text:
- Tom Britton
- Caceres
- Spain
Director, Teacher, Language School
This conversation is closed.
Is America being destroyed by the Free Market system?
Could it be that unrestricted business and privatisation has created a profit drive and not competition to provide better quality goods and services? At what point would American people decide that the unrestricted Free Market doesn't serve the people?
Oct 6 2013: I would, if I may?, subvert the whole basis of your question.
America is not just the USA. US cultural imperialism is so pervasive that when we talk about America we find we are talking about that bit of America that is the USA.
What makes you think that there is a free market system?
There is no free market in labour. For example, people from Mexico, and other parts of America, are not allowed free movement to the United States to find better paid work.
More fundamentally, if there were a genuine free market then the failing financial institutions in the USA would have been allowed to fail, but the US central bank props up the failed system with quantative easing, in what some commentators have called "Socialism for bankers". The risk takers, "masters of the universe", have been gambling with the money of the humble tax-payer all along. When it comes down to the crunch the US government, the banks, and the Dow do not truly believe their own free market propaganda.
Oct 7 2013: None of this would have occurred without the FED
Oct 8 2013: Ending the fed will not fix this problem Pat, it is more pernicious than that.
pat gilbert
Oct 8 2013: I don't agree.
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This is historic deja vu the debasement of the money is the key. The Romans did it by alloying their coinage. Most do it with inflation.
The great depression started with an increase of the money supply though the fractiomal reserve rate followed by a decrese in the money supply.
The current depression was the increase in the money by Greenspan and the decrease in credit by Bernanke.
The economy has a natural disposition of deflation, this has been subjugated by the FED.
Inflation is what makes the rich richer and the poor poorer.Oct 8 2013: ah, sharon, thanks for clarifying. good that this debate is finally settled.Oct 6 2013: Right now its being destroyed by the republicans holding the debt ceiling and budget to ransom.
Economic terrorism?
Mike Colera
Oct 3 2013: So are we all agreed that it is not some economic or political system that is involved. It's the people.
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Now, I have a theory at least in the US, that by accident or design, American Public Education accident or intent has dumbed down the population over the last 50 years.
I recently saw a silly movie where the hero was an average guy, very average, IQ 100 average goes forward in time, 500 years and finds he is the smartest man in America and saves the country from ruin.
Seriously? We have nosedived in 50 years and I do not find this silly. We have a large number of our population who will tell you that if it is on the TV or the internet, it must be true. A 30 second sound bite by a personable politician is gospel and we all will be saved.
I am not talking about middle school dropouts, I am talking about college students... and my favorite response,
'oh, I don't care, somebody will figure it out. I got my Facebook to take care of.'
Are you kidding me? It's not about this market or that political system... America is dying of Apathy.
Oct 6 2013: I also think corruptions in the press or broadcasting, some groups that have power to announce, is super serious problem and we ought to sort it out and inform uneducated people in spite of the fact it is pretty hard.
Keith W
Oct 2 2013: central planning has and always will fail. Read a book and study data.. America has been successful because of capitalism, Europe is in decline because of its increased utilization of central planning tactic and every great emerging power (Brazil,China,India) are emerging because they are adopting a free-market bottom up model of constructing there societies.
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Oct 2 2013: "Read a book"... a bit of a vague recommendation there, but nevertheless I am planning on one day reading a book, I just have to learn how to read first.
Yes America has been "successful because of capitalism". But what do you define as success? Are you referring to GDP? The annual GDP in the States is pushed up by trillions each year due to the amount of money the private individual has to spend on health care. This money supposedly is part of the economy, but this large section of the GDP is actually a representation of private debt and, thus, inefficiency.
I don't know where you are getting your information about Europe, what exactly gives you that impression? Europe is chasing the Thatcher dream and has been fiercely privatising for three decades now in the wake of Thatcher. Most of Western Europe, as she wanted, is now based on the service industry and has lost manufacturing. Germany is succeeding partly because the back bone of their economy is based a huge global manufacturing industry, i.e. the common worker is employed. Germany is the most socialist country of Western Europe.
Brazil, China and India.
Brazil has an extremely chaotic economy. Looking at the figures alone is not enough. The money being made is very little to do with the general public. A lot of liberties have been taken with making that money. Large sections of the rain forest are disappearing and micro-societies are being wiped out. A small group of people are making some money out of this. The money is not filtering down.
China's massive economy is very delicate. They have large newly built cities which could house millions of people - just ghost towns. There is no-one there. They were built off the back of a massive housing boom. It'll come crashing down just like Europe.
India might stand a chance, we'll see, but I doubt it. The economy will grow, but it won't filter down much.
Having lived in all three of these countries, I can tell you that this "development" is not trusted
Keith W
Oct 2 2013: much work is needed in all societies but the central theme is give people freedom, let them organize, let them engage in free trade and utilize the apparatus of government only as a medium between conflictting interests in society and a means to maintain the status quo.. wonderful things happen in all societies when people have both freedom and trust in their system. no country embodies this ideally but those that are close or increasingly become closer become successful, happy, places of commerce and creativity.
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Oct 2 2013: Let them create monopolies that abuse people's rights and manipulate them? Ok, obviously you don't want that. You provide a perfectly compelling argument Keith, but I just don't see where the line is drawn on the Free Market? Can we let a company get so big that the government can no longer regulate it? What can the government do about Fracking and all the other abuses? "Small government" is a nice concept. I like freedom, I like choice. But giant companies don't work for you and me. So what would you do about the problem?
Keith W
Oct 3 2013: oil fracking is far safer than any alternative.. read i think the july issue of popular science if you get that magazine in Spain. Governments should not regulate business but establish certain parameters to protect particular interests. Companies survive by providing products that consumers want not by force. Companies can not force anyone to do anything and if they do its only made possible through the channel of government. governments do what governments do by using force thats the problem.. governments monopolize force.. even if an industry is owned by a single corporate entity it would provide jobs as people are willing to work and it would have to maintain a viable price for its consumers otherwise it would lose profit on volume.. only an idiot business would fix a price. some industries that do have fixed price i.g. oil and medicine, are only fixed because government subsidation and/or "protective" regulation
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Oct 3 2013: Do you think prisons should be privatised or nationalised? The British government is talking about privatising prisons. Critics argue that it will be in shareholders' interests to keep prison populations as high as possible. Where do you stand on that issue?
"Governments should not regulate business but established certain parameters to protect particular interests." - what's the difference?Oct 3 2013: I've read arguments in favour of Fracking, stating that safety is the paramount issue for the drillers and that no other alternatives could possibly be as safe. I just don't buy it. Not only does it create lethal concoctions in the water supply, it takes vast amounts of water to actually drill. A hell of a lot of people are suffering right now.Oct 7 2013: Ever seen anyone frack with liquid nitrogen. Its 72% of the air we breath. Pretty ecologically safe.
Keith W
Oct 3 2013: im not totally sure about all the different dynamics of fracking but i would say that on some environmental grounds government has the obligation to police however the need for a good environment needs to be balanced with the economic/resource needs of a nation.. the way to fight for a cleaner environment is to lobby governments to cut defense and welfare spending and throw that money into scientific research...
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here in the US about a third of the prison system is privatized and i dont agree with it. Government has the right to govern areas where it is unethical and unfeasible for the market to operate. with that said though i think most importantly the world at large has to redefine its defintion of "Justice" and the way we deal with criminals needs to be ammended. prisons should be fore murderers, rapists, and other serious violent offenders. the focus should shift from prisons to rehabilitation and i feel we should utitlize alternatives like probation and house arrest more frequently
..oh and the difference in regulating and setting parameters is this.. governments should protect the rights of individuals and companies alike and nothing can interfere with those boundaries.. regulation is when a government subsidizes markets or legislates its practices.. as long a business doesnt impede on anothers rights then it should be able to operate the way it wantOct 7 2013: If the "free-market" theories of Ayn Rand and Milton Friedman were correct, the United States of the last three decades should have experienced a golden age in which the lavish rewards flowing to the titans of industry would have transformed the society into a vibrant force for beneficial progress.
After all, it has been faith in "free-market economics" as a kind of secular religion that has driven U.S. government policies – from the emergence of Ronald Reagan through the neo-liberalism of Bill Clinton into the brave new world of House Republican budget chairman Paul Ryan.
By slashing income tax rates to historically low levels – and only slightly boosting them under President Clinton before dropping them again under George W. Bush – the U.S. government essentially incentivized greed or what Ayn Rand liked to call "the virtue of selfishness."
Further, by encouraging global "free trade" and removing regulations like the New Deal's Glass-Steagall separation of commercial and investment banks, the government also got out of the way of "progress," even if that "progress" has had crushing results for many middle-class Americans.
True, not all the extreme concepts of author/philosopher Ayn Rand and economist Milton Friedman have been implemented – there are still programs like Social Security and Medicare to get rid of – but their "magic of the market" should be glowing by now.
We should be able to assess whether laissez-faire capitalism is superior to the mixed public-private economy that dominated much of the 20th Century.
Oct 8 2013: The USA did not have a free market in the last three decades. Instead, there was active collusion between business and government to eliminate the free market. There has never been laissez-faire capitalism. Government has always interfered, and businessmen have always sought out and obtained government favoritism.Oct 6 2013: Really? Really? You're asking that now, in this century? America is less free market than it has ever been at any time in its history. We have not had an unrestricted free market in the USA for nearly a century.
Oct 8 2013: Technically there has never been a "free market" as the propaganda intends. Some of the very first laws written under the continental congress had to do with trade and the revolution was fought over trade and corporate control.... It is the implementation of what people perceive as free market but is actually neo-liberal economic theory that is the problem.
Mike Colera
Oct 3 2013: @Sharon
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Hi Sharon,
You have a pretty good grasp of the situation, but you seem not to fully appreciate the commodities market.
Yes, Morgan Stanley is big in this market and it would seem to effect the oil market ... but as always, it is not that simple.
Oil, Hogs, Corn... Products need a lot of money up front to be available at a later date. Corn has ripened , Hogs grow big and fat, Wells have to be set up, drilled and capped to direct oil production. If I am a oil company, I have to put up $10s of millions to drill my well and do all the other stuff. I don't have that cash. So, I go to a bank and borrow that money. The bank says how am I sure I get my money back? Well, the commodity trader comes in and says, I will sign a contract to buy 50,000 barrels of oil at $100 a barrel. This is like an insurance on market price for oil.. The bank is happy and gives me the money, I am happy because I am going to drill my well . the trader is happy because he believes oil will be selling for $110 a barrel next year and he will make a fortune. The bank and I are good, we got our money.. But let's say the trader was wrong and the market for oil is only $90 a barrel when the note is called. He is a big time loser.
Without commodity trading, there would be no oil, no corn, no bacon. You would have to raise your own. Although it is not well known, The commodity market has probably done more to make America great then almost any other entity.
Oct 3 2013: I have an awesome appreciation of the commodities market and full grasp of what it means to buy "futures" which is what you are speaking of and then what it means to trade in futures at the level of micro-highspeed high frequency trading and what that does to a market for anything, but especially for commodities.
What Morgan Stanley did for better than 5 years was barely legal and everyone in the oil trade knew it, but no one was able to do anything about it. Real commodities traders were livid because of the way that they were skewing the market and the trade. We need genuine reform on high frequency trading and on the derivatives market. Again, your points about how economics works to drive the engines are all true. The problem is that the theories, not only even when they are correct but especially when they are correct, no longer account for the amazing things that are currently going on in the markets. The level of manipulation and collusion really debases the ability of the market to function as it is supposed to: as a means of bringing investment to the real economy. (BTW as a general indicator of futures for international trade I like the Baltic Dry as it is simply what is shipping period.)Oct 2 2013: Tom, I think there are two words in English that are ill-defined and exquisitely important. One is love. The other is freedom.
I love ice cream and my children but it is not at all the same emotion. The freedom TO do whatever I want and the freedom FROM the consequences of other people doing what they want are not the same freedoms.
If language tells us what we value then we truly love, money, cars and anything sexual but we are actually not that big on love or freedom. (at least not English speakers.) I truly believe this failure of language is a key to our problems.
Johnny Atman
Oct 2 2013: Failure of language is the key to every problem. Language is used against the citizen to brainwash and create false realities, and the citizen embraces falsehood readily. Example of falsifying language: friendly fire, blue on blue, collateral damage, passed away, deceased etc
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Oct 2 2013: "Failure of language is the key to every problem."
Taken literally, this statement is obviously false. Language has nothing to do with fixing my lawn mower, and many other problems.
Perhaps you meant that failure of language is the key to every political problem.
Or perhaps that language is the key element to developing solutions.
Is "failure of language" referring to the limits of language, exemplified by the words "freedom" and "love"? Or do you mean the deliberate use of language to obscure and confuse?
I strongly believe that we should view all problems as problems of behavior, and not blame other things, such as language, technology, or the economic system. The key to every human problem is human behavior.
I do agree that language is an extremely powerful tool that is often underestimated.
Oct 3 2013: I would say language is the key to every social problem. And social problems tend to influence everything else including the fact that you have a lawn and a mower etc. Language does more than describe reality it shapes it. You cannot think of something that has no concurrent term for you to express it to others. Otherwise the construct dies inside your consciousness. Americans are awesome at simply making p new words for new ideas. We are good at it and we adopt them readily, they spread easily. So, why can we not create new terms for the things which press us the most? These constructs of socialism and capitalism are terms for things that are poorly understood and in truth have never really existed. So we argue and scream. People act as if these are the only choices. They are not. They were not decreed by god, they are man made terms and constructs. You don't like them? Create a new one. It's time.Oct 2 2013: Look how quickly the conversation here devolved. This is what we are reduced to. It is a sad sad state of affairs. Economics is not a science, it is a philosophy. At the micro-level you can prove specifics and you can prove some specifics are general larger levels, but when you are discussing issues like capitalism versus socialism you are mashing together a political theory and an economic one and NEITHER of them have ever worked completely. But, the only truly free market capitalist society we currently have is Somalia. Even a free market must have parameters, regulation and law - at the absolute barest minimum you must have contract and property law to make a purported free market work. Currently no country has a good example of this. What has happened in the US is that people fell under the spell of a group of people who convinced them that the only way to be free was to get rid of government. And they worked very hard to bring that about. What they got was a truly polluted version of corporatism that is not capitalism at all. The old economic theory of the horse and sparrow morphed into trickle down economics and was embraced by the right and the left. It has been implemented more broadly and completely than any economic theory in history across the US most of the EU and much of Asia. The end result of this long term vast experiment is what you see when you look around. It does not work and has not worked. As a matter of fact it has been a destroyer of wealth and a concentrator of extreme power in the hands of a very few. It is not the "free market" system that is destroying America (or the EU) because this is not a free market.
I would posit this question: What is Freedom? Both the left and the right in the US are vehement that they and they alone are fighting for freedom. What if they are both right and both piteously wrong?
Oct 2 2013: Thank you for your insightful comments!
I'm under the impression that the word "freedom" is key to politics in the States and of course it's for a very good reason. But using that word, inevitably, frequently leads to very hot debate and confusion. The concept is indeed difficult to define and it's intangibility is used to create a façade in the name of war time and again.
In Europe, largely in the West, Freedom is generally just assumed (rightly or wrongly). The debate doesn't centre around it. It is rarely a case of "does this law give us more freedom or less freedom?" If anything, the word used is usually "fairness".
Sharon, in your opinion what are the key elements that you think are preventing America from being a true free market?
Oct 3 2013: Corporate fascism. Intense concentration of wealth. I would specifically say the ruling Citizens United was a disaster for our republic as it sold "freedom of speech" to the highest bidder. Also, the Florida decision that gave Fox news the right to lie on its news programs under the guise that the regulation that said they could not lie was a violation of their corporate freedom of speech. In both cases, corporate entities were given rights. But those same entities did not have any of the responsibilities that go along with rights. Some corporations (and I am not painting them all as evil) but some have become larger than some countries (note that Mark Zuckerberg was invited to the G20 and treated as a head of state) That creates an outsize influence on the creation of the law over that of the impact of the voice of the people. In this setting some industries have become almost entirely monopolized which is very much against the free market. Media is down to 6 major outfits. Healthcare is down to fewer than 10. And banks, since the 08 crash have gotten bigger and more concentrated. This is bad for the free market construct and dreadful for our republic.
Nadav Tropp
Oct 2 2013: I wouldn't say the free market itself is inherently bad.
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The real problems start when international corporations stop paying taxes, and when politicians can be freely bought and sold. Both aren't inherent free market problems though; its mostly an issue of campaign funding and international regulation.
Oct 2 2013: Ok, thanks
How can a free market prevent a corporation becoming so big that it is more powerful than the government?
Nadav Tropp
Oct 3 2013: Funding voting campaign is a big part of it.
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As it stands today, the only way to run for office in a lot of countries is via corporate backing. You'll simply be unable to gather up the funds otherwise, which means that the corporations own the politician and may have more say than the voters.
We fund political campaigns in my country, at least on a national level. As result, corporate lobbies don't have a fraction of the power they have in the US.
Paying taxes despite international activity is also a part of it, though not as significant. That one's more about balancing the check book than the balance of power at the moment.
More crucial perhaps is a lawful prevention of having corporations start funding private military units to maintain the government's monopoly on violence, though that's more my long term speculation than a real problem at the moment.
pat gilbert
Oct 2 2013: You are economically illiterate.
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The first thing you should do is find out what you don't know
Oct 2 2013: it will be pretty hard, considering that most major "intellectuals" advocate socialism and oppose free market. for example, what if he turns to krugman for more information? nobel laureate, after all. must know stuff.Oct 2 2013: Pat, calling me economically illiterate is hardly an objective contribution considering you have no idea what I know or do not know.
If you are so insistent, feel free to try to enlighten me.
Oct 2 2013: I am. The first thing a person needs to know about something is that he doesn't. It is the first stumbling block to learning something. As Krisztian indicates the preponderance of "knowledge" on this subject is socialism, which blinds. Your own country is one of the PIGS.
It is doubtful you can overcome this handicap.
Oct 2 2013: Pat, what on Earth makes you think I can't overcome that handicap. It goes without saying that one should appreciate one's own ignorance when trying to explore alternative ideologies or criticise current regimes. I'm very open minded and well aware of the limits to my knowledge, as I'm sure you are of your own. Obviously my own country is one the "PIGS", that goes without saying. But Orwell was talking about a corrupt Communist regime, so where does your comment come from? Additionally, what makes you think that I'm a socialist?
You aren't conversing, you are bickering I don't see where it's getting you.
Talk about the economy. Talk about politics. All you've done is talk about me. You know nothing about me. Evidently a person's lack of knowledge on a subject and how a person enters a discussion with that lack of knowledge is an issue of top priority for you.So why don't you take a look at the rather extreme assumptions you've made about me despite having no knowledge of who I am or what I know.
The question in the title of this conversation is clear as day. You've entered here with a personal attack and haven't even attempted to contribute. I suspect you are more than intelligent enough to say something productive. If you disagree with someone, teach them. What exactly are you trying to achieve?Oct 2 2013: Pat, you are officialy burned out :)Oct 2 2013: PIGS is not an Animal Farm reference, look it up, it is an economic reference
Whenever someone says they are open minded I know that is their second decision which is to mask their first one, which is you have already made up your mind.
Your original question tells me your disposition on the subject, no amount of verbiage is going to get you to look as you have already been poisoned by the water you swim in.Oct 2 2013: Jed
I have come to realize the futility of trying to get one of these individuals to look. That is a million to one shot.Oct 8 2013: It is that unrestricted Free Market Economy does not distinguish between what can, and what can not, be easily produced. Land can not be produced at all, or someone may say it can not be easily produced. It is the same with some other natural resources. So, generally, land is virtually monopolized.
"One of the general principles of taxation is that one should tax factors that are inelastic in supply, since there are no adverse supply side effects. Land does not disappear when it is taxed." – Joseph E. Stiglitz, http://www.nextnewdeal.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/principles-and-guidelines-for-deficit-reduction.pdfOct 7 2013: NO, it is the cause of its own destruction.
A free market economy creates an opportunity for all to derive an income. It is in regulating the free market which problems arise. Most laws are and regulations are there to promote fair trade.
Laws and regulations in free markets are manipulated to make entrepreneurship impossible.
Entrepreneurship is about new ideas, not improving existing ideas and business. Improving existing ideas is progress... Entrepreneurship is about uniqueness, originality and something very different that is not on the market.
Privatisation in the government sector is equivalent to throwing the baby out with the bath water... If you look at government as the parent and we the children... Then you have a negligent parent whose needs are put before the children. A parent who produces children to work for and financially support them, because that is why they had them - cheap labour.
An unrestricted free market creates competition and drive for improved quality of products and services.
eg: a food court, craft market etc... only some of them not all... depending on the powers that be.
Not everyone is open to diversity and competition or the foresight for growth.Oct 7 2013: Quite the contrary. The free market is the solution. When government steps in to make the free market "fair", they screw it up and the benefits of a free market disappear. With government "fairness" it becomes easier to game the system . A true open free market gets the most goods and services to the most amount of consumers.
Example: Rent controlled apartments in NYC has created a housing inequity. You have people with great apartments overlooking Central Park paying rents from the 70s. These people aren't giving up their lease, they will illegally sublet whatever to keep that low priced apartment. The building owner gets frustrated due to lack of rent and turns the building into a co-op or condominiums and that makes it more unaffordable to future residents. If the market was a true free market there would be housing on all price levels but now it is skewed by gov't. intervention.
Oct 8 2013: You will always be able to find spaces where government intervention has damaged the market, but regulation is necessary for the market to remain free. Currently we have terrible monopolies in most major industries and those markets are no more free than those under communist rule. The media, energy, food, and other arenas are tightly controlled by corporate cartels that use the government as their lackey. Do not mistake this end result for cause. You are mistaking a symptom for the illness.
Oct 8 2013: Any regulation greater than a frame work, will skew a market. The more regulation, the greater probably the market will be controlled by a cartel. A small business can't afford the cost of compliance and be a nimble competitor.Oct 8 2013: There is a difference between "regulation" that prohibits fraud, including fraud by omission, and "regulation" that dictates or attempts to dictate market outcomes or limit trade for some sort of "moral" purpose.Oct 7 2013: It is not the free market that is the problem; in fact the free market is a major part of the solution. What is truly happening is that there is a disconnection between investors and workers. The former wants lower costs and the latter higher pay so there is always a conflict and tension between the two. The first part of the solution lays in increasing shareholding among the population at large. This could be achieved with a universal fund.
The second part (albeit much harder to implement) is to allow the free movement of people. At present corporations can move freely and easily to lower labor costs because the workers in those countries are trapped. This is exploitation of captive people, if those people where free to move this market distortion would evaporate.
Once free movement was established the reason to move from one's homeland would disappear as there would be no economic-migrates, the feared exodus to the west would not happen. Lastly if global labor costs where more evenly distributed corporations would not fire the US workers to seek lower foreign labor costs.
To be a truly free market labor must also be free to take a job anywhere - short of this there is no free market, just distortion.Oct 7 2013: In the very centers of our civilization today are want and suffering enough to make sick at heart whoever does not close his eyes and steel his nerves. Dare we turn to the Creator and ask Him to relieve it? Supposing the prayer were heard, and at the behest with which the universe sprang into being there should glow in the sun a greater power; new virtue fill the air; fresh vigor the soil; that for every blade of grass that now grows two should spring up, and the seed that now increases fifty-fold should increase a hundred-fold! Would poverty be abated or want relieved? Manifestly no! Whatever benefit would accrue would be but temporary. The new powers streaming through the material universe could be utilized only through land. And land, being private property, the classes that now monopolize the bounty of the Creator would monopolize all the new bounty. Land owners would alone be benefited. Rents would increase, but wages would still tend to the starvation point!
(From http://schalkenbach.org/library/henry-george/ode-to-liberty.html)Oct 6 2013: Tom, read the history of the opium wars where British and US governments and troops tried to force China to open up for a free market. We talk about the beginning of 1800. Opium, drugs! And why did these western 'governments' (as now mainly consisting out of a rich elite) do so? Not because of some ideal but simply because of huge profits wich made the elite filthy rich. Over the last period of time western capitalists/business man moved their business over to Asia, transferred many jobs out of the US to ?Asia and prepared the rise of unemployment in the US. Why? because they do not care about America they only care about their money. So what is realy going on Tom?Oct 6 2013: A failure to understand the unique qualities of land in a modern free market economy is a key cause of both the boom-slump business cycle and the wealth gap and only by understanding land while regulating it properly with a land value tax can these two flaws be eliminated from the free market economy. Ultimately all production depends on readily available land. If rent is privately collected then rapidly rising land rent will continue to create damaging business cycles and a widening wealth gap while governments resort to collecting more wealth from earned income sources. Another recession is in the making while the wealth gap grows larger. Clearly, a need for a new economic paradigm exists.
On a statewide scale the idea of taxing land more and other items less has been successfully implemented in Pennsylvania. As cited in Incentive Taxation; writers Anthony Downs and Knighton Stanley wrote in the Washington Post "This seemingly modest reform [a building to land property tax shift] enabled Pittsburgh, Scranton, Harrisburg, and a dozen smaller cities to keep housing costs down, and renew and revive blighted neighborhoods. These activities, in turn, unlocked job opportunities" (Incentive Taxation September 1999, 4). The two authors are referring to Pennsylvania's "Graded Property Tax Law" which allows cities to tax land values more than building values.
(From - The Need For a New Economic Paradigm (2001) - http://www.progress.org/thacker.htm)
Oct 8 2013: That works in smallish urban areas, but does not work across full systems. You cannot value land in use for housing and business the same way you value land for farming. Many farming families have to give up their land because they cannot earn enough income on it to pay their taxes. While I agree that we should farm vertically, but maintaining open space is also important.
Oct 9 2013: The land value tax (LVT) can be applied well both to farmland and urban land. It is based on the actual rent of the land. And the appraisal is assisted by computerised software. If farmers generally did not earn enough income to pay taxes, it should be that the appraisers' field teams had not performed their duties well, but I think this case is rare. My reference is "Estimating Land Values" at http://www.henrygeorge.org/ted.htm.Oct 4 2013: Tom,
Is your question based upon the financial meltdown that occurred in 2007-2008?
Oct 6 2013: Except that wasn't a result of a free market. It was a result of "socialism for the rich", in which government and big business collude in "crony capitalism". In a free market, government does not play favorites. In a free market, the government does not favor the rich over the poor or vice-versa. In the USA, large corporations are favored by government and have been for a long time. Thus, we do not have a free market. To repeat myself, when government takes sides, a free market no longer exists, and favoring the rich means that government has taken sides.
wayne uejio
Oct 7 2013: I am not going to argue about the influence of large corporations, especially financial ones, on the government. What I would say is that the government took the banking industry back to the 1920's by removing all the controls placed on banks prior to 1932-1933 which was to stop bank failures.
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It is interesting because if you replace margin calls with mortgage backed securities, you have basically the same scenario.
Oct 7 2013: If you refuse to consider the corrupt institutional partnership of businesses and government in "socialism for the rich", then you refuse to talk about a free market entirely and prefer to make up something and pretend it is a "free market".Oct 7 2013: Bryan,
Can you give me your definition of a Free Market?
Oct 7 2013: A market in which the government does not take sides. All it does is protect against fraud, violence, misappropriation, theft, etc. Pollution is a form of theft if it materially interferes with "quiet enjoyment" of property that I have a legal right to use (using "quiet enjoyment" in the legal sense). Concealment of pertinent risks in an investment is a form of fraud. Indeed, while the former idea has yet to wend its way through legislation, the latter is explicitly prohibited by law, but the government took sides and looked the other way for very large corporations. It permitted them to commit fraud and then refused to punish them. Thus, since the government did not act as a neutral agent, the government interfered with the operation of the market, rendering it no longer free. If government permits employers to take violent action against employees for unionizing, government has taken sides and the market is no longer free. If a government permits employers to punish employees for trying to organize on their own time (including their lunch time), the government has taken sides and the market is no longer free. In addition, extremely obtrusive regulation makes a market not free. Examples: Requiring someone who only braids hair and never cuts it to take full training and certification as a barber--several US states do that. Prohibiting food truck owners from selling their wares within a certain distance of restaurants--several US cities do that. There are a host of government interferences in the market that ensure it is no longer free.
The problem is that totalitarian goons (aka capitalists and socialists) have lied to us all for decades. They say "free market" when they actually mean "socialism for the rich". Most people have been taught to blindly swallow propaganda and never think, so they swallow the lie that a government-industry collusion is some kind of "free market". Crony capitalism is not a free market.
bart hsi
Oct 3 2013: When the computers or smartphones sales changed the dominance among the manufacturers, the dominance shifted from the likes of HP and Dell to Apple and Samsung, also from Nokia, Blackberry to iPhones and phones with Google Android OS. It also happened in automobiles. The Japanese and German cars gradually outsold the American cars. All of those have involved some profit motivation, BUT THE MAJOR REASON HAS BEEN THE COMPETITION BASED ON THE PREFERENCE OF THE WORLD CONSUMERS. How can you say that "(it is) the profit drive and not the competition to provide better quality goods..."? Remember that the bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler were bleeding in loss of "profits" but still failing in competition, which was the real cause.
- 0
The term of Failure in Language is kind of ambiguous. First this "failure" has nothing to do with what language you use; be it English or Spanish. The real problem is the MIS-USE of the MEANING of the words you use (in English or Spanish). The real problem here is the ambiguous usage of the word "profit drive" and the "competition". In fact, even the same word, quoted from different articles, might mean as a criminal or a victim. Most of the argument here just involves two extreme views of the free marketers or the anti-free marketers. One side condemns reckless profit drive marketers, the other side argues that free market system is the driver of economic growth, and the profit drive is just the by-product (and the incentive) of the competition in a free market system.
Finally, let me say that the TWISTING OF THE MEANING OF ANY WORDS IN ANY LANGUAGE HAS BEEN WITH US FROM LONG TIME AGO AND WILL STAY WITH US FOREVER AND EVER. If every one agrees on all the uniform meaning on every word, then TED Discussion will probably be out of business soon. :< ).Oct 3 2013: My 2 pennies.......
Spend several hours on a weekend in a Walmart in America. Take in the whole view. Everything. Then, ask the Free Market question. There is something MUCH MORE fundamental at work. The system that emerges over time ALWAYS feeds the DEMAND.....regardless of whether the demand is AUTHENTIC or SOCIETALLY PROGRAMMED.
Society IS indeed fragmenting. We will point and point and point to outside causes. We will even attack or question America's number One religion(Capitalism) before we discover the root cause. But the cause is directly in front of us and obvious for anyone who has grown tired of the insanity.
Oct 4 2013: What do you mean by insanity?
Oct 6 2013: The insanity of violence. When Violence is considered on a spectrum of severity, it's possible to see that actions may either drive toward greater Separation or toward greater Wholeness. We are on an upward swing of Separation......which is completely necessary and natural with respect to human nature and the Dualistic rules of this world. We are running our course.....still, even though I accept the situation of our trajectory, I feel suffering in witnessing it. It is easy to spot societal symptoms of the state we are currently in. The trajectory is solidifying.Oct 6 2013: Looking at Walmarkt one could say America is doing well . I just read Four of the Walmarkt Walton 'Children' together have over 100 billion US dollars. So who is complaining?
Oct 6 2013: Yes Yes! Perspective is everything I'd say. :-)
Here is Kabir's thought on the Walton's:
"I don't think there is such a thing as
an intelligent mega-rich
For who with a fine mind can look
out upon this world and
what can nourish
a thousand
There is no Right. There is no WrongOct 3 2013: Tom, By reading your question and the explanation, I would guess that you are NOT well versed in economics. Political policies are the cause of the success and failures. In the USA we are undergoing a change from a free market system to a Socialist inspired system of big government, unfunded social programs, the socialist strategy of government control of industry and removal of private ownership in property and business, and Keynesian economics. All the enemies of Socialist / Communist manifestos are being addressed. Which means that Capitalism in all forms must die.
Your question should be what is killing the free market system? Why is the national debit greater than the GDP? Why is the USA on the brink of depression and recession? Why is the fed flooding the system with 85 million dollars a month that never reach the general population?
Have you looked at the economics of the PIGS and what has occurred and why? Read what occurred in Argentina in 1916 and overlay it with the current problems in the USA almost a perfect match.
Study economics and history for the answers to what should be your real question.
Be well. Bob.
Oct 3 2013: Robert if you truly understood economics you would know that this is quite far from the truth. The time in US history when we were socialst was right after WWII when the government controlled the major infrastructure and - at the time - even controlled wages and production output of major corporations. That is socialism, and our messed up health care is the end result of a response by the then free market to the socialism of the time. In the last 30 years (since Reagan) we have moved SO FAR into an economy based entirely on a Randian version of game theory driven free market that socialism is the farthest from where we are. The Argentinian situation in 1916 had everything to do with colonialism and nothing to do with what we have now. I know this is an ideologic issue for you but I truly beg of you to see this for what it is. The Obamacare system is very very fr from socialism the only thing about it that is even slightly (and I truly mean that) socialist is the insistence that you must participate. But there are so many options and it is so corporately driven and designed to benefit business that it bears no resemblance to a socialist system. Please rethink what socialism actually looks like and remember that Fox news won the right to lie in the courts.
Oct 3 2013: Sharon, I admire your loyalty to the Party, however ... Obamacare was carefully designed to be a failure. If the twenty somethings do not "mandatorily donate" to the "tax" the system will fail, insurance companies will fail, and within two years we will have a national health entitlement program completely funded by the government.
The policies being offered are a joke and the co-pays and costs to individuals are 50% or worse with limited coverage. This is not a help to the poor only a step to socialized medicine at the expense of those working and contributing.
In Argentina Hipólito Yrigoyen, of the Civic Union, to won the elections in 1916. He enacted social and economic reforms. This completely reversed the progress of Mitre, who sought to industrialize the country, and promoted a massive wave of European immigration that led to the strengthening of the state, the development of modern agriculture and to a near-reinvention of Argentine society and economy. The country emerged as one of the ten richest countries in the world, benefiting from an agricultural export-led economy as well as British and French investment. Driven by immigration and decreasing mortality the Argentine population grew fivefold and the economy 15-fold. That got sucked dry by the social reforms immediately. Argentina fell from the top ten to the bottom.
There was no colonialism .. no interference from the outside .. Just a elected leader that tried to Socialize the country and broke it. Ergo the same as the USA today.
I must have been at work supporting the entitlement programs the day Fox News won the right in court to lie legally to the country. Please provide a reference.
Sharon I enjoy your posts but we respectfully disagree on this issue.
I wish you well. Bob.
Oct 3 2013: http://caselaw.findlaw.com/fl-district-court-of-appeal/1310807.html
is the ruling on the case. During arguments, the lawyer for Fox indicated that under the 1st amendment they were allowed to lie. That statement was picked up and erroneously stated as part of the ruling.
That argument was ignored and not listed in the ruling
The other argument is that Fox news is part of the entertainment division which occurred in 2012.


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Faculty Spotlight on Dr. Craig Paulenich
Spotlight on: Dr. Craig Paulenich
Among the many members of Kent State Columbiana County's diverse English faculty is Dr. Craig Paulenich. Dr. Paulenich has not only expanded the minds of his students, but he is constantly setting new heights for himself. Paulenich explores everything from history, real life experiences, and old folklore traditions.
This fall Paulenich has an upcoming book of poems called St. Vitus Dance (published by Cervena Barva Press). The book places light on an old Czech/Jewish folklore called the Golem centralized around Prague. The Golem is a supernatural creature made of mud in the shape of man in order to serve its creator. "The Golem is in a sense the Bible's version of Adam but created from mud and clay," Paulenich said. After several trips to Prague, Paulenich developed an interest with ancient folklore traditions and studied readings of numerous Czech writers. Paulenich instills consistency with curiosity of old folklore traditions such as the Goatman in his previous book of poetry Drift of the Hunt.
Paulenich has not stopped in his endeavors since summer began. He has been working on a series about John Brown and Edwin Coppoc in relation to Harpers Ferry and the Underground Railroad. He states that in his readings of John Brown "everything is odd, complicated and murky." The series is quote "not exactly historical," said Paulenich but "a lot of history resides in Salem and that includes Coppoc's body buried in Hope Cemetery in Salem." Paulenich quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson saying, "John Brown was an angel of light." Although, Paulenich claims he is an undisciplined writer, he is always a writer at heart and constantly writing when the mood sets the tone.
When asked about his teaching style Paulenich said, "I try not to discourage anyone's creativity in writing; I enjoy guiding my students through the process in order for them to find their voice through words." According to Paulenich "The written word is an important part of our daily lives; it can serve as a powerful avenue to inspire creative thought."
Paulenich explained that while it is difficult to use his own experiences through his teaching because of his course's content. In the past, he encouraged several students to participate in poetry readings held at Kent State East Liverpool in the Mary Patterson Building. He not only encouraged them to read their work but Paulenich and Professor Jason Venner read their poetry the same night. Paulenich said, "Hopefully under the new Dean and collaboration with the Ohio Valley Regional Arts Council he would like to continue with the poetry series."
Paulenich's works consist of Beneath a Single Moon: Buddhism and Contemporary American Poetry an anthology of poems and essays from forty-five American Buddhist poets (Shambhala Press, 1991), Drift of the Hunt (Nobodaddies Press, 2006), Blood Will Tell (BlazeVox[books]), 2009, and the newest of his assortment St. Vitus Dance (Cervena Barva Press, 2012). Paulenich was nominated three times for a Pushcart Prize. His works appeared in The Georgia Review, the South Carolina Review, the Kansas Quarterly and the Southern Poetry Review.
Paulenich received his M.F.A. at the University of Pittsburgh in 1982, his Ph.D. in English at Bowling Green State University in 1989. Paulenich has served as Kent State Salem and East Liverpool as an associate professor of English since 1989. He is also, Kent State University's coordinator for Northeast Ohio Master of Fine Arts program. Paulenich is a dedicated professor who loves Kent State Columbiana County campuses and enjoys not only how much the students and faculty work together within the campuses but with the community as well. This is where he calls home and has no plans on leaving the area when outstanding citizens surround him on a daily basis.
"I love Kent State Salem and East Liverpool campuses and the surrounding area. It is my home. The students are totally committed to their studies and each student is unique. I enjoy the faculty I work with just as much. In the future, I would love to teach more classes in East Liverpool because I like the area, the people, and the view of the Ohio River. Salem is rich in history and I love what the town and what the campus has to offer," expressed Paulenich.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jul 18, 2006
New Compass sensor photos from Mindsensors.com
Dr. Nitin Patil with mindsensors.com emailed me some new photos of the compass center and components. Mindsensors.com is taking pre-orders now.
Components, including cable.
Compass sensor
Ready to mount...
4 comments:
- Drew Stevenson said...
Anyone hear anything from any of the sesnor companies? I am disliking that they make me wait to give them money (neither has replyed to my emails of "when can I order?") I am not sure if it will be a well researched purchase or just who can get the product to me soonest... Thoughts?
- Jul 19, 2006, 6:49:00 AM
- Brian Davis said...
If by "sensor companies" you mean Mindsensors and HiTechnic, I don't know a whole lot about the former, but I know HiTechnic has been working very hard on getting the best working, well-designed sensors possible ready for market... and that's not easy. I've gotten a significant amount of John's (HiTechnic) product in the past, and suspect a lack of contact is due to a small company tooling up for trying to supply a large demand, and do it well.
Brian Davis
- Jul 19, 2006, 7:20:00 AM
Nittin from Mindsensors has informed me that their compass sensor will be shipping in a few days. Their site says July 20th.
- Jul 19, 2006, 4:04:00 PM
- Steve Barker, HiTechnic said...
Brian has hit the nail on the head with regard to activities at HiTechnic. We are in total overtime mode getting production ramped up, not only for the upcoming USA release of NXT but also its release in other countries in coming months. At HiTechnic we aim to manufacture the best possible sensors that perform and look like they are part of the Mindstorms set with all the sophisticated functionality and ease of use NXT users expect. More details regarding a release date and when orders can be placed will be forthcoming. We would rather take a little extra time to get everything just right than release a sensor that is not 100% ready.
- Jul 19, 2006, 11:43:00 PM


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Leslie J. Reynard, associate professor of communication at Washburn University will receive the Franklyn S. Haiman Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Freedom of Expression from the National Communication Association at the organization's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla., in November.
The honor is in recognition of her article, "The Fire-Eaters Surrender to General Sherman: Savannah Newspapers 1864-65," which was published in Free Speech Yearbook, vol. 45, in 2011.
This award, which recognizes outstanding published research on freedom of expression, is presented to authors of scholarship published over the prior three years, as determined by the copyright date. Selection is determined by the vitality and importance of the subject, the calculated impact of the study upon its audience, the quality of composition and the enduring value of the scholarship.
Reynard received a bachelor of science, a master of arts and a doctor of philosophy degrees from the University of Kansas. She joined the Washburn faculty in 2007.
Dena Anson, university relations, 785-670-1711


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I got bit by the electrics bug when I got an electronics play-kit for my 8th birthday.
One of the things I always loved about LEGO is that you get an infinite number of possibillities. When you look at a RC car, or one of thos robot dogs, you get one design and one behavior.
When I saw a MINDSTORMS folder, I fell in love: the ability to program your TECHNIC creation opened so may options!
It is not build thàt good - I didn't have a lot of experience - but it does show some originality: great, funny solutions to whatever problem I encounterred. Perhaps too much security for toilet paper...
everything else you need to know:


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If you've always wanted a smaller replica of yourself, but are hesitant to commit to the cost and stress of parenthood, there is now an alternative. If you're in Tokyo, you can sit for a 3-D portrait.
Omote 3D Shashin Kan is a pop-up portrait studio that uses a handheld scanner to create a three-dimensional model of your entire body. A 3-D printer then makes a small, intricately detailed plastic figurine. The final, full-color models look exactly like the larger you, down to the wrinkles on the clothes and part in the hair.
The project is part of a photography exhibition at the Eye of Gyre gallery in Tokyo's Harajuku neighborhood, and will only be open from November 24 to January 14. The photo sessions are by reservation only, and you have to book your appointment through the project's website.
You can get a small you in three different sizes: 3.9-inches (10cm), 5.9-inches (15cm) or 7.8-inches (20cm) tall. A pocket-sized person does not come cheap. Prices range from $264 (21,000 yen) to $528 (42,000 yen). The price tag is more reasonable when you think of them as miniature sculptures.
If you buy in bulk - three or more identical models - the price per replica is lower, and you can have a portable like-minded friend for the car, home and office. They also make great stocking stuffers.


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Anderson University recently installed water bottle refill stations in several locations across campus. Through the installation of these refill stations, the university hopes that students will take the time to refill their water bottles instead of buying new ones.
Refill stations are now located in Hartung Hall and the bottom of Decker with new stations soon to be installed in all residence halls on campus, as well as in Nicholson Library and the Olt Student Center near the SGA Office.
The refill stations were a joint effort by the Student Government Association (SGA) and Dick Sprague, sustainability program coordinator. Sprague had been considering the idea for some time, and when he learned that the SGA Senate had similar ideas, the two came together to make it happen.
Sprague began weekly meetings with Ryan Petter, a 2012 AU grad who served as SGA Senate secretary of finance and environmental affairs last year.
After their meetings, Sprague researched the kinds of filters that were available. "We were able to purchase units that were functional, provided clean, cold water, and didn't overspend," said Sprague.
Petter took care of the logistics of the filters and helped by gaining university approval. He also continued to have meetings with the SGA senate about the topic.
The units that were purchased provide the highest level of filtration, which reduces lead, chlorine, and phosphate in the water, while improving the water's overall taste and clarity. "The bottom line is to get the water as clean, healthy, and good tasting as possible," said Sprague.
The filters were a success, and at times, people were lined up to refill their bottles.
"I was thrilled that the refill stations came about," said Faith Clawson, administrative assistant in the Development Office. "The access and convenience is great. I didn't drink as much water before, but now I use the station daily."
The water bottle refill stations provided not only an alternative to buying bottled water and reducing the amount of plastic thrown away for recycling purposes, but also a better tasting, healthier choice.
"One of the big reasons for installing the water bottle refill stations, in my opinion, was to reduce the amount of throw-away plastic," said Sprague. "About one and a half tons of plastic are thrown away a month on AU's campus, and whatever we can do to reduce the amount of throw away plastic, that's good for the environment."
— Tiffany Vega is a junior from Valparaiso, Ind., majoring in communication arts and minoring in marketing. Vega is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.
Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America's top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, music, nursing, and theology.


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I like the card. 35 dollars and it is a steal. Heck the money is good for Alverez vs. Chandler and Curan vs Strauss.
I like the card. 35 dollars and it is a steal. Heck the money is good for Alverez vs. Chandler and Curan vs Strauss.
Fuck that price. I wonder how their projections looked before saying how much it would cost.
I disagree with the price due to their first venture into pay per view. If it were a more established brand, I could see this being a decent price.
Last edited by CA_Gas Bag; 10-24-2013 at 02:04 PM.
Bellator is so fucked.
There are many paths to freedom, not all are peaceful
like totally yo. yawn to yawn.
What I don't understand is why so many of you seem to be cheering for Bellator to fail? The last thing this sport needs is another promotion going away.
This card is not half as bad as some of you are making it out to be. I, for one, will be ordering it.
My Favorite Fighters
1)Gray Maynard 2)Dan Henderson 3)Minotauro Nogueira 4)Wanderlei Silva 5)Roy Nelson 6)Tim Boetsch 7)Mark Hunt 8)Shogun Rua 9)Lyoto Machida 10) Connor McGregor
I like the overall card, especially Chandler/Eddie II and Curran/Straus, but the Kongo and Tito/Rampage bouts are zero interest to me and Mo/Newton doesn't really pop.
Will probably go in on it with friends, I'm sure the main event will be a total "burn ward" for laughs, which should be worth something....
It's not so much that people want Bellator to fail... I personally want them to make it.. however... they are doing everything in their power to fail... first was the Eddie Alvarez contract situation, then moving away from their model, then leaving Askren out... and then the direct involvment with TNA which is in itself in some trouble... plus the hiring of UFC rejects... and then pushing such rejects as "Main Event"...
Bellator was doing fine, growing slowly, but surely, with a conservative approach, developing their own talent, creating name recognition... and for their first PPV... this is it?? Chandler/Alvarez II as co main event?? C'mon...
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Best Buy Fashion #9711
Release Date: 1/1/1977
Product Code: 9711
Skipper® doll looked her very best in her long, lovely, bright pink woven dress with the white-lace-trimmed neckline and puffed sleeves. Two rows of lace graced the hem, and a tiny black bow accented the neckline.
All images and descriptions courtesy of Collector Books, publisher of "Barbie® Doll Fashion: Volume 3" by Sarah Sink Eames.
Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.
Collector Photos
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It's way too early to determine which CEOs will make my annual Worst CEO list, but with three from last year's list already kicked out of their jobs, the hunt is on.
I think it's important to distinguish between CEOs of businesses with models that appear to be in endless decline regardless of who is in charge and those whose bungled judgment, strategies and management style have put the company in peril. And, yes, as Nokia shows, sometimes the two can overlap.
Before we get into this year's candidates, let's review the casualties from last year's list: Brian Dunn of Best Buy, Research in Motion's Jim Balsillie and Michael Lazaridis, and Andrea Jung of Avon. Jung officially leaves her post on April 23.
That leaves Antonio Perez of Eastman Kodak — who can claim the remarkable achievement of keeping his job even after taking the company into bankruptcy — and Reed Hastings of Netflix as the only survivors from last year's list. Unless Hastings somehow screws up worse than last year, which I can't imagine will happen, I believe his job is safe.
So, who has the best chance of being named Worst CEO of 2012? Click ahead to see who is in the running.
Video: Herb's Worst CEOs
By Herb Greenberg
Posted 12 April 2012


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This Indian tapestry is absolutely gorgeous!! I bought if for my office and get many complements on it. I am so pleased--thank you to those who made it!
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Pro Cool
It's been a long journey for Don Moonshine and his second-gen Camaro. It was 19 years ago that he bought the shell for 200 bucks, and he spent the next six years getting it right in line with his vision. The first engine was a full-roller 13:1 468ci big-block, but five years ago Don decided to add some boost to the equation. The result was a BDS-blown 454. The engine is filled with an Eagle 4340 crank, forged rods, a big cam, and topped off with ported rectangle port heads. The mill exhausts out through a pair of Hooker Super Comp headers and makes in the neighborhood of 700 hp on pump gas. Behind the engine sits a TH400 trans with a manual valve body and a B&M Pro Ratchet shifter. To get the power to the pavement, there's a Ford 9-inch with Strange axles and 4.11 gears. All kinds of good stuff makes up the rest of the car including four-wheel disc brakes, eight-point roll cage, and big sticky Mickey Thompson tires. According to Don, "It's a true street car with future plans to include a full teardown and LS series engine transplant along with upgrades for longer drives."
Third Stage
This sweet '10 has been transformed from stock to standout by Tommy Pike Customs (TPC) in Greenville, South Carolina. For performance, the LS3 received their Stage III kit in the form of a Vortech V-3 Si Trim supercharger and TPC headers along with a custom tune. The suspension was treated to an Eibach Pro lowering kit and a set of their beefier sway bars. In terms of looks, the 2SS/RS received some custom paint and rolls on TPC three-piece 20-inch rally wheels wrapped in Nitto Invo rubber. This white rocket was built for Kenny Mazza and we're sure he's enjoying driving the Camaro as much as we're diggin' looking at it.
Fine Fourth-Gen
Mario Portillo loves his Chevys. He owns a '38 coupe with a 572 big-block, but what really makes him smile is driving his '97 SLS SS Camaro. The LT1 only has 59,000 miles on it and still runs strong. To give it a bit more grunt, Mario added a Blackwing air filter, Granatelli MAF, and an SLP intake elbow. The rear was upgraded with some 3.73 Richmond gears, and a Hurst short-throw shifter helps Mario easily slap through the gears. Eventually Mario wants to convert the LT1 to an LT4, but for now he's just gonna enjoy the ride!
Birthday Bonus
Paul Stratton's fourth-gen is proof that old racecars never die. You see, his ride was stripped down by the original owner in preparation for drag strip duty. But life got in the way and the shell was sold to Paul's friends Steven and Chris Harmon. The brothers slowly pieced the car back together, and since they lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, they used many of the surplus Holley parts they had laying about. After a trip to the drag strip in Indy, the car came home with a transmission issue. It ran, sort of, but was parked. Several months later, at a 4th of July party, Paul's parents talked to Steven about buying the Camaro for John, who was only 15 at the time. A deal was struck and a couple weeks later, when John turned 16 and got his license, he hit the road. Eventually John, with a lot of help from his dad, pulled the trans and had it completely rebuilt at Lee Myles transmissions. The pair then tuned the suspension and fixed a couple of paint issues. By the time Paul turned 17 the Camaro was running and looking great. Over the years Paul has continued to improve the Camaro by adding a new stereo, ROH Snyper 17-inch wheels, 2.5-inch cowl hood, SS spoiler, TCI converter, and to top it off, a complete repaint. It all makes for one sweet fourth-gen that any of us would be happy to drive.


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The players have returned home for brief offseasons, or in the odd case of MLS, back to the regular season.
Coaches have been fired or feted.
The World Cup is two days in the rear view mirror but a host of emotions continues to swirl in the afterglow as everyone's attention turns toward Russia and the next cycle of World Cup qualifying.
It starts now.
Every soccer nation is undergoing a retrospection on how to improve or reach elite levels. Yes, that includes champion Germany. Every country's program will be dissected, inspected and, in the case of Brazil, summarily rejected.
Let's examine two countries with dramatically different arcs and personalities. Continue Reading


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Explore the Entrepreneurship.org Resource Center to find resources. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, our resource center allows you to find materials to grow great ideas.
The China we knew as the enormous economy largely fueled by cheap labor and inexpensive manufacturing has changed. Though happening slowly compared to its potential, China is becoming one of the most innovative economies on the planet and the birthplace of entrepreneurs like Robin Li, CEO of Baidu, who are entrepreneurial rock stars at home and around the world. Entrepreneurial capitalism seems to be taking hold in China. How is entrepreneurship overcoming the roadblocks of a planned economy?
Last week I participated in an interesting gathering in Washington, DC of top medical and policy experts who issued a new health care manifesto that might be of interest to entrepreneurs in the space. Hosted by the Council for American Medical Innovation, FasterCures and the Kauffman Foundation, the 2010 Translational Medicine Alliance Forum (TMAF) brought together leaders from academia, government agencies, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and venture industries to discuss models to enable and accelerate the progress of translational medicine.
I have just returned today from a short visit to South Korea where I addressed an international conference and met with various universities both in Seoul and Daejeon Valley – described to me by locals as Korea's Silicon Valley.
Visitors arriving at Seoul's acclaimed airport can only be impressed by its sophisticated application of technology into everyday lives. The train I rode from Seoul to Daejoen cruised at 300 Kilometers per hour, every taxi in Seoul was clean and paid for with a back seat touchpad card reader and the urban planning seemed super smart with local government being placed in beautiful floating structures on the river and national government being moved altogether out of Seoul.
The 2010 Translational Medicine Alliance Forum, hosted by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Council for American Medical Innovation and Faster Cures, convened industry leaders to help facilitate a better understanding of effective models enabling and accelerating the progress of translating scientific research into patient treatment focusing on three key elements:
The following is a collaborative post by Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute and a senior fellow at the Kauffman Foundation, and Anders Hoffman, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policy for Erhvervs- og Byggestyrelsen
Denmark is in many ways a paradoxical country. It has the world's highest taxes and yet Danes are among the happiest people in the world according to the U.S. National Science Foundation. Denmark has generous social benefits, a large public sector and yet is quite innovative and entrepreneurial. The Global Competitiveness Report and the Index of Economic Freedom both rank Denmark 9th on their world lists, and the Legatum Prosperity Index ranks the country 6th in entrepreneurship and innovation. Denmark did not end in the top ten of these world lists by chance. What steps and policy initiatives made this possible?
Since it was launched in 2008 by the Kauffman Foundation and Enterprise
UK, more than 18,000 partner organizations joined the global movement to
shape the next generation of entrepreneurs. In its still short life,
GEW has established a solid and ongoing presence in more than 100
countries -- and counting. During the same time period, over 10 million
people around the world have participated in GEW activities and 2010
promises to boost that total to tap even more human capital and breathe
life into new startups.
While the majority of nations this year
will start Global Entrepreneurship Week on November 15th, some countries
are conducting their celebrations a week or more in advance due to an
important Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha, falling on November 16th.
Throughout this week, when another 80 countries launch Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), there will be a significant number of events organized by GEW partners at universities, schools, companies, professional associations, technological centers and municipalities. Like last week's events in Muslim countries, the activities will be diversified, ranging from thematic conferences to networking with investors and entrepreneurs, presentation of business plans, recreational events, sport events, cultural events, etc. There will be something for everyone and I encourage all to take advantage of these opportunities.
"In business, the only certain thing is failure. Especially when you operate in a place like Indonesia," Sandiaga Uno said earlier this year during his visit to the U.S. for President Obama's Summit on Entrepreneurship. After being laid off during the financial crisis in Asia in the late 90s, Uno decided to try entrepreneurship to pay off credit card debt and put food on his family's table. He is now the renowned co-founder of Saratoga Capital, the first private equity firm in Indonesia focusing on natural resources that grew from four workers to about 15,000 employees.
I am happy to report that in its third year, Global Entrepreneurship Week grew by leaps and bounds. As more countries take advantage of this global movement, more minds are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. GEW has not just inspired students looking for a way to reach their goals, but the leaders of nations who were inspired in their efforts to boost growth by the sheer energy of the millions of participants in GEW activities during the past two weeks. In case you haven't been following, here are a couple of anecdotes from this year's Week, and the reaction it produced among some of the world's leaders.
On my recent trip to South America during Global Entrepreneurship Week, I cast a mournful eye over Uruguay where, were it not for problems with flight schedules I had hoped to visit. Uruguay, the South American nation nestled between Brazil and Argentina, is trying to take the fast track toward becoming a startup economy.
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Date: 13 January 2012Size: 210 x 297mm (A4)sold
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For most of us, the '78 movie Corvette Summer didn't quite hit the heights of some of the other movies that prominently featured cars, such as American Graffiti or Thunder Road or even Smokey and the Bandit. Even with the star power of Mark Hamill, fresh off his Luke Skywalker role in the blockbuster Star Wars, Corvette Summer was more like the kind of Saturday afternoon schedule-filler movie you'd tune across on one of the independent UHF channels enroute to some real entertainment like, oh, Roller Derby.
The plot has Kenny Dantley (Mark Hamill), a car-crazed Los Angeles high school senior, building a Corvette as a class project. The finished car gets stolen, and Kenny hitchhikes to Las Vegas to recover it. Who should pick him up but Vanessa (Annie Potts), an aspiring prostitute. Kenny tracks down his purloined Corvette, outmaneuvers pursuing bad guys, whisks the girl away from her sordid situation, and returns home to Los Angeles, where goodness prevails over evil.
Critics weren't impressed. "To enjoy Corvette Summer, it helps to abandon common sense. In this film there is not a single credible plot development or convincing character," wrote reviewer Frank Rich in the September 25, 1978, issue of Time magazine, concluding that "As long as one doesn't demand too much of it, Corvette Summer delivers a very pleasant two hours of escape."
OK, so we don't have cinematic royalty here. Still, we do have a genuine movie star car, even if the movie wasn't an instant classic. As a genuine movie star, its career began in an unlikely way. It was a '73 Corvette with the base L48 350 and Turbo 350 automatic transmission. Then it got rear-ended in traffic—hard. So hard that the insurance company declared it a total loss. Next stop, the junkyard. While awaiting its turn in the crusher, who should come along and "discover" the wounded Corvette but Producer Matthew Robbins and Director Hal Barwood. It was perfect for the movie they had in development, in which a high school kid builds his ultimate dream Corvette. They bought it and had one of their key characters.
The injured Corvette was turned over to Dick Korkes of Korky's Kustom Studios, who was given the assignment of turning it into a movie star for MGM. It emerged as the wild machine you see here.


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Mary Hall
Year Built: 1951
Major Renovations:
- 2011 - 1st floor student lounge/kitchen added
For more information on the histroy of this building visit here.
Available Room Types:
87 Doubles
Mary Hall Floor Plans (.pdf)
Website requires CSB/SJU username and password to access. If accessing from off-campus, you must put "ad\" in front of your username.
Room Amenities:
- Desk
- Desk chair
- Bed
- 1 Large bookshelf
- Built in wardrobe
- Sink
- Medicine cabinet
- Bed Loft Rental/MicroFridge Rental Available
Dressers are not provided; however, closets do have shelves for storage. The shelves are very deep.
Note: No University furnishings may be removed from rooms or apartments. Storage of University furniture outside of an assigned residence area is not allowed.
There are 6 shelves in the Mary Hall closets. They are spaced roughly 8" apart. There is a bottom space from the floor to the 1st shelve that is about 18" high. The space from the top shelf to the ceiling is about 15". The shelves are 18" deep and 12" wide. We encourage students to invest in storage containers that can be used as pull out drawers on the shelves. Under the bed storage containers are also useful.
Mattresses - All mattresses are extra long (39" x 80")
Building Amenities:
- 3 Student lounges
- 3 Common bathrooms/showers
- 1 Student kitchen
- 1 Laundry room
- Wireless Internet access
The ground floor of Mary Hall also includes the Outdoor Leadership Center (OLC), Peer Resource Program (PRP), and Counseling Services. This is also the home for the Hair Razor.


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I just realized I've been a little MIA on this blog. Its kind of a nice feeling when I have so many other fun things going on I just forget about blogging. Anyways…I hope you all had a great Labor Day. Today we were driving by my favorite quilt shop, so I gave them a call hoping they were open on Labor Day. Unfortunately they were closed…but lucky for me, the sweetest lady just happened to be there and opened up the store for me to shop away all by myself. I was in HEAVEN.
That's like 1/8th of their fabric…and its so much fun to browse through their finished quilts and patterns. I left with a nice little stack for an upcoming project, plus some extras. :)
Have a great week…I'm going to be unpacking (uggh!) and finishing up a quilt (yay!).


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For first-year and transfer students.
Associate and bachelor's degree programs for men and women 4 full years out of high school.
Elementary, middle level and secondary certification for men and women with a bachelor's degree.
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We are excited to offer 5 weeks of camp this year and continue our junior assistant program. All camps are English style riding. Please see tabs below for more information and remember to bring a friend!
Please read this feedback from a mom last year:
there! I just wanted to follow up from
the horse camp that my daughter attended the week of July 6th.
From the parents perspective we were
very pleased with the accommodations, grounds and counselors/instructors. I was very much at ease leaving her in your
In the car on the way home I
ask her "So how was Camp?"
Her response was. "It was
great, I learned a lot and had so much fun!" I have never heard her say with so much
excitement that she "learned a lot"! Usually I have to pull details out of her
but not this day. She started telling me
all the things she learned about the care and anatomy of the horse, the crafts
There was not one negative thing for
her to say about her time there. (Remember
she is a teenager and usually that is the first thing that comes out of her
mouth). The schedule, food, crafts,
instructors, friends, and facilities all 5 star rating. The only slightly negative comment was that
she wishes she could stay for 2 weeks next year.
Thank you again and we look forward
to seeing you again next year!"
5-8 year old co-ed
9 AM - Noon $250 per camper
Session 1 - June 22nd -26th
Session 2 - August 3rd - 7th
Come join us for a fun half day of learning to be a good Barn Buddy. Campers will learn basics of horse care and ride each day (weather permitting). Safety is our first focus as Barn Buddies learn about horses and riding. No experience is necessary as activities will be catered to the maturity and attention span of the campers in attendance. Cost available soon. All campers must have completed their kindergarten year. Minimum 7 - maximum 12 participants. The session will not run if the minimum number of participants is not met so bring your friends!
* 8 year olds are strongly encouraged to attend Barn Buddies camp unless they have attended Wilson Riding Camps during previous years. *
Registration will close 14 days before the start of the session. Full payment of $250.00 is required at the time of registration. All campers must provide proof of current health insurance. Online payment information coming soon.
To enroll or for more information please email email@example.com
July 13 th -17 th
9AM - 3PM $400 per camper
Horse-n-Around is a day camp for inexperienced riders to learn basic care and move toward independent riding. Safety is a main focus in this camp. Campers will be grouped according to experience level as they begin to learn what is involved in owning a horse of their own. Students will participate in at least one mounted lesson per day weather permitting. They will be involved with the horses for the majority of the time even when not mounted. Minimum 7 - Maximum 14 participants. The session will not run if the minimum number of participants is not met.
* 8 year olds are strongly encouraged to attend Barn Buddies camp unless they have attended Wilson Riding Camps during previous years. *
Registration will close June 29th, 2015 . Full payment of $400.00 must be made at time of registration. All campers must provide proof of current health insurance. Online payment information coming soon.
To enroll or for more information please email firstname.lastname@example.com
Session 1: June 14-20
Session 2: July 19-25
Sunday 6pm - Saturday 10 AM $925.00 per camper
Join us for an amazing adventure at Penn Hall Equestrian Center, Wilson College. Bring your horse or ride one of ours and participate in our open community show Friday evening. Campers will advance their skills in flat and over fences riding. Riders must have the skill to safely groom, tack, and walk/trot without assistance. This is not a beginner camp. Campers will stay in the residence halls getting a taste of how fun college can be. Weather permitting, campers will ride twice a day. While not mounted, campers will learn horsemanship skills including bandaging and first aid as well as a variety of information and skills needed for responsible horse ownership. Safety is stressed in every equine activity. Movies and crafts will all be horse related. Students will participate in show set up and preparation learning another aspect of life with horses. This year we added an extra night of camp and participation in a community schooling show Friday evening. Entry fees for one class are included in camp costs. Campers may enter additional classes with the permission of camp instructors at regular class entry fees. Parents and friends are encouraged to attend the show. Minimum 8 participants - Maximum 12 participants. Sessions will not run if the minimum number of participants is not met.
Registration will close 14 days before the start of the session. Full payment of $925.00 is required at time of registration. All campers must provide proof of current insurance. Online payment information coming soon.
July 13-17 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM $115
This program is offered only to students 12 to 18 years of age who have been in regular attendance in the Wilson College CRP program in 2014 or 2015 or have participated as a Junior Assistant with Wilson's summer camps in the past. Students must apply for admission to the program and attend every day of camp. The Junior Assistants will learn skill needed to assist campers in a summer horse camp. They will be introduced to risk management concepts and the responsibilities involved in supervising and teaching horse related activities. They will assist with paperwork, daily preparations and wrap up, as well as programming and mounted activities. Junior Assistants will shadow our camp instructors and assistants, helping as their skills and maturity allow. Junior Assistants will receive at least three mounted group lessons per week of camp (weather permitting). Junior Assistants will receive a $100 discount on attending Wilson College's overnight riding camp. This is a great resume builder for youngsters interested in becoming a camp counselor/instructor in any horse camp program. It is also a great addition to college and scholarship applications. Either Barn Buddies or Horse-n-Around week must meet minimum numbers for the Junior Assistant program to run.
Registration deadline May 29th. Full payment of $115.00 is required at time of registration. Online payment information coming soon. All Junior Counselors must provide proof of current health insurance.
Contact email@example.com for registration or more information.
The Community Riding Program (CRP) was designed to offer local children and adults the opportunity to learn English riding. We do not offer western lessons at this time. This program is a secondary program which must be scheduled around the needs of Wilson College Equestrian Studies classes and teams. For information please contact the community riding program at firstname.lastname@example.com .
Students will be evaluated and placed in lessons according to their ability.
Group lessons may be purchased in sessions of 6-8 lessons.
Lesson times must be arranged with the instructors.
Make-up days will be scheduled in advance for each session of the Community Riding Program. Classes that are missed must be made up on the scheduled make-up day. Additional lessons missed will be at the student's expense.
1/2 sessions may be purchased with approval of the instructor. Clients participating in ½ sessions may ride every-other week as long as the group is already full (min. 4 students).
Students may also purchase double sessions (ride 2x week) during the summer and winter sessions only. This option is only availble with approval of the instructor.
Coupons must be purchased in advance by visiting the business office. To use the coupons give them to the instructor at the time of the lesson.
Jeremy Beale came to prominence when he first represented Great Britain at the European 3 Day Event Championships at Harewood, England in 1959. That same year he was offered a place on the British Show Jumping Team for competitions in Belgium and Holland, but was unable to accept due to his commitment to the 3 Day Event Team.
He was reserve rider for the British Equestrian Team for the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games in Rome and Tokyo respectively, having had the misfortune to lose his first string horse to injury in the final weeks before the Games on both occasions. He was 5th in the World Championships at Burghley in 1962, 5th also in the European Championships in 1963, 5th again at the Badminton 3 Day Event in 1967 and won the prestigious Burghley 3 Day Event in 1965.
After leaving the Army with the rank of Major in 1967, Jeremy came to the USA to take up the directorship of Potomac West, which subsequently became known as the Pacific Horse Center. In 1971 he moved to Chester Springs, where he established Pen-y-Bryn Equestrian Center after three years at Fox Hollow Farm.
In recent years he re-entered the competitive arena in the field of dressage, competing with much success through Grand Prix and earning his USDF Gold Medal. He now has an extensive clinic circuit, which takes him the length and breadth of the country, as well as abroad. His services as a clinician are in great demand and his students have been conspicuously successful through the FEI levels. Indeed, one of his students won the Adult Amateur Horse of the Year Award at Prix St. Georges in 1996 and at Intermediare 1 in 1997, while another won 4th level Amateur Horse of the Year award in 1997.
Next clinic TBA
Main Hawthorne Arena
Make Checks out to: Wilson College
Ann O'Shallie at email@example.com
Michael Page
Dates and cost: TBA Make checks payable to : Wilson College
Michael hails from North Salem, New York and is well known as the rider in one of eventing's most successful combinations with his partner Grasshopper, one of only five horses in the history of the sport to have competed in six or more CCIOs. Grasshopper was inducted into the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame in 1999.
Michael won the AHSA Medal Finals in 1956 and went on to train at the French Cavalry School in Saumur, France from 1957-1958. His international career included three Olympic Games and three Pan American games. At the Tokyo Olympics (1964) on Grasshopper he placed fourth individually and earned team silver; at the Mexico Olympics (1968) on Foster he earned individual bronze and team silver. His Pan American Games resume is just as impressive with two individual gold medals in 1959 and 1963. In 1963 and 1967, he was a member of the U.S. teams that brought home gold. Individually he won bronze in 1967.
In response to Michael's accomplishments, the Wofford Cup was retired in 1963 after he received it three times. The USET offered a new cup in 1964, designated as the National Open Three-Day Event Championship Trophy which was to be awarded annually at a specific competition.
Michael went on to share his expertise. He coached the Canadian three-day team at the 1976 Olympics and served as Chef d'Equipe at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, the 1990 World Championships, and 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
With a flair for administrative details, Michael served as chair of many committees including the AHSA Equitation Committee, AHSA Nominating Committee, and USET Nominating Committee. In addition he judged the AHSA/ASPCA National Equitation Finals seven times and the Intercollegiate National Finals four times.
Michael is in great demand as a clinician and his expertise and generosity with his knowledge have provided the strong base of equestrian education for many adult riders. His teaching philosophy, in his words, is, "You should go to someone for instruction or advice only if you respect him enough to give 110 percent of what he asks. Every time. All the time."


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Arctic Barbie® Doll
From one of the coldest regions on earth comes a doll to warm your heart. Arctic Barbie doll, from the Dolls of the World Collection, is dressed in an outfit styled after that worn by natives of the northern latitudes. Her fleecy parka has white faux fur trim on the hood, sleeves and hem. The latter two items are accented with a wide gold, red and green braid. Two golden cords tie at the neck to keep out the Arctic winds. The matching fleecy pants are tucked into her mukluks and are embellished with white "fur" and red stitching. Her face is framed by the white "fur" that adorns her hood.
Production doll may vary from the photo shown above. Mattel reserves the right to modify the fashion/fabrics, sculpt, hair color/style, and accessories. Doll cannot stand alone as shown.


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The Lion armour, displayed on the wooden figure of 'Edward VI' in the Line of Kings
The Lion armour, displayed on the wooden figure of 'Edward VI' in the Line of Kings
Steel and gold decorated armour embossed with lion heads
Italian about 1550. Part of the finest decorated armour in the Royal Armouries collection, possibly made for King Henri II of France.
Gold decoration and embossing in form of a lion's head on breastplate
Date: 1550 | Object number: II.89
This damascened armour was made either in Italy or France about 1545-50, possibly for Henry II of France.
It is the finest decorated armour in our collection and is covered in fine gold work and embossed all over with snarling lions' heads.
The helmet is marked with sword cuts possibly received in the tourney. An armour of this splendor would have been an outward symbol of its owner's great wealth, rank and taste.


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Eddy Street Commons
1234 N. Eddy St.
South Bend Indiana 46617United States
(574) 287-9890
Editor's Review
Eddy Street Commons is a hip, urban shopping and residential area located a stone's throw from Notre Dame.
Hanging out at the new Eddy Street Commons would make any student long for at least a five-year plan with its modern architecture, polished streetscape, and variety of shopping and dining options all set to pop songs piped throughout. Plus, it's located just across the street from the Notre Dame campus and stadium. We came for the shopping. Parking was oh-so-easy, either on the street or in the garage (free for 2 hours and that's plenty of time to explore and snack). Outpost Sports features North Face and Ugg brands. The Hammes Bookstore and Cafe offers everything Irish, plus a great spot to grab a snack or coffee. Camellia Cosmetics carries lines like Bare Minerals and Paula Dorf, plus offers a signature brow sculpting service. Nicholas J Salon and Spa is a full-service Aveda salon. Then, there's the food. New offerings are on the way, but Chipotle Mexican Grill, Kildares Irish Pub, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream and Jamba Juice have opened. The Mark Dine and Tap recently opened as the most upscale offering. Sister to the popular Uptown Kitchen in Granger, the Mark offers everything from white-tablecloth dining to phone-ahead nachos, including delicious bakery offerings at the counter. Visitors can stay at the Eddy Street Commons' own Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, offering 119 guest rooms and suites with rates from $129.95, but be sure to reserve well in advance for football games (and expect to pay more).


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Sony VAIO Duo 11 pictures and hands-on
The Sony VAIO Duo 11 offers more than the traditional laptop experience. This touchscreen device comes pre-loaded with Windows 8 and even includes a digital stylus to write directly on screen.
But it's the hinged design that gives this VAIO its name: the normal laptop position can be "popped" into a flat, tabletop-like position to use like a tablet, hence the "Duo" name.
Pocket-lint had a play with the latest VAIO at IFA 2012 and, despite the "love and hate" relationship many might have with Microsoft's latest Windows 8, we have to say that it makes sense on a touchscreen device.
The Duo 11's 11.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080 pixel) screen was responsive whether using fingertips or the digital stylus. As this VAIO isn't the finished version it took a little too long to convert our written text into on-screen type - and MS Word was entirely perplexed by various smiley face doodles that we added - but then this Pocket-linter does have handwriting that can only really be described as abysmal. So maybe it's not the Vaio's fault.
The hinge that props the screen up isn't like a standard laptop and therefore the screen sits in either its upright position or otherwise flat like a tablet. There's no in-between. It "pops" down smoothly and is easy to ping back up using even just one hand.
The Sony representatives wouldn't give an anticipated battery life for the model, but there is a second battery that can be purchased separately to double your on-the-go use. A nice touch, though one that does mean adding extra bulk to the 17.8mm thin model - the main picture of on-stand model has the added battery, whereas the shot directly below shows how thin the laptop-meets-tablet is without.
Although the laptop (if we can quite call it that) was tethered with security devices on Sony's IFA booth, its 1.3kg weight felt reasonably light. It certainly looks like a decent product to use on the go, in particular thanks to the 1080p-resolution screen - perfect for movies and the like. Assuming, that is, you don't lose the digital pen. It's a bit more special than a Biro.
Sony has laced the Duo 11 with all manner of connectivity too, including USB 3.0, Bluetooth, HDMI and VGA outputs for wiring up a screen or monitor, and an Ethernet port for speedy connectivity.
Pice and launch date are yet to be confirmed. But, from what we've seen, we rather like the look of this Windows 8 touchtop, flat-top, or whatever it'll come to be called. Here's hoping it won't be too pricey.