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Adding extra patients to nurses' already heavy loads, or logging more nurses with high levels of burnout was tied to an increase in two kinds of hospital-acquired infections.
Heavy patient loads and chronic burnout have long been among the top complaints of nurses at the nation's hospital bedsides. But a new study shows that those problems affect not only the nurses themselves, but also the number of infections in the people they care for.
For every extra patient added to a nurse's workload, there was roughly one additional hospital-acquired infection logged per 1,000 patients, according to researchers from the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.
For each 10 percent jump in the proportion of nurses who logged high levels of burnout, there was roughly one additional catheter-associated urinary tract infection per 1,000 patients and almost extra two surgical site infections per 1,000 patients, according to a study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control.
"One infection is too many," said Jeannie P. Cimiotti, the study's lead author, who directs the Collaborating Center for Nursing at Rutgers University. "If you're really serious about infection control and providing the best care for patients, you have to address these issues."
Cimiotti and her colleagues surveyed more than 7,000 registered nurses working in 161 hospitals in Pennsylvania, and then merged that with data on hospital infections from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, or PHC4, and with national data on the characteristics of the nation's hospitals.
What they found was alarming, Cimiotti said. More than a third of the nurses reported high levels of job-related burnout. That was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a recognized scale that tracks factors like emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and whether the nurses feel a sense of personal accomplishment.
"Nurses deal with life and death every day," Cimiotti said, explaining why burnout occurs. "How many people go to their job and say, 'This one died and this one died and this one died?' Often they see as much failure as they see good."
The nurses cared for an average of 5.7 patients apiece, and when even one extra patient was added to that load, the result was an additional 1,351 infections within the hospital population studied.
That could mean additional risk of serious illness or death for patients who catch those infections while in the hospital, Cimiotti said. For people with cancer or other conditions that compromise immune system function, even a low-level bladder infection or a common infection in a surgical wound can tip them into far more serious illness.
"They're associated with morbidity and mortality, no doubt about it," Cimiotti said. "A bloodstream infection can kill someone."
This study is important because it is among scant research to factor in the impact of burnout, she added. When nurses are chronically stressed and feel unsupported by the work environment, it can lead to lapses in infection control practices.
"If a patient is moaning for help over here and you're changing the dressing over there, maybe you touch something in the sterile field," Cimiotti said.
At the same time, the study found that reducing burnout cuts infections – and saves money.
Reducing reports of burnout by 30 percent cut urinary tract infections by more than 4,000 and surgical site infections by more than 2,200, saving between $28 million and $69 million per year in estimated costs to treat those infections.
This certainly isn't the first time that UPenn nursing researchers have found that staffing levels have had direct effects on patient health. A 2002 study found that adding a single patient to a nurse's caseload increased the risk of dying within a week by 7 percent. Boosting the load from six patients to eight increased the risk by 31 percent over a nurse caring for four patients.
And a 2010 study found that patient deaths would drop by 14 percent in New Jersey and 14 percent in Pennsylvania if those states adopted California's hard-won mandated nurse-to-patient ratios of 1 to 5 in surgical units. That study was led by Linda Aiken, director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, who also collaborated on the current study.
Though it may appear very sympathetic to the nursing profession, the controlled study was conducted by experts known for the reliability of their work, said Cheryl Peterson, director of nursing practice and policy for the American Nurses Association.
"This study does confirm what most of us have been saying within nursing," Peterson said. "There is a direct link between staffing, the number of nurses providing patient care, and patient outcomes. What we would add is the work environment … that can have an impact on burnout."
The issue of nurse-to-patient ratios is hotly debated in the U.S., where no one appears to track nationwide staffing averages. Neither the ANA nor the American Hospital Association keep such statistics, staff members say. Nursing patient loads can vary from as low as one nurse for every one or two patients in intensive care units to far higher than the 1:5 ratio mandated in surgical units in California.
"I don't have the evidence, but I would believe, yes, some workloads are definitely higher than that," Cimiotti said.
Some hospitals in the U.S. have worked hard to address those issues. Nearly 400 of the nation's 5,754 registered hospitals have achieved so-called "Magnet" status, which recognizes health care organizations that achieve structural and clinical practices that empower nurses and lead to good patient results.
But it will take more, the experts agree.
"Now that we see that burnout is playing a role in this relationship, we have to look at more than just the staffing," said Cimiotti. "We have to look at the system, the organizational structure where the nurses provide care."
Related stories:


text: Anybody have any information on the NV Owyhee Desert antelope unit 66. I know it is very isolated and vast with very few tags, but it seems to be calling my name. I've killed a handful of good antelope bucks 77-79" in WY and Idaho, but it's time to go for something big in Nevada. Is this a place I can go big??? I have enough points, I could be drawing a tag at any time, and I would like to know a little more about this unit before I list it as an option. Any information is appreciated. Thanks

subset: commoncrawl


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No one knows exactly what it is they do, but the Kardashian ladies earned a whopping $65 million last year, according to a report.
Five pretty girls and a hard-driving matriarch with a nose for publicity have turned into a money-making machine since the family burst onto the scene four years ago. Before that, they were always on the fringes of fame. There is mom Kris Jenner married first to O.J. Simpson lawyer Robert Kardashian, then former Olympic star Bruce Jenner, daughter Kim, who was just Paris Hilton's BFF until a sex tape turned her into a Google search superstar, and all the siblings who followed them into the spotlight.
Between their endorsements, perfumes, reality shows, a book, paid appearances and all of manager mom Kris'; myriad schemes, the family pulled in $65 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
U.S. & World
Critics may wonder what redeeming value her family brings to market, but the article notes that under Kris Kardashian's guidance, the family had a very good year when the rest of the economy didn't.
"Look at Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg," says Kris' longtime pal Scott Sassa, president of Hearst Entertainment and Syndication. "Two guys that didn't finish college ended up billionaires. Sometimes just raw energy and intelligence wins out."
The article notes that Kris Jenner was a "socially ambitious" stewardess when she met her first husband, who died a few years after they split. A year later, she married Jenner and quickly got him off the gold course and out pitching exercise equipment.Years later, when she had worked her way up to the verge of a family reality show, it was almost scuttled by the emergence of Kim's sex tape. Somehow, she made it all work.
"My mother has just always been this 'Let's make water into wine' person," Khloe Kadashian, who is married to NBA star Lamar Odom, said.
Selected Reading: The Hollywood Reporter, E! Online, People.


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yea but I think I know bird song blindfolded now lol.. it would probably do me some good to change it up while practicing though. It helps a lot to check in here every so often for people to point things out cause when you practice something everyday it starts to become a wash of sound kinda.. too close to it to be able to hear the mistakes much anymore. If I come back to this recording in a week though I will be shocked to hear how it sounds I'm sure. It's funny I usually find the guitar sounds better than I thought it was initially and the vocals sound worse.. pitch wise. odd how that works out.deadted wrote:Brokedown and Birdsong are two songs that are difficult to sing and play at the same time. Try some simpler tunes that require a little less guitar thinking in your head to hone your singing.
You obviously have decent pitch because of your guitar playing. Tune your voice to the key that the song is in, so like strum a G chord and then match it with your voice. Might help you getting off on the right foot with the song. Keep rockin!
But all in all I do think this was probably an improvement from the last one I had up.. would like to hear from someone who heard the other one like blobweird. If I'm still as flat as I was before then I may just as well stop singing alltogether lol considering the time and effort I put into practice. Or get some professional vocal training maybe.


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I sat down today and made some cards just for fun. I recently got some of the new Doodlebug product in a goodie box, and I ADORE it. Super adorable...full of glitter...the cutest stickers in the world...what more could you ask for? Tee hee! Here is what I got done:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Stickers: Doodlebug Designs & Making Memories
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft (w/ Swiss Dots folder)
I also got some card challenges done as well!! This card is based off sketch #23 at CardPatterns. Very cute sketch to work with!
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Paper/Stickers: Doodlebug Designs
Jewels: Zva Creative
Ink: Clearsnap
Border Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts
This card was done for the current Shortcuts sketch challenge at Caardvarks. Be sure to check the sketch out...it is really fun!! Lots of great examples too!
Cardstock: Pizzazzil
Paper/Stickers/Rubons/Jewels/Button: Doodlebug Designs
Ribbon: Renaissance By Design
Twine: Darice Inc.
Ink: Clearsnap
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Border Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts
And this one is based on today's sketch at 365 Cards blog. Sorry for the glare, but I wanted to be sure and show that it is a transparent card base. The second image is what it looks like on the inside.
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Transparent Card: Shortcuts
Paper/Jewels: Doodlebug Designs
Stickers: Doodlebug Designs, Making Memories, Creative Imaginations
Ribbon: Bo Bunny
Corner Rounder: EK Success
Border Punch: Stampin Up
Well, I better get going for now. I have a review session to go to, and I need to get out the door! Hope you have a wonderful rest of your weekend, and a fabulous Monday!
Until later,


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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Right-handed reliever Santiago Casilla completed a $15 million, three-year contract with the World Series champion San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.
The deal includes a club/vesting option for the 2016 season. Casilla passed his physical to finalize his new contract, Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said.
The 32-year-old Casilla went 7-6 with a 2.84 ERA and 25 saves last season, initially assuming the closer role after 2010 saves leader Brian Wilson was lost in April to a second Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He made 73 appearances and pitched 63 1-3 innings.
``Glad to know we have Santiago for at least three more years,'' manager Bruce Bochy said. ``He's been an integral part of our bullpen the last three years, so it's great to have him tied up for the next three years.''
Casilla is set to earn $4.5 million in 2013 and `14 and $5 million in 2015. He would receive a $1 million buyout if his option doesn't vest. He was eligible for arbitration this winter and could have become a free agent next offseason.
Giants general manager Brian Sabean was committed to keeping his championship team intact as much as possible - and, so far, he has been able to do so with much of the core group.
Left-hander Jeremy Affeldt signed an $18 million, three-year deal in November, then center fielder Angel Pagan and second baseman Marco Scutaro reached multiyear contracts during this month's winter meetings in Nashville - Pagan for $40 million over four years and Scutaro for $20 million over three years.
In addition, San Francisco brought back Andres Torres on a one-year deal last week to play left field. He was a key member of the 2010 World Series winners here.
The Giants declined to tender Wilson a contract late last month, making him a free agent. Bochy has said Sergio Romo will be his closer heading into 2013.
Romo is thrilled to see so many familiar faces returning.
``I thought it was real huge we signed those guys back,'' Romo said. ``What a role they played in our ride last year, our adventure as a group last year. Having (Pagan and Scutaro) back, those are the top two guys in our lineup. We've got the top of our order back.''
Casilla's new deal was negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson, who also represent 2012 All-Star game MVP Melky Cabrera. The former Giants outfielder was suspended for 50 games in August for a positive testosterone test and left off San Francisco's postseason roster once eligible to return.
Cabrera received a $16 million, two-year contract from the Toronto Blue Jays last month.


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Interzone 246 will be published in the next couple of days. If you have a joint subscription then your copy will arrive with Black Static 34. Use the links for further details.
This issue's Book Zone features the first of Jonathan McCalmont's "Future Interrupted" columns, which will be a regular feature from now on. We also have reviews of the following books:
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes (reviewed and interviewed by Maureen Kincaid Speller)
The Best of all Possible Worlds by Karen Lord (reviewed by Jonathan McCalmont)
Adam Robots by Adam Roberts (reviewed by Paul Graham Raven)
The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination edited by John Joseph Adams (reviewed by Barbara Melville)
Wool by Hugh Howey (reviewed by Ian Sales)
Planesrunner by Ian McDonald (reviewed by Jack Deighton)
Judge Dredd: Day of Chaos; The Fourth Faction by John Wagner, Ben Willsher, Staz Johnson, Colin MacNeil and Henry Flint (reviewed by Ian Hunter)
Herald of the Storm by Richard Ford (reviewed by Peter Loftus)
The Explorer by James Smythe (reviewed by Matthew S. Dent)
Dangerous Gifts by Gaie Sebold (reviewed by Lawrence Osborn)
The Emperor of All Things by Paul Witcover (reviewed by Duncan Lunan)
Osiris by E.J. Swift (reviewed by Simon Marshall Jones)
There is a dedicated forum thread for this issue at Interaction.


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Better sunscreen labels ahead, but not until fall
FDA's new rules to make it easier for consumers to understand rankings
WASHINGTON -- A clearer, more meaningful standard for sunscreen labels is coming soon to a lotion near you, but not in time for the summer beach season that kicks off this Memorial Day weekend.
The Food and Drug Administration is working to finish new labeling rules that have been years in the making, but not before October.
The current labeling system for sunscreen products is problematical, concedes Dr. James Spencer, spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology. But as millions throng to the beaches, he counsels: "Sunscreen is the best you can do for now, and we're working on better."
The idea behind the new federal regulations is to make labels less confusing, so consumers know exactly what kind of protection they're getting.
Most sunscreens on the market boast "broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection." There's a standard test to determine protection from the ultraviolet-B rays that cause sunburn -- the familiar SPF rankings that tell people how long they can stay out in the sun before a burn.
But there is not a standard test to check protection from ultraviolet-A rays, the ones linked to cancer and wrinkles. That means it's not clear how much UVA protection people are getting from their sunscreens.
The rules expected this fall would change that, with a standard testing protocol and a proposed four-star UVA rating system. It would spell out the protection level as "low," "medium," "high," or "highest" -- with one star representing low UVA protection, and four the highest protection available.
In the meantime, Spencer, a dermatologist in St. Petersburg, Fla., says people need to be sure to slather on plenty of sunscreen -- a shot glass full of lotion for adults. Most people only put on about 25 to 50 percent of the lotion they need to protect them, he said.
He recommends a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection -- UVA and UVB -- and it should be at least an SPF 30.
Other tips:
Apply sunscreen a half-hour before going outside. It takes that long to start working.
Re-apply every few hours, especially if swimming or playing sports.
Limit exposure during the peak UV hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The FDA's Dr. Matthew Holman says the agency received over 3,000 comments in response to the UVA-rating system, with many for and against. The opposition said consumers will still find the label confusing because of the two separate rating systems, a numerical SPF rating for UVB and a four-star rating for UVA protection.
Holman, deputy director at FDA's division of nonprescription regulation development, said the agency is still evaluating the comments and the four-star system.


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Erasmus Payload Operations Centre for the Cervantes Mission
ESA's Spanish Soyuz mission, Cervantes, will be operated from the Erasmus Payload Operations Centre (EPOC), at ESA' European Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.
The EPOC team will be responsible for all decisions regarding the mission and its coordination, as well as for the communications with the associated control centres in Houston, Huntsville and Moscow, and with two user centres (USOCs) for scientists in Madrid and Brussels.
A team of about fifteen engineers, scientists and planners will run the EPOC. ESA astronaut Reinhold Ewald, who spent eighteen days on board the Russian space station MIR in 1997, will direct the team. Together they will make sure that Duque's scientific work proceeds as scheduled. Also, they will react to any changes during the mission, coordinating decisions and establishing priorities should any change interfere with the European experiments.


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Website Worth and Statistics for Domain: znakomstva.nu
Last update: Nov 11, 2015
Find the best content from znakomstva.nu right here. Direct fast access to znakomstva.nu. Our network of dedicated servers connects via a fast connection to any website. We do not host any files on our server. Visit znakomstva.nu. This website contains information about znakomstva.nu and www.znakomstva.nu. The data come from various sources. znakomstva.nu is not affiliated with us in any way. We offer statistics, hosting information, server information, google pagerank information. Google pagerank of this site can be found below.
Znakomstva.nu is ranked #3,328,973 in the world according to the three-month Alexa traffic rankings.
|Google Page Speed Rank
|Where are this site's visitors located?
|Alexa Rank?
|Google Pagerank ?
|Google trends
Bounce Raten/a
Daily Pageviews per Visitorn/a
Daily Time on Siten/a
|Top searches
|% of traffic from searches
|IP Address
|Unique visits/day
|Income per day
|$ 4
|Income per month
|$ 120
|Income per year
|$ 1,460
|Site value
|$ 2,292
Copy/Paste this code to your forum
Copy/Paste this code to your website


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Yesterday we reported on the curious situation with a company called Equiso.
The company sells the "Smart TV," an Android-powered HDMI "dongle" which promises to turn every television into a smart, web-connected device. We wrote that the company faces "legions of unhappy customers, alleged threats from hacking group Anonymous, and a forgotten co-founder who claims to have been unfairly ousted. It's also being accused of selling a product that is just a rebranded version of something available from a Chinese company."
Equiso CEO Adam McBride issued us this statement in response to the story.
Thank you for your interest in Equiso and the opportunity to set the record straight.
Equiso continues to live the Kickstarter dream and is a glowing Kickstarter success story. In just a few months, we have received over $1.8 million in private investor funding, and our new and improved Equiso SmartTV Stick will in fact be in Walmart stores this Spring. We are thrilled to have come so far, so fast, and are eternally grateful to our wonderful Kickstarter backers who made this all possible. As a matter of fact, we have shipped over 5,700 units of the original beta's with less than a 2% return rate and very few dissatisfied users. Of course any tech startup will have a few initial bugs, but we are dedicating significant resources to our ongoing tech and customer support. We were on a limited budget and skeleton crew in the early going, but have rapidly scaled up and our user experience and satisfaction is our #1 priority.
Equiso is planning a special Backer Appreciation announcement, stay tuned for that as well as our official Walmart launch press release which we will share with Business Insider first as soon as it is finalized.
While elements of the Kickstarter beta Equiso stick certainly contained components manufactured in China, Equiso is designed in the USA and our upgraded and improved retail product is unique. We look forward to your review of our new and improved retail item with its cool new design and upgraded specs. We also have multiple patent applications pending as we continue to innovate.
Our focus is not on negative allegations made by hackers, trolls, disgruntled former employees or criminals; that is for law enforcement and forum administrators to deal with. Our mission is to deliver value, innovation and service to our exploding customer base.
The demand for our product is staggering and we look forward to sharing more of our successes with you as they unfold.


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We deeply hope these 69 Best Infinity Gorgeous Anklet Tattoos Idea Ankle Bracelet Tattoos Design You Should Try 💖 be your favorite choice. We hope you love it, save it and share with your friends on pinterest. 🙂
Take time to browse through these and get more inspirations for your next design. These inspirational designs are collected by our editor for you. Hope these ideas inspire your mind! Every detail in life can inspire our infinite imagination. Take action, don't waste every moment in your life, and let the life around you be filled with infinite brilliance.
69 Best Infinity Gorgeous Anklet Tattoos Idea Ankle Bracelet Tattoos Design You Should Try 💖 – Ankle Tattoo
In a person's life, youth will only come once, so we must grasp this good time. Adjust your mindset and welcome your life with the most spiritual side. Nail, hair, clothing, accessories and make-up are all factors that make your beautiful life all day. So I hope that you can take a little time and energy to take care of it.


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I saw this idea in a Family Fun magazine. It doesn't get much easier. It would be cute for a Dinosaur themed party as well, and I was in the mood for dinosaurs after visiting Dinosaur Valley (which I posted about in my last post).
I bought bread sticks in a can, cut the edge of each stick, and curled down the side.


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Sharing the title of Skipper of the Good Ship Kitty Litter this month are
Jim & Sandy Clancy
Our Shelter uses about 2500 pounds of litter each month.
No, that's not a typo! We purchase an average of 14 skids of clay litter annually, 28,000 pounds in 10# bags. It kind of befuddles the mind, doesn't it?
Dennis Company sells us litter at a greatly reduced price, making skids just $250 each for 2000 pounds. Still, the annual cost is about $3,500.00, a significant line item in our 100% donation-based budget.
Sandbox Club members to the rescue!
Sandbox Club members sponsor the cost of one skid of litter, $250. In exchange, we promote their business here on our site, and on facebook.com/beachpets. But guess what? You don't have to pay for a full skid. We'll gladly partner you with others who want to share a sponsorship.
Would you like to join the Sandbox Club, or co-op a membership with others? Contact Keleigh, or simply click the BUY NOW tag. You'll be taken to our shopping site, bjspetprojects.com.


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If asked what my favorite color to wear is, I would say, black and white. Which of course is two colors, and really, neither one is a color at all. But I just like the combination of black and white, and sometimes I like to add splashes of red, pink or yellow to make it look really pretty and classic.
So when a friend asked if I could make a marble cake for her coworker's birthday, I was excited to decorate the cake in black and white (brown and white, if we're being technical, but close enough). With moist swirls of chocolate and vanilla cake inside, I made a salted chocolate buttercream to cover the cake, then a creamy vanilla buttercream to pipe drop flowers with chocolate centers all around the sides and edge of the cake, and vanilla roses in the middle.
The final touch was a sprinkling of pretty white and dark chocolate curls all over the cake.
I didn't get to taste this one since she picked it up to take to work – although Jamie kept trying to sneak a taste – but one of her coworkers described it as "sinfully delicious." Just what I was hoping for!
Black and White Marble Cake
printable recipe
- 2 white cake mixes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 6 eggs
- 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Salted Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 3 tablespoons milk
Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 1/2 cup (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla
- 3 tablespoons milk
- White and Dark Chocolate Curls
Bake the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350; spray an 11x15x2 inch sheet cake pan with non-stick spray, then line with parchment paper and spray the paper with non-stick spray as well. Note: Instead of a sheet cake, you can also use four 8 or 9-inch round pans for a tall layer cake, or cut the recipe in half and use just two round pans.
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cake mix, flour, milk, oil, vanilla and eggs on low speed to combine, then on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl once. Spoon 2/3 of the batter into the pan. Stir the melted chocolate and cocoa powder into the remaining 1/3 of batter. Dollop the chocolate batter over vanilla batter and swirl with a knife then smooth out the top. Bake the sheet cake for 32-36 minutes, or the round pans for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then turn out onto the rack, cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and cool completely before frosting.
Make the Buttercream:
Salted Chocolate: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix the butters on low speed to combine. In a separate bowl, combine the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add to the mixing bowl with the mixer on low. Add the vanilla and milk, then increase speed to medium high and whip for 4-5 minutes until very light and fluffy.
Vanilla: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, mix the butter on low speed. In a separate bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add to the mixing bowl with the mixer on low. Add the vanilla and milk, then increase speed to medium high and whip for 4-5 minutes until very light and fluffy.
Frost the Cake:
Frost the cake all over with a thin crumb coat of the chocolate buttercream. Spread a thicker, smooth layer over the top (the sides do not need to have much chocolate frosting, since you will be piping vanilla flowers all over the sides). After frosting the cake with chocolate, you should have at least half a cup left for the dots in the center of the flowers.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a large drop flower tip (Wilton #2D) with the vanilla buttercream. Pipe drop flowers all around the sides of the cake and around the top edge, refilling the bag as needed. Change the tip to a rose tip (Wilton #104) and pipe three roses to place in the center of the cake. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (Wilton #4) with chocolate buttercream and pipe chocolate dots in the center of each flower. Finish the cake by sprinkling it with white and dark chocolate curls or shavings.
Recipe and Design by Curly Girl Kitchen


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Search Results for "abelard"
Cherished number plates similar to abelard
Dateless Plates
These plates consist of up to 3 letters and up to 3 numbers either of which can come first. They can only have a maximum of 6 digits and as such are the most desirable and valuable of all styles available. More Info
Prefix Plates
These plates are basically the opposite of Suffix plates. They consist of a year letter followed by upto 3 numbers and then ending with 3 letters.They were issued between 1st August 1983 (Year letter A) to 1st September 2001 (Year letter Y). More Info
Suffix Plates
These plates consist of 3 letters followed by up to 3 numbers and then ending in a year related letter. They were issued between 1st February 1963 (Year letter A) and 1st August 1983 (Year letter Y). More Info
Current Style Plates
These plates are the ones currently being issued. They consist of 2 letters, 2 year related numbers and then followed by 3 letters. These are the only style of plate which permits the letter Z within the last 3 digits. They are issued every 6 months. More Info


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Skip to Content
July 15, 2011
CONTACT: Richard Penny, (425) 352-3395, email@example.com
BOTHELL, Wash. – The Business Program at the University of Washington Bothell welcomes a diverse collection of business leaders this summer as part of its guest speaker lineup. The speakers will address undergraduate students at the Bothell campus and MBA students at the Eastside Leadership Center in Bellevue.
"The curriculum at UW Bothell is designed, in part, to provide meaningful opportunities for our students to engage with successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople," says Business Program Director, Sandeep Krishnamurthy. "These private- and public-sector volunteers bring real-world richness to the students' educational experience."
Guest speakers for the Business Program Summer quarter program include:
Ron Armstrong, President of Paccar
Linda Bernardi , Founder & CEO StraTerra Partners
Scott Bright, CEO, Synapse Product Development
Jim Donald, former CEO, Starbucks
Elon Gasper, Director, Advisory Board Corum Group Ltd.
Alex St. John, CTO and President, hi5 Networks, Inc.
About UW Bothell: The University of Washington Bothell combines the benefits of a small campus with the resources and prestige of a world-renowned university. Offering over 30 degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, its curriculum emphasizes close student-faculty interaction, collaboration among students, and hands-on learning.For more information, visit www.uwb.edu.


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Wholesale Marine carries Deck Foot Switches and Windlass Solenoids for outboard motors. Our stock is comprised of products from top brands such as Lewmar, Maxwell Marine, and more!
Single direction foot switches are aesthetically pleasing, safe, and easy to operate. Solenoids operate anchor windlass systems from 400 to 3500 watts 12 & 24 volts. The solenoids are reliable and compact in size. The external connections on the solenoids make them very easy to install.


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Posts Tagged social strategy
Publicis Kaplan Thaler Names Collin Douma SVP, Global Strategy Leader, P&G Oral Care
Posted by PublicisUSA in Agency News on June 26, 2013
NEW YORK CITY, NY (June 26, 2013) – Publicis Kaplan Thaler announced today that Collin Douma will join the New York-based shop on July 8th as SVP, Global Strategy Leader on P&G Oral Care. In this role, Douma will be responsible for the strategic thought leadership across global Oral Care paste, brush, rinse and floss; including the brands Crest, Oral-B, Scope, Glide, Blend-a-Med, Ipana and AZ. Douma comes to Publicis Kaplan Thaler from BBDO, where he served as SVP, Global Digital Planning Director on P&G's Gillette.
With 17 years of advertising and digital marketing experience, Douma has been responsible for developing cutting edge brand and social media strategies and award winning creative for some of the world's most well-known brands. His most recent accomplishments include Gillette's highly successful Fusion Pro-Glide launch and the brand's London 2012 Olympic digital effort.
"We're very excited to have someone of Collin's stature, experience and hybrid skill set join as a leader in Publicis Kaplan Thaler's strategy community and on the P&G global Oral Care team," said Jeremy Holden, Publicis Kaplan Thaler's Chief Strategy Officer.
Prior to working on Gillette at BBDO NY, Douma served as the VP, Social Media Strategy Director at Proximity/BBDO Toronto. Earlier, he consulted on social strategy and planning for the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as the social media strategy for Ford Motor Company. He began his career at MacLaren McCann MRM, Toronto, where he was on the leadership team and worked on Pontiac, Buick, and Coca-Cola, among others.
Douma is a graduate of the Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and son.
About Publicis Kaplan Thaler
Publicis Kaplan Thaler is a fully integrated advertising agency with digital, social and technology at its core. With over 650 employees, it is the flagship of Publicis Worldwide in the USA, the North American operating unit of Publicis Worldwide, the largest global agency network within Publicis Groupe. The Agency's blue-chip client roster includes: Procter & Gamble, CITI, Nestlé, Merck, Pfizer, TriHonda, Wendy's, L'Oréal, AFLAC, and NAPA Auto Parts, among others. To learn more about Publicis Kaplan Thaler, follow @PKTtweets, like on Facebook or visit pkt.com.Follow @publicisusa
@PKTTweets, ad agency, advertising, AFLAC, agency, Algonquin College, Applied Arts & Technology, AZ, BBDO, Blend-a-Med, brand, Brooklyn, brush, Buick, campaign, Chief Strategy Officer, Citi, Coca-Cola, Collin Douma, communications, Creat, Creative, digital, digital marketing, flagship, floss, Ford Motor Company, Fusion Pro-Glide, Gillette, Glide, Global Strategy Leader, integrated advertising agency, Ipana, Jeremy Holden, L'Oreal, lead the change, London 2012 Olympic, MacLaren McCann MRM, marketing communications, Merck, NAPA Auto Parts, Nestle, New York City, Oral Care, Oral-B, P&G, PandG, Paris, paste, Pfizer, pkt.com, Pontiac, Procter & Gamble, Proximity, Publicis, Publicis Groupe, Publicis Kaplan Thaler, Publicis USA, Publicis Worldwide, Publicis Worldwide in the USA, rinse, Scope, social strategy, strategic, thought leadership, Toronto, Toronto International Film Festival, Wendy's
Publicis Worldwide is the largest global network within Publicis Groupe.
U.S. offices include: New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Dallas, Boise and Indianapolis.


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(The Root) — Last week I moderated a panel on 3-D printing at the Milken Institute's Global Conference, where two CEOs offered insights into this technology that has the potential to disrupt gun safety, manufacturing and possibly the geopolitical relationships between countries. On another panel, a 16-year-old winner of the Intel Science Fair Grand Prize explained how he created a simple test to detect pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancer. Others discussed the rise and fall of civilizations and the mobile Web explosion, while Al Gore lamented spider goats. (Google it!)
Held at the plush Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the halls are lined with pictures of Hollywood celebrities in their heyday, the conference attracted some of the world's most affluent people, who mingled with some of the most innovative minds. A few of us were there to ask questions and learn. The global elite gather regularly at Milken, TED, the Clinton Global Initiative, Aspen Institute and other conferences to ponder the future of the planet.
Unfortunately, relatively few African Americans attend. Instead, more black leaders attend conventions and conferences held by national organizations of fraternities, sororities, professional societies and civil rights organizations.
Some of these organizations are more forward-looking than others. The National Action Network, led by the Rev. Al Sharpton, had discussions on building generational wealth (pdf) and college access at its most recent conference, and the Urban League's last convention had a heavy focus on encouraging entrepreneurship, but none of them has the convening power of the granddaddy of civil rights groups, the NAACP, whose theme for this year's annual NAACP convention is "We Shall Not Be Moved."
African Americans face a 13 percent unemployment rate; a 44 percent homeownership rate, compared with 77 percent for whites; and a 53 percent drop in black household wealth to $5,677, versus $113,149 for whites (2009). In addition, only 40 percent of black students graduate from college within six years. If African Americans hope to have a productive future in the 21st century, shouldn't the message be something closer to "We Better Get Moving"?
Fifty years ago this summer, the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference and other civil rights groups led hundreds of thousands of Americans in the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice. The NAACP is stalwart in its focus on justice, but where are the creative, future-oriented policies to help black people get jobs? The group rightfully highlights issues such as criminal justice and voting rights, but shouldn't the education discussion at its conference be broader than reducing gun violence and the school-to-prison pipeline?
There are good people at the NAACP. From President Benjamin Jealous down to the chapter presidents and church volunteers, members focus their talents on uplifting people of color. They have phenomenal convening power, with presidents of the United States, corporate CEOs and youths from around the country regularly attending their meetings; however, they are getting the focus wrong, and they are not alone.
I'm guilty, too. As a pundit on cable and network news, I focused too much on the short-term nature of politics, the horserace and slim agenda of what is possible in the current political dynamic, instead of what we ought to do as a nation, even if the politics of the moment are uncooperative.
We all have to change.
To fix what ails African Americans, the country needs to adopt moonshot projects like the one Utah leaders are implementing. School officials there are spending millions, with Republican support, to transform their state into a locus for international business by giving 14,000 elementary and middle school students the opportunity to learn in language-immersion programs for half of each school day; 20,000 will participate next year. What skills will urban children offer the global marketplace?
Civil rights leaders in the 1950s and '60s took real risks, and it's time for this generation to take a few more, including broaching touchier topics.
Affirmative action gets narrower every time the Supreme Court accepts a case for review. How should we prepare black children for a post-affirmative action world?
African Americans are no longer the largest minority group. How can blacks strengthen cross-racial coalitions with Latinos and Asian Americans before it's too late?
Most African Americans are against cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits to lower national deficits, but should we raise the entitlement-eligibility age and lower cost-of-living increases, along with closing business-tax loopholes, to fund massive education reform and apprenticeships for American youths?
Black leaders should take the organizational capacity of black radio and the Internet that brought attention to the Jena Six and Trayvon Martin cases to focus the community on problems and opportunities for the next generation. If we want people to look back at our generation 50 years from now with the same pride we have in the people who filled the National Mall in 1963, we'd better get moving.
Jamal Simmons is a communications adviser to corporate, nonprofit and political leaders and a political commentator.


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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Jose Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop said Thursday that some lesser-used members of his squad are "dying to play."
If that's true, no one is ailing more than Simon Dawkins.
The 24-year-old impressed in his debut MLS season last year, scoring six goals and adding two assists in 26 appearances while on loan from EPL giant Tottenham Hotspur. But by the time another loan deal was worked out for this season, the Quakes had already installed so many new players that Dawkins couldn't crack the starting XI immediately.
"We know Simon's a quality player," Yallop told MLSsoccer.com. "He showed that last year. He's impatient this year."
He need not be anymore. With Shea Salinas out for at least 6-8 weeks following surgery on his broken left collarbone, Dawkins -- who's played just 130 out of 540 minutes to this point -- will get first chance at making left midfield his personal fiefdom, beginning Saturday when the Quakes host Real Salt Lake (10:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online)
WATCH: Dawkins nearly ices it
While Dawkins was saddened to see Salinas get hurt by the dangerous play of New York midfielder Rafa Márquez, he also recognizes the door that has opened for him.
"I want to play," Dawkins told MLSsoccer.com. "I'm just happy that I'm fit and I can step in."
Dawkins will enter the starting lineup at a somewhat critical juncture for the Quakes, and not just because they lie second behind RSL in the Western Conference standings, two points back with a game in hand.
Since returning to the MLS fold in 2008, San Jose are 1-5-3 against RSL. That includes an 0-3-1 mark over the past two years against head coach Jason Kreis' squad, a stretch in which the Quakes have produced a grand total of zero goals.
Getting on the scoreboard, therefore, and parlaying that output into points in the standings off RSL would mark another significant step forward for San Jose after last year's 8-12-14 showing -- especially if they can do so without Salinas, right winger Marvin Chavez (serving a one-game suspension) or center back Victor Bernardez (sprained left knee ligament).
"They're a great side," Quakes forward Alan Gordon said of RSL. "We've had some good success at the start of the season, and it's going to be a good test to see where we are as a team. It's going to be a test to see how deep our team really is."
Given that RSL has built their possession game around quarterback Kyle Beckerman, the Quakes' midfielders need to go toe-to-toe with their opposite numbers if San Jose is to change the series' recent history.
"Our midfield has been doing an amazing job this whole season," Quakes defender Justin Morrow told MLSsoccer.com. "They've been winning second balls, they've been pressuring the hell out of the other team, forwards included. So I think that's going to be the difference between this year and past years (against RSL). Having Shea out is going to hurt us, but Simon's going to step in and do just as good a job."
With the switch, San Jose are trading Salinas' raw speed for Dawkins' quickness and guile. Where Salinas would attempt to pull a defense out of shape by outrunning his defenders in an end-line sprint, Dawkins looks to open passing lanes by holding the ball, and forcing an extra defender to commit to him.
The Englishman is particularly adept at creating one-two plays with teammates, as the Quakes saw Thursday in training, when Dawkins exchanged incisive passes with Chris Wondolowski and hammered home a goal during the club's scrimmage.
"It's going to change a little, but I'm going to bring the same energy, because Shea's done a great job," Dawkins said.
Geoff Lepper covers the Earthquakes for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Turkish eVisa for Cameroonian people is REQUIRED.
Turkish eVisa for Cameroonian people requires the Visa/Residence Permit from Schengen Area, Ireland, U.K. or U.S. and a round-trip ticket with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Onur Air or Atlasglobal Airlines.
Turkish eVisa is one kind of Turkish Visa applied completely online through our website.
Besides, you can also contact and apply at the Turkish Embassy in Cameroon
With our professional service, there are two (02) parts of visa fees such as service fee and Government fee.
For any assistance, please call 24h professional support center below or send an email to email@example.com
- Hotline:
United States: +1 315 277 2299
United Kingdom: +44 161 298 3979
Australia: +61 7 3102 3979
South Africa: +273 1 813 5274
Hong Kong: +852 8191 5898


text: Batman 2 Report post Posted May 26, 2004 Here is a fun game! You give 3 clues about a band, and then someone guesses it. Once you guess it, just assume you got it right, and give 3 clues for another band! What fun! heres mine 1. guitarist is missing crucial body parts for guitar playing 2. Singer recently admitted fear of guitarist 3. Bassist wrote most of the music Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Want a proof of that?
These pictures Robin had scanned last year.
All tin-type pictures.
At first the only people I could identify were Myra Alexander and her sister Agnes on this picture. They are in the back wearing the big hats.
I always remind my readers that Robin is not a close relative of mine, but her husband is. Well not that close, maybe he's a 3rd cousin.
When Robin scanned some (about 100) pictures, at first I thought David Bleau Senior was in the middle with his wife Emelie Hebert, but since David Bleau Senior died on December 22, 1880, he could not be on it.
One other clue, which became apparent after the fact, was why would Agnes Alexander and Myra Alexander be on this picture even though Agnes Alexander would eventually marry David Bleau Junior who, luckily, was identified as this man on this next picture.
Of course back then, I did not know that Helen Alexander had marry Joseph Bleau, David's brother, and that she could be on this picture with her son Joseph on the left beside her mother Libbie Lagasse Alexander.
Who then was sitting on Helen's lap…?
Of course if this woman is really Helen Alexander posing on this picture with her parents and her two sisters Myra and Agnes.
The answer to all this we will get from Fran this weekend after she meets with some distant cousins who could all be related to the children on this tin-type photograph.
Genealogy Is Just Like a Big Jigsaw Puzzle


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Martin Amis is one of the smartest and hilariously mean writers of his generation, a man whose novels offer keen insights into the very worst parts of the human condition, and yet his works have yet to spawn a decent film. Hopefully this four-decade drought is about to end.
Shekhar Kapur, the man behind "Elizabeth," is the latest director to step forward for a crack at adapting Amis' "London Fields," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"London Fields," tells the story of Samson Young, an American writer in England who's been waging a 20-year battle with writer's block, and Nicola Six, a woman who knows exactly when she will be murdered and goes in search of the man planning to kill her.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Two other Amis books have been made into films, "Dead Babies" (aka "Mood Swingers") and "The Rachel Papers." While we confess to having seen neither, just a look at the trailers are enough to see they completely missed the darkly comic tone that is Amis' stock and trade.
Amis' other foray into the world of feature films was the screenplay for the ridiculously hokey "Saturn 3," which starred Farrah Fawcett, Kirk Douglas and Harvey Keitel.
Previously, David Cronenberg was poised to helm a version in 2001, but departed for "A History of Violence" and "Eastern Promises"--it's hard to begrudge him those films. Michael Winterbottom and David McKenzie had also been on tap only to step away.


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University of Vermont
Graduate Program in Materials Science
Related links
Why Pursue Graduate Studies in Materials Science at UVM?
The UVM Materials Science program encompasses faculty who are experts in the field, top-notch research facilities, and a multidisciplinary approach:
Faculty who are well-known experts in the field
Our faculty come from departments all over the university and are both committed educators and scientists who carry out cutting edge research. Faculty >>
Top-notch research facilities
Facilities dedicated to materials science are located across campus, and many of the faculty have individual laboratories to conduct their chosen research topics. Facilities >>
Multidisciplinary education
Faculty from the program are drawn from the departments of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry. Program overview >>
Last modified December 20 2012 09:46 AM


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Salesforce CEO Benioff Has Lots of New Things to Launch Today
Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff will soon take the stage at his company's Dreamforce conference in San Francisco. His remarks, and the company's announcements, will essentially set the table for the company's agenda for the next year or so. Here's a rundown of what he'll be talking about.
Chatterbox: This is the offering that Benioff telegraphed last week, and which raised so many eyebrows. Salesforce calls it the "Dropbox for the Enterprise," laying aside the fact that one called Box already exists. Anyway, the point is to "manage and share files in the context of business," as the press release says. Once you get employees collaborating via social tools, they're going to want to share files they can work on together within that context. Box, in which Salesforce is an investor, is one target, as is Dropbox. But so is Microsoft's SharePoint.
Salesforce Identity: Once you get into the business of integrating a bunch of cloud services into one place, you need to manage all the sign-on credentials involved. This is the reason that the start-up Okta exists. Salesforce is essentially aiming to compete with Okta.
Work.com: Remember when cloud-based human resource and talent-management software companies were being acquired at a rapid pace, in part because of the rise of Workday? Salesforce got into the act, too, by acquiring a tiny HR cloud player called Rypple. Work.com is its new name.
Salesforce Touch: One of the earliest companies to see the potential for Apple's iPad as a tool for use in the enterprise was Salesforce.com. It had early versions of its core customer-relationship management applications in the App Store, and has since expanded its reach to Android and other platforms. Today, it's kicking that commitment to mobile up a notch. Salesforce Touch uses HTML5, allowing it to work easily on iOS and Android tablets and phones; it is optimized for touch interface. The point is to make Salesforce easy to get at when on the go — and sales people always are on the go — so they can take advantage of just a few minutes of downtime and get things done from a mobile device.
Chatter Communities for Partners: There are a lot of reasons why a company might want to build a social community. The classic example I can think of is a videogame company that wants to support people working their way through the levels of a tough game. But you might want to set up a social network of vendors you buy from, or distributors who resell your products, or third parties who support what you sell. The idea is to make creating that community easy and full-featured from the start, so there's not so much expense and effort involved. It's built on Chatter, which is Salesforce's enterprise social and collaboration platform.
Data.com Social Key: It's one thing to ask a sales lead what he thinks about something, but quite another to keep track of what he or she tweets or blogs about on that same topic, and often it can yield some insight to help close a deal. Up to now, Data.com has been Salesforce's go-to offering for background intelligence on sales leads, combining things like Dun & Bradstreet profiles with contact information from Jigsaw. Social Key brings information gleaned from Twitter and blogs and YouTube videos into the mix.
Salesforce Marketing Cloud: Salesforce's two biggest acquisitions in recent memory are Buddy Media and Radian6. With the Marketing Cloud, Salesforce aims to combine the strengths of the two, to draw together disparate strings of conversations with customers via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and online communities. It also helps create and manage marketing campaigns within those communities, and helps to track the results of those efforts.
Heroku Enterprise for Java: Oracle's Java is the most widely used programming language in use in the Enterprise. Today, Heroku, the cloud-based software-development service that Salesforce acquired in 2010 , is for the first time embracing the community of Java developers. Getting a Java app built means assembling a bunch of different tools piecemeal from different sources. The new Java service gets software developers fully ready to get right to work with a single click, which saves a lot of time and effort, and thus reduces the cost of development. One other feature sure to be popular with the developers is integration with Atlassian, a collaboration tool that is geared toward the needs of programmers.
It's worth nothing that Salesforce shares have been trading up considerably in the last month or so, in part because of the anticipation of Dreamforce, but also on Salesforce's strong results. Today, the shares are up by $1.09, to $157.38, which amounts to a 61 percent increase this year to date. Say what you will about the Salesforce Kool-Aid, its shareholders like the taste.


text:
(Iš albumų Me Myself And I ir Me, Myself and I)
Dainos video dar nėra
Ma niggas is coke ya.
It's crackalagy.
1 on 1 nigga.
I breed you niggas.
Ma sons AWWWW
Verse 1
The penalty is death and im inflictin' the torch and the best of the best couldn't mess with the boogie down bronxster its heavy promo catchin beef with Joe but my man don't get caught up in these streets alone they'll be heavy choppers firin motherf**kers is dyin niggas in runnin helicopters is flyin all these suckers is lyin tellin the feds that ya see me and I was just island hopin some wala tahiti I think its called Fiji or summin like that get yo shit pushed mof**ker f**kin with crack catch a 100 in ya cap yo brain be by ya waste line LV on this track hell of a base line remind me of the times I was servin those base lines only Puerto Rican in Harlem now that's stardom ghetto celeb I been since I was younger 100 mill strong still dyin of hunger under the chinchilla believe me the shits realer this piece'll leave ya in pieces and make you sleep better the streets terror the weak better treat mena keep berrettas for these people and creep (f**kin crazy niggas) crack nigga
Chorus X2
Damnnn those guys are gettin dough that's why all these gangsters come to coke we get money money ya'll got nothin for me and if you get caught nigga don't mention Joe
Verse 2
I keep hearin that's cracks tha truth real niggas is screamin yo Joe get back in the booth yea I do it for the niggas who be huggin the blocks those jack boys don't give a f**k dumpin at cops these niggas crazy some more real they'll get you for everythin even yo Paul Wall grill yes nigga its survival out here these niggas don't even respect the bible out here it spirals out here cars and kings too that's the only thing this summer gon bring you I seen it all man they love it when I spit cane walk through the middle and speed with the big chain I got em' sick main look how the shit playin piss stain yellow pebble bezel on the wrist main you aint Pac you aint even a great actor matter a fact you is a great actor im 1 O G you need to respect specially if you don't want niggas to see through ya chest (yesss) I caught his momma at the face to face now she layin in St. Raymond's in section 8 nigga (follow me now) (shit)
Chorus X2
Yeah this goes out to all the niggas gutter the gutter jails to jails.
All my niggas playin the yard right now doin pull ups pumpin this shit in yer headsets I love you niggas.
Otis Ville you know its real.
Rikers haha.
All my niggas holdin it down.
All my street niggas gangster niggasss.
Dope boys haha.
COOK (echo)
(Music fades out)


text:
Heartland Community College Alumni Association Celebrates Fifth
Anniversary, expands benefits
Send a link to a friend
[July 03, 2014]
Heartland's Alumni Association is getting ready to celebrate its
fifth year and marks the anniversary by expanding benefits to
include discounts and an opportunity for alumni to use the Fitness
and Recreation Center.
The Alumni
Association was launched in March 2009 with the board of directors
holding their first meeting in September 2009. Its mission is to
establish, maintain and enhance relationships between Heartland
Community College and its alumni and friends. In the past five
years, the Association has focused on areas HCC alumni said they
wanted the most, which included professional development
opportunities, personal development seminars and career support.
The Association
now begins a new phase by offering members priority registration to
the College's Fitness and Recreation Center and Hawk Perks, a
program that provides discounts to restaurants, retailers, hotels
and other service providers. "We have always wanted to offer
discounts exclusively to our alumni," said Colleen Reynolds,
Director of Alumni Relations. "Our first focus was on providing
support that will help alumni and their careers. I'm excited to
follow through on our long-term goals of offering discounts and
access to important Heartland facilities."
members of Heartland's Alumni Association can access discounts by
downloading the GeoPerks app on their smart phone or by emailing
and requesting a Hawks Perks card. To start using the fitness
center, alumni members can call (309) 268-8160. Cost is $125 for the
fall and spring semesters and $75 during the summer. Use of the
fitness center will require an orientation session and completion of
an end-of-semester feedback form.
[to top of second column]
"We hope
alumni take advantage of the new benefits," said Reynolds.
"We're also hoping these benefits attract more alumni to
register for the Association." Reynolds notes membership is free
and applies to anyone who has completed a class at Heartland
such as a traditional class, community education, customized
training or even traffic school. Those interested in becoming a
member can go to
and click the Join Us button.
For more
information about Heartland Community College, visit
[Text received; BECKY GROPP,
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text:
The efAA project has been selected by the...
The Experimental Functional Android Assistant
Project Objectives
As the introduction of robots into our daily life becomes a reality, the social compatibility of such robots gains importance. In order to meaningfully interact with humans, robots must develop an advanced real-world social intelligence that includes novel perceptual, behavioural, emotional, motivational and cognitive capabilities.
The DJ Droid premiered at ICT2013 read more...
EFAA is funded by FP7-ICT- Challenge 2 "Cognitive Systems, Interaction, Robotics" Grant Agreement no: 270490


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Reintroducing Kili to Truman
This article is about how to use training to introduce parrots to each other. Kili and Truman have been apart for over a year and now it is time to reintroduce them to each other. Read about how I accomplished this and watch the video. Tips on introducing new parrots to each other.


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NEWS- Dispiriting poll: Social Norms head not dismayed
It was announced in the hallowed UVA Rotunda by a president invoking the memory of a student who died in an alcohol-related fall– a $2.5 million dollar gift from a beer company to launch a new research center at UVA, the National Social Norms Institute. Now, a new study suggests that social norms campaigns overstate their own importance.
Did Anheuser-Busch's $2.5 million just go down the drain?
According to the Penn State University study, 72.6 percent of students simply do not believe the social norms message that most students on campus drink "zero to four" drinks when they party. However, the newly installed head of the UVA-based Institute isn't panicking.
"Social norms is alive and doing quite well, specifically at UVA, and at many other universities," says Institute director Jennifer Bauerle. "It doesn't surprise us that people are wary of the information when it first comes out. If the information was already common knowledge, then it would defeat the purpose of the messages."
The study found that students do not believe social norms messages mainly because a campus norm isn't relevant to them, according to the survey of 277 Penn State students. What those students reported as more relevant is their own social group's behavior.
But some messages did produce results. For instance, the study found that if researchers talked about the serious risks of binge drinking, underage women were more likely to stop and think about them. The social norms campaign at UVA, however, has yet to include serious risk information.
"I think there's a lot of research that shows scare tactics don't work," Bauerle says.
One dire note from the study is that approximately 57 percent of surveyed students were binge drinkers, drinking "five or more" drinks in a single sitting.
The study did find one other area of success for social norms campaigns. They reportedly motivated 61 percent of respondents to think about binge drinking as a problem. That's the kind of statistic that Bauerle says justifies her belief that further study will find ways to deliver more effective campaigns.
"One of the reasons we're creating the Institute is to see what's working and further refine our methods," she says. "We're choosing to focus on the glass half full."
"Hoo Knew" posters are part of UVA's social norms campaign


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It's a bird! It's a plane! It's….CRAP!!!
If you don't like yourself very much, then you may want to entertain the idea
of playing Superman. It is, without a doubt, the worst game I've ever
played. Superman for the N64 lacks anything that even remotely resembles
entertainment. Hell, it shouldn't even be called a game.
the storyline: Lex Luthor has trapped Superman's friends Lois, Professor Hamilton,
and Jimmy Olsen in a "virtual reality" version of Metropolis, and you, as Superman,
must enter it to rescue them. Populating this realm are the villains Braniac,
Darkseid, Bizarro, Metallo, several other bad folks from the animated series,
and a whole bunch of shadowy drone characters.
The gameplay is split into differently styled sections that consists of indoor
parts with lots of combat and exploring, and outdoor parts that have you performing
certain tasks (like flying though rings that Lex Luthor has left suspended in
the air, saving virtual innocents from harm, and tossing virtual objects about.)
Except for flying, to use your super powers you must acquire power-ups, such
as heat vision, super breath, and super speed – all of which run out eventually.
Ok, what's so bad about this game? The actual gameplay, that's what. The controls
are horrible. It's nearly impossible to perform precise activities (such as
flying through those damn rings). Unless you play it, and I urge you not to,
you won't understand how utterly annoying it is. For example, the Z button is
used to send Superman airborne. Or if he is already flying, to land. But because
the controls are so unresponsive, it takes 6-7 taps of the Z button in order
for Superman to do anything. This is certainly not the only bug in the game.
about the visuals? The graphics do move smoothly, but are incredibly boring.
The textures are nearly all flat and featureless, and they repeat themselves
endlessly. I never knew that virtual reality could be so dull.
Then there are the multiplayer modes – a deathmatch and a race. You and up
to three other soon-to-be-leaving friends control, no not multiple versions
of Superman (what would be the fun in that?), but one of Lex Luthor's minions
flying a space pod. Trying to control that stupid, blurry space pod is more
frustrating than trying to maneuver Superman in single player mode. Deathmatch
is obvious, and bland. The race has one player with rings coming out of the
back of his space pod and the others have to fly through them.
In order to excuse themselves for making such a bad game, Titus keeps touting
the idea that it was designed for young kids. I hereby guarantee that all young
kids will hate this game. They certainly won't be able to control it, or have
any fun, or do anything except feel ripped off because it was the only game
they got for their birthday. Superman could single-handedly bring back
the game of hide-and-seek. Such is his power.
I could go on and on, but look, it is really very simple. It's hard to believe
Titus could have screwed up this game so badly. They should be ashamed of themselves
for releasing it. Bottom line: don't buy this sorry excuse for a video game.


text:
Step into the steel-toed boots of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Nick Fury and recruit a team of super-powered friends to save the world from Marvel's most wanted in Marvel: Avengers Alliance, coming soon to Facebook.
Okay, so it's not the big-budget Avengers video game we were hoping for. Marvel: Avengers Alliance might be even better. Instead of playing some boring old superhero, you're playing the newest member of S.H.I.E.L.D., tasked with gathering a team of heroes to fight the greatest threat the world has ever seen. Who knows, we might even get the Great Lakes Avengers back together. Oh Squirrel Girl.
As a social game from the folks at Playdom, Marvel: Avengers Alliance should feature plenty of mouse clicking, energy accumulating, and asking your friends for help as you strive to become the greatest S.H.I.E.L.D. agent the world has ever not really known due to the secrecy of your station.
Marvel: Avenger's Alliance [Facebook]


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Today's paranormal topic - crop circles.
Now, of course there is the school of thought that says crop circles are man-made. Mind you, we're also supposed to believe that most of the circles for a 15-year period were made by two old retired guys using plywood, a rope, and a ballcap (the cap was to make straight lines.......?). Okay, so let's just assume the two old guys are full of crap and looking for some free press time in order to score points down at the local VA dance hall, then what are we left with? Clever college students is a likely answer and the one most believed. But what about the other issues that can't be explained? Here are a few:
Placement - Some crop circles have been found in places that should have been impossible to access, like military bases.
Weaving - Crops in "genuine" circles are woven together in a pattern that hoaxers have been unable to duplicate.
Unbendable plants - some plants will snap at a 45 degree angle, however, crop circles require the plant to rest at a 90 degree angle and these plants have - unbroken.
Radioactive isotopes - After rigorous analysis, it was determined that samples from "genuine" circles contained no less than four, short-lived radioactive isotopes - vanadium, europium, tellurium and ytterbium.
So if a bunch of frat boys with high IQ's aren't the answer, then what is? some of the most common theories include whirlwind vortexes, plasma vortexes, Earth energies, extraterrestrials, underground archaeology, sound vibrations, heavenly or demonic forces, and military experiments including microwaves.
Honestly, this is one of those where I have no idea what I think, except that I don't think they are all man-made. What does that leave for me - well, anything from some atmospheric anamoly to aliens.
What do you think?
Deadly DeLeon
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Fun With Farmer Fred
Posted by Jana DeLeon at 8:53 PM
18 comments:
- Christie Craig said...
Okay, Jana. This one stumps me. Let me throw out my thoughts/one possibility. How about . . . some very smart rats escaped from a government testing facility? They've been running in mazes for so long and once they got to a field and got hungry, the lead rat, started moving in maze patterns, thinking the food would be there when he finished. Hence...they all got in line and after several hundred times the impression in the grass was made. As for the radioactive isotopes, well, you know those government facilities were doing all sorts of tests.
Now don't tell me that couldn't happen? I mean it's either rats or aliens. Or those frat boys.
- November 3, 2008 at 7:59 AM
- Keri Ford said...
Microwaves! Microwaves! Oh, wait. Hm. I feel as though I need to be creative since Christie went all creative.
A flock of geese were flying south for the winter. They wanted some bragging rights to tell that 'ol Tucan Sam where to stick that artsy beak of his. They saw a big massive field and thought hm...this could work! So, they got after it. Now those crop circles are popping up everywhere because each flock is trying to out do the other. The winner each year gets their pick of a tree down south. So you see, very important that they win.
- November 3, 2008 at 8:44 AM
- Wendy Roberts said...
I tend to believe the college kid idea except for one thing, I've never met a college kid who could keep their mouth shut. They would've eventually been braggin all over about this stuff. Hmmmm...
- November 3, 2008 at 9:21 AM
- Terri Osburn said...
I think it's silly to refuse to believe there's a higher force of some kind creating these. I mean, they are all over the world, not just here. And Wendy is right, college kids could never keep this a secret for long. At some point you have to admit there's something going on here.
BTW - that picture you found is beautiful. Love the rats and birds stories. But wouldn't there be droppings left behind as evidence? :)
- November 3, 2008 at 9:30 AM
As Shakespeare wrote, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
Including super smart rats. *g*
- November 3, 2008 at 12:23 PM
- Keri Ford said...
Okay, I need Terrio as a plot checker! If I put that in a book my entire plot would have fell through because of POOP!
- November 3, 2008 at 12:32 PM
- Terri Osburn said...
The poop gets you everytime, Keri.
- November 3, 2008 at 1:19 PM
- Gemma Halliday said...
Pretty circle!
I'm totally stumped. I'm thinking some giant fashionista dropped her favorite necklace on our tiny earth and this is the pattern it made before she found it, picked it up, and put it back on for her giant date that night.
- November 3, 2008 at 1:43 PM
- catslady said...
ok aliens ate my post!!!
The truth is out there - I vote for aliens.
- November 3, 2008 at 6:39 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
Christie - hmmmmmm, rats or aliens. Not much of a choice there, but I guess I'll take rats since last time I checked, they weren't doing tests on humans. :)
- November 3, 2008 at 7:08 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
LOL keri - I love the geese theory!
- November 3, 2008 at 7:09 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
Wendy - great point! I didn't even think about the ole keg and tell side of things.
- November 3, 2008 at 7:10 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
ROFLMAO, terrio!!!!!! I didn't even think about the POO angle! Hilarious!
- November 3, 2008 at 7:11 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
Tori - I think Shakespeare had it right!
- November 3, 2008 at 7:12 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
OMG - I didn't even think about the Poo-plot problem! Keri is right - we need terrio approving outlines!
- November 3, 2008 at 7:13 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
Gemma - could be a fashionista from Nibiru. Maybe I'll blog about Nibiru 's giant population next week. :)
- November 3, 2008 at 7:14 PM
- Jana DeLeon said...
catslady - I think I am going to agree with you unless someone comes up with a better explanation. Quite frankly, given all the evidence, aliens is just the most likely. And how weird is that?
- November 3, 2008 at 7:15 PM
- arclein said...
A chap finally reported that the images resolve with six inch pixels, conforming to a microwave laser. The rest of the plant evidence supports that.
and since the military has been doing just such research on microwaves for the past forty years, releasing only communications and heating applications, they are the most logical culprits. Even the egregious disinformation campaign by those two clowns is typical military.
The only new information I am now seeing is the radioactive isotopes which are likely a red herring anyway.
- November 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM


text:
- One click to generate the effect
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- One .ATN file
- Installation image and help file included.
Be sure your Photoshop set to RGB color, 8Bits/Channel, English version. If you are not using English version then you can change it to English.


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Russellville School District will educate, equip, and empower all students to be productive, contributing members of their school, their community, and their world, by preparing students to be college and career ready.
Russellville School District will be known as the school of choice for all families within our region. The district will provide a rigorous and responsive educational system, which will prepare each student to reach his or her individual potential. From Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, Russellville School District will develop the Whole Child by providing holistic learning that incorporates personal health, individual responsibility, social and ethical foundations, and "real-world" problem-solving. Through the effective integration of technology, Russellville School District will bridge the global community with the classroom to create a new and natural learning environment. This educational approach will enable students to be prepared for jobs of the future within a multilingual, innovative world. In addition to learning activities within the classroom, Russellville School District will provide parents and families with in-school and after-school support to ensure they are equipped to actively participate in the educational reinforcement of their children. Russellville School District will be effective in educating, equipping, and empowering each and every child to achieve his or her desired lifelong learning goals.
We believe Russellville Schools (RSD) are and should continue to be highly regarded.
We believe all kids from Pre-K-12 are well prepared to learn and succeed.
We believe in developing the Whole Child, providing holistic learning that incorporates personal health, individual responsibility, social and ethical foundations, and "real-world" learning.
We believe RSD students should be problem solvers who are prepared for the jobs of the future.
We believe in integrating community and classroom into a new and natural learning environment.
We believe that RSD schools should be on the cutting edge—effectively incorporating the best technologies.
We believe in providing great support for parents and families with in-school and after-school options to actively participate in the school.
We believe in equipping RSD employees for success with individualized support, professional development, and competitive salaries.
We believe RSD should address the needs of all students whether they are going to work, pursuing a trade, or going to college.
We believe that RSD should prepare students to serve a multi-lingual world.
We believe RSD should have the best developed, district-wide curriculum with resources, activities, and assessments to meet individual student's learning needs.
We believe that RSD teachers are equipped to teach 21st-century skills and are given a level of support and professional development to do their jobs.
We believe and care for the students we serve by providing high-quality learning, counseling, guidance, and nutrition.
We believe that students should have the best educational opportunities available to them through a wide variety of learning experiences that inspire their interests and ambitions.
We believe RSD exposes students to one of the most challenging, wide-ranging curricula in the state, prepares them to be competitive on the global stage, and allows them to participate in a diverse co-curricular and extra-curricular program.


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BMW keeps raising the bar.
Midsize Cars
Editor: Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief
$27,100 Base Price MSRP
$40,510 As Tested MSRP
Model Lineup: 325i sedan ($27,100); 330i sedan ($33,990); 325Ci coupe ($29,100); 330Ci coupe ($34,990); 325i sport wagon ($29,500); 325Ci convertible ($36,100); 330Ci convertible ($42,400); 325xi sedan ($28,850); 330xi sedan ($35,740); 325xi sport wagon ($31,250)
Standard Engine: 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6
Engine Options: 2.5-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6
Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual
Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; 5-speed automatic
Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In: Munich, Germany
Model Tested MSRP: 330i sedan ($33,990)
Standard Equipment: ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, All Season Traction control, power windows, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt/telescoping steering column; Harmon-Kardon 12-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, 6-way power adjustable seats with 2-way manual headrests; 3-memory control for driver's seat, mirrors, and radio station pre-sets; electronic throttle control, automatic climate control with micro filter
Options As Tested: Natural Brown Leather ($1450); Cold Weather Package ($1000) includes heated front seats, split fold-down rear seats, ski bag, rear armrest, headlamp cleaning system; power glass moonroof ($1050); bi-xenon headlamps ($700); Oxford Green metallic paint ($475); Sport Package ($1200) includes M double-spoke alloy wheels, performance tires, adjustable front sport seats, aerodynamic package, leather sport steering wheel
Standard Safety Equipment: dual airbags with two-stage deployment, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbagsDestination Charge: $645
All 3 Series models are highly refined machines that corner, accelerate and stop swiftly. These cars put drivers in touch with the road instead of isolating them. Their interiors are well-equipped and comfortable.
Styling revisions freshen the sedans and sport wagons for 2002.
It shouldn't be a surprise that the BMW 3 Series continues to serve as a benchmark for other automakers.
The current generation of 3 Series cars debuted in 1999 and has since grown to 10 models. All 3 Series models are based on the same chassis and all ride on the same 107.3-inch wheelbase. However, the two-door coupes and convertibles share few body panels with the four-door sedans and wagons.
Two engines are available; both are inline six-cylinder engines. As the nomenclature indicates, 325 models get a 2.5-liter engine, while 330 models get a 3.0-liter engine. Wagons are only available with the 2.5-liter engine; sedan, coupe, and convertible are available with either engine.
The 184-horsepower 2.5-liter engine is used in the 325i sedan ($27,100); 325i sport wagon ($29,500); 325Ci coupe ($29,100); 325Ci convertible ($36,100).
The 225-horsepower 3.0-liter engine is used in the 330i sedan ($33,990); 330Ci coupe ($34,990); and 330Ci convertible ($42,400). In addition to the increased power, 330 models come with more standard equipment and design upgrades. One example: 17-inch wheels with V-rated tires in place of the 325's standard 16-inch wheels with H-rated tires.
All-wheel-drive 325xi ($28,850) and 330xi ($35,740) sedans and the 325xi sport wagon ($31,250) offer much better traction and control in slippery conditions. For 2002, these all-wheel-drive models, denoted by the x, get Hill Descent Control added to the upgraded Dynamic Stability Control system.
The higher price of coupes and convertibles includes a slightly higher level of luxury equipment than what comes standard on sedans and wagons.
All models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Automatic transmissions are available: A superb ZF-built five-speed Steptronic ($1275).
For 2002, BMW has added functions to the standard Dynamic Stability Control system, including a new traction-control mode. New optional run-flat tires with a monitor are available for 330 models. Also optional are new wheel designs and 18-inch wheels and tires.
Smart front and front side-impact airbags come standard. Also standard (on all but the convertibles) are head-protection airbags that deploy from the headliner along the length of both sides of the cabin. Rear side-impact airbags are optional.
Which model? The 325i sedan is a terrific car and you may never miss the power of the 330i. The sport wagons add space and versatility and the only way we could tell we weren't driving a sedan was to glance into the rear view mirror; it's taut. Coupes add sports appeal with their two-door styling, while split rear seats offer some versatility. The convertible, well, do you have to ask? The 330 models add a lot of performance to the equation. All-wheel drive offers winter capability to a car not noted for that and is equipped with a more sophisticated Dynamic Stability Control system.
Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps offer much better visibility on stormy nights and we recommend them. BMW's Park Distance Control ($350) works great, beeping to warn the driver of objects behind the car during parking maneuvers.
Related to the 3 Series are the M3 coupe ($45,900) and M3 convertible ($53,900), which boast much higher levels of performance and handling. (Look for separate review of the BMW M3 at NewCarTestDrive.com.)
Walk Around
The 3 Series cars sport BMW's classic look. They look elegant and refined, but purposeful. The roofline is long and gracefully integrated into the short rear deck. These cars are striking in appearance with their bold grilles, exotic-looking headlamps, and short front and rear overhangs. Their wheels fill the fenders and the body work seems wrapped tight, like it's stretched over muscle. The 3 Series sedans have the look of a true sports sedan. And the other models take full advantage of that.
Traditional quad headlamps are enclosed in aerodynamic covers. For 2002, BMW has upgraded the optional xenon headlights to bi-xenon lights, which include both low and high beams. The outer lamps provide high-intensity discharge illumination on low and high beams, while the inner lamps augment the high beams with halogen lighting. Auto-leveling of the bi-xenon lamps is included.
Introduced for model year 1999, the sedan was the first of this latest generation of 3 Series cars; it shares its styling and most of its body work with the sport wagon. Subtle changes to the design of the 3 Series sedans and sport wagons this year has freshened their appearance. Most people won't notice the differences, but park a new 3 Series sedan or sport wagon next to a 2001 model and the details are readily apparent.
For 2002, the sedan and sport wagon feature redesigned front fascias, front and rear bumpers, grilles, headlamps, tail lamps, hoods, and fenders. Similar to the theme set by the new 7 Series, the headlamps now tilt up at the trailing edges of the wraparounds rather than tilting down as they have traditionally. BMW also redesigned the shape of the cutouts below the headlamps. When equipped with the aerodynamic package, the front fascia looks like more of an air dam than before with round integrated fog lamps instead of small, thin rectangular lights. This year the lower grille is split all the way across. Bumpers, front and rear, have been given a simpler, cleaner look and the taillight units' functional segments reapportioned to give the main taillights greater illuminated area. The grilles, continuing BMW's dual-kidneys tradition, have been widened. The hood's character lines now sweep outward and rearward from the grilles' upper outer corners back to the body's A-pillars. Front fenders are also modified, with more prominent wheel-opening flares that interrupt the side character lines for an additional element of design interest.
Coupe and convertible models were introduced for 2000 with updated design cues and go into 2002 without any significant styling changes. Their headlamp cluster wraparounds taper down rather than up.
Well-designed exterior door handles are easy to grab.
The 3 Series interior is designed for the serious driver. Our 330i sedan came with the handsome Natural Brown Leather ($1450) package that's new for 2002. It's a classic shade and the quality of the leather is high, making for a beautiful interior.
Bucket seats provide fine support without feeling hard, and come standard with six adjustments. Power adjustments come standard on all models except 325i sedans. The manual controls on the 325i sedan work well, though they are best used when the car is stationary. The 10-way power seats that come with the optional Sport Package are superb, adding more side bolstering for winding roads, and slide-out thigh support.
The leather-covered steering wheel tilts and telescopes for optimum adjustment. Its slim design is a benefit of the latest in compact airbag packaging. Audio and speed controls on the steering wheel work well and add convenience. Two different steering wheels are used depending on body style and model.
Dashboard and door panels are rich in appearance, and appealing to the eye. For 2002, a new titanium finish on the instrument panel, console, and doors comes standard. Genuine myrtle wood inserts are optional. The instruments themselves feature soft orange lighting, which help reduce glare at night; some people find orange instrument lighting easier on the eyes than other colors.
Most switches fall intuitively to the driver's fingertips, but the 3 Series interior is not without its faults. Window controls are located on the center console, requiring a glance down to open or close a windows. Having the controls on the doors would make them much easier to use. Auto up/auto down is available for all windows and the sunroof, which is a nice feature.
Automatic climate control and a microfilter ventilation system are standard. For 2002, automatic headlamps are available.
The in-dash single-CD player that now comes standard is easy to operate; the previous cassette deck is available as a no-cost option. The Harmon Kardon stereo with 12 upgraded speakers sounds great. Available steering wheel audio controls work well and add convenience.
I don't particularly care for the center console. The flip down armrest is a bit in the way when shifting and unattractive shallow cup holders in the center console seem like an afterthought.
The back seat is roomy enough for two adults during a night on the town, but it's not as roomy as some of the other cars in its class. If rear cabin space is a top priority, you can find more for your money elsewhere. The Acura TL, for example, offers a roomier back seat, but it's no BMW.
The 3 Series cars are not class leaders when it comes to moving cargo, either. The trunk is small, and the trunk opening is even smaller. However, the Cold Weather Package ($1000) adds split fold-down rear seats with a ski boot and armrest, plus other features.
Sport wagons seem the perfect solution for enthusiast drivers who need some cargo capacity. When the car is unlocked, the rear hatch can be opened by touching the electric release above the license plate; or just the rear glass can be opened by pressing a button under the rear wiper. The rear cargo cover is nicely designed with a vinyl panel that easily slides out and hooks into place to hide valuables. Alternatively, a net slides up and hooks onto the ceiling to allow cargo to be piled to the ceiling. With the dog fence in place, the 325i sport wagon can carry 25.7 cubic feet of cargo and four passengers. That's more than twice the 10.7 cubic feet of cargo the sedan can handle. That makes the wagon a much better choice at the airport, though it doesn't have the cargo capacity of an SUV or minivan. For more cargo space, it's easy to fold the wagon's rear seats down; there's no need to remove the headrests. This reveals a nearly flat cargo area. It's plenty of room for two people involved in outdoor activities. Ski racks, bike racks and other accessories can be attached to the beefy roof ra
Driving Impressions
Every car manufacturer, it seems, wants to build a BMW beater, and after looking at competent sedans such as the Acura TL one might begin to think they offer better value when measured against BMW's 3 Series cars. Then you get into a 330i sedan, or any of the other 3 Series models, and you realize the gap is far wider than price differential.
If price is an issue, then don't hesitate to choose the 325i. For nearly $7,000 less, you get an outstanding sports sedan. You may never miss the extra power of the 330i, and you certainly won't miss the increase in monthly payments. The 2.5-liter engine doesn't develop the urgent thrust of the 3.0-liter. But there's plenty of power here, and it's delivered smooth and linearly with no significant dead spots or rushes. Just strong, gradual propulsion. It's so smooth, that it's easy to rev past the redline to where the rev limiter cuts back on the throttle. BMW's Double VANOS variable-valve timing helps both engines provide plenty of torque (the force that makes a car jump when you hit the gas) throughout the rev range.
The 3.0-liter engine delivers more gusto at the top of the rev range, yet is surprisingly strong at lower engine speeds, too. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, versus 7.1 seconds for the 325i. Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go? Both models top out at an electronically limited 128 mph.
Bucking a worldwide trend, BMW uses inline six-cylinder engines instead of V6 designs. Though it takes up more space, an inline-6 is considered to be inherently smoother by design than a V6. Indeed, BMW believes that six pistons lined up in a row run more smoothly than two banks of three pistons arranged in a V. Both 3 Series inline-6s feature fully electronic throttle control, variable valve timing, and a dual-resonance intake system. The throttle feels light and linear, perhaps because of the electronic throttle control.
Changing gears with the five-speed manual gearbox is a smooth, satisfying operation. The shifter uses longer throws than in a sports car, but it's a precise movement befitting a world-class sports sedan.
The automatic transmission works superbly, always keeping the engine in the optimal power range. All automatics are five-speed Steptronics. Pulling the lever to the left allows auto-manual downshifting and upshifting. For 2002, BMW has switched shifting directions: Now, tip the shift lever forward to downshift, pull it rearward to upshift. Steptronic can be useful and entertaining. But the real benefit of these transmissions is how well they work in the automatic mode. Shifting is smooth and precise and the driver almost always feels the transmission is working as part of the team, rather than fighting against driver and engine.
These cars are extremely stable. I found it difficult to obey the 55 mph speed limit while driving a 325i sedan around Washington's Capitol Beltway, and impossible to stay within the law on Maryland's back roads. The 330i is so smooth and stable that I needed to trail-brake the first time I came into a favorite sweeping turn, realizing that I was coming into it a little hotter than usual.
The suspension is tight, feeling like fine machinery. A 325i driven last year didn't seem as quiet, nor did it ride as smoothly as the best luxury sedans from Japan. But these cars feel much tauter. A 2002 330i sedan driven back to back with an Acura TL Type-S immediately showed how vastly more sophisticated the suspension felt. These cars put the driver in touch with the road. You hear and feel what's going on, though the outside world is muted well enough to ensure comfort. It's a balance that BMW masters. The stiff chassis structure allows the suspension to dampen irritating road vibration, reducing the chance of squeaks and rattles.
Steering response is more like that of a sports car than a luxury sedan. There's little play in the steering and the feeling is one of directness. This car goes exactly where you point
BMW's 3 Series cars offer a truly satisfying driving experience. They offer rear-wheel drive and five-speed gearbox, and BMW's commitment to this combination speaks volumes about its priorities.
Other cars in this price range surpass the 3 Series in significant areas. The Lexus ES 300 is smoother and far quieter, and the Acura TL provides roomier rear seating accommodations and more features for less cash. But those are near-luxury cars, while the BMW is a true sports sedan. If driving satisfaction is top priority, one of the 3 Series models should top your shopping list.
These BMWs are superb cars and that's why the 3 Series continues to be the benchmark for sports sedans. It's been that way since the late 1970s, and we don't see it changing.
The purchase price of all 3 Series models includes scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
Top Cars


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Groups Praise Momentum on Gulf Restoration as House Introduces Bill and Task Force Calls for Bold Action
Bill dedicates oil spill fines to restore Gulf ecosystems, communities & economies
(Washington, D.C.—October 5, 2011) A coalition of groups supporting Gulf restoration thanked Members from both sides of the aisle who introduced a bill today that will ensure that 80 percent of penalties paid by BP and others responsible for last year's Gulf oil disaster are used to help restore the region, not for unrelated federal spending. The RESTORE Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 was introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) as lead sponsor, along with more than 20 other bipartisan leaders as joint co-sponsors.
"Our nation depends on a healthy Gulf environment to help drive a strong Gulf economy. The RESTORE Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 provides a path to meaningful restoration, and holds the parties responsible for last year's Gulf spill accountable for Gulf ecosystems, communities and their economies," said a joint statement by Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy and Oxfam America. "We thank the leaders in the House for their hard work to get this bipartisan legislation introduced, and we look forward to working with them to improve and pass a bill to meet the restoration needs of the Gulf."
Nine Gulf senators have introduced a similar bill in the Senate, the RESTORE Gulf Coast States Act (S. 1400), which passed through the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee last month.
Also today, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force – a key federal/state panel convened by the White House – released its draft report calling for a major new commitment to restore the vital resources of the Gulf Coast. The report also urged the dedication of oil spill penalties to the environmental and economic restoration of the Gulf, which is what the bills in both the House and Senate would accomplish.
"We laud the Task Force's report calling for swift and far-reaching action to restore the Gulf Coast," said the groups. "The draft report highlights key issues that demand immediate attention and outlines many broad strategies to undertake toward making restoration a reality. Recognizing the urgent need now to translate words into action, we hope the final report will include specific steps that can be taken without delay to address the most pressing needs in the Gulf."
Sean Crowley, Environmental Defense Fund, 202.572.3331, email@example.com
David J. Ringer, National Audubon Society, 601.642.7058, firstname.lastname@example.com
Emily Guidry Schatzel, National Wildlife Federation, 225.253.9781, email@example.com
Tracy Connell, The Nature Conservancy, 703.247.3726, firstname.lastname@example.com
David Willett, Ocean Conservancy, 202.351.0465, firstname.lastname@example.com
Patrick Scully, Oxfam America, 617.728.2402, email@example.com


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I have been on many tasting panels, but there's nothing quite like the full-sensory thrill of being a judge for the Oyster Wine competition, the search for the most oyster-complementary wines. It might be the ultimate food-wine pairing.
This enjoyable event, now in its 19th year, occurred last week at Anthony's on Shilshole, and winners were announced Monday morning. Event organizer Jon Rowley instructed judges to "put themselves in Papa's shoes"— to think like Ernest Hemingway about the way the wine washes away the metallic quality of the oyster and leaves only the taste of the sea, and to search for the bliss factor created when the briny bivalve and the bright, brilliant wines meet in the mouth. Rowley read a passage from Hemingway's A Moveable Feast as platters of beautiful Kumamotos from Taylor Shellfish were placed in front of us, along with 20 wines. It was wonderful, heady stuff.
Jonathan Gold, Los Angeles Times dining critic and regular Oyster Wine Competition judge, tweeted last week that listening to Rowley talk oysters was like taking batting practice with Ted Williams. Except that instead of running the bases, there are oysters. Lots of oysters.
In Seattle, on the kind of brilliant afternoon that makes us feel so incredibly lucky to live here, I hated to finish filling in my scorecard. I didn't want it to end. I wish there was an oyster wine tasting every week. Come to think of it, there could be.
Here are this year's winners:
**Cedargreen Cellars 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (WA)
**Chateau Ste. Michele 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (WA)
**Dry Creek 2012 Dry Chenin Blanc (CA)
**Geyser Peak 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
**Kunde 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Long Meadow Ranch 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
*Three Pears 2012 Pinot Grigio (CA)
Trefethen 2012 Dry Riesling (CA)
Vinoce 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
*Willamette Valley 2011 Pinot Grigio (OR)
**Multiple Prior Oyster Wine Awards
*Prior Oyster Wine Award Winner