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As governments and dictators around the world prepare for the upcoming "Rio+20" United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the establishment press is hyping — rather than questioning — a dubious new UN report claiming that humanity's failure to adopt so-called "sustainability" schemes threatens the Earth. Among the global entity's controversial recommendations: less people, less consumption, "lifestyle modifications," and a "shift" toward new "equity-based values."
According to the UN report, dubbed the fifth "Global Environmental Outlook" (GEO-5), the Earth is in danger – and as always, it's your fault. Humanity is the enemy. There are simply too many people consuming too many resources, and it will eventually bring about a cataclysm, the paper claims. However, if the global population promptly submits to the international body's myriad demands, the UN implausibly alleges, it might still be possible to save the world.
Of course, it will not be easy. Or cheap. Individual liberty, self-governance, national sovereignty, and the human population — that means you and your family — will all have to be curtailed, according to the report. Meanwhile, the fortunate people who remain will have to consume a lot less — in other words, become much poorer — to be what the UN considers "sustainable."
"Africa, Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean share the common problems of population growth and increasing consumption," noted the UN, bizarrely attacking human beings and decreasing levels of poverty as "problems" to be solved by the global bureaucracy. In the developed world, meanwhile, more poverty is needed as well: "Europe and North America continue to operate at unsustainable levels of consumption," the global entity claimed in its report.
To hide the fact that the planetary central-planning schemes will, if adopted, be making everyone except the elite and UN bureaucrats poorer, the report suggests ditching traditional indicators of progress and well-being such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Instead, governments must adopt new measurements: "a redefinition of wealth … to a more sustainable metric," as the UN puts it.
"Scientific evidence shows that Earth systems are being pushed towards their biophysical limits, with evidence that these limits are close and have in some cases been exceeded," the global body alleged. "International cooperation is essential, since environmental problems do not follow national boundaries." In other words, the world is doomed unless nations submit to the UN — immediately.
Instead of fulfilling its traditionally understood role as a skeptical watchdog — especially when scores of totalitarian-minded rulers are proposing to literally re-shape human civilization and erect what amounts to an all-powerful planetary regime — much of the global press simply parroted the UN's hysterical claims. From the communist-controlled propaganda apparatus run by the Chinese dictatorship to the increasingly discredited Western media, virtually every article about the UN report and its wild demands was simply a repackaged version of the UN press release with a supposed journalist's by-line on it.
After the stunning implosion of the UN's credibility following the mass discrediting of its theories on global warming — now known as "climate change" for public-relations purposes — "sustainability" has become the new rallying cry. In fact, UN climate fear-mongering has become such a laughingstock that Rio+20 will likely seek to avoid the subject all together, summit organizers said earlier this year.
But instead of looking back at the collapse of the UN's global-warming hysteria — its infamous IPCC report was filled with so many basic errors and so much disinformation that credible scientists have long-since distanced themselves from it — the world press continues to take the international organization at its word. More than a few news reports even referred to the alarmist claims throughout the 525-page GEO-5 document as "facts."
Of course, the UN admitted that it released the report just before the conference on purpose. The goal, critics say, was to have media outlets parrot the hysterical claims before real scientists could have time to tear them apart. And that was supposed to create the political cover necessary for dictators and governments around the world to foist the global "sustainability" schemes on the world population.
"If current trends continue, if current patterns of production and consumption of natural resources prevail and cannot be reversed and 'decoupled', then governments will preside over unprecedented levels of damage and degradation," claimed Under-Secretary General and UN Environment Program Executive Director Achim Steiner in a press release about the report.
"GEO-5 reminds world leaders and nations meeting at Rio+20 why a decisive and defining transition towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient, job-generating Green Economy is urgently needed," Steiner added without defining the term "green" economy, a system the UN describes in official documents as global governance and central planning. "Rio+20 is a moment to turn sustainable development from aspiration and patchy implementation into a genuine path to progress."
The UN and its roster of scientists examined an array of issues for the report and concluded that where governments were implementing its orders with sufficient determination, good things were happening. Wherever its "suggestions" and international "agreements" were being ignored — sometimes the report even seized on real environmental issues — the UN essentially claimed the Earth was about to become an uninhabitable wasteland because of human activity.
"But it's not all bad news," stated the UN Environment Program press release about GEO-5. "The report says meeting an ambitious set of sustainability targets by the middle of the century is possible if current policies and strategies are changed and strengthened."
While the mainstream press swallowed the claims, however, critics in the alternative media lambasted the UN for its propaganda and its dangerous so-called solutions. "As the unscientific assertions of a global environmental crisis, vanishing biodiversity and over-population become more 'urgent' to the UN; the insertion of international governance is being covertly added into the mix as the answer to solve all problems worldwide," observed Susanne Posel in an analysis for the Activist Post.
In the run-up to the controversial UN sustainability summit in Rio de Janeiro later this month, official documents released by the organization offered details about the plan. Those reports show clearly that if the global body achieves its goals, a new "green-economy" regime will use the coercive power of government to reduce the number of people and transform human civilization in unimaginable ways.
To begin with, the UN "Rio+20" summit — headed by Chinese Communist Sha Zukang — will seek to expand the global body's powers in an unprecedented manner. On the agenda are new world taxes, trillions in wealth redistribution, and world programs dealing with everything from pro-UN "education" and health to resource allocation and poverty.
"Transitioning to a green economy requires a fundamental shift in the way we think and act," a high-level UN report explains, adding that the price tag might be so high that a new global currency may be needed to quietly siphon away humanity's wealth. So-called "education" schemes — critics call it brainwashing — will be crucial in the global effort to help "change individual and collective behavior," as the UN puts it.
The new "green economy" will have to be centrally planned at the planetary level, according to the UN — for "sustainability" purposes, of course. The fact that central planning has historically caused environmental destruction on a scale never seen before in history was never mentioned in the report. Nor was the obvious point that such systems have generally resulted in mass murder, starvation, and a complete loss of liberty — for examples, see the Soviet Union or North Korea.
"Specifically, in a transition to a green economy, public policies will need to be used strategically to reorient consumption, investments, and other economic activities," the report explained, using large words to essentially describe using official coercion to control the economy and the people. Meanwhile, every level of government will have to become subservient to the UN agenda. Communist China — with its brutal one-child policy and its half-baked state-run economy — will apparently be the long-term model.
Despite the UN's grandiose plans for humanity, however, Americans are increasingly fighting back. The now-infamous Agenda 21 — agreed to in Rio 20 years ago at the previous Earth Summit — has already been officially banned in Alabama. And the tsunami of outrage is growing stronger every single day.
Related articles:
UN Report for Rio+20 Outlines Top-down "Green" World Order
UN Seeks New Powers to Remake World at Rio Sustainability Summit
UN Bosses Secretly Plot Global Govt Through "Green Economy" for Rio+20
Ambitious UN Sustainability Conference in Rio to Avoid Climate Talk
Alabama Adopts First Official State Ban on UN Agenda 21
Rockefellers Fund Global-warming Protests as Earth Cools
IPCC Researchers Admit Global Warming Fraud
Global-warming Alarmism Dying a Slow Death


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Obama on poverty: Few mentions
President Barack Obama may have started his political career fighting poverty as a community organizer on Chicago's South Side, but he's running for re-election without almost ever even using the word "poor."
And when he does, it's not to describe the problem or his administration's efforts to combat it — only an aspirational message of trying to get more impoverished people into the middle class.
Story Continued Below
There's more than enough to talk about: a record high 46.2 million Americans — the most since at least the Great Depression — are in poverty. And according to new Census Bureau data released this week, that number hasn't budged.
Were a Republican in the White House, Democrats might seize on these numbers as prime evidence of a system gone wrong. But with Obama already on defense about the economy — and issues of race and accusations of being a "food stamp president" in the background — he's mostly avoided touching the topic, at least directly.
Mitt Romney has not been so reluctant, repeatedly using the poverty statistics in attacking Obama's overall economic record and pointing out Obama's specific failure to improve the numbers.
"One in six Americans is now living in poverty. When he came to office there were 32 million people living on food stamps, 32 million. Today there are 47 million, 15 million more," Romney said Wednesday, after the new Census data was released. "This is a president who was unable to help the very people he said he wants to champion."
Meanwhile, Obama's facing core Democratic voters looking for Obama to do more and say more about fighting poverty.
"Poverty, inequality and violence are not specifically dealt with" by most in either political party, including Obama, said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. "These problems are too vast to go away and too expensive to ignore."
Framing the conversation in terms of the middle class and those trying to get into the middle class makes sense, said Rich Morin, a senior editor at the Pew Research Center, because "Americans don't want to be in poverty, and they don't want to be told they're poor."
They also don't want to support programs that they don't see themselves benefiting from. "People are much less inclined to support something that goes toward a targeted population than something that they can benefit from," said Rachel Black, a senior policy analyst at the New America Foundation. By leaving the poor out of his conversations — favoring constructions such as "growing the middle class" — he's able to corral more support than he might otherwise.
GOP pollster Jim McLaughlin said Obama is "avoiding the issue because it happened under his watch and he's afraid of being blamed for it."
"He wants to say that things are getting better," said Jonathan Horn, who worked as a speechwriter in George W. Bush's administration, but "higher poverty numbers speak to the fact that America's unemployment is very severe."
Before Obama became president, from his time in Chicago in the 1980s through the early stages of his first White House campaign, fighting poverty was a key issue for him. Five years ago, he railed against poverty under President George W. Bush's watch, bemoaning "vast swaths of rural America and block after block in our cities where poverty is not just a crisis that hits pocketbooks, but a disease that infects every corner of the community" when he spoke in the Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia neighborhood.

subset: commoncrawl


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Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a commune in the Yvelines department in the Ile-de-France in north-central France. It is located in the western suburbs of Paris, 19.1 km (11.9 mi) from the centre of Paris.
Inhabitants are called Saint-Germanois. With its elegant tree-lined streets it is one of the more affluent suburbs of Paris, combining both high-end leisure spots and exclusive residential neighborhoods (see the Golden Triangle of the Yvelines).
Saint-Germain-en-Laye is a sub-prefecture of the department. Because it includes the National Forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, it covers approximately 48 km2 (19 sq mi), making it the largest commune in the Yvelines. It occupies a large loop of the Seine. Saint-Germain-en-Laye lies at one of the western termini of Line A of the RER.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye was founded in 1020 when King Robert the Pious (ruled 996-1031) founded a convent on the site of the present Church of Saint-Germain.
In 1688, James II, King of England, exiled himself to the city due to religious conflicts in his own country. He spent the remainder of his days there, and died on 16 September 1701.
Prior to the French Revolution in 1789, it had been a royal town and the Chateau de Saint-Germain the residence of numerous French monarchs.
The old chateau was constructed in 1348 by King Charles V on the foundations of an old castle (chateau-fort) dating from 1238 in the time of Saint Louis. Francis I was responsible for its subsequent restoration. In 1862, Napoleon III set up the Musee des Antiquites Nationales in the erstwhile royal chateau. This museum has exhibits ranging from Paleolithic to Celtic times. The "Dame de Brassempouy" sculpted on a mammoths ivory tusk around 23,000 years ago is the most famous exhibit in the museum.
Kings Henry IV and Louis XIII left their mark on the town.
Louis XIV was born in the chateau (the citys coat of arms consequently shows a cradle and the date of his birth), and established Saint-Germain-en-Laye as his principal residence from 1661 to 1681. Louis XIV turned over the chateau to James VII & II of Scotland and England after his exile from Britain after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. James lived in the Chateau for 13 years, and his daughter Louisa Maria Stuart was born in exile here in 1692. James II is buried in the Church of Saint-Germain.
Saint-Germain-en-Laye is famous for its 2.4-kilometre (1.5 mi) long stone terrace built by Andre Le Notre from 1669 to 1673. The terrace provides a view over the valley of the Seine and, in the distance, Paris.
The Treaty of Saint-Germain was signed in 1919 and was applied on July 16, 1920. The treaty officially registered the breakup of the Habsburg empire, which recognized the independence of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, and the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (Yugoslavia).
During the French Revolution, the name was changed along with many other places whose names held connotations of religion or royalty. Saint-Germain-en-Laye became Montagne-du-Bon-Air.
In the 19th century, Napoleon I established his cavalry officers training school in the Chateau-Vieux.
During the occupation from 1940 to 1944, the town was the headquarters of the German Army .
Capcom Entertainment France, a Capcom subsidiary, has its head office in Saint-Germaine-en-Laye.


text: The IT industry is constantly evolving and we're proud to play a part in shaping the industry as it changes. A big part of ensuring positive change is collaboration and learning. We bring the IT community together through our IT training such as executive forums, regional events and virtual meetings. Everybody has a chance to contribute their own ideas and visions for the future of IT. If you're looking for CompTIA certifications, please visit our Certifications site.


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Boycott Susan G. Komen Foundation
Or, to be more specific, they conveniently just adopted a new policy barring grants to organizations that are under investigation by local, state or federal authorities. According to Komen, this applies to Planned Parenthood because it's the focus of an inquiry launched by Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., seeking to determine whether public money was improperly spent on abortions.
You know what Planned Parenthood is. It's the group with chapters all across the country that provides health care to women and men in such vital areas as family planning and cancer screening. In so doing, Planned Parenthood has probably done more to reduce abortions than any other single organization.
And SGK? The behemoth plastering every product and event it can get its hands on with pink, and spending over a million dollars a year bullying any other organization that even comes close to its "For the Cure" trademark.
Planned Parenthood received $680,000 in 2011 and $580,000 in 2010 from Komen for breast-cancer screening and related services. Nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams were supported by Komen grants.
This is a new low. While they claim they are trying to protect the purity of their funding, it seems more likely that they're trying to protect themselves against association with the anti-choice, anti-sex attacks leveled against Planned Parenthood.
The Susan G. Komen message boards are being flooded with comments from women protesting this betrayal of women's health concerns. I encourage you to add your voice.
There are also "Boycott Susan G. Komen" groups popping up on Facebook, and here's where I suggest caution. If you read the group descriptions, at least one of these groups is an anti-choice cause basing its attacks on the fact that SGK was giving money to Planned Parenthood. The group to join is the one I just linked to, not the Boycott Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, which is the anti-choice group.
So today would be a good day to join the Facebook group, let them know how seriously you take this attack on choice and women's health, and contribute to Planned Parenthood's Breast Health Emergency Fund.
Labels: abortion rights, choice, planned parenthood, Susan G. Komen


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Personal Series
|Save page Remove page
|1 of 2
Sterling and Francine Clark Papers:
Personal Series
Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Archives
225 South St.
Williamstown, MA 01267
March 31, 2009
Profile Description
|Finding aid encoded by Lacy SchutzMarch 7, 2007
|Finding aid written in English.
A Guide to the Personal Series
|Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Archives
225 South St.
Williamstown, MA 01267
|Clark, Robert Sterling, (1877-1956)
|Personal Series
|1901 - 1957 (inclusive)
|1920 - 1957 (bulk)
|5.2 linear ft., 11 boxes
|This is a series of personal items, divided into six subseries: documents; medical records; writings; horses; inventories; and ephemera.
|English, French
Arrangement of the PapersThis series is divided into six subseries, by document type and / or subject matter. See the series descriptions for a more detailed explanation.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
This series contains miscellaneous documents, records and ephemera accumulated by RSC and Francine.
Biographical Note
Born in 1877, Robert Sterling Clark, along with his three brothers, was heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune. Their father, Alfred Corning Clark, was the son of Edward Corning Clark, Isaac Singer's business partner. RSC attended Yale University and graduated in 1899 with a degree in engineering. He joined the army and his service during the Boxer Rebellion earned him the commission of first lieutenant. In 1908, RSC undertook an expedition to the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in a remote area of northern China. He intended to carry out ethnographic and zoological research, as well as conduct surveys and create maps. His partner in this undertaking was Arthur de Carle Sowerby. Sowerby, in addition to being a naturalist, explorer, artist and editor, collected specimens for the British Museum and other museums of natural history in the United States and China. The expedition came to an abrupt end when Hazrat Ali, their translator and surveyor, was murdered.
Shortly thereafter, RSC moved to Paris. In 1909 he inherited various pieces of art from his family and these pieces became the foundation of the collection he was to build over the ensuing decades. He made his first purchases in 1912 and was initially attracted primarily to Dutch, Flemish and Italian old masters. Soon, his interests expanded to include silver, prints and drawings, rare books, and more contemporary artists such as Renoir, Degas, Sargent and Homer.
During this time RSC met Francine Clary. Formerly an actress with the Comedie Francaise, Francine was the mother of a daughter, Viviane Modzelewska. Francine and RSC began seeing one another in 1910, but didn't marry until 1919. Their relationship was a source of tension with RSC's family and eventually led to a rift between him and his brother, Stephen. Stephen, the youngest of the Clark brothers, had shouldered the daily administration of the family's fortunes. RSC felt that he was at a disadvantage because of the way the Singer trusts were constructed. Should something befall RSC, the money would pass back into the Clark family rather than to Francine and her daughter. When he was unable to resolve the issue within the family, he and Stephen had a falling out that would never be mended and RSC sued unsuccessfully in court to break up the trusts.
RSC and Francine were partners in assembling the collections that would eventually be housed at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, visiting galleries and dealers together. Another keen interest was horse breeding. RSC owned large operations that bred, raised and trained racehorses, first in Belgium and then in Virginia. In 1951, his horse, Never Say Die, won the Epsom Derby, the first American-bred horse ever to do so.
After considering various options for the eventual disposition of their artworks and objects, including donation to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and founding a museum in New York City, RSC and Francine decided to locate their collections in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Beginning in 1950 and continuing through RSC's death late in 1956, their lives were focused on building the Institute, both physically and administratively.
Index Terms
Document Types:
Restrictions on Access
This material is currently restricted.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
[Cite the item (as appropriate)], Personal Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Acquisition Information
These items were scattered among the materials that became the Correspondence Series and the Financial Records Series.
Processing Information
Items that could not be included in the Correspondence or the Financial Records series were gathered for the Personal Series and sorted by type. Where feasible, these materials are organized by date. Lacy Schutz, Archivist, and Danielle Ryan, Archives Assistant, processed this series during January and February of 2007.
Related Material
On the occasion of the Clark Art Institute's 50th anniversary, the Clark published: The Clark brothers collect: impressionist and early modern paintings / Michael Conforti ... [et al.]; with additional contributions by Daniel Cohen-McFall ... [et al.], Williamstown, Mass., Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 2006.
In addition, the Clark has published a catalog documenting the silver collection: Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. English, Irish, & Scottish Silver at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Beth Carver Wees, ed. New York: Hudson Hills Press, 1997.
Related or similar material can be found in the following series in the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Archives, Williamstown, Massachusetts: Diaries Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers; Correspondence Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers; Financial Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers; Personal Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers; and Realia Series, Sterling and Francine Clark Papers; Records and Papers of David Brooke; Institutional Oral Histories.


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Exodies wrote:mscha wrote:Sea level rise, and castle crumbling, since just after the sea wall collapsed, some 16newpix ago.
(As always, red removed, green added.)
Why is the castle being under cut by the under current when Megan's Nub wasn't?
Difference in construction. The sandcastle was built to have a nice appearance and was not created to withstand the coming of the tide. The nub/dyke/whatever was built to hold back the tide (for a period of Time).
Or in other words, because Lord Randall dictated it to work that way.


text:
Rational License Key Server 8.1.3
Downloadable files
IBM Rational License Key Server 8.1.3 has been made generally available and contains fixes to version 8.1 including all predecessor fix packs.
Download Description
|This section provides an overview on what is new in this release with a description of any new functionality or enhancements when applicable.
|This section provides information related to the impact of this release to allow you to assess how your environment may be affected.
|This section provides important information to review prior to the installation of this release.
|This section provides the direct link to obtain the download package for installation in your environment.
|This section provides the installation instructions necessary to apply this release into your environment.
|Click the link to navigate to the system requirement report page. To run the report, select your Product, Version and Operating System.
Note: Choose the parent version of your product to see the system requirements for fix pack releases.
|Click for up to date information about using the IBM Rational License Key Server.
|Click to review a complete list of the defects (APARs) resolved in this release including a list of resolved defects for the entire version family.
In order to use most IBM Rational software products, a specific license key is required. Product licenses are acquired through the IBM License Key Center and installed on one or more Rational License Key Servers to serve and manage licenses in the enterprise.
The Rational License Key Server includes an administration tool called License Key Administrator or LKAD (available for Windows only) to enter or import license keys, and change your license configuration. On UNIX, a set of system administration commands are available to perform similar administrative tasks. Details on LKAD and system administration commands are also available in the Rational Common Licensing Information Center.
Installation Instructions
For information on installing and configuring the IBM Rational License Key Server, review the following topics in the Rational Common Licensing Information Center.
The license server and vendor daemon versions are:
- "lmgrd" [License Server daemon] = 11.10
- "ibmratl" [Vendor daemon] = 11.10
Download package
IMPORTANT: In Fix Central you can select a download mode (Download Director, FTP or HTTP). If you use Download Director to download the files, you will receive bits for all of the platforms. If you want to download specific platforms, select FTP or HTTP to download the files. You will be directed to individual links to each platform.
How critical is this fix?
|This release is a maintenance release of Rational License Key Server 8.1. It contains fixes for client-reported and internally found defects.
Problems solved
Click the Fix List link in the table of contents above to review a list of the problems solved in this release.
Change history
|Download Options
What is Fix Central(FC)?
|2 Jul 2012
Technical support
Tab navigation
- General Support Information- selected tab,
- Support Resources- selected tab,
IBM Rational Software Support Communities
Helpful Hints For Obtaining Technical Assistance:
Before you contact IBM Rational Software Support, gather the background information that you need to describe the problem. When you describe a problem to an IBM software support specialist, be as specific as possible and include all relevant background information so that the specialist can help you solve the problem efficiently. To save time, know the answers to these questions:
If you have helpful information to diagnose or identify the problem on your system, you can provide this data by following the instructions to exchange information with IBM Technical Support.
Follow IBM Rational Client Support on Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | devWorks Blog
Problems (APARS) fixed
Document information
More support for:
Rational License Key Server
Software version: 8.1.3
Operating system(s): AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Solaris, Windows
Reference #: 4032984
Modified date: 30 August 2013


text:
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In case of your non arrival or late cancellation the hotel will be given access to your card details to charge the appropriate cancellation fee. Please refer to individual hotel terms and conditions for cancellation fees.
All prices are in NZD and are per room, per night and include goods and services tax (GST) at 15%.
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0.4 km from Sky City Convention Centre
Standard Room $220


text:
What Oil Market Fundamentals?
In its August 2004 issue of the Oil Market Report (OMR), the IEA posed the question whether the current oil market situation justify $45 oil and stated the result as irrational exuberance. What did the IEA do in order to justify that fundamentals are there? It adjusted Non-OECD demand upwards in OMR. It also revised NGL figures for many countries.
The editorial of Arab Oil and Gas Journal on 16 December 2005 issue stated that "The development of oil prices since 2003 has followed a rising curve that can in no way be justified solely by the so-called market "fundamentals", such as the volumes of demand, supply and stocks." Right! Even though prices have remained at high levels even during periods when supply has comfortably exceeded demand and when stock levels have been rising, even to their highest level in the past 6 years, almost everybody still tries to point out fundamentals. When all the fundamentals looked good enough, people blamed on insecurity, geopolitical tensions, speculators, peak oil analysts, foreign exchange market, weather, you name it.
What is wrong with fundamentals? Well, we know that oil market fundamentals are interpreted by looking at the world oil supply demand balances. And there we better ask what is correct in those balances. What do we really know about oil market fundamentals then? Well, certainly not much!
Oil market reports of the IEA and EIA are by far the most recognized and carefully analyzed source of the oil market fundamentals, and are believed to be a leading indicator about the oil price movements. That is why the world oil balance produced by them is closely watched by many in the oil markets, including Wall Street and particularly OPEC.
Missing Barrels Phenomenon: The Oil Market Report of the IEA was blamed for the reason of price panics of 1999. The report became under attack when it showed 1.9 Mb/d stock built and miscellaneous to balance for the year 1998 in its Annual Statistical Supplement - the perceived existence of 'missing barrels.'
Several speculations have been made about 'missing barrels.' Mabro stated that there was an upward bias in IEA's production estimates. Horsnell claimed that 'missing barrels' were almost certainly comprised of firstly an underestimation of World oil demand, and secondly an overestimation of OPEC supply. In addition, Mr. Fuzzy (Matthew Simmons ) emphasised that 'missing barrels' simply cannot be true because it is not possible to hide that much oil even though there exists many off-shore storage facilities, meaning something is wrong with the data. Recently, those "missing barrels" came back on the world oil balances and yet nobody makes any comment.
In fact, there has never been "missing barrels," there has been missing statistics!
Here I will explore a few items about data quality on market fundamentals by pointing out the pitfalls and by focusing on overseen, neglected, misunderstood, mispresented, not properly handled or missing actors whose role and magnitude are not insignificant at all.
We all know that, in general, oil data are not very transparent and reported figures for some countries are mostly guesstimates (OPEC Members) and come from third party sources like independent tanker traffic consultants. Just check what the sources of data for OPEC members are in OPEC reports. In cases where everything seems to be transparent (e.g., OECD Members) it is still possible to end up with different figures for the same thing.
Let us have a look at some important items in oil balances:
Production of oil generally refers to the marketable production within national boundaries including off-shore. There exist some countries, however, that underreport production due to the exclusion of the production by concession companies (e.g., in Egypt, at least years up to 2002). Timing, revisions, and discrepancy in definitions and coverage are only some of the reasons. A. Littlle claims that definitions matter a lot especially for OPEC countries where quotas apply to crude oil only. Laherrere also discussed the quality of oil production data in several articles. But …
In most world oil supply demand balance tables you will see liquid fuels produced from coal, gas and from renewables (e.g, ethanol, biodiesel) added into total demand. Some call them oil from non-conventional sources. Fine. But how do you add them into oil supply? Supply must balance demand, no? One remedy is to add the exact amount into supply, and call it supply of all liquids (including NGLs, petrochemical feedstocks and refinery gains), knowing that not all supply come from crude oil. Then why do we call the end result as world oil supply demand balance? Existing world oil supply demand balances do not yet tackle this issue properly. Some would argue that the share of liquids from non-conventional sources is not that important. Yes, but how long?
Furthermore, it is not correct to make a peak oil analysis based on "all liquids," because the non-conventional fuels I mentioned above do not come from an oil reservoir. Therefore, applying logistic curve to all liquids is a severe error.
International trade statistics are by-products of customs procedures. They are prepared from customs declarations filled in by exporters and importers and verified by customs authorities. Under perfect conditions one would expect the following statement to be true: Export of country A to B equals to the import of country B from A. Unfortunately, in practice this rarely holds. Unless there is an item called 'unallocated', whatever publication you consult, you should always see a discrepancy between world oil exports and imports. Some hints: for example, for NGL, heavy fuel oil and LPG.
Besides fiscal and political reasons, in many countries imports may not even include the imports of private companies. In some countries trade is underreported simply because of black market, or exports are underreported due to possible cheating (most OPEC Member countries). Moreover, customs office and ministry/statistics office may not agree with each other on trade statistics (e.g. Russia). On the other hand, as is the case in Egypt, exports may not be reported from foreign concessions. On top of this, there is the problem of barter trade which does not appear in most statistics.
It is mostly believed that the item stock changes is one of the most important factor driving the market and hence the price of oil. Stock changes are extremely uncertain, often unreliable and mostly subject to big revisions. My experience tells me that at least half of the countries in the world do not report the data for stock changes in their oil statistics. In many cases they are combined with statistical differences. In most of the countries military stocks are considered as secret information and they are not reported.
In particular there is also a misunderstanding as to what is being measured and covered. For instance, American Petroleum Institute and EIA regularly publish weekly data on the US stock position (with sometimes conflicting with each other). Note that the weekly bulletin of API is based on voluntary reporting with coverage of about 90-95% on most major series. Best data come from EIA petroleum supply monthly but it comes out 2 months after the fact. (see here for more on that). The EIA uses the same definitions as API. Their reports are released the day after API's. The problem is sometimes is not with stocks but with logistics like frozen waterways and ports being closed due to bad weather.
The IEA keeps track of the stock positions in OECD region (including the stocks held on behalf of the governments under the emergency stockpiling requirements). All these sources exclude stocks held by players such as producer governments, stocks at sea, offshore stocks (especially in Caribbean, Netherlands and Singapore.) and also secondary stocks held by wholesalers and tertiary stocks held by consumers. Hence only a small part of total stocks are measured and even that data is considered to be dubious.
Bunkers is a tricky item and hence very much confused in oil balances. There are two types of bunkers – domestic and international. If fuel is delivered to a foreign entity they are considered as domestic bunkers. Fuels delivered to sea going ships and to plains destined abroad are considered as international bunkers. In national publications, international bunkers are treated either correctly, or considered as exports or domestic consumption. Even if they are correctly identified as international bunkers, this time, confusion arises in terms of flag type. Many countries consider the fuels delivered to ships or to air planes as bunkers if the delivered entity has a foreign flag (in case of marine) or belongs to another country (in case of planes). According to the international standards, however, the entity is not important and international marine bankers, for instance, are defined as fuels delivered to sea-going ships of all flags including warships. God help statisticians!
Demand is mostly calculated as apparent consumption in case end use data by sector are not available. If, indeed, detailed end use data by sector were available then it would be possible to get a much better picture of demand. For this reason, using apparent demand overestimates the demand. This is also one of the biggest problems in green house gases inventory calculations. How much do we know about the real demand then? Well, not much!
Oil Piracy and Smuggling are getting more and more problematic to track. Illegal oil bunkering and oil piracy from fields and pipelines in the Niger Delta is estimated to be 300 kb/d according to the Governor of Delta State. Shell argues that up to 100 kb/d is being stolen from its operations. In Port Harcourt gangs are reported to steal crude from pipelines.
In Russia, about 200 kb/d of oil (mostly crude) is stolen from pipelines. In recent years, the Basra oil terminal in Iraq and the southern port city of Umm Qasr have emerged as two of the world's new piracy hotspots. Crude and products tankers are among the most affected vessel types. Indonesia and the Malacca Straits remain the most prone areas. The magnitude of oil products smuggled into Turkey is estimated at 70 kb/d. The production of the smuggled and stolen amounts is most probably reported in production statistics but its consumption definitely does not show up in demand and hence missing.
A common feature of the oil balances is processing gains. Refined petroleum products are less dense than the input. The volume of products from a refinery — not their weight — typically exceeds the volume of the oil input by 1% to 6%, depending upon the combination of processes employed, and this is termed processing gain. The IEA's Oil Market Report, for instance, is blamed for having very low processing gain. I completely agree. World refinery input has been going up but processing gains are set somehow always around 1.9 Mb/d. This subject is widely covered by Littell (1999, 2000) and Auerback (2002). By the way, you can not have processing gains if input and output are measured in tons. The IEA should be more careful about that.
Missing link - Conversion Factors: Oil statistics in the world over are expressed by using four most common conventions - litre, cubic metre, barrel, and ton. Since world oil balances are usually expressed in barrels, the selection of appropriate conversion factor is essential. Interestingly, not enough attention is paid how different measurement units for oil are aggregated and which conversion factors are in use.
Although, the relationship between volume and mass measured by density or specific gravity, the number of barrels of crude oil per ton for the same country varies widely, depending on the source. The discrepancies in conversion factors in use, although seem small, are not negligible and in fact already play an important role in world oil balance. This can be demonstrated by using the Russian crude oil production. Russia releases its oil production in tons. Take an original Russian production figure in tons for any year. Then apply EIA and IEA's conversion factors and see the difference. Do the same exercise for other countries that measure their oil in tons. Sum them up and compare the difference. You will be surprised!
The misuse of conversion factors is not limited to primary oil. Similar problems exist for refined oil products. Although barrel-ton conversion factors vary by country and by time for supply, for demand (which is calculated by using the oil products), the general tendency is to use generic conversion factors. However, there are many petroleum products whose conversion factors might have big impact in oil balance tables due especially to their share in total. Not surprisingly, these generic conversion factors again differ among the internationally recognised sources. (By the way, the world has switched from leaded gasoline to unleaded gasoline but conversion factor from ton to barrels couldn't fall in sleep.)
Assume that IEA's world oil demand in ton is stone set for a given year. Would you believe for example that in converting from ton to barrels by using the OPEC (OAPEC and MEES) barrel ton conversion factor for gas-diesel oil instead of the IEA's one, the world oil demand in barrels would have been reduced by more than 5? You didn't like it, no? Then replace the IEA's conversion factors for heavy oil with OPEC (BP). You would increase world oil demand by about 5%. I did this exercise a few years ago. Very entertaining.
Missing Demand Item - US Military Oil Consumption Overseas
According to my estimates roughly 350 kb/d of oil is missing in world oil demand statistics. See more on this here.
Data Quality in Non-OECD Area: Although both IEA and EIA acknowledge the increasing importance of developing countries in their energy outlooks and oil market analyses, they are myopic when it comes to the quality of data in those countries. If, as stated by Lynch (2002), the industry is becoming more sensitive to the marginal barrel, then more care and attention should be paid to the data quality in constructing world oil balance and hence its interpretation. This is one of the reasons of the data discrepancies observed in the vast sources of information made available to the industry players.
Some Conclusions
World oil statistics, in scope and accuracy, are still far from perfect. They are of poor quality, imprecise, mostly contradictory, and subject to sometimes radical but mostly not noticed revisions. Therefore, they can easily lead to misguided conclusions regarding the state of market fundamentals. Without proper attention directed at statistic caveats, the ensuing interpretation of oil market data opens the door to unnecessary volatility, and can distort perception of market fundamentals.
Given available resources, the institutions monitoring the oil market fundamentals (especially the IEA energy statistics division headed by a very active leader) do their very best in order to deliver the most correct, timely and coherent information to people involved in the market. World oil production and demand centers are shifting from developed countries into developing countries where statistics are extremely poor. So, we shouldn't expect much unless developed countries put an extra effort to help them.
Given the many uncertainties associated with estimating global supply and demand, the source of inaccuracies leading to the imbalance are difficult to precisely determine. If I have more time in the figure I will construct an alternative world oil supply balance table, by taking account of all the points I mentioned above.
Some References:
Auerback, M. (2002), The Secular Case for Higher Oil Prices
Horsnell, P. (1998), The Strange Case of the Missing Barrels, OIES Monthly Comment, December 1998.
Karbuz, S. (2004), Conversion Factors and Oil Statistics, Energy Policy, 32, 41-45.
Laherrere, J. (2001), Estimates of Oil Reserves, paper presented at the EMF/IEA/IEW meeting, IIASA, Austria,.
Littell, G.S. (1999), World Crude Production: Bad Statistics Produce Poor Conclusions, World Oil, June 1999.
Littell, G.S. (2000), Bad Data Problems Worsens as Oil Prices Skyrocket, World Oil, November 2000.
Littell, G.S. (2001), Volatile Oil Prices Result from Bad Data and Misguided Attention to Inventories, World Oil, October 2001.
Lynch, M.C. (2002), Causes of Oil Price Volatility, paper presented at the 8th International Energy Forum, Osaka, September 2002.
Mabro, R. (2001a), Does Oil Price Volatility Matter? OIES Monthly Comment, June 2001.
Mabro, R. (2001b), Transparency in Oil Markets and Other Myths, OIES Monthly Comment, February 2001.
Simmons, M.R. (1998), An "Arithmetic Mystery": Missing Oil, Simmons & Company International.
Simmons, M.R. (2002), A Reality Check on the World's Oil Supply and Demand: Are the Current Perceptions of Weak Demand and Ample Excess Capacity Correct? Canadian Energy Research Institute, Alberta, January 2002.


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Unwind while practicing the ancient craft of spindling. Drucilla Pettibone introduces you to easy and inexpensive spinning methods.
Create the yarn you dream about with this introduction to spinning on a drop spindle! Seasoned spindler Drucilla Pettibone will walk you through the yarn-making process, from carding natural fibers to creating stunning yarns in a variety of textures all on a portable drop spindle. In addition to acquiring spindling skills, you'll unwind while practicing this ancient craft as Drucilla demonstrates the zen of spin. Spin more than your creative wheels and enroll in "Spindling: From Fluff to Stuff" today!
If you're not delighted with your Bluprint experience, we'll make it right or give you a full refund.


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Keynote speaker Chancellor John A. Carey Jr. discusses college affordability during his Q&A with recently retired Columbus Dispatch senior editor Joe Hallett.
Photo courtesy of: University Advancement
Scott Milburn introduces Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Craig Butler as the recipient of The Outstanding State Government Alumni Award.
Photo courtesy of: University Advancement
President of JRS Group Jacqueline Romer Sensky congratulates OHIO professor of public policy Gayle Channing Tenenbaum on more than 40 years in public service.
Photo courtesy of: University Advancement
May 19, 2014
From staff reports
Delicate chocolates and green and white banners, each emblazoned with the OHIO crest, greeted alumni as they filed into the Ballroom of the Columbus Athletic Club for the 31st annual State Government Luncheon on May 13. More than 150 OHIO alumni were honored at the event for their work in public service in Ohio.
The luncheon, which was hosted by President Roderick J. McDavis on behalf of the George V. Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, honored two outstanding alumni with the State Government Alumni Award.
In his address, McDavis applauded the group for their support during The Promise Lives Campaign, which has surpassed its goal to raise $450 million in support of students, faculty, programs, partnerships and facilities at Ohio University.
McDavis also praised them for their dedication to public service at the University and beyond. "This is certainly a proud day for me, to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the Ohio University alumni who have dedicated themselves to public service in the great state of Ohio."
Since its inception in 1983, the Annual State Government Luncheon has focused on recognizing acts of community and public service by alumni that lead to the betterment of the state of Ohio. Dr. Jenifer Cushman, dean of the Ohio University Zanesville Campus and associate professor of German, saw the luncheon as a great way to get connected to these outstanding individuals.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know people who have benefitted from an OU education and gone on to bring about positive change for our state," Cushman said.
Keynote speaker Chancellor John A. Carey Jr., 1981 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed by recently retired Columbus Dispatch senior editor Joe Hallett, 1971 Scripps College of Communication graduate. The two discussed the state of politics in Ohio and the issue of college affordability for minorities and first-generation students.
Carey, a longtime politician and first-generation college student himself, has received numerous awards for his work regarding job education and job creation. He stressed the importance of supporting students in order to help them be successful during their college years.
The Outstanding State Government Alumni Award was presented to distinguished OHIO alumni Director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Craig Butler, 1997 College of Arts and Sciences graduate with a master's degree in environmental studies; and an honorary award granted to Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, director of policy and governmental affairs, and the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PSCAO).
Butler was called "steady, knowledgeable and unyielding" by the communications director for Gov. John Kasich, 1991 Scripps College of Communication graduate Scott Milburn, who presented the award. Butler thanked his mother and father for instilling in him the drive to succeed, and spoke fondly of his time at Ohio University.
"When I walked onto the Ohio University campus for the very first time, I said to myself, 'I'm never going to leave here. And I never have.'"
Butler has spent more than 24 years as a public servant, holding positions such as assistant policy director for energy, agriculture and the environment under Gov. Kasich, and member of the board of directors for the Ohio Alliance for the Environment.
Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, with more than 40 years in the realm of public service, spoke of her continuing work in being a voice for the children of Ohio and in "identifying how we can work in new ways to make sure that children in our care are in safe homes."
In addition to Tenenbaum's work in public service, she is also an adjunct professor of public policy at Ohio University. Award presenter, President of JRS Group Jacqueline Romer Sensky, joked Tenenbaum's desire to become a Bobcat was finally recognized.
"We all win so much from all the great work you've done on behalf of our University and all the great work you've done on behalf of the students who attend Ohio University, and the children of Ohio," she said. "You are a great, great friend. You're a great teacher, you're a benchmark for public service, and now, most of all, you are a Bobcat."


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Exploring the Green Book: A Discussion with Author Calvin Ramsey
Associates of the Boston Public Library
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 1:30 PM (EST)
Event Details
Exploring the Green Book: A Discussion with Author Calvin Ramsey
Please join us on for a special Black History Month program with Calvin Alexander Ramsey. Mr. Ramsey is a poet, artist, playwright and award-winning children's author. His two children's books, Ruth and the Green Book, and Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Band, both focus on significant moments in African American history.
For this event, Mr. Ramsey will present and share readings from Ruth and the Green Book, and conduct an interactive discussion on fairness and discrimination. He will also discuss the importance of preserving old family documents and photos, just like how the Green Book from 1936 was preserved. Local Boston History will be tied in while exploring the Green Book. There will be a book signing afterwards.
This event is suitable for children grades 3 and up, but anyone who maintains an interest in American history is welcome to attend.
The event takes place in the Commonwealth Salon, within the Boston Public Library - Copley Square. Due to space limitations, RSVPs are required.
When & Where
Boston Public Library
700 Boylston St
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 1:30 PM (EST)
Add to my calendar
Associates of the Boston Public Library
The Associates of the Boston Public Library is an independent nonprofit dedicated to conserving the Boston Public Library (BPL)'s Special Collections of rare books, manuscripts, prints and drawings, musical scores, and items of literary, cultural and historic interest. The organization is committed to ensuring continued public access to these irreplaceable treasures by underwriting their cataloging, repair, restoration, digitization, and exhibition.
Over the past 46 years, the Associates has been the creator and underwriter of a wide array of programs, designed to heighten public awareness of the Library's vast free educational resources. These programs include art and architecture tours, readings, lectures, curatorial evenings, exhibitions, music events, and an annual residency for an emerging authors. The Associates oversees the David McCullough Conservation Fund and the William O. Taylor Art Preservation Fund.
To learn more about the Associates please see:


text: I celebrated my 23rd birthday and Thanksgiving during these last two weeks of November. I am certainly thankful for all of my friends and family that truly care about me. I hope you all (all five or six of you) had a good month and celebrated good things. Here are the articles that inspired me, and I hope you enjoy them, too.


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Sweeney Murti says it's not time to press the panic button:
But feel free to hit that button if you think CC Sabathia won't win again the rest of the year. Hit the button if you think Mark Teixeira will hit .209 for the season. Hit the button if you think Mariano Rivera is done. Hit the button if you think Derek Jeter is done. Hit the button if you think Toronto, Boston, Detroit, and Oakland (the only other non first-place teams currently over .500) will all be better than the Yankees over the next 118 games.
I'm not ignoring everything that's gone on the last few weeks. I just know there were many panic-button moments last year for this team as well, but the talent was there to right the ship. The Yankees could lose at least 50 more games the rest of the way and still make the playoffs. Let's not call 911 after every single one.


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Stone Mosaic
A Tangent is defined as ''a line that touches but does not intersect a curve.'' It is a word that describes geometry, but also one used to describe heading off in directions unknown. Both definitions are appropriate for our new collections of decorative stone mosaics, in which abstract geometry and mid century modern design influences merge with the beauty of natural stone, creating a richness that will beguile you anew each time you see it.
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Designer Betsey Johnson bounces back from adversity
First things first.
Before the music plays, before the first cocktail is served, before the models gingerly step onto the rooftop, designer Betsey Johnson is in an underground hotel space prepping for the evening show at which her swim collection will be unveiled.
By prepping, we mean planting a beauty mark on the face of each model, just east or west of the smile. The moment comes with a warning label: "The most important thing is I want you to have fun! You really can't get it wrong. You want a glass of champagne?" she asks the models as she morphs from impromptu makeup artist into bartender. "This swim collection is all about fun."
The Spring/Summer 2014 swim line, meant to bottle Johnson's legendary quirk and endless energy, is a party collection of bows and peplums, of mesh and ruffles, built around retro, nautical and glam rock themes.
But before the show, Johnson held court in The Betsy's down-under speakeasy, whose low-slung space — exuding an air the exact opposite of the touristy vibe outside — was serving as a styling salon for the Saturday night show. The sofas are now overflowing with Johnson's trademark baubles, wigs and a rainbow of high-heeled stilettos and platforms. Oh, and there is a stash of licorice sticks and rosebuds that will become props too.
This is where Johnson seems most at home, on triple duty, engaging the questions of reporters, sipping champagne and vamping by way of the models walking by and her suggesting another layer of whimsy. "Try the thigh-highs. Roll them up even first, then roll them down kinda messy with that suit," she implores before taking on the task herself. "Wait! Where is my personal collection of pinafores?" she says, grabbing a white one and tucking under a belt across the bottom of one of the models. Now the one-piece has a ruffled back, suited for the beach or the streets — at least in Betsey's world, where the goal is to capture the imperfect nature of fun.
Second things second.
"Do you like my dress?" she asks, never really pausing for an answer. "It's really not a dress. It's a skirt! I just pulled it up and put on a belt."
She loves the black skirt/dress. Skress? Loves the white skull prints, the simple yellow flip-flops and the blond extensions askew. The flip-flops even make the cut for her appearance at the show later that night, along with a fistful of necklaces.
Johnson, who turns 71 next month, started the label in 1978, building a brand that always winked at youthful rebellion, the octane of punk and rock-n-roll and the frill of femininity. By 2004, the label broadened as a lifestyle brand including handbags and luggage, footwear, bridal, kids, jewelry, eyewear and fragrances. Today, her collection can be found in more than 2,000 specialty boutiques along with wholesale ventures.
Johnson's personality — she is known for doing a cartwheel and/or a split at the end of her runway shows — has also inspired a reality show, XOX Betsey Johnson, on the Style Network. Of course, she has been approached before but didn't want the intrusion of 24/7 cameras. Johnson finally relented, deciding to try it with her co-star and daughter, Lulu Johnson, who also has an eponymous label. The show debuted in May.
"Ya know, I didn't think I would ever get used to the camera's being around all the time, but after a while, in some weird way, you forget they are there," she says. "We were pretty open about my bankruptcy and my daughter's divorce. I think fans enjoyed seeing another side of me."
The eight-episode arc, which follows a tumultuous period for Johnson — from her filing for bankruptcy last year and closing her 63 retail stores to building her mother-daughter-relationship to Steve Madden taking over her company, where she is now creative director. The show was thick with Johnson's energy but also chronicles her drive to reinvent herself at an age when others are retiring.
That comeback includes a new dress line (same DNA., lower price tag) available at brand-name department stores. She says she is now ready to take on other projects, too, including, eventually writing a book.
Now, back to Johnson's reason for being in Miami. This was her first time at Mercedes-Benz Swim Week.
Rather than doing a runway show, Johnson unveiled the line at a launch party on the Betsy Hotel rooftop — hyped as meet Betsey at the Betsy — an event celebrating her new partnership with swimwear manufacturer Malibu Design Group.
The standout: a black one-piece called Betsey Meets Friend, featuring an iconic image of Marilyn Monroe that she describes as "kind of Lichtensteiny."
"I wanted this to be a little bit of pretty girl and a little bit of rock-n-roll,'' she says. "It is all about feeling sexy and comfortable. It is all about the fit and having lots and lots of fun."
Third things third.
Before the show, Johnson was strolling down Collins Avenue and ran smack into a group of her fans.
"Here they were, telling me how happy they were to see me and how much a part of their lives I have been. These were women in their 40s," she says, flinging her arms into the air as a sort of exclamation point. "They still remembered wearing my stuff when they were teenagers and into being an adult, and now too. They still remembered how much fun they had in that Betsey Johnson dress they wore for the prom. They still remembered the little girl in them. I wish them happiness forever and ever."


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Performance, Camera
Not surprisingly, Sony put its visual expertise to good use and came up with a pretty good camera for the Xperia P. Although it is a mid-range device, the 8-megapixel snapper is capable of delivering some pretty good shots in daylight, but it struggles indoors and in poor lighting. The camera UI can appear a bit too cluttered from time to time, but it also offers a wide range of options. There are plenty of predefined scenes to choose from, along with a myriad of additional settings, two panorama modes, including a 3D sweep panorama and a sweep multiangle mode.
Of course, if you don't want to waste time or just can't be bothered, you can simply squeeze the hardware shutter key straight from the lock screen and snap a quick one. Speaking of speed, although the dedicated shutter key comes in handy, the Xperia P lacks the muscle for fast continuous shooting, but you probably guessed that by looking at the spec.
Image quality is pretty good, although indoor shots tend to suffer from a bit too much noise. Video is another matter. Although the Xperia P supports 1080p video, it is unimpressive. The framerate does not seem to be the issue, but there is just too much compression, resulting in quite a few artifacts. The same issues are present in 720p.
Although the Xperia P can't match the performance of quad-core or Snapdragon S4 based phones, it still packs a decent punch for a mid range device. The numbers aren't spectacular, the Xperia P is roughly on par with LG's old Optimus 2X and in some tests it even comes close the Galaxy Nexus. Graphics performance in some benchmarks is rather disappointing, so if you are into mobile gaming, you should probably look elsewhere.
Overall it's a decent showing for the Xperia P, but it could have been better. For a fashionable mid-range phone it does well, but here's the problem - Sony uses the exact same 1GHz U8500 chip in the dirt cheap Xperia U and Xperia Sola. This basically means that consumers can get similar performance from a €200 or €250 device.
Although the U8500 leaves much to be desired in terms of performance, it seems to be a very power efficient chip. Coupled with the innovative and equally power efficient WhiteMagic display, the U8500 helps the Xperia P get decent battery life out of its 1350mAh power pack. However, battery life is still rather limited and you will be looking for a socket by the end of the day. Luckily, Sony claims that just 10 minutes of charging will provide the phone with enough juice for an hour of talk time.


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Boylston Chess Foundation Educational Chess Clinic - June 25th to 28th
For children (K-12) who already know the rules of chess and want to further develop their abilities
Tournament Details Revised: 10/24/2018 10:21:03 AM
General Information
Event Organizer:
The Boylston Chess Foundation
Visit Organizer Website
Event Location:
Boylston Chess Club Cambridge
, 40 Norris Street, Suite B101
, Cambridge
Event Date:
Friday, June 28, 2019
Rounds Time:
June 25, 26, 27, 28 : 9:00am to 12:30pm each day
Instructor Jacob Rasin home after 9pm 617-783-6307; cell 857-225-1297
Event Webpage:
Registration Information
Entry Fee:
Participation fee; $180; $140 each for 2 or more.
For first-time club members, the fee is reduced to $150. Payable onsite, to "Boylston Chess Foundation".
Registration - Onsite:
Register onsite - just show up before 9:00am at Unit B103 - right-hand side entrance to building at 40 Norris Street, Cambridge, MA, 02140.
Membership Requirement:
BCC Membership required: Junior: $120/yr, $67/6 months; Family $180/yr, $100/6 months.
Sections Information
Tournament Sections:
Tournament Rules and Other Information
This program invites young chess players who already have a complete understanding of the rules of chess to come and develop their abilities. With a combination of lecture, question/answer and guided cooperative learning, the instructor will cover
essential elements of the game.
MACA provides tournament listing for all as a service to the chess community. For question, comments, or dispute regarding events that are not organized by MACA, please contact the tournament organizer directly.
If online registration is enabled on this event, you can Join/Renew your USCF and MACA membership at the online registration page. If online registration is not available, you can join MACA (The Massachusetts Chess Association) at our
Online Membership Form
and USCF (United States Chess Federation) at
USCF Membership Page


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BILLINGS — A Montana judge under fire for his comments about a 14-year-old victim in a schoolhouse rape case has ordered a new sentencing hearing for the former teacher who received just 30 days in prison for the crime.
In setting the hearing for Friday afternoon, District Judge G. Todd Baugh said Tuesday that state law appears to require a two-year mandatory minimum prison term for Stacey Rambold, 54, of Billings.
Rambold last week was sentenced to 15 years with all but 31 days suspended and a one-day credit given for time-served. He began serving his monthlong term last week at the state prison in Deer Lodge.
"In the Court's opinion, imposing a sentence which suspends more than the mandatory minimum would be an illegal sentence," Baugh wrote.
But in a strange twist, Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said Baugh may lack authority to impose a longer sentence at this point. That's because state law says an illegal sentence must be handled through the appeal process.
The judge has faced widespread condemnation from women's rights activists, elected officials and others for the light sentence and for saying Rambold's 14-year-old victim, Cherise Moralez, was "older than her chronological age" and asserting that she had some control over her months-long relationship with Rambold.
The judge later apologized for his comments, although activists who have called for him to resign said an apology is not enough.
Moralez killed herself before Rambold's case came to trial. That left prosecutors without their main witness and led them to strike a deal with Rambold that allowed him to avoid prison until he violated the terms of his court-ordered release.
Court records show the sentence Baugh handed down was in line with what Rambold had requested.
Prosecutors, who had sought 20 years in prison with 10 years suspended, already were considering an appeal, citing the two-year minimum requirement.
Twito said he planned to be in Baugh's courtroom Friday but was unsure how the hearing might play out given that state law says illegal sentences must be addressed through an appeal.
"I've done this a long time and I'm in an area I have not been in before," said Twito, now in his 16th year as a prosecutor.
If his reading of the law stands up, that could give the defendant the advantage in Friday's hearing.
Twito said members of his office, along with Rambold's defense attorney, Jay Lansing, met informally with Baugh last week to discuss the case.
Baugh said in Tuesday's order that the defendant's presentencing memorandum claimed the mandatory minimum for sexual intercourse without consent was 30 days, and the state did not object until after the sentence was handed down.
Lansing could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday.
Twito said his office will continue to pursue a possible appeal if the sentence remains unchanged. A final decision would be made in conjunction with the appellate division of the Montana attorney general's office.
Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the Yellowstone County Court House last week to call for Baugh's resignation. News of Friday's hearing in the case did little to sway those critics.
"The judge cannot take back the words he said when he blamed the victim. As far as we're concerned, Judge Baugh has lost the trust of this community," said Eran Thompson with Not in Our Town, a Billings group that promotes diversity and works against hate crimes.
The 71-year-old judge was first elected to the bench in 1984 and has been re-elected every six years since without an opponent. He's up for re-election in 2014.
Baugh said in response to the criticism that Rambold's sentence was based on the defendant's violation of an earlier deal he made with prosecutors, rather than the original crime. He also claimed that his remarks about Moralez were "irrelevant" and did not factor into his sentence.


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St. Kevin's 57
Martin Luther 39
The high scorers for St. Kevin's were Stefan Etheart with 17 points and Mike Antolus with 16 points. The high scorer for the Martin Luther Warriors was Devin Berrios with 13 points.
(Sarah McHugh)
Galasso Trucking 45
Flint Tropics 44
The high scorers for Galasso Trucking, Inc. were Connor Mathers with 13 points and Mohammed Abaen with 8. The high scorers for Flint Tropics were Kewin Swietlikowski with 10 points and Marcos Casadd with 7. It was a close game until Galasso Trucking shut down Flint at the end of the game with tough defense. Eamonn Doran also contributed in the winning effort with great passing.
Frank's Deli 62
First Refrigeration 40
Frank's Deli just had to much speed and pulled away in the middle of the second quarter on several fast breaks and held the lead the rest of the way. The high scorers for Frank's Deli were Michael Esposito with 21 points and Cory Madden with 12. The high scorer for First Refrigeration was Ryan Ross with 13 points. Kevin Boves also contributed in the winning effort with great rebounding.
(Michelle Filipkowska) 14 & Under
HILO Pro Forklift 40
Team Noah 23
HILO Pro Forklift pulled away at halftime and held the lead throughout the contest. The high scorers for HILO Pro Forklift were Joshua Ortiz with 14 points and Daniel Piszczatowski with 8. The high scorer for the Team Noah was Javon Davis with 8. Chris Diaz also contributed in the game-winning effort with great defense and passing.
Visitation Hawks 31
Flushing Express 28
The high scorers for Visitation Hawks were Christopher Hawkins with 13 and Adem Becaj with 9. The high scorers for Flushing Express were Chris Escobar with 13 and Thomas Tinghitalk with 7. It was a close game until Visitation Hawks pulled after forcing back-to-back turnovers that led to easy layups. Matthew Cercena also contributed in the game-winning effort with great defense and passing.
(Oscar Filipkowski)
Royal Renovations 33
Team Titans 17
Royal Renovations Corp. went into halftime with a 17-13 halftime, and the game was within reach until they pulled away in the third quarter. The high scorers for Royal Renovations were Oscar Filipkowski with 10 points and Jonathan Daniels with 7. For Team Titans, the high scorer was Gabriel Ferrin with 9. Nino Radoncic set up several shots with great drives to the basket.
BCAC Shamrocks 52
Team Titans 19
The high scorers for BCAC Shamrocks were Ian Thurlow with 14 points and Corey Jones with 8. The high scorer for Team Titans was Gabriel Ferrin with 11. The Shamrocks methodically built up a lead by going to their big man and fast breaks. They held the lead throughout the game. Jeremy Washington also contributed in the winning effort with great rebounding.
(Michelle Filipkowska)


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|System: X360, PS3, Wii, PS2, PC, PSP
|Review Rating Legend
|Dev: Visual Concepts
|1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
|4.0 - 4.4 = Great
|Pub: 2K Sports
|2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
|4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
|Release: Oct. 6, 2009
|2.5 - 2.9 = Average
|5.0 = The Best
|Players: 1-7 (10 Online)
|3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
|ESRB Rating: Everyone
|3.5 - 3.9 = Good
by Caleb Newby
In an odd way, ever since EA nabbed the exclusive NFL license for its Madden franchise, effectively signing the death warrant for 2K Sports' football aspirations, I've been fascinated to see how 2K does with its yearly sports titles. It must have been particularly frustrating for 2K to lose the NFL license, as they'd been building momentum to challenge the seemingly invincible Madden. That's nearly ancient history now, and 2K Sports has found varying degrees of success with their hockey and baseball titles.
Where the experienced publisher has shined is with their NBA 2K series. Boasting superior visuals, solid gameplay, a bevy of modes, and one of the best soundtracks in recent memory, NBA 2K10 has a lot to offer hardcore and casual basketball fans.
It's unusual to start a review lauding the soundtrack of a game unless it's a music rhythm game. But honestly, before diving into a pickup game or starting your career as GM of your favorite team in Association Mode, the inspiring soundtrack is hard to miss. Kanye West may be the most recognizable artist from the listing, but the track One Day by Matisyahu adds an oddly fitting and inspired reggae tune to the mix. Add in one of my favorites, the electronica group Ratatat, to some more traditional rock and hip-hop tunes, and you have a distinctive soundtrack that leaves an impression and makes navigating the menus a joy. I actually used it as a personal jukebox while writing this review.
Of course, gameplay is where a sports title sinks or swims. It has been awhile since I'd spent any extended time with the franchise and there was definitely a learning curve. If you're new to basketball games or stepping back onto the court after an extended time away, expect some trials and tribulations whilst coming to grips with all the options at your disposal. This is not a lighthearted, arcade run n' shoot basketball experience; there are touch passes, pump fake to hopstep spins, step-throughs, shimmies, fadeaways, leaners, and defensive flops. And that's not the half of it. While it may be intimidating, it's all certainly not needed to get started and will come with time. Even though I was getting blown out in my first several games, it wasn't a bad or frustrating feeling because I knew there was so much more depth to dig into for a deeper experience.
Unfortunately, for all the depth that comes with NBA 2K10, there are also more challenges making everything balance well together and work with the computer-controlled AI. Defensive play, while strong overall, still suffers from a few hiccups. For example, when reaching for a steal, I would find my players sluggishly making the attempt on a few occasions and being vastly out of position after the animation was completed. The good news is nine times out of ten my teammates had my back and ran over to cover the lane to the basket. Other than a few other minor grievances, everything gelled and worked well together for a complete experience.
Of course, no sports game today is complete without a franchise mode, or "Association Mode" in this case. Upon starting up the Association Mode I decided it best to support and play my local NBA franchise, the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves. After selecting them I was confronted with a "Are you sure you want to choose the Minnesota Timberwolves as a user-controlled team?" prompt. Now I realize that this is the confirmation screen, but I couldn't help but think the game was trying to tell me something about my poor choice.
After disregarding the warning of my foolishness of selection and now assuring my humiliation at the hands of the 29 other CPU-controlled teams, I was able to set the roles for my players from starter, sixth man, role-player, prospect, and benchwarmer. Each role has added depth to them, I had Al Jefferson set as my starter and team star where the rest of my misfit cast of starters were labeled as replaceable if someone better came along. Certainly not good for their ego, but at least they knew the truth up front. If you stray from using your players during the season as expressed from their role, their mood will worsen and affect team chemistry and individual performance. After taking caring of that dirty business, I was also able to randomly generate an incoming rookie class or go online to import user generated rookie classes, allowing me to grab a fairly realistic group resembling next year's draft class. It's a nice feature that more and more games are taking advantage of, allowing in-game sharing of user-created content that couldn't be more practical or useful.


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I love this dog:
I am using this dog as my inspiration for Dancing with the Stars. I think that if I can do just as well as this dog does in this very intricate dance I will win the competition.
What I love about it is that we don't think that the dog can do it, and that's what people are saying about me. They don't expect anything from me – except to be what I am – a comedian. They don't know I can dance merengue (actually, I can't yet – but I will!).
The best thing about this adorable dancing dog is that she really looks like she is enjoying, and anticipating every new movement with a big dog smile and a waiting paw. Her head and muzzle are placed so she can appreciate her partner and watch him dance along with her. There is so much genius and inspiration here and a good lesson for any dancer. Part of the dance is the steps and physical prowess, but another part is how you can be in the moment and enjoy what is happening and revel in the connection to another person. This dog is teaching me so much. Give dog credit where dog credit is due.


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Poisonous Plants by Category
Bulbs: Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
Ferns: Aparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
Flowering Plants: Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
Garden Perennials: Charming Diffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena
Lillies: Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
Shrubs: Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca
Succulents: Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Trees: Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
Vines: Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy
Misc/Uncategorized: American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant, Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant, Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow
Additional Sources of Information
Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine
URL: http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/navigate.htm
Cost: Free
Texas A&M List of Toxic Plants
URL: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plan ... oison.html
Cost: Free
Cornell university poisonous plants home page
URL: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/plants.html
Cost: Free
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information system
URL: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=px
Cost: Free
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: List of Toxic Plants
Phone: 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435)
Cost: $45.00 per case (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). The Center will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical cases, and at the owner's request will contact their veterinarian. The Center also provides via fax specific treatment protocols and current literature citations when indicated.
Phone: 1-900-443-0000
Cost: $45.00 per case charged to the owner's phone bill. The Center will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical cases, and at the owner's request will contact their veterinarian. These follow-up calls can be made by calling (888) 299-2973.
Pet Emergency First Aid Videos
Phone/Email: 1-888-380-9966, firstname.lastname@example.com
Cost: First Aid for Dogs ($19.95), First Aid for Cats ($19.95), Combo: Dogs and Cats ($34.95)
Links to Poisonous Plant Pages
Phone/URL: http://cal.nbc.upenn.edu/poison/links.htm
Cost: Free


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Hidalgo County sheriff fires high-ranking commander accused of drug trafficking
SAN ANTONIO — With one of his top commanders facing federal charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said Friday he's firing the senior officer and insisted the public still can trust the integrity of the Sheriff's Office — and the man who leads it.
"There's no sheriff, there's no chief, no law enforcement CEO in the United States or the state of Texas who would tolerate or ignore something like this," said Treviño, whose department has been scandalized by a wide-ranging federal investigation of corrupt law enforcement officers on the Texas border who took bribes from drug traffickers.
"Don't judge my leadership on the actions of a few who decided that they want to take the easy route and opted to involve themselves in corrupt activities," Treviño said.
The federal investigation has ensnared members of the "Panama Unit," an anti-narcotics task force between the Sheriff's Office and the Mission Police Department.
The defendants included the sheriff's son, Jonathan Treviño, who was a Mission police investigator. All but one of the defendants admitted to collaborating with traffickers.
This week, federal agents arrested Jose Padilla, a member of Treviño's command staff who also helped raise campaign donations for the sheriff.
A federal indictment alleges Padilla worked with Tomas "El Gallo" Gonzalez, 36, a trafficking suspect from Weslaco.
A message left with Padilla's lawyer wasn't returned Friday.
Padilla's name came up during the trial last summer of a former Hidalgo County deputy. During that trial, former Deputy James Phil "J.P." Flores said Padilla pressured deputies to contribute money to the sheriff's re-election campaign.
Flores told jurors that the pressure caused him to fall under the sway of a Rio Grande Valley drug trafficker.
Padilla, 53, was called to the stand as a witness in that case. But he invoked his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination, raising questions about why a top sheriff's official would be worried about incriminating himself.
Treviño had refused to fire or suspend Padilla, raising even more questions from critics who asked why the sheriff hadn't caught any signs of corruption in his own department.
On Friday, the sheriff said he couldn't fire Padilla because he faced no criminal charges at the time. That situation changed this week after agents arrested Padilla and took him into federal custody.
Padilla's duties at the sheriff's office included overseeing deputies who serve court papers. On Thursday, he was served with a termination letter notifying him of his dismissal, Treviño said.
"If they are formally charged with a crime, that on face value is a violation of our internal policies," Treviño said. "That is sufficient for termination."
With Padilla's arrest, Treviño said he realizes some might wonder if he was in on the drug scheme. The sheriff said he welcomes the scrutiny.
"In no way would Padilla or any member of my staff ever come up to me and say, 'Sheriff, I've done some bad stuff and I want you to join me,'" Treviño said. "Look at me any way you want, you will see there's absolutely nothing."


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Names on the back of jerseys change all the time. Us as Knicks fans know this more than anyone. But the Orange and Blue.....that dont fade.
Names on the back of jerseys change all the time. Us as Knicks fans know this more than anyone. But the Orange and Blue.....that dont fade.
I don't know why people would threaten to be Nyets fans... those guys made a bunch of dumb*ss moves this offseason as well.... Brook Lopez got the OD undeserved contract and then they add Joe Johnson whose contract is worse than Amare's as well.
And houston with or without Lin will suck if you took a look at their roster its a mess.
Anyhow I've said this before Dolan is what in his 50's... 60's maybe? He will die like Al Davis eventually too and then the Raiders stopped sucking as much. Me I am in my late 20's I have time to wait and hopefully Dolan picks up a smoking habit to look cool while he plays a guitar or whatever he does.
Last edited by Wargames; Jul 16, 2012 at 19:44.
Hey guys. Long time fan of the site, diehard NYK fan of 15 years, happy to be aboard! Couldn't agree more with the OP. Am I gonna be bummed if Lin isn't a part of this team next year? Sure. He had an insane run with us last year. But as you guys have been saying, players come and go. But REAL fans stick by their team! If given a choice between Jeremy Lin and the team I have been devoted to since I was a little boy, I easily choose my team! Knicks for life!
Why the fk would you go through the Isiah and Dolan era to jump off now? Fk that. Im not even from New York but i aint jumping off. When we win that ring its going to be sweet. It may not be soon but when it does happen at least i can say i didnt jump on when we were good.
BUT, why the heck is everyone assuming that
just because a Knicks fan wants Jeremy Lin
to continue playing for the Knicks, he/she
will NOT stick around if he is traded??
Oy vey! I give up (for the night).
"Winner of the coveted "Chink in the Armor" award!"
Anyway, this is moot balls, Lin will be back and all the fans will stay happy and together, and we will hug.
As a knick fan one player shouldn't make a difference to your opinion on the knicks and weather or not you follow the team.
Be that Melo, Lin, Amar'e whomever. I'll admit that after the knicks lost to Toronto in the playoffs i went into a more "hibernation" mode then year past but i always followed the knicks, watched the games when i could etc. It wasn't because of any particular player, it was because the knicks just sucked and it was hard to deal with.
Now that we have a playoff calliber team and are making some moves that make sense for once I'm inclined to watch and see what happens. Falling off the knick bandwagon now would be pretty stupid for anyone who was a fan before 2010. Especially if it's because of Lin or Melo.
http://testicle.com is House of Dong
I don't see anything wrong with a person ceasing to be a fan of a team that they've followed for a long time. If a franchise has incompetent ownership and has gotten nowhere in the last decade and is continuously repeating the same mistakes over and over again after promising their fans that they would produce a winning product then why continue being a fan of that team?
Would you stay with a woman who constantly mistreated you for many years and promised that she would change but instead continued mistreating you? Sometimes people have to move on. I'm sure most Knick fans who remember the 90's cling on to those memories but I've been saying for a while that as long as Jim Dolan owns the Knicks they will not win an NBA championship for the next few decades.
Humility is a virtue and pride is a vice.
I've been going at in other sports bar on facebook with Boston..ATL..and even Heat fans..ATL fans talking about Lin had MSG sold out..1st ATL no one watches #2 MSG sold out years they suck...My main reason with not bring Lin back was not for no Damn Asian fans..or Marketing in China Bull****..It against Rondo n Chalmers n Deron..Can he get the BALL n run offense..And at 14.5 million for a 3rd year..It NO...Felton had Off year..and Stat..I can gamble with that..n still be flexible..but to think NY fell Off cause LIn left is BEYOND Stupid..Lin and Asian n CHina Bandwagon can go back to Landry mat n Restaurant so I can watch NY in peace...


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Films, exhibitions, education, cultural preservation receive support
Bruce Cole, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), today announced 324 grants totaling $20.6 million.
"These NEH grants will broaden our awareness of the historical events, people and places that provide us with knowledge and wisdom," Chairman Cole said. "They will engage scholars, students and the general public in reflecting on the traditions and ideals that shape our culture and give meaning to our lives. Without the energizing force of the humanities, we cannot understand the world in which we live. The films, museum exhibitions, library programs, preservation projects and classroom activities we are funding today will provide a richer cultural world for all Americans."
A state-by-state listing of grants is available as an Adobe PDF file.
Among the projects receiving funding are:
- preservation of collections at small and medium-sized museums, historic sites and archives throughout the U.S.
- film documentaries on Willa Cather, Annie Oakley, Woody Guthrie, Henry Luce, Gilbert and Sullivan, the history of public health in the U.S., American Jewish history, the history of writing, and the role of the prison in American history.
- radio programs on the impact of the Korean War.
- museum exhibitions on the Vietnam War, American rural life, the early history of flight in America, the northern forest cultures of New England and New York, Oklahoma's Native American history, the stone age, and a rare medieval illuminated Bible.
- library programs on the family, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the 1960s, and Lincoln's role in the emancipation of the slaves during the Civil War.
Programs and number of projects funded this round are:
Public programs (73): $11,475,000
- film documentaries and radio programs (30): $5,587,000
- exhibitions (30): $3,747,000
- special projects (web, community, and other projects) (7): $1,081,000
- library programs (6): $1,060,000
Education programs (85): $8,034,000
K-12 education
- summer study programs for school teachers (30): $3,753,000
- K-12 curriculum development projects (6): $147,000
- scholar-in-residence consultation grants (2): $20,000
Higher education
- summer study programs for higher education faculty (29): $3,678,000
- higher education curriculum development projects (18): $436,000
Preservation and access (146): $618,000
- preservation assistance (146): $618,000
Research programs (20): $480,000
- faculty research at minority-oriented colleges and universities (20): $480,000
NEH grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Throughout the year, humanities experts outside of the Endowment assess all applications and judge the quality and significance of each proposed project.
- summer study opportunities for both K-12 teachers and college professors.
- curriculum development projects in the humanities at all levels, K-16.