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0.032953 | <urn:uuid:aa931323-1724-4768-b6e2-5cbca7cd7a1b> | en | 0.967278 | Title - Dinosaur Express
Author - Kourion
Summary: '"Ok, Mr. Jenkins, sir do you have your boarding pass, sir?," Dylan asks of his purple and yellow My Little Pony. Thomas the Tank Engine can't make trans-Atlantic trips by water, but he can serve as a boarding attendant on a 'luxury cruise ship'?' Future family fic/ Jane POV/ Jane and his son.
A/N: I obviously needed a break from angst, drama, and sad scenes. Hopefully it's light enough to appease those who may be feeling low with my other stuff (!), but real enough that it doesn't come across as pure, meaningless fluff either. Btw, this was part of a longer ficlet. But that one won't be ready for a couple of days more at least. In fact, there are certain things that I've written into the other fic (so far over 10K), that have made me decide to release it a little later (after Little Stars is complete). In the meantime, here you go...a short little scene between Patrick and his son. :)
Reviews are love, btw -)
"Chooo choooo, here comes the Dinosaur Express! Allll aboard you guys!"
I skim Thomas the Tank Engine across the surface of the bath water.
Dylan frowns.
"You're not doing it RIGHT, Daddy!," he pouts. "There is no train station in the ocean! They are getting ready to board the Queen Anne luxury boat! I've told you this one gazillion times or more!"
"One gazillion times, huh? Or more? Really - that much, huh? Wow. That's a lot of times."
It's in all these impatient little moments that I'm reminded just how similar Dylan is to Teresa...
Dylan apparently hasn't heard me, but demonstrates what he wants in tonight's tub scenario by pulling a large plastic duck towards where I'm currently crouching. It's actually a floating soap dish, but Dylan uses it as a 'boat' for Mr. Tibbles, his brontosaurus, and Cool Cal, his T Rex. He also has two My Little Ponies that stand out amongst the throng of dinosaurs I bought for him like sore thumbs. Girly sore thumbs. Sadly, I'm starting to suspect that the My Little Ponies are his favourite characters out of the bunch. Jenkins and Giles are their names (both boys, by the way - so don't be confused by their flowing manes of purple and pink, or their sparkle, diamond makeup). Grace bought him the pair, actually - for reasons I cannot begin to understand - and since the kid is smitten with Grace, well...
I start the task of rubbing in the chemical-scented de-chlorinating shampoo. The little man is a fish in the pool, but now his blond hair has turned lime-slurpee green.
Dylan sits very still for once as I massage in the soap and generate a lather.
I decide to re-engage my kid, already bored with the task.
This is going to take awhile to get all the green out...
"Didn't Jenkins and Giles board the Queen Anne Luxury boat last week, Dyl? When they went to Martha's Vineyard to pick fruit?"
My son ignores me, and instead carries on with his play.
And *I'm* not doing it right?
Without waiting for me to play the role of Jenkins, my boy continues on in a deep, husky voice.
"My boarding pass? Oh yes, my good lad. It should be right here in my pocket! Oh no, wait one moment... I can't find it!"
I think we need to get this kid some plastic army men, or something...
"Mr. Giles, kind sir, have you seen my boarding pass?," and now one pony addresses the other.
I think we'll need those army men sooner rather than later...
"No, Jenkins! Did you leave them in the carriage? Did you? Tell me!"
Good God, that dinosaur sounds frantic.
"Here comes the horrible squid of DOOM!," I sputter out, trying to add some verve to this scenario. With evil cackling, I drop a handful of magnetic alphabet blocks from the fridge into the tub. Water jets up as the blocks hit the water... pelting the Queen Anne Luxury Liner in a torrential downpour of freezing Atlantic water.
"Oh NO! The boat is sinking! Mr. Giles, Mr. Jenkins...grab your cellular phones, gentlemen! Call 911! Hurry!," I warble.
I then make some high pitched screaming noises for extra drama, and holding onto Cool Cal and Mr. Tibbles, I make them both jump up and down hysterically. Their frenetic panicking is doing very little to help the situation improve, if I do say so myself. In fact, from the looks of things, their dinosaur bulk combined with their freaking out seems to be making the situation worse.
This is kinda fun...
"Somebody help us! Call The Salvation Army! Call the American Red Cross! Hurry Mr. Jenkins! Hurry Mr. Giles!," I screech, enjoying myself too much to just stop now.
The duck soap dish is quickly filling up with bubbly water and is...
...now sinking.
Dylan shrieks in anger, and brings two tiny fists down to hit the water, drenching me in the process. It actually pelts up in an arc from the force of his frustrated pounding.
Oops. Maybe I went a little overboard. (Pun intended).
Still, I shake Dylan's arms for added emphasis, not really wanting to end the game too soon. I'm having a blast, and so drop more blocks into the basin.
I might as well go for broke...
"Save us, Obi Wan Kenobi! You're our only hope! Call 911 before it's too late!"
Dylan actually looks upset now. He makes a little T-shaped motion with his hands for Time Out!
"That's all WRONG, Daddy! They are in the ocean! They are on a CRUISE ship. They can't call 911!"
"What about The Texas Rangers?," I supply, easily.
"They came from England! No Texas Rangers!"
Ok, bud, chill out.
"What about the coast guard? Or the ocean police?"
"No! No Ocean Police! They JUST want to take a holiday cruise!"
What's the point of having a precocious and gifted child when they take everything so seriously?
"Woah, buddy...calm down."
"Their ship is at the bottom of the sea! You ruined their whole holiday, Daddy!"
"It's just a game, Dyl. We can start over. That's what's so much fun about games!"
He's shaking his head back and forth now. Getting soap lather everywhere, too.
"They never will want anything to do with this cruise line again! They were on holiday!"
"Yes, you've said that already, Dyl. Look, buddy...this is just a GAME, Dylan," I repeat, my voice completely serious now.
The little guy stands up then, still upset, his string bean body dripping soapy bubbles all over the bath mat as he clamours out of the tub.
"No more bath, buddy? Huh? Want to leave that soap in your hair, too? Or would you rather I rinse it out, first?"
His eyes radiate a classic Lisbonesque annoyance. It's incredible, really.
He's still in a mood.
I get it.
"I'm gonna get Mommy. She always does baths properly! No squid!"
I sigh, but nod anyway. And push away an immature jealousy when he finally leaves the room.
A ridiculous, searing sort of disappointment fills me, and the thought that flitters through my brain next also causes me a terrible sense of shame, and guilt.
I miss my Charley.
Charlotte always loved our bath times. | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7363832/1/ | dclm-gs1-085290001 | false | false | {
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0.112143 | <urn:uuid:37a35c91-6e96-4590-b75c-aabcdcf8e4d0> | en | 0.99073 | The young and the silent
A/N: A 'Happy Birthday' shoutout to my internet besty Pixel. Happy 18th and may all the years ahead of you be prosperous and bring you nothing but happiness.
I don't own Pixel, Soundwave, Wheeljack or Transformers Prime but I do however own the story. HET it may be but if anyone doesn't like those kinds of stories, it is M for a reason.
To say it was a shock for the Autobots to see such a young femme with Wheeljack was an understatement. She was shorter than Arcee by a few inches, meaning she was a 2 wheeler like the Autobot Femme. After the wrecker's little scuffle with Dreadwing, he was adamant to get back to his ship before the human government got to it and take it out of civilian sight. Pulling the little pink and aqua femme out of the battered ship brought both great joy for another surviving femme, but also great concern.
"Relax Prime, lil' Pixel here has nothing to worry about with me around," Wheeljack was so confident in himself that he could keep the little femme safe, "I would never let any cons near her,"
"I do not doubt your abilities Wheeljack, it is her…condition I am concerned with," the tone of Optimus' voice not only confused the little femme but seemed to enrage Wheeljack,
"Hey, I may be a Wrecker but I don't and would never do that to my lil' pixie. She's like my spark sister for frag sake!" he snapped but only to receive a loud whack to his helm, turning back to see a glaring Pixel holding a screwdriver,
"What did I say about swearing?" she snapped, but the mech's could hardly take her seriously, it was a rather endearing display,
"Did I mention she's kinda my medic too?" he grinned, rubbing the sore spot her screwdriver had hit. Ratchet was actually impressed such a young bot could not only keep this 'loose cannon' in line but seemed to exude the same prowess as any medic, the traditional tool throwing temperament included.
But once the ordeal with Dreadwing had passed, Pixel stayed with Wheeljack as they explored together. Sharing many nights stargazing and keeping each other entertained. Nights seemed somewhat tougher for Pixel since she had recurring nightmares about her family, but Wheeljack always went out of his way to comfort her, allowing her to snuggle into the hardened soldier's armor while they recharged.
What was a greater surprise was Optimus' request for the Wrecker to aid Ratchet in retrieving an Iacon artefact. But when the mission turned for the worse, crashing not too far from the relic's site. Just as they were coming out of the ship, Wheeljack held his servo infront of Pixel,
"Stay here Pixie, and do what Ratch tells ya to do," Wheeljack ordered,
"Jack you know I'm not great with fighting, but I'll see what I can do with the ship," she replied, knowing he would at least allow her to make repairs. With a curt nod, she set to work while Ratchet dealt with Soundwave's Laserbeak drone. Pixel remembered something about Soundwave, one of the few things she'll never forget about the mech; he was present at her parents' murder.
He and Megatron, along with 3 other cons had stormed into their home and killed her creators, while she had hid in a cabinet. Watching their bodies fall limp and faded to a deathly grey, she remembered the silent, faceless mech turn to her as if he had seen her. Time had stood still in the instant before he simply turned away and followed his master,
"Pixel!" Ratchet called, turning from her repairs she saw the older mech wrestle with the drone, "Get into the Jackhammer and do NOT make a sound! Understand!" he demanded, not having to be told twice she jumped into the ship and froze.
She watched from the monitors as Ratchet released Laserbeak and hid behind a boulder, the drone's master landing not a few seconds later. Pixel looked to the controls; she had managed to repair the weapons systems so if she were to take the controls, she could gun the mech responsible for the creators' deaths. But the moment she thought of revenge, she turned to Ratchet's hiding place, she had no idea how much damage the boulders could take, she could injure the older medic, and he did order her to no make a sound. Sighing, she let her chance go as the mech took to the skies.
Ratchet had rushed off to get Wheeljack while Pixel again, remained with the ship. She had become frantic when Ratchet placed Wheeljack into her care and returned to base. She had only began her patchwork when the drop of something heavy echoed behind them.
"Soundwave!" Wheeljack cursed, standing and placing himself between the Con and Pixel. The mech looked to the Wrecker but his head tilted to show he was looking at Pixel, "You stay away from her Con!" pushing the little femme back, she got the idea and ran to the ship but his sharp cry had forced her to stop and look back, Soundwave was using a strong device on his arm to bring Wheeljack anguishing pain. Her body simply acted, wanting to defend the closest thing she had to family and primus-damn her is she did nothing.
Circling around the con, she got his attention by throwing a well-placed screwdriver to his already cracked visor, causing the crack to enlarge and pieces of glass to fall from it. While he was momentarily distracted and tackled him; true her form would've only caused the mech to stagger back with her clinging to his waist plating but neither of them included the slight decline in the terrain, causing Soundwave to lose his footing and both skidding down the hillside, leaving Wheeljack weakened and unable to move,
"Pi…xie~" was all he could muster before collapsing into stasis, his internal systems kicking in to begin repairs.
The moment the 2 got to the bottom of the hill, Pixel had managed to detangle herself from the con, jumping away in case he tried anything but her strong stance lost its edge when she noticed the pale faceplate behind the cracked visor; the was a large scar visible underneath the missing glad, but what did she care if he was hurt, he and the Decepticons took her family away from her.
What she hadn't counted on was Soundwave, using her moment of distraction, using his probing limbs to catch her off guard, pulling her legs from under her. Falling back hard, the ex-gladiator took no time in pinning her down; winding his probes around her arms and legs she couldn't get free.
She flailed and tried to scramble free from the mech that had taken her family but being so tightly bound she found it a miracle to move at all,
"Let me go! Please!" She begged, her hard tone wavering by the increase of fear in her voice. Tilting his helm again, his long thin fingers hovered over her faceplates and lightly glided over her plating, "Wh-What are you going! Stop!" she screamed,
"Still…beautiful…" Pixel froze, did Soundwave…just TALK? Looking up to the once silent Decepticon, she noticed the cracked plating had fallen to reveal one of his clouded ruby optics; it was like looking into the whirlpool of blood that only pulled Pixel in further the longer she looked. The only thing to pull her way was an image flashing onto the screens; upon closer inspection it was…her? By the look of it, she was only a youngling, and she remembered the time her sire had dragged both her carer and herself to one of those horrid gladiator matches. The picture looked like it was taken from a lower level…like the arena grounds.
"What?...Why?" his long fingers took her chin, holding her helm in place as her optics were drawn back into his revealed optic. It was a talent he had since he was little, despite his talents in espionage and communications, his had a natural talent for convincing any bot that caught his gaze to do whatever he wanted, the only bot excluded from this truth was Megatron, the only bot he truly trusted and admired. While he gaze kept her distracted, the probe that looped her legs slowly unfurled itself and slithered slowly to her helm.
Noticing something out of the corner of her optics, she pulled away from Soundwave to see his probe only moments too late to react, the probe snapped and latched onto the back of her helm. A sharp gasp was pulled from her throat as foreign thoughts invaded her mind. It didn't take a genius to know who the thoughts belonged to but what was sent to her caused her pause; it was in Soundwave's point of view, when she was just coming out of her sparkling years. She never recalled seeing Soundwave at that age, only when her sire took her to the gladiator match and when Soundwave was present at her parents' murder.
As the memory played on behind her optics, she could feel his servos rack up and down her frame. She wanted to move, to kick back, do something! But no doubt the probe was cutting off her mobility, giving him free roam of her body. But what happened in the memory had cut herself off from reality. Soundwave was so close to her younger form, there was no doubt in her mind just what he was doing…her was kissing her! At her age that was one of the greatest taboos any bot could break but she wasn't resisting him, she was welcoming the kiss,
"W…why?..." her voice was strained, Soundwave loomed over her and gazing down at the limp femme,
"You were promised to me by your Sire, he wished our families to be united despite our age. But when my Creators were falsely accused by your cruel Autobot leaders, you were taken from me…we understood one another, we were sparkmates," this thoughts washed over her mind, causing her more confusion. Her creators had never mentioned any kind of betrothal to her, but why would they keep that from her, "To make you their perfect little Autobot whore. Selling you off to some dimwited soldier or pompous politicion…you deserve so much more…"
"Like…you? But…you-you're a…" his finger found her lip plating, silencing her strained words, he visible eye slitted like a lover staring down at her. Leaning back, Laserbeak detached from him and hovered a little ways away, no doubt acting as watch. Something then began to worm into her processor, a set of commands that when she cautiously but foolishly scanned, caused a virus to rip through her systems,
"Let it do its job, it will be over soon," his thoughts cooed, as he took position between her legs, holding them up on his hip plates and his servos petting her chassis and pelvic armour. His ministrations and the virus caused her to thrash about, crying out in pain as well as pleasure,
"Why! Why are you do this if you love me! If I am your sparkmate please stop!" she screamed, gasping and panting, unsure of what was pain or what was pleasure,
"You've been tainted by those wretched Autobots, I know what is best for you, let me liberate you," those were his final words as the virus took root and began rewriting her systems, no longer in pain she couldn't help but moan in euphoria. Her pelvic armour retracted and allowed Soundwave full view of her untouched valve. Not wanting to wait any longer than he had already, completely out of character, he took out his own strained cable and rubbed against his little Pixel,
"Please…!" she gasped, Soundwave wouldn't listen to anymore begging to stop what he wanted to claim but looking down he noticed the change in her optics; the once cute baby blue optics were turning into a red violet, the coding he had uploaded into her processor was taking effect, "Liberate…me…" leaning up despite her restrained arms, she kissed the plating where his mouth would be. In a flurry of movement, Soundwave released her arms and used that probe to hold her closer. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling herself even closer, the pleasure racking her frame caused her to seek stability, and Soundwave was more than eager to give.
Carefully, he lined himself with her port and pushed forward. A strained gasp caused him to slow his actions, seeing the pinch on Pixel's faceplates. He was quite large but he knew he would cause her no harm. Her valve rippled and clamped around him, pulling out his own moan and testing his resolve, he just wanted to break through her seal and bring sweet rapture to both of them. Once she had adjusted, he pushed forward harshly, tearing her seal quickly and caused the pain to only last a moment before his pleasure calmed her.
Their bodies moved in sync, him pushing forward and she pushed back. The pleasure of their movements were giving one another was almost symbiotic, both knowing exactly what the other wanted and Soundwave's probe still connected to Pixel's helm was not the cause,
"Soundwave…I'm…I'm gonna…!" she was close, Soundwave could tell by how her valve to tightening around him and how feverish her movements were becoming. But there was one more thing he wanted to do before they fell into unbridled ecstasy, touching his own chest-plating Pixel opened an optic to see the Decepticon intelligence officer reveal his shimmering spark. As if on response and after a little bit of coercion from Soundwave via his probe, she shyly revealed her own, its little mass flickering and shivering from exposure and the gaze baring down on it,
"Now…we become one…after so long!" that said, Soundwave brought their chassis together and melded their sparks. A loud scream ripped through Pixel's throat as she felt him enter her very being, sharing more intimate and personal feelings and memories, the emotions others thought he never had. She felt pain, depression, resolve, loyalty and finally, unbridled joy of having her in his arms. It was too much for the virgin femme as the sweet charge reached its zenith before coming to an end in an epic explosion. Her overload channelled through Soundwave's probe, bringing him to his completion, he emptied himself into Pixel as the charge pushed through his spark back into hers, like a cycle of bliss, completion and calm.
Slumping down, Pixel panted and gasped as her body reeled and tried to recover from her first overload. Soundwave unwound his probes from her form and from the back of her helm, its small tentacle sensors tenderly soothing the area it was once connected to before retracting back to Soundwave. He watched her red-violet optics slowly dim a moment before looking back to him, now realising what had happened,
"I'm yours now, aren't I?" it wasn't so much a question but it wasn't a statement either. In anycase, Soundwave nodded before petting her cheek. Her mindset now was much like a Decepticon but her coding was still that of an Autobot. She didn't need convincing as in her mind, she knew the Autobots would not accept her; she had committed treason by sleeping with a Decepticon, a high ranked Decepticon at that. She had no choice but to go with her new Sparkmate and accept her new life. Soundwave helped her to her pedes and covered her dignity before pulling her into a warm embrace; despite his methods, his intentions were pure and noble in his mind. Pixel, feeling his devotion and love, returned the embrace willingly and with earnest,
"Pixel," a strained voice caught the femme's audios, turning to the top of the hill to see Wheeljack, staring wide-eyed at no doubt her optics and her position in the mech's arms, "No…"
"Too late Jack," she smiled melancholy, "I have to go with him," looking back to Soundwave, she leant up and kissed his cracked visor. Soundwave commed the Nemesis for a ground bridge as his Sparkmate was a 2-wheeler not a flyer. Laserbeak flew back and connected to his chest plates, looping an arm around Pixel's shoulder plating and guided her through the bridge, glancing back to Wheeljack as if to mock him before they disappeared.
Stepping onto the Nemesis Pixel was nervous, taking to clinging closer to her new sparkmate as Vehicons, Insecticons and other Decepticons look on in confusion and interest. Whether it was her petit form, her innocent colouring or the colour of her optics, she knew she wanted nothing more than to be closer to Soundwave. Coming to the bridge, before the couple was Megatron, turning and gazing questioningly at Soundwave and herself. But it seemed that once Megatron looked to her, he smiled. Stepping forward, he knelt down to her level, making himself less imposing and offered his servo, silently asking for her own. Steeling herself, she raised her own and placed her tiny servo compared to his into the massive hand.
"Welcome to the Decepticons…I'm sure the transition opened your optics?" he asked, placing a chaste kiss on her servo before stepping back to full height,
"I held a hatred for the Decepticons since I saw you kill my parents," she spoke, seeing his neutral face darken a moment, "But thanks to my Sparkmate, he showed me why," his gazed turned into a smile, allowing the 2 to leave and have time to themselves. | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8154889/1/The-Young-and-the-Silent-Present-for-Pixel | dclm-gs1-085310001 | false | false | {
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0.185114 | <urn:uuid:eea9e5d4-6da1-4b3f-a16e-0c38a86d3a68> | en | 0.989934 | "You made me weak." Tex stalked across the grass, the nubs of her toes digging into the dirt and pulling up patches of grass. Excellent traction. Remember to make Simmons transplant grass later, see if he'll do it. Sarge looked up from the engine he was tinkering with and met Tex's gaze.
"This body. It's like a watered-down drink compared to the body I used to have, and you did that on purpose."
"Maybe," he mumbled.
"Fix me."
"Is it just a point a'pride to ya, or is this some dastardly Blue scheme to try and run you in here again to take us out?"
Tex spread her arms. Servos whined a little. Could oil that right up when I try and fix her - no! Resist the Blue scheme!
Tex said, "I demand good work. I don't care about your stupid Blue versus Red battles."
"Red vs Blue," he muttered.
Her helmet seemed to glare as it caught the sun, but she just kept going with her thought. "And yeah. Pride."
"You don't care about the war a whit."
"No. I've been around too long. You're a flash in the pan, old man. The Freelancers were really competitive. There was this chick named Carolina - "
Sarge cocked his head, knocked a wrench against the engine experimentally, and stood up. "They're all dead now?"
"Most of them."
"How's a grand army like that go from being the best to being dead?"
"The same way any army does, idiot. People kill 'em. Listen, there was this chick named Carolina and she thought she was tougher than me. Almost was, too, but she didn't know I had a robot body and I didn't tell her. I liked her to think that something with flesh had beaten her. And now, I've bargained for a new body that isn't half as strong. What good is that to me? Getting Ome...O'Malley back is your problem too, Red."
"That body is fine! Highest quality robot kit. Which is the only quality." He was gesturing around with the wrench.
"Highest quality? I can barely lift a Warthog." She stepped forward.
He was getting scared now. "You're just like Lopez! Same kinda model. And he's strong!" He lifted the wrench to emphasize the word.
Her hand darted out and grabbed his wrist. A moment later she had the hooked end of the wrench pointed at his throat and his elbow caught between her arm and his chest. She bore down on him, forcing him back toward the engine. She was almost strong enough but he could feel the weak spots in her metal bones, the gears that weren't engaging.
"All right, all right." He raised his free hand and felt behind him with his toes. He was off-balance. Gonna fall over in a moment if she didn't -
Look up. A slight delay, a slight heaviness in her jaw on the opposite side. He'd have to recalibrate her eyes. For now, though, he brought his heel down hard on a switch on the engine. A gout of flame burst out of a pipe. Tex jumped backwards and let go of Sarge's wrist, pushing him away in the process. He chuckled. "Don't get yer britches out of order, I'll still fix ya. Why is pride so darn important?"
"I don't know. Never really thought about it. Probably because I was too busy being better than other people - " without missing a beat she lunged forward and headbutted him. Her helmet filled up his field of vision before he felt the impact rock his chest and force the air out of him. His shin caught on the engine. He tripped backwards, landed on his back on the ground, and realized that his hand was empty. She'd yanked the wrench away as he moved. Now she stepped slowly over the engine, which was dribbling oil and a slowly fading burp sound. Have to work more on that project before I try to mount it on the chupathingy.
Tex pointed the wrench at him, leaned down to knock it against his helmet. "Are we going to do this or not?"
"Fine," he growled. "No guarantees. You're cheap."
She sat down on the ground next to the engine. "I thought you said I was the best."
"The best robot kit Command sends us? Still cheap."
He put the wrench to work and stripped off a panel between her shoulder blades. Sure, the machinery inside looked basically like the stuff inside Lopez, but Sarge had made so many minor adjustments to both of them at their birth that the similarity was slim. Building robots was more an art than a science, although of course art was vastly superior to science to the extent that an art could be encompassed by the all-encompassing, undefeatable super-subject that was science. Sarge enjoyed his work. He liked to tweak, and if tweaking meant that the next person to come along would have trouble figuring out how the thing worked then that person obviously did not deserve to be on a Red team messing with Red robots. Because only a Red could ever get ahold of a Red robot.
The thorny question of whether Tex was Red, or half-Red, or Blue, or pay-per-kill, was irrelevant to Sarge. His thought process was only a backseat driver to what his hands were doing. Sometimes they chimed in with something useful at an intersection, but more often he ignored them and just followed the road. Tex was a scenic drive. Sarge found a smooth-sided wheel inside her shoulder and wiggled it, then pushed it to the side. Something in her arm clunked.
Tex almost purred. "That felt like an improvement."
Sarge nodded to himself. "I know what I'm doing. You're bound to experience some catharsis. Lethargy. Theology. Somethin with tees."
She stretched her neck and leaned back. He shifted his hands fast to avoid getting trapped against one metal skin layer or another.
"There's some other weird stuff with this body too," Tex continued. She sounded much quieter than usual, almost musing. Tentatively he started looking at wires in the same shoulder, examining each color and almost able to smell the difference. Heat washed out of the hole in her back like from the small engine. Curse you, fascination with robots! part of Sarge's brain said. The only thing that can overcome my hatred for the enemy!
Tex said, "Sometimes I still feel like I'm a ghost. Really...distracted. Like I'm about to drift off."
This was not interesting to Sarge. "And?"
"And?" She snapped.
He was focusing on a mesh of tiny pins up toward her neck. "And did you get any mechanical problems with that?"
"Then don't ask me. I didn't specialize in emotional. Ask them Blues. Or Donut. Ain't you Church's girl?"
"Aw, Donut's scared of me. I don't think he'll help."
"How's this?" Sarge banged an access panel shut, and Tex lurched forward.
"Oof. I guess that's a little better? I'd have to test it out to see though." He backpedaled fast. His shotgun was comforting but it wasn't right to hit a girl. They were too fragile-like, and he was pretty sure shooting counted as hitting. Besides, Tex could hit hard enough that he'd need more than one shot anyway. Great. Blue trap, I knew it.He put a hand on the gun magnetized to his back, but she didn't get up.
"You gonna go now?" He made it sound like a threat. Get off my land. "It's not quite done yet since I haven't either looked lower than your shoulders or have any fishing line in stock, but you should be a bit less, er, weak."
She cocked her head. "I'd say thanks if you shouldn't have done this weeks ago."
He pushed on her to get her to stand up, then realized that she was neither a stubborn horse nor a member of his team and stepped back, expecting a fist to the face. Tex did not fit into Sarge's equations on how to deal with girls. She had, briefly, matched pretty well with the 'how to deal with robots' ones though.
He put on his best Blue-defying voice. "Still proud, I see. Couldn't get that out."
"Nope. I guess it's just part of what makes us human. Huh, that sounds familiar. Does it sound familiar to you?"
"Huh," she said again, and nodded as if she found his answer comforting. | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8215293/1/ | dclm-gs1-085320001 | false | false | {
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0.018521 | <urn:uuid:a0b37b11-02f3-4822-bb9e-596f4d650dab> | en | 0.921685 | Ultimate Ridley
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Joined 09-29-07, id: 1386504, Profile Updated: 03-30-13
Author has written 4 stories for Game X-overs, Metroid, and Pokémon.
Hey everyone.
I am a guy who made fanfictions once upon a time, but times have changed. My work on Metroid Dread has screeched to a halt in favor of an original work of mine that I have been developing for the past 7 years.
With all of that said, I have just developed the framework of a new fanfic. Expect that to begin very soon.
Have you noticed I put something like T4V next to my stories? I'm telling you why it's rated T in a short way. Such so:
T4V: Rated T for possible violent scenes that maybe kids younger than 13 or at least 10 probably won't want to imagine. But don't worry. I don't go overboard with the blood and gore. I can't guarantee taking out the use of guns, though. I mean, come on, what's a Halo/Metroid story without guns? A piece of crud, that's what.
T4L: This, along with T4V, is probably going to be my second most used label. I don't overuse terribly obscene swears, however.
The most common T4( ) I put in is T4V and T4L.
I may also mix Ratings:
Ex: T4V&L or etc.
Metroid Dread reviews
Metroid - Rated: T - English - Sci-Fi/Adventure - Chapters: 17 - Words: 67,267 - Reviews: 52 - Favs: 41 - Follows: 31 - Updated: 6/6/2011 - Published: 9/16/2008 - Samus A., Ridley
The Breeder reviews
A tale told from the perspective of a Pokémon bred to perfection. It also slightly details what the typical breeder/EV trainer puts their "perfect" Pokémon through, if this were real life. T4V
Pokémon - Rated: T - English - Chapters: 2 - Words: 3,986 - Reviews: 4 - Favs: 3 - Follows: 2 - Updated: 5/1/2011 - Published: 4/29/2011 - Gible/Fukamaru
Metroid: The Original Story reviews
Ever wondered what exactly happened as Samus Aran was a child? What happened before she was born? How all Metroid began? This story tells it all. Also retells Samus's first mission on Zebes. Think Mecha Ridley was the final boss? You're so wrong... T4V&L
Metroid - Rated: T - English - Adventure/Sci-Fi - Chapters: 2 - Words: 19,625 - Reviews: 1 - Favs: 2 - Follows: 1 - Updated: 3/22/2008 - Published: 10/29/2007
Halo vs Metroid: The Great Journey reviews
A marine gets corrupted, the Arbiter meets Samus, Ridley saves the Arbiter, an old ally has been discovered loitering on an unknown area...and much, much more in this action packed thriller where the storyline of Halo 3 meets Metroid. It's awesome! T4V
Game X-overs - Rated: T - English - Sci-Fi/Adventure - Chapters: 11 - Words: 30,659 - Reviews: 14 - Favs: 8 - Follows: 2 - Updated: 1/28/2008 - Published: 10/1/2007 - Complete
Manager of:
Community: Space Pirate Refuge
Focus: Misc Game X-overs | https://www.fanfiction.net/u/1386504/Ultimate-Ridley | dclm-gs1-085360001 | false | false | {
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0.037071 | <urn:uuid:c785b699-bcd3-4252-94a9-1d625da41fc5> | en | 0.902323 | Phascogale tapoatafabrush-tailed phascogale
Geographic Range
Phascogale topoatafa has a fragmented distribution, being found in various parts of Australia, including northern and southwestern Western Australia, northernmost Northern Territory, northern and southeastern Queensland, eastern New South Wales, the southern parts of Victoria, the Cape York peninsula, and isolated parts of South Australia (Nowak, 1991). There is some evidence of Phascogale tapoatafa in East Gippsland, though this has not been confirmed.
Brush-tailed phascogales prefer eucalyptus forests in Australia for foraging grounds and nesting sites. They inhabit both humid and arid regions and dense to open forest (Nowak, 1999). Preferred habitat is open, dry schlerophyll forest with little ground cover and average rainfall between 500 and 2000mm (Strahan, 1983). Hollow trees are preferred for nesting sites (Nowak, 1999).
Physical Description
• Range mass
110 to 311 g
3.88 to 10.96 oz
• Average basal metabolic rate
0.694 W
Females nest in up to 30 different sites every year (Grzimek, 1990). Nests are found in hollow trees or tree stumps and under flaking bark. Competition is fierce for these limited resources Nowak, 1999). Mating takes place in early winter and males typically die after breeding at the age of 11-12 months. This is the largest known mammal in which males die after their first breeding season. It is believed that the energy expended in competition for mates leaves males susceptible to stress-induced diseases. Gestation period is roughly 30 days. Litters of seven to eight young are born and remain in the pouch for seven weeks. Young then stay in the nest until they are about 5 months old while the mother forages for food (Millis, 1999). Females raise one litter (sometimes two) in their lifetime, as they typically die in their second year. Females show dominance over males despite their smaller size and they seem to mate with a partner of their choice (MacDonald, 1984). The estrus cycle of females is roughly 40 days, and male spermatogenesis ceases before breeding while testosterone levels remain high (Millis, 1999).
• Key Reproductive Features
• gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate)
• sexual
• Average number of offspring
• Average gestation period
29 days
• Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female
365 days
• Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male
365 days
Phascogale tapoatafa is an arboreal forager. Territories are marked with olfactory cues, such as urine and feces (Soderquist, 1995). Females are territorial but seem to tolerate their young daughters in their territory. Male territories overlap with females and other males. Female territories are between 30-60 hectares (average is 41), male territories average 106 hectares (Soderquist, 1995). When disturbed brush-tailed phascogales emit a low hissing sound that acts as an alarm. When confronted they emit a series of chit-chit sounds. They also have been observed slapping their front paws on the ground and rattling their tails (Soderquist,1995). This behavior may act as a warning to other members of the species or it may act as a distraction to potential predators.
Communication and Perception
Food Habits
Brush-tailed phascogales are mostly carnivorous. They hunt and kill small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, spiders, and centipedes. They have been know to kill and eat chickens, and they generally avoid eating carrion. Phascogale tapoatafa can be arboreal and has been known to feed on the nectar of eucalyptus flowers (Nowak, 1999).
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
Phascogale tapoatafa is considered effective at helping to control insect and rodent pest populations since it is a natural predator of these animals.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
They have been known to raid chicken farms but the benefits of pest regulation seem to outweigh any negative impact they may have.
Conservation Status
Brush-tailed phascogales occur are widespread but occur at low densities. Populations may be in decline but the causes are unknown. Preferred forest habitat is being destroyed and fragmented for agriculture, timber, firewood production, and mining (Nowak, 1999). Also, the introduction of feral species such as red fox and domestic cats have a negative influence on Phascogale tapoatafa populations as these two feral species act as predators. As a result, brush-tailed phascogales have disappeared from approximately half of their original range (Soderquist, 1995).
Christoph Bugby (author), St. Lawrence University, Erika Barthelmess (editor), St. Lawrence University.
World Map
bilateral symmetry
uses smells or other chemicals to communicate
having the capacity to move from one place to another.
native range
scrub forest
scrub forests develop in areas that experience dry seasons.
uses touch to communicate
Grzimek, B. 1990. Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals Vol.1. New York, New York.: McGraw-Hill Publishers Compound.
MacDonald, D. 1984. Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York, New York: Facts on File Incorporated.
Millis, A. 1999. Reproduction Biology of the brush-tailed Phascogale, Phascogale tapoatafa. Journal of Zoology, 248(3): 324-35.
Nowak, R. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th Edition. Baltimore.: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Nowak, R. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th Edition. Baltimore.: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Soderquist, T. 1995. Spatial Organization of the Arboreal Carnivorous Marsupial, Phascogale tapoatafa.. Journal of Zoology, 237(3): 385-98.
Strahan, R. 1983. Complete Book of Australian Mammals. London: Angus & Robertson Publishers. | http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Phascogale_tapoatafa/ | dclm-gs1-085400001 | false | false | {
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0.022319 | <urn:uuid:486496ba-db5d-4243-b5d6-f07fd7534f19> | en | 0.849519 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
I am trying to start my webhttrack on ubuntu 12.04 precise pangolin but all i get is the opening screen. When i press any button on the page it gives me the following errors:
Oops! Google Chrome could not connect to barney:8081
Try reloading: barney:Â8081/Âserver/Âstep2.Âhtml
i tried to run from a terminal window and get the output here:
/usr/bin/webhttrack(4405:( launching /usr/bin/x-www-browser
/usr/bin/webhttrack(4405:( spawning regular browser..
Created new window in existing browser session.
/usr/bin/webhttrack(4405:( browser exited
/usr/bin/webhttrack: line 167: 4422 Killed
${BINPATH}/htsserver "${DISTPATH}/" path "${HOME}/websites" lang "${LANGN}"
If anyone can help me i appreciate it.
share|improve this question
Try running http://yourHostname:8080/server/index.html in your browser. – tijybba Jun 29 '12 at 15:20
Your hostname means run hostname in terminal , copy that name and replace that in yourhostname in above address. – tijybba Jun 30 '12 at 2:31
add comment
3 Answers
up vote 1 down vote accepted
I had the same bug.
It seems that after editing
and commenting all the lines like :
#Listen 8080
#NameVirtualHost *:8080
and :
sudo service apache2 restart
it works.
I don't have the time to play around and investigate the bug more than that
PS: Before that I also installed the last quantal version but it didn't change a thing
share|improve this answer
hum, bug again it seems the problem is with using chrome, using firefox is ok – abuhurayra Aug 28 '12 at 15:25
add comment
For me the problem was using chrome/chromium.
As described here, i hardcoded firefox in the webhttrack script:
sudo vim /usr/bin/webhttrack
and modified the first line into:
works like a charm after!
share|improve this answer
add comment
You can use firefox instead of chrome. Interestingly, you don't even need to use firefox as long as you open it. (Would be interested to know why this could be.) My default browser is chrome and webhtttrack won't open there unless firefox is open as well.
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Your Answer
| http://askubuntu.com/questions/157613/can-not-start-webhttrack/283085 | dclm-gs1-085470001 | false | false | {
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0.074482 | <urn:uuid:e11074fe-a35e-42cd-96e1-6bf6e1853ad9> | en | 0.919443 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
I installed VNC in the VPS with Ubuntu OS, then I installed LXDE desktop.
I remoted to the desktop of VPS via VNC, then I tried to copy between my Windows computer and the VPS, but it did not work.
I tried to search many articles in askubuntu.com and also in google.com but I cound not find the answer.
When I tried the comand vncconfig in the VPS, it did not work, it says:
-bash: vncconfig: command not found
I tried to remote VPS via both ways: tightvnc and realvnc, but no luck.
Can you tell me how do I fix it now?
share|improve this question
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1 Answer
I fixed the proplem, so I think I can answer my question for myself
THe proplem is from tightvnc
I tried to reinstall the VPS with same desktop LXDE, but then, I installed vnc4server, and now I can copy + paste between window pc and linux desktop
thanks you!
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Your Answer
| http://askubuntu.com/questions/240015/i-cannot-copy-and-paste-between-window-and-ubuntu-with-lxde-desktop | dclm-gs1-085490001 | false | false | {
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0.079579 | <urn:uuid:747e2472-3acf-4ede-8d5c-801f47cc78c7> | en | 0.936747 | [quote user="GameTime"]
[quote user="AllTuckedUp"]"TE coby Fleener just ran 4.45 40" Todd McShay This guy is big. This guy is fast. This guy can catch. This guy can run good routes. This guy is the real deal.[/quote]</P>
tnis guy is still on college and is no garauntee...</P>
the Giants have Ballard mending, Pascoe, Hopkins, and Bennet. To trade up is waste....</P>[/quote]Hopkins is just as much of not being a guarantee as Fleener is at this point. | http://boards.giants.com/showthread.php?11085-We-should-trade-up-and-get-TE-Coby-Fleener&p=382051&mode=threaded | dclm-gs1-085550001 | false | false | {
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0.06704 | <urn:uuid:3a255203-721c-43cf-85dc-11c7663f0fbe> | en | 0.968279 | S&P's Regulatory Politics
S&P's Regulatory Politics
August 08, 2011
Originally published in The American Spectator
Within 24 hours, the Obama administration went from attacking Standard & Poor's first-ever downgrade of U.S. debt to almost embracing it.
Despite the administration's earlier dismay, S&P's statement contained a lot of bones for Democrats to chew on. While not recommending specific tax hikes, S&P griped that "the majority of Republicans in Congress continue to resist any measure that would raise revenues." The report also bemoaned "the prolonged controversy over raising the statutory debt ceiling" and echoed media complaints about the supposed problem of partisan gridlock and divided government.
No wonder that when the White House took over PR from Treasury Department wonks, the government reactions became political. "On Saturday," the Associated Press noted, "the administration appeared to soften its tone." White House press secretary Jay Carney said President Barack Obama believes Washington "must do better" and set aside "our political and ideological differences" in tackling the deficit. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid gloated that the downgrade "reaffirmed the need for a balanced approach," meaning tax hikes. Then on Sunday, former Obama adviser David Axelrod charged that "this is essentially a tea party downgrade"
Unlike S&P, these firms made clear that their ratings were about long-term prospects, rather than the debt ceiling fight, and emphasized spending over taxes. When Egan-Jones, widely respected for its early downgrades of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers , changed its rating of U.S debt from AAA to AA+ on July 16, it explained: "The major factor driving credit quality is the relatively high level of debt and the difficulty in significantly cutting spending. We are taking a negative action not based on the delay in raising the debt ceiling but rather our concern about the high level of debt to GDP."
Similarly, Weiss, which lowered its rating in April from C to C-, offered this explanation: "Our downgrade today is not contingent on the outcome of the debt-ceiling debate."
The ratings cartel of S&P, Moody's, and Fitch was created by decades of government regulation blocking meaningful competition. In 1975, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) created the designation of "nationally recognized statistical rating organization" (NRSRO) for credit rating firms. Regulatory agencies soon began requiring that banks, brokerage firms, pensions, and insurance companies carry mandated levels of securities rated AAA from an SEC-approved NRSRO.
From the 1990s until 2003, only the "Big 3" had been approved by the SEC to be NRSROs. And when these firms would rate a new security as AAA, financial firms would rush to buy it to satisfy their regulatory capital requirements. This is what helped created the bubble in AAA-rated mortgage-backed securities.
But slowly and surely, the state-backed financial ratings cartel began to crack. Prodded to increase competition by the bipartisan Credit Rating Agency Reform Act of 2006, there are now ten firms approved by the SEC to be NRSROs, including Egan-Jones. And over the weekend, financial regulators prudently waived the NRSRO requirement so that financial firms holding U.S Treasuries would not have to substitute "safer" bonds of AAA-rated countries such as France to satisfy their regulatory capital requirements.
These developments augur less disastrous results from the downgrade than predicted, and even some positive effects. Interest rates probably won't rise much more than they did when Treasuries were downgraded by Weiss and Egan-Jones. The main reason is that, given events in the European Union, there isn't a safer Treasury bond than the American one to which a "flight to safety" would occur.
As noted in a June 22 analysis by the Financial Times , "With the eurozone engulfed in a debt crisis and emerging market economies, such as China, years away from becoming legitimate global financial entities, investors insist there is really no alternative to the U.S. at the present time." As Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management, told the paper, "A downgrade for the U.S. would mean the new triple A is double A."
A more honest evaluation of the risks of government securities also means a more even playing field for entrepreneurs to raise capital. The AAA rating for U.S. and other government securities has given sovereign debt an advantage over private debt. Given the profligate behavior of many of the world's governments, this advantage was often undeserved. If the AAA were gone for the U.S. and European countries, "investors seeking a fixed and totally safe return would no longer look towards governments, but to the most stable and profitable private companies," argues financial analyst Martin Hutchinson at PrudentBear.com
In the meantime, the U.S. should slash spending, taxes, and regulation. Not for the purpose of restoring S&P's AAA rating, but to restore the quadruple-A capitalist system that allowed investors and entrepreneurs to propel America to economic greatness.
Prediction: Defying all conventional "wisdom," the U.S. stock market will be up for the day on Monday. Maybe by 10 points, or maybe 100, but it will end the day in positive territory. | http://cei.org/op-eds-articles/sps-regulatory-politics | dclm-gs1-085570001 | false | false | {
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0.113286 | <urn:uuid:11ee3c00-aff2-46c4-ab01-c782ca90986d> | en | 0.962088 | Battle of Meadow Bridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Battle of Meadow Bridge
Part of the American Civil War
Date May 12, 1864
Location Henrico County, Virginia
Result Union victory
Commanders and leaders
Philip Sheridan Fitzhugh Lee
Casualties and losses
170[1] not reported
The Battle of Meadow Bridge (also known as Meadow Bridges and the Battle of Richmond Heights) was an engagement on May 12, 1864, in Henrico County, Virginia, during Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign of the American Civil War. Following their victory at the Battle of Yellow Tavern on May 11, Union cavalry under Maj. Gen. Philip H. Sheridan advanced in the direction of the Confederate capital of Richmond. Caught in the narrow area between the fortifications of Richmond and the rain-swollen Chickahominy River, the Union troopers were subjected to fire from the artillery of Confederate Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee. Michigan cavalry under Brig. Gen. George A. Custer forced a crossing of a damaged railroad bridge, which was quickly rebuilt by engineers, allowing the troopers to escape to safety and continue their raid.
On May 11, 1864, Sheridan and his Union cavalry force, on the second day of a daring raid against Richmond, defeated Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart at the Battle of Yellow Tavern, mortally wounding the storied Confederate cavalier.[2] Sheridan led his troops southward towards Richmond, carefully feeling his way through the abandoned outer defensive works. As darkness fell, a severe thunderstorm drenched the column, but Sheridan kept up his movement down the Brook Pike, not realizing that he was boxing himself into a potential trap. Confederates had left torpedoes (land mines) in the road—many exploded during the passage, killing several horses but not delaying the column further.[3] As dawn broke and the storm subsided, Sheridan found himself only two and half miles from his objective. However, to his dismay, the intermediate defenses in his front swarmed with enemy troops. His left flank was against the swollen Chickahominy, and Confederate cavalry threatened his rear, hoping to capture the Union force.[4]
Sheridan decided to force a crossing of the river at Meadow Bridge, where the Virginia Central Railroad crossed the river. Confederates had earlier dismantled the flooring on the road part of the bridge, rendering it temporarily useless, although the rest of the bridge was intact. Sheridan assigned the Michigan brigade of Brig. Gen. George A. Custer, part of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt's division, to seize the span and the high bluffs beyond. The rest of Sheridan's command had to hold the Confederates at bay while Custer executed his orders. The other two brigades in Merritt's division, commanded by Colonels Thomas C. Devin and Alfred Gibbs, guarded the center of the Union line to protect against Confederate advances out of the Richmond fortifications. On the western end of the Union line, near Brook Church, the division of Brig. Gen. David McM. Gregg had to resist the advance of Brig. Gen. James B. Gordon's brigade. On the eastern and, Brig. Gen. James H. Wilson was to oppose any Confederate advances along Meadow Bridge road and Mechanicsville Pike.[5]
The rearguard of the Gregg's division was assailed on three sides as soon as it was light enough for a brigade of Confederate infantry to sally forth from the fortifications and attack. Soon, other Confederates, including Richmond citizens hastily pressed into military service, joined in the efforts to break through the rear lines. According to the regimental historian of the veteran 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry,
Every effort was made by the enemy to break the lines of our division and push us back into the river and swamp. But as often as he came up, he was driven back with heavy loss. The fighting continued thus, the enemy charging, time after time, only to be hurled back, until about eleven A.M., when, apparently completely disheartened by his repeated repulses, he withdrew...[6]
Wilson's men were initially pushed back in some confusion, but Gregg had concealed a heavy line of skirmishers armed with repeating carbines in a brushy ravine. His men poured forth a destructive fire, halting the final Confederate advances, assisted by some of Wilson's men who turned the flank of the attacking column. Federal horse artillery made sure that the Confederate infantry no longer was a threat, and three mounted cavalry regiments skirmished with approaching enemy cavalry, turning them aside and protecting the rear. Brig. Gen. Gordon was mortally wounded in the fighting and died on May 18.[7]
In the meantime, Custer's 5th Michigan Cavalry used snipers to suppress Confederate rifle fire while several daring dismounted troopers crossed the damaged railroad bridge, hopping from railroad tie to tie while menaced by persistent enemy artillery fire. Followed by the 6th Michigan, they succeeded in the early afternoon in clearing the north bank of the Chickahominy and gaining a foothold on the Confederate side of the river. Custer's men pinned down the remaining threatening enemy units and captured two artillery pieces, while pioneers energetically planked the bridge to provide safe passage for large numbers of men and horses. By mid-afternoon, Merritt's entire division had crossed and engaged the hastily-built Confederate works on Richmond Heights, driving the defenders back to Gaines's Mill. By 4 p.m., the rest of Sheridan's cavalry had crossed the river.[8]
Sheridan destroyed the Virginia Central Bridge in his wake to prevent further pursuit. For the balance of the day, Sheridan's men collected their wounded, buried their dead, grazed their horses in the pastures, and eagerly read Richmond newspapers, which two enterprising small boys had brought across the lines and sold to the Union soldiers.[3]
After his men had rested, Sheridan brushed aside the remaining Confederate resistance in the area and marched his column to Mechanicsville, out of harm's way. They bivouacked that night at Gaines's Mill, which was burned the following morning by some of the stragglers; Sheridan ordered a bucket brigade to douse the flames. Upon reaching Bottom's Bridge over the Chickahominy, they found it had also been damaged and rested there for the night while it was repaired. By this time, Sheridan's men were suffering from hunger and it was becoming urgent that they reach Union lines. On May 14, he led his men to Haxall's Landing on the James River, ending his raid.[9]
Sheridan reported 170 casualties for the Meadow Bridges, Mechanicsville, Strawberry Hill, Brook Church (or Richmond Fortifications), engagements, May 12, 1864.[1] Confederate losses are not recorded. Sheridan's raid was an overall tactical success, having killed Jeb Stuart at Yellow Tavern and beaten Fitzhugh Lee at Meadow Bridge, all with relatively minimal casualties—about 625 men for the entire raid, compared to 800 Confederate. From a strategic standpoint, however, the raid deprived General Grant of the cavalry resources that would have been helpful during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House and his subsequent advance to the North Anna River, and there are lingering questions about whether Sheridan should have attempted to assault the city of Richmond. In the latter case, Sheridan believed it would not have been worth the risk in casualties and he recognized that the chances of holding the city for more than a brief time would be minimal; any advantages would primarily result from damage to Confederate morale.[10]
1. ^ a b O.R., Series I, Vol. XXXVI, Part 1, p. 185.
2. ^ Salmon, pp. 279-83.
3. ^ a b Sheridan's report, O.R., Series I, Vol. XXXVI, Part 1, p. 791.
4. ^ Rhea, pp. 44-47.
5. ^ Rhea, p. 45.
6. ^ History of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, pp. 93-94.
7. ^ Rhea, pp. 47-49, 53, 62.
8. ^ Rhea, pp. 49-51.
9. ^ Rhea, pp. 59-60.
10. ^ Rhea, pp. 60-64, 219.
Coordinates: 37°36′45″N 77°24′26″W / 37.6125°N 77.4073°W / 37.6125; -77.4073 | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Meadow_Bridge | dclm-gs1-085670001 | false | false | {
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0.142185 | <urn:uuid:1016da09-8be5-412f-bec5-9ecdf153362f> | en | 0.942848 | Fu (poetry)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Fu (poetry)
Liangyuan Gathering.jpg
Han dynasty literary gathering at the court of Liu Wu, Prince of Liang
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Revolving and rushing, a glistening halo,
front and rear conjoined and connected.
Lofty and lofty, lifted and lifted,
roiling and roiling, raging and raging,
pressing and pressing, climbing and climbing,
a layered fortress of multiplied strength,
doubled and diverse like the lines of troops.
Rumbling and roaring, booming and crashing,
pushing and turning, surging and rolling –
truly, it cannot be withstood!
Description of a tidal bore,
"Seven Stimuli", Mei Sheng (c. 141 BC)[2]
Han dynasty[edit]
Western Han[edit]
Fu achieved its greatest prominence during the early Han dynasty. Jia Yi's "Fu on the Owl", written around 170 BC, was composed following on the third year of his exile to Changsha:[11] the "Fu on the Owl" uses much of the style of the Li Sao and other songs of the Verses of Chu. "Fu on the Owl", besides being the earliest known fu, is unusual in the author's extended use of philosophical reflection upon his own situation in life.[10]
Emperor Wu of Han ascended the throne in 141 BC, and his 54-year reign is considered the golden age of "grand fu" (Chinese: 大賦; pinyin: dàfù).[9] Emperor Wu summoned famous fu writers to the imperial court in Chang'an, where many of them composed and presented fu to the entire court.[9] The earliest grand fu of Emperor Wu's reign is "Seven Stimuli" (Chinese: 七發; pinyin: Qī fā), by Mei Sheng (Chinese: 枚乘; d. 140 BC).[9] In "Seven Stimuli", Mei Sheng acts as a Warring States-style travelling orator who tries to cure a Chu prince of an illness caused by overindulgence in sensual pleasures by pushing his senses to their limits with his fu descriptions.[2]
In the soil:
Cinnabar, azurite, ocher, white clay,
Orpiment, milky quartz,
Tin, prase, gold, and silver,
In manifold hues glisten and glitter,
Shining and sparkling like dragon scales.
Of stones there are:
Red jade, rose stone,
Orbed jades, vulcan stone,
Aculith, dark polishing stone,
Quartz, and the warrior rock.
Excerpt from "Fu on the Excursion Hunt of the Son of Heaven", Sima Xiangru (c. 135 BC)[12]
The grand fu of the Western Han dynasty were read and recited as celebrations of pure poetic delight, and were the first pieces of Chinese literature to fuse both unrestrained entertainment and moral admonitions together in single works.[14] However, after the reign of Emperor Wu, his court culture began to be criticized as having placed undue emphasis on the grandiose language in fu and therefore having missed opportunities to encourage moral restraint.[15] The most prominent critic of "grand fu" was the other great fu writer of the Han dynasty: Yang Xiong.[15] As a youth, Yang was an admirer and imitator of Sima Xiangru's fu, but later came to disapprove of grand fu.[15] Yang believed that the original purpose of fu was to "indirectly admonish" (Chinese: ; pinyin: fèng), but that the extended rhetorical arguments and complex vocabulary used in grand fu caused their hearers and readers to marvel at their aesthetic beauty while missing their moral messages.[15] Yang juxtaposed early Han dynasty fu with the fu-like expositions in the Classic of Poetry, saying that while those in the Poetry provided moral standards, the fu of the Han poets "led to excess".[15] While known as one of the fu masters of the Han dynasty, Yang's fu are generally known for their focus on admonishing readers and listeners to uphold moral values.[13]
The august house is resplendent, as if dwelling in Heaven;
from a myriad directions they come, gathering like stars.
The honored and favored fan their fires of lust even hotter;
all guard profit without cease.
When a front coach overturns not far ahead,
the rear teams dash forward, racing to catch up.
They exhaust their multifarious craft on terraces and towers,
They waste fine grain on birds and beasts,
while those below eat chaff and husks without the kernels.
They grandly bestow liberal generosity on fawning flatterers,
but in impeaching loyal protest, they are swift and sure.
Criticizing corrupt eunuchs and officials,
"Fu on Recounting a Journey", Cai Yong (AD 159)[16]
Eastern Han[edit]
Two of the most famous fu writers of the Eastern Han period were Zhang Heng and Cai Yong. Among Zhang Heng's large corpus of writings are a significant number of fu poems, which are the first to have been written in the shorter style that became typical of post-Han fu.[17] Zhang's earliest known fu is "Fu on the Hot Springs" (Chinese: 溫泉賦; pinyin: Wēnquán fù), which describes the hot springs (currently Huaqing Pool) at Mount Li which famously later became a favorite of Imperial Concubine Yang during the Tang dynasty.[17] "Fu on the Two Metropolises" (Chinese: 二京賦; pinyin: Èr jīng fù) is considered Zhang's masterpiece.[18] Zhang spent ten years gathering material for the fu, a response to an earlier fu by Ban Gu that is a poetic comparison between the two capitals of the Han dynasty: Luoyang and Chang'an.[18] Zhang's fu is highly satirical and cleverly mocks many aspects of the Western Han period, including Emperor Wu himself.[19] The piece contains long passages colorfully describing life in the two capitals in great detail, including the entertainment areas.[20]
Cai Yong, like Zhang Heng, was a prolific writer in addition to his mathematical, astronomical, and musical interests.[21] In AD 159, Cai was summoned to Chang'an to perform on the Chinese zither for the imperial court, but became ill shortly before arriving and returned to his home.[21] Cai composed a poetic record of his journey in "Fu on Recounting a Journey" (Chinese: 述行賦; pinyin: Shù xíng fù), his most well-known fu.[21] In "Fu on Recounting a Journey", Cai cites examples of treacherous and dishonest rulers and officials from Chinese history, then criticizes the eunuchs of the capital for similar crimes.[16]
A marvelous bird from the Western Regions,
manifests a wondrous natural beauty.
It embodies the sublime substance of the metal essence,
embodies the shining brilliance of fire's power.
Gifted with wit and acuity, it is able to speak;
intelligent and bright, it can perceive the imperceptible.
Thus, it plays and sports on lofty peaks,
nests and perches in secluded vales.
Whenever it flies, it does not land at random;
It has reddish-black feet, a vermilion beak,
green coat, azure mantle.
Bright and colorful, lovely in appearance,
It chitters and chatters in a lovely voice.
Opening lines, "Fu on the Parrot", Mi Heng[22]
Six Dynasties[edit]
During the Six Dynasties period, fu remained a major part of contemporary poetry, although shi poetry was gradually increasing in popularity.[23] Six Dynasties fu are generally much shorter and less extravagant than Han dynasty fu, likely due to a tradition of composing works entirely in parallel couplets that arose during the period.[23] While lyrical fu and "fu on things" had been starkly different forms in the Han dynasty, after the 2nd century AD the distinction mostly disappeared.[23] Although the extravagant fu style of the Han mostly disappeared, "fu on things" continued to be widely written.
Xie Lingyun is one of the best-known poets of the entire Six Dynasties period, second only to Tao Yuanming. In contrast to his older contemporary Tao, Xie is known for the difficult language, dense allusions, and frequent parallelisms of his poetry.[24] Xie's greatest fu is "Fu on Dwelling in the Mountains" (Chinese: 山居賦; pinyin: Shān jū fù), a Han-style "grand fu" describing Xie's personal estate that borrows its style from the famous "Fu on the Imperial Park" by Sima Xiangru.[25] Like classical Han fu, the poem uses a large number of obscure and rare characters, but "Fu on Dwelling in the Mountains" is unique in that Xie included his own annotations to the poem,[25] without which the poem would be nearly incomprehensible.
During the Liang dynasty, fu continued to be a popular form of literature, though it began to merge with the popular five- and seven-syllable poetry forms, which completely eclipsed fu during the Tang dynasty.[26] Some fu pieces, such as Shen Yue's "Fu on Dwelling in the Suburbs" (Chinese: 郊居賦; pinyin: Jiāo jū fù), an homage to Xie Lingyun's "Fu on Dwelling in the Mountains", followed the traditional forms and subjects of classical fu, but an increasing number did not.[26] "Fu on Lotus-picking" (Chinese: 採蓮賦; pinyin: Cǎi lián fù), by Xiao Gang (later Emperor Jianwen of Liang), is a short, lyrical fu that mixes freely with popular lyric poetry,[26] and portrayed southern China as a romantic land of pleasure and sensuality.[27] Lotus-picking was an activity traditionally associated with peasant women, but in the early 5th century became a popular topic in fu and poetry.[27]
Yu Xin is generally considered the last great fu poet of Chinese history.[28] Yu, like Yan Zhitui, was born in the south but forced to relocate to northern China after the south's defeat, and spent the rest of his career writing of the loss of the south as a loss of an entire culture and way of life.[29] Yu's most famous piece is "Fu on Lamenting the South" (Chinese: 哀江南賦; pinyin: Āi Jiāngnán fù), in which he describes his life's experiences in the context of the larger context of the destruction of the south and its culture.[29]
Tang and Song dynasties[edit]
The fu genre changed rapidly during the Tang dynasty. During the early Tang, a new form of fu called "regulated fu" (Chinese: 律賦; pinyin: lǜfù) supplanted the original form.[30] "Regulated fu" had strict rules of form and expression, and required the use of consistent rhymes throughout each piece.[30] Additionally, rules were created to govern the arrangement of tones in each poem, as the introduction of Buddhist texts written in Sanskrit and Pali had stimulated the Chinese to methodical study of their own language and the identification of the four tones of Middle Chinese. Beginning in the Tang dynasty, these "regulated fu" were required for the composition sections of the imperial examinations.[30] Tang writers added new topics to the traditional subjects of fu, such as purely moral topics or scenes from Chinese antiquity.[30] The "parallel fu" (Chinese: 駢賦; pinyin: piānfù) was another variant of the fu developed in the Tang, and was only used for rhetorical compositions.[31]
In 826, Tang poet Du Mu's poem "Fu on E-pang Palace" (Chinese: 阿房宫賦; pinyin: Ēpáng gōng fù)[n 1] laid the foundation for a new form of fu called "prose fu" (Chinese: 文賦; pinyin: wénfù), in which prose is freely rhymed.[31] This form of fu became the dominant fu form during the late Tang and the Song dynasty.[31] By the 9th and 10th centuries, traditional fu had become mainly historical pursuits, and were largely read and copied because of their inclusion on the imperial examinations.[32]
"Fu on things"[edit]
Between 130–100 BC, Emperor Wu greatly expanded China's territory into Central Asia, northern Vietnam, and the Korean Peninsula through a series of military campaigns and invasions.[33] As the expansion progressed, a large number of foreign plants, animals, goods, and rarities were brought to the imperial capital at Chang'an.[33] Throughout the Han dynasty, court officials and poets often composed special fu called "fu on things" (Chinese: 詠物賦; pinyin: yǒngwù fù) on these new and unusual things, in which they described and catalogued extensively.[34] These "fu on things" became a major genre in fu poetry, and cover a vast number of instruments, objects, and phenomena.
"Now, as the time of darkness reaches its peak,
And harsh air is ascendant,
Scorching Creek dries up, Scalding Vale freezes,
Fire wells are extinguished, hot springs ice over,
Frothing pools no longer bubble, fiery winds do not rise.
On north-facing doors, panels are plastered;
And then, clouds rise on river and sea;
sand flies on northern deserts.
Unbroken vapors, piled up haze,
shroud the Sun, veil the clouds.
First sleet comes pattering down;
then snow, copiously cluttered, falls harder and harder."
Sociopolitical protest[edit]
Part of the legacy associated with the fu is its use as a form of sociopolitical protest, such as the theme of the loyal minister who has been unjustly exiled by the ruler or those in power at the court, rather than receiving the promotion and respect which he truly deserves. In the Verses of Chu, one of the works attributed to Qu Yuan is the "Li Sao", which is one of the earliest known works in this tradition, both as ancestral[42] to the fu as well as its incorporation of political criticism as a theme of poetry.[43] The theme of unjust exile is related to the development of Xiaoxiang poetry, or the poetry stylistically or thematically based upon lamenting the unjust exile of the poet, either directly, or allegorically through the use of the persona of a friend or historical figure (a safer course in the case of a poet-official who might be punished for any too blatant criticism of the current emperor).[44] During the Han Dynasty, along with the development of the fu stylistically, the idea that it incorporate political criticism through indirection and allegory also developed. Han Dynasty historian and author Ban Gu in his Book of Han pointedly refers to a fu by Qu Yuan as a literary example of the use of the theme of the loyal minister who has been unjustly exiled, rather than receiving the promotion and respect which he truly deserves. As Hellmut Wilhelm puts it: "...the Han fu can easily be classified into a limited number of types. All types have one feature in common: almost without exception they can be and have been interpreted as voicing criticism—either of the ruler, the ruler's behavior, or certain political acts or plans of the ruler; or of the court officials or the ruler's favorites; or, generally, of the lack of discrimination in the employment of officials. The few examples that are positive in tone recommend the authors or their peers for employment, or even contain specific political suggestions. In short, almost all fu have a political purport, and, in addition, almost all of them deal with the relationship between the ruler and his officials."[45] Seen in context, Ban Gu's discussion of Qu Yuan and the Chu sao style is less to the point of the actual evolutionary path of the fu and more to the point that the main purpose of the fu is political and social criticism through poetic indirection: thus, in fu, paradoxically, the "fantastic descriptions and an overflowing rhetoric...can be reduced to...restraint", as the sociopolitical criticism which was key to the fu was constrained within a very subtle, elaborately indirect, occasional, and allusive mode.[46]
Fu pieces comprise the first main category in the Wen Xuan (Selections of Refined Literature), an early Chinese literary anthology which is still extant.[47] The Selections collects all known fu pieces from the early Han dynasty to its compilation in the 6th century AD, during the Liang dynasty; it has since been the traditional source for studying classical fu.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor, scholar Chen Yuanlong compiled a collection of all known fu extant in his day, publishing his collection in 1706 as Collection of Fu Through the Ages (Chinese: 歷代賦彙; pinyin: Lìdài fù huì). Chen's Collection in total contains 4,155 fu.
See also[edit]
4. ^ Gong (1997): 3.
5. ^ Gong (1997): 5.
6. ^ Gong (1997): 5–10.
9. ^ a b c d e Kern (2010): 90.
11. ^ Murck (2000): 16.
12. ^ Gong (1997): 11.
13. ^ a b Kern (2010): 89.
14. ^ Kern (2010): 92-93.
15. ^ a b c d e Kern (2010): 93.
16. ^ a b Knechtges (2010): 157.
17. ^ a b Knechtges (2010): 143.
18. ^ a b Knechtges (2010): 144.
19. ^ Knechtges (2010): 144-145.
20. ^ Knechtges (2010): 145.
21. ^ a b c Knechtges (2010): 156.
22. ^ Knechtges (1996): 51.
23. ^ a b c d e Idema and Haft (1997): 109.
24. ^ Tian (2010): 235.
25. ^ a b Tian (2010): 232.
26. ^ a b c Tian (2010): 264.
27. ^ a b Tian (2010): 267.
28. ^ Idema and Haft (1997): 110.
29. ^ a b Tian (2010): 270.
30. ^ a b c d Owen (2010): 289.
31. ^ a b c Owen (2010): 350.
32. ^ Owen (2010): 361.
33. ^ a b Kern (2010): 95.
34. ^ Knechtges (2010): 118.
35. ^ Knechtges (2010): 129.
36. ^ Knechtges (2010): 149.
37. ^ Knechtges (2010): 150.
38. ^ Knechtges (1996): 23-25.
39. ^ a b c Knechtges (2010): 170.
40. ^ Knechtges (2010): 194.
41. ^ Knechtges (2010): 193.
43. ^ Davis (1970): xlvi-xlvii.
44. ^ Davis (1970): xlviii
45. ^ Wilhelm (1967 [1957]): 311.
46. ^ Wilhelm (1967 [1957]): 312-314, quoting Sima Qian on Sima Xiangru.
47. ^ Tian (2010): 255.
Works cited
• Wilhelm, Hellmut (1967 [1957]). "The Scholar's Frustration: Notes on a Type of Fu", in Chinese Thought and Institutions, John K. Fairbank, editor. Chicago and London: University of Chicago Press. | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fu_(poetry) | dclm-gs1-085680001 | false | false | {
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0.01846 | <urn:uuid:9b7de452-44d7-48ad-8433-cbe4f49c3543> | en | 0.794574 | Localities documented in Tropicos sources
Calamus L.:
Australia (Oceania)
China (Asia)
India (Asia)
Sri Lanka (Asia)
Source: Missouri Botanical Garden
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Calamus (palm)
Calamus is a genus of the palm family Arecaceae. These are among several genera known as rattan palms. There are some 325 species in this genus, all with a palaeotropical distribution. They are mostly leaf-climbers with slender, reedy stems. To aid scrambling some species have evolved hooks on the underside of the midrib, or more commonly by modified pinnae in the form of stout, backward-pointing spines. These stems may grow to lengths of 200 metres. [1]
Calamus australis is known as the hairy mary.
Diversity[edit source | edit]
Species include:
References[edit source | edit]
1. ^ Dictionary of Flowering Plants and Ferns - JC Willis (1960)
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Calamus". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 2008-03-28.
3. ^ GRIN: C. tenuis
Source: Wikipedia
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Economic Significance
Calamus is a genus of Old World climbers that produce rattan, a structural material used to make furniture of the same name.
• Bennett, B.C. 2007. Chapter 3: Twenty-five Important Plant Families. B.C. Bennett, editor. UNESCO Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems. http://eolss.net.
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (CC BY 3.0)
© Amy Chang
Supplier: Amy Chang
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0.813096 | <urn:uuid:a818d3c2-5310-4992-bb41-6a1097adf584> | en | 0.952976 | Fri, Mar 14, 2014, 10:03 AM EDT - U.S. Markets close in 5 hrs 57 mins
Clearwire Corporation (CLWRD) Message Board
• rolfledolf rolfledolf Apr 23, 2013 5:50 PM Flag
Crest letter to CLWR
A powerful blow has been struck in behalf of CLWR minority longs with the letter that was sent from Crest's general counsel to the CLWR board. Here is an excerpt in which some pertinent questions were asked. CLWR's BOD has been warned, and these questions will be answered on way or another.
"...we are left wondering how a Company with such a vast, valuable spectrum
resource can have a Board and management so determined to give it all away to Sprint. We
expect more from our Board, and more is required. Accordingly, we ask some straightforward
Why did you abandon the multi-customer strategy advanced by your own financial
advisers in favor of an exclusive arrangement with Sprint? Did Sprint interfere with the
implementation of this strategy?
Why did you, under the 2008 Equity Holders Agreement, allow Sprint to acquire
majority control through its purchase of shares from Eagle River Holdings?
Why did you agree to the coercive, restrictive Note Purchase Agreement with non-market
Why are you now allowing Sprint, through the Merger Agreement and Note Purchase
Agreement, to limit your exercise of fiduciary duties, and specifically your ability to
entertain debt financing offers from Crest and Aurelius?
Why are you not pursuing alternatives, such as the offers from DISH and Verizon, other
than those dictated by Sprint?
Why do you allow the Company to persist in using insolvency and missed interest
payments as pretext while ignoring debt financing offers from Crest and Aurelius?
If Clearwire is truly as financially troubled as you and Sprint would have the market
believe, why have you fought so hard to protect the Sprint-Clearwire transaction?"
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0.023934 | <urn:uuid:8d2a21cc-f3ae-443f-8aae-fd68baa2af1f> | en | 0.965923 | The Challenge of Saving for Retirement
US News
The current personal savings rate in the United States is not a number to inspire confidence. Yes, it has almost doubled in the past five years. However, the current rate remains only half what it was fifty years ago. Furthermore, not everyone is saving (baby boomers are more likely to have a retirement account than other generations).
What is happening here? Is there a generational shift in savings tendencies, or is it simply an example of myopic vision in which people don't think about saving for retirement when it seems so far in the future? There is some evidence of a generational shift. Members of older generations are more likely to have retirement accounts. They are also more likely to have a longer time horizon for their investments than younger individuals.
Despite this generational shift, younger generations actually need to save more than their parents. There are several problems that they face:
Pensions on the decline: There has been a significant change in retirement benefits since the establishment of 401(k) plans in 1975. Whereas companies used to fund employees' retirement through pension plans, most now have plans that require active contributions from employees. The irony is that this change of funding from employer to employee is concurrent with the declining savings rate.
Social Security: Since the Social Security Act was signed in 1935, life expectancy has risen and the number of workers per beneficiary has fallen. The full retirement age is already rising and there may be additional changes in order to keep the system solvent. Furthermore, Social Security was established as a safety net rather than as a total wage replacement vehicle. Although individuals with low earnings ($13,100 annual salary) will receive Social Security benefits equal to 89 percent of their wage, those at the top of the pay scale (over $200,000) will only receive a wage replacement rate of 20 percent from Social Security. For the average American, 40 percent of retirement income comes from Social Security.
The propensity to save is established young: A study by David Whitebread and Sue Bingham, "Habit Formation and Learning in Young Children," shows that children learn (or fail to learn) habits from their parents and teachers at a young age. Although they may not understand financial concepts such as delay of gratification, they may learn habits of mind such as impulse control, persistence, and thinking outside the box. These skills can be critical as adults for balancing current expenditures with saving for a future retirement.
Absence of savings: The average personal savings rate of 4.6 percent is just that - an average. The disturbing statistic is the number of people with no savings. According to a Harris Poll taken in 2011, one-third of Americans have no retirement or personal savings.
So the question is, "How much money should I be saving?" Obviously, this will vary from person to person, depending upon their expected retirement age, income level and wage replacement rate. A general rule of thumb is that retirement savings should be 10 percent to 13 percent of income. However, this is for an individual who starts saving in his early twenties. The longer a person waits to start, the harder the task becomes, not only because there are fewer years to save, but also because there are fewer years for the savings to grow. Thus, an individual who begins saving for retirement at age 35 to 45 must save 13 percent to 20 percent of their income and an individual who starts saving at age 45 to 55 must save 20 percent to 40 percent of their salary. Later savers are also more likely to have to delay retirement.
Changing one's finances to move from being a consumer to being a saver is not easy. Often, fixed spending commitments such as a mortgage are not easily (or cheaply) changed. Some suggestions for gradual change follow:
--Increase savings as salary rises: It is easiest to save money you didn't have before. Put some of each pay raise into savings. If the percent of raise saved is greater than the percent of prior salary saved, then your savings rate will increase over time.
--Keep a budget: Many individuals do not even know how much money they spend. Often, people simply spend money by habit. Although keeping a detailed budget may be useful if there is a need to adjust expenses, a first step may simply be to do a net income/expense calculation. That is, make sure expenses (checks, credit card expenses and debit charges) combined with taxes and savings are no more than total income. The object is to keep expenses below net income with the balance going to savings.
--Maximize retirement benefits offered by your employer: If your employer offers a retirement savings match, be sure that match is your minimum deferral. Don't leave money on the table.
--Monitor your net worth and debt: In order to meet your goals, your net worth should be rising and your debt should be falling. Ideally, your net worth should be 16 to 20 times your gross pay by the time you retire and debt should be paid off. Tracking your net worth over time will allow you to monitor your progress.
These suggestions merely provide a general guideline to retirement savings. For individuals who have begun their retirement savings, but want a more clear sense of whether they are on track to meet their goal, or individuals who need to coordinate multiple financial goals, more in depth analysis may be useful. This can be done through a capital needs analysis or a simulation analysis. Many financial websites have tools to assist in this planning, or a financial planner can help figure out how to coordinate and fund these goals.
More From US News & World Report
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0.031704 | <urn:uuid:239f049e-0fe5-4986-8720-eef3feb2f40a> | en | 0.976217 | Naruto Discussion Forum
Naruto Discussion Forum (
- Fan Fiction, Art, Stories (
- - The Rise and Fall of the Village Hidden Necrology (Naruto Rp/FV flashback) (
Raiden 03-28-2013 04:24 PM
Well, soon I'm going to reach the point of my Plot where it will trigger my Flash Back, Here are the cast of Characters for my Fan fic, I need your help looking for a pic for a Ninja I have not found one yet.
Cast for Necrology
2nd Necrokage Akuma o Tamotsu
Age at the beginning: 31
Height: 6.5
Tamotsu is the 2nd Necrokage of the village hidden in Necrology, thanks to him, the village rapidly rose to power because of him, his half brother, Shi o iji, and Shiroari Odo. Tamotsu is very powerful shinobi thanks to his mastery of Lightning and Fire jutsu, as well as his mastery of the Akuma gene. The Akuma clan is made famous in the 1st major war between the 4 villages thanks to the 1st Necrokage, who showed the true power of the clan in the doorsteps of (Not sure who should be the 4th village, suggestions are needed). Only 1 in 50 of the Akuma clan have the true gift of the of the Bloodline. Only one person has mastered the use of gift, that man being Tamotsu.
Shi o Iji, head of S.I.A.
Age at the beginning: 30
Height: 6.2
Iji is the half brother of Tamotsu, and his clan, Shi, is a side branch of the Akuma clan, the Shi clan are famous in Necrology for there uncanny abilities, but these abilities are only available to 1 lucky offspring who was number 200. Iji is not only a master of the Shi bloodline, but he's also a master of Ninja Art and Earth jutsu.
Shiroari Odo, Adviser to the Necrokage and Head of the Shioari clan, Raiden's Grandfather.
Age at the beginning: 52
Height: 5.8
The Shiroari clan is a famous clan, both in and outside Necrology, this is because they make up the backbone of Necrology's infantry force, some even join S.I.A. and are sent to do the villages wet works, this is thanks to their hidden ability (not really hidden anymore) of Steel Eating Flying Termites because of this, they also hold much political power in Necrology because of this, always sticking their nose in all of the villages affairs. Odo is viewed as a bit of a creep outside his circle, and not only because of the way he dresses, you see, sometimes He is seen rambling on to himself in public. He was part of the village since the beginning, still remembering the old days. Odo is currently the only person in the clan who can summon the Termite Queen.
Shiroari Hatarakimono, everybody just calls him Mono, annalist for Necrology, Father of Raiden.
Age at introduction: 26
Height: 5.9
Mono used to be a fighter in the 3rd infantry team, but when he married the woman he loved, he asked to be reassigned to the annalist squid. His wife died giving birth, after this, he fell into a deep depression, not talking to anyone, after Raiden became 6, He asked his Father, Odo, to take care of Raiden for him.
Shiroari Raiden, protagonist of this story.
Age at introduction: 16
Height at introduction: 5.9
Buruto Ikari, head of village defense, Raiden's half uncle.
Age at Introduction: 23
Height: 6.0
Ikari, is the love child of Shiroari Odo, and him and his mother are part of the Buruto clan, because of this, he has access to both clans abilities, but they are weaker than someone who was full blooded of either clan. He also has access to Earth and Wind style jutsu. Ikari is a very ambiguous person, the only thing he is certain about is his lust for power. Because of his lust, he has done questionable actions outside the village.
Buruto Bryan
Age at Introduction: 16
Height (He does not get taller): 6.1
Being part of the Buruto clan, Bryan has access to there unique ability. The ability being that there body's react to any physical trauma, because of this, the Buruto are the front line fighters of the infantry. True masters of the Buruto bloodline can control this ability. Bryan is bit of a show off, this tends to get him into problems. He is enrolled to Necro High, where he will meet Raiden.
Akira Larliet
Age at Introduction: 16
Height: 5.0
The Akira clan is known for there undying loyalty to Necrology, although the Akira clan has no blood line ability, they have shown great affiliation to smith work, they were the ones who invented the villages radio system, and are part of a secret project to use a tv monitor to store any information. Larliet was one of the few children chosen to learn the smith work and operating system of this device code named "computer" because of her natural talent of smith work and intelligence. She has also shown great potential as a warrior. Recently, she has shown some unusual powers?
Benito de Soto
Age at Introduction: 23
Height: 5.10
Benito used to be a rouge ninja and a pirate, but He found him self always doing work for the village hidden in necrology, so one day he decided to become a member of the village, the job they give him was to help trade along sea routes. Every time he would arrive at a port for trade, the guards of the port would think he was still a pirate because of his outfit. After 5 years of that, he found himself wanting to lead a squad of Genin, he already meet the required rank (Jonin), so they give him Squad 6. He is a master of Water and Wind Jutsu, and he holds a canon who his father originally held, the canon is used to charge chakra, it is connected to a tank on his back that is filled with water, the canon fires high pressurized jets of water, strong enough to slice through steel.
Cast for Hidden Cliff
Cliffkage Gia
Age of introduction: Unknown
Gia is a reserved man, but very wise. He is friends with Odo, this is because they both helped each other out during battle where they were surrounded.
Black and White, The Cliff Twins, Jonin heroes of the Cliff village
Age at Introduction: 19
Height: 5.8
When these 2 are not out doing missions for the Cliff village, they are fighting each other. Their ability was crate any item made out of obsidian, most of the time they would just cover there left arm in obsidian and crate a katana made out of obsidian. White had fully mastered the art of fire as Black mastered Lightning. They are very
mischievous, always loving the thought of a world full of carnage and anarchy, or at-least one that's always in war.
There names, from left to right: White, Black.
Cast of Hidden Blood
Chikage:???? (somebody in the Blood village can help me with this)
Shokubutsu, Hero Jonin of the Blood village
Age at introduction: 25
Height: 5.7
The Kira clan were known to kill people in very gruesome ways before the start of the Hidden blood village. They are very calculating people. When Shokubutsu was 6 years old, he was playing hide n seek with his friends in the forest near the gate. When it came time to hide, he ran outside the safety of the guards and hid in a cave. As day turned into night, and yet his friends had not find him, but what did found him was a plant that resided in the cave, the light of the full moon wakes up the plant, it infected Shokubutsu with it's spores, as Shokubutsu started to suffer from the effects of the spores, the plant spoke, saying if he was to survive the infection, he will gain an awesome ability. I
t then flow off, not to soon did a search and rescue team find him. He did survive, and he gain the ability to listen to plants, to control them, and to crate any plant with his blood and soil, all he needed to do was know the properties of said plant, and say it's name. He also mastered Wind and Earth jutsu.
Cast of Hidden Shadow
:??????? (Need help as will from anyone who was part of this village)
Yami Ushinau, Hero of the Shadow Village
Age at introduction: 22
Height: 5.8 (with heels)
The Yami clan are famous for there Dark techniques, but the technique Ushinau bothered to learn was how crate Dark chakra. You see, she is the love child of a unknown rouge ninja, to everybody except her anyways,for you see, when she was 8, her dad kidnapped her, and returned her to the village when she was 16. In that 8 year gap, he taught her the secret of his ability's to make any metal wight to zero, the catch is though, she must be touching the metal object with her body, she can also control any small metal object that's fused with her chakra. With the ability to crate Dark Chakra, she warps any object she has in her hands with Dark Chakra, making it more deadly. On her left arm she wears a huge gauntlet in a form of a zanbato. She also carry's a small canon with her, with the canon, she charges Dark Chakra in it's barrel, and fires a lethal beam of Dark Chakra. She also has a solid hair peace shaped and sharped into a blade that was fused with her chakra, she uses it as a stinger. She also carry's a Katana fused with her chakra. She is also a master of Ninja Art techniques.
I don't have a idea what should be the 4th village, I was thinking Oasis but not sure if I should; if Inner lets me, I will, other then that, if you think I could add another character to any of the 3 villages, let me know in PM or the comment section.
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0.079287 | <urn:uuid:61241dba-8964-4dfd-9cb5-2f05be65ae3b> | en | 0.943402 | Inventor General
*Mark Yorns
Message 1 of 1 (65 Views)
Hole note format
65 Views, 0 Replies
08-02-2004 10:15 AM
I posted a question last week and replied to it with more information. I thought people may pay less attention to a post if a reply is posted. If I don't get a response from this posting, I will quit bugging everyone. I created a new sheet in threads.xls for NPSM threads by copying the NPT worksheet. The NPSM threads show up as an option when I apply it to a hole in the part. So far, so good. However, when I place a hole note in the drawing the format is incorrect. I tried adding the NPSM to the pitch column, but that did not work. My final results was 1/4-18 NPSM NPT-2A! I don't even have a class of thread column in the new worksheet. Can anyone help me with where the information of the notes comes from and how I can modify it? TIA.
Please use plain text.
You are not logged in.
Need installation help?
Ask the Community | http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Inventor-General/Hole-note-format/td-p/1096113 | dclm-gs1-085780001 | false | false | {
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0.92958 | <urn:uuid:ccc7c58a-54cf-4c28-b9bd-bcdc908e012b> | en | 0.942029 | Anybody into iRacing? [Archive] - Glock Talk
View Full Version : Anybody into iRacing?
03-21-2012, 20:08
Are any members here into iRacing? Just curious. I'm addicted. For those who don't know (probably most), it's an online racing simulation... Tons of fun! I'm always looking for people to practice with... The problems of the world are often solved in late night iRacing practice sessions after a few beers! :tongueout:
http://www.iracing.com (http://www.iracing.com/)
11-19-2012, 22:06
Apparently not.
11-20-2012, 06:07
Is it an Apple product?
I have never tried it myself. Back in the day some friends and I used to be into NASCAR 2. It was pretty awesome, we could paint up our cars and stuff and race on an an internal network. We tried to set up a thing where we would keep the points and all like the Winston Cup standings. That lasted about 3 races, somebody did something really stupid on the track, and a keyboard was destroyed and an actual fight about broke out...at that point we had to stop playing.
11-20-2012, 06:33
Why is everything now "i" something?
11-20-2012, 08:56
Why is everything now "i" something?
And its not even run on an Apple product, gotta have a PC :rofl: | http://glocktalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1410120.html | dclm-gs1-085870001 | false | false | {
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0.0323 | <urn:uuid:8cd1843e-2f4d-48f2-a5eb-d106767f72f6> | en | 0.984011 | Woman Trapped In Lawn Chair Saved By Paper Boy
A freak accident that left a 75-year-old woman trapped outside in a canvas chair overnight has a happy ending thanks to the newspaper carrier). Last month Evelyn Rogers of Liberty Hill, Texas pulled a piece of plastic on the chair she was sitting in on her patio and it collapsed, trapping her in the aluminum frame. Her family had just gone on vacation, and there were no neighbors nearby, so she decided her only chance was to stay awake and wait for the paper delivery at 5 a.m. Ethan Mueller, 30, says he almost drove away after throwing the paper, but then he heard Rogers' Chihuahua barking "pretty furiously." He found Rogers, but couldn't free her, so he called 911 and held her hand until the ambulance arrived. Doctors later discovered that Rogers' kidneys had failed and she had a slight heart attack while in the chair. She's recovered and says of Mueller, "Little Ethan is my hero ... He saved my life, and he is part of my family now." | http://jezebel.com/5837811/woman-trapped-in-lawn-chair-saved-by-paper-boy?tag=good-news | dclm-gs1-085910001 | false | false | {
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0.072875 | <urn:uuid:1ed03ad7-fa86-4349-a812-0a256e143d58> | en | 0.874628 | Subject: re: kern/32718: choppy sound after mplayer pause/play, possibly kent-audio1 bug
To: None <>
From: matthew green <>
List: netbsd-bugs
Date: 02/04/2006 07:43:54
i suspect it might be related to the way how mplayer pauses the sound
and then restarts it.
possibly. sometime a year? or so ago i had to change my mplayer
config from autosync=30 to autosync=100 otherwise i found that
it regularly had audio pauses and sync lossage. mplayer normally
uses timing on the audio write() to figure into other calculations
and setting autosync higher reduces how much it factors in. so
perhaps this is now write() returning after different intervals now
than it used to? ie, used to be consistent with the old kernel and
now has less consistency with the newer kernel? | http://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-bugs/2006/02/04/0000.html | dclm-gs1-086010001 | false | false | {
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0.185571 | <urn:uuid:0ca61d59-87c9-4224-9f49-1d2977b528ca> | en | 0.898008 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
I was reading the definition of smooth manifold and i am little bit of confused. Informally it says
A smooth manifold is a topological manifold (i.e. a topological space locally homeomorphic to a Euclidean space) equipped with an equivalence class of atlases whose transition maps are all smooth. Here transition maps are from Euclidean space to Euclidean space.
Now what if I replace the word Euclidean space by topological vector space $\mathbb{R}^n$. Still we will get some object as we can talk about smoothness in topological vector space $\mathbb{R}^n$ without using any reference of coordinate system. So how much difference is there if I do the replacement? And my other question is
What are the properties of Euclidean space, we use to study Smooth manifolds, which are not present in $\mathbb{R}^n$ just as a topological vector space.
Till now what I have found that to describe local coordinates in manifold or to describe basis in tangent space one need a coordinate system in $\mathbb{R}^n$ so that you can pull it back to the manifold to define local coordinate there. Apart from these, where do we use the properties of Euclidean space to study smooth manifold?
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Any n-dimensional Euclidean space is isomorphic to $\mathbb{R}^n$, so the terms are used interchangebly. – Nick Alger Jun 20 '13 at 21:54
@ Nick: Of which isomorphism between $\mathbb{R^n}$ and Euclidean space you are talking about.Is it vector space isomorphism you are talking about?Is it true $\mathbb{R^n}$ with $l^1$ norm and Euclidean space are Isomorphic? – timon Jun 21 '13 at 5:42
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1 Answer
up vote 0 down vote accepted
Euclidean spaces are, by definition, $\mathbb{R}^{n}$. See if this clears things up for you. If not, come back and I'll try to help you some more.
Also, as the previous comment noted, any open set homeomorphic to an open ball will also be homeomorphic to all of $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ since open balls are homeomorphic to $\mathbb{R}^{n}$. Hence, in the definition of locally Euclidean, it does not matter if we a priori decided that our spaces should be locally homeomorphic to all of $\mathbb{R}^{n}$, an open ball, or an open set.
share|improve this answer
This is roughly Exercise 1.1 in Lee's, "Introduction to Smooth Manifolds". – Dylan Yott Jun 20 '13 at 22:58
@ Alex: I think there is a distinction between R^n as just topological vector space and Euclidean Space i.e. R^n with inner product structure. So how locally Euclidean and locally R^n could be same? Although topologically they are same but then why in the definition of manifold it asks to be locally Euclidean? – timon Jun 21 '13 at 5:10
@ Alex: If you don't have a standard co-ordinate in R^n ,how you will talk about local coordinate in manifold? – timon Jun 21 '13 at 5:12
@ Yott: You are mistaken.May be I was not able to pose my question properly.But I am not asking the Exercise 1.1 mentioned in Lee's book. I want to know why call it locally Euclidean instead of locally R^n.What property of Euclidean space (where you can talk about angle and distance) we are going to use in future to study smooth manifold. – timon Jun 21 '13 at 5:27
Eventually, when you go deep enough to get to Riemmanian Geometry, you will starting putting inner product structures on your manifolds, but that's not for a while. For now, the words "locally Euclidean" and "locally $\mathbb{R}^{n}$" are synonymous. Also, locally Euclidean sounds better. The book you're reading doesn't make the distinction between $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ as a topological vector space and as an inner product space. The reason we use $\mathbb{R}^{n}$ as opposed to any topological vector space is that we already know how to do calculus on $\mathbb{R}^{n}$. – Alex Lapanowski Jun 21 '13 at 15:12
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| http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/425768/manifold-being-locally-euclidean-vesus-manifold-being-locally-homeomorphic-to-an | dclm-gs1-086110001 | false | false | {
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0.99992 | <urn:uuid:aab43f87-a7af-41c3-9ed5-554910f7a540> | en | 0.703031 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
I am attempting to derive the Riccati Equation for linear-quadratic control. The original equation is:
$-\partial V/\partial t = \min_{u(t)} \{x^TQx + u^TRu + \partial V^T/\partial x(Ax + Bu) \}$
$x \in \Re^n$, $u \in \Re^m$, $Q \in \Re^{n\times n}$, $R \in \Re^{m\times m}$, $A \in \Re^{n\times n}$, $B \in \Re^{n\times m}$.
It can be shown that the minimal $u$ is $u^*=-\frac{1}{2}R^{-1}B^T\partial V/\partial x$; also, $V(x,t)$ can be shown to be quadratic in $x$, so it is of the form $V(x(t),t) = x(t)^{T}P(t)x(t)$, so $\partial V/\partial x = 2P(t)x(t)$. Thus $u^*(t) = -R^{-1}B^TP(t)x(t)$. We'd like to solve for $P$, which is symmetrical.
Plugging into the original equation, I obtain
$-\partial V/\partial t = -x^T\dot{P}x \equiv x^TQx + (-R^{-1}B^TPx)^TR(-R^{-1}B^TPx)+2x^TP(Ax+B[-R^{-1}B^TPx])$
Somehow this gets reduced to
$-x^T\dot{P}x = x^T\{A^TP + PA + Q - PBR^{-1}B^TP\}x$
I cannot figure out the manipulation to get to the final equation. In particular, how is there both an $A^TP$ and $PA$ term in the final expression, when I distribute $2x^TP$ into $Ax+Bu^*$? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.
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1 Answer
up vote 1 down vote accepted
$P$ is real symmetric and so is diagonalizable: $P = QLQ^T$ with some orthogonal $Q$.
Then, $$\begin{align*} A^TP+PA &= A^TQLQ^T + QLQ^TA \\ Q^TA^TP+Q^TPA &= Q^TA^TQLQ^T+LQ^TA \\ Q^TA^TPQ+Q^TPAQ &= Q^TA^TQL+LQ^TAQ \\ Q^T(A^TP+PA)Q &=Q^TA^TQL+(Q^TAQ)^TL \\ &= Q^TA^TQL+Q^TA^TQL \\ &= 2(Q^TA^TQ)L \end{align*} $$
Moving back the $Q$'s from the left-hand side,
$$\begin{align*} A^TP+PA &= 2Q(Q^TA^TQ)LQ^T \\ &= 2A^T(QLQ^T)\\ &= 2A^TP \\ &= 2PA \end{align*} $$
Associativity of matrix operations and the symmetry of $P$, namely $P^T=P$, are exploited a few times here.
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0.018477 | <urn:uuid:1c203fa6-8d5d-4fc9-b12b-418d0656c25b> | en | 0.971714 | The Projector
‘Tower Heist’ Commercials Will Now Be Epileptic-Joke Free
Tim Grierson
The Projector
View photo
Image icon
Universal Pictures
When it comes to humor, we generally think comics should be allowed to say what they want in order to get a laugh. But we also think that they ought to expect a certain amount of backlash if others think they've gone too far. So when we saw the first trailer for "Tower Heist," we actually caught ourselves thinking, "Hmmm ... that epileptic joke ... that's probably gonna cause a problem." And sure enough it has: Director Brett Ratner has issued an apology and asked that it be removed from all ads for the movie.
For those of us out living life over Labor Day, The Hollywood Reporter informs us that on Thursday "Heroes" star Greg Grunberg tweeted his displeasure with the "Tower Heist" trailer, which includes a bit in which Eddie Murphy calls Ben Stiller "seizure boy." "Making fun @ people w/ seizures is NOT FUNNY & WRONG!," wrote Grunberg, who has a 15-year-old epileptic son and started a nonprofit to raise awareness about the condition.
Grunberg encouraged his Twitter followers to boycott the film, which wouldn't seem a big deal until you realize that he's got about 1.4 million followers. That's a lot of folks, and clearly it was enough to scare Ratner and Universal, which had had problems earlier this year with "The Dilemma" because of a joke calling electric cars "gay." Ratner reached out to Grunberg to apologize and asked that the bit be cut from trailers and TV spots. It appears it's going to stay in the movie, though.
This opens up a huge can of worms, of course, about what kinds of humor are "appropriate." In the case of "The Dilemma," director Ron Howard actually made a good case for keeping the "gay" joke in the movie (although they removed it from the advertising), arguing that the Vince Vaughn character is supposed to be a loudmouthed oaf. "It is a slight moment in THE DILEMMA meant to demonstrate an aspect of our lead character's personality," Howard wrote the Los Angeles Times, "and we never expected it to represent our intentions or the point of view of the movie or those of us who made it." We don't live in a bubble, however, and the problem comes when people watching it laugh because they think the slur is funny for bigoted reasons.
Likewise, it appears that the Murphy character in "Tower Heist" is meant to be a bad apple. Plus, the point of the joke is supposed to be that the Stiller character actually isn't epileptic; the Murphy character is such a mean, dumb bully that he doesn't even know the difference between epileptic and asthmatic. But Ratner and Universal probably don't want to engage in that sort of public debate right now: "Tower Heist" is expected to be a major hit, and if this "Murphy hosts the Oscars" business is true, Murphy and Oscar producer Ratner don't want this to be a distraction. In the meantime, here's the offending trailer. Let's hope Wall Street fat cats don't complain next about how the Alan Alda character is portrayed.
'Tower Heist' Director Brett Ratner Apologizes for Epilepsy Joke in Movie's Trailer (Video) [The Hollywood Reporter]
View Comments | http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/the-projector/tower-heist-commercials-now-epileptic-joke-free-180020808.html | dclm-gs1-086200001 | false | false | {
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0.087789 | <urn:uuid:c4372027-e1d0-4c4a-a7d4-2c1555283124> | en | 0.937764 | Where is it from?
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Puppet - Greek Shadow Puppet Theatre, Alexander the Great, early 1960s Object Reg. No: SH 911443
Alternative Name(s): Megalexandros
Megalexandros [Alexander the Great] is is a character in the centuries-old Greek Shadow Puppet Theatre (Karaghiozis) tradition. He is stately and commands respect. He is just, proud and is protector of the weak and the scorned. Megalexandros features in two or three stories as well as in one comedy. The best known play is 'Megalexandros [Alexander the Great] and the Cursed Snake'. A huge snake appears in the spiderweb-filled cave and spreads fear and death. The bravest men confronted it but lost their lives. In order to save the public, the Vizier (the Veziris - originally a Persian term for a high-ranking political, and sometimes religious, advisor or minister, often to a Muslim monarch such as a Sultan) offered his daughter and many thousands of pounds to whoever could kill it. Megalexandros [Alexander the Great] appears, confronts the snake and in a very fierce battle he kills it with the help of Karaghiozis. Megalexandros [Alexander the Great] leaves. Karaghiozis tells Hatziavatis [another Greek Shadow Puppet Theatre character], who enters and sees the dead snake, that he killed it himself. They take it and go to Sarai, but the Vizier (the Veziris) is under the impression that they are trying to trick him, so he orders Thervenagas another Greek Shadow Puppet Theatre character] to start beating them both up.
Megalexandros [Alexander the Great] is one of the more complex puppets to operate, which is why it was manipulated only by the Master Puppeteer. It is connected by two puppet rods [there are many examples in the collection], one on its shoulder and one on its hand which holds the spear or sword.
An acrylic figure of a man, jointed at the waist, thighs and multiple joints in one arm, which has a leather extension. He wears a Macedonian military uniform of yellow helmet and breastplate, yellow, white and blue tunic and pink leggings. He carries a spear.
Discipline: History
Dimensions: 83.50 cm (Height), 27.00 cm (Length)
More information
Primary Classification: CULTURAL IDENTITY
Secondary Classification: Ethnicity - Creative Practice
Tertiary Classification: puppetry
User: Mr Abraam Antonakos, Victoria, Australia, 1977
User: Mr Dimitri Katsoulis, Australia, 1978-1991
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Yes No | http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/items/258725/puppet-greek-shadow-puppet-theatre-alexander-the-great-early-1960s | dclm-gs1-086220001 | false | false | {
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0.053334 | <urn:uuid:0ed4fbee-a843-4ac5-97e3-9809318b7c2b> | en | 0.960235 | Comments (136)
« 1 2 »
NeverEnding1989 478d ago | Trolling | show | Replies(13)
LOGICWINS + 478d ago
NastyLeftHook0 + 478d ago
cole is so awesome! my favorite is kratos though.
LOGICWINS + 478d ago
Enjoy the game champ!
MaxXAttaxX + 478d ago
How come the lowest review scores get the most views?
According to GameSpot:
#2.1.2 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(31) | Disagree(2) | Report
pixelsword + 478d ago
@ Nathan:
NukaCola + 478d ago
This was from Gamereactor Sweden
andibandit + 478d ago
hmm it's like asking:
Kennytaur + 478d ago
Ares84HU + 478d ago
Just my opinion.
MaxXAttaxX + 477d ago
But that is not the thing...
You only played the Beta?
ChiMasta7 + 478d ago
This generation is confusing haha.
StraightPath + 478d ago
yami930 + 478d ago
pixelsword + 478d ago
And Smash is a poor man's Mugen.
Move on.
darkziosj + 478d ago
wow vita is in a combo with the bad games.
princejb134 + 478d ago
6.5 is a little harsh
i would rate it a 8
and kratos chain grab spammers
but it was fun in a way
super smash brothers still remains the champ in replay ability and fun
DeforMAKulizer + 478d ago
I find the cons in the review a bit perplexing.
Conzul + 478d ago
#3.1 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(11) | Disagree(13) | Report | Reply
Kennytaur + 478d ago
Gamespot is for the most part no better than IGN.
e-p-ayeaH + 477d ago
lol gamespot are the worst
darkride66 + 478d ago
#3.2 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(42) | Disagree(11) | Report | Reply
TronEOL + 478d ago
Blastoise + 478d ago
Aghashie + 478d ago
talisker + 478d ago
izumo_lee + 478d ago
dark-hollow + 478d ago
"If SSB did not exist how is the game?"
If SSB didn't exist, pasbr wouldn't too.
despair + 478d ago
izumo_lee + 478d ago
@ despair
Thank you that is exactly what i meant with that quote.
#4.1.2 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(12) | Disagree(5) | Report
zebramocha + 478d ago
Check out thrill kill on YouTube.
P_Bomb + 478d ago
#4.1.4 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(13) | Disagree(5) | Report
ZombieNinjaPanda + 478d ago
rezzah + 478d ago
Ducky + 478d ago
That's not how reviews work. One of the things a review should do is tell you how well the game stacks against the competition, or at the very least, use the competition as context for the new game's achievements.
Game X might have decent visuals and fun gameplay, but if there is another similar game Y that does everything better, then game X doesn't deserve much praise now does it? The review has to show why new game X is indeed worth considering, and that can not be done without making comparisons.
#4.3 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
sjaakiejj + 477d ago
I agree, other games in the genre have to be looked at and compared to.
But a point that can be made here is that it's really easy to let fanaticism get in the way of an objective review, which in the case of Gamespot does seem to have happened.
If you start off the review by saying that you love Super Smash you're basically admitting that the rest of the review is anything but objective.
Ducky + 477d ago
^ Why does that statement make the review stop being objective?
If the reviewer loved Smash, then he would surely like a game that takes inspiration from it, no?
It arguably puts him in a better position to judge the game because he's already a fan of the genre.
Anyways, when does the reviewer even state that? His opening sentence isn't a negative jab at BattleRoyale. He just says that it is easy to be cynical and assume it is a cheap knock-off, but then continues by saying that this is not the case... and spends the rest of the review talking about BattleRoyale without referencing SSB. Izumo's comment is entirely directed at an imaginary review, which he made up in his own head after reading the first sentence.
izumo_lee + 477d ago
Look i got caught up in the moment but even though he rarely mentions SSB the whole review makes it look like he expected PSAS to play like it, but when it does not he is at a lost.
Superbot made PSAS to play like a traditional fighter where the player needs to understand the pros/cons of each character. That whole 'complex battle system makes for steep learning curve' negative that he writes is what fighting games are about. When you play a game like Blazblue or KOF or Soul Caliber mastering the moveset of a character is key to winning on a consistent level.
Also are we now so fixated on menu designs? Why do reviewers care so much on how the menu looks? I remember Mega Man 3 having a black screen with the title but that did not stop it from being an awesome game. So i do not get this facination & desire to have complex menu screens.
Very few fighting games have an actual decent storyline. Other than Blazblue (which some say is too complex) a simple story is good enough, most fighting games stories are some big baddy setting up a tournament & fighters come to beat each other up. We already know the back story of most of the characters in PSAS so i do not see the need for a narative.
A review is ones opinion, but that first line was very clear on his intentions. He came in to PSAS expecting it to play like SSB so when it was totally different he was unsure of what to make of it. SSB is a game that is very easy to pick up & play but since PSAS is a traditional fighting game disguised as a SSB 'clone' it takes more time & effort which this guy is not willing to do.
*if you look at the reviewers contributions to Gamespot reviews he has reviewed a total of 5 fighting games (Mortal Kombat, DOA 3DS, SF4 3DS, DBZ Kinect, PSAS) so i am skeptical about his knowledge of fighting games.
#4.3.3 (Edited 477d ago ) | Agree(1) | Disagree(0) | Report
Ducky + 477d ago
^ Those points, I can agree with.
Fighting being complex is a positive in my book, and the menu complaints are indeed silly.
Overall, it seems the reviewer couldn't understand the concept of a cartoonish-looking game also being competitive.
Only thing I disagree with you is about the review's first line stating his intentions. I think you're reading too much into it. He was just stating a general perspective that a large group of people have on the game (which is that BattleRoyale is a SmashBro clone) and he started with that line to address the issue at the beginning. Many other reviews (IGN's for example) start out similarly as well.
#4.3.4 (Edited 477d ago ) | Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Ares90 + 478d ago
Classic Gamespot...
Lovable + 478d ago
Sorry but if they're going to copy something, they gotta make sure to do it right and surpass the original. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
dubt72 + 478d ago
True. Sonic Racing and Mario Kart are a good example. There is no choice by the reviewers but to compare it to the inspiration, at least in the first iteration. Then any sequels can be compared to the original.
P_Bomb + 478d ago
[QUOTE]And, let's face it, because Sony doesn't have quite enough loveable characters to make up a full fighting roster, there are third-party inclusions too, like Big Daddy, Dante, and Raiden. [/QUOTE]
There are plenty more Sony exclusive characters out there though...they simply aren't in it for whatever reason at this time. I think for a first attempt the roster is pretty strong, and some 3rd party characters like Raiden just make sense.
Million selling exclusives like Resistance, Yakuza, Valkyria Chronicles, Syphon Filter, Heavy Rain, Warhawk, Journey, Ico, Okami, Shadow of the Collosus, Demon's Souls aren't represented yet, but the characters most assuredly are still out there. As such, the roster complaints are getting kinda old. We already have free DLC confirmed from two more exclusives, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a sequel. The first Super Smash Bros game (which many seem to be viewing with protective nostalgia) only had 12 characters. You gotta start somewhere.
#7 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(20) | Disagree(7) | Report | Reply
brew + 478d ago
Yeah , 20-22 characters is a good amount to start with. That's a lot of moves , supers , and other various nuances in the gameplay to sift through. It's a lot to take in.
the worst + 478d ago
Gamespot are burned out reviewers
#8 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(16) | Disagree(22) | Report | Reply
PunkXIV 478d ago | Trolling | show
Norrison + 478d ago
I like how this site works.
A xbox 360 or Wii U exclusive gets good reviews:
"Microsoft/Nintendo paid them, Journey/UC metacritic is better, it got 2/10 reviews and so on"
A xbox 360 or Wii U exclusive gets a bad/troll review:
"Their paycheck didn't arrive on time" or
"It's his opinion, he's entitled to it"
A Ps3 exclusive gets good reviews:
"Totally deserved, GOTY"
A PS3 exclusive gets bad/troll reviews:
"The reviewer is a Xbox 360 fanboy, retarded reviewer, troll review, etc."
Seriously people, it's a review get over it, it's not even a bad score.
Count + 478d ago
^you're surprised? This website has been like this for years.
BlackTar187 + 478d ago
I love that people act like its only one side. Just cause you weren't here when Xbox fanboys ran the site doesn't mean it didn't happen. Try kotaku forums if you are so interested in MS getting the fair shake in the forums.
Otherwise just stop with the nonsense don't feed it and maybe it will starve and we can all be GAMERS and play games together and have fun and not care about the weekly SDF or XDF member count.
Outside_ofthe_Box + 478d ago
***"A xbox 360 or Wii U exclusive gets good reviews:
"Microsoft/Nintendo paid them, Journey/UC metacritic is better, it got 2/10 reviews and so on""***
I like how people like you on this site work.
Norrison + 478d ago
That proves? My point?
If you look at the comments praising the game or the review they have tons of disagrees.
Look at the comments I found
"Wait what, all of a sudden IGN reviews are now credible? Funny old bunch here on n4g sometimes. Will bookmark this article then laugh as the same people dismiss IGN scores come Black Ops 2 review."
"IGN always give halo and COD high scores no matter what. Though this one does look good i must say"
"Nothing against the game but this looks almost exactly like Dirt 3. The presentation is nearly identical."
"I think it's a shame really because you have Forza missing essential racing features like Gravity gauge, Break Gauge, Throttle gauge fuel and tyre wear gauge and even lack of a Turbo gauge. Say what you will but this is what racing sim fans want. That's just my opinion, it doesn't deserve its score for a lack of fundamental features."
#8.2.4 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(3) | Disagree(1) | Report
OmniSlashPT + 478d ago
Remember when Uncharted was labeled as a Tomb Raider clone? Yeah, this is exactly the same situation.
ginsunuva + 478d ago
All the aspects he points out as negatives are what I see as the positives in this game.
It's like the first time in recent memory I almost 100% didnt agree with a reviewer's opinion. It's almost like bashing MGS for long cutscenes when that is something I love.
Opinions are opinions, not facts, guys. Reviewers are not the word of god.
modesign + 478d ago
at least this game got better marks than zombieU
NintyJazz + 478d ago
From what I hear ZombiU is actually a pretty cool game worth checking out depending on whether you like slower paced games
Grandmaster-B + 478d ago
Jesus, this generation is full of shit.
It takes time to master the characters is a con???
Are you kidding me gamespot, maybe you should just stick with the COD "no-brain" formula.
Games becoming easier and easier and you coming up with such shit. No wonder the industry is suffering...KZ3, U3, Socom, Warhawk are all sold out to the casul market.
Bad future for the next generation.
BlackTar187 + 478d ago
This is so true. Its awfully sad
MiyagiSPG + 478d ago
All COD's fault! Its like reviewers have completely forgotten how gaming was in the past gen's! You know, actual skill+fun!
memots + 477d ago
I mentioned this before but it reminds me of a friend i have he didn't want to play Kz3 because he didn't know how to play. But he played every single cod on the market. Even after i told him its pretty much the same control he still wasn't interested.
Then i put Cod 4 on and all he was doing is quick scoping people.
#12.1.2 (Edited 477d ago ) | Agree(0) | Disagree(0) | Report
Veneno + 478d ago
Gamespot are seriously incompetent. The game has 2 tutorials for each character going through Every single move and combo possibility. And each tutorial literally takes 3-5 minutes to complete.
And also 2 more training camps for absolute beginners and then intermediate to advanced.
What more do they need? For the game to play itself?
DivineAssault + 478d ago
Gamespot can kiss my a$$.. its getting pretty good scores across the grid but they give it a 6.5? lol screw them, this game is a great cross buy value & fun multiplayer title
Kos-Mos + 478d ago
I said it when we first got the teaser for this game, it would receive mediocre critics. Why could I see that? When I saw the interview with the developer I knew that it was a rookie.
I`m sorry to say, and yes I own a PS3. That`s the console I`ve played most on this generation. Don`t blame me, blame Sony for giving this game to the wrong developers. They are not Nintendo!
Neo-Axl + 478d ago
Played the beta, was addicted to the beta.
I will be buying this game, & I will enjoy it regardless of what the reviews say! Simply because of the hours me & my friends put into the beta alone.
NBT91 + 478d ago
For PlayStation fans, it is a blast seeing the franchise characters together. For most others, it's a semi adequate fighter.
They reviewed it for what it is, a fighter. The main appeal here is not the fact it is a fighter, but that all the Sony mascots are together in a game.
Based on that, I think I will like it a lot personally but I totally see how, from a fighting game fanatic or one who had not grown up with PS characters would not enjoy it as much.
shempo + 478d ago
so a fighting game play different depend on characters is bad now gamespot ? seriously? lol
each single characters have their own style of gameplay which u need to master...check the ign 2hours exclusive gameplay to see what i mean.
this time i agree with ign review gamespot should choose someone else for this mark is a lame reviewer
NBT91 + 478d ago
But read the rest of the review, the point they were making was... The game has an in depth combat where each character is different, making for a true fighter, but that does not really match the OTT fun, colourful silliness that the rest of the game seems to present.
It looks like a fun, accessible fighter but plays like a serious one, which for some would be great, others will find it a little odd and frankly, difficult.
Not sure if I agree with them yet as I dont get the game until Friday, but I see the point they were making at least.
FunkMacNasty + 478d ago
And out comes the Sony defense force... over ONE review.
just food for thought: what if the game is really as bad as the reviewer says? What excuse will you all come up with then?
Hicken + 478d ago
Only it isn't. Those of us who've played it know it isn't, and the majority of the other reviewers out there agree that it isn't.
The complaints, by and large, are weak. So who's the one making excuses?
Ben_Grimm + 478d ago
It still doen't explain most of the comments here that proclaim Gamespot as garbage or MS paid just because they have an app on Live.
What's the excuse for that Hicken?
StrawberryDiesel420 + 478d ago
You haven't played it, the game deserves nothing less than an 8. PS All Stars accomplished what it set out to achieve and runs great while looking amazing on top of that.
Silly gameAr + 478d ago
Guess people don't like fun games anymore. They have to have billion dollar hype behind them to get the good scores I guess. Sad world.
shempo + 478d ago
tell me about about it.....
All i saw the last month on gamespot was shitload of halo4-ac3 adds,news every ten minutes ffs.
Meep + 478d ago
I don't see the problem. The review gave the game a 6.5 which is "fair". One of his thoughts are that the game is complex. Some might see this as a turn off or turn on. It was a turn off for the reviewer but I can imagine if you do manage to put the effort into learning the combo system then you will enjoy it. I played it at NY comic-con and I liked the battle system.
One thing I definitely agree on is the topic on health bars. I didn't like the way the AP system works. I played maybe 6 or 7 matches but from what I can recall, it was a fighting frenzy the whole game. The way the opponents interact with each other in the game was about the same throughout the matches. I guess that's why They put emphasis on the arenas, so the game isn't to stagnant. I the game had health bars or another mechanic, I believe it would have been better. Like the reviewer said, their is nothing more satisfying then watching/making a clutch moment in a games. With the AP system I can imagine their arn't many clutch moments.
I don't play fighting games that much but this video is just AWESOME. Pumps the heart.
TristanV1 + 478d ago
LOL what a CRAPPY review by a crappy reviewer
LividAss 478d ago | Spam
byeGollum + 478d ago
If you enjoyed the BETA like me, I know you'll be buying the full game. Don't waste your time trying to convince others that you don't agree with another person's opinion :) . . . see ya online!
Nes_Daze + 478d ago
This game is getting bad reviews because people can't stand that the PS3 now has a game that plays a bit like SSB. fanboys...
miDnIghtEr20C_SfF + 478d ago
A 76 on metacritic. Ouch.
The_Klank + 478d ago
How the Hell is that an ouch, I really don't understand gamers anymore... If your interested in the game you can probably add a mark to that and it'll be an 8.6 if your not remove a mark it'll be 6.6, either way a 7.6 Is a GOOD score.
aceitman + 478d ago
ign gave it an 80 it cant be that bad . ign is a tough reviewer website.
Silly gameAr + 478d ago
Yeah man. It's time for Sony to send out some swag bag of their own I guess. Though I don't see how 77 is bad,but whatevs.
#25.3 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(2) | Disagree(3) | Report | Reply
ALLWRONG + 478d ago
Because it couldn't be the fact that game is mediocre right? Blame everyone! MS, Xbots, bias, Nintendo, swag, media, god, aliens, soundwaves, toothpaste, anything accept the actual game.
sypher + 478d ago
eh i always go off the reviewer himself. If you look into it you can see he mainly reviews casual titles. Your dance games etc which he gives high scores to. So not really the same mindset as I would have. So his opinion on the game means nothing for my own.
People need to stop relying on sites for reviews and find the actual journalists themselves. Find someone who likes the same games you do, then you are more likely to get an opinion which more aligns with how you would perceive the game. Relying on the actual site as a brand and judging a review because its IGN or GameSpot is just an oxymoron. Because all sites contain good journalists and terrible ones. It's up to you to find the good ones.
#26 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(5) | Disagree(1) | Report | Reply
MoonConquistador + 477d ago
Well said sypher, +bubs
NYC_Gamer + 478d ago
I believe people who enjoyed the beta should buy this game
NateCole + 478d ago
A 6.5 from gamespot is a 7.5 for other reviewers.
It's a good score.
ALLWRONG + 478d ago
But other reviewers are also giving it 6 and 7. Even a Playstation mag gave it a 6 for the disagrees
#28.1 (Edited 478d ago ) | Agree(5) | Disagree(5) | Report | Reply
Soldierone + 478d ago
"Me can't smash buttons and win! me give low score because of that! Wah!" lol
Played the beta, enjoyed it, will be buying the second Crash Bandicoot or Snake are put in. Anyone find out who the final boss is yet?
Om3ga370 + 478d ago
Seriously, I do not understand why there is so much hate towards this game. Just give it the chance that every new game deserves.
"It copies SSB."
It does, but it uses those elements in a different way. Almost every element is different, and the ones that remain are changed to work with the game, so these elements are welcome. I have always wanted a Sony beat-em up, since SSB, and now when one is made, people act like it's a trashy rip-off. Why fix something that isn't broken? Look at all of the fighting games that every console has to offer. SSB was fun, and competitive at the same time. Why is that bad to have in a fighting game?
"It was a poorly made game."
I doubt it. This game set the stage with what could be done in the future. Super Smash Bros 1 is definitely not as great as it's counterparts (although some may say otherwise,) and Playstation Allstars Battle Royale is only the first one! They are testing the waters for a possible sequel, and if people hate on this game for being a simple clone, then why would Superbot bother with making another?
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0.560381 | <urn:uuid:7ebaa276-5f71-437a-857f-11a12694c829> | en | 0.977233 | What kind of people will enter God's kingdom?
BY CAREY KINSOLVING Published: May 7, 2012
"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven," said Jesus (Matthew 7:21).
"I think it means that whoever says something real fast and doesn't mean it will not enter," says Danielle, 9.
If the speed of one's speech were the issue, northerners would be signing up for speech classes in the south, and native New Yorkers would be doomed.
"Not all people go to heaven," says Jordan, 7.
Jordan, do you know you are being politically incorrect? Everyone assumes that when loved ones die they go to heaven. I think Jordan is saying we're wrong to think that.
Jesus is still the most controversial person who ever lived. He constantly offended the powerful and empowered the helpless.
Jesus not only said the first shall be last and the last shall be first in his kingdom, but he backed it up with action. He dined with prostitutes and tax collectors and overturned the tables of temple moneychangers — those at the center of the religious establishment.
Jesus healed people who religious leaders said were born in sin. He even healed on the Sabbath, which further offended them. They had their rules. He had compassion.
Jesus said that some of the most unlikely people would enter his kingdom. But the big shocker is that many religious people who do things in the name of Christ won't make it. They can't give up trusting in their own righteousness.
Self-righteous, religious pride can justify almost anything, even murder. Remember, religious leaders plotted to see Jesus crucified.
"The only people who are going to heaven are the ones that do God's will," says Chris, 11.
Chris, a group of people once asked Jesus, "What shall we do that we might work the works of God?"
Because we live in a world where productivity is rewarded, it's easy to assume that whoever piles up the best good works will have front-row seats in Jesus' kingdom.
Jesus must have surprised the inquirers with his answer: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent" (John 6:29).
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0.046524 | <urn:uuid:684eb27c-710b-4bc3-94fb-aa75cf29f9c1> | en | 0.947786 | Oklahoma City scientists' discovery gives more understanding to cell division
Two scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have found that two genes, IPL1 and MPS1, acted as regulators to fix the mistakes that were being made during cell division.
By Jaclyn Cosgrove Published: February 7, 2013
If head coaches Bob Stoops and Mike Gundy left during halftime of Oklahoma's Bedlam football game, mass confusion would likely commence.
This scenario is comparable to an event that's talked about significantly less among Oklahoma residents: cell division.
Two researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have discovered that two genes, IPL1 or MPS1, serve as coaches during cell division, ensuring that a cell has the proper number of chromosomes before the cell divides to form more cells.
“It's a lot like a coach,” said scientist Dean Dawson, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation member.
“The coach doesn't actually play the game. He tells people what to do. And MPS1 is not the one actually moving the chromosomes. It's turning on and off the different parts of the machine that actually moves the chromosomes.”
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is a nonprofit biomedical research institute in Oklahoma City.
Foundation scientists work to develop effective treatments for human disease, focusing on heart disease, cancer, lupus and Alzheimer's disease, among other things, according to the foundation.
Dawson and Regis Meyer, a senior postdoctoral fellow, explained their findings in a paper published this past week in Science, a global peer-reviewed journal.
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things, according to National Library of Medicine.
During cell division, a cell duplicates all of its contents, including its chromosomes, and splits to form two identical daughter cells, according to the medicine library.
Because this process is so critical to a human's development, the steps are carefully controlled by a number of genes, according to the library.
The two genes at the focus of Meyer and Dawson's work — IPL1 or MPS1 — play an important role in that regulation during cell division.
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by Jaclyn Cosgrove
Medical and Health Reporter
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0.511829 | <urn:uuid:46e50d21-7807-40d6-a029-24153a1b6fbb> | en | 0.948995 | Federal legislation would help address states' mental health challenges
BY LAURA BOYD Published: July 20, 2013
Government-funded mental health services are the bedrock of our nation's mental health care system. Federal and state funding determine our ability to provide the help needed so desperately by so many. One opportunity to address this need is the Excellence in Mental Health Act, a bipartisan bill in Congress.
This act would ensure that community behavioral health centers cover a range of mental health and addiction services: 24-hour crisis care, increased integration of physical and behavioral health needs and expanded support for the beleaguered families of people with mental health issues. The bill would provide care for as many as 1.5 million Americans living with mental illness, including an estimated 200,000 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with behavioral health needs.
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0.03076 | <urn:uuid:8250178a-c2b2-4715-b2d2-78ee6be6e6ed> | en | 0.965852 | Thunder sputtering into All-Star break
The Thunder has taken steps backward in its last three games, but players aren't pointing their fingers at one another.
By Darnell Mayberry Modified: February 15, 2011 at 12:21 pm • Published: February 14, 2011
This can't be what Thunder coach Scott Brooks had in mind when he threw out a 10-game challenge to his team leading up to the All-Star break.
Brooks wanted to use the final 10 games before the break to build momentum. But all the Thunder has done in the past three games is taken steps backward.
With a win tonight against Sacramento, the Thunder would finish 7-3 in the 10 games before All-Star Weekend. But much like the rest of the year, what stands out is not the Thunder's respectable record in this stretch. It's the erratic manner in which the mark was made.
Unless the Thunder emphatically disposes of the Kings tonight, it will have limped into the break, momentum mitigated.
“We feel like we've dropped some games we shouldn't have dropped,” said Thunder forward Nick Collison. “We're doing OK. If we would have closed out some games better, we would really be on a nice streak.”
It was Jan. 26, before a visit to Minnesota, when Brooks issued his challenge. Since then, the Thunder has lost only to Miami, Memphis and Golden State. All three defeats were by six points or less and came down to the final seconds.
But three of the wins left more to be desired.
The Thunder won by just one point against the Wolves, needing overtime to do so, and allowed a Washington team that was then winless on the road to push it to two overtimes before clinching a seven-point victory. Against the Kings on Saturday, the Thunder nearly squandered a 13-point, fourth-quarter lead.
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by Darnell Mayberry
OKC Thunder Senior Reporter
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0.069457 | <urn:uuid:4b352a80-776a-4b30-af67-dd7465e6a704> | en | 0.962618 | NetApp First-Quarter Net Up 28% on Revenue Improvement
By Ben Fox Rubin
NetApp Inc.'s (NTAP) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 28% as the data-storage company posted stronger revenue in all its major segments, led by its service business.
NetApp builds systems that store and manage clients' digital information, a market that has wavered over the past year as corporations' once-surging demand for storage hardware cools. The company's earnings have weakened as some customers--particularly defense and financial-services companies--avoided spending on data centers, though core earnings began recovering more recently.
NetApp in May took steps to cut costs with a plan to lay off about 900 employees, a move the company had been expecting to trigger a charge of between $50 million and $60 million.
For the quarter ended July 26, NetApp reported a profit of $81.6 million, or 23 cents a share, up from $63.8 million, or 17 cents a share, a year earlier. Excluding stock-based compensation, restructuring charges and other items, per-share earnings rose to 53 cents from 42 cents.
Revenue was up 5% to $1.52 billion.
The company in May forecast adjusted earnings of 45 cents to 50 cents a share and $1.48 billion to $1.58 billion in revenue.
Gross margin widened to 60% from 58.8%. Operating expenses were up 5.6% amid $48.4 million in restructuring and other charges.
Product sales, which make up the bulk of revenue, were up 3.7%. Software revenue increased 4.6% while service revenue rose 8.8%.
For its second quarter, the company sees adjusted earnings of 60 cents to 65 cents a share and revenue of $1.56 billion to $1.66 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters most recently projected 63 cents and $1.63 billion, respectively.
Shares closed Wednesday at $42.33 and were down 3.3% after hours. As of the close, the stock was up 26% so far this year.
Write to Ben Fox Rubin at
Order free Annual Report for NetApp, Inc.
Visit or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 | http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20130814-712172.html?mod=WSJ_qtoverview_wsjlatest | dclm-gs1-086320001 | false | false | {
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0.033865 | <urn:uuid:e4edc1e7-9437-4fef-8a6d-bb2b43c82c4a> | en | 0.867066 | Search tips
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1. Elaborate security TRAINing to fight against expression of genomic junk
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):553-554.
A new study shows that the expression of two classes of repetitive elements in the mouse genome is controlled through two complementary mechanisms: DNA methylation and p53-mediated transcription suppression.¹ When both lines of defense fail, expression of the repeats yields large quantities of double-stranded RNA, triggering interferon response that leads to caspase-dependent cell death. These notable findings highlight two fundamental trends: tight coupling of defense and cell death mechanisms that appears to be universal in cellular life and the exploitation of the expression of “junk” DNA as a signal triggering “altruistic” cell suicide.
PMCID: PMC3594256 PMID: 23370394
p53; transposable elements; SINE repeats; DNA methylation; interferon response
2. New insights into prostate cancer stem cells
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):579-586.
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting men in the western world. The etiology for PCa development and molecular mechanisms underlying castration-resistant progression are incompletely understood. Emerging evidence from many tumor systems has shown the existence of distinct subpopulations of stem like-cancer cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), which may be involved in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) have also been identified using different experimental strategies in distinct model systems. In this brief review, we summarize our current knowledge of normal prostate stem/progenitor cells, highlight recent progress on PCSCs, expound on the potential cell-of-origin for PCa and discuss the involvement of PCSCs in PCa progression and castration resistance. Elucidation of the phenotypic and functional properties and molecular regulation of PCSCs will help us better understand PCa biology and may lead to development of novel therapeutics targeting castration-resistant PCa cells.
PMCID: PMC3594258 PMID: 23370446
prostate cancer; cancer stem cells; prostate cancer stem cells; differentiation; therapy resistance
3. An SCF complex containing Fbxl12 mediates DNA damage-induced Ku80 ubiquitylation
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):587-595.
The Ku heterodimer, composed of Ku70 and Ku80, is the initiating factor of the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) double-strand break (DSB) repair pathway. Ku is also thought to impede the homologous recombination (HR) repair pathway via inhibition of DNA end resection. Using the cell-free Xenopus laevis egg extract system, we had previously discovered that Ku80 becomes polyubiquitylated upon binding to DSBs, leading to its removal from DNA and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Here we show that the Skp1-Cul1-F box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex is required for Ku80 ubiquitylation and removal from DNA. A screen for DSB-binding F box proteins revealed that the F box protein Fbxl12 was recruited to DNA in a DSB- and Ku-sensitive manner. Immunodepletion of Fbxl12 prevented Cul1 and Skp1 binding to DSBs and Ku80 ubiquitylation, indicating that Fbxl12 is the F box protein responsible for Ku80 substrate recognition. Unlike typical F box proteins, the F box of Fbxl12 was essential for binding to both Skp1 and its substrate Ku80. Besides Fbxl12, six other chromatin-binding F box proteins were identified in our screen of a subset of Xenopus F box proteins: β-TrCP, Fbh1, Fbxl19, Fbxo24, Fbxo28 and Kdm2b. Our study unveils a novel function for the SCF ubiquitin ligase in regulating the dynamic interaction between DNA repair machineries and DSBs.
PMCID: PMC3594259 PMID: 23324393
Ku80; Ku86; Ku70; SCF; DNA damage; double-strand break; nonhomologous end joining; Fbxl12; Fbl12; ubiquitin
4. Differences in degradation lead to asynchronous expression of cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 in cancer cells
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):596-605.
Cyclin E1 is expressed at the G₁/S phase transition of the cell cycle to drive the initiation of DNA replication and is degraded during S/G₂M. Deregulation of its periodic degradation is observed in cancer and is associated with increased proliferation and genomic instability. We identify that in cancer cells, unlike normal cells, the closely related protein cyclin E2 is expressed predominantly in S phase, concurrent with DNA replication. This occurs at least in part because the ubiquitin ligase component that is responsible for cyclin E1 downregulation in S phase, Fbw7, fails to effectively target cyclin E2 for proteosomal degradation. The distinct cell cycle expression of the two E-type cyclins in cancer cells has implications for their roles in genomic instability and proliferation and may explain their associations with different signatures of disease.
PMCID: PMC3594260 PMID: 23324394
cyclin E2; cell cycle; cyclin E1; proliferation; Fbw7
5. Cyclin E2 induces genomic instability by mechanisms distinct from cyclin E1
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):606-617.
Cyclins E1 drives the initiation of DNA replication, and deregulation of its periodic expression leads to mitotic delay associated with genomic instability. Since it is not known whether the closely related protein cyclin E2 shares these properties, we overexpressed cyclin E2 in breast cancer cells. This did not affect the duration of mitosis, nor did it cause an increase in p107 association with CDK2. In contrast, cyclin E1 overexpression led to inhibition of the APC complex, prolonged metaphase and increased p107 association with CDK2. Despite these different effects on the cell cycle, elevated levels of either cyclin E1 or E2 led to hallmarks of genomic instability, i.e., an increased proportion of abnormal mitoses, micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations. Cyclin E2 induction of genomic instability by a mechanism distinct from cyclin E1 indicates that these two proteins have unique functions in a cancer setting.
PMCID: PMC3594261 PMID: 23324395
cyclin E2; genomic instability; mitosis; p107; cyclin E1
6. Promoter hijack reveals pericentrin functions in mitosis and the DNA damage response
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):635-646.
Centrosomes, the principal microtubule-organizing centers of animal somatic cells, consist of two centrioles embedded in the pericentriolar material (PCM). Pericentrin is a large PCM protein that is required for normal PCM assembly. Mutations in PCNT cause primordial dwarfism. Pericentrin has also been implicated in the control of DNA damage responses. To test how pericentrin is involved in cell cycle control after genotoxic stress, we disrupted the Pcnt locus in chicken DT40 cells. Pericentrin-deficient cells proceeded through mitosis more slowly, with a high level of monopolar spindles, and were more sensitive to spindle poisons than controls. Centriole structures appeared normal by light and electron microscopy, but the PCM did not recruit γ-tubulin efficiently. Cell cycle delays after ionizing radiation (IR) treatment were normal in pericentrin-deficient cells. However, pericentrin disruption in Mcph1−/− cells abrogated centrosome hyperamplification after IR. We conclude that pericentrin controls genomic stability by both ensuring appropriate mitotic spindle activity and centrosome regulation.
PMCID: PMC3594264 PMID: 23324397
pericentrin; centrosome; DNA damage response; mitosis; checkpoint
7. Prognostic value of LIPC in non-small cell lung carcinoma
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):647-654.
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer and is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. The majority of individuals bearing NSCLC are treated with surgery plus adjuvant cisplatin, an initially effective therapeutic regimen that, however, is unable to prevent relapse within 5 years after tumor resection in an elevated proportion of patients. The factors that predict the clinical course of NSCLC and its sensitivity to therapy remain largely obscure. One notable exception is provided by pyridoxal kinase (PDXK), the enzyme that generates the bioactive form of vitamin B6. PDXK has recently been shown to be required for optimal cisplatin responses in vitro and in vivo and to constitute a bona fide prognostic marker in the NSCLC setting. Together with PDXK, 84 additional factors were identified that influence the response of NSCLC cells to cisplatin, in vitro including the hepatic lipase LIPC. Here, we report that the intratumoral levels of LIPC, as assessed by immunohistochemistry in two independent cohorts of NSCLC patients, positively correlate with disease outcome. In one out of two cohorts studied, the overall survival of NSCLC patients bearing LIPChigh lesions was unaffected, if not slightly worsened, by cisplatin-based adjuvant therapy. Conversely, the overall survival of patients with LIPClow lesions was prolonged by post-operative cisplatin. Pending validation in appropriate clinical series, these results suggest that LIPClow NSCLC patients would be those who mainly benefit from adjuvant cisplatin therapy. Thus, the expression levels of LIPC appear to have an independent prognostic value (and perhaps a predictive potential) in the setting of NSCLC. If these findings were confirmed by additional studies, LIPC expression levels might allow not only for NSCLC patient stratification, but also for the implementation of personalized therapeutic approaches.
PMCID: PMC3594265 PMID: 23343765
anaplastic lymphoma kinase; apoptosis; BCL-XL; PDXP; personalized medicine; pyridoxine
8. Essential role of Cenexin1, but not Odf2, in ciliogenesis
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):655-662.
Primary cilia are microtubule-based solitary sensing structures on the cell surface that play crucial roles in cell signaling and development. Abnormal ciliary function leads to various human genetic disorders, collectively known as ciliopathies. Outer dense fiber protein 2 (Odf2) was initially isolated as a major component of sperm-tail fibers. Subsequent studies have demonstrated the existence of many splicing variants of Odf2, including Cenexin1 (Odf2 isoform 9), which bears an unusual C-terminal extension. Strikingly, Odf2 localizes along the axoneme of primary cilia, whereas Cenexin1 localizes to basal bodies in cultured mammalian cells. Whether Odf2 and Cenexin1 contribute to primary cilia assembly by carrying out either concerted or distinct functions is unknown. By taking advantage of odf2−/− cells lacking endogenous Odf2 and Cenexin1, but exogenously expressing one or both of these proteins, we showed that Cenexin1, but not Odf2, was necessary and sufficient to induce ciliogenesis. Furthermore, the Cenexin1-dependent primary cilia assembly pathway appeared to function independently of Odf2. Consistently, Cenexin1, but not Odf2, interacted with GTP-loaded Rab8a, localized to the distal/subdistal appendages of basal bodies, and facilitated the recruitment of Chibby, a centriolar component that is important for proper ciliogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that Cenexin1 plays a critical role in ciliogenesis through its C-terminal extension that confers a unique ability to mediate primary cilia assembly. The presence of multiple splicing variants hints that the function of Odf2 is diversified in such a way that each variant has a distinct role in the complex cellular and developmental processes.
PMCID: PMC3594266 PMID: 23343771
Cenexin1; Odf2; Rab8a; Chibby; primary cilia; ciliogenesis
9. Calmodulin protects Aurora B on the midbody to regulate the fidelity of cytokinesis
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):663-673.
Aurora B kinase is an integral regulator of cytokinesis as it stabilizes the intercellular canal within the midbody to ensure proper chromosomal segregation during cell division. Here we identified an E3 ligase subunit, F box protein FBXL2, that by recognizing a calmodulin binding signature within Aurora B, ubiquitinates and removes the kinase from the midbody. Calmodulin, by competing with the F box protein for access to the calmodulin binding signature, protected Aurora B from FBXL2. Calmodulin co-localized with Aurora B on the midbody, preserved Aurora B levels in cells, and stabilized intercellular canals during delayed abscission. Genetic or pharmaceutical depletion of endogenous calmodulin significantly reduced Aurora B protein levels at the midbody resulting in tetraploidy and multi-spindle formation. The calmodulin inhibitor, calmidazolium, reduced Aurora B protein levels resulting in tetraploidy, mitotic arrest, and apoptosis of tumorigenic cells and profoundly inhibiting tumor formation in athymic nude mice. These observations indicate molecular interplay between Aurora B and calmodulin in telophase and suggest that calmodulin acts as a checkpoint sensor for chromosomal segregation errors during mitosis.
PMCID: PMC3594267 PMID: 23370391
Aurora B; FBXL2; calmodulin; mitosis; midbody
10. Role of the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase in mitochondrial permeability transition
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):674-683.
The term “mitochondrial permeability transition” (MPT) refers to an abrupt increase in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane to low molecular weight solutes. Due to osmotic forces, MPT is paralleled by a massive influx of water into the mitochondrial matrix, eventually leading to the structural collapse of the organelle. Thus, MPT can initiate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), promoting the activation of the apoptotic caspase cascade as well as of caspase-independent cell death mechanisms. MPT appears to be mediated by the opening of the so-called “permeability transition pore complex” (PTPC), a poorly characterized and versatile supramolecular entity assembled at the junctions between the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes. In spite of considerable experimental efforts, the precise molecular composition of the PTPC remains obscure and only one of its constituents, cyclophilin D (CYPD), has been ascribed with a crucial role in the regulation of cell death. Conversely, the results of genetic experiments indicate that other major components of the PTPC, such as voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), are dispensable for MPT-driven MOMP. Here, we demonstrate that the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase is required for MPT, mitochondrial fragmentation and cell death as induced by cytosolic calcium overload and oxidative stress in both glycolytic and respiratory cell models. Our results strongly suggest that, similar to CYPD, the c subunit of the FO ATP synthase constitutes a critical component of the PTPC.
PMCID: PMC3594268 PMID: 23343770
ATP5G1; apoptosis; caspases; cytochrome c; mitochondrial respiratory chain; p53; permeability transition pore (PTP)
11. Phospho-ΔNp63α/microRNA feedback regulation in squamous carcinoma cells upon cisplatin exposure
Cell Cycle 2013;12(4):684-697.
Our previous reports showed that the cisplatin exposure induced the ATM-dependent phosphorylation of ΔNp63a, which is subsequently involved in transcriptional regulation of gene promoters encoding mRNAs and microRNAs in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells upon cisplatin-induced cell death. We showed that phosphorylated (p)-ΔNp63a plays a role in upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins, while non-p-ΔNp63a is implicated in pro-survival signaling. In contrast to non-p-ΔNp63a, p-ΔNp63a modulated expression of specific microRNAs in SCC cells exposed to cisplatin. These microRNAs were shown to attenuate the expression of several proteins involved in cell death/survival, suggesting the critical role for p-ΔNp63a in regulation of tumor cell resistance to cisplatin. Here, we studied the function of ΔNp63a in transcriptional activation and repression of the specific microRNA promoters whose expression is affected by cisplatin treatment of SCC cells. We quantitatively studied chromatin-associated proteins bound to tumor protein (TP) p63-responsive element, we found that p-ΔNp63a along with certain transcription coactivators (e.g., CARM1, KAT2B, TFAP2A, etc.) necessary to induce gene promoters for microRNAs (630 and 885-3p) or with transcription corepressors (e.g., EZH2, CTBP1, HDACs, etc.) needed to repress promoters for microRNAs (181a-5p, 374a-5p and 519a-3p) in SCC cells exposed to cisplatin.
PMCID: PMC3594269 PMID: 23343772
p53; p63; cisplatin; squamous cell carcinomas; DNA/protein interactions; microRNAs
12. On the interaction mechanisms of a p53 peptide and nutlin with the MDM2 and MDMX proteins
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):394-404.
The interaction of p53 with its regulators MDM2 and MDMX plays a major role in regulating the cell cycle. Inhibition of this interaction has become an important therapeutic strategy in oncology. Although MDM2 and MDMX share a very high degree of sequence/structural similarity, the small-molecule inhibitor nutlin appears to be an efficient inhibitor only of the p53-MDM2 interaction. Here, we investigate the mechanism of interaction of nutlin with these two proteins and contrast it with that of p53 using Brownian dynamics simulations. In contrast to earlier attempts to examine the bound states of the partners, here we locate initial reaction events in these interactions by identifying the regions of space around MDM2/MDMX, where p53/nutlin experience associative encounters with prolonged residence times relative to that in bulk solution. We find that the initial interaction of p53 with MDM2 is long-lived relative to nutlin, but, unlike nutlin, it takes place at the N- and C termini of the MDM2 protein, away from the binding site, suggestive of an allosteric mechanism of action. In contrast, nutlin initially interacts with MDM2 directly at the clefts of the binding site. The interaction of nutlin with MDMX, however, is very short-lived compared with MDM2 and does not show such direct initial interactions with the binding site. Comparison of the topology of the electrostatic potentials of MDM2 and MDMX and the locations of the initial encounters with p53/nutlin in tandem with structure-based sequence alignment revealed that the origin of the diminished activity of nutlin toward MDMX relative to MDM2 may stem partly from the differing topologies of the electrostatic potentials of the two proteins. Glu25 and Lys51 residues underpin these topological differences and appear to collectively play a key role in channelling nutlin directly toward the binding site on the MDM2 surface and are absent in MDMX. The results, therefore, provide new insight into the mechanism of p53/nutlin interactions with MDM2 and MDMX and could potentially have a broader impact on anticancer drug optimization strategies.
PMCID: PMC3587439 PMID: 23324352
p53; mdm2; nutlin; Brownian dynamics; residence time; encounter complex; basins of attraction
13. Clock controls angiogenesis
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):405-408.
Circadian rhythms control multiple physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development in mammals and development of various human diseases. We have recently, in a developing zebrafish embryonic model, discovered that the circadian oscillation controls developmental angiogenesis. Disruption of crucial circadian regulatory genes, including Bmal1 and Period2, results in marked impairment or enhancement of vascular development in zebrafish. At the molecular level, we show that the circadian regulator Bmal1 directly targets the promoter region of the vegf gene in zebrafish, leading to an elevated expression of VEGF. These findings can reasonably be extended to developmental angiogenesis in mammals and even pathological angiogenesis in humans. Thus, our findings, for the first time, shed new light on mechanisms that underlie circadian clock-regulated angiogenesis.
PMCID: PMC3587440 PMID: 23324349
zebrafish; circadian; angiogenesis; Bmal1; Period2; VEGF; Clock; development; vasculogenesis; vasculature
14. Vitamin B6 metabolism influences the intracellular accumulation of cisplatin
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):417-421.
Vitamin B6 metabolism influences the adaptive response of non-small lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells to distinct, potentially lethal perturbations in homeostasis, encompassing nutrient deprivation, hyperthermia, hypoxia, irradiation as well as the exposure to cytotoxic chemicals, including the DNA-damaging agent cisplatin (CDDP). Thus, the siRNA-mediated downregulation of pyridoxal kinase (PDXK), the enzyme that generates the bioactive form of vitamin B6, protects NSCLC cells (as well as a large collection of human and murine malignant cells of distinct histological derivation) from the cytotoxic effects of CDDP. Accordingly, the administration of pyridoxine, one of the inactive precursors of vitamin B6, exacerbates cisplatin-induced cell death, in vitro and in vivo, but only when PDXK is expressed. Conversely, antioxidants such as non-oxidized glutathione (GSH) are known to protect cancer cells from CDDP toxicity. Pyridoxine increases the amount of CDDP-DNA adducts formed upon the exposure of NSCLC cells to CDDP and aggravates the consequent DNA damage response. On the contrary, in the presence of GSH, NSCLC cells exhibit near-to-undetectable levels of CDDP-DNA adducts and a small fraction of the cell population activates the DNA damage response. We therefore wondered whether vitamin B6 metabolism and GSH might interact with CDDP in a pharmacokinetic fashion. In this short communication, we demonstrate that GSH inhibits the intracellular accumulation of CDDP, while pyridoxine potentiates it in a PDXK-dependent fashion. Importantly, such pharmacokinetic effects do not involve plasma membrane transporters that mediate a prominent fraction of CDDP influx, i.e., solute carrier family 31, member 1 (SLC31A1, best known as copper transporter 1, CTR1) and efflux, i.e., ATPase, Cu2+ transporting, β polypeptide (ATP7B).
PMCID: PMC3587442 PMID: 23287530
A549; apoptosis; N-acetyl-cysteine; PDXP; reactive oxygen species; Wilson disease
15. Differential contribution of HP1 proteins to DNA end resection and homology-directed repair
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):422-429.
Heterochromatin protein 1 paralogs (HP1α, β and γ in mammals) are not only central in heterochromatin organization, but have also been linked to transcriptional activation at euchromatic regions, maintenance of telomere stability and, most recently, to the DNA damage response (DDR). However, how HP1 proteins contribute to the DDR at a molecular level, and whether HP1 paralogs within the same organism, as well as their respective orthologs, have overlapping or unique roles in the DDR, remain to be elucidated. Herein, we have combined the analysis of the efficiency and kinetics of recruitment of key repair proteins to sites of DNA damage with specific DNA repair assays to demonstrate that human HP1 paralogs differentially modulate homology-directed repair (HDR) pathways, including homologous recombination (HR) and single-strand annealing (SSA). We find that while HP1α and β stimulate HR and SSA, HP1γ has an inhibitory role. In addition, we show that the stimulatory role of HP1α and β in HDR is linked to the DNA-end resection step of DNA breaks, through the promotion of RPA loading and phosphorylation at damage sites. Altogether, our findings provide mechanistic insight into how human HP1 proteins participate in the recombination process, emerging as important chromatin regulators during HDR.
PMCID: PMC3587443 PMID: 23287531
DNA damage response; DNA end resection; DNA repair; HP1; chromatin; epigenetics; homologous recombination; non-histone chromatin proteins
16. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 signaling acts as a molecular switch between syngenic differentiation and neural transdifferentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):442-451.
Multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types from different germ layers. However, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying the transdifferentiation of MSCs into specific cell types still need to be elucidated. In this study, we unexpectedly found that treatment of human adipose- and bone marrow-derived MSCs with cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, in particular CDK4 inhibitor, selectively led to transdifferentiation into neural cells with a high frequency. Specifically, targeted inhibition of CDK4 expression using recombinant adenovial shRNA induced the neural transdifferentiation of human MSCs. However, the inhibition of CDK4 activity attenuated the syngenic differentiation of human adipose-derived MSCs. Importantly, the forced regulation of CDK4 activity showed reciprocal reversibility between neural differentiation and dedifferentiation of human MSCs. Together, these results provide novel molecular evidence underlying the neural transdifferentiation of human MSCs; in addition, CDK4 signaling appears to act as a molecular switch from syngenic differentiation to neural transdifferentiation of human MSCs.
PMCID: PMC3587445 PMID: 23324348
mesenchymal stem/stromal cells; transdifferentiation; cyclin-dependent kinase 4; neural cells; glial cells; cell cycle arrest; neurodegenerative disease
17. BET bromodomain-targeting compounds reactivate HIV from latency via a Tat-independent mechanism
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):452-462.
The therapeutic potential of pharmacologic inhibition of bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins has recently emerged in hematological malignancies and chronic inflammation. We find that BET inhibitor compounds (JQ1, I-Bet, I-Bet151 and MS417) reactivate HIV from latency. This is evident in polyclonal Jurkat cell populations containing latent infectious HIV, as well as in a primary T-cell model of HIV latency. Importantly, we show that this activation is dependent on the positive transcription elongation factor p-TEFb but independent from the viral Tat protein, arguing against the possibility that removal of the BET protein BRD4, which functions as a cellular competitor for Tat, serves as a primary mechanism for BET inhibitor action. Instead, we find that the related BET protein, BRD2, enforces HIV latency in the absence of Tat, pointing to a new target for BET inhibitor treatment in HIV infection. In shRNA-mediated knockdown experiments, knockdown of BRD2 activates HIV transcription to the same extent as JQ1 treatment, while a lesser effect is observed with BRD4. In single-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, quantitative analyses across ~2,000 viral integration sites confirm the Tat-independent effect of JQ1 and point to positive effects of JQ1 on transcription elongation, while delaying re-initiation of the polymerase complex at the viral promoter. Collectively, our results identify BRD2 as a new Tat-independent suppressor of HIV transcription in latently infected cells and underscore the therapeutic potential of BET inhibitors in the reversal of HIV latency.
PMCID: PMC3587446 PMID: 23255218
HIV; latency; Tat; JQ1; MS417; I-BET; I-BET151; P-TEFb; BRD4; BRD2
18. Immunosurveillance against tetraploidization-induced colon tumorigenesis
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):473-479.
Circumstantial evidence suggests that colon carcinogenesis can ensue the transient tetraploidization of (pre-)malignant cells. In line with this notion, the tumor suppressors APC and TP53, both of which are frequently inactivated in colon cancer, inhibit tetraploidization in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that—contrarily to their wild-type counterparts—Tp53−/− colonocytes are susceptible to drug-induced or spontaneous tetraploidization in vitro. Colon organoids generated from tetraploid Tp53−/− cells exhibit a close-to-normal morphology as compared to their diploid Tp53−/− counterparts, yet the colonocytes constituting these organoids are characterized by an increased cell size and an elevated expression of the immunostimulatory protein calreticulin on the cell surface. The subcutaneous injection of tetraploid Tp53−/− colon organoids led to the generation of proliferating tumors in immunodeficient, but not immunocompetent, mice. Thus, tetraploid Tp53−/− colonocytes fail to survive in immunocompetent mice and develop neoplastic lesions in immunocompromised settings only. These results suggest that tetraploidy is particularly oncogenic in the context of deficient immunosurveillance.
PMCID: PMC3587448 PMID: 23324343
apoptosis; cell cycle; cytochalasin D; mitotic catastrophe; nocodazole; p53
19. Creating a tumor-resistant microenvironment
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):480-490.
Here, we provide the necessary proof of concept, that it is possible to metabolically create a non-permissive or “hostile” stromal microenvironment, which actively prevents tumor engraftment in vivo. We developed a novel genetically engineered fibroblast cell line that completely prevents tumor formation in mice, with a 100% protection rate. No host side effects were apparent. This could represent a viable cellular strategy for preventing and treating a variety of human cancers. More specifically, we examined the autocrine and paracrine effects of the cellular delivery of TNFα on breast cancer tumor growth and cancer metabolism. For this purpose, we recombinantly overexpressed TNFα in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) or human immortalized fibroblasts (hTERT-BJ1). Our results directly show that TNFα functions as a potent tumor suppressor. Remarkably, TNFα-expressing breast cancer cells were viable, without any significant increases in their basal apoptotic rate. However, after 4 weeks post-implantation, TNFα-expressing breast cancer cells failed to form any tumors in xenografted mice (0 tumors/10 injections), ultimately conferring 100% protection against tumorigenesis. Similarly, TNFα-overexpressing fibroblasts were also viable, without any increases in apoptosis. Significantly, complete tumor suppression was obtained by co-injecting TNFα expressing stromal fibroblasts with human breast cancer cells, indicating that paracrine cell-mediated delivery of TNFα can also prevent tumor engraftment and growth (0 tumors/10 injections). Mechanistically, TNFα induced autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction in both epithelial cancer cells and stromal fibroblasts, preventing energy transfer from the tumor microenvironment, likely “starving” the cancer cells to death. In addition, via qRT-PCR analysis of MDA-MB-231 cells, we observed that TNFα mediated the upregulation of gene transcripts associated with inflammation and senescence [IL-1-β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, COX-2, p21(WAF1/CIP1)] and downregulated known tumor-promoting genes (collagen VI and MMP2). Recombinant overexpression of TNFα receptor(s) in MDA-MB-231 cells also significantly reduced tumor growth, but was not as effective as the TNFα ligand itself in preventing tumor growth. Thus, we propose that stromal cell-mediated delivery of TNFα to human tumors [using transfected fibroblasts or mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)] may be a novel and effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of human cancers.
PMCID: PMC3587449 PMID: 23292149
tumor necrosis factor (TNF); cancer prevention; cellular therapy; fibroblast mediated delivery; mitochondrial dysfunction; breast cancer; tumor growth; tumor cell engraftment; autophagy; apoptosis
20. Sorafenib selectively depletes human glioblastoma tumor-initiating cells from primary cultures
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):491-500.
Glioblastomas are grade IV brain tumors characterized by high aggressiveness and invasiveness, giving patients a poor prognosis. We investigated the effects of the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib on six cultures isolated from human glioblastomas and maintained in tumor initiating cells-enriching conditions. These cell subpopulations are thought to be responsible for tumor recurrence and radio- and chemo-resistance, representing the perfect target for glioblastoma therapy. Sorafenib reduces proliferation of glioblastoma cultures, and this effect depends, at least in part, on the inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, both involved in gliomagenesis. Sorafenib significantly induces apoptosis/cell death via downregulation of the survival factor Mcl-1. We provide evidence that sorafenib has a selective action on glioblastoma stem cells, causing enrichment of cultures in differentiated cells, downregulation of the expression of stemness markers required to maintain malignancy (nestin, Olig2 and Sox2) and reducing cell clonogenic ability in vitro and tumorigenic potential in vivo. The selectivity of sorafenib effects on glioblastoma stem cells is confirmed by the lower sensitivity of glioblastoma cultures after differentiation as compared with the undifferentiated counterpart. Since current GBM therapy enriches the tumor in cancer stem cells, the evidence of a selective action of sorafenib on these cells is therapeutically relevant, even if, so far, results from first phase II clinical trials did not demonstrate its efficacy.
PMCID: PMC3587450 PMID: 23324350
glioblastoma; sorafenib; therapy; tumor initiating cells; stemness; Mcl-1
21. TIPE2 deficiency accelerates neointima formation by downregulating smooth muscle cell differentiation
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):501-510.
Phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is known to play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms that mediate VSMC phenotypic switching are unclear. We report here that TIPE2, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TNFAIP8L2), plays an atheroprotective role by regulating phenotypic switching of VSMCs in response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) stimuli. TIPE2-deficient VSMCs treated with ox-LDL expressed lower levels of contractile proteins such as SMαA, SM-MHC and calponin, whereas the proliferation, migration and the synthetic capacity for growth factors and cytokines were increased remarkably. Furthermore, TIPE2 inhibited VSMCs proliferation by preventing G1/S phase transition. Interestingly, these effects of TIPE2 on VSMCs were dependent on P38 and ERK1/2 kinase signals. As a result, neointima formation was accelerated in the carotid arteries of TIPE2-deficient mice. These results indicate that TIPE2 is a potential inhibitor of atherosclerosis.
PMCID: PMC3587451 PMID: 23324338
TNFAIP8L2 (TIPE2); vascular smooth muscle cell; phenotypic switching; cell cycle; atherosclerosis
22. TLR2 enhances ovarian cancer stem cell self-renewal and promotes tumor repair and recurrence
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):511-521.
Primary ovarian cancer is responsive to treatment, but chemoresistant recurrent disease ensues in majority of patients. Recent compelling evidence demonstrates that a specific population of cancer cells, the cancer stem cells, initiates and sustains tumors. It is therefore possible that this cell population is also responsible for recurrence. We have shown previously that CD44+/MyD88+ epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells (CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells) are responsible for tumor initiation. In this study, we demonstrate that this population drives tumor repair following surgery- and chemotherapy-induced tumor injury. Using in vivo and in vitro models, we also demonstrate that during the process of tumor repair, CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells undergo self-renewal as evidenced by upregulation of stemness-associated genes. More importantly, we show that a pro-inflammatory microenvironment created by the TLR2-MyD88-NFκB pathway supports EOC stem cell-driven repair and self-renewal. Overall, our findings point to a specific cancer cell population, the CD44+/MyD88+ EOC stem cells and a specific pro-inflammatory pathway, the TLR2-MyD88-NFκB pathway, as two of the required players promoting tumor repair, which is associated with enhanced cancer stem cell load. Identification of these key players is the first step in elucidating the steps necessary to prevent recurrence in EOC patients.
PMCID: PMC3587452 PMID: 23324344
ovarian cancer stem cells; recurrence; tumor repair; TLR2; self-renewal
23. Depletion of K-Ras promotes proteasome degradation of survivin
Cell Cycle 2013;12(3):522-532.
Mutant K-Ras and survivin both contribute to oncogenesis, but little is known about K-Ras requirement for the maintenance of the high levels of survivin in human tumors. Here we demonstrate that K-Ras depletion significantly decreases survivin levels in human cancer cells that harbor mutant but not wild type K-Ras. K-Ras depletion attenuates both basal and drug-induced survivin levels. The mechanism by which K-Ras depletion decreases survivin levels is through ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of survivin and is independent of survivin-Thr-34 phosphorylation. Depletion of RalA and RalB, but not Raf-1, Akt1 and Akt2, decreases survivin levels, suggesting that K-Ras may regulate survivin stability through its RalGDS/Ral but not PI3K/Akt and Raf-1/Mek effector pathways. Furthermore, the ability of mutant K-Ras to induce anchorage-independent growth, invasion and survival is compromised by depletion of survivin. These studies suggest that mutant K-Ras contributes to the maintenance of the aberrantly high levels of survivin in tumors by regulating its stability, and that the ability of mutant K-Ras to induce malignant transformation is, at least in part, dependent on these high levels of survivin.
PMCID: PMC3587453 PMID: 23324341
K-Ras; Survivin; apoptosis; cancer; proteasome; protein degradation
25. The mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase and the lipogenic switch
Cell Cycle 2013;12(2):207-218.
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells share some basic properties, such as self-renewal and pluripotency, with cancer cells, and they also appear to share several metabolic alterations that are commonly observed in human tumors. The cancer cells’ glycolytic phenotype, first reported by Otto Warburg, is necessary for the optimal routing of somatic cells to pluripotency. However, how iPS cells establish a Warburg-like metabolic phenotype and whether the metabolic pathways that support the bioenergetics of iPS cells are produced by the same mechanisms that are selected during the tumorigenic process remain largely unexplored. We recently investigated whether the reprogramming-competent metabotype of iPS cells involves changes in the activation/expression status of the H+-ATPase, which is a core component of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation that is repressed at both the activity and protein levels in human carcinomas, and of the lipogenic switch, which refers to a marked overexpression and hyperactivity of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACACA) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) lipogenic enzymes that has been observed in nearly all examined cancer types. A comparison of a starting population of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and their iPS cell progeny revealed that somatic cell reprogramming involves a significant increase in the expression of ATPase inhibitor factor 1 (IF1), accompanied by extremely low expression levels of the catalytic β-F1-ATPase subunit. The pharmacological inhibition of ACACA and FASN activities markedly decreases reprogramming efficiency, and ACACA and FASN expression are notably upregulated in iPS cells. Importantly, iPS cells exhibited a significant intracellular accumulation of neutral lipid bodies; however, these bodies may be a reflection of intense lysosomal/autophagocytic activity rather than bona fide lipid droplet formation in iPS cells, as they were largely unresponsive to pharmacological modulation of PPARgamma and FASN activities. The AMPK agonist metformin, which endows somatic cells with a bioenergetic infrastructure that is protected against reprogramming, was found to drastically elongate fibroblast mitochondria, fully reverse the high IF1/β-F1-ATPase ratio and downregulate the ACACA/FASN lipogenic enzymes in iPS cells. The mitochondrial H+-ATP synthase and the ACACA/FASN-driven lipogenic switch are newly characterized as instrumental metabolic events that, by coupling the Warburg effect to anabolic metabolism, enable de-differentiation during the reprogramming of somatic cells to iPS cells.
PMCID: PMC3575450 PMID: 23287468
iPS cells; bioenergetics; Warburg effect; mitochondria; glycolysis; H+-ATP synthase; IF1; fatty acid synthase; acetyl CoA carboxylase; lipogenesis; SSEA1
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0.376594 | <urn:uuid:26d5cb46-6859-4849-a40d-296124a0ffbd> | en | 0.993203 | where the writers are
Dad is 92; he was born in 1919 and served in WWII in the Army Air Corps. Every year his squadron still holds a reunion and every year he still wants to go. I think my mother is glad she doesn't have to go any more. Every time I phone him, or see him he always has a story; usually the story is from Australia, where he was stationed. I am fond of these stories, even though I've heard them a hundred and more times. My sister and brothers not so much.
My mind doesn't have a favorite. There's one, though, that I think is his favorite. He tells it over and over. My dad drove a jeep to town every day for supplies. It had more gears than he was familiar with and he would always grind a few for the fellows to eat that night. He was the only one they trusted to go to town for the supplies because he didn't drink and he didn't smoke; a really boring man if you ask me-until he tells the story of the woman with the little girl that called him Daddy! Well, this looks like the makings for a boring story but it is anything but, it goes something like this:
"I was driving to town and had this hill I had to go down to get up the next one. I put my foot to the pedal and went flying down. At the bottom I met another jeep and it was the commander. I was kicking up so much dust and dirt I didn't see who it was, but they sure did see me. I heard about it when I got back to base. By the time I was nearing the top of the next hill I could barely make it. But you you see, when I came back one time it was a good thing because I was dodging a couple of airstrikes; Oh,Yeah; those were the days. But I never did miss a run. And I always got the supplies back on time." Then without skipping a beat he would go right into the next story about stripping the paint from the planes and repainting them so they were lighter and could make it to Japan from the carriers. Or the coral being so white you could see it from the air at night and how they had to take care of that on the landing strip! And yes then there was that Australian school teacher...
"Oh, Yeah" I've heard them all and isn't that beautiful. My dad is still alive at 92 to tell his stories to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and maybe if he lives ...well probably not but I can tell them. | http://redroom.com/member/denisewhite/blog/ninety-two | dclm-gs1-086400001 | false | false | {
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0.018722 | <urn:uuid:018e3e5e-429d-4fd8-ab01-605a1f91c70f> | en | 0.948254 | Seeking Alpha
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Last July, I penned Part I of this article, suggesting that consumer discretionary would underperform energy E&P firms due to higher energy prices stealing limited opportunity dollars from consumer budgets.
The investment thesis is still intact. Higher consumer energy prices and higher taxes, instigated by escalating oil prices, higher cost to produce alternative energy, and increased taxpayer funded subsidies for alternative energy projects, will ripple through the economy. Higher traditional energy prices will become a drag on consumer discretionary spending.
The update is two fold:
Not much has changed to dramatically increase the US domestic supply of oil. Natural gas is virtually gushing out of the ground on its own, but there is no government drive for preferred fuel conversion. Natural gas for transportation should be a no-brainer, but it is not. Alternative energy is still more expensive and still achieves the rare status of taxpayer support for its lifeline. The Keystone XL pipeline from Cushing to Port Arthur and Houston is still being debated. The State of NY continues its moratorium on hydro-fracing.
Oil prices are 30% higher than when Part I was published. This will begin to negatively impact consumers, but it also tends to close the gap with higher priced alternatives. However, natural gas is still in the doldrums, and is substantially less expensive than solar or wind for generating electricity.
The tug of war between traditional energy and alternative energy continues. Investors should be better positioned, seeking companies in the traditional energy field.
Part I suggested investors review Apache (APA), Conoco-Phillips (COP), Suncor (SU), Dorchester Minerals (DMLP), ATP Oil and Gas (ATPG), and GMX Resources (GMXR). Part II adds Norwegian deep-water driller SeaDrill Limited (SDRL) and Canadian fracing services provider GasFrac (OTCPK:GSFVF), (GSF.TO), along with nuclear power producer Exelon (EXC).
SeaDrill Limited is currently valued at a 30% discount to its US peers, and in line with its Norwegian peers. SDRL operates submersibles, semi-submersibles, and jack up rigs. Their fleet is one of the newest, which is critical for better day rates and lower maintenance costs. Their high debt is reflective of their fleet’s low age. SDRL offers a 5.1% dividend yield, almost 70% higher than its US peers. Like many in the drilling business, SDRL has seen a great run recently, and could be considered fully valued. While dividend growth will slow a bit in the foreseeable future, the above average current yield compensates investors while earnings grow at low-double digits rates.
GasFrac provides unconventional fracing services to the unconventional horizontal drillers. Rather than using water for the process, GasFrac injects a propane gel. The gel was developed by Chevron (CVX) and is licensed to GasFrac, and the company has patents pending on its injection equipment. According to the company, this process is exempt from the NY moratorium. More information can be found here.
Exelon is the largest nuclear power producer in the US. Due to the economic slowdown, electricity demand has fallen with an especially weak 4th quarter. Add lower demand with lower natural gas powered electricity generation costs, and the overall wholesale market becomes depressed. As natural gas pricing firms over the next two years, and as electricity demand improves, EXC should see a rebound in electricity pricing and profitability.
As the traditional energy sector continues to strengthen, the consumer discretionary sector will continue to underperform. The sector includes hotels, travel and tourism, consumer retailing especially high-end, household durables, and automobiles.
Below is a 5-yr chart of the SPDR Energy (XLE) and SPDR Consumer Discretionary (XLY) ETFs, along with the S&P 500:
click to enlarge
In Jan 07, there was the beginning of a divergence between XLE and XLY. As energy prices rose into mid-08, consumer discretionary fell. Since early Oct last year, XLE has outperformed XLY. Consumer discretionary spending may be at an inflection point with XLY positioned to roll over, similar to 2007.
Every spike in oil prices since the first “oil shock” of the early 1970s has been followed by a recession. With the domestic economy 70% reliant on consumer spending, there needs to be a balance between strong oil markets and consumer spending so as not to tip the scales towards general economic interruption.
Let’s hope the current political turmoil in the Middle East does not tip the scales past the inflection point. If that becomes the case, both energy and consumer discretionary will suffer.
Source: Go Overweight E&P and Underweight Consumer Discretionary, Part II | http://seekingalpha.com/article/254661-go-overweight-e-p-and-underweight-consumer-discretionary-part-ii | dclm-gs1-086450001 | false | false | {
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0.117633 | <urn:uuid:197b3641-91ba-4205-85d8-437f8904a9c1> | en | 0.94953 | Forgot your password?
Comment: I'll buy one when... (Score 2) 236
by ameline (#46348869) Attached to: Tesla Used A Third of All Electric-Car Batteries Last Year
I'll buy one when I can get a consistently reliable 500 mile range (at -20 degrees C exterior temperature, +20 interior, with headlights on too) out of it. Recharge at 40 to 60A (230V) at home is acceptable. That likely means a 200 kwh battery pack. So about 2.5x increase in energy density over what we have now. This will probably be available in the next 10 years. The advantages of electric given this sort of range will all but kill other powertrains for most cars. Those advantages will easily pay for a battery swapout every 5 years or so.
Comment: Re:That's unfortunate (Score 2) 430
by ameline (#45869941) Attached to: Cairo 2D Graphics May Become Part of ISO C++
Why are all the insightful posts in this thread being modded "funny"?
C++ is *way* too big a language already. It's got the PL/1 problem (yeah, get off my lawn) -- when everyone only understands 0.8 of your language (or some amount under 1.0) it winds up being a different 0.8 for everyone. And this means that virtually any programmer will write code that is unreadable to another. (and if there is one thing that over 25 years of programming has taught me is that code readability trumps almost everything else).
Interestingly enough, IBM created PL.8 (an 80% subset of PL/1) for internal use. The original XL compiler back-end for RS6000/PPC was written in PL.8
/ Really -- my lawn -- get off of it!
Comment: They should be much more paranoid. (Score 5, Interesting) 153
by ameline (#45445271) Attached to: How Big Companies Can Hamper the Surveillance Infrastructure
They aren't getting *nearly* paranoid enough. They should be encrypting the data on disk, on network connections between machines in the *same* data center, not just between centers. In fact the data should remain encrypted at all times unless absolutely necessary to have in clear-text to process it -- and that should never leave the CPU. It should remain clear-text only for the absolutely minimum time required.
They should assume that hostile agencies (foreign *and* domestic) have tapped every last network link they own. As well as most routers and processing machines. They should also assume that some small percentage of their workforce are working on behalf of one of these adversaries. Given these assumptions they should design a system that can remain as secure as possible given these circumstances.
Merely encrypting the network links between their data centers is not nearly enough to thwart the likes of the NSA, CSEC, GCHQ or other nameless agencies.
Comment: Is this where I get to feel smug? (Score 1) 228
by ameline (#45120581) Attached to: D-Link Router Backdoor Vulnerability Allows Full Access To Settings
Apple's AirPort line of routers is one of the few consumer grade families of network gear that are not abandonware -- updates are provided fairly regularly. I believe that under the covers they're running VxWorks with a custom IP stack from Apple. As far as I know, there are no back-doors or security problems with them. (I would not be at all surprised to find out that the NSA has infiltrated one -- they are designed and the firware is written in the USA.) I've been using them for years -- they're very reliable -- never need to be rebooted, and they perform well. Yes, they cost a little more, but then it looks like you get what you pay for. -- Ian.
Comment: Re:Kudos to AMD for this, but... (Score 0) 117
by ameline (#42801523) Attached to: AMD Publishes Open-Source Radeon HD 8000 Series Driver
Pedant. :-)
How about comparing on the most recently available hardware...
My point is that, while open source drivers are a good thing, they are of limited usefulness unless they are competitive with closed source ones for performance, stability and completeness of functionality.
The amount of beauty required launch 1 ship = 1 Millihelen | http://slashdot.org/~ameline | dclm-gs1-086560001 | false | false | {
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0.045712 | <urn:uuid:867618b5-a6cc-4e4e-be08-61793b7eeba6> | en | 0.955325 | SI Vault
Wild in the Streets
Franz Lidz
March 18, 2002
Once a year a sleepy Derbyshire town awakens to two days of licensed mayhem
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March 18, 2002
Wild In The Streets
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It's a brisk, wet morning in Ashbourne, England, and the pint of ale being poured by the bartender at the Green Man pub has the tawny tint of an heirloom watch. He pushes the glass to a burly yob in a ripped rugby sweater who shouts, "To Up'ards!" At the other end of the bar a doughty yob whose T-shirt sports a snarling British bulldog raises a pint the lovely walnut color of fine old furniture. "To Down'ards!" he barks.
These yobs are not toasting Midlands pharmaceuticals but rather Royal Shrovetide Football, an ancient game that annually pits Ashbournians from north of the River Henmore against their counterparts down under. A sort of eight-hour rolling brawl, it's a cross between rugby, soccer and civil war.
Every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in this Georgian market town, hundreds of players lock themselves into an enormous scrum—or hug—then kick and squirm their way through narrow streets, fishponds and irate gardeners' flower beds. In a series of hard-fought scrimmages that are beautifully brainless if not heroic, the grunting, tussling, spluttering tangle of arms and legs scrambles for possession of a 3�-pound, cork-filled leather ball.
There are no referees, no penalties and no holds barred. People have been known to crack ribs and break legs—and that's just the spectators. Fierce private fistfights flare up about every three minutes. "Shrovetide football is called a friendly game," said Mark Heath, one of the dozens of bobbies on hand for this year's festivities, "but it's really about settling old scores."
Rules are few: Churchyards or cemeteries are off-limits; the ball cannot be conveyed by a motorized vehicle; play must end by 10 p.m., regardless of whether either side has scored; manslaughter is strictly prohibited. In the old days the goals were two water mills, each a mile and a half from the center of town. You "goaled" the ball by tapping it three times against the mill wheel. Eventually the mills were torn down, and in 1920 stone posts were erected—in the Henmore. To goal the ball, you have to get soaked.
Similar games are played in towns throughout the British Isles—in Kirkwall, on Scotland's Orkney Island, it's called the Ba' Game and takes place each Christmas and New Year's Day; the Cornish towns of St. Ives and St. Columb come out for Hurling the Silver Ball. Though the origin of such contests is strongly disputed, many believe they date from before the Norman Conquest and that the ball was originally a head, tossed to the crowd after a public execution. In 1314 Edward II tried to ban the competitions from London; 35 years later Edward III attempted to outlaw the game altogether because it was disturbing his archery practice. In the 16th century Philip Stubbs described Shrovetide football as "bloody murdering practice, rather than a fellowly sport or pastime." Indeed, the Ashbourne event was briefly banned in 1878 after a man drowned, and 18 landowners signed a notice forbidding the game to take place on their property.
Still, the sport survived and even prospered, and when the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, tossed out the ball (called "turning up") at the opening ceremony in 1928, the event officially earned the designation Royal Shrovetide Football. Prince Charles was enlisted as royal turn-up for this year's Ash Wednesday game but begged off to attend the funeral of his aunt Princess Margaret.
In the hours before this year's Shrove Tuesday match, shopkeepers boarded their windows in fearful anticipation of the mayhem about to erupt. Just after noon some 400 locals gathered at the Green Man for the traditional pregame meal of tomato soup, roast beef and boiled potatoes. They sang the Shrovetide Song, the chorus of which goes:
It's a good old game,
Deny it who can,
That tries the pluck of an Englishman.
By 2 p.m. the diners had reassembled at a nearby parking lot, where the turn-upper, local dignitary Simon Plumbly, stood on a plinth and lobbed the ball above the heads of a mass of waiting players, their voices joined in a primal roar. A knot of the 50 bravest swallowed up the ball, while another 200 pushed and pulled on the fringes. From then on, the brightly colored ball was rarely seen, lost beneath the flailing-limbed carnage of the heaving hug. You could follow the ball's progress by watching the steam rise off players in the middle of the scrum.
Continue Story
1 2 | http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1025155/index.htm | dclm-gs1-086580001 | false | false | {
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0.322278 | <urn:uuid:e4387c09-9719-43d1-b002-fb5990d2805b> | en | 0.872944 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
Is it possible to play mpeg, avi, divx or other video types in Flex or do they need to be converted?
I've looked around and I can only find that flv files are supported.
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Short answer: No.
Long answer:
From "Programming Flex 3" (O'Reilly), p. 295:
Flash Player supports four video codecs: H.264, On2 VP6, Sorenson Spark and Screen. Unless you have existing encoded Flash video, the H.264 codec will be optimal, as it currently has the best support for high-quality video playback
To display video that is encoded as any of the above, the Flex framework uses the VideoDisplay component which expects a flv file as an argument.
The VideoDisplay component is in the Flex language reference here and for completeness, have a look at the Adobe forum thread linked to from Tanmay's answer.
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no, by flash alone no. you either have to convert them in flv or stream them somehow in flv format.
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This question was discussed in Adobe forum
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0.201187 | <urn:uuid:40a34e8e-b5e5-41dd-8aa9-a7eec9434df2> | en | 0.857467 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
I have an android app with some package name. (like com.example.name) But I would like to run the app in a process under some other name (like com.example.othername). BTW, I do not have another app with package name com.example.othername. How do I achieve this?
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up vote 0 down vote accepted
You probably want to use the android:process attribute on the <application> tag in your manifest file.
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| http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5236062/how-to-have-a-process-name-different-from-package-name-for-android-app/5236106 | dclm-gs1-086680001 | false | false | {
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0.349463 | <urn:uuid:45436015-ae1b-4ba5-8e59-ddf47fb1a144> | en | 0.932337 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
Read in text books that there are mainly two file access methods; sequential and direct. Which one we are using in Linux?
In read command we are giving the how much bytes to read and to which buffer. So we are having sequential access in Linux?
But physically we have files stored is blocks? I couldnt relate to it.
Whether direct access possible in Linux?
I read about these access models in Operating System Concepts by Galvin
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up vote 3 down vote accepted
Both are possible.
When you do a read on an ordinary file, it does read the file sequentially, advancing the file pointer each time by the right amount.
But you can also use seek to move to an arbitrary point in the file.
Not all files support random/direct access. Pipes for instance are typically only sequential access (you can't rewind or skip forward).
So pretty much everything is possible, but some file types have restrictions.
(File access with direct I/O (O_DIRECT flag) is a different concept altogether.)
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You can certainly read/write from an arbitrary position in an open (disc) file.
There are a number of methods of doing random IO, which are optimised for different kinds of usage.
• The simplest method is seek() followed by read() or write(). The file pointer moves on by the amount of bytes read/written, and it can allow sequential IO following a random jump. Consider seek() as logically spinning the an old "reel-to-reel" tape drive (even though we don't have these any more).
• The pread and pwrite system calls combine seek() and read/write(), specifically for use in multithreaded programs (where two syscalls would result in a race condition). They don't change the file pointer, so you can think of it logically just taking or putting a random bit of data.
• mmap() maps a file into memory - where you can then do with it, what you will, using conventional pointer/ memory manipulation (for example, memset, memcpy, etc).
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0.217253 | <urn:uuid:df3d5388-500b-41b3-9eb7-b21d48451eb6> | en | 0.704078 | Take the 2-minute tour ×
This is a follow-up question to Javier's answer on a solution for working topmarks here: How to add “cont.” section title to the top of pages?
@Javier: could you please elaborate on your idea of how you implemented topmarks in titleps? I used titleps and it does work except for two things:
• I need the literal contents of \topshortmark\indexthumb for use in \int_from_alph:n { \topshortmark\indexthumb }, for instance, but instead I get the switching mechanism with \@namedef. If I use etex's \newmarks directly, then I get the true contents but the \topmark is wrong.
• Also, when using the \xspace macro in the mark contents, \ifsamemark breaks with an "Undefined control sequence" error.
So I want to implement the titleps \topmarks without the switching mechanism.
Following a hint from Javier, I tried the following setup, however, that didn't quite work yet:
\NewDocumentCommand \indexsection {m} {
\hskip 0pt plus 1fil { #1 } \hskip 0pt plus 1fil
\fancytab{#1}{\int_from_alph:n {#1}}
\typeout{INT:~ \topextramarks{indexmark} \int_from_alph:n { \indexthumb } }
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The basic mechanism is that explained in the TeXbook. (1) Use the "normal" extramarks, and then write \topextramarks \int_from_alph:n { \indexthumb } (untested). (2) It seems a bug - I'll have a look at it. – Javier Bezos Mar 13 '12 at 14:38
Well, no, that wasn't my question because this is LaTeX, not TeX. The output routine is what messes up the topmarks and that is why I wanted to know how you found your way around that, making topmarks possible anyway. Sadly, I also wasn't able to get (1) to work, could you please show me the exact command? I tried \topextramarks{indexmark} \int_from_alph:n {\indexthumb} but that is interpreted as two separate commands and gives me the current \indexthumb, not the topmark one. – MiB Mar 14 '12 at 19:11
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up vote 1 down vote accepted
Ok, so I did the research myself. The answer to my question is SO simple that I am wondering if I didn't pose it well enough. It suddenly struck me like lightning: if \firstmark works in LaTeX and \topmark doesn't, then one just has to keep a list of all marks, enter it at \firstmark and then move back one item. Or, which is equivalent, keep the predecessor of each mark in the mark itself and use that when accessing the mark with \topmark.
I have now read ttlps.def and that is exactly what it is doing. I wasn't able to fix the two problems in titleps that I mentioned above, so I just rewrote and minimized it the way I need it:
%%% extra marks %%%
\cs_generate_variant:Nn \tl_if_eq:nnTF { xxTF }
\tl_if_eq:xxTF { #1#2 } { \firstshortmark#2 }
{ \expandafter\use_i:nn }
{ \expandafter\use_ii:nn }
% ttl@mkc@\a = the (macro)name for the e-tex counter for markset \a
% ttl@mks@\a = contents of a markset \a
% ttl@premks@\a = contents of the previous item of markset \a
% arg: macro, containing the current section etc.
\extramark{\string#1} % initialize empty mark
% arg: macro or name to identify the markset
% \newmarkset
% defines the ttl@mkc@#1 counter with \newmarks
% defines \ttl@mks@#1 (to be empty)
% defines ttl@premks@#1 to be \ttl@mks@#1
% define a counter for a new markset called ttl@mkc@#1
\expandafter\newmarks\csname ttl@mkc@#1\endcsname
% \def \ttl@mks@#1 {}
% #1: markset name (macro as string: \string\macro)
% #2: \macro
% def \ttl@a to be the macro name (without the \)
% call \ttl@newmk@ii {\ttl@a} {#1}
% #1: markset name (macro as string without \)
% #2: macro as string
\expandafter\let\csname ttl@mks@#2\endcsname\ttl@a
% #1: markset name
% the usual \mark
\marks\csname ttl@mkc@#1\endcsname{
\expandafter\xdef\csname ttl@premks@#1\endcsname {\@nameuse{ttl@mks@#1}}
\marks\csname ttl@mkc@#1\endcsname{%
{\csname ttl@mks@#1\endcsname}%
{\csname ttl@premks@#1\endcsname}}%
% #1: the markset name (or macro)
\expandafter\use_ii:nn\firstmarks\csname ttl@mkc@#1\endcsname
\expandafter\use_i:nn\firstmarks\csname ttl@mkc@#1\endcsname
I wanted to do it completely in LaTeX3 (I love the syntax! So much easier!) but just didn't have time yet. The code can now be used like this:
which will add a (continued) to the header if a list of subitems or of page numbers is broken onto a new page. I would have loved to add another mainitem to the index but really, that output routine is beyond me...
And regarding the literal contents, I can now write:
\tl_if_empty:xTF { \topshortmark\indexthumb }
\fancytab{ \topshortmark\indexthumb }{ \int_from_alph:n { \topshortmark\indexthumb } }
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0.143236 | <urn:uuid:149db375-fa61-4f30-bdc9-a0ffee583078> | en | 0.975952 | or Login to see your representatives.
Public Statements
Remarks by the President on College Affordability, Syracuse NY
Location: Syracuse, NY
Can everybody give Emilio a big round of applause for a great introduction? (Applause.) I think Emilio's parents are probably here. Where are Emilio's parents? Wave your hands. There they are right there. He did pretty good, didn't he? We're very proud of him. We might have to run him for something.
THE PRESIDENT: I love you back. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: I hear you. I got you.
And we've got to create as many pathways as possible for people to succeed as long as they're willing to work hard. That's what's always made America great. We don't judge ourselves just by how many billionaires we produce. We've got to focus on our ability to make sure that everybody who works hard has a chance to pursue their own measure of happiness.
And in that project, in that work, there aren't a lot of things that are more important than making sure people get a good education. That is key to upward mobility. That is key to a growing economy. That is key to a strong middle class. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Love you back. (Laughter.)
Now, everybody here knows that. That's why you're here. That's why a lot of your families are making big sacrifices to send kids to college. You understand that in the face of global competition, a great education is more important than ever. A higher education is the single best investment you can make in your future. (Applause.) Single best. And I'm proud of all of the students who are working toward that goal.
And in case any of you are wondering whether it's a good investment, think about these statistics: The unemployment rate for Americans with at least a college degree is about a third lower than the national average. The incomes of people with at least a college degree are more than twice what the incomes are of Americans who don't have a high school diploma. So more than ever before, some form of higher education -- two year, four year, technical college -- that's the path into the middle class.
But the main reason I'm here is to talk about the fact that we've seen a barrier and a burden to too many American families, and that's the soaring cost of higher education. (Applause.) The fact is, college has never been more necessary, but it's also never been more expensive.
Think about this: Over the past three decades, the average tuition at a four-year public college has risen by more than 250 percent. The typical family income has gone up 16 percent. So I wasn't a math major, but let's just think about it -- college costs, 250 percent; incomes, 16 percent. What that means is, is that more and more, it's getting harder and harder for students to be able to afford that college education. And families are making bigger and bigger sacrifices -- including a lot of parents who are putting off their own retirement, their own savings, because they're trying to help their kids afford a college education.
The average student who borrows for college now graduates owing more than $26,000. And a lot of young people owe a lot more than that. I've heard from a lot of these young people, and they're frustrated because they're saying to themselves, we've done everything our society told us we were supposed to do, but crushing debt is crippling our ability to get started in our lives after we graduate. It's crippling our self-reliance and the dreams that we had.
At a time when higher education has never been more important or more expensive, too many students face a choice they should not have to make: Either they say no to college, or they pay the price of going to college and ending up with debt that they're not sure will pay off. And that's not a choice that we should ask young people to make. That's not a choice we should accept.
Then we set up a consumer watchdog that's already helping families and students sort through all the financial options so they really understand them and they're not ripped off by shady lenders. And we're providing more tools and resources for students and families trying to finance college. And, by the way, high school seniors, you guys want to start figuring this stuff out -- go to studentaid.gov. That's a website -- studentaid.gov. And it will give you a sense of what's available out there.
So, now, that's all a good start. But it's not enough. The system we have right now is unsustainable, because if it keeps on going up 250 percent a year, your incomes are only going up 16 percent -- not 250 percent a year -- over a decade -- but your incomes are only going up 16 percent, it's just at a certain point, it will break the bank. There won't be enough federal aid to make up for the difference. And families, at a certain point, aren't going to be able to send their kids to school.
And state legislatures, they can't just keep cutting support for public college and universities. Colleges can't just keep raising tuition year after year, and pushing these state cutbacks on to students and families, and federal taxpayers are not going to be able to make up all the difference.
Our economy can't afford the trillion dollars -- $1 trillion in outstanding student loan debt. Because when young people have that much debt, that means they can't buy a home. It means they can't start the business that maybe they've got a great idea for. And we can't price the middle class and everybody working to get into the middle class out of a college education. (Applause.) It will put our young generation of workers at a competitive disadvantage for years.
So what are we going to do about it? Today what I've done is propose major new reforms that will shake up the current system. We want to create better incentives for colleges to do more with less and to deliver better value for our students and their families.
And some of these reforms won't be popular for every -- with everybody, because some folks are making out just fine under the status quo. But my concern is not to look out just for the institutions; I want to look out for the students who these institutions exist to serve. (Applause.) And I think -- I've got confidence that our country's colleges and universities will step up to the plate if they're given the right incentives. They, too, should want to do the right thing for students.
So let me be specific. Here are three things we're going to do. Number one, I'm directing my administration to come up with a new ratings system for colleges that will score colleges on opportunity --- whether they're helping students from all kinds of backgrounds succeed; and on outcomes -- whether students are graduating with manageable debt; whether they're actually graduating in the first place; whether they have strong career potential when they graduate. That's the kind of information that will help students and parents figure out how much value a particular college truly offers.
So down the road we're going to use these ratings, we hope by working with Congress, to change how we allocate federal aid for colleges. And we're going to deliver on a promise that I made last year -- colleges that keep their tuition down are the ones that will see their taxpayer funding go up. We've got to stop subsidizing schools that are not getting good results, start rewarding schools that deliver for the students and deliver for America's future. That's our goal. (Applause.)
Some are trying what you're doing right here in Syracuse --- creating partnerships between high schools and colleges, so students can get an early jump on their degree. They can graduate faster. That means they're paying less in tuition. I want to see more schools and states get in the game, so more students can get an education that costs less but still maintains high quality. And we know it can be done. It's just we got to get everybody doing it, not just a few schools or a few cities around the country. That's the second goal. (Applause.)
Number three: We're going to make sure that if you've taken on debt to earn your degree that you can manage and afford it. Nobody wants to take on debt, but even if we do a good job controlling tuition costs, some young people are still going to have to take out some loans. But we think of that as a good investment because it pays off in time --- as long as it stays manageable, as long as you can pay it back.
And I sure don't want young people not being able to buy a home, or get married, or start a business because they're so loaded down with debt. So what we've done is two years ago, I capped loan repayments at 10 percent of a student's income after college. We called it "pay as you earn." And so far this, along with a few other programs, has helped more than 2.5 million students.
But right now, a lot of current and former students aren't eligible, so we want to work with Congress to fix that so that we got a lot more people who are eligible for this program. And then the problem is a lot of young people don't know this program exists. So we're going to do a better job advertising this program so that you will never have to pay more than 10 percent of your yearly income in servicing your debt.
And if you're involved in public service or non-for-profits, then at some point that debt gets forgiven because you're giving back to society in other ways. (Applause.) So we're going to launch a campaign to help borrowers learn more about their options. We want every student to have the chance to pay back their loans in a way that doesn't stop them from pursuing their dreams.
So if we move forward on these three points -- increasing value, making sure that young people and their parents know what they're getting when they go to college; encouraging innovation so that more colleges are giving better value; and then helping people responsibly manage their debt -- then we're going to help more students afford college. We're going to help more students graduate from college. We'll help more students get rid of their debt so they can get started on their lives. (Applause.)
And we've come a long way together over these past four years. I intend to keep us moving forward on this and every other issue. We're going to keep pushing to build a better bargain for the middle class and everybody who's fighting to join the middle class. And we're going to keep fighting to make sure that this country remains a country where hard work and studying and responsibility are rewarded. We're going to make sure that no matter who you are, or where you come from, or who you love, or what your last name is -- (applause) -- in the United States you can make it if you try. (Applause.)
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0.02655 | <urn:uuid:87401b21-bb55-4447-8264-bda2a4ddca66> | en | 0.975354 | Points: 0
Cover Story: It Came From Outer Space!
Phil Butcher
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Salutations and Salivation
Hi, my name is Phil Butcher. Like many of you, I have a lot of thoughts on the gaming industry. Unlike a lot of you, I put them into words. Trite, barely literate rants, that is what I do. Enjoy.
Placeholders Be Damned
Posted: August 20, 2005
Ok, It has been a busy week. Had gotten back from my girlfriends house and then had to help her move into her dorm. Since she is back in school, it means I have to be somewhat more social and less trollish, and so it took me a few days to update.
I do not think I will talk about soundtracks, as previously advertised, but I will in the coming days. I already have notes I have taken about it, so it will drop. Like anyone cares.
Instead, It will be random topic Wednesday.
Nintendo:Talking the...hmm, Nevermind
Just read an article on IGN (strike one for me today) between their GC guy and Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs, Perrin Kaplan. It is always somewhat interesting to hear what Nintendo, and in specific Kaplan, have to say one certain matters, this time the 360. I say specifically her because everytime NIntendo does something WACKY, like postponing Zelda, she is right there to make it seem as if nothing is wrong and that they are treading water just fine. I bring up this article because she said something that kind of got to me. [Talking about Microsoft's working with more Japanese talent this time around] "Microsoft has had no success in the Japan market and they were required to attract such developers in order to have a chance in the market. Further, those developers won't be making software for that system that are currently known and loved on other systems, such as Kirby."
Just let that sink in for a second. Nintendo thinks that they won't be successful because they are not rehashing the same franchises right out of the box? They will fail because developers who have proven themselves time and again are wanting to bring a new product to people? I don't know about anyone else, but those new franchises from Japanese giants (Square, Q!, Sega, ETC) are the reason I am so excited about the damn thing in the first place. Bring on the Blue Dragon! I think that the new collaberation, along with their [Microsoft's] new push in Japan will make a big difference this time around.
But really, let's not leave it to these unknown franchises to not sell the system, let's look at some other "risks" they are taking. Gears of War? No, please don't give us an innovative shooter (that will likely be cloned by every other company once it shoots off like a rocket and becomes THE killer APP in the American Xbox360 lineup). Please don't give us games like Condemned, where we might have to actually think and/or pay attention! Don't get me wrong, I am not meaning to trash Nintendo (a company that I have always loved and likely always will), but on the subject of your beloved characters, how many times can you whore out Mario, Link, DK before it stops being fun and "innovative." It is like they have they had a board meeting and said, "Hey, if they like Mario in this game, they will love him in these other 12. Maybe it will take their mind off of the fact that, besides Zelda, we don't really put out any truely killer apps anymore. Why put out a new Mario platformer when you can shoehorn him into some watered down sports title or force him to have another party?" Seriously. New franchises, please, or at least put your characters in a game worthy of their name (not just Link!) /rant (as the cool kids on the message boards say)
Revolutionary...maybe...someday...You'll see...
Another note to Nintendo (do you like how I talk directly to them even though there is more chance of a naked rejuvenated Raquel Welch falling through my ceiling directly onto my face than them ever seeing anything I have to say? Me too!): the 360, it's tech is locked. You know exactly the features it has. No time to put in anything new. PS3? They have their specs down. They might fine tune them (aka work to make them cheap to produce) a bit before their launch, but really, they are pretty much locked down too. So, it has to be asked, who are you afraid will steal your designs? The Phantom? If you don't have any concrete specs or a finalized controller, will you just tell us that is the case instead of playing this "Sony has ripped us off time and again and we don't want it to happen again game"? It is true that Sony has pretty unceremonially stolen your best gaming additions (shoulder buttons, analog, rumble), but really, they don't have time to do that anymore. So just throw us a freaking bone. How about a screen shot or 2, or would that be too much info? Seriously.
You just have to buy...no really
I was reading somewhere yesterday (when I find out where, I will link) that made a good point. It might seem like bad marketing to set the 360 prices and whatnot as they are, but really, in the game industry, they don't even need to try and sell the product anymore. They get you addicted one generation and know that, without fail, you will likely buy SOME game machine the next. It doesn't matter the cost (3DO?) most of the time, people will snatch it up. On the one hand, this is a sad realisation, but on the other, you know everyone and their cat is doing it, so why not you too. 360 preorders anyone?
There may be more. I have to go and get food, and so I am forced away for now. Be good.
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Gears of Woot
Posted: August 17, 2005
Much has been said about this game, Gears of War. I can do little but reiterate. I won't talk about the graphics, which are beautiful and imaginative. I will say, however, that is a nice change from standard FPS type (I am aware of the 3rd person over the shoulder perspective, but you know what I mean) fare.
It is nice to see a game that does not emphasize or reward run and gun, circle strafing, but doesn't immediately assume that it must become a stealth game. It is wonderful to see a shooter with some imagination, with great AI and a superb sense of strategy. It is delightful to see that someone would like to take a new look at horror in games and show that there is more than one way to do it. I am very excited to see updated movies that will show off more gameplay and the music that Mr. B talks about.
These are very exciting times, these next few months. This could be the IT game for the Xbox 360, though even if it were multi-platform, I could see it being THE IT game for every system it laid its Midas touch upon.
*Removes lips from surprisingly soft rose scented asses.*
Superb Job, Cliff and company. The game is shaping up nicely, as usual.
Not all News is New News but...
It is nice, as it has ever been, to see that Microsoft's new baby plays well with others, especially the competition. Much like we never thought we would see the day that a Sega game would appear on a Nintendo system, I am delighted (though surprised as ever) to see Microsoft embracing, rather than distancing itself from, the products of its competitors (Apple in the PC market, Sony in the console market). This is a very nice thing for its customers, which are sometimes a little more brand atheistic. See the love in action.
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Time to save up 40,000 pennies...
Posted: August 17, 2005
By now, everyone and the Pope knows that the Xbox 360 is being priced in the Americas at $400 (you can add as many 9's as you want folks, you aren't fooling me!). Notice I did not mention the stripped down model for $300. Why is that? Because I see it as a bit of a nonfactor.
The way the periphials are priced, if you wanted any of them, it would knock you up towards the $400 mark anyhow, so why not get the better bargain? I mean check it out, the 20 gigabyte hard drive is set at $99. Think about that. The 40gig (though worthless) PS2 harddrive was that much and it had a game on it. You can buy a 120gig drive for that much or less (as I have in the past). I cannot think of a reason for the drive being this much except for the fact that it could drive someone to buy the upgraded xbox 360 in the first place or for some reason form fitting the drive has made it exponentially more expensive.
Also, with the stripped down version they basically take away from you one of their big selling points, the built in Live service. That is right, with the 'Core Package,' you don't even get the Live Silver package. This is what some in the industry might call weak sauce, but there is a point to all of it, really!
They keep saying they want to offer people who don't want to spend as much a better deal, that they want there to be enough variety for the gamer who wants such things. But let's live in reality for a second. We can all see through this and realize that what they really want is for you to buy the upgraded or, as I like to call it, STANDARD Xbox 360 package. I mean, it comes with a non-wired controller, 360 Universal remote, ethernet cable, Silver package, it makes toast and curse herpes. Orrrrrr, you can buy, on the cheap, the box with no drive, a wired controller, and it gives you diptheria. Which you you pick?
But, you might say, why would they put the stripped down versions on sale when they won't sell nearly as good as the others. Simple. When the PS2 had a hardware shortage, we had to wait for more ps2s to be made/shipped. With the 360, what happens when they sell out of the standard package? You slap together some new ones out of its special needs sibling. It is, in my mind, a brilliant strategy.
I have begun, in my head, to switch things around. At one time I was avidly against the Xbox because I saw Microsoft as the evil empire. But when you get to know it and the motivations and history behind it, you realize that this isn't so much a completely seperate offshoot of the company, but a whole nother animal entirely. Instead, Sony has become that selfsame evil empire. They basically feel, because they have so much of the market (as nintendo once did, something they should think about), that they can do whatever they want, buy exclusivity, rag on the competition, whatever, and that it will only help them. I have a feeling that, starting next-gen, that they will be in for a rude awakening. There are people still a little tender after coming down off of all of the overhyped lies that were put out as fact before the ps2's release. I don't know if they can afford to let down the consumer again. I mean they will, and they will flourish, but in my head people will make a stand and say they don't want to take their patronizing 'eat what we give you' crap anymore. It's a pipedream, of course, but it's my pipedream...
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IGN Entertainment Games | http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=5646331 | dclm-gs1-086950001 | false | false | {
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0.069175 | <urn:uuid:6face4c9-3fd7-4e02-b236-acbacfd5ed24> | en | 0.953671 | comments_image Comments
Why Is the FDA Saying It's OK to Eat Seafood 10,000 Times Over the Safe Limit for Dangerous Carcinogens?
In an interview with AlterNet, the study's lead researcher, NRDC staff scientist Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, said that such a response from the FDA "begs the question of whether or not it was a political versus a scientific decision" because the agency "does not provide scientific evidence" for the claim that being more health protective somehow carries an increased risk of doing harm.
She added, "PAHs in food have been evaluated and standards set in the European Union without jeopardizing anyone's nutrition."
AlterNet confirmed that the FDA indeed has provided no scientific evidence to back up this claim in either its formal response to the NRDC report or in addressing AlterNet's questions.
More broadly, the FDA declined to directly explain the email correspondence the study's researchers obtained in the FOIA request. They reveal that the Environmental Protection Agency, and even members of the FDA's own staff, questioned the FDA's seafood safety risk assessment criteria for protecting the most vulnerable populations, particularly Gulf residents.
Other documents received via the FOIA request show that the FDA considered multiple other potential calculations and criteria where more health protective risk assessments were considered but never followed.
Asked if these documents, along with the NRDC study's findings, belie the FDA's chief claim that their risk assessments are biased "on the side of safety," Dickey responded, "The seafood safety risk assessment was developed in extensive and open collaboration between FDA, EPA, CDC, NOAA, and public health experts and toxicologists from all five Gulf states impacted by the oil spill."
He added, "During that process many factors and calculations were considered before the final version was agreed on by all participants."
Dickey also claims that the FDA has "built into our assessments, a more than 100-fold safety factor that gives us confidence that sensitive populations are protected."
See more stories tagged with: | http://www.alternet.org/story/153475/why_is_the_fda_saying_it's_ok_to_eat_seafood_10,000_times_over_the_safe_limit_for_dangerous_carcinogens | dclm-gs1-086980001 | false | false | {
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0.025926 | <urn:uuid:72f2e9b5-5875-4c28-8728-fa96b3f8381c> | en | 0.968316 | Why register?
Soukou no Strain
12 NOV
A mecha space adventure that's better than the average mecha out there, though nowhere near as good as some of the better mecha anime. Featuring decent characters, decent storyline and decent action, this show is definetely decent, but not much better than that.
Story: 6
Sarah Werec has joined the Strain (Strategic Armored Infantry) academy in order to chase after her brother a famous Strain pilot. While things seem to be going well for her, the academy is hit by a surprise attack led by her brother! The rest of the anime is about Sarah joining a space fleet and trying to figure out what made her brother betray everyone in the union.
The motivations and intentions of the original enemy, the Deague, is never explained. Being only 13 episodes, the storyline to this show is not very intricate. After her brother attacks her academy Sarah becomes kind of a melancholic loner. The only thing that brings her any joy is a doll that also happens to be a key component to her new strain. This doll also happens to be consequential in the storyline. Overall, not a bad storyline, but not a very consistent one either.
Animation: 7
For a space mecha anime, Strain does a pretty decent job with the action sequences. A lot more exciting than several other space mecha counterparts. The strains have cool designs and the battles are fun to watch. Nevertheless the anime isn't anything too far out of the ordinary and nothing too spectacular.
Sound: 7
The opening is average and somewhat forgetable and the closing is even more so. The voice actors did a pretty good job and several of the characters were made more interesting by good voice acting.
Characters: 7
The characters are kind of a mixed bag. Some characters you'll like, some you'll hate, and some will annoy the hell out of you. Our heroine, Sarah Werec, has a one track mind that stays focussed on her brother throughout the anime, with the exception of the time she spends talking to her doll. She seemed like she was going to be an interesting character in the first episode, but she was a let down. Several characters have limited personalities and Sarah's would be boyfriends don't really have much of a chance for character developement in this show. As such none of the male characters ever have a chance for full character development, not even Sarah's revenge obsessed brother, Ralph Werec. I enjoyed the performance of most of the other strain pilots, including Lottie, who was the only initial character that tried to snap Sarah out of her perpetual funk. She goes through similar experiences as Sarah, but doesn't become introverted like Sarah does.
Overall: 6.4
This show is fun to watch, had interesting characters and decent fight scenes. The story didn't have much of an impact, however. It seemed to only exist in order to create conflict between Sarah and her brother. While this show does have it's faults I'd say it's still better than half the other mecha anime out there, but only half.
<div id="_dyhb23rg4374"> </div>
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User Review Scores
• Story 5/10
• Animation 7/10
• Sound 7/10
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0.762883 | <urn:uuid:28d09a49-aa83-425f-886a-68f2635fc871> | en | 0.959686 | Double stick tape and spray adhesive are both EXTREMELY bad for prints. They'll cause the prints to deteriorate far earlier than 50 yrs.
I'm tempted to report this as a troll. Do you have any evidence whatsoever for that statement? Any data or experience? Or did you just say it because you felt like it?
I'm really tired of people saying that if you don't make prints the way they read about in the Word According to Ansel or something, that your prints will spontaneously crumble in a dramatic burst of accelerated aging at some point in the future (when they don't have any evidence to support that claim).
I, like the OP, an actually interested in REAL information about wet-mounting and adhesive-mounting solutions, and am interested in REAL data and information so that I can make choices about materials. It doesn't help when people just parrot the standard tribal wisdom and wives tales of what is or is not "OMG ARCHAIVAL!!!!!" | http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1167448 | dclm-gs1-087010001 | false | false | {
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0.019091 | <urn:uuid:8f494774-196a-4ecf-982d-f0b430b91f66> | en | 0.983202 | Thank you Simon for getting back to us. Not what I wanted to hear, but do appreciate the time you and others at Harman/Ilford took to research this for its viability. It speaks volumes that you listen to your customers and at least consider their input, unlike many (I hesitate to say most) businesses in general today.
Oh and I shot my first roll of FP5+ last month. Good stuff - I like it better than the XP2 and Tri-X I've shot in the past. I'm primarily a color reversal shooter and never could get into B&W photography before but somehow this roll was different. | http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1432191 | dclm-gs1-087020001 | false | false | {
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0.039106 | <urn:uuid:efc46243-e9da-4529-9d40-146cb337ec36> | en | 0.921232 | Is Coffee Bad for Dogs?
Coffee is bad for dogs. It can not only give dogs diarrhea, but it can also make them throw up. Coffee is not something that dogs should have as part of their diet.
1 Additional Answer Answer for: is coffee bad for dogs
It is not safe for dogs to drink coffee, tea or any other caffeine.
Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors... More >>
Foods Dogs Should Not Eat:
Q&A Related to "Is Coffee Bad for Dogs?"
Coffee is not necessarily bad for you, only if you drink too much, have an ulcer or other stomach problems, or if you're sensitive to caffeine. Coffee contains antioxidants and can
Yes. Coffee contains caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic to dogs &
1. Pour 1 pound of low-quality ground coffee into a large pitcher. Add 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 quarts of water, depending on how strong you want your concentrate to be. Stir with a long spoon
Yes, it is bad, Caffine is not good for them at all.
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Yes, coffee is bad for your teeth. It stains them. The stains however can be polished off. Caffeine which is found in coffee may also disrupt saliva production. ...
Coffee can be bad for teenagers if they drink too much. Coffee contains caffeine which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea or an upset stomach if taken in large ...
Studies have shown that coffee is a mixture of good and bad for health. Some studies show coffee reduces risks of some diseases and others show it decreases blood ... | http://www.ask.com/question/is-coffee-bad-for-dogs | dclm-gs1-087070001 | false | false | {
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0.019429 | <urn:uuid:85de5477-4556-4334-b949-bd635a1b1cf1> | en | 0.942831 | Political Numeracy: Mathematical Perspectives on Our Chaotic Constitution
"An engaging and unusual perspective on the no-man's land between mathematics and the law."—John Allen Paulos
From the impossibility of a perfectly democratic vote to a clarifying model for affirmative action debates, constitutional law professor and math enthusiast Michael Meyerson "provides an engaging and unusual perspective on the no-man's land between mathematics and the law" (John Allen Paulos). In thoroughly accessible and entertaining terms, Meyerson shows how the principle of probability influenced the ...
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From the impossibility of a perfectly democratic vote to a clarifying model for affirmative action debates, constitutional law professor and math enthusiast Michael Meyerson "provides an engaging and unusual perspective on the no-man's land between mathematics and the law" (John Allen Paulos). In thoroughly accessible and entertaining terms, Meyerson shows how the principle of probability influenced the outcomes of the O. J. Simpson trials; makes a convincing case for the mathematical virtues of the electoral college; uses game theory to explain the federal government's shifting balance of power; relates the concept of infinity to the heated abortion debate; and uses topology and chaos theory to explain how our Constitution has successfully survived social and political change.
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Editorial Reviews
Laurence Tribe
An important book. I am impressed with the richness and subtlety of...[Meyerson's] insights.
John Allen Paulos
Rudy Ruckner
An unexpected source of pleasure for mathematicians,for scholars of the law,and for those interested in pleasant mental recreation.
Publishers Weekly
University of Baltimore law professor Meyerson shows how a wide range of mathematical subjects, from Euclid's ancient axiomatic method to recent developments in chaos theory, can throw light on the Constitution and how the Supreme Court interprets it. Though he sometimes delves into fairly sophisticated math game theory, transfinite arithmetic, G del's Incompleteness Theorem his sharp focus on essential insights should put all readers at ease. For example, he demonstrates how the comparison of infinite numbers illuminates different precious values the author's life may be of "infinite value" to him, for example, and yet his children's lives are more valuable. Calculations are rare and only involve simple arithmetic. By disavowing claims that a focus on math can replace other perspectives, Meyerson highlights the valuable insights his methods can provide. His use of proportional analysis as a way of evaluating affirmative action is fascinating not because he suggests an ultimate solution, but because the mathematical approach "infuses analysis with an awareness of the inevitable imperfections of one's own position." Such an awareness might encourage more reasoned debate. Some of Meyerson's topics voting systems, reapportionment have long been studied mathematically, but most get a novel treatment (for example, "our federalist system can be seen as a kind of fractal structure"). Particularly intriguing is the argument, based on chaos theory, which asserts that the nation is on a "very different constitutional path" than Madison and Hamilton would have ever imagined. Meyerson's insights vary in profundity, but all serve to stimulate awareness of a potentially rich new perspective. Illus. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
From The Critics
Arguing that a fuller understanding of mathematics will make for more sophisticated constitutional reasoning, Meyerson (law, U. of Baltimore, Maryland) begins a rapprochement between mathematics and law. He points out that such knowledge leads not to certainty, but to a greater respect for differing constitutional perspectives. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Product Details
• ISBN-13: 9780393323726
• Publication date: 3/28/2003
• Edition description: REPRINT
• Pages: 256
Meet the Author
Michael Meyerson is professor of law and Piper & Marbury Faculty Fellow at the University of Baltimore School of Law. He lives in Columbia, Maryland.
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Read an Excerpt
Mathematical Perspectives on Our Chaotic Constitution
By Michael I. Meyerson
W. W. Norton & Company
Copyright © 2002 Michael I. Meyerson.
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 0393041727
Chapter One
(Healthy and Ill)
It reminds me of an answer given some years ago in the School at Oxford, when the Examiner asked for an example of a syllogism. After much patient thought, the candidate handed in:
"All men are dogs;
All dogs are men;
Therefore, All men are dogs."
This certainly has the form of a syllogism.... And it has the great merit ... that, if you grant the premises, you cannot deny the conclusion. Nevertheless, I feel bound to add that it was not commended by the Examiner.
The preceding is a lesson on the uses of logic, given by the Reverend Charles Dodgson, who is better known by his pseudonym, Lewis Carroll. The ability to think logically is essential for anyone who wants to understand the Constitution. Teachings from the world of mathematics present both the power of logic and the dangers inherent in utilizing it to confront difficult constitutional issues.
One of the foundations of the mathematical method is that knowledge leads to more knowledge. By the power of logical reasoning, simple truths can lead to countless conclusions of complexity and subtlety. In about 300 B.C., Euclid wrote the Elements, which has been called "the most influential textbook of all time." From a mere handful of axioms, Euclid was able to establish hundreds of theorems, encompassing all the important propositions of Greek mathematics. It is not so much the propositions, as the techniques of proof, which make his work of enduring importance.
The critical first step, of course, is the selection of axioms. An axiom can be defined as "a statement used in the premises of arguments and assumed to be true without proof." We must take the correctness of axioms for granted because we have to start somewhere. Some proposition must be the initial one, the one from which the others flow.
Similarly, we never are afforded the luxury of having all our terms defined. Definitions, after all, involve describing one term in reference to another. Unless we are willing to allow circular definitions, where two terms define one another, we must accept undefined terms. Euclid, for example, defined a point as "that which has no parts" but neglected to give a useful definition of parts.
Once we have decided what to take for granted, we prove the rest from that. Since undefined terms and unproven assertions are not likely to fill us with confidence, the power of a system is sometimes determined by how few axioms and undefined terms it contains. Hence, Aristotle declared that, "other things being equal, that proof is better which proceeds from the fewer postulates."
Choosing the right axioms is an art. Generally, the axioms should be simple and consistent with one another. They should be logically independent of one another, or else one would be more properly considered a theorem of the other. Finally, axioms "must be fruitful; like carefully selected seeds they must yield a valuable crop...."
The "crop" consists of theorems, which are defined as statements that are "derived from premises rather than assumed." Some theorems may be so obvious they could have been axioms; others may well be surprising and counterintuitive. For one example of the power of this method, see on the next page Euclid's proof that there exists an infinite number of prime numbers.
One of the most common forms of logical analysis involves the use of syllogisms, in which two statements (premises) are linked to form a conclusion. The classic (almost clichéd) syllogism is
1. All men are mortal.
2. Socrates is a man.
3. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Similar syllogistic forms can draw conclusions from statements that are less absolute but are sometimes, although not necessarily always, true:
1. Some members of the faculty can't be fired.
2. All people who can't be fired can be independent thinkers.
3. Therefore, some members of the faculty can be independent thinkers.
What is so powerful about this form of logical structure is that it leads to an unquestionable solution: If the premises are all true, then the conclusion must be true as well. Now, not any connection of statements will work. Obviously, if the logical argument is not well formulated, as in the story told by the Reverend Charles Dodgson at the beginning of this chapter, the result is laughable. But if the form is correct, the conclusion is inescapable.
The correctness of the form can be tested by viewing the syllogism in abstract form. The abstract quality of this system permits the substitution of symbols for the words in each syllogism, which leads to their universal acceptability.
For example, the syllogism about Socrates can be restated as
1. Every M is a P.
2. S is an M.
3. Therefore, S is a P.
The independent-minded faculty syllogism would be restated as
1. Some M are P.
2. Every P is an S.
3. Therefore, some M are S.
It does not matter what the M, P, or S represents. Each of these syllogisms is correct. This abstraction not only gives logic its strength, it also reveals its ultimate weakness. In the words of one of the leading logicians of the twentieth century, Bertrand Russell,
Pure mathematics consists entirely of such asservations as that, if such and such a proposition is true of anything, then such and such another proposition is true of that thing. It is essential not to discuss whether the first proposition is really true, and not to mention what the anything is of which it is supposed to be true.... If our hypothesis is about anything and not about some one or more particular things, then our deductions constitute mathematics. Thus, mathematics may be defined as the subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true.
Both for mathematicians and for others who use logical reasoning, the danger is glaring: if your initial axioms are incorrect, then your conclusions are not guaranteed. You may be arguing perfectly logically but still end up with a ridiculous conclusion because of an initial poor choice of axioms. Thus, some have remarked that "Logic is the art of going wrong with confidence."
Without question, the most successful application of logical analysis to the axioms of political science is the Declaration of Independence, that "famous 'mathematical' document." The Declaration of Independence is a paradigm of deductive reasoning, where political axioms are announced, then specific facts that show the applicability of those axioms are described, and, finally, the conclusion of independence is proclaimed.
In Thomas Jefferson's library was a book by a John Harris, entitled Lexicom Technicum, which defined axiom as "such a common, plain, self-evident and received Notion, that it cannot be made more plain and evident by demonstration." The ringing phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident" is really a statement that the "truths" are to be considered the political equivalents of Euclid's axioms.
There were four such "truths" in the Declaration:
1. "[T]hat all men are created equal"
2. "[T]hat they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"
3. "that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"
4. "[T]hat, whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government"
There is no need to supply any proof for these "truths." They are the "Elements" of our political system.
Jefferson then presented a long list of facts, demonstrating that the first two axioms had been violated by "a long train of abuses and usurpations...." According to the third axiom, governments are instituted to prevent such violations. According to the last axiom, when such violations occur, the people have the right to institute a new government. "We," the Declaration concludes, "therefore, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies, are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." Q.E.D.
In his defense of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton also relied on the power of axiomatic analysis. In Federalist 31, Hamilton explained that "In Disquisitions of every kind, there are certain primary truths, or first principles, upon which all subsequent reasonings must depend." He stated that this was true not only of "maxims in geometry," but with "these other maxims in ethics and politics ... [such as] the means ought to be proportioned to the end [and] that every power ought to be commensurate with its object...."
For example, he argued that because of its responsibility for guaranteeing national defense and "securing the public peace against foreign or domestic violence," the federal government needed the unqualified ability to raise money through taxation so as to perform its tasks. Hamilton criticized the opponents of the Constitution who denied the logical conclusions that flowed from the basic political principles: "The obscurity is much oftener in the passions and prejudices of the reasoner than in the subject."
Hamilton acknowledged that "it cannot be pretended that the principles of moral and political knowledge have, in general, the same degree of certainty with those of the mathematics." Nevertheless, he maintained that the major limitation on the use of political logic was the greater difficulty in which the results of its syllogisms were accepted than in the ethereal world of mathematics: "The objects of geometrical inquiry are so entirely abstracted from those pursuits which stir up and put in motion the unruly passions of the human heart, that mankind, without difficulty, adopt not only the more simple theorems of the science, but even those abstruse paradoxes which ... are at variance with the natural conceptions which the mind ... would be led to entertain upon the subject."
Constitutional Axioms
[W]e must never forget, that it is a constitution we are expounding.
Why is the Constitution so short? Because in many ways the Constitution provides only the axioms of our system of government, which we then are required to interpret and explain. According to Chief Justice William Rehnquist, in interpreting the Constitution, the Supreme Court tries to "discern among its 'essential postulates,' a principle that controls the present cases." This concept is captured in John Marshall's famous explanation of why interpreting the Constitution is a different venture than other forms of legal interpretation. Marshall stated that any document that contained all of the details of a government's structure and power would "partake of the prolixity of a legal code, and could scarcely be embraced by the human mind." Thus, by its very nature, a constitution requires that only the "great outlines should be marked, important objects designated," so that the minor ingredients "which compose those objects be deduced from the nature of the objects themselves."
Many of the great opinions penned by Marshall were styled deliberately as Euclidean proofs. In McCulloch v. Maryland, Marshall laid out his argument that states lacked power to tax a federally incorporated bank, as follows:
1. "This great principle is that the constitution and the laws made in pursuance thereof are supreme ... and cannot be controlled by [the states]."
2. "From this, which may almost be termed an axiom, other propositions are deduced as corollaries ... that a power to destroy, if wielded by a different hand, is hostile to and incompatible with these powers to create and to preserve."
3. "That the power of taxing it by the States may be exercised so as to destroy it, is too obvious to be denied."
In Gibbons v. Ogden, Marshall essentially apologized for his extended "proof" that federal law preempted a state-authorized monopoly to run a ferry in New York waters:
The Court is aware that, in stating the train of reasoning by which we have been conducted to this result, much time has been consumed in the attempt to demonstrate propositions which might have been thought axioms.... The conclusion to which we have come depends on a chain of principles which it was necessary to preserve unbroken; and, although some of them were thought nearly self-evident, the magnitude of the question, the weight of character belonging to those from whose judgment we dissent, and the argument at the bar, demanded that we should assume nothing.
One of the greatest examples of the use of logic to reach a conclusion of constitutional interpretation is Oliver Wendell Holmes's defense of "the marketplace of ideas." His oft-quoted analysis includes not only two competing syllogisms but reference to a mathematical proof as well:
As with Euclid's proof of the infinitude of primes, Holmes begins by presuming the opposite of what he intends to prove. He states that censorship seems to be logical and that one "naturally" would want to sweep away opposition. That certainly would be the case, he says, if the only reasons for allowing opposition were that (1) the opposing speech was "impotent," that is, unable to prevail; (2) the speech was on an unimportant topic; (3) those in power doubted their ability to enforce a ban; or (4) those in power lacked faith in their own position.
But, Holmes says, history has shown that the ideas about which people were completely confident often turned out to be incorrect. (Note that Holmes uses volumes of history in his page of logic.) Holmes hardly needed to reference the calamitous event of his lifetime, the Civil War, in which so many were willing to die over their "faith" in the correctness of slavery. Therefore, he says, it is logical to believe in the premise that the free sharing of ideas will lead to the "truth" rather than in the competing premise that the "truth" is possessed by any one individual, even oneself. And this, he adds, is the "theory" of the Constitution.
Holmes concludes his analysis by highlighting the significance of using political, rather than mathematical, axioms. There never can be the same certainty in politics as there is in mathematics. The effectiveness of the marketplace of ideas is not a guarantee, he says, but merely "an experiment."
Excerpted from POLITICAL NUMERACY by Michael I. Meyerson. Copyright © 2002 by Michael I. Meyerson. Excerpted by permission. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgments 9
Preface 11
Introduction: The Ugliest Number in the Constitution 16
1 Logic (Healthy and Ill) 23
2 Majority Rules 48
3 The Positive Value of Consensus 71
4 The First Veto 82
5 What Does Equality Equal? 91
6 Game Theory and the Constitution 109
7 Multidimensional Thinking 125
8 Infinity and the Constitution 148
9 The Incomplete Constitution 162
10 Constitutional Chaos 185
11 The Mathematics of Limits 209
12 The Limits of Mathematics 217
Notes 223
Permissions 277
Index 279
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0.999928 | <urn:uuid:3100d274-9785-4417-b212-59389e43686c> | en | 0.936966 | Jeremiah 8:22 HNV/NIV - Online Parallel Bible
Hebrew Names Version (HNV) New International Version (NIV)
22 Is there no balm in Gil`ad? is there no physician there? why then isn't the health of the daughter of my people recovered? 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people? | http://www.biblestudytools.com/parallel-bible/passage.aspx?q=jeremiah+8:22&t=hnv&t2=niv | dclm-gs1-087140001 | false | false | {
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0.021197 | <urn:uuid:2f531cdf-bf54-4981-ad6c-a50dd1950696> | en | 0.844754 | Articles posted August 29, 2009
Headlines and features from the Thoroughbred industry
Travers Jockeys to Support Michael Straight
Travers Jockeys to Support Michael Straight
Jockeys riding in the $1-million Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I) have pledged 10% of their purse earnings from the race to establish a fund for 23-year-old apprentice jockey Michael Straight, who was critically injured in a fall at Arlington Park Aug. 26.
Deadline Looms for Florida Gaming
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are nearing their Aug. 31 deadline to approve a Gaming Compact, which would trigger a new law that would provide economic benefits for the state's Thoroughbred industry and for that tribe's casinos.
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Injecting glycosaminoglycan polysulfate directly into lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) significantly improves reorganization of the tendon's collagen bundles during the healing process, report Brazilian veterinary researchers.
Tendon injuries are an important source of lameness and decreased performance in horses. Despite ag...
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Study Guide
The Mill on the Floss Quiz
This Study Guide consists of approximately 134 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Mill on the Floss.
Directions: Click on the correct answer.
Questions 1-5 of 25:
What is Stephen Guest's first reaction to hearing that Maggie is coming to visit her cousin Lucy? (from Book 5: Chapter 7 | Book 6: Chapter 1)
When Stephen and Maggie end up in a boat alone together, who is supposed to be there instead of Stephen? (from Book 6: Chapter 12 | Book 6: Chapter 13)
Why does Mr. Wakem decide to buy the mill? (from Book 3: Chapter 7 | Book 3: Chapter 8)
Which part of the news about the family finances shocks Mr. Tulliver the most when he first regains his senses after the accident? (from Book 3: Chapter 7 | Book 3: Chapter 8)
Why does Philip begin to play the piano badly? (from Book 6: Chapter 6 | Book 6: Chapter 7)
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0.024621 | <urn:uuid:2457e907-bbe8-4774-a29f-a367f41b4dbb> | en | 0.982361 | DENVER (AP) Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall was carried off the ice on a stretcher after being rammed into the boards on Thursday night by Colorado Avalanche forward Cody McLeod.
The Red Wings announced on their Twitter account that Kronwall, ''has a concussion; cuts to the ear but he's moving all extremities, being treating in locker room.''
''He talked to the doctor. He's alert. He's in the building,'' Holland said. ''Let's get to tomorrow morning. Let's see how he's doing.''
Several teammates gathered around Kronwall as the dependable defenseman was strapped to the stretcher. Kronwall tossed away one of his gloves.
McLeod received a major penalty for boarding and was ejected.
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Written on Ex-wife of Southaven mayor Greg Davis testifies about trips with city money:
in response to lawandorder:
Typical, Southaven gets the one gay mayor in the world with zero artistic and creative ability. Instead of museums and art galleries, we got warehouses. Instead of Abercrombie and Fitch and Bonefish, we got Lane Bryant and Red Lobster. Now our latest choices for mayor sound like a bunch bible thumpers with little or no knowledge of what it takes to make Southaven more like Collierville/Germantown and less like Frayser.
Shame on you, Ms. Fullilove.
I'm not from Memphis and never heard of this Forrest guy before this park stuff. I would usually educate myself on matters such as this so that I can form an opinion and know what folks are talking about.
However, after watching your behavior on the news last night, running your mouth, turning your back on someone when they spoke and talking like a very uneducated person, I am embarrassed for you.
You are in a position to influence countless black children in this city and you choose to behave like an ignorant fool. Have your opinion and state your case - maturely and professionally. It's people like you who perpetuate this over the top, loud and rude behavior. And you wonder why there are stereotypes.
Written on City of Memphis won't reinstall Forrest Park marker :
in response to ScarlettandRhett:
Remove Martin Luther King street signs. They are offensive to me. If you want to know about him yu can read books.
Ditto. The man's mistress was waiting for him back at his hotel room when he was preaching and when he got killed. I have zero respect for the man, regardless of the good he did. Yes, we are all flawed, but we aren't making monuments and naming streets after everyone who does some good.
Written on Nation's retailers scramble to inspire holiday spirit in skittish shoppers :
This plan has backfired with me. I was at Kohl's this weekend, admittedly, Christmas GIFT shopping but when I saw the Christmas trees, ornaments, stockings and decor up, I put the stuff away and left. I won't be shopping at Kohl's or any other store that doesn't allow me to enjoy the last days of summer, Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving before making me sick of Christmas before December arrives. Shame on them!
It's unfortunate that this family is allowing Jesse Jackson to speak for them now. There really IS something questionable about this story but now that he is all over the media, I wonder how many people will stop paying attention just because he likes to stir the race pot? Same with Gloria Alred - victims lose their credibility once she comes in the picture. IMO.
I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but any chance a "friend" had access to the vehicle and did this to keep him from "snitching"?
Written on Shelby County commissioners vote to pursue subpoena of online commenters' identities :
I'm confused ... so, say the biggest racist in Memphis emailed someone in Nashville giving their opinion about this merger? What exactly does this commission think they can do about that? Forget about the privacy rights and all, just asking what they plan to accomplish.
Written on Ballistics link two North Mississippi roadside slayings:
in response to cookinglawman:
The perp is a thrill killer/serial killer. He collects property from the victims as souvenirs. Robbery and taking cash is incidental to the murder. He is most likely a white male in his 30s or 40s. He has worked as a security guard, or some wannabe cop type job. He has probably been rejected for law enforcement jobs or fired shortly after being hired. He will be a fan of crime dramas. These deaths are not his only murders. Like BTK, he is capable of going long periods of time between killings. That is my theory. We will see how it plays out.
We watch too much TV! That's EXACTLY what I think. White male, 30-40, heavy set, married, wanna be cop.
Written on Obama voices his support for gay marriage:
Ah - the moral authority has spoken :/
Written on CRIME REPORT: Police investigating fatal Sunday night shooting in Orange Mound:
Does anyone know how many murders Memphis has had since January 1? I'm just curious. Do we have to wait until next January for the total? We should be inching our way right up to a new record really soon. Seems like a murder a day - at least.
Written on Wendi C. Thomas: Pray for justice:
I wish these concerned citizens of Memphis would get this upset over the crime happening right under their noses. How many blacks have been killed within 240 since Trayvon was killed? How many THIS WEEK? No one wants to get out and rally unless their faces are on the news!
Written on Job applicants increasingly required to surrender Facebook passwords:
in response to PinkDiva:
I could be the biggest criminal in the world and be smart enough not to put it on Facebook. The smartest criminal could get hired and not even have a Facebook page. They are not solving anything by doing this but being ridiculous.
I agree, however, I don't think the idea is to look for criminals. I think the idea is to see what kind of person you are. Do you post pictures of you out drinking every other night? Hm. Might mean you will be hungover or late more often than not. Do you post every thought that pops in your head ALL DAY? Hm. Might mean you pay more attention to work? Do you brag about all that you have accomplished by 8am? Hm. Might be needy and an attention seeker = high maintenance employer. Do employers check Facebook? You betcha!
Written on Southaven Chamber of Commerce paid Mayor Greg Davis over $200K in 7 years, report says:
Southaven resident here and I voted for Greg Davis because he seemed like a straight up guy. My question is ... how the heck are we supposed to know? I'm beyond sick of his arrogance and the careless way every single person at the City of Southaven has handled this entire thing, however, what can we do? A lady started a petition to get him out - people laughed and he's still employed - cashing his checks. Every joker from alderman to President is in it for his/her own good. Sick of it. The morals and ethics of our city/state/country leaders are in the toilet. This needs to stop being a race issue with folks and people here need to stop trying to one up the next person with Herenton was worse - no Davis is worse ... WE ALL need to stand up and say enough! Collectively.
Happy Thursday ya'll!
Written on Mortgage giant Fannie Mae asks for another $4.57B to cover its deficit:
No problem, just as soon as the government sends me some money for MY deficit. Unbelievable.
Written on Southaven mayor Greg Davis pals profited off city:
Davis' attorney, Steve Farese, said Davis should be back in the city in two weeks. "The mayor will have to decide if he wants to answer these allegations when he gets back," Farese said.
Hm ... come April 15th, how about I, as a Southaven citizen, decide if I want to pay my taxes or not. Jerk.
Written on Willful Southaven Mayor Greg Davis got his way when it came to spending:
in response to BlackIsrael:
The rednecks and conservatives of Southaven deserve every bit of Greg Davis.
I'm one of those "redneck conservatives" in Southaven. Just wanted to point out one very huge difference between the redneck conservatives in Southaven and the bright Memphis voters - unlike your Herenton ... the redneck conservatives won't vote for Davis again - and again - and again.
Written on Triple tragedy: Shots kill South Memphis couple and their adult daughter; suspect surrenders:
in response to DoctorRambo:
C'mon CA, couldn't you find a different angle on the picture you posted. I mean, the guy on the left is not exactly prepared for it.
Oh.My.Goodness! I didn't notice that until you said something then went back and looked. No words ...
Ha. This reminds me of what CHRIS ROCK said about streets named after Martin Luther King ... "It doesn't matter where you go in the country, if you are on Martin Luther King Street you KNOW you're in a bad neighborhood." I think of that every single time I'm in a city and see that street name.
"Possibly" a faculty/staff member set up/signed the "agreement" representing the University, therefore, no UofM legal representatives to review terms ahead of time. Signing docs at the U unless you are an ATTORNEY is a NO NO. This is why.
Written on National Civil Rights Museum project gets $21 million jump-start, asks public to join:
in response to gentlemanbill1:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Very good point!
Written on Judge orders mental testing for Memphis private school principal's accused killer:
Eduardo's parents speak better English than half of the city of Memphis! I know this for a fact. If his teacher who spoke up earlier would kindly validate that perhaps some of you people would lay off of the translator comments. I'm white as a ghost, American as can be and English is my first language, however, stand my butt in front of a judge because my child is being charged with MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE, call me stupid, but I think I'd need someone there to translate the legal talk for me. I can only imagine their brains are cloudy and they are physically and emotionally exhausted. Have a little compassion people and give the parents a break just for a minute! Jeez.
Shame on each and every one of you who have taken an already terrible situation on BOTH sides and resorted to judging, questioning their immigration status, looking up the value and cost of their homes and even judging their religion. SHAME ON YOU. I certainly hope that none of you ever have a family member who makes a terrible mistake. Heaven forbid you have a rare name that every person in your community and WORLD can find out every detail of your life with a simple Google search. God forbid you ever have a child who is difficult to handle or perhaps has issues. I PROMISE you there is no help out there until they "do something illegal". Prayers are needed for the lovely teacher's family, the child's family - who will ALL have to deal with this and for this city that is filled with more hate and judgment than love and empathy.
Written on ServiceMaster's 'flood house' trains techs to mitigate water damage:
Had a house fire years ago and what clothing we could salvage was RUINED by Servicemaster because the idiots threw everything in one big washing machine. I guess they never heard of seperating colors and whites. Had to throw everything in the trash that they returned. Waste of money and would never have anything to do with them ever again!
Written on Obama to speak to graduates at Booker T. Washington High in Memphis :
in response to MRTIBBS:
Dark suits are more respectable.
LOL. Now THAT was clever - and hilarious, Mr Tibbs :)
This is a great thing for the kids, but lordy lordy, can't wait to see the bright colored suits and COGIC hats on the audience members. I hope this doesn't make Memphis look like a bunch of showy clowns.
Written on River hits crest at Memphis:
Written on Davis-Kidd landlord urged to make concessions to save bookstore:
I hate to see Davis Kidd go, but even though I'm a frequent shopper there it was mostly magazines and gifts. Their books are way to expensive compared to other options and I must admit, I'm a Kindle lover now. I hate this for the smaller stores in Laurelwood - J.Jill, Le Fleur, etc. No doubt they will close and end up some random incense/deep sea salt lotion shop or urban clothing store like what is now filling up Oak Court. What a shame.
Written on Three dead in murder-suicide triple shooting in U of M area:
Is it just my imagination or has there been a story on the news every single day about a shooting or murder lately?
Written on Wendi C. Thomas: At $11.62, fair wage really not a luxury:
$11.62 is pretty good pay for the work that is done by UofM janitors. Lovely people, but keep it in perspective folks. Wendi picked the wrong place to make an example of. UofM employees can get a FREE education. Fantastic holidays, sick leave and vacation leave and insurance.
Yes, salaries are unfairly distributed across the board, but isn't that the case everywhere? While I understand Ms. Rimmer's situation let's all remember that today anyone with a JOB should be grateful. Ms Rimmer and all UofM staff has the SAME opportunity to better themselves!
Written on Memphis Mayor Wharton will urge 150-200 city worker layoffs:
I'm confused - most people say that Government workers are lazy, stupid and good for nothing yet when there is talk of layoffs they are the first ones to scream about it. I say shake the trees a little. There is a crazy amount of duplication in Government and if you can have 2 people working a solid 7.5 hours a day instead of 6 people with 3 hours worth of work - downsize. Give the job to the one who works the hardest. That SHOULD be the American way.
And - just to add a little sunshine to this story. I'd like to thank whomever is responsible for the hundreds of treees that have been planted along Airways along the airport. Makes my drive in to work everyday much more pleasant and it will be a beautiful welcoming to visitors flying in. I sure didn't see anything pretty added when the "former Mayor" was in office.
Written on Memphis gun dealer Dale Mardis pleads guilty to murder in hate crime :
in response to rcoleman72:
Sorry, I didnt see the question you asked, so I cant answer:\
I originally asked if a black killing a white is a hate crime. The mods deleted it, but MphsSeshet has been ranting about us white racists for two days and the mods have just sat back :) Gotta love this city.
Written on Delta Air Lines to cut 25% of Memphis departures to save money:
Since the topic is flying ... when will the city or whomever owns the airport update the darn place? Our airport makes you feel like you are stuck in a 1960's time warp. Brown and blah while other airports across the country are clean and modernized. Not being negative about Memphis because I sure was glad to be back here after my trip. (Did I really just say that out loud?)
in response to rcoleman72:
If I folllow your logic here, you're saying that black on black crime is caused by racist whites?
If so, wow, that is immensely offensive to me.
Ditto, rcoleman. Mr/Ms MphsSeshet has a chip on their shoulder for some reason. I simply asked a valid question and got blocked then this one spews stuff about "white supremacy" on every post and it's allowed. Speaks volumes about this site's moderator, doesn't it?
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Written on Tennessee Senate approves bill to delay school merger:
Does this mean we have to hear about this in the newspaper and watch news reports about this every single day for the next two years? Enough already.
Written on City officials object to elements of Mississippi immigration bill:
I'll support the tax increase, but they should also check the African's and Middle Eastern folks working in the gas stations in MS. too. "Illegal alien" does not just mean "Mexican"!
Written on City prepares for new Memphis Police Department director:
He's not going anywhere. My bet is that Larry will be all over the news talking about retiring and the media AND LARRY will build this up to where "the city" begs him to stay and at the last minute he will decide to stay to "help" the city. Of course, he will get a massive bonus.
Written on Hearing reset for Collierville man accused of advertising adult bed and breakfast:
Am I missing something? This sort of thing isn't my cup of tea, but if consenting adults are signing up for this and keep everything inside, what law is being broken here?
Written on Mayors join superintendent to confront teen pregnancy problem in Memphis:
The best and quickest birth control ... take away welfare! When the birth mother and birth grandmother know they aren't getting a check, WIC, AFDC, Section 8 and more they will quickly start teaching their children about sex and not having it!
Written on Shelby schools cleared for legal action to derail merger, but options nearing end of line:
in response to theamazingMCG:
OK so can someone explain this to me and please understand I am in no way being sarcastic? I'm from Memphis but haven't lived there in a few years, so I am trying to catch up.
1. What brought about the action to consolidate (there has been talk for years)?
2. Why is the county against it? Tax increases? Or just too large a system to consolidate?
3. Can the taxes collected in the city of Memphis not fund the system? Do none of the taxes collected in the county currently go to the city schools?
And before anyone leaves me a snarky comment, understand that I have no opinion on the matter. I'm simply trying to learn more so the conclusion I come to will be an informed one.
P.S. In my case no one is to blame, I am equally a product of the Memphis City and Shelby County school systems.
Bumping this up again because I'd also like to have these questions answered ... I'm beyond confused. I don't have a dog in this fight, just curious.
Written on State elections chief: City Council must OK school charter referendum:
I'm so confused.
I've lost site of whose idea this was? Is it a good idea? Who wants it, who doesn't?
Something tells me in a week or so this will be a non-story. Like when Willie used to always tease resigning :/
Written on Census finds Hispanic population grows to 52,000 in Memphis metro area:
in response to tigerclaw:
I have a relative living in an extremely poor neighborhood in another state. He is suffering from advanced M.S.. His daughter married an illegal Mexican, and they now have 2 kids, all living with my relative. Neither parent is working and have been living off my relative's Social Security for years. Last week I heard that the Mexican's mother and brother have moved in with my relative, (I don't know if they are illegal) and ALL are living off that single Social Security check in that one teeny tiny house. My relative is too sick to do anything about it, and I fear for his safety - he may be neglected, and obviously is being taken advantage of. I guess this is what they mean by a "close-knit family"?
I'm sorry to hear about your relative, however, the same story can be told about countless black families and white trash families across the U.S. There are bad seeds in every single culture and race.
in response to midtowncowboy:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Exactly how is it you know who is legal and who is paying taxes, who is not? I'm curious about that because I don't go around asking anyone for papers or check stubs. Stop assuming, you know what they say about that.
First of all, the tax issue - you can't get a JOB without paying taxes and if someone is being paid under the table, well my friend, that business owner needs to have his a$$ checked out. Don't blame the people that WANT to work and will work for low wages because lazy Americans won't get off their butts and do it.
Written on Memphis City Schools board surrenders charter pending voter approval:
in response to forwardmemphis:
What's your solution? Forced sterilization? Mandatory abortions? The sex drive and the attraction between men and women are deeply-seated parts of the human psyche that don't always respond well to rules and regulations. We as a society must intervene in the areas where it is feasible to do so. There is no method on earth that will stop teen pregnancy or out-of-wedlock births. So quit promoting such ridiculous "solutions" and focus on the more practical possibilities for getting the children that are here on the right path early. Government does not have the authority (without abrogation of the Bill of Rights) to force parents to "do what they should." And such an attempt on the part of government would lead to interminable rows over what a good parent is, or should be, and you'll get disagreement over even that point. It is really not for government to tell somebody when not to have children, or to decide who can have children, or how those children are to be raised after birth. Some rights are fundamental to humans, and no government has the right to arrogate them to itself.
to FowardMemphis ... "There is no method on earth that will stop teen pregnancy or out-of-wedlock births. "
I beg to differ. Stop giving a monthly check to kids who have kids and/or out of wedlock and I'd bet my salary the teen pregnancy rate would go down immediately.
Written on Memphis City Schools board surrenders charter pending voter approval:
Stupid question - does this mean Cash no longer has a job? As of when? He's one arrogant man, that's for sure.
Written on No turkeys donated to Mid-South Food Bank yet for holidays:
in response to Byteme:
They need turkeys, not jackas*es. :)
Written on State Rep. Curry Todd likens illegal immigrant births to multiplying rats :
I'd like to see everyone up in arms about welfare, in general. To me, I see no differance in an "illegal" (and you ASSUMING a Mexican is illegal, well, you know what they say ...)person working and receiving aide vs. the lazy American who won't work and uses their kids as "anchor babies". I can point out one A.A. woman in Cooper-Young with NINE kids. 5 different dads - 4 of whom are in prison! So, would you rather give aide to a person that is going to grow up and work or to one that will grow up and continue the family tradition of RECIPIENT!
Written on Hood riddance: Memphis serves notice, warrants on neglected properties:
Just wanted to comment about neighbors pitching in and cutting the grass if it's bothering them so much ... I want to say it was S Flynn who was on D&Z awhile back, maybe even Mayor Wharton but this very thing was brought up. I can't recall exactly why they said people shouldn't do that, but I think they said that once you start cutting the grass on a property (that isn't yours) either it becomes your responsibility or it's no longer the cities responsibility.
Please don't flame me - I'm only bringing this up in hopes that someone on the board actually heard them talking about this or, better yet, knows what the actual law or "rule" is.
Written on 'Uncle Junior' did it, young survivor of Lester Street slayings testifies:
in response to thecatsmeow:
We all are, well the taxpaying public of Shelby County.
Are you serious?
I was under the impression that his defense attorney was a big shot and I thought "court appointed attorney" meant you get the guys fresh out of college. I wondered why that guy that defended the nutty preacher's wife didn't defend him. Maybe his lawyer isn't that much of a "big shot" after all.
in response to RnotEZ:
This is a serious does a defense lawyer defend a person under such overwhelming evidence, knowing the person did it? I'm not talking morally, but mentally.
I've wondered that myself. I have no respect for the defense lawyers in this case. As a human being your heart has to kick in at some point and realize everything isn't about the dollar and/or trying to find a small loop hole to get someone off on.
Either way, if Jesse is found "innocent" how many hours do you think he will live on the streets of Memphis after doing what he's done?
Who is paying for this guy's defense lawyers? | http://www.commercialappeal.com/users/The/comments/ | dclm-gs1-087300001 | false | false | {
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0.034591 | <urn:uuid:404e0ecb-f760-44e8-8d09-30b0473e4528> | en | 0.969343 | Skip to: Content
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Briefing: Was Zelaya's ouster a coup?
Hondurans debate the legality of the forced exile of President Manuel Zelaya.
(Page 2 of 2)
Under the nation's penal codes, says Mr. Sanchez, the military could argue that it was operating under "necessity," to maintain peace, in sending Zelaya on a plane to Costa Rica. And under Article 272 of the Constitution, the military could also argue that it was exiling the leader in its mission to defend public order and the Constitution.
Skip to next paragraph
Why are so many nations against the interim government?
Honduran officials say that the international community does not understand the Honduran Constitution nor the threat to democracy that Zelaya represented, and that they have erroneously come to their conclusions. Yet many observers say that, regardless of the legal arguments presented, the Honduran de facto government remains isolated in its judgment.
"They claim there was a legal resolution backing military force. To be frank, if you have a legal ruling from the Supreme Court, you send the police. You do not send the military at 5 a.m. That is not normal law enforcement. That is an old-fashioned coup d'état," says Kevin Casas-Zamora, a former vice president of Costa Rica who is now at the Brookings Institution in Washington. He says the legal claims raised by the interim government "smack of postfact rationalization," he says. "Nobody believes that story outside of Honduras."
Zelaya is charged with breaking laws prior to his ouster. "But having him removed by gunpoint, and put on a plane, is not in the Constitution, either," says Christopher Sabatini, editor of the New York-based Americas Quarterly. He argues Zelaya should have been arrested and tried.
Is anyone likely to go to jail, and under what laws?
The interim government is alleging that Zelaya has broken myriad laws and said initially that he should face arrest on various charges, including treason and abuse of authority. If not granted amnesty, Zelaya could be tried under Honduran law and face jail time.
The Honduran government had sent a request for an international warrant for Zelaya's arrest for "misuse of authority, usurpation of public functions, offenses against the system of government, and treason." But Interpol said that it declined to carry out the warrant, because it seemed politically motivated. It noted that it "is strictly forbidden for the organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character." Interpol also declined because it said Hondurans had a chance to arrest Zelaya, had that been their wish.
There is no international court that rules on cases of coups. The only recourse is making the new government subject to nonrecognition, which the OAS and several world governments have already done. Sanchez says that if the military is found guilty for removing Zelaya from the country – forced exile was not specifically put in the warrant order by the Supreme Court – it could possibly face charges in Honduras. Zelaya could also sue the country at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, he says.
The interim government does not risk any charges. Under Article 242 of the Constitution, which lays out the rules for succession of power, Micheletti, as the president of the Congress and with no standing vice presidents at the time, was the person in line to take over the presidency and name a cabinet. The Congress voted the day of Zelaya's ouster to strip him of his powers and instate Micheletti as provisional president of Honduras. | http://www.csmonitor.com/World/2009/0721/p09s02-wogn.html/(page)/2 | dclm-gs1-087310001 | false | false | {
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0.076751 | <urn:uuid:2c298ecc-13d9-4e8d-8771-0e8c81b8222f> | en | 0.940436 | Email this article to a friend
Would you like fish eggs with that? America's first ever caviar vending machine installed in Los Angeles mall turns expensive delicacy into fast food
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Security code | http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2238082/emailArticle.html | dclm-gs1-087330001 | false | false | {
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0.980416 | <urn:uuid:6feb7922-a03c-4206-86f2-d4f8156144c6> | en | 0.946365 | Comment: Try to stay focused without (I assume) drugs
(See in situ)
Try to stay focused without (I assume) drugs
The conversation is over with. You've provided no sources for anything, and when someone directly replies to a statement you make, you provide non-coherent answers like you are on drugs.
This is in direct reply to your use of Thomas Jefferson, who by your own
statement in your original post is an example of "Non-Taliban Christian".
Well, Thomas Jefferson punishes Sabbath Breakers, castrated homosexuals, and punished false soothsayers and witches. So clearly, what constituted a "Taliban Christian" must really be bad by your (non-provided) definition.
Now, you might think I am being insulted by saying you sound like you are on drugs. But to me you do. It's because of the lack of focus, not being able to defend particular points made in your own posts, changing or lack of defining your own phrases, and not being able to reference actual facts. It's a hallmark of drug use, but it could just be sloppy thinking.
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0.028568 | <urn:uuid:d7603c04-c181-4ba2-9eef-b71d27c17b39> | en | 0.985864 | View Full Version : How safe is RME?
05-24-2010, 03:44 PM
I was looking at buying something on a trading board that I visit and they only take RME. I don't have an account with them and was wondering if anyone has used it and if it offers any protections for the buyers?
I asked if she takes paypal and haven't heard back yet - I do have a paypal account and know that they at least have a process you can go through if you don't get what you paid for.
05-24-2010, 05:15 PM
I've used before when it was first started a couple of years ago. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have because you have to give your social security # to sign up. I never had any problems, but it probably wasn't a wise idea. If you send money that way, there is NO protection at all (or at least there wasn't when I was using it. If you really want the item, see if you can get the seller to accept paypal, even if you pay the fees, if they still won't accept paypal, I would back out. | http://www.disboards.com/archive/index.php/t-2473262.html | dclm-gs1-087420001 | false | false | {
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0.037786 | <urn:uuid:9e9f9358-a933-45e4-9c07-581ac56d27ee> | en | 0.969282 | What's In Your Bag?
OOOOOO unveiling the truth to whats hidden in a bag! - What's In Your Bag? Discussion
Newest Review: ... a miniature zip pocket attached, on the front right hand side.) The main compartment is also closed by a zipper, along with another hidd... more
OOOOOO unveiling the truth to whats hidden in a bag!
What's In Your Bag?
Member Name: mummycharliemc
What's In Your Bag?
Date: 04/05/12
Advantages: Can hide all sorts in there if I wanted to
Disadvantages: Reality thre is nothing of any intrest in there!
Ok, so until 14th May 2010 i never used to really have a bag, and then i became a mum and I now would not even think of leaving the house without the kitchen sink. I can't even walk the dog these days without having a bag of essentials hanging off the buggy.
I never did a changing bag, I decided to get a big classy handbag (well if you are going to do it do it instyle!). It is a big bag and I love it I have lots of room for all the essentials and the added extras in but if you were to go down it I think you would all be in for a shock.
my number one essentials are baby wipes, I have discovered how amazing they are, I have used them for the obvious but they can get car oil off your hands, clean the dogs paws, wipe your hands after a cheeky drive through!
2) Nappies, she is coming up to two so until we are potty trained these are essential.
3)Make up bag, what I did before I have no idea but I have emergency make up bag with lip gloss and mascara in and then my daily make up bag hich includes the whole lot of daily make up.
4) Tissues again a mum of a 2 year old you always need a tissue for her running nose!
5) my purse this is down the list as I regularly forget it as my child has discovered money and seems o spend most her time playing with it so I now habe my emergency card in a secret pocket in my handbag!
6) Perfume, you never know when you may need an extra spray!
7) my mobile is usually in a pocket but it does make it in to my bag occasionally for a visit!
8) my keys live in my bag, I can never find them in there amongst the rubbish but they are in there.
The other bits that are not essential but appear to live n my bag include
1) a hair comb i hardly ever brush my hair as it is thick and curly so I am unsure as to why i insist on carrying the item but you never know!
2) endless recipts and bits of paper including bills
3)batteries for those emergency moments
4) a change of clothes for my little one (just incase)
5) Spare bag of organix crisps and a cartoon of juice
6) Name badge for work tends to live in my bag
7) tampons, you just never know
The reality is a womens bag is never that intresting. I have a lot of rubbish in there because I can and the reality is a lot of it could probably come out. I hate anyone rooting through my bag not because I have anything to hide but because its my personal space. I regulalry find my husband going down it when we are out and he knows I hte it but as he says if I didn't have the kitchen sink in there he wouldn't need to go in there.
I think I would now be lost if I didnt have a handbag. I love them so much and have now a good collection of them!
Summary: I love my handbag, it carries evertything in there for the just incase scenario. | http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/discussion/what-s-in-your-bag/1637402/ | dclm-gs1-087450001 | false | false | {
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0.381249 | <urn:uuid:1ddea7fa-ada8-4c04-8d97-2989b7c0c0bf> | en | 0.963291 |
Government intervention
The nanny state’s biggest test
Should governments make their citizens exercise more and eat less?
See article
Readers' comments
Dr Swinburn said that "--- is there is no single policy recommendation that can tell me how I should behave"
My brother David came to see us today, he struggles to get up our stairs he is so obese, I am very concerned.
I said if you were in an accident and lost an arm it would be the same as never getting pleasure from eating cheese, drinking fizzy drinks, eating crisps and chocolate.
So if he were to give up these he would loose weight just as God forbid if he lost an arm.
Andrew Cameron, Canvey Island, Essex
Amor Maclang
What issues does it post to other health risks as smoking, etc. ? I admire Bloomberg, etc but he must find a way to work and engage stakeholders and communicate with them in a manner that doesn't always feel like a bull in a china shop. What's your leadership communications style?
Amor Maclang
Why is the solution to every problem a tax Economist? Junk food? how is a bake potato with butter and salt different than potato chips? By the way the potato is a simple starch compose of guess what sugars- glucose. Your stomach rapidly breaks it down to glucose molecules giving you a sugar kick. How is that different than a large soda? I'm a chemist and could go on forever about the stupidity here.
Unqualified Critic
Wow! It was a good article until they pooh-poohed the impact of corn subsidies, because of this paper by a Bradly Ricards. First off corn is omni-present in just about everybody's diet. I challenge you to look at all the foods you eat and eliminate corn. You'd be surprised how hard it is. You think ok I'll just eliminate cereal, soda and potato chips and I'm golden, right... Most meat and dairy products come from animals who 'feast' primarily on a diet of corn. You'd say it doesn't count, but you are in fact what you eat and beef, chicken, pork, and milk are all essentially modified corn. The vast majority of candy has a primary ingedient of corn sugar or more properly stated, high fructose corn syrup. So given all these items which are directly affected by the price of corn for their inputs, how would ending the subsidy only be a 'drop in the bucket'? I say end the corn subsidy and given it to produce farmers.
Second nowhere in this section have they bothered to address the effects of genetical modified grains, like wheat, on the body. I don't know specific science, but it sounds like they've identified a very deterimental effect that the modified wheat has on the body. With the way the starches have been modified your body takes that wheat and instantly converts into fat for storage. Farmers complain that they can't go back to way wheat because its not profitable and they might not even have access to original strains.
Unqualified Critic in reply to ZCoboXMHyL
I was your typical American child. I can remember growing up and wanting macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pancakes for supper, etc... It wasn't until I was 14 and was exposed to walleye that I had fish that wasn't fish-sticks. Which I hated fish-sticks, and the only reason I tried the walleye was to avoid embaressment and the hands of my peers. I consider that moment a watershed in my tastebuds and what I consider to be good.
Today I enjoy pairing a good Iowa steak with a rich Argentinian Malbec or a mild Asiago with a Californian Sav Blanc. So I think taste can be learned when older and more accurately probably evolves with age. Case point, do you still eat the same candy today that you did when you were young. Even if you do, I bet your appriciation and rate of consumption have changed. I do agree that taste is learned and that the wider your palate at a young age the better it evolves as you get older.
What will bring obesity rates down is mortality and economics.
Eliminate any Medicare / Medicaid etc. payments for the obese.
Those on life support will no longer trouble the system. Those who worry about their health insurance will suddenly have great incentive to lose weight.
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If you experience a technical problem using our website, you can email a description of the problem, reference the job ID or URL in the subject line, and send to:
Scam Warning: Emerson does not hire employees through e-mail solicitations and never asks potential employees to pay money. If someone claiming to represent Emerson asks you for money, to cash money orders, or to send money to someone else, please contact local law enforcement authorities and Emerson Global Security at 1-314-553-2550. | http://www.emerson.com/en-US/about/careers/search/Pages/default.aspx?newms=jj&id=44098&newlang=1&aid=16104 | dclm-gs1-087550001 | false | false | {
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0.026148 | <urn:uuid:6b5be342-f429-41b7-989f-0ba9932bf44c> | en | 0.968851 | • News/
Now You Can Take Sad Keanu Reeves With You Wherever You Go!
Keanu Reeves, Figurine idk/
The world can be a scary place, but you don't have to face it alone.
Next time you find yourself down and out, just reach over and grab your Sad Keanu Reeves figurine and indulge in a full-blown pity party of two! Or, you can just set him down in various scenarios and take Instagram pictures that you can later compare with your friends (that actually sounds like a fantastic idea).
The latest action(ish) figure was sparked by "Sad Keanu," a meme that emerged when a paparazzo snapped a picture of the Matrix star looking down in the dumps as he ate a sandwich by himself on a bench in May 2010.
WATCH: This adorable Budweiser Super Bowl ad could cheer up Keanu
Then, 3D printing marketplace Shapeways came into the picture and brought Sad Keanu to life (well, you know what we mean). You can purchase the figure in two different sizes: Teeny Keanu for $25 or Little Keanu for $45. But as the website states, "Both are equally sad."
When the meme began to take a life of it's own (there's even a Cheer Up, Keanu day! It's June 15. Mark your calendars), Reeves actually played along and created his sardonic Ode to Happiness, a laughably morose collaboration with artist Alexandra Grant.
"I was in my kitchen hanging out with my friend Janey, and the radio was on–and this station was playing, like, an orgy of depressing, self-pitying, nostalgic music. You know: 'I'm so lonely and I've been left and my heart is broken.' It was so voluptuously horrible," he told UK Guardian.
"And I just started to write on this piece of paper, because I had this image of, you know, that moment when you take that bath, you light that candle, and you're really just kind of depressed. And it was making Janey laugh so hard, I just kept going, piling on the self-pity."
Where would you put your Sad Keanu figurine? Let us know in the comments!
PHOTOS: Check out some other stars who need a lift in our Celebrity Sadface :( gallery | http://www.eonline.com/news/505258/now-you-can-take-sad-keanu-reeves-with-you-wherever-you-go | dclm-gs1-087590001 | false | false | {
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0.047414 | <urn:uuid:2cc6b9db-93b1-4596-8001-3610ad2489fa> | en | 0.863842 | Edlund Co. Inc. Resolution RGS-600 Precision Gram Scale
Manufacturer: http://www.edlundco.com
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0.022514 | <urn:uuid:3ce8ab71-66e9-4b74-97a5-2b6356937446> | en | 0.891864 | Spring is coming
Newer Older
Oh my goodness gracious. I'm behind on your streams!
I have been busy to be fair though..
I need to pump up my pictures.
They're boring me.
Have a great night everyone.
You guys are the best!
Amy∞, rozen_m, Shanti-Om, and 3 other people added this photo to their favorites.
1. estutmirleidbitte [deleted] 25 months ago | reply
I like the perspective and shot of color in this. Appropriate title :o)
2. {sandy.feeet} [deleted] 25 months ago | reply
This is so cute! I love the concept.
I also love how pastel the colors are; Definitely suitable for Spring!
3. Amy∞ 25 months ago | reply
So cute!fits well with the trees:)
4. rozen_m 25 months ago | reply
Aww, this is lovely. So simple but it conveys the title so well. Really pretty. :)
5. jan_clickr 25 months ago | reply
I like the pop of colors against the woodsy background
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/anna_kat94/6963394431/ | dclm-gs1-087630001 | false | false | {
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0.05287 | <urn:uuid:2608bf4e-a6fa-4959-b1bc-d7b36fe1f26b> | en | 0.799904 | Video Spiral Feedback
Newer Older
A print image for the OFFF conference in Mexico city in early March. Made with Processing.
Quasimondo, Famewhore, watz, and 32 other people added this photo to their favorites.
1. gamany 98 months ago | reply
das ist . . . coooool
2. Just_Tom 97 months ago | reply
Whee. When you're good, you're good.
You're good!
3. watz 96 months ago | reply
That's great, Robert.
4. flight404 96 months ago | reply
Thanks Marius. Long time no see...
5. Ethan Hein 74 months ago | reply
I second the original comment, das ist indeed cool.
6. stu.axon 67 months ago | reply
Woa, looks pretty mental, is there a link to the code so we can run it in processing ourselves?
7. Sharon Van Lieu [deleted] 64 months ago | reply
Beautiful work!
8. Playful / Pablo Alfieri 60 months ago | reply
so fucking crazy all that you do man!
9. See-ming Lee 李思明 SML 53 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called SML Fine Art = 大中小藝 = SML ファインアート, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Seen in your Made with Processing set. (?)
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0.28391 | <urn:uuid:473d4d8d-edc7-49a5-8ceb-cc82fd6f7cb7> | en | 0.889285 | Iceland - Sunset at Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon)
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Iceland[4][5] i/ˈaɪslənd/ (Icelandic: Ísland, IPA: [ˈislant]; see Names for Iceland), officially called Republic of Iceland[6][7][8] and sometimes its counterpart Lýðveldið Ísland in Icelandic (for example this is a part of the name of the Constitution of Iceland, Stjórnarskrá lýðveldisins Íslands), is a Nordic European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.[9] The country has a population of about 320,000 and a total area of 103,000 km2 (40,000 sq mi).[10] The capital and largest city is Reykjavík,[11] with the surrounding areas in the southwestern region of the country being home to two-thirds of the country's population. Iceland is volcanically and geologically active. The interior mainly consists of a plateau characterised by sand fields, mountains and glaciers, while many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate despite a high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle.
According to Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in AD 874 when the chieftain Ingólfur Arnarson became the first permanent Norse settler on the island.[12] Others had visited the island earlier and stayed over winter. Over the following centuries, Norsemen settled Iceland, bringing with them thralls (serfs) of Gaelic origin. From 1262 to 1918 Iceland was part of the Norwegian and later the Danish monarchies. Until the 20th century, the Icelandic population relied largely on fisheries and agriculture. Industrialisation of the fisheries and Marshall Aid brought prosperity in the years after World War II. In 1994, Iceland became party to the European Economic Area, which made it possible for the economy to diversify into economic and financial services.
Iceland has a free market economy with relatively low taxes compared to other OECD countries,[13] while maintaining a Nordic welfare system providing universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens.[14] In recent years, Iceland has been one of the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world. In 2011, it was ranked as the 14th most developed country in the world by the United Nations' Human Development Index,[3] and the fourth most productive country per capita.[15] In 2008, the nation's entire banking system systemically failed and there was substantial resulting political unrest.
Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation's Norse heritage. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse (particularly from Western Norway) and Gaelic settlers. Icelandic, a North Germanic language, is closely related to Faroese and some West Norwegian dialects. The country's cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, poetry, and the medieval Icelanders' sagas. Currently, Iceland has the smallest population among NATO members and is the only one with no standing army.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS
Focal Length: 40mm
Aperture: f/22.0
Shutter Speed : 10 seconds
ISO : 50
Exposure: Manual
Riccardo Brig Casarico, bonvi83, and 105 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 20 more comments
1. Mustafa Almahmeed 24 months ago | reply
Amazing orang saleh :)
2. ©SMA 24 months ago | reply
3. Hareesh.P 24 months ago | reply
speechless !
4. ©Helminadia Ranford 24 months ago | reply
OMG what a stunning shot,Saleh!
5. Qais Alamar 24 months ago | reply
woooow saleh
gorgeous shot
amazing colors
6. Mark Barrett. 24 months ago | reply
Stunning sunset!
7. mosa3ad alshetwi 24 months ago | reply
عمل رائع
ابدعت اخوي صالح
8. Bandar al-jaber 24 months ago | reply
مجرم يالحبيب عمل مميز
يعطيك العافيه
9. ariannacascinelli 24 months ago | reply
Wow...simply great!!!
10. falconer-kw 20 months ago | reply
ممتازه جدا ابدعت ماشاء الله عليك
11. Jesse L. Simplerevolution Photography 19 months ago | reply
Beautiful light, wonderful work!
| http://www.flickr.com/photos/saleh100/6966501589/in/faves-jenan_7/ | dclm-gs1-087650001 | false | false | {
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0.388372 | <urn:uuid:b1820704-9f11-410d-a2bf-2af70feae024> | en | 0.868081 | Quick -Mix Scones
By **Jubes** on April 23, 2007
25 Characters Max
Enter Time:
You can create up to five timers
1. 2 cups self-raising flour
2. 1/2 teaspoon salt
3. 2 tablespoons butter, melted
4. 1 cup milk
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Melt your butter and set aside.
3. Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Or you can add them to a large mixing bowl and aerate with a whisk.
4. Slowly add the milk and butter to the flour. Work the milk and butter in with a knife using a cutting action.
5. Do not knead the dough.
6. Place on a lightly floured tray and gently roll to about 5cm thick. Cut with a 5 cm scone cutter or the top of a narrow glass.
7. Place close together on a baking tray and lightly brush the tops with a little extra milk.
8. Bake 10-15 minutes. | http://www.food.com/recipefullpage.do?rid=224043 | dclm-gs1-087660001 | false | false | {
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0.106157 | <urn:uuid:2380a84f-392d-49db-8bc7-5be9608885ed> | en | 0.824785 |
If Fennekin evolves into fire/fighting. i will paypal every poster $5.
#1Skull_proPosted 2/23/2013 5:38:45 PM
'K. Post nao.
Married to Clay, Driftveil city's gym leader
Official Roserade of the Pokemon X/Y boards
#2_KGC_Posted 2/23/2013 5:39:10 PM
- Yogi Berra
#3Yakob0919Posted 2/23/2013 5:39:24 PM
I don't even have a PayPal.
I'm sure you disagree with my post. That's why I have this signature.
#4AlI_About_The_UPosted 2/23/2013 5:39:34 PM
#5Cheesepower5Posted 2/23/2013 5:40:24 PM
Nice. You keep on funding my addictions.
Of course, Fennekin can't be Fire/Fighting because Chespin will be Grass/Fighting at its final stage.
Official Naga Raja of the SMT IV board.
Currently playing: Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
#6MugilokoPosted 2/23/2013 5:41:30 PM
I hope you're rich.
Official Zoroark of the Pokemon XY board
#7Hero_Of_RhymePosted 2/23/2013 5:41:54 PM
Hee hee
Through early morning fog I see visions of the things to be
#86bananzaPosted 2/23/2013 5:42:22 PM
Official Articuno of the Pokemon X and Y boards.
#9Ultimate_Nova_XPosted 2/23/2013 5:42:58 PM
It won't but...nothing to lose.
We need an FPS where the US are the bad guys and China/Japan/Russia etc. are the good guys
#10KingTumbleweedPosted 2/23/2013 5:42:58 PM
It's basically win-win. If Fennekin isn't F/F then I'll be happy. If it is, you'll hand over your money and I'll be happy.
Official Ferrothorn(Spahgetti) of Pokemon X/Y boards. | http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/696959-pokemon-x/65535330 | dclm-gs1-087720001 | false | false | {
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0.039258 | <urn:uuid:a3affeb8-ce38-42b9-a2d8-22e4c47bc53e> | en | 0.864909 | Question from SaurianGuy
Asked: 5 years ago
Reaper in 2nd playthrough?
Can you fight the reaper more than once in the same playthrough? Also can you get multiple copies of the drop the reaper gives?
Accepted Answer
From: jh15143 5 years ago
Yes, it is possible.
Rated: +0 / -0
This question has been successfully answered and closed
Submitted Answers
No and No
Rated: +0 / -0
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0.148063 | <urn:uuid:04178bb6-716c-4074-967e-0fc7a7dc568b> | en | 0.904502 | Make Over Your New Year's Resolution
Scrapped your New Year's vows? Give yourself a do-over with simpler strategies for reaching your goals.
By Mariel Goodson
1. Lose weight
Instead, try: eating breakfast daily. If you're still skipping it, you may be setting yourself up for a major binge later, studies show. Opt for a meal high in fiber (e.g., cereal and fruit) so you'll stay full longer.
Restart Slideshow
Related Links | http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-plans/new-years-resolution-makeover?src=shelter_footer | dclm-gs1-087800001 | false | false | {
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1. Advanced Patent Search
Publication numberUS1870318 A
Publication typeGrant
Publication dateAug 9, 1932
Filing dateJun 24, 1929
Priority dateJun 24, 1929
Publication numberUS 1870318 A, US 1870318A, US-A-1870318, US1870318 A, US1870318A
InventorsEdgar S Stoddard
Original AssigneeConover Company
Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
US 1870318 A
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Description (OCR text may contain errors)
This invention relates to an improved method of utilizing liquid containing machines, such as dishwashing machines, and it particularly relates to an improved process of washing and cleansing dishes, cups, plates, glasses and so forth in connection with a dishwashing machine.
Although the present invention is adapted to be utilized in connection with the washing and cleansing of dishes, plates, cups, glasses, sauce'rs and similar objects in dishwashing machines generally, it will be specifically described as applicable to the washing and cleansing operations as carried out in dishwashing machines of the spray-pro jector type.
In these machines a fine spray of the cleansing liquid, which is usually water, containing soapv or some other detergent, is projected against the surface of the object to be cleansed at the rate of about 2,000 to 3,000 feet per minute, thus causing a considerable impact when the water strikes the object. This impact in addition to the washing action of the water, is effective to loosen and carry away the food and dirt particles adhering to the objects being cleansed. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved process of cleansing dishes, plates, bowls, saucers, cups, and similar objects so that it will be unnecessary to subject such objects to manual cleansing or washing operations.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved manner of operating a dishwashing machine, especially of the sprayprojector type.
A further object is to provide an improved process by means of which objects may be effectually cleansed in dishwashing machines of the spray-projector type.
Other objects will appear during the course of the following specification.
Spray-projector type dishwashing machines in connection with which the process of the present invention may be utilized are more fully shown and described in applica- 1929. Serial No. 873,483.
screw propeller-like impeller, wit-h curved blades, which impeller rotates at a high velocity of the order of 1,000 to 2,000 R. P. M. in the lower part of the tank of the machine. Only the lower part of this impeller is immersed in the shallow liquid pool in the lower part of the tank. The shallow liquid pool in the lower part of the machine is maintained in relatively quiescent condition during the operation of the machine. As it turns, the impeller elevates the liquid from its lower screw propeller'portions to its upper concave projectors which throw the cleansing liquid at a high velocity directly upon, or into, the objects to be cleansed. Since there are no bafiies or deflectors to break the force of the liquid, the total force of the projected mass of liquid is effective for cleansing purposes. Although the velocity of the cleansing liquid is very high, the volume of cleansing liquid is very small, andas a result a very effective cleansing is obtained with a minimum and most eflicient use of the cleansing agent.
As a specific example of the practicing of the processes of the present invention, the operation of cleansin dishes and similar objects in a spray-pro ector type dishwashing machine, such as those described in the above identified applications, will be described. Dishwashing machines of the spray-projector type are provided with verwater, which pool may be of increased depth below the central portion of the water actuating device. The deepest portion of such pool may be adapted toreceive all the incoming and circulating washing and rinse liquids before they are taken up and distributed by the impeller or water actuating device, and it also is adapted to receive all waste liquid before it is discharged from the tank.
The Washing chamber is adapted to be opened either on the top or side, and by means of such opening it may be filled with the objects to be cleansed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the dishes,
plates and silverware are positioned vertically in the lower part of the washing chamber above the liquid pool and the impeller. In the case of the silverware, the portions which come into contact with the food are positioned uppermost, while in the case of dishes and plates, the concave portions are caused to face the center of the machine either partly or wholly. The upper part of the washing chamber is adapted to contain the deep vessels such as the glasses, cups, deep bowls, etc. These articles are positioned so as to face the impeller or the lower center of the washing machine. When the dishes have been put into posit-ion in the washing chamber, the washing chamber is closed. The washing chamber is provided with suitable vents which will permit the movement of vapors into or out of the washing chamber, but such vents are well bafiled so as to prevent the movement of any moisture or spray from the washing chamber to the outside of the machine. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, before the washing chamber is closed, a suitable amount of a detergent is placed within the washing chamber, most desirably upon the water actuating device or the impeller. It is ordinarily preferable, with not quickly soluble detergents, that none of the detergent material be placed upon the dishes or other objects within the washing chamber. A most satisfactory detergent for this purpose is a foaming detergent such as a water soluble soap or an alkali metal salt of a high molecular weight fatty acid and as a general rule it is desirable to use about 1 to 5 tablespoonfuls of such a soap to every5 quarts of liquid. This amount is primarily adapted to soap when used in flake form. If the soap is utilized in some other formsequivalent proportions should be used.
The desired amount of cleansing or washing liquid is then added to the washing chamher. As stated above, it may be preferable to form a liquid pool which is of increased depth under the impeller or water actuating device. The machine is most desirably constructed so that the liquid may be introduced without opening the washing chamber. The
\ water or other liquid should preferably be too hot to touch. The temperature may be materially over 140 F. It is usually not over about 210 F. The normal charge for a dish-washing machine will vary between 2 to 15 quarts of liquid, depending upon the size of the washing chamber and actuating device. To this water, before or just after being placed int-he washing chamber, is preferably added a non-sud-producing or non-colloidal soluble alkaline reacting alkaline earth or alkali metal salt. This agent may have some detergent value and will preferably not cause the formation of substantial quantities of suds or foam.
A satisfactory material of this character is trisodium phosphate. About one-half to three tablespoons of this material of this character is added to the water placed in the machine. The proportions of this material are adjusted to the requirements of the local water supply and the amount of water placed in the washing chamber.
The water actuating device may be put into motion before the hot water is added. By setting the impeller or water actuating device in rotation before adding the cleansing liqaids, the starting torque required of the motor is reduced and the tendency for the evolution of large volumes or sudden rushes of steam, which might cause lifting of the lid and upsetting of the glassware and dishes, may be practically eliminated. The relatively slow addition of liquid to the rotating impeller is therefore preferable to the sudden initiation of rotation when the impeller is immersed to its normal static level. The charging of the machine with a measured volume of Cleansing liquid, while the impeller is in rotation, moreover enables the saving of time.
As stated above, the amount of foaming detergent utilized will vary between 1 to 5 tablespoonfuls of soap flakes for every 5 quarts of water. Preferably about 1 to 1% tablespoonfuls are most satisfactorily employed. The concentration of soap should be such that the cleansing liquid has sufficient viscosity and froth to emulsify and/or sup port the grease and food particles to be removed from the dishes and carried out of the machine. The washing and cleansing liquid during operation of the machine may have the consistency of whipped cream. Soapsuds of this consistency reduce the slight noise of the circulating water in the machine. 7 If there is a noticeable increase of the sound of the Water during the washing operation, it is a sign that insufficient soap was added or that more soap is necessary. In the latter case the water actuating device should be stopped, the washing chamber should be opened and more soap added. The amount of soap required is generally proportional to the amount of water and the amount of grease upon the dishes. If the dishes and other objects are very greasy, more soap is required to emulsify the same. It is undesirable, however, to have too much soap in the machine for in such a case the suds will become very thick, will interfere with the spray-projection operation and will not be easily removed from the machine. In case there is such a large quantity of suds as will. prevent ready removal of the waste fluids from the washing chamber, it is desirable to allow additional hotwater to enter the washing chamber so as to dilute the suds before discharging the machine.
After the machine has been charged and the water actuating device set into motion, the dishes are allowed to wash for a-period between about 3 to 10 minutes, say 5 minutes. After this period the wash water is discharged without opening the washing chamber and the tank is again charged with hot liquid. About the same amount of liquid of about the same temperature as before is utilized. To this liquid is preferably added the same quantity of alkaline reagent as was utilizedin the washing operation. The machine is then allowed to operate for between one-half to 2 or 3 minutes, say about one minute,and,the machine is again discharged of liquid. The machine is then a second time charged with a rinsing liquid (preferably clear hot water) of about the same temperatureand in the same amount as previously EDGAR S. STODDARD.
described, and the operation is allowed to continue for about the same period as in the previous operation. In this second rinsing operation no alkaline reagent is added to the water unless such-water is extremely hard.
Whenithe machine is again discharged, the washing chamber is full opened to, the atmosphere, and air is a lowed to circulate throu h the machine to dry the articles therein. I water of theproper temperature has been utilized, the dishes willdry by evaporation in a very short time.
In the preferred operation of the machine, the water actuating device is kept in motion during the charging, discharging cleansing and rlnsing operations. The washing chamber of the machine is also preferably kept closed during these operations. 1
Although trisodium phosphate is the preferred non-colloidal alkaline reagent and soap is the preferred foaming detergent because of their availability in most households, it is obvious that other equivalent rea nts or detergents may be readily utilized. or example, it is possible to utilize alkaline-reacting alkali metal or alkaline earth salts in place of or in addition to trisodium phos- I 7 the dishes with hot water.
phate. It is also possible to use other sud- 1 2, A method of cleansing dishes which.
60 comprises forming a solution of soap and trisodium phosphate in a quantity of hot water, forcibly projecting the water with said materials therein in the form of a spray against the dishes to be cleaned, preparin a second 35 solution of trisodium phosphate in ct water,
Referenced by
Citing PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitle
US2436169 *Aug 29, 1941Feb 17, 1948Murray CorpDishwasher
US2664094 *Aug 1, 1947Dec 29, 1953Harris Spragins JohnDishwasher
US3272652 *Nov 12, 1964Sep 13, 1966Whirlpool CoMethod of removing film deposits
US4592785 *Feb 21, 1985Jun 3, 1986General Electric CompanyProteinaceous soil removal process
US4874435 *Dec 28, 1987Oct 17, 1989Caracciolo Louis DOzonization of containers
U.S. Classification134/29, 134/34
International ClassificationA47L15/00
Cooperative ClassificationA47L15/0007, A47L15/0055, A47L2601/02, A47L15/44
European ClassificationA47L15/44, A47L15/00A4 | http://www.google.com/patents/US1870318?ie=ISO-8859-1 | dclm-gs1-087820001 | false | false | {
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0.021283 | <urn:uuid:a463a18b-d558-4a14-ba6e-9bd2eb4c8976> | en | 0.918347 | Salon and Spa Services at Salon Foushee and Spa Foushee (Up to 51% Off). Three Options Available.
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0.205115 | <urn:uuid:5f448bea-23cd-433c-9150-f01bc38b5115> | en | 0.955838 | School is a battlefield, and NRA determined to keep it that way
• Pin It
Good guys vs. bad guys, both sides armed to the teeth.
That's how the National Rifle Association views the moral universe. Yes, the group admits, an epidemic of gun violence is plaguing our nation. The reason for it is that good people have disarmed themselves. The cure is for them -- us -- to rearm.
In fact, most Americans don't want to be more awash in firepower, as is revealed in poll after poll. We want it to be harder to acquire the kinds of guns and ammunition, especially the kinds that are meant to kill a lot of people quickly.
Yet the other day the NRA, in a bid to be taken seriously after the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Connecticut, touted the recommendations of something called the National School Shield Task Force, which it sponsored and which was chaired by former Arkansas Rep. Asa Hutchinson. The task force's report recommended that schools retain staff with concealed weapons and that state legislatures change laws to make that possible.
Evidence to the contrary, the NRA is convinced that mass shooters chose their places of mayhem not because of a previous emotional connection to the school, place of business, the intended victims or some other link, but because they are gun free zones.
So the task force's 225-page report contains a sample bill for legislatures to expand who is legally able to pack heat in the hallways of your child's school. That's the NRA's way to get around those pesky gun free zones that apply to most schools.
The report stresses that because government funding is limited, there is a need for a private, nonprofit advocacy and education organization to "advocate and support school safety." In other words, to promote the arming of school personnel, to fund pilot programs, to mold policy and set standards, and to train the guards and other armed staff. That would be the NRA, through a surrogate organization it proposes to fund called the National School Shield.
What could possibly go wrong?
Set aside for now the potential liability issues of a lobbying group certifying school safety experts with the authority to shoot to kill. Forget the tendency of increased law enforcement presence in schools to shuttle alarming numbers of students into the juvenile justice system, when afterschool detention might have done the trick.
An overarching question is this: Can an organization that is adamantly opposed to measures to keep children safe outside of school really be trusted to ensure their safety during the school day?
The answer is no.
Far more students die outside of schools every year than in mass school shootings. But the tallies are incremental, not the stuff of banner headlines coast to coast. They die by accidental death with mishandled guns, in street violence and by suicide.
As a 2012 report by the Children's Defense Fund framed it, 5,740 -- one child or teen every three hours, eight every day, 55 every week for two years -- died by gunfire in 2008 and 2009. That's enough children to fill more than 229 public school classrooms of 25 students each.
Yet on this, the NRA is largely silent, except to push back against the very measures that might spare those lives.
The nation has vastly increased its use of school resource officers, often off-duty or retired police, in the past decades. No one argues that this is a negative thing per se. In fact, the Obama administration's proposals on school safety ask for $150 million to target more hiring of such officers, along with other school personnel to handle mental health issues.
Much of the task force report's recommendations are unobjectionable and pragmatic. What is objectionable is what its sponsor is doing to compound the problem.
Of late, the NRA has learned to make the occasional rhetorical nod toward root causes of violence, such as the fractured and underfunded status of the nation's mental health systems. But you get the impression that this is done to deflect attention from problem-solving measures like universal background checks for gun purchases or controls on the very sort of weaponry and magazine clips that are used in mass shootings.
What the National School Shield Task Force recommendations add up to is advancing the militarization of the American school environment. Even the task force's name suggests it. That's not what most Americans want. Even when it genuinely tries to help find ways to prevent school shootings, the NRA fails. That should surprise no one, because public safety is not its highest priority.
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0.069083 | <urn:uuid:d9083a4d-9c44-43ba-be86-a5376ca4fa41> | en | 0.94091 | St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Scores
• Movies
For 881 reviews, this publication has graded:
• 63% higher than the average critic
• 3% same as the average critic
• 34% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 6.3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Movie review score: 68
Highest review score: 100 The Social Network
Lowest review score: 25 The Mechanic
Score distribution:
1. Negative: 64 out of 881
881 movie reviews
1. A director whose breakthrough was the story of a madman's last stand has exceeded that feat with the story of an angry man's next step.
2. The edginess here isn't merely facile. Goldthwait's movies, including the under-appreciated "Shakes the Clown," are about reclaiming dignity from the dung heap. And he's found a fitting collaborator.
3. May be one of the most fun-free, angst-ridden teens we've seen on the big screen in a long time.
4. Titanic technical achievement.
5. Washington is surprisingly persuasive as a world-weary blade-wielder, and Oldman makes the most of a not particularly interesting villain. But the film's breakout star may be Kunis, who brings to Solara a blend of sassiness and sexiness that's reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer.
7. Yet so much about The Lovely Bones is so skillfully orchestrated, from the chillingly methodical villainy to the thrillingly paced manhunt, we can accept that we're in the hands of a higher power.
8. Succeeds as both advocacy and entertainment by focusing on the family.
9. While Walt and El Grupo is less than a penetrating analysis, it's more than a Mickey Mouse advertisement.
10. What animates this dramatically constrained film are the lively words and the vitality of nature. An image of butterflies blooming in a bedroom is Keats' worldview in miniature.
11. Two things that the British know that most Americans don't: Michael Sheen is the best actor in the English-speaking world; and soccer is the only football that matters.
12. Rock misses the boat in deciding not to relate Good Hair to non African-Americans more.
13. This stylish film reminds us that great images endure after bodies and buildings crumble.
14. The kind of working-class, character-driven drama that few American directors would dare to make. It's tough and unsentimental, with a documentary aesthetic that belies the craft of the calibrated tension.
15. This jam-packed picture is too zippily scripted and edited to get stuck in message mode, yet the stellar cast achieves a rare harmonic convergence.
16. The Messenger is the debut film of writer and director Oren Moverman, but it's worldly wise, with two well-rounded characters.
17. More benevolent than Bill Maher's snarky flick "Religulous" and a heaven-sent affirmation of our common humanity.
18. Ultimately, William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe is a defense, not a prosecution, and the principal witness remains a shining star.
19. Broken Embraces is stylish and sly, an engaging exercise that gives us less than meets the eye.
20. Green Zone can't make up its mind whether it's "The Bourne Insurrection" or "Hurt Locker: The Prequel."
21. We are reminded: War is hell. But at their best, war movies can be cool and beautiful.
22. In a movie of murky surfaces and deep loneliness, the redemptive surprise of A Single Man is how it becomes a clear endorsement of the Buddy System.
• 70 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
If you've ever seen anything like A Town Called Panic, you either made it yourself or you dreamed it.
23. What makes this low-key movie memorable are the pitch-perfect performances.
24. What enriches the recipe is that no one is quite as cagey as they seem. Colin is officially thuggish, but he's a blinkered romantic. Archie is a mama's boy, Meredith is gay, Mal is impotent, and Peanut wears dentures.
25. Fortunately, Fish Tank feeds us more than crumbs and leaves us feeling like we've come up for air.
27. It's smart, heartfelt, handsome and just mutated enough to sustain interest in a specialized subject.
28. This deadpan police story produces unexpected chills.
29. The beauty of October Country, beside its artful images, is how it compresses the windblown fortunes of working-class America into the fallen leaves of one forlorn family.
30. As an exercise in craft, it's surprisingly successful, thanks to the strong cast and the vivid depiction of a modern leader's security apparatus. But as a political statement or personal drama, The Ghost Writer is nearly invisible.
31. Given the stormy milieu, The Yellow Handkerchief could have been a sordid slice of life or a maudlin metaphor. But the unhurried direction of Udayan Prasad and the unafraid choices of the sure-footed cast keep this character-driven drama afloat.
32. If all you want from a movie are generous doses of laughs and some tender moments, She's Out Of My League should be right up your alley.
33. This Swedish sensation is a magic trick that jolts the murder-mystery genre back to life.
34. Like "The Squid and the Whale," this character study pushes the definition of comedy to the breaking point, and unlike the far less successful "Margot at the Wedding," it leaves us faintly smiling after the workout.
35. Because the movie captures the period so well and argues so convincingly that the Runaways' very existence was revolutionary, it doesn't have to exaggerate the highs and lows to create a more salable story.
36. Egoyan doesn't flinch from exploring the dark side of curiosity. That includes dealing with sexuality in a way that might make some moviegoers uncomfortable.
37. In steering a course between the rock of rude humor and the hard place of perilous drama, How to Train Your Dragon flies high.
38. The macabre comedic undertones are reminiscent of a Coen brothers film like "Blood Simple." But a more apt comparison is to an obscure Canadian bank-heist flick called "The Silent Partner," in which teller Elliot Gould pockets some loot from thief Christopher Plummer. Both movies imitate an American idiom with a provincial accent.
39. Although it has some memorably disquieting scenes, this story of long-delayed justice is sustained by its melancholy more than its thrills.
• 27 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
Sex and the City 2 will never be compared to "The Godfather, Part II." But it's everything a fan could want in a sequel.
41. The been-there, done-that nature of the plot doesn't take away from the undeniable sweetness found in Just Wright.
42. Unfortunately, Garcia can't quite resist sentimentality, giving us an ending that's a bit too emotionally neat. Still, Mother and Child is a thoughtful and provocative film about the way we live now.
43. Perhaps best appreciated as a character study -- about a character some moviegoers might prefer to avoid. Still, it's a smart, funny film that flirts with the edge.
44. The documentary ends on a hopeful note, as Indians themselves have taken control of their image.
45. It's not exactly aiming for the moon, but in a marketplace where surpassed expectations are as rare as unicorns, Despicable Me is delightful.
46. The surprisingly rich documentary Best Worst Movie views the phenomenon from a unique perspective.
47. A tamer tale of supernatural shenanigans that is far more appropriate for young children than the sometimes too-scary scenes from J.K. Rowling's stories.
48. Like the recent "Greenberg," Cyrus is not the jokey, polished production you would expect from its Hollywood cast and LA setting, but audiences who are comfortable with discomfort should find it "funny."
49. The first half of the film dusts off some kitschy picket-fence footage and alarmist news reports to invoke an era when homosexual acts were illegal in 49 states, and gays were subjected to arrest, electroshock and sterilization.
• 52 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
Weighty issues such as war and divorce are mentioned, but the serious themes pass quickly. The lighthearted story always takes precedent over the special effects, but a scene involving swimming piglets will have kids flashing a sea of smiles.
50. When the smoke clears, heady Farewell stands tall among the movies that view the Cold War at close range.
51. The multiple cameras that shadow Anker and his novice partner provide unprecedented images. But they also raise unintended questions about the vanishing frontier.
52. Best appreciated as an exercise in style. Based on Martin Booth's novel "A Very Private Gentleman," the film establishes and sustains a mood of suspense, but Corbijn seems only minimally interested in conventional thrills.
53. Moviegoers will know in the first five minutes whether the new B-movie Machete is their cup of tea - or bucket of blood.
54. Ondine is dipped in whimsy and might have drifted out to sea, but it's bounded on four sides by love stories -- between a father and a daughter, a man and a mermaid, an actor and his co-star, and a director and his country.
55. Because of some sentimental backspin, Affleck doesn't quite hit it out of the park, but he may provoke the green monster of envy in lesser directors.
56. With its mix of true-blood romance and full-moon madness, Let Me In should hasten the twilight of the twerpy pretenders.
68. Seth Rogen is the Green Hornet. What else do you need to know?
69. Summer Wars has engineered a truce between the familiar and the fantastical.
78. As popcorn entertainment, it's right on schedule.
79. A good nature film - and a great technical achievement.
85. Although it starts slowly, the accumulated tension and thematic resonance leaves us breathless.
87. The simmering rivalry between Di and Fiamma, inflamed by the kind of glimpsed indiscretion that makes adolescent melodramas tick, explodes in a thriller ending that turns an observant coming-of-age story into something resembling "The Lord of the Flies."
88. The Beaver isn't a perfect film, but it's challenging and original.
89. Although there are gentle detour discussions about advertising in classrooms and school buses, Spurlock's ironic approach can't convince us that ads are toxic. Indeed, when he visits sprawling Sao Paolo, Brazil, where all outdoor advertising has been banned, it seems as sterile as Stalingrad.
90. This well-executed sequel is sneaky. While it distracts us with Chinese backdrops and buffoonish humor, it sucker punches us with a message about belonging.
91. Such a disarming homage to the cinema of the Reagan era that even grouchy gremlins might feel like it's morning in America. But be forewarned that if this movie is exposed to sunlight, you'll notice the puppet strings.
92. A fanciful French cousin to Allen's "Zelig" and "The Purple Rose of Cairo," yet the fulfilled wish for a better life is high-concept absurdity without high-anxiety guffaws.
93. Brazenly funny in its own right - until it turns into a goody two-shoes.
94. It's simply an opportunity to spend time with characters who may lack depth but are fun to watch.
95. Given the turbulent water of world affairs and sea changes in the media, a follow-up a year from now might be titled "Gray Lady Down" if the Times does not chart a new course.
96. As a critic who complains about painless and brainless action movies, I hoist a glass of mead to the men and maidens of Ironclad.
97. If you require a plot, look elsewhere.
98. Smith turns in a subtly layered performance that suggests the hurt behind Kathy's callousness. And O'Donnell gets to the heart of a man who realizes too late that he's made unfortunate choices.
99. It's faint praise to say that this is the best of the "Planet of the Apes" movies, because the evolution of special effects and makeup was predictable. But the unexpected strength of the film is its heart.
100. There are three sides to most love stories: his, hers and the truth. But on London's Fleet Street, the three sides are his, hers and the tabloids'.
101. Despite accusations of nearly succumbing to spotlighting beefs over beats, the film comes off as an honest representation of a great group that's not to be forgotten.
102. In such a bleak story, the redemptive ending seems rushed and unconvincing, but director Oliver Schmitz has sent us a timely dispatch from a forgotten corner of the world that is honest above all.
103. It honors the original throughout, including a memorable nightclub scene and a surprise cameo that's a huge crowd-pleaser, while at the same time giving updates to make it fresher and better than ever.
104. Like its neo-noir kin across the pond, The Guard is violent, profane and funny. But McDonagh is interested in more than mockery.
105. Neither as magic nor as trippy as the culture quake that it documents, but it's a valuable flashback and a pleasurable contact high.
106. The Debt eventually settles into a predictable groove that slightly undercuts its impact. Still, it's a film of ambition and substance.
107. The Tree might have suffered from too much symbolism if not for writer-director Julie Bertuccelli's deft touch and Gainsbourg's appealing performance.
108. Doesn't rise to classic status, but it's an intriguing mood piece.
109. As Refn is riffing on thriller cliches, he gets solid support from the ensemble. Brooks, a comedic standout since the '70s, makes a sympathetic villain, and Gosling stokes the young-Brando comparisons - instead of settling for Richard Gere.
110. This film might easily have settled for mocking religion. Instead, it's a fascinating glimpse into a culture that forces some people to choose between fitting in and opting out.
111. Offers an inside look at Iran in all its cultural complexity.
112. This affable comedy is a healthy alternative to tearjerkers.
113. If you want to see a great movie about a political campaign, starring the smartest heartthrob of his era, rent "The Candidate." If you want see a very good one, buy a ticket for The Ides of March.
114. Pleasant, well-acted but somewhat overlong, The Way was written and directed by Estevez, who's perhaps best known for his acting career ("The Breakfast Club").
116. Margin Call has a spectacular cast, and the 24-hour cycle of events gives the movie the compressed dramatic effect of a fine play.
117. In place of a rousing adventure, Blackthorn is a haunting ode.
118. Even if they don't provide much lift, these boots were made for amusement.
120. In recording the timeless traditions of Jewry, he created a new one: the identity crisis that rides on the back of laughter.
122. The Women on the 6th Floor shouldn't work, but this efficient flick whisks away our cynicism.
123. The troupe's first film in more than a decade, is a more aggressively absurd antidote to what it calls "a hard, cynical world." Happily, it works.
• 69 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
Arthur Christmas stays sweet without becoming overly sentimental and is filled with sly details and smart action sequences.
124. Lacks the urgency of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" But Paine's thorough knowledge of his subject, and engaging way with an interview, make the follow-up film a fun ride.
125. While Banderas' dark intensity overshadows the potential poignancy of the story, Almodovar is such a skilled surgeon that he extracts a juicy nugget of pleasure from a purely distasteful premise.
126. The most mesmerizing parts of the movie make up a tutorial about how the Muppets are made and moved.
127. Turturro, who previously directed a musical called "Romance and Cigarettes," lingers on the sensual movements of the performers and the character faces of the onlookers.
128. It's a comedic dramatization with a looming shadow of the surreal.
129. The world-class mechanic is Brad Bird, who applies the pacing and spatial freedom of a 'toon to a live-action thriller.
130. As a tale of a boy, his dog and their battles with bad guys, it's a treasure.
131. As a man committed to reinventing himself, Damon is terrific. And Johansson brings to Kelly just the right blend of spunkiness and hard-won maturity.
132. While the PG-13 approach to the most brutally sustained war the world has ever known makes it suitable for mature children, some cynical adults may resent the tug of the reins. Me, I cried like a grandmother.
133. As biopics go, The Iron Lady is among the more intriguing ones.
134. When a man whose wife was killed by cultists invites us to laugh at life's absurdities, the particulars are almost incidental.
135. Like psychoanalysis, A Dangerous Method takes its time as it circles an opening to unexplored depths. To reward our patience, Cronenberg gives us some honey-hued eye candy and rich dialogue, but if you're seeking instant gratification, I prescribe "Shame."
136. Overreaching fits of melodrama, occasionally stilted dialogue, and performances by Gooding Jr. and Howard that are mostly a series of serious faces can't keep the shiny Red Tails from taking flight.
137. Although Tomboy is as tightly constructed as a short story and as seemingly straightforward as a documentary, the parable about a small fib that grows out of control is so rooted in the rich soil of sexual identity that it entangles us.
138. Rounded, redemptive and refreshingly free of cynicism.
139. Stölzl blends romance and melancholy in fine style.
• 80 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
So many of today's children's movies are loud. Loud explosions, loud colors, loud soundtracks, loud humor. The animated The Secret World of Arrietty is the antidote to those films.
140. Thin Ice resides just slightly south of "Fargo."
• 46 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
141. He's not in Mark Wahlberg's league, and 21 Jump Street isn't quite as funny as "The Other Guys," but by lampooning himself here, Tatum has bought himself a grace period to grow in.
142. As opposed to the "gentlemen's clubs" in sinful cities like Las Vegas, the Crazy Horse attracts couples.
144. He might be guilty of showboating, but De Niro's knockout performance is a declaration that the star of "Raging Bull" isn't ready to hang up his gloves.
146. Isn't as memorable or provocative as it might have been. But it's an engaging love story that should appeal to moviegoers with a flair for the offbeat.
147. What's lacking is a galvanizing performance comparable to that of the Oscar-nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno in "Maria Full of Grace." Still, The Forgiveness of Blood is a memorable portrait of a society and the demands it makes on those caught up in it.
148. Unlike the benchmark sports documentary "Hoop Dreams," Undefeated doesn't have a deep penetration of poverty and race in its playbook, but it does have enough heart to make substantial forward progress.
150. Footnote is faintly comic, and director Joseph Cedar mines dark humor from the humiliations of identity checks and pecking orders.
151. Despite the crass book promotion, the overlong film is harmless romantic fun that's well played.
152. Marley is thus a valuable history project but not a definitive or analytical one. For that, we await a film that's less "One Love" and more "Stir It Up."
153. Like a Fishbone show or an LA weather forecast, the dark curtain rises, and there's a promise of more sunshine.
154. 96 Minutes is a mere introduction to Sociology 101, but it's brisk enough to rustle the reading list and keep the conversation alive.
156. Lacking beef or sufficient spice, it's nonetheless colorful comfort food.
157. This is rich material that Moretti mines for both superficial absurdity and deep pathos.
158. Too short and undisciplined to be a world-class comedy, but its chutzpah deserves respect.
159. This thriller is both skillfully familiar and chillingly strange.
160. Goodbye First Love is like a postcard from a lost Eden, a painfully pure oasis where we're not allowed to linger.
161. It's the kind of movie that inspires word-of-mouth recommendations by speaking the international language of culture clash.
162. Denham impressively captures Peter's flintiness, rendering him sympathetic yet not quite likable, and Vicius is just right as the wary Lorna.
163. The real stars here are Scott's behind-the-curtain crew, who fill every frame with tech-savvy details and take the sets to another dimension with immersive 3-D imagery.
164. Mostly the movie is about process and perspective. Through the documentary lens, Richter's enigmatic paintings speak to us.
165. Ice-T delivers a love letter to hip-hop with Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap.
166. Like "Gone, Baby, Gone," the French film Polisse succeeds by shifting the focus from the victims to the vigilant protectors.
167. Just misses living up to its name.
168. With elements of a musical, a melodrama and a multicultural romance, Where Do We Go Now? is as hard to define as the crossroads region where it's set. But even without a clear signal, it sometimes seems miraculous.
169. Like a train, I Wish is slow to build momentum, then it carries us away in a wondrous rush.
170. It's guilty of some sleight-of-hand hokum, but in pulling the rug from under the norm, Magic Mike turns a trick.
171. Although there's a skeletal story, A Cat in Paris evokes a mood instead of a moral. Like a cat nap, it gives us a brief, refreshing dream with little to remember.
172. Perry manages to pull it off here, coming off completely likable and real, never insufferable and fake.
173. Alma is at once a charmer and a contrarian, and Bergsholm achieves that balance with seeming effortlessness. At times, she's more than a bit reminiscent of the young Jodie Foster.
177. Arbitrage is never the nail-biting thriller that it could have been.
178. Notwithstanding its storytelling stumbles, Sleepwalk With Me points in a positive direction for this likable comedian's career.
179. While Looper lacks the heft of a classic, this wayback machine is worth taking for a spin.
180. The campus comedy Pitch Perfect harmonizes high-end performance with low-brow spoofery. It's like a National Lampoon parody where the targets write the jokes.
181. Sticks to the syllabus of a decidedly minor movie, but its humanities faculty is first-rate.
182. While the big-headed, spindly puppets don't evoke enough emotion to make the movie a must-see, Burton's 3-D design team pours its heart into the monochrome surroundings, from the suburban décor to Victor's laboratory to the carnival midway.
183. It comes together with a gruesome though excellent ending that some will find difficult to shake.
184. Whereas "Chill" attempted to define a generation, "Lies" is more of a statement about the nature and limits of friendship.
185. At once an intriguing character study and a refreshingly offbeat romance.
186. If you root for documentaries with heart, The Other Dream Team is a slam dunk.
187. Some may scoff when the boys exhibit traits and interests derived from the biological parents they never knew, but The Other Son is such a disarming feat that cynics will get left at the checkpoint.
• 72 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
A lot like video games and candy: light entertainment but fun while it lasts.
188. Few mainstream movies, let alone disability dramas, are so frank about sexual mechanics, yet notwithstanding the nudity, The Sessions isn't voyeuristic or sleazy.
• 57 Metascore
• 75 Critic Score
189. Even more than most versions of Anna Karenina, this chamber piece is heated by two combustible characters, not by the winds of war and peace.
190. There will never be another Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor, but Hollywood may have found a new Lee Remick in Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
191. The Big Picture ends perhaps a bit too ambiguously, but there's something refreshing about its faith in the moviegoer's intelligence.
192. At nearly three hours long, "An Unexpected Journey" has moments when the caravan seems both overstuffed and out of balance, but it's such a scenic trip that only a stubborn homebody could complain.
194. Apatow still hasn't set the table for a meaty drama, but making us laugh is a piece of cake.
196. Some of the themes and the hallucinatory special effects are reminiscent of Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch,” and there are cheeky allusions to “Dawn of the Dead” and even “Eyes Wide Shut,” but a viewer with an open mind might say that this midnight-style movie is more enjoyable than any of them.
197. The several allusions to Thomas Mann’s forbidden-love novel “Death in Venice” are apt, but Yossi is also a standalone film and an extraordinary sequel.
199. With a greater emphasis on sex than violence, Spring Breakers is a more enjoyable guilty pleasure than “Natural Born Killers” and just as acute about our cultural devolution. For all its seeming stupidity, its masterstroke is making us complicit in the corruption of its young stars (who include the director’s own wife).
200. It’s an enigmatic and austere film from a region where political, sexual and religious repression are as stifling as the sooty air.
201. 42
The inspirational movie named for Robinson’s number is too dignified to throw audiences a curveball, let alone a knockdown pitch, but its solid fundamentals make it a winner. | http://www.metacritic.com/publication/st-louis-post-dispatch?page=11 | dclm-gs1-088110001 | false | true | {
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0.028117 | <urn:uuid:23e086fe-5f19-436c-a503-2315085f4f09> | en | 0.925251 | Put the ‘app’ in job application
Who knows? You could apply for your next gig while waiting for your latte to brew.
Who knows? You could apply for your next gig while waiting
for your latte to brew.
Mobile job search apps, which enable you to apply for a position from your phone, are popping up all over. Major search sites like Monster and Career Builder offer an app that lets you to browse postings, update your status and apply right from your phone. But is all this technology making the search for a new job easier, or is it just one more thing to keep track of?
According to Luis Salazar, more mobile application programs would mean a greater chance at job placement for many hourly workers. Salazar is co-founder and CEO of Jobaline, a mobile platform that connects job-seekers with companies. “The hourly workers, which are 59 percent of our economy, are especially left behind,” says Salazar.
“These important workers often either lack Internet access or only access the Web using mobile phones. When we bridge the gap by providing mobile recruitment tools that address job search needs, workers and employers alike will have the ability to find a better fit.”
Companies that create an app need to focus on keeping it concise and user-friendly. “A well-designed mobile recruitment system can reduce the amount of time and effort necessary for a candidate to apply, leading to higher application rates and fewer orphaned applications,” explains Mahe Bayireddy, CEO of iMomentous, a mobile talent recruiter.
“By integrating with DropBox, Google Drive, and social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn, applying for a job through mobile can be simple. Forms that once took upward of 20 minutes to complete can be automatically pulled from existing profiles,” Bayireddy says. Like so many other technological advances, if you’re not keeping up with the times, you’re falling behind.
“Five years from now, it’s impossible for us to imagine a world where most job searches and applications will not happen through a mobile device,” says Proven’s CEO, Pablo Fuentes. Proven is a job search app that lets users send résumés to job sites. “Today, people are doing banking, travel, and taxes on their phone. Tomorrow, mobile will be the standard for job searches.” Julia west
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This is Science Friday from NPR News. I'm Ira Flatow. When you look in the mirror and you see a couple of gray hairs coming in - maybe up around your temples - do you panic? Do look for the tweezers? The bottle of Grecian formula? The logical part of your brain says that gray hair is just a natural part of getting old, and while you may blame your spouse, your kids, your stressful job for those grays, new research says it's a build up of hydrogen peroxide actually bleaching your hair as it leaves your hair follicle. Joining me now to talk more about this new research is my guest, Dr. Gerald Weissmann, editor-in-chief of the FASEB Journal - that stands for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. He's a research professor of medicine at NYU. Welcome to the program, Dr. Weissmann.
Dr. GERALD WEISSMANN (Professor Emeritus, Medicine, NYU, Editor-In-Chief, FASEB Journal): Well, it's pleasure to be here.
FLATOW: So, our hair is being bleached like a bleach blonde?
Dr. WEISSMANN: Yes, and more than that. The discovery made by this remarkable group in England and Germany tells us even more than that. We bleach ourselves, and it's part of what's called the free radical theory of graying. And it teaches us also about how we age. So, it's a very important study and pins down on a molecular level.
FLATOW: Walk us through what's happening.
Dr. WEISSMANN: OK, watch. Ordinarily, all of our cells, but especially those in the hair, make just a touch of hydrogen peroxide. And we need it. And we need it because we kill bacteria in this way. It's part of our bacterial defense, ok? So, make a little bit of it. But for some us early, for other of us late, but inexorably all over the body, but especially in the hair, more hydrogen peroxide builds up. As that hydrogen peroxide builds up from let's say, a penny's worth to where it becomes as much as a dollar's worth of hydrogen peroxide - this bleaches the hair follicle the same way blondes do from the outside. And when it does that, that hydrogen peroxide has targets in the hair follicle itself - important enzymes that control the color of hair.
FLATOW: Well, why does it work differently in different people?
Dr. WEISSMANN: For the same reason that people age at different rates. Let's put it this way: If you put a photograph out in the sun, it bleaches, right? That's caused by free radicals induced by sunlight. You put rattan furniture out in the sun, it bleaches by sunlight - free radicals. Different folks, genetically or by environment, have different rates of aging. We're not very good at that - understanding why that happens. But we do know that there's some genetic diseases in which you age very rapidly. It's called progeria.
There are also diseases of the skin in which you become completely white - hair suddenly turns white or turns white for a while. This is a condition called vitiligo. And what happens is that Dr. Wood and Dr. Schallreuter for years had figured out that when you have vitiligo and you have a patch of white hair, that what happens is your hydrogen peroxide builds up enormously. If you get rid of the hydrogen peroxide, the hair returns to its natural color.
FLATOW: And so, of course, everybody's going to what to know what product is going to come out to get rid of their hydrogen peroxide.
Dr. WEISSMANN: Well, It turns out that you don't want to get rid of all of it. That's the problem. You need a kind of peroxide stash, if you will, because you need some of it to get rid of the bugs and you need some for normal physiology. But a lot is very bad. So obviously, people who work on antioxidants and such things as (unintelligible), which can sop up some of the material that is being created by the hydrogen peroxide, has been tried in the dish. But at the moment, we're nowhere there, but boy, as in every other touch of modern medicine, if you have a drug target and you know what the mechanism is, you can eventually find an agent that'll take care of it.
FLATOW: And that's where the research would come in next?
Dr. WEISSMANN: Yes, but this is a true breakthrough, because the exact molecular mechanism of how the hydrogen peroxide hits the follicle cell at the bottom and what it does to melanin, which is the pigment of your hair, what it does to the enzymes that form it has now been worked out on molecular level. And this is a true achievement.
FLATOW: Will these also explain why we have different hair color?
Dr. WEISSMANN: Exactly. Now, watch this: There are two kinds of melanins. There's one called eumelanin, pheomelanin - the name doesn't matter. Blondes and redheads have one kind, and those of us with brown or black hair have another kind. And the exact shade of hair that you have depends on the mixture of those two kinds of pigments. And they differ somewhat in their sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide.
FLATOW: You know, people say that worrying causes gray hair, that, you know, you look at presidents - how they age visibly right there on television - gray hair. Is there any way to explain what seems to be happening there?
Dr. WEISSMANN: People have tried. There's no - there is no direct relationship from my understanding, but now that we know the mechanism of hair graying in general, one can begin to start studying other effects. For example, take someone like Susan Sonntag with a big shock of white hair in the middle of black…
FLATOW: Right.
Dr. WEISSMANN: That's a striking finding. We can't explain that at the moment. There are genetic causes for something like this, but we're not sure. That's tough to say, but now that you have the mechanism worked out, you can begin to start addressing questions of individual differences, racial differences, and above all, stress. And for example, the way it's been studied very neatly is in the kind of hair that comes back after you lose your hair follicles from chemotherapy. And what happens is that the first hair that comes in is a bit gray, and then gradually the hair regains its color.
FLATOW: So, there's complex stuff going down there?
Dr. WEISSMANN: The hair follicle, in a literally - I won't say nutshell, but in one small, tiny part of our body sums up everything that we need to know about aging. We can study telomeres, DNA - all of the stuff that people who study aging do for a living. And we can use the hair follicle as an exercise in studying the aging of our whole body, and that's, again, what this research has captured.
FLATOW: That's fascinating. Does that mean your growing the follicles in Petri dishes?
Dr. WEISSMANN: You can do it either way. They can be taken apart and studied just as cells and group of cells. The hair follicle can be studied as a kind of tissue culture. But what these investigators did was they took actual hair follicles and by very sophisticated chemical techniques - Raman spectroscopy, et cetera, et cetera - they were able to study the exact chemical reaction that took place in the follicle itself as it came out of the skin.
FLATOW: Wow. Wow. Fascinating. Fascinating. Thank you very much, Dr. Weissmann, for taking time to be with us today.
Dr. WEISSMANN: Not at all and keep your hair.
FLATOW: (Laughing) I'm trying. I'm trying.
(Soundbite of laughter)
Dr. WEISSMANN: We all are.
FLATOW: All right, thanks. Have a good weekend. Dr. Gerald Weissmann is editor-in-chief of the FASEB Journal.
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29 / M / Straight / Single
Endicott, NY
My Details
Last Online
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Hispanic / Latin, White
5′ 7″ (1.70m)
Body Type
Strictly anything
When drinking
Catholicism, and laughing about it
Scorpio, but it doesn’t matter
Working on university
Relationship Type
Strictly monogamous
Doesn’t have kids, but might want them
Likes dogs and likes cats
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My self-summary
I've an extremely dry, self-deprecating sense of humor and speak with a mixture of erudition and typical brooklyn slang.
smart, cultured guy from the ghetto (sunset park brooklyn,) best way to explain myself.
if that's not enough for you I'm observant, funny, cute and willing to give you the coat off my back if needed. yeah, I'm polite and courteous too. rather considerate also.
What I’m doing with my life
ex-freelance IT guy(IT mercenary if you will.) I have a steady job at a call center, since freelance PC work isn't exactly dependable. I'm also acclimating to living alone without roommates. saving up to go for a mechanical engineering or electrical engineering degree.
I’m really good at
creating stuff (writing, illustrating, design) being cryptic, witty comebacks, and knowing the answer to your question no matter how obscure. I'm a great cook, I'm really good at fixing stuff, which explains the interest in engineering. I'm really good at making others feel comfortable and safe, and making people laugh. what I'm not really good at is picking up on flirting, I'm terrible at it. I mean I am really good at noticing when someone is upset or distressed. but yeah subtle doesn't work on me in terms of positive emotions.
The first things people usually notice about me
as per one of my exes "awesome hair, great eyes and a look of vague determination." I'm a big dude, not gunna lie, there is a gut involved but I'm working on it. it's also less "amorphous blob made of booze and hot pockets" and more "he looks like he used to play football" big. which I didn't, I boxed and fenced instead.
Favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food
the dresden files, snow crash, all tomorrow's parties, john dies at the end; which is also my favorite movie. old detective novels and gothic lit (frankenstein was epic as is anything by poe).
I'm also a comic book fan, My faves being daredevil (when he is written well), brubaker's run on captain america and the scott pilgrim series and barry windsor-smith's weapon x.
movies: L.A. confidential, serenity, John dies at the end, scott pilgrim vs the world, bunraku, the departed, marvel studios' the avengers and all related movies, from dusk til dawn, desparado, mallrats, the dark knight trilogy, brick, the golden child, big trouble in little china, the die hards, the evil dead trilogy, star wars, le pacte de loups, suicide kings, the princess bride and a bunch of others I can't remember at the moment.
adding TV shows to the list, here goes: supernatural, how I met your mother, Titus, it's always sunny in Philadelphia, arrested development (just like everyone else on this site...wooooo, yay uniqueness), stark raving mad, the norm show, anything by joss whedon, the daily show, 90's SNL, scrubs, burn notice, and the occasional britcom.
favorite bands: ozma, the replacements, joy division, new order, alkaline trio, alice in chains, iron maiden, the clash, the misfits, descendants, television, my bloody valentine, the psychedelic furs, echo and the bunnymen, the bouncing souls, rata blanca, the acadamy is..., pre-"nimrod" green day, thursday, northstar, any band including anthony green (circa survive, the sound of animals fighting etc.), glassjaw, dream theater, rammstein, the buzzcocks, the who, led zeppelin, asobi seksu, death from above 1979, the foo fighters, the yeah yeah yeahs, the format, megadeth, pretty much anything on the supernatural soundtrack and a bunch of other stuff.
I spend a lot of time thinking about
mostly things that would make you scream "NERD!" but aside from that? how to live up to my potential, why people dress poodles up like people, ancient history, mainly badassery and how to attain it. y'know the important stuff.
The most private thing I’m willing to admit
I believe in corny things like love, and if we all just tried to help each other instead of helping ourselves we could make this world perfect. but I'll deny that fact to the day I die. Oh, I WILL pretend this portion of my profile doesn't exist. just WATCH me.
last D&D game I played I made a monk with gloves that chimed like bells. the chimes made the enemy easier to hit by my allies, but also let my character play misfits and morrissey songs when he was bored. I feel this probably says more of my personality than my entire profile.
I’m looking for
• Girls who like guys
• Ages 18–38
• Near me
• Who are single
You should message me if
the spirit moves you I guess? I honestly doubt messaging me will work out badly for you. if you read all this you might as well. a simple "hi" will suffice. | http://www.okcupid.com/profile/junpei1024?cf=profile_similar | dclm-gs1-088280001 | false | false | {
"keywords": "engineering"
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0.034588 | <urn:uuid:dca63b0f-d6ff-44f1-95c8-f5d6615a3aac> | en | 0.872533 | U.S. patents available from 1976 to present.
U.S. patent applications available from 2005 to present.
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Class 348/298 - In charge coupled type image sensor
Subclass of Class 348 - Television
Definition: Subject matter wherein the image sensor is of the type which
No. of patents: 121
Last issue date: 12/06/2011
NumberTitleIssue Date
8072521Solid-state imaging device, method for driving solid-state imaging device and imaging apparatus
A solid state imaging device with pixels in a two-dimensional array, a controller which performs window cutting on signals read out of the pixel array in multiple column units on a column-address basis, and a selector which, when the cutting window overlaps with a m...
7679663Photodetection apparatus
A pixel section Pm,n includes a photodiode PD, a first capacitance section C1, a second capacitance section C2, and transistors T1-T6. The transistor T1 transfers the electric charge generated by the ...
7375750Solid-state image capturing device, smear charge removing method and digital still camera using the same
In a solid-state image capturing device including a pixel array arranged in a row direction and a column direction orthogonal thereto, and a vertical register having a plurality of transfer electrodes which serves to read signal charges Qa, Qb, . . . generated by li...
7326958Solid state imaging device
A solid state imaging device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a semiconductor chip; vertical transfer registers including a vertical transfer channel and vertical transfer electrodes, respec...
7317488Method of and system for autofocus
An image of a subject is taken by a solid image taking device including a first image taking element having a plurality of pixels and a second image taking element having a plurality of pixels smaller than those of the first image taking element. First and second ev...
7312823Solid-state image pick-up apparatus and video camera loaded with the apparatus
A solid-state image pick-up apparatus that is capable of suppressing luminance flicker and chroma flicker occurring under a florescent lamp. The apparatus has a CCD solid-state image pick-up device. The image pick-up device further includes an accumulation region th...
7301571Method and imaging apparatus for correcting defective pixel of solid-state image sensor, and method for creating pixel information
In a solid-state image sensor in which a large number of pixel cells each comprised of a combination of a main photosensitive pixel having a relatively large area and a subsidiary photosensitive pixel having a relatively small area are arranged, if the subsidiary ph...
7295238Image signal processing device of image sensor
An image-signal processing apparatus (1) designed to process the signals output from a CCD image sensor (10) that reads pixel data for one screen, line by line, divides the pixel data into a plurality of channels and outputs the pixel data thus divided...
7292277Solid-state image pick-up device and digital still camera
In a solid-state image pick-up device comprising photoelectric converting devices 3r, 3g and 3b formed at a predetermined array interval in row and column directions on a semiconductor substrate, vertical transfer paths 4...
7274391CCD having improved flushing by reducing power consumption and creating a uniform dark field while maintaining low dark current
A digital camera includes a CCD operating with accumulation mode clocking for capturing an electronic representation of an image; and two or more clocks operatively and respectively connected to each phase of the two or more phases for initiating flushing of excess ...
7271937Method and device for imaging using several exposure times
In a method for imaging, a plurality of image sensor elements is used, which generate different output signal values when using different exposure times. For each image sensor element, an image signal value is generated by generating a first output signal value when...
7259780Image sensor with designatable read-out range
A compact, energy efficient image sensor which enables transfer of images to an external system is made compact in size and low in power consumption comprises an image sensor control circuit 20 which operates to drive a CCD image sensor 4 and stores ho...
7236265Image reading apparatus, image forming system, image reading method, and program therefor
An image reading apparatus includes an imaging unit which has a plurality of channels and which, for the channels, outputs effective signals output from photo-receiving sections for receiving light from a subject, and optical black signals output from light-shieldin...
7218346Method for driving solid-state image pickup device
A method to overcome a disadvantage that the signal charges decrease depending upon the storage time in a photo-electric conversion unit of a solid-state image pickup device. At the moment t2 when a prescribed exposure time (t1−t2)...
7209166Wide dynamic range operation for CMOS sensor with freeze-frame shutter
Wide dynamic range operation is used to write a signal in a freeze-frame pixel into the memory twice, first after short integration and then after long integration. The wide dynamic range operation allows the intra-scene dynamic range of images to be extended by com...
7206451Multi-resolution image data management system and method based on tiled wavelet-like transform and distinct bitstreams for distinct groups of bit planes
An image process system tiles an image data array, processing the tiles in a predefined order. Each tile of image data is processed by applying a predefined family of transform layers to the tile of image data so as to generate successive sets of transform coefficie...
7205522Pixel circuit for image sensor
A pixel circuit for an image sensor uses a common reset transistor for resetting both of a photodiode node and a memory node. Respective transfer gates connect the common reset transistor to the photodiode node and to the memory node, and connect photodiode node and...
7190402Visual sensor for capturing images with different exposure periods
A visual sensor capable of expanding a dynamic range with a little load of processing for arithmetic operations and performing a stable detection not affected by change of conditions such as ON/OFF state of projection of reference light. A multiplying parameter A (A...
7190398Image sensor with high dynamic range linear output
Designs and operational methods to increase the dynamic range of image sensors and APS devices in particular by achieving more than one integration times for each pixel thereof. An APS system with more than one column-parallel signal chains for readout are described...
7161629Electronic camera and method for calculating an exposure amount
In an electronic camera, an exposure amount S ( 1/2000 sec.), an exposure amount M ( 1/250 sec.) and an exposure amount L ( 1/30 sec.) are set in vertically synchronous signal timing directly before the fourth frame, the fifth frame, and the sixth frame. In the fram...
7139025Active pixel sensor with mixed analog and digital signal integration
An active pixel sensor includes mixed analog and digital signal integration on the same substrate. The analog part of the array forms the active pixel sensor, and the digital part of the array does digital integration of the signal. ...
7136101Use-controlled exposure method and system with visual feedback
A camera is provided with a mechanism for supporting a user-controlled exposure mode in which a user can control the exposure time for the picture. A user first places the camera into the user-controlled exposure mode. Then, a user initiates the picture taking proce...
7105793CMOS pixels for ALC and CDS and methods of forming the same
Embodiments of the invention provide pixel cells that allow both automatic light control and correlated double sampling operations. The pixel cell includes first and second photo-conversion devices that can be separately read out. For example, the second photo-conve...
7102801Pulse-width modulated drivers for light-emitting units of scanning mechanism
A scanning mechanism of one embodiment of the invention is disclosed that includes light-emitting units, an integrating detector, and pulse-width modulated (PWM) drivers. Each light-emitting unit can emit colored light corresponding to a color of a color space. The ...
7092021Frame shuttering scheme for increased frame rate
A frame shutter apparatus comprising a controller for controlling multiple groups of pixels and for reading out values corresponding to the charge collected by different groups of pixels at different times. A method of reading out multiple groups of pixels is provid...
7088395Image-capturing apparatus
The invention concerns an image-capturing apparatus and an imager. The image-capturing apparatus includes the imager in which a plurality of circuit cells are two-dimensionally aligned, and an electronic charge, photo-electronically converted from a received light a...
7079178High dynamic range active pixel CMOS image sensor and data processing system incorporating adaptive pixel reset
7071983System and method for controlling photosensitive charge transfers
A system for controlling photosensitive charge transfers utilizes an array of photosensitive elements, a transfer gate, a charge transfer register, and a controller. The transfer gate is coupled to the photosensitive elements, and the charge transfer register is cou...
7057649System and method for generating digital data and processing in a memory
In a video conferencing system, digital data representing pixels of a selected scene are stored in a Video accumulator Array Memory cells (VAM), each cell having memory with several register structures and having the capability of processing the digital data to faci...
7053954Process for regulating the exposure time of a light sensor
This invention relates to a process for regulating the exposure time of a light sensor, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) setting the exposure time of the sensor to a value selected in a first range of M pr...
7053948Solid-state image pickup device with discharge gate operable in an arbitrary timing
A solid-state image pickup device has a discharge gate and a discharge drain provided adjacent to a connection of a vertical CCD and a horizontal CCD so that charges accumulated for an arbitrary pixel can be completely depleted. Data can be read at an arbitrary deci...
7050094Wide dynamic range operation for CMOS sensor with freeze-frame shutter
7030923Digital camera having overlapped exposure
A digital camera includes a shutter button. When taking a still picture of a subject in response to operation of the shutter button, a TG carries out first exposure and second exposure. The first exposure and the second exposure are simultaneously started by the sus...
7019780Stereoscopic zoom lens with shutter arranged between first and second lens groups
A lens unit and a camera capable of achieving stereoscopic television function and zoom function at the same time. More specifically, a lens unit (2) and a camera (1) each including at least a zoom lens (4), light quantity adjusting device (6...
7008374Imaging apparatus which adjusts for dark noise and readout noise
An imaging apparatus using a charge multiplying solid-sate imaging device for use with an endoscope system, etc., capable of providing an output signal with an improved S/N ratio by reducing the dark noise. The full well size of the CCD imaging device is reduced to ...
6975355Multiple sampling via a time-indexed method to achieve wide dynamic ranges
An architecture for a digital pixel sensor is disclosed in which the dynamic range of the sensor is increased by taking samples of a subject to be recorded, where each sample is taken over an interval of a different duration than the other samples. In the preferred ...
6967684Solid state image pickup device and its driving method using two different periods
A method and apparatus for driving a solid state image pickup device. The method and apparatus include setting a first signal charging period and a second signal charging period for each one of a plurality of unit pixels. The second signal charging period is shorter...
6943838Active pixel sensor pixel having a photodetector whose output is coupled to an output transistor gate
An imaging device formed as a monolithic complementary metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuit in an industry standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor process, the integrated circuit including a focal plane array of pixel cells, each one of the cells in...
6888969Method and apparatus for preventing image artifacts
A pixel sensing subsystem (110) for a solid state image sensor includes frame timing logic (114) that produces a frame timing signal indicative of an end-of-frame time and a beginning-of-frame time and reset logic (116) that produces a reset sig...
6888570Image pickup device and exposure control method in the image pickup device
An image pickup device comprises a CCD solid-state imaging element composed of a charge accumulation section and a charge transfer section, a CCD driver for driving the imaging element, a mechanical shutter for switching between the transmitting state and shading st...
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U.S. patent applications available from 2005 to present.
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Portable automobile partition
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Class 209/585 - Mirror or prism in optical path
Subclass of Class 209 - Classifying, separating, and assorting solids
Definition: Methods and apparatus including a mirror or prism in the
No. of patents: 35
Last issue date: 01/02/2007
NumberTitleIssue Date
7158915Apparatus and method for displaying numeric values corresponding to the volume of segments of an irregularly shaped item
An apparatus and method for displaying the weight or cost of segments of an irregularly shaped item involves passing a sensor bar supported above a supporting surface over the item lying on the surface. A compact hand-held embodiment of the sensor bar enables the op...
7098409Apparatus for weighing materials online
An apparatus for weighing materials online is disclosed, which belongs to an art of online weighing of material. The apparatus comprises: a light-emitting unit, emitting light beams irradiating on the surface of materials transported on a belt to form a bright proje...
6509537Method and device for detecting and differentiating between contaminations and accepts as well as between different colors in solid particles
The invention concerns a method and a device for detection of and differentiation between base materials, colors and contamination in granulate-like or tablet-shaped substances, characterized in that the substances are illuminated in a linear manner with ...
5917926Optical inspection apparatus and method for articles such as fruit and the like
Apparatus and method for optical inspection of fruit without rotating or otherwise repositioning the article during inspection. Plural mirrors are positioned to view different surface portions of each article moving along a path, and those mirrors consoli...
5862919High throughput sorting system
The sorting system provides a high degree of sorting accuracy even in high throughput sorting applications such as high speed wood chip sorting. In one embodiment, a sorting apparatus (10) includes a shaker (12) for distributing stock material, a spectrog...
5794788Method and device for sorting materials
To sort materials, in particular plastic parts, the items are carried at known conveying speed past a material recognition system which uses non-contact scanning, for example NIR spectroscopy, of each item to determine its material type and delivers a sig...
5683000Sorting apparatus
A sorting apparatus for sorting material into desired and undesired pieces or portions includes a moving reflective surface such as a rotating cylindrical drum which is interposed between an illuminated background and a viewing system so that the backgrou...
5616915Optical sensor for monitoring the status of a bill magazine in a bill validator
A bill validator comprising a removable magazine having reflective surfaces, such as a prism, which reflects light from a light source, such as a light emitting diode, to a photodetector, such as a phototransistor, is disclosed. The prism can include a re...
5563700Method and apparatus for testing the material integrity of a converted can end
An apparatus and method for detecting the presence material irregularities and holes in thin walled opaque objects such as can ends having a generally centrally disposed integral rivet formed therein. A radiation source is focused so that a substantial po...
5379329Method and apparatus for inspecting end face of pellet
In a method for inspecting a dished end face of a nuclear fuel pellet, a focused beam of light is emitted to a dish of the end face of the nuclear fuel pellet while a parallel beam of light is being emitted to the end face thereof. An image of the end fac...
5185822Focusing structure in an information reading apparatus
In an automatic sorting system for sorting objects conveyed on a conveyor, a camera is used for pattern recognition of the object being sorted. Due to the difference in sizes of the objects being sorted, the camera must be focused depending on the size of...
5184733Apparatus and method for determining the volume, form and weight of objects
An apparatus and method for determining the volume, form and weight of fish or other objects is presented. A linescan camera records a top view of an object and at the same time records a profile view of the object reflected by a mirror located adjacent t...
5158181Optical sorter
A sorter is described that optically differentiates acceptable objects from unacceptable objects. The sorter illuminates the objects as they move in a stream through a viewing zone with both visible and infrared light. The detecting system and circuit pro...
5135114Apparatus for evaluating the grade of rice grains
An apparatus for evaluating the grade of rice grains includes a grain supply unit, vibrating troughs on which the rice grains run in their longitudinal posture, flow-down troughs having slits each opening to each of the flow-down troughs, a reflected ligh...
5104523Glass-plate sorting system
A glass-plate sorting system for sorting glass plates being cut into products having a plurality of quality grades to simultaneously obtain products of desired quality grades. A discriminating-type flaw detector (101) detects the sizes and locations of fl...
4940850Color sorting apparatus
A color sorting apparatus for granular objects comprises a plurality of sorting units arranged in parallel relation to each other. Detecting positions of the respective sorting units are spaced from each other in a horizontal plane. Each sorting unit incl...
4923066Small arms ammunition inspection system
An automatic visual inspection system for small arms ammunition which sorts visual surface flaws at high speed according to established standards which can be tailored to fit specific needs. The system employs advanced techniques for performing inspection...
4911307Photoelectric apparatus for sorting articles according to size
A machine for measuring the size of objects that are in motion in single file includes in one embodiment a collimated light beam that as a narrow horizontal width and a long vertical width. The light beam is pulsed ON and OFF at a 10 kilohertz rate but wi...
4863041Optical sorting apparatus
Optical sorting apparatus for sorting individual objects such as beans, nuts, seeds, or other agricultural products is disclosed. The sorting apparatus according to the present invention detects light reflected from objects and compares the detected light...
4850491Apparatus for control of a wooden article
Optical fibers control the height and curvture on the perpendicular level of a number of articles on a conveyor while the articles traverse a box in which the optical fibers are placed so that the light ray is disturbed in response to the height and curva...
4723659Apparatus for detecting impurities in translucent bodies
An apparatus including a source for producing a concentrated light beam, such as a laser, a background element spaced from the source against which the light beam is directed, and a transport arrangement for moving translucent bodies, such as French cut p...
4666045Pit detecting
A pit detection apparatus (10) and method for detecting the presence of pits or pit fragments (12) in fruit (14) as the fruit (14) passes through a zone of inspection (16) includes a scanning beam generator (17) for sweeping a transmission scanning beam (...
4634881Apparatus for detecting impurities in translucent bodies
An apparatus including a source for producing a concentrated light beam, such as a laser, a background spaced from the source against which the light beam is directed, and a transport arrangement for moving translucent bodies, such as French cut potatoes,...
4630736Sorting machine utilizing an improved light detection system
A sorting machine comprising a chute for moving a plurality of objects sequentially past a plurality of viewing zones which are spaced apart in the direction of movement of the objects so that the moving objects pass to an object separation zone in which ...
4600105Method and apparatus for sorting objects of ore by monitoring reflected radiation
A method of ore sorting includes distinguishing ore objects or ore containing objects by the light reflected from a laser beam arranged to scan across each of the objects to be sorted. Where the surface of the object is transmitting to the light a halo is...
4534470Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like
Apparatus for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables, including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined...
4454029Agricultural product sorting
A bichromatic sorter for agricultural products such as coffee beans, peanuts, beans and other types of agricultural products is provided to sort and reject undesired product based on color characteristics of the product in at least two component colors. P...
4351437Method and apparatus for examining objects
Potatoes carried on a roller table conveyor are presented in transverse rows at an inspection area illuminated by a lamp from a first direction and observed by a line imaging camera along a second direction arranged by a mirror to be approximately at righ...
4349112Pellet inspection apparatus
Apparatus for inspecting nuclear fuel pellets in a sealed container for diameter, flaws, length and weight. The apparatus includes, in an array, a pellet pick-up station, four pellet inspection stations and a pellet sorting station. The pellets are delive...
4280625Shade determination
The invention relates to the measurement of the shade of a particle. The particle is illuminated with light of variable intensity and viewed against a background level of illumination. A measurement is made of the ratio of time for which the intensity of ...
4280624Bottle inspection apparatus
The invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the side walls of transparent bottles for the detection of dirt or foreign bodies therein which eliminates the necessity of rotating the bottle during inspection. The inspection is effected by projectin...
4122952Photometric sorters
In the photometric sorting of objects each object is examined in each of a predetermined number of zones for the presence or absence of one or more predetermined surface characteristics. The invention provides that a characteristic determined in one zone ...
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0.032827 | <urn:uuid:4b935b6e-c2fe-46ed-986e-d2dc304faf49> | en | 0.925704 | U.S. patents available from 1976 to present.
U.S. patent applications available from 2005 to present.
Method and apparatus for the destruction of volatile organic compounds
Patent RE39596 Issued on May 1, 2007.
Abstract Claims Description Full Text
Patent References
Method and apparatus for combusting carbonaceous fuel
Patent #: 4197701
Issued on: 04/15/1980
Inventor: Boyum
Incineration of noxious materials
Patent #: 4236464
Issued on: 12/02/1980
Inventor: Anderson , et al.
Method for destroying hazardous organics
Patent #: 4864811
Issued on: 09/12/1989
Inventor: Pfefferle
Apparatus for the catalytic conversion of waste gases
Patent #: 5108717
Issued on: 04/28/1992
Inventor: Deller, et al.
Reduced thermal stress turbine starting strategy
Patent #: 5212943
Issued on: 05/25/1993
Inventor: Harris
Method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions from gas turbines
Patent #: 5216876
Issued on: 06/08/1993
Inventor: Gabrielson, et al.
Fuzzy logic air/fuel controller
Patent #: 5524599
Issued on: 06/11/1996
Inventor: Kong, deceased, et al.
Method and closed-loop control device for the closed-loop control of a turbine-generator configuration Patent #: 5547337
Issued on: 08/20/1996
Inventor: Fork, et al.
No. 10008501 filed on 12/06/2001
US Classes:
60/772, Process60/39.12, With combustible gas generator60/39.27, Oxidizer and fuel60/731, With combuston products accumulator60/733, Separate fuel injectors for plural zones422/182, Including means injecting combustion fuel into reaction chamber in direct contact with waste gas431/5Burning waste gas, e.g., furnace gas, etc.
Primary: Freay, Charles G.
Foreign Patent References
• 0 298 941 EP 11/01/1989
• WO 95/02450 WO 01/01/1995
International Classes
F02G 3/00
F02B 43/00
F23D 14/00
B01D 53/34
This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for the destruction of hazardous materials, such as volatile organic compounds, and more particularly, to the destruction of volatile organic compounds through the use of a turbine enginein order to produce power.
Increasingly over the past half century, air quality has become an issue of public concern. Over this period, the scientific community has steadily improved its understanding of the origins of the air pollution that is apparent over most majorU.S. cities. A large part of this air pollution is attributable to the release of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere. As a result, the reduction of the releases of volatile organic compounds has become an increasingly important part of theoverall strategy to improve air quality.
The most familiar volatile compound reduction technique is the control of fuel vaporization by vapor recovery techniques, first on automobiles and now on gasoline stations located in nonobtainment areas. As a result, the steady year over yearincrease in U.S. releases of these compounds has leveled off and is now even declining.
Manufacturing sites are responsible for approximately 8.5 million tons of volatile organic compound emissions annually. Solvent vaporization or in some cases, hydrocarbon byproducts, are key to the manufacturing process of many of the items usedregularly in daily life. The manufacture of familiar consumer products results in the release into the atmosphere of significant amounts of organic compounds such as pentane, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and many others. The control of volatileorganic compounds is essential to the environmentally friendly manufacture of these products, and thus, there remains a struggle with the cost of control versus the loss of competitiveness.
The most common control method in use today is the thermal oxidizer. In connection with this method, the volatile solvent is released in amounts generally less than a few thousand parts per million into the plant air system. This air is thenselectively collected and fed into a combustion chamber where it is mixed with enough natural gas to sustain combustion. It is then ignited in a large chamber that incinerates the volatile solvent, as well as, the natural gas, thereby producing carbondioxide and water vapor as the primary products of combustion. These oxidizers are large, complicated devices that represent a major capital expense and require significant amounts of electricity and gas to operate. While heat can sometimes berecovered, generally speaking, thermal oxidizers represent a significant economic loss to the businesses using them. In a typical U.S. industrial plant, the cost of operating this type of device easily adds 25%, and often much more, to the yearlyenergy bill.
Another current control technology uses solvent recovery methods that pass the air from the plant through an activated charcoal filter. Periodically, the charcoal is heated, driving off highly concentrated volatile compounds into a chilledcondensing system. The output is a liquid organic compound often requiring hazardous waste treatment. The cost of operation, as well as the initial capital costs, are significantly higher than the thermal oxidizer, thereby making this controltechnology less attractive for the majority of industrial sites.
Accordingly, an efficient and cost effective device for the destruction of volatile organic compounds is needed.
A system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds according to the present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system for the destruction of volatile organic compounds comprises a power generator, such as a gas turbine engine, which is provided with a reaction chamber driven by a combustion device. The system further comprises a primary inlet to the combustor for supplying a primary fuel. A secondary fuel is also supplied to the combustor and to the reaction chamber. The secondary fuel comprises air and an amount of a volatile organic compound. The system further includes a compressor, typically the compressor of the power generator, for compressing the secondary fuel. The reaction chamber is preferably connected to an exit of the combustor to allow for stoichiometric reaction of the two fuelsafter they are mixed together.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the power generator drives a recovery system that generates electricity.
The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like designations denote like elements, and:
FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic drawing of a destruction device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a device of the type shown in FIG. 1 as utilized in an exemplary plant layout;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a combustor used in connection with the destruction device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the combustion device and reaction chamber of the destruction device of FIG. 2;
.[.FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor of the destruction device of FIG. 2;.].
FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of an alternative plant layout of a destruction device in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 7 is a further alternative embodiment of a mobile layout of a destruction device in accordance with the present invention.
.Iadd.FIG. 8 is schematic drawing of a two stage compressor of the destruction device of FIG. 2..Iaddend.
While the way in which the present invention addresses the various disadvantages of the prior art designs will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, in general, the present invention provides a volatile organic compound (VOC) destructiondevice which includes a power generator such that the effective elimination of VOC's also results in the co-generation of power. The power so produced can be converted into electricity, which can in part drive the destruction device as well as producepower for other uses.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a VOC destruction device 10, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, suitably includes a power generator 12 which is driven by a fuel system 14. Fuel system 14 preferably comprises acombustor 16 and a reaction chamber 18. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, in operation, VOC destruction device 10 utilizes natural gas or any other suitable fuel as a primary fuel supply in a conventional manner. However, inaccordance with the present invention, this primary fuel is suitably mixed with a secondary fuel comprising air and preferably VOCs. This fuel mixture of primary and secondary fuels is consumed by power generator 12.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, power generator 12 preferably comprises a gas turbine engine, for example an AlliedSignal IE-831 engine, which is produced by AlliedSignal Aerospace, Phoenix, Ariz. has beenfound to be suitable. However, it should be recognized that any suitable engine can be used in the context of device 10, provided such engine can be suitably employed in the generation of power.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, power generator (engine) 12 is preferably of a conventional design. For example, engine 12 suitably includes, in spaced relation, a generator 20, a gearbox 22, a compressor 24 and a turbine 26. Turbine 26,also preferably of a conventional design, suitably includes a power turbine (not shown) connected to shaft 28. As will be appreciated, shaft 28 is suitably connected to generator 20, gearbox 22 and compressor 24.
In accordance with the present invention, VOC destruction device 10 can be utilized to concurrently destroy VOC's and realize the fuel value of such VOC's produced from a variety of different environments. In this context, the term "VOC" is usedbroadly to refer to carbon containing compounds, such as hydrocarbons, dioxins, alcohols, ketinesaldehydes, ethers, organic acids, halogenareated forms of the foregoing and the like. For example, as used herein, the term VOC may refer to pentane,n-ethylmorphilin, toluene, ethanol, methanol, decabromodiphenyloxide, ethyl acetate, benzene, polystyrene and the like. Such VOC's or similar chemical compounds are typically produced from the evaporation of chemicals used in and generated by basicindustrial processes to produce plastics, pharmaceuticals, bakery products, printed products and the like. A particularly preferred application of the present invention is in the area of control VOC's produced during the production of expandablepolystyrene (i.e. the process to make "styrofoam") where the primary emission is the VOC pentane.
Device 10 can be employed to destroy VOC's which can be collected from the plant as whole, from special isolated or hooded areas, from dryers or from a VOC concentrator utilized in such plants. In the context of the present invention, air fromone or more of these environments or areas is referred to as "VOC laden air". It should be appreciated that the amount of VOC present in such air may vary from small amounts or none to larger amounts, over time and as conditions in the plant change. Aswith typical prior art methods of destroying VOCs or such, the present invention may be employed even over periods of time when the VOC level is small or nonexistent. As such, the term VOC laden air includes air that from time to time may not include asignificant quantity (or any amount) of a VOC.
VOC laden air, such as air laden with pentane resulting from the manufacture of expandable polystyrene, is first collected and thereafter suitably passed into device 10. While such VOC laden air may be collected in any conventional manner foruse in connection with the present invention, preferably, in such a process, the VOC laden air is ducted from the plant via one or more air ducts. These ducts are directly or indirectly connected to an inlet duct 40 (see FIG. 1) which provides VOC ladenair to destruction device 10.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, power generator 12 draws in such VOC laden air together with fuel, the combustion gases of both which flow at high velocity into turbine 26 and thereby drive turbine 26. Aspreviously briefly mentioned, the primary fuel utilized as the power source in accordance with the present invention may comprise natural gas; alternatively, diesel oil, jet fuel, methane or any other fuel material may be utilized in an amount sufficientto sustain combustion in combustor 16.
The secondary fuel comprising the VOC laden air is generally much leaner than the primary fuel. Generally speaking, the secondary fuel has a VOC concentration in the range of 0% to 1%. This 1% maximum corresponds to approximately 10,000 partsper million, depending on the type of organic compound involved. Typically this will comply with OSHA regulations as the maximum concentration allowed within plant air in order to prevent the possibility of an explosion within the plant, and in theevent permissible limits are exceeded, the concentration can be reduced. However, it should be appreciated that system 10 is capable of handling higher VOC concentrations, as may be desirable in some applications.
With reference to FIG. 1, a simplified schematic view of destruction device 10 is shown. As shown, VOC laden air from inlet duct 40 is suitably directed to power generator 12, and in particular, compressor 24 thereof. Preferably, thetemperature of the inlet air A, i.e. the VOC laden air, is at a temperature of less that about 130° F. To this end, a temperature control system 42 is suitably positioned to measure the temperature of the inlet air and in the event thetemperature exceeds about 130° F., the air is cooled through a cooling system 44. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, cooling system 44 may suitably comprise an air or water heat exchanger suitably configured to cool thetemperature of inlet air to a temperature in the range of about 59° to about 130° F.
Once the temperature of inlet air A is within a suitable range, such inlet air A is passed through a control valve 46 which is suitably provided with a VOC monitor 48. As will be discussed in greater detail below, monitor 48 measures the levelof VOC within inlet air A. This VOC level measurement, as will be described in greater detail below, is utilized to adjust, as appropriate, the ratio of primary and secondary fuels which are fed into combustor 16. Regulator 46 suitably regulates theflow of air which is drawn into compressor 24.
When device 10 is placed in initial operation, generator 20 is utilized to initially drive compressor 24 (as well as turbine 26) to suitably draw inlet air A into compressor 24. As operation of device 10 continues, the power drawn from generator20, through gearbox 22, may be suitably decreased and thereafter compressor 24 is, at least in part, and preferably entirely driven by the power generated through operation of device 10, and in particular, through the generation of energy effected byturbine 26.
As discussed briefly above, compressor 24 suitably comprises the compressor of power generator 12. With momentary reference to FIG. .[.5.]. .Iadd.8.Iaddend., compressor 24 preferably comprises alternate respective sets of rotating blades.[.56.]. and stationary blades .[.58.]. . Rotating blades .[.56.]. are suitably rotated through rotation of shaft 28, which is briefly noted above, is initially activated by generator 20. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the presentinvention, compressor 24 comprises a multi-stage compressor, more preferably a two stage compressor.[., i.e. there are at least 2 rotating blades (impellers) 56 within the body of compressor 24.]. .
As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, inlet air A drawn into compressor 24 is suitably compressed to pressures ranges from about 4 to about 30 atmospheres, and preferably to about 9 atmosphere. This compression raises thetemperature of inlet air A, and thus the secondary fuel, to ideally about 600° F., but suitably within the range of about 550° F. to about 650° F. The compressed air B then exits compressor 24 through outlets 57A, 57B andpreferably enters reaction chamber 18 through inlets 59A, 59B.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, compressed air B is suitably directed to a flow valve 50 which is provided with a monitor 52. Valve 50 suitably controls the amount of compressed air B which is provided to reaction chamber 18 and combustor16.
As shown best in FIG. 1, a primary fuel inlet 70 provides primary fuel C to combustor 16 through a flow valve 72. Flow valve 72 preferably includes a monitor 74 to monitor the volume of fuel which is provided to combustor 16. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinbelow, fuel C and a limited amount of compressed air B (including the secondary VOC fuel) is suitably provided to combustor 16, the remaining portion of the secondary fuel being provided to reaction chamber 18. Inaccordance with a particularly preferred aspect of the present invention, the combination of combustor 16 and reaction chamber 18 is effective to substantially destroy the VOC within compressed air B and provide a mixed combustion gas stream D having atemperature suitable to activate the nozzle and turbine stages of gas turbine 26. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the mixed-out temperature of mixed stream D provided to turbine 26 is in the range between about1500° F. and about 2300° F., preferably about 1850° F.
In a conventional fashion, mixed stream D is directed to turbine 26. Turbine 26 of the type generally described above, is initially started by cranking it over with a starter (not shown) to produce air flow through the compressor. At theappropriate speed, fuel C is permitted to flow into combustor 16. However, once device 10 is in operation, mixed stream D suitably powers turbine 26 in a manner such that the output E from turbine 26 is suitably harnessed and utilized in subsequentoperation of device 10, as well as in connection with the production of power for other applications.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the way in which reaction chamber 18 and combustor 16 cooperatively work to effectively destroy the VOC's in the VOC laden air in a manner to suitably drive power generator 12 will now be described in greaterdetail.
Reaction chamber 18 preferably comprises a double walled vessel having a main, inner wall 60 and an outer wall 62 that envelopes inner wall 60. The chamber 64 defined by walls 60 and 62 is suitably configured and positioned in proximity tocompressor 24 to receive compressed air B. Preferably, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, chamber 64 receives compressed air B (containing the secondary fuel) from outlets 57A, 57B of compressor 24. Chamber 64 extends about the periphery of reactionchamber 18. Further, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, chamber 64 also suitably communicates with combustor 16 in the region of respective openings 67A and 67B by way of a plurality of inlets 69, as well as wall 60 by wayof tube outlets 124, 126. Thus, compressed air B is, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention, suitably provided to the combustor 16 and also directly to chamber 64 by way of tubes 116, 118, as will be discussed in further detailbelow.
With reference to FIG. 3, combustor 16 preferably comprises a hot wall type thermally insulated combustor. Preferably, combustor 16 comprises an outlet wall 80 within which a conventional combustion device 82 is suitably orientated. An inlet 84communicates with combustion device 82 to advantageously effect combustion of fuel C. As previously briefly mentioned, fuel inlet C is preferably directed from fuel supply 70 through fuel control valve 74 and compressed air B is provided to combustiondevice 82 through inlets 69. In accordance with preferred aspects of the present invention, fuel supply C is suitably controlled by a control system 150 such that a sufficient amount of primary fuel C is provided to combustion chamber to effectivelymaintain an appropriate equivalence ratio (ER) thereby enabling stoichiometrically correct combustion. As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outlet 86 of combustor 16 suitably communicates with the interior of reaction chamber 18.
Combustor 16 may be attached to reaction chamber 18 in any convenient manner. For example, combustor 16 can be fixably attached to chamber 18 such that outlet 86 of combustor 16 directly communicates with an opening of reaction chamber 18 in anin-line manner. However, in accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention and as shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, combustor 16 is attached to reaction chamber 18 such that combustor 16 is orthogonal to the central axis X of reaction chamber18. In this manner, as will be described in greater detail below, the combination gases exit outlet 86 of combustor 16 tangentially to reaction chamber 18 thereby tending to create a substantially cyclonic flow of the resulting fuel mixture withinreaction chamber 18. While combustor 16 is shown in FIG. 4 as being attached to reaction chamber 18 tangentially near an end of reaction chamber 18 opposite inlets 59a, 59b, it should be appreciated that combustion chamber 16 may be attached in anyconvenient fashion. For example, combustor 16 may be attached at any angle from about 0° to about 90° from the central axis X of reaction chamber 18 and at any point along a side or the top of reaction chamber 18.
Combustion within combustor 16 takes place in a generally conventional manner, with the exception that compressed air B, i.e. the VOC laden air introduced into the system, is permitted to mix with the primary fuel C within the later stages ofcombustor 16. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, near inlet 84, primary fuel C is relatively rich such that it burns under near stoichiometric conditions, typically at a temperature in the range of about 2500° F. to about3200° F., preferably between about 2800° F. and about 3000° F. and optimally 3000° F. In this region denoted in FIGS. 3 and 4 as "P", often referred to as the "primary zone", a minor portion of secondary fuel, which iscontained within the compressed air is suitably mixed with primary fuel thereby creating a fuel mixture of primary and secondary fuels. The minor portion of secondary fuel introduced into the primary-zone P via inlet 69 is about 10% to about 30% of thesecondary fuel. If the portion falls much below 10%, the fuel will become too rich and thereby cause "rich blowout." While the amount of secondary fuel introduced into combustor 16 will vary, in general preferably from about 0 to about 70%, and morepreferably from about 0 to about 50% of the fuel necessary to drive power generator 12 is provided by the secondary fuel.
The residence time of the gas mixture of primary fuel and secondary fuel within reaction chamber is enhanced due to the preferred configuration of combustor 16 relative to reaction chamber 18. Specifically, and in accordance with a preferredaspect of the present invention, as the combustion gases exit the combustor at outlet 86, such gases are directed toward the opposing wall of reaction chamber 18. The flow pattern which results in the interior of reaction chamber 18 tends to becyclonic, i.e. creating a spiral pattern.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, the fuel mixture, comprising primary fuel and secondary fuel is retained in reaction chamber 18 for a sufficient time to effectively burn, i.e. combust the VOC's contained within thesecondary fuel B. Typically, the residence time of the gas mixtures within reaction chamber 18 is on the order of about 0.25 seconds or more. In accordance with a preferred design of the present invention, the tangential orientation of the combustorrelative the reaction chamber has been found to not only enhance residence time, but also to cause a degree of recirculation within reaction chamber 18 thus further enabling substantially complete destruction of the VOC's within reaction chamber 18.
In practice, the present invention generally results in an excess of 90%, and typically from between about 95 and 99.5% of the VOC contained within secondary fuel B being effectively broken down into water vapor and carbon dioxide. As will beappreciated, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, through effective operation of device 10, substantially all of the VOC's contained within the inlet air A, and thus compressed air B, are thus effectively destroyed within reaction chamber 18and/or combustor 16.
Preferably, flow channels 112, 114 of system 110 each comprise respective tubes 116 and 118. Preferably, tubes 116 and 118 are suitably attached to reaction chamber 18 at 116A, 118A and are in fluid communication with chamber 64 at outlets 124and 126. Tubes 116 and 118 each preferably include respective valves 120 and 122, which may comprise any conventional flow control valve, such as a general poppet-type valve or the like. Tubes 116, 118 are in fluid communication with duct 65, which isin fluid communication with chamber 64, such that when valves 120, 122 are opened, the pressure differential between chambers 18 and 64 pushes a portion of the compressed air B out of chamber 64 through duct 65 and into tubes 116, 118. This portion ofcompressed air B then travels through the tubes 116, 118 and exits through outlets 124, 126 directly into chamber 60, causing air B to thereby bypass the combustor 16. In a preferred embodiment, when the valves 120, 122 are closed, all of compressed airB enters combustor 16 in the region of openings 67A and 67B via inlets 69.
Preferably, as shown, channels 112 and 114, as well as duct 65, each comprise a single tube that allow for the adequate bypass of compressed air B from chamber 64 directly into reaction chamber 18. However, other arrangements for accomplishingthis objective easily can be devised and employed in the context of the present invention. Due to size considerations, generally the number of channels 112, 114 are minimized to two or three, and preferably even one; however, additional channels may beemployed as desired.
Inlet air control system 110 can be activated manually or through the computer control associated with control system 150, which will now be described.
Preferably, control system 150 is a computer based system suitably configured and arranged to control, among other things, power generator 12 and fuel supply C, as well as inlet and outlet air from device 10. In general, control system 150operates in a conventional manner to control power generator 12 including, among other things, compressor 24 and turbine 26. Further, in a conventional fashion, control system 150 operates to start device 10 initially and monitor operation of device 10as device 10 begins to operate due to the burning of primary fuel A and secondary fuel C.
Control system 150, however, differs from conventional gas turbine and other industrial engine controls in that system 150 operates to monitor and, as necessary, adjust fuel supplies A and C, as well 25 air control system 110 to achieve optimumlevels of efficiency and ensure that device 10 safely and effectively remains operative. Any suitable electronic means that is well known in the art may be utilized for control system 150. As previously noted, and with momentary reference to FIG. 1,control system communicates and utilizes information received from sensors 42, 48, 52, and 72. In addition, one or more sensors 152 may be utilized which are incorporated in proximity to or within reaction chamber 18 or combustor 16. (While sensor 152is shown in FIG. 1 as being outside of both chamber 18 and combustor 16, its location is only illustrative of its position (or the positions) somewhere within fuel control system 14). In cooperation, these sensors provide information reflective of,among other things: VOC level in inlet air (e.g. sensor 48); temperature and flow rate of inlet air A, compressed air B, fuel C, mixed stream D and the like; fuel content and volume (e.g. sensor 74); power output from device 10; and speeds of turbine 26,with this and other information, control system suitably controls the operation of device 10.
For example, when the power output of power generator 12 drops below an expected level for the measured full consumption of fuel C, thus indicating, for example, that the fuel mixture within combustor 16 may be becoming too lean, control system150 may activate control system 110. In such cases, valves 120, 122 will be opened thereby creating a pressure difference sufficient to draw compressed air B out of the chamber 64 and into the bypass flow channels 112, 114, which in turn, directcompressed air B into reaction chamber 18 thus preventing its flow into combustor 16. Operation of control system 150 in this manner prevents the fuel mixture within combustor 16 from becoming too lean, while still allowing for the VOC laden air to bereacted with the primary fuel within reaction chamber 18 to thereby destroy the VOC concentration and retain the VOC fuel value.
Stated another way, control system 150, by monitoring the varying VOC level in inlet air A, and thus the corresponding fuel valve of inlet air, adjusts device 10 for appropriate operation. For example, in the case where inlet air A has a fuelvalve in excess of that necessary to drive power generator 12 at idle alone, control system 150 suitably reduces the flow of fuel C and as necessary, activates air control system 110 to prevent generator 12 from operating at excessive speeds and/orcombustor from operating at excessively lean or such levels.
Control system 150 may also be employed to compensate for the relatively long lag time between fuel introduction and changes in conditions at inlet 90 to turbine 26 caused by reactions taking place within reaction chamber 18, as well as tomonitor or control other aspects of device 10.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 6, in some cases, it may be desirable to initially treat VOC laden air from a typical plant prior to destroying the VOC's contained therein. Inaccordance with this aspect of the present invention, an air treatment system 200 is advantageously employed and communicates with one or more destruction devices, for example respective destruction devices 10A and 10B. Destruction devices 10A and 10Bare in a form similar to device 10 described above. System 200 suitably comprises an inlet 202 which cooperates with, for example, inlet air duct 40. Inlet air A is thereafter drawn into chamber 203 where inlet air A is both cooled and sampled todetermine the level of VOCs in inlet air A. Preferably, one or more sensors 206 are suitably carried within chamber 203 for the purpose of determining the VOC level within inlet air A.
In the event inlet air A is determined to be laden with an unacceptable level of VOC, an inlet bypass device 208 opens to allow fresh air into chamber 203. Preferably, bypass device 208 comprises a shutter valve of conventional design.
In addition, inlet air A is suitably cooled to a temperature within an acceptable range. Preferably, such cooling is effected through a heat exchanger system 205. Preferably system 205 comprises respective heat exchange elements 204, 218,outlet 210 and cooling fan 222. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, element 204 is suitably connected via outlet and duct elements (not shown) to cooling pump 211 and heat exchange element 218 such that cooling fluid is suitablyrecirculated between elements 204 and 218. In a conventional manner, system 205 allows for the cooling of inlet air A. Inlet air A once cooled, is passed through a centrifugal separator 212 separating the VOC laden air from any large particles. Onceseparated, the VOC laden air is communicated to devices 10A and 10B, preferably by respective conduits 214 and 216. As previously briefly mentioned, devices 10A and 10B operate in a fashion similar to that of device 10 described above to generaterespective exhausts E1, E2 which are released into the plant to provide process heat through respective outlet 230, 232.
With reference to FIG. 7, a further alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. With certain applications, it may be desirable to utilize a destruction device in accordance with the present invention in a relatively mobile fashion. As shown in FIG. 7, a mobile destruction system 300 suitably comprises a sled 302 upon which a destruction device 10C is suitably mounted. Destruction device 10C is suitably configured in a manner similar to that of device 10 described hereinabove. Asso configured, device 10C includes power generator 12 to which reaction chamber 18 and combustor 16 are suitably attached. The output of device 10C, namely exhaust E3 is suitably communicated via outlet 303 into a heat recovery air-oil cooler 304. Inaccordance with this embodiment of the present invention, a voltage source 306 is suitably provided to provide startup power to device 10C, as well as power, at least initially, to the other aspects of system 300. A gas compressor 308 is also suitablymounted to sled 302 for raising gas pressure to levels required by device 10C. Respective ventilators 310, 312 may be also suitably mounted to sled 302. In addition, a water supply 320 with respective auxiliary units 322, 324, 326, 328 and pump 330 mayalso be utilized for purposes of water injection into the combustor 16 to control emissions of nitrous oxide.
System 300 is suitably controlled through operation of a control system 350 which may be optionally cooled through operation of a refrigeration device 352. Various other devices such as ventilators, switch and other electronic devices may bealso employed, in a conventional fashion, for a effective use of device 10C in connection with mobile system 300.
Preliminary experimental tests of devices embodying the present invention have indicated that by using the VOC laden secondary fuel, the amount of primary fuel needed to operate the engine is reduced without a loss of energy content in the fuelsupply. Accordingly, the use of this volatile organic compound destruction system 10 results in substantially complete destruction of the volatile organic compound while reducing the amount of primary fuel required to operate an engine for thegeneration of electricity.
Thus, it will be appreciated that device 10 provides significant advantages over prior art designs for destruction of VOCs. For example, in accordance with experiments preformed using devices embodying preferred aspects of the present invention,substantial destruction of VOC laden air efficiency (e.g. at rates above 99.5%) at a level of about 6200 ft3/min can be obtained with the production of a nominal 525 kw of electrical power.
To illustrate the overall impact of the present invention, consider a typical plant using 640,000 kw hours per month with a need to consume 12,000 cubic feet per minute of air laden with 3,500 parts per million of a VOC. Consider further thatthe plant consumes 97,000 therms of fossil fuel each month. Without control, over 800 metric tons per year of VOC's are released into the atmosphere.
While prior art techniques (e.g. use of a thermal oxidizer) may reduce the emission of less than 50 metric tons per year of VOC's, use of such devices increases the plant energy consumption to about 125,000 therms per month.
In contradistinction, through use of a device embodying the present invention, effective VOC control is enabled with less energy. Specifically, in this example, the energy consumed and therefore, total fossil fuels burned, falls to 81,000 thermsper month. Not only are the total operating costs for the plant reduced, but there is also a net reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and sulfur oxide. The sum effect of use of the present invention to control volatile organicemissions is thus cleaner air, less fossil fuel consumption and resulting lower costs.
It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. Various modifications may be made in the design and arrangementof the elements set forth herein without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
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go ahead... be a heretic
Comment on
eval() is needed only when you want a deep copy.
use Data::Dump qw( pp dd ); my $ref = [ 'foo', 'bar', { asd => 1, qwe => 2 } ]; # pp() called in void context prints to STDERR pp $ref; # prints: ["foo", "bar", { asd => 1, qwe => 2 }] # dd() called in void context prints to STDOUT dd $ref; # named printing is still not DRY, but much better than: # print Data::Dumper->Dump( [$ref], ['*ref'] ); print '$ref = ', pp($ref), "\n"; # prints: $ref = ["foo", "bar", { asd => 1, qwe => 2 }] # eval() for a deep copy my $deep_copy = eval pp($ref); pp $deep_copy;
The printing format is a lot more readable than Data::Dumper's default. However beware that Data::Dump is not among the core modules.
In reply to Re^3: Dumping variables but DRY and simple by rubasov
in thread Dumping variables but DRY and simple by LanX
and: <code> code here </code>
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0.675063 | <urn:uuid:2fec95bd-bd6d-45ec-b1be-ffe9ded6c427> | en | 0.712173 | Beefy Boxes and Bandwidth Generously Provided by pair Networks vroom
Problems? Is your data what you think it is?
Comment on
Good monks,
Given the following HTML form, I want to establish validations of the data via Data::FormValidator, and then report the errors with HTML::Template.
I cannot seem to get the third failure mode to work correctly, probably because I'm visualizing the interface incorrectly. Please help.
Here is a simplistic version of the form:
<form method="post"> <input type="text" name="Field1"><br> <input type="text" name="Field2"><br> <input type="submit"> </form>
Let's say that I want to have three failures modes:
• Field1 is not a positive integer
• Field2 is not a positive integer
• Field2 is not greater than Field1
Here is the template:
sub error_template { return qq( <html> <head> <title>Results</title> </head> <body> <h2>Results</h2> <p>I'm sorry, but I had a slight problem processing your form submissi +on:</p> <ul> <!-- TMPL_IF NAME="err_Field1" --> <li>You must enter a valid number for Field1</li> <!-- /TMPL_IF --> <!-- TMPL_IF NAME="err_Field2" --> <li>You must enter a valid number for Field2</li> <!-- /TMPL_IF --> <!-- TMPL_IF NAME="err_Field2_LT_Field1" --> <li>Field2 must be >= Field1</li> <!-- /TMPL_IF --> </ul> </body> </html> );
In the above template, the conditional for "err_Field2_LT_Field1" doesn't execute during a failure. This is the issue I'm trying to work out.
Now for the Data::FormValidator code:
sub compare_num1_LT_num2 { my ($first, $second) = @_; return ($first <= $second); } sub validate { my $data_in = shift; my $maxint = 10000; my $profile = { 'required' => [ qw( Field1 Field2 ) ], 'msgs' => { 'prefix' => 'err_' }, 'constraints' => { 'Field1' => sub { my $in = shift; $in =~ /^\d+$/ && $in > 0 && $in < $maxint }, 'Field2' => sub { my $in = shift; $in =~ /^\d+$/ && $in > 0 && $in < $maxint }, 'Field2_LT_Field1' => { 'constraint' => 'compare_num1_LT_num2', 'params' => [ qw/ Field1 Field2 / ], }, }, }; my $results = Data::FormValidator->check($data_in, $profile); } validate(\%data);
Please forgive me if this code does not compile correctly, as it has been excerpted from a larger bit of code, and is intended for illustrative purposes only.
Thank you in advance for your help.
In reply to How do I code multiple failure modes for Data::FormValidator field validations? by thezip
and: <code> code here </code>
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0.019407 | <urn:uuid:09778a16-a52c-4289-8cea-9b49cf2fc071> | en | 0.988206 | Will The Atlanta Hawks Make A Play For Dwight Howard?
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The marriage between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dwight Howard has been anything but pleasant. The team is in midst of a season that could see them missing the playoffs and Howard is the big reason why. He has underperformed and his teammates have had plenty of issues with him. When a guy like Steve Nash is mad, you know something is wrong. After this season, the Atlanta Hawks should make an all-out push for him.
Yes, the Lakers can re-sign Howard for more money than the Hawks can offer, but why would he want to stay in LA right now? The pressure of the season has to be getting to him. His coach throws him under the bus, his teammates don’t think he is giving it his all and the fans are starting to get extremely frustrated with him. Maybe going back to his hometown will give him the spark he needs.
He may never be the same guy that was a constant contender for the MVP award due to his back surgery, but he can still be a very productive player. The Hawks are in the midst of shedding bad contracts and remaking the team into one that can contend. Adding a guy like Howard could be the big piece that they need to put their plan into full swing.
The summer is going to be an interesting time in Atlanta. Howard is going to look at all his options and you would think that his hometown should be one of the favorites.
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From the Introduction: What follows in this book is one person's attempt to describe and work with the indefinable, namely creative infinity. You might call this God, the Universe, universal intelligence, Great Spirit, or any number of things. Or you might call it nothing at all. I propose that all of these approaches are valid, including my own. I propose that the creative infinity works through all of us all the time, and to encourage it as much as we can. Learn More
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The Shift: An Awakening - John English
The Shift: An Awakening is an inspiring piece of visionary fiction that takes place in present day America. The earth has grown impatient with mankind’s unconscious treatment of her, and sends a prophecy to seers of several different faiths. She has detailed in the prophecy her plan to reset the population on earth if mankind does not meet her simple requirements. At the same time a new political party is born from the confusion of America's last presidential election.
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0.056173 | <urn:uuid:0c29defc-ab88-4372-96e7-e93090437669> | en | 0.912161 | Eat trendy with tapas
Finger Food
A huge trend in the restaurant world right now is to prepare small plates or tapas. Small plates give diners the opportunity to try a delectable few of the chef's specialties, and they are often cheaper than ordering entrees. For your next dinner or cocktail party, prepare a few different tapas and spend the night nibbling!
Shrimp Fritters
The evolution of tapas
The idea behind tapas originated in a Spanish region called Andalusia as a way for men to cover their drinks when they were not drinking them.
Traditionally, tapas began as slices of bread or meat that were placed on top of glasses of sherry or other sweet wines to prevent fruit flies from flying in them. In fact, the word tapa means lid or cover.
Tapas have deliciously evolved over the years from just bread and meat to smaller bites of empanadas, cheeses, olives, sardines, calamari and other tasty finger foods. In Spain, they are a pre-meal "appetizer" because the Spanish usually eat around 9pm or 10pm.
Traditionally and now, tapas are eaten in the time after work ends and dinner begins. Spaniards usually "bar hop" to the many tapas bars to socialize, drink and eat. In most tapas bars, after ordering a drink, tapas are free. In the United States, the number of tapas bars is growing and tapas have transcended from appetizers to multi-item meals.
Tapas recipes
When throwing a tapas party, it is customary to serve a tasty array of appetizers with a selection of olives, meats and cheeses.
Shrimp Fritters
Makes 4 servings
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
3 eggs
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
Oil for frying
1. Combine water and butter in a pot and bring to a boil. Add in flour, stirring continuously, until the mixture makes a ball. Take pan off of heat and let cool slightly.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in shrimp and remaining ingredients. Heat oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry tablespoonfuls of batter until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Mushroom and Aioli Spread
Makes 4 servings
5 ounces mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
Sea Salt
1 teaspoon sherry wine
Aioli (recipe follows)
French bread, sliced
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute mushrooms in hot olive oil with salt and sherry. Place lid in pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook about 10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Lightly toast bread slices. Spread aioli on bread and top with mushroom mixture. Arrange bread on sheet pan and broil for 30 seconds.
Makes about 3/4 cup
1 large egg yolk (see note below)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced and mashed with a pinch of salt
Whisk together egg yolk, mustard and lemon juice. Combine oils and gradually whisk into egg mixture. Whisk in garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Note: This recipe contains raw egg. Though there is only a small chance of salmonella poisoning, people who are pregnant, elderly, very young or have medical conditions impairing the immune system should avoid consuming raw eggs.
Croquetas de Jamon
Makes 10 servings
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 medium green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
16 ounces thinly sliced Iberico or Serrano ham or prosciutto, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3 cups dried breadcrumbs, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
4 eggs
2 cups oil for frying
2 tablespoons water
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute onions and garlic powder in melted butter for 10 minutes or until tender. Transfer onions to a large bowl and combine with ham, cheese and 1-1/2 cups of breadcrumbs.
2. Beat 3 eggs and mix into ham mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Form mixture into bite-sized balls. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dip balls into an egg and water mixture and then in breadcrumbs. Fry in oil, turning to cook all sides, until golden. Place on paper towels to drain before serving.
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(required - not published) | http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/805703/eat-trendy-with-tapas | dclm-gs1-088540001 | false | true | {
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0.03865 | <urn:uuid:05531bde-54fd-4c64-826c-d62ae997e5fd> | en | 0.953623 | Lewisham Hospital A&E unit closure protest
Protest: Thousands took to the streets
Photo: @SaveLewishamAE March: Protest went 'as far as the eye could see'
Photo: @SaveLewishamAE Protest: Lewisham Hospital
(Photo: Ruth Baillie)
Protesters demonstrated outside Lewisham Hospital today in a move to save its Accident and Emergency department.
Several thousand people marched on the hospital to show their support for the casualty deaprtment as well as the hospital's maternity unit
The South London Healthcare Trust has been accused of wanting to close down Lewisham's Accident and Emergency Department to help it save money across south London's NHS.
The protesters then formed a human chain around the hospital before attending a rally in nearby Ladywell Park.
Jos Bell, one of the campaigners from Save Lewisham Hospital, said: "It is not just the Accident and Emergency Unit that they are planning to close.
"The highly regarded birth centre, the ICU and the paediatric wards are also under threat. It would mean people having to travel to Woolwich Hospital.
"What it will mean is that Lewisham would become a non-admitting hospital. And what we fear is that it will close and become a private hospital - or at the very least partly private.
"It is the prime site and it serves a population the same as Hull and Brighton."
She added that the A&E unit takes in some 120,000 patients every year and that the closure would mean extra pressure on neighbouring units at Woolwich and King's hospitals.
She said: "People will die. Lewisham is a very well regarded hospital and there is no other hospitals that are able to take up the slack - it is simply not there.
"That's the reason around 15,000 people came out in support of the march today."
One of those joining the protest Shannon Hawthorne, 25, from Sydenham, said the atmosphere had been overwhelmingly positive.
She said: "People were so determined and positive about the event. The police had to close off the roads because so many people were on the march.
"And you might think that drivers would be angry but instead they were beeping their support for the protest.
"Just looking at the numbers of people I would have thought that around 10,000 people were there."
The group Save Lewisham Hospital's A&E says the unit is being closed down because of a massive over spend in nearby South London Healthcare Trust's hospitals.
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Cara Delevingne teams up with Kate Moss for Burberry campaign | http://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/lewisham-hospital-ae-unit-closure-protest-8348196.html | dclm-gs1-088610001 | false | false | {
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0.049817 | <urn:uuid:6f78e78e-cfa6-4255-bd48-75a88ed3be2c> | en | 0.971017 | Film based on book about Beane's use of stats to shape Oakland A's stirs debate anew
Sep 22 2011 - 6:51pm
LOS ANGELES -- The champagne flowed easily, and so did the toasts. The San Francisco Giants had just won the World Series, and the shouts came from all corners of the clubhouse.
To Willie Mays! To Tim Lincecum! To Aubrey Huff's rally thong!
And this, from around a corner, from Giants executive Tony Siegle: "So much for 'Moneyball."'
The book that polarized an industry hits the big screen on Friday, with Brad Pitt starring as Billy Beane, the maverick general manager of the Oakland Athletics.
The book was published in 2003, as the Oakland Athletics made their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The movie comes out as the Athletics hover uncomfortably close to last place in the American League West, en route to their fifth consecutive season without a winning record.
Those recent struggles are met with barely concealed glee in some clubhouses and front offices, in an industry that did not appreciate the perception that Beane was a Space Age genius among Stone Age thinkers.
"Everybody is a good general manager when you have (bleeping) (Tim) Hudson, (Barry) Zito and (Mark) Mulder," Chicago White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen said. "It's easy to be a GM like that. It's not a (bleeping) secret."
What offended veteran baseball types took away from the book was that Beane had somehow invented a championship roster out of computer printouts, on-base percentage and bargain shopping.
That was a caricature, but what were the old-school baseball men supposed to think? The book jacket included this tease: "Even the box score misleads us by ignoring the crucial importance of the humble base on balls. This information has been around for years, and nobody inside Major League Baseball paid it any mind. And then came Billy Beane."
Let's just say that Gene Mauch did not use Brian Downing as the Angels' leadoff hitter three decades ago because of Downing's speed.
"The book overplayed the statistical analysis side of things. It underplayed the scouting side of things," said Bill Stoneman, the former Angels general manager whose team won the World Series in 2002, in the heyday of the "Moneyball" era.
"What you're looking for in a player isn't just what he's done. We can all measure what he's done or how he's trending. The most important question is, what is he going to do? That's a scout's job."
Stoneman is not talking about how a minor league performance might translate at the major league level, or how batting average on balls in play can suggest whether a hitter or pitcher is successful at an unsustainable level.
He is talking about the ability to project a lanky teenager as a beefy slugger, or to determine if a kid with a 95-mph fastball can master the two or three other pitches necessary to start in the major leagues.
Stoneman read the book. Siegle, the Giants' executive, said he did not read it but heard more than enough about what he perceived as its worship of numbers.
"Statistics are very important. They're not the be-all and end-all," said Siegle, who has worked for 23 general managers in his five decades as a major league executive.
"Nothing is going to supplant good scouting, good player development and a good general manager."
It would be unfortunate if the release of the "Moneyball" movie were to spawn a revival of the statistics-versus-scouts debate, since no team uses one to the exclusion of the other.
Beane declined to comment for this story.
Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos leans toward the statistical end of the spectrum, but he is trying to topple the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in part by hiring more scouts. The Angels lean toward scouting -- so do the Giants -- but Manager Mike Scioscia said he gets more statistical data than ever from the front office.
"Moneyball" was not about a computer spitting out the Athletics' roster. It was not about constructing an offense around on-base percentage. It was about zigging when the Athletics could not afford to zag.
When the Oakland budget did not allow for a slugger at every position, the Athletics opted for creativity over surrender. The on-base guys tended to come more cheaply. When the market price went up for guys who walked a lot, the Athletics zagged again, trying to cobble a winner out of superior defenders.
Scioscia also said the Athletics now use strategies they never did in their "Moneyball" glory days. They might try dropping a sacrifice bunt, or stealing second base, or scooting from first base to third on a single, plays that were regarded as anathema in Oakland a decade ago.
"They would never give away outs," Scioscia said.
The core of baseball lifers, skeptical of the reverence with which Beane was portrayed in the book, point to the scoreboard. And, yes, the Athletics never have won the World Series under Beane.
On the other hand, in an eight-year span ending in 2006, the Athletics advanced to the playoffs five times and had a winning record every year. The Yankees were the only other major league club to do so.
No, what "Moneyball" really symbolized was the democratization of statistical information.
When Tony La Russa managed the Athletics two decades ago, he would not let the team publicist share Mark McGwire's batting averages against left-handers and right-handers. What was then proprietary information is now available to all, just a click away.
For a substantial number of fans, "Moneyball" validated the concept that baseball insiders did not hold a monopoly on the ability to build a contender.
By using a raft of new and refined statistics, anyone with Internet access could offer sophisticated evaluation of a trade or signing -- or a front office.
The statistical analysts were not kind to the Giants' front office last season, for assembling a roster made up of what Manager Bruce Bochy called "castoffs and misfits." The championship apparently did not immunize the front office from allegations of ignorance, supported by statistics.
"We still get that every now and then," Siegle said. "I have to go back and make sure we still won the World Series."
From Around the Web | http://www.standard.net/stories/2011/09/22/film-based-book-about-beanes-use-stats-shape-oakland-stirs-debate-anew | dclm-gs1-088620001 | false | false | {
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0.030606 | <urn:uuid:c74b0866-cb50-4c03-902f-1e1a6d452c7c> | en | 0.935154 |
Companion kit only for Android mobes... for now
Transforming your business with flash storage
For the moment that phone will have to run Android, but iOS software is promised soon. Once paired with the beagle, the Android application supports Adobe Digital Editions, so books purchased from anywhere except Amazon – including those electronic editions borrowed from the local library – can be transferred onto the beagle for reading on its 5-inch e-ink screen.
By depending on an Android device for browsing, buying and managing books, the beagle can be kept really simple, and cheap, but even the €10 price is subsidised. There will be an unsubsidised version which will cost more, but we don't yet know how much more.
The connectivity is Bluetooth, and there's no touchscreen or anything like that, but battery life (from a pair of AAAs) is counted at a couple of years (depending on one's reading habits) and the company claims a weight of only 128g, which should be comfortable even if the screen isn't much bigger than the larger Android handsets on the market.
The txtr beagle on Vimeo.
Companion devices have something of a chequered past, or, to be more accurate: they almost invariably fail badly. Palm's Folio (a companion keyboard and screen) didn't even make it out of the door, while the eminently practical Redfly did the same thing but never achieved more than niche status at best. Pico-projectors can turn a mobile phone into a desktop display, but haven't caught on in any measurable way.
Even Motorola's WebTop, which extends a mobile phone into a desktop, has been withdrawn in its hardware form, though the software was incorporated into the last RAZR update and works beautifully over HDMI with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, for the moment at least.
But all those products were trying to push a mobile device into the laptop arena, while the beagle is trying to extend the screen into the ereader category. One can imagine copying off a book to read in bed, or on a plane, enjoying the extended battery life and additional screen; the beagle isn't even recognised as a separate piece of kit by Adobe's DRM, so any content pushed into the Digital Editions app can be shared with the device.
The company won't say what subsidy is needed to achieve that €10 price: the plan is to sell through mobile network operators who'll make the money back selling books, which seems a little optimistic. Once we know the unsubsidised price, and have had a chance to use the device, it will be easier to see what chance the beagle has, but txtr should still be applauded for finding a different approach in a business which is quickly becoming dominated by a small number of very big players. ®
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0.119357 | <urn:uuid:83212be6-543e-47ac-a1b1-52f8be940ad9> | en | 0.940714 | Our TV Shows
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Call TMZ at (888) 847-9869 or Click Here
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like KKKristmas!
11/26/2008 1:50 PM PST BY TMZ STAFF
Burning CrossNothing says Season's Greetings like a burning cross on your front lawn!
The American Family Association -- a hate group disguised as an ultra-right wing Christian organization -- wants to usher in the holiday spirit by selling this nearly six foot tall scary lookin' lighted cross. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.
The evil '50s throwback is available on their website for just 82 hate-filled dollars "and requires only a screwdriver" to assemble.
No Avatar
You guys just arent getting it, TMZ is just taking a jab at a hate group. (and to elle yes, the AFA IS a right wing fundamentalist hate group.. your prolly a member so you just dont see it but they are) And to anyone thinking the AFA isnt a hate group just take a look at their 'stances' listed on their website. They say all gay people have a 'gay adjenda to turn america's youth into godless sodomites'. Kinda hilarious what backwater america thinks :-D
1934 days ago
living slooooo
Before you comment and berate TMZ, why don't you check out their (American Family Association) site? It spews hate. I bookmarked it since whatever they say I will do the opposite. Like which retailers to ignore at the holidays, etc. It appears to me that it is a legal way to put a "burning" cross on your lawn.
Thanks TMZ!
1934 days ago
I don't know about this organization, but TMZ is way off in left field. They are not a credible source when it comes to defining a hate group, they are one themselves. Look at Obama's old church and pastor and the guest pastors who spoke at that church, and the REAL HATRED they spewed against whites and AMERICA. If you want to make a good example of a hate group, why don't you talk about them, TMZ?
1934 days ago
The cross is a sign of Easter - not Christmas.
1934 days ago
I love when people talk about having a college degree make them smarter than the rest of the world. I myself have graduated college, and am currently working towards a second degree, and let me tell you it is not that big of a deal. Second, just because someone disagrees with you does not make them ignorant or uneducated. Is it not a little bit hypocritical to claim a group of people are evil or intollerant, while in the same sentence criticizing them for putting a simple decoration up that is meaningful to them? Why do Christians, in this case at least, get trashed at every sign of slight intollerance, but it is perfectly acceptable to say whatever hatefull slurs or accusations one wants to about Christians? That doesn't show much tollerance on your end does it?
1934 days ago
And the Cross is a symbol of Christ, not Easter or Christmas specifically.
1934 days ago
And to defend the cross, I'm a liberal, and I hate Ann Coulter lol. The problem with right wing fundamentalists is they cant displace an ideology from a sect. Liberals arent trying to 'destroy' Christianity, all i believe in is a separation of church from state which is embodied in the consitution. The thing with right wing religious fundamentalists are they dont believe that beliefs exist outside of their circle. The american way of life embodies all of our citizens equally despite their religious beliefs. If you take anything from the bible and impose its will on everyone then take jesus's message of understanding and understand not everyone believes in what you believe in. So quit spreading hatred for people not wanting to be subjugated by church doctrine. This isnt the middle ages and the church isnt law.
1934 days ago
cross should be upside down
1934 days ago
Omigawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwd...I am a liberal and the only group I hate against is the freaking commentators at TMZ. AND I'm a Christian! SURPRISE! So everyone knock it off with the generalizations that Liberals hate Jesus and Conservatives hate Jews and whatever else you're all spouting here.
The burning cross is offensive in the way that the Confederate Flag is offensive. First of all, the KKK didn't create the "burning cross," so associating the burning cross SOLELY with hate groups is poor judgement. Secondly, the symbol is just that: a symbol, which has different meanings depending on where it is used. Here in California, I've seen people decorate their homes at Christmas time with lit up crosses and, my, they look quite lovely. However, if someone in the deep South of this country were to do the same thing, it would probably come off as a symbol with quite a different meaning. But until someone starts burning someone else on their Christmas decorations, I think we should all relax and accept the symbol for the basic meaning it has.
Seriously? If we can't recognize cultural differences within our own country by NOW, we're in trouble. I have a suggestion for all of you "libs" and "neo-cons" alike: UNCLENCH.
1934 days ago
I can't belive that you morons are actually going there!! Hello!! It's a know, Jesus, the Cross. Weirdos!!
1934 days ago
The cross stands for forgiveness and the greatess gift one can receive at Christmas is the gift that was given.Many Many years ago. The birth of a baby given as a gift so we could have eternal life and forgiveness. Christmas is about faith in the one who gives internal life and the baby given so long ago. There is no hate in this cross only Love born of faith.
1934 days ago
When I burn crosses, I don't set a poinsettia next to it. It's proudly on my front lawn! God Bless the South!
1934 days ago
The only problem I have with that cross is the group who is selling it. The American Family Association.
There is nothing about that group that is in line with anything Jesus preached. They are a bunch of self righteous bigots.
I wouldn't buy a screw driver from them let alone a cross, or a pencil.
1934 days ago
Fake Dallas, I will keep you in my prayers!
1934 days ago
Christmas is a Christian holiday and the celebration of the birth or our savior, Jesus Christ. I know good people who display beautiful crosses at Christmas time. It's not about Santa and presents. It's about Christ. TMZ is the hater, not the American Family Association. You need to issue an apology and stick to what you know: fluff.
1934 days ago
Around The Web | http://www.tmz.com/2008/11/26/it-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-kkkristmas/3/ | dclm-gs1-088760001 | false | false | {
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0.065869 | <urn:uuid:c79d21d0-7120-4a43-a391-b7abe286e00a> | en | 0.932389 | Our TV Shows
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Three's a Crowd
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Brad was all crazy for that scary ass Angie. She sexually twisted with his head. This was a new world for him. He was used to smoking joints, going to Taco Bell and hanging out at the house with Jen. Now, as we all know as written on Page Six, old Angie is back with the "girls". Brad has been left on the side of the road. Just by looking at him now this guy is a mess and left with alot baggage.
1567 days ago
Why is that gigantic vein looking like it's going to jump out of Angie's head?
1567 days ago
its me
omg will you people stop with this Jen , Angie and brad thing !! brad and Angie have a family !!! and why did they have to put a pic of Angie on here looking like that?? Angie is one of the most beautiful woman around. she does so much to help people and so does Brad . IF JEN WAS NEVER MARRIED TO BRAD WE WOULD NEVER HEAR HER FREAKING NAME! HER MOVIES SUCK , HER X BOYFRIENDS SAY SHES TO NEEDY AND VERY MATERIALISTIC. SHE DOESN'T LOOK IT BUT THATS WHAT THEY SAY. SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO KEEP A MAN BECAUSE SHE HAS NO PERSONALITY AND ONCE AGAIN TO NEEDY! SO STOP PUTTING HER NAME IN WITH BRAD AND ANGIE !! BRAD IS NOT AN ALCOHOLIC. DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ. HE GOES OUT AND HAS A GOOD TIME . HE DESERVES IT AND SO DOES ANGIE. BRAD AND ANGIE HAVE HELPED SO SO MANY PEOPLE SO LET THIS CRAP WITH JEN GO AWAY! ANGIE IS VERY PRETTY AND DOES SO MUCH TO HELP PEOPLE . WHAT DOES JEN DO?? SHE SPENDS HER DAYS BUYING CLOTHES AND GETTING BOTOX. ANGIE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT ALL That SO LET THIS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i really really wish angie would beat the hell out of jennifer . jennifer is only popular because of brad. if angie and brad were not together angie would still be popular because shes one of the best movie stars around. she doesnt need to be married to brad to be popular like jennifer ...........
1567 days ago
1567 days ago
I was THRILLED when Brad left such a SELF ABSORBED, VAIN person like Jen. He wanted kids, lots of them and she just wasn't having that. God forbid her body get some stretch marks or she look fat-the world would end for her. She is ALL about herself-still is. Wants this big career-which she'll never have-her movies are nothing to rave about, she's in her late 30's, no kids, no boyfriend-GEEEEEEEEE-I WONDER what's up with that?? Here you have Angelina-at the time she met Brad on set-she was the hottest thing going. She had NO PROBLEMS or worries about what would happen to her body if she got pregnant-and didn't care if she was the sexiest thing alive. She wanted and loves kids-as does Brad. Looks GREAT on Jen-all alone with no kids (that now she claims she wanted-YEAH RIGHT). And to the person who commented "Why does Angie look older than Jen when Jen is actually older than Angie?" COMMON SENSE-Angie and Brad are busy RAISING 6 KIDS, globetrotting to help aid foreign, impoverished countries-while JEN is going to spas and being her usual SELF ABSORBED Jen. THAT'S why. Case closed-Angie is FAR, FAR a better person that VAIN JEN. Her and Brad are doing something that REALLY counts-raising a family and helping the poor. They're not couped up at some spa or resort like Jen ALWAYS is.
1567 days ago
I want to see Jennifer and Angelina hook up...for purely selfish reasons!
1567 days ago
He was a fool to leave his wife for Angelina. He deserves the unhappiness he has now. Angelina will never marry him and he will never make her happy. OH WELL, thats what you get Brad.
1567 days ago
Brad's competition is other WOMEN, LOL SICKKKKK
1567 days ago
Not trying to be funny but Angie looks like she's stressing out. That's what happens when your a home wrecker.... It may work for a while. Everybody knows Angie can get down in the bedroom but what else can she bring to the table. That's why she was popping out all of those babies thinking that this will be the way to keep Brad. I think it would be poetic justice if Jen gets Ben back and then dump his tramp behind.
1566 days ago
Despise that home wrecker Angelina. I wish she would hurry up and get hit by a bus.
1566 days ago
Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3
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0.102418 | <urn:uuid:e70f95f8-2a18-40dc-bcff-8dda5abbc083> | en | 0.88351 | I just got a Hoyt Vectrix today and am about to order my sight just wanting some of everyones input on what the use and have good experiences with. Thinking about an extreme but dont know.
Once a Marine always a Marine
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0.078479 | <urn:uuid:c366649a-9e24-46b7-b061-8123f19a0d97> | en | 0.960759 | Ergonomics and style are the two factors that most influenced the design of the Fusion backpack. French designer Jérôme Olivet created this knapsack to be both functional and stylish. That sounds like a simple task, but many backpacks seem to prioritize either form or function. This creates fashionable bags that damage backs and eyesores that are ergonomic.
The Fusion backpack is designed to be less rigid, flowing with the curves of your body. It has a very minimalist design, with the zipper secreted on the inside of the bag, not the outer portion. Olivet was obviously thinking of urbanites when he created this concept as it is big enough to hold a 15" MacBook Pro. The simple design of the Fusion backpack means that it should be relatively easy to put into production. | http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fusion-backpack | dclm-gs1-088810001 | false | false | {
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0.039512 | <urn:uuid:8d926cbe-33ca-414f-a073-f2ed8d4cd488> | en | 0.870998 | First: Mid: Last: City: State:
Margie Alwardt
Today, it's very easy to locate anybody at USA-People-Search.com, even a particular Margie Alwardt. We offer you an extensive database of public records that helps you to pinpoint the exact individual you are hunting for. Explore the site today to find everything you need to know about Margie Alwardt.
In case you haven’t been able to identify the correct Margie, you can always perform a more specific search. Just key in all the extra details you are aware of, like past addresses or known aliases, in order to locate Margie Alwardt quickly. The profiles we'll return will consist of personal data such as possible relatives, phone numbers, and much more.
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Name/AKAsAgeLocationPossible Relatives
1. Alwardt, Margie71 Taunton, MA
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0.019625 | <urn:uuid:e760f646-db4f-4a32-8a27-e5f5c936e9e7> | en | 0.965635 | Finding the Value in a College Degree
In one new survey, 86 percent of respondents say college is worth the cost.
A college graduate begins the job or career search.
A college graduate begins the job or career search.
It's mid-September. Many college students are already back in the grind and prospective students are beginning their own grind: the ever-confusing and oh-so-grueling college search.
These students are trying to answer the usual questions: Where? When? How much? They're also facing another question that seems to be getting increased attention lately: Is it worth it?
Answering that question can be complicated but is definitely worth the effort, especially given the investment required. According to the Project on Student Debt, for instance, the average college grad carries more than $25,000 in student debt.
Consider the benefits: A major—and prominent—benefit of attending college is increased employment prospects. Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce recently released a study on how college grads have fared during the Great Recession (and its slow recovery). Data presented in "The College Advantage: Weathering the Economic Storm" show that almost four out of every five jobs lost from December 2007 to January 2010 belonged to workers with no formal postsecondary education.
And the job gains during the recovery have not been returned to those workers; they went to those with a bachelor's degree or at least some postsecondary training. In fact, jobs have continued to disappear for those with a high school diploma or less.
In short, you're more likely to find employment if you go to college. That's a benefit.
College grads also tend to make more, which many view as a benefit. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, over a lifetime of work, the typical college graduate earns $650,000 more than the typical high school graduate. (The study also found that college graduates have more stable employment, so that's a benefit, too.)
But increased earnings should be viewed in context. A college degree doesn't guarantee high earnings. This benefit will depend on your intended major and school. How much can you really expect to earn? Compare that to how much your degree will cost. Figure out how much you have and make smart choices about how much you need.
[See which majors have the greatest return on investment.]
Consider the costs: To evaluate what you'll truly need to pay, look at net cost, not just tuition. Links to colleges' net price calculators are available through the Department of Education's College Affordability and Transparency Center. You'll also find lists of schools ranked by tuition and fees, and net price.
[Access the net price calculators of the top-ranked colleges.]
Looking at net price is crucial. Schools with lower tuition may have additional fees that drive up costs, while grants and scholarships at schools with higher tuition can lower costs. You can also use the Department's College Navigator tool to help compare schools, or search the U.S. News directory for colleges that interest you.
Once you figure out net price, carefully consider how you'll pay for school. Decisions now can make a huge difference in the future.
If you need to take out student loans, find a way to minimize borrowing, because the need to repay massive amounts of student debt can be difficult, even if you're earning more. Responses to a Pew Research Center survey conducted this year found that 48 percent of student borrowers have found it harder to make ends meet, 25 percent have found it harder to buy a home, and 24 percent said student debt impacted their career choices. (The Student Loan Ranger has many tips on how to borrow wisely and avoid spiraling debt.)
The survey also found that 86 percent of college grads found college worth the cost. And you can, too. Look at the availability of jobs and expected earnings for your intended major. Then find ways to minimize costs and student loans so you can truly recognize these benefits.
[Find employers hiring grads from your school.]
And remember the intangible benefits—to many, a college degree holds value beyond getting paid. Do your homework and borrow wisely because the true payoff is found when you go in with your eyes open and your head up.
To learn more about borrowing wisely and relief for student loans, download our free student debt manual and attend a free student debt webinar. And follow us on Twitter (use #studentdebthelp) and Facebook for news updates and tips.
| http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/student-loan-ranger/2012/09/12/finding-the-value-in-a-college-degree?s_cid=rss:student-loan-ranger:finding-the-value-in-a-college-degree | dclm-gs1-088880001 | false | false | {
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0.606299 | <urn:uuid:b7a0367e-14e9-419d-91d9-55df96272584> | en | 0.900146 | MySQL and Perl for the Web: Chapter 3 Section 2 (1/5) | WebReference
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Improving Performance with mod_perl
mod_perl Configuration
Apache uses a standard protocol, the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), to communicate with externally executed scripts such as those we put in the cgi-bin directory in the preceding chapter. When a CGI script begins executing, it can assume that Apache has set up certain environment variables. For example, REMOTE_ADDR and REQUEST_URI indicate the client's host IP number and the request path. When Apache uses mod_perl to execute a script directly, it doesn't set up the CGI environment. In principle, there is no need, because a script that has direct access to Apache's internals obviously can extract that information itself if it wants. But the practical implication of this is that Perl CGI scripts won't function properly under mod_perl unless they are rewritten to use the Apache API or unless something else sets up the CGI environment for them.
Obviously, the latter alternative is preferable. If you already have a bunch of CGI scripts, you don't want to rewrite them all specifically for mod_perl. Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this problem. mod_perl includes an Apache::Registry module that sets up the CGI environment for you. If we use it to run our CGI scripts, mod_perl becomes transparent to them so that (for the most part) they don't need to know or care whether they're being run by a standalone Perl process or by mod_perl. This enables you to move your scripts between the standalone and mod_perl execution environments easily.1
Oh, you noticed that "for the most part" in the preceding paragraph, did you? That disclaimer was necessary because scripts containing certain constructs need modification for mod_perl. We'll get to this in the section titled "Writing mod_perl Scripts."
The rest of this section describes how to configure Apache to use mod_perl and Apache::Registry for running Perl scripts. The steps are as follows:
1. Create a directory for mod_perl scripts.
2. Verify that mod_perl is installed.
3. Configure httpd.conf to tell Apache how to execute mod_perl scripts.
4. Test your configuration.
5. Set up a mod_perl startup file (optional, but useful).
Before following these instructions, verify that you have recent enough versions of Perl and You should have Perl 5.005 or higher. You should also have 2.36 or higher, because earlier versions don't work with mod_perl. If your versions aren't recent enough, you'll need to upgrade. See Appendix A, "Obtaining Software," for instructions.
1. Clearly, I'm making an argument for being able to write scripts that run whether or not you have mod_perl installed, so that readers who can't install mod_perl or who elect not to will be able to run most of the scripts in this book without modification. There is a counterargument, which is that if you know you're going to use mod_perl, you can get even better performance by dispensing with Apache::Registry and interacting more directly with Apache.
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Created: July 2, 2001
Revised: July 2, 2001 | http://www.webreference.com/programming/perl/mysqlperl/chap3/2/index.html | dclm-gs1-088940001 | false | false | {
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0.053424 | <urn:uuid:9ed9f65a-5e46-45fd-9496-9ddef1b6f1a3> | en | 0.953414 | Health knowledge made personal
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Wai Lana Fruit & Nut Bars Review
Posted Jan 10 2013 6:00am
As you know, I love bars - so I was happy to find a new-to-me energy bar to try!
Wai Lana Fruit & Nut Bars are gluten-free bars (some flavors are vegan, some are not) made with high-quality non-GMO ingredients to support a healthy, busy lifestyle.
Pro: there are seven unique flavors (Strawberry Shake, Nana Banana, Cranberry Pomegranate, Sunflower Coconut, Cranberry Almond, Tropical Macadamia, and Autumn Apple) highlighting their healthful, whole food ingredients.
Con: They are guilty of deceptive packaging !
I've ranted about deceptive packaging before, but I still just don't get it - why would you think it's a good idea to split what is clearly one serving in a single serving packet into two servings for your nutrition label? With Wai Lana bars it just really doesn't make any sense, because a full bar (aka, a proper serving) would have around 250 calories, which is pretty standard for a fruit and nut bar.
Besides, these bars aren't particularly large - splitting one in half wouldn't be a satisfying snack for anyone over the age of 3!
There's one of their bars next to a standard full sized pair of scissors, for size comparison. What are they thinking recommending halving that bar? It's not even particularly big!
The audacity.
Pro: They're loaded with healthy ingredients and have a relatively short ingredients list. Even with the proper "2 serving" serving of a whole bar instead of half of one, their stats are great for a snack - the Autumn Apple bar (see below) is 260 calories with healthy fats and fruit sugars (don't get freaked out by the sugar in the bar! It's from the fruits, not added syrups or sugars).
Pro: They're tasty! Like realllllllllllllllllly tasty.
Especially the Tropical Macadamia bar, aka my favorite Wai Lana bar.
They're all true to their advertised flavors and are very soft, chewy, fruity, and sweet, but the Tropical Macadamia is particularly winning. The big chunks of soft macadamia nuts with the tropical flavors of pineapple and mango (dominant in the bar) make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation. I felt like I was back in the Caribbean on Christmas vacation when I ate the bar. I'll buy more bars just to get to take that snack-cation back!
My second favorite is the Cranberry Almond - I love that they added just a touch of carob! Cranberry is definitely the primary flavor, but that little bit of carob adds a little chocolatey decadence. YUM.
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0.03668 | <urn:uuid:e6a708e2-340c-4e4b-9061-2a2a1b31be09> | en | 0.829348 | Quest:King of Centaur Mountain
99,923pages on
this wiki
Horde 32 King of Centaur Mountain
Level14 (Requires 12)
CategoryNorthern Barrens
Objectives Edit
Keep Gorgal Angerscar alive as he starts some trouble with the centaur, and help him to slay Kurak.
• Cause Some Trouble
• Combat 15 Kurak slain
Description Edit
We were sent here to track movements of the Kolkar centaur, but after a week of watching these dirty animals scamper all around this oasis, I'm itching to give my axe a taste of their necks. What do you say, <class>? Want to cause a little havoc with me?
Let's see if we can attract the attention of their strongest warrior, Kurak.
Rewards Edit
You will receive: 6Silver
Progress Edit
Well, I suppose that's one way to track down Kurak. What happened up there?
Completion Edit
Aw mon, why you have to go settin' Gorgal off like that? Still, I can't argue with results. We'll need to watch these animals closely to see what they do with Kurak outta the way.
More watchin' and waitin'. Gorgal won't like that.
Notes Edit
Gorgal Angerscar says: Hah, yes <name>! That's what I want to hear. Let's make some noise!
Gorgal Angerscar yells: Come get some, you horsefaced maggot farms!
Gorgal Angerscar says: More... More!
Gorgal Angerscar says: Ah, there's our target. I can smell him from here.
Gorgal Angerscar says: Victory!
Gorgal Angerscar says: Wait 'til Shoe hears about THIS.
Quest progression Edit
Patch changes Edit
External links Edit
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0.035855 | <urn:uuid:1bf073bd-0630-417f-8d3f-f5416a249c57> | en | 0.951642 | S Korea court impose strict penalties on software pirates | ZDNet
S Korea court impose strict penalties on software pirates
Summary: Country's high court rules that software pirates are to pay full cost to vendors and not just for the time the illegal copy was used.
South Korea is coming down harder on software pirates after a local court determined that transgressors will have to pay full cost to software vendors regardless of how long they have been using the illegal copies for.
Yonhap News Agency reported last Sunday the Seoul High Court delivered a ruling against two local midsize companies for using illegal software on their corporate computers in 2009. Some of the pirated software include Microsoft's Windows XP operating system and Office, and the companies had been using them for several months before getting caught, it added.
The High Court ordered the two companies to compensate Microsoft and six other software vendors the full value of the pirated software used, upholding a lower court's decision. This meant one company had to pay about 47 million won (US$41,800) while the other had to fork out 119 million won (US$104,625) in penalties, the report noted.
The two companies had earlier appealed the first decision, arguing that the amount of compensation should be according to the number of days violating the law rather than pay the full cost, which would include distribution costs too.
However, the Seoul High Court said if compensation is calculated based on the number of days of using the pirated software, the penalty may be too small an amount. "This may lead to illegal copying becoming widespread in society," it added.
Topics: Enterprise Software, Legal, Piracy
Kevin Kwang
About Kevin Kwang
Log in or register to start the discussion | http://www.zdnet.com/s-korea-court-impose-strict-penalties-on-software-pirates-7000015893/ | dclm-gs1-089020001 | false | false | {
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0.033083 | <urn:uuid:21aa96ee-3175-4656-aa8d-14ee7a6564eb> | en | 0.956045 | Captain 11
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Captain 11
Genre children's program
Starring Dave Dedrick
Country of origin United States
No. of seasons 40
Original channel KELO-TV
Original run March 7, 1955 – December 28, 1996
Captain 11 was a popular after-school children's program for over 40 years on KELO-TV, broadcast on channel 11 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Station weatherman Dave Dedrick donned a yellow-trimmed blue pilot uniform with hat and daily (later weekly as cable TV began to cut into its ratings) became the jolly host of the show. The show primarily played cartoons and other children's fare, and featured the Captain having all the kids (his "crew") introduce themselves on the air, guessing to win the toy chest, and children with birthdays working the Captain's control panel of lights and switches. The show ended with the Captain playing the "freezeberg" game with the children, having them: Face the camera and wave one hand: then wave both hands: followed by wave both hands and one foot then wave both hands and both feet which usually resulted in most of the kids jumping up and down while facing the camera. Finally, the Captain would tell them to "freeze", not moving a muscle as the camera panned over the crowd of kids attempting to remain still.
The Captain 11 charge[edit]
The show opened with an animated space scene, slowly zooming in to the Captain's space ship, with this charge voiced over:
"Captain 11! Today's man of the future!"
The show ran from March 7, 1955 to December 27, 1996, making it the longest continuously running children’s television program in the United States.[1] Dedrick's autobiography[2] reveals interesting background about the show, like why the character's trademark rubber headphones were eventually discarded after many seasons, and how the set designers could not agree on a single design and eventually had to work independently on their own sections.
Dave Dedrick retired from broadcasting on December 30, 1996. He was inducted into the South Dakota Broadcasters Hall of Fame on April 18, 1997, and into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 1999. Dedrick died in Sioux Falls on January 22, 2010, at the age of 81.[1]
The Captain 11 set and other memorabilia is displayed in the State Historical Museum in Pierre.
1. ^ a b "Dave Dedrick: 1928-2010". KELO-TV. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
2. ^ It Ain't All Cartoons: Memoirs of the Captain, 1989, ISBN 0-9605738-7-9
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0.049101 | <urn:uuid:38a4a7ab-f53c-49ed-b1ca-2408136a1923> | en | 0.949937 | or Login to see your representatives.
Public Statements
Floor Speech
Location: Washington, DC
Mr. OLSON. I rise in support of my good friend Mr. McKinley in his efforts to include the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act in the final transportation authorization bill.
EPA's goal of issuing new Federal rules to regulate coal combustion residuals would have far-reaching and negative impacts on our economy. These EPA rules would severely hamper American energy production, thereby risking our Nation's ability to meet the electricity generation we need to grow our economy and to get our country back on track working again.
President Obama wants to eliminate coal as a source of energy for America. This should come as no surprise to those who listened to President Obama's comments when he was a candidate for office. He spoke from his heart in San Francisco in 2008.
Here is a summary of what he said:
Let me sort of describe my overall policy. What I've said is that we would put a cap-and-trade system in place that is as aggressive, if not more aggressive, than anybody else's out there.
He later said:
We need common sense at the EPA, and we need a President who understands that an all-of-the-above strategy includes American coal. That is why I am supporting Mr. McKinley's Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act in the final transportation authorization bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote for Mr. McKinley's motion to instruct conferees.
Back to top | https://votesmart.org/public-statement/713551/motion-to-instruct-conferees-on-hr-4348-surface-transportation-extension-act-of-2012-part-ii | dclm-gs1-089120001 | false | false | {
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0.082427 | <urn:uuid:5bc4b279-eb1d-4c8e-97f0-1de4e1f21260> | en | 0.991749 | It's What You Do
By: Ridley
Rating: T-for language
Disclaimer: Nothing Supernatural belongs to me. We know who the boss is.
A/N: Ahh, just a little snippet for my writer's block. This is a scene that was mentioned in one of my other fics. Just a bit of fluff.
It all started with the simple fact that Sam didn't want to hold Dean's hand.
How hard could it be to get one seven year old kid to do such a simple task, you ask?
Well, pretty damn hard if that kid was a Winchester and brilliant beyond his years and a real pain in the ass to boot.
And it didn't help that said boy was getting over a nasty case of strep and was crankier than usual, and that his older brother had overindulged his every whim in the past week that he had been sick.
Unfortunately, taking back control wasn't as easy as it seemed.
"Give me your hand, Sammy!" Dean Winchester growled, sounding as threatening as any twelve year old could. "You can't cross the street by yourself."
"I'm too big too hold your hand, Dean!" Sam said defiantly, holding both arms behind his back and dancing out of his brother's reach.
Dean made a grab for Sam but missed. "Says who?"
"Says me," Sam puffed out his chest and replied. "I'm in first grade-you know."
"Well I'm in charge-you know. And if I want to hold your hand to cross the street when your seventeen, then I guess you'll just have to learn to live with it."
"I'll be bigger than you then," Sam pointed out, looking up at his much taller sibling. "Daddy says I'm going to be the tallest."
Dean rolled his eyes and sighed. "Maybe Dad doesn't know everything."
The smaller boy frowned. "Yes he does."
"That's right- and he said that you had to hold my hand when we crossed the street." Ha! Dean showed him.
"But Daddy's not here." Sam looked up at him with owlish, liquid pools of complete innocence.
Damn it. It was never easy. "Yeah, and I'm the boss when he's not around."
Sam shrugged one thin shoulder. "You're not the boss of me."
"I hate to break it to you, kiddo, but I'm your big brother. I will always be the boss of you. That's the rule."
"Who's rule?" Sam was still backing away from his brother on the sidewalk, hopping back and forth from one foot to the other.
Dean clenched his jaw and tried to remember that he dearly loved the little monster in front of him. "My rule. I made it, and you will follow it."
"Why do you get to make rules?"
"It's what I do." Dean grabbed for his brother again, and Sam dodged him once more. "It's my job."
"What's my job?" Sam stopped moving and stared up at his brother. "I should have a job, too."
"Oh you have a job, little brother." Dean finally grabbed hold of him. "It's to drive me freakin' crazy," he huffed, as he had to pry Sam's arm from behind his back. The twelve year old then had to use both his hands to uncurl each small, sticky, clenched finger.
"Sam," he warned as he saw his brother's foot lift in a perfect arc to deliver a well-placed blow to his shin. "I swear if you kick me-I will take your ass back to the library and tell Dad that you ran out into traffic. He'll make you wear a leash."
Sam dropped his foot back to the ground. "You said a bad word."
"I'm going to say a lot more if you don't stop being such a brat."
"I'm not a brat."
"Today-you are." Dean sent a quick, silent thank you out that Sam wasn't usually obnoxious.
"Well-you're a bully. And Mrs. Jones says bullies get punished."
Dean snorted. "But Mrs. Jones isn't here."
"I don't like you," Sam tried to jerk away from his brother again.
"That's okay, Sammy." Dean tightened his hold on the little boy's hand, just enough so that Sam knew he meant business, but not enough to cause any real pain. "I don't like you too much right now, either."
"I want to go back with Daddy." Sam wailed as they made it back to the crosswalk.
That was definitely a first. Dean ignored him.
"I want Daddy!" Sam screamed this time-bringing several eyes to them. "I don't want to stay with you."
"Dad told us to get something to eat, Sam!" Dean bit out, practically dragging his little brother behind him now. He couldn't deny that it stung. Sam never chose his father over him. "I don't care what you want. You're coming to the diner with me."
Dean ignored the embarrassing looks they were getting from the passerby's and finally managed to get his little brother across the street and into the restaurant. "Sit," he commanded, as he shoved Sam into the booth farthest from the door and then slid in right beside him.
He let Sam jerk his hand free, and watched as the seven year old crossed his arms over his chest and stuck his lip out. "I hope your face freezes that way," Dean sighed as he picked up a menu and flipped it open in front of them.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a fat tear splash to the table, and then another, and he groaned. Not again. It really wasn't like Sam to be a brat. In fact, Sammy was hardly ever bad at all.
Dean knew that the temper tantrum could most likely be chalked up to the fact that the little boy hadn't been sleeping well since the cold, and the whole matter of traveling over 600 miles in the last two days hadn't helped things either. "You can have a milkshake for dessert, if you want."
A shake of the head was the only reply, and Dean shrugged. " Suit yourself, but they have peanut butter-your favorite."
Sam seemed to perk up a bit at that. "Do I have to eat vegetables first?"
That was usually the deal-at least when they were eating somewhere that actually had vegetables. Most of the time, French fries or hash browns made up the mandatory food that had to be consumed before dessert. But today, Dean was tired, and was ready to call a truce. "Not today, kiddo."
"Good-my throat still hurts."
"The yelling probably didn't help with that," Dean pointed out and Sam actually looked somewhat contrite.
"Sorry," he mumbled.
The waitress finally made her way over to them and took their order. Dean was surprised when Sam actually agreed to eat a hotdog with his milkshake, and he ordered enough fries for the both of them-just in case.
Once the waitress was gone, Dean scanned their surroundings, noting faces and body language. It was an ingrained habit that his father had drilled into him. Know what and who is around you at all times. His eyes stopped on two doors not far from their booth, and he nudged his brother with his elbow. "Come on, Sammy, let's go to the bathroom."
"But I don't have to go."
"Well, I do."
Dean silently counted to five. "At least come and wash your hands."
Sam held his hands up. "They're not dirty."
Dean rolled his eyes and wondered if the horrible sickness that Sam had suffered from during the past week hadn't actually been some weird demonic possession. He bit his tongue to keep from saying 'Christo'.
"Fine-germ boy." Any other day and Sam wouldn't have wanted to be separated from him for even a moment. There were times when Dean couldn't even go to the bathroom by himself, without the barnacle affectionately known as Sammy attached to his hip.
Sam shrugged. "I like germs."
Dean sighed, and pulled the comic he'd been carrying for Sam out of his back pocket. "Sit here and read this." He handed the rolled up Spider Man comic to his brother and then pointed a finger at him. "Do not move from this seat."
Sam took his book and nodded. "Okay, Dean."
Dean really should have known better.
After all, no matter what he'd said or suggested for the last two days, Sam had done exactly the opposite. Of course, he never expected his brother to be so bold as to disobey a direct order, or break a rule that was set in stone by the mighty John Winchester. It had been drilled into both their heads that they were never to go places alone.
Unfortunately, not only had the antibiotics and variety of other drugs cleared up the strep-they had apparently wiped Sam's memory clean also. Because when Dean exited the men's room, just ten feet from the table where he'd left his brother, Sam was no where in sight.
"Sam?" Dean walked quickly to the booth, peering under it to make sure his brother wasn't simply hiding.
The Spider Man comic was laying in the floor, as if it had been dropped and as Dean picked it up, every terrible scenario that could have happened flooded his mind. "Sammy?" he said, louder this time. His eyes searched the crowded diner.
Mostly older couples and a few business looking types were crowded into booths and around the front counter. But no sign of Sammy.
Dean nearly jumped when their waitress touched his arm as she delivered their drinks. "Is something wrong?" the blond asked, eyeing the teen as she sat his Coke and Sam's milkshake on the table.
"Have you seen my little brother?" Dean turned a panicked gaze on her. "You know-blond hair, big brown eyes, just about this high?" The boy held his hand up to his waist.
The waitress glanced around and then looked at Dean. "Just when you two came in, and when I took your order. Did he go to the bathroom?"
Dean shook his head. "No-I just came from there."
"What about the women's?"
Dean shrugged, not having thought about it. Maybe Sam had gone in the wrong one.
"I'll check for you." The woman touched him briefly on the shoulder and smiled. "I'm sure he couldn't have gotten far."
As the server went to look in the restroom, Dean stalked around the small restaurant, glancing under tables and behind booths. There was a jukebox and some gumball machines in the back corner, but Sam hadn't been drawn to either.
"He wasn't in there," the blond waitress told Dean as she set her tray on the counter. "Hey Terry?" She called, and Dean watched as a balding man with a greasy apron stuck his head through an opening that led into the kitchen. "You ain't seen a cute little kid back there, have you?"
Terry snorted and looked at the woman like she'd grown a second head. He waved his spatula at her. "Doris-do I look like I'm running a daycare here?"
Doris rolled her eyes. "We've lost a customer."
"Won't be the first- or the last," Terry grumbled and went back to wherever he'd come from.
The waitress squeezed Dean's arm. "Don't mind him. I'll go back and check in the kitchen myself. We'll find your brother."
Dean only nodded, his eyes searching the room again. There was an elderly couple sitting in the booth by the door and he strode up to their table. "Excuse me?"
"Can we help you, son?" The gray-haired man asked, eyeing Dean suspiciously.
"Did you happen to see a little boy leave the diner?" Please say, no. Please. "He has blondish brown hair, and was wearing a red shirt, blue jacket and jeans."
"We saw you two come in a few minutes ago. He's the cutest little thing," the woman smiled as if she had been highly amused by the sight. "But I don't think anyone's left since then."
"Thank you," Dean nodded and backed away from them. A feeling of relief washed over him for the small miracle that apparently Sam hadn't been stupid enough to leave the diner by himself.
"He's not back there, son." Doris informed Dean, breathlessly. "I don't know where he could have gotten to."
"Are you sure ?"
"It's not very big. I'd have seen him if he was."
Dean ran a hand through his hair, feeling the anxiety and fear starting to close in on him. If Sam hadn't walked out, and he wasn't in the building somewhere, then that left only one alternative-something had taken him.
Something that could sneak in and take a little boy without anyone being the wiser.
Something from the Dark.
A spirit. Or a phantom. Oh God-what if it was a phantom. What if it hadhurt Sammy?
Dean had left his little brother alone and now he was gone. Vanished.
Tears stung his eyes and Dean didn't even care if someone saw them. He'd never been quite so scared. His heart was threatening to pound its way out of his chest, and he felt lightheaded.
"Do you want me to call the police, sweetie?" Doris was touching him again, but Dean shook his head, and pulled away from her.
They were never to involve the police. "NO-I'll go get my dad. He's just across the street." He's going to kill me, but if he helps me find Sam first-then I can live with that.
"I'll make sure and keep my eye out for him."
Dean nodded. "His name's Sam. Please, if you see him, just keep him here. Tell him Dean said to stay right here." The teen started for the door but then stopped and turned back to face the waitress. "Christopher Robin," he said, softly.
"Excuse me?" the woman's brow furrowed. "I thought you said his name was Sam."
"That's our code word this week. He'll listen to you-if you say it. Just tell him, and he'll know he's safe." Please let him be safe.
Doris agreed, wringing a napkin in her hands, and looking on the verge of tears herself. "Are you sure I shouldn't call the police, honey? People can be so crazy these days."
Dean knew what she was thinking. Predators took children all the time. He wasn't too young to not know what happened to innocent, little boys and girls at the hands of human monsters. People were crazier than the supernatural creatures he'd grown up dealing with.
But Sam would have fought if it were a human. He'd never have gone with anyone without them knowing their safety word. Sam understood that at the age of two.
"My dad will know what to do. We'll be right back." And God help whoever or whatever has taken my brother.
Doris watched the lanky teen leave the restaurant and sent up a quick prayer that this was just some big misunderstanding. After all, it was a Tuesday. And nothing exciting ever happened on Tuesdays.
Unless you count a new episode of Supernatural as EXCITING. Bg. | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2822790/1/It-s-What-You-Do | dclm-gs1-089190001 | false | false | {
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0.125896 | <urn:uuid:630e4a8e-fd06-4947-b710-6f345a0954af> | en | 0.991957 | A slight forenote: You may or may not notice that I posted this story, removed it and then reposted it again; I derped the story and couldn't be bothered fixing it. Sorry!
Blue Bolt was cold. One of only 3 weather-trained ponies in the tiny northern town of Cropton, he often found himself "volunteered" for clearing the more dangerous storms that other ponies were scared to tackle. He didn't want to do this one. It was late, and it was cold and it was a blizzard and no decent pony should have to go out in a blizzard. Of course, life couldn't be that simple. The only reason for a town to exist this far north was the borealis, and they quite simply needed a clear sky to be seen. Nopony wants to spend a fortune in bits on the equipment needed to get up here in the first place only to enjoy the delightful view of a solid white snow cloud for a week. And this WAS his special talent, after all. A bright yellow lightning bolt cutting through a cloud on his navy-coloured flank were proof enough that he could handle himself in any weather.
He sighed. At least he wasn't completely alone. Looking back, he squinted and tried to see his cabin through the blizzard. No luck; he didn't expect to, it was a whole ten minutes flight away. He waved anyway, knowing that Shimmering Sparkle, his wife, was watching his progress through the window, as she always did maybe she would sense it. Shimmering Sparkle. The name became more and more magical every time he thought of it. She'd been pregnant for a long time, and should be popping their first child out any week now, something he was very much looking forward to. Turning back towards the cloud he had been tasked to split up, he began to laugh.
"This is the best part about doing solo missions, Blue Bolt!" He said to nopony in particular. "Oh really, why is that, Blue Bolt?" he replied in a silly voice. "Well, it's quite simple," he explained, as if to a child. "When you're doing a solo mission, you can talk to yourself and do stupid manoeuvres that are against the rules!" and with that said and done, he blasted off to do what he did best.
Even as he was approaching the eye of the storm, he was formulating a plan in his mind. Reaching the hole in the centre of the clouds, he began to skirt around the edges anti-clockwise, picking up speed and causing the cloud around him to begin flowing with him. Pushing himself faster and faster, he cocked up his right wing slightly and began to slowly rise, still flying in circles so fast that any observer would simply note a solid wall of colour. Behind him, the clouds began to follow, giving the curious impression that a tornado had gotten confused and started to rise up instead of down.
Blue grinned. This was his best trick. He broke out of his circle, pumping his wings as hard as he could, and went higher. Behind him, the tornado he had manufactured did exactly the same thing. Much of the cloud was engulfed in this spinning tunnel now, eagerly following the self-proclaimed "weather master of the north" as he headed straight up, easily outstripping the cloud's speed.
Soon, Blue sensed that he could go no further. Long after any other pegasus would have swerved back down out of fear of exhaustion and death, he threw his wings out to their full span to slow his progress down. This was the crucial time, and any mistake here could cost him the trick. He began to spin around in a tight roll, faster and faster. Far below him, the tube began to collapse back into itself, forming a pyramid shape. Blue pulled out of his spin, using the momentum to slingshot down to meet the cloud much faster than he could have propelled himself otherwise. The two forces collided, and for a moment they were locked in a struggle for dominance. The cloud lost. It exploded into a million pieces.
Blue Bolt grinned and pulled up, pleased with himself. Small pieces of cloud hovered about the air with him, pulsing in a light blue, the same colour as his mane and tail. These tiny glowing pieces of cloud, each no bigger than a snowflake, would soon settle all over the snow for miles and miles around, a wondrous sight to see. His so-called 'SparkleBolt' trick always wowed the tourists, but he refused to do it when prompted by ponies who merely wanted to gawp at pretty lights; it was meant for one pony and one pony only. It was with that pony in mind he turned around and flew towards his little cabin in the snow.
He landed a little early and trotted the last few metres to his door. He noticed with some trepidation that Shimmering Sparkle wasn't looking out of the window for him after all, but that might just be on account of her condition. Being 9 months pregnant can't be easy.
"I'm home!" he yelled, stepping across the border and stamping the snow off his hooves.
He trotted into the main room of his cabin. It wasn't big, but it was home, and much more luxurious than his wage could have bought elsewhere. The noise, or rather lack-of, made him focus, suspicious. It wasn't normal to hear nothing at all. He walked cautiously into the kitchen.
"Shimmer?" he said quietly. "Did you see the-"
The sight of his wife stopped him short. She was covered in blood, curled up on the floor, snuggling up to the pastel blue newborn that was snoozing quietly next to her, gurgling in her sleep. She turned her indigo-coloured eyes to her husband, and gave him a hazy grin.
"You took your time, didn't you?"
And with that, she passed out. | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7175205/1/Origins_Rainbow_Dash | dclm-gs1-089250001 | false | false | {
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0.052438 | <urn:uuid:4c9ad45f-cc9b-4ef2-84dc-d49843649698> | en | 0.977407 | Maura had forced Jane into another double date, this time with two complete dumbasses. Both of the guys were constantly making dirty jokes and winking and wiggling their eyebrows, trying to get into the girls' pants.
After a short while of silence Jane piped up "So, what do you guys do for a living?" They looked at each other incredulously and laughed.
"We uh… Babes we don't really work. Not properly. We're video game beta testers." The blond one spoke.
"Oh…" Jane replied. "How very interesting."
"Yeah, babe, it is!" Said the brown haired, excitedly. "We got to play Skyrim before anyone else in America!"
They two men looked very chuffed with themselves at this.
Maura spoke up. "You must have wonderful dexterity in your hands!" They both looked at her like she'd just spoken some alien language.
"Dexterity?" The blond one – John – said, confused. "Babe what the hell does that mean?"
Maura closed her eyes and sighed.
"Something wrong, babe?" These were the words of Jeremy, the brown-haired of the pair.
Jane couldn't stop herself this time. "Look, Thing 1 and Thing 2, we are not your 'babes', okay?"
"Alright, chill ba-" Jane cut him off with a fierce stare. "So uh… What do you… ladies do?"
"Maura here is a Doctor and I'm a Detective."
"Detective? You mean like a cop?" John looked nervous.
Jane squinted her eyes in suspicion. "Yeah. I work for BPD and do drug busts and murder arrests all the time. Why?"
"Listen ladies," Jeremy spoke up. "We uh… We've really enjoyed your time tonight. We just don't think you're right for us."
Jane shrugged. "Why not? Are you growing Marijuana?"
"What? No! Of course not!"
Maura leant her head into her hands and slowly shook her head from side to side. She glanced sideways at Jane and saw her smirking.
"You guys know what's great?" The pair – who now had wide eyes and were leaning back into their chairs – slowly shook their heads. "I carry my gun and two pairs of handcuffs everywhere. Just in case."
If it was possible, their eyes got wider. "Well, John, we better be going. We've got that new game to be testing!"
"Oh, of course, Jeremy." John replied as he threw cash onto the table and yanked his coat on. "What was the name of it again?"
"You know, I don't remember, we should get on back to our apartment and check the case."
"That is a great idea!" The two men sped out of the restaurant as fast as was socially acceptable in such a fancy place.
"Maura lifted her head up and looked at Jane. "You're not going to go after them?"
"No. John threw down his credit card. Paper trail."
"Do you want to order lots of food on his card?"
"Nah, I'll just confiscate it. Hey, you look tired, is something wrong?"
"I'm just sick of all these dumb guys. I want to date someone smart and… More importantly, someone who understands what I'm like. The only people I know that do are you, the guys, and your mom."
"So ask Frost on a date." Jane chuckled.
Maura rolled her eyes at Jane, then stared into her drink. "There's only one person in this world I would want to date, only I've no idea how they feel about me."
Jane leant forward. "Who? Maybe I could be your wingman, get him to go on a date with you."
Maura's drink seemed to be the most interesting thing in the world, as she continued to give it her undivided attention. "Jane… It's not a guy."
"Well then I'll set you up with her. Maura you know I wouldn't judge you for whoever you like. Get me in touch with her, I'll set you guys up."
"You already know her. You've known her since the moment you were born, technically."
"Are you talking about my mom…?"
Maura let out a short laugh. "God, no. No offence to your mother though! She's a lovely woman and she's very pretty and-" Jane silenced her with her hand on her arm, turning so that they faced each other.
"Just tell me who, Maur. You can trust me."
Maura finally looked up at Jane, her eyes welling with tears. "My best friend."
"But I thought I was-"
"I only have one best friend, Jane."
Jane's eyebrows furrowed as she thought. It only took her a few seconds, before her brows relaxed and her eyes widened a little.
"Oh… OH!"
Maura nodded slowly, a few tears sliding down her cheeks as Jane sat up straight again, exiting Maura's bubble of personal space.
"You like me?" Jane asked slowly, eyes boring into Maura's own.
"Jane… I… I love you. You're the only person that has ever understood all of my quirks and my… google-mouth." Jane smiled as Maura used her made-up word. "You were the first person who ever joked around with me. The first person to want to be my friend. You're such a wonderful woman, Jane, how could I not-" Maura's monologue was cut off by Jane's lips crashing against her own. After a moment she closed her eyes and leant into the kiss.
Maura lifted her hand up to Jane's cheek at the same time Jane's hand moved to the small of Maura's back.
They pulled away when they both needed to breathe again, pressing their foreheads together.
"Jane, I-"
"I love you too. Always have. Never knew how you felt. Till now, anyway."
"Would you like to charge this guy's card and go back to mine?"
Jane's voice lowered into a sexier, gravellier octave. "Oh God, I'd love to."
They called the waitress, who swiped the card, and Jane pocketed the cash, card and receipt.
Ten minutes later they pulled into Maura's driveway and quickly made their way inside the house, Jane heading straight for the bedroom while Maura locked the door and kicked her heels off.
Maura walked into the bedroom to find Jane waiting for her on the edge of her bed in nothing but matching black lacy underwear and bra. Maura pulled her dress off and neatly placed it over the back of a chair, revealing a silky red bra with matching underwear. The colour complemented her pale skin tone in the same way Jane's did. The Detective grabbed the ME by the hips and pulled Maura towards her.
Jane kissed the smooth expanse of flesh just under Maura's belly button and quickly kissed up, leaning back and pulling Maura over her so that she could reach higher.
Finally Maura collapsed directly on top of Jane, pressing their lips together. Maura ran her tongue across Jane's lip before pushing her tongue into the Detective's mouth. Jane moaned and ran her hands across Maura's back, gliding them down to her ass and grabbing it. Maura moaned into Jane's mouth and climbed off of her.
Maura climbed up to the head of the bed and gave Jane the 'come here' hand gesture, giving a suggestive eyebrow wiggle and a smirk at the same time.
Jane's features turned predatory as she slowly crawled towards Maura on all fours.
The next morning, Jane awoke to bright sunlight in her eyes and cool silk sheets draped over her naked body. She hid her eyes from the sun under her hand and smiled to herself. She could hear the en suite shower on, and knew that her lover was in there. The sound of the running water slowly lulled her back to sleep.
When Maura stepped out of the bathroom in only a towel, it was a pure sight to see Jane spread out on her double bed, the sheets only just covering her belly button. She quickly towel-dried her hair before discarding her body towel and climbing in with Jane, pulling the sheets up over them.
Jane shifted and turned on her side facing Maura, opening one eye and smiling. She wrapped her arm over Maura's waist and gently traced a pattern up and down her back.
"Last night was amazing."
Maura nodded. "I'm glad you always carry two pairs of handcuffs." She winked and Jane laughed, leaning forward to capture Maura's lips under her own.
"Speaking of, you should probably get my other hand out of these." | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8162566/1/Dinner-and-Lingerie | dclm-gs1-089280001 | false | false | {
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