text:
|Lexus RX
|Toyota Harrier
|1997 - present
|Mid-Size Luxury SUV
|Body Style
|5-door, 5-seat SUV
|length - type here
|Width - type here
|Height - type here
|wheelbase - type here
|Weight - you get the point
| N/A hp @ N/A rpm
N/A lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpm
|Cadillac SRX
|Under Simon Humphries
The Lexus RX 350 is a luxury crossover SUV manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It is based heavily on the Toyota Camry platform which it shares with the Toyota Highlander. The RX 350 was introduced in 1997 as the Toyota Harrier in Japan and as the RX 300 at the North American International Auto Show. It quickly gained popularity and became Lexus's best-selling model, as it was amongst the first in the crossover SUV market and serves as a model for following designs. A hybrid model, the RX 400h, was introduced for 2006.
See WikiCars' comprehensive Lexus RX Review.
- 1 Recent Changes
- 2 Styles and Major Options
- 3 Pricing
- 4 Gas Mileage
- 5 Engine and Transmission
- 6 Performance
- 7 Reliability
- 8 Safety
- 9 Photos
- 10 Colors
- 11 Main Competitors
- 12 Hybrid Models
- 13 Interior
- 14 Resale Values
- 15 Criticisms
- 16 Generations
- 17 Current Generation (2010-present)
- 18 Worldwide
- 19 Design quirks and oddities
- 20 Awards
- 21 See also
- 22 External Links
Recent Changes
RX 450h
- For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and retains a usefull device called "bread crumbs". Bread crumbs will enable drivers to retrace their steps.
Styles and Major Options
Premium Package - $2,145
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Roof rails/roof rack
Premium Plus Package - $2,960
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column with memory
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Package - $7,090
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System with backup camera and Bluetooth® technology
- Mark Levinson® 11-speaker 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc DVD/CD auto-changer featuring DVD-audio and DVD-video playback
Performance Package - $4,955
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Roof rails/roof rack
- Graphite-polished 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
- Four-wheel air suspension
- Five-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
- Rain-sensing wipers
Multipanel Moonroof Package - $3,740
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Lexus Memory System to control power driver's seat (except lumbar), outside mirrors and steering wheel
- Illuminated entry system
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
- High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto-leveling
- Multipanel moonroof
Individual Factory Options
- Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) - (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,740
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,650
- Dynamic Laser Cruise Control - $600
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps - $815
- Two-level heated front seats (includes rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers and headlamp washers) - $665
- 18-in alloy wheels (235/55VR18 and full-size spare) - $495
- Two-level heated front seats (includes headlamp washers) - $540
- Rain-sensing wipers - $125
- Towing Prep Package - $160
- Roof rack with rails - $220
Dealer Accessories
- All-weather floor mats
- Ashtray kit
- Car cover
- Cargo mat
- Cargo net
- Cargo tray
- Front-end mask
- Mudguards
- Paint protection film
- Tow-hitch receiver
- Roof rack attachment – bike rack
- Roof rack attachment – ski/snowboard
- Wheel locks
- Wireless headphones
- XM® Satellite Radio (available Spring 2006)
- SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (available Summer 2006)
2006 RX 400h
Individual Factory Options
- Lexus DVD Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES) (includes two pairs of wireless headphones) - $1,840
- Heated Front Seats with Rain-Sensing Wipers - $665
- Mark Levinson® 11-speaker, 210-watt Premium Audio System with in-dash, single-feed, six-disc CD changer - $980
- Lexus voice-activated DVD Navigation System (includes backup camera and Bluetooth® technology) - $2,350
Dealer Accessories
- All-weather floor mats
- Car cover
- Cargo mat
- Cargo net
- Front-end mask
- Tow-hitch receiver
- Wheel locks
- Wireless headphones
- All Wheel Drive: MSRP $39,495
- Front Wheel Drive: MSRP $38,095
Today's actual prices on the 2007 Lexus RX 350 by city can be found at CarsDirect.
2006 RX 400h
- All Wheel Drive: MSRP $46,755
- Front Wheel Drive: MSRP $45,355
Today's prices for the 2006 Lexus RX 400h are also available at CarsDirect.
|MODEL Trims
Gas Mileage
According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2007 RX 350 Front Wheel Drive averages 20 MPG City/ 25 MPG Hwy. The 2007 RX 350 All Wheel Drive averages 19 MPG City/ 24 MPG Hwy.
Visitors to GreenHybrid.com, averaged about 25 MPG with their 2006 RX 400h in the lexus-rx.html Real Hybrid Mileage Database.
City/Highway Averages for RX Generations
2006 RX 400h
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
Engine and Transmission
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Please make sure to write information of the vehicle's performance in a third-person point of view. This section should include information about the car's acceleration figures, handling, braking, etc.
If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
The 2007 Lexus RX 350 delivers a smooth and responsive acceleration, making the ride even more enjoyable than its predecessor, the RX 330.
The 2004 Lexus RX 330 and 350 generally have the same handling characteristics. Albeit the larger engine in the 350 produces more torque and horsepower hence is more responsive and one can expect better acceleration. This review is based on the handling characteristics on the RX 330. The RX handles admirable when compared to other luxury utility vehicles; also without an automated suspension set up. The vehicles soft suspension does remove it sporting potential. When compared to the BMW X5, X3 and Infiniti FX the vehicle has softer more absorbing ride characteristics, but lacks the fun and excitement of those cars. The 330 brakes are suburb comparable to the Mercedes M class, but at times are un-linear in pedal action and braking strength making them feel "grabby." The X5 and FX seem to be able to stop in shorter distance and with a lot less nose dive. Overall the RX is an admirable handling vehicle, but Lexus priorities for this car were luxury over sportiness and it shows. If you want a Luxury car that can handle all four season go out and buy one… if you looking for a bit more spice I would look elsewhere. . The 330 also manages to get decent fuel economy for gas only sports utility vehicle averaging a combined real world value of 19 miles per a gallon. If I had to compare its driving characteristics I would say it is competitive with the Mercedes M class and Cadillac SRX, but there is a dimension/weight difference.
This review is based on experience on driving other vehicles owned, complementary loaners and test drives from 2004 model year to the present model year. The reviewer also holds no credential in the automobile review field. Please note the BMW X5 is not a current generation, but a 2005 model year and a 2004 Infiniti FX. All other vehicles were current generation, but not necessarily the current model year.
Consumer Reports ranks the Lexus RX as one of it top 10 most reliable Sports Utility Vehicles.
2006 Lexus RX 400h
- Airbags
The RX 400h's sophisticated network of sensors and airbags includes front seat-mounted side airbags with a larger protection area than the conventional side airbag. A driver's advanced airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) deploys in one of three speeds, depending on many factors including crash severity and driver's seat-track position. Similarly, the front passenger's advanced airbag uses occupant weight and crash-severity sensors to monitor its deployment. And rounding out this impressive system are front and rear roll-sensing side curtain airbags and a driver's-knee airbag.
The new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is a technologically advanced system that uses a network of sensors throughout the RX 400h to constantly monitor the driver's actions and vehicle movement. Anticipating vehicle control problems before they occur, VDIM helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.
- ABS with Brake Assist
Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist is triggered when the brake pedal is pushed quickly and the system detects an emergency situation. Together they can help the driver reduce stopping distance in an emergency by supplementing brake power if the driver does not apply enough pressure to the pedal. And should you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, the computer-controlled Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) modulates the amount of fluid pressure distributed to the brakes, helping to provide greater control during braking.
- Reinforced Body
The RX 400h is designed with a welded-steel unibody frame, strong box-section, side-impact door beams and impact-dissipating front and rear crumple zones. Additionally, three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners with force limiters quickly cinch the front seatbelts in the event of a severe frontal impact.
- Daytime Running Lights
Just in case its sleek body doesn't draw enough attention, the RX 400h comes equipped with daytime running lights, which help make it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle during daylight hours.
2007 Lexus RX 350
In addition to the features listed above in the RX 400h, the RX 350 also includes the following safety features:
To help keep you in control, the RX is armed with an array of safety systems. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) senses lateral slip in turns and helps keep the vehicle on course, while Traction Control (TRAC) helps effectively deploy power during slippery conditions.
- Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
When it comes to driving safety, it helps to have your tires properly inflated. With this in mind, Lexus engineers designed the four-sensor Tire Pressure Monitor System to alert the driver with a light on the instrument panel when tire pressure is critically low.
- Theft-Deterrent System
The RX features a sophisticated theft-deterrent system built right in. A rolling code immobilizes the engine unless the proper key is used, making the RX 350 a very unpopular vehicle among thieves.
Interior and Exterior Photos for the 2007 lexus/rx_350/pictures Lexus RX 350 and the 2006 lexus/rx_400h/pictures Lexus RX 400h are available at CarsDirect.
Add Photos of the vehicle here.
Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.
The 2007 RX 350 and 2006 RX 400h are available in the following colors:
- Neptune Blue Mica
- Flint Mica
- Savannah Metallic
- Bamboo Pearl
- Crystal White
- Millenium Silver Metallic
- Black Onyx
The 2007 RX 350 is also available in these colors (The RX 400h is not):
- Black Forest Pearl
- Breakwater Blue Metallic
Main Competitors
Midsize SUVs that are comparable to the RX are:
- Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Hummer H3
- Infiniti EX
- Infiniti FX35/FX45
- Land Rover LR2
- Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (350)
- Volvo XC70
- Volvo XC90
Hybrid Models
- Main article: Lexus RX 450h
The Lexus RX 400h is an automobile assembled by Toyota Motor Corp. under the Lexus brand name using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is called the Toyota Harrier Hybrid in Japan. After first being introduced in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show, it would become the world's second mass-produced hybrid SUV, after the Ford Escape Hybrid. In November 2004, Toyota announced the American launch of hybrid Lexus/Toyota SUV will be delayed to the 2006 model year, with European and Asian launches during 2006. The Toyota version of the same car debuted in Japan on March 22, 2005, the same day as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
Toyota will price the RX 400h/Harrier Hybrid at a substantial premium over the non-hybrid RX 300/ RX 330/ Harrier. The list price in Japan ranges from 4.095 million Yen to 4.62 million Yen. In US, it will be priced at $49,185, which is a $5,600 premium over a similarly-equipped RX 350.
The gasoline-powered part of the engine system is a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, very similar to the one found in the RX 350. It produced, in the case of the Harrier Hybrid, 211 hp JIS (155 kW) and 288 Nm (212 ft·lbf). The petrol engine is aided by a maximum of two additional electric motors, one driving the front wheels, producing 167 hp JIS (123 kW) and 333 Nm (245 ft·lbf) and connected to the CVT gearbox, and the other driving the rear wheels, producing 68 hp JIS (50 kW) and 130 Nm (95 ft·lbf). The whole system, called Hybrid Synergy Drive, produces a maximum of 272 hp JIS (200 kW). Under normal driving conditions, only the front motor and petrol engine will be used. The rear motor will only be used under full-throttle acceleration or when the front wheels lose traction. The petrol engine will switch off automatically and the car will be electrically driven when either stationary, decelerating, or being driven at a slow speed. A Ni-MH battery is responsible for powering the motors, and it is charged during deceleration.
The assistance of the electric motor increases the vehicle's performance; the 400h/ Harrier Hybrid can reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 8 s, quicker than the petrol-only RX. Despite the increased performance, the RX 400h/ Harrier Hybrid consumes roughly the same amount of petrol as a compact four-cylinder saloon and it qualifies as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in America. Under the Japanese "10.15 mode" fuel consumption standard, the Harrier Hybrid can run 17.8 km per litre of fuel (compared with the standard coil-sprung V6 3.0 L Harrier, which returned <math>Insert formula here</math>9.4 km/L). In Japan, it qualifies as a "4-star" LEV-car, where it produces 75% fewer emissions than the standard specified in Heisei 17 (i.e. year 2005).
Unique Attributes
The 2007 Lexus RX 350 features a 24-valve V6 engine with 270 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 RPM.
Five Speed Automatic
To ensure the most comfortable driving experience, the RX 350 comes standard with a five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT), which provides improved acceleration at lower speeds. And on the highway, a smoother, quieter ride.
Front- or All-Wheel Drive
The RX comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD) featuring a viscous limited-slip center differential. With an advanced drivetrain and standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), you get improved handling in even the most challenging driving conditions.
Dual Variable Valve Timing
The engine of the RX is intensified by dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a system that continuously monitors the engine's speed and load, and responds by delivering optimum power in each situation. It increases torque at lower speeds for better pulling power, and boosts overall power at higher speeds for better acceleration.
Four-Wheel Air Suspension
The available Four-Wheel Air Suspension controls vehicle height, depending on driving conditions and needs. At speeds higher than 62 mph, the vehicle lowers 0.3 inches automatically (Normal mode), providing increased control and lower drag coefficient. For additional control during sport driving, you can select Low mode, which lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches. For low-speed emergency driving on rough terrain, you're able to switch to High mode to raise the ground clearance to a full 8.3 inches. Or, for easy passenger access or loading, the vehicle will lower an additional 1.2 inches (Access mode).
Ventilated Disc Brakes
The RX 350 comes standard with ventilated front disc brakes, which help the RX inspire just as much confidence while stopping as it does while accelerating. In addition, the RX is equipped with the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to help you be ready for most any situation.
Superb Handling
The RX 350 is equipped with fully independent MacPherson strut suspension, front and rear anti-vibration subframes, and engine-speed-sensing, progressive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Additionally, a turning radius of 18.7 feet makes the RX easy to maneuver in tight spaces. All of which assures the ride and luxury of a sedan.
Ultra-Low Emissions
The RX 350 is a certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) that everyone can feel good about.
This article is a stub. Help us expand it, and you get a cookie.
Resale Values
Add more fields as necessary.
As mentioned in the October 2005 issue of SmartMoney, the resale value of the Lexus RX remains to be high due to Lexus's "reputation for reliablity".
|<MODEL> Year
|2006 RX 400h
|Resale Value
The RX 350 does not have a third row seat.
Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary and pictures wherever applicable.
Please make sure NOT to use copyrighted pictures.
Current Generation (2010-present)
In 2009 a restyled RX was shown to see how the next RX would look. SmartAccess, Bluetooth, heated side mirrors, and more features were available on the RX. People would pay $36,800 to buy a front wheel drive RX. While it cost $38,200 to buy a all wheel drive RX.
Second Generation: (2004-2009)
The second generation RX, called the Lexus RX 330 for the North American and Middle Eastern markets, was introduced at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The North American-market cars were initially built in Japan, with production of the RX 330 started at Toyota's Cambridge, Ontario, Canada plant in September 2003 (some North American RX 330/RX 350 models are still made in Japan). The RX 330 is powered by a 3.3 L 3MZ-FE V6, producing 223 hp SAE and (238 ft·lb), and is available in either front or four wheel drive. "AIRS" air-suspension is again an option on the four wheel drive models, and interestingly, a Mark Levinson sound-system is available in place of the JBL system found in the Toyota Harrier.
For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.
The Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the hybrid Lexus RX 400h went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the Hybrid RX during 2006.
Current Model (Updated Second Generation)
For 2007, the RX has a mid-cycle refresh consisting of a new 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 instead of the older 3MZ-FE 3.3-liter V6 engine, changing the vehicle's name from RX 330 to RX 350. The RX 350 will also feature an updated DVD navigation system with better graphics, voice controlled destination inputs, and a new device called "bread crumbs", enabling drivers to retrace their steps.
First Generation: (1999-2003)
The first-generation RX 300 for the four wheel drive models made its debut in December 1997 as the Toyota Harrier. Two engines were available, the 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 which produced 139 hp JIS (102 kW) and 191 Nm (140 ft·lbf), and the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 which produced 219 hp JIS (161 kW) and 304 Nm (224 ft·lbf). Both engines could be specified with either front or four wheel drive. All models came with an automatic transmission as standard, with the V6 version having the Sportmatic +/- feature. The Toyota Harrier was a sales success, and many went to other right hand drive markets in Asia as grey imports.
The Lexus RX 300, made its debut in America in 1998. The only engine and drivetrain combination available was the 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 and either front or four wheel drive.
The first-generation RX 300 continued largely unchanged until November 2000, when the 2.2 L 5S-FE engine was replaced by the 2.4 L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine, producing 159 hp JIS (117 kW) and 221 Nm (163 ft·lbf). Again, the new engine was offered with either front wheel drive or four wheel drive. The change in engine also meant a change in model code, which was now ACU10 for the front wheel drive version and ACU15 for the four wheel drive version. A small facelift was also performed on the Harrier. 2000 is also the year where the Lexus RX 300 first went on sale in Europe and Asia. The distinguishing feature for those versions of the RX 300 is a different rear light cluster and larger wheels. The front wheel drive version was not offered in either Europe or Asia.
For European and Asian markets, the second generation RX was launched in early 2003, where it continues to be a RX 300 and is made in Japan. Mechanical specification is more or less identical to the 3.0 L V6 Toyota Harrier, with only the four wheel drive version available. Once again, air-suspension and Mark Levinson audio can be specified.
The Toyota Harrier Hybrid went on sale in Japan on March 2005, and the Lexus RX 400h hybrid went on sale during the 2006 model year in North America. Europe and Asia will also receive the hybrid RX during 2006.
Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.
- The 1998 RX 300 was awarded the Most Appealing Luxury SUV by J.D. Power and Associates back in 1998 and then again in 2004 for the 2004 RX 330.
- The RX 300 was MotorTrend magazine's Sport Utility of the Year for 1999.
- The 1999 RX 300 was awarded the Best Deal on the Road in the Sport-Utility Class by Money magazine.
- The 2001 RX 300 was awarded the Best Luxury SUV in Initial Quality (IQS) by J.D. Power and Associates in May 2001. They named the RX 330 the Highest Ranked Entry Luxury SUV in Initial Quality (IQS) in April 2004 and again in May 2005.
- 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study winner - Lexus RX300 and 2nd winner - Lexus RX330 (Luxury SUV)
- Winner Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive in 2004 - Lexus RX 330
- The 2004 RX 330 was awarded the Best SUV over $30,000 by Intellichoice - May 2004.
- "In the car world, that's a home run-out of the park." - Roger Hart of AutoWeek magazine , February 7, 2005 on the RX 400h
- The RX 400h is "a litmus test that seems certain to produce positive results." - Liz Kim of AutoByTel.com
- 2006 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive
- 2005 RACV Australia's Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive
See also
Toyota | Lexus | Scion | Hino | Daihatsu
Cars: IS 250/250C/350 · IS-F · ES 350 · GS 300/430/450h · LS 460/460L · LS 600h/600hL · LFA · CT 200h
SUVs: RX 330/350/400h · GX 460 · LX 470 · LX 570
Hybrid: RX 450h · GS 450h · LS 600h/600hL · HS 250h
Cars: IS 200/300 · ES 250/300/330 · GS 300/400/430 · LS 400/430 · SC 300/400/430
Hybrid: RX 400h
Racing Vehicles
Concept Vehicles
LF-A Concept · LF-C Concept · LF-Ch Concept · LF-S Concept · LF-Sh Concept · LF-X Concept · LF-Xh Concept · IS 250 Sports Concept
|Corporate website
|A division of the Toyota Motor Corporation
External Links
- Official Lexus RX website
- 2010 Lexus RX SUV Photographed Undisguised
- 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Push Bland to New Heights
- Lexus Rolls Out 2010 RX350 and RX450h at LA Show
- LA 2008: Lexus unveils the third generation RX350 and RX450h
- 2010 Lexus RX 450h and RX 350 Revealed at Los Angeles Auto Show
- 2010 Lexus RX350 starting at $36,800
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Lexus RX, which includes these contributors.


text:
Quiet launch of Protei as a commercial prototype
Dear Backers,
Last time we sent you an update, it was to share with you some amazing adventures we had sailing around the world to meet the Protei community and immerse... Read more
Protei sailing around the world for 4 months
You have not heard from us for a long time, in large part because Cesar Harada and Gabriella Levine have been at sea for the last 4 months. We have... Read more
End of summer 2012 progress report
We're coming back to you with a bag of big news about Protei and the progress of the Protei team.
Protei at Techshop San Francisco, Summer 2012. Mad scientist look... Read more
20120524 Ars Electronica, DEAF and Stanford Survey
Dear Backers,
I hope this update finds you healthy and happy. Summer is coming, and a lot is happening for Protei.
Ars Electronica
Protei just won the ARS Electronica "Hybrid... Read more
20120322 : Protei_008 and getting closer to a Protei 1m for backers
Dear Backers,
Long time without updates, my apologies. We've been working hard developing Protei legal infrastructure in the UK and in the USA, and most importantly getting closer to "Protei... Read more
With Naomi Klein and recruiting a project manager assistant
Dear Backers,
Christmas is approaching and we are not forgetting you :) We may contact some of you soon to deliver you christmas surprises / rewards :)
I just wanted... Read more
Protei in Ireland, Spain, Japan, in the media.
Dear backers,
You have not heard form us in a while - but we have not forgotten you at all! The opposite! We have been working very hard and recovering... Read more
Protei World Premiere, Handbook !
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please welcome Fiona Crabbie, our naval Architect.
Protei World Premiere
We have launched Protei_006. Thanks to your help.
September 2nd 2011, Protei_006 was unveiled to the... Read more
Protei Handbook draft
Happy friday dear backers!
We have it! We've been restless working on the draftof our handbook, the publication that goes along our latest prototype, Protei_006. This 100 pages book,... Read more
Protei fully equipped test!
Yes! finally we tested Protei with all electronics on board! How exciting this was - the work of the whole team, in one place, on the water.
The Protei batman wants
Here we are, we have now a draft preview of how Protei_006 will look like. And it has a serious... Batman touch! What a surprise! For us too!
Getting... Read more
All the pieces, now assembling
We have now all the parts. We are putting them together.
This was last friday, 3 days ago.
Now, the skin is done.
The motors and the electronics... Read more
Protei to the water!
Hello, 3 weeks without updates - where were we last time? Again, so much has happened. As we do it every time, we are proudly introducing our team member. Ladies... Read more
1/3 of the summer is gone, 2/3 left to make it happen
Dear Backers!
Introducing Gabriella Levine
Updates from the Protei team in Rotterdam! Many good things happened in the last 10 days. Let me start this update by introducing the fantabulous Gabriella Levine... Read more
Starting to prototype new ideas!
Hello dear Backers,
Sorry for the slight delay, we've been so busy building stuff, it is getting overly exciting!
After a first week of installing the space, a week of... Read more
We are ready!
We've been around for almost 2 weeks in Rotterdam at the V2_ now, and we got our space set up, keys for everybody, internet connexion, a fridge for our lunches,... Read more
Meet Qiuyang Zhou - Protei Core Team, Head of Engineering
This week, let us introduce to you the wonderful Qiuyang Zhou from the University of South Denmark! Qiuyang is Protei Head of Engineering and makes sure each of us is... Read more
Protei in the New Scientist
I heard through a friend of mine that Protei is in the New Scientist new issue!
Well done V2_ Piem Wirtz for giving this interview, I am so proud when... Read more
First Protei core engineering meeting at V2_!
I'm extremely excited to announce that yesterday, for the first time, the whole Protei core team of engineers has been sitting around the same table - yes, same space-time! I... Read more
Protei research is moving fast forward
Hello dear backers and friends of Protei, Yes, we are still alive, very much so! So much is happening, it is hard to keep you updated! Happy weekend to all! Don't forget... Read more
Protei in Norway, Oil Museum Stavanger
First of all, THANK YOU !
Protei is fully backed and we are now in a very beautiful space of excitement and organizing ourselves to ship your rewards. Protei has 331 backers... Read more
5 hours left to back Protei
Strangest sensation. 5 hours left to back Protei. We have been working on this for many months - and we are going to be working on this for many more months... Read more
Protei is backed !!!
We are just a few hours to the deadline and we are delighted... Read more
Protei 5.1 sailing by Rotterdam bridge and $20'000+ backed!
A week ago, we floated Protei 5.1 in Rotterdam by the famous bridge !!! That was quite an experience !
We gave a nickname to this yet undocumented version :... Read more
100 Backers! Assembling team and getting ready for final Kickstarter Sprint!
Dear Backers,
We just pass the 100 backers and can't thank you enough for your support!!! Yes, you are making Protei project possible, Thank you so much!!!
We are... Read more
20110302 Protei reached $1000
Dear Protei backers,
thanks to your generosity we have collected about $1000 in a bit more than a day. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!! This is very exciting.
Please share... Read more

subset: commoncrawl


text:
nnCron is an advanced and very
powerful scheduler, scripting tool and automation
manager. nnCron is very small in size (900k),
but its capabilities are truly colossal. Besides
possessing the traditional scheduler features
(starting programs, displaying reminder messages
and opening documents at specified time), nnCron
also can:
nnCron understands cron table format (Unix) and
is managed with easy-to-edit plain text crontab
files. However, for those who prefer to work in
a GUI environment, the program has a graphical
shell which can be used to remove, add, edit and
run tasks, set up reminders, change program settings.
nnCron has its own powerful (Forth-compatible)
scripting language, allows to use VBScript/JScript,
as well as regular expressions, and can be further
extended with plugins. It can be started as a
service or as a regular standalone application.
You can examine nnCron features in depth by reading
it's online documentation.
download on File Fishstick
nnCron LITE is a small, but full-featured scheduler
that can start applications and open documents
at a specified time or with specified frequency.
nnCron LITE is a perfect freeware Windows clone
of a well-known UNIX scheduler Cron (including
all the useful Anacron features).
Here are the most important features of nnCron
nnCron LITE is tiny, powerful and easy to use.
And if you need not just a scheduler, but a full-blown
automation manager, take a look at nnCron.
nnCron LITE is FREE!
nnBackup is a small
(350k) and convenient command line tool for backing up and
synchronizing your files and folders, creating
and processing file-lists. When backing up you can
optionally compress the data using internal gz/zip algorithms or your preferred external archiver and
start specified applications before and after main backup process.
nnBackup includes special tools for removing obsolete data from the backup.
Using nnBackup you can choose one
of the following backup methods:
Main nnBackup advantages:
nnBackup can be started from command line or
from external sheduler like nnCron or nnCron LITE.
nnSync is a program for copy or move files from the devices connected to your computer via USB, onto the computer and for synchronizing files between your device and your computer.
After nnSync's installation the list of devices will be empty, and the list of actions will be contain pre-defined actions that can be changed or deleted. By default during installation of nnSync creates a system task that will keep track of the connection of devices and will run nnSync on connection. Thus the program will run only when needed and do not need to keep it running. To manually refresh list of devices press the "Refresh" under "Devices." In order to perform actions with connected devices need to click "Perform" in the same tab. Edit and add actions under "Actions", edit the list of actions for each device under "Devices" and all the rest of the program itself will do.


text:
Oh, man, I thought I was all set for Christmas. All of the planning and shopping done, just wrapping and shipping left to do. Wrong. Someone went and did something amazing, transferring their name from Santa's Good List to the Most Excellent List.
When I was typing up my last post I looked and looked for the recipe. I searched in all of the likely spots -the shelves that holds my cookbooks, the other other shelves that hold my cookbooks, the other other shelves that hold my cookbooks (what do you think, too many cookbooks?) and in the magazine holders that hold all my old Bon Appetite's and other cooking magazines. I came up empty handed and frustrated. I decided that since I hadn't posted since the paleozoic era (or close to that), I'd just throw up the post as is and hope that one of my faithful readers would know just what I was talking about and be able to supply the recipe. And there were many good suggestions, but none was it.
My husband saw my frustration and quietly went on a quest. While I had given up on the recipe and had moved on to other tasks, he methodically worked his way through all the possible hiding places, thoroughly checking each one. Then, with a pleased smile of satisfaction, he set the errant Baking Sheet in front of me.
"Where did you find it?" I squealed, leaping up to kiss him. He modestly informed me that it had gotten jammed behind the magazine holders and had slipped down and gotten somewhat squashed under them. What a guy! Santa's going to have to find an extra special way to reward this good boy. Maybe something with lace....
Whole-Grain Soft Molasses Cookies
- adapted from King Arthur's Baking Sheet - Julie Christopher
1/2 cup (4 oz) applesauce
1 cup (7 oz) sugar
3/4 cup (6 oz, 1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup (3 oz) molasses
1 large egg
1/3 cup (2-1/4 oz) crystallized ginger, minced
1-1/2 cups (6-1/4 oz) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (6-3/4) King Arthur Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground allspice
Sugar for dipping
1- Drain the applesauce for several minutes in a fine strainer set over a bowl to remove excess liquid.
2- In a large bowl, cream together the applesauce, sugar, and butter; beat at medium speed until well blended (about 3 minutes). Add the molasses, egg, and crystallized ginger; beat until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, beating slowly until blended. Chill the dough for at least an hour. If you bake it the same day, the cookies will be crispy, flatter, and chewy. If you bake on the second or third day, the cookies will be taller and softer (like in my photos).
4- When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 deg. F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5- Scoop the dough by tablespoons and form into 1-inch balls. (If the dough gets sticky while you're working with it, pop the dough back into the refrigerator to chill it.) Dip the tops of the balls into the sugar and place them, sugar-side up, 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6- Bake for 10-11 minutes, until set, but still soft and puffy in the center. Remove the cookies front he oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to finish cooling completely.
Makes about 30 cookies.


text:
Ami Levin is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP, with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. For the past 14 years he has been consulting, teaching and speaking on SQL Server worldwide. He manages the Israeli SQL Server user group, moderates the local MSDN SQL Server support forum, and is a regular speaker at Microsoft conferences. Levin's areas of expertise are data modeling, database design, T-SQL and performance tuning. He blogs and publishes regularly on sql-server-tuning.com.
SQL Bits was started by a group of individuals that are passionate about the SQL Server product suite.
There is a breadth of knowledge in the SQL Community that will benefit everyone in the community.
We want to spread that knowledge.
We all work with the SQL community, some of us for many years. We have a range of skills and experiences from being given the MVP award by Microsoft, organising user groups and speaking at events around the world.
Copyright © 2019 SQLBits Limited. All Rights Reserved.


text:
Troy's Leading Source for Custom Wrought Iron Gates
San Marino Iron Works designs and installs custom ornamental iron fences and gates for residential and commercial properties in the Troy area. For over 30 years, San Marino Iron Works has been a name that's been synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional quality for all types of custom ornamental iron products.
When it comes to having custom, ornamental metal fabricated for your home or business, you need a team known for their professionalism and attention to detail.
Over the three decades we've been in business, countless builders, homeowners, and commercial property owners have counted on us to bring their visions to life. Through quality craftsmanship, reliable service, and an impressive eye for design, we've built a reputation for being a leader in our industry.
Contact us today to schedule a free design consultation where we can discuss your project and goals. A member of our team will be happy to sit down with you and explain our process, pricing, and the endless options for using customized metal in your home or business!
Why Choose San Marino Iron Works for Your Ornamental Metal?
- All pieces are custom-made
- Over 30 years in business
- Always hand-forged from quality metals
- Local and family-owned business
- Meticulous and detailed craftsmanship
- Free, honest, & accurate estimates
- Residential and commercial services
- Fully licensed and insured
Troy's Premier Provider of Ornamental Iron Fencing & Gate Fabrication
San Marino Iron Works has been providing customized metal fencing and gate fabrication services for over 30 years. We specialize in creating one-of-kind iron fences, gates and more, but can also handcraft specialty items in brass and stainless steel. You can always depend on us to use the perfect blend of artistry and craftsmanship to provide you with beautiful and long-lasting fencing and gates.
Tailored Metal Fencing
We welcome any questions about our fencing services. You can become acquainted with the professional quality of work we produce by looking at pictures of the finished results from fencing projects we have completed for satisfied customers. Our fabrication capabilities are unmatched, and our very high standards of workmanship are displayed with every finished project.
Some of the customized features of our ornamental fences include:
- Constructing the fence to match the slope of your property
- Your choice of color and finish
- Traditional or contemporary hand-forging that will accent the architecture of your home or business
Elegant Wrought Iron Gates to Enhance Your Property
Wrought iron gates are strong and durable structures that require an experienced fabricator to ensure a perfect fit and design. Having your iron gates professionally built is one way you can personalize your property and distinguish your home from the others in your neighborhood. We can provide you with customized gate solutions, such as:
- Single-entry gates
- Double-entry gates
- Driveway gates
- Garden gates
- Courtyard gates
There is no style of gate that we can't fabricate! You can choose from our extensive portfolio of completed projects that showcase many styles of wrought iron gates. Or, if you prefer, you can consult with one of our designers to help create a gate that will suit your unique, aesthetic tastes and enhance the appearance of your residential or business property. No matter how you decide on what type of gate you want, you will receive a finished product completed to your specifications including the color, shape, and finish of the gate. We have all the tools and experience to create the exact gate you want for your property - we guarantee it.
The Team Michigan Trusts for Custom Metal Fabrication
Nothing says luxury like beautiful ornamental metal designs! Our experienced craftsmen can design and forge a custom creation for any part of your property. With an experienced design team on-staff, we can create the perfect look for a wide variety of products.
Contact San Marino Iron for all of your ornamental fencing and gate needs! One of our representatives will be happy to meet you at your property for a free consultation.


text: Current Issue SteelDay 2018 Why Steel Steel Shots Continuing Education Ideas2 Awards Steel Interchange News Search our job board and find a perfect fit for your profession. Get a Job! Send us your bylined stories and see them featured in MSC. Get Published! Find members of our editorial staff and ask them your questions. Get in touch!


text:
Latest news
GOP unlikely to expand Missouri's Medicaid
Here's how much Missouri Republicans oppose Obamacare.
GOP lawmakers are reluctant to spend one dollar in state money for every 19-plus dollars of new federal money if that means expanding Medicaid eligibility in line with the president's health care overhaul.
The state has no extra money to spare, they say, so any expansion will likely result in cuts somewhere else, like education.
It's a stance that's not playing well with their hometown hospitals, though, who say they badly need more Medicaid dollars as money they get from Washington for caring for low-income patients starts to go away.
And now those hospitals are issuing a stark warning: Failure to act could result in some hospitals closing their doors for good.
"We're trying not to be alarmists, but it's going to be very fiscally difficult for hospitals if Missouri doesn't get this done," said Dave Dillon, vice president of media relations for the Missouri Hospital Association.
The federal health care law, known as the Affordable Care Act, calls for an expansion of Medicaid to cover millions of low-income residents who can't afford insurance. The federal government would pay the additional cost initially, with states picking up 5 percent beginning in 2017 and 10 percent by 2020.
The expansion in Missouri would cover an additional 255,000 adults earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The first six years of Medicaid expansion would cost Missouri $431 million, but bring in an additional $8.4 billion in federal money, according to the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states could refuse to expand their programs, and since then Missouri lawmakers have repeatedly balked at the idea.
"The costs down the road are prohibitive, and I don't think anyone believes revenue will improve fast enough to offset the costs," said Ryan Silvey, a Kansas City Republican who has been chairman of the Missouri House Budget Committee for two years. He moves to the state Senate in January.
"I don't get the sense there is much support in either the House or Senate for expanding Medicaid," he said.
Others are even more adamant.
"The state of Missouri is not going to expand Medicaid in the fashion contemplated by Obamacare," said state Rep. Jay Barnes, a Jefferson City Republican. "That's not happening."
But rejecting federal Medicaid dollars will likely result in a substantial financial hit for hospitals around the state, Dillon said. That's because of a provision in the health care law that phases out federal payments to hospitals that serve low-income, uninsured patients.
Missouri hospitals expect to receive about $784 million in such payments in fiscal year 2013.
By expanding Medicaid, the number of uninsured people would go down, and thus there would be less need for that funding, Dillon said. So starting in 2014, when the expansion is supposed to kick in, those payments will begin being scaled back — whether a state expands its Medicaid eligibility or not.
The Congressional Budget Office projects payments will shrink by roughly 50 percent by 2020. Without that money, and without more patients gaining insurance through Medicaid, Dillon said hospitals that serve vulnerable populations would be put in a precarious situation.
"Virtually every hospital receives some level of funding through (the federal program)," Dillon said. "We're looking at a situation where they will lose a huge amount of money but still have to provide services to the uninsured."
That scenario would make it difficult for some hospitals to break even, Dillon said, "and you have to be able to break even to at least keep the doors open."
The situation is similar in Kansas. A report issued by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation said Medicaid expansion would cost the state $166 million and bring in an additional $3.5 billion over the first six years.
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, a Republican, has not said whether he believes Kansas should participate, but he is a longtime and vocal opponent of the Affordable Care Act. Earlier this month Brownback announced that the state would not join with the federal government to establish a health insurance exchange — another feature of the federal health care overhaul.
Kansas Republicans have publicly voiced concern about expanding Medicaid. Many Democrats have also concluded it could be a mistake, arguing that Kansas can't afford any additional spending after massive income tax cuts enacted earlier this year.
In Missouri, state House Speaker Tim Jones said earlier this month that there is little chance lawmakers will seriously consider Medicaid expansion.
"The state simply can't afford it," said Jones, a Eureka Republican. "We have enough trouble paying for (Medicaid) as it is. I'm not sure how we can pay for more welfare expansion."
Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has remained noncommittal about the issue, saying he'll reveal his decision when he releases his budget plan in January. His budget director, Linda Luebbering, said the process of laying out that budget has only just started.
Missouri can't afford not to expand Medicaid, Dillon argued, and ultimately getting more people insured will save the state money in the long term.
"People with insurance tend to take care of themselves," he said. "They are more likely to get care from their primary physician instead of emergency rooms. And if you look at the cost of health insurance, a reasonable portion is cost incurred by the insured to pay for the uninsured. We call it the hidden health care tax."
Additionally, the expansion would bring billions of new health care dollars into the state, Dillon said, which would have a direct impact on local economies.
"If you look at the state's economy through the recession," he said, "the health care industry has been one of the most stable sectors."
He pointed to recent reports showing health care spending has fueled construction in the Kansas City area, with $1.25 billion invested since 2009 in construction spending.
For Rep. John Rizzo, a Kansas City Democrat, the math is simple: Hospitals around the state will close if lawmakers fail to expand Medicaid. And with super majorities in both legislative chambers, Rizzo said the blame will fall solely on Republicans.
"If rural Missouri has hospitals shut down, that's the Republican Party's fault," Rizzo said. "They have to look their people in the eye and admit that they did this."
Silvey dismissed such dour predictions.
"Missouri doesn't exist in a vacuum," he said. "You're probably going to see 30 states say they won't expand Medicaid, and the most likely scenario is the federal government will have to revisit the entire plan. They'll have to go back to the drawing board and come up with something that works."
Dillon said he's confident lawmakers will move forward with expansion once they begin to hear from hospitals in their districts.
"The election is over, and we're going to have to deal with the fact that the Affordable Care Act is still in place," he said. "It's hard to say exactly where this debate is going, but the economics of it make sense."


text:
Thursday's daytime shooting in the city's Campello section, which injured a 22-year-old Brockton man, ended with two men facing attempted murder and gun charges, police said. Two others were charged with being an accessory after the fact. It is the latest incident in a string of gun violence in the city.
BROCKTON – Two days after four people were arrested in connection with a daytime shooting, city and community leaders continue to grapple with how to address the recent string of violence.
And early on Saturday, a 36-year-old man was run down by an SUV and killed on Nilsson Street. Police are investigating his death as a murder.
While stronger policing efforts have tamped down crime on some level, Mark T. Oliver, pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church, said that the issue requires a more holistic approach.
"There are so many fronts to deal with it. It's a complex issue," said Oliver, whose church is located less than a mile from where the shooting occurred at 907 Main St. "Every institution has to pitch in and make it a focus when dealing with community safety."
Thursday's daytime shooting in the city's Campello section, which injured a 22-year-old Brockton man, ended with two men facing attempted murder and gun charges, police said. Two others were charged with being an accessory after the fact. It is the latest incident in a string of gun violence in the city.
City officials expressed their concern over the recent violence and proposed solutions.
"These scum are doing this and they don't care about themselves or anyone. That's what we're stuck with," said Ward 2 City Councilor Thomas Monahan.
"I don't like that this is happening in my city. No one does," added Ward 5 City Councilor Dennis DeNapoli.
Paul Studenski, the Ward 4 city councilor and former Brockton police chief, said residents can play a part in fighting crime by joining organizations such as Crime Watch.
Ward 7 City Councilor Shirley Asack agreed that community members play a crucial role in not only reporting crime, but also by getting involved.
Building a stronger economy by creating more jobs and other economic opportunities can help lower the crime rate, said City Councilor-at-large Jass Stewart.
"If we bring in more businesses and middle-class families, you begin to squeeze out the people who are creating the problem," Stewart said.
"We don't want to gentrify the entire city, but we want to bring a better balance to the city and make sure we're attracting responsible individuals to the city of Brockton."
City Councilor-at-Large Shaynah Barnes added that tighter laws and effective reform programs for incarcerated people could also help stymie the cycle of violence.
More than 200 residents attending an anti-violence forum recently presented ideas to deal with crime, said City Councilor-at-Large Moises Rodrigues, who hosted the event.
Ideas included eliminating barriers that encourage feuds and creating prevention programs that steer young people away from a life of crime.
Officials also plan to lobby state legislators to increase the mandatory sentence for those with unlicensed guns from one year to five, he said.
"This would put a fear in these individuals and make them think twice about carrying a weapon," he said.
"These kids aren't born violent," he said. "They're picking this stuff up through their neighborhoods or their families. We can work with them and their families."
Persistent violence can take an emotional toll on a community, said Mitch Librett, an associate professor of criminal justice at Bridgewater State University and former police officer. As more violence occurs, it can lead to a desensitization, which can lead to more crime, he said.
"There's nothing good about it. It makes people feel unsafe and puts pressure on the police to do something immediately when it may be difficult for them to do," he said.
Brockton Police Chief Robert Hayden said that quick and effective police work will help in dissuading criminals and he praised the swift response by police in Thursday's shooting.
"They're going to be dissuaded from engaging in criminal behavior if they read in the paper the next day that these people have been arrested," he said of suspected criminals.
Marked and unmarked police units fanned out into the area as the shooting call came in about 5 p.m., at the height of rush-hour traffic on Thursday, said police spokesman Lt. Paul Bonanca.
Police found one 9 mm shell casing at the scene and received information that the suspects fled in a 2014 white Dodger Charger.
Police broadcast the car's plate number to all cruisers, surrounding towns and the state police, Bonanca said. About a half hour later, state police spotted the suspect's vehicle on Route 106, then heading north on Route 24.
The vehicle was stopped by multiple state and Brockton police cruisers as it left the highway at Pearl and Belmont streets.
A Brockton police dog located a 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun, which they believe was used in the shooting, about a half-mile away from the shooting, behind a house at 11 Second St., Bonanca said. The victim, who was shot once in the forearm, was taken to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.
Mannix Lewis, 22, of Norwood and Alvaro Andrade, 24 of Taunton both face attempted murder and gun charges in the shooting. Meanwhile, Stephanie Resende, 21, of 766 Montello St., Apt. 1, Brockton, and Diego Pires, 21, of 5 Madrid Square, Apt. 7, Brockton, were charged with being an accessory after the fact.
Police reported no motive.
Councilors Michelle DuBois of Ward 6, Timothy Cruise of Ward 1, Dennis Eaniri of Ward 3, and Councilor-at-large Robert Sullivan could not be reached for comment. Crime Watch Coordinator Bill Healy also was not available.
Dafney Tales may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced in a press release the introduction of legislation to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors and strengthen Connecticut's anti-smoking laws. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are currently not regulated in the State of Connecticut.
"Connecticut should join the 27 states that have already prohibited the sale of e-cigarettes and other related devices to minors to continue our progress towards achieving long-term reductions in tobacco use and tobacco-related illnesses," Malloy said in a news release. "More than 75 percent of young people who have tried e-cigarettes also report smoking conventional cigarettes. This legislation will strengthen our prevention efforts and help reduce tobacco use among young people."
The Governor's Senate Bill No. 24, An Act Concerning the Governor's Recommendations Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Youth Smoking Prevention, enhances the state's anti-smoking laws by:
Banning the sale of e-cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and other vapor products to minors under the age of 18.
Reducing the Tobacco Retailer Violation Rate – The bill seeks to reduce the rate of violations by implementing a "best practices" on-line tobacco prevention education program for first-time offenders and increases the time period in which a higher penalty can be assessed for repeat violations from 18 to 24 months.
In Connecticut, there are more than 4,000 licensed tobacco retailers that are subject to routine inspections through the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program.
Cracking Down on the Sale of "Loose Cigarettes" – This legislation will increase the capacity for local law enforcement to issue fines to sellers of loose cigarettes, which will reduce access to cheaper and more accessible tobacco products by minors.
A three-tiered fine structure will be implemented as follows: not more than $200 for the first violation, not more than $350 for the second violation within 24 months of the first offense, and not more than $500 for any subsequent violation within twenty-four months of the first offense.
Investing in Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Efforts – The proposal removes a moratorium on the activities of the Board of Trustees of the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund (THTF) during FY 2016 and increases the maximum amount that the Board may recommend to be disbursed.
The Tobacco and Health Trust Fund is a separate non-lapsing fund that receives deposits from the Tobacco Settlement Fund. Since the Board's establishment in 2000, recommended disbursements have totaled $21.5 million.
The legislation cleared its first legislative hurdle on Tuesday, the release said, when it was approved in a unanimous vote by the General Assembly's Committee on Children.
"The governor's legislation is another step toward ensuring our children and young people have a healthy and bright future," said Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman. "Just as we are making historic investments in education and leading the nation in expanding healthcare, this bill further protects Connecticut's children and our young people, and will reduce smoking-related healthcare costs across the state."
Governor Malloy announced his bill Wednesday at the Trinity College Boys & Girls Club, which boasts a tobacco resistance and awareness program for club members ages 13 to 15 funded by the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund. Governor Malloy is proposing to increase the amount of funding available under the trust fund so that similar programs may be funded in the future,


text:
- Photography by Mr Thomas Brown
- Styling by Ms Sophie Hardcastle, Fashion Coordinator, MR PORTER
- Words by Mr Peter Henderson, Senior Fashion Writer, MR PORTER
Mr Raf Simons
Mr Raf Simons is a very busy man. Just over a year ago - and nearly two decades since he launched his eponymous menswear line in Antwerp - Mr Simons was appointed creative director at Christian Dior. Along with Mr Karl Lagerfeld's role at Chanel, and Mr Marc Jacobs' at Louis Vuitton, this is one of fashion's premiere jobs, which demands overseeing one of the world's most storied luxury brands and designing upwards of six collections each year. On top of this, Mr Simons, the son of an army night watchman and a cleaning lady from Neerpelt, Belgium, continues to excel with his namesake label, which pushes the boundaries of menswear by combining elements from art and youth culture with high fashion. So needless to say, it's no mean feat that Mr Simons found time to design a capsule collection available exclusively on MR PORTER.
The 13-piece collection, which includes shirts, sweatshirts, T-shirts, shorts, a bomber jacket and high-top sneakers, features a bright floral print which speaks of "grunge, nature and softness" according to the designer. "Raf's use of colour and Kurt Cobain-inspired floral combined to make his SS13 show one of our favourites," says Mr Terry Betts, MR PORTER's Buying Manager, "this exclusive project started from new, uniquely-painted watercolours which were transformed into fabric and then used to create the range for MR PORTER. We are very excited to be collaborating with one of the most creative designers currently working in the industry."
Although Dior is a global company with thousands of employees, Mr Simons' own line is run by fewer than 10 people, himself included, and is often characterised as being more like a family than a firm. "Each season I start the design process by talking intensively with my team," he says. "It's about dialogue for me, so I always start by talking. I think the primary meaning for me doing fashion is to have a dialogue, although another important reason is to cause a dialogue - both are essential to evolution and to the future." From his youth spent listening to records by Kraftwerk and Joy Division in the nondescript town where he grew up, to his work at Jil Sander, Christian Dior and with his own brand, Mr Simons has always looked forwards. "I'm a romantic about the future," he says.


text:
Monday, November 5, 2007
On the Street…Outside the Louvre, Paris
CommentsClose comment
19 comments
Whew!!!! That second shot is great. She looks like a female warrior.
THE OUTFIT IS LOVELY!AND THE The ankle boot…PRETY PRETY PRETY!
I dunno, the overall impression I get from her look is "all my clothes are too big for me."
There is too much stuff on the lower part of her.The boots look heavy on this petite girl.Also the bag could be smaller.These two changes and she would look well balanced!
she looks fierce! i love her expression.
however i will say i'm starting to get black tights + black booties fatigue! it's carried over from last fall/winter, i think it has become a uniform. i know there's other ways to be stylish that involve mixing up both the top and bottom of oneself! not that i think it's a bad look, i'm just starting to think that 70% of women have permanently attached these items to their legs and feet (perhaps the newest plastic surgery trend?)
let me restate that this has nothing to do which the lovely woman in the photo.
I like how it's light in the top and gets heavier as the eye moves down. A simple outfit that has a lot going for it.
she looks beautiful!!!!! And the shot was also great.
I don't care what anyone says. Black on black on black… never gets old.
Love the boots.
No matter what the current vote of the day, I still think all black is very dramatic – she looks great.
Beautiful outfit! Amazing ankle boots! She look great!
SART….isn't this Miss Scandal from this summer????? I am dying…she looks GREAT!!!!! I almost did not recognize her with out the camera and her hair up!!
Please tell me if I am right. It's killing me!
no she is not the same young lady
I have to agree with the two earlier anonymous posts. I think the clothes and boots are a touch too big. Improving her posture and a touch of lipstick would bring kick it up.
I believe that this is the lovely Venessa Lau from W…
Love the proportions of the loose knee-length dress with the ankle boots.
boring… same fashion industry uniform again….
fabulous outfit and i actually really like the contrast between her small size and the bagginess of her clothes…i just wish she would stand tall since she looks great!
black is my favourite colour.she put on black looks really nice.in one word i loved black
I like the shoulder and the sleeve.


text:
Black Quartz Tiles
- Description
- Delivery / Return
- Ordering
Quartz stone is an amazing sparkling decorative surface material, polished Black quartz base with reflective mirror flecks. It has become the upgrade to high-end products for modern living spaces.
Browse through our shop, select your items and put them into your shopping cart.
Once you have completed all of your shopping, simply fill out and submit the online order
form including your card details in order to complete your order
You will receive an Order Confirmation Number to which you can refer. Be sure to
include your daytime phone number and Email address.
Once you have completed your personal information, your credit or debit card payment will be
taken from the online secure sage pay facility.
If you prefer to make your order by phone, please browse through our online catalogue, make a note
of your desired purchases and exact specifications and then phone our sales line on 01133 222 028.
After taking your order, we will ask you for credit/ debit card details in order to successfully complete your order
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Master, Switch, Solo, Delta
Orders over £400.00, will take up to 2-3 working days
£39.00 for orders under £400.00, will take up to 2-3 working days
*Tiles over 20kg weight will be shrink wrapped on a pallet and delivered to the ground level edge of your property. The driver will NOT be able to assist getting the tiles into your property due to insurance purposes. Tiles under 20kg weight will be delivered with a parcel courier by hand.
You can order sample tiles for £1.99 each - simply click on 'Request tile sample' on the related products page. We will despatch Sample Request with a parcel courier normally within 2-4 working days. Please Note: Large tiles samples i.e. 60x60 will be sent in 30x60 samples. It is our experience that single large format tiles break during transit. Instances where, the requested large format or 30x60 tile sample is out of stock we will send out a smaller size format from the same range.


text:
For months I've been part of a chorus of voices calling on the presidential candidates to talk about home opportunity. Their virtual silence on addressing foreclosures, restoring devastated communities, ensuring fair housing and lending, and resurrecting the American Dream has been both outrageous and baffling. Outrageous, because abuse by banks and inadequate consumer protections have cost millions of Americans their homes and visited untold suffering. Baffling, given the toll that the crisis continues to take on voters in battleground states like Nevada, Florida, and Ohio.
The tide, however, has begun to turn. After a broad coalition of housing, civil rights, and consumer protection groups sent an open letter to the candidates asking tough questions on housing, media outlets from the New York Times to the Wall Street Journal to U.S. News and World Report also joined the call.
Finally, last week, the Romney campaign released a white paper on housing policy. And, on Saturday, the President devoted his weekly radio address to the subject. The attention was welcome, but the candidates' broad pronouncements lacked the specifics that American voters, including over 11 million underwater homeowners, need and deserve.
Tonight's debate provides a chance to put meat on the bones. Moderator Jim Lehrer has announced that three of the debate's six segments will focus on the economy, with a fourth focusing on the role of government. Along with job creation, home opportunity questions should be front and center in both categories.
Among the most important questions for both candidates:
How will you stem the flood of foreclosures that continues to inundate too many American communities? How will you ensure that Americans with the resources and desire to be successful homeowners are not thwarted by arbitrary restrictions, exploitation, or a lack of sound information? How will you help rejuvenate neighborhoods devastated by predatory lending and mass foreclosures? And how will you ensure that Americans of all races, ethnicities, and communities have an equal opportunity to pursue the American Dream?
For President Obama, an important follow-up question is what he would do differently, if reelected, to move effective reforms through a recalcitrant Congress? For Governor Romney, key questions arise from his statement a year ago in Nevada that the foreclosure crisis should be allowed to "run its course and hit the bottom."
The groups who signed the letter to the candidates identified over two dozen policy solutions that can reverse or mitigate the current crisis. They provide the detail necessary to demand specificity from the men who would be president.
With 2 million foreclosure filings this year, and millions more at risk, it's hard to see how a debate on domestic issues could reasonably ignore these questions. Let's hope that Jim Lehrer sees things the same way.


text:
CINCINNATI, Ohio - Customers of Fifth Third Bank may have noticed some trouble with the company's website on Tuesday, January 8th.
The bank says it was the victim of a cyber attack.
This particular type of attack is known as a "denial of service", which creates a connectivity issues for users.
Customers flooded social media yesterday saying they could not access the bank's site with mobile apps.
The bank responded via twitter, "we're assessing delays on 53.com, which may have impacted mobile access." A later tweet added, "Accounts have not been impacted and are secure. More information to come."
Cincinnati news outlets (where the bank is based), later reported that Fifth Third had suffered a second "denial of service" cyber attack since last Thursday.
The Wall Street Journal has reported on waves of denial of service cyber attacks hitting U.S. Banks since Fall 2012.
The bank is telling its customers the system was not hacked, and their accounts and personal information was not compromised.


text:
Earp - Russell in "tombstone"
Word by letter:
- Earp - Letter on E
- 1 - st. word E
- 2 - st. word A
- 3 - st. word R
- 4 - st. word P
All questions by word:
Earp - The marshal in 'frontier marshal' Earp - Russell's 'tombstone' role Earp - Clanton foe Earp - Tombstone name Earp - Marshal wyatt Earp - Holliday partner Earp - Foe of the clantons Earp - 1957 lancaster role Earp - Lawman wyatt Earp - O.k. corral shooter Earp - Subject of tv's 'life and legend,' 1955-61 Earp - 'gunfight at the o.k. corral' role Earp - Wyatt of the west Earp - Wyatt of the wild west Earp - 1994 costner role Earp - Tombstone gunslinger Earp - Historical character in john ford's 'my darling clementine' Earp - Tombstone figure Earp - O.k. corral figure Earp - Clanton nemesis Earp - Tombstone lawman Earp - Doc holliday friend Earp - Legendary lawman Earp - O.k. corral lawman Earp - Costner or fonda character Earp - Friend of masterson Earp - Tombstone luminary Earp - Ok corral name Earp - Tombstone marshal Earp - Wild west lawman Earp - Dodge city lawman Earp - Wild west hero Earp - Legendary lawman wyatt Earp - Tombstone tamer Earp - U.s. lawman Earp - O.k. corral name Earp - Wyatt of the old west Earp - Virgil, morgan or wyatt Earp - Tombstone notable Earp - Clanton foe of 1881 Earp - Ok corral fighter Earp - Masterson colleague Earp - Wild west family name Earp - Dodge city marshal Earp - Clanton rival Earp - O.k. corral combatant Earp - Man who was a supporter of a holliday in tombstone Earp - Fonda in a '46 ford film Earp - Doc holliday associate Earp - Subject of the 1939 film "frontier marshal" Earp - Doc holliday's pal Earp - 'tombstone' subject Earp - 'deadwood' figure Earp - Film role for russell in 1993 and costner in 1994 Earp - Western icon Earp - Iconic lawman Earp - O.k. corral vip Earp - Marshal played by fonda, costner and lancaster Earp - Oater frequenter? Earp - "tombstone" lawman Earp - O.k. corral fighter Earp - O.k. corral gunslinger Earp - Tombstone legend Earp - Russell in "tombstone" Earp - Memorable old west lawman Earp - O.k. corral figure wyatt Earp - 1870s dodge city vip Earp - Holliday companion Earp - Pal of masterson Earp - O.k. corral gunman Earp - Dodge city name Earp - One of three brothers in the old west Earp - Tombstone lawman wyatt Earp - 'deadwood' lawman wyatt Earp - Fonda, in "my darling clementine" Earp - Big name in frontier justice Earp - Dodge city lawman wyatt Earp - Legendary western lawman Earp - Old west lawman wyatt Earp - Holliday's o.k. corral ally Earp - Wild west's wyatt Earp - Pal of holliday Earp - Holliday contemporary Earp - 1994 costner title role Earp - Legendary old west lawman Earp - Morgan or virgil Earp - O.k. corral hero Earp - Sheriff wyatt Earp - O.k. corral's wyatt Earp - Frontier sheriff wyatt Earp - Frontier figure wyatt Earp - Holliday friend Earp - Tombstone hero Earp - Old west icon Earp - Film role for fonda, garner and costner Earp - Wyatt at the o.k. corral Earp - Dodge bullet dodger Earp - Wyatt of tombstone Earp - 'tombstone' role Earp - Frontier lawman Earp - Family name in the old west Earp - Old west lawman Earp - Ok corral guy Earp - O.k. corral gunfighter Earp - Wyatt out west Earp - Fonda's "my darling clementine" role Earp - "deadwood" lawman wyatt Earp - 1800s law-enforcement family name Earp - Fonda, in john ford's 'my darling clementine' Earp - Old west's wyatt Earp - Wyatt - (o.k. corral) Earp - Wyatt, who was a quick-on-the-draw boxing referee Earp - Wyatt, first of poets set to organ Earp - Wyatt -, renowned us lawman Earp - Wyatt -, us law officer Earp - Wyatt -, us lawman Earp - Point at surrealist lawman Earp - Gunslinger wyatt Earp - "my darling clementine" lead Earp - Gunfight at the o.k. corral name Earp - Wyatt - - (us marshal) Earp - Wyatt --, us lawman and gunfighter Earp - Old gunman needs to be informed -- hard to escape quietly Earp - Ok corral lawman Earp - Russell's "tombstone" role Earp - Ok corral shooter Earp - O.k. corral family name Earp - Kurt russell's role in 'tombstone' Earp - Wyatt -, tombstone lawman Earp - Marshal played in film by kurt russell and kevin costner Earp - Morgan or wyatt Earp - Last name of three o.k. corral survivors Earp - Fonda's role in 'my darling clementine' Earp - Ok corral gunfighter Earp - Tombstone vip Earp - Role for fonda, lancaster, russell and costner Earp - Cinematic gunfighter Earp - He counted on holliday Earp - Old west marshal Earp - Icon of frontier justice Earp - Wyatt --, 1848-1929, us lawman and gunfighter Earp - Russell's role in 'tombstone' Earp - Name of three o.k. corral gunslingers Earp - Legendary wild west gunman Earp - Lawman played by costner Earp - Many a character in john ford's 'my darling clementine' Earp - Lawman played by james garner and kevin costner Earp - Wyatt -- Earp - Whom john wayne modeled his persona after Earp - Old west icon wyatt Earp - Any of three o.k. corral figures Earp - Legendary marshal Earp - 19th-century arizona lawman Earp - Gunslinging pal of holliday Earp - Tombstone shootout participant Earp - See 38-down Earp - Role in 1993's 'tombstone' Earp - O.k. corral good guy Earp - O.k. corral surname Earp - O.k. corral surname
Search by mask or keyword:


text:
Why all the emphasis I've been placing on Web 2.0? Well, because the possibilities it represents are tantalizing: can new social technology help us create more effective networks that enable us to create a world that is much better for virtually everyone?
With so much at stake, I think it's imperative for us to allocate time to hang out with people Stowe Boyd, a blogger and Web innovator, calls edglings - people who are experimenting with new tools as they pop out, and are giving us a sense of what they are really good for. Here are intriguing bits of what Stowe Boyd is discovering:
A rich online culture is transformative for us individually and for the culture at large.
Information streaming from our friends on the web will shift the way we make sense of the world.
Information will be pushed to you all the time from friends, not pulled to you by browsing.
Don't set up a community online and hope people will come, find out where people are already hanging out online and be there listening.
As Network Weavers, we often are the bridge between innovators such as Stowe and our communities. We have to hang around, or maybe even become, edglings ourselves. We need to learn how to make sense of all the experimentation and figure out how to communicate about the best of it to our peers. We need to have a basket of social tools ready so that when a situation arises where that tool can make a big difference, we are ready to show people how they can use it.
I'm astounded how much I've been learning about possibilities just by following 100 edglings on Twitter and by using blog readers. After only a few weeks, I've slid into a new culture - and it's all been quite painless, even fun and enlightening.
Do you know any edglings? Tell us about them.
If you don't know any edglings, how might you find them and weave them into your network?
Or, look who Valdis, Jack and I are following on Twitter and follow them. Listen. Open up. Watch what happens.


text:
Shoutem.com is the new way to develop a mobile app without coding. They say…mobile apps should be affordable for everyone, launch fast, require no coding skills and be simple to set up. With Shoutem.com you can create beautiful mobile apps with no effort and in no time. As simple as drag an drop icons.
Venture Slogan: Apps should be easy
Venture Link: Shoutem.com
Source: Venturebin.com


text:
Monday, June 2, 2008
World Whisky Award confusion
There is a bit of confusion out there about exactly which 20-year old Yoichi single malt won the World Whisky Awards 2008 prize. I have seen at least one online store saying that the standard Yoichi 20 was the winner. I have not received final confirmation but my impression is that the winner was the 1987 Yoichi 20-year-old that Nonjatta covered here.
There is absolutely no suggestion here that the retailers are making anything other than an honest mistake here. The award announcement is a little confusing and I apologise if Nonjatta's early coverage did not make this distinction sufficiently clear. On a broader point, there can be a real problem in clearly identifying particular whiskies in a market in which producers are putting out hundreds of specialised bottlings with overlapping designations. On Nonjatta, I try to clearly distinguish different products without weighing the posts and indexes down with multiple line titles which I feel would just put-off newcomers and make the site unusable. So, for instance, I called the 1987 20-year-old "Yoichi 1987" to distinguish it from the "Yoichi 20" of the standard range. In the end, I think the photos can be as useful in correct identification as the written detail. This is always a bit of a trade-off between usability and nerdiness and I would appreciate feedback from readers.
1 comment:
You are absolutely right about the problem with the 20 years Yoichi 1987.
I tried it in Limburg, Germany, at a tasting from Maison du Whisky. After the tasting I tried to get a bottle and found the description as 'best whisky of the world' etc. at some shops but never with the difference between the 'normal' 20years old and this one from 1987. Even if you see the different labels you are not sure, if you can get the right one.
I made a private tasting with the same announcement 'best whisky bla bla bla but unfortunately it was not the right Yoichi.
I made also a mark at whisky-magazine forum but never get an answer.
The problem could be, that both have the same alcohol %.
- July 9, 2008 at 7:09 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
10515 Evergreen Way
Directions Everett, WA 98204
*Offer disclaimers and eligibility included in details.
*Disclaimer: All vehicles are one of each. All Pre-Owned or Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are Used. A negotiable documentary service fee of up to $150 may be added to the sale price or capitalized cost. All financing is subject to credit approval. Prices exclude tax, title, and license. All transactions are negotiable including price, trade allowance, interest rate (of which the dealer may retain a portion), term, and documentary service fee. Any agreement is subject to execution of contract documents. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this data. Please verify any information in question with a dealership sales representative. All Sale prices Expire 11:59 pm on


text:
The View From 1776
§ American Traditions
§ People and Ideas
§ Decline of Western Civilization: a Snapshot
§ Books to Read
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Social Engineering and Price Controls
All government intervention in the economy distorts decision making, with bad and unanticipated results.
Classical economics, on the whole, attempts to explain how individuals behave under changing economic conditions. The implicit idea is that people, acting as individuals, collectively move an economy. But classical economics recognizes that within an economy, many different economic factors impinge upon individuals who have highly variegated economic preferences. Free market prices, changing continually in response to the changing balance of supply and demand across markets for tens of thousands of different kinds of products and services, are the signals that trigger individuals' economic decisions.
Keynesian macroeconomics, in contrast, assumes that the economy is comprised of monolithic abstractions treated as if they were independent, controllable "things." Among others, those "things" are consumption, savings, investment, wages, and employment. The implicit assumption is that everybody can be controlled by one-size-fits-all policies. Thus divorced from the multitude of individual aspects of real life, Keynesian economists believe that their computer models can with precision predict consumption, investment, and wages, enabling them to maintain full employment at all times.
Because prices are not very important in the Keynesian scheme of things, liberal-progressive economists are unworried that labor union wage rigidities and government's massive deficit spending will almost certainly lead to punishing inflation.
It was these hubristic presumptions that gave us economic stagflation in the 1970s. Unemployment soared, and so many manufacturing businesses went broke that the Midwestern industrial heartland became known as the Rust Bowl. Because of massive deficit stimulus spending by the government, inflation soared into high double digits, the worst in our history, and short-term interest rates went above 20% per annum.
Rather than dealing with the reality of endlessly changing prices of tens of thousands of products and services in a free market, Keynesians prefer again to deal with prices as a "thing" represented by price indexes. For the Federal Reserve, there is no inflation, so long as they use the so-called core inflation price index, which eliminates food and fuel costs.
Though grocery and gasoline prices may be busting your budget, Fed chairman Bernanke tells you that there is no inflation, that your problems arise from too much personal savings and insufficient government spending. This is somewhat difficult to square with negative rates of personal savings, maxed-out credit cards, and the highest Federal debt and deficit spending in history.
In a free-market economy, price changes do a better job of balancing the economy than heavy-handed government intervention.
A fundamental tenet of classical economics is that higher prices both reduce demand, and tend to induce increased supply of a good or service. Lower prices tend to reduce supply and to increase demand. Merchants with excess inventory cut prices and hold sales. Other conditions remaining the same, if goods are on sale, people buy more.
When oil and gasoline prices soar, people drive fewer miles, and oil drilling contractors pull drilling rigs out of mothballs to ramp up drilling activity, because the higher prices make it profitable to drill in higher-cost areas. When oil, gasoline, and natural gas prices drop, supply is reduced as drilling rigs go back into mothballs,. If gasoline prices decline, people resume driving more miles, and government-subsidized ethanol and windmill electricity projects become even more uneconomic.
Free-market prices, which are the summation of hundreds of millions of individual consumers' preferences, are distorted when government social engineers impose their value judgments upon the people. Those value judgments are expressed in such things as "excess profits" taxes, support for labor union wage and benefits extortion, the Community Reinvestment Act in the housing market, and a national socialist healthcare scheme.
President Nixon's price controls, imposed in 1971, not only failed to work as intended, but distortions in supply caused by price controls pushed the annual Consumer Price Index inflation rate up 400% by 1980. Among other things, gasoline shortages led to drivers waiting hours in service station lines. After President Reagan removed controls, the gasoline shortage disappeared.
The Keynesian hypothesis that dumping vast amounts of fiat money into the economy will automatically increase consumption is belied by repeated experience, most recently under the 2008 George Bush-Nancy Pelosi stimulus plan, which flopped completely.
Contrary to Keynesian theory, government stimulus spending in a recession causes, not higher levels of consumption, but increased savings. Fearful consumers with high personal debt, who unfortunately today are the bulk of the populace, reduce consumption and pay down their debt. No amount of stimulus money will induce them to resume free-spending ways until those debts are cut down to manageable size.
Proposed cap-and-trade carbon credits and carbon taxes are intended, as President Obama declared during the presidential campaign, to kill off the coal industry and to squeeze heavy industries like steel production. New CAFE standards are simply government-imposed higher prices on automobiles, along with regulations forcing auto makers to produce unprofitable "green" automobiles that only a small portion of the electorate want to buy.
The Democrat/Socialist Party's healthcare scheme is price controls writ large. The intention is to mandate lower prices for pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and hospitals, while making it illegal for private insurance subscribers to pay higher, market prices. Those lower prices will result inevitably in fewer doctors in the future, fewer new hospitals, less advanced medical diagnostic and treatment equipment, and a reduced frequency of new pharmaceutical discoveries. Fewer people will spend great amounts of money and extra years in medical school to enter a profession in which they will be increasingly poorly paid and tightly bound in regulatory red tape. Manufacturers will have little incentive to invest millions of dollars to produce medical equipment at unprofitable prices. Nor will pharmaceutical companies be inclined to invest billions of dollars in medical research when they will not be allowed to charge prices that will produce a market rate of return on their investments. Assuredly neither lenders nor investors will be inclined to lend money or make new investments in sufficient amounts to fund unprofitable research.
Our government will deal with the results, as government does in Canada and the UK, by rationing medical care. Everyone will wait longer for medical treatment, and senior citizens will simply be denied some treatments that, in the value judgments of social-engineering bureaucrats, are not worthwhile for people who probably have only a couple of decades to live. To deal with an insufficiency of privately produced medical equipment and new pharmaceutical discoveries, bureaucrats will be tempted to nationalize companies, as they did to compel production of "green" automobiles at Government Motors. After all, in the religion of liberal-progressives, profits are considered to be capitalist greed. Government experts will pick winners and losers, backing the companies in which the government has financial control.
Cynically, one might suspect that a hidden aim of the Democrat/Socialist Party's healthcare scam is to kill off senior citizens as rapidly as possible as one way to deal with the trillions of dollars of unfunded Medicare and Medicaid entitlements. These entitlements, let's not forget, were created by President Lyndon Johnson's Great Society, one of history's largest essays at distorting market forces to redistribute income in accord with liberal-progressive concepts of social justice.
For more details, read Jon Hall's The Consequences of Government Intrusion into Prices.
Economic liberties for which the colonists fought in 1776 have long since been abandoned. Democrat/Socialists "know" what is best for us and, by Karl Marx, they are prepared to use the crushing force of government to make us do their bidding. The only liberties they seem prepared to leave us are the degraded, animalistic debaucheries championed by mainstream liberal media. Economic liberties are taken from individuals and collectivized in Washington, a process made easier because besotted voters dependent upon the political state are easier to herd like cattle to the slaughter house.
Economics • (4) Comments
Print this Article • Email A Friend • Permalink


text:
Does the State serve the people or the people the State? The question here is more than just matter of personal or institutional conscience. Rather we must now ask whether the State is willing to acknowledge, and more importantly to defer, to any other authority or law other than its own in the Public Square? If it doesn't then the State claims for itself the authority to dictate to the Church, to the family and to other social institutions the content and boundaries of their own lives. The practical effect of all this is to make the Church and the family creatures of the State and so subject to the partisan calculus of American politics.
Source: Koinonia | Fr. Gregory Jensen
The wisest thing in the world is to cry out before you are hurt. It is no good to cry out after you are hurt; especially after you are mortally hurt. People talk about the impatience of the populace; but sound historians know that most tyrannies have been possible because men moved too late. It is often essential to resist a tyranny before it exists. It is no answer to say, with a distant optimism, that the scheme is only in the air. A blow from a hatchet can only be parried while it is in the air.
G. K. Chesterton, Eugenics and Other Evils (1922)
Even if often honored only in the gap, the social and economic genius of America is that we do well by doing good and specifically doing good for others. This part of why, again if sometimes only in the gap, Americans have traditionally given such great respect to religion and to its free exercise by individuals and communities. And this is why George Weigel recent analysis off the issues surrounding the HHS recent contraception mandate (here) is important for not only Orthodox Christians but all people of good will. Building on the recent argument made by the Catholic bishops (here), he points out that the issue before us is not contraception or even religious freedom in a narrow sense. Rather he raises a more fundamental, social question that goes to the heart of America as a free and civil society.
Does the State serve the people or the people the State? The question here is more than just matter of personal or institutional conscience. Rather we must now ask whether the State is willing to acknowledge, and more importantly to defer, to any other authority or law other than its own in the Public Square? If it doesn't then the State claims for itself the authority to dictate to the Church, to the family and to other social institutions the content and boundaries of their own lives. The practical effect of all this is to make the Church and the family creatures of the State and so subject to the partisan calculus of American politics.
And what of the citizens if they don't push back? What happens if we allow the Church and the family to be co-opted by the State? Initially maybe nothing but in time the members of these other institutions will inevitably betray themselves and their own deepest held moral, religious, cultural and political convictions through a life of gentle compromise. This at least is how I read Weigel's analysis.
About a decade ago the Orthodox bishops in America proposed that the Church hire what would essentially have been a lobbyist to advocate for our concerns with Congress and the White House. To the best of my knowledge nothing came of this. While I don't know why we didn't follow through, I suspect that it was our lack of administrative unity that resulted in this missed opportunity.
We now find ourselves—as I said above—in a position where we are being asked to cooperate with policies that are objectively immoral. We can't confuse a pastoral willingness to tolerate non-abortive forms of contraception as a concession to weakness with it being a good thing (see here). Much less can we collaborate with a policy that requires as a matter of law that we finance early term abortions. While we can, and I think should, be tolerant in our pastoral response to contraception, we can't remain indifferent to the grave threat to civil society embodied by the HHS mandate.
Responding to this and future challenges will need a degree of internal unity and cooperation that builds on but necessarily transcends our admirable dogmatic agreement. Essential though right doctrine is to the health and unity of the Church without prudence it can become a trap. God by His grace and love for mankind preserved the faith of the Orthodox Church through centuries of oppression and persecution. For this we must thank God daily. We are, thank God and as Weigel points out in his essay, not facing the kind of attack today that we have experience in the Soviet era, under the Ottoman yoke, or the great persecutions of the early Church.
But as gentle as voice might be that commands us to betray Christ, it still commands us to do so. We can't cooperate with moral evil; we can't cooperate with the injustice being proposed under the cover of law. Simply put, we can no more do the Enemy's work for him in this generation than could Christians in ages past. If there is a desire to destroy the Church, for the State to tell us when we are, and aren't, functioning in that Name above every other Name, then so be it. What we can't do is cooperate with that demand; at least we can't cooperate if we wish to remain true to Christ, ourselves and to the witness of the martyrs.
Important though the specific issue is it is equally important that we as Orthodox not miss an opportunity to act in concert with each other. The American Orthodox Church, however administratively fractured, is still one Church. And we are one Church in a political and social context which, for all current and historical faults, affords us an extraordinary degree of freedom to live our lives and to proclaim the Gospel.
Such freedom brings with it a responsibility that is at once not only moral and evangelical but also political. If we are not active in our proclamation of the Gospel in the Public Square and in the Halls of Power, then it is likely that even our finest preaching from the Pulpit will be undone. We need not only missionary clergy, especially bishops, but also missionary laypeople who will bring the Gospel to the Culture and to the Congress. If recent events demonstrate anything it is that Orthodoxy in America needs to be proactive in our dealings with all levels of government but especially at the federal level.
There is a parallel between evangelism and lobbying that suggests to me that our efforts in the latter would, by God's grace, be met with success. We have demonstrated in our evangelical efforts our ability not only to change lives but also concurrently to generate the social capital necessary to further the Church's mission. The first we call repentance, the second the parish. Though lobbying would present its own challenges, these are challenges that we have a demonstrable ability to meet. Why do we imagine that we can't successfully call politicians to repentance and to pass laws that—while not explicitly Orthodox in form or content—are at least not opposed to the Gospel?
We must move beyond responding only to our own immediate and often intramural concerns. These are important, and none more important than the freedom of the Ecumenical Throne to exercise its ministry in Turkey (see here) or the defense of Christians in an increasingly tumultuous Middle East (for example, here). These can't be the whole of our concerns.
Effective lobbying is like effective evangelism. Rooted in prayer, it works to cultivate not only friendship with others but also their personal openness and commitment to the Gospel. If we only appeal to Congress and the White House on matters that directly concern us as Orthodox Christians, we will, in the short run, get a hearing. Eventually however I worry that we find ourselves marginalized and ignored, even on matters which concern us directly. "[S]eek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive," we read in Jeremiah, "and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace" (29:7). In the long run to advance the concerns of the Church we must prove ourselves to be good citizens according to the model given us by the Prophet Jeremiah. This means that we must not only pray but also work for the "peace of the city," for its prosperity and success in the broad and narrow senses. Why? Because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17). In the political and cultural spheres such a living faith requires that we show ourselves to be advocates for the common good and not simply our own good.
Like evangelism, lobbying is not without its risks. But what is the alternative? Being assertive we risk failure; being passive we guarantee it.