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Rechov Sumsum
Rechov Sumsum (Sesame Street) | |
Country of origin | Israel |
Original language(s) | Hebrew, Arabic |
No. of seasons | 4 seasons and a spin-off |
No. of episodes | 337 |
Production | |
Producer(s) | CTW |
Release | |
Original network | Israeli Educational Television HOP! Channel |
Original release | 1983 |
Rechov Sumsum (Hebrew: רחוב סומסום, Sesame Street) is an Israeli educational television program for preschoolers, based on the popular U.S. children's show Sesame Street.
The first three series of the show were a joint production of the Israeli educational television and the CTW, a Worldwide American non-profit organization which has been co-producing the original American Sesame Street since 1969.
- 1 Television series
- 1.1 The original series – Rechov Sumsum (1983–1986)
- 1.2 The second series – Shalom Sesame (1989–1990)
- 1.3 The third series – Rechov Sumsum/Shara'a Simsim (1998–2000)
- 1.4 The spin-off – Sippurei Sumsum (2003)
- 1.5 The fourth series – Rechov Sumsum (2006–present)
- 1.6 The fifth series – Shalom Sesame (2009–2011)
- 2 Original Israeli characters
- 3 Original American characters
- 4 References
- 5 External links
Television series[edit]
Rechov Sumsum consists of four television series and one short lived spin-off: Rechov Sumsum, Shalom Sesame, Rechov Sumsum/Shara'a Simsim, Sippuray Sumsum and Rechov Sumsum.
The original series – Rechov Sumsum (1983–1986)[edit]
This original Israeli version of the series was the most popular. 195 episodes were produced and broadcast between 1983 and 1986 on the educational television channel. Puppet segments were taken from the American series and dubbed in Hebrew (the same has been done in all other Israeli versions of the series). All other aspects of the production were local: The program took place in an Israeli neighborhood in which children and adults played together. Original connecting segments were added in which Israeli children shared a view of their lives. The series had a parallel character to Big Bird – a big porcupine, by the name of "Kippi" and a parallel character to Oscar the grouch, by the name of "Moishe Oofnik". Oofnik was a punk and used to complain a lot and bother the neighborhood's residents, but even so he soon became friends with the children in the neighborhood. The residents who lived in the street included Avner and Hanna, who were the owners of the coffee house near Kipi's apartment. After they moved to a different city they were replaced by a new coffee shop named Gabi (Gabi Amrani). Opposite to the coffee house lived Miki (Miki Kam) and Nathan (Nathan Dattner). Nathan lived in front of an older resident named Yona (Yona Atari). In front of Yona's apartment was Shmil's (Shmuel Shilo) electricity appliance repairing shop, where Miki worked as Shmil's assistant.
Occasionally Albert (Albert Iluz) used to come over to the neighborhood for visits – a peculiar character with a French accent with whom Kipi used to consult on different issues. Salim (Salim Dau) used to explain to the children in the neighborhood the meaning of different words in Arabic and the show also included different famous Israeli guest stars, such as: the duo "HaDodaim", Haim Moshe, Gidi Gov and Rotem Abuhab.
The opening theme song of the original series was written by Ali Mohar and composed by Yoni Rechter which also performed it together with Gidi Gov, Mazi Cohen, Dafna Armoni and a group of children from the Tzadikov choir.
The series was broadcast repeatedly many times until 1996. Then, these broadcasts were suspended due to expiry of the co-production agreement between the Israeli Educational Television and the CTW – the rights owner of the original American Sesame Street. The right to show the Hebrew-dubbed segments of the original American show produced by the CTW were transferred to the private cable channel "HOP! Channel".
Following the success of the series many products were marketed to the Israeli public based on the series, including: records of the songs and the sketches from the show, dolls of Kipi Ben Kipod, school supplies, clothing and beddings. A new fashion which started due to the show was the "Kipi shoes" – Plaided slippers in shades of brown and black, which although existed prior to the show, became much more popular following the show.
The curriculum goals of the show were: Mutual Respect (human diversity, mutual respect); The Child's World (body parts, child's powers, health, reasoning, problem solving); Reading, Mathematics, and Writing (prereading and writing, numbers, geometric forms); and Cognitive Organization (perceptual discrimination, relational concepts, classifying). Although messages about mutual respect were always included in the curriculum of the original US show, it was the first time this area was a major focus of any version of Sesame Street. It was a priority because of the "profound political tension in the region".[1] This production has been viewed as a model for the use of television to convey antisectarian messages.[2]
The second series – Shalom Sesame (1989–1990)[edit]
The program Shalom Sesame was an Israeli–American co-production which combined American actors, such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Bonnie Franklin, Anne Meara, and Jerry Stiller, and the original Israeli cast members which participated in the original Rechov Sumsum series. In addition, the renowned violinist Yitzhak Perlman participated regularly on the series.
The series was produced in 1986 (its first season), in 1990 (its second season), and 1991 (its third season), and was broadcast in Israel between the years 1989 and 1990.
The series was first intended for broadcast in the US and was therefore recorded completely in English. Only later it was dubbed in Hebrew for Israeli viewers (although the Shalom Sesame logo still showed up at the beginning). Following the big wave of immigration from Russia to Israel in those years, the series was also dubbed in Russian. In 2006 the series came out in the United States in a DVD bundle which included all episodes of the series (without the Hebrew dubbing).
The third series – Rechov Sumsum/Shara'a Simsim (1998–2000)[edit]
In 1998 the show's format was remade in a way which combined Israeli-Jews and Israeli-Arabs in order to generate a message of coexistence. This production included 50 episodes. To Kipi and Oofnik joined a new muppet named Dafi and a new stage was built which included a garden, a promenade, a bookstore and an ice cream store. Moishe Oofnik's old car was "stuck" in the center of the neighborhood. Due to the disintegration of the original muppet of Kipi Ben Kipod and due to rights issues, Kipi's muppet was re-designed. The American co-producers requested that Kipi would be played by an actor with a more masculine voice, so Guy Friedman was chosen to voice Kipi. The opening theme song was replaced with one composed by Shlomo Gronich and included a number of sentences in Arabic. The program received negative criticism from the old fans of the show which were adults by now. When this co-production dissolved it was split and was renamed Sippuray Sumsum, "Sesame Stories".
The spin-off – Sippurei Sumsum (2003)[edit]
In 2003 the spin-off series Sippuray Sumsum was broadcast on the Israeli HOP! Channel and instead of Kipi and Oofnik it featured two new puppets named Noah and Brosh. The hosts of the show were Tzahi (Dror Keren) and Aibtism (Hind Ayub). This series was largely funded by the European Union, and its goal was to promote messages of respect and understanding among Israeli and Arab children in the Middle East. Nowadays this series is occasionally broadcast on Channel 33 with Arabic dubbing.
The fourth series – Rechov Sumsum (2006–present)[edit]
Season 1[edit]
In 2006, the show transitioned back to the Rechov Sumsum name and debuted on the HOP! Channel, mixing the Sippurei Sumsum cast, new characters, and returning favorite Moishe Oofnik from the original seasons. From December 2006 a new series called "Rechov Sumsum" was produced for the Israeli HOP! Channel. The new series featured the main muppets from Sippuray Sumsum – Noah and Brosh, along with the hosts Tzahi (Dror Keren) and Aibtism (Hind Ayub), many other actors, and two new muppets – Avigail and Mahboub.
There were also plans and negotiations to restore the original muppets of Kipi Ben Kipod and Moishe Oofnik in this series but eventually, due to technical and economical considerations, only Moishe Oofnik was featured in the series. The opening theme is the original theme song of the show which was written by Yoni Rechter and sung by a new band of children called "Sharonit". The show also included a campaign against violence. The fourth series included 40 episodes.
Season 2[edit]
In December 2009 a new season for Rechov Sumsum was produced for "Hop! Channel". The new season featured the previous muppets: Avigail, Brosh, Mahboub and Moishe Oofnik with new neighbors including Sivan, a Muppet in a wheelchair and Sesame Street's Grover, or Kruvi in Hebrew.
Season 3[edit]
In February 2012 another new season for Rechov Sumsum was produced for "Hop! Channel". The new season featured the previous muppets: Avigail, Mahboub, Sivan and Moishe Oofnik with new neighbor called Sesame Street's Elmo.
Season 4[edit]
In March 2015 another new season for Rechov Sumsum was produced for "Hop! Channel". The new season featured the muppets: Avigail, Mahboub, Sivan and Elmo. That season Learn about Science and Curiosity. Shani Cohen, Abigail's former Puppeteer, is going back to the show as a new human character called Ayelet, tour guide at the museum.
The fifth series – Shalom Sesame (2009–2011)[edit]
Between 2009–2011 12 new Shalom Sesame direct-to-DVD episodes were produced. This is an Israeli–American co-production which combines various American actors, such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Christina Applegate, Greg Kinnear, Debra Messing and Cedric the Entertainer, and is geared at teaching Jewish-American children about the Secular Jewish culture. The series was filmed in the United States and in several places in Israel, including the Western Wall.[3]
Original Israeli characters[edit]
Rechov Sumsum (The original series) and Shalom Sesame (The second series)
- Kippi Ben Kippod (Sarai Tzuriel) – a porcupine equivalent of Big Bird on Sesame Street.
- Moishe Oofnik (Gilles Ben David) – a brown grouch, similar to Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street, who lives in a broken car.
Rechov Sumsum/Shara'a Simsim (The third series):
- Kippi Ben Kippod (Guy Friedman) – This series featured a new design of Kippi.
- Moishe Oofnik (Gilles Ben David)
- Dafi (Irit Shilo) – Haneen's best friend; a happy young purple muppet.
- Hanin - a young orange muppet, she lives on Shara'a Simsim with Karim.
- Karim - built by Paul Andrejco of Puppet Heap.
Sippurei Sumsum (Spin-off):
- Noah (Gilles Ben David)
- Brosh (Avi Yakir)
Rechov Sumsum (The fourth series):
- Moishe Oofnik (Gilles Ben David) – Moishe now lives in a green garbage can. (seasons 1–3)
- Noah (Gilles Ben David) – a curious red muppet, he is Mahboub's best friend. (season 1)
- Brosh (Avi Yakir) – an orange muppet, he likes cleaning. (seasons 1–2)
- Mahboub (Yousef Sweid) – a young blue muppet who speaks both Hebrew and Arabic. (seasons 1–4)
- Avigail (Shani Cohen and Guni Paz) – a young Pink Muppet, she likes to play and is happy with everyone. (seasons 1–4)
- Sivan (Efrat Gonan) – a handicap purple Muppet in a wheelchair. (seasons 2–4)
- Grover (Gilles Ben David and Yoav Heyman) – a blue Muppet from Sesame Street. (seasons 2)
- Elmo (Ariel Doron) – a little red Muppet from Sesame Street. (seasons 3-4)
Original American characters[edit]
- Cookie Monster a.k.a. "Ugifletzet" (Dov Raizer, 1983–1986 Shimon Cohen, 1989-2003 Eldad Prives 2009-2011 Giora Kenneth 2006-)
- Kermit the Frog a.k.a. "Kermit HaTzfardea" (Eyal Bertonov, 1983–1990 Yoav Tzafir, 1998-2000 Ami Mendelman 2009)
- Bert and Ernie a.k.a. "Arik and Bentz" (Benz Shlomo Bar-Aba 1983–2003 and Ami Mendelman; 2006- Arik Yosef Shiloach 1983-2003 and Zvika Furman 2006-)
- Grover a.k.a. "Kruvi" (Israel Gurion, 1983-1998 Gadi Levy 2000–2003 Yoav Hayman 2006-)
- Count von Count a.k.a. "Mar Sofer" (Albert Cohen, 1983–1998 Lior Halfon 2000–2003 Robert Henig 2006-)
- Herry Monster a.k.a. "Shraga" or Ezra (Gidi Gov)
- Oscar the Grouch (Avi Pnini 1983–2003 and Ido Mosseri 2006-)
- Elmo (Iris Zinger 1983–2003 and Zvika Furman 2006-)
- Telly Monster a.k.a. "Tali" (Itzik Saidoff 1983–2003 and Simcha Barbiro 2006-)
- ^ Cole, Charlotte F; Beth A. Richman; Susan A. McCann Brown (2001). "The world of Sesame Street research". In Fisch, Shalom M. "G" is for growing: Thirty years of research on children and Sesame Street. Mahweh, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. p. 159. ISBN 0-8058-3395-1.
- ^ Cole, p. 174
- ^ Big-name stars to appear on Shalom Sesame


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I recently received my makeover issue of InStyle Magazine (a.k.a my fashion/beauty bible).
My favorite part of this issue was the section called, "The 50 Best Fashion Tips of All Time." I liked it so much that I thought I'd relay some of my favorite tips to my lovely readers –just in case you're not a subscriber to the mag!
Here are my 10 favorite fashion tips!
1. Own a white cotton button-down.
So classic.
The mag suggests to go ahead and buy three if you find a style that fits you perfectly.
(They have a short shelf-life.)
2. Think in multiples.
Expanding upon #1…
If you find a dress or a pair of pants that fits you perfectly, buy multiples in different colors!
When it works, why question it?
Think Jackie O. She had a closet full of sheath dresses in different colors!
3. Throw on a scarf.
I'm a huge fan of a great scarf. I wear them all the time, whether it be winter or summer. It can transform a simple t-shirt or dress in such a simple, chic way!
4. Edit your closet.
You should be able to see all of your clothes without rummaging. Donate clothes you haven't worn within the past year!
By the way, how much do the feministic touches in that closet just make you swoon?
5. When in doubt, wear nude pumps.
When matched to your skin tone, they'll make your legs look a mile long!
6. Own at least one leopard-print item.
It's a perfect way to add a statement to an outfit. Do keep it to just ONE leopard item per outfit, though!
Super glamorous!
7. Don't buy a "bargain" if you don't love it.
It's better to have quality than quantity. Don't be fooled by a great sale …only buy it if you LOVE it!
8. Make friends with a great tailor.
Such a difference can be made when your clothes fit your body perfectly!
Why own a $100 pair of trousers if they are ill-fitting?
9. Pair loose with tight.
If you wear skinny jeans, pair it with a more flowing top (unless you have a Victoria's Secret model body, that is …or if you're tiny & petite like Audrey Hepburn!).
Likewise, if you wear wide-leg trousers, pair them with a more tailored-fitting top.
It's all about balancing out your outfits!
10. Add an element of surprise.
Jazz up your LBD or classic outfit by one funky accessory, like a bold necklace, a colorful bag or a bright pump!
Love the pop of color in this LBD/clutch combo!
Did anyone else read this section of the InStyle Makeover issue? What are some of your favorite tips that I left out?
all photos via


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- KCII Radio - http://kciiradio.com -
Ridiculous Day Tomorrow
Posted By News On @ 6:30 am In Today's Local News | Comments Disabled
Things are going to get ridiculous in Washington tomorrow. The 64th Annual Ridiculous Day is an event designed to promote the downtown area. Main Street Executive Director Amy Vetter says they are doing this year's event differently.
She says in previous years, there were events for kids, but that didn't prove successful for vendors. Vetter says this year the sales are happening and they have invited service organizations to be a part of the fun as well.
The 64th annual Washington Ridiculous Day gets started tomorrow morning at 7:00. KCII's Big Red Radio will also be in and announcing the parade at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon
Article printed from KCII Radio: http://kciiradio.com
URL to article: http://kciiradio.com/2011/06/ridiculous-day-tomorrow/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2005-2013 KCII Radio


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KENOSHA, Wis. (July 19, 2012) — Thursday's final-round of the 111th WSGA State Amateur Championship proved to be the biggest moment to date in Brady Strangstalien's golfing career.
The timing was fitting considering the biggest event so far in the 24-year-old Westby native's life will come tonight.
On the eve of his marriage to high school sweetheart Whitney Stoker, Strangstalien carded an even-par 72 at The Club at Strawberry Creek to finish tournament play at 6-under 282, good enough to edge Sam Frank (74) by one stroke for the title.
View results for Wisconsin State Amateur Golf Championship
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October 11, 2011Dear Friends and Supporters of Us TOO,By now, you may know that the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has prepared a draft recommendation against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer.You have probably seen all the media coverage that's developed over the last few days, and maybe even talked amongst yourselves.Now is your chance to make your voices heard and your comments count.The Task Force is now accepting comments on this draft recommendation statement through November 8, 2011.I encourage you all to first read their report, then provide your input at this website:http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/draftrec3.htm
Commentary categories include:
Empowerment is what Us TOO is about. Equipping men with support and unbiased information to make decisions about their disease. We've learned many lessons from our experiences with prostate cancer. We support men wanting to learn more about their prostate health status.We want you to take action by submitting your thoughtful comments. Engage your network of fellow survivor warriors, friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to submit comments. We need THOUSANDS to raise their voices, not the hundreds the prostate cancer community has typically responded with in the past. This is our time. Make your voice be heard. More than ever, your action is urgently needed! Thank you for your participation and support!
Sincerely,Thomas KirkPresident & CEOUs TOO firstname.lastname@example.com


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Type: Bug
Status: Resolved
Resolution: Won't Fix
Affects Version/s: 1.0-milestone-3
Fix Version/s: None
I was trying to use TestNG's junitreport task to convert its test reports into JUnit style reports for use in another system. I am unable to instantiate the taskdef due to a classpath issue. I tried to use the standard mechanism I have used to invoke other Ant tasks but it failed because a symbol in the optional ant-junit.jar was not being loaded. I was trying something like this, but it wouldn't work:
{ testngCustom 'testng:testng:6.0.1' testngCustom 'ant-junit4:ant-junit4:1.8.2' testngCustom 'junit:junit:4.8.1' }configurations.testngCustom.each
{ File jar -> println 'adding ' + jar.toURL() ant.getClass().classLoader.addURL( jar.toURL() ) }ant.taskdef( resource: 'testngtasks',
classpath: configurations.testngCustom.asPath)
Adding to the classloader was just an idea I had found during a Google search and it didn't seem to help. As a test, I dropped in the ant-junit.jar obtained from my Ant 1.8.2 distribution into the gradle/lib directory and the problem went away. I don't want to have custom Gradle install for my users so requiring that step is unacceptable. As a workaround, I've got Gradle invoking an Ant script that runs the task but I would really like to be able to remove that in the future.
This post seems to indicate that things were working until milestone-1: http://gradle.1045684.n5.nabble.com/ANN-Gradle-1-0-milestone-1-released-td3402072.html


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2 option(s) to choose from.
The Jackson JS32Q Dinky Arch Top Electric Guitar has a beautiful quilt maple arched top on a basswood body, bolt-on maple speed neck with graphite reinforcement, and a compound-radius (12-16 inch) bound rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets for incredible looks, tone and playability. Jackson also gives the JS32Q dual high-output Jackson humbuckers with ceramic magnets and three-way blade switching, Jackson-branded Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo bridge, black hardware and die-cast tuners.


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The Language of Hawaii
The 5 vowels a,e,i,o and u as well as the 7 consonants h,k,l,m,n,p, and w make up the entire Hawaiian alphabet. In the Hawaiian language a consonant is always followed by a vowel which also means all Hawaiian words end in a vowel.
Names and words are more easily pronounced when they are broken down into single syllable chunks. Take the name of Hawaii's state fish, humuhumunukunukuapua'a, and pronounce it hu-mu-hu-mu-nu-ku-nu-ku-a-pu-a-a. Phonetically pronounced who-moo-who-moo-new-coo-new-coo-ah-poo-ah-ah. Sometimes the letter W is pronounced the same as V as in the traditional pronunciation of Hawai'i which is phonetically pronounced huh-vi-ee rather than huh-why-ee.
Stressed vowels |
Unstressed vowels |
In the Hawaiian language a symbol directly over a vowel called a kahakô indicates that the vowel sound is to be elongated. A apostrophe like symbol called an `okina indicates a quick pause in the word, as in "ah-ah" for the word a`a. Note: These Hawaiian vocabulary words have not been written with the use of the correct kahakô markings due to the absence of a Hawaiian Font.
Below is a sample of popular Hawaiian phrases and words. Keep in mind we can not list every word translation. Tip: A trick if you are looking for a specific word translation is to depress the control key and the letter "f" key at the same time. It will bring up a find box. Type in the English word you would like a translation for and click the find next button. If the word is translated on this page it will bring you to it.
Hawaiian Days/Months
Sunday - Lapule (lay-poo-lay ) |
January - 'Iaunuali (ee-ya-oo new-ahlee) |
Hawaiian Phrases For Hawaii Theme Party
& Luau Invitations
Invited:Kono |
Anniversary: La ho'omana'o |
Please join us: Ho'olu komo la kaua |
Holidays Hawaiian Style
Happy Thanksgiving ~ Hau'oli La Ho'omakika'i (pronounced how-oh-lay la ho-o-ma-key-kah-ee) |
Popular Hawaiian Phrases
A hui hou kakou Until we meet again |
Mahalo Thank you |
Hawaiian Words & Phrases to Express Love
These Hawaiian words andpPhrases are ideal for Valentines, love notes, wedding invitations, wedding announcements, wedding gift thank you notes, and to add a Hawaiian flare to any wedding ceremony. If you choose to use Hawaiian phrases be sure to also provide the English translation so the phrase and your sentiment can be understood.
'Aha'aina Male~ Wedding Feast |
Ko Aloha Makamae E Ipo~ Sweetheart you are so precious |
People Titles in Hawaiian
alaka'ileader |
kupunakanegrandfather, grandpa, granpa, grampy, gramps, papa, pops |
Additional Hawaiian
Vocabulary Words
a`a sharp jagged lava rock |
akahele be careful of |
hahaifollow |
honikiss |
ihunose |
inudrink |
ka'aautomobile |
kapa moe blanket |
lama pa'ipa'i cocktail |
lewa air |
mahalothank you |
maunamountain |
na`au pretty |
olahealthy, alive |
pa`akikistubborn |
pololihungry |
ua rain |
wa`acanoe |


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Coastguard says missing plane probably 'ditched into the Irish Sea'
Rescue crews are searching for the aircraft after it fell off the radar at around 9am on Thursday morning
Rescue crews are searching for the aircraft after it fell off the radar at around 9am on Thursday morning
Sylvain Guintoli finished in first and second places in the two races of the Dutch round of the World Superbike Championship at Assen yesterday.
Your hunger and passion will only see you through the opening exchanges
It was Ginger McCain, the mastermind behind Red Rum's hat-trick of victories in the world's toughest steeplechase, who ventured only seven years ago that "horses do not win Grand Nationals ridden by women".
More so than Miranda Hart, Stephen Fry and David Mitchell, Alexander Armstrong seems to be the acceptable face of posh comedy. With his comically large ears (a gift from his father), crinkly smile, affable demeanour and (crucially, perhaps) lack of smarty pants, he's the cuddly side of the upper classes in an age when, rather oppressively, toffs seem to be taking over again. Even Armstrong's overgrown Hooray Henry, 'Harry', in those adverts for Pimm's – alcopops for the privileged – is cherishable. Not that he drinks the stuff in public, he says, for fear of wags shouting, "It's Pimm's o'clock" – one of the great advertising campaigns, by the way, that helps explain some of Armstrong's wider appeal. The more you parody the posh, as the creatives at the advertising agency Mother realised, the more accessible they become to other groups.
London Wasps 18 London Irish 13: Youngsters' efforts and boot of Robinson edge former champions further from the drop zone
Irish captain wary of his own team's errors but warns France he expects to triumph in Paris
Ireland captain Paul O'Connell believes restricting the error count holds the key to dispatching France in Paris on Sunday.
Ireland have named an unchanged side for Sunday's rearranged RBS 6 Nations clash with France in Paris.
Paul O'Connell, the Ireland captain, is champing at the bit to get back into the action against Italy in Dublin today, and says his side's enforced three-week lay-off nearly drove him crazy.
Stoke have appealed against Rory Delap's red card in yesterday's FA Cup win over Crawley.
To British television viewers, David Kelly was the stereotypical Irishman, guaranteed perpetuity through his appearance as O'Reilly, the inept contractor hired by Basil in the Fawlty Towers episode "The Builders". After botching a job inside the hotel, he is seen taking issue with Basil's disgruntled wife. "I like a woman with spirit," he unwisely says, before Sybil batters him with an umbrella. "I've been 52 to 53 years on stage and yet Fawlty Towers, those full nine minutes, make me recognised anywhere in the world," he once said.
There is some significant Cheltenham i-dotting and t-crossing due to be carried out later this week but a certain amount of punctuation was put in place yesterday ahead of the four-day, £3.3m Festival that starts four weeks today. Binocular, for instance, one of Nicky Henderson's Champion Hurdle candidates, will miss tomorrow's Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso and challenge for the title he won two years ago without further conditioning in public.
Paul O'Connell admits Ireland's failings during their RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales offer a blueprint on how to lose to France.
Wales second-rower's suspension for tip-tackling leaves Gatland short of options in the pack for visit of Scotland
Swansea City confirmed yesterday that manager Brendan Rodgers has signed a new and improved contract.


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EW's Visionaries: J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon at SDCC 2010
July 23, 2010 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Con Reports and Photos, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories
Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con Panel (and Video): J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon Greet the Faithful
J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon are responsible for some of the most obsessed-over and geeked-out-about pop culture creations of the past two decades, so it's natural they would find an ideal audience at Comic-Con, the home away from home for the obsessive and geeky. When the two took the stage at Comic-Con for EW's Visionaries panel, hosted by EW's Jeff "Doc" Jensen, the crowd welcomed them with raucous and adoring applause. For the hour that followed, these two master storytellers gave the audience some insight into their upcoming projects, their creative processes, their influences, and their perspectives on the seismic shifts that are rocking the entertainment landscape. Some highlights:
Following months of speculation, Whedon confirmed that he is, indeed, directing Marvel's superhero-team-up movie, The Avengers. (See video of the announcement below.) But he said it's still too early to get into details about the film, which will unite such beloved Marvel heroes as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and the Hulk. "I'm still writing an outline," Whedon said. "But the thing that made me excited to do it was just how completely counterintuitive it is. It makes no sense. These people shouldn't be in the same room, let alone on the same team." He paused. "And that, to me, is the very definition of family," he added wryly.
The always-busy Abrams, who is launching a new spy series called Undercover and finishing the romantic comedy Morning Glory, talked about his thrill at collaborating with Steven Spielberg–who's long been a kind of creative father figure to him–on a still-mysterious film due next summer called Super 8. "It's imposible to work with him and not constantly reference the work he's done," Abrams said. Though he revealed few specifics about the project, he said, "The movie is very much in the spirit of some of the Amblin films [Spielberg] made years ago."
The two diverged in their opinions of the current boom in 3-D movies. Whedon was high on it ("Honestly, I totally love it"), while Abrams expressed reservations: "The thing that drives me crazy about 3-D is that when you put on the glasses, everything seems dim," he says. "I'm not totally on board yet."
But in more general terms, they both expressed the same kind of unabashed fanboy enthusiasm for the pop culture they love that also drives the Comic-Con crowd. Abrams talked of his admiration for the work of comic-book artist Chris Ware and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World director Edgar Wright ("I just saw Scott Pilgrim–it's awesome"). And Whedon, for his part, geeked out big-time over some of Abrams' work. "I've had actual moments of sheer f—ing panic because I loved Star Trek so much," Whedon said. "I just keep watching it and going, 'This is the gold standard for a team movie, for a summer movie, for any movie that has come out in the last several years.' And it makes me throw up with fear, so I have to stop watching it."
Source: EW.com


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Michelle Trachtenberg Evening Pumps
Michelle Trachtenberg dazzled in super sparkling Louboutin pumps. She paired the heels with a purple one shoulder dress.
Michelle Trachtenberg Cocktail Dress
Michelle is lovely in eggplant in this simple chic cocktail dress. The actress wore her hair in an effortless down 'do. She belted the draped dress with a studded black belt. Her shoes were saturated in glitz to add some sparkle to her ensemble.
Show Michelle Trachtenberg Looks With:
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What you need
Size 3 3/4 mm (4 U.S) needlesBaby weight yarn
Pattern By: Lisa Vienneau, Nov 2000
Cast on 70 sts.
Work in garter st for 3/4″.
Next Row: (k4, inc 1 st in next st), repeat to the last 5 sts, k5. 83 sts. Continue garter st until piece measures 5″.
Start decreasing as follows:
Row1: K 10, k2tog repeat to last 11, k to end. 77sts
Row 2 and every other row: Knit.
Row3: K2tog, k 10, repeat to last 5sts, k2tog, k to end. 70sts
Row5: K6, k2tog repeat to last 6, knit to end. 62sts
Row7: K2tog, k 6, repeat to last 4sts, k to end. 54sts
Row9: K4, k2tog. 45sts
Row11: K2tog, k4 repeat to last 3, k2tog, k last st. 37sts
Row13: K2tog repeat to last st, k1.
Repeat Row 13 till 5sts remain. Break off yarn leaving enough to thread last 5 sts,
And sew up back seam. Roll or Fold up brim.
This project was contributed by KnitWits Heaven To see more from Knits Wits Heaven visit their website.


text: We continue with our Women and Wine series with a spotlight on Emily Pelton. Emily and her father, Andrew Hodson, are winemakers at Veritas Vineyards and Winery. Veritas Vineyards and Winery opened in the summer of 2002. Visitors are always impressed with the estate's lovely grounds and facilities; however, it is the wines that impress judges and critics. In fact, the Veritas 2010 Vintner's Reserve Meritage Blend won a gold medal at the 2012 Virginia Governor's Cup. Click on the Women and Wine tab to read her answers.


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Full profile →'">
The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.
Prior to the 1982 holiday season, I was having lunch with one of Bank of America's top pension fund managers, Frank Husic, then at Alliance Capital. (I was the VP in charge of the pension and savings plans' investments.) When I asked about his holiday plans, he surprised me, saying he would be at his desk. He explained that, with so many top investment professionals having vacated their offices during such times, profitable stock moves inevitably popped up. From that time forward, I've found his observation to be accurate – that absence could produce interesting stock price moves due to the inattention and inactivity.
The 2013 holiday season is special because of the calendar. In 1982, Christmas and New Year's Day fell on Saturdays, creating a condensed, one-week time-off period. This year we have Wednesday holidays, producing two weeks of potential time-off periods.
So, what should we do for the two weeks? Two things:
First, hold and watch gainers
In "A Surprisingly Large Year-end Stock Run? Tax Advice Could Cause It," I explained why the many high return stocks this year could rise further as tax-focused investors waited with their short-term gains for 2014 to arrive. Because of that probability, I cancelled the sell-limit orders I had on a couple of stocks nearing my price goal. My thought is that there could be a bonus return to be had by waiting and watching, particularly in growth stocks as evidenced by Nasdaq's performance over the past few months.
Something important to remember is that 2013 has had two up-moves, quite different from one another. This graph shows the two in action.
(Performance chart courtesy of StockCharts.com)
It's also important to remember what caused mid-year's stall. I wrote about the misconceptions and the key missing consideration: The improved outlook for growth ("Despite Warnings, New Bull Market Leg Is Forming").
Ignore the worriers about slowing growth. The two powerful forces that have helped do the slowing - Europe and China - are near to accomplishing their objectives. As their growth returns (and pent-up demand in those countries returns), we can expect those forecasts of ever-slowing growth to once again be wrong.
Likewise, ignore the thought that "dumb" investors have climbed back into the market's driver's seat, meaning stocks are bound to crash. Individual investors' mindsets are sensible and their return to stocks is financially wise.
Second, watch value stocks and be ready to buy
On the buying side, we are likely to be near the end of tax-loss selling's depressing effect. Nevertheless, some 2013 weak stocks could hit potholes, giving us good buying opportunities. Monitoring preselected "value" stocks is an efficient way to spot desirable situations. Doing so also better ensures we will be committed to act and avoid Wall Street's other definition for GTC (good-till-cancelled) orders – "good-till-close."
With so many stocks up this year, it's easy to pick out 2013's "dogs" that could qualify as value stocks. Simply start by screening for negative performers that have otherwise acceptable characteristics. Here is an example:
So, what's the risk?
That's the beauty of this holiday strategy - there really isn't any. Extra gains from holdings or purchases from stock hiccups are two holiday bonuses: "Buy lower" + "sell higher". To me, the "risk" is that nothing happens, and we will have spent some of our holiday hours watching the stock market in vain. Well, there's always that glass of punch or eggnog to help compensate.


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Center for the Digital Future Releases 11th Study of the Internet's Impact
The Center for the Digital Future has released the 11th Digital Future Project Report. |
The longest-running study of its kind, this year's project includes findings on more than 180 subjects in five major subject areas that explore the views and behavior of Internet users and non-users. |
The 2013 report features new questions about negative online attention (bullying, harassment, and unwanted sexual attention), the impact of mobile devices, and a closer examination of the "Millennial Rift" — the vast differences between how Millennials (age 18-34) and non-Millennials use online sites and services.
Here are links to the report and media coverage of the findings: * The full Digital Future Report is here. * The press release with highlights from the report is here. * The Associated Press coverage of findings that explore personal views about privacy while online, which appeared in more than 500 media outlets, is here. * USA Today's coverage of findings about parental supervision of children while on social media websites is here. * Coverage of the report circulated worldwide by Agence France-Presse is here. As always, if you have questions about these findings, you can reach us on firstname.lastname@example.com. |


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Top Items:
Brian Beutler / Talking Points Memo:
Did Boehner Just Pull The Plug On Fiscal Cliff Negotiations? — In response to President Obama's extensive comments about the fiscal cliff at the White House Wednesday afternoon, House Speaker John Boehner left himself little if any room to continue negotiations.
The Plum Line, The Democratic Daily, Crooks and Liars, The Impolitic, Daily Kos and The Daily Dish
Jonathan Chait / New York Magazine:
House Republicans Again Show Why We Need to Wait Until January for a Deal — For about half a day, in the wake of President Obama's most recent budget compromise, it appeared that an agreement might be close at hand. Boehner was reported to be taking the temperature of his crazies on Obama's plan.
Hot Air, BuzzFeed, Taking Note and The Gateway Pundit
Ryan Ellis / Americans for Tax Reform RSS:
ATR Statement on "Plan B" Tax Plan — ATR's statement on the "Plan B" tax bill. — ATR has consistently maintained that individual Members of Congress make a pledge to their constituents to oppose and vote against tax increases. The House this week will vote on a tax bill.
Obama, Boehner duel on fiscal cliff — President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner traded sharp words Wednesday as each leader urged the other to get serious about averting the fiscal cliff — and Boehner revised his strategy on the Hill. — House Republican leaders are changing …
Talking Points Memo, CNN, National Review, Wonkblog, Business Insider, Quartz, Outside the Beltway and The New Republic
Manu Raju / Politico:
Quick switch: Hatch backs Boehner Plan B
Quick switch: Hatch backs Boehner Plan B
CNN, Michelle Malkin, The Daily Caller, The Hill, The Fix, Los Angeles Times and Post Politics
Talking Points Memo:
Grover Norquist: Boehner's 'Plan B' Not A Tax Pledge Violation
Grover Norquist: Boehner's 'Plan B' Not A Tax Pledge Violation
Firedoglake, Business Insider, Washington Examiner and National Review
Kos / Daily Kos:
Capitulation is never popular. Or effective.
Capitulation is never popular. Or effective.
Washington Post, The Fix, Hullabaloo, The Agonist and The Plum Line
Tom Cohen / CNN:
Boehner's tax gamble roils fiscal cliff talks
Boehner's tax gamble roils fiscal cliff talks
The Hill and Alan Colmes'Alan Colmes'
David Taintor / Talking Points Memo:
White House: Obama Would Veto GOP's Fiscal Cliff 'Plan B'
White House: Obama Would Veto GOP's Fiscal Cliff 'Plan B'
ThinkProgress, Reuters and Firedoglake
Jeffrey Toobin / News Desk:
Postscript: Robert Bork, 1927-2012 — Robert Bork, who died Wednesday, was an unrepentant reactionary who was on the wrong side of every major legal controversy of the twentieth century. The fifty-eight senators who voted against Bork for confirmation to the Supreme Court in 1987 honored themselves, and the Constitution.
Ricochet Conversations Feed and American Prospect
Jeffrey Rosen / The New Republic:
We're Still Paying the Price for the Borking of Robert Bork
We're Still Paying the Price for the Borking of Robert Bork
Right Turn
Jennifer Rubin / Right Turn:
More trouble for Hagel — Joining other groups and individuals opposing Chuck Hagel as secretary of defense, the generally liberal American Jewish Committee (among the older and better known Jewish organizations) has signaled it opposes the potential nomination. Executive director David Harris e-mails me the following:
CANNONFIRE, Washington Free Beacon, Capital J | JTA and Slate
Maggie Haberman / Politico:
Kristol-founded group targets Hagel
Kristol-founded group targets Hagel
Taylor Marsh, Washington Post and Weekly Standard
Washington Post:
Chuck Hagel is not the right choice for defense secretary
Chuck Hagel is not the right choice for defense secretary
Foreign Policy, The Atlantic Online, The Moderate Voice, BuzzFeed, Washington Free Beacon, The American Conservative, New York Times, Hot Air, Firedoglake, The Daily Dish, Power Line, Right Turn, Politico, Exposing Liberal Lies, Weekly Standard, Betsy's Page, "The Lid", The Greenroom, Financial Times, National Review, The New Republic, Mondoweiss and Moe Lane
Michael Scherer / TIME:
2012 Person of the Year: Barack Obama, the President — Twenty-seven years after driving from New York City to Chicago in a $2,000 Honda Civic for a job that probably wouldn't amount to much, Barack Obama, in better shape but with grayer hair, stood in the presidential suite on the top floor …
Daily Mail, Liberal Values, ABCNEWS, The Caucus, ABCNEWS, Capital New York, The Atlantic Online, Greg's Opinion, Mediaite, The Democratic Daily, Washington Wire, LightBox, The Moderate Voice, The Hill, The Hinterland Gazette, Twitchy, MadMike'sAmerica …, Gothamist, Forbes, Shakesville, Taylor Marsh, Gawker, Towleroad News #gay, GOP 12, Business Insider, The Lonely Conservative, Weasel Zippers, JustOneMinute, The Tell, americanthinker.com, The Week and The BLT, more at Mediagazer »
Richard Stengel / TIME:
The Choice — In 1782 an expatriate French aristocrat named …
The Choice — In 1782 an expatriate French aristocrat named …
Truthdig, The Atlantic Online, LightBox, Politico, Gawker, Mediaite, Post Politics, Business Insider and msnbc.com
Adolph L. Reed Jr / New York Times:
The Puzzle of Black Republicans — WHEN Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina announced on Monday that she would name Representative Tim Scott to the Senate, it seemed like another milestone for African-Americans. Mr. Scott will complete the term of Senator Jim DeMint, who is leaving to run Heritage Foundation.
Ashley Killough / CNN:
TRENDING: Tim Scott points to 'moral decay' after school shooting
TRENDING: Tim Scott points to 'moral decay' after school shooting
Emily Goodin / The Hill:
Spielberg, Day-Lewis at Capitol for screening of 'Lincoln' for senators — The two stars brought the Senate to a halt when they arrived for a bipartisan viewing of their hit movie. — Actor Daniel Day-Lewis and director Steven Spielberg brought the Senate to a halt on Wednesday afternoon …
Byron York / Washington Examiner:
Obama, Reid slam brakes on gun control
Obama, Reid slam brakes on gun control
The Plum Line, Washington Post, Mediaite, The Week, Power Line, Hot Air, American Power, Politico and New York Times, more at Mediagazer »
Michael D. Shear / New York Times:
Obama Vows Fast Action in New Push for Gun Control
Obama Vows Fast Action in New Push for Gun Control
The Lede, ABCNEWS, Capital New York, The Democratic Daily, Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion, Washington Monthly and Shakesville
NRO Symposium / National Review:
Newtown Answers — Twenty children and six adults are dead. In Nigeria, people put their lives at risk going to church on Sundays. But in New England? The thought that going to school could be a final act is hard for us to comprehend. The seeming senselessness of what happened …
ECHIDNE OF THE SNAKES, Truthdig, Mediaite, Little Green Footballs, Balloon Juice, Daily Kos and msnbc.com
Eric Schmitt / New York Times:
3 State Department Resignations After Libya Attack Report — WASHINGTON — Three State Department officials resigned under pressure on Wednesday following a report that detailed "grossly inadequate" security measures at the United States Mission in Benghazi, Libya, on the night assailants besieged …
Politico, Associated Press, CNN, CBS News, Taylor Marsh, Michelle Malkin, The Other McCain, The Atlantic Online and Fox News
CNN Poll: Bare majority now support major gun restrictions — Washington (CNN) - Americans are reacting to the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut with elevated levels of anger, shock and fear that have led a growing number of people to look for action from the government and society …
Hot Air, Business Insider, Taegan Goddard's … and The National Memo
Zack Colman / The Hill:
Obama: Climate change among top three priorities for second term — President Obama has identified climate change as one of his top three priorities in his second term after coming under fire from environmentalists for giving the issue short shrift during the campaign.
TIME and Weasel Zippers
Matt Ridley / Wall Street Journal:
Cooling Down the Fears of Climate Change
Cooling Down the Fears of Climate Change
Hot Air, Watts Up With That?, Ricochet Conversations Feed, Power Line, Hit & Run, The Glittering Eye and Althouse
Robert Rizzuto / Union-News:
Sen. Scott Brown says he now supports a federal ban on assault weapons — Although he once said banning so-called assault weapons fell under the category of issues best left to the states, Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown told The Republican / MassLive.com in an exclusive interview Wednesday that he now supports federal action.
The Hill, 2chambers and Post Politics
Andrew Kaczynski / BuzzFeed:
The Assault Weapon Ban Would Have Never Passed If It Wasn't For Ronald Reagan
The Assault Weapon Ban Would Have Never Passed If It Wasn't For Ronald Reagan
Outside the Beltway
Matt Townsend / Bloomberg:
Guns Out of Stock at Wal-Mart as Magazine Prices Surge on — With President Barack Obama endorsing sweeping gun restrictions in the wake of the school shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, prices for handgun magazines are surging on EBay (EBAY) and semi-automatic rifles are sold out at many Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) locations.
The Gateway Pundit and Weasel Zippers
Frank Newport / Gallup:
To Stop Shootings, Americans Focus on Police, Mental Health — Democrats substantially more likely to see assault gun ban as effective — PRINCETON, NJ — Americans are most likely to say that an increased police presence at schools, increased government spending on mental health screening and treatment …
Weasel Zippers, Politico and Clayton Cramer's Blog
Kevin Robillard / Politico:
Joe Manchin: 'I'm so proud of the NRA' — 'I'm not supporting a ban on anything. I'm supporting a conversation on everything,' Manchin said. AP Photo — Close — West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, who suggested earlier in the week that the time had come for some gun control restrictions …
WV MetroNews, Daily Kos, The Hill and Mediaite


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About Us
Welcome to Pioneer Bank! Pioneer Bank is more than just any old bank; we're dedicated to being the leading financial institution for the communities we serve. From Lewisville to Madelia, Mankato, Mapleton, North Mankato, St. James, and a loan production office in Lake Crystal we're going above and beyond to offer a better banking experience.
That's because you are at the heart of everything we do here. Personalized customer service is delivered by employees who are fellow community members, committed to excellence. It's truly a consolidated effort to provide our customers with the experience they deserve.
Equally important to us is providing you with state-of-the-art products. Meet Kasasa®--a revolutionary way to bank that puts the power in your hands. Learn all about the different ways it pays to bank with Kasasa.
If you're currently a Pioneer Bank customer, we want to tell you how much we appreciate your business and value our relationship. If you've not yet joined the Pioneer family, we'd like to invite you to make the switch to a bank that puts your needs first.
David P. Krause, CEO


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Legal Status
Legal Status
Proposed Rule
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: Television Receivers and Data Display Units; Withdrawal
A Proposed Rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on
Document Details
Information about this document as published in the Federal Register.
- Printed version:
- Publication Date:
- 07/24/2003
- Agencies:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Dates:
- The notice of proposed rulemaking published on April 3, 1996, at 61 FR 14733 is withdrawn as of July 24, 2003.
- Document Type:
- Proposed Rule
- Document Citation:
- Page:
- 43891-43893 (3 pages)
- Agency/Docket Number:
- Docket No. FMCSA-1997-2278 (Formerly Docket No. MC-96-5
- Document Number:
- 03-18598
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
Notice of withdrawal of proposed rulemaking.
The FMCSA withdraws its April 3, 1996, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to rescind restrictions on the locations at which television receivers may be positioned within commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). After reviewing the public comments received in response to the NPRM, the agency no longer considers the restrictions to be obsolete and redundant. The agency believes that it is necessary to retain the rule to prohibit unsafe driver behavior, and that doing so is not likely to discourage the use of Start Printed Page 43892Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)-related technologies such as collision-avoidance and traveler information systems which could be used to improve safety and efficiency, or other communications systems that employ display screens.
The notice of proposed rulemaking published on April 3, 1996, at 61 FR 14733 is withdrawn as of July 24, 2003.
Start Further InfoFOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Larry Minor, Chief, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division, (202) 366-8842, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental InformationSUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
On April 3, 1996, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) (now FMCSA) published an NPRM (61 FR 14733) to rescind 49 CFR 393.88. That regulation requires motor carriers to place television viewers or screens in the rear of the back of the driver's seat, if such viewer or screen is in the same compartment as the driver. Section 393.88 also requires the carrier to place the viewer or screen in a location that is not visible to the driver, while he/she is driving the CMV, with the operating controls for the television receiver also located in the back of the driver's seat so that the driver cannot operate them without leaving his/her seat.
As part of the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative, the agency reviewed § 393.88 and made a preliminary determination that the rule was obsolete and redundant. The agency stated that its approach differed from that of the former Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). When the rule was originally adopted in 1951, the ICC believed that the absence of a Federal requirement would tempt people to install television receivers in commercial motor vehicles so that drivers could watch them while driving. This concern has not been borne out. The agency indicated that motor carriers recognize the inherent safety risks of allowing drivers to watch television while driving. In addition, the agency stated that the behavior that § 393.88 is intended to address, driver inattentiveness, is effectively covered by State laws and regulations.
With regard to the issue of whether the rule could potentially discourage the use of ITS-related technologies, the agency explained that some of the systems in question permit the use of in-vehicle display screens, which provide drivers with real-time map displays of areas of traffic congestion, construction, and accidents. Some satellite communications systems enable motor carriers to track CMVs en route to a destination, and to transmit written messages to drivers that appear on video terminals in the cab. Also, some collision-avoidance or warning systems display video images of traffic around the CMV.
The agency described how it relied on regulatory guidance to clarify the applicability of § 393.88, and intended the rescission to eliminate the potential need for a case-by-case interpretation on the various configurations of in-cab video display systems. The agency was concerned that such an interpretation or regulatory guidance process would become a de facto design approval program.
Discussion of Comments
The FMCSA received six comments in response to the NPRM. The commenters were: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), the American Trucking Association (ATA), Federal Express Corporation (Federal Express), the Flxible Corporation (Flxible), Lancer Insurance Company (Lancer), and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA). Advocates, Lancer, and Federal Express generally opposed the agency's proposal, while ATA, Flxible, and TMA supported the removal of the current rule, primarily because of the potential for discouraging certain technologies. ATA suggested a revision of the rule to address the overall issue of devices that may distract a driver's attention from the roadway.
Advocates does not believe that State laws are an appropriate substitute for a Federal regulation applicable to interstate motor carriers. Advocates contends that an explicit Federal requirement is needed because it would be difficult to prove that a driver viewing a television screen caused an accident. Lancer also expressed concern about the proposed removal of § 393.88. Lancer indicated that the intercity bus industry, particularly charter and tour operators, already provide on-board video programming to passengers. Typically, the equipment used is a VCR located behind the driver's seat. None of the monitors are positioned so that the driver can view the images. The current restriction ensures that drivers do not divide their attention between driving and operating the video programming. Lacer agrees with the agency's efforts to be flexible in the use of ITS-related technology, but argues that there are potential safety problems with systems that would have drivers split their attention between driving and reading computer-generated messages.
Federal Express believes that rescinding § 393.88 could result in numerous States adopting different requirements. Federal Express recommends that the agency propose a new regulation that allows for new technologies, but prohibits devices that decrease the safety of operation of the commercial motor vehicles on which they used.
TMA and Flxible support the removal of § 393.88. TMA indicated that although the benefits provided by certain ITS-related technologies are not fully quantifiable because their cost-effectiveness and acceptance by drivers have not been documented, the usage of such devices should not be restricted by an outdated, obsolete regulation. Flexible explained that closed-circuit video surveillance equipment is sometimes installed on transit buses as a crime-fighting tool. The driver is able to observe passenger activity at all times, with the most advanced systems allowing the driver to lock-in on potential problem situations for continuous monitoring.
The ATA also support removal of § 393.88, but encourages government and the private sector (ITS America, Society of Automotive Engineers, equipment manufacturers, and motor carriers to work together to study the issue of driver workload, and develop new rules, if necessary, to respond to any safety issues identified by such research.
FMCSA Response to Comments
After reviewing the comments submitted in response to the NPRM, the FMCSA agrees with the commenters concerned with not having an explicit prohibition against positioning television receiver screens in a location that enables drivers to see the screen. Although the agency continues to believe that current State laws or regulations could be used to cite drivers who watch television while operating a commercial motor vehicle, we acknowledge that it is much easier for enforcement personnel to enforce an explicit prohibition rather than an agency's interpretation of the applicability of a general law or regulation concerning driver distraction of inattention. The FMCSA believes a more effective strategy for ensuring highway safety is to retain § 393.88 in its current form, at this time.
In response to commenters that support a rulemaking to respond to safety concerns about equipment and devices, other than television receivers, that may distract drivers' attention from Start Printed Page 43893driving tasks, the agency does not believe it is necessary to take such action at this time. Currently, the safety benefits of such a rulemaking cannot be quantified, and there is no practicable means of estimating the potential costs in the event that such a rulemaking would necessitate equipment manufacturers to design systems now being sold. The agency will, however, certainly work with the private sector if specific safety problems are identified that they require Federal rules to effectively address the issue.
The FMCSA continues to consider § 393.88 to be applicable only to television receivers, and believes that the rule should not be construed as being applicable to any other device or technology unless such technology is capable of receiving a television broadcast signal. The agency believes that § 393.3 provides adequate guidance concerning other technology in that it prohibits equipment and accessories that decrease the safety of operation of the CMV on which it is used. The agency will continue to provide general regulatory guidance, as necessary, to clarify the applicability of § 393.3 to devices other than television receivers, while ensuring to the greatest extent practicable, that the regulatory guidance process does not become a de facto design approval or product endorsement process.
FMCSA Decision
In consideration of the comments and for the reasons given above, the FMCSA will retain § 393.88. The agency no longer believes that the regulation could discourage the use of certain technologies intended to improve the safety or efficiency of motor carrier operations, at least to the extent that action must be taken at this time. Furthermore, the safety benefits of retaining the rule, while admittedly undocumented, outweigh the potential safety risks that would result from motor carriers or drivers concluding that there are no regulatory obstacles to the watching of television while a CMV is being operated on public roads.
For these reasons, the NPRM of April 3, 1996 (61 FR 14733), is withdrawn.
Start SignatureIssued on: July 11, 2003.
Annette M. Sandberg,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 03-18598 Filed 7-23-03; 8:45 am]


text:
A one metre-high tsunami hit northeast Japan on Friday, after a powerful undersea quake struck off the coast which was devastated in last year's quake-tsunami disaster.
Meteorologists said the wave swept ashore at just after 6pm (0900 GMT) in Ishinomaki, a city badly hit by the 2011 tsunami that wrecked a large swathe of the northeast coast, killing thousands.
There were no immediate reports of any fatalities after the 7.3-magnitude quake that was followed by a 6.2 aftershock, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Residents of at least one town, Minamisanriku in Miyagi prefecture, were advised to get to safety, with reports suggesting other towns were also affected.
"We are now calling on people to evacuate to higher ground," town official Ryuichi Omori told AFP.
"It's already pitch dark here. Calls phones -- both landlines and mobiles -- are not going through now, which makes it difficult to see people's movement."
"The quake was not so big although it felt very (strong). It was not big at all compared with last year's earthquake. The town office is now setting up a disaster taskforce."
A presenter on state broadcaster NHK repeatedly told viewers to get to safety after the initial tremors, which set Tokyo buildings swaying violently.
"Remember last year's quake and tsunami," he said. "Call on your neighbours and flee to higher ground now!"
NHK, quoting the national meteorological agency, said the tsunami was expected to hit the coast of Iwate at 5.40pm (0840 GMT), Fukushima at 5.50pm, and Aomori and Ibaraki at 6pm.
The 7.3 quake struck 36 kilometres (23 miles) under the Pacific, USGS said.
The epicentre was 284 kilometres (176 miles) east of Sendai, or 459 kilometres (285 miles) northeast of Tokyo, according to the USGS.
NHK said the Japan Meteorological Agency had issued a tsunami warning, one notch lower than a tsunami alert, for the Pacific coast of Iwate, Fukushima, Aomori and Ibaraki prefectures.
There was no threat of a Pacific-wide tsunami, US monitors based in Hawaii said. Officials in both Indonesia and the Philippines south of Japan said there was no threat of a localised tsunami.
Nuclear plant operator Tokyo Electric Power told AFP there were no reports of any problems at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.
"No abnormalities have been recorded on instruments at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant's six reactors," a TEPCO spokesman said.
"All workers were ordered to take shelter inside buildings at the Fukushima plant.
"No abnormalities were confirmed with the radiation monitoring posts at the Fukushima plant. No abnormalities were seen with the water processing facilities."
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was heading to his office where he would be monitoring the situation, Jiji Press said.
Japan Railways East temporarily suspended Shinkansen bullet train services to check any damage, Jiji said, while Haneda Airport near central Tokyo was reported to be operating normally.
Narita airport was reported to have resumed operations after a temporary suspension.


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Press Round-Up: MAR.12.08
by Staff Writer / Vancouver CanucksTHE PROVINCE
Salo, Ohlund day-to-day
Jason Botchford reports on the Canucks latest injuries and line adjustments:
Another game, another injury to a Canucks defenceman.
It's becoming as routine as good round of golf from Tiger Woods.
The latest in the medical room is Sami Salo, the Fragile Finn, who is suffering from back spasms. Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said there was a "50-50" chance Salo would play tonight against the Ducks.
"Hopefully, the chances are better than that," Salo said in response, smiling. What Salo meant is anyone's guess. He wouldn't elaborate.
Mattias Ohlund, playing despite the fact he needs surgery on his knee, is also questionable for tonight's game. If both defencemen are unable to play, Nathan McIver, recalled Tuesday, will check into the lineup.
Ohlund will be day-to-day for most of the rest of the season, Vigneault said.
Slow Mo-tion
Brendan Morrison will be moved into the lineup gradually in his return from his wrist injury, even after he said his wrist felt fine following Monday's game.
"I didn't expect to see him in the lineup [Monday]," Vigneault said. "We'll move in gradually because he's only had two or three practices with the team, and that's not a lot. We have four games in six nights so we'll pace him this week and give him more next week."
That means he'll likely will continue to play on the team's fourth line.
"I have a new respect for the guys who play this role," Morrison said. "It can be really difficult to stay in the game and stay on top of things when you don't play for 10 minutes."
Brendan Morrison will be moved into the lineup gradually in his return from his wrist injury, even after he said his wrist felt fine following Monday's game.
"I didn't expect to see him in the lineup [Monday]," Vigneault said. "We'll move in gradually because he's only had two or three practices with the team, and that's not a lot. We have four games in six nights so we'll pace him this week and give him more next week."
That means he'll likely will continue to play on the team's fourth line.
"I have a new respect for the guys who play this role," Morrison said. "It can be really difficult to stay in the game and stay on top of things when you don't play for 10 minutes."
Good fit for Isbister
Vigneault said he likes what he sees when with Brad Isbister playing on the wing with Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler.
Every time Brad has played on that line, he's had a lot of success," the coach said. "He's a big body, and he's not afraid to drop the gloves.
"I don't think he talks as much as the other two."
Vigneault said he likes what he sees when with Brad Isbister playing on the wing with Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler.
Every time Brad has played on that line, he's had a lot of success," the coach said. "He's a big body, and he's not afraid to drop the gloves.
"I don't think he talks as much as the other two."
Kesler, Burrows score A in chemistry: Forwards have combined for 12 goals in the past 15 games
Jason Botchford said Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler have established a chemistry that is like no other:
One player is of first-round pedigree, has lots of talent and was built from birth for hockey in his hometown near Detroit's infamous 8 Mile.
The other is a bit of a misfit, only in the NHL now because, in the lockout year, the Manitoba Moose took an extra forward and they, a little randomly, picked him, an undrafted, supposedly unskilled, definitely wild French Canadian from a small Montreal suburb.
On paper, they couldn't be more different. On the ice, they couldn't be more similar. Together, Vancouver Canucks Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows are the toast of the town, playing on a shut-down checking line that scores.
"It is so much fun to play with him, especially right now as we have a lot of chemistry," Kesler said. "Chemistry goes a long way, allowing you to know where each other is on the ice. It allows you to know, most of the time, what the other guy is going to do with the puck and without it.
"He's a fun guy to play with, a fun guy to hang around with and it's real easy to play with him. He'd probably say the same thing about me. We play exactly alike, and right now we are clicking."
They sure are. In the past 15 games, Kesler and Burrows have combined for 12 goals (six each), 10 assists, a plus-14 rating (Kesler is plus-4, Burrows plus-10). Their timing couldn't be better. The Sedin twins and Markus Naslund have combined for three goals in their last 10.
First paired in November, Kesler and Burrows have been a match made in Alain Vigneault's dreams, each making the other better and doing it with the type of hockey Vigneault lives for. They are firecrackers on skates, players locked into their coach's system who aggravate opponents with stinging (and funny) one liners on the ice and then laugh about it all post-game.
"We've never even been in an argument," Burrows said, smiling. "We're always smiling, joking with each other. We make sure we get under people's skin, especially [Kevin] Bieksa's because he's a bit of a rat. We just like to have fun. I'm louder, and Kes is a little quieter but he cracks a lot of jokes. Kes is from 8 Mile so he knows how to run the show. He is really funny."
The fact the two are even in the same league is somewhat remarkable. Kesler was a pro-in-training from youth, but Burrows said he never believed he would play in the NHL until he joined the Moose during the lockout at age 23.
"I was dreaming about it as a kid but going to the ECHL from junior I knew it wasn't likely," Burrows said. "But for some reason, in the lockout year the Moose kept an extra forward, they made one more roster spot and that was my spot. I'm not sure why they did it, it was random. All of a sudden, I was there playing with guys who had played in the NHL and I began to believe I could make it. For the first time, the dream became real."
One of Burrows' biggest road blocks came at the end of last season when he met with Vigneault. The pair had an exit meeting during which Burrows was told he had to pick up his game or risk losing his spot with the Canucks.
"He said I had done well in lots of areas -- the PK, bringing energy -- but he wanted me to bring more offence," Burrows said. "I was a point-a-game guy when I played for him in the AHL and then I play a year in the NHL and only get three goals. He couldn't believe it. I don't know how many more he wanted but I worked hard to produce more."
It's likely the 29 points Burrows has produced this season exceeds any of Vigneault's expectations.
"I was just lucky to get the chance to play with Kes this year," Burrows said. "It has made a lot of the difference. Together we click, we get ice time and now we just want to get to the playoffs together.
"We just want to complement each other and play well. ... It doesn't matter which one of us scores just as long as we win."
Last hurrah for Mo, Naslund: Unlikely they'll be on the same team next season
Jason Botchford said the 2008 stretch drive and the post-season may be the last run for Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund as teammates, a realization that provides both with extra motivation:
In their seven seasons together, they have missed the playoffs twice.
They said they are determined to do everything they can to make sure it doesn't happen again in what may be the last late-season run Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison share together as Vancouver Canucks.
Monday's game against Los Angeles was a good start. Morrison played for the first time in three months and said his wrist responded well while his legs felt fresh and faster than they've felt in a couple seasons.
For Naslund, the game against the Kings was a bit of a revelation, arguably the best he's played in weeks, even though he was held scoreless.
"I just went out there and relaxed," Naslund said. "For me, that's a big thing. Sometimes when I get down on myself, it just goes in the opposite direction. From now on, I'm just going to go out there and try to enjoy it all and help the team out as best I can."
Naslund was possibly helped by the decision to move him off the top line with the Sedin twins. He has had success in the past creating plays while others create space. While he played with the twins, who utilize their oft-debated cycle game, he probably didn't see the puck enough.
"I think I have to have the puck more than I've had it in a long time," Naslund said. "I have to hold on to it more and make things happen, make plays and shoot -- all those things.
"Hopefully, Monday was something to build on."
Naslund said he hasn't made any decisions about his future, which many believe won't be with the Canucks. If that's true, this is his last chance for a long run in the playoffs with Vancouver.
"You do think about it," Naslund said, adding he remains unsure how long he wants to keep playing. "When you have a family, you have to think a little further. But I honestly don't know. I haven't decided on anything."
He said one thing that will keep him playing is his desire to win a championship.
"You want to look back at your career and say you won something," Naslund said. "That being said, it's a tough task winning a Stanley Cup. Look at this franchise, it's been around for a long time and made it to two finals. But that makes it more exciting to get in and have a chance.
"When you get in, every year there is a team that surprises and hopefully we can get in and be on a hot streak."
Morrison said his wrist was tender but he remained "pretty happy" with the way it handled its first in-game test Monday. Most encouraging for Morrison is his speed. He has showcased it more and more during practices. In one drill Tuesday, Morrison's moves left Byron Ritchie shouting, "He's back!"
"My legs feel great right now, it's been a long time since they've felt this good," Morrison said.
"I didn't come back just to say I was in the lineup. I came back to be a guy who can make a difference. We'll see how it progresses.
"We'll keep monitoring my hand and gradually get my minutes back up to where they were."


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Really? That large a gap?
If that's true, the only explanation I could offer is that I'd imagine haste is the cause of a lot of it, Shadowcraft has exceptionally large love of haste ever since RPPM trinkets came into play.
Really? That large a gap?
If that's true, the only explanation I could offer is that I'd imagine haste is the cause of a lot of it, Shadowcraft has exceptionally large love of haste ever since RPPM trinkets came into play.
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If you don't have latency problems, I think the 4pc mechanics for combat rogues isn't really that bad even considering the drawbacks coming from killing spree management. It is true that we suffer a lot from any loss of GCDs, but I think the overall rotation is more dynamic, exciting, and challenging compared to ASSA although it is somewhat behind. Would be nice to receive a buff.
Last edited by timorjin; 2013-04-02 at 03:09 PM.
There are a few possible factors, the assassination model isn't as well optimized as the combat model. The combat model was pretty extensively overhauled in 5.2 to allow it to handle things like CD stacking, the assassination model is still operating in the earlier time averaging scheme which may be undercounting assassination relative to combat. It has never been particularly useful to compare assassination to combat in shadowcraft, both models make different assumptions to simplify the model which make comparisons very risky.
The basic conclusion however that combat falls off substantially in real world scenarios can be shown with some modifications to the back end if you model GCDs lost.
Shadowcraft stat weights are a bit off for combat, it rates agility too much and haste a lot less than what it's really worth, it even rates 80 agi more than 160 haste for gems. I guess it's just not optimized yet for combat.
You keep saying that. Do you have evidence to back up your claim besides "I think so therefore it is"?
No solid evidence i guess, i'm basing that on the fact that simC stat weight are much different and top guilds rogues follow those instead of shadowcraft ones.
The combat EP weights really aren't that different.
The only minor thing is that SimC weights secondary stats slightly higher than Shadowcraft across the board. So Shadowcraft encourages a balance of agi, agi/haste, haste gems at BiS levels, but SimC suggests agi/haste and haste. Unless you can determine where the mathematical or logic error is, it's probably not wise to start declaring one thing or another.
10% from Shadowcraft Vs 2% from SimC seems like a big difference to me, i was only trying to explain why there's that difference, and the answer is different stat weights. Obviously i can't really check the workings behind each stat weight calculation made by either Shadowcraft or SimC. All i know is SimC stats have worked better for me.
Last edited by Noxyuz; 2013-04-03 at 05:15 PM.
It takes some really large differences to show up in side-by-side 30-minute tests. If you're talking hundreds/thousands of DPS, you're still in the margin of error/normal deviation for the gear. The differences should be minimal, beyond the point that regular testing can tell you if they are there or not. The majority curve of the bell from SimC's BiS profile is just about an 11k range (standard deviation). If you see, in 3x SimC-length runs, a 15k+ difference, that's probably indicative of reality. I'm assuming you saw differences of hundreds/<3k DPS, and probably without any buffs, which would nullify the test anyway.
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Former Electric Sheep Recruitment Officer (They're Great!) - Kaeldraens
I do realize error margins have an impact on the result, but it was still a 30 minute run, that length does help a bit with error margins. Too bad i don't have the exact numbers anymore, i just wrote them on a paper and lost it but yeah, i think the difference i saw was something around 1k DPS, self buffed with drums of forgotten kings, flask and food buffs and some other thing i don't remember.
I actually wanted to make a second run so i had some results to compare, but it was just too boring :P
I've got my 4pc and granted all I've gotten to try it on so far is Lei Shen and heroic Jin Rokh with a handful of attempts on heroic horridon, but I do think you are right as I'm doubting I am doing as much as I could with assassination if I had a 522 dagger. I am smashing our other rogues, but I was doing that before 4pc as combat anyway (we have 2 asn and 2 combat atm). Maybe we will have an extra dagger drop this week and I can try assassination next week to compare.
Lei Shen blows because the faster AR/SB cd is semi wasted because I will only get 2 in before each transition and it will be up when the transition is over. I actually started holding off the 2nd one on p1 and p2 to coincide with my shadopan trinket because it wasn't actually preventing additional uses of my cds.
I am a little low on gear compared to the rogues I saw able to pull it off, but I can't get my AR back up during the first pool in time for it to finish if I use AR on the pull (we lust on first pool). So I am not really able to make amazing use out of it on Jin Rokh either (had like 196k dps which is below the ranking cut off for assassination even though it was 21st for west ranks as combat). I ended up having more dps by not using it on the pull and using it with lust in the pool which results in me missing an extra AR but not being able to stack it with lust and having to not only run out of the pool in the middle of it but also temporarily lose range on the boss as he jumps to the center sucked massively.
The range change to BF and the fact that there is always something to hit on Horridon did seem to make combat pretty awesome, but we only had like 4 pulls on it and didn't make it past the 3rd door.


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Barack Obama established his political bona fides with his early rejection of the Iraq war as a little-known Illinois state senator. And that position arguably propelled him through the 2008 Democratic primary and on to the presidency.
But now the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iraq bears almost nothing but political downside for the president. The prospect of using limited air strikes or other military intervention to tamp down an Islamist revolt will almost surely find public opposition.
The reasons? Because the war was unpopular, there are no good options, and Obama is riding a significant losing streak on foreign policy.
All of which makes re-engaging in Iraq a very tough political sell.
Opinions on Obama's handling of international affairs have long been a brighter spot than his rating on many domestic issues — as well as his overall approval rating. But a Washington Post-ABC News poll last week found his ratings in this area sinking to a new low. Just 41 percent approved of his job on international affairs, down six points in three months and currently five points below his overall approval rating.
Layered on top of Obama's weakness on foreign affairs is the long-standing unpopularity of the war in Iraq. As of March 2013, just 38 percent said the costs of the war were worth the effort and 58 percent said they were not.
The war has been especially unpopular among Democrats nearly since the beginning, while Republicans have been more supportive. It is unlikely that a decision by Obama to use military force in Iraq would suddenly find favor among Democrats or maintain favor among Republicans.
The deep unpopularity of the war is punctuated by Obama's highly popular decision to withdraw troops in 2011. Seventy-eight percent supported this decision overall, with as many as 58 percent of Republicans supporting it. That's a remarkably high level of GOP support for anything with Obama's name attached to it.
Ever since then, though, foreign policy has been a very tough slog for Obama. And indeed, the past year is riddled with examples of Obama getting tough marks for his handling of various issues.
Let's recap.
First there was the whole "red line" strategy in Syria, which eventually led Obama to ask Congress to authorize limited missile strikes against the Syrian government. The American people — along with Congress — were not on board. Here's where they stood in September, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll:
Eventually, of course, Obama secured a deal under which Syria would promise to turn over its chemical weapons. The whole issue of military strikes was tabled, and Congress never voted. Still, as of January, Americans were — on balance — unhappy about the whole episode.
In that same January poll, we tested Obama's approval on Iran, with which the administration has participated in the first talks between the two countries in decades. Those talks yielded a six-month deal under which Iran would scale back its uranium enrichment program in exchange for an easing of sanctions.
Despite the administration cautiously hailing its diplomatic progress, the American people — again — were not impressed.
Fast forward to the whole Russia-Ukraine situation. The reaction for the administration here was much less foot-on-the-pedal than with Syria, as Russia was basically able to annex Crimea without much fuss. The administration's response was to rally around its NATO allies and issue plenty of stern warnings that Russia shouldn't go any further. Even this more hands-off approach, though, was not good enough for the American people. As of April:
More recently, there was the Bowe Bergdahl prisoner swap, in which five Taliban prisoners were traded for the lone American prisoner of war. Soon, though, news of Bergdahl's apparent desertion prior to being captured colored the whole deal, and people started thinking the price paid was too high.
Overall, more Americans disapprove (51 percent) than approve (39 percent). But as we've argued before, it's actually quite a bit worse than that for the administration. That's because, when people really think about Bergdahl's apparent desertion, they're clearly against the deal, 63-28.
Obama's foreign policy calling card, of course, was his pledge to end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He's done both — eventually — and Americans feel good about his plan to draw down troops in Afghanistan, supporting it by a huge margin of 77-19.
Despite this, though, Afghanistan still isn't a point of strength on Obama's foreign policy record, with Americans evenly split as of this month's Post-ABC poll.
As of today, it seems that even with the foreign policy issues on which Obama could please the American people, he's not. Foreign policy has become a liability for him, and he can't win.
And when you combine that with a pretty thankless task ahead in Iraq, it's a perfect recipe for something very few people will like or support.


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Microsoft to Merge Skype and Windows Live Messenger Services
Nov 6, 2012, 1:54 PM by Eric M. Zeman @phonescooper
updated Nov 6, 2012, 2:34 PM
Microsoft today announced that it plans to combine its Windows Live Messenger IM product with Skype moving forward. Windows Live Messenger, which is Microsoft's long-standing instant messaging platform, will be retired during the first quarter of 2013. Skype, which is also owned byt Microsoft, will become its favored messaging service across platforms and devices. It will work with Windows and Mac desktops, Windows, Android, and iOS tablets, as well as Windows, Android, and iOS smartphones. The new Skype/messenger product will offer screen sharing, mobile video calling, group calling, and video calling with Facebook friends. Skype and Windows Live Messenger users can merge their services beginning today.
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Did your ancestors immigrate to the United States between 1846 and 1851? Do you have Japanese ancestry? Was anyone in your family held as a prisoner of war during World War II or the Korean War? Did your relatives help build the Panama Canal? These questions may sound unrelated, but if you can answer yes to any one of them, you might find valuable family history clues in the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) latest online offering: the Access to Archival Databases (AAD) system. Through 350 databases, AAD provides access to nearly 50 million records created by more than 20 federal agencies.
Among AAD's 350 databases are several data files of special interest to genealogists. Go to the AAD Web site, click the Search button, and then click on People to access resources dealing with immigrants, Japanese-American internees, prisoners of war, wartime casualties and Panama Canal Zone deaths. Here's a look at 10 of those files and the clues they hold:
Combat Area Casualties Database names 58,965 US military officers and soldiers who died or who were missing in action or prisoners of war in Southeast Asia from 1956 to 1998.
Data File from the Casualty Information System provides information on 293,858 members of the US Army and their dependents who were killed, injured or missing in action anywhere in the world from 1961 to 1981. About 85 percent of the records relate to the Vietnam War, 1961 to 1975.
Famine Irish Data Files names 604,596 people who came to the United States by ship between 1846 and 1851. About 70 percent were Irish natives escaping the potato famine. Others came from Canada, Brazil, St. Croix, Russia, Morocco and other countries. Some were Americans returning to the United States from trips abroad. Ancestry.com has a fee-based version of this database, Irish Immigrants: New York Port Arrival Records, 1846-1851.
Index to the Gorgas Hospital Mortuary Death Records names 26,213 US military soldiers and officers, employees of the Panama Canal Commission, and Canal Zone civilians who died between 1906 and 1991.
Japanese-American Internee File provides information on 109,384 Japanese-Americans evacuated from California, Oregon and Washington and relocated to 10 internment camps during World War II.
Korean Conflict Casualty File names 33,642 American military officers and soldiers who died between 1950 and 1957, either on the battlefield or while missing in action.
Korean War Casualty File names US Army casualties, including 27,727 officers and soldiers who died and 82,248 who were wounded between 1950 and 1953.
Korean War File of American Prisoners of War contains records for 4,714 US POWs killed or wounded.
Repatriated Korean Conflict Prisoners of War File has information on about 4,447 former POWs between 1950 and 1954.
World War II Prisoners of War File has 143,374 records covering American military officers and soldiers, as well as some Allied civilians.
Don't be confused by the date ranges following the database titles on the NARA Web site. For example, the years in the title Famine Irish Data Files, 1977?-1989? indicate when the electronic file was created or maintained, not the time period covered by the data (to find that, you'll need to look for the coverage dates).
The National Archives Web site can be difficult to navigate, but don't let that discourage you; the benefits of this new genealogical resource are too great. For example, if your relative is listed in the Combat Area Casualties Current File, you'll find his full name, dates of birth and death, hometown, military grade, type of casualty, religion and other information. If you lose your way, click on the Help tab, at the top right-hand side of each page, for a description of the site's organization and search tips. Click on AAD Terminology, at the top left-hand side of each page, for explanations of confusing terms such as inclusive dates and coverage dates.
As you navigate the National Archives and Records Administration's Web site, you may feel like a mouse making its way through a maze. But with these navigational tips, you should find the cheese in no time.


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Site Suggestions Suggestions for Ancients.info and our forums. |
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Mar 31, 2004, 03:11 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Recent Forum Topics
Is the "Recent Forum Topics" section on the home page working correctly?
Hi, I was just wondering if there is a problem with this feature, as I posted the new thread below and it never showed up in the new topics - I fear noone has read it as many may rely on new all posts showing up there? http://ancients.info/forums/showthre...=&threadid=166 Best regards to all, Steve |
Mar 31, 2004, 04:57 PM | #2 |
Hi Steve,
It sure looks like there might be a little bug in there. I'll have a look and see what I can find. Thanks for letting me know! Bill |
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Joe Girardi and Yankees Relish A Hard-Fought AL East Crown, Await Wild Card Opponent
October 5, 2012 – 7:15 am by Steven CuceLast Sunday afternoon the New York Yankees were in Toronto and trailing the Blue Jays by four runs in the fifth inning. It was a big turning point for the Yankees season as the team was able to come back in the game and they never bat an eyelash this past week. The Yankees swept the Boston Red Sox and were able to not only clinch the American League East division title, but also secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs with the best record in the AL.
The dominoes sure did fall right for the Yankees this past week with the Texas Rangers losing their AL West Division lead to the Oakland Athletics and the Baltimore Orioles losing two of three to the Tampa Bay Rays, but the Bronx Bombers earned their stripes this season. New York never gave up its division lead when it appeared to falter on Sept. 3, and players like Raul Ibanez and Ichiro Suzuki stepped up in the clutch. We'll see if the Yanks can get past the first round of the playoffs this postseason with a team that has grinded through injuries.
Joe Girardi joined WFAN in New York with Mike Francesa to discuss the New York Yankees working hard to earn the American League East Division title, the value of winning a division title this season now with two wild cards spots, how the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles finished up the end of the regular season, the Yankees never wavering down the stretch or losing the division lead and players like Raul Ibanez and Ichiro Suzuki changing the culture of the Yankees this season.
Congrats on the American League East Division title. This is one you really worked for huh?
"Yeah we really had to work for it and in the end your prediction came true — 94 wins would have gotten it done. I think you said that two weeks ago and you were right."
This year I felt like winning the division was a valued accomplishment given how tough the American League is. Do you agree?
"I definitely agree and what we went through the last month of the season, I looked it was Sept. 3, we were a game up and we never relinquished the lead and that's impressive what our guys were able to do and we had some guys in and out of the lineup. It seemed as we got healthier, we got better, and we had to win a lot of games in the end."
Tell me about your thoughts on the Texas Rangers and how they finished down the stretch? How about the Orioles?
"Well I often wonder if the doubleheader on Sunday took a little bit out of the Texas Rangers before they went to Oakland. My biggest concern in that stretch we had when we got rained out, besides playing 15 days in a row, was the split doubleheader. How would our guys physically respond if time went on and I think that can take something out of you. The bottom line is if Texas wins [Friday] all of this is for not because now they are in a normal series just like everyone else. It's really not a huge deal. If you lose the one-game crap shoot then that is a problem. Baltimore has played us extremely tough. We are 5-5 against Baltimore and 4-3 against the Rangers, so we have two really tough opponents."
Do you feel very good about your ball club down the stretch here heading into the playoffs?
"I do, and now that I am able to look back upon it. We win 95 games and people talk about the lead that we had and you look at Texas and they had a 13-game lead, but a lot of it is about what other teams did, too. The other teams played really well in the second half, whether it was a Baltimore or whether it was an Oakland, and I am proud of our team with the way they held serve the whole time and never panicked. They just went out and played and they didn't lose."
Did guys like Raul Ibanez and Ichiro Suzuki change this Yankees team? Is this a different team this season?
"I think it's a little different because of the way we were tested, too, the last month and I think personalities of guys always change with the excitement of a guy like Ichiro Suzuki coming over here and having not been in the playoffs in the last couple of years, and Raul Ibanez not being on the 2009 World Series team, but on Philadelphia and not getting his ring. I think it always changed. There's a lot of guys on our club who don't have rings and you see it in their eyes and the guys know what it takes and they are going after that ring as hard as possible. You saw what Derek Jeter did and the way he played down the stretch and playing with the bad ankle, but it's good to have those guys."
Listen to Joe Girardi on WFAN in New York here
Tags: 2012 MLB Playoffs, Baltimore Orioles, Ichiro Suzuki, Joe Girardi, Mike Francesa, MLB, New York Yankees, Raul Ibanez, Texas Rangers, WFAN in New York, Yankees win 2012 American League East title