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Keyboards and ChaosJanuary 05, 2005
Further thinking on web applications, keyboard shortcuts, and why we should expect some discussion over what defines an application.
I made an addendum to yesterday's musing on Accesskeys that I think may be more important than the original point of the article.
To answer that, a more fundamental question needs to be addressed: is an application that runs inside a web browser a traditional application, or a web page? By that I mean, is it fair to say that a web application deserves to break usability standards that one would expect from a web page by virtue of being an application, or should standard browser models apply equally despite functionality? How self-contained (and unlike a browser) can a web application reasonably become?
Let's consider desktop applications. In Photoshop, when I hit Cmd + L the Levels palette pops up. In Firefox, the same key combination causes the Location bar to be selected. Since I can't think of a single useful reason to have a Levels palette in Firefox, that's fine by me. But there are cases where genuine conflicts arise: in most applications, for example, I hide the current window by hitting Cmd + H; in Photoshop, this simply hides my layer guides, and the discrepancy bugs the heck out of me.
I suppose in an ideal world, all applications would share common shortcuts and there wouldn't be any conflicts. That'll be the ideal though, since it's a big world and there are a lot of reasons why it'll never work that way, varying from different program functionality (eg. Layers vs. Location) to limited options (Cmd + Ctrl + Option + M to mark an item unread? Nobody needs those kind of finger gymnastics).
In the case of the web application, which takes precedence: a browser's defaults (and by extension, a user's configuration of the browser, or that of third-party software), or the application's built-in controls? In traditional applications, we expect deviation between applications due to the mentioned factors and more, so is it such a stretch to expect the same of web applications?
I think by now, many realize that web applications are a special instance where it may just be okay to break standard browser functionality, since things like linkable pages and the back button often don't make sense in the context of a process-based application, and doubly so in an environment where sensitive information is displayed (think banking).
But on the other side of the coin, there are also people who will adamantly oppose anything that breaks browser defaults. Or at least strongly resist them and eventually give in to reason. Or just think it's a bad idea. Well, actually, there are people all across the spectrum — just look at the CSS font sizing issue for a similar case where opinion is divided across a multitude of options.
And even if some form of a shortcut conflict management strategy were to formulate, it's impossible for the developer to know in advance precisely which keyboard shortcuts are commonly relied upon by the user; a key conflict for a Firefox user might not be a problem for an Internet Explorer user running JAWS, and vice-versa.
Some conflicts may be more harmful than others. If a user's standard shortcut for "switch to another application" is overridden to mean "close current window" in an application it potentially leads to data loss, making it a bad replacement that should be reconsidered. Alternatively, multi-modal options might be feasible that offer the user an ability to switch between application defaults, browser defaults, emulation modes, and other scenarios.
In any case where the potential for conflicts exist, however, the user must have the option of customizing or turning off keyboard shortcuts through site/application preferences. Defaults should be chosen as carefully as possible to minimize the inconvenience, but some groups of users will require further control.
It might be relevant to point out that Accesskeys in their current form are gone from the XHTML 2.0 spec, replaced last summer by something far more powerful. The access attribute removes the responsibility of managing conflicts from the designer and places it in the hands of the browser, and ultimately the user. Would be relevant, that is, if it weren't for the fact that XHTML 2.0 will continue to be an idea (at most) for a long time yet.
Inevitably though, I think this is one we're going to have to settle the long way — by experimenting and seeing what works. Ultimately I'd expect it to resolve the same way the font-sizing issue has: there will be various models to choose from, and which method you pick will be determined by your overall development philosophy.
Interesting article.
I am on a daily basis managing the development of both web sites and web applications. To define the two I do not fully agree with Jim. Of course if the site/application looks like a website we should make it behave like a website. I would, however, definite the two by saying that:
- Websites are linear, meaning you browse from page to page trough one or more specific paths.
- A Web Application is not linear, since there are no paths as such. You have main application area, from which you can do varies tasks.
In regards to keyboard shortcuts, then they are essential to web applications - and it would be disastrous if the browser took precedence. There is of course a legitimate concern that rouge developers would reprogram keyboard shortcuts to behave on a non-expected or even harmful way - but is not enough reason to remove the ability for those developers who needs it.
To give you an example:
We recently developed a web application that handles media files (an imaging system). In this web application there is an image browser - containing image/files from a specific folder or search. In this browser we have added several keyboard shortcuts - one of them is Select All. To make this as usable as possible the command to Select All, is the same you use in the OS - CTRL+a / Command+a.
Now the browser itself has a build in functionality for Select All, meaning if you press CTRL+a, the browser will select anything on the page - including menus, copyright statements, buttons and graphics. If this took precedence it would be disastrous for web applications. When a person sees a list of images (in an image browser), and press Select All - the person expects all the images in this list to be selected - not the page elements of the browser.
It is the same with print; the browser default is to print the entire web page. But in a web application this would almost never be relevant. If you have an image browser, you want the keyboard shortcut to print the selected images, not the browser in itself.
Accesskeys are however completely irrelevant, since they keyboard combo to use them is different than the keyboards combo for the rest of the OS (ALT+[key] to use an Accesskey vs. CTRL/Command+[key] for in the OS).
Wow, you give us alot to think about. I am just now trying to comprehend and understand yesterday's article along with today's. Not that you didn't write it with clarity, its just that there is alot there!
Very good summary of the issue. The use of accesskeys is more properly divided into the two contexts you describe. This lends to separate discussions of each context and how it applies or not.
Very interesting article. I'd never even thought about that before.
I can't wait until we can use that "access" attribute though…
Yeah, I agree with your assessment. Experimentation and testing are going to be the only ways to sidestep the issue of keyboard conflicts.
The problem here is that we now have an extra layer *below* the system level (Mac/Windows) and below the application level (browser). With only two levels to worry about, it wasn't *too* hard to avoid conflicts, although you did still get your occasional Command-H Photoshop snafu (which sucks, yes).
I see two ways around it; the first way being your suggestion of just baking shortcuts into web applications via javascript, testing for conflicts, and offering a user configurable way around them via a sitewide pref. The second way being to actually start releasing keyboards with another key on them. We'll call it the "web key". Keyboard manufacturers and OS makers wouldn't really have a problem with doing this because it represents very little work and an opportunity to sell more keyboards, but the only problem would be that it would take a few years until they caught on. I say so what though. It will also be a few years until most people are *using* keyboard shortcuts in web applications let alone using web applications at all. Yes, I know, we early adopters are using them right now, but we're also the sort of people who upgrade computers (and keyboards) every couple of years.
Extra keys have been added to keyboards before in the past so this isn't something entirely new. The last example I can think of is the Option/Alt key. That was added because of the increasing quantity and complexity of applications available, so why is the advent of web applications any different?
Accesskeys like done in XHTML 2.0 (*great* idea) were proposed for Web Apps 1.0 (you know, the http://www.whatwg.org/ thing), but I don't think the idea got through. Maybe, though. Let's hope for the best :).
> By that I mean, is it fair to say that a web application deserves to break usability standards that one would expect from a web page by virtue of being an application, or should standard browser models apply equally despite functionality? How self-contained (and unlike a browser) can a web application reasonably become?
I think that if the browser toolbar etc shows, it should follow the conventions of a normal web page. I really hate it when things like the back button breaks.
On the other hand, if it's launched from an icon on the desktop, like an .HTA, it should be free to act like an application.
Another general rule of thumb is if it includes the website logo at the top or navigation to non-application areas, then it's a web page with all the associated requirements.
What I just can't get over is the fact that browser developers didn't even think that there would be a problem sharing access keys with traditional accelerators. Why didn't they just have access key as ctrl-shift-key or whatever else doesn't conflict with the existing system?
We're probably going to have to settle this one soon. It seems like every year "web applications" become more complex and, more importantly, more numerous. There seems to be a sort of "when all you have's a hammer, everything's a nail" reaction to the needs for universal access and platform neutrality. Access to some browser or other is nearly ubiquitous, and developers of free online banking apps would seemingly rather learn the quirks of each major browser than the APIs of each major operating system. At this speed and heading, web browsers may soon be the only apps that aren't web-based.
(no, I don't really believe that last bit, of course)
Whilst I certianly agree that accesskeys have problems that need to be solved, I'm deeply skeptical that the access attribute of XHTML 2 is any sort of improvement. Having an attribute to specify that something ought to have keyboard access without the ability to provide (even a default) key binding leads to the following difficulties:
* Inconsistency. Since there is no way for a browser to identify that a functionally equivalent control is appearing on multiple pages within a site (nor indeed to determine which pages constitute a single site), there is no way to ensure that accesskeys are consistent within a given web application. This makes accesskeys impossible to learn.
* Inconsistency across sites. A lesser issue but, at the moment, one can guess that all phpBB based sites (say) will have the same accesskeys. Not so with access.
* Low learnability. Human-specified accesskeys usually have some relationship to the function that they perform. Browser-specified accesskeys wouldn't.
* Low discoverability. If the browser has the job of specifying the accesskey, it is hard for an author to provide a visual clue as to what the assigned accesskey is or mention the accesskeys in descriptive text about the site.
* Inconsistency. The author is still given full control over which site elements get accesskeys. That's a problem in the current model of course but if access is to solve the problems, people will have to be able to tweak the accesskeys. In this case why artificially restrict the number of elements they can access?
* Faliure to prevent conflicts. Typically an application may not know which key handlers it implements and certianly will not know which key handlers are implemented by the window manager / OS (of course it might be possible to find this out in some cases but it won't always be possible). So merely putting the browser in control doesn't mean that conflicts will be averted.
Even a simple tweak of the accesskey="#key" model is better than the access model; make #key a default rather than an absolute so there is a default accesskey but the browser (or user) may override it if they know it will cause problems. This is still far from perfect but is a *much* better (and simpler!) solution than the XHTML 2 model.
Nice entry. I feel accesskeys should be implemented almost exactly the way they're being done in xhtml 2. Apply a certain code, and let the browser + user control how they use it. So if the browser controls are set to ctrl + accesskey, the user can change it to whatever he feels like. I think I may be misunderstanding it though.
Also, imo, I feel accesskeys are poorly implemented. I'm much more likely to use them if I can see them without viewing the source. Perhaps browsers could have the tooltip say it similar to the way below:
Title attr for lines and well… maybe not lines…
Access: access control
Then I would probably use accesskeys much more often.
By the way, in Firefox/Win your comment preview buttons don't fit.


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Arts & Events
Around & About Theater: CalShakes Dramaturge Phillipa Kelly at Commonwealth Club
Berkeley resident and CalShakes Dramaturge--and author of 'The King & I,' about her lifelong fascination with 'King Lear'--Philippa Kelly will speak next Tuesday, March 13 at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, 6-7 p. m., "Only Connect: Dramaturgy & Shakespeare's Living Theatre,' on theater and how "we pick up the fragments of our lives, make momentary sense of what has happened to us; how theater comforts us in grief and gives us merriment, as well as those moments of passion we use to define our lives." Actors Anna Bullard and Daniel Heath will read relevant lines from Shakespeare, and Cal Shakes artistic director Jonathan Moscone will converse with Philippa. 595 Market, San Francisco. $7-$20. commonwealthclub.org or 597-6000

subset: commoncrawl


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Superfluous Death (ISBN: 978-1-60381-140-8, 194 pp., $12.95), originally published in 1995, is Hazel Holt's sixth mystery featuring amateur sleuth Mrs. Sheila Malory.
** Click the cover image to order the 5×8 trade paperback **
Buy it on Kindle or in other eBook versions on Smashwords.
The sleepy seaside town of Taviscombe has more than its share of gossips […]


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Are there any schools that you are aware of that are focusing more towards practical application of law?
My school just hired this professor that is setting up a bunch of practical classes. I am taking evidence in the courtroom with him right now and it is really enjoyable. We have to write motions in limine argue them etc every week. It is almost exactly what I was doing when working during the summer, but the professor obviously gives us more feedback.


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You never know what you'll find when you open the engine hatch on a used boat. One thing you can count on finding is the need to replace a few items. … [Read more...]
engine hoses
Replumbing Your Used Boat Engine
October 31, 2013 By Brett Becker Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Boat Engines and Systems, Boat Maintenance and Upgrades, Boating, Featured Content, Tips for Boat Buyers Tagged With: boat engine plumbing, boat hoses, Brett Becker, engine hoses


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The joy is in the journey
The joy is in the journey
from 11.00
POSTER A DAY PROJECT / 310 of 365
Inspired by the start of a new orbit around the sun, we've begun a year-long project to design a poster a day. The theme of each poster is something that had been an influence on that day – something seen, heard or thought of that had made an impression.
Select posters from the project are available for sale here. To view all the posters, visit Instagram.
Available in two sizes:
12 inches x 16 inches (30.48cm x 40.64cm) and
18 inches x 24 inches (45.72cm x 60.96cm).
All posters print on museum-quality thick, durable, matte paper. Printed on archival, acid-free paper using Epson UltraChrome water based HDR ink-jet technology.
**Frame not included.


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Welcome to the Monograms version of South America. We take on the logistics and provide you with a Local Host to get you deeper into the places that make this dazzling continent so extraordinary.
With Monograms, we take on the endless hours of organizing and scheduling so you can see the sights, experience new cultures, and dance to new rhythms.
From arranging the right hotels and efficient transportation to providing a Local Hosts® and included sightseeing, we've thought of – and included – everything you need in an all-in-one package.
But it doesn't stop there. We're also on the scene at your South American destination helping you make the most of your time
Our Monograms Package
We Plan, You Play.
Book a select January – March, 2019 air-inclusive Monograms South America vacation 6 nights or longer.
Book by September 11th to save on air to your bucket list South America Monograms vacation.
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*Terms and Conditions apply and include: Book a select January-March 2019 air-inclusive Monograms South America vacation of 6 nights or longer (excludes Monograms City Getaways, Escapes by Globus, and Central America) to receive a $100 per person air credit, or book on LATAM Airlines to receive a $150 per person air credit (USD for US originating passengers, CDN for Canada originating passengers). Must be booked, under deposit and discount applied between July 11 - September 11, 2018 for travel January-March 2019. Limited to new bookings and economy class flex air tickets; Offer does not apply to instant purchase air. Combinable with all applicable promotions. Air Credit will apply to the per person air price and is non-transferable. An additional $300 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with a land vacation. Once ticketed, airline reservations subject to change/cancellation penalties of between $300 per ticket and 100% of ticket price; air tickets may not be eligible for frequent flyer mileage/point accrual; stopover costs are additional. Promotional discounts do not carry forward on changed air bookings however other promotions at time of change may be available. We reserve the right to ticket passengers upon receipt of full land and air deposit. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply; visit www.iflybags.com for more details. Additional restrictions apply; see our Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer is available from participating GFOB offices only.


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Matteo Mannino was an undergraduate student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University when he completed this work. He graduated in Dec. 2006 with BS degree of Electrical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He is interested in graduate study in stochastic models and algorithms for computations that require large data sets, particularly in the areas of signal and image processing and semiconductor device simulation. He is continuing his graduate education at the University of Michigan.


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A Motorhome constructed in a standard van body without alterations. This gives the advantages of a low height and easier parking and handling. Not ideal for long term use unless you are 4'6" tall. Height barriers are not normally a problem either.
A Motorhome constructed in a standard van body where the manufacturer fits a permanent high roof section to the van. This also gives the advantages of easier parking and handling similar to the fixed roof but with added height inside.
Sometimes also called a 'Pop Top' the converter cuts away the van roof and fits a roof section that can be raised up when the vehicle is parked to gain increased headroom. Often a bunk is fitted in the elevated roof section, although it may be a bit small for a fully grown adult. It has the advantages of the 'High Top', without it's disadvantages.
This is a purpose built motorhome where the manufacturer builds the body onto a new chassis/engine unit. The advantages are that the interior is more spacious because the 'cab' area is usually part of the accommodation and many have a 'pull-down' double bed above the front seats which can be left made up, as do most of the Hymers in this class.
The manufacturer uses the chassis & cab of the base vehicle and builds a new body onto the back of it, these make up the largest proportion of motorhomes. The part of the body extending over the cab is known as the 'Luton' and is more often as not a sleeping area
A dual purpose motorhome with a specially made body that fits onto the back of a pickup type vehicle. These have the advantage that you can remove the body at a campsite and then use the pickup as you would normally.
A dual purpose motorhome usually using a pick up truck with an articulated coupling, towing a close coupled caravan type trailer. These tend to be of the larger type and have the advantages of the de-mountables above but the living portion cannot be used whilst on the move.
These are lightweight units with sides that collapse for towing and storage, they combine the experience of open-air tent camping with sleeping comforts, basic conveniences and weather protection found in other motorhomes and RVs.
A living van towed by a vehicle using a ball type tow hitch
Any motorhome which does not fit into any of the other categories!
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>>>Camps Site
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – Fresh off back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament, the Georgia College softball program and head coach Jamie Grodecki looks forward to hosting its first youth camp of the summer next week.
Set for June 24-25, the GC Softball Youth Camp features a full-day schedule from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for ages 11-to-18.
For just $160, the Bobcat Softball Youth Camp is for teens looking to improve their overall softball skills, and features breakout sessions and a fun environment led by the GC Softball coaching staff and players.
To register or for more information, visit SummerCamps.GCSU.edu or call (478) 445-6341.
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at @GCBobcats on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.


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The Wainman Blunt is also pretty great. I was riding a 10.5 Punch on a SS Asylum 141 in horrible chop w/gusty wind. I was having a terrible time staying powered consistently and cutting through the chop. I swapped over to the Blunt 130 and it was night and day! I'm not really certain why, but that board feels like it's on rails. I've ridden it twice now, in the same conditions and I couldn't be more impressed. I don't own it (I'd borrowed it for a little bit), but I'm considering getting one now. And at 6'1/230 lb (104kg), that 130 is the smallest board I've ever ridden.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I work for a shop and we sell most of the boards you're talking about. I haven't ridden the Monk, Mako, or the Raptor Pro LTD. I have been eyeing that LTD something fierce, though. I suspect that one is also going to end up in my quiver. Too many boards, not enough money!


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Holy Grail: Doll Strollers That Aren't Pink
Imagine a world where all strollers were only sold in cotton candy pink. The doll stroller world isn't so far from that. You can hit a pink doll stroller with a stick, but you have to do a bit of legwork to find a pink alternative. Although the pickings are still slim, our fingers did the walking so you don't have to.
When my son was a new walker I knew he'd enjoy a doll stroller to push at the playground. My criteria seemed simple enough: lightweight, foldable and not pink. Let me be clear, I didn't have a problem with a pink stroller because my child was a boy. I was resisting the manufacturer-consumer vicious circle of prolific pink toys. If buying a pink stroller was sending the message to keep making the majority of toys pink, I didn't want to send that message. My mom eventually found a (predictably) blue stroller.
Recently I wanted to buy my friend's daughter a doll stroller and I hunted down these non-pink options. They all fit my original criteria with the exception of the last wooden one which is heavier (and also intended for 2+ year olds), but too attractive not to include. And there are more lovely (expensive) wood options, but here I'm focusing on more portable versions. I also didn't include Maclaren's Junior Quest (available in a red or pink version) which is currently out of stock everywhere I looked, but will hopefully be back.
Toy companies: I double dog dare you to think outside the pink doll stroller box. How about a cheerful kelly green? a black and white chevron? orange plaid?


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A MAN is in hospital after being found with gunshot wounds in a Southampton street.
Armed police descended on Vanguard Road last night after reports of a shooting.
Officers have cordoned off several blocks of flats in the area between Vanguard Road, Witts Hill and Lytham Road, including the Alpine News and Food store, in Townhill Park.
A police spokesman said the man had been shot in the Vanguard Road area, but confirmed this afternoon that his injuries were not life threatening.
Chief Inspector Stuart Murray confirmed this afternoon that a 25-year-old man, who was known to the victim but is not from the local area, was arrested in connection with the incident.
He was this evening being held in custody for questioning on suspicion of attempted murder.
Chief Inspector Murray said that the shooting was being treated as an isolated incident and reassured members of the public that there was no risk to the wider community.
He added: "We believe that the incident took place at Vanguard Road, Townhill Park at approximately 7.15pm.
"Although we have not formally spoken to the injured man, the information we have from our initial investigations suggests that the offender was known to him, but is not local to the area.
"The man suffered injuries to the lower part of his body, but is currently being treated for those injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.
"We would like to reassure members of the public that we are doing everything we possibly can to recover the firearm and remove it from the streets."


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Started this discussion. Last reply by Dennis Heidner Nov 14, 2014. 23 Replies 0 Likes
I'm shopping around for LED lights and want to know about your experience if you bought LED lights before.Where did you buy them and why?Did price have much to do about your decision?Do you have any…Continue
Posted on May 8, 2014 at 12:27pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Nobody is going to just give you free money for helping their cause, right? Well, when it involves energy, there are ways for you to get some money back!
A little research online these days can go a long way, but many people don't make the time. To them I say, "don't be scared, Google, Bing or Yahoo! won't return results that say, 'no'". You can find anything online today with a little work; rebate and incentives you will find.…Continue
Posted on August 29, 2012 at 4:00pm 4 Comments 0 Likes
Early last week, as I walked into my condo's elevator, I noticed something different; it was really bright in there now. After I pressed my floor's button I looked up and saw that all 8 of the PAR20 halogen light bulbs were replaced with new ones that clearly weren't going to let anyone hide behind any areas previously darker with the old lights.
Curious, I emailed the landlord and did some research on kinds of brighter light bulbs. After about waiting a week for my landlord…Continue
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New York Giants NFL 2013 Draft 59FIFTY Cap
Made of 100% Polyester, WovenThis 59FIFTY® fitted cap features an embroidered (raised) New York Giants team logo on the front, stitched New Era® flag at wearer's left side, Conference logo on the right and embroidered NFL® logo on the rear. Interior includes branded taping and a moisture absorbing sweatband. Specialty graphics under visor. SKU: 20512347 Color: RoyalBlue Availability: In Stock - Ships 1 business day International shipping available to Canada - info
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Works well
This works well for giving you piece of mind when you're leaving your boats unattended. It's long enough to easily accommodate attaching to your car rack and also can lock your boat to a tree at a campsite. It's almost entirely coated to prevent scratching your car. I haven't attempted to use the paddle attachment, but it looks like it will work well too, although I think it only works for a one piece paddle. I'm completely pleased.
It works
Havn't used other boat locks before but this one works. Left my boat on the car overnight in several places and it was there in the morning. No significant problems with the lock during highway driving.


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The Padres signed Jason Bartlett to a 2-year deal worth $11 million guaranteed. There is a club option for a third year at $5.5M, with a $1.5M buyout. Cot's Baseball Contracts reports the contract is incentivized, meaning Bartlett may guarantee the third year if he meets certain performance thresholds. They don't tell you what those are sadly. So much for the 'Is Jason Bartlett returning in 2013' meter I was planning to put in the margin.
Assuming both Orlando Hudson and Bartlett play in San Diego for the duration of their contracts, 2011/2012 will be the first 2-year stretch with the same two men playing second and short, respectively, since 2004/2005 (Mark Loretta and Khalil Greene, if you are interested). That's a lot of turnover in the middle infield over the past 5 seasons. No wonder GM Jed Hoyer made it a priority to stabilize the situation at those two positions.
How good of a deal is this? Fangraphs' Eno Sarris discussed it yesterday and thinks the Padres spent wisely. I don't see a reason to disagree with his logic, although how good a signing this is will depend largely on whether Bartlett can remain healthy all season. If, as Sarris supposes, the dramatic decline in his range last season is due to lower body injuries, then hopefully he (and the Padres training staff) can develop a strategy to prevent that.
Trevor Hoffman has officially retired, and has been invited to become a part of the Padre front office for 2011. I didn't realize he is 43 years old. Trevor leaves the game as it's all-time saves leader, and the only man to save 600 games in a career. I would imagine the Padres will retire his number at some point this season.
There are a couple of things I like about how he's handled his departure from the game.
- No one-day contract. This always struck me as silly. Great players have already cemented their place in their fan's hearts. Besides, great players have a lot of great highlights, and those highlights showcase the player in the uniform of the team he played on when he was making them. You ever see highlights of Gretzky wearing a St Louis Blues uniform? Of course not - he was only there a couple of months, but also he wasn't the sublime player he was with Edmonton and Los Angeles (heck, even with the New York Rangers he was pretty OK). Hoffman will be shown getting #600 as a Brewer until Mariano Rivera breaks his record. Then his highlight clips will revert to ones from the mid- and late-1990s when he dominated the NL.
- Has a plan. How many players leave the league and just play golf until they get restless? Hoffman is interested in the business side of the game, and is looking to find his next niche. Give the Padres credit for allowing him the time to determine where he fits in best.


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2012+ Subaru Impreza Real World Fuel Economy
Share your fuel economy notes here on the 2012-generation Impreza.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host
kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host
2012 Impreza 5-door Limited CVT
4,000 miles to date
Typical around-town average in suburbia has averaged 28 mpg calculated, with the computer +/- within 1 mpg of calculated. Highway runs have been 38 to 40 mpg at 70 mph, rising to as high as mid 40s at 60 mph.Tesla Model 3, 2015 Subaru Outback0
ctuswatleader Posts: 9I have a 5-door base model.
Driving location: 95% city, 5% highway
Temperature: mid 80s to 100s
roughly 1500 total miles on the car
MPG for this fill up: 22.5
MPG for the lifetime of the car (includes a 500 mile road trip): ~300
with a combined 65-70% suburbia driving, i am getting about 28 mpg overall as reported on Fuelly. the computer reports about 1.5 mpg higher
nevertheless, the hand calculated fuelly numbers are underestimates since i see a consisten ~3% underestimation of miles traveled by the odometer when compared with Google maps and other vehicles. so in reality, the car readout is close to reality.
the worst part of my driving is my 4mile drive to and from a train station where the car barely warms up. very roughly speaking, those trips only yield about 24mpg.
i have calculated just ~41 mpg on an all highway trip with a solo driver and minimal AC usage and keeping the speeds to 65mph or below.0
My Impreza Sport is getting around 24 around town and 30-33 on the highway. Most of it using the AC. Highway driving anywhere between 60 and 75 mph. In the mountains it got 36 mpg.0
sounds like your numbers are consistent with mine. i don't do too many all highway trips. only one pure highway trip, and the one where i had to combine a fair bit of city in, the numbers were in the 33 range overall (but i had seen 36-37 before i started added on city miles midtrip)
AC is one most of the time these days for me too. that takes off 1-2 mpg roughly (although i haven't done a super accurate comparison for that)0
fredjohnson Posts: 48Car has 7000 miles on it now. Last weekend on a 300 mile trip at just under 60 mph on the highway I got 39.5 mpg average. Car read as high as 44 mpg at times. the 39.5 is actual hand calculated mileage and not the car's readout mpg. A/C on for about 25% of the time, otherwise windows down the other 75%. In town(Minneapolis) I get around 30.5 mpg and that is a combo of freeway at up to 80 mph and stop and go rush hour freeway traffic.0
How inaccurate can the trip computer be before it is considered a defect? When I bought my car (2012 hatchback, manual), the dealer was showing me what kind of mileage I would get in various test drive situations. But now that I have filled the tank several times, I am getting a consistent real world 5 mpg less than what is shown. So instead of 30 in mixed driving (not bad) it is really 25 (unacceptable for a small car). I am a very timid driver, and would have hoped for a somewhat better mileage than the 23 year old Nissan hardbody that this car is replacing. Any suggestions?0
onemodog Posts: 26I am just about to hit 10K on my Sport Premium (I am at 9998 and will hit 10K tomorrow as well as fill up the tank. Here is what I have for data based on 9678 Miles (last fill-up)
Miles = 9678
Gallons of gas = 369.679
Avg MPG = 26.179
$ on gas = $1498.75
Avg $ per gallon = $4.05
Avg $ per mile = .1548
I will have had my car for exactly 6 mos on 7/21.
My only disappointment is that I wish I got slightly better gas mileage but I am pretty happy.
My commute changed in April when it was made much shorter BUT is now made in traffic. I do not think it has changed the gas mileage much though to be honest. I have consistently been at the 26/mpg range since tank 1. I have not gone on too many long highway drives and when I did, I did hit 31mpg on that tank so I know my Subie is definitely capable.
It has been a fun car to drive and I am pleased with my purchase. This is my first Subie but will not be the last for my family.
Its been a fun car to drive.0
Bought the 5 door loaded and now have about 900 miles on it. Per the readout in the car, I am getting 19.2 MPG over the past 2 tanks of gas. Anyone else getting bad MPG? Is this just a break-in thing? I drive mostly city, but on the highway I don't think I have gotten more that around 25 mpg. Very disappointing.0
Couple thoughts here ---
Don't know what climate you are in, but I find my AC makes a significant difference.
More importantly, my on-board computer has been wildly inaccurate. In my case it is telling me I am getting about 5 mpg better than I actually calculate. (Although I'm still taking the car's word on the distance traveled and just inputting the actual gallons used).
My real world numbers are about 29 in mixed driving, using AC about half the time.
Yours isn't a WRX? That maybe get about 19 mpg...0
My gas mileage has been terrible. It has been going downhill instead of better. I have been getting 22 mpg around town and I just got back from a 440 mile trip on interstate and I got 31 mpg. I complained to Subaru and they said to take it to the dealer. The dealer checked it over and said there was nothing wrong and they could not do anything about it. Very disappointed in the car. I have the 2012 Impreza Sport. I bought it get better gas mileage than by 2004 Mustang and with that I got 19 around town and 28 on the highway. Thinking about getting rid of the Impreza since I am so frustrated with it and no one will do anything about it.0
Something must be wrong. Is yours a CVT? I would try inserting the FWD fuse for one tank just to see what affect that has.
No noises from the drivetrain, implying extra drag?0
It is CVT. There is no noise but when you are slowing up to come to a stop sign, the transmission sometimes grabs and almost stops you. I asked the dealer about it and they said that was just normal for the CVT. It also will jump every once in a while at a stop light. I thought it was stalling out the first couple of times they did it. The dealer said it was just the computer adjusting the idle. What is the FWD fuse?0
First, make sure you have all of the latest firmware updates. I've heard there's a firmware update for 2012 Imprezas with the CVT that smooths out the engine braking symptom.
As for your substandard fuel economy, there are many possibilities:
- Is your driving mostly city?
- When on the highway, what speed do you drive?
- Do you drive many short trips (less than 10 miles)?
- Do you accelerate briskly or slowly?
- When cruising on the highway, do you use cruise control?
- How many miles are on your car?
"sgoldste01" had good things to try. Also things to consider.
- Are you using A/C? (1 to 3 mpg drop.)
- How much stuff in the car (additional passengers?)
- Tire pressure? I believe suggested is rght about 30psi. Try just a bit higher like 32 or 33. I believe the last I checked mine it was around 33 or 34.
- Check your odometer. This probably won't make a big difference but many have found it off by about 3%. Example: odometer reads 30 miles, but you really only went 29. Its off in the right direction for the warranty!
The longest highway trip I've taken with my Impreza Sport returned some of my worst mpg at 32mpg. I had 4 passengers and luggage, plus we used A/C. Otherwise I'm happy and getting 34 to 36 mpg hand calculated. My commute is mostly highway, but has some stop-n-go traffic and construction nighmares this summer.0
wvw Posts: 19I have an Impreza hatchback and have around 1500 miles so far. I've been a little disappointed in the highway MPG (33-4 , generally with AC on- which I thought I'd heard actually helped in highway driving?), but it's been better than predicted in local driving. My '95 Legacy wagon outperformed the predicted MPG on the highway and I was hoping for the same with this, but it still has good gas mileage overall for an AWD car.0
I just refilled the gas and reset the trip odometer/MPG monitor. Have driven maybe 5 miles since and it's saying I am now down to about 11 MPG. Before the reset I had dropped to about 18.5 MPG, mostly city and short trips and with AC on (I live in the south). I am going to take a long trip in a couple weeks, mostly on highway, and will be curious to see what kind of MPG I get. Then I will be back to the dealer to talk to them about this. If MPG doesn't improve, I am going to have a serious chat with Subaru. I sold my 97 Civic that got 38 MPG on the highway and decent city MPG too and bought this car, which I wouldn't have done if the MPG was disclosed with numbers like I am getting. Other than the MPG, I like the car.0
AC on will not help your highway gas mileage. AC may not hurt as much as having the windows wide open. Just running the vent and windows up is the best if the temperature allows it.0
I hope you get better MPG with the highway trip. Many new cars today don't get good mileage with short trips (under 5miles). In the Prius forums one person was in the 25?? MPG range with their Prius just because of short trips. The engine never warms up and in the Prius case the battery doesn't have enough time to charge. Just because the blue light goes off doesn't mean everything is up to ideal perforamnce temperature.0
i made a mistake of buying a 2012 subaru impreza and after many emails and calls nothing is being done.
My car has around 3600 on the clock and i drive mainly in the city, i get an average of 20 to 21 mpg if im lucky and i drive 10 miles to work and 10 miles back.
I also do some highway trips and decided to let my wife borrow the car for a week to commute to work about 1 hour driving on the parkway to and 1 hour back.
The most we got out of the car is 27mpg which is 8 mpg lower than the estimate mpg for highway driving. The sad thing is my 2002 for focus which was old tired and had 115,000 on the clock was getting better mpg than my new car.
I honestly wish i had kept it now. Anyone have any suggestions or tricks or anyone having similar problems please feel free to post.0
typesix Posts: 321Consumer Reports tested a 2012 Impreza hatchback in the June 2012 issue and got 19mpg city, 33 mpg highway and overall average of 26mpg. How fast do you drive on highway? The EPA numbers are generally what can be expected if one follows the speed limit. Air conditioning will decrease mpg about 10%. Driver habits have the most effect on mpg.0
Im usually driving around the 65 to 70 mpg on the parkway and around town im always at the speed limit due to the amount of police in the area. I also tested without the ac and it made a little improvement but no where near the epa estimates. Im glad its not just me with the poor millage and that its been tested by people who know what they are doing.
I got a freephone number to see what the buy out is on my lease and also if i can trade in my lease with someone else so they can take it over because im getting less mpg than my previous car and the reason i got this was for more mpg.0
26mpg is good in that context. The Elantra only got 27mpg despite the 40mpg highway they tout.0
dcm61 Posts: 1,563Pay attention to the MPG gauge below the speedometer. You will then get a feel for how you need to drive the car to get the best MPG and you will also see that even a slight incline or press of the accelerator "kills" the MPG.
Before I bought my Sport Limited, I didn't realize there were so many hills in my area.
I've taken two 700+ mile round trips from Philly area to Boston area.
1st trip (2 people) - started with 1100 miles; PA/NJ turnpike, GW bridge, various NY parkways to Merritt Parkway to I-84. Drive up MPG = 36+ until the GW bridge, then continued to drop and ended at ~32 MPG (hills on the NY/CT parkways kill MPG). Return trip average = ~33 MPG. IIRC, A/C was on the entire trip.
2nd trip (1 person) - started with 5100 miles; mix of back roads, highway, back roads to I-84. Drive up MPG = 36+. Moonroof flipped up for 1/2 trip, A/C on other 1/2 trip. Return trip average = ~35 MPG. Heavier traffic, higher speed, A/C on more, back seats and cargo area full.
Normal commute = congested highway = ~30-32 MPG.
For comparison, my 2003 Outback 2.5L 4EAT averaged 28-30 MPG on highway trips and 22-24 on my commute.0
xwesx Fairbanks, AlaskaPosts: 12,759There's no doubt the numbers are starkly improved over previous generations. In city driving, the start/stop behavior makes a big difference, especially with the AWD car for some reason. I notice that when I drive my Escort vs. my Forester, the relative impact on fuel economy in the Escort is lower when I'm a little quicker off the line (about 5-6%) versus my Forester, which is 10% or more. I really have to shift into "chill mode" when I'm driving the Forester if I want to eek out reasonable fuel economy. With a manual transmission, though, that isn't too hard to do.
I'm sorry that the original poster's fuel economy is so much lower than expected. I think he said a Focus was replaced by the Impreza... ? If so, it is entirely unrealistic to expect the Impreza to perform better on fuel economy in city driving. Heck, if it did better in the highway in identical conditions, I'd be quite surprised. You gave up some FE for the AWD. If you don't want or need the AWD, as in that was not a major consideration when deciding on the car, you did indeed lease the wrong car for your needs. The good news, though, is that you leased it.2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2008 and 2013 Subaru Forester(s), 1969 Chevrolet C20 Pickup, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250 Pickup0
westcoaster21 Posts: 1When I first bought my 2012 Impreza, I strictly road the freeways, with very limited city driving (my wife drove her car to do most of the city stuff). Back then, my freeway commute to work and back was about 40 miles each way and I averaged 38 mpg for about two months. I did notice that whenever I did do any city driving (short trips to the grocery, mall, etc.), especially through residential streets with lots of stop signs, my mpg would drop down to 33, 34, or 35 mpg instantly -- with just about 15 to 20 minutes of driving! To my relief, my mpg would then go back up once I commuted to work a couple of days in a row.
Also, as I drove on the freeway, I left the mpg function/monitor on and played an mpg game by adjusting my accelaration to get the maximum fuel efficiency. My goal was to reach an average 40 mpg. However, to do this I had to develop thick skin; fellow freeway commuters showed great impatience by purposely tailgaiting so that I could speed up or they would look over at me in disgust as they passed by). The highest mpg I ever got was 39.6 and I stayed at the 39 mpg mark for about two weeks.
But then it happened. My wife starting complaining about how she did most of the driving errands and wanted me to help. I agreed and started doing most of the city driving from then on. For the last two months, my driving is about 65 to 70 percent freeway driving and about 30 to 35 percent city driving. As a result, my mpg has dropped down remarkably: it now ranges consistently between 27 and 29 mpg. I never realized how bad city driving was on a car's mpg and now loathe driving through residential streets. And I believe that what keeps my mpg numbers this high is how I continue to play the mpg game on the freeway (I try to adjust my accelaration to raise my mpg numbers on the monitor; but of course, I try not to go lower than 5 or 7 miles below the speed limit.)
Though I am disappointed, I could only imagine what my mpg numbers would be if I had purchased a car with lower EPA estimates. If my average mpg was to go below 26 and my city driving increased, I would seriously consider selling or trading in the Impreza to purchase a Prius. Or to purchase a mini-cooper, which cost less than a Prius, but looks way hipper and cooler, and gets better gas mileage than the Impreza (but then again, the mini-cooper presents the space issue, especially if one has children).
But, that, in a nutshell, has been my 4 to 5 month mpg experience with the 2012 Impreza.0
Interesting to see the variation. My 16-mile round trip work commute results in 33 mpg average (no highway) with 6,000 miles on the odo. Typically that commute has 10 stops for lights or stop signs, and speeds vary from 30 mph to 50 mph, with little traffic. Highway runs at 75 mph have consistently returned 37 mpg, and about 45 mpg at 60 mph. The fuel mileage has been stellar, especially cruising at 55 to 65 mph flat terrain. The worst mileage to date has been 28 mpg during all city/suburban driving with traffic lights and congestion (nothing like NY or LA, though). No complaints here. The car is perfectly capable of beating EPA, so the question that needs answering is what's different about your situation?Tesla Model 3, 2015 Subaru Outback0
My results have been similar to Westcoaster's.
I drive more or less speed limit (55, 60, and 65) or stay with the flow of traffic, not slower than the flow, but I'm seldom the guy in the left lane going faster than the flow. I use a really light foot. Typically I've been getting around 36mpg with my sport premium. I have a 70 mile round trip commute. With construction I have a few miles of stop-n-go to deal with as well.
Yesterday with about 150 miles on the tank and the MPG display over 39mpg (which equals about 36.5mpg) I ran some very short trip errands. Car was already warm from my 30+ mile commute home. Highest speed was 35mph. Stop signs or lights every 400 yards. 3 trips and only 15 miles later the display average was at ~37mpg.
If the engine is cold when doing the same short trips, the mpg drops much faster.
I have just over 7000 miles on the odometer. My average MPG did creep up from 32ish at first to the now 36ish during the first 5 to 6000 miles.0
oxmead Posts: 79I'm on my first tank and the average mpg says 32 with mixed driving and the air is running. I'm at 263 miles and the gauge is one notch below half. I am taking it very easy until I get to 1000 miles.0
Let me throw out this off-topic comment:
Regarding oxmead's comment, "I am taking it very easy until I get to 1000 miles", I just want to say that it's my unproven theory that taking it overly easy on an engine during the break-in period can cause issues. The manual states not to exceed 4k RPM, but it's my opinion that during break-in, you should work the car up to 4k RPM moderately aggressively (75% throttle) after the engine has warmed up. Not doing this can prevent the piston rings from seating correctly, and could result in a car that consumes oil.
Don't overly baby your car during break-in!0


text:
Burgler Breaks Into A House, Then Calls 9-1-1 To Report It
This guy kind of reminds me of the two bumbling burglers from the MacCauley Caulkin movie Home Alone. You gotta hear this call. It's him, the dispatcher and the home owner. Could have had an entirely different out come if Mr. & Mrs. Homeowner walked into the house with Mr. Smith & Wesson.


text:
Plans remain on schedule for some 150 acres of Ventria Bioscience genetically modified rice to be planted in the Missouri Bootheel. The rice, which contains human genes, has many farmers and environmental groups concerned. They fear it will contaminate nearby food-grade rice and thus ruin markets. Ventria, meanwhile, said the worries are overblown and the rice will provide cheaper medicines.
Now, add Riceland Foods and Anheuser Busch to those opposing the pharmaceutical rice. In late March, both companies released letters stating such.
The Anheuser-Busch letter reads, in part: "Anheuser-Busch is very concerned that Ventria's genetically engineered product will enter the Missouri rice supply through gene transfer as a contaminant… If it does, Anheuser-Busch will see its supply of rice decline because we will not use rice that isn't appropriate for food consumption… We also then will have to institute special measures to ensure that the genetically modified rice is not mixed with our rice. The drop in supply combined with those special measures would most likely increase our cost of ingredients…
"At this time, we cannot estimate the costs to Anheuser-Busch if the Ventria rice contaminates the Missouri commercial rice crop, but we would expect the cost increase to be substantial because suppliers will be required to test every load of rice coming into their mills and into our breweries."
Meanwhile, Riceland's position "is that we're all for technology and new developments," said Bill Reed, Riceland vice president. "The agriculture system we have today is built on that premise. Frankly, I believe farmers, as a group, are among the fastest adopters of new technology — especially since WWII."
New technologies — like plant made pharmaceuticals (PMPs) — hold great promise for farmers as well as consumers, he said. "However, the rice market isn't ready for some of them. That's the key. There are other crops where that hurdle has been crossed. But in rice, there is much concern among our customers — both foreign and domestic — regarding the prospect of genetic modification of rice or the contamination of food grade rice."
As a farmer-owned cooperative, Riceland has 9,000 owners who "charge us with marketing their crop," said Reed. "To do that we must have buyers."
Riceland handles over half the rice produced in the Bootheel. "We believe that probably 75 percent of the Missouri crop is exported. There isn't one foreign country that accepts GM rice currently. In fact, many require certification that there is no GM in the product they're buying from us.
"Something I've seen with my own eyes is the Iraqi tender that was issued in December. That document said 'no GM' — there's just no tolerance."
If contaminated, the remaining 25 percent of the Bootheel crop sold domestically wouldn't have much of market either. USDA has yet to certify a single PMP for human consumption, said Reed.
"Food manufacturers — cereal, beer, baby food — especially those with a franchise name, are very sensitive to this as well. That sensitivity was further intensified a couple of years ago with the (Starlink) situation with GM corn getting into the taco shells. After that, our buyers started asking, 'We're not getting any GM rice in our loads are we?'"
Even countries one would suspect are interested in calories above all else are very firm in rejecting GM rice.
How has Riceland been able to certify their rice is GM free? "By claiming there's no commercial production of GM rice," said Reed.
If Ventria's rice is planted, certification would instantly become harder for Riceland.
In speaking with Missouri Department of Agriculture officials, Riceland "has been open and frank in discussing these issues. I looked at Missouri production and for 2004 they produced 195,000 acres with an average yield of 6,800 pounds. That was a great yield for them. They produced 29.5 million bushels. I plugged in a value of $3.20 per bushel. So, annually, their rice crop is worth $94.3 million. I don't expect their production to decline, either."
Admittedly, last year had an almost ideal production season. But Reed doesn't believe reaching the $95 million mark yearly is out the question.
"We believe there's enough potential in Missouri to double their rice acres: they've got the land and they've got the water. The natural resources are there to take advantage of. The Bootheel grows some gorgeous rice."
Reed said he's explained all this to Missouri state officials. "I told them that not only is this a $95 million crop but that Bootheel farmers have tremendous investment in land preparation as well as equipment. Because they own the co-op, they also have a stake in the storage facilities at Dudley. Those were expanded two years ago and you can't even tell it — the line of trucks is as long as it ever has been. And rice facilities are also being expanded in Poplar Bluff and New Madrid. That's the farmers' money.
"Those facts result in a significant impact on Bootheel agriculture and the state's economy. And this isn't a pipe-dream citing numbers for the future — this is valuable right now!"
Should northeast Arkansas rice farmers also be concerned? Will Riceland's customers consider the Missouri/Arkansas border enough of a barrier?
"Well, if you're in Mississippi County, Ark., and cross the border into Missouri, it's hard to tell the difference." said Reed. "That's certainly an interesting issue to consider."
e-mail: email@example.com


text:
Alongside increased risk associated with lending, banks have witnessed growing fraudulent behavior. This behavior may be internal (by undisciplined staff) or external (by fraudulent customers). In the insurance market, the incidence of fraudulent events has grown, especially in certain geographical areas.
Overt fraud is known to be low, but suspect cases and claims that are resolved, for example, by settlement between the counterparties, are significantly higher. Lack of control over such events can lead to over time and (sometimes sizeable) losses. Businesses do not have the right information needed to tackle a variety of fraudulent situations. It is crucial for fraud managers to have as much information as possible to spot fraudulent and new abnormal behavior early on, and to identify possible fraudulent networks of people among counterparties, dealers, and other parties involved in the business.
Fraud Detection is designed to help organizations reduce fraud-related costs. The application's predictive capabilities combine different techniques, mixing in a single risk score the business user experience with predictive modeling techniques and anomaly detection models.


text:
Do you remember Time magazine's recent "Are You Mom Enough?" breastfeeding cover?
The widely debated image features a mom nursing her son who looks old enough to pour himself a glass of milk.
Depending on how you see things, the widely debated image either blazed trails for breastfeeding moms who practice extended nursing, or put unneeded pressure on moms to nurse well past the recommended one-year mark. And the feature story inside either helped put attachment parenting on the map or it made parents who carry their babies in slings and let their kids sleep in their beds look ridiculous.
No matter, the cover and feature story that newsmakers talked about on radio and TV shows across the country have inspired a reality TV show, expected to air this fall "with at least one mother who participated in the Time story," according to the Daily Mail (a British news site that's sensationalized yet seems appropriate in this story.)
Appalling? Yes (at least in my book).
Surprising? Hardly.
The show that will focus on extreme parenting is being developed by Jeff Collins, a producer who has worked on shows and one-time specials ranging from The Pregnant Man to Bridezillas to Dance Moms. In other words, this new show will likely spotlight the most unusual situations and portray yet another unrealistic picture of Americans.
"That cover proves what I've been saying for the last year – America has become a country of extremes," Jeff Collins, president of Collins Avenue Productions, told Yahoo! Shine. "I think it's so fascinating that some Americans find the image of a woman breastfeeding to be provocative, shocking, even sexual when, in fact, it's the most natural thing in the world.'
Collins is right. Breastfeeding is entirely natural, even beautiful, and Americans need to be less prudish and let women do their thing, but the the Time magazine cover wasn't only enticing because it showed an almost-4-year-old nursing. A lot of the controversy revolved around the fact that the image didn't present breastfeeding in a natural light. Time showed a woman breastfeeding her son in an awkward position. What's more, they showed a gorgeous, skinny woman who was made to look like she's about to step on the set of Desperate Housewives—while the average mom nurses in her PJs.
But that's all beside the main point. This post is about the new Extreme Parenting reality show that promises to reveal the most kooky, bizarre and extreme parenting rituals known to moms. What specifically this includes isn't clear, but Collins told Yahoo that the show will be about much more than attachment parenting and moms who nurse sharp-teethed toddlers.
The fact that extended breastfeeding would even be considered to fit into the "kooky" category makes me mad. Women all over the world nurse their kids for 2, 3 and 4 years. No big deal. Nursing is the best way to nourish kids and breast milk is the cheapest and healthiest food source. I fear that this show is going to make moms who nurse 3 year olds look outlandish.
Getting back to Collins' point that breastfeeding is natural. If he finds nursing so natural then I hope that he will depict it in a natural, hey even inspirational, way. Or will the show only highlight the most shocking situations in order to attract viewers?
I can already picture the scene with some frazzled, stressed-out mom whose 4 year old throws a tantrum at the shopping mall because he wants to nurse. The mom ends up finding a janitorial closet where she's forced to nurse because she doesn't want anyone to know that she's still breastfeeding. A mom at her lowest point of the day. This isn't what moms needs to see. We need to see parents at their best—that same mom sitting peacefully, cuddled up on a couch with her child. Other moms need good role models and the world needs to realize that there are good parents in America—but something tells me that doesn't make good TV.


text:
|Oracle Workflow Developer's Guide
Release 2.6.3
Part Number B10284-02
In addition to raising events from your applications or through workflows, you can raise events that do not require additional parameters manually using the Raise Event web page for testing purposes. When you raise an event, the Event Manager searches for and executes any active subscriptions by the local system to that event with a source type of Local, and also any active subscriptions by the local system to the Any event with a source type of Local.
Attention: This URL accesses a secured page, so if you have not yet logged on as valid user in the current web session, you will be prompted to do so before the page appears. You must have workflow administrator privileges to access the Event Manager web pages.
Note: You can also access the Raise Event web page from the Oracle Workflow home page. See: Accessing the Oracle Workflow Home Page, Oracle Workflow Administrator's Guide.
Note: The maximum length of the data you can enter in the Event Data field is 32 kilobytes. If the event data exceeds 32 Kb, you should assign a Generate function in the event definition to generate the event data, rather than entering the data directly in the Event Data field. See: To Define an Event.
You can also choose to raise the event using the WF_EVENT.Raise API instead. This method lets you provide the event data as a CLOB storing up to four gigabytes of data. See: Raise, Oracle Workflow API Reference.


text:
Directory of Health Administration Degree Programs
Welcome! In our current healthcare environment, there's no doubt that Health Administration is a versatile and vital profession. Health administration careers can be found in a number of different specialties. Graduates of healthcare administration degree programs can be found working in a variety of settings including public health, business, HIT, and healthcare facility management. We researched health administration schools across the U.S. to bring you the most complete directory of programs. There's no charge for schools to be listed in our directory, and there's no charge for you to use it. To help guide you on your educational journey, you can request information from individual schools using our search tool above or simply click on your state below to learn more.


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Millions could receive insurance rebates in 2012, despite industry opposition
Ready for another round of stimulus? This time, it's courtesy of the insurance industry -- though Uncle Sam is forcing the payouts.
Millions of Americans stand to receive insurance company rebates by the end of the summer, as a result of a new requirement in the federal health care overhaul that strictly governs how insurers spend their cash.
The insurance industry, along with a slew of state officials, have been fighting the policy. Based on rules that were issued at the end of last year, Washington will require insurers to spend between 80 and 85 percent of premium dollars on medical care. Insurance companies that violate the rule will be required to effectively refund their customers.
But while insurers say the rules could jeopardize plans across the country, customers are nevertheless expected to receive a rebate windfall starting this year.
Preliminary estimates indicate as many as 9 million Americans could receive up to $1.4 billion in rebates. That's an average of roughly $160 a person, though the amounts are likely to vary.
Here's how the new system works: Starting in 2011, insurers were supposed to abide by the new rules. They require insurers in the individual and small group market to keep administrative costs to 20 percent, and to just 15 percent in the large group market. If they don't, they're supposed to send out a round of rebates by Aug. 1 of this year. That rebate could take the form of a check or credit card payment, or a reduction in premiums -- the rebates will either be distributed to individuals or employers depending on the plan.
Some companies will inevitably comply with the rule, and in turn not be required to pay out rebates. Those that don't are supposed to report to the federal government by June with their rebate plans.
The insurance industry, though, is against the new rules and has issued repeated warnings about how the ostensibly pleasant change for customers could end up hurting them in the long run.
"This puts tremendous pressure on companies," Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman with America's Health Insurance Plans, told FoxNews.com.
The industry has a litany of reasons for opposing the rules. Foremost, they say the sudden implementation could force some health plans out of the market.
Plus, because the Obama administration requires companies to hold down administrative costs, advisers who act as policy brokers to help connect plans with customers could be cut out of the system.
Zirkelbach said the new rules could also force insurers to cut down on fraud prevention activities and prevent them investing money in innovation.
"Capping what health plans can invest in those activities and to pioneer new initiatives is only going to make it harder for those new types of programs and services ... to come online," he said.
Zirkelbach suggested the rebates are a short-term benefit for customers that will be more than offset by rising premiums as a result of the law.
"This is an arbitrary cap on health plan administrative costs," he said. "It's not going to make health care coverage more affordable."
A number of states petitioned the federal Department of Health and Human Services for waivers on the new rules.
But the Obama administration mostly held fast on the policy, touting it as an effort to cut down on "administrative red tape and marketing" - and require insurers to spend more on health care and "quality improvement."
The department announced last month that of 18 state requests for adjustments on the rule, 10 were denied. The department estimated the decision in those 18 states alone could yield up to $323 million in rebates for customers in 2012.
A health department spokesman disputed the claims made by AHIP.
Spokesman Chris Stenrud said the adjustments that were granted should help with concerns that the rules could jeopardize coverage.
"We don't expect any disruptions in those states or any others," he said in an email to FoxNews.com.


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Alchemy, Spellmaking, and Enchantments
Alchemical ingredients can be found all over the land, from the barrel by the side of the road to the fiery depths of Oblivion. The layman wanderer will simply ignore them and pass them by, but a true adventurer knows the power that picking flowers, scraping bits from dead animals, and rummaging in crates can bring. Although individual ingredients are less than useful, cumbersome, and don't fetch a high asking price, mixing them in your alchemical tools can bring you riches and a huge advantage over your foes. Let's start from the beginnning.
Tools of the Trade
Before you can begin mixing any ingredients you find, you'll need a Mortar and Pestle. You can pick one of these up for free by joining the Mages Guild and then simply plucking one off of the cabinets or you can purchase them at nearly all alchemy stores. Try to round out your Novice Mortar and Pestle with a Calcinator, Alembic, and Retort as soon as possible. These supplementary tools are not required, but they will improve the strength, duration, and weight of your potions. To begin mixing potions, go to your inventory and use one of these tools and then select the ingredients you want to mix. Each of the four alchemy tools can be found in Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Expert, and Master varieties. The higher the level, the more powerful potions you'll be able to create. Unfortunately, the higher level tools only begin appearing in the game as you level up, meaning you won't be able to get a full set of Master tools at the beginning of the game.
After you have a Mortar and Pestle, you can begin mixing ingredients to make potions. Each ingredient has four effects, though they aren't all available to low skill alchemists. When your Alchemy level reaches 25, you'll be able to see the first 2 effects. The third becomes available at an Alchemy skill of 50. The final effect can be used in mixing potions when your skill hits 75.
Mix and Match
In order to make a potion, you need to have two different ingredients that have the same effect. For instance, any low level alchemist will be able to combine an Apple and Beef to create a Restore Fatigue potion since both of those ingredients have the same Restore Fatigue Effect. However, you can't combine two Apples to make that same potion. The only way to make potions out of a single ingredient is to get your Alchemy skill to 100.
Just because two ingredients don't have the same effect, it doesn't mean you won't be able to combine them in a potion. As long as the ingredient you add has at least one effect in common with any other ingredient in the pot, you'll be allowed to add it. For example, if you combine Mandrake Root with Foxglove Nectar, you'll get a potion that does Resist Poison. From there, you can add Bloodgrass, even though Bloodgrass has nothing in common with Mandrake Root. The result would be a potion that does both Resist Poison (from the Mandrake Root and Foxglove Nectar) and Resist Paralysis (from the Foxglove Nectar and the Bloodgrass).
There are two main categories of potions that you will mix. Those that are used on yourself and those that you apply to weapons to do added damage to your enemies. If any of the effects included in the potion are ones that can only be applied to yourself, every effect of the mixed potion will be given to you when you use it, including any negative ones. Usually, the negative side effects of the potion will be small. Be careful when trying to make a potion that poisons your own blade. If you accidentally add an effect that will be applied to you (such as Restore Agility), you can't use it against an enemy.
Making the Most out of your Potions
Alchemy seems like a lot of work with very little reward, but we actually suggest you make it one of your major skills. There are several reasons for this. The primary one is that it is a trickle down skill. This means that the more you use this skill, the more other skills will increase. How does that work? Alchemy is one of the greatest skills to have early in the game to make money, which in turn will improve your Mercantile skill. A great way to increase your Alchemy and Mercantile skills, as well as pad your pocket, is to practice making potions early in the game. Go to a store that sells Alchemy ingredients and buy every one of them that costs you less than around 20 gold coins. Promptly go through and mix as many potions out of these ingredients as you can and then turn around and sell them back to the shopkeeper you just bought them from. You'll almost always end up with a sizable profit and you'll quickly see your Mercantile and Alchemy skills are flying through the roof.
Potions can be very useful to the dungeon crawler as well. There are several potions that you'll want to mix up as many batches of as possible. These are potions for Restore Health, Restore Magicka, Damage Health, and Feather. Restore Health and Restore Magicka potions will save you a lot of money and keep you alive even against the toughest enemies. This is because, unlike the normal restorative potions you buy, these will work over time. A Restore Health potion you create will continuously heal you over time, enabling you walk in and absorb many attacks before having to worry about your life again. Damage Health potions are extremely helpful to thieves and marksmen. If you use a Damage Health potion, it will poison your next attack from your equipped weapon. If you use this on an arrow, it makes that initial long range attack so draining that most enemies will be mostly dead by the time they get to you. A great deal of enemies are susceptible to Damage Health poisons, which will continue to drain their life even as you dance around them healing yourself.
Things to Remember
The Ingredients
Below, we've included a semi-searchable table of each ingredient you are likely to mix in the game. We didn't include ingredients such as Painted Troll Fat, Nirnroot, or Refined Frost Salts as these are items only gained through quests that are extremely rare and not recommended for generel alchemy. Select your desired effect from the list below and you will receive a display of each ingredient that can be used to make that potion. Remember, there are four effects listed but you need to be at level 75 for Alchemy to use them all. The effects are listed in order from left to right as they will become available in the game.
Note: This interactive table does not work in a Netscape/Mozilla browser. Click here for a non-interactive, simpler version of this table.
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How Is It That People in Power Believe They're Taller Than They Are?
Aside from high heels or standing on a milk crate, there aren't very many ways to be taller. But according to a new study, achieving a position of power just might make you feel taller.
In work published in the journal Psychological Science, 300 people were enlisted for three experiments in which they were made to feel more or less powerful by, for example, being chosen as a manager versus an underling.
Afterwards, they were asked to estimate how tall they were in tasks such as comparing their stature to a pole or selecting an online avatar they thought most closely matched their own height.
Without fail, participants in a position of power overestimated their height, which may tie in with previous studies showing taller people tend to be better-paid and have more jobs with more authority.
The study authors said, "Although a great deal of research has shown that more physically imposing individuals are more likely to acquire power, this work is the first to show that powerful people feel taller than they are," and added, "The discussion considers the implications for existing and future research on the physical experience of power."


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- Chelsea 2-0 PSG, Champions League
Ba raises roof as Chelsea complete incredible comeback
Chelsea and Jose Mourinho dare to dream of European glory once more after overturning a two-goal deficit to advance to the Champions League semi-finals at the expense of Paris St Germain.
Mourinho, who retained his record of never losing in eight Champions League quarter-finals over two legs, raced down the touchline after substitute Demba Ba's 87th-minute goal, which secured the 2012 winners a 2-0 win and a place in the last four for a seventh time in 11 years courtesy of Eden Hazard's away goal in the first leg.
Mourinho: We deserved to go through
- Jose Mourinho hailed his Chelsea players after their epic fightback against Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues boss believed his side deserved to go through and that PSG "were a contradiction of what they said they would do."
- But what was he doing running down the touchline after Demba Ba's dramatic late goal?
- Read Mourinho's reaction here
It was a scene reminiscent of Mourinho's sprint at Old Trafford en route to his first European Cup success with Porto in 2004. The trophy eluded the Portuguese during his first spell at Stamford Bridge, but he won it again in 2010 with Inter Milan and has another shot at glory four years on.
Chelsea trailed 3-1 after the first leg, but were unbeaten since September at home and had kept eight successive clean sheets prior to the match.
Mourinho believed in his side and, when Andre Schurrle swept in after 32 minutes, the Blues needed one more goal and to stretch that defensive mean-streak by one more game.
Against a PSG strikeforce vaunted even without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic that was no easy task, but the defence held their side of the bargain as the attackers tried to fulfil theirs.
Mourinho had gambled on the fitness of big-game player Samuel Eto'o, but was not banking on losing Hazard to injury after 18 minutes. Schurrle, the Belgian's replacement, was anonymous in a 'false nine' role in the first leg, but thrived in the second, hitting the bar seven minutes into the second half.
Oscar struck the frame of the goal with a free-kick moments later and PSG had chances as Chelsea surged forward looking for the decisive goal.
It looked like it would prove elusive until Cesar Azpilicueta's drive into the area fell for Ba to turn the ball into the net and spark delirious celebrations, led by Mourinho.
Only two sides in Champions League history had overturned two-goal deficits, with Chelsea involved in both contests, losing to Barcelona in 2000 and beating Napoli 12 years later en route to European glory.
Mourinho called on his side to repeat the comeback of two years earlier against a PSG side which included Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi, then of Napoli.
PSG had lost just once by two clear goals in their previous 110 fixtures and boss Laurent Blanc hoped his side could impose their philosophy on Chelsea to show flair as well as grit.
Mourinho, meanwhile, told his players to enjoy the occasion, to play with smiles on their faces, insisting the result in Paris was more due to his side's failures than PSG's prowess.
The Portuguese dressed down in a tracksuit, but meant business, hurrying a ball boy operating near his dugout. Few Chelsea players seemed to enjoy a pulsating and disjointed opening.
Oscar found some joy down the left, so too did Eto'o, who had a shot deflected over before the striker showed his sharpness after a three-game absence with a hamstring injury by pressing Salvatore Sirigu as the goalkeeper dealt with a back-pass, only to commit a foul.
The left wing is usually Hazard's domain, but much to the concern of the raucous home faithful, he was subdued and soon limped off. The man coveted by PSG shook hands with Blanc on his departure.
Terry hails Chelsea spirit
- John Terry admitted he never thought Chelsea were out of it - even when they were chasing the game at 1-0.
- Read the captain's reaction here
A Frank Lampard free-kick kicked up wickedly off the wall, forcing Sirigu to turn the ball round the post. Sirigu was beaten soon afterwards as his static defence watched David Luiz flick on Branislav Ivanovic's long throw for Schurrle to sweep the ball into the bottom corner. Schurrle appealed in vain for a penalty moments later when collided with Marco Verratti.
Cavani and Lampard were booked in quick succession by referee Pedro Proenca - the man in the middle when the Blues won the 2012 European Cup - as tempers simmered.
Chelsea maintained the intensity after the restart and went close when Oscar's incisive pass found Willian. He pulled the ball back for Schurrle to strike a fierce drive which rebounded off the crossbar.
Lucas Moura fouled Eto'o on the left edge of the box for a free-kick in a dangerous position and Oscar's curling strike also hit the woodwork.
PSG's forays forward were ever more infrequent but danger lurked. Ivanovic was adjudged to have fouled Blaise Matuidi on the left edge of the Chelsea box, earning a booking which rules him out of their next European match.
Lavezzi's inswinging free-kick was clawed round the post by Petr Cech. Ba replaced Frank Lampard with 24 minutes to go and flicked on for Schurrle, who shot straight at Sirigu.
As Chelsea poured forwards, PSG had chances. The best fell for Cavani, who fired over after controlling Yohan Cabaye's 50-yard pass.
Still searching a second, the much-maligned Fernando Torres was thrown into the fray, but it was Ba who netted the decisive strike before Chelsea withstood a late bombardment to advance.


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Frequently Asked Questions


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Home » Step Stools » Wooden Step Stools for Boys
Step Stools for Boys by GiggleBrush Designs -
One of GiggleBrush Design's favorite things - our children's personalized step stools! Choose from one of our designs, or help us create a special stool just for you. All of our wooden step stools are primed, painted and sealed to ensure durability.
Children are excited to see their name on these child's step stools. Choose one that reflects their interests - the Surf's Up toddler step stool for your dude or the Gone Fishing step stool for your little fisherman.
Our step stools measure 16" x 12.75" x 10"H and have a hinged lid for little treasures.
Have fun browsing through our collection of personalized step stools.


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Rent to Own Homes in Missouri
If you want to take an interesting road trip, make the drive through Missouri state. Start in the north where you'll enjoy peaceful plains and relatively flat land. As you get to the center and southern portion of the state, prepare for rolling hills to give way to the steep inclines of the Ozark Mountains. You can also enjoy pleasant views of the Missouri River, which cuts through the mountains throughout the southern region. While this Midwestern state doesn't receive much attention from tourists, it is one of the more desirable regions of the United States for outdoor recreation and affordable living. The below results are primarily rent to own homes in :
Saint Louis , MO 63147
2 Bedrooms, 1 Baths
Jennings , MO 63136
4 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths
Saint Louis , MO 63137
3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Independence , MO 64054
2 Bedrooms, 1 Baths
Blue Springs , MO 64014
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Kansas City , MO 64130
2 Bedrooms, 1 Baths
Lees Summit , MO 64063
2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths
Independence , MO 64052
2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Saint Louis , MO 63107
2 Bedrooms, 1 Baths
Buffalo , MO 65622
4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Appleton City , MO 64724
4 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths
Jennings , MO 63136
2 Bedrooms, 1 Baths
If you want to take an interesting road trip, make the drive through Missouri state. Start in the north where you'll enjoy peaceful plains and relatively flat land. As you get to the center and southern portion of the state, prepare for rolling hills to give way to the steep inclines of the Ozark Mountains. You can also enjoy pleasant views of the Missouri River, which cuts through the mountains throughout the southern region. While this Midwestern state doesn't receive much attention from tourists, it is one of the more desirable regions of the United States for outdoor recreation and affordable living.
There is a sizable student population in this state due to the University of Missouri system that places campuses in easy reach of residents. You can select from Southeast Missouri State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Missouri Southern State University and Missouri Western State University. Many students move to this state because they want to attend these universities, and others grow up in the state and appreciate having local schools to attend after high school graduation.
Two of the most noteworthy cities in Missouri are St. Louis and Kansas City. St. Louis offers a variety of affordable housing options as well as a long list of entertainment venues, including the St. Louis Science Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, City Museum and Fox Theatre. It's also home to the Gateway Arch and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Kansas City, Missouri, is full of historical and scientific attractions, including the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site and Science City.
If you appreciate summer heat and don't enjoy excessive cold in the winter, you'll love the Missouri climate. The summers offer many long days with intense sunlight, and the winters are typically mild. While you can still enjoy a good thunderstorm or occasional snow showers, you won't have to worry about extreme temperatures that occur in other regions of the United States.
Buying a Home in Missouri
You can find more than 50,000 homes for sale in Missouri at any given time, and more than half of those listings will represent single-family residential properties. These homes are distributed throughout the state along with a variety of multi-property structures, condos and townhouses. If you want to build a new home to your own standards, you may also want to consider purchasing an empty lot in your ideal location. Prices can range from under $100,000 to well over a million dollars for existing homes, depending on your choice of location.
If you're purchasing your first home and will use it as your primary residence, you can take advantage of many homeowner assistance programs for Missouri residents. These programs are offered through the state and federal governments and will give you a grant to use toward closing costs and your down payment. In most cases, you won't have to repay this money, so it's a substantial help for lower-income homebuyers.
Popular Neighborhoods in Missouri
If you like your quiet time and want to live in a peaceful neighborhood, you can't go wrong by moving to Rock Port. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, this small town has excellent schools that aren't overcrowded and many single-family homes spread out for privacy. Most homes sell for well under $100,000, but you can also find some larger homes priced above $300,000 at times. If you can afford to pay more for a home and want to live in a small town, consider Glendale. The median home value is slightly more than $300,000, and you still get to enjoy quiet streets in a peaceful community.
Are you interested in living in one of the most exclusive Missouri neighborhoods? Head out to a place known as Town & Country. You'll find it on the outskirts of St. Louis, and the median home value in the area is above $700,000. The cost of living is much higher here than other parts of the state, but you'll live among the wealthy in close proximity to the esteemed Bellerive Country Club.
Buying vs. Rent to Own Homes
Are you ready to stop throwing your money at a landlord? Do you want to live in a home that you can call your own and in which you can make the rules? If so, you may want to look for a rent-to-own home in Missouri. This is a more gradual path to home ownership, but it corrects many of the problems that homebuyers encounter in the buying process.
For starters, you don't have to rush out and accept a home loan from the first lender willing to make an offer. You start out as a renter in the home that you eventually want to buy, so you have some time to shop around and find a lender willing to offer the best interest rate and terms. If you discover that there are some blemishes on your credit report that you need to correct or that you must save up a more substantial down payment than you were originally expecting, you can use the rental period to do that as well.
Once you decide that it's time to own your home, you have the right to purchase the property in which you already live. This is when you stop paying the rent and begin paying your mortgage payment. The extent of involvement from the landlord during the rental phase will vary and there are different terms that they may offer you, so make sure to pay attention to the details when considering this type of home-buying contract.
Cost of Living in Missouri
In 2015, Missouri ranked as the 11th most affordable state in the U.S. The overall cost of living is at least 10 percent below the national average, and that is largely due to incredible prices on real estate. The housing market offers prices more than 20 percent lower than the national average, and utility prices are just slightly higher than the national average. From groceries and transportation to goods and services that you need to live comfortably, you can expect to pay less in Missouri than you would in most other states.
Missouri is one of the most affordable states in the U.S., but an amazing deal on your new home isn't all the state has to offer. Many residents are drawn to this region of the country because the climate offers long, hot summers followed by moderate winter temperatures. While you may have to put up with some storms, you'll get to experience all four seasons without extreme winter temperatures or excessive snow cover. This comes along with many large cities loaded with museums, historic sites, parks and family-friendly entertainment venues.