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After three hours trudging along steep forest paths, you come to a surreal sight. Hundreds of megalithic stone jars, large enough for someone to a crouch inside, are strewn all around. This group of 416 jars is the largest at the aptly named Plain of Jars, whose current tally stands at 1900 jars in 52 clusters, plus fifteen jar-making sites. They were made by a vanished civilization and their presence indicates that the mountains were prosperously settled at the time. Today the Xieng Khoung province is on the rise again, this time as a tourist hub.
Little is known about the jar-makers, except that the plateau was a strategic and prosperous centre for trade routes extending from India to China. Nearly 2000 years ago, possibly earlier according to new evidence, these jars functioned as mortuary vessels: a corpse would be placed inside the jar until it decomposed down to its essence, then cremated and buried in a second urn with personal possessions. Now all that remains here are the empty jars, set in clusters on the crests of hills, an imposing and eerie legacy.
At Phukeng, you can see where the jars were made. Dozens of incomplete jars lie on the mountainside where they were abandoned after cracking during construction. It's a sight that evokes the magnitude of the effort: after many weeks spent gouging a jar from a boulder with hammer and chisel, the creators then had to haul the load of several tons (the largest jar weighs six tons) across the undulating, grassy, pine-studded landscape to the "cemetery" 8km away. How the jars were transported is another puzzle that serves to deepen the enigma that pervades the Plain of Jars.
Daily public buses connect Luang Prabang and Vientiane with Phonsovan. Auberge de la Plaine des Jarres ([email protected]) is the province's best hotel, with private wooden bungalows.
For hundreds more ultimate travel experiences, get Rough Guides' Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth


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Real tomato soup
Nutrition and extra info
- Counts as 1 of 5-a-day
- Easily doubled / halved
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal151
- fat2g
- saturates2g
- carbs13g
- sugars11g
- fibre11g
- protein7g
- salt0.51g
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Olive oilol-iv oyl
Probably the most widely-used oil in cooking, olive oil is pressed from fresh olives. It's…
- 1 onion, chopped
Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Native to Asia…
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 400g can chopped tomato
- handful basil leaf
- pinch bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is an alkali which is used to raise soda breads and full-…
- 600ml milk
One of the most widely used ingredients, milk is often referred to as a 'complete' food…
Heat the olive oil in a large pan, then tip in the onion and garlic. Cook over a moderate heat until the onion has softened, about 5 mins. Stir in the tomato purée, then pour in the chopped tomatoes and basil leaves, and bring up to the boil. Turn the heat down and leave to simmer for about 15 mins until thick and full of flavour. If you like a smooth soup, whizz the mixture at this point to form a smooth sauce. Can now be cooled and frozen for up to 1 month.
To finish the soup, tip the tomato mixture into a pan. Spoon the baking soda into a small bowl and pour over 1 tbsp or so of the milk. Mix together until there are no lumps, then tip into the tomato mix and pour over the milk. Bring up to a boil (the mixture will froth, but don't worry – it will go away). Gently simmer for about 5 mins until ready to serve.
Recipe Tip
Emma says...Creamy tomato soup is the stuff of childhood, and it's simple to make yourself. I didn't want to overload it with cream and came across this idea of using baking soda when I lived in America – it stops the milk from curdling. Don't worry, you won't taste the baking soda at all.

subset: commoncrawl


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approach (one) about
approach (one) about
To ask someone something, often in a cautious way. When is the best time to approach the boss about taking a leave of absence? I can't propose yet, I still have to approach Julie's dad about it. Have the producers approached you about taking the role yet?
See also: approach
approach someone about someone or something
to ask someone about someone or something, usually with tact and caution. Wally has been acting strangely. I will approach Judy about him. She approached Tom about the broken window.
See also: approach


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Category : Research Paper.
Topic : How to write a long introduction for a research paper. Author : .
Posted : Sun, May 10th 2020 06:20 AM.
Format : jpg/jpeg.
An outline will help you organize your thoughts before you dig into the writing process. Once you have developed your thesis statement, think about the main points you will need to present to support that statement. Those main points are your sub-headings. Now, organize your thoughts and information under each sub-heading.


text:
Forums: Index > Administration > Fair Use Images Must be Sourced
Fair use images must be sourced. If it's a scan of a cover, make sure you say that. If it's a picture you took from a website, you provide a link to that website. Any fair use image without a source will be deleted. Surgo 04:41, January 12, 2010 (UTC)
- Do you want to go and tweak that template to support source location, or is sticking it on the page beneath it going to cover our asses sufficiently? - TarkisFlux 05:03, January 12, 2010 (UTC)
- I don't want to tweak the template because it's something used by the mediawiki software itself. Sticking it on the page beneath it is enough. Surgo 05:04, January 12, 2010 (UTC)
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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Melissa McCarthy is returning to Saturday Night Live next month, Deadline reports.
TV Scorecard: What's renewed? What's canceled?
The Identity Thief star will handle hosting duties for the second time on April 6, according to the report. The last time she hosted was in October 2011.
NBC didn't immediately respond to an email from TVGuide.com.
Check out one of McCarthy's more memorable sketches from her last turn as host below.


text:
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AutoFiller by On1x.com v2
Refunds: 0
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Content: autofiller_v2.zip 56,62 kB
SellerOn1x.com information about the seller and his items
Seller will give you a gift certificate in the amount of
Product description
Briefly - the program is written on a knee. It has a symbolic price of 100 rubles. For those who need a semi-automatic registration for the forums phpBB, IPB, SMF.
Base edit base.txt, affix settings data.
Added code from antigate.com, where his brother on the site? http://antigate.com/panel.php?action=showkey after login.
Briefly - by double-clicking it goes to the forum. Specifies the engine. Go to the registration page, affix shapes looking image captcha - if there is, it downloads and sends antigeytu, waiting for an answer, and put down in the form. Caution Automatic registration button is pressed, as is often nick antigeyta kosyachat.
If just podzavisaet waiting for a response from antigeyta - just wait. It happens, and it crashes.
Requires .NET framework installed by MS. Caution Manibek inattentive will not do. Software is tested and works steadily on x86 xp, vista, 7. For x64 can not vouch =) Sources are not sold.
If you want a run on vBulletin - Always disconnect the display of pictures in IE, as shown in the picture above. There's a tricky captcha is loaded only one time of hash.
I will answer questions to a minimum. Further development will not be carried out. Anyone who bought discount future software from me.
Most importantly - have the opportunity to insert code in the settings to antigate.com
Since the last version of the program has learned to more precisely determine the engine offline, it became less blunt re-filling fields.
Additional information
Theme Past reviews: http://www.maultalk.com/topic74329.html
Author of the program: http://on1x.com/


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Porsche Cayman R reviewed
* Hardcore Cayman model * Lighter, more powerful * Costs 51,731...
What is it? A lighter, more powerful version of the Cayman S. Theres also a bodykit to improve downforce decals and lightweight alloy wheels. It's also fair to say that no-ones going to buy the R for its creature comforts theres no air-conditioning, and you dont even get a stereo. What it does have, though, is a lower kerbweight than the Cayman S model its based on 55kg lighter to be exact and a more powerful engine.
Whats it like to drive? The R has the same 3.4-litre six-cylinder boxer engine as the S, and it has exactly the same 273lb ft torque output. However, its been retuned to give 325bhp, which is 9bhp more than the S. That doesnt sound like a vast difference, but you certainly feel the extra thrust. Nailing the throttle away from the mark results in a blistering surge of pace accompanied by a loud, throaty bellow from the exhaust.
The numbers support the Rs superiority, with a 0-62mph sprint time (5.0sec) that shaves two tenths off the Ss best effort. Itll also keep going until you hit 175mph, while the S tops out at 172mph.
Porsche Cayman R gallery
Even more impressive than its pace, though, is the way that the R munches through corners. With its reduced weight, lowered suspension and mid-engined layout, the R changes direction with incredible agility and balance. Its helped further by a limited-slip differential that provides mammoth traction, and by steering that always keeps you informed about how youre doing on both counts. The steering is also quick, deadly accurate and beautifully weighted, while the throttle responses are crisp, the brakes are mighty and the short-throw gearshift is satisfyingly snappy.
The hardcore cornering ability isnt accompanied by a hardcore ride. The suspension is quite supple, so its surprisingly forgiving in town, and comfortable and settled on the motorway.
Whats it like inside? It has to be said, pretty sparse. Theres a big gaping hole where the stereo would normally be, and with few other toys, youll see lots of blank buttons on the dashboard. The door handles have gone the same way as the stereo, being replaced by bits of red ribbon.
That said, the build quality and materials are up to the same high standard you get from all Porsches, the driving position is fantastic, and with two boots (one behind the engine and one under the bonnet), you get a surprising amount of luggage space.
Should I buy one? That depends on how dedicated you are to the idea of ultimate performance, and more importantly, how much youre prepared to pay for it. Yes, the Cayman R is a better, more enjoyable car to drive than the Cayman S, but the S really isnt far behind, and you dont have to live without basic equipment. Choosing the S will save you around 4000, too, and thats why we think its the better bet for most people.
Lotus Evora
What Car? says
Ivan Aistrop


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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – California state Sen. Leland Yee, who's charged with accepting bribes and coordinating a cash-for-guns scheme, is due in federal court in San Francisco.
Yee is set to appear in court Monday morning, when prosecutors are expected to ask a judge to make security arrangements for Yee, who is free on a $500,000 bond.
Yee was charged last week after an elaborate FBI sting of organized crime in San Francisco's Chinatown ensnared the Democrat and his political fundraiser Keith Jackson.
A federal complaint claims Yee and Jackson hooked an undercover agent up with an arms trafficker, and traded political favors for cash.
Since his arrest, Yee has dropped his campaign for California secretary of state, and he was suspended by the state Senate.
Related Stories
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White Boy Like Me Blog Number 2 In Harlem [User Submitted]
Millyz takes you to Harlem for Blog Num # 2 myspace.com/millys
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
Skeptics might believe that few clubs made any money last year. From the looks of this year's annual Top 100 clubs list, which ranks clubs by 2008 revenue, plenty of health club companies did make money, either through actual club growth, non-dues revenue growth or cost-cutting.
As the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association's quarterly indices reported, most club companies continued to perform well last year — at least until the fourth quarter. That means that the real effect of the recession may be more noticeable in next year's list than this year's list.
Eight clubs on last year's Top 100 clubs list reported a decrease in 2007 revenue from 2006 revenue. On this year's list, 16 clubs reported a decrease in 2008 revenue from 2007. And the decreases on last year's list typically hovered around 2 percent, with the largest decrease at 8 percent. On this year's list, many of the decreases ranged from 1 percent to 16 percent. Last year, only two club companies reported a flat year, while this year, 11 club companies reported a flat year.
This year's Top 100 clubs plan to open or acquire fewer clubs in 2009 compared to last year. Last year, the companies on the list indicated they would open or acquire 869 clubs in 2008 (207 clubs if you don't count the franchisors). This year, the listed clubs indicate they'll open 842 clubs (127 clubs if you don't count franchisors).
Despite the changes reflected in the list, one thing stayed the same: the No. 1 club company remained 24 Hour Fitness, San Ramon, CA. The company has become shy about reporting its revenue in the last two years, but Carl Liebert, CEO for 24 Hour, confirmed that the company's 2008 revenue is near $1.352 billion.
Club Corp., Dallas, TX, also remained at No. 2 with an estimate of $934.6 million. Club Corp.'s numbers are always difficult to pin down because the company owns a variety of facilities, such as golf clubs, country clubs, hotels and resorts that may offer a fitness component as well as fitness centers.
No. 3 Life Time Fitness, Chanhassen, MN, and No. 5 Town Sports International (TSI), New York, both public companies, have stated a slowdown in new clubs for this year. Life Time is opening just three clubs (down from 11 in 2008) and TSI is opening four clubs (down from nine in 2008).
Bally Total Fitness, Chicago, (No. 4) has closed 47 clubs since December and recently indicated just one new club for this year. So, for next year, Bally's 2009 revenue should be lower, probably dropping its placement on the list.
Capital Fitness (XSport Fitness), Big Rock, IL, jumped ahead of Millennium Partners Sports Club Management, Boston (No. 7), and Western Athletic Clubs, San Francisco (No. 9), to claim the No. 6 spot. It had been No. 10 last year. Also jumping up on the list was Lifestyle Family Fitness, St. Petersburg, FL (No. 8) and Planet Fitness, Dover, NH (No. 10), which cracks the top 10 for the first time.
This year, we welcome a few new companies to the list. Lucille Roberts Health Club (No. 32), ClubSport of San Ramon (No. 55), Salutary SportsClubs (No. 77) and Cascade Athletic Club (No. 94) had been on our missing list for many years, but all turned in their data this year and are included. However, we moved Peak Fitness, Charlotte, NC, to our missing list as its recent problems made it difficult to get proper data from the company or to estimate its revenue. In addition, we added Franco's Athletic Club, Mandeville, LA, to our missing list because we were not able to get data from the company for the second year in a row.
The full Top 100 list appears on the following pages.
Special thanks: The staff would like to thank Rick Caro, president of Management Vision, New York, for his assistance on the Top 100 clubs list. He reviewed the list, helped call club owners to submit their forms and guided the process. He also was consulted on several of the revenue estimations for companies that did not submit their Top 100 forms.
Missing Clubs
Some club owners prefer to keep their revenue private or do not respond to our requests for their financial information. Therefore, each year, our list leaves off club companies that probably should be included. This year's list of missing companies includes:
- The Alaska Clubs, Anchorage, AK
- California Family Fitness, Vacaville, CA
- Champion Fitness Inc., dba Bally Total Fitness, Syracuse, NY
- Chelsea Piers, New York
- Elite Fit & Racquet Clubs, Brookfield, WI
- Equinox, New York
- Franco's Athletic Club, Mandeville, LA
- Gold's Gym International, Dallas
- Harris HealthTrends Inc., Toledo, OH
- LA Fitness, Irvine, CA
- Peak Fitness, Charlotte, NC
- PRO Sports Club, Bellevue, WA
- SIM Investment Corp., dba The Right Stuff Health Club, San Jose, CA
- Wheaton Sports Center, Wheaton, IL
- Women's Workout World, Chicago
Franchisors Missing from the List
- Curves, Waco, TX
- Gold's Gym International, Dallas
- Lady of America, Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Retro Fitness, Colts Neck, NJ
Franchisors on the List
- Powerhouse Gyms International, Farmington Hills, MI
- Snap Fitness, Chanhassen, MN
- Planet Fitness, Dover, NH
- Anytime Fitness, Hastings, MN


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You can follow the blog with GFC or by an email subscription, or follow me on Twitter - all links are over there on the right hand side of the screen.
A little more about me: I graduated last year and currently live in Glasgow, Scotland. I've got a boring hospitality job while I'm applying for graduate jobs that I actually want to do!
Feel free to leave your own website links in the comments and I will have a look at them. This week's question was to think of new things you'd like to know about the featured person, so I'm going to throw this question out to you, too: Why did you start blogging?
For me, it was to be able to talk about books with other people. I do it for various reasons but the route of it is still that - I like to talk about books and see what other people are saying about books :-)
Feature & Follow is a weekly feature hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee's View.


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Creative design ideas for coffee shop marketing and promotion to get your new or established business noticed.
Here you can find the Islamic religious holiday elements on creative icons, banners and transparent backgrounds.
Creative lobster and discounts & allowances design elements will boost your sales in National Lobster Day marketing.
In traditional festive legend, Santa Claus's reindeer pull a sleigh through the night sky to help Santa Claus deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve.


text:
On August 16, 1977 Elvis Presley passed away at the age of 42.
To mark the 34th anniversary of "The King's" death, fans flocked to Memphis, Tennessee and Presley's iconic Graceland home to pay their respects to the enduring legend.
The vigil, which began last night and extended into this morning, is the focal point of "Elvis Week," which will feature Elvis-related events and celebrations through the weekend.
U.S. & World
An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people gathered at Graceland, some coming from as far away as Japan, Germany, and Brazil. Attendees ranged from a 9 year-old in full jumpsuit-and-rhinestones to 60 year-old Joe Makowski, who claimed to have seen Elvis live a whopping 81 times.
"I get to meet new fans and meet new people, so that's why I line up here early in the day," said Makowski. "The biggest thing I get out of it is seeing the young fans that weren't even born until years after he passed away."
Fans braved thick heat and humidity to visit Presley's grave (as well as those of his relatives) and, of course, remember his music.
"I cry," said Colorado Springs resident Debbie Moller, who recalls hearing the news of Elvis' death over the radio. "The songs they play make you think back to what you were doing they day he died."


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Am solidly full of estrogen. Up to 3 mg twice a day. If you see me in real life, and you are a good and decent person just minding your own business, you may want to run the other way. Consider yourself warned.
The transfer has been set and it is just days away. Am suddenly full of superstition and caution. Do not speak of the thing. We will transfer a single euploid embryo into a uterus primed for it, with the perfect cocktail of hormones my body is likely unable to produce when left to its own. I can find ready reason for optimism, data showing odds in line with egg donors, 25-year-olds. I can also find the stories of those who've come before me, did the work then rolled the dice and came up short.
I keep trying to figure out what to think. I keep looking for a mantra I can cling to. A framework for how to be ready for the disappointment, or how to balance realism and joy should it work. I've allowed myself some dreamy moments, daring to imagine that we might get to the other side of this with a real baby. A name popped in my head tonight and a chill of recognition ran through me. Do I allow myself these moments, or do they make more pain in the end? I've been in this game for six years and I still don't know the answer to that question.
Then there are the practical considerations, all the managing of this process, all the making sure nothing is missed. Calling the nurse to make sure TSH is added to my labs. Finding a prenatal vitamin with DHA already built in. Figuring out PIO shots (I used Crinone for my past cycles). Looking into the benefits of bedrest after transfer (apparently in the years since our cycle for H the tide has turned and they now do not recommend it). Trying to prevent regrets.
I asked the doctor this week if they recommend or use Valium during the transfer. My previous clinic did not, though it was an option. I do remember being overwhelmed by the intensity of the transfer -- being in the sterile OR, having a tiny life squirted into you as you try not to cough or pee your full bladder out. And there seems to be a suggestion that a relaxed uterus is optimal. My clinic gave me the option, and I guess my inclination is, sure, anything to escape my brain for a minute or two sounds lovely right now. But I can't seem to find any data showing an impact on outcomes, either way. So, did you or didn't you? Advice welcome.
Also welcome: funny stories. Hollywood gossip. Fashion tips. Your favorite banana bread recipe. A great playlist. Anything, dear readers, anything to keep me from thinking of the thing.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Here We Go.
Am solidly full of estrogen. Up to 3 mg twice a day. If you see me in real life, and you are a good and decent person just minding your own business, you may want to run the other way. Consider yourself warned.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 5:31 PM 4 comments Links to this post
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Wanna Be Startin' Something
Something was healthy. Five somethings, to be exact. On ice. Waiting.
So it took 18 eggs to make five healthy potential babies. If you buy into the whole concept here, we basically compacted a year and a half of reproductive effort into a single cycle and took the guaranteeed-fails out of the equation. Which means we may have saved ourselves a whole bunch of pain. Or maybe, with all the sudden possibility, maybe we're creating more pain in the end. Right now there's just no way to know. There's nothing to do but take the hormones and go in there and let them put them in, one at a time, until maybe one of them sticks and stays with us. Nothing to do but power through all the fear.
What am I afraid of?
I'm afraid it won't work. And I'm afraid it might.
I'm afraid I might not be good at letting all of it go, if I need to. And I'm afraid of being pregnant and of all the angst. Afraid I won't be able to stay above the fray, keep my head on straight through all the what ifs. You know.
But there's an available seat at our table and, as long as there's a legitimate shot in the offing, I need to try to fill it. So onward.
I'm on the Estrace. This is a new one for me -- did not take it for the fresh cycles for H. Not particularly enjoying the bloating or the crazy. Hold onto your hat if you're living under my roof right now.
All I have to say is, thank goodness for my girlfriends. Thank goodness for the lovely souls who ask where we're at and then listen to the long answers. Thank goodness for those with me in the trenches who know the shorthand. When I feel myself fast forwarding to worst-case scenarios and drifting to dark places I shouldn't go, I feel you huddling.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 1:40 PM 4 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Something's Got to Be Good in There. Right?
Pinch me, for they biopsied nine of our embryos for chromosomal screening. Nine. Out of 12. This from doubts we could even make it to day five.
I know, I know. Deep breath. Reality check. We have miles -- miles -- before a real live baby. But tonight we shall celebrate this small victory on the way.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 9:13 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Monday, November 4, 2013
Day 5. Alive.
On Friday, the nurse called me and told me to be on stand-by on Sunday for a possible transfer. This was a little different from their prior assurances that we were almost sure to go forward with the chromosomal screening (PGS) with so many embryos growing. I asked to speak to the doctor, who called me at the end of the day. She said that nothing had changed -- we still had the 12 original embryos growing, and now we also had two additional, late fertilizers growing as well.
I was instantly intrigued. Who were these rogue embryos suddenly fighting to be part of the pack? Would they make it? Could they catch up? How cool would it be to know that your kid was a fighter from the moment of fertilization? Scrappy embryos.
Anyway, she said they wanted me to be ready for a call Sunday morning just in case, for all the reasons we'd discussed before. Which makes me wonder why I had to be the one to advocate for the progesterone, but no matter.
We woke yesterday not knowing if we'd be transferring or waiting. The time change made the wait seem even longer than it was. By the time the phone rang just after 9 a.m., I was pacing the house.
My husband and I had talked about it. We decided the thing we wanted the most was for their recommendation to be very clear. If they were on the fence at all or left it up to us we would probably opt to transfer the one or two best looking day-fivers and not risk the biopsy. But we hoped they'd make the choice easy for us.
And somehow, that's just how it went. The doctor was upbeat. Said we were in a great position with 5-6 embryos ready for immediate biopsy and more possible later yesterday or today. She said there was no question in her mind that we should go forward with the PGS. So that's what we did. We'll have results by later this week.
I'm trying not to get ahead of myself. Five or six embryos undergoing biopsy and now sitting in the freezer do not necessarily get you a baby in the end. But it's a start. It's the start we've been hoping for. I wasn't sure our embryos could ever get us to this position, and now we're here, and now no matter what happens we will know that we had a real shot. We have the numbers we need to be able to say that it was as good a try as we could have hoped for. And I hope that means we get a baby in the end. I hope it does.
Posted by Good Egg Hatched at 5:25 AM 4 comments Links to this post


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Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Ken's New Book
16:56 | Posted by Sean McCown | Edit Post
I just got my copy of Ken Henderson's new book and dispite everything I have to do, I've already started tearing into it. Understand though the he just edited it, he didn't write it. This promises to be every bit as significant as his other books though and it'll be the next book I review. I just pushed it up in the queue (since MSPress is taking so long to send the others I've ordered).
Anyway, once I get it posted, I'll let you guys know.
Anyway, once I get it posted, I'll let you guys know.
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About Me
- Sean McCown
- I am a Contributing Editor for InfoWorld Magazine, and a frequent contributor to SQLServerCentral.com as well as SSWUG.org. I live with my wife and 3 kids, and have practiced and taught Kenpo for 22yrs now.
Blogumulus by Roy Tanck and Amanda Fazani
Blog Archive
- ► 2009 (53)
- ▼ December (1)


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Project planning for knitters (and for everyone else)
When you are a beginner knitter or do it as a hobby, it can be difficult to pick and plan a project. There are many things you need to consider: How big is the project? Do I have time for this project? Do I have the skill level for that project? Do I pick an easier project which I know I can manage or do I pick a project that needs more time and effort but builds up my confidence once finished? No matter what you decide to choose, there are some steps you should follow. And some things you have to consider.
Firstly, picking a project can be difficult. If I have orders for something specific, it is easy. The client gives me their wish and I just knit. But when I decide to knit just for fun, for just a sake of having a hobby, it becomes more complicated.
I always have several WIP (work in progress) projects in my knitting basket, so I can always pick something that suits my current mood. I find knitting hats easy. At the moment I have two WIP hats in the basket. For more complicated hats, I knit lace, but with easy ones there is usually no pattern at all.
For projects that I want to knit to improve my skill level, I find patterns that are more complicated and larger in size – cardigans, knee-height socks, shawls etc.
I find it easier to pick something that someone needs, and this keeps the knitting motivation level higher. I knit sweaters for birthdays and Christmas gifts. This helps to decide what to knit, but also gives you the motivation to finish it on time for the gifting event.
Secondly, resources are important. Always pick quality yarn and needles for your bigger projects. You do not want the yarn or the needles to break while you knit. Believe me; it is difficult to find a runaway stitch, much easier is to invest into good equipment. I can knit for about four hours straight, but to do that I need to have yarn that feels great between fingers and needles that are comfortable to hold. You do not want your hands and fingers start to hurt because of low quality needles. If you are not sure which yarn and needles to pick, talk to your local yarn shop employee, they are usually knitters themselves and have good pointers to give.
Resources are not only the yarn and needles, but also skill level and time. Time is a valuable thing, people rarely have it to spare. This is the reason I find time to knit while I do other things. Watching series, movies or just TV, my hands are free to knit and I kill two birds with one stone. You can also knit while reading, but this is already a higher level, as you need to turn the pages and follow your stitches at the same time. It does not matter if you knit while doing something else, or just find time to knit; it is important to plan your time in a way that you manage to finish your project before the deadline.
Thirdly, write everything down! When it is a difficult project and you need to stop knitting in the middle of the row, write down where you left off. Otherwise you will need to measure, count and follow the pattern with a finger, to remember where you left off.
If you choose a different type of yarn or needles, which are not recommended in your pattern, do the calculations on a paper. Write down the amount of stitches this yarn and needles in this stitch have in 10×10 cm. And adapt the pattern to your specifications. Always have the original pattern next to your calculated numbers; you may need to recalculate depending how tight you knit.
Fourthly, if you hit a wall – ask for help. If you found the pattern online, write in the comment section. You can join communities of knitters online, there are websites, there are forums, even Facebook pages, that have people who are more than willing to help you understand parts of your pattern. And sometimes, telling someone about the problem or issue you are having, is helping you to figure it out by yourself. I am a member of Mustrimaailm forum, my questions about patterns, yarns and needles have always been answered which is helpful, as I know that I still have a lot to learn about knitting.
And finally, keep yourself motivated. For me the deadlines help, I never want to miss a deadline, I have set for myself. That is the reason why I started to knit my Christmas presents already in April.
Keep track of your progress, it helps. Some projects can be endless, I know. Especially with shawls that start with a 2 stitch row and end with a 450 stitch row. How does keeping track of your progress help? Easy! It shows you how much you have already done and how little there is still to do. WIP blog posts help, especially if they are with a photograph. Also several knitting communities online have "report you progress" sections where you update your progress every week.
You might think that this blog post is helpful only to knitters, but no, when you really look at it, all the points that I have talked about, can be applied to any field of hobby or work. Firstly, always plan your projects carefully, make a detailed plan of what you want to achieve. Secondly, do not be afraid to push yourself and select projects slightly above your skill level, this is what helps you to learn and grow. Thirdly, resources are the key to success. If you are not confident in some of the fields in your project, ask for help or put together a team that compliments one another. And finally, report your progress during your project; either to your colleagues or your boss. If this is not needed in your field, do it for yourself. It keeps you motivated and points out some tiny details that you might have missed when working on the big picture of the project.


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Following the success (commercially, that is) of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, director Rob Marshall was mulling a couple of projects as his follow-up. After his remake of The Thin Man with Johnny Depp was put on hold, the Chicago director set his sights on returning to the world of song and dance for his next film. Marshall is prepping an adaptation of the fairy tale-themed musical Into the Woods for Disney, and he recently held a star-studded screenplay read that included the likes of Anna Kendrick, Patrick Wilson, Allison Janney, and many more. Additionally, it sounds like he may have settled on Meryl Streep for the lead role of the Witch.
Hit the jump for more, including the full list of actors who were in attendance for the screenplay reading.
News of the reading comes courtesy of Broadway World (via The Film Stage), and here's a list of the actors that read:
- Nina Arianda as The Baker's Wife
- Christine Baranski as the Stepmother
- Tammy Blanchard as Florinda
- Victoria Clark as Cinderella's Mother/Giant
- James Corden as the Baker
- David Garrison as the Narrator
- Ivan Hernandez as the Wolf
- Megan Hilty as Lucinda
- Cheyenne Jackson as Rapunzel's Prince
- Allison Janney as Jack's Mother
- Anna Kendrick as Cinderella
- Michael McGrath as the Steward/Baker's Father
- Donna Murphy as the Witch
- Laura Osnes as Rapunzel
- Taylor Trensch as Jack
- Casey Whyland as Little Red Riding Hood
- Patrick Wilson as Cinderella's Prince
It's very important to note that screenplay reads happen all the time, and the actors that participate aren't necessarily the actors that are gunning for the roles. The purpose of the read is for the director to hear the script performed out loud, so he can then go back and make the necessary adjustments with the screenwriter. That said, we know Kendrick has a set of killer pipes and I'd love to see her tackle the role of Cinderella in the full feature.
Broadway World also notes that Meryl Streep couldn't make the reading, but she's apparently in talks to take on the lead role of the Witch. She made no secret of the fact that she loved doing Mamma Mia!, so it's not a stretch to see her shining in Into the Woods.
James Lapine, who wrote the book for the stage musical iteration of Into the Woods, is apparently reworking the script while Sondheim is expected to contribute a few new songs to the film. I didn't think Marshall showed much promise as an action director with On Stranger Tides, but Chicago is incredible so I'm definitely interested in seeing him bring this musical fairy tale to the big screen.


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It's culture, not an effort to convert
Watch out, parents. Democratic State Board of Education candidate Laura Ewing wants to convert your children to Islam.
At least, that's the implication of a campaign ad from her opponent, Republican David Bradley of Beaumont.
"Do you know what the Democrat for State Board of Education supports?" reads the handout, which was disseminated at a recent gathering of the Golden Triangle Republican Women and trumpeted earlier this year at a Republican senatorial convention.
The handout features a 2004 newsletter article documenting the scandalous details: In 2003, Ewing was one of nearly 20 social studies educators who traveled to Africa and India to study (gasp!) Islamic history and culture, with plans to develop curriculum for Texas schoolchildren in sixth-grade world cultures classes and high school-level world geography and history.
Fair game for fear-mongers
Ewing admits her guilt: Yes, the educator dared to educate herself about Islamic culture, including everything from architecture to poetry.
Why did she do it? She claims it has nothing to do with converting Texas students to Islam, and everything to do with another radical philosophy: "We've got to understand other people because we're a global economy," she says. "We've got to prepare our students for the 21st century."
Where does she get this stuff?
Apparently, ties to Islam — any ties at all — are fair game for fear-mongers this election season. No exception for this down-ballot, but pivotal race for the Southeast Texas seat on the 11-member state education board.
It's easy to dismiss Bradley's campaign handout as dirty campaigning with an unusually bigoted bent.
And his argument is further undercut by some inconvenient facts: It was Bradley's fellow Republican, Gov. Rick Perry, who worked with the University of Texas and the Aga Khan Foundation, to help arrange the trip for the social studies educators. And, Bradley admits that he voted, in his first term on the state board, for the state curriculum standards that call for students to study other cultures and religions.
The 'A' wordBut the campaign piece represents more than politics of fear. It's a poignant example of the kind of logic, or illogic, that Bradley, the board's vice chairman, applies to crucial decisions involving curriculum and textbook selection affecting every public schoolchild in this state.
This is the man who, in my column in April, called critical thinking "gobbledygook." He's one of the board members who scrapped recommendations from educators from 17 literacy organizations representing 13,000 teachers in favor of a new, back-to-basics — many would say backward — reading curriculum for the next decade that eliminates the teaching of comprehension in higher grades.
And, if re-elected, the social conservative who favors teaching the weaknesses of evolution theory will help decide science curriculum standards in Texas for the next decade.
Recently, he nominated a leading promoter of intelligent design as one of six "experts" to review proposed standards. (Two others are scientists with serious doubts about Darwin.)
The board under Bradley and Chairman Don McLeroy, a College Station Republican — neither of whom have a background in education — has veered so far out of control that lawmakers are contemplating the option of converting the elected board back to an appointed one.
"I've heard the rumblings," House Public Education Chairman Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands, told me recently. "I've heard the 'A' word."
I asked Bradley what bothered him so much about Ewing's trip.
"I think Islamic curriculum is about the furthest thing that we need to be introducing into Texas classrooms," he said, adding a bit later, "I think people are real sensitive about Islamic studies, given recent events in the United States."
Some, like Ewing, believe that sensitivity should be best addressed with more education, not more ignorance.
Back to basicsBut Bradley's view of what our schools should offer is limited.
"I think we need to spend a whole lot more of our time and energy on reading, writing and arithmetic," he told me. "And, you know, if there's time to spare, the students might be able to spend a little time on some electives. But we're doing a very poor job on reading, writing and arithmetic to be spending time, money and effort on other curriculums."
And there you have it.
In 2008, the vice president of the board that decides what our children learn and what textbooks will teach it to them believes that science and social studies are unnecessary.
And traveling outside the country to learn about another culture is fodder for a political attack ad.


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Right Wing Wacko Newsletter
After a long illness, the editor of this blog, Terry Wilken passed on July 23rd, 2014 . This was the last serious essay that Terry wrote for his beloved RWWNL, however those who knew and read Terry, also knew that he was not too serious when he was writing his essays. … I will leave the blog up for those who loved Terry.
Monday, April 23nd, 2012
Macroeconomics is the study of economics on a global scale. It is the study of how Nations relate to each other economically. It is probably a subject that most people would rather go bury their head in the sand than actually listen to the lecture. The most important thing to remember is that in order to grow an economy, it is necessary to devalue your currency first. If the currency in country A is valued less than the currency in country B, then the people in country B can buy those products in country A for less money. This means the producers in country A have lots of customers for their products. The devaluation of our currency has certainly been done here in the good old USA. From all the talking heads, it appears to be working, but it sure has not brought on the growth in sales and business that would be expected. One would expect with the devaluation of our currency that other countries would want to buy all of our cheap goods
The only problem with this is that all the other major countries of the World want the same thing. They would like nothing more than be the seller to the rest of the World. Everyone wants a piece of the pie. The problem is that there is not enough pie to go around. We have been trying hard to make more pie. So far we are doing a good job, but what are we really accomplishing? For one we are not creating the right kind of pie. Some Nations would like to have their own type of pie. Our kind of pie only causes them to have higher inflation. They have too many dollars and they can only buy their own currency making the value of their currency have less value. Their own currency will not buy as much as it used to and it takes a lot more to buy the same thing. Inflation is what occurs.
Economics is an interesting subject. It is either defined as microeconomics or macroeconomics. Microeconomics is the every day trade that we do. Macroeconomics is the trade that occurs between larger entities such as Nations. It involves the trade of currencies, or some medium of exchange that both countries agree to exchange as currency of the realm. This medium could be food, clothes, gold, silver, or some other commodities that both countries value.
The study of this exchange between Nations is an interesting study. It involves the exchange rate between currencies and their relationship to each other. It is nice to be the big boy on the street. For a long time and right up until now, the US has been the big boy and has had the reserve currency and has been able to call all the shots. The Chinese currency and the European currencies have been almost as strong. The Euro is divided up amongst several countries and that situation has caused quite a problem. The Chinese currency has been pegged to the US currency, so how the US goes, so goes the Chinese currency.
A great deal of effort has been put in trying to force the Chinese to change the value of their currency in order to make it more favorable to the US. The Chinese have been very reluctant to do this. They have taken baby steps in this direction, but to take a giant step would cause them to have severe inflation. That they do not want.
Mean while back at the ranch we still continue to spend money like it was not worth the paper it was written on. At some point this may become true. It is certainly of far less value than the penny or the nickel. It already costs a lot more to coin the penny and the nickel than it is worth to spend. The US government is already considering doing away with the penny so as to save us the money to have to produce the penny. I could certainly come up with a lot better idea of how to save money than this. Can anyone answer the question where saving a few million on doing away with the penny, but still spending over one trillion on things that certainly need restrained.
Well I guess that we need to start somewhere. I guess that if we eliminate the penny that everyone will start using plastic to buy everything. I do not know if the one-cent will be eliminated entirely, and if so I guess that everything will go up by a factor of a few percent. That will be nothing in the scheme of things. Maybe it will get a lot more serious when they decide to eliminate the dollar bill. By then we should be used to higher prices. This may be microeconomics, but it sure has a lot to do with the big picture.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday April 16th, 2012
The Obamacare Decision & the Election?
I may be going out on a limb here, but I for one think that the Supreme Court's decision will have a big part in determining the election and the course of the economy. The nine justices are supposed to determine each case on whether or not it is constitutional, but they cannot help letting their own feelings enter into the decision. This will probably lead to a very close decision. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the outcome of the election will probably be affected
If they agree with Obama that the mandate is legal, it will be a bad thing for Obama. Why? The base of the Republican party will be energized and will gather together to make sure that they win the election. They already are so incensed that the bill is still in place that they will do anything to make sure that it can be overturned at the next election. At the same time it will become plainly evident what the true cost of the bill will be. At the present time it is said to cost twice as much as projected at first. There are even those who say that it will cost four times as much. Who ever thought that you could add people, add benefits, and actually save money? Who would have thought that a 2700 page bill would not have a whole lot of sweet things added for those that needed some of the free money. Did any one ask the doctors what should be done?
If Obama loses and the mandate is rejected, it could be a good thing for Obama. The base of the Republican party will think that they have won, and not be so excited about overturning the election. The cost would not be a big deal. If we can spend a trillion dollars more each year than we take in than what is a few more if we get increased benefits. How many people pay attention to how much the government spends anyway. There are certainly a lot of talking heads that do not pay any attention to the amount of money being spent. They are busy determining the positive things that are going on in the economy to pay attention to the negative things.
There is certainly something wrong with a bill that must be paid for over a period of time before it takes affect. This was done in order to balance it in 10 years. The question one should ask is what will happen to the cost after 10 years"? I guess we will find out.
On another subject, has any one heard of what is happening to Spain? They are in serious financial trouble, and may need bailed out in order to survive. They are following the same path as Greece. The only problem is that they are much larger than Greece, and they cannot be bailed out so easily. The countries that are in line to bail them out are not in such good shape themselves. What do you think would happen if Germany returned to their original currency and decided that the Euro was not for them? That would be a good question.
The reason that they are in trouble is that they have been spending money that they do not have. Now where has this happened before? Now who in their right mind would do that?
OK, back on topic. We will not know what the supreme court decides until June, It is important to know that they will not only decide on whether the mandate is legal, but whether other parts of the bill are legal too. They will not go through the bill line item by line item. They will only pick out certain items. There have not been many people that have read the entire bill.
No matter what the Supreme Court decides, the main item that will affect our economy will not have been addressed. They may affect what has become a boondoggle for many and a plus for others, but will not address the deficits that we will see for years to come. They cannot address the fact that if H gets elected again, that we will end up a different country. It will not be recognizable. The Supreme Court cannot do anything to help us. They can only help us solve bad law. Let us hope that they do the right thing and make the congress and senate start over and do things right for a change.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday, April 9th, 2012
The Three Legged Stool!
Last week we saw the plans that would lead us to the Promised Land. Now it is important to learn how to get the plans in place. This is very simple, but probably will not happen either. It will require that people vote in the next election, and that they vote for candidates that believe in the solution. That is a tall order. It is too easy to vote for the tried and true. It is very hard for voters to vote for candidates that they think will take away their Medicare, Medicaid, pensions, or the government largess that they have grown to love.
They not only have to vote out their favorite Senator and Congressman, but to vote for a Presidential candidate that they do not personally like. They must keep the ones that have shown us the character to vote against the norm, and reject the ones that give them everything that they think they need.
W and H have both let the budget grow during their Presidencies. They both said they were doing the right thing for us, and that spending more money than we took in was important. It was necessary to do the things that we wanted to do. The thing that they did not understand was that it was not their job to do the things that they thought we wanted them to do. Their job is to do the things that are right, even if it will make us unhappy. I can certainly see why it would be hard to vote for someone like that.
It is important that we reign in government spending. This is Job 1. It is vital if we are to survive. The current road that we are heading down is the yellow brick road. We all know where that led us. It leads us to the land of OZ and the wizard behind the green door. The wizard is pulling all the levers that make us think that he knows what he is doing. We must realize that he is only pulling the levers that make us think that he is doing the right thing. If we think that all is right with the world and that we cannot survive without him, than he is pulling the right levers. It is time to replace the lever pullers.
It is time to eliminate the wizard's that have brought us to this point. That is a big task and we do not have a lot of time to get this situation corrected. If we do not make the right decisions this election cycle, than we may not get another chance to make a change that will correct the course that we are on.
We are on a course to bankrupt the United States of America. The government cannot continue to spend over a trillion dollars more each year than is provided by the US taxpayer. There is not a bankruptcy court large enough to right the ship of this county if we become bankrupt. Those are clear and obvious conclusions. It is hard to understand that there are those who do not see that we are headed towards a problem. They cannot read the handwriting on the wall, or they choose to hold out hope that we can survive this. That is definitely false hope. What is going on would not work for a family, and certainly will not work for our government. It is time to change the direction that we are going.
For those that are paying attention, it is obvious the deficits are having an affect on our economy. If you buy food or gasoline for your car, you may have noticed an increase in price. Part of this is due to the inflation that has been built into the cost stream. Corn, which is involved in the cost of food and energy, has seen a major cost increase. This is partly due to the same problem. In order to pay off the National Debt, the government needs to inflate the currency, and pay off the debt with a devalued dollar. They see inflation as necessary to their survival.
We are also seeing signs of interest rate increases. The Fed is doing everything in their power to keep this from happening, but at some point they will be overwhelmed. The bankers that comprise the Fed have a lot of money, and if they need more than they can request another bailout from the government. This will have dire consequences. They do not have enough money to keep this balloon under water much longer. There are market forces that are stronger than you may think that will force them into a lose-lose proposition. It is time to do something other than go on the campaign trail.
It is coming up on election season, and it may be the most important election in your lifetime. The decision that you make may not be one that you would make in normal times, but this is not normal times. It is time to look at the real positions of the candidate, and not whether they are likeable or not. Next week's issue will be an examination of the economics of Obama care, and how the Supreme Court's decision on Obama care may affect the election and our economy.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday, April 2nd, 2012
Plans Are On The Table
I put my plan on the table last week. Paul Ryan has put his plan for budget changes before congress. Now we await the decision on what will be done. It is amazing that some of my ideas were put into the budget that Paul Ryan put forth. Could it be said that I was on the right track? That would certainly be a first. My changes were only put forth in a newsletter on the Internet. Paul's budget must be passed by both congressional powers and signed by the President of the United States. He certainly has a much harder journey.
Paul Ryan came to the conclusion that we could no longer spend more each year than is taken in. He put a plan on the table. Based on the amount of overspending being done, he had to make some severe cuts to the budget as well as making changes on the revenue side. It included reductions in the ability to take offsets to the amount of tax owed, and a reduction in the tax rates. It would cause significant changes to the way Washington has been doing business.
The first hurdle is to get the budget passed by the House. This is on its way to being done. I think it will get by the house. The next hurdle is the senate. I doubt that it will have a chance there since the senate has not voted on a meaningful bill in quite some time. Many of them are in the same political party as H is, and they are also on the campaign trail. This has caused them to be very wary of voting on anything, as it would cause them to take sides with the issue at hand. No bill that reduces spending has taken place in the senate in quite a while. Let us not break such a record.
Normally when a bill is placed in one chamber of the government it is voted on in the other chamber. If it passes than it is reconciled by a combination of the congressional sides of government. Here is where the details are worked out, and if parts of the bill are not liked by some than they can argue over these parts and come to a reconciliation of the bill. After this has occurred than it can be passed on for the signature of the President. The President would never sign such a bill, as he does not believe that cutting spending is the way out of our debt problem.
The bill seems dead upon arrival. Where does this leave us? If we do not start to control entitlement spending and eliminate the tax deductions for everyone including the rich than I guess that we are headed for a European lifestyle. I do not think that we would like that.
There are those that do not think that government deficits or their debt is a bad thing. They are the same people who believe that all we need to do is to pass more regulations or to spend money on the projects that they feel will save the economy. If we want to solve the debt problem than all we have to do is tax the rich. That is the answer. If the rich were paying their fair share, than all would be right with the World.
Higher taxes for the rich might be part of the solution, but only if it comes with significant spending reductions. Tax increases alone will not solve the problem. Many ask why one side of the thinking is so opposed to tax increases. The reason is that tax increases have only provided a cushion to all for more spending in the past. If the side calling for more taxes cut spending first, than they might have more luck getting higher taxes from the rich in order to balance the budget.
If the budget ever gets balanced, than it will become necessary to come up with a system to maintain this equilibrium. This might require a balanced budget amendment to the constitution, or to eliminate the supplier of the money that is necessary to continue the deficits, or to control the increase in the money supple through some method. A gold standard, or some other mechanism might be the answer to this. We need to start with a balanced budget first. The rest can follow.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday, March 26th, 2012
Changes Required?
Changes to the way we do things in Washington need to be made. There are very important reasons for this. If we do not get our house in order, it will not be possible to get others in the World to listen to us. If we are to have an economic recovery, it will be necessary for the government to quit spending money in a very inefficient manner. Changes are important to eliminating the deficits. The following needs to be done.
1- Cut out all earmarks to legislative bills. I realize that this is not much money, but it has not given the individual legislatures an awareness that this money is not there's, and they need to be frugal with it. This even includes the President. It allows them the ability to either buy votes or pay off friends.
2- Freeze all spending at current levels.
3- Revise all department budgets to balance the individual budgets, or eliminate departments until the total budget is balanced. This would require that a budget be established. If it cannot be done immediately, than establish a deadline!
4- Change the entitlement program to balanced condition or return the programs to the states and give them the money being used.
5- Eliminate the FED. I have discussed this before. It would take the money that they spend away from them that is in excess of tax receipts.
6- Eliminate all tax breaks. This should include both personal and business tax breaks. Business of course could take deductions for their normal business expenses.
7- Revise tax code. Following item 6, this should result in lower rates for both personal and corporate taxes. A minimum tax should be established so that everyone has some skin in the game.
8- Pass a balanced budget amendment. It can allow a certain percentage over GDP, but beyond that would require that congress be immediately subject to a new election or some other penalty.
The above recommendations may not be everything that needs done, but it would sure be a good start. No matter what bills are passed, members of the government should be required to fall under the same rules.
The above may be considered to be a hard job to get accomplished, but that is why they get paid the big bucks. They made the decision to take this job. If you take a job than it behooves you to get the job done. The rules may not all have to be accomplished at once. A balanced budget amendment would not be necessary if they pass a balanced budget each year. The object would be for the congress to budget within the limits of the income.
They are now just printing money to buy the things that they cannot afford at this time. When you create more and more of any item, you reduce its value. Our dollar is being devalued. This is already occurring. Our currency has been the de facto reserve currency, which has been a good thing for the purchase of oil. That is now changing.
There may be things that are important to have now, but if this is the case, than we need to cut somewhere else.
Reducing the value of the dollar also makes everyone's assets worth less than what they paid. The asset may be more costly now, but the dollar that you use today does not have the same value that it had when you bought the asset. With the price of houses falling, this now adds another hit to the economy. It hurts those on a fixed income like those on social security.
It is important that one see that decisions that are made may have unintended consequences. We formed social security and Medicare years ago, and now it may become unaffordable. Have you heard these words before? "Even if we drilled there, it would still take 10 years to bring it to market". Does this make it not worth getting started? Well, it has been 10 years, and we have not even started yet. This would not have cost much then, and would sure be helping the gas cost at this time. The same can be said for our debt and entitlements. We need to get started on elimination and reductions.
Spending more money on anything does not always make it better. It is important that both the people and the government grow to understand this. Will it happen? I do not think it will. That is the sad side of where we will be in 30 years.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday, March 19th, 2012
Energy Again!
San Jose and San Diego California are heading for bankruptcy, unless they are able to come to their senses. This will be hard to make happen. Interest rates are starting to inch up. The debt clock may need oiling. … But, with all the problems in our economy, it is time to change our focus to solutions rather than our problems.
My focus today will be how to resolve our problem with rising gasoline prices. I presented some solutions for this problem in the last newsletter, but I think that it is time to expand on that.
H has told us that we are drilling more now than ever before. This is true. The only problem is that it is done on private land and not on any public land. The states where this drilling is occurring have very low unemployment rates. The unemployment rate here in Oklahoma is 6.1 percent. New businesses are starting up to convert trucks and vans to compressed natural gas. Oklahoma is now finding more natural gas than they ever thought was here.
The unemployment rate in North Dakota is at just a little over 2 percent. This is due to the Bakken shale formation being in their state. Some McDonald's stores are currently paying their employees $15 per hour in order to attract workers. Yes the Bakken shale formation is the same one found in Canada, which is the source of oil that they would like to sell to the United States. I guess the environmental protection agency has a lot more to say about where we will get our oil.
We have already sent our deep water drilling rigs to the shores of Brazil. This was done by not letting them drill here. Now we have agreed to buy oil from Brazil. We have even given them taxpayer money. That does not make sense. I guess Brazil has a much friendlier government to work with than Canada. To get their oil will take transport by tanker on the oceans. I sure hope that they do not have a spill or leak into the oceans. That might cause an environmental problem. Maybe we should build a pipeline from Brazil to Texas so that we can take advantage of lower transportation costs. We need to do an environmental study on that. You need to check the price of diesel also. That is the energy that trucks use to bring products to market here in the US. It is only made at a few select refineries in this country.
Speaking of refineries, have you heard that many of these plants are up for sale or being shut down? You can read about it here, here, and here.
There are also refineries that have been dismantled and shipped overseas so that they could refine the components of oil there instead of here. This is due to the EPA we have all grown to know and love. They are making decisions to keep us safe and prevent us from being poisoned. I guess that some parents think that drinking gasoline is not good for their children's health. Of course if we want any gasoline or other products from the moved refineries we will have to transport these products back to the US by tanker.
The refineries that are being closed down are concentrated in the Northeast. The primary reason given for these closures is that the price of oil that they are refining is now much more expensive that the price of oil in the US. It is important to note that they are getting their oil from other countries. They are not buying it here. It is imported oil. The higher cost of oil makes the products that are refined more expensive. That means that dealers will buy the refined product from other refineries here in the US and pay the transportation costs, or import the refined product from overseas.
It is also becoming expensive to process oil due to EPA regulations. Major changes to the plants will be required, or the cost to refurbish parts of the plants will be expensive. These plants are not growing old gracefully.
Here is another take on what is currently happening in the Oil market. Warning! This article is not very friendly to the current administration. The use of the current administration statistics to demonstrate that we are in good shape in the oil industry is debunked by what is said in this article.
One other debunking that I would like to do is that all we have to do is to go after the speculators. This would be a major mistake. The system is the one that has kept prices in a workable range despite all the governments that have to work within the system. Our prices are currently more stable than in other countries. I can assure you that we do not want a government system of pricing.
It is time for the government to get out of being in control of the energy business. They have already demonstrated that they are n0t very capable of managing businesses, deficits or currencies of any type. The real test of the price of gasoline and oil will be when or if Israel bombs Iran. Will this wake our government up? I doubt it! After all, it is time for another election. They are crucial you know.
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
Monday March 12th, 2012
Not Much To Say
As we continue down the same road, I continue to hear that things are getting better. This is the same old story that we have heard before. If only we would invest more money, we would be in a better position to grow America. The offered solution is always to spend more rather than it is time to cut spending.
This creates our present reality of spending three billion dollars a day more than we take in. And, this is only on the government side of the ledger. Luckily we are a rich enough country so that we still have a little time left to change what we are doing. However, time is short and we are very close to the precipice.
H is even talking about another stimulus to get us going at a faster clip. It is clear that he does not have a clue. If I were an executive of any kind of manufacturing plant, the last thing I would do is invite the president to visit my place of business.. A lot of the businesses that he has visited have gone bankrupt, and the products that he was touting have not done well either.
Have you heard of Solyndra or the Volt? Both have been a disaster. His idea is to spend even more of the government's money on these ideas. It is really our money or our grandchildren's money, so I guess we should not really worry about it. It will not be our problem. Maybe we have enough time left to leave the problem to our children and grandchildren. That certainly makes the most sense. We should be able to spend all we want after all, and if we are broke or do not have a job; we will just make it the government's problem.
I wish things were that simple. We have made a decision to print all the money that we want to spend, and we will worry about the consequences later. There has not even been anyone that can bring the congress to its senses. There have been those that have tried, but they we not able to get the entire congress to realize that we should be concerned about the debt or the deficit that we are running.
We have added more jobs to the economy the past reporting period, but there are a lot of people looking for a job, or decided to drop out of the labor pool altogether. I guess some of them have even decided that the government has some good plans to take care of them. I guess that if you do not have a good alternative, than that is the only option left.
Prices are still going up, and it does not look like it will get any better. It is getting more expensive at the grocery store to buy anything. Most of the manufactures of food have used up all their tricks to save money or to make a product cheaper. They have managed to put products in smaller cans, jars, or boxes, but there is a limit as to what they can do. They have even lowered their profit level in an attempt to keep prices low.
We have even seen fuel prices go up. In case you have not noticed, the price of gasoline has doubled in the past year. There is an easy fix to this dilemma, we could let the Canadians furnish the oil and all we would have to do is build a pipeline to get the oil to our refineries. That would sure be a good start. The next step would allow opening up areas to allow drilling. This would create oil to start on the road to make us self-sufficient. The final step would be to permit another major complex refinery. This is the most important step, as we have not built a new major refinery since 1977. I think that we have grown somewhat since then.
These ideas would go a long way to help lower gasoline prices. Just the announcement that we were looking at these ideas would help to lower futures prices. Green energy is not the answer to our current problem. Spending more money on green energy right now does not make sense. You might as well burn the money in your fireplace to keep warm. Green energy will be the answer to our energy needs in the future, but we have more important problems to address at this time. All the congressional investigations that could be thought of, could not help us with this problem
Until Next Time
Editor in Chief, RWWNL
PS: My older essays are in the Archives below.
RWWNL 2012 (January-March
RWWNL 2011 Archive (November-December)
RWWNL 2011 Archive (August-October)
RWWNL 2011 Archive (May-July)
RWWNL 2011 Archive (January-April)
RWWNL 2010 Archive
RWWNL 2005-07 Archive
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The Office of Marketing and Communications is located in Hopkins Hall. During the academic year, our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — A $100,000 leadership gift committed by Jim and Kristin Canty of Concord, Mass., will see a student collaboration area in St. Bonaventure University's new School of Business building named in honor of Jim's great-uncle, Francis Walter "Hookey" Frey, the university announced today.
St. Bonaventure is in the midst of a $15 million campaign to construct a new building to house its School of Business.
Jim Canty (class of 1984) is a partner with Boston-based investment advisory firm Clough Capital Partners L.P. and a member of St. Bonaventure's Board of Trustees. He has long supported the Bonaventure Fund and Bona Athletic Fund. Of his current gift, $25,000 helped finance the Center for Entrepreneurship in the new Business building.
Now, he and his wife, Kristin, hope to carry on the legacy of his great-uncle (an "Olean Institution," according to many) by naming a student collaboration area in the School of Business building after him.
Francis Walter Frey left high school at Corning Free Academy to join the army and fight in World War I. After the war, he came to Olean and attended St. Bonaventure University where he finished his high school education in 1920 and received an undergraduate degree in 1924. Frey captained the university's basketball and football teams during his time there and later coached those sports at the high school level in the Olean area. A "Hookey Frey Award" is given annually to the unsung hero of the Olean High School football club.
Frey returned to Bonaventure for graduate studies and completed his Master of Science in Education degree in 1938. He stayed in the area and served as principal of Portville Elementary School for the remainder of his life, excluding an extended period during World War II. Frey, who was in his early 40s at the time, again chose to fight for his country and joined the navy.
Hookey Frey enabled Canty's mother, Kay Frey, and aunt, Gerry Frey, to attend college.
"After high school, my mother wanted to study at Buffalo State College to become a teacher. She was the second youngest of nine children, however, and could not afford further education," explained Canty. "She worked at Corning Glass Works for a year, but saved only enough money for two semesters. Uncle Hookey loaned her the remainder she needed and later forgave the debt when she attempted to repay him after graduation, saying her intention was enough for him."
Frey also influenced Canty's college experience, despite the fact that he passed away in 1969 when Canty was still a young boy.
"I came to SBU because of him; he was an amazing man," Canty said. "My mother met my father at college, so in a way I owe everything to Uncle Hookey."
Canty describes his time at Bonaventure as a turning point that allowed him to see what was important in life.
"St. Bonaventure has given a lot to me in terms of education, personal relationships and life lessons," he said. "I think that it is my turn to give back to my alma mater so that future students at SBU can have the same opportunities and competitive edge that I had."
He hopes the new School of Business building will help Bonaventure compete for students so that many others can share the extraordinary experiences in which he so strongly believes.
The new center will feature a financial services lab with electronic ticker tape, dean's suite, corporate boardroom, state-of-the-art classrooms, break-out areas, spaces for student collaboration, team building and faculty research, innovative technology uses, and a commitment to sustainability.
Construction of the building is scheduled to begin by June, with occupancy set for fall 2013.
"The new School of Business center is a key element in our overall strategic plan," said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., president of the university. "We have seen firsthand the power of new facilities on our campus, and know that investing in this building will position us to better compete for high-quality students and faculty who want to be part of a unique and distinctive scholarly environment."
The $15 million campaign will provide: $10 million for the construction of the new business center; $4 million in endowments for faculty and programmatic support to ensure a vibrant intellectual community; and $1 million for building endowment.
Nearly $13 million has been raised under the leadership of Robert Daugherty, '77, University trustee and campaign chair. "We are grateful for the financial commitments that have been made to date," said Mr. Daugherty, a retired partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. "Now we need the leverage of many. We need the help of our alumni, parents and friends to make this campaign a success."
St. Bonaventure's School of Business is among a select group of business schools (20 percent) in the U.S. and a very select group (5 percent) internationally to hold accreditation by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
"We are in demand," said Carol Fischer, dean of the School of Business, adding that some 30 percent of St. Bonaventure's student body is composed of business majors.
"Our faculty, students and graduates have made the case for this new building," Dr. Fischer said. "They have demonstrated through academic excellence and through success in the business realm that St. Bonaventure's School of Business is world-class quality. Reaching our goal in this campaign will enable us to maintain and build upon our traditional strengths, as well as develop new strengths in our distinctive niches, such as service learning."
The Canty gift is among nearly 300 commitments made to the campaign by St. Bonaventure alumni and friends.
Donations to the campaign may be made by visiting www.sbu.edu/bullishonbusiness/donate or by calling (800) 664-1273.
For more on the planned Business Center and the School of Business Campaign, go to www.sbu.edu/bullishonbusiness.
Application forms, procedures and additional information
There are many ways to experience
St. Bonaventure for yourself
Learn more about the programs that interest you


text: Land of Talk feature Elizabeth Powell (vocals/guitar), a former punk who got her start playing her own anti-folk anthems on the local scene of Guelph, Ontario, during her mid-teens. Upon her college years, with stints playing with the Aaron Riches Nuclear Family Band and the Valentines behind her, Powell set her sights on a solo career in the late '90s. While gigging in and around Ontario and Quebec, she met bassist Blake Markle and his friend, drummer Bucky Wheaton, with whom she formed Land of Talk in 2005. By the time recorded its 2006 debut album Applause Cheer Boo Hiss -- which bore influences such as PJ Harvey, Dinosaur Jr., and Sonic Youth -- Tim Kramer had taken over bass duties. More lineup changes followed in 2007, with Kramer and Wheaton leaving Land of Talk and bassist Chris McCarron and drummer Eric Thibodeau joining. The band landed on Saddle Creek for its second-full length, 2008's Some Are Lakes, which showed off a more eclectic, melodic approach and production by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. For Land of Talk's 2010 album Cloak and Cipher, Powell -- who wrote the album's songs while recuperating from a problem with her vocal cords -- was joined by two new bandmates, bassist Joseph Yarmush and drummer Andrew Barr, as well as members of Stars, Arcade Fire and the Besnard Lakes. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, Rovi


text:
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry has a large number of alumni, friends and grateful patients who are choosing to give through gift annuities, life income gifts or estate gifts. These donors felt they needed their capital during their lifetimes, but found it possible to associate themselves forever with the dental school through their estate plan.
If you would like to learn how you can reduce your taxes through a planned gift, contact Kevin Wessler at 415.929.6406.


text:
- Home>
- Electronic Cigarettes>
- Accessories>
- Tank Tubes>
- Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube - 2ml 2pcs/pack
Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube - 2ml 2pcs/pack, 2ml
Estimated Delivery Time:34 - 60 days
Product Introduction
The Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube is designed especially for the Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA, coming with 2ml e-juice capacity. Easy to clean and replace. Come and get one as spare part.
Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube
Material: Pyrex Glass
Packing info: 2pcs/pack
Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube comes with:
• 1 x Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA Glass Tube - 2ml 2pcs/pack
Customary Packing from the factory, the packing is subject to be changed without notice.
• It is designed especially for the Steam Crave Glaz Mini RTA.
• You may have interest in other Accessories.
• 3 months warranty for Vape Starter Kits, Vape Mods/Batteries, Tank Atomizers and Accessories.
- 01
Start group buy
- 02
Invite friends to join
- 03
Number achieved
- 04
1. Presale items are available for group buy; but they will be shipped out when we have them in stock if group buy succeed.
2. Some products like Joyetech, Eleaf, Wismec brands, Flash Sale devices, and items priced at more than $300, are excluded for group buy.
3. The entrance for starting a group buy has been set up in every product page; Invitees can only join in the group buy via a specified link with the inviter's unique ID.
4. Once joining in the group buying, you can not quit in the midway; you can not cancel your order if the group buy succeeds; if no quality problem, we don't support refund for group buy items.
5. One shopper can only have at most five ongoing groups. When one group ends, he/she can start a new group.
6. Once a group buying starts, the price won't be changed before it's closed. Invitees enjoy free shipping when orders over $20, while inviters only pay $0.1, no ship fee.
7. The number of participants for a group depends on the value of specific item.
8. Once any cheating means found, we have the right to disqualify the participant from the group buy activity. The right to interpret belongs to Buybest.


text:
Just in case, you might want to know that I use the term "bugaboo" as referring to an object of obsessive, usually exaggerated fear or anxiety. I recently wrote about the lack of email addresses supplied by contributors to the FamilySearch.org Family Tree. At the heart of that situation is the unreasonable fear that our society has created about "Identity Theft." People are afraid to put their name on a secure and very reasonable website merely because they have an undefined threat labeled "Identity Theft." I say undefined because that is exactly what it is and how the term is used.
I recently saw an advertisement in the Costco magazine for a Costco product that caught my eye on this subject. The tag line on the ad stated, "Are your checks safe? Identity theft is on the rise - claiming a new victim every 3 seconds!." There was an asterisk at the end of the statement that led to some small print at the bottom of the page that said, "Based on study data provided by JavelinStrategy.com." Hmm. Why not based on actual criminal prosecution records? Or on actual criminal conviction records? Or better yet, actual police or other law enforcement records? Why is the Costco relying on a study done by some company?
Javelin Strategy and Research (JavelinStrategy.com) is a company selling this kind of information to businesses. Do you think it is in this company's interest to tell its customers that they don't need Javelin's services? The report about Identity Theft referenced on that website mentions 17 other companies that are in the identity protection market. Isn't this like going to an insurance salesman and asking if you need insurance? Or going to a lawyer and asking if you need legal advice?
Why am I picking on this ad in a genealogy blog? Simple. The whole genealogical community is saturated with a morbid fear of identity theft. I cannot teach a class where putting your genealogical information online is discussed that this issue does not come up. Using this type of tag line is irresponsible and constitutes fear mongering.
Let's look at the basic premise of the ad, that identity theft claims one new victim every three seconds. There are 31,536,000 seconds in a year divided by 3 that would be 10,512,000, more or less. So, if the claim is true, there should be at least that many new identity theft victims every year and according to the ad, identity theft is on the rise. According to the US Census Bureau, there is one new birth in the US every 8 seconds. With deaths and immigration figured in, the population of the US rises at the rate of a net gain of one person every 16 seconds. So, the rate of increase of identity theft is apparently rising more than five times faster than the increase in the general population of the US. Hmmm.
The current population (US Census Bureau again) of the US is 317,180,732 plus another person every 16 seconds from the time I wrote this post. Let's divide the two numbers and see what the ad is really saying about identity theft. If you simply divide the total population by the claimed number of NEW victims every year you get roughly 30. That means that in less than thirty years, at the current rate, every single man, woman and child in the US will become a victim of identity theft at some time during the 30 year period. But since the rate is rising and is faster than the net population increase the time period is probably less.
But wait a minute. This is patently ridiculous. Think about it. Who is motivated to go around stealing the identity of poor people who have no assets? Who is going to go around stealing the identity of all the people in jail and all the people who are out stealing identities. Note that the statistic cited applied to new cases, but what about the people who have their identity stolen more than once?
There are two real questions to ask about this subject. Where is the data to support the claims and what is the definition of identity theft being used? Without answering both those questions, the claims as patently false and misleading. Would it interest you to know that the total number of all criminal prosecutions on the Federal level for fiscal year 2011 for defendants charged in misdemeanor criminal cases was 8,501? That is for all crimes combined. So how many people were charged with identity theft? Unfortunately, that figure is not available because there is no commonly accepted definition of identity theft. If you would like to read the actual statistical report, you can from the Federal Trade Commission. By the way, for 2012 the total number of identity theft reports, not prosecutions, not convictions, simply complaints was about 360,000. What happened to the other almost 10 million?
Most of the genealogists I know are rational people. Why are they irrational on this subject?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Another round with the Identity Theft Bugaboo
1 comment:
Nice article James! Making your email address clearly visible in plain text (as opposed to, say, in an image - or hidden behind some contact-the-author form) might result in SPAM finding its way to you, but Identify Theft is something else.ReplyDelete
I know Identity Theft applies to more than just the computer world but in that specific case, I wonder how many people with this irrational fear might also be likely to click on some random ad. saying their computer is running slowly and inviting them to "let us do a free health check for you"? [Note to readers - never do that!]
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