Last week, we got an email from the columnist doing the 2007 college football preview for Penthouse magazine. He had suggested to the magazine that they rope in some of the top college football blogs and fan sites to spice it up a bit and be different. They agreed and, due to our obvious expertise in the art of merging college football and porn, he contacted us.
Now, like many of you, my first thought upon receiving his email was, "Penthouse has a college football preview?" (which came right on the heels my first first thought which was, "Penthouse has words in the magazine?"). But they do and we were asked to give our answers to five predictions/burning questions for the upcoming season which we'll share if and when we make the cut.
More importantly, I want to know if Penthouse has a photo shoot for its All-American team. We all know Playboy does but I have to think Penthouse's shoot would be a tad bit more, shall we say, risque ("Hey, is that Darren McFadden with the cock ring and the nipple clamp?").
In any event, we sent our responses in and will let you know what happens. This may be the best chance some of you have to justify the purchase of a porn mag to your significant other: "What pictures, honey? I just want to see
Yes, folks, the long, slippery slope towards the (S&)MZone has begun.
Ed. Note: To those readers who are offended by the above, our apologies: we promise to never mention Captain & Tennille on the MZone again.


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It was a nailbiter to the end between Haskell Indian Nations and McPherson College Tuesday night.
After 40 minutes of play, the Lady Bulldogs came out victorious 59-58 and the era of Coach Reimer starts with a win.
It was a nailbiter to the end between Haskell Indian Nations and McPherson College Tuesday night.
After 40 minutes of play, the Lady Bulldogs came out victorious 59-58 and the era of Coach Reimer starts with a win.
In the opening 20 minutes, the two teams always stayed within a few scores of each other with the largest lead for either being six points. There were four ties and five lead changes.
McPherson seemed to have the upper hand late as they scored the final five points of the half to give them momentum heading into the locker room. MC was up 34-28 at the break.
The second half was again close as neither team was fully able to make any sort of push.
The Lady Bulldogs held the largest lead, 14 points, but where their attempts from the charity stripe helped them in the first period, they were heavily against them in the second as they missed 10 straight to let Haskell not only back in the game but to take the lead.
The game got tied with just over five minutes to play and HINU got up by as many as five.
Down the stretch, McPherson's tenacity and will to win proved to be the difference maker as the 'Dogs took the lead after a Aubrey Barton running layup gave them a one-point advantage with nine ticks left. Two missed opportunities by the Indians gave Mac the 59-58 victory.
MC shot a poor 24 percent from the floor in the second half, ending the contest with a 26.8 percentage.
The squad was 3-of-14 from downtown and converted 26-of-40 from the line. Mac outrebounded Haskell 52-to-47 and claimed 18 offensive boards.
The Bulldogs had 15 points off of turnovers, 38 in the paint and got 21 from their bench.
Bailey Brown ended the game with 17 points, hitting 5-of-11 from the field and 7-of-10 from the stripe. She also had six rebounds and a team-high three assists.
Sunny Smart was held to two free throws in the final 20 minutes, giving her 12 points. Barton was just shy of getting a double-double as she tallied nine points and eight rebounds.
The first home game of the year is next for McPherson as they host Johnson and Wales University of Colorado.
Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. on Saturday.


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Community News
Tech Zoo offered at library
- Details
- Category: Community News
- Published on 06 January 2014
- Written by Mount Vernon Optic-Herald
If you received a lap top, i-Pad, Kindle, tablet, or any other type of electronic device during the holidays, then the employees at the Franklin County Library have a deal for you.
They will be conducting a Tech Zoo during the week of January 6 through 9, and want to help you learn your new device. See the January 2 edition of the Mount Vernon Optic-Herald for the rest of this story.


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Would you be prepared to host something (or go to something) or either xmas eve or boxing day? I wonder if that would be ok, I know my parents were a little upset when we decided xmas day was in our house just us and the kids - but either they will come to us, or we will go to them one day around xmas (usually day before or after but was 27th one year due to work) and that works for us, together with a phone call on the morning itself
You don't have to do what other people want you to do.
On the other hand, you can't control their reactions to your decisions.
I think you're making the right choice. This is the best time to reestablish boundaries.
Selfish isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you have to put yourself first, and you need no apology or explanation.My only caveat would be to consider what sort of holiday relationship you will want with your family in the future. If you think you're going to want your family to accommodate your needs in the future if you have children or if you decide you want to start hosting a large extended gathering, then maybe you need to find a solution that involves some sort of compromise. If you feel comfortable getting together with family only when it's convenient for everyone involved, then you're fine. Every family dynamic is different, and only you know what's right for you.
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Quote from: Paper Roses on March 01, 2011, 08:15:19 PMWhat's worse is when you start a thread and almost no one responds. Especially if it's in "I Need A Hug."I totally agree! I am an infrequent poster, and sometimes I feel like ya'll are probably thinking "Katiescarlett? Who's that? Does anyone here know a katiescarlett?" Is it sad that I find it so exciting when someone quotes me in a post?
What's worse is when you start a thread and almost no one responds. Especially if it's in "I Need A Hug."
It's dead Jim.
I totaly wish we had a 'like' button.As for 'most successful thread', I don't think I've ever started one that went for more than 3 pages. I'd like to think 'well, I don't make a big deal about every little thing', but what I suspect is, my problems just aren't that interesting
Confession time - I always think my opinion was so poorly worded, or just plain BORING, that it's ignorned. In the very beginning, I thought threads I had posted in were blocked or deleted because I didn't have my settings set correctly. I was really thrilled when a poster I respect alot thanked me for posting her thoughts and saved her the trouble of typing. I was so excited that I actually told Hastings about it. He laughed at me. And now the thread is dead..................someone call the code.
(wanders off to find some self esteem, I think I remember seeing a packet of it in the cupboard......)
Quote from: tnpenguinbaby on March 03, 2011, 08:46:39 AM(wanders off to find some self esteem, I think I remember seeing a packet of it in the cupboard......)It's in the box marked "Chocolate".
OK--this should do the trick--"Bring out yer dead....bring out yer dead....." " But I'm not dead." "You will be in a moment." "No, I feel happy!"
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Johnson near deal to return as Nats manager
By Bill Ladson / MLB.com | 11/07/12 9:00 PM ET
Manager of Year finalists named00:05:17
MLB Network reveals the Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards finalists for AL and NL Manager of the Year
WASHINGTON -- Davey Johnson said he hopes to have a deal in place sometime this week to continue to manage the Nationals in 2013. Johnson went so far as to say that a deal could be in place as early as Thursday. He currently has a consulting contract with the team for the 2013 season.
While Johnson is not at the General Managers Meetings, his representative is in Indian Wells, Calif., trying to finalize a deal with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. Johnson declined to give details on what he is looking for in his new deal.
"There isn't really any rush for me," Johnson said in a phone interview. "I'm not worried about it. I assume everything is going to worked out. I don't feel like it's an emergency. I feel like I'm still the manager."
Johnson is the No. 1 reason the Nationals won their first National League East title in 2012. He instilled confidence in his players, and it affected their attitudes. Ian Desmond, for example, had the best year of his career. It was Johnson who put in a new hitting philosophy: Stop going to the opposite field all the time and hit the ball where it is pitched.
Nats pondering coaching duties
WASHINGTON -- According to two baseball sources, the Nationals are leaning toward Trent Jewett being the third-base coach and Tony Tarasco the first-base and outfield coach.
Jewett spent the last year-plus as the team's first-base coach. He would replace Bo Porter, who was recently named the manager of the Astros.
Tarasco has spent the last few years as an outfield Minor League Coordinator for the Nationals. He is credited for helping Bryce Harper become an above average outfielder. Tarasco would also replace Porter as the outfield coach.
One person said that Tony Beasley is considered a candidate to become the third-base coach, but the Nationals are in need of a outfield coach, Beasley is an infield coach.. They need an outfield coach after Porter left the Nationals.
Worth noting
The Nationals' Major League coaching staff was offered contracts recently, and that means bullpen coach Jim Lett, hitting coach Rick Eckstein and bench coach Randy Knorr most likely will be back for the 2013 season, according to a baseball source.
The Nationals re-signed catcher Carlos Maldonado to a Minor League contract. They also signed outfielder Ray Kruml to a Minor League deal.


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Converting from a carburetor to fuel injection can be a scary and costly task to perform; changing intake manifolds, adding fuel injectors, changing the fuel system and more. Also, wiring is typically not many people's strong suit and can lead to a never-ending list of gremlins. When it comes to tuning, it's an easy aspect to screw up and not many people know how to do it right.
What if I told you that you could convert to fuel injection in a matter of hours, with a total of wiring connections, and never need to tune it? Well, that is exactly what you get with MSD's new Atomic EFI fuel injection kit.
This made for the enthusiast in mind, utilizing all the stock-style 4150 linkage and kick down connections, which allows the Atomic EFI to bolt directly in place of a carburetor – even your air cleaner will fit like stock.
For fueling, there will be no worrying about plumbing for a return line as the throttle body only requires a feed line that uses its integrated fuel rail system to pump feed the four 80 pound injectors. MSD has an optional complete kit that includes fuel line, filter, and pump.
If you already have nice braided fuel lines with a carbureted pump inline, only a fuel pump change is necessary. MSD has fuel systems designed for vehicles creating 525 hp and 620 hp at the crank.
With the basic wiring completed, the Atomic EFI's included handheld LCD asks a few simple questions, like the size of the motor, idle RPM, etc. After that, the car should immediately fire and continuously tune itself with the included wide band O2 sensor. The handheld still serves as a vital tool as it can display any of the sensor's readings real time!
MSD Atomic EFI
• Integrated throttle body system houses all electronics and four injectors
• Returnless fuel system, though has the capability of supporting a return line
• Optional fuel systems can support up to 620 hp
• Easy setup and continuous self tuning with the included handheld display
• Can control two electric fans
Watch MSD's install video to see exactly how easy it is!


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MPG Disclaimer: *Based on 2019 EPA mileage and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
$75 Documenation fee
**Must finance through dealer to qualify for advertised special pricing.**
*Must take same day delivery of in stock vehicle to qualify for ad special.
*Picture may not represent actual vehicle. Price varies based on Trim Levels, Options and Accessories. See Dealer for in-stock inventory and actual selling price. All prices plus tax, title and license with approved credit. MSRP does not include delivery, processing, or handling fees.


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This Sunday, PARADE features an exclusive conversation with President George W. and Laura Bush. After staying mostly out of sight since 2009, the couple, both 66, are back in the spotlight this week with the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, part of the larger Bush Presidential Center, which also includes the Bush Institute, a public policy initiative focused on the issues the president remains passionate about.
They spoke with PARADE contributor Mark Updegrove about the new library, retirement, the future of the Republican Party, brother Jeb, and naming the new grandchild.
A few brief excerpts, below:
What was the biggest adjustment after leaving the White House?
George Bush: Not to have this sense of responsibility that you had when you were president and first lady. You know, one day you�re being briefed on world affairs and asked to make decisions, and the next, you�re in Crawford, Texas � and the biggest decision is when do you go mountain bike riding.
Can you tell us about the George W. Bush Presidential Center which includes the Bush Institute?
GB: Well, I wanted to stay engaged in policy but I didn�t want to be involved with politics. Fourteen years was enough for me � but I do want to stay engaged in issues that matter to me.
Is the world safer today than it was 12 years ago, after 9/11?
GB: I think it is, because there�s a recognition that there are people who are willing to murder the innocent to achieve their objectives. As a result, our country went on the offense and hardened our defenses � And so, yes � my administration and President Obama�s administration have gone on the offense against people who would do us harm.
What could the GOP do to better position itself for the White House in 2016?
GB: The party ought to nominate somebody who can stand by principles and explain why conservative principles are better for the vast majority of the citizens. I�m not one who believes that the Republican Party is doomed forever.
Your brother Jeb has been talked about as a potential candidate for president. Is the country�I mean this respectfully�ready for another Bush?
GB: That�s for Jeb to figure out, you know what I mean? I would hope that people would judge , if Jeb were to run, on his merits and his track record. � So I hope he will run.
How are you preparing for your new role as grandparents? Did you have any name suggestions?
GB: the �How to Be a Grandparent� manual. I suggested Georgia, but somehow, they didn�t want it.
Check out Sunday�s PARADE to find out President Bush�s thoughts on Afghanistan and Iraq, the impact of the Arab Spring, what trouble spot in the world most concerns him and how he�d like to be remembered.
Read more of PARADE�s talk with Mrs. Bush (including the story behind her husband�s passion for painting) here.
Parade is published every Sunday in The Mercury. Pick up a copy at these newstands.


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Turn By Turn Navigation: $4.99 For Windows Phone
Turn by Turn Navigation for Windows Phone 7 is a highly rated app that speaks directions to the driver and accepts input by touching points of interest on a map found after address or name searches. The tool also can navigate directly to addresses in the Windows address book.
Other features of Turn by Turn Navigation include automatic map rotation based on where the users is heading, the ability to save favorites and points of interest, real-time traffic reports and rerouting, automatic rerouting for missed turns or in-route course changes, map pre-loading and automatic volume control based on travel speed. Turn by Turn Navigation also provides text-based travel itineraries, walking directions and U.S. and metric distance units, and it has the ability to avoid toll roads.


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Bringing classic tracks to a next-generation console hasn't proven easy for Turn 10 Studios. Creative director Dan Greenawalt says that building next-gen tracks and assets for Forza Motorsport 5 is time consuming, and that adding weather and nighttime effects would've added a tremendous burden to the team. In other words, don't expect to see these additions come to Forza 5 any time soon.
Greenawalt tells IGN that getting a track up and running takes at least nine months of development. The process would be significantly longer if the team also had to account for additional physics, shadows, and lighting effects.
"If we wanted to make one of those tracks work with the added particles or projected shadows, and of course adding the physics to do something like night and wet, it means re-engaging those tracks," Greenawalt added. "I'm not trying to give an excuse, I'm trying to give context as to why this is an order of magnitude higher than something like Drag and Tag, and other things we're looking at from the community."
Gran Turismo 6 includes both of these features, but it also benefits from being a current-gen game. It will be interesting to see how the demands of next-gen asset creation will affect the PS4 version of Gran Turismo.


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Freddie Mac Announces Single Family Loan-Level Dataset Update
May 15, 2013
Beginning today, Freddie Mac's Single Family Loan-Level Dataset will reflect updated credit scores for loans originated between 1999 and 2002. The credit scores now will be determined using a methodology more consistent with the methodology used to populate credit scores for loans originated after 2002.
The average credit scores, on an Unpaid Principal Balance-weighted basis, changed marginally, by up to 2 points. Please refer to the updated Summary Statistics.
No other fields on the Loan-Level Dataset will be impacted with this update.
For questions, please send an email to email@example.com.


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Treat your child's birthday guests to sugary delights inside our Dr. Seuss ABC - Cupcake Boxes. Each set includes 4 colorful Dr. Seuss cupcake boxes. Each side of the boxes features a letter from the alphabet with an image and word to match the letter. Each box measures approximately 3.25" wide x 3.75" high and includes an adjustable insert to prevent cupcake damage. Cupcakes are not included and adult assembly is required. This product is officially licensed by Dr. Seuss.
For years, children of all ages have enjoyed reading Dr. Seuss's wonderful stories. That's why it's so much fun to pass the love for Dr. Seuss and his books on from generation to generation. To help you throw a complete Dr. Seuss birthday party for your child, BirthdayExpress.com provides a wide range of party products including Dr. Seuss lunch napkins, dinner plates, sticker sheets, blowouts, t-shirts, favor boxes, cone hats, and much more! We also have the Dr. Seuss ABC Party in a Box which provides all the essential party supplies you need in one purchase. Please visit the ideas section of our website for more tips and suggestions on planning a successful party.Read More
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Shavuot: Standing at Sinai
Transcending the pettiness that divides us.
Featured at Aish.com:
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Visitor Comments: 22
(22) Anonymous, May 31, 2009 6:16 PM
Mrs. Palatnik, you're correct again
I agree with you but maybe I don't practice what I preach. As much as I say it shouldn't or doesn't bother me or affect me, when I see a guy with this type of kipa or that type, I assume yeshivish or tzioni. I try not to but it divides us sort of. I love em both (I hope) but I still see my bros. as different. Maybe there's nothing wrong with that but the key is to remember to love them. Only our enemies know how to unite us, they don't see religious or secular, they see one thing: A JEW. Good luck in loving your fellows, there's only a fraction of a percent of us, if you don't like your bros and sis's, who will?
(21) Chris, May 29, 2009 8:41 PM
Thanks Lori - love you insights.
(20) ruth housman, May 29, 2009 12:56 PM
a slice of apple "pi"
Hi, your example of people bristling over the same greeting, in two languages certainly seems ridiculous and not about the underlying positivity of greeting. I think you are still a "personal trainer" and a luminous one, at that. We are one, and we are, separate. It's the central dilemma of all life, meaning unity in diversity. We need diversity, we need the fire, and perhaps the world was constructed in this way, for the dialogue and the morality discussions that are about what's essential, what we need to keep, and what we can surely, toss. We took a bite of the "apple" in the Garden, and now we are experiencing a lot of sound bytes, both "sound", being meaningful, and also dissonant, another kind of "sounding off". What's important is this: LOVE, compassionate care, and this is the way we should be going around the world. Let's go global with LOVE and make it GLOW BALL! We are all of us players. We can make it sing.
(18) Rochelle, May 27, 2009 6:15 AM


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Norway is also refusing to sign
As is myself [slashdot.org]
NZ refuses too.
America refuses to sign generates more outrage than everyone except Iran refuses to sign.
Here's a list of countries that signed:
http://www.itu.int/osg/wcit-12/highlights/signatories.html [itu.int]
The ones in dark green (signatories) you would not want to live in.
Well yes, but there's a difference in culture between the US and some other places that impacts how this is viewed.
In the US it is all about the individual. Collectivism is frowned upon. Europe is more socialist, which is a point part way between the US and countries like China, where in China the group is everything and the individual is nothing.
The more collective your outlook, the more it makes sense to take from the individual WHEN that is for the greater overall good. Europe strikes a balance betwee
Well listen. We don't want the UN controlling it!
The UN is a corrupt organisation. It will only cripple the internet, make it illegal to offend anyone, and try to implement a world-wide selection of laws.
Fuck off ITU.
Come on, the Internet is not a thing "paid for, developed and a thriving platform", it's a fucking convention. It's a protocol, like a language if you prefer. It's not a "thing". There are several other network protocols and there has been several other protocols since way before the internet. In France we were surfing on transpac and X25 before we joined the internet. The world now uses the Internet, precisely because it is very simple and open. If you really wanted to call it your own, then have fun surfing on your own web site. If the British went around calling the English language their own, the world would juse use esperanto for good.
The U.S. should trademark the word "Internet". If one tuple isn't in the U.S. it shouldn't be called the Internet. It should be called "Internet-like", or "Internet-compatible", or "using the Internet method". Especially in France. They can call it Telepac-Plus or whatever. There's no reason they should be able to just take what we've created and popularized. It's OUR heritage, not theirs. OUR language, not theirs. The French should stop stealing our refined and superior culture.
This is nothing about DNS. The slippery slope argument (for good or ill) the major Internet powers used to justify refusal is that treaty language implies that signatory governments have a mutual international obligation to do content monitoring (e.g., deep packet inspection). These clauses were argued to be non-content-neutral, and (for instance) coud allow Iran to insist that the US prohibit blastphemous content (for Shiite Muslim definitions of "blastphemy").
DPI and other content-based restrictions have
This is nothing about DNS. The slippery slope argument (for good or ill) the major Internet powers used to justify refusal is that treaty language implies that signatory governments have a mutual international obligation to do content monitoring (e.g., deep packet inspection). These clauses were argued to be non-content-neutral, and (for instance) coud allow Iran to insist that the US prohibit blastphemous content (for Shiite Muslim definitions of "blastphemy").
As per this post at the Center for Democracy and Technology [cdt.org], there's an ITU-T Recommendation "Y.2770: Requirements for Deep Packet Inspection in Next Generation Networks" [itu.int], which is "restricted to TIES users [itu.int]", where "TIES (Telecommunication Information Exchange Service) is a set of networked information resources and services offered by ITU without any charge to ITU Members (Member States [itu.int], Sector Members [itu.int], Associates [itu.int], and Academia [itu.int]) to support their participation in the activities of the Union." Not being a M
The worst part about that particular complaint is that there is nothing about the internet that requires that other countries use the US's root DNS servers. They are free to implement their own.
And many of them have. [root-servers.org].
The problem is that the root zone is controlled by the US Department of Commerce [icann.org] ("National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) - which is an office within the United States Department of Commerce - authorizes changes to the root"), so their root servers serve up information that's ultimately US-controlled.
That's what this is all about.
Seriously? "US Refuses To Sign ITU Treaty Over Internet Provisions" is the title of this piece?
From what I could tell, even TFSummary mentions multiple countries refuse to sign. But, "OMG! Teh Un1t3d 5t4t3s refusors to p3n h4x moar documents! Roooaarrr!!1"
A more sensationalist title I've not seen on
How about a more neutral tone for story summaries? Maybe, I don't know:
Multiple countries fail to agree on ITU Treaty
Multiple countries disagree on ITU Treaty content
Differences still exist between countries involved in ITU Treaty
ITU Treaty content to undergo more revisions
Don't get suckered in by the comments -- they can be terribly misleading. Debug only code. -- Dave Storer


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Linked by Thom Holwerda on Fri 10th May 2013 22:34 UTC
"The reviews are in: Facebook Home, Mark Zuckerberg's grandiose stab at totally controlling our mobile experience, is an unmitigated disaster. On Wednesday, AT&T announced that it was dropping the price of the HTC First smartphone, which comes with Facebook Home built in, from $99 to 99 cents. Think about that: a new smartphone, priced to jump off the shelves at Dollar General. It's a great deal, but it is also hugely embarrassing for Zuckerberg. [...] For confirmation we need only look at the Google Play store, where the Facebook Home app, which can be installed on select Android phones, has now fallen to the No. 338 ranking in the category of free apps. That's 200 spots lower than it ranked just two weeks ago." Totally did not see this coming whatsoever.
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RE: Shocking...
by Laurence on Sun 12th May 2013 12:55 UTC in reply to "Shocking..."
I wish that were true, but sadly I don't think that's the case. This is more a case of consumers showing that a crowded market place does push standards up* and that Facebook Home was below par on user experience so consumers went elsewhere.
* Apple and Microsoft, I'm looking at you and the anti-competitive behaviors you slip into whenever anyone threatens to release a better product than you. You can litigate all you want, but so long as the competition keeps releasing better products then consumers will keep buying them. So sort your shit out and compete with the market instead of trying to prevent them from competing with yourselves. </rant>


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OX::Application::Role::Router - base role for applications with routers
version 0.14
This is an abstract role for creating applications based on a router. You probably want to use OX::Application::Role::Router::Path::Router instead, unless you need to use a different router.
This role adds a
Router service to the application container,
which can be configured by the
build_router and
router_dependencies methods.
It also overrides
build_app to automatically build a PSGI application from the routes in the router.
This role also defines the
ox.router key in the PSGI environment,
so that the application code and middleware can easily access the router.
Required method which should return the class name which the router object itself will be an instance of.
Required method which should take a router instance and return a PSGI application coderef.
This method returns the router instance that is in use.
It is equivalent to
$app->resolve(service => 'Router').
This method is called by the
Router service to create a new router instance.
By default,
it calls
new on the specified
It is passed the
Router service object,
so that you can access the resolved dependencies you specify in
This method is called after a new router is instantiated, to allow you to add routes to the router (or do whatever other configuration is necessary).
This method returns a hashref of dependencies,
as described in Bread::Board.
The arrayref form of dependency specification is not currently supported.
These dependencies can be accessed in the
build_router method.
This software is copyright (c) 2014 by Infinity Interactive.
This is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as the Perl 5 programming language system itself.


text:
Javadi, Mohammad Hosein Moshref, Faculty of Administrative Science & Economics, Department of Management, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Vol 3, No 2 (2012) - Articles
Gaps of Service Quality in Private Banks Customers Regarding SERVQUAL in Isfahan, Iran
Abstract PDF
To make sure that you can receive messages from us, please add the 'macrothink.org' domain to your e-mail 'safe list'. If you do not receive e-mail in your 'inbox', check your 'bulk mail' or 'junk mail' folders.
Copyright © Macrothink InstituteISSN 1948-5468


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A pair of Iraqi nationals who pleaded guilty to conspiring to send weapons, cash and explosives to al-Qaida in Iraq will be sentenced together in January. U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell has delayed the sentencing of 30-year-old Waad Ramadan Alwan and co-defendant, 24-year-old Mohanad Shareef Hammadi from Dec. 5 to Jan. 3 in federal court in Bowling Green.
Alwan pleaded guilty in December 2011. Hammadi bypassed a trial and entered a guilty plea in August.
The two men faced charges of trying to send a variety of weapons, including rifles, rocket propelled grenades and Stinger missile systems, along with other explosives and cash to the terrorist organization in Iraq.
Alwan's attorney, Scott Wendelsdorf requested the delay because of a scheduling conflict.


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amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research
Posted by Jirair Ratevosian, November 19, 2010
This week, the Global Fund released a report analyzing funding for HIV activities targeting most-at-risk populations.
The results are deeply troubling. With an HIV budget of more than U.S.$903 million in Round 8, the Global Fund allocated a mere 8.8 percent specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM), sex workers, and people who inject drugs. The amount allocated for activities specifically targeting MSM is even more sobering: U.S.$19 million—just 2.1 percent of the total signed HIV budgets.
The Global Fund says that these numbers are likely an underestimate, but many MSM and LGBT community-based groups on the frontlines of the epidemic receive little or no support from multilateral or bilateral donors—let alone governments that support policies fueling stigma, violence, and discrimination.
HIV prevalence among MSM is very high in all part of the world where estimates are available—often significantly higher than general population rates. This is true even in generalized epidemic settings, which makes some of the findings in this report even more worrisome: In 14 countries reporting both generalized and concentrated HIV epidemics, only 7 percent of the Global Fund budget has targeted most-at-risk populations. This figure falls to less than 3 percent when the estimate excludes Thailand, which allocated 75 percent of its Round 8 budget to most-at-risk populations.
Civil society, however, continues to be the most persistent driving force to address HIV among MSM and protect human rights. With a deep understanding of their communities, grassroots organizations like those supported by amfAR's MSM Initiative are leading efforts to develop and implement innovative programs that effectively target MSM, even as they navigate adverse social, political, and legal climes.
Specific investments for most-at-risk populations as a share of total HIV investments in countries reporting both generalized and concentrated epidemics
From Global Fund HIV Investments Specifically Targeting Most-at-Risk Populations: An Analysis of Round 8 (2008) Phase 1 (November 2010)
These Global Fund findings come as no surprise. The numbers are consistent with a series of reports released by amfAR this past July analyzing the failure of the global response to reach MSM and others populations at greatest risk of infection. Together, these reports underscore the need for governments and donors to get serious about increasing long-term investment in these populations. The Global Fund and PEPFAR must recognize the need for significantly increased, sustained, multi-year funding commitments that provide project-specific resources, as well as core support for operations and organizational development for community-based initiatives.
The Global Fund should be commended for the transparency and accountability of its work with most-at-risk populations. But new resources will be required at a time when HIV programs are facing major financial pressures. Research is also needed to develop a better understanding of funding disbursements and what is happening on the ground. Much more effort lies ahead, but prospects to change the trajectory of the pandemic have never looked better.
© 2018 amfAR All Rights Reserved


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Southbound travel lanes on Six Mile Cypress Parkway shift to newly constructed lanes
Nightime paving planned
October 1, 2012
FORT MYERS – Southbound lanes on Six Mile Cypress Parkway are shifted to the west onto the newly constructed southbound roadway. Two southbound lanes are open to traffic....
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text:
Investimonials.com highlights financial products for investors. Its user reviews and forums for discussion are a great way to filter through the numerous products on the market and discover ones that will prove the most beneficial to you. In addition, registered users are encouraged to post product reviews, giving you an outlet for your own opinions.
The interesting twist on the website is that Investimonials offers incentives for participation; the more you participate, the more ivBucks you earn, which is "money" you can then spend toward a number of financial products. Rewards and special discounts can be earned as well. Investimonials also can be tracked using RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Accounts are free to create.
On the home page, a list of recent reviews and popular discussions of financial products and websites is displayed. Different categories are offered such as brokers, websites, blogs, banks and more. Once you're in a specific category, more category breakdowns are offered. A search bar lets the user search the site for any website or product they are eager to learn about.
Once you register for the site, it asks a little bit about you and your investing behavior. You can add a picture or an "about me" section so other users can get a better idea of who you are. You can also customize which types of products or reviews you're interested in, and the website will automatically display newly added items that interest you on your home page.
The website provides a different and thorough perspective of financial websites and products based on user reviews and discussions.


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Skip to Main Navigation | Skip to Content
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States and accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region (http://www.ncahlc.org/).
Accreditation by recognized accrediting agencies provides the public with the assurance that the college meets the requirements of the accrediting bodies and meets their quality standards. Verification of fulfillment of HLC/NCA standards is important to our students, current and potential, and all our other constituencies. Accreditation impacts transfer options for students, the university's eligibility for grants, and the ability to obtain and award financial aid. The accrediting process gives the college an opportunity to do an intensive review of its strengths and weaknesses and to use this information to direct its continuous improvement efforts.
HLC officials will conduct a site visit March 10-12, 2014.
A site team from HLC will visit both our main campus and the Missouri Innovation Campus to evaluate our university. The team will review our self-study and supporting documents, meet with administrators, observe classes, and speak with students, faculty and staff. On Wednesday, March 12, the team will make a presentation to the University community that summarizes their evaluation. Although their findings will be preliminary, we will know whether or not UCM will be recommended for continued accreditation and if a follow-up visit is necessary.
The UCM Self-Study Team is comprised of faculty and staff from across campus, working in collaboration since 2010.
The primary bases for the site team's evaluation of UCM will be the self-study and the evidence we present that address the 5 Criteria and Core Components as distributed by the Higher Learning Commission. The 5 Criteria are as follows:
The institution's mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution's operations.
The institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
The institution provides high quality education, wherever and however its offerings are delivered.
The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments, and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness for student learning through processes designed to promote continuous improvement.
The institution's resources, structures and processes are sufficient to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational offerings, and respond to future challenges and opportunities. The institution plans for the future.
Adopted in 1998, the Community Creed notes that choosing to become a citizen of the University of Central Missouri implies an acceptance of and willingness to contribute to the common goals and purposes of the community. The Creed outlines the principles which guide the creation and maintenance of desired community at Central Missouri, and provides a framework for individual behaviors which help build our vision. These principles promote a learning community that is also open, caring, just, disciplined, celebrative, and purposeful.
UCM in 2002 adopted seven core values: learning, service, adaptability, community, excellence, diversity, and responsibility.
The primary purpose of UCM's assessment model (more commonly known at CQIP) is to improve the quality of student learning and student support services. The information derived from assessment activities is used to facilitate student learning and development, to promote faculty and staff growth, and to improve the quality of academic and nonacademic programs, services and facilities. Click here for access to UCM's CQIP model.
Adopted in 2013, the Learning to a Greater Degree Contract for student completion clears the way for student success and ensures their time and money at UCM are well spent. To ensure timely graduation, students commit to enrolling in the right 15 hours of classes per semester, attend class regularly, communicate with their professors, check in with their academic advisor every semester, live on campus for at least two years, and engage outside the classroom. UCM, in turn, commits to a custom course plan to keep students on track and offers 15-to-Finish scholarships, a 24/7 campus alive with plenty of opportunities for student engagement, and new residence hall to be completed by summer 2015.
The mission statement approved by UCM's Board of Governors in October 2008 is as follows: The University of Central Missouri experience transforms students into lifelong learners, dedicated to service, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed and lead in the region, state, nation and world. UCM offers a comprehensive array of bachelor's programs and selected master's and doctoral programs building upon historical strengths and statewide mission.
The Missouri Innovation Campus is an exciting, progressive collaboration between the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, Metropolitan Community College and the University of Central Missouri. By engaging business partners and community organizations, such as Cerner and DST, The MIC is reshaping the way students experience education. Students begin the rigorous academic program their junior year of high school, and will graduate in four years with a baccalaureate degree, no student debt, applied experience through paid internships, and highly sought-after skills for high-paying careers.
In 1996, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education established the University of Central Missouri's mission as "a master's level institution with moderately selective admissions and a statewide mission in professional applied sciences and technology programs."
The Strategic Positioning Platform was adopted in August 2012, defining UCM as an institution dedicated to preparing graduates who will shape their world because they have experienced "Learning to a Greater Degree." The platform includes several key components, beginning with the positioning statement describing "who we are" as a university, unique attributes outlining what UCM stands for, key audiences, and benefits of the UCM educational experience for those audiences. It also identifies "reasons to believe" in a UCM education based on four supporting features: a culture of service, engaged learning, future-focused academics, and a worldly perspective.
Adopted circa 1907, the UCM Motto is "Education for Service."


text:
Now you can save on the Unilever brands you love. From now until Thanksgiving Day, save $5.00 when you spend $20.00 on any of the products in the Unilever family. From Hellmann's to Dove, this offer is good on any of our products.
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Such a program, which would likely exempt smaller nonprofits, could produce several million dollars in annual revenue as service costs rise, state financial support remains unpredictable, and political pressures and changes in state law limit the city's capacity to increase taxes.This is about bringing in new money, not switching current taxpayers into an optional approach.
The city has roughly 73,800 parcels valued at $21.5 billion, said Dave Gawenda, city treasurer. That includes 1,201 exempt parcels — excluding city, Dane County and Madison schools property — valued at $5.7 billion. If state and university property is excluded, the city exempts nearly $1.5 billion in nonprofit property, which would produce about $15 million in revenue for the city if fully taxed.
Currently, 17 tax-exempt entities have negotiated arrangements with the city — usually after a change to the property — to make payments in lieu of taxes that will total $877,000 for 2012.Can someone explain to me why they pay voluntarily? It's not truly voluntary, is it? There's some lurking coercion, some extortion, isn't there?
No one envisions the city will seek to get the full tax payment from all nonprofits.
In Boston, under its new program, nonprofits that own property valued at more than $15 million are asked to increase payments over five years until they reach 25 percent of what they'd pay if they didn't have nonprofit tax status, the city's website says. The system also gives nonprofits credits for providing benefits to the community.
IN THE COMMENTS: Irene said:
"Mandatory volunteerism" is the progressive's way of treating everyone like children. It's one of my favorite oxymorons.
Schools first introduce this approach by requiring children to participate in mandatory duties shaded vaguely as "voluntary" activities that benefit the community. Example: "Earth Day cleanup" for the grade schoolers or "orientations" for first-year law students that require arboretum clean-up or Habitat-for Humanity work.
If tax payment is shrouded in "voluntary" language, it makes the maliable feel like they are participating in the general good. Part of the progressive community. Part of the group think.


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With DVD/CD Celebration Day recently hitting Top 10s around the globe, Led Zeppelin have a whole new audience. And also a mature audience who are revisiting their epic recordings. But where to start? Where to revisit? And which album is best? You decide…
With many Led Zeppelin box-sets, collections, rarities and live albums available we'll here concentrate on original studio albums before the band disbanded, so that's eight albums in 10 years. Let's get down to the sound of the hammer of the gods…
Led Zeppelin I (1969)
After tinkering under the name of The New Yardbirds, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham emerged on record as Led Zeppelin in January 1969. Led Zeppelin I is a crunching debut, and the band's rawest and most blues-based studio recording. Soft/loud dynamics abound and Page announces himself as a stunning soloist.
Standout guitar track? "Dazed And Confused." Live, Page would saw at his guitar with a violin bow — a trick he borrowed from Eddie Phillips of '60s pop-art band The Creation.
Led Zeppelin II (1969)
Zeppelin break out the heavy artillery, with Page turning to Gibson Les Pauls and honing his heavy riffology. Indeed, II is one of the greatest "riff" albums ever - "Whole Lotta Love," "Heartbreaker," and "The Lemon Song" are all fabled, if again steeped in old blues. But Zep's own songwriting was also improving — "What Is And What Should Never Be," "Thank You," and "Ramble On" had little to do with the blues. And again, "Ramble On" shows the band's mastery of the understated (verses) and hard-punching heaviness (choruses). "Moby Dick" is an impressive showcase for John Bonham's drumming, if superfluous in hindsight, and some still claim this is the first "heavy metal" album. Hardly so — Zeppelin's diversity was starting to show.
Standout guitar track? In terms of legendary riffs, "Whole Lotta Love."
Led Zeppelin III (1970)
Less than two years since their debut, Led Zeppelin threw a curveball. Page and Plant took time off, retreating to a remote cottage in the Wales countryside called Bron yr aur. Much of the album was written by the duo in the rural setting — there are fewer heavy Page riffs and Plant's hippie-ish lyrics flowered. There are still guitar knockouts - "Immigrant Song" opens as a classic short rocker and "Friends" features impressive acoustic fingerpicking from Page. "Celebration Day" and "Out on the Tiles" are straight-ahead but alluring riff rockers. It's nevertheless an often overlooked album, with few tracks becoming staples of classic rock radio.
Standout guitar track? The smouldering "Since I've Been Loving You" or, for riffing, "The Immigrant Song."
"Untitled" (1971)
It's now mostly known as IV, but the original album sleeve had no title, not even a band name. It's also known as "The Runes" or "Four Symbols," as each band member chose a symbol to represent himself for this album. Regarded by many as Led Zeppelin's masterpiece, this album is one of the most perfectly realized releases in rock history. "Black Dog" and "Rock 'n Roll" smash the doors open with roaring guitars and drums, the mandolin-led, Eastern influenced "Battle Of Evermore" features Sandy Denny (formerly of Fairport Convention and the only guest vocalist on any Zeppelin album), "Going To California" is another quirky folk-esque escapade. "When The Levee Breaks," another hyper-heavy super-swaggering blues cover, is atmospheric even 42 years on. Ironically, the album only hit #2 in the U.S, beaten by Carole King's Tapestry. But these are all decent tracks, and at IV's heart sits an epic of all epics…
Standout guitar track? "Stairway to Heaven" is, for many, the ultimate Led Zeppelin song and IV their best album. But is it? You decide.
Houses of the Holy (1973)
Four years in, and it's a fifth Zeppelin album… perhaps too soon? It's relatively "pop-friendly" as "Dancing Days" and "The Ocean" are upbeat rockers that showed Zep could do "catchy." But they fall over when going too far. "D'yer Maker" — a poor pun on "Jamaica" for its cod reggae - and the funk-attempt "The Crunge" will never make any Zeppelin best-of list. But the galloping "The Song Remains The Same," "Over The Hills And Far Away," "The Rain Song" and "No Quarter" make it solid. But it's not a simple album. "The Ocean" goes from power chords to a capella nursery rhyme to doo-wop. Eclectic yes, but maybe trying too hard to be clever?
Standout guitar track? "The Ocean" for its swaggering, stuttering riffs and multi-track solos.
Physical Graffiti (1975)
To some, it's the ultimate Zeppelin release. To others, it's meandering, indulgent and lacking in great riffs. Some songs were leftovers from previous recordings — it was Zep's "White Album" if you like. But the expansive epics — "In My Time of Dying," "Kashmir," "In the Light," "Ten Years Gone" — certainly showed Zeppelin had massive ambition, all amid their "gonzo" years of mid-'70s touring. John Paul Jones' arrangement skills came to the fore and riff fans had to be patient… it's three minutes into "Into the Light" before Page's guitar even registers. But Robert Plant told Mojo magazine: "if I'm going to blow my trumpet about anything I've been connected with, then it would have to be that album."
Standout guitar track: It's not a guitar track per se, but "Kashmir." Page uses DADGAD tuning to nail Zep's rock'n'roll swagger with his nod to Arabian melodies amid JPJ's "orchestral" grandeur. The classic, closing song on Celebration Day for a reason.
Presence (1976)
Something of a forgotten Led Zeppelin album. Concert movie The Song Remains the Same closely preceded it, and Presence had no big hits. Zeppelin pulled back from the instrumental excess of Physical Graffiti but struggled to meet previous highs.
"Achilles Last Stand" is a Zep classic but very long. Blues escapades "Tea for One" (a shadow of forerunner "Since I've Been Loving You") and the single "Candy Store Rock" (which didn't even chart) are quite insubstantial. Behind-the-scenes turmoil didn't help Zeppelin: Page and Bonham were both battling addictions, and Plant recorded his vocals in a wheelchair after a car crash.
Standout guitar track: The galloping opener "Achilles Last Stand".
In Through the Out Door (1979)
In Through The Out Door was "proper" Zeppelin's last stand, and very different. Plant's son Karac had tragically died, Page and Bonham were still not at their physical best. So, more than any other Zeppelin album, this one belongs to John Paul Jones, who co-wrote all but one song, and whose synthesizer/piano parts are all over it. The guitar swirls and drum swagger of opener "In the Evening" are decent enough, but the rest settles for a poppier punch. "South Bound Suarez" is an upbeat piano rocker punctuated by a great Page solo but the 10-minute "Carouselambra" is meagre compared to past Zeppelin epics. When Zep revisit the blues - "I'm Gonna Crawl" - the sound is dominated by synthesizers. If you discovered Zeppelin via this album, you'd be forgiven for wondering what the fuss was all about.
Standout guitar track: "In The Evening" or "I'm Gonna Crawl" — Page comes good on the synth-heavy track with a superb world-weary solo.
But that's just one view. Any many fans have different opinions on when Zeppelin hit their high.
Which is your favorite Led Zeppelin album? Please, comment below…


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I was in France this summer during the Democratic National Convention and here in the US for the Republican version. After both events had ended I realized that while I had been interested in the press coverage throughout I had been even more interested in the fact that I saw these conventions through very different and very particular lenses: one as an American watching Americans talk about the US, and another as an American watching the French talk about the US. Seeing the US from afar during the DNC was powerful. Seeing my country's political process, social mores, successes and failures edited, commented on, and replayed by the French reminded me of the value of stepping away from what is familiar in order to engage it more fully.
In my early 20s I read Cathy Davidson's account of her time as an American academic in Japan— 36 Views of Mt Fugi: On Finding Myself in Japan—and was struck by the way Davidson verbalized what I had felt in my own life and yet had never been able to articulate in quite the right way. It was in leaving the US, she wrote, in viewing it from afar that its contours, its nuances, its glory and its flaws, were illuminated. The distance allowed her access to thoughts and images of the US (and of herself) that were often hidden in plain view stateside.
In this historic year in which Americans have elected a new President and the US economy has taken a nosedive, many Americans are trying to make sense of what all of this means about "America" and for "America's" place in a shrinking global community. In one form or another questions such as What does America stand for? What do Americans believe? and Who is an American? are appearing in newspapers, on blogs, in offices, in coffee shops and even in my college classrooms. As we talk to one another and follow the continual updates of the 24-hour cable news world it strikes me that the ability to step away from our local or even national take on these new realities might help us in our quest for answers.
But…hold your passport…there is no need for everyone reading this to jet off to a foreign destination. I see the internet (with its access to newspapers from cities and towns the world over) as a grand way to gain access to new angles and insights. "Afar" might be as close as a keyboard.
There is precedent for this approach to "seeing the US from afar" via the written accounts of non-Americans. In the early 19th century as Americans were struggling to understand what democracy meant and what a "United" States of America might mean, foreign observers Alexis de Tocqueville, Gustave de Beaumont and Harriet Martineau recorded their observations and analyses of US society (including race relations, the economy and access to the democratic promise) in books devoured by Americans in their time and ours. The Americans who read their works in the 19th c. and the Americans who read them today are Americans looking to those who might, from a distance, be able to shine a light on some key issue or detail that could help explain America to Americans. In many cases…the search is successful! These days works by Tocqueville, Beaumont and Martineau are held up by scholars of all stripes as brilliant insights into the American mind, social systems and mores.
In this spirit I can not help but point out too, that two years ago another Frenchman—philosopher Bernard Heni-Levy—wrote American Vertigo as a way to shine a 21st c. light on 21st c. America in the spirit of Tocqueville. In that 2006 book (which I found myself running to find when Barak Obama accepted the Democratic nomination), Levy speaks about his meeting with the then Illinois congressman the morning after Obama's speech at the 2004 DNC and writes, prophetically, that Obama seemed to be creating "the beginning of the end for identity-based ideologies." Furthermore, Levy suggested (again, in 2006) with no hesitation that this man had what it took to be President…in part because he had removed himself from labels that others might want to attach to him. Levy makes clear that in Obama he (and perhaps the rest of the world…?) saw something very different from US politics-as-usual.
I bring Levy's comments up here because I am struck by the way in which the cable news conversations about our new President these days seem to be repeating observations about Obama and the US which I read two winters ago. Without making too much of Levy's prescient observations, I think we need to at least recognize their existence because there are other "from afar" observers today—journalists and bloggers and visitors—viewing and commenting on the US from vantage points that US citizens cannot access. Might their observations help us (help me!) make sense of America c. 2008? I hope so.
So, in this era when markets around the world rise and fall together and children in Kenya are following the election of Barak Obama, I plan to continue reading the French press and speaking with friends and colleagues around the world. I am hopeful that this way of stepping away from the US might clarify some of my own big questions about the place I call home.


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We've been covering the news about Tenris Mirkblood, a temporary Scourge boss hanging out in Karazhan. Adam even has a handy strategy guide that will help you bring him down. The boss is pretty neat, dropping both a non-combat pet and the ultimate in two handed guitars -- the Arcanite Ripper.
Tigole warned us that the boss would only be around for about 10 days. As of just now, Tenris is still in Karazhan, waiting to dole out his badges, batlings, and axes. Now's the time to get in there, folks. We can't gaurantee how much longer he's going to be waiting for you to come kill him. The Scourge invasion reset and started again after it previously closed down, so this is probably as close to a "second chance" as you're going to get.
As a tip, be sure to pick up your Vampiric Batling, even if you already know the spell. The "Already Known" item sells for 10 gold to a vendor. Killing Tenris is at least worth a daily quest to you.


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19 CFR 4.32 - Vessels in distress; landing of cargo.
(a) When a vessel from a foreign port arrives in distress at a port other than that to which it is destined, a permit to land merchandise or baggage may be issued if such action is necessary. Merchandise and baggage so unladen shall be taken into Customs custody and, if it has not been transported in violation of the coastwise laws, may be entered and disposed of in the same manner as any other imported merchandise or may be reladen without entry to be carried to its destination on the vessel from which it was unladen, subject only to charges for storage and safekeeping.
(b) A bond on Customs Form 301, containing the bond conditions set forth in § 113.64 of this chapter relating to international carriers shall be given in an amount to be determined by the port director to insure the proper disposition of the cargo, whether such cargo be dutiable or free.
Title 19 published on 16-May-2018 03:40
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 19 CFR Part 4 after this date.


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These notes are provided to help you understand the diagnosis or possible diagnosis of cancer in your pet. For general information on cancer in pets ask for our handout "What is Cancer". Your veterinarian may suggest certain tests to help confirm or eliminate the diagnosis, and to help assess treatment options and likely outcomes.
Endocrine glands produce specialized chemicals called "hormones". These regulate and integrate many activities to maintain internal stability of the body.
Endocrine glands produce specialized chemicals called "hormones". These regulate and integrate many activities to maintain internal stability of the body. The hormones pass directly into the blood to affect target cells elsewhere.
Dogs and cats have a pair of anal sacs, one located on each side of the anus between the external and internal anal sphincter muscles. The sacs are lined with modified sweat glands called anal glands.
Non-cancerous bone tumors are rare in cats and are mainly due to abnormal development. They include bone cysts and single or multiple lumps of bone in abnormal places (exostoses).
The bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones. Before birth, the marrow contains the primary (stem) cells that from all the red and white blood cells. After birth, some types of blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, are made in other parts of the body.
Calcium deposits in the skin have a variety of causes. The deposits are usually of minor significance in the young but may indicate serious disease in some older animals
As continuous improvements in our knowledge and new and evolving methods of treatment are developed, pet owners and their veterinarians have more options available when cancer is diagnosed.
All tissues and organs of the body may develop cancer (an abnormal overgrowth of their constituent cells). Every organ (liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys and so on) contains a supporting framework of fibrous connective tissue as well as nerves to relay information to and from the brain.
The histiocyte group of cells are part of the body's immune surveillance system. Cutaneous (reactive) histiocytosis is an uncommon condition of dogs. Cutaneous, reactive histiocytosis is an immune dysfunction, mainly of young dogs and probably due to persistent antigenic stimulation by a variety of antigens (foreign proteins).


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23 CFR 771.119 - Environmental assessments.
(a) An EA shall be prepared by the applicant in consultation with the Administration for each action that is not a CE and does not clearly require the preparation of an EIS, or where the Administration believes an EA would assist in determining the need for an EIS.
(b) For actions that require an EA, the applicant, in consultation with the Administration, shall, at the earliest appropriate time, begin consultation with interested agencies and others to advise them of the scope of the project and to achieve the following objectives: determine which aspects of the proposed action have potential for social, economic, or environmental impact; identify alternatives and measures which might mitigate adverse environmental impacts; and identify other environmental review and consultation requirements which should be performed concurrently with the EA. The applicant shall accomplish this through an early coordination process (i.e., procedures under § 771.111) or through a scoping process. Public involvement shall be summarized and the results of agency coordination shall be included in the EA.
(c) The EA is subject to Administration approval before it is made available to the public as an Administration document.
(d) The EA need not be circulated for comment but the document must be made available for public inspection at the applicant's office and at the appropriate Administration field offices in accordance with paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section. Notice of availability of the EA, briefly describing the action and its impacts, shall be sent by the applicant to the affected units of Federal, State and local government. Notice shall also be sent to the State intergovernmental review contacts established under Executive Order 12372.
(e) When a public hearing is held as part of the application for Federal funds, the EA shall be available at the public hearing and for a minimum of 15 days in advance of the public hearing. The notice of the public hearing in local newspapers shall announce the availability of the EA and where it may be obtained or reviewed. Comments shall be submitted in writing to the applicant or the Administration within 30 days of the availability of the EA unless the Administration determines, for good cause, that a different period is warranted. Public hearing requirements are as described in § 771.111.
(f) When a public hearing is not held, the applicant shall place a notice in a newspaper(s) similar to a public hearing notice and at a similar stage of development of the action, advising the public of the availability of the EA and where information concerning the action may be obtained. The notice shall invite comments from all interested parties. Comments shall be submitted in writing to the applicant or the Administration within 30 days of the publication of the notice unless the Administration determines, for good cause, that a different period is warranted.
(g) If no significant impacts are identified, the applicant shall furnish the Administration a copy of the revised EA, as appropriate; the public hearing transcript, where applicable; copies of any comments received and responses thereto; and recommend a FONSI. The EA should also document compliance, to the extent possible, with all applicable environmental laws and Executive orders, or provide reasonable assurance that their requirements can be met.
(h) When the Administration expects to issue a FONSI for an action described in § 771.115(a), copies of the EA shall be made available for public review (including the affected units of government) for a minimum of 30 days before the Administration makes its final decision (See 40 CFR 1501.4(e)(2).) This public availability shall be announced by a notice similar to a public hearing notice.
(i) If, at any point in the EA process, the Administration determines that the action is likely to have a significant impact on the environment, the preparation of an EIS will be required.
(j) If the Administration decides to apply 23 U.S.C. 139 to an action involving an EA, then the EA shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable provisions of that statute.
Title 23 published on 12-May-2018 03:23
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 23 CFR Part 771 after this date.


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Not dead yet: Toshiba execs standing there with stopwatches saying "Wait for it... wait for it..."
It's funny because I would personally choose HD DVD if I were to judge by names. It gives the impression of being just another rock solid format like CD-R or DVD-RW.
Blu-ray, on the other hand, sounds like just another marketing invention, without any serious consideration of the implications of its widespread usage, etc.
It's funny how the Slashbots were saying the exact opposite before HD DVD's apparent demise. They were claiming HD DVD would win with Joe Consumer because "HD DVD" sounds like a better DVD, while Blu-ray is "WTF?"I know it sounds silly but BluRay has a catchy name and people remember it. HDDVD just looks like a bad day at Scrabble. The naming decisions may be what sealed the fate of both standards.
""Nothing -- here's your nine pence."
"I'm not dead!"
"Here -- he says he's not dead!"
"Yes, he is."
"I'm not!"
"He isn't."
"Well, he will be soon, he's very ill."
"I'm getting better!"
"No, you're not -- you'll be stone dead in a moment."
"h, I can't take him like that -- it's against regulations."
"I don't want to go in the cart!"
"Oh, don't be such a baby."
"I can't take him..."
"I feel fine!"
"Oh, do us a favor..."
"I can't."
"Well, can you hang around a couple of minutes? He won't be long."
"Naaah, I got to go on to SCO's -- they've lost nine today."
"Well, when is your next round?"
"I think I'll go for a walk."
"You're not fooling anyone y'know. Look, isn't there something you can do?"
"I feel happy... I feel happy.
"Ah, thanks very much."
"Not at all. See you on Thursday."
"No, no, 'e's uh,...he's resting."
Yes. Buy a Wii (if you can find one).Aren't I allowed to hate *both* MS and Sony?
Toshiba should have demanded that the 360 carry an HD-DVD drive standard. The addon carries extra bulk, and if you combine that with the cost of the 360, you might as well have just bought a PS3 instead.
Toshiba should have demanded that the 360 carry an HD-DVD drive standard.
That move would have won the format war outright.
Doubtful. But it would certainly have subjected the 360 to the same cost and time overruns that the PS3 suffered from.
No-one would argue that much of the 360's current success is due to it launching a year earlier with a cheaper price. Making the HD disc player optional might (in the long run) make it harder for devs to squeeze large games in, but definitely kept the console cheaper and simpler for the so-crucial first couple of years of its life.
As for putting it in the Elite, its sales weren't large enough to make much difference to Toshiba, and increasing the cost would not have helped that. Armchair analysts can call it "penny pinching", but in the world of business, the user always pays in the end. Sony's decision to sacrifice their Playstation brand on the altar of Blu-Ray success has cost them dearly [variety.com], at least in the short term.
A little less clear, but I feel just as certain victory would have Microsoft include HD-DVD with the Elite model.
If Blu-ray becomes the dominant video format (over DVD and downloads), how much income (from sales and licensing) does this bring to Sony? I know Blu-ray is primarily "Sony's format," but there's a lot of "partners" in the Blu-ray Disc Association. Will this Blu-ray related income be worth the loss in gaming income?
Year: Gaming operating income/(loss), total operating income
2007: (¥232 billion), ¥72 billion
2006: 9, 226
2005: 43, 146
2004: 68, 99
2003: 113, 185
2002: 83, 135
2001: (51), 225
2000: 77, 223
1999: 136, 339
1998: 117, 520
Sony's Annual Reports (big freakin' PDF files): http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/IR/financial/ar/Archive.html [sony.net]
Big bonuses all around for root-kitting, format-pushing, technology-bundling Sony.
Spoken like a true frothing-from-the-mouth Microsoft fanboy.
Sony has only "pushed" Blu-ray onto the PS3. Some may argue it was needed for the betterment of next-gen games.
Sony has allowed the PS3 users to incorporate standard hard drives, headsets, USB keyboards, Linux onto their system. No root-kitting involved whatsoever.
Were you talking about another product? If so, then it's off-topic, because as we know, Microsoft has
That would have destroyed sales of the 360. Microsoft was absolutely right to keep the drive out of the console, it would have pushed prices up with very little net gain for the target demographic. PS3 users have been effectively paying a "Blu-ray tax" thanks to Sony making the opposite decision.
I think Microsoft went too far in its support for HD DVD. If, as seems likely, HD DVD does cease pushed as a mainstream format before the end of the year, I wonder if they'll reconsider the idiotic "secure path"
There are some 10-15 million rabid Sony hating Xbox/Microsoft fans in the US. They will support any 'not Sony format' with a fanatical commitment
If true, that is by far one of the most alarming statistics I have ever read. If large cooperations marketing has succeeded to the point that there are 10 million people that will not buy a company's product regardless of its technical merits and price point, we've reached a truly low point in society.
Large corporate marketing has succeeded to the point that there are millions of people in the US who will buy a product regardless of it's technical merits and price point. (cue MS jokes) The problem is that nobody is an expert in everything, and sometimes we have to make uninformed decisions.
There are some 10-15 million rabid Sony hating Xbox/Microsoft fans in the US. They will support any 'not Sony format' with a fanatical commitment that is easily mistaken for broad consumer support.
Toshiba fell victim to believing HD-DVD was going to ever be supported by anyone beyond that niche demographic. And it cost hundreds of millions in their losing battle against BluRay.
HD DVD could be a serious competitor if there wasn't MS and their OS fascist media division wasn't involved. They showed signs of "Windows only" from the start, they could sit and write HD DVD.Framework via XCode to support OS X, they could release a not cheap but working fine Quicktime export plugin for VC-1, they could make Roxio (Adaptec) support HD-DVD recorders on their OS X consumer products, they could help Linux guys sort out basic data recording, they could plug into OS X professional tools like F
OK, I'll correct you. It's actually spelled Blu-ray [blu-ray.com] and it's not a fad. Stupid yes, but not a fad.
Basically all media come in two formats: A cheap and popular version and a marginally technically better but far more expensive version that hangs on but never holds sway. The better more expensive version always takes the lead early on because early adopters are willing to pay premium prices for quality products. Then the R&D giant behind it leverages the popularity to ramp the licensing cost at just the wrong inflection of the demand curve, driving consumers to the adequate and cheap version until you can't find content in the high quality version any more and Betamax version buyers lose all their investment in quality equipment and content.
It's easy know which version is which because Sony is almost always behind the expensive one.
SCSI, and all the iSAS evolved variants, are examples of the Betamax of hard drives. Notice you can't get one in decent capacity for any price these days?
It's like watching all the Friday the 13th sequels actually. Each time it looks like it's going to be a new movie, and then it's the same movie all over again.
isn't blue ray (i refuse to go with the stupid spelling fad) better on a technical level anyway?
Not really. I thought so too, but in practice, HD-DVD wins. (And I'm not just saying this because of my job; for all I know, our company will be forced into Blu-Ray, or something completely different.)
What Blu-Ray has going for it (other than this latest blow) is capacity and bandwidth, and a ton of empty promises about features which are mostly not implemented. And capacity, at least, was rumored to be about killed by some triple-layer HD-DVD format, which would beat dual-layer Blu-Ray by a gig.
What HD-DVD has (had?) is price and features. Since people are pronouncing the format dead, I think I'm entitled to one last rant -- I am an HD-DVD developer.
So here's how it breaks down: Blu-Ray requires entirely new equipment to press. HD-DVD can modify existing DVD equipment. There have also been (barely) sub-$100 HD-DVD players at some point -- that's yet to happen for Blu-Ray, cheapest I've seen is a $200 drive (not a standalone player).
The price of the discs is mostly irrelevant, as now is really not the time to be buying discs to keep. But I would expect them to be cheaper, and there was also the strange run of dual-format (HD-DVD and standard DVD) discs -- literally two-sided, side A for HD, side B for DVD.
Now, as to the actual technologies... Note that I have not actually seen a Blu-Ray disc play, so all of this is from what I've heard my co-workers say, and I don't remember it incredibly well. But the HD-DVD information should be dead accurate.
To start with, Blu-Ray requires AACS, and supports region coding and something called "BD-Mark". Meanwhile, HD-DVD has optional AACS (though some features are inaccessible to unencrypted discs), and does not support region coding. So even if you hate Microsoft, as a geek, you really want HD-DVD to win, for that reason.
It also supports standard dual-layer DVDs as a medium. Same HD content, good codecs (VC1, h.264, etc), scripting, but if it fits in 9 gigs, you can burn it to a cheaper disc. I don't know if it actually supports single-layer DVDs (though I imagine it does), or CDs (though I doubt it). So, low-capacity all the way up to the proposed triple-layer makes it more flexible than Blu-Ray in terms of disc format.
Blu-Ray is Java. HD-DVD is JavaScript. Having used both languages, I'm amazed anyone would argue for Java, but people do. And it almost seemed logical -- I expected the Java to be faster, but it's not.
Let that sink in a moment. In the actual, real-world use, any Blu-Ray player other than the PS3 is slow as hell with simple menu animations. By "slow as hell", I mean you will actually see it redrawing each frame in blocks, for a tiny menu taking up maybe an eighth of the screen. HD-DVD, on the other hand... Well, I can make it slow, but not that slow. Half-second animations that take up half the screen are, at worst, a little jerky, but never do you see it redrawing in chunks like that.
Now, just guessing, but I suspect that Blu-Ray hands over more control to the Java itself -- that is, it is actual Java code doing those animations. Not so with HD-DVD -- I just tell it to change some property (x, y, width, height, opacity, etc) by some amount over some duration, and let the player handle the rest -- probably with native code, probably a good chunk of it in video hardware.
And, from what I've heard through the grapevine, Warner's actual tech people agree with me -- they'd much rather work with HD-DVD and with JavaScript. So this smells like an executive decision, made for strategic reasons, not technical ones, and certainly not with the consumer in mind.
HD-DVD also has a much stronger base of what's required. Even in those sub-$100 players, you get:
Nope, Blu-ray has more capacity per layer, but the capabilities are poorer from a consumer point of view.
Ironically, Blu-ray and HD-DVD had just caught up in terms of maximum capacity per disc - in the middle of November, HD-DVD adopted a system that increased the maximum capacity of an HD-DVD disc to match Blu-ray's (51G HD-DVD compared to 50G Blu-ray, using three layers and two layers respectively), but to date no discs have been made (well, it's been a month and a half) and no players have been update
As soon as there is a definitive loser in the hi-def wars, the loser will drop their prices to next-to-zero to spite the winner. And either disc would make an excellent data storage medium if the price was right.
The rich get rich, and the poor get poorer. The haves get more, the have-nots die.


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Police move in as gas hub protest ramps up
More than 100 police are expected to arrive in Broome in coming days as Woodside resumes work on the Kimberley gas hub.
The start of the Kimberley dry season also marks the start of the protest season at the site where the State Government wants to build a $35 billion gas precinct.
Woodside's Vice President of the Browse LNG Development Niegel Grazia has confirmed geotechnical studies begin today.
He says he is hoping for less conflict than last year.
"We're not really doing anything different to last year and we simply ask people to undertake their protest activities in a lawful manner," he said.
"We respect the fact that there are some people in the community who oppose the project, there are many support it, and we have a workforce that's looking to get on with their job."
While police won't comment on operational details, the ABC understands that by mid-week, more than 100 police officers will have been relocated to Broome indefinitely to handle the inevitable confrontations.
Meanwhile, the local shire is under increasing pressure to tear down the illegal camp structures at the protest site.
Earlier this week, the south-west activist group Forest Rescue said it would cover the cost for about a dozen members to join the Kimberley protest camps.
Spokesman Simon Peterffy says the protesters would take their cue from the locally-run, anti-gas campaign.
"Right from the start of this campaign we've always taken our lead from the Broome community," he said.
"The Broome community is a very strong community and clearly they're running this campaign.
"Clearly other groups like Forest Rescue that are getting involved are taking their lead from traditional owners like Goolarabooloo about how they'd like us to be involved in this campaign."
Topics: oil-and-gas, activism-and-lobbying, broome-6725, perth-6000


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Hey guys,
I'm going to be picking up some items for my PC on black Friday so I'm looking for some suggestions. I run/work on multiple websites and stream games daily and need to upgrade my second PC. So, what do you think I should upgrade on this system?
Note: I'm going to be getting a ssd for Windows since I'm a bit late on doing so.
Current Specs:
Operating System
Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Intel Core i5 3570K @ 3.40GHz 43 °C
Ivy Bridge 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 667MHz (9-9-9-24)
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. Z77-DS3H (Intel Core i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz) 28 °C
VO320E (1366x768@60Hz)
SONY TV (1366x768@60Hz)
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 Ti (NVIDIA) 35 °C
Hard Drives
1863GB Seagate ST2000DM001-1CH164 ATA Device (SATA) 40 °C
Optical Drives
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-222AB ATA Device
DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
Realtek High Definition Audio