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I've discussed Haramein's methods more broadly here (starting with a look at the award he displays for this paper), but here I'm focusing on the physics in this paper. It's fairly basic, so I'm hoping to be able to present this in a way that makes at least some sense to at least some of Haramein's non-physicist audience who are interested in his ideas.
There's a lot of stuff here. You won't need all of it to get the gist – have a browse.
I'm exploring this material not with belief or opinion or conjecture, but using well-established laws of physics only – in fact I'm going out of my way to really try to make his model fit with reality.
There are six main conclusions in his paper. I'll look at each of these in turn in the light of his model.
Before I look at any of the conclusions, though, let's look first at the premise and see if we can make it work.
'The Schwarzschild Condition'
The main idea of this paper is that a proton may be considered as a black hole, and that two of these orbiting each other at the speed of light under gravitation alone provides a model for a nucleus.
His ultimate aim is to dispense with the need for the strong force altogether, and replace it with an interaction based on gravity, thereby unifying quantum theory with general relativity. This paper is intended to be a significant first step along this path.
So Haramein introduces us to the Schwarzschild proton. This is a black hole with a mass of 8.85 x 10^14 gm. In plain English, this is 885 million metric tonnes.
This reason this mass is chosen is that it's the mass that a black hole would need to have in order for it to have the same radius as a proton. Haramein takes the radius of a proton to be 1.32fm. (This is in fact the Compton wavelength of a proton, not its radius, at least not by any measure that I'm aware of, but it's good enough for now.)
The paper begins with the suggestion that a real proton may be considered to be one of these. To see if this is workable, let's compare his model with with what we already know about protons.
- Mass of an actual proton: 1.67 trillionths of a trillionth of a gram
- Mass of Schwarzschild proton: 885 million metric tonnes
These aren't particularly close.
How does Haramein deal with this discrepancy from reality?
He doesn't.
What could we do to deal with this problem? We could propose that all these millions of tonnes are only experienced gravitationally when you get very close, let's say at the nuclear scales. And otherwise, we experience the usual tiny mass of a single hydrogen atom. What would generate this effect? Who cares. It's only a model, let's run with it anyway.
- From a single actual proton: none
- From a single Schwarzschild proton: 455 million Watts (enough to supply electricity to 60,000 US homes)
These are a little different, too.
Why would one Schwarzschild proton radiate so much? Because the application of quantum mechanics to the severely distorted spacetime in the vicinity of the event horizon of such a tiny black hole gives rise to a correspondingly huge amount of pair-production. This takes the form of a thermal radiation of particles known as Hawking radiation, which thousands of websites will happily explain to you. The 455 million Watts comes from the power equation – here it is, straight from Wikipedia:
M = 8.85 x 10^11 kg (the other values are standard physical constants) this gives 4.55 x 10^8 W.
The laws of thermodynamics imply that proton-sized black hole would have a temperature of 139 billion degrees Celsius (thousands of times hotter than the core of a star, and not far off the core temperature at the height of a supernova).
How does Haramein deal with this discrepancy from reality?
He doesn't.
What could we do to deal with this problem? Well, we could deny that Hawking radiation is real. It has never been directly observed. If it doesn't occur, then some of our most solid laws of physics would be violated in quite profound ways. Still, what the hell, let's violate them. It's only a model.
Stability of interaction between protons
- Between actual protons in a stable nucleus: indefinitely
- Between co-orbiting Schwarzschild protons: the orbit would decay within a few trillionths of a trillionth of a second.
Why? Because the theory of General Relativity tells us that any two black holes orbiting each other must lose orbital energy by emitting gravitational waves and fall in towards each other, merging into a single black hole at the moment that their event horizons touch.
The approach speed is given by the following equation:
Source Gravitational Radiation, Burtschinger & Taylor. This equation applies to black holes at a sensible distance apart (not contiguous ones), but what it tells us is that even if they orbited ten times further apart, they would still approach each other at about 60km/s (yes, kilometres per second). This is a fast approach for objects that are already ten thousand times closer than the size of an atom. And the closer they get, the faster they approach. (In Haramein's model, the event horizons are already touching.)
How does Haramein deal with this discrepancy from reality?
He doesn't.
What could we do to deal with this problem? Actually, this is a very serious problem, because it's a direct result from our best theory of gravity, Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, which is the only theory we have that predicts and describes black holes. If we deny this theory as well, then what is a black hole? There won't be any such thing. We are supposed to be doing serious physics, and talking about black holes and gravity. Surely we can't get out of this one?
Maybe we could pretend they worked it all out wrong. Or maybe we could pretend that it's a quantum gravity effect, in the same way that electron orbitals are stable because, it's like, you know, quantum.
What happens when you look inside a proton?
- in an actual proton: we see point-like constituents (quarks), and a measurable distribution of charge. Things don't disappear.
- in a Schwarzschild proton: there is an event horizon of 1.32fm radius, and nothing that crosses this horizon can re-emerge. There is no way of looking inside.
This also follows directly from General Relativity. This messes up our proposed way out of the mass problem, because if the full mass of the black hole is experienced at short distances, then any electron or other particle used to probe inside a proton would simply vanish, making the mass black hole grow slightly. This follows from the definition of the Schwarzschild radius, which is what Haramein has used. It's a space-time horizon. Beyond this horizon, all possible measures of time are directed spatially in, and only in. Out ceases to exist, except in the past.
Yet many particle experiments, in particular all those that have involved deep inelastic scattering, make it clear that we can probe inside a proton.
How does Haramein deal with this discrepancy from reality?
He doesn't.
What could we do to deal with this problem? I've no idea. I'll have a think, but this is starting to get a bit silly.
What this means for the Schwarzschild proton model
The premise of this model – that 'the proton may be considered as a Schwarzschild entity' – is pushing credibility to the point of ridiculousness. And this is before we even look at whether any of his conclusions mean anything.
In order to look at the conclusions, we've got to somehow force ourselves to ignore the discrepancies above, and pretend that somehow it could be a reasonable model.
What follows will illustrate why, even if we can allow ourselves to adopt this model, every one of Haramein's conclusions are meaningless anyway.
Haramein's six conclusions
Haramein models the proton as a black hole, as described above. The primary conclusions are:
1. The proportion of vacuum energy that would be required is similar to the ratio of the strengths of the strong and gravitational forces
2. Considering the nuclear force as a gravitational attraction is compatible with both nucleon and quark confinement
3. The orbital speed of two neighbouring protons turns out to be the speed of light
4. The time period for such an orbit turns out to be the same as the characteristic timescale of nuclear emissions involving the strong force
5. There is evidence for a scaling law between mass and radius, and this model of the proton places it much more convincingly in agreement with this
6. A value for the magnetic moment of the proton can be derived which turns out to be close to the measured anomalous magnetic moment of the proton
I'll take them one at a time – and I'll warn you in advance, it's a big mess, so this could take a while.
1. The proportion of vacuum energy that would be required to make a Schwarzschild proton is similar to the ratio of the strengths of the strong and gravitational forces (page 1, 1st & 2nd sentences)
He doesn't elaborate on this, it's just mentioned in passing.
Haramein chooses a value for the vacuum energy apparently at random from a whole host of available theoretical figures. This 'vacuum energy' has never been measured – and there are no convincing theoretical or experimental reasons to believe that it is even a true physical quantity. But who knows.
There is a brief calculation of this proportion, and the result is 1.78 x 10^-41, corresponding to very nearly 41 orders of magnitude.
He states correctly that the ratio of the gravitational to the strong force as "typically given as 38 or 39 orders of magnitude", so this ratio is at least 100 times lower than the value he calculated using the vacuum energy. And that's using Haramein's numbers.
So you couldn't call it strikingly similar.
(Unless you write one of them in percentage form, and the other not, as he did in the paper!)
Actually, between you and me, I think Haramein missed a trick here. Rather than just mention this in passing, he could have used it to suggest that the strong force is the interaction between the entire vacuum energy within the volume of each of the two protons, but with this energy taking the form of a gravitational dipole with a separation of the Planck length at the core of each proton. Then he wouldn't have needed any of the black hole stuff at all, and his argument wouldn't have been circular. That might have been interesting. It's still just random bollocks, but it's a radical idea involving mysterious vacuum stuff, he could have justified it with some really cool (Newtonian) equations, and it would have sounded good. Nassim, if you're reading, there's an idea for you!
Instead, all he's done here is to find two numbers that look similar (though they aren't) and note it without explanation, as if some significance should be obvious (which it isn't). So let's move on.
2. Considering the nuclear force as a gravitational attraction is compatible with both nucleon and quark confinement (page 1, 3rd sentence)
Quark confinement is an enormously complex subject dealing with the fact that quarks cannot exist outside of hadrons, which has nothing to do with, and is in no way compatible with, Haramein's model. He doesn't talk about quarks at all in this paper, so I'm going to write that one off as just a careless comment made by mistake. One I'm sure even he would admit.
By nucleon confinement, he must mean the strength of the force that binds a proton or a neutron in a nucleus.
What he's saying (and he makes this more explicit on page 5) is that he has discovered that two Schwarzschild protons would be bound together by gravity alone with a force that bears a spooky resemblance to the strong force. The implication is that this model of the proton "offers the source of the binding energy as spacetime curvature". In other words, the strong force might be considered to be gravitational in nature, suggesting that this approach may lead to a way to dispense with the idea of a strong force altogether. This would unify the large and small scales in a significant way, and lead to a simpler and more integrated view of reality.
But let's look at what he's actually done.
First, a little history. In the late 17th Century, Newton realised that what caused planets to orbit the sun was no more than the familiar force of gravity. It wasn't long before he'd worked out the equation for gravitation, and proved definitively that it implied that any two objects in empty space would be bound in a stable gravitational orbit. The moon would orbit the Earth indefinitely; the Earth would orbit the Sun indefinitely; and so on.
In short, set in motion any two objects at any distance apart in empty space, and they will orbit each other for ever (so long as they're not set on a collision course). This is one of the most basic results of Newtonian gravity.
What has Haramein discovered? He has 'discovered' (using 17th century equations) that two Schwarzschild protons placed at 2.64fm apart and set in motion will be held together gravitationally in orbit.
But we've known for well over 300 years that gravity will bind ANY two objects in an orbit.
He's claiming that this is one of his significant conclusions of his model, and as a reason to justify the fact that protons can be modelled as black holes. Does this sound like a reasonable claim to you?
Now, what about the size of the force that Haramein has calculated. Will we find that it is spookily similar to the strong force that binds protons in the nucleus?
The gravitational binding force between two Schwarzschild protons is 7.49 x 10^47 dynes (page 3). This is in fact what you get if you stick any pair of equal mass black holes into Newton's gravitation equation – the result is the same no matter how big or small the black hole is. (It would be a silly thing to do, as Newton's laws don't apply to such extreme situations. But Haramein did it anyway.)In old units, this is 7.57 x 10^47 dynes. (Haramein has made some elementary rounding errors that have given him 7.49 instead of 7.57, but we can let this pass.)
To put this number in perspective, this force is:
- 700 trillion trillion times the weight of mount Everest (= 10^21 dynes)
- 500 thousand trillion times the weight of another planet Earth if you put it 'on top' of our one (= 1.5 x 10^30 dynes)
- 90 billion trillion times the impact force of a 6 mile diameter asteroid hitting the Earth at 10 miles per second! (The one that wiped out the dinosaurs was this size. It had a mass of 10 trillion tonnes, and was slowed from 10 miles per second after penetrating a distance of about 15km into the crust. v²=2as, F=ma, every action has... you know the deal, you do the math. Then multiply by 90 billion trillion!)
I'm not joking. It really is a stupidly big number.
Haramein is suggesting – without, it seems, any awareness of how stupid this is – that this is the force of attraction between two protons within a single atom.
We can use an electron, one of the lightest particles known, to knock a proton out of a nucleus. We can even do it with a single photon of light. We don't need to throw 6-mile diameter asteroids at atoms to split them.
This result alone should be enough to convince anyone that the Schwarzschild proton is one of the worst thought-out models of the proton that it is possible to come up with.
3. The orbital speed of two neighbouring protons turns out to be the speed of light (page 3)
An object in orbit very close to a black hole will have a very fast orbit. For a small object at a distance of 1.5Rs (meaning one and a half times the Schwarzschild radius), the speed of the orbit is c, the speed of light. This is a result of general relativity, known as the photon sphere.
For larger objects with significant gravitational fields of their own, the problem becomes fiendishly complex. (As mentioned in the "stability of interaction" section above, energy loss through gravitational radiation guarantees that there is no stable close orbit anyway.)
Even if he had calculated correctly, the result doesn't tell us anything new – this would apply to anything orbiting any black hole. So nothing to write home about, just some more inappropriate use of physics equations.
4. The time period for such an orbit turns out to be the same as the characteristic timescale of nuclear emissions involving the strong force (page 1)
What is the timescale of nuclear emissions involving the strong force? It's roughly how long it takes for a strong interaction to occur, and it's determined by the shortest time possible to traverse a strongly interacting particle.
In other words, to get the timescale of the strong force, take the size of a proton and divide it by the speed of light.
(To be a little more subtle, the reason why the timescales involved will be as short as possible in the case of the strong force is that the strong force coupling constant is approximately 1, which is – and I'm simplifying things a little, but the principle is true – as high as possible.)
Haramein has chosen to operate at the size of a proton. He has also chosen to operate close to the event horizon of a black hole, which means that any relevant speeds must be close to the speed of light. So, again, there is no result here.
That's as far as I've got for now. I'm doing this a bit at a time, because doing it properly is time-consuming. But you probably get the idea.
Do let me know if you think I've got anything wrong so far.
I'm not trying to suggest that Haramein made some mistakes with his model and should go away and make some corrections.
Haramein claims to be doing serious science. He claims to have unified the forces of nature, and to have created a unified field theory. He claims to be able to point out where all 'the other physicists' are going wrong. He claims, moreover, that his paper, The Schwarzschild Proton, has won serious academic acclaim. All of these are patently false.
The only sensible conclusion from looking at this example of his work is that he is utterly incompetent as a physicist – even with the help of his hired academics, whose "advice and careful reading of the manuscript" didn't reveal any of the myriad of nonsensical implications that a little exploration should have found.
He knows that taking on the air of authority of a research physicist will give weight to his outlandish ideas, many of which are in the language of physics. And he knows that this will bring him followers and cash. Indeed it does.
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Quick link to this post: http://bit.ly/schproton


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RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina's House Republican leaders said public input would be gathered from all sides as they promised a fair and measured process of creating a bill that would require photo identification for citizens to vote.
Kicking off a debate certain to be dipped in partisanship and racial divisions, GOP legislators said they would hold public hearings and other committee meetings — the first scheduled for today — before actual legislation rolls out around the end of the month. The full House is likely to vote on the proposal by mid-April, they said, before it goes to the Senate.
The House leaders said they wanted to hear from people who both support and oppose a photo ID requirement in an attempt to make it better and ensure people that don't currently have an identification card to obtain one for free.
"We're going to go through a very deliberative, responsible and interactive approach ... so that we arrive at a policy that is fair, that takes into account legitimate reasons why voters may not have an ID and to place a solution — a way that those IDs can be issued," House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, said at a news conference.
House and Senate Republicans pushed through the General Assembly a photo ID requirement in 2011. But it was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue and GOP legislators lacked the votes to override the veto.
Current GOP Gov. Pat McCrory supports voter ID, reaffirming Tuesday at a news conference that he prefers one with a photo requirement but could listen to other options. The support in the legislative and executive branches leaves largely the question of how the details will look, and whether it can withstand legal challenges and gain approval from federal attorneys or the courts under the Voting Rights Act.
McCrory and other Republicans contend requiring IDs will discourage fraudulent voting. They likened it to showing licenses to enter government buildings, get on an airplane or purchase certain cold medicine. An Elon University Poll released Monday showed 72 percent of those surveyed support a law to require government-approved photo identification to vote.
"Requiring an ID to vote is a commonsense practice," McCrory said at the Executive Mansion during a news conference following a meeting with big-city mayors. "I'm going to let the legislature debate the details on that."
Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, chairman of the House Elections Committee, had few details about what voter ID legislation would look like except that it probably would include an aggressive effort to get photo identifications to people who don't have them free of charge.
It's unclear how many people don't have photo IDs or how much it would cost the state to provide them. An analysis earlier this year by the State Board of Elections matching voter rolls with Division of Motor Vehicles records shows the names of 613,000 registered voters may not match with driver's licenses or photo IDs issued by the DMV. The actual number of people without photo IDs is likely much less.
Lewis said some members and organizations are going to oppose voter ID on principle but he still wants recommendations from opponents to "make this the best bill it can be."
Most Democrats this week remains obstinately opposed to any voter ID measure they said would take back voting rights secured a half-century ago during the civil rights movement. State Democratic Party Chairman Randy Voller referred to voter ID on Monday as "the specter of Jim Crow."
Talk by Republicans of deliberateness is "a sales pitch that they're out there pushing right now that they think making it look fair, it will become fair," Rep. Mickey Michaux, D-Durham, said at a news conference by the Legislative Black Caucus.
The ID requirement would discourage the poor, older adults and minorities from voting because they are more likely to not have an ID card, opponents say. Potential voters already must show identification papers of some kind when they register, and people can face a felony conviction if they vote illegally.
Sen. Floyd McKissick, D-Durham, said the requirement would hurt disproportionately people who aren't registered Republicans. The GOP goal, he added, is "to repress that vote by any means necessary."
Bob Hall, executive director of the election reform group Democracy North Carolina, continues to oppose a photo ID requirement but acknowledged in a prepared statement the political reality at the Legislative Building.
"We also recognize that the ID advocates have the votes to pass a bill," Hall said. "We accept their invitation to be at the table and offer positive suggestions."
NC House Republicans lay out voter ID bill process
RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina's House Republican leaders said public input would be gathered from all sides as they promised a fair and measured process of creating a bill that would require photo identification for citizens to vote.

subset: commoncrawl


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David DeSandro
@Mazilu – Excellent question. Canvas/SVG 3D stuff is ideal if you're creating complex 3D environments. I wouldn't recommend trying to re-create some of Mr. Doob's three.js demos with CSS.
CSS 3D transforms have the following advantages over 3D canvas implementations:
* Can be used on any element on the page. Canvas 3D requires that the visuals live inside a single element
* Hardware accelerated on iOS devices
* More graceful degradation


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Visual Studio .NET has experienced glacially slow enterprise adoption in its first year, hindered by everything from the economic downturn to the hurdles developers face in learning the new Microsoft .NET languages. With Visual Studio .NET 2003, Microsoft's emphasis is on speeding the product's enterprise adoption rate. Here are seven important new features for database developers in Visual Studio .NET 2003.
7. Integration with Windows .NET Server
The .NET Framework's full integration with Windows .NET Server means you don't need to deploy the Common Language Runtime (CLR) to new platforms along with your .NET applications. This helps even out one advantage Java currently has over .NET.
6. Web Services Enhancements
Visual Studio .NET 2003 includes a new Web Reference dialog box that lets you browse for XML Web services in your project. The 2003 release also supports new Web services specifications such as WS-Security, WS-Routing, and WS-Attachments.
5. True Visual Development for VC++
The Windows Forms Application gives Visual C++ (VC++) developers a fully visual development environment, supporting drag-and-drop objects as well as click-through for coding—capabilities that Visual Basic .NET and C# developers already enjoyed. Other enhancements to VC++ include improved standards conformance.
4. Visual J#
Microsoft added Visual J# to the list of languages that the .NET platform supports. Visual J# is fully compatible with Java syntax, making it easy to convert your Java applications to the .NET platform. Note that Visual J# applications aren't Java applications. They run on the .NET Framework—not the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
3. ODBC .NET Data Provider
Microsoft also added the ODBC .NET Data Provider to the .NET Framework. Although the ODBC Data Provider was previously available as a separate download, you can now find it in the System.Data.Odbc namespace. This data provider requires that you have Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) 2.7 installed on the client system.
2. .NET Framework Data Provider for Oracle
The .NET Framework Data Provider for Oracle is another valuable addition to Visual Studio .NET, letting you connect to Oracle 8i and 9i databases. You can find the provider in the System.Data.OracleClient namespace. It requires that you install an Oracle 8.1.7 or later client.
1. Mobile Device Support & .NET Compact Framework
For developing mobile applications, Visual Studio .NET 2003 provides integrated support for new smart-device applications and ASP.NET mobile Web application project types. The inclusion of the device emulator is fun, and a new System.Data.SQLServerCE namespace supports SQL Server CE data access.
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This front strut fits models with FOUR-C (4-C, 4C) suspension and a 12 digit product code with the following values at positions 3-4:
(see tech tips for more information on product plate codes)
Does NOT fit V70R, S60R or XC70 models.
Adding items to your shopping cart and placing an order is only an intent to purchase. We will not charge you for anything until we can ship the products you ordered (if paying by credit card. PayPal is a prepayment method.) We will do everything we can to fill your order in a timely manner. You can cancel your order at any time prior to shipment.
This non-stocked product is available to order plus backorders are allowed.
Additional stock typically takes 3 days or less for it to arrive and get packed for shipping.


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Hitachi C12LSH 12" Sliding Dual Compound Miter Saw
with Digital Display & Laser Marker
Standard Equipment:
- C12LSH 12" Compound Miter Saw
- Digital Display
- Laser Marker Laser Guide
- 12" Saw Blade
- Vise Assembly
- Box Wrench
- Dust Bag
Optional Accessories:
New model coming soon. See other Miter Saws.
- Rating: 120 Volt AC
- Amperage: 15.0
- No-load RPM: 3,800
- Blade Size: 12.0"
- Angle Range...
Miter: 0-46° L & 0-57° R
Bevel: 0-45° L & R
- Tool Dimension WxDxH: 23-7/16" x 36-5/8" x 27-15/16"
- Weight: 66.1 lbs
- Revolutionary compact slide system allows the saw head to slide along fixed rails, eliminating the need for rear clearance.
- Top-mounted, digital, LCD scale swivels to provide clear and accurate miter and bevel readings from any angle.
- Exclusive laser marker system from Hitachi increases cutting accuracy.
- Powerful 15 Amp motor with 1,850 Watts of max output power to tackle tough cutting jobs with ease.
- Micro miter and micro bevel adjustment knobs to dial-in to precise angles.
- Large pivoting fence raises fence height to 4-11/16 inches to cut crown molding vertically.
- 0-57 degree miter angle to the right for flexibility with 0-46 degree miter angle to the left.
- 0-45 bevel angle range to the right and left allowing users to quickly and easily flip the saw blade and leave the material in place.
- Positive stops on the miter and bevel scale, for easy to read measurements and quick settings.
- Carbon brush access, allows the user to replace the brush as needed to greatly prolong tool life.
- Vertical handle with soft, vibration reducing elastomer grip adds comfort and control.
- The C12LSH 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw is compatible with the UU610 Universal Work Station from Hitachi.


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Bicycling enthusiast for whom riding a bicycle is a way of living and who rides everywhere, all the time. Probably owns a single speed but not a fixie. Participates in all bike-to-work challenges and always uses hand signals. Above all, hates motorists and everything not environmentally friendly.
Those bicyclistas in the office pressure me to commute by bike 25 miles!
by alex4792 August 18, 2011
buy the domain for your foodie blog


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Worldwide: New world court to judge gender-based war crimes
Source:Women's E-News
Women's E News reports that the new International Criminal Court will give women a place to seek justice for gender-related crimes committed against them in armed conflicts and as part of systematic violence or persecution.
Women across the globe facing similar violent offenses in the future will have a place to seek justice: the International Criminal Court. At a United Nations ceremony on April 11, the court became a certainty. It will be the first fixed international institution for securing justice on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual and gender-based violence.
Submitted on Tue, 04/23/2002 - 23:00


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Reviewed By Page B (North, VA) Reviewed for a 2004 Jeep Liberty —1/5/2015 10:53 AM
I purchased the Power Stop Brake Kit (Z23) 4-Wheel Brake Kit; this kit included the pads, rotors and clips (mounting hardware). This kit was purchased on 11/7/2014 to replace the factory brakes on my 2004 Jeep Liberty. My Jeep was purchased used and it was driven in the mid-Atlantic area, therefore the rotors had been subjected to corrosion from road chemicals, they were in very poor condition. I am familiar with the procedure in replacing vehicle brakes, but found the instructions very easy to understand. Once I replaced the rotors and pads and followed the required "brake in" procedure, I have found these not only to be a dynamic improvement in stopping but I find that my vehicle feels like there I a better response in my stopping ability. I have driver this vehicle about 10,000 miles since this installation with no noticeable loss of stopping power. This kit provides, in my opinion, a more finished look to my wheel system then the factory supplied equipment with improved stopping performance. I would recommend this as a needed replacement or simply to upgrade your brakes.


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Windows 10
If you're running Windows 10, you already have Internet Explorer 11, so there's nothing you need to install. Learn how to use Internet Explorer in Windows 10. However, Microsoft Edge is a brand-new browser that also comes with Windows 10, and what's more, it's your default browser. Be sure to check it out!
Find out what version of Internet Explorer you're using and how to run the latest version of Internet Explorer 11. You can also change your home page for Internet Explorer 11 and make Internet Explorer your default browser.
For more info about Internet Explorer, see Internet Explorer help.
Windows 8.1 & Windows 8
Windows 7
Download Internet Explorer 11 (64-bit)
Note that Internet Explorer 11 works on both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. For more, see the article How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.


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TERRE HAUTE, IND. -- Behind a complete turnaround in the second half, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology football team captured its first victory of the season on Homecoming in a 23-19 decision over Defiance College Saturday at Cook Stadium.
The Engineers (1-2, 1-0 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) accounted for 213 of their 287 offensive yards in the second half, kickstarted by the third quarter's opening 11-play, 69-yard drive when down by 10 points.
Senior Danya Francis (Kissimmee, Fla./Celebration) punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to bring Rose-Hulman within 13-10. Senior Ryan Landwehr (Tipp City, Ohio/Tippecanoe) set up the score with a 27-yard pass to sophomore Jacob Dye (Tipton).
Rose-Hulman scored the next 13 points to take a 23-13 lead entering the fourth quarter. Landwehr connected on a 53-yard scoring strike to sophomore Aaron Abbott (Lebanon, Ohio) to give Rose-Hulman its first lead at 16-13 midway through the third quarter.
The Engineers marched 37 yards on six plays on their next drive to push the lead to 10 points at 23-13. Landwehr capped the drive with a six-yard scoring run.
Defiance (0-2, 0-1 HCAC) would score on a 55-yard fumble recovery by Andrew Feldhaus with six minutes to play to close within 23-19. Rose-Hulman's defense held the Defiance offensive unit scoreless in the second half to preserve the victory. Sophomore Anthony Adamo (Chino, Calif.) provided the biggest defensive play of the game by intercepting a Defiance pass with 42 seconds left to halt the final Yellow Jackets drive.
Landwehr finished the game 14 of 25 for 139 yards passing and one touchdown. His primary targets were Aaron Abbott (six catches for 66 yards, touchdown) and Dye (five catches for 69 yards). Francis led the Engineers on the ground with 65 yards on 20 carries to go along with a rushing score.
On the defensive side, Adamo highlighted the Rose-Hulman defense with 12 tackles and an interception. Senior D.J. Lawson (Indianapolis/Pike) added seven tackles and a sack. Senior Cody Rivers (Coconut Creek, Calif.) contributed six tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two hurries, and freshman Jordan Harr (Carrollton, Ill.) recovered a fumble for the third forced turnover of the day. Dye also blocked a punt on special teams.
Senior Eric Schaible (Findlay, Ohio) proved a key weapon as the punter, with a 40.6 average on eight punts. Schaible booted a 61-yard punt early in the game, and downed a punt on the one-yard line in the second half to sway field position.
Defiance jumped out to a 10-0 lead midway through the second quarter on a one-yard run by Sean Washington and a 28-yard field goal by Spencer Saunders. Rose-Hulman senior Matt Angel (Cassville, Mo.) capped a 16-play drive late in the first half with a 35-yard field goal to bring the margin within 10-3. Saunders booted a 32-yard field goal with three seconds left in the half to give Defiance a 13-3 lead at the break.
Rose-Hulman improved to 1-2 on the season and 1-0 in HCAC play, while Defiance dropped to 0-3 and 0-1 in league play. The Fightin' Engineers return to action at Manchester University next Saturday at 1:30.


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Museum Hosts International Lepidopterists
Meeting of the Lepidopterists' Society and the
Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica to be held at the
Denver Museum of Nature & Science July 23-29
DENVER - July 23, 2012 - The Denver Museum of
Nature & Science is honored to host the annual meeting of the
Lepidopterists' Society and the Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica from July
23 through July 29. This will be the first-ever combined
conference with both the European and North American societies.
More than 170 scientists, researchers, students, and teachers from
20 different countries will attend the conference to enhance their
professional development, share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and
discover new resources to advance their studies of Lepidoptera-the
large order of insects including moths and butterflies.
Registrants will participate in an assortment of activities from
field trips with local experts throughout the week to symposia
filled with local and international knowledge. A public talk by
noted author and lepidopterist Dr. Robert Michael Pyle is available
to registrants and the public.
"We are thrilled to host this conference and welcome guests from
all over the world to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science,"
said Dr. Frank Krell, the Museum's curator of entomology. "Colorado
is home to a diverse Lepidoptera fauna, so it is fitting that we
gather here for the annual meeting."
For more information about the Lepidopterists Meeting,
click here.
Public Event
Butterflies: The Bright Wings of Summer
Thursday, July 26, 7 p.m., $8 Museum member, $10
nonmember, $8 student
Butterflies just have a way of brightening people's lives. But
how much do you really know about these seemingly ubiquitous
creatures? In this illustrated talk, lepidopterist and writer Dr.
Robert Michael Pyle will immerse you in the lifeways and habitats
of these most beloved of insects. Pyle, a Denver native, will
discuss the ecology, natural history, and conservation of
butterflies, with special reference to the Rockies. Along the way
he will touch on monarch migration, butterfly gardening, and
getting kids outdoors.
For more information and to register,
click here.
Media Contact
Charlotte Hurley, 303-370-6407, [email protected]
About the Denver Museum of Nature &
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain
Region's leading resource for informal science education. A variety
of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum
visitors celebrate and understand the natural wonders of Colorado,
Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado
Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. To learn more about the Museum,
check www.dmns.org, or call 303-370-6000.
# # #
Many of the Museum's educational programs and exhibits are made
possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area
through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.


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Remember those capable, hands-on young dads on MTV's Teen Mom? The teenager who stocked his own diaper bag? The barely twenty-something who took the baby for his immunizations? Of course you don't. Because those guys weren't on the show. You'd have better luck finding Sasquatch sporting a Baby Bjorn on Teen Wolf.
It's the older, wiser, calmer, fully formed men who make the best pops. And someone must have told them that later is greater, because the salt-and-pepper pop-ulation is thriving. However, some brand new information threatens to undermine them.
Earlier today, the journal Nature released a study with some disturbing findings: Men who become fathers later in life have a much higher risk of passing a genetic mutation off to their children, which may be contributing to disorders like autism and schizophrenia. According to the report, a man aged 29.7 at the time he fathered a child contributed an average of 63 new mutations to his offspring. A man aged 46.2 contributed 126 mutations. (It should be noted that the study's sampling only included 78 families.)
This troubling research dovetails with an increase in men becoming dads later in life. Harry Fisch, board certified urologist and men's health expert, wrote in his 2005 book The Male Biological Clock that the number of first-time fathers over 35 increased by 50 percent from 1970 to 1999, and the number of first-time fathers between the ages of 30 and 34 increased by 37 percent. (Men younger than 30 saw an 18 percent decline during that time period.) Women aren't far behind: The only age group that showed an increase in birth rate in 2010 was women 40 to 44, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Does this small study portend a big change in this trend? That would be a shame, because older dads offer plenty of benefits. "Age brings with it emotional stability, psychological strength, wisdom, and financial security," says Pasquale Patrizio, M.D., professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale School of Medicine and director of the Yale Fertility Center.
Like many before him, the grey-templed dad will find himself dropped off on the Island of Misfit Parents, that icy, desolate expanse where we put all the non-traditional demographic quirks and pie chart slivers that are defective and unwanted. The cohabitating father (not as invested as married fathers, likely to see his family dissolve) as Charlie-in-the-Box. The stay-at-home dad (unmotivated, odd) as the cowboy who rides an ostrich. The lesbian mom (unfit to lead a Boy Scout troop) as the spotted elephant. The mother of the formula-fed newborn (lazy, ill-informed) as the red-haired dolly. They coexist, isolated together in the snowy bluster. And when they hear the shh-shh-shh of society's sleigh bells and see its glowing red nose, they may just pass us up on a ride. Who could blame them?


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Bang for a Buck: Dollar Store Tech Mods
Money can't buy happiness. But it can buy some sweet tech modifications that will put a smile on your face each time you reach for your laptop or headphones, even if all you have is a buck. Each of these crafty customizable projects can be completed for just one dollar.
So grab a buck, head to the dollar store and put one of these four materials on your shopping list:
1. Contact Paper: This DIY wood-grain laptop skin from Fine & Feathered is crafted from contact paper found at the dollar store.
2. Ironing Beads: Using a $1 bag full of colorful and crafty ironing beads, user xMeerjam shared her unqique headphones on Cut Out + Keep.
3. DIY Macro Lens: Wish you could get close-up macro shots with your phone camera or point-and-shoot? Try this accessory mod from Make Projects using one lens from a $1 pair of reading glasses.
4. Headphone Accessory: Keep headphones from tangling (or getting mixed up in a sea of white Apple earbuds) by wrapping them in inexpensive embroidery floss, like we spotted on Pinterest.
(Images: as credited above)
• Blueprint File Cabinet Makeover
• DIY Kitchen Art from the Dollar Store
• Dollar Store Decor: Plastic Animal Bookends
• Create an Apothecary Jar for $2
• Repurpose Wine Corks Into Drawer Pulls


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#67177 - WCE Universal Drive Shaft Set (92mm/1pc)
Standard Parts
Made from Japanese steel, these shafts are tougher than stock. They are easily identifiable as WCE with a light silver coating. These updated shafts are 92mm instead of stock 91mm, which gives a little bit of extra length to prevent pop outs and give an extra bit of downtravel. Developed and tested by Atsushi Hara, and used to take the 2008-2009 IFMAR World Championship title in North Carolina, USA! Used by the top Team HB drivers for all their races!


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VG_Rich necesitaba un nuevo diseño de otro y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 26 diseños de 10 diseñadores freelance.
Leading video game help website, established over 10 years.
Ages 13-25
Set of banner ads and graphics required to be used on own site to promote user interaction.
Most Valuable Player, this will be awarded monthly to the person that contributes the best overall to our website.
We need an appropriate icon which we can stick under a member's avatar.
We need a box to list the MVPs for a particular game/platform. (see game experts box: http://www.supercheats.com/playstation3.htm - that is what we have currently, we need something about the same size, again listing 5 members, but something much more visually eye catching and exciting).
We need a small 300x100 banner to encourage people to submit their own cheats and hints for a game - eg... Be a part of supercheats, submit your game help. Become a MVP for this game... start submitting... Or your own ideas.
Questions and Answers
We run a questions and answers system on our website for people that need help with a particular game... Members submit a Q and other members answer. We need both a 300x250 banner and a 300x100 banner to promote people asking questions, and/or for people to answer questions to show off how good they are with games.
Submit Videos
We need a couple of banner ads in sizes 300x250 and 300x100 to encourage people to upload their own videos... The best video of the month will win a prize (game of their choice) - however we also need the same ads with the prize option removed.
(banners can be png, gif (animated or not) or flash, but we do need source files


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Dodgers activate Billingsley from DL
San Diego, CA – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley will make his season debut Wednesday at San Diego after the team activated the right-hander from the 15-day disabled list.
Billingsley will be making his first major league start since last August, having missed the final six weeks of last season with a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He was also set back this spring by a bruised index finger on his throwing hand.
The seven-year veteran, who went 10-9 with a 3.55 earned run average in 25 starts before being shut down in 2012, did throw four innings in a rehab assignment for the Dodgers' Class A affiliate in Rancho Cucamonga this past Thursday.
To make room for Billingsley on the 25-man roster, Los Angeles optioned backup catcher Tim Federowicz following Tuesday's 9-3 loss to the Padres.


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Character actor was in 'Deliverance'
Bill McKinney, 80, a character actor who carved out a career playing rough-and-tumble villains, most notably the backwoods man who sexually assaults
's character in the 1972 film "Deliverance," died Thursday of
at Valley Presbyterian Hospice in Van Nuys, said close friend Julie Mondin. Mondin was assisting McKinney with his autobiography, which has not yet been published.
A Tennessee native, McKinney inhabited the key role of one of the backwoods locals who terrorize Beatty,
during a river rafting trip gone bad in
's "Deliverance."
McKinney also appeared in a string of
movies — "The Outlaw Josey Wales," "The Gauntlet," "Every Which Way but Loose," "Bronco Billy" and "Any Which Way You Can." He had other movie roles in "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," "The Parallax View," "The Shootist," "First Blood" and "Against All Odds."
McKinney also acted in television series including "McCloud," "Columbo," "Ironside," "Starsky and Hutch," "B.J. and the Bear" and "The A-Team."
Born Sept. 12, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tenn., McKinney was raised by his grandmother. After serving in the Navy, he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and began appearing on TV and in films in the late 1960s.
"Acting helps you release whatever's there to be released," he said in a 1983 interview with The Times'
. "What you do is build yourself a playground and turn yourself loose."
Brazilian soccer great
Socrates, 57, former Brazilian soccer great and clever playmaker who was captain of the country's 1982
team, died of
resulting from an intestinal infection Sunday at a hospital in Sao Paulo.
Socrates, known for his elegant style on the field and his deep involvement with Brazilian politics, acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even when he starred as a player in the 1980s, but said he'd stopped drinking earlier this year after several hospitalizations.
He became a doctor after retiring from soccer and later became a popular TV commentator and columnist.
Socrates, whose full name is Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, starred for the Corinthians team in the early 1980s, but he also played for Flamengo and Santos, as well as Fiorentina in Italy.
Besides serving as Brazil's captain in 1982, he was a member of its World Cup squad in 1986. The 1982 team became widely known as the best not to win a World Cup, falling to Italy, 3-2, in the second round despite needing only a draw to advance to the semifinals.
Socrates was included in soccer governing body FIFA's list of the best 125 living soccer players in the world, compiled by countryman Pele. Socrates played 63 matches with the national team, scoring 25 goals.
He was known for his great vision on the field. Always clever with the ball at his feet, his trademark move was the back-heel pass, and he set up and scored many goals with it throughout his career.
Times staff and wire reports


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Rihanna Goes Blonde & Topless for 'Nude' Fragrance Photo Shoot
has no problem letting it all hang out, and that's exactly what she does in her fragrance shoot for 'Nude.'
Created just for the ladies, Rih goes blonde and topless to show us that the surprise fragrance will make women feel just as sexy as she looks. The 24-year-old got rid of her dreads for the shoot, but assured her fans that her hair is still black and she'll be back to it soon.
"I got a big shoot tomorrow for a surprise fragrance for my ladies called…NUDE! Bye bye dreadz, for NOW! …"blonde was just for the shoot! I'm still black"
Check out more photos at VIBE.com!


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The Maccabees Gear
Roland and Boss TV catch up with the Maccabees so they can show us their Roland Cube 80-XL guitar amplifierand how they use it in the studio for practicing and demos. If you're looking for an in-depth review of the Roland Cube 80XL from the Maccabees, I wouldn't suggest counting on the video alone to show you, that's where Dolphin Music can help!
If you know anything about Roland amps, you'll be aware of their popularity in the amp world. Selling over 1 million of its CUBE amp family, Roland continued to push the boundaries and introduced us to the innovative CUBE-XL series in 2010, consisting of the CUBE-80XL, 40XL, 20XL, and 15XL.
The most powerful of the CUBE-XL series is the 80XL and delivers 80 screaming watts of power through its 12" high-performance custom speaker and includes new features such as JC Clean Channel and Boss Effects. If you're looking for the biggest sound and biggest feature set of any cube amp, the CUBE-80XL is for you. The amp is ready for any stage, any gig and practically any musical environment.
Aside from the Roland CUBE-XL Series, the Macabees boy's seem to be a fan of their Fender gear - with guitarist Hugo playing a 1980's Fender Japan Telecaster, Felix using a Fender 1970's Tokai Telecaster and a Fender Blues DeVille in their setup. If you're looking for alternatives of the 1980's and 70's Telecasters, we've got a huge range of Fender Telecasters for you to choose from, and for the more budget conscious, you can opt for a Fender Modern Player Telecaster (new in 2011) or from the range of Squier by Fender Telecasters.
The Maccabees are currently on tour in the UK promoting the release of their third studio album Given to the Wild. Some of the Dolphin Crew caught them at the Leeds and Liverpool shows… roll on over to our blog to see a full review for one of their 2012 gigs, with even more info on their guitars.


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This is a game made to the theme of sheep. This game is about sheep poo, and grass.
You play the part of a sheep, against a friend sitting at the same keyboard as you.
You must eat the grass on the opponents side of the screen, whilst pooing on your grass so it grows quicker. It's a resource game really. You need to make the trade of between blocking the other sheep, eating the other sheeps grass, and pooing on your grass.
My Evil sheep picture for the intro. I think the sheep is possessed by satan. Maybe. Or maybe it's just angry all it's lambs have been taken to be eaten. Not sure why it's angry really.
As you can see I didn't have time to draw any good looking sheep - so there's just stick figure sheep. Stick sheep that poo.
You can download the source for python+pygame here.
Ludumdare is where people make games from scratch in 48 hours. A single person does all the artwork, code, sound and everything else in the game to a theme. It's what inspired pyweek except you can use what ever programming language you like, there are no teams - one person does everything - and it only takes a weekend, not a week.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Bleten. My game for the ludumdare 48h 2002
1 comment:
- philhassey said...
you should post this directly to my LD10 site and upload the images there, etc. That way the pics can show up in the "game grids" :)
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Skip to comments.OUT OF ENERGY -- Kerry's Energy Plan Independent Of Reality
Posted on 10/11/2004 6:25:43 PM PDT by PhiKapMom
Monday, October 11, 2004
Out Of Energy
Kerry's Energy Plan
Independent Of Reality
Kerry Energy Advisers Believe Kerry's Energy Plan Is "Unrealistic And Misleading." "The idea of a United States independent of Middle East oil is a touchstone of Senator John Kerry's campaign and a huge crowd pleaser, but has divided and exasperated many of his most experienced energy advisers. Some advisers say they worry that Mr. Kerry's focus on freeing the United States from reliance on oil from the Persian Gulf, the linchpin of the energy plan he released on Thursday, is unrealistic and misleading and that hammering away at it would erode Mr. Kerry's credibility with business, the news media and other countries." (Neela Banerjee, "Kerry Goal Of Independence From Middle East Oil Divides Advisers," The New York Times, 8/7/04)
Kerry Vowed "We Can No Longer Tolerate A Dependence On Foreign Oil" But Criticizes Bush Administration For Proposing Drilling In ANWR. "The Bush Administration thinks we can drill our way out of our energy problems. And their solution is to drill in one of our precious national treasures - the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That's not an energy policy, that's simply the needless pursuit of profit."(Sen. John Kerry, Remarks At John F. Kennedy Library, Boston, MA, 2/9/03)
However, Teamsters And Other Labor Groups Support Oil Exploration In ANWR. "The Teamsters and other labor groups support the inclusion of oil and gas leasing on the coastal plain of the ANWR in the National Energy Security Act of 2001. More than 735,000 new jobs would be created by the legislation."(International Brotherhood Of Teamsters, "Teamsters Lead Grassroots ANWR Support," Press Release, 4/17/01)
ü Teamsters' President James Hoffa Called The Vote Against ANWR A "Betrayal Of Working Americans." (Richard Simon, "Senate Blocks Oil Drilling In Arctic Reserve," Los Angeles Times, 4/19/02)
ü Teamsters Ran Ads Against Kerry In Florida. "Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., has become a target of Teamsters ads because he has vowed to mount a filibuster, an extended procedural delay, to try to kill Arctic oil drilling. Kerry is a potential 2004 presidential candidate. The Teamsters are running ads against Kerry in Florida, a state with the one of the biggest Democratic fund-raising bases and a crucial Southern presidential primary. The union also is set to run anti-Kerry radio ads in Iowa, which holds an early presidential caucus." (James Kuhnhenn, "Unions, Environmentalists Clash," Monterey County Herald, 2/27/02)
ANWR Could Replace Saudi Arabian Oil. "Indeed, the United States is sitting on an untapped oil supply that could replace 30 years worth of U.S. oil imports from Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil producer, according to the National Center for Policy Analysis. But because of hysterical opposition from environmental activists, Kerry and his fellow Democrats in Congress have absolutely refused to allow any oil development whatsoever in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Alaska. Yet, candidate Kerry continues to oppose opening up the Arctic refuge to oil development, no matter how many billions of barrels of oil lie beneath its 19.5 million acres." (Joseph Perkins, Op-Ed, "One Sure Way To Lower Gasoline Prices," The San Diego Union-Tribune, 4/2/04)
Kerry Missed Votes On Ethanol, CAFE Standards, Initial Passage Of The Energy Bill And Helped Kill The President's Energy Plan By Missing Vote On Cloture. (S. 14, CQ Vote #203: Rejected 35-60: R 19-31; D 16-28; I 0-1, 6/3/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #204: Rejected 34-62: R 21-30; D 13-31; I 0-1, 6/3/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #206: Rejected 34-62: R 21-30; D 13-31; I 0-1, 6/4/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #218: Motion Agreed To 55-44: R 47-4; D 8-39; I 0-1, 6/11/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #219: Motion Agreed To 52-47: R 51-0; D 1-46; I 0-1, 6/11/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #309: Rejected 32-65: R 4-47; D 27-18; I 1-0, 7/29/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #310: Adopted 66-30: R 45-6; D 21-23; I 0-1, 7/29/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #311: Rejected 48-50: R 4-47; D 43-3; I 1-0, 7/30/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #313: Motion Agreed To 53-44: R 48-3; D 5-40; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #314: Motion Agreed To 54-44: R 47-4; D 7-39; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 14, CQ Vote #315: Motion Agreed To 50-48: R 42-8; D 8-39; I 0-1, 7/30/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #317: Passed 84-14: R 48-3; D 35-11; I 1-0, 7/31/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #456: Motion Rejected 57-40: R 44-7; D 13-32; I 0-1, 11/21/03, Kerry Did Not Vote; S. 150, CQ Vote #74: Motion Rejected 55-43: R 39-12; D 16-30; I 0-1, 4/29/04, Kerry Did Not Vote)
Kerry's Support For Climate Stewardship Act Hurts Coal Industry. "By 2025, average delivered prices to covered entities increase 485 percent for coal. The costs of the allowances add to the effective price of fossil fuels delivered to the covered sectors. The large percentage increase in the cost of coal reflects both its high carbon content and its relatively low initial price. On a dollar-per-Btu basis, coal remains the lowest cost fossil fuel under the bill, but its use is expected to be greatly reduced as a direct consequence of the allowance program." ("Analysis Of S.139, The Climate Stewardship Act Of 2003," Energy Information Administration, 6/03)
ü Even Though He Missed 64% Of Votes In 2003, Kerry Skipped New Hampshire Campaign Events To Vote On Climate Stewardship Act. "Sen. Kerry has been fighting throughout his public career to reduce greenhouse gases and hold corporate polluters accountable, so he wanted to be there to cast his vote," said Kerry spokesman Mark Kornblau. (Jordan Carleo-Evangelist, "NH's Senators Split On Bill To Cut Greenhouse Gases," The [Manchester, NH] Union Leader, 10/31/03; All Voting Data From CQ Floor Votes. Kerry Missed 292 Of 459 Votes In The First Session Of The 108th Congress.)
Unions For Jobs And The Environment, Which Includes United Mine Workers Of America, Against Climate Stewardship Act. "Mandatory emission requirements for carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would create much higher energy prices for consumers and put the economy at risk, while providing little or no tangible benefit for the global environment. Voluntary programs and innovative ideas for market-based incentives offer a way to find more creative and sustainable means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to perfect new technologies as they come on line." (Unions For Jobs And The Environment, Letter To United States Senators, 9/9/03)
Kerry Press Release Referred To Coal As "Dirty Energy" Source. "Support for dirty energy sources, not renewables. Bush's energy plan supports more than twice as many direct subsidies for dirty energy sources such as coal, oil and gas, and nuclear as for clean renewable energy such as wind, solar and geothermal." (John Kerry For President, "Kerry Takes On The Top Ten Bush Polluter Pleasers," 11/13/03)
Kerry Says He Wants Alternative Energy Sources, But Won't Weigh In On Cape Wind Farm Project In His Own Backyard. "Kerry insisted it's proper to let the environmental review continue and not to short-circuit public comment. 'I don't think it is appropriate for me (to weigh in). I think the most appropriate thing to do is listen to the people on the Cape, listen to the people who have concerns, weigh the arguments,' he said." (Kevin Landrigan, "Kerry Offers Ways To Fight Pollution," The [Nashua, NH] Telegraph, 4/23/03)
In September 2004, Kerry Reaffirmed His Refusal To Endorse Cape Wind. "So far, Kerry has balked at endorsing the project, saying he is waiting to review an Army Corps of Engineers draft report expected to be released later this fall. 'I believe that wind energy can, and should play an important role in supplying a portion of our future energy needs,' Kerry said in a written response to The Seattle Times. 'The Cape Wind project is the first of its kind in the nation. And like ... major environmental groups, I will wait until the Environmental Impact Study is complete before making a final decision on the project.' [E]veryone is waiting to see if the plan passes muster with the Army Corps of Engineers, and the junior Democratic senator from Massachusetts." (Hal Bernton, "Kerry Yet To Take A Position On Giant Wind-Power Project," The Seattle Times, 9/30/04)
Multiple Environmental Groups Are For Project. "In addition to Greenpeace, the Natural Resource Defense Council, the World Wildlife Fund, the Conservation Law Foundation and Friends of the Earth have spoken favorably of the project."(Sam Dealey, "Wind Farm Is An Issue For Kerry," The Hill, 6/18/03)
ON SAUDI ARABIA "IRRESPONSIBLE, ASININE"Kerry Advisers Say Kerry's Attacks On Saudi Arabia Are "Irresponsible, Asinine." "The advisers, who include independent analysts, former staff members from Congress and the Clinton administration, and a few industry executives, contend that Mr. Kerry's regular jabs at Saudi Arabia in particular could be construed by many in the Middle East as anti-Arab, at a time when the United States may need the help of other Arab nations to improve the situation in Iraq. 'It goes down well in Omaha, so they use it,' said one expert from the oil sector who advises the campaign and who, like other advisers, spoke on condition of anonymity. 'Though there are people who say that this is irresponsible, asinine so don't use it.' He added: 'I'm concerned and frustrated. It's been around for months.'" (Neela Banerjee, "Kerry Goal Of Independence From Middle East Oil Divides Advisers," The New York Times, 8/7/04)
Wonder what he will reply when asked about his lack of votes on energy and how the Teamsters were against him on ANWR? Of course that means I am daydreaming to think the media would actually ask him that question.
But then Kerry has a plan (brought to you by The Oklahoman):
I think one question that really needs to be asked of Senator Kerry is:
"Do you think energy should be more expensive than it is or less expensive than it is?"
During the 2000 debates and other times, the Democrat candidates have argued that energy should cost MORE than it does now. It is often pointed out that the average European spends much more for a gallon of gas than the average American, and allegedly this causes them to use resources more wisely.
Previous criticism of Bush is that he went to Iraq "for the oil", which is to say, to make it CHEAPER. In fact, Teresa just said this recently. During the primaries, Kerry floated a moonbat conspiracy theory about Bush striking a secret deal with the Saudis to make oil CHEAPER. Drilling in ANWR (and other places) would make oil CHEAPER. Easing regulations on the oil companies would make gas CHEAPER. Allowing "Benedict Arnold" corporations to outsource labor would make their products CHEAPER. Giving "tax breaks to the rich" would make their products and services CHEAPER.
Kerry has laid out the case that George W. Bush has been making oil cheaper for years. Someone should ask him if he considers that to be a good thing or a bad thing.
kerry has basically NEVER done anything but been a politician. he lives in a world of FALSE REALITY. he and those like him, simply do not understand the world, its resources, businesses, taxation, etc. ALL he knows is spew the party line. Tell ANY LIE you wish, because the media will NOT hold you accountable. Work to create a class system and prey upon those who lack either the intelligence or the drive to seek out the TRUTH. But most importantly, continue to shout how EVIL Conversatives are and how "caring" the demoncrats are. Again, do not worry, the media will repeat your LIES as facts.
Very good points! Wish you were asking the questions!
You have hit on the one thing that bugs me to no end in this race -- media will not hold Dems accountable for their lies!
LOL!!!!!! I hadn't heard about that -- way to go Grassley!
I saw this Jim Lange cartoon yesterday and been waiting to use it ever since!
The military protection tax we have paid on mid east oil has cost us perhaps trillions of dollars and thousands of lives so how can we say that the oil has been cheap?
Drilling in ANWAR makes sense and had it been started upon discovery of the fields we would now have this oil flowing into our pipelines. Perhaps that would have reduced some of the focus on protecting mid east oil. Not to mention the record prices we are experiencing because of our dependence.
I heard the same talk about reducing our dependency on mid east oil back in the early 70's while sitting in an odd even day gas line in Houston. We were importing 30% of our oil then. Now it is over 50%. All talk and no action. And it is our fault for not making politicians more accountable.
Special Thanks goes to Norm Coleman (R-MN) for voting with the Democrats on this one.
Kerry just took a shot a Dubya for HIGHER GAS PRICES!
Tah-raz-za just promised that John Boy would NEVER sent boys and girls to fight for oil (as she slipped into her stretch limo)...
Kerry shows his ties to the Watermelon Green Jihadists who have been trying to cripple America with their anti America energy goals since Jimmy Carter was president.
What blows my mind is... How people are taken in by these logic defying, so-called "leaders!" They seem to have the power of "The Shadow" from old time radio days with the ability to "cloud men's minds!" Whew!!!
I look at the hard core lefties in another way.
They are truly the lunatics of America and the world. They are mentally deranged and hate social order, discipline, good religions, capitalism, a strong America and of course President Bush.
They don't need to be brain washed, as their inner nature is to hate all that is good about America.
The malicious mischief of Michael Moore's movie medium maligns the minds of maleable men who've ever smoked dope!!!
Get the data to him. If he refuse to believe it, mark him off as a loser. Then don't waste your time with a loser.
The emotional lack of any logic has to be the poisonous effect of smoking dope, or being a "momma's boy," or something else totally irrational!!!
Who knows???
"The emotional lack of any logic has to be the poisonous effect of smoking dope, or being a "momma's boy," or something else totally irrational!!!"
That is why George $oroA$$, Lewis and other elite left wingers who hate a strong America push to legalize pot.
I wouldn't waste my time arguing with him. However, if he opens his mouth around others, bury him with data and have no mercy on him. Then if he comes whining to you in private or his family does, tell them that you will not start it. However, if he trashes our president, country and our basic core beliefs, you will end it.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Reviewed By shawn H (DACULA, GA) Reviewed for a 2009 Scion tC —5/6/2016 2:25 PM
Delivered quickly. Fit my 2009 Scion TC like a glove. Easy to install, looks good and sounds better.
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Reviewed By Travis T (GAINESVILLE, VA) Reviewed for a 2009 Scion tC —4/15/2014 8:23 PM
Changed the entire sound of my car! What used to be only silence has now been replaced with this high roar when you jump on the accelerator. Puts a smile on my face knowing I have this under the hood. Due to my heavy foot I haven't been able to notice any MPG gains. It's been two weeks and I still find myself pressing the pedal down to the floor just to hear it one more time. Definitely the best purchase I've ever made by far, just the best bang for your buck.
Reviewed By Eric I (TOMS RIVER, NJ) Reviewed for a 2009 Scion tC —8/4/2012 11:20 AM
The intake was very easy to install. I went with short RAM just so I didnt have to take off my wheel and go through that hassle. Throttle response is much better, gives the engine a good sound, first gear doesn't buck when I'm going 5 mph. 2 small cons: VSV bracket doesnt line up with Injen VSV mount. Wasn't a big deal, just had to cut one of the pieces off. And make sure you have metric screws to mount the MAFS to the Injen mount because the sheet metal screws that were originally on my air box don't match with the metric threads.


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Seller: the-chosenone (332) 100%,
Location: New York, New York,
Ships to: US,
Item: 132838483152
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1 views, 0.1 views per day, 19 days on eBay. Normal amount of views. 0 sold, 1 available.
332+ items sold. 0% negative feedback. Top-Rated Seller! Ships on time with tracking, 0 problems with past sales.


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BOSTON (AP) — A bill filed on Beacon Hill is aiming to toughen state laws against wildlife poaching, some of which haven't been updated in decades.
The bill would increase penalties for illegal activities such as shooting animals in a wildlife sanctuary, shooting wildlife from a car and hunting while under the influence of alcohol.
It also brings Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which prevents those who've lost their hunting licenses in one state from crossing state lines to continue hunting in another state.
Massachusetts is one of only seven states that is not a member of the compact.
Supporters of the bill, including the Humane Society of the United States, say some of Massachusetts' poaching penalties are among the weakest in the country and have remained unchanged since the 1930s.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.


text: IAB: Global mobile ad revenue hits $8.9 billion Published on July 09, 2013. New York—Global mobile ad revenue reached $8.9 billion last year, up 82.8% over 2011, according to a new report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Search was the dominant ad category, making up 52.8% of all mobile revenue last year. Display advertising accounted for 38.7%, while messaging made up 8.5% of mobile revenue. The top region for mobile advertising last year was Asia-Pacific, which generated $3.56 billion and accounted for 40.2% of total global mobile revenue. North America was a close second at $3.53 billion, or 39.8% of global mobile ad revenue. Western Europe generated $1.5 billion in mobile ad revenue, and Central Europe brought in $112 million. Most Popular In this article: BtoB


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Cleo L. Bowen
Cleo L. Bowen, 91, of Poteau died Monday, July 1, 2013, in Pocola.Cleo was born May 29, 1922, to Sam and Donnie (Tolbert) McElhaney. She was a homemaker. She was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Poteau. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Omer Bowen; son, Cleave Bowen; brother, Oscar McElhaney; sisters, Norma Flippo, Zola Hendrix, and Veda McElhaney.Survivors include her cousins, Ed Abernathy of Poteau, Frankie Blankenship of Stigler; sister-in-law, Margie McElhaney of Oklahoma City; nephews, Harold Hendrix and Don McElhaney of Oklahoma City; other relatives, many friends; beloved roommate, Carol Resch; and her loving caregivers.Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, at Evans Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Burial will be in Milton Cemetery, Milton. Pallbearers will be Ed Abernathy, Jerry Scott, Charles McKee, Carold Abernathy, Rodney Abernathy and Jimmy Abernathy.Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, is handling arrangements.You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com.


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Applying Lean to Sanitation
A recent FSIS notice allows for extended time between cleanups; lean sanitation can get you there and safely save you 33 percent in costs.
Sanitation is a paradox in food processing. Food safety cannot be assured without robust cleaning practices, but sanitation itself adds no value to the product. Dealing with these potentially conflicting objectives is a paramount responsibility for management.
Recognizing there is no "one size fits all" approach to product safety, the USDA commented earlier this year on the opportunities for establishments to revise cleaning practices and extend periods between cleanups.
This clarification on the required frequency of cleanup provides operators with a sizable opportunity to increase capacity utilization by developing alternate sanitation programs and decreasing non-operating hours. The upside is potentially huge — up to a 33 percent gain in capacity and associated reductions in costs, working capital and long-term assets.
FSIS Notice 27-06, issued April 16, summarizes the USDA's position on extending processing activities and increasing the interval between full cleanups. It states:
To decrease downtime, increase production efficiency and minimize expense, establishments can extend the period between cleanups. However, establishments must … develop, implement and maintain written standard operating procedures for sanitation, and … those sanitation SOPs [must] be effective in preventing direct contamination or adulteration of product.
Notice 27-06 continues by providing further details and basic direction for developing and implementing "alternative cleaning procedures and frequencies."
Introducing lean sanitation
Some processors have extended run times by conditioning the environment to inhibit bacteria growth and/or producing an item for multiple shifts before conducting sanitation during a changeover. This approach may achieve higher efficiency, but gains are offset by increased inventories, lower flexibility and higher overheads. Employee morale, safety and health also may be negatively affected, leading to increased turnover, absenteeism and occupational injuries.
Applying the tools of lean manufacturing to reduce the complexity and time to complete cleanup is a better approach. We call this Lean Sanitation.
Let's take a typical processing operation running two shifts five days per week. Utilization of true capacity, defined as 24/7, is less than 45 percent. The key premise of lean is that 80-90 percent of activity is waste. Sanitation is no exception. In our example, value-added sanitation accounts for less than 90 minutes each day.
Now introduce Lean Sanitation to replace dedicated shifts and crews for sanitation, with work cells performing intensive operational sanitation and rapid cleanups as required. Production lot sizes are reduced lowering inventory and increasing responsiveness. Utilization of 24/7 capacity almost doubles to 80 percent.
Four steps of implementation
Figure 1 shows the roadmap for implementing Lean Sanitation. In pre-launch, you need to build consensus and buy-in for the initiative by outlining measurable short-term goals and securing sponsorship from senior management. Approach key members of the organization to discuss the proposal and solicit early input.
Figure 1. Lean Sanitation Roadmap.
Lean is multi-functional and requires extensive cooperation and communication among all departments and levels of the organization. Building involvement early in the process will make later stages of the transition easier.
Once the project basics are completed, senior management should announce the initiative through a series of meetings and written notices. Senior management's visibility throughout the process will reinforce the importance, priority and long-term commitment to the changes.
Assembling the steering team will require some finesse to balance quantity versus quality. On one hand, there is the tendency to include every department and draft the most enthusiastic supporters for the project. On the other hand, too large a group will slow down the process.
It is better to limit the players and pull others in for specific assignments as needed. Adding naysayers to the team will maintain a balanced perspective. The bonus is that as pessimists buy into the program, they become some of its leading proponents.
A lean transformation is a continuous cycle of innovation and standardization. From kick-off and thereafter, the organization will constantly alternate between kaizen improvement events and stabilizing and sustaining activities.
Kaizen, a Japanese word meaning "to make better," is the innovative component of lean. Kaizen events are organized projects narrowly focused on a specific opportunity and lasting no more than a few days. By keeping the scope of the project small and engaging both the people performing the work and management in kaizen events, breakthrough improvements are routinely achieved.
Work standards are lean's stabilizing and sustaining element. The principles of work standards in lean differ substantially from the outdated concept of engineered work. In applying standards, we distinguish between controlling and managing. Controlling implies inflexibility, insensitivity and disrespect for other's knowledge. Managing is a framework for conducting activities while enabling individuals to use their experience and creativity to suggest improvements.
Phase I: Assessing current conditions
The first steps are to develop a detailed understanding of sanitation practices as they "really exist," to select specific opportunities for improvement and to identify who in the organization needs to be included at each step. Throughout this phase, developing consensus and buy-in is crucial.
Refer to the examples of a flow diagram and a value stream map (VSM) in figures 2 and 3. To develop this documentation, assign members of the team to trace the movement, tasks performed and time to complete each task using 11x17-in. schematics of the area and equipment. Two or three reviews of the entire cycle should be sufficient to collect the necessary information.
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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to sanction a £100m spending spree in January, according to the Daily Star.
The Blues chief is reportedly keen to clinch the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, while Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini and Porto playmaker Joao Moutinho are also targets for Chelsea next month.
The report claims Stamford Bridge boss Rafa Benitez will hold talks with a number of his top targets later this week, as the Blues look to get ready for a busy transfer window.
Top of their list remains Atletico frontman Radamel Falcao. The Colombian international underlined his ability with a stunning goal against Barcelona last weekend, and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the striker, who is believed to have a £48m release clause in his contract.
The Daily Star suggest Chelsea have already drawn up a £200,000-a-week offer to tempt Falcao to Stamford Bridge, which would make him the club's highest earner.
The former-Porto striker could be joined by another Porto player at Chelsea if Abramovich gets his way, as Portugal international Joao Moutinho is a second January target for the European champions.
The midfielder is reported to have a £28.5m release clause. But Moutinho may not be the only midfielder coming to west London next month, as Everton midfielder Marouane Felliani is a third £20m target. Chelsea find themselves short in the central area, with Frank Lampard on the fringes of the first-team and Oriol Romeu on the sidelines for the next six months. Michael Essien remains on loan at Real Madrid.
The report claims the three moves are dependent on the sale of Danny Sturridge. The £12m-rated forward is set to complete his move to Liverpool in the New Year, and the Daily Star report the 23-year-old is ready to sign a £70,000-a-week deal. His transfer could then spark a series of moves in the New Year, which would see Benitez significantly strengthen his squad for a title tilt in the final months of the season.


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NWSB insider Dave B brings us another Northwest Athlete Profile, following Brandon Yip. Yip would play for the Coquitlam Express before moving onto play for Boston College. He debuted for the Colorado Avalanche before heading over to the Nashville Predators where he is making a name for himself.
Northwest Athlete Profile: Brandon Yip
January 22, 2012 By


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Take Monday Off: Houston
Pack a week's worth of activities contemporary-art-gazing, bayou kayaking and letting Tex-Mex and Mex-Mex vie for your affections—into one long weekend in Space City
HOUSTON HAS LONG BEEN a city that commanded respect before affection; a megalopolis built on oil money and rocket fuel (NASA's Johnson Space Center, aka Mission Control, is outside downtown).
With the NBA All Star weekend upon us, and the three-week-long Livestock Show and Rodeo following right behind, it's time to check in on their host city. The food scene, from mind-bendingly good Vietnamese holes-in-the-wall to reserve-a-month-ahead tasting-menu restaurants, is a growing source of local pride—and calories (according to Zagat, Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city). And with the extravagant Menil Collection and the profusion of smaller art centers and galleries, the city is home to an enviably progressive and well-funded arts scene.
H-Town sprawls across more than 600 square miles, so to appreciate it you'll need a car. Even the city's core—or as it's known locally, "the Loop" (bounded by Interstate 610)—is larger than San Francisco. Somehow, though, no two points inside the Loop seem to ever be more than 15 minutes apart, and getting around on weekends is a breeze. After a weekend of art-crawling, barhopping and eating until you can neither crawl nor hop any more, you'll see why Hello Lucky, a cute and crafty boutique in the city's Heights section, counts an "It's OK to Love Houston" T-shirt among its best sellers.
6 p.m. Arrive at one of Houston's two major airports, William P. Hobby (HOU) or George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). A car, ideally one with GPS, is essential for getting around. The drive downtown is less than half an hour from either airport.
7:30 p.m. Check into the Hotel ICON (from $199 per night, 220 Main St., hotelicon.com). This boutique hotel is housed in the 102-year-old Union National Bank building and the lobby bar and restaurant, with its 30-foot-high columns, is one of the more dramatic spaces in the city.
8:30 p.m. A meal at Underbelly, chef Chris Shepherd's homage to the remarkable ethnic diversity of Houston (at least 90 languages are spoken within the city limits) is the gastronomic equivalent of watching a Robert Altman film: Each dish arrives seemingly unrelated to the others, until, near the end, the meal resolves into a clear but complex story. The Korean braised goat with dumplings, the restaurant's most popular dish, does not seem to belong on the same menu as vinegar pie with salt brittle, a Depression-era recipe that might be the worst sounding, best tasting thing you eat this year. Yet both are part of what Mr. Shepherd calls the distinct "American Creole" of Houston. The check comes in what is essentially Mr. Shepherd's pocket guide to the restaurants, people and purveyors that define the city. Take it with you. (1100 Westheimer Rd., underbellyhouston.com)
10:30 p.m. When you step out of Underbelly, allow yourself a moment to look across the street and appreciate the retro beauty of neon-covered restaurant El Real (don't worry; you'll go inside soon enough). Now ask yourself a question: bourbon or Barolo? If bourbon's your drink, then drop in to Poison Girl, an almost-walkable half-mile west on Westheimer Road (1641 B Westheimer Rd., 713-527-9929). This Pepto-Bismol-pink-walled dive bar has the best bourbon selection in town—and a wall of pinball machines to boot. If you want something a bit more refined, about halfway back to the hotel is 13 Celsius, a sleek wine bar housed in a former dry-cleaning shop (3000 Caroline St., 13celsius.com). The wines are chosen and stored with care (13 Celsius refers to its cellar temperature). An extensive list of wines not just by the glass, but also in half-glass and tasting-size servings, encourages exploration.
9:15 a.m. For Saturday breakfast at Revival Market, chef Ryan Pera always makes something special, and always from scratch (550 Heights Blvd., revivalmarket.com). It might be biscuits with smoked ham, made from heritage-breed hogs raised by the market's co-owner, Morgan Weber. It might be kolaches and klobasneks—yeasted rolls with a changing roster of, respectively, sweet (Meyer-lemon cream) and savory (Czech-style sausage and farmstead cheddar) fillings. A word to the wise: Locals know to check the market's website in advance and set their alarms early on "kolache Saturdays," as the rolls tend to sell out. Give yourself a few minutes to browse the nicely curated market. Grab a jar of Galveston sea salt to take home as a souvenir. And even though you won't be cooking, see what fishmonger PJ Stoops has in his case. He specializes in bycatch (the stuff that most commercial fishermen toss back, such as Bearded Brotula and Almaco Jacks). Mr. Stoops has had as much influence on the Houston food scene as any chef. You'll be sure to learn something.
11 a.m. Now that you've fed your belly, time to feed your soul. Drive about 15 minutes south to the Menil Collection (1533 Sul Ross St., menil.org). The Renzo Piano-designed museum and its satellite buildings housing works by Cy Twombly and Dan Flavin, as well as the Rothko Chapel, are so integral to Houston's cultural identity that it's hard to believe that the institution is only a quarter of a century old. It's still early enough that you might have the somber, octagonal chapel—filled with Mark Rothko's studies in black—to yourself for a few minutes.
1 p.m. Just a short walk across the campus of the University of St. Thomas is the Eatsie Boys Cafe (4100 Montrose Blvd., Suite C, eatsieboys.com). With its copious Beastie Boys references and a chef who is the spitting image of "Animal House"-era John Belushi, one might expect typical next-to-campus grub, but chef Matt Marcus is a Culinary Institute of America grad who trained under London chef Heston Blumenthal. Whether it's the Big Shrimpin' sandwich or the Matzah Ball Pho, when the menu says "trust us," you should.
2 p.m. Time for a little retail therapy. Drive about 10 minutes to Kuhl-Linscomb, a design and lifestyle shop that sprawls over 70,000 square feet and takes up five buildings (2424 W. Alabama St., kuhl-linscomb.com). With everything from Texas-map-embroidered pillows to picnic tables, this is your hometown's best boutique (several of them, actually) blown up to Texas-size proportions.
3:15 p.m. You probably noticed that the staff serving you breakfast at Revival Market was more than slightly dapperly attired. That's because they were decked out in Billy Reid shirts. The Alabama-based designer has a devoted following, and his Houston shop—one of nine in the country—is housed in a Depression-era bungalow (2702 Westheimer Rd., 713-552-0333, billyreid.com). They take their Southern hospitality seriously at Revival Market, so if the clerk offers you something to drink, say "Yes, please," and pick up a John T—a shirt named for southern writer John T. Edge, who, with affection, recently christened Houston "mutt city," for its fantastic diversity.
4 p.m. Ring the cocktail bell. Newly carved out of Randy Evans's restaurant Haven is the Cove Cold Bar (2502 Algerian Way, havenhouston.com). Unlike Haven, which is strictly Texan in its sourcing and style, Cove has a global reach and a seafood-centric menu created by chef Jean Philippe Gaston. A Warwick cocktail with a few oysters is the perfect restorative.
5:30 p.m. Head back to the hotel, have a rest and maybe change into your John T.
7:30 p.m. Drive 10 minutes to Oxheart, ranked one of the 10 best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit magazine (1302 Nance St., oxhearthouston.com). Houston-native chef Justin Yu and his pastry-chef wife, Karen Man, work magic in this tiny warehouse-district storefront; even the most die-hard carnivore will be wowed by Mr. Yu's gift for coaxing deep flavor and sublime texture from the local produce that anchors the menu. Sommelier Justin Vann sports a tattoo of Texas' symbol of pugnacity, the star and cannon "Come and Take It" flag from the Texas Revolution. He'll be eager to talk muskets and Muscadet. Between courses, browse the shelves full of vinyl records—you'll find everything from the Psychedelic Furs to Gerry Mulligan. Sit at the chef's counter if you can, to watch Mr. Yu and company navigate the absurdly small kitchen with balletic grace. The restaurant is tiny and popular; reservations are strongly advised.
10 p.m. Go for an after-dinner beer that's 10 minutes—but a whole world—away, at the recently reopened, much loved Moon Tower Inn, located on an industrial stretch of the Second Ward (3004 Canal St., damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com). The kitchen and bar are housed in a building made from shipping containers and reclaimed lumber, while all the seating is outdoors. They have 66 beers on tap (a few of which are made on-site), a selection of wild game sausages and hamburgers, and a terrifically irreverent, often profane notion of what constitutes customer service (check out the "Walked tabs & bad attitudes, $50 fine" sign behind the bar). Park yourself at a picnic table under the stars for a spell.
10:30 a.m. Time for brunch, and you have a very important decision to make: Tex-Mex or Mex-Mex. For Tex-Mex, hit El Real (remember the glowing restaurant you walked past on Friday night?) (1201 Westheimer St., elrealtexmex.com). Housed in an old movie theater and the result of a collaboration between chef Bryan Caswell, entrepreneur Bill Floyd and food writer Robb Walsh, the restaurant serves rib-sticking, chile-inflected grub of the greasy-finger, tingling-lips variety. Be sure to check out the San Antonio-style puffy tacos. For more traditional, and lighter, Mexican food, the Sunday buffet brunch at Hugo's is the way to go (1600 Westheimer St., hugosrestaurant.net). Puebla, Mexico-born chef Hugo Ortega has a passion for the food of central Mexico. Try your hardest not to overdo it on the lamb chops, octopus salad, duck with mole and chilaquiles; the desserts, made by Mr. Ortega's pastry-chef brother, Ruben, are irresistible.
12:15 p.m. Time to burn off that brunch. You may have noticed by now that Houston is not really a place for walking. It is though, a great city for jogging, biking and even paddling (at least, outside of the dog days of summer). The Buffalo Bayou moves like a sidewinder through the city and is lined with a growing network of parks and paths. Go for a walk, or better yet, rent a bicycle from Buffalo Bayou Shuttle Service (1520 Silver St., bayoushuttle.com). The company also rents kayaks and offers guided tours.
3 p.m. Head back to your hotel for a (necessary) rinse off and a (deserved) rest. Give the deep soaking tub a whirl.
4:30 p.m. Up and at 'em! Feeling thirsty? Good. It's almost impossible to overstate the impact Anvil Bar & Refuge has had on the Houston cocktail scene (1424 Westheimer Rd., anvilhouston.com). The drinks are sophisticated, and the bartenders (not "mixologists," they'll have you know) are some of the city's best. Try the Nitro Cuba Libre, a seriously upgraded rum and Coke dispensed through a nitrogen tap, giving the drink the appearance and creaminess of a pint of Guinness, or let the bartender guide you to something from their extensive menu. Showing up early guarantees you a seat at the bar.
7 p.m. Houston has a large and vibrant Vietnamese community. About 35,000 strong, it's centered around Bellaire Boulevard, about 20 minutes west of downtown. Go to Pho Binh By Night for what might be the best pho (an aromatic noodle soup) this side of Hanoi (12148 Bellaire Blvd., phobinh.com). Make sure to get a side of bone marrow broth. If soup's not your thing, visit Crawfish & Noodles (11360 Bellaire Blvd., 281-988-8098). Many Vietnamese settled in Gulf fishing communities, giving rise to Cajun-Vietnamese restaurants like this one—except the others don't come close. Order a few pounds of spicy crawfish and a stewed turkey neck from the Cajun side of the menu, and some sweet and meaty Salt and Pepper Blue Crab from the Vietnamese side.
9:30 p.m. Park back at your hotel and stroll a block up Congress Avenue to La Carafe, believed to be the oldest bar in Houston (the building dates to 1847) (813 Congress St., 713-229-9399). This romantic stop has a great wine selection and a terrific jukebox (Cowboy Junkies and Houston's own Archie Bell & the Drells? Heaven). Grab a candlelit table and see if you can hear the ghost of Carl, a dearly departed bartender, rattling around upstairs.
10:15 a.m. Pay a visit to the Lawndale Art Center, a furniture showroom-turned-gallery dedicated to contemporary work created by Texas artists (4912 Main St., lawndaleartcenter.org). Be sure to check out the ever-evolving street-art mural that covers the broad north wall of the building as you make your way back to your car.
11 a.m. Drive five minutes west to Brazos Bookstore, an independent so beloved by Houstonians that, when it faced closure in 2006, a consortium of 27 locals took over ownership of the place (2421 Bissonnet St., brazosbookstore.com). Grab a copy of "Houston. It's Worth It," a photographic tribute by locals to their beloved, if sometimes maligned, city.
11:45 a.m. Stop into Reeves Antiques and browse the art, ephemera and midcentury furniture (2415 Taft St., reevesantiqueshouston.com). Paul Reeves and his son, Matt, are happy to answer any questions, while Corky and Daisy, their Jack Russell terriers, work security.
12 p.m. Before heading to the airport, continue up Taft Street to the Pass & Provisions for lunch (807 Taft St., passandprovisions.com). This might just be Houston's most ambitious restaurant. Divided into two parts, the Pass is a tasting-menu-only dinner spot, while its more casual sibling, Provisions, offers lunch, dinner and cocktails. The Cresta de Gallo pasta with hen of the woods mushrooms and Parmesan foam is a witty (and delicious) vegetarian riff on everything chicken. Chefs Seth Siegel-Gardner and Terrence Gallivan are clearly having fun while making some very serious food.
1:30 p.m. Head to the airport. While waiting at your gate, peruse that little guide from Underbelly and plan your next trip.
Take Tuesday Off
Tack on an extra day to hit these five hot spots outside the I-610 loop.
1. Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Battleground The toughest of old battleships is housed next to the battlefield where the Republic of Texas won independence from Mexico in 1836; this is the wellspring of "Don't Mess with Texas" spirit. tpwd.state.tx.us
2. Johnson Space Center If you can, take the Level Nine tour, which lasts up to five hours and includes visits to the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Mission Control Center and the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility and lunch in the Astronauts' Cafeteria. spacecenter.org
3. Bluebell Creameries Tours of the 106-year-old creamery where Texas's favorite ice cream comes from conclude, as they should, in an on-site ice cream parlor. bluebell.com
4. National Museum of Funeral History The museum explores funereal traditions of everyone from popes to cowboys and has unbeatable collections of hearses and coffins. And, yes, there is a gift shop.nmfh.org
5. Galveston Island Venture 50 miles out of Houston and take in some sun and sand along the Gulf side of the island. On the bay side, visit the Ocean Star, a decommissioned offshore oil-rig-turned-museum. oceanstaroec.com


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Animal Species:Common Brushtail Possum
The Common Brushtail Possum is probably the best known of the possums in Sydney because it has adapted to urban living and often comes into contact with people.
Standard Common Name
Common Brushtail Possum
Size range
55 cm
Common Brushtail Possums are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory. Also found in New Zealand.
Common Brushtail Possums live in urban areas, forests and woodlands and heath.
Feeding and Diet
In the wild, the Common Brushtail Possum's diet consists of leaves, blossoms and fruits, but in suburbia it will eat almost anything.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Common Brushtail Possum is nocturnal and, during the day, retreats to a hollow log, branch, tree trunk or any dark area, even inside house roofs.
The Common Brushtail Possum is a social animal and remains in contact with its group through sounds and scents. At times, particularly during the breeding season, it makes piercing screeches in the middle of the night to establish territories and warn of danger.
Predators, Parasites and Diseases
The Common Brushtail Possum's main predators include Dingoes, pythons, foxes and cats.
Economic/social impacts
The Common Brushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1830s where it has now become a pest species.In Australia, it is a protected species.
- Species:
- vulpecula
- Genus:
- Trichosurus
- Family:
- Phalangeridae
- Order:
- Diprotodontia
- Subclass:
- Marsupialia
- Class:
- Mammalia
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Mammalia
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags possums, marsupials, mammals, vertebrates, identification, wildlife of sydney,
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