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No Man's Sky: Dutch-based company claims Hello Games used patented superformula to create game
Jul 20, 2016 | 27 Comments
Star Wars: The Old Republic is having a massive beta test this weekend, with Star Wars fans crying out in anguish as they desperately search for a beta key. Thankfully, it seems Bioware will be delivering the last massive batch of beta invites through Twitter.
@SWTOR - "Looking for a code to get into our upcoming Beta Test Weekend? Keep your eyes on the #TestSWTOR hashtag!"
Details on the giveaway have yet to be revealed, but you can be sure that thousands of gamers will be refreshing their Twitter feeds all today.


text: Hosni Mubarak: A Life in PicturesJeff Neumann8/03/11 7:15amFiled to: EgyptPhotoshosni mubarakDictatorsCrimeAppicGettypicTweetgFbTop182EditInvite manuallyPromoteDismissUndismissHideShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalink Deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak appeared in court today to face charges of corruption and ordering the killing of unarmed protesters earlier this year. He was wheeled in on a hospital bed acting the part of a sad old man, along with his klepto scumbag sons, Gamal and Alaa. Hard times for the Mubaraks. So, in honor of Hosni's not so glorious return to Cairo, here's a quick look at the man in happier times. "Hold on, hold on… this motherfucker Bashar is funny!" [Image via Getty] Jesse Helms tells a racist joke. [Image via Getty] Advertisement Bush And Hos, yukking it up War on Terror style. [Image via Getty] Newt Gingrich makes a funny. [Image via Getty] Sponsored Nice shirt. [Image via AP] "Hahaha... Darfur... hahaha" [Image via AP] Something shady is going down with Silvio Berlusconi here. [Image via Getty] Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Saddam Hussein, King Hussein of Jordan and Hos. [Image via Getty] Advertisement "I'm going to rip this country off of what few resources it has." [Image via Getty] Hosni with Anwar Sadat just before Sadat was assassinated. Hosni had nothing to do with it. [Image via Getty] [Image via AP]Reply18 repliesLeave a reply

subset: commoncrawl


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I have a 1994 Renault Safrane with around 100,000 kms on the clock.
The problem is when I start the car it runs fine but comes up with an audiable message saying " electronic ignition lock not operating, repair as soon as possible" and the engine check light flashes on deceleration.
The only fault code that comes up is an immobiliser fault.
The battery in the remote plip is not flat because it still works the cenral locking.
Please help!
Wednesday, June 14th, 2006 AT 11:50 PM


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Anyway, I fit this category. Work for a bank, in management. I do not work in a branch anymore, however. But used to way back in the day.
Perhaps you can send me a PM and I can respond that way?
And suddenly I see, what I lost ain't no loss.
-Richie Kotzen, "What I Lost"


text:
Ford rolling out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto... Car Tech
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2017 Porsche Panamera deep dive Car Tech
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Auto Shows
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When you're Jay Leno, taking delivery of the first or second customer car in country is generally as easy as picking up the phone and saying, "I'll need one of those for my collection, as close to the first production model as possible." Such was the case with The Tonight... read more
In 1921, Bentley's first model, the 3 Liter, rolled off the automaker's assembly line in Crewe, England. Two were built as test mules, so the first production Bentley... read more August 23, 2011 by Kurt Ernst
Your chance to own a piece of automotive history will take place this August at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Auction company Gooding & Company will be... read more June 15, 2011 by Viknesh Vijayenthiran


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California experienced a notable decline in per capita cigarette consumption during its comprehensive tobacco control programme. This study examines what proportion of the decline occurred from: (1) fewer ever smokers in the population, (2) more ever smokers quitting, and (3) current smokers smoking less.
Per capita cigarette consumption computed from cigarette sales and from adult respondents to the large, cross‐sectional, population‐based California Tobacco Surveys of 1990 (n = 24296), 1996 (n = 18616) and 2002 (n = 20525) were examined for similar trends.
Changes (period 1: 1990–1996; period 2: 1996–2002) in per capita cigarette consumption from self‐reported survey data were partitioned for the entire population and for demographic subgroups into the three components mentioned above.
In periods 1 and 2, most of the decline in per capita cigarette consumption for the population as a whole was from current smokers smoking less followed by a reduction in ever smokers. The decline from smokers smoking less was particularly evident among young adults (18–29 years) in period 1. While the portion of the decline due to quitting in the entire population in period 1 was negligible, in period 2 it accounted for 22% of the total per capita decline. The decline from quitting in period 2 was mostly observed among women.
Rather than near‐term benefits from smokers quitting, population health benefits from reduced per capita cigarette consumption will likely occur over the longer term from fewer people becoming ever smokers, and more less‐addicted smokers eventually quitting successfully.
Public health programmes to reduce smoking‐related disease are a national priority.1 The reduction in per capita cigarette consumption reported in California following the initiation of its tobacco control programme2 will likely result in future population health benefits. In particular, if reductions in per capita consumption stem from current smokers quitting, Doll and colleagues have argued that there will be a near‐term reduction in lung cancer rates.3
Per capita cigarette consumption has declined fairly steadily in the United States since the early 1970s.4 We have previously shown that in California the rate of decline following the programme start was more rapid than the pre‐programme rate and more rapid than the rate in the rest of the USA before or during the programme.2 From 1988 to 2002, per capita consumption declined by 60% in California compared to 40% in the rest of the USA.5
While the initial goal of California's comprehensive tobacco control programme was to reduce per capita consumption by discouraging youth smoking initiation and encouraging adult smokers to quit,6 protecting non‐smokers from secondhand smoke became another important priority by 1993,7 following the designation of secondhand tobacco smoke as a class A carcinogen.8 Considerable local efforts coupled with media messages focused public attention on this issue and led to the first state law (1995) banning smoking in most workplaces. Smokers accustomed to restrictions at work may also be more agreeable to having them in the home.9 Besides protecting non‐smokers from secondhand smoke, smoking restrictions can reduce smokers' cigarette consumption, promote quitting, and possibly inhibit initiation.9,10,11,12,13
In this report, we first establish that per capita cigarette consumption from sales data and from self‐reported data from respondents to the 1990, 1996, and 2002 California Tobacco Surveys show a similar declining trend. Then, we examine changes in self‐reported consumption on a per capita basis from 1990–1996 and from 1996–2002, partitioning the proportion of the per capita decline in self‐reported cigarette consumption in each period that potentially resulted from: (1) fewer ever smokers, (2) increased quitting, and (3) reduced consumption among current smokers. We examine these changes overall and in different demographic subgroups.
Tobacco sales excise taxes are collected monthly by both the State of California and the federal government at the wholesale level. In this report, we use bimonthly sales data that combine the financial quarter boundary months (for example, December‐January) to reduce variation from retailer‐buying patterns.14 To convert sales data to monthly per capita cigarette consumption, the mean number of packs removed from the warehouses in each interval was divided by the total population of California adults ages 18 years and older15; only about 1% of total consumption is accounted for by persons under 18 years of age.16 Annual population totals are interpolated to obtain the population for each bi‐monthly interval. To better visualise the trend in per capita cigarette consumption, a statistical smoothing procedure (SABL) was used.17
We use estimates from three large, population‐based random‐digit‐dialled California Tobacco Surveys conducted as part of the evaluation of California's tobacco control programme in 1990, 1996, and 2002.18 Details on survey design and conduct are available from technical documentation available online.14 Briefly, a household adult enumerates all persons in the household, providing demographics and smoking status for each. Adults are then selected for an approximately 25 minute extended interview, with the selection probability much higher for anyone who smoked in the previous five years. The interview includes questions on current smoking status, cigarette consumption, quitting history, and smoking‐related attitudes.
Each sample was weighted to be representative of the population for the year in which the survey took place. Respondents were assigned weights that account for selection probability (base weight) and that adjust for non‐response (final weight). Household response rates were 75%, 55%, and 46%, and the extended interview cooperation rates were 75%, 73%, and 63%, in the 1990, 1996, and 2002 California Tobacco Surveys, respectively. There were 24296 respondents in 1990, 18616 in 1996, and 20525 in 2002.
An ever smoker reported having smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his or her lifetime. Following previous practice,4,19 the quit ratio was computed as the percentage of ever smokers who indicated that they were not smoking when surveyed. Current smokers are ever smokers who indicated that they "smoked now" (1990), or "now smoked everyday or some days" (1996, 2002). The definition change tends to capture a few more smokers who admit to some‐day smoking that might have denied being a smoker with the previous question. Everyday smokers were asked on average how many cigarettes/day they consumed. Some‐day smokers were asked the number of days they smoked in the previous month and the usual number of cigarettes consumed on those days. Multiplying these answers and dividing by 30 gives average cigarettes/day. Cigarettes/day for all smokers were then converted into per capita packs/month for comparison with the excise tax data.
Adult respondents in the 1990, 1996, and 2002 CTS were divided into demographic subgroups (sex, age (18–29, 30–44, 45+ years), race/ethnicity (Non‐Hispanic white and African American versus Hispanic, Asian and other), and education (no college versus some college). Since sample sizes did not permit each racial/ethnic group to be analysed separately, our race/ethnicity categorisation was intended to distinguish relatively static from rapidly growing subgroups of the population (for example, from immigration, particularly of Hispanics and Asians),20 in which women have low smoking rates.21
A jackknife procedure was used to estimate variance for computation of 95% confidence intervals.22 With this procedure, the analysis is conducted on the full sample and on each of specially constructed replicate samples. The estimated variance is computed based on the difference between each replicate sample estimate and the full sample estimate.14
The change in total reported cigarette consumption during period 1 (1990–1996) and period 2 (1996–2002) on a per capita basis was decomposed into components that can be attributed to changes in: (1) the percentage of the population that were ever smokers, (2) the fraction of ever smokers who quit, and (3) the consumption level among current smokers. This decomposition is derived as follows:
Total packs/month is equal to the number of smokers multiplied by the average number of packs consumed by each smoker each month,
where S = number of smokers in population and C = mean packs/smoker/month.
The number of smokers in the population can be computed as:
where P = population size, E = proportion of population who were ever smokers, and Q = proportion of ever smokers quit when surveyed.
Thus, from equations (1) and (2), the total packs per capita, PACKS/P, is
Differentiating this expression using the chain rule gives:
Multiplying both sides of the above equation by dt, and assuming approximate linearity, the per capita change in packs, ΔPACKS/P, can be approximated in terms of changes in the proportion of ever smokers, ΔE, the proportion of former smokers, ΔQ, and the consumption level of current smokers, ΔC,
The first term in the above equation thus represents the per capita change in packs/month due to the change in the fraction of the population who are ever smokers, the second term gives the change attributable to changes in the proportion of ever smokers who have quit, and the final term gives the change attributable to the change in smoking level among current smokers.
We use available survey data to estimate each quantity above to compute Δ(PACKS/P) from time1 to time2. The quantities, ΔE, ΔQ, and ΔC are estimated by the difference in the respective quantities (time2 – time1), and P, E, Q, and C are estimated by the average of the respective quantities at time1 and time2. These data are presented in Appendix A, with a sample calculation presented in Appendix B. For period 1, time1 is 1990 and time2 is 1996. For period 2, time1 is 1996 and time2 is 2002.
Figure 11 shows bimonthly raw data and the smoothed consumption trend line for per capita cigarette consumption from sales data from before California's tobacco control programme began through 2002. The bars in fig 11 show the self‐reported per capita cigarette consumption from the 1990, 1996, and 2002 CTS. In each year, the result is lower (by a factor of 30–35%) than that indicated by the sales data, a very consistent result observed previously.4,23 However, the distinct declining trend in the self‐reported data is evident and parallel to the sales data.
Appendix B presents the partitioning results for per capita changes in consumption as computed from equation (5), using CTS estimates overall and for various demographic subgroups (Appendix A). Figure 22 summarizes the overall results by plotting the percentage of the total per capita change accounted for by each component.
In period 1 (open bars, fig 22),), about two‐thirds of the per capita consumption decline was from reduced consumption among current smokers, and most of the remainder was from fewer ever smokers. However, in period 2 (shaded bars, fig 22),), while the largest component of the per capita decline was still from reduced consumption among current smokers, quitting accounted for almost one‐fourth of the total per capita decline in consumption.
Table 11 presents these percentages for demographic subgroups. In period 1, the only subgroups showing appreciable reductions from quitting were those 45 years and older (34% of total per capita change), and non‐Hispanic whites and African Americans taken together (12% of total per capita change). Table A1A1 in Appendix A shows increases in the quit ratios for these groups, from mean (95% confidence interval) 68.2 (1.6)% in 1990 to 71.1 (0.7)% in 1996 for those 45 years and older, and from 56.9 (1.2)% in 1990 to 58.5 (0.7)% in 1996 for non‐Hispanic whites/African Americans. The negative percentages in table 11 indicate that the population quit ratios for some groups were actually declining (Appendix A, table A1A1).
In period 2, however, a number of subgroups showed a substantial portion of the per capita decline from quitting (table 11).). For females, 39% of the per capita decline was from quitting, reflecting an increase in the quit ratio from 56.1 (1.0)% in 1996 to 58.8 (1.1)% in 2002 (Appendix A, table A1A1).). The percentage of the per capita decline from quitting was 26% in those 45 years and older, corresponding to an increase in the quit ratio from 71.1 (0.7)% in 1996 to 73.4 (0.9)% in 2002. One‐third of the decline in per capita consumption in period 2 in non‐Hispanic whites/African Americans was from quitting, with the quit ratio increasing for this group from 58.5 (0.7)% in 1996 to 62.6 (0.6)% in 2002. Finally, 21% of the decline in per capita consumption for those with and 23% of the decline for those without some college was from quitting.
However, for most subgroups, even in period 2, the largest portion of the decline was from reduced consumption in current smokers, followed by fewer ever smokers (table 11).). The overall prevalence of ever smokers declined more (5.2 percentage points) between 1990 (48.5 (0.9%)) and 1996 (43.3 (0.6%)), than the 2.9 percentage point decline observed from 1996 to 2002 (39.4 (0.6%)) (Appendix A, table A1A1).). In both periods, males showed a higher percentage of their per capita decline from reduced consumption than females, which is consistent with estimated consumption rates for current smokers in Appendix A, table A1A1;; for males consumption among current smokers declined by 9.1 packs/month (from 26.1 (0.7) packs/month in 1990 to 17.0 (0.7) packs/month in 2002) compared to a 6.7 packs/month decline for females. In period 1, younger people showed a particularly large proportion of their per capita decline from reduced consumption among current smokers, reflecting a decline by 7 packs/month in period 1, compared to a decline of only 1 pack/month during period 2 (Appendix A, table A1A1).
Our results indicate that the notable decline in per capita cigarette consumption observed over the course of California's comprehensive tobacco control programme was mostly from current smokers smoking less. In both periods, 1990–1996 and 1996–2002, this component accounted for a larger share of the decline than that attributed to fewer ever smokers or to smokers quitting. The percentage accounted for by a lower prevalence of ever smokers was the same (~30%) in each period. Finally, in contrast to the 1990–1996 period, when quitting accounted for none of the decline, during 1996–2002, quitting accounted for an appreciable fraction of the per capita consumption decline (22%).
The finding that most of the per capita consumption decline can be attributed to current smokers smoking less is consistent with a recent econometric analysis that attributed changes in consumption between 1996 and 1999 to a decline in consumption among current smokers rather than to a decline in smoking prevalence.24 In our study, reduced consumption was observed in all population subgroups (see Appendix A, table A1A1).). Some of the decline among current smokers may stem from an increasing fraction of current smokers not smoking daily.25 Also, younger cohorts of smokers may never reach the high levels of consumption observed in previous generations. Particularly from 1990–1996, smokers in the youngest age group showed a large decline.
While some smokers may maintain their accustomed nicotine level by smoking fewer cigarettes more intensely (compensation),26 some adjust to a lower nicotine level and therefore become less dependent.27,28 Since less dependent smokers are more likely to quit successfully,29,30,31 interventions that can reduce consumption in the short term may eventually increase quitting in the longer‐term.29,32,33 A longitudinal population study found that smokers who reduced their consumption to < 15 cigarettes/day were more likely to successfully quit later.32
Because quitting is so difficult, it may not be realistic to expect that tobacco control measures (including increased excise taxes) will lead to an immediate drop in smoking prevalence from people quitting.24 Indeed, our results appear to support this; we found a high fraction of the per capita consumption decline was due to reduced consumption among current smokers in the earlier period (1990–1996), with an appreciable fraction from quitting activity only in the second period (1996–2002).
In contrast to smoking cessation, the evidence for improved health from smokers cutting their consumption is not definitive.34,35,36,37,38 One analysis of a large Danish cohort showed no advantage with respect to total mortality, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases or tobacco‐related cancers.36 More recent analyses of this database showed that a pronounced consumption reduction might lower lung cancer risk,37 but there was no effect on myocardial infarction risk.38
The percentage of the per capita decline (about 30% in both periods) attributable to a reduced proportion of ever smokers likely resulted more from a net migration into the state of non‐smokers rather than from fewer people maturing to adulthood as never smokers. A preliminary analysis of total rather than per capita consumption showed a consumption increase from population growth that was overcome by the reductions due to the other components. The fastest growing segments of the California population are Hispanics and Asians (Appendix A, table A1A1).). Since smoking among California adolescents has declined notably,39 we expect that the ever‐smoking component will account for relatively more of the total decline in future years. From 1990 to 2002, the percentage ever trying a cigarette declined by 70% among 12‐ to 13‐year‐olds, by 53% among 14‐ to 15‐year‐olds, and by 34% among 15‐ to 17‐year‐olds.39 Smoking in the past 30 days among all ages of adolescents (12–17 years) declined 45% over this period.39 A recent decline in young adult smoking was also observed.39
In the second period (1996–2002), quitting among women was responsible for much of the increase in the fraction of the total per capita consumption decline from this source. While other population subgroups also appeared to show per capita consumption declines due to increased quitting (those 65 years of age, non‐Hispanic Whites/African Americans), it is possible that it was the women in these groups that accounted for most of the decline. Results from the evaluation of American Stop Smoking Intervention Study (ASSIST) demonstration project, in which 17 states received National Cancer Institute funding to seed tobacco control efforts, also showed an effect for women but not men in ASSIST states.40 A similar result was also observed in the Minnesota Heart Health Program, another population‐based intervention.41 These population results are in contrast to the widely‐held perception that women have a more difficult time quitting than men.42 Our California results suggest that male smokers in particular appear to be reducing their cigarette consumption rather than quitting.
The use of our decomposition methodology as an evaluation tool is hampered by the times for which data were available. The first California Tobacco Survey (1990) was conducted after the initial excise tax increase ($0.25/pack) that funded California's tobacco control programme took effect in January 1989, so the expected43 decline (fig 11)) due to the tax increase was not included in our analyses. Cigarette prices remained relatively stable from 1990–1996, with a small industry‐led decline in 1993, and were stable through 1996.5 During this period, California's comprehensive programme included an active multi‐message anti‐tobacco media campaign and community‐based projects in the earlier years (1990–1993), but programme funding was reduced in 1994–1996.2 Workplace smoking restrictions took effect in 1995. During the second period (beginning in 1996), funding was restored for the media and community‐based programmes. Further, cigarette prices increased sharply due to another excise tax increase ($0.50/pack) and a tobacco‐industry‐led price increase following the Master Settlement Agreement. The inflation‐adjusted increase in cigarette prices was 53% between November 1998 and November 1999.5
Our analyses cannot directly attribute any specific intervention (for example, increased cigarette prices, workplace smoking bans, etc) to specific components of the consumption decline; it can only show the net effect. However, large properly coordinated population surveys before (to establish underlying trends from pre‐existing conditions) and after a specific new intervention could allow the evaluation of their effects on per capita cigarette consumption. For instance, this approach could be used to evaluate the effect of the widespread distributing of free nicotine replacement products to smokers. It would be expected that the quitting component in the decomposition method would account for a relatively larger percentage of the total per capita decline following the intervention than in the previous control period.
Per capita cigarette consumption has declined notably in California since the start of its comprehensive tobacco control programme. It is unknown what fraction of the decline has occurred from smokers quitting, from having fewer ever smokers in the population, or from current smokers smoking less. If the decline is mostly from smokers quitting, researchers suggest there would be a near‐term health benefit to the population. However, if the decline stems mainly from the other two possible sources, most of the health benefit to the population would occur in the longer term.
The results from our study indicate that the majority of the decline in per capita cigarette consumption was from current smokers smoking less (> 50%, particularly among younger smokers from 1990–1996), followed by a reduced proportion of ever smokers in the population (~30%). Between 1990 and 1996, a negligible fraction of the decline in per capita consumption was from ever smokers quitting, but 22% of the decline between 1996 and 2002 was from this source. Thus, instead of more immediate health benefits from current smokers quitting, benefits are more likely to accrue in the longer term, from there being fewer ever smokers, and from possibly a greater‐proportion of less‐addicted (and perhaps younger) smokers having an increased chance of future successful cessation.
In computing the quit ratio, we used as the numerator all ever smokers indicating that they were not smoking when surveyed. Many recent quitters will relapse to smoking. In fact, at any given point in time, an appreciable fraction of smokers are in the midst of an unsuccessful quit attempt and at least for a while not buying cigarettes. In 1990, 49% of California smokers reported making a quit attempt in the past year, but this percentage increased to 56% in 1996 and to 65% in 2002.5 This increased quitting activity, even if not successful, can decrease overall cigarette sales, and may account for a part of the discrepancy between sales and current smoker self‐reported data (fig 11).). We chose to include recent quitters in the quit ratio, so that this measure reflects quitting activity, not successful cessation.
In addition to the issues discussed above, there are other limitations to these findings. Self‐reported cigarette consumption may not be accurate; smokers often report their consumption to the nearest half pack, and they may tend to round down instead of up. This number preference may also in part be responsible for the discrepancy between per capita consumption from sales data and from self‐report (fig 11).). Further, low‐consumption smokers may report more accurately, so as per capita consumption declines, the discrepancy between sales and self‐report might decrease.44 However, since the two trends are parallel, this should not seriously affect our results. Survey sampling errors and the use of averages and differences between survey estimates introduces error in addition to the approximation error (assumption of linearity) of our methodology. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that our results are due to severe artefacts introduced from these error sources. Finally, declining response rates may mean that the population of smokers captured in recent years differs from those in the earlier years. However, a recent analysis of both national and state‐level surveys with different degrees of declining responses indicated that smoking prevalence estimates do not appear affected.45
While the most rapid benefit to public health from tobacco control efforts potentially would come from encouraging older smokers to quit,3,46,47 reduced initiation and reduced smoking intensity, particularly among younger smokers, may have greater benefits but in the longer‐term. Preventing adolescents from starting to smoke would eventually lower adult smoking prevalence and thus per capita consumption, but it would take many years for the population health effects to become discernable. If younger cohorts of smokers never reach the consumption levels observed in older cohorts, they should experience better health from reduced exposure to harmful toxins. Also, if less addicted, they should be more able to quit successfully. The evidence is not yet definitive about the health benefits of smokers reducing their consumption, so how this factor will affect future health is unknown.
This work was supported by the Tobacco Related Disease Research Program grant 12RT‐0082 from the University of California. Data for the California Tobacco Surveys were collected under contracts 89‐97872 (1990), 95‐23211 (1996), and 01‐16370 (2002) from the California Department of Health Services, Tobacco Control Section, Sacramento, California.
Appendix A: survey estimates used in computations
Table A1A1 shows the number of adults in various demographic subgroups in each year, the prevalence of ever smoking, the quit ratio, and the average number of packs/month consumed by current smokers. California's population is increasing rapidly. It is becoming more ethnically diverse; the number of non‐Hispanic whites and African Americans has declined slightly, but the number of Hispanics, Asians, and those claiming another ethnicity has increased by 63% from 1990 (6889469) to 2002 (11246611). The population is also becoming older. The number of adults under 30 years has declined, while the number between 30 and 45 years has increased slightly, and the number age 45 years and older has increased by 27%, from 8120773 in 1990 to 10288601 in 2002. The population is also becoming more educated; in 1990 those without at least some college outnumbered those with some college, but the opposite was true in 2002.
Overall, in California, the percentage of ever smokers declined. The decline was evident in all age groups, suggesting that the decline is likely from the racial/ethnic distribution rather than from more people maturing to young adulthood as never smokers. Hispanic and Asian women have low smoking rates.21 An analysis of birth cohorts did not indicate that the prevalence of ever smoking declined when members of the same cohort reported their status in 1990, 1996, and 2002,5 which suggests that underreporting is not increasing as smoking becomes more socially unacceptable.
Females, those between 30 and 44 years of age, and those who never attended college showed the largest declines in ever smoking over the entire period (by at least 9 percentage points). The quit ratio for the entire California population of ever smokers has increased over the entire period from 1990 to 2002, with the greatest increase observed for females. There were also large increases for those aged 45 years and older and non‐Hispanic whites/African Americans.
The mean (95% confidence interval) consumption level reported by current smokers declined by 33%, from 24.5 (0.7) packs/month in 1990 to 16.5 (0.5) packs/month in 2002. The steady decline over the entire period was greatest for those with some college experience, those between the ages of 30 and 44 years, and males (by at least 9 packs/month).
Appendix B: results of computations partitioning change in per capita cigarette consumption
Table B1B1 (left most column) shows the per capita changes cigarette consumption (in packs/month/person) during periods 1 (top) and 2 (bottom). As an example of how these changes were computed from equation (5) and the data in table A1A1,, we show the per capita consumption changes for females from 1996–2002.
The results do not exactly match those in table B1B1 because many more significant digits were carried in the computer computation than in the rounded data from table A1A1.
Overall, the decline was greater during period 1 than during period 2. The other columns in the table show the changes stemming from the various composite factors: (1) changes in the percentage of ever smokers, (2) changes in the percentage of ever smokers quitting, and (3) changes in amount smoked by current smokers. Where the 95% confidence interval contains zero, the change due to a particular component cannot be considered as statistically different from zero.
The Hispanic/Asian subgroup showed less of a per capita decline in each period than did non‐Hispanic whites/African Americans. The per capita decline for the youngest age group was much less in period 2 than in period 1.
All subgroups showed a decline from the component reflecting a lower percentage of ever smokers. This was not the case for the quitting component. During period 1, the quit ratio actually declined in some subgroups (for example, age groups under 45 years, see Appendix table A1A1),), producing an increase in consumption (rather than decline) for the quitting component. Increases may reflect immigration of more ever smokers into the state. Many of the changes are not statistically different from zero. With one exception, the decline due to reduced consumption among current smokers was significant for all subgroups for both periods. The exception was for the Hispanic/Asian/other group over period 2.
Competing interests: none declared
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's national science library in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


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Ok - here's the deal.
I have a page with several checkboxes, each in its own tablecell. What i'd like to happen, is when the user checks a checkbox, the cell its contained in changes color. My JS knowledge is pretty (well, VERY) limited. What's also pretty important is when the user unchecks a checbox, the background colour of the containing cell reverts back to the original color. "why?" i hear you ask? I'm creating a dynamic (php + mysql) session booking system for some rehersal studios. Each slot for each hour is represented by a checkbox in a table cell.
See here for what i mean!
Thanks in advance,


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Let's see if they shorted at $12 now.
Sentiment: Strong Buy
no - just shorted at $11.22 after I learned that the company declined to give guidance on the call
Friend - though I know this is just another one of your very short-term earnings plays, you're likely going to lose here. Maybe you can make 10 or 15 cents from that price on a swing lower, but it has been stuck in the $9.75 to $10.50 range for months only because of fear of not making the 25 cents/share estimate. That was crushed and now there is lots of pent up demand as well as upgrades coming. Because of the relatively small float, the price can run higher very quickly - especially if some institutions begin buying...you'll note that institutional ownership is fairly low.
Not providing guidance is a non-issue. Contracts have been booked, new contracts are soon to be announced. If you listened to the conference call and are shorting solely because of not providing guidance, that's a mistake. New contracts are already announced and there are more on the way very shortly.
In any case, have fun with it - I know you're just looking for the swing in the next week - I just think you are taking a big risk for minimum reward here.
Good luck.
OK...........but Q2 not far away.
if they did they made a huge profit....
Only if they covered.


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DEFINITION of 'Record Low'
The lowest historical price level reached by a security, commodity or index during trading. A record low can be reached during a trading day, and is recorded regardless of whether it is the closing price. Record lows tend to be nominal values, which do not account for inflation.
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BREAKING DOWN 'Record Low'
Hitting an all-time record low is usually bad news for a publicly traded company. While some investors may be tempted into buying at such a low price, most buyers will be less optimistic about the situation and shy away from the stock. Companies who constantly hit record lows will typically struggle to rebound in value.
Record HighThe highest historical price level reached by a security, commodity ...
Recording FeeThe fee charged by a government agency for registering or recording ...
Accounting RecordsAll of the documentation and books involved in the preparation ...
Due Bill PeriodIn the context of corporate actions (such as dividends, issuance ...
Nominal ValueThe stated value of an issued security. Nominal value in economics ...
Transaction1. An agreement between a buyer and a seller to exchange goods, ...
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What is a Nominal Value?The nominal value of a security, such as a stock or bond, remains fixed for the duration of its life.
What is a Record Date?The date established by an issuer of a security for the purpose of determining the holders who are entitled to receive a dividend or distribution.
What Does Nominal Mean?Nominal refers to an unadjusted value or change in value.
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The Los Angeles Clippers unveiled a new mascot during halftime of their game against the Nets, and for some reason they went with a condor that looks suspiciously like a toucan. Vince Staples, your thoughts?
Yeah, that's about right. Anyway, as part of the unveiling, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer—really just a superfan who happens to also be worth $22 billion—showed off his ups and soared to the hoop for a glorious dunk*.
Here's another angle for your viewing pleasure.
[Prime Ticket]


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I have seen two words for "car" in Russian: "машина" and "автомобиль" or "авто". Which is most common?
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The word most common in speech is Машина.
Автомобиль is the "right word", but it's long and unpopular. Авто (unlike, say, its German counterpart) is not a "real word" on its own, but rather a spoken short form of Автомобиль, or just a prefix. It has its usage (say, in magazines), but generally it's far behind Машина.
There are also slanguish variants, of course. The most popular are Тачка (and its derivatives тачила, точилка etc.) and Колёса (cf. "Wheels").
BTW. In XIX century speech Машина mostly denoted "Train". I bet, in the future when we won't have "cars" anymore, the word Машина will still be in use, meaning some kind of small spaceship and such.
I would say that "машина" is the only correct version. "автомобиль" is completely dated and today is only used for affectation or humorous effect, while "тачка" and "мотор" is pure slang and could never be used formally.
Lots of terms related to cars though are formed with a prefixoid АВТО - such as "автостоянка" (car park); "автозаправка" (petrol station); "автосервис" (car repair) etc., etc. Note (in it's turn dated, but widely used in the 60s-80s) "автолюбитель" - literally "car lover" or "car connoisseur", which meant simply a car owner - at a time, when car owners were few and far between.
Don't forget that "машина" also translates as "machine", such as "стиральная машина" (washing machine), "посудомоечная машина" (dish washer) and so forth, as well as "машина времени" (time machine (as in science fiction); "государственная машина" (machinery of government), ect.
Hope it helps.
The word
The word
official: автомобиль, автомашина, автотранспортное средство. [typically can be легковые and грузовые].
slang: жоповозка (a regular car), карета (a good car), ведро (a bad car), гроб (a very bed car), дизель (a diesel drive based car), джип (a 4WD enabled car), корыто (an old car), тазик (an AutoVAZ labeled car), лошадка (a working car), старушка (a beloved car), целка (a new car, or never used/crashed car), металлолом (a crashed car), дыра (a non economic car), помойка (a cheap, very second-hand car), кредитомобиль (a Ford Focus car), пиздовоз(ка) (a car with mostly girls inside), телега (a farm car), и т. д.
also distingushed by model, limited examples only: альмерочка, альмероид (Nissan Almera), [автомобиль] какашкой (Nissan Quashqai), калека (Reno Kaleos), мерин (a Mercedes Benze labeled car), чпокус (Ford Focus), газенваген (a Voltzwagen car), и т.д.
Автомобиль is the "right word", but it's rarely used by the younger generation
Машина is used fairly often
Тачка is more like slang (like "a ride" in english)and people use this often
You decide, anyone is okay.
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...I taught Korean to many native English speakers including high school students preparing for the SAT 2 Korean and American expats relocating to Korea. I graduated from Glendale High School in southern California, received a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from University of California, Berkeley. I was born and grew up in Seoul, Korea.
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...I recently founded a nonprofit that offers tutoring and mentoring programs for children in multicultural families. I am passionate about teaching Korean language to foreign students and families and learning and exchanging other cultures. I taught many students (K-12 students) for 6 years when I was in college and graduate school, helping them with their math, science, and English subjects.
1 Subject: Korean
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I was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. I have over 10 years of tutoring experience working with a wide range of students from pre-K to adults. l taught foreign languages to adults in Seoul for 5 years. I also have over 5 years' experience teaching Korean to students of all ages in the Bay Area.
2 Subjects: including Korean, Chinese
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...Thank you for visiting my page. Before I immigrated to the United States, I finished my Doctor Degree courses at Chosun Graduate School in South Korea. My Master Degree is Comparative Linguistics.
2 Subjects: including Korean, ESL/ESOL
San Francisco, CA
...I've been tutoring students from other countries such as Korea, Turkey, and Spain in English. My students have had a wide range of English skill levels, from beginning to advanced. I like to cover a variety of topics to incorporate my student's personal and academic needs and interests into our discussions and activities.
2 Subjects: including Korean, ESL/ESOL
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Mine went to Sora :D
Vague = not clear.
A clear answer to a question that is answered with yes or no, is "yes" or "no."
Yoshida-san did not say "if certain conditions are met, we'll do it." he said "if certain conditions are met, we'll see."
It's funny that you're in full defense mode in an article that doesn't require any defense, because there's no attack.
The answer is vague. It doesn't include a yes or no. That's the definition of vague. "vague" isn't necessarily positive or negative in this context. It just is.
The article states that the answers were "saw by some" as iffy. Not that they are iffy. The article actually criticizes those who interpreted the answer as iffy.
As for evasive. It's not mentioned even once.
Correct and Precise are two very different things.
In no place the article mentions that what Yoshida-san said is incorrect. As a matter of fact, he said all he could given the circumstances.
It's vague because it does not effectively provide a yes or no response, which he couldn't, and that's exactly the point. We won't get a yes or no response any time soon.
"Every single thing he stated is factually correct. That is th...
Flat, I'm guessing.
Glad to be of service :D
Unfortunately no. There's no firm that counts sales in East Asia markets as far as I'm aware.
No way I'm gonna wait for that lol :D
Nor did I, actually.
@Rashid Sayed: "small portion."
Care to show your magic statistics that we don't have access to?
Also, small or big. This decision saves money for part of the user base, which would have to otherwise spend more for a device that they already have.
Hence, no matter how you try to spin it, it makes perfect sense from the standpoint of customers. Not having to spend money for something twice = good.
What the price is for this or that percentage of the userbase is irrelevant. Sony informed the users that the camera is required, and people will make an informed decision, just as much as the PS4 is required as well.
The point, unless you titled your article in a quite misleading way, is whether the decision makes sense or not from a customer's standpoint, not how much the total expense is.
Saving a lot of people the cost of a device that they already h...
So according to you, it would have made more sense to include something that a lot of people already have (and Sony knows how many better than you do), rising the price for everyone, instead of keeping it as an additional purchase, and saving money for a percentage of the customer base.
Also, my definition of "many" is definitely not wrong. I'm quite sure the number is in the millions, and that definitely fits the definition of "many." I never said &q...
You mean that not including something many people already have to keep the price lower doesn't make sense from their standpoint?
The things you learn.
Not so bad, actually.
I don't know about call of duty, but it's definitely what sold me on PS VR.
It's a "problem" how exactly?
They didn't say this is gonna be released in 2016 in the west, mind you. We might get it next year.
Considering how great the FFXV open world looks and feels, yes, he is.
Must be because the game has just been announced.
Hideo changed SO much since when he left Konami.


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Global forced displacement hits record high
On average, 24 people were newly displaced per minute in 2015
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$97 out of every $100 donated goes directly to the family.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a lifeline for people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution—helping them survive, recover and build a better future.
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Flight across border achingly familiar for some South Sudan familiesADJUMANI, Uganda—Lucy Lul says she realised war was coming when she heard there was a convoy of vehicles on the road from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to Uganda. She and her husband ...
UNHCR viewpoint: 'Refugee' or 'migrant' – Which is right?GENEVA, Aug 27 (UNHCR) – With more than 65 million people forcibly displaced globally and boat crossings of the Mediterranean still regularly in the headlines daily, the terms 'refugee' and 'migrant' are frequently used ...
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It was more than 30 years ago that the original musical Sparkle debuted in theaters. People were introduced to the humble, shy girl optimistically named Sparkle with a talent that went beyond the social ills of her Harlem upbringing in the late '50s. The classic songs and climatic clashes had propelled the film into cult status and when word of a remake was announced in 2010, those same fans were a bit apprehensive about the potential blemishing of their beloved soul musical. But a tenacious producer and loyal fan of the film Whitney Houston was determined to make it happen. This weekend a reimagined Sparkle opens to theaters nationwide and stars of the current film are excited for the project Houston was so passionate about prior to her death earlier this year. In the updated film, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is a songwriter with big dreams but no aspirations. Things change when her eldest sister "Sister" (Carmen Ejogo) agrees to perform her song at a local amateur night. Stix (Derek Luke) a wannabe producer reaches out to Sparkle and her sister and encourage their third, Dolores (Tika Sumpter) to round out the trio. The group rise and fall quickly as the realities of success result in conflicts with their born-again mother Emma, a former singer that's all too aware of the industry pitfalls.
Sparks shared she first saw the original months prior to the audition for the role but immediately identified with the character originally played by Irene Cara during a recent press junket along with Sumpter at the Four Seasons in Atlanta.
"I fell in love with it, says Sparks. "I love anything musical and was completely drawn in. I loved the characters and how it says 'Sparkle' but it's a lot grittier and darker than you think its going to be and I love that twist. I really loved the humbleness and meekness that Irene Cara brought to the character and in the best way that I could, I wanted to bring that to the character I was played. There's a lot of me in Sparkle, so I related to her on a lot of levels."
Sparks, the sixth season winner of American Idol plays the title character. Since her Idol win Sparks has recording a platinum single artist with her duet with Chris Brown "No Air", released two albums: Jordin Sparks and Battlefield. Aside from music, Sparks launched a clothing line, had a stint on Broadway in "In The Heights" and had a few television appearances on teen TV shows The Suite Life On Deck and Big Time Rushas herself, but Sparkle is her first feature role and admits a little nervousness assuming this beloved role as her big screen debut.
"I had such a big task ahead of me," says Sparks. "Sparkle is this loved character and so many girls related to her and Whitney had actually seen this film over and over again, I cannot walk in here and be horrible. It was scary." She accredits the cast for helping her with the role and overcoming her doubts. "They were so great for me. They all gave so much which in turn made me give more."
Her co-star Sumpter, a model and most notably known for her roles on The Gameand Gossip Girl had not seen Sparkle before receiving the role, but says her older siblings were "Obsessed" with the film and reminded her of how beloved it was, which brought about a different set of challenges for her developing Sparkle's sister Dolores (Dee).
"[Dee] didn't have a real voice in the first one so there wasn't anything to build upon, " she explains. " But Mara Brock Akil wrote an amazing script that I had to create a new character from sort of. It wasn't challenging it was fun, and now I feel there's a voice to her - you get to know her dreams and what she stands for." Sumpter has worked with Akil while starring on BET's The Game where she writes and produces the show.
The project was a labor of love for the late Whitney Houston who plays Sparks and Sumpter's mother in the film, Emma, and also served as one of the film's executive producers. It took more than ten years to bring the remake to the big screen. Sparks and Sumpter recall fondly what it was like working with Houston on the project.
"My leg was shaking underneath the table at the table read," Says Sumpter but recalls Houston as warm and generous on set. "She wanted to get to know all of us on a genuine level. She was always there to encourage us. She really wanted all of us to have our moments."
Sparks describes, "When Whitney walked in, we all sat up a little straighter. I was a little intimidated because it was Whitney Houston standing here right now. But she made us all comfortable because she didn't have to be like that - she could have been a diva, she was really sweet." During filming, Sparks received encouragement from her idol that helped her through her scenes. "She was just this ray of light. She told me, 'Believe in your gift. Believe in the talent you have.' That stuck with me. I will never forget that."
Houston's death occurred mere hours before she and Sparks were to embark on their first promotional event for the film together at Clive Davis' red carpet Grammy party. Sparks describes the shocking news and coping with the sudden lost as "surreal."
"I was getting ready for the party and my publicist walks in and says "Whitney's gone," and I said, "What do you mean Whitney's gone - you mean she doesn't want to do the carpet, what do you mean? " And she said no, Whitney has passed. And I pretty much lost all thoughts, feelings, movement just everything - I was didn't know what to do. We turned on the TV and it went across the ticker and my phone just started blowing up and I just lost it. I don't think I've cried that hard, ever - it was so unexpected. I couldn't handle it, so I just cut myself off from everything except my family for about a month."
Sumpter was also in LA when the news of Houston's death was reported.
"I had just got off the phone that day with her assistant because we planning on having lunch and my makeup artist was on the phone with her husband and she goes, "No, no, no!" and then says, "Whitney's gone!" I don't know what happened inside but I just said, No it can't be true it must be some stupid rumor. Then I turned on the news and everyone was calling me and I kept saying, "Oh my God" and I just sat there and just cried."
- Edward Adams
- Sparks (left) and Sumpter spend an afternoon with the press at the Four Season Hotel in Atlanta during their 'Sparkle' press tour.
"It was really hard for all of us," says Sparks. "It was so unexpected and the last time we had all seen here was in Detroit when we were filming the movie and we were all just so happy and so excited - she was just this ray of light, so then the next time we seen each other was at the funeral and it was just surreal. We're not all here for this. We were just laughing together at the table, cracking up. Surreal is the only way I can describe it. Whitney gave so much of herself to the people she became close to and to her fans and you give that much to everyone and the whole world just felt like it stopped for a minute."
As the actors prepare for the upcoming release of the film, memories of Houston dominate the conversations between them. Discussing the environment on set Sparks recalls a fond memory of Houston during a late night shoot.
"We were chilling and I had my iPod and 'Teach me how to dougie' was on, so I just got up and started dancing. Then Tika got up and Carmen and everybody from hair and makeup was up and just having a blast because it was late and feeling squirrelly and trying to keep our energy up and Whitney walks in. She says, "Whats that?" So we explained the song and demonstrate the dance and she said, "Well uh ... show me!" She comes in and just started dancing with us and it was so fun because she was so fun-loving like that, she had the greatest sense of humor and she just wanted to genuinely get to know all of us."
Sumpter concurs. "She could have went to her trailer after shoots saying, "Peace out," but never. She came to set. As executive producer she didn't have to come to set if she didn't want to but she was always there to encourage us. If you were messing with your dress, she would say, "You look great," I love that about Whitney, because she could have been a total Diva if she wanted to - a superstar wanting us to have moments is major."
The memories make the loss bearable it seems for Sparks. "It's been really fun talking about all the memories we've had because sometimes when talking about her - something she said or did, and I feel like she's going to walk through the room."
Houston and her love child Sparkle influenced Sparks beyond acting. The songs and sounds from Mayfield's original soundtrack and songs on the current film's playlist have inspired her to consider exploring and expanding beyond her current pop-influenced, rhythm and blues repertoire.
"Last year I was in this state of limbo, things were happening with my label and I had just left my management so there was no one here to help me go get something so I was sitting there thinking, "Is this it?" Then Sparkle fell into my lap and it was the perfect opportunity. It gave me the chance to do something new like acting as well as get out new music for my fans so it was really perfect. But stylistically it was something different ... something I hadn't done before and really inspired me. I was really excited because I grew up on Mariah and Whitney and Celine and Christina, so my sound right now is I want to do early Mariah, early Whitney and it won't be weird now which it could have been if not for this movie," says Sparks.
Both Sparks and Sumpter are optimistic about the wide release of the film on August 17 and believe it will appeal to fans of the original and a new, younger audience. "Sparkle is a movie that will touch people from all walks of life with its universal themes of family, struggles, love and dreams."
Sparks is currently working on her second feature film, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, starring Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Jeffrey Wright, and Anthony Mackie. The film is scheduled for release in 2013.


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Euthanasia Will Not Give People Dignity Any More Than Abortion Gave People Equality
Florida Fights Judge's Decision Stopping It From Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz
The Florida Attorney General filed arguments this week challenging a judge's decision to block a state law that would take away tax dollars from
Planned Parenthood Abortion Business Closing Six Clinics That Aren't Getting Enough Customers
LifeNews.com has been reporting on the decision by the Planned Parenthood abortion business in Indiana to close a couple of abortion referral
Doctors Sue Vermont for Forcing Them to Promote Killing Their Patients in Assisted Suicides
Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys filed suit in federal court Tuesday against officials in the Vermont Board of Medical Practice and the Office
161 Babies Saved From Abortion as Abortions in Indiana Drop 7 Years in a Row
161. That's the number of babies saved in Indiana last year from abortion compared to the number of unborn children who lost their lives due
Utah Bill to Legalize Assisted Suicide Would Encourage Seniors to Throw Away Their Lives
Attorney Margaret Dore, president of Choice is an Illusion, which has fought assisted suicide legalization efforts in many states, and now Utah,
Police Find Woman Whose Abandoned Newborn Baby Was Found Covered in Maggots
Police said they found the teenage mother who abandoned her newborn baby girl in the bushes of a Lowell, Indiana family's yard last week.
This Pastor's Church is Refusing to Obey California's Mandate That It Pay for Abortions
On July 13, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill known as the Conscience Protection Act—intended to protect the rights of health
"House of Horrors" Abortion Clinic Was So Disgusting It Was Finally Forced to Close Down
It is an abortion facility inspection report that reads like a medical horror novel.
Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Closing Clinic Because It Doesn't Get Enough Customers
A lack of patients has forced the Planned Parenthood facility in Muncie, Indiana to officially shut its doors today, The Star Press reported.
Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Sues Arizona to Stop State From Defunding It
Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union are fighting back against another state law that could take taxpayer dollars away from
Woman Beats Three-Month-Old Baby to Death Because She Would Not Stop Crying
In a horrific case from Wisconsin, police said a woman confessed to beating her 3-month-old daughter (pictured) to death and then blaming her
Judge Blocks Alabama Ban on Dismemberment Abortions That Tear Off Baby's Limbs
A federal judge granted Alabama abortion activists' request on Wednesday and temporarily blocked a new state law banning brutal dismemberment
Elderly, Blind Pro-Life Man Arrested for Trying to Stop Abortion Clinic Staffer From Stealing His Sign
An elderly and disabled pro-life activist was arrested today under suspicious circumstances outside South Wind Women's Center (pictured), located


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VIDEO: Where are they now? Catching up with former high school athletes: Ashley Benson
Tue., Jul. 5, 2016
VIDEO: IU Women's Soccer Coach Amy Berbary on the team's 2016 schedule
Tue., May. 31, 2016
VIDEO: IU Women's Soccer Coach Amy Berbary on winning the Herbert Cup
Fri., May. 27, 2016
VIDEO: Off the court with IU Volleyball
Mon., May. 16, 2016
Hoosier Morning: Weekly Roundup
Fri., May. 13, 2016
VIDEO: Off the court with IU Volleyball
Thu., May. 12, 2016
VIDEO: Off the court with IU Volleyball
Tue., May. 10, 2016
Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett are off the Indiana basketball team.
For now.
The guards did not attend a full-team meeting today after being informed of their status by interim coach Dan Dakich.
But they are telling teammates that they hope the dismissal will turn into more of a suspension. They plan on maintaining their eligibility in hopes that a new coach will allow them back on the team, according to a source close to the situation.
That's good news. I think these young men probably feel lost in the current situation and hopefully with time, things will work out the best.
Uh.. Ok?! Kids these days .. All I can say ..
Do you think Dan had to run the removal past the AD office? I would doubt that he has the authority on his own to do this.
Can we just fire Dakich now, even though we don't have another coach?
I think he probably ran it by the AD. Greenspan is just humoring him and said do what you have to. and then text messaged AB and JE and said we'll talk after Thursday.
please do not blame these guys ellis is a parent and bassett is obviously influenced does anyone disagree that armon is our best player if ej leaves?? didnt think so…. if u claim to have any bball knowledge that is.. dont tell a couple kids "u guys have to kisten to this guy….. kinda…. what do u expect how well did guys except authority at 19???
I don't know why everyone says Dakich is gone in a few days. He just signed a contract extension a week or two ago that keeps him at IU until June 2009.
Dakich is a cocky son-of-a-gun that no one would want to play for. He chooses favorites, and those he hates (for absolutely no reason). Fire Dakich, Fire Greenspan, take Armon and Ellis back, then get Rick Pitino in there to right the ship
IU Alum, I just thought of that as well. This makes for an interesting situation.
Wow. what a mess.
I wish this could have waited another week or two to happen. But I see the sense of urgency given OUR SEASON is OVER! I mean come on.
Get a clue people…………if these 2 players can't follow the rules with Sampson, Dakich, what makes you think they will follow the rules with a new coach. Sampson should be spanked for letting them get away with what they did. They should be packing their bags now. I applaud Dakich for doing something about their behavior. Our town will be a lot better off without them. Don't you think they have caused enough grief to this community? I feel sorry for Dan Dakich, as he has had to deal with these thugs that Sampson brought in……..you know the ones that can't make their grades, the ones who party all the time, get caught with drugs, but have no consequences? Being a Bloomington resident for over 40 years, it is discouraging to have these kids come to our town and set bad examples for our kids in our community. It is a crying shame……
Dan, bring back character to Indiana Basketball. Bring back the Indiana boys. The ones who are diciplined, the ones who care about the team and the ones who follow the rules, not because they have to, but because they want to. Let's get the kids who will be here through thick and thin for 4 years. The ones whose parents aren't hoping that they will be making a million the following year…. The ones who can be great team players, the ones who can be good examples for our community. The ones who put others first including the University who is paying for their Education. The ones who will make a difference when their basketball days are all over. That is what Indiana Basketball used to be about. I believe Dan Dakich knows this and will see to it that it gets done right. I always told me kids to DO WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT WHAT IS POPULAR!
He should have choked them.
Well, Bassett is from Terre Haute, so I'm not sure what you mean by "Indiana boys". I suppose I could read into it that you mean "white". And as for the type of player you want to bring in, that's fine, but when IU loses 20 games a season, I don't want to see you complaining about it. DJ White, Lance Stemler, Eric Gordon, these players are all good leaders/hard workers, and only Gordon is from Indiana. This incident is just more indicative of how messed up the situation is. And doesn't it have some effect on the coaching search? Just a horrible situation right now.
Good. Hopefully they can probe themselves to the new coach. DD is very cocky and I hope he is gone soon.
1) I think Dan was right for kicking them off.
2) Not so sure I want them back with their attitudes……..I don't care how talented they are.
"Take some of your friends with you?"
"Indiana boys?"
Is there anyway I can filter out white trash comments?
If Dakich is cocky, then Pitino is…well never mind.
Who is in the running for coach that they want to name by Thursday?
I don't see Basset wanting to sit out a year. Especially Ellis with only one year left. If they were warned before hand what else is a coach to do?
Indiana was built on doing things the right way. Kudos to Dakich for having the courage to kick out the drug users and rule breakers during this difficult time. I'm proud of him and wish him the best.
IU has officially bottomed out….as a fan and current student at the superior university a few hours north i am thrilled. This will be hard to recover from. When you recruit weak dbags that will use your "prestigious" university for a year and leave and hire a coach that has a history of cheating what do you expect. Good luck being the fourth best team in indiana next year…maybe fifth if iupui is looking at a decent squad.
And I thought the storm was over…
The good news, Kyle Taber for President, and team captain.
Congratulations Myles, your master plan to turn Indiana Basketball into a laughing stock is nearly complete. I am sure Thursday's coaching announcement will make your dream a reality.
BTW Rick Greenspan, you're the best!!!!!!!you loser!!!
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IU owes Covington a real opportunity! He sacrificed for us when called [...]
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Major League Baseball News, MLB
Wed, 05/16/2012 - 10:16pm
Adrian vows to go deep, takes shot at ump
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Local sports games and events on the air on Saturday, July 23.
OAKLAND, Calif.-Two of the best pitching performances the Oakland A's have seen this year were in the rear view mirror by the time Coco Crisp delivered a 1-0 win for Oakland over Tampa Bay with an RBI single in the bottom of the 13th. …
Luke Mulholland scored in the 64th minute to lift Real Salt Lake into a 1-1 home draw with San Jose on Friday. …
Rugby player Isadora Cerullo never lived in Brazil. Fencer Ghislain Perrier speaks very little Portuguese. Golfer Miriam Nagl played abroad most of her life.
Left-hander met 8-year-old Liam Shipley during a photo shoot for a calendarDuffy was saddened to hear the news of Shipley's passing earlier this month …
After retiring and then un-retiring, Michael Phelps will be in Rio as the first U. S. male swimmer to compete in five Olympics.


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Posted in USA December 07, 2015
Here Are The Most Enchanting Spots In All 50 States
America abounds with incredible natural wonders. Each state offers something uniquely spectacular that is sure to delight visitors. You may have heard of several of these spots, while others are lesser-known gems. Read on to discover the most enchanting spots across our magnificent country.
The 90-foot Noccalula Falls are truly enchanting. Noccalula Falls Park is listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. 1500 Noccalula Rd., Gadsden.
Located on the south coast of Alaska, Kodiak Island is the second-largest island in the United States. Lush forests cover much of the island, and the quiet bays provide refuge for wildlife.
The sandstone buttes of Monument Valley are so picturesque that they're featured in many Western movies. Located at the Arizona-Utah border, near the four-corners area.
Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas, with an elevation of 2,700 feet. The view from the Southern overlook is enchanting.
McWay Falls is a "tidefall," which means that it meets the ocean during high tide. It's one of only two in the region. The best view is from above.
Crystal Lake is located in Ouray, in the San Juan National Forest. It's a bit of a hike to get there, but well worth it.
This charming little village is just what you expect New England to look like. Find quaint shops, white clapboard cottages and a lighthouse.
The 782-square mile bay is fed by multiple rivers. It's marshes and salt flats are home to many species of birds, as well as horseshoe crabs and oysters.
Just north of Orlando, the Ocala National Forest includes more than 600 lakes, rivers and natural springs. Hike, camp, fish and swim.
Take the ferry to Cumberland Island to visit wild horses, turtles and birds. It's a car-free zone, so you'll enjoy a quiet, peaceful afternoon.
It's often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and for good reason. You'll see craggy mountain peaks, lush greenery and stunning waterfalls.
Shoshone Falls, known as "The Niagara of the West", is one of the true great waterfalls of the North American continent. The falls of the Snake River plunge 212 feet over a horseshoe shaped formation over 900 feet in width. The beauty is captivating from the moment you see it.
An absolute gem in the middle of Rockford is Anderson Japanese Gardens, an authentic 12-acre Japanese Garden filled with scents of flowers and pines. The gardens are in a "pond strolling" garden with several waterfalls and ponds, streams, rock formations and winding paths. It is the perfect place to unwind and clear your mind.
Brown County State Park is the largest of 24 state parks in Indiana, and occupies 15,776 acres. The park is known for its scenic views of the hills of southern Indiana and is stunning year-round.
Located in Jackson County, The Maquoketa Caves State Park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. The park itself covers 370 acres nestled among hardwood trees and high bluffs. With approximately thirteen caves, a great experience awaits you at this interesting and unique state park.
Cowley Lake spills over a ledge at 20 feet and into a wood-shaded stream below. The falls are refreshingly beautiful and can be found at the west end of the 84-acre Cowley Lake in Dexter.
Mammoth Cave National Park is a U.S. National Park in central Kentucky, encompassing portions of Mammoth Cave, the longest cave system known in the world. Kayak into the Lost River Cave for an enchanting experience.
Stunning beauty can be found at Oak Alley Plantation along the banks of the Mississippi in the community of Vacherie. Oak Alley is a historic plantation named for its distinguishing visual feature, an alley path, created by a double row of southern live oak trees about 800 feet long.
Cadillac Mountain is located on Mount Desert Island, within Acadia National Park. At 1,530 ft., it is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From October 7 through March 6 of each year, it is the first place to view a sunrise in the United States.
Ladew Topiary Gardens was named one of the "Top 5 Gardens in North America" and is world-renowned for its topiary and flower gardens. The exquisite grounds contain 15 garden rooms, each devoted to a single color, plant or theme, arranged around two cross axes with vistas.
As the highest waterfall in the state, Bash Bish Falls are made up of a series of cascades, nearly 200 feet, with the final cascade being split into twin falls then dropping in an 80-foot "V" over boulders to a serene pool below. The falls are captivating and are located in the Taconic Mountains of southwestern Massachusetts.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a beautiful seven mile scenic drive that takes you through deep forests, over sand dunes and provides you with a number of scenic outlooks. It is located within Sleeping Bear National Park and available stops allow you the viewing pleasure of the awe-inspiring lakes in the area.
Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this stunning state park offers spectacular views, several waterfalls, unique sea caves, and a historic lighthouse. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, camping and fishing.
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this park is home to Bear Creek Canyon along with generous outcroppings of limestone and sandstone, making for some rugged rock formations. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway runs directly through the park.
Descend into a world of wonder and explore Onondaga Cave. The stalactite and stalagmite formations are simply stunning. If you prefer to stay on the surface, enjoy the Vilander Bluff Natural Area and bucolic Meramec River.
The gorgeous Glacier National Park spans over one million acres and encompasses portions of two mountain ranges, both subranges of the Rocky Mountains. Some of the park's most spectacular sights include Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake, and Bearhat Mountain.
An iconic landmark on the Oregon Trail, this strangely-shaped rock seems almost supernatural. You'll find it near Bayard, off U.S. Route 26. A National Historic Site, the visitor center provides some interesting exhibits on westward migration.
Located in the Mojave Desert, Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park. You'll find stunning rock formations and 3000-year-old Native American petroglyphs.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and it contains over 250 natural islands. A popular vacation destination, Winnipesaukee is a gorgeous glacial lake offering a wide variety of recreational opportunities and magnificent mountain views.
The southernmost tip of the state, Cape May beaches are breathtaking and the entire town is loaded with charm. You'll find some interesting attractions in the area including an abandoned bunker on the beach and a wrecked ship jutting out above the water.
This park features over 119 caves, the most popular of which is Carlsbad Cavern. Carlsbad Cavern is one of the largest caves in the world, offering a variety of "rooms" including the Balloon Ballroom, Halloween Hall, Green Lake Room, and Hall of Giants (pictured).
Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the Ontario/New York border. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie entirely within the state of New York. Much of Horseshoe Falls lie in Canada. Striking all seasons, the falls are even more enchanting when illuminated at night.
Hanging Rock State Park is located in the Sauratown Mountain Range and is home to five waterfalls including the lovely Lower Cascade Falls, pictured.
What could be more enchanting than gorgeous gardens dedicated to the promise of peace? The gardens lie on the North Dakota/Manitoba border and feature a cairn inscribed with the following pledge between the United States and Canada: "TO GOD IN HIS GLORY, we two nations dedicate this garden and pledge ourselves that as long as men shall live, we will not take up arms against one another."
There is just so much to explore at this incredible state park in Logan. Enjoy the lakes, falls, caves and abundance of recreational activities while taking in some spectacular views.
Nestled in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains sits Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a park that consists of almost 10,000 acres. Streams, lakes, mineral and freshwater springs make this spot a delightful getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. The water of Travertine Creek maintains an average temperature of 65 degrees year round, and is a favorite swimming hole in the hot, summer months.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country, and it's absolutely stunning.
Rickett Glen is a beautiful gem of a state park in Pennsylvania. At over 13,000 acres, this beautiful forest has 24 gorgeous waterfalls and wonderful hiking opportunities.
Block Island is absolutely picturesque. Home to a huge variety of wildlife and song birds, the scenic island was named one of "The Last Great Places" by The Nature Conservatory.
This beautiful state park in Greenville County, South Carolina, boasts incredible panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The photograph above shows a gorgeous view of Table Rock.
Mount Rushmore is pretty amazing, but our choice for the most enchanting place in South Dakota is the otherworldly Badlands National Park.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park, and for good reason. The beautiful mountain range is full of lush forests, wild flowers, stunning wildlife, and incredible views.
Big Bend State Park is a phonomenal desert paradise in west Texas. One astounding feature is the otherworldly Santa Elena Canyon, photographed above.
Heidi Alsup
The Watchman towers over Zion National Park -- the most popular of Utah's five national parks. Located in the Southern portion of the state, Zion offers plenty of hiking, bouldering, and wildlife-watching.
Lake Champlain is a large, stunningly gorgeous lake with lovely reflective water and a number of beautiful islands.
Virginia is home to the beautiful Shenandoah National Park, a wildlife area including part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. The park features amazing peaks, waterfalls, and the popular Skyline Drive scenic route.
Cape Flattery is an incredible feature of the northernmost Washington coast, in Clallam County. The rock features, greenery, and ocean views are absolutely magical.
Blackwater Falls State Park is full of cascading waterfalls and colorful foliage. The forest is especially enchanting in Autumn.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin is home to some absolutely magical ice caves, natural structures adorned in crystalline icicles.
How could we resist? Yellowstone National park is out-of-this-world beautiful.
Are you already planning your next vacation? We certainly are. Visit any of these spectacular spots, we doubt you'll be disappointed.