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Mercedes-Benz has released its latest flagship model, the all-new S Class (W222). Every iteration of the S Class brings with it a fearsome task of living up to the best car in the world tag that many, including Mercedes themselves, expect it to reach.
Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said this at the car's launch: "Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.â€
At launch the S Class comes with the choice of four engines, all of which meet the latest Euro 6 emission standards:
- S 400 HYBRID (225kW/370Nm 3498cc V6 + 20kW/250Nm electric motor)
- S 500 (335kW/700Nm 4663cc V8 twin turbo)
- S 350 BlueTEC (190kW/600Nm 2687cc V6 turbo diesel)
- S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID (150kW/500Nm 2143cc 4 cylinder diesel + 20kW/250Nm electric motor)
An S 500 plug-in hybrid will follow with the promise of a sub 4.0l/100km fuel consumption rating.
As you'd expect the S Class is chock full of driver aids and electronic gubbins. There's too many to mention, but a few highlights include: 'Road surface scan' suspension, which reads the road ahead for bumps and prepares the suspension accordingly; 'First class rear' seating; two large high-res TFT displays, one for the dash cluster, the other for navigation and infotainment; climate control with an 'active perfuming system'; and the S Class is the first car in the world to feature full LED lighting throughout.
Most of all, though, for a large luxury saloon the latest S Class looks quite good. Its proportions are sound and aside from the large front grille we think Mercedes has penned a stylish, if subdued, S Class that the dictators of the world will gladly continue to call their own.
There's much more to learn about the S Class and you can get a good introduction with the videos, pictures and press material after the break. If you really want to get to know the new S Class then make sure you download the full press kit which has over 100 pages of information.
The New Mercedes-Benz S-Class – The Aspiration: the Best Automobile in the World
Stuttgart/Hamburg. May 16 2013 – With the three engineering priorities "Intelligent Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of Luxury", the new S-Class extends the boundaries of technology on many levels. The S-Class is not just a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz but for automotive development as a whole.
As with every generation before it, the customers expect the new S-Class to set standards across the board to retain its accolade as "the best automobile in the world". Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars:
"Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class."
Perfection to the last detail results in "The Essence of Luxury". This pursuit of the best is particularly noticeable in the interior: whether it is the seats or the air conditioning, the controls or the design, the infotainment or the comfort and safety in the rear – new ideas, their painstaking realisation, and highest perceived quality underpin the high standards that the engineers have set for the Mercedes-Benz flagship model – and for themselves.
The same applies to safety. What started with PRE-SAFE® ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS has now resulted in a new dimension of motoring: comfort and safety are merged into one. Mercedes-Benz refers to this as "Intelligent Drive". A whole host of new systems makes the new S-Class even more comfortable and even safer.
The S-Class is so efficient that it almost sounds utopian: within ten years Mercedes-Benz, by realising "Efficient Technology", has almost halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category to 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres, for example, while the drag coefficient of the new S-Class (cd=0.24) clearly undercuts the previous model's figure and sets a new benchmark in this segment. The S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is set to go even lower still with a cd figure of 0.23 thanks to additional aerodynamic optimisation measures. Furthermore, the new model is the world's first car to dispense entirely with light bulbs in favour of LEDs, pointing the way ahead once again.
Design: a modern sense of status and sensual shapes
People all over the world can recognise a Mercedes-Benz straight away. The classic Mercedes face runs like a golden thread through the brand's history.
"The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars – intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon," says design chief Gorden Wagener.
To underline the effortless superiority of the new S-Class, and its ambition to lead, the radiator grille is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. With its long bonnet, the flowing, domed roof line and the gently slanting rear end, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space have been fashioned in such a way that the S-Class appears prestigious, and the powerful roof line is also in keeping with the car's sporty coupé-style intentions.
A character line descending discreetly from front to rear – the brand's hallmark "Dropping Line" – elegantly structures the side wall and generates additional dynamism even when the car is at a standstill. The subtly created convex-concave effect of the entire flank gives rise to an extremely powerful and elongated car body that demonstrates both excitement and calm. The pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car's athletic character.
The positively exaggerated surfaces and lines of the side wall on the new S-Class generate excitement as they flow into the rear end. As well as being elegant, the slightly slanting form has aerodynamic advantages. Horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper emphasise the car's width when viewed from the rear. The hallmark signature of the Mercedes-Benz designers can also be seen in the rear windscreen, which cuts into the C-pillars. The upper area of the glass is rounded, lending it a coupé-like character. The real highlights are the new-style tail lights which are completely encased by the car body and, thanks to this solitarily integrated styling and meticulously crafted inner workings, complete the design right down to the last detail.
LED technology: the first ever car without a single light bulb
100 years or so after the introduction of electric lighting in motor vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is now making a complete switch to LED technology – the new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world whose interior and exterior do without a single light bulb, and sees Mercedes-Benz building on its pioneering role in the lighting sector. The lighting's multi-level functionality is another world first: out of consideration for any road users behind, the intensity of the brake lights is reduced at night or while waiting at traffic lights, for example. Almost 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior and the boot. Depending on equipment, these include:
- Headlamps: each with up to 56 LEDs
- Tail lights: each with up to 35 LEDs (plus 4 for the rear fog lamp)
- Interior (including ambient lighting): approx. 300 LEDs
Visibility is enhanced by two assistance systems that have undergone some key improvements – Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. Thanks to a new stereo camera and multistage radar sensors, the S-Class has 360-degree all-round vision and detects potential dangers on the road better.
Drive system: class-leading efficiency in every output category
In its first year the new S-Class line-up features two hybrid versions, a petrol model and a diesel variant: S 400 HYBRID, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. All models boast class-leading efficiency and up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series. All the engines already meet the requirements of the Euro-6 emissions standard. In addition to this, the S 400 HYBRID and S 350 BlueTEC meet the strict criteria of efficiency class A, while the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even has an A+ rating.
"The new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions figures that only a few years ago seemed utopian, even for executive cars," says Prof. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "And this is just the start of our 'Green Leadership' initiative: soon to be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID – the first S-Class with a fuel consumption lower than four litres per 100 kilometres." The S-Class line-up therefore includes the full range from petrol and diesel models to petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids for the first time.
Model data at a glance:
Model | S 400 HYBRID | S 500 | S 350 BlueTEC | S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID |
Number of cylinders/arrangement | 6/V | 8/V | 6/V | 4/inline |
Displacement (cc) | 3498 | 4663 | 2687 | 2143 |
Rated output (kW at rpm) | 225 at 6500 | 335 at 5250 | 190 at 3600 | 150 at 4200 |
Rated output of electric motor (kW) | 20 | – | – | 20 |
Rated torque (Nm at rpm) | 370 at 3500–5250 | 700 at 1800–3500 | 620 at 1600–2400 | 500 at 1600–1800 |
Rated torque of electric motor (Nm) | 250 | – | – | 250 |
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km) | 6.3 | 8.6 | 5.5/5.6* | 4.4 |
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km) | 147 | 199 | 146/148* | 115 |
Efficiency class | A | D | A | A+ |
Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | 6.8 | 4.8 | 6.8 | 7.6 |
Top speed (km/h) | 250 | 250 | 250 | 240 |
* Figures for short/long wheelbase
Suspension: the world's first suspension with "eyes"
The new S-Class is the world's first car to be able to detect bumps on the road ahead. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such unevenness by means of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL instantaneously sets up the suspension to deal with the new situation. This innovative suspension system is available as an option for the eight-cylinder models. Standard equipment for the new S-Class includes the continuously operating Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and an enhanced version of the full air suspension system AIRMATIC.
Interior: visual breadth and calm solidity
With its clear architecture, the interior design of the S-Class embodies a classic, superior, cutting-edge saloon. The interior's expressive character derives from a uniquely fluid, sensuously elegant style. Horizontal elements and lines create a setting characterised by visual breadth and calm solidity. High quality and elegance harmonise with clarity and functionality: the interior design of the S-Class combines ride comfort, spaciousness and user-friendliness to the very highest standard.
The perfectly coordinated use of materials and colours produces an exclusive interior seemingly cast from a single mould. There is generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in three colour shades to suit the interior colour particularly highlight the outstanding quality.
Passengers in the rear are also seated in first-class – the design and exclusivity of the seats, door panels and all controls are to the same, high standard as the front. As an additional individualisation feature, the "First Class Rear" incorporates a Business centre console combining personal comfort with practical convenience (integration of a telephone handset, additional stowage compartments, folding table, etc.).
Concept: the best for both worlds
For the first time in the history of the S-Class, the development focus was on the long-wheelbase Saloon. Unlike before, the short-wheelbase version was derived from this. This is because the S-Class is not only firmly positioned as a prestige saloon in the large overseas markets such as the USA, China or Japan. Whereas in Europe and North America owners of an S-Class are frequently behind the wheel themselves, the flagship model in the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car portfolio is very definitely a chauffeur-driven vehicle in Asia. The logical consequence is the number of new features specifically related to comfort and safety in the rear – in the S-Class, there is no doubt that passengers in the rear are also seated in first class.
The occupants of the new S-Class benefit from the moderate increase in vehicle size by an improvement in all the interior dimensions: there are 12 millimetres of extra headroom for the driver, as well as 14 millimetres more shoulder room and 10 millimetres more elbow room in the front. Thanks to the 14-millimetre increase in rear kneeroom, travel becomes even more comfortable for passengers in the rear. Shoulder room in the rear has been improved by up to nine millimetres.
Control and display concept: elegant new command centre
Two high-resolution TFT colour displays in 8:3 format with a screen diagonal of 30.7 cm (12.3 inches) form the new information centre in the S-Class. The left-hand display performs the functions of the previous instrument cluster, providing the driver with all relevant information. The right-hand display allows the convenient control of infotainment and comfort functions. For the new S-Class, the constantly increasing need to integrate additional functions into the vehicle led to a further development of the entire operating logic.
Here ergonomics, operating convenience and safety along with attractiveness and aesthetics were the main considerations.
The aim in designing the control and display features was to group controls and display functions together in a coherent manner in terms of both design and functionality. Apart from the new displays, the metallised switch surfaces and solid aluminium controls are visual highlights of particularly high quality. Thanks to the fine structuring on the metal surfaces, each individual control has the sound, feel and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes-Benz so special.
The new control features include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and an extended favourites function with twelve freely selectable memory places. The principal control element is the rotary pushbutton, with the usual direct access keys in the centre console for the most important functions and a toolbar for the driving assistance systems.
Voice entry using LINGUATRONIC via the Speech Dialog System allows complete addresses to be spoken in one go, for example (one-shot input). The telephone and audio systems can also be voice-controlled. The option of having text messages (SMS) or emails read out is a new feature.
Climate control: a wealth of new features for a pleasant atmosphere
During the systematic further development of the entire climate control system, a particular focus was placed on the development goals of performance, air quality, precise regulation, noise level and efficiency.
As a new feature, the AIR-BALANCE package comprises perfume atomisation, ionisation and even more efficient filtration compared with the standard model. The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control in the rear has two additional zones to improve thermal comfort. Electric heating of the armrests is a completely new feature.
As a world first, the new S-Class Saloon has an "active perfuming system" as part of the AIR-BALANCE package. 'Active' means that the perfuming system is switched on and off manually, with manual adjustment of the intensity. The perfume atomisation system individualises the smell of the vehicle interior.
It neither changes the interior smell permanently, nor are perfume molecules deposited on fabric surfaces or clothing. The fragrance is discreet and mild, and dissipates rapidly.
Seats: mobile office and centre of wellbeing
With numerous world firsts such as the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle or active seat ventilation with reversing fans, Mercedes-Benz has raised seating and climatic comfort in the S-Class to a new level. The seat developers have paid particular attention to the rear seats. There is a choice of five different rear seat variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle adjustable by up to 43.5 degrees, allowing occupants in the rear to concentrate on work or relax in comfort.
The ENERGIZING massage function on the hot-stone principle is a world first. The seat specialists at Mercedes-Benz have developed a unique massage function with 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest, as well as an integrated warming function. There is a choice of six massage programmes, two of them using the warming function. The function is also available for the rear seats.
For the first time, so-called reversing fans are used in the active seat ventilation system. When the ventilation function starts, cooler surrounding air is first drawn onto the seat surface. This enables the surface temperature of a heated-up seat to be reduced much faster than with the previous active cooling systems. After four minutes the fans are automatically switched to blower mode to reduce draughts.
Two rear seat variants (static bench seat or individual seats with 37-degree adjustment) are available for the standard-wheelbase S-Class, and no less than five for the long-wheelbase version. The adjustment kinematics have been changed in the luxury and reclining seat variants. Unlike the conventional trailing backrest design, the backrest is adjusted separately so that the legroom and seat reference point remain unchanged. The cushion can be separately adjusted for angle and horizontal position.
The maximum backrest angle of the Executive seat (reclining seat) behind the front passenger seat is increased from 37 to 43.5 degrees, giving it the largest backrest inclination in the luxury segment. The reclining seat features a calf support which is freely adjustable for length and angle. In combination with the heel rest on the folding chauffeur seat at the front and an additional comfort cushion, this allows a reclined position that sets new standards in the automotive sector with respect to sleeping and resting comfort.
If the "First Class Rear" is specified (with rear centre console), the front console on the transmission tunnel is visually continued to the rear. It is equipped with innovative thermo-cup holders which use Peltier technology to cool or warm drinks over a longer period of time. Like an aircraft seat, the centre console is available with two tables which can be easily folded in or out using one hand.
Multimedia features: mobile concert hall
A completely new multimedia generation with intuitive operation and particularly tangible functions thanks to visualisation and animations celebrates its debut in the S-Class. Other innovations include the multi-user system, which allows independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any seat.
The innovative Frontbass system developed by Mercedes-Benz‑and used for the first time in a saloon car is a feature common to all the audio systems: the woofers are housed in the firewall, and use the almost 40-litre space in the cross-member and side member as a resonance chamber. Conventional woofers in the doors are therefore unnecessary. The mid-range speakers in the doors are relocated upwards. This improves the soundscape and allows additional stowage space in the doors.
As alternatives to the standard sound system with ten loudspeakers, two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: the Burmester® Surround Sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D‑Surround Sound system.
The interactive presentation of content is a prominent new feature of the navigation function. The new navitainment functions include an animated compass, the "Driveshow" for passenger information as in an aircraft, and the display of Google Maps on the head unit and in the rear. Information on the traffic situation is shown with hatched lines (rather than with vehicle silhouettes as before). With the new Live Traffic Information service, traffic data is transmitted in real time. As a result, the navigation system is better informed about the situation on the roads.
Body: maximum stability and high-quality lightweight design
A high level of crash safety, outstanding rigidity for excellent handling with extremely low levels of noise and vibration. These were the aims when developing the bodyshell for the new S-Class – a third-generation aluminium hybrid bodyshell. The lightweight index – the torsional stiffness in relation to weight and vehicle size – has been improved by 50 percent compared to the predecessor model.
Since the 220 model series was developed in the 1990s, with an optimally coordinated materials mix the hybrid lightweight construction has been further developed into an aluminium hybrid bodyshell. During this period the share of aluminium has increased to more than 50 percent. It has therefore been possible to maintain practically the same body weight for 20 years and even slightly reduce it, despite far more stringent comfort and safety requirements and additional functions. In addition to this, structural foams are used at specific points in node areas in the new model series. The entire outer skin of the S-Class, including the roof and the front section of the body, consists of aluminium. The high percentage of aluminium is possible thanks to the use of a complete range of semi-finished products (casting, extrusion, sheet metal). The safety passenger cell is made using an extremely high percentage of high-strength steel.
This lightweight design by material and geometrical optimisation coupled with highly complex joining technology allows the new S-Class to further raise the bar in the demanding luxury saloon segment – without adding weight.
With a torsional stiffness of 40.5 kN/degree (predecessor: 27.5 kN/degree), the S-Class achieves a new record in its segment.
Extended PRE-SAFE® protection: prevention is better than cure
Ten years ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a groundbreaking safety concept in the S-Class in the form of the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, which has been undergoing continuous refinement ever since. Now, the safety pioneer is increasing protection levels once again.
The new PRE-SAFE® functions can help to prevent collisions with pedestrians and vehicles in front in city traffic, defuse dangerous situations caused by traffic behind and enhance the protection offered by the seat belts.
The PRE-SAFE® Brake can also detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a collision at speeds up to 50 km/h.
PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision and warn the following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a high frequency. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the stationary vehicle's brakes and thus minimise the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by the impact. This additionally can reduce the risk of secondary accidents. Immediately before impact, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection measures, especially the reversible belt tensioners, are deployed.
With PRE-SAFE® Impulse, the driver and front passenger are pulled away from the direction of impact by their seat belts at an early phase of the crash before the resulting occupant deceleration sets in. This can substantially reduce the risk and severity of injuries in a frontal collision.
Setting the standard for safety in the rear: new features in the S-Class
Mercedes-Benz has extended the safety system for rear seat passengers further with the seat belt buckle extender, the beltbag and the cushionbag. The first two of these developments are included in the "PRE-SAFE® rear package". With the illuminated seat belt buckle extender, an electric motor extends and retracts the belt buckle automatically. In this way, any belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax can be reduced so that passengers are secured more firmly in both the sideways and the lengthways direction.
The beltbag is an inflatable seat-belt strap that is able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain placed on the ribcage. The reclining seat is equipped with a cushionbag under the seat cushion upholstery as standard. When the seat is reclined, it prevents the occupant from sliding beneath the seat belt (so-called submarining) in an accident. This has enabled Mercedes-Benz to design a comfortable reclining seat which provides a higher level of accident safety than a seat with a trailing backrest.
Intelligent Drive: networked with all senses
Avoid accidents and mitigate their consequences – this is the integrated approach adopted by Mercedes-Benz Accident Research under the heading "Real Life Safety". Mercedes-Benz is systematically pursuing this strategy in the S-Class with numerous new assistance systems and greatly enhanced functions. Comfort and safety are enhanced at the same time. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive". The new functions all rely on the same sensor system, comprising a new stereo camera together with multistage radar sensors.
"Intelligent assistance systems analyse complex situations and better recognise potential dangers out on the road with the aid of improved environment sensor systems," explains Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Figuratively speaking, the new S-Class doesn't just have eyes at the front, it has 360-degree all-round vision."
A key factor is the networking of all systems, which safety experts call "sensor fusion". The aim is to ensure comprehensive protection, not just for the occupants of a Mercedes-Benz, but for all other road users, too.
The support functions range from relieving the burden on the driver and therefore increasing comfort, to issuing visual, acoustic and/or tactile warning signals, to boosting the driver's reactions. Some systems are even able to take corrective action in an emergency, such as autonomous application of the brakes to prevent an accident or lessen its severity. Here is a summary of the new assistance systems and those with notably enhanced functionality:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot takes the burden off the driver when it comes to lane guidance and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic jams automatically.
- For the first time, thanks to the stereo camera the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians too, and to boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.
- If the lane markings are broken lines, Active Lane Keeping Assist can detect when the adjacent lane is occupied, especially by oncoming traffic, and reduce the risk of the vehicle leaving its lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the beams' cone of light.
- Night View Assist Plus was further improved and supplemented by a thermal imaging camera. Night View Assist Plus can alert the driver to the potential danger posed by pedestrians or animals in unlit areas in front of the vehicle by automatically switching from the speedometer to a crystal-sharp night view image and highlighting the sources of danger. A spotlight function is furthermore able to flash any pedestrians detected ahead. This attracts the driver's attention to the source of the danger at the same time as warning the person on the side of the road.
- ATTENTION ASSIST can warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness in an extended speed range and notify the driver of their current state of fatigue and the driving time since the last break, offers an adjustable sensitivity setting and, if a warning is emitted, indicates nearby service areas in the COMAND navigation system.
* Length/width/height short-wheelbase version: 5116/1899/1483, wheelbase 3035 mm
Length/width/height long-wheelbase version: 5246/1899/1483, wheelbase 3165 mm
- The new Mercedes-Benz S Class press kit (850kb PDF)
- The new Mercedes-Benz S Class technical data (65kb PDF)


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WASHINGTON – Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) today called for countries with simmering inter-ethnic tensions to more closely adhere to principles of the Helsinki process to prevent regional conflicts and outright wars.
At a Commission hearing "Mitigating Inter-Ethnic Conflict in the OSCE Region," Chairman Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) said, "A greater commitment to OSCE principles and greater political will from all stakeholders would bring about more acceptable resolutions to each conflict situation." (See photos here.)
Chairman Cardin said that, with proper democratic processes in place and respected, he saw no inherent contradiction between Principle IV and Principle VIII of the Helsinki Final Act which provide for, respectively, respect for territorial integrity and the right to self-determination.
Featuring witnesses who have worked on these issues for the OSCE, the United Nations, and the European Union, the hearing underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in mitigating interethnic conflict.
Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, who prepared the European Commission-sponsored report on the Russia-Georgia war, testified on the negative role mass conferral of Russian citizenship had on developments in South Ossetia and in Abkhazia. After the hearing, Co-Chairman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) expressed concern with statements by some Hungarian leaders to extend Hungarian citizenship to large numbers of non-Hungarian nationals.
"Some other OSCE participating States have gone down this path – sometimes leading to or at least contributing to violent outcomes," Co-Chairman Hastings said.
This July will mark the 15th anniversary of the genocide which occurred at Srebrenica in Bosnia, where Serb militants trapped and slaughtered 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in what had been a UN-declared safe haven.
"While we insist on bringing those responsible like Ratko Mladic to justice, we must also acknowledge our own burden of having failed to intervene to stop him and his murderous minions," Cardin said. "If we do not learn from this mistake, human rights violations, ethnic conflicts and possibly even acts of genocide will continue to occur."
Witnesses included Tagliavini, Ambassador and Under Secretary of State of Switzerland; Peter Semneby, European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus; and Soren Jessen-Peterson, former United Nations Head of Mission in Kosovo and former EU Special Representative in Macedonia.
The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek was unable to participate in this hearing, but met with Chairman Cardin in March and discussed the "Bolzano/Bolzen Recommendations on National Minorities in Inter-State Relations." The 19 guidelines provide greater clarity on how states can pursue their interests with regard to minorities without jeopardizing peace and good neighborly relations. Chairman Cardin urged that the guidelines be used as a foundation for the OSCE's efforts in this area.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Hello again Alumni! The weather is heating up and people are starting to break out the sandals and shorts. That means reunion season is just around the corner, giving you a chance to reunite with old friends. Check the site today for information about your class reunion! If your class reunion is planned for this year, be sure to use our helpful reunion planning features on the site. Scroll down to read more and hopefully you have a great reunion this year!


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Racechip GTS Black Chip Tuning Module
BMW 7 Series F01 F02 F03 F04 750d -15 381Hp RaceChip GTS Black Tuning Box +57Hp*
Vehicle Standard Power - (381Hp/280Kw/740Nm)Racechip Estimated Power Gains - +57Hp/+42Kw/+143NM*Racechip Tuned Power - (438Hp/322Kw/883Nm)*
The Racechip GTS Black is the best of its kind for high performance cars. Racechip tuning products always have the latest hardware currently in the chip-tuning industry, The Racechip GTS Black is coupled with engine-specific software and easy fine tuning adjustments. The RaceChip GTS Black comes to you with the right map for the engine in your car. You can also choose from 7 fine tuning maps via the electronic buttons on the front side in order for the chip to gradually better fit the engine's performance and characteristics.
Racechip GTS Black Hardware
The software in the Racechip GTS Black is specially designed for your vehicle to optimise your engine's electronic signals. This provides a significant boost to your horsepower and torque within the available power reserves. You'll feel the added power, dynamics and drive. (Please note power figures are estimated by extensive research carried out by Racechip Germany and are a guide possible achievable outputs)
With the Racechip GTS Black, you can increase power while also saving fuel and money. Up to 1Ltr less fuel per 60 Miles is possible. Torque optimisation is the key to this simple equation: more torque = earlier upshifting = less fuel consumption = lower costs. (Please note fuel saving figures are estimated by extensive research carried out by Racechip Germany and are a guide for possible achievable outputs)
We use premium components in all our products including the Racechip GTS Black. The complete circuit board has a nano-coating. The processor was specially designed for operating conditions in a car. The housing is heat-resistant, and the connection is made with a professional FCI plug. The Racechip GTS Black is a high-quality product, which is why we offer a 5-year product warranty.
2-year engine warranty
You don't have to be an expert to install a Racechip. The installation usually takes around 15-20 minutes and you don't need any specialist knowledge or tools. If you want to reset your car to factory condition, you can do so by removing the performance chip. (Please note some vehicles have sensor which may require an extra pair of mechanically minded hands to help with fitment)
*Please note: The majority of RaceChips are processed straight away, but occasionally some applications have to be special ordered which can usually take up to 5 working days. If there will be any delays in your order you will be informed within 24 hours.
*Buyer is 100% liable for checking fitment and purchasing the correct Racechip. As you can understand we assume you will know your own car better than us, Haz Motorsport will not be held liable if the wrong response control is purchased.
*Haz Motorsport Limited will not be held liable for any damages, repairs, losses and claims held or incurred by the consumer/buyer regards to any Racechip product or any vehicle the product is installed on. The Buyer acquires and accepts all responsibility when purchasing any Racechip products and agrees to all terms and conditions of this sale.
Distributed By Haz Motorsport


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Mr. Woodstock: "Yeah, I smoked a few joints out in my car before coming up here."
Dr. Grumpy: "Why did you do that?"
Mr. Woodstock: "I was really nervous about coming in today."
Dr. Grumpy: "Why were you nervous? You've been here before."
Mr. Woodstock: "Oh, not about that. I've been drinking scotch all morning, and didn't want you to notice I was drunk when I came in. I've never been drunk to a doctor visit before, so I smoked some weed to calm down, because I didn't want you to think I'd been drinking."


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Lunestre dragons are unique little creatures. Though they share the same skills as other dragons, they hardly resemble them. These companions are small, fragile, and shy. If not for their magical powers, it is unlikely they would be stronger than a common butterfly. While non-magical butterflies are often devoured by owls and the like, lunestre dragons fend off enemies by breathing fire. These flames are incredibly hot, and some very interesting uses have been found for them. A few students discovered that unlike large dragons, lunestre dragons could direct their flames very carefully, aiming at one specific area. This process melts metal rapidly and is much more effective than a forge. As for the dragons, they enjoy helping their magi and are always eager to help. These activities generally take place during night, though, as these companions are nocturnal. Lunestre dragons hide away and sleep during the day, but appear at dusk, snatching up insects as meals and flying very high up. No one is quite sure why lunestre dragons love to try and fly above the clouds, though there are many theories. Some wilder ideas claim these companions are from the stars, and try to follow light to make their way back. Though this seems a bit ludicrous, these creatures are strong fliers, and often fly farther than most would think possible. They rely on magic to keep them airborne, as strong winds would buffet them about otherwise.
The shell of this bright green egg has a tiny, pretty design on it.
These hatchings are usually found in the gardens or conservatories, munching leaves. Unlike most younglings, lunestre dragon hatchlings are not particularly social, and prefer to concentrate on finding their next meal. A handful of leaves placed near a lunestre dragon hatchling is enough to ensure their friendship and keep them stationary for hours. If one is looking for their little companion, it's best to start looking near leaves that have been nibbled upon, as these creatures are most likely nearby.
A fully grown lunestre dragon is not much larger than a hand span, which may fool some people into believing they are weak. Although they appear to be pretty and delicate, these companions rely upon their magic to give them strength. A lunestre dragon can travel alongside their magi for hours before needing rest, and when they do, they just settle down on a cloak. They also possess keen eyesight, and are able to pick up heat in the dark. As hatchlings, these companions move little and eat lots. Once they have grown into adults, though, they are much more active, eager to try out their new wings. Then they are excited and begin hoarding things, and flit around The Keep while looking for trinkets to steal. Like other dragons, these tiny beasts love to hoard things. Although they do not create nests, lunestre dragons have found a unique way to secure their treasures. In the top of trees one can sometimes catch a glimpse of something shining, something metallic. A closer inspection will show it is a small hoard, comprised of whatever tidbits catch a lunestre dragon's fancy. These objects usually include pretty rings and beads, and the occasional bit of shiny cloth. The dragon hangs them in trees with bits of string, and carefully look over their prizes. Anyone trying to retrieve these items first has to climb high up on very slender branches, and then fight off an angry little dragon. Although they are small and slender, these beasts can call upon flame like their larger brethren, and snap at them with sharp teeth.
Obtained from: Shop, Remy's Inn: 9000 gold
Breeding: Yes
Renaming cost: 200 gold
Release date: April 26th 2012
Element: Fire
Breeds with the following:
Swallowtail Lunestre Dragon + Birdwing Lunestre Dragon = Birdwing Lunestre Dragon (Hard)
Swallowtail Lunestre Dragon + Birdwing Lunestre Dragon = Swallowtail Lunestre Dragon (Hard)
Monarch Lunestre Dragon + Birdwing Lunestre Dragon = Monarch Lunestre Dragon (Hard)
Monarch Lunestre Dragon + Birdwing Lunestre Dragon = Birdwing Lunestre Dragon (Hard)
Birdwing Lunestre Dragon + Birdwing Lunestre Dragon = Birdwing Lunestre Dragon (Hard)
Sprite art: Umbreonage/Lazuli/DarrkestDrow | Description: Damien | Side art: GlassWalker


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From its humble beginnings, Melissa & Doug™ has grown into a company that provides families with safe and unique children's toys. In 1988, too nervous to ask Melissa to marry him, Doug asked Melissa to start a business with him. In the garage of Doug's parents' house, Doug and Melissa created their first wooden toy: the Fuzzy Farm puzzle.
Since then the company has moved into an office building and expanded the sales team. However, its philosophy has remained the same: to make each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug family, while offering products with tremendous value, quality and design.
The line offers over 2,000 innovative products for children of all ages. From arts and crafts to stuffed animals and toys, the company has something for everyone.


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Special Feature
Meet the flyweights of the UFC...
With Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson leading the way and fighting for the first 125-pound title in UFC history in the co-main event of UFC 152 in Toronto on September 22nd, it's about time to take a closer look at the flyweight division that has earned nothing but kudos from fans and pundits since its Octagon arrival in March. So here's your flyweight cheat sheet.
Joseph Benavidez
Next Fight – UFC 152 vs. Demetrious Johnson
Previously one of the top bantamweights in the world, Joseph Benavidez is now looking to nab UFC gold at 125 pounds. Winner of eight of 10 Zuffa bouts (WEC and UFC) with his only losses coming via close decision to 135-pound boss Dominick Cruz, Benavidez has defeated the likes of Eddie Wineland, Miguel Angel Torres, Rani Yahya, and Jeff Curran. Now after his flyweight debut knockout of Yasuhiro Urushitani, he is one win over Demetrious Johnson away from becoming the UFC's first ever flyweight champ.
Chris Cariaso
Next Fight – TBA
Chris Cariaso made the move 10 pounds south the only way you want to – off a two fight winning streak. And after defeating Vaughan Lee and Takeya Mizugaki at bantamweight, "Kamikaze" Chris made his flyweight debut in style in July, looking sharp in a three round unanimous decision win over Josh Ferguson. Perhaps the most technically sound striker at 125 pounds, Cariaso will be a handful for anyone in the division.
John Dodson
Next Fight – UFC on FX 5 vs. Jussier Formiga
John Dodson has made quite the impression in just two UFC bouts, winning season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter at bantamweight with a first round knockout of TJ Dillashaw last December, and then engaging in an entertaining brawl in his return to flyweight against Tim Elliott in May, a bout he won via unanimous decision. Charismatic and full of energy, Dodson will get a stern test in his next outing against Jussier Formiga in October, but with his record already containing the aforementioned names, plus John Moraga, Yasuhiro Urushitani, and Mike Easton, "The Magician" is not accustomed to ducking anyone.
Tim Elliott
Next Fight – TBA
Missouri's Tim Elliot began his career at 0-2-1, and things weren't looking too bright. But then the scrappy southpaw ran off eight consecutive wins, including a knockout of Jens Pulver in 2011 to earn a call from the UFC. His win streak was snapped in a decision loss to John Dodson in May, but his action-packed style, good wrestling, and knockout power have guaranteed him a return to the Octagon, something sure to be welcomed by fight fans.
Jussier Formiga
Next Fight – UFC on FX 5 vs. John Dodson
Before the UFC launched its flyweight division and before Ian McCall handed him the lone loss of his pro career in February of 2011, Brazil's Jussier Formiga was considered to be the gold standard for 125-pound mixed martial artists. And despite the decision loss to McCall, Formiga's subsequent five fight winning streak left little doubt that the best flyweight not signed by the UFC was 27-year old from Natal. Well, now he's here, and when he meets John Dodson in October, get ready for one of the most important non-title flyweight bouts of 2012.
Louis Gaudinot
Next Fight – TBA
A competitor on season 14 of The Ultimate Fighter, Louis Gaudinot first caught everyone's attention with his bright green hair, but after returning to the flyweight division in May of 2012 and winning Fight of the Night for his three round victory over Brazil's John Lineker, there's even more to look at from this rising 125-pound star.
Ulysses Gomez
Next Fight – TBA
Grappling wizard Ulysses Gomez may have lost his UFC debut to John Moraga earlier this month, but the Las Vegas veteran is likely to come back with a fury once he's returned to the Octagon for fight number two. 9-3 as a pro, the 29-year old still has plenty to offer to the division, and if he gets you to the mat, you're going to be in trouble.
Phil Harris
Next Fight – UFC on FX 5 vs. Darren Uyenoyama
England's Phil "Billy" Harris is one of the division's most seasoned vets, compiling a 21-9, 1 NC record in a career that began in 2003. Bringing a five fight winning streak into his October meeting with Darren Uyenoyama, Harris – who lost a 2005 bout to current featherweight champ Jose Aldo – should make things interesting in the wide-open weight class.
Demetrious Johnson
Next Fight – UFC 152 vs. Joseph Benavidez
A 5-foot-3 ball of energy that tore through the bantamweight division of the WEC and UFC, Demetrious Johnson soared to the number one contender's spot in 2011 with UFC wins over "Kid" Yamamoto and Miguel Angel Torres. And though he lost a tough five rounder against Dominick Cruz in his title fight last October, the flyweight division allows "Mighty Mouse" to compete on a level playing field against fighters closer to his natural weight, and he showed off his talents in two fights with Ian McCall that saw him battle to a draw and then score a three round victory against "Uncle Creepy." Now he faces Benavidez for the vacant 125-pound crown next month.
John Lineker
Next Fight – UFC on FUEL TV 6 vs. Yasuhiro Urushitani
22-year old John Lineker has more fights (25) than he's had years on this Earth, so his UFC debut in May was hotly-anticipated by MMA fans. He didn't disappoint either, as he went toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow with Louis Gaudinot before getting submitted late in the second round. The bout earned the Brazilian Fight of the Night honors, and his match with Japanese veteran Yasuhiro Urushitani in China later this year (a fight originally on the ill-fated UFC 151 event) could very well produce the same result for the third youngest fighter in the organization.
Ian McCall
Next Fight – TBA
Considered by many to be one of the best flyweights in the world today, California's Ian McCall has finally found a home at 125 pounds after competing against the best bantamweights in the world for years. A three fight alumnus of the WEC, where he won a stirring TKO over "Ox" Wheeler and went the distance with current 135-pound champion Dominick Cruz, McCall saw a five fight unbeaten streak snapped by Demetrious Johnson in their June 2012 rematch, but "Uncle Creepy" is already plotting his Octagon return.
John Moraga
Next Fight – TBA
Ulysses Gomez may have had the bigger name in the MMA community heading into August 4th's UFC on FOX event, but former Arizona State University wrestler John Moraga left the Octagon with the win that night, and he did it by impressing everyone who saw him control the standup, keep Gomez from getting the fight to the ground, and then finish things with a barrage of accurate strikes. Winner of 11 of his 12 bouts, with the only loss coming via decision to John Dodson in 2010, Moraga is one to watch at 125 pounds.
Jared Papazian
Next Fight – TBA
If there's one certainty in the fight game at this moment, it's probably that the next time we see Jared Papazian, not only will he be in a new weight class, but that he'll also be doing everything in his power to finish off his opponent. That attitude may sprout from his two UFC bouts at 135 pounds, where he lost a close majority decision to Mike Easton and then got no favors in a questionably officiated submission defeat to Dustin Pague. For the free-swinging Californian, the next bout could be make or break, and he's got every intention of making it.
Yasuhiro Urushitani
Next Fight – UFC on FUEL TV 6 vs. John Lineker
A Shooto bantamweight (123 pound) champion, Yasuhiro Urushitani has won five of his last six bouts, an impressive run in the veteran's 10 year MMA career. Owner of wins over recent Ultimate Fighter winner John Dodson, Mamoru Yamaguchi, and Daniel Lima, the 35-year old has ended his last two wins by knockout, and after a loss to Joseph Benavidez in his Octagon debut, he'll look to get back on track against John Lineker.
Darren Uyenoyama
Next Fight – UFC on FX 5 vs. Phil Harris
Darren Uyenoyama's 7-3 pro MMA record hides his true experience in the combat arts and his reputation among fight game insiders. In other words, he's no rookie, and the Ralph Gracie jiu-jitsu black belt showed it in his UFC debut last November, as he dominated "Kid" Yamamoto for three rounds en route to a shutout unanimous decision win. Injuries have kept him from making his flyweight debut, but on October 5th the Strikeforce, Dream, Deep, and Shooto veteran finally returns to mean British newcomer Phil Harris.
Power Slap


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The Experts: Dr. Walter Willett and Amy Myrdal Miller
We asked Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard School of Public Health and Amy Myrdal Miller, M.S., R.D. of The Culinary Institute of America to explain why it's time to end the "low fat is best" myth—and to provide ideas for how to use healthy fats in the home kitchen.
- Should I ditch a low-fat diet?
- Are "fat-free" foods healthy?
- Will eating fat make me get fat?
- Can I lose weight on a low-fat diet?
- Are all kinds of fat equally healthy?
- How can I cut back on trans fat?
- Are coconut oil and palm oil healthy?
- Is it okay to eat high-fat fried foods?
- Do I need to watch my percentage of calories from fat?
- What's better than a low-fat diet?
- Can you share any tips for cooking with healthy fats?
- How can I convince my family to eat healthy fats?
1.Should I ditch a low-fat diet?
Walter Willett: If you've been able to keep your weight, blood cholesterol, and blood glucose under good control while eating a low-fat diet, this type of diet may be working for you. But for many people, low-fat diets don't work. In fact, dozens of studies have found that low-fat diets are no better for health than moderate-or high-fat diets—and for many people, they may be worse.
Low-fat diets are usually high in carbohydrates, often from rapidly-digested foods such as white flour, white rice, potatoes, sugary drinks, and refined snacks. Eating lots of these "fast carbs" can cause quick, sharp spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, and over time can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. High-carbohydrate, low-fat diets also have a negative effect on the fats and cholesterol in our blood: They raise "bad" blood fats (triglycerides) and they lower the "good" blood cholesterol (HDL), both of which can increase the risk of heart disease. These diets also tend to increase blood pressure.
For many people, low-fat diets are not satisfying. People finish a meal and within a few hours, they are hungry again, seeking more low-fat fixes for their hunger. This vicious cycle leads to weight gain and, in turn, to the conditions associated with excess weight (such as blood triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes).
2. Are "fat free" foods healthy?
Amy Myrdal Miller: Some foods in their natural state contain little or no fat—for example, most fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dried beans. And of course these are healthy choices. But processed foods billed as "low fat" and "fat free" are often higher in salt, sugar, or starch than their full-fat counterparts, to make up for the flavor and texture that's lost when food manufacturers slash fat. So they are not necessarily "healthy" choices. For example, low-fat and non-fat salad dressings are nearly always higher in sugar and salt.
3. Will eating fat make me get fat?
Willett: No, it's a myth that eating specifically high-fat foods makes you fat. Eating or drinking more calories than you need from any source, whether it's fat, carbohydrate, protein, or alcohol can lead to weight gain. Over the past 30 years in the U.S., the percentage of calories from fat has actually gone down, but obesity rates have skyrocketed. Sugary soft drinks don't contain any fat—yet the billions of gallons of sugary beverages that Americans drink each year have been a major contributor to the obesity epidemic.
4. Can I lose weight on a low-fat diet?
Willett: It's possible to lose weight on any diet. But carefully-conducted clinical trials find that following a low-fat diet doesn't make it any easier to lose weight or keep it off. In fact, study volunteers who follow moderate- or high-fat diets lose just as much weight, and in some studies a bit more, as those who follow low-fat diets.
Calories are what count for weight loss, so it's important to find a lower-calorie eating plan that you can follow—and a lower-calorie plan that's good for lifelong health. Low-fat diets raise triglycerides and lower good cholesterol, so for many folks, they're simply not the best choice for health. For some people, high intake of carbohydrates, particularly if they come from refined rather than whole grains, can make weight control more difficult.
5. Are all kinds of fat equally healthy?
Willett: Some types of fats are healthier than others. Unsaturated fat is the healthiest type of fat. Plant oils, such as olive, canola, corn, peanut and other nut oils; nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and pistachios; avocados; and fish, especially oily fish such as salmon and canned tuna, are excellent sources of unsaturated fat. Eating unsaturated fat in place of refined grains and sugar can improve blood cholesterol profiles and lower triglycerides, and in turn, lower the risk of heart disease.
It is essential to include a special kind of unsaturated fat, called omega-3 fats, in the diet; good sources include fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and canola oil. Keep in mind that omega-3 fats from marine sources, such as fish and shellfish, have much more powerful health benefits than omega-3 fats from plant sources, like walnuts and flax seeds. But omega-3 fats from plant sources still are a good choice, especially for people who don't eat fish.
Saturated fat is less healthy, since it raises "bad" cholesterol in the blood. We can't completely eliminate saturated fat from our diets, though, because foods that are rich in healthy fats also contain a little bit of saturated fat. The best strategy is to limit foods that are very high in saturated fat, such as butter, cheese, and red meat, and replace them with foods that are high in healthy fats, such as plant oils, nuts, and fish. An alternative approach is to just use a very small amount of full-fat cheese, butter, cream, or red meat in dishes that emphasize plant foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Whatever you do, don't replace foods that are high in saturated fat with "fast carbs"—foods like white bread, white rice, potatoes, sugary drinks, and refined snacks—since eating too many of these fast carbs is just as bad for your heart as eating too much saturated fat.
Trans fat from partially hydrogenated oil (oil that has been chemically processed to make it more shelf-stable) is especially bad for health. Eating just a small amount of trans fat on a regular basis raises the risk of heart disease. So it's best to avoid trans fat altogether. Most of the trans fat in people's diets comes from commercially prepared baked goods, margarines, snack foods, and processed foods. Many food makers are cutting trans fats from their products and replacing them with healthier fats. Still, you'll need to scan Nutrition Facts labels to make sure that the food you eat is free of trans fats.
Keep in mind that most foods contain a mix of fats. The key to a healthy diet is to choose foods that are higher in unsaturated fat than saturated fat—and that do not contain any trans fat. When you cut foods like red meat and butter out of your diet, replace them with healthy plant oils, nuts, fish, vegetables, or whole grains—don't replace them with white bread, white rice, potatoes, or other refined carbohydrates.
6. How can I cut back on trans fats?
Willett: Many food manufacturers are already removing trans fats from their products and replacing them with healthy fats. Similarly, many restaurants are removing trans fat from their menu items, so this is a big help. But you still need to pay attention to nutrition labels, to make sure that the food you buy does not contain any trans fats. Labeling laws allow food makers to say that a product has "0 grams trans fat" even if it contains up to 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving from partially hydrogenated oils. This may not sound like a lot of trans fat. But if you eat several servings a day of these foods, your trans fat intake can really add up. So to make sure that a food you are buying is truly trans fat free, check the Nutrition Facts Panel to make sure it has 0 grams of trans fat—and check the ingredients list to make sure it does not contain any partially hydrogenated oil.
7. Are coconut oil and palm oil healthy?
Willett: Coconut oil and palm oil are higher in saturated fat than other plant oils. They are less harmful than partially hydrogenated oil, which is high in trans fats. But they are less beneficial for the heart than plant oils that are rich in unsaturated fats — olive, canola, sunflower, and other oils. Coconut oil increases good cholesterol, which may make it a good choice when cooking a dish that needs a little hard fat.
Read more about coconut oil and health.
8. Is it okay to eat high-fat fried foods?
Willett: It's okay to eat fried foods, as long they are prepared with frying oil that doesn't have any trans fats. It's also important to look at the types of foods being fried. In America, we eat lots of fried potatoes, which contain rapidly-digested starch, and it's good to find an alternative. Fried foods are high in calories, and it is important to think about calories, because most of us need to keep our calories in check to avoid gaining weight. But that doesn't mean you have to cut out fried foods—just choose smaller portions.
Myrdal Miller: Sweet potatoes are a great alternative for frying. Or you could just try making a smaller portion of fried potatoes, or pairing fried potatoes with other vegetables. If you're in a restaurant and watching your calories, try sharing a fried dish with a friend. Or you could try ordering a half-sized portion of fried food along with a small salad.
9. Do I need to watch my percentage of calories from fat?
Willett: No. When you cook or read nutrition labels, don't fixate on fat percentages. As long as you use healthy fats, and your keep your portion sizes modest, it doesn't matter if your dish or meal has 30 percent, 40 percent, or more of its calories from fat. The same is true for your overall diet: Don't worry about the percentage of calories from fat. Focus on choosing foods with healthy fats.
10. What's better than a low-fat diet?
Willett: Try following a healthy fat, healthy carb diet, using two nutrition tools from Harvard School of Public Health as your guide: The Healthy Eating Plate and the Healthy Eating Pyramid. The Healthy Eating Plate offers a simple blueprint for a healthy meal: Fill half of your plate with vegetables and fruits, save a quarter of the plate for whole grains, and the rest for a healthy source of protein; the glass bottle to the left of the plate is your reminder to use healthy plant oils in cooking, on salads, and at the table. Think of the Healthy Eating Pyramid as your grocery shopping list: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant oils are in the base, and healthy proteins—nuts, beans, fish, and chicken—are in the next tier, meaning that these foods should make it into your grocery cart every week. Refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks, as well as red meat and butter, are in the "use-sparingly" tip—so skip the soda and snack food aisle, the deli counter, and the steaks and chops at the butcher counter. You can download copies of the Healthy Eating Plate and Healthy Eating Pyramid from The Nutrition Source website.
11. Can you share any tips for cooking with healthy fats?
Myrdal Miller: Here's a few ideas for how to use healthy fats in your kitchen:
- Cook with healthy oils. Olive, canola, soy, peanut, sunflower, corn, and other oils from plants are the best choices, since they are high in healthy unsaturated fat. If you have a dish that requires the flavor of butter, use a very small amount of butter mixed with a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil. And keep in mind that it's okay to cook with extra-virgin olive oil. The healthy fats in extra-virgin olive oil are stable at temperatures used in home cooking, with the exception of deep-fat frying or stir frying. Then we'd advise using an oil that's more stable, like peanut oil.
- Bake with healthy oils. You can replace the butter in many baked goods with vegetable oils. Just cut back on the amount of oi by 25 percent; butter contains some water, so that's why you can use less oil. Pastry chefs at The Culinary Institute of America have done experiments making pound cake with canola oil instead of butter, and consumers prefer the taste and texture of the pound cake made with canola oil! Check out The Great Muffin Makeover for five new muffin recipes that use healthy oils and whole grains.
- Serve healthy fats at the table. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil or nut oils on vegetables, instead of butter. Use peanut butter, trans fat-free margarine, or refrigerated extra virgin olive oil as a spread for whole grain toast, instead of spreading on cream cheese. With Mexican cuisine, serve guacamole as a topping instead of sour cream.
- Pare calories by pairing healthy fats with low-calorie foods. Use oils and nuts to add flavor to lower-calorie, high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, beans, and whole grains. That way, it will be easier for you to stay within your daily calorie budget.
- Cut "fast carbs" and replace them with "slow carbs" and healthy fats. "Slow carbs" include beans, non-starchy vegetables, and minimally-processed whole grains, such as whole wheat berries, barley, quinoa, or brown rice. There are many delicious ways to switch from fast carbs to slow carbs. For example, instead of making white pasta or potatoes as a side dish, try making smaller portions of whole grain pasta, quinoa, or dried beans, and prepare them with flavorful plant oils, nuts, and seeds. Try this recipe for whole wheat penne with pistachio pesto, or a quick hummus with pureed chickpeas and sesame paste (tahini). Instead of serving potato chips with soup or a sandwich, how about serving a side salad or crunchy raw vegetables with an olive oil-based dressing, like this oregano garlic vinaigrette?
- Use full-fat cheese in small amounts. Low-fat cheeses are not really that much lower in saturated fat than their full-fat counterparts—and they are often higher in sodium. A healthier strategy is to just use a small amount of full-fat, full flavored cheese in a dish. And if you choose aged cheeses, you can use even less cheese—thanks to the aging process the fermentation products intensify, so a little offers lots of flavor.
- If you're serving chicken, there's no need to strip the skin. Chicken skin has had a bad rap for being high in fat. But most of the fat in chicken skin is healthy, unsaturated fat—and cooking with the skin keeps the chicken flavorful and moist, so you don't need to add as much salt or use a breaded coating.
- Trade fish, nuts or tofu for beef and pork. At your next cookout, try serving salmon or turkey burgers instead of hamburger, shrimp kabobs instead of steak tips, tuna steak instead of rib eye. Be sure to brush fish and shellfish with a healthy vegetable oil to keep them from getting too dry. Instead of using pork for protein in your stir fry, try peanuts and tofu, like in this recipe for spicy lemongrass tofu.
12. How can I convince my family to eat healthy fats?
Recipes for Health: Nut-Based Sauces
Try these Mediterranean-inspired sauce recipes with vegetables, chicken, or fish:
Spanish Romesco Sauce (Red Pepper and Almond Sauce)
Turkish Muhammara (Red Pepper and Walnut Sauce)
Greek Skordalia (Almond, Bread and Garlic Sauce)
Turkish Tarator (Walnut and Garlic Sauce)
Italian Pesto alla Trapanese (Almond, Parsley, Basil, and Tomato Sauce)
Myrdal Miller: Introduce your family to the range of healthy foods and flavors from around the world that rely on healthy fat to deliver their great flavor. Think about the nut-based sauces of the Mediterranean that make other healthful foods, such as vegetables and fish, more appealing and flavorful. Share this article with your family members, so that they understand that the type of fat matters more than the amount of fat, and that low-fat cooking isn't necessarily better for health. Tell them that you will cook with healthy fats, such as olive and canola oil, and you will serve foods that naturally contain healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts and fish. Promise to limit foods that are high in saturated fat—butter, cheese, red meat. And tell them that you'll scan nutrition labels so that you can avoid foods with partially hydrogenated oil and keep your pantry and table trans-fat free.
Copyright © 2012 Harvard University and The Culinary Institute of America


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Spy Mobile Phone Software In Delhi India
SPY Mobile Phone Software
All kinds of Mobile phone operating systems including the popular ones such as android and iphone have supporting features for the Spy Mobile Phone Software, Delhi. Sometimes, we feel urge for having one such software that could examine and track whatever action someone is performing while they don't get to know about this. The Spy Mobile Phone Software, designed with a view of special benefits for Delhi people, is developed with a motto which is quite in fulfillment of the above requirement. The Spy Mobile Phone Software has been becoming popular in India due to their versatility and the profitable standings. There are few particular functions accommodated in this software that are more exciting as well as interesting for the people to have used, as an example the Global Positioning System-tracks the physical location of device wherein the software has been installed. The GPS has facilitations for three verticals i.e. Lat, Log and Alt in the Spy Mobile Phone Software in India. The Spy Mobile Phone Software also maintains a record for keeping a watch on the call list whether dialed number, received or the missed calls. Only the number which is prior on the watch list will go to the Public Distribution Network to raise an alert regarding suspicious actions.
The three most important adherences of this software for why this could be much better to use as compared to other software applications in the market are as follows:
1. The SMS or Text Message filter is pre-stuffed there in the software
2. The SMS or Calls are not made a log of in the mobile device
3. The Software is not shown in the Device manager either as an application hence avoiding being trapped by the device owner or user
People may seek information regarding the movements of those who are close to their heart such as spouse and children or whom they need to keep a check on like employees. There are many companies throughout Delhi and throughout India that give mobile phones to their employees for office purposes but they start misusing this more often for personal usage rather than business purpose. In this case, the objectives of providing mobile phones to these employees are not fulfilled. Spy Mobile Phone Software in India will prove to be an asset in these scenarios. Organizations could easily track down the people who are habitual of misconduct by accessing every single bit of information sent through the device. Each and every activity can easily be recorded using this surveillance. You will be able to access location related information after each 20min gap with minutest details. The easy to use Software, i.e. Spy Mobile Phone Software, has specifications for recording calls, messages, duration of talks and all related things to mobile device making it possible for you to judge and understand the person easily with proven facts in recorded forms.
Among many decent and useful features, Spy Mobile Phone Software, Delhi lists following as most significant ones-
I Phone & iOS: |
Android: |


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All Roads Lead to DHL
Our Road Freight Products offer high quality road transportation, from standard services such as LTL (Less-than-Truck Load), PTL (Part) or FTL (Full-Truck Load) shipments to temperature controlled and highly secured transports.
Our Products
All products include:
- International & Domestic Shipments
- Defined lead times
- End-to-end visibility
- Optional Cargo Insurance
- Optional Customs Brokerage
DHL AsiaConnect
Less-than-Truck-Load (LTL)
A cost-efficient Less-than-Truck-Load (LTL) network product, offering regularly scheduled departures to domestic and international locations.
With confirmed lead times based on origin/destination, this highly reliable door-to-door service provides connections across Asia Pacific.
- LTL road network services with regular scheduled departures
- A continuously expanding network which covers China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, as well as cross-border activities in India and Bangladesh
- Daily frequencies between major business centers across Asia
- Palletized and non-palletized general cargo (excluding dangerous goods)
DHL AsiaLine
Direct Full (FTL) & Part (PTL) Truck Loads
A Full-Truck-Load (FTL) or Part-Truck-Load (PTL) point-to-point alternative for the movement of shipments.
It offers an extensive variety of equipment types and capacities on hand, including semi-trailer, 20ft and 40ft containers and is available for domestic and international transportation across Asia Pacific.
- Flexible and cost-efficient transport service for part and full loads
- DHL managed transport fleet
- The same standard product features available in all countries, with extended features offered locally
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- Japanese Name: コロコロカービィ
- Game Console: Gameboy Color
- Fully working game. If you need more informations or photos of the actual product, feel free to contact us on social medias or email@example.com
- Remarks: this is a second-hand product. Fading colors, scratches, and other damages can be seen on the box due to its old condition. Returns can not be accepted for this reason. However, it is considered as a full box and will include the software, instruction manual (if any), and all the other elements sold with it at the time of release, except promotional items.
- Dispatch: Within 24 Hours
- Free shipping across all products on a minimum purchase of $50.
- International delivery time - 7-10 business days
- Cash on delivery might be available
- Easy 30 days returns and exchanges
If you do not like the product you can return it within 15 days - no questions asked. This excludes bodysuits, swimwear and clearance sale items. We have an easy and hassle free return policy. Please look at our Delivery & Returns section for further information.
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Little Johnny
Dark Galaxy Craft Cotton
/ half metre
1.0 metres left in stock
- Designer: Little Johnny
- Collection: Craft Cotton
- Colour: Multi
- Print: Galaxy
- Width: 144cm / 56"
- Suitable for: Crafts, Quilting, Bags and accessories, Homewares, Dressmaking: dresses, tops, children's wear, underwear and skirts.
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Weight: Mid weight
- Type: Woven
- Type of needle required: Standard 90
Washing Instructions-
Wash at 30 degrees.
We recommend washing your fabric prior to use. Fabric often shrinks in the first wash by as much as 10%. Wash new fabrics on the same settings as you will wash the finished garment.
All sizes on this website are approximate.
Our fabrics are priced by the half meter, fabric is cut in one continuous length when more than one half meter is ordered. For instance, if you wish to buy two meters, enter quantity of 4.
We try our best to get the image to accurately display our fabric, but due to variations in monitor screens, colours may differ slightly from the original product.
Why not use our thread matching service
We are happy to send samples for colour matching, use our request a swatch service


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Grilled Peaches, Poached Cherries and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
B. jokes that every four years, he loses me to the World Cup. I smile and add "and the rugby Six Nations Championship, the Tour de France and the Formula One races throughout the year. Let's not forget the 24 hours of Le Mans". That's the environment I was raised in. I grew up with Platini, Maradona, Sella, Camberabero, Prost, Schumacher, Fittipaldi, Bernard Hinault, Laurent Fignon. All year long. All these years.
And yet no one in my family actually played a sport past 16 years old! That is unless you consider four or five- hour long dinners a sport, which my husband happens to do, especially after many a Sunday dinners shared back home. Competitive longest meals followed by competitive moonshine. My uncle Jacques is still reigning supreme in the "moonshine so strong it will bleach your coffee cup" department.
I have mentioned Sundays in passing with my grandmother's apricot tart but they were much more than that. They usually started with a trip to the market behind our house where my grandmother would get tiny grey shrimp and peppery radishes. Getting flowers, setting up the table, cutting saucisson for the aperitif. Waiting for everyone to finally start lunch around 12.30pm and linger all afternoon in between the TV room and the dessert plates. Coffee, petits fours, chocolates. Heaven.
Desserts were most often kept very simple with a big bowl of fruit salad. Some cookies. Some ice cream. Came summer, the table was graced with an abundance of deep dark cherries and juicy peaches. Two of my favorite summer fruits.
Perfect French Word A Week opportunity if you ask me. And that's two words to boot.
If you ever travel to the South of France, they will quickly become crucial to know as they are everywhere in those parts. Perfectly kissed by the Provencal sun.
Click on the words Peche (click on word for the pronunciation).
When sports start to tie up the little bit of free time I have, especially in the summer time, I'd better have something quick and easy ready for us, whether we dine alone or get together with friends. I have a strong affinity for ice cream paired with fresh fruits when warmer and sunnier days roll around and things happen a lot more in a impromptu manner.
If they are perfectly juicy, ripe and a bit tangy, then I am in heaven. Sometimes, dessert needs to remain this easy. Sometimes, it needs a little pimping out and it gets even better. Over the years, I have become completely addicted to grilling stone fruits and serving them with fresh yogurt, fresh cheese or ice cream. The combo is just brilliant. When it comes to cherries, B. is not a big fan unless I poach them with honey until soft and tender.
Such a simple combination and so easy to put together with friends around the barbecue one summer evening. Homemade vanilla bean ice cream, grilled peaches and warm juicy poached cherries. Next time I think I'll pair lavender ice cream and grilled apricot. Non?
When I combined the two the other day, it got me a two-day free pass to not have to walk the dogs during a World Cup game. I took it. Right now, it's better than a free laundry pass to me, eheheh!
So…what is your secret culinary weapon to earn yourself some "house points"?
Before I forget: Thank you Mom for the pretty plates from Asya at www.gleena.com for my birthday! They arrived still warm from the kiln. Kidding. Just about.
Grilled Peaches, Poached Cherries and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:
Serves 6-8
Notes: once the ice cream is set, everything else comes together in less than 20-30 minutes. You can also start with the cherries and let them cool while you prepare the peaches.
For the ice cream:
4 egg yolks
1 cup (100gr) + 2 tablespoons (25gr) sugar
1 cup (250ml) whole milk
1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
1 vanilla bean, split open and seeded
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and one cup of sugar until pale and thick. In a saucepan set over medium heat, bring the milk, cream and vanilla bean to a simmer, without letting it come to a full boil. Slowly pour the hot cream over the egg yolks mixture while whisking to temper the egg yolks. Pour the whole mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream coats the back of spoon. It should register 170F on a candy thermometer. At this point you have made a custard sauce, also known as "creme anglaise". Let cool completely, strain and refrigerate until cold.
Once the custard is cold, process it according to your ice cream maker manufacturer's instructions and freeze for 2 hours or more.
For the fruits:
4 peaches (preferably not completely ripe so they don't disintegrate)
1 to 1/2 cups cherries
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup orange juice
Prepare the peaches:
Wash them thoroughly but do not peel them. Cut them in half and remove the pit. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate. Place the peaches cut side down on the prepared grate, and grill for about 5 minute. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the cherries:
Wash them thoroughly, cut them in half and remove the pits with the tip of a sharp knife. Place them in a large saucepan with the honey and orange juice over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until soft. Remove from the heat and let cool a bit. Too warm and it will melt the ice cream way too fast.
To assemble, simply layer the ice cream and the fruits in bowls, cups and ramekins.


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LOS ANGELES — Darth Vader is dead. The evil Emperor exploded after being thrown down a shaft. And Luke Skywalker and his allies destroyed both Death Stars, restoring balance to the Force. For The Walt Disney Co., the prospective new owner of the "Star Wars" franchise, what's left to tell?
A lot, apparently.
There are more than 110 novels and 80-plus comic books set after the events of "Return of the Jedi," the sixth episode in the film series and the third to be made. All of these additions to the so-called "expanded universe" were sanctioned by Lucasfilm Ltd., founded by series creator George Lucas.
That has left a lot of room for speculation ever since Disney announced last month that it would buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion and resume making "Star Wars" movies, starting with Episode 7 in 2015.
For fans, some big questions remain.
Will Luke take on a Jedi apprentice? Will Han Solo and Princess Leia have kids? And who will be the movies' villain? (A) A revived Emperor; (B) the hard-to-kill bounty hunter Boba Fett; (C) some new corrupt leader of the remnants of the Empire, or (D), all of the above?
Each of these scenarios have been explored in some fashion away from the big screen. Whether they will be incorporated into the next trilogy of films is anyone's guess.
"Right now, everyone is literally just reading tea leaves," said Bryan Young, a "Star Wars" watcher and editor of the blog, Big Shiny Robot.
The facts so far about the announced Episodes 7, 8 and 9 are scant: Lucas will be a creative consultant but won't direct the films. Kathleen Kennedy will produce them as president of Lucasfilm. And Oscar-winning writer Michael Arndt, who wrote "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Toy Story 3," will pen the screenplay for Episode 7.
One of the most telling clues as to the next trilogy's direction, according to Young, is the fact that Lucas invited Luke actor Mark Hamill and Princess Leia actress Carrie Fisher to lunch some time ago to tell them that the sequels were going to be made, a reversal of his denials over the years.
Hamill talked about the lunch with Entertainment Weekly, saying he also spoke with Lucas about three weeks before the Disney announcement and just missed a call from him the day the deal was made public Oct. 30.
That suggests that Luke and on-screen sister Leia, will be involved in some way in the sequel. After all, their characters are the last members of the Skywalker family, and the most potent wielders of the Force that appear to be left in the galaxy. "I think that's the best clue we have," Young said.
Responding to a query from The Associated Press, Hamill said he couldn't comment further, but noted in an email, "I should have all the information I need very soon."
Fisher, Lucasfilm and several people who work for the company declined comment.
The notion that Luke will make a comeback doesn't veer far from what's known about the movies themselves or from what has been said over the years.
In 2004, Hamill told Movieblog.com that Lucas' ideas for the sequels go as far back as 1976 during the shooting of the original "Star Wars," when the director said an older Hamill would have roles in them.
There is further backing for the idea that Luke will reappear from the films that have already been released, including "Return of the Jedi."
And others around Lucas have spoken publicly about the idea that the family drama that began with Anakin Skywalker and continued with his son Luke would carry on for at least the next three films.
"It's really nine parts of one film," said Rick McCallum, producer of the prequel Episodes 1, 2 and 3, in 1999, according to "The Secret History of Star Wars" by author Michael Kaminski.
The cohesion that McCallum suggested belies the haphazard nature with which the movies have been put together. At different points in time, Lucas has said there was just one, three, six, nine or even 12 films envisioned in all.
Kaminski's book recounts multiple script revisions to most of the films, including some discrepancies that were later papered over. For instance, at one point, Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader were separate characters, not the one person we know through the movies to have turned evil.
Given the proliferation of storylines and characters in the "expanded universe," Kaminski said there's a good chance that some of those storylines will be cast aside, altered, or even contradicted outright.
"It will affect the 'expanded universe' one way or another," Kaminski said. "It's going to be hard to reconcile those different things."
The idea that the new films will diverge from what's out there is supported by Kennedy, who spoke in a video released by Lucasfilm shortly after the Disney deal was announced.
"This is not like a series of books like 'Harry Potter' where you've already got a template of what the stories might be," she said. "These are original stories and original ideas that come from out of a world that essentially is in George's head."
Beyond some broad strokes that the movies hint at — such as Luke's passing on the Jedi ways — it seems doubtful that such a creative mind as Lucas would surrender the movies' outcome to tales that have already been written.
That means that fans of the books, comics and video games in the "Star Wars" universe could be either disappointed or delighted by the result.
But if there were no surprises, the adventure just wouldn't be the same.
"Almost anything is possible," said Jay Shepard, a content editor at fan site TheForce.net. "But I don't believe it will be any type of plotline we've already seen."


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WhatsApp to add voice to messaging service
(AP)—WhatsApp, the popular messaging service for smartphones acquired this week by Facebook, will soon be offering a voice service.
CEO Jan Koum said the voice service will be deployed for Android and iPhones this spring, with Blackberry and Microsoft and Nokia phones coming later.
"We are going to introduce voice in WhatsApp in the second quarter of this year," Koum said at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. "I think we have the best voice product out there. We use the least amount of bandwidth."
WhatsApp currently has a voice function but only in note form. This new service will be live.
On Wednesday, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion in a deal that is by far the biggest by the social networking company and any other done by Google, Microsoft or Apple.
Wearing a gray shirt, jeans and a black jacket, the 38-year-old Koum quipped - "last week we added a new Facebook friend. I don't know if you guys heard."
The blockbuster deal made serious waves with those in the telecommunications industry who gathered this week in the Catalan city, but also sparked concern among users that Facebook would introduce advertising to WhatsApp.
Koum insisted that there are no designs to add "marketing" to the messaging service.
"There are no planned changes," said Koum. "Our vision and mission are aligned. We both want to make the world more connected."
Facebook is paying $12 billion in stock and $4 billion in cash for WhatsApp. Koum along with fellow founder Brian Acton and their 55 employees were also granted restricted stock worth $3 billion that will vest over four years after the deal closes.
Koum said that he didn't expect that WhatsApp's staff would grow in number very much, saying that "we want to operate as a startup."
Relatively unknown until now in the U.S., WhatsApp is popular in other countries, both in Europe and in emerging economies. The Mountain View, California, startup already has almost twice as many users as the better known short messaging service, Twitter.
WhatsApp has 465 million monthly users and 330 daily users, according to Koum, and costs users $1 a year after a first free year.
© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.


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Electrical & Lighting in Kents Store, VA
Electrical and lighting ideas and tips
What are common things that an electrician does?
Electricians can help you in a variety of ways. They're able to install new fixtures, like a chandelier or a new fan. They're also able to put in new outlets, so you can finally charge your phone and sit on the deck. Electricians charge on an hourly basis with upfront costs for diagnostic work. If you want a fixture installed, be prepared to pay between $300-$500. If you need more complex rewiring work, the cost often reaches $1,000 or more. Speak to a local electrician about your unique needs.


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Nearly five years into his presidency, Barack Obama confronts a world far different from what he envisioned when he first took office. U.S. influence is declining in the Middle East as violence and instability rock Arab countries. An ambitious attempt to reset U.S. relations with Russia faltered and failed. Even in Obama-friendly Europe, there's deep skepticism about Washington's government surveillance programs.
In some cases, the current climate has been driven by factors outside the White House's control. But missteps by the president also are to blame, say foreign policy analysts, including some who worked for the Obama administration.
Among them: miscalculating the fallout from the Arab Spring uprisings, publicly setting unrealistic expectations for improved ties with Russia and a reactive decision-making process that can leave the White House appearing to veer from crisis to crisis without a broader strategy.
Rosa Brooks, a former Defense Department official who left the administration in 2011, said that while the shrinking U.S. leverage overseas predates the current president, "Obama has sometimes equated 'we have no leverage' with 'there's no point to really doing anything'."
Obama, faced most urgently with escalating crises in Egypt and Syria, has defended his measured approach, saying America's ability to solve the world's problems on its own has been "overstated."
"Sometimes what we've seen is that folks will call for immediate action, jumping into stuff, that does not turn out well, gets us mired in very difficult situations," he said. "We have to think through strategically what's going to be in our long-term national interests."
The strongest challenge to Obama's philosophy on intervention has come from the deepening tumult in the Middle East and North Africa. The president saw great promise in the region when he first took office and pledged "a new beginning" with the Arab world when he traveled to Cairo in 2009.
But the democracy protests that spread across the region quickly scrambled Obama's efforts. While the U.S. has consistently backed the rights of people seeking democracy, the violence that followed has often left the Obama administration unsure of its next move or taking tentative steps that do little to change the situation on the ground.
In Egypt, where the country's first democratically elected president was ousted last month, the U.S. has refused to call Mohammed Morsi's removal a coup. The ruling military, which the U.S. has financially backed for decades, has largely ignored Obama's calls to end assaults on Morsi supporters. And U.S. officials are internally at odds over whether to cut off aid to the military.
In Syria, where more than 100,000 people have been killed during the two-and-a-half year civil war, Obama's pledges that President Bashar Assad will be held accountable have failed to push the Syrian leader from office. And despite warning that Assad's use of chemical weapons would cross a "red line" in Syria, there was scant American retaliation when he did use the toxic gases. On Sunday senior administration official said there is "very little doubt" that a chemical weapon was used by the Syrian regime against civilians in an incident that killed at least a hundred people last week. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.
Few foreign policy experts predicted the Arab uprisings, and it's unlikely the U.S. could have — or should have — done anything to prevent the protests. But analysts say Obama misjudged the movements' next stages, including Assad's ability to cling to power and the strength of Islamist political parties in Egypt.
"The president has not had a long-term strategic vision," said Vali Nasr, who advised the Obama administration on foreign policy in the first term and now serves as dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. "They're moving issue to issue and reacting as situations come up."
Obama advisers say the president is frustrated by what is seen as a lack of good options for dealing with Arab unrest. But the president himself has pushed back at the notion that the U.S. has lost credibility on the world stage because he hasn't acted more forcefully.
"We remain the one indispensable nation," Obama said in a CNN interview aired Friday. "There's a reason why, when you listen to what's happened around Egypt and Syria, that everybody asks what the U.S. is doing. It's because the United States continues to be the one country that people expect can do more than just simply protect their borders."
But the perception of a president lacking in international influence extends beyond the Arab world, particularly to Russia. Since reassuming the presidency last year, Vladimir Putin has blocked U.S. efforts to seek action against Syria at the United Nations and has balked at Obama's efforts to seek new agreements on arms control.
Putin's hard-line approach stands in stark contrast to the relationship Obama cultivated in his first term with Putin's predecessor, Dmitri Medvedev. The two held friendly meetings in Moscow and Washington (Obama even took Medvedev out to lunch at a local burger joint) and achieved policy breakthroughs. They inked a new nuclear reduction agreement, and Moscow agreed to open up supply lines to help the U.S. pull troops and equipment out of Afghanistan.
Michael O'Hanlon, a national security analyst at The Brookings Institution, said the president miscalculated in assuming that a few signs of improved ties would be enough to overcome years of distrust with the Russians.
"The issue here is one of raised expectations, unrealistically high expectations that Obama himself deliberately stoked," O'Hanlon said. "He hoped that a more pragmatic, disciplined, less interventionist foreign policy would appease the Russians."
The White House's ties with Russia were further damaged this summer when Moscow granted temporary asylum to Edward Snowden, the former government contractor accused of leaking documents detailing secret U.S. surveillance programs. In retaliation, Obama canceled plans to meet with Putin in Moscow next month, though he will still attend the meeting of leading rich and developing nations in St. Petersburg, Russia.
But the international impact from the National Security Agency revelations has spread beyond Russia. In European capitals, where Obama's 2008 election was greeted with cheers, some leaders have publicly criticized the surveillance programs. Among them was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who questioned the legitimacy of the programs while standing alongside Obama during his visit to Berlin earlier this year.
Obama has long enjoyed high approval ratings from the European public, though those numbers have slipped in his second term. So has European approval for his administration's international policies.
A Pew Research Center poll conducted this spring, before the NSA programs were revealed, showed that support for Obama's international policies was down in most of the countries surveyed, including a 14 point drop in Britain and a 12 point drop in France.
Follow Julie Pace on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jpaceDC