text:
Graber Blinds, Shades & Window Treatments
- Premium window treatments
- Designer style & timeless look
- Natural, sustainable materials
- In business for over 75 years
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Graber has grown from simple roots into a premier manufacturer of sophisticated, high-quality blinds and shades. Founded in 1939, Graber is renowned for providing window treatments with stylish looks and premium quality. Graber blinds and shades are on the leading edge of design, child safety and green manufacturing, featuring a wide range of products with cordless lift and motorized operation, energy efficient cellular shades and eco-friendly wood blinds and natural shades. With a Graber blind, you will receive an outstanding product backed by a lifetime limited warranty, superior customer service and quality you will see and feel every time you use your new blind from Blindsgalore.
Graber® CrystalPleat® Cellular Shades: Blackout
retail $185.07 $124.00
Certified Best for Kids
Products with this label meet or exceed safety recommendations approved by the Window Covering Manufactures Association (WCMA) and have undergone rigorous third-party testing.
- Cellular / Honeycomb
- Opaque / Blackout
- Double Cell
- 3/8" Pleat
- Blackout
- Cordless
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- Remote Control / Motorized
- Horizontal
- Beige / Neutral
- Black
- Blue
- Gray
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- White / Off-White
- Yellow / Cream
- Bathroom
- Bedroom
- Family Room / Den
- Home Theater
- Living Room
- Cellular
- Hard-to-Reach
- Sidelights
- Energy Efficient
- Child Safe
- CrystalPleat®
customer reviews for graber
"Really good blackout blinds"
By Satisfied shopper from Princeton, NJ
We did all of the windows with Crystal Pleat blackout blinds from Blindsgalore when we moved into our place 13 years ago. We were very pleased - got tons of compliments from visitors because the colors are so nice and they do the job perfectly. We just replaced two blinds this year - and the quality is even better now. Customer service at Blindgalore was very helpful.View this product
"Best blinds 100% satisfied"
By Steve from West Covina, CA
Wow! From the ease of ordering, the outstanding customer service (notably Mary and Steve), the cost, and and the great, great product, we could not be happier with our experience with Blindsgalore! Thank you!View this product


text:
Robert Arnakis is the Senior Director of Domestic and International Programs for The Leadership Institute, the nation's premier public policy training organization. Robert oversees divisions which provide political education and training to tens of thousands of activists, elected officials, and political staffers.
Robert's 15 years of grassroots organizing, campaign, fundraising, and communications experience has established him as one the country's top political trainers. His background includes serving as campaign staff on presidential, congressional, municipal, and initiative-focused campaigns. Robert's best campaign memory was assisting U.S. Senator John Thune in defeating Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.
In addition to Mr. Arnakis' domestic work, he is frequently asked to aid international delegations. His body of work includes training NGO's, government officials and political party leadership from over three dozen countries including: Great Britain, Canada, Iraq, China, India, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Serbia, Nigeria, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru. Most recently Robert worked with party leaders in East Timor, the world's youngest democratic country.
Raised in Lake Tahoe, CA, Robert attended Biola University where he majored in sociology and political science. He enjoys traveling, the San Diego Padres and University of North Carolina basketball. Robert is married and resides in Springfield, Virginia.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Empowering deserving military families with educational support and opportunities.
So Yeon Ryu (LoPro Collection and SciFlex) began the Monday finish in the U.S. Women's Open chasing clubhouse leader Hee Kyung Seo (Women's DryJoys and StaSof). Seo grasped the 3-under par clubhouse lead Sunday evening before play was suspended. Ryu, one stroke back, had 3 holes to make up a one shot difference. After pars on the first two holes, Ryu hit a brilliant 6 iron from 170 yards to 6 feet. She drained the putt to force a playoff against Seo.
The playoff was set for the three holes Ryu just played to finish her final round, "It was a big benefit for me to play those playoff holes early Monday morning to finish my forth round," Ryu later said of the playoff holes. She took advantage going par, birdie, birdie to win the playoff comfortably over Seo.
Seo, gracefully accepted defeat, "I feel very happy that a South Korean player won this great, big tournament."
This is So Yeon Ryu's first LPGA Victory.
For more read at GlobalGolfPost.com
For more read at Golf.com


text:
Microsoft has again showed off its standalone HD DVD player
for the XBOX 360. Whereas Sony decided to include its Blu-ray drive as standard equipment on
the PlayStation 3, Microsoft decided not to force HD DVD on customers and
instead provides it as an option. For those that choose to pursue that option,
word on the street is that it will come in at around $200.
While some consumers may scoff at a $200 add-on for the XBOX 360, one must consider that set top HD DVD players are retailing for $430
to $500 while Blu-ray players cost anywhere from $840
to $1,000. For those that have an XBOX 360 and want to add high-definition
movies to their library, it's a relatively cheap (all things considered) and
simple upgrade. "Here's what I can tell you for sure; it's going to be the
cheapest HD-DVD player you can buy without a doubt, when it comes out. I think
it's going to be a great value... Everybody is very enthusiastic with the
direction we're going. There are still a few surprises left. And I don't want
to spill the beans yet, but I think people are going to think it's a great
value," said Microsoft Larry Hyrb (aka Major Nelson). The low price tag can be
attributed to the heavy
lifting being performed by the XBOX 360 rather than the HD DVD drive. "All
the audio and video processing is done inside the XBOX," said Microsoft
senior program manager Kevin Collins.
As for the hardback book-sized drive itself, Microsoft
showcased the device running "The Phantom of the Opera." The design
of the drive, which has the internal codename of Sapphire, was all done in-house by Microsoft while Toshiba was
selected to manufacture the drive. It will feature two USB 2.0 ports on the
back to make up for the one USB port that the device itself uses. It also
features the same cut-out on the back as the XBOX 360 to hold Microsoft's XBOX
360 Wireless Networking Adapter if you chose to mount it there. The HD DVD
interface, while not yet finished, was also on display. Gamerscore Blog has images posted of
how it will look including an animated
gif of it in action. The new interface basically replaces the
"old" Open Tray button on the dashboard with a hybrid button that can
toggle between DVD and HD DVD options with the up/down arrow keys. The drive
will also be software updatable via XBOX Live so as new
features are introduced, they can be automatically downloaded and applied.
Microsoft has revealed that it has some surprises in store
for gamers during the fourth quarter. We know that one of them is the
aforementioned HD DVD player and Gears of War.
Hopefully, this isn't all that Microsoft is planning and we'll have even more
to look forward to as the holiday season fast approaches.


text:
Submit News
New Solar Cell Gives Its "110 Percent" in Efficiency
Jason Mick
December 20, 2011 6:23 PM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
Like Tebow, these new solar cells are giving their "110 percent" week in and week out.
(Source: ESPN)
Gains to quantum efficiency could yield around a 35 percent gain in conversion efficiency, the key metric
Using quantum dots -- tiny nanometer scale semiconductor crystals -- researchers at the
U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory
have cracked an important physical barrier and achieved levels of performance long considered impossible for a solar cell.
I. Giving its 110 Percent
The special design used by the team utilized
quantum dot nanocrystals
in the 1-20 nm range. The nanocrystals were composed of lead selenide treated with ethanedithol and hydrazine.
The photon-harvesting quantum dot-populated plane was sandwiched between a nanostructured zinc oxide layer and a thin gold electrode. A top layer was formed using a transparent conductor.
The overall design is in line with the "thin-film" methodology, which is currently rising in commercial production. Thin film cells tend to rely on scarce (i.e. expensive on a per mass basis) resources, such as rare earth metals. However, they use so little of them -- given the low mass of the thin film -- that they are not significantly more expensive than existing polycrystalline silicon cells. Generally, the only major extra cost to thin film is the initial cost of shifting the production technology.
The new NREL cell shatters the quantum efficiencies of previous designs, posting a peak external quantum efficiency of 114 ± 1% and a peak internal quantum efficiency of 130%.
In order to understand these numbers and how any power efficiency device can be more than "100 percent" efficient, you must understand the meaning of quantum efficiency (QE), which is overall quite different, but related to conversion efficiency (which will
be over 100 percent -- or even
to 100 percent -- in traditional physics).
The new cell is a thin film design. [Image Source: NREL]
Quantum efficiency is a measure of how many electrons come out of a cell for every photon that goes into the cell. Traditional silicon solar cells can achieve near 100 percent quantum efficiency at around 600 nm, but drop to around 80 percent on either end of the 500-1000 nm range (visible light is 380 to 740 nm). What this means is that the perfect "color" of light for silicon cells is orangish, while purple light can have a less than 45 percent conversion rate. As white light (sunlight) is a mixture of different wavelengths, the lower quantum efficiency of certain parts of the spectrum leads to lower average quantum efficiency.
External efficiency directly uses the number of input photons and the number of output electrons from a device. Internal efficiency, by contrast, uses theory to adjust these numbers to account for losses due to reflection and absorption.
We took the liberty of borrowing (Fair Use clause
) the charts for their 0.72 eV bandgap cell (their best-performing design) and comparing it to a traditional PC silicon cell, adding a helpful reference that shows what eVs roughly correspond to in the visible light range:
Comparing the external quantum efficiencies of the new NREL design (top) and the PS silicon design (bottom) over the visible light range (middle bar), we see that the new cell is slightly less efficient in capturing red-end light, but is much more efficient in capturing blue-end light.
(The black line in bottom graph and the blue line in the top right graph are the internal QEs.)
Overall this could grant up to a 35 percent efficiency gain versus today's standard PS silicon cells, according to the paper's authors.
II. You "Cannot Change the Laws of Physics" -- So Pick a Better Law!
The better blue-range performance comes thanks to multiple exciton generation (MEG), a unique quantum effect, which like other oddball quantum effects, occurs at an extremely small scale. In an MEG scenario, a single photon hits an atom, but rather than simply knocking off one electron via the
formation of an "exciton"
(an electron/hole pair), it puts multiple electrons into the flow.
MEG -- multiple exciton generation -- bends the traditional laws of physics.
[Image Source: Los Alamos Science & Tech Mag./U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA]
The exact quantum mechanics of this phenomena are being debated by physics. Currently the three leading hypotheses are:
Impact ionization
-- the high energy exciton ("X") becomes a "multi"-X, decaying through a dense range of multi-X states.
Eigenstate excitation
-- a mixed "virtual" state consisting of multi-X and X (think superposition) is triggered by photon energetic absorption.
Oscillatory decay
-- photon absorption creates standard X, but in the special material X waffles back and forth, switching identity from X to multi-X and back, slowly dropping in energy, in the process.
Without MEG, no solar cell can have more than a 100 percent internal or external QE. Hence no traditional solar cell has had greater than a 100 percent QE, even at its optimal part of the spectrum (e.g. orange light for silicon cells). This means that the overall
efficiency (CE) of a traditional cell -- even if perfectly optimized -- would not exceed 32 percent. Cumulatively this 100/32 (QE/CE) limit is named the Shockley-Queisser limit after its discoverers (S-Q Limit, for short).
As Scotty would say "you cannot change the laws of physics." But sometimes you
have your cake and eat it to, if only you find the right quirk in complex and poorly understood physics of our universe.
That's fundamentally what has been done here. MEG was first theorized by NREL researcher Arthur J. Nozik, Ph.D back in 2001, and was later confirmed to work in quantum dots, thanks to their special scale. This method is also known as "hot carrier generation". Using this quantum effect, later proved in the laboratory, the S-Q performance barrier could be shattered.
A useful property of quantum dots, is that their size determines their band gap, and hence the efficiency. Thus building the "perfect" MEG cell is simply a matter of picking the right size dots. As the bandgap tends to decrease as the quantum dot size and efficiency increase, the trick is to pick a quantum dot that is as big as possible, without losing the quantum effects.
Quantum dots don't just look pretty, they have some handy physics quirks too!
[Image Source: Elec-Intro]
Quantum dots also generate electron/hole pairs easier, with room temperature being enough excite (generate electricity) in some quantum dot materials.
The most recent paper was
[abstract] in the peer-reviewed journal
, with Matthew C. Beard taking the distinction of senior author and Octavi E. Semonin the distinction of being first author. Professor Novik was listed second to last, after four additional NREL colleagues.
III. Third Generation Solar Cells -- Finally a Solar Tech. Worth Investing In
"First" and "second" generation solar cells use various bulk semiconductors such as silicon, cadmium telluride, or copper indium gallium (di)selenide, which are then mixed with third, fourth, and fifth column (in the periodic table) elements to improve performance.
Ideally quantum dot cells could be combined with these traditional thin-film semiconductor cell designs, or applied using a mixture of nanocrystalline quantum dots optimized for different wavelengths. Either methodology could yield an optimized "third" generation (aka. next generation) design. Such a cell would enjoy the best of both worlds -- silicon cells' excellent red range performance, along with quantum dots excellent performance on the higher end (blue) of the visible light spectrum.
One approach to make a third generation ultra-efficient cell is to use a mixture of wavelength optimized quantum dots.
[Image Source: Los Alamos Science & Tech Mag./U.S. Department of Energy's NNSA]
While quantum dots are generally thought to be amenable to thin film cell "roll-to-roll" printing processes, the precise methods to do this on a mass production scale still have to be ironed out. Furthermore, the quantum dot cells measured in this study exhibited a pretty low 4.5 percent efficiency. While that sounds quite bad, it's largely a result of the lower amount of quantum dots used in the absorbing layer.
If quantum dot deposition techniques can be refined, the aforementioned "third" generation mixed cell could be finally realized. If somebody is going to do that, it will probably be Professor Nozik's team at the NREL. After all, they're who first discovered how to play the grand MEG prank on the laws of physics in the first place.
With these third generation solar cells, the technology may finally have the legs under it to compete with cheaper power generation methods (e.g. carbon-based fuels and nuclear energy). That's not only good news for mankind's terrestrial future; it's good news for future interstellar travellers, who will likely rely heavily on a mixture of solar and
nuclear (fusion) energy
Science Magazine
"Let's face it, we're not changing the world. We're building a product that helps people buy more crap - and watch porn." -- Seagate CEO Bill Watkins
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June 23, 2008, 2:24 PM
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text:
Texas Credit Union Hit by DDoS Attackers
University Federal Credit Union, the $1.5 billion institution headquartered in Austin, Texas, confirmed Friday that it was taken down "for around two and one-half hours" on Thursday in a cyber attack, acknowledged Sheila Wojcik, a senior vice president.
News of the incident first surfaced on a website, which proclaimed: "People's United Bank, UMB Bank and University Federal Credit Union failed to resist in front of Al-Qassam Group."
- Related: Patelco CU Hit by DDoS
- Related: Threat of the Week: Are Credit Unions Next?
- Related: Corporate One Talks Cyber Attack Defense
The website text continued: "U.S. Cyber Security acts was useless, in other words they could not stop Al-Qassam Group yet. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters hit 3 more American banks including People's United Bank, UMB Bank and University Federal Credit Union and simply made them completely out of reach."
The site included a link to a screen shot showing the UFCU.org site was down.
UFCU confirmed to Credit Union Times that it had suffered the outage but the institution stressed that it had no details as to who had attacked, or even with what technologies. "We are still investigating," said Wojcik, who declined to confirm that it was in fact a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.
She also stressed that the credit union's site was back up and fully functioning.
An outside expert, who requested anonymity, indicated that the website where the authorship was claimed has frequently been used by cybercriminals to brag about their exploits. He was unfamiliar with the details of the UFCU attack, however, and did not make any claims about the UFCU attack.


text:
The Founder Institute has helped launch over 1,000 new technology companies across 55 cities and six continents.
Below is a roundup of Founder Institute Graduate news over the past week. To get grad news in real time follow us on Twitter @founding and for more startup insights, subscribe to our weekly Founder Insight newsletter here.
- Cheryl Yeoh's Week With a Zirtual Virtual Assistant (VentureBeat); Silicon Valley grad, Zirtual, connects busy people with quality, long-term virtual assistants.
- Chicago grad, DigitalGroundUp, participated in The Challenge Cup Chicago (Challenge Cup); DigitalGroundUp is an interactive technology platform that teaches users how to build their digital marketing strategy from the ground up.
- Los Angeles graduate, Realty Mogul, Passes $8 Million in Funded Transactions and $500,000 Paid to Investors (Crowdsourcing.org); Realty Mogul is a crowdfunding platform for real estate.
- New York grad, Zipmark, was featured in the New York Times as a new option small businesses looking to go paperless (New York Times); Zipmark builds infrastructure that enables instant and secure mobile payments.
- Silicon Valley grad, Piggybackr, announces 1 Million Leaders Challenge (ABC 7 News); Piggybackr is a crowdfunding platform for kids.
Like this article?


text:
The only way to diagnose a cataract with with an eye examination. To detect a cataract, an ophthalmologist or optometrist examines the lens. Other tests evaluate the structure and overall health of the eye. A comprehensive eye examination for cataracts usually includes:
- Visual acuity test—This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances. This may include a test of your vision under conditions of low contrast and/or glare.
- Dilated eye exam—The doctor gives you special eye drops to widen your pupil, which allows better examination of the lens and the structures of the back of the eye. This allows your doctor to examine the lens in more detail to detect a cataract.
- Slit lamp exam—This is an examination of the eye using a specialized microscope that magnifies the eye.
- Tonometry—This is a standard test to measure fluid pressure inside the eye (increased pressure may be a sign of glaucoma).
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 05/2017 -
- Update Date: 12/20/2014 -


text:
Cardiovascular disease is a term that includes coronary artery disease , heart attack , and stroke . They are collectively responsible for 40% of all US deaths. Some preventive drug therapies have been able to decrease risk factors like high blood pressure . Medications such as ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are common choices.
Ongoing studies continue to determine the most effective drug or drug combination to decrease risks of cardiovascular disease. In a recent study, researchers compared the benefits of combining an ACE-inhibitor and an ARB, to the benefits of the individual drugs. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine , found that there was no added benefit to using a combination of these drugs. In fact, there may be some negative side effects.
About the Study
The research was done at the Population Health Research Institute in McMaster University. Researchers studied 25,620 patients (without heart failure ) with coronary, peripheral, or cerebrovascular disease or diabetes with end-organ damage. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups:
- Group 1 took ramipril (ACE inhibitor)
- Group 2 took telmisartan (ARB)
- Group 3 took a combination of both medications
They were then followed for almost five years. Researchers compared the three groups for:
- Number of deaths (any cause)
- Cardiovascular illness or death
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Stroke
- Rates of hospitalization for heart failure
There was no significant difference between the groups. The combination group was associated with higher incidence of renal (kidney) impairment compared to ramipril. The consequence of the renal impairments are not clear.
How Does This Affect You?
A common side effect of ACE inhibitor is cough , so your doctor may switch you to an ARB. They have the same benefit. However, a combination of the drugs may cause more harm than good. As medication options increase, you may find yourself with multiple prescriptions. This can sometimes lead to confusion and costly errors. Make sure to talk to your doctor and clarify the addition of any medication.
Lifestyle habits are also important in decreasing your risk for cardiovascular disease. Maintain a healthy weight, do not smoke, get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and eat a well-balanced diet.
- Reviewer: Larissa J. Lucas, MD
- Review Date: 05/2008 -


text: Yes wholeeartedly I never wanted him fired in the first place. I dont think people understand how difficult it is to bring talent to a struggling franchise, and for what it is he has done a good job yes he has some slip ups I cant defend but He does do right by the organization and need I say more about the Gay trade saving his job? no not really.


text:
Single Article Purchase:
Timing of Repair of Bile Duct Injuries Associated With Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Nuzzo G, Giuliante F, Giovannini I.
Arch Surg. 2011;146(1):117-117.
Published online January 1, 2011
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JAMA Surgery began publication in 1920. It is an international peer-reviewed journal published online every Wednesday with complete issues published 12 times a year. All major articles are published Online First. JAMA Surgery is the official publication of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association and the Association of VA Surgeons. The editor envisions the journal as a sounding board and forum for all the changes that are occurring in surgery today, including training paradigms, the 80-hour work week, women and minorities in surgery, malpractice concerns, and universal access to health care. The acceptance rate is 21%. The median time from submission to acceptance is 2 months and the median time from acceptance to publication is 6 months. Its 2013 impact factor is 4.30. The editor is Melina R Kibbe, MD, Edward G. Elcock Professor of Surgical Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.
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text:
Chevrolet Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah
is among those making the round trip from the Milford Proving Ground
through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, before returning
home. The drive will take a few days and will require
approximately 4 tanks of gas.
The drive is dubbed the
"65-Percent Drive" according to Autoblog, which in
GM-speak means the test drive made when 65 percent of the vehicle's
hardware and software is done. Reportedly, GM is actually about
90 percent done, but is just sticking to its traditional naming.
GM will complete 70, 80, 90 and 100 percent drives in coming
One thing GM is still tweaking is how much power from
the gas-engine generator to put directly to the electric drive motor,
versus using the generator power to charge the batteries. GM is
finding that frequently putting the power directly to the motor
improves performance. However, the generator will still charge
the batteries in some cases, as well.
The engine will be run
between 1,200 and 4,000 rpm, using factors like speed and power load
requirements to decide on the necessary speed. GM wants to keep
the engine between 30 to 100 percent load, as higher loads reduce
pumping losses. GM was tight lipped about fuel economy under
the old method (sustained charge) or the new method (variable speed,
some power going directly to the electric motor).
company did say that the prototypes are getting good
mileage -- over 300 miles on a tank of gas -- when operating in
generator mode. This is in addition to the vehicle's 40 mile
all-electric range. Another interesting test will be when GM
runs the car's gas engine on E85 ethanol fuel. The vehicles are
FlexFuel designs, so they can enjoy both gas and ethanol.
to the battery mode, the
batteries are performing well and aren't getting too cold or too
hot, both conditions which can degrade performance. The cars
aren't yet reaching the 40 mile target on a charge, but GM expects to
pass that milestone on the next test, with tweaking. On the
trip, GM is testing vehicles both running on a depleted battery
charge, and a full charge.
GM is also looking to fine tune and
minimize noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Currently, the
gas engine typically won't turn on until the car is moving, at which
point the noise will be drowned out by the wind and road noises.
GM, nonetheless, is pleased with the performance, and plans to
further reduce NVH by tweaking vehicle parameters that effect the
road and wind noise.
Other GM engineers were off testing Volts
at Pikes Peak in Colorado. One key concern is whether the Volt
will reach a "tipping point", where the gas engine can't
sustain battery charging, and the battery becomes depleted below the
typical minimum of 30 percent charge. Even a strenuous 14-mile
trip to the 14,000-foot summit was unable to overwhelm the 100 hp
generator, though, so it appears that the "tipping point"
will never be reached in real world situations -- if GM's
claims hold true.
A critical test to come will be how the
vehicle performs in cold weather. In cold weather, the Volt
starts with the generator running, to help heat up vehicle and
jump-start performance. Battery performance typically suffers
incrementally worse degradation, the colder it gets (this is a major
argument for ultracapacitors which perform favorably, but are more


text:
Submit News
WWDC: Apple Announces iOS 6, Shows Off In-house Maps App
Brandon Hill
June 11, 2012 2:45 PM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
Apple brings new Maps app with turn-by-turn navigation, but it's limited to iPhone 4S, iPad 2, and newer devices.
Apple first introduced the world to the iPhone Operating System -- now known as iOS --
back in early 2007
. At the time, the operating system was a breath of fresh air in the smartphone space. Over the years, the iOS has grown to encompass not only the iPhone, but also the
iPod touch
, and
Apple TV
. 350 million iOS devices have shipped as of March 30, 2012.
Five years after its first introduction, Apple is ready to apply a fresh coat of paint to its mobile operating system with iOS 6. Those expecting a drastic UI overhaul are going to be disappointed as the same basic formula that was introduced in 2007 remains. However, Apple has taken steps to make sure that iOS 6 remains fresh and relevant in today's quickly changing smartphone space.
While iOS 5 brought a more modern Notifications Center, OTA updates, iMessage, and integrated Twitter support, Apple has a fresh bag of tricks up its sleeve for iOS 6 at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Apple has updated Siri with some new functionality. While the first iteration of Siri introduced with the iPhone 4S was somewhat limited in its capabilities, the version included in iOS 6.0 now supports the "New" iPad, can give you sports scores (for example: MLB, NFL, NBA, etc.), and stats on athletes. It has also been integrated with Rotten Tomatoes, Yelp, and OpenTable.
Another big addition is the ability to launch apps with Siri. For users that have pages and pages of apps, a voice command of "Play Angry Birds" will launch the app instead of swiping and tapping through screens.
Even further integration is being introduced in new automobiles using "Eyes Free". Eyes Free is simply a button placed on a vehicle's steering wheel that allows users to directly access Siri without taking your eyes off the road. Some of the partners include BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and General Motors. Ford is interestingly not on that list, but we're sure they're
quite content with MyFord Touch
The other big addition to iOS is Facebook integration. Last year saw system-wide integration of Twitter and this year Zuckerberg and his crew are joining the fray. Users simply login from the Settings app, and are then given the ability to share apps, upload pictures, and provide location details to their Facebook page. There is also full integration with the iTunes store so that you can like and share movies, TV shows, and music.
Facebook Integation
And to make posting information easier, Apple has added Twitter and Facebook posting buttons to the Notification Center.
Apple is also making some of the most drastic changes to the Phone apps since the iPhone's launch in 2007. Apple now gives you the option to automatically send a text message to a person who is calling you when you can't pick up the phone (say you're in a meeting or at a movie). A simple canned message can be sent, or you can be reminded at a later time to call the person back.
New answering options in the Phone app
A new "Do Not Disturb" option has also been added to Settings that allows your phone to go into stealth mode -- your phone will still accept calls and messages, but your phone will not light up or make sounds/vibrate.
Perhaps the biggest news is that Apple has kicked Google to the curb with respect to its built-in Maps application. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that the Apple-Google relationship has taken a
dramatic turn for the worse since the Android operating system debuted
. With this in mind, Apple took matters into its own hands by purchasing three mapping companies (Placebase, Poly9, C3 Technologies) to develop an in-house mapping solution for iOS.
Maps is now integrated with Yelp, providing 100 million business listings. Apple is also including traffic information including accident reporting using anonymous, real-time crowd-sourcing. In addition, Apple is finally getting onboard with turn-by-turn navigation; something that Google has offered for a few years with Android smartphones. And naturally, Maps is now fully integrated with Siri.
Turn-by-turn navigation and 3D aerial view in the new Maps app
Maps now includes a "Flyover" mode which displays 3D model of cities from an aerial viewpoint. Again, many of these features are simply catching up to what's been available on the market for quite some time on completing platforms.
And here's the biggest kick to the face of users of older generation iOS devices -- just like Apple's decision to limit Siri to just the iPhone 4S at launch, 3D Flyby and turn-by-turn navigation is
limited to just the iPhone 4S and the iPad 2
(and newer) devices:
Some features may not be available in all countries or all areas.
Flyover and turn-by-turn navigation will be available only on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 or later
. Cellular data charges may apply.
Odds and Ends
A few other features that are being added to iOS 6 include FaceTime over a cellular connection and iCloud Tabs, which syncs tabs between all your iOS devices and Macs. Users now have the ability to share Photo Streams. Users can now add pictures and videos into an email message directly from the Mail app instead of first having to initiate a message from the Photos app. Also, users can now "pull to refresh" to get new messages.
Passbook allows you to store eTicket information for movies and flights, and also allows you to store gift cards for retailers (i.e. Target, Starbucks).
Apple also bragged about the fact that they that have an extremely large consumer base with 400 million accounts (making it largest store on the internet). There are over 650,000 apps in the App Store with over 225,000 of them being specifically tailored to the iPad. In total, over 30 billion apps have been downloaded since the App Store was introduced in 2008. As for the developers, Apple says that it has paid out over $5 billion to developers since the App Store's inception.
"We shipped it on Saturday. Then on Sunday, we rested." -- Steve Jobs on the iPad launch
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Personal computing discussed
Moderators: Captain Ned, emkubed
druidcent wrote:Any suggestions for balancing the load? Or do you just weigh the contents of one side and the contents of the other?
cjcerny wrote:Definitely the best birth control device ever invented.
ryko wrote:I just don't understand the appeal of such an item. A holster for all of your tech equipment? Why? How is this better or easier than putting your cellphone in your pocket and grabbing your tablet with your hands or tossing it in a bag/briefcase? Why or where would you ever wear this thing? In an office when you have to go to a meeting or somewhere else? Doesn't seem practical or secure for that matter. Sitting down at a desk with this holster on has got to be uncomfortable too. Wouldn't your tablet or whatever pinch you as you move around?
I am not trying to be mean at all, I really just don't understand the concept I guess. Is this for bike riding or something like hiking? Or is this for everyday around the house or office use? I don't see why I would want to conceal all of my tech equipment in such a fashion. Either I need access to my tablet or phone and i am actively using them in my hands, or I don't and they stay on my desk or on a charger. If i need to take my tablet or laptop somewhere it goes into my messenger bag/briefcase thingy. I don't understand why I would want to layer them around my torso...am I trying to sneak items into somewhere like a criminal? Movie theater recordings perhaps? Maybe i could just stuff the pouches full of candy--no more paying full retail for movie snacks!
On the other hand, if I feel like I am in a place where my personal possessions or safety are in jeopardy maybe this holster would help to hide any valuables as long as I leave them tucked away under a jacket or something--like on the subway or other public transportation. So if all you want to do is conceal your tech gear while traveling through undesirable neighborhoods I can maybe see the point. But for ease of access it doesn't really resonate with me...I see no reason to strap tech to my body.
Yeats wrote:Drfish, how expandable is the techsling? IOW, how portly of a person can this thing fit?
Dposcorp wrote:My brother and I got ours today, thanks for the fast shipping........drfish, are we allowed to post pics wearing them?
And can we post tips, comments, and suggestions in the thread, or via PM?
druidcent wrote:I'm probably going to look at putting velcro strip inside the zipper pocket to break it up into 2 compartments.. I'm afraid of stuffing things in there and everything clumping at the bottom..
drfish wrote:Thanks for the thoughts so far. We stayed away from hook and loop (Velcro) primarily due to noise. If you are wearing this under a nice suit jacket you don't want to tell the whole conference room you're taking something out of it with that distinctive sound, it could work nicely as a temporary divider but you would have to fight to keep it open if you didn't want it. I'll keep thinking of options, compartmentalizing that space seems to be a common concern.
Dposcorp wrote:On the tablet side, my 7" tablet seems to move too freely inside the pouch, and the one closing strap has too much slack.
Dposcorp wrote:Also, how about a heavily padded inner sleeve in case I drop my tablet on the conference table or floor while taking it out? It would also help keep the tablet from moving around when inside the pouch.
Heck, could even have a 10" sized pouch with multiple sized padded sleeves, so that a lot more padding would be on a 7" Tablet Sleeve when needed to be secure in the pouch, but less padding for a sleeve for a 10" tablet.
drfish wrote:Dposcorp wrote:My brother and I got ours today, thanks for the fast shipping........drfish, are we allowed to post pics wearing them?
And can we post tips, comments, and suggestions in the thread, or via PM?
Got nuts, this is the place, good or bad we want to know (so we can make it better!).
Right now we just have one [adjustable] size harness but its a simple matter to make it larger. As Ned says we just need more webbing. Right now each side is 40" of webbing with the front 2.5" longer than that back. The different sizes are something we need to settle on, we're thinking 36", 40", and 44" but maybe we need to go higher or lower...? We'll see!
Again, PM me with your address if you want to try one yourself.
drfish wrote:Forge,
Can't wait to hear how your day goes. Do you have your iPad in a case? That's the only way it should be snug. I'd be curious to know which cases any of you guys are using, I've tested some fairly bulky ones and haven't found one that doesn't play nice yet. Also, girly man? I'm 6'3" 234lbs - are you sure you're looking at the right pictures? I'm glad the harness fits though. The snaps are an "easy action" part number because our customer had the same concerns. I always face the iPad so the the screen is against my side. We'll talk about magnets again though, that seems to be a theme as well...
BTW, we made a small change to current production, the one I sent to Yeats is the first one to incorporate it. See below for some crummy pictures but basically we had been using a serger to bind the edges of the sides but we have now switched to covering the raw edges with actual binding. It takes a little more time but its a much nicer look. Left is new, right is old.
Forge wrote:Just trying to earn my keep, drfish.


text:
Kishimoto has done a excellent job in the series.. BUT the thing where he has ****ed up/screwed up is.. Genjutsu. Let me explain for example, we tsukuyomi a genjutsu that can only be broken by another Uchiha or a Jinchuriki. Basically what that means is everyone else besides the Uchiha or the Jinchuriki... is screwed. So with taking that into consideration when Kishimoto alludes to the Senju as the strongest clan.. its a fail why? Because Uchiha has tsukuyomi. Now this has allowed me to change my mind on the whole Naruto series and I now declare the Uchiha as the Strongest Clan to exist in this series.
He has made moves that have 10-0% counters.


text:
I Will Kick Satan's Ass!.
Basic Information
Name: Rin Inuzuka
Nickname: Salamander
Gender: Male
Age: 15
Clan: Inuzuka
His InfoLooks:
Rin is an averaged size teen with black hair with a slight blue hue to it. He has light blue eyes, pointy ears similar to that of an elf. And he bears sharp fang like teeth just like his ninken Kuro.
Rin usually wears black tight fitting jeans with 2 chains around his pockets. He carries a thin katana on his back. He is usually seen carrying Kuro on his back. Kuro is a tiny ninken with black fur and green eyes it very much looks like a cat but is 100% dog. When kuro gets angry his eyes change colors.
Rin has a protective and supportive personality. Rin can be very violent and get into fights often. but really has a kind heart. He supports his friends and tries to encourage and help them. Rin is very stubborn and immature he hates to lose. But in defeat will be the first to except it. He is confident in his abilities and determined to succeed in all of his goals.
I Will Become The Raikage!
Village Info.
Village of Birth: Konohagakure
Village of Alliance: Kumogakure
Rank//Chakra Info.
Ninja Rank: Sannin
Specialty: Inuzuka techs
Elements: mastered, up to C rank, up to B rank, up to C rank Up to C rank
Your ninjutsu:
Inuzuka Techniques mastered
Taijutsu- Basics
Ninjutsu- d rank
'‡‡‡‡The World of Gehenna‡‡‡‡'
His History
Background Info.
Growing up as a child Rin had behavior problems. Wheter it be at home or at the academy. Almost everyday Rin got into a fight or some trouble. Due to his bad behavior many of the villagers and other children shunned him. The only people that excepted him were his fellow clan members. As an Inuzuka clan member he was partnered with a ninken. His ninken Kuro was given to him after his father passed away. So Kuro was automatically loyal and friendly with Rin.As the years passed Rin trained hard in Inuzuka techniques with village elders Nemo. And even harder in his basic elements. Training with Roku in wind, lightning with shigure, Fire with McRazor and a good friend Erzo in water. At the age of 16 Rin could no longer handle being seen as an outcast so he left his family and clan in the hidden leaf, for Kumogakure. Upon his arrival in in the lightning village. He was accepted by new friends and old friends that joined around the same time as he did. Rin is now usual seen lying low and training until the day he gets strong enough to compete in tournaments and other stuff.
Kuro and Rin^
Satan Saga
But being a shinobi Rin life was not bound to go by with ease. A few months into his stay in kumo an ally left the village. The ally's name was Gaara. Gaara left the village when everyone least expected. Being one of the few villagers awake at the time Rin noticed Gaara leaving the village. But as Rin wasn't strong enough to fight him he ignored it and let the other villagers handle it. Gaara had left Kumo and ran off to the outskirts of Sunagakure. A few weeks of training and a s*** storm Rin felt he was strong enough to fight and defeat Gaara. So he went out to find the sand devil. Rin finnally encountered Gaara and they fought.
I'm here to kill you
Rin put up a good battle at first until he was overwhelmed by Gaara's endless sand jutsus.
You aren't ready yet
Injured from the Sand Burial Rin vowed to kill Gaara.
Satan Saga Part 1
To be continued.....
A friendly Rivalry
After the crushing defeat to Gaara Rin returned home to Kumo where he instantly begin to start training. While training one day a good friend of his appeared and challenged him to a friendly spar. Being overly confident Rin accpeted the challenge not knowing his opponents full potential.
Let's go Kuro
Rin right off the back transformed into a giant two headed wlf attempting to frighten his rival.
ewww! why transform into something so ugly?
I'm still smexier then you
Kaminari wasn't scared in the slightest bit possible. Having no fear he countered with little chakra.
But Rin wasn't ready to give up just yet. Going back on the offensive with 3 strong jutsus. After doing these jutsus Rin was at his limits and was exhausted. Noticing Rin being exhausted Kaminari quickly countered with his deadly lightning jutsus. But as a last resort Rin fled the battle field dropping multiple smoke bombs and running away. But before leaveing he left Kaminari with these words
I guess i wasn't ready yet
The Friendly Rivalry Part 1
3 weeks has passed and Rin still had the bitter taste of defeat in his mouth so he challenged Kaminari this time to a taijutsu and clan technique battle. It was Hyuga vs Inuzuka.
Let's do this Kuro
Without any words Kaminari went on the offensive. But Rin being a bit stronger countered with ease.
Rematch Time!
Rin using one of his special inuzuka techs he went on the offensive attacking Kaminari. But being a Hyuga clan member he used there favorite move.
(Hakkeshou Kuuten) - 8 Trigrams Heavenly Sky
Rank: C
Type: Attack/Defence
Range: Close
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: A rotation were the user makes his/her chakra into razor sharp lines and spins to attack and defend all in one move.
OO4I-k3mYFfzQOXQw/render_rin.png" align="Left">[
Deflecting Rin's shove and sending him back.
Damn Hyuuga!
That being said he jumped right back into the fight.
I hope this isn't you being serious
Smirking he countered Rin's attack again
All or Nothing, that's my ninja way. I will defeat you!
Kaminari ignores Rin's comments and counters with a few strikes. But Rin remebering the last time he fought he recalls Kaminari having a hard time with his special jutsu. Then just like that Rin and Kuro transformed into a two headed wolf yet again. And charge at Kaminari. Without hesitation Kaminari strikes Rin and Kuro in the chest sending them back flying.
Even with your power multiplied you are still no match for me.
Bursting back from the attack Rin has lost to Kaminari yet again...
I got you next time, I swear it
After saying this Rin passes out.
A Friendly Rivalry Part2
To be Continued.....
Shadows of Kumogakure
Sitting around had been getting boring for Rin so he thought it'd be fun to spar with his great friend and fellow clan member Ryu.
Ryu and Rin fought intensly. The two being evenly matched left the spar as a draw.
Shadows of Kumogakure Part 1
To Be Continued....
Satan's Flames need to be learned
Theme Song and Background Music:
Won: Winning?:sy:
Lost: Good Question


text:
MSU Federal Credit Union Gifts $1 Million to University's Jazz Program
MSU Federal Credit Union feels so strongly about enhancing the arts that the cooperative will provide a $1 million endowment to Michigan State University to set up a jazz artist in residence program.
In addition to bringing well-known jazz artists such as Branford Marsalis to work with students, guest artists and other jazz groups will perform around the state through the new program.
MSUFCU President/CEO Patrick McPharlin said the credit union wanted to build on the success on MSU's jazz studies program and sees the new residency program as way to enhance the arts as well as create a sense of economic development.
The $2.3 billion MSUFCU in East Lansing, Mich., said it already funds the university's Wharton Center's arts and creativity department and used the division to build a model for the new jazz artist in residence program.
Michigan State's University's jazz studies program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees with students getting the opportunity to play in three orchestras, five octets and eight jazz combos, according to the school.
"This generous gift will further strengthen one of America's great jazz programs and provide unforgettable music and educational experiences not only for our students, but for people across Michigan," said MSU College of Music Dean James Forger, in a statement.
MSUFCU announced the $1 million gift Sunday at a concert in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.


text:
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text:
Positions Available - Attorneys
VERNIS & BOWLING - Expanding "AV-RATED" law firm seeks aggressive attorneys with federal and/or state court experience in employment law, commercial litigation, personal injury, workers' compensation, and civil litigation defense for its Ft. Lauderdale, DeLand, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Clearwater, Pensacola, Florida Keys, N. Palm Beach, Miami, Atlanta, Mobile, and Birmingham, AL offices. Exceptional opportunity and benefits. Fax resume to: (305) 892-1260.
Estate Planning Attorney Hollywood, Florida, Wintter & Associates, P.A., Trusts & Estates Litigation & Administration firm has an opportunity for an Estate Planning and Probate attorney with 10+ years of experience. Experience with high net-worth clients, Board Certification, CPA License, and/or LLM in Estate Planning or Tax a definite plus. Quality book of business preferred. www.WintterLaw.com. Send resume to [email protected]
Butler Pappas AV-rated, civil litigation defense firm has an opening in its Tampa office for a construction defense litigation attorney with 2+ years experience, and a property coverage litigation attorney with 2+ years experience. Competitive compensation offered. Please submit resume to Hiring Partner, Butler Pappas Weihmuller Katz Craig, LLP, 777 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Suite 500, Tampa 33602, or fax to (813) 281-0900.
Casey Ciklin et al, AV rated WPB firm seeks associate with 3-5 years experience in Med/Mal Defense, some travel required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resume to [email protected] or fax to 561-820-0372.
Senior Insurance Defense Associates Wanted. PIP experience preferred. Hiring for Miami/Orlando offices. Only Email resume to [email protected]
Longwood Personal Injury Law Firm seeking experienced attorney. Trial experience preferred. 10+ experience required. $250,000.00 plus bonus. Complete Confidentiality Respected. Send resume to [email protected].
Longwood Personal Injury Law Firm seeking entry level or associate attorney to handle pre-litigation personal injury cases. 0 - 3 years experience. Very competitive salary with benefits. Send resume and writing sample to [email protected]
Senior Litigation Attorney for Panhandle Law Firm with minimum experience of 10 years for complex commercial, real estate and bankruptcy litigation. Reply in confidence to [email protected]
Florida Coastal School of Law seeks applications for multiple tenure-track, Clinical, and Lawyering Process faculty positions for the academic year beginning in Fall 2011. The Clinical and Lawyering Process faculty positions are non-tenure track positions. Curricular needs include first year courses, including Lawyering Process, and doctrinal courses, as well as certain upper-division electives, including Estates and Trusts and Clinic. Entry level and experienced candidates will be considered. Candidates should have distinguished academic qualifications, a record of accomplishment in the legal profession, a commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship (tenure track only), student mentoring and collegiality. Candidates for the Clinical position in particular should have either experience teaching law school skills and/or other classes or experience supervising students in law school externships, and ties to legal organizations and lawyers in northeast Florida that can be valuable in developing externship opportunities for students. FCSL maintains a strong commitment to the principles that serve as the foundation for the innovative educational experience provided to our students, including a focus on students; multicultural competence; infusion of professional skills, ethics and comparative perspective throughout the curriculum; service to the Jacksonville and FCSL communities; and a collegial environment that fosters innovation. Women, members of minority groups and others whose background and experience will contribute to the diversity of our faculty and to our goal of multicultural competence in our academic programs are encouraged to apply. The Faculty Appointments Committee will review candidates until the open positions are filled. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: Professor Cynthia Irvin, Faculty Appointments Committee Chair, Florida Coastal School of Law, 8787 Baypine Road, Suite 255, Jacksonville, FL 32256, or via e-mail to [email protected].
Foreclosure/Bankruptcy attorney. 7+ years experience Creditor Right/Litigation, trial experience a must. Positions available in Tampa, Sarasota/Bradenton, Boca Raton, Orlando, & Jacksonville Offices. Competitive salary & comprehensive benefits package. Fax resume & salary requirements to 813-880-8800.
The Tallahassee office of Carr Allison is hiring an associate with three to five years of civil defense litigation experience. The firm is looking for an associate with a strong work ethic and experience in handling civil defense litigation. Candidates should send their resume to managing shareholder, Thomas Logan, at [email protected]. The firm's website is www.carrallison.com.
The Pensacola office of Carr Allison is hiring an associate with one to five years of civil defense litigation experience. The firm is looking for an associate with a strong work ethic and experience in handling civil defense litigation. Candidates should send their resume to managing shareholder, Thomas Logan, at [email protected]. The firm's website is www.carrallison.com.
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A. seeks attorney for our Pensacola office. Min 3+ yrs civil litigation defense exp. Must be FL licensed. We are a large statewide Workers' Compensation, Civil, Insurance Defense, Elder Law and Employment and Labor Law Firm offering excellent benefits, competitive salaries and a great work environment. Visit www.mcconnaughhay.com to obtain employment application and submit with resume to HR Dept, fax 850-558-1605 or [email protected]
McConnaughhay, Duffy, Coonrod, Pope & Weaver, P.A. seeks attorney for our Tallahassee office. 0-2 yrs exp. Workers' comp exp preferred. Must be FL licensed. We are a large statewide Workers' Compensation, Civil, Insurance Defense, Elder Law and Employment and Labor Law Firm offering excellent benefits, competitive salaries and a great work environment. Visit www.mcconnaughhay.com to obtain employment application and submit with resume to HR Dept, fax 850-558-1605 or [email protected]
Sarasota AV rated commercial litigation law firm is seeking a lawyer with a minimum of five years construction/surety litigation experience. Candidate must have superior academic credentials and a successful employment history. This is a long term opportunity with significant benefits. All inquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Contact [email protected] or 941-586-1266.
Firm specializing in condominium association collections law seeks an attorney with 0-3 years of experience to litigate lien foreclosure and bank foreclosure matters. Previous experience in collections law or foreclosures is preferred, but not required. Salary commensurate on experience. Please email [email protected]
Firm specializing in Association law and Commercial Litigation seeks an attorney with 2-3 years of experience to litigate commercial litigation matters. Previous experience in commercial litigation or construction litigation is preferred, but not required. Salary commensurate on experience. Please email [email protected]
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of General Counsel, has an opening for an SES Senior Attorney position in the Civil Enforcement Section in Tallahassee. Applicants must be a member of the Florida Bar. At least two years of litigation experience is required and environmental law experience is preferred. The starting salary is $51,626.88. To apply, submit a resume by December 1, 2010 to Aliki Moncrief, Deputy General Counsel, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 35, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000.
Pensacola office of a regional law firm seeks a first year attorney or recent graduate with a focus in commercial litigation. Send resume to Office Administrator, Carver Darden, 801 W. Romana Street, Suite A, Pensacola, Florida, 32502
Puerto Rico/Florida litigation firm seeks Florida licensed attorney also licensed in Puerto Rico for Florida and Puerto Rico litigation. Outstanding academic credentials and successful employment history required. Occasional travel to firm's PR office may be required. Position offers highly competitive compensation package along with immediate client contact and major case responsibility. All inquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please send your resume to [email protected].
Sarasota AV rated commercial litigation law firm is seeking a lawyer with a minimum of ten years construction/surety litigation experience. This is a long term opportunity with significant benefits. Must have proven client relations skills and a history of outstanding results. All inquiries will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please send your resume to [email protected].
Associate Attorney/Risk Manager. Member of the Florida Bar required with a minimum of 5 years experience in the practice of law. Strong risk management and insurance background preferred, as well as experience in transportation, local government or commercial concessions. (This specifically does not include insurance defense work). For more information visit: www.mdxway.com
Litigation Attorney: Tallahassee statewide insurance defense firm seeks experienced litigator with 5 -7 years experience - First party experience a plus. Great opportunity. Send resume to: [email protected]
PIP Attorney: Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A. Statewide insurance defense firm is expanding. Positions available for experienced litigators in insurance defense with 3-5 years PIP experience for the following locations: Broward & Orlando. Great opportunity. Send resume to: [email protected]
Conroy, Simberg, Ganon, Krevans, Abel, Lurvey, Morrow & Schefer, P.A. - Broward insurance defense firm seeks litigation attorney with a minimum of 3-5 years first party/property coverage experience. Great opportunity! Competitive salary and benefits. Email resume: [email protected].
Litigation Attorney: Broward Statewide Insurance Defense Firm seeks Coverage attorney with Appellate experience. Competitive salary & benefits. Email resume: [email protected].
To respond to a News Box- Mail required information to: The Florida Bar News, 651 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300 Attn: News Box # ____
Postions Available – Other
Orlando AV-rated litigation firm seeks legal assistant with Plaintiff and/or Defense Litigation experience. Salary and benefits. Please fax cover letter and resume to Vasquez & Tosko, LLP at 407-481-9171.
Positions Wanted
Expert Witness
Real Estate / Space Sharing
Nelson & Nelson, P.A., estate planning/tax law firm, located at 2775 Sunny Isles Boulevard, just south of Aventura has offices available to share and possible cross-referrals. Office is suitable for attorneys or other professionals. Building offers ample parking, use of conference rooms and kitchen, receptionist services, phone system, internet and other amenities. Call M. Dubreuze at 305-932-2000.
Large Office Space to Share: In North End of Palm Beach County. First class building, overlooking intracoastal, with "AV" Civil Trial Lawyer. Own secretarial space, reception area, conference room, kitchen and enough room for three to four lawyers. Available now. Call 561-659-6100 or email [email protected].
[Revised: 12-17-2017]


text:
So recently i decided to read Naruto manga from the start to finish again and i noticed that the series has only ever touched up on orochimaru's "Immortality Jutsu" a few times.
As i kept reading on i dropped the pursuit of this issue "immortality jutsu" till around the issue when Orochimaru was brought back to the realm of the living by Sasuke where he clearly stated he did not want anything to do with the current war that was going on.
This struck me as odd seeing that Orochimaru was once part of the Akatsuki using them to further his own goals of "immortality" he had tried to steal Itachi's body previously in the early issues of the manga. And now has set his focus on Sasuke ?
That question alone made me realize that maybe Orochimaru was aware of Madara's true intentions of Immortality?
the reasons i came to this conclusion myself was because of these questions:
* Tobi/obito replaces Orochimaru's position on the Gedo Mazo statue for sealing as well as Diedera's partner
1) Nagato was told that the plan was to use the Bijuu as weapons so the Shinobi world would inevitably bow to their will ?
2) Obito was told the plan was the Infinite Moon Eye's plan, some bullshit genjutsu to enslave the world?
Why was Orochimaru allowed to leave the akatsuki without being hunted and killed? For someone to have so much Intel on their plans and aspirations surely he would have been a liability?
Not only that, prior to the start of Shinpuuden, Jiraya stated that Orochimaru had 3 years before able to preform the Body transfer jutsu?
I bring that up because i find it odd that in the latest chapters Madara states to Obito that "there is still time"
"there is still time"? dafuq? :confused:
Orochimaru said that he was watching everything from within Kabuto and was aware of the situation. I strongly feel that from his own perspective in my own words is that.
1) Madara's ****ed, he blew his chance at immortality. To many mistakes in his plan and has spiraled out of control.
2) Without my arms I'm as useless as Tits on a ball compared to the caliber of shinobi on the battlefield at the moment.
3) I'll wait a bit longer till the "timing" is right and all the chips are in my favor again...
I strongly feel that both Uchiha Madara and Orochimaru share the same goals of "immortality" although each were deceiving one another for the grand quest of "Immortality".
Its been Orochimaru's life long quest to master all jutsu and he needs to be Immortal or become a god (SOSP)
I believe the key pieces of this Immortal jutsu are:
* Rinningan
* Gedo Mazo + combined bijuu chakra
* Uchiha body
In my opinion being the 10 tails Jinchuriki is like being Thanos with all the infinity gems (most powerful being in the marval universe)
Being able to control that power without being a jinchuriki is like either being able to make a wish from Purunga (DBZ dragon)
Any thoughts ? comments ? FLAME ME I'M READY LOL


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Day 7: Share a hug
Today's challenge: Give someone a hug today
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you." —Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
The gift of a goat gives families a second chance in Romania
Baby Sebi, 2, is the fifth and youngest in his family. He loves to play with three of his older brothers who are 10, 8, and 6 years old. His eldest brother is 16 and commutes every day to high school in the city, so Sebi doesn't see him much.
Sebi loves animals. His father, Sebastian, made a winter shed for the goats his family recently received as a donation from World Vision, and the children spend long periods of time playing with the baby goats. Sebi is not frightened to go inside the shed. The goats are taller than him, but they are tame.
Ionatan, 8, says, "Mom makes 'mamaliga' (polenta) and we all eat it with cheese, it's so good!" The children get the most of the goats' products, as they are the ones who drink the milk and eat the cheese. Goat milk is very nourishing.
"We love animals. Our goats have names," says Sami, 10. "My favorite is Negruta (Blacky)."
"This donation is helping us a lot," affirms Sebastian. "Our kids were so happy when we received the animals."
The family finds it difficult to pay for their eldest child's school in the city. As stressful as it is for his parents to find transportation money for him, the three-hour commute wears on the boy. When he comes back late in the afternoon, his younger brothers rush to meet him. They soon gather around the pot of mamaliga and eat it with cheese. Then they finish the meal with mamaliga and jam, delighted that they are eating together.
Sebastian is determined to make the most of World Vision's donation and start a business with the goats. "I hope that little by little we'll build something from these goats," he says.
World Vision also helped provide fodder for the winter months, when temperatures fall beneath -20 degrees Celsius and food for the goats is scarce.
Sebastian and Maria, his wife, use what they have, a horse and a cart, to do what they can to provide for their children's needs. "If you are not [versatile], you cannot survive in Romania," says Sebastian.
During summer, the couple picks mushrooms and berries from the forest to sell. Profits fluctuate, but both are positive about the future even though the money the have each month is very little, which they have to stretch in order to feed, dress, and send five boys to school.
In winter, Sebastian cuts wood to sell in the village, although if someone can't pay, sometimes he just gives it to them, knowing what it's like to be in need. "I'm not going to be richer if I think only in terms of profit," he says. "What you give with one hand you receive with the other. God takes care of that, always," he says.
Like Sebastian and Maria, some 80 other families living in poverty in Cluj County have been helped through donation goats this fall: each family received five to milk and breed.
"At the moment, the goats represent a real help for us," Sebastian says. "Two of them are giving milk. I can start calling it a business only when I'll multiply the goats."
The family lives in a mountainous area in Northwest Romania. A one-room construction, their house isn't big enough for the whole family, so each night the older children must go to their grandmother's home to sleep. But hope and a new home are on the horizon.
Close to their small house, a new home is taking shape. Thanks to a gift from their sponsor, who sent money for construction materials, the family built a sturdy concrete basement.
Sebastian and Maria hope to have their home finished in the coming years and be able to care for their family united under one roof.
At the top: Father and daughter at the goats' reception in one of the rural communities where World Vision distributed goats. Some 80 families in Cluj County have been helped with goats, each receiving five animals to milk and breed. (Photo: ©2012 Laura Runcanu/World Vision)
The gift of a goat can mean a world of difference to a family like Sebastian's. Help a family provide nutritious food and income for their children. Give the gift of a goat today!


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Day 19: Share your inspiration
Who inspires you? Share a story with us, and read how Alvaro in Bolivia found inspiration through the letters he received from his World Vision sponsor!
Today's challenge: Comment below and share a story with us about someone who inspires you.
"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" —Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)
Alvaro, the future aviator
Lack of access to safe water made children and their families vulnerable to disease in mountain villages of Bolivia. But since the World Vision arrived in the area, these villages now have four new water systems, built with the support of the communities. Also, adults were trained on how to maintain these systems and why they are important for the well-being of children.
Alvaro has lived in these mountains since he was a child. He liked to see the clear sky and let his imagination fly; with his right hand he used to take a small airplane and run in the field, making the tiny airplane reach high.
His parents Angelica and Adalberto were worried about his future, so when they heard about World Vision's sponsorship program, they were interested and registered him in June 2004. As of a year ago, Alvaro's program supported 2,770 sponsored children, benefitting around 1,800 families.
A common problem that families face in this region, including Alvaro's family, is malnutrition. During the time that World Vision has been working here, malnutrition rates have decreased, thanks to activities among the families such as food security projects, trainings on vegetable growing, and certified potato production. Also, mothers participate in trainings on how to cook healthy food with local products.
Through another project, Alvaro and his brothers benefited from school supplies. Young children from this village also participated in early stimulation activities to ensure their success at school. Teachers are also trained on quality education.
Alvaro's sponsor began to send him letters and gifts. The boy was very happy when he received his first letter, thinking of his sponsor as a second father because he was supporting him with school supplies to continue his studies. They communicated with each other through letters every year; the words from his sponsor encouraged him to get good grades. His mother pointed out that her son felt happy to have a sponsor who, although he was very far away, always supported him and took care of his education.
Alvaro was a very good student, and always got the best grades in school. In 2008, when he was in high school, he was chosen to represent the children of his community, so he started to be part of the municipal sessions and give his opinions about projects in his community.
The same year, he was chosen as the representative of Oruro's City, becoming Senator for Oruro. He represented Oruro in the national assembly, highlighting that every child has the right to be listened to by society. His family always admired the leadership abilities he acquired while he was a sponsored child. In 2009, Alvaro entered military service, but he didn't abandon school because he was appointed as the school president. With all this leadership background, encouraged by World Vision, he decided that he wanted to serve the state.
Thanks to the support of his family and sponsor, Alvaro, now 21 years old, accomplished his dream to study in the Military Aviation School, although it meant leaving his village and family behind.
It is important to highlight that only a few youths from his community were able to enroll in universities or other higher education studies. Alvaro is an example of effort and sacrifice for youth and his peers at school. His parents feel that nothing is impossible with God's blessing.
"Do not let the dreams we want to reach since we are very young fade away. Don't let a fall [put] you on the ground, instead stand up with strength and keep moving forward until you reach the sky, value the sacrifice of your parents and who support you. God bless you," says Alvaro as a message for children and adolescents.
Additional reporting by Filomena Mamani and Andrea Cabrera.
At the top: Alvaro with his mother and his father during his second year at the Military School of Aviation, 2012. (Photo: Alvaro)
Make a one-time donation of $50 to provide $500 worth of school supplies. Studies show that an education is key to overcoming poverty. Your gift will offer things like building materials and tools, teaching supplies, textbooks, toys, sporting equipment, and more. Thanks to corporate product donations, your gift will multiply 10 times in impact to provide even more resources!


text: The United States is nearly completely reliant on China for its supply of lifesaving antibiotics. "The crucial ingredients for nearly all antibiotics, steroids and many other lifesaving drugs are now made exclusively in China," The New York Times reported in the 32nd paragraph of a Friday article entitled "Medicines made in India set off safety worries." Indeed, 2014 marks the tenth anniversary of Bristol-Myers Squibb — the last American plant that manufactured the key ingredients for penicillin and other drugs — shuttering it's upstate New York factory. "Like other manufacturing operations, drug plants have been moving to Asia because labor, construction, regulatory and environmental costs are lower there," the Times reported in 2009. As China has grown economically, it has also grown more bellicose. An October Washington Free Beacon article highlighted the Chinese military's "political warfare against the United States," including "funding pro-China activities abroad, recruiting intelligence sources, spreading propaganda, engaging in media activities, funding front groups that promote Chinese strategy and goals and supporting perceived 'friends' of China." More


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Why Didn't God Create Us in Heaven in the First Place?
I argue that God could've created us in a perfect existence in the first place...in heaven. Christians must counter-argue that God could not have done so, given the amount of suffering that resulted from his decision to create us in a fleshly world here on earth. Let me explain with the problem of free will, as I've done before. If there isn't free will in heaven for the "saints" when they die, then why did God need to test us with it on earth, since without it in heaven we'd all obey God anyway? If there is no free will in heaven for the "saints" when they die, then why did God purportedly grant free will to Satan in heaven from which he purportedly rebelled? If free will is so valuable, then why would God reward the "saints" in heaven by taking it away from them, but punish "sinners" in hell by letting them (us) keep it and rebel forever? If, however, there is free will in heaven for the "saints" when they die, then there would also be the possibility of another rebellion in heaven in the future. Besides, would someone please explain to me why anyone in the direct unmediated presence of God would ever attempt to rebel against an omnipotent Being who loves them with a perfect love? Anyone who would even think of rebelling would have to be pure evil itself, and dumber than a box of rocks. But since I don't believe any person can ever be pure evil or that dumb, I claim it's extremely implausible to believe any person did attempt to do this, or that anyone with free will in heaven would ever try.
Edited for Calvinists. If there is no libertarian free will at all then what is the point of creating human beings at all? If God did not create us with free will, then Calvinistic theology must justify why our particular world brings God more glory than a different world where he decrees from eternity that his creatures all perfectly obey him. If humans do not have free will, then there can be no rational justification for the suffering that we experience in this world. Such a God as that is only worthy of our disgust, since our world could so easily have been different if he merely pulled our strings to do good and not evil and made us feel as if we were freely choosing what we do.


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mysterious polar craters of the moon,
often hidden in shadow, will soon be shown in a new
light. NASA scientists
are currently working to offer up illuminating details of their
topography for the first time with the most precise
and complete map to date, thanks to NASA's
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and
the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA). According
to NASA's web page, LOLA, which is on board the LRO
spacecraft, works by propagating a single laser pulse through a
Diffractive Optical Element that splits it into five beams. The beams
strike and are backscattered from the lunar surface. From the return
pulse, the LOLA electronics determines the time of flight which,
accounting for the speed of light, provides a precise measurement of
the range from the spacecraft to the lunar surface."Recent
papers have clarified some aspects of lunar processes based solely on
the more precise topography provided by the new LOLA maps such as
lunar crater density and resurfacing by impacts, or the formation of
multi-ring basins," said Dr. Gregory Neumann of NASA's Maryland
Goddard Space Flight Center."The new maps are
more accurate
and sample more places on the moon."The LOLA
data also allow us to define the current and historical illumination
environment on the moon," said Neumann. Vital to
finding places that have been shaded for long periods of time, lunar
illumination history will help scientists with discovering areas that
act like cold storage and are capable of accumulating and preserving
volatile material like water ice. They are generally in deep
craters near the lunar poles."Until LRO and the recent
Japanese Kaguya mission, we had no idea of what the extremes of polar
crater slopes were," said Neumann.


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Following Bloomberg's
report yesterday that Hewlett-Packard Company (HPQ) was on the verge of firing embattled
CEO Léo Apotheker, comes official news [press release] today
that the Board has finalized the plan. Mr. Apotheker is out, accomplished Harvard
Business School grad and former eBay, Inc. (EBAY) CEO Meg Whitman is in [press release].
I. Apotheker: a Careless Choice?
HP's odd journey began last August when it was rocked by a lawsuit filed by celebrity
lawyer Gloria Allred on behalf of former adult actress turned
contractor Jodie Fisher, who accused the company's accomplished CEO of
sexually harassing her. HP made the hasty decision to drop their CEO,
Mark Hurd, despite his successful track record, and rival business software
maker Oracle Corp. (ORCL) hastily scooped Mr. Hurd up, naming him a co-president. HP agreed to pay
Mr. Hurd between $28M and $50M USD in severance benefits, depending on whose
numbers you trust.
The Board at HP, the world's top personal computer maker, was then left fumbling
for a replacement chief. Former HP Board Chairman Tom Perkins complains
in an interview in The New York Times,
"It has got to be the worst board in the history of business."
Mr. Perkins wasn't alone in that sentiment. The NYT report
cites other insiders as complaining about "animosities, suspicion,
distrust, personal ambitions and jockeying for power" by the Board at the
As a result the board picked Mr. Apotheker an unlikely candidate for the job.
To begin with Mr. Apotheker was German and had little experience in the
American market. And he had even less experience in selling hardware,
having only briefly sold casino electronics at a previous position.
But the really baffling aspect of the hiring was that HP recruited Mr.
Apotheker after an abysmal campaign at top German software maker SAP AG (ETR:SAP), which saw him terminated only 10 months after becoming CEO.
At SAP he steered SAP into its first loss in seven years, faced backlash
for failed price increase attempts during the recession, clashed with unions,
and allegedly oversaw the theft of intellectual property from Oracle that cost SAP $1.3B USD in damages.
II. Apotheker Steers HP Into a Downward Spiral
Despite that less that gleaming reference, the Board finally agreed that Mr.
Apotheker was the best person for the job, of the four candidates considered.
Except, they apparently never bothered to even interview him, according
to The NYT report. States one executive to The
NYT, "I admit it was highly unusual. But we were just too exhausted
from all the infighting."
During Mr. Hurd's reign HP saw five years of consecutive gains and a 130
percent rise in stock prices. By contrast Mr. Apotheker's tenure reminded
many of reviled former HP CEO Carly Fiorina; under his leadership HP slashed
its sales outlook three times and saw stock prices plunge 47 percent.
But the losses were only part of the picture. Last month Mr. Apotheker
announced HP's decision to pull out of the increasingly lucrative mobile
market, killing the webOS product line, which HP had paid $1.2B USD to purchase just year before. The death of HP's
TouchPad tablet -- the first modern webOS tablet design from HP -- came just
over six weeks after it hit the market.
In an even more bizarre twist, Mr. Apotheker announced that HP would be selling or spinning off its core PC
business, which most deeply associate with HP's brand image and history.
Instead, HP would spend $10.3B USD to buy UK software
maker Autonomy, Corp. Plc. (LON:AU) and would focus solely on the higher margin enterprise servers
and software. Essentially Mr. Apotheker envisioned HP becoming SAP 2.0
and vying with Oracle and International Business Machines, Inc. (IBM).
Mr. Perkins, HP's former board chairman, accused HP of working to commit "corporate
suicide" with the wild plan. And HP's shareholders filed a
class action suit accusing HP of defrauding them by failing to
disclose the radical corporate makeover in a timely fashion.
In the end the Board caved. Mr. Apotheker won't get the chance to see
that outlandish plan through to its bitter end as he has found himself
dismissed from the CEO spot at a top company for the second time in under a
year. In the world of CEO's the word "fired" is seldom used --
instead euphemisms like "declined to renew contract" or "parted
ways" are applied. But for all intents and purposes the last two
years have seen Mr. Apotheker assume CEO positions at two top global firms, and
be fired from each in under a year for poor performance.
III. Meg Whitman: HP's Hope for Salvation
Turning to the new CEO Meg Whitman, she has a much better track record, though
she is not without her own early detractors.
Having received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, Ms. Whitman went on to
work as a manager/executive at The Walt Disney Company (DIS), DreamWorks, The Procter
& Gamble Comp. (PG), and Hasbro, Inc. (HAS), before
joining eBay, Inc. (EBAY) in 1998. In 1998 eBay had revenue of $4M
USD and only 30 employees -- in short a promising, but tiny up-and-coming web
startup. By the time she left in 2008, eBay had revenue of $8B USD and
15,000 employees.
Her campaign at eBay was not without criticism. Some complained about
slowing revenue growth towards the end of her CEO run. And under her
leadership eBay reportedly overpaid to acquire video calling firm Skype
Technologies SA after getting in a bidding war with Google Inc. (GOOG) and Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO). However, eBay did end up turning a profit on the purchase, when
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) decided to pay even more for Skype, boosting the return on
eBay's remaining stake.
Some benefits of Ms. Whitman are that she's deeply familiar with the overall
American business market and that she has diverse executive experience having
worked at a toymaker (Hasbro), a pharmaceutical company (Procter & Gamble),
and, of course, an online retailer (eBay). EBay's market cap is similar
to HP's, given the latter's currently depressed stock value.
A potential downside is that she's never worked at a computer-maker before.
Ms. Whitman's campaign at HP, which would eventually culminate in being awarded
her new CEO position, began after she lost her 2009 bid to become the governor of California. In January 2011 she
joined the HP board, hoping to help reform the struggling firm.
She must now figure out how to right the ship and decide what to do with Mr.
Apotheker's controversial plans to kill webOS devices and spin off the PC unit,
the Personal Systems Group. For webOS fans, Ms. Whitman's arrival could
lead to a webOS revival, though that may be unlikely given recent layoffs.
HP is far from out of the game. It's still the world's top seller of PCs
and has a strong brand name both with home and business users. That said,
if the board is as dysfunctional as The NYT report indicates,
HP might see more future struggles, regardless of how Ms. Whitman performs.


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Hope Credit Union Rolls Out Banking App Aimed at Underbanked
The 28,000-member, $161 million Hope Credit Union in Jackson, Miss., has rolled out a mobile banking app that it hopes will help expand banking services into even more of the largely unbanked and underbanked Mississippi Delta region.
The new app has versions for both Android and iOS phones and will allow members to check account balances, transaction histories, transfer money between accounts and make deposits via their phones. This feature, in particular, will make the credit union far more accessible to people who may live far from a credit union branch or deposit-taking ATM.
"This can be a game changer for unbanked communities, and in places where the only financial options are check cashers, pawn shops and payday lenders," said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum. "Increasingly, smartphones are a standard accessory, regardless of income. By combining the Hope Mobile app and a HOPE Anytime Debit Card, people can have a full service a branch in the palm of their hands."
At the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative America conference, HOPE announced a commitment to double its presence and the number of people it serves across the Mid South in in response to the high concentration of un- and underbanked people in the region. The app is a step toward achieving those goals.
"People in low-wealth communities often face significant challenges to meeting basic financial needs, a fact that severely limits their economic options," said Lisa Mensah, executive director of the Aspen Institute's Initiative on Financial Security.
"While this is a difficult concept for those who see bank branches on every corner in their neighborhood, more and more communities do not have a bank, something that has a disproportionate impact on blue collar workers and the elderly. Without an alternative like HOPE Mobile, they would spend an extraordinary amount of time and money on basic needs," Mensah said.
"HOPE Mobile enables more people to enter the financial mainstream," said Bynum. "Using a simple handheld device, people can now exercise more control over their finances, keep more of what they earn, and build a more stable financial foundation for themselves and their families."


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Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn recently made the prediction
that electrified vehicles -- hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in
hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles
(BEVs) -- would make up 10 percent of total vehicle sales by 2020.
Other EV supporters have released even higher numbers of what the
electrified vehicle market share might be at the turn of the next
decade.Not so fast, says market research and analysis firm
J.D. Power and Associates. According to its
new report, electrified vehicles will likely only amount to 7.3
percent of vehicles sold in 2020. That would mean that 5.2
million of the 70.9 million passenger vehicles sold that year would
be HEVs, PHEVs, or BEVs.
Humphrey, senior vice president of automotive operations for J.D.
Power remarks on the less promising forecast, "Consumers will
ultimately decide whether these vehicles are commercially successful
or not. Given consumer attitudes toward such vehicles and barring
significant changes to public policy, including tax incentives and
higher fuel-economy standards, we don't anticipate a mass migration
to green vehicles in the coming decade."Price and
self-interest will be the driving factors for slower-than-expected
adoption, says the report. States Mr. Humphrey, "Many
consumers say they are concerned about the environment, but when they
find out how much a green vehicle is going to cost, their altruistic
inclination declines considerably. In the U.S., the number of people
who say they're interested in buying a hybrid drops 50 percent when
they learn such vehicles typically cost about $5,000 more than
equivalent models with gasoline engines only."The report
brings into question the billions in investment that the U.S., China,
and other industrial powers are pouring into electrification
research. The Obama administration alone has offered $11B
USD in EV-related grants.It also calls into question
Nissan's plans to quickly scale production of its new Nissan LEAF EV
from 20,000 units in 2011 to 500,000 units a year by late 2012.
Toyota (Prius
MPV, Prius
plug-in), Ford (2012 Focus EV), and GM (2011 Chevy Volt) are all
betting on EVs as well. Poor demand could force those companies
to readjust their plans.Another danger to electrified
vehicles not fully explored in the report is the potential for
China's dominance
of rare earth metal refining to impede adoption. China
is currently cutting
off supplies of rare earth metals to China and the U.S.
Electrified vehicles use twice the rare earths, approximately, than
pure combustion vehicles. Thus supply shortages could limit
production.The U.S. and Japan are reopening rare earth mines
around the globe, but that is expensive. And building a
successful refinery for the metals can take 5 years or more.
Ultimately these costs will likely be passed on to the consumer,
exacerbating the pricing frustration that the J.D. Power report
points to.