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"The world always makes the assumption that the exposure of an error is identical with the discovery of truth -- that the error and truth are simply opposite. They are nothing of the sort. What the world turns to, when it is cured on one error, is usually simply another error, and maybe one worse than the first one." ~ H.L. Mencken
Food Stamps for Fat People
Exclusive to STR
If ever there was a clear example of the welfare state's self-destructive tendency, this perhaps ranks top on the list: giving food stamps to people no matter how fat.
With two-thirds of Americans overweight, obesity-related health spending at almost $150 billion per year, federal debt growing out of control and no one in Washington able to find anywhere to cut, let me suggest--right herre! Even if you believe in forced charity and central planning (as do both major parties), it makes no sense to give free food--including junk food--to overweight people, on the excuse that they would otherwise starve.
But that's what the Feds have been doing since the Food Stamp Act of 1964 made free food an entitlement to poor people of all sizes and appetites. After a brief period of experimenting with a similar scheme from 1939 to 1943, and then again as a pilot plan in 1961, the program can now safely be called "permanent."
(No offense is meant towards folks who weigh above the norm, especially those who pay for their own meals or have the decency to find a voluntary source of free food. How much you eat or how little you exercise is none of my business . . . unless you expect me to pay for it.)
Like America's bulging waistline, the Food Stamps Program has grown to where it now reaches over 36 million participants and costs over $40 billion a year, according to the 2009 U.S. Department of Agriculture budget. That excludes an additional $21 billion in federal spending for school lunches and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
Both the $40 billion federal price tag and 36 million recipients far exceed the initial USDA projections, even accounting for inflation and population growth. Wikipedia states that during the sales pitch for the Food Stamp Act of 1964, "The Agriculture Department estimated that participation in a national FSP (Food Stamp Program) would eventually reach 4 million, at a cost of $360 million annually."
With mind-boggling numbers like billions of dollars spent on millions of recipients, it's easy to forget that many (hopefully most) of the individuals on food stamps could benefit from the dignity that comes from working and taking personal responsibility, and that none of them deserve to be exploited for selfish gain. But the army of government agents who get paid to review every food stamp application just process their standardized forms and shovel out the cash. Then their political bosses remind us every two years: If you want to stay on the gravy train, remember me at the ballot box.
It's no wonder why the USDA consistently lobbies to expand their cherished program, as they openly admit. Like other federal agencies, the autocrats at USDA and their supervised state counterparts have been unleashed by Congress to write their own rules (found in Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations), enforce those rules (retail inspections, USDA Office of Inspector General) and judge those same rules (approving or denying applications from people and grocery stores). Even the most starry-eyed government fundamentalist should be concerned at the lack of checks and balances.
But the USDA and its boosters diligently cast the agency's thousands of unaccountable staffers as servant-heroes, wisely dispensing other people's money unto only those truly in need. (Vintage food stamp mythology is available here. Current praise for government food programs is found throughout the Old Guard media, including this recent example from the New York Times.) Since the USDA doesn't technically make a profit, we're told that their motives must be pure. They even have a "Healthy Eating Index for low-income persons" to prove it!
Solution to the obesity "crisis": give out more FREE food!
Another potential area of savings is on health care expenses, which government officials claim to be deeply concerned about bringing down. "Overall obesity-related health spending reaches $147 billion, double what it was nearly a decade ago" according to a widely cited study by the journal Health Affairs this summer. That same CBS/AP article led off saying:
Obesity's not just dangerous, it's expensive. New research shows medical spending averages $1,400 more a year for an obese person than for someone who's normal weight.
But obesity's apparently not "dangerous" enough for anyone among the governing elite to suggest we stop subsidizing it with free food.
Yet punishing overweight working Americans with higher health insurance premiums is fair game, according to Congress and its allies. The Washington Post (Oct. 15) favorably reported on "wellness incentives" to "prompt workers to make healthier choices." Those incentives are currently limited at 20 percent of premiums but are proposed by Congress to climb to 50 percent. With annual family health coverage averaging $13,375, that wellness penalty could cost nearly $6,700. But only for working people with employer-sponsored health plans.
For non-workers, such cruelty is out of the question. Instead of considering any hint of personal responsibility among the non-working class (you're overweight . . . you can buy your own food) or possibly scaling back a bloated federal program, health officials are exploiting America's rise in obesity to argue for even more central planning. Current agitation centers around new taxes on everything from soda to snack foods to fast food chains. Other schemes include: "tax subsidies to encourage the purchase of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables" (LA Times) and "building more supermarkets in poor neighborhoods" (CBS/AP).
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was attributed by Reuters as calling "for more physical education classes for children and investments to encourage walking, biking and use of public transportation." Putting those capitol ideas into practice, "Officials at historically black Lincoln University" near Philadelphia recently enacted a "requirement that overweight undergraduates take a fitness course" three hours per week or else be denied graduating (AP).
Who would have guessed obesity could be such a gold mine for the state?
USDA marketing spin: free food = "nutrition"
The USDA and its supporters would rather not talk about overweight people who consume their free food. Instead, the current buzz-words are "nutrition" and "health." Having soiled the phrase "food stamp," Congress required USDA in October 1, 2008 to give the program a facelift, recasting it as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Of course, using the words "health" and "nutrition" are misleading, since the agency doesn't even attempt to limit food stamp usage to only "nutritious" food, whatever that is. The USDA's Food Stamp Program Training Guide for Retailers (page 11) states:
The goal of the Food Stamp Program is to help low-income households have healthy diets. Households CAN use food stamp benefits to buy:
- all food intended to be eaten at home. This includes . . . snack foods, soft drinks, candy . . .
The USDA doesn't explain how a bag of Doritos, a 2-liter jug of Mountain Dew and a handful of Snickers bars fit into their health pyramid. But they insist, overweight Americans need those essential items--for free--to obtainain optimal nutrition. Luckily for Washington, plenty of boosters in the media still peddle the distortion that food stamps are only used "for staples like milk, bread and cheese" (New York Times).
USDA's "success story" with black women
If food stamps had a net benefit on health and nutrition, one would expect the group with the highest participation rate in the program to reap the greatest rewards. But reality is just the opposite.
The group with the highest food stamp participation rate, for whatever reason, is black women. As of 2007, USDA reported that "68 percent of nonelderly adult [food stamp] participants were women." The USDA's race trackers also say that 41 percent of food stamp participants are white; 36 percent are black; 18 percent are Hispanic; with 5 percent other races, as cited by Wikipedia. Since only 13 percent of the total U.S. population is black, the overall food stamp participate rate of blacks is about 277 percent of what their general population would suggest.
That trend is confirmed in a recent New York Times celebration of how "Food Stamp Use Soars, and Stigma Fades" that states: "Now nearly 12 percent of Americans receive [food stamps]--28 percent of blacks, 15 percent of Latinos and 8 percent of whites" among the general population.
So, with blacks and women--and specifically black women--being the most likely to engage in consuming free "nutritious" food, one would expect most African-American females to resemble Halle Berry or maybe a more voluptuous Beyoncé. But that's not that case. Most American black women--USDA's target audience--are closer to Aretha Franklin or Oprah during her binge years. The evidence . . .
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study from November 2007 reported (condensed here):
About 53 percent of black women ages 40-59 were obese, compared to about 39 percent of white women of the same age. Among women 60 and older, 61 percent of black women were obese, compared to 32 percent of white women.
A more recent government study cited by Reuters noted that "among African-American women, for instance, 78 percent are currently overweight or obese." Society as a whole isn't doing much better, with about 67 percent of the U.S. adult population already overweight.
So there you have it. Black women have the highest rate of food stamp usage and also the highest rate of obesity. Yet none of the dozens of articles I found on this topic, or the dozens of professional health experts cited therein, could put these readily available facts together.
For a more mainstream view on black obesity, we have USA Today's revamp of the "happy slaves" argument. In a September 30th Op-Ed, black author and talk-radio host David Person acknowledged that "African Americans in the South (like me) are the group with the highest obesity rates." To explain this phenomenon, he selects a government-licensed expert who declares:
Black and Hispanic women are more accepting of their own body size than white women . . . . They are happy with their weight and less likely to try to lose weight.
The expert and writer don't bother to provide any evidence of this fat-happy culture existing before the modern welfare state--or now, for that matter.
The over-educated dunces of big government and its media admirers all fail to see this link: the irresponsible lifestyle encouraged by welfare handouts, accompanied by threats of denied benefits to those who work (beyond 130 percent of a poverty income) and save (above a meager $2,000), encourages irresponsible eating and exercise behavior. Imagine that!
And this has nothing to do with skin color. The underlying problem with any handout program, which forever eludes government enthusiasts, is that the welfare recipient adopts a pattern of entitlement, then passivity and helplessness, bitterness, fear and finally bondage. And it doesn't matter if the welfare seeker is a white middle-class homeowner with a heavily subsidized mortgage, white parents who place their children in government-run schools, a massively socialized white farmer or perhaps a brown-skinned person who applies for free meals. The personal results are more or less the same, depending only on the level of dependency. The public results are a nation of passive fatties paralyzed by a state-induced fear against cutting any of their precious benefits. And $12 trillion in federal debt.
How could USDA deny benefits to overweight citizens?
Very easily--if they wanted to. For starters, since overweight people presumably know their condition, simply announcing any health-based screening criteria would most likely lead to self-assessments that would drop application rates overnight.
For cases where self-awareness doesn't work, even the dullest government employee should require no more than 10 minutes to check an aspiring welfare seeker's height and weight against a standard health chart. Since food stamp customers are generally required to make a personal visit to the local welfare office when applying for these benefits, with re-qualification typically every 12 months (as noted in USDA's Characteristics of Food Stamp Households FY 2007 report), a periodic visit for weigh-in would be no undue burden.
California alone boasts of having "over 240 food stamp offices . . . operated by local county welfare departments" where people "go to apply for food stamp benefits." So limited access is no excuse.
In contrast to a 10-minute check of height and weight, the current food stamp application process takes up to 30 days or can be expedited to only seven days for "households with extremely low income" (per USDA guidelines). The cumbersome status quo paperwork shuffle involves government agents reviewing rent receipts, utility bills, paycheck stubs, bank statements and assorted other documents to calculate "net income" by subtracting various deductions in order to decipher eligibility. In contrast to that subjective, legalistic mess, taking a few physical measurements to verify that a person is obviously not starving is . . . almost easy enough for government work.
But that would inject a small amount of personal responsibility into the system. And central planners loath that idea, because: if people are responsible, who needs government welfare?
Which brings us back to the original question: Why are we giving free food to people who already eat too much?
If government can't make this simple determination (and deny free food to overweight people), how can they make infinitely more complicated decisions regarding public funding of health care--including who gets generic drugs vs. expennsive drugs, what's the right dosage and how long does treatment last, who gets surgery and who gets denied, and who waits for treatment and for how long?
What next, a federal program to give free Hustler subscriptions to porn addicts suffering from sexual starvation (which experts say can be worse than physical hunger)? Don't be judgmental!
To address one obvious and weak argument for continuing on the present course, no doubt politicians (if asked) would reflexively hide behind "saving the children." One can easily picture a welfare promoter sneering, "If you deny benefits to heavy parents, you'll just end up hurting their children." So a follow-up question would be: Are you saying that poor, overweight parents, if they are denied free food, will retaliate by starving their own children? Do socialists think poor people are really that crass?
A reasonable person might ask: If the system is such a corrupt mess, why not just abolish it? Good question. But in the prevailing spirit of reform, I'll stick with a simple request that our leaders in Washington should be able to understand: Please stop giving free food to overweight people. Or at least explain to us why that's so difficult.
(4 votes)
ReverendDraco, posted on January 05, 2010
I have read, in more than one place (please don't ask me where, I read so much it's almost impossible to keep track), that only in the US is obesity a sign of poverty. In any other nation, the poor are scrawny, half-starved, walking skeletons - in the US, they "are closer to Aretha Franklin or Oprah during her binge years."
Entitlement-minded Sheeple. . .
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NoTax, posted on January 05, 2010
Most of these programs started in 1964 with LBJ's "War on poverty." What's interesting to note is that 1964 was the last year that there was silver content in U.S. coins. Previous to 1965 coins had a 90% silver content. Fiat money and the welfare state go hand in hand.
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The Portage Animal Protective League is having its own version of a Black Friday sale after Thanksgiving.
On Friday and Saturday, the Portage APL will discount prices on black cats up for adoption. Kitten, adult and senior cat adoption fees on black cats will only be $10 (for qualified adopters) at the Portage Animal Protective League in Shalersville. Regular fees are $50.
"Other businesses have huge sales on Black Friday and so many folks are out shopping. We thought, why not? Black cats are adopted less often than other colors and we have almost 20 that are great, great cats." said Bev Bickley, shelter manager.
"People may have off work for a few more days than usual and be able to spend that extra time with a new family member." The Portage APL is hoping to increase adoptions and find loving homes for as many cats as possible this holiday season.
Portage APL is a private, nonprofit organization and relies on individuals and businesses to make our community a safer place for thousands of animals who have no voice.
For more information, please call the Portage APL at 330-296-4022.

subset: commoncrawl


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Category: strategies
The free online games social network
Are you searching for free online games to play? Here you can choose among thousands, vote, comment and make friends :)
Bookmark site
Categories free online games
Don't play too much online games
Do you like to play online free games? If you're already here the answer is obvious. No doubt they are fun and relaxing, we know that, we also play :) But there are a lot of things you can do in your free time. Taka our advice and don't spend it all online. It would be great you if spend more time outside and play the games of the real world. Sport, make friends and have a good time!


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Fifteen girls from 13 local high schools are about to launch a project — yes, truly launch one.
These aspiring scientists have met weekly since September to design, engineer and program a space experiment. In March their payload will be catapulted from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center aboard a SpaceX rocket to rendezvous with the International Space Station.
The students are studying the effects of microgravity on the growth of crystals during their payload's one month in orbit. As it circles 250 miles above Earth, they'll conduct a control experiment here and compare the results.
They are part of a collaborative San Diego Science Alliance project, BE WiSE, to enhance education for women in science and engineering. They demonstrated their research at UC San Diego's California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2) Wednesday. NASA astronaut Yvonne Cagle was also there.
"I'm amazed at what you've done," said astrophysicist Larry Smarr, Calit2 director and a NASA Advisory Council member.
Aside from learning to program computers in a single month, one of the girls' greatest challenges was to create an experiment that occupies a space no larger than the inside of a toilet paper roll, the dimension of their nano lab aboard the space station.
Spaced out: At San Diego Air & Space Museum's 40th anniversary celebration Saturday of the Apollo 17 launch, event chairman Mark Larson had to corral Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan and other astronaut VIPs to start the post-dinner program. But Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, one of the two last astronauts to walk on the moon, had disappeared. When they found him, Schmitt was wearing 3D glasses. He had discovered the new 3D/4D Zable Theater and was prepared to watch "Jetpack Adventure."
Around town: Public access to Ocean Beach Pier was closed Saturday due to the high surf. But when lifeguards tried to unlock the metal gate to reopen the pier, they found its padlock had rusted shut. Not to worry. A pair of bolt cutters quickly did the trick… Stephanie Bergsma, associate general manager of KPBS, retires Monday after 30 years. She created the station's development office and led major funding drives that put KPBS in the media spotlight. "KPBS is literally the house that Stephanie built," said General Manager Tom Karlo.
'Stache for cash: A dozen county Board of Supervisor staffers – normally a button-down bunch – sprouted mustaches for Movember, the annual prostate cancer fundraiser. Along with other county workers, their hair-raising experiment brought in more than $4,500.


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Showing Suppliers 1 - 1 of 1
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Address: CoorsTek Hillsboro 555 N.E. 53rd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR
Business Type: Manufacturer, Service
Description: The International Partner of Choice for Engineered Technical Ceramics For over 100 years, industry leaders have turned to CoorsTek for solutions to the world's most perplexing engineering and manufacturing challenges. CoorsTek meets these challenges with... (more)


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Palmer and Gore exchange fond words
It was love before dinner for Clive Palmer and Al Gore.
The coal-mining billionaire and the climate change campaigner made an odd couple as they stood side by side in Canberra to announce Mr Palmer's party would help repeal the carbon tax - as long as it's replaced by a globally-linked emissions trading scheme.
Mr Palmer is no stranger to celebrity politics, but even he had stars in his eyes when he shared the podium with the former US vice-president.
America was a loser for not having elected Mr Gore to the top job, the Australian politician said.
Fortunately the rest of the world had benefited.
"It's not the position that makes a leader. It's his actions and examples which others can follow," Mr Palmer told reporters.
"Others that are maybe less capable, like me, can see the light shining out of the darkness."
Mr Gore was pleased about the discussions he'd had that led to the "extraordinary moment" of Mr Palmer's announcement.
The supporter of carbon pricing and global action on climate change was in Australia for a Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training Program in Melbourne.
Mr Palmer flew him up to Canberra on Wednesday for discussions, the press conference and dinner.
After outlining how other countries are moving on climate change, Mr Gore congratulated the Palmer United Party "on this outstanding statement".
With that, Mr Palmer announced they had to go to an "urgent dinner" and left before any questions could disturb the lovely atmosphere.
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Medical Nurses
- Recruiter
- Scottish Nursing Guild
- Location
- Aberdeen
- Salary
- £22.00 - £30.50
- Posted
- 20 Oct 2017
- Closes
- 17 Nov 2017
- Ref
- Nursing Field
- Accident and Emergency, Hospital, Private Healthcare
- Job Type
- Temporary
Job Requirements:
- Registered on the correct part of the NMC register for the assignment.
- Practice within the NMC Code of Professional Conduct.
- Practice within clinical competencies.
- Maintain knowledge of changes in practice.
- Awareness of CPD requirements.
- 6 months clinical experience in area of assignment.
- Current Moving and Handling and Basic Life support skills.
- Self motivated
- Must be able/willing to drive
- Possess effective organisational and time management skills.
- Have flexibility with shift patterns.
- A qualified driver with use of a car preferred.
Clinical duties and Principal Responsibilities:
- To respond appropriately to the Service Users needs with empathy ensuring privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times.
- Assist in the maintenance of environment cleanliness with consideration to current Health and Safety policies.
- To assist service user with mobility whilst promoting a safe environment for the service user and carer using aids as appropriate and promoting independence of service user.
- To be able to work as part of a team with the ability to use own initiative and make decisions based on knowledge and skills.
- Maintain good communication skills both written and verbal with service user and other members of the team.
- Reporting changes in wellbeing /condition to appropriate staff quickly and effectively
- Ensure good, sound clinical skills and safe practice at all times.
- Ensure all written documentation is legible and accurate.
- Able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care programmes.
- Competent in the administration of medication orally, IV and by use of Syringe pumps.
- Respond in an appropriate manner to emergency situations.
- Perform Basic Life Support when required.
- Assist in the care of the dying and undertake last-office procedures and provide support for the family and/or friends when required.
- To comply with the Agencies guidelines and policies (as stated in handbook) at all times.
- To perform such other duties as directed by the manager.
Agency duties and responsibilities:
- All duties must be performed in a professional manner.
- All nurses are required to carry out all responsibilities with regard to the agency's Equal Opportunities policy. Thornbury Nursing Services does not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of sex, marital status, race, ethnic origins, disability, age, class or religious beliefs.
- All nurses are required to respect the confidentiality of all matters they may learn in the course of their work.
- All nurses must ensure they are aware of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- All nurses are expected to respect the requirements under the Data Protection Act 1998.
- All nurses must respect the diversity of the service user and colleagues.
Special Notes:
This job description is not exhaustive and maybe subject to change as the role evolves.
If you would like to work with a long established and highly regarded agency, please visit www.scottish-nursing-guild.com and click 'APPLY TO REGISTER' to apply online.


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George Husack
|Previous College:
|San Diego State `91
|Head Coach
|Fifth Season
George Husack enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Santa Clara University men's tennis program after leading the Broncos to their best season in school history. In 2006-07, Husack's squad posted a program-best 20-8 record and earned the second seed at the West Coast Conference Championships, while spending 14 weeks in the national polls. Last season, the SCU men's tennis team achieved a number of notable firsts, as they defeated UC Irvine and Cal Poly on the road for the first time, while also beating a Pac-10 team on the road for the first time in school history. The team put together a nine-match winning streak, good for second in program history, while getting as high as No. 59 in the national rankings. Six players, Jan Macek, Bobby Rasmussen, Blane Shields, Brian Brogan, Robert Gallman and Jay Wong earned All-WCC honors for their play. Wong, a freshman, equaled the school record for wins in a season with 30. Seniors Macek and Rasmussen were All-WCC Second Team in singles and doubles, while Brogan and Shields picked up honorable mention recognition in both singles and doubles. Wong was second-team All-WCC in singles and honorable mention in doubles, and Gallman picked up honorable mention accolades in doubles. After seven seasons as an assistant coach, the San Mateo native became the program's fourth head coach in its 20-year history in July 2002. In November 2003, Husack assumed additional duties as the Director of the Bronco men's and women's tennis programs through the 2004 season. In 2005-06, Husack led the Broncos to a fourth-place finish in the WCC and an 8-3 record at home. Under Husack's tutelage, Jan Macek was named first-team All-WCC in his final season, while Brian Brogan and Tommy Hicks were honorable mention selections. In doubles Kevin McQuaid and Blane Shields earned All-WCC Second Team honors and Macek and Bobby Rasmussen were All-WCC Honorable Mention honorees. Academically, both Macek and Rasmussen earned spots on the WCC Spring All-Academic team. In his first season, Husack led his squad through one of its strongest schedules to date. The Broncos competed against 11 nationally-ranked opponents, defeating two: No. 70 Pacific and No. 71 Air Force. Husack also led the team to victories over NCAA Championship participant Sacramento State. "Santa Clara University is an incredible place," Husack said. "I've been given the opportunity to work with a tremendous group of dedicated student-athletes and coaches at a place that feels just like home. We've come a long way as a program and I'm very excited to accomplish new goals that lie ahead. I really can't ask for a better situation to experience and enjoy." Husack made his mark on the Bronco courts nine years ago as an assistant on former head coach Sean Burns' staff. His primary focus has been educating players on technical and strategic elements of winning college tennis and preparing them for the opportunity to further their playing careers on the professional tour. Aside from his on-court duties, Husack is also responsible for--and takes pride in--the Broncos' recruiting and fundraising efforts. "Whether a prospective Bronco or simply a tennis fan, I believe Santa Clara University has so much to offer and people need to know this fact," Husack explained. Husack manages the Silver Racquet Club, the program's booster club, and produces Netscoop, the program's bimonthly newsletter. He launched the Nike Tennis Camp in 1999 at the Santa Clara University Tennis Center and has co-directed the program since its inception. He also began USTA Team Tennis in 1998, a program that has enhanced awareness and demand for tennis among recreational players on campus. He also started the Bronco Pro-Am, an annual event that combines current players and SCU tennis supporters to raise funds for the program. Community service has been a signpost for the men's tennis program. Husack played an integral role in the implementation of the Santa Clara Pathways to Success Program on the Mission Campus in 2003. The SCPSP is an after-school program designed to expose low-income students to the college environment. The session included six weeks of tennis instruction and development, academic tutoring and personal mentoring for the Peter Burnett Academy, a local middle school. Prior to Santa Clara, Husack competed on the International Tennis Federation's Satellite Tour for three years, making tournament stops in Mexico, Germany and Japan, as well as in the United States. In 1996 and '97, he played No. 1 singles and doubles for Tus-Breitscheid of the German Club Tennis League, leading the team to a division championship in 1997. The Bay Area native played No. 1 singles and doubles at Canada College in 1988 before continuing his career at San Diego State through 1991. After receiving his bachelor's degree in finance, Husack earned his MBA in marketing from the University of San Francisco in 1995. Husack also served as the athletic department's director of marketing and corporate partnerships in 2001 and '02. He was appointed to the position following two seasons as the manager of athletic marketing and promotions. Husack and the External Services unit were honored by the University in 2002 for outstanding work in marketing and promotions, community outreach and media relations. Husack served on the SCU Staff Assembly Council in 1999 and 2000 and was awarded the Staff Advisor of the Year in 2001 for leading the efforts of the Ruff Riders, the official student booster club of Santa Clara University Athletics. The group now boasts more than 2,400 members and has become the largest student organization on campus. Husack married Kristina Bass on November 3, 2006 and the couple lives in Los Gatos, Calif.


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College students love receiving mail. Sending your college student a care package is one of the best ways to let your child know that you are thinking of him. Here are some item ideas to make a care package that your college student will love.
Healthy snacks. Your college student will endure many late night study sessions, so he will need healthy snacks to keep him alert. Snacks like energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, instant soups, etc. will satisfy those late night cravings and keep your college student healthy at the same time. Just don't send anything that will perish within a few days.
Fitness items. Including fitness items in your care package will hopefully ensure that your child will stay fit and avoid the freshman 15. Throw in a Frisbee, a jump rope, a football, workout clothes, etc. These items will inspire your college student to get active.
Personal hygiene items. If your college student is like most, he is living on a budget. Help him out by sending items that he uses on a daily basis. Include toothpaste, dental floss, body wash, disposable razors, lotion, toilet paper, etc. in the care package. At The Honest Company, you can save up to 35% on personal hygiene items when you choose a bundle subscription.
Laundry supplies. Keep your college student smelling fresh by sending needed laundry supplies. Toss in packages of laundry detergent and fabric softener. Be sure to include rolls of quarters for laundry money.
Prepaid cell phones and phone cards. Phone cards will allow your college student to call home more frequently and to keep in close contact with family and friends without having to sign a long term contract. If your student likes to call home a lot, be sure to get a plan with plenty of time on it. Amazon.com offers a variety of phones and plan options from which to choose.
Coupons/gift certificates. To help your college student save money, send him coupons. Coupons for take-out food are always a good idea. If you see any coupons for items that you know your child uses, include them in the care package. You may also want to send food or entertainment gifts, such as Fandango Bucks gift certificates. Gift cards for movies, restaurants, malls, etc. are ideal for college students.
Pictures. Your college student will love receiving framed pictures from home. Include pictures of family, friends, family pets, or anything that will bring a smile to your child's face.
Personal letters. Don't forget to include a letter to your child. Talk about recent family happenings, local events, local news, etc. Keep in mind that a handwritten letter is always more personal.
Pre-made gift basket. Gathering items for a care package can be a lot of work. For an easier care package, send a pre-made gift basket for college students. Check out sites like gourmetgiftbaskets.com.
Before you send your box of goodies, make sure you know the correct mailing address. The box should be securely packaged, and you may even want to write "fragile" on the box to ensure it arrives to your college student in good condition.
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Capresso 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker Giveaway
I recently received this Capresso 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker (SG120) and it's Capresso's newest addition to their line of coffee makers.
It's a compact and stylish machine that is perfect for any coffee lover, including college students heading back to school where space is at a premium, or for those who enjoy entertaining or hosting brunches where brewing 12 cups for a crowd and sipping on plenty of java is essential.
Brewing a great cup of coffee is a science. The amount of time the water is in contact with the coffee grounds directly relates to the final taste of the brew.
All Capresso coffee makers brew coffee in less than one minute per cup which means coffee will never be over-extracted or bitter.
Features and Benefits
- Brews 12 cups of coffee in under 10 minutes for maximum flavor and aroma
- Full stainless steel wrapped housing provides superior strength and style
- Glass carafe with ergonomic handle has brew through lid and drip-free pouring spout
- Permanent GoldTone filter is easy to use and easy to clean
- 24-hour programmable clock/timer with easy to read blue back lit LCD display
- Special Aroma setting slows down the brewing process to maximize flavor when brewing a full pot and to ensure the best taste when brewing a few cups at a time
- Multiple nozzles spray water evenly onto ground coffee ensuring full saturation of grounds and maximum brewing quality
- Easy to fill internal water level indicator displays 2 to 12 cup markings
- Drip stop allows you to pour a cup while brewing
- Coated non-stick warming plate
- Two hour safety shut off
This machine is solidly built, makes great coffee, and I'll be brewing with it for years to come.
I've never met a cup of coffee or specialty coffee drink I didn't like:
Vanilla Iced Coffee – So easy and I've never understood why people make a bigger deal out of it than it really is.
Iced Coffee-Making Tips: Save your leftover coffee; put in a pitcher or jar in the refrigerator, and pour over ice the next day; add cream and sugar or fix it how you enjoy it.
Also, pour leftover coffee into ice cube trays and freeze to create coffee ice cubes, and use those rather than traditional ice cubes to prevent iced coffee from getting watered down.
Coffee Reviews – Compilation Post (big)
As you can tell, I'm well-caffeinated and one lucky reader will be, too.
Would you like to brew at home with this stainless-steel lined beauty?
One lucky reader will win one Capresso 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker (SG120)
Comment below to enter the giveaway.
1. Describe your perfect cup of coffee. (Be specific with your favorite brand of coffee; hot, iced, with cream, sugar, how you like to fix it)
What's your favorite specialty coffee drink to order from a coffee shop or to make at home? (Be specific and recipe links welcome)
2. For a second entry, Twitter Follow @AverieCooks and and then tweet the following:
Win a Capresso 12-Cup Stainless Steel Coffee Maker in the @AverieCooks @CapressoTweets Giveaway http://tiny.cc/kcuejw
3. For extra entries and you must leave a separate comment for each (please don't do these 'just' for the giveaway and then unsubscribe or unfollow immediately):
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Contest ends Sunday, August 26, 2012 and winner will be chosen randomly. Open to continental U.S. residents only. In full disclosure, I was given the Capresso machine shown here but am not being paid to post a review or host the giveaway. My thoughts, opinions, and review are 100% my own.


text:
Check BNN and Bulbanews for up-to-date Pokémon news and discuss it on the forums or in the Bulbagarden Discord server.
| Wheel of Frontier
First broadcast
English themes
Japanese themes
Wheel of Frontier (Japanese: バトルアリーナ! 格闘対決!! Battle Arena! Fighting Showdown!!) is the 149th episode of the Advanced Generation series, and the 423rd episode of the Pokémon anime. It was first broadcast in Japan on October 27, 2005 and in the United States on September 16, 2006.
|Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
Ash is about to reach the Battle Arena, but Team Rocket has gotten there ahead of him! They're pretending to be students of Greta, the Arena Tycoon, but the curriculum is a little too tough for them. Will this trick really let them get their hands on Ash's Pikachu? Meanwhile, Ash runs into Scott, who tells him that Greta prefers Fighting-type Pokémon. This gives Ash an idea...
Scott and Ash show up at the Battle Arena, where Greta has Ash spin a wheel to determine how many Pokémon they'll battle with. Ash spins a two, so Greta's Hariyama and Medicham will face off against Ash's Grovyle and Snorlax, who Ash brought back just for this battle. Grovyle is fast, but Hariyama uses its speed against it and Grovyle is soon knocked out. Ash sends out Snorlax and uses a defensive strategy to defeat Hariyama, whose powerful punches aren't as damaging to the big Pokémon. Greta's Medicham could be a different story, though!
Team Rocket is accidentally revealed during the Pokémon battle, but Pikachu zaps them before they can do anything. Then it's right back to the battle, where Medicham's attacks are proving to be pretty dangerous to Snorlax. After some close calls, Ash hits on a novel idea: have Snorlax use Hyper Beam to propel itself into the air and land on Medicham! This wins Ash the battle—and a shiny new Frontier Symbol! Greta tells Ash that the next stop on the Battle Frontier is the Battle Dome, and he's soon on his way!
Ash is in a Pokémon Center getting psyched for his Battle Arena match when Scott calls to him from across the room. They talk for a few seconds, and Ash vows to get his next Frontier Symbol.
At the Battle Arena, dozens of men are being trained in karate-style moves by Greta. Team Rocket is also being trained with the group. They are fatigued from doing so many arm thrusts. An assistant yells at them because they stopped moving. For the next exercise, the group has to crouch with cups balanced on their heads and shoulders. Team Rocket falls over and break their cups.
Meanwhile, Scott explains to Ash group about Greta and two of her Pokémon, Medicham and Hariyama. He points out the similarity to two Fighting-type Gym Leaders, Brawly and Chuck. The group exits the Pokémon Center, but Ash stops and contemplates Greta's Pokémon. Suddenly, he runs back into the Pokémon Center without any explanation.
Later, the group reaches the Battle Arena, and Ash yells "Hello." This doesn't work, so Scott goes up and shouts "We wish to have a battle". The giant doors open, and Greta and the people she was training (minus Team Rocket) emerge. Ash introduces himself and he and Greta get excited about the challenge. Suddenly, a giant roulette emerges from the ground that is meant to determine how many Pokémon will take part in the battle. Ash pulls the roulette lever, and the spinner lands on two.
Meanwhile, Jessie and Meowth look down at the group while James cleans the floor. Mime Jr. jumps over and imitates him, rubbing the floor. James tells Mime Jr. how cute it is.
A gong rings, and Ash and Greta prepare for their battle. The training group sits along the sidelines of the field, watching. Team Rocket pokes up behind them. Greta sends out Medicham and Hariyama, and Ash sends out Grovyle and Snorlax, who he retrieved from Professor Oak. May and Max are surprised to see that Ash has a Snorlax. Scott observes that Ash picked odd types of Pokémon to use against Fighting types.
Grovyle and Hariyama fight first. Grovyle sends out Bullet Seed, and Hariyama blocks. Hariyama charges at Grovyle, but Grovyle jumps into the air and shoots another Bullet Seed. Hariyama dodges and grabs Grovyle's leg to throw it on the ground before shoving it through the air, making it land on its back. Ash tells Grovyle to use Quick Attack and Hariyama goes to dodge, and Grovyle uses Leaf Blade twice. The first time knocks Hariyama back, but then Hariyama responds with a Focus Punch that sends Grovyle flying back before it can attack. It hits the ceiling, falls to the ground, and faints. Brock and Scott remark that even Grovyle's speed wasn't enough to defeat the strong Hariyama.
Before Hariyama and Snorlax fight, everyone discusses Snorlax's odds of winning against a Fighting-type. Hariyama begins fighting but Snorlax Protects itself and is eventually pushed back to the end of the field, apparently uninjured. Hariyama attacks again, but Snorlax dodges and hits Hariyama with a Headbutt, which pushes Hariyama back. Hariyama uses Focus Punch again, but Snorlax uses Protect again; however, it fails, and Snorlax falls back on its stomach. Greta orders Hariyama to use another Focus Punch, but Snorlax jumps up to dodge, and Hariyama's fist hits the ground, injuring it. Ash tells Snorlax to use Ice Punch, which freezes Hariyama, defeating it.
Medicham jumps into play and shows off. Meanwhile, Meowth has a plan...
Greta tells Medicham to use Focus Punch, and Snorlax Protects itself again, but it doesn't work so well and it falls back after the punch and a kick. Greta orders another Focus Punch, and Ash orders Hyper Beam. It misses, and Snorlax, hit, flies into the crowd of trainees. Team Rocket's disguises fall off, and they perform their motto. They jump to grab Ash's Pikachu, but he Thunderbolts them into the sky.
The match continues, and Ash tells Snorlax to use Ice Punch while Medicham is told to do the same thing. Snorlax is hit and freezes, making it immobile. Ash suddenly remembers something and tells Snorlax to use Rest. It falls asleep, and Greta orders more Focus Punches to reach it through the ice. The ice breaks away, and just as Medicham is about to strike, Snorlax wakes up and dodges. Ash orders another Hyper Beam, which Medicham dodges. It uses Ice Punch again and hits. Another Hyper Beam is ordered, but Snorlax can't do it. Greta orders more Focus Punches, which hit Snorlax repeatedly. However, it charges its Hyper Beam, and just as Medicham is about to finish it off, Ash tells Snorlax to direct the Hyper Beam to the ground blasting it up near the ceiling, where it rocks down to crush Medicham with Body Slam. Medicham faints. Ash is declared the winner, and Ash and Snorlax hug excitedly.
Outside the Battle Arena, Greta awards Ash the Guts Symbol. Scott tells Ash that the next facility is the Battle Dome. The group walks off toward it...
Major events
- Ash temporarily returns his Snorlax back to his team from Professor Oak's Laboratory.
- Ash and his friends arrive at the Battle Arena and meet Arena Tycoon Greta, the second Frontier Brain.
- Ash's Snorlax is revealed to have learned Protect and Rest.
- Ash defeats Greta, earning the Guts Symbol.
- Ash learns the next Battle Frontier facility is the Battle Dome, located south of Lavender Town.
- For a list of all major events in the anime, please see the timeline of events.
Pokémon debuts
- Ash
- May
- Brock
- Max
- Jessie
- James
- Scott
- Chuck (flashback)
- Brawly (flashback)
- Greta
- Nurse Joy
- Referee
- Trainees
- Pikachu (Ash's)
- Meowth (Team Rocket)
- Wobbuffet (Jessie's)
- Mime Jr. (James's)
- Snorlax (Ash's)
- Grovyle (Ash's)
- Hariyama (Greta's)
- Medicham (Greta's)
- The opening animation is updated to include Brock's Marshtomp. Greta, however, remains a silhouette.
- Battle Frontier was played during Greta and Ash's battle in the Japanese version.
- Normally, Ash says the episode title. In this episode, Ash and his friends all say the title together. This is because they were trying to imitate the opening of the popular game show Wheel of Fortune, which includes the entire crowd saying it.
- This is the first time in the anime that a Pokémon had to recharge after using Hyper Beam, like in the games.
- This episode was originally believed to be titled "Wheel of... Fortune". This turned out to be incorrect, though the actual dub title remains a play on Wheel of Fortune.
- Greta actually knows who Team Rocket are and what they do.
- In respect to dojo tradition, no footwear is permitted in the Battle Arena. As a result, everyone is barefoot throughout the entire match, including Ash and Greta.
- In the English dub, as Team Rocket blasts off, Meowth says, "Who's dumber, the dummy or the one who listened to the dummy?" This is possibly a reference to the 1977 film Star Wars, in which Ben Kenobi famously asks, "Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
- The Battle Arena has a resemblance to the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, China.
- Ash's Snorlax uses Rest while it is frozen. This would be impossible in the games, as Pokémon cannot use any moves while frozen.
- Although Ash tells Snorlax to use Protect, the move animation is similar to that of Harden.
- During Ash's battle with Greta, Greta tells her Medicham to "use dodge", as if it was an attack. In reality, dodging is a battle tactic used in the anime to avoid attacks.
- In a lot of the scenes during Ash's battle with Greta, Snorlax's feet are the same color as its body.
- Inside the Battle Arena, everyone is barefoot. However, May is shown wearing socks in one frame when she should be barefoot.
- Scott mispronounces Cianwood City while telling Ash about Greta.
Dub edits
In other languages
|Mandarin Chinese
|Lykken smiler til den frejdige
|Het Zonnewiel
|European French
|Deuxième Embleme!
|Kleider machen KEINE Leute
|גלגל החזית
|दूसरा फ्रंटियर सिंबल! Dusra Frontier Symbol!*
|La ruota del Parco
|배틀 아레나! 격투 대결!!
|Hjulspinn på Frontier!
|Roda da Fronteira
|O Símbolo da Coragem
|Колесо рубежа
|Latin America
|¡La rueda de la Frontera!
|La rueda de la fortuna
|Det andra slaget!
|This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.
- Advanced Generation series episodes
- Episodes written by Masashi Sogo
- Episodes storyboarded and directed by Jōji Shimura
- Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura
- Episodes directed by Jōji Shimura
- Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura
- Episodes focusing on Ash
- Episodes with Frontier Brain challenges
- Episodes in which Ash receives a Frontier Symbol


text:
Many small businesses have lost search rankings, traffic and income in the weeks since Google's latest algorithmic update, known as Penguin, was launched. A Wall Street Journal article on Google's Penguin update highlighted some of the damage, as well as a couple beneficiaries of the update.
Unfortunately, it seems the small business owners featured in the piece don't truly understand why their search rankings fell. It's sad to these hard-working folks hurting, but unfortunately simply existing on the web doesn't guarantee your site will appear in a prominent position in Google's organic search results.
A post earlier this week, "SEO, Why You Are Doing it Wrong," attempted to educate SMB owners about search engine optimization and Google rankings by examining one business who engaged in spammy tactics and was impacted by Penguin.
The solution isn't removing bad links, as the small business owners featured in the WSJ think. Removing links isn't a long-term solution and won't necessarily restore search rankings.
As we covered in "How to Get Rid of Unwanted Backlinks", this is a lengthy process, and one which ultimately may prove fruitless. Even if these small businesses remove any or all of these unwanted links, they still need to add quality links from other authority sites or sites within the same niche, rather than relying on links from completely unrelated sites, comments, or low-value links.
But the bigger issue: if you want to rank well on Google, you need to create a better website experience than your competitors. Taking a quick look at these hurting websites offers some clues.
Google Goes to the Dogs
The co-owner of Oh My Dog Supplies LLC is the first one featured in the WSJ piece. Sadly, he's reported that his business is "crippled" after the site lost 96 percent of its traffic from Google, and his sales dropped from $68,000 in March to $25,000 April. That's hardly an insignificant drop.
However, he was also relying on Google to send him 70 percent of his customers, mainly through searches for "dog beds" or "dog clothes." As we've stated here on Search Engine Watch numerous times since Penguin launched, relying on Google for 70 percent of your livelihood is a doomed business model. Be grateful Google sent you all that traffic and business while it lasted, but you can't count on it forever.
His theories on why his traffic tanked: he bought hundreds of links after another Google algorithm update in 2011 (Panda perhaps?). Or, perhaps, it was articles he wrote for EzineArticles.com and Squidoo.com, which contained links to Oh My Dog Supplies?
So was his site "punished" for that? No. It wasn't. It wasn't punished or penalized. Penguin wasn't a penalty, it was an algorithmic update. To understand the difference, read "Google Penalty or Algorithm Change: Dealing With Lost Traffic".
What really happened in April is that Google changed the way it evaluates backlink profiles of websites. As we noted in "Google Penguin Update: Impact of Anchor Text Diversity & Link Relevancy", "Google Penguin & Unnatural Links: How to Protect Your Site Moving Forward", and "Insights From the Recent Penguin & Panda Updates", sites with an unhealthy mix of links that appear unnatural (65 percent or higher), complete with anchor text that aims to help the recipient rank for certain optimized keywords, aren't a shortcut to Page 1 of Google. Simply, Google has changed how it ranks sites.
EzineArticles and Squidoo are neither the way to the top of Google nor the cause for a punishment. It is one link – and another possible avenue for customers to find his site. How much value it carries, only Google knows exactly, but links from sites with a similar topic focus (in the same niche) would be far more helpful to establishing the site as an authority.
A quick look at the links coming in (via Blekko's SEO tools area) reveals they have 13,449 links from 1,224 domains. What is likely screaming "spam" to Google is a closer look at where these links are coming from: unrelated sites, comments, and more than 7,000 are coming from one domain.
As for his claim of buying "hundreds" of links, that seems to be quite an understatement.
Ahrefs reveals that 124 domains are responsible for sending 10,321 links with "dog beds" as the anchor text; 36 domains are sending 10,014 links with "dog feeders" as anchor text; 30 domains are sending 10,011 links with "dog toys" as anchor text; 28 domains are sending 9,989 links with "car seat covers" as anchor text; 22 domains account for 9,978 links with "dog collars" as anchor text; and 21 domains send 9,991 links with "dog gates" as anchor text. If you're Google, it isn't hard to spot these unnatural linking patterns.
Also, another big factor is simply that this site is facing tough competition for pet keywords. The competitors appearing on Page 1 on Google now for "dog beds" or "dog clothes" all appear to have stronger backlink profiles from authoritative domains.
In Google's Penalty Box?
The WSJ article also featured Google Penguin update victim The Internet Hockey Database. The site, which had 50,000 daily visitors, is down 30 percent post-Penguin. The owner said he hasn't done paid links or keyword stuffing, and thinks it could be that Google suddenly doesn't like a few of the thousands of sites linking to him.
It is possible Google has discounted some links, or some links have vanished, but another factor at play becomes obvious when looking at the competition. Just looking at Page 1 of Google reveals there is some stiff competition from the NHL, Wikipedia, Yahoo, ESPN, and other strong authoritative domains, some of which offer the exact same content The Internet Hockey Database is trying to rank for. Again, it may not seem fair, but a Page 1 ranking isn't a given right.
For example, The Internet Hockey Database's page on Evander Kane, which is called out as an example in the WSJ piece, honestly offers nothing unique when compared to other stronger domains. Other sites offer more detailed stats, news, images, videos, and other info, such as what ESPN offers.
Also, while I was surfing around the site, I got a warning that the site shows content from "potentially dangerous or suspicious sites". Not sure what that's all about, but perhaps this is something they should have a look at.
The website owner might want to consider adding some content to the homepage, as right now it's a bunch of links surrounded by advertising blocks (which seems like it could be a Panda "thin" content issue, rather than spammy Penguin issue).
Google Forgets the Lyrics
Also suffering is SongLyrics.com. First issue: the owner says that the site depends on Google traffic to generate advertising income (and traffic is down 20 percent). Google isn't promoting these types of sites in its SERPs anymore. Again, diversify, diversify, diversify.
This Penguin victim feels he is being "punished" and hopes removing unwanted links will restore his rankings. They won't, unless he is able to improve his website and add enough links and good signals to help his site outrank all the hundreds of other lyric websites competing for Page 1. As a song lyric by AC/DC says, it's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock 'n' roll).
How many links does he have to remove? Is it those 172,115 with "lyrics" as anchor text from 278 domains, according to ahrefs? Or the 312,036 pointing at his site from 112 domains. There is a very suspicious ratio of domains to links here, but someone needs to do a much deeper dive into the link profile to see which of these appear to be legit links.
In the meantime, perhaps they too should consider doing something more useful with their home page, which at this point is a bunch of links to other pages, advertising, and no actual content. Same problem the hockey site had, so perhaps Panda also demoted this site a bit.
Stained Glass Shop's Dreams Shattered by Google
The owner of A Glass Menagerie saw her traffic drop and customer inquiries and orders dry up for her stained glass and other products after Penguin.
The site was launched in 1996, and looks like it. Animated GIFs, a dated color scheme, duplicated navigation (as images at left, as text at the bottom of the page), badly written meta descriptions, non-optimized title tags, product images that you can't click on for more details or to go to a product page, badly named image files, broken internal links… there is plenty that needs to be looked at and improved.
Another big problem: links to the A Glass Menagerie site are almost non-existent. Nine links, according to ahrefs.
Rather than worrying about removing what few links she has, she should find someone who understands computers to modernize and redesign her website to provide a better user experience. Then she can focus on building links and a true web presence.
Bottom Line
If you're a small business owner who is relying on Google for a living, it's now much harder to avoid shortcuts. You need to spend the time to understand what Google wants and, just as important, what your customers/visitors want.
What does Google want? Try checking out the recently opened Webmaster Academy to learn how to create (or repair) a website that will potentially thrive on Google – but again, don't just rely on Google as your only marketing outlet.
Without a doubt, it's hard to keep up to date with the various changes Google rolls out yearly. But considering the thousands of dollars at stake, you need to invest your time (or hire someone to do the job for you) to minimize the chances of eventually losing your rankings and traffic due to a future Google update.
Removing links isn't a magical cure. Providing a useful website that keeps customers coming back is ultimately what Google tries to reward. Most of all, your site and business needs to be better than your competition.
Related reading
How to lead SEO teams and track its performance effectively: Experts' tips
Leading an SEO team is not an easy task. Nine industry experts share how to effectively guide your SEO team and assess their performance.
SEO is a team sport: How brands and agencies organize work
I interviewed 31 people, from Content Specialists to SEO Directors, and CEOs to ask them about how teamwork and workflow affect SEO operations and success.
Seven SEO tips for image link building to generate more traffic
Your images, infographics, and memes, too, can be used for link building to turn your page into a link magnet. Image link building tips with examples.
The Transformation of Search Summit 2019: Speakers, agenda, FAQ
The Transformation of Search Summit 2019 will take place in New York on Oct. 25. Speakers include experts from Disney, Pinterest, Mastercard, and Microsoft.


text:
Become a member of ICOM is being part of an active network made up of 30,000 museums and museum professionals.
By joining ICOM you will integrate the world museum community and take part in the debates, the scientific exchanges and in the reflection about the museum future.
Ethics and museum professionals' exemplary practices are essential for ICOM.
ICOM Code of Ethics for museums was adopted in 1986 and revised in 2004. It establishes the values and principles shared by ICOM and the international museum community. It is a reference tool translated to 36 languages and it sets minimum standards of professional practice and performance for museums and their staff.
By joining ICOM, each member commits to respect this code.
The definition of a museum has evolved, in line with developments in society. Since its creation in 1946, ICOM updates this definition in accordance with the realities of the global museum community.
According to the ICOM Statutes, adopted during the 21st General Conference in Vienna, Austria, in 2007:
A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.
This definition is a reference in the international community.


text:
One says to the other "why are you so fat". And the other says "don't be so hippo-critical." Someone told me this joke, and I wrote it down to tell my kids. And now it's been sitting in my inbox, distracting me from work, for months. It's important to have a place to stick thoughts, ideas, and […]
Tag Archives: mental distractions
Two hippos are sitting in a bath …
September 13, 2013
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text: Why Particulates Concern You There are several things you can do to improve the air in your home that are more general. For example, if you have a basic air filter or a media air cleaner, you should consistently be cleaning them. Airborne particulates can be solid or liquid, and are a mix of many things, including organic and inorganic allergens, pollutants, biological contaminants and chemicals, carbon, sulfates, nitrates, metals, acids and other compounds. Your respiratory system is starting to feel more like a mad scientist's lab, doesn't it? Many of these organic particulates thrive in the air in your home, leading to allergic reactions, aggravated asthma, and many other health issues. In fact, recent studies confirm that indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air quality—by up to five times! Treat particulates in your indoor air seriously. Be particular. There are some valuable Air Filtration Systems available from Freschi Service Experts — from basic air cleaners to media air cleaners — that can remove even the smallest particulates from your air supply. Get rid of those particulates and call Freschi Service Experts in Concord at 925-384-1303 to see how your home can obtain the highest air quality possible.


text:
This is the place for the MGF community to share photos of your guys, your families or life\'s little moments.
Use this control to limit the display of threads to those newer than the specified time frame.
Allows you to choose the data by which the thread list will be sorted.
Order threads in...
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Forum Rules


text:
Pot farmers have 'right to farm,' officials say
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon law that protects the customary farming practices of producers of grains, vegetables, fruits and livestock makes it hard to pass nuisance laws against marijuana grows, Jackson County officials say.
The southern Oregon county officials have been fielding complaints about traffic and noise from marijuana gardens and about the skunky smell of maturing pot plants.
The commissioners are considering the impact of new state legislation on medical marijuana dispensaries, which could increase the number of grow sites, the Medford Mail Tribune (http://bit.ly/1qaLkwW) reports.
Any attempt to impose restrictions on pot farming would also affect other kinds of crops and collide with Oregon's strong "right-to-farm" law, county Administrator Danny Jordan said.
Onion farmers, for example, have a pungent crop come harvest time. Regulations about lights could affect wheat farmers working their fields after sundown.
"Anyone who decides to do it will be in pretty drawn-out litigation," Jordan said.
The right-to-farm legislation is designed to protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits, especially those from people who move into the countryside and object to the smells, dust and sounds of farming. The terms of such laws vary from state to state, but they are widespread.
Some residents are concerned that marijuana grow sites will devalue their property, Commissioner Doug Breidenthal said. "At what point do we say we have to do something?" he asked.
The Oregon Legislature has approved regulations aimed at putting medical marijuana dispensaries on a legal footing after years in which they operated in a legal gray area.
Many cities and counties objected, and lawmakers allowed local jurisdictions to impose moratoriums of up to a year. Many have done so, including Jackson County.
Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/
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text:
anyone interested in running 27 super cool miles in the north cascades national park on sunday? we're looking for 1-3 more people to join us. the plan is to meet at the ross lake/dam trailhead (milepost 134 hwy 20) at 7:45am to catch the boat to the start of the run at devils junction and then go up to devils dome and run to devils pass then south on jackita ridge and finish at the canyon creek trhd.(greentrails maps: ross lake #16, jack mtn #17, and mt logan #49)
i'm guessing it'll take about an hour to get to devils junction by boat(you could also add 16 miles to the run and run the ross lake trail to that same point and meet us there instead). the boat costs $85 for 1-6 people so the more people we get the cheaper it'll be right now we've got 3 people so one more person would make it $22 per person, 2 more people $17 per person, or 3 more would be $14 per person.
assuming we start running no later than 930am we'd have atleast 9hours before dark to do the 27 miles. we'll start with a 4500ft climb in about 6-7 miles but after that all the major climbing will be done and we'll be running at 6000-7000ft for most of the trip until making a big drop back down to the hwy. i'm guessing the run will take 6-7 hours.
the night before we'll leave a car at the far trailhead to shuttle us all back to the start trailhead. there are possibly only 3 or 4 water sources(creeks and springs) along the route so come prepared to carry extra water. and it's forecated to be cold--a high of 36 degress at 7000ft-- but mostly sunny. the larches should be amazing just as they were last weekend in the chelan sawtooths and okanogan highlands. oh and it's hunting season so wear bright colors!
let me know asap if you're interested! or if you have questions...


text:
Battleborn looks fun but flawed.
It's often said there are not enough first person shooter games available nowadays... well that's never been said, ever, but here comes another one.
If you feel like there is an animated, chaotic, colourful, multiplayer online battle arena first person shooter game missing from your life then you're in luck.
That's because Battleborn launches on May 3 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
I'm being slightly unfair, Battleborn looks very interesting and will be the first intellectual property created by Gearbox Software since Borderlands in 2009, which was a genuine hit.
Labelled a "hero shooter", the game will feature said multiplayer online battle arena elements and is set in a space fantasy world.
The backdrop to the story is that every species fled to a star known as Solus after a disastrous event destroyed most other planets and stars in the universe - sounds suspiciously like Star Wars doesn't it?
These species are divided into different factions upon their arrivals, and eventually they united and cooperate with each other by sending out the best fighters, who are labelled as battleborn, to fight against Varelsi, the origin of the catastrophe.
The graphics look great and a lot of fun. As mentioned it is comfortably the most colourful shooter I've ever seen (Splatoon aside).
But MOBA games are often third-person perspective for good reason.
It seems the mini-map may be a gamers' best friend in Battleborn given Gearbox Interactive's decision to make this a first rather than third-person shooter thus narrowing your field of vision in a chaotic landscape.
The open beta, which kicked off on April 8, confirmed those fears and it remains to be seen whether the game will have a long-term appeal as a result.


text:
Hello chaps.
Is there anyone going to the Collectormania Birmingham con on June 2nd that would be willing to help me out?
I'm looking to get Jim Dowdall and Jack McKenzie sign my Empire poster, but can't make it. Obviously I'd cover all costs and send a drink your way.


text:
Plans for a Maple Hill rock mine are rolling forward.
Plans for a Maple Hill rock mine are rolling forward.
The Onslow County Adjustment Board decided this week to hear later this month plans for a 1,800-acre limestone quarry off N.C. 50.
Martin Marietta Materials convinced the board Tuesday that the company should be allowed to present its second proposal to the board. The first time around in December 2010, the board rejected a special-use permit request by Martin Marietta to dig a similar mine at the same location.
Residents objecting to the measure complained that the company has simply reworded the failed proposal.
Company representatives said the second plan calls for increased buffer zones between the proposed mine and area hog farms. New plans call for 125 feet of space between the quarry and pig lagoons. The original plan suggested 60 feet.
State and local environmental groups said the mine would pose a danger to indigenous plants and animals including the Venus fly trap and red-cockaded woodpecker.
The matter is set to be heard by the board Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. in the Onslow County Superior Courtroom on Old Bridge Street in downtown Jacksonville.
Contact Daily News Senior Reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8455 or email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter and friend him on Facebook @ 1lindell.


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San Francisco Neighborhoods • Tenderloin
Tenderloin Pictures
The Tenderloin is a dense residential, retail and nightlife neighborhood in downtown San Francisco. While it may have a rich history and a diverse and artistic community, there is significant poverty, homelessness, prostitution, and crime. It is known for its immigrant populations, ethnic restaurants, bars and clubs, alternative arts scene, large homeless population, public transit and close proximity to Union Square, the Financial District(pics), and Civic Center(pics). The Tenderloin is a historic place full of preserved hotels from the early 20th century, some of which have been renovated into boutique tourist hotels and others into supportive housing. With some of San Francisco's most prestigious real estate only a few blocks to the north, the nearby office towers of the Financial District and the upscale retailers and hoteliers of Union Square located immediately to the east, the Tenderloin often surprises tourists to the city.
How to get to Tenderloin Neighborhood
Powell Station.
Last edited by Parent on Sun Jun 01, 2008 12:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Neighborhoods Nearby Tenderloin - Pictures by Parent
Nob Hill Neighborhood by Parent. Nob Hill is an affluent district, home to many of the city's old money families. Sometimes it is sarcastically referred to as Snob Hill (in fact, "nob" was a 19th century slang term synonymous with "snob")... Distance from Tenderloin: 0.7km NW, 21 pictures.
Chinatown Neighborhood by Parent. San Francisco's Chinatown is one of North America's largest Chinatowns. It is also the oldest Chinatown in the United States. Established in the 1850s, it has featured significantly in popular culture venues such as film, music,.. Distance from Tenderloin: 0.7km N, 17 pictures.
Civic Center Neighborhood by Parent. San Francisco's Civic Center is an area of a few blocks north of the intersection of Market Street and Van Ness Avenue that contains many of the city's largest government and cultural institutions. It has two large plazas (Civic.. Distance from Tenderloin: 1km SWW, 20 pictures.
Financial District Neighborhood by Parent. The Financial District is marked by the cluster of high-rise towers that lies between Grant Avenue east of the Union Square shopping district, Sacramento Street and Columbus Street, south of Chinatown and North Beach, and the.. Distance from Tenderloin: 1.3km NE, 12 pictures.
Fisherman`s Wharf Neighborhood by Parent. Fisherman's Wharf is a neighborhood and popular tourist attraction in San Francisco, California, U.S. It roughly encompasses the northern waterfront area of San Francisco from Ghirardelli Square or Van Ness Street east to Pier.. Distance from Tenderloin: 2.2km N, 29 pictures.
Marina District Neighborhood by Parent. The Marina District is one of the northern districts of San Francisco, California. The area is bounded to the east by Van Ness Ave, on the west by Lyon Street and the Presidio, on the south by Lombard St. The neighborhood sits.. Distance from Tenderloin: 3.5km NWW, 28 pictures.
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Find the perfect mode for your moment
The camera modes built directly into your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch help you take the ideal photo or video. Swipe left or right on the camera screen to use the different modes. You can choose from photo, square, pano, video, time-lapse, and slo-mo. And on your iPhone 7 Plus and later, photos look better than ever thanks to the depth-of-field effect in Portrait mode.
Before you start, make sure that you have the latest version of iOS so you can access the Camera app features.
Photo is the standard mode that you'll see when you open the Camera app. You use this to take still photos. On your iPhone 6s and later, you can take Live Photos, which come alive when you touch them.
Your camera automatically focuses the image and adjusts the exposure based on what you're pointing it towards. That way, you always start with a brightly lit photo.
You can change the camera focus and exposure to a specific area. Before you take the photo, tap the place on the screen that you want to adjust. If you want to keep the focus and exposure in the same spot, press and hold on the screen until you see AE/AF Lock.
On iPhone 7 Plus and later, Portrait mode uses dual cameras to create a depth-of-field effect. This composes a photo that keeps your subject sharp with a blurred background. If you have iPhone X or later, you can also take a selfie in Portrait mode with the front-facing TrueDepth camera.
Open the Camera app and swipe to Portrait mode. Move farther away from your subject if the app suggests it. When the Depth Effect box turns yellow, take the picture.
With iPhone 8 Plus and later, you can make your Portrait mode images even more captivating with studio-quality lighting effects. After you take your photo, tap Edit and choose from Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light*, or Stage Light Mono*.
* On iPhone XR, Stage Light and Stage Light Mono aren't available with the rear facing camera.
Square mode limits the frame of your camera screen to a square — the optimal photo size for many social media apps. So when you take a photo, you can quickly share it on your favorite social platforms.
Want to capture a breathtaking landscape, but the entire view won't fit on your camera screen? Use pano mode to get a stunning wide angle photo.
Pano mode gives you a guide bar in the middle of the screen to help you take your photo. If you want to start the photo from the left, make sure the arrow is pointing to the right. If you want to start from the right, tap the arrow and change its direction.
Tap the shutter button and slowly move your camera in a straight line from one side of your shot to the next. Try to keep the arrow on the yellow guide bar.
Shoot quality movies with the amazing camera that's built into every iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. When you go to any video mode, the shutter button turns from white to red. Tap the shutter once to start recording and tap it again to stop.
Want to edit the length of your video? Tap Edit or and move the slider to adjust the start and stop times. Tap Done to save your changes.
Want to speed up your video or slow it down? You might like slo-mo or time-lapse instead.
Make your favorite moments last longer with slow-motion videos. Your video records as normal. But when you play it back, you see the slo-mo effect. You can even edit your video so that the slo-mo action starts and stops at a time you choose.
Capture footage at selected intervals to create a time‑lapse video that's quick and easy to share. When you go to time-lapse mode and tap the shutter button, your camera periodically takes photos until you tap the shutter button again.
Learn more
- Get help with your Camera
- Take and edit photos on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
- Access your photos and videos on all of your devices with iCloud Photos
- Manage your photo and video storage


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- Cycling
Armstrong: I deserve to compete again
Lance Armstrong has expressed his wish to be allowed to compete again and labelled his current lifetime ban a "death penalty".
The second part of Armstrong's interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on Friday, following his confirmation on Thursday that he did take performance-enhancing drugs during his seven Tour de France victories.
The American shed tears during parts of an interview in which he recalled the moment he told his children of his wrongdoings, but Armstrong believes he deserves to be allowed to compete again. A keen triathlon and marathon enthusiast, he insists it is unfair to ban him from ever taking part in such events in the future.
"If you're asking me, do I want to compete again ... the answer is hell, yes," Armstrong said. "I'm a competitor. It's what I've done my whole life. I love to train. I love to race. I love to toe the line - and I don't expect it to happen.
"Frankly, this may not be the most popular answer, but I think I deserve it. Maybe not right now ... [but] if I could go back to that time and say, 'OK, you're trading my story for a six-month suspension?' Because that's what people got."
Armstrong was referring to 11 former team-mates, some of whom also tested positive for performance enhancing drugs, who received six-months bans after they came forward about the doping scheme that Armstrong had led.
"So I got a death penalty and they got ... six months," Armstrong said. "I'm not saying that that's unfair, necessarily, but I'm saying it's different."
Asked for the worst and lowest moment of the entire ordeal which has seen Armstrong stripped of Tour de France and Olympic honours, as well as sponsors, he highlighted his exit from the Livestrong foundation as the darkest hour. It was a foundation Armstrong founded following his own brush with cancer.
"I wouldn't at all say forced out, told to leave," he said of his Livestrong exit. "I was aware of the pressure. But it hurt like hell. That was the lowest."
Winfrey quizzed Armstrong over how much he had lost financially after his doping scandal came to light. With expected court cases against Armstrong - from companies and individuals he himself has sued in the past - on the horizon, he did not give a specific answer.
"[It] was a $75 million day," Armstrong said. "Gone."
"Gone?" Winfrey asked.
"Gone," he replied, "and probably never coming back."
Armstrong became most emotional when recalling the moment he had to tell his children, some of whom had defended him in the past, that he was in fact a cheat.
"I saw my son defending me and saying, 'That's not true. What you're saying about my dad is not true,' " Armstrong said. "That's when I knew I had to tell him.
"I said, 'Listen, there's been a lot of questions about your dad. My career. Whether I doped or did not dope. I've always denied that and I've always been ruthless and defiant about that. You guys have seen that. That's probably why you trusted me on it.' Which makes it even sicker.
"And I told Luke, 'Don't defend me anymore. Don't.' He said, 'OK.' He just said, 'Look, I love you. You're my dad. This won't change that.'"
Armstrong was also quizzed about a "60 Minutes Sports" interview with United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) chief executive Travis Tygart, in which Tygart claimed a representative of the cyclist had offered a donation to the agency - which was turned down.
"Were you trying to pay off USADA?" Winfrey asked.
"No, that's not true," Armstrong replied. "That is not true.
"In the 1,000-page reasoned decision they issued [last year], there was a lot of stuff in there, everything was in there, why wasn't that in there? Pretty big story. Oprah, it's not true."


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Forum Related How to Send a Private Message
As stated in the forum rules, you should not send a private message (or a PM) to a moderator unless asked to do so.
To send a PM, you can hover over the moderators name in their post. A window will open where there is a Send Message button.
Click the Send Message button and you will be take to a new window where you can create your message.
To have all the options you would when creating a post (such as adding an image), click the Use Full Editor Button.


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Inventory Unit Detail
2019 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS - Armor Grey
Kodiak 700 EPS - Armor Grey
Bearing Down
Devouring chores in comfort and with confidence, the Kodiak 700 EPS makes light of tough work.
Top Features
- Big Bore Engine Built to Tackle the Real World: Rebuilt for 2019, the Kodiak® 700 EPS combines big bore power without losing an ounce of comfort, thanks to its new 700-class engine with improved midrange power, and gearing designed for low rpm cruising and smooth-running motor mounts.
- High-Performance Ultramatic® Transmission: Yamaha's class-leading transmission combines immediate response with advanced features like natural, all-wheel engine braking for control on confidence. And, of course, the Ultramatic is proven to be the most durable ATV transmission on the market.
- Trail-Ready Chassis: With plenty of ground clearance and adjustable suspension, the Kodiak 700 EPS tackles rough terrain with ease. Wide-arc A-arms and full-body skid plates ensure the Kodiak 700 EPS is able to handle anything the farm or trail can throw at it.
- Class-Leading Power Steering: Reduced fatigue, excellent control and trail feel all come standard with Kodiak 700 EPS' best in industry speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS).
New for 2019 Features
- New 700-Class Engine: For 2019, Yamaha's engineers wanted to boost the midrange performance of the big bore Kodiak 700 EPS even further, to put power right where you use it most. At the same time, the new motor features redesigned engine mounts, so despite the increase in performance, it runs even smoother than before.
Capability Features
- High-Performance Ultramatic® Transmission: Kodiak 700 EPS' Ultramatic® transmission features a gated shifter, dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive plus reverse gear, and is the most advanced—and durable—CVT drive system available. An automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and a sprag clutch delivers natural all-wheel engine braking.
- New Engine Built to Explore: Packing practical, fun and usable power, the Kodiak 700 EPS' motor balances big bore power with a strong midrange. The 2019 Kodiak 700 EPS features a new 700-class engine with optimized torque, power delivery and engine character that is fun and exciting on trails while still being smooth and quiet when exploring trails or on the job site.
- Selectable 4WD: The lever-operated 4WD system lets you switch between 2WD, 4WD limited-slip, and 4WD with diff. lock with the simple push of a button, giving the rider direct control over available traction.
- High-Mounted Air Intake: Tackle mud and water thanks to the Kodiak 700 EPS' high-mounted air intake layout. The design increases power and torque while providing additional room for on-board storage and easy, tool-less servicing of the foam air filter.
- Stainless Steel Exhaust: To maintain clean-running performance for years, the Kodiak 700 EPS uses a stainless steel exhaust system and features a screen-type spark arrestor for great power with minimum noise output.
- Drive System Air Intake: Specially designed, high-mounted drive system air intake helps reduce drive system temperatures and assists in keeping water and debris from entering the drive case.
- High-Capacity Radiator: Slow-speed technical riding can place a lot of thermal demands on a liquid-cooled motor, so the Kodiak 700 EPS features a high-capacity radiator with fan assist that delivers plenty of air flow for maximum cooling efficiency—and it's positioned high in the frame for optimal protection.
- Strong, Durable Brakes: Strong and reliable braking comes standard on every Kodiak 700 EPS thanks to hydraulic front disc brakes matched with a sealed wet rear brake system.
- High-Performance Tires: Maximizing available traction, the Kodiak 700 EPS features 25-inch Maxxis® tires that provide precise steering feel and feedback.
- Generous Ground Clearance: To handle nearly any terrain with ease, the Kodiak 700 EPS offers an impressive 11.3 inches of maximum ground clearance and full-length composite skid plates, for maximum underbelly protection.
Comfort Features
- Class-Leading Power Steering: Minimize fatigue and tackle every trail with ease thanks to Yamaha's Electric Power Steering (EPS), the industry's best balance of electric steering assist and positive trail feedback.
- Independent Double Wishbone Front and Rear Suspension: Independent double wishbone suspension, with 7.6" of front wheel travel and 9.1" at the rear, provides excellent rider comfort even on the toughest trails, thanks to nitrogen-charged shocks with 5-way adjustable preload.
- Underseat Fuel Tank: An optimized 4.76-gallon fuel tank is located under the seat for excellent mass centralization and handling.
- Compact Ergonomics: A plush seat improves rider comfort for extended days exploring every trail, with plenty of room for the rider to move during aggressive riding. And despite the full-size performance, the Kodiak 700 EPS features a more compact body design similar to a mid-sized ATV, to ease overall feel and handling.
- New Instrument Package: For 2019, the Kodiak 700 EPS receives a new instrument cluster with larger all-LCD readouts for visibility.
Confidence Features
- Aggressive and Durable Styling: Rugged composite front bumper resists scratching and won't rust, while injection-molded fenders and CV joint guards protect against rock and debris damage.
- Ready for Accessories: The Kodiak EPS was engineered in concert with a range of accessories for perfect fit and function, for nearly every type of ride you can find. With a standard 12V power point, you can keep devices charged, too.
- Brilliant Lighting: Paired halogen headlights ensures good visibility, while a handlebar-mounted halogen work light provides additional illumination that moves with rider input for added flexibility. The LED taillights are bright and long-lasting, too.
- Extensive Cargo Capacity: Rugged, large-diameter steel cargo racks with durable wrinkle paint finish can pack a total of 308 pounds combined (110 lbs. front, 198 lbs. rear). An on-board storage compartment keeps things dry, too.
- Work-Ready Tow Capacity: Center-mounted, heavy-duty two-inch receiver comes standard on Kodiak 700 EPS and can tow more than 1300 pounds.
- Built Real World Tough™, Assembled in the USA: As with other Yamaha ATVs and Side-by-Sides, the Kodiak 700 EPS is assembled in the USA to meet Yamaha's exacting standards for durability and reliability.
- Engine Type: 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke
- Bore x Stroke: 102.0mm x 84.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
- Fuel Delivery: Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm
- Transmission: Ultramatic V-belt with all-wheel engine braking; H, L, N, R, P
- Final Drive: Lever-operated 2WD/4WD; shaft
- Suspension / Front: Independent double wishbone; 5-way preload adjustment, 7.6 in. travel
- Suspension / Rear: Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; 5-way preload adjustment, 9.1 in. travel
- Brakes / Front: Dual hydraulic disc
- Brakes / Rear: Multi-disk wet brake
- Tires / Front: AT25 x 8-12 Maxxis® MU19
- Tires / Rear: AT25 x 10-12 Maxxis® MU20
- L x W x H: 81.5 in. x 46.5 in. x 48.8 in.
- Seat Height: 33.9 in.
- Wheelbase: 49.2 in.
- Turning Radius: 126.0 in.
- Maximum Ground Clearance: 11.3 in.
- Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gal.
- Wet Weight: 686 lb.
- Rack Capacity: 110 lb. (front) / 198 lb. (rear)
- Towing Capacity: 1322 lb.
- Warranty: 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)
NOTES:Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models. The riders depicted on this website are professionals, and all of the action was shot on a closed course. At Yamaha, we want every ride to be safe and enjoyable. Always dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Avoid excessive speeds and never engage in stunt riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; it is illegal and dangerous. Always inspect your Yamaha before riding. Read the Owner's Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the MSF at 800.446.9227.
- Engine Type
- SOHC 4-stroke
- Displacement
- 686cc
- Bore x Stroke
- 102.0mm x 84.0mm
- Engine Cooling
- Liquid
- Fuel System
- Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 44mm
- Front Travel
- 7.6 in.
- Front Suspension
- Independent double wishbone; 5-way preload adjustment
- Front Brake Type
- Dual hydraulic disc
- Front Tires
- AT25 x 8-12 Maxxis® MU19
- Rear Suspension
- Independent double wishbone with anti-sway bar; 5-way preload adjustment
- Rear Travel
- 9.1 in.
- Rear Brake Type
- Multi-disk wet brake
- Rear Tires
- AT25 x 10-12 Maxxis® MU20
- Dry Weight
- Curb Weight: 686 lb.
- Front Rack Capacity
- 110 lb.
- Rear Rack Capacity
- 198 lb.
- Towing Capacity
- 1322 lb.
- Fuel Capacity
- 4.8 gal.
- Ground Clearance
- 11.3 in.
- Machine Dimensions (LxWxH)
- 81.5 in. x 46.5 in. x 48.8 in.
- Wheelbase
- 49.2 in.
Drive Train
- Final Drive
- Lever-operated 2WD/4WD; shaft
- Transmission
- Ultramatic V-belt with all-wheel engine braking; H, L, N, R, P
- Colors
- Armor Grey w/Aluminum Wheels
- Warranty
- 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)


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China Fund Chief Raps U.S.
CIC's Gao Xiqing Says 'Somehow We've Become Stigmatized'
BOAO, China—The U.S. is telling China's $500 billion sovereign-wealth fund to "go away," according to the fund's top executive, in the latest sign of strained investment ties between the world's two largest economies.
During the financial crisis, "we were sort of welcome" in America, said Gao Xiqing, head of China Investment Corp., in a panel discussion on Sunday at the Boao Forum for Asia. Since then, "somehow we've become stigmatized," he said, adding that "there have been quite a few cases where the U.S. says 'go away.'"
Mr. Gao didn't offer details. However, he later told a questioner at the panel, the mayor of the U.S. city of Bellevue, Wash., that the mayor's own state had lately turned down an investment by CIC.
"Try again," the mayor, Conrad Lee, told Mr. Gao.
Mr. Lee later told The Wall Street Journal that he is looking for Chinese investment to fund a toll road needed to bring high-technology investment to Bellevue. U.S. mayors "think Chinese money is good," Mr. Lee said, "but [some] politicians look at Chinese investment as suspect."
According to Rhodium Group, a New York consulting firm that tracks Chinese outward investment, companies there invested $6.3 billion into U.S. companies and projects between January and September, the most recent statistics available. That was more than the $5.8 billion invested in all of 2010, the previous record for annual investment. U.S. officials also recently approved a deal that allowed Chinese state-run oil company Cnooc Ltd. to acquire Canada's Nexen Inc., a deal that gave Cnooc significant assents in the Gulf of Mexico.
Still, Chinese companies and officials have complained about U.S. barriers to entry in a number of industries. Most recently, Chinese officials criticized U.S. legislation that effectively banned federal dollars from being spent on information technology from companies "owned, directed or subsidized by the People's Republic of China," amid concerns that they could represent a security risk.
Mr. Gao said that CIC is still heavily invested in the U.S. "I'm not diminishing it, but I'm not hanging everything in one tree," he said. "The U.S. is not one of the most welcoming countries in the world for us."
Mr. Gao said that CIC deliberately takes a low profile in its investments and doesn't want to be seen as a "saboteur" of industrial companies around the world. "We don't want to fire management."
With about $500 billion in assets under management, CIC is the world's fifth-largest sovereign fund. It was founded by the Chinese government in 2007 to seek better returns for China's mammoth currency reserves, which had typically been parked in low-yielding securities such as U.S. Treasurys. Chinese leaders have singled out better management of China's $3.3 trillion in foreign-exchange reserves, the world's largest, as a priority for the financial sector.
Mr. Gao, 59 years old, is often seen as the international face of the China fund. Since CIC Chairman Lou Jiwei left the fund last month to lead the country's Finance Ministry, Mr. Gao has been overseeing the fund's operations.
CIC was criticized in China for losses on its 2007 investments in the U.S. financial sector, including in Morgan Stanley and Blackstone Group LP. Since then, the fund has diversified its holdings into other sectors such as energy and resources.
As of the end of 2011, the most recent period for which such data is available, 43.8% of CIC's equity holdings was in companies based in North America, followed by 29.6% in the Asian-Pacific region, 20.6% in Europe, 4.7% in Latin America and 1.3% in Africa.
In the past several years, CIC has significantly reduced its holdings of public securities and accelerated a push into longer-term investments as the fund seeks to shield itself from short-term market swings. The fund's target is to have 51% of its portfolio in alternative assets such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure and the rest in public securities, according to CIC officials.
CIC views a rolling 10-year annualized return as a major measure of performance. After posting a 4.3% loss on its overseas portfolio in 2011, the fund earned a 10.6% return on the portfolio last year, which came in a year when global markets were broadly higher.
Corrections & Amplifications
A headline for an earlier version of this article incorrectly attributed a quote that some politicians "look at Chinese investment as suspect" to Gao Xiqing of China Investment Corp. That quote should have been attributed to Conrad Lee, mayor of Bellevue, Wash.
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