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by Mark Dryfhout
"It was the middle of the war, and I wanted to serve my country; just like everybody else," Wayne Cooper said simply. He didn't have grand visions of being a hero or winning medals; he was just a regular guy whose father owned a sign-making company.
Having just moved on from high school at the age of 18, Cooper jumped on the opportunity to enlist in 1943 during the climax of the largest war in the 20th century. During his service, Cooper was an electrical repairman serving with the Navy in the South Pacific. Even now, Cooper continues to make contributions to his country and those who serve it in his own unique way.
Now in his late 80s, it's hard to believe that Cooper was once the young Navy recruit framed in the black and white photos displayed in the house the elderly veteran owns. Cooper is a soft-spoken and humble man who smiles often, laughs freely and always seems genuinely invested in listening to whoever is speaking. It's hard to imagine his mellow personality survived through the terrific struggle of the war in the Pacific.
Cooper served aboard an overcrowded repair ship, which he referred to as "just a peanut," during World War II.
"On the morning of June 9th, we sailed out with an armada of several hundred ships for the invasion of Saipan," he wrote in response to people asking about his military service. "We arrived there early in the morning of July 15th and it was a very exciting experience. After six days into the invasion, we were struck with an anti-personnel bomb... we had several casualties and I was fortunate not to be one of them, the Lord had his hand on my shoulder and kept me safe. After the island was secured, we went into the invasion of Tinian, where I stayed until the war ended. Tinian is where the plane took off to drop the atomic bomb on Japan."
After returning home from the war, Cooper joined his father in the sign-making business, which was founded in 1922. Wayne Cooper went to study neon electrical engineering in New York City under the GI Bill, bought his own equipment and built a sign shop in 1948 on Military Road in the Town of Niagara. From that point on, Cooper made a living building neon signs for various businesses that were springing up in the Niagara Falls area.
Cooper credited his father for launching his career.
"My dad always told me to do a good job or don't do it at all. I think that's where I got my start in my career," he said with a chuckle. "I often wondered how I had time to do all this woodworking when I had to run a business and support four kids," he added.
Years later, after relocating to North Tonawanda, Wayne Cooper still has a major role to play for his company and country. Though his sign-making days are over, he is still a valuable worker as part of the company. Old Glory Flags, founded in 1997 as a branch of Cooper Sign Co., specializes in selling American flags, as well as flag cases hand crafted by a WWII veteran.
If you didn't guess, that woodworking veteran is none other than Cooper himself, who has been crafting cases for about six years. The cases that he constructs are meant to display funeral flags; folded American flags that are presented to the family of a fallen soldier as part of the military funeral ceremony.
John Cooper, Wayne Cooper's son, offered some insight into how the idea was born. "I think the idea was that he was capable of doing (sign cases) and doing a nice job on them. ... We were looking for something made in the U.S., made by a veteran also, so it was just natural. ... People really are happy to know that the flag case they're buying was made by a WWII veteran. That definitely is something people enjoy knowing."
"I think the families should be proud of the person that served," Wayne Cooper said. "I think that's the reason people have them. ... I guess they're certainly pleased with them, I don't think we've ever had one come back, have we, John?"
"Nope," replied his son.
"It's an indication that people are well satisfied with the workmanship," added Wayne Cooper.
After 90 years of family dedication and proud heritage, the Cooper Sign Co. and Old Glory Flags have continued to be prosperous small businesses. Cooper, through all of his childhood, parenthood, success and service continues to remain charitable and humble.
Anyone leaving Cooper's home is offered a small pocket Bible. "No one leaves this house without a Bible," he said with a smile.
This veteran didn't join because he wanted a hero's welcome. He didn't serve for the medals. Cooper served for serving's sake, which is evident in his continued service to the armed forces even after his military days are behind him.
"I'm proud to be an American," he said.


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Falanghina Vineyard of Mastroberardino (Photo ©Tom Hyland)
For my final post of 2009, I want to salute some of the finest Italian producers of this decade. Each year in the Spring issue of my Guide to Italian Wines, I list the year's best wines and producers. I'll be working on that shortly, but for now, let's focus on the most important producers of the decade. There is no way I can do this with a single post, so this is part one. I'm juding not only on the quality of the wines, but also the influence these producers had in the marketplace and media and among their peers.
If Luca Currado at Vietti only made Barolo, this winery would have made the list, but there are also gorgeous bottlings of Barbera, as well as a sleek, delicious offering of Arneis. The wines are beautifully made and sell through in good order.
This family-owned winery makes the list for maintaining its traditional winemaking methods, as the great Barolos are aged in botti grandi – no barriques here. Is there a more graceful and ageworthy Barolo than the Bricco Boschis San Giuseppe Riserva?
Roberto Voerzio
Very modern Barolos here, aged in barrique, but amazing concentration and style. You may or may not like this style of winemaking, but you cannot help but admire the class of the offerings here.
Produttori del Barbaresco
Ultratraditional wines that show what the local terroir of Barbaresco is all about. An excellent Barbaresco normale and outstanding (often stunning) cru bottlings from the town's best sites, including Asili, Rabaja and Montestefano. General manager Aldo Vacca is as classy as his wines!
I am saluting Gian Luigi Orsolani for his outstanding work with the Erbaluce grape, an indigenous white variety from northern PIemonte. Orsolani is the finest producer of this grape type in my opinion, crafting first-rate examples of dry white, sparkling and passito versions.
Braida – Giacomo Bologna
Splendid bottlings of Barbera d'Asti, from the humble to the sublime, especially the Bricco dell'Uccellone and the Bricco della Bigotta. Still one of the finest and most influential producers of Barbara d'Asti. Also a superb Moscato d'Asti (Vigna Senza Nome) and arguably the finest bottling of Brachetto d'Acqui. Raffaella Bologna is continuing her late father's work in fine fashion.
Raffaella Bologna, Braida (Photo ©Tom Hyland)
This gorgeous estate in the heart of the Barolo zone has been improving dramatically for the past decade, thanks to the efforts of general manager Giovanni Minetti and winemaker Danilo Drocco. A few years ago, Oscar Farinetti, the owner of the gourmet food store, Eataly, became the prinicpal owner of the winery and has already shown his influence by introducing value-priced Barbera and Dolcetto. There are so many excellent wines produced at Fontanafredda; this is an estate that has numerous wines for a wide consumer base and any producer that wants to grow their business in the coming decade should be looking at this model.
Tenuta San Guido/Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
I am putting these two estates in Bolgheri together, as they both produce outstanding examples of local reds that not only are beautiful wines on their own, but are also known around the world. These estates, along with Grattamacco and Le Macchiole continue to be the identity for Bolgheri, Tuscany's new light.
Bottles of Ornellaia and Masseto, Tenuta dell'Ornellaia
(Photo ©Tom Hyland)
Il Poggione
Brunello di Montalcino has been in the news as of late, and not for all the right reasons. So let's salute Il Poggione for making Brunello the right way – the traditional way. Winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci has a gentle winemaking hand, as he prefers to let the local terroir shine through in his wines. I've tasted examples of Il Poggione Brunello from the 1970s that are still in fine shape. As for the recent controversy about the possible inclusion of grapes other than Sangiovese in Brunello, well, there was never any doubt about that at Il Poggione; so the respect for the land and the wine as seen here (as well as at dozens of other local estates such as Biondi-Santi, Col d'Orcia, Talenti and Sesta di Sopra to name only a few) needs to be saluted.
Federico Carletti has done as much as any producer in Montepulciano to revive the fortunes of its most famous wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The regular bottling is always very good, but it is the Vigna Asinone bottling is the star here. Deeply concentrated with new oak and sleek tannins, this is a modern, but very precise wine that is one of Tuscany's finest.
Campania's most historically important winemaking estate, this winery continued to improve after a family split in the 1980s (some of the family members established a new winery in the Avellino province) and the change in leadership from Antonio Mastroberardino to his son Piero. Clonal research became an important factor here, and today, the family is producing the best examples of Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino and Falanghina they have ever made. Of course, Taurasi is still the most important wine here, and if today's bottlings are not as staunchly tradtional as those from the 1960s and early 1970s, they are still first-rate and just as importantly, are not covered up by the vanilla and spice of new oak that other Taurasi producers seem to prefer these days. How nice that this defender of the local winemaking heritage is doing so well these days!
Feudi di San Gregorio
This estate made a splash with its entrance on the scene in the mid 1980s and they are still one of Campania's most important producers. Rich, deeply concentrated bottlings of Taurasi, but even more impressive white wines, especially Cutizzi Greco di Tufo and Pietracalda Fiano di Avellino. Now there are even beautifully made single variety sparkling wines in the classic method produced from Greco, Falanghina and Aglianico. Congratulations to owner Antonio Capaldo on his innovative efforts at this great estate!
Luigi Maffini
Luigi Maffini is making some of the most brilliant white wines in all of Italy as his small estate in the province of Salerno, south of Napoli. While his reds made from Aglianico are nicely done, the whites made from Fiano are routinely outstanding. There is the non-oak aged Kratos and the French oak-aged Pietraincatenata, an age-worthy Fiano. There is also a sumptuous Fiano Passito, which in my opinion, is one of the greatest dessert wines in all of Italy (the 2004 is particularly exceptional).
Cantine Marisa Cuomo
This small estate, located in the town of Furore on the Amalfi Coast, is set in an exceptionally beautiful seting, as the pergola vineyards cling to steep slopes a few hundred feet above the sea. Marisa and her husband, winemaker Andrea Ferraioli, are best known for the exceptional white, Fiorduva, a blend of indigenous varieties (Ripole, Fenile and Ginestra), but I think the Furore Rosso Riserva is also an important wine. This is extreme viticulture at its finest!
Pergola Vineyards in Furore, Cantine Marisa Cuomo
(Photo ©Tom Hyland)

subset: commoncrawl


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WELCOME to the new Cowley Retreat pub – but you'll have to retreat more than a mile to reach the Oxford suburb it is named after.
The former Hobgoblin in Cowley Road, East Oxford, has renamed itself after Cowley, despite the fact the pub is not in or even within sight of the area.
The pub opens on Saturday after a refurbishment. Owner Punch Taverns has also applied to extend the opening hours.
Currently the pub can serve alcohol until 11pm. Managers are now seeking to keep the bar open until 12.30am from Sunday to Thursday and 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, with a half-hour drinking up period.
But while the plans may have gone down well with drinkers, residents have expressed reservations.
Ed Chipperfield, chairman of the nearby James Street Residents' Association, and a spokesman for the East Oxford Residents' Association Forum, has objected to the application, and called on others to do so.
He said: "Cowley Road is a very attractive place with real cachet, and I am sure they are trying to tap into that. But they haven't quite got it right.
They are quite far from Cowley itself, and this area isn't really associated with Cowley, or the Cowley works, at all."
Mr Chipperfield said: "Pub kicking out time is 11.30pm round here, after which people disperse and go home by midnight. But this application means people will be leaving the venue at 1am. There is nothing to do in Cowley Road midweek at 1am, so people will congregate on the streets."
He said Cowley Road was surrounded by a residential area filled with families.
Punch Taverns spokesman Leila Maia said: "The new licensees have decided to re-name the pub to fit in with their current business model, and we look forward to working in partnership with them to build a successful, sustainable business.
"We have applied to extend the licensing hours to attract a wider audience and we have installed a porch area to the rear of the pub to prevent any noise spreading to the local residents."
Last summer, a closing-down party was held for regulars, and the future of the pub looked uncertain until Punch Taverns said it was looking to let the hostelry.
Former landlord Rick Windell, who ran the Hobgblin for three-and-a-half years, disappeared in May 2011 after an alleged assault at the pub. A 42-year-old was later cautioned in connection with the assault.


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We're told a well-designed master bedroom should be an oasis of romantic calm. It's also supposed to be the practical place where you store clothing and get a good night's sleep, and it may also be where you watch television, pay bills and even set up a home office.
We're told a well-designed master bedroom should be an oasis of romantic calm. It's also supposed to be the practical place where you store clothing and get a good night's sleep, and it may also be where you watch television, pay bills and even set up a home office.
That's a lot to ask of a single room.
On the bright side, says interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn, you have plenty of decorating freedom. "Since bedrooms are all about self-expression and comforts," he says, "you can break the rules as much as you want."
We've asked Flynn, founder of Flynnside Out Productions, and two other design experts — Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design and Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design Interiors — for tips on breaking those rules with style to create the ultimate master bedroom.
Forget trendy shades or your favorite bright colors. Burnham advises sticking to a soothing palette of ivory and white, evoking a luxury hotel room. "You can layer color into that if you want to," she says.
If your idea of peace and quiet involves deeper colors, Flynn suggests navy blues or black-brown tones.
And if you really want bolder color or patterns, Luetkemeyer recommends using a single pattern throughout your bedroom. This "en suite" look involves using the same fabric for curtains and bedspread, and even covering the walls in the same pattern.
"Even a busy pattern won't feel too chaotic if you're consistent" in using it throughout the room, she says.
Think your medium-size or small bedroom can't handle a gorgeous four-poster bed? Burnham says a bed like that can serve as "a statement piece" that brings lots of style. It actually frees up space, because you won't need any extra, decorative pieces of furniture for pizazz.
Flynn agrees, as long as the bedroom isn't extremely small and the nightstands are in proportion. One of his pet peeves is a large bed flanked by tiny tables, which can make the tables look like they belong in a dollhouse.
These designers are seeing a trend toward upholstered beds and headboards, and even upholstery fabric used on walls.
"It's this idea that you're being completely cocooned and buffered from the world," Luetkemeyer says. For some clients, she has also upholstered the inside of armoires or other storage pieces to create a complete sense of softness.
With softness in mind, Flynn suggests using more than one layer of window treatment: "I usually layer black-out shades with custom, pleated drapery panels," he says. "This softens the hard edges of the room, helps with noise control and also allows the homeowner to sleep in as late as they want."
If you're worried that all that softness will make the room too feminine, Burnham suggests adding just a few sharper, cleaner lines for balance. Choose sleek, mid-century vintage lamps to place on either side of an upholstered bed. Or opt for a dresser with simple, clean lines rather than a piece that's ornate and curvy.
It may sound radical, but Luetkemeyer hears from clients now that they're ready to remove the TV and all gadgets from their bedrooms. "People are saying, 'I'm in such overload all day long, and I'm reachable within an inch of myself," she says, "and I want to have one place where it's really mine."
Burnham sees the beginnings of a similar trend, though for many people the habit of checking email in bed or watching TV before they go to sleep is a hard one to kick.
If you have a desk in your bedroom, consider relocating it. And try plugging in your phone and other gadgets somewhere else in your home at night so you won't be tempted to check them.
Flynn suggests using 30-inch-tall dressers or chests instead of traditional nightstands: "I'll hit up flea markets and find two different chests with very similar proportions," he says, using these less expensive pieces to flank a more expensive custom headboard or platform bed.
Luetkemeyer agrees that closed storage at bedside is a wise move for most people. It keeps necessities handy, but hides clutter to make your sleeping area look organized even when it isn't.
Chandeliers are often used in dining rooms and entryways to add glamour and drama. Flynn's tip? They "work just as well in bedrooms."
"I often install pendant lights over nightstands instead of using table lamps," he says, "especially if the headboard is tall and dramatic. Whenever possible, I try to use sculptural pendants which introduce interesting shapes to the room and I always, 100 percent of the time, install them on dimmers."


text: Diablo Toastmasters Weekly MeetingName: Diablo Toastmasters Weekly MeetingDate: October 4, 2018Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PDTWebsite: http://www.diablotoastmasters.orgEvent Description:Diablo Toastmasters meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Denny's Restaurant, 1313 Willow Pass Rd., Concord. Come and see how Toastmasters can help you learn to speak and lead with confidence, jump your career to a new level, make new friends — and have fun doing it!!


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However, our mums and their babies have tried and tested, and found the best cots on the market 1. We love the two-tone design, which is modern and understated, with the changing table fitting neatly on top. Our gold award winner also has a two-position adjustable mattress base, and converts into a cotbed for when your child grows into toddler age.
The main frame is made from solid wood which gives it a solid, good quality feel. The changer on the top also makes it very quick and easy to change baby and put them back to bed. It is very sturdy and with the added benefit of plastic teething protectors. I have put many flat packs together alone as an independent mother and the instructions were fantastic! All parts were labelled clearly, and directions and diagrams were clear, so bonus points for that.
L, W66, H cm This charming cot won over our judges with its classic design and practical touches. Our silver award winner has a very smooth, single-hand drop side mechanism, which makes putting baby to bed that much easier. The 3 bed base positions mean you can adjust it easily as baby grows and it also converts into a toddler bed or day bed.
The drawer underneath the base is really handy too, as parents need all the storage space they can get when little ones arrive. This style of cot really is my dream style. It is really easy to set up.
I love the idea of the drop bar, and it really is incredibly simple to convert it. The instructions are quite simple, but very easy to follow. It is sturdy with the added bonus of a drawer. I love the single hand drop mechanism. It is great especially when I wake up in the middle of the night to pick up my son and then put him back again. I also love the 3 adjustable bed base positions.
It is good value for money taking into account this can be used by my child up to 4 years. H89, W78, Lcm This cot ticks all the boxes when it comes to choosing the perfect cot for your baby to sleep in.
Designed to last, it converts from cot to toddler bed, which is suitable from birth to around 5 years and then converts to a full size double bed with sofa Convertible Plus Conversion kit required, sold separately.
When tested, our review said: I think having the bars up on one side will give my tot a sense of security when transitioning from a cot to a bed. Following on from that, the cot bed can then be converted into a double bed, using an add-on kit.
Or you can raise the base again and keep the cot bed as a 'love seat'. L, W76, H91cm Solid, durable and designed to last beyond baby years and into toddlerhood - the silver winner - Stamford Sleigh Cot Bed offers parents three heights to keep your baby safe as they grow and as an added extra; protective teething rails.
The end panels slide down and the sides can be removed to create a larger toddler bed, while the smart drawer at the bottom provides much needed extra storage space in your nursery.
Like most cots on the market, the cost is significant, but the Stamford Sleigh Cot Bed has been created to last for the first four or five years of childhood and with its heavy wooded design, can be passed on to another baby, making this a great investment bed for your family. L, W76, Hcm The Windsor is designed as a luxurious sleigh style bed, with three adjustable heights that allow the base to move up and down as your baby grows.
This service charge will be due in full on your next statement. Designed to last, it converts from cot to toddler bed, which is suitable from birth to around 5 years and then converts to a full size double bed with sofa Convertible Plus Conversion kit required, sold separately.
The cot can also be transformed into a day bed and finally into a toddler bed, making this a great addition to your nursery. A sleek drawer sits underneath the cot and is a very useful extra storage area.
W81, L, Hcm British designed and custom made, this high-end cot bed is for the design conscious family. The Chesterton cot bed can be converted from cot to toddler bed to bed, by using conversion panels, which are included in the price. This cot bed comes with two different heights, and you can remove the side to convert it to a toddler bed. The cot base is well ventilated to encourage air circulation.
Its cotbeds are wonderfully stylish with different ranges to suit every taste. Its Scandy range has a minimalist, contemporary Scandinavian look, with contrast feet. It is adjustable to two positions and made with solid birchwood and smooth MDF panels.
This cotbed is also fantastically long lasting and one of the few of the market to be safety tested to hold up to 40kg!
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'Sex and the City' Movie Set -- FIRST PICTURES
There's a smooching scene already!
Here are the very first pictures of Sarah Jessica Parker, aka Carrie Bradshaw, and Chris Noth, aka Mr. Big, on the New York City set of Sex and the City: The Movie,. If there's kissing action being filmed on the first day, you know what'll be going on during filming by day seven!
SJP wore a green floral print dress, a white and green floral coat, funky heels, a black-studded belt and an Eiffel Tower purse.
Plot points: Carrie is writing, once again, for The New York Post. Her career has accelerated, and she is forced to hire an assistant, Louise (Jennifer Hudson), to help her keep up with her career and manage her now valuable time.
Sex and the City: The Movie is currently set to be released May 30, 2008.


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- AltCar Auto Show
- Beijing Auto Show
- CES Auto Show
- Chicago Auto Show
- DC Auto Show
- Detroit Auto Show
- Frankfurt Auto Show
- Geneva Auto Show
- LA Auto Show
- NAIAS Auto Show
- New York Auto Show
- Paris Auto Show
- Philadelphia Auto Show
- SEMA Auto Show
- San Diego Auto Show
- Shanghai Auto Show
- St. Louis Auto Show
- Tokyo Auto Show
Auto Show: 2013 New York Auto Show
2014 Buick LaCrosse: New York Auto Show
What is it:
An extensively updated version of Buick's top-of-the-line large sedan.
Supported by strong demand in China, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse hits this year's New York Auto Show with some thoughtful updates, including a sleeker interior layout and appealing technology offerings. Also, the controls have been simplified thanks to fewer buttons and larger, clearer displays.
How Much:
The current LaCrosse ranges from about $33,000 for the base four-cylinder model to just over $40,000 in Touring trim. We expect only modest price increases across the board for the updated 2014 Buick LaCrosse.
When can you get it?
Summer 2013.
Add it to your Shopping List because...
The LaCrosse is an unusual combination of luxury, style, technology and value. For the same price as a well-equipped family sedan, you can enjoy the LaCrosse's smoother and quieter ride, not to mention its enormous back seat. Check out the 2014 La Crosse's new dashboard, too - it's got a smooth, upscale look that outdoes some purebred import luxury cars, yet its controls are easier to use than ever. And with twin 8-inch display screens and the next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system, you'll always be at the technological cutting edge.
Under the hood, meanwhile, Buick continues to offer a choice of fuel economy (a four-cylinder engine with eAssist mild hybrid technology) or classic American power (a 3.6-liter V6 with direct injection).
Other cars to consider:
Chrysler 300: Featuring a rear-wheel-drive platform with available V8 power, the 300 is arguably even more of a classic highway cruiser than the LaCrosse, but its fuel economy potential isn't as high.
Toyota Avalon: The Avalon is very similar to the LaCrosse, right down to the sleek styling and high technology factor. Plus, the Avalon Hybrid is capable of an amazing 40 mpg.
Volkswagen Passat: A lower-priced option, the American-built Passat offers a full-size interior, a pleasant highway ride, and available diesel power.
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Steep depreciation on Mercedes' all-star midsize sedan, along with the protection of a certified pre-owned warranty, makes it an appealing alternative to a new LaCrosse.
Used Lexus LS 460: Believe it or not, you can find a late-model LS460 for $40,000 or even less, so it's worth considering this Lexus flagship versus the top-shelf LaCrosse Touring.


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Sims 3 HD full
A famous life simulator Sims 3 is now for Symbian. Now it has HD quality and wonderful 3D graphics!In The Sims 3 HD you can do whatever you want! You can create absolutely unique character and bring him to the town where each house has its own story. You will experience many surprises and unexpected misfortunes...Read more


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Understanding the OneAccount
Are OneAccounts FDIC-insured?
Yes. Every OneAccount is insured by the FDIC, currently for amounts up to $250,000. In addition, student refunds are protected by FDIC insurance from the moment a school authorizes payment until the funds are deposited in the student's bank account, regardless of where the student banks.
Can students obtain a One-Account even if they do not receive refunds from our school?
Yes. No minimum balance, no monthly fee OneAccounts can be opened by any students enrolled in your school, regardless of whether they receive a refund. Students can deposit money into their OneAccounts from any source, including payroll direct deposit plans, transfers from a parent or hometown bank account, and of course with checks and cash.
What kinds of banking and money management features come with the OneAccount?
Our online and bank-by-phone features allow students to check their balances, pay bills, transfer money to and from other bank accounts, and even get text message alerts about low balances. There's also a money management tool provided by Quicken. And all these features are free.
What about an ATM card?
It's called the OneCard, and it is a MasterCard debit card. It looks and functions exactly like the debit cards that most college students have been familiar with since high school. Like any other standard debit card, it can be used to withdraw cash from the Higher One ATM on campus or at ATMs anywhere else, and it can be used to make purchases online and at retail stores worldwide.
Does Higher One give students credit cards?
Absolutely not. The OneAccount bank card is a debit card, not a credit card. Unlike some other debit cards, it does not carry an overdraft credit line, so students cannot incur debt or interest charges through their relationship with Higher One. In addition, they cannot overdraw their accounts at ATMs, and Higher One routinely declines point-of-sale transactions for insufficient funds.
Do students have to close their OneAccounts when they graduate or stop attending our school?
No. Students can continue to use their One-Account for as long as they want.
What federal regulations pertain to a school's relationship with Higher One?
Two sets of federal regulations relate to working with third-party partners for electronic disbursement of student refunds. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Education issued regulations that now encourage the adoption of electronic distribution of refunds and credit balances. These regulations also established better guidelines to help colleges and universities partner with third-party vendors to realize benefits of electronic distribution and move away from paper checks. And in January 2009, changes to the FERPA rules clarified what kind of information schools can share with vendors, which reflects an emerging trend among colleges and universities to engage with third-party partners.


text: We all have our favorite gadgets, and you may even be partial to the offerings from a particular company because they have a track record of delivering quality goods. Obviously there are a ton of choices out there, but for the sake of argument we have narrowed it down to the the kind of businesses that have their hand in everything. Of course we are talking about companies like Sony, LG, Samsung, Philips, Sharp, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and Sanyo.


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While I have been an atheist for about ten years now, I have to admit that I am not that educated on different religious views and all the contradictions that have been pointed out within said views. I became an atheist for one simple reason, and that is for all I know, the bible is just one lengthy fictitious story filled with, for the lack of a better word, immoralities that no one in their right mind should follow or even support for that matter. That one simple reason was enough for me to decide that I am not an insane, mindless sheep. That being said....what reading do you fellow atheists recommend?
Views: 850
The Religion Virus by Craig A. James. I found it to be a good introduction to an explanation of memes and how they spread, especially with respect to religious concepts.
I think one of the best things we can do as atheist is understand the universe around us. Its good to read books on atheism, but getting a good sound science education is one of the best things we can do.
I recommend:
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.
Bad Astronomy by Phil Plait.
Genome by Matt Ridley.
General Atheism:
The Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan.
Being Logical: A Guide to Good Thinking by D.Q. McInerny
I especially recommend not to read Dawkins' books. Wikipedia gives general rules of the religions and their history.
Try godless by Dan Barker
Thank you very much for all of your recommendations. I will definitely have to write all these down.
massimo pigliucci's "denying evolution" covers many many bases; many connections. heavy stuff; like a small sized paperback textbook I tell ya!
I second this one. I love everything Terry Pratchett has ever written.
The halley bibble was a slam for me!
Atheism: The Case Against God by George Smith makes some very good and thorough arguments.
I know this isn't exactly about atheism per se, but it's quite a shocking account of someone who spent his whole life from childhood to his mid-thirties in one of the most dangerous and widespread cults. *looks over shoulder*
"Blown for Good: Behind the Iron Curtain of Scientology" by Marc Headley
American Atheist's electronic newsletter
FFRF's 2dollar'ish newspaper well worth a black-collar crime blotter read
aaaand.... Dawkins! Magic of Reality!
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Oil climbed for a third day in New York on signs an agreement will be reached on the U.S. budget, avoiding automatic spending cuts and tax increases next year.
Futures rose 0.8 percent after President Barack Obama made a new offer on revenue and House Speaker John Boehner ended his opposition to boosting tax rates for some top earners, increasing optimism that the changes, the so-called fiscal cliff, won't happen. A report tomorrow will show that oil stockpiles dropped, according to a Bloomberg survey.
"The market is up on expectations that there will soon be a resolution to the budget impasse and we'll avoid the fiscal cliff," said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research in Winchester, Massachusetts. "If that occurs, the economy should soar and demand will increase."
Crude oil for January delivery advanced 73 cents to $87.93 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest settlement since Dec. 4. The January contract expires tomorrow. The more-actively traded February future rose 73 cents to settle at $88.40.
Prices were little changed after the American Petroleum Institute reported U.S. oil supplies fell 4.1 million barrels to 371.7 million last week. The January contract traded at $88.97 a barrel at 4:33 p.m. the same as before the report's release.
Brent oil for February settlement rose $1.20, or 1.1 percent, to end the session at $108.84 a barrel on the London- based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The front-month European benchmark ended the day at a $20.44 premium to the corresponding West Texas Intermediate contract traded in New York. The spread was $19.97 yesterday, the narrowest since Oct. 19.
Budget Offer
The president's budget offer would raise taxes by $1.2 trillion and boost rates for households earning more than $400,000 a year, said a person familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity. It would reduce federal spending by $1.22 trillion.
"The potential avoidance of the fiscal cliff is giving the market strength," said Addison Armstrong, director of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut.
Boehner said today in Washington that he will push a budget "Plan B" measure that would include tax increases on income of more than $1 million, while continuing to negotiate with Obama. He said he still hopes to reach a broader budget deal with the president. The speaker said he expects the legislation to be on the House floor by the end of the week.
"We're moving on positive feelings that a way will be found to avoid the fiscal cliff," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC, a New York-based hedge fund that focuses on energy. "The overtures from both the speaker of the House and president are being fully embraced by the markets. A deal would give us some needed stability."
Budget Talks
Obama and Boehner are negotiating to avert more than $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts set to start in January that threaten to derail the economic recovery. The U.S. accounted for 21 percent of the world's oil demand last year, according to BP Plc (BP/)'s Statistical Review of World Energy.
Oil also rose with equities, as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SPX) climbed 1.2 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.9 percent. The dollar slipped as much as 0.6 percent against the euro. A weaker U.S. currency increases the appeal of dollar-denominated raw materials as an investment.
"It looks like there's movement toward an agreement," said Kyle Cooper, director of commodities research at IAF Advisors in Houston. "This positive momentum has boosted the stock market and a few days and oil is following stocks."
Supply Glut
WTI has declined 11 percent in 2012 as the U.S. shale boom deepened the glut at Cushing, Oklahoma, the country's largest storage hub and the delivery point for New York futures. That has left it at an average discount of $17.36 a barrel to Brent this year, compared with a premium of about 7 cents in the five years through 2010. Brent, the benchmark grade for more than half the world's crude, has risen 1.3 percent this year.
The Brent-WTI spread narrowed yesterday in anticipation of the expansion of the Seaway oil pipeline next month. Enterprise Product Partners LP will boost flows on Seaway, which runs from Cushing to Freeport, Texas, to about 400,000 barrels a day in early January from 135,000, filing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission showed. That may cut a Midwest crude glut.
The Energy Department will probably report that U.S. crude inventories declined 1.75 million barrels in the week ended Dec. 14, according to the median of 11 analyst estimates in the Bloomberg survey. Stockpiles of gasoline and distillate fuel, a category that includes diesel and heating oil, climbed last week, the survey showed.
Electronic trading volume on the Nymex was 366,791 contracts as of 4:31 p.m. Volume totaled 489,772 contracts yesterday, 5.1 percent lower than the three-month average. Open interest was 1.51 million, the lowest level since Nov. 23.
Sourced from Bloomberg.com December 18th, 2012


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The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today its decision on Farm Service Agency county office consolidations proposed in January as part of USDA's Blueprint for Stronger Service. In total, FSA will consolidate 125 of the 131 offices originally proposed for consolidation with other USDA service centers. This includes the Bullitt County office that serviced Spencer County residents.
The Blueprint included USDA's plan to close or consolidate 259 domestic offices including the FSA offices, additional facilities and labs, and seven foreign offices.
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42nd North American Association for Environmental Education Conference
Event Date:October 9, 2013 - 10:00am
Location:Baltimore, MD
Since 1972, the NAAEE conference has convened top educators, government officials, researchers, nonprofit and community groups, environmental experts, corporations, and others. With the shared mission of advancing environmental education throughout society—from schoolrooms to board rooms and community centers to zoos and museums—attendees discuss how environmental education can achieve environmental goals, as well as be a conduit to STEM education, a springboard for civic engagement, and a tool for current and future generations to make sense of the world around them.
State of the World 2013 co-director Erik Assadourian will be participating and presenting the book at the Conference.


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|'flu vaccine: much on its effect on viral load, but nothing on transient effect on T cells
Dec 23, 2003
Greetings, Dr. Boyle,
Can you please help me out with a few quick questions?
a. I know that one should wait 4 to 6 weeks after having the 'flu vaccine to do a T cell subset, because it affects the viral load transiently - but my doctor did a T cell set 2 weeks after giving me the 'flu vaccine and the CD4 number, percentage and CD4/CD8 ratio were all way higher. It felt great to see, but is the vaccine likely to have materially affected these numbers? (there is plenty of literature on the fact that the 'flu vaccine causes the viral load to go way up, but I can find nothing credible...no studies... on the transient affect of the vaccine on T cells). In my case, my CD4's went up 2/3 and my CD4 percent went up 18 compared to three months before. The ratio was up significantly too.
b. If the vaccine did cause the robust CD4 response, does this mean that I am likely to produce good antibodies? (I ask, becasue I have low normal B cells and low normal IgM and IgG sera).
c. If the vaccine doe stimulate production of large numbers of CD4 cells, does this accelerate the rate of HIV infection? (by presenting many more CD4 cells to be infected)?
d. What is a 100 safe time period after vaccination to get a reliable T cell subset - they say 4 to 6 weeks for reliable viral load, but what about CD4 numbers?
Is there any good news in my much higher CD4 numbers or just to be expected when the 'flu vaccine is given?
Many thanks and also for the fantastic job that you do on this website. It is very appreciated.
Happy holidays!
Response from Dr. Boyle
Short answer: I doubt that the flu vaccine had much effect on your CD4 count. Regarding the viral load, as you note, it is best to wait a couple of weeks after giving the vaccine to check that test since it may transiently blip up after the vaccine.
Wild ride of T cells: are the recent results possible or clearly lab error?
Switching to Once Daily Trizivir
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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
Hamas officials on Wednesday officially rejected an Egyptian proposal to bring an end to the current Gaza war, but did reportedly offer their own ceasefire agreement.
The Egyptian proposal, which Israel accepted and briefly implemented unilaterally on Tuesday, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities on both sides, followed by negotiations in Cairo to hammer out the terms of a lasting truce.
But Hamas appears to feel it's holding better cards than that, and, according to Palestinian sources cited by local media, has presented a 10-year truce in return for far-reaching Israeli concessions.
According to the Hamas proposal, Israel must pull its forces far back from the Gaza border, it must release all terrorists recently rounded up following the abduction and execution of three Jewish boys, and both Israel and Egypt must end the blockade of Gaza and permit UN forces to take control of the coastal enclave's borders.
Oh, and Hamas wants Israel and the international community to build it an airport and a sea port in Gaza.
Later in the day, Hamas sent a text message to many Israelis warning that their government better accept the terror group's terms, or else:
"Your government claimed yesterday that it ceased fire, but without agreeing to carry out our conditions and it thinks that we will hasten to cease fire, but to the contrary, we hurried to strike every place in Israel, from Dimona to Haifa, and we forced you to hide in shelters like mice.
"We again caution: if your government doesn't agree to all our conditions, all of Israel will remain a legal target for our fire."
The Israeli government did not respond to reports of the Hamas truce proposal, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did say that in light of the failed Egyptian ceasefire effort, Israel must be prepared to expand its military campaign in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday put increased pressure on Netanyahu to approve a ground invasion of Gaza. Lieberman and visiting Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende were forced into a bomb shelter while visiting the southern port city of Ashkelon when Hamas rockets set off local air raid sirens.
Hamas and is allies fired at least 65 missiles on Wednesday, 27 of which had by press time been intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome.
A day earlier, Israel suffered its first direct fatality as a result of the terrorist onslaught when 37-year-old Dror Hanin was killed by a mortar shell while delivering food and other encouragement to the tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers deployed to the Gaza border. Hanin leaves behind a wife and three young children.
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Kerber advances to semifinals in Mexico
Monterrey, MX – Top-seeded Angelique Kerber was an easy winner in her quarterfinal match on Friday at the $235,000 Monterrey Open.
Germany's Kerber had no problems in a 6-2, 6-1 victory over eight-seeded Japanese Ayumi Morita in a match that lasted just over 51 minutes on the hardcourts at Sierra Madre Tennis Club.
Fifth-seeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova took a 6-2, 7-5 victory over American Lauren Davis while the final match of the night saw third-seeded Russian Maria Kirilenko defeat seventh-seeded Pole Urszula Radwanska 6-1, 6-4.
In a match between two unseeded players, Romanian Monica Niculescu took down Hungarian Timea Babos 7-5, 6-2.
This week's Monterrey champ will collect $40,000.


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- MFLS Forums
Forums : MFLS Central Forum Thread : 40 Team MLS
[thread started by Dynamo Salem on Mon 4/27 23:46 ET]
[moderated by 1860 Oakland, SDFC Macross]
Pages : First, Last
from Shaolin Mystigods
on Tue 4/28 23:01 ET
Reply to This Message
Indy again look to sell every ticket to every home game (10,825) as it did in 2014. C'bus would be a border war. from Shaolin Mystigods
on Thu 6/25 17:54 ET
Reply to This Message
According to SI.com, the club�s front office has
settled on the name Atlanta United FC.
Thus Atlanta is now my least favorite franchise
ever. It will be the 20th United team name across
all levels of North American soccer. They're even
going with black and red.
from Shaolin Mystigods
on Thu 6/25 23:45 ET
Reply to This Message
Its not important what I think about that name, check out what
the core Atlanta fan base thinks in the comments of the MLS
article about it. The name is being skewered.
Atlanta Black Harts or Atlanta Legion would have been cool.
from Dynamo Salem
on Fri 6/26 1:06 ET
Reply to This Message
That name is timid. They could have gone with
something real racist down there...Oh well.
from FC Byrd Turgler
on Fri 6/26 1:24 ET
Reply to This Message
And then it would have been an s-load of this, and we'd have a REAL rivalry.
from Seattle SC
on Fri 6/26 2:51 ET
Reply to This Message
Name is a joke
Pages : First, Last


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A Japanese man declared missing for several days turned up after walking 870 miles home from the other end of the country after getting mugged.
The 25-year-old left his hometown of Sendai to attend a national trading card game competition in Kitakyushu on August 23. He was reported missing after he missed his August 25 return flight.
After the young man finished the competition too late to catch his flight, he looked for an internet cafe to spend the night in. Along the way, he said, a man approached him and demanded his phone and wallet.
Luckily, he says, he kept $20 in his shoe, but instead of using it to call home, he "bought bread and water to fight off hunger," and walked for eleven days because "I never wanted to make a fuss."
"I'm sorry to everyone I inconvenienced," he said, though the greatest inconvenience was likely being robbed and walking cross-country for more than a week to get home.
But he's just happy he was able to keep a hold on his rarest, most valuable trading card through the whole ordeal, and his mother is "thrilled" he's home.


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Clark Porter is a social worker at the Federal Probation Office in St. Louis. Once upon a time, he was a violent felon. But he turned his life around and is now helping ex-offenders on probation do the same.
In the second of a two-part series, St. Louis Public Radio's Julie Bierach reports on a program Porter and a colleague created that's keeping many ex-offenders out of prison.
A quick recap: When he was 17, Clark Porter was sentenced to 35 years in prison for robbing a St. Louis Post Office. He spent a total of 15 years in two "supermax" prisons. When he got out in 2001, he changed his life. He went to college and got a master's degree in social work. He now works at the federal probation office in St. Louis.
"We can't save them all, but we save most."
Porter's story is not much different than those of the men sitting in a room at the Eagleton Court House in St. Louis. The only difference is, these men have one foot back in prison. They're in a program called Project Re-Direct because they've committed what Probation Officer Lisa White calls "technical violations."
"When we start with them, it's a given they're going back to prison," White says. "And when we finish, many of them won't. Obviously, we can't save them all; but we save most."
White and Clark Porter created Project Re-Direct, an intense seven-month program that consists of community service, a job search and something called moral recognition therapy. White says it's also a support group. They build people up.
"And a lot of these people are dealing with substance abuse, they're dealing with homelessness, they're dealing with, what we call, 'baby momma drama,'" White says.
Most of the ex-offenders in the programs have drug offenses. And Clark Porter says it's important to know why they have these offenses to keep them from going back to their old ways.
"An uneducated black man growing up in the inner city; he either has McDonald's, or he has dope," Porter says. "So, what do you think he's going to choose? The same thing you would choose. You're going to choose the one that pays better. And dope pays sometimes."
Porter says revoking someone's probation for not finding a job or for substance abuse serves no purpose. Because when they get out, they're still not going to have a job and they're still going to have an issue with drugs. He says there are guys in the program that have gone from using every day to being clean and sober.
"Did it serve our interest to lock him up? Or did it serve our interest to get him clean?," Porter says. "Because if he's clean; we don't have to worry about him knocking somebody in the head for a shot of dope. If he's clean, we can focus on getting him employed and have him paying into the system."
No easy task
But getting those in Project Re-Direct to get on the straight and narrow is no easy task for Clark Porter.
"He's got to put up with a lot of knuckleheads. He has to put up with a lot of people who aren't going to listen," says Lamont McGhee, who spent 13 years in federal prison for drug conspiracy.
McGhee says his probation officer put him in the program because she didn't think McGhee was looking for a job. But he says he was making money doing yard work in his neighborhood.
"When I got in the program they told me, 'okay you have this company and we want you to legitimize it.' And that's what I did," McGhee says.
McGhee also works for a moving company. He's paying back child support and reconnecting with his three daughters.
Stories like McGhee's are becoming more common in Missouri's Eastern District. That's especially good news because this district is tasked with supervising the highest-risk caseload with the most violent repeat offenders.
Yet, they have a fairly low recidivism rate; ranking 43 out of 93 districts. Chief Probation Officer Doug Burris is proud of the department's success. And he often reflects on how far Clark Porter has come. Recently, Burris sent Porter to Washington, D.C. to attend a regional White House meeting and he found himself reflecting on Porter's journey.
"Because the last time the government paid for him to fly, he was in hand cuffs and belly chains on his way to a maximum security prison," Burris said. "And he went from that to having the government pay for him to fly to meet with White House officials."
Clark Porter doesn't dwell on his past. And he and Lisa White advise those in Project Re-Direct not to dwell on theirs. White says Porter owns his mistakes, but they don't define him.
- See the first story in Julie Bierach's series on Clark Porter, and learn about how he turned his life around.
Follow Julie Bierach on Twitter: @jbierach


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The boss snips away at our pay
"The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that in most cases hourly employees must be paid for meetings," says Sheila Grosdidier, RVT, a partner and consultant with VMC Inc. in Evergreen, Colo. The exceptions are when the meeting is entirely voluntary, non-work-related, outside of the team member's normal working hours and includes no productive work while attending the seminar.
Pay the right way
The FLSA carries the presumption that when employees attend meetings and seminars, the employer will pay for their time. "This means that for the most part, you are supposed to pay employees for meetings and seminars," Grosdidier says.For example, an employer may believe the meeting is exempt because it's not during the employee's regular working hours. Grosdidier says for this exemption to apply, it generally means that the meeting was 9:30 p.m. at a movie theater, the employee normally works during the day and the team watched a movie.
"In view of the Department of Labor, if the employee earns the hours, the pay is theirs as well," Grosdidier says. "Since some team members were paid and some weren't paid, this is a tough decision to defend."
Carrying over overtime and other no-nos
"Now, let's look at carrying over hours to avoid overtime to the next pay period," Grosdidier says. "For hourly employees? No, no, no."
Any employee on a recurring work week schedule who works more than 40 hours must receive overtime at a rate of no less than 1.5 times the base wage. California's rules are different, so check your state's specific wage requirements at http://dvm360.com/dol.
"This means the hours an employee works must be paid in the work period they were worked. Moving them into another period is sometimes called compensatory time and isn't done in hourly employees in this industry," Grosdidier says.
Start by sharing your concern with your employer. The Department of Labor takes these complaints seriously and it's easy to file a complaint from their website or their smartphone app. If employers are found to be willfully noncompliant, they may be open to civil penalties as well as government fines.
"Eighty percent of the increase in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims last year were all wage and hour issues," Grosdidier says. "I believe you can show your boss that paying fairly for team training is not just a good investment in the team, it's the right thing to do. And, as the manager, you must speak for the business."


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Views: 475
I'm so happy I found this group.
A good portion of people have trouble thinking more than a few months into the future unless they are reminded very, very often. And diet is something that currently has huge effects across the board: shipping, packaging, health (human and animal), land use, water pollution, and plenty of others.
It seems to me like a majority of people either assume that there is plenty of time to fix the issues we have (tell that to the species already on the brink of extinction, or already extinct), that humanity has a right to keep doing it because we have in the past, or that it's a non-issue because animals aren't as smart as we are and are meant to be used by us, just like all other resources. This demonstrates a clear lack of education on the matter of ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as the definition of sentience.
Just like with atheism and rationality, if someone doesn't talk about this we can't expect it to get better. The reasons to switch our diets (where possible) aren't just hippy-dippy mumbo-jumbo based on how cute little baby chickens are. We need to speak out and educate.
So yes, I am speaking out (politely, but firmly). I care about the planet. I care about life. I want all people in the future to come into a world where respect is the norm, not exploitation. I want responsibility to be important, not desire.
Depends on the animal, actually.
And the way it's cooked, of course.
I have noticed that some vegans only feel justified in speaking out about those aspects of meat eating that affect them personally, like pollution. Why is it less acceptable to speak for the other animals who are tortured and killed, than our own interests? Whatever serious and terrible environmental effects meat eating has on the planet, most vegans who I know became vegan because of compassion for the other animals. It is also MY business if someone is hurting and killing my friends and distant relatives.
It is none of our business! Just as it was none of our business when witches were being burned at the stake in this country, and when black people were held in chains, when women were not allowed to vote, and when bear baiting was legal. Wouldn't America be a better place if nosy, pushy, self-righteous people just backed down and shut their mouths.
Of course it's our and my business what other people eat. Absolutely. Most people choose to eat food that create a huge amount of pollution in various ways. These people live on the same planet I live and are polluting everbody's space. I guess I'm a Nazi too? My freedom stops where somebody's else freedom starts. I believe that a lifestyle that throws out a huge amoung of Co2, methane in the atmosphere and plastic in the ocean is not ethical. It is my business to tell anybody engaged in such lifestyle to stop since they are polluting my planet too.
My dog is my kid.
Seriously. I'd kill a cop that was threatening him. No doubt. No hesitation.
But that's MY dog. I've eaten dog in other nations. I realize that my attachment to him is not the same as what others would feel towards him.
Just as your attachment to a chicken or duck or cow isn't what I feel that particular animal.
I have a small homestead. I have poultry for eggs. One of my drakes went from pet status to food status because he was becoming increasingly rapey and then attacked me. I couldn't rehome him. He could hurt someone for real.. (They are Muscovies. When I say 'attacked' I'm not kidding. They have hooked bills and clawed feet. They can do some damage.) He was a danger to my girls (the egg layers) and a danger to humans. Nature has a way of ringing the dinner bell.
So when you say "I love animals, so I won't eat them." or "I love animals, so YOU shouldn't eat them." I'm just going to shrug my shoulders and pat you on the head.
I think the reason why that's not used very often in arguments is because it's too easy to dismiss.
No one cares how you feel. Your 'feelings' are not a legitimate argument in most cases.
People are assholes. That's a fact of life.
But chickens and cows are man made animals. What will happen to them if they aren't eaten - should we just let them run free and wild. That would be cruel.
Or would we eat all of the food animals first and then become vegetarian once they've all gone?
How would it work?
I love horses. I've owned a few.
Would I eat one? -
Probably -
I would eat horse. The French love it.
Would I eat the carcass of a retired service animal? Yes. If the alternative was that the carcass would go to waste.
Now, would I butcher a retired service animal? No. I would prefer to see it 'retired' if that's an option.
That's because I have an attachment to service animals. It's a personal feeling. It's not something I would try to mandate into law, simply because I'm not in a position to make a financial decision for someone else. It could be that it's more humane for whatever reason to put an ailing animal out of pain or because there aren't enough resources to care for it properly. I'm not in charge of the alternatives, so I don't get to make that call.
That's a standard I apply to people, too. I live in a state that has legal assisted suicide. I'm a full body donor after my death.
I would rather have a shorter, happier, more useful life than to die shitting myself and useless.
"Should we let our meat eating family and friends off-the-hook, because we fear being RUDE by suggesting that their choice to eat meat is dangerously impacting the environment of OUR planet? How do you side on this question?"
I swear I'd have a serious go at anyone trying to lecture me about not eating meat ...
Why not fight for the ethical slaughter of these animals - I think thats a more worthwhile cause than telling people what to eat.


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Meet a Pioneer Pilot
Amelia Earhart Home
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Earhart Missing At Sea!
By: Nikki K.
Oklahoma, Age 13
Amelia Earhart, world-renowned pilot, is missing off the Coast of Howland Island. Earhart was attempting to be the first woman to fly around the world. She was flying the small twin-engine plane, Lockheed Electra. Earhart, age 39, is married to publisher, George Putnam. She is noted for being the first woman to cross the Atlantic and being the first woman to complete the perilous flight from Hawaii to California.
Earhart left Miami, Florida, on June 1st, accompanied by navigator Fred Noonan. She reached Lea, New Guinea, on June 29th, and spent three days in Lea. Earhart took off at exactly 00:00 GMT on July 2nd. The last radio communications made were at 20:14 GMT, with the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, Itasca. Shortly after, all radio transmissions ceased, and rescue procedures were implemented. U.S. President Roosevelt has authorized the use of nine naval ships and sixty-six aircraft to be used in the search, however, no wreckage or remains have been found.
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Caro's Book of Poker Tells
Cardoza, Mar 15, 2003 - Games & Activities - 320 pages
One of the ten greatest books written on poker, this must-have book should be in every player's library. If you're serious about winning, you'll realize that most of the profit comes from being able to read your opponents. Caro reveals the secrets of interpreting tells - physical reactions that reveal information about a player's cards - such as shrugs, sighs, shaky hands, eye contact, and many more. Learn when opponents are bluffing, when they aren't and why - based solely on their mannerisms. Over 170 photos of players in action and play-by-play examples show the actual tells. These powerful ideas will give you the decisive edge. 320 pages
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Still a classicUser Review - abs0zer0 - Overstock.com
This book started as something of a cult classic but has exploded in popularity in the past few years and Im glad I picked it up even while the authors writing style left much to be desired as far as ... Read full review
worth the readUser Review - daddio88 - Overstock.com
its a classic for any poker player and worth reading. there are better overall poker books out there but they dont cover the same subject. pictures are old and outdated but you get the just of it. a good compliment to your poker library. Read full review
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$1 limit aces act weak Average players BEST STRATEGY Betting Moves bettor big blind big hand bluff bluffers bluffing Bobby Baldwin Caro's Law CATEGORY chance check-raise chips decision DESCRIPTION DISCUSSION double-check Doyle Brunson draw poker flop flush fold foreground gambling genuine glance hold hold'em hole cards kicker Law of Tells limit game lowball manner MCU Poker Chart Mike Caro MOTIVATION no-limit opponent pair of jacks pair of kings pass Photo play player at center player at left player at right player looks Players staring poker game poker players poker strategy previous tell probably profit Question RELIABILITY river card seven stud seven-card stud stack starting hands straight strong hand Strong Means Weak Strong players suited card surrounded by asterisks T. J. Cloutier there's three cards TITLE tournaments trying usually VALUE PER HOUR Video Poker watching weak hands Weak Means Strong Weak players winning hand woman


text:
Online Viagra, And This Time It's The Real Deal
By Jonathan Rockoff
Drug giant Pfizer Inc. is getting back into retail, this time with Viagra.
Starting today, men can buy the impotence drug with a few clicks on Viagra's website. Pfizer, Viagra's maker, arranged for CVS Caremark Corp. to handle the orders.
It's the second time that Pfizer has collaborated with a pharmacy to sell one of its pills directly to consumers.
After Lipitor lost U.S. patent protection in late 2011, the drug maker began mailing cholesterol fighter Lipitor to patients, in a partnership with Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy in Flint, Mich.
Pfizer says it launched home delivery of Viagra to help patients looking to buy the pills online avoid websites selling counterfeits. By offering "convenient access and a legitimate alternative to purchase Viagra online, our hope is that Pfizer will help rein in the distribution of fake" products, said Victor Clavelli, a Pfizer marketing official.
Every year, there are nearly 24 million searches for Viagra online, and 36% of the 1,000 men surveyed by Harris Interactive two years ago said they would consider making a purchase over the Internet, Pfizer says.
Pfizer has said that Viagra is the most counterfeited prescription medicine world-wide.
The arrangement also makes good business sense for Pfizer, which can wring sales from illegitimate rivals who keep all the proceeds to themselves. In the first quarter, Viagra notched $461 million in world-wide sales, down 7% from the period a year earlier.
And the partnership is a nice treat for CVS Caremark, whose pharmacy-benefit business recommended to customers, in 2011, Viagra and Eli Lilly & Co.'s Cialis, but not a third impotence pill. CVS didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.
Home delivery is only available to those with a prescription, which is usually for a bottle of six pills. Pfizer, a spokesman says, is offering a deal to first-time buyers: get three pills free and 30% off the next order. For most patients whose insurance covers Viagra, the co-payment is either $29 or $49, according to the company.
See also:
Pfizer Still Hurting From Collision with the Patent Cliff – Corporate Intelligence
Pfizer 1st-Quarter Profit Up 53% on One-Time Gains; Co Cuts 2013 Outlook – WSJ


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We've redesigned our Dynafit adapters for the '09/'10 season. This system allows hard booters to drop 340 g (3/4 lb) off their feet while touring – and increases edging power. The toe pieces can be used in a releasable mode for increased safety in avalanche areas, or a locked mode for maximum security. Uses only existing splitboard inserts – no drilling required!
The new adapters are designed around the smaller Dynafit TLT Speed toe pieces (142 g/piece). These adapters are thicker, which allows us to eliminate the stainless steel inserts used in past models:
The toe piece adapters weigh 32 g/piece (49 g/piece with all hardware)
Our new heel adapters are also thicker for this year to eliminate the stainless inserts, and adjust in twice as many increments as last year:
The heel adapters weigh 32 g/piece (37g/piece with all hardware)
The adapter kit retails for $65.
Dynafit TLT speed toe pieces are available for $164/pair, shown here on the adapter.
For additional information check out our Dyanfit product page.
Contact your local Spark R&D dealer or visit our online store to purchase.
Live in Boulder? Like free beer? Wanna watch shred flix, listen to some live tunes and win some gear while supporting a worthy cause? Join our friends from Blacksmith Adventure for a fundraiser for the Kyrgyzstan Plan. Click below for more info.
More on the Kyrgyzstan Plan:
BOULDER, COLORADO (Fall 2009) – Inspired by the success of last winter's inaugural expedition, the crew behind the grassroots economic development project, The Kyrgyzstan Plan, have proudly unveiled plans for their follow up expedition in 2010. Lending their vision, expertise and efforts to the initiation of a lodge-stay/ski touring program in Central Asia's Tien Shan Mountains, the team aspires to provide families associated with Kyrgyzstan's community based ecotourism network with a viable source of income during the winter season.
The project, founded in 2008 by Colorado native, Ryan Koupal, 28, seeks to take advantage of the country's rapidly developing tourism industry and stabilizing economic and political environments. Representing the project on the local level are Mrs. Anar Orozobaeva with the Kyrgyzstan Community Based Tourism Association and Mr. Zarilbek Nyshan Ullu of the Kyrgyz Tour Service.
Efforts thus far have largely involved the pro-bono publicization of the geographically important and stunningly beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan as a ski and winter tourism destination. Working with Ellis Smith of Blacksmith Productions, Koupal has released a 6-minute cut to drive home the project's relevance, importance and vast potential for success. The cut, available on the project website www.thekyrgyzstanplan.com, tells of Koupal and Smith's unique pursuit to tell the story of Kyrgyzstan's developing winter tourism industry. The full documentary is scheduled for international release in the fall of 2010.
Goals for the upcoming expedition (Jan 20 departure) are to wrap up filmwork and lay the groundwork for actual program implementation in the winter of 2010-11. During their 3-month stay, the team will scout, plot and map the mountain terrain proximal to a handful of selected mountain villages, establish relationships with local mountaineering guides and aspiring ski guides, and introduce a comprehensive curriculum focused on avalanche awareness and technical skills. The project's local representatives will assist in the establishment and management of community relations, and they will also help families apply their hospitality trainings to the new wintertime lodge-stay style of programming.
The Kyrgyzstan Plan development initiative and film project has been featured in Skiing magazine (Jan 09) and is slated for a feature story in the Amersterdam-based Reload magazine in 2010. The project has received support through in-kind product contributions from BCA, Flylow Gear, Zeal Optics, NEMO Equipment, 22 Designs, Spark R&D, Osprey, Prior Snowboards and Raw Revolution.
Additional sponsorships and financial contributions are needed beyond 2010 to sustain the efforts of our local representatives and team members. To request additional information or pledge your support or assistance, please contact project founder, Ryan Koupal: email@example.com.
Wend magazine is based in Portland Oregon and covers pretty much everything that's cool (including splitboarding this month). Known for engaging writing and vibrant photography, Wend has been around for four years and is going strong. Just announced this month, their digital editions will be available for free from their website to those who register (which is free and instant). Check it out!
Thanks for stopping by the Spark R&D blog, see ya on the skin track!


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The question is: Are you completely nuts? Are we?
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Expedia Verified Reviews
Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotel3.5-star spa hotel, walk to Reduit Beach
Popular property highlights
Situated near the airport, this spa hotel is steps from Splash Island Water Park Saint Lucia and Reduit Beach. Baywalk Shopping Mall and Bonne Terre Tropical Gardens are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Hotel Features
Along with a full-service spa, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 76 rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Guests will also find room service, ceiling fans, and hair dryers.
Languages Spoken
- English
blu St Lucia
Hotel Amenities
All-Inclusive Details
All-inclusive room rates at blu St Lucia are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
Hotel Amenities
Some rates at blu St Lucia are all-inclusive. These rates include onsite meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.
In addition to a full-service spa, blu St Lucia features an outdoor tennis court and an outdoor pool. Dining options at the hotel include a restaurant and a coffee shop/café. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access.
This Gros Islet hotel also offers a fitness center, spa services, and tour/ticket assistance. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
Blu St Lucia is a smoke-free property.
- Bar/lounge
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- 24-hour front desk
- Poolside bar
- Free breakfast
- Billiards or pool table
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Porter/bellhop
- Year Built 1994
- Restaurant
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Coffee shop or café
- Free self parking
- Free WiFi
- Pool sun loungers
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Outdoor pool
- Smoke-free property
- Spa services on site
- Hair salon
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Outdoor tennis court
- Pool umbrellas
- Total number of rooms - 76
- Number of floors - 3
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Wedding services
- Garden
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
- Outdoor tennis court
- Refrigerator
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Languages Spoken
- English
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Flat-panel TV
- Free toiletries
- Room service (limited hours)
- Ceiling fan
- Air conditioning
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Shower only
- In-room safe
- Satellite TV service
- Number of bathrooms -
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Blu Pool Restaurant - This poolside restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.
HQ Coffee Shop - This coffee shop serves lunch and light fare. Open select days.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor tennis court, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
- Golfing nearby
Spa Services
Alaia Spa and Salon has massage/treatment rooms. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs, and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and thalassotherapy.
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps
- Body treatments
- Body scrubs
- Facial treatments
- Aromatherapy treatments
- Thalassotherapy treatments
- Hydrotherapy treatments
- Massages
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 35 per night.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
- Deposit: USD 50.00 per night
- Resort fee
Optional extras
- Rollaway bed fee: USD 35 per night
Hotel Name
- blu Hotel St Lucia
- blu St Lucia
- St Lucia blu
- Blu St Lucia St. Lucia/Gros Islet
- blu St Lucia Hotel Gros Islet
- blu St Lucia Hotel
- blu St Lucia Gros Islet
We should mention
A resort fee is included in the total price displayed.


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Books and Reading
Are you looking for a good book? Do you need a new "reading direction"? Do you want to share a good book with others?
Spend some time browsing the links on the left to find suggestions for a good book to read. Stop in to see our displays of featured books, or to talk to a librarian about what you're reading, or to get ideas on what to read next.
In addition, you can use the links at the left to:
- share your thoughts on a book you've read ("Book Talk" link).
- suggest a book for purchase.
To place a hold on a book:
- use the Online Catalog:
• Click on "Online Catalog" link above
• Sign in to your library account
• Search for the book by title, author, subject or keyword using the search bar on the top left of the main page or click on "Advanced" on the right side
• Often a list is generated by the search; if you hover over the image of the title you want, a small window will open with information about that title and a "Place Hold" button. To see a full description of the item, click on the title. There will also be a "Place Hold" button on that page.
If you are interested in joining a book club, please visit the Book Club page.
The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 - 1882)


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Imani Gala - 9/12/09
Diane and Glen Meakem opened up their new Sewickley home to 420 guests for Imani Christian Academy's Annual Imani Gala. Bob Sendall of All in Good Taste Productions put together a lavish menu that encompassed a demitasse of chilled celery root bisque, roasted tenderloin of beef with a pork roulade, and a dessert of praline bread pudding. In both live and silent auctions, bidders vied for Pittsburgh Steelers home game tickets, a monthly delivery of designspace flowers for a year, decorating advice from a design professional at Today's Home, a necklace from Henne Jewelers, and even an adorable chocolate Labrador puppy. One of the most memorable parts of the evening was a touching video in which Imani alumni discussed what the school meant to them, and where they were now. Photography by Rachel StadelmeierRead More
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Dear visitor, welcome to SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers. If this is your first visit here, please read the Help. It explains how this page works. You must be registered before you can use all the page's features. Please use the registration form, to register here or read more information about the registration process. If you are already registered, please login here.
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Car Review
1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler: Used Car Review
Dubbed the TJ by Jeep fans, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler ushered in a coil spring suspension with gas-pressure shocks that gave the vehicle a greatly improved on-pavement ride. This meant getting rid of the leaf spring suspension the Wrangler and its heirs had since the first Jeep military vehicles of World War II. The result was less hobby-horsing on the highway, making the 1997-2006 Wrangler a better all-around vehicle. With its compact size, tight turning circle, short overhangs and generous 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Wrangler was still one of the best off-road vehicles around. Other improvements included dual front airbags, instruments centered in front of the driver, 7 in more suspension articulation and optional ABS on some models.
Why You Want It:
There's really nothing else like it. With a style that's changed very little in more than 70 years, the 1997-2006 Wrangler oozes personality. What other vehicle allows you to take off the doors, remove the top, fold down the flat windshield or hose it out after an off-pavement adventure? For folks living out in the sticks, the Wrangler is basic transportation. For others, it's a weekend getaway machine. Yet, beginning with the 1997 model, the Wrangler is also a vehicle you could drive every day. It's the last Wrangler available with the legendary AMC inline-6, and it's smaller and 400 lb lighter than the 2007-and-later Wranglers, which are not as nimble off road.
Notable Features and Options:
The Wrangler was available in SE, Sport, Sahara, X, Rubicon and Unlimited trim. All models feature 4-wheel drive and come standard with a canvas top that features side curtains with zip-out plastic windows and half-canvas doors. Optional is a hardtop with steel doors and roll-up tinted glass windows. The hardtop is also available with a rear window defroster and wiper. A stout rollover bar is standard. There are no side airbags, power windows, mirrors or door locks, as the doors are removable.
The SE is very basic, with just two front buckets and 4-cylinder power. Even a radio was optional. The base tire is a 205/75R-15.
The better-equipped Sport adds a back seat, AM/FM radio, wider 215/75R-15 tires and the 4.0L 6 engine.
Sahara is the topline Wrangler from 1997-2004, with standard fare including a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, cassette or CD player, fog lamps, intermittent wipers, alloy wheels and 225/75R-15 rubber. Later models come with A/C, cruise control and other amenities.
Beginning in 2002, X is a bargain-priced, youth-oriented model with the standard 4.0L 6, rear seating, AM/FM radio and 215/75R-15 tires. ABS and limited slip are options.
Starting in 2003, Rubicon is an off-road-focused specialty model with 31-in tall LT 245/75R-16 tires, Dana 44 axles, air-locking 4.11:1 differentials, special 4:1 transfer case and 4-wheel disc brakes.
Introduced for 2004, Unlimited is a long-wheelbase model with 3,500-lb towing; added rear legroom and cargo space; and standard CD player, A/C, alloy wheels, and limited-slip differential. The optional Sunrider package has a separate sunroof in the canvas soft top.
Model Milestones:
1998: Introduces optional cruise control, Smart Key anti-theft system and easy-tilt driver's seat.
1999: Climate controls switch from sliders to rotary knobs. A CD player is a new option.
2000: The 15-gallon fuel tank is dropped, and the 19-gallon tank is made standard.
2001: A new, quieter 4-ply soft-top is introduced. Headlamp and wiper functions are moved to turn signal stalk. Intermittent wipers and child seat tethers become standard. Optional molded plastic Add-a-Trunk provides lockable storage and is now removable via thumbscrews.
2002: The Wrangler X model debuts. The 4.0L 6 is upgraded to 190 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.
2003: The previous 3-year/36,000-mile power train warranty is improved to 7 years/70,000 miles. Front seat travel is increased to accommodate taller drivers, and a 4-speed automatic transmission replaces the 3-speed. A fold-and-tumble rear seat is available. The base SE model is upgraded with wider 215/75R-15 tires and a new, more powerful 2.4L 4-cylinder with 147 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon model is added.
2004: All models have tilt steering, and a CD player is standard on all but the SE model. The cassette player is dropped. A long-wheelbase 2-door Unlimited model is introduced that's 15 in longer overall.
2005: A 6-speed manual replaces the previous 5-speed. A 6-disc CD changer is optional. 4.0L 6-cylinder becomes optional in the SE model. The long-wheelbase Unlimited Rubicon edition makes its debut. The Unlimited Premium replaces the Sahara. ABS is only available on Sport.
2006: The power train warranty is upgraded to unlimited mileage.
Engines and Performance:
Not unlike the original WW II Jeep, the base engine offered in all Wrangler SE models is a 4-cylinder. From 1997 to 2002, this is a 2.5L pushrod 4 with 120 hp at 5,400 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Starting in 2003, the Wrangler SE base engine is a double overhead-cam 2.4L borrowed from the Jeep Liberty, which delivers 25 percent more power and 18 percent more torque--specifically 147 hp at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
All other Wranglers, including the Sport, Sahara, Unlimited and X, get upgraded to the legendary Jeep 4.0L inline-6 engine. This smooth-running American Motors engine delivers excellent low-range and midrange torque for good response regardless of the gear or grade. From 1997 to 2001, it has 181 hp at 4,600 rpm, and a hearty 222 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm--class leading in its day among small SUVs. In a 1997 test of a Wrangler Sport with the 4.0L inline-6, Open Road magazine netted a 9.5-second 0 to 60 time. For 2002 and later Wranglers, tuning enhancements boost the 4.0L to 190 hp at 4,600 rpm and 235 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.
1997-2002 transmission choices are a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. For 2003, the automatic is upgraded to a 4-speed with overdrive top gear for more relaxed cruising. Beginning with 2005 Wranglers, the manual gearbox is a 6-speed.
All Wranglers come with 4-wheel drive, which in this case is Jeep's part-time Command Trac. Low-range gearing for venturing off-trail is a 2.72:1 reduction, unless it's a Rubicon model, which has a super creeper 4.0:1 low-range ratio and extra-beefy Rock-Trac 4WD system.
The Wrangler is a very basic go-anywhere machine with awesome off-road ability, but it's not optimized for over-the-road fuel economy. Ratings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 4-cylinder SE models range between 18 to 19 mpg in the city and 20 to 21 mpg highway. The EPA rates the 6-cylinder at 14 to 16 mpg city and 18 to 20 mpg highway driving.
Recalls, Safety Ratings and Warranties:
NHTSA announced the following safety recalls on the 1997 to 2006 Wrangler:
1997: Software error in airbag module could delay airbag deployment in a crash or accidently deploy airbag after ignition key is turned off.
1998: Power brake booster reservoir diaphragm can tear, resulting in loss of power assist.
1998: Front shoulder belt turning loops were not properly hardened and may not restrain front passengers in a crash.
1999: Instrument panel gauges and defroster blower may not function due to poor grounds.
2000-2002: On 4.0L 6, debris may accumulate between intake and exhaust manifolds, causing a fire.
2001: Instructions for child seat tether anchorage were missing in some vehicles.
2001-2002: Water could enter ignition switch, causing a short circuit and fire.
2004: Tire inflation info was omitted from door label.
2005-2006: Improperly installed parking anchor shaft in some automatic transmissions may allow vehicle to roll away on an incline.
2006: Manual transmission clutch master cylinder rod may break, disabling the clutch.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Wrangler a 4-star rating for the driver and passenger in frontal impacts (except 1997 models, which got a 5-star passenger rating), but did not test for side impacts. In rollover testing, 2001-03 Wranglers got three stars, and NHTSA gave 2005-06 models four stars.
In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 1997-2006 Jeep Wranglers were rated Acceptable for frontal impacts and Marginal in side impacts. Rear crash protection, only measured on 2001-06 Wranglers, was determined by IIHS to be Poor.
The 1997-2006 Wrangler came with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The powertrain warranty was 3 years/36,000 miles on 1997-2002 models, 7 years/70,000 miles on 2003-05 Wranglers and unlimited on 2006 models.
The 1997-2006 Wranglers are too old to be eligible for Chrysler Certified Pre-Owned status.
Word on the Web:
Because of its unique design and driving characteristics, the Jeep Wrangler is a polarizing vehicle. In a test of the 2005 Wrangler Unlimited, ConsumerReports.org lauded the Jeep for its off-road ability and nostalgic look but took issue with its choppy ride quality, abrupt handling, long braking distances, noisiness, poor ingress/egress, fit and finish, and lack of ABS on some models. Nonetheless, Consumer Reports predicted better-than-average reliability for the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes but cited the climate control system, paint and trim as trouble spots. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds.
TruckTrend.com tested a 2002 Wrangler X and acknowledged that it was not the vehicle of choice for drivers who spend considerable hours on the highway. But the tester found more to like in its big, torquey inline-6 engine, short dimensions and quick steering, which allows it to thread among stumps and rocks better than any factory-built truck. It concluded: "For the cost of some two-to-three-week safari to the uncharted, you could buy years of adventures into the North American backcountry." That was back when the Wrangler was new, so a used one would be a particularly good bargain in that respect.
Competitive Set:
The Wrangler is in a class of its own. The HUMMER H3, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Isuzu Amigo and Nissan Xterra are much larger, heavier vehicles that lack the Wrangler's off-road agility. The Chevrolet Tracker, Kia Sportage and Suzuki Vitara offer good maneuverability, better fuel economy and more civilizing touches but don't provide the retro character, word-of-mouth reputation and resale value of the Jeep.
Auto Trader Recommendations:
A used Wrangler of this vintage holds its value well, so there won't be many bargains out there. The Wrangler has tremendous off-road ability, but it's best to avoid a used model that has undergone a lot of off-road modifications. For security, get a CARFAX report to help you stay away from a Jeep that's a salvage unit or has been in a rollover or flood.
Because Wranglers are specialty vehicles, they don't get the highway miles more sedate SUVs might rack up, so it's easy to find one with relatively low miles. Stick with the inline-6 for best overall performance and better resale value. And, if possible, get one with the factory hardtop, which makes the A/C a lot more effective in hot weather, and makes the vehicle much quieter on the highway and more secure when parking it on the street.


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Update on Alaska's Mysterious "Orange Goo"
Ok. Scientists say they have it figured out. Kind of anyway. Maybe "figured out" is pushing it, but narrowed down, at least.
They claim now that is definitely a "natural" substance. It's not man-made. So their verdict as to WHAT it exactly is...Eggs.
Eggs? What kind of eggs? They don't know. At least, not yet.
Read the article below.


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Booted out - don't be like me!
Last Activity: June 15th, 2014 1:53 PM
About Me
- About demondismon
- Biography
- im 17 my birthday is april 27th 1996 i like to hack roms mainly cause there is nothing else to do in east wakefield. im kinda chill although if i think i know something i will stick by it unless proven wrong.. i can be nice but i can also be mean. im about 6ft tall black hair dyed originaly dirty blonde, my style/type of personality is called emo (by everyone who knows me in real life)
- Interests
- hacking roms....playing sports with my dad. skateboarding is my main sport... lmao i always get hurt. i like to chill with my friends i try to be as active as possible... however thats really hard seems how i live in a forest...lmao. my uncle is a computer programmer even though he just graduated from high school his dad is also a computer programmer. me and my uncle plan on making a company called diemos kai phobos with means horror and fear. i like horror movies and will stand up for my family..... specifically my dad.heavy metal music. i sing in 2 bands called sinister legacy and (my screamo band) modern day murder
- Location
- e. wakfield
- Gender
- Male ♂
- Occupation
- babysitting
- Nature
- Quiet
- Also Known As
- elmo
- Favorite Pokémon
- zangoose, cyndaquil, eevee
- Signature
Showing Friends 1 to 9 of 9
- countryemo
- Kicking against the earth!
- DarkRisingGirl
- Order Must Be Restored
- frits191
- Pksvui Scripter
- leachim_paloyz15
- ~ セールマイケル
- Pia Carrot
- Let's play a game...
- PokemonyellowX
- Team Black Forest owner
- RHIOneAlbum
- Banned
- Speedster
- The Unknown


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About Us
What We Do
Contact Us
Major Traders was established as a sales outlet for Manufacturer's Reps, Wholesalers and Retailers.
We are located in New Braunfels, Texas and are part of the National Liquidator Network established in 2005.
Product categories we handle include Sporting Goods and Accessories, Sporting Apparel, Sporting Technical Gear, Computers & Electronics, Health & Beauty Aids, Toys, Home Improvement, Cosmetics, Gifts, and more.
We are interested in learning about your merchandise, and are always willing to consider new product categories.
We turn your dated inventories, overstocks, closeouts and liquidations into CASH, providing you the following advantages:
* Reducing your aged inventories
* Increasing inventory turns
* Recovering your investment in product samples
* Improving your cash flow
* Increasing your overall profitability
Major Traders © 2007 All Rights Reserved. Feel Free To Contact Us @ 1-844-625-6787