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On this blog, I've argued against Darwinian evolution in a handful of different blog posts. I used to think that Christianity and macro evolution were incompatible, but I'm beginning to think more and more that there's really no incompatibility between the two after all. Now, don't misunderstand me here. I am not a Theistic Evolutionist. I still think Darwinism is just as false as I did back when I thought they were incompatible. All I'm saying is that I'm more open to the idea of TE than I used to be. I'd like to share some of my reasons why in this blog post.
1: Evolution, By No Means, Proves That Atheism Is True
There's a lot of evidence for the truth of the Christian worldview that has no relevance to whether or not Darwinian Evolution is true. Even if Darwinian Macro Evolution were proven to be true, that would not give us adequate epistemological grounds for concluding that atheism is true. Even in the realm of science, there would still be a massive load of evidence for the handiwork of a Creator. The Big Bang theory and the second law of thermodynamics shows that the universe had an absolute beginning out of nothing about 14 billion years ago, which provide powerful warrant for affirming the second premise in an argument for God's existence known as The Kalam Cosmological Argument. The Kalam Cosmological Argument says that whatever has a beginning to its existence had something to cause it to come into existence, since the universe came into existence, it follows that the universe has a cause of its existence. Once the two premises are proven true (as I show in chapter 1 of my book Inference To The One True God and in my article "The Kalam Cosmological Argument") we then do a conceptual analysis for what properties the cause of the universe must have. The conceptual analysis shows that the universe must have been brought into being by a spaceless, timeless, immaterial, powerful, uncaused, personal Creator.
Then we have, on top of the origin of the universe, the powerful fine tuning of the universe. Over the last 50 years, scientists have discovered that the laws of physics must take insanely narrow values in order for the universe to possibly contain life. If even one of these physical laws had been tweaked in just the slightest, marginal way, life could never exist in the universe at any place at any time. The odds that these different physical constants and quantities would take the values they do are so low that no one could take seriously the notion that they became that way by chance. The best explanation is Intelligent Design. I unpack this argument in detail in my blog post "The Fine Tuning Argument For God's Existence (updated version)" and I go into even more detail in chapter 2 of Inference To The One True God.
There's also local fine tuning. What do I mean by that? I mean that besides the laws of physics, which affect the entire universe, there are hundreds and hundreds of different factors about our galaxy, solar system, and Earth-moon planetary system which have to be just right in order for life to exist on this planet. If our planet were any closer or farther away from the sun, life couldn't exist. If our moon were any larger or smaller than it is, life couldn't exist. If any of the 4 gas giants were a little big bigger or smaller, or were closer or farther away from the Earth, life couldn't exist on this planet. It is far too improbable that these factors should be as they are. The best explanation is that a Creator shaped our region of the universe so that we could exist. I go into this argument in great detail in chapter 3 of my book Inference To The One True God.
Aside from these 3 scientific arguments for the existence of a Creator-designer of the universe, we have philosophical arguments for God's existence as well. There's The Moral Argument, There's The Ontological Argument, and there's The Trancendental Argument.
We also can make a powerful historical case for the resurrection of Jesus, which I do in my blog posts "The Minimal Facts Case For Jesus' Resurrection PART 1" and "The Minimal Facts Case For Jesus' Resurrection PART 2", and in chapter 8 of Inference To The One True God.
We also can make a case for the divine inspiration of The Bible by making arguments from fulfilled prophesy, which I do in "5 Fulfilled Prophesies That Make Non-Christians Uncomfortable". and there are 4 other reasons to believe that The Bible is God's Word as I point out in "5 Reasons To Believe The Bible Is Divinely Inspired" none of which depend on Darwinian Evolution being false.
All of these arguments do an end-run around the issue of Special Creation VS. Darwinian Evolution. I can give the atheist Darwinian Evolution for free. I really can. I can give the atheist Darwinian Evolution for free. He still has to deal with all of these arguments. If these arguments are sound -- and I think they are -- then Christianity is true.
2: The Imageo Dei Isn't Damaged By An Evolutionary Account Of Origins
Many Christians object to evolution because they think that it's incompatible with the doctrine that human beings are made in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27). They argue that if we came from lower primates, then we can't bare God's image. If we came from lower primates, then we're merely highly advanced hairless monkeys. I've never really found this to be a good objection to Theistic Evolution. I think when you understand what the imageo dei is, then however humans came about is irrelevant to whether or not we bare God's image.
What is the image of God? No one knows for sure, but a general consensus among theologians is that human beings have rational cognitive faculties, the ability to discern between right and wrong (i.e a moral compass), and that we have free will. No other creature in the world has these abilities. Animals don't have the ability to reason, nor can they discern between moral good and moral evil, and none of them have free will. At least in the libertarian sense, though I do think animals have "free" will in the compatiblist sense. In fact, this isn't purely a Christian notion, even Aristotle said that an essential property for a human nature is "rational animality". Well, if these theologians are correct (and I think they probably are), then even if we evolved from lower primates, we're still made in God's image.
When homosapiens finally came about, God inserted into the soul of the homosapien species, a spiritual component which would allow man to have some of the same features God has (i.e the ability to reason, know right and wrong, and freely choose things rather than act purely on instinct).
It is true, that none of the "homo" cave men which homosapiens evolved from bore the image of God, but the final product does. Here's an illustration to show you my point: one day a painter decided to create a self portrait. He only spent 2 minutes on the portrait every day, so it took him quite a while to get done. He painted a little for 2 minutes one day, and then painted some more the next day, also for only 2 minutes. He did this every single day for a month until he was finally finished. Now, every intermediate stage of the self portrait did not bare the artist's image. They looked nothing like him. However, the finished product did bare the artist's image. It looked exactly like him. Each individual stage of the painting didn't bare his image, but only the final product did.
In the same way, although each previous stage in "the ape man march" didn't bare God's image, the guy at the front of the ape man march does.
3: Molinism Provides A Way That God Can Direct Evolution While Still Being Faithful To The "Randomness" Of The Theory
In the film The Case For A Creator, based on the book of the same name, Lee Strobel expressed an objection to Theistic Evolution that he's held for decades. He said that evolution is described by most scientists today as a blind, undirected process. And he said "How could God direct an undirected process? How could God have purpose in a system that has no plan and no purpose? It just doesn't make since! It didn't make sense to me in the 1970s, and it doesn't make sense to me now."
I used to agree with this objection of Strobel's, but I don't anymore. I love Strobel, but I've got to disagree with him on this point. One day, I was sitting in the porch swing of my front yard thinking about lofty philosophical and theological stuff while my dog Max sat next to me. I was thinking about Molinism and how it allows God to have meticulous control over everything that happens in the world while simultaneously allowing human beings to have libertarian free will. God can control what happens in the world by acting on His middle knowledge; His knowledge of what any creature would freely do in any circumstance. God knows "If Bob were in circumstance X, he would freely choose action A over action B". So, if God wants Bob to choose action A, God can get him to choose A by placing him in circumstance X. God places Bob in circumstance X, and lo and behold, Bob chooses A.
It occurred to me that if God could control human history without causally determining everything, then He could probably direct evolutionary history in exactly the same way. God could know "If this species of animal were in this part of the world with these conditions in place, then this genetic mutation would occur, and natural selection would preserve it". Or God could know "If X happens, then this population would move to this part of the region where this genetic mutation would occur." And in order for God to get those genetic mutations to occur, He could use His middle knowledge to actualize a possible world where those animals are in just those circumstances so that the mutations do occur, and natural selection does preserve those changes.
God could use His middle knowledge of what would occur under any given circumstance, to direct evolutionary history toward His envisioned goals. He's not causally determining evolutionary history any more than He causally determines the daily choices of human beings, but He just puts animals in circumstances knowing how they would change if they were in those circumstances.
Sitting on that porch swing, I was amazed at such a realization. I thought to myself "I think Darwinian evolution is bunk, but if I became a theistic evolutionist, this is the view I would most likely hold!" It was ground breaking for me because I used to think that, unless you were an interventionalist like Michael Behe, then you pretty much stripped God of His role as being the Creator of the human race. I thought that on non-interventionalist views of TE, you had a sort of "Spectator God" instead of a "Creator God". On this view, God creates and fine tunes the universe, and maybe even specially creates and designed the first single celled organism, but then He just kicks back and watches everything unfold randomly. But, combining Theistic Evolution with Molinism, that objection of mine evaporates. God isn't a spectator God on this view. He's very active in making sure homo sapien sapiens evolve from the lower primates which evolved from that single celled organism in the primordial soup! He's not causally determining the evolutionary processes, nor is He creating animals out of nothing, but He's using His middle knowledge to orchastrate the history of evolution to produce the kinds of creatures that He wants to create. Therefore, on this view, human beings are not an accident even if we developed through a "random", "undirected" process.
Charles Kingsley, an Anglican Priest, and a friend of Darwin, once said "We knew of old that God was so wise that He could make all things; but behold, God is so much wiser than that, that He can make all things make themselves."
4: There Might Be A Way To Harmonize The Historicity Of Genesis With Darwinian Evolution
One of my biggest theological problems with Theistic Evolution is that I thought you had to adopt the allegorical view of the first 11 chapters of Genesis. After all, evolution doesn't produce simply 2 individuals. You don't end up with one man and one woman on an evolutionary view, but many men and women. This is why many TE's like Francis Collins of Biologos adopt a view that the first 11 chapters of Genesis are allegory. I've addressed the many, many problems with the allgorical view elsewhere, so I won't rehash that material here. I'll just simply say that the scriptural evidence strongly militates against such an interpretation.
However, there are some TEs who hold to a historical view of Genesis. They adopt certain models of Genesis which would allow us to affirm a historical Adam and Eve, and historical Noah, while also affirming an evolutionary theory of origins. Now, I haven't investigated these in too much depth, but one of the models states that Adam and Eve were not the first couple, but one of the first couples. God chose Adam and Eve to represent the human race (the federal headship doctrine) and that's why scripture focuses so heavily on them rather than on these other humans.
It could also be that the reason scripture focuses on them is because that it's only their descendants who are alive today. As the genealogies in Genesis, 1 Chronicles, and the gospels of Matthew and Luke show, Noah and his sons are descended from Adam and Eve. It could very well be the case that the offspring of other homosapiens that evolved, got washed away by the Genesis flood, leaving no descendants for the rest of human history. Every human alive today is descended from Noah's family who was descended from Adam. This would also explain why everyone "dies in Adam" (Romans 5, 1 Corinthians 15). We "die in Adam" because we're all descended from Adam. We don't "die in" anyone else, because we're not descended from any other human. This is because their ancestral lines ended when they were killed in the flood!
Now, I haven't investigated these models too intensely. The only knowledge I have of these is what TEs have told me in online conversations. However, I do plan on investigating them at some point in the future....once I'm done with my current studies. Hopefully I can find a model with the lowest number of exegetical problems. I'm not in too much of a hurry though, because, as I said, I still think macro evolution is false. I believe God created all animals and humans through special creation.
However, of the models I've investigated so far, the one I briefly described above seems the most plausible to me.
5: "Evolutionary Creationism or Intelligent Design" Is A False Dichotomy
One need not choose between evolution and intelligent design, per se. One could argue that God designed the laws of physics (The Fine Tuning Of The Universe), and our galaxy, solar system, and planet (The Local Fine Tuning), and even designed the very first single cell. In this third example of design, one can still appeal to all of the arguments creationists uses; the DNA-Information argument, the irreducible complexity argument, and so forth. One need not renounce ID entirely in order to be a good evolutionary creationist. One could simply say that God's hands-on intervention stops after the first life form is created. After that, He simply chooses to direct the evolutionary processes through His middle knowledge (as I said in point 3 above), or you could adopt a sort of interventionalist view like Michael Behe does. Michael Behe is a theistic evolutionist, but he only thinks God intervened in places where natural processes couldn't get the job done (e.g irreducibly complex structures).
For these 5 reasons, I'm a lot more open to the idea of Evolutionary Creationism (a.k.a Theistic Evolution), then I used to be. I still think evolution is false, but I no longer think it's incompatible with Christianity. Now, some people reading this might wonder "Well then, why don't you embrace it if you think it's compatible?" -- Because I still don't think it's true! I find that Darwinian processes cannot get the job done. There are genetic barriers that cannot be crossed, and micro evolutionary changes have proven time and time again to be cyclical, not accumulative. Moreover, I find that most arguments in favor in Darwinism presuppose atheism. What I mean by that is that most of the arguments assume that God had no part in the creation of life. They rule out creation a-priori, interpret the evidence based on their naturalistic presuppositions and then say "Look at how strong the evidence is!" The argument from homology is one such argument (i.e the similarities in structures between different species of animals). This could be explained either by common ancestry, or by a common design plan. Now, it is not the purpose of this article to get into this material, but I unpack this more in my blog post "Why I'm Skeptical Of Darwinian Evolution".
Just because something is compatible with Christianity, that doesn't mean that I should embrace it. I think that the existence of leprechauns and unicorns are consistent with my faith, but that doesn't mean I'm going to start professing belief in the existence of leprachans and unicorns! I need good reasons to believe leprechauns and unicorns exist. Likewise, I need good reasons to believe macro evolution is true. I have encountered good reasons to believe neither.
*How NOT To Argue Against Macro Evolution
*5 Reasons To Believe That Molinism Is True
*Why I'm Skeptical Of Darwinian Evolution
*Is Molinism Biblical?


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Paola Harris has sent photos of the metal that witnesses (Jose Padilla/Reme Baca) reportedly pulled off the craft in the 1945 San Antonio, NM crash case. The first image shows electron microscope analysis of a panel piece pulled off by a 9 year old Jose Padilla, with possible embedded integrated circuits. The second picture shows the panel piece in a regular photo.
Pop culture critic Dahlia Schweitzer joins Ian Punnett (Twitter) to discuss the metamorphosis of the private detective figure and the many facets of the...More »

subset: commoncrawl


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Parking is such a problem for many that they don't want to buy their own vehicle. At least, that is one of the major concerns of those who already have their own vehicle. Anything could go wrong while they are attempting to park their car. They might encounter another car or something bizarre like a runaway trolley. To tell you the truth, the last one never happens in real life. Perhaps the last one could happen in video games or something like that, but never is a reality. Perhaps, it could happen in an action movie wherein some people push the cart in front of a moving vehicle.
Of course, you would know if someone is a master if he is able to dodge anything thrown at him. In this case, a moving push wheel from a supermarket. Of course, that is peculiar as nothing like that could happen in real life. But, if that thing happens in front of you then would you be able to dodge it while driving. Well, at least those who are able to do this has practice a lot since that is something unusual. It might not cause that big damage to a car, but if you have seen something like that happening then you might not know what to do.
In this game, something like that is happening and to top it all, there are no arrows that would guide you to the way. You need to find it alone. In order to do that, you need to drive around the parking area and look for rive way that is free. No, you can't park at those parking space for the needy since that is reserved for the handicap people. The game gets harder and more difficult as there would be more of that wheels patrolling the area. It might not put you down, but those wheels can really put some damage to your car.


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Harrison HS Harrison, NJ Alumni List
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By SYED M. ASLAM
Nov 03 - 09, 2003
Until recently motorcycle buyers in Pakistan hardly
enjoyed any choice � either in term of product or in term of price.
Their choice was limited to just three traditional Japanese models
produced locally � Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki- and they have witnessed
an incessant increase in prices which pushed an otherwise affordable
means of transport out of their reach.
The local two-wheeler industry has been just as
over-zealously protected as the automobile industry. In fact, the
local motorcycle industry is much more fiercely protected than its
four-wheel counterpart as we will see later. Import of cars and
two-wheelers is affectively discouraged through excessively high
duties the ultimate cost of which is paid by the buyers in high
Years of undeserved protection and the absence of
real competition have not only deprived the buyers of choice but have
also harmed the industry in many ways. It has resulted in developing
monopolistic tendencies on the part of the local industry to increase
prices at will on this or that pretext and its failure to improve the
quality of its products.
Like all other developed countries motorcycle is
seen as an affordable means of transportation here in Pakistan.
However, the incessant increases have pushed the prices of the
two-wheelers out of the reach of the low and middle income groups
years ago. The traditional manufacturers increased the prices at the
slightest shedding of value by the rupee but remained conveniently
silent to pass off any benefit of the substantial shedding of the
value by the dollar after 9/11.
Just how well protected the local two-wheeler
industry has been all along from imports is obvious from the
following. For years the import of completely built-up two-wheeler was
subjected to a high 110 per cent duty which was reduced to 75 per cent
a few years ago. However, the duty was increased by 15 per cent to 90
per cent within weeks at the behest of the traditional producers who
felt that the 75 per cent duty would be enough to encourage imports at
their inconvenience.
In fact, the two-wheeler industry is the best
protected industry of the country today. It is better protected than
the car: import of two-wheelers is subjected to 90 per cent duty, 15
per cent more than that on cars of up to 1000cc. The fact speaks
volumes about the indifference of the policy makers towards the low
and middle income segments of the society, the real users of the
two-wheeler which is seen fit to be subjected to heavier duties and
levies than the four-wheeler.
The total impact of duties and taxes on the import
of two-wheeler adds up much bigger than that on the import of cars.
The import of motorcycle is subjected to 90 per cent duty, 15 per cent
sales tax and 6 per cent withholding tax the total impact of which
adds up to a high 140 per cent. On the other hand, the import of new
1000cc or smaller car is subjected to 75 per cent duty, 15 per cent
sales tax and 6 per cent withholding tax the total impact of which
totals around 115 per cent, much less than that on the two-wheelers.
The two-wheeler, thus, remains an even better protected industry than
its more expensive counterpart, the four-wheeler industry.
Though it took no time for the policy makers to
increase the duty on the import of completely-built-up two-wheelers
from 75 per cent to 90 per cent a few years ago, it was nevertheless
enough to give an opportunity to a handful of importers to bring in
affordable Chinese two-wheelers. Today, business at Karachi's Akbar
Road, the biggest motorcycle market of the country, has picked up to
regain a level lost over the two decades in phases.
The transition is helped by the presence of a
number of affordable Chinese two-wheelers, locally-produced as well as
imported. It has completely changed the face of the motorcycle market
in Karachi in particular and would have a long-term impact in other
parts of the country in the time to come. The competition has provided
the buyers with real choices both in terms of products and prices. It
has forced the traditional producers, particularly Honda which is the
market leader, to cut the prices of their products substantially. It
has also provided the people with a choice of affordable Chinese
alternates, the prices of which run between Rs 39,000 to Rs 42,000.
The transformation has turned the market more
buyer-friendly because of choices that caters to need of all tastes
and all pockets. It has helped bring down the prices of not only
locally assembled motorcycles but also affordably priced locally
assembled and imported Chinese brands. The heating up of the
competition has changed the market in many ways for the benefits of
the buyers by providing real choices to the transport-starved
middle-income segment of the society which could not afford to buy a
new, or for that matter a used, motorcycle any longer.
A few years ago the local motorcycle industry
comprised just three players � the traditional producers of three
Japanese brands. About three years ago the market started to change
when two new assemblers Sohrab and Qingqi, both Chinese, initiated the
production. Today, the number of licensed two-wheeler assemblers in
the country stands at total 14 including 3 traditional and 11 Chinese.
Muhammad Sabir Shaikh, the assembler of Guangta
Chinese motorcycle, told PAGE that monthly sales at Akbar Road
has crossed the 4,000 mark for first time ever and is expected to
touch 6,000 level in the coming months. He claimed that 75 per cent of
the 4,000 motorcycles sold each month at the Akbar Road are Chinese,
both locally assembled and imported, while the rest of the 1,000 units
are sold by the 3 traditional producers collectively, Honda with 750
units being the top.
Sabir said that during fiscal 2002-03 a total of
over 210,000 motorcycles were produced in the country, about one-third
of 70,000 of which were Chinese. "The motorcycle production this
year is expected to touch 300,000 mark, one-third or about 100,000
units of which would be Chinese, of which 85,000 would be produced
within the country while the remaining 15,000 would be imported."
The increased production, however, would not be
able to meet the demand which is increasing at a much higher rate. It
would fall far short of the 'real' demand which has always remained
500,000-700,000 units per annum but was kept systematically suppressed
by the traditional assemblers so as serve as a pretext for not
allowing imports. It also helped the traditional assemblers to dictate
the prices to continue benefiting from the monopolistic tendencies to
bleed the people to pay high prices.
It is clear that the Chinese motorcycles have been
able to make a respectable niche.
The prices of locally produced 70cc Chinese
motorcycles range from Rs 39,000 to Rs 44,000 while imported
counterparts are available for an extra Rs 5,000. In all, about 10
brands of 70cc, 6 brands each of 125cc and 150cc and two brands of
250cc motorcycles are imported from China and the presence of them all
at Akbar Road has given the market the boast that it is enjoying at
So the Chinese two-wheelers have been successful in
winning one-third share of the over all market due primary to
affordable prices and competition which was just not there for the
benefit of the buyers.
The import of completely-knock-down (CKD) kits used
in the manufacture of two-wheelers is subjected to 30 per cent duty
and 15 per cent adjustable general sales tax. The import of
replacement parts is subjected to 25 per cent duty, 15 per cent sales
tax and 6 per cent withholding tax. Assemblers of Chinese brands of
motorcycles say that duties and levies on the import of CKD and
replacement parts are high and so is its overall impact. Since the
Chinese assemblers are already working on minimum margins to compete
with traditional assemblers who have substantially cut the prices of
their product on the one hand and to keep their retail prices
attractive to win buyers, the total impact of duties and levies on
CKDs and replacement parts is unfavourable to the new breed of
But that represents only a part of the problem. A
number of assemblers of Chinese motorcycles said that the Customs
officials are in connivance with the top traditional assembler find it
fit to evaluate duties and levies on much higher C&f prices way
above the actual prices. For instance, the Customs is evaluating the
duties and taxes on the import of 70 cc CKD kits from China at fixed
C&F value of $ 280 even if it is imported at a lower C&F
Sources said that the import of Chinese-origin
motorcycles is being systematically discouraged tacitly in another
manner- evaluating the duty, and thus taxes, on higher C&F value
than on which it is being imported. Sources told PAGE, a
completely built-up unit is available for as low as $ 240 per unit,
depending on the quantity, but Customs authorities has fixed different
C&F prices for the purpose of valuation which differ from a
producer to producer. For instance, the C&F price of 70cc
motorcycles is fixed at between $ 280-285 for different producers for
the purpose of valuation which is around $ 20 more than the declared
The valuation on the higher C&F value means an
arm and leg for the importers which are working on extremely thin
margins already. Sources told PAGE that a 20 dollar difference
makes all the difference between profitability and to remain
competitive as it pushes the retail prices by an average Rs 3,000 �
the margin most of the importers are operating on to compete with each
other and traditional producers.
Importers say that the Customs authorities have
fixed the C&F values on the higher side to tacitly discourage
imports by making them expensive so as not to be price competitive the
ultimate victim of which is the buyer. "As is, the import of
completely built-up motorcycles is subjected to highly discouraging
duty and taxes and the valuation on the higher side makes the
situation worse. While it is true that the increasing presence of
Chinese two-wheelers has forced the traditional producers to cut their
prices substantially the valuation on fixedly high C&F value
pushes the prices of imports to levels where they just cannot be seen
as attractive anymore. Why the low � and middle-income people are
deprived the right to have access to affordable two-wheelers."
The traditional assemblers still enjoy the biggest
share of the market but the Chinese two-wheelers are increasing their
share with each passing day. It took 20 years for the traditional
Japanese assemblers to help win the trust of the buyers since the
import of two-wheelers was banned. On the other hand, the positive
response to Chinese counterparts can be attributed to affordable
prices in a market where the traditional assemblers increased the
prices of their respected products way beyond the reach of the middle
and low-income groups a long time ago.
Let's look at the financial results of Atlas Honda,
the market leader, for the first quarter ended September 30. Honda's
sales increased by 38 per cent to Rs 2.24 billion over the
corresponding period previous year while operating profit registered
over 61 per cent increase to Rs 203 million. Pre-tax profit jumped
from Rs 123 million to Rs 199 million and after-tax profit increased
from Rs 80 million to Rs 129 million.
Market sources told PAGE price cuts of Rs
10,000 and Rs 5,000 announced by Honda a few months ago has helped it
regain a lot of market, particularly in the biggest province Punjab.
Sabir said that unlike Karachi the Chinese
two-wheelers have yet to make an impact in Lahore, which also serves
as a distributing point for other close by cities. "The monthly
sales volume has already crossed the 9,000 figure, more than double
the previous high of 4,000 units, of which 8,000 products produced by
traditional assemblers of which Honda is the market leader. However,
Karachi has always been a trend-setting city for the rest of the
country as obvious from the fact that it was it which backed Honda
when it enjoyed little market in Punjab. The whole-hearted welcome
accorded to Chinese motorcycles by Karachi would be reflected
elsewhere in the months and years to come. The Chinese motorcycles are
here to stay."
However, for the time being the traditional
assemblers like Honda can afford to play the market because it enjoys
the trust of a large captive market. The thriving sales at Honda can
be attributed to substantial reduction in prices which was aimed at
giving the new assemblers, as well as importers, of Chinese bikes a
shock treatment because they just could not afford to reduce the
prices already working on low margins and are busy to find a
dependable niche in the market. The motorcycle market, price-driven as
it is, still respects the Japanese products which are seen as
technologically superior than the Chinese counterparts.
The much calculated decision by Honda to cut the
prices of its products would cost the company over one billion rupees
in lost revenue this fiscal. Honda sold over 120,000 units of its CD
70 and CG 125 models in fiscal 2002-2003. Honda's 70cc model
contributes around 70 per cent to its overall sales while its 125cc
model contributes the remaining 30 per cent. Honda slash the prices of
its 70cc model by Rs 10,500 and 125cc model by Rs 5,000 in July this
year, the first month of the fiscal and yet the financial results of
the company for the first quarter shows increased sales and
As stated earlier, the import of two-wheelers in
CBU form is subjected to 90 per cent import duty, the total impact of
which along with sales and withholding tax adds up to an otherwise
discouraging 140 per cent. And yet these imported two-wheelers despite
subjected to such high duties and levies are affectively competing
with their locally assembled counterparts just about Rs 3,500-5,000
more than the locally assembled counterpart and competitively priced
against with the traditional products. Chinese two-wheelers deserve
the credit for igniting a competition by offering people a choice in
product as well as price thereby bringing in a real competition for
the benefit of people in country reeling from a low annual per capital
income of $ 400 or around.
The duties and taxes at the landed stage adds up to
around 140 per cent and yet the completely-built Chinese motorcycles
are competitively priced to compete not only with locally produced
counterparts, both Japanese and Chinese.
The retail price of completely-built-up Chinese
motorcycles is only marginally more than their locally produced
counterpart by an average Rs 5,000 at the max in some cases and at par
in other. The price of 70cc bikes imported from China retails between
Rs 39,000 to Rs 43,000 compared to locally produced counterparts whose
prices range between Rs 44,000 to Rs 49,000. The prices of around 6
brands of 125cc two-wheelers imported into the country in the finished
form run between Rs 56,000-72,000, that of over 6 brands of 150cc
ranges between Rs 70,000-85,000 while two models of 250cc are
retailing for around 104,000. This highlights the mergence of
competition in types of motorcycles both in term of price as well as
models to suit various purse size and taste.
The availability of increased numbers of
locally-produced and imported two-wheelers have not provided buyers
with choice but has also pushed sales for the benefit of all those
associated with the trade. Just a year ago, retail outlets at the
Akbar Road used to sell just 600 units a month. Today some 4,000 units
are sold each month and the figure is expected to cross 6,000 units
soon. The market has not witnessed such sales activity for around a
decade when Karachi used to be the biggest two-wheeler market in the
Despite the expectations that total sales at the
Akbar Road would cross 6,000 units soon, Karachi still lags far behind
Lahore, which houses half the Karachi's population, with much higher
sales of 9,000 units. In fact, despite an otherwise welcome in sales
the expected increase in its volume would match sales figures twenty
years ago despite substantial population growth.
The competition has also transformed the Akbar Road
in another way � there are more new two-wheeler today although there
has no change in the number of dealers. Two years ago, there were a
total of around 125 dealers at the market around 100 of whom were
engaged in buying and selling of used motorcycles due mainly to high
volume of trade in used two-wheelers. Today, the ratio has been
reversed due to availability of locally-produced and imported products
and buyers' willingness to buy new bikes which are comparatively
affordable. At present, 70 of the 125 outlets are engaged in new bike
business and around 50 are engaged in buying and selling of used ones.


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In November, TOPS dad extraordinaire, Prince, was invited to participate in Del Webb Hospital's "New Dad Boot Camp."
As an 18 year old "veteran dad", Prince, talked to the 8 soon-to-be dads in the room, and captivated the room. "Aside from learning how to change diapers and swaddle a baby," he said, "the most valuable thing I learned during TOPS pregnancy and childbirth classes, was how to support my girlfriend, Brianna, during the first few weeks of our son's life."
He explained that Brianna experienced difficulty with breastfeeding at first, and how it was so important for him to help her relax and stay confident. With support and encouragement, Brianna exclusively breastfed their son until she went back to school.
Throughout the Boot Camp, the soon-to-be dads asked questions, and passed Prince's 3 month old son around the room. When asked how he felt after his presentation, Prince said he felt great and was surprised that even the oldest expecting dad in the room, a man in his 40s, had the same questions and concerns about becoming a dad that he did before the birth of his son.
TOPS is so happy for Prince and Brianna, and we are proud of the awesome dad that Prince is becoming! If you have any questions or would like more information about TOPS' D.A.D (Developing Awesome Dads) program, please call TOPS at 877.882.2881.


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Kamenná kašna (Stony fountain)
When the reputation was in challenge, miners of Kutná Hora did not hesitate to use any amount of money to raise their reputation. Stony fountain could easily be named as a giant fountain. It is even 4 metres high on one side. It was built in 1493 by architect of Prašná brána (Dusty gate in Prague) Matěj Rejsek and it was used till 19th century. Water to the fountain was carried using a wooden tubes from a well 4 km away. It was a giant project with a giant budget. It could hardly be even greater... only if a whale was inside of it...
Penzion Sedlec
Cena od: 220 Kč os./noc
Cena od: 220 Kč os./noc
Hotel Kréta
Cena od: 500 Kč os./noc
Cena od: 500 Kč os./noc
Hotel Zlatá Stoupa
Cena od: 750 Kč os./noc
Cena od: 750 Kč os./noc
Hotel Opat
Cena od: 1800 Kč os./noc
Cena od: 1800 Kč os./noc


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This is the only level 3 is an awesomeeeeeeee mind bending loveable puzzle game :) . Only sharp brain peeps can play this game. Just when you thought you completed the level, it's going to happen all over again... master 30 new permutations of a brand new level from the minds of Tasselfoot and the programming claws of Jmtb02! Now featuring artwork from Jimp, the game is a brand new challenge... do you have what it takes to complete the level? Switch the switch! Poop some pastries! And think outside the box... you'll need it to survive! We hope you enjoy playing This is the only level 3 Game online. If you like This is the only level 3 Game online, don't forget to share it with your friends or social networks.
Play Online Games at GamesList.com


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Networkers is a leading provider of IT professional certification courses. We work with companies and working professionals to address the unique learning needs.
Professional trained
Qualified Instructors
Course offered
Networkers is an innovative leader in IT training to companies, individuals, and government agencies, dedicated to promoting the values of lifelong training. We offer best-of-breed courses accredited by all of the big names in the industry.
We offer a comprehensive range of training and enablement solutions to complement our large portfolio of IT solutions and products. We offer a wide range of technical, high-end and bespoke courses delivered by certified trainers with real-life practical experience
A pioneer in a training for professional certification courses, We assist our learners in applying for the certification exam and also help them pass the exam by sharing tips and tricks.
• To build careers
• To build leaders
• To make learning a habit for working professionals, because we believe we can!
Timeline Express
WE REDEFINED OURSELVESDecember 16, 2014
Simplilearn, keeping in pace with the
WE BECOME THE LARGEST CERTIFICATION TRAINING PROVIDERSeptember 16, 2014
Simplilearn reaches its next big milestone of training 200000+ professionals trained in 150+
AND THE WORLD STARTED TO BELIEVE IN USAugust 16, 2013
Simplilearn raises $10 Million in Series B funding from Helion Venture Partners
WE TOUCHED 20,000 LIVESJune 16, 2012
Simplilearn marked the milestone of having trained over 20,000+ professionals
WE GET A SHOT OF FRESH BREATHMarch 16, 2012
Simplilearn got its first backer and raised
WE ARE NOT JUST ABOUT PMPMarch 16, 2011
Due to popular demand and encouraged by
WE LAUNCH BLENDED LEARNINGApril 16, 2010
Simplilearn launched the concept of the Blended Model approach to PMP training, a
OUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGSSeptember 9, 2009
Simplilearn was started as a blog to share ideas on Project


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Phone: 330-655-1543
Fax: 330-655-1548
How interest rate changes influence bond prices.
Securities, insurance and advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC Additional investment advisory services offered through Southland Equity Partners, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. Additional insurance services offered through Western Reserve Capital Management which is not affiliate with FSC Securities Corporation or Southland Equity Partners LLC.
Investments in securities involve risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. This communication is intended for individuals residing in the states of Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Colorado. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific state(s) referenced.


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Elf Stor Premium Christmas Tree Poly Large Storage Bag 9' x 4'
If you are looking for a way to store away your Christmas tree, but don't want to take it apart completely and try to stuff it into a duffle bag, then Elf Stor has just what you need. This 3mil thick Poly bags are designed to protect your Christmas tree while it is still standing. All you have to do is take the bag off next year and decorate your tree. No more trying to figure out what part is "Part A" and what part is "Part B"..
Not only are the Elf Stor Extra Large Poly Bags great for storing your Christmas Trees, they can also be used for covering furniture such as couches and love seats while in storage, during renovations and painting, or just because you want to keep them clean.
Elf Stor poly bags are thick enough to last year after year. At 3 mil thick, you won't find one more heavy duty for the price.
- Amazon ASIN: B00O3H25DG
- Dimensions: Extra Large 9' x 6' when laid flat.
- Holds up to a 9 foot tree.
- Great for trees, furniture, mattresses, and more.
- Protects from dirt and dust, moisture, and vermin.
- Great for long or short term storage.


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I am SO excited to have spabettie here today! This is a girl after my own heart! I love my grapefruit margaritas, so these Grapefruit Thyme Mimosa-Ritas are calling my name! I am so thankful for amazing bloggers who are stepping in to share their creative side with TCB readers while I'm away! I hope you'll be sure to visit her site and of course leave a comment somewhere!
Grapefruit Thyme Mimosa-Ritas
There are two times of year when I do the most entertaining – around the holidays, and all summer long. We have a thing at our place called Happy Hour at Home, which can be anything from an impromptu 'stop by after work' to a planned and prepped for function.
From a little party around the game on television or a fun movie night, to a pre function on the patio before heading to dinner – we love to have people over to our place!
The impromptu versions may not have as many finger foods and creative cocktails, but they can still be a fun and relaxed time. Planning ahead definitely brings a better menu – choose foods that can be made ahead or finished right as guests arrive.
A few easy appetizer ideas:
assorted nuts and dried fruits (good to have on hand for impromptu visits)
Avocado Shiitake Spring Rolls with Spicy Coconut Almond Sauce
Fresh Ginger Anjou Pear Cobbler
When choosing a beverage – if you know the preferred tastes of the people you've invited, a signature cocktail cuts down on your bartending duties. This is one of my go to steps to a relaxed party as a host – settle on one or two signature cocktails that can be made ahead of time, and guests can serve themselves.
These Grapefruit Thyme Mimosa-Ritas recently went for a test run tasting at our place (recipe testing – a great reason to throw a shindig!), and everyone loved them. We had a brunch crowd, and these were a cooling concoction for an already warm day.
Grapefruit Thyme Mimosa-Ritas
YIELD: serves 5-6
2 cups Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
juice of 1 large Melogold grapefruit
juice of 2 limes
3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme (additional for garnish)
1 1/2 cups crushed ice
1 1/2 cups tequila (Cazadores Reposado is my favorite)
1 1/2 cups Prosecco or Champagne
agave to sweeten (optional)
In a blender, combine the grapefruit juices, lime juice, thyme, and crushed ice – blend to a slushy consistency*. Transfer to a serving pitcher, add tequila, Prosecco, and sweetener if using. Stir to combine, serve and enjoy!
*Optionally, you can add crushed ice without blending for a 'on the rocks' version.
*Printable Version below.
Kristina is better known online as spabettie, where she shares vibrant plant based recipes, stories of her two dachshunds – Basil and Rosemary – and life in culinary mecca Portland Oregon.
Follow her shenanigans on twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, as well as spabettie.com.
- Grapefruit Thyme Mimosa-Ritas
- YIELD: serves 5-6
- 2 cups Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
- juice of 1 large Melogold grapefruit
- juice of 2 limes
- 3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme (additional for garnish)
- 1½ cups crushed ice
- 1½ cups tequila (Cazadores Reposado is my favorite)
- 1½ cups Prosecco or Champagne
- agave to sweeten (optional)
- In a blender, combine the grapefruit juices, lime juice, thyme, and crushed ice - blend to a slushy consistency*. Transfer to a serving pitcher, add tequila, Prosecco, and sweetener if using. Stir to combine, serve and enjoy!


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Ex-IRON MAIDEN Singer BLAZE BAYLEY: Video Report From South American Tour
British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) has uploaded a sven-minute video report from his June/July 2016 tour of Central and South America. Check it out below.
The 53-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to join MAIDEN, with whom he recorded two studio albums — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Bruce Dickinson returned to the group.
Bayley stated in an interview about his time with IRON MAIDEN: "They were great years for me. I loved being a part of IRON MAIDEN, and I had a lot of support and encouragement from the fans as the new man in IRON MAIDEN; I had a lot of support. So I say a huge thank you to all the fans for making me feel so welcome when I was in IRON MAIDEN."
He continued: "They were great days for me, and, really, I found my true voice and my identity when I was working in IRON MAIDEN with Steve Harris and the other musicians. And then after IRON MAIDEN, my solo work, it really reflects the lessons that I learned when I was in IRON MAIDEN. So they were great days for me, and I look back very fondly, and I'm very, very proud of the work that we did together and the songs that we did."
Bayley released his eighth solo album, "Infinite Entanglement", on March 1.
Source: HRRL News Feed via Blabbermouth.net
Ex-IRON MAIDEN Singer BLAZE BAYLEY: Video Report From South American Tour
HRRL News Feed via Blabbermouth.net


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NCIS hits the rare 300 episode mark—and Gibbs moves forward
NCIS commemorated 13 years and 300 episodes by featuring MusiCorps, a music rehabilitation program for wounded soldiers, in "Scope." The talented Taye Diggs made a special guest appearance as Sergeant Aaron Davis.
Following a moving day with this inspiring group of soldiers, we also witnessed a poignant personal milestone for Gibbs. After spending countless nights sleeping on his own couch, he finally rested his head on the bed he once shared with his late wife, Shannon.
Watch "Scope" (Episode 18, Season 13 of NCIS) on CBS All Access.


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Massachusetts has, what amounts to, a zero tolerance policy if you are under 21 years old. You will fail the test if you record a .02 on a breath test. Essentially, if you have any alcohol whatsoever, you will fail the test. Consequences of failure? Loss of license for 180 days.
Over 21? The threshold for failure is .08. However, if you do fail the consequences are loss of license for 30 days or until the case is disposed of either by trial, dismissal or a plea. You should also know that the vehicle will be impounded for 12 hours following arrest. Don't bother having a friend or family member try to pick up your car; it won't work. Your car will remain in police custody for 12 full hours.
The Draconian measures of the current Drunk Driving rules are not at all pleasant. For example, if you are over 21 and are convicted of your first offense you may lose your license for one year and be on probation for three years. There is also the possibility of incarceration for up to 2.5 years.
There is a program for first offenders that is know as the "24D" program. If you agree to enroll in an approved alcohol education program license loss is 45 – 90 days. In addition, you can be eligible for a 12 hour Hardship License to get to work or school during the loss of license period.
Not only is all of this an awful position to be in, the fact is that a drunk driving conviction stays with you almost forever. The second, and subsequent offense, get more and more severe.
The short story is simply this: If you are stopped on a drunk driving charge, going it alone can be a disaster! Be sure to get counsel right away.


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I am slowly amassing a list of awesome dudes (& dudetts) that's I'd love to hang with. If I recall correctly, this list currently has one member – The Sugru dude…he's awesome…and so is Sugru!
Well, add this 9 year old philosopher to the list. This dude is super rad! He rattles off some serious answers to some of life's most serious questions. And he's ONLY 9!
I feel like the Dude could jam with this philosopher…until my brain started to hurt.
- Why are we on earth?
- What's our place in the universe?
- Is there life elsewhere in that universe, or, for that matter, do we live in a multiverse?
- What's the meaning of life?
- And, finally, might our life be predestined — all scripted out for us in advance?
Oh, no sweat, just let a 9 year old answer that for you…
PS – Isn't it amazing how little we actually know?
Hat tip Open Culture.


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5 thoughts on ">Just a Matter of Thread"
>I knew a woman in Albuquerque who strung long, beautiful necklaces with it and would use nothing else. I'm a Silamide groupie, myself, but I always show both Nymo and Silamide to my students and let them try both.
>I've been told since I'm a nymo girl too, that conso you never wet but run it across a nubbin of Chapstick and it works like a dream. I've never tried it.
>I'm a nymo gal too….I only use the conso thread with large beads because it's such a bear to get through a regular beading needle eye….I'm using it on the hinges of my bjp pieces, but using embroidery needles with large eyes and size 8 beads.
>Hi Lidia! Yes, I can see the Conso thread working for that. It twists very naturally!
>LB – That Conso thread is very good if you are making twisted fringe like you'd see on old Victorian purses… but that's about it as far as I know. Good luck with this project – I'm sure it will be great. Lidia
Comments are closed.


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January 13 —30, 2010
Following orientation you fly across the Atlantic to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. Malawi is often referred to as the "warm heart of Africa", and you will know why after spending just a brief time with the people. Join Bob & Bernie Bland on a Missionary Vision Team and be stationed at the Chipoka base located on Lake Malawi. Your project at the base will be to build benches and tables to be placed in the Sunday school pavilions. There will be opportunity to see how the Rescue Unit ministry is making a difference in the lives of children when you visit several of the Units in various locations. You will also witness the Motorcycle Sunday School Missions in operation. You will have the opportunity to visit the graves of the first missionary settlement of David Livingstone at Monkey Bay Lake. A trip is planned to the mountain area of Dedza and to the world renowned Dedza Pottery Shop where you can purchase beautiful and unique pottery items.
Involvement Expense: $2990 Plus $30 registration fee (USD)


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A-Star Trees Experts contributes to the growth and development of private trees. Compare tree fertilizing with humans taking multi-vitamins. People can survive without them, but vitamins provide essential nutrients needed for a healthy life. Likewise, fertilizing helps trees defend against insects and diseases as well as heal wounds caused by pruning. The end result is much healthier trees.
There are a few different ways to fertilize trees:
Granular slow release fertilizer applied on the surface of the soil drains through the soil and is absorbed by the tree roots. This method also fertilizes the grass and sometimes limits the amount that actually reaches the tree. It can also burn the grass.
Deep root fertilizing is a custom service offered by A-Star Tree Experts which injects the fertilizer in a water solution into the ground below the grass roots. It allows only the tree to absorb the fertilizer. This also allows proper air flow into the soil where the injection took place thus allowing root growth. There are no pesticides or dangerous chemicals involved.
Worm castings (worm waste) is another growing trend for tree and turf fertilizing conducted by applying organic matter in ball-bearing sized castings. They are very small, dry and extremely rich in natural ingredients also found in other fertilizers. This is applied to the area around the tree and naturally decomposes for slow release uptake. Freshly planted trees and shrubs should be fertilized with a strong root enhancing fertilizer since roots were cut and packaged to transport them. This gives peace of mind for tree/shrub survival.
Forests versus Residential Trees
People wonder why trees in forests don't need fertilizing but residential trees do. Forest trees create an important layer of decomposed leaves and rich undisturbed soil called organic matter on top of the forest floor. Residential properties, on the other hand, can contain poor soil near the surface from when construction took place.
Residents rake their leaves in the fall for aesthetic reasons, namely to keep their properties looking clean. A-Star Tree Experts understands this. When landscapers cut lawns they typically bag the grass clippings, which is actually high in nitrogen for tree growth. These two actions greatly reduce the active layer of nutrients for trees and lawn establishment. When consulting with a Certified Arborist from A-Star Tree Experts, other factors of proper soil characteristics and tree nutrients will be discussed. We drive the same roads as you do and want to promote the beauty of trees for future generations to enjoy.
As you review your needs for tree fertilizing, consider some of the many other tree care services that A-Star Tree Experts offers. Our professional staff would be happy to help you assess your needs with regards to tree removal, tree pruning, stump removal, cable and bracing, or hedge trimming.
Copyright © A-Star Tree Experts Inc., 2019. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.
Website created by 17 Designs


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Wilson, P, Lord, T, Vincent, P, Schnabel, C and Wilcken, K (2010) Dating the Norber erratics. Earth Heritage, 34 . pp. 8-9. [Journal article]
Full text not available from this repository.
|Item Type:
|Journal article
|Faculties and Schools:
|Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
Faculty of Life and Health Sciences > School of Geography and Environmental Sciences
|Research Institutes and Groups:
|Environmental Sciences Research Institute
Environmental Sciences Research Institute > Quaternary Environmental Change
|ID Code:
|Deposited By:
|Dr Peter Wilson
|Deposited On:
|22 Sep 2010 12:42
|Last Modified:
|22 Sep 2010 12:42
Repository Staff Only: item control page


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Francois Beauchemin landed the three-year contract he believed he'd get in free agency Wednesday as the former Ducks defenseman reportedly has signed with the Colorado Avalanche.
Beauchemin, 35, spent nine of his 13 NHL seasons with Anaheim, standing second among franchise leaders in scoring by a defenseman with 179 points (53 goals) and a plus-47 rating.
He earned $3.5 million last season and left the Ducks' exit interviews in early June, talking as if he expected to rejoin Hampus Lindholm as the Ducks' top defensive pair.
Yet Ducks General Manager Bob Murray said after trading for veteran defenseman Kevin Bieksa, 34, on Tuesday that Beauchemin and his agent told Murray on Tuesday morning that they believed a three-year offer was available in free agency.
Murray, considering his salary cap situation and the fact that Beauchemin has required surgery on both knees, said he "couldn't do that."
TVA Sports in Canada reported Wednesday that Beauchemin will earn $4.5 million annually in his deal with Colorado, also receiving a no-movement clause.
Although there have been Wednesday morning reports that the Ducks have extended Bieksa's contract for two seasons through the 2017-18 season, a team spokesman said the contract was not yet finalized.


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Weekend estate sale in a 1958 John Lautner house
As someone who has been suckered by handmade signs proclaiming an "estate sale" only to discover a garage and yard filled with junk, I was thrilled to get a heads-up from Lloyd Gordon of LG Estate Sales about this weekend's moving sale. It's at the 1958 Hatherall House that modernist architect John Lautner built in Shadow Hills, a neighborhood north of the Burbank airport. As a fan of Lautner designs and a midcentury decor hound, I have just three words: See you there.
First, you've got the historic concrete block house, which was recently listed as a Home of the Week by the real estate editors at The Times. Then you've got the sale, which features possessions from the owners' "lifetime of collecting," Gordon says. That means an array of period-correct vintage and reissued midcentury designs. The circular great room, above, features two sets of designer Warren Platner's classic wire base dining table and armchairs and a Boomerang sofa from Futurama. (See more items after the jump.)
Fair warning: With a mailing list of more than 1,500 names, including designers, set decorators such as Ellen Brill of "Nip/Tuck" and actors such as T. R. Knight, the estate sale has prices that start on the high side. The Platner sets will start at $8,000 each and the Boomerang sofa is $850, but offers are encouraged, particularly toward the end of the sale.
Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 10160 Maude St. Off-site parking signs will be posted, and a shuttle van will run to the property. An independent trucking company will be on hand to offer bids on moving furniture.
Check out the prices on Verner Panton, George Nelson and Arne Jacobsen designs after the jump.
From left: Arne Jacobsen's 1958 Egg chair and ottoman, which sells for nearly $8,000 through Design Within Reach, is listed at $3,000 at this weekend's LG estate sale. A reissued George Nelson Ball clock will be $125, and Verner Panton's Heart chair is $1,850.
-- David A. KeepsPhoto credits: LG Estate Sales


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Queensland Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford
Fire Hero Honoured At Sunshine Coast Awards Ceremony
Victor P Taffa
A firefighter who rescued two unconscious people from a burning building on the Sunshine Coast has today (Monday 12 February) been awarded the prestigious Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner's Medal for Valour.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said Senior firefighter Craig Hogarth had performed "an act of exceptional bravery in hazardous circumstances where there has been a clear and significant risk to life".
Minister Crawford said Mr. Hogarth risked his own life to rescue the two occupants of the Caloundra building last August.
"Once safely outside the burning 7-storey building, he performed life-saving CPR on the two people until QAS officers arrived and transported them to hospital, where they made a full recovery." Minister Crawford said.
"Craig Hogarth has demonstrated the highest achievements and aspirations of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services."
Commissioner's Medal for Valour was among 27 medals, clasps and meritorious awards presented to North Coast Region emergency service personnel during the Buderim ceremony.
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting, who represented Minister Crawford at the ceremony, congratulated all the award winners, and praised their professionalism, courage and passion.
"Recipients have a wide range of skills and expertise which they bravely apply during difficult and challenging situations." Mr. Whiting said.
"They also undertake a huge amount of work behind the scenes engaging and educating the community to build their resilience."
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said she was in "awe" of the recipients.
"Our fire fighters spend many years training to develop specialist knowledge, which they use to ensure a safer working environment and deliver excellent service to the public." Commissioner Carroll said.
"In this job, I am always humbled when I attend ceremonies across the state to award QFES volunteers and employees for their service. They leave me in awe of their commitment to the communities they serve."
"Much of their work is unseen by the public and requires a great many hours of planning and training and this work is greatly appreciated by all of us." Commissioner Carroll said.
Mr. Whiting also took the opportunity to officially handover a new $980,000 Scania P320 Operations Support Unit (OSU) to the Caloundra Fire and Rescue Station.
"New specialised support vehicle will enhance emergency service capabilities, particularly supporting firefighting operations when there is a need for the use of breathing apparatus." Mr. Whiting said.
"New capability is critical when emergency responders have to deal with hazardous materials or where electronic command and control is needed to manage an operational incident."
"Service QFES delivers to our communities is outstanding, and this level of professionalism is reflected in both their people and the equipment they use." Mr. Whiting said.


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Bella tells Charlie about her engagement to Edward! Read to see what I think would happen. Takes place just before the epilogue, when Bella and Edward are in their meadow... *Small Spoilers* Just edited it a little bit :)
What happens when Bella tells Charlie about her engagement? SPOILER ALERT. Author's note: This is my first fanfic, so I hope you all enjoy it.
1. Confessions
Rating 4.5/5 Word Count 1375 Review this Chapter
I stood up slowly, examining the ring on my third finger. Edward had his arm around my waist, and gazed down at the ring as well. I turned to look into his eyes, and saw the same expression he had had when I first had the ring on my finger.
He pulled away and held out his arm to me. I took it, and he swung me with ease onto his back. I closed my eyes as he ran through the trees, again quiet and thoughtful. I drank in his sweet scent, enjoying every minute of it. I smiled and buried my face into his shoulder.
"Bella," Edward said softly, and I opened my eyes. We were in front of his car now, and I jumped down, almost falling. He caught my elbow, a smirk playing on his face. I scowled in return, as I saw him trying to hold back his laughter that threatened to explode. His eyes held mine for a moment, and I felt my pulse quicken and the blood rise to my cheeks.
While holding my gaze, he opened the passenger door, as he often did, and I got in, still dazzled by his mesmerizing eyes. He quickly got in the driver's seat, and pulled away, always driving too fast, to Charlie's. I let my mind wander, nervous about how I was going to break the news to Charlie and his reaction. I shuddered at the thought.
"Any ideas on how I'm going to break this to Charlie?" I asked him, hopeful.
He chuckled before answering me. "Bella, Charlie will be angry. You know that as well as I do. He doesn't like me as well as Jacob, and you know that as well. Break it to him gently, and try not to get angry and frustrated. He's only human, not to mention your father also," He laughed once more before continuing. "I suppose you can cook one of his favorites, to soften him up, unless he notices the ring first, but you can always take it off."
I groaned in frustration as we pulled up. We always arrived too quickly, passing everything too fast, and giving me little time to collect my thoughts.
"Ready?" He asked taking my hand and squeezing it before he got out of the car and opened my door.
"Not even a little bit." I replied, sighing in frustration.
He chuckled, and took hold of my hand, squeezing my hand once, as I walked up to the door bracing myself for the fury that Charlie was about to unleash take place.
* * *
"Bella?" He asked from the living room watching a game on TV.
"Yeah, dad. Can I, um…talk to you for a second in the kitchen?" I asked him wary. I pulled Edward along with me to the kitchen and made him sit on my left purposely leaving our intertwined hands on the table for him to see. The ring glittered under the fluorescent light.
"What's up Bells?" Charlie asked, a worried look on his face. He zoned in on our hands, then on the ring on my finger, the realization finally sinking in. He was turning a deep shade of purple as he continued to stare at my ring.
"Dad, Edward has asked me to marry him, and I said yes," I stated the obvious, watching him closely as he fumed. He looked like he was about to spontaneously combust right in front of my eyes. "Dad?"
"NO!" He growled fiercely through his clenched teeth. "Isabella Marie Swan, you are too young!"
I grimaced, deep down I knew the argument he was going to put up, and even deeper down I knew he was right. "I love Edward. I will love him for eternity and longer. There's no reason why I shouldn't marry him now, when I know I'll marry him later."
"So why can't you wait," He deliberated something. "No. I won't allow it." He fumed silently never taking his eyes off the ring on my finger.
"Dad, I'm not a child anymore. When are you going to accept that?! I know you wouldn't mind as much if it was Jacob who proposed," I felt Edward stiffen next to me as I said those words. "I will marry him, whether you like it or not." Though it was obvious that he most certainly didn't want me to. I assumed that he had hoped that I would choose Jacob, but I knew that I never would.
"NO!" He looked at me now, the fury in his eyes boring into to mine. For a minute I was scared, but I wouldn't back down.
"Dad, I will marry Edward, and I want you to be there when I do. I want you to walk me down the aisle. I want you to be happy for me. He is and always will be a part of my life. But that doesn't mean that I want you out of it," I softened my tone. "Dad, please. I want you and mom to be at my wedding. I need you to be there for me."
"No Bells. You are too young." His face softened, the color turning a slight shade of red and pink. I knew he was thinking about mom, and how they married too soon. I could see his eyes moistening.
I kept my voice firm, but felt my eyes watering at the sight of my father's watering as well. "This is different, dad. I've thought a lot about this, and this is what I really want. Please, dad, I'm begging you. I never ask a lot from you, please, walk me down the aisle? Please, be happy for me…" I begged him.
He ran his hand over his face, and through his hair. "Bells, no. You're just too young. Can't you wait a couple of years," He flashed a dark look at Edward. "Please, Bella. For me?"
I sighed. "Dad, no."
He threw me a pleading look, which caused me to waiver a bit. "Cullen. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE RIGHT NOW. IF YOU'RE STILL HERE..SO HELP ME GOD..." He yelled through his tightly clenched teeth. And with that Charlie stormed out of the kitchen to his room, turning purple again, muttering non-intelligible words, and slammed the door.
I groaned, and put my head down on the table. Edward removed his hand to sooth me, rubbing small circles on my back.
"What's he thinking Edward?" I asked softly.
"He's furious, but he's calming down a little. He's thinking about calling Renee and having her try and talk some sense into you. Now he's angry at me, for not asking him permission to ask for your hand, as I should have done. I think he's waiting for me to leave.." Edward whispered into my ear.
Edward took my hand once again, and I looked up to see Charlie come through the kitchen door. He looked sad and defeated.
"I thought I told you to leave, Cullen." Charlie seemed to spit the name out, making me flinch.
"Edward isn't going anywhere dad. He's staying right here, by my side...forever." I replied, getting angrier by the second.
"Bells. Are you sure? I-I-I just want you to be happy," Charlie whispered looking at me, his eyes pleading with mine. "I don't want you to make the same mistake your mother and I made by getting married too young. I don't regret it Bells, because I have you now, but Bells, you're still too young…"
"Dad, I'm sure. I've never been more sure of anything in my life," I replied, my voice shaking a little. "I love Edward. He's my life."
Charlie took a seat across from me and put his face in his hands, then looked up. "Bella, you know I love you. I trust you. And if this is what you really want…if you're positive that this is what you want, then…ok. I just...I wish you would wait a few more years."
"Thank you Dad. You have no idea how much this means to me," I took his hand with my other one, and smiled...
"Thank you, sir. I am sorry for not asking you." Edward told Charlie, his face apologetic, but his eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Yeah, whatever," Charlie grumbled, still angry at Edward. "But, I'm not telling your mother Bella. That will be your job." He smiled at the thought.
"Mom," I groaned, and Charlie started laughing, his eyes mischievous...
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text: On January 30th, 2012, Guy passed away after a lengthy illness. He leaves behind his loving wife Judy; children Justin and Angele; siblings Odile Chabot, Edith (Roger) Bouvier, Denis (Irene), Robert (Penny), Stella, Francoise, and Rheal. He was predeceased by his parents Ovide and Alfreda; as well as brother Yvon. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 1pm at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home; 9 Muir Drive.


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Sorry if this is the wrong area to post this as I am new to the site.
We have 2 pairs of three 4900(3 switches per fabric) with firmware 6.0.0c connected and on ports that are attached to a 12 node Linux/Oracle 10g cluser (SLES 10 SP1), all ports connected back to the HBA's (Emulex 1150 f/w 2.72a drv 220.127.116.11) are producing Link Failed errors.
We have engaged EMC without any answer so I'm wondering if there are issues with the 6.0.0c firmware as I find it hard to belive 24 ports could have hardware issues especially where are hosts connected to the fabrics have no issues.
Also on one of the other pairs of switches this morning I had to reboot on opposite fabrics in order for some hosts to see their clariion storage. This was strange as the clariion could see the HBAs logged in prior to me rebooting the switches.
Any feed back on where to look for compatibility matrix's or advice would be appreciated.
On a side note.. the fabric was only upgraded two weeks ago from 5.3.0c


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Children's Library in Singapore;
How beautiful could our world be....if...
Singapore uses its money to build beautiful libraries. They do not pay for wars some predators have instigated and make other nations to pay and even send their people to fight for them in the name of freedom. Freedom was always the big word to make people afraid and send the stupid to fight their wars.. Now they use the word terror to instigate fear, people are always caught, because they always believe what the predators tell them. Those predators are shrewd and cunning, true manipulators. They stay in the background, their children are save, they are never send to fight for freedom or against terror. They are save in their golden nests. It is not that the predators are clever, they make lots of mistakes and then they say, we are sorry and then all is forgotten. Until a new plot is launched. It is interesting there is never enough money for the people but always plenty of money to fight wars which are not ours, but which are made to look like they are our wars with countries and people we do not know and personally have no quarrels.
The world is full of predators, they have always existed from the earliest time they have walked on two legs. The predators have always found enemies be it through religions they have founded to subdue, anything to hate and fight, to force people to fight their wars to get to the wealth of their "neighbour". Predators are not benevolent and benign. They only cry out when they are hurt themselves. They are deeply flawed in their mindset and breed more of their ugly , nasty spawn to continue their nasty games. As long, as all people do not band together and say NO to the predators, they will continue to lie and to manipulate continuing their nasty games. Most politicians are in their pockets, so there is no help from them. If, there is a politician, or other people of learning who see the wrong that is done, either way, they are eliminated, maligned or made to look as they were the enemy.
I guess the best is not to think about it, history has never favoured the good , always the ugly, bad and nasty.
©Text Ts/Three Monkeys/
knows, she is idealistic, the tiniest, invisible, smallest wheel in turning the world to goodness.


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Frugalista writes about canning, gardening, food, crafts and preparedness with wit, experience and the goal of saving a few cents here and there.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Rain rain go away.....please
3 comments:
- Katidids said...
Slugs are so nasty! I've found the coffee grounds keep them out (so far any way) I ssprinkled them along the plants and none so far....the broccli that was beautiful 2 days ago is almost gone from the worms....forgot to put grounds there!
- June 6, 2010 at 9:53 PM
- Frugal Canner said...
wow I have 5 large bags of coffee grounds from starbucks I will go and spread them in the morning!! Thanks for the tip.
- June 7, 2010 at 6:37 PM
- WomanWhoRunsWithHorses said...
Next time you have a slug invasion, put some plain ol' white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can spray it directly on your vegetable plants. Any slugs that are sprayed directly will die and the residue on the plants will discourage their buddies.
: )
- June 9, 2010 at 4:56 AM


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Hey there! Well, tomorrow the stream takes over the blog, so I figured to do this stage now! It's from Britt's favorite game… assuming Skyward Sword doesn't take that spot. It's Snowhead Temple, from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask!
Oh like you couldn't see this from a mile away!
Well, we're about to play some ZELDA, so ZELDA I shall explain! The Legend of Zelda games of course tend to revolve around three fated beings: the hero of courage, the princess of wisdom, and the villain of power. It's up to the hero, Link, to save the day! While most Zelda games take place in Hyrule, some of them do focus on different lands, and Majora's Mask is one of them. After the events of Ocarina of Time, the young Link finds himself in a land called Termina. Suddenly, a mischievous Skull Kid wearing a bizarre mask shows up, steals Link's horse, and turns him into a plant-monster known as a Deku Scrub. What's more, Termina's clearly about to be crushed by a creepy moon with a face. Using a set of magical masks, the kid learns how to change into different forms and decides to stop the Skull Kid and save this crazy island from being smashed. The game takes place entirely within a three-day cycle, and the events always repeat themselves within that cycle. When the night of the final day draws near, you have to restart from the morning of the first day. That is, until you can finally track down that Skull Kid yourself!
Snowhead Temple is one of the game's four dungeons. At first it looks as if a giant, unforgiving wind is pushing you away from the temple, and you can't get in. However, using the magical Lens of Truth reveals… a giant rock-monster? Yes, it's a gigantic Goron, and it's invisible, and it's constantly blowing cold air at you. Sure, why not? Once you get him out of the way, you can enter. The dungeon itself has its fair share of ice, and oddly enough it has some lava to boot! At the end of it, you'll find Goht, a giant mechanical goat-beast that runs around like a maniac. Fortunately, Link can turn into a Goron himself, and that rocky form comes with the sweet ability to roll around on the ground. By quickly rolling after it, Link can easily defeat Goht and move onward.
WHY WAS THERE A GIANT INVISIBLE GORON??? Anyway, get the full wallpaper here!
MUSIC TIME! Ice Path is from Ocarina of Time! Snowhead Temple's theme is naturally from Majora's Mask! And Snowpeak, Snowpeak Ruins, Snowboarding and Blizzetta are from Twilight Princess!
NOW REMIX TIME! Chekan Winter is a remix of Northern Hemispheres from Donkey Kong Country, and it's by Jason Covenant! And ChristmasCave is a remix of Ice Cave Chant (also from DKC) and it's by Deimos!
And to keep with the theme, here's Kylethedarkn's rad Snowpeak remix!: Frozen Wasteland
YOU ROCK! OUR COMMUNITY ROCKS! Now, let's show that charity just how much we rock, this Friday! I'd greatly appreciate it if everyone who promoted the marathon would leave a note on this post. You don't have to say what you did (since we have a thread on that in the forums), but I'd like for all of us to just gather right here and show our pride in being one of the best charity communities around! CAN I GET A "WHOAAAA TSG!!!"?


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Sagamore Hill National Historic Site's establishing legislation
Superintendent's Compendium - A document that provides special designations, closures, public use limits, permit requirements imposed under the discretionary authority of Sagamore Hill's Superintendent.
Sagamore Hill was opened to the public as a museum in 1953, under the auspices of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. It was privately run for about ten years before the entire property, along with the Roosevelt birthplace in Manhattan, was gifted to the federal government. Legislation establishing Sagamore Hill National Historic Site passed Congress and was signed by President Kennedy in July 1962.
All federal laws pertaining to Parks, Forests and Public Property contained in Chapter I of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations are enforced at Sagamore Hill NHS. In addition, 36 CFR grants park superintendents the right to make park-specific regulations to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural and cultural resources, aid in scientific research, provide for equitable use of facilities, and avoid conflict among visitor use activities. These park-specific regulations are found in the Superintendent's Compendium.
Sagamore Hill NHS also operates under policies developed by the NPS Director.
Firearms in National Parks
The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010.
Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws.
The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting.
Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.
State hunting laws do not apply at Sagamore Hill NHS and all forms of hunting (as well as target practice, etc.) are prohibited by federal regulations.
Last updated: June 29, 2018


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Hardback Notebook - London Looking East Full Colours
Price: £15.00
Additional information
Let your imagination fly, be inspired and allow your creativity to just flow. Featuring Hartwig's 'London Looking East' in Full Colour design spanning across the front and back covers, these A5 size hardback notebooks make a great diary, travel journal and ideal gift.
This notebook has lined 100gsm cream paper inside and 96 pages approx.
Cover design: London Looking East in Full Colour by Hartwig Braun (spanning across the front & back).
Notebook Size: 21 x 15 cm appx (A5 size).
Proudly hand-drawn, designed & made for us in the UK!


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ANTIGEN Questions and Answers pdf :-
1. For specific antigen recognition by T cells,
A. antigen is bound by a T cell membrane antibody
B. denaturation of antigen does not reduce epitope recognition
C. MHC molecules are not required
D. antigen exposure during T cell maturation is required
Answer: B
2. Antigen, when injected in the body activates its specific lymphocytes in the
A. blood circulation
B. draining lymph nodes
C. MALT (mucosa associated
D. spleen lymphoid tissue
Answer: B
3. A molecule that can be covalently linked to a non-immunogenic antigen to make it an immunogen is called a (n)
A. adjuvant B. carrier
C. hapten D. mitogen
Answer: B
4. Which of the following is incorrect with regard to antigen epitopes?
A. An epitope may be shared by two different antigens
B. A protein molecule usually contains multiple epitopes
C. B cells bind only processed antigen epitopes
D. Epitopes may be linear or assembled
Answer: C
5. Very low doses of antigen may induce
A. hypersensitivity
B. immunological ignorance
C. low zone tolerance
D. low zone immunity
Answer: C
6. During the lag period between antigen contact and detection of adaptive immunity,
A. antigen is hidden from the immune system in macrophages
B. innate immune effectors are eliminating antigen
C. innate immunity blocks the activation of adaptive immune effector cells
D. new B and T cells with the appropriate antigen specificity must be produced in the bone marrow
Answer: B
7. Lymphocytes are activated by antigen in the
A. blood stream
B. bone marrow
C. liver
D. lymph nodes
Answer: D
8. A pathogen can be a (n)
A. agent that causes a disease
B. virus
C. bacteria
D. All of these
Answer: D
9. CD antigens
A. allow leukocytes to recognize antigen
B. are each expressed on only one cell type
C. are expressed on immune cells to mark them for separation
D. function as receptors for cytokine and CAMs
Answer: D
10. A virus vaccine that can activate cytotoxic T cells must contain
A. a high dose of virus particles
B. an adjuvant to stimulate T cell division
C. live virus
D. virus peptides
Answer: C
ANTIGEN Questions and Answers ::
11. The ability of an antigen to induce an immune response does not depend on the antigen's
A. ability to enter the thyroid
B. degree of aggregation
C. dose
D. size
Answer: A
12. The antibiotic penicillin is a small molecule that does not induce antibody formation. However, penicillin binds to serum proteins and forms a complex that in some people induces antibody formation resulting in an allergic reaction. Penicillin is therefore
A. an antigen
B. a hapten
C. an immunogen
D. both an antigen and a hapten
Answer: D


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Where you stay in La Paz depends on the reason for your visit. Are you passing through and replenishing supplies on a transpeninsular road trip, planning to study Spanish, looking for a relaxing beach vacation, or planning to snorkel/kayak/dive the islands just offshore? Fortunately, La Paz has plenty of options for every type of trip.
Here are some factors to consider before you choose your lodging in La Paz:
- Several full-service resorts are clustered at the northern edge of the city at the start of the Pichiningue Peninsula.
- Business hotels at various price points are scattered throughout the city.
- La Paz has a handful of charming boutiques and B&Bs, where you can enjoy a historic setting and/or personalized hospitality.
- A number of private residences are available as vacation rentals, and this can be a wonderful way to experience day-to-day life in the city.


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POSTED BY Nick Kapur ON 8:41 am, October 6, 2010 - POSTED IN Featury
We continue our occasional series wherein we examine some teams in transition and make hasty judgements about who they should hire and fire for next season. Up next: the troubled Los Angeles Dodgers.
Free Agents
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Ted Lilly
SP Vicente Padilla
OF Reed Johnson
OF Jay Gibbons
C Rod Barajas
Arbitration Eligible
SP Chad Billingsley
C Russell Martin
1B James Loney
2B Ryan Theriot
RP George Sherrill
CL Hong Chih Kuo
Club Option
OF Scott Podsednik
The Dodgers have been making some poor decisions for several years now under GM Ned Colletti and the batty ownership of the McCourts, and 2011 might be the year it all hits the fan. Several useful pieces have been dealt away for little or no return, and the Dodgers have failed to lock up there remaining good young players to long term deals. And amazingly, next season the Dodgers will still be paying a more than $21 million of their payroll to long departed former players Manny Ramirez, Juan Pierre, Jason Schmidt, Nomar Garciaparra, and Andruw Jones. Meanwhile, ever since news of the McCourts' divorce proceedings broke last November, the Dodgers have gone into extreme penny-pinching mode.
The basic fear for Dodgers fans is that the penny pinching will continue, that as with last offseason the Dodgers will fail to sign any marquee free agents and basically let all of their free agents walk, further watering down a club that struggled to win 80 games this year. It is all too easy to imagine the Dodgers deciding that they are fine with retaining Scott Podsednik as their starting left fielder to replace Manny Ramirez, that Ryan Theriot and James Loney are perfectly adequate as starters on the right side of the infield, and that it is fine to sign a bunch of minor league free agents to fill out the rest of the rotation behind Chad Billingsley and Clayton Kershaw.
But Colletti has repeatedly said that he is gravely disappointed with the 2010 club and intents to "shake things up" in the offseason, so the even worse fear is that Colletti will go nuts and trade away some of the little talent remaining at the major league level or in a once-stacked minor league system in order to get some big names, which given Colletti's abominable record of bad trades and poor evaluation of talent, is quite a scary prospect indeed.
So what should the Dodgers do? Let's have a look…
Hiroki Kuroda – Rehire
Kuroda has been a mainstay in the rotation the past 3 seasons, providing stability and reliability. The Dodgers should definitely look into whether he'd be willing to resign. Japanese players have often valued proximity to Japan and comfort-level over max dollars in the past, so he may be willing to return on a reasonable contract.
Ted Lilly – Rehire
Lilly will be one of the better starters on the market, but is a Southern California native and did well in LA. The Dodgers should make a strong push to resign him. Lilly is very good, perhaps even underrated these days, and the Dodgers have three holes in the rotation to fill.
Vicente Padilla – Fire
The Dodgers have gotten about as much as they can out of Padilla, who is injury-prone and inconsistent. They should focus on attempting to resign Kuroda and Lilly and look for a bargain buy to fill in the last spot in the rotation, or go with an internal option.
James Loney – Fire
Loney's punchless bat is not adequate for the starting first baseman on a contending team. Although he is still under team control, Dodgers should explore options for trading him to a team that overvalues his relatively big name and whatever upside potential he might still have left.
Scott Podsednik – FIRE
Podsednik is highly questionable defensively and barely scratching replacement level with his bat. He still has the glimmer of an aura lingering from his World Series run with the 2005 White Sox, but that was going on 7 seasons ago.
Ryan Theriot – Rehire
The Dodgers should have never traded for Theriot, who is thoroughly mediocre, but now they have no other options and they have much bigger holes to fill so at this point their only real option is to bring him back on a one-year deal.
Rod Barajas – Rehire
Barajas is no great shakes, but with Russell Martin a huge question mark after exploding his hip joint, the Dodgers need to take what they can get at catcher.
Russell Martin – Rehire
It's actually a tougher call on Martin that it might seem, even though he is one of the team's marquee names, because he's due for a raise in arbitration but nobody is really sure if he can even come back from his horrific injury, especially as a catcher. But if the Dodgers trade or non-tender Martin, how do you replace him? It just makes Ned Colletti's already incredibly boneheaded trade of Carlos Santana to the Indians as a throw-in to save a few million in exchange for 2 months of Casey Blake seem even that much more boneheaded. It seems the Dodgers have no choice but to gamble on Martin's return to good health.
Any decent starting leftfielder – HIRE!
The biggest hole on the club is in left field. Unfortunately, the market for outfielders is ridiculously thin this year once you get past Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford, neither of whom seems like a likely fit for the Dodgers. One option might be taking a gamble on Magglio Ordonez, who is 37 and trying to come back from a grisly broken ankle. But whether through free agency or a trade, the Dodgers absolutely must find a leftfielder.


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Looking for a mobile data plan for your WiFi-only tablet?
UPDATED 14 July 2012 – problem with power adapter
The Verizon MIFI device just may be your answer. It provides mobile data at 3G speeds (or 4G if it is available in your area) to as many as five Wifi-enabled devices nearby. Verizon offers two different versions of the 4G device (one manufactured by Samsung & another that is manufactured by Novatel but is Verizon-branded) and both seem to provide similar service.
I bought the device and set up a 5 Gigabyte (unlimited data is gone) plan with VZN and have been using it for a little over a year. So far, I am quite satisfied. The fact that my area has LTE (true 4G service) makes this a fantastic service. Here at home (a rural area in Southeast Lousiana) I get speeds of up to 12mb download & 5mb upload. (My home cable service is only 18mb/3mb.)
Samsung version: I originally bought the Samsung version and used it while on a visit to my daughter's wedding in New Harmony, Indiana. The 3G service was pretty much available everywhere I traveled. I did not observe any 4G service. The Samsung device does not provide any means to display the relative strength of the data signal. Neither is there any way to determine the the level of charge on the battery – both bits of information would be very valuable. I did have some problems when the device got very hot in my pocket when 3 or 4 devices were using its service. Also, there were several occasions when the device simply powered off by its self and would not come back online until it cooled. I took it back to VZN and, although they charged me $35 restocking fee, they exchanged it for the Novatel device.
Novatel version: This device is branded only with the Verizon name but the enclosed documentation states that it is manufactured by Novatel Wireless. The device includes an LCD screen with the standard "bars" to display the signal level and a battery charge indicator. Although the Samsung device had separate LEDs for 3G and 4G service, the Novatel uses color to distinguish between the two (violet for 3G and green for 4G).
Setup: There really is very little setup. The VZN agent inserted the SIM card and provisioned the device. I only needed to turn it on for it to link to the VZN network and start providing Wifi service to nearby devices. Both versions are set to default to WPA security and all connecting devices must provide the associated password. I have connected as many as 4 devices at one time and I believe that up to 5 are allowed but the mobile data is shared among all connected devices.
Speed: In my experience, Verizon's 3G service generally operates at up to 700Kbs downlink and 300kbs uplink. This is faster than I saw with AT&T's data network. I have gotten similar speeds on T-Mobile's network but the TMO coverage is severely limited in this area. Verizon says that its 4G LTE service will be about 10 times faster than the present 3G service. The local agents said that it would be from 5-15Mbs. That is comparable to my current cable ISP.
Coverage: So far, I have not NOTICED any location where there was no 3G service. Presently, only 55 markets have 4G service but VZN projects to have LTE service in 200 markets by the end of 2011 and to cover two-thirds of the US population by mid 2012.
WiFi: Both of the VZN Mifi devices appear to serve an area only slightly less than a typical wireless access point. Although the best connection is from devices located within a few feet of the Mifi, it still provides acceptable performance with devices around 30-40 feet away. In my tests, I got 600/100 Kbs when the device was a couple feet away. I tried from about 40 feet away and through three walls, I still got 450/100 Kbs.
Battery life: The battery charge on both devices is similar to many Android phones. With heavy use, after about 3-4 hours you probably ought to look for a charger. With occasional use by a single device, either unit will last all day.
Real use: I use the Mifi with my GTab, my wife's (rooted) Nook Color, my TMO G2 plus iPhones owned by family members. Since it is not common that all users would require a full speed data connection, sharing the connection between two or three people is not generally a problem. This is a truly great device and makes the GTab (or other Wifi-only devices) function as if they were data-enabled. This allows these devices to do video chat, etc with apps such as Tango or Fring. I have not yet perfected the technique but I am pretty certain that I can set up full VOIP service using the GTab (or other similar devices) where I can make and receive calls to and from regular land line or cell phones. More on that later… Here is the link to my article on VOIP: Free Mobile Phone Service.
Problems: Other than the hardware issue with the Samsung device, there have not been any significant problems. One WEIRD issue is my inability to register on the my.verizon.com site. In order to authenticate, you must receive a text message on the VZN device – which the Mifi is incapable of receiving. The alternative is that eventually, they are supposed to send a code in postal mail – I still have not received it. Until I get registered on the site, I cannot determine how much data I have consumed (could be a problem).
Another problem that I have encountered is that the device is picky about the power adapter. Although it powers from a standard micro USB connector, not all power sources will work with it. I find this problem with my automobile adapter (all 110VAC adapters that output at least 1 Amp seem to work fine). I have tried a half dozen cigarette-lighter USB adapters and only one (a multi-voltage type with a secondary USB outlet) will work with my MiFi. When I plug the cable into any other USB source, the device actually powers off. It appears to be charging but it will not provide WiFi at the same time.
Cost & value: Both devices sell for $150 less a $50 mail-in rebate. There is a $35 activation fee unless your employer has a discount program with VZN (be sure to check, my military retirement scored a 12% discount on data and waived activation fee.) Verizon offers a 5 Gigabyte tier for $50 per month or a 10 Gig tier for $80 per month. Both plans charge $10/Gig overage. It may have been a special promotion but they quoted me $40 for the 5 Gig plan so I took that (less the 12% employer discount). I was paying about the same amount for my TMO data plan on my G2 before they released me from the contract. Now, I can use my G2 on the VZN data network and only need to figure out the VOIP stuff for voice and text. It is not "unlimited" but overall, it will be a great value if I can make the VOIP work.
Recommendation: If you do not have a smart phone under contract, then this device, coupled with any Wifi-enabled phone or tablet, can provide you with great data service to that device and up to four others – for a lot less than the normal cost. You can pick your choice of tablet WITHOUT a contract & still get what most people feel is the best mobile network data. You get the great Verizon coverage & speed, using your choice of device – what could be better? Although it is not yet available, there are suggestions that VZN will offer a family plan for data. If so, they may offer a "bit bucket" for your VZN smartphones and this device.
Bottom line: This device is 4G ready and should be "obsolete-proof" for at least the 2-year contract period. The convenience & portability of having your own WiFi hotspot on the VZN 4G network is definitely sweet! I rate it nearly perfect (except for the contracted monthly fee): 4.5 stars.