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Synod on the Family Survey
I am currently at home in West Virginia for the holiday weekend, and my parents took the survey on family life that was made available to them online by the diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. They, along with their fellow parishoners, were encouraged to take it by their pastor. The New York Times recently reported on this survey, which was made available to bishops worldwide for the purpose of gathering information from laity in preparation for the upcoming Synod on the Family. Bishops in the United States, however, seem to have been pretty quiet about it, and not all of them are even making it available through their diocesan websites. The USCCB director of media relations Sr. Mary Ann Walsh told the Times that those bishops who do not make the survey available on their websites will "get information in other ways" (whatever that means). Neither the survey nor the upcoming synod is mentioned on the website of my own diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
The survey can be found here, however, and I would encourage everyone to take it by December 15, when they are supposed to start compiling the data. There are a lot of interesting, open-ended questions, and it seems that those who wrote the survey are looking for substantive feedback. This is both good and bad, insofar as it forces people to take time thinking about and articulating their answers, but it also means that fewer people will actually take the time to make their way through all of the questions. Also, a number of the early questions ask specifically about "natural law" without spelling out exactly what is meant. So, I'm not sure how effective it is as a tool for getting the most informed feedback from the most Catholics.
I'd be interested in hearing what others think of it, though. Has it been made available or publicized in your parishes and diocese? Did you take it? Did you find it helpful? Do you think it will have any impact?
About the Author
Eric Bugyis teaches Religious Studies at the University of Washington Tacoma.
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The British version of the survey was put online by the bishops there and there have laready been some interesting results reported at The Tablet ... http://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/2/826/endangered-species
I think the bishops here are afraid to officially put the survey online for everyone to respond to.
My diocese (Trenton, NJ) put it online, and I just took it this morning. I received an invitation to take it because I'm a deacon, but I don't think there has been a particularly big marketing effort to encourage wide participation.
I can't imagine how they are going to take all these open-ended answers and turn them into usable data or conclusions. Who is actually going to read all these answers and try to summarize them in each diocese, and then who will try to pull a national or global picture together? It's a huge undertaking....and since the survey is completely unquantitative in nature, with a very unscientific sample to say the least, it seems as if the whole process of interpreting and summarizing what people said will be highly subjective.
But still - even the fact that the survey exists at all is something unprecedented.
This is really a cruel hoax. Very few people that I have asked about the survey have even heard of it. And these are not people who don't attend church regularly. The Archdiocese in which I worship has had virtually no public information about this. The diocese in which I live has done a better job, but basically by word of mouth and/or via the MONTHLY diocesan newspaper.
The fact that outside "heterodox" agencies who sponsored the version appended by Eric had to put a readable, sensible version together tells volumes about the USCCB's attitude toward the entire process.
But, that being what it may, the following questions need answering for ANY credibility of this process to be had:
1. Why such a short period of time to gather the information?
2. Who will collect the data from the various sources of input?
3. Who will systhesize and group the answers?
4. Who will write a final report to (individual dioceses?)(USCCB?)(whomever?)
5. Who will determine if the results are "sanitized" to reflect the opinions of the bishop/USCCB as opposed to the actual input?
6. How, if at all, with the overall results by (diocese)(USCCB) reported to the US church at large?
In other words, color me verrrrrrrrrrry skeptical about this entire process.
The survey was included in our diocesan weekly newspaper which is available free at all the Masses.
I went on the site linked above and looked the survey over. Going to have to go back and complete it when I have A LOT of time. Seems as if the questions could have been formatted in a more user-friendly way.
The diocese of Rockville Centre has set a deadline of December 2, 2013, for the replies!
Please see
Given the unrepresentativeness of the sponsoring organizations, how can anyone think for a second the survey responses will be a representative sample? Seriously, what's the objective of this survey? To make a fringe element appear mainstream?
The Archdiocese of Baltimore had it on its web site.
The survey does not look very useful.
A better way would have been to have a sociological survey with questions such as
Do you accept the teaching that artificial contraception is always wrong? Yes or No.
Have you ever used artificial contraception? Yes or No.
Do you think that same sex marriages should be recognized by the state? Yes or No. By the Church? Yes or No.
and ask questions about age, amount of Catholic education, practice etc.
Internet surveys would tend to be based toward a younger, prosperous, and probably more male population.
This would have given the Vatican a better sense of what people think, as opposed to what the Vatican hopes they are thinking.
I thought some of the open-ended questions were really looking for advice, such as how to handle the sacramental preparation of children in same-sex marriages.
I think that bishops know that many of their teachings are not accepted by the laity. A good survey would help them get a grasp of the situation. Surveys should not determine doctrine. I am almost certain that a large majority of Catholics approve of capital punishment – but it always helps to know what peopel are thinking, especially if you want to change their minds.
The diocese of San Diego has not posted this survey online, nor has my parish priest mentioned it. Two weeks ago I asked him about the survey, but he said he has heard nothing yet. This is indeed perplexing and points to a profound inconsistency in the administration of this most important survey in the U.S.
It would be a disgrace to the RCC if the results of this survey did not accurately reflect the opinions of the laity, as Pope Francis expected.
Nothing doing in the Diocese of Brooklyn, as far as I can tell. There is a lot of concern, as expressed in an editorial in this week's diocesan newspaper, about the pope's "very direct, unfiltered communication style which ironically leaves him more liable to being misquoted or misunderstood."
Paul =
Well, if that isn't the cleverest way of saying the Pope can't possibly mean what he obviously says -- kinda like an 'Are you gonna believe your lyin' eyes?' interpretation.
Filtered communication is the responsibility, I believe, of the Congregation for Sacred Obscurantism.
My archdiocese (Chicago) has had it on its website for a couple of weeks now. An email blast also went out to all the pastors in the archdiocese, inviting them to get the word out to their parishioners. I've glanced at the survey but haven't completed it, and quite likely will not have time to.
I think it's important to keep in mind that this survey is meant to prepare bishops for a synod. This is not a case of the Holy Father commissioning CARA or a similar organization to scientifically collect views and opinions on behalf of the Holy See. I see this process as an attempt by Francis to get the bishops to listen to what their people are saying and thinking, before they assemble and discuss and deliberate. Unsurprisingly, some bishops are reaching out more vigorously than others. I think it is up to the bishop of each diocese to sort through the responses and make some sense of them. I'd guess that some bishops will look at some or all of the raw data - will actually read at least some of the actual responses. Perhaps some others will ask staff members to summarize it for them. And perhaps some others won't reach out via the survey at all. How would that last category of bishops get a sense of what their people are thinking about these issues? I suppose, the same ways they would typically do so.
One thing that (I think) we've learned about Francis is that he's relatively un-untra-montane. I think he is going to trust the bishops more than some of his predecessors. In this case, I think he's looking to the bishops to do some preparation prior to coming to the synod: to listen to their people. Of course, what a bishop does with that feedback from the grass roots is anyone's guess.
Maybe the survey isn't primarily about the laity, it's about the bishops. Maybe Pope Francis wants to see who in the hierarchy really takes his initiatives seriously.
Our new bishop put the survey online at least a week ago, with copies available in the church vestibule. We were given a deadline of December 11.
While there are many flaws in the survey, I am with those who think that this is a hopeful step in the right direction. It felt awfully good to express my opinions on all the hot button issues, and it took considerable time to complete the entire survey. I was amused at the way were were asked to designate ourselves, beyond age and gender: married, married with children, single, divorced, clergy,religious. What about single or divorced folks with children? What are we, chopped liver?
I think Les Podles' suggestion that some of the questions be "yes" or "no" is an excellent one; it would be a relatively easy way to garner critical information and perhaps deliver a powerful message on the reality of what parishioners think . And I do think that Francis wants to know, God bless him.
It is appalling and irresponsible for some bishops to be reaching out and asking Catholics to complete the survey....and many other bishops doing nothing, not even mentiioning one word about it.
The instruction from the Vatican was directed to the Conferences of Bishops. They inturn were to disseminate it widely. Then, the U.S. Conference of Cathoic Bishops, as well as other worldwide Conferences of Bishops, are to summarize the responses to the questions and send them on to the Vatican.
The survey method choosen has all the earmarks of a train-wreck.
Ann and Jim,
I wonder if the pope will use this like a required reading for a class. He's not going to force them to do it, but those who do it will be better prepared for the Synod and get his attention.
Ryan --
Sometimes I wonder if he says some ambiguous things just to make the bishops think outside the box. Then again, sometimes he seems to be talking so fast that he doesn't finish expressing one thought before he begins another.
YouGov has done a survey of Catholics in Great Britain. They may believe in God, but when in comes to conduct they recognize no religious authority:
When asked where they look for guidance in living their life and making decisions, over half of Catholics say their own reason, judgement, intuition or feelings, and another fifth say family or friends. Over-60s are twice as likely as under-50s to take authority from religious sources, but official religious sources of authority are unpopular among churchgoers of all ages. The most cited is "tradition and teachings of the Church" (8%), followed by God (7%), the Bible (2%), the religious group to which a person belongs (2%), and religious leaders, local or national (0%).
Unless you think that Catholicism has nothing to say about conduct (sexual, economic, medical, or otherwise), this in not a good situation.
The instruction from the Vatican was directed to the Conferences of Bishops. They inturn were to disseminate it widely. Then, the U.S. Conference of Cathoic Bishops, as well as other worldwide Conferences of Bishops, are to summarize the responses to the questions and send them on to the Vatican.
Michael - in my view, one of the more remarkable passages of Francis' new apostolic exhortation is found in paragraph 32:
The papacy and the central structures of the universal Church also need to hear the call to pastoral conversion. The Second Vatican Council stated that, like the ancient patriarchal Churches, episcopal conferences are in a position "to contribute in many and fruitful ways to the concrete realization of the collegial spirit". Yet this desire has not been fully realized, since a juridical status of episcopal conferences which would see them as subjects of specific attributions, including genuine doctrinal authority, has not yet been sufficiently elaborated. Excessive centralization, rather than proving helpful, complicates the Church's life and her missionary outreach.
My reading of that passage is that Francis is going to allow the episcopal conferences to spread their wings again, after those wings were clipped a couple of papacies ago. Of course, that also puts the onus on episcopal conferences to take on any additional responsibilities wisely and well.
Jim P. ==
Sharing power and authority lower government levels does seem to be a necessity in an organization the size of theRCC, but I wonder just what their functions are going to be. Advisory, that's for certain. But how much authority will they have in doctrinal matters or at least in the *expression* of doctrine? It seems to me that, as with the relationship between the U. S. federal government and the states, there is a lot of room for conflict not only between the over-goverment but also among the smaller organizations themselves.
One big question will be: Shall there still be mainly Church-wide laws, or will the bishops conferences also have some legisltative powers? I'm thinking specifically of the possibility that bishops conferences might make local laws concerning the liturgy and possibly even married priests. I've read that it seems clear already that final decisions concerning problems of individual marriages will probably be left to the bishops, not Rome.
Jim P.
A great quote that does indeed speak to the need for collegiaty and subsidiarity. Those are principles of a good and just democracy. What we have now is a totalitarian autocratice ecclesial structure with the pope calling all the shots. It is the Pope as decision maker along with the Curia, a few selected bishops and theologians (those with the same philosopy as the pope) as advisors with little power, with the rest of the theological community and the entire laity with no voice.
I assme you mean that bishops will be given the final decision-making power regarding some individiual marriage issues based on new explicit guidelines and critieria. Rigid doctrines and teachings need better guiding principles that would provide flexibility for judgments and conclusions. This would be a political and philosophical way out of the iron-clad and controversial teachings of popes over the past 50 years. I would hope such changes will be on the issues of divorce and remarriage and contraception. I doubt there will be any changes on the issues of same-sex unions and abortion (e.g., the differences between direct and indirect abortion). Nevertheless, it is very possible that better guidelines may be issued on the pastoral treatment of lesbian and gay people. The issue of artificial reproductive technologies and frozen embryo adoption will likely not be changed, but I could be surprised.
I urge all readers and responders to complete the survey. It will help to reveal and particularize your own thinking and may actually influence discussions at the diocesesan and synod levels. I agree with Ann, this is a test - how bishops respond will tell a lot about their ability to listen to their people.
Michael B. --
I'm just wondering out loud about which sorts of powers the bishops and bishop conferences will have. The German bishops so far have been the loudest in proclaiming their *right* to make certain decisions. They claim, for instance, that they have the right/duty to decide who shall and shall not receive Communion. But will the new Church structure allow that?
It seems to me that Church history/tradition so far just hasn't been all that clear about which sorts of authority lie where. Certainly, in the last few hundred years, Rome has claimed to be an absolute monarchy. But has the history of the Church confirmed that out? I suspect not. Further, haven't the cardinals, by their election of Bergoglio, shown that they want to be rid of the absolute monarchy? (And God bless them!)
The most basic problem is: what sort of government should replace the absolute monarchy? Surely, Peter has a special, unique function in the Church. But what exactly is it? And what are its limits?
I am curious to know where in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston the survey has been shared. This is my home diocese and I have heard nothing locally. There doesn't appear to be a link on the diocesan website or the websites of the co-cathedrals.


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Just got my NN3MkII today after being stuck in customs for about 3 weeks. I guess the word 'Ninja' in the product name scared them a bit and I had to muster up a 'How To Use' quickie manual to get it cleared.
Anyway, ordeal over, I notice that a couple of parts are missing compared to the photo in the pdf manual and the FAQ. I bought the package deal, N3T30 adaptor, and the EZ-Leveller -
1. My package only has ONE rail-stop whereas the 'Nodal Ninja 3 Package' picture in the pdf manual shows two;
2. FAQ #4 in the manual says extra detent plunger pins are enclosed with every NN3, but I did not get any 'extra'...not that it matters at the moment since all parts are new.
Is the forum the place to appeal to for answers to the above, or should I write direct to ...Thanks in advance for any guidelines/answers.
Thomas Leong
(newbie, haven't bought the camera, etc yet)
Kuala Lumpur

subset: commoncrawl


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Warmists toss science out the window
At the end of November, the U.N. Conference on Climate Change began in Doha, Qatar. The two-week event (actually it went into overtime) was for the purpose of convincing the people of the world that their members are concerned about saving the planet from the ravages of global warming (climate change). They do this seemingly disregarding the fact that there has been no statistically significant increase in global temperature for at least 12 years.


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UPGRADE: Please report anything out of the ordinary post-upgrade in this thread: http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,66430.new.html
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Another tip:If you have the full version of Acrobat installed, PDFWriter is a hack. PDFDistiller is MUCH better and should be used instead (they essentiall do the same things - convert files to PDF) and you will see differences if you have graphics in a Word document for example (like an inserted jpeg). Writer frequently corrupts graphics to look like something they weren't originally.
Thanks for the info everyone. Ari, where are these free legal downloads you speak of?
If a file is converted from MS to pdf. does it convert via Chrismation or Baptism and Chrismation?
Take a look at www.openoffice.org . They are a very popular free alternative with many different functions. I use it mainly as an alternative to microsoft excel.
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text: So those of you that are Game of Thrones fans this symbol should appeal to you. This next lesson is based on the seal, symbol, or logo for Targaryen. The symbol is that of a three headed red colored dragon that is being viewed from the side. The antique look of the House Targaryen logo makes it look like it would be great as single design that is used on more than just one thing in Game of Thrones. I have another character from the series coming your way so keep your eyes where they should be, on art. Adios people.


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A little trip to Nicaragua
One of the fantastic advantages to being employed by Cigars International is the yearly training trip to Esteli, Nicaragua. This training experience happens once a year for a select few employees to learn more about the entire process of cigar manufacturing, from seed and soil to the moment where you light a cigar up and start enjoying it. The employees visit multiple manufacturers and witness …Read More


text: I've never been much for clubs. When I was young, I made a lousy cub scout. I wasn't a real "joiner" in high school or college either (just enough to get by) and I still don't get actively involved in many professional associations today. But I'm a sucker for a noble mission. I find myself getting... Read more


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Some times, during combat, it gets really hard to see the enemy because the camera suddenly moves right behind the main character. This makes fighting nearly impossible for me.
At first, I thought it was just part of the challenge, but it seems rather silly that blocking the view with the player character would be intentional. So I think I might be doing something wrong.
Is there a way to move the camera around during combat? Regular one finger dragging simply makes the character attack.


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Browse Credit Classes:
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Other classes and workshops:
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Continuing Education offers a wide variety variety of non-credit classes. View classes.
Center for Career Connections
The Center for Career Connections offers various classes, free workshops and orientations to students, alumni and the community to help your career. View classes and workshops.


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If we have a infinitely thin and infinitely long straight wire on the $z$-Axis with given current $I(t)$, how can I compute the charge density?
I figured out that the current-density is given by $\vec{j}(\vec{r},t)=I(t)\delta(x)\delta(y)\vec{e_z}$.
But how can I compute the charge-density? I thought about the continuity equation, but did not understand the term $\nabla.\vec{j}=\nabla.(I(t)\delta(x)\delta(y)\vec{e_z})$=?? On the other side I tried to find a "direct" relationship between the charge density $\rho$ and the current $I(t)$ by $\rho=\frac{dQ}{dz}=I\frac{dt}{dz}$. But this seems absolutely wrong. Can you give me an advice?


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Does anyone know of any places near metropolitan Melbourne where you can see wildlife? I have been to the Healesville Sanctuary and have seen kangaroos in various places. However, I'd like to see more Aussie animals especially koalas and platypuses.
It's a bit of a drive, but when I was there I saw lots of wild koalas at Kennet River. It's along the Great Ocean Road though, so at least there's lovely scenery for the 160km drive! On local advice, we went up the road behind the caravan park into the hills (I think it was Grey River Road from looking on a map, but you might want to check if you can't spot them!). I think we had to go a couple of miles up there to spot them, but when we did reach them there were loads.
They can be a little tricky to spot in low light though, and they do blend in quite well! This should give you an idea of what you're looking for:
The other wildlife spot I know of near Melbourne is Phillip Island, where around sunset you can watch the Little Penguins come ashore. Again it's a bit outside Melbourne (a couple of hours drive again), but it's an amazing sight to see them all running up the beach. If you can, go when the chicks are around but out of their burrows (December/January), then you can watch them be fed by their returning parents too.


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Thinking of taking my kid on to look at some fossils. I am definitely planning a visit to the Badlands to go dinosaur bone hunting but are there other parks or places similar to this?
Not the scale of the Badlands, only a small museum, there is Dinosauria Museum in the South-West of France, somewhere between Carcassonne and Perpignan in a small village named Espéraza.
Near that place there is another museum dedicated to the Tautavel Man.
This region on the foothills of the Pyrénées mountains is also full of medieval Cathar castles.


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Betty J. Burden, 84, of Leon, died Friday, Oct. 26 at St. Francis Specialty Hospital in Wichita. Services were Monday at Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado. Interment followed in Blankenship Cemetery, Rosalia.
She was born on Aug. 1, 1928 in Glencoe Township, the daughter of Charles P. and Fannie (Beers) Gray. She graduated from El Dorado High School and had taken some college hours at Butler Community College. She was a sheet metal worker for Cessna Aircraft, retiring in 1990. Betty was a member of Leon Christian Church and enjoyed traveling and playing cards.
On May 22, 1949 Betty and Verling Burden were married at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado.
Those who survive include her husband, Verling of the home; children and their spouses, Rick and Kay Burden, Rural of Leon and Marlene and Terry Glidden of Latham; grandchildren, Jennifer Moomey and Erin Johnson of El Dorado, Eric Burden of Eureka, Heather Glidden of Udall and Charles Glidden of Latham; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Charles V. Burden and Duane E. Burden.
Memorials to her memory for the Leon Christian Church may be left with Carlson Funeral Home who are in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.carlsoncolonial.com.
Location, ST | website.com


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A 'new era': Private-sector space mission
The era of government-run missions into space was historically altered with the launch of a SpaceX capsule into orbit that later docked with the International Space Station. SpaceX is a private rocket company in Hawthorne. Read more
This photo gallery is featured in these articles:


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Credit: David Frane
Two technological developments are reshaping cordless tool lines: the ongoing battery amp-hour escalation race and the rise of brushless motors. Modern brushless motors have been in use for 50 years, but only recently have they found their way into portable power tools.
For the tradesman, there are a couple of questions: What are the benefits of brushless motors, and do they outweigh the added costs? In this article, I will explain the technology and the related claims of manufacturers. Be sure to see the tool test on page 16, because it addresses some of the claims made for brushless impact drivers, which are the most widely distributed brushless cordless products on the market.
Standard universal motors, like this one from a trim router, have electromagnetic windings on both the rotor and the stator. The electromagnets create magnetic attraction, which makes the motor go.
Aside from the bearings and wiring, universal motors have two basic components: a rotor and a stator. The rotor is the center part of the motor that spins; the stator is the stationary component surrounding it. Both the rotor and the stator contain field windings, which are electromagnets that come on when power is applied. The magnetic fields from these electromagnets are what make the motor go.
Magnetic attraction pulls the rotor toward opposing magnets on the stator, creating torque and causing it to spin. The electromagnets are activated in sequence by commutation to keep the rotor spinning and to adjust the speed and direction of rotation.
Brushed commutation. The stator is fixed, so power can be supplied to it through a hard-wired connection. But the rotor spins, so power is supplied to it through conductive carbon brushes that ride against the surface of the commutator — which is basically a rotary switching device. The commutator is segmented, and the gaps between the segments create the intermittent contact that times and sequences the energizing of the rotor electromagnets. This is true of any brushed motor, corded or cordless.
Power and space are at a premium in cordless tools, so the stators in brushed cordless models contain permanent magnets instead of windings because magnets are smaller and do not require power. Such permanent-magnet motors can be highly efficient if they contain strong rare-earth magnets. Among the qualities of permanent-magnet motors are good low-speed torque and magnetic self-braking action.
Electronic commutation. A brushless motor — also called an electronically commutated (EC) motor — is essentially a permanent-magnet motor turned inside-out; it has electromagnetic windings on the stator and permanent magnets in the rotor. The magnets require no power, so there is no need for brushes and a commutator.
Since it lacks the mechanical switching provided by a rotating commutator, a brushless motor enlists a microprocessor (a tiny onboard computer) to provide electronic switching in a process called electronic commutation. The position of the rotor is monitored by the electronics, which time the electrical pulses to the electromagnets in the rotor, thereby controlling the direction and speed of the motor.
I interviewed tool-company engineers and product managers to get their take on brushless cordless tool motors. Some of what they told me was in conflict, in part because each person sought to promote his own company's products. That said, everybody generally agreed with the following.
Efficiency. Brushless motors are more efficient because there is no friction loss from brushes rubbing against a commutator, and because electronic commutation (computer control) is more precise than mechanical commutation. The higher efficiency of these motors makes for greater power and longer runtime than a conventional motor of the same size.
Performance. Brushless motors run cooler, quieter, and with less vibration. The absence of brush arcing reduces radio frequency and electrical noise that can interfere with electronics. Unlike brushed motors, which are often wired to be more powerful running forward, brushless motors are equally powerful in either direction.
Durability. Brushless motors are more durable because there are no brushes to wear out. The lack of electrified windings on the rotor reduces heat at the core of the tool, where it's more difficult for it to dissipate. To prevent the electronic controls from being damaged, some manufacturers encase them in plastic (or "pot" them) to protect them from dust and moisture for the life of the tool.
Design. Brushless motors have a greater power density, so for a given level of output they can be smaller and lighter than conventional motors. Since these motors are electronically controlled, it's easy to add performance features such as multiple speed settings, soft-start, and soft-fade when the tool is switched off.
Simply replacing a standard motor with a brushless one won't automatically boost performance. To improve the tool, it is necessary to treat the motor, control electronics, and battery as an integrated system.
Most cordless tools have permanentmagnet brushed motors. The rotor has windings, but the stator contains permanent magnets. This is a more compact and efficient design, because magnets require less space than windings and do not consume power.
The brushes in this four-pole motor transfer power to the spinning rotor by riding against the commutator. The commutator functions as a rotary switching device, reversing polarity by directing power in sequence to individual windings on the rotor.
A brushless motor is like a permanent-magnet motor turned inside-out; it has windings on the stator and permanent magnets on the rotor. Brushes are not required because the rotor consumes no power.
Because it lacks brushes and a commutator, a brushless motor must be electronically commutated. A controller senses the position of the rotor and relays that information to the microprocessor that regulates the tool.
The microprocessor functions as an onboard computer, controlling the speed and direction of rotation while monitoring the condition of the motor and battery.
The controller on this brushless impact driver has been "potted" — encased in a thick rubber membrane that will protect it from dust and moisture for the life of the tool.
Because they are more compact than brushed motors, brushless motors allow manufacturers to design smaller, lighter tools.
Electronic control made it possible for the manufacturer of this brushless impact driver to add advanced features like digital speed and impact settings.
Brushless motors are not the best choice for every tool — and thus far, no manufacturer has a brushless-motor cordless tool that will out-muscle one of its own standard-motor models. Most brands only put them in tools that operate under light, near-constant loads where there are no rapid changes in rpm. These would be tools that are difficult or impossible to stall: rotary hammers, impact drivers, impact wrenches, and the like.
Manufacturers have generally avoided putting these motors in tools where loads vary greatly and there are sudden demands for peak torque and high current draw (like recip and circular saws). But that may be changing; the latest generation of brushless cordless tools contains some heavy-duty drill/drivers and a chain saw.
With the requisite electronics package, a tool with a brushless motor costs significantly more to manufacture than one with a standard motor. This cost premium is why some brands' brushless models are sold alongside their similar brushed models (instead of replacing them outright). It is also why brushless motors are limited to the most popular cordless tools like drill and impact drivers, and are not used in less frequently used add-on tools. While it's impossible to predict the future, I expect to see larger lines of brushless-motor tools from the major brands, and brushless tools at more competitive prices.
—Michael Springer is the former executive editor of Tools of the Trade.
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NOTICE TO USER: PLEASE READ THIS CONTRACT CAREFULLY. BY USING ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE SOFTWARE YOU ACCEPT ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, IN PARTICULAR THE LIMITATIONS ON: USE CONTAINED IN SECTION 2; TRANSFERABILITY IN SECTION 4; WARRANTY IN SECTION 6 AND 7; AND LIABILITY IN SECTION 8. YOU AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT IS ENFORCEABLE LIKE ANY WRITTEN NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT SIGNED BY YOU. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE. IF YOU ACQUIRED THE SOFTWARE ON TANGIBLE MEDIA (e.g. CD) WITHOUT AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THIS LICENSE AND YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT, YOU MAY OBTAIN A REFUND OF THE AMOUNT YOU ORIGINALLY PAID IF YOU: (A) DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE AND (B) RETURN IT, WITH PROOF OF PAYMENT, TO THE LOCATION FROM WHICH IT WAS OBTAINED WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF THE PURCHASE DATE.
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3ds Max Plugin x32 2011
3ds Max Plugin x64 2011
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Jan 11, 2011
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Have you ever had trouble interfacing with Rapid Prototyping machines? Power Body Object Toolkit facilitates the interface to Rapid Prototyping machines by creating water tight meshes. And with the STL export tool, you can send those files directly out to your favorite Rapid Prototyping machine.
With the Power Body Object Toolkit, you can handle difficult model cleanup by adding blended surfaces where imported surfaces are missing. You can use the powerful Power detailer tool to attach company logos, or apply bosses, holes, or other details. And the Power UVW Unwrap tool facilitates the application of textures and materials so that you can spend your time focusing on making the best renderings and animations.
Power Body Object Toolkit is a set of complimentary tools designed to improve work flow for customers importing SAT files into 3ds Max using the new Body Object licensed from IntegrityWare / nPower Software .
The 2011 release of 3ds Max introduces the Body Object as the standard representation for imported SAT files, and incorporates the SAT translator from IntegrityWare / nPower Software. Power Body Object Toolkit is intended to complement this new functionality in 3ds Max 2011. Power Body Object Toolkit facilitates end to end workflow by simplifying the process of preparing models for rendering, and sending accurate, reliable data to rapid prototyping systems. The Power Body Object Toolkit provides tools to clean up and repair import data (like Power Join for sewing surfaces, and blending tools for filling in holes or missing surfaces). It also contains tools for preparing the render data like the Power Detailer, which allows users to apply company logos or features to the model, and Power UVW Unwrap for applying textures and materials. And Power Detailer facilitates rapid prototyping by providing accurate, water tight STL output files. Power Body Object Toolkit is the product that will optimize your work flow for importing SAT models into Autodesk® 3ds max® for rendering, animation, or rapid prototyping.
* Export to .STL, .SAT, .STEP files
* Power Join - Combines one or more Power NURBS Objects into a single Power NURBS object with optional sewing, merging or intersecting.
* Power Detailer - This powerful tool allows you to apply features such as labels, text, logos, holes, etc.
* Power UVW Unwrap - Perfect for applying textures, this feature allows you to unwrap the Body Objects into a 2D working environment to apply textures.
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text:
Shop Swap
Project Name
Jarrod Hicks firstname.lastname@example.com
I propose to switch the location of the Church classroom and the Dirty Shop.
What Will Be Done
See Drawings. Enclose (E) Church classroom, move sliding door from (E) shop to (N) enclosing wall. Remove rear door in turing and fill in wall. Move Shop equipment and case work to shop. Install electrical and ventilation equipment (TBD). Fill in slider opening to (N) Church. Install door from Turing in (N) Church. Finish and Paint walls in (N) Church. Move classroom equipment to (N) Church.
What Areas in the Space Will This Affect
Dirty Shop, Church Classroom
Who Will Be Doing It
Jarrod Hicks, so far.
Why This Will Be Good
We will move the noise of the shop to the perphery of NoiseBridge. The shop will be easier to ventilate using the skylight and east windows. It will be closer to the kitchen for cleanup. Church classroom will be near the entrance making classes in church more visible to attendees and other visitors of the space. We will have more control of lighting and noise levels in the classroom.
Why This Will Be Bad
It will be alot of work. Both rooms will be unuseable during some of the transistion.
How Long Will It Take
Most of the work can be done while Noisebridge is open. Timeline TBD.
In A Fantastic World, What Extra Budget Would You Like
Funds to pay for lumber, sheetrock, paint, electrical equipment, and ventilation fan(s) will be needed. Estimate TBD.
Are There Any Other PFAs This Would Work Well With
Most Likely, specifics to be added.
Are There Any Other PFAs This Would Contradict
Currently Unknown, I will provided updates as needed.


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What is the exact relationship hyper-complex and quaternionic Kahler manifolds? From Wikipedia we get that hyper-Kahler manifolds are both hyper-complex and quaternionic Kahler. Thus, the two families have a non-empty intersection. But this is all I can conclude.
Moreover, quaternionic projective space is quaternionic Kahler, but is it also hyper-Kahler? Is it even hyper-complex?


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This webinar — the second in a two-part series called Developing Partnerships with Community-Based Service Providers — will address setting up formal partnerships with service providers and will offer guidance on navigating difficult issues, such as inmate confidentiality.Featured guest speakers will include a Texas jail official and a local rape crisis advocate who are working together to provide services for inmates at the jail. Other guest speakers will discuss additional roles for community-based organizations inside detention facilities, specifically to support their efforts to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act standards. Register Now! [2]
Links:[1] http://www.justdetention.org/en/webinars.aspx
[2] https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/652498932655440130
[3] http://www.nsvrc.org/event-type/webinar


text:
As I remember of the story line, each country would send their champion to jungle island to fight it out in a 'winner take all' battle with other country's champions instead of their respective countries going to full scale war. The hero of the story carried two M16s attached together to form a quad M16. The combatants set different jungle traps and snares like pungi sticks, etc. to injure or eliminate their foes and they sleep in the trees. I think they get a 'care package' dropped off to each but can't be sure.
Kind of like the 2007 Steve Austin movie, 'The Condemned' but with soldiers instead of prisoners.


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CEMA: Conveyor industry North American shipments break record in 2011
March 14, 2012 - MMH Editorial
The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association's (CEMA) President, George Huber III, announced the financial results at the association's 79th annual meeting in Miami, Florida earlier this month. He reported that 2011 shipments in North America were up 28%. CEMA estimates that shipments totaled $8.502 billion for 2011, an increase of $1.86 billion from 2010 shipments of $6.642 billion. CEMA estimates that new orders totaled $9.310 billion in 2011. New orders in 2011 were $2.28 billion more than 2010, representing an increase of 33.3%.
CEMA tracks new orders and shipped sales volume in seven classes of unit handling equipment and five classes of bulk handling equipment.
The executives representing CEMA member companies who attended the annual meeting expressed continued optimism for 2012 and forecasted a 10% increase in shipments.
Founded in 1933, CEMA is the trade association of leading North American conveyor equipment manufacturers and engineering firms. CEMA also makes available to member and nonmember companies, safety labels for all types of conveyor equipment as well as useful technical information and manuals.


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A Pratt man has been sentenced to just under 17 years in prison for charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
Jeffrey Destackelberg, 20 of Pratt, was sentenced to 203 months in Pratt County District Court Monday by District Judge Francis Meisenheimer, said Pratt County Attorney Ken Van Blaricum.
Destackelberg pled guilty to charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties on July 16. The charges involve a girl under the age of 14 and occurred in Pratt on May 30 and June 1, Van Blaricum said.
Van Blaricum and Assistant County Attorney Gaten Wood prosecuted the case.
Location, ST | website.com


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High resolution or HD video
HD video is becoming more and more important in general. The abbreviation HD stands for "high definition".
As popular as this format is, publishing of feature films is done nearly exclusively on Blu-ray Disc – the storage medium for HD video. The complete switch TV programming on HD has taken longer than planned. Reason enough to take a closer look at this image format to make a comparison with previously established predecessors. There are different resolutions involved with the HD video format.
For household use, two levels of resolution have become popular: The so-called "small" HD format ("HD Ready") operates at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The alternative is "Full HD" at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The number of pixels, i.e. image points, provides information about the richness of detail of an image or film. The more pixels contained in a video, the more detail will be visible. Compared to the high-resolution formats, the DVD format has a resolution of 720 x 576 pixels, and therefore displays less detail. Since many digital camcorders today record in high resolution, it's important to use a program for video editing that supports the editing of HD video. MAGIX Movie Edit Pro is capable of importing, editing, and exporting high-resolution video materi
Editing HD video material
For exporting HD video, it used to be necessary to use blank Blu-ray Discs. The disadvantage in this case is that suitable burners are not yet broadly available and that blanks are still quite costly. In this case, Movie Edit Pro from MAGIX, available in Plus and Premium versions, is capable of burning sequences of HD video material to conventional DVDs, thereby saving money.


text:
These techniques are all dependent on having a clean car to start, Pietro said, meaning those with odors that just won't go away will need to deal with those problems before moving forward.
Smelly car? Do something about it
Great car smell inside starts on outside
POSTED: 5:13 PM Jan 27 2012 UPDATED: 10:24 AM Feb 01 2013
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The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use, which are located at the bottom of this page.


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Welcome to the world's largest Yoga Portal! ABC of Yoga covers the World of Yoga as no other website does. Learn everything there is to know about the Yoga Poses & Exercises and the Health Benefits of practicing Yoga. Our information articles offer valuable information for anyone ranging from beginners to seasoned yogis. Stay up to date with our daily newsdesk and find the latest yoga equipment and props in our yoga gear shop. Practice yoga anywhere in the world using our yoga holidays and travel services directory. Most of all, we invite you to join our Yoga Community and share your knowledge, experiences and pictures with the rest of the Yoga world. Namaste!
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Start Your Spring On The Path To Greater Health At Lumeria Maui: The Renewal Cleanse Retreat. Led by Renowned Physician, Michael Klaper, M.D. and His Talented Team of Health, Wellness and Vitality Experts, Yoga Professional Alese Jones, Chef Chard Sarno and Life Coach & Author, Alan Cohen. Experi... Read Full Story


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DWU campus pastor announces Fusion services to become separate church, will become full-time Fusion pastor
They came by horse, wagon and train – early missionaries set out west to bring a sense of the familiar to the prairie – planting churches and creating universities to foster their ideals.
Nearly 130 years later, that same pioneer spirit still thrives – just with a modern twist.
Brandon Vetter, campus pastor for Dakota Wesleyan University, announced Thursday that a church has been planted on the 129-year-old United Methodist campus. The weekly Fusion services, held on campus on Sundays in cooperation with the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) and The Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church, will become its own entity, separate from both university and the FUMC. This development is largely due to Vetter's spiritual leadership on campus and his innovative approach to reaching out to the community, according to DWU President Amy Novak.
Dakota Wesleyan University's campus ministry, knowingly or not, created a paradigm shift when the university – affiliated with the United Methodist Church and The Dakotas Conference – recommitted to the innovative spirit of the early Methodists by founding a new church community on the university campus.
"When I think of the early Methodist circuit riders who founded Dakota Wesleyan University with nothing but faith to guide and sustain them, I look at what Brandon and the FUMC have done here on campus, and I see that same pioneer spirit, reaching out to young people in an innovative way," Novak said. "Fusion's creation, and now its establishment as its own church, speaks to the ethos that founded us: 'How do we bring the church to those who are unchurched? And more importantly, how do we help others reconnect with Church?' When we successfully do this, we begin to truly change our world."
Vetter said that about 140 people attend Fusion services weekly, with only about 10-20 worshipers who cross over from the campus Thursday service – mostly students who assist with music. The majority are young families.
"Fusion is an opportunity for the United Methodist Church to reach a group of people who prefer a less traditional approach," Vetter said. "We use pop culture, video clips, new music and a casual atmosphere to deliver the Gospel – those things won't appeal to everyone, but they appeal to our congregation."
Vetter also believes Fusion's success is due to its location, Dakota Wesleyan's campus being viewed as an approachable space to those who have never been to church before.
"Our philosophy is 100 percent in the teachings of the United Methodist Church and with a very open atmosphere – we want this to be a place where people are comfortable having questions – where faith and doubt can come together," Vetter said. "If we have a niche, it's that we appeal to those who are curious but uncertain, but we still minister to those strong in faith who prefer a less traditional approach. That less traditional approach is possibly what helps newcomers feel comfortable. It's a synergy that works well for us."
The concept of a university's campus ministry planting a church is unique nationwide, Vetter said.
"To my knowledge, it's never been done before," he said. "The idea came a few years ago and just grew from there. Dakota Wesleyan and the FUMC and the Bishop of the Dakotas Conference have all been so supportive of this idea – the amount of freedom I have been given to experiment and just try it has been extraordinary. I'm not sure if there is another campus that would have let me do this."
When beginning Fusion, Vetter wasn't going in blind – he had been the campus minister at DWU for six years at the time and applied what he learned working with college students toward Fusion, which was created to reach the ever-growing population of teenagers through thirty-somethings who do not belong to a church.
The official number of "unchurched" in America today – defined as someone who has not attended a church service in the past year – isn't known. Warren Bird, Ph.D., research director at Leadership Network, with background as pastor and seminary professor and co-author of "Missing in America," reported the number to be 33 percent in 2007 and in a blog post last year, estimated that number to be around 40 percent.
Dakota Wesleyan University has a nonmandatory weekly campus worship that attracts about 140 attendees, ironically the same number as Fusion. The worship service has grown by more than 100 worshipers in the eight years Vetter has been campus pastor.
Vetter graduated from Dakota Wesleyan in 2003 and Asbury Seminary in Kentucky in 2006, after which he put in a request of appointment for DWU's opening for a campus minister. His first order of business was to move campus worship – of about 25-30 people – from the small Wagner Chapel, with a maximum capacity at about 50, to the Sherman Center, a venue that can hold up to 700.
"There was no room for the service to grow. They were maxing out at about 30 in a room that could never hold more than 50, so I requested a move and service has grown by at least 10 every year," he said.
Patience is a virtue, and it certainly paid off; weekly worship has grown, as well as participation on the worship team and on mission trips. Just last spring, DWU took 49 staff and students to Peru and raised $80,000 to do it. In the eight years Vetter has been pastor, campus ministry has traveled to five different locations, taken 200 people on mission trips and raised more than $300,000 for mission work. A trip to Puerto Vallarta's most desperate areas is scheduled for spring break of this year.
"Our students make this program a success," Vetter said. "They are extraordinary in their enthusiasm and fundraising efforts. Their families are supportive, the community is supportive, and their experiences are memorable enough that they come back from these trips and get their friends involved. These are not vacations – these students work hard, for sometimes 12-hour days, but you don't hear them complaining. Mission work puts life into perspective and everyone comes back appreciating that."
The growth of the Fusion community is one of many initiatives on the DWU campus to inspire spiritual growth and development of its students. In 2011, DWU launch a Christian Leadership major with emphasis in missions, church planting, and ministry.
"DWU remains committed to encouraging young people to discern how God is calling them to serve, regardless of their academic interest or career aspiration," Novak said. "By encouraging the dialogue of mind and soul, DWU hopes to encourage students to examine how their talents be used to transform our communities and our world."
Valerie Hummel, of Yankton, is a senior at DWU double-majoring in religion and philosophy and psychology, with plans to join seminary following graduation. She has been on three mission trips through the college and helped organize the trip to New Orleans in 2012.
"Each mission trip that I have been involved with has taught me something different, and I appreciate each experience in different ways," she said. "I have grown spiritually and personally through each trip, and I wouldn't trade those moments for the world. Learning more about the world and about yourself really changes your outlook on life."
This year's student ministry council chairman is Andrew DeVaney, of Sioux Falls. DeVaney came to campus and got involved with many activities on campus, including DWU football, and is the co-founder of the nonprofit Win/Give, which provides backpacks of school supplies to children in Third World countries.
"Campus ministry is an awesome group full of regular people who are allowing God to shape their lives to do awesome and extraordinary things," DeVaney said. "Everyone on the team has a desire to make a difference at DWU in regard to helping grow in their faith and helping people come to know the loving and gracious Savior we have in Christ. Chapel is a great time to reflect, think and lay down worries and burdens that we have."
Vetter will continue to be Dakota Wesleyan's campus pastor and Fusion pastor through June and the university will begin a search for a new campus pastor within the next month.
"Brandon is and will always be a part of the Dakota Wesleyan family, and this transition will be hard for some of our students who have formed such a close relationship with him and his family, but I'm sure Brandon and Vicky will encourage a continuation of those relationships as they begin this new adventure," Novak said. "Creating a church on campus makes history for DWU and it's exciting for all of us. We're going to make sure that our next campus pastor is equally as motivated, innovative and moved to reach out to the community. We will hire someone who relates to our student body and will continue to encourage the spiritual growth on this campus. DWU is passionate about building the future church and we will continue to seek bold and innovative ways to reach people and honor the legacy of those who founded this institution."
*For more information, please contact the DWU University Relations office at (605) 995-2613 or Mari Olson at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Click here for a link to an article by The Daily Republic in Mitchell, published Friday, Jan. 17, 2014.


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Miami City Ballet 08/09 Season.Petipa, Ivanov, Balanchine, Robbins, Tharp, Villella,Taylor
Posted 23 April 2008 - 03:13 PM
Program I
Balanchine after Ivanov. "Swan Lake" Act II
Balanchine/Hindemith. "The Four Temperaments"
Tharp/Glass. "In the Upper Room" ( Oh, well...)"
Program II
Villella/ Carmichael, Parish, Ellington. "The Fox Trot: Dancing in the Dark"
Taylor/Schubert. "Mercuric Tidings"
Balanchine/Tchaikowsky. "Ballet Imperial"
Program III
Balanchine after Petipa/Minkus . "Don Quixote"
Program IV
Balanchine/Bach. "Concerto Barocco"
Robbins/Chopin. "In the Night"
Balanchine/Bizet. "Symphony in C"
Posted 23 April 2008 - 04:20 PM
I'm glad to see so many Balanchine classics: Four T's, Concerto Barocco, Ballet Imperial, Sonnambula, Symphony in C, and the Act II of Swan Lake. They are all reprisals, but there are new dancers in the company, and Villella's adventurous casting is one of the special pleasures of the way the company functions nowadays.
We have a lot to look forward to.
Posted 23 April 2008 - 09:02 PM
I'm glad to see so many Balanchine classics: Concerto Barocco, Ballet Imperial, Sonnambula, Symphony in C, and the Act II of Swan Lake.
Bart, i'm so excited with the upcoming season! I'll have a full set of new Balanchine toys (well, vintage in relation at the dates they were created but still,news for me) to play with . For the most, i'm truly looking forward to "The four Temperaments" (right,Leigh...? and the recently Youtubized Symphony in C. Now, i have a couple of questions for the living ballet encyclopedias of the board:
1-"Ballet Imperial" a la Karinska or fallowing the latter version that Mr B made omiting sets and costumes...?
2-Balanchine's "Swan Lake"...the famous condensed 2nd Act that newyorkers seem to feel so nostalgic about...? Interesting...so, won't feel the need for Odile...? Let's see.
You're right, bart...
We have a lot to look forward to.
Posted 23 April 2008 - 09:23 PM
I never missed Odile , and I never missed the cygnets .
About Program IV, I have long believed that if you open a program with Barocco and close it with Symphony in C, you could put anything in the middle and still have surefire winner. I trust MCB's dancers will do it proud.
Posted 23 April 2008 - 09:39 PM
Thanks for your thoughts, Carbro!. I'll keep in mind that of "Balanchine's take on the esence of Ivanov's lakeside choregraphy". But yes, i'll miss Odile , and the drama, and all the courtiers running nowere in circular motion like maniacs while an overdramatic fainting Queen steals the very last part of the show...(oh, and last but nor less...yes, Carbro, i'll really miss those 32 steps...you know...those,,, )
Cristian, I think it's helpful not to think of the Balanchine Swan Lake as Swan Lake, rather more as his take on the essence of Ivanov's lakeside choreography. He seems to be saying "Swan Lake? It felt sort of like this," just more poetically . During Balanchine's lifetime the ballerina did not seem to inhabit the role of Odette but was a dancer conveying the idea of Odette. (That aspect of the B'chine version is less apparent these days.) The whole thing is a step removed from the source of its inspiration.
I never missed Odile , and I never missed the cygnets .
About Program IV, I have long believed that if you open a program with Barocco and close it with Symphony in C, you could put anything in the middle and still have surefire winner. I trust MCB's dancers will do it proud.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 06:33 AM
Carbro, that's a wonderful way of putting it. Even with strong dramatic dancers like Hayden, Odette became a kind of ideal type of a ballerina dancing within, but not acting out, a famous role: a captive Swan Princess, deeply sad, fearful but capable of yearning and even a distant kind of warmth. This Odette seemed to exist in a kind of perpetual present with no past (other than her captivity by Rothbart) and no real future.
During Balanchine's lifetime the ballerina did not seem to inhabit the role of Odette but was a dancer conveying the idea of Odette.
I am trying to find a way to describe the facial expression -- or lack of it -- that Balanchine's original Odettes all seemed to have mastered. "Blank" is too negative; "creaturelike," which I've heard attributed to Balanchine, is not quite right either. Maybe we have to think of an actual swan, the main facial features unchanging in all circumstances, but the eyes alert and reactive, suggesting a depth that humans cannot possibly plumb. It's pure movement that tells her story and that captivates Siegfried.
A good preparation for seeing the Balanchine is a exposure to a production featuring a really big Russian (or Cuban? )star. The contrast is enormous and quite revealing. Each is effective ... but they are worlds apart in style.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 08:05 AM
Program I
Balanchine after Ivanov. "Swan Lake" Act II
Thanks for posting, cubanmiamiboy. This Balanchine one-act Swan is a real rarity and has me contemplating a possible trip to Miami. When will this be? Fall '08? After hurrican season, I hope.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 08:14 AM
Arsht Center, Miami
Oct. 17-19
Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale
Nov. 7-9
Kravis Center, West Palm Beach
Nov. 14-16
Hurricane season technically runs into November, though the last couple we had here in Palm Beach County were in late September and early October. Fort Lauderdale and West Palm are your safest bets.
For the record:
-- Hurricane Andrew devastated the area south of downtown Miami on August 24, 1992
-- Hurricanes Frances (September 5) and Jeanne (September 25) passsed right over our house in Palm Beach County in 2004, followed by Katrina on August 25, 2005.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 08:32 AM
Program III
Balanchine after Petipa/Minkus . "Don Quijote"
Just for the record, MCB isn't doing Balanchine's Don Q; from the press release:
Program III will feature the return of the 19th century classic Don Quixote set to
music by Léon Minkus. Miguel de Cervantes famous novel mesmerized Spain and the
rest of the world for four hundred years inspiring major works of art, plays, and ballets.
There have been many dance enactments of the tale of the man from La Mancha and
Miami City Ballets full-length production is based on some of the best from the famed
19th century choreographers Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky, with some exciting
and lively enhancements. This work is filled with plenty of ballet action and Spanishstyle
dancing and is one of the largest productions ever performed by Miami City Ballet,
featuring nearly 50 dancers.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 12:03 PM
With regard to Balanchine's Swan Lake, carbro's characterisation of it is spot on, as usual. I think that's why Balanchine himself didn't add the phrase Act II; his half-hour ballet was a reflection or distillation of the original. In that sense, MCB's designation is misleading, as though people need to be told they're not getting the original version plus "4T's" and In the Upper Room.
Textually, though, it owed more to the original than just some of the musical score: I began seeing his "version" in the mid-70's, I think, when Hayden and Verdy were alternating in it, and around that time the Royal showed their version of the original, next door. I was surprised to discover how many of the sequences Mr. B had apparently taken over! It seemed like every other one of his matched theirs, and he had interpolated more brilliant ones than what I saw in the Met (speaking here only of where the music was the same in both productions).
Yeah, Ray, good going, and I don't think bart* will mind too much if I speculate in public that he got a little carried away by the news! I don't blame him one bit! Roll on, MCB!
*Oops! Just noticed it wasn't bart, but never mind, I think we're all a little out of our heads over the news!
Edited by Jack Reed, 26 April 2008 - 11:52 AM.
Posted 24 April 2008 - 04:42 PM
... there should be 2 and possibly 3 different Odettes at each city. (Anyone want to speculate on the casting?)
If there's someone i want to see doing Odette, that would be Deanna Seay. She has to be in...
...and then the rest...
Posted 24 April 2008 - 05:57 PM
Jack's observation on the Act II designation left me thinking. The thing is that i would find even more misleading if i see a "Swan Lake" announcement and then i end up not having Odile. See, i get the fact of Balanchine wanting to recreate the SL instead of reproducing it in its whole, due to what he saw as a silly plot. I also recognize that the most of the balletomanes know about the particularities behind Mr.B works. But, there is a problem. What about the rest of the population...? Wouldn't be possible that some people who are not that familiar with Balanchine's choreographies be confused, (if not disappointed) if they discover that this won't be the "standard" version of the SL right at the night of the performance...? In other words. You know SL. You've seen it many times, and you love Act III. Then, right at the performance you suddenly realize that there won't be any Black Swan to be found anywhere here...( maybe even before the music starts while reading the program). Shocking, i would say. That would have been me, wouldn't i have read about Mr. B production specifics here at the board. While i understand that the "Act II" adding kind of "breaks" the magic of how Balanchine envisioned and offered the work, i also think that is safer. Alternative solutions like renaming the ballet are also excellent ways of alerting future audiences to look in a different direction on what to expect ; e.g "The Sleeping Princess" or "The Magic Swan" .
With regard to Balanchine's Swan Lake, carbro's characterization of it is spot on, as usual. I think that's why Balanchine himself didn't add the phrase Act II; his half-hour ballet was a reflection or distillation of the original. In that sense, MCB's designation is misleading, as though people need to be told they're not getting the original version plus "4T's" and In the Upper Room.
Posted 26 April 2008 - 12:52 PM
And as for dream casting, I hope to see Catoya at least once more (with all respect to the others in the company) in Ballet Imperial (known more accurately but more intimidatingly for some as Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2, as it is Balanchine's later version, without the pantomime) and I think Seay might be particularly good in In the Night; but the same guy (or people) who cooked up this schedule know(s) how to cast it!
Posted 26 April 2008 - 05:03 PM
I think Seay might be particularly good in In the Night; but the same guy (or people) who cooked up this schedule know(s) how to cast it!
Any chance that Violette Verdy will be available to coach In the Night? Watching her coach Elisabeth Platel and Nicolas LeRiche as the second couple (originally danced by herself and Peter Martins) was eye-opening. Even more so was her work with Lucia Lacara and Cyril Pierre in Liebeslieder Walzer. (DVD: Violette and Mr. B)
MCB has greater depth and experience for this kind of ballet among the women than among the men. You need dancers who can express a range of genuine -- and often quickly changeable -- emotions through the choreography.
Here's a totally off-the-wall shot at casting:
1) First couple : Jennifer Kronenberg and ?
2) Second couple: Deanna Seay and Rolando Sarabia
3) Third couple: Patricia Delgado and Isanusi Garcia-Rodriguez. I would also like to see Catoya give this a try, though it's against her usual type. How about Catoya/Sarabia?
Posted 26 April 2008 - 06:33 PM
...Carlos Guerra.
1) First couple : Jennifer Kronenberg and ?
Yes, YES!
2) Second couple:Deanna Seay and Rolando Sarabia
You know bart...?, you're totally right!... what a great pairing !
3) Third couple: Patricia Delgado and Isanusi Garcia-Rodriguez.
I would also like to see Catoya give this a try, though it's against her usual type.How about Catoya/Sarabia?
Maybe better Catoya/Panteado...?
and then i would add...
4) Tricia Albertson and Jeremy Cox
5) Mary Carmen Catoya and Renato Panteado. ( Jack, I know i'm being probably unfair about not mentioning great classical Catoya more often, but i still remember her Aurora...
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5 Horrible Things Nobody Tells You About Legally Growing Pot
We're not interested in taking one side or other in the whole pot-legalization thing. Maybe you're passionate about legalization, maybe you're not. Maybe you use the stuff, maybe you don't. We're not here to make assumptions.
But unless you're rich (and you're not -- we will make that assumption), you've surely thought about what an easy life it must be for people who are able to legally grow the stuff, right? After all, nothing pays like drugs -- you'd be like Scarface, without the part where he gets shot at the end. Or maybe you'd keep it small, and just be a laid-back dude hanging with the stoners. In some states, all you need is a license to grow medicinal marijuana and you're set.
Or, maybe not. Before you renew that subscription to High Times and quit your day job, there are some things you need to take into consideration ...
#5. Even Where It's Legal, the Regulations Will Make Your Life Hell
Say you're an aspiring pot grower living in one of the states where medicinal marijuana is legal. First you have to stop and realize what "legal" means. In California, arguably the most lenient of the "legalized" states, they've seen a string of raids on medicinal marijuana dispensaries, even after Obama and the DEA said they wouldn't prosecute legal growers in states that allow it if the number of plants does not exceed 99.
President Obama, seen here demonstrating the largest legally acceptable blunt size.
Confused? Well, there are all sorts of loopholes that can give the DEA an excuse to come down on a grower. For instance, you are not legally allowed to grow or distribute anywhere within 1,000 feet of a school, or more specifically, anywhere where children may gather regularly. That could technically mean a church, a local park, a zoo, a movie theater or even neighbors' houses, if they have children.
And even if you steer clear of all of their rules, there are hundreds of other little conditions to consider, like the number of "mature" plants you are allowed to have (and what qualifies as "mature") and how much "manicured" product you're allowed to carry at any given time. Having it in your home is fine, but legally you can't drive very easily with it in the most lenient states.
"Alright, we'll overlook the pot, but we've got to ticket you for not buckling it up."
But even if the DEA doesn't come knocking, many homeowners' associations have their own stringent regulations that forbid residents from setting up pot farms in the suburbs. Basically, growing weed for a living is like willingly adding your name to the sex offender registry: Your neighbors no longer trust you, and the authorities forbid you from coming into contact with children.
And then there are all of the regulations surrounding the disposal of damn near everything in a grow operation. We'll get into the logistics of growing in a moment, but let's just say there are all sorts of heavily regulated chemicals involved, and waste that is even more heavily regulated. Like synthetic fertilizers. The word "synthetic" is the big operator here, because a lot of them are toxic. Dump that out improperly, or in the wrong area, and a person could be charged with purposefully contaminating the groundwater, which qualifies as terrorism. Is growing weed for a living worth having a Toby Keith song written about you? Think it over.
Don't worry, though -- contaminating plain old river water is perfectly legal.
That doesn't just mean your waste water, either: Your medium (whatever it is you grow your plants in, be it dirt or rock wool) is also contaminated with toxins. Legally, you're supposed to dispose of all of this much like you would toxic waste.
Then, if you navigate that legal minefield, there's still the particular social stigma that goes along with being a marijuana professional. In short, people who think drugs are immoral and outlawed for good reason don't suddenly start thinking more of drug dealers and users just because weed is technically legal. You think you can just keep it from them? You're not going to be leaving home on any daily routine, and your neighbors are going to be asking questions. Expect things like:
"What do you do?"
"So you're basically a wussier version of the guy from Breaking Bad?"
"Do you live alone?"
"Are you planning to murder anyone with a hammer?"
Now ask yourself: How much excuse do you think they will need to call the police on you the moment they think you've stepped out of line?
If you're so dedicated to the task of growing medicinal marijuana that you're willing to deal with all that, then you'll need to buckle down and raise a whole bunch of cash. That's because ...
#4. Getting Started Costs More Than a Used Car
Let's say you find a handful of marijuana seeds in the cushions of your couch. Toss in some dirt and light and you should be on a direct path to indoor weed farming glory, right? Just put the dirt and the seeds into a pot, set it on the windowsill like a spider plant and wait for the magic to happen. Hell, it's like growing money!
Better, even. Smoking cash just gives you a terrible lung inflection.
Well, not quite. We'll address the lights first. We're not talking about buying a four-pack of 100-watt GE bulbs and calling it good. We're talking very specialized, highly powered, eye-burning-bright lights. Unsurprisingly, they retail for a wallet-burning $300 each. Any at-home weed operation will need at least six of these lights if the goal is to make any sort of cash at all.
That's $1,800 spent, and you aren't even high yet.
And then we have the dirt. As in, you really can't use it. Growing pot at home isn't like growing tomato plants on your balcony -- growing in dirt brings all sorts of uninvited guests to the smoke party, like spider mites and other bugs that will damage the plants, and maybe even your health. So if you're serious about growing weed indoors, you need equipment ($850 for each unit, and it usually takes four of these systems to generate enough crop to turn a profit, so we're talking about more than $3,400). That's right, aspiring pot kingpin -- you're more than five grand in the hole before you've grown a single plant.
And we're not done. All of that shit runs on electricity -- an at-home weed farmer faces electric bills that run as much as $1,500 per month. If you aren't lucky enough to have a private well, water bills can scale to similar heights. Then you factor in other random necessities like timers, extension cords, pest control, carbon filters and countless other bells and whistles that keep a grow operation growing. An enterprising young pot farmer will need to come up with nearly $13,000 in investment money just to get started.
Dropping a few seeds in your neighbors salad garden just won't cut it.
OK, so you max out all of your credit cards and come up with the 13 grand. That's all right -- the sweet, sweet weed money is about to come rolling in! Actually, most grow operations don't even turn a profit for three months at least, so every joint sold is going to be paying down start-up debt for a long, long time.
"Here's a quarter pound. Can you put half in my IRA?"
And the money is just part of the cost. Next you have to deal with the fact that ...
#3. It's a Shitload of Hard Work
Have you ever tried to create an environment identical to the outdoors? One meant to sustain not just life, but exceptional life? You know, playing God? It's absolutely as difficult as it sounds, and it's absolutely what you must do to successfully grow weed at home.
He's only laughing because a stray tear could throw off the pH balance.
Plants are living, breathing things that require ideal conditions to thrive. On top of providing all the air flow, 24 hours a day, you'll need an entire room that, in the middle of the day with the lights off, looks like this all over:
That's not nearly as easy as it seems, and it has to be done every time you add a fan or make a correction to a grow room. Then you have the heavy equipment that needs be set up, as well as running high voltage (read: DANGEROUS) wiring and industrial-quality ventilation to your new weed cave.
Grow Wurks
It looks kind of like a thermos ... and it costs $244.
Basically, you have to be a carpenter, plumber, electrician, gardener and some type of lab technician by the time you're finished just setting up that room. If plumber and electrician stick out as two skills that shouldn't be in the same room with each other at the same time, that's because they really shouldn't. So, if this for some reason sounds like the career path for you, study up on your electric skills, lest you wind up electrocuted to death like this poor fella.
Of course, you can always hire trained people to do all of this work for you, adding to the start-up debt that you've already sold one and a half kidneys to pay.
"So this is for a home welding set-up? In your basement?"
Hey, speaking of dealing with other people ...