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I really enjoyed the first "Thermae Romae" movie, so much so it got onto my Top Ten of 2012, even though I know a lot of Western viewers just filed it under "weird curiosity". Personally I thought it was an amusing concept, and I found the jokes, as repetitive as they are, to be somewhat amusing. Plus I got Hiroshi Abe and Aya Ueto in the same movie. Which is never a terrible thing. So once again my flight to the far east enabled me to get an advance viewing of a film I know is going to take ages to get onto a English Subtitled release. Does it live up to the standards of the first? Or will it be a weak retread? Or could it be that rare thing… a superior sequel?
'Thermae Romae II' picks up a few years after the events of the first film. Thermae designer Lucius (Hiroshi Abe) is a much more respected member of society, although he is still vexed by the fact he knows his designs are really just re-treads from his trips to the future. Peace continues in Rome, with the peaceful policies of Emperor Hadrianus (Masachika Ichimura) that Lucius helped to foster in the last film continuing to hold. However all is not well in the Senate, where there is a political struggle to make Rome once again a more aggressive power. This underlying feeling is made flesh in the Gladiator battles that have become popular, and it is with a heavy heart that Lucius is commissioned to create a bath for the warriors. Cue a return to the time travelling antics of the first film, with Japanese culture being retrofitted to Roman ties. Also he reconnects with Mami (Aya Ueto), and unsurprisingly she once again travels back with him. Together they fight the machinations of the senate who wish to once again put Ceionus (Kazuki Kitamura) in charge. Or do they? Something seems rather amiss with our playboy soldier that was a minor thorn in the side of our pair last time.
To be honest? This sequel adds very little to the original. To be really frank, it is just more of the same. In fact it even revisits some of the jokes from before. A lot more money has been spent on the film (big sets were built in Europe), but at the core we simply have Lucius going forward in time and space, seeing something uniquely Japanese, and then coming back and recreating it with Roman (lack of) technologies. Oh, and once again there are some political subplots going on, building on some elements from the first film.
Hiroshi Abe is as good as ever, even if it does seem that this time there has been a decision to somewhat objectify him physically, every chance to get him naked and show off his body is taken (as an about-face on the objectification of the female image you could say this was refreshing). Aya Ueto is less well used, and it seems a shame that the connection the two had at the end of the last film seems to have been forgotten about. One thing that is a bit clearer here is that her character is meant to be an analogue for Mari Yamazaki, the creator of the source manga.
Kazuki Kitamura has a bit more to do this time, some of this is to do with a spoiler that I won't mention (but it is freaking obvious), and to be fair, he is great, poking fun at his own perceived personality (the dude is a handsome devil, and he knows it, and doesn't mind letting you know that he knows).
Tellingly, this film doesn't actually derive the story from the original manga. This means that some of the jokes don't quite work, or feel a little forced. But on the whole, there is a huge amount of fun to be found here. Even something like Lucius discovering the joys of a Water Slide (in itself a rip off from "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) is fairly amusing, even if it lacks the pure imagination of the first film. And unlike some other reviewers, I quite liked the callback to the electric bidet from the original movie. Other jokes like the introduction of Ramen fall flatter, and the attempt to match up Gladiators and Sumo don't work simply because the plot doesn't allow it.
The film does lose its way a little in the final act. The resolution of the various storylines are almost resolved off-screen, and the oddness of the motivations of Ceionus simply don't stack up when you apply even the slightest thought. Foolishly, it allows the concerns of the Time Traveller who knows the future to actually imbue the finale with a real feeling of sadness, which totally undercuts any joy one might get from the actual plot being resolved.
I really enjoyed this, but it seriously is more of the same – it won't convert you. The film is bigger, if not better. It doesn't clearly have the originality of the original, but is wise enough to realise what is a winning formula. The curiously downbeat ending actually left me feeling a bit down, even with the rather meta coda attempting to fix everything. Doing this pretty much during the final credits seems more afterthought than planning. However, I really enjoyed it, and so despite it's lack of development, I am going to give it a Recommend.


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Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Separation Agreement and General Release (December 7th, 2006)
Special Payments: My termination of employment will be deemed effective as of the close of business on November 30, 2006 (the "Termination"). Although the Company has no policy or procedure for providing severance benefits, the Company will pay me a severance payment (the "Severance Payment") in the form of a continuation of my base salary in effect as of immediately prior to the Termination for the period commencing on December 1, 2006 and ending at the close of business on February 28, 2007 (the "Transition Period"). The Severance Payment will be paid to me by check as a lump sum immediately following the Effective Time (as defined in Section (f) below). The Company will withhold taxes and report this Severance Payment to tax
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Right of First Offer Agreement (June 6th, 2006)
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Warrant to Purchase [*] Shares of Common Stock (June 6th, 2006)
This Warrant is one of a number of Warrants (collectively, the "Warrants") being issued pursuant that certain Subscription Agreement dated as of June 5, 2006, by and among the Company and the Investors party thereto (the "Subscription Agreement").
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – June 5, 2006 (June 6th, 2006)
This letter agreement will confirm our agreement that pursuant to the purchase of shares of common stock of Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), by Efficacy Biotech Master Fund Ltd. ("Investor"), Investor will be entitled to the following rights:
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Conversion Agreement (June 6th, 2006)
THIS CONVERSION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into as of June 5, 2006, by and among AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the parties who are signatories hereto.
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS OF SERIES a CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK OF AEOLUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (Pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law) (November 23rd, 2005)
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Corporation"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that, pursuant to authority conferred on its Board of Directors (the "Board") by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended (the "Certificate of Incorporation"), the following resolution was adopted by the Board by a unanimous written consent of the Board, dated as of October 25, 2005, in lieu of a meeting in accordance with Section 141(f) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which resolution remains in full force and effect on the date hereof:
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Registration Rights Agreement (November 23rd, 2005)
This Registration Rights Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of this 21st day of November, 2005 by and among Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and the "Investors" named in that certain Purchase Agreement dated as of the date hereof by and among the Company and the Investors (including any Investors that may hereafter become a party to the Purchase Agreement in accordance with its terms) (the "Purchase Agreement"). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – McManus & Company, Inc. 23811 Inverness Place Laguna Niguel, California 92677 (June 21st, 2005)
This will confirm the terms of our mutual understanding and agreement (Agreement) in connection with the efforts of McManus & Company, Inc. (M&C) to provide consulting services to Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its affiliates, sister companies or principals (collectively the Company or Aeolus) as follows:
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Separation Agreement and General Release (June 21st, 2005)
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and I, Richard Reichow, have entered into this agreement (Release) to settle all issues between us in connection with my termination of employment. Except to the extent governed by federal law, this Release shall be governed by the statutes and common law of North Carolina, excluding any that mandate the use of another jurisdictions laws.
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Consulting Agreement (June 21st, 2005)
This CONSULTING AGREEMENT is entered into by and between Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, having a place of business at 79 T. W. Alexander Drive, 4401 Research Commons, Suite 200, P.O. Box 14287, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (Aeolus), and John L. McManus, having a place of business at 23811 Inverness Place, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (Consultant).
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Optimistic AEOL 10150 Phase 1 Clinical Trial Interim Results in Patients With Lou Gehrigs Disease (March 29th, 2005)
First three single doses of 3, 12 and 30 mg well tolerated with no serious adverse events; 30 mg dose is 3X to 10X higher than presumed efficacious dose in humans additional dosing evaluation on-going.
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – Consulting Agreement (February 23rd, 2005)
This CONSULTING AGREEMENT is entered into by and between Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Delaware corporation, having a place of business at 79 T. W. Alexander Drive, 4401 Research Commons, Suite 200, P.O. Box 14287, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (Aeolus), and Elaine Alexander, M.D., Ph.D., having a place of business at 4945 Canterbury Dr., San Diego, CA 92116 (Consultant).
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals – [ Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Letterhead ] (January 6th, 2005)
This letter confirms our previous conversations regarding the employment opportunity available to you with Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the Company) and sets forth the terms and conditions of that employment.


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Welcome to another Writing Wednesday, everybody! Sorry for missing out on last week. I wasn't in a great place, so I had to put this aside to get myself back. I've just been really up and down with my emotions. Not exactly an ideal place to be.
Anyways, Writing Wednesday is back today! This excerpt is from my newest story, Therapy for Souls. I literally just wrote this yesterday. Like, I just sat in a coffee shop for a good two hours with my notebook and pen, and wrote. It felt nice to actually have a thought translated from brain to paper without interruptions. I could barely do that last week.
What you're about to read commences the fifth chapter. I am so close to the post-mortem chapters now, I can almost see them! If I had posted last week, it would have been from the fourth chapter, which is up on my Wattpad right now. Um, Parisa has already performed in Italy and is now in France. She has the day off, but she' spending her free day on a date with Kristian that is heavily being monitored by both of their managers. They're determined to ditch the managers and explore Paris on their own terms.
Hope you guys enjoy this excerpt! I'll see you Friday for a Happy Things post.
xoxo – F
Since I won Eurovision two years ago, Italy has been amazing to me. The Rome and Milan shows exceeded all expectations—they honestly weren't high to begin with because I have low expectations for myself—and proved just how great the fans are to me. I know everyone says they have the best fans in the world, but I legitimately do.
I didn't just have Italians at the shows. I saw flags and signs from outside of Europe in the crowd. They know Italy holds a special place in my heart because whenever I'm there, I can feel the love. To see people from as far as New Zealand at either city is a testament to their support. I'm forever grateful for them.
Four shows later, and I now find myself in the City of Romance: Paris. The two shows in Rome and Milan were non-stop because my team knew I'd chill with my family beforehand, so there were no days off between shows. We just arrived in Paris last night, and I thank the heavens so much for these next couple days off!
Technically, I only have today off. Tomorrow is booked with TV appearances and radio interviews, which hardly suggests I'll be relaxing at all. I've seen my schedule, and it's full on. Trust me when I say there's nothing relaxing or glamorous about a 5 AM wake up call for a daytime talk show. Press days are seriously the worst!
Which is why today's agenda consists of just one thing: my date with Kristian. I'd be lying my pants on fire if I said I wasn't freaking out during the flight. I mean, he's Kristian Kostov. His fan base has immensely expanded since his Eurovision experience commenced, and they can be aggressive when they want. They terrify me sometimes because I know their capabilities. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to end me after today. That's how much they frighten me.
I spent so much time this morning perusing my suitcase for the perfect outfit because I want to make a good impression on him. Any teenage girl can relate to this morning's struggle! But as I searched for clothes and strategized hair and make-up, I realized how ridiculous I was acting.
I've already met him. I've already spoken to him. We get along perfectly fine, like two old schoolmates. Hell, I even interviewed him in sweatpants and no make-up once! I spent a ridiculous amount of time worrying over petty things I knew he wouldn't care about. I was so worried about my appearance that I forgot he already knows me.
Fast-forward three hours later, and here we are awkwardly sitting across from each other while waiting for our lunch to arrive. I say "awkward" because our teams felt the need to have someone chaperone our date, ie. Gi and his manager. We're both on pins and needles, worried about someone meddling or eavesdropping. If only they'd leave us alone! It wouldn't be this cringe if they weren't being helicopter managers.
Kristian bites his straw and blows bubbles into his water. He hasn't even looked at me since the waiter left about ten minutes ago. For a split second, he raises his gaze, nut brown eyes looking into mine. He pushes his glasses up and coughs. He's definitely nervous; I can tell he wants this to end as quickly as I do.
It's ironic because he doesn't look like the type of guy to be nervous on a date. Tall, slim, pale, and wearing all black, he's a shoe-in for a skater/male model like Ben Nordberg. You'd think he'd know how to chat up a girl, but he's failing. Kristian usually exudes positive, extrovert vibes, but he's acting more like an introvert right now.
"This is stupid," I mutter as I stir my straw around. "You're not stupid, by the way. I just mean this situation."
"You mean them watching us?" he asks. Kristian sighs and runs a hand through his perfectly styled ebony locks. It's the third time he's fussed with his hair. "I know. They think we need babysitters or something just in case something goes wrong. We're fine. It's so fucking stupid!"
"I know, right? We're not kids. Well, I'm not. But you're nearly an adult too. I don't understand why they're compelled to be here. We're perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves. We don't even need a translator to talk to people!"
"You're kinda a big celebrity, Parisa," he reminds me. "You're global! And French and Italian aren't the same language."
"I know, but that doesn't mean Gi has to hover over everything I do. French and Italian are similar enough. Ugh, I wish we could just blow this popsicle joint and do this date the way we want!"
Kristian glances from our managers behind me, to me. A mischievous smirk curls onto his lips, and I spy a spark behind those black-rimmed specs. Houston, I think we have an escape plan coming our way.
"Where do you want to go?" he questions. "Name any place in the city, and we'll go there."
If I had sunnies on, I'd be lowering them right now. My jaw is nearly to the table as I stare at him in awe (at his words, not his looks. But he is looking really good today).
"Kristian, are you serious? Are we really bailing? Giovanna will kill me if we leave her hawkish sights."
He merely flashes an adorable smile and whips his phone out. I don't know WHERE this rebellious Kristian Kostov came from, but I dig him. The only side I've seen of him is the sweet, down to earth, charismatic guy who was chuffed to rep his country at Eurovision. Now he's pushing that aside so we can ditch the date ruiners? Wow. Just…wow.
"Wait, how are we getting out of here?" I wonder. "Neither of us drove ourselves."
He shows me something on his phone and chuckles once I realize how obvious the answer should have been. And I'm supposed to be the older, wiser one! How did I not think of using an Uber when the solution is that simple?
"It should be here in a few minutes," he mentions. "Where do you want to go, Parisa?"
Somewhere that isn't too cliché, I ponder. Definitely nowhere near the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triumph. We need to go somewhere unpredictable—somewhere Gi will never expect. We still have to be within city limits though.
"Bois de Vincennes," I finally decide. "It's touristy enough for your taste, and it's not the first place anyone would think to look. They'll probably head for the Louvre or something like that. The park is pretty massive; it'll take loads of time to find us."
Kristian holds out a hand and smiles, exposing his cute gap teeth. "If that's what you want, that's where we'll go. C'mon. It's here."


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What's the Motivation?
kr's note – Before I get to the actual post, I should perhaps say a word on my three month absence. Everyone's been asking me why I, of all people, stepped aside from xanga suddenly. Speculations and theories ran amuck, with various people offering explanations to explain my departure. "His mom made him", "he got in trouble with some authorities", "he forgot his password", "he got engaged and she made him quit", and "he ran out of ideas" topped the list.
Hah. Buffoons. The truth is I just got bored. Sorry to offer such a mundane explanation, but sometimes the truth is mundane. So it goes.
So now that I'm back (for the moment, at least), you might be thinking, does he have any more wild posts like wife-demotion theories?… Perhaps I do, but I'd hate to reveal all my cards at once. I'll start off with something that I've been thinking about for a while, and make this more of a discussion post, rather than a classic rant from yours truly.
I'm currently on a pediatrics rotation and I recently saw Children of Men (great movie, I highly recommend it), so that's probably sufficient background to explain the nature of my recent musings. As I've been seeing sick kids all day, I've been thinking… What's the motivation for people to have kids these days? Hear me out.
Don't get me wrong… I love kids, but I look at all these kids that are born everyday and I ask myself this question when I look at the parents. A newborn child is pretty much defenseless and can't do anything by itself: it needs to be fed 3-4 ounces every 3-4 hours and will dutifully and effortlessly produce 7-8 diapers a day. They cry, they whine, they spit up… and of course, they're so deliciously cute. Their parents hover over them, worrying about them 24/7, and attending their every need… well, actually it's just the mother, we men pretty much sit around as decoration and hold the baby every now and then. And then the child grow up, learns to walk and talk, and the parents worry about the child falling, hurting himself, putting poisons in his mouth, etc. Then they worry about school, worrying about extracurriculars, family vacations, religious education, doctors appointments, homework, friends, TV… the list goes on. And as kids get older, they talk back, rebel against their parents, and go out into the world wanting to explore the various "freedoms" and generally make buffoons of themselves and causing their parents' grief in the process. Then they discover the opposite gender (and well, these days, the same gender), causing a new host of problems for parents, especially the parents of daughters. And of course, there's the financial part of it, which is something like $200,000 until the age of 18… that is to say, without college. But that's neither here nor there.
Of course, the obvious reply to the above is the satisfaction that parents get from their children's happiness grossly outweighs any of the mental, physical, psychological, and financial costs briefly listed above. And the absence of children, beautifully captured in Children of Men, is self-evident. But it's precisely the story in this movie, combined with the above, and added to the undeniable fact that the world is not evolving towards a brighter tomorrow. Sure, academically and technologically we're producing miracles by the minute, but ethically and morally, I think we as a human race pretty much plateaued out (see a society in 7th century Arabia for more information) in these departments and have been de-evolving rapidly. We're curing abstruse and rare diseases with brilliant genetic and medicinal proficiency, yet the simple problem of human hunger (the main treatment required known as Triticum aestivum, or wheat) remains. We're killing each other mindlessly, once-sacred institutions such as family, marriage, and religion are defunct, and we're destroying the environment, as inventor-of-the-internet Al Gore ("even though I won the popular vote") has brilliantly reminded us in An Inconvenient Truth. In short, with due respect to Louis Armstrong, I can't "…think to myself / what a wonderful world".
Again, don't get me wrong. I love kids. These ruminations are in no way to imply my personal beliefs, because inshallah I hope to have kids… if only to have someone to inherit my xanga account. And yes, I realize that I'm here because my parents had the desire to have kids (and yes, Allah willed it… smart aleck). But in a world that's rapidly disintegrating, figuratively and literally, and combined with the above investment that parents put into children, what's the motivation to have kids? Do people want to bring children and go through that raising experience (which again, I'm sure is worth it) only to have them live in this kind of world? The dangers we've experienced and the temptations we've faced growing up now are only going to be exacerbated as time goes on (and yes smart guy, I realize the Mahdi is the trump card in all that, but humor me). In that kind of a world, do people really want to expose their children to that future? Would future generations hate us for being the means for their existence in a miserable world? Is it time for the human race to look back at ourselves, pat ourselves on the back, and wistfully say, you know what, we've had a good run, but maybe we oughta just call it quits…
I could be wrong. Maybe I'm just sleep-deprived and have seen too many sick kids lately. But the question remains…
What's the motivation?
I await your thoughts, comments, and rotten pesticide-injected cancer-causing tomatoes.
thumbs up
1)Why is he wearing a brownish/beige-ish suit, couldnt he find an orange one?2)I had a similar post a while back. But I didnt look at why parents brings kids into this weird world, (but atleast to me the most important question is), when they do bring them, what kind of maniacs they turn into raising their kids – worrying about that one cough at night, to stubbing a toe, to walking from one class to another in cold weather, to trying to find the most flavourful, 'nutrition' filled apple sauce…
because youre a girl ill allow this one time moment of blasphemy… but DO NOT EVER question WHY the COACH(!!!!) does/did anything. he is a legend. he can do, wear, or say anything he wants. he's wearing a brown suit because he felt like it, and to establish a fashion trend to how any real man should dress, and why i would kill for one of those '85 retro ditka bears sweaters.
in my soc class.. we just finished watching this 2 part 'film' lol.. that documented the lives of a couple who had 11 kids.. and when the lady who was filming asked him why he kept on having kids if they were so poverty stricken.. he said it was because he loved his kids.. and he wanted more to love.. and he said he would find some way to provide for them.. and half the class was like wth?!.. and then in the second part that was filmed 20 years later.. with the kids all grown up.. they were all middle class..
but yeah i've thought about that.. ( i Insha'Allah do want to have kids).. with the world and society getting to the point where its at right now.. whats going to be left for them.. it is kind of scary.. but i dont think we should give up on the future just yet.. we should get some awesome deeni knowledge.. provide our kids with that.. and trust that somewhere.. there has to be goodness.. if only just enough to get by..
U OWE ME FRIGGIN EPROPS…or no Ditka Sweater for you!
the motivation is primarily genetic — we've been imbued with a natural drive to carry on the species, which is a common trait in all living creation. but is we look at humans, we might wonder why our higher brains dont override our thalamic responses and perhaps the reason for that is perhaps that most people dont think about WHY they want to have kids — they just do because 1) it's an accident as a result of sexual activity or b) it's a planned activity that is socially supported/expected of humans by their counterparts.
of course, with the way the world is now and the crappier state it may be moving towards, I and a friend contemplated just the same question you've presented in this post — why would you bring kids into a world that has a more negative prognosis than ever before?? and I guess as Muslims, the answer we've reasoned would be the following: we were out on this world to serve God. we didnt ask to be here. we've got a job to acknowledge our lives to be a test and growing up, getting married, having kids, caring for our aging parents and growing old ourselves are part of the test.
The Nabi got married, he had kids, and sadly, he has no direct living progeny today. The life he lived, and the life of all the prophets were not so rosy either. But they took part in all the activities of life and did their best to raise their kids in the best manner possible, regardless of the tests God would throw their way. So, ultimately, we take part in having kids because we have hope that God will provide for us and for our families, just like the man ilmaddit mentioned said that he would somehow provide for his 11 children. So their effort are cosmically not pointless, in spite of the terrible struggles people go through when they see the suffering and loss of loved ones like those families in Iraq and palestine today.
The challenge may only be explaining to kids why we bring them into the world when we as parents recognized that the world and its condition is getting more tremulous. First, that's not totally in our hands either – there are couples that have tried in vain to have kids and are not given any. And then there are people who have so many they wonder how. But in either case, families and the community can only work to only raise children to understand their relationship to God and their place in the universe, allow them to understand that we have been encouraged to have families and that we have faith in God's providing for us and them because we've believe in being optimists, having faith and looking forward to a better day (even if it is not in this world), one which we have a role in creating so long as God wills it.
"Marry the loving and child-bearing, for I will compete with the other Prophets with the number of my followers on the Day of Qiyaamah."
Aisha radiallaahu anhaa reported that Allah's Messenger sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: "Verily, a sign of blessing for a woman is that her engagement, dowry, and womb (i.e. giving birth) are made easy."
"Undoubtedly Allah the Most Glorious elevates the rank of a virtuous slave. The latter says, 'O Lord, where did I get this rank from?' Allah says, 'It is due to the invocation of forgiveness that your children have made for you.'"
"Anyone who has three daughters and provides for them, clothes them and shows mercy to them will definitely enter the Garden." A man from the people said, "And two daughters, Messenger of Allah?" He said, "And two."
"When the son of Adam dies, his actions are cut off except for three: an on-going charity, beneficial knowledge, and a virtuous child who makes supplication for him."
Brother, I am terribly sorry for the offense. I didnt even know he was a coach. The following fact may offend you even more but, I actually thought it was a picture of some random fat man wearing a Bears sweater. Once again, I apologize. I sincerely say, I absolutely meant no insult.
^hahaha, im sorry, my comment was a joke considering the ditka fanaticism that is part of the chicago culture. i thought you knew that, so i used all those capitalizations and exclamations. if you took it seriously, i apologize myself, cause i was totally joking and didnt think your initial comment meant any insult either.
naseehunameen: with due respect, you're missing the point. the "we" used in this post is referring to the human race in general. religiously, there's more than enough reasons to carry on the human race, more than the copious ahadith youve listed. religion is irrelevant as a primary causative factor in this discussion. for example, a similar type of discussion would be, 'why should we stay away from alcohol?'. there's enough ayahs/ahadith to indicate why not, so the discussion would instead focus on secondary reasons. similarly, that was the idea behind this: to consider secondary reasons instead of the obvious religious ones.
I see you have started this new season of your xanga in a different style. Its a thought provoking post. If you ask somebody in the sub-continent with 15 kids, they will say I have 15 fixed deposits awaiting for me in my old age. hehe! Amm. Every father and mother will tell you that even though they have to go through so many hurdles for their kids, it still is the most amazing feeling for them to have their kids hold on to their fingers (atleast when they're kids). Could it be for selfish reasons? I dont know.Although your question would make a lot more sense to those in trying times/places. Unfortunately where so many people are killed in countries like Iraq and Palestine, it may be worth knowing their motivation.I dont know if my reply made any sense. ha!
These are not personal; I'm just brainstorming ones I've noticed/heard.
Addition to the reasons by others above: procreating a family, a home, a place to come at the end of day and call your own – niche? : Children – material belongings; and/or emotionally an investment as an additional relationship in life – to attain or strike a possible balance of relationships – aka. motherhood, fatherhood (among other kinds in life). Communalism -? Possibly, to fit in with society/world/etc? Or even to procreate desire 'perfection' – correct all the wrongs of your own past/or childhood?
There may or may not be repetition above. Interconnected.
ill be back… inshAllah, good post, but no time.
I'm thinking about this one, because I don't want to use our typical religious reasons, which would make perfect sense for muslims to have kids. For now I am thinking along the lines of… maybe Allah swt implanted that desire for all parents to have kids. I guess another question could be why do non-muslims get married in the first place. Either way, I think there is this unspoken satisfaction in everyone when they do the same things that those who "submit-to-God-Almighty-as-a-religion" do. For example, last year or so I met this non-muslim who came to pray with us at Jumu'ah prayer, and he said he wasn't trying to convert, he just wanted to understand Islam…and he told me and Abdul Sattar that yesterday he prayed as muslims pray (at his place) and he felt a sort of peace and happiness that he couldn't fully describe. Another reason that I could say for this post is, those children who seem weak, and sick, and may be doing things in the future that cause so much hurt to their parents, and all that…they may be the ones who one day find the truth and become the strongest followers in Islam and a light for this world getting covered in darkness. Man, I think I might have done exactly what I didn't want to do, which is give a typical response. Maybe I'll be back to say more…SubhanAllah. Good post. I've been missing out. Assalam alaikum wa rahmatullah.
I think there are a lot of reasons why people choose to have kids. One reason that someone else brought up (ilmaddict) is that they want someone to love. The love between a parent and a child is a beautiful, blessed thing. Also, parents see in their children so much potential, potential to do great things, to be someone special, even to change the world. There are more selfish reasons to have children of course. Parents want to have someone to take care of them when they become old. Who better to trust than your own flesh and blood?
Anonymous permalink
The forces of good (ME) were able to cause the forces of evil (omar w) to pull down his horrible/fake xanga post. You may now take this time to shower me with your gratitude.Yes, I'm Uh-Mazing
i've missed you and been waiting for you to come back. much love
so here is a haiku for you:Oh Mr. K.R.Or should I say hot doctor?Be my McSteamy.
sienna miller (ex girlfriend to Jude law) said that she'd like to have children to give her a sense of purpose in life, a place to put her energies and a place to put her love (and hopefully get some back). from an article in the chicago tribune magazine dated oct 9, 2005, the author said regarding the relationship he has with his daughter that a child is an oppotunity for a lifetime of self improvement; his daughter makes him want to fulfill the "true masculine ideal". and while he's improving day by day, he has an opportunity to develop a beautiful/good human being by putting his time and financial efforts into the better development and happiness of his child. (also see the film Matchstick Men, starring Nicholas Cage for an example of how children give adults a new outlook on life).
children are also the vessels that can carry on an adult's dream. ie. some projects people embark upon cant be continued by that individual and his/her generation alone — they need a new batch of younger/energetic people to carry on the task. for some people, their own children may be more sympathetic to the mission and task then a young person who is not related. in that regard, children are a source of hope and a chance for change — they provide the outlook of a future, even while the parents/guardians of a child see that there time on earth is up.
Good question and thought-provoking post…it's too bad that i don't have the time to really think about the answer as i would like to…let's say i had a slightly different opinion of babies/children before my little brother was born 7 years ago. nevertheless i'm still going into elementary education inshAllah…little compares to the satisfaction of passing on knowledge to little kids, laying the foundation of their future and the feeling you get when you've accomplished something like that
i want a baby squirrel…
Alhamdulillah, I think I did not miss your point, which, by the way, you would have done well to make more explicit initially or apologize for not having done so rather than to suggest after the fact that I missed it. The ahaadith quoted above shed light on both the primary and secondary reasons, as you call them. You're right, the ahaadith quoted speak directly to the primary reasons, the true, revealed reasons. In pondering these hadith we realize that there is a distinction between the primary reasons and the secondary. We find, then, that the secondary reasons, many of which many commenters have kindly mentioned, are merely 'accidental', in the language of philosophy. They are but excuses or explanations or manifestations of our human (not just Muslim) fitra, which has been created in tune with the primary realities and motivating enducements mentioned in the hadith I quoted, of which, as you noted, there are many more. "He who doesn't thank the people, has not thanked Allah." Thank you brother kr156.
To pray and hope that your child is used for Islam; guiding others and being guided by Him and His Rasul.
When a child smiles and laughs back at you, logic goes out the window. Going through my peds rotation, this idea is reinforced over and over again. Of course, I fear the future and raising a child in this world. But we do our best and pray Allah guides the rest. P.S. Hey, that's my book! 🙂
those are some good comments up there but I think I have to agree with the last one the most. despite all the hardships a parent faces throughout the child's life, to see that being smile and succeed has got to be a feeling like no other, subhanAllah. I can only partially get that feeling with other people's kids, I can't imagine what it'd be like to see my own. and although there are many harmful things in the world today, i think most people would like to take that opportunity to at least try their hardest to get that child to smile and more importantly succeed always.
From the one and only Yahya Youssef:Collegeiskilli (2:07:23 AM): on a more serious noteCollegeiskilli (2:07:28 AM): thank you for coming back to xangaCollegeiskilli (2:07:37 AM): esp. with this thought provoking postCollegeiskilli (2:07:49 AM): however I have to contend with the rest of your readersCollegeiskilli (2:07:55 AM): I do NOT want to have childrenCollegeiskilli (2:08:38 AM): mostly cause I dont feel compelled to have anyone live out my 'legacy'Collegeiskilli (2:08:59 AM): and it would be a crime to enforce my vision upon another lifeCollegeiskilli (2:09:29 AM): also the world is mad 'effed upCollegeiskilli (2:09:48 AM): and would not want my children to live in a world where human life is not valuedCollegeiskilli (2:10:09 AM): and art music and true freedom are viewed as threats Collegeiskilli (2:10:39 AM): and religion is used as a tool to subject people to other menCollegeiskilli (2:10:55 AM): But Children of Men was a dope movie esp. on the big screenCollegeiskilli (2:11:19 AM): god willing I'll marry and NOT have childrenCollegeiskilli (2:11:37 AM): and will live my life in struggleCollegeiskilli (2:12:15 AM): and attempting to uplift the people around meCollegeiskilli (2:12:52 AM): and end with the words of god on my lips and a true legacy firmly imprinted in god's memory
So that your ego will have a noble reason to exist… someone to let you know its okay to live again.
See? Doesn't seem too complex, but works for most.
Or, as I would like to state, so that the children of the people who are morally inclined to realize the gravity of the issue will atleast be able to draw mankind a bit closer to the side of good than would be possible by the children of those who are too ignorant to realize what is really going on.
Something like this: Most people want to have children to satisfy their instinct, in one way or another. A few people realize that they are bringing their children into a world which is devolving by the second into the pigfest that we are soon to see.. now, considering the people who are just trying to satisfy their instinct probably don't look at the world as a pigfest, they in general are a bit less inclined to see to it that their children aren't active initiators and participators in the pigfest. Now, the people who do realize it is becoming a rancid situation will think twice about having kids, but when they do have kids they will be more likely to train their kids not to become part of the pigfest, but rather rebel against the pigfest for the betterment of mankind in general. And thus, a balance is achieved because even though some people such as yourself realize that it is getting to be a horrible situation, they will continue to bite the bullet and have children for the greater good because they dont want only the ignorant donkey part of mankind procreating. Because, we all know it would be just that less bearable without the good people out there to sweeten the pot.
Simplified for the sake of theory, the truth is a bit more complex I will admit.
I am not sure if you understand…but oh well. lol.
Awesome Post, salaamalaikumwarahmatullahwabarakatu.
oh yeah, or I could tell you something lame like, "Kids are just so damn cute, everyone wants one!"
lol. Thats non-religious enough, and valid too. =) Remember, smiling kids=logic out the window
It was… dissappointing to see that white quaterback dismantle the Bears previously impregnable defense… lol
You ever notice that most star QB's, if not all star QB's are white, while almost all star wide recievers are black?
indeed. Manning sure kicked ass and got everyones name lol.
Thanks… I am happy the message is still discernable through all the euphemisms… haha. =)


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A Song of Ice and Fire RPG
Maester Jeonan
Maester assigned to Wolf's Watch. Commonly known as the "Snow Bear"
A young Maester (at the age of 33) that serves at Wolf's Watch under House Cazaleta. He stands 5'10" and around 165 but looks heavier because of his Maester robes. Most known for his mount and companion Snowball, a snow bear that stands 10ft tall on his hind legs. Besides Snowball he is know for his large collection of animal specimens in his lab, from snakes and beyond. If not performing his Maester duties he can be found practicing his Alchemy, helping out in the glass garden, or reading in the library.
(Birth – 16)
Jeonan was born as the second son to Jeor Mormont. As a young child while traveling to Deepwood Motte he fell overboard on a boat and nearly drown. He became a skilled archer in his youth as he found the bow much easier to use than a sword. This was just one of the differences that separated him from a "normal" Mormont. His size was smaller and frailer but he honed his mind to be better. Before reaching manhood he found a Snow Bear washed up on the shore of Bear Island and took it in a his pet, naming him Snowball.
During Roberts' Rebellion the Mormonts joined in the fight when Eddard called his bannermen. Near the end of the war during a strategy meeting which included head of houses; namely Robert Baratheon, Jeor Mormont, Jon Arryn, and Eddard Stark; Jeonan spoke out of place making a suggestion about a different stragey to use at the Trident. It was Robert that allowed Jeonan to continue and even agreed with his idea. The planned Jeonan proposed greatly impacted the Battle of the Trident, guaranteeing Roberts one-on-one battle with Rhaegar. Robert joking called him the Snow Bear of the Mormonts, which even caused his own father to chuckle, forever embedding the nickname on him. After the victory Robert suggestion that he would make a great Maester, a comment that even the Old Bear agreed with.
So after Robert became king Jeonan traveled with Snowball to Oldtown to become a Maester. He spent roughly 10 years there training. He trained extensively with Arch-Maester Ebrose under healing but also excelled in Warfare, Nature, and Nobility. He was well liked and known for Snowball walking around Oldtown which was an unusual sight for all. After taking his vows he was sent to serve House Cazaleta in the North at Wolf's Watch, a young household that was only made after the rise of King Robert. The journey was one of the worst he has ever had as it was via boat all the way to White Harbor. He has served the Lady of the house, Layna Cazaleta, for the last 5 years tending to her and her children, any medical needs, and even the animals.


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Don't You Hate When …
A blog post or comedian starts off their spiel with that? I know I do. There is one person though, that made a decades long career of that very sentiment. Andy Rooney. A lot of people think that Andy was, and still is, annoying. He is the epitome of the curmudgeonly old man. You can easily picture him yelling at the kids to get off of his lawn. I liked him though. Granted, I didn't like him enough to watch 60 min but I still thought he was occasionally funny.
When you think about it though, if it weren't for Andy Rooney, there wouldn't be comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld or any other observational comic. Now that I think about it though, maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing.
Did I have a point? I can't remember. I don't really know if it is even important to have a point, jsut the point that I am writing is the point. Ok, Andy Rooney I am not. Good luck Mr. Rooney. Enjoy your retirement.


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… like peace and quiet.
… do not want to trip on toys.
… never had ambitions to work in an insane asylum, as a referee, nurse, teacher, maid, cook, taxi driver, etc. – all at the same time.
… like a clean car.
… don't want little fingerprints on EVERY surface in the house.
… prefer a job with benefits, paid vacation, scheduled breaks and the option to quit.
… get queasy at the thought of bodily functions and fluids.
… enjoy shopping for expensive shoes.
… find the "new car smell" more appealing than the "new baby smell".
… like to have meaningful conversations with other adults.
… need to sleep at least 8 hours in any 24 hour period.
… prefer your clothes ironed.
… want to go on exotic vacations.
… eat at restaurants that don't even offer high chairs.
… think that "child rearing" is spelled S-u-n-d-a-y S-c-h-o-o-l, d-a-y-c-a-r-e, s-c-h-o-o-l, or T-V
… don't want to answer the question "Why?" several hundred times a day.
… don't think going to the grocery store with no kids in tow is the greatest outing in the world.
… only want to do a couple of loads of laundry per week.
… like to live in a model home.
… don't want to get used to doing everything with one hand, while holding a baby on your hip with the other hand.
… think that influencing other people's kids is a substitute for raising your own.
… hate diapers.
… want appreciation and praise.
In other words, don't ever have kids if your life's motto is "Me, me, me!"
However, you will miss out on …
… sticky faces cuddling up to you.
… holding a little hand in yours.
… stick-figure drawings and sincere love notes.
… someone waiting at the front window for you to get home.
… waking up to find a baby curled up next to you.
… hearing "I love you" every day.
… the most important thing in life.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." – John 12:24


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"Last week, a climate research centre at the University of Montreal, known by the acronym ESCER, warned that such groups are being forced to close across the country.
A lack of federal funds for climate and atmospheric science has "sounded the death knell for research groups working in this field in Canada," Rene Laprise, ESCER's director, wrote in a statement.
His centre has lost two staff, who found government jobs after learning that their salaries would not be guaranteed past September 2010, Laprise told CTV.ca by email. Five others are expected to leave "any time," he wrote.
Climate scientists across the country say they're in a similar situation — with dwindling funds and poor prospects to secure more money, they're preparing to shut down major projects while their staff seeks jobs abroad.
Laprise and other scientists in his field are frustrated that the 2010 federal budget, made public last month, set aside no new money for the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, the main source of federal funding for climate-related research.
CFCAS was founded in 2000 and has doled out $116 million on 198 research grants at universities from Victoria to Halifax.
Canadian scientists who have contributed to international initiatives such as the World Climate Programme and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change rely on the foundation for a large part of their research money." "Climate-change research in Canada waning: scientists" h/t Icecap April 3


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Championship Five Hundred Card Game for PalmOS
Discover world-class card playing action anytime, anywhere. Simple to learn, yet challenging to master, Championship Five Hundred Pro offers a fun and exciting gaming experience for casual and hardcore fans alike. Challenge our playful computer champions, engage your friends over a local network, or compete in our free Internet lobby. Play at your desk or on-the-go using wireless technologies. Championship Five Hundred Card Game for PalmOS is licensed as shareware and filed in 500, card games, games section.
practice features game trial interactive tutorial
This utility is a command line tool that can easily be automated to generate nightly reports of disk space usage, network space hogs and very large folder trees. Reports can be sorted and small folders can be prevented from being displayed. This shareware is archived under disk space tracking usage file size waste category.
foreign languages command line tool cluster size
Paraben's Deck of Cards
Try this collection of over 400 solitare card games and see just how far your patience will run. Play all the classics like Freecell, Golf, Spider, Klondike, and Yukon plus dozens of original solitaire games. Choose from many great looking sets of cards, choose your card size, customize your background, use the perfomrance analyser, compete against the clock, unlimited undos, keep detailed statistics, high quality sounds, and a comprensive help.
solitare card games solitaire games dozens
StatTrak for Volleyball
Software that software is a complete stats program loaded with options yet very easy to use. Track and calculate over 45 stats including Digs, Service Aces, Service%, Assists per game, match scores, won/lost record, team standings and more. Create and print Reports by team, multiple-team, individual player, career, many more. StatTrak for Volleyball stats software is great for all levels of volleyball including Leagues and High School. StatTrak for Volleyball is licensed as demo and filed in home, hobby recreation section.
opponents data entry assists
Custom Skin Clock
Software that is a FREE desktop version of a frame with a favorite photograph you keep on your desktop. Install your favorite pictures, photos of your family, dog, friends, unforgettable moments of your vacation or just a favorite picture on the clock face. The clock with your picture will be located on your desktop without interfering with your work. Miscellaneous freeware Custom Skin Clock is listed in desktop clocks, alarms tools.
modern clock family dog clock hands
Space Explorer
This game 1.0 is an astronomically and physically realistic interactive 3D application for simulating and exploring solar systems just like a real astronaut.
* Completely customizable: Create your own solar systems
* Simulation of the motions of planets, stars, and the spaceship according to Newton's gravitational law
* Travel by conventional and teleportation drive
* Take videos or snapshots as you travel
microsoft directx 9 state of the art art 3d
Do you ever wished to print or save/export more than one eMail a time in Outlook Express? The program can print as much eMails with one click as you wish. Also it saves multiple eMails as HTML or EML files for you. You can choose a new layout if you don't want that the printout or html file looks to simple. You can create new html templates for your personal layouts too! eMails don't have to be without color! eMail-Printery is a demo software filed under internet, email utilities.
outlook express personal layouts email
Any Files for Poster
The program converts documents of any program like Word, Excel etc. into bitmap files. You can save this bitmaps as JPG, TGA, TIF, ... files. The corresponding program for the document (e.g. Word) must be installed. The import takes place with the help of OLE2. The program is especially useful togehter with "CAD-KAS Poster-Printery". With both programs together it is possible to print Word files etc. as big posters.
tif files bitmap files word files
ISO Commander
This software is CD/DVD images management utility. Among utility main features are CD/DVD bootable images creation and changing, direct images editing, convention from BIN/ISO/DAO/TAO/NRG images into standard ISO file and much more. * Edit image files and folders using drag'n'drop. * Create image from files on your hard disc drive. * Add to the new or existing image boot image and also change or delete it. * Add, delete, rename and extract
open cd iso image boot image
Copyright © 2003-2010 Filesland Software
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Near an Orland Park junior high school where speeding motorists have worried crossing guards and school administrators, police recently set up a sting that was so successful it netted nearly 400 violators in just 10 hours.
For four days last week, while children were either on their way to or from Jerling Junior High School, a dozen Orland Park officers staked out 151st Street around 88th Avenue. Two officers were armed with radar guns.


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Days Inn Bristol M5
The excellent 3-star Days Inn Bristol M5 offers non-smoking guestrooms. Featuring modern architecture, the hotel is opened since 1997.
The venue is 9 km away from The New Room\. The property lies within 9 km from the city center.
Shops and a market are located nearby.
This property comprises 60 rooms featuring family flat, executive flat and twin room for single use with a minibar, a safe, a work area, a closet and a trouser press. The rooms come with en suite bathrooms with a bathtub, a shower and a hairdryer along with a small fridge, coffee/tea makers and a kettle.
A continental breakfast is offered at the breakfast area. The snack bar stocks tea and coffee to enjoy in a welcoming atmosphere. The pub The Rudgleigh Inn is within easy reach of the property.
The venue is notable for the great location within a 20-minute drive to Bristol airport.
Such business facilities as a business centre, a conference room and a photocopier are available on site.


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The Transcend Portable Solar Charger provides reliable power whenever and wherever power is needed and until now, that was not available.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) July 02, 2012
Somnetics International Inc., the Minneapolis-based maker of Transcend® and the leader of innovation in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) technology, today launched the Transcend Portable Solar Charger™ designed to recharge Transcend P8™ and P4™ batteries under the sun for reliable CPAP therapy under the stars. Transcend is the first and only CPAP system to feature portable battery power with the option of solar recharging technology.
The Transcend Portable Solar Recharger is lightweight, compact and durable (military tested) and provides free power even in low-light conditions. It is ideal for users who travel, camp, and need reliable power wherever they go. The Transcend Portable Solar Charger provides peace of mind during power outages or when power is not available.
Clarence Johnson, president, Somnetics said, "Innovation and the needs of the CPAP user are the core drivers of all Transcend product development and this product fills an unmet need in the market. The Transcend Portable Solar Charger provides reliable power whenever and wherever power is needed and until now, that was not available."
Weighing in under one pound, the Transcend Portable Solar Charger can be rolled up and easily stored and provides a full charge when charged appropriately for both Transcend batteries.
Transcend was recently awarded the Medtrade Provider's Choice Award for providing the market with innovative products that meet the needs of the user and provide an edge for the dealers that sell Transcend.
Transcend is changing the way sleep apnea therapy is delivered as the world's smallest, lightest, most portable and flexible (CPAP) and battery system. It is first in the industry to bring proven Waterless Humidification™ technology and lightweight, long-life battery systems and solar power technology to CPAP users, making Transcend the preferred choice for travel and home use.
For information about Transcend and the industry's most innovative CPAP products visit http://www.mytranscend.com or call 877-621-9626.
About Transcend
Transcend is the smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP and battery system available. The Transcend Sleep Apnea Therapy System offers options that make this the most flexible CPAP choice for travel and home use. Options include the lightweight, long-life P4 Overnight Battery System™ and the P8 Multi-Night Battery System™ to provide reliable power in remote locations and during power outages. Two Waterless Humidification™ system options harness innovative proprietary heat moisture exchange (HME) technology that eliminates the hassles of traditional heated humidifiers. Transcend is protected by several issued and pending US and foreign patents.
About Somnetics
Somnetics International, Inc. is a privately-held medical device company based in Minneapolis, Minn. It is an emerging leader in customer-driven design, development and production of respiratory medical devices to treat sleep apnea and related issues. Somnetics' mission is focused on integrating technology, customer input and employee creativity to provide innovative, high quality products that improve quality of life for people with respiratory disorders. Transcend received the 2011 Medtrade Innovation Award, the 2012 Medtrade Spring Provider's Choice Award, and the 2012 Best Practices Award for Product Differentiation in the Sleep Disordered Breathing market from Frost & Sullivan. Somnetics received FDA market clearance for the Transcend CPAP machine in July 2010 and CE Mark in February 2012. Transcend and associated technology is protected by several issued and pending U.S. and foreign patents.


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AP World History Study Group Activities
AP World History Study Group Activities
I created AP World History Study Group Activities & Last Minute AP World History Lesson ideas, to help guide my AP World History students as they formed study groups over the course of the year. It includes activities and discussion questions for each unit and the subsequent charts for the students to complete. For the busy teacher, this packet would also work in a pinch when you need a quick lesson, unit review or additional activity when you have extra time in class. It would also work when you need emergency lesson plans to use with a substitute.
Includes discussion questions for each unit. Unit 1 & 2 – 33 questions; Unit 3 – 44 questions; Unit 4 – 36 questions; Unit 5 – 28 questions; Unit 6 – 50 questions.
Main pdf is 14 pages long, the forms listed below are in separate files.
Forms include:
- Marker Event Chart
- Societal Comparison Chart
- Significant Figures
- Belief System
- Study Group Form
This document and its contents, except for source material otherwise noted, is copyright © 2014 Krista Boivie. All rights reserved. Under no circumstances may this document, whole or in part, be commercially exploited. Any redistribution or reproduction of this document, whole or in part, in any form is prohibited except for the following: Permission is granted for the use of this document, whole or in part, by the purchaser of this file, for the purposes of educating students. The purchaser of this file may not resell this item (whole or in part), and may not distribute it outside of their own classroom use. Note: "AP" is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.


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Top multimedia clippings from the week that was…
- The Time For The Next "Subprime Trade" Has Come: Prime Mortgages | ZeroHedge– PrimeX index about to collapse with most underlying mortgages more upside-down than disclosed.
- As The Crow Flies | Market Anthropology– Germany rising of triple-bottom; historical comparison of VIX at bear-market bottoms (1990/2002/2009).
Warning: Greece Can Break Glass and Leave the Eurozone | naked capitalism– Uses Argentina's end to USD peg in 2002 as an analogue for Greece's potential to leave EMU, revert to Drachma.
- The Money Pit: The Real Reason Harrisburgh Pennsylvania Went Bankrupt | Bond Girl
- Operation Twist and the Effect of Large-Scale Asset Purchases | FRBSF Economic Letter (4/25/2011)
- German dilemma over current account vendor financing | Credit Writedowns
- "The Student Loan Racket" Infographic | ZeroHedge
- Natural Disasters in the United States, 1980 – 2011 | The Big Picture
- Deliberately Seeking Beta: Interview with Robert Arvanitis | Institutional Risk Analytics– Notion of creating a counter-cyclical insurance product to hedge policy risks instead of reinsuring them, for instance a policy that pays out if a hurricane doesn't occur (e.g. CDS for insurance).
- As concerned Europeans we urge eurozone leaders to unite | George Soros & Friends | Financial Times
- PrimeX primer, also featuring ABX | FT Alphaville
- Adjusted Monetary Base Less Excess Bank Reserves | Jesse's Café Américain– Illustrated the net effect of QEs/stimulus, which liquidity just stagnates in bank vaults (IOER at Fed).
- Over 50 arrested at Occupy Boston demonstration | The Globe and Mail
- Twitter Reports of Cops Beating Participants in #OccupyBoston, Breaking Up Encampment | naked capitalism– Yves a bit fired up here perhaps, since it sounds like protesters were only permitted to Occupy Dewey Square and were arrested after refusing to uproot a campsite on non-sanctioned grounds. While I'm sure BPD baited them, this kind of negative press discredits the movement. As the movement grows, I'm getting a sense (from having visited the site) that the new membership has watered-down the vision in lacking cause/direction.
- New bankruptcy ripples may emerge in tough economy | Reuters
- China Announces Its Own Bank & Stock Market Bailout | ZeroHedge– Central Huijin, the domestic arm of China's sovereign wealth fund, will buy bank stocks to stabilize markets.
- Missteps to Mayhem: Inside the Doomsday Machine | Michael Burry | Vanderbilt Magazine
- Russia ready in principle to buy Spanish debt | Reuters
- An SEC REIT Probe Stokes Investors' Worries (NLY) | Barrons


text:
Knowledge sharing in cooperative research and development
Download full text from publisher
References listed on IDEAS
- Sakakibara, Mariko, 1997. "Evaluating government-sponsored R&D consortia in Japan: who benefits and how?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 26(4-5), pages 447-473, December.
- W. Salant, Stephen & Shaffer, Greg, 1998.
"Optimal asymmetric strategies in research joint ventures,"
International Journal of Industrial Organization,
Elsevier, vol. 16(2), pages 195-208, March.
- Salant, S.W. & Shaffer, G., 1997. "Optimal Asymmetric Strategies in Research Joint Ventures," Papers 97-06, Michigan - Center for Research on Economic & Social Theory.
- Poyago-Theotoky, Joanna, 1995. "Equilibrium and Optimal Size of a Research Joint Venture in an Oligopoly with Spillovers," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(2), pages 209-226, June.
- Suzumura, Kotaro, 1992. "Cooperative and Noncooperative R&D in an Oligopoly with Spillovers," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 82(5), pages 1307-1320, December.
- Irwin, Douglas A. & Klenow, Peter J., 1996.
"High-tech R&D subsidies Estimating the effects of Sematech,"
Journal of International Economics,
Elsevier, vol. 40(3-4), pages 323-344, May.
- Douglas A. Irwin & Peter J. Klenow, 1994. "High Tech R&D Subsidies: Estimating the Effects of Sematech," NBER Working Papers 4974, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
- Ziss, Steffen, 1994. "Strategic R&D with Spillovers, Collusion and Welfare," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(4), pages 375-393, December.
- Vonortas, Nicholas S., 1994. "Inter-firm cooperation with imperfectly appropriable research," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 413-435, September.
- Cohen, Wesley M & Levinthal, Daniel A, 1989. "Innovation and Learning: The Two Faces of R&D," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 99(397), pages 569-596, September.
- Steurs, Geert, 1995. "Inter-industry R&D spillovers: What difference do they make?," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 13(2), pages 249-276.
- Kamien, Morton I & Muller, Eitan & Zang, Israel, 1992. "Research Joint Ventures and R&D Cartels," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 82(5), pages 1293-1306, December.
- Dixit, Avinash K, 1986. "Comparative Statics for Oligopoly," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 27(1), pages 107-122, February.
- Lee G. Branstetter & Mariko Sakakibara, 2002. "When Do Research Consortia Work Well and Why? Evidence from Japanese Panel Data," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(1), pages 143-159, March.
- Branstetter, Lee & Sakakibara, Mariko, 1998. "Japanese Research Consortia: A Microeconometric Analysis of Industrial Policy," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(2), pages 207-233, June.
- Spence, Michael, 1984. "Cost Reduction, Competition, and Industry Performance," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 52(1), pages 101-121, January.
- Richard C. Levin & Alvin K. Klevorick & Richard R. Nelson & Sidney G. Winter, 1987. "Appropriating the Returns from Industrial Research and Development," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 18(3, Specia), pages 783-832.
- Katsoulacos, Yannis & Ulph, David, 1998. "Endogenous Spillovers and the Performance of Research Joint Ventures," Journal of Industrial Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(3), pages 333-357, September.
CitationsCitations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
Cited by:
- Drechsler, Wenzel & Natter, Martin, 2012. "Understanding a firm's openness decisions in innovation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 65(3), pages 438-445.
- Christian Schröder, 2014.
"Dynamics in ICT cooperation networks in selected German ICT clusters,"
International Economics and Economic Policy,
Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 197-230, February.
- Christian Schröder, 2013. "Dynamics in ICT cooperation networks in selected German ICT clusters," EIIW Discussion paper disbei194, Universitätsbibliothek Wuppertal, University Library.
- Nobuya Fukugawa, 2013. "University spillovers into small technology-based firms: channel, mechanism, and geography," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 38(4), pages 415-431, August.
- Busom, Isabel & Fernández-Ribas, Andrea, 2008. "The impact of firm participation in R&D programmes on R&D partnerships," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 240-257, March.
- Kerstan, Sven & Kretschmer, Tobias & Muehlfeld, Katrin, 2012. "The dynamics of pre-market standardization," Information Economics and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 105-119.
- Sudheer Gupta, 2008. "Research Note—Channel Structure with Knowledge Spillovers," Marketing Science, INFORMS, vol. 27(2), pages 247-261, 03-04.
- Aija Leiponen, 2005. "Core complementarities of the corporation: organization of an innovating firm," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(6), pages 351-365.
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This is wonderful news for all of us photo memory junkies. I love Disney's PhotoPass and purchase it every time my family vacations in Walt Disney World. I'm thrilled to hear that now I can view my photos through the My Disney Experience App. This will be offer a great advantage for checking that your attraction photos have been added to your account before you leave the park. Although few, maybe this will help with lost photos.
Although you can now purchase Memory Maker, through your My Disney Experience App, while you are in the park, I would still suggest adding Memory Maker to your Disney World package, prior to your vacation, so that you can get a discounted rate.
For more details on the Memory Maker package, CLICK HERE
With the addition of Disney PhotoPass on the My Disney Experience mobile app, you now have easier access to your Walt Disney World® Resort memories.
The new update allows you to preview all your Disney PhotoPass vacation photos, including photos from select attraction and dining locations. Plus, you can now purchase Memory Maker within the app, allowing you to share and download your vacation photos right from your device.
Please note Guests without a Memory Maker entitlement can view a watermarked version of their Disney PhotoPass photos through the app.
Thank you for reading, Melissa Mathies
As a travel agent I am here to help you with all of your booking and planning needs at no additional cost to you.


text:
Game Consoles Price List in the Philippines June 2018
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This device is a slick portable gaming system. It has an impressive wide-screen display and even has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can open a web browser. It also has the ability to play music and videos ...Read more
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Okay naman gamitin itong Nintendo switch kasi I can play my favorite games with it, mtagal ko nagagamit ito compared sa PSP kaya mas okay ito para sa akin. Cute pa ng designa ng style niya kaya at ...Read more
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I prefer using this Nintendo switch kasi mas mdali gamitin at mas okay ito gamitin ksi sa PSP para sa akin, okay din ang mga games pag nilalaro mo ito, mas malaki din ang screen size niya at mas ...Read more
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Handbook on German Military Forces
Quantity available: 1
A technical manual on German military forces, 1945. Includes chapters on German military system, tactics, fortifications and defenses. Each chapter numbered separately. Fair conditon. 9 x 10.5 x 1 [Box 502] - [Item 2967]
Crown Antiques & Collectibles
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Dealer accepts: PayPal, Money Order
Shipping: $4.50


text:
Provided by www.ACkits.com
We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum
Year: 1984
Make: Monaco
Model: Motorhome
Engine Size: 454
Refrigerant Type: R134
Ambient Temp: 55F
Pressure Low: 35
Pressure High: 120
I'm having some problems with a custom built system that we have installed on my 1984 motorhome - when I purchased it, the only part left in it was the evaporator!
I purchased a brand new compressor, new hoses, a high efficiency condenser and pair of fans from a Ford Focus, a new receiver/dryer and a new GM control valve (which has the bulb sensor strapped to the evap outlet(suction) line and a pressure line)
As it's a custom system, I didn't really know how much R134 to put in there, so I started with 60cc of PAG100 oil and a 2 cans of R134. Pulled a vacuum for about 40 minutes before starting.
The low side pressure sits at 35psi and the high side at around 120psi with an ambient temperature of about 55F but the vent temperatures inside are around 60F after 15 minutes of fast idle.
If I slow the blower fan down to slow, the vent temperatures decrease to 55F - still not as cold as the 40F I get from my Jeep.
I've tried to get my head around what's happening and I did test one thing - with the manifold gauges connected and the low side open, if I very slowly opened the high pressure side, it filled the sight glass immediately with liquid R134 - by reading the various web sites I found on the Internet, it appeared that the compressor is compressing high pressure GAS and it should not be liquid until it gets to the bottom of the condenser - could this mean that I have too much R134 in the system? - it had 24oz yesterday and I added another can today so it's now at 36oz - how do you determine the capacity of R134 in a custom made system?
Any help or thoughts would be welcome as I'm fumbling in the dark here
First, with a ambient temp of 55, you are going to have a great problem making the AC system function. There simply is insufficient ambient heat. The temp needs to be mid 70's. Another issue with evacuating a system with this ambient temp is complete removal of moisture. There is simply not sufficient ambient heat to 'boil' moisture in the system. Moisture beings to 'boil' at 70degrees @ 29.15 in/hg. Most service vacuum pumps are unable to evacuate to this level. Do not simply rely of what your gauges indicate.
Try recovery of the refrigerant and then evacuate the system once more...this time operate the engine and use this heat to aid in the removal of moisture. Once this is completed, charge the system as before, then await a day with a sufficient amount of heat level to 'load' the system.
One method to determine charge rate is to operate the system. Add refrigerant, app 10-12 oz to the system. Operate the system and measure the temperature of the inlet and outlet of the condenser. Watch for a drastic temperature drop. This is the point where the system is charged. Temp drop should be app 25-35 degrees. Probably around 27-29 degrees. Insure that the fans (engine cooling) are operational during this process. Engage and operate at maximum speed.
Opps forgot..max air, high blower, engine 1200-1500 rpm, doors closed. With the size of your cabin, it may take several minutes for the system to stabilize.
Also, 2 oz of lubricant is drastically insufficient. The system should contain about 6-8 oz. What type compressor are you using? Is PAG 100 the correct lube for this unit?
One possible downside of this 'experiment' is that the 2 oz of lube already in the system maybe moisture contaminate already. When you recover the refrigerant, why not flush the system...do not use mineral spirits.....and start all over. I realize this takes time and seems like a wasted effort...but it may pay dividends in the future. Add 4-5 oz to the evap....2-3 to the compressor suction side. Evacuate the system for app 30-45 minutes with the engine operational. Remove all the moisture from the system and then begin the recharge process.
Do you have the original spec's for the vehicle. If so, use them for a guide. With the adding cooling of this new condenser, you maybe able to add 134a to match the OE 12 specs and will not suffer any damage.
Good luck!!!!
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson
Thanks SO much for that - extremely useful.
As I'm in Arizona, moisture should not be a problem as we are at less than 15% rH. Also recovering the refrigerant isn't an option as Autozone only loan out a pump and manifold gauges and I hate to dump it to atmosphere, even if it is R134.
Thanks for the idea of testing the inlet/outlet temps of the condenser - I have an IR gun and can do that easily so will wait for a warmer day next week to do some testing
Just to add to Iceman post, with the rain we been having in Az, you should pull a double vacuum. Pull your first vacuum for a good hour and then shut your gauges for a half hour (with pump off), then restart you pump for another half hour with both sides open. This will help boil off any moisture that was not boiled out the first time.
Hope this helps and good luck.
We've updated our forums!
Click here to visit the new forum
Copyright © 2016 Arizona Mobile Air Inc.


text:
2018 NEW. Model: Oksana 173cm Bust: 35in Waist: 28in Hips: 38in Size: M
One piece swimsuit with skirt,modest style and classic color
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Washing Suggestion: The chest pad is removable. Wash in Cold Water, Mild Soap Lay and Hang Dry.
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is this two piece or one
Its a 1 piece costume. The shorts are attached. So just like putting on a swimming costume but its shorts n little skirt. Its so comfy on and looks amazing.
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Im a size 18 so should i order the 16 to 18 asim not sure how generous they are.Thanks
I am a size 16 on my lower half and and between a 18 -18 on top. I am a 38dd and find this costume fits me perfectly. It all depends on your measurements I suppose. I would have thought this costume would fit an 18 as it does not feel tight on me.
3. Question:
Im a 16 on top. 18 on bottom. What size should i get, it's my mummy pouch that makes me a 18
I'm exactly same I got 18 hope this helps
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text:
Well, I did it.
I got tired of hearing about the dog, so I hit the dreaded "unfriend" button for one of my Facebook friends. I've done it before when I have gotten tired of political propaganda that I found offensive, but my self-image involves being tolerant, especially when it comes to pets and passions (apart from politics).
However, I discovered fundamental value differences can extend beyond politics into other areas of life. I'm still a little disconcerted to discover this one involves a dog. Granted, I'm a cat person rather than a dog person, but dogs usually like me and I don't dislike them.
In this case, my friend decided five or six years ago to get a service dog due to her hearing disability. The idea amused me because I have a hearing disability, too, and nothing that distresses her — not being able to hear someone knock on the door, not knowing the direction from which sound is coming, not always knowing when someone is addressing me — bothers me overly much. As far as I'm concerned, having lived with both, poverty far is more inconvenient than a hearing disability.
After becoming Facebook friends, I was amused to discover all of her posts were about the dog. Yes, I post my cats sometimes and my grandkids more than anyone without grandchildren cares to see. However, I like to imagine there's a little variety in that mix — but I admit I may be deluding myself.
Not long ago, though, my amusement turned to amazement and then to disbelief. A restaurant refused to allow the dog to enter. I'm not sure how they were to know her golden retriever was a service dog and not a pet, but I'd guess there is some sort of identifier they were expected to recognize. Too, it's possible a language barrier existed because the restaurant — one of my all-time favorite Mexican restaurants — is staffed with quite a few employees for whom English is a second language.
Personally, I'm not sure why she needs a dog in a restaurant, but apparently going anywhere without her dog is inconceivable to my friend. Naturally, she expressed her outrage on Facebook.
The first time or two, I just ignored it. Then she started posting reports on her lack of success in interesting the media in her story. Thousands of people in that city alone go to sleep hungry every night, millions of children in the world are starving, and she felt the media should sit up and take notice because she couldn't get her dog in a restaurant.
At that point, I had the audacity to speak out. An appropriate course of action would have been to write the management of the restaurant, to provide information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to offer to train the staff. That she went immediately from minor inconvenience — and it was a minor inconvenience because there are dozens of restaurants within blocks of the one which turned her away — to media campaign was incomprehensible to me.
Rather than tempering her reaction, my comments stiffened her resolve and caused other friends to rally around her. At that point, I decided i didn't want to hear any more about the dog and the restaurant and the lack of media interest.
Unfortunately, putting the matter out of my mind has not been nearly as easy. It's become symbollic to me of the attitude of entitlement the more affluent portion of the American public seems to demand these days.
A restaurant employee, whose annual income is probably less than my friend's monthly budget, made a decision that inconvenienced her, so my friend decided to make an example of the business, which — had she been successful — undoubtedly would have resulted in the employee losing his or her job in today's uncertain economy. She didn't even consider a more moderate response. That's what I found so offensive. She didn't even consider a more moderate response.
But, the more I think about it, the more I find myself wondering if this isn't symptomatic of something even more insidious, the American penchant to confuse needs and wants. I am guilty of this, I know.
I rarely drink coffee anywhere but at home, because I've become a coffee snob. I prefer Sumatran coffee with beans that have been roasted to the second crack, and I prefer coffee made with freshly ground beans. Do I need Sumatran coffee? No, I can drink coffee grown in other parts of the world — if necessary — though this new blonde roast coffee I've been seeing doesn't appeal to me a great deal.
Just the fact that I have that kind of choice in this minor area of life testifies to privilege that I as an American enjoy, though my income is well below the median household income for the state of South Dakota, which in turn is well below the median household income for the nation. That's just one way in which I enjoy the privilege of living in an affluent nation.
One of the blogs I read regularly is written by a young woman who is serving in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, a small African country. I met Heather when she interned at a newspaper for which I worked and have felt blessed to read about her experiences as a volunteer. One of her early blogs was about carrying water from the well in order to wash. I have lived in poverty, but I have never known that kind of poverty; few in our country do.
So is it surprising that any of us would confuse a necessity with a convenience? Probably not, but maybe we all need to be a little more humble about asserting our right to anything when others have so much less than we do.


text:
So, last summer I was supposed to be coming home from England and going straight on a road trip to Natchez, Mississippi. When I was in Detroit, from London, I got a call from a Houston hospital needing me to activate my power of attorney for my father. He went into liver failure and was in a coma for 43 (long) days. When all of that happened I immediately called the (wonderful) people of the Monmouth Plantation in Natchez and asked for our hotel stay to be postponed. At the end of September and beginning of October (of 2011) we finally got to go. It was a nice time, as it was 6 weeks into school and I was ready for a little stress relief.
My Aunt B and I drove to Mississippi. It's a pretty pleasant drive. We had good weather for the trip.
I love taking pictures of the state lines!
I also love the large bridges over the many rivers in Louisiana/Mississippi area.Monmouth Plantation in Natchez.
1818. We ended up eating here the following night. It was a wonderful meal with 3 courses. I'll have to see if I have those pictures for you in the next post.
Our beautiful room! My gracious aunt let me stay in the main 4-poster bed. There was an additional room right to the left of where I was standing to take the picture. It had a full bed that she enjoyed with a private door to close so when I stay up late I wouldn't bother her with the tv.
This was our "cabin" that we stayed in. It was really 4-5 rooms/suites. It led right to the parking area and it had the staircase down to a beautiful lake/pond. Such an amazing place to stay. I highly recommend it!
Natchez Under the Hill Saloon. We decided to start in this historical building.
Magnolia Grill which was a 2 minute walk from the Saloon.
Isle of Capri casino. We walked around and played a few slots. I realllllly wanted to play dice but I didn't have any cash to lay down. It's hard to gamble when you're on the first night of your 4 day vacation. But it was a nice, quaint gambling spot. Quite the climb to walk back up, though! We decided to burn off our dinner, though, and not take the convenient golf cart up. We went back to Monmouth and rested up for a long day of exploring Natchez and the Fall Pilgrimage tour of historical plantation homes.