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Log in to My Spektrum Get easy, online access to your Spektrum™ software updates, product registration and personalized settings.
My Spektrum
Retail: $149.99*
Wings of Lock Haven Yellow The J-3 Cub is said to be the best-flying light airplane ever made. Designed in 1937 to be affordable and forgiving in the air, thousands were produced in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and helped countless aviators realize the dream of flight. Today, lucky pilots scramble at the chance to fly a J-3 Cub so they can experience what it's like to be in perfect harmony with air and machine. The E-flite® UMX™ J-3 Cub is an ultra micro-size tribute to the gold-colored airplane and an upgrade for veteran pilots. Lightly constructed, this model of the everlasting classic features an authentic outline and molded surface detail. Up front is a 2S brushless outrunner power system that allows you to cruise the park at what seems like a walking pace, or punch the throttle to the stops and master basic aerobatics. But the feature that will help you enjoy flying this Cub even more is AS3X® technology. That's because the AS3X system built into the ultra-micro 6-channel receiver has been finely tuned so you feel as if you're at the controls of giant scale J-3 that's been expertly trimmed right out of the box. Molded hard points in the belly make the installation of an optional float set simple. So whether your fancy is doing touch-n-goes all day, or just cruising around, this fully assembled charm-machine gives you everything that's great about the J-3 Cub and more. AS3X® Technology The advanced AS3X® (Artificial Stabilization – 3-aXis) system built into the Spektrum™ 6-channel ultra micro receiver is what helps give the E-flite® UMX™ J-3 Cub an incredibly smooth feel in the air. It's technology that combines 3-axis sensing with exclusively tuned flight control software to help counter the effects of wind and turbulence behind the scenes. As a result, your workload to fly smoothly is significantly reduced so you can enjoy natural feeling control that's precise. It's an impressive flight experience that will have you feeling like you're at the controls of an expertly-tuned scale model that's much larger. Brushless Power The 180BL brushless outrunner motor installed spins a two-blade propeller to provide outstanding thrust and throttle response for slow flight and basic aerobatics. Scale Detail Authentic factory applied graphics complement the Lock Haven Yellow painted finish while the wing struts and exposed engine deliver an unmistakable sense of realism. Optional floats Turn your local pond into the neighborhood RC sea port. Just add the E-flite float set which mounts to the hard-points already built into the fuselage.
Painted Fuselage: UMX J-3 BL[EFLU3401]
Wing with Struts: UMX J-3 BL[EFLU3402]
Complete Tail: UMX J-3 BL[EFLU3403]
Landing Gear Set: UMX J-3 BL[EFLU3404]
Balance Charger Adapter UMX to THP[EFLA7001UM]
Balance Charger Adapter UMX to EFL[EFLA700UM]
200mAh 2S 7.4V 30C Li-Po Battery[EFLB2002S30]
280mAh 2S 7.4V 30C Li-Po Battery[EFLB2802S30]


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Exhibition is a responsive HTML5 and CSS3 powered landing page specially made for art galleries and museums which want to promote and track upcoming and ongoing exhibitions, it's suitable for ither kind of events though. Exhibition uses a minimal and swiss style with a focus on multi-device functionality and usability. Exhibition features HTML5 Geolocation with Google Maps integration, Touchable Carousels (ioSlider – worth 15$), Responsive Design and a stunning ·3D Gallery.
- Touchable Carousels and Sliders. (ioSlider – worth 15$)
- Responsive design. Desktop, Tablet and Mobile Fluid Layouts.
- Main Landing Page + 3D Gallery
- Especialy made for Art Galleries and Museums to promote exhibitions but suitable to other products.
- 980 Grid. Fluid Layout
- Google Maps API intregrated.
- HTML5 Geolocation.
- Image Placeholders for Easy Changing All Images
- Powerfull CSS3 Animations
- 3D Gallery. Perfect for virtual tours .
- Easy to customize and change colors. View
- 11 PSD Files
3D Gallery
Stunning 3D Gallery – View
- 1.1 – Carousel fixed for iPhone / iPad.
- Demo Images:
- Thomas Leuthard http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasleuthard/
- PSD Files:
- Photography version (Autors from flickr): Geezaweezer – http://www.flickr.com/photos/geezaweezer/ , Gualtiero – http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimota, Kevin Dooley – http://www.flickr.com/photos/pagedooley/, Thomas Leuthatrd – http://www.flickr.com/photos/ thomasleuthard/, marfis75 – http://www.flickr.com/photos/marfis75/ , mugley – http://www.flickr.com/photos/ mugley/, vinothchandar – http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinothchandar/, Bert Kaufmann – http://www.flickr.com/ photos/22746515@N02/, notsogodphotography – http://www.flickr.com/photos/notsogoodphotography/ Painting version (Autors from flickr): Abode the chaos – http://www.flickr.com/photos/home_of_chaos/

subset: commoncrawl


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The following is a JLPT N4 question:
1。 やくそく 2。りよう 3。せわ 4。ようい
I don't really understand the meaning of the sentence.
Is it "I was already able to do the preperations for the trip" as in "I already did the preperations"? But then できました doesn't neccessarily mean potential?
Or is it "I was able to do the preperations (even though I didn't do them)"? Since then the sentence just sounds odd, doesn't it?
(The correct answer according to the answer key is 4 by the way)


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Yes, it is perfectly possible. Do watch this YouTube Video
Space Invaders – written entirely in the Bash shell, in a 248-line shell script.
The shell is often seen as old hat, hard to use, green screens and no interaction. In my new book, Shell Scripting (http://facebook.com/shellscript), I attempt to throw a new perspective on this; the shell can be used in lots of creative and imaginative ways.
The book also covers creating CSV files to easily plot complex data in spreadsheets, creating HTML as well as parsing HTML documents; I plan to post more updates before its launch on 12th August 2011.
Shell Scripting by Steve Parker. ISBN 1118024486
You can get the code for the game here. The description and explanation is in the book, of course. But at least the code itself is available online for inspection.


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Significant Points
Nature of the Work
Working Conditions
Training & Qualifications
Job Outlook
Additional Sources of Information
Assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. They use tools, machines, and their hands to make engines, computers, aircraft, ships, boats, toys, electronic devices, control panels, and more.
Most assemblers and fabricators work in manufacturing plants. Some of the work may involve long periods of standing or sitting. Most work full time, and they sometimes work evenings and weekends.
The education level and qualifications needed to enter these jobs vary depending on the industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and additional training is needed for more advanced assembly work.
The median annual wage for assemblers and fabricators was $30,080 in May 2015.
Employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. Qualified applicants, including those with technical vocational training and certification, should have the best job opportunities in the manufacturing sector, particularly in growing, high-technology industries, such as aerospace and electro-medical devices.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for assemblers and fabricators.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of assemblers and fabricators with similar occupations.
Learn more about assemblers and fabricators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.


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Michigan's 15 public universities are key employers and economic drivers in the state, responsible for more than 120,000 jobs, and with spending and earnings accounting for $23.9 billion in economic activity, according to a new report.
The universities collectively support more than $12 billion in earnings in Michigan in 2012, says the report from the Anderson Economic Group commissioned by the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan. The 1.3 million alumni living in the state earned $47 billion in wages and salaries in 2012, the report says.
more information
With more than 300,000 students, Michigan ranks sixth among the states in public university enrollment, despite being ninth in population. Enrollment grew 5 percent from 2003 to 2012, despite a shrinking state population and major cuts in state support per student. Annual degree completions increased even faster, by 13 percent-16 percent for bachelor degree completion.
"This report shows our universities are important contributors to jobs and prosperity in our state," said Glenn D. Mroz, president of Michigan Technological University and chairman of PSCUM. "Whether it's the salaries earned by professors, our investment in new buildings needed to keep up with student demand, or the earnings of our graduates, it's clear that public universities are vital to every one of Michigan's 83 counties."
Michael Boulus, executive director of the council, said the report — which has county-by-county detail of enrollment, spending and alumni residency — shows that Michigan universities drive local economies in many ways.
"Whether it's the investment of Wayne State in student housing spurring growth in Detroit's Cass Corridor, alumni creating jobs in Marquette, research at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor encouraging entrepreneurial professors to create new companies, or new classroom facilities in downtown Grand Rapids boosting that city's attraction to young talent, Michigan's investment in higher education pays off all over our state," Boulus said.
"Michigan's universities are partners with local businesses in so many ways. We hope this report will remind lawmakers that investing in higher education is investing in the state's economy."
Among the highlights of the report:
• Of $4.5 billion in university non-payroll spending, $1.4 billion — 32 percent — went toward construction in 2012, providing employment in that vital industry while ensuring adequate facilities for students and researchers. Other major categories for non-payroll spending were hospital services ($766 million), plant operations and maintenance ($546 million) and research ($407 million).
"Many people don't realize that universities use machine shops to build specialized equipment for research, hire local carpet companies to replace worn rugs, and employ nurses, clerks and physicians at hospitals," said Boulus. "Without universities, those companies and workers would face difficult times."
• The 1.3 million alumni of Michigan public universities living in Michigan represent more than 61 percent of those with a four-year degree, and earned a total of $47 billion in salaries and wages in 2012.
• Enrollment at the state's 15 public universities has increased from 287,864 in 2002-03 to 301,470 in 2011-12, a 5 percent increase. Degrees and certificates earned increased from 59,414 to 66,947 over that period, a 13 percent increase; the number of bachelor's degrees awarded grew by more than 16 percent.
• Young talent from across the nation — actually, across the globe — was attracted to the high-quality education offered by Michigan's universities. Top states delivering students to Michigan were Illinois (5,775), Ohio (3,201), California (3,140), New York (2,799) and Wisconsin (1,827). Top nations were China, India, Saudi Arabia and Canada.
• Worldwide, Michigan public universities have 2.1 million living alumni, with 1.3 million living in Michigan, about 18 percent of the state's population 22 and older. Top states for alumni other than Michigan were California (88,249), Illinois (71,891), Florida (62,594) and New York (41,757). (The report contains student enrollment and alumni numbers for every county in Michigan.)
The Economic Footprint report complements the extensive data now available through the Business Leaders of Michigan performance tracker, which offers comparisons of Michigan universities to their peers around the nation on key metrics including enrollment, time to degree, research and development and other factors.
"We have been asked by policymakers to be accountable and transparent before they will make major investments in our higher education system, which has suffered disproportionately from state budget cuts in the last decade," Boulus said. "This is another tool we can use to show our commitment to being open about university impact on Michigan.
"We will be using this report as we call on Gov. Rick Snyder and lawmakers to realize that investing in higher education will not only help universities control tuition increases, it will also benefit communities around the state in creating more and better jobs."


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Forums: Index > Rating Committee > Why is no one rating shit?
See title. Surgo 17:50, December 8, 2009 (UTC)
- One word. Finals. -- Jota 18:30, December 8, 2009 (UTC)
- That's fine, I just hope somebody starts rating some stuff soon. Surgo 18:52, December 8, 2009 (UTC)
- Rating is happening, albeit a bit more slowly for some raters (myself included) than we would want. However, TK-Squared and Sam Kay have yet to rate anything, and have given no indication that they will. Should we replace them? --DanielDraco 00:32, December 9, 2009 (UTC)
- Hey, maybe we should implement something that notifies raters when somebody adds something to the ratings wanted page, cause two of my pages have been there for a while, and I haven't gotten a single favored or not favored, I mean seriously, I don't care what the rating is as long as I get one, I just think someone should at least take a look at these pages. Oh and I think I saw a rating from TK-Squared on either strong grip or a weapon focus variant, but I haven't seen Sam Kay rate anything. Maybe he only rates 4.0?--ThirdEmperor 08:38, December 9, 2009 (UTC)
- Because it's shit. --TK-Squared 13:24, December 9, 2009 (UTC)
- If you think so TK, that's why we have the points = 0 option in the template. So you can review something and then call it a pile of ass not worth any points, or however you want to phrase it.
- I'm just avoiding classes in general right now, because they require more thought than other things and I'm a lot fried these past couple weeks. - TarkisFlux 18:16, December 9, 2009 (UTC)
|Why is no one rating shit?
|Because it's shit.
|excrement; feces.
- Poop is not a laughing matter! --TK-Squared 12:14, December 10, 2009 (UTC)
- I haven't been able to find the time to go on D&D wiki recently, which is why I haven't rated anything (January modules are coming up in England...) but I should be able to find the time during the chrismas holidays (which start in a week) and after the January mods). -- Sam Kay talk contribs email 18:16, December 13, 2009 (UTC)
Personally i don't rate stuff because i think alot of stuff is way over powered. I guess i'm conservative whean it comes to home brew, and rather than call things a piece of ass-fuck-dick-water and then have the rating nullified because someone thinks my rating is a piece of ass-fuck-dick-water i don't bother rating in the first place. whats the point of rating stuff when its just gonna get striked out? and everyones default answer when something is OP is "compare it to a wizard". i hate that answer. but thats a whole different rant--NameViolation 21:12, December 13, 2009 (UTC)
- It pains me to be the one who points this out (since it seems a waste of effort to do so), but the only people who this page concerns are the people who are actually on the Ratings Committee. Since neither of us are part of the aforementioned group, our reasons for rating stuff shouldn't be particularly unclear. - TG Cid 00:40, December 14, 2009 (UTC)
- NameViolation - I think you get that answer because you complain about stuff that is balanced at wizard level, and while that stuff is OP for games you want to run it's not OP within its balance level (most of the time) or just because of what it can do. If you were worried about OP stuff when the author had it tagged as fighter level you'd probably get a much more sympathetic response. - TarkisFlux 01:52, December 14, 2009 (UTC)
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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Oh, trashy reality TV shows. You're so formulaic, and so awful, and yet there's something about you that makes it difficult to look away. Like a car wreck, really. (And sure, sometimes you're genuinely entertaining.)
Here is a Skyrim machinima by Nerdist that takes a look at what happens when a group of strangers get together, stop being polite, and start being re- oh, you know how this goes.
The modern-day voices/inflections/accents are jarring, but in a good way. It's hilarious to watch all the different Skyrim races act like vapid airheads or meatheads—particularly The Nooch, who gets REALLY EXCITED at everything. In that football playing jock sort of way.
Also, do you see that? It's a freaking pool in the middle of the house! A pool! And that other guy killed a dragon with a rock once. Are you impressed? ...hah.
REAL WORLD: Whiterun - Episode 1 (Skyrim machinima) [Nerdist]


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Historical:SoC2007 project Feature Matching
This is a Google Summer of Code project. Its goal is to develop a robust and efficient matching method of local image features. The image features detection is treated by another project Feature Detection.
Image stitching is the process of combining multiple images to produce a panorama or a larger image. Computer software is often used to interpolate the final image where the component images are not in precise alignment. Image stitching can be performed in two steps. The first step refers to detecting the features which do not depend on scale, rotation and other parameters (invariant features) in the images that are going to be stitched. The second step is finding the correspondence between detected features in different pictures. The correspondence problem is to find a set of attributes in two images which can be identified as being the same. For panoramic images the proposed solution must be adapted to the problem. Using heuristic methods, such as EXIF timestamps or previously known approximate orientation of the images, results can be improved. The suggested solution needs to be robust and efficient.
Required knowledge or interest
- signal or image processing background
- C or C++ development skills.
The project title is "Automatic feature matching for panoramic images". It is a logical follow-up of the "Automatic feature detection for panoramic images". The output of the first phase will be part of the input of the second set. The results of the first phase are the extracted image features. These features are presumed to be invariant. Using this features, the second step will stitch the images together by matching the points between the images.
Standard algorithms and data structures combined with heuristic methods will form the core of the suggested project solution.
The Recognizing panoramas paperwork written by M. Brown and D.G. Lowe [1] describes the process of panorama creation from the algorithms' perspective. The first step implies that the RANSAC algorithm is used to compute the matches between the images. The following step is to compute if the matches are really correct by using a probabilistic model, also described in the above mentioned document. The third step is to join the images one by one. The result image that is going to be joined is the one with the most matches available.
The method described in Brown's paper refers to noise-proof images and it avoids working with images that don't belong to panoramas. Brown's paper is the starting point of the project.
Project parts short description
The first part of the matching will use a nearest neighbor matching algorithm, more precisely cover trees. A cover tree is a data structure helpful in calculating the nearest neighbor of points given only a measure. There are papers documenting this data structure and the code implementation [2]. To implement this algorithm represents an advantage.It is saving time for implementation and testing.
Another part of the project is RANSAC (Random Sample Consensus Algorithm). This is an algorithm used for robust fitting the models in the presence of many data outliers. The wikipedia:RANSAC article describing this algorithm is offering its pseudo code. There is also a paper[3] describing this algorithm which offers a helpful and proper understanding and implementation.
Cover trees together with RANSAC can return good results, these results however can be improved by using heuristics. Image stitching can be improved by using information that is associated with the images. This information can be found in the EXIF structure that many cameras can append to the shots taken. There are some habits involved with taking panorama images. Panoramas can be built out of multiple images that are organized in one or multiple rows. Still some panoramas are difficult to automatically stitch because of the similarity between the feature points. That is why, knowing or assuming the order the images were taken can improve the results of this final and important stitching step. Determining the habits of photographers and introducing it in an algorithm is an important part of this project.
The nearest neighbour matching and RANSAC outlier pruning could be combined into an integrated algorithm that considers both the feature vector as well as the feature position at the same time. This requires knowledge of the focal length and distortion parameters of the images, which could be read from a lens database file. This combined algorithm could reduce considerably the time required for the feature matching.
EXIF heuristics
There may be images that do not contain the EXIF information. If the EXIF data is present, the heuristics based on it can be applied. If it's not present, the application must neglect the heuristics step. Autopano Pro is making a normalization of the EXIF data between camera formats[4]. Since these cameras use different sensor types and lenses, their EXIF data cannot directly be compared. As an example, while the Canon G3's focal length of its zoom lens is 7.2 – 28.8mm, its equivalent in 35mm terms is 35-140mm, so a 28.8mm shot on a Canon G3 is not a wide-angle, but a tele shot. If available, the EXIF data must be normalized. For the normalization, a text file containing a list with camera parameters can be used. The generated image, after the stitching process is finished, should also contain a relevant EXIF information, based on the information gathered from the stitched images.
Heuristics can be improved by:
- Panorama shooting - this can be done using methods that, when the process is completed, return images that contain overlapping fields. This represents a feature that heuristics can benefit from;
- Using the focal distance and the camera orientation;
- Knowing the time a picture was shot;
Using heuristic methods has its own advantages:
- Speed of the feature/image matching;
- False matches can be better avoided.
Input parameters
The project is going to be implemented in a modular manor. It will be developed as a library and, due to this particular aspect, there will be two methods to pass the input parameters to the project:
- a text file (maybe XML) containing a list;
- an object list, passed as a parameter to the corresponding project method.
Both lists will contain the features detected by the feature detector project.
Describing the parts of the project leads to the implementation schedule. The schedule I have in mind is based on the SoC schedule. There are 3 parts that need to be done:
- Research of the needed algorithms
- Implementation
- Test and improvement
- April 9th - Start the research part
- May 14th - The implementation of the algorithms should start
- July 9th - Students upload code to code.google.com/hosting; mentors begin mid-term evaluations
- July 10th - Main testing and fine tuning the solution period.
- August 20th - Final report (Google Deadline for all student work)
Detailed timeschedule
The total amount of time allocated for project completion is about 20 weeks. This period of time will be divided corresponding to the three major parts of the project.
Also there will be some time left for unexepected things (2 weeks), meaning that 18 weeks will be reserved for the parts presented below. Also a weekly status report will be presented to the mentor. The day of the week must be settled together with him.
start date: April 9th duration: 6 weeks end date: May 13th
Planned actions:
- Getting used to panorama making and finding the associated problems in a practical way;
- Gathering representative test panoramas from the community;
- Reading scientific papers describing the problems encountered by other people and the way they solved them;
- Discussions with the mentor about the already existing code and ways to use or improve it;
- Interactions with the person responsible for the feature detection in order to make the projects work seamlessly together;
- Analyzing for a very detailed understanding of all the algorithms' implementations and ways of working with them. This stage represents the starting point of the part where the algorithms must be combined.
start date: May 14th duration: 9 weeks end date: July 9th
Planned actions:
- Phase A - Existing algorithms:
- Using the existing RANSAC implementation available in hugin;
- Using the existing cover tree implementation;
- Adapting the existing algorithms for the project.
- Phase B - Heuristic algorithm:
- Autopano and autopano-sift describe the way they use the EXIF information. This can be viewed as hints in the developing of the heuristic part.
- For the beginning, the heuristic part must work on a low level. It must be a integral part of the project. This part must be modular built to allow future improvements.
- Phase C - Preparing the deliverables
start date: July 10th duration: 4 weeks end date: August 5th
Planned actions:
- Using the existing SIFT and SURF test data. The project must work independently from the feature detection algorithm and must return valid output.
- Testing by using a large number of images and by offering the code for public review. It would be really helpful for us if people could try to use the existing application and could report whatever problems they might encounter. Working in an open-source environment: this represents a great advantage because more people can view the source codes and identify a larger number of errors (if the errors exist).
- Improving the code and the results.
In the open-source projects seems to be a never-ending process of software development, in which new features are added to the software and corrections are made. This process is not to be characterized as maintenance though and is analogous to what may be referred to as versioning (evolution). That is why, tests will be done also during the implementation part. To be able to get a correct evaluation and to have valid tests, a test set is going to be prepared at the beginning of the research part. This test set is going to contain images relevant for the project goal.
Note: All the dates are less exact, but the time frames allowed should indicate the way the project is about to be completed.
By the end of the project, August 20th, the deliverables implementation and testing should be completed.
The deliverables will contain the following items:
- a library like application that will use the matching feature method developed during the project development time;
- a standalone application that will use the library;
- the source of the hugin application that is going to use the library;
- all the source code will be commented and a documentation will be created using the doxygen tool, the hugin documentation tool of choice
- Pablo d'Angelo
- ?
Additional mentor
Being a graduate student of University of Applied Sciences Wiesbaden, Prof. Dr. D. Richter can also assist me in succesfully developing this project.


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VA: Holiday prayers mentioning Jesus (or whomever) can go on
VA agrees not to interfere with holiday prayers
Agency backs down after losing court fight over pastor's mention of Jesus in Memorial Day invocation at Houston cemetery
The nation's agency for military veterans has agreed to stay out of religious refereeing for now, backing down from its attempt to tell a minister how to craft a prayer for a Memorial Day invocation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Hindrichs told federal District Judge Lynn Hughes that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will not demand that Memorial Day prayers at Houston National Cemetery Monday be as non-denominational as possible.
"(The agency) will let the prayer go on this Monday," Hindrichs told Hughes.
The change of heart came one day after the judge granted the Rev. Scott Rainey a temporary restraining order against the agency after officials told the pastor to edit his prayer to make it as general and non-denominational as possible. Rainey's prayer, submitted for review at the agency's request included the recitation of the Lord's Prayer and thanked Jesus Christ, the Christian savior, in closing.
"The ... prayer/message is specific to one belief," wrote Arleen Ocasio, director of the Houston National Cemetery.
"I've never said a prayer in my life that didn't end with Jesus Christ," Rainey said after Friday's hearing. "It was unrealistic expectation for me not to include the name of Jesus Christ."
Veterans Affairs officials informed Rainey that if he wanted to give the invocation, he would have to keep the language in his prayer "general" and "non-denominational."
Rainey filed a lawsuit against the agency Thursday, claiming the government was censoring his speech and asked the judge to stop the agency from doing so.
Judge warns agency
Hughes granted a temporary restraining order which will stay in place through Monday's Memorial Day. The judge said that while he was not doubting the government's word, he was "an experienced optimist" who didn't want to leave room for the government to change its mind before Monday.
Yesterday, the judge warned the agency it had stepped too far, saying officials were essentially "decreeing how citizens honor their veterans."
"The government cannot gag citizens when it says it is in the interest of national security, and it cannot do it in some bureaucrat's notion of cultural homogeneity," Hughes wrote.
For the past two years, Rainey has given the Memorial Day invocation at the cemetery to honor U.S. soldiers who have fought and died. The invocation is sponsored by a private group, the National Cemetery Council for Greater Houston, but held at the Houston National Cemetery, which is public property.
This year, however, the cemetery director asked to see the prayer beforehand. She then asked Rainey to edit it.
"... While it is very well written, I must ask you to edit it," Ocasio wrote on May 19. "The tone of all messages must be inclusive of all beliefs, need to be general and its fundamental purpose should be specific to those we are honoring, and non-denominational in nature."
Rabbi comments
Rabbi Roy Walter, senior rabbi at Congregation Emanu El, said he agrees with Rainey's free speech position.
"I do believe the government doesn't have the right to tell him what he can and cannot do," Walter said.
But the rabbi said Rainey's prayer doesn't reflect that all veterans are not Christians.
"I don't think it's sensitive to the fact that a great many people who are veterans, who gave their lives or lived through service, are not Christian."


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Michigan Secret Santa Pays Kmart Layaway Tabs for Lucky Strangers [VIDEO]
Proving that sometimes it really is better to give than receive, three lucky Michigan Kmart shoppers have had their layaway tabs picked up by a mysterious Secret Santa. Ho ho…oh yeah!
This lady came up … and said, 'Can I, you know, pay off some people's layaway?'" the Kmart employee who dealt with the unidentified customer said. "It was really crazy the way she did it. She was so excited and so happy to do it … she said she doesn't want to take appreciation for it. She just felt that she was blessed and she wanted to bless others."
The woman randomly chose and paid for three layaway orders, with her only screening criteria being that each order had some toys on it. In all, she shelled out around $500, leaving a balance of $10 on each of the tickets, on which she scawled, "Happy Holiday from a friend." What, she didn't sign it "Kris Kringle"?
I thank her," one of the beneficiaries said. "It's the best gift that I ever received, and it's the gift of believing in people… And believing that there's good out there, 'cause you don't always see that."
Watch a news report on this holiday do-gooder below. Oh, and Secret Santa? We have some credit card bills you could pick up if you're still feeling the Christmas spirit.
[via WOOD-TV]


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Thank you to our sponsors for making it possible for us to volunteer our services.
Bella has found a way to help inspire the children to read. She has learned to read flash cards and doing the behavior shown on the card. She can read eight words. She has been on NBC's Today show as part of their Top Dog contest.
She has been in US magazine and local newspapers. She has performed at pet expo's and events. We like to say "If a dog can read, so can you and we can help."
Email Bella at
Main Navigation
Home Page
Videos and Pictures
Bella's Favorite Books
Bella's Blog and Games
Home Page
Bella believes that reading is exciting and would like to share her love of reading with you.
Bella is a registered therapy dog. She specializes as a reading education assistance dog
. As a member of PJ's Pals, Bella has been volunteering since 2008. She can be found volunteering at Desert Knolls school and Apple Valley Library. She loves children and helping them improve their reading, comprehension and confidence is her goal.
If you would like to learn more about PJ's Pals, please go to
To learn more about the mission of the R.E.A.D.
program, please go to
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THE EL CAP CLICK: If you've been to one of the world's most famous valleys, and certainly what is among our best known national parks, we're going to make a pretty solid guess that you pulled over to take a photo of El Capitan. We're talking about the spot that is always lined with cars, regardless of the season, as people brake, exit, and pause to gape at the granite behemoth. And, truly, El Cap deserves all the gaping that comes its way, so we certainly aren't casting aspersions (and we've been among the gapees in the past). But there are other views in the park, of course, and other things to photograph. We can get in our wonder and beauty ruts, even in a spectacular setting that offers up a million, literally, new sights in all directions. One way to go and find those fresh takes is by horseback. The Yosemite Valley Stables just opened for the summer season, and, hello hello, they bypass some of the main sights of the meadow-laden floor and make for Mirror Lake.
THE CLIP-CLOP CLICK: And the ride is definitely about taking pictures in addition to communing with nature, your fellow riders, and, of course, your gorgeous pony. The ride takes two hours to Mirror Lake, meaning you should carve out about a half day in all. You'll see Vernal Fall. You'll also want to be aware it is described as a "strenuous ride," with switchbacks and slope action, so take note. If you are up to that ride, though, and you want some novel perspective on areas most visitors don't get into, a half-day hoof to Mirror Lake and back could be the ticket. Call it Yosemite for the adventurous, ready-to-ride shutterbug.


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Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is observed annually on October 24 since its initial commemoration on October 24, 2002. It is part of an effort designed to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Read More..
An estimated 36% of U.S. adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), according to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the National Institutes of Health. When megavitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons is included in the definition of CAM, the number of U.S. adults using some form of CAM in the past year rises to 62%. Among the common CAM practices identified by the survey were acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, tai chi and qi gong.
A survey by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine found that approximately one in ten adults had received acupuncture at least one time and 60% said they would readily consider acupuncture as a potential treatment option. Nearly half (48%) of the individuals surveyed who had received acupuncture reported that they were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment. In addition, one in five (21%) of the total NCCAOM survey respondents reported that they had utilized some other form of Oriental medicine besides acupuncture, such as herbs or bodywork (e.g., shiatsu).
These studies and others like them clearly demonstrate that CAM therapies such as acupuncture and Oriental medicine are common practice in today's health care system. They also support the need for consumers to be provided accurate and reliable information regarding their treatment options.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is supported through a unique international partnership of organizations including the United States, Canada, Mexico and Pakistan. The partnership includes professional associations, research organizations and educational institutions.


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Tagged: bill paxton
Lyman Bostock-The Inspiring Life and Tragic Death of a Ballplayer
Life can be cruel and that's a fact. It can offer us so much opportunity and promise and in one blink of an eye it can all be gone. We see it time and time again in baseball, but a lot of the time it is due to injury. When it is due to the loss of life, baseball as a game becomes unimportant and we learn how much we actually care about the people who play the game on a whole different level. Lyman Bostock is one case where we were left to ask what if. A career cut short due to his untimely murder, which was full of promise and unlimited potential. For me, Bostock's story was always one that left me wondering about the details surrounding his untimely demise, but now we have a book to help us all fill in the blanks.
When you stop and take a look at Lyman Bostock's career numbers, one has to admit this guy was the real deal. He was always in contention for batting titles, was always improving his game and based on the small career sampling size, if he had kept up that pace would easily have been a Hall of Famer. But we all know how his career was cut short and left us with that void in Lyman's story. Today's book looks at his life and career and shows the reader the story of the man and promise wasted.
Powell's book takes a look at Bostock's meager upbringing in California and how he worked his way up through the ranks of High School and College baseball, through the minor leagues and eventually to the Major Leagues. It shows a story of perseverance and overcoming life's obstacles. It also shares the story of how Lyman Bostock's father who in his own right was a Negro League star, was not much of an influence in his childhood or his rise to stardom.
The book looks at his first stop in the majors with Minnesota with the Twins and the bond he created with teammates and the lessons he learned from teammate Rod Carew on how to become a better hitter. It also shows the negative side of the relationship with Twins management that came to head with Lyman leaving town. It is a period of great growth for Bostock as a player and it showed how he was always looking for a way to improve his game by listening to teammates and heading their advice. You learn about Bostocks love of his family during this period and how whenever he had the chance he would seize the opportunity to spend time with them. It was this love of family that played into his untimely demise.
After signing with the Angels and not living up to the expectations, you learn what kind of fabric Lyman was really made of. After essentially flopping his first month with the team he gave his salary to charity. It was acts like this and his anonymous other charitable gestures that show what a cool guy he really was.
A very important aspect of this book, shows the reader all of the details leading up to Lymans final moments. The readers get all the details of the who, what, when, why and where of that fateful night. It filled in a lot of the blanks in the story for me and put to rest any doubts of what a stand up guy Lyman Bostock really was from beginning until the end.
Powell did a great job of sharingBostock's story which I feel has been a very overlooked or forgotten subject. His time in both life and baseball were very short, but his impact was much greater beyond his years. Check this book out, I don't think anyone who puts the effort into reading this will regret it.
You can get this book from the nice folks at Rowman & Littlefield
Happy Reading


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A while ago I ordered some herbal tea at the Chez Panisse Café in Berkeley. The tea arrived in a large, clear, glass teapot, filled with green leaves and hot water.
The tea was lovely — light, lemony, minty.
After we finished it, my curiosity got the best of me and I started fishing out the leaves from the pot, wondering what was in this tea anyway?
Our server noticed this odd behavior and quickly came to the table offering to provide us with fresh leaves. "These leaves here are mint, but what are these long green ones?" I asked. "Lemon verbena," was the answer and she happily addressed my battery of questions about this herb.
Lemon verbena is a bushy shrub that grows quite well in Northern California. It originally comes from South America, but has been cultivated in Europe since the 1600s.
Lemon verbena has a strong lemon scent and is used to add a lemon flavor to many dishes.
In anticipation of making my own verbena mint tea, I planted some this spring. True to expectations, the not-yet-a-bush plant is thriving. Here's the method for making simple mint tea with lemon verbena:
Mint Tea with Lemon Verbena Recipe
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves (not the stems, they're bitter), rinsed, lightly packed (about 20 leaves)
- 1/2 cup of fresh lemon verbena leaves, rinsed, lightly packed (about 10-15 leaves)
- 2 cups of water
1 Heat water: Bring a pot of fresh water almost, but not quite to a boil.
2 Pour over mint and lemon verbena in tea pot: Put the mint and verbena leaves in a teapot. Pour the hot water over the leaves. Let sit for 3-5 minutes. Strain into tea cups.
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The best available properties in Port Macquarie, Camden Haven and Wauchope
From the beaches to the country, in town or in a hinterland village, the Mid North Coast has so many beautiful places to call home.
If you are looking to make a move, you will find many options on the pages inside of this weeks Greater Port Macquarie Domain.
Looking for a home among the gum trees? Want to live life at the beach? Downsizing? Or need more room for the family?
Whatever your reason for making the move, this handy guide to properties for sale, open homes, and featured properties will help you on your way.


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Who could watch "Brothers & Sisters" and not fall in love with The Walker family? I love these people. MUG TK
Who could watch "Brothers & Sisters" and not fall in love with The Walker family? I love these people. "Brothers & Sisters" is the best new show on TV. I know what you're thinking: this show debuted last season. That's true, but it's new to me. Sally Field is one powerhouse of an actor, which puzzles me how I let this show slip by for a whole season. The fuss over her Emmy acceptance speech intrigued me. I was watching the live telecast that night and was stunned she was cut short by trigger-happy producers afraid she might rock the politically correct boat during her thank-you's. I've learned now, that sounds an awful lot like her character, Nora, the matriarch of the Walker family. Field earned the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for the Sunday night hit ABC drama, which marked Field's return to the small screen. A documentary special on the show prompted me to see more, which meant ordering season one on DVD, too. Thank God for TV on DVD. The special gave a little insight into the fictional TV family, the characters and the actors who bring this family to life by exploring the complexity of the characters as individuals while discovering the intricacies of a family in crisis, an American family in the 21st century. I haven't known of a show to do this and do it so well since "American Dreams." Good drama is all about character development, which is why this show works so well. I can rank it up there with "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," "Nip/Tuck," and "Private Practice" as must-see TV. Like the above-named dramas, the success of "B&S" comes from its stellar cast including Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Ron Rifkin, Balthazar Getty, Dave Annable, Patricia Wettig, Rob Lowe, and Field, to name a few that comprise this amazing ensemble. To me, The Walkers are representative of today's family unit. From politics, relationships, and business to love and loss, they delve deep into the meaning of family and show just how blood truly is thicker than water, no matter the crisis. Many aspects covered are topical and perhaps issues many families might be faced with, including the events in the Middle East. Justin's (Annable) recent return home from Iraq has made for some gripping storylines from the family's standpoint, particularly Nora's. It's probably a safe bet to say the Walkers are non-Republican, except for Kitty (Flockhart), who is engaged to be married to Republican Sen. Robert McCallister (Lowe). Justin said it best when talking to McCallister about his sister Kitty, who defended her family on a live radio talk-show similar to that of Rush Limbaugh. He said to McCallister, "As much as Kitty wants to be a McCallister, it was nice to see her finally become a Walker." As messed up and sometimes dysfunctional individuals, they still manage to come together as one under Nora's roof. They prove that sometimes at the end of the day all you might have is each other. David T. Farr is a Sturgis (Mich.) Journal correspondent. E-mail him at email@example.com.


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Graduate Council Meeting
April 18, 2013
I. The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m.
Voting members and alternates present were: G. Alter, C. Brun, A. Chamberlain, D. Cipollini, R. Grandhi, B. Gray, M. Gruys, M. Kazimierczuk, M. Miller, B. Milligan, W. Mosier, B. Rigling, S. Schiller, M. Schultz, E. Self, T. Tarpey, and J. Warfield.
Non-voting members, alternates and other attendees were: R. Ayres (chair), L. Caron, C. Cherrington, D. Curry, E. Gilles (scribe), L. Hong, M. Holland, L. James, D. LaHuis, Y. Li, E. Reinsch-Friese, R. Williams.
II. Approval of Minutes
It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the March 21, 2013 meeting be approved as written. Motion carried unanimously.
III. Report of the Interim Dean (R. Ayres)
Graduate Council 2013-2014 – A thank you to outgoing Grad Council members; a reminder to colleges to send in election results; a notice to continuing members that an opportunity to change committee memberships will be emailed soon; and an announcement that the first Graduate Council meeting of 2013-2014 will be Thursday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m. in E156 SU.
University Budget – Both undergraduate and graduate tuition will increase 2.2% for 2013-2014.
Marketing Update – The Graduate School's "Defining Next" campaign is in full swing: search engine marketing, ads in The Skywriter, radio ads, internet banner advertising, etc. The Graduate School is in process of acquiring space on digital billboards around Dayton.
IV. Committee Reports
a. Policies Committee (G. Alter)
The committee met once to consider Policy 1.18: Transitional Status. Collaborations with domestic and international universities for 3 + 2 programs have created a need for a new graduate admission category. The students entering these programs do not yet have their bachelor's degrees so this policy will allow them to be admitted in a "transitional status." Only 15 hours of graduate work taken in Transitional status can be applied to a graduate degree at Wright State; students in this status are expected to complete their bachelor's degree by the end of those 15 hours. On behalf of the Policies Committee, G. Alter moved to approve Policy 1.18. No discussion. R. Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
The Policies Committee also reviewed a request to change the GPA calculations for admission of "fresh start" students. The Committee chose to not take action on this request.
b. Membership Committee ( B. Gray)
Since the last Graduate Council meeting, the Graduate School Interim Dean approved 3 regular and 7 adjunct graduate faculty memberships.
c. Curriculum Committee A (R. Grandhi)
1. New Course Requests: BIO 6720, EE 6600, EE6600L, and Course Modifications: ANT 7000, BME 6422, BMS 9960, BMS 9970, BMS 9980, EGR 8950, NUR 7401, NUR 7403, NUR 7611, NUR 7612, NUR 7613, NUR 8099, NUR 8102, and NUR 8202 - On behalf of the Curriculum Committee A, R. Grandhi moved to approve the 3 course requests and 14 course modifications. No discussion. R. Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
2. Program Development Plans:
i. Doctor of Nursing Practice PDP – This is a request to create a stand-alone DNP degree (a separation from the University of Toledo). The Curriculum Committee made an initial review of this PDP in March and recommended some revisions. The redrafted PDP has the Committee's support. On behalf of the Curriculum Committee A, R. Grandhi moved to approve the PDP for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. No discussion. R. Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
ii. PhD in Interdisciplinary Applied Science and Mathematics PDP - The Curriculum Committee also made an initial review of this PDP in March and recommended some revisions. The redrafted PDP, with a request for a little more information to be included in a couple appendices, has the Committee's support. On behalf of the Curriculum Committee A, R. Grandhi moved to approve the PDP for the PhD in Interdisciplinary Applied Science and Mathematics. No discussion. R. Ayres reminded the Council of the approval process for PDP's: Graduate Council, Provost, RACGS (for comment only) and the requirements: Five pages plus appendices. R.Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
3. Combined Degree Program: B.S. in Mechanical or Materials Engineering and M.S. in Mechanical, Materials, or Renewable and Clean Energy Engineering: The Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department added some clarification to the Combined Degree Program, specifying that 7000 level courses (in addition to 6000 level courses) can be taken as electives and counted towards the BS and MS degrees.
4. Degree Designation Changes:
i. MS in Engineering to MS in Industrial and Human Factors Engineering
ii. MS in Engineering to MS in Aerospace Systems Engineering
These degree designation changes are consistent with previously approved CECS proposals.
On behalf of the Curriculum Committee A, R. Grandhi moved to approve the additional language to the combined degree program and the two degree designation changes. No discussion. R. Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
d. Curriculum Committee B (S. Schiller for S. Franco)
1. Course Modification: HST 7815
2. New Course Requests: SAA 6652, SAA 6660, SW 6110, SW 6120, SW 6150, SW 6160, SW 6170, SW 6180, SW 6210, SW 6220, SW 6410, SW 6420, SW 6450, SW 6460, SW 6610, SW 6640, SW 7160, SW 7170, SW 7230, SW 7240, SW 7620, SW 7630, SW 7650, SW 7660.
3. Programs of Study:
i. MA Social Work (WSU-MU)
ii. Regional Studies Certificate Program (new)
4. Quarter to Semester Conversions: GER 5250, GER 5320, GER 5810, GER 5820, GER 5830, GER 5900, GER 5990, GER 6810, and ML 5990
On behalf of the Curriculum Committee B, S. Schiller moved to approve the course modification, the 24 new course requests, the 2 programs of study, and the 9 quarter to semester conversions. The motion was seconded. No discussion. R. Ayres called for a vote. All in favor. Motion passed.
e. Student Affairs Committee (C. Brun)
The committee met once to select the recipients for the Grad Council Scholarships and the minority Wright Fellowships. Five Graduate Council Scholarships have been awarded; recipients came from 5 different colleges. All offers have been accepted. Four Wright Fellowships have been offered, 3 have been accepted to date. Twenty applications in total were received for both scholarships which is less than the previous year.
V. Research Report (E. Reinsch-Friese)
With 3 months yet to go in this fiscal year, both the number of grants and contracts awarded and the amount of basic and applied research funding are down a little. One reason research funding is lower – Ohio Link transferred to The Ohio State University.
Hanover Grants – Hanover offers grant support and writing services (prospect research, proposal review, and proposal writing). Two proposals queues are available; request for use of services should be sent to Dr. Fyffe.
RSP Database Implementation - Replacement of current FileMaker database which will end the use of "red folders." Phased implementation of InfoEd modules: Proposal Development and Proposal Tracking (PI and Approver training complete in BSOM, CECS Investigator training this summer); Conflict of Interest (ready for testing); Human Subjects Management (business process mapping underway); Clinical Trials licensed by CTRA (configuration underway); and Laboratory Animal Management (2014?).
VI. Graduate Student Assembly (R. Ayres)
The GSA ended the year with 107 members. Elections were held; the leadership is transitioning to ensure continuity.
VII. Old Business – None
VIII. New Business – None
IX. Discussion – None
X. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m.


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Graduate Education
Graduate Student Organizations
Graduate student organizations offer social events, representation on graduate studies committees, and the opportunity for involvement in community services.
AS&E Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The AS&E Graduate Student Association (GSA), on behalf of graduate students of the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering, participates in major faculty and administrative committees, acts as graduate student advocate, and organizes regular academic, social, and cultural events.
Graduate Student Society
The Graduate Student Society (GSS) is an organization that supports the graduate students in the School of Medicine and Dentistry and exists to coordinate social events, organize charity/volunteer activities in the community and to honor outstanding faculty and students within the SMD. GSS serves as a key interface between the faculty and the students, especially for first year students, and is the main graduate student organization that crosses departmental and cluster boundaries.
Simon Graduate Business Council
Graduate Student Association (Eastman School of Music)
Doctoral Student Forum (School of Nursing)
Warner Graduate Student Association


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Sometimes something can seem both inevitable and impossible. Like the first successful moon landing, or the election of America's first black president, thus is the feeling when news broke yesterday that Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag had broken up.
On the one hand, anyone who watched The Hills or did merely a cursory overview of tabloid coverage of this relationship had to know just how dysfunctional it was. Spencer tore Heidi away from her best friend, from her sister, from her parents, from her career, etc. Basically, describing Spencer as "controlling" is a drastic understatement.
And yet the two seemed to have a symbiotic hold on each other. Whereas the annoying habit of using portmanteau names to refer to celebrity relationships—Brangelina, Bennifer, etc.—is usually just another way that modern culture shits on the English language, with Speidi it seemed like an appropriate illustration of just how inseparable they were in the public eye. Neither of them would have been significantly famous without the other. Spencer was notorious for his manipulative, God-like hold over his wife, and Heidi was infamous for her docile acceptance of what seemingly everyone else in the world recognized as nefarious manipulation by her husband. Continue reading


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"Storage Wars," A&E's beleaguered reality show about people who pick through abandoned storage lockers, is facing more drama in the wake of a lawsuit filed by former cast member Dave Hester.
Radar Online reported Wednesday that "Storage Wars" producers have cut three cast members out of upcoming episodes, including buyer Darrell Sheets and married auctioneers Dan and Laura Dotson.
"They lived up to Darrell's contract, but then shot more episodes that weren't covered by his contract and kept him out of those," a source said. "He was not happy to say the least."
"So they've been battling to stay on the air, and they are worried about their futures. The show is a gold mine," the source said of the Dotsons.
The source said A&E was targeting more expensive cast members.
Hester filed a lawsuit against A&E back in December after he was fired. Hester claimed that he was "wrongfully terminated" and that many of the show's segments were faked for entertainment value. A&E has defended the production of "Storage Wars," claiming that its storylines are covered by the First Amendment.


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This is advertiser content for Pennytel.
This Christmas if you are lucky enough to be gifted a phone or are looking to upgrade your existing one, it could be time to find a new mobile plan that suits you.
To help you make the right decision here's some insightful knowledge to consider.
What part does the SIM card in your life play?
Mobile connectivity revolves around the SIM card. If this is the point at which your eyes glaze over it might be worth learning what this tiny but essential part of your mobile phone does.
Imagine your SIM as a small computer chip that allows you to connect to the mobile network. This small chip is easily removable and user friendly to insert into any compatible mobile device.
In the past, when providers used to lock you into contracts, mobile phones were also locked with that same provider.
However, these days, in most cases, you are not locked into a particular provider meaning your phone is free to use with whoever you choose.
It's easy to check, a quick call to your current provider will tell you if your phone is unlocked and if not, it's a simple fix and you're within your rights to request this.
Buying a smartphone outright versus on a plan
If you are looking for a new phone, buying a smartphone outright is almost always cheaper in the long run, compared to locking yourself into a two year contract.
Also, when you buy outright you own the phone and can choose your provider. This opens up a world of choice for paying less on your monthly phone bill and to find a reasonably priced plan.
Why a SIM plan might be right for you
All the big telcos, and small providers, offer customers a 'SIM only' option for post-paid, prepaid and pay as you go plans.
With more competition than ever these days, post-paid deals have improved to suit consumers and companies now offer no lock-in contracts.
Take Pennytel, for example, they offer post-paid plans with no lock-in contract, giving you the best of both worlds; the value of a post-paid plan and the flexibility of a prepaid plan.
Other perks of a post-paid plan include the assurance that you'll be able to call, text and go online whenever you want without fear of being stranded due to running out of credits, a scenario anyone on prepaid can relate to.
This Christmas, Pennytel are offering big savings on all mobile plans. For more information on great value post-paid plans, call Pennytel on 1300 262 146.
This is advertiser content from Pennytel.


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Motivate people. Incentivize action.
To keep your brand performance where it needs to be, you need motivation. Incentives. And clear direction on team targets that are aligned with company strategy.
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BEND, OR – Deschutes Brewery and Boulevard Brewing Company today announced that they will release two versions of a new collaboration beer later this summer. The style, which is described by brewmasters Steven Pauwels of Boulevard and Larry Sidor of Deschutes as a White I.P.A., combines Boulevard's expertise in making Belgian-style witbiers with Deschutes' mastery in brewing hop-forward ales. The ale will be made at both breweries and released simultaneously throughout each of their distribution territories.
"To say we're excited about working with Deschutes on this project would be an understatement," said Pauwels. "We have a lot of respect for Larry and his team, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge with them through the collaborative process."
Pauwels and Sidor began exploring the idea of brewing together after crossing paths several times at craft beer events around the country. The brewers discovered they had much in common in their brewing philosophies, both pushing the envelope whenever possible, yet remaining dedicated to the time-honored traditions that keep them consistent and grounded.
"It will be interesting to see how similar the brews turn out despite being brewed more than 1,600 miles apart," said Sidor. "That's part of the fun of working together with a brewery like Boulevard. We both use the latest technologies but also stay true to traditional brewing ingredients and methods."
Despite both beers being characterized as White I.P.A.s, there will be differences in packaging and in how they will ultimately taste. Brewed at their Bend, Oregon facility, Deschutes' version will be the second beer in their new Conflux collaboration series and will be distributed throughout their 18-state region in kegs and 22-ounce bottles. Their first collaboration, brewed with Hair of the Dog Brewing Company, is still aging in wood barrels.
Boulevard's version, christened Collaboration No. 2, will be distributed throughout their 20-state region as part of the Smokestack Series seasonal lineup in kegs and 750ml bottles. The brewery's first collaboration, a partnership with distinguished Belgian brewer Jean-Marie Rock, was released in January of 2010.


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An Exceptional Bangkok HotelAt the heart of Bangkok's famed shopping, entertainment and arts district, Pathumwan Princess Hotel towers magnificently above the city's iconic MBK Shopping Center, and is just minutes away from the city's dynamic BTS Skytrain network.
No other Bangkok hotel can connect you so swiftly and conveniently to the city's amazing, not to be missed attractions, whilst providing the modern comforts and wide ranging facilities as well as the exemplary care and service you expect from a first class establishment.
At the Pathumwan Princess Hotel, guests discover an unsurpassed level of service and attention to detail from friendly and attentive staff always ready to exceed expectations from the moment you arrive up to and beyond your departure.
A visit to anyone of the hotel's superb collection of dining establishments is an experience in itself. Our passionate chefs hail from some of the world's most famed culinary hotspots and regularly push boundaries in creating ever-changing menus sure to please the most discerning diners.
For the health and fitness conscious, the hotel's Olympic Club, Bangkok's largest health center, provides an impressive array of first-class facilities, whilst business visitors will appreciate the comfortable ambience and comprehensive services available at the Business Center.
Boasting a wide selection of 455 beautifully furnished and well-equipped rooms, ranging from Superior through Executive up to our stunning Pathumwan Horizon Terrace Suites,
Pathumwan Princess Hotel perfectly blends contemporary comfort with the unmistakable charm and elegance of traditional Thai hospitality.
Favored by corporate guests desiring unparalleled access to the city and holiday-makers seeking a calming oasis in the center of bustling Bangkok,
the hotel provides sophisticated ambience and comfortable refinement in the center of the "city of angels."
Superior Room
(35 sq.m. | 1 large double or 2 single beds)
Superior room offers redefined stylish comfort with gleaming hardwood flooring and elegant furnishings, while wide picture windows provide natural light and amazing views of Bangkok's gleaming skyscrapers. The spacious bathroom, equipped with full amenities, bathrobes and slippers, features a glass partition with electrically operated privacy curtain.
Deluxe Room
(40 sq.m. | 1 large double or 2 single beds)
Deluxe Room is an oasis of sophistication with contemporary decor highlighting Thai motifs in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy panoramic views over the city skyline through wide picture windows that allow an abundance of natural light. The spacious bathroom offers full amenities, bathrobes and slippers, and separate shower and bathtub, some with glass partitions and electrically operated privacy curtains.
ExecuPlus Suite
(60 sq.m. | 1 large double or 2 single beds)
ExecuPlus Suites are located on the 9th and 14th Floors, designed to meet the needs of corporate guests seeking privacy and indulgence, with separate living and sleeping areas. The living area features a large working desk, complete with two telephone extensions, and a comfortable sofa bed.
Personalised guest services and private express check-in / out are also available for your convenience, together with our unique Butler Service. ExecuPlus Suite guests can also enjoy our superb Club Lounge facilities.
The spacious walk-through bathroom offers an enticing array of amenities, bathrobes and slippers, with separate shower and bathtub. Facilities include Espresso machine, Wireless Internet, DVD player, satellite TV programs, mini bar, tea/coffee facilities, in-room safety box and IDD telephone.
Rooms are available with one large double or two single beds and can accommodate, on request, up to one extra bed (rollaway) for a maximum of three guests.
The Pathumwan Princess Hotel offers a dining selection comparable with that in a small metropolis – stay for a week and you need never dine in the same place twice!
On the hotel's 2nd floor, known affectionately as Asian Food Avenue, you are spoilt for choice between award-winning Korean, Japanese and Thai-Chinese. You will find, as well, rustic home-style Italian, international cuisine in modern, chic surrounds, as well as a bakery cafe and stylish bars and bistros.
Kongju Korean Restaurant
For over two decades, while relishing the tempting array of fine Korean fare prepared by the talented, expert Korean chef. The restaurant has been the proud recipient of numerous 'excellence' awards and has been voted Bangkok's favorite Korean restaurant 20 years running by Thailand Tatler Magazine. Kongju boasts an exquisite selection of truly authentic dishes, including its famous Korean BBQ, and uses only the finest local and imported ingredients, with sauces, marinades and condiments all homemade. Guests may opt to dine in the atmospheric restaurant or utilize one of the elegantly appointed private rooms, perfect for that special occasion.
Location: 2nd floor
Lunch A La Carte: 11:30 A.M. – 02:00 P.M.
Dinner A La Carte: 05:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Capacity: 110 seats with 4 private rooms (Maximum capacity 20 persons)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Terrazza Italian Restaurant
Using only the finest imported ingredients and produce, the restaurant places emphasis on pure, rustic food cooked from the heart by Chef Roberto Panariello – just the way 'mama' used to make it.
Chef Roberto's authentic home-style creations combine effortlessly with a soothing ambiance and suave poolside location to help recreate a slice of the magical Mediterranean in the heart of busy Bangkok. Terrazza's enticing menu, absolutely authentic, unmistakably modern yet romantically rustic, also pairs perfectly with an inspirational Italian and international wine list for the all-round Italian experience.
Location: On 8th floor
Open Daily: 06:30 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. (All day dining)
Lunch A La Carte: 11:30 A.M. – 06:00 P.M.
Poolside Menu: 11:30 A.M. – 06:00 P.M.
Dinner Italian A La Carte: 06:00 P.M. – 10:30 P.M.
Capacity: 86 seats (Outdoor & Indoor Seating) and 1 private room (Maximum capacity 30 persons)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
CiTi BisTRo
Designed for today's professionals, located on the Pathumwan Princess Hotel's Ground Floor. Featuring a live open kitchen and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner services, it offers an inspirational eating experience in a relaxing and airy atmosphere.
Whether visiting for business or leisurely pleasure, CiTi BiSTRo serves an exceptional International buffet lunch and dinner with freshly prepared soups, an extensive selection of locally caught seafood, delicious Thai desserts, all on mouth-watering, market-style display. As well, an indulgent a la carte menu features authentic European and Asian cuisine created with ingredients from around the world.
Location: Ground floor
All Day Dining: 06:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Buffet Breakfast: 06:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Buffet Lunch: 11:30 A.M. – 02:00 P.M.
Buffer Dinner: 06:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
A La Carte: 11:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Capacity: 160 seats
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Pastries, made-to-order sandwiches, homemade ice-cream and hot and cold beverages available, t@Lobby is located on the Ground Floor of the hotel. Ingenious adjustable floor lighting subtly changes the mood throughout the day to provide the perfect ambience for guests to relax and enjoy. Continental breakfast, mid-morning cake and coffee, traditional afternoon tea or simply a late evening sandwich – all can be indulged in at leisure, with impeccable, friendly service to help brighten each visit. Whether catching up with friends or meeting up with business associates, t@Lobby is the perfect location.
Location: Ground floor
Open Daily: 06:30 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Breakfast: 06:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Lunch: 11:30 A.M. – 06:00 P.M.
Afternoon Tea: 02:30 P.M. – 05:30 P.M.
Dinner: 06:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Capacity: 56 seats
Dress Code: Smart Casual
STUDiO BAR
Serve up a cool selection of cocktails prepared at the trendy, semi-circular bar. Also available are European spirits and a great choice of beers from around the world, to be enjoyed while relaxing to live jazz music in an ambience of laid-back sophistication. You can also catch all the latest sports action with live broadcasts of all the major sporting events shown on the impressive 42 inch plasma TV.
The selection of cosmopolitan cocktails and imported beverages are perfectly complemented by our gastro-style light snack menu at STUDiO BiSTRo; there is no better way to enjoy the nightly entertainment!
Location: Ground floor
Open Daily: 11:00 A.M. – 01:00 A.M.
Supper A La Carte: 10:30 P.M. – 00:30 A.M.
Capacity: 53 seats
Dress Code: Smart Casual
In an exceptionally fine-dining venue on 'Asian Food Avenue', on the hotel's 2nd Floor. Ping's Thai Teochew Seafood Restaurant offers authentic and delicious food, led by renowned chef Saetia Hung Ping. 'Ah Ping', as he is affectionately known, has honed his culinary skills and refined his wholesome preparation methods for more than half a century to perfect Ping's many unique dishes, including his famous, flavorful chicken broth. The pleasures of dining at Ping's come from the well-guarded recipes, uncompromisingly fine and fresh ingredients and the passion of a culinary team that seeks to create consistently high quality, delectable masterpieces. For those wishing for greater intimacy, the restaurant also offers 5 private rooms with seating for up to 15 diners.
Location: 2nd floor
Lunch A La Carte: 11:30 A.M. – 02:30 P.M.
Dinner A La Carte: 05:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Capacity: 135 seats with 5 private rooms ( Maximum capacity 15 persons)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Ping's Hotpot Restaurant
Is offered at Ping's Hotpot Restaurant. The hotpot is made with rich and tasteful broth meticulously crafted by the culinary professionals from Ping's Shark's Fin and Thai Teochew restaurants. As well, the restaurant is famed for its steamboat items and special set menu, as well as some of the cooked specialties from Ping's Thai Teochew Restaurant. Ping's Hotpot suits all types of family and social gatherings, thanks to the exceptional food, friendly service and relaxing atmosphere, which embraces the time-honored concept of gathering to sharing a hotpot meal with loved ones.
Location: 2nd floor
Open Daily: 11:30 A.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Capacity: 45 seats and 2 private rooms (Maximum capacity 15 persons)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Vista Bar Terrace
Of the Pathumwan Princess Hotel, is to be enjoyed at Vista Bar Terrace. Overlooking the glittering cityscape of Bangkok, guests can relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city in a comfortable, sophisticated atmosphere whilst sipping on one of the bar's signature organic cocktails or choosing from an exceptional range of local and imported premium beverages.
Location: 8th floor
Open Daily: 06:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Tatsumi Japanese Restaurant
can be found at Tatsumi, the latest addition to 'Asian Food Avenue' on the 2nd Floor at Pathumwan Princess Hotel. The restaurant offers high quality dishes at affordable prices, with excellent service in a relaxing ambience. Fresh ingredients are flown in several times weekly from Tokyo's renowned Tsukiji market and prepared with care and attention by talented and experienced chefs. An extensive range of handpicked sakes and Japanese whiskies are offered as the ideal accompaniments. Private dining rooms, seating 6 up to 18, provide an exclusive dining experience for an intimate family gathering or business lunch.
Location: 2nd floor
Lunch A La Carte: 11:30 A.M. – 02:30 P.M.
Dinner A La Carte: 05:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Capacity: 60 seats with 2 private rooms
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Pisa Room
Set within the exceptional Loop Italian restaurant, Pisa provides the ideal private dining escape. Pisa's elegantly appointed room sets the perfect tone for private gatherings or surprise dinner parties. Pisa is available for sit-down dinners of up to 20 covers (advance reservation required).
Location: 8th floor
Open Daily: 07:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Dress Code: Suitability
|Whether for small, intimate meetings or large scale conferences, and gala dinners,
Pathumwan Princess Hotel has the perfect facility. With professional, attentive staff and high-tech support equipment,
we will ensure, every time, that your event will be a polished, memorable occasion.
Comfort and care at Bangkok's most connected hotel.
|Jamjuree 1-2
|Jamjuree 1-2
|Jamjuree Ballroom
|Executive junction
|Pisa room
Desheli Diamond Treasure Spa
Location: 8th floor
Open Daily: 08:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. (Last booking: 08:00 P.M.)
DESHELI, on the 8th Floor of The Pathumwan Princess Hotel, is a unique destination that offers both anti-aging treatments and luxury spa facilities with healthy, rejuvenating massage services that have the quality seal of approval from the Thai Spa Association and the International Spa Association.
Guests can experience a truly relaxing combination of facial rejuvenation treatment with a traditional oriental massage, in a comfortable, peaceful ambience.
All our premium herbal products are 100 % organic using traditional natural ingredients, designed to relax, rejuvenate, restore.
The Olympic Club
Bangkok's biggest and most dynamic fitness center boasts a massive 9,000 square meters of expertly designed space and offers more than 100 different workout stations, a wide and varied range of exercise classes, rooftop tennis courts, squash courts, a badminton court, as well as jogging tracks, a basketball half-court, and a 25-meter saltwater swimming pool. Guests and members can work out under the guidance of experienced, professionally trained staff, who are always willing to advise and help.
Separate male and female shower and locker facilities are spacious, clean and secure, with large lockers for up to 220 male and 160 female guests.
Location: 8th floor
Open: 06:00 A.M. – 10:30 P.M. (Mon. – Fri.) / 07:00 A.M. – 09:30 P.M. (Sat. – Sun.)
Dress Code: Sport Casual
|Rooftop Tennis Courts
|Squash Courts
|Badminton Court
|Jogging Tracks
|Basketball Half-court
|Muay Thai
|25-meter Saltwater Swimming Pool
|Garden Jacuzzis
|Indoor Cycling Room
|Exercise Classes
|Steam Room
|Business Centre
|Club Lounge
|Butler Service
In the perfect Bangkok location, the hotel offers direct access to the renowned MBK Shopping Center -
seven floors of air-conditioned stores with street market prices. With over 2,000 outlets offering the widest possible range of products -
mobile phones and other electronic gadgets; furniture; fashion accessories; clothes; cosmetics; souvenir shops;
Thai handicrafts - it is probably South East Asia's biggest indoor market, and not to be missed.
Bangkok's famous Skytrain provides air-conditioned, speedy connections around the city, and the train's National Stadium terminus is just minutes away from the hotel. Then it is just 20 minutes to the majestic and scenic Chao Phraya river and 15 minutes to gleaming shopping malls, entertainment zones and major business centers.
For a true cultural experience, the recently re-opened Siam Discovery center provides the opportunity to experience the history of Thailand and is only a short walk from the hotel.


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Syed Mobin Architects of India has listed down names of nine exceptionally distinctive structures in the world. This ranking of the buildings are as per their own perspective. Among this, the first position is being held by the Aqua building, located at USA. It is perceived that though from a far-off distance, it has the appearance of any conventional building, once you approach its near vicinity and stare up, you will realize the wavy ripple effect of the structure. Such an unusual effect is the consequence of balconies of diverse sizes from the apex till the base of the building. This magnificent looking skyscraper is slated to be completed in Chicago in 2009 and is sure to attract many tourists from across the globe to appreciate its wonder.
Source: architecturelist


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As Monday approaches, the first day of school, my stomach has butterflies. I'm nervous for the new routine, new class schedules, new teachers. Most of my friends are nervous too. I tried to capture the anxiety and solutions in my column today.
Let me know if you can relate!
Back to school stress hits parents, too
A friend and I were poolside, our sons swimming and splashing. We should have been relaxed but instead, my friend, an elementary school teacher told me she felt anxious with the school year quickly approaching. This year, her son will go to middle school — a different building, a different schedule — and a big change in their routine.
As parents, we experience back-to-school anxiety, too. We want the school year to go smoothly. We want our kids' school schedules to blend well with our work schedules and for our kids to thrive. As we scurry around setting up carpools, buying school supplies and stocking up on lunch-box snacks, we worry about what's to come.
For some working parents, angst stems from new routines. It may be the first time our child will walk home alone from the bus stop or attend an aftercare program. "Routines are changing and there are a lot of decisions and that can be stressful," says Maggie Macaulay, a parent educator and coach with Whole Hearted Parenting in Miramar.
WPLG news anchor Laurie Jennings says she's feeling the jitters because she moved over the summer and her twin 7-year-old sons will go to a new school with a new earlier start and end time. While she now lives closer to work, she still will have to give up sleep if she wants to bring her boys to school in the mornings. And, she will have to take a vacation day if she ever wants to pick them up. She plans to rely on dad much more this year because his office is only five minutes from the boys' school. Homework makes Jennings a little jittery, too. This school year, because of her shorter commute, she's going to try to pop in at home a few nights a week for dinner and to supervise homework. "There's nothing worse than coming home from work at 1 in morning and finding mistakes. It breaks your heart."
For others parents, the jitters come from pressure to be involved in their child's school and staying on top of assignments. They worry if they're not involved enough, it will come at the expense of their child. But if they're too involved it could come at the detriment of their career.
Vivian Conterio says she's experiencing this nervousness as the start of school approaches. Her daughter, Gianna, will attend a new elementary school when the bell rings Monday morning, after moving from South Miami to Homestead over the summer. Conterio, who sat on the board of the PTA at her daughter's previous school, wants to feel involved, but she doesn't have as much free time this year because her work schedule as a marketing consultant has become more demanding. "The school is totally brand new to her and me. She's nervous and I'm nervous, too. We both want to make friends and figure out ways to get involved."
Macaulay says parents often get anxiety and guilt about volunteering. A lot of times they have an image of what an involved parent looks like and it's not realistic, she says. "It sets them up to feel guilty." She recommends each parent step back and consider how, where and when they are able to be involved in their children's school in a way that's doable.
As the first day approaches, some parents worry about balancing school routines and work schedules. Kareem Anguin, a single father and executive chef at The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Mary Brickell Village says he hired more help in the restaurant's kitchen to allow him to be home earlier this school year. Anguin's daughter, Andrea, will start kindergarten. They're both excited about it. He plans to walk her into school in the morning and start his work day earlier to be able to arrive home by 7 p.m. to go over homework and put her to bed. "We're going to try for perfect attendance," he says. Anguin also plans to take a day off midweek to take his daughter to soccer practice and maybe ballet. "Those are two things she wants to do this year, so I'm going to sign her up for that. I want to keep her active so she's busy, out of trouble and just as tired as me."
For working parents like Katie Gilden, an accountant and Davie mother of a 7-, 5- and 3-year-old, it's not just the balancing work and school schedules that cause her to feel anxious, afterschool activities weigh into the equation, too. "I try not to over schedule. Two activities each at the most, that's my limit." Gilden says getting the kids to school by 8 a.m., making sure they get their homework done and then getting them to activities can overwhelm working parents. She's already begun preparing her boss, setting the groundwork to leave work earlier, run her kids to activities, and resume work from home later at night. "My office is paperless so I can work from home at night while the kids are doing homework next to me."
Work life expert Cali Williams Yost recommends sitting down with your manager now, before school starts, and proposing a shift in schedule, rather than disappointing your kids or your boss. "Don't focus on why you are proposing a change, emphasize how you will get your job done. That's really all your manager cares about in the end." If there's initial hesitation, she suggests you offer to pilot the new schedule for one month. "Chances are it will be fine and continue."
Parents whose kids are moving on to middle or high school this year may need to manage new schedules by giving them more independence — and that often brings high anxiety. Some parents plan to temper those jitters by relying on technology to stay connected — having their teen text when they are on the bus, arrive at school or get settled at home. They may even video chat after school. "Neither option takes much time, but these small 'tweaks' help parents know their child is OK so they can get back to work and focus," Yost says.
Macaulay says one of the most effective ways parents can keep jitters in check is to tap into their village of helpers — arrange for carpools, organize so kids walk home with friends, or agree to stand at the bus stop with kids in the morning and have another parent do it in the afternoon. "A lot of back-to-school stress can be alleviated if parents can have each other's back and support each other," she says.


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A few words on words
I noticed the other day that Jerimiah Clyde Hartline, 19, has made quite a splash on the Internet, appearing in the list of bizarre and weird news stories.
I can't say that I'm surprised.
You remember Mr. Hartline. He was the good ol' kid from Tennessee who a few weeks ago is said to have hijacked a big-rig truck filled with strawberries; busted up a few cars and the people in them; and then jack-knifed and overturned on Interstate 15 in Temecula.
And the reason, he told police, was because he was being chased by zombies. They were hanging from the truck and, well, he was weaving side-to-side to shake them loose.
To bring you up to date, Hartline is still a guest in the Riverside County jail system, facing six different felony charges and perhaps having a few nightmares. His next court appearance is May 13.
We can only hope the people who ended up in the hospital that day are mending comfortably.
California Highway Patrol officers reasoned that Hartline was hallucinating on some drug they never identified.
Well, duh! Everybody knows there are no zombies on that stretch of the 15, especially not not early on a Saturday evening, when all this happened. I've seen a few zombie suspects, though, often about 6 o'clock on weekday mornings. They usually straighten right up after that first cup of coffee.
What I find amazing, though, is the attention this story has attracted. Hartline's 15 minutes of infamy has put him on web sites run by CNN, Fox News 40, Huff Post, Epoch Times, and even the International Business Journal, to name a few.
The Internet version of the London Daily Mirror also has the story, complete with his police mugshot. The headline reads, "Zombie attack blamed for teenager 'stealing and crashing articulated lorry in California.' "
I love it when they call an 18-wheeler an articulated lorry.
But on the subject of words, the Hartline story just shows the power of the word zombie on the human psyche, especially when it appears in a headline. Had it not been for that single, bizarre reference, what happened here in Temecula would have gone unnoticed by virtually everyone but us local papers and those hundreds of drivers stranded in traffic that day.
Words are a funny thing. They carry so much power. If the police had merely said Hartline appeared to be hallucinating, he wouldn't be a minor character on the world stage. He'd just be another guy in the Riverside County slammer and this would be just another sad story about drugs and what harm they can bring.
But I admit, if I see a word in a headline like mind-blowing, controversial, red herring, bizarre, shocking, gruesome, cheap, cannibalistic, sex, and, yes, even warthog, I might give it some attention. How else are we going to learn about the craziness in the world?
That's just human nature, I guess, like running from zombies.
If you know of an interesting topic for a column or someone with a good story to tell, email Jim Rothgeb at email@example.com or call (951) 676-4315, ext. 2621.


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There is a good chance that we may be in for some more volatility, at least for the next few months. If so, then the Long/Long Hedge, which consists of rank 1 call and rank 1 put purchases, promises to be a good bet. This week we review the performance of this hedge and present a sample of this hedge as a portfolio consisting of about $10,000 in call and put buys.
Our market-neutral hedges are designed to take advantage of Value Line's ability to differentiate between strong and weak stocks (through our common stock ranking system) and of our option model's ability to pick favorably priced options. The Long/Long Hedge buys rank 1 calls and rank 1 puts.
Over the years, this hedge has shown robust performance, which is especially attractive considering its low exposure to the direction of the stock market. In Graph 1 below, we compare the performance of the Long/Long Hedge with that of the S&P 500. Over the seven and a half year period shown in the graph, the Hedge has been profitable 59% of the time, while the S&P 500 has gained only 52% of the time. In the 207 weeks in which the S&P 500 showed gains, the Hedge was profitable 67% of the time, while in the 189 weeks that the S&P showed losses, the Hedge showed gains 52% of the time.
In 2008, when the S&P declined by 35.9%, the Hedge showed a gain of 193.4%. The Hedge also showed strong gains in the first part of 2009, but more recently in the market rally, the rank 5 stocks have been strongly outperforming the rank 1s. This reverse rankorder performance has caused the Long/Long Hedge to give up about 10% of its gains since mid-March. However, we believe that in the current, more cautious, market environment, the common ranks and the Long/Long Hedge will once again start to show positive performance.
We calculate the performance of our Long/Long Hedge from the average gains and losses of all our rank 1 calls and puts. Since there are thousands of different rank 1 calls and puts on any given day, it is virtually impossible to reproduce the exact results of the Hedge. However, we believe that a diversified portfolio of at least 20 rank 1 call and rank 1 put positions (approximately 10 on each side) can produce substantial gains, especially when there are broad swings in the market.
In Figure 1 below, we have constructed such a sample hedge, choosing 10 rank 1 calls and 10 rank 1 puts that are reasonably close-to-the-money and that expire in August 2009 or later. The positions range in value from $380 to $660. As constructed, the Hedge has spent a total of $9,966 in premium, $4.925 for calls and $5,041 for puts. Because of the spreads between the bid and ask prices, the entire portfolio shows a start-up loss of $759.
All the calls have a rank 1 for call buying and most of them are based on rank 1 stocks (i.e. stocks that are expected to outperform the market). All of the puts are rank 1 for put buying and most of these puts are based on rank 5 or rank 4 stocks (i.e. stocks that are expected to underperform the market).
To search for options, we used our Option Screener to screen for rank 1 calls and puts that were close-to-the-money and that expired in August or later. We used PortfolioTemplate.Xls to determine the size of the option position. A copy of this template with the current hedge positions is available upon request.


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Gutterflower wrote:A kidzania opened in London a little while ago. I'd love to take my Niece along but have always been worried the experience would be similar to how you've described how the USA version went. It does look great but i feel it may not work as well in the British culture. Although at the moment as it's in London I assume they are just teaching the kids how to strike
LOL to the strike comment!
The London version is one of the ones we're hoping to try later this year. We'll be sure to do a report if we make it.