text:
The Magic Flute
Florida Grand Opera is currently presenting "Die Zauberflöte," also known as "The Magic Flute," by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as part of its current season.
This timeless classic is really not an opera at all, but rather a "singspiel." This basically means that a good portion of the show is spoken rather than sung, much in the style of operetta or modern musical theater.
Written in 1791, "Die Zauberflöte" is Mozart's last stage work to be completed before his death and one of his best loved works and this current production, while far from perfect, makes a highly entertaining evening.
The plot of this opera is very convoluted. It takes place in a fantasy world where there are princes and princesses, evil queens, good priests and all sort of other interesting characters that come across in the storyline. The opera is notable for the many symbols of freemasonry that are prevalent in its plot.
The two stars of the evening were Andrew Bidlack who played the hero, Tamino and Lisette Oropesa, who played his lady love, Pamina.
Bidlack's tenor voice is crystal clear and has a beauty of tone not often found in Mozart tenors. He is charming and handsome and makes the perfect storybook prince for this fantasy opera role.
Oropesa was beyond fantastic in her portrayal of Pamina. She has a lovely, large and clear soprano voice. This role is usually overshadowed by her mother, the Queen of the Night, but Oropesa far out-sang and out-acted any other female on the stage. Her rendering of the aria "Ach, ich fühls" was poignant and heart-renderingly beautiful. Everything she sang during the performance was note perfect and beautiful.
The most famous role of this opera is the Queen of the Night and the most recognizable piece for most audience members is her act two Vengeance aria. Mozart wrote this role for his sister-in-law, Josepha Weber, who was a famous coloratura soprano of the late 17th century. The role, while very small with only three stage appearances in the course of the night, is a very demanding one requiring a very agile and high voice.
Jeanette Vecchione, who plays the Queen in this current production, has a very high voice with beautiful high notes, but in the performance I saw, she was less than perfect. It sounded as if she might be fighting a cold. Her high Ds in the first aria, "O zittre nicht," were shaky, but I attributed this to the fact that the conductor seemed to be pushing her tempos to a near un-singable pace.
Her performance of the act two Vengeance aria, "Der Hölle rache," however was poor. The Vengeance aria has four written in Fs above High C and one optional one which Ms. Vecchione chose to take. While she managed the optional F perfectly, she unfortunately only managed to hit three out of the four Fs that are standard in the score and her coloratura passages at the end of the aria were noticeably off key. I am hoping that the performance I saw was just an off night -- it happens for all singers -- and not the standard to which she normally performs.
In the role of the birdman, Papageno, baritone Jonathan G. Michie gave a funny and well-sung performance, even though he was outfitted in a horrific black pompadour wig. He has a sense of comic timing and was the perfect foil to Bidlack's prince.
Bass Jordan Bisch was especially notable in his performance of the role of Sarastro, the high priest. Bass voices are frequently difficult to hear unamplified over an orchestra when they are in their lower register and the role of Sarastro is one of the lowest roles in the opera world. Bisch's voice carried nicely even when he was in the depths of his range and was clearly audible at all times.
While there were standout performers, this production is far from perfect. Aside from Ms. Vecchione, soprano Hye Jung Lee's portrayal of Papagena was frequently inaudible, her voice being completely overwhelmed by the orchestra.
The opera has roles for three boy sopranos which were played by Andres Larrea, Charles Vega and Salvador Blanco. While I commend these young men for singing this challenging music, going on stage in an opera at a young age and singing in German, the truth of the matter is that they were horribly out of tune with each other and their singing caused my theater companion to cringe whenever they came on stage.
This production is presented in German, including all of the dialogue between the arias. While it is nice to hear this opera in its original language, there are very good singable English translations of this opera available and had FGO used one of them for this production, it might have made this show more accessible to the general public.
I am a fluent German speaker, but my theater companion for the evening was not and he found that reading the supertitles during the dialogue sections of the show hindered his enjoyment of the evening. That being said, the German that was spoken and sung was practically flawless to those who speak the language.
Even with these flaws, the beauty of Mozart's score makes this opera worth seeing. There has never been a time when "Die Zauberflöte" has fallen out of fashion. The music is timeless, classic and breathtakingly beautiful. This is an opera that is very accessible for children and people who have never been to an opera before. It is rich in music, costuming, scenery and storyline.
"The Magic Flute" is playing through Feb. 16 at the Ziff Opera House in the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, 1300 Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, and and at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Feb. 21-23. For info or tickets, call 800-741-1010 or visit www.FGO.org


text:
DuPont Pioneer and AGCO Announce Global Collaboration to Wirelessly Deliver Real-Time Crop and Farm Management Information to Growers
DES MOINES, Iowa, and DULUTH, Ga., May 6, 2014— DuPont Pioneer and AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO) today announced a global collaboration to bring wireless data transfer technology solutions to farmers in leading agricultural markets, including the United States, Canada, Brazil and key European countries. The agreement will allow seamless interface of data and farm management information between AGCO equipment and EncircaSM services, the new whole-farm decision solutions offering from Pioneer that is designed to help growers improve their productivity and profitability.
Seamless data transfer is an important technology enabler for EncircaSM services, which are currently being rolled out in North America to corn and soybean farmers and can be offered globally over time to support a wide range of crops and markets.
As part of the AGCO Fuse™ Technologies platform, as well as the commitment by Pioneer to offer brand neutral decision agriculture services, growers can choose to have data collected through AGCO's VarioDoc, TaskDoc® and AgCommand® systems wirelessly transferred to Pioneer EncircaSM services. AGCO's VarioDoc and TaskDoc® are task file management systems that allow growers to conveniently and securely transfer task files between their farm machines and office without the need for a data card, portable memory drive or the physical transfer of devices. AgCommand® is AGCO's fleet and asset management system that provides growers, contractors and managers with instant access to a wide range of information about equipment working in the fields or traveling on the road.
"We are excited about the new addition of Pioneer EncircaSM services to the list of decision agriculture platforms compatible with VarioDoc, TaskDoc® and AgCommand®, helping growers become more efficient in farm data and fleet management," said Matt Rushing, vice president, Product Line, Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS)."Fuse Technology's open approach enables growers to integrate their AGCO equipment and decision agriculture technology with the trusted service providers and software partners they choose."
"Pioneer is a leader in decision agriculture solutions that put growers' needs for flexibility and convenience first," said Alejandro Munoz, DuPont Pioneer vice president, Global Commercial Business. "This collaboration with AGCO is another significant milestone toward our whole-farm services strategy, enabled by industry-leading collaborations and advanced technologies, which works with growers to analyze and use their data to positively improve their bottom lines."
VarioDoc is available as optional equipment on most Fendt® tractors, forage harvesters and combines; TaskDoc® is now available on select Massey Ferguson® combines with more AGCO products planned in the future. AgCommand® is a standard feature on many Challenger®, Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra® machines.
For more information about Fuse Technologies and AGCO's new connected strategy, visit www.agcotechnologies.com/About-Fuse. Visit www.encirca.pioneer.com to learn more about Pioneer next generation decision services.
# # # #
DuPont Pioneer | Jane Slusark | 515-535-0164 | firstname.lastname@example.com
AGCO | Whitney West | 770-813-6049 | email@example.com
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™, EncircaSM and Science with Service Delivering Success® are servicemarks, trademarks or registered trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Fuse™, VarioDoc, TaskDoc® AgCommand®, Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra® are trademarks or registered trademarks of AGCO or its affiliates. Challenger® is a registered trademark of Caterpillar, Inc. and used under license by AGCO.
AGCO (NYSE: AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery. AGCO supports more productive farming through a full line of tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage equipment, grain storage and protein production systems, tillage implements and replacement parts. AGCO products are sold through five core machinery brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra® and are distributed globally through approximately 3,100 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. Founded in 1990, AGCO is headquartered in Duluth, Ga., USA. In 2013, AGCO had net sales of $10.8 billion. www.AGCOcorp.com
DuPont Pioneer is the world's leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success®.
DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders, we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit www.dupont.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Message Board
J.T. McDaniel Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that McDaniel has written!
Author McDaniel's Book Reviews
With Honour in Battle
At the end of 1944, Kruger, a burnt-out u-boat commander, is assigned to an advanced boat of remarkable potential. At sea, he must contend with a triumphant enemy and a former British captive now commanding a killer group charged with hunting him down. On land, his family is gone, and his chances of romance seem doomed by events beyong his control. He must also cope with his own realisation of the futility of his mission, and the knowledge that, patrioti...


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
What's interesting to me is that Griffith was standing outside watching. Was that a coincidence or was he making sure that Rakshas was getting the job done?
At this rate, by the time Guts reconnects with Rickert he'll have created an atomic bomb and a jet to deliver it.
ETA: By the way, thank you so much for posting the link and the summary of it, Aaz! I appreciate it so much.
Before anyone asks, it will be published on November 27.
Anybody have any ideas why Luka didn't join them? Rakshas knows she was with Rickert and the others who escaped. Wouldn't she be in danger now?
Think Luka and crew will take the money and leave the city?
Gotta hand it to Miura, everyone had some idea of what we would be seeing in this episode, but he pulled it off in a way I didnt see anybody predict that was still a perfectly logical sequence, though a reveal of multiple garudas (garudae?) isnt something you could guess easily.
the way it just sought of moved on from Rakshas after he couldn't pursue anymore rather than really show us the damage makes it seem like hell be back after all. Unless theres a scene or two more It seems like you win this round Aaz.
Actually, not to brag but I'd say Walter and I predicted it pretty damn accurately given the circumstances, from the number of episodes involved to how the events would play out (Daiba saving the day, the airborne escape with Garuda...).
Oh yeah, everyone knew that would go down.
Anyway, the full moon in these episodes makes me wonder whether the Moonlight Boy will make an appearance when we switch to Guts' side.
I guess my theory about Griffith turning into the Moonlight Boy like some kind of a werewolf is shot, given that he's standing right in front of the full moon at the end of the episode.
It also makes me wonder about the passage of time, It was a full moon the last time we saw Guts on-board the ship so either the perspective jump knocked us back a few days that we've just caught up to again or the poor old crew got ferried by merrow for at least another whole month.
I wonder, though, is Rakshas actually capable of flight? Or is he using his body strength to propel himself into the air?
I wonder if Rakshas is down for the count? Probably not but it does appear that his head was seperated from his body by that explosion. But then again he uses that mask as a decoy all the time now.
Anyone else feel like the art has taken a shift here? Bolder lines with a bit more of a cartoony look, especially on Daiba and the Garuda? I kind of like it, it looks cleaner. Almost reminiscent of the Lost Children art style.
It's strange how little Rakshas fought or did once transformed. Once the snakes arrived he pretty much stops all action. Aaz is there something said here that explains this more? Is he afraid of snakes or something like this?
Also as we leave Falconia, I think it's interesting that the two Apostle captains we didn't see are the same two who were sent to exterminate Flora. Might they be on similar tasks to solidify Griffith's rule? Zodd and Grunbeld certainly are capable enough. But to be honest I'd be really surprised if we saw them in Skellig. It would feel to similar to what's happened before and I think our heroes need a break and an info dump.
I like the idea of them being out there in the wilderness, butchering astral creatures. I mean I can't be the only one who wants to see Grunbeld take on a real dragon, can I?


text:
We asked Kevin Durant himself if he has any nicknames, and all he could come up with is "KSmoove." It's absurdities like that which got us into the nickname business in the first place. Here's a player with as much pure offensive talent as anyone to come into the League this millennium, as he showed most recently in the Rookie-Sophomore Game. Obviously, this guy needs a nickname that honors his abilities—and he's on record as asking us for one. Kevin needs your help.
Whoever has the best nickname will win a dope prize from the SLAM vault and get their name in Trash Talk next month.


text:
The California Supreme Court on Thursday threw out a legal rule that had shielded Verdugo Hills Hospital from having to pay millions of dollars to the family of a boy who suffered brain damage shortly after his birth in 2003.
The ruling could force the hospital to pay upwards of $14 million to the family, though a jury found in 2007 that the family pediatrician who already paid $1 million was mostly responsible for the boy's injuries.
The case dates back to March 24, 2003, when Aidan Ming-Ho Leung was born prematurely at Verdugo Hills. He was released the next day with a hospital-issued manual for the care of newborns. Three days after he was born, his parents noticed Aidan's eyes were yellow and that he appeared unhealthy.
The manual stated that jaundice is not unusual in newborns and is only rarely dangerous.
The parents called the pediatrician, Dr. Steven Nishibayashi. A staffer told them not to rush in and instead suggested they keep a scheduled appointment for four days later.
But Aidan's condition worsened, and at 6 days old was rushed to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. He had already suffered brain damage from an extreme form of jaundice called kernicterus.
Aidan, now 9, has a functioning brain, but cannot speak or control his muscles and requires extensive care.
After his family sued Nishibayashi and Verdugo Hills, a Los Angeles County Superior Court jury awarded the family $82.8 million in 2007 for future medical costs, $13.3 million for loss of future earnings and $328,000 for other damages. Because most of the damages would be paid over Aidan's lifetime, the California Supreme Court estimated the present value of the verdict at slightly more than $15 million.
The jury determined Nishibayashi was 55% at fault, the hospital 40% at fault, and the family 5% at fault.
But before the verdict, the family agreed to accept a $1-million settlement from Nishibayashi — the limit of his malpractice insurance.
That left Verdugo Hills Hospital responsible for the rest. The hospital appealed, arguing that Nishibayashi made the medical mistake and that it should not pay most of the award when the jury found the doctor to be the most at fault.
In 2011, an appellate court agreed, saying a rule commonly used in California courts when more than one party is found liable precludes the hospital from paying so much. But in doing so, the appellate court also asked the California Supreme Court to repudiate the rule because it leaves the Leungs with far less money than the jury awarded.
On Thursday, the state Supreme Court unanimously abandoned the so-called "release rule."
"In light of the unjust and inequitable results the common law release rule can bring about, as shown in this case, we hold that the rule is no longer followed in California," Justice Joyce Kennard wrote for the court.
The court sent the case back to the court of appeal to resolve other lingering questions that could determine the ultimate amount of money the hospital has to pay out, over what period of time, as well as an overall challenge to the damages phase of the trial.
Stuart Esner, an attorney for the family, hailed the decision.
"It's been over five years. Now the family is one step closer, a significant step closer, to finally recovering the judgment the jury returned in its favor," he said.
Robert Olson, an attorney for Verdugo Hills Hospital, said the hospital will continue to contest aspects of the case and that the ruling may prompt hospitals to issue more "alarmist" instructions to patients in order to protect themselves from liability.
"The hospital's view remains that it did what it was supposed to do, to get the patient — the parents here — to call the doctor. It is the physician who needs to make medical judgments," he said.
Follow Bill on Twitter @bkisliuk


text:
Flash: Judge Halts UC Memorial Stadium Gym Project
An Alameda County Superior Court judge's ruling has forced a halt to the planned construction of a gymnasium complex next to UC Berkeley's California Memorial Stadium.
While the ruling upheld most of the university's plans for their Memorial Stadium gym, it also held that key parts of the decision approved by the UC Board of Regents need revision.
Stephan Volker, one of the attorneys suing the university, hailed the judge's ruling as a victory.
Judge Barbara J. Miller decided that three key features of the planned stadium gym violate the Alquist-Priolo Act governing construction on or near earthquake faults. She rejected the university's contention that the law doesn't apply to them.
The judge also said that the approval by the regents failed to adequately consider earthquake risks and noise and traffic from special events planned at the university.
Though she upheld most of the university's contentions, the judge's decision halts the uiniversity's plans to move forward on the project pending further environmental review.
"We are ecstatic," Volker said.
The ruling late Wednesday comes at the end of two turbulent days at the site of an ongoing protest next to the western wall of Memorial Stadium.
Arborists, backed by UC Berkeley campus police, armed with pistols, batons and at least two cherry-pickers, raided the ongoing tree-sit at Memorial Stadium Tuesday morning, cutting lines and threatening arrests.
Then, soon after a press conference where UC Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof announced police weren't going to seize tree-sitters from the branches, the civilian crews snatched one tree-sitter from her support line.
By Wednesday morning at least five cranes and "cherry-picker" lifts were in place, including a massive new crane that towered over the oak grove as arborists with chain saws took down at least two branches while a reporter watched.
UC Berkeley officials have tightly managed public perceptions of the event, closing off Memorial Stadium, the only place with a clear view of events on the ground,to public access. The university has plans to cut down the grove to build a four-level high tech gym and office complex dubbed the Student Athlete High Performance Center.
The tree-sit, which began in December 2006 on Big Game day, has led to a steadily escalating conflict between protesters—who want to preserve the grove and a site that some claim may hold Native American burials—and a university eager to improve its aging athletic facilities to better accommodate alumni fans who are a major source of donations.
Critics also question the university's decision to build next to a stadium that sits directly atop the earthquake fault that federal geologists predict will cause the Bay Area's next major earthquake.
University officials have steadily escalated pressure on the activists occupying the grove, adding first one and then another barbed wire-topped fence to keep out the protest supporters who keep tree-sitters supplied with food and water and haul away their bodily wastes.
Campus police tried Tuesday to keep supporters and the press off the sidewalk on Gayley Road.
"It's a crime scene," said one officer.
As members of the crowd yelled at the officers, the police in turn videotaped the protesters.
This Berkeley Daily Planet reporter was threatened with arrest after he questioned an officer's order to leave the rim of the stadium, the only place where activities of the officers could be monitored.
As the reporter was leaving, he was shoved in the back by a university officer and would have fallen down the concrete stairs had not he been grabbed by Doug Buckwald, one of the long-time supporters of the tree-sit.
Officer C. Chichester, badge 36, told this reporter, who was carrying valuable camera gear, that if he were arrested, "Who knows what would happen to your camera equipment when you're in jail?"
The stadium rim was the only place from which a journalist could have a view of the events unfolding in the grove below. It was from the rim that the reporter saw one of the cranes brush a support line, from which a tree-sitter was suspended between two evergreens at least 50 feet apart.
Millipede, the treesitters suspended from the line, screamed in terror. She was the same tree-sitter arrested hours later. University spokesperson Dan Mogulof said she had bitten one of the workers.
Zachary Running Wolf, the first of the tree-sitters, said she and other protesters had been terrified when the arborists placed a saw next to the lines from which the tree-sitters were suspended between the trees.
Had the line snapped, the protesters would have been hurled to the ground in a potentially fatal fall, and for that reason the reporter objected to the forced move.
Asked why the reporter and spectators were being moved, Chichester said, "Well, there are people down below and perhaps they feel threatened."
The stadium rim was blocked by police crime scene tape during the encounter.
Asked the grounds for a potential arrest, Chichester said simply, "You're trespassing." He declined to cite a statute, and said, "You'll be informed of that when you're being booked at the jail."
License plates and all identifying signs were covered on almost all the contract equipment brought to the site to aid in the university's operations at the grove.
In addition to the cranes and cherry pickers, the university was bringing in new portable lights, and a communications van and a diesel fuel truck were also on hand.
The fuel truck, from Pacific States Petroleum, was the only vehicle with visible license plates and corporate name and logo.
Meanwhile, Judge Miller issued her decision late Wednesday in the lawsuit filed jointly by City Councilmember Dona Spring, the city itself and a group of environmental and neighborhood organizations challenging the stadium project itself.
That ruling targets the decision of the UC Board of Regents to approve the gym, a stadium seismic retrofit and other projects in the southeast campus area.
At least 40 uniformed officers participated in Tuesday's raid, as well as at least five arborists in civilian garb.
By Wednesday, police were also circulating among the throng who had gathered on scene to support the tree-sitters or simply watch the unfolding spectacle. Previously officers had largely remained behind the portable barriers that have blocked off the sidewalk along the eastern edge of Piedmont Avene/Gayley Road adjacent to the stadium.
Officers Tuesday had also closed off the northbound lane of Piedmont between Bancroft Avenue and Stadium Rim Way and the roadway remained closed Wednesday, with the roadblock staffed by Berkeley city police.
The most visible symbol of the protest Wednesday was Muffin, a blonde woman standing in her box-like perch atop an evergreen at least 50 feet above the ground. She stood, facing the massive crane that had been brought in hours before, as a crew of arborists in a basket suspended from the crane carried on work largely invisible to spectators below.


text:
Borrowing £7,500 over 4 years with a representative APR of 25.4%, an annual interest rate of 25.4% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £239.77 per month, with a total cost of credit of £4,008.96 and a total amount payable of £11,508.96.
Rates may differ as they are dependent on individual circumstances. Subject to status.


text:
The PDF file you selected should load here if your Web browser has a PDF reader plug-in installed (for example, a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader).
If you would like more information about how to print, save, and work with PDFs, Highwire Press provides a helpful Frequently Asked Questions about PDFs.
Alternatively, you can download the PDF file directly to your computer, from where it can be opened using a PDF reader. To download the PDF, click the Download link above.
Copyright (c) 2018 Jeremy Feller, Christo Lombaard
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
|ISSN: 0023-270X (print) | ISSN: 2304-8557 (online)
All articles published in this journal are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
© 2018 Scriber Editorial Systems a division of WATU Youth Village. All rights reserved. No unauthorised duplication allowed.


text:
Awash with character, TimberBrushed hardwood flooring is a nod to reclaimed wood — finished with artistic techniques that enhance the natural characteristics of each plank. Select from solid and engineered styles in an impressive array of colors and visual effects.
The soft portion of the wood is gently brushed away, exposing the grain and drawing attention to natural knots, filled splits and lively grain patterns.
Techniques like liming and deep etching lighten or darken tones to create unique timeworn looks with depth and dimension.
Backed by our best warranty and protected by our Lifetime Finish for scratch, stain and wear resistance that keeps floors looking newer, longer.
(Available at Independent Retailers)
|Design / Texture
|Deep Etched Natural
|Wood Hardness
Wood HardnessThe density/hardness of the wood species and its ability to withstand foot traffic, children and pets will impact its wear performance, and will vary from species to species. Strong, resilient Oak is used as the industry benchmark. The hardness scale shows the relative hardness of this wood species.
GlossDescribes the coating that adds a polished look to the floor's surface.
|Low Gloss
|Edge / End Shape
Describes the way the hardwood and laminate board edges and ends are cut.
|Micro Edge / Micro Ends
|Board to Board Color Variation
Board to Board Color Variation
Wood is a natural material that features changes in color and tone. The board-to-board color variation is more pronounced in some species, less in others. If you like the look of contrasting light and dark tones, select a species that offers most color variation. If you prefer consistent color from board to board, choose the least color variation.
|Armstrong Flooring Lifetime Finish
|Performance Class
|7 1/2 in. Wide x Varying Lengths: 15 3/4 - 82.7 in. Long x 1/2 in. Thick
|Square Feet per Box
|Residential Warranty
|50 Years
|Commercial Warranty
|10 Years
|Warranty File(s)
|WH-1025-917 Armstrong Hardwood Warranty (Eng.) (PDF, 121.4 KB)
No matter what flooring type you chose, we recommend you contact your retailer to locate an Armstrong Flooring Certified Installer near you. Armstrong Flooring Certified Installers undergo rigorous flooring installation training on our products.
Any Room At, Below or Above Ground Level
Hardwood Installation Instructions (PDF, 2.9 MB)
Hardwood flooring is mechanically fastened to the wood subfloor using staples, cleats or nails. This is the most popular and economical installation method.
Boards are glued together and float on top of the subfloor. An underlayment pad is rolled out over the subfloor and under the hardwood floor. The pad protects against moisture and improves sound transmission.
Adhesive is spread onto the subfloor using a trowel. Hardwood is then placed into the adhesive.
Complete your floor with coordinating trim and molding, the essential finishing touch to your flooring project


text:
WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) — The FBI and Department of Justice have been at the center of two of the most consequential political investigations into Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. New developments have reopened questions about the objectivity of those institutions and whether their investigations were tainted with political bias.
On Friday, it was revealed that Robert Mueller removed a senior counterintelligence investigator from his team after it was discovered that the agent exchanged anti-Trump messages with his mistress, a top FBI lawyer who was also a member of Mueller's investigative team. The agent, Peter Strzok, previously worked on the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server before he joined Mueller to investigate possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian government.
The agent's text messages were reportedly discovered last summer, as the Justice Departments Office of the Inspector General was conducting its review of the FBI's handling of the Clinton email probe. According to a spokesman for the special counsel, Strzok was removed from the investigation "immediately upon learning of the allegations."
The fact that an investigator involved in two of the most politically sensitive public corruption cases voiced his political views came as a shock to former FBI agents, who said his actions reflect a lack of integrity and judgment. But the revelation about Strzok's anti-Trump messages has also lent some credibility to the president's repeated complaints that the FBI and Department of Justice are leading a "witch hunt" against him, while protecting his former rival, Hillary Clinton.
Over the weekend, the president seized on the possible proof of political bias in the Clinton investigation and in the ongoing investigation into Trump's campaign. The latter investigation has already resulted in criminal charges against four former Trump campaign associates, including former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn.
In a series of tweets, Trump suggested that the Strzok dismissal proved the FBI has a political ax to grind. The president referred to the investigator as "Tainted" and noted, "'ANTI-TRUMP FBI AGENT LED CLINTON EMAIL PROBE' Now it all starts to make sense!"
Trump further raised the issue of FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe's ties to Clinton. McCabe, who oversaw the Clinton investigation and served as interim FBI director after the president fired James Comey, is currently the subject of three internal reviews looking into whether he should have recused himself from the Clinton investigation after his wife, Jill McCabe, received $700,000 in campaign contributions from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a key Clinton ally.
Since former FBI Director Comey decided against recommending charges against Hillary Clinton for mishandling classified government information, Trump and his allies have been trying to expose what they see as a political agenda at the Department of Justice. Some have argued that the president is trying to discredit the agency now investigating his campaign, but former FBI agents see a broader problem of politicization among the leadership of the DOJ and FBI.
Retired FBI agent Bobby Chacon noted that "there is some merit" to the president's claims of an anti-Trump sentiment within the Department of Justice, evidenced by Strzok's reassignment from the Mueller probe. When the president claims the Department of Justice is involved in a witch hunt against him, "texts like this give credence to that kind of thing," he added.
Some have suggested that this development could hurt the credibility of the Mueller investigation, which many of Trump's allies have already called into question.
Chacon warned that the issue "is going to be fodder for any defense attorney" representing an individual charged as a result of the investigation. "If they can bring up the issue of lack of objectivity in some of the senior investigators and in some of the senior prosecutors on that team, then it's going to compromise any successful prosecution."
More generally, however, Chacon and others have raised concerns about the overt politicization of the FBI, which began in earnest under James Comey and reportedly continues to this day.
"In my 27 years as an FBI agent, I never saw politics infect the upper echelons of the bureau as it has in the last year to 18 months," Chacon said. His former colleagues who are still at the bureau have reported instances of the executive-level leadership, including McCabe and some officials close to him, "making political statements in meetings and demonstrating a political bias."
According to veteran FBI agent Jeffrey Danik, the politicization of the FBI isn't new, but it has become increasingly visible in the wake of the Clinton investigation and James Comey'sdecision to leak transcripts of his discussions with President Trump, a move that impacted the Trump-Russia investigation.
"The FBI is systemically politically corrupt in its executive level," Danik stated. "The problem is once these investigations burble up to control in Washington, the propensity to have political motivations ratchets way, way up."
Danik argued that the responsibility for the current, heightened politicization of the FBI falls squarely at the feet of James Comey and Andrew McCabe.
The state of affairs in the bureau's leadership has led some to call on Christopher Wray, the new FBI director, to clean house, a measure President Trump appears to support.
Over the weekend, Trump hinted at his desire to see big changes at the FBI. "After years of Comey," Trump tweeted, the FBI's reputation "is in Tatters - worst in History! But fear not, we will bring it back to greatness."
Trump also retweeted a comment from journalist Paul Sperry saying, "Wray needs to clean house. Now we know the politicization even worse than McCabe's ties to McAuliffe/Clinton. It also infected his top investigator PETER STRZOK, who sent texts bashing Trump & praising Hillary during campaign. Strzok led Hillary probe & supervised Trump probe!"
Danik agreed that the bureau is overdue for a housecleaning, adding there is evidence that the upper levels of the agency "need a serious purging." However, he remains concerned about the damage that has already been done to the organization, particularly by James Comey's decision to leak the transcripts of his conversations with President Trump to the press and admit to it without facing any consequences.
"That case caused severe, unbelievable damage to the FBI," Danik said. "That is why the FBI, their reputation, is in tatters."
Others disagreed with Trump's characterization of the agency. President Obama's former attorney general, Eric Holder, hit back against Trump on Twitter saying, "The FBI's reputation is not in 'tatters' ... You'll find integrity and honesty at FBI headquarters and not at 1600 Penn Ave right now."
The President of the FBI Agents Association, Thomas O'Connor, also took issue with the president's broad characterization of the agency and defended the integrity of the agents working in the field. "Each and every day, FBI Special Agents put their lives on the line to protect the American public from national security and criminal threats," O'Connor said. "FBI Agents are dedicated to their mission; suggesting otherwise is simply false."
Chacon said he understood Trump's frustration with some of the leadership of the FBI, but it shouldn't tarnish the entire organization.
"99.9 percent of the FBI agents in the field don't have anything to do with the [Mueller] investigation, have not been shown anti-Trump bias, and are out there working their cases," he stressed. "Their reputation is intact and it's not going to rise or fall on a few senior executives up at headquarters who have reached a political point in their careers."
In the coming weeks, the pressure will increase on the FBI and Justice Department's senior leadership to produce answers on their handling of the Clinton and Trump probes. Christopher Wray is likely to face questions on the politicization of the FBI in the Clinton and Trump investigations when he testifies before lawmakers Congress later this week.
It is still not clear how severe the anti-Trump sentiment was among at least two members of Mueller's investigative team. Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee issued subpoenas and have been trying for months to get access to the texts of the Strzok's messages, but they have been stonewalled. As a result, House Intelligence chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) instructed his staff to draft contempt of Congress citations this past weekend, demanding the FBI and DOJ produce information on the circumstances of Strzok's demotion and his exchange with Lisa Page.
According to the Justice Department, McCabe and Strzok have been cleared to testify before the committee.


text:
This month's puzzles mark the
jubilee 11th
year anniversary
of our joint Monthly Interactive & Printable Logic Problems project. To
celebrate, we've posted a
bonus puzzle as our little anniversary
gifts for everyone who likes our puzzles and enjoys solving them.
Happy Puzzling Birthday!
Emily Post spent last weekend at a family reunion, hosted by her grandparents. Most of her large, sprawling family was able to attend, traveling from all corners of the country. It was her first time home since she'd left for college and she'd seen few of her family since then. As a result, stories of her childhood were a favored topic during the weekend as many of her relatives reminisced. Four relatives in particular told the most embarrassing stories about her past exploits with gleeful delight, although she did point out they only got away with it because they were her favorites. Determine the full name of her four favorite relatives, what relation each was to her, and what each relative's favorite story was.
1. Michael, whose last name wasn't Shandy, was Emily's nephew.
2. Peter's last name wasn't Post.
3. Allen, whose last name wasn't Reynolds, talked about her 5th birthday party but he wasn't Emily's uncle.
4. Since Emily was in the same class, her cousin had first-hand experience with, as he described it when he told the story, Emily's infamous school play.
5. Mr. Shandy, who wasn't her grandfather, talked about Christmas when she was 9 years old.
6. Scott Wiseman didn't talk about the talent show. Peter didn't talk about the school play.
If you enjoyed
this puzzle and want to play another one online, go
here for another online logic problem.
Last Update
March 19, 2013


text:
'For long ago, the Greeks and those of the barbarians who lived at the coast or on islands, as soon as they became sea-faring, turned to piracy; for being not powerless men, they were led by a desire of booty and to support their dependents... There was no shame in this work; on the contrary it brought a certain fame. One can see this even now among certain land-lubbers who admire piracy when it is done well; and in the ancient poets we see that those who sailed up to shore were always greeted with the question, 'Are you pirates?' (Thucydides,
History of the Peloponnesian War 1.5)
Welcome to the Program in Classical Studies. At East Carolina University, Classics
The foreign language requirement for the BA
Ancient Greek and Latin 1001-2004, offered through the Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures, fulfill this requirement. Classes are in English and do not have oral exams, though correct pronunciation is taught. GRK and LATN 1001-1002 cover the grammar; in 2003-2004, we read works by Cicero, Plato, Vergil, and the Greek tragedians.
General Education requirements
Classical Humanities courses.
GenEd:HU. The Western world's foundational literature in English translation and ancient Greek and Roman cultures are offered under the CLAS prefix. Whether you want to study Greek tragedy, classical mythology or epics such as the
Iliad, Odyssey and
Aeneid, the Classical Studies program has the class for you. There are also Classical Humanities courses under the ENGL, PHIL, and RELI prefixes.
Classical History and Archeology
GenEd:SO. Courses in the Department of History cover the ancient world from 800 B.C. to A.D. 476 and on to the Middle Ages, with a primary focus on military history and political development. Archaeology courses offered in the Department of Anthropology treat the material culture of the ancient Near East from the Old Testament to the Byzantine period.
Minor in Classical Studies
The 18 s.h. minor begins with a cognate requirement for BA students to take ancient Greek or Latin as their foreign language. The minor itself consists of a survey of Greek or Roman Literature (CLAS 2220 or 2230), a course on Greek or Roman history (HIST 3405 or 3410), the Classics Senior Seminar (CLAS 4000), and 9 s.h. Classics electives (BS students who do not have a FL req. can count GRK or LATN 2003-2004 toward electives). A complete list of Classics foundation courses and electives is available in the catalog entry for the
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
Classical Studies students who major in MULT can choose from two concentrations:
Classics, with a focus on the ancient languages and their literatures; and
Classical Civilization, which allows more electives in translation. Students seeking recommendation to graduate school in a related field should select the Classics concentration. See the
Degree Programs page for more information, or contact the director,
Prof. John Stevens (
firstname.lastname@example.com / 252-328-6056).


text:
BY: Lotueng Junub, Rumbek, Lakes State, MAR/20/2013, SSN;
The current Public opinion in Lakes State has it that if people of South Sudan were to go to the polls today, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit would have been defeated in the first round of the ballot, no matter who his main rival is in the SPLM, apart from traitor, Dr.Lam Akol, this being due to Kiir's nagging hatred for the people of Lakes State in general and Agar Community in particular.
There had been a lingering rumour that President Kiir has taken a sad face towards Lakes State on the pretext that the people of Lakes State are having Secret dealings with the Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, an accusation which was widely denied by Lakes State Community terming it as a sledge hammer to crack a nut.
All we know in Lakes State of the last frequent visits of the Vice President was that he used to visit Lakes State in his capacity as Vice President as well as Deputy Chairman of SPLM in the Republic of South Sudan for that matter.
However, the whole episode started to surface in mid 2012 when the Vice President was delegated by the SPLM Secretariat to lead a team to Lakes State for SPLM thanksgiving Campaign to grassroot Constituencies, the second visit was on 29th July, 2012 when the vice President came to Lakes State again for the conclusion of Thanksgiving Campaign.
To put it blatantly, the issue of Vice President's visit to Lakes State was being used as a scapegoat by President kiir ostensibly for collective punishment to the people of Lakes State, as the saying goes, "when two elephants are fighting it's the grass that suffers."
In this case it's the innocent masses of Lakes State who are paying a price for the crime they haven't committed meanwhile it was Kiir who appointed Dr. Riek Machar as his Vice President as well as SPLM Deputy Chairman and now resorted to telling people indirectly that no one should cooperate with his vice. Who is fooling who in this game?
Another visible scenario is that President Kiir has forgotten the electorates of Lakes State who overwhelmingly voted for him by 98% in the last 2010 general elections, however, since he was elected as president of the Republic of South Sudan he never set foot in Lakes to thank Lakes State Populace for having voted for him.
He denied Lakes State community government's projects, a living example is the state road connecting Juba-Aweil has been left in a very appalling condition simply because it passes through Lakes State.
Also, Total Oil Company was ordered in February 2013 by president Kiir to leave Lakes State and relocate to Bor with immediate effect of 28/02/2013, as a result, a lot of projects funded by TOTAL were left uncompleted while a considerable number of people employed by TOTAL lost their jobs.
Our Elected governor was removed on 21/01/2013 and Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol was appointed as Caretaker governor under 101 (r) not because of tribal fighting that flared-up into Rumbek town on the 18/01/2013 between Kuei and Rup sections of Rumbek Central County.
South Sudan remains in a fragile situation under Kiir's leadership and has been rocked with issues of lack of political will on the part of the government, insecurity in the states of Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Unity and Upper Nile, ranging from cattle raiding, tribal feuds and revenge killings yet governors of the other states haven't been removed.
The characteristic manner leading to Chol Tong's removal was not insecurity but it was crystal clear that president Kiir colluded with some politicians of Lakes State in Juba to remove an elected governor on the ground that Eng. Chol Tong was accused of having close ties with Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.
Of course, as Vice president, he is supposed to be accorded due respect and cooperation by any State governor he visited.
Secondly, he was accused to have opposed Hon. Daniel Awet Akot for single-handedly appointing Hon. Mabor Ater Dhuol as Acting SPLM Secretary of Lakes state following the sudden death of SPLM Secretary, late Samuel Mathiang Ker. Ater's appointment was widely objected to by SPLM Assistant Secretaries, County chairpersons and County secretaries in Lakes State, condemning it in the strongest terms possible as a decision taken without consultation from State Liberation Council and it was deemed unconstitutional.
Due to SPLM leadership inability to reload our party with vibrant leaders, it subsequently led into fragmentation of SPLM Party as analysts fear that if President Kiir insisted on holding to SPLM chairmanship in the forthcoming National Convention, it may probably lead to further split in SPLM which will indeed see the ruling party losing the grip of power to non-SPLM candidate.
SPLM in all ten States has been experiencing internal wrangling yet other elected governors in those States haven't been removed, what is special about Lakes State?
In the aftermath of the removal of the Elected governor in Lakes State, the controversy now in so many people's lips is that, why president used article 101 (r) in part to removed elected governor and refused to implement 101 (s) which allows for holding gubernatorial elections in Lakes State within 60 sixty days (two months) which lapses on 23rd March, 2013.
The government of the Caretaker governor in Lakes State will lose its legitimacy unless otherwise elections are conducted before 23rd March 2013.
There is a common knowledge that President Kiir wanted to eliminate all potential Lakes State politicians who've been working in his government and are now put on non-effective list as follows:
1.Gen.Dut Manyok
2.Gen.Matur Chut
3.Gen. Alfred Ajuong Makuer
4.Professor Machar Kachuol
5.Gen. Mager Achiek
6. Chief justice wol Makec
7. Gen.Makur Thou
8. Isaac Makur Ater (former Undersecretary of Finance)
9. Eng. Jacob Marial Maker (former undersecretary of Roads)
10. Eng. Chol Tong Mayay (former governor of Lakes State)
11. David Nok Marial
12. Khamis Chawul Lom
13. Said Chawul Lom
14. Ustaz William Ater Maciek
15. Dr. Peter Nyot Kok
16.Dr.Achol Marial
17. Awan Maper (former minister of Environment).
The list of Lakes State politicians who are awaiting reassignment from president Kiir is endless anyway.
With all these vivid analysis of all problems Lakes State community have encountered during president Kiir's leadership, it's imperative that our president is taking people of Lakes State for a ride and as a result Lakes State Community have completely lost any zeal for Kiir's leadership and have demanded change of leadership in all spheres of political transformation.
Therefore, the Youth of Lakes State have taken it upon themselves to sensitize their people not to vote blindly comes 2015 general elections, like what happened in 2010 when leaders came to seek for their votes and who, when elected into public offices, they failed not only to implement what they promised but also have forgotten even to come and say thanks for having voted for them.
The days for regionalism are gone. When it comes to general elections in 2015 Lakes State will vote as a block to a leader on a give-and–take basis but not as a region as there has been enormous marginalization in regionalism where some States in Bhar El Ghazal are more developed while others are less developed.
Lotueng Junub is a South Sudanese citizen living in Lakes State and could be reach on firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Job Title: English Teacher
Instructor for: Middle/High School
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
- Prepare coursework and assignments for classes
- Grade tests, essays and reports, and other writing assignments
- Meet with colleagues to coordinate lesson plans and work with specific subjects of expertise
- Meet with parents or guardians to discuss students' academic progress, remedial issues and behavior problems when necessary
Required Qualifications/Skills:
- Hold Bachelor's degree
- Certificate in teaching is a plus
- Minimum 3 years of experience as teacher or related field
- Good classroom management skills
- Good communication with students and parents
- Teaching experience in Islamic school preferred
About An-Noor Academy:
An-Noor Academy is an Islamic School with a mission to educate and enlighten our youth about the creation and commandments of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taa'la) and to foster academic excellence through love of and obedience to Allah (swt) and His beloved Messenger (Sal-Allahu Alaihee Wasallam). An-Noor Academy provides education from Pre-School to 12th grade, including academics and Islamic studies, plus a full-time Quran Memorization Program.
Required education:
- Bachelor's
Required experience:
- Teaching: 3 years
An-Noor Academy
An-Noor Academy


text:
The Goldilocks Economy: Just Right!
Low inflation, solid growth, low interest rates, rising asset prices–when did we read this story before? The Goldilocks economy. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Alen Mattich has details. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... ay ay mm mm ... goal ... sneak in some reappearance is here for for a super ulu described it as a ... Goldilocks economy remember that from the old housing boom days ... on the net for members he wrote about this morning on MoneyBeat ... Infotel has a Goldilocks economy ... should feel comfortable with data showing a little bit worried ... sorry I can't ... can you say it again ... I ... just ... didn't get near pianist eligible Goldilocks economy a good thing was that a bad thing ... well ... I mean ... it should be a very good thing cuz you know of a sweet spot in the economy and it's just floating along perfectly new doctor ... unemployment coming down as it should do in your thoughts are ... um and lower for longer as far as we can be as far as the eye can see ... and that growth picking up soo Goldilocks all to be good but then we remember what the Goldilocks ended up with last time which was ... no excesses and arm and a disasterous yen that ... somehow ... you know I'm not predicting these sorta things are going up again but them but that people should Deathly be cautious about stuff ... about the not too caught not too cold type of economy ... something has a dozen words or less than the economy ... is either growing and that on a nice trajectory for this slowing down and will then to suck his Goldilocks thing seems to serve a little interim period ... that doesn't last week was they'll sell you something that can last for a ... yet I mean ... he of Goldilocks has its own momentum ... I think what what ... the problem with that last time was ... lower for longer sentiment that signals the market about what ... what people can get away with and how old ... how much further they can carry on things ... um you know Taylor Rule estimates suggest that the Fed was of was far too easy for far too long not set up a whole ... the whole housing bubble in ... equities but one over us to ... bear in mind that right now aam and the equities market is ... did you know you if you adjust for inflation it's been fifteen of ... the ten or fifteen percent ... above where was in two thousand and four during the last Goldilocks period ... even though ... you know unemployment is is is actually higher and the growth is is ... coming in ... lower so to mark the press criminal law Goldilocks Rudolph lot of time ... of right now ... Alamos think you're a much


text:
full size
Product Details
Meet Mona, our perfected pump boasting a universally flattering silhouette and a chic round toe. Incredibly comfortable (and supremely versatile) in a palette of fresh-for-the-season hues. Crafted in Italy (of course) from rich genuine Italian leather. This shoe may feel snug at first, but don't worry. The leather molds to your foot just perfectly after a few wears. Online only.
Size & Fit Details


text:
TÁ–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BYD Ltd and Praco Didacol (BYD's Colombian distribution partner) will hold a Press Conference tomorrow, December 12th at 10:30AM at the Avenida el Dorado No 78-20 Bogotá, Colombia, with BYD's Chairman Chuanfu Wang to announce that the first South American, all-electric taxi fleet will be launching next month. Not only will Colceincias – Bogotá's Technology, Science and Innovation Administration be getting several vehicles, but 46 BYD e6'swill be placed into Taxi service as of Q1 2013 in the Colombian capital. Ms. Stella Li, BYD Senior Vice President, commented, "BYD is very impressed with the leadership in Colombia and their vision to be a part of the new clean technology era with electrified public transportation. We hope to triple our growth and presence in Colombia by next year."
"This project will permit us to analyze the behavior of the electric cars, with the purpose of reducing the dependence on fossil fuels."
The District Government authorized this scalable all-electric Taxi pilot in an effort to improve the air quality in Colombia's dense cities. Forty-nine (49) BYD e6, 5-passenger, all-electric cross-over sedans received approval from the Colombia Ministry of Transportation to operate as taxis in the city of Bogotá. These vehicles are not only the most spacious and comfortable Taxis in Colombia (13.6 cubic foot or 0.385 cubic meters for passenger and cargo space), but are extremely quiet on roads and completely non-polluting (no direct emissions). A measure was adopted by the Ministry of Environment in 2009 so that these types of vehicles could be imported with zero tax and electric cars in Bogotá do not have license plate restrictions like other petroleum vehicles. "It is important that the capital city be the first to lead a project like this, because of its size and the demand. The idea is that this project can be replicated in other places in Colombia," assured Marcela Bonilla, Sectorial Director of Urban Affairs for the Ministry of the Environment. According to Susana Muhamad, District Secretary of Environment, "This project will permit us to analyze the behavior of the electric cars, with the purpose of reducing the dependence on fossil fuels."
BYD is one of the world's leaders in electric vehicle manufacturing – BYD's fleet vehicles have accumulated over 50 million kilometers (or >30 M fleet miles) as of Dec 2012. BYD's market differentiator is the long-cycle-life and the environmentally-friendly Iron-Phosphate battery – the key enabler for the BYD electric vehicle. BYD Auto's, distributed through Praco Didacol, are an excellent option for Colombian citizens because the quality and service are guaranteed by Praco Didacol, which has a strong local reputation for customer satisfaction in Colombia for over 95 years. For more information, visit BYD at www.facebook.com/bydcompany and www.byd.com.
About BYD
BYD is ranked #1 at the top of Bloomberg's and Business Week's 2009 Tech 100 List (http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100520006751/en/BYD-Tops-Bloomberg-Businessweek%E2%80%99s-12th-Annual-Tech) and is the leading manufacturer of advanced, environmentally-friendly battery technologies like the BYD's Iron Phosphate battery used in BYD electric vehicles and electric buses. BYD's solar panels and LED Lighting systems have CEC, TUV/CE and UL listings, and the company enjoys rapid growth in consumer electronics space and electrified transportation sector manufacturing under its BYD brand. BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese automotive and green energy technology enterprise. The Company trades on the Hong Kong Exchange (HKE) under the ticker numbers (HK.0285 – BYD Electronics) and (HK.1211 – BYD Company Ltd.), as well as on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker number (002594 – BYD Company Ltd.). For more information, visit www.byd.com , www.facebook.com/bydcompany or email firstname.lastname@example.com
BYD EU or Asia Contact:
Sherry Li
tel: +86-755-8988 8888
BYD America's Contact:
Micheal Austin
PracoDidacol Contact:
Federico Gómez
Teléfono (1) 6182022 Ext. 22


text:
A recent conversation in a CafeMom discussion group got me thinking: Would I feel comfortable with my husband having a straight, female friend? One who wasn't attached to a guy friend? Hmm. I feel that it's very, VERY rare that two straight people of the opposite gender are truly, 100 percent "just friends." There's more often than not some sort of complicated feelings harbored by at least one of them, during at least some part of the friendship. I have not just personal experience, but science on my side in the matter of whether platonic relationships truly exist.
Yet, yet, and yet again -- in anticipation of all the comments I can imagine this post getting about what great guy friends you have and how you LOVE your husband's best friend who happens to look like Cameron Diaz ...
I do concede that there are always exceptions to the rule. For example, I'm not talking about when you and your husband, as a couple, make friends with another couple; or you make friends with your husband's guy friends; or he makes friends with your girlfriends. That's a horse of a different color, to quote that guy at the gate of the Emerald City.
I now count two men among my dearest friends, both of whom are among my husband's best friends. I spend a lot of time with these guys; we've all been through some major life stuff together, and my husband and daughter and I consider them family. I also adore my best friend's husband -- he's someone I could call on under any circumstances if I ever needed anything. But still, the relationship I have with these men isn't really independent of my coupledom, or my best friend herself; it's not like I'd ever hang out with these guys without our respective mates.
Then there are the friendships that get "grandfathered" in. It's one thing to meet and make a NEW friend of the opposite sex while in a relationship; it's another if you and your mate already had true opposite-sex friends when you met. When I met my now-husband, he had one pretty good, unattached female friend, and I couldn't have cared less. I grew up in a very liberal part of Northern California, where this sort of things is very common (too common). Ergo, on my part, I had a handful of guy "friends" -- but most of them were ex-boyfriends. (See previous note about liberal Northern California!)
My hubby, an old-fashioned guy from New Jersey in some respects, was understandably more than a little uncomfortable with this. I've come to agree: exes really don't make good friends (though of course there ARE EXCEPTIONS to this rule!), and over the years, I've stayed in close contact with the one guy who was really, always just a friend, and lost touch on purpose with the others. Or rather, would have lost touch completely, if not for Facebook, which brings us to a really gray area ...
What about online "friends"? My husband and I both have Facebook friends of the opposite sex; some are, indeed, exes, some are old high school pals, and still others are people we've met along the way through work or what have you. Probably most of them are not people it would be appropriate for us to spend time with in person (alone, anyway), but somehow it's okay that it's a connection through Facebook, probably because we trust each other.
Ultimately -- whether talking about Facebook pals or friends in real life -- I think it does come down to trust, and to making decisions based on circumstances. Sure, it's possible that my husband could meet a woman through, say, a work project, and find that she's a real kindred spirit. Platonically. But for me to feel okay with that, I'd have to meet her, spend time with her and my husband together, and feel totally comfortable with her intentions. Also, let's face it: it would help if she were about 75 and not as pretty as me!
Do you think it's acceptable for married people to have friends of the opposite sex?
Image via promise_tangeman/Flickr


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Ozone kites take their boarders over land, sea and snow. A rider and pilot driven company, Ozone is dedicated to making the finest kiting and paragliding equipment soaring above the planet. Along with making the finest kites, Ozone makes a dedicated commitment to providing the best service and support for their products.
The new C4 had be redesigned from the ground up to accommodate new school and free riders in mind throughout the entire process. For all around versatility and performance, the Ozone Catalyst will continue to please no matter what mood you are in for your ride. The Edge kite is the best Ozone has to offer when it comes to racing with its sleek, lightweight, low drag body and high power airfoil section. For the ultimate wave riding experience, the ground breaking REO kite is perfect choice for kite surfers with its design and testing occurring exclusively with surfboards. The Uno Trainer is Ozone's simple, affordable trainer kite designed for stable fun that any student can control. Ozone's Quattro is the appropriately named four line kite that's designed as a smaller stunt kite for those looking to progress into larger kites.
© 2019 kite-line.com, All Rights Reserved.


text:
What to make of Ali Tounsi's assassination? In keeping with their tradition of misunderstanding Algeria's politics, several western news outlets are either overstating or misunderstanding the impact of this event, e.g with regards to the fight on terrorism and the causes of the murder.
The abnormal about Ali Tounsi's assassination is that it appears to be normal so far. Assassinations are always suspicious in Algerian circles: Mohamed Boudiaf, Abdelhaq Benhamouda, Matoub Lounes, and countless other deaths have been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories for good reason and with good evidence.
Ali Tounsi, though (pictured right), got gunned down by a trusted colleague, Lt Colonel Oultache Chouaib (pictured below), who he knew for years. Tounsi apparently pleaded for Oultache to return from retirement and head the new aerial police force a few years ago. Tounsi wanted to clamp down on corruption and identified Oultache as one of the corrupt, dismissing him a day before the assassination as reported by Ennahar. An easy explanation is that Oultache went berserk as he could not comprehend how Tounsi returned him to the force only to send him to the prison cell. So he shot the guy after a verbal confrontation.
Reports conflict as to what happened afterwards. Several newspaper websites fluctuated between various stories: first claiming that Tounsi himself shot him (unlikely), then there were reports that Oultache asked the secretary to invite other high ranking officers in an attempt to cause a 'bloodbath', but he got shot by a third unknown person. Finally they rested on the story that the perpetrator shot his chest trying to commit suicide. These conflicting accounts are still described in Echorouk's main story. These variations are unsettling. I really want to believe that Oultache acted alone: after all his dismissal story is real.
All of this is happening in a background that is not reassuring. Rumours are rampant about a power struggle between the DRS (the security service) headed by the last bastions of the Algerian army and Bouteflika. In the run up to Bouteflika's third term, in an effort to concentrate power in the presidency, he was successful in neutralising several key figures of the army who have been in power behind the scene for years. The list includes Mohamed Lamari and Larbi Belkheir (who died a month ago). Bouteflika knew that nothing could stop the momentum to claim a third term, and his power has been worrying the intelligence service. Bouteflika's popularity soured as the country got turned intro a construction site for multi billion dollar projects, such as the promised million apartments and the enormous east-west highway project.
So it was no surprise to many that the army and the DRS turned the tables on the civilian government and the corruption charges by taking the fight to the government itself using the same charges: several figures of the ministry of construction were arrested in 2009, and the CEO of Sontrach (the state oil company) got arrested along with several other people in the company . The investigations are reportedly being unusually carried by the DRS itself.
Ali Tounsi is usually thought to be firmly in the DRS camp. He was in the service for several years, most recently under its current head. I really want to believe that nothing is going on with his death, I'm literally trembling over the possibility of a power fight that would have spilled to this level. There is an uneasy silence in Algeria at the moment and the societal front is heated up with weekly reports of riots, Harga (illegal immigration) and continuing strikes in the education sector.
On the assassination, nothing much is known about Oultache Chouaib. I dug up the picture above by searching through Google's archives of the police website. He is quoted in a Microsoft Vista study (watch as it will evaporate) touting Microsoft solutions for the 120000 man strong police force. It has been reported that he was a trusted colleague of Tounsi.
Ali Tounsi, the Police Force and Terrorism
Ali Tounsi garnered a reputation as a disciplinarian and won the admiration of a lots of Algerians as a strict Kheddam (serious worker). Indeed, as the police force got expanded over the last decade many Algerians saw it as a convenient employer to escape rampant unemployment, especially amongst the youth, so people looked up to him and his force as a potential source of Khoubza (bread – income).
Tounsi vowed to match the policemen/population ratio of western countries. He sought to enforce professional standards, revamping uniforms and sending out communiqués that enforce discipline in dealing with the public. He famously lashed out at policemen who were not using their shiny new white gloves. Several policemen friends attest to how he is universally respected and feared in police academies – trainee policemen train for months to produce the perfect march at graduation. He wanted to restore the reputation of the police as a lawful force in contrast to the tarnished Gendarmerie and Army. He wanted the police to strictly adhere to laws requiring judicial oversight over arrests and home raids.
Tounsi's murder though will have virtually no impact on the fight on terrorism. During the civil war, the police had a key if secondary role in fighting terrorism (many terrorists initially regarded police as illegitimate targets). The fight has been shouldered by the army and the Gendarmerie, a French style highly mobile force that operates both in civilian centres as well as rural areas where they excel. In recent years, as terrorists confined themselves to the mountains the army took most of the responsibility , with the intelligence service reportedly looking to untangle the civilian cells after the recent bombings in Algiers. Most importantly, the police is a huge force, the head will be replaced quickly and normal operations will resume without much interruption.
Ali Tounsi's death is only going to bolster his image as a martyr. The country's biggest problem now is rampant corruption, and the official story is that the murderer was about to get convicted of corruption. The war on corruption in the country continues to take unexpected turns every few months.
Update: Also read Kal's post on the murder.


text:
The following commentary does not necessarily reflect the views of AgWeb or Farm Journal Media. The opinions expressed below are the author's own.
The Machinery Journal blog is your place to find the latest machinery updates, industry news, and interesting tid bits.
No comments have been posted to this Blog Post


text:
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sketchbot Custom Show!
It's March 1st, and I'm super psyched to announce phase 1 of Sketchbot! We're kicking things off with a huge custom show at My Plastic Heart NYC that opens on Friday, March 26th and runs thru April 23rd. I've assembled a staggering array of 50 artists and customizers to DIY up the 'bot in their unique styles. Mark your calendars, you're not gonna want to miss this one!
Be sure to check out all of the participating artist's work at the following links!
64 Colors | http://www.64colors.com
Aaron Stewart | http://www.bendablerubber.com
Andrew Bell | http://www.creaturesinmyhead.com
Argonaut Resins | http://argonautsresin.blogspot.com
Brent Nolasco | http://brentnolasco.blogspot.com
Brian Flynn | http://super7store.com
Chauskoskis | http://walterjacott.blogspot.com
Chris Krebs | http://www.chriskrebs.com
Chuckboy | http://chuck-boy.blogspot.com
Chris Raab | http://www.coroflot.com/chris_raab
Cypher13 | http://www.cypher13.com
Dacosta! | http://www.chocolatesoop.com
Dave Gittleman | http://www.flickr.com/photos/davegittleman
Dead Presidents | http://www.deadpresidentsdesigns.com
Mr. Den | http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr-den
Gods and Monsters | http://www.godsandmonsterrrs.com
Dril One | http://www.drils.com
Dustin Cantrell | http://anomicbomb.blogspot.com
Entae Kim | http://www.behance.net/entae
Frank Mysterio | http://frankmysterio.blogspot.com
Jared Deal | http://jareddeal.blogspot.com
Jason Limón | http://www.limon-art.com
J-Bat | http://www.dynomightnyc.com
Jeremiah Ketner | http://www.smallandround.com
JESTER | http://www.j6x2.com
Motorbot | http://motorbot.kevinolsonartist.com
J-ROO | http://www.dynomightnyc.com
kaNO | http://www.kanokid.com
Keithing | http://www.keithing.com
King Abnon | http://absolutenons3ns3.wordpress.com
Leecifer | http://www.leecifer.com
LJ Lindhurst | http://www.ljlindhurst.com
Lou Pimentel | http://www.lou-pimentel.com
Manny Galan | http://www.dookie-poo.com
Matt Doughty | http://www.onelldesign.com
Moopf | http://www.moopf.com
OsirisOrion | http://osirisorion.blogspot.com
Patrick Francisco | http://doodlechimp.blogspot.com
PHONETICONTROL | http://www.phoneticontrol.com
Reactor-88 | http://www.reactor88.com
Sam Fout | http://www.moontoadproductions.blogspot.com
Mr. Shane Jessup | http://mrshanejessup.blogspot.com
Steve Talkowski | http://sketchbot.blogspot.com
Sket One | http://www.sket-one.com
SUCKADELIC | http://suckadelic.com
TOYSREVIL | http://toysrevil.blogspot.com
veggiesomething | http://www.veggiesomething.com
9 comments:
- kaNO! said...
Nice job on the Flyer Steve.
- March 1, 2010 at 12:27 PM
- David said...
Awesome. I cant wait to get my hands on a Sketchbot. Congrats, Steve. This has been a long time coming, but well worth the wait!
- March 1, 2010 at 1:12 PM
- the_JCW said...
AAAHHH, I wish I could be there. It looks like so much fun!
Can't wait to see the pics
- March 1, 2010 at 2:08 PM
- [rich] said...
Awesome! Wished I could come/be involved - can't wait to see 'em all. Keep up the great work.
- March 1, 2010 at 3:07 PM
- SteveOramA said...
very cool! congrats.
- March 1, 2010 at 7:03 PM
- felix ip said...
This's really cool, steve!
- March 2, 2010 at 9:56 AM
- Steve Talkowski said...
Thanks everyone! I've been getting a few more images from the artists and pieces are looking awesome. We'll have thorough coverage of the event and post a ton of pictures AND video afterwards, so stay tuned!
- March 3, 2010 at 3:27 PM
- sketchatoy said...
The pleasure is mine you have amazing work! Thanks for stopping by.
- March 4, 2010 at 10:05 PM
- slobot said...
this looks like it will be cool. lots of great talent in the show.
- March 10, 2010 at 1:16 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
The other day I happened to be at the Ferry Building during the day. Since there is a new Rancho Gordo store at the Ferry Building, I couldn't resist taking a look at the products on display. Technically, I was shopping for Beans to use for Red Beans and Rice on Fat Tuesday, but I had a hard time resisting purchasing Posole.
I used to make Posole for Pasqual's Southwestern Deli in Madison, Wisconsin back in the day, but I haven't made it at home ever. Just seemed a little troublesome. Canned Posole kernels suck and the whole soaking and cooking thing for dried fresh hominy is time consuming.
But, we had some folks coming over for dinner, and I figured no time like the present.
I looked at a few recipes for Posole on the Internets, but didn't see any that were exactly what I wanted to make: Chicken with fresh Poblanos and pureed dried chiles. So, I just sort of went with what I felt like making. FYI, the heat in this is mostly coming from the Poblanos, but they are highly variable. The ones I got this time were pretty zippy, but sometimes they are no spicier than green peppers. If you feel like you need some extra heat, add cayenne peppers either as powder or to the dried chile sauce.
It turned out well, so mostly writing it down here, so I don't forget what I did, and in case someone who was over wants to make it themselves.
If anyone else is looking for something similar, and feels ambitious, give it a try and let me know what you think.
Chicken Posole
1 Chicken, Cut into quarters
1/2 Carrot, coarsely chopped
1/2 Onion, coarsely chopped
1 Stalk Celery, coarsely chopped
4 Whole Cloves
1/2 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns
4 Sprig Thyme
1 Pound Posole
12 Guajillo Chiles, stemmed and seeded
8 Dried Cascabel Chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 Carrot
1 Onion
1 Stalk Celery
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
Olive or other cooking oil
Cooked Chicken Meat, Chopped
8 Small Zucchini, Chopped and sauteed
8 Poblano Peppers, roasted, skinned, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
1 Tablespoon fresh Thyme, chopped
1 Tablespoon fresh Oregano, Chopped
Cilantro, chopped
Radish, thinly sliced
Avocado, slices
Lemon or lime wedges
The Day Before: Soak dried posole in plenty of water. Place cut up chicken, onions, celery, carrots, and spices in a large pot. Cover with water. Bring to a low simmer and continue to cook until chicken is done. Remove chicken meat from bones, cool, and refrigerate. Return bones and skin to pot. Continue to cook as long as time allows. Strain solids out of stock, cool, and refrigerate.
Drain posole and add to large pot. Cover with chicken stock, bring to a simmer, and cook until it begins to be tender, about an hour and a half. When Posole is tender, salt generously.
While you are waiting for Posole to cook: Cover dried chiles with water, bring to a simmer, and cook until rehydrated. Puree cooked chiles in a blender or food processor and run through a sieve to catch seeds or large pieces of chile skin. Reserve chile puree. Sautee zucchini in oil and reserve. Sweat garlic, onions, celery, and carrots in oil until tender. Deglaze with dry white wine or vermouth and add to Posole pot. Add cooked and chopped chicken to Posole pot. Add Zucchini to Posole pot. Add Roasted Poblanos to Posole pot. Add Chile Puree to Posole pot. Simmer over low heat. Serve with Radish, Cilantro, Avocado, and Lemon wedges for garnish. It will be even better the next day. Makes about 5 Quarts.


text:
by Tom Utescher
With a new head coach and with rookie players putting in a lot of minutes, this was one of those "building" years for Chestnut Hill College women's basketball.
What's encouraging is that there actually was measurable building going on. In their season finale last Tuesday evening, the Griffins came from seven points down early in the second half to a one-point deficit at the four-minute mark before the visiting Goldey Beacom College Lighting pulled away to win, 50-43. The Wilmington, Del. ballclub was the second-seeded team in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference South Division, and at 14-5, had the second-best record in the conference overall.
Chestnut Hill finished up 5-14 in the CACC and 6-20 against all opponents, but just before their holiday break the Griffins were only 1-9 overall. The concluding setback against Goldey Beacom was the seventh single-digit conference loss for CHC, proving that – at their best – they could hang with the league leaders.
First-year head coach Laura Pruitt recalled, "When I talked to the girls before the season began, one of the main things they were concerned with was the lack of respect for the program within the conference. They felt that teams would come in here with the attitude that they just sort of had to show up and it was a 'W' for them. I think we went a long way towards earning respect in the conference, and respect for ourselves."
Before Tuesday's final contest, the Griffins honored their four departing seniors, guard Aiesha Smith and forwards Jenn Delahanty, Ashlen Stayrook, and Ebony Washington.
When the game got underway, the locals stayed right with Goldey Beacom through much of the first half, with three-point buckets by freshman guards Tenisha Townsend-Mobley and Lila Jones helping to give the Griffins a 15-14 edge with four minutes to go. A finishing burst by Beacom put the visitors up 20-15 at halftime, and the Griffins were fortunate that their guests only shot two-for-six at the foul line down the stretch.
The margin remained roughly the same up to a 32-26 tally with a dozen minutes left in the game, then the Griffins closed in as Smith hooped three of four foul shots. The Lightning got two points back, but then lay-ups by Stayrook and junior Asha Jones and a free throw by Stayrook tied the bout at 34-all with 8:24 on the clock.
Points from Washington and junior Latoya Laing helped keep it close for CHC, which was just one point back with four minutes to go, 41-40. A transition lay-up by guard Akilah Sewell started a 6-0 run that bumped Beacom up to a 48-41 lead with a little over a minute remaining, and the gap was still seven points at the final horn.
Laing and fellow junior Lindsay Alexander led Chestnut Hill with 10 and 11 points, respectively, while Washington grabbed six rebounds and scored three points. Goldey got double-digit scoring from Ashley Rosario (15 points), Devonne Richardson (13), and Bri Richmond-Peters (10).
Reflecting upon the season as a whole, Coach Pruitt said, "It was a great first-year experience as a head coach, and kind of humbling to see young ladies respond to what you're trying to teach. In the locker room I thanked them for giving me their absolute best, because I felt like they did."
An accomplished recruiter, Pruitt already has two players from Brooklyn and one from a top Baltimore team committed to Chestnut Hill, and she is working on a Philadelphia Public League standout right from Mt. Airy.
"All the players we're bringing in come from winning programs, and I think that mentality is important," she said.
As for the returning Griffins, she revealed, "We're still going to continue to practice as long as we're allowed to. In the off-season we'll make sure we get in our weight lifting and conditioning, and we're going to play together in a summer league. We'll be ready to go next fall."


text:
Chuck Finley, a former Major League star pitcher best known for his time with the Angels, says he likes to keep himself busy these days.
The 49-year-old Newport Beach resident enjoys playing in charity golf events. He's all for doing autograph signing events, like the one he did Saturday at the new Dick's Sporting Goods in Huntington Beach.
Finley also spends time working with young pitchers and helps them develop to hopefully pursue an opportunity on the college level. Some of the young hurlers are friends' kids, he said.
"It's pretty fun," he said. "I just keep myself busy."
Finley took time out of his busy schedule and before he signed at Dick's to answer a few questions.
Question: What's your take on the Angels? What happened?
Answer: They had three seasons. They got off to a bad start. Then they kicked it in in the middle of the season. And then they kind of stumbled a bit at the end. They were playing for their life the last two weeks. And that's tough to do. That gets to you after a while.
They never really got the whole thing clicking together. It seemed like there was always something missing every week from the team. They made a good run at it. To be out of it and come back to be there two games away, but then they were out. I really didn't think anybody was going to catch Texas but Oakland did. That just shows you, you have to play all 162.
I think they need to strengthen their bullpen. That's a big hole they have, trying to get those innings pitched from the sixth to the ninth.
I think the hitting is always going to be there now that they have that settled in. They have some big decisions to make. Do you put [Mark] Trumbo in left? Do you do this? Do you do that?
What do you do with [Peter] Bourjos? What do you do with [Torii] Hunter?
I don't think they have any more decisions than what any other teams have. But when you watch them day to day it's like, do you have too much talent? Somebody has to sit.
Question: With all those offseason moves the Angels made, were you expecting them to make the playoffs?
Answer: Oh yeah. Even without Albert [Pujols] I thought they would be a legitimate contender. And then when they got him I thought that would put them over the top.
I never would have thought they would be four or five games down at the end. I thought they would be seven or eight up.
Just by looking at their team and their pitching staff and they got C.J. Wilson. Obviously when they got [Zack] Greinke I thought that was going to push them, but they never really got that surge going to push them to the top. Every team was playing so well and everyone was pushing to get that extra wild card spot.
Question: Who is the best pitcher in the game?
Answer: I would probably say, [Jered] Weaver had a really good year. That [Gio] Gonzalez kid from Washington had a really good year. [Justin] Verlander is always up there. But if I had one game to win, I would go with Weaver.
His stuff moves and he's hard to hit, hard to pick up. He's a gamer. He would be my one-game guy.
Question: What are your thoughts on the new one-game wild-card playoff?
Answer: I thought it was great up until Friday when I saw teams that had great years, couple of bad plays and they're gone. Like Atlanta, they played so well all year and now their season is over. Texas played so well and now their season is over.
I thought it was really good for the last two weeks. The teams and cities were all in to it.
It's hard to picture teams like Atlanta and Texas having good years, and some team like the Cardinals sneaks in and wins and you're gone.
They're going to have people who don't like the new wild card. But there's only room for so many.
Question: How do you think you're thought of or remembered?
Answer: I would probably say longevity. The guy who went out there and took the ball, and never really shied away from anything. A good teammate, played hard, played the game right, respected the game. I think that's my main thing with people. My teammates always told me, 'I want you in my fox hole with me.' So that's good.
But I wish I had a couple of rings I could hang around my neck to show people, but those things are hard to come by.
Question: How were you able to last so long?
Answer: I had a friend ask me: how can you play for 17 years and never have one surgery? I told him, I have [horrible] insurance. I wanted to have a couple of surgeries, but I couldn't find the right doctor.
But to be serious I just grew up doing manual labor my whole life. I had a pitching coach who taught me the proper mechanics. Obviously my size helps because it gives me a lot of leverage. I always kept in shape. I always stayed in attention of being ready. I knew I didn't have the best stuff, but I knew when I stepped on the mound I was better prepared than the guy I was going against.
I was probably scared of failure. I worked so hard that I didn't want to lose my job. Sometimes they would say, 'Someone is there behind you, trying to take your job.' I would say, 'Where is he? I don't see him.' They would say, 'He'll be there one day.' I would say, 'one day, that's fine, but not today.'
Question: What are your thoughts on Miguel Cabrera winning the Triple Crown?
Answer: That's a very special reward right there.
Just winning the batting title is something. Then you throw in the home runs and the RBIs. When was the last time that happened?
That's special. That's an MVP.
I don't think [Mike] Trout is going to have enough to win it.
How do you not give it to the guy who won the Triple Crown and got his team into the playoffs?
You can't look away from it. He's got my vote.
Twitter: @SteveVirgen


text:
Someone had a smart idea (not me), to compile a list of synth technicians and repair shops. The subject of 'techs' comes up quite often, so this may be a useful resource.
If you have used a good tech or repairer, let us know by posting in this thread. The following information would be useful:
Location: country and state/city/county or whatever
Any specialism: new/vintage/ moogs etc.
Contact number (I don't fancy using e-mail addresses)
web site (if they have one)
Anything else that may be useful
Once we have a few, I'll compile a list and stick it in the FAQ.
The whole thing would be attached to a disclaimer of course...


text:
LAFAYETTE, Ga. - A North Georgia factory that's already working around the clock to make car and golf cart parts is expanding.
Nissin Brake Georgia, Inc., is finishing a 50,000-square-foot expansion and adding 30 new jobs at its Rock Spring, Ga., facility. That will bring the factory's total size to about 150,000 square feet and its workforce to 235 employees.
The Walker County Development Authority on Monday finalized an agreement under which Nissin will get a $1.8 million abatement on property taxes paid to schools and local government for eight years, development authority Executive Director Larry Brooks said.
Instead, Nissin will pay about $1.1 million in lieu of taxes to the development authority, he said, netting the manufacturer a tax savings of about $700,000.
"That's all they're really saving," Brooks said.
The factory is investing some $33 million in the addition, he said.
The plant mainly makes parts for three vehicles produced at Honda's Lincoln, Ala., assembly plant: the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX sport-utility vehicles and the Honda Odyssey minivan, plant manager Jim Owen said.
The aluminum die-cast parts that Nissin makes include disc brake components, steering knuckles and engine mount brackets, he said.
A smaller percentage of the plant's production is used in golf carts and all-terrain vehicles.
Owen said that Georgia is the nation's biggest manufacturer of golf cars, which he said is the industry's preferred term for golf carts. Nissin sells parts used in E-Z Go, Yamaha, and Club Car golf cars.
The Nissin plant is equipped with an aluminum foundry that has a melting furnace capable of processing 5,500 pounds of aluminum per hour, Owen said.
"We melt our own aluminum," he said.
Nissin has three shifts working around the clock, Owen said. Wages start at $12.75 an hour and range up to $20 an hour, he said.
The equipment in the new addition is ready to go, Owen said.
"All the equipment's installed and functioning," he said. "We just haven't started mass production."
Nissin Brake is a Japanese-based company that also has plants in Ohio, Brazil and Mexico.
Contact staff writer Tim Omarzu at firstname.lastname@example.com or 423-757-6651.