text:
Ignorance arguments
Ignorance arguments
I have been running a 'debate' with this theist on Youtube. It's really pathetic how they all seem to argue in circles and most arguments stem from ignorance. Why in the hell are some people SO ignorant! Like seriously, I would rather be dead then believe something blindly like that. If anyone wants to check out the comments, here is the link.
There are a lot of comments, probably around 15? I don't know for sure, I lost track.
If not, I just ask, what ridiculous arguments have you come across before from theists?
and what is something you would say to a theist to open his mind to the possibilities?
P.s. any extra comments on that video would be appreciated
Not that I want to give him more views (he only has like 200) but some more criticism can't hurt.
30-12-2012, 08:29 AM (This post was last modified: 30-12-2012 08:40 AM by Vosur.)
RE: Ignorance arguments
(30-12-2012 07:21 AM)Aspchizo Wrote: If not, I just ask, what ridiculous arguments have you come across before from theists?I'm inclined call every philosophical argument for the existence of god ridiculous.
(30-12-2012 07:21 AM)Aspchizo Wrote: and what is something you would say to a theist to open his mind to the possibilities?They either already have an open-mind, or they don't. If they don't, there is hardly anything you can say to change that. With that said, I don't waste my time on intellectually dishonest apologists and gnostic theists who have already made up their mind on the issue and can't be swayed by evidence or rational thought (ex. WLC and his fanatical followers).
That aside, there isn't really anything the rabbi says in his video that could be commented on. He doesn't give an in-depth critique of Richard Dawkin's book, instead he makes the assertion that there are no theological challenges to be found in it and tries to discredit the entire work based on one quote from the book which he, so it seems, didn't even understand. That's pretty much all there is to it.
The following 2 users Like Vosur's post:2 users Like Vosur's post
Chas (30-12-2012), Adenosis (30-12-2012)
30-12-2012, 08:58 PM (This post was last modified: 30-12-2012 09:08 PM by Adenosis.)
RE: Ignorance arguments
But in the comments he claims there is proof of the existence of god. Every time I ask people what that proof is, they either tell me I won't understand it because I don't believe, or they give nonsensical arguments. Like the arguments he gives are ridiculous. Anyone that is willing to look over the comments and give me a reply will be appreciated
TheCollegeRabbi says...
Quote:#2. Teological: the concept that the universe is finely tuned to supportHe is so ignorant, basically he says just because the laws appear fine tuned, he assumes they were fine tuned by a god. So tired of people... If there is a multiverse the Anthropic Principal applies to this. I don't see how he can quote it and still believe it must be a god.
I would post more of his stuff, but there is just so much stupid..
30-12-2012, 09:58 PM (This post was last modified: 30-12-2012 10:03 PM by Vosur.)
RE: Ignorance arguments
I've discussed the same old, same old apologetics ad nauseam in the past year. I'm not going to spend anymore time doing the research that those who still use these arguments apparently haven't done.
Having said that, I highly doubt that you're going to change his mind by discussing these arguments with him, because I've never seen a theist whose beliefs relied solely on philosophical arguments. Even the world's most famous Christian apologist William Lane Craig has stated several times that even if evidence against the resurrection was brought forth and even if he admitted that the philosophical arguments for the existence of god have no merit, he will still hold on to beliefs because he has, what he calls, "the (inner) witness of the Holy Spirit" (i.e. personal experience).
If you want to discuss with this guy nonetheless, ask him the following four questions regarding his presentation of the teological argument.
1. Which statistics are you referring to?
2. How would you tell a finely-tuned Universe from a non-finely-tuned Universe?
3. If the Universe is fine-tuned for life, why is it that
a.) there hasn't been life in it for the overwhelming majority of its existence and
b.) there is only going to be life for a short time because our sun is going to wipe us off the face of the earth in about 5 billion years?
4. Are you aware of the fact that you are here to debate with me today despite the fact that your existence is a statistical impossibility (about 1 in 400 trillion)?
The following 1 user Likes Vosur's post:1 user Likes Vosur's post
Adenosis (31-12-2012)
RE: Ignorance arguments
(30-12-2012 08:58 PM)Aspchizo Wrote: But in the comments he claims there is proof of the existence of god. Every time I ask people what that proof is, they either tell me I won't understand it because I don't believe, or they give nonsensical arguments. Like the arguments he gives are ridiculous. Anyone that is willing to look over the comments and give me a reply will be appreciatedMeh. It's not HIS idiocy, he's just regurgitating it. Pounce on the stuff about statistics. (Remember, there are THREE types of lies!) Usually, that sort of "statistical" analysis is predicated on subtly incorrect assumptions. The most typical errors here (giving the benefit of the doubt that it is a genuine mistake) are the following:
So, better to attack the entire "finely tuned" argument as utterly ridiculous instead. I like Darkmatter2525. Have a funny video.
And also two serious ones.
I am an antipistevist. That's like an antipastovist, only with epistemic responsibility instead of bruschetta.
The following 1 user Likes Reltzik's post:1 user Likes Reltzik's post
Adenosis (31-12-2012)
RE: Ignorance arguments
Thanks Vosur and Reltzik. Great videos too.
I know I shouldn't 'waste' time on these arguments, I guess I just really want people to wake up. That most of the Earth's population believes in a god is disheartening to me.
RE: Ignorance arguments
Oh, and let's not forget the biggest probability-analysis error of all here (and pretty much every last apologist makes it in this type of argument): Not having it cut both ways. Suppose they're allowed to dissect the probability of evolution having led to the current state of things, and then conclude that their calculation of a low probability means that evolution (and abiogenesis, don't expect them to distinguish between the two) never happened and that instead an impossibly spaceless omnipresent timeless omniscient omnipotent etc being did it. Oddly enough, this means you're NOT allowed to dissect the probability of said impossible being existing, and conclude that evolution is more likely.
I am an antipistevist. That's like an antipastovist, only with epistemic responsibility instead of bruschetta.
The following 1 user Likes Reltzik's post:1 user Likes Reltzik's post
Adenosis (31-12-2012)
RE: Ignorance arguments
Oh my god, I know right? (O look I used the word God, I must be a believer!!)
I have come across people pulling that probability argument. Well you know what...
If we had evolved a different way, and say we had four identical limbs, like arms, instead of legs, and three eyes. The theists would still say "what are the odds". The probability is over analysed by them, the leaf had to fall somewhere! Just because it fell where it did does not mean an omniscient omnipresent (ect) being created it.
RE: Ignorance arguments
(30-12-2012 07:21 AM)Aspchizo Wrote: and what is something you would say to a theist to open his mind to the possibilities?
This might fit better in the topic about "Debates with Theists". Anyway, I always try to empathize. If a theist gives you an argument for their god, try to get them to think about how it would sound if it came from another religion arguing for their god. It's often easy to do this with deist arguments such as "something had to create the universe", because obviously anyone's god could fit the bill even if that were true. Would a Christian accept that Allah existed because "something had to create the universe"? Muslims claim their god lives outside of space and time, too. Or if they argue that their scripture says god is real therefore you should believe it, argue for other scriptures. Would a Muslim accept Jesus Christ just because the bible says he's the son of God? Once they start showing off their double-standards, they no longer have any reason to reject your lack of belief, even if your own atheism is a double-standard (and especially if it isn't).
My girlfriend is mad at me. Perhaps I shouldn't have tried cooking a stick in her non-stick pan.
The following 1 user Likes Starcrash's post:1 user Likes Starcrash's post
Vosur (01-01-2013)
RE: Ignorance arguments
Thank you for the reply. I am new to the forum, so did not know where to post this. If it is meant to be somewhere else, then I am sure a moderator or something can move it for us? If I have to do it, how would I go about doing that?
Yes, showing their double standard is a great tactic. Thanks for the idea.
The following 1 user Likes Adenosis's post:1 user Likes Adenosis's post
Starcrash (08-01-2013)
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)


text:
Sunglasses with Gum treatment: a special rubberized finish that is rather widespread in the automotive industry. The application, by hand, gives a pleasant feeling to the touch, enriching the surfaces of the frames and giving them a qualitative and consistent look.
Eye: 49 MM
Bridge: 22 MM
Temple: 138 MM
Gender UNISEX
Material PLASTIC
Shape ROUND
Line I-PLASTIK

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Meet thousands of New Glasgow singles through one of the best New Glasgow online dating sites. Matchmaker.com has great instant messenger and live video New Glasgow chat service for our members. New Glasgow dating has never been easier with our show interest feature that will allow you to break the ice with attractive local singles.
Matchmaker.com has some great services for New Glasgow singles looking for a longer term relationship. Besides our great New Glasgow chat product with live video matchmaker users can send email messages to people in the area. The New Glasgow dating scene can be hard to find the right person at times; however, we are here to help and our New Glasgow online dating service is free to register.
New GlasgowJoin Now Free!
New Glasgow Girls | New Glasgow Men | New Glasgow Gay | New Glasgow Lesbians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
More New Glasgow Links:
New Glasgow Personals | New Glasgow Speed Dating | New Glasgow Chat | New Glasgow Singles | New Glasgow Love
Senior Dating | Catholic Dating | Christian Dating | Muslim Dating
Black Singles | Asian Singles | Latin Dating
Try our New Glasgow dating service today. Matchmaker.com is one of the oldest New Glasgow online dating services on the Internet and has brought thousands of couples together from the area. Test drive our New Glasgow Chat room with one of the best online communities for the New Glasgow single person. Also, keep in mind that we have a huge member base of New Glasgow singles and that we also cater to members of the many backgrounds.
Still not convinced that matchmaker is the free New Glasgow dating service for you? Once you've filled out the quick registration process you will be to see full size photos and profiles of thousands of New Glasgow singles. Did you know that free New Glasgow dating is a few clicks away? Find love and romance in New Glasgow at matchmaker today!


text:
video games
Webgame Wednesday: Duke Nudem
The makers of the eternally awaited first-person shooter Duke Nukem Forever are teasing us (in every sense of the word) with the online mini-game Duke Nudem. It's your basic target shooting game with a twist. Knock down the targets quickly, and your opponents (sexy gun-toting ladies) will remove part of their clothing. Yes, it's strip riflery! There's a safe for work version and a NSFW version (but where's the fun in that?). Guns and boobs? This is either majorly politically incorrect or the greatest game ever.


text: This print has been produced using the Gouttelette process, which is based on digital technology but has some exclusive features which lead to an extraordinary quality. Prints have remarkable colour saturation and continuous tone characteristics, and are produced on acid-free calcium carbonate buffered archival watercolour paper with a distinct texture. These are not limited editions, but each reproduction is numbered and accompanied by a certificate giving the background to the image and artist information. The certificate is signed by the master printer to confirm the quality of the reproduction.


text:
Women's Pearl Izumi Special Edition Tech TItem #PZW270
MSRP:$35.99VIP, All Your Benefits Apply!
Loading product details ...
Size Chart
Shipping & Returns
Need Help?
Product Description:
Women's Pearl Izumi® Special Edition Tech T :: The W's Special Edition Tech T is a lightweight, breathable run top with stylish graphics to enhance the run wardrobe.
Your Help Is Here
Shop with confidence knowing your team of Fit Experts is waiting to answer all your questions. You can always find your perfect product and your perfect fit. Your Road Runner Sports Fit Experts will make sure you get exactly what you want and have tons of fun in the process! Give us a call, chat, or email!
Call 800-743-3206 to
You May Also Like


text:
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Quick Links
If you experience loading issues with the login/register form, please completely disable ad blocker or use an incognito or in-private window to log in.
See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.
Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans
Im being an enabler here once again - the car is sweet.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
GraphicGuy - You're right, of course about the 335i, and it is also a really sweet engine. I was just commenting specifically on NYC's story about his friend's E36. I also agree that it is underrated at 300hp - it definitely feels stronger than that. And yours with the remap upgrade must be a monster. I think they didn't want the 335i to steal M3 sales, but I think it probably does with all that torque. The 335i and M3 have very difference power delivery and personalities, but it's the 335i that feels more muscular in the power department - Americans tend to prefer that feeling.
NYC - Thanks for the inside shots. Your car is loaded and looks really nice. Some people don't like wood trim, but I think it looks really classy. Very nice car!0
stick.....you got your son most of the way. He can pick up the light work on the last year of his tuition..... :P
Besides, as nyc pointed out, there are some deals to be had on '11 3 Series right now. Gotta strike while the iron's hot!
BTW.....I'm getting between 21 MPG and 22 MPG in town, and just broke 30 MPG in a mix of 90% highway and 10% city driving. I run straightly Costco Premium in it.
I'm happy with that.2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec0
Thanks so much! Im not a huge wood trim fan either, but love it and everything about my new 3.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
the one at my office (I stopped to look on my way out) was basically your car in black (over tan). A 328i X-drive. Not sure of the navi 9forgot to look). Very nice looking.
most likely a 2011 since the inspection sticker was issued 10/11.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0
While i think the 328xi is a great car- Wonder what a leftover g37x with the same options would be- plus you get an extra 100plus hp. Since 90 plus % of 328x cars are auto anyway- I would argue you can get a better car for less. Plus despite what others believe the Infiniti is very low maintenance - i know bc ive spent under 500 bux in 4 years. I know bmw will throw in an oil change or 2 but if you consider the numbers it's still a no- brainier. Sorry to ruin the love fest- and if you dont believe me read consumer reports - the category is entry level - price matters0
flightnurse....not that it means all that much, but in my younger years a buddy and I had a ragged out Mustang track only car. We used to run it at the local 1/4 mile track.
I don't track anymore. But, am always curious about the speed of my personal ride. Very unofficial, and done with a passenger holding a digi watch, but I put up a 0-60 in the low 5s in my 335i. That was before the Power Package install. I'm certain it will it high 4s 0-60 now.
Not too shabby for an automatic, 6 cyl.2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec0
Sweeny only way to find out is go buy one and let us know.0
Graphic it appears most gear-heads had a mustang at one time. I'm no different,had a nice 65 and 70 Boss 302. I miss the Boss...
I'm sure you could get in the mid 4's with the car with a little work, there are many aftermarket companies that have goodies for your car, just depends on how deep your pockets are, really.
Fed, I'm sure the guys who buy a M car new, really don't car that with less money a lesser BMW can beat it...
True. I saw an M on the road yesterday. I couldn't take my eyes off it. I've seen them plenty, but those huge rear wheels and quad pipes sticking out the back give it a real menacing look. Surprisingly different from the 335i, which should look very similar yet somehow looks more elegant than menacing with the same body.
Although I would most definitely be happy with a 335i, I would pay more for the M - it's more my style.
If I'm not bouncing off the rev limiter at 8000 RPM, I might as well be driving my wife's Volvo.0
I have to agree, listening to the V8 at 8K has a nice sound to it, but then again having a plain jane 335i keep the police away too.0
mvs1 Posts: 462Student loans are cheap money and this would 'build character'. My parents did the very same, minimal monies from them and the rest on me and/or my employer at the time....made me appreciate what I've worked for now. I do feel for the new graduates that come in with $200k plus student loans hanging over their heads nowadays0
flightnurse....yeah....we saw a lot of Mustangs at the track.....Cameros, too Ours was a poor excuse for a Mustang. The body was a mess. We took out every and any thing that had weight to it. We got to the point where the body looked like aluminum foil on the inside.
We spent most of our effort with the 302, performance heads, exhaust, etc. We trailered it to the track and trailered it home. I wish I still had the money I put into that heap. But, it was fast. And, we had an awfully good time messing with it over the years.
It sat in my buddy's back yard for a few years. Finally, his wife told him he either had to use it, or lose it. We sold the drivetrain complete. But, we parted out the rest of what was left of it. I think there are actually two boxes of parts left of it still sitting in his garage.
Went to that same track 2-3 years ago just to watch. In addition to Cameros, Firebirds and Mustangs, we saw a lot of WRXs, EVOs, a few of those recent half hearted GM attempts to revive the dead again Pontiac GTOs.
The WRXs and EVOs should stick to motor cross. We saw more than one of each blow up on the track. The Fast and Furious crowd think that putting a NOS system in them is all it takes. You could tell when they injected them....they'd get a 50 yard burst, a big "POW" and then lots of smoke and limping away.2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec0
Always interesting to get another perspective on how my BMW drives, especially from the person who didn't want me to get rid of her beloved Acura (she got the engagement ring & the big wedding). I brought my sons (5 1/2 & 3) to work with me on Saturday. We took the Pilot. This left my wife home with our 4 month old daughter & my BMW.
We were on our way to a friend's Saturday night & I asked her: "So what'd you think of my car?"
She tells me: "It's fast. Very fast. I looked down a few times & was shocked to be going 90."
So I ask her: "So you like it then?"
She replies: "Well the navigation in the Acura was easier to use."
She doesn't want to admit I'm right! I love her anyway!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
I still get a laugh out of the people that try to make a NA 328 out to be some kind of slug that can barely get out of it's own way. Unless you are out on a track (and I mean a real track, not auto-x) it is still (even an AWD slushbox) scary fast, when you are talking about driving in the real world.
Going back a few years, my (sons) 2000 Acura TL is also a ticket magnet. that car just loves to cruise fast. 75 seems to be it's natural loafing sweet spot, and if you don't pay a lot of attention it will creep right up to 90 without noticing it.
Was like that since new according to my sister (the original owner) and will still do it now with 162K on the clock. Good thing my son is religious about using CC coming down from the north country (there is a whole lotta nothing on I81 and the NE extension of the PA turnpike, and you could easily cruise at 100)
2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0
I don't want to hijack this tread, but yeah, those were the days.. BTW, the First Gen Eclipes if set up right were very fast...0
From a standstill to 60 in 6.5, in auto- fast sure but new wrangler does the same sprint to 60 in 6.7- and I would say that's "scary fast" given the fact it's a tin box on stilts. Let's remember the car starts at 37k without options - again nice car but it's not end all be all- certainly not in automatic form and certainly not for the inflated msrp. I would equate this car to Kentucky basketball Always a good team, wins the championship a lot - but doesn't play by the rules- entry level sedan should not cost this much new.0
sween....gotta say buddy, you've made some pretty far fetched comparisons in this thread, but dragging the jeep into this is about as far out there as you can possibly get. I'm thinking you might want to give it a rest for a while to gather some perspective before venturing into the waters we're swimming in this thread.
2018 Acura TLX SH AWD ASpec0
buddy i really took a deep dive and compaired the jeep to a bmw, buddy- what I did say that that jeep is almost as fast as the bmw to 60, and its scary fast given the structure. (pretty clear where I was going with this) Sure it does not belong here, but on the thread you speak of- we have all talked m3's, porsche, Boss 302s - all within the last month.. If you dont like what I wrote fine but you have added nothing but an insult, buddy.
Waters warm and I love to swim.0
sweendogy - I'll agree with you that price absolutely matters in this and any category. Everybody's got a price ceiling, whether its a dollar amount or a payment amount whether you are talking Civic vs. Focus, this current crop of ELLPS, The 5, E, A6 group, and even the 7, S, A8 models.
Price drove my purchase. I had equity in my Acura, BMW offered generous discounts and incentives, so I got a car I've been dreaming about since the late 1990's.
I love the way the G37X drives. There's something to be said for the fact that the car has an extra almost 100 horsepower. It is a rocket. Its power is intoxicating. It is faster than my 328xi for sure. So you could say the Infiniti offers a faster car for the same or for less money. I don't personally think faster equates to better.
Cars in this class aren't all about 0 - 60 mph times. There is so much more to the equation that I know you know, otherwise you wouldn't be driving a G. You'd be driving a 5.0 Mustang or Camaro SS.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
When I drive cars, one thing I judge them by is their comfortable driving speed or "natural loafing sweet spot" as you so nicely put it. According to me, it is the driving speed at which the car "feels" just right driving at. Not full throttle, where's the fire, my wife's water just broke, and her contractions are 2 minutes apart driving.
My Prelude feels perfect at 75, even though the tach needle is over 3K. Anything over that and I feel I'm driving the Prelude "fast,"
My former TSX felt just right at 80. Which seems logical given that it is heavier than my Prelude, has more sound deadening material, and an actual overdriven 5th gear.
I've had the BMW up at 90 for a few brief moments and the car was as you and my wife have pointed out is "scary fast." The car is just inceredibly planted at speed.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
Price is big to me. An unfortunate side effect of being poor! If I only figured out 20 years ago how much I could have saved getting 2 puppies instead of having kids...
anyway, that is why I have fully embraced the mantra: depreciation is your friend! Assuming you aren't the first buyer. the couple of CPO 328i models I found last week (a 2008 and a 2009) were going to cost about what a load up Focus would, or a mid-level Camry. IOW, affordable, and a very realistic alternative to brand new.
Though I still want to see a Dodge Dart in person!
2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport (mine), and 2013 Acura RDX AWD (wife's)0
Stickguy - you don't want a Dodge Dart. I don't care how much of a guised up Alfa Romeo it is. It happens to look great in the pics I've seen. It's not a BMW.
Just a personal note about those '08 & '09 CPO 328is (plural). Some of the '09s came with these 16" wheels standard. They look small on the E90 IMHO.
My Mom had an '08 328xi for 3 years & almost 60K miles. Not only was it a great car to drive, but absolutely bulletproof.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2015 Infiniti Q40 AWD, 2017 Honda Pilot Touring AWD0
kdshapiro Posts: 5,751There is a refinement in the BMW not present in the G. Only you can decide if that is worth it to you.
@nyccarguy - congrats. It is gorgeous. Makes me really miss by ex-BMW. My G cannot match the smoothness of my ex-BMW. HP ain't everything.0
Agree the refinement is something for sure. I'm sure the new BMW 3 for 2012 should help the dated interior and nav setup, as others have pointed out. Audi continues to excel at interiors and is the standard for the class for such. The 25% or more msrp difference is Hard to ignore for the 335 vs g37- (please dont argue with me - ive priced them option for option) and even the msrp for the 328 balloons to 50k. I think NyC did a great job getting the deal on a great car- and I wish him well and I hope to see him on the Merritt one day.
My argument has never been the g as a better car- but a better value for a lot of the same things the BMW does. The g or Acura might never be the top pick for car and driver mag, or the "true driver"- but in consumer reports they have consistently ranked better. An unbiased news rag with no advertising support- I think the true driver, a person who wants the true sport and performance is going to get the 335 or 328 - with sport and stick. Other then that set up these cars in this class are very close regardless of price. -0
There is a difference between comparing two cars and mentioning cars. No were are you going to find anyone comparing a mustang (Boss 302) to a BMW.
Now I would love to add the Chrysler 300C to the list, after having one for 8 days I have to say for the price you get a lot for your money. When the 8 spd auto goes into the car for MY 2013 this will be a car that will give Infiniti and BMW a run for their money...0
I don't understand the first paragraph - but agree the chryster has made major strides in a short period. Nice job flight - your back0
Hey Stick I agree with you to a point regarding depreciation. Price is a relative thing, if I couldn't afford a new BMW, yes, I would go for a CPO BMW, but I keep my cars longer then most, currently I have no plans on selling my 05. If I had to sell one of my BMW the 2011 is a goner.
My partner hasn't made up is mind what car he wants, he was edging towards a 535i, I was sort of pushing towards a 740i (same engine with 15+ more hp.) But he started looking at used A7s he is looking at price (trying to save some money.) So who knows what we will buy, but for him price is playing a factor.0
Sweeny the reason why you don't understand the first paragraph is simple, it was directed at you comparing a Jeep to a BMW...
With the 8 spd coming to 300C, the might G will have major competition in the best bang for the buck. For under 40K the 300c will be a major player. Just as long as Chrysler doesn't program the 300c to go into "eco" mode so quickly even BMW will have to watch out.0
And your back to the defensive norm- if you follow the posts my comment again was for stick guy saying the 328xi autonwas scary fast in the real world- and I responded with saying the jeep was almost as fast - but it's a jeep, thats the point -
Fun odd fsct- Jeep and the c300 share the same parent - please give us updates on when to expect the 8speed auto becomes available.0


text:
Katy weighed six and a half pounds at birth, but was chubby by six months
of age. Her mother, a single mom, had nursed her for the first three months,
during which time the mother's diet was not very good due to lack of money. The
mother was going to school and working fifty hours a week . She stopped nursing
because Katy wanted to nurse every fifteen minutes. She was slow to teethe (she
cut her first tooth at about ten months). She suffered from otitis media
beginning at a year and a half. She would have a brown, gooey discharge. It
more often affected her left ear. She rarely cried with the otitis. She had
received numerous courses of antibiotics for the otitis. She received all of
her childhood immunizations. At age two, Katy was apparently given some
hallucinogen, unbeknowsnt to her mother. She was hospitalized overnight to pump
her stomach.
She had some eczema on her back at age two from chocolate, and
occasionally across the bridge of her nose. Katy's mother told us that her hair
grew slowly and her nails were weak.
Katy had a vaginal yeast infection two weks before her mother first brought her
in, with itching, redness, and a milky white discharge. She was treated with
Nysatin cream.
Katy was warm, and liked to run around the house naked. She sweated on her
head while sleeping. She slept soundly, usually on her left side. Katy loved
ripe fruit, ice cubes, popsicles, ice cream, milk, and cheese. Salty foods and
sweets were close behind. She also liked scrambled eggs. Katy was very thirsty
for cold drinks.
Katy's mother described her as imaginative. She would cry after her
mother read her a story because she wanted the character in the story to come
play with her. She would pretend that she were Cinderella and only answer to
thst nsme. She talked often to her stuffed animals. She was stubborn,
strong-willed, independent, active, and social. She feared the dark and
monsters. She laughed when reprimanded. She became defiant and "fell apart"
when she got tired.
There was no significant family history and nothing remarkable was found
on physical examination.
Now, take some time to study this case and decide what remedy
you are going to give to Katy. Then, turn to page _____ to finish the


text:
Student or Learner
Bank of Cambodia
# 3 R.V. Kramuon Sar, Phnom Penh
E-mail :
Date: April 30, 2010
Dear Mr. Dett Sokha
I am writing to express my interest in applying for the position of Loan Officer as posted The Phnom Penh Post dated on April 29, 2010 and submit my résumé for your interview. Serving in Credit Department for nearly 4 years with continued success in meeting business goal, I can make a valuable contribution to your organizations future operation enlargement and initiatives.
What I bring to this position is a combination of team leadership, strategic planning and business experience in banking, particularly credit administration which I implemented the most appropriate solutions to drive continual business growth.
I demonstrated proficiency of all loan administration functions, including interviewing loan applicants, site visit, document preparation, contract preparation, repayment schedule, internal and external communications. I can manage the office environment without supervision. Not only did I work in the Credit Department, but I also join marketing team to promote and sell all kinds of banks products and services.
In previous position, I increased sale performance and motivate team to meet the organizations goal. Due to my success in these areas covers multiple environments, I am confident I can do the same as a member of your team.
My résumé contains additional details regarding my career achievements. I would welcome an opportunity for an interview to discuss your organizations need and the results you can expect from me in addressing these.
I am looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest opportunity.
Your time and consideration are highly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,


text:
By ThinkGoat
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Three yards of black fabric enshroud my computer terminal. I am mourning the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense.
His obituary reads as follows:
Common Sense, aka C.S., lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was, his birth records were long ago entangled in miles and miles of bureaucratic red tape. Known affectionately to close friends as Horse Sense and Sound Thinking, he selflessly devoted himself to a life of service in homes, schools, hospitals and offices, helping folks get jobs done without a lot of fanfare, whooping and hollering.A most reliable sage, he was credited with cultivating the ability to know when to come in out of the rain, the discovery that the early bird gets the worm and how to take the bitter with the sweet. C.S. also developed sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adult is in charge, not the kid) and prudent dietary plans (offset eggs and bacon with a little fiber and orange juice). C.S. was preceded in death by his wife, Discretion; one daughter, Responsibility; and one son, Reason. He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit. (more…)


text:
| This talk page is for discussing the Maverick article.
This includes commenting on the article, questioning whether it is correct, or adding suggestions for improvements
Questions about GTA games, not about the wiki page itself, should be asked at Community:Questions.Remember to always add your signature to the end of your comments/replies using four tildes:
this article has been vastly inproved notable the maverick been based on th jetranger which is falce becuse the mavarick has seating for 6 this would make it a longranger source 30 years of aviation chip2007
GTA III Maverick
Is there really a helicopter in GTA III that is specifically called a "Maverick"? I really support removing mention of GTA III's helicopter or moving it to a new article (Helicopter (GTA III)). - ZS 11:13, 20 March 2009 (UTC)
- The helicopter in Grand Theft Auto III isn't playable and it almost looks like a Huey actually rather than the Long Ranger based Maverick of Vice City, Liberty City Stories, San Andreas and Vice City stories. Red Polar Bear Ranger
- That's very clear, but it is really called a Maverick? - ZS 19:10, 20 March 2009 (UTC)
- Because it wasn't possible for the player to fly the helicopter it wasn't given a name like drivable vehicles are. Biggest GTA Fan EverTalk 22:24, 20 March 2009 (UTC)
Weazel Chopper 4 paintjob
I have never seen one of those flying around, and I can't find anything on YouTube showing it, or any images. Does anyone have an image they can upload? Fluffy Clouds 19:30, February 5, 2010 (UTC)
Don't have any images but just watch Weazel News at the TV and you will see it, it's a white one with black stripes, and it's the same who sometimes fly over the bridges, if you want it try to snipe the pilot and take a screenshot.Nostrein 14:20, February 18, 2010 (UTC)
Bell 207 and Bell 407
I am pretty sure that the gta III universe maverick was the Augusta Bell 207 (Because it has 2 blades)and the gta IV universe maverick is a Augusta Bell 407(Because it has 4 blades)Andrew nicholson 17:00, June 28, 2010 (UTC)
- The chopper is depicted in its earlier two-bladed form in both a TV recording, as well as a game art. Looks reasonable enough to believe they put a four-blade rotor later. - ZS 18:14, June 28, 2010 (UTC)
You can keep the golden chopper in tbogt
After it lands on the boat thing, and the drug wars thing ends, just go back and take it to Playboy's Safehouse, that's the easiest place to land a chopper for me. Jackass2009 04:22, July 29, 2010 (UTC)
Message in Maverick in GTA IV
Can someone get a screenshot of the humorous message inside the Maverick? It would be a good addition to the Maverick gallery. User:Omega'sHand


text:
NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Sears Holdings Corp. fell Tuesday, a day after the retailer announced that chairman and hedge fund billionaire Edward Lampert will take over the role of CEO.
The investor queasiness came even as the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company offered an update on holiday sales that showed some improvements at its Sears stores. Overall, the company still faces a long, uphill battle to turn itself around.
Lampert succeeds Louis D'Ambrosio, who is leaving in February because of family health matters. D'Ambrosio will remain on the board until the company's annual meeting in May. He was named CEO in February 2011, ending a three-year search.
Lampert has been known as a hands-on chairman at the operator of Sears and Kmart. The change formalizes that role at a time when the retailer is struggling with sales declines and losses.
"At the end of the day, there is only one person who makes the big decisions ... and that person is Mr. Lampert," wrote Gary Balter, an analyst at Credit Suisse, in a report. "Giving him an additional title does not change that reality, and in our opinion, does not change the direction of the company."
In a statement, Lampert said that he plans to continue to build on the steps outlined last year to get the company back on track.
"I have agreed to assume these additional responsibilities in order to continue the company's recovery and sustain the momentum we are experiencing," said Lampert, the company's largest shareholder. "Working closely with the board, management and our dedicated associates, we will remain focused on executing our goals, improving operations and building sustainable long-term value for shareholders."
In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, D'Ambrosio said that he and Lampert had a "great partnership." ''I believe the transition will be smooth and seamless," he added.
Lampert has a tough road ahead. He engineered the combination of Sears and Kmart in 2005, about two years after he helped bring Kmart out of bankruptcy.
The company has posted six straight years of declines in revenue at stores opened at least a year. While Sears' middle-income shoppers has been hit hard by the economy's woes, critics have long said the company hasn't done enough to invest in its stores to compete with Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp. and other competitors.
Last year, Sears announced plans to restore profitability by aggressively cutting costs, reducing inventory, selling off some assets and spinning off others. The company has reduced net debt by $400 million and generated $1.8 billion of cash from the asset sales this fiscal year.
Under D'Ambrosio, who spent 16 years at IBM Corp., Sears has been making changes in its stores. They include giving sales staff almost 15,000 iPads and iPod Touch devices so they can research products and help customers check out wherever they are in a store. It's also improving displays and adding more high-tech washing machines and other appliances. The company is also focusing on a loyalty program, which now accounts for more than half of the company's revenue.
Such changes have helped the business, but analysts say much more needs to be done.
Sears said Monday that in the nine-week period ended Dec. 29, revenue at stores open at least a year fell 1.8 percent, largely due to sales declines in consumer electronics at both Sears and Kmart. The period included the crucial holiday season, when retailers can make up to 40 percent of annual revenue.
But revenue at stores open at least a year at its Sears stores has risen 0.5 percent so far this quarter. That would mark the first quarterly increase since the first quarter of 2010, when a federal cash-for-appliance program started, boosting sales.
The retailer is also on track to have its clothing business post its sixth straight quarter of increases in revenue at stores opened at least a year. Meanwhile, both Kmart and Sears' domestic online sales are up 20 percent. That's been helped by such programs as allowing shoppers to buy online and then pick up at the store.
Revenue at stores open at least a year is a key metric for retailers because it excludes revenue at stores that recently opened or closed.
Sears also gave an update on its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. It said it expected a loss between $2.64 and $3.40 per share for the quarter ending Feb. 2. Excluding one-time items, it forecasts a profit of between $1.25 and $2 per share. The company is expected to report final fourth-quarter and full-year results on Feb. 28.
"The bottom line imperative for (Sears) is that it needs to stabilize traffic in the domestic operations if it will remain viable for the duration," Greg Melich, an analyst at the International Strategy & Investment Group LLC, said in a report released Tuesday.
Balter said uncertainty at rival J.C. Penney highlights another big problem: Sears could lose whichever direction Penney goes. Since Penney started a new pricing plan on Feb. 1 that eliminates hundreds of sales events in favor of everyday lower prices, the company has seen sales fall dramatically. Balter reasons that if Penney returns to discounting, it may take back some lost market share at lower prices, hurting Sears' clothing sales. He believes a bigger problem for Sears would be further deterioration of the Penney franchise. If Penney starts closing locations, that could undermine the value of Sears' real estate holdings, he wrote.
Brian Sozzi, chief equities analyst at NBG Productions, wonders whether Lampert will now just focus on selling off more assets instead of fixing the business.
"Will any of the signs of life at (Sears) continue to be nurtured?" he asked.
But Chris Brathwaite, spokesman at Sears, emphatically said Lampert will focus not just on the financial performance but on the customer experience. Improving stores is just as important as generating cash, he noted.
D'Ambrosio noted that Lampert has "been ahead of the curve in understanding the role of information and technology," and the company has appropriately invested in those areas.
Sears operates more than 2,600 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Shares of the company fell $2.76, or more than 6 percent, to $40.16 in trading Tuesday. In the past 12 months, shares have risen nearly 50 percent.


text:
Search terms
Best solution to clean and protect
Use this safe and effective eco-friendly cleaning fluid with its special microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt from your flat TV screens. Regular cleaning of your DVD/Blu ray player's lens ensures optimum performance of your equipment. See all benefits
Unfortunately this product is no longer available
Enjoy a spotless screen with this streak-free cleaning fluid, specially formulated not to leave any kind of residue on your screen.
The antistatic formula of this cleaning fluid helps to repel dust and dirt from your screen.
The eco-friendly formula of this cleaning fluid allows you to safely and efficiently clean your screen while protecting the environment.
Safely and thoroughly clean your screen with this lint-free microfiber cloth, designed to eliminate dust, dirt and fingerprints without leaving anything behind.
This reusable microfiber cloth may be washed gently in soap and water, then air dryed. You may use it over and over again.
The dry brush cleaning system safely removes dust, debris and other contaminants from the DVD/Blu ray player's laser lens, leaving it clean and performing optimally.
The audio/video system check determines whether the laser lens for audio and video is accurately reading data and whether the speakers are properly adjusted.
The voice instructions on this easy to use DVD/Blu ray lens cleaner guides you through the cleaning process in one of the 8 languages provided.


text:
Sudan sentences NH man's pregnant wife to death for being a Christian sparking outrageBy DOUG ALDEN
New Hampshire Union Leader
May 17. 2014 9:56AM
MANCHESTER — A Manchester man hopes the international outrage over a death sentence issued to his pregnant sister-in-law is strong enough to convince Sudanese leaders to release her and allow her husband to bring the family home to New Hampshire.
Gabriel Wani's hopes were obscured by worry Friday about the fate his brother Daniel's family.
"He don't know what to do. He tried before a couple times to talk to the embassy to help him out with the situation. Now the embassy tries to act and everything is too late," Gabriel Wani told the New Hampshire Union Leader on Friday.
Meriam Ibrahim was been sentenced to death by hanging after a Sudanese court found her guilty on charges of apostasy — converting from Islam — and 100 lashes on a charge of adultery. Her marriage to a Christian man was forbidden and voided in the eyes of the court.
The court gave the 27-year-old doctor until Thursday to recant her Christian faith, but she refused and was subsequently sentenced to hang.
She remained in a Khartoum prison with her 20-month-old son, Martin, while awaiting the birth of her second child next month. Daniel Wani was isolated at his family's home in Khartoum, where he told his brother he was being watched and feared for his own safety as well as that of his wife, son and unborn child.
"He's real emotional," Gabriel Wani said.
Daniel Wani, a U.S. citizen since 2005, went to Sudan last summer to arrange for his wife and child to move to New Hampshire, where the Wani brothers immigrated in 1998 after fleeing the war-torn African country.
"He tried to do the best for his family. He left his wife over there and came back here for his business," Gabriel Wani said. "Now he went to see his son and go visit his wife."
Although Ibrahim was raised as a Christian by her mother, she was Islamic by law because her father was a Muslim.
Gabriel Wani said the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum was slow to respond to his requests until Ibrahim's arrest and trial, which quickly gained interest outside Sudan as word spread of the harsh sentence.
"We are praying for a miracle," Gabriel Wani said.
Gabriel Wani said the court has delayed the execution of Ibrahim's sentence, allowing her to give birth to the child next month and nurse it for two years. But with Martin incarcerated with her, friends and relatives want to see the entire family out of custody and a safe distance from the Sudanese regime that enforced the Sharia statute, which the United Nations declared Friday to be in violation with international law.
Gabriel Wani said he didn't sleep Thursday night and had been on the phone nearly all of Friday, trying to find a way to help his brother's family. He was encouraged to see the initial responses from Washington, but was not sure where the criticism of the Sudanese government would lead.
U.S. Sens. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., issued statements condemning the action of the Sudanese court.
"The sentencing of Meriam Yahya Ibrahim Ishag is an abhorrent violation of fundamental freedoms and universal human rights," Shaheen said. "No man or woman anywhere should be treated as a criminal much less sentenced to hanging for exercising the basic right of religious choice."
Shaheen's staff contacted the Department of State to discuss possible options.
Ayotte and fellow U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday, urging him to take immediate action in response to the "outrageous" court ruling. Ayotte also released a statement expressing her outrage at the decision.
"The Sudanese court's ruling is a grave injustice and a violation of the fundamental human right of religious liberty," she said. "I urge the U.S. government to immediately offer Meriam political asylum and do everything in its power to secure her and her son's safe release."
Politics Religion Social issues War NH People Manchester Top Section Stories


text:
Most of what I have to say about guns, I said there. Here, I'll mainly link to a few recent writngs of interest and add a bit of comment at the end.
First, if you're curious to know more about the labyrinthine federal and state laws regarding firearms, the ATF has guides to federal (PDF) and state laws. (For a general overview, there's Wikipedia: federal, state.)
Here's a perfect example of useless utopian thinking: "A Land Without Guns: How Japan Has Virtually Eliminated Shooting Deaths". Such articles are a waste of time.
For more on the deep issues and why utopian thinking is a waste of time, see Timothy Burke's post "Don't Bring Policy to a Culture Fight".
For a good exploration/demonstration of the difficulties of drawing any useful conclusions from statistics about guns, crime, and violence, see the discussion at Ta-Nehsisi Coates's blog on this post.
For an example of at least an attempt at some conversation without too much stereotyping, name-calling, and knee-jerking, see the comments on this Daily Kos post.
The New York Times has been running a bunch of op-eds about guns and gun control. The best one I've read is "A Way Out of the Gun Stalemate" by Jack Healy. I don't think there's a lot of chance of getting any of the ideas there brought to reality any time soon, but most seem to me to be good ones to work toward. I especially like this idea:
Gun-control supporters need higher-precision instruments than the federal assault weapons ban in their arsenal if they want legislators to discuss and debate their proposals instead of dismissing them. A law requiring membership in a shooting range or a gun club for bulk purchases of ammunition or extended magazines would be a reasonable start.Lots of people have been aghast at the amount of ammo James Holmes stockpiled. I wasn't. I have friends, some of them not even self-proclaimed gun nuts, who have far more than that. Competitive shooters in particular will buy in bulk whenever possible, because not only can ammo prices be hugely variable, availability can be a problem: there are plenty of times when certain calibres are virtually unobtainable. If you're a regular shooter and find a deal on a bunch of ammo, you stockpile. It's neither paranoid nor nutty; it's practical.
But Jack Healy's proposed law requiring membership in a club or with a shooting range is brilliant because it means most of the people who would want to responsibly buy in bulk could do so, and it discourages the sort of people who want to hide their activities or who are especially anti-social. We know that James Holmes applied to a shooting range and then didn't continue his application after leaving messages that unsettled the owner. Had Healy's law been in place, Holmes could not have legally bought so much ammo. It might not have stopped him from killing people, but it would likely have stopped him from killing and wounding so many.
We're unlikely to see even such reasonable adjustments to our gun laws, though, for many of the reasons Timothy Burke pointed out. I'd just add profit motive to all that — as I said in my original post, the NRA and the manufacturers profit tremendously from paranoia. Any time there is a panic about potential new laws, NRA membership goes up, donations pour in, and people buy lots of guns. This is why, even in the absence of any actual legislation, the NRA stokes the fires of any anti-gun conspiracy anyone could ever imagine. Even if the majority of the membership says, "Oh please, stop being ridiculous," at least a few people will freak out and either buy guns or send a donation (or both). Boss Wayne LaPierre doesn't pull in roughly a million dollars a year from the NRA for nothing.
To my mind, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has some good proposals for reasonable, practical steps that can be taken to reduce gun violence. Though the NRA (surprise!) doesn't like them, the organization has made a generally good-faith effort to be practical and to bring in ideas from a range of perspectives.
Reducing gun violence doesn't only require intelligent, pragmatic regulations; it requires a holistic approach that includes addressing mental health issues (at least half of all gun deaths in the U.S. each year are suicides), coming to terms with the manifold factors influencing crime, and seriously considering how such things as, for instance, having the highest incarceration rate in the world and being in the midst of perpetual war affect national violence. I suspect we'd see far greater reduction in violence in the U.S. if we sought to make rehabilitation the central goal of our justice system, if we sought to seriously reduce income inequality, if we reduced our military presence generally, and if we didn't lead the world in military expenditures, arms production, arms transfers, nuclear forces, etc. (As George Carlin once said, "We like war! We're a war-like people! We like war because we're good at it. ... And it's a good thing we are; we're not very good at anything else anymore!")
While daydreaming about getting rid of all the guns in the U.S. is useless utopianism, I do have hope that we can get beyond the politics and stereotyping, that people of different experiences can talk to each other, and that we can reduce the number of people killed each year. We don't have to get used to mass murders as regular events.


text:
Middle-earth and Beyond
|Middle-earth and Beyond: Essays on the World of J.R.R. Tolkien
|Kathleen Dubs and Janka Kaščáková
|Ted Nasmith (cover)
|Cambridge Scholars Publishing
|1 December 2010
Middle-earth and Beyond: Essays on the World of J.R.R. Tolkien is a collection of essays on Tolkien's legendarium.
- Introduction (by Kathleen Dubs)
- "Sourcing Tolkien's 'Circles of the World': Speculations on the Heimskringla, the Latin Vulgate Bible, and the Hereford Mappa Mundi" (by Jason Fisher)
- "Staying Home and Travelling: Stasis Versus Movement in Tolkien's Mythos" (by Sue Bridgwater)
- "The Enigmatic Mr. Bombadil: Tom Bombadil's Role as a Representation of Nature in The Lord of the Rings" (by Liam Campbell)
- "Tom Bombadil – Man of Mystery" (by Kinga Jenike)
- "Grotesque Characters in Tolkien's Novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings" (by Silvia Pokrivcakova and Anton Pokrivcak)
- "'It Snowed Food and Rained Drink' in The Lord of the Rings (by Janka Kascakova)
- "'No Laughing Matter' (by Kathleen Dubs)
- "'Lit.', 'Lang.', 'Ling.', and the Company They Keep: The Case of The Lay of the Children of Húrin Seen from a Gricean Perspective" (by Roberto Di Scala)
From the publisher
One wonders whether there really is a need for another volume of essays on the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. Clearly there is. Especially when the volume takes new directions, employs new approaches, focuses on different texts, or reviews and then challenges received wisdom. This volume intends to do all that. The entries on sources and analogues in The Lord of the Rings, a favorite topic, are still able to take new directions. The analyses of Tolkien s literary art, less common in Tolkien criticism, focus on character especially that of Tom Bombadil in which two different conclusions are reached. But characterization is also seen in the light of different literary techniques, motifs, and symbols. A unique contribution examines the place of linguistics in Tolkien s literary art, employing Gricean concepts in an analysis of The Lay of the Children of Húrin. And a quite timely essay presents a new interpretation of Tolkien s attitude toward the environment, especially in the character of Tom Bombadil. In sum, this volume covers new ground, and treads some well-worn paths; but here the well-worn path takes a new turn, taking not only scholars but general readers further into the complex and provocative world of Middle-earth, and beyond.
About the Author
Before her work in Europe, Kathleen Dubs taught and held administrative positions at a number of American universities and liberal arts colleges. She is currently on the faculty of Arts and Letters at Catholic University in Ružomberok, Slovakia, and the Institute of English Studies at Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Hungary. Her most recent publications include 'Devising Meaning in Genesis B,' the reprint of 'Fate, Providence, and Chance: Boethian Philosophy in The Lord of the Rings,' and the entry 'Fortune and Fate' in The J. R. R. Tolkien Encyclopedia: Scholarship and Critical Assessment. 'Harry Bailey: Chaucer s Critic?' and 'Sleeping in Beowulf' are forthcoming. Janka Kascáková took her PhD from Comenius University, Bratislava, and teaches English literature at the Department of English language and literature at Catholic University in Ru omberok, Slovakia. The main focus of her research is modernism and the modernist short story, with a specialization in Katherine Mansfield. She also conducts research in fantasy literature, especially the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. In addition to her forthcoming publications on Mansfield, on whom she has presented several papers, she has also presented papers on Tolkien s work. Her article 'Elves and Orcs in the Fictional World of J. R. R. Tolkien' is forthcoming.


text:
Wired notebook mouse
The retractable cable of this notebook mouse offers you convenience wherever you are. The accuracy is equally impressive, with 800DPI and a high definition precision optical sensor guaranteeing you smooth and accurate tracking. See all benefits
Unfortunately this product is no longer available
Philips optical technology ensures extra accuracy and responsiveness. You can work with it on most surfaces, including wood, plastic or paper.
With 800DPI, this mouse provides accurate reactions. The cursor will move exactly where you want it. It's all thanks to the high-definition optical sensor that registers even the smallest movements. Giving you complete cursor control.
This retractable cable saves space making it ideal for travellers


text:
KBI seeks man posing as police officer
Robert Helms seen across Kansas
KBI seeks man posing as police officer
Robert Helms seen across Kansas
KANSAS CITY, Kan. —
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and police throughout the state asked the public to help find a man they said is passing himself off as a law enforcement officer.
Police said they think Robert Helms has a false badge and is cashing phony payroll checks and is writing bad checks to buy things.
Helms is white, 45 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 190 pounds and has short gray hair and blue eyes. Police said he is known to wear round glasses and looks older than his age.
He was last seen driving a maroon minivan that may be a Chrysler or Dodge model.
Police said he's been spotted in numerous places across Kansas, including Louisburg.
Anyone with information about Helms is asked to call 911 or 800-572-7463.


text:
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Pinterest gets 4 million unique visits each day.
Unfortunately, with that traffic and popularity comes undesirable effects like the porn pushers. One viewer was so concerned at the amount of porn she was being tricked into seeing on the site, she wrote to us to ask us to do a segment on this very topic.
There is nothing worse than searching Pinterest for that favorite recipe, typing in search words and seeing porn. The worst offender on Pinterest? The "Everything" stream of pins.
WBTV's cyber expert, Theresa Payton, explains how to avoid it:
1. Specific search terms: Be specific about what you are looking for on Pinterest. Many of the porn pins hide behind "Everything"
2. Red Flag: Look at the profile creating the pins, do they follow a lot of people but few people follow them back? Usually a red flag if nobody wants to follow them.
3. Pin Search: Go outside Pinterest and do a search for your area of interest and Pinterest pins, that may help you determine the pins you want to follow.
4. Likes / Repins: Pay attention to the Likes and Repins. If the Repin number seems skyrocket high, there might be a spammer behind it
5. Know Your Rights: Read Pinterest's Pin Etiquette and the Terms of Service. Don't be shy about flagging pins that you think are inappropriate.
5. Reporting a Pin: It's 3 easy and quick steps - Click on the pin, Choose "report a pin", type in your reason
For more help reporting a pin, click here.
Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.


text:
Preview April 25 – May 5, Auction May 6, 2012 12 p.m.
above:Edward Wormley Pair of Cane-Back chairs
(photography by David John)
(photography by David John)
This Sunday May 6, 2012 at 12 p.m. LAMA's Modern Art & Design Auction will be held at their Van Nuys Warehouse. This afternoon, I previewed the lots including works from Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Tom Wesselmann, Robert Rauschenberg, R.M. Schindler, Ed Ruscha, Greta Grossman, Karel Appel, Louise Nevelson, Charles Eames, Claes Oldenburg, and Richard Neutra to name a few.
The design auction market continues to gain momentum. "Last year our sales reached $8.5 million, nearly doubling our previous record of $4.5 million set in 2008," stated Peter Loughrey. Further, LAMA recently named Dan Tolson as the new Director of 20th Century Decorative Art & Design.
As an interior designer, I look to LAMA for knowledge & expertise, and their selection of international design + art. I've included a selection of photographs of works that caught my attention on today's preview. LAMA's catalog is online here, and the preview is ongoing, till their May 6th Auction.
See you there! - David John
Read Peter Loughrey's interview with YHBHS here, from 2010:
"Peter Loughrey was raised in rural Maryland by antique-collecting parents. He has early memories of visiting antique shops and decorative arts museums; both were slow and deliberative compared to the fast pace of auctions."
Greta Magnusson Grossman Desk with rare top storage unit
Glenn of California designed 1952 Model no.6200 and 6200A, Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Glenn of California designed 1952 Model no.6200 and 6200A, Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Charlotte Perriand
Pair of Perriand stools plus one of a simlilar style,
Galerie Sentou designed 1970 Mahogany
Le Corbusier!!!! Bogota Aubusson
1950 Handwoven wool From the edition of 6
Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000 (in background)
John Follis & Rex Goode
"Sombrero" Architectural Pottery designed 1949
"Sombrero" Architectural Pottery designed 1949
Serge Mouille Lampadaire Simple floor lamp
Studio designed 1953; early production , Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Studio designed 1953; early production , Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
Carson Thomson Prototype articulated table
Studio designed c. 1965 Mahogany and enameled steel
Edward Durell
Stone Stool Fulbright Furniture designed 1945 Oak
Stan Bitters Group of four bird feeders Hans Sumpf designed c. 1960
Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500
"Founded in 1992 by Peter Loughrey, Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA) is the first auction house to specialize in selling 20th century Modern Art & Design. LAMA holds four auctions a year, plus occasional exhibits that are open to the public. From the casual buyer to the most dedicated collector, LAMA auctions offer quality, vetted modern material in every price range, including paintings, prints, furniture, and decorative objects. With 25 years experience in the modern art and design field, LAMA has carved a niche into the international market through milestone auctions featuring artists and designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Paul Laszlo, Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, and R.M. Schindler. LAMA has also conducted auctions for prominent California estates, including those of James Prestini, James Byrnes, and Max Palevsky. From a single work of art to an entire estate, LAMA is quickly becoming the choice auction house on the West Coast to buy and sell Modern Art & Design."


text:
Bernhard Langer wins Insperity Invitational
May. 04, 2014
THE WOODLANDS, Texas (AP) — Bernhard Langer won the Champions Tour's Insperity Invitational for the third time, closing with a 1-under 71 on Sunday for a one-stroke victory over Fred Couples.
Langer finished at 11-under 205 at The Woodlands to become the 10th 20-time winner on the 50-and-over tour.
The 56-year-old German player also won the 2007 event at Augusta Pines and successfully defended his title in 2008 at The Woodlands. He opened this season with a victory in Hawaii.
"I'm hoping to add to that number," Langer said. "I hope I'm not done yet. I'm very blessed to have won 20 times in 6½ years. It's been a great run and a wonderful achievement. I just feel like I'm playing some of my best golf in my career."
Couples, the former University of Houston player who won the 2010 event, finished with a 67. He won in March in Newport Beach, California.
"On a golf course as hard as this, you can't really play relaxed golf," Couples said. "You have to pay attention to what you're doing. I didn't hit enough good shots to shoot a lot lower to catch Bernhard, although I got close to him."
Colin Montgomerie was third at 9 under after a 70. His best finish on the tour is second in March in Newport Beach. The Scot had no complaints about his finish.
"If you're second, third to Couples and Langer, you're doing OK," Montgomerie said.
Esteban Toledo, the winner last year, was 7 under after a 71. Jay Haas and Tom Pernice Jr. tied for fifth at 6 under. Haas shot his third straight 70, and Pernice had a 71.


text:
The next round of interviews has commenced for the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator position.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will have a second interview for the open coordinator spot Thursday, per Ravens sources. Pittsburgh Steelers running backs coach Kirby Wilson will interview again Friday.
Shanahan, 34, has offensive coordinator experience with the Houston Texans and Redskins.
Wilson has had coaching stints in college and the pros, but has never been a coordinator in the NFL.
The Ravens must replace former OC Jim Caldwell, who departed for the Detroit Lions' head coaching job.
Baltimore's aforementioned search isn't Rapoport's only news regarding front office action around the league. Here's Thursday's edition of the RapSheet Rundown.
Miami Dolphins general manager search:
» The Dolphins' top two candidates are no longer in play for the job. Arizona Cardinals director of player personnel Jason Licht has taken the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' general manager post, and now Cleveland Browns assistant general manager Ray Farmer pulled out of consideration, per a source informed of Farmer's thinking. Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten told Rapoport that Farmer had reservations about filling the vacancy in Miami.
» With Licht and Farmer out of the picture, Tennessee Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson will have his third interview with Dolphins brass this weekend, according to a source informed of the team's plans.
» Dawson will have some competition. Miami assistant GM Brian Gaine has a final interview this weekend for the job, also per a source informed of the Dolphins' plans.
Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach search:
» The Packers apparently have decided to hire from within to fill the post left vacant by Ben McAdoo, who is now the New York Giants' offensive coordinator. Green Bay running backs coach Alex Van Pelt, who has one year left on his deal, will become the team's quarterbacks coach despite interest from the Cleveland Browns, via a source informed of the Packers' plans.
Follow Ian Rapoport on Twitter @RapSheet.


text:
Review: Captain Morgan Deluxe Dark Rum
Posted by Arctic Wolf on October 13, 2011
The Captain Morgan Rum Company can trace its history back to 1945 when Seagram's CEO, Samuel Bronfman, negotiated the purchase of the Long Pond Distillery from the Jamaican Government and formed the Captain Morgan Rum Company. The company's iconic brand, Captain Morgan's Original Spiced Rum was based upon a recipe purchased from two local Jamaican pharmacists, the Levy Brothers who had developed the recipe using rum from the Long Pond Distillery. The Rum Company moved its production from Jamaica to Puerto Rico in the 1950s, and in 2001 Seagram's sold the rum brand to the spirits giant, Diageo.
The subject of this review, Captain Morgan Deluxe Dark Rum is a blend of Caribbean rums which have been aged in white oak barrels for at least two years. (Note: The Diageo marketing team here in Alberta provided me a sample bottle of this rum for my review.)
Here is an excerpt from my review:
"…This rum seems to have a little spicy thrust in its delivery. It heats up the palate with some peppery spice, and then lays down a layer of molasses and dark caramel across the palate. I can taste some dry fruit, (prunes, raisins, and dates) and a little leathery tobacco deeper down. I also taste a wide swath of vanilla, and some odd spices which seem to hint at ginger and nutmeg…"
You may read the full review here:
Review: Captain Morgan Deluxe Dark Rum
Please enjoy the review and the cocktail which follows, the Mandeville!
2 Responses to "Review: Captain Morgan Deluxe Dark Rum"
February 20, 2012 at 5:58 pm
where can I find captain morgans
special deluxe.. is it all gone.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.


text:
Vladimir Albin Jr., Roxbury Community College Graduate, Class of 2013, Engineering major.
Vladimir Albin Jr. is a RCC Engineering graduate. Under the guidance of Irina Galatskaya, Director of Career Development and Internships, he had interviews at Environmental Health & Engineering, Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and Respiratory Motion, Inc. prior to his graduation. After graduating in May 2013, Vladimir accepted an internship opportunity at Respiratory Motion, a biomedical engineering company, and interned there during the summer of 2013. Halfway through the summer, Vladimir realized that he would not be able to afford college in the fall. Respiratory Motion allowed him to remain with the company after his internship ended.
During this time, Vladimir stayed in contact with Jerry Ludwig, Director of Engineering at Environmental Health & Engineering who had mentioned that there could be a full- time position available in the fall. As soon as the position was open, Mr. Ludwig told him about it and Vladimir sent in his resume. At a second interview he was offered the position. Respiratory Motion, Inc. made a counter offer, but Environmental Health & Engineering was where Vladimir wanted to be. He accepted the position and started on October 7th. "It is a great Job, I am learning more than I ever thought I would and the benefits are excellent," Vladimir said. He added, "With their tuition reimbursement program, I will be able to go back to school next fall." He concluded, " I could not have gotten here without the guidance and assistance of Irina Galatskaya, Director of Career Development and Internship Services Department, and I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. My message to RCC students is 'If I can do it, you can do it.' "
Click here to view more student success stories


text:
Monthly Update: GenealogyBank Just Added 24 Million More Records!
By Thomas Jay Kemp on May 3, 2012
Every day, GenealogyBank is working hard to digitize more newspapers and obituaries, expanding our collection to give you the largest newspaper archives for family history research available online. We just completed adding 24 million more U.S. genealogy records, vastly increasing our content coverage from coast to coast! Here are some of the details about... (Read More)


text:
What Is Tonalism? (12 Essential Characteristics)
David Adams Cleveland
Frederick Kost's Tonalist landscapes are never far from the sea, encompassing the tidal marshlands of his early home on Staten Island, and after 1900, the stretches of inlets and wetlands of Long Island's Great South Bay. But in Kost's work the subjects are less about place and more about the spirit of place, where worn paths meander and the harvest awaits gathering. Kost's more expressive mature work, especially his smaller sketchy paintings on wood panel, displayed a pronounced gestural handing of pigment, focused more on symbolic form: tree shapes, meandering stream banks, and cloud formations that often approach two-dimensional design. This simplification further enhanced the artist's sumptuous vibrant surface tonalities, with which he attempted to translate emotional states into paint, in the vein of his personal idol, George Inness.
American, 1861-1923


text:
Find Hotels in Yonezawa
Yonezawa Hotel & Accommodation
Whether you're looking for accommodation in Yonezawa or across Japan, Webjet has a great selection of hotels to choose from at prices to fit your budget. Find great deals on hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, motels and serviced apartments in Yonezawa. With over 4 hotels we have something on offer for everyone.


text:
A noticeably less cocky and sarcastic Scott Fawell, testifying for a second day Monday at former Gov. George Ryan's trial, provided a window for jurors into the nitty-gritty world of Illinois politics and the privileges of power.
Fawell, chief of staff when Ryan was secretary of state, testified how he tried to please two Ryan friends, co-defendant Lawrence Warner and lobbyist Al Ronan, by splitting up a multimillion-dollar state contract so "everybody was happy."
Ryan later "annoyed" Warner by intervening for a third friend, lobbyist Ron Swanson, whom Ryan wanted cut in on the same deal, Fawell said.
Fawell also testified that he told Ryan he had arranged for some state employees to be paid by the House Republican Campaign Committee for their work on more than a dozen House races in the 1996 election, even though they had remained on the public payroll.
"What did he say in response?" Assistant U.S. Atty. Patrick Collins asked.
"I don't want to hear about it," said Fawell, quoting Ryan.
On Monday jurors saw a decidedly different Fawell than when he testified on Thursday. His tone was serious and he skipped the wisecracks and asides he seemed to relish Thursday.
Fawell's lawyer, Jeffrey Steinback, later said his client consciously changed his behavior on the witness stand after reading newspaper accounts that described his appearance last week as brash and cocksure.
"He didn't want to appear to be obnoxious or smart-alecky," said Steinback, who talked to Fawell over the weekend. "On second reflection, I think he's decided that's not how he wants to be perceived."
Ryan and Warner are on trial on charges that the former governor took cash, gifts and vacations for himself and relatives in return for steering state contracts and leases to Warner and other friends.
On Monday, prosecutors alleged that among the perks Warner arranged for Ryan was a May 1995 junket to Disney World and a Chicago Bulls playoff game in Orlando.
Fawell said he went along on the trip from Chicago on a private plane of big-dollar contributor Richard Parrillo, a friend of Ryan and Warner.
Prosecutors also placed in evidence a photo from the trip of Ryan, Warner, Fawell, Parrillo and two others in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom.
In a lengthy squabble outside the jury's presence, lawyers for Ryan and Warner tried to strike the testimony about the Florida trip, disputing the contention by prosecutors that Warner had arranged the flight at Ryan's request.
At a sidebar hearing, Ryan's chief lawyer, Dan Webb, moved for a mistrial, saying prosecutors were trying to "dirty up" Ryan with an image of jetting about with high-rolling businessmen.
Collins also questioned Fawell at some length about a dozen trips he took with Ryan to riverboat casinos in Illinois and Iowa and Ryan's habit of tipping waiters, bellhops and card dealers from $5 to $50 at a time.
Fawell testified that after receiving a photo of Ryan at a craps table he warned Ryan, then contemplating a run for governor, to stop gambling at Illinois riverboats for political reasons. Ryan curtailed his gambling in Illinois and instead took a couple trips to Las Vegas, Fawell said.
Fawell recounted how he tried to please two Ryan friends vying for a lucrative contract to convert the secretary of state's office to digital driver's licenses.
Competing against Warner, who lobbied for Viisage Technology, was Ronan's wife, Catherine Adduci, a representative of Unisys. Fawell said he was close friends with Ronan, playing golf as many as 50 times a year with him at Ronan's expense.
Fawell tried to work out a compromise so that Viisage would take the lead on the deal and Unisys would handle the hardware, but ultimately it didn't pan out and Viisage won the contract outright.
"We were trying to have a marriage," Fawell said. "That way, everybody was happy. Al would get something; everybody would get something."
Fawell testified how he marshaled secretary of state employees to help in the political campaigns of Bruce Clark, a Ryan in-law; Fawell's mother, former state Sen. Beverly Fawell (R-Glen Ellyn); and the pivotal 1996 House races in a bid to keep the chamber under Republican control.
Fawell said Ryan personally assured him of the office's support for his mother's campaign in 1994 and announced an express driver's license facility for Wheaton while campaigning for her.
In the 1996 campaign, Fawell said he arranged with two top aides to then-House Speaker Lee Daniels (R-Elmhurst) to have about a dozen and a half state employees be paid almost a combined $100,000 by the House Republican Campaign Committee for campaign work they performed while on the public payroll.
Fawell also talked of how he won Ryan's support to back a lobbying-reform bill in order to fend off likely criticism from then-state Treasurer Patrick Quinn before he had even announced his challenge to take on Ryan in his 1994 re-election for secretary of state.
Fawell said Ryan once asked to see a section of the master list to determine how many favors the secretary of state's office had handed out to then-Senate President James "Pate" Philips (R-Wood Dale).
The trial doesn't resume until Thursday because of the Rosh Hashanah Jewish holiday.


text:
2011 Popular Woodworking Magazine CD Now in Stock
The CD compilation of all seven issues Popular Woodworking Magazine 2011 is now in stock at ShopWoodworking.com. Order by Tuesday, Dec. 13 and choose UPS ground, and it will get to you in time for Christmas. Or, if you choose two-day shipping, you have until Monday, Dec. 19 to get it before the 25th.
All the issues are in PDF format, bookmarked and linked for easy navigation. Plus, there's a searchable index of the entire CD. And, we've made the 2011 edition DRM-free!
You'll find dozens of furniture projects, including Michael Fortune's contemporary and curvaceous "Three-legged Occasional Table," Robert W. Lang's classic "Stickley Morris Chair," Thomas Jefferson's "Monticello Bookcases" from Christopher Schwarz, Glen D. Huey's "Pennsylvania Spice Box" with hidden compartments, Roy Underhill's "Roubo Bookstand," my Shaker coffee table in "Coffee with the Brethren," Jeff Miller's signature "Arch Table," Glen's "Southern Lady's Desk," Gary Rogowski's "Jasmine Jewelry Box" and more!
Tool and shop articles include step-by-step instructions to make the "Bridge City Tools TS-2 Try Square" from BTC founder John Economaki, a report from Glen on "Carbide Spiral Cutterheads" (and why you should consider one from your joiner or planer), a period-correct (and better-than-modern) "Bowsaw Build" from Willard Anderson, a "French Tool Rack" from Chris that you can build in an afternoon, a "Shop-made Jack Plane" from John Wilson and more!
Technique articles include Marc Adams' "A Geometry Lesson in Veneer," Jameel Abraham shows you how to make jaw-dropping face-grain inlay in "Precision Inlay, Simple Tools," Bob throws down the hand-tool gauntlet in "The Gottshall Block Challenge" and shows you "Five Tricks for Your Combo Square," learn the "Secrets of the Sector" from Jim Tolpin, Rob Millard shows you how to make stunning "Diamond Banding" with a router, you'll learn to split your own wood from Peter Follansbee in "The Best Oak Money Can't Buy" and more!
You'll also find lots of interesting "bathroom reads" (I have no idea what that means), including: Toshio Odate's "A Teacup & 8 Dinner Plates," "Make a Chair that Rocks" from Jeff Miller, "The 130 best Books on Woodworking" – you'll get our staff picks as well as selections from 13 well-known woodworkers, Bob shows how body movements affect your woodworking in "Tai Chi & Woodworking," Chris introduces you to a drool-worthy St. Louis shop in "Living the European Dream," "Royal Flooring in Appalachia" tells the story of Paris parquet in a rural Virginia shop from Don Williams and more.
And of course, in every issue you'll find Flexner on Finishing, Tricks of the Trade, an I Can Do That project that can be built in a weekend with just a few simple tools and easy-to-find materials, Design Matters from George Walker, Arts & Mysteries and more!
Order your copy of the 2011 Popular Woodworking Magazine CD today.


text:
The Wasp Air is a shorter version of the Wasp helmet designed to meet the needs of triathlon, track- and TT riders. Everything about the helmet is shaped around the rider's position and finding the maximum aerodynamic gains. The aerodynamic performance of the Wasp Air is the result of extensive wind tunnel research, scientific insight in aerodynamics, and the use of mathematical models that allow Lazer to compute and optimize the shape of the helmet in the virtual environment. The integrated lens is an integral part of the helmet and can be moved forward so that air can flow into the helmet when needed. This creates an airflow through the helmet with air passing over the rider's head and out the two tail vents. A trip wire on the top of the surface of the Wasp creates micro vortices to assure for a smooth airflow over the tail of the helmet. The Lazer advanced Turnfit retention system makes sure the helmet is snug and comfortable on the head.
Options: Inclination Sensor, Long Tail (each sold separately)


text:
What changes are occurring in the upstream sector? What are the underlying reasons for these structural changes? What opportunities will these shifting dynamics create and how can they be reached?
The Global Petroleum Revolution: A New Era of Opportunity, a collaboration between Energy Intelligence and esteemed geologist Dr. Thomas Ahlbrandt, is the essential guide to addressing these questions and providing unrivaled insight into the global upstream industry.
Energy Intelligence's previously published research studies and reference works became interactive data analytics in 2012. These tools will allow you to compare, manipulate and extract detailed current and historical data critical to understanding the global energy industry. Expect the same trusted data sourced, created and compiled by our global network of analysts into meaningful data sets for analysis—adapted to your changing energy needs.
Energy Intelligence Top 100: Global NOC & IOC Rankings
The leading global survey of national, international and independent oil and gas companies
Energy Intelligence Top 100: Global NOC & IOC Rankings builds upon its predecessor—the trusted Top 100: Ranking the World's Oil Companies report.The new interactive data analytics allows for quick comparisons across the range of oil and gas companies surveyed to make EI's annual Top 100 ranking. Easily analyze, compare, sort and extract fundamental operational and financial data by sector and activity.
World Crude Oil Data
All key crude grades, dozens of producing country profiles: one global industry standard
Bringing together a wealth of proprietary and essential data, World Crude Oil Data has proved an invaluable tool for traders, analysts and planners in the 17 years since it was first published as the International Crude Oil Market Handbook. The new online data tool allows quick access to profiles and summary assays for 195 of the world's most important traded crude streams.
LNG Trade Dynamics
The Essential Guide to the Global LNG Industry
Major and emerging supply regions, demand centers, and industry deals are examined to produce an authoritative survey of the global LNG landscape. LNG Trade Dynamics arms you not only with facts and figures; it also delivers critical context and analysis. Key themes explored in LNG Trade Dynamics include analysis of how a global gas glut has created a buyer's market for LNG.
Energy Connect
An essential resource for the Middle East energy sector, Energy Connect: Middle East gives you access to prospects, competitors and partners in the region.
Users can register for free to easily monitor the energy market and activity in the Middle East or subscribe to track new business openings through an enhanced view of their latest activities.
The Global Petroleum Revolution: A New Era of Opportunity
As the geological focus and technology of the upstream sector evolve, success relies on fully understanding the changes that are occurring, the motivations prompting these changes, what these mean for upstream and, most importantly, the unique opportunities these shifting dynamics will create. The Global Petroleum Revolution, a collaboration between Energy Intelligence and geologist Dr. Thomas Ahlbrandt, enables this understanding and exposes tomorrow's upstream opportunities.
North American Shale Revolution
A special supplement to Natural Gas Week
Unconventional shale reserves have transformed North America's domestic energy picture as a once-unapproachable resource turns what looked like an irreversible decline into heady growth. Between September and December 2011, Natural Gas Week published a series of semi-weekly supplements that described in detail what you need to know about the North American Shale Revolution. This special report groups these articles into one powerful document for those interested in this exciting resource stream.
Global Exploration and Production: Focus Areas of Growth
The leading global survey of national, international and independent oil and gas companies
A special report from Gordon Energy Solutions that provides detailed answers to the most important question facing the industry: How do oil companies plan to grow?
In an era of resource nationalism, companies are devoting increasing capital to unconventional oil and gas plays, Arctic operations, deepwater, heavy oil and LNG and GTL projects. Gordon Energy Solutions looks into the roles of acquisitions, joint ventures and grassroots exploration in the strategies of the industry's biggest players.
Mexico Oil & Gas: At a Crossroads
Opportunities and obstacles for energy-sector investment in the world's 10th-largest oil producing country.
Central to the debate in advance of Mexico's July, 2012 presidential election is the future of the country's oil. Reforms in 2008 liberalized laws that have kept Mexico's petroleum industry largely in state hands since 1938. Next year's change in leadership could bring still more ambitious reforms. The current front-runner in the presidential race wants liberalization to go much further.
Energy Fundamentals: Understanding the Oil & Gas Industries
An essential guide to the fundamentals and evolution of the oil and gas industries.
Recently updated, this essential guide covers the history and basics of the hydrocarbon industries, addresses new priorities in areas such as natural gas and takes a close look at future challenges.


text:
NCR475, New April 1993
"A woman in Detroit brought home a gallon of Crisco for her children's dinner. She thought that she had bought the chicken that was pictured on the label. She had enough Crisco now to last a year but no more money to go back and buy the food for dinner."1
"I grew up in a small rural community — I graduated from high school — (with) low grade averages in English and social studies, which required much reading. I was ready to work because my school experience made me uncomfortable. I knew that my reading and comprehension were not up to par."2
Much of Extension's success in reaching at-risk families, youth, and culturally diverse audiences requires educational materials that these audiences can and will read. If materials are written at too high a level, people receiving them cannot read or understand them. Others may not make the effort. Consider the following statistics:
As you can see from these statistics, some of Extension's audiences read at lower levels than what Extension staff typically use in their writing. An example is the series of USDA booklets on Dietary Guidelines that are written at the tenth to fourteenth grade level — well above the eighth grade level recommended for the general public and well above the reading level for certain targeted audiences.
Once you are aware of the need for more readable educational materials, it's easy to feel uncertain about your writing. You begin to look critically at everything you read. Whether or not you need to develop lower literacy materials as part of your Extension work, consider using some of the following techniques in your everyday writing for greater clarity.
One of the best books for those interested in developing low literacy materials is Teaching Patients with Low Literacy Skills, by Cecilia C. Doak, Leonard G. Doak and Jane H. Root. Published in 1985, this book targets the health field. It covers written materials as well as visuals, oral materials like audiotapes, and pretesting of materials.
For a book that focuses on the social and policy issues around literacy, read Illiterate America, by Jonathan Kozol. It provides many examples of the effects of illiteracy.
There are more than 40 formulas that assess the degree of difficulty of written material. Some of the more common ones are Flesch. Most look at work difficulty and sentence length. Applying these formulas by hand requires some calculation and time.
There are a few computer programs such as RightWriter is a recommended computer software program. It can be found for less than $100. Remember that computer programs can assess only the readability of written pieces. Other factors such as page setup, type size, and use of illustrations affect how easy the material is to read and understand.
There are a few resources that are available to further help you write for those with limited reading skills.
Your local adult basic education (ABE) program, through school districts, conducts ESL (English as a Second Language), GED, and diploma equivalency programs. The staff of these programs have resources or expertise to share. Your university's college of education may have a literacy expert who can advise you.7
A 1992 survey of other state Extension services revealed that few of them have the resources to check the readability of all the educational materials they produce. Most of their efforts at keeping reading levels low are in the development of materials geared to youth, EFNEP participants, and special groups like urban gardeners.
It's usually the responsibility of the subject matter specialist, rather than the communications unit, to be sure Extension publications are at appropriate reading levels. Most Extension communications units are not staffed to do extensive editing or rewriting to lower reading levels, but many will provide readability help to authors in other ways.
In a few states, communications specialists or editors assist subject matter specialists by recommending the use of readability tests. Commonly used computer programs are Grammatik.
Apparently little formal communications training of Extension campus- and county-based faculty is taking place across the country. Extension staff occasionally offer workshops in clear writing, but few states replying to the survey reported regular efforts in this area. Authors are often encouraged to pilot-test new materials, but few states have an organized way of doing so.
Order publications online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/shop/ or call toll-free 800-292-0969.


text:
Cigarette smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals and irritants. People with allergies and asthma may be more sensitive to cigarette smoke than other people, and research studies indicate that smoking may aggravate asthma.
Smoking does not just harm smokers but also those around them. Research has shown that children and spouses of smokers tend to have more respiratory infections and asthma than those of non-smokers. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of complications such as sinusitis and bronchitis.
Common symptoms of smoke irritation are burning or watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness and shortness-of-breath.
Secondhand smoke and the risks to children
Ways to reduce the health risks of secondhand smoke
A Special Message to Smokers
Created by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Updated and modified by A.D.A.M., Inc. Image copyright A.D.A.M., Inc.


text:
I was sitting at the table going over some material for a possible deer hunt for next fall when I heard a knock at the front door. I looked out the front window at my yard covered in fresh snow and there in the driveway was Pete's truck. As soon as I answered the door I knew he was here to invite me along on a morning rabbit hunt.
"Bet you don't know where I'm going?" he asked with a big grin.
"You're dressed like Elmer Fudd," I replied with a chuckle. "I thought of you when I got up and saw that fresh snow, but I didn't figure you'd be dropping by to get me before the storm even ended!"
I invited him in for coffee and while we sat at the table we figured out exactly where we were going hunt. At first my friend suggested that we head north just south of the White Mountains to an old clear cut he's hunted in the past. I suggested that we stay close to home and try our luck around a huge dry swamp not five miles from my home.
"I saw a ton of sign in there while I was deer hunting," I revealed. "I'm sure your beagle can track a hare or two in there."
"I'm always up for trying a new spot," he said. "And with the price of gas, I like your idea a whole lot better."
While Pete finished his coffee I got ready and after grabbing my favorite 16-gauge shotgun from my gun safe, we headed out the door.
When I climbed into his truck I was met by a dog I've never seen before. Pete patted the eager puppy on the head and introduced me to his new rabbit dog, Snoopy.
"He's a keeper," Pete said of the year-old beagle. "He's got the best nose of a rabbit dog that I've ever had."
I directed my friend to the location of my spot and after sliding on my wool coat and blaze orange vest and cap, we headed up a quarter mile long logging road that passed within a few yards of the big swamp.
When we reached our destination, Pete took Snoopy off his leash and the hound immediately stuck his nose in the snow, his tail wagging constantly as he worked the tall dead grass and brush piles in front of us.
Snoopy covered a lot of ground during the first half hour without picking up any fresh scent. Then all of a sudden as the beagle disappeared into a small young hemlock thicket, he began to bark as if you'd just stepped on his tail.
"There he goes!" Pete shouted. "He's on a hot trail."
Pete walked over and joined me near the base of a huge pine tree on the edge of the dry swamp. As we listened to the beagle bark, Pete described what was going on. A few minutes later, he told me that Snoopy had sorted out the trail and was right on the snowshoe hare.
"He's likely gonna circle him around by those little hemlock trees over to our left. Get over where you can see good and wait for him to do his job," Pete advised.
"Where are you going to be?" I asked.
"I'm gonna wait in that logging road in case he pushes him down there," he replied. "You'll be able to see me there."
The little dog's voice echoed through the valley as he continued to follow the rabbit. We listened as the dog first headed straight away, then turned back toward us. As the dog came closer I scanned the swamp in front of me. Then something caught my eye to my right. It was the rabbit darting between the tiny pine trees. I shouldered my shotgun and when the white rabbit dashed across a wide opening not 20 yards away, I put the bead of my shotgun on its mark and took a big snowshoe hare.
Pete let Snoopy try to find another one, however, after an hour or so, we decided to call it a morning.
"Fresh snow and a good beagle are a great recipe for a super rabbit hunt," I said as we headed to the truck.
Pete simply knelt down, patted his pooch and smiled.
Pat Rollins writes on the outdoors for Foster's Daily Democrat.


text:
Do yourself a favor this afternoon and stop for the pause that refreshes…
The Retroist
Editor/Podcaster at Retroist
The Retroist is like a BBQ on a bun without the bones. You're only human daddy. Chomp!
Latest posts by The Retroist (see all)
- Want to contribute to an upcoming Retroist Podcast Special? - September 20, 2018
- Hires Root Beer is older than you think - September 18, 2018
- Members Only Jackets - September 11, 2018