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Life is full of questions and often the answers are difficult. Stephen Baker seeks to answer various questions about life and faith using the Bible as his only source. Join in each week as Stephen tackles the challenge of life questions.
For previous episodes and questions, please visit the Life Questions: Archive Page

subset: commoncrawl


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The Central Connecticut baseball team split a doubleheader on Saturday with Seton Hall, winning game one 1-0 and losing game two 2-0. With the split the Blue Devils are now 5-7 overall. Seton Hall is 18-5 overall on the season.
In game one, senior Tom Coughlin pitched a gem posting his second win and first shutout of the season. He went all seven innings and scattered four hits while striking out six batters and not allowing a runner to reach third base. Coughlin has now allowed just one run in his last two starts and is 2-0 in those games.
The Blue Devils scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. A pair of walks and a pair of wild pitches scored senior J.P. Sportman for the game's only run.
In game two the Pirates scored twice in the fourth inning on a two-RBI triple from designated hitter Tyler Boyd, the only runs of the game.
Senior Nick Neumann got the loss on the mound for the Blue Devils, but pitched well on the afternoon. He went seven innings while allowing just four hits one earned run and striking out eight Seton Hall batters. Freshman Matt Blandino pitched the final two innings without allowing a hit or a run.
The Blue Devils had just four hits in the second game. Seton Hall's Anthony Elia pitched the complete game while allowing just four hits and striking out seven for his third win of the season.
The Blue Devils are scheduled to host Iona on Sunday in a single game at 1 p.m.


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Westbrook could miss next start with stiff back
ST. LOUIS -- Right-hander Jake Westbrook may not make his next scheduled start on Monday due to lingering back stiffness, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak revealed on Thursday.
Westbrook's struggles date further back than this back injury -- which Mozeliak said has been an issue for the last two weeks -- but the Cardinals are not ruling out some potential causation between Westbrook's recent pitching troubles and the back discomfort. The veteran starter threw 75 pitches in a 4 2/3-inning start on Wednesday. He gave up four earned runs on nine hits and a walk after being staked to a seven-run lead.
A decision on Westbrook's status for Monday could be determined as early as Thursday night, Mozeliak said. Westbrook, through a team spokesman, declined to address the injury in further detail.
"Clearly," Mozeliak said, "right now from a physical standpoint, we're hoping he can work through it."
Even if the back stiffness were to subside, it is not a given that Westbrook will start as scheduled. He has been inconsistent since coming off the disabled list in mid-June after a bout of right elbow inflammation, and the results over the past month have been especially troublesome for a team in the thick of a division race.
Westbrook is winless in his last five outings, and he has allowed 38 hits, 28 earned runs and 16 walks in those 26 innings. Opponents have hit .345 off him during that span, with three homers. Westbrook has struck out only 11.
"Obviously, if you're dealing with something physical, that has to be addressed first and foremost," Mozeliak said. "I think the performance as it stands in its own silo, you look at in terms of we need to try to put our best five [starters] out there, if possible. I do think from a medical standpoint, Westy is dealing with something. Now we have to determine what's the next best step for him."
As the Cardinals' rotation order stands now, Westbrook's next three starts would come against the Reds at home, the Pirates on the road and the Pirates back at Busch Stadium. The fact that all three would be against the two teams the Cardinals are trying to beat in the National League Central augments the necessity of sending out the starter they feel gives them the best chance to win.
Even when healthy, Westbrook has fared poorly against the Pirates throughout his career. In 15 games (11 starts) against Pittsburgh, Westbrook is 1-8 with a 4.98 ERA.
If Westbrook can't start on Monday, the Cardinals will pick a starter from a group that includes Michael Wacha, Tyler Lyons and Carlos Martinez. The spot starter is likely to be determined, in part, by how manager Mike Matheny has to use his bullpen between now and then. Both Wacha and Lyons are currently in that seven-man 'pen. Martinez is scheduled to start for Triple-A Memphis on Friday.
Finding help externally seems a long shot with the August waiver period nearly over. A dearth of players passing through waivers, the process of not being able to claim a player on waivers until every team with a worse record passes, and the asking prices for those players made available, Mozeliak said, have all limited the outside options.


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Larry Craig's Woes Likely Won't Cost GOP in Idaho
-- Sen. John McCain has all but a lock on the reliably Republican state of Idaho -- which hasn't favored a Democratic presidential contender since President Lyndon B. Johnson eeked out a one-percent victory over Republican Barry Goldwater in 1964.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., got some R&R at his wife's ski getaway in posh Sun Valley but he wasn't there to contest the state in the tight 2004 election.
The lack of a competitive presidential landscape may make the most interesting race in the state the one to replace scandal-plagued Sen. Larry Craig.
But Craig, who leaves the Senate amidst an effort to clear his name related to a sex-sting operation in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, may have hurt the Republican party's reputation nationally, does not appear to have done much damage to the Idaho GOP.
CQPolitics.com rates the Senate race between Lt. Gov. Jim Risch and former Democratic Rep. Larry LaRocco as "safe Republican".


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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- EZCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: EZPW) announced today that it has continued to expand its capabilities to deliver integrated instant cash solutions to customers across multiple channels, formats and geographies.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090713/EZCORPLOGO)
Online Lending
EZCORP has entered into a definitive agreement with Go Cash, LLC and certain of its affiliates to acquire substantially all the assets of Go Cash's online lending business (www.gocash.com).
Upon completion of the acquisition, James R. Carnes, the founder and president of Go Cash, will assume an executive management role with EZCORP and will lead its online lending business. EZCORP will also hire substantially all of the Go Cash employees, including a management team with significant experience in U.S. online lending; an internal analytics team that continually evaluates data to improve loan decisioning processes and overall customer experience; and dedicated and experienced customer service and collections call center representatives.
The assets to be acquired include a proven, industry-leading proprietary software platform, including a loan management system and decision engine, that will enable geographic expansion in the U.S. and internationally; an internal customer service and collections call center; a portion of the existing Go Cash loan portfolio; and related assets, including customer lists, customer data and customer transaction information.
The purchase price is performance-based and will be determined over a period of four years following the closing, with a minimum of $50 million, payable $27 million at closing, $11 million at the end of the first year and $6 million at the end of each of the second and third years. The performance element will be based on the net income generated by the business. At the end of each of the first four years following the closing, EZCORP will make a contingent supplemental payment equal to six times net income (subject to certain adjustments), minus all consideration payments previously paid. EZCORP has the option of paying the full purchase price, or any payment, in cash or in the form of shares of EZCORP Class A Non-Voting Common Stock.
Completion of the acquisition is subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur before the end of the calendar year.
Mexico Buy/Sell Business
EZCORP has also completed the acquisition of a 51% interest in Renueva Commercial, S.A.P.I. de C.V., a company headquartered in Mexico City and doing business under the name "TUYO" (www.lomioestuyo.com). TUYO owns and operates 20 stores in Mexico City and the surrounding metropolitan area. In these stores, TUYO buys quality used merchandise from customers, primarily electronics (such as computers, cameras and audio and video equipment), musical instruments and video games, and then resells that merchandise to other customers. TUYO also sells refurbished or other merchandise acquired in bulk from wholesalers.
TUYO was founded in 2009 by Diego Creel Moreno and Oswaldo Trava Albarran, who will continue as co-presidents of the business. TUYO focuses on providing a reliable and consistent experience for customers desiring to monetize their quality used merchandise, as well as providing excellent customer service in a professional retail shopping environment. This acquisition complements EZCORP's successful Empeno Facil pawn business, while expanding its storefront footprint in Mexico and diversifying its service delivery formats.
The acquisition was completed through the contribution of cash to TUYO in exchange for 51% of the outstanding capital stock.
CEO Commentary
Paul E. Rothamel, EZCORP's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "These two acquisitions highlight our strategy of partnering with successful entrepreneurs and strong local management to achieve our long-term goals of growing across diversified channels, products and geographies. They give us the ability to provide our customers with integrated options to easily access the financial services and products they want on their own terms. These businesses complement our existing businesses in the U.S. and Mexico, and will provide us with future growth opportunities, in terms of product and channel synergies, as well as geographic expansion."
Company Outlook
The Company expects transaction and implementation costs associated with the two acquisitions to total approximately $0.01 to $0.02 per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company expects the Hayfield acquisition to be accretive to earnings within the first 12 months following acquisition, and the TUYO acquisition, given its start-up nature, to be accretive within 24 months. The Company's previously-announced earnings per share guidance — $0.55 to $0.60 for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and $2.55 to $2.80 for the full year — remains unchanged.
About EZCORP
EZCORP is a leading provider of instant cash solutions for consumers employing approximately 7,200 teammates and operating 1,262 Company-operated pawn, buy/sell and personal financial services locations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. We provide a variety of instant cash solutions, including pawn loans, consumer loans and fee-based credit services to customers seeking loans. At our pawn and buy/sell stores, we also sell merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations and used merchandise purchased from customers.
EZCORP owns controlling interests in Prestaciones Finmart, S.A.P.I. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (doing business under the name "Crediamigo"), a leading provider of payroll deduction loans in Mexico; in Artiste Holding Limited (doing business under the name "Cash Genie"), a leading provider of online loans in the U.K.; and in Renueva Commercial, S.A.P.I. de C.V., an operator of buy/sell stores in Mexico under the name "TUYO." The Company also has significant investments in Albemarle & Bond Holdings PLC (ABM.L), one of the U.K.'s largest pawnbroking businesses with over 180 full-line stores offering pawnbroking, jewelry retailing, gold buying and financial services; and in Cash Converters International Limited (CCV.ASX), which franchises and operates a worldwide network of almost 700 stores that provide personal financial services and sell pre-owned merchandise.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's expected operating and financial performance for future periods, as well as forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the proposed acquisition. These statements are based on the Company's and the sellers' current expectations. Actual results for future periods may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to a number of uncertainties and other factors, including changes in the regulatory environment, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed acquisition and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, changing market conditions in the overall economy and the industry, and consumer demand for the Company's or the sellers' products and services. For a discussion of these and other factors affecting the Company's business and prospects, see the Company's annual, quarterly and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
EZCORP Investor Relations (512) email@example.com
SOURCE EZCORP, Inc.
EZCORP is a leading provider of pawn loans in the United States and Latin America. We also sell merchandise, primarily collateral forfeited from pawn lending operations and used merchandise purchased from customers.


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By DAVID GREEN
From Wall Street to Main Street in 24 hours. David Munson didn't think the effect of the Lehman Brothers collapse would reach Michigan that fast.
Munson, the director of corporate affairs for Palm Plastics, remembers how an important step in the company's expansion project was nearly complete when the banking giant failed.
"We were right on the edge of getting the job done when Lehman Brothers folded, and that was it," he said.
Since then, financing for development projects has been nearly impossible to find. In Palm's case, no builder can come up with the cash to construct the new facility costing at least $7 million. In the meantime, Palm continues to face strong demands from customers to make more product.
The existing plant in Morenci is filled to capacity and there's no more usable space at the temporary operation in Fayette. To meet demand, Palm was forced to locate additional manufacturing space.
The only really suitable facility found in the area, Munson said, is a former plastics factory in Bowling Green, Ohio. The building includes chillers, a heavy duty electrical distribution system, resin storage silos—most everything needed for Palm's operation.
All equipment in the Fayette location will be moved to Bowling Green and some equipment now in storage will also be installed there.
The existing 250-some jobs in Morenci will remain here, but the expansion project called for an additional 132 jobs.
No one is happy about the change in plans, Munson said, and hope remains to use the more than $7 million worth of state grants and incentives to build in Morenci.
The state funds come with a two-year window for development, Munson said, and that money is key to the Morenci expansion.
The delay also puts Morenci's industrial park road project on hold, since the $900,000 CDBG funds are tied to job creation.
"Until the jobs are created," Munson said, "Morenci will not get that money."
Developers and builders are ready to move forward on Palm's expansion, but the search for funding leads to a dead end.
"We don't know when that may change," Munson said, "but we can't ride it out for a year."
He has pages and pages of business cards from potential builders and their lenders, but he's never seen the capital market shut down to this extent.
When the expansion project was announced last October, initial plans called for Palm to begin leasing a new building in Morenci this spring.
"Everybody has done everything to expedite this," Munson said. "We didn't foresee how difficult the economy was going to become."
Until that changes, much of Palm's production will move from one temporary facility to another.


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VANCOUVER — It's going to be the sunniest, warmest weekend of the summer. And it's a long weekend, to boot, with Monday being B.C. Day.
So if you aren't out riding your bike, sailing, playing tennis, hoops, soccer, softball or disc golf, or going for a hike or a water ski, you should be required to pay a penalty to the B.C. Medical Services Plan.
But with a nod to the immortal broadcaster Jim Robson, if you're one of the shut-ins, the pensioners, the blind and those who can't get out to play games anymore, or, if you're an Olympic junkie/Armchair Olympian, or you just don't give a crap about your health, then here's some events you might want to watch from that permanent ass indentation on your couch (all times Pacific).
Women's heptathlon: Jessica Zelinka of Calgary, who might just have the most impressive washboard abs in all of sport, goes for a medal. She was in third place after the first four events on Day 1. If you're a night owl, well, then you've already seen the long jump and the javelin. The final event is the gruelling 800 metres. Scheduled for 12:35p on CTV.
Women's badminton: The sport's bad girls are gone, banned for tanking matches in a scandal that rocked the shuttlecock world, so the Canadian duo of Bruce Li (that's Alex Bruce and Michelle Li of Toronto) face a Russian pair for the bronze medal. Never mind that Bruce Li had two of three round-robin losses overturned after the winners were subsequently disqualified, a bronze would be a first ever Olympic medal in badminton for Canada. Scheduled for 2:30 a.m., but watching highlights a must if Canadians win.
Men's swimming: Victoria's Ryan Cochrane was a surprise bronze medalist in the 1,500-metre freestyle at Beijing, Canada's only podium finisher in the pool. He goes into today's race as the third seed following Friday's qualifying. Meantime, American superstar Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever, closes out his remarkable career by going for a 22nd medal in his final race, the 4x100 medley relay. Scheduled from 11:30 a.m. on CTV.
Men's 100 metres: Track and field's glamour event. In 2008, riveting Jamaican Usain Bolt thundered into legendary status by rocketing to wins at 100 and 200 metres. But in the last three years, it's been high-profile false starts, car crashes and suggestions that he'd rather party than train. Countryman Yohan Blake, who beat him at the Jamaican nationals, and American Tyson Gay will try to knock the sprint king from his throne. Semifinals scheduled for 11:45 a.m., final for 1:50 p.m. on CTV.
Men's track cycling: Zach Bell, a North Vancouver resident by way of Watson Lake, Yukon, is a strong medal contender in the omnium, multi-event race held over two days. The final event is the one-kilometre time trial. Scheduled for 10:16 a.m. on CTV.
Men's tennis: Swiss grand slam star Roger Federer, looking for his first Olympic medal, goes for gold against Britain's Andy Murray in a re-match of last month's Wimbledon final. Order of play for Sunday's tennis will be decided on Saturday night.
Women's soccer: Canada is into the Olympic semifinals for the first time. Unfortunately, they get the Americans, who generally treat them like an elephant does a lady bug. Squish!!!! If you're an eternal optimist and believe the domination has to end some time, make this your lunch break. Scheduled for 11:45 a.m. on Sportsnet.


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June 11, 2012
Magical Monday - One For The Boys
The challenge this week is "One For The Boys" at the Paper Cupcake's Challenge Blog; There's Magic In The Air. Ildiko Cseh who brings us the challenge wants us to make any type of card or project, but it has to be for the boys/masculine. Free range in creativity and design. I am using the freebie this week from Paper Cupcakes which is the "Mustashe Cupcake" perfect for a masculine card and father's day. I paper pieced the cup and colored the cupcake with colored pencils and added some stickles to make it sparkle a bit. The card was pretty simple and quick. The cards from the Designers turned out really cute this week using this image so make sure you stop by and see how they all colored thier image and did their cards. Super cute they all are!!
Well, going to keep this short and sweet today. Have a great week and thanks for lurking by.
Posted by Nina at 6:00 PM
3 comments:
- Toni said...
This image is sooooooooo cute!
- June 11, 2012 at 8:52 PM
- ddazzled71 said...
Hi Nina I am just loving your paper pieced cupcake with the sparkly mustache. Fabulous and Fun! xx
- June 11, 2012 at 9:23 PM
- Kathy Bradley said...
What a wonderful cupcake. The piecing looks awesome and the icing looks so pretty and so yummy! Fun and adorable card! Fun image to work with too!
- June 13, 2012 at 7:49 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Reviewed By Ben M (Orange, VA) Reviewed for a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo —10/21/2005 11:49 AM
I have used the cover since I received it and it is awesome. I have a dog who is bout 80 pounds and gets very dirty. before I wo9uld have to use blankets and towels to cover my seat which always would blow around, but the covercraft cover has the buckles to strap down which prevent it from blowing around and keeps my back seat clean. thanks for a great product. Ben


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[Policing Wall Street]
To understand the mess Wall Street and the U.S. economy is in today we have to know some of the greed and ego-driven nonsense that went down.
Much has been made of the "Grasso stare," which Richard Grasso, Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), used—to express his disfavor with various specialists at the Exchange. Charles Gasparino in his tome, "King of the Club", writes of the toughness of Grasso's stare.
Picture the scene. A 5-foot-3-inch man, even shorter than I am –and I am a short one— staring down people. Who does he think he is; Helio Gracie, Ju Jitsu Master?
But the reason that Dick could get away with the "stare" was not because of his physical stature. Grasso wielded control, not only of the NYSE Board, but also of NYSE Regulatory.
Recall how the United Auto Workers successfully managed to organize General Motors in 1936 by having a sit down strike in the Flint, Michigan plant, which made the automobile dies for parts of Buicks, Pontiacs, and Oldsmobiles? Dick knew that he had only to control the Legal and Regulatory Departments of the NYSE to control the entire NYSE.
Why? Legal and Regulatory enforced not only the NYSE rules and regulations, but also, because the NYSE was a self-regulated entity, the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Thus, by appointing Edward Kwalwasser, a lackluster SEC attorney, as Group Executive Vice President in charge of the Regulatory Group, Grasso knew that he could control the NYSE specialists with the implied threat of an investigation by Kwalwasser.
Kwalwasser reported to Grasso; his lord and emperor.
Furthermore all member firms of the NYSE, and this included every major brokerage firm including Lehman Brothers, Citibank, Merrill Lynch, and Bear Stearns were regulated by the NYSE- and good ole Grasso controlled the regulation of these firms.
Thus, if these major firms did not obey the wishes of the Emperor Grasso, he would merely mention their names to Kwalwasser and Kwalwasser would don his leather tunic and pants and investigate.
Wasser means "water" in German, so Kwalwasser was a good German obeying the wishes of his Emperor. Please note that Grasso and his friend, Kwalwasser, did such a good job of regulation that many of the firms that the NYSE regulated caused the financial meltdown: Bear Stearns had to be taken over by J P Morgan-Chase; Bank of America had to take over Merrill Lynch; Citibank is essentially bankrupt; and Lehman Brothers is bankrupt.
For this oversight and regulation Kwalwasser was paid $1.7 million in 2001 and received a retirement package of $10 million-as was reported in the press.
Every stock which is listed on the NYSE has a specialist. Prior to and especially during the reign of Emperor Grasso, specialists made huge sums of money; as much as $5 million per annum for processing orders and trading against these orders, because the specialist had a monopoly on the trading of a stock. In the time of Grasso's reign, he never hesitated to make it known that he could have a specialist investigated and disciplined. This would affect the business of the specialist-such as the specialist not receiving any new listings.
SEC rules and regulations were violated every day by specialists at the NYSE. According to the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, specialists are not permitted to trade for their own account. Specialists are supposed to step in and make markets when there is a dearth of bids and offers in a stock. Yes; Gasparino's book refers to specialists as traders, but this is not true-like much of Gasparino's book. Why? Because no one from the NYSE would speak to Gasparino if he wrote the truth; just as the NYSE has refused to speak to me because I write the truth about the exchange.
At one time Grasso thought of leaving the executive corridors of the NYSE and becoming a specialist working for his good friend, William Johnston, a senior executive at LaBranche, one of the largest specialist firms on the NYSE. As a specialist, he could earn $4 million per annum just for showing up at LaBranche. Why? Being a stock specialist at the NYSE does not require a particular talent-just a willingness to bend the rules.
Grasso became so powerful that he controlled not only the floor of the NYSE-but powerful firms, such as Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers and Citicorp.
Grasso overpaid himself- and no one dared to protest because Grasso would use the regulatory might of the NYSE to smite them. Those firms, blinded by their greed and with Grasso's tacit approval, have led the world economy into near bankruptcy.
Grasso never cared about the financial ruin he had wrought. He received $190 million.
There was even a story going around that Grasso could become Treasury Secretary at some point.
A regular Alexander Hamilton!
If any reader knows of verifiable Wall Street malfeasance should contact firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com
Please post your comments directly or submit them for publication to firstname.lastname@example.com
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Xoom IPO Priced Higher Than Expected
An international money transfer company, Xoom Corp. (NASDAQ: XOOM), held its initial public offering this morning. The shares were offered at $16 apiece, above the estimated range of $13 to $15 a share. About 6.33 million shares were offered, and gross proceeds will reach more than $100 million. Of that, about $77.7 million will go to Xoom.
The company is selling 5.22 million shares, and certain shareholders are selling an additional 1.1 million shares. The underwriters have an option on an additional 948,750 shares.
Xoom anticipates net proceeds of $74.7 million ($88.8 million if the underwriters exercise their option), and the company said it will use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. Xoom may also use some of the proceeds to acquire "complementary businesses, products or technologies," but has not made specific commitments yet.
Xoom's chief competitor is the venerable Western Union Co. (NYSE: WU), and the new company makes its money primarily from transaction fees for its international money transfers. Unlike other international transfer firms, Xoom originates all its transactions online and its users can fund the transfer with a U.S.-based bank account, credit card or debit card. The company currently can make transfers between the United States and 30 countries.
As of 10:00 a.m. ET, no shares had yet been traded.
Filed under: 24/7 Wall St. Wire, Financial Stocks, Internet, IPOs Tagged: featured, WU, XOOM


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SNOW: CAPiTA Super Corporation Signs Two-Time US Open Champion
January 3, 2013
CAPiTA Super Corporation Signs Two-Time US Open Champion Kazu Kokubo to Pro Team
Seattle, Washington – CAPiTA Snowboarding is pleased to announce the addition of Kazuhiro Kokubo to its team of professional athletes. As one of the most respected riders worldwide, Kokubo has a long list of accolades.
The X-Games medalist has six FIS World Cup victories and has graced the cover of every international snowboarding magazine but one. A two-time Olympian, his accomplishments also include back-to-back wins at the US OPEN of Snowboarding. The March 2011 title was especially momentous as he became the first Japanese rider to win the US OPEN of Snowboarding multiple times. The victory came just one day after the Tsunami rocked his home country, adding to the enormity of the moment.
CAPiTA President Blue Montgomery commented, "We're honored to have Kazu join us. Normally we don't sign athletes outside our farm system, but Kazu is a perfect match. Who he is, how he presents himself, what he stands for… he's a very unique person and such a stylish, powerful snowboarder. He defends awesome. The future around here looks bright."
At CAPiTA, Kokubo joins two time X-Games Gold Medalist Dan Brisse, Transworld Snowboarding's Women's Rider of the Year Jess Kimura, Superstar Scott Stevens, Rookie of the Year nominee Brandon Cocard, and a company known for its credible roots and artistic approach. Watch CAPiTA's "The Outsiders" video welcoming Kokubo to the team here: http://vimeo.com/56132449.
CAPiTA Pro Team: Dan Brisse, Scott Stevens, Jess Kimura, Kazu Kokubo, Dustin Craven, Cale Zima, Brandon Cocard, Phil Jacques.
Stay tuned to capitasnowboarding.com, and connect with the brand on Twitter and Instagram @CAPiTAsuperCORP and on at Facebook.com/CAPiTAsuperCORP.
About CAPiTA
CAPiTA Snowboarding is based on the fishing docks of Seattle, Washington and is recognized throughout the industry for unique graphics, progressive product and world-class athletes. www.capitasnowboarding.com


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Jake One - Great Sound Lyrics
My name's Leon Alexander
(And I'm Legatha Robinson)
And we're here this afternoon to hold an interview with
"Jake One" in regards to his new debut album which is called
"White Van, MUSIC"
(You have such a smooth sound)
(And mo-most of your music seems so laid back)
(What is the reason for this?)
It's mostly contributed to, uhh
Me bein cool and calm and confident
And most people who have those traits are, laid back
They have no reason to uhh, be hasty and nervous
Well would you like to give us a, little insight
On some of the people you play with, so we'll know?
No I don't care to get into any names
Because this is my interview
You got any more works in the drawer sittin back waitin on us?
Of course I do, right now uhh, we're working on uhh
Some great sound my engineer has uhh
Coming out of the studio with me uhh
We're gonna do some great things {*echoes*}


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Growth in target-date funds is expected to increase 21% between the end of 2011 and 2016, a study conducted by BrightScope with Fuse Research Network, an asset management research and consulting firm, found. Market share in defined contribution plans should increase from 76% in 2011 to 80% in 2016.
BrightScope on Wednesday launched a series of research reports examining the defined contribution market. The first, "DC Product Usage Trends: Target Portfolio Assets," covers target-date and target-risk portfolios.
It's true that both target-date and target-risk funds suffered during the recession, but the report noted that losses then have been made up for by now; assets in target portfolios recovered their pre-crisis levels in 2010. Now, target-date and target-risk funds have a combined $470 billion in defined contribution assets, BrightScope found.
BrightScope noted that target-date portfolios take a larger share than target-risk portfolios, at 70% of defined contribution assets. Target-date portfolios also boast a much higher average balance than target-risk portfolios: $12 million compared with $2 million.
Target portfolios' popularity were already on the rise during the early part of the century, but the Pension Protection Act in 2006, which encouraged their use as default investment options, spurred their growth, the report found. In 2007, the year after PPA was passed, target-date assets increased from 50% of the defined contribution market to 65% in 2009.
In spite of that encouragement, though, an October report from AllianceBernstein found that while more than half of retirement plan sponsors offer a target-date fund in their plans, just half of those use them as the default option.
However, BrightScope surmised a high concentration of target-date assets in large and mega plans was probably a result of plans of that size, where automatic enrollment is more prevalent, using TDFs as their default.
Mutual funds, which are the most common investment vehicle used in the defined contribution market, are expected to grow 20% between 2011 and 2016, BrightScope found. However, collective trusts are becoming increasingly more popular. They have an expected growth rate of 26% over the same time period, and today account for more than one-third of target-date assets, compared with 60% for mutual funds.
BrightScope attributed collective trusts' growth to a need for lower costs, better customization and a growing interest in alternative investments, which, as the report stated, "the CIT structure is often better able to accommodate than mutual funds."
Although mutual funds still account for a greater share of total defined contribution assets (68%), collective trusts maintain a higher average balance, the report found. Although just 5% of DC assets are in CITs, the structure is favored by large plans due as their ability to be customized makes them useful in meeting fiduciary responsibilities. Consequently, the average aggregate balance for collective trusts in the target-date market is over $82 million, far more than the $10 million in mutual funds. Among target-risk funds, the average balance in collective trusts is $6.5 million compared with $3 million in mutual funds.


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Atlantic Pilotage Authority Non-compulsory Area Regulations (SOR/86-1004)
Full Document:
Regulations are current to 2020-10-05 and last amended on 2019-03-26. Previous Versions
Enabling Act: PILOTAGE ACT
Notes :
- See coming into force provision and notes, where applicable.
- Shaded provisions are not in force. Help
Table of Contents
- Date modified:


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A heavyweight bout between steadily rising Matt Mitrione (3-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) and returning Tim Hague (12-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC) will be part of the UFC's Jan. 22 event, which is expected to be "UFC Fight Night 23: UFC Fight for the Troops 2."
Mitrione hinted at the matchup today on Facebook following an initial report from MMAFighting.com.
MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the matchup has been discussed but not the report that it's been signed.
The UFC hasn't announced the show, but the Jan. 22 event is expected to be held in conjunction with Fort Hood in Texas. A handful of fights are now booked for the card, which could air on Spike TV.
Mitrione, the former New York Giant, entered the UFC after a quarterfinal finish on "The Ultimate Fighter 10." He then made his pro debut on the undercard of the live finale, where he knocked out castmate Marcus Jones. And since them, he's posted a knockout victory over Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson at UFC 113 and a decision win over a resilient Joey Beltran at UFC 119.
Hague, meanwhile, returns to the UFC for a second stint. The former King of the Cage champion went 1-3 in his first stint, which included a submission win over Pat Barry in his octagon debut. He then suffered losses to Todd Duffee and Chris Tuchscherer, and after a short-lived promotional release, the Canadian got a spot on the UFC 113 card in Montreal and dropped a decision to Beltran.
The UFC released him after the defeat, but Hague since has scored a pair of first-round knockout wins over notables Zak Jensen and Travis Wiuff in the Canadian-based Aggression MMA promotion.
For the latest on the Jan. 22/UFC Fight Night 23 event, check out the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.
(Pictured: Tim Hague)


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- Use the keywords found in the job description in your résumé.
- Develop a networking list of friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances who might know people at your target companies.
- If you've been sending your résumé out with no response, ask yourself a few questions and re-evaluate.
It's one of the first things people think to do after losing a job: quickly get a résumé into as many hands as possible. But career experts say doing so without a strategic plan is a mistake becauses it wastes time and energy and typically results in few callbacks.
Here's how to fine-tune your résumé:
Make a wish list. Take the time to identify the companies you want to work for before you sit down to write your résumé. This can help you make key adjustments to the document. For example, knowing a company you are applying to is in the midst of making acquisitions can help you structure your résumé to highlight relevant work experience.
Use keywords. Recruiters often rely on keyword-search technology to sift through resumes. When responding to job ads, be sure to include the same language they contain in your résumé. For example, if you're answering an ad for an arbitrator position make sure your document describes you as such and not a mediator, even though both terms refer to the same job.
Tell your story. Once you're ready to send out the résumé, make sure it's doing the job of showcasing your skills and accomplishments. First, for each job you list, spell out the details of a work-related situation, any obstacles you encountered, the actions you took to resolve the issue, and the results that followed. Next, write out the complete story and then whittle it down to a series of concise descriptive bullet points.
Find an insider. Develop a networking list of friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances who might know people at your target companies. Then ask them to help ensure your résumé gets into the right person's hands.
Try a personal touch. Writing a tailored cover letter to accompany your résumé is one way to grab the attention of hiring managers. In it, demonstrate that you have researched the firm, for example, by mentioning its last quarterly report or a recent speech made by the CEO. Your ultimate goal is to stand out from the competition by showing you're knowledgeable and interested in the particular organization you've targeted.
Re-evaluate after a lull. If you've been sending your résumé out for a month or more with no response, ask yourself a few questions. Have you developed a plan that outlines the job functions and industries that most interest you? Is your résumé lacking keywords or are your bullet points not playing to your strengths or the copmany's needs? Does your cover letter provide details that make you stand out from other applicants?


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One Arizona Lexus owner named Jeff decided to try and replicate the 1989 Lexus LS400 advertisement shown here on his LS460 in the video up above. Comparing these two videos is a nitpicker's dream, so instead of trying to cover all the bases, we are simply going to suggest Jeff wear more appropriate footwear next time he is using his luxury sedan to dispose of excess wine glasses.
Update: Lexus decided to prove the problem was not a newer Lexus or false advertising but Jeff and his questionable method.
[Lexus Enthusiast]
(Hat tip to hoonthatsc!) [via Autoblog]


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Clauss Enviro-Line Scissors and Tools with Recycled Materials
Clauss makes some of the best cutting tools in the world. We offer hundreds of their products and do so proudly! This new line is environmentally friendly in that they have used recycled materials whenever they are able. The prices are still incredible and their manufacturing quality is just wonderful. They are largely made in China, but this company has their own plants there and do an incredible job with both quality and prices. Check out the selection at www.knifecenter.com


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By Lisa Desjardins, CNN
Editor's Note: Listen to the full story in our player above, and join the conversation in our comments section below.
Washington, DC (CNN) – It is not difficult to blame Congress for the last-minute, still-unfinished work on the fiscal cliff. But it may be more useful to look at why Congress now regularly ends up in this situation, and how it handles it.
CNN Radio spent four days chronicling the Senate talks over the fiscal cliff which included at least two major breakdowns in negotiations and, of course, the final 2 A.M. vote on Tuesday.
Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-ME, who voted for the bill but was unhappy with the continued problems in negotiations, said:
[4:26] "Just when you think it can't get worse, it does, right? More than anything else it suggests a detachment of the real world – from the reality of the average person and what they face on a daily basis"
Listen to the process and the sounds of the Capitol during the final days of the Senate's effort to avert the fiscal cliff.
Subscribe to this podcast oniTunes or Stitcher. And listen to CNN Soundwaves on our SoundCloud page.
The Republicans need to know the 1950s are over. Leave it to beaver world is over. Haven't they seen the movie Pleasantville? Have they never seen a gay movie or a Madonna concert or a Kylie Minogue concert? Have they never traveled to a foreign country? How uneducated are the Republicans ? The paerty of the Christian Right, the corporate elite, and the military-industrial complex need to know that not paying your fair share of taxes, banning all abortion even in case of rape and incest, and launching tommy hawk missiles will not solve any problems in the USA. The Southern Baptists, Mormons, and the Catholic hierarchy need to realize they world view is very outdated. The American people do not want an Oliver Cromwell theocracy. It doesn't work. Go to a Gay bar, travel to a foreign country, go to the big city and see a modern day pop concert. Don't believe those ministers or GOp propaganda Fox News. Read some books by Voltaire, Mark Twain, and Chris Hedges. The world is getting smaller.
CNN – give us the hard core news with relevant names. For example – who pushed the pork items into this recent bill. ?We know how and who voted it in–but give us the underlying names of those those who push trivia/pork when the people in the US are trying to save families,homes,destroyed land.Take the Halloween Masks off of these fat politicianswhose names are buried in the news.
The problem with this country is our political system. The two parties to represent the people today were created prior to the Civil War. Every year, every election, the same rhetoric. Do these parties really represent the people of today?
This whole debate is a hoot. No one really knows or cares what is going to happen other than they will pay more taxes. The media blamed Congress for considering themselves and not the country when reporting on the so called fiscal cliff issues. CNN even said they should put country first. Now that the deal is done, all they are reporting is the impact on the individual. Does anyone really care that this is bad for the country? What will this bill do for the Country? Even the CBO says its bad. According to various reports, it has approx $41 in revenue increases for each $1 in spending cuts. We don't have a revenue problem, the US has a SPENDING problem and no one is willing to address it.
Did anyone read the bill? It gives Hollywood over $400 million in tax incentives, NASCAR gets $60 million, the electric motorcycle also gets an incentive. When are we going to learn? Any and all cronies of the Democrats and the President get a break, not Joe Sixpack, middle class American.
Put more people back to work by growing the economy will increase tax revenue. Also close some of the dumb loopholes and it will generate even more revenue.
I don't mind the payroll tax increases. IMHO, that was part of the problem that got us where we are today, especially with Social Security and Medicare funding.
The only way to fight what is happening to us is. Put the spending brakes on. STARVE the FN corporations of their gross profits and the government out of tax revenue. They will get the idea quick. The American consumer can be in control of everything if they would only come together. You would see mass deflation in no time, which is what we really need. Our CHIT for Brains politicians can't figure out that jobs equal tax revenue. I will tell you that our entire congress need to be thrown over a cliff like the grand canyon, they have brought America to the road to ruin.
Deflation? you have no idea what you are talking about. The most dangerous thing it could happen. None would want to produce anything because the price that they could get for their product or service would be less than what it cost them to produce it. It is a very dangerous spiral, very difficult to stop. Inflation is not the problem, as long it is stable and small.
I dis agree also with your notion that there is no revenue problem. The revenue problem was created with the Bush tax cuts, the first time that were established. Not because the tax cuts, but because there was no offset for them. In addition the country entered in additional spending, read here wars and trying to stop, soft-land the recession.
Agree that there are probably programs that need to be look at, even cut. Medicare etc, also need some changes, but defense also needs a significant cut.
Happy New Year
Lets jump.
We all have lost so lets jump off the cliff. Least its a start.
Obama says everybody pay thier fair share? When?
The so called 51% living off of entitlements need to pay too. Lets take the tax code that Obama said needed redone and do a flat tax. ALL will pay then. Take the 77,000 page tax code and make it one page, ojk maybe 10.
JUMP I say, JUMP.
I agree to the flat tax, but as a working class and a consumer, it will only be fair that all sales tax, and any kind taxes based on consumption be lifted/eliminated. Then the flat tax will work.
Right now, we the consumer and the working class pay anywhere from 8-10percent more on consumption tax (i.e./ sales tax and gas tax).
Welcome to the new world order/global economy. We have given our jobs and technology away and thus our livelyhood. There are two entities responsible for this and it is corporate America and Companys that out source our jobs; and of course the Government who has allowed this to happen. Any idiot should know not to comingle ones assets, resources, socio, geographic, economic soverignity. This is capitalism turned into a ponzi scheme by the corporate industrialist of the world. What I find amazing is that our elected leaders bought it hook line and sinker. We need a FORKIN REVOLUTION in this Country.
so they are increasing SS by 2%. from 4.6 to 6.6. which is a very substantial amount for the lower income. can't afford gas, can't afford taxes......everyone who voted for our "so called" savior and almighty who is suppost to deliver us from poverty and famish! Tell him thanks alot! better off on assistance and then the government call really rule its upper hand. The rich get richer and the poor can go live in the gutter.
First, it's 6.2% from 4.2%. And are you really blaming Obama for this increase? You do realize that he's the one who lowered it to 4.2% in the first place, right? And it was always intended to be temporary. To help you understand, this is how social security is funded. You pay 1/3 less in, guess what happens on the other side?
If we would, as a society, not Republican or Democrat, as a society. Get 60-70% of the voters to start voting for the guy who is not in office, the challenger. And turn these seats over 2-3 times, they would start listening. They would not listen to party lines they would listen to US. They know what to do they are not stupid, but they think they have to appease the party. Take the party out, and make them listen to common sense. It is not a cure all, but they would start doing what is right, and not what they think someone else thinks is right. We have the power, we chose not to use it. But we can, and we can change their viewpoints, but we have to do it together, at least 60-70% of us. We are not going to please eveyone, but we can please the majority of Americans and get these guys to change.
Wouldn't it be nice, if ... for just once, we the people could hold our hand of the button that would cut their pay and stop their benefits, while we bicker back-and-forth on which one should be cut more. Let them see how they can manage without what they call entitlements.
First, Republicans wanted to give tax cuts to the wealthy. Even though IMF reports showed that tax cuts for the wealthy barely had any impact whatsoever on growth. This was essentially giving free handouts to the wealthy as the true socialist.
Now, just as the USA economy is about to turn the corner Republican wants to slam on the brakes again and appear determine to "fight", as quoted, the administration over a concept of should we pay our bill or default. Really?! Default?! You want to negotiate in front of the world, on whether the country should default or pay its obligations? That's a new low.
I guess they have no intentions of creating the energy needed to help push people in NYC State back into productivity after the Sandy storm. Do they know, NYC is one of the most productive states?
– So give rich people tax cuts, even if does not impact growth.
– "Fight" and use the debt ceiling as a negotiation tool whether the USA should pay its bills
– and don't help NYC with voting on the $60 billion aid package, or provide clarification on it.
This is embarrassing.
As the global reserve currency of the world, increased spending by the government in a recession has the greatest and a significant impact to growth. Free handouts to wealthy Americans do not effect growth and certainty arguing about whether you should pay your bills does not either. Being the reserve currency of the world is a huge benefit and right now the administration is taking full advantage of their position even if it does not have the savings that other countries require to implement such a strategy.
Is this a fight for American productivity? Does it really make sense to cut spending abruptly right now. You probably only need to give it a year more, as the economy is already showing signs of progress and China is in the process of increasing the yuan convertibility, thus improving capital flows.
USA is a unique economy with unique capital flow characteristics. USA is not Zimbabwe or Greece. Forget about fighting this year... spending is non-linear event, it will come down soon. Rest Assured... but don't swing a pitch before its even left the hands of the pitcher.
You cant borrow yourself out of debt and into a good economy.
While the arguable point of the minimal impact of less taxes on the wealthy can be made the same arguement has shown the minimal impact of raising taxes on the wealthy will make. The government HAS TO CUT SPENDING or all this rhetoric about taxes is useless!
In any household that is spending more money than it brings in...the answer is not to borrow more money but to make cuts where they are needed.
Were you spouting this when GW was in office and spending like a drunken fool?
You do understand that GW raised the debt 5 trillion in 8 years and Obama raised it 6 trillion in 4 years. Do you need help with basic math? If you consider Bush spending like a drunken fool, what do you call Obama?
I agree Smitty. And I think that Adam guy is the embarrassing one. What an idiot. I heard nothing from Republicans about giving the rich tax cuts. I heard a lot from Republicans about not increasing their taxes but lets eliminate the tax loops. I don't think making rich pay a higher rate of taxes is going to save the US. I don't think cutting their taxes will either for that matter either. I do think Adam is ignorant in thinking that increasing government spending (more bills that he says we should pay) stimulates the economy. He said, "increased spending by the government in a recession has the greatest and a significant impact to growth". What an idiotic thing to say. Where the heck does he propose to get that money to pay it back if we just keep spending. Oh, I remember, lets just keep taxing the rich to death, that will fix it. How about everyone pay the same dang tax rate and stop spending and wasting money.
Well said Smitty!
Taxing the rich will not solve any of our problems. It is simply a diversion by the democrats to avoid dealing with the real issues. The Republican are no better either. They're arguments are just as flawed as the Democrats. Both political parties are playing the general population like puppets. Everyone knows the problem is overspending. Everyone know what needs to be done but we all are so selfish and self centered that we want everyone else to do the sacrificing. SS and Medicare/Medicaid are the 800 pound gorillas that no one wants to touch.
Our political system is completely broken. Any politicians who choose to do the right will most certainly be voted out of office on the next election. As any real change that is needed will likely to offend some group/s. Majority of the voters are only after their own interest. Politicians are people too, they want job securities and they are no different than you and I. So don't expect our politicians to come up with any viable solutions anytime soon. It will require a major catastrophe in order for majority of population to wake up and realize that we all have to sacrifice some.
If no one has the kahunas to do the right thing, at least tackle the issue of SS and Medicare fraud. Cut out payments of SS to folks who have never contributed to it. I could care less on the arguments of immigrants who wants to work and etc... However, the real issue here is that we already have a whole population of immigrants from all over the world who can petition their parents to the country and immediately draw SS without working a single day or paying a penny into it. Many of them end up going back to their countries of origin and continue to draw SS because our government have no way of tracking them. Now add in the burden of legalizing approximately 12 million illegal immigrants and you just potentially authorized the addition of millions of eventual new US citizens drawing SS that have never worked a day here in US but are drawing the benefits. If I am against legalization of illegal immigrant it would be only for this reason. Otherwise, let them in if want to come in but their parents can not draw money from the already exhausted fund!
wait. what happens when the rich run out of money?
How in the hell could the Rich ever run out of money?? As long as there are poor people, the rich will never run out of money because when their assets starts to get low, they will make new laws to steal & milk more out of the poor. What!, the peasants does not have cake, well, let them eat each other because we got to keep the BREAD
This stuff is done to make us think these people are so valuable we cannot live without them. It's all so fake.


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The San Jose Earthquakes no doubt wished their three-week World Cup break had started just a little bit sooner.
After a 5-2-1 run that matched the franchise's best since 2002, the Quakes have lost two of their three matches, culminating with a 2-0 defeat Saturday to host FC Dallas that easily might have been by twice that margin.
San Jose will have 20 days to ruminate over all that went wrong at Pizza Hut Park, and it was a lengthy list: communication problems in the back, lineup alterations which failed to ignite the Quakes' attack, the 23rd-minute removal of injured midfielder Andre Luiz and the invisible performances of other notable players.
Most of all, there was an overarching theme of tiredness to the Quakes' game, perhaps a result of playing three times in eight days. San Jose lost at home last weekend to Toronto, 3-1, and came back to tie Columbus on Wednesday, 2-2.
"We looked on our heels. We looked tired from three games in a week," Quakes coach Frank Yallop told mlssoccer.com. "But it's no excuse, there's a lot of teams that have to do it. It's a part of MLS. You've got to get on with it. I don't like us not playing very well in two of the three games. It's a shame to be going into the break on a low."
Partially in response to fatigue, Yallop made some changes to his offense, switching six-goal scorer Chris Wondolowski from forward to the right wing and moving Arturo Alvarez going the other direction. In addition, Ryan Johnson, scorer of one goal in 10 starts, was benched in favor of Scott Sealy.
Defense was a hallmark of San Jose's start, so it wasn't a shock to see the offensively-minded Alvarez moved from the spot where Joey Gjertsen (still hampered by a thigh issue) had been turning in solid performances on defense.
But Yallop's plan to address that situation created unintended consequences worse than the original problem. Relocated on the right side, Wondolowski was a non-factor for San Jose's offense, and David Ferreira easily juked free from Wondolowski on Breck Shea's wide open goal from six yards out.
"I don't think that the players on show or the system was any of the reason for the result," Yallop said. "We just were flat. We looked very worn out from our game on Wednesday and we just never played our game."
Things became more disjointed in San Jose's attack after Luiz left, once again felled by the left knee that has plagued his MLS career so far. With Ramon Sanchez and Javier Robles not making the 18-man travel roster, Yallop had three rookies to pick from, opting for Justin Morrow.
But putting Morrow on the left wing meant Bobby Convey, who has been San Jose's best player, had to move inside, where he didn't have much impact.
"(Morrow) didn't have a chance to play well because we didn't have the ball," Yallop said. "So it's not an easy game for him to come into. And I just wanted some good feet in the middle with Bobby and Brandon (McDonald), but as a team we didn't move the ball well."
That's been a repeated storyline throughout the Quakes' four losses, and now comes San Jose's best chance to fix the problem during the season. Yallop plans on taking it easy for first few days off the break, but finish with a 10-day mini-training camp to get back into shape before facing Real Salt Lake on June 25.
"Obviously, our goal was not to go into the break with two losses and a tie," Alvarez said. "But if you look at the bigger picture, I think we're a total different team this year than we were the last two years, and we're sitting in a pretty good spot in the Western Conference. There's still a lot of games left. . . . The only thing we can do is just learn from our mistakes, work on them and then come up three weeks from now against Salt Lake."
Geoff Lepper covers the Earthquakes for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com. On Twitter: @sjquakes


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Illinois ECE 498AL: Programming Massively Parallel Processors, Lecture 4: CUDA Threads - Part 2
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CUDA Threads Part2
- CUDA Thread Block
- Transparent Scalability
- G80 CUDA Mode, A Review
- Executing Thread Blocks
- Thread Scheduling
- Block Granularity Considerations
- More Details of API Features
- Application Programming Interface
- Language Extensions: Built-in Variables
- Common Runtime Component: Mathematical Functions
- Device Runtime Component: Mathematical Functions
These lecture were breezed by Carl Pearson and Daniel Borup and then reviewed, edited ,and Uploaded by Omar Sobh.
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