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Last week, I wrote a column in which I asserted – with a straight face – that hybrid cars are better than diesels. Naturally, this touched off a firestorm of angry responses, ranging from mild criticism ("DeMuro, you are the worst person alive") to slight hostility ("DeMuro, I'm going to boil your skull in a steaming vat of diesel fuel"). I read each and every comment, just like I always do, and then afterwards I turned on my home alarm system.
But as I looked through the comments, I discovered something even more jarring than all the anger: I found ignorance. Yes, that's right: I'm talking about pure, unadulterated ignorance; the kind you might get from a columnist who insults an entire US state without taking into account things like its breathtaking beauty, its excellent natural resources, its high number of registered gun owners, etc.
This ignorance, I am ashamed to say, was about hybrid cars. You see, it seems that us Jalops are not especially knowledgeable when it comes to these vehicles. And by "not especially knowledgeable," what I mean, more precisely, is that we know literally nothing. Asking one of us about hybrid cars has roughly the same effect as asking a camel about DVD players: you won't learn anything useful, and you might get spit on.
This was proven early on in the comments, when it was asserted – by more than one reader – that the batteries in hybrid cars must be replaced "every 3 to 5 years" at a cost of "around $10,000." As a former owner of the hybrid car shown above, I can assure you that this sort of misinformation is simply not true. So I've decided to create a little Hybrid Car Q&A, where I take all of today's most common hybrid-related questions and answer them in a factual, truthful manner with absolutely no lies or trickery. That way, we can all learn something. Here goes:
Q: What is a hybrid?
A: A hybrid is any car, truck, or SUV that is a combination of two things. For example: when you take a pickup truck and turn it into a homecoming parade float, then it becomes a hybrid, because it is both a) a pickup truck, and b) transportation for drunken fraternity brothers. In this same way, the Toyota Prius is a hybrid, because it is both a) ugly, and b) slow.
Q: So is the Honda CR-V a hybrid?
A: No, because it is only one thing: dull.
Q: Are all hybrids slow?
A: Absolutely not! There are many fast hybrids, including the Ferrari LaFerrari, the Porsche LaPorsche, and that McLaren that looks like all the other McLarens, but costs way more. But you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to get a fast hybrid. In fact, you don't even need to spend a spleen and a butt cheek. All you need to do is take a Honda Insight and send it into orbit using a very large catapult.
Q: Do you have to be stupid to buy a hybrid?
Absolutely not! According to one of my favorite websites, CelebrityCarsBlog.com, many of our favorite Hollywood celebrities drive hybrids, and we know these people aren't stupid because they often take on highly technical, difficult roles. For example: Ryan Philippe drives a Highlander Hybrid, despite being very convincingly murdered in that movie where Jennifer Love Hewitt runs around showing off her breasts and screaming.
But forget about Hollywood. I'm certain you don't have to be stupid to buy a hybrid because I personally owned a hybrid for a short period of time last year. It's the one in the picture you see above. What happened was, a friend of mine was moving to Manhattan, so he needed to get rid of his car. And I agreed to buy it, even though it had been slightly dented in what I can only assume was a low-speed, innocuous, very minor, almost inconsequential fender bender, presumably with a train.
Anyway: I really enjoyed my hybrid, especially the part where I sold it to some college kid in Kentucky and made $500. So the answer is you don't have to be stupid to buy a hybrid, especially if you're taking advantage of a desperate friend who needs to sell one right away.
Q: So how often DO the batteries die?
A: Hybrid car batteries can last between 10 and 15 years, depending on whether I believe the person I'm arguing with will actually research the facts. But here's the good news: once they go out, all you have to do is just get the car on a lift, pop out the old battery, and stick in a few Energizer Double As. This will last you for another 10 years.
Q: Is that true?
A: No.
Q: Are you still thinking about Jennifer Love Hewitt's breasts?
A: Yes.
Q: How much does a battery replacement cost?
A: I like you, so I'm going to level with you: it isn't cheap. You can buy a remanufactured battery for like $1,500, but then the problem is that you have to find someone who will put it in for you. How does that work? I have no idea. Maybe it's like your television remote control, where you just slide off a little plastic cover and put the positive side on the positive terminal and the negative side on one of those little springs.
Now, if you go to the dealer, it's going to be a little more expensive. The battery in my Prius failed before I got it, at around ten years and 120,000 miles, and my friend spent about $3,000 at a Toyota dealer to replace it. But this doesn't strike me as that much money, largely because he was also considering a Subaru. Had he gone through with that plan, he would've been on his 19th head gasket at the same mileage.
Q: Seriously, what the hell happened to that Prius in the photo?
A: I don't know. What I do know is that each time it rained, water would collect in the trunk. I didn't disclose this fact to the person who bought it, though I ran the Carfax months later and it turns out that he totaled it less than two weeks after he drove it home. So I don't think he ever found out.
Q: Maybe he drowned in the rain water.
A: That isn't a question.
@DougDeMuro is the author of Plays With Cars. He owned an E63 AMG wagon and once tried to evade police at the Tail of the Dragon using a pontoon boat. (It didn't work.) He worked as a manager for Porsche Cars North America before quitting to become a writer, largely because it meant he no longer had to wear pants. Also, he wrote this entire bio himself in the third person.


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You are looking at a very nice Volvo 850 T-5 Station Wagon, which looks GARAGED, taken good care of, and regularly serviced !!!
2.3L engine is mechanically sound and provides lots of power, just as you would've expect from Volvo. Engine compartment is clean and free of any leaks. Automatic transmission shifts smooth, no slips, no skips.
Exterior looks to be in GREAT condition – The paint is shiny, glossy, and shows minimum of wear for the year and miles. Please check the pictures.
Interior of the vehicle is in great condition. Seats show minimal of wear for the year and miles of the vehicle. Interior looks and smells very clean !

subset: commoncrawl


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Patagonia, Chile, the southernmost tip of the world, is the ideal place for photography. In every corner, you'll find an unimaginable landscape and with every passing minute, you will see dramatic changes of color and light. This workshop will take us to the rugged mountains, gigantic glaciers and crystal clear volcanic lakes of Patagonia where we will also encounter iconic local figures, the gauchos, riding horses on the vast prairie.
Atacama, Chile, the driest desert in the world, is the most dramatic place for photography. Sharp contrast between sun and shadow, extreme nature in the high altitude volcanic mountains, the deadly quiet and soundless landscape. You will be surprised by the array of colors, evergreen trees and springs in the oasis, burning red desert in the sunset, and pure white salt lakes spreading in Andes Mountains. This exploration is designed to put you in all unique environment and let you capture the astonishing moment which nature can only create.
This program is possible through a collaboration between Photographer Katsuyoshi Tanaka (www.katsutanaka.com), Nikon, and explora (www.explora.com), the 5 star resort group in Chile.
This once in a lifetime experience will provide you with the opportunity to capture amazing images. The program is designed for photographers of all skills and experience—anyone who has passion for photography, nature and adventure.
Our journey is not only with photography and adventure. It is also with absolute comfort and luxury. Our daily base is 5 star resort, explora. Both lodges in Patagonia and Atacama are surrounded by astonishing nature. explora Patagonia is located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park, the heart of Patagonia, on the shores of Lake Pehoé. The massive mountains of Paine are right in front of you. explora Atacama is located in the Ayllu de Larache (initially a kin-based community of the ancient Atacameño people), near the village of San Pedro de Atacama. You are at the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by the vast desert.
Program dates:May 9th – 14th, 2015 — Patagonia, Chile
May 14th - 18th, 2015 — Atacama, Chile
Patagonia and Atacama, Chile (9 nights/10 days)
Room rates per person: double occupancy $7,856 or single occupancy $9,975
Rates are per person, U.S. Dollars. Program rates include airport transfers to and from the explora lodge, accomodations, meals, open bar, daily explorations, and the entrance to national parks and reserves. Airfare and any hotel expenses in Santaigo (if necessary) are not included.
See the terms and conditions here.
For more details and to make a reservation, please contact: Trips Away Travel., Inc. (www.tripsawaynj.com), call Josette at 201-569-1812 ext. 114 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Recommended clothing:
Multiple layers of clothing are recommended, including a base layer of clothing: thick socks, warm underwear, short or long sleeved thermal t-shirts; a second layer of clothing: trekking pants and a thin fleece shirt; a third layer of clothing: a windbreaker; a fourth layer of clothing: waterproof pants and jacket (recommended for Patagonia); comfortable trekking shoes, gloves, sunglasses with UV filter with a strap and side protection, sun hat to protect your face and ears from the sun and wind, sunblock and a daypack.
Equipment and further recommendations:
These expeditions are designed for photographers of any level that are passionate for photography, nature and adventure. We highly recommend that participants bring a digital SLR camera, tripod and their own laptop computer with software for organizing and submitting photos as we will have daily critique sessions. Both in Patagonia and Atacama, we will have Nikon equipment available for your use upon request, consisting of Nikon D7000 D-SLRs, 18-200mm NIKKOR lenses, and COOLPIX AW100 compact digital cameras.
Our expeditions are led by NY based photographer and Latin America specialist Katsuyoshi Tanaka, who has traveled extensively in both Patagonia and the Atacama Desert. In addition to Katsuyoshi Tanaka, one of explora's bilingual guides will accompany you on each exploration, introducing you the history, flora & fauna, geography and others key features of the area. All of the explora guides have advanced level Wilderness First Responder certification and always carry a radio and emergency kit with them.
Patagonia, Chile
Transfer from the airport in Punta Arenas to explora Atacama's Hotel Salto Chico, situated in the heart of the Torres del Paine National Park. The explora Patagonia team will be waiting to welcome you to the lodge and show you to your room. You'll meet the photographer and leader of the expedition, Katsuyoshi Tanaka along with the explora guide to discuss the program.
Welcome slide presentation and initial lecture.
Sunrise and lakes The finest landscapes in Torres del Paine National Park, with an astonishing array of mountains and lakes, can be found right in front of the lodge. Wake up early in the morning and you will be able to appreciate the spectacle of the sun rising in Patagonia. During this session, you will learn how to capture the changing light, color and ambience as the sun rises.
In the morning you'll photograph the magnificent color of the lakes surrounding the lodge and will learn how to frame images with various natural elements to add patterns, shapes and colors (Lakes Pehoe and/or Nordenskjold).
Grey Glacier This exploration will take you by boat to Grey Glacier, at the southern end of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, one of the world's largest freshwater reserves. (Please note: the boat trip is dependent on weather conditions).
Quincho & Gaucho culture In the morning you will head to the explora Quincho to get a closer look at the local gauchos. This is a perfect opportunity to learn how to take portraits and interactive photos.
Encounter the wildlife During the afternoon, we will venture into the Nordenskjold field and do some trekking. Great opportunity to photograph wildlife including herds of Guanaco and wild birds.
French Valley This is a full day exploration that combines both adventure and photography. We will leave explora by boat (30 min.) and then walk along the undulating trail that borders Lakes Pehoe and Skottsberg. There are spectacular views of the two lakes, Paine Grande Mountain and the Paine Horns. We then cross the hanging bridge over the French River for a view of the French Glacier.
Half day expedition with trekking to Grey Lake. You will see the massive glacier spreading along the field from top of the hill. Other choice of trekking is available depending on the weather condition and guest' interest.
Horses will be your best companions in Patagonia and they will certainly add a graceful touch to landscape photography. During this exploration, you will be able to capture them while riding though the fields. If you're up to it, you can even ride yourself!
Leaving the hotel in the early morning, we will take the flight from Punta Arenas — Santiago — Calama.
Atacama, Chile
Transfer from the airport in Calama to explora Atacama's Hotel de Larache, situated in the San Pedro Oasis. The explora Atacama team will be waiting to welcome you to the lodge and show you to your room. We will discuss the program for the coming days, including a welcome slide presentation and lecture.
Sunrise in the desert This exploration will take you deep into the desolate desert to witness the sensational sunrise. Learn how to photograph the different textures of nature as you walk through the cactus field.
Atacama Salt Lake Enjoy a bike ride along desert trails followed by swimming in the salt water lagoons. There will be plenty of opportunities to grab action shots during the bike ride and at the lagoons. This exploration will also give you a chance to acclimate before heading to higher altitudes.
Horse and valley Horses are great subjects for photography. We will try to capture them running through the dynamic landscape of desert and valley, learn how to take action shots.
Sunset at Death Valley Situated close to the lodge, Death Valley with its stunning panoramic views of the desert, mountains and its unique combination of light, shade and color, is one of the best spots for photographing sunsets. We will have some trekking along the hill and sand dune.
Encounter the wildlife We will venture into the majestic landscape of Altiplano, visiting various lagoons and mountains, with its great opportunity to photograph the wildlife such as vicunas, llamas and wild birds.
Retreat at hot springs During the afternoon, we will stop at the Puritama Hot Springs, a luxurious treat in the middle of desert, for lunch and bathing.
Visiting Catarpe, the near-by village where you can visit the Inca's ruin.
Altiplano Lakes Pre-dawn departure by van to Altiplano lakes. This is a full day exploration with fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. You will visit the volcanic lakes and salt flats in the high plateau of the Andes, at an altitude of over 13,000 feet above sea level. You will also learn how to position yourself and how to choose the right lens for high impact pictures.
Nothing tastes better than the breakfast in the middle of the majestic field. BBQ dinner will be set at the explora Quicho, the adobe-made local building. Perfect setting for learning the mix-lighting photography with dimmed light from sunset and artificial light.
Morning orientation. If you have an afternoon flight, you will have time to photograph the town of San Pedro de Atacama.
"It's a five star program filled with adventure, [the] best instructor, personal attention, and some of the most beautiful places on earth! It is an opportunity to do what you dream of."
— James Martellotti, Tustin, CA
"The instructor provided great opportunities with photography activity choices, not only to see the beauty of Patagonia and Atacama but to experience it, to feel it... amazing!
— Deborah Snyder, Hamptonville, NC
Katsuyoshi Tanaka's Bio:
A native of Japan, Katsuyoshi Tanaka, relocated to New York in 1993. After working as an assistant for a National Geographic photographer, he began his freelance career in 1995. Since then he has been involved in various projects for magazines, books and exhibitions in the U.S., Japan and many other countries.
He travels extensively in Europe and South America and has been documenting traditional cultures and lifestyles such as bullfighters in Spain, Inca descendants in Peru, and mixed races and cultures in Brazil. He has also documented social issues such as school reform in the United States and America's imprisoned.
In recent years, he has photographed various performing arts such as ballet and dance companies as well as opera theaters. He held a series of photo exhibitions of the American Ballet Theatre in Tokyo, New York, and Alexandria, Virginia. He also held an exhibit of Argentina Tango at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. in 2007 with full support from American Red Cross. He was also the official photographer for Cirque du Soleil, Canadian based world-famous circus art group when they opened the residential show in Tokyo, 2008.
Tanaka started documenting Brazil in 2001 and has photographed people and nature throughout the country. In February 2011, he published the book, "BRAZIL – The Poetry of Diversity" with full sponsorship of Nikon Inc.
Tanaka started photographing Chile in 2005. He has been fascinated by the grandeur of the landscape and has frequently traveled to Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Easter Island and the high plateau in the Andes with the support of explora.
To view his work, visit his website: www.katsutanaka.com.


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SPYDER 5009432 Projector Headlights
SPYDER Projector Headlights (5009432) for a 1999-2004 Chrysler 300M. Projector Headlights - LED Halo - LED ( Replaceable LEDs ) - Black - High H1 (Included) - Low H1 (Included) (PRO-YD-CHR300M99-HL-BK).
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See partnumber notes and applications notes above for specific product information.
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This week will feature two matchups from each divisional game.
Oher started all 16 games at right tackle last year and was selected to the All-Rookie team. Oher has struggled at times this year, allowing seven sacks, but he has been at his best against Harrison. He has held Harrison without a sack against the Ravens this year. The Steelers' standout had six sacks in the three years previous against Baltimore.
Oher has very long arms and is able to re-direct pass rushers, which he will have to do well against Harrison, who is a natural leverage player that excels at getting under blocks. Oher has outstanding strength and tremdnous quickness, but that quickness can hurt him at times. He has been flagged for eight false start penalties, because he gets off the line so rapidly that it often falsely appears as though he has jumped prior to the snap.
Harrison is a good blitzer, who knows how to hit the gaps, so Oher will have to make sure he doesn't lose sight of him. Harrison plays well in space and is good in coverage. If Harrison brings down Flacco on the pass rush and disrupts his timing in coverage, the Steelers' chances to win will increase.
Lardarius Webb vs. Mike Wallace
Webb has come on and played better of late. Webb is not real tall, but has great speed. He will need it against Wallace, who can fly. Webb closes well and plays very physical for his size. He is very athletic, but his leaping ability will be put to the test by Wallace and his great vertical. Webb has a tendency to jump routes, a potential danger zone against Wallace. Wallace loves to lull defenders to sleep and go deep on the 9-route. Wallace caught 60 of 99 passes thrown his way this season, but did have six drops. He has to uncover from Webb and make several big plays for the Steelers to have success.
Rodgers has been hot in the last eight games, throwing for 19 touchdowns and two interceptions during that span. He has become the face of the Packers' franchise after replacing Brett Favre. He makes good decisions and has outstanding accuracy and arm strength. His decision-making and accuracy will have to be sharp in this matchup, however, as Grimes is tough to throw against. Opponents have completed only 59 of 124 passes on him this year. Grimes is not particular tall or fast, but he has great coverage instincts and is very good at breaking on receivers as the ball arrives.
Rodgers excels at keeping all receivers involved in the game and is a talented scrambler when nobody is open. He won't be afraid to test Grimes, and the emerging Falcon must be up to the challenge for Atlanta to have a chance. If Rodgers turns the ball over like he did in the first meeting with Atlanta (a costly goal-line fumble ended a drive in a close game), the Packers could be in trouble.
Tramon Williams vs. Roddy White
Williams is a real success story from a college walk-on to an undrafted free agent to a player whose interception saved the day last week in Philadelphia. He was targeted 92 times this season and allowed 40 completions (43 percent). Any percentage under 50 percent is considered good. The task of covering White, however, might be his toughest yet. White was thrown to 179 times this season -- the highest number of targets in the NFL and led the league with 115 receptions. Both Williams and White have outstanding hands and leaping ability, but White might have an edge in strength. If Williams can come up with another big turnover and prevent White from consistently moving the chains, Green Bay's odds of winning go up greatly.
Brady has great leadership qualities and refuses to get into a war of words with opposing coaches or players. Jets coach Rex Ryan has surely tried to bait him by saying Revis is a better player and that Peyton Manning studies harder, but it hasn't worked. Brady maintains poise at all times and rarely makes mistakes. He broke Bernie Kosar's record of 308 passes without an interception and threw 30 touchdowns over that span (compared to eight for Kosar).
The question for Brady will be if Revis moves around in his coverage like he did last week against Reggie Wayne, who he limited to one catch for 1 yard. Brady understands where pressure is coming from and is hard to fool with coverages and schemes. Brady loves to spread the ball around and it will be interesting to see whether he attacks Revis, who rarely gets targeted. Even if he wants to go after Revis, he might ultimately decide against it, due to Revis' outstanding quickness, toughness and coverage ability. This should be a close game and Brady needs to be sure to continue his impeccable ball security against Revis and the Jets.
LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Jerod Mayo
Tomlinson started the season fast, but wore down late in the year. He rested Week 17 and looked rejuvenated in the wild-card matchup wit the Colts, however. He worked hard in the offseason to regain his quickness and burst through the loss of weight. Mayo also improved tremendously in the offseason, but due to recovering from injuries and getting healthy. He is at the top of his game and playing as well as anyone in the NFL at his position. He has great recognition and plays extremely well in space. Those skills will have to be on display against Tomlinson, who is a very good receiver coming out of the backfield.
Tomlinson is averaging 5.8 yards per carry this year against the Patriots, but Mayo did a much better job of covering him and stopping him in the second meeting. If he can replicate that performance and prevent L.T. from gaining first downs and helping New York control time of possession, New England should have a good chance to win.
Marshawn Lynch showcased his talent in last week's remarkable run against the Saints. That scamper illustrated an impressive combination of speed, quickness and desire. It was Earth-shaking to say the least. He runs hard, has quick feet and possesses very good running skills. Urlacher, though, is also very talented and is the Bears' leading tackler. He is outstanding in coverage and makes a lot of plays. Chicago has the second-ranked run defense, and if Lynch can't find a way to shake Urlacher and break off another long run, it could be tough for Seattle to win.
Earl Thomas vs. Jay Cutler
Thomas makes a lot of plays and has five interceptions for the season. He was targeted 61 times and allowed 30 catches -- a great ratio for the safety. He should be able to cover the Bears' slot receiver, whoever it may be, including Johnny Knox. He is not real big for a safety and can be faked out, but makes for his mistakes with his athleticism and determination. He helped Cutler to one of his worst games of the year in the first meeting, and he needs to repeat the performance he had last week against the Saints, if Seattle is to have any type of a chance.
Cutler's last outing against Seattle might have been so poor because he was coming back from a concussion suffered two weeks prior. He throws a very tight spiral, which helps against the wind he has to face in Chicago. He is making better decisions than he did last year, but still tries too often to fit the ball into tight spots. He needs to play smart on Sunday.


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|Tursi opens her mouth wide when she's excited.
During a recent Dolphin Encounter, a member pointed out that Tursi shakes her head back and forth as if she's saying "no" when a trainer asks her to do something. They asked if she did that because she didn't want to do what the trainer had asked. Her trainer, Sarah, explained that Tursi shows her excitement in different ways. Sometimes she shakes her head in a manner that says "What are we going to do next!?" or she does a chomping behavior we call an alligator when she's really into a session. To an untrained eye, a dolphin shaking their head "no" may mean no, but those of us who work at Dolphin Research Center spend a lot of time watching our dolphins and getting to know each and every one of their dolphinalities.
Dolphins will do the same behavior both when they're playing and when they're agitated. A great example of this is tail slapping. A dolphin may slap their tail for attention, to show dominance, or because they want to be left alone. The way to differentiate is to see in what context the behavior occurred. A tail slap during a play session when a trainer is spending time with a dolphin is simply a way to get attention. However, a tail slap when no one else is in the lagoon means something entirely different. It could be a simple sign of hierarchy or it could simply mean they have something on their tail that they want to get off like a piece of seaweed.
Getting to know our dolphins takes time and is extremely important for both trainers and the animals. Just like humans, dolphins have baseline behaviors. These behaviors are the way they normally act. For Tursi, chomping and shaking her head are normal behaviors. They come as naturally as her loud scream when she's engaging in aerial behaviors. We study all the dolphins and have identified baselines on numerous behaviors they exhibit.


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Search suspended in Maine for missing students from Vermont, Massachusetts
KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) � The water search has been suspended for two Maine students who went missing last week, with the only evidence being some clothing discovered on an island off Kennebunkport.
Police Chief Craig Sanford says divers completed their search operations on Wednesday, and that searches would resume only if there's new information.
Twenty-one-year-old Zachery Wells of Burlington, Vt., and 23-year-old Prescott Wright of Barnstable, Mass., were last seen drinking with friends a week ago at Wells' home near the Cape Porpoise pier. Both are students at The Landing School, a boat building and yacht design school in Arundel.
Searchers found clothing Monday on an island that can be reached by wading at low tide. Sanford said it's unclear how they got to the island, but there's no indication of foul play.


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382 Posts
Discussion Starter • #1 •
What's the largest USB thumb drive anyone has successfully used in one of the stock 2011 head units? I'm still using my old 8GB micro-thumb drive I used to use in my old JVC head unit from my last WRX (size of my thumb-nail so it didn't look bad sticking out of the head unit). But this USB port is in the arm-rest so I could use a full size drive instead. I've seen 256GB USB drives for sale, but I don't know what the maximum drive size the WRX can handle (obviously, I won't need 256, but I'm curious if it or 128GB sticks would be fully usable and if they take longer to start up, etc.)


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Norah Jones has the kind of timeless voice that I never tire of hearing. Her mellow, rich melodies envelope like a warm, fuzzy blanket and carry the listener away to a calm and slower paced world. Every time I listen to one of her albums I have the urge to grab a cup of coffee, sit in a comfy chair and observe the world as time passes by. The talented singer shows off her musical versatility in her newest album, ...Featuring Norah Jones. The album released last week on November 16th and is a collection of various collaborations with well known artists including the Foo Fighters, Ray Charles and Dolly Parton.
The 18 songs on the album were recorded over the last decade and showcase a wide range of musical styles. Some of my favorites include the "Virginia Moon" (with Foo Fighters) with it's jazzy, bossanova beat and "Ruler of My Heart" (with Dirty Dozen Brass Band), a bluesy song sung with attitude and heart. And, of course, November is the ideal time to listen to Norah's version of "Baby It's Cold Outside" (with Willie Nelson). The two banter back and forth together so perfectly, they could have wrote the spicy song. Another favorite toward the end of the album is a cover of an 80s song originally sung by Roxy Music, "More Than This" (with Charlie Hunter). Norah's sultry, jazzy style gives the song a whole new life. If you're a Norah Jones fan, make sure to add this album to your Christmas list.
And make sure to check out the interactive widget below. It's one of the neatest widgets I've come across. You can click on the names to hear snippets of the songs and watch videos of Norah discussing the various collaborations on the album.
Thanks to One2One Network for the review opportunity and for providing a CD for my family to review. I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links.(View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)


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Gymkhana: it's all about driving hard, doing stunts, and being EPIC HARDCORE AWESOME. What if you shrink the whole thing down to model size and do it in stop-motion?
This little Christmas card from Ford is genuinely adorable. It might be an ad, but it's nice to see carmakers embrace the sweeter, smaller moments of car culture.


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[9 Posts]
Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 3512
Location: Chickasha Oklahoma
Posted: Fri 12 Mar 2010, 17:35
Post subject:
Problems with my Slideshow Screensaver
Subject description: I'm stuck
A while back I was working on a slideshow screensaver..A recent poster caused me to revive the project..Here is where I am so far..
Part the first....
I have a slideshow Pet, attached below, which works fine now, I think..No one has tested it yet..In my tests it worked on 431, 412, Quirky, and UPup..
On one occasion it failed to place the `loop link in /usr/share/backgrounds. (keeps the slideshow repeating..) Other than that it seems to work well..Places a menu entry under "desktop" and uses backgrounds for its source..
Part the second...
I have a script that checks mouse/keyboard activity, and it starts the slideshow fine after the 2 minute timeout.. The problem is after another 2 minutes it starts it again.. I`ve tried a "killall pidof" statement, to no avail..
Also the only way to currently stop the slideshow is "esc".. I would like to add another loop to check for mouse activity while it is running, to kill it that way.. I will eventually hack my way to an answer, but tips would help..
If I post the script in a tarball, would any one like to check it out, and see where I went wrong..Be nice..LOL..I have been "out of the loop" for a while and I`ve probably missed something stupid..
Otherwise, please test the slideshow pet and tell me where and when it works for you..
screen locking script
756 Bytes
753 Time(s)
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Joined: 22 May 2009
Posts: 79
Location: Largo, Florida USA
Posted: Mon 14 Nov 2011, 08:53
Post subject: Slideshow Screensave
Subject description: Thanks
Hi puppyluvr
Thanks for this slide show pet is way over due.
I'v been happily using for about 7 months although I down loaded it over a
year ago.
When I first tried it in lupu-511, I installed it while running puppy pfix=ram and then placed
pictures in usr/share/backgrounds.
Then ran the slide show, but only the backgrounds that shipped on the iso worked all the pics I added gave error.
It was some time before I discovered that adding the new backgrounds or removing the old first (before installing the pet) worked like a charm.
This works on all the puppy's I'v tried, but I have by no means tried them all.
I have not yet found a way to create more than one slide show, is it even possible?
I always include this and "xscreensaver-5.07" when I am making a remastered puppy.iso
To be include on a Multipup .iso that I am intending to give to someone for their first look at
puppy, (also added to the extra pets file on the cd or dvd for use by all the puppys there in).
Hope theres some thing useful in this for newbies like me.
Thanks to all who have made puppy and this forum what it is!
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Joined: 07 Mar 2011
Posts: 449
Location: Wish I knew
Posted: Sun 20 Nov 2011, 19:33
Post subject:
Here is a different take on this.
From Desktop, open Nathan Wallpaper Setter.
In top left corner, click on file, which produces three choices
1. Start/stop slideshow (this directory)
2. Options
3. Quit
Clicking option 1, will start a slideshow of all images in /usr/share/backgrounds. Once started, I suggest minimizing nathan wallpaper setter, which will allow you to stop the slideshow by maximizing and clicking option 1 again.
Clicking option 2, will allow you to change the delay seconds between slides. I DO NOT recommend changing the directory as this will cause problems with puppypin file.
I have over 100 jpg images in my /usr/share/backgrounds and it cycled all of them.
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Joined: 28 Nov 2011
Posts: 119
Location: UK
Posted: Mon 28 Nov 2011, 13:52
Post subject:
For my second post, from one newbie to another, a discovery by trial and error:
Ten easy steps to use Slideshow 1.0 on a live RAM installation of Puppy 5.2.5:
1. Create a folder of desired images called slideshow-images, or a name of your choice.
2. Copy the folder into /usr/share.
3. Right click the new folder and click 'link...'
4. Replace the current address in the symlink box with /root/puppy-reference/slideshow-images. This link seems to tell Puppy where you've put the pictures.
5. Click on the Slideshow pet package to automatically install it in /root.
6. Go to the application in /root, right click, open as text and change the default 'backgrounds' to 'slideshow-images' and perhaps alter the number of seconds before advancing frames from 5 to whatever you prefer. Save and close.
7. Drag and drop the Slideshow icon onto the desktop to make a shortcut.
8. Click on the Slideshow icon. (you can also find a button in the startup menu, in the desktop submenu.)
9. Watch your slideshow.
10. To switch off the slideshow, click Esc.
If these tasks are performed in a different order, the slideshow will not find the images.
The slideshow does not appear to support .png images and gives a warning of:
failed loading libpng.so.3: libpng.so.3.
For simplicity, convert your pngs to jpgs before adding them.
You can add images to the folder after you've installed the slideshow app, contrary to the info in some posts I've seen here.
You can even add a whole sub-folder of images within the slideshow-images folder.
This means that you can install the images folder empty, along with the link and slideshow app as described above, remaster, then simply insert any folder of pics for your current session.
The slideshow follows the same order each time it starts, and begins with the latest images added, so if instead of remastering with an empty folder, you put a linux/puppy logo in, that will be the last image to be displayed, and when your current slideshow selection has run through, the logo will sit on your screen until you hit esc or the screen switches off.
It's looking good, thanks Puppyluvr, I thought I'd lost use of my LotR pics when I came over from the Dark Side - but now they're just a click away.
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Joined: 22 May 2009
Posts: 79
Location: Largo, Florida USA
Posted: Mon 28 Nov 2011, 14:30
Post subject: Promlems with my Slideshow Screensaver
Subject description: Usefull tips
Thanks for the tips Guys!
I have just now found my way back to this thread.
Your tips have given me an idea that I will have a
play with when I have some more time.
If it works out I'll post it back here.
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Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 3512
Location: Chickasha Oklahoma
Posted: Mon 28 Nov 2011, 21:06
Post subject:
The pet installs a recursive link in /usr/share/backgrounds to keep it cycling..
If you create a new directory, which works fine, do this:
right click, window, parent/new window
And link your directory into itself..
So, like, /mnt/home/pictures inside /mnt/home/pictures..
When it runs out of images, it will recurse into the new directory, and loop back on itself...
Or you can link several different directories of images, as long as the last link leads to the first..
So for example, if you have pics1/pics2/pics3/pics4/pics5
put a link into pics1 to pics2, and pics2 to pics3, till pics5, which links back to pics1..
Easy to add directories later that way...
Just create a new directory, link it to #1, and then link it into the one before it... Ta-da..
Close the Windows, and open your eyes, to a whole new world
I am Lead Dog of the
Puppy Linux Users Group on Facebook
Join us!
Puppy since 2.15CE...
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Joined: 28 Nov 2011
Posts: 119
Location: UK
Posted: Tue 29 Nov 2011, 11:53
Post subject:
Hi Puppyluvr, thanks for the reply, but I'm afraid you lost me - I'm just way too new at this, I've only been using Linux for a couple of weeks. I'm just poking about with zero knowledge, confident only that I can't wreck a live ram install...
I've found the window, parent, new window thing, but I'm not sure what that achieves apart from opening a duplicate window.
Every time I try to link the file into itself I get an error message saying file already exists and it won't let me link to itself. What am I doing wrong?
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Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 3512
Location: Chickasha Oklahoma
Posted: Tue 29 Nov 2011, 13:49
Post subject:
It is easier than it sounds..
Open the directory with your pics, so you can see the image files..
"Parent/New Window" opens up 1 level higher, where you can see the directory that is open in the other window..
Click and hold to drag the directory into the other window along with the images, and drop it. You will be asked:
Copy / Move / Link (Relative) / Link (Absolute)
Choose "Link (Absolute)"
An image of the directory will appear, with an arrow on it..
Thats it..
When the slideshow runs out of images, it will look in the linked directory, which links it back to where it is already, thus starting the slideshow over..
Normally, the pet creates this in /usr/share/backgrounds but if you want to use another directory, you must create the linkback manually, as above..
Close the Windows, and open your eyes, to a whole new world
I am Lead Dog of the
Puppy Linux Users Group on Facebook
Join us!
Puppy since 2.15CE...
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Joined: 28 Nov 2011
Posts: 119
Location: UK
Posted: Sat 03 Dec 2011, 10:56
Post subject:
Got it, thanks, it works a treat.
Thanks again for a really great app.
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text:
I am amazed at how many great features are crammed into ShellEnhancer! thanks!
now the wish list
alt-tab switcher:
- 32x32 icons in list mode
- XP themed version would be better layed out like the non themed version + it doesn't quite fit inside the themse borders on my current theme (OpusOS)
- an option to remove the 'note:' text
- alt-` cycles the oposite direction(same as alt-shift-tab but quicker/easier)
- option to show app name instead of what its title bar name is
- in list mode, the icon gets a selection box. could this be extended to got over the text also? (maybe an option?)
- option to always show window contents preview. currently when minimised, it only shows a small title bar
- only display one item in list per app
Mosaic switcher:
- option to always show window contents preview. currently when a window is minimised, it only shows a small title bar
- force windows of an app into 1 tile of the mosaic
- option to show name of app at all times, not just in tooltips
- keep a certain app in the same mosaic (helps to 'learn' where the app is)
- make it faster? (perhaps cache screenshots before mosaic is invoked)


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Pakistani fishermen hold political rally at sea
Wearing life jackets and bobbing on the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea, supporters of a candidate in Pakistan's upcoming nationwide election held a waterborne rally to highlight the challenges faced by their embattled fishing community.india Updated: May 05, 2013 11:32 IST
Wearing life jackets and bobbing on the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea, supporters of a candidate in Pakistan's upcoming nationwide election held a waterborne rally to highlight the challenges faced by their embattled fishing community.
Backers of independent political candidate Haji Usman Ghani took to the water Friday on a flotilla of fishing boats.
He is contesting May 11 elections for the Sindh provincial assembly from a constituency near the southern port of Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, and many of his prospective voters work in the fishing industry on the nearby coast.
Dozens of boats filled with his supporters left the harbor and went into the Arabian Sea with flags flying.
Supporters did not let their cumbersome life jackets get in the way of the festive atmosphere, and danced and chanted slogans to show their support for Ghani.
But the candidate had a serious message. Ghani, who's been a social activist in the area for years, promised to improve the education system and provide clean drinking water to his constituency if elected.
"Our children don't get an education. We were forced to use contaminated water...There are no teachers in schools and colleges of the area. That is why I had to come forward and contest elections to get our problems solved. We supported and followed others for long, but no more. We will solve our problems ourselves," Ghani said.
Many people who took one of the roughly 50 boats taking part in the flotilla complained that the government has done little to help the fishing community.
Fishermen are often caught up in a tit-for-tat war on the water with Indian authorities who arrest Pakistanis after they allegedly cross into Indian territory.
Pakistan does the same. The fishermen in both countries often languish in jail for months. According to members of the fishing community around 170 Pakistani fishermen are currently being held in India.
"The government has done nothing for the industry and the fishermen," Ali Mohammad, a supporter of Ghani.
It's unclear whether Ghani has much of a chance of winning the seat, which is currently held by a member of the Pakistan People's Party.
The PPP is one of Pakistan's strongest political parties. It was the largest party in the ruling coalition of the previous national government and controls the provincial assembly as well.
The May 11 vote will mark the first time that a democratically elected civilian government has finished a full term and handed over power to another such government in Pakistan.


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text:
The penny is on the way out, but the Knights of Columbus' Pennies from Heaven program will keep on rolling.
"It's just a name, and it's been the name for 38 years, so as far as I'm concerned, why change it?" asks Brian Strawford, the Calgary knight who runs the Alberta-wide program.
Nickels from Heaven does not have quite the same ring to it, says Strawford.
"It started out with pennies, which were worth something at one time. People also throw in loonies and toonies," he said.
"When they started this, they actually did roll up $17,000 in pennies, and take them to the state convention. It truly was Pennies from Heaven back then, but now it's mostly loonies, toonies or whatever is in your pocket."
Many knights donate paper currency as well.
The Knights split the proceeds among the five Alberta dioceses to support seminarians and vocations programs.
In Alberta, Pennies from Heaven dates back to 1974.
Strawford, a member of Steve Mackevic Council 7938, began overseeing the program a couple of years ago after its long-time steward, Barnie Markowski of Edmonton, retired.
"Seeing as this was a charity that was really important to me, raising money for the seminarians who are going to be our future priests, obviously I said yes, that I would love to take it on," said Strawford.
The amount raised varies from year to year, but in 2012 a total of $29,000 was collected. Over the 38 years that the campaign has been in operation, $579,000 has been raised.
"People who understand and know where this money is going really do support the Pennies from Heaven program, so we are greatly blessed," said Strawford.
Individual knights regularly contribute spare change at business meetings, socials and Communion breakfasts.
Some councils go further, holding 50/50 draws, fundraising dinners, card parties or other moneymaking ventures. Some churches even have jars for parishioners to drop loose change in, Strawford said.
"At one of our meetings, our state chaplain, Father Henry Rosenbaum, made a comment that the coins make so much noise in the bucket that it's distracting, so he would appreciate it if everyone would just throw in paper money instead. I've since passed that along, and everyone gets a chuckle out of it."


text:
MONTREAL - Caila Thompson-Hannant, known to her admirers by the nom d'artiste Mozart's Sister, was nursing a cup of tea at an organic food joint in the Mile End area, feeling the effects of jet lag, or maybe a cold she might have caught on the plane back from London, England, where she had been tweaking new material in the 4AD studio, with Tom Morris engineering. She had arrived home only the previous night.
Thompson-Hannant was taking the part of both interlocutors in an internal dialogue. " 'I think I was OK,' 'I don't know. Was it?' 'Yeah. It was good.' 'No. It could have been better.' 'No, it was really good, you're doing really well.' "
But don't worry. Thompson-Hannant was not really talking to herself, nor was there any sign that the stress of polishing 10 new tracks or her rapidly approaching trip to the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, might be getting to her. In conversation, she is calm, reflective and, to all appearances, quite with us.
In delivering the imagined two-way exchange, the singer was simply illustrating the point that, after years in groups, her gigs are now a solitary endeavour. Chances to rehash the highs and lows of a performance with bandmates are, accordingly, non-existent. With Mozart's Sister strictly a one-woman project, centred on Thompson-Hannant's voice, synthesizers and loops, she can look only to herself for judgment.
"It has felt like there were times when all the narrative of my experience was happening in my head," she said. "You don't have any way of externalizing your experience. I'd do out-of-town shows in Boston or Toronto. You just sit in the bus by yourself, then go to the venue, maybe say a few words to the sound person or the promoter, set up your stuff, go out and dinner -- all just by yourself. And then you play your show. And you go from no speaking to "yaaaa ...", singing crazy on stage ... and then back to no talking and taking down your gear! Making decisions alone about every aspect of everything is the hardest part."
Thompson-Hannant got early training in solitude, growing up an only child in Vancouver and Victoria, B.C. Her uncle Peter, she said, was a constant source of new music for her and her mother, exposing them mostly to the electro-pop arrangements that echo today in the music of Mozart's Sister. Among the more enduring sounds that captured his preteen niece's attention were Björk's Post and Air's Moon Safari, along with Peter Gabriel's work. It was music that sounded softer to her, she said.
"A lot of people I knew were listening to punk rock," Thompson-Hannant said. "I didn't really get into rock until I was older, even though I would try to."
Mainstream pop, from Britney Spears to Rihanna, has always been a favourite, too, said Thompson-Hannant. "I always loved a good beat and pop," she said. "I used to go to raves and stuff when I was a kid, and I really liked dance music and electronic music. It really tapped into some zone in my body -- like a pleasure zone. It just makes you feel really good to hear a catchy, amazing, powerful pop dance song."
Thompson-Hannant played guitar and synthesizer in Shapes and Sizes, which was signed to Sufjan Stevens's Asthmatic Kitty label. The band, which released its first album in 2006, relocated to Montreal the next year.
In her new adopted city, Thompson-Hannant made the acquaintance of Jordan Robson-Cramer of Miracle Fortress. At the band's invitation, she took up bass and played with them for about six months before joining Think About Life in 2009.
After two years, she was planning a solo project.
Thompson-Hannant said she had been writing her own songs from the time she moved to Montreal, but was unable to convey them to her bandmates in Shapes and Sizes. "I started getting frustrated with the band, feeling like I couldn't explain what was going on in my head to them -- or they weren't understanding me. I wanted to change the way things sounded. It drove me crazy, actually, and made me really sad," she said. "There was this problem where there hadn't been one before. So I started writing songs, thinking I would have to find my own way of manifesting this music."
So out came the loop pedal and the synthesizer. All that remained was to learn how to write for the new musical setup and figure out how to make a decent-sounding recording on a computer. The first Mozart's Sister EP, Dear Fear, was unleashed independently via Facebook and Bandcamp in 2011. (For the sake of closure, Shapes and Sizes, which remained intact through Thompson-Hannant's tenure with other groups, released Candles to Your Eyes in 2010. Although the group never officially called it quits, she said, all the members have gone "on to other things.")
The brittle electronic soul-pop sounds of Dear Fear drew the interest of the U.K.-based label Merok Records, which also has Titus Andronicus on its roster. A new song, the self-referential Mozart's Sister, was added to the original three and the track Single Status was remade and strengthened, with the result being the buffed-up EP Hello, due Tuesday.
For Thompson-Hannant, the insular experience of the Mozart's Sister project has been a liberation. And, she said, other women artists have heard a similar call. "The computer has changed everything. I think there are more women involved in music stuff now. You don't need to be in a band with guys to make music. You can make it at home," she said. "It's a huge hurdle to meet guys you feel comfortable enough around to be yourself. At school, I was always in bands. I'm a naturally good singer, but I was never really good at any instruments. Playing guitar in front of a guy was embarrassing."
Thompson-Hannant said the best outcome of having more women involved in recording would be that some end up in key roles in what is still a male-dominated business. Specifically, she said, she would love to see more women producers and engineers.
Still, the easy access to recording music has a downside, Thompson-Hannant acknowledged: there's just too much of it out there. Asked how that affects her chances of getting her music heard, she took a long pause.
"I can't really think about that without falling down the rabbit hole," she said. "There's just so much out there. I'm going to South by Southwest next month, and it's insane. It can sometimes feel like a total nightmare. You're surrounded by bands and everybody is after the same slice of cake. Philosophically, the idea excites me because I start to think everybody's going to make music and then we're all going to be equal. But on day-to-day terms, I just think if you keep going, it's going to be heard.
"I don't think about public awareness too much," she said. "I think about making (the Hello EP) funny and cool -- something I would like and I hope other people would like."
The historical Mozart's sister, Maria Anna, was an accomplished musician who was forced by the values of 18th-century society to cut short a promising career and leave the stage entirely to her brother. Thompson-Hannant's adopting of the name implies an underdog mentality.
"I feel safer in that role," she said. "I'm an only child, a bit of a loner. And I like the perspective of the outsider. That's why artists are who they are -- because they're outside of the norm and the things people live with, but don't know how to articulate their feelings for. That perspective is important to me and it's important for people to hear it. I don't know. It's comforting."
Hello's release date is Feb. 26. The EP will be readily available on iTunes.


text:
TEHRAN, June 13 (UPI) -- With the Revolutionary Guards poised to crash down on any political protest, Iran goes to the polls Friday in a presidential election in which the real winner will be the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The 73-year-old cleric has ruled Iran since the death of the republic's stern founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989 and has crippled the outgoing two-term president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, for daring to challenge the grip of the clerical regime Khomeini established.
Iranian presidents are subservient to the supreme leader but Ahmadinejad battled the clerical leadership for more political power -- and lost.
He was constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term but had sought to ensure he would be succeeded by his chief of staff, Esfandiar Rahim Meshaie, whose son is married to one of Ahmadinejad's daughters and who many say exercised a Svengali-like influence over the outgoing president.
Ahmadinejad's political career is clearly over. So is Meshaei's. The establishment has branded him a "sorcerer," a spy and a devil worshipper. The word is that he "sleeps with a gun under his pillow." Some of his associates have been arrested in recent weeks.
Khamenei has made sure that whoever succeeds Ahmadinejad will remain subservient to the supreme leader and the mullahs.
So whoever wins, even the lone "reformist" that made it through Khamenei's closed-door selection process, along with a posse of Khamenei-approved candidates, there will be no repeat of Ahmadinejad's ill-fated challenge.
But the question that runs subliminally through this election, although it may have got swamped in Khamenei's power play, is: How long will clerical rule -- velayat-e faqih, or "rule by the jurisprudent" as laid down by Khomeini -- go on in Iran as the economy, frazzled by Western sanctions, sinks and the Shiite mullahs face a looming showdown with Islam's mainstream Sunni sect to resolve a 1,300-year-old religious schism?
On Friday, much will depend on the turnout. A large turnout, 80 percent or more, will be seen as legitimizing the existing power structure. But after the upheaval of the 2009 election, when Khamenei made sure Ahmadinejad won re-election to the anger and dismay of much of the electorate, nobody's expecting a mass turnout.
The harsh crackdown by the regime in 2009, in which more than 100 people were killed and two leading reformists remain under arrest, has disillusioned many Iranians about elections.
The regime's biggest fear is that voters will stay at home this time around, and for weeks it's been bombarding the electorate with patriotic slogans to get out there and vote.
The selection of the candidates for Friday's poll, overseen by Khamenei and the 12-member Council of Guardians, which must approve all candidates, purged some 700 applicants.
These included former president and Khomeini lieutenant Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who might have given the establishment a run for its money, and Meshaei.
The eight men who are competing in the republic's 11th presidential election since it was founded in 1979 after Khomeini toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, are all closely associated with the government in one way or another.
Khamenei's leaving little to chance. Many observers say Iran's moving toward greater clerical control, backed by the Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful, ideologically sound elite force created by Khomeini as the clerical regime's praetorian guard.
The eight include former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati, Khamenei's top international affairs adviser; former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaie; Saeed Jalili, anti-Western head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and its chief nuclear negotiator; and former Tehran Mayor Mohammad Baqir Qalibaf, ex-commander of the Guard Corps' air force.
Khamenei hasn't indicated whether he has a favorite but most see Jalili, another former Guards officer, as the man to watch.
The only moderate is Hassan Rowhani, a centrist ally of Rafsanjani, nuclear negotiator in 2003-05 and a champion of rolling back the U.S.-led sanctions.
He's been endorsed by the reformist camp headed by former President Mohammed Khatami, whose people were crushed in the 2009 election and the nationwide crackdown that followed.
These days, an endorsement like that's pretty much a kiss of death, unless reformist voters turn out in extraordinary numbers Friday.
It's widely expected there will no clear-cut winner, meaning a runoff June 21 between the two top vote getters.


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Technical Problem With This Chapter?
Author: Mr. Intel
Story: The Bargain
Part: 1: Birthday Dilemma
Rating: Teens
Setting: AU
Status: Completed
Reviews: 64
Words: 3,509
Updated: December 1, 2004, 7:55am
1: Birthday Dilemma
Thirty-six-year-old Remus Lupin strode carefully down the hall towards the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore had requested an audience with Remus the night before, but his duties with the Order of the Phoenix and a trip to Diagon Alley the next morning for Harry's upcoming seventeenth birthday party kept him from coming earlier.
"Cauldron Cakes," Remus intoned. The Gargoyle opened, exposing a set of stairs and Remus stepped onto them, activating the charm that carried him upwards.
He raised his fist to knock on the faded oak door but stopped short when Dumbledore's clear voice rang out, "Come in, Remus."
Lupin opened the door, revealing Dumbledore's tidy office, snoozing phoenix and generous owner.
"Ah, Remus," Dumbledore began, "I trust your trip was successful?"
Knowing that the elderly wizard was referring to his excursion to Diagon Alley, Remus nodded. "It's not every day your ward turns seventeen."
The ever-present twinkle in the old man's eyes flared for a moment or two. "Indeed. That's actually what I called you here for, Remus." He gestured for Lupin to sit.
Taking the plush chintz armchair, Remus asked, "Oh? Harry's in trouble already? School's not even in session yet." It wouldn't be beyond the scope of reality for Remus to find out that Harry had been involved in some sort of mischief. As good of a lad as he was, Harry was the son of a Marauder.
"No, no. Nothing like that," said Dumbledore with a chuckle. "It's actually something to do with a magical contract of sorts."
Remus furrowed his brow, letting the small smile slide off his face. "Magical contract? What kind of contract?"
Dumbledore paused, as if to measure his words carefully, and steepled his fingers under his chin. Remus was instantly on his guard. "What do you recall about the Wizarding Decree of 1016?"
"What?" asked a suddenly perplexed Remus. He certainly hadn't expected that.
"The Wizarding Decree of 1016," repeated Dumbledore. "It's obviously very old and has been modified quite a lot by more recent legislation, but...there are a number of statutes stemming from that decree that are in effect today."
"What does this have to do with Harry?" Remus strained his brain for information on the law. Something about how the magical community was to be organized....
"Allow me to be terse, Remus." Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair and folded his hands on the desk between them. "One of the more archaic forms of Wizarding law is still active through this decree. Specifically, a less acknowledged form of marriage can still be carried out today, if certain qualifications are met."
"Marriage?" Remus said, his ears perking up immediately. "Please don't tell me Harry's gone and got married! He hasn't so much as dated anyone since fifth year."
Clearing his throat, Dumbledore continued. "Yes, well, Harry hasn't tied the knot quite yet, but I'm afraid that it may not be far off in his future."
The colour drained from Lupin's face and he sat back in his chair. "You may as well tell me," he said with a distracted wave of the hand.
"There is a quill in the Ministry, much like the one we use to record the birth of magical children, that documents when arranged marriages between two magical families are made. Sometime in July of 1981, James and Arthur must have arranged for their children to be married. More specifically, they made the agreement with a magically binding contract."
Remus's mind was reeling. How could something like this have been overlooked? What was James thinking? They knew about the prophecy by then; James and Lily must have known what they were getting into. And that doesn't take into account how Arthur fit into all of this.
"I see that you have many questions," interrupted Dumbledore. "I will endeavour to answer all of them."
"How did this happen?" Remus blurted. "Why are we just finding out about it now? And...what are we going to tell Harry?"
Dumbledore was silent for a moment, staring out the window. Without looking at Remus, he passed a small glass jar across the desk. "Have a lemon drop. I've found them to be most soothing in a stressful situation."
Almost automatically, Remus popped one into his mouth, letting the tangy sweetness invigorate his senses. How many times have I eaten one of these in this office? he mused.
Taking one for himself, Dumbledore turned to him and continued. "I only found out through a twist of luck. It seems that the office where this quill is kept is next door to the assistant for the Magical Transportation Department. I was there yesterday to renew my Apparation license and happened to hear one of the clerks say 'Potter' and 'Weasley'. Well, naturally, my curiosity was piqued and once I finished my business with the Transportation Department, I inquired as to why those two names were being mentioned.
"It turns out that the reason no one has known about this until now is that the quill isn't checked regularly. In fact, since there hasn't been an arraigned marriage for over a hundred and fifty years, it hasn't been checked at all this century."
Unable to visualize Harry married to anyone, let alone an arranged one, Remus sat in his chair, completely gobsmacked. Then he realized exactly who it was that Harry was supposed to be married to. "Have you spoken to Arthur? Does he even know?"
"Actually, according to the law, certain procedures are supposed to be followed. My knowledge could affect the course of events, and I risk severe consequences by even telling you."
Having just regained his colour, Remus blanched again. "What sort of consequences?"
Dark clouds billowed around a full moon as Harry Potter watched the empty streets of Little Whinging. He would be leaving Privet Drive for good the following morning and in his excitement, Harry couldn't seem to fall asleep.
Dumbledore had given him permission to finish out the holidays with the Weasleys. He would finally get to spend his birthday with the only family he had known.
With a sigh, he re-read a letter he had received from them yesterday.
your things together and be ready to leave on Monday. Ron and I will be
taking you by Portkey at eight o'clock that morning. We'll be aiming
for the back garden, so as not to frighten the Muggles. Meet us there
and we'll help you say goodbye to that wretched place forever.
Love from,
Since the Department of Mysteries over a year ago, Ginny, Neville, and to a certain extent, Luna, had been included in with the "trio" more often than not. Ginny had been an important part of the effort to remove Harry's less than cheerful attitude the previous summer, and ever since, she and Harry had fallen into what Harry considered a companionable friendship.
Ginny was the strangest sort of friend, though. Unlike Ron or Hermione, Ginny wasn't afraid to tell Harry off. She had a tendency to make Harry participate in activities when he didn't want to, and had the most annoying habit of turning up when he wanted to be left alone. The oddest thing in Harry's sight was that he found he didn't mind.
As soon as they arrived in the Burrow's garden, Ron grabbed Harry's trunk and Hedwig's cage and thrust them at Ginny. "Here, Ginny. Take these upstairs. Harry and I are going to go flying."
Ginny's feathers were immediately ruffled. "I don't bloody well think so. You can take them up yourself. Or Harry, for that matter," she said with her fists clenched, as if to make sure Harry's things couldn't pop into her hands if she left them open. "Besides, if there's flying to be had, I'm just as capable as the next person."
"I need to talk with Harry, alone," Ron said slowly.
Harry seemed torn and had been looking warily between Ron and Ginny. "Listen, Ginny," he began. "You don't have to take my things, but let me and Ron talk for about fifteen minutes?" Ron nodded. "Then you can come fly with us."
Ginny weighed her options. It would have been easier to just browbeat Ron into letting her come, but now that Harry had spelled out her options, his suggestion seemed reasonable. "All right."
"Great," Ron said happily. "We'll see you later, Ginny."
Ron drug Harry over to the broom shed to extract his Cleansweep and they were off to the makeshift Quidditch Pitch.
As Ron and Harry left, Ginny sat on Harry's trunk and propped her chin on her hand to wait.
The screen door on the side of the house squeaked open and Ginny turned to find Hermione looking back at her. "Get a good look at Harry's bum?" she teased.
"When did you get here?" Ginny asked, deliberately ignoring her question.
"Just before you did." Hermione motioned for Ginny to budge over and then joined her on Harry's trunk. "I've already taken my things to your room."
Ginny returned her chin to her hand and caught the top of Harry's head as the boys turned to enter the paddock. "What did you get Harry for his birthday?"
"Not telling," Hermione answered cheerfully. "But I'm sure he's got what you want for your birthday."
The back of Ginny's hand hit Hermione in the shoulder. "I can't help it if he's got a cute bum. It's not like I'm pining after him like a lost puppy any more."
"Uh-huh," Hermione said. "You just keep telling yourself that."
"Well, you're one to talk, aren't you?" Ginny countered. "I mean, if Harry or Ron asked you out, would you say no?"
Hermione blushed but otherwise kept her composure. "That's for me to know and for you to find out, Miss Weasley."
"Oh come off it, Hermione," Ginny said with a giggle. "Everyone knows Ron's got a thing for you, and no matter how close you keep your cards, you have to admit to being attracted to him." Ginny thought about that for a moment and added, "Even if he is my brother."
"So you don't think I should ask Harry out? He is dishy."
Ginny scowled. "This is not a good day to push my buttons, Hermione."
"Oh, relax, Ginny," Hermione soothed. "I'm not after Harry Potter. Even if you died a horrible, tragic death, and he needed the attention that only I could give I don't think it would work out between us. He's too moody."
Ginny snorted. "How do you know? Maybe he's got a thing for you, but he's holding back because he knows how Ron feels."
Hermione froze, apparently surprised at this thought. Then she shook her head. "No, I don't think so. He's not so much as blinked at me that way, Ginny."
The mirth left Ginny's laugh and she said, "Yeah, well...he hasn't so much as blinked at me, either."
"What about Colin?" Hermione asked quietly. "He certainly seems to keep looking at you, even after you broke up."
"Colin never grew up."
"He loved his painting more than me."
Ginny raised her eyebrows. "Do I have to go over that one with you again?"
"No," Hermione said. "I suppose not."
Harry's heart was beating rapidly. The thrill of flying again after five weeks off was a welcome feeling, and Harry was doing his best to make sure that he made the most of it.
"So how does it feel to be free?" Ron asked as they continued their game of follow-the-leader.
Harry smiled and shot past his friend. "Almost as good as grinding Malfoy's face into the pitch," he yelled as he passed.
"Oi! You're supposed to be following the leader. Not showing off," Ron said with a smile.
Harry swivelled on his broom until he could see Ron. "If you weren't so ruddy slow, I might let you lead more often."
After a few minutes of flying, they glided over to a large oak tree and pushed through the branches until they found a small platform high above the ground. Bill had built it when he was thirteen and Ron had discovered it the summer before he left for Hogwarts.
"So what's on your mind, Ron?" Harry asked quickly.
Ron laid his broom across his lap and sighed. "I'm going to ask Hermione out today."
Harry's expression remained impassive. "About time, mate. How do you think she'll take it?"
Ron wiped his face with his hand and leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "I dunno. I 'spect she'll want to hex me at first, but I'm counting on my wit and charm to woo her."
Harry pursed his lips. "Well then, you're certainly doomed." Snapping his fingers in an exaggerated manner he looked up, "But Ron.... What if she fancies Malfoy?"
"Malfoy!" spluttered Ron. "What makes you think � "
Unable to help it, Harry dissolved into unrestrained laughter.
"You git!" Ron said as he punched Harry in the shoulder. "I'll eat your Firebolt before Hermione gives him the time of day."
"Yeah," Harry said, regaining his composure. "But eat your own broom. I'm a little partial to mine."
Ron looked to be on the verge of another witty comeback, but the sound of Ginny's voice came across the pitch. "Roooonnn. Haaarrrry."
"Speaking of which," Ron said with a waggle of his eyebrows. "When are you going to ask Ginny out?"
Now it was Harry's turn to splutter. "What are you on about? She's over me and � well, we're just friends."
"Right, Harry. You aren't fooling anyone when you say that." Ron clapped his shoulder and stood. "I saw the way you reacted when she grabbed your leg, you know."
"She didn't grab my leg, Ron. She...she brushed against it."
Ron straddled his broom and said, "It's my story and I'm sticking with it. Just ask her out soon, mate. I'm sure Hermione would love to go on a double with you two." Then he shot off from the platform and crashed through the top branches of the tree.
"You git!" Harry called, shaking his head and laughing.
That Thursday was Harry's birthday. The day was filled with presents, friends, and best of all, loads of Harry's favourite foods. Fred and George made a token appearance, enchanting the candles to sing shrilly only after they were blown out for the first time. Luna Lovegood visited from the village to wish him a happy birthday and to give Ron a kiss on his cheek. Hermione didn't look happy with that at all.
As the birthday dinner was finishing up, Harry secluded himself on a wicker chair near the garden. He propped his legs on a matching ottoman and linked his fingers behind his head. Mr. Weasley had cast a bug repellent charm over the whole garden, so there were only a few, distant buzzing noises to listen to outside of the chattering partygoers.
When the guests finally filtered away from the tables, Mrs. Weasley banished the dishes and joined in with the mingling.
Harry let a contented smile slip onto his face and he sunk down further into the cushions on the chair.
"You've had quite a birthday, Harry," said Remus Lupin, as he approached with a drink in his hand.
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "It's been the best I've ever had, actually."
Lupin sat down across from Harry on a wicker loveseat. "I'm glad you've enjoyed it, because I've got some information that will most likely be difficult for you to deal with."
Harry tensed up immediately. "What do you mean? Is Voldemort doing anything? I haven't felt anything in my scar..."
"No," Remus answered with a deadpanned expression. "It's not anything to do with Voldemort. It's something much more frightening than that."
"More frightening?" Harry asked, sliding back in his seat and setting his feet firmly on the ground.
"Well," said Lupin, scratching his chin, "judging by how you've been acting around her tonight, you might take to the idea better than I thought."
Harry shook his head, thinking that his guardian had lost his marbles. "Remus...what are you talking about?"
"Have you heard of the Wizarding Decree of 1016?" Lupin asked, quoting Dumbledore from a few days ago.
"The...what? I'm sorry, but I think you've hit your head. Are you feeling well?"
Remus chuckled. "Yes, Harry. I'm quite fine. I haven't hit my head or anything. I'm talking about the decree that formed the Ministry of Magic and codified just about every line of Wizarding law at the time."
Still dubious about Remus's mental condition, Harry said, "Um...no? I must have slept through Binns's lesson that day."
"Well, one of the things that that statute provided for was arranged marriages."
"All right," said Harry, waiting for the other shoe to drop. "You're not going to tell me that my dad arranged for me to marry Pansy Parkinson or something, are you?"
Remus hesitated and a shiver of fear ran up Harry's spine. "Actually...that's not far from the truth."
"Which part?" whispered Harry. "Marriage, or Pansy?"
"Marriage. According to the Office of Ancient Wizarding Customs, you are to be married to Ginevra Molly Weasley."
Something in Harry's mind froze and nothing he did could wipe Ginny's face from his mind. "Ginny?" he finally said. "And me? How?"
"I don't have all of the details, but the deal was made sometime in July of 1981, just before Ginny was born. Dumbledore stumbled onto it a few days ago and according to the list of prescribed procedures and rules, you have to be informed by your legal guardian, me, by your seventeenth birthday, today. Ginny has to be told by you and you are to be wed by her next birthday. No one else is supposed to speak of it until the bride and groom are notified, or the arrangement will be voided and the punishment inflicted."
Harry's mind was spinning. "Procedures? I have to tell her... Punishment? What's the punishment?"
For the first time since Harry had known him, Remus looked frightened. "Well...you see... If you break any of the rules � there are almost a hundred by the way � or if you and Ginny don't wed by her next birthday... You both will lose your ability to...have relations with anyone."
Harry blanched. "WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN I WON'T BE ABLE TO HAVE � "
"Silencio," Remus intoned with a flick of his wand. Harry immediately stopped shouting, though his mouth continued to move. Several of the party guests turned and looked oddly at Harry before they returned to their drinks and conversations.
After a moment, Harry stopped talking, but motioned vigorously towards his neck.
Remus ended the spell by tapping his wand on Harry's throat and Harry, more calmly, said, "Thank you. Now would you please explain to me why I've got to marry Ginny Weasley or my...my...thing won't work any more?"
"It's out of my control, Harry. According to the law, you've got to marry her by her next birthday and consummate the marriage within thirty-six hours of the ceremony, or you become impotent and she instantly becomes menopausal. You'll be like a simmering pot of hormones for the rest of your life but will never be able to act on your urges."
Harry moaned slowly. "What in the name of Merlin did I do to get into this? Who did this to me? There's really nothing at all I can do?" He was pulling at his face with his hands, desperately trying to grasp his situation.
"No one knows, except perhaps Arthur," Remus replied.
Harry shot out of his chair, his eyes finding the patriarch of the Weasley family standing next to his wife, talking with Hermione and Ron. He took two steps before Remus's arms were around him.
"Hold on, there, Harry. Remember the rules? You can't tell anyone before you tell Ginny. Only after that can we ask Arthur what happened � assuming he remembers."
Harry stopped struggling and Remus let go of his arms. "How do we know that Dumbledore's knowledge hasn't already tripped the punishment?" Harry asked.
"Are you...fully functional?" Remus asked with a straight face.
Harry was caught off guard by the question, but remembering his all-too-lucent dreams that morning, flushed red and nodded. "So what do I have to do?"
"Talk to Ginny. Find someplace quiet and secluded, try to set the mood so that she's relaxed, and then tell her."
"Just like that?" asked Harry.
"Just like that," confirmed Remus.
"But her birthday is in twelve days! How are we supposed to get married in twelve days?"
"You'll think of something, Harry."
A/N: Once again, much thanks to my pre-betas and beta. This story would be much less than what it is without them. I have written out chapter two, but because of the vagaries of writing a complicated plot, I won�t be posting it until chapter three is written � which covers the entirety of the twelve days leading up to the deadline. So don�t look for it for a little while. Sorry!
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I know that my presence on this site has been greatly diminished over the past few months. While I still occasionally feel guilty about it, and I frequently wish that I was writing more, I have been focusing more on the theme of "making time."
So what have I been making time for? I'm making time to be more present with EH - more active playing and interaction with him, instead of me trying to get him to play on his own while I catch up on the news and email on my phone. I'm making more time to read, which I was sorely missing and is a good way for me to feel like I'm getting "me" time. I'm making more time to cook actual meals, instead of throwing in a frozen pizza every night, and although my cooking efforts will not be anywhere near where they were a few years ago, I am trying to eat healthier and that involve cooking at home more often. And finally - and this is the hardest one - I'm trying to make time for exercising. This is usually the thing that is first to go. I never seem to have the energy in the evenings, but we have a trip to Mexico booked for the summer and I want to make getting into shape more of a priority!
I certainly don't mean to imply that there aren't things going on over here! EH is still a fascinating little seesaw of toddler emotions, going from saying the cutest, funniest things ever to full-blown toddler tantrum mode. He's super into Legos and just started getting into playing "pretend" which I think it just too adorable.
Oh, and we're MOVING soon! It's been a bit hush hush but this is happening sooner rather than later so I guess it's time to let the cat out of the bag!
All of this is to say that I haven't forgotten about the blog, but I am trying to balance my priorities and sadly that means that this little blog here tends to fall at the bottom of the list. But I do hope to post more about our new house, and get some pictures of EH up - he's getting so big!
Making Time
Posted by Lisa on Thursday, February 6, 2014
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Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly armour
Ned Kelly's armour is on display until 20 July 2020 in Velvet, Iron, Ashes – our inaugural, free exhibition in the Victoria Gallery.
The State Library of Victoria is the custodian of a rich collection of historical and contemporary Ned Kelly material, which has been acquired and donated over the years.
Key historical material includes the Jerilderie letter, Ned Kelly's armour and death mask, family photographs, police telegrams and photographs, newspaper reports, letters, minutes from the 1880 Royal Commission into the Kelly Outbreak and books written about the bushranger by authors and historians from the 19th century to today.
Kelly's cultural impact from the 19th century onwards is also well represented. Material relating to the 1906, 1970 (starring Mick Jagger) and 2003 (starring Heath Ledger) film versions of Kelly's story is complemented by Peter Carey's papers (an archive acquired from the author of the 2001 Booker Prize-winning novel The true history of the Kelly gang).
The Library continues to acquire and receive donations and long-term loans of Kelly-related material.
Digital material
Digital material about the Kelly story can be explored by:
- browsing or searching our catalogue to view, download for free, or order (for a fee) digitised manuscripts and photographs
- viewing material on ergo, our research and study website for students
- reading articles about Kelly in the Library's La Trobe Journal, newspapers, journals and ebooks
- watching videos, including a virtual reconstruction of Kelly's armour.
Non-digital material
The Library has a large collection of books about Ned Kelly. These cover Ned Kelly fiction, non-fiction and children's books. These and other non-heritage items can be requested for on-site viewing at the Library.
You can also trace the Kelly story and view fascinating historical items by visiting The changing face of Victoria exhibition.


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July 12, 1936 - September 27, 201
Port Jervis, NY
Mr. Charles "Bud" W. Jenks, Sr. a lifetime resident of Port Jervis, NY died Friday, September 27, 2013 at Bon Secours Community Hospital. He was 77.
He was born July 12, 1936 in Port Jervis, NY the son of the late Merville and the late Mabel Conklin Jenks. Bud married Anna Margaret Spencer 54 years ago on July 12, 1959 at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, NY.
He worked as a Production Control Manager for Fair Rite in Wallkill, NY.
He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis.
He served in the U.S. Army.
A family statement read: "Bud was a dedicated family man. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and son. Picnics, family gatherings and spending time with his loved ones were the times he cherished the most. His happiest times were those watching his children and grandchildren at all their endeavors or just simply spending quiet times at home with the love of his life, his wife Ann. Bud will be greatly missed by all and will be waiting to greet us with loving arms outstretched in the house of our Lord."
Survivors include his wife, Anna Margaret Jenks, at home; two sons: Charles "Buddy" Jenks, Jr. and his wife, Marlena of Matamoras, PA and Steven Jenks, Sr. and his wife, Roseann of Port Jervis; daughter, Juliene Saletto and her husband, Edward of Port Jervis; three brothers: Merville Jenks of Port Jervis, Robert Jenks and his wife, Phyllis of State of FL, Daniel Jenks of Port Jervis; sister, Betty Elizabeth Nostrand and her husband, Victor of State of TN; 12 grandchildren: Curtis and Chantel Jenks, Ann Marie Montalvo and her husband, Jose, Steven Jenks, Jr. and his wife, Peggy, Kyle Jenks, Edward Saletto, Peter Saletto, Jonathan Michael Saletto, Brian Jenks, Jr., Matthew Jenks and Sean Jenks; six great grandchildren: Curtis, Tyler, Isabella, Abbey, Taylor and Madison; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Domonkos of Lords Valley, PA; also several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Brian Lee Jenks, Sr. on January 29, 2000; one brother, Russell Jenks, three sisters: Thelma Turner, Merle Marinaccio and Marilyn Joan Jenks; and sister-in-law, Margaret Jenks.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 29th at the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 30th with a 9:15 a.m. prayer at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's R.C. Church, 46 Ball St. in Port Jervis with Rev. George Hafemann officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.
Memorial contributions may be made: Center for Discovery, 31 Kinnebrook Road, Harris, NY 12742
Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 845.856.5191; for additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com


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That Right Hand Aint To Be Messed With: David Haye (British Boxer) vs Audley Harrison (3rd Round Knockout)
"David Haye defends his WBA belt against Audley Harrison at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Saturday 13th November 2010. "
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Almost two-thirds of advisors see the small- and micro-plan 401(k) market as a source of opportunity, Guardian Retirement Solutions announced on Monday. The firm held a series of educational events across the country earlier this year, surveying attendees at each event to get their views on their opportunity for growth.
Guardian noted that according to the Employee Benefits Security Administration, 90% of all 401(k) plans have less than $10 million in assets and 80% have less than $2.5 million. More than 50 million Americans participate in 401(k) plans that have total assets of about $3 trillion.
The biggest challenge attendees at Guardian's 401(k) G2 Summits reported was not compliance but time management. In fact, less than a quarter of respondents cited government regulations as a challenge, after resource management (39%) and fiduciary responsibilities (27%).
Part of the reason advisors weren't as worried about government regulations is that in the small- and micro-plan markets, advisors aren't as willing to take on fiduciary duties.
"In the mid- to large-plan markets, advisors spend a lot of time thinking about becoming fiduciaries," Steve Davis, national sales manager for Guardian, told AdvisorOne on Wednesday. "In the small market, it's not that they're thinking about whether they should be fiduciaries — they don't want to be fiduciaries."
Instead, advisors serving smaller markets are partnering with providers that offer 3(21) and 3(38) services, Davis said. "They're starting to realize that they don't always have to do everything themselves. They're getting comfortable working with providers with that service set built in."
Check out Howdy Doody or Scooby Doo? Mind the Gap Between Early, Late Boomers on AdvisorOne.