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Benefits & Features
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Combine the Tremola jersey with our cycle bib shorts for the ultimate cycle kit.

subset: commoncrawl


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News & Events
For the Media
Hauser Appointed Assistant Professor of Film at Clarkson University
Brian Hauser has been appointed assistant professor of film at Clarkson University.
He received his bachelor of arts degree in English from the Ohio State University, where he graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. He also received his master of arts degree and Ph.D. in English from The Ohio State University.
Before coming to Clarkson, he taught literature and film-related studies at Ohio State and Union College. He also taught a seminar at Clarkson, "The United States of Amusement," along with a literature class and a screenwriting workshop.
His dissertation explores the connection between cultural trauma and the supernatural or mysterious in literature and film. He continues to examine that theme in his scholarly articles and presentations, as well as through creative non-fiction and film. Two of his recent screenplays have earned multiple honors.
His feature-length work, Cult Flick, won the 2010 H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival Screenwriting Competition and was a finalist in the 2010 Fantastic Planet: Sydney International Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival. It also was a quarter-finalist in the 2010 Champion Screenwriting Competition. The Curfew, a short-film screenplay, also received multiple honors, including being selected as a finalist in the 2010 Fantastic Planet: Sydney International Sci-Fi & Fantasy Film Festival.
Hauser has received a variety of honors including the 2007 PCAS Ray & Pat Browne Award for Best Graduate Student Conference Paper and 2006 winner of the OSU Graduate School Graduate Associate Teaching Award.
He has served on various academic committees, including the Union College Committee on Undergraduate Research, Union College Humanities Building Committee, Union College Film Studies Committee, and Union College American Studies Committee.
He is a member of the Society for Cinema and Media Studies, the University Film and Video Association, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa.
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.
[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/bhauser.jpg .]


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Chess PraxisProduct Code: B0097IS
Book Description
A supplement to the Chess player's handbook, containing all the most important modern improvements in the openings, illustrated by actual games; a revised code of chess laws; and a collection of Mr. Morphy's matches, &c., in England and France
This is a reprint of the 1891 edition of "Chess Praxis" by Howard Staunton.
This book contains so much valuable infomation about chess and chess players that it has never gone out, and never will go, out of style. This book is especially noteworthy because of the sections of the games by Morphy, starting on page 453.
About the Author(s)
Howard Staunton was born in about 1810. He died on 22 June 1874. He is believed to have been the strongest player in the world at that time. Bobby Fischer went back and re-analyzed and re-studied these games. He concluded that Staunton was one of the ten greatest players of all time.
Media Mail Eligible
Media Mail® shipping from the US Postal Service is the cost-effective way to ship Books, Software and DVDs. With shipping rates starting at only $5.00, it's the most affordable shipping method available.


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Raul Castro's government announced Monday that Cubans will be allowed to travel abroad, as tourists, for the first time in five decades.
No further details on travel policy were released in the government's new economic guidelines, but the announcement is seen as an official decision as part the landmark reforms, according to Al Jazeera.
There is currently a de facto travel ban in Cuba where residents of the island nation have to jump numerous bureaucratic hurdles, including an invitation from their destination abroad. Cubans must then pay $150 for an exit request that may be denied, limit their travel to 30 days, and obtain paperwork that costs about $400. The average monthly wage in Cuba is $20.
Monday's announcement also confirmed the governments commitment to allow residents to buy and sell homes, automobiles and pledged to make bank loans readily available.
In their shift to a free market the new Castro government suggests Cubans also form co-ops that should serve as medium size companies. New rules also allow businesses to sell directly to consumers without government interference.


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Careers >> Browse Articles >> Creative Jobs By State
Art and Design Careers in Indiana
Career Projections
Average Salaries for Art Careers
Training Requirements
State Art & Design Organizations
Career Connections
Employment of artists is projected to grow faster than average. Competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties because the number of people with creative ability and an interest in art is expected to continue to exceed the number of available openings. Employment of architects is expected to increase by 16% until 2018. Current demographic trends will lead to an increase in demand for architects as the population of Sunbelt States continues to grow, the people living there will need new places to live and work. Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow by only 1% in the next several years. Some new jobs will arise from an increasing population demanding more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 13%, as fast as the average for all occupations, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers and computer design firms. Employment of photographers is expected to grow 12% over the next several years, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for portrait photographers should increase as the population grows.
The fastest growing art related fields is interior design, which is expected to grow by 19%, faster than the average for all occupations. An increasing interest in interior design and awareness of its benefits will increase demand for designers.
Average Salaries for Indiana Artists
Animators / Multimedia: $47,500 (National Range: $41k-$77K)
Artists (Painters, Sculptors and Illustrators): $58,550 (National Range: $29K-$61K)
Architects: $46,950 (National Range: $53K-$91K)
Fashion Designers: $42,560 (National Range: $42K-$87K)
Filmmakers (film and video editors): $48,120 (National Range:$33K-$77K)
Graphic Designers: $39,280 (National Range: $32K-$56K)
Interior Designers: $44,170 (National Range: $35k-62K)
Photographers: $28,840 (National Range: $20K-$44K)
Animators / Multimedia
A career in animation requires you hold a bachelor's degree or other post-secondary training in art and design. Most people in the animation career field earn a bachelor's degree in fine art or animation.
Artists (Painters, Sculptors and Illustrators)
Students can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and can continue on to receive their Master of Fine Arts (MFA), which is considered the highest degree for studying the fine arts. Many students who earn their MFA go on to teach college level courses.
Prospective architects can either complete a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program or earn a bachelor's degree in another field and then a Master of Architecture. In the U.S., all prospective architects must complete a minimum 3-year internship (5,600 hours) under the supervision of a licensed architect. After earning a degree and fulfilling internship requirements, you can become eligible through your state architectural registration board to take the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE). You need to pass all seven sections of the ARE in order to pass the exam in full.
Fashion Designers
Fashion designers typically need an associate or a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Some fashion designers also combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree, especially those who want to run their own business or retail store.
Formal training can be a great asset to workers in filmmaking and television production, but experience, talent, creativity, and professionalism usually are the most important factors in getting a job.
Graphic Designers
A bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions; although some entry-level technical positions may only require an associate degree.
Interior Designers
Entry-level interior designers typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in Interior Design. Professionals in the field continue on to earn a Master of Fine Arts or equivalent degree.
Professional photographers benefit from formalized education at institutions that specialize in the art of rendering photography. A major in photography provides studies in the aesthetic and practical areas of camera-generated imagery.
Indiana Art & Design Organizations
Indiana Design Organizations
American Institute of Graphic Arts Indianapolis Chapter
Architecture Organizations
American Institute of Architects Indiana Chapter
Interior Design Organizations
American Society of Interior Designers Indiana Chapter
Photography Organizations
Professional Photographers of Indiana
Arts Organizations and Nonprofits in Indiana
Indiana Art CentersAnderson Fine Arts Center
Brookston Art Center
Chesterton Art Center
Harrison Center for the Arts (Indianapolis)
Indianapolis Art Center
John Waldron Arts Center (Bloomington)
Lubeznik Center for the Arts (Michigan City)
Mitchell Place Gallery of Fine Art (Muncie)
Noblesville Cultural Arts
Sullivan Munce Cultural Center
Indiana Non-Profit Art OrganizationsArtlink (Fort Wayne)
Art Community Inc. (Indianopolis)
Arts Alliance Indiana
Arts Council of Indianapolis
The Hoosier Salon
Indiana Arts Commission
Indiana Arts.org
New Harmony Gallery
Northern Indiana Arts Association (Munster)
Tippecanoe Arts Federation (Lafayette)


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sure. There are so many issues surrounding Korean adoptees. Its one thing I've been studying a lot about lately. Anyway, i think it would be an awesome diversity statement.
Hi guys,I've been reading around and it seems that Asian Americans are not considered URM's at top ranked schools. That being said, I do think that I have reason to include a diversity statement, but I was wondering if it would be OK or even appropriate to mention that I am a Korean adoptee. Not only that, but I was adopted into a low income household in Arkansas.Now, Arkansas probably isn't as bad as some places, but there have definitely been some hard times down here. Honestly, I was the only Asian guy in my entire city, and even though I grew up here people still stare at me every time I walk into a store or a restaurant. It's more than a little grating.In any case, I was wondering if this could factor into my admission at all.Any opinions?
From my experience, I don't believe you'll receive URM status, but will receive some soft-factor consideration. As others stated, it'll help in tie-breaker/borderline situations, but won't override the numbers game.In my PS I mentioned it briefly, but since I'm an older applicant with a family, I focused on work and more significant life experiences, which I felt provided stronger diversity elements... however, I got rejected/waitlisted at the 2 schools I applied to, so hopefully my case provides the limits of the boost (LSAT around the 25%)but it's certainly valid for a PS or a diversity statement... just keep it positive.


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Despite what they may say, mothers have favorites among their children, and a new study finds that those preferences tend to continue into old age. The authors of the study suggest that doctors, hospital staff and family members need to take those preferences into account when decisions are made about caregiving and other matters for the aging parent.
"There's been a great deal of research done on younger mothers with young children in terms of favoritism," said Jill Suitor, a sociologist at Purdue University and one of the authors of the paper, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family. "It's very common for parents to differentiate between their children" with regard to punishment and feelings of closeness, she said.
Researchers know less about favoritism among older parents, however, so Suitor and her colleagues began a survey of several hundred families 15 years ago. They found that older parents also tend to favor some children over others. "If anything, perhaps it becomes more common," Suitor said. "It certainly doesn't become less common."
As part of their survey, the group asked women between ages 65 and 75 about their relationships with their children. About two-thirds said they were closer emotionally to one of their children than another, feelings that generally persisted seven years later when the researchers surveyed the women again.
At that point, four-fifths of mothers said they preferred one of their children as a caregiver. Mothers tended to prefer the child whom they saw as sharing their values and their perspective on the world, the group found.
In previous studies, Suitor and her colleagues have documented the negative consequences for elderly people when they can't be near the child they trust most, consequences that included an increased likelihood of depression following an illness or an injury.
There are also serious emotional consequences for adult children who feel excluded. Suitor hopes her group's work can help them cope with those feelings by recognizing that favoritism is normal.
She also said that when adult children are asked to name the sibling to whom their mother feels closest, they are correct less than half the time, so some of that sense of exclusion may be baseless.
The paper's other authors were Megan Gilligan of Iowa State University and Cornell University's Karl Pillemer. Their research was funded by the National Institute on Aging.


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Hello Dear Folks! We appreciate it very much that you decided to visit our website! Please find below all Check writers answers and solutions for the extremely popular 7 Little Words game!. The reason why you are already here is because you are looking for Check writers answers. Look no further because you've come to the right place! Our staff has just finished solving all today's 7 Little Words Daily Puzzles and the answer for Check writers can be found below:
Check writers
Other Answers for November 15 2017 7 Little Words Daily Puzzle
Below you may find the list of the other crossword clues found on today's 7 little words daily puzzle. Click on any of the titles below in order to show the full response. A new page will open with the appropriate answer.
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SOCORRO, N.M., April 23, 2002 -- The New Mexico Tech Physics Club will give flight to the Sixth Annual Paper Airplane Contest, a fun, science- related competition being launched during National Physics Week on Saturday, April 27, from 3 until 5 p.m. in the Tech Gym.
The paper airplane extravaganza, sponsored by club members and the Tech physics department, is open to all ages -- children, as well as adults. No entry fee is required to compete or watch.
Competitions for longest distance and duration of flight will be held for four specific age groups: 6 years and under; 7 to 11 years; 12 to 15 years; and 16 years and older. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at the contest.
Registration for all groups will start at 3 p.m., with prizes in each category awarded at the end of the competition.
A grand prize of an airplane ride, donated by local Taco Bell owner and pilot David Richmond Sparks, will be awarded to the contestant who accumulates the most points overall.
Other local businesses and individuals also have generously donated more than $700 in merchandise and services awarded as prizes and giveaways to winners and other participants in the various divisions and competitions.
Refreshments for the event will be provided by Tripps, Inc. and Holiday Inn Express.
The rules of the paper airplane contest stipulate that all entries be constructed on-site at the Tech Gym of materials that will be provided to all contestants shortly after they register No pre-assembled airplanes or "blueprints" will be allowed. The materials provided will consist of two 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch sheets of standard-weight paper.
Entries will be limited to two paper airplanes, with a maximum of two throws in each competition. Either of the contestant's two airplanes, however, may be used for any of the throws; and, only the best throw in each contest will be scored.
The paper airplane contest has become a popular annual event at New Mexico Tech, and also has become a regular part of the Tech Physics Club's continuing efforts to provide science education as an outreach program.
Members of the Tech Physics Club remind everyone that they are willing and available to set up science demonstrations and presentations for local schools and other organizations.


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The Toluca Sportsmans Club has a few scholarships available to local high school seniors. More information can be found at the link below.
HeartlandOutdoors.com is owned by Lampe Publications LLC. Heartland Outdoors is a registered trademark.
Heartland Outdoors, P.O. Box 745, Elmwood, IL 61529
Copyright © 2018 Heartland Outdoors. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


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SEATTLE, March 3 (UPI) -- Microsoft's upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 update will replace its Bing search functionality with a new personal digital assistant called Cortana, according to The Verge.
Sources familiar with the development told the technology magazine that the new voice-activated personal assistant will be a circular animated icon rather than a female character like Siri. But Cortana will be similar to Siri in that it will develop a personality the more you speak to it.
The personal assistant will be customizable, with users being able to tell their 'assistant' how they want to be addressed. Cortana will call users by their name or nickname.
Cortana will function by saving key information and data in a 'Notebook' system. This system will serve as a reference for Cortana to access information such as location data, behaviors, personal information, reminders and contact information. It will also look up information in a user's email and if the user is traveling it will keep track of flights, similar to Google Now.
Cortana will aggregate data from Bing and Foursquare to give it contextual information to better help the user. While Cortana is the name Microsoft is using at present, it is not clear if they will stick with the name once the update is published.
[The Verge]


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Xbox 360 » Racing » Simulation » Automobile
Test Drive Unlimited 2: Casino Online
Test your luck on Roulette and several different types of Slot machines. Confront other players at Poker Texas Holdem and participate in tournaments. Be the best driver on the Casino Island races! Compete to unlock TWO EXCLUSIVE CARS: an Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro and a Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder. Win other exclusive prizes: furniture for your house, stickers for your car and clothes for your avatar. This game gives access to 10 new levels of progression. You must have an online account to play. Up to 32 players all together. HDD space required: 250 MB.
Release Date: February 8, 2011


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Easy Video Copy & Convert 5
Convert Video with Roxio's Top of the Line Video Conversion Software
Watch movies anytime, anywhere thanks to Roxio Easy Video Copy & Convert 5 video conversion software. Quickly convert video for playback on devices and tablets, and copy movies to DVD in 3 easy steps. Includes support for a wide variety of input and output formats.


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Does your weight weigh you down? Here's good news that will lift you up.! Weight lifting will not only push off the pounds, but the muscle you build will continue to burn calories long term. Resistance training is the best way to build muscle, and muscle increases your metabolic rate.
As a matter of fact, for every 3 pounds of muscle gained, you can expect to burn an extra 120 calories a day without moving a muscle. With weight training you will lose fat and build muscle at the same time, this dynamic duo will get you a leaner, toned and shapely physique.
So for a workout that lifts the weight off, weight lifting is the way to go.


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Illinois State coach Dan Muller had himself prepared for Selection Sunday heartbreak. He says he's used to managing his emotions when it comes to something he cannot control.
His players were a different story.
After an agonizing week of waiting in which the Redbirds (27-6, 17-1) watched championship week closely — knowing different outcomes could push them on the right or wrong side of the NCAA tournament bubble — the inescapable heartbreak set in after their name was not one of the 68 teams called for 2017's Big Dance. On most national bracketology boards, they were the first team out. And a No. 1 seed in the NIT is their consolation postseason fate. Other bubble teams like Syracuse, Illinois and Georgia all suffered a similar fate.
"My team is crushed," Muller said of his team's devastation. Illinois State players had a quick shootaround, then watched the selection show as a team, closed off to the public. Cameras were there just in case an at-large bid happened. "I feel terrible for them, especially my seniors. We feel we should be in but we aren't. It's tough to take but we'll have to gather ourselves and get ready for the NIT.
Muller, frustrated with the criticism that his team did not schedule hard enough as a mid-major, added: "We ask dozens of schools to play us every year and they won't. Don't talk to me about scheduling."
Ironically, this week Muller turned to King Rice, the head coach of last year's biggest NCAA tournament snub — Monmouth — for advice on how to prepare his players. Rice, among other mentors for Muller, helped the fifth-year coach construct a "cautiously optimistic" approach for his veteran-laden team during an anxiety-ridden week.
Muller remembers hearing Illinois State's name called on Selection Sunday when he was a player in 1998, the last time the Redbirds reached the NCAA tournament. That time the program knew it would be dancing, having won the Missouri Valley's auto bid. This year, despite finishing as co-MVC champions with Wichita State in the regular season, a 20-point loss in the MVC tournament final against the red-hot Shockers meant the Redbirds' résumé would be examined all week long with their postseason fate fully out of their control.
The NCAA selection committee made it clear Illinois State's profile was fully examined. But ultimately it lacked what the committee needed much more of: Top 50 Ratings Percentage Index wins. The Redbirds had just one top-50 win, against the Shockers, to go with two résumé-staining losses to Tulsa and Murray State. Illinois State likely paid the cost of the committee veering away from placing a high value on a team's overall RPI. Last season, for instance, Syracuse squeaked into the field with a worst-ever 72 RPI. The Redbirds' Selection Sunday RPI of 33 is one of the 10 best RPIs to be snubbed from the NCAAs.
Here's a look at the most notable snubs behind Illinois State.


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|Scroll Desperado
man, i'm liking this one. Nakum is damn lucky they have Martha (i think that's her name...it always takes me an ep or two to get em all sorted out...the nurse/practitioner) or most of the males in their tribe would be toast. i'm not sure at this point that they aren't. it always amuses me when the big burly guys crap out while the gals keep on truckin'.
are you sitting on the soap?
sometimes, you just have to say 'what the f...'
|Ultimate Scroller
I know! Yeah they're damn lucky they had a nurse on their team. It takes me a while to get them sorted out too. I was glad the other team won-what's their name-Yakha?-Anyway-I'm glad they won. I always liked Stephanie from last season. WXF
|Scroll Stalker
This is gonna be so damned fun!
|Scroll Guardian
Spoiler alert ep 1
Disclaimer: I have PMS.
Statement: I got a little teary when Stephenie showed up and that whole team freaked out and treated her like a rock star. (and I had already read that she was the "surprise"!)Also, teary again when Jeff told her that this is the first tribal council she did not need to attend.
I know. I am a dork.
|Scroller Extraordinaire
I haven't watched survivor before, but since i have no shows i watch at present, i thought i would give it a go.
I didn't want Jim to go UNTIL i saw that he had voted for Margaret (the nurse):P and i thought, my god, you were one of the ppl sick, and you;re voting out the nurse.. dumbass..LOL
so i'm now glad he did go.
I thought the guy that hurt his arm shoulda gone.
|Scroller Needing Therapy
I'm just happy that I learnt, through questionable means <.< that we're only barely a day behind you guys this time. I was wondering why it was in a new timeslot here. When they say 'hot off the US satellite', they ain't kiddin'!
Anyway, I don't have much to say about the first episode. I don't know anyone's names and have no favourites yet. I just wish they wouldn't show it when people throw up. I could live without the visual aid, thanks.
I don't like Bobby Jon though. I'm not against him and Steph being back or anything, I just don't like him in general. I was secretly hoping he'd be the first voted out, but then Jim had to go and bust his arm
Woulda been funny if he got voted out first, though
PS: Ame, I think Charmed is coming back next week, in the same time slot, hehehe..This message has been edited. Last edited by: Salem,
|Scroll Desperado
gree with you, Ame aout Jim voting for Margaret, but he had already cut it with me when he tried to point th finger of blame at the rest of the tribe when he was describing how he hurt his arm (the whole "...i thought the rest of the tribe had the canoe too, but when i lifted i was the only one and my arm popped..." thing soured me instantly).
and oddly enough, i had a strange hankering for Bobby Jon to go, too...
are you sitting on the soap?
sometimes, you just have to say 'what the f...'
|Scroller Extraordinaire
Even though i have no idea who him and steph are, having never watched previous seasons.
I thought Bobby Jon shoulda gone too, him or Blake..
But after being so tough, and everyone's like, we're so cool, we have booby jon, he's one of the first ones down.
I did like how 4 out of 5 of the men were sick, and none of the women were in that tribe.
and salem I KNOW.. what will i do..
not only is it in the same time slot, but it's friday night, which i'm not home alot for anyways.. stupid stupid tv.
i'll have to set up the video on both vcr's to tape different channels. *bah*
|Scroll Stalker
I would love to see Steph win this. I was just scared the secret survivors would be Rob and Ambah. I actually really like the two of them, but that would have been a bit much.
I'm in a Survivor pool this year, so it's adding a little extra oomph for me watching this season.
|Scroller Extraordinaire
Can i ask people as talk starts of each episode, that the first person does spiler space and say.. spoilers for ep 2 etc
so if i am reading i know when to stop.
we're only 24 hours or so behind... but still
|Scroller Needing Therapy
Episode 2 Spoiler's
Well, I'm happy that Lydia stayed over Morgan, but if I was voting, I would've voted for that..guy..Rafe, I think.. the one who fell off the spider web and then couldn't climb up the ladder. I know that had nothing to do with immunity, but still.. I'll miss Morgans constant O_O eyes and her little pigtails, hehe..
PS: Bobby Jon makes scary faces.
|Ultimate Scroller
Yeah I'm glad they kept Lydia too. She certainly does more work around camp. I was pulling for Steph's team to win immunity though! WXF
|Scroll Desperado
it's true...they wanted to make the case thatMorgan was good at challenges, but Lydia managed to get a bag off the web, too. unlike, Rafe (just what kind of 'wilderness guide' is he...? nice guy, but he wouldn't instill confidence in me if i were in the wilderness with him). plus, she works like a fiend. AND. not al challenges are athletic. i think they'l live to be glad they kept Lydia over Miss Do-Nothing.
are you sitting on the soap?
sometimes, you just have to say 'what the f...'
|Scroller Extraordinaire
yay, i agree too
i sooo thought they were gunna vote lydia off.
poor ol' morgan didn't see it coming.
i actually dislike rafe and i think her name is amy, on that tribe most, and amy, is main;y cause she's got these big man shoulders and they weird me out
I don't like that Judd guy, and i think blake with his constant throwing up and doing jack cause he is sick, should go next time, reagrdless of how he does in challenges, which btw he is miraculously well for each time.
i like gary, the ex footballer... dunno why though, and i like steph, and i like another guy who i don't know his name of.. *cries*
i'll go find a survivor website and find out his name.
i feel is starts with B.
|Scroller Extraordinaire
the guy who stuck up for Lydia
|Scroller Extraordinaire
Hey hopefully this helps us with names and such
Standing: Danni Boatwright, Rafe Judkins, Amy O'Hara, Gary Hogeboom, Lydia Morales, Brandon Bellinger, Brian Corridan, Brooke Struck, Blake Towsley, Morgan McDevitt. Kneeling: Judd Sergeant, Jim Lynch, Margaret Bobonich, Jamie Newton, Cindy Hall, Brianna Varela.
I just read that Danni used to be married to Wade Hayes, some country singer, i don't think i have heard of, but i thought others here might have.
|Scroll Desperado
heh...Lydia's got a Gilligan thing going on in that pic.
are you sitting on the soap?
sometimes, you just have to say 'what the f...'
|Scroller Extraordinaire
When Lydia travelled with the ball, i thought she was gone for good..
but then they got rid of Brianna.
i've decided that i like the blue team better, the less athletic team, i like barracking for the underdogs
|Scroller Needing Therapy
Heh, I thought it was funny when Lydia ran with the ball
I think I like the blue team better too, but it's too early still for me to have a favourite person yet.
I need to wait until it's down to the final two and then claim I liked them from the very beginning...
|Ultimate Scroller
Yeah that was funny. I can't choose a favorite person yet either. I usually wait until they merge. WXF This message has been edited. Last edited by: WXF,
|Ultimate Scroller
Well Lydia was saved again! That was a twist to the game when they switched some of the team members-now I'll be confused for a couple weeks! WXF
|Scroller Extraordinaire
I forgot to watch survivor this week
they changed the time on us.
and charmed also wasn't on, so i just plain forgotted (charmed and survivor are on at the same time, so i usually have to tape one, if not both)
i'll have to go read about the ep.
|Ultimate Scroller
I'm glad they finally merged into 1 tribe. And I so wanted Jamie to be voted off. And I wonder who is going to find the hidden immunity idol??
|Scroller Needing Therapy
I was hoping for Judd or Bobby Jon to go
Cindy or Lydia to win!
|Ultimate Scroller
Bobby John so needs to go.
I don't care if he wanted to just make it to the jury, Brandon was a better guy and deserved it more.
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- Updated: 06 May 2015
by Richard Jirius
WBCCI Legislative Chairperson
Also published in the Blue Beret
If half of what we read hear and is forecast, sequestration will inevitably affect most Airstream life styles. I would urge all members to pay attention to your surrounding areas both National and State, how this may affect your future plans, and any Wally Byam rallies or caravans. Items I have read include the delay of opening both the north and south rim of the Grand Canyon and reducing operating hours of their visitor centers, reducing education programs in many parks, closing half of the visitor centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway, closing one visitor center on Mt. Rainer, and delaying the opening of the Going to The Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Campgrounds will be closed in The Great Smoky National Park, and a visitor center in the Grand Tetons.
Curtailing the National Park services means the concessioners will also suffer. With fewer visitors, services will be reduced. Not only does this affect the park concessioners, but also the services surrounding the parks like motels, restaurants, and service stations.
In other news, our national parks have historically chosen to stay off of the digital grid, being instead a last outpost of ringtone free human solitude. For better or worse, that may soon change as telecommunication companies and park visitors put pressure on the park system to make digital reception possible. Among the arguments for the access is that young people might not visit a park without that accessibility. This then would be a necessary step into the new world and new technology.
Accesses to National Forests are also being curtailed. Part of the cause is the fires that occurred in 2012. The Forest Service has spent so much money fighting the fires that money is not available to repair and maintain roads. A second reason given by the Forest Service is that not having people on some of these roads actually prevents forest fires.
The RV Business has endorsed the nomination of Sally Jewell as the new secretary of the Interior. She is the current CEO of R.E.I. RV Business believes her experience through R.E.I.and the recreation industry makes her uniquely qualified.
Has anyone noticed the rise in the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel? I read that the cause is refinery maintenance and rising crude costs because of a larger demand world-wide. But facts show we are paying less per gallon now than we were a year ago. The department of energy has predicted the cost per gallon of regular gas this year to be $3.44, and $3.34 in 2014.
In 2009, all domestic pick up truck manufacturers agreed to a set of specifications, SAE J2807 to evaluate a trucks towing ability. But it is not the tests shown in the TV ads. At this point only Toyota has followed the guidelines of the standard. The other big three manufacturers use their own standards which could cause some safety problems when towing larger and heavier loads.
Canadian parks also feel the shortage of funds. They are discussing fee hikes for national parks and historical sites at the same time they are discussing reduced services because the $55 million dollar proposed budget cuts, will cause the loss of up to 600 jobs in the park service. Patrons of the parks and sites have created a backlash that has caused the park service to reassess the hike.
Arizona State Parks have not received money from the general fund since 2009, and currently works off a $19.5 million budget. Officials say the state parks have about $200 million in capital needs. Estimates indicate the parks are responsible for 3,000 direct jobs and generate about $2 million in revenue.
Four Texas park areas remain closed and undeveloped because park officials do not have the money to open them. The Legislature has not given money to develop new parks in over ten years. An additional 20 parks may have to close unless the Texas Legislature approves $18.9 million in additional funding. Hurricane Ike nearly wiped out two Texas beachfront parks around Galveston and Sabine Pass. Last years fires have damaged some parks. The proposed budget is estimated to be about $4.1 million short of the minimum to keep all 91 parks open.
A special agreement in California, AB 1478 Match program, will aid 10 California State Parks. $10 million was appropriated to the parks department to be used for matching funds by donors to keep the parks open. The multi-million dollar "hidden fund" in California continues in the news. At first no prosecution was expected as there did not appear to be any criminal violations. But now the prosecuting attorney's office has decided to re-investigate the situation to see if there were indeed criminal violations. In a separate case concerning the park department's personnel, the deputy director of administrative services has agreed to pay a $7,000 fine for authorizing an illegal vacation buyout program.
Minnesota state parks are replacing gas guzzling vehicles with electric carts, installing solar panels on buildings and visitor centers and rehabbing old buildings to reduce their carbon footprint. Besides reducing emissions, the proposals will result in an estimated annual savings of $800,000.
The Missouri problem of buying an RV across the border and not paying local sales tax is working through the state legislature even though the governor vetoed the original bill. This political battle will continue, again.
In the St. James Parish of Louisiana the city council ordered a moratorium on building RV campgrounds and parks after denying a permit because it did not meet mobile home requirements. The city council will change the language to include overnight RV parks and campgrounds
North Dakota is still struggling with the influx of RVs associated with the recent boom to the economy. As cities grow, they annex formerly country areas that include RV parks. Many towns have ordinances preventing residents from living in RV's within the city limits. So park owners ask their RV people to move rather than pay possible fine


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- Vintage 1950s
- Straw Tilt
- Beige
- Feather detail
Label: NA
Condition: Great
Flaws: Feather is a little rough. Price reflects condition.
Size: One size fits all.
Please note: Model in photo has a 21" head.
* All hats are perfectly packaged, just as a gift from my collection to yours!
* Hats are named after my favorite Film Noir Movies, and I truly hope you enjoy the femme fatale nostalgia of Polished Raven Hats.
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IRIS-PASSCAL Celebrates 10 Years at New Mexico Tech, Nov. 5, 2008
By Thomas Guengerich
SOCORRO, N.M., Nov. 5, 2008 – To celebrate its 10th anniversary at New Mexico Tech, the IRIS-PASSCAL Instrument Center will open its doors to the public from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.
The event will include guided tours, refreshments and music by Bernie Romero and Friends.
Since 1998, the Socorro research university has been home to the IRIS PASSCAL Instrument Center, which conducts over 50 national and global research projects each year and operates a lending library of more than 3,500 research seismographs.
The center opened at New Mexico Tech in September 1998 as a result of a competitive bidding process. The National Science Foundation previously had supported two instrument centers – one at Stanford University in California and one at Columbia University in New York. The federally-funded Foundation decided to combine the two centers and solicited bids. In the process David beat two Goliaths.
"That was huge for New Mexico Tech," said Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Van Romero. "Winning that bid was a huge coup. This is a real jewel and it's been extremely successful. This is one of several divisions of New Mexico Tech that is on the cutting edge of scientific discovery and research."
The facility now supports 35 full-time employees and more than 30,000 square feet under roof. The Center added a new instrument testing vault last summer and currently is constructing more office and lab space for its programs in Antarctica, Alaska, Greenland and other polar locales.
The PASSCAL Instrument Center at New Mexico Tech supports state-of-the-art, low-power, portable seismic instrumentation for investigator-driven experiments worldwide. The Instrument Center has more than $20 million of top-of-the-line "broadband" seismic sensors and another $50 million of other seismic equipment, all funded by the National Science Foundation the and U.S. Department of Energy.
"In any year, these instruments might be deployed to South America or Antarctica or anywhere else where there is interesting science to be done," said Dr. Rick Aster, principal investigator of the center. Dr. Bruce Beaudoin is the director of the PASSCAL Instrument Center. The overall PASSCAL Program is managed by Jim Fowler and Marcos Alvarez in association with the IRIS Board of Directors.
Seismologists and other geo-scientists use PASSCAL's instruments for a wide variety of Earth science research – from the more esoteric disciplines, like mapping the Earth's mantle and core, to critical societally important studies such as studying hazardous earthquake zones and listening for signs of nuclear bomb tests or other human-caused signals.
"We are the international standard for portable seismic research instruments," said Aster, who is also the chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Tech. "Other nations, like China, are trying to catch up, but we manage, by far, the world's largest pool of this type of state-of-the-art research instrument."
IRIS is an acronym for the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology – a consortium of more than 100 universities. PASSCAL is an acronym for the Program for Array Seismic Studies of the Continental Lithosphere, which is devoted to studying the geology and seismic nature of the Earth's crust and mantle.


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Cranberry Jam Buttercream Cake Recipe
I can't believe it's already the weekend! And you know what this means: it's that time of the week when I bake sweets. I got the recipe for today's dessert from the amazing Gesine Bullock-Prado's book, "Bake It Like You Mean It". I prepared two génoise cakes, and once they came out of the oven, I drizzled them with a bit of rum, then let them cool to room temperature. The next steps were to prepare the frosting of the cake and chocolate decoration.
To be in tune with the upcoming Thanksgiving season, I made a cranberry jam buttercream frosting, which is ultra easy. I know I'm not a professional baker just by looking at the photo but there were at least three good things I could comment about: the cake definitely looked homemade, I used a pretty serving platter to counteract the aesthetic of the cake, and most important, it tasted divine. Note to self: stick to cupcakes!
Yields: 10 servings2 pre-baked génoise cakes
⅛ teaspoon salt
¾ cup cranberry jam (or the preserves of your choice)
4 tablespoons half and half, up to 6 tablespoons
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, up to 6 cups
1 pure vanilla bean
3 tablespoons spiced rum (or the alcohol of your choice)
⅛ teaspoon red food coloring powder (see tips), even less!
For the cake sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease 2 non-stick (9" round) cake pans (you could use any other shape you have available in your kitchen) with butter.
Bake the cakes for 30 minutes at 350°F (time will vary depending on the size of the pan). The texture of the cake should be very soft and moist. A skewer or a toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean.
Prick the cakes with chopsticks or a skewer, then drizzle rum over the hot cakes. Let cool to room temperature
Unmold the cakes on cooling racks.
For the vanilla: Using a paring knife, scrape and gather all the grains of the vanilla bean (see tips).
Into a bowl, sift the remaining powdered sugar.
In the mixing bowl of your stand mixer, whip the butter to soften it. Slowly add the powdered sugar, cranberry jam and half and half until the texture is even. Add the vanilla grains and beat for another 2 minutes until the texture is smooth and creamy.
Make sure the cakes have cooled completely.
Place one sheet of cake onto a cake stand, placing 2 rectangles of parchment paper beneath the cake (for easy release later).
Cover the cake with a thick layer of the reserved cranberry jam and smooth it out using a spreader; this acts as the 'glue' when you place the second sheet of cake on top.
Cover the top and sides of the cake with the buttercream frosting. Level with a spatula. I also used a cake decorator to smooth out the edges.
Pipe the remaining buttercream around the edges of the cake.
Melt 4 ounces 70% cocoa dark chocolate, pipe the melted chocolate (I made a funnel from parchment paper), then wrote "Giving Thanks" on a silicone mat. Let harden, then transfer to the top of the cake as a garnish.
Bon appétit!
For an adult version, I drizzle a little spiced rum (up to ¼ cup) over the génoise cakes prior to assembling them. You could either omit it or using a simple syrup.
After scraping the grains of vanilla, don't discard the remaining vanilla bean. Just place it in a jar and cover it with regular granulated sugar. Let it sit for a few weeks and you'll have nice, fragrant vanilla sugar. You could also use it to flavor any dairy products by boiling milk or cream with the vanilla bean for making drinks or custard.
I decorated the cake by creating long stripes using a cake decorator I bought at Daiso, the Japanese version of a 99-cent store (Unfortunately, the store shut down in Mountain View, CA). If you don't have one, you could simply use a spreader or a fork to score lines along the length of the cake.
You can find food coloring powder in most Indian markets.Published By: on November 8, 2013.


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You get what you measure for
Image via Wikipedia
I was taught that saying many years ago. You get what you measure for. If you measure only for profit, you may have fewer but profitable sales. If you measure for sales volume, you may not get the profit you want. If you measure everything, you will run out of time!
Choosing what you measure is critical to long term success. Just as critical is to make sure you re-evaluate those measurement targets to make sure you are measuring what is relevant at that time.
In a startup business, number of users / customers and cash flow break even are two critical measurements. In a more mature company you probably want to measure profitability and return on invested capital. Deciding what to measure when is the key.
- Measure those things that sustain you. Revenue, gross margin, profit.
- Measure those people who sustain you. Customer renewals and satisfaction.
- Measure those who enable you. Vendor or partner satisfaction, employee productivity.
- Measure those things that create growth in your business, new customers, new product success.
You need to find a balance of enough relelvant measurements without overloading. You also need to spread out the job of measuring to everyone on your team. The act of measuring the business will hopefully more fully engage team members in what is important.
- Mike Colwell


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It seems worthy of an old-fashioned Hollywood epic, with a cast of thousands and a plot that spans four decades: "The Greatest Story Ever Told About Southern California Art."
Over the next six months, more than 60 museums and arts venues from Santa Barbara to San Diego will feature exhibitions of postwar Southern California art in an effort called Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980. Organizers believe it's the biggest museum collaboration ever.
Every show tackles a different theme, such as the first wave of Chicano artists, the trailblazing feminists behind the Woman's Building, the pioneers of the so-called Light and Space movement. But they all share a common goal: to promote Southern California as an international art capital and cultural tourism destination by telling the sweeping story of the origins of the region's dynamic art scene.
"With something like this, you're not going to be able to forget about L.A. again," said Kellie Jones, a
professor who has organized a survey of L.A.-made African American art for the Hammer Museum as part of PST. "It's going to affect not just the way this country sees art in L.A. but the way the world sees it."
Since the rise of Abstract Expressionism in the 1950s, New York has dominated textbook accounts of contemporary art. Pacific Standard Time hopes to establish Los Angeles as an equal player in the post-
art world by spotlighting its unique contributions, including
's dazzling swimming pool paintings,
's deadpan-humorous prints and the lifestyle-defining furniture of Charles and Ray Eames.
But the goals go beyond that.
Joan Weinstein, associate director of
Foundation, which funded the $10-million effort, says that along with spurring new scholarship, the project's two main goals are "raising the profile of Los Angeles as a visual arts destination, nationally and internationally" and working "to attract new audiences to new museums."
Toward that end, the Getty is paying for a regionwide advertising campaign, designed by L.A. agency TBWA / Chiat / Day (price tag undisclosed).
Print ads and a new phone app will augment 900 street-pole banners, bus wraparound ads and online video promotions. One video spot, designed to explicitly link the postwar art scene with today's L.A. and lure a younger audience, shows artist Ruscha with Anthony Kiedis of
discussing art while driving the city streets. News conferences have been held in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Berlin.
"Come October, if you're interested in art and in the swirl, I think you will know about it," said Lindsay Pollock, editor of the New York-based magazine Art in America, who has devoted part of her October issue to the event. "I think it will be a major part of the conversation."
Still, luring tourists bound for
and Rodeo Drive to Ed Kienholz's grim assemblages or even David Hockney's sunny "splash" paintings remains a challenge.
"The worthiness of the exhibitions will, I think, be to a large degree applauded," said Paul Schimmel, chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, which is part of PST. "Whether the advertising and the awareness that comes from bringing all these shows together at the same time can create the kind of unprecedented audience people hope for, this is the big unknown."
One reason why nobody is making clear predictions about attendance is because the project has few precedents.
The 1984 Olympic Arts Festival focused more on the performing arts and lacked a scholarly dimension.
Pacific Standard Time began in 2001 with the Getty Research Institute, which launched an oral history project to preserve the recollections of the era's artists, gallery owners and other key players while they were still around.
About a year later, the Getty Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the
, began awarding grants, eventually totaling $2.7 million, to help local museums catalog their art archives and make them more accessible.
As the research began yielding new findings, the idea of mounting public exhibitions seemed a natural next step, said Andrew Perchuk, deputy director of the research institute.
Within months, plans were afoot for dozens of museums to join in one mega-event.
The Getty Foundation ultimately dispensed nearly $7 million more in grants to cover research, exhibition planning and a performance art festival that will take place in January. The content was left up to each arts venue. "It was really not a top-down; it was more of a bottom-up project," Perchuk said.
So the shows are wildly diverse. LACMA will have a sweeping survey exploring how California marketed the fantasy of midcentury design, with things as varied as original
fashions and the Eames' living room re-installed in the museum. The gallery of the Otis College of Art and Design charts the history of the Woman's Building in the 1970s and '80s, one of the most important chapters in feminist art.
One of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art's shows, curated by Schimmel, focuses on art made during the politically turbulent 1970s.
The museum at Pomona College is bringing
to town to revisit her early fireworks-based performance art, and to "blow up" the campus football field.
Chicago, who has work in several Pacific Standard Time shows, said she has never seen a museum collaboration on this scale. "I don't think this level of collaboration could have happened in the East, where there is so much competition between museums. There's a spirit of innovation and self-invention that continues in California," she said.
The Getty also encouraged L.A. commercial galleries to stage thematically related shows this fall, and more than 70 are participating. The official V.I.P. program for Pacific Standard Time, packed with museum receptions, artists' studio tours and private collector visits, is designed to draw the European and East Coast art elite.
Still, for some cultural leaders, the promise of Pacific Standard Time is reaching more, and more diverse, audiences close to home.
"Sometimes I really feel that more people know about us in Berlin than they do in Westwood," said Ann Philbin, director of the Hammer Museum. "Strangely enough it can take something like this to make people around the corner come to visit us."


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Manziel Sent Browns Text Urging Them to Draft Him
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns' quarterbacks coach says the team received a text from Johnny Manziel during last week's draft urging them to select him.
Cleveland passed on the Texas A&M quarterback earlier in the first round but selected him with their second pick.
During a radio interview on ESPN Arkansas, Browns quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains says Manziel sent him a text that read: "Hurry up and draft me because I want to wreck this league together."
Loggains says he forwarded the text to first-year Browns coach Mike Pettine and owner Jimmy Haslam, who said, "'Pull the trigger. We're trading up to go get this guy.'"
The Browns made their third trade of the first round and moved to No. 22 to nab Manziel. He joins Cleveland's other draft picks and rookie free agents at minicamp this weekend.


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News & Events
For the Media
Former Secretary of Education: Clarkson University One of Only 150 of 3,500 Colleges Worth the Investment
Clarkson University is one of only 150 colleges and universities out of 3,500 nationwide worth the investment, according to a former U.S. Secretary of Education.
Clarkson ranks among the top 50 on the PayScale 2013 list of College Education Value Rankings for "return on investment." PayScale calculated the ranking by determining the income a Clarkson graduate could expect to earn after 30 years minus the cost of attendance and the amount that graduate would have made with only a high school degree.
PayScale determined that Clarkson graduates that received no financial aid would, on average, see a $1.1 million return on their investment over a 30-year period, while a student receiving financial aid would see a $1.2 million ROI.
Clarkson has consistently risen in the PayScale rankings and last September was named by ABC News among 12 schools with higher starting salaries than new Harvard graduates.
William Bennett, who served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan, recently released a book titled Is College Worth It, based off the 2012 PayScale list. Bennett's analysis determined Clarkson was one of 150 colleges and universities that were worth the investment.
"The PayScale ranking and Dr. Bennett's book are proof of Clarkson's determination to prepare its students with a world-class education and the necessary skills to launch careers in the global marketplace," said Clarkson President Tony Collins. "We are proud to be recognized for granting degrees that lead to remarkably successful careers with benefits that will last a lifetime."
Read more at http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-ticker/only-150-3500-u-colleges-worth-investment-former-132020890.html and http://www.payscale.com/college-education-value-2013.
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.
[News directors and editors: For more information, contact Michael P. Griffin, director of News & Digital Content Services, at 315-268-6716 or firstname.lastname@example.com.]


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Tag Archives: cognitive capacity
7 ± 2
Did you know that we can only hold 7±2 pieces of information in our short-term memory? Yet, in our technology-driven world, we are bombarded with information from all over the place. We're also encouraged to "multitask" to be more efficient. Everything I have … Continue reading
Posted in Neuroscience, Stress Tagged cognitive capacity, technology Comments Off


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Last September, Guitar Player Magazine held their annual competition for "Guitar Superstar of the Year." Ten finalists put it all on the line, at a special winner-take-all competition on a Saturday night during the Guitar Player Live! event.
From the hundreds who competed for the title, only one emerged as the winner: Steve Senes, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Steve's mastery of the guitar is something you have to hear to believe. As part of his prize package, Steve was awarded a Voyage-Air Songwriter guitar, signed by all the entrants and judges at the contest.
Though known for his electric-guitar chops, Steve has become a big fan of the Voyage-Air acoustic guitars, and took a few minutes recently to tell us about it in a phone interview. Click to hear what Steve has to say about his Voyage-Air guitar!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Senes Speaks
Posted by BadjerJim at 6:43 AM
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Ferrari GTC4Lusso model car in 1:43 scale
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We provide an easy return service: just ship your items back to us with a shipping service of your choice within 30 days of delivery.


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Some people never get enough of sports. Even once they've graduated from high school or college, they long for the thrill that playing their favorite sport gives them. That's a passion that health clubs can capitalize on through leagues — an opportunity for members to get fit while competing in their favorite sport.
LA Fitness has 43 clubs in California and the majority of them offer league play of one kind or another, says Greg Sheffield, national director in charge of sports activities for LA Fitness. Thousands of LA Fitness members are involved in leagues.
"With our programming, we've created such a demand for our facility," says Sheffield. "Someone may complain about not being able to get a court, but they are the first person who wants to be a part of the league. It creates excitement. In our league programming, we have a lot of people waiting to play."
About 2 percent to 3 percent of the 10,000 members at the Desoto Athletic Club in Southaven, MS participate in the club's volleyball, basketball or racquetball leagues.
"We have such a huge member base that we haven't had problems getting interest generated," says Bill Alexander, director at the Desoto Athletic Club.
Leagues generally aren't a huge revenue generator, but then again, they don't cost a lot to run either — generally just one staff person's time, lights and maybe a referee and scorekeeper (although sometimes those two expenses can be traded for a membership).
Most clubs charge members an extra fee to participate in leagues (mostly to cover the minimal costs). The Desoto Athletic Club charges a minimal fee for leagues, but not in an effort to collect a lot of extra revenue, says Alexander.
"We knew that with the facilities we have they (leagues) would generate a lot of interest," says Alexander. "We do it as a service to our members. It's not for profit, but if we make money off of it, then that's great."
The Wheaton Sport Center in Wheaton, IL has offered tennis leagues since it opened more than 25 years ago. Now with 2,100 memberships, the club has about 250 participants in its tennis leagues. The Wheaton club offers five 10-week sessions throughout the year. Members have to be a tennis plus member to participate in the leagues, which cost $15 per session for singles and $25 for doubles. In addition to various men/women/singles/doubles and mixed leagues, the club also offers private leagues.
The club would not reveal how much revenue the tennis leagues generate, but Mike Gilligan, general manager at Wheaton Sport Center, would say that the tennis leagues account for 4 percent to 5 percent of the club's revenue.
Of course, by supposing that the 250 participants in the club's league were all in the singles league, the estimated revenue generated would be $3,750 per 10-week session (at $15 per session per participant) or $18,750 per year. While the revenue taken in isn't large, Gilligan says he would never stop running leagues at the club.
"What we get in return for retention is worth its weight in gold," he says.
Rick Aubin, co-owner and tennis director at the Brandywine Tennis & Health Club, agrees that leagues help retain members. His club has seven tennis leagues (each with about 10 members).
"The leagues are one of the reasons we keep a lot of the members," Aubin says. "There are a few people who only play in the league."
However, Gilligan finds that the core group of women who participate in the tennis leagues at his facility also use the personal training services and the spa.
"The league brings them here, but then they branch out into other areas," he says.
Sheffield has found the same at LA Fitness.
"Usually, if someone commits money to play in a league, they will come in to practice and use the gym more often than just game nights or match nights," Sheffield says. By using more than the basketball court or racquetball court, the league members plunk money into personal training, the juice bar, the pro shop and any fee-based group exercise classes, often to keep fit for their leagues.
"If they (members) get involved in our leagues, that gives them a whole group of people who they can play with outside the league," says Sheffield. The more people a member knows, the less likely the member will drop out because their play partners can't play. Leagues allow new members and people new to a sport the opportunity to meet and play with other players without having to set up the matches or games themselves. Leagues also allow members to vary who they play with, a factor in fighting the boredom that can come from playing the same people over and over again.
That boredom can be an especially big factor in tennis leagues.
"You really can't offer a tennis program without leagues," says Becky Sandberg, tennis administrator at the Wheaton Sport Center.
Not only do leagues retain members, but they can sell memberships, too, says Sheffield. At LA Fitness league participants can win state and national championships for each league and the company has pros in several of the sports playing at the facilities, both of which can attract some individuals to the leagues and to the clubs.
In addition, the leagues offer convenience for members. Through leagues they can have a set court time on the same day of the week, week after week, Sandberg says.
For members who are interested in improving their games, the leagues offer them an opportunity to play against tougher competition as they improve because as they win a certain level, they can move up to the next level, says Sandberg.
So, although leagues may not be the direct boon to revenue that some club owners might like, in the long term, leagues are a low-cost method for a club to earn more revenue by retaining members and providing a sense of socialization, competition and fitness that many club members are looking for.
Dedication pays off. By hiring one person to be in charge of the leagues, a club shows members that it is serious about the leagues it offers. That person must then follow through with the leagues ensuring they are structured and organized. For that reason, it is important to have someone in charge who is a legitimate pro in one sport or another, says Sheffield.
"If you have the right person that everyone likes, then that works," he says. "It's all about having the right personnel."
Tournaments are important. Tournaments allow a higher level of competition among members and the opportunity for prizes, which can be a huge motivating factor depending on the prize.
Of course, sometimes prizes don't matter. The Wheaton Sport Center used to offer prizes (generally gift certificates to the pro shop) for its tournaments, but a survey of tennis league members found that they preferred lower league fees and no prizes to higher league fees and prizes.
Lessons require leagues and vice versa. To feed into your leagues, you need to ensure that you have members who know how to play your league sports. After a few lessons, members who want to continue with a sport need places to go. If you don't offer a league in their sport, they may decide to join a club that does.
"They feed off of each other," Sandberg says about her club's tennis lessons and leagues.
Know your facility availability. Before starting any league, you need to ensure that the club can spare some of the tennis or racquetball courts each day or the basketball court for a few days a week. Based on what you can spare, you can determine how many leagues you can offer, says Sandberg.
Timing is everything. While it may seem that scheduling league times during peak time will only add to the heavy traffic, in reality, not offering league times during peak time will hurt league play because fewer people will be able to participate and may head to a club with more convenient league play times. Of course, Sheffield suggests offering a few off peak time options for each league, too.
Learn to share. At times it may be difficult to find enough court time for leagues, particularly if a club has one basketball court and it offers basketball leagues as well as indoor volleyball leagues. To deal with this challenge at some of the LA Fitness clubs, Sheffield picks a "hub" club and has other clubs feed into that club on certain nights. For instance, he might schedule a basketball league for Monday and Wednesday at one club and then volleyball at that club on Tuesday and Thursday.
Continuity counts. A club should make sure that the lag time between leagues is minimal. Once people get out of the habit of coming in every Wednesday, it is easier for something else to replace that Wednesday league play and they may never come back.
Non-members can make good teammates. Some clubs charge a lower league fee for members and a higher league fee for non-club members. By allowing non-members to play in leagues, a club is inviting in a potential new member. Once that non-member gets familiar with members and the facility, he or she may decide to join.
Coaches are cool. Clubs that offer swim teams should have a coach on the pool deck at the pool during swim times. The coach should also be someone who can really engage people and who can help run the swim time, says Scott Williams, aquatic/triathlon sports director at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. The coach also can spot swimmers who aren't on a team but who might make a good team member.
Team up. Single club owners may want to contact other clubs in their area to see what leagues they are involved in or to get a regional league going in various sports. By doing this, a club owner keeps the league play within a reasonable driving distance for members but also gives members more people to play, thereby decreasing boredom.
Players at the 14-court Wheaton Sport Center play other members at the club, although the club also has a traveling team that plays in a northern Illinois travel team league. Teams at LA Fitness clubs play teams from other LA Fitness clubs located in the same region of California.


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If you're talking about this one then you plug it into the bottom of your wiimote where the nunchuck would normally plug in.
You can use it for the virtual console games, as well as quite a few wii games, sadly it does not work for gamecube games though.
wii controllers
All things related to Games and Gaming
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Reviewed by Alyssa V. (age 8)
Purplicious is an amazing book! It has lessons to learn. One lesson is you shouldn't make fun of people and people can like other colors. It also has very colorful pictures which makes it fun to read.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes funny stories. You can also learn a lot from this book.


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Find the top rated atv trails in Hyattsville, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Some friends and I run this regularly. The barn kitties always greet us along the way. The scenery is great and it feels safe with tons of foot traffic and houses along the way.
For those of you who like this trail, I have good news. They are adding a 1.5 mile extension to the east end of the trail at the Kent narrows bridge. This extension is almost all made of bridge/boardwalk but it is beautiful and runs over the water through wetlands giving a great view of the water. It is supposed to be finished sometime in may. They must have spend several million to add this extension. Can't wait to ride it, will make the trail total distance now about 6 miles.
It's a really nice and fun trail that only has small hills. We go to the end of the trail in five minutes.
I just moved to Arlington and needed a place to practice riding my OneWheel. The trail provided a perfect venue for this. It runs along i66 so it is not particularly tranquil, but it certainly is convenient.
I rode this from the W&OD over to the Mt. Vernon Trail as part of a "loop" ride on a warmer than normal February day. This paved trail offers some challenging hills in the 4 mile ride that pretty much parallels I-66.
Little change in grade. Easy to get to - parking available at Wilmer Park. Not too busy for a run or bike ride.
I moved from Northern Virginia where the similar trails are so congested that they just aren't enjoyable. I tried Three Notch Trail beginning at Baggett Park. During my two hour walk, I shared the trail with enough people to feel safe, but not so many to ruin the experience. Restrooms. Scenery of animals (horses, cows, goats, and a barn cat), woods, streams, and ruined barns. I'll use this trail often.
I started riding this trail in 2007 and love it. You can learn a lot about handling your bike and shifting efficiently here. It is a nice mix of mild climbs, curves, and a couple 9fun!) straightaways. Do be careful on the curves as you depart the Dixon Observation area and the final bend by I-97 (sand and other riders), the decline along I-195, and the bend after the light rail crossing, as it is a public trail. And watch the traffic at the MD-176 Dorsey Road light as it can be tricky and the drivers are not always aware or courteous--safety first.
All that said, I am 15 minutes from BWI and it is an easy go to. For two more miles, avoid the craziness in the Dixon lot and park at the DOT HQ on New Ridge Road.
A lot of walkers/joggers use the trail, and from experience they do appreciate a warning when you are coming up behind them.
Of course the BWI trail links to the B & A Trail, and also passes W B & A Blvd. for more miles.
Rode from Williamsport MD upriver to Ft Frederick in 2018. Same potholes and other trail safety issues (only worse) that we saw on our first ride in 2014. Shame there is no biking group in the area to take over and maintain what could be a fantastic ride.
I won't ride this part of the trail again.
My partner and I walked the first section of the Sligo Creek Trail on New Year's Day! We started near Arcola Elementary School, crossed University Ave and under the Beltway, and finished at Route 29. There is some nice signage along the way, including trail maps and some "interpretive trail" signs about wetlands, how rivers meander, etc. Since the trees were not leafed out it was easy to see the nearby houses in the neighborhood on one side and Sligo Parkway on the other. It was wonderful to follow the creek. Although the green buffer isn't wide, I think it must be quite a different experience in full foliage, giving it a more "wooded" feeling.
At a moderate pace the first section took us about 1.5 hours, with a few stops to look at plants and trees, chat with other walkers, etc. It was a mild day but the trail was not crowded, I guess because folks weren't up and out yet. We passed many other walkers and joggers, but saw very few bicyclists (other than tiny kids just learning how to ride), which was fine because we didn't have to worry about getting mowed down.
When people say the "nicest part" of the trail is between University Ave. and New Hampshire I interpret that as code for the nicer, upper middle class neighborhoods in MoCo and corresponding parks budget. I've walked other trails in Prince Georges County (where I live) and don't consider them less "nice" nor dangerous, though any trail walker needs to be alert in any case. The creek, of course, flows on its way and makes no distinction.
My goal is to do all of the Anacostia Tributary Trails (Sligo, Paint Branch, Northwest Branch) and eventually the main stem of the Anacostia down to Yards Park in DC.
This trail feels more like an interpretive nature trail than a rail trail. There are many signs and exhibits explaining the surrounding nature and heritage. There are also many "pullouts" and benches meant for stopping to take in the sights, sounds, and aromas. It seems a great place for a walk or an easy hike. Although the surfaces are just fine for biking (slowly), I would not recommend biking this trail (as I did) because it's too short for much of a ride, and there are too many places you'll want to stop and look around.
This describes the first 7 miles of the trail from the south. I started at Occoquan Regional Park (more on this later), so traveled about 1.5 mi (all steeply uphill) before actually getting to the southern terminus of the CCT. I have to say that the trail is not well marked. Note that as you fly down Workhouse Rd the trail secretly takes a right without much signage. Also, as has been noted in previous reviews, the path through the prison area was very confusing, again due to lack of signage. After the prison, the trail continues with asphalt - thanks to the person who spray painted directional signals on the asphalt where users must make turns. I had fun crossing the creek several times. With the water level I dismounted only once. Otherwise plowed through the water like a kid! Not long after crossing Pohick Rd (approx 1.5 mi) the trail turned from asphalt to dirt/rocks. Encountered a newly fallen (I swear based on the fresh smell of the leaves and branches that it had fallen the night before) tree that required some nifty maneuvering. I continued on this for a bit, then decided to turn around. Will explore more of the trail later.
But, while parking at Occoquan Regional Park required a 1.5 mile uphill at the start, it provides a 1.5 mile downhill at the end. Plus, and this is the real bonus, you can coast right down to the Brickmaker's Cafe and have a beer or two before you head out. I recommend the Port City Porter.
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Photo Gallery: Extreme Earth
By National Geographic, 9 July 2012.
By National Geographic, 9 July 2012.
Experience the power of nature's fury…
1. Blue Iceberg
Chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarctica) ride out high surf on blue-ice icebergs near Candlemas Island in the South Sandwich Islands [United Kingdom]. Safe for the moment from predaceous leopard seals, chinstrap penguins are the second most abundant species in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.
2. Trees, South Africa
For trees that grow on mountaintops near Cape Town, South Africa, wind can be a magnificent sculptor. Trees that can handle the wind's effects best will alter their shape to deal with the load of the wind.
3. Hand of Fatima, Mali
Silhouetted by the sun, the Hand of Fatima rock formations near Hombori village stretch toward the sky in Mali. The tallest tower rises 2,000 feet (610 meters) from the desert floor. Lore has it that the formations' name stems from the five towers' resemblance to a hand from the sky.
4. Limestone Cliffs
Erosion's force becomes clear in these limestone cliffs in Port Campbell National Park, Australia. About five million years ago the area was a limestone plateau, but as sea levels rose the effects of surf and rain began to carve out these magnificent cliffs, along with stacks and arches.
5. South Dakota Badlands
A storm passes over Yellow Mounds Overlook in South Dakota's Badlands [USA], casting light and shadow below. Although the region's name derives from the Oglala Sioux words mako sica or "land bad," the Badlands showcase the powerful effects of wind and water and contain fossil beds dating to 35 million years ago.
6. Travertine Chimneys, Djibouti
Travertine chimneys near Lake Abbe, Djibouti, were created by hot springs depositing calcium carbonate - the same process that creates stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the formations reach 165 feet (50 meters) near the lake located on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border.
7. West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone
A thick blanket of snow covers West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park [USA]. There are more geysers in this park than anywhere else in the world.
8. Danakil Desert Landscape
Towers of salt and a riverbed coloured by crystallized salt create an otherworldly landscape in Ethiopia's Danakil Desert. Sitting more than 300 feet (90 meters) below sea level, with temperatures reaching 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius), local inhabitants prize the Danakil for one thing: its salt deposits.
9. Gorge at Araden, Crete
A deep gorge drops some 650 feet (198 meters) near the abandoned city of Araden, Crete. Visitors can descend into the gorge and walk a little more than 4 miles (6.4 kilometres) to the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to magnificent scenery, the gorge provides a 2,460-foot (750-meter) descent to the sea.
10. Columns of Basalt
Towering in close symmetry, these basalt columns near Fingal's Cave form the base of the Scottish island of Staffa. The columns formed when cooling lava flows met bedrock and the region's cold weather. The island contains three main caves.
[Source: National Geographic. Edited. Top image added.]


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PUNXSUTAWNEY — Appropriately beginning a day that pretty much saw all forms of weather — wind, snow, freezing rain, fog and sunshine — in the Weather Capital of the World, Punxsutawney Phil stunned shivering and wet fans at Gobbler's Knob and proclaimed Wednesday that no, he did not see a shadow, and yes, an early spring is on its way.
"The sky is clear; prepare yourself for warmth," Inner Circle Vice-President Mike Johnston said following Punxsy Phil's prognostication, which came on the heels of severe winter storm warnings for the Midwest, Pennsylvania, New York and the Northeast.
Sounds like six more weeks of winter, right? Not so, according to Punxsutawney Phil.
For Jackie and Jon Lovitch — donning alarm clocks around their necks, beckoning Ben Hughes' bling of choice from several years ago — of Pittsburgh, Punxsutawney was the only place to be for Groundhog Day, even if that meant sacrificing warmth for the experience.
"It was a mild irritant, but we'll deal with it," said Jon, who first read about Groundhog Day in a 1992 edition of Reader's Digest and has made the trip from Washington, D.C., New York City and his hometown of Kansas City, Mo. "We're not driving all this way to watch it on TV."
Daniel Gaeblev and Betina Bamberg, of Stuggart, Germany, traveled to Punxsutawney to celebrate their birthdays that are sort of around the holiday: Gaeblev's was Dec. 26, and Bamberg's is Monday.
Like others, the rain was not bothering them, but noted that they were prepared.
"It's not bad with good clothes," Gaeblev said.
Closer to home, Linda Silko and her grandson, Mike Adair, grabbed a good-sized umbrella and made the trip from Blairsville.
Silko, who was attending her sixth Groundhog Day, always knew the event was going on up the road, but wasn't inspired to attend until people at her job in construction, which requires travel, asked her about it when she would reveal that she is from Pennsylvania.
"So I decided I better come here," she said.
Silko also said she started coming to Groundhog Day with her youngest granddaughter, who is now 20. The youngest grandchild is only 12, so she'll have to wait a few years, she said.
"We enjoy it," Silko said. "It's always a good time. They have good hot chocolate."
Indeed, a tall cup of hot chocolate would have been in order, as freezing rain and wind hit the crowd a few times Wednesday morning. At one point, Inner Circle members reported it was 33 degrees — far warmer that some of the coldest Groundhog Days, but feeling even colder with the freezing rain and wind.
With the PIttsburgh Steelers again preparing for a Super Bowl around the same time as Groundhog Day, the audience came equipped with signs, jerseys and, of course, Terrible Towels.
Even Punxsy Phil got in on the fan-wagon, noting prior to his prognostication, "The Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!"
Johnston indicated that he thought the crowd was much smaller than usual years — like those without freezing rain and wind — perhaps around 5,000 to 7,000 people.
Despite the smaller crowd, however, Inner Circle members lauded Phil's faithful for their enthusiasm amid the elements, with Fair Weatherman Jeff Lundy congratulating the crowd for "weathering the storm."
Here ye, here ye, here ye
On Gobbler's Knob, on this beautiful Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2011,
Punxsutawney Phil was raised from his burrow by the call of President Bill Deeley.
He greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths,
And after casting an inquisitive eye toward thousands of his faithful followers,
He proclaimed, "The Steelers are going to the Super Bowl!"
He surveyed his surroundings carefully,
And found that there was no shadow around.
So an early spring it will be.


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Accra, Ghana (CNN) -- They're cramped, loud and seem to care little about the rules of the road -- more than just a mode of transportation, riding a "tro-tro" is an experience of its own, a roller coaster ride that any self-respecting visitor to Accra should check off their list.
The crammed, hot and often rickety minivans, also called "troskies," are the most popular way of getting around in the Ghanaian capital. They can be picked up from a station or by the roadside and they typically seat around 15 squished passengers, sometimes even more, as they swerve, zigzag and rush through Accra's busy streets.
Read this: Forget Paris, fall in love with Accra
But while tro-tro rides might not be the ideal travel option for the claustrophobic, they're certainly more appealing to anyone looking to navigate the city cheaply.
Just like "matatus" in East Africa, and many other similar means of transport in urban centers across the continent, tro-tros fill the public demand for affordable trips -- the fee a tro-tro ride around Accra is never more than a few cents, paid before or on arrival.
"If you really want to get to know a city, don't take a taxi -- take a tro-tro," says Accra commuter Maximillian Effah.
So how does the tro-tro system work and what can you expect once you catch a ride?
Tro-tros might have set routes but in the absence of a fixed schedule -- the vans depart only once they're full -- waiting times can be lengthy. Boarding the right one can also be confusing, especially if you're picking it up from the roadside.
Read this: Artists take epic Africa road trip
In those cases, what's needed is a mixture of cunning and alertness, coupled with determination and some insider knowledge. As the tro-tro approaches, the fare collector, or "mate," hangs out the right side door, shouting the destination and making a sign to indicate the van's direction. You do the same and, with a little a bit of luck, the driver stops so you can hop on.
Sometimes, however, securing a spot requires a more physical approach.
"When you have a situation with 10, 15, up to 20 people trying to enter the same door at the same time, that's when you see the magic happening," says Effah. "People opening up the top of the car, sliding in the side screen and then jumping into the car. Then you'll see the car start to move with someone halfway in the car, with their legs dangling outside of the car, and that is just crazy!"
Once en route, forget about seat belts or spacious seating; you can expect, however, a bumpy ride that's often made easier by the inevitable mix of shared laughs, heated debates and social commentary -- as well as a bit of singing.
"The driver of the tro-tro was singing the entire time, it could actually be that his part-time job was in the choir because he was singing a lot of hymns," recalls Accra commuter Francis Kweku Ansah of one memorable journey. "He was really entertaining for everyone in the car -- people started singing along and it was actually a really fun journey for me."
"Trotro Diaries"
At least four million people live in and around Accra, making it one of Africa's largest cities. Its infrastructure is like many other African urban centers: aged from the colonial era and unable to keep up with the demands of a burgeoning population.
As more Ghanaians jump behind the wheel -- thanks to a growing middle class and cheaper imports from overseas -- the city's streets are often clogged with snail-paced traffic.
Read this: Africa's new skyscraper cities
"You have an experience where you sit in a tro-tro tightly packed and it's just before work so you can imagine the kind of pressure it puts on you," says Yaw Odoom, the creator of Trotro Diaries, an online platform where people share their often-funny stories about their daily transport woes.
"We realized people go through so much stress to get to their offices, which might affect their output," says Odoom. "We put a bit of humor in there, where people in different tro-tros all over Ghana and even in other parts of the world share their experience. Now what this will do is it will help to lighten their mood, so when they get to the office they actually get there in a happier mood and be able to deliver."
Encouraged by friends, Odoom, a 27-year-old business development manager at an automotive company, created a blog and a Facebook group and today more than 1,000 people use the Trotro Diaries platform to sound off.
"Aah, I really hate it when people are in singing in (the) troskie," reads one comment. "I'm like, this is not your car, dude!"
"She has been talking for about 30 minutes non-stop!" says another Trotro Diaries user. "I guess the radio stations need her talent!"
Odoom says he now plans to also create a Trotro Diaries app that will also serve to help commuters find their way easier around the city. He believes that creating information networks for Ghanaians on-the-go, as well as making them laugh with each other, can have a positive impact.
"(The future of Ghana is) in the hands of the youth and we're already taking it," he says. "We are crazy for change and we want to put that change into Ghana because Ghana is for all of us and we need to make things work."
Have you been on a tro-tro, or a taken a mini-van ride elsewhere in Africa? Send your photos and stories to CNN iReport.


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Size: 200 x 10cm
Colour: Water / White
Product Code: SLSSSSTW
Free shipping is offered to all orders posted to UK addresses. Standard delivery is via UPS. Unfortunately, we don't offer a next day service at this time. We are unable to deliver to P.O. boxes.
- 100% Silk Twill
- Dry Clean Only
- Made in England


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The customer chooses a car from the dealership, then the invoice for the car is issued in the name of the bank, and the car is purchased in the bank's name, then it is re-sold (by the bank) to the customer with a profit margin, as a muraabahah transaction. The invoice comes before the contract is drawn up, i.e., the bank buys the car before it re-sells it to the customer with an increase of 8.5% on the price. But the customer makes a down payment of 20% of the value of the car in advance, before the bank even pays a single penny to the dealership. When the bank receives the invoice for the car, the bank withdraws that 20% from the customer's account and adds the remainder of the price and pays it to the dealer, and the car remains in the bank's name until the customer has paid its price in full, by instalments.
Praise be to Allaah.
This transaction is called "muraababah initiated by the purchaser", and there is nothing wrong with it, provided that the bank owns the car and takes possession of it before selling it to the customer, and that the contract is free of any stipulation of penalties in the event of late payment, and that the purchaser does not sign a contract obliging him to buy from the bank. This has been discussed in the answer to question no. 129312 and 140603
With regard to the down payment made by the customer before drawing up his contract with the bank and even before the bank takes possession of the car, if this down payment will not be returned in the event of his changing his mind, then this comes under the heading of consuming wealth unlawfully, because the down payment – according to those who regard it as valid, namely the Hanbalis – is only binding by means of the contract and not by mere promises. This has been discussed in the answer referred to above.
But if what is meant by the down payment is confirming serious intent to buy and it will not be withheld from the customer in the event of his changing his mind about buying, apart from an amount of money to compensate for actual harm, then this is permissible according to a number of scholars.
It says in al-Ma'aayeer ash-Shar'iyyah (p. 134): It is permissible for the bank to require the one who intends to rent something to pay a certain amount to the bank which it then keeps as a guarantee of commitment on the customer's part to carry out his promise of renting and other related obligations, provided that nothing is to be deducted from it except an amount that is commensurate with actual harm so that – if the customer changes his mind – he will then be charged the difference between the agreed rent of the item that he was going to rent and the actual rent fees collected by renting it to someone else, or – in the case of selling – he will be charged the difference between the price he had agreed to and the price for which it was sold (to someone else). This down payment to demonstrate commitment is like a trust to be kept with the bank, in which case it is not allowed to dispose of it, or it may be regarded as a trust to be invested with the permission of the customer, on the basis of a legitimate mudaarabah (shared profit) agreement between the customer and the bank. It is also permissible to make an agreement with the customer, when the rental contract is drawn up, to regard this money as part of the instalments.
On p. 147 it says: The basis for the bank requesting a sum of money from the one who wants to rent is the need to confirm his commitment, because the promise of commitment will result in financial repercussions if he changes his mind and the bank will be compelled to ask him to pay for losses or damage, and he may delay such payment. A fatwa concerning this matter (down payment) has been issued by the United Sharee'ah Council of al-Barakah. This also applies to renting. End quote.
There is nothing wrong with leaving the car registered in the name of the bank until the customer has paid off all instalments. This comes under the heading of collateral which is kept until the price has been paid. But we confirm that the customer becomes the owner of the car as soon as the contract is drawn up.
See also the answer to question no. 69877.
And Allah knows best.
Islam Q&A


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I love this caste; it is one of my favorites. Although 6086 is still my favorite for the figs and some of its pieces, I like this one better for its design (as much of it that I can see from the pictures, that is; I don't have this set). I also like the gray better than black, but the color was executed well on this castle.
Design ~ 9.5/10
Figs ~ 10/10
Overall ~ 20/10
Throwing in a few more points for amount of figs and the fact that it's on flat baseplates.


text: This is a page listing furniture stores in North Richland Hills, Texas. Browse the listings below to find the best furniture stores near you or enter your zip code at the top of the page to find more Texas Furniture Stores in your area. Visit one of these fine North Richland Hills furniture stores to find the best sofa, bed or whatever you need right in North Richland Hills.