text:
NFC Times Exclusive – The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has issued a request for proposal with plans to launch an NFC pilot this year followed later by a rollout, putting the authority's Mifare-based fare-collection application mainly on Android NFC phones.
Unlike transit agencies in such cities as Chicago, London, Philadelphia and New York, which have enabled open-loop fare collection or plan to do so, the LA Metro appears to be sticking with its closed-loop Mifare technology, at least for now. It seeks to enable mobile payments to extend the reach of the authority's TAP contactless fare cards. UPDATE: But with the closing of the Softcard joint venture in March of 2015, and with it the prospect for continued large-scale rollouts of NFC SIMs, LA Metro later dropped the project. END UPDATE.
LA Metro issued a request for proposal in mid-January, calling for a two-phase trial. The first phase would enable customers to load their TAP contactless fare cards by tapping them on an NFC phone–with the phone acting as a sort of a "virtual TAP vending machine."
Get access to all premium content and the world's first global newsletter devoted to the NFC and contactless markets by subscribing to NFC Times, the most authoritative source for news and analysis in the industry.
Subscription Options
If you already have a subscription, log in here.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Apple has finally made good on plans to enable fare payments through Apple Pay with the closed-loop Ventra card from the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA, the latest major closed-loop card the tech giant has enabled in recent months.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight - Visa is rolling out what it calls "Tap to Phone" technology to 15 global markets, as it seeks to enable millions of small and micro-merchants that now mainly take cash to also accept contactless EMV credit and debit cards and credentials on NFC devices.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Multimodal trip-planning apps Moovit and Transit have introduced ticketing and payments in their apps for another North American transit agency, following an emerging trend for trip-planning apps to enable users to plan, book and pay for their rides all in one place. The app providers are offering the extra service as they seek ways to give users a better mobility-as-a-service experience.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the acquirer and processor for the open-loop payments service rolled out by Transport for New South Wales in Sydney, says it is negotiating with transit officials in other Australian states to help launch similar payments services. It also hopes to be involved in payments for mobility-as-a-service platforms.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – There's more evidence that the Covid-19 pandemic is helping to change the way that consumers pay, with more use of contactless cards, mobile wallets and e-commerce channels, according to the "World Payments Report 2020" published Tuesday by global consulting firm Capgemini.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Transit officials in the Midlands in the UK today are calling on the government to fund a London-style contactless fare-payments system across this large section of the country, which would enable riders to tap to pay for trips on rail, bus and tram networks with either closed- and open-loop cards and credentials on smartphones.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight - Up to a third of transit riders in several cities say contactless payments and mobile ticketing would encourage them to return t
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority says it is seeing steady growth in use of its OMNY open-loop fare payments system by customers–though overall open-loop payments remain small–as the agency continues its phased rollout of acceptance of contactless EMV bank cards and NFC Pays wallets.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Moovit, which bills itself as the world's largest "urban mobility app," has begun to enable public transit ticketing and payments from its platform, as it seeks to deliver what it says is a true mobility-as-a-service experience for users.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Another major U.S. transit agency has introduced a virtual closed-loop card for Apple Pay this week, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or Metro, announcing the move Thursday. It comes a couple of days after the Washington (D.C.) Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, announced it had put its SmarTrip closed-loop card on Apple's NFC-enabled devices, as well.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – Apple added support for its latest closed-loop transit card for Apple Pay, enabling customers of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or WMATA, to tap their NFC-enabled iPhones and Apple Watches to pay for rides with WMATA's SmarTrip virtual card.
NFC TIMES Exclusive Insight – It's coming up on six years since Apple announced its groundbreaking digital-payments service, Apple Pay. And while consumer adoption remains a work in progress, Apple has had considerable success gaining participation from banks and other issuers in what is now more than 50 countries worldwide.


text:
Yes, I'll change it. That was from before when we were trying to encourage people to save banners to their own server instead of using our bandwidth.
Hello Dave, Leah here again
I wanted to mention to you that when people get there voting code it says:
Insert this piece of HTML code into your file:
(Be sure to change the IMG SRC to the location of the image on your server)
i have people asking how to add the code because of this.
can you delete that and just say copy and paste?
I have been wanting to email you about this but never really had allot of time
Thank you again for everything
Yes, I'll change it. That was from before when we were trying to encourage people to save banners to their own server instead of using our bandwidth.
just a friendly reminder..................
sorry i know you have better things to do but people who are computer iliterate are still asking me about saving the img.
Hi Leah,
Sorry I had totally forgotten about this somehow. Actually, your post has got me wondering - why am I letting members of top lists hotlink banners and buttons from our server? They obviously have websites or they wouldn't have anywhere to put a link to the top list. If they have a web site, then they have a place to upload the button or banner and host it themselves.
Sure, it's easier for them to just copy and paste code, rather than saving the button to their own server.... but it costs us a fortune in bandwidth! And why, because they won't spend an extra minute saving the banner or button to their own host?
I know I have had this conversation with myself in the past, and now I can't remember why I decided to let everyone hotlink. I'll argue with myself a little more and let you know what I decide.
Dave, I totally understand what you are saying and I totally agree with you, and I do not want this to be a burden, but most of the sites I have on my topsites our childcare providers who pay someone to create a site for them.
so those people have no clue what to do.............
I would save over 70% of people ask me for help, and I have no problem helping.
i spent allot of time in the beginning uploading their banner to my hard drive and then adding it to the topsites myself.(because they didnt know how)
I appreciated that you changed this to where they could (hotlink) I guess you would call it??
but i understand if you can not keep this option, if it slows the server ect.... then i wouldnt want that either....
I do spend allot of time adding the vote code to peoples websites because they have no clue how to even follow a easy tutorial I give out, Html confuses them, so i end up adding the code to their site (which i have no problem with)
Whatever you decide will be fine with
I'd like an update on this one, too. I've been very surprised at the beginner level of many of the bloggers on our BLOG VILLAGE TopList. I've had to learn how to add our voting link to TypePad, because they didn't know how. I've been sending people Practice Board links of their home page, so they could copy the HTML to put the code for the voting link in properly. Some of them have tried to use their blog URL as a banner link. Quite a few of them leave their banners at the defaul 50x50, and I have to fix it so it looks right.
What I'm trying to say is ... yes, they should be able to link the image to their own storage space, but quite a few of them have not a clue what those directions mean.
If it really slows down your server, then why not tell each admin of each toplist to host their own images if they want to, or require that they be saved to the member's host if they prefer. I don't know that much about bandwidth, but I can't imagine that my almost 150 members would run me into bandwidth trouble with my host, would they???
It could potentially... you have to remember that if you have 150 members, and they are each getting, say, 100 visits to their site per day, then your image is loading 15,000 times per day. That is not enough to get you into bandwidth trouble... but if the image was large, and they were getting more traffic to their sites.... it could end up putting you over your bandwidth limit. For us, there are over 25,000 members on all of the top lists. Some of them get over 10,000 visits per day to their site, and they are loading the image from our server. It's not a matter of slowing it down, but more a matter of the cost of bandwidth.
I am still undecided on this - maybe very very clear instructions on what they have to do might help. Or maybe there is a way to only allow it on certain top lists. The majority of the lists are not a problem but we do have some that are very very large, and some that abuse the system.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
UPDATE, 6:30 p.m.
Waving signs, chanting, giving speeches, singing songs, hundreds of fed-up Philadelphia School District students gathered to protest budget cuts over several hours.
Frankford High junior Hector Gonzalez was clear.
"There are a lot of dropouts now," Gonzalez said. "Imagine what will happen if things are cut more."
Most students assembled at the district's North Broad Street headquarters after school. Students from at least one school - Constitution High - left school early.
Spokesman Fernando Gallard said that district officials "appreciate the students' energy" and that a group of representatives had met with Superintendent William R. Hite Jr.
Inquirer Morning Newsletter
Get the news you need to start your day
"We very much understand their concerns," Gallard said. "The revenue we have is not sufficient to make the investment we would like in students."
Hite encouraged students to join the district in its call for additional city and state revenue, but only after school hours, Gallard said.
"We do not want students skipping school," said Gallard.
Whether the Constitution High students would be subject to any disciplinary action is up to the school's administration, Gallard said.
The protest was organized by students from the High School for the Creative and Peforming Arts. Students from around the city - including Central, Girls High, Franklin Learning Center, Academy at Palumbo, Masterman, Shawmont and other schools - were represented.
Check tomorrow's Inquirer for more details.
As of Tuesday afternoon, a student-led protest of the Philadelphia School District's planned budget cuts was underway.
At 1:30, about 350 students walked out of Constitution High School, a district magnet school on 7th Street in Center City, teachers there said.
The protest began brewing last week, when news of the proposed budget cuts - there could be no counselors, secretaries, other support staff, sports or other extracurriculars, etc. - reached students at schools throughout the city. Some began organizing, including students at the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Constitution High and Masterman.
Miranda Thompson, an art and technology teacher at Constitution High, said that school's students had originally planned to walk out on Thursday, but that's the same day as Advanced Placement testing. When they realized today is National Teacher Appreciation Day, they decided today was the right day, Thompson said.
"They went from class to class and talked to students," Thompson said of Constitution High student government leaders. "Some kids were worried and said, 'Are we going to be arrested for this?' But they said, 'This is Constitution High, you have the right to peaceably assemble.'"
Thompson said she told her students they might be penalized for their actions. They said they were willing to risk penalties.
"It's hard for us as teachers to walk that line between supporting the students and encouraging them to do something that might get them in trouble," Thompson said."We appreciate that they are doing this in solidarity, to stand up for public education."
Hundreds of students from schools around the city are expected to converge outside district headquarters at 440 N. Broad after 4 p.m.
Sophie Kohler, a freshman at CAPA, said that students there would leave school after dismissal to walk up Broad Street and join the protest.
When students heard about the budget cuts, "it gave us goose bumps," Kohler said. "This is a special school, and it wouldn't be the same next year."
Kohler stressed that the protest was citywide, student-led, and peaceful.
This is a developing story; please check back for updates.


text:
Marlborough 4WD Club
Home Page
What's new?
Trip information
Convoy Rule
Track grading
Slide Show
Winch Challenges
Top of the South Mainland Winch Challenge 2013
2015 Winch Challenge series
NZ National Winch Challenge 2010
Top of the South Mainland Winch Challenge 2008
Top of the South Mainland Winch Challenge 2007
Shiny Trips
Offroad Racing
Trips 2011
Oyster Bay 2011
Training Day 2011
Boulder Stream 2011
Reefton 2011
Snow trip 2011 (Password required)
DOC Leatham Valley 2011
Glenroy Valley Oct 2011
Nelson Marlborough Challenge Nov 2011
Clarence Reserve with DOC
Wilding pine eradication Feb 2012
Trips 2012
Kaikoura May 2012
Snow 2012
Birch Hill 2012
Training Day 2012
Reefton Oct 2012
Trips 2014
Greymouth 2014
Newsletters etc
Marlborough newsletter
Nelson Club Newsletter
NZFWDA Affairs
River Crossings
Part 1 - Preparation
Part 2 - Assessment
Part 3 - The Crossing
Part 4 - Post Crossing
Pictures & videos of crossings
View from the driver's seat
The Hi-lift Jack
The Flip-Flop Winch
Snow Chains (June 2011)
Wheel Changing Tips (June 2011)
The Ramp Test
Club Officers
Club Captain's reports
Our Constitution
Club Rules
Membership Application
New Member Orientation
Marlborough Country
Contact us
In a lighter vein
Thoughts for the day
Are you a real offroader?
A treatise on the importance of smoke
Election manifesto
EU Bailout Economics
The white man's wisdom
Billy the Station Hand
Our Supporters
Boulder Stream 17 April 2011


text:
If Snacktaku ever secures a substantial travel budget, the first trip I'm going to take will be based off Buzzfeed's video of 37 exotic menu items McDonald's only sells in other countries.
Just look at that Chicken Mega Mac up there. Is that a grilled chicken-ish patty? No, it's four grilled chicken-ish patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun. Why can't we have that here, McDonald's? It fits the jingle.


text:
U.S. bank loans are at such record lows that they have done little to contribute to the nation's economic recovery, the head of financial institutions ratings at Standard & Poor's said Wednesday in New York at an S&P Capital IQ cross-asset conference.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. data shows that U.S. loan growth to nominal GDP has stood at an historically low multiple of 0.31 since the banking crash of 2008, compared with its high of 1.75 from 2001 to 2008, said Rodrigo Quintanilla, head of research for North American Financial Institutions Ratings. This compares with a multiple of 0.64 in the 1930s during the worst of the Great Depression, Quintanilla said.
"We believe the U.S. banking industry is undergoing the most radical structural change since the Great Depression," he said.
As of March 13, S&P's rating outlook on 56 U.S. banks showed recent downgrades at 30%, upgrades at 11% and 59% unchanged. Of the banking universe, 24% have a negative outlook, 4% are positive, and 72% are stable. No bank has a triple-A rating from S&P; the highest rating is A+, which is four grades below triple-A.
"If the Occupy Wall Street people saw this number, they'd have a field day with it," said one commenter in the audience during the conference's question-and-answer session.
U.S. Banking in 'Radical' Transition, but Stock Buyers Are Happy
Quintanilla concluded that U.S. banks are an industry in transition, struggling in the face of:
- Increased regulation, supervision and enforcement
- Business models that may change radically
- Consolidation of weaker and smaller entities
- Leveling of the playing field between regulated and non-regulated U.S. financial institutions
The gloomy picture for banks stands in sharp contrast to the overall outlook for U.S. corporate debt and equities, according to S&P Capital IQ analysts.
With the economy in recovery, investors are taking on more risk in 2012, said Robert Keiser, vice president of Global Markets Intelligence, who views the markets globally as "risk on." U.S. corporate debt with a triple-B or A rating is outperforming the market, while S&P 500 corporations overall have a low risk of default, he said.
The consensus view for the S&P 500 stock index predicts a fourth-quarter 2012 growth rate of 15.5% for all sectors, three times higher than the third-quarter prediction of 5.8%. And clearly, stock investors are positive on banks — consensus on the financials sector predicts fourth-quarter growth of 25.9% and third-quarter growth of 9.1%.
European Headwinds
To be sure, all markets along with U.S. banks continue to face headwinds from Europe as the euro zone sovereign debt crisis continues to drive global macro uncertainty.
Looking at euro zone sovereign ratings as of March 12, Quintanilla said they were far from upbeat. "What jumps out is the very high number of negative outlooks," Quintanilla said, noting that the only positive outlooks go to Germany and the Slovak Republic.
Marie Cavanaugh, an S&P sovereign credit analyst with more than 20 years at the agency and a member of the company's criteria committee, spoke in measured tones about how the euro zone's existing policy is insufficient to address the region's sovereign debt issues.
Yet Cavanaugh's message was clear: Europe's fiscal future is dire. Standard & Poor's on Jan. 13 completed a review of 16 euro zone sovereigns and ended up downgrading nine of them.
"We received a lot of criticism at the time from people who said we didn't understand the euro zone's problems," she said, adding that S&P is not backing down from its negative view of European sovereign debt. "It's a negative trend, to put it mildly."
Cavanaugh wasn't much more encouraging about the United States' sovereign debt problems. The burden of U.S. government debt and interest as a percentage of GDP totaled about 65% but is on track to exceed 80% by 2014, she said. In contrast, China's debt to GDP is now at about 15%, and S&P sees it less than zero in 2014.
Read Goldman's O'Neill: Economy Getting Back to 'Normal' at AdvisorOne.


text:
"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
~Coco Chanel
What's your favorite fashion style? Let us know in your next buncee on buncee.com and in a comment below!


text:
Sugar Rush: S'Mores Bar at Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, Austin
Sugar Mama's Bakeshop is known for their cupcakes—they even won a recent episode of the Food Network show Cupcake Wars—but don't make the mistake of ignoring the other desserts in the pastry case at this Austin bakery. Owner Olivia O'Neal and her crew also make some serious cookies, bars, and pies.
Among the wide selection of sweets at Sugar Mama's, the S'Mores Bar was one my favorites. Most variations of S'Mores aren't done right: mushing together a limp marshmallow, a melted bar of chocolate, and graham cracker crumbs doesn't do the dessert justice. Sugar Mama's S'Mores Bar, however, is the closest thing you'll taste without actually being in front of the campfire, skewer in hand.
The key ingredient to the bar is the housemade marshmallow on top, which has been torched to give it that smoky taste and make it extra gooey. Beneath the marshmallow lies a rich layer of mousse-like dark chocolate followed by a tier of crumbly, buttery graham cracker with just a hint of salt. If you still aren't channeling your last camping trip, you can take your S'Mores bar to the counter and ask for the marshmallow to be re-toasted.
"When we started making the S'Mores bar, there were S'Mores cupcakes everywhere and we wanted to do something different," says O'Neal.
Following the success of the first Sugar Mama's location, O'Neal is planning to open a second bakeshop on Austin's Eastside. Expect a mid-century decor and some new, more sophisticated desserts. "Sugar Mama's East will be the older, sassier sister to the funky South First location," says O'Neal.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
So, earlier this year, I had another shoot with Magpie Photography (formerly G Haskew, but he couldn't get used to people calling him 'Gee') 😛 who is most known for his urban exploring and expertise in fence climbing with a camera strapped to his back . If you love abandoned buildings, freaky old houses and military facilities straight out of the X-Files, you really really should check him out.
Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I'm not photoshopped into the locations below.
I'm wearing an awesome dress by Pandora Deluxe (red is my favourite latex colour!), a hat by who-the-heck-knows-on-ebay but I love it, and my trusty New Rocks. 😀
Oh, and of course I got naked. I love my job.
I'm off today to see one of my favourite ladies, Anita De Bauch for giggles and yummy food. Hopefully, this will help cure my writers block! I've been working on my steampunk story… in fact, as the above pictures look a little steampunk and I'm feeling confident today, want to read the blurb??
Here you go:
Ellison Clare is a private investigator with an unusual firm. While his colleagues are investigating rogue scientists and keeping nameless things on the lower floors of the headquarters, Ellison's obsession is arresting the conman Marius. One evening, Ellison arrives at the unveiling of the Indigo Glass- a machine Marius claims to have invented; a machine which can show departed souls. Suspecting that it is a ploy to part grieving people from their money, Ellison's theory is shattered when he sees something he does not expect in the machine. Before he can investigate further, a shot is fired which kills Marius and destroys the Indigo Glass.
Ellison's search for the truth about the man and the machine leads him to the socialites of The Dinium- where appearances can mask many things and scientists are revered above all… and the circus freakshow- origin of Marius's 'Marvellous Collection of Oddities' and home of a woman afraid for her soul- Seraph Murcia: 'The Demon Of The West'. *
* worry not- I haven't gone all Twilight- it's just her stage name. 😉
I also want to say thanks sooooo much to the lovely person who sent me a gift from my wishlist!
I don't know who you are, Mr or Mrs X! Can you send me a message with your name and mailing address please, as well as telling me what the gift was- so I can send you a little present in return?
I think that's all for today, as I'd like to get ten minutes of yoga in before I go. 🙂
Speak to you soon!


text:
Quiz Night at The Monk
21st April 2022 @ 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 9:00pm on Thursday, repeating indefinitely
Join us every Thursday at 9pm for Quiz Night with Quizmaster Dan!
Cash prize to be won each week!
£2 per person to enter.


text:
Do you need support for Assetto Corsa Competizione? Please use the proper forum below and ALWAYS zip and attach the WHOLE "Logs" folder in your c:\users\*youruser*\AppData\Local\AC2\Saved. The "AppData" folder is hidden by default, check "Hidden items" in your Windows view properties. If you report a crash, ALWAYS zip and attach the WHOLE "Crashes" folder in the same directory.
FOR ASSETTO CORSA COMPETIZIONE: If you report issues with saved games, please always zip and attach your entire User/Documents/Assetto Corsa Competizione/Savegame folder!
If your game executable is missing, please add your entire Steam directory to the exceptions in your antivirus software, then run a Steam integrity check or reinstall the game altogether.
ACC Troubleshooting
Please report here crashes and general issues
- Replies:
- 1
- Views:
- 38,901
- Replies:
- 0
- Views:
- 61,941
- Replies:
- 1
- Views:
- 71,737
Click for specific categories:
Page 4 of 79
Thread Display Options
Page 4 of 79


text:
Final Arellano Félix brother extradited to U.S.
Eduardo Arellano Félix, one of a band of brothers who once dominated drug trafficking on the California border, was flown to San Diego Friday to face charges of racketeering, murder and drug smuggling.
The extradition makes him the fourth — and last — of the Arellano brothers to be sent to the U.S. to face charges in federal court, essentially ending an extraordinary, two-decade long effort by law enforcement to dismantle the once powerful cartel.
Arellano's extradition comes nearly four years after his arrest by Mexican soldiers and federal agents in a well-to-do enclave in Tijuana. He was being held at the maximum security prison of La Palma, outside Mexico City, since his arrest.
The 55-year-old is scheduled to make his first appearance in federal court in downtown San Diego on Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy in a written statement called the extradition "a milestone in our fight against the Mexican drug cartels."
"This extradition is a significant step in our effort to bring another key figure in the Arellano Félix organization to answer, in an American court of law, to very serious charges," Duffy said.
William Sherman, acting special agent in charge in San Diego for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said that the extradition "marks the end of a 20-year DEA investigation into this vicious drug cartel."
Arellano's younger brother, Benjamin Arellano Félix, the group's onetime leader, was extradited from Mexico last year. He received a 25-year sentence in April in San Diego federal court. Another brother, Francisco Javier Arellano Félix, is serving a life sentence following his capture in 2006 by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Mexico. An older brother, Francisco Rafael Arellano Félix, was deported to Mexico in 2008 after serving a six-year sentence in the United States for selling cocaine.
Brother Ramon, often known as the cartel's enforcer, was killed in a gunfight in Sinaloa in 2002.
John Kirby, a former federal prosecutor in San Diego who worked on the indictment with Duffy, said Eduardo Arellano was a crucial figure in the cartel hierarchy. The indictment describes him as "the senior adviser" to his brother Benjamin and said he ordered at least three killings between 1991 and 1996.
"He was right up there, among the five people who made all the decisions," Kirby said. "He and Benjamin were coequals."
Eduardo Arellano was known as the most reclusive of the brothers. Deep scars resulting from injuries in a 1998 propane stove explosion in Tijuana that killed his infant son helped confirm his identity at the time of his arrest.
Mexican authorities said that he took over the day-to-day operations of the cartel following the 2006 detention of his younger brother, Francisco Javier. He was said to be close to Fernando Sánchez Arellano, a nephew believed to be currently be heading the organization.
Eduardo Arellano's arrest occurred at a time of unprecedented drug violence in Tijuana as the Arellanos were locked in a battle with a splinter group led by a former Arellano lieutenant, Teodoro García Simental, who formed an alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel.
The violence has since largely abated, though the reasons have been subject to some debate. Law enforcement authorities say that Arellanos have lost considerable power, while the Sinaloa Cartel has gained strength in the region.
"They have some kind of live-and-let-live arrangement with the Sinaloa Cartel," said Nathan Jones, a postdoctoral fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University in Houston. "What we're seeing is a more peaceful equilibrium because these guys are more entrepreneurial and are maintaining a low profile," said Jones, who studied the Arellanos for his doctorate.
Get Essential San Diego, weekday mornings
Get top headlines from the Union-Tribune in your inbox weekday mornings, including top news, local, sports, business, entertainment and opinion.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.


text:
privacy policy
send email
site map
view cart
Welcome to Import Parts Pro, your #1 source for Performance Parts, Race Parts, Upgrades, and Accessories. If you don't find the parts you are after please feel free to email or call us and we will try our best to source them for you.
All Categories
Other Nissan & Infiniti Vehicles
Universal Parts
90-96 Nissan 300zx (Z32) VG30DE(TT)
VG30 Custom Engine Packages
VG30 Long Block Packages
> Stage 3 VG30 Long Block - Nissan 300zx
Stage 3 VG30 Long Block - Nissan 300zx
Regular price: $6,600.00
Your price:
40p Twin Turbo Heads
48p Twin Turbo Heads
30p Non Turbo Heads
Product Description
This Stage 3 Nissan VG30 Long Block engine package is perfect for a Nissan 300zx that needs a fresh rebuild and wants some extra power and strength at the same time. The Stage 3 VG30 Long block comes with a full one year warranty against machining defects and comes with our 20+ years experience on building Nissan motors.
This Package Includes:
Wiseco Pistons
Eagle/SCAT H Beam Rods
ARP Rod Bolts
Block Inspected and acid dipped
Block redecked
Block water passage bored out for more water to back cylinders
New Brass Freeze Plugs installed
All oil galleys cleaned and new oil plugs installed
Block Bored and Honed using a Torque Plate
Crank center weight tig welded into place
Crank balanced
New Moly Coated Race Spec Main bearings installed
New Moly Coated Race Spec Rod bearings installed
Block prepped and assembled
Heads inspected and cleaned
Heads Pressure Tested
Heads redecked
Valves checked and replaced as needed
Valve guides checked and replaced as needed
Ported exhaust and intake runners
5 angle radius cut valve job
Valve heights set
New OEM Valve stem seals
Heads prepped and assembled
New OEM Cam Seals
New OEM Head Gaskets
New OEM Oil Pump
New OEM Oil Pump Gasket
Engine will come with Heads bolted to block and torqued to spec
*** Non Turbo build can be done using JE high compression pistons for an additional $250 ***
*** Ceramic/Moly Coating can be added to the Piston Tops and Skirts for an Additional $325. ***
*** Shipping will be by Truck Freight. Please contact us for a shipping quote. ***
Nissan 300zx OEM Hydraulic Valve Lifters
When rebuilding your 1990-1996 Nissan 300zx VG30 motor it is a very good idea to replace your 10+ year old hydraulic lifters. Also if you have the dreaded lifter tick from a worn out lifter. This is a complete set of 24 lifters.
Regular price: $1,606.08
Your price: $1,224.00
Ceramic/Moly Piston Coating
Coating the piston reduces friction and wear, reduces part operating temperature, can increase horse power and torque, reduce or eliminate detonation, and allow tighter piston to wall clearances for a better ring seal.
Regular price: $350.00
Your price: $325.00
ARP VG30 Head & Main Stud Kit - Nissan 300zx
The ARP Nissan 300zx head and main bolts are a must for VG30 engines trying to achieve 500rwhp+. Spend a few extra dollars on your engine for peace of mind knowing that it is secured with the best upgraded bolts on the market.
Regular price: $410.00
Your price: $274.95
VG30 Long Block Core Charge
This core charge is charged when shipping an upgraded Long Block to you before you return your Long Block. The core charge will be refunded once a rebuildable core is returned to us.
Import Parts Pro, LLC
19505 Wied Rd
Suite E
Spring, Texas 77388
90-96 Nissan 300zx (Z32) VG30DE(TT)
03-06 Nissan 350z (Z33) VQ35DE
07-08 Nissan 350z (Z33) VQ35HR
2009+ Nissan 370z (Z34) VQ37HR
2009+ Nissan GT-R (R35) VR38DETT
03-07 Infiniti G35 (V35) VQ35DE
2007+ Infiniti G37/Q60 VQ35HR/37HR
89-93 Nissan 240SX (S13) KA24/SR20
94-98 Nissan 240SX (S14) KA24/SR20
2013+ Subaru BRZ / 2013+ Scion FR-S
Other Nissan & Infiniti Vehicles
Universal Parts
T-Shirts & Stickers
Gift Certificate
privacy policy
send email
site map
view cart
Copyright 2005-2020 Import Parts Pro,LLC All rights reserved.


text:
by Cristy Steffy on March 29, 2016 in
No comments yet.
Leave a Reply
Hello to all of our valued associates at McCroskey's Irish Pub. Below are our advertisements for all of the events over the next several days. It will be exciting, It will be fun, It will be strenuous, It will be time consuming. Yes, you will make a lot of money! Yes, your feet will feel like they are going to fall off! We understand. As a Thank You, all meals will be provided to all associates from Thursday, the 17th until Sunday, the 20th. Please come early before your shift starts if you would like to eat at The Pub, or get your face painted on Saturday with Cristy. You will not have time to eat during your shift. Again, PLEASE COME EARLY! If you are on a double any of the days, you have been scheduled an hour off the clock during the middle of your shift. Please remind the hostess and Jen or I, 30 min prior to you break, so that we can cut you from the rotations so that you will not have any tables during your break. Everyone will be busy including us, so again, please remind us. You do not have to take your full hour break if you do not want to. Once you feel rested and are ready to proceed, let us know and we will put you back into rotation. We have several friends and employee family members that are coming out to help as well. If this applies to you, please forward this email on to them as we may not have their email address. To all of you, Thank you for helping out, we really appreciate you and Thank you to all the associates who assisted us in finding more help. As we wrap up, I would like to say that during these next few days, it is a very important time to establish the groundwork and future of Your Pub, your career here at McCroskeys and the general direction of where each of you see yourselves over the next year. While it is so very nice to have such an influx in business for these next several days, I ask each of you to inquire as to what you can do to see to it that each of these customers make a return trip to visit you when we are not so busy. What can you do to make each customer feel as if McCroskeys is their new "favorite place". We cannot do this without you. This is a tremendous team effort that will mutually pay off for everyone involved. So, instead of just dropping the check off and saying "Thanks" and turning and walking away, take an extra 10 seconds to say "Thank you, and we hope that everything was wonderful and we hope to see you back real soon" or if they have kids, say "Did you know that Becki The Balloon lady is here every Tuesday and kids eat free?" A little bit goes a long way. Thank you all again, and we do appreciate all you do and we look forward to working with you over the next several days. Oh, and one more thing, A very special Thank You in advance to all who is scheduled to work on Monday the 21st. We know that you will be tired. Thank you again, Chris and Jen


text:
Before she was a well-known paramour, Paula Broadwell had dreams. Big dreams. The kind of dreams reserved for guileless high school dropouts from Oklahoma who come to Hollywood with nothing but a suitcase and an as-yet-unknown proclivity for heroin. Paula Broadwell wanted to be a star.
According to a report in the New York Post (so, you know, super credible), Broadwell had been on the hunt earlier this year for "an agent or brand manager in New York to raise her profile and told friends she'd had interest from "both parties" because of her military background." An unnamed source informed the Post — no doubt in one of those old-timey steakhouses with velvet curtains on each booth — that Broadwell was hoping to take advantage of the media attention she was receiving during promotion for her book and "leverage [that attention] into a production company or becoming a regular contributor on TV."
If you have a soul, you'll find the cruel, Shakespearean irony in Broadwell's eventual rise to national prominence a trifle upsetting. Upsetting, that is, until you also learn that if the whole showbiz thing didn't work out for her, Broadwell wanted to maybe run for office, or even "brand herself as a fitness expert," because the world is glaringly short of branded fitness experts. At this point, it seems impossible for the media to not characterize Broadwell as a sort of fame-hungry Harpy, but people who actively try to "brand" themselves tend to be pretty icky so it's hard to wave the "leave Paula alone!" banner, especially if she was so keen to raise her public profile while carrying on an affair with the Judi Dench of American espionage.
Petraeus gal eyed politics [Page Six]


text:
Newtown denies permission for show to film at Fairfield Hills
Photo: Journal Register Co.
NEWTOWN >> Newtown officials have turned down a request from the SyFy television show "Ghost Hunters" to film an episode on the campus of the former Fairfield Hills psychiatric hospital.
Ross Carley, a member of the town authority that oversees use of the property, tells the News Times of Danbury the group felt the filming would be too disruptive.
The 185-acre property has been undergoing redevelopment since the town took it over in 2004. It is currently home to the Newtown Town Hall and the Newtown Youth Academy, and the town's emergency services center is currently under construction there.
The site has hosted film crews in the past. The 1996 movie "Sleepers" was filmed on the property.


text:
Auto Publishers Price Starting at
*Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your atual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.VIEW OUR INVENTORY
Roomy interior for a compact SUV; fuel-efficiency; safety features; capable all-wheel-drive system; excellent connectivity and audio systems
For 2016, the Toyota RAV4 features a restyled front end. A new RAV4 Hybrid debuts, available in XLE and Limited trims. A new RAV4 SE trim is also new.


text:
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.
B-299675.2,B-299675.3,B-299675.4: May 30, 2008
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
(202) 512-8278
Kenneth E. Patton
(202) 512-8205
Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc. protests the award of a contract to Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Inc. under request for proposals (RFP) No. W31P4Q-07-R-0052, issued by the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command for the Standardized Integrated Command Post System Family of Trailer Mounted Support Systems (TMSS or "trailer system") in support of the United States Army Tactical Operations Centers. General Dynamics essentially objects to the evaluation of proposals and challenges the agency's best value determination.
We deny the protest.
B-299675.2; B-299675.3; B-299675.4, General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc., May 30, 2008
The decision issued on the date below was subject to a GAO Protective Order. This redacted version has been approved for public release.
Matter of: General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.
File: B-299675.2; B-299675.3; B-299675.4
Raymond Fioravanti, Esq., General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc.; David A. Churchill, Esq., Kevin C. Dwyer, Esq., and Mushtaq Z. Gunja, Esq., Jenner & Block LLP, for the protester.
Anne B. Perry, Esq., John W. Chierichella, Esq., and Jesse J. Williams, Esq., Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, for Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corp., an intevenor.
Jeffrey I. Kessler, Esq., and Glenda J. Collins, Esq., Department of the Army, for the agency.
Linda C. Glass, Esq., and Ralph O. White, Esq., Office of General Counsel, GAO, participated in the preparation of the decision.
Protest that agency's evaluation of proposals, and the resulting source selection decision, were unreasonable is denied where the record shows that the agency's evaluation assessments were reasonable and consistent with the solicitation's evaluation factors, and where the record shows that the resulting selection decision clearly documents the selection official's understanding of the evaluation results and reasonably assesses the evaluated strengths and weaknesses of the respective proposals in the tradeoff decision.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Inc. protests the award of a contract to Northrop Grumman
The RFP, issued on an unrestricted basis on
The RFP provided that the award would be made based on the proposal determined to be most advantageous to the government with appropriate consideration given to the following evaluation factors: technical,[1] price and performance risk.[2] RFP sect. M.1. The RFP stated that technical was significantly more important than price which was slightly more important than performance risk. RFP sect. M.2.b. The RFP also provided that all non-price evaluation factors combined were significantly more important than price.
With respect to the technical evaluation factor, the RFP stated that the government would evaluate the overall merit and risk presented by the technical proposals. In this regard, the RFP anticipated an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the offerors' technical approach, as well as their ability to deliver systems and supporting products that meet the RFP requirements. RFP sect. M.2.c. The RFP identified the following subfactors under the technical evaluation factor: product technical performance, safety, logistics and production capability, quality assurance program and failure reporting analysis, and corrective action system.[3]
Under the product technical performance subfactor, the RFP identified the following elements to be evaluated in descending order of importance: ECU, generator, trailer and tent. RFP sect. M.2.c.1. The purpose of evaluating these elements was to determine the degree to which the offered trailer system conformed with the individual performance specifications in the RFP.
Additionally, with respect to the product technical performance subfactor, the RFP stated:
The offeror shall fully describe the test and evaluation plan, methods, procedures and test/event dates used to test and verify the proposed TMSS products performance, including details of the test and evaluation approach and methodology used to verify and qualify the design performance and capability of their product.
(a) The offeror shall prepare a Cross Reference Verification Matrix (CRVM), using DI-MISC-81283 as a guide that identifies the test, analysis, inspection or other method used to verify conformance of the offered products performance against the requirements of MIS-PRF-56014. For methods used other than that detailed in Section 4 of the performance specification, the offeror shall provide justification for Government acceptance. All data referenced within the CRVM shall be provided with the proposal. The offeror shall provide verifiable data from a recognized independent test center. One such test center is Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD 21005, . . . Actual test data in the form of a report is preferred.
(b) The offeror shall provide detailed definition(s) of product configuration used during verification testing as provided in the CRVM. Rationale for acceptance of test data from other than the offerors proposed production configuration shall be provided.
RFP sect. L-4.b.1.
The agency received proposals from General Dynamics and Northrop by the closing date. The source selection evaluation board (SSEB) conducted an initial evaluation and reached the following overall conclusions:
General Dynamics
Technical/Proposal Risk
Unsatisfactory/High Risk
Unsatisfactory/High Risk
Performance Risk
Low Risk
Low Risk
Proposed Price
$217.5 million
$277.2 million
AR, Tab K, SSA Decision, at 2. Despite the low technical ratings shown above, the SSA concluded that both offerors had the potential for becoming eligible for award and included both of their proposals in the competitive range.
At this point, the agency provided written discussion questions to both offerors, and both were provided a letter identifying the deficiencies and weaknesses in their proposals. Additionally, a teleconference was held with both offerors to ensure that each understood the discussion questions. At the conclusion of these discussions, the two offerors were asked to provide revised proposals. The proposals were again evaluated and again both were assessed as unsatisfactory/high risk under the technical evaluation factor.
As a result, the agency decided to hold a second round of discussions with both offerors. On October 11, letters were sent identifying the remaining deficiencies, weaknesses and risks in each proposal. In addition, oral discussions were held with both offerors on October 17. During this round of discussions, Northrop was notified of 4 remaining deficiencies and 2 weaknesses in its proposal; General Dynamics was notified of 12 remaining deficiencies and 7 weaknesses. Both offerors were advised that unless these deficiencies were corrected their proposals would be ineligible for award.
By October 24, both offerors again submitted revised proposals. At the conclusion of this final evaluation, the General Dynamics proposal continued to receive a rating unsatisfactory/high risk because the proposal was assessed by the agency as having three remaining deficiencies. The final evaluation results are set forth below:
General Dynamics
Technical/Proposal Risk
Unsatisfactory/High Risk
Satisfactory/Low Risk
Performance Risk
Low Risk
Low Risk
Proposed Price
$215.6 million
$277.2 million
AR, Tab K, SSA Decision, at 3.
The final evaluation results were presented to the SSA, who compared the strengths, weaknesses and risks of each offeror's proposal, the price evaluation, and the evaluation criteria. Despite the earlier warning that offerors would not be eligible for award if deficiencies remained in their proposal, or if the proposals failed to meet all of the RFP-identified critical performance parameters, the SSA included General Dynamics in the tradeoff decision.
In the tradeoff decision, the SSA noted that the General Dynamics proposal had not established the company's compliance with three critical performance parameters. Specifically, General Dynamics' overall technical rating was viewed as unsatisfactory due to remaining deficiencies assessed under the trailer element of the product technical performance evaluation sub-factor. Contracting Officer's (CO) Statement at 3. These deficiencies were that the proposal did not provide adequate verification that: the medium trailer system could meet the total gross weight requirement; or that either the medium or the large trailer system could pass the 3,000 mile mission profile test.
In contrast, the SSA noted that the Northrop proposal adequately verified that its trailer system met all of the RFP-identified critical performance parameters, and that its proposal was rated satisfactory with respect to the other technical requirements. The SSA also noted that Northrop received a low risk rating for past performance, but noted its higher price. Based on the results of this comparison, the SSA concluded that Northrop's proposal offered the best value to the government, and awarded the contract to Northrop on February 12. After General Dynamics received its debriefing, it filed a protest with our Office on February 25, which it supplemented on March 3 and April 7.
General Dynamics essentially argues that the agency failed to evaluate offerors on a consistent and equitable basis. The protester contends that the agency arbitrarily disqualified its proposal, improperly relied upon an unannounced requirement for a system-level test, improperly scored its proposal, and failed to perform a proper best value determination.
Our Office reviews challenges to an agency's evaluation of proposals only to determine whether the agency acted reasonably and in accord with the solicitation's evaluation criteria and applicable procurement statutes and regulations. Marine Animal Prods. Int'l, Inc., B-247150.2,
Technical Evaluation
As explained above, under the most important technical evaluation subfactor, product technical performance, the RFP provided that the agency would evaluate the verification data provided in the proposals to determine whether the offered product met the requirements of the individual performance specification. In addition, to be eligible for award, the trailer system was required to meet all of the specifications identified as critical performance parameters in the RFP.
The agency found that with respect to three critical requirements, the protester provided incomplete test data and/or analysis to adequately support a conclusion that its medium and large trailer systems satisfied these requirements. The overall rating of General Dynamics' proposed trailer system under each of the technical elements (under the product technical performance evaluation subfactor) was as follows:
AR, Tab K, SSA Decision, at 8.
Since offerors were required to establish compliance with all critical performance parameters through test data analysis to be eligible for award, and since the protester could have been reasonably excluded from award for any of the three areas in which it failed to establish its compliance, we will not discuss in detail the protester's challenges to all three of these areas. Although we have reviewed all of the protester's challenges--and conclude that the agency evaluation was reasonable in all three instances--we set forth below our review of the protester's contention that the agency acted improperly in concluding that the proposal did not establish that General Dynamics' medium trailer system would comply with the stated weight requirements.
The RFP required that the total gross weight of the medium trailer system could not exceed 4,200 pounds with all equipment, including the ECU, generator, trailer and tent. RFP para. 220.127.116.11.1.1. The agency rated the General Dynamics proposal as unsatisfactory with high risk under this element because the evaluators concluded that the proposal failed to provide sufficient data to verify that the medium trailer system met the weight requirement, in part because the proposal did not include evidence that the proposed system was ever actually tested or weighed.
Specifically, the agency found that the configuration of the medium trailer system tested was different from the system being proposed, and that the proposal's so-called similarity analysis (as opposed to actual testing) was insufficient to establish that the system would comply with the total gross weight requirement. In support of its conclusion, the agency explained that (1) the tent weight identified in the proposal estimate had changed several times with no explanation; (2) the trailer configuration had changed, and the changes did not match the weight changes identified; and (3) there was no explanation of how additions to the ECU portion of the unit would affect its weight. AR, Tab F6a, Consensus Report, at 14. In addition, the agency expressed concerns about the protester's use of estimated weights for its system, instead of actual weights, in part because the estimated weight of the configuration was within 8 pounds of the maximum weight allowed, leaving little room for error. CO Statement at 13.
The protester answers these conclusions by arguing that it met every critical performance parameter, it took no exceptions to any requirements, and the test data and information it provided permitted verification of its compliance with the requirements under methods specifically identified in the RFP. The protester also contends that the agency misread its proposal and discussion responses. Primarily, the protester argues that it was unreasonable to conclude that it violated the weight requirement when the combined weight of the component parts in its proposal totals 4,192 pounds, which is within the 4,200 pound weight limit.
To support its contentions the protester argues that: (1) the agency incorrectly concluded that the stated weight of the tent did not include all of its components, including hardware and accessories; (2) the agency incorrectly concluded that the estimated weight for the system did not include all ECU components; (3) the weight changes in the different versions of its proposal were due to its correction of earlier errors; and (4) it was unreasonable for the agency to conclude that the proposal insufficiently documented the system's compliance with the weight limitation. Finally, the protester argues that the agency improperly applied an unannounced requirement for a system-level test to establish that the system met the weight limitations.
Based on our review of the record, we think this protest, essentially, is about a disagreement with the agency's judgment as to the adequacy of the protester's similarity analysis in determining whether the proposed trailer systems would satisfy critical requirements. Despite the protester's contention that the agency was improperly requiring only one type of testing--i.e., system level testing--to establish compliance with requirements , the record shows that General Dynamics used, and the agency accepted, several testing approaches for verifying compliance with most of the critical requirements at issue in this procurement. With respect to the three final deficiencies (including the weight requirement), however, the agency concluded that General Dynamics simply did not provide sufficient justification to support a finding that it was offering to comply with the requirements.
Although the protester, through its protest submissions, attempts to explain how it demonstrated its compliance with the weight requirement, the record shows that during two rounds of discussions, the protester was repeatedly and specifically advised of the agency's concerns with the medium trailer system configuration. The record also shows that the protester was told in great detail that the similarity analysis/rationale it was using was insufficient to verify that the proposed medium trailer system would comply with the weight requirement. AR, Tab F-3. While the protester was able to satisfy the agency with respect to most of the issues concerning its medium trailer system, it was unable to provide a suitable explanation for why the agency should accept data based on a different trailer manufacturer, a different size and manufacturer of the ECU, and a different size and manufacturer of the generator.
In sum, we find that the agency reasonably concluded that the General Dynamics' proposal failed to provide sufficient support for the assertion that its medium trailer system satisfied the critical weight requirement. It is the responsibility of offerors to include sufficiently detailed information in their proposals to establish that the item offered will meet material solicitation requirements--blanket statements of compliance cannot fulfill this obligation. Outdoor Venture Corp., B-288894.2,
With respect to the protester's assertion that the agency was unreasonable in its review of the analysis upon which General Dynamics relied to establish its compliance with these requirements, we disagree. The RFP required offerors to provide a rationale for the use of any similarity analysis, and the protester was made aware of the agency's concerns throughout this procurement. Specifically, the agency expressly advised the protester during discussions that the information provided in the proposal was not sufficient to verify compliance with the RFP's requirements.[4] As the agency maintains, the three deficiencies remaining in the protester's proposal were not based on the fact that testing was not accomplished on the exact configuration being offered, but because of the incomplete and inconclusive justification and rationale provided by the protester to substantiate its claim of compliance.[5] CO Statement at 8.
With respect to the contention that it was unreasonable for the agency to assess the proposal as unsatisfactory with high risk under the entire technical evaluation factor (and under the product technical performance subfactor) because of its rating of unsatisfactory with high risk under the trailer element, we again disagree. As explained above, the RFP here required offerors to satisfy all critical requirements of the system specifications to be eligible for award. RFP para. M.2.c.1. In addition, offerors were advised during discussions that if these deficiencies remained, their proposals would not be eligible for award. Given that the protester's final proposal was evaluated as not satisfying three of these critical requirements, we see nothing unreasonable about reflecting this issue in the overall subfactor and factor ratings.
Disparate Treatment of Offerors
In its supplemental protest, the protester argues that the source selection decision was improper because the SSA was misled by the evaluators as to the merits of the proposals. Specifically, the protester contends that the evaluation documents show that despite the SSEB's representation that Northrop complied with all specifications, Northrop also failed, in the protester's view, to meet three requirements.[6] Among other things, the protester contends that the generators identified for Northrop's large and medium trailer systems did not comply with the radiated susceptibility requirement because no high altitude testing had been performed, and because Northrop's generators did not meet a specification requirement for parallel operation.
With respect to the high altitude test data concerning radiated susceptibility, the agency responds that Northrop provided test data that verified its compliance with this requirement in answer to discussion questions. CO Supp. Statement at 6. With respect to the requirement for parallel operation of the generators, the agency explains that this was not identified as a critical requirement in the RFP, and was instead, a desirable, but not required, feature.
While the protester concedes that parallel operation of generators was not a critical requirement (see Protester's Supp. Comments, May 5, 2008, at 7) it continues to argue that the SSA was improperly told that Northrop satisfied all performance specifications, and that the SSA relied on this erroneous information in making the selection decision. In addition, and notwithstanding the agency's statements to the contrary, the protester also continues to question whether Northrop satisfied the radiated susceptibility requirement. In essence, the protester maintains that the agency consistently applied a more lenient evaluation standard to Northrop's proposal than was applied to General Dynamic's proposal by having confidence in all of Northrop's data and analysis.
We have reviewed these contentions, and in our view, the record here does not support these arguments. Northrop's deficiencies and weaknesses were resolved through the submission of additional test data during discussions. The record shows that the agency performed a detailed evaluation of every element of both proposals and provided both offerors multiple opportunities to submit acceptable proposals that satisfied all requirements. As with Northrop's proposal, the record also shows that large amounts of the protester's test data and similarity analysis were accepted to demonstrate compliance with the specifications, with the exception of the three remaining deficiencies. With respect to those, we think the agency reasonably concluded that the protester simply failed to demonstrate compliance with the critical requirements of this solicitation, even after being advised in detail and with specificity of the agency's concerns.[7]
Best Value Determination
Finally, the protester argues that the best value decision here was flawed.[8] As before, and again, we disagree.
As discussed above, we have concluded that the agency's evaluation was reasonable and consistent with the evaluation criteria. The SSA selected Northrop for award after reviewing the SSB report, the Performance Risk Assessment Report and the Price Analysis Report. The SSA specifically recognized the price difference between the proposals, noted that the protester failed to meet performance and capability standards in the specification, and observed that the General Dynamics proposal could not meet the requirements of the RFP without major changes. The SSA concluded that the unanswered questions about the General Dynamics system could lead to serious and life-threatening failures to communicate on the battlefield. As a result, the SSA decided that award to Northrop at a higher price was in the government's best interest. AR, attach. K, at 26. We have no basis to question that determination.
Based on our review of the record, we conclude that the agency's evaluation, and the source selection decision that resulted, were reasonable and in accordance with the terms of the solicitation.
Gary L. Kepplinger
General Counsel
[1] Under the technical factor, the agency used the following ratings: excellent, good, satisfactory, marginal, or unsatisfactory. Technical proposal risk was assessed as: high risk, moderate risk, or low risk. Agency Report (AR), Tab K, Source Selection Authority (SSA) Decision, at 4.
[2] Under the performance risk factor, offers were assessed as: high performance risk, moderate performance risk, low performance risk, or neutral performance risk.
[3] Among these subfactors, the RFP explained that product technical performance was somewhat more important than safety; safety was slightly more important than logistics; and logistics was somewhat more important than production capability. The production capability, quality assurance program and failure reporting analysis, and corrective action system subfactors were of equal importance. RFP sect. M.2.c.
[4] In its protest, General Dynamics argues that the RFP was ambiguous as to what level of verification was required. We disagree. The RFP identified the information that would be acceptable, and explained that if an offeror intended to rely on test data from a similar product, the offeror would have to provide a sufficient rationale for acceptance of this data. RFP sect. L.b.1.
[5] As indicated above, we have also reviewed in detail the agency's concerns with respect to the protester's failure to establish that its medium and large trailer systems complied with the 3,000 mile mission capability profile test. The agency generally questioned the protester's similarity analysis because it was based on tests performed on a system that had a different trailer manufacturer, a different size and manufacturer for the ECU component, and a different size and manufacturer for the generator component than the system being proposed. Based on these discrepancies, we cannot say it was unreasonable for the agency to question whether the protester provided a sufficient rationale to accept the proposal's similarity analysis.
[6] Although the supplemental protest alleges that Northrop's proposal failed to meet several performance specifications, the record shows that one of the alleged instances of noncompliance was simply not accurate. According to the protester, one agency evaluator noted a weakness with respect to the ECU component of Northrop's large trailer system. The weakness was that the component was not tested to determine if it met the protective covers requirement to remain securely fastened when exposed to pulsing wind during [External Air Transport]. RFP para. 126.96.36.199.1. However, this requirement only applies to the medium trailer system not the large system. Northrop's medium trailer system did undergo testing and the agency concluded that it met the protective covers requirement. CO Supplemental Statement at 6.
[7] The protester also maintains that disparate treatment exists because the agency contacted the testing agency identified in Northrop's proposal to validate the proposal's test data, but did not contact the manufacturer of General Dynamic's ECU component to clear up issues with the protester's proposed ECU. However, the record shows that both offerors agreed to allow the agency to contact testing agencies to clarify test data. Moreover, the Army reports that it contacted the test agencies identified by both Northrop and General Dynamics to verify test data. CO Supplemental Statement at 12. The protester's argument that these facts constitute disparate treatment is utterly unconvincing.
[8] Finally, we note that throughout this protest, General Dynamics argues that the SSA misunderstood the SSB evaluation, and failed to recognize that the evaluators never found that the protester's trailer system did not meet the solicitation requirements, but instead found that the protester failed to provide sufficient verification data to demonstrate its compliance. We have seen no evidence in our review of this record that the SSA did not understand or appreciate this distinction.
We again note that under the RFP, the agency was under no obligation to conduct a tradeoff between the proposals since General Dynamics' proposal was unacceptable.
Dec 4, 2020
Continuity Global Solutions
We deny the protest.
RiVidium Inc.
We deny the protest.
Trusted Mission Solutions, Inc.
We deny the protest.
Systems Integration & Development, LLC
We deny the protest.
Dec 3, 2020
HurtVet Subcontracting, LLC
We deny the protest.
IDS International Government Services, LLC
We sustain the protest.
Dec 2, 2020
Federal Conference.com
We deny the protest.
Dec 1, 2020
Tactical Network Corporation
We deny the protest.
Summit Technologies, Inc.
We deny the protest.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2021 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update, Home Health Quality Reporting Program Requirements, and Home Infusion Therapy Services and Supplier Enrollment Requirements; and Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model Data Submission Requirements
Looking for more? Browse all our products here


text:
Find Your Local NAMI
Call the NAMI Helpline at
Or in a crisis, text "NAMI" to 741741
Donate Now
Richele Keas
Senior Manager, Media Relations
Telephone: 703-516-7963
Fax: 703-516-7238
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
For all other marketing and communications needs and requests, please contact email@example.com
San Francisco, CA — For the first time, families of murder victims have joined with families of persons with mental illness who have been executed to speak out against the death penalty.
Double Tragedies, a report being released today at a special session on the first day of the annual convention of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), calls the death penalty "inappropriate and unwarranted" for people with severe mental disorders and "a distraction from problems within the mental health system that contributed or even directly lead to tragic violence."
The report calls for treatment and prevention, not execution. It is available online at www.nami.org/doubletragedies.
The report, a joint project of NAMI and Murder Victims' Families for Human Rights (MVFHR), is based on extensive interviews with 21 family members from 10 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
"Family opposition to the death penalty is grounded in personal tragedy," said MVFHR executive director Renny Cushing. "In the public debate about the death penalty and how to respond in the aftermath of violent crime, these are the voices that need to be heard."
"Most people with mental illness are not violent," said NAMI executive director Mike Fitzpatrick. "When violent tragedies occur they are exceptional, because something has gone terribly wrong, usually in the mental health care system. Tragedies are compounded and all our families suffer."
The report identifies an "intersection" of family concerns and makes four basic recommendations:
At least 100 people with mental illness have been put to death in the United States and hundreds more are awaiting execution.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Call the NAMI Helpline at
text "NAMI" to 741741


text:
Free Shipping on orders over $50. Due to high volumes, there may be potential delays with delivery and response times.
Make a statement with one of our stunning fashion rings. Stack with other styles for extra impact or wear alone for a refined addition to your ensemble. This ring features an ombre blue green stone design in a gold-tone setting.åÊ
{{ option }}: {{ item.options[option] }}
To: {{ item.properties._receiving_name }}
Message: {{ item.properties && item.properties._greeting ? item.properties._greeting.slice(0, 50) : '' }}...
Size: {{ option }}
Amount: {{ option }}
You may also like


text:
Community Activities at A&M College of Dentistry
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry has a strong presence in the community as the largest single provider of oral health care in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Each year, nearly 200,000 children and adults benefit from oral screenings, examinations, sealant applications and educational programs offered through the college at health fairs, nursing homes, elementary schools and correctional facilities.
In addition, patients make more than 100,000 visits annually to the dental school's clinics to receive treatment for a wide variety of oral health issues.
The college's Department of Public Health Sciences continues to raise awareness among students about the need for strong public health programs. Fourth-year students are required to participate in a one-week rotation in a public health care setting that includes a three-day sealant program in area elementary schools.


text:
"This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to accept these cookies. For more information, please click here."
Please wait, your selection is being loaded.
An error has occurred. Please try again.
The item you selected is no longer available.
Select Country/ Region
You are here: » Homepage » Cables & Adapters
Cat.6A Plug, Cat.7 raw cable
Including VAT/ plus shipping
Home » Delivery Information
For destinations within the European Union (EU), delivery will usually be made within two to five working days of despatch, depending on service and country.
Orders received and accepted before 3.00pm (CET) will be despatched on the same working day, subject to availability.
We offer fixed rate delivery costs to most mainland EU countries. The delivery costs to each country are shown in the table below.
If the country you require is not in the list or if you are a Business (Trade) account holder, please contact us, and we will calculate the delivery cost for you.
Lindy's Patch Cables are manufactured and tested to conform with the ISO 11801 specification. A robust snagless strain relief design prevents damage to the connector latch during installation and removal. Gold plated pins ensure complete signal integrity no matter the application.
Each cable is packaged in a polybag, Cables of various colours are also available and therefore ideally suited for structured cabling in server cabinets or wall cabinets.
RJ45 connectors offer universal connectivity to computers and network components, such as routers, switches, network printers and network attached storage devices.
These cables are also ideal for use in data centres, rack spaces, server rooms and network cabinets. Additional uses include security systems and AV installations.
This cable uses Cat.7 raw cable (600Mhz) and Cat.6A connectors.
Cable Construction
Purchasing Information
This product is also available in other lengths


text:
|Standard Interpretations
|2012 - 01/17/2012 - Clarification on whether pen-type syringes meet the definition of a sharp with engineered sharp injury protection (SESIP).
|2008 - 05/05/2008 - Clarification of the use and selection of BBP safety devices.
|2007 - 01/18/2007 - The use of safety-engineered devices and work practice controls in operating rooms; hospital responsibility to protect independent practitioners under BBP standard.
|2006 - 01/12/2006 - Employer's obligation to assure the accuracy of the sharps injury log.
|2005 - 12/22/2005 - Use of passing trays and single-handed scalpel blade remover in a surgical setting.
|2004 - 09/01/2004 - Limiting factors for implementing the use of engineering controls, i.e., safety scalpels, under the Bloodborne Pathogens standard.
|2004 - 04/20/2004 - Clarification from OSHA regarding the use of the NeedleguardTM in a hospital environment.
|2004 - 01/20/2004 - Bloodborne Pathogens Standard application to small healthcare facilities and the annual review of the Exposure Control Plan.
|2004 - 01/20/2004 - Employer's responsibility to re-evaluate engineering controls, i.e., safer needle devices, at least annually.
|2003 - 03/19/2003 - Engineering control requirements for allergy and immunization injections.
|2002 - 09/12/2002 - Needle destruction device use as an engineering control for the Bloodbore Pathogens standard.
|2001 - 11/26/2001 - Response to the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act.
|2001 - 02/09/2001 - Use of engineering and work practice controls during pouring of blood or OPIM.
The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.


text:
The Video codecs is a method of compression/decompression of video file, video data or streaming video format. The codecs stands for Coders / Decoders.
There are various kinds of video codecs available. Since these codecs have been implemented by different algorithms by number of companies; they have different specification and application in various fields. These video codecs generally complies Industry standards.
The various software video codecs are:
- Mpeg-4
- DivX
- x264
- Real Video
- Sorenson
- Mpeg-1
- Mpeg-2
These various Video codecs are technically differentiated from each other based on various factors which includes compression technology / algorithm, platform supported, sampling, OS supported etc
One can easily compare the various Video codecs on wikipedia. But still there is confusion which codec is the appropriate? However it also depends on application. But understanding pros & cons of some of these codecs gives us the better information and insight depth.
H.264 is also known as MEPG-4 AVC. H.264 uses the latest innovations in video compression technology to provide consistently crisp and clear video for the best possible viewing.
- H.264 delivers incredible video quality at data rates one-fourth to one-half the size of previous video formats
- H.264 offers dramatically lower bit rates and better picture quality than MPEG-2, MPEG-4 or H.263+
- It is 2X times more efficient than MPEG-4. and file size is 3X times smaller than comparable MPEG-2 Codecs
- It is easy to integrate and covers wide range of picture format. Hence used in large application segment.
- H.264 requires longer encoding time
- It is certainly not constricted and low-bandwidth friendly
- More Hardware overhead is also one of the limiting factor
- Licensing agreements are complicated.
MPEG-4 is a standard currently under development for the delivery of interactive multimedia across networks. As such, it is more than a single codec, and will include specifications for audio, video, and interactivity.
The video component of MPEG-4 is very similar to H.263. It is optimized for delivery of video at Internet data rates. One implementation of MPEG-4 video is included in Microsoft's NetShow.
- Good image quality at low data rates
- Standard is still being designed
DivX is a brand name of products created by Divx Inc. The DivX codec uses lossy MPEG-4 Part 2 compression and it isfully MPEG-4-Advanced Simple Profile compliant; MPEG-4 ASP.
- The Divx codec is quite simple to set up and use
- It is popular due to its ability to compress lengthy video segments into small sizes while maintaining relatively high visual quality.
- It's a commercial codec, so in order to get all the options you have to pay money for it.
x264 is a freely available open source implementation of the h.264 standard. H.264, or AVC as it is sometimes known is a very advanced compression method that is part of the MPEG-4 standard.
- It offers the best quality at the smallest filesize
- x264 (or any h.264 codec for that matter) is that it can take bit of CPU power to play
Real Video
Real Media currently has only two video codecs: Real Video (Standard) and Real Video (Fractal). Please bear in mind that this page only compares the one to the other.
- RealVideo (Standard) is usually best for data rates below 3 KBps.
- It works better with relatively static material than it does with higher action content.
- It usually encodes faster.
- RealVideo (Standard) is significantly more CPU intensive than the RealVideo (Fractal) codec.
- It usually requires a very fast PowerMac or Pentium for optimal playback.
The Sorenson Video Codec produces excellent Web video suitable for playback on any Pentium or PowerMac. It also delivers outstanding quality CD-ROM video at a fraction of traditional data rates.
- Provides much higher image quality than Cinepak, with smaller files. It is often possible to get twice the image quality at less than half the data rate.
- Tuned to work well from 2 – 100 KBps.
- Supports Media Cleaner Pro's variable bitrate encoding, which provides the best possible results at any data rate.
- Playback of CD-ROM video requires faster computers than Cinepak
- Movies larger than 320×240, or at data rates above 100 KBps, do not play smoothly except on high-end machines (such as a Macintosh G3). While picture quality is usually outstanding at higher rates, you should test these movies on your target machines to determine if playback performance is acceptable.
MPEG-1 provides excellent image quality at CD-ROM data rates. One of the most popular uses of MPEG-1 is the VCD, or "white book" video CD. MPEG includes both audio and video compression.
The biggest problem with MPEG is that it has high requirements for playback. Either a dedicated MPEG decoder card must be installed, or a high-end CPU is required for software-only playback. Because of this limitation, MPEG-1 has not gained wide acceptance in consumer titles.
- Excellent image quality
- Very high playback requirements
- Majority of installed base not capable of viewing MPEG
- Licensing fees (typically US $0.04 – $0.40 per unit) are required to distribute MPEG-2 video. There may also be fees for MPEG-1; there is some uncertainty regarding this.
- Not well-suited to WWW video (the upcoming MPEG-4 standard will address this)
MPEG-2 is a standard for broadcast-quality digitally encoded video. It offers outstanding image quality and resolution. MPEG-2 is the primary video standard for DVD-Video
- Excellent image quality
- Very few people are currently capable of viewing MPEG-2
- Licensing fees (typically US $0.04 – $0.40 per unit) are required to distribute MPEG-2 video.
H.261 is a standard video-conferencing codec. As such, it is optimized for low data rates and relatively low motion.
- H.261 is optimized for low data rates.
- H.261 has a strong temporal compression component, and works best on movies in which there is little change between frames.
- Not generally as good quality as H.263.
- It may not play well on lower-end machines.
H.263 is a standard video-conferencing codec. As such, it is optimized for low data rates and relatively low motion.H.263 is an advancement of the H.261 standard; mainly it was used as a starting point for the development of MPEG (which is optimized for higher data rates.)
- H.263 is optimized for low data rates.
- Generally better quality than H.261
- H.263 has a strong temporal compression component, and works best on movies in which there is little change between frames.
- H.263 is CPU intensive
- It may not play well on lower-end machines.
To commercialize these video codecs couples of portals are available where you can compare and procure them. Such portals are design-reuse, chipestimates, IPsupermarket.com which allows you to buy/sell or license these video codecs.


text:
At a pre-scheduled time, our consultant will conduct a Comfort Survey to evaluate your heating and cooling needs - whether furnace, air conditioning, heat pump, and/or air filtration - for your home and your budget. To help them determine the best plan of action and new system best suited to you, they will consider many factors, from your system's repair history to whether you have pets or family members sensitive to allergens. During this home visit, the consultant will provide you with a written proposal for the project and also discuss with you The Home Depot's many extended service warranties.
A suitable time will be scheduled for your heating and/or cooling installation to take place. At this time, your installer will deliver your new system, remove the old, install your new Comfort System and, finally, conduct an audit to ensure optimal operation. Throughout the project, your installer will maintain a safe work site and ensure a thorough cleanup, including the responsible disposal of your existing unit.
Once the project is complete, your installer will meet with you to perform a final inspection and ensure your satisfaction with the new Comfort System that has been installed in your home.
185 Hymus Boulevard Pointe Claire, QC H9R 1E9
Store: 514-630-8631 Tool Rental: Pro Desk:
2400 Boul du Faubourg Boisbriand, QC J7H 1S3
Store: 450-971-6061 Tool Rental: 450-971-6067 Pro Desk: 450-971-6064
1400 Le Corbusier Blvd Laval, QC H7N 6J5
Store: 450-680-2225 Tool Rental: 450-680-2226 Pro Desk: 450-680-2237
1000 rue Sauve Ouest Montreal, QC H4N 3L5
Store: 514-333-6868 Tool Rental: 514-333-6130 Pro Desk: 514-333-6013


text:
Four GD cities hold a series of activities to brush up on education history
The event also aims to promote the integrative development of ecology, culture and tourism, the poverty relief and the rural revitalization in north Guangdong.
Fantastic weekend activities in September
Guangzhou will hold the China International Pet Fair (CPF) and the International Small Animal Medical Devices and Supplies Fair at Pazhou International Sourcing Center from September 18th to 20th.
Nutritious instant oatmeal launched to meet healthcare demand
Do you often need to rush to work or catch up on your work and have little time for a bite to eat? Are you craving a nutritious meal supplement to eat your fill and replenish lost energy?
Guangzhou to hold international colloquium on Greater Bay Area development
An international colloquium on the economic development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is about to kick off on September 5th.
Plan issued for promoting urban integration between Guangzhou, Foshan
Guangzhou and Foshan recently issued an overall construction plan to establish a 629 square kilometers high-quality development integration pilot area for pushing urban integration in ecology, transportation, industry, culture and society.
Updated | China resumes visa applications for these countries
The Chinese Embassies in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Lebanon have issued notices that: starting from September 1st, to further facilitate personnel exchanges between China and other countries, Pakistani citizens and Lebanese citizens may submit their visa applications to the local Chinese Visa Application Service Centers.
Sign up NOW for this awesome mooncake making activity in GZ
Do you fancy making mooncakes by yourself? Here is your chance to try your hand at making both traditional baked mooncakes and new style ice skin mooncakes by the beautiful Pearl River in Guangzhou!
Rain coming to Guangdong this week, no ease in the hot weather
This year's 10th typhoon Haishen (tropical storm) came into being at 20:00 on September 1st. Similar to Maysak , Haishen will also go northward. The accompanying hot weather in Guangzhou will last for several days.
10 living habits that can endanger your life
When walking on the street, you may find some motorcycles or e-bikes are installed with special long umbrellas to keep out the blazing sunshine and rain in summer……
Singapore, Guangdong ink 15 projects at annual SGCC
The 11th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) was held online on 31st August, during which Singapore Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung and Guangdong Governor Ma Xingrui reaffirmed the economic ties between two places while 15 projects were signed between Singaporean and Guangdong companies.


text:
I have made Pibil many times, though I'm looking to push it over the edge. I had the Pibil at this taco place in LA called Guisados and I have never really had anything like it. It seemed to be stewed after the initial roast and the taste of the achiote was incredibly strong.
Does anyone have any hard earned tips for making killer Cochinita Pibil.


text:
Posted at Zerohedge , this short technical piece looks at potential Fibonacci resistance levels that we are very close to. Interesting and short, well worth looking over.
Friday: Employment Report, Trade Deficit
12 hours ago
World View & Market Commentary.
Forest first; Trees second.
Focused on Real & Knowable facts that filter through the "experts" fluff and media hyperbole. Where we've been, what the future may hold and developing a better way forward.


text:
Today has been one of those massively reflective kinda days. You know the type of days that people only really have in music videos? Where they stare out of a rainy window whilst they drink something alcoholic, smoke a fag and think about their ex.
I've been having the same kind of day in my head. Minus the beautiful dramaticness of it all though, as I've been at work all day so wouldn't really be able to get away with it; and rather than thinking about an ex – I've been thinking about another love from my past… Spain.
Spain is the most passionate I think I've ever felt about anything or anyone in my entire life. It pulled me out of the gutters of a breakup, it gave my anxiety a big old shake and told it to do one, it taught me that I don't have to be afraid to do things on my own. Spain showed me that beauty is everywhere and that as bad as one week can be, you need to hang on in there because the next one is going to be great.
I can't believe that I haven't lived there for 3 whole years now. Like, what the actual shit? I still talk about it like I'm still living there now. But I've realised that as much as I may not be living in Spain anymore… Spain is and will always be living inside me in all the ways I'll list below:
1. Wine should be consumed as often as possible.
I'm not saying that you should get completely and utterly shitfaced on wine all day long. But the way that the Spanish drink has taught me that I will always be partial to a good glass of red whenever it's accepted by those around me to have one.
It's the perfect accompaniment to food, conversation, blog post writing *ahem* and life. And if you really think about it then wine is made from grapes, and grapes are a fruit so technically you're just working on your five a day… you're welcome!
2. I'm uncomfortably affectionate to strangers.
Boy better know you're getting 2 kisses and a cuddle when I meet you.
3. Things can always be done a little later.
Okay, I need to put in a lot of work on my organisational skills as they really do leave a lot to be desired for. But where I used to be a bit of a stress head about things not getting done as soon as I wanted them to be, Spain has taught me that most cases of things don't need to be stressed over about getting done there and then. When you constantly have that naggy voice in the back of your head screaming your to do list at you, it's kinda difficult to enjoy the there and now.
4. Love doesn't make you weak.
After losing loved ones and having my heart broken I always thought that love was for the weak. Why would you open yourself up to friendships and relationships that could hurt you? People leave and they die and they go behind your back and hurt you. But then I moved to Spain and those around me slowly taught me that the inability to open yourself to love and hurt was far weaker than loving deeply in every aspect of your life.
5. The love of drinking outside.
Growing up a Brit throws you through the motions of drinking in parks and putting your liver in good stead for university drinking games and keeping up with your co-workers during after work drinks. But when you look back to those days of a good bottle of white ace in the cold, wet park you can't help but cringe.
Spain is absolutely full of people drinking in parks and on the streets surrounded by live music. You don't get uncontrollably drunk like we do in the UK, you just enjoy the moment and the conversation, and also the euros that you save from not drinking in bars.
Whenever I see a glimpse of the Sun now, my mind automatically diverts to a good bit of greenery and a group of pals.
6. How not to beat around the bush.
I've always been one of those people that are very careful about what they're about to say. I've never wanted to hurt anyones feelings by saying something out of place – but the Spanish have taught me to be a lot more abrupt and direct in my approach.
What's the point in tip-toeing around something in a conversation with someone you're never going to see again? If I don't want you to sit on the table and have a chit chat with me and my friend when we're trying to catch up then I'm going to be honest about it. I'm not going to be rude – but I will tell you. If my friend has sauce on their face or food in their teeth then they are going to get told. It's certain things like this that I think that actually, I wish someone would just be upfront with me – so what's the harm in doing it back?
7. I can give a damn good example.
In Spanish a lot of sentences are followed up with "por ejemplo", without actually having to follow it up with an example. But when translating this to English, it doesn't quite work out the same… and so you either dwindle away or learn to commit and take that example in your stride and give it to whoever you're talking to that doesn't actually want to hear it.
8. Ice, Ice baby!
I never really cared that much about whether or not my drink had ice in it before moving to Spain. But after you've been to countless Spanish house parties and have been looked at like absolute scum who has threatened to kill everyones family for passing up ice, I now just don't enjoy a spirit and mixer without it.
It's too warm, and it's wrong.
You're right about that Spain.
9. The night is never long enough.
Going home much before 7am is a very rare occurrence when living in Spain. I'm not saying that I can go until that time very often anymore, but the night doesn't seem to last very long over here in the UK and I'm always left wondering what I can do next.
10. A job isn't everything.
When I used to dream about what I wanted to be when I grew up, never once did I sit back and think 'Oh hey, yeah I know, I'll be a travel blogger'. But here I am, working at making this my full time gig.
Before living in Spain I used to be all about the jobs and working every hour that I could fit in, even at University I was juggling 3 jobs whilst studying full time. Spain taught me that work is a necessity to live and not the other way round.
11. Weekdays are to be enjoyed just as much as weekends.
In moderation of course. I don't go out during the week and go crazy too often, but Spain taught me that weeknights shouldn't just be spent having dinner, watching the TV and going to bed. When you have more of those then you do weekend nights, your life becomes very dull and docile just sitting around waiting for the weekend to come along all the time.
During the week I see my friends for dinner or drinks, I see the boy, I go to the cinema, I'll try new things and I'll spend time with the family. It's actually quite rare for me to just sit at home and do nothing during the week these days. Spain has taught me how much more energetic and happy that makes you in the long run, even if you do need that extra shot of coffee in the morning.
12. Speaking of which; I am coffee's biggest fan and it is mine.
I used to be a tea kinda gal all day errrryday. But now I hate to cheat on my British routes, I'm far more likely to choose a coffee in the battle of the hot drinks!
13. Strangers are just people that aren't your friend yet.
I met one of the people that I hold closest to my heart one Summer when I was working in Madrid. We only knew eachother for about a week, and threw a couple of words back and forth, but when he caught wind that I was moving their permanently he got in contact instantly and became my rock. He took me out with all of his close friends that equally went from strangers to friends.
In England we tend to not really talk to people unless we're super drunk and make best friends and a million and one plans that we never intend on sticking to, but the Spanish don't give a shit. You will be their friend whether you like it or not. You will go and stay in their family home, break bread with everyone they know and go on adventures together. The Spanish life has made me far more open to approaching people who I don't know and initiating friendship.
14. And friends are the family that you choose yourself.
I was going through a rough time when I moved to Spain. I'd cut ties with my family and I felt pretty bloody isolated and one of the lowest I ever have to be honest with you. But before I knew it, I was living in an apartment in the North of Spain with my best friend and 2 of the guys we'd met at work and became one big, albeit drunk and dysfunctional, happy family.
Spain fixed me and so did they.
15. I want to explain everything.
After having taught in both Spain and Italy for a pretty hefty chunk of time, I still find it difficult to snap out of my teacher mode. I'm always slowing down and explaining things with different examples, emphasising different syllables and then even using actions and pictures to help me when I get desperate.
And then my Mum is like "err Lizzie, I got it the first time" ten minutes later, and then I put teacher Lizzie back in her box.
16. Experiences are greater than things.
I'm always comparing everything to bus, train and plane prices. Like no, I don't want to buy those new clothes even though mine are covered in holes because there goes my weekend in Amsterdam. #Scattylizziefolife
17. I learnt to listen.
Don't get me wrong, I still bloody love to talk about myself – hence the blog. But long evenings with wine, opening my ears as much as I could to understand the Spanish being thrown my way have taught me to listen to people a lot better. Other people are really bloody interesting, and your story doesn't always come out trumps.
Unless it involves you having a smooch with Johnny Depp in the Caribbean, and then yes, yes it does.
18. You can have it all.
I used to think that life stopped at getting married and having kids. How bloody wrong was I?! The Spanish are some of the happiest, busiest and most adventurous people I've ever met. Even with their kids they will be travelling all the time, socialising with their friends and generally just living their best life.
I don't want that right now, but I'm not scared of it happening when it eventually does.
19. Languages are bloody beautiful.
When I studied Spanish in school, I was the laziest, most disinterested person that there ever was – because when would I ever need it? Dick.
Moving to Spain taught me how fascinating and amazing languages are and just how much I would love to be able to speak each and every language. I don't think I'm ever going to be done trying to perfect new ones.
20. Life just is.
I've always harboured the death of my best friend a little bit too close to my chest. Every now and then it pops up and eats away at me. But then I moved and found that for the Spanish, when someone dies, they're just dead. They have their mourning time and they celebrate their life and then they get on with it.
They believe that crying about it forever doesn't make it any better, but the thing that you should be doing is living your life to the full and smiling whenever you talk about them, which isn't that often. I haven't completely managed to adopt that yet, but I do like the way that death isn't such a big, scary thing in Spain and that if it happens then it happens.
It's the same with life, whatever will be will be. You sit in the sun with your friends having a beer and a chat about happy things, rather than whinging about how shit your job is in the pub with your friends after work like we do over here in the UK. I'm not quite there with either of these things yet but I'm definitely trying to adopt a happier, more positive outlook on life.
How has Spain changed you? I'd love to hear in the comments below!
Want to be more up to date with where I am? Why not come and say Hi on Instagram?


text:
Continuing their run of excellent shows about bringing games into the real world, Rooster Teeth's latest episode of Immersion looks at how well we'd fare if we had to live our lives in 2D.
Using an impressive array of gadgetry, the team are able to rig up a pair of glasses that show a person looking at themselves from side-on, making them — wait for it, Kinect marketers — not just the controller, but the controller of their own body.
The results are messy, but also equal parts interesting and hilarious.