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This week, we've interviewed the Rev. Laura Cheifetz. Rev. Cheifetz works as the Director of the Leading Generations Initiative at the Fund for Theological Education, which is located at Emory in Atlanta, GA. Previously, Laura was the Director for the Common Ground Project here at McCormick. That's where I first met Laura when I was a first-year student. She hired me on as one of her student-assistants; one of the greatest privileges I've ever gotten. She has a contagious laugh and always has fun music playing in her office. She also gives pretty good advice. Enjoy!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz and I was born in San Francisco, CA, from Poulsbo, WA. I was a Sociology major (and department student of the year, cum laude, with Honors) at Western Washington University. I graduated from McCormick with an M.Div in 2005 and I lived in the 1400 building while I was there.
What was something you were looking for when considering seminaries?
A couple of things. I looked at the financial package, diversity, urban, a place that would train me for ministry, and mostly… the right community vibe.
What was it that led you to McCormick?
Well, Harvard didn't give me a great financial package. That helped narrow the field a bit. The other two full rides offers were at seminaries that didn't give off the right vibe for me. I was led to McCormick based on the awesome vibe from the other students and prospective students. Also, Theresa Cho, on a student panel, said something about Asian American feminist theology and I was sold. I did think that remaining on the West and East coasts was a cop-out and I needed to know what it was like to live in a fly-over part of the country. I also knew that my brain was in fine shape, and so was my ego. I was a little worried that if I went to one of those big-name seminaries at that time I would become even more arrogant. Given my sometimes painful self-awareness, I knew what I really needed more than anything was for my heart to be shaped into the heart of a pastor. McCormick appeared to be the place for that.
Can you tell us a little about your time at McCormick as a student?
I was at McCormick with some really amazing classmates. I will always be grateful for them and for the great faculty I learned from, such as Homer Ashby, Hearn Chun, David Daniels, Joanne Lindstrom, Lib Caldwell, etc.
What was your field site experience like?
I did field studies at Interfaith Council for the Homeless, with the Rev. John Hobbs. He was a really great supervisor, and the social workers there taught me a lot. I think John taught me the most about how to be a really great pastor with parishioners while also being myself. I then did a full-time seven-month internship at a bilingual church in San Francisco. It was a really good growing experience. I was in some really difficult real-life situations in regards to immigration, community and staff relations, etc. I also found that preaching in my second language could be really hit and miss, and preparation was really important.
Well, what are you doing now?
I am working at The Fund for Theological Education as Director of the Leading Generations Initiative. I do alumni relations, development, and work with the Lilly Endowment on the Transition into Ministry project. I get to work with the coolest people in these programs. I feel so fortunate to have great colleagues. I learn something new about leadership every day, and we have a blast together. And, I'm graduating from North Park University in May of 2011 with an MBA!
How did McCormick equip you for ministry?
I could have learned how to be a Presbyterian minister anywhere, but McCormick has made me into myself as a minister! I learned how to listen to others and work together with people very different from myself. I also learned to drive my own learning process. When I needed to get more perspectives, I audited extra courses at McCormick or other seminaries. I learned how to be wrong, because every day I found something to be wrong about. I also learned how to stand my ground when it really mattered. I learned how to analyze and navigate complicated political situations.
I found a really solid and supportive community that has continued to be sustaining as we have all been out working in the world. What has been most helpful was developing my own voice as a person of color in a bipolar racial framework. Now that I live and work in Atlanta, being able to navigate a black-white framework in a much more complicated and diverse world is invaluable.
What would you love to go back and do again?
I would not go back. I went when I went and it was sufficient.
Any parting words of wisdom?
Not all these words are my words: Life is awesome and ministry is a gift. Don't force it and don't waste it. Know thyself. As someone who works with people, never underestimate the power of projection. Learn from other people's mistakes and your own. And hey, God loves you! Try and live that out by being kind (but never a doormat) and making sure everyone gets something to eat.
Awesome! Thanks Laura. For more information on the work that Rev. Cheifetz does, check out the link above for the FUND. There are some great opportunities there!
Until next time!
Peace ~ Shelley D.
« Meet Session member, Marge Vander Wagen A Presidential Interview with President of McCormick, Cynthia Campbell »


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Mini has just released details of an aggressive new pricing strategy spanning most of its NZ model range. The entry price for a new Mini will now start at $27,900 and the recommended retail price of most new models will be reduced by between four or five thousand dollars.
This new competitive pricing will make Mini a more accessible option for those looking at purchasing a small, economical hatch in the NZ market.
"This price realignment will mean many more Mini fans can share in the dynamic go-kart like driving experience of this premium small car," said the Managing Director of BMW Group, Mark Gilbert.
"Mini is renowned for its fun to drive and playful, boundary pushing nature, and is one of only a few brands which has an iconic 50 year plus heritage. Most people have a special memory or experience with Mini and this will give more motorists the opportunity to re-engage with their Mini experience."
The entry model to the range, Mini Ray, is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and weighs just 1135kg. Fuel economy is frugal at 5.4-litres per 100km combined. Continue reading "Mini slashes pricing on most NZ models" »

subset: commoncrawl


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This category is for United States Navy admirals, to include those of the rank of commodore. Personnel in this category should not be simultaneously listed in Category:United States Navy officers.
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Admirals of the United States Navy.
This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia. A portion of the proceeds from advertising on Digplanet goes to supporting Wikipedia.


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MT. PLEASANT, MI — It all started last year with Erick Layton and that couldn't have gone any better, so Mid-Michigan Community College basketball coach Kaleb House is tapping the Flint Hamady pipeline again this year.
House last week announced his recruiting class for the 2014-15 season, and it includes two more Hamady graduates: Jamil Demps and Jomontae Wheeler.
Wheeler, a 2013 graduate and 5-foot-9 point guard, played in three games at Division III Olivet College last season before transferring to MMCC for the spring semester. He got to know the coaching staff and House said he helped steer him toward Demps, a Flint Journal all-area second team selection.
"We're real excited," House said. "The scoring ability that Erick brought to our team last year (Layton averaged more than 21 points per game) is coming back again, Jomontae adds some of that toughness and point guard ability and Jamil is just a playmaker; he's fun to watch."
House expects Demps and Wheeler to compete for playing time at point guard on a team that returns only five players from last season. MMCC introduced a 13-person class last week, boosting its roster size to 18, making playing time competitive entering the 2014-15 season. The program remains relatively new, having just started in 2012 and been apart of the National Junior College Athletic Association the last two years.
The Lakers went 15-13 last season and reached the NJCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.
Demps, a 5-foot-10 point guard, averaged more than 15 points, four assists and three steals per game for Hamady during the 2013-14 season, helping the Hawks to a 15-0 start. They lost two of their final three games, including a Class C district semifinal to Beecher, but Hamady coach Kenyada Dent in the spring called Demps the best point guard in Genesee County.
"It's a good chance for both of them to get some experience on the collegiate level," Dent said. "I know both of those guys will end up at a Division I or II school in the next year or so."
Aaron McMann covers sports at The Flint Journal. Contact him at email@example.com; follow him on Twitter @AaronMcMann.


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Hackney Council has refused a planning application by the strictly Orthodox Agudas Israel Housing Association for an £8 million special-needs school and housing development because of the potential "overbearing impact" on neighbours.
The rejection has dismayed Agudas Israel chief executive, Ita Symons, who said: "Our application was totally compliant with all the laws, it satisfied all the criteria. The problem is the neighbours. They don't want more Orthodox Jews in the area.
"Hackney Council don't want to deal with the anger from the neighbours so they've refused it — and they don't have to deal with the appeal. I have no doubt we will win the appeal."
The development is for a kindergarten and junior school for 110 children, both special-needs and mainstream, learning side by side, a project Agudas Israel rescued when it hit financial problems. The school would get the land for free, in return for permission to build 14 housing units for Orthodox Jews on top.
Noise and disturbance to neighbours of the Lordship Road development was one of three reasons for the rejected application — the other two were design related.
Mrs Symons said she understood why neighbours might not welcome an influx of Orthodox Jews. "We look different, we don't integrate very much, we have a starkly different culture. Of course some of the men don't speak to ladies and that's interpreted as awkward and rude. I hope with education and information and an open mind on both sides that this can improve."
A Hackney spokesperson said the council would not comment further.


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Have you visited Dr. David Cantrell? Rate you experience below.
Internal Medicine Physicians in Marietta, GA
Dr. David Cantrell specializes in internal medicine in Marietta, Georgia.
Dr. David Cantrell has been compared 105 times. Details of Dr. Cantrell's 29 years experience as an MD, his hospital affiliation and education at Mercer University are available on your free doctor report.
Dr. David Cantrell has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5) with a rating of Very Good based on 4 reviews.
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Dr. David Cantrell has been identified as specializing in Internal Medicine.
He obtained board certification from The American Board of Internal Medicine for Internal Medicine.
A hospital affiliation covers any doctor who has an affiliation, association or admitting privilege with a hospital. A doctor's particular affiliation to a specific hospital can translate to the overall quality of that provider.
Dr. Cantrell is affiliated with 1 hospital:
Dr. Cantrell attended medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine and graduated in 1987 having 29 years experience.
While there is no proven correlation between the quality of one's educational institution and the quality of one's professional competence, it is often an indicator. Medical schools have various levels of selectivity (some are harder to get into than others), and both the quality of their clinical training and level of research are measured. Additional medical training in both residency and fellowships and the facilities they are conducted at also provide a history of the doctors' level of training and experience.
Patients may also know Dr. David Cantrell MD as:
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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Voters will decide Tuesday whether Democrat Anthony "Alann" Johnson or Republican Willie "W.A." Casey will fill the Alabama House District 53 seat vacated by the death of longtime Rep. Demetrius Newton Sr. in September.
Johnson in January won in a runoff against Arthur Shores Lee 56 percent to 44 percent. Casey ran unopposed in the Republican primary.
The winner of the general election will not serve long - District 53 was eliminated from the Birmingham area in the latest redistricting plan. Following the 2014 elections, District 53 will be moved to the Huntsville area, and whoever wins the seat in April will have to run for another seat in 2014 in order to stay in the Alabama House.
Lee has qualified to run in the June Democratic primary against District 60 Rep. Juandalynn Givan.
Johnson's name does not appear on a list posted on the Alabama Secretary of State's website of Democrats who have qualified to run in the June legislative primary.
Casey has not qualified to run for the legislature in the June Republican primary, according to the secretary of state's website.
Anthony "Alann" Johnson is the executive director of Leadership Jefferson County, a non-profit start-up leadership program, an associate minister at Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church, and the president of the Titusville community. If he is elected, Johnson said he'd fight charter schools, fight for voting rights, Alabama constitutional reform, economic development, Medicaid expansion, and work to find a resolution for Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. Transit in Birmingham would also be a major concern, Johnson said.
"Lord have mercy, we need a sustainable source of revenue for transit," Johnson told AL.com.
Willie "W.A." Casey
(This biography is from the Alabama GOP website): "Casey served four years of active duty as a Drill Sergeant for the United States Army. He spent one of those years fighting in Korea and was the inter-service Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Following his military career, Casey attended Central State University in Ohio, where he was elected Outstanding Marketing Student his senior year. Upon graduation, Casey moved to Birmingham and became the first African-American manager at J.C. Penney's. Casey currently works as a real estate broker and is deacon at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church...
Casey says that Birmingham "needs someone with a small business mindset who has the know-how and determination to restore Birmingham and improve the lives and livelihood of its citizens."


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For years our family has tried to find ways to live within our means, especially at Christmas. Over time, we've found ways to make the most of whatever money we have, and we've come up with some helpful ideas.
The first thing we do is determine how much we can spend this year. There are many things we want to buy -- gifts, new decorations, cards, a huge tree, and remembrances for all the neighbors. But we try to be realistic about what we can afford.
The next step is to plan how we'll spend our dollars.
One year our family decided to take the majority of the money and buy a bright red, wool coat for my mother. She loved it and wore it for years.
Making your own gifts can save money. There are projects that don't take much time, such as a framed picture of a family member or a personal note to a loved one. A simple plate of cookies decorated with chocolate kisses shows we remembered.
Children can learn at an early age the joy of giving gifts. When the twins, Katie and Nicholas, were five years old we decided they needed to learn about giving. We went to a dollar store where they could buy gifts for each member of their family. I continue to treasure my gift of an angel.
By knowing our holiday spending limit and planning ahead, we avoid spending more than we can afford.


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Rep. Kenny Marchant
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I celebrate the grand opening of Maxim Integrated Products Inc.'s new campus in Farmers Branch, Texas on March 23, 2012.
As a semiconductor company headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Maxim's presence in North Texas began in 2001 when it acquired Dallas Semiconductor. Maxim is an impressive Fortune 1000 business with annual revenues of $2.5 billion and approximately 9,300 employees worldwide, of which nearly 1,400 operate in Texas. The Farmers Branch campus will employ 800 people and is Maxim's second-largest site in the United States. It is the centerpiece for the design of integrated circuits and engineering as well as business management functions such as finance, marketing and customer service.
The 18.5-acre campus will be home to the 138,000 square-foot, employee-named Lone Star Building. The Lone Star Building will house 528 employees with the potential to accommodate a total of 650 people. The building is unique and features state-of-the-art, energy-efficient technology that includes automated lighting and control systems to reduce energy consumption by 37 percent. It also enjoys double-paned insulated windows with low e-coating, a chilled water air conditioning system and a roof that reflects heat.
Maxim has been active in the community by sponsoring the October 2011 Dallas Susan G. Komen ``Race for the Cure,'' with 80 employees participating. Through proactive environmental efforts, the site also recycled more than 90 tons of materials in 2010, including glass, cardboard, paper, metal, plastic and batteries.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Maxim Integrated Products on the grand opening of its Farmers Branch campus. I am proud to represent Farmers Branch, and I am grateful for the hundreds of jobs the company provides to the North Texas community.
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Letter from the Public Printer
Dear Prospective Bidder:
Thank you for your interest in the Government Publishing Office (GPO). For more than 150 years, the GPO has supplied printing and binding services to Congress and agencies of the Federal Government. Most of the agency work is now purchased from commercial printers.
GPO is committed to providing all qualified potential contractors with an equal opportunity to take part in its competitive bidding process. There are advantages to the taxpayer, the Government, and to the industry by increasing the number of contractors participating in the bid process. I invite your participation and hope you will be doing business with the GPO in the future.
I appreciate your interest in the GPO and encourage your participation in its nationwide procurement program.
Quick Links
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Most of the supposed "chemtrail" videos out there are simply videos of persistent contrails that the video maker somehow has decided are part of a giant world-wide conspiracy involving spraying something for some purpose.
But some videos are actually deliberate hoaxes, either by pranksters poking fun at the chemtrail community, or by people looking to promote the theory for one reason or another.
The above video comes from TankerEnemy, an Italian chemtrail proponent. It very clearly shows aerodynamic contrails coming from the wings of a KC-10. The pilots on the cockpit are heard joking about it being "chemtrails". TankerEnemy, not being a native english speaker, misses this and thinks they are being serious. He then goes on to "analyze" the video, and points to the flap mechanisms as being nozzles.
The original video was posted by USAFFEKC1OA as a joke (on July 14th 2010, under his original account USAFFEKC10, see here). He later updated the description to read:
USAFFEKC1O | July 17, 2010
It was fun playing with all the chemtrailers but you guys are way to gullible!!
And commented:
You guys who keep saying "TOO LATE" need to think before you open your mouth…I don't care that the videos are still out there and going viral. THAT WAS THE WHOLE POINT OF THE PRANK!!!! …for all of you chemtrail idiots to get all excited as if these videos are the holy grail of chemtrail videos and for me and my friends to laugh at you while you spread them. The more passionate you guys are about this, the more entertaining it is for those of us who live in the real world. Keep on spreading!!
The video has indeed "gone viral", at least within the chemtrail community. This means TankerEnemy will ether have to admit he was wrong, or continue to assert that the video is real evidence of spraying, even though it's painfully obvious that it is not. Unfortunately he's chosen the latter.
He later uploaded the original video, commenting:
This is the original unadulterated video that started all the fuss. It is completely authentic and no camera tricks were used. It is simply a couple of KC-10's in formation and the audio you hear is just us poking fun at all the "chemtrail" conspiratorists. I knew when I shot the video that this would be catnip for all the conspiratorists out there. Yeah, the contrails have an odd way of "starting" and "stopping" but that is easily explained with physics. It's no different than the lenticular clouds that form over a mountain or the fog that flows from an open freezer. So, stop being so gullible, kids. There are truely bad things in the world but this isn't one of them!
Air Force Pilots Chatting While Filming A Chemtrail Being Sprayed
This is an interesting one. It's NOT FAKE, but it just shows a plane leaving contrails. The pilots are chatting, but just about some test they are taking.
The reason it's even listed as a "chemtrail" video is the unusual perspective of the shot. It looks rather unusual, and impressive. So some people think it's either chemtrails, or a fake. But it's just contrails. That's what they look like when you are closely following a plane.
This one is less popular, perhaps because it's more obviously fake. It shows some video from inside a cockpit (looks like an Airbus A321) with someone flipping a switch labeled "CHEMTRAIL ON/OFF". The video then intercuts the cockpit view with a variety of shots of contrails, implying that the switch created contrails.
It's hard to take the video seriously. The "chemtrail on/off" labels is obviously hand made, and simply stuck over the existing "Foot Warmer" switch on the switch panel on the right size of the Airbus panel.
Germany becomes the first country to admit chemtrail ops
That's a real news story about chaff interfering with the weather radar. However the english subtitles have been faked to make it look like it's a story on "chemtrails". See full explanation here:
Ultimate Proof – Chemtrails
Those two are clearly just jokes by PogoPoint99, but are amusing takes on the whole chemtrail culture.
People are just posting these videos for their own amusement. It's a bit unfortunate that they then "go viral" and are used to support the chemtrail theory. But the silver lining here is that the videos are very easily demonstrated to be fake, and I would hope that any chemtrail believer that gets initially taken in my them might pause for a few moments after they discover what the videos actually are.
If you so quickly and easily believed these videos, then how many other things are there that you have quickly and unquestioningly believed in the past? Perhaps it's time to start questioning things?
510 Responses to "Fake, Hoax, Chemtrail Videos"
Hi Uncinus,
It is true that many people believing in chemtrails take jokes very seriously. On a Dutch forum called Airwork.nl a person asked about chemtrails which resulted in the members talking as if it was something top secret.
One made up this checklist which is still believed to be genuine by the chemtrail community:
Operations Manual 18.104.22.168:
1. CHEMICAL DISPATCH (CHEMTRAIL) Operations
For normal Chemtrail Operation refer to AOM 18.104.22.168.1.
For maximum wind components refer to AOM 188.8.131.52.2.
For minima applicable to dispatch with equipment unservicable refer to AOM 2.6.
Minima due to abnormal aircraft configuration are published in the respective ECL procedure.
– CHEMICAL DISPENSER START (Air only)
– CHEMICAL DISPENSER Selector……….OFF
Dispatch requirements:
– 8 Full bottles (a 666 sq. km = 5328 sq. km)
– Check fluoride level in potable water is at least 4.5 %
– Refer to MEL 4.5 23-2
(Not Applicable)
– This alert is Illuminati when:
– IQ selector is set to less than 23.
– Pax o/b who are the result of a marriage between cousins.
* CHEM DISP in ON position:
* Advise pax out of the blue that everything is in order.
CHEM DISP remains displayed
– No restart attempt should be made.
CHEM DISP no longer displayed
– Start attempts may be repeated
– Refer to Limitations and Systems data 2.4.4-4
Procedure completed
This alert is Illuminati when the CHEM DISP DOOR is not in the commanded position.
On ground:
– Contact NWO/MiB (VHF 151.51 or Grid number 51)
In air:
– Continue
Procedure completed.
**** Passenger discretion is advised ****
This alert is Illuminati when CHEMICAL DISPENSER Chemicals are low
* No restart attempt should be made
– Refill as soon as possible. Diversions are optional, in concern with NWO Chemtrail Operations, Rachel, Nevada, USA.
Procedure completed.
– The CHEMICAL DISPENSER can be used in the air only.
– If Crosswind components at >FL100 exceed 15 kts operation is not advised.
– Bleed air can be supplied in air for 3 packs and in flight till 15000 ft press. altitude for 1 pack.
– Each CHEMICAL DISPENSER is supplied with 2 bottles; 1 bottle can be used for approx 666 sq. km.
– In case pax discretion is violated, advise Chemtrail Operations immidiatly and have pax diagnosed with any mental illness.
– If possible, a grid flightpath is to be followed. Air Traffic Control is obliged to cooperate. Extended flight times (delays) may be blamed on Air Traffic Control, Ground Employees and weather.
– It's the Commander's responsibility that Chemical Operations are done in accordence with the AOM, and within the time limits stated by the New World Order.
– When Chemical Operations are in progress, Bilderberg accomodation may be used during nightstops only.
If questions arise, contact +1 800 NEW WORLD (+1 800 63996753)
Uncinus, thanks for the updates with the new videos. Alex Jones already posted this guys video with the KC-10.
Funny thing is, they always write things like this "Don't listen to hoaxers who repeat that this document is false or similar lies."
This gave me a good giggle – mind you anything involving cranks who live in a fantasy world where every single object is out to get you is funny
These crackpot twerps make my day – frozen water is deadly and can make you ill! UFOs are real despite the laws of physics prohibiting them from even getting a foot off the ground. And so on and so forth with every other irrational and idiotic fantasy.
I think that Alex Jones has a theme song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJosB7SEmOY
(Napoleon XIV "They're Coming To Take Me Away Haa Haa!).
Reminds me of the dihydrogen monoxide hoax several years ago; laughed at that too! The imagination is a cruel tyrant it would seem… all it needs is a mental hospital and a friendly psychiatrist.
For years now, you have been dismissing everything that has been reported as a chemtrail to be nothing more than a 'persistent' or 'lingering' contrail. Even when conditions are so extremely unlikely for contrail formation to occur. No matter where the location is or what the weather conditions are, or what season it is etc…, when a plane leaves a trail in the sky that does not dissipate, it is always just nothing more than a contrail. Even on days when it is 110 degrees with no humidity and not a cloud in the sky because it is so dry, you still claim that the long lingering persistent trails are nothing more than contrails formed by ice crystals. As perposterous as that claim sounds, lets just say for the sake of argument that you are always right and everyone that is concerned about these contrail anomalies are just a bunch of nut cases as you so desperately attempt to portray them as. Your explanation as to why people have only been noticing them since about ten years ago or so is because of the increase in air traffic. And of course, lets not forget how you tell everyone that their childhood memories are not really what they think they are because they just aren't remembering it correctly. So, I started noticing these lines in the sky about 8 years ago. They caught my attention because I have been an avid sky watcher all of my life. Night or day, it doesn't matter, I have always been fascinated with it. I did not even know what a chemtrail was, never heard of the term before. At first I was very curious, then when I would watch the sky become totally blanketed with this stuff and watch it slowly settle to the ground, I too became worried because this is not consistent with vapors formed by ice crystals, especially on a day in the middle of summer when the temperature is above 110 degrees. Just not possible for a contrail to linger under those conditions at 1000 feet above sea level. Anyway, these things that you like to call persistent contrails have been occuring on a daily basis for years now. As I said before, no matter what the criteria is, you always claim that it is perfectly normal contrail behavior. In fact, I can recall very few days over the past 8 years or more that the sky has been void of them.
So here's my dilemma. Approximately 30 days ago, the activity came to a stop. There has not been a single contrail in the sky. There has been no change in the flight map that you love to point out to people to show them how much air traffic is actually in the sky on a daily basis as the reason why there are so many contrails. In fact, there have been a significant number of days in the past 30 of which the wheather conditions would be quite favorable for contrail formation. Yet, I can sit and watch the sky all day now trying to find a plane leaving a contrail and it just is not happing. It's as if someone has just turned the switch off. All of a sudden, in an instant, the persistent lingering contrail phenomenon has ceased to exist. What could have happened all of a sudden that seems to contradict all of your bogus explanations about how it is perfectly normal for contrails to persist and linger, yet now it is almost impossible to find even a 'normal' contrail in the sky. You know, the normal short lived trails that everyone remembers from the days prior to 10 years ago? Oh, I just remembered, those were just figments of our imagination because you told us so. My bad.
Now, I'm sure that you will have an explanation for this sudden change in contrail behavior as you always do. In fact I am counting on it. I can't wait to hear how you are going to explain why contrails no longer linger in the sky, or even form at all, after spending years trying to convince people how easily and frequently persistent contrails occur no matter what the conditions are. Seems that the logical explanation is, that it is an intentional action rather than a natural occurance. Then again, I could just be imagining it and not really seeing what I think I am seeing like you tell people that report seeing abnormal contrails otherwise known as chemtrails. It could just be that no matter what the situation is, you are always right and everyone else that does not conform to your non-logical nonsense is always wrong.
We're all waiting to hear what the contrail expert and his cohorts have to say about this one so don't keep us waiting. One more thing. I will be sure to update you when the spraying starts back up again and contrails once again fill the skies with their long lingering existence, if it should start back up again. Or, perhaps the mission has been accomplished. After all, health problems have spiked dramatically since this anomally began a little over 10 years ago. Probably just another coincidence to you though. Couldn't possibly be related to anything in the air that we have been breathing. Soon people will begin to realize what a fraud you are when start waking up to the truth and all you have to do is just disappear and never have to be accountable for all of your lies and your contribution to the destruction that has been done. What is the price for human life anyway uncinus? Was it worth it?
Yeah, "1000 feet"…sure.
And are you trying to suggest that the conditions at altitude are anything like the conditions at ground level?! I sure hope not! Yup, the air sure CAN be -40 with 100% saturation at altitude while 100 degrees and dry as a bone at altitude. Also, don't forget that water vapor is a byproduct of hydrocarbon combustion.
Then again, you obviously have your mind made up. I feel sorry that you live in such a sad little world. There has been no "sudden change in contrail behavior". They have been acting as they have been for around 9 decades. Sorry you missed them in your youth…you were probably too busy staring at your belly button to notice them. I saw them as a boy 40 years ago and I still see them today. Don't try and tell me that I didn't see them. They are what first interested me about aviation in the early 70's.
Did you even read any of my comment? How can you expect to be taken seriously? Moron.
Uncinus- I've got a busy few days ahead or I would do it but could you possibly find and put up temps aloft at a couple different altitudes (maybe FL390 or so) for the last few months or weeks compared to temps aloft during the winter months? I don't know where to go to look backward, just current and the near future.
They have been very high recently.
Uncinus says:
"Why no trails for the last 30 days? It's the weather. I've not seen any trails here either. The weather conditions need to be right at flight altitude for contrails to persist. The fact that they are not persisting indicates that they weather is not right for them to persist."
My point exactly. I have been saying that all along. But when they are actually existing under the same wheather conditions, it is because the wheather conditions are right according to you. In fact, the weather conditions have been just right at flight altitude for contrails to exist every day, everywhere since the day you started this blog. Now, all of a sudden, for 30 consecutive days those wheather conditions dont exist after years of daily persistent contrails. Since you have so much time to research the weather, try back tracking until you find the same weather conditions and I will gaurantee you that persistent contrails existed on those days. Your explanations lack consistency as usual by claiming opposite results under the same wheather conditions. When someone tries to explain to you that lingering contrails should not exist on certain days, you come back with your line about how the conditions are not the same at flight altitude. I agree. But now we have no contrails and the weather conditions can surely be matched at some point in the last 8 years that I have witnessed daily lingering trails. If you are saying that the weather conditions over the past 30 days are completely unique to the past 8 years then that is far more ridiculous than anyone claiming that chemtrails exist. You cant have it both ways. Either they exist under these weather conditions or they dont. Make up your mind. If what you are saying were to be true, then there certainly would have been some breaks in the persistent contrail activity over the years, yet there were not. You are trying to tell me now that the conditions are not right, yet when someone tries to tell you that the conditions are not right for contrails to persist, they are wrong. The first 30 day period of no contrails in 8 years and now you want to claim it is due to the weather conditions. Your bogus replies are getting weaker and weaker and really starting to reveal you for the shill that you are.
Also, I never suggested that contrails form at 1000 feet above sea level. Another tactic you commonly use to manipulate people's minds. You take a statement and turn it into something completely different than what was actually said, then try to use that statement against that person as if that person actually said it in your words. Just another one of the many things that expose you for what you really are. A common shill practice. 1000 feet is the altitude I was referring at which I lived at the time. What I actually said, was that I would watch the sky become blanketed with the white stuff and I would watch it as it slowly decended down. When it reached ground level, which happened to be 1000 feet where I lived at the time, it is not possible for a contrail to continue to persist when it is 110 degrees outside. Water vapor and ice crystals will evaporate way before that point. No I dont have pictures of it either. Dont need them. Besides, a picture could not do it justice compared to living it and breathing it and physically experiencing it. So if you want to call me a liar then so be it if that is all you've got. I am not trying to convince you of something that you will never accept. I am just confirming to those that know.
In addition, you are once again wrong about the health issue. I have worked in the medical equipment field for the previous 20 years and in the last 5 or more years, respiratory complications have shot through the roof! I dont know where you are getting your data from but I have witnessed it first hand. It goes far beyond just respiratory problems too. My statistics are based on medical equipment needs and the increasing seriousness of the condition. I dont need a stastistic from the clear skies act of 2002 to tell me what I am dealing with is not true. Sounds like one of your tactics. Trying to tell people what they are seeing isnt actually what is happening. As far as I am concerned, you have provided no realistic explanation as to why the contrails have suddenly disappeared after years and years of non-stop daily occurences of persistent lingering trails, sometimes as many as several hundred a day, and now zero.
Your usual tactic is to always try to discredit what someone has to say by throwing out irrellevent statistics or asking for the photographs etc… yet you expect your comments to be taken at face value. A double standard. Your true colors are really starting to come through. You have made it obvious from the very beginning what your mission is by the typical shill style of your disinformation campaign. Unfortunately, I dont have my entire life to commit to this blog as you seem to have so I will leave it at that. You are a fraud and you hide behind a computer to never be accountable for your actions. It is too bad that so many others cant see it as clearly as I can. Perhaps their weak minds are a result of all of years of poisoning.
I hope you're not baiting here but in case you're not are you willing to concede that conditions at altitude have been different for the last 30 days? So different, in fact that persistant contrails can't form?
We should start by resolving this question.
Upper temperature data (and wind data) for any date and for any location on earth that has an upper air programme can be found here:
My point exactly. I have been saying that all along. But when they are actually existing under the same weather conditions, it is because the weather conditions are right according to you.
I think you'll find according to the conditions MEASURED.
In fact, the weather conditions have been just right at flight altitude for contrails to exist every day, everywhere since the day you started this blog.
Yes they are, somewhere in the stratosphere, around a fifth of the time.
Now, all of a sudden, for 30 consecutive days those weather conditions don't exist after years of daily persistent contrails.
BUT THEY DO, somewhere in the stratosphere, around a fifth of the time.
Since you have so much time to research the weather, try back tracking until you find the same weather conditions and I will guarantee you that persistent contrails existed on those days.
THEY WILL HAVE EXISTED, somewhere in the stratosphere, around a fifth of the time.
Your explanations lack consistency as usual by claiming opposite results under the same weather conditions.
This comment of yours is mirroring your confusion.
When someone tries to explain to you that lingering contrails should not exist on certain days, you come back with your line about how the conditions are not the same at flight altitude. I agree.
You remain unaware that, somewhere in the stratosphere, the correct conditions have existed, do exist, and WILL exist, around a fifth of the time.
Either they exist under these weather conditions or they dont. Make up your mind. If what you are saying were to be true, then there certainly would have been some breaks in the persistent contrail activity over the years, yet there were not.
There are ALWAYS "breaks" in contrail activity, seeing that four-fifths of the time, conditions DON'T favor persistent contrails.
You are trying to tell me now that the conditions are not right, yet when someone tries to tell you that the conditions are not right for contrails to persist, they are wrong. The first 30 day period of no contrails in 8 years and now you want to claim it is due to the weather conditions. Your bogus replies are getting weaker and weaker and really starting to reveal you for the shill that you are.
Seeing as you are conceptually "challenged" here, it perhaps isn't the time to commit yourself to a "position". Especially when you're so exposed.
When it reached ground level, which happened to be 1000 feet where I lived at the time, it is not possible for a contrail to continue to persist when it is 110 degrees outside
Are you saying you could not see the top of the hill you were standing on?
In addition, you are once again wrong about the health issue. I have worked in the medical equipment field for the previous 20 years and in the last 5 or more years, respiratory complications have shot through the roof! I dont know where you are getting your data from but I have witnessed it first hand.
First-hand experience can be illuminating but it doesn't mean that you can extend it to cover the rest of the world.
It goes far beyond just respiratory problems too. My statistics are based on medical equipment needs and the increasing seriousness of the condition. I dont need a stastistic from the clear skies act of 2002 to tell me what I am dealing with is not true. Sounds like one of your tactics. Trying to tell people what they are seeing isn't actually what is happening. As far as I am concerned, you have provided no realistic explanation as to why the contrails have suddenly disappeared after years and years of non-stop daily occurences of persistent lingering trails, sometimes as many as several hundred a day, and now zero.
You're shooting a line here. I'm fairly sure that someone will produce a picture of contrails taken yesterday. Has no-one ever told you that the weather is DIFFERENT ELSEWHERE?
Your usual tactic is to always try to discredit what someone has to say by throwing out irrelevant statistics or asking for the photographs etc… yet you expect your comments to be taken at face value. A double standard. Your true colors are really starting to come through. You have made it obvious from the very beginning what your mission is by the typical shill style of your disinformation campaign. Unfortunately, I don't have my entire life to commit to this blog as you seem to have so I will leave it at that. You are a fraud and you hide behind a computer to never be accountable for your actions. It is too bad that so many others can't see it as clearly as I can. Perhaps their weak minds are a result of all of years of poisoning.
Uncinus's "tactic" is MY "tactic" too, yet we are an ocean and a continent apart.
Statistics ARE relevant, for they are gathered for multitudinous purposes from all points over the globe. Pictures are very helpful too. You inner state of mind isn't.
And THAT is the issue, as far as I'm concerned.
A "chemtrail" hoax believer has called me a "moron" because I mocked the information in one of his posts?!? Whatever shall I do, my life is ruined!
Yeah, I read ENOUGH of your comment…and through the tears of laughter I was able to read a bit more and see that you make the same exact mistakes as the rest of the "chemtrail" hoax believers. Assumption after speculation after assumption. Assuming that "respiratory complications" have ANYTHING to do with the trails in the sky is just ridiculous! Especially when one takes the .5 seconds to think about it and realizes the BILLIONS of sources of pollution we have right down here at ground level. Not to mention a complete lack of evidence that links trails SPECIFICALLY to "respiratory complications". Maybe you have some info that would clear this up. It's interesting how you people have the nerve to call anyone "shills" for disagreeing with you! I have yet to find a "chemtrail" hoax believer that isn't VERY confused about this subject.
Please, stop being a hypocrite and learn about VERY basic atmospheric science and aviation. Specifically air saturation and and what is in jet exhaust. I think you would be amazed at how little you know about these subjects. How can I make that claim?! By reading your posts. You are VERY confused about contrails and your own atmosphere. But, go ahead…pretend that you've "learned" enough about these subjects from other people who never studied these subjects, and youtube videos. It doesn't matter to me…"chemtrail" hoax believers aren't taken seriously by society anyway. You should be thanking the people on this site for taking time out of their days to point you, and your friends, in the right direction. Oh, and buy the way…you do know the burden of proof is on YOU to make your case, right…why did you leave it up to others to research the conditions of your area? I would have thought you'd have that data as part of your claim. It's interesting that you didn't.
Also, don't blame others because YOU aren't articulate.
I took this statement:
"Just not possible for a contrail to linger under those conditions at 1000 feet above sea level"
And I commented on it as it was presented. It states that the contrail was 1000 feet above SEA LEVEL! Stop backtracking and admit that you have NEVER studied your own atmosphere. It's OBVIOUS, so your admission will matter little…I just want you to admit it to yourself.
You are so lucky that there is a one way politeness policy in place.
Also, as runways are improved/added and new airports created, some routes will no longer overlap and there will be MUCH less traffic in an area. Also, with less traffic, planes aren't as restricted for airspace and are able to fly in conditions that pilots favor. If air traffic has significantly been rerouted near your area, you'd not only see less planes, but less contrails. Oh, by the way…. EVERY plane leaves a trail….we just don't see most of them because it's not cold or humid enough for them to condense. Why don't you take that statement to ANY atmospheric scientist on the planet and ask if it's accurate. Oh wait, are they also all "in on it"?!? Damn shills are everywhere!
It's the Illuminati! Using facts!!!! How dare they!!!
"It is too bad that so many others cant see it as clearly as I can. Perhaps their weak minds are a result of all of years of poisoning."
Oh, come on! This guy is pulling our legs…
Our founding fathers belong to a secret society, doubt it not.
Control through chaos, divide and conquer.
It is clear that your only purpose in this life is to debunk the chemtrail operation. Need I say more? Have a shilling good day sir.
There is nothing to "debunk". And it's obvious that you don't care about facts and truth. Enjoy living life afraid of your own shadow!
Flew over LA today around noon- large area of persistant contrails. Further east over Phoenix there was another larger area but it could only be seen from the air due to the overcast layer of storm blow-off below us.
Temps aloft were very close to normal today and it's monsoon season in the SW.
that's hardly my "only purpose in life" either
Ain't dat de troof.
I'm back after dining out down the plaza. Had a little tiff with the missus as usual. Now she's retired to bed I'm back at the keyboard and flailing…
I'm kind of hoping for a severe intellectual challenge. Perhaps I should have picked some other subject. I mean "chemtrails","9-11″, "Creationism", "NWO", "Free Energy"- is there nothing else?
Yeah. Come to think of it, my brother's a "respected" astrologer…
Please speak to me. Please don't leave me all on my own…
Oh come on, religion is based on faith not science. It is two different things. I don't think religion is a bad thing even though Western culture is shunning it. Is our whole being just conciousness of the brain? It could be, but we all like happy endings. I haven't heard a lot about creationism, is that a political middle between religion and science?
Purposes in life other than hacking on a keyboard…… sounds a little hypocritical, after all one who writes that does the same thing in turn…
Uncinus, does psychological abuse count in the politness policy?
These people are so ungrateful, they come here with the luck of conversing with pilots and so forth, and they do so with closed ears. Oh well, Captfitch has a lot of purpose in life, like flying people safely… Someone better think twice before they twitch their fingers across the keyboard.
Hello. This is for KGB. Yes, the summer months usually reflect warmer temperatures at altitude. Currently I have seen them averaging 10-13 degrees above normal International Standard Atmosphere Temp (ISA). In the winter, these usually drop to about ISA or below. Normal ISA at seal level is 59 degrees F / 15 degrees C and decreases approx 3.56F per 1,000 feet. I fly virtually every day as a major airline pilot and I haven't seen contrails form below 40,000 feet in about 2 months. Occasionally they will form when the conditions are right between 35,000 and up, but lately it has been rare. That's summer for you. Prior to May and back to November of 2009, contrail formation varied between 28,000 feet and above due to colder temperatures (seasonal). In your neck of the woods under J-1 (Jet Airway 1), most aircraft flying between LA/SD and SF to SEA and PDX will generate contrails between 30,000 -40,000 feet in the winter and spring months. However now, it is just too warm. Wait until October and they will once again return. Go to FlightAware.com and type in KSIY (under Airport Code in AIRPORT INFO) to see who is flying over your area. I have hunders of hours flying right over your house above 30,000 feet going north to Seattle or South to LA. Sometimes you contrail, and sometimes you don't. It all depends on temperature and relative humidity, that's all. Furthermore, it can be 110F degrees in Redding, but can be minus 50C at 38,000 feet, so one cannot determine contrail formation simply based on ground temperature. There are too many variables in the atmosphere. Also, I have filmed many aircraft passing us at altitude (some leaving contrails and others not) on YouTube. My user is: wineandflyguy. Go look them up.
Where ya been Ryan? I keep trying to get some more pilots on here but they just laugh at it all. I'm glad you've been keeping such good notes on the temps and stuff- I just haven't bothered and our plane automatically assumes the 'pause sits at 360 so none of the ISA numbers are vary accurate for me above that. be safe out there
Ha, I've actually lost interest in the Chemtrail theory, because A) they don't exist, B) I don't have time to expalin to ignorant people why they don't exist, and C) It makes me upset when I read text from "believers" who push theories that make absolutely no sense whatsover. Maybe that's why so many airlines are painting their logo on the bottom of the fuselage, so when a "believer" looks up and sees a "chemtrail airplane", they think, "wait a minute, that plane has the Qatar logo or Emirates, or Air Berlin in big letters written on the bottom. Hmm, I was wrong afterall… " But seriously, the internet is full of tricks, photoshop, full-out lies, deception, etc. It's up to you to determine what is false and what is not. Seeing contrails everyday (and spending most of my life now above 30,000 feet) I really see it all. Heck, I film it on YouTube, just go and see. So, for some person sitting in front of a computer who has zero flight time operating an aircraft, or has no idea what ISA is, and basically lives some 6 miles below all the action, they really have no credibility whatsoever. It's equivalent to watching 2 ants fight on the ground while sitting on top of the Empire State Building and claiming who the winner is. That's where I leave it. I just don't have time to listen to uninformed, ignorant people who spread lies for pure amusement.
Take care,
I hear ya- and sometimes I almost walk away but for some reason (like watching a car wreck) I keep coming back. I guess I'm more interested in seeing how the debates play out more than discussing the actual issues but often the believers just post and run and I've yet to see someone actually spend some time rationaly discussing. But whatever, some day I'll pull the plug.
Hey everyone! HAARP activity in China today! I just KNOW it…I feel it in my guts, I can't be wrong….you shills!
This is my read on your site: You say it's all a hoax and a figment of active imaginations? We've had this metallic fog for the last almost week and then rain yesterday. I left a clean bowl out last night in the rain. I tasted the water I collected a few minutes ago. It tasted similar to the stuff they used to spray on all the trees when I was a kid. I am regretting taking the taste. You, in your world, can poo-poo my perception of this global surprise. I am pretty sure that they are preparing to announce the possibilities of weather modification soon. They have been experimenting on the planet for more than ten years.
We sit around and wonder about our future, it doesn't look to bright with idiot scientists denying the potential collapse of our food chains because of aerosols added to our stratosphere. People can be intellectual but not very wise. I think that sums you up. How much do you get paid for your website? How do you explain the near daily persistent contrails that effect our sun light? Me thinks you know more than you say. Hows cancer gonna suit ya? No worries, huh?
Nancy, you ask "How do you explain the near daily persistent contrails…"
Have your read this website at all?
Uncinus, you quote "A standard literature survey confirmed that dihydrogen monoxide is clearly a toxic hazard worthy of serious concern and attention."
This is not a hoax, it's true: http://dhmo.org/. DHMO is a widely used industrial solvent that is widely present in the environment. Ingestion can cause immediate death. People who are exposed to DHMO have a significant probability of later developing cancer. Other health problems in people who are exposed to DHMO are widespread also.
Yet the government will not take action. It is thought that this is because banning the use of DHMO as an industrial solvent would significantly reduce the profits of many large corporations. So the facts about DHMO are being systematically suppressed. Too many gullible people listen to the so-called "experts" who attempt to explain away the facts about DHMO. Don't be fooled by them.
Joe, are you serious about banning DHMO? I heard that there are good uses for it, too.
Yes, there are legitimate uses, and it can't be banned completely. What needs to be done, at the very least, is to regulate industrial discharge of DHMO into our rivers and streams. Currently there is no such regulation and industry can dump their used DHMO anywhere they want. All of this dumped DHMO shows up in the environment.
But this won't happen under the current campaign of government and business interests to cover up the entire problem. They don't care about the health of the people. In fact, as someone mentions above, DHMO might be a component of chemtrail spray. I think that this is true because I left a bowl out during a particularly heavy day of PCs and there was significant DHMO contamination in the liquid that I collected.
You entertain this DHMO crap but can't handle a few references to 9/11 when it's CLEARLY demonstrating the fact that someone doesn't require evidence for their beliefs?!
Seriously, just ban my ip…and the same with my work ip.
Where can I get a good DHMO detector?
Uncinus, I cannot answer you logically so let me say this instead: There's no way you would have taken the huge amount of time and energy to put together this site full of sophisticated disinformation if someone wasn't paying you. As a matter of fact, you are probably working for the government agency that is behind chemtrails and behind the suppression of the truth about DHMO, and probably behind untold other secret measures to undermine the health of the public.
I sort of concur with faith on this one. Don't let DHMO talk occur either. Although it's a few posts for fun it strays off topic and is a waste of time. That and someone might actually believe some of it.
Jimmy and Joe are the same people aren't they.
No, capfitch.
I really think Joe doesn't know what h20 is.
Don't ban faith, I enjoy his input. If people don't like him, I think that's tough, but still he has a right to post. Also if people are offended with him, I think they associate that with him more than the site. Unless we assume people are more primitive than we initially thought. I think the politeness rule is good, but to be fair it has to be respected by both sides. Those who really believe in the chemtrails just come here and drop shill bombs and run. They don't read, learn, or debate.
I am at the same position as Captfitch and Ryan, just out of morbid curiousity. I was brought to the attention of this by a friend who believes in it. This is just embarrassing theory and this site should be a skywatcher enthusiast site instead of having to explain to knuckle heads their thought processes are far from normal. If anyone had an inkling of common sense they wouldn't even have to ask.
I personally don't hate even the believers… It won't stop me from trying to slap the stupid out of them. We all believed in something silly in life. This site has all the information, but you see those who are deep into the nonsense just call it shill work and misinformation. They barely come here. Those who are confused are the ones who get set straight. People should never take answers that are based only off of assumptions.
Uncinus is right, it's not just humor, there's a practical point being made in the humor which is that people just won't bother to think scientifically and analyze claims rationally intead of emotionally. The dhmo.org site was put up to point that out(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydrogen_monoxide_hoax). There's a whole lot of DHMO-think on this site, people who go into arm-waving mode without trying at *all* to understand the applicable science upon which a *rational* discussion must be based.
Look, DHMO is just silly nonsense and can be explained in half a second that it's "water". Why waste time and space even entertaining such nonsense?! At least discussion about 9/11 is about a REAL thing! And I had ZERO intention of getting into "diesel tank storage" or anything like it! In fact, I knew for sure that if I just asked for EVIDENCE about any of the claims made about 9/11, he would get the point and stop with the unrelated nonsense! Or at least change the subject to persistent contrails! I have absolutely NO DESIRE to discuss 9/11, in detail, with anyone! Especially some moron who OBVIOUSLY hasn't got the education to back his claims. You didn't even give me the chance to make my point before you "commanded" that it stop and used your power of censorship!
That point being that EVIDENCE is essential when making a claim and without it, one looks like an idiot! And that point REALLY needs to be made MUCH more often than it is!
Why do you give a rat's ass about what two individuals are discussing as part of the truth?! I'd assume you would be happy to know that conspiracy nuts are discussing ANYTHING here instead of the usual "hit and run" they usually do! There is absolutely NO DIALOG between you and ANY "chemtrail" believer. So stop suggesting that my "insults" (calling a spade a spade) matters in the least or that a few sentences about 9/11 is anything to get upset about.
If a chemtard refers to me as a "shill" or a "liar", they are going to get an earful (eyeful?!) themselves. Tit for tat… There is absolutely NO WAY that I'm going to coddle them! Yeah, I get it that this is your little pet project and you want it to run YOUR way…and you have every right…but, you really need to loosen the reins!
You are dealing with irrational beings here and "normal" lines of communication are NOT an effective option with them! If they want to "use" 9/11 to make a point, why NOT use 9/11 to show that they use flawed logic to build their belief system?! If they aren't going to understand the facts about engineering/progressive collapse, what makes you think they are going to understand air saturation and jet engines?!
Remember, these are conspiracy theorists. In their minds, this evil site exists to confuse people and manipulate them into becoming sheep! It's NOT an effective tool to combat ignorance! It's simply, in their minds, another planted speed-bump that they encounter in the quest for truth. Why NOT make the best of it and entertain ANY silly nonsense they use to prove their ridiculous points? It's about discussion…isn't it?! Or, did you just "hope" that posting facts and figures would be enough to show these people that their youtube education just aint cutting it?! It's not enough..
Also, you COULD HAVE given the discussion a bit more time to see the direction it would have taken. Instead, you slammed your iron fist down immediately and nipped it in the bud. You have ultimate control, couldn't you have let 5 posts with 9/11 in it so one could make a point?! You could have monitored the thread and given warnings if things got out of hand or if there were too many posts. And why do you care about "100 post arguments" if the POINT of the argument is to show how a chemtrail hoax believer has a propensity for believing in (ridiculous) nonsense?!
You said it yourself…"Discussing WTC7 (you can replace WTC7 with ANY belief) with a true believer is futile". We KNOW we will NEVER succeed in educating these folks. So why all the "structure" and rules when it suits YOU!? If you think, for one second, that you have helped ANYONE learn the facts about persistent contrails, to the point they don't "believe" in "chemtrails" (or to where they even slightly doubt their beliefs), you are as delusional as any typical "chemtrail" hoax believer. THAT is a fact, and if you have any evidence to prove me wrong, please provide it!
I understand that it's cool to have a website and be the supreme ruler. But, stop suggesting that you have accomplished anything more than posting truth about persistent contrails. Those who understand the facts know you are correct. Those who don't, "believe" you are some sort of paid shill. You are NOT the healer of souls you seem to think you are!
The only reason I bother posting here is because I have no character limit as I do on youtube. I thought it would be a great place to discuss the facts with people, but your lopsided politeness policy and heavy handed style turns me off. Until you ban me, I will argue with others about the points THEY FUCKING BRING UP, and I will defend myself when insulted.
Great stuff, faith.
Sometimes, like today, the only clouds in the sky are what the newer school books call, "persistent spreading contrails." I am against this water-vapor because it blocks the sun.
[ADMIN: block text replaced with source:]
Oh, the older books? The older books did not discuss mammatus clouds.
This is the link for you: http://preventdisease.com/news/10/081010_everything_is_a_lie.shtml
Using facebook and the local newspaper, I have had many friends read this article lately. After they read the article, I send them to this site: http://contrailscience.com/
and they are thanking me for the example. A little too much gusto for a "hobby" my friend. No hard feelings, we all play our part!
Have you always been there, or did you "Go West" as a young man! Wouldn't it be great if the persistent spreading contrails were made of "gravy?" MMmmm-mmmmm!!
A little of both, I suppose. We're actually doing a show right now, discussing the earlier article I posted. We could not think of a better site to actually show. Smile, you're on camera! Before we go on a quick virtual tour, could you tell my audience about how you do not get paid for this site, and how it is a hobby of yours? We'd love to hear all about it!
Most elderly people who watch soapies all day receive a check from the government!
How am I supposed to believe an article that tells me everything is a lie?
Boom boom.
Funny…if you read the article on "Disinfo"- it says disinfo agents "sidetrack with name calling and ridicule"…
My experience is that is a well used tactic amongst purveyors of conspiracy…and if you are not with them you are a "debunker" or a "disinfo agent" or a "shill"- God forbid you simply disagree with them.
of the 25 rules and 8 traits of disinfo as delineated by that article….I am hard pressed to find a single one that applies to this site or Uncinus….
Can you find any Ryan?
ryan said;" Oh, the older books? The older books did not discuss mammatus clouds. "
So…is that Avoidance? or Selectivity? …or #17 "Change the subject"
its kind of creepy how many of these supposed tenets of "disinfo" I see Believers of "chemtrails" practicing on a daily basis.
The evidence of an ongoing Geoengineering project is quite apparent , if not blatently obvious . were it not , there would be no need for disinfo channels such as this .
So the people who are responsible for the Geoengineering are also responsible for this site? Why are they allowing your posts to show up? Why not just erase them?
There are how many weather mod projects going on in the world? People have been so complacent living in their own little worlds driven by greed and the constant distractions of every day life (surviving) and don't forget Joe six pack all he will notice is the next game. I have worked outdoors all my life and I noticed these so called persistent contrails before I had seen any videos of chemtrails.
I'm sorry but this picture from dartmouth.edu clearly shows the smoke from silver iodide flares burned in place on a plane creating a "white trail in the sky" http://www.dartmouth.edu/~toxmetal/metals/questions/silver.html
That trail looks nothing like what people claim are "chemtrails"- nor is it "sprayed" its burned.
Typical cloud seeding has several application methods- burn in place flares like the ones shown here. Ejected flares from a plane or ejected flares from ground cannons.
Any way it is applied the silver iodide does not persist, spread and cover the sky in a haze of man-made cirrus clouds.
This website has done judo-flipped its purpose right on its head. We have a few volunteers making some timelines to show how extensive this "hobby" is. The best thing about it is that Uncinus has no choice but to keep doing this, he can't quit.
The more somebody denies something that isn't supposed to exist, the more credence they give to it. I love it. All you gotta do is check this site, then come back in a few months and take a step back and a good look. Its like a kid explaining to his parents that he did not steal cookies, but instead of shutting up, he keeps on explaining how he didn't do it, and after a year of explaining, nobody believes him.
If there were a site that devoted this much time and energy into explaining how Sasquatch does not exist, I'd have to seriously consider that he may indeed exist. I mean, why put so much time and effort into explaining that something does not exist? It will become even more obvious as this site continues. In March 2011, this site will cease to be, though.
Uncinus, are you willing to devote a few years of your life to make a website that explains how leprechauns do not exist? What a nut! A true conspiracy whack-job, you are.
Uncinus said, "No check for me, unfortunately"
This is a very telling statement. Why is it unfortunate? Uncinus implies that he would like to receive money for his "work." But where would the money come from? He has unwittingly admitted that it would be nice to get paid, and also admitted that there would be a payer. No check for me, unfortunately. What a great statement, and very telling. Uncinus, I'm going to level with you. You may already know, but you are close to being replaced. Next time, answer with, "Who would pay me for this?" You are getting old. You will be replaced soon.
You are getting old. You will be replaced soon.
Gosh – I thought the topic was "Fake, Hoax, Chemtrail Videos".
Instead, it's ad hominems with hapless Uncinus as recipient.
They must be a really good diversion from fake, hoax, chemtrail videos.
With respect to "You are getting old. You will be replaced soon", I too will be gone, but shan't have lived my life having said it to ANYONE.
That's right.
Ryan- I don't know what Uncinus does but I'm an on call pilot. I fly every now and then but mostly just sit around the hotel or FBO being really bored. I would actually spend more time on here but no one has presented a reasonable debate yet. It's always name calling and drive-by-postings.
And yes- I wish someone would pay me to post here.
You assert that our persistant time here only points to the fact that we are trying to cover up the truth about chemtrails. I actually sometimes think that the chemtrail believers are spending too much time trying to convince us otherwise. If you really thought they were real you should be spending more time protecting yourself or finding a way to stop them. I'm also worried that most of it is flame baiting.
Ryan, you say "Uncinus, are you willing to devote a few years of your life to make a website that explains how leprechauns do not exist?"
Personally, I think that would be fun if many hundreds of people believed that leprechauns not only existed but were an active part of a government conspiracy.
Uncinus, going after homeopathy is too tame. Go after the anti-vaccination movement instead. Much more rabid. And there is a Conspiracy factor too, in that Big Pharma wants to suppress the truth about the dangers of vaccination in order to preserve their profits from vaccines.
Your a government employee, your a dis-info agent, your a joke.
Even if he was…doesn't make anything on this site untrue.
Please point out errors of fact.
"Your a government employee, your a dis-info agent, your a joke."
And you're (notice the spelling, PLEASE) an idiot who pretends to understand the science that easily proves you wrong.
Nothing on this site is a lie, except for the contents of YOUR post!
You are a lost sheep who follows OTHER people who have FAILED to understand simple and basic science.
Mags, please learn the difference between "your" and "you're". And after you have learned basic English, you can move on to basic science.
Nothing on this site is a personal claim from the person who created it. It's scientific fact that easily prove you and your friends…..WRONG!
They say we are brainwashed drones of the government, yet they all use the same terms and are resemble more of a cult. These one time commenters are all the same.
Here's the latest article from G. Edward Griffin the producer of "What In the World Are They Spraying" about the difference between a contrail and a chemtrail. Just shows how not knowing some basic facts can lead to some silly conclusions.
As I watched the planes spraying corexit on the gulf it made me think about how easy it is to do just that, without consulting any of the little people about the effects it might have on us and the rest of the planet. It is a good thing that we still have people that question the powers that be and maybe one day we will get answers but that is usually about 33 years down the road.
Cloud formations are forming at 40 to 60 thousand feet depending on region, atmosphere isn't as high in polar regions. They are leaving out supersaturated air. They have no understanding of pressure and how it also has a role in condensing and crystalizing liquids. Barometric pressure increases allowing condensation to increase. It is apparent they failed all their science classes. They before used to write that contrails from WWII planes weren't contrails, but smoke form combustion engines, I see they conceded this failed attempt. Now they are saying they flew lower altitudes where more moisture resides. After each comment, what are they spraying? GOD!!! Since when did they provide any evidence of it!!! Oh they did, saved for last….
"Those in denial can usually concoct some near-plausible explanation for everything mentioned so far, but there is no escaping the reality of a chemical analysis of rain water, snow pack, and plant absorption of compounds of aluminum, barium, strontium, and similar metals that are extreme hazards to the environment and health"
in denial? That is assuming I am in disbelief. I am not in disbelief because I know enough to know they are selling nonsense, the same as a fortune teller with a crystal ball does. Their concoct a near plausible is just their dogmatic term for saying there is explanations to everything they say, but they won't get to sell their DVD if you believe it. Dogma…. Now onto their last final evidence… The same everlasting point they all make. Their analysis they make. They already realize the KSLA has been already refuted so they make their own analysis of air samples, ground samples, rain water samples. They just don't understand, likely never will, (Even worse if they do, but just enjoy deceiving to fool others to sell DVD's), that no matter what, these samples taken will NEVER EVER EVERRRRRRRRRRRRR tell is the what is contained in a contrail. It just comes back saying materials present… It only says present, no CORRELATIONS!!!!!!! Your tests only can say it was present in what you took it from. Rain absorbs particulates on its journey back down to earth!!!! How the hell do you think acid rain is formed? Carbonic Acid Rain, due to forest fires struck here… Does one not think industrial polluntants will be found? Does one not think the elements are found naturally in the environment? Oh the humanity… What are they spraying? Stupidity… all for just $19.50.
Let us be thankful for fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed.-Mark Twain
I even forgot to mention the point about pilots… Why aren't they listed and what questions were they asked exactly? Because the pilots I know and the ones here will all say that EVERY damn pattern shown is explainable and is not against any regulation. Aircraft go into holding patterns, the flight paths aren't exact, the air traffic crosses each other. I never heard such loads of crap in all of my life. Okay, I will create my own hearsay evidence for other theorists to use. I was in ВВС России, officer… We had a secret meeting with extra terrestrial beings. We exchanged knowledge. It was a top secret meeting. I was stationed in Kubinka and was brought urgently to Moscow. This is true. Add that to your conspiracies as fact. *rolls eyes*
Why don't we have an edit function to fix grammatical errors? ( Not all of us are native English.. (((
Why don't we have an edit function to fix grammatical errors?
To force you to raise your standards.
Not that I want you to. I can imagine your Russki accent, and what you write is fine.
High standards exposes the fallibility of man. We can't always be perfect. аааааа вы представте мой русский акцент)))))))) But it is easier to do if I drop articles and other intricacies of the English language. I learn you Russian today. We start very good!!! (that would be perfect example of Russian English) Learn meaning teach. Учить )) Russians often misuse proper words because uchit means learn and teach. )))
I think the two videos by pogopoint99 are the best evidence of chemtrails ever recorded. It's an outrage that they are found in a post entitled "Fake, Hoax, Chemtrail Videos". An outrage! Shame on you.
If you would like to comment, or ask questions about Contrails or The Chemtrail Theory,
then please head over to the contrail forum at our sister site:


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Seven Days, Santa Monica, Biking
First Annual Santa Monica Family Bike Fest To Be Held Saturday
Posted Dec. 7, 2012, 12:57 am
Mitch James / Mirror Contributor
Santa Monica's first Family Bike Fest will be held this Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium.
Residents are invited to the free event that will feature a bike swap, bike skills training, test rides and accessories, route planning and information, food, and fun activities.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their child's bike to the event for a safety check by on-site mechanics, or if it's been outgrown, give it a new home through donation to the bike swap.
Families who donate a bicycle will have the opportunity to browse the bike swap to see if there is a suitable trade to bring home.
Cyclists Inciting Change thru Live Exchange (CICLE), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, will offer bike skills training for children on their own bikes and for parents who can learn how to teach bike safety skills to their children.
Helmets will be required for children, and will be available on-site for a low fee.
Parents can also test-ride a wide variety of bicycles and accessories that can carry kids.
Bicycle and helmet decoration stations, plus photo booth and local food trucks – including ice cream churned by bike – will make this a fun family outing.
Other activities include route planning assistance, bicycle safety information, booths from many local groups like CicLAvia and Metro, and a family fun ride.
All locations are wheelchair accessible.
This free event is part of the Safe Routes to School Pilot Project, hosted by the City of Santa Monica in partnership with Active Santa Monica, the Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council, the Santa Monica Bike Center, and CICLE.
For more information, visit www.smgov.net/bikesm.
Event details:
Where: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street.
When: Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free to the public.
Parking: Free valet bike parking, or auto parking ($1/hour).
Dec. 7, 2012, 9:24:46 am
Cynthia Rose said...
I should add that Santa Monica Spoke a local advocacy group will be teaching the Youth Bike Skills Training and Sustainable Streets will be teaching the adult classes. Our friends at C.I.C.L.E will be leading the family Fun and Meals on Wheels donation Ride. We have all been major contributors on organizing this great event. We hope to see you Saturday for a day of great fun!
Dec. 8, 2012, 6:50:03 am
mangeleno said...
Let us hope that the first lesson taught at the event is that an octagonal sign with the letters S-T-O-P on it means that bicyclists, like motorists are required to come to a full, complete and discernible stop before entering the intersection. For the second lesson, it is hoped that young riders are taught that sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bicycles. Safety for all persons who use our roads and sidewalks should always be a primary concern.


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Greater Omaha Area Trail Runners
- Results of the 2016 Races can be found at Ultrasignup.
- 10/6/2016 - Bib Numbers for the October 23, G.O.A.T.z Trail Runs have been assigned - 50k / 21m / 10.5m / 5m
- 9/29/2016 - The 2016 G.O.A.T.z Trail Runs is sold out.
- Coming right up, the 5th Annual G.O.A.T.z Trail Runs and G.O.A.T.z 50k at Lake Cunningham on October 23rd and the 2nd Annual Hitchcock Experience 50 and 100 miler at Hitchcock Nature Center.
Get your 2016 Nebraska State Parks Pass here
"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez


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Farmers all over New England are reporting a poor pumpkin crop this year, but locally, farmers have mixed reviews.
Some growers in New England lost their entire crops of pumpkins. Rain at the beginning of the season waterlogged fields, killing seedlings. Because of the unusually damp weather, weeds and diseases spread, requiring some farmers to replant.
Locally, farmers have mixed reviews on the pumpkin harvest this year, but few had a devastatingly bad crop, growers said.
Article Photos
The Leader-Herald/Bill Trojan
Emily Mornston of Amsterdam picks out a pumpkin from the selection at Karen's Produce in Tribes Hill
on Wednesday.
The Leader-Herald/Bill Trojan
A display of mums, gourds and pumpkins is shown at Karen's Produce in Tribes Hill.
The Leader-Herald/Bill Trojan
Emily Mornston of Amsterdam, left, pays Cara O'Brien, an employee at Karen's Produce in Tribes Hill on Wednesday.
For farmer Darin Blowers, his farm - Hickory Hill Farms in Fonda - had an abnormally good pumpkin harvest this season.
"Last year was probably one of the worst years I've ever seen, and this year is probably one of the best," Blowers said.
Blowers said he feels especially lucky his pumpkin crop, which is spread over 100 acres, did well this year because he knows many farmers across the state and in New England are having a difficult time.
"I'm very fortunate," he said. "I don't know why [the crop did so well this year], but I wish I did. That's the $1 million question."
Todd Rogers, who owns Rogers' Family Orchard in Johnstown, said he lost some of his crop to the cold, damp weather that plagued most of the summer, but was still able to harvest an adequate crop because he planted extra.
Rogers said rather than losing his pumpkins, his crop is just a bit later than it usually is.
Blowers agreed. His crop was one or two weeks behind schedule, he said.
Rogers said while he didn't do as well as he could have, the extra pumpkins he planted will prevent him from having a poor harvest.
"A lot of the plants didn't grow as well in the beginning, but we won't have any problems," he said.
Crystal Stewart, horticulture and agriculture educator and regional vegetable specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, said some local farmers have had problems with their pumpkin crops, but the issues do not compare to the difficulties farmers had with tomatoes.
"With the tomatoes, we saw total devastation," Stewart said. "Pumpkins are mostly just not ripening up as quickly."
Other areas across the East had more problems than most farmers did locally. In Maine, the pumpkin harvest is expected to be off by 50 percent. Luckily, though, overall the crop is expected to be average in top pumpkin-producing states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, Ohio and Michigan.
Despite the wettest summer on record in Albany, Stewart said the cold weather had more of an adverse effect on pumpkin crops.
"Most of the bigger growers did well, but some of the smaller growers had a spotty harvest," she said. "We found the cooler temperatures had a bigger effect than the rain, though some in lowlands or near rivers had problems with flooding."
Though the pumpkin harvest may have been sparse weeks ago, it is now in full swing, Stewart said.
"The pumpkins are starting to [ripen], so if people still want them, there are plenty around," she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.


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Tight end Dallas Clark, who is scheduled to become a free agent this spring, sounded as though retirement was on the table after the Bucs' season finale. That day, in Atlanta, Clark said, "We'll see what the options are and we'll go from there and make a reasonable response for myself and my family. Whatever else happens, it's been a heck of a run with this team."
Is Bucs Tight End Dallas Clark Leaning Toward a Return?
From TampaBay.com
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Right place, right time
Last week's rescue of an 88-year-old man who suffered a medical emergency and ended up immersed in his vehicle under water in Sinclair Inlet is a good example of how things should work.
And it's a great example of how a combined effort by citizens who were nearby and trained professionals can make a difference.
Jim and Francoise Deighan, who live on the hill above Bachman Park, heard a car come speeding down the Trenton Avenue hill. They saw the car go airborne and end up in the water. Francoise immediately called 911, while her husband, Jim, ran down to the water, stripped off his shirt and went in after the driver.
Meanwhile, two employees of SAFE Boats were out testing a new boat and jumped in the water to help Jim rescue the man. Both Jon Watkins and Jenson Charnell went to the man's aid without stopping to think about their own safety.
Soon, Bremerton Police officer John Bogen and Lt. Pete Fisher arrived as did Bremerton firefighter Alex Magallon.
Watkins was able to cut the strap of the man's seat belt, but could not pull him out of the car. All the rescue work was being done blind, the men said, because they could not open their eyes underwater.
When police and firefighters arrived, the car was completely underwater and they jumped in to help the citizens who were attempting to rescue the driver.
Bogen reached in the car window and felt the man. After several attempts he was able to undo the seat belt and pull the driver out with the help of Watkins.
The man was taken to shore and given CPR. He was taken to Harrison Medical Center and remains in the ICU unit there.
Days later when asked, the citizen responders said they never stopped to think about their own safety. They just reacted as they hoped anyone else would in times of need.
The professionals said they were just doing their jobs.
All of the responders, the citizens and the trained professionals, deserve our thanks for reacting so quickly.
The combination of quick reactions by neighbors and the employees out on the water made it possible for police and fire to be notified and respond quickly.
When emergencies happen, it can be easy to "freeze" and not respond. Fortunately, everyone involved did their part and because of that this emergency had a good outcome.
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Here are 10 things you don't want to miss for Wednesday:
1. The Star-Ledger will have a full game report from the state tournament game between Kent Place and Pingry. You can check out the entire tournament schedule for Wednesday by clicking HERE.
2. There were two full game reports from Tuesday's action: First, Bernards defeated South Hunterdon in double overtime while in other state action Mountain Lakes advanced by Wallkill Valley.
3. There were also two photo galleries from Tuesday. One is from Gloucester City vs. Haddon Township while the other was from the Salem vs. Pennsville tilt.
4. The Star-Ledger will have one photo gallery on Wednesday, from the sectional quarterfinal game between Oak Knoll and Mount St. Dominic.
5. The entire state tournament results and links post from Tuesday includes recaps, box scores, and other information from every tournament game.
6. There are only two days left to vote in our poll: Who is the best offensive player in the state? Jackalyn Pauling from Clearview leads while Shannon Hughes from South Plainfield is in second.
7. The Times of Trenton has a story about the Bordentown victory over Glen Ridge in overtime when Jess Carey scored with 2:37 remaining in the extra period.
8. Brynn McCall of Riverside led the state with 22 saves on Tuesday. Click HERE to see all of the goals, assists and saves leaders from the state tournament action Tuesday.
9. Watch the weekly expert analysis video HERE which discusses the upsets so far in the state tournament and a look ahead.
10. You can also check out the statewide rail for this week and the season-long statewide stat leaders through Sunday.
Follow Joe on Twitter @JosephReaHS
Email at email@example.com


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There is No Such Thing as a Free PC: Why This Week's Flurry of Free Computer Hardware Isn't for Real and Probably Isn't for You
Suddenly, free PCs are falling from the sky. My e-mail is overflowing with congratulations. "You called it, Bob!" they say. But I didn't call it. These are not the free PCs I predicted. These are not free PCs at all.
In case you've been living only on C-SPAN, an outfit called free-pc.com announced this week it would be giving away 10,000 or more PCs to people who would agree to watch ads displayed around the edge of their free computer screens. Visit the Web site, fill out a questionnaire, get a free PC. Or that's how it seemed.
Let's look at the details of this deal. The PCs are from Compaq, use 333MHz processors, 32 megs 'o RAM, a four gig hard disk, etc. In other words, it is Compaq's $699 low-end machine. The deal is not for a free PC, but for the free use of a PC for two years. It is a lease, and you have to give back the PC after the second year. But first you have to get the computer, and to do that, you have to finish that pesky questionnaire — a very large and comprehensive questionnaire that tells free-pc.com more than I would like any company in the world to know about me. And even if I complete the questionnaire, which I never would, then free-pc.com still has to pass judgement on me, deciding whether I meet the requirements set down by their advertisers. In exchange for this I get to compute like crazy in an 800-by-600 window on the 1024-by-868 screen. Everything that surrounds the computing window is ad space and can't be turned off.
Lucky me.
This is a great business. The PC leases are worth around $15 per month, tops, and that is being financed by Compaq, the manufacturer. Free-pc.com has no money down on this deal. Compaq makes a little money on the leases, but they stand to make a lot more money at the end of the lease when it comes time to get rid of the PC. If you are a participant in the program, you'll be offered the chance to buy the PC for, say, $200 or ship it back for $40 of your own money. Everyone will buy the damned PC and put it in their kid's room. At this point Compaq has already more than made its money back and gets a 40 percent profit margin on the resale alone. Compaq loves this deal.
So does free-pc.com. For one thing, they are on the map of the PC industry, practically overnight, with a very innovative product that almost does what they say it does. They have tons of free publicity, a $10 million investment they hardly even need from Barry Diller's USA Networks. And I'd be willing to bet they are getting a $6 per-month-per-PC kickback from the chosen Internet Service Provider. And don't forget all that advertising income!
But is it advertising income? I don't think so. On their Eeb site you'll see that free-pc-com says that after they find the right 10,000 people for this batch of PCs, they "may" give away even more machines. In this context, a hedge word like "may" really means, "No way, Jose!"
Of course, this makes no sense. Supposedly, this is a broadcast model like commercial TV or radio, and free-pc.com should want as many users as they can get. Ten thousand? I'd want 10 MILLION. The relatively small number makes no sense at all given the story they are telling. That means, of course, that the story is wrong. This is not a broadcast model at all. Free-pc.com isn't really selling ad space to companies that want you to buy things from them. This is solely a market research tool. Free-pc says they are doing one thing when what they are actually doing is finding very eager, very compliant guineapigs. That free PC is really the equivalent of the box Nielsen sticks on TVs in the homes of their sample families. But in the case of Nielsen, the families are being paid. With free-pc.com, they are just being conned.
So free-pc.com will select from the questionnaires of zillions of folks who think they are getting a free PC what they believe to be a sample that mirrors the demographics of computer users. Those users will give free-pc.com information about their every action with that PC. Every application, every URL, every porno JPEG will be logged and sent back to the mothership. And that's even before we get to the "ads."
The amount of revenue generated by 10,000 ad views is miniscule and certainly not enough to support the effort of free-pc.com. This is especially true given their attempt to get a normalized sample. It might make sense if the goal was to find a highly-qualified sample, like the readership of InfoWorld or PC Week. If they could get a few thousand eyeballs, each of which was responsible for buying a couple million bucks worth of hardware and software, the whole thing might pay for itself. But then again, they'd want more than 10,000 users. This is pure market research, though, so the point is not to make money, but to run tests and see how the subjects react. The ads those free-pc.com customers will watch will be the ads the rest of us find on Web sites a month or so later.
All this is perfectly legal, perfectly clever, but I find it insulting because it isn't what they say it is. And it sure isn't free.
Neither is the "free" iMac offered this week by Shopss.com. This outfit announced it would ship 25,000 free iMacs to spend at least $100 per month in the Shopss.com online mall for 36 consecutive months. The lucky users also have to pay $19.95 per month for specific Internet service, but that is waived in months where they spend more than $200.
Looking a bit further under the hood, it turns out that the $100 per month is charged whether or not you buy anything in the mall. So if you don't buy anything ever, the $999 (retail, remember they are buying wholesale) iMac will cost $3,600 over three years. Of course you can use that $100 credit to buy fine merchandise in the Shopss.com mall, but you'd better pay attention because there is fine print. To qualify, you have to spend $25 or more in at least four mall shops each month. So spending $100 in one shop gets you only $25 toward that $100. How many people will not notice this technicality? Lots of people.
Throw-in the $19.95 per-month Internet service that Shopss.com is wholesaling for no more than $8 per month and you can see that these folks are not doing anybody a favor.
I still predict that PCs will eventually be free. They could be free today to some people in the example of PC Week and InfoWorld I mentioned above. There probably are many programs offering free computers and Internet access to folks who buy enough junk to justify it. But we don't know about those deals because we aren't among those qualified people. It is cheaper to find the right folks through direct mail than by issuing a press release to news.com. But in the cases of Free-pc.com and Shopss.com, the broad publicity is an end in itself. These are new outfits that want to become household names and for a week or so they will be. A scam and a press release is certainly cheaper than doing a traditional product launch with ads and value-for money.
When PCs really are free, they will follow precisely the model that works for cellphones. They will be really falling from the sky when the difference between wholesale and retail Internet service equals the wholesale cost of the PC plus 30 percent. Applying that algorithm to today's Internet market, which offers a service margin of around $11 per month, the price point at which PCs become truly free is $300.
It's not that far away.


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The Detroit Red Wings have confirmed what MLive.com's own Ansar Khan first reported: Detroit's signed Sergei Kolosov (or Siarhei Kolasau, depending on whether you're translating Cyrillic or Belorussian) to a 2-year contract, rather than lose his rights on July 1st:
June 25, DetroitRedWings.com: Red Wings general manager Ken Holland announced today that the club has signed defenseman Siarhei Kolasau to a two-year entry level contract. In keeping with team policy, additional terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Kolasau (6'4" 187 lbs.) was drafted by the Red Wings in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year old Belarus native spent the past two seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL. He finished the 2007-08 regular season with one goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 51 games played.
At this point, the Griffins' roster will likely include Daniel Larsson, Jonathan Ericsson, Jakub Kindl, Logan Pyett, Evan McGrath, Cory Emmerton, Mattias Ritola, Justin Abdelkader, (possibly) Ville Leino, (possibly) Dick Axelsson, and Ryan Oulahen, and Kolasau--that's somewhere between ten and twelve players, assuming that Darren Helm, Kyle Quincey, and Derek Meech remain in Detroit. As such, the Griffins will be a very young team this upcoming season.