text:
This story appears in the May 2012 issue of National Geographic magazine.
To see a manakin in action is to encounter a spectacular song and dance act in the middle of a tropical forest. About half of the 40 known species make music by moving their body parts. And in the flush of courtship, males execute maneuvers with names like the dart, the about-face, the upright, and the backward slide (which looks exactly like a Michael Jackson moonwalk).
Charles Darwin sized up the manakin in The Descent of Man. In his 1871 account of the bird, he wrote: "The diversity of the sounds … and the diversity of the means for producing such sounds, are highly remarkable. We thus gain a high idea of their importance for sexual purposes." But the mechanics of its music making have taken more than a century to uncover.
Just a handful of ornithologists study the club-winged manakin, which lives in Colombia and Ecuador. Probably none is more in tune with the bird than Kim Bostwick. It was Bostwick—first working with her Ph.D. adviser at Yale, Richard Prum, and then since 2002 as curator of birds and mammals at the Cornell University Museum of Vertebrates—who broke the code of the male club-winged manakin, a standout among manakins. It is the only species that uses its feathers to generate a tick, tick, ting in the hope of making a female swoon.
Scientists knew the wings were the source of the sound but didn't know exactly how the process worked. To crack the conundrum, Bostwick recorded the bird's movements on a video camera operating at a thousand frames per second, more than 30 times as fast as a standard camcorder. Viewing the video a few frames at a time led to a eureka moment: The bird was knocking its wings together 107 times a second. Examining the bird's secondary feathers in the lab, Bostwick saw on each wing a specialized feather with seven separate ridges. The fifth feather rubs against the ridged feather in a plectrum-like action—in music terminology, that's a plucking device, like a guitar pick—to reach a frequency of an astonishing 1,500 cycles per second (seven ridges, each plucked twice = 14, multiplied by 107 = 1,498). The result is a violin-like tone, somewhere between an F sharp and a G, more than two octaves above middle C. The world has nearly 10,000 species of avifauna, but no other creates sound this way—by scraping body parts together (although crickets do something similar).
Bone density appears to be critical. In a paper that will be published later this year, Bostwick and her colleagues describe how they conducted micro-CT scans of manakin wings and discovered that the wing bones are solid. Most birds have hollow bones, which lighten the load when aloft. The manakin's bulky bones, Bostwick says, likely have evolved in order to support the knocking action of the large feathers. But how, she wants to know, does this three-and-a-half-inch bird haul around the extra weight when it flies? And how does it manage "the incredible energy cost and physics involved in using that wing"? These are the next manakin mysteries to solve.


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AUSTRALIA: Woolworths' profit boosted by higher sales, cost cuts
Australian grocery retailer Woolworths has reported a 12.2% rise in annual sales to A$31.4bn (US$23.7bn), and said full-year results were "very pleasing" overall.
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Miranda Kerr: Don't Feel Bad About Who You Are!
Miranda Kerr and her adorable son Flynn meet up with model pal Lily Aldridge on Sunday (November 27) in New York City.
The 28-year-old Aussie beauty and her little boy were all smiles as they greeted mama's fellow Victoria's Secret Angel together!
Miranda recently spoke with New York Magazine about the first time she met some of the other Victoria's Secret Angels.
"I just remember, like, the first time I met Adriana [Lima], she was so beautiful. I was like, 'Why would they want me? I mean, look at her. She's incredible.' And then I met Heidi and Gisele and I was like, 'What am I doing here?" Miranda said.
"I can't feel bad about being who I am, just like the girl next to me can't feel bad about being who she is," Miranda concluded.


text:
November 23, 2013Celebrities
Happy Birthday, Miley Cyrus! A Look Back At Her Best Fashion Moments
It's safe to say the world is a more interesting place with Miley in it, which is why we'd like to wish her a happy birthday with a roundup of our favourite looks of hers throughout the years. From her stunning Marc Jacobs sequin gown, to her bold two-piece Dolce & Gabbana red carpet look; we're dying to see what she'll wear next. It's her party she can do what she wants, after all.


text:
The Python Conveyor can be installed in both a vertical and horizontal position, and can be routed around obstructions with radius of turn as small as 10 ft. It is a dust-free system when transporting material by totally encasing the product. The Python tube inherits the closing force when manufactured. No mechanical devices are needed for closing the tube and for securing conveyed material in any position. An important quality control issue is checking the stability of closing forces. The photo shows a special installation, which is testing ready-to-go Python Conveyor tube sample for one million open/close cycles. For a 600-ft-long conveyor with a speed of 500 ft/min, one million openings/closings of the tube will be reached after more than 27 months, working 24/7 year-round.
ATBC LLC, Park Ridge, IL 847-648-2822 www.python-conveyor.com
For related equipment reviews, articles, and news, visit our Mechanical Conveying Equipment Zone
Click here for information about the upcoming Powder & Bulk Solids Texas


text:
Training Calendar
When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.Call-in Number: 1-800-315-6338 access code: 36171#
This section contains Division responses to provider questions specific to the Behavioral Health Services Integrated Regulations. The submitted questions were received during (1) Integrated Regulation Training events, (2) provider submissions through the "Regulation Clarification Process", or (3) a result of contact with the Division.
The Regulations Clarification Process is designed to help Providers get questions answered about the meaning of any sentence, phrase or section of the regulations, especially as they apply to other Dept. requirements or business procedures.
The Dept. has established a formal internal mechanism to fully research and develop responses to these inquiries. This internal review may result in a simple explanation of the meaning and intent of the regulations, or it could result in a formal interpretation of the regulations which provides greater direction or establishes applicability. Simple or common explanations will typically result in an addition to our Frequently Asked Questions document(s). Formal interpretations become published Regulation Clarifications that have operational authority.


text:
Ravenna Ottoman Square Cover Small
- Our price
- + FREE SHIPPING (Ships in 3 days)
- Product ID: 024855
- Ships via FedEx Ground see details »
Product Description
Ravenna Ottoman Square Cover Small. The Ravenna covers from Classic Accessories combine a striking style with durability, fade-resistance and convenient features. It reinforced padded handles make removal easy while double-stitched seams add strength and a stylish accent. Structured vents stay open to prevent wind lofting and mildew and are lined with mesh barriers. Laminate backing keeps your grill dry while elastic hem cords move easily through a special channel for a snug fit. Four custom-colored buckles keep your cover secure in any weather. Adjustable webbing belts slide easily for a tailored look. Striped webbing adds an attractive accent and is unique to the Ravenna collection.
- Product ID: 024855
- Collection: Ravenna Collection
- Brand: Classic Accessories
- Fits square ottoman/tables up to 21"L x 21" x 17"H
- Not designed to entirely cover the wheel or leg bottoms
- Color: Dark taupe
- Package Dimensions: 10"L x 13"W x 1.75"H
- Package Weight: 2lbs.
- Package Volume: 0.132 cubic feet
- Collection: Ravenna.
- Group: Home-p
- Made in China.
- 4 Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Shipping Info
- Usually ships in 3 days. This means your order will leave our warehouse in 3 business days.
- Ships via FedEx Ground see details »
- Order today & get Free Shipping!
Sponsored Links


text:
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich came to Meridian Friday to campaign in advance of the primaries Mar. 13.
Newscenter 11 had a one-on-one interview with the former speaker of the U.S House.
The primaries in Mississippi and Alabama are considered crucial for his campaign to continue.
Gingrich has posted wins in South Carolina and Georgia so far.


text:
From New Jersey to Maine, millions of people, many with Superstorm Sandy still fresh in their minds, dug out from underneath mounds of snow Saturday.
Many were left with serious consequences. Hundreds of thousands lost power, and on New York's Long Island, abandoned cars littered the roadways, left by people who could not make it home Friday night as the storm intensified.
Others simply had a few inches to clear from their cars and sidewalks. But mostly, people soldiered on, planning cocktail hours after clearing waist-high snow, cross-country skiing down narrow streets and even braving 4-inch stiletto heels to stay chic during New York Fashion Week. A few of their stories:
Randle Roper and Jacob Olson have been waiting for a blizzard for a long, long time.
Roper, 41, and Olson, 31, moved to downtown Providence, R.I., from Los Angeles two years ago.
"We've been waiting for this snow forever," Roper said.
The two spent days waiting with childlike excitement for the storm, hoping to use the snow boogieboards they bought when they heard there would be substantial snowfall.
"We're looking for the perfect hill," said Olson, who grew up in the Marshall Islands and is completely unfamiliar with snow.
"I love it," he said. "It's so much fun."
Karen Willis Beal got her dream wedding Saturday — complete with a snowstorm just like the one that hit before her parents married in December 1970.
"This is what I've wished for all my life," Beal said afterward.
The storm kept some guests from making it to the church-turned-restaurant in Portland, Maine, where the ceremony was performed. But she was still happy she got her storm.
"Weather be damned, it's been a great day," said her husband, Greg Beal, of Manchester, N.H.
The happy couple even took some outdoor photos, including one at a lighthouse where they used a sled as a prop.
"The gusts were enough to knock you off balance," Greg Beal said.
In other snowbound wedding news, Kathryn Jussaume, 30, of Lowell, found that a pair of snowshoes was a nice complement to her stunning strapless gown for her nuptials to Jason Destroismaison, 32, of Tyngsboro.
Earlier in the day, she confessed to some jitters when she awoke on her wedding day and the snow was so deep she couldn't see her mailbox.
"I started to get a little bit nervous," Jussaume said Saturday afternoon. "But Jason was cool as a cucumber."
She set out to shovel after her snow blower broke. She told the Lowell (Mass.) Sun she waved down a passing plow and explained it was her wedding day.
"He said, 'It's your wedding day? Move over,'" Jussaume said. "It was so nice. He plowed us out."
For fun, she later posed for photos in her gown — wearing snowshoes.
Angel Nunez stood with one foot on the bottom step of his row house in Jersey City, N.J., ready to scoop another mound of snow.
Nunez wanted to clear the steps quickly, and well; his upstairs neighbor is due to have a baby any day, and he wanted to make sure she could get out safely if necessary.
Jersey City only got about 5 inches of snow. But after two years of shovels getting dusty and people forgetting what a typical Jersey winter is like, the snow came as somewhat of a surprise.
"We got a little spoiled from the last few years of not having as much snow. So it comes as a little bit of a shock, but it's February, so we should be expecting it," He said.
"But I think this is enough. This will do it for the rest of the year for me."
The storm didn't stop the chic from attending — and dressing the part for — New York Fashion Week. At the Nicole Miller show, blogger Stephanie Ospina, of New York, was wearing her pointy-toe stilettos pumps with bare legs.
She thought about not going to shows Friday but decided "I'm going to go to as many as I can. New Yorkers are that way."
She did wear boots — not quite snow boots since they were 3-inch wedge heel shearling boots to the Lincoln Center tents — and changed once she got inside.
Alyssa Montemurro, 22, said her 4-inch heels were a workplace necessity. She didn't bring boots.
Why? "I am 5-foot-3 on a good day, and when you're interviewing models backstage it's best to be somewhere near their face level."
In Boston, one 16-ton city snowplow almost got stuck on one street and had to pull back while a frontend loader was called in to clear it.
"This is bad, this is really bad," said the plow driver, Domenic DePina, who has worked for the city public works department for more than four years.
Complaints could be heard on the plow's communication radio about people around the city shoveling or blowing snow back into the street, which officials warned against.
A pirate flag snapped in the gale-force winds outside Eileen O'Brien's house in Sagamore Beach, Mass.
O'Brien stood outside in the gusts, trying to clear heavy snow from her deck for fear it might collapse.
The town was without power, and O'Brien said the temperature inside was falling fast.
"My thermostat keeps dropping," she said. "Right now it's 54 inside, and I don't have any wood. There's nothing I can do to keep warm except maybe start the grill and make some coffee."
Scott Bauer and his wife, Stacey, were digging out from several feet of snow at their rental house in Fairfield, Conn., near the shore. It's their second rental home they've lived in since Superstorm Sandy destroyed their home.
Bauer, who is 40 and in medical sales, said they plan to build a new elevated house and hope to move in by October.
They didn't lose power or get flooded in this storm, and Bauer, who has two sons, was upbeat, noting his family is healthy and are rebuilding.
"We've already been through the up-and-down rollercoaster of emotions with losing our home and the kids moving twice now," he said. "I think they are hardened by the storm, so they're definitely a little tougher now, and they realize that this really isn't that bad."
Mike McNamara, 55, chief operating officer of a Bronx charter school, left his downhill skis in Colorado when he moved to New York recently.
"But I brought my cross country skis — just in case there was enough snow in New York City, like I'd seen on TV."
That day came Saturday. The Pennsylvania native flashed a grin as he pushed off with his poles across Central Park's Sheep Meadow.
The 15-acre preserve, blanketed with nearly a foot of snow, became a playground for frolicking dogs and for children building snowmen and making angels under a bright sun.
But this was still New York City, "and it's hard to find a spot that's not fenced in." That includes Sheep Meadow, its fence topped with snow against a postcard-perfect view of Manhattan's skyline.
Forget shopping for groceries or shovels. At one store in Abington, Mass., people had one thing on their mind: a drink.
Customers were lined up 10 deep ahead of the storm at Rosie's Liquors, snapping up 30-packs of beer, bottles of wine and every single bottle of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
Manager Kristen Brown said the store had five times its typical sales Thursday and Friday.
"It has been crazy," Brown said. "We've been absolutely slammed. It's almost been like Christmas here."
"A lot of people are saying, 'I'm going to be stuck with my family all weekend. I need something to do.'"
Associated Press writers Katie Zezima in Jersey City, N.J.; David Sharp in Portland, Maine; John Christoffersen in Fairfield, Conn.; Verena Dobnik, Leanne Italie, Karen Matthews, AP Radio correspondent Julie Walker and AP Fashion Writer Samantha Critchell in New York; Rodrique Ngowi in Boston; Erika Niedowski in Providence, R.I.; Holly Ramer in Concord, N.H.; Bill Kole in Sagamore Beach, Mass., contributed to this report.


text:
Release Date: September 14, 2012
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Dozens of Buffalo STEM teachers and scientists will gather at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute on Tuesday, Sept. 18, to celebrate the conclusion of a summer program that paired the teachers and scientists together on cutting-edge research projects.
The summer work was part of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership (ISEP), a larger, year-round program that aims to increase hands-on learning in science classes district-wide.
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) teachers who participated in the ISEP summer research will use what they learned from that experience to design experiments and other hands-on activities for their students throughout the school year.
The goal is to improve science learning by cultivating classrooms where students are not passive observers, but curious young scientists engaged in solving interdisciplinary problems.
Tuesday's event will take place from 4-6 p.m. in the second-floor lobby of the Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (HWI), 700 Ellicott St., Buffalo.
About 40 teachers from Buffalo Public Schools will be onsite sharing posters describing the work they completed over the summer with scientists from Buffalo State College, HWI, Praxair, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the University at Buffalo. The teachers' projects ranged from building nanoparticles called quantum dots to analyzing water samples from local streams.
Another dozen or so teachers will be presenting on how they will implement what they learned from a summer teacher preparation course at Buffalo State College that emphasized hands-on instruction and student scientific discourse.
The new superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools district, Pamela C. Brown, EdD, will be in attendance, along with other invited guests.
ISEP is a teacher professional development program that works with 12 Buffalo middle and high schools. It reaches about 60 Buffalo STEM teachers each year. For more information on ISEP, visit http://www.buffalo.edu/news/13519.
UB's John and Frances Larkin Professor of Chemistry Joseph Gardella is the grant director of the program, which is funded primarily by a $9.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
What: Poster session and celebration of summer research projects that Buffalo teachers conducted through the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership, a teacher professional development program that aims to increase hands-on learning in science classes district-wide.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 18, from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute at 700 Ellicott St., Buffalo.
Press arrangements: Contact Charlotte Hsu in UB's Office of University Communications at 716-645-4655 or email@example.com, or 510-388-1831 onsite.
Charlotte Hsu
News Content Manager
Sciences, Economic Development
Tel: 716-645-4655
Twitter: @UBScience
Pinterest: UB Science


text:
Pregnant Kim Kardashian: Family Boat Ride in Greece
Kim Kardashian flaunts her growing baby bump while boarding a boat with her family on Saturday (April 27) in Mykonos, Greece.
The following day, the 32-year-old pregnant reality star was seen having dinner with everyone while filming scenes for the upcoming season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kim Kardashian
A few days earlier, Kim and the fam were spotted walking across the tarmac from the plane as they arrived in the country.
45+ pictures inside of Kim Kardashian enjoying her vacation…


text:
Charles M. Boardman Papers
A member of of QTV fraternity, Charles Meade Boardman graduated from the Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1920 with a degree in landscape gardening.
Boardman's Papers include two of his college yearbooks, a smattering of correspondence from the 1920s relating to landscape gardening, and approximately 30 photographs, apparently taken during or shortly after his time at MAC.
- Landscape gardening
- University of Massachusetts Amherst--Students
- Boardman, Charles M


text:
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During this immersive virtual field trip to the Grand Canyon, learners investigate geologic records to discover what the rocks reveal about life and environments of the past. They will then apply those same investigative techniques to the search for... (View More) life in the solar system. Educator resources include a 5E instructional lesson and alignments with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); the NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education; Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts; and A Framework for 21st Century Learning. This resource is part of the Infiniscope space exploration experiences. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This is a lesson about how and why ice flows, especially in a large mass such as a glacier. Learners will experience the qualities of viscoelastic materials and view videos of glacial ice flows. They will observe ice flows and materials other than... (View More) ice flowing differently under stress, and will investigate landscape changes as a result of large scale glacial movement. Activities include small group miming, speaking, drawing, and/or writing. This is lesson 5 of 12 in the unit, Exploring Ice in the Solar System. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Over $20 per group of students
This activity explores how ancient Sun observers made use of natural and built structures to mark solar alignments observed at different times of the year, particularly around the solstices and equinoxes. In Part 1, the teacher prepares a horizon... (View More) table that represents the Earth's horizon. In Part 2, students create functioning models of an existing ancient solar observatory or design their own observatory. In Part 3, students test their model using the horizon table and a flashlight as the Sun. The lesson includes discussion questions, background information about Maya astronomy, a checklist for science notebook write-ups, and a math extension activity that measures shadows. This activity is the seventh lesson in the Ancient Eyes Look to the Skies curriculum. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $1 - $5 per group of students
In this activity, students begin learning about archaeoastronomy much as the first skywatchers began learning about the sky: by observing and wondering. Students observe photographs and drawings of petroglyphs, pictographs, and natural and... (View More) human-made structures believed to be ancient observatories or of relevance to ancient astronomies and astronomers. They discuss and record observations (I notice…) and questions (I wonder…) on chart paper. This activity, which is the first in the Ancient Eyes Look to the Skies curriculum, allows teachers to discover students' prior experience and knowledge, thus helping them personalize the other activities in the curriculum for their classes. (View Less)
In this activity, students learn the basics of the horizon, direction and the rising and settings of the Sun and stars by making a schoolyard "medicine wheel" with sidewalk chalk on playground asphalt. Medicine wheels are stone rings constructed by... (View More) the Plains people of North America which may have been used as a calendar system based on observations of objects in the sky. This activity requires a flat area at least 6 meters across – preferably asphalt or concrete – that has a good view of the sky. It can be done as a whole class activity. Part 1 of this activity involves constructing the medicine wheel (about 10-15 minutes). Part 2 of this activity involves making ongoing observations throughout the year at noon (about 10-15 minutes for each observation). Part 3 involves making observations from the wheel during after-school hours to observe the rising or setting points of stars, the Sun and Moon. Discussion questions, background information and a math extension activity are included. This activity is the second lesson in the Ancient Eyes Look to the Skies curriculum guide. (View Less)
Remote sensing detects both human and physical features by using seven distinct image elements: tone, shape, size, pattern, texture, shadow and association. Students are introduced to each of these elements individually through images, descriptions... (View More) and related questions. Then, by assimilating and applying their knowledge, they interpret the remotely sensed image of an unidentified location. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 2 of three found in the Grades 5-8 Module 4 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the three investigations in Module 4, while related, can be done independently. (View Less)
Remote sensing, using Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data, has lead to the discovery of previously unknown roads in the canyon area of New Mexico once occupied by the Anasazi culture. Students will use those images, along with maps... (View More) and photos, to observe the roads and surrounding area. Students will then compare the value of each media (image, map, photo) in uncovering and interpreting archeological information. Emphasis is placed on the map/image reading skills of direction and scale. The URL opens to the investigation directory, with links to teacher and student materials, lesson extensions, resources, teaching tips, and assessment strategies. This is Investigation 1 of three found in the Grades 5-8 Module 4 of Mission Geography. The Mission Geography curriculum integrates data and images from NASA missions with the National Geography Standards. Each of the three investigations in Module 4, while related, can be done independently. (View Less)
This is a lesson about the important materials brought to Earth by carbonaceous chondrites. Learners will conduct experiments that simulate how the carbon material and water from carbonaceous chondrites may have helped early life on Earth, grow... (View More) yeast in mediums that represent carbonaceous chondrite material, and recognize that carbonaceous chondrite meteorites contain amino acids, the buildng blocks of life. Advanced preparation and procedural tips are included. This is lesson 12 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries. (View Less)
Materials Cost: $1 - $5 per group of students
This is a lesson about the effects of large impacts. Learners will use critical thinking skills to evaluate and apply data from a narrative to a scientific selection process, will demonstrate or visualize simulations of some of the effects of a huge... (View More) impact, and will write a point of view narrative. Materials and vocabulary lists, and advanced preparation and procedural tips are included. This is lesson 14 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries. (View Less)
Materials Cost: Free
This is a lesson about locating impact craters on Earth using longitude, latitude, and maps. Learners will observe impact craters on Earth and other solar system bodies, discuss geologic forces that have erased much of the evidence of past impacts,... (View More) locate existing and potential impact sites, and plan the necessary research (including a field work plan and request for funding) to investigate and verify their observations. Activities, a locator map, vocabulary words, and experimental extensions are included. This is lesson 7 of 19 in Exploring Meteorite Mysteries. (View Less)


text:
On March 13, 2013, Berkshire Hathaway (
) bought 6,508,600 shares of Chicago Bridge Iron Company (
). You can see
Warren Buffett
's stock picks
. His purchase prices were between $46.35 and $62.1, with an
estimated average price of $52.87. The impact to his portfolio
due to this purchase was 0.48%. Is it a good buy or not? Let's
discuss in the following parts.
Business Description
Chicago Bridge Iron Company (
), founded in 1889 in Chicago, is the most famous energy
infrastructure focused company in the world and a major provider
of government services. In late 2000, CBI embarked on a series of
acquisitions that have expanded its services to encompass the
entire hydrocarbon industry, from conceptual design through
technology licensing, engineering and construction, to final
commissioning and technical services. CBI acquired Lummus Global
from ABB on Nov. 19, 2007, adding approximately 3,000 employees
to the CBI payroll. On Feb. 13, 2013, CBI completed acquisition
of The Shaw Group for a purchase price of US$3.3 billion and CBI
now employs nearly 50,000 people.
Competitive Advantages
1. Worldwide Record of Excellence
CBI's integrated business model, flexibility and nearly 125 years
of experience working all over the world make them unique among
competitors. Members of their senior leadership team have an
average of approximately 25 years of experience in the
engineering and construction industry.
2. Company Culture and Reputation
Their relentless focus on safety, unmatched talent, superior
project delivery and uncompromising business ethics have been the
base of their reputation and have allowed them to build lasting
relationships with clients worldwide.
3. Strong Health, Safety and Environmental ("HSE") Performance
CBI's dedication to safety makes them among the top tier of
safest companies in the industry. In 2012, after completing more
than 70 million work-hours around the globe, CBI achieved a lost
time incident rate (LTIR) of 0.01, which means they had only one
lost time incident for every 20 million hours worked. This
outstanding record includes the achievement of zero lost time
incidents in their Project Engineering and Construction sector
over an expended 40 million work-hours.
4. Integrated Business Model
CBI is comprised of three business sectors: Steel Plate
Structures, Project Engineering and Construction, and Lummus
Technology. Through these business sectors, they offer services
both independently and on an integrated basis.
5. Government Solutions
They lead large, high-profile programs and projects, including
design-build infrastructure projects, for federal, state and
local governments.
Valuation of CBI stems from two main models – FCFF and
We evaluated CBI using an absolute valuation model and a relative
valuation model. We are convinced that the most appropriate
techniques for CBI are the Free Cash Flow to Firm (FCFF), and the
Price/Earnings Ratio (
). The first incorporates the long-term growth opportunity, and
the second reflects the market valuation.
Discounted Cash Flow Model: Free Cash Flow to Firm
Main Assumptions and Forecasts
(1) First, the cost of equity was determined by the CAPM model,
using the 10-year government bond risk-free rate of 2.15%, the
market return (2012) of 14.17% and the beta of 2.00 (at the end
of 2012) to reflect the cost of equity of 26.19%. Second, the
cost of debt was calculated from short-term lending rates (credit
rating BBB corresponding to around 5%) considering the tax shield
effect (tax rate is 32.57%), which was 3.37%. Third, WACC was the
weighted average of the cost of equity and the cost of debt with
weights of 62.89% and 37.11% respectively, which was 17.72%.
(2) From CBI's past performance, we estimated a growth rate in
revenue of 13.30% in the forecast horizon (2013 to 2017). In
terms of continuation value, the growth rate is estimated as 2%
beyond the forecast horizon. This is because the growth rate for
the long term should be less than the average GDP growth rate.
(3) We use moving median of previous four year data to calculate
the pre-tax margin, interests, investment for property, plant and
equipment, intangibles, total current assets, and total current
Value of Firm = PV (Cash flows over forecast period) + PV
(Continuation Value)
Based on the FCFF model, the estimated price at the end of 2013
is around US$45.58.
Multiple Valuations: Price to Earnings Ratio (
From a short-term point of view, the PER accounts for the market
valuation during macroeconomic is uncertain. We used the P/E Band
to get the price range. Over the past five years, CBI was traded
between 5.2 to 22.8 times. We used the median PER band value of
14.5 to calculate the eventual price. With this method, we got
the final price of CBI at US$48.14.
Weighting of the Models
The shareholding structure of CBI serves as a proxy for the
allocated weights to these two models. 81.31% of CBI shareholders
are institutions and insiders, the 18.69% of shareholders is free
float. The FCFF is more widely used by institutional shareholders
and management executives shareholders who are long-term
oriented. On the contrary, the PER better mirrors shareholders.
By combining two valuation methods to account for the company's
intrinsic value and the market sentiment, as well as factoring in
the growth potential, the fair price for CBI is US$46.04.
Compared to the current price of US$59.39, it seems not a good
time to buy right now.
Risks to Price Target
The FCFF model relies mostly on the Terminal Value, which is
determined largely by the assumed perpetual growth rate. In
addition to the risks of the perpetual growth rate, the risks of
multiples entail subjectivity of the multiples themselves, being
susceptible to the market conditions.
Financial Analysis
DuPont analysis
Relative advantages ensure stable development
You can check the four direct competitors of CBI
. They are Vinci, Grupo Carso, S.A.B. de C.V., MasTec Inc. and
Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. CBI's ROE of 2012 is
22.05%, slightly lower than Singapore Technologies Engineering
Ltd. Although CBI's three driving factors of ROE have no absolute
advantages compared to competitors, they do have comparative
advantages. The operating capability, profitability and financial
structure of CBI are balanced and healthy to guarantee the stable
development of the company.
Investment Risks
1. In April, CBI fell admit speculation that Woodside Petroleum
Ltd. might change its strategy regarding a major liquefied
natural gas project. In other words, investors in the stock do
face some risk of projects falling through or being altered.
2. Chicago Bridge Iron does not have a definable strategy.
Therefore, it risks losing out to firms that concentrate on one
particular competitive advantage.
Overall, CBI is a good company with balanced and healthy
operating capability, profitability and financial structure, yet
the market is too optimistic. The stock price now is higher than
the intrinsic value at the end of 2013. Therefore, it is not a
very good time to buy the stock, yet we should still watch this
company.About GuruFocus: GuruFocus.com tracks the stocks picks
and portfolio holdings of the world's best investors. This value
investing site offers stock screeners and valuation tools. And
publishes daily articles tracking the latest moves of the world's
best investors. GuruFocus also provides promising stock ideas in
3 monthly newsletters sent to
Premium Members


text:
Man smothers wife during argument conviction upheld
Man smothers wife during argument conviction upheld
WASHINGTON, Iowa —
An appeals court has upheld the second-degree murder conviction of an eastern Iowa man who smothered his wife during an argument.
The Iowa Court of Appeals on Thursday rejected James Blum's claim that his attorney should've argued he didn't act with malice when he killed Patricia Blum at their Washington home in 2010.
The court says that argument would've been "merit less" because the evidence showed he held his wife's head to a couch for the purpose of getting her to stop screaming and not as a result of sudden passion.
Blum told police that he held her face down against a cushion until she died and should've let her up but didn't because he was so angry.
Blum is serving a 50-year prison term. He's now 73.


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This Week In Island History
Week of August 9
The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from the Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago came from the collection of the Newport Historical Society.
100 years ago
From the Newport Journal, Aug. 9, 1912
There was a slight collision between an automobile and one of the government mule teams on Ferry Wharf Tuesday. The automobile stopped suddenly in front of the team, and although the driver tried to pull up and turn out, he was unable to avoid striking the automobile. Only the mudguard and tool of the automobile are damaged and none of the occupants of either vehicle are injured. Although the driver of the team was thrown from his seat, he managed to cling to the footboard.
Sunday was the liveliest of the season on the island. Besides a large number of excursionists and touring parties, practically every available room on the island was taken.
A new venture for Jamestown opened Monday night, when moving pictures and vaudeville were given in a large tent on the vacant lot at the foot of Greene Lane.
The crop of wild blackberries was greatly helped by the recent rains and large quantities are being picked.
75 years ago
From the Newport Daily News, Aug. 6, 1937
All points of vantage were crowded in the late afternoon Thursday and many went to Newport to see the returning cup racers and other craft into the harbor after the final race.
From the Newport Daily News, Aug. 7, 1937
The O'Connell bill for the authorization of the Jamestown Bridge met another snag Friday when the Senate sent the measure back to the committee.
One-hundred-and-ten girls are registered at Camp Seaside at Conanicut Park. From the Newport Daily News,
Aug. 10, 1937
The children's dance at the country club, with Miss Dorothy Gladding of Newport as instructor, was largely attended Monday evening. From the Newport Daily News,
Aug. 11, 1937
The Conanicut Yacht Club is holding a program of water sports at the club on Saturday.
50 years ago From the Newport Daily News,
Aug. 7, 1962
The Indians, the Jamestown Little League's summer colony and farm team, pounded the Tigers into submission in one inning last night, 18-1, at Holy Society Field. From the Newport Daily News,
Aug. 9, 1962
(Photo caption) This is an architect's sketch of a planned enlargement of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church of Jamestown for which a fundraising campaign is underway. It is the first major expansion of the church's facilities in 82 years.
25 years ago From the Newport Daily News,
Aug. 12, 1987
Complaints from potential condo buyers have prompted the developers of the Bay View condominium project to ask the town officials for permission to eliminate the 60-seat restaurant from the plans.
15 years ago
From the Jamestown Press,
Aug. 7, 1997
The state Department of Transportation says it will file conservation deeds in Town Hall by tomorrow that will preserve 50.5 acres of island wetlands in perpetuity.
The Jamestown Planning Commission intends to hire a full-time town planner again, in anticipation of several projects that will need considerable attention.
10 years ago
From the Jamestown Press,
Aug. 8, 2002
The month of August, while still fun and games for most students, is just the opposite for school administrators who must get schedules prepared, curricula written, and buildings spruced up. It's a busy time for everyone and even more so for Katherine E. Sipala, Jamestown's new school superintendent.
Saturday's wilting heat furnished motivation enough for anyone to jump into the bay, but 281 people traveling to Newport in the early morning had an even better reason to hit the water – to help make the 26th annual Save the Bay swim a buoyant success.


text:
PRESCOTT, Ariz. (AP) — Brendan McDonough was emotionally crushed when his supervisor on a Hotshot firefighting crew radioed in to say a wildfire ripping through the Arizona wilderness had forced them into emergency shelters — a last resort for firefighters.
His emotions plunged further as he heard the ringing phones that some of his fellow 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots had left in one of the unit's vehicles. Separated from his crew by his job as a lookout, he knew what their wives, children and families didn't: All 19 had died.
"Coming home, that was the worst feeling ever," McDonough told ABC News in an interview aired Wednesday. "Knowing that these families would see me, but not anyone else off that crew. No one. I was the only person they're going to see."
The firefighters' deaths on June 30 near Yarnell, Ariz., came after the wind shifted, cutting off their escape route. It was the largest loss of life for firefighters in a single event since the Sept. 11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks in 2001 in New York.
McDonough told the Daily Courier that he has asked himself "a million times" why he was spared. But he said he tries not to dwell on what happened that day.
"That's not going to help anyone," including his 2-year-old daughter, he said. "That's not going to remember my brothers the right way."
An investigation into the firefighters' deaths is underway, but officials have said the crew moving on foot in rugged terrain was aware as it changed positions that the direction of the wind pushing the fire was shifting.
Eric Marsh, superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, was the one who called in to a fire manager on the radio, saying the 19 men were deploying their emergency shelters. That's the last McDonough or anyone heard from them.
When fire managers couldn't contact the crew, a state police paramedic was dropped off by a helicopter and hiked to the crew's deployment site. The paramedic confirmed the deaths and reported them by radio.
Despite losing the men he considers his brothers, McDonough is certain he wants to live out the dream of firefighting that he's had since he was 13. The 21-year-old was hired as a seasonal employee with the Granite Mountain Hotshots in 2011 after completing wildland firefighting classes.
"I wouldn't have traded the years I spent with those men for anything in this world," he told the Courier. "They made me the man and father I am today. How successful I am physically, emotionally, spiritually — I owe it to them."
What he's not so sure about is whether he'll join a Hotshot crew for next year's fire season.
"I love fighting wildland fires but I loved fighting them with the people I did," he told the Courier. "That's going to be hard to fill."
Prescott city officials met Tuesday night to affirm their commitment to rebuilding the only Hotshot crew in the country that was tied to a municipal fire department.
Prescott Fire Department Chief Dan Fraijo asked the City Council to make a firm decision within a couple of weeks as to how the crew would be structured so that the department can begin training and hiring for it.
"The sooner the decision is made, the more time we have to put a team together," he said.


text:
New books on Scilab
Several books have been published this year on Scilab in France and abroad.
Books of Introduction to Scilab, textbooks to help using Scilab in education, this period is a major source of resources for Scilab users.
Check the books on Scilab available in French and in several other languages


text:
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text:
Snowplow vs. mailbox: Who pays the bill?By JASON SCHREIBER
Union Leader Correspondent
February 24. 2013 11:01PM
If your mailbox falls victim to plows clearing roadways, you may not know that where you live determines whether you have to pay for its replacement.
When a snow plow ripped his $70 metal mailbox off its granite post in a blizzard earlier this month, Harold Fuller assumed the town of Epping would replace it. He was wrong.
Epping has a snow removal policy that relieves the town of any liability when a mailbox placed in the town's right-of-way is struck. In fact, the policy refers to mailboxes as a "nuisance." Many communities in the state have similar policies.
"Plowing is plowing. The guys driving these trucks just can't possibly aim away from everything, although I do think they try ... Sorry about your mailbox," Epping Selectman Dianne Gilbert told Fuller's son when he met with selectmen.
While Fuller praised the plow operators for the work they do in tough conditions, he said he still feels the town holds some responsibility. He's now paying to have the mailbox rigged up so it'll hang and swing the next time it's hit.
"There are some people who put a lot of money into their mailboxes," he said. "I would like to see this policy revisited."
Derry's policy states that any mailboxes, light poles, fences and other structures placed within 8 feet of the edge of the pavement are there at the owner's risk and the town won't replace them if they're damaged. The town recommends installing a mailbox on a chain so it'll swing if it's hit.
Hampstead Road Agent Jon Worthen said the town will replace the mailboxes if the damage was caused by one of the town's plow trucks. If the mailbox was hit by a private contractor hired by the town to help with plowing, Worthen said that contractor has insurance and will take care of the replacement.
Not every hit results in a new mailbox, however.
"If the post is all rotted and being held up by duct tape, we won't replace them," he said.
In Raymond, town highway workers will first check to see if there's any paint from the plow on a post or mailbox to determine whether it was hit by a town or private plow operator, said Denise O'Grady, public works assistant.
If it's determined that a town plow struck the box, O'Grady said the town will install a temporary box and replace it with a standard black mailbox in the spring.
Goffstown Town Administrator Sue Desruisseaux said town plow drivers usually report mailbox damage immediately. The town then assesses the damage and the box is repaired. If a box and/or post needs to be replaced, she said the town will install a standard mailbox and post.
"We're not going to be putting in granite posts," Desruisseaux said.
Goffstown's mailbox policy states, in part: "Individuals placing ornate boxes or granite posts in the right-of-way do so at their own risk. It should also be noted that property owners are liable for any obstructions they place in the (right-of-way) that cause damage to the town's equipment."
Under its policy, the town isn't responsible when the damage is caused by snow flying off the plow, or in cases where the mailbox is attached to a rotten post or was poorly placed.
The town of Exeter gives homeowners $50 to put toward a replacement.
"It usually doesn't cover the cost, but it is something," Exeter Town Manager Russ Dean said.
He added: "The complaints we do get is that the reimbursement isn't enough," he said.
Fuller said he would take any reimbursement from the town of Epping to help pay for his new swinging mailbox setup, which he hopes will avoid a repeat of the scene he faced when his box was ripped down and left in the deep snow.
"I only discovered it was gone when mail started flying out of the snowblower," he said.
Public Safety Human Interest Weather New Hampshire Top Section Stories


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Well well well.
Single Speed Cyclocross World Championships went down last weekend in the City of Angles. As you may remember- after 2011 in San Francisco, much of Seattle (having hosted the event in 2010) was unhappy with the idea of it being awarded to a locale so nearby (and promoted by the same guy.) Then to make it even stickier- after awarding it to one city- the promoter decided to to take it
just down the road, 350 miles away.
I didn't attend- and instead helped work on Philadelphia's plan to take the race for 2013. We had shirts available for Philly 2013 before the slackers in LA had them for the race that they were doing, which was only days away (PS- ours look waaay better.)
All the above put aside- I had no doubt that those in attendance, unaware of the turd cannon that had soiled our opinion of the SSCXWC promoter, would have a good time. I mean- single speed cross, beer, parties- who doesn't like that? Maybe Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin?
It was difficult on the day of the race to get information on what was going on. There were a few Twitter pics and things on Instagram- but it wasn't until AFTER the tattoos were given were winners really announced. The organizers did not want to revisit the upset that happened last year…
So there were the unofficial winners, Adam Craig and Mical Dyck:
And your official winners, Mical Dyck and Adam Craig- as they received the tattoos to accompany the winners golden speedos:
Congrats to both the mens and womens SSCXWChampions. And as for where it's going to be next year? Here's a hint:
We'll see you in Philly for 2013–
Thanks to Bikemag.com for some of the photos- see more of their set HERE
And because we love Craig Etheridge so much, and now we can hear him in our homes even when he's out winning races- there is the only recap you need: The Hot Laps with Craig SSCXWC edition:


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After a three-year hiatus, the World Superbike Championship is returning to South Africa for the 2014 season. Welkom's Phakisa Freeway is currently slotted on the provisional calendar to host WSBK on October 19th, assuming the track can pass FIM homologation, and the event organizers, GAS Sports, can secure the necessary finances.
Set to host both the Superbike and Supersport classes, South Africa will be the penultimate round in the 2014 World Superbike Championship. A venue that has provided close racing in the past, Phakisa Freeway is a welcomed addition to WSBK, and helps bring the series out of its European-centric stupor.


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Roadrunner in my mom's neighborhood
So I'm obsessed with birds
John Bear
I sat behind a tree after seeing the bird on a wall in front of my mom's house on Saturday. I posted up behind a tree to get a good shot.
Then I saw there were two, both males. They flipped their tales around, postured and fought for about one second.
Needless to say, I didn't get the roadrunner combat shot. Curses. Next time.
John Bear


text:
By William James
LONDON (Reuters)2 - British Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative party pledged to end government subsidies for onshore wind farms if it wins a national election next year, increasing uncertainty for investors in renewable energy.
Michael Fallon, a Conservative energy minister, said that onshore wind still had a role to play in helping Britain meet its energy needs and renewable energy targets but that the industry no longer required government subsidies.
"We now have enough bill payer-funded onshore wind in the pipeline to meet our renewable energy commitments, and there's no requirement for any more," Fallon said, in comments released by his office on Thursday.
"That's why the next Conservative government will end any additional bill payer subsidy for onshore wind and give local councils the decisive say on any new wind farms."
Onshore wind farms currently in the planning system will still benefit from subsidies, he added, but any further projects will no longer receive support.
Onshore wind farm projects will also be subject to tighter local planning rules under the Conservative Party's plans.
The government's renewable subsidy regime has always foreseen an end to direct support once technologies are able to compete commercially. The government pushed through cuts to onshore wind subsidies late last year but boosted support for offshore wind.
"Onshore wind has the advantage of being one of the most affordable renewable energy sources," the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics says on its website.
In Britain, "generating electricity from onshore wind turbines typically costs around 7-9 pence per kilowatt-hour", which is around half the cost of offshore wind and slightly cheaper than nuclear power, the institute found.
"Onshore wind generation is still slightly more expensive than fossil fuels," it said, citing 4.1-7.5 pence per kWh for gas-fuelled plants, "but its price is expected to fall in the coming years."
Investors in renewable energy said the Conservative party's pledge was creating uncertainty for onshore wind investments beyond 2020, the year when Britain's target to generate 15 percent of its energy from green sources has to be met.
"(This announcement) reinforces questions about the prospects of renewable energy post-2020, when the current UK and EU frameworks expire," said Tom Murley, responsible for renewable energy funds at HgCapital.
The future of onshore wind has divided the government. Cameron's junior coalition partner, the Liberal Democrats, are keen to encourage investment in all forms of renewable energy.
"Putting the brakes on onshore wind would be disastrous for business and jobs in our growing green economy," said Edward Davey, the Liberal Democrat Energy and Climate Change Secretary.
A growing list of companies have recently scaled back both offshore and onshore wind projects in Britain, saying they were too expensive to build.
The Conservative party, whose support base is concentrated in rural communities in the south-east of England, where many voters say wind farms are noisy and spoil the landscape, has gone off the technology.
Thursday's announcement cited opposition from local communities.
The Conservatives, the senior partner in the two-party coalition, trail the opposition Labour party in polls by about 4 percentage points. Labour leader Ed Miliband said this month that Britons had to embrace onshore and offshore wind farms.
"We urge the Conservative Party to work with the industry on cost reduction and stop making arbitrary comments which threaten investment in all energy types," said Maria McCaffery, chief executive of Britain's renewable energy lobby group.
Dale Vince, founder of energy supplier Ecotricity which produces electricity from onshore wind farms, said the prime minister was putting the interests of his political party ahead of the interests of his country.
"Before the last election, David Cameron promised to lead the greenest government ever. That promise lies in tatters," he said.
(Additional reporting by Karolin Schaps and Nina Chestney; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Jane Baird)


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Having the 49ers in the big game makes it extra fun to host a Super Bowl party.
Having the 49ers in the big game makes it extra fun to host a Super Bowl party.
But it doesn't require a whole season of planning.
"It's one of those parties where I don't have to do a lot," Lynette Zeiter of Stockton said of the celebration she and her husband have thrown for the past 20 years. "I think you just open your home, turn the TVs on and everyone brings something. It's a great time because we really just all love getting together with each other."
The Zeiters will have chili on the stove and wild game on the barbecue. But their kids love sampling all the diverse dishes guests bring.
Diehard 49ers fan Arezou Soleimani of Stockton says the key to an epic Super Bowl party is to keep it casual.
"Don't make it too hard. Don't put too much pressure on yourself," she said, promising to wear her Niner gear and host a party if she can't get to New Orleans. "If you do too much homemade stuff, it turns into Thanksgiving."
The Toccolis of Stockton don't even need to decorate for their Super Bowl fest, which will include four generations of family and friends.
"Our house is the 49er house. Just ask anyone. The walls are red. The tile on the bar is red and gold," Michelle Toccoli said of her husband Albert's passion for the Niners. He's been a ticket holder for 32 years. "It's like a sports bar in here. We have a good time."
But for those of us who don't have a fan (fanatic) in the house, Zeiter has a fun DIY tablecloth that makes a replay every year.
"We bought yards of Astroturf and painted white lines and numbers on it," she said, describing how it looks like a football field on her dining room table. "I'll probably have gold and red balloons this year. Usually, I try to do the paper plates and napkins in the team colors."
Over the years, friends have brought her football- and jersey-shaped platters and plates that she uses, too.
On Pinterest, find a picture of that football field tablecloth and search free printables online for Super Bowl decorations and even football bingo games.
And about games. Sometimes the Super Bowl can be deadly dull if it's lopsided, so invite everyone to buy a square in a football pool.
The winner at the Toccoli party donates the pot to ALS research in memory of a late friend who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease.
At the Zeiter party, the pool gets the tweens and teens involved - winners score a football, a must-have on game day.
"I think you want to make it cool for the kids by having some footballs for them to toss around outside," Soleimani said. "Hand out penalty flags for guests to throw when refs fail."
Rate the commercials. Or how about if someone says Harbaugh, everyone does a shot?
Contact reporter Jo Ann Kirby at (209) 546-8256 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Published by: Donne Jordan
Resolution: 900x900px
Category: Chair, More >>
Published at: Thursday, April 12 2018 14:39:01
The most common type of chairs are sofa table with chairs. Almost every home has at least a upholstered side chair, and they are mainly found in the living room in linen wingback chair. There are also smaller version that can be found in bedrooms. Some variants of these are wooden chairs with arms, rattan arm chairs, leather slipper chair or antique wingback chair, but they all look pretty similar. The second most common type of reclining chaise lounge chair are small lounge chair. You find them surrounding your dining room table. They are also available in different shapes, sizes, material and designs. You can opt for the backless dining chair, or a eames side chair with a comfortable upholstery.
Of course it is not only the Lazyboy that boasts of recliner functionality as there are plenty of other recliner chairs that offer the perfect way to relax at home. Reclining chairs can cost a bit more than regular chair types, though their flexibility means they are worth the extra investment. Some office chairs serve only to make office guests and customers comfortable. But then again, there are also office chairs that are designed and built for those who sit on their desks for the most part of the day and should be very comfortable and user-friendly.


text:
A generation ago, Plum TV would have been impossible and the concept likely considered insane by conventional business thinking.
But in 2007 it's working in eight markets, including on the Vineyard. Now five years old, Plum local stations on Nantucket and in Aspen are profitable "and the Vineyard is close," founding partner Tom Scott said on Friday afternoon.
Mr. Scott spoke after he and his band of 144 Plum colleagues concluded the company's annual business retreat on the Island. The retreat is an annual affair, always held in a Plum market.
"When we began, people told us it takes five years to become profitable. Now with Nantucket and Aspen five years old, turns out they were right," Mr. Scott said.
Channel 76, the Vineyard station, is more than three years old.
Noting that the company has been continuously acquiring new markets by startup (three) or by acquisition (five) since it digested the initial Nantucket purchase, the best barometer of success is by individual station performance over time, Mr. Scott said. He said the company declines to provide specific revenue and profit numbers.
The company operates in Vail, Telluride, Miami Beach, Sun Valley and the Hamptons in addition to the Vineyard, Nantucket and Aspen.
In conversation, Mr. Scott projects a balanced mindset of urgency and patience, wisdom and teachability and of simultaneously valuing roots and embracing change.
He's used to it, essentially growing a water taxi cum delivery service in Nantucket harbor into Nantucket Nectars, a $59 million bottled juice drink business that eventually was sold to British bottler Cadbury Schweppes in 1998 by Mr. Scott and his partner Tom First.
Plum is a similar venture, an idea Mr. Scott found watching the Nantucket community dynamic.
"A new street sign is a big deal," he said. "People care about that. I saw that a lot of Island people knew a lot of summer people and vice versa but not necessarily the same people."
"There was no common way to communicate until Plum," Mr. Scott said. "The story I'm proudest of was a controversy over installing a ramp at the Nantucket town dock during our first year. Seems simple but tension built up. We were able to bring both sides together efficiently on Plum and allow both positions to be heard. I like to think we helped to resolve the ramp installation." Recent video, broadcast and web technology allow the Plum model to work, Mr. Scott said. " People like to tell stories with cameras," he said.
For example, Plum operates with eight staffers on the Island and produces 24-hour programming, including lots of local coverage and sharing of programming originated in other markets. The Plum Web site lists 21 regular shows on food, construction, design, exercise, ideas and commentary that are available to Plum stations.
Tina Miller, Channel 76 general manager since July, said that Vineyard architect Patrick Ahearn's Island home show has been picked up by the Miami Plum station.
"The show quality is excellent and people in Miami are interested in the topic just as much as the Vineyard," she said.
Industry buzz is that Plum programming is "TV for rich people," Mr. Scott noted, but said that the average viewer is 41 years old in a somewhat blue-collar job.
"I'm 41 and I have those values," he said. "It's a lot like Nantucket Nectars. People told us it was a drink for rich people but we found the profile customer was a 27-year-old blue-collar male, exactly what we were at the time."
" Of the top 89 per cent of the country's wealthiest people, only one-half of one percent come from inherited wealth. The rest came up from middle class. They earned it and they retain their values.
"As recently as 1980, 50 per cent of that wealth category came from inherited money" he said.
As an example of values held by the well-to-do, Mr. Scott recalled that he was selling Plum to a senior executive of Jeep.
"I showed him a clip from Vail with a local businessman in it and the Jeep top executive got all excited because he knew him, he talks with him," Mr. Scott said.
Plum works incessantly at connecting with local community, to the point where the station schedules fresh programming of its own and from sister channels for each 24-hour period. " You won't see the same programs endlessly here," Ms. Miller said.
Her example is Plum's coverage of high school football, aired live by MVTV, "We edit, add replays, have ESPN-like quality and presentation and show it every night, Monday to Friday, at 7 p.m. for families to watch," she said.
"We work hard here," she said.
The blue-collar work ethic is essential, Mr. Scott said.
"When we were delivering scallop catches on Nantucket to the truck, we had to be there at 4:30, not 4:34," Mr. Scott said. "He had a boat to catch."


text:
Home / Boxing / PROTECTIVE GEAR / Mouthguards / OPRO Gold Mouthguard
Model Number: Gold
With a durable outer layer for optimum impact protection and a flexible inner layer for supreme comfort and fit, our Gold mouthguard is a superior Self-Fit Competition level mouthguard. Whats more, all of our Gold mouthguards and cases contain an Antimicrobial additive proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria
Superior Protection Self Fit Mouthguard
Durable Outer Layer for Superiors Impact Protection
Flexible Inner Layer for Greater Comfort and Fit
Air Spaces for maximum Cushioning and Protection
Anatomical Patented Fins
Colours: Black Only
Not Suitable for Fixed Braces
All OPROShields come with a carrying case and a fitting instructions CD-Rom.
Boxing, Martial Arts, Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing and all other contact sports are high risk sports and users of these products are subject to personal injury. These training and fitness accessories provide a degree of protection but are not warranted to protect the user from injury. The user must assume full responsibility for any injury sustained through the use of these products. Depending on usage, the protective quality will diminish in time and require replacement.
© Copyright 2018 Full Contact Sports
Privacy and security | Return policy | Shipping policy


text:
Benefits of a Pediatric Cancer Program
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Cancer Institute recommend that children and adolescents receive diagnosis, staging and treatment at one of the more than two hundred medical centers that specialize in pediatric cancers. According to several studies, young patients' survival rates are 20 to 40 percent higher when their care is coordinated by pediatric oncologists and is carried out at comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer centers.
The term multidisciplinary means that although your child will have one or possibly two attending physicians orchestrating her care, her case will be reviewed by specialists in various treatment disciplines. In this comprehensive approach, the health-care team might consist of a pediatric surgeon; a pediatric oncologist, or chemotherapist; a radiation oncologist; a pathologist; and other specialists as needed.
Increasingly, cancer therapy incorporates several modalities, in an effort to improve not only the cure rates but patients' quality of life. It is now routine to follow many surgeries with chemotherapy or radiation therapy—sometimes both—to treat any remaining tumor cells (whether visible or not) and seek to prevent a future return of the disease, or relapse. Another trend in cancer medicine is to administer these treatments preoperatively; perhaps to whittle a previously inoperable tumor to a surgically resectable size or to spare a patient from having to undergo an amputation or other mutilating surgery. With so many variables in terms of sequencing treatment, it is essential that all the specialists be assembled at the time of diagnosis. This occurs in a multidisciplinary cancer center. A team of specialists reaches a consensus on what it believes is the most appropriate course of treatment, or protocol, for your child.
What Are Clinical Trials?
For all the progress made in cancer treatment, there is still a long way to go. It is through conducting clinical trials that new drugs, improved methods of delivering radiation, and multimodality protocols find their way into practice. About seven in ten children who are treated at pediatric cancer centers participate in investigational studies. They receive treatments that earlier studies have found to be effective and that researchers believe will prove superior to existing therapies. These are usually modifications of standard treatments, so there is little risk of receiving inferior therapy. In what's called a phase 2 clinical trial, the new treatment is given to a large group of similarly diagnosed patients (the study group), while another large group with the same disease (the control group) receives the current standard treatment. The National Cancer Institute is involved with these drugs at all levels of development, before approval is given.
One other consideration when deciding on a treatment center: As parents of a child with a potentially life-threatening illness, you're seeking not only medical expertise but experience in treating young cancer patients. Dr. Gerald Gilchrist, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Rochester, Minnesota, observes, "With teenagers, the emotional and developmental issues that come up in the course of a catastrophic disease are very different from the issues adults often face. The average internist or oncologist is not trained to deal with these issues and may not be comfortable dealing with them."
At a multidisciplinary pediatric cancer center, it is understood that quality cancer care encompasses the whole patient; maintaining his sense of wellbeing as well as his physical health. The medical team routinely includes an oncology social worker sensitive to the concerns and anxieties of adolescents diagnosed with cancer.
- Last Updated 11/21/2015


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IP Showcase
Peggy Aycinena
Peggy Aycinena is a freelance journalist and Editor of EDA Confidential at www.aycinena.com. She can be reached at peggy at aycinena dot com.
CPSDA 2016: Part 1, Creationists Rejoice
August 18th, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Over the course of the day, 10 speakers expounded on everything from complexity to reliability, from resilience to resource management, from smart buildings to smart grids to smart cars, and threw in a large dollop, as well, of how to deal with those miscreants among us who see opportunities in the emerging world of CPS to do small, medium, and large amounts of harm to our fellow humans and institutions.
Now it's true, the thought leaders who spoke at CPSDA were consistently articulate, intelligent and well-informed. Nonetheless – even after 9 hours of intense listening, and quite a bit of caffeine – I was still not exactly sure what a cyber-physical system is. So let's be creative and make up our own definition.
IP Panel: What keeps you awake at night?
August 11th, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
As background, consider that the massive amounts of IP involved in building a modern SoC may translate into IP vendors losing millions of dollars if their IP is used therein without proper licensing. At the same time, semiconductor companies also wrestle with troubling issues if their engineers accidentally reuse a core without proper licensing, possibly exposing their employers to huge liabilities. The ESD Alliance event in September promises to address these thorny problems.
Moderated by industry leader Warren Savage – formerly CEO of IPextreme, but now GM of IP at Silvaco with the acquisition announced just prior to DAC – the evening's two panelists come from interesting backgrounds.
Remembering Mark Templeton: One of the Greats of IP
July 23rd, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Per the Press Release: "Mark R. Templeton, 57, was a highly respected venture capitalist in Silicon Valley who used his background as an engineer to foster scientific advancement. In his capacity as a director and board member of numerous tech companies and organizations, he was instrumental in driving growth in the intellectual property market through a combination of technical and business innovation."
Read the rest of Remembering Mark Templeton: One of the Greats of IP
Reaction to ARM's Deal: W.Savage, D.Kelf, H.Barbour
July 21st, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Read the rest of Reaction to ARM's Deal: W.Savage, D.Kelf, H.Barbour
Kapow Wham Boom: Holy Acquisition, Sir Robin!
July 18th, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Holy All-Cash-Deal, Sir Robin, ARM's been bought by SoftBank!
For a mere 24.3 billion pounds.
Read the rest of Kapow Wham Boom: Holy Acquisition, Sir Robin!
Lanza Panel at DAC: Democratization is not Open Source
July 14th, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
The session was titled "Daring to Move to Open Source" and was described thusly: "The emerging Internet of Things market is destined to upend that time-tested 'advanced-node' model, as developers opt for older, less costly process technologies, using commodity design tools and selecting proven IP blocks to quickly and efficiently assemble chips. As demand for IoT devices grows exponentially, might open source EDA tools and IP become viable, or even the winning combination that enables the low-cost design of an IoT SoC?"
Here are some soundbites from the panelists.
Read the rest of Lanza Panel at DAC: Democratization is not Open Source
UK's ARM: We are all in this Alone together
June 23rd, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
And so a page turns, another chapter begins, and now there's a twist in the plot line that few saw coming. Although it's a dark and starry night here, the sun is up in the UK and the future looks suddenly different, no matter if you're standing on the streets of London, York, Edinburgh – or Cambridge.
The very same Cambridge where ARM Ltd. is headquartered.
Read the rest of UK's ARM: We are all in this Alone together
CEDA Panel: Covering new ground at DAC 2016
June 9th, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Up until 7 o'clock on June 5, 2016, a conversation about career perspectives was such a non-technical topic, it could only be found in Marie Pistilli's beloved workshop, a venue where work/life balance, Academia vs. Industry, and how to promote your brand within the organization were thoroughly discussed every year for 15 years at DAC.
Now IEEE's Council on EDA, CEDA, has made the bold decision to pick up where Marie's workshop left off, sponsoring this week's event and broadening the audience and the appeal.
Joyner had four people on his panel, a generous two hours to hash out various universal questions, and enough of a sense of humor to offer to wear the necktie he'd brought with him to add gravitas, or not to wear the tie to appear hipster and cool. He quickly decided to go without the tie, and the ensuing conversation went something like this.
Read the rest of CEDA Panel: Covering new ground at DAC 2016
DAC 2016: Til the Bagpipes Play
June 2nd, 2016 by Peggy Aycinena
Then from 10:30 to noon genuflect to Academia and check out 'Accelerated Simulation for Circuit Reliability and Stability'. With speakers from Texas A&M, USC, Brown, and Michigan Tech. If you attend, you'll learn what the future holds for simulation: power supply stability, soft error in logic circuits, thermal noise in ultra-low voltage designs, and the sparsification of spectral graphs used in various design problems. Nobody from industry is speaking, so if you want to get in on the ground floor commercializing some of this stuff, sit in the front row.


text: Lyris upgrades digital marketing portfolio Published on November 05, 2013. Emeryville, Calif.—Digital marketing company Lyris Inc. has upgraded its flagship Lyris HQ and Lyris ListManager marketing applications with new user interfaces, advanced message targeting and delivery-management features. Lyris HQ 3.6, which integrates email, social, mobile and real-time Web analytics, now features improvements to "permissioning" and reporting, enabling marketers to more effectively plan and measure campaign success, Lyris said in a statement. Lyris ListManager 12, the company's on-premise email marketing software, now allows users to better control proactive and reactive throttling of mail sends to improve the deliverability of high-volume campaigns, the company said. Last month, Lyris launched two tools that detail customer Web browsing habits to identify remarketing and retention possibilities. Most Popular In this article: BtoB


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Life Is What You Fake Of It
I'm in love. This person makes me feel like a shaken-up Coke bottle ready to explode with happiness! But, not even my therapist understands. She wants to hand me pills for the problem. Being in love isn't the problem; it's the fact that I'm in love with someone who doesn't exist. I'm 19, and I've been in love with him for nine years, since I was a kid with no friends. I love him for his courage and willingness to help. He'd run faster than anyone in the world to catch me when I fall. I understand that he isn't real and that I'm supposed to have had real relationships with real men by now. (I have the complete capability to get a real guy and have let lots of opportunities go by because of him!) Why am I in love with someone who will never love me back? How can something so unreal feel so good? — Clinging
Well, you do have a great way to get those pesky flesh-and-blood guys off the phone: "Gotta go. Just heard my boyfriend's unicorn pull up outside my apartment."
When you are 7 and have no friends, an imaginary boyfriend is the ideal tea party guest. When you're 19 and turning down real live guys for Prince Nonexistent But Charming, you're digging yourself into a psychological ditch. You've been engaging in the literal version of what clinical psychologist Dr. Robert Firestone deemed a "fantasy bond" — when two (actually existing) people use the pretense that they have love as a way of avoiding the risks of real love. In Fear of Intimacy, Firestone calls this "an addictive mode" of retreating to "an emotionally deadened existence." (Kinda takes the imaginary bloom off the imaginary 26 dozen roses, huh?) An imaginary boyfriend never shoots you a disappointed look when you go back for more pie, but he also never challenges you in the good ways a real boyfriend would. A real relationship requires compromise and empathy. It's also an interpersonal flashlight of sorts, pushing you to grow as a person by highlighting what's less than ideal about you — stuff you can't learn by spending your nights going to second base with your pillow.
There are risks in dating a guy you can't put your hand through. He might try to catch you when you're falling but miss or not even notice you're falling because he's staring at some other girl's jigglies. Of course, there are also risks in not taking a risk with somebody real, like waking up at 40 and realizing you've been pretending to have a life for 30 years.
Retiring from your emotional slackerhood starts with evicting "that special nobody" from your head. Whenever he pops into mind, recite the Turkish alphabet or count backward from 100. (You can't do these things and moon over him at the same time.) You might even follow the lead of comedian Amy Sedaris, who told David Letterman that her imaginary boyfriend, Ricky, had been murdered — brutally stabbed 18 times. If that's too violent for your taste, maybe tell yourself that yours finally realized he's gay and he's off at a pool party comparing little gold Speedos with his imaginary new boyfriend.
Fools Rush Inn
I'm 50-something, as is this man I met at a meeting for a nonprofit. We exchanged some e-mails, and then he asked me out. The week before our date, he texted me, asking me to go on a several-day trip with him, and he clearly wasn't kidding. I found this inappropriate — my return text made that clear — and I nixed our date. He responded that he didn't want to be with anyone so touchy, who couldn't take him for who he is. Wouldn't any man in his right mind know this invitation was out of bounds? — Apparently Touchy
A man can have a crazy thought fly into his head, like "We've e-mailed three times already. Let's spend 44 hours together in bed!" If he's in possession of the Adult Social Skills worksheet, he'll keep that thought parked in its thought hangar, predicting that a woman will answer as you did: "Don't mind if I don't." This guy might've had a shot with you if he'd immediately pulled back: "Sorry… a little rushed on my part. Gimme another chance." But, why would you want to take him for who he is — a guy who screws up and then hurls blame at you instead of taking responsibility? I mean, come on — for a woman who isn't 22 and really impulsive or a needy mess, a weekend getaway invite from some man she talked to at a meeting is probably about as tempting as "So… deserted country road at 8? I'll be the guy carrying the rope coil and the duct tape."
Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com (www.advicegoddess.com) © 2012 Amy Alkon Distributed by Creators.Com.


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NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2009 - In its latest initiative to help consumers in the challenging economy, Chase announced today that it is revamping its overdraft policies to make them clearer and simpler and to give customers more control over their debit cards and the fees they pay. The changes will apply to all current and new customers and will include:
"We recognize the tremendous growth in our customers' debit-card usage and we're revamping our overdraft policies and posting order to be more consistent with the way they use their accounts today," said Charlie Scharf, head of Retail Financial Services at JPMorgan Chase.
"Customers will be given the opportunity to decide whether they want to participate in Chase's debit-card overdraft services," Scharf said. "We believe it's important to give all 25 million existing debit card customers, as well as new customers, the ability to decide whether to opt in. We expect many of our customers will continue to find these services very useful."
Chase will continue its current policy of not allowing customers to withdraw more cash from an ATM than they have available in their account.
Chase will update customer accounts and balances for debit-card purchases and ATM withdrawals as they occur. "The new posting order will be more logical for customers, and they will incur fewer fees," Scharf said.
In addition, Chase will continue to offer overdraft protection for customers who link their checking account to a savings account, credit card or home equity line of credit. Millions of customers use this for peace of mind in case they forget to record a transaction, make a subtraction error in their checkbook or lose track of the dates of direct deposits or automatic debits.
Chase is continually working on ways to serve consumers better, which is especially important in challenging economic times like these. Efforts include:
Mortgage modifications. Chase has been a leader in working with struggling mortgage customers, including opening 27 local centers where homeowners can talk to counselors face to face. Chase has approved the most trial mortgage modifications through the Making Home Affordable plan and has helped more than 725,000 families avoid foreclosure since 2007.
Managing credit cards. Earlier this month, Chase introduced Blueprint, an industry-leading initiative that makes it easier for Chase credit card customers to reduce balances and avoid interest charges.
Chase expects to implement these changes in the first quarter of 2010.
About Chase
Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking brand of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), which operates more than 5,100 branches and 14,000 ATMs nationally under the Chase and WaMu brands. Chase has about 152 million credit cards issued and serves consumers and small businesses through bank branches, ATMs and mortgage offices as well as through relationships with auto dealerships and schools and universities. It also serves 26,000 commercial banking clients, including corporations, municipalities, financial institutions and not-for-profit entities. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com.


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Date: Nov 24, 2017 | Time: 8:00 pm
Al Holliday and The East Side Rhythm Band at the Old Rock House. Doors open at 7pm. See website for ticket information.
For More Information:
Old Rock House | 314-588-0505 | Website
Old Rock House is a live music venue housed in a restored historic building and hosts over 200 concerts a year. Concert goers are able to enjoy the live music in a state of the art venue, have dinner prepared by an award winning chef, and sample a wide variety of adult beverages.
Directions: Located at the corner of Hickory and 7th streets, just west of Broadway in the LaSalle Neighborhood of the city of St. Louis, Missouri.


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Concerned atheist grandparent
Concerned atheist grandparent
I'm a 62 yo former medical service provider that has cruised through life with out any real concerns about God, religion or any of that. Then about 18 months ago I was discovered using some of the medications intended for my patients. Bad - bad decision on my part. I knew I was using to treat my pain (psychological) at first due to a divorce and loss of my parents, but later only because I was addicted. I promptly went into a 12 step program for 90 days. I was cured as far as the addiction was concerned and have not used since, however I was never able to swallow as the reason for my "cure" as being due to a higher power. Just did not pass the good sense test. I think I should declare now - I AM AN ATHEIST. So recently - about 3 weeks now - I've become aware of the possibility of "free thinking". I've devoured all the Free Thinking Atheist podcasts, the YouTube videos featuring Dawkins, Hitchens (RIP) et al. Now comes my dilemma - Thanksgiving. I'll be traveling to my son's home with his family. I've two grandchildren (8 and 11).It seems that they have become ensconced into a local Baptist church and have been actively brainwashing my two grandchildren.I might mention that they have also been homeschooling. This has all been quite shocking to me as my son was never raised with a religious indoctrination and he's a pretty intelligent guy. His wife on the other hand, I'm afraid is the prime mover behind all these changes. Now - knowing what I do, limited as it is, I am so concerned for my grandchildren as they do not have the capacity to discern what is real or not - after all my granddaughter still believes in Santa. So, I'm in a quandary as to how to broach the subject with my son. We have had a great relationship - not so the stepdaughter - and I certainly don't want to jeopardize this - but think I may have to.I'm hoping I can convince him to return his kids to public school and to reconsider the decision to indoctrinate his progeny to the dangers of religion. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Keep up the good work. I wish I had others I could discuss this with but there just isn't.
The following 1 user Likes sandman1818's post:1 user Likes sandman1818's post
Dom (21-11-2012)
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
I think a good way is to teach the kids critical thinking. Get them interested in Science and hopefully it will give them the tools to think for themselves and to think critically. It's my love of Science that actually got me to finally say that I am an atheist out loud and embrace it. This way you don't have to bring up religion if it's a hot point. Science will also teach them problem solving. Perhaps you can approach it that way. Just an idea.
The following 1 user Likes Sistanis's post:1 user Likes Sistanis's post
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
First off, way to go rehabbing yourself.
A private conversation is certainly appropriate. But before asking him to reconsider the childrens' schooling, try to see where he's at. If he expresses that he's going the Christian route only for his wife, see how you can help him find another way. If he's doing this because *he* wants it, tread carefully. Getting yourself alienated won't do any of you any good, and your grandkids might lose access to the only rational person in their sphere.
Grab a cuppa' joe; sit-n-read my blog for a spell: www.vaweber.wordpress.com
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
I hate to say this, but you can't. Nothing you can do will convince your son and his wife to allow you to intervene in what they believe is the correct way to raise their own kids.
I had the shoe on the other foot, atheist dad raising two kids with a baptist grandmother (my mom) who kept trying to convince me that I was raising my kids wrong. I didn't listen to a word of it. Her efforts pushed me away, to the point that I actually told her to keep her religion out of our lives - she was still welcome, but her religion was definitely not, and if she couldn't keep her mouth shut about religion, if she couldn't leave it home when she visited, then she was not welcome either.
That's the road you're headed down, I fear.
There's hope though.
Leave your grandkids out of it. Focus on your son, he's the chink in the armor. Talk to him privately. Not about his kids, he'll be too defensive. Not about his wife, he'll be too defensive. Just talk to him about the world, about philosophy, whatever. Have a relationship with him. But include theology (or the silliness thereof) as part of this relationship, as part of your discussions. Get him on your side about atheism if you can, but without raising his defenses by attacking his family or his family values.
Once he's on your side, he'll do the same thing with his wife. Once their both on board with atheism, their kids will be saved from the "dangers of religion".
It might not work. You might not get through to him, fully. Or she might rope him back in. My step brother was an atheist but he became Mormon when he fell in love with a Mormon girl - he changed his religion for her, married her, and had 3 kids, but he never believed, and whenever he tried to stop going to church or stop teaching Mormon beliefs to his kids she threatened to leave him and he always caved in to keep his family.
You might fail.
Or not.
But I'm about 99% certain that if you go after it from the angle of the kids, you'll raise their defenses and push them away too fast for you to get through to them.
"Whores perform the same function as priests, but far more thoroughly." - Robert A. Heinlein
The following 8 users Like Aseptic Skeptic's post:8 users Like Aseptic Skeptic's post
Percepticon (20-11-2012), Erxomai (20-11-2012), Chas (21-11-2012), sandman1818 (21-11-2012), DLJ (21-11-2012), morondog (21-11-2012), aurora (21-11-2012), Dark Light (23-11-2012)
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
I agree that you can't do anything about indoctrination if the mother is dead set on it. Maybe you could bring up the topic of the benefits of public schools, like social aspects, not necessarily exposure to other beliefs because they're probably trying to avoid that, or maybe you could do what my dad did when I was kid: buy the kids books on science and science kits and models of dinosaurs and hope they get interested in biology (to fight off creationism) and other aspects of science to promote curiosity and thinking, and maybe the kids will want to learn stuff on their own. But I still feel pessimistic about it. Mostly, you can only hope the kids figure stuff out on their own, but that doesn't happen as often as you might want it to.
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Chas (21-11-2012), Dom (21-11-2012)
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
Thank you all for your input and for not blowing any smoke up my ass - the reality is that it won't be easy to address and I must keep in mind that the message may not get through. The approaches offered were very helpful in focusing my thoughts especially regarding potential consequences.
I will focus on my son privately and delicately without expressing my worry for the kids right now, since as Aseptic Skeptic said, he is the chink in the religious armor since he was not indoctrinated as a child.
I think I'm about to find out that it's true what others have said - "It's not easy being an atheist" but I can't rationally think otherwise.
I'd like to discuss how things go and so I'll keep those folks who might be interested informed.
Thank you all again
The following 1 user Likes sandman1818's post:1 user Likes sandman1818's post
Dom (21-11-2012)
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
My suggestion is don't do anything.
That is not your role, and you would be risking a future relationship with your grandkids if your son's wife decides that you're not a suitable grandparent or a suitable influence to her kids.
Moreover, she could also use the drug thing as an excuse to keep you away.
They are not your children. You do not have a say-so in how they are raised. Any unwanted input will only be taken negatively.
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
Just a thought...
Kids, even very young ones, pick up non-verbal signals. They may not understand those signals yet. They are pieces of a puzzle that they will assemble over many years.
Something in your body posture, a slightly furrowed brow or a quizzically raised eyebrow at the mention of religion or the expounding of a preposterous belief... or a wink at the grand-kids when they look around the table while the grown-ups have their heads bowed while saying grace.
You never know.
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Percepticon (21-11-2012), GirlyMan (21-11-2012), Misanthropik (21-11-2012)
RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
I'm in an unfortunately similar situation, except that it's an adopted brother (a replacement for us kids who have long-since moved out) and I'm not 60. lol
What I've learned - both from the forum and from experience - is that the best you can do is influence from a distance. For example: while my parents respond to my brother's questions with answers; I respond to him with "How do you think that works?" I encourage him to come to the most logically-sound conclusions on his own - with a little direction, given his age. You and I both are in positions of admired authority - a grandparent and an older brother - and as such, our words can have a great deal of impact. If those words are based upon sound logic and clear reasoning, it's very likely that one day our younger ones will be coming to us when in need of advice that "makes sense", as opposed to advice from mom and/or dad, who once told them that Santa was real.
Through profound pain comes profound knowledge.
Ridi, Pagliaccio, sul tuo amore infranto! Ridi del duol, che t'avvelena il cor!
The following 2 users Like Misanthropik's post:2 users Like Misanthropik's post
Percepticon (21-11-2012), amyb (21-11-2012)
Re: RE: Concerned atheist grandparent
(20-11-2012 07:03 PM)Aseptic Skeptic Wrote: My step brother was an atheist but he became Mormon when he fell in love with a Mormon girl - he changed his religion for her, married her, and had 3 kids, but he never believed, and whenever he tried to stop going to church or stop teaching Mormon beliefs to his kids she threatened to leave him and he always caved in to keep his family.
That's why I will never enter into a long term relationship with a religious person. They are inherently irrational and will pull crazy shit like that - they are more in love with their invisible friend than their real friends and family.
I also have a strict "don't stick your dick in crazy" policy and Moronism definitely qualifies as crazy IMO.
OP: I would show them you're the bigger person and don't try to interfere with how they raise their kids. It's less and less likely that they will hold their parents' delusions beyond childhood - access to information via the internet and otherwise has led to an increasing trend away from religious superstition. Trying to force the issue will only drive a wedge between you and cause your son and his wife to try to fill their kids' heads with nonsense even more fervently. If the kids ask you a question, respond accurately and honestly - don't play along with their bullshit - but leave it at that, answering kids' curiosity.
Better without God, and happier too.
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Nic Cage Meeting Wax Nic Cage Should Be a Nic Cage Movie [VIDEO]
Whether he's reciting the lyrics to popular songs, or confronting naked, Fudgesicle-wiedling burglars, Nic Cage always keeps things interesting.
And things were interesting indeed when the Oscar-winning actor meet his wax doppelganger at Paris's Musee Grevin museum.
As you can see, Cage reacted to the almost perfect replica of himself with his signature look of befuddlement. Speaking to the press about the encounter, he explained that his emotions ranged from fear to delight, and said that he can't look at his wax twin for too long because he becomes afraid it is going to turn and say something to him. Really, would you expect Cage to react any differently?
All in all, Cage seemed highly entertained by the figurine, which was actually a bit taller than him because it had been outfitted with a pair of strongly-heeled cowboy boots. Maybe Cage and the statue can star in a 'Face Off' sequel, which would just be a movie about two Nic Cages. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
[via Huffington Post]