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Vote of the week: What does SeaWorld need to do to increase attendance?
Written by Robert Niles
This year's TEA/AECOM theme park attractions attendance report illustrated a tough picture for the SeaWorld theme parks. Its top two namesake parks, SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego, suffered their third consecutive year of attendance declines, according to the AECOM data.Tweet
The Orlando park faces the challenge of attracting visitors who are now spending their "non Disney" days at Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter instead. The San Diego park faces tough competition from alwaysong Disneyland, as well as resurgent Universal Studios Hollywood and Legoland California.
What does SeaWorld need to do to distinguish itself and win your attendance at one of its theme parks? I'll list a few options in this week's vote.
Does SeaWorld need to build new thrill rides, like the Theme Park Insider Award-winning Manta? Or should it add a family dark ride, the mainstays of the Disney and Universal theme parks? Should SeaWorld work instead on renovating its existing attractions, such as Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic? Or would simply getting the trainers back in the water at the Shamu show suffice? Finally, I leave an option for people who just aren't going to consider SeaWorld, no matter what the park does.
Readers' Opinions
From Nick Dakuginow on June 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Hmm, I was deciding between new family dark ride and refurbishing the current ones like Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic.
I went with a new family dark ride. They just created Manta recently, amazing roller coaster, and the park has Kraken and Journey to Atlantis already. The trainers in the water with the orcas isn't a big deal in my opinion.
SeaWorld could really use a dark ride, there's not any in the park.
Refurbishing Journey to Atlantis (which I rode for the first time a few months ago, I liked it better than Splash Mountain) isn't a big deal to me, but Wild Arctic could definitely use an update to that simulator ride, maybe start from scratch with something with the same theme?
From 220.127.116.11 on June 17, 2011 at 11:09 AM
I think SeaWorld needs to add some excitement to their parks. When I went with my family two yrs ago, we were finished with the park in 1/2 a day! It was kind of boring just looking at dolphins, etc all day! Adding some thrill rides or water rides would definitely bring more attendance to this park!
From TH Creative on June 17, 2011 at 11:21 AM
IMAX 4D / animatronic experience featuring great white sharks.
From 184.108.40.206 on June 17, 2011 at 11:25 AM
TH Creative said:
"IMAX 4D / animatronic experience featuring great white sharks."
Really? Not hippos?
From Robert Niles on June 17, 2011 at 11:34 AM
I realize that many people would choose "all of the above," but given that parks don't have infinite cash and resources, I'm pushing you to pick which option would be the one that most seals the deal (if possible) to get you into a SeaWorld park.
From Daniel Etcheberry on June 17, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Add an underwater show with mermaids. Also, a family indoor ride would help.
From TH Creative on June 17, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Install a giant wizard's hat somewhere in the park.
From James Rao on June 17, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Add an adults-only show with mermaids. Errr... I mean, a new whole family dark ride.
Seriously, SeaWorld could do something really amazing with a Spider-Man style, aquatic-based attraction.
BTW, once again the point is illustrated that adding new, 54" height requirement coasters does not help long-term attendance. As much as we all love them, big time coasters just do not draw in the lucrative family market.
From Elsa Ruisenor on June 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM
I was thinking of another thrill ride, but realized that it lacks the family appeal, what would I do with a child in SeaWorld? It would have helped to partner up with Legoland and start offering a family package.
From Sylvain Comeau on June 17, 2011 at 12:31 PM
I think they should offer discounts for a one day pass to that park. I will likely go on a future trip, because we are running out of NEW things to see and do in Orlando, but I think it's around $70 for one day. That's a bit steep for a lot of shows/exhibits and not many rides. Even if we visit once, it might only be once, whereas we go back to Disney and Universal on every Orlando visit.
From Daniel Etcheberry on June 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Another idea: Swim with the Orcas!
From 188.8.131.52 on June 17, 2011 at 12:45 PM
SeaWorld San Diego especially needs a good intense thrill ride for me ever go there again. Like another commenter said, you're done with the park in half a day. I know they are building a new roller coaster, but it still isn't the kind that will attracts thrill-seekers.
From Robert Niles on June 17, 2011 at 1:07 PM
The Sopranos-themed family overnight, "Sleep with the Fishes," was, alas, rejected.
Seriously, though, as much as I like Kraken and Manta, SeaWorld's a family park, not a coaster park. It needs ocean- and wildlife-themed family dark rides to reach out to that family market, and give it a reason to consider SeaWorld in lieu of another visit to Disney, Universal or Legoland.
From 18.104.22.168 on June 17, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Hire back the people they layed off during X-Mas to only open their positions again 6 months later. Seaworld was so praud of not laying people off when the economy first fell then they lay people off during X-Mas some of those people expecting children. I honestly can't see how they consider themselfs a family park when they ruined so many families. They could have ofered pay cuts to all or asked who would want to leave due to a bad economy. Some people there where close to retirement they would have left. Closed the park during low forecasted attendance days, had earlier closing hours. Closing down Riptide last summer had the park empty from 9pm-10pm the park was dead, nobody in the park exept for employee's.
During this "economic strugle" they build new rides/exibits all @ the same time. So they layed people off just to be able to build them, have half the park closed & still charge full price. That brings my next point.
Lower admission price. I mean Disneyland is few dollars more then Seaworld. That is ridiculous!!! Disneyland is way more entertaining than Seaworld. Specially for the Seaworld San Diego. You can tour the entire park in 6 hours! Their are way more things to do at Disneyland.
Yes, two totally different parks. I know, but why does Swaworld even try to comptete with Disnetland by keeping their prices almost leveled. Seaworld use to be $51 dlls 5 years ago, since then they raised their tickets to $69 & only added Journey to Atlantis.
Over all, they need a lot of work before they will be a good park.
From Mike Gallagher on June 17, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Boy, that anonymous post above was a chore to read! Wondered if it might be an ex-employee.
I voted for the thrill ride, because it's not like I wouldn't consider visiting Sea World, so I didn't vote that way.
I rarely get to Florida, and have only been to California once. So, if I AM able to make a visit to those locales, Sea World would be low-priority. Don't get me wrong..I love ocean-themed stuff and thoroughly enjoyed my solitary visit, to Orlando at Christmastime 1977, right after my dad died. I especially remember a Christmas tree made entirely of poinsettias! My Mom loved that!
A few more thrill rides might entice me a bit more, but again..low-priority.
From 22.214.171.124 on June 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM
start dropping the price to get in. i know if i had a choise of spending $50 to have fun and not $80 i would go lower. if the park look at droping ticket price they would get more people in the park and the people could send more on the merch and food make up and they would make up for it there
From TH Creative on June 17, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Mr. Niles' snark about the Sopranos raises an interesting point: Does SeaWorld have any licensed entities associated with their attractions?
Universal opens Potter. Disney (re)opens Star Wars.
Maybe SWO needs to take a chance at developing an attraction based upon an established franchise.
From Victoria Jurkowski on June 17, 2011 at 3:16 PM
I never think of rides when I think of Sea World. I always saw it as more of a zoo type park. Maybe adding more animals, different kinds that you don't typically see at american zoos, would help boost their attendance. Maybe having an Australia exhibit with kangaroos and platypuses and crocodiles. That would get me to visit!
From Eric G on June 17, 2011 at 3:17 PM
SeaWorld has a well established, valuable franchise called Shamu.
Busch Entertainment also has the Sesame Street license and they've put that creative to use in all of their Busch Gardens and SeaWorld parks except Orlando.
SeaWorld San Diego is getting a major new ride in 2012. SeaWorld Orlando, despite the decline in attendance, remains a very successful theme park. The attendance decline this past year is largely due to Harry Potter and negative publicity. They don't need to reinvent the SeaWorld brand to drum up interest.
Also, the last thing Busch Entertainment should start doing is discounting their gate. Discounting your gate ends up being a disaster. Just look at Six Flags.
From Tony Duda on June 17, 2011 at 3:46 PM
None of those options would tempt me. What would is a return to 2 free beers a day along with free parking for annual pass holders. I would so be there with my new annual (actually 2-year) gold pass.
From Robert Niles on June 17, 2011 at 4:42 PM
TH, SeaWorld licenses Sesame Workshop, including the Sesame Street characters.
From Tom Tatsey on June 17, 2011 at 5:41 PM
What ever it takes get the rights to Aquaman I don,t remember any one else useing him he,d make a great dark ride.
From 18.104.22.168 on June 17, 2011 at 7:37 PM
An Orca Interaction Program similar to the Beluga one would be incredible for them to have. I'd definitely go to SeaWorld just to do that!
From Cristian Alvarez on June 17, 2011 at 8:32 PM
Build a family dark ride. Use the lisences they do have, like Sesame Street. Just look at what Disney and Universal do, storytelling attractions!
From Tony Perkins on June 17, 2011 at 10:08 PM
SeaWorld needs to stop trying to be a thrill park, and go after the family market again. The park has an educational mission, and a good family dark ride could underscore this much better than another coaster. The thrill rides muddy their edutainment message to the degree that I have not bothered to take my kids to the park yet.
From steve lee on June 17, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Sea World quit giving passholders free parking? When did that happen? I haven't been to the park since Manta opened, but back then they gave passholders premium spaces for free.
From Steph Ramos on June 17, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Ok...the timing for this could not be more perfect for me. Just last week my Mom and I were debating taking a trip down to San Diego (We live 20 minutes outside the downtown L.A area...which makes a San Diego visit a 2 hour drive) to visit Sea World since we had out-of-town guests at our place. After a quick research session on the net however, we quickly backed out of the idea when we realized that a one-day ticket was $70 bucks....gas not included...-_-;
So...to answer the question...for starters, if you REALLY want to increase attendance....start by jacking your prices down!! Sea World San Diego barely has anything to offer in my age-set, which totally defeats the purpose of charging $69.99 to begin with. I mean, at least Disneyland offers some novelty and amusement before they screw you in the butt with their prices.
Second....if you want to attract a larger audience...appeal to their likes! Add some rides to the place that reflect the type of audience you want to attract...you want to bring in more families, then add a dark family ride. If you want to cater to the rest of the population, then go for some thrill rides. Personally, I'd go with the thrill ride option, since that's the only way I'd hand over $70 for a one-day ticket to the lame place.
From 18.104.22.168 on June 17, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a "Family Dark Ride"?
From Manny Barron on June 17, 2011 at 11:59 PM
Sea World rocks. I did my part I visited all three in the past year and had a blast. I was surprised SWO had higher attendance than IOA and USF in 2009, but then Harry Potter happened. As for what they can do to increase attendance? Making the Sky Tower free would raise their attendance a few percentage points.
From 188.8.131.52 on June 18, 2011 at 4:31 AM
I agree with an earlier poster who mentioned adding a new animal exhibit. Personally I think it would be incredible for the park to build a large new exhibit space (2-4 million gallon) and enable it as a temporary display of large animals. For example they could display a young Humpback whale for 6-8 months, then release it back into the ocean. When SWC rescued J.J the grey whale their attendance soared-- or think of Monterary Bay AQ with their Great Whites. The temporary aspect could allow for some incredible species to be displayed, and enable significant new research!
I know activist groups would harp on this, but honestly they would harp on anything SeaWorld does. Plus the temporary aspect of the display would ease some of that controversy.
From Blake Bickerstaff on June 18, 2011 at 6:27 AM
They need story & characters. The park is a zoo with a few good rides, not a theme park. And we all know how often you visit your local zoo.
From 220.127.116.11 on June 18, 2011 at 6:56 AM
Yes, I'm biased, I was born in Australia. I have been to SeaWorld once and that was enough for me. I think it needs to be more interactive. It should not compete with Disney/Universal but enhance it. I think an Australian area would be perfect at SeaWorld. Free range and FREE admission. Like the Australian Reptile Park near Sydney. You can hand feed, pat and cuddle Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas, Emus, Echidnas, Snakes, Dingoes and see shows with deadly Australian spiders and snakes, milking their venom for the public. Educational AND used to create anti-venom. You can hold a baby crocodile and see the show with the HUGE saltwater crocs, walk through the bat cave with free-range Australian flying foxes. All of this is educational, amazing photo opportunities and something different for the US. Have you ever heard a Tasmanian Devil squeal? or do you know what to do if bitten by a snake or spider? had an emu fall in love with you? seen a platypus? Most of all. Out of the top 10 deadliest snakes in the world, how many are Australian? :P I really think this would be the ticket for SeaWorld for now, especially after the Oprah specials on Australia.
From Daniel Smith on June 18, 2011 at 6:58 AM
Sorry, that last post about Australia was from me. I forgot to log in! Daniel.
From 126.96.36.199 on June 18, 2011 at 7:10 AM
Find the portion of the market you want to attract considering the competition and the profit levels - Families with small kids (25-35 age group), teenagers (Six Flags, Cedar Fair), More mature families with older children (35-49 group), seniors... Consider the competition; Disney (Mass Market, families with children, and adults), Universal (Adults with older kids)...
Then build the rides to support that market. You won't make money as a zoo. You don't have near enough thrill rides for teenagers which isn't that profitable anyway - especially in this market. Zoos tie nicely with families with small kids and adults. So start building one then a series of sea based family attractions with more entertainment story telling value than educational value (they have education covered already).
Builds on their strengths. But they cannot win over Disney so learn to supplement Disney effectively for the specific part of the market that is different than what Universal brings. Learn the story-telling trade that resonates currently and license the characters to do so effectively. Oh, and get an owners group that wants to be in the business.
From Tom Rigg on June 18, 2011 at 7:45 AM
I wonder if the reason that SeaWorld Orlando hasn't utilized the Sesame Street Franchise is because it is owned by Jim Henson productions which is owned by Disney.
From 188.8.131.52 on June 18, 2011 at 8:17 AM
I have only been to Sea World San Diego but it is seriously lacking in rides for the ticket price it charges. Either add more thrill rides and a family dark ride (over several years) if your going to charge $65+ on park admission or lower your park admission to $40-$50. The Sea Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are a much better value than Sea World SD as they have as many things to do (or more in the Zoo's case) and charge $30-$40. The SD Zoo may not have rides except the skyride but I don't expect it to have rides because it doesn't charge $65+ on admission. If Sea World SD had Orlando's rides its ticket price would be a little more justifiable. Right now if someone is visiting San Diego and only can do one paid attraction, I tell them to go for the Zoo.
For San Diego I would add another thrill ride next (after the family coaster Manta). San Diego could work around its height limit by having rides going underground (like what Alton Towers does in the UK). For the Orlando Sea World I would add a family dark ride next. Also don't charge extra for the high capacity tower ride or skyride when you are already charging $65+ on a ticket, that is just tacky! I personally wish San Diego had a Busch Gardens park instead, they seem a lot more fun/worthy of a visit for the ticket price than Sea World.
From Robert Niles on June 18, 2011 at 8:18 AM
A family dark ride is an indoor ride (thus the "dark" part) that does not have a height restriction to ride (thus the "family" part). Think of It's a Small World or Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney World or Cat in the Hat at Universal.
From Bruce Lane on June 18, 2011 at 8:38 AM
I'm in the 6% at the bottom, of course. I will say I'd be very interested to know specifics on why attendance has been declining for three years running.
Perhaps a different type of survey needs to be run for those who chose not to visit the SeaWorld parks, and try to get some specific answers. There would certainly be practical reasons cited (high-priced admission and parking fees), but I would be curious to hear what else might be going on.
For the record: The young gray whale the San Diego park rehabilitated was named 'Gigi,' not 'J.J.'
As for the idea of capturing young whales just for the sake of a few months display, well... Whoever suggested such silliness (I see the commenter responsible left behind only an IP address) knows less than nothing about whales in general, and whale behavior in particular, including how tightly-knit their families are in the wild. 'Nuff said.
Happy travels.
From Albino Pygmy on June 18, 2011 at 8:42 AM
I'd love to see a rapids ride at Sea World themed to either the Arctic or jellyfish.
Sea World should team up with Discovery Channel and promote the heck out of Shark Week (hoo ha ha!)
As for a family themed dark ride, they could have something similar to what the sea cabs were in The Living Seas, but then who would get in a ride vehicle to see the same stuff you can walk around throughout the rest of the park? Sesame Street doesn't seem to fit with the Sea World theme, however I'm sure they're present somewhere, probably as a little show or walk around characters.
I'd love for them to come up with an edutainment dark ride that uses similar technology as the pooh ride at MK. Picture the scene where tigger has you bounce around with him, but instead of bouncy bouncy trouncy trouncy, you're jumping out of the water doing tricks with Shamu, and then see what he does on his breaks as he's chilling in the backstage tank playing Old Maid with some card sharks.
From 188.8.131.52 on June 18, 2011 at 9:10 AM
It would be great to see a rapids ride at the Orlando Park.
What about the Texas park? I noticed it was hardly mentioned in this story.....
From 188.8.131.52 on June 18, 2011 at 9:17 AM
I chose Family Dark Ride because Family friendly ride was not an option. I don't think it has to be a "dark ride", but I do think they lack family friendly rides in the Orlando Park (which is odd since the Aqua zoo theme is something that would attract families to me). Maybe they think the families will come in for the zoo, but we have to put rides in for the thrill seekers. It just seems somewhat disconnected though.... like you have this park that would be great for families.... but they are paying extra to get in for rides they can not ride together or have little desire to.
Don't get me wrong, Manta is an awesome addition.... but families (especially those with children) can't ride it together. They are paying extra to get in to accomadate these big rides like Manta (and the other giant coaster who's name escapes me right now). The thrill seekers most likely don't think there are enough rides to be worth going that often, so there is a loss there I think. I think they need to fill in the middle ground some with family rides (the space between kids rides and thrill seeker rides).
From Daniel Etcheberry on June 18, 2011 at 9:39 AM
I got the solution! Change the name of the park to Disney Sea.
From Tony Duda on June 18, 2011 at 12:30 PM
To steve lee...I guess your comment was based on what I suggested. I wrote it to say the free beers should be added to the other perks annual passholders get. But I can see the misinterpretation you got.
From 126.96.36.199 on June 18, 2011 at 2:07 PM
I don't understand why people think Sea World needs more rides -- but then, I'm a sea-life nut who is perfectly happy looking at dolphins and fish all day and could care less about rides. When I'm at Sea World I never go on them and I hardly know they exist. If people complain that Sea World doesn't have enough rides, then why are they going there to begin with? That's what places like Disney, Six Flags and Universal Studios are for. The name of the park is SEA WORLD, not ROLLER COASTER WORLD.
From 220.127.116.11 on June 18, 2011 at 3:20 PM
How about changing from a captive entertainment machine to becoming a rescue, rehabilitation and release marine park instead? *THAT* is something I would pay to see. I will NEVER pay to see intelligent sentient beings to perform circus tricks for human beings in the name of "education". It is a very bad education. You can say that people wouldn't otherwise see them to appreciate them...wrong....I will never see the pyramids in Egypt, but it does not mean I cannot appreciate their awe and beauty. Put them all in sea pens, stop the cruel breeding programs and let them go. Tilikum remains defiant...good for him. He has a mind of his own and he is trying to tell you something. Please listen.
From TH Creative on June 18, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Erig G writes: "SeaWorld has a well established, valuable franchise called Shamu."
I Respond: According to TEA's attendance report the "value" of the big fish was not enough to prevent a 12 point drop in attendance.
From 188.8.131.52 on June 18, 2011 at 8:21 PM
Add a wooden coaster themed to pirates this theme goes well with Sea World like atomsphere. Build it and they will come! Have great steel coasters but need wooden coasters for coaster buffs who only like old wooden style thrill scream machines.
From 184.108.40.206 on June 18, 2011 at 9:10 PM
The waters of the world are one....
The cycle of water .....goes on .....and onnnnn...
Seas yield vapor to the skies.....
The sky returns it as rain....
And it all begins again...
And it all begins againnn...
A song from the Wonders of Water? fountain show set to music inside a theatre in Sea World California. Twenty-five years later I still remember it.
I miss it. Bring it back.
From Victoria Jurkowski on June 19, 2011 at 7:42 AM
I agree with the comment about rehabilitation, it goes along with my idea of adding more animals instead of a new ride. They need to get back to their original idea of helping the animals, with education as a second and entertainment as a third. I visit zoos and aquariums all the time and if I'm not expecting big rides and thrills then I'm perfectly content without them.
From 126.96.36.199 on June 19, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Sea World acutually does rescue and rehab of animals every year. Manatees, sea turtles, sea lions, seals... During whale or dolphin beachings their marine animal rescue team goes out to the locations and are trained to help the animals capable of recovering by administering fluids,antibiotics, and other medical care.
Now as to the ride, I think a well put together dark ride would be needed short term and a new thril ride about 4 or 5 years down the road.
From 184.108.40.206 on June 19, 2011 at 1:09 PM
I was the poster who suggested the temporary display of whales, my name is Nick, I live in Orlando, and I stand behind my idea.
Typically I do not respond to snarky posts like yours (calling my idea silliness), but in this case I HAVE to point out how WRONG you are.
1). First off Bruce you are showing your age, and your ignorance. Yes SWC had a grey whale named GiGi... in 1972. That whale however was NOT rescued, just collected temporarily for research then released. J.J. was an orphaned grey whale rehabilitated by SWC in 1997-- it made national headlines as J.J. spent Numerous months in the 'Shamu close up' pool and was visited by millions of people before her release.
2). YOU, Bruce, are the one who clearly has little actual knowledge on whales and whale behavior. Baleen whales, like the Humpback I mention in my earlier post, are largely solitary. Any real whale expect would tell you that long term relationships in baleen whales are rare. Therefore they are a perfect candidate for temporary display. Check out this fact -among others- in National Audubon Society's definitive book on whales 'Guide to Marine Mammals of the World'.
Next time Bruce you could just respectfully say that you don't think someone else's idea is a good one (I stress respectfully). And check your facts before you stick your foot in your mouth.
From Sylvain Comeau on June 19, 2011 at 10:56 PM
One problem is that a day at Sea World costs $70, whereas an extra day at Disney costs around $30 with a multi-day pass. And then you hear from others that it's really more of a half day park...
It's pretty clear that the owners have to develop their park more, to make sure it is a full day experience. Otherwise, I see them increasingly losing out to Disney and Universal.
From 184.108.40.206 on June 20, 2011 at 7:00 AM
Nothing. I mean yes new things are great, but the average SeaWorld customer I presume is one whom visits every decade or so. For us, it was a great recent vacation. How could you spend only 6 hours there is beyond my understanding. We took 3 days at SeaWorld, 2 at Aquatica, and 1 at Busch Gardens. And it not being the same ol ride, turnstile wait, crowds, etc and being shows, entertainment and plain ol fun. More shows and a family ride would be great, but there not going to ever compete against WDW or Potter. So they just be who they are. The reason for there decline is Potter the economy, and the negative publicity last year. But overall there attendance, in the Orlando market, is slow and steady. Discovery Cove still sells out often. Don't dare lower the price. Will not raise attendance and the park future would suffer. The price is a great value for the experience. And a bargain with the online package pricing. The Shamu name is worth alot. If cokes sales drop cause Pepsi comes out with a new product does it decrease its trademark name value. Doubt it. Mention Shamu and people have heard of it.
From 188.8.131.52 on June 20, 2011 at 7:07 AM
Sylvian says "One problem is that a day at Sea World costs $70, whereas an extra day at Disney costs around $30 with a multi-day pass. " If you use that math then SeaWorld and Aquatica cost around $3. per extra day with there multi-day pass. ($111. for both parks, upto 14 days. )
From 220.127.116.11 on June 20, 2011 at 7:45 AM
Look at the numbers. IOA with Harry Potter, with it likely being the largest amount, over the length of the contract, paid for any ride and it brought in 5.95 million, yet SeaWorld with only a simple new rollercoaster brought in 5.10 million. Potter was a draw that brought up attendance, but SeaWorld, in my opinion, is just the same business based upon its brand and following. Decline will likely continue until Potter levels off and most of all the economy improves and people can afford to stay a little longer or more regularly visit Orlando.
From Adam Dodds on June 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM
For the record, Sesame Street is not owned by Jim Henson Studios anymore, so Disney doesn't own Sesame Street (don't you think Disney would utilize those characters if the did?) As for Sea World, both in Orlando and San Antonio, it is the price combined with the lack of interesting educational experiences. Have some Epcotian rides that are educational and a dark ride.
From Tyler Bell on June 20, 2011 at 10:50 AM
SeaWorld simply needs rides, with SWO four rides of course it would be hard to compete with other parks. They need atleast 2 more coasters to satisfy thrill seekers, and a couple of dark rides to satisfy families.
From 220.127.116.11 on June 20, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Although the gate price is quite expensive, when compared to Disney, it was the overpriced food and drink prices that annoyed me on my last visit. Maybe they should rethink these as it backfires - you end up spending less and leaving to go elsewhere sooner
From 126.96.36.199 on June 21, 2011 at 4:02 AM
I find the concept of watching captive mammals performing tricks for human amusement extremely distasteful. Parks like Sea World have no place in the modern world now that we know how much these sentient beings suffer in captivity.
From Robert Viands on June 21, 2011 at 5:36 AM
Bring back the free beer samples. When In-Bev took over they ruined everything. I didn't renew my season pass which included SWF/BGT. I used to visit 4-5 times a year, drink beers, and eat food. Basically hang out. Now I don't go at all.
From 184.108.40.206 on June 21, 2011 at 7:54 AM
The chance was very simple for Sea world and to a lesser extent Universal to compete with Disney on a "level" playing field. But it was lost when the decision was to save money on intitial construction cost and not long term success via Legoland being built in Winter Haven over Universal's remaining property near the convention center or on their traditional area and connecting it via the canals to City Walk. This would have given the I-Drive corridor IOA to compete with MK (closer than many think), Hollywood Studios to Universal Studios (easily Universal), Sea World to Animal Kingdom (Sea World) and Epcot would overwhelm Legoland (but at least a fourth park). Furthermore Aquatica & Wet'n Wild would compete with Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon pretty fairly. Toss is some arrangements with some of I-Drive's secondary attractions (Ripley's, Wonderworks & Mini Golf) and the vacations would be quite comparable. Universal could also when vacationers with only boys or create a rotation via legoland versus the Disney Princess faction.
But alas short money beat long term success
From Anon Mouse on June 21, 2011 at 9:17 AM
SeaWorld needs two things to distinguish itself. They need a water park that shares the ocean theme. They need an swimable snorkeling tank. I went to Hawaii many times. The snorkeling is remarkable. SeaWorld should have this experience in a outdoor artificial coral reef environment. I think many people would love to enjoy this for a few hours.
I also think SeaWorld should lower its prices. Why try to match Disney's prices? It makes no sense. Disney's theme park prices have nothing to do with reality. It is just a number. SeaWorld should price itself according to what the market will allow.
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Looking to attach the best media experience to your HD TV? Leave that to the Logitech Revue and its multiple attachments and the power of a great deal from Best Buy to top it all off! The aforementioned Logitech Revue offers up full media connectivity on any display you attach it to. With a completely wireless and full QWERTY keyboard as a remote for this baby you have the basis and power of Android applications and Google TV browsing for an unlimited media experience. You can do everything from browse the Internet to streaming from popular hotspots like YouTube and Netflix while also being able to play games and tinker with other apps. This setup also includes the Logitech TV cam with microphones for added Internet capabilities.
For a limited time (we don't know when) Best Buy has this device for $129.99 with free S&H. As always, expect some tax in your area.

subset: commoncrawl


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David Gergen featured at Civic Discourse Series inaugural lecture
6 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009
C. Walsh Theatre
55 Temple St., Boston
David Gergen will deliver the inaugural lecture of the Civic Discourse Series: Media and Democracy, speaking about The Press -- Turning Foe into Friend.
Television and the Internet have become indispensable tools for presidential leadership. In fact, the media are a primary institutional force an effective president must manage by cooperation, charm, and persuasion. The Obama administration's future success will be partly measured by its ability to manage the media in order to communicate its legislative goals to the nation.
David Gergen is an experienced journalist, presidential adviser and sought-after political analyst. In this talk, he will share his views on how the media have an impact on U.S. policy focus; what the Obama administration must do to ensure that the members of the media do not resist the president's goals; lessons to be learned from presidential media greats, such as Roosevelt; and mistakes to avoid.
Gergen is editor-at-large at U.S. News and World Report, a Senior Political Analyst for CNN, a professor of public service at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and director of its Center for Public Leadership and author of the best-selling book Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton. Gergen is a former adviser to Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton.
Reservations: 617-720-7600


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Here's the source for the art I'm using in my theme. Relish in it. Absorb it. LOVE IT.
I'm in the process of moving! I'm trying to save up everything I can to meet my goals, mostly through sales from my store, but if you're feeling generous and would like to donate a buck or two, I'd really appreciate it a bunch.
Mom's out..? I have the house to myself?? Well I guess you know what this means..


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Based on 4 reviews
Help make it easier for other Avvo users to choose the right lawyer by sharing your experience with this attorney. It's fast, simple, and safe.
Lawyers: Use the Peer Endorsements section to provide input about other attorneys.
i had met with a few lawyers regarding a legal matter, i was told by all of them i didn't have a strong case, but after ophir bitton met with me, he was very well informed on the law and won my case for me. i am forever greatfull!!
I just finished a case with Ophir and I must say, I am extremely satisfied not only with my outcome, but with how he handled this case. Ophir is a man of integrity. Has much class. Honest and reliable. The amount of time he spent just on the phone with me, explaining the details, pros and cons of my case were priceless. Not only did he handle this case extremely well, to get me an outcome I would never have even dreamed of, but he was always very supportive of me as his client, and of my needs, even if he didn't agree. He is VERY knowledgeable of all aspects of law. His expertise in employment matters is remarkable. He is a superb litigator. I am very happy with how he handled my case and highly recommend him.
Mr. Bitton is a very well-rounded practitioner of law. He approaches both his business and clients with uncompromised professionalism, making his trustworthiness and work ethic nearly implied.
Also, Mr. Bitton is particularly well versed in business matters, particularly real estate, and I highly recommend his advisory as well as service.
Mr. Bitton has taken care of many cases for my family. We are all very grateful for all the hard work he has done for us. His best policy would have to be the free phone calls. Our other lawyers would charge for every minute we spent on the phone, saying their time is valuable. This attorney does not charge to speak to his clients on the phone and is readily available to answer questions and coach/counsel before trials. He is honest and trustworthy. If you don't have a good case he will be upfront with you. Not your typical money hungry Los Angeles attorney who tries to make everything into a lawsuit. He settles cases quick and listens first to his client, always putting their needs first. He has a great reputation amongst other lawyers and believe it or not he was referred to us by a lawyer he had gone to trial against several years prior. So far we have been satisfied with his work and we will continue to use him to represent us and our family business.


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We found not one, but two, videos of guys streaking football games and they are complete opposites. In one, the guy streaks a high school game and scales two chain link fences naked (ouch!) before making his getaway. The other…
Tag Archive for streakers
Video: Streaker Disrupts Olympic Torch Relay
by Bob Reno • • Comments Off
As most of you know, the 2012 Summer Olympics will start soon on London, and as tradition, the Olympic torch makes its way via runners from Athens, Greece to the host stadium. What's NOT traditional is a naked guy running…
Video: "Country Boy" Streaker Slides Into Home, Gets Tackled by Umpire
by Bob Reno • • Comments Off
It's only the end of April, but the MLB streakers are already at mid-season form. From the YouTube description: During the traditional playing of John Denver's " Thank God I'm a Country Boy" in the 7th inning stretch of the…
Ten Greatest Sports Streakers: Photo Gallery
by Bob Reno • • Comments Off
Not sure who conducted the voting on this list, but looking at them does start an interesting debate in my head. Check out the probably Not Safe For Work gallery at Break.com.
Streaker Video: Supper Skinny Silver Jockstrap Streaker Disrupts Soccer Match
by Bob Reno • • Comments Off
Can't really say this guy "ruined" the game for most of these soccer fans. Not after another thrilling 1-0 slugfest. But, at least he did us all a favor (maybe) and donned a bit of underwear before running out onto…
Painful Sports Video: Drunk, Shirtless Guy Runs Onto Field, Dances, During Fresno State/Nevada Game
by Bob Reno • • Comments Off
A true highlight from the November 13, 2010 game between Fresno State and Nevada. You gotta give this guy credit: he does take full advantage of his 15 minutes of fame. Not only did he run onto the field, but…


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UNDATED (WHTC) -- West Ottawa Public Schools were well represented at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids last weekend. Three groups, the West Ottawa High School Chamber Orchestra, West Ottawa High School Jazz 1 and the West Ottawa Middle School Choir, were all selected by audition. The directors sent in performance recordings last spring in order to be considered for the conference. Mike Hamann, director of Jazz 1 noted, "It's very uncommon for a school to have three groups perform at MMC in the same year."
Story by: Diane E Coston


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- Road Race
- Trail
- Triathlon
- Price Point Pro Builds
Alpinestars Bionic Neck Support
The Bionic Neck Support (BNS) is designed to help prevent injury in a crash situation by dissipating and diverting impact forces away from the neck and spine. It helps protect against neck injury when the rider's helmet makes contact with the BNS frame at the moment of impact, thus providing a clean, solid surface which instantly channels damaging, compression type impact energy away from the neck and on to the BNS. Primarily for use in motocross and DH mountain bike riding this protection device offers a highly personalized and stable fit while incorporating innovative new features such as a new quick release locking system. Thanks to its advanced material construction the Bionic Neck Support is lightweight and strong.
I'm 5'11" 155lbs and the SMALL size was way too big (from chest to back). Be sure it fits before you order it! I ordered a Leatt LARGE and it fits perfectly. There is only one adjustment for the Alpinestars Bionic Neck, and it is shoulder pads (which was nowhere near sufficient for me).
The sizing is off, i wear a size smaller. There is little adjustment and my brace could fit better. I use the Astrap kit, I use this for Moto and DH. My dh helmet is a remedy and my moto is and agv in all my crashes the product had held up well and performed as intended.


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Showing Our Kids the Whole Spectrum of Virtue
- Tuesday, September 23, 2008
This subculture that creates troubled adults needs to see another side of love, which takes a variety of forms.
You learn this pretty quickly as a parent. A good parent is tender and tough, depending on what his child needs. We have a hard time translating this truth into our adult lives when we relate to God. Sometimes God is still and tough with us because He loves us. He's not being abusive. Athletes tend to understand this concept better than the rest of the population.
Galli says we ignore tougher biblical passages because they make us uncomfortable.
A lot of this discomfort revolved around the misconceptions by some Christians that anger and conflict are always wrong and that Jesus is always nice. We need to topple this false idol of Jesus that we've made. [The real Jesus is the same one who] invites those who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest. What we all have to learn is that Jesus' love comes to us in a variety of ways; sometimes it feels good; sometimes it doesn't. But if we give it time, we'll see that many of the things that didn't feel good were really God's means of shaping us, preparing us, disciplining us, loving us.
A merely Sweet Savior is ultimately incapable of helping us—and our children—in life's most difficult moments.
I need a Savior who empathizes with my pain, but I also need a Savior who is strong to save—who has the power to defeat satanic influences in my life, who will overcome evil in the world one day. In the end, the Sweet Savior merely feels bad for me but is helpless in the face of evil. If we only show children, especially boys, His compassion, they may be tempted to think of Jesus as a wimp—certainly not someone worth giving their lives to. And if we show only the "mean and wild" side, they may become merely arrogant and abusive.
In addition, showing children only the Nice Nazarene runs the risk of making them sentimental instead of truly compassionate.
They give evil a pass instead of confronting it boldly. They become nice instead of loving. To leave this dimension of a tough Jesus out of our spiritual education is to misrepresent Jesus, and that can only create crippled disciples.
Weak and timid children become adults whose lives are often riddled with relational havoc, whose spouses do not respect them. This letter from a reader of my previous book, Married…But Not Engaged, shows how deadly lack of self-respect and respect are to marriages and how true marital harmony is created when a more assertive approach toward life is employed.
I just wanted to share with you the journey that my husband and I have embarked upon thanks to your book. He failed to come through on his word to me about something, not something big, but still I was angry and felt let down. In previous times, his apologies to me have mostly consisted of his begging for my forgiveness. Although I love him with all my heart, I have, at those times, held onto my anger out of fear of being let down again and have not forgiven him straightaway as I should have done.
Last night, though, was so different. With his characteristic sincerity, he apologized, took full responsibility for the fact that he had let me down, but he did not beg! For the first time in our marriage of almost five years, I was able to admit to him that I felt I couldn't express my anger to him for fear that he couldn't handle it. I was able to honestly express my feelings of anger.
At the same time, I understood from the calm, self-respecting way he was speaking that my usual withholding of forgiveness would be entirely useless. He had apologized and was willing to make restitution, but he would not be manipulated—and his life was not "over" until I was happy with him again.
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Re-imagining Libraries 2012-16
In collaboration, the National, State and Territory libraries of Australia and New Zealand will lead in enabling people to access, use and share local and global knowledge and ideas.
Re-imagining Libraries 2012-2016 is NSLA's four-year strategic plan. It is informed by our shared principles on behalf of Australians and New Zealanders:
- People have a right to information, current and past, and to the opportunity to develop the information and digital literacy skills which are vital to leading full and successful personal and professional lives, regardless of their location.
- People have a right to participate in the shaping of the cultural, civic and intellectual life of their community and to contribute ideas as global citizens.
- People have a right to enjoy their documentary and cultural heritage knowing that its collection, preservation and transmission are secure.
- People have a right to explore and engage with the world's cultures and knowledge and to reflect on their place in the world from a position of knowledge.
The plan is made up of three strategies:
As at April 2014, there are 13 projects addressing these strategies.
Re-imagining Libraries 2012-2016 builds on and extends the strategic directions and program of work begun in 2008 with Re-imagining Libraries.
The first plan reshaped services, developed skills and capabilities, established shared strategic directions, and built a trusted framework for collaborative work. The outcomes of this plan are included in our annual summaries for 2009, 2010 and 2011, and in the position statements developed by Re-imaging Libraries projects in this period.
What is influencing our collaborative planning?
- We are part of an increasingly joined-up digital world. There are new and emerging publishing practices and platforms; changing models for the purchase, delivery and re-use of information; new mechanisms for capturing community knowledge and sharing curatorial responsibility; and increasing pressure against duplication of services and collections.
- Our key role in preserving culture in reusable forms is more important than ever in a world of transitory digital media, but we cannot find the solutions to contemporary challenges in isolation, as individual libraries or as an industry.
- The central role of libraries in enabling people to learn – developing the skills to engage with knowledge and ideas and to participate actively in the digital society – is sharpening in focus.
- Drives for greater efficiency and effectiveness across all public institutions are pushing towards increased collaboration, leading to convergence and mergers in some jurisdictions.
- Commercial partnership arrangements, especially for digitisation and digital preservation, are challenging libraries' principles of free access and open licensing.
- As digital information services, libraries must respond to the rising expectations of a global cultural and commercial environment where service development is adventurous and agile.
Download the complete Re-imagining Libraries 2012-16 document.


text: 406 Not Acceptable Not Acceptable An appropriate representation of the requested resource /scgi-bin/mt.cgi could not be found on this server.Until yesterday, December 11, 2007 this Quickpost link was working properly. Now it returns the 406 error above when I try and select text for a Quickpost from some sites. The Quickpost link works normally when I select text from the http://www.nytimes.com homepage (but not a direct article) or on Google and a few other blogs. What could be causing this error on some websites and not others when I select text and click on the Quickpost link in Safari? I am using Movable Type 3.2 with Safari 3.0.4. I would appreciate any advice anyone could provide. Thanks!


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Al Sharpton filled ten minutes of NY1 air time last week refusing to endorse Andrew Cuomo, seemingly untroubled by Carl Paladino's bizarre e-mails. Instead, he heaped praise on Councilman Charles Barron, who is running against Cuomo for governor on the Freedom Party ballot line (it's free o ... More >>
Photo via the Amsterdam News. Wilbert "Bill" Tatum, the feisty former publisher of the Amsterdam News who took on everyone from Ed Koch to the New York Post, died today in -- of all places -- a hospital in Croatia. Tatum, 76, was a world-traveler despite the diabetes that kept him confined to a whe ... More >>
How Al Sharpton rose from 'racial arsonist' to racial healer, and changed New York City
Sharpton's Confab Charges Music-Money Apartheid
Is Punishment Possible for Police Brutality?
How Black Talk Jocks Sold We Like Mike to African Americans
How the former mayor made Al Sharpton kosher and is winning back the hearts of African Americans
How Al Sharpton rose from 'racial arsonist' to racial healer, and changed New York City
Can the Web be a model for real-world race relations?
An investigation by the joint terrorist task force adds to the Million Youth March leader's woes
Stone-Deaf, Dumb as a Post, Blind as a Bat
The racial politics of reconciliation in New York
Black Activists Say O. J. Simpson's Lawyer Is on a Quest To Hijack the New York Civil rights Movement


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Admissions Blog
Ross/Hawkes Hall
The grand opening of UW-Superior's new and improved residence halls was this past November. Click the image above to see the unveiling of the new campus residence hall!"It's really great, really kind of a dream. Everything is new and clean and looks great and looks like the Yellowjacket Union," said Brooke Collins, a sophomore at UW-Superior who is a residence hall advisor at Hawkes Hall. Her older sister Brittany Hook, while a student at UW-Superior played a part in the planning process for the new facility and the younger sister feel's that special connection they now share with the facility. "That's pretty cool that she picked out some of the furniture. I really feel like I'm living in a residence hall and that is how it is supposed to feel."
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Find the missing number in the pattern: 3, 9, 81, ___, 43046721.
As mentioned before, there are three basic types of patterns: arithmetic, geometric, and geometric exponential. Let's try all three and see if one fits.
Here you can see that geometric-exponential patterns are also geometric. We can use either of these patterns to fill in the blanks.


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Hey Knoxville!! Tonight the time is actually 8pm for the night of worship at First Baptist Concord! Doors at 7:30, FREE event!
Aug 28th
RT @timtimmons : In the hospital with a bowel obstruction related to a past cancer surgery. Pray with me for a speedy recovery to go do what I'm made to do!
Aug 27th
Hey Knoxville, TN - we are coming to First Baptist Concord this Friday night!! Free event & doors at 8pm!
Aug 26th
Big thanks to our pastor @Jamiegeorge24 and his lovely daughter...we accept your challenge! #ALSIceBucketChallenge http://instagram.com/p/r8bXipFthQ/
Aug 20th
Jackson, MS!! We're here for a Night of Worship at Christ United Methodist Church! 7pm https://t.co/Lr7RbNEPcZ - tix available @ door!
Aug 19th
Loved being home with the @journeyfranklin family today! So sweet. And an added bonus was getting to see the gals from @StillCreekRanch !!
Aug 16th
RT @currentmm : Free songs from @allsanddmusic , @johnmarkmc , @jarsofclay , @amenabee , @brilliancemusic , @audreyassad ? Yes, please. http://bitly.com/ctasongs
Aug 6th
Next stop, Stockholm! http://t.co/oZRWKFe3qz
Jul 28th
RT @crowdermusic : .@allsanddmusic , @CapitalKingsUSA + @ellieholcomb are y'all as ready to commence the #NeonSteeple tour as we are?! http://crowder.cta.gs/015
Jul 27th
Powerful day with the folks at @sfcityimpact in San Francisco. Moved by your hearts to serve Jesus & those in need. Thanks for having us!
Jul 26th
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404 Error.Unfortunately, this page cannot be found. You may have found an outdated link or a typo on the page you were trying to reach.
Please feel free to return to the home page to find the information you were looking for.


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parade company
Best Fireworks Displays In The Detroit Area
Learn more about some of the most popular fireworks shows in the local area and across Michigan including the Parade Company / Target Fireworks on RiverWalk. From Belleville to Wyandotte — we've got you covered.
Metro Detroiters 'Hob Nobble Gobble' All In The Name Of Fundraising
The event this year featured a meet and greet with Detroit area native pop star Mike Posner and a performance by Jason Derulo.
The Parade Company Delights With Hob Nobble Gobble
Hundreds of people gathered at Ford Field Friday night for the annual Hob Nobble Gobble – the fundraiser for Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Parade Company Announces Student Design Award Winners
There were a lot of smiling faces at the Parade Company in Detroit as winners were announced for this year's Parade Float Design.
Helium Shortage Won't Deflate Detroit Thanksgiving Parade
It's difficult to imagine The American's Thanksgiving Day parade with out the giant hot air balloons … but it was a close call.
Parade Company Seeks To Occupy Tiger Stadium Site
Will there soon be more than just an empty field at the corner of Michigan and Trumbell?
Last Minute Prep For Thanksgiving Parade
With just mere hours now before the big show, the pressure is on to get the floats and hot air balloons ready for their close-ups on Thanksgiving morning.
Runners Getting Ready For Detroit Turkey Trot
Runners will lace 'em up for the annual Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot 10-K Run on Thanksgiving morning in downtown Detroit, along with a 5-K and the Mashed Potato Mile.
The Parade Company Gears Up For Thanksgiving Day
There's never a dull moment at The Parade Company, especially as the deadline ticks closer to Thanksgiving.
America's Thanksgiving Parade Sneak Peek
Sponsors and media witnessed the unveiling of the new Art Van Furniture float at the Parade Company's Detroit studio.


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Current proposals for the government to take on the bad debts of financial institutions and guarantee the investments in mutual funds will bring about the most extreme makeover of our economy in the nation's history. And we are told not to think about it for very long because any delay could lead to the worst depression ever. We are asked to hand over all economic control to a small cadre of unelected officials who cannot be challenged in Congress, the courts or even by the President. This is simply wrong.
Taxpayers are asked to fork over their wallets to the tune of a minimum of $700 billion and probably 3 trillion dollars so that a system that ran amok seeking obscene profits and payouts can save itself. And, as is usual in any revolutionary move such as this, we are told it is all being done for our own good.
Politicians of every stripe are clamoring to get on board this extreme makeover for fear of being tarred with the label of "the one who caused the Great Depression II". Both presidential candidates are trying to make it sound like they are for this plan while standing firm for the "average American." Hogwash. Both are handmaidens of corporate owners and neither has the guts to talk about the many problems of our economic system.
Should we take on this bailout? Maybe. But if we do, we need to exact some real reforms that are long overdue, among which are:
1. Every aspect of the financial industry needs to be tightly regulated by the federal government to prevent this from ever happening again. Those who have the power to regulate must include enough people outside the current system to have an effective say in the course of our recovery from the current debacle.
2. Executive pay must be regulated to prevent the kind of obscene payouts awarded for ruining our economy.
3. Taxes must be raised on the upper 5% of earners of all sorts to begin to reduce the national debt.
4. We must rapidly end all our military engagements and reduce our defense budget by 50% as a way to cut the debt.
5. Actions by those empowered to administer the bailout and the financial system must be subject to ongoing Congressional oversight and veto. We cannot allow the Fed or any other agency to put us at peril like this again.
Most importantly we as Americans have got to lead the way by getting out of personal debt, reducing our dependency on buying everything thrown our way, and rejecting the control over us by world corporate interests. Yes, there are many who deserve blame for the current mess, but we individually have more power and responsibility than we acknowledge.
Those who read my ramblings know that I always end up placing the ball in the hands of each one of us, if for no other reason than it is only our own actions we have some control over. Blaming others may be accurate, justified and cathartic, but if you and I don't reform our own behavior there is little hope for the future.
26 Responses to "Extreme makeover — national edition"
I remember silver certificates (printed with blue serial numbers, IIRC), United States Notes (red numbers) AWA the green-numbered Federal Reserve Notes. The silver certificates declared them to be redeemable in silver at the US Treasury.
I believe that we went off of the gold standard in 1933 – no later than 1934.
Most sincerely,
T. J. Flapsaddle
You recall correctly. We were off the gold standard late in 1933.
If they can print money for some slime ball on Wall Street, why and the hell can't they print money for Health Care and Social Security. This government is nothing but a charade and a farce.
No mention of jobs? We also need to return to a productive economy as opposed to the service- and debt-based economy we now have. All these problems can be traced directly or indirectly back to 1913, the year we handed our country to the private – and unaccountable – banks.
It doesn't matter what your interest rate is if you don't have a job.
The Congress needs to stop being an ATM for the bankers and corporations. We also need to stop pretending that this is something that merely happened by accident, and that a single party is responsible.
Well, I just found out where you get a trillion dollars; you don't borrow it; you print it. Now, go figure what a devaluation of the dollar will do to this country. We're sinking, and those bastards are pissing in the boat.
Vote No Bailout
Stratocaster, of course you just print it. Since the value of currencies worldwide is based only on confidence, rather than the way it used to be-on gold-(say, does anyone remember bills that were either gold or silver certificates?, They used to actually say that the bill could be redeemed for gold or silver.-Boy that really dates me, don it?)One has to have confidence in that govt. I have no idea why we got off the gold standard, but somehow I believe the "Law of Unintended Consequences" is one day going to bite us on the ass. Think about it. No country in the world-that I am aware of-actually backs their currency with something tangible. Every currency out there is just trading against each other on a "promise"-what that promise is, I don't know.
Maybe it would be a good idea to bury some gold or silver in the back yard, just in case.
Now, we have been running a "deficit" for many years now(cough cough 8 cough, cough)and my understanding of a "deficit" is that our outflow exceeds our income. So, in effect, the govt has been printing money for 8 years to cover spending money we don't have. Of course our "friends" like China and SaudiArabia have been buying our debt thru T bills, but then they are buying them with US dollars that they took from us for oil-SA and stuff-China. I read "The Economist" every week-it is a very expensive magazine, almost $100 a year-and is conservative, but I do in fact believe it when it comes to business, even they are quite worried about the US "current account deficit" that we are running. We are in fact a society that is solely geared towards credit and debt. Borrow and spend. I am very happy to say that except for my house-bought on a 30 year fixed rate of 4.5%-I am totally debt free. No credit card bills(always PIF every month) No car payment-car purchesed in 2003 is bought and payed for,with less than 40,000 miles on the clock-so I am prepared, somewhat as I am 100% dependent on 2 govt pensions, for just about anything. No panic, but ready for whatever happens.(In case of total meltdown, I have several relatives who have large houses and who own farms free of debt)
We are screwed. I may not vote at all. Obama has pen in hand, ready to write that blank check. This has the smell of a created crisis. And the foxes want us to sign away all rights to the henhouse and to liable for its debts and expenses.
Please go to the site that Stratocaster provided and utilize the voice it provides.
Thanks Strato..
I have several silver certificates. Do you suppose they are worth the paper they are printed on? I doubt it.
They stopped redeeming them for silver back in 1964 or so. But they still spend, though there is probably a small numismatic value. If they have a star in the serial number then are (or were at one time) worth marginally more. Try eBay. Now if you have a five hundred or a thousand they have considerable collector value. Again, check eBay.
True, but our currency was still tied loosely to gold until 1971.
When the United States declared bankruptcy in 1933 with the Federal Reserve Act and later the Emergency Banking Act, the receivers of this bankruptcy were the IMF and World Bank. The IMF demanded payment not in dollars, but in gold. Hence in 1971, due to dwindling gold reserves, all ties between gold and the dollar were severed.
That's the Cliff's Notes version as I understand it.
There's no excuse for allowing the collapse of the U.S. economy to happen.
No amnesty, no pardons.
Pursue the Bush administration beyond January 20 until they are brought to justice.
If you really want some oversight on the bailout, and you really want some investigation and prosecution of the culprits after Jan 20th, then I suggest you vote for Obama. If McCain wins, then nothing like that will ever happen. I'm not 100% sure either will happen under Obama, but I AM 100% sure neither will under McCain!
BTW: If you want to bury something in the back yard, get it all changed into rolls of nickels. All the nickels in circulation are already worth quite a bit more than 5 cents for their metal content. If the dollar falls through the floor, then you will have a precious commodity worth much more than its face value. It IS illegal to move many nickels out of the US and it IS illegal to melt them down for their metal content, but if the US collapses I don't think you will need to worry about either of those laws!
$700 Billion? Just a drop in the bucket. The US Taxpayer already pays $400 Billion or more every year in interest on the national debt. I could use a couple drops in the bucket, though, now that I think of it. $400 billion a year. Interest alone. We are royally screwed, blued and tattooed.
— Kent Shaw
Except, of course, the IMF & World Bank didn't exist in 1933, but are creations of the post-WWII era.
Hill Country resident
What? You are trying to put facts in the way? For shame.
While I think Hoskins' list of reforms might help, this current government would not do them, and probably a majority of Congress wouldn't do them, either, and the next administration will start off in a fiscal straitjacket.
Perhaps we just wanted to show bin Laden and the world that we could do far more damage to ourselves than anybody else could. After all, we have our pride. One final act of American exceptionalism.
Well put, Mr. Hoskins. We all are responsible for the debts at home and in D.C. Americans were distracted by our own White House giving the illusion we are all in good hands. Within the first year of President Bush's election he was far too concerned with social issues and overlooked the threat of terrorism. Even after 9/11, he continued to appoint cabinet members who kissed his boots rather than take the responsibility for their appointed positions.
The debts he put us in and the promise of a sound economy gave millions of Americans the opportunity to buy homes and cars they could not pay for. Is it possible that these millions of Americans did not understand basic arithmetic?
The schools in America do not teach economics and the fact that using credit cards add as much as 20% on the cards when they are paid. This is insanity.
We must not allow President Bush to appoint any commissioner of overseeing the SEC. We have a Congressional group who's feet must be held to the fire.
Good commentary,
Dead on , exactly how we should proceed . May I add one more thing , track down those who profited , seize their profits , bonus's , severance , everything . Then go after those who made it possible Phil Grahm , corporate lobbiests , everybody who worked to make this debacle possible and give them the same treatment . Maybe use the RICO statutes to charge them with fraud and conspiracy , after all , RICO was designed to catch organized crime and thats exactly what this is , period . In other words , take away the profits and put them in jail for a long time . We all know how conservatives are always bleating about being " tough on crime " , so lets get on with it and make them examples for the next group that might consider pulling something like this .
Where do you borrow a trillion dollars? The country and the banks are broke. Are they going to go begging to the Chinese again? Taxes will go up not for infrastructure or security but to pay off a debt to a foreign government. Taxation without representation. Where have I heard that before?
"Where do you borrow a trillion dollars?"
If you find out, please let me know. I think that's enough coin to start my own country.
Who was the numb-nuts that did away with the usury laws?
I had a good laugh this morning when Fancy Pants 'no more blank checks for Bush' Pelosi stated, "there will be no blank checks for Bush in this Bailout"
Ah…if the situation weren't so serious I'd be laughing all day at the D-Crappers boasting!
Stratocaster, the republicians. The same ones who changed the bankruptcy laws and deregulated the banks. They still want very much to privatise Social Security(this financial mess may allow them to frighten the sheeple enough to allow them to do it)and pretty much dismantal everything that was put into place in the 30s to insure that we would not have another depression. Watch out. The future is going to be a wild ride.
The lobbyists have already convinced the repigs in congress to bail out the foreign banks also(cough cough UBS cough cough)-where Phil Gramm-the author of bank deregulation as a senator(chairman of the senate banking cmte R Tx)who is a vice chairman of UBS and their number 1 lobbyist besides being the McCain choice to be Sec Trea-putting the fox among the chickens indeed
Anything Paulson suggests is suspect as he personally profited by creating this mess while CEO of Goldman Sachs. He should be resigning instead of making plans to further enrich himself and his buddies in finance.
Comments are closed.


text: MSU PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 16, 2001 PRESENT: Jim Manning, Jim Mitchell, Clyde Carroll, Vicki Orazem, Chuck Lindemenn, Carol Schmidt, 2001-02 Member Leslie Schmidt. The regularly-scheduled meeting was called to order by Chair Jim Manning at 2:00 PM. Chair's report - Jim Manning. - Copies of a memo to David Dooley, Chair of UPBAC, "Observations on the Budget Process", were distributed. - The Chair has sent a follow-up memo to Corky Bush and Susan Alt regarding the possibility of compiling a list of personnel policies affecting professionals and is awaiting a response. Nominating Committee report. - A ballot prepared by UGC Nominating Committee was distributed. - The following nominations were made from the floor: - Leslie Schmidt, Chair Elect, Professional Council - Clyde Carrol, UGC Steering Committee Member - All positions with one nominee were filled by acclimation. - For nominees of the University Facilities Planning Board, Pat Simmons received three votes, Brad Garnick received two votes. The names of the nominees will be forwarded to President Gamble. UPBAC report - Jim Mitchell. - A positive of the committee is that all areas of the university are involved. A negative is that the committee is weighted toward academics. - Principals for making decisions were adopted by the committee, but there is question of whether the principals have been followed. - Before final proposals can be made, tuition needs to be set by the Board of Regents. - The question of how to increase retention and recruitment is being addressed. - Possibilities for improving retention and recruitment mentioned during Professional Council discussion include: - More interaction between the university and community. - Making administrators and faculty more aware of opportunities to interact with students and prospective students. - Making information about MSU available at the Museum of the Rockies and at local motels. - There will be an open forum of UPBAC at 2 PM on May 21 to give opportunity for feedback about the proposed FY02 budget from constituents. Other. - A performance based pay scale (MAP) is being implemented for classified employees. It raises a question for professionals - could they fit into the same process? There seems to be interest at the Commissioner of Higher Education level in doing so. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned.


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The Unknown Hipster: An Ironing Class at Colette
The Unknown Hipster is back with some new content regarding their summer with some new fashion illustrations. The illustration tells the story of his experience at an ironing class hosted by Collete. Check out some of their creative juices below and hear more about their day, here.
via HB


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ROBERTS Solar DAB 2 Digital Radio, Black
Product informationCompact with soft-touch rubberised rotary controls, the unique ROBERTS SolarDAB 2 uses the sun as a power socket, letting you enjoy crystal clear digital radio wherever you are.
Featuring a classic black finish, this model uses an integral solar panel to provide you with continuous play under adequate sunlight. It also tops up a rechargeable battery while playing, which kicks in when the sun goes down or things get gloomy. Reassuringly, a mains adaptor is provided for when the sun really doesn't want to come out and play!
The 2-line green backlit LCD display is easy to read and features function icons for indicating the solar level, battery and signal strength. There is even one-touch access to your favourite stations. A 3.5mm line input means you can plug in your iPod or MP3 player – ideal for sharing your favourite tracks with friends (cable not included).
ROBERTS have been making radios since 1932 when Harry Roberts founded the company. They are renowned for the quality craftsmanship and today hold three Royal Warrants.
- DAB/FM RDS wavebands so you can reach all of your favourite stations
- Built-in battery charger makes recharging effortless
- Station name/multiple preset mode lets you save your favourites
- One touch instant access to favourite station
- LED solar level indicator
- LED battery indicator
- Soft touch rubberised controls for pleasant use
- Alarm
- Battery life Information How long the battery lasts for (and if applicable) until it needs recharging
- Up to 20 hours from alkaline batteries
- Brand
- Clock
- Connections
- Auxiliary input socket for device playback, aux line out
- Dimensions
- H14 x W20.2 x D7cm
- Eligible for International Delivery
- Model name / number
- SolarDAB 2
- NFC enabled Information Devices with NFC can be tapped together to establish a wireless connection for sending or streaming files and other data
- Power Supply
- Mains, 3x AA batteries (included)
- Radio tuner
- Speaker output Information The total output measured in watts. The higher the number, the louder the sound!
- Waterproof
- Weight Information Unpackaged weight
- 623g
Click & collectFree Click & collect from John Lewis or Waitrose shops for collection tomorrow from 2pm
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- Free
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- £6.95
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Collect+ from a local shop from tomorrow - postcode exclusions apply for Collect+ deliveries5000+ participating Collect+ shops
- £3.00
International delivery not available
We want you to be happy with your purchase. If you're not, just return the products to us or to one of our shops. Unless faulty, we'd like this to be within 90 days of purchase. Exceptions apply to certain products - find out more about our refund policy.
Depending on the type of product, you can make free returns via our shops, Royal Mail (or courier collection for large or heavy items), Collect+ or via MyHermes.
Q & As
UK delivery:
Free Standard delivery
Click & collect
Free Click & collect from John Lewis or Waitrose shops for collection tomorrow from 2pm
£3.00 Collect+ from a local shop from tomorrow
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The Baby's Room (Films To Keep You Awake)
oh boy, another one of them stuck up foreign movies, with their foreign language and their strange culture, trying to contaminate our god fearing country with their filth and liberal agenda. This piece is part of a movie set, of which only this and another movie about the horrors of apartment renting are available on streaming. Which is good, since this filth is the type of movie that puts our beloved movie industry in shame, but fear not, since I'm sure somebody is already planning to re-making it suitable for our higher morals and lower iq's.
what I heard:
a lot of blabbering in one of those probably catholic languages with their guilt trips and loose booze restrictions, so I had to read all the stupid subtitles, making sure nothing bad was being said and with PTO number on speed dial ready I started to go about my business.
A small family of probably socio democrats and using a lot of taxpayer's money, bought this obviously out of their league house, bringing the home values down for the rest of the neighbors, the father seems loving but probably an atheist, the mother stays were she should, with her kid and in the kitchen, and the baby is still a stupid baby.
Alright, enough, this movie is quite a good surprise, the story is awesome and balls to the wall, the development although a little bit slow, very consistent and unnerving, as the true badass I am I don't get scared by anything, but my wife does and she found the movie very very scary, so just to humor her we made a fort in the living room and took turns at being awake. The director is known because of some of his previous movies have achieved cult status, in the good way, like Dia de la bestia y accion mutante, and this movie won't disappoint.
A small family buys house, starts remodeling it. They put baby in THE BABY'S ROOM and to keep track of him while the attempt to have some alone time they place monitors, the monitors make weird noises and the husband takes it up to him to unravel the mystery. Usually I'll go beyond this and spoil the goddamn movie just for the fun of it, because I'm an asshole, but this movie is pretty fucking good, better than that paranormal activity crap that everybody was creaming over some months ago, and it also takes this whole thing to a different level, whithout involving religions or deities, the plot is tight and very well developed and for the most part the characters reactions are very rational and logical.
Yeah for the first time I'm actually telling you ahead of time instead of after, don't get used to it. The movie takes the haunted house topic to a different realm by adding quantum physics instead of some supernatural being, a "what if" situation that somehow escapes their own realm and gets mixed within the present reality, even though the ending is a little bit weak in terms of visuals it's still very fulfilling.


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Your 401k is an important investment for your retirement planning. Are you saving enough? Are you taking advantage of your employer's matching contributions? Do you need to play catch-up to enjoy a secure retirement? Use our 401k calculator to estimate how much income you can expect during retirement.
Copyright © 2014 Microsoft. All rights reserved.
Fundamental company data and historical chart data provided by Morningstar Inc. Real-time index quotes and delayed quotes supplied by Morningstar Inc. Quotes delayed by up to 15 minutes, except where indicated otherwise. Fund summary, fund performance and dividend data provided by Morningstar Inc. Analyst recommendations provided by Zacks Investment Research. StockScouter data provided by Verus Analytics. IPO data provided by Hoover's Inc. Index membership data provided by Morningstar Inc.
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I respect them. I love them. I get all hot and bothered by them. Male or female firefighters—-straight or gay. Even downright dirty firemen orgies in the shower room get me going.
(Source: justmakemehot)
(Source: blazn)
(Source: pretttyboyswag.Tumblr.com, via pretttyboyswag)
sick my teeth into thatttttt
(Source: pretttyboyswag.Tumblr.com)
(via fuckyeahfitladz)
may I sit on your lap?
(Source: that-suicide-is-painless)
(Source: queerthou)
(Source: younghotboys)


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North Alcoa Site, Operable Unit 1 Public Comment
EPA is interested in your comments on the proposed cleanup plan for the North Alcoa Site Operable Unit 1 (Illinois) Superfund site. Your thoughts and opinions help us to determine the final cleanup plan. Based on your comments and information provided to EPA, the Agency may revise the selected cleanup plan or pick another option.
- Public Meeting 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at East St. Louis City Hall, 301 River Park Drive
- EPA is proposing to cover a polluted area with two feet of soil as a way to prevent exposure to lead and other metals, including radium
- Proposed cleanup plan (PDF)(23pp 1.58MB)
- EPA Proposes to Cover Contaminated Area (PDF) (8pg, 1.20MB) April 2012
- More information about North Alcoa Site, Operable Unit 1
The comment period runs from April 12 - June 13, 2012. There are several ways for you to share your comments with us:
- Use the online form below (This will e-mail your comments to Community Involvement Coordinator Firstname Lastname.)
- E-mail your comments directly to Dion Novak at email@example.com
- Submit written comments on paper. They must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 13, 2012. Send them to:
- Fax your comments to 312-692-2472
- You may also share your views by attending a public meeting and hearing. During the meeting, EPA will give a presentation to explain the proposed plan and you will have a chance to speak for the public record during the hearing phase. You may also submit your written comments during the meeting.
Dion Novak
EPA Remedial Project Manager
Superfund Division
US EPA Region 5
77 W. Jackson Blvd. (SR-6J)
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
If you have any questions, please contact Dave Novak at email@example.com or 800-621-8431, ext. 67478 , or direct at 312-886-7478.


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The new Lotte Kestner album 'The Bluebird of Happiness' is set to be released on February 26th via CD/Digital. A specially priced pre-sale will be available within the coming weeks.
Lotte Kestner is the solo project of Trespassers William vocalist Anna-Lynne Williams.
The Bluebird of Happiness was recorded over the course of a year by Williams in a handful of bedrooms, as she transported her home studio from a number of locations around Seattle and nearby island Vashon. While retaining the delicate, intimate sound of her debut album, China Mountain, there are a handful of notable guest appearances on this new work. Damien Jurado duets on "Turn the Wolves", Arnar Gudjonsson of Icelandic band Leaves accompanies on piano on "Pairs," and Anomie Belle contributes violins to "Cliff."


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Short and easy
I enjoyed the short adventure of the girl. The artwork is well done and a lot of fantasy is put into the story. Overall the game was straight forward and the puzzles are easy enough. Loading every screen takes a lot of time, when you want to go from point A to point B, no shortcuts, but otherwise fair price.


text: |Who said boots couldn't be fun in these,This knee high tall riding boots Features Almond toe with faux leather upper and a buckled band around the back ankle and the top shaft,and a back zipper closure for easy on and off.;knee high tall riding boots;faux leather upper;Round toe;back zipper closure for easy on and off.;


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Maxwell's Demon revisited
View Single Post
Feb25-12, 08:52 AM
Quote by
Ken G
...And there is no issue with extracting work from the gas-- if you have access to an entropy-generating mechanism (like a brain), you can use it to drop the entropy somewhere else, and extract work in a way that conserves energy overall....
So the bottom line is that yes, Maxwell's demon can take a high-entropy situation (like two containers of gas at the same temperature) and turn it into a low-entropy situation (the two containers have different temperatures). The first law is not violated - the total energy of the gas in the two containers is the same before and after. The second law is not violated - the lowered entropy of the two gases is more than offset by the increased entropy of the demon.
The lowered entropy (different temperatures) of the two gases can now be used to run an engine for a little while, until the temperatures are equal again (but lower than before). Then the demon can lower the entropy again, getting different temperatures again, which can then run the engine again for a little while (not delivering as much energy as before, because of lower temperatures). This could go on and on, but you could never get that engine to produce more energy than the amount of kinetic energy in the original gases.
The thing about the cannonball gas is only that there is a lot of energy there to be converted (the cannonball-gas temperature is so huge and there's a mole of cannonballs).
Is this right?


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Last year, before all of the amazing tumult of this year, I conducted an interview with Mark Mothersbaugh. whose surrealism extends from the circuit-bent synthesizers that helped make Devo famous to the ideas that helped make them important.
He is also a prolific composer of film and television scores, many of which are for children, and produced at the iconic Mutato Muzika studio on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, which he owns. Mark is also a visual artist, and hosts a drawing segment on Nick Jr's television series, "Yo Gabba Gabba!" called Mark's Magic Pictures, in which he teaches children how to draw simple pictures that often come alive at the end of the segment. We spoke by phone, I at the office in Brooklyn, he in Los Angeles at home.
But none of that mattered, because before long, the recording of our conversation was lost to the gods of recorded conversations. And then, recently, I found it again. It is a beautiful world. Since we are re-airing Electric Independence's studio visit with him and the rest of Devo, this seemed like a good time to share our conversation.
Alex: Mark, how are you?
Mark: I'm good, how are you?
I'm alright. How are your energy levels?
They're okay, a little bit – feeling like – they've gotta be okay because tomorrow I'm going to Disneyland with my kids.


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Category 6: Best Mobile Technology
6b. Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough
This category recognises the very many technological advances the mobile industry sees each year outside of the core network infrastructure and radio access layers. There is a dedicated category for infrastructure which includes core and RAN (link)
This category captures breakthrough technology enhancement in the entire mobile ecosystem. This very wide ranging space includes components, microprocessors, memory, chips sets, screens, audio, batteries, to name but a few and even looks at design innovation and form-factors. Breakthrough use in Virtualisation techniques will also be considered here. It is aimed at recognising the tremendous diversity of the mobile eco-system as it continues to innovate and add new dimensions to the customer experience.
The Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough award highlights the contribution that Mobile Operators, manufacturers, and suppliers make to increase mobile usage, expand the user experience, and help expand business opportunities.
Examples of this are:
- Support to handset enrichment such as new screen technology, browsers, operating systems, memory, battery life extensions, usability (please note devices themselves have their own category)
- Support to multi language environments
- All forms of components and semi-conductors including Chip Sets and memory, used in the mobile system (not merely in Devices).
- New designs, hardware and form-factor breakthroughs or development in materials leading to lighter, cheaper, longer lasting products
- Application of new sciences in the mobile eco-system
- Technology advancements in the operations and maintenance of mobile networks including tools and systems
The shortlist will be published by the GSMA in January 2014, and one winner in each category will be announced at the Mobile World Congress www.mobileworldcongress.com in Barcelona on Tuesday 25th February 2014.
Entry is open to all players in the Mobile eco-system as below, and all participating organisations that are developing a wide range of advanced mobile broadband solutions.
Entry is open to:
- Mobile Network Operators using the GSM family of technologies
- Component, chip set, micro-processor, memory, manufacturers
- Software developers
- Radio & Core network Infrastructure vendors and suppliers
- Transmission suppliers
- Innovators in the mobile industry
The platform, equipment, software or service entered must have been launched and commercially available prior to the closing deadline of the awards on Friday 6th December 2013. This must include at least one full commercial deployment carrying live customers or demonstrable use of the service or platform. Trials or Beta System deployments are not considered to be eligible. Please provide evidence in your entry to support this such as the end user launch date of the service, including details of countries or regions where the service is available.
The Entry Deadline has been extended until Friday 6th December 2013.
Judging criteria:
Entries for the Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough category will be judged on the following main criteria:
- What will be the impact on the mobile industry of the new technology?
- In what demonstrable ways does the new technology enhance the end-use experience?
- What are the innovative or unique features of your technology?
- To what extent does your technology change the economics of the mobile industry?
- Is the new technology applicable to multiple markets on a global scale?
Entry forms, supporting materials & formats:
This year, the submission of video to support your entry/entries is very positively encouraged.
You may provide one URL to a video link demonstrating your entry. This should be either privately or publicly posted to YouTube (if a private post, please provide a user name and password for judges to access). The video should be between three and five minutes in length, but no more.
If pointing judges to a website within your entry, please include one website URL, where specific information relating to your product or service entry can be found easily (judges will not surf websites looking for the information).
The on-line entry form includes an upload facility for you to provide multimedia. You will have the ability to upload 5 additional files to accompany your entry up to a maximum file size of 5MB each. These can be illustration pdfs, such as for customer testimonials, jpeg for photos or PowerPoint for technical diagrams or statistics, but please keep these relevant to your entry and keep the pages to a maximum of 2.
Specific Entry Form Questions for this category:
On the entry form, in addition to submitting contact and company information, you will be asked to answer the following questions, (Please note the maximum text/character length for your answers including spaces are shown in brackets below):
Preview of entry form questions:
- What is the brand name of your Mobile Technology? (i.e. the entry) Please note the name given here will be used in all awards publicity. (150 characters = approx 25 words)
- Is this a joint entry? If so, who are the partnering organisations? (150 characters = approx 25 words)
- Give evidence that the product or solution was commercially available and in use before 29 November 2013 and in which markets? (500 characters = approx 85 words)
- If this product or service is a new release or update to an existing version, please explain the key differences and advances available in this release compared to the previous version. Please note that it is only the new release enhanced features or functions that the judges will consider. (500 characters = approx 85 words)
- What are the key benefits for the mobile industry of your technology breakthrough? (1,500 characters = approx 250 words)
- Please describe what is unique, new or innovative about your product or solution? (1,500 characters = approx 250 words)
- In what demonstrable ways does your new technology enhance the end-user experience? (1,500 characters = approx 250 words)
- To what extent does your technology change the economics of the mobile industry? (1,500 characters = approx 250 words)
- Please give additional background information to support your entry. For example, why is it good value for customers and, specifically, what evidence is there that a large user following has been established. (1,500 characters = approx 250 words)
Please note: Use one URL that is specific and relevant to the category and will help judges further understand your entry, but due to the number of entries received, judges will not have time to surf company websites looking for further information on the entered product/service or initiative.
Best Mobile Technology Category Sponsor
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.


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Nestled in suburban West Leederville, lies the quaint little café Piccolo's Corner, a local favourite that has become the go-to eatery for the Breakfast/Brunch crowd. With a stock-standard breakfast menu that includes poached eggs galore (totes my brekkie fave), freshly brewed loose-leaf tea and range of fresh juices, I was expecting a winner. And I did.
Upon entering, I was surprised with the café's to-grandmother's-house-we-go vintage feel. While some would call it cluttered, I would say eclectic. With figurines and posters that would not look out of place at a garage sale or vintage showroom scattered about the shop, I felt like I had whirled into a lost space of tranquillity, where times and spaces merged into one entity. What a way to start a lazy uni-free Wednesday afternoon! I picked up a couple of menus from the counter and my partner (-in-crime) and I sat at a small table near the window. Believe me, I was finding it difficult to concentrate on the food when there were so many fascinating specimens to inspect along the walls, namely the Stomie Mills paintings behind the counter.
I decided on the poached egg with smashed avocado and lime with a pot of Earl Grey Tea and my boyfriend (or chauffeur) ordered "Picollo's Breakfast" (their very own eggs, bacon and avo) with fresh apple and watermelon juice.
The drinks arrived first and I was delighted to find that my tea set was that of the china floral variety and I was most excited with this little detail.
Out came the food not very long after and after the obligatory picture taking (where would this blog be without them?), we dug in. Our poached eggs were perfectly cooked, and the ciabatta perfectly toasted (as opposed to inconvenient cardboard that is an effort-and-a-half to cut through). I was initially a bit disappointed with the avocado and lime mash. For some reason, I was under the impression that it would have that sharp Mexican cilantro and chilli element to it, as it was green and looked a tad like guacamole, but it didn't. I soon got over this however and was very satisfied at the end.
En conclusion, I would definitely place Piccolo's Corner as one of the better breakfast places in Perth. With a simple menu filled with favourites, cooked and prepared well, what's not to love? Although its location is a tad out-of-the-way, it is definitely worth the five minute drive from the main Leederville commerce hub.


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Currently In Stock: 4Estimate Shipping
|Item code
|Model number
|Voltage Type
|D5 Solar/710 B
Laing D5 Ecocirc
PV-Direct Solar Circulating Pumps
D5 Solar/710 B, D5 Solar/720 B, D5 Solar/090 B
The first DC spherical motor pump for direct connection to photovoltaic panels with automatic performance optimization using MPPT technology (Maximum Power Point Tracking)
The principle of the spherical motor, which was invented by Laing, is fundamentally different from conventional canned motor pumps. The only moving part in a spherical motor is a hemispherical rotor/impeller unit, which sits on an ultra-hard, wear-resistant ceramic ball. There are no conventional shaft bearings or seals. This rules out, in effect, the possibility of play in the bearings and the increase in noise associated with it. These pumps are particularly robust and give exceptionally long service. The self-realigning bearing is lubricated and cooled by the media. Maintenance is not necessary under normal conditions and even after lengthy shutdown periods a reliable start-up is virtually guaranteed. The parts exposed to the fluid are completely corrosion resistant.
Soft start-up
Automatic performance optimization – MPP tracking
(Curves for the model 710B and model 720B are the same.)
I use this pump to circulate pool water over a waterfall. It keeps water in motion all day and enables chlorination. It is very effective and easy to rig up. I may want to order a larger pump in the future.
This pump works great, BUT Dont ever let get the smallest leak in the tubing where a small drip can travel down the side and then gets inside the motor very easily. It will short it out. It seems the seal on these pumps dont seal a thing. When you ca
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We love these little pumps! Very efficient requiring low wattage.
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