text:
This article titled "FTSE 100 index posts 5% loss for 2015 – business live" was written by Graeme Wearden, for theguardian.com on Thursday 31st December 2015 15.41 UTC
Jeremy Cook, chief economist at foreign exchange firm World First, says China's economy will drive world markets next year.
He also warns that Britain's upcoming vote on whether to stay in the European Union could hurt sterling:
"As we move into 2016 it will be the ability of the Chinese authorities to stabilise economic growth that will shape the global outlook. China at the moment is feeling the blowback of years of investment driven growth with industries chock full of unproductive factories, a housing sector with a significant stock overhang and ensuing high debt levels in local government and corporate balance sheets."
"Risks of another global downturn will continue to favour the US dollar as the true currency of safe haven flows. There are reasons to be optimistic in 2016 around global growth but risks from China, Eurozone and Latin America balance will still exist."
"The build up to a UK referendum on EU membership will be a major source of instability on the British pound and the prospect of a possible 'Brexit' makes pricing the risk of the referendum a thankless task at the moment."
As predicted, shares on Wall Street are dropping in early trading.
The S&P 500 index has lost 0.3%, putting it back in the red for the year.
And the Dow Jones industrial average is down 100 points, or 0.6%. That means the Dow is 2% down this year.
Despite finishing the year in the red, the FTSE 100 did hit some new highs in 2015.
The Press Association has the details:
February 24 saw the London market break a record that had stood for more than 15 years as the FTSE 100 hit a new all-time high, boosted by investor optimism about the financial crisis in Greece.
Britain's benchmark index of leading shares closed at 6958.89, which meant the FTSE 100 finally surpassed its previous intraday peak of 6950.6 set on December 30 1999, just before the dotcom bubble burst.
The index reached a series of all-time highs before hitting its peak of 7104 on April 27, boasting a total market value of 2 trillion.
But all this was to change in the summer as China's economic woes began to unfold.
Global markets were spooked as China posted slowing gross domestic product figures of around 7% after almost a decade of double-digit growth.
Joshua Mahoney of IG suggests that the London stock market will be driven by speculation over UK interest rate rises next year:
2015 has seen the FTSE moving in an inverse manner with inflation, with falling inflation in early 2015 treated with glee by investors, yet as disinflation fears were allayed in H2, we have seen the FTSE pull back in anticipation of a more hawkish BoE stance.
Given that disinflation fears have been driven largely by the fall in oil prices, there is reason to believe that 2016 will also see sentiment largely driven by the movement of oil prices, their impact upon inflation expectations and the subsequent monetary policy stance from the BoE.
Analysts at RBS point out that the FTSE has now recorded two annual declines in a row:
London't main stock index was one of the few major benchmarks to lose ground this year (although America's Dow Jones industrial average could follow it).
Here's how things finished.
- FTSE 100: -4.9% during 2015
- German DAX: + 9.85%
- French CAC: +8.5%
- US Dow: -1.2% (before today's trading session)
- Japan's Nikkei: +9%
- China's Shanghai Composite: +9.5%
The US stock market is expected to follow London's lead, when it opens in an hour's time:
FTSE 100 posts 5% loss for 2015
London's stock market has closed for 2015, after a less than stellar performance.
The FTSE 100 lost 31 points today, or 0.5%, to finish at 6,242. That means the blue-chip index has lost almost 5% of its value since the start of this year.
More dramatically, the FTSE 100 has lost 12% of its value since hitting its record high in April.
Could there be a rally next year?
Britain's biggest bookmaker William Hill, reckons the FTSE 100 will end 2016 close to its current level.
Spokesman Rupert Adams says:
"We don't see a vast amount of movement in the FTSE 100 this year."
It's offering odds of 6/4 that the index ends 2016 between 6000 and 6499 points.
It is 5/2 to be below 6000, and 7/2 to be over 7000.
The oil price is dipping into the red, knocking almost 1% off the price of a barrel of US crude.
That won't help the ruble very much.
We've pulled together a map showing where today's oil rig evacuations took place:
Sky News's map shows a few other oil fields too:
Reuters data whizz Vincent Flasseur has pulled together some handy charts, showing the scale of the rout in commodity prices this year:
News from the North Sea: The barge that was threatening to hit BP's oil platform in Valhall has missed the installation.
It's not clear how soon BP staff will be returned to the site after being evacuated this morning, or whether other platforms are still at risk, though.
Back in London, the stock market is shuffling its way towards the new year.
With just over an hour to go until the early finish, the FTSE 100 index of blue-chip shares is down 0.3% or 18 points at 6,256.
France's CAC has lost 0.2%, while the German exchange is closed.
Unless something remarkable happens soon, the Footsie will post a loss of nearly 5% this year – after hitting a record high of 7,103 in April.
Conner Campbell of SpreadEx says global indices are staging a "limp, whimpering finish" to 2015.
After a year that began so promisingly the markets are wrapping up 2015 in the limpest way possible, a collective sigh instead of any attempt at New Year's Eve fireworks.
The stormy weather in the North Sea has claimed one life already this week.
A rig operated by energy company Statoil was hit by a "heavy wave" yesterday, killing one worker and injuring two more.
BP is evacuating a North Sea platform right now
Oil giant BP is scrambling to evacuate staff from a platform in the North Sea, because a barge is drifting in the area.
Workers at its plant at the Valhall operation are heading for land, after the unmanned vessel broke from its moorings in rough seas.
A spokesman told Reuters that:
"The barge has changed direction and BP has decided to shut production [at Valhall] and there will be a total de-manning of the platform. There are 71 people left on the platform and they are being evacuated as we speak."
More here:
And BP isn't the only producer taking precautions.
Norwegian TV are reporting that Conocophillips is evacuating staff from a platform at the Eldfisk field (adjacent to Valhall).
Tomorrow could be another red-letter day for Puerto Rico, and those investors who have loaned money to the US territory.
Puerto Rico is expected to default on $37m of debt obligations, as its ongoing financial crisis worsens. It has already defaulted once, in August, sparking suggestions that Puerto Rico is America's Greece.
Puerto Rico's national debt now totals $73bn, which the government says is unsustainable. But as it cannot legally declare bankruptcy, it is forced to cut vital services, plead for relief from creditors, and default on payments in an ad hoc manner.
More rouble trouble ahead?
The slump in the rouble will hurt Russian families by pushing up the cost of imported goods, and make an overseas trip even pricier.
Our Moscow correspondent Shaun Walker explains how the currency could fall further in 2016:
Some analysts say the rouble is still overvalued, and the current oil price should theoretically push the rouble down further. This is necessary to balance the budget: the fewer dollars Russia receives for the oil it sells, the higher the exchange rate needs to be for the budget to receive the requisite amount of roubles. For the budget to balance at 65 roubles, not far off the current rate, the price of oil should be $70, a recent Bank of America Merrill Lynch report found.
For ordinary Russians, it could be a tough year ahead. Those who were used to travelling abroad have already had to scale back as the rouble made the cost of visiting foreign cities prohibitive; and rising food prices have made it harder to balance the books for many families.
The 2016 budget, fixed in October, requires oil to be at $50 in order to run a 3% deficit within "acceptable" rouble rate limits, meaning if the price does not rise soon, cuts will need to be made or reserves spent. The war in Syria is an extra cost, and the announced increases in military spending are not likely to be reversed.
More here:
An underwhelming start to trading in London has send the FTSE 100 down by 17 points, or 0.3%, to 6257.
Augustin Eden of Accendo Markets says:
A continued slide in the oil price and a US Dollar that's not going down without a fight are dominating sentiment as people begin to attempt their 2016 forecasts, seeing headwinds for long term earnings.
Sports Direct's New Year pay pledge is worth around 15p per hour to around 15,000 workers at its stores (many on zero hours contracts) and some 4,000 agency staff at its depot.
Retail analyst Nick Bubb says it could improve the company's public image, at a price….
Mike Ashley's New Year resolution to be a better employer will go some way to improve Sports Direct's battered PR image, but it will knock c£10m off the profit base…
Campaigners underwhelmed by Sports Direct move
Sports Direct's pledge to raise staff wages isn't enough, say campaigners:
Alex Flynn, head of media and campaigns at the Unite union, told the Guardian he was "massively underwhelmed" by the news from Sports Direct.
"Mike Ashley, if he's serious about Sports Direct being one of the best retailers in terms of how it treats its staff on the high street, it's got a massive way to go."
Three weeks ago, the Guardian exposed work practices at Sports Direct's warehouses – including that staff are effectively being paid under the minimum wage due to lengthy security checks.
And now, the retailer has announced a £10m plan to raise wages over the legal minimum.
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, CEO Mike Ashley struck a remarkable tone, declaring:
"I realise this is ambitious and it won't be easy, but I believe as a FTSE 100 or even 250 company we have a responsibility to set a high moral standard."
That's the spirit, Mike. Now, what about those staff who are afraid to take a sick day?
Commodities index hits 13-year low
2015 really has been a rough year for commodities.
Fears over China's slowing economy, and the knock-on effect on emerging markets, has sent the prices of metals and energy stocks slumping.
For example:
Copper has shed around 25% of its value this year,
Oil: down 35%
Iron ore: down 40%
And that has sent the Thomson Reuters Core Commodity Index down by a quarter over the year, to hit its lowest level since 2002.
Some investors are calculating that prices may have bottomed out. But there's also a possibility that prices could keep sliding.
Mark To, head of research at Hong Kong's Wing Fung Financial Group, says there could be more trouble ahead:
"Slowing economic growth and structural reforms in China might contribute to decreased demand for commodities."
Oil price fell by a third in 2015
A quick glance at the oil price shows exactly why the rouble is so weak.
Brent crude began 2015 at around $58 per barrel, and climbed up to $68 by April. But it has since slumped to below $37, a loss of around 35%.
That's waaaaay below the break-even point for oil producers (Kuwait needs around $52 per barrel while Saudi needs $96, for example).
The Financial Times's energy editor, Ed Crooks, has stuck his neck out and predicted oil will recover in 2016:
Brent crude below $50 per barrel is too low for the industry to make the investments needed to meet growing global demand. Providing the world economy does not skid into recession, this looks like being the year that the oil price heads back to more sustainable levels.
Other FT predictions for 2016 include Belgium winning the Euro 2016 football championship, and Angela Merkel being ousted, Thatcher-style by her party….
The Russian rouble could suffer further losses in 2016, unless the oil price bounces back soon.
Alexey Korolenko, a money manager at UralSib Asset Management in Moscow, warns:
"The ruble may weaken further."
"It's hard to expect stronger oil right now. It should rise to $45-$50 per barrel, maybe, by the end of 2016. Reduction of investments should eventually make impact, the question is what the lag will be."
That's via the Wall Street Journal, who point out that Russia's manufacturing sector is contracting again (according to data released yesterday). More here:
Ruble Caps Third Annual Slump as Oil Seen Stoking Losses in 2016
Rouble hits record low
Over in Moscow, it's a bracing minus 9 degrees Celsius on the final day of the year.
And the Russian rouble is getting an equally chilly reception in the foreign exchange markets, where it has hit fresh lows this morning.
One US dollar was worth a mighty 74 roubles early this morning – a record high – as Russia's currency continues to suffer from the weak oil price.
As this chart shows, it has halved in value since autumn 2014:
The rouble is being thumped after new figures released yesterday showed a rise in US oil stocks, suggesting the glut in energy reserves is still growing.
That's clearly bad for Russia, given its reliance on oil exports.
Matt Weller, senior technical analyst at Forex.com, explains (via Marketwatch).
"We're getting a big drop in oil attributable to the rise in inventories and that is spilling over into commodity currencies."
Oil's recent rout could cause Russia a serious headache. It's 2016 budget is based on a price around $50 per barrel. Crude is currently trading below $37 this morning…
Introduction: Markets end 2015 in jittery mood
Good morning, and welcome to our final business live blog of 2015, covering events across the financial markets, the world economy, business and finance.
And what a year it's been. We've not been short of drama – with the Greek debt crisis dominating the first nine months of the year.
There's also been plenty of market turbulence (thank you, China!), the commodities rout, deflation in the eurozone, and the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
But it's not been a vintage year for investors. Britain's FTSE 100, for example, has lost almost 5% since January – partly due to the slump in the mining sector.
And European markets are expected to be subdued today, meaning little fun for those traders who struggle into the City.
Asian markets have already ended the year on a quiet note, with China's main indices down almost 1% and Australia losing 0.5%.
IG analyst Angus Nicholson says there are concerns that 2016 could start badly:
Concerns about traders coming back from holidays in January and aggressively selling off the market may have driven a number of investors to take some of the profits off the table after the good run we have seen over the holiday period.
How appropriate that December's excess could be followed by a nasty hangover….
I'll be tracking all the main events though the day, looking back over the last 12 months and ahead to 2016….
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010
Published via the Guardian News Feed plugin for WordPress.


text:
The Unifying Force
Kyp Durron
Proactive Jedi Knight
"Do you think it beneath us? When innocent people are robbed of all their wealth, or taken captive, perhaps, and tortured, is it not the province of the Jedi to come to their aid?"
―Kyp Durron, to Jacen Solo
Kyp Durron is perhaps one of the most polarizing figures in the whole of the Jedi order. After being rescued from the spice mines of Kessel by Han Solo and brought to the Jedi Praxeum, Kyp Durron's hatred of the Empire combined with the influence of the spirit of long-dead Sith Lord Exar Kun led him to the dark side and to the destruction of the planet Carida.
Only through Luke Skywalker's intervention and proof that Kyp's actions were not wholly his doing saved him being executed for his crime. Now, years later, Kyp has grown up into a man convinced that the Jedi are needed to intervene and protect the innocent and the hurting in a more proactive fashion than they have in the past. His past deeds drive him to atone and he currently leads a squadron of independent fighter pilots hunting smugglers and pirates on the Rim called the Dozen and Two Avengers (named for the dozen non Jedi pilots and Kyp and his fellow Jedi Miko Reglia).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
These were the words of the Contest CD, Serdar Süalp & were acknowledged by the chief judge, Tomas Bartovsky, president of the jury during the managers meeting. In other words, out of the 77 pilots representing 25 countries, only 11 would be eligible to contest their individual ranking in the fly-offs.
F3J is interesting in this respect: that 12 preliminary rounds are flown which constitute the "team" or country, event, then only those top pilots who qualify get to fly again in 6 rounds against each other – man-on-man to contest the best individual of the event & ultimate world champion for two years! No carry-over of scores, no matrixing, 15 minute slots, everyone launches, flys & lands together. High stakes, big stress, all-or-nothing stuff. This is what F3J World Championships are all about, where not only do you have to be a world class pilot with a superb team, but you also require nerves of steel & bags of tactical experience. If you don't have these qualities, then perhaps F3J World Championships are not the place for you?
But I am getting a little ahead of myself. The first slot approached & Craig was just so incredibly relaxed! Michelle afterwards said that "he has done this all before", but I am constantly stunned by the professional approach he adopts. He is a fantastic example of "big match temperament", and is capable of lifting his game as required. I was a bundle of nerves when we walked out onto the field – proud of being part of the team representing Craig, and stressed out of my mind with the responsibility of throwing his model(s) during launch. I knew from Slovakia in 2006 that we could not afford a call-back (any model deemed by the judges to have left the hand of the helper, before the launch tone, is penalised by immediately landing & relaunch – which is effectively "game-over" in the high stakes of WC finals). I simply could not look back to the crowds who had all gathered to watch – even they were noticeably quieter than usual. Was the wind quite too?
Craig indicated he required his Pike SL ("super lite") & we pre-tensioned the line with Michelle signalling to our towmen. With 30 seconds to go, I started moving back to the launch corridor – probably adrenaline pushed me right to the back of the line & Craig cautioned against overstepping the line. 10 seconds to go, the towmen were at full tension & I was fully focused on the clock. Craig was standing somewhere behind with Michelle to his left as always. The countdown was called – 5 seconds to go, and an eternity to 4 seconds. 3 seconds & I was aware of the breeze pulling towards the right of the field. Another eternity passed. 2 seconds, FULL TENSION, everything alert, body & model are tensed for explosive release. 1 second, time is flowing, & no longer a constant measure with discrete units. 0 seconds, the buzzer hesitates, but at the first sound I throw with everything that I have & push upwards. Craig's Pike is now in ballistic launch mode – under full line tension, the acceleration from ground zero to flying speed is achieved almost instantaneously. Barely 3 seconds pass & he dips the model slightly to accelerate with the stretched line, zooming away from the line at around 4 seconds. The model climbs & climbs for ever, then just as you think it has to start sliding back down again, the nose eases over & he starts for the last known thermal area.
Round / Group : 1 / 1
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time;Landing;Score;Remark
1;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.57.80;95;996.6;
2;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;11.54.20;100;817.3;
3;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.27.00;100;970.7;
4;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;13.59.80;100;943.4;
5;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.55.20;100;999.0;
6;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.56.10;95;994.9;
7;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.55.00;100;998.8;
8;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.53.70;100;997.5;
9;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.54.60;100;998.4;
10;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.55.70;100;999.5;
11;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.56.20;100;1000.0;
The pre-recorded announcer booms, 30 seconds to go! Launch flap set by Craig. Michelle is to his left. I walk the Pike SL back to the launch corridor, & Michelle signals for more tension on the line. An eternity passes as the towmen do there best to slowly pull the model from my hands. Even the tow hook groans under this level of tension. I use both hands top ensure that the model is lined up with 10 seconds to go. Again adrenaline starts to flow, and the last 8 seconds slow down to the speed of cold syrup oozing from a spout. The breeze is more pronounced on my face – the left side is drawing – indicating a possible thermal. I saw 2 birds earlier over the right side, but they have disappeared. The wind is a little stronger than the first slot. 7 seconds pass by in the syrup river, a small bubble perhaps? I step towards the back of the launch corridor to increase tension even more – even my left arm is feeling the strain now. A 6 second bubble dents the rivers surface as it slowly draws past. Time starts to accelerates towards the buzzer, as the stream thins. The buzzer sounds again just after the "0" on the clock & I throw with everything that I have got – the wings of the model are forgotten & the javelin arches upwards.
I am too shocked to know what to do – so I turn to the time keeper & immediately call "reflight". He appears equally shocked & raises his hand for the line judge – I see Alex Wunscheim running towards us long before I see Craig. His shoulders are slumped, his Tx is in his left hand – reflecting its uselessness. Michelle is also standing still, her stop watches still in her hands. The entire field is stunned in silence. Craig walks forward & motions - get the #2 model ready for the reflight. He calls for Chris to bring out his #3 X-Pro as a backup model to the flight line. I am just too devastated to talk. I am worried that I threw the model skew or did not compensate enough for the breeze. But Johan Snr assures me that the model went straight up – the Slovenia model (Xplorer) had moved to the right after launch. I still do not feel any better – Craig has a serious disadvantage in the refly – as everyone else will be going-for-broke with nothing to loose.
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time;Landing;Score;Remark
1;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.56.60;100;999.5;
2;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.55.30;100;998.2;
3;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.57.00;100;999.9;(Low Score)
4;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.55.30;100;998.2;
5;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.57.10;100;1000.0;
6;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.55.50;100;998.4;
7;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;00.00.00;0;0.0;Refly (4/1/7)
8;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.55.20;100;998.1;
9;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.55.40;95;993.3;
10;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.56.90;85;984.8;
11;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.55.40;100;998.3;
At 0 seconds, the buzzer sounds almost immediately! I am ready, & push with my feet, my legs, & my back as my arm throws the model. Time reverts to a primordial sense and we become hunters. Instead of a model, a deadly club shoots forward towards some unseen prey & the launch is near perfect, albeit a little bit longer than 4 seconds for risk management purposes. I remember nothing of the flight, I focus on the stop watches, twice confirming this with the time keeper. Craig remains so focussed – I am not even sure he hears Michelle telling him what the others are doing. The 15 minutes pass by as the primordial gives way to present. My sense of sound returns too, first hearing the gliders whistling back to the field, and then the rustling of leaves caused by the wind. The announcer is counting down – with Michelle's voice also calling Craig down on time. It's been a long flight, with extremely tough conditions – Tobias, one of the top Germans lands short at only 8 minutes. Only the best pilots are involved with nothing to loose & everything to gain by beating the finest RC glider pilot I have ever known. Craig has to make this one count – he lands a touch early but it is on the spot – a good score, but will it be good enough? We pack up the models to make way for the junior fly-offs. As we walk past the TV screens, the scores flash up, it's a 996. Will it be good enough? 4 rounds remain.
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time*;Landing;Score;Remark
1;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.57.20;100;999.4;(Low Score)
2;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.55.40;100;997.6;(Low Score)
3;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.57.80;100;1000.0;
4;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;08.26.10;95;602.4;(Low Score)
5;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.56.80;100;999.0;(Low Score)
6;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;09.56.20;100;697.7;(Low Score)
7;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.54.20;100;996.4;Reflied (2/1/7)
8;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.56.80;95;994.0;(Low Score)
9;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.56.10;85;983.3;(Low Score)
10;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.56.40;85;983.6;(Low Score)
11;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.55.70;100;997.9;(Low Score)
Finally, seniors round 3 arrives. We walk out to the field & perform a text book setup. Line tension is huge again, & the launch is straight. Benedikt from Germany & Primoz from Slovakia (again) are not so fortunate. This time the Slovakian Xplorer does not get off so lightly in the collision & a reflight is called for both pilots. A spot landing, but a slower launch & earlier landing cost 1 or 2 seconds from the score. Craig has 998.5 and is now 6th or 7th overall. We stay on the field for the reflight.
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time*;Landing;Score;Remark
1;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.55.60;95;995.3;(Low Score)
2;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;13.17.00;90;891.2;(Low Score)
3;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.55.30;100;1000.0;
4;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;13.44.30;100;928.7;(Low Score)
5;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;0;0;0.0;Refly (3/2/5)
6;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.56.70;95;996.4;
7;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.55.30;100;1000.0;
8;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.55.20;100;999.9;
9;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.53.80;100;998.5;(Low Score)
10;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;00.00.00;0;0.0;Refly (3/2/10)
11;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.55.90;95;995.6;
I learnt so much about the tactics of this critical aspect of F3J. With nothing to loose, it is critical to go for fast launches & as late a landing as possible to maximise the score diferentials. The winning time is 14:56.4 – a launch of 3.5 seconds for a 15 minute max! Spot landings are essential. In terms of the results table, competitors can only carry one of the rounds score – across the event – so Jiri Duchan scores a low score in the refly, as his initial Round 3 was also a full 1,000 pointer! Craig scores a 999.4 – which is only 0.6 seconds behind the Czech! He is lying between 5th & 7th places. But we cannot leave the field to verify this as we must fly round 4.
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time*;Landing;Score;Remark
1;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.54.50;100;998.3;
2;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.54.40;100;998.2;
3;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.56.20;100;1000.0;(Low Score)
4;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.55.30;100;999.1;
5;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.55.10;100;998.9;Reflied (3/1/5)
6;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.56.50;95;995.3;(Low Score)
7;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.55.80;95;994.6;(Low Score)
8;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.55.90;95;994.7;(Low Score)
9;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.55.60;100;999.4;
10;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.55.40;100;999.2;Reflied (3/1/10)
11;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;06.09.30;0;370.7;(Low Score)
The extra breeze bends the wings even more than before & Craig slams the model off the line as he slingshots it into the stratosphere. We synchronise our watches with the time keeper – Michelle is focussed on calling air for Craig – I try & look elsewhere to feed her with the info that she cannot see. Two groups have formed – one over the left of the fields's tree-line & the second is closer to the line of turn-arounds, and is clustering around the middle/right of the field. Neither group appears to be going up. Michelle is trying measure the rate of decent for both groups to give Craig a comparison. Not easy when half of the models are overhead. The rearward group begins to split – some nudging left, the others pushing forward. Craig stays with the nudgers, choosing the lower risk. He is dangerously low – and we are only a few minutes into the flight. Then the worst happens. The breakaway group begins to pick-up lift & the furthest left hit big sink – they all scramble for the right side, but Craig is still very low & has to try to work what he has to get sufficient attitude to move forward. He moves towards the left of the field, sensing bubbles being shot past by the wind. He seems to be increasing in height, but suddenly massive sink again. He calls for a relaunch.
We rush to get positions, the towmen are already at full tension position & I drag the line back to Craig in the launch corridor. Bad mistake! It costs us a second or so to connect the line. Craig steps backwards to give me space to throw – I am off balance, my arm is not straight. But no time – Michelle signals the towmen to go. They hurl themselves forward & I barely feel the line stretching as I try to throw straight. I do not get my head out of the way – the left wing cracks the back of my head & Craig has to correct for a now down-wind launch. The model flies terribly, the launch was not good. A control arm has broken during the impact. The tape holding the flap servo cover splits has split apart & this is creating additional drag affect too. Craig heads for the tree line, but the lift is marginal & a 3 minute flight is all he can get. We hope for a reflight – but after a few close shaves, nothing emerges. Damb. Double damb!
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time;Landing;Score;Remark
1;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.55.60;100;998.2;
2;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.54.90;100;997.5;
3;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.55.10;100;997.7;
4;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.52.90;100;995.5;
5;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.52.70;100;995.3;
6;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.54.10;100;996.7;
7;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.57.10;100;999.7;
8;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.57.40;100;1000.0;
9;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.55.90;90;988.5;
10;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.08.80;100;951.3;
11;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;03.18.10;95;293.9;
We break for the juniors. Craig checks the models making small repairs. We walk out for the final rounds. The wind is swirling again. More than half of the launches have been downwind so far. That's mostly 4 second, hand-towed launches in downwind conditions! I think back to people who claim that towmen don't make a difference! I feel pity for them. How can I ever get them to understand that this makes F3J so incredible, that this is one of the finest expressions of team work in aeromodelling? I recall that the evening before our towmen were crowned the best in the world! Does that make a difference to the armchair observer? I feel bitter, that we do not have better recognition for this, and resolve to address this amongst the Manager's, already having lobbied with a number of teams.
We focus on Craig. He is so bloody calm. I simply do not know how he does it. I am sure Michelle can sense his nervousness, but he does not show it to anyone. He is machine, dedicated to one task. He is a human, completely passionate about flying. He is a man, an awesome RC pilot. I am humbled, in fact, we are all humbled by his presence. Finally, he is Craig, our team mate & friend.
Round 5 launch is fast – approx 3 seconds before snapping off the line, albeit downwind. Craig locks into lift & soon the others drift over to his position. A number of pilots follow a small bubble downwind which eventually becomes a massive thermal. Those 3.6 metre span wings are soon only mm's in size. The wind is so strong. The pilots have to land from the turn-around side. Craig asks me to signal when the model is vertically over the launch corridor. His landing is text-book perfect again! He moves up to 5th position. We stay on the field.
Round / Group : 5 / 1
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time;Landing;Score;Remark
1;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.55.40;95;993.6;
2;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.55.50;100;998.7;
3;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.56.60;90;989.8;
4;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.55.20;100;998.4;
5;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.56.20;95;994.4;
6;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.53.90;100;997.1;
7;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.56.20;100;999.4;
8;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.56.30;100;999.5;
9;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.55.70;100;998.9;
10;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.56.60;100;999.8;
11;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.56.80;100;1000.0;
Final round. We are exhausted. I see some of the strain on Craig's face. We are aware that the people in SA have been following the event – and ever message, every email, every sms is shared amongst the team. The group in the tent support the pilots vociferously, even the line judges & time-keepers are egging the pilots on. The feeling on the field is amazing.
Final round. We are sad. This is the last round of the most amazing world championships ever. We recognise that soon we will be moving away from our friends, old & new, that we have shared the past 2 weeks with. Cultures, languages, etc., do not make a difference. We have all had one goal – to compete in the 6th F3J World Championships.
We pre-tension with 2 minutes to go. The breeze is fickle, but is drawing towards the turn-around again. It will be yet another down-wind launch. 30 second & Michelle signals the all ready. I drag the model back towards the launch box. 20 seconds & the breeze increases on my neck, down-wind launch assured. Craig tests the servos. Michelle is to his left. The announcer booms the countdown. The gladiators are ready for the final battle. Time oozes. I visualise the milliseconds between the countdown seconds, tensing for the buzzer. It sounds almost as the clock turned to zero. The model is hurled upwards, the towmen give everything they have & have given throughout the entire event. Craig guides this missile upwards and very, very quickly he snaps it upwards away from the line. A pop-off? Horrifyingly as his model shoots upwards, he clips the line of Primoz (again!) & the model spins around uncontrollably. He fights the spin, regaining lift over the wings in an inverted position & at approx 30 metres height he flips it over again, he levels out & shoots off towards the thermal he sensed during the launch. A reflight is pointless – he has a very fast launch, but no altitude! I see a line judge moving towards Philip's team – is something wrong? Darryl has shot backwards after some lift. David has gone left, Sven moves forward & to the right. Difficult air, everyone has their own ideas. Craig hooks lift & soon a few of the other pilots join him again.
The flight is over quicker than the 15 minutes suggest. The landings are unbelievably aggressive – absolute last milli-second stuff. We learn that at least 2 pilots performed 2 second launches! Tobias nails the spot & gets the 1,000 for the round. Craig's time is almost 2 seconds behind & he scores 998. The scores do not appear on the TV screens. The officials huddle & do not tell us anything. We move back to our tent to wait. Nails are bitten. Tension drains the last from us. We huddle together as a team. Craig hugs Matthew.
Pos;Country;Surname;Name;Flying Time;Landing;Score;Remark
1;GER;Lammlein ;Tobias ;14.57.50;100;1000.0;
2;GER;Kolb ;Philip ;14.57.60;0;869.8;60 sec penalty
3;TUR;Esibatır ;Murat ;14.55.50;100;998.0;
4;RSA;Goodrum ;Craig ;14.55.50;100;998.0;
5;SLO;Rizner ;Primoz ;14.55.70;100;998.2;
6;USA;Perkins ;Daryl ;14.55.90;100;998.4;
7;AUS;Hobby ;David ;14.56.60;95;994.1;
8;CZE;Vostrel ;Jaroslav ;14.54.00;100;996.5;
9;CZE;Duchan ;Jiri ;14.56.40;100;998.9;
10;NZE;Zaalberg ;Sven ;14.56.90;95;994.4;
11;GER;Feigl ;Benedikt ;14.57.30;100;999.8;
Many minutes pass as the scores are checked & double checked. 2 reflight rounds make the going tough for the officials. The system is validated by hand. There can be no error! Our hosts are meticulous in their audit.
Final results
Rank;Name;Country;Total Score
1;Benedıkt Feıgl;GER;4997.30 (100.00 %)
2;Jırı Duchan;CZE;4997.30 (100.00 %)
3;Tobıas Lammleın;GER;4994.40 (99.94 %)
4;Sven Zaalberg;NZE;4993.50 (99.92 %)
5;Craıg Goodrum;RSA;4991.50 (99.88 %)
6;Daryl Perkıns;USA;4988.70 (99.83 %)
7;Prımoz Rızner;SLO;4988.60 (99.83 %)
8;Jaroslav Vostrel;CZE;4988.50 (99.82 %)
9;Davıd Hobby;AUS;4982.00 (99.69 %)
10;Phılıp Kolb;GER;4959.20 (99.24 %)
11;Murat Esıbatır;TUR;4941.20 (98.88 %)
On behalf of the members of the teams, I would like to thank our generous sponsors, supporters & organisers for enabling Team South Africa to participate in the 2008 F3J World Championships ever hosted. We are proud to have represented South Africa in such a distinguished event.
Fly Safely


text:
The Night Stalker is in the same small category of films as The Thin Man in which the title initially doesn't identify the hero but comes to be identified with him, so that Darren McGavin could eventually star in a series about Kolchak called The Night Stalker. The title notwithstanding, Moxey's film (the first of two that led up to the series, and once the highest-rated of all made-for-TV movies) is about Kolchak, who comes across as a slightly more benign version of Kirk Douglas's reporter from Ace in the Hole but is still a selfish, cynical, arguably alcoholic and slightly sleazy person, the sort who stands by snapping photos while a madman tosses cops about like rag dolls. He's a more credible, more skeptical character than the reflexively credulous, almost cartoon-like Kolchak of the weekly series, and it takes a realistic amount of time for him to start believing in what he ironically calls a "real live vampire."
Count Yorga, Wendigo points out that Yorga is still above such mundane stuff as driving a car or haggling over prices that we see or hear about Skorzeny doing. Yorga is still a relatively Gothic figure, a master vampire living in a mansion. Skorzeny is almost a working-class vampire, content to take victims smash-and-grab style or to raid a hospital blood bank. He's also minimally supernatural. He can't transform into anything and it's unclear exactly how much he can mesmerize people. His sole advantage is his strength, apart from the longevity benefits that come from drinking blood, though he has the traditional (as of Nosferatu) vulnerability to sunlight. Wendigo thinks this actually brings Skorzeny closer to folklore vampires than his cinematic predecessors, but in a way that makes him a fresh presence in horror.
Kolchak is an often-disconcertingly passive observer of the mayhem around him, but takes a more aggressive part when his own life is at stake.
Wendigo is definitely not hostile to romantic vampires; he likes Twilight, after all. But he likes the flexibility of the vampire motif, the fact that you can use it pretty much in any way imaginable, from one extreme to another. He has no preferred kind of vampire and won't say that one kind is right and another wrong. Instead, he's impressed by variety, and Skorzeny's minimalistic vampirism impresses him as much as many more fantastic or extravagant creatures. He also appreciates the way Night Stalker represents a change of pace for producer Dan Curtis, who pioneered the modern-day romantic vampire on Dark Shadows and would go on to do a very influential partially-romanticized Dracula with Jack Palance soon after.
Also very cool about The Night Stalker is the grungily-vivid footage of a now-vanished Las Vegas.
Like many TV movies from the Seventies, The Night Stalker differs from its cinematic counterparts only in lacking nudity, gore and cussing. Otherwise it's an energetic, admirably violent film that holds its own with cinematic vampire tales from the decade. For people who dislike today's romantic teeny vampires, Wendigo recommends this little gem as an antidote.


text: Hi, Having finally decided that my WAG54G router/modem is about as useful as an inflatable frying pan, I've decided to ditch it. Prefrably breaking it into as small parts as necessary during the ditching process.... Anyway, I've been looking for a new wireless router, and everyone seems fairly happy with the WRT54GS routers, but then I realised a slightly stupidly obvious problem - I won't have a modem. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should replace my heap of junk of a WAG54GS? Quick note as to what I will be using it for - general browsing and a lot of high bandwidth media content/games. For example movies and World of Warcraft, so something that overheats at the sign of a megabyte is unhelpful Also the 2 computers (a laptop and my pc) both have cards with Speedbooster technology, so something that utilizes that may be handy. Thanks a billion everyone. Goose


text:
Hectic weekend for Banna Chluain Meala
Banna Chluain Meala has the opportunity to show off its diverse talents this weekend when they play in concert with Micheal O'Suilleabhain, Clonmel's internationally acclaimed pianist, at Old St. Mary's Church, Mary Street, Clonmel (changed from the Main Guard ) on Friday night, 26th.
This opening event of Festival Cluain Meala, celebrating Heritage Week starts at 7pm. Admission is free.
Then on Sunday, 28th, the band will host the Marching Band Competitions at Clonmel Rugby Club, commencing at 2pm, when they hope to retain their title with this year's exciting field show.


text:
Hotels & Accommodation in Pistany
Search for accommodation in Pistany
Save more with Secret Prices
Get instant savings with Secret Prices
Book hotel rooms & other accommodation in Pistany
Pistany overviewWhatever your interests are, Pistany has something for you. Though Pistany might not have many well-known attractions, you don't need to venture far to visit Smetanovy Sady Park and Ghetto Museum at Terezin. In the surrounding area, you won't want to miss out on seeing Terezin Church and Crystal Touch Museum.
Where to stay in PistanyWhether you're planning a longer vacation or a weekend getaway, Pistany has accommodations to fit your needs. You can shop as many as 14 deals for Pistany accommodations on Hotels.com, some with discounts of up to 25%. We have room prices starting at 22 USD per night and here's a breakdown of hotels by star rating in Pistany as well as in the surrounding area:
- • 10 4-star hotels from 36 USD per night
- • 15 3-star hotels from 25 USD per night
How to get to PistanyFly into Prague (PRG-Vaclav Havel), 30.1 mi (48.4 km) from central Pistany.
What to see around PistanyHere are some recommended places to see in the surrounding area:
- • Smetanovy Sady Park (3.7 mi/5.9 km from the city center)
- • Ghetto Museum at Terezin (3.8 mi/6.1 km from the city center)
- • Terezin Church (3.8 mi/6.1 km from the city center)
- • Crystal Touch Museum (3.9 mi/6.3 km from the city center)
- • Strekov Castle (8.1 mi/13 km from the city center)


text:
Gazette Sportswriter
CLIFTON PARK — The results have varied, but the routine, that's been pretty much the same since Shenendehowa junior diver Nick Lydon can remember.
"I try to get as excited as I can," the 16-year-old said. "I'll jump in the water and cool off. I'll do some stretches and visualize it. Put my mind on what I want to do, then dive."
Lydon did that 11 times at the Section II championship meet Thursday in his home pool, and for the third year in a row piled up more points than anyone else in the Division 1 group.
Eleven times he stood on the three-meter board and stared straight ahead, and, following his routine, he saw . . . nothing.
"You zone out," Lydon said. "You don't hear anything. You're looking at the wall, but you don't see it. You're extremely focused up there."
Lydon's focus got sharper after his first five dives, and in the end, his 607.15 points were good for both pool and school records. On his eighth dive, he scored four 10s to go with a 9.5, just missing perfection.
"It's a good steppingstone for the states," Lydon said. "It's a really good feeling. Three in a row is amazing. I feel kind of lucky. I have an amazing facility and an amazing coach [Dennis Hogan]."
After stepping on the board one last time to get his picture taken with his Shenendehowa teammates, senior Ian Killane and sophomores Yang Foon and Erik Herrero, Lydon stepped off and talked about his performance and seeing the water as he soared toward it. The Flip and Rip Club member said he spotted it well in becoming the first three-time Division 1 champ since Josh Koppel of Shaker (2010-12).
"It depends on how fast you're going, when you kick," he said. "Like on the reverse two and a half, I'll go off the board and see the water once, see the water twice, then kick. I'm tracking the water."
It was on an easier dive — relatively speaking — that he scored all of those 10s, an inward that was part of his strong semifinal showing.
Lydon stepped to the board and turned his back to the pool, raised his arms in the form of a cross and hesitated momentarily before launching himself and knifing through the water.
"It's always been my best dive," he said. "The middle three dives got me excited for the final three dives."
Lydon was greeted warmly after his efforts by both teammates and foes, and reciprocated after others performed. You'll see that at these diving meets, lots of clapping, high fives and knuckle bumps.
"We're all friends. A lot of us are on the same club," Lydon said. "Of course you want to win, but you want to see the other guys at their best."
Killane placed third (539.50) behind Niskayuna sophomore Matt Chao (573.00), who set a school record with his point total. Foon (459.25) and Herrero (434.20) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
"For the divers, it's all about setting up our swimmers," Lydon said. "We wanted to do the best we could for them."
Shenendehowa's main objective coming into the season was to regain its status as Section II's top Division 1 team, something Shaker took away the last two years after an eight-year run by the Plainsmen.
"I always feel this sets the tone for the weekend," Shenendehowa head coach Chuck Dunham said after his four divers scored a combined 65 team points. "These guys got the ball rolling. They got momentum on our side. It was not only the top guys doing what we were hoping they'd do, but the other guys moving up. It's one down and two to go."
Shenendehowa divers have now won five consecutive Division 1 titles, with Killane placing first ahead of Lydon in 2014 and Adam Bonk taking the top spot in 2013.
Senior Matt Parent of Glens Falls won the Division 2 diving title (506.65) after placing second to schoolmate Raislan Aiken last year. Parent was fourth overall among the 33 divers.
Section II swimming preliminaries were Friday, and the championships are Saturday (Division 1 at 3 p.m.; Division 2 at 10 a.m.), both at Shenendehowa.
Shenendehowa athletes are seeded No. 1 in five swimming events including the 200 medley and 200 free relays. Shenendehowa's Josh Tsai is the only Division 1 individual seeded No. 1 in two events, the 50 and 100 free.
Ryan Board of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake is the lone swimmer seeded No. 1 in two Division 2 events, the 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke. Albany Academy, the team runner-up to Glens Falls last year, has five No. 1 seeds.
1. Nick Lydon (Shen), 607.15; 2. Matt Chao (Nisk), 573.00; 3. Ian Killane (Shen), 539.50; 4. Yang Foon (Shen), 459.25; 5. Erik Herrero (Shen), 434.20; 6. Chris Redmond (Beth), 429.80; 7. Jack Karkin (BS), 410.25; 8. Conor Compton (Nisk), 393.55; 9. Bryan Flores (Shak), 361.45; 10. Austin Smith (Shak), 359.30).
1. Matt Parent (GF), 506.65; 2. Alexander Loupessis (AA), 393.40; 3. Tyrae McIntosh (GF), 385.40; 4. Nate Shine (Q), 367.45; 5. Brian Pecor (MS), 349.15; 6. Bobby DiCaprio (AA), 346.85; 7. Jared Lamson (RCS), 338.15; 8. Parker Jordon (Q), 298.05; 9. Hunter Williams (MS), 286.65; 10. Mike Brown (FJ), 254.75.
200 medley relay — Shenendehowa, 1:38.75; 200 free — Clayton Bennice (BS), 1:47.56; 200 IM — Joey Homan (Shen), 1:58.64; 50 free — Josh Tsai (Shen), 22.05; 100 fly — Zac Zwijacz (Sara), 50.71; 100 free — Josh Tsai (Shen), 48.28; 500 free — Ian McElrath (Shak), 4:53.47; 200 free relay — Shenendehowa, 1:29.40; 100 back — Nail Horne (Nisk), 52.50; 100 breast — Steven Yu (Shak), 59.51; 400 free relay — Shaker, 3:15.55.
200 medley relay — Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 1:40.39; 200 free — Timothy Maggs (CBA), 1:44.07; 200 IM — Ryan Board (BH), 2:00.19; 50 free — Ethan Ballard (Q), 22.04; 100 fly — Tucker Besch (AA), 51.96; 100 free — Kyle Verstandig (AA), 50.13; 500 free — Bryce Henkel (AA), 4:49.25; 200 free relay — Albany Academy, 1:28.98; 100 back — Liam Picozzi (BH), 54.57; 100 breast — Ryan Board (BH), 59.07; 400 free relay — Albany Academy, 3:19.09.
Reach Gazette Sportswriter Jim Schiltz at 395-3143, firstname.lastname@example.com or @jim_schiltz on Twitter.


text:
Another year, another trip to the land Down Under. Hehe. Last August, we made our first trip ever to Melbourne, and this time around, our destination was finally the capital city of Sydney.
To be honest, what I love most about Australia is of course the abundance of nature; the endless open spaces, the blue ocean waters and all the unique animals we could get up close and personal with. So, not so much for the city life, but then again, you gotta experience Sydney at least once, right?
We actually made this trip some two months ago, so forgive me if I can't quite remember all the details. Anyway, reaching the airport in the morning, we took a cab and made our way to the hotel, the Swissotel on Market Street. And yes, talk about being right smack in the centre of things, this hotel was exactly it.
Although we got in early, the reception guy tried to get us an early check-in, but there were no rooms available. Still, he took my number and promised to call once a room was ready. Great service right at the start!
Back to the hotel's location, it's actually part of a building that houses a huge mall, which is also next door to Sydney Tower and... Westfield! Yup, the same Westfield that we love so much in London. And just around the corner too was the famous Queen Victoria Building. So, really folks, if you're looking for a great place to stay in Sydney, I HIGHLY recommend the Swissotel.
For the first time though, I decided not to hire a car. It was a relatively short trip, so the first thing we did was to look for the City Sightseeing Hop On/Hop Off bus. We bought 2-day tickets as well as passes for 2 city attractions. Yes, very convenient although a tad expensive.
OK, allow me to go into "Highlights" mode now and share some of the cool stuff we saw and did over the next few days...
The City Sightseeing bus took us to all the important landmarks, including the Opera House, of course. It was a rather grey day, but nothing could really take away the wow factor of this iconic structure.
And opposite the Opera House was the Harbour Bridge.
We also got down at the Darling Harbour to do some shopping.
And got into the Sea Life attraction. There are 3 different attractions here, the Sea Life, the Wild Life and Madame Tussauds.
The Sea Life was thoroughly enjoyable and educational, the main attraction being a couple of dugongs...
The next day, we took the bus on a different route to get to the world famous Bondi beach. Unfortunately, that was the day with the worst weather and our trip to Bondi went like this: Got down from the bus, heavy rain fell, hid in a shop, bought souvenirs, got back on the bus...
We stopped at Darling Harbour again later on, and this time we visited the Wild Life Sydney. Honestly though, it just didn't have the same wow factor as the Sea Life.
The weather got better after that and the bus ride back to the hotel was spectacularly scenic.
End of Part I


text:
Geologist Course and Career Info Description
Course Classification:
Natural & Physical Sciences
Course Description:
The education requirement to be a geologist is a bachelor's degree in geology. This is a four-year college course that teaches you about the earth, its origins and its characteristic. Some subjects taught in this college course are geochemistry, surveying methods, geophysics, and related math and science subjects. In addition to these, you will also be taught mineralogy as well as petrology. Environmental science as well as resource geology will also be taught.
Cost of Education:
A full four-year course in B.S. in Geology is going to cost you about P145,000 to P160,000, depending upon the university.
Top Universities for Course:
- There are four universities that are offering this college course, and they are University of the Philippines in Diliman, Adamson University, Mapua Institute of technology, and Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete.
Top Universities Link:
Course Skills and Factors
Skills/Physical Attributes:
- Excellent physical health with good physical stamina since you'll be working outdoors.
- Ability to tolerate long hours outdoors, especially in inaccessible places.
- Team player and ability to work very well with other people.
- Independent thinker.
- Analytical mind with an eye for detail.
- Can follow commands, particularly when it comes to safety requirements.
- Communication skills.
- Skills in preparing and creating accurate, precise, and detailed reports.
- Good knowledge of the earth and its features.
- Good knowledge of the natural events and catastrophes, including their effects on nature and earth.
- Computer skill.
- The main responsibility of a geologist is to study the earth, particularly the rocks and solids, to find the location of minerals deposits that have value to the economy. Examples of rocks and solids include metal and nonmetals as well as gas and petroleum. They also look for natural gas and water resources under the ground. It is also the responsibility of a geologist to study the effects of natural disasters such as erosions and landslides on land. Other responsibilities include recording data, interpreting data, creating reports, drawing maps, among others.
Career Outlook and Global Demand
Global Demand:
There is a good demand for geologists as both the government and large oil companies are in need of these professional. If you're planning to go abroad, these are the countries that are hiring Filipino geologists – Solomon Islands, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Papua New Guinea.
Expected Salary:
Entry-level geologists usually earn about P12,000 to P25,000 monthly, but if you're working for a private company, your salary could range anywhere from P20,000 to about P40,000. If you're going to work abroad, say for example the United States, you could earn as much as $90,000 to $ 110,000 yearly.
Opportunities for Advancement:
There are very good career advancement and opportunities to being a geologist, especially if you focus on one area of expertise. For example, you could become a specialist in petroleum, minerals, environment, etc. You could even work for academic institutions.


text:
- Zibo Herui Trading Co.,Ltd
- China Manufacturer with main products:cutting machine ,washing machine ,peeling machine ,packing machine ,picking machine ,conveyor ,precooking machine
Home>Products>washing machine>Industrial washing machine to clean fruit and vegetable
Industrial washing machine to clean fruit and vegetable
- USD $11000 - $12000 / Unit |Get Latest Price
- 1 Unit / Units
- 100 Unit / Units per Month
- QingDao
- T/T L/C D/P D/A Western Union
- 21 days
- Automatic Perfume Box Cellophane Wrapping MachineUSD $10000 - $15000 / Set
- Banana Chips Slicer Machine|Plantain Slicing MachineUSD $3000 - $5000 / Set
- Automatic Almond Slicing Machine|Peanut Slice Cutting MachineUSD $3000 - $5000 / Set
- Industrial Banana Slicer Machine|Plantain Chips Cutting MachineUSD $3000 - $5000 / Set
- Automatic Peanut Fryer Machine|IndustrialPotato Chips Frying MachineUSD $8000 - $12000 / Set
Product Details
|Brand Name:
|Place of Origin:
|Model Number:
|After-sales Service Provided:
|Engineers available to service machinery overseas
Packaging Details
1.We fixed the plywood boxes in the container by wire rope 2.We use plywood boxes for machines Packing size: 5010*1220*2038 mm
Product Description
Equipped with bubble device,improve soaking and washing effect.
Adopt tapered structure at the bottom,easy for soil and sand centralized storage.
Conveying by plastic chain belt,wonŌĆÖt hurt material.Fencboard use fast disassemble design.
Equipped with manual controlled door on both side of tank easy for cleaning and maintaining.
All machine is made of SUS 304 Stainless steel ,except motor and electric components ,sand blasting surface treated.
Machine overview
Use of machine
* Inquiry and consulting support.
* Sample testing support.
* View our Factory.
* Training how to install the machine, training how to use the machine.
* Engineers available to service machinery overseas.
Zibo Herui Trading Co., Ltd. established in 2011. We are a high-tech enterprise which include fruit & vegetable equipment R&D, designing, manufacturing, sell and trading.
Nowadays, our company has established offices and agencies in Xinjiang, Guangdong and other domestic regions and Costa Rica, Russia, USA and other countries. our product include selecting, sorting, cutting, washing, sterilization, dewatering, preservation and every step. With strong technical force, advanced equipment and scientific management system, pass ISO9001 International Quality System Certification successfully.
1.When did your company established?
HeRui machine is established in the year 2011.
2.What is your payment term?
You can transfer the payment via T/T. We will provide you the bank detail.
Generally, 30% prepaid and the rest 70% should be paid before delivery.
3.After sale service:
We supply the technical supporting all the time.
We supply one year warranty for whole machine.
We supply free quick wear parts.
We supply low charge continue maintenance when warrenty is expired.
We supply free training to end-users.
Contact Us
- Zibo Herui Trading Co.,Ltd
- ContactSarah
- Phone86-0533-3121593
|washing machine
|cutting machine
|drying machine
|peeling machine
|precooking machine
|lifting machine
|packing machine
|pre-cooking machine
Find Similar Products By Category
- Machinery > Food & Beverage Machinery > Fruit & Vegetable Processing Machines


text:
Bit, Power Ship-Auger W/Screw Point, 11/16" x 18" Klein ToolsBit, Power Ship-Auger W/Screw Point, 11/16" x 18" Klein Tools
- Bits drill through nails, wood, vinyl, plastics, and heavy timber.
- Special bit steel with machine-ground flutes and polished edges for smooth, wobble-free boring.
- Feed-screw pilot draws bit into wood.
- Full length is heat-treated and tempered.
- Deep, open-throat design clears chips for faster, cleaner cuts.
- Shanks are 7/16" hex to fit 1/2" and larger three-jaw chucks.
- Head and twist are ground to correct clearance for easy removal from hole.
- For heavy construction and repair work in mines, on docks and bridges, and for electrical work.
Additional Information
- Weight (lbs.): .85
- Standard Package Quantity: 1ea
Product Number


text:
A least four persons were killed and 20 others gravely injured yesterday in an explosion at the Nigeria Distilleries Ltd (NDL),in the industrial town of Sango -Ota, Ogun State.
The boiler of the distillery on the Lagos – Abeokuta road unexpectedly exploded at 10:30am spewing hot water and other hot substances on the staff handling the machine.
The four died on the spot with their mangled remains scattered all over the floor of the boiler hall.The others who suffered various degrees of burns and skin bleaching, were rushed to hospitals in Ota and Ifo, eyewitness told The Nation.
It was gathered that the explosion occurred when the workers were mixing one of the company's products.The explosion shook the factory and adjourning buildings.
Efforts by our correspondent to get the views of the management of the company on the explosion were futile, as he was told to come back on Monday.
Ambulances belonging to the company and those of Fidson Drugs and Avon evacuated the injured to hospitals.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a telephone interview, said only two persons were killed, while one person was injured in the explosion.


text:
Sensual Body to Body Nude Tantric Massage London Lucy Massage.
Hi its been a great week so far and things are getting better and better. I am really enjoying writing my blog each morning. Its so nice to have a few quotes to think of as you go about your day. They also let you get to know me a bit more. I genuinely love to help people and find it very gratifying to see to see them grow. I also love to have fun. Whatever the reason you give me a call today its going to be a great day.
Have a Happy Easter! Meet me and relax and have a Nude Tantric Massage.
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
Marilyn Monroe (Ultimate Goddess)
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on."
Robert Frost (American poet)
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
Anaïs Nin (French-Cuban author)
The last quote is something that we need to bear in mind all the time. It is very easy to forget and get wrapped up in our own thoughts.
And now for a bit of fun!
"They misunderestimated me."
George W Bush (US President talking in 2000)
I know exactly how he was feeling!
Give me a CALL today. Relax your mind and body with a Nude Tantric Massage.
See you soon,
Lucy x


text:
Sadly, George Jones has passed, but thankfully, his music will carry on. It's Music Monday, what better than to celebrate the wonderful music of George Jones.
This one is so much fun!
and of course, his signature song...
Thank you George, for these and so many other great songs. RIP
Have a good week and make sure to head over to Dolly's for more Music Monday.


text:
Have you ever been so mad you wanted to hurt someone or punch the wall or kick the wastecan into the next county?
I think we all have at one time or another.
I have found that working out really hard or going for a really brisk walk can really help diffuse my anger and help me to calm down.
Exercise gets your body moving, your mind off of yourself more and releases those feel good hormones.
So when you feel that rage coming on go work out really hard. You still may be angry when you finish, but at least you will be too tired to act upon it!
Just be sure to warm up for a few minutes first, cool down afterwards and stretch really well. You don't want to be sore or injure yourself.
So don't get mad, get fit! J
Always Safe, Always Works, Always Green
See why we work when others don't
Get our Free Healthier You! Newsletter!
Fill out the short form and tell us that you want to get our free Newsletter and health info. We value your privacy and do not sell or distribute emails and you can cancel anytime.
Find us Online at:
Product Info & Ordering Website: To Be Healthy
Like us on Facebook: To Be Healthy
Twitter: You To Be Healthy
Pinterest: YouToBeHealthy
Google+: Shaklee ToBeHealthy


text:
Quick Tip: Clean Your Zester With Heat Not Water
For the last several weeks we've been putting a new idea to the test when it comes to the cleaning of zesters. We've been zesting every chance we get (really it's a rough job, but someone had to do it) and have come to the official conclusion — we don't need water to clean our zesters or microplaners.
What? No water!? That's ridiculous — which is what I thought too until I gave it a try. For the last several weeks anytime we've busted out our zester or microplaner, when we're finished we haven't washed it and instead of placed it near a heat source.
Someimtes that meant next to the stove, other times it meant across a pot on the stove top where the fan could recirculate the air around it, other times it simply meant leaving it in the window to dry out. After a small amount of heating or rapid air movement the left behind zested bits fall off, leaving the tool good as new. Sometimes it requires a light brushing, but we haven't washed these specialized tools in a few weeks.
Sure it sounds kind of... well... dirty and we get that. But with a little dry time and a wipe down, they've been as good as new in our kitchen. Neat trick huh? Let us know if you plan on giving it a try in the comments below!
Related: The Top 10 Most Useful Kitchen Gadgets
(Image: Emma Christensen)


text:
$1,525—$7,000 Studio—3 bed 728 N Morgan St, Chicago IL, 60642
from $1,525 Studio—3 bed
728 N Morgan St, River West, Chicago, 60642
Commute to Downtown Chicago
The rent at Spoke Apartments ranges from $1,525 for a studio to a $7,000 three bedroom. Apartments in this building are about 11% more expensive than the River West average.
Spoke Apartments is a four minute walk from the Blue Line at the Chicago-Blue stop.
This apartment is in the River West neighborhood in Chicago. Nearby parks include Eckhart Park, Mongomery Ward Park and Montgomery Ward Park.
Spoke Apartments has a Walk Score of 88 out of 100. This location is Very Walkable so most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Stay connected to it all at Spoke. This gorgeous two-tower community in the River West neighborhood features apartments and town homes with instant access to the city of Chicago via the Blue Line subway and Milwaukee Avenue's "Hipster Highway." If you're staying in, take a spin at our virtual cycling studio, cozy up to the South Tower's indoor/outdoor fireplace or tap your toes in the music room's lounge and recording studio. Our open-concept floor plans feature stainless steel appliances and dramatic panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, bringing the city's glow right to you.
Pets allowed: No
Owner/manager tools | Report bad listing | From apartmentlist.com
River West, Chicago, 60642
Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Transit is convenient for most trips.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from Spoke Apartments.
Spoke Apartments has excellent transit which means transit is convenient for most trips. Car sharing is available from Zipcar, I-GO and RelayRides.
Rail lines:
Blue Line
0.1 mi
Green Line
0.7 mi
Pink Line
0.7 mi
Purple Line
0.9 mi
Brown Line
0.9 mi
Red Line
1.1 mi
UP-N Union Pacific North
1.1 mi
UP-W Union Pacific West
1.1 mi
UP-NW Union Pacific Northwest
1.1 mi
Bus lines:
56 Milwaukee
0.1 mi
66 Chicago
0.1 mi
132 Goose Island Express
0.3 mi
8 Halsted
0.3 mi
65 Grand
0.3 mi
728 N Morgan St compared to all of Chicago.
Lowest crime area.
Lower crime area.
How do you feel walking near 728 N Morgan St?
Thanks for your feedback!
View all River West apartments on a map.
Search for homes in Chicago or find a Chicago real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
Spoke Apartments is in the River West neighborhood. River West is the 31st most walkable neighborhood in Chicago with a neighborhood Walk Score of 84.
Moving to Chicago from another city? View our moving to Chicago guide.


text:
Last Monday, I stepped into the air conditioned office of NADRA (acronym for National Database & Registration Authority) in Liberty Market and noticed the delightful drop in temperature from the scathing early summer sun outside, to the gentle serenity of air conditioning.
I took in a few breaths of cool air and surveyed my surroundings: chairs, windowed booths, a machine vending tokens, one staff member walking briskly towards a corridor and a guard looking at me with raised eyebrows and mild suspicion.
There were people in the chairs, of course, holding firmly onto their token numbers. People of all ages, shapes and sizes. Death might be the great equaliser but so is Nadra. I remember the previous time I went there to get my CNIC made. I was sitting next to legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen. One would think she'd be the last person in this country to need 'identifying.' But the state must issue everyone an identity. My previous time at Nadra? More on that in a bit.
The wait was long, I could see from the token numbers flashing on the panels and necks cradled on shoulders in partial naps; the wait was long but not arbitrary, token numbers were processed with a consistent frequency and the people occupying the chairs kept changing, as details were confirmed, photos taken and an expected date of arrival conveyed, within 7-10 days with an extra fee for 'Urgent,' in a little over two weeks otherwise, with the normal processing fee of the new Smart Cards set at Rs400. Urgent was Rs800, and Executive 1600; the last delivered within 4-6 days.
The new home delivery offer for only a 100 rupees meant there was less rush for card collection.
The Smart Cards have an electronic chip containing all your data and potentially new data entry for licenses and electronic voting. It's also harder to duplicate. The pictures on these identification cards are noticeably better too, less grainy.
There are times when the server was down, or a system needed to be rebooted, but the interruptions were short and smoothly handled with a polite smile and an apology. Fingerprints were taken on a biometric scanner, and most of the time was consumed in telling people how much, and where, pressure was to be applied when putting their fingers down.
This is all in stark contrast to when I went to get my CNIC renewed about five years ago, to the same facility in Liberty Market. That previous time! The first thing I remember is the lack of air conditioning. The same amount of chairs, the same amount of people but instead of calmly holding onto token numbers, they were agitated, getting up and down, loosening a collar, unfurling a dupatta. The tone of the Nadra personnel was similarly short-tempered, drenched in sweat, snapping at every question. Not even a greeting, let alone a smile.
I waited, five hours in the stifling heat, and Abida Parveen waited next to me. She had a grace of manner to take it all in, sitting and sweating calmly, that I didn't. I would frequently go up to the counter and ask how long, only to be told to go back to my chair. What chair, every time I got up I lost a place to sit. There were more people than space to fit them in. I could hardly breathe.
The system was down, the camera wasn't working, someone was always gone for a tea break, the excuses were never ending. The disgruntlement of the people became an ambient noise, so that when my turn finally arrived they got my name wrong, twice. I shouted at the man trying to confirm my details, hoping that would help. The louder I shouted the more the background noise went up. Almost in retaliation.
People who had lost their CNICs or were there for duplicates were told to stand on one side and not hold up the renewal and first-timer queues. They stood there the entire time I was present. Five years later, I honestly expected them to still be standing there.
When my turn was done and I was told to go on my way, I was about ready to cry in relief. There was a similarly cruel sun outside, but there was fresh air too, and oxygen. I went home hoping to never have to go through something like that again.
Three weeks later I picked up a card for someone called Haseeb Akif, who lived in the house a street down from mine, and it was torture all over again.
I'm not sure about the rest of the country, or even the rest of Lahore, but Nadra's Liberty office has come a long way from the stone ages.


text:
PEOPLE of all ages are to have the chance to try their hand at some wacky new skills at a Family Learning Workshop in Warwick next week.
The free event includes have-a-go sessions at a range of activities from no-cook cooking and computing to hand and body henna painting and West African drumming.
There will also be a chance for 4 to 11 year-olds to try out some multi-sports.
The event is being organised jointly by The Gap Community Project on the Percy Estate, and St Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School, on the Packmores Estate, and will be held on Saturday 6th October.
The morning activities will take place at The Gap, in the Chantry Shopping Precinct, Spinney Hill, from 10.30am to 1pm, and the afternoon activities will take place at St Mary's School, in Wathen Road, Warwick, from 1.45pm to 4.15pm. Multi-sports are afternoon-only activities.
There will also be a range of displays at St Mary's School, including one called "Babies need Books" to encourage parents to read with even their tiniest children, and one about the proposed Priory Pools playground refurbishment.
Roz Burch, community worker at The Gap, encouraged as many people as possible to try out some of the workshops.
She said: "The workshops are free and open to all ages ? and offer a really good opportunity for families to have fun, and to try out some new skills together. We can guarantee a good time!"
Anyone interested can contact Roz on 01926 494200 or Sarah or Alison on 01926 498088 for further information.


text:
There's really only one word to describe what kind of year 2014 has been for Peabody Energy (NYSE:BTU) and its fellow coals stocks: rough. Shares of Peabody are down 23% this year, but, hey, at least it isn't on the list of worst performing energy stocks like Alpha Natural Resources (NASDAQOTH:ANRZQ).
Because of their dismal performance thus far, any news that isn't bad would be welcome. And this quarter there was a small sliver of hope in Peabody's earnings: the price for coal from the Powder River Basin. Since Peabody, Alpha, Arch Coal (NASDAQOTH:ACIIQ), and Cloud Peak Energy (NYSE:CLD)-- America's four largest coal producers -- all source a significant part of their coal from this basin, the price of Powder River Basin coal will have a significant role in all of these companies future.
Tune into the video below to find out why the smallest difference in PRB coal means so much and what other tidbits from Peabody's earnings were enough to send shares of coal stocks higher.
Tyler Crowe has no position in any stocks mentioned.You can follow him at Fool.com under the handle TMFDirtyBird, on Google+, or on Twitter @TylerCroweFool.
The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


text:
FIVE Warwickshire sides will go into the draw for the third round of the nationwide Intermediate Cup.
Impressive No.8 Charlie Buckle - a recent signing from Claverdon - claimed two tries for Kenilworth in their 32-5 win at Evesham, while Old Laurentians scored eight tries for the third successive home game and topped 50 points again in 52-0 romp against Pershore.
Winger Leigh Fraser, who stepped in when Darren Price was injured during the warm-up, and No.8 Dave Longrigg both scored two tries for the Bilton-based OL side.
The other three qualifiers came through all-Warwickshire derbies.
Bedworth were 22-0 home winners over Old Leamingtonians in the first of four meetings between the two -two in Midlands Three West (South) and the other in the Banks's Warwickshire Cup - before Christmas.
A late try game Stratford a 13-5 edge at Old Coventrians, whose try came from debut centre Alex Nash, and Newbold scored two converted tries approaching half-time when Nuneaton Old Edwardians were down to 14 players to set up a 32-0 win.
Hinckley were put out 14-12 by long-standing Leicestershire rivals Belgrave in a game marred by constant injury stoppages, particularly in a first half which lasted more than 50 minutes. Tom Bennett and Andy Warner scored Hinckley's tries.
Full-back Marcus Jones contributed 29 points - a hat-trick of tries, four conversions and two penalties - to Earlsdon's 39-15 victory at Bloxwich in the second round of the Junior Cup.
Two tries from winger Guy Hitchins took Marconi into the next round with a 25-11 home win over Rushden and Higham, while Shipston over-came county rivals Manor Park 22-14 at Heath End Road.
Old Wheatleyans were forced to field a pack containing three props, two hookers and a centre at Yardley and District, crashing out 76-19, and there were defeats for Standard (26-3 at Stourport), Coventry Welsh (29-22 at home to Old Griffinians) and Pinley (39-12 at Warley).
Berkswell & Balsall continued their roller-coaster start to the season with a hard-earned 16-10 win at Ledbury in their rearranged Midlands Four West (South) league game.
Mark Galpin and Pat Fahy scored tries before a 72nd-minute drop goal from Chris Sebright sealed victory.


text:
May 4, 2017
On May 2, 2017, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal issued a significant decision in Tibbetts v. Murphy, 2017 NSCA 35, on the proper interpretation of s. 113A of the Insurance Act. Specifically the issue was whether or not Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits ("CPPD") should be deducted from tort awards for loss earning capacity in motor vehicle accident cases.
The Court of Appeal ruled that s. 113A changed the law: CPPD payments are now deductible from damages awards in motor vehicle accident cases, if the payments are made in respect of the accident.
The Court also upheld the trial judge's award of $30,000 in general damages for pain and suffering on the grounds that the plaintiff's fractured hip, tibia, fibula, and soft tissue injuries were persistently troubling in the manner contemplated by Smith v. Stubbert.
Decision at Trial (2015 NSSC 280)
The plaintiff, Ms. Tibbetts, was injured in July 2011 when the motorcycle she was riding collided with a truck. Her injuries included a dislocated and fractured hip, a fractured left tibia and a fractured left fibula. The trial judge apportioned fault for the accident two-thirds to Ms. Tibbetts and one third to the defendant, Murphy, who was driving the truck.
Ms. Tibbetts' damages included awards of: $30,000 for general damages and $40,000 for loss of earning capacity. The trial judge held that Ms. Tibbett's CPP disability benefits were deductible from the award of damages for lost earning capacity.
Court of Appeal's Decision (2017 NSCA 35)
The majority of the Court's reasons are devoted to the interpretation of s. 113A of the Insurance Act.
First, the Court examined the Legislative's objective when it enacted the Automobile Insurance Reform Act, including what is now s. 113A of the Insurance Act, in 2003. Automobile insurance premiums were "sky-rocketing" in 2003 when the Legislature introduced a package of reforms, including s. 113A. The Court determined that "the objective [of the Act] was to reduce those premiums and to reduce damage awards".
Second, the Court examined the meaning of s. 113A. This part of the Court's reasons turned on the meaning of two phrases in s. 113A: "loss of earning capacity" and "in respect of the incident". The Court ruled that CPP disability payments are for loss of earning capacity. The Court also held that whether the payments were made "in respect of the incident" raises a question of fact. In this case, Ms. Tibbett's injuries were "inseparable from the incident, that being the collision".
Third, the Court concluded that its proposed interpretation would result "in an injured person being fully compensated, but not overcompensated, for her loss of income or earning capacity". In the Court's view, this outcome facilitates the Legislature's intention to reduce premiums.
The bottom line is that CPPD payments are deductible from awards for loss of earning capacity and loss of income in motor vehicle accident cases.
The Court also dealt with the plaintiff's appeal from her award for general damages for pain and suffering. The plaintiff's hip, tibia, and fibula were fractured in the accident. The trial judge awarded the plaintiff $30,000 in general damages, concluding that her pain and discomfort where "'persistently troubling' in the manner contemplated by Smith v. Stubbert".
The plaintiff alleged that erred by relying solely on Smith v. Stubbert, the leading case on persistently troubling but not totally disabling soft tissue injuries. The Court of Appeal upheld the award of $30,000. In so doing, the Court noted that the trial judge "did not accept much of the evidence that the [plaintiff] presented".
Implications of the Court of Appeal's decision
The Court of Appeal's decision clarifies the law: CPP disability benefits are deductible from awards for loss of earning capacity or loss of income when there is a factual connection between the accident and receipt of CPP disability benefits.
With respect to general damages, the Court's decision reaffirms the wide latitude that trial judges have to assess the quantum of general damages in an individual case. In particular, a trial judge may apply Smith v. Stubbert outside of the context of soft tissue injuries. Stewart McKelvey lawyers Christopher Madill and Tipper McEwan represented the Defendant at trial and at the appeal.
© 2018 Stewart McKelvey. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Contact | Careers | Site Map | HomeWebsite designed by Greenfield/Belser Ltd. | Powered by OneWeb CMS


text:
Oh, Dexter. Just when I begin to regain my long-lost interest in you, you have to completely jump the shark.
Last night's episode, Scar Tissue, continued with Deborah's downward spiral of hating Dexter and struggling to cope with the fact that she killed LaGuerta, essentially valuing Dexter's life over an innocent's. That's definitely a cause for some self-reflection. The first three episodes of the series have done a great job showing her inner-turmoil, and Jennifer Carpenter, in my opinion, has absolutely stolen this season thus far. In the last episode, episode 3, Deborah went to Miami Metro during a drunken haze and attempted to confess her crimes, but Dexter and Dr. Vogel showed up at just in time to inject her with M-99 and drag her back to Vogel's home.
Dexter has asked Dr. Vogel to take care of her and try to "make her better." I'm not quite sure how Dexter expects Deb to forget putting a bullet in her boss' brain, but I digress. While Dexter is researching and checking Vogel's previous patients off of the potential Brain-Scooping Serial Killer list, Vogel and Deb return to the shipping container where she killed LaGuerta, the bullet hole allowing one bright ray of light into the otherwise dark box. Now, I have to say that I am fascinated by this dynamic. Vogel is a world-renowned neuropsychiatrist who specializes in profiling and studying psychopaths. We have already learned that she and Harry co-created "Harry's Code," the series of laws by which Dexter lives and kills. She seemingly (emphasis on the seemingly part) adores Dexter, and if I had a dime for every time she has creepily said, "Dexter, you're perfect," I would be wealthier than Donald fucking Trump. She's clearly trying her best to brainwash Deb into believing that Dexter is not only a necessary balance in the world, but also that he is her family and her love/protection is important. She shows Deb the videos of her meetings with Harry, and a startling revelation is made: Harry committed suicide after walking in on a teenaged Dexter dismembering a victim that he had just killed. Dun dun dun….
Apparently, this does not go over very well with Deb. She goes to Miami Metro and asks Dexter to take a ride so they can talk, and Dexter eagerly agrees. Cutting to the chase, mid-ride, Deb grabs the steering wheel, says that Harry should have killed Dexter as well, and drives the car right into a lake.
What. The. Fuck?
Ok. I get that Deb has a death wish and believes her brother to be a monster, but seriously? I guess the actions are somewhat plausible, but it felt completely out of place and bizarre. It wasn't an "Oh my god!" moment like Rita's amazingly emotional death, as I'm assuming it was meant to be. A nearby fisherman saves Deb, and as she sees Dexter sinking with the car, she decides to save him at the very last moment. Obviously. Dexter isn't going to die this early in the season, but I find this to be a complete copout of the writers.
So now that that's out of the way, what else happened?
- In fact, I'm putting my money on it.
- Dexter finally discovers the identity of Mr. Brain Scooper, a former Dr. Vogel patient: AJ Yates. After seeing a fucked up surgical scar on his head, Dexter confronts Vogel and discovers that she authorized brain surgery for Yates after finding a lesion. For some reason, she kept this information from Dexter. Why?
- Yates apparently has a PIMP underground lair (like a cross between Saw and The Collector films), and after hacking Yates' computer, Dexter has a revelation that Vogel is just a master tinkerer and doesn't give a flying fuck about him, Deb, or anyone else. She's been keeping notes on her real thoughts about Dexter, and they aren't pretty or complementary. Dexter confronts her about it and more or less tells her that after Yates is dead, he wants her to piss off. She agress, but we all know that people don't cleanly cut ties with Dexter. They usually end up dead.
- Two new characters are introduced. Cassie, Dexter's magical next door neighbor and one of Jamie's friends, and Vickie, Masuka's alleged daughter. These two introductions are extremely random, but one thing is certain….Dexter rarely introduces meaningless characters. Cassie appears to likely have nefarious intentions, and I have NO idea what the point of Masuka's daughter is, but hey. I guess those loose ends will eventually be tied.
So what do you guys think? Does Vogel have ulterior motives? Is she actually a psychopath herself? What's going to happen between Dexter and Deb? Is the relationship reparable?
We have eight more episodes to find out.


text:
Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (PTX) Drops 6.82% on February 02Equities Staff Follow |
Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (PTX) was one of the Russell 2000's biggest losers for Tuesday February 02 as the stock slid 6.82% to $2.05, a loss of $-0.15 per share. Starting at an opening price of $2.17 a share, the stock traded between $2.03 and $2.19 over the course of the trading day. Volume was 329,583 shares over 1,652 trades, against an average daily volume of 810,305 shares and a total float of 61.06 million.
The losses send Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. down to a market cap of $125.17 million. In the last year, Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. has traded between $12.88 and $1.68, and its 50-day SMA is currently $2.65 and 200-day SMA is $4.40.
Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the sales, marketing and development of branded and generic pharmaceutical products for sleep, bacterial infections and cough and cold conditions.
Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc. is based out of Morristown, NJ and has some 155 employees. Its CEO is Douglas Drysdale.
For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Pernix Therapeutics Holdings Inc., check out Equities.com's Stock Valuation Analysis report for PTX. To see the latest independent stock recommendations from Equities.com's analysts, visit our Research section.
The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.
Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.
For more news on the financial markets, go to Equities.com. Also, learn more about our independent proprietary equity research reports and our robust do-it-yourself Stock Valuation Analysis reports in our Research section.
All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.
DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer


text:
For a lot, I daresay a majority, of strength trainers, the amount of the iron is then end and the means. The more iron thrown around, the better the movement is. Without a doubt, that's the number one measure of progression; the only measure of progression that counts. Look how most of refer to geting strong or working out...
You wanna get strong? Lift big, heavy shit!
I pick heavy things up, and I put them down.
Excuse me, I'm off to pump some iron now...
Meanwhile, I read and hear things like, "can you really get strong on BW- only? How much strength can you get with BW-only? No matter how much geek, know-nothings like me preach, we always come back to that same default iron addiction. The iron will make us strong.
Let's play a game. Let's say that you made your way over to my blog and found a post where I claimed to do, say, 15 push-ups with 87 lbs of weight on my back. What would you think? Maybe impressed? If I came across that, I'd think it was impressive too. Then again, let's say my hands were elevated with two boxes.
Is it still as impressive? No need to feel like an asshole by saying, "No". The fact is that the exericse has been set up to be easier. By doing hands-elevated push-ups, the push-up is easier, even with the weight tossed on board. nitpicking form isn't the point, however. I'm just drawing a point that popped into my mind the other day.
Most of us agree that weight that you throw, or can throw, onto an exericse isn't the sole measure of how good it is. That's a cornerstone to BW-strength training. Since the weight can't be increased easily, the progression comes from manipulation of the form of the basic BW exercises. I talked about this with a friend a while back. If weight alone made an exercise easier or harder, then there would be no doubt that weight-based training was completely and uttlerly superior to BW by every possible measure.
Not everyone agrees.
Here's the thought that I had: If a lot of weight can be used for the exercise, doen't that mean that the movement itself is actually easy? After all, if it was hard, there wouldn't be a need to throw a lot of extra weight into it to make it hard in the first place. If you think about the "big lifts", the lifts where people throw iron into the triple digit territory, have movements that really aren't that hard. Most of the time, the weight is kept close to the body, uses more of the biggest and most powerful muscles to move the weight, or require bracing the body against an immovable object while the body pushes or pulls the weight. Apply any of this and watch the poundage capable of being lifted in the movement soar!
That's not to say that there's anything necessarily wrong with these exercises. I'm just going out of my way to demonstrate how the weight moved isn't the test of an exercise's worth. A recurring theme of this blog is doing more with less. I don't always have the luxury of a well-equipped gym. Still, I get strong and I do it by making the most of what I have. Besides, the more accustomed you are to working with less, the more likely you are to get challenged more consistently.
Let's go to the other end of the heavy iron pile and take the kitten weights. Even I think that 8 lbs dumbbells are kind of a joke. How could they make for a brutal exercise?
Pinch one between your feet while doing an L-sit. That's how!
If you're out there, in the trenches of the real world, isolated from the robo-globo-gyms, thinking that you're screwed because you can't find 600 lbs of iron and a squat cage to work, you need get your head working. Strength doesn't come from a materialistic-like craze for more and more iron. You can get it from modifications in an exercise, or a new exercise all-together. Strength doesn't only come from, and isn't proven by, lifting prowess in one movement any more than it comes from the weight you push while doing it either.
Getting the Most out of the least. I'm a hybrid strongman/Bodyweight guy/odd lifter with a flavor for unconventionality and an interest in getting strong. Welcome.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Why Work Out
|Henry and I at the Highland Games in Tampa... Or what I've been doing instead of blogging lately
"I already have a hot body. I don't need to work out."
"I know you work out to relieve stress but..."
"Man, you can seriously fucking move!"
It's intriguing to me to listen to others in my life ruminate over why I am so serious and diligent about making sure that a day doesn't pass by without some sort of physical training. Particularly interesting are the people who show marginal interest in working out offer the theories that I find most amusing. I've heard those three lines from three different people and by far, the third one was the most satisfying and conclusive answer as to why train in the first place.
While a good strength training session can be cathartic and I don't mind looking good in a tight fitting shirt, both explanations are just outside of the ten-ring as to why I enjoy working out so much. The mini-me in the sunglasses provides the best answer: because movement is fun! Modern adults hopelessly miss the mark when they think that comfort and not-moving is the way to be happy. This trend must have started up a century ago when we started looking for ways to eradicate manual labor from our lives. It made sense back then since we had spent the last couple of Milena literally working ourselves to death. Viewed from that fact, taking to desk jobs must have seemed like a form of salvation.
Our kids tell us a different story. Confine a child to a chair and watch how pissy they become. They can't stand sitting. It must be why I use sitting in a corner as punishment with kids for over a decade with remarkable results. Note how they effortlessly squat as though they had been taught by _____ (insert your favorite fitness guru). Did they learn that from someone? Or, is it instinct that we suppressed through years of sitting down way too much? They're happier squatting ass-to-grass.
They don't do this just to relieve stress; they do it just because they're happier moving. Their fresh, new bodies aren't yet degenerated by institutionalised laziness and they don't look at lots of movement as excessive or try to avoid it. They need it. Little do we realize that so do we as adults.
Movement isn't simply cathartic. It can also be sexy. People far smarter with me with larger budgets of other people's money to waste figured out that most men are attracted to a certain ratio of hips-to-waist-to-shoulder measurements in women. What they couldn't understand was why the ratio was exaggerate past perfect why men found it more attractive. It should have been too much to have such a small waist with big hips... until they realized it wasn't how they looked. It was how they looked when they moved that turned on men so much.
|You knew something like this was coming...
Of course it happened at Bodytribe...This is a seriously cool (and hot) move!
Whether we want to admit it to ourselves or not, we judge a lot of our being regarding our ability to move. Ultimately, the better we move, the better our lives are. Anything that accentuates that is good and worth pursuing.
Posted by Justin_PS at 9:06 AM No comments:
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Because I can't always use gun fire at what irritates me: Shooting My Mouth Off III
So, the kid's asleep, the wife went shopping, and I've decided to end my month-long blog drought by crawiling out from underneath the rock that I've been hiding underneath...and do another of my bitch-and moan entries...
-Stop with the biceps pics! For over 40 years we've been subjected to zombie-like hoards of meatheads trying desperately trying to get Arnold's biceps and documenting every step of the way with pics. The trend has only gotten worse with the advent of cell phones with cameras. Now, every bathroom with a mirror has turned into a posing stage for men desperately trying to out-douchebag the ultimate douchebag . Didn't we used to use bathooms to take a shit?
|So true...
-ESPN 99 must have run clean out re-runs of World's Strongest Man, World Series of Poker and dogdeball tournaments. So, they Show the Crossfit Games. My exposure to Crossfit was marginal up until I saw it at a bar in Massachusetts and now I think I get it. Crossfit is what you when you do a lot of really good exercises with extremely shitty form as fast as possible... and pay too much money per month to someone to "teach" you how to do this.
|There really isn't much to farmers walking to screw up and yet CF finds a way...
-Can we replace "functional" with practical?
-Which exercise releases growth hormone naturally? Please don't bombard me with answers. I won't believe them anyway, even if you have a scientific study from the University of Bangledesh that says you're right. If HGH is something that helps you recover from intense exercise, keeps you young, and repairs your cells, then I'd bet HUGE money that the answer is actually... SLEEP!
-If you think women with muscle definition look like men, then you probably don't look much like a man yourself.
-This shit's getting out of hand! If you're posting pics of yourself working out, wear a pair of pants that don't show off your package!
-Why is it so incomprehensibly hard for some fools to pick out workout music? Why do you need to ask for suggestions from everyone else? This is about as difficult as masturbation material on the internet: find something that arouses you and get to work! It doesn't matter if it's death metal, classical music, movie soundtracks or gay nightclub fare. It it accentuates your desire to move with intensity, then it's good workout music!
Okay, now that I've got that off my chest, I'll get back to writing something memorable. In the meantime, feel free to spout off about the things in our sub-culture that really annoy you too!
This guy never gets old!
Posted by Justin_PS at 8:48 AM 2 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)