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Discussion in 'Texans Talk' started by djohn2oo8, Dec 15, 2013.
Fire him. Now.
Rick Smith has built such a terrible team. I can't believe how little talent we have everywhere on the field. He is only capable of making first round picks and after that he is completely incapable of finding anything approaching talent. Since this moron took over we haven't gotten anything from a second or third rounder outside of one season from Barwin.
The starting talent on this team is fantastic but the depth management and construction is absolutely awful. If we're going to be dealt catastrophic injuries year after year after year, we need depth.
I hate these all encompassing threads. Why not start an all encompassing Texans thread so that there's only one thread we have to worry about?
Please name the fantastic talent, especially the talent missing due to injury outside of Cushing or Foster who we will have to assume will not be able to put a full season together.
His problem has been that he HAD great starting talent and has replaced them with terrible players. I think this team needs an overhaul, get rid of the bad contracts and open up some room for the future.
Even as an avid Risk Smith basher, he has done pretty well in the first round. Watt, Cushing, Hopkins, and Brown. That's one ROTY and one defensive player of the year in his 2nd season. However, I'm not sure at how much that had to do with Wade wanting those defensive players and Kubiak wanting Brown than it was Smith making these choices.
My biggest problems with Smith is how he handles the cap and how little he knows how to make deals happen in trades and free agency. I don't like his "build only through the draft" philosophy. I've always hated it. I don't think he'll be going anywhere though.
I agree with him being good at drafting in the first round, please see my first post in this thread. However, he really sucks at drafting in every other round, which is where depth and/or surprising stars usually come from.
When Casserly was fired the main gripe everyone had is how he missed on so many 2nd and 3rd round picks. Its just crazy that we hired a GM that might be even worse. Its just crazy that 11yrs in we have had 2 GM's that might be the 2 worst drafting GM's in the league at their time of employment with the Texans.
They should fire him and clean house now. I hate to think of another awful season next year with a new coach and facing the possibility of GM turnover then...more dysfunction could await.
I agree because firing Rick Smith a year or 2 after hiring a new coach could lead to another coaching change if the GM and the coach aren't on the same page.
I long for the days of the 2006 draft.
1 1(1) Mario Williams DE NC State
2 1(33) DeMeco Ryans OLB Alabama
3 1(65) Charles Spencer OG Pittsburgh
3 2(66) Eric Winston T Miami (FL)
4 1(98) Owen Daniels TE Wisconsin
6 1(170) Wali Lundy RB Virginia
7 43(251) David Anderson WR Colorado State
I had almost forgot how good that draft was. Without a doubt the Texans best draft ever.
Sent from the future...
In April of '09, rick smith acquired the following rookies from a much less favorable draft position:
McCain (ruined now but a good player at one point)
Sorry, when was McCain not an utter disaster?
Good draft though.
I for one endorse Rick Smith as GM of the Texans.
rick smith helped build this crappy team he might has well go with this crappy Team
We need a clean Reset
get our cap in good status stockpile some picks and rebuild in 14 and get rdy to make a run in 2015 when the SB is in Houston that's what I would do
I don't know much about Smith's direction ideas or general goals for the team. I never hear him comment on these sort of things and I have no idea if he just doesn't quite understand how the cap works or is just one of the lazier gms in the league. jjo is the last descent fa signing and he was only good for 1 season. It just seems like he picks whatever player seems best at whatever position of need. I can't give him full credit for any draft he was part of and good because we all know Kubiak and Wade would get their guy first. We need new blood with a clear direction and plan for the future. Morey is a great example of a transparent gm with a clear direction and goal that the fan base can appreciate and get behind.
This is the freaking Houston Texans. We sell out every game and there's a waiting list a mile long for season tickets. Bob needs to get some brilliant minds with innovative ideas and not recycle the same tired nfl names.
Smith needs to go...this is the most important offseason the Texans will have in the next 5 years and i really hope they have their **** together.
McCain was probably the best slot corner in 2011 and a good reason why the defense was so good. Then he broke his foot.
2010 was a really good draft, too; every person from that draft is either a starter in the NFL or a solid contributor. Between the consistent home runs on first round picks and his pick history, I also endorse Rick Smith.
The thing that lows my ind is how Smith has had 8-years to build up depth and there is none on this roster, while Casserly just sucked at the draft outside of 2006.
Someone has forgotten Harrington, Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, Ernie Sims and then JaMarcus Russell, McFadden, Heyward-Bey and Rolando McClain.
Separate names with a comma.


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In August 2012, a new sound emerged from New Orleans, La, known as Dysfunktional Bone. Since then, Dysfunktional Bone has been playing frequently on Frenchmen St. and across southern Louisiana, wowing audiences with their high energy set. Blending a powerful horn-heavy frontline with a rocking rhythm section, Dysfunktional Bone combines Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, the J.B. Horns, original Nola funk, and much more into one action packed set.
Justin Pardue – trombone/vocals
Jonathan Lyons – tenor sax/vocals
Jimmie Reamey – trumpet/vocals
Pete Roze – guitar
AJ Alluli – keys
Miles Lyons – sousaphone
Brendan Bull – drums

subset: commoncrawl


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An excerpt from William Poundstone's Rock Breaks Scissors.
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- Red Bull news
Webber stays as number two - Marko
- Drivers:
- Helmut Marko
- |
- Sebastian Vettel
- |
- Mark Webber
- Teams:
- Red Bull
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says Mark Webber will be the number two to Sebastian Vettel in 2013.
Vettel secured his third consecutive world championship last season as Red Bull also won the constructors' title, while Webber finished the year in sixth in the drivers' standings. As a result, Vettel has finished higher than Webber in the championship in each of the four years that they have been team-mates at Red Bull, and Marko says he doesn't expect that to change in the new season.
"Mark knows what we expect of him," Marko told Sport Bild. "For four years, Vettel and Webber have driven together in our team. Sebastian was runner-up once and champion three times. The statistic speaks for itself. There is no reason to think the balance of power will change."
However, Webber has previously said he would not take on a supporting role to Vettel in 2013.
"Obviously with Sebastian's form, he's clearly on the front foot; not only from within our team but he's won three world titles on the bounce now so all the drivers have got to try and topple him," Webber told Reuters.
"I don't go there thinking I've got to be playing a team role as such. I'm there for myself, to get the best results possible and to do that I need to be part of the team. So, no, I'm not going there thinking in a supporting role at all."


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Resembling a motorcycle derri boot, Pro's Vanguard are technically advanced and versatile winter overshoes, offering unparalleled protection from the elements when worn with waterproof socks. Intended as multi-fit overshoee, they work much better with broader road, sports touring, MTB, and even trainer type/booties than more traditional types, lending themselves perfectly to freezing winter commutes or cross races.
If you are looking for overshoes to wear over trainers for winter commuting these should fit the bill. However, intended for temperatures between five and minus fifteen they can feel uncomfortably warm in milder weather and weigh a fair bit more than the traditional type-especially caked in wet mud.
Dense 2.5-3mm stretch neoprene clings to the shoe's contours while the water resistant PU coating and tapered seams keep the elements firmly at bay while still offering some breathability-keeping feet warm and dry, even immersed up to the cuffs. This I aided by the thick, anti bacterial fleece linings that also keep things hygienic-a real plus given that foot odour can prove embarrassingly potent. Mercifully they're tolerant of low temperature washing. The large open sole area with loop and hook sole works brilliantly with all cleat types, although water can seep through the drillings more readily than enclosed designs. Similarly the sturdy rubberised toe, valance and heel sections mean they should withstand the rough and tumble of urban riding and competitive off-roading while ample Scotchlite detailing reflectives are very effective safety aids when caught in car headlamps.
There's a definite knack to getting them on though-early attempts were a major operation resulting in much frustration and hilarity until I learned to slide them up my calves, zipping them up first before stepping into my shoes and pulling them into position afterward. For all their virtues, thirty-eight quid's not cheap and you'll want a thinner pair for the milder months but die hard four seasons' commuters, 'cross riders and mountain bikers will not be disappointed.
Worthy, if weighty overshoes for the worst weathers
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Pro Ventura overshoes
Size tested: XL
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Billed as a multi-fit overshoe that works with road, mtb or commuting footwear, the Ventura are a suitably sturdy and weatherproof overshoe capable of handling cross and four season's commuting in temperatures between +5 and -15 degrees.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
2.5-3mm stretch, PU coated neoprene and tapered seams keep the elements firmly at bay, zippered rear closure and velcro sole hook entertains a much wider choice of footwear while ample scotchlite detailing increase night-time safety.
462g (pair)
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
There's no doubt the Ventura are a fine companion for cold riding full-stop-especially cross, mtb or foul weather commuting/winter training but they can leave feet feeling very clammy in milder conditions.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Rugged styling, good fit and attention to detail.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing but best suited to more extreme weathers.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 36 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)


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(Manic-Depressive Illness; Manic Depression; Manic Disorder; Manic Affective Disorder)
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme swings in mood, energy, and the ability to function. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more dramatic than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships and cause poor job or school performance.
The two mood extremes of bipolar disorder are mania and depression. In mania, one of the defining symptoms is an increase in energy and a decreased need for sleep. The mood may be overly happy or irritable. In depression, a down mood with fatigue takes over, often accompanied by irritability.
There are four forms of this condition:
- Bipolar I disorder—Recurrent episodes of mania often immediately followed by depression; episodes can be severe
- Bipolar II disorder—Episodes of less severe mania (called hypomania) that alternate with episodes of major depression
- Bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS)—The person has symptoms of bipolar disorder, but the symptoms do meet the specific criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II disorder
- Cyclothymia—Episodes of hypomania that alternate with episodes of mild depression that last for at least two years
The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. This condition tends to run in families. Specific genes may play a role. It is most likely many different genes that act together.
The Brain
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
A family history of the disorder increases your chance of developing it. Tell your doctor if you have a family member with bipolar disorder.
Symptoms include:
- Dramatic mood swings—This can range from elated excitability, unrealistic goal setting, and an exaggerated sense of self to feelings of hopelessness.
- Periods of normal mood in between ups and downs
- Extreme changes in energy and behavior
Mania may cause:
- A mood that is extremely high or overly good
- Increased energy and effort toward goal-directed activities
- Restlessness and agitation
- Racing thoughts, jumping from one idea to another
- Rapid speech or pressure to keep talking
- Trouble concentrating
- Decreased need for sleep
- Overconfidence or inflated self-esteem
- Poor judgment, often involving spending sprees and sexual indiscretions
Depression may cause:
- Prolonged sad, hopeless, or empty mood
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, and/or making decisions
- Restlessness or diminished movements
- Agitation
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Unintended weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide with or without suicide attempts
Severe episodes of mania or depression may sometimes be associated with psychotic symptoms, such as:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorders of thought
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. In some cases, lab tests are ordered to rule out other causes of your symptoms. You may be referred to a mental health specialist. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on:
- Presence of certain symptoms over time
- Absence of other causes, such as some medications and certain conditions
- Family history of bipolar disorder
Mania is diagnosed if:
Mood is elevated and there are three or more manic symptoms (listed above)
- If the mood is irritable, not elevated, four symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of mania
- Symptoms last for most of the day, nearly every day, for one week or longer
- Symptoms cause problems in day-to-day functioning
A depressive episode is diagnosed if:
- There are five or more of the depressive symptoms (listed above)
- Symptoms last for most of the day, nearly every day, for a period of two weeks or longer
- Symptoms cause problems in day-to-day functioning
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options may include:
The primary treatment is with medications called mood stabilizers. There are many different types and combinations of medications, which must be tailored by your doctor to target your symptoms. Examples of common medications used to treat bipolar disorder include:
- Mood stabilizers
- Antiseizure medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
The plan is based on the pattern of the illness. Treatment may need to be continued indefinitely. It should prevent significant mood swings.
Psychotherapy is often an integral component of a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy may be effective when medications fail. It can be used for both mania and depression.
There are no current guidelines to prevent bipolar disorder. Taking your daily medications and following your treatment plan can help prevent future mood swings.
National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Mood Disorders Society of Canada http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca
Updated May 20, 2014. Accessed September 3, 2014.
Bipolar disorder fact sheet. National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Available at:
Updated April 2013. Accessed September 3, 2014.
Bipolar disorder in adults. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at:
Updated 2012. Accessed September 3, 2014.
4/29/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
Nivoli AM, Colom F, Murru A, et al. New treatment guidelines for acute bipolar depression: a systematic review. J Affect Disord. 2011;129(1-3):14-26.
Last Updated: 9/3/2014


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The BlackBerry® Developer Relations will be at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference to help you with porting your existing Android™ or HTML5 application for the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet and our upcoming BlackBerry® 10 platform. The Sprint Open Solution Conference runs on Wednesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 25th at the San Jose Convention Center in beautiful downtown San Jose.
Are you ready for #SprintOSC12?Have you registered?It's not too late! Reg NOW! ow.ly/eBVv6
— Sprint Dev Program (@SprintDeveloper) October 21, 2012
Stop by our booth to port your HTML5 and Android apps to the BlackBerry 10 platform and the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet with few or no required code modifications. We'll have porting experts on hand to help, and the first ten developers to get their app running on a BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha testing device and submitted to the BlackBerry App World™ storefront will be given a BlackBerry 10 Dev Alpha testing device on site. Plus, if you get it running on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, you could receive 1 of 100 free BlackBerry PlayBook tablets — and once your app is on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, it can be easily ported to BlackBerry 10!
Want to get a head start?
1. Register for BlackBerry App World – Become an official BlackBerry developer.
2. Request signature keys – Ensure you select for BlackBerry PlayBook OS and BlackBerry 10 and higher. Downloading in advance is strongly recommended as the time involved to do so on site could prevent you from competing for Alphas.
3. Get the BlackBerry Tools and Plug-ins – Get your laptop set up with the right tools so you can begin creating apps for BlackBerry 10.
In addition to our Porting Booth, our own Larry McDonough is presenting the session "Mobile Monetization with BlackBerry – What Developers Need to Know" on Thursday, October 25th at 2:30pm PST in room 210G. This presentation will cover the different methods for monetizing mobile applications on BlackBerry devices. Larry will cover NFC, in-app payments, advertising, "freemium" apps, and carrier billing. This discussion will also consider how to prepare and market your app through a mobile app marketplace like BlackBerry App World.
See you in San Jose!
Join the BlackBerry 10 revolution at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference


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Last week during a geography lesson at George W. Miller Elementary School in Nanuet, NY, children in Leatrice Ann Eng's class told her that they know about the North Pole because that's where Santa Claus lives. Deciding that it was high time the second-graders faced reality, Eng informed them that Santa isn't real and their Christmas presents are purchased by their parents. (Special message to junior Jezebel readers: This lady was sorely mistaken. And in case you were wondering, Santa has a toy factory in China and he and your mom just have remarkably similar handwriting.) Eng is now calling each child's parents to apologize for making this an exceptionally uncomfortable holiday and planting seeds of doubt about the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy.
Image via Morgan Lane Photography/Shutterstock.


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Teacher resources and professional development across the curriculum
Teacher professional development and classroom resources across the curriculum
Workshop 6: Responding to Writing: Teacher to Student
Additional Resources
Note: For more resources related to conferencing and responding, consult "Additional Resources" for Workshop 7: "Responding to Writing: Peer to Peer."
Anderson, Carl. How's It Going? A Practical Guide to Conferring With Student Writers. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2000. ISBN: 032500224X.
Atwell, Nancie. In the Middle: New Understanding About Writing, Reading, and Learning. 2nd Edition. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1998. ISBN: 0867093749.
Bardine, Bryan A. et al. "Beyond the Red Pen: Clarifying Our Role in the Response Process." English Journal 90.1 (September 2000): 94-101.
Bissex, Glenda L. "Writing Conferences: Alternatives to the Red
Pencil." Learning (November 1982): 74-77.
Crone-Blevins, Deborah. "The Art of Response." English Journal 91.6 (July 2002): 93-98.
Elbow, Peter. "High Stakes and Low States in Assigning and Responding to Writing." New Directions for Teaching and Learning (Spring 1997): 5.
Ferris, Dana R. Response to Student Writing: Implications for Second Language Students. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2003.
Freedman, Sarah, with Cynthia Greenleaf. Response to Student Writing. Urbana, IL: NCTE, 1987. ISBN: 080583656X.
Gilbert, Mike. "Responding to Writers: What I Value." English Journal 79.5 (September 1990): 49-52.
Glasswell, Kathryn, Judy M. Parr, and Stuart McNaughton. "Four Ways To Work Against Yourself When Conferencing With Struggling Writers." Language Arts 80.4 (March 2003): 291-298.
Graves, Donald. "Six Guideposts to a Successful Writing Conference." Learning (November 1982): 76-77.
Graves, Donald. Writing: Teachers and Children at Work: 20th Anniversary Edition. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003. ISBN: 0325005257.
Hansen, Jane. "Authors Respond to Authors." Language Arts, 60 (November/December 1983): 970-976.
Hodges, Elizabeth. "Negotiating the Margins: Some Principles for Responding to Our Students' Writing, Some Strategies for Helping Students Read Our Comments." New Directions for Teaching and Learning (Spring 1997): 77.
Jago, Carol. "Responding to Student Writing: Keep Pedaling." Voices From the Middle 9.1 (September 2001): 56-58.
Kaufman, Douglas. Conferences & Conversations: Listening to the Literate Classroom. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2000. ISBN: 0325002711.
King, Thomas and Mary Flynn, eds. Dynamics of the Writing Conference: Social and Cognitive Interaction. Urbana, IL: NCTE, 1993. ISBN: 9993876623.
Kirby, Dan, Tom Liner, and Ruth Vinz. Inside Out: Developmental Strategies for Teaching Writing. 2nd Edition. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1988. ISBN: 0867092254.
Murray, Donald. A Writer Teaches Writing. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Houghton-Mifflin, 1985. ASIN: 0395354412.
Ray, Katie Wood and Lester L. Laminack. The Writing Workshop: Working Through the Hard Parts (And They're All Hard Parts). Urbana, IL: NCTE, 2001. ISBN: 0814113176.
Rief, Linda. Seeking Diversity: Language Arts With Adolescents. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1992. ISBN: 0435085980.
Romano, Tom. Clearing the Way: Working With Teenage Writers. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1987. ISBN: 0435084399.
Russell, Connie. "Putting Research Into Practice: Conferring With Young Writers." Language Arts 60.3 (March 1983): 333-340.
Thomason, Tommy. Writer to Writer: How To Conference Young Writers. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon, 1998. ISBN: 092684279X.
Wilde, Jack. A Door Opens: Writing in Fifth Grade. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1993.ISBN: 0435087614.
Zemelman, Steve and Harvey Daniels. A Community of Writers: Teaching Writing in the Junior and Senior High School. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1988. ISBN: 0435084631.
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ST. TROPEZ, FRANCE – To visit this part of the world on a budget, come during the off-season when the beaches are empty and the temperature runs in the sub-60s. The Cote d'Azur, pre-Geneva show, is the perfect setting to launch Mercedes-Benz's new entry-level four-door coupe.
The CLA250 will be Benz's first volume front-wheel-drive car sold in the U.S., and its rakish, low-aero bodywork makes it longer than the C-Class sedan, which will grow larger when a new model is unveiled in a year. With the new CLA250, Mercedes has a small car that befits the three-pointed star and can be had for about $30,000 to $35,000. It comes standard with cloth seats instead of the brand's own grade of vinyl, called MB-Tex, or with leather.
First-drive test cars all had the Sport package, which includes a lower-body trim kit and 18-inch AMG wheels. Mercedes figures the wheels will be popular in the U.S., although they're responsible for a bit of ride-impact harshness, at least as far as can be extrapolated from driving on the smooth roads of southern France. The front-wheel-drive model displays rather mild understeer on the region's twisty roads.
The engine, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged gas direct-injection four, has an adequate 208 horsepower, although there's turbo lag and poor throttle tip-in. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission downshifts crisply and intuitively around tight corners but often holds gears too long under acceleration or when slaloming through a series of esses. It's not easy to shift it yourself. You'd have to upgrade to the 355-hp AWD CLA45 AMG — expected to hit the $45,000-to-$50,000 range when it launches in the U.S. two months after the CLA250 goes on sale in September — to get a comfort/sport/manual mode control allowing full use of the paddle-shifters all the time. Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is cracking down, Mercedes fears cars could be mpg-tested partially in the manual mode, hurting efficiency. Yes, you can paddle up or down through the gears in the CLA250, but if you go more than 30 seconds without a shift, the car reverts to full-automatic mode, which makes it hard to keep track of the gear you're in.
Fortunately, the transmission has a wet clutch, so it's far smoother than the dry-clutch Dodge and Ford systems, for example. The exhaust note is not particularly raspy or sporty or, fortunately, loud. You can hear it better with all the windows down, a nostalgic, old-fashioned notion, and because the four doors are unframed, you don't get the annoying buffeting you find in most modern cars. There's some wind noise coming off the mirrors and road/tire noise at-speed.
The 4Matic version felt slightly smoother and quieter on these roads, but that probably was a function of being on a different part of the drive than with the FWD model. All U.S. CLAs, imported from Hungary, come with the "sport" suspension; Europeans can choose a "comfort" suspension. Mercedes says the chassis tuning doesn't vary from FWD to 4Matic, and if the 4Matic mitigates understeer, it's subtle. You can feel the rear wheels pushing oh so slightly exiting fast turns, but none of the turns on our drive were fast enough to fully sort this out. The FWD model had no perceptible torque steer.
American consumers will want the 18-inch wheel option, especially the younger customers Mercedes seeks, but to get the best of this bargain Benz, the base 17-inch wheels — which we didn't sample — likely are the better choice. This is not a sport sedan, and Mercedes made no noise about that subject. It's a relaxed, comfortable little four-door coupe, a "baby CLS" with the drive wheels switched. It's a credible first premium car for younger buyers and for empty-nesters.
Although Mercedes figures that the 4Matic take rate in the Northeast could approach that of its rear-wheel-drive models, that notion flies in the face of the targeted price-sensitive customers. Mercedes hasn't announced options pricing or fuel economy numbers yet, but has announced a $30,825 base price. The 4Matic option, which comes in early '14, could add another $1,500 to $2,000. The CLA250 is a much better entry-luxury car at $34,000 typically optioned than one approaching the psychologically lofty $40,000 level.
Mercedes' MFA platform also will provide a BMW X1–like FWD/AWD crossover, which probably will have a base price in the mid-$30s, just like the popular, late-'90s M-Class. The CLA also launches with the Edition 1 value package, which includes funky yellow-striped seats and yellow interior stitching. You won't find the interior below Mercedes level if you're familiar with the C-Class, although the "brushed chrome" plastic dash accent and bright chrome-plastic vent rings are under-par.
Other than the big star on the grille, the base price gets you Collision Prevention Assist. Standalone options include blind-spot assist, a panoramic sunroof, and, of course, leather seats. A Becker Map Pilot will be the entry-level navigation system; a multimedia package upgrades the navi and its screen size and function sophistication and adds a backup camera. The camera should be standard because, like other four-door coupes, the CLA has poor rear-outward visibility.
The Mercedes CLA250 and CLA250 4Matic will compete with the upcoming Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series sedans, nominally with the Buick Verano and the Acura ILX. It also competes with well-equipped Hyundais, Fords, Chevys, and Toyotas, so you have to ask: is this a real Benz? The answer is yes, so long as you remember that mainstream Mercedes models have always been about über-safety and exceptional engineering, with its prestige emanating from the hood ornament.
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250/CLA250 4Matic
Base price: $30,825
As-tested price: $35,500 – $37,000 (est.)
Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged I-4
Horsepower: 208 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1250-4000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive: Front- or all-wheel
L x W x H: 182.3 x 70 x 56.6 in
Curb weight: 3263 lb (FWD)


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Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu Speaking Travel Consultant
- Recruiter
- Red Planet Recruitment
- Location
- London, England
- Salary
- up to £28,000 per annum + comm OTE £50k - £70k
- Posted
- 21 Mar 2019
- Closes
- 04 Apr 2019
- Ref
- Sector
- Tour Operator
- Job function
- Sales
- Hours
- Full Time
- Contract Type
- Permanent
Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu Speaking Travel Consultant. Are you a fluent Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu speaker and an experienced travel consultant? This business is going from strength to strength and they are now looking for professional Hindi, Punjabi or Urdu Speaking Travel Consultants to join them. Our client is a fun, exciting and largely growing travel business with fantastic career development opportunities. They are offering the right candidates an incredible earning potential and will reward you by paying one of the top salaries in the travel industry. This position will have you selling luxury worldwide luxury tailor-made holidays, including Round the World, First & Business Class travel. This company is offering a fantastic opportunity to the right individuals.
The Role:
- Create and sell luxury tailor-made holidays, including Round the World, First & Business Class travel
- Destinations on sales will be the Indian Sub-Continent, USA, Middle East, Canada, Far East, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia and NZ
- Use your travel industry experience and solid destination/product knowledge to assist and advise clients on their travel needs and options
- Deliver an excellent level of sales & customer service, maintaining at all times the strong reputation that this travel company holds
- Work to sales targets, deliver results and enjoy the rewards
Now Let's Talk About You:
- Must be a fluent Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu speaking travel consultant residing in the UK
- Must have solid Flights/Tailor-made holidays experience with knowledge of major international airlines hubs and routes
- Possess one of the four major CRS systems such as Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre or Worldspan
- Self- motivated, able to work on your own initiative and have a positive, proactive attitude that fits well within a team environment
- It is essential that candidates have experience of working in travel in the UK
- Must be super money hungry, enjoy working to sales targets, delivering results and enjoying the rewards that come with it
Salary Package:
Our client has an excellent reputation for supporting and training their worldwide specialist tailor-made/travel consultants. This is a fantastic opportunity paying a highly competitive basic salary of up to £28,000 per annum based on experience, plus an additional uncapped commission structure on a sliding scale of 10%-15%, giving you a realistic OTE of £50k - £70k.
Important: This position in UK based and our client will not consider overseas candidates. It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based role who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation prior to applying.
Sounds Like You?
If so, we'd love to hear from you!
Similar jobs


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Amazon Extends Free Super Saver Shipping for Last Minute Holiday Shopping
Amazon Extends Free Super Saver Shipping for Last Minute Holiday Shopping
Customers can purchase millions of items through Dec. 18 with Free Super Saver Shipping
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- (NAS: AMZN) --Amazon.com, Inc. today announced it extended the ordering deadline for Free Super Saver Shipping by two days. Customers can now place orders through Dec. 18 with free delivery by Christmas on millions of items across electronics, toys, sporting goods, books, music, clothing, kitchen, tools and more.
Amazon Prime members can place orders up until 7:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 21 to receive deliveries by Dec. 24 using Free Two-Day Shipping (cut-off time varies by item).
For delivery by Christmas, the following ordering deadlines apply:
- Dec. 18: Free Super Saver Shipping
- Dec. 19: Standard Shipping
- Dec. 21: Two-Day Shipping (order as late as 7:00 p.m. EST; varies by item; free with Amazon Prime)
- Dec. 22: One-Day Shipping (order as late as 3:00 p.m. EST; varies by item; as low as $3.99/item with Amazon Prime)
- Dec. 24: Local Express Delivery (while available; select cities; varies by item; as low as $3.99/item with Amazon Prime)
- Dec. 25: Email and printable Amazon Gift Cards can be sent immediately, at any time
Some restrictions apply. Visit amazon.com/holiday-shipping for more details.
Find Gift Ideas
Shoppers can visit Amazon's curated and easy to navigate toy and electronic gift lists to discover some of the hottest items of the season. For more details visit http://www.amazon.com/holidaytoylist and www.amazon.com/electronicsgiftlist.
Staying Updated on Deals
For more information on the latest deals, customers can follow @AmazonDeals on Twitter and Amazon.com on Facebook. Shoppers can explore and buy Amazon's holiday deals from anywhere, using the Amazon Mobile App (www.amazon.com/mobileapp) for their phone or tablet.
Free Super Saver Shipping and Amazon Prime
Amazon offers free shipping on millions of items every day, year-round, with Free Super Saver Shipping which is available on eligible orders $25 and over.
Amazon Prime members enjoy Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items sold by Amazon.com for only $79 a year. To become a member of Amazon Prime, or to learn more about the membership program, customers can visit www.amazon.com/prime.
About Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. (NAS: AMZN) , a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth's Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon's developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon's own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle Paperwhite is the most-advanced e-reader ever constructed with 62% more pixels and 25% increased contrast, a patented built-in front light for reading in all lighting conditions, extra-long battery life, and a thin and light design. The new latest generation Kindle, the lightest and smallest Kindle, now features new, improved fonts and faster page turns. Kindle Fire HD features a stunning custom high-definition display, exclusive Dolby audio with dual stereo speakers, high-end, laptop-grade Wi-Fi with dual-band support, dual-antennas and MIMO for faster streaming and downloads, enough storage for HD content, and the latest generation processor and graphics engine—and it is available in two display sizes—7" and 8.9". The large-screen Kindle Fire HD is also available with 4G wireless, and comes with a groundbreaking $49.99 introductory 4G LTE data package. The all-new Kindle Fire features a 20% faster processor, 40% faster performance, twice the memory, and longer battery life.
Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, www.amazon.es and www.amazon.com.br. As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
KEYWORDS: United States North America Washington
The article Amazon Extends Free Super Saver Shipping for Last Minute Holiday Shopping originally appeared on Fool.com.Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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Many outside organizations and third-party providers, such as AustraLearn, CET, CIEE, DIS, IES, IFSA-Butler, School for Field Studies (SFS), and SIT, offer a number of scholarship opportunities for studying abroad. As do international institutions such as King's College London and the American University of Cairo. Click any of the links to be taken directly to their scholarship page.
You can also search for study abroad funding opportunities on the Database for Study Abroad Funding.
The following prestigious awards require nomination from Barnard. If you are interested in applying for one of these scholarships, please meet with the Dean for Study Abroad at least six weeks before the application deadline.
National Security Education Program David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
Boren Scholarships support U.S. undergraduate students studying abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Easter Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East. Preference is given to undergraduate applications proposing a full-year academic study. Summer-only programs are limited to science, technology, engineering and mathematic students. In exchange for scholarship funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to work in the Federal Government in a position with national security responsibilities for one year within three years of graduation. Awards range from $8,000 for summer study, $10,000 for a semester and up to $20,000 for an academic year. The on-campus deadline for this scholarship is around early January and the national deadline is usually in early February. Interested students should look at the Boren website and contact the Office of International Programs for more information.
Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency. Boren Fellowships support study and research inareas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American, and the Middle East. The pilot National Security Education Program African Languages Initiative will offer Boren Fellowship applicants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of, and proficiency in, African languages and cultures. They seek applicants who have had exposure to Bambara, Swahili, Yoruba, or Zulu, and can demonstrate proficiency of novice-high or above. Specifically, this pilot initiative will provide the opportunity for Fellows to enhance their Boren Fellowship with additional language study in the United States and overseas. Beginning summer 2011, Fellows will have the opportunity to enroll in domestic university-based summer intensive courses in the targeted languages. The summer U.S. programs will be followed by intensive language and culture study programs during the fall semester at specific language centers in Mali (Bambara), Tanzania (Swahili), Nigeria (Yoruba), and South Africa (Zulu).
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
This award provides "U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world." Applicants must be Pell Grant Recipients. The scholarship awards up to $5,000 for U.S. students to study abroad for up to one academic year. Students who receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad are eligible to receive an additional $3,000 Critical Need Language Supplement from the Gilman Scholarship Program, for a total possible award of up to $8,000. The deadline every year for the spring semester is around early October and it is in early March for the fall and full-year programs. Interested students who are Pell Grant recipients should contact the Office of International Programs in early September or late January, depending on their study abroad plans. Applications and more information can be obtained on the Gilman website.
Some other scholarships to consider are listed below:
Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Project for Study Abroad in Japan: Recipients receive a stipend of $2,500 (for semester-long programs) or $4,000 (for academic year programs). Undergraduates majoring in any field are eligible. No prior language required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Ben Gurion University Undergraduate Research Travel Grant: Open to semester and year-long participants on the Overseas Student Program (OSP) in Israel. These grants can be used to cover travel expenses within Israel for one of the following purposes, to: continue or develop a research project with a faculty supervisor from the home institution, develop a project or research for personal or academic development, supplement work in the BGU research internship program with relevant travel, or engage in an independent study with a BGU faculty supervisor.
Blakemore Foundation: The Blakemore Foundation was established in 1990 by Thomas and Frances Blakemore to encourage the advanced study of Asian languages and to improve the understanding of Asian fine arts in the United States.
British Universities Transatlantic Exchange Association: Each year BUTEX awards eight scholarships to students studying in the UK for either a semester or for a whole academic year. The value of each scholarship is £500 and will be paid to the winners once they have arrived and registered at their host university.
CIEE: Intensive Language Scholarship: CIEE, the world's leading nonprofit international educational and exchange program organization, has initiated a scholarship program to encourage full-year intensive language study by today's top U.S. college and university students. CIEE's Language Intensive Focus Track Scholarship (LIFT) will provide $100,000 annually to encourage students to study one of five languages—Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, or Russian—for a year in another country. LIFT scholarships will be initially offered to current CIEE students pursuing intensive language development in Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Russian, and will expand to all CIEE language programs beginning in fall 2013. Scholarship awards will be a minimum of $5,000 and will be awarded to exemplary students based on undergraduate GPA and the strength of a personal essay.
Columbia's School for International and Public Affairs: SIPA offers many opportunities according to the geographic location, area of specialty. e.g the Weatherhead Institute "offers funding for research, language acquisition, unpaid internships, and dissertation write-up during the summer and academic year to selected Columbia students [including Barnard students] committed to professional and academic engagement with East and Southeast Asia." The Institute for Latin American Studies also offers funding to Barnard undergraduates for summer programs.
Critical Language Scholarships: CLS provide group-based summer intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for eight to ten weeks. CLS institute dates are posted once finalized, but the institutes generally begin within the first three weeks in June, and end within the first three weeks in August. All CLS program costs are covered for scholarship recipients. This includes travel between the student's US home city and program location, mandatory pre-departure orientation costs, applicable visa fees, room, board, program-sponsored travel within country, and all entrance fees for program activities. Please note that U.S. passport fees will not be paid by the scholarship, and students will be required to travel to and from his or her US home city and the airport for CLS Program travel.
Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst: DAAD offers a wide range of opportunities to students, scholars, and higher education institutions of the United States and Canada, from undergraduate students to faculty, for study and research in Germany.
Diversity Network Summer Scholarship: Diversity Network, in partnership with STA Travel, offers eighteen travel scholarships for students from member institutions. Students must meet grant criteria and participate on a credit bearing summer research, study, intern or service-learning/volunteer abroad program. Award Amount: $750.
FLAS Scholarships: The FLAS Fellowship competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students of Columbia University and Barnard College who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are enrolled in a full-time program(either domestic or overseas) that combines modern foreign language training with international or area studies. The FLAS award offers fellowship assistance to meritorious students undergoing beginning, intermediate, or advanced training in modern foreign languages with concentrations in related international or area studies. Undergraduates students must be at the intermediate or advanced level of language proficiency and can apply for a Less Commonly Taught Language, except French German and Spanish.
Barnard students apply through Columbia. The application for academic year programs can be found here. The application for summer programs can be found here.
Fund for Education Abroad: FEA is committed to increasing opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. They are independent non-profit organization with a board comprised of study abroad professionals and other supporters of international education from around the country. Scholarships are $5,000 per semester or $10,000 for the year and are not limited to specific programs, destinations, or fields of study - however - FEA gives priority to underrepresented students (including but not limited to minorities, students planning to study in non-traditional destinations and community college students). The online scholarship application can be accessed at http://www.fundforeducationabroad.com/applicants/. Unlike many other scholarship programs, FEA asks our scholars to apply one year in advance of their academic abroad year.
Society of Teachers of French and Francophone America: SPFFA welcomes all French teachers or teachers interested in research or activities that involve the use of the French language. The SPFFA has several scholarships or research which are awarded annually to students who wish to continue their work in France or Quebec. The Exchange Dufrenoy is aimed at students of scientific disciplines; the Marandon Scholarships are open to different types of students and researchers specializing in literature, humanities, or the arts. Scholarships in Quebec allow students to attend a session of summer school in a Quebec university.
MASA Israel: Grants for study abroad in Israel at affiliated universities.
Upper Midwest Rebild Scholarship Corporation: This program supports U.S. university students who study abroad in Denmark, with the aim of helping to strengthen the cultural and friendship ties between our two countries. This award, up to $3,000, supports a student of Danish background or one who has demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to Denmark and "matters Danish". The application, along with detailed criteria, timing and instructions, is available at the link above, and is open to US citizens or permanent residents attending any U.S. college or university, registered to study abroad in Denmark for a minimum of one semester/trimester.
The World Affairs Forum: Based in Stamford Connecticut, the World Affairs Forum has established a scholarship program for deserving university students to encourage study abroad for those interested in pursuing an international career. Applicants must be residents of Fairfield County, CT or Westchester County, NY.


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Current grant panel audio files are listed below by program and then by date. A list of applicants adjudicated is provided with each audio file and applications are reviewed in the order listed. Please note that files can be large and may take some time to load in your browser. Audio quality can also be poor depending on the room used or the panel. If you have trouble hearing your review, we suggest requesting written panel comments.
Copies of panel recordings can be requested from the grants manager. All requests must be mailed to the Indiana Arts Commission (Attn: Grants Manager, 100 N. Senate Ave., Room N505, Indianapolis, IN 42604) and include the following: 1) a self-addressed, stamped envelope, 2) a blank DVD, and 3) applicant name, program and full contact information (including phone number and email). If you have questions regarding this process, contact email@example.com or 317-232-1278.
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|System: PS2, Wii, PSP, DS
|Review Rating Legend
|Dev: 1st Playable Productions
|1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
|4.0 - 4.4 = Great
|Pub: D3 Publisher
|2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
|4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
|Release: Oct. 20, 2009
|2.5 - 2.9 = Average
|5.0 = The Best
|Players: 1
|3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
|ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
|3.5 - 3.9 = Good
by Matthew Walker
If there is one comparison that can always be drawn from games intended for kids, it's that they are usually of the same quality as movie-based games. You run through a hit or miss time period. Sometimes you might find a gem amidst the shoveled titles, while others will make you wish you never liked the particular show the game is based on. The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun falls somewhere in the middle.
Based on the popular Cartoon Network show, The Secret Saturdays tells the story of a family of cryptozoologists; scientists that study creatures that are legendary or mythical - creatures that most people say can't exist. Their main purpose is to protect the Cryptids from those that would do them harm. The Cryptids themselves are animals that could easily be considered monsters, ranging from massive birds as big as an 11 year old boy to the missing link, also known as Fiskerton. The game doesn't stray too far from this premise, with the exception of the player needing to retrieve the Cryptopedia and of course saving the Cryptids before others can harm them.
You get to play as Zak Saturday, the 11 year old son of Solomon "Doc" and Drew Saturday. While Zak is the primary character in the game, you will also get to play as several other favorites, including Doyle, Zak's uncle. Most of the character interactions come from the need to figure out a puzzle or through various combat situations. In fact, even though Beasts of the 5th Sun is mostly a 2.5-D side-scroller, the puzzle elements in the game provide rather nice challenges for younger audiences. Instead of dumbing down the puzzles to progress in the area, they actually get harder as you advance through the game. This was clearly acknowledging the age bracket of kids that watch The Secret Saturdays, and I have to commend the developers for keeping them in mind.
Probably the highlight of these puzzles is controlling the Cryptids themselves. While Fiskerton, with his climbing ability, or Komodo, with his invisibility and rock pushing abilities, will be your most frequented friends in time of need, there are more than a handful of times that you could be partnered up with other Cryptids. One example of this was while launching a Cryptid out of water to ricochet and defeat a snake-like Cryptid to clear the path for Zak. Another example of Cryptid partnering doesn't involve the puzzle side of the game but deals with the battle arena mechanic of the game. When you approach these battle arenas, you will always be able to tell because the camera zooms out to give you a different visual representation, and hordes of enemies drop down from the sky to stop Zak. Fortunately, there is either a Cryptid or family member around to help lessen the chance of defeat. My only problem with this tag-team approach was the variances between the Cryptids and family members. To tag a Cryptid you have to highlight them as if you are scanning them, whereas the family members arrive with just the press of a button. While this is a minor complaint, it is confusing to muck up the controls over something so simple considering the target audience.
The controls don't really hinder in any other instance; they are simplistic in their approach. As far as the combat goes, everything is kept rather simplistic. There are basic button presses for weak and strong attacks, as well as the traditional schematic for platform jumping is also there, with the inclusion of a stick that also works as a grappling gun. One feature I liked was the scanning of the different Cryptids in each level. It reminded me of Pokémon Snap, or the upcoming Invisibles video game. Now it doesn't go to either of those extremes, but it does give the sense of completion if you do all of the Firefly challenges or "capture" all of the Cryptids in each level. So there's plenty to do even after the relatively short playthrough.
Normally I would complain about the shortness of the game, but due to the story being as tight as one of the episodes, there's really nothing to complain about. The story itself never seems to be drawn out as the case tends to be with most games based on cartoons. Of course, having the creators and writers of the show turn around the script and basis of the game earns them points for keeping things close to the chest. Also, having the entire cast from the show turn in voiceover work continues the authentic Secret Saturdays experience.


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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
pizza pizzazz: a preschool bento
We have pizza. Jamie Oliver might be horrified. ;-)
Along with the pizza my little lass has a dish of organic yogurt covered raisins and a piece of fruit leather cut into a puzzle piece shape using The Lunch Punch. On the right side are cucumber and strawberries.
She also had plain, low-fat, non-flavored milk to drink. Much less sugar than fizzy pop. Hopefully that will put me back in Jamie's good graces? :)
And if you don't catch those references it's because you missed Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution series and you need to catch up! :)
April is almost over! And with it, Autism Awareness Month will be over too. Until then you get another autism awareness message from my friend Amy:
"Early intervention (& just understanding!) can greatly improve school performance & life for autistic people and their families. But there is no quick, reliable, standard test for autism now; diagnosis requires observing behavior. The average age of Asperger's (no speech delay) diagnosis is ~7 yrs old & of classic autism.../PDD-NOS is ~3 yrs old (when it's clear toddlers aren't "growing out of" speech/social delays)."
Supplies used to pack this lunch:
8 comments:
- Mrs. Ed said... [Reply to comment]
Actually, homemade pizza can be very healthy. If you have a bread machine it can make a nice ball of dough for you and you can use whole grain flours. We are allergic to yeast and many grains, so we make ours out of almond flour. My son loves pizza so I make it often. If Jaime tweets you, you'll have to brag so we can all be jealous.
- April 27, 2010 at 12:23 PM
- Jenn @ BentoForKidlet said... [Reply to comment]
Haha I think the pizza can be forgiven since it's not being served for breakfast and you probably didn't break it off of a giant slab of pizzas :P
Everything looks delicious!
- April 27, 2010 at 12:40 PM
- Mariah said... [Reply to comment]
lol, *oh-the-horror!* but at least she's not getting the calories of 'fizzy pop' ;P xoxoxo I love his show and what he's doing! :D
- April 28, 2010 at 12:29 AM
- Amy said... [Reply to comment]
I feel like the star of Autism Awareness Month. :)
And the fresh fruit cancels out the pizza -- no worries. ;)
- April 28, 2010 at 11:23 PM
- Melissa said... [Reply to comment]
Amy, I love you and all, but I think our KIDS are the stars of Autism Awareness Month! :) You are definitely first runner-up though. :p Thank you for letting me use your messages. I'm sure they were much more informative and interesting to my readers than if I was just quoting some boring statistic, which would have been the alternative. ;-)
- April 29, 2010 at 9:07 AM
- Alie said... [Reply to comment]
Yes I'm sure Jamie Oliver would be dissappointed in a lot of the foods my kids eat for lunch. They eat pizza more than anything else I think!
- May 1, 2010 at 3:16 PM
- Foxy said... [Reply to comment]
I've been experimenting with homemade pizza. I made the dough in the bread machine. But sometime the dough is, well, doughy. I can't figure out how to fix it. I use a whole wheat recipe that calls for 2c white flour and 1 1/2 c. wheat flour. Anyone have any thoughts?
- May 2, 2010 at 11:08 AM
I would use 2c wheat flour and 1.5c white instead. are you using yeast? make sure you're letting it rise enough, that'll let it be less doughy/more fluffy. experiment with alternative flours too, rice, almond, etc. can be fun for pizza. pizza is the one kind of bread that is really okay to stay relatively flat, so best place to switch up from white flours in my opinion.
- July 21, 2011 at 7:55 PM


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Rush to reach 3 sailors caught by Hurricane Julio
HONOLULU -- A rescue effort was launched Sunday to reach three people aboard a sailboat that got caught in Hurricane Julio about 400 miles northeast of Oahu.
The sailors aboard the 42-foot sailboat Walkabout sent a message around 7 a.m. requesting help after the boat became disabled and took on water in rough seas, the Coast Guard said in a statement.
One of the hatches blew away, and onboard pumps were unable to keep up with the flooding. The vessel's life raft was also blown overboard.
The sailors' message was sent to the International Emergency Response Coordination Center in Texas, which contacted the Coast Guard in Honolulu.
An aircraft sent to establish contact with the sailors detected Mayday calls from the boat.
Another aircraft that reached the sailboat dropped a life raft and pump into the water, but the sailors couldn't retrieve the equipment because of 30-foot swells and powerful winds, Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Melissa McKenzie said.
Another aircraft was sent to attempt another drop, she said. A 661-foot container ship diverted from its route to the location of the sailboat was still on its way late Sunday.


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Are You Kitten Me?
We have a group of amazing artists from a variety of disciplines exhibiting- things are shaping up to be just purrrrrrfect! Featured artists include Eddie Botha, Kirrily Humphries, Alisha Hinds, Amanda Reeves, Sarah Mould, Jessica Louttit, Grant Hunter, Daniel Smith, Angus Arley Crowley, Bryce Collins, Ry Wilkin, and Effie Dee.
Come to the gallery at 3pm Sunday March 11th to share some kitten cake and enjoy the delightful music of exhibiting artist, Lizzie Nagy as Young Lions! MEOW!
Ps. Those who dress in leopard/jaguar/cheetah/cat prints shall be rewarded!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


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Self-described death penalty foe O'Reilly attacked Atlanta prosecutor for not yet seeking death penalty in Nichols case
Fox News host Bill O'Reilly blasted Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard for having "not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty" against alleged Atlanta courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. O'Reilly commented: "Can you believe this guy? An accused rapist guns down four people, and you don't seek the maximum sentence?" But O'Reilly himself has said he opposes the death penalty.
During the Talking Points Memo segment of the March 15 edition of The O'Reilly Factor:
O'REILLY: But the mass murder committed by Brian Nichols can also be laid partially at Howard's doorstep since he oversees justice in Fulton County.
Item: When asked if it was wise to assign a 51-year-old female deputy to guard Nichols alone, Howard said it was fine, even though Nichols was found with knives two days before he went on his shooting spree.
Item: Today, when Nichols appeared in court, 19 deputies were guarding him.
Item: Even though Nichols murdered four law officers, Howard has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
What? Can you believe this guy? An accused rapist guns down four people, and you don't seek the maximum sentence? What the deuce is going on?
There's no question the criminal justice system is out of control in Atlanta, which, according to the FBI , is among the most dangerous cities in the country.
O'Reilly has previously stated his opposition to the death penalty. During the August 28, 2001, O'Reilly Factor, in response to a comment by Terry O'Neill, vice-president for membership of the National Organization of Women, that "You [O'Reilly] support the death penalty ... " O'Reilly said, "No, I don't. ... I'm against the death penalty, Miss O'Neill." Also, in a November 19, 2002, interview with human rights activist Kerry Kennedy Cuomo, O'Reilly said, "I'm against the death penalty as well ... " And on November 1, 2004, he said on Westwood One's The Radio Factor that "I'm against the death penalty for two reasons: No. 1, I don't think the state should be executing anybody; and No. 2, I don't think ... it deters."


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/* LiquidCrystal Library - Hello World Demonstrates the use a 16x2 LCD display. The LiquidCrystal library works with all LCD displays that are compatible with the Hitachi HD44780 driver. There are many of them out there, and you can usually tell them by the 16-pin interface. This sketch prints "Hello World!" to the LCD and shows the time. The circuit: * LCD RS pin to digital pin 12 * LCD Enable pin to digital pin 11 * LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5 * LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4 * LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3 * LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2 * LCD R/W pin to ground * 10K resistor: * ends to +5V and ground * wiper to LCD VO pin (pin 3) Library originally added 18 Apr 2008 by David A. Mellis library modified 5 Jul 2009 by Limor Fried (http://www.ladyada.net) example added 9 Jul 2009 by Tom Igoe modified 22 Nov 2010 by Tom Igoe This example code is in the public domain. http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LiquidCrystal */// include the library code:#include <LiquidCrystal.h>// initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pinsLiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);void setup() { // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows: lcd.begin(20, 4); // Print a message to the LCD. lcd.print("hello, world!");}void loop() { // set the cursor to column 0, line 1 // (note: line 1 is the second row, since counting begins with 0): lcd.setCursor(0, 1); // print the number of seconds since reset: lcd.print(millis()/1000);}
I tried it with and without the setCursor call, same behavior. I also tried hooking it up in 8-bit mode and I didn't get anything different, and all combinations of lcd.begin() with 16/20 and 2/4.At one point, I managed to get a bunch of scrolling garbage characters on the screen for a few seconds instead of just a blank display, but I haven't been able to reproduce that behavior. For a moment I thought my LCD might not be broken, but that's what it's looking like to me.Any more ideas?
The display is 20X4 instead of 16X2. I've tried adjusting the lcd.begin statement to account for that but I get the same results.
I tried it with and without the setCursor call, same behavior.
try taking away the counter and just have the word hello world displayed.
For a moment I thought my LCD might not be broken, but that's what it's looking like to me.
I also tried hooking it up in 8-bit mode and I didn't get anything different,


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It was one of the area's most finest dining destinations, but now it's gone.
Bye-bye, Bogeys. It was the spot for dinner dates, dining after a round of golf, relaxing with a cocktail or attending fundraisers.
The restaurant had to shut its doors last Saturday due to the stress of the economy. However, it went out with a bang, hosting its annual fundraiser for Project Lifesavers on the last day.
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First Chris Jaffe has a new article on the career of Matt Stairs. He gives highlights from Stairs' each stop along the way. Worth the skim, especially to remember fondly last season.
Then there's this article Howard Bryant posted on ESPN discussing the recent trade deadline activity. It's a good one as far as opinion pieces to. He attacks the Padres, but not solely for either the Adams or Ludwick trades; he goes after the Gonzalez trade last fall.
A couple of money quotes:
"Prospects" has become baseball's euphemism for the white flag.And
So as the Red Sox win, the Padres sold their fans a future that is at best cloudy and at worst illusory. Each day the Red Sox benefit from [Adrian] Gonzalez while the Padres wait for [Casey] Kelly and [Reymond] Fuentes to reach the big leagues underscores the need for San Diego's front office to have acquired big league talent that, at least, would have sent the message to fans that every year is next year.Pretty harsh.
Jed Hoyer has been the GM here for less than two seasons, and in my opinion continues to deserve the benefit of the doubt. He trained under Theo Epstein, one of the more successful GMs in the last decade, and assuredly has a plan to improve the franchise. That said, it has been very difficult to watch this Padres team, a fact exacerbated by their near miss for a playoff berth last year. Most of the veteran leadership (Jerry Hairston Jr, David Eckstein, Yorvit Torrealba, etc) was allowed to leave via free agency. Gonzalez was traded. A team once 9 innings away from a playoff berth was gutted.
In its place was built a team that's been shut-out 16 times, nine at home. The pitching has been solid (starters ERA third best in the league, Relievers ERA the best) but they absolutely cannot hit. With the season obviously lost, they traded their cleanup hitter to Pittsburgh for a PTBNL OR cash considerations, and arguably their best bullpen arm for more pitching. The offense has gotten worse. Since Ryan Ludwick left the team they've scored 13 runs in 4 games, with 6 of those coming in a bizarre eighth inning Sunday.
Bryant makes the argument the Padres could have kept Gonzalez for this season and at least attempted to contend. One wonders how many of those veterans would have departed for other teams had it not been so obvious the club was going to trade their All-Star first baseman away during the off-season. One also wonders if the 3 prospects they got back in the trade will turn out better than the two draft picks they could have gotten in next year's amateur draft if Gonzo was allowed to leave as a free agent (Gonzalez would definitely been Type A). Time will tell I guess.
I doubt the Padres will end up in the two decade wasteland of suck the Pittsburgh Pirates are only now crawling out of. The inescapable fact is, however, this franchise has traded away its stars far more frequently than it's acquired major-league talent to fill out its roster. That fact transcends ownership and front office personnel. I didn't intend this post to be all pessimistic, but if San Diego wonders why it's stadium is constantly overrun with fans from opposing teams, it's because the club has no identity, no players that fans can latch onto.
Well the club did, but those guys ended up playing in Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto, Atlanta, St Louis ... or have long since retired.


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Exploring robotics for the factory of the future
The European Commission is co-funding an €8 million project as part of the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) adopted in 2008, which targets the use of industrial robots for high-end machining for cost-effective, flexible, and reliable manufacturing solutions for the "Factory of the Future."
The inaugural meeting of the European project was hosted in Spain in September 2010 by the coordinating partner of the project, Delcam. The COMET project sees 14 companies from industry, research institutes, and universities sharing and combining their manufacturing expertise with the aim of developing plug-and-produce COmponents and METhods for adaptive control of industrial robots for high-end machining to enable cost-effective, flexible, and reliable manufacturing solutions.
Mark Gadsden, product marketing manager at Delcam, explained more about the aims of the project: "The 30-month COMET project aims to overcome the challenges facing European manufacturing industries by developing innovative machining systems that are flexible, reliable, and predictable with an average of 30% cost-efficiency savings in comparison to machine tools."
Because it is both flexible and cost-efficient, industrial robot technology could, from a conceptual point of view, provide a good base for machining. However, in real-life situations industrial robots have three critical limitations: a lack of absolute positioning accuracy, an inability to reject disturbances in terms of process forces, and a lack of reliable programming and simulation tools to ensure right-first-time machining when production commences. At the present time these limitations are preventing the use of robots in typical machining applications.
Four elements
The COMET project consists of four elements that, together, aim to overcome these limitations. These include:
1. A methodology for describing kinematic and dynamic models of industrial robots (KDMIR) to define accurately the static and dynamic behavior of any industrial robot, which then is represented by its unique signature.
2. An integrated programming and simulation environment for adaptive robot path generation for machining with industrial robots (PSIR), based upon the unique signatures.
3. An adaptive tracking system for industrial robots (ATIR) to detect deviations from the programmed robot path and to adaptively initiate real-time corrections via the robot controller to ensure the necessary machining accuracy.
4. A high dynamics compensation mechanism (HDCM) to accomplish an absolute accuracy better than 50 μm; significantly "beyond" the structural capability of the robot system on its own.
Noble aims indeed, but the project has some interesting challenges to overcome, as COMET partner TEKS points out. Robots are a compromise between a comparatively low dynamic accuracy, and unrivalled handling flexibility. This means that, while robots are very agile, this agility results in a reduced stiffness compared to conventional machine tools.
The TEKS robot cell is based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The company, which has already co-hosted one of the regular general assembly meetings of the project, was the first with an operational cell to begin undertaking trials for COMET.
TEKS is in the process of developing its robotic cell and with consortium partner, Artis of Germany, it has conducted force measurement tests while machining aluminium. The forces generated by the cutting operation have been recorded in detail with an Artis prototype data acquisition solution, at a high sampling rate of 500 kHz.
Roland Krain, research and development manager at TEKS, explained the potential benefits of this approach: "Traditionally robots are used as handling solutions for assembly. If machining is required in a robotic line or cell, the robot typically would place the part in a conventional machine tool. Such tools range from the high tens of thousands pounds to several hundred thousand pounds. A robotic machining cell could provide a cost-effective machining solution. A secondhand robot can, typically, be purchased for £15k, along with a good quality high-speed spindle for £20k, giving the end user multi-axis machining capability for a fraction of the cost of a comparable conventional machine tool. Obviously the secondhand robot has to be in 'as new' condition, be well maintained, and have a compatible controller; otherwise, the accuracy required might not be achieved."
"Today, customers generally opt for either a 5-axis machine or a handling robot. If we could bring the two things together, we would be able to make customers more productive and more competitive," concludes Krain.
Setting up cells
Robot cells have now also been set up at a variety of partner facilities using robots from manufacturers such as Kuka, ABB, Motoman, and Comau. The cells will enable industrial tests to be performed on a range of parts, ensuring that all developments take into consideration the acceptability to end users in terms of time, cost, and reliability. Commenting on the COMET project to date, Dr. Ir. Jan Ramboer, research programme officer from the European Commission, said: "The COMET project is an ambitious and innovative project. I am pleased to see robots being used early on to perform physical tests which are relevant to applications in the European manufacturing industry. Everything is very clear and there is an excellent synergy between partners. Dissemination is good across all levels, in particular the use of social media for communicating the project objectives and developments."
Over the next six months almost all the technical tasks in the project will be active. To enable partners to plan and conduct robot machining experiments, a prototype of the high dynamics compensation mechanism (HDCM) will be available. The HDCM will help to accomplish an absolute accuracy better than 50μm—significantly beyond the structural capability of the robot system on its own. The integration of models together with the PSIR, ATIR, and HDCM will ensure that tests are performed in realistic end-user environments.
Jan Willem Gunnink from Delcam, coordinator of the project, said: "I have complete confidence that European manufacturing organizations will benefit from the combined knowledge of the COMET partners, which comes from industry, research institutes, and universities. Since the inaugural meeting in September 2010, partners have demonstrated their ability to work as a team, providing a good foundation for the COMET project to move forward and develop new and exciting robot technologies in 2011."
Klas Nilsson, associate professor from COMET partner, the University of Lund in Sweden, also believes that the project will have major benefits. He said: "This type of project, where you bring together competencies from across Europe, will find new problems too! Together we are able to complement each other to find the best solutions to these problems."
John Pandremenos from the University of Patras in Greece and dissemination manager of the project, said: "If the project achieves its objectives it will bring big innovations to the manufacturing sector in European industry. It will significantly reduce the cost of machining operations."
A video about the project can also be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/COMETproject, or visit the project website at www.comet-project.eu.
– Suzanne Gill is editor of Control Engineering Europe. This article appeared originally appeared at www.controlengeurope.com and was edited for the Control Engineering International pages in the January 2012 North American edition of Control Engineering.