text:
We're not talking about tow vehicles. We're talking about inspiration. So what's our inspiration?
The outdoors for one. Almost everyone in the Aliner family is an outdoor enthusiast. It's no coincidence that Aliner customers are as well. They want to be set up in 30 seconds then go for a hike. Not sit inside and watch a 50-inch flat screen.
Another inspiration? The spirit of innovation. We've always done things a little differently, dating back to the company's founder, Ralph Tait. It's this innovative spirit that led to the first "A-frame" camper. The same spirit drives us today in our search for ways to improve each Aliner.
And finally, you, the customer. You're the inspiration behind our core values that include honesty with everyone we deal with, respect for each other and the environment, and good old-fashioned hard work. This is the foundation of Aliner. Always has been. Always will be.
Fun Facts
|Ralph Tait is the founder of Columbia Northwest. He's over 80 years old and can still be occasionally found at the factory tinkering on new design concepts.
|We have a sister company in Australia, called A'Van.
|Our products are built in a facility that is on its fourth life. Originally it started as a day spa in the early 1900's. It then became the producer of Kecksburg Cola—a local soft drink manufacturer. Pepsi-Co used the facility for several decades as a bottling and distributing center.


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text:
Google CEO Not Leaving Apple's Board
Google's Eric Schmidt has no intentions of resigning from Apple board.
Earlier in the week, reports indicated that the Federal Trade Commission is said to be looking into the ties between the Google and Apple Boards. The Google CEO and Arthur Levinson, the former chief executive of Genentech, sit on the boards of both companies and antitrust laws give the government the freedom to intervene if directors sit on the boards of two competing companies, particularly if their presence threatens to reduce competition.
When the story broke, experts told the WSJ that it was a rarely pursued issue in the business world, partly because it is difficult to prove the impact of the overlapping directors on either company but partly because it's easily resolved with a resignation from one director. Yesterday the Wall Street Journal cited Schmidt as saying he would be keeping his seat on the Apple board of directors, claiming Apple was not a Google competitor. So browsers, mail clients and mobile platforms don't count then?
In a gathering Thursday with reporters before Google's annual shareholder meeting, Mr. Schmidt said that resigning from the Apple board hasn't crossed his mind. "I don't think Google sees Apple as a primary competitor," he said.
While the ties between the two board members seemed fairly innocuous, the fact that Schmidt is apparently determined to not resign from his position on the Apple board is a bit of a head scratcher.
Speaking to the WSJ Kent Walker, Google's general counsel argued that the antitrust laws are clear that there is a "safe harbor" for companies that don't have overlapping revenue, adding that Google is comfortable with that position.
-3solymnar , May 8, 2009 2:49 PMAnd if he feels he's playing within the rules of the game...and so do the others he works with...why should he?
1tenor77 , May 8, 2009 2:58 PMQuote:So browsers, mail clients and mobile platforms don't count then?
Of course not. No conflict of interest here.
"I'm detecting some sarcasm.
I should hope so cause I'm laying it on pretty thick"
-1dman3k , May 8, 2009 3:30 PMOf course, being on the board would force Apple into making the default search engine as Google...
1eddieroolz , May 8, 2009 3:40 PMWouldn't this be considered conflict of interest?
1hellwig , May 8, 2009 4:34 PMFunny, its not really up to Schmidt is it? He can stay as long as the FTC doesn't find any problems. If they determine that Google and Apple are competitors, he'll be out in a flash.
I still say Apple's iPhone OS vs. Google's Android, and Safari vs. Chrome make them direct competitors. Long gone are the days when Microsoft could say it wasn't competing because it was giving IE away for free, no one buys that anymore.
0starryman , May 8, 2009 5:51 PMBean counter meets the Apple... Eric Schmidt... no longer a bean counter. Just a blood sucking worm in a bad apple. Toss both them in the garbage.
0sm0kex , May 8, 2009 7:28 PMlol wow i wonder how there seriously isnt a law suit like google ceo also on board of directors of apple....is google partly behind apples new innovations
JMcEntegartGoogle's Eric Schmidt has no intentions of resigning from Apple board.Google CEO Not Leaving Apple's Board : Read more
WTF dude. I hope you get fucking banned. What is it with this shit? We're reading the fucking article already, you don't need to comment a new headline and a link to the article we already just read.
even if you did write it.
0sandmanwn , May 8, 2009 8:08 PMin the end, its not up to him.
2the_one111 , May 8, 2009 10:26 PMThe SchnozWTF dude. I hope you get fucking banned. What is it with this shit? We're reading the fucking article already, you don't need to comment a new headline and a link to the article we already just read.
made my day..
1tayb , May 10, 2009 7:53 PMGmail... iMail
Chrome... Safari
iPhone OS... Android OS
iTunes... youtube
iCalendar... Google Calendar
iPhoto... Picasa
iChat... Google Talk
Definitely not competing in any way. Did you want to sell me a bridge Mr. Schmidt?
-1Anonymous , May 11, 2009 4:00 PMGmail (free)... iMail (isnt) i'm assuming u ment mobileme since imail doesnt exist.
Chrome... Safari (Both are free and make zero profit)
iPhone OS... Android OS Iphone is proprietary and a closed system, Andriod is free.
iTunes... youtube (iTunes is proprietary and closed, youtube is free)
iCalendar... Google Calendar (ical is proprietary and google cal is free)
iPhoto... Picasa (must i really go on?)
iChat... Google Talk (you still dont get it)
Free vs proprietary software that only works with Mac, how is that competing? its like saying Mac OS vs Windows, there is no competition, Apple lost a long time ago in the OS market, all they provide now is another choice.


text:
A controversial plan to build a rubbish incinerator off Lantau Island was approved for a second time when government advisers cleared its environmental impact report.Tuesday, 6 December, 2011, 12:00am
Scientists like to harp on about how intelligent dolphins are but, surely, the behaviour exhibited by our famous Chinese white dolphins proves they're not the brainboxes they're made out to be.19 Jun 2011 - 12:00am
It was pleasing to read that Hongkongers' concern for heritage and the environment could soon become a 'core value' ('Heritage and ecology values may become part of HK branding', September 29).
Yet, there is surely some irony here, as leading politicians and various tycoons seem little concerned with such matters.6 Oct 2008 - 12:00am
Hong Kong's environment chief has welcomed CLP Power's decision to abandon its HK$10 billion plan to build a liquefied natural gas plant on South Soko Island, and says he would be ready to help it plan for a joint venture to build one on the mainland.13 Sep 2008 - 12:00am
Time for answers over gas deal3 Sep 2008 - 12:00am
The government has submitted a draft zoning plan for a Soko Islands liquefied petroleum gas terminal. Do you back this proposal and do you agree with town planners that it faces a rocky ride? Write to us.25 Jul 2008 - 12:00am
The government yesterday submitted a draft zoning plan for construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on South Soko Island, but town planners warned it would not get an easy ride.24 Jul 2008 - 12:00am
Islanders see tests for LNG plant as harbinger of doom
Underwater investigation is destroying fish stocks around the Soko Islands before work on a controversial natural gas terminal has even begun, fishermen claim.29 Jul 2007 - 12:00am
CLP Power's Rhonda Lam states that Black Point has an 'apparent operational advantage' over the pristine Soko Islands and its adjoining marine park ('Sokos the best place for new LNG Plant', June 13).22 Jun 2007 - 12:00am
WWF has repeated its opposition to the building of a natural gas terminal in the Soko Islands. Do you think CLP Power should be allowed to construct the plant in what is a proposed marine park site? Write to us10 Jun 2007 - 12:00am


text:
She Beat The Weave Out Of Her
Mr. Anderson's biology classroom was always one of my favorite Mortal Kombat zones.
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Watch your favorite clips and leave suggestions for next week's pick.
More puke, injury, and titties than your precious soul can handle. Download for iOS and Android.
Order "Collas" and "Exposed Arms" on DVD or Blu-Ray.
Think you have a better caption for this image? Post your own joke in the comments.
Mr. Anderson's biology classroom was always one of my favorite Mortal Kombat zones.
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Her poor date was called "Ken" all night and had to listen to jokes about not having any genitals.
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Looks like you need another D. Which, coincidentally, is also the line Mr. Baxter used on her.
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Update: Someone actually bought the KFC Chicken Corsage.
For the record, all foreplay should start off with seductively eating fried chicken.
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Congratulations, Harley Reynolds. You've just won high school.
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text:
Calories in Beef, Cured, Pastrami
Wondering how many calories are in Beef, Cured, Pastrami?
Beef, Cured, Pastrami
B- Grade
41 Calories
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 slice (1 oz) (28 g)
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 41
Calories from Fat 15
Total Fat 1.6g 3%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 248mg 10%
Potassium 58.8mg 2%
Carbohydrates 0.1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 6.1g
Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0% · Iron 3%
*Based on a 2000 calorie diet
Beef, Cured, Pastrami Calories and Health Benefits
- Very low in sugar
- High in niacin
- High in phosphorus
- High in selenium
- Very high in vitamin B12
- Very high in zinc
- High in cholesterol
- Very high in sodium
Get Nutritional Facts and the Health Benefits for Beef, Cured, Pastrami
Related Foods & Categories
Related Categories
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(Boar's Head) Cooked Corned Beef Top Round - Beef & Pastrami
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(Sainsbury's) Pastrami - Sliced
(Heller's) Seasoned Pastrami - Deli Slices
(Farman's) Sweet Pickles - Barrel Cured
Allergy Remedies
Is It Possible to Go Natural?
The side effects of allergy medications keep some people from using them. Natural remedies can be a great alternative, but some are more effective than others.
The side effects of allergy medications keep some people from using them. Natural remedies can be a great alternative, but some are more effective than others.


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text:
The Cosmological Argument
1. Introduction
Recall that one of the noticeable features of the Ontological Argument is that it is a deductive argument that claims to be
a priori
--i.e., it claims that its premises can be known independent of experience, with only logic and language alone. In contrast, the Cosmological Argument is an
a posteriori
argument. This means that it relies on our experience of the world--beyond the tools of logic and language alone--to determine the truth of its premises. More specifically, cosmological arguments begin with facts known a posteriori such as: the universe exists, that things are in constant flux or change, that some things are caused to come into existence by other things, and that the universe and almost everything in it is contingent.
In addition, the Cosmological Argument is also deductive (like the Ontological Argument), which means that it aims to be the sort of argument whereby if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true as well. Thus, if we find that the argument is valid, and the premises are true, then the conclusion--that God (i.e., the first uncaused cause, the first unmoved mover, a necessary being, etc.) exists--must necessarily follow.
2. Aquinas' Five Ways
The First Way
: The Argument From Change (or Motion)
Aquinas claims that if we look around the world, we will see that things are always changing (or moving). For example, plants begin from seed, change to saplings, grow to maturity, and then eventually die. Leaves change with the seasons, birds change their plumage, etc. Even rocks change as sentiment is slowly worn away by wind or weather. Aquinas gives the example of wood, which changes in temperature and composition when brought into contact with fire. For all of these various changes in the world, claims Aquinas, something had to bring about the change. Plants, to change from seed to sapling, have to have something outside of them which causes this change. Wood, which changes from cool to hot, needs something outside of it--e.g., fire--that brings about this change, Aquinas believes that "a thing in the process of change cannot itself cause that same change; it cannot change itself." But he also thinks that there must be a first cause of change that is not caused to change itself, or a first mover that is not moved--i.e., a first unmoved mover.
The Second Way
: The Argument From Causation
Aquinas claims that if we look around the world, we will see that things are caused to come into existence by other things. Children are caused to come into existence by their parents, who are in turn caused to some into existence by their parents, etc. We never observe anything causing itself, for this, Aquinas argues, would be absurd. However, the series of causes cannot go back infinitely. If you do not have a first cause, then there cannot be any intermediate causes, nor a last. So there must be an uncaused first cause--and this we call God.
The Third Way
:: The Argument From Contingency
Contingent vs. Necessary:
Before we dive into Aquinas' Third Way, it will help to get a grasp on the difference between
things and
things. A contingent thing is one that either in fact exists, but
might not have
, or one that does
in fact exist, but
might have
. For example, Alumni Hall exists, but it might not have (we can imagine that they just never built it); so Alumni Hall is a contingent thing. Unicorns, on the other hand, do not in fact exist, but it seems possible that they might have; so unicorns are contingent things. There are lots of contingent things: you, me, your parents, my parents, etc. In contrast, a necessary thing is one that in fact exists, but is also something that could not have failed to exist. In other words, it is logically impossible that a necessary being could have not existed. Many people think that numbers are necessary things--i.e., that the world could never have been such that numbers did not exist. Of course, relevant to our present discussion, many think that God is similar to numbers in this way--that is, that God could not have failed to exist, and hence, is a necessary being.
Possible Worlds:
Using the possible worlds analysis that we discussed in class, we can put the distinction between contingent and necessary things this way: a contingent thing is one that exists in at least one possible world, but not all. A necessary thing is one that exists in all possible worlds--i.e., there is no possible world in which this thing does not exist.]
In the Third Way, Aquinas claims that if we look at the world, we will find that there are contingent beings all around us. We realize that not everything is something that must be, for we observe things before they come into existence, and then see them go out of existence. Aquinas supposes that not everything can be contingent in this way, for he thinks that if everything need not have been, then at one time there was nothing. But, he continues, if at one time there was nothing, then there wouldn't be anything now; for things cannot come into existence by themselves, but must have been brought into existence by something that is already in existence. Thus, it must not be the case that there are only contingent beings. It must be that there is a necessary being, on which the existence of all other contingent beings depend. For Aquinas, this necessary being is God.
The Fourth Way
: The Argument From Excellence
Aquinas claims that if we look around the world, we will observe that some things are better than others. some more good, some more beautiful, etc. He believes that such comparative terms admit of a "best", a "most" good, etc. Aquinas thinks that there is a limit to which all things that admit of a degree try to reach. So there must be something that is most perfect, he argues--something that all things strive to reach. This perfect being, he claims, is God.
In class I explained how this argument is a kind of ontological argument. Can you see why?
The Fifth Way: The Argument From Harmony
Begin with the observation that there is order and harmony in nature. This harmony, Aquinas argues, admits of a being with awareness and understanding, For only a being with awareness and understanding could direct all of nature to its goal (whatever that is) and keep everything in order. Thus, this being with understanding must exist, and is God.
In class I explained how this argument is a kind of Teleological argument. Can you see why?
3. Aquinas' Second and Third Way Formalized
Second Way Formalized
The Argument from Causation
(1) There are things that are caused.
(2) Nothing can be the cause of itself.
(3) There cannot be an infinite regress of causes.
(4) Thus, there had to be a uncaused first cause.
(5) The uncaused first cause is God
(6) Therefore, God exists.
Third Way Formalized--The Argument from Contingency
(1) Every being is either necessary or contingent.
(2) Not every being can be a contingent being.
(3) So there exists a necessary being upon which all of the contingent beings depend.
(4) This necessary being is God.
(5) Therefore, God exists.
4. Elaboration on Premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way
In class, I read Aquinas' reasons for premise (3) of the second way. Here, again, is what he has to say:
"Now in efficient causes it is not possible to go on to infinity, because in all efficient causes following in order, the first is the cause of the intermediate cause, and the intermediate is the cause of the ultimate cause, whether the intermediate cause be several, or only one. Now to take away the cause is to take away the effect. Therefore, if there be no first cause among efficient causes there will be no ultimate, nor any intermediate cause. But if in efficient causes it is possible to go on to infinity, there will be no first efficient cause, neither will there be an ultimate effect, nor any intermediate efficient causes; all of which is plainly false." Aquinas,
Summa Theologica
, First Part, Question 2, Article 3.
I summarized the above line of reasoning roughly as follows: Imagine that we have a chain of events, A, B, and C, where A causes B, and B causes C. Let us grant for the sake of argument that A is the first cause, B is the intermediate cause, and C is the ultimate cause such that if the first cause, A, wouldn't have happened, then the intermediate cause, B, wouldn't have happened, and hence C wouldn't have happened. Now if, contrary to our assumption, the chain of causes A-B-C went 'on to infinity'--if something caused A, and something caused the cause of A, and so on without end--then there would be no FIRST cause. But, Aquinas argues, if there is no first cause, then there can be no intermediate causes, and hence no ultimate cause. If there were no A, there would be no B, and hence no C. But the 'ultimate cause' that Aquinas is referring to is the universe as a whole, here and now, which we all know exists. So: if there were no first cause, there would be no ultimate cause--nothing here and now. Since there clearly
something here and now, it must be that there was a first cause. Hence, there cannot be an infinite regress of causes--i.e., Premise (3).
I claimed in class that the above line of reasoning was spurious. Can you figure out why?
: the problem primarily lies with a conflation between
taking away a cause
there being no first cause
. It is true that in an infinite series of causes--a series of causes that goes back forever, where each thing is caused by a prior cause, and so on without end--that in such a series
there is no first cause
. But all that this means is that there is no thing or event that we can point to that is the FIRST
cause (for, by hypothesis, the causes go back forever). Yet it does NOT mean that any of the causes are erased or taken away or removed from the series.
To illustrate the point, consider the number line of negative integers, terminating at 0:
...-7, -6, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0
If we imagine that this line represents a series of infinite causes, then we can see that in an infinite series of causes, there would be no first cause (for in just the same way, there is no first negative integer in a negative integer number line). But Aquinas seems to think that if there is no first cause, then it will be as if we take the 'first' cause away, or remove 'it' somehow from the series. This is how he thinks it follows that there are no intermediate causes and, hence, no ultimate cause. But, of course, there is no 'it' to be taken away, since there is no
cause to remove. Moreover, there isn't any cause that is
in any way.
It's as if Aquinas is saying something like: "Imagine an infinite series of causes. Now go back to the very first cause of this infinite series and take it away (since an infinite series of causes doesn't have this (or any) first cause). But once we take away this first cause, we remove all the latter causes that this first cause caused, and hence, we have no ultimate cause, which is clearly false. So there must have been a first cause."
My colleague
Jason Bowers
put the point this way: On some strings of older x-mas lights, all of the lights are connected such that if one of the bulbs is out, then all of the lights on the string will go out. So it's as if Aquinas is imagining just such a string, that reaches forever back. He seems to think that having an infinite series of causes is like going way back to the very first light of an infinite string of x-mas lights, and taking it out. Admittedly, once we take out a light, all the rest of the lights will go out. However, an infinite series of causes, like an infinite string of x-mas lights,
doesn't have a first element to take out
So we can see how Aquinas' line of reasoning is flawed: there is no first cause to take away, just as there is no first negative integer in the series of negative integers to take away, and just as there is no first x-mas light in a string of lights to take away. Moreover, there is no sense in which any cause (or negative integer) is 'taken away,' just as there is not sense in which one of the lights is 'taken out.' So it looks like Aquinas' argument for premise (3) in the formulation of his Second Way is seriously flawed.
5. Alternative Arguments for Premise (3)
So are there any other considerations that might lend support to premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way? Below is one suggestion:
Infinity is Weird!
One reason you might think that a series of causes couldn't go back infinitely is that the mere idea of an infinite series of causes is just too weird to make any sense. The problem lies not with a series of
, per se, but rather with the fact that the series is purportedly
. In other words, infinity is just too weird of a concept to make any sense, so this is why there cannot be an infinite series of causes.
Below are some examples of infinity's weirdness.
(i) A subset of an infinite series is just as big as the original series!
Here's one illustration to show why you might think that infinity is weird: Imagine that you have an infinite number of cockroaches in your apartment. You have three exterminators who come to your apartment to give you an estimate. The first says that he can eliminate 30% of the cockroaches, the second says he can get rid of 50% of the cockroaches, while the third guarantees that he can eliminate up to 95% of the suckers! Intuitively, it seems you should go with the third exterminator, since he can guarantee he'll get rid of a higher percentage of the bugs than the other guys. However, taking 30% of an infinite number of bugs will leave you with just as many bugs as if you had taken 50%, or even 95%: you will still be left with an infinite number of bugs no matter which exterminator you hire! So given your options, it seems you should just save your money and not hire any of the three exterminators!
To see this, imagine all of the positive integers:.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ...
Obviously, there's an infinite number of them. So assign one positive integer to each one of your infinitely many bugs. Now take 30% of them away--e.g., take every third number (or cockroach) away:
1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, ...
How many are you left with? An infinite! If you don't believe me, tell me where you think the series of numbers or cockroaches ends, and I'll always be able to show you the next one in the series. And the next. And the next...
Now take 50% of those away--e.g., take every other number (or cockroach) away:
1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, ...
How many are you left with? An infinite still! Again, if you don't believe me, tell me where you think the series of numbers or cockroaches ends, and I'll always be able to show you the next one in the series. And the next. And the next...
Now take 95% percent of those away--e.g., take away 95 out of every 100 numbers (or cockroaches):
256, 259, 262, 265, 268, ...
How many are you left with?
an infinite number!! Again, if you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you easily.
So, infinity is
weird since you can divide it by 1/3 or 1/2 or 9/10 (or 1/3 and then 1/2 of
and then 9.5/10 of
, which I did above) and
wind up with just as many as you started with! Anything that has this sort of consequence (or so this argument might run) can't possibly correspond to any sort of coherent concept, and so an infinite series of causes--a series that has gone on forever and has no beginning--
be just as incoherent. Thus, there cannot be an infinite series of causes, making premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way come out true.
(ii) Hilbert's Hotel
Another example is Hilbert's Hotel. Wie will discuss this example in class.
In class, however, I will try to show that while Hilbert's Hotel is indeed odd and surprising, and perhaps a bit funky or weird, it does not follow from this that an actual infinite series is impossible. One way we showed this is by carefully laying out the example as I did in class. At no point did we run into a contradiction, which
have been an indication of something that was impossible, nor were we, at any point in the puzzle, unable to figure out which person was assigned to which room. This indicates that infinity, while complicated and unusual, is not an incoherent concept. In fact, once we were familiar with certain rules, we could predict what we could do in order to make room for more and more guests, even knowing that all of the rooms were occupied. So while the idea of an infinite series may be unusual, its unusual-ness need not be grounds for thinking that it's impossible.
(iii) The Infinite Series of Walls
Imagine that we are building a series of walls, where each wall is made out of indestructable material. No matter how thin the walls get, nothing can penetrate them. We build one wall one foot thick. Then halfway between this wall and an arbitrary point some distance away, we place another wall half as thick as the first wall. Then half way between this second wall and the arbitrary point, we place another wall half as thick as the second wall. Then we place another wall halfway between this third wall and the arbitrary point, making sure that this fourth wall is half as thick as the third wall. And so on. Imagine also that we get faster and faster at constructing these walls so that eventually we have infinitely many walls placed between our first wall and the arbitrary point. To illustrate, imagine that the first wall is labeled "1", the second wall is labeled "2", etc., that the arbitrary point is marked " ° ", and that they are placed like so:
° ...5...4.......3..............2..............................1
wall and the arbitrary point " ° " there will always be space to put another wall, and we will always be able to make a wall half as thick as the wall that came before it. So while the thickness of the walls gets thinner and thinner the closer we get to " ° ", and the distance between any wall and the arbitrary point " ° " gets smaller and smaller, there is never a smallest width to a wall (since we can always half any width), and there is never a wall that is closest to the arbitrary point (since there is always another one halfway between any wall and the arbitrary point).
But now imagine that we have a red ball rolling from the left of the series heading straight for our arbitrary point as follows:
---> ° ...5...4.......3..............2..............................1
What will happen to the ball when it reaches the arbitrary point? We agreed in class that the ball must somehow stop. But which wall would stop it? We've already understood that there cannot be a last wall, or a wall closest to to the arbitrary point. That's like saying that there is a last positive integer. For if all of the walls are assigned positive integers, then there would be a numbered wall such that the ball hits it. But which number would this be?
Weird, huh? (Discussion in class.)
Infinity is Weird? B.F.D!!
In response to the above examples, and the claim that in light of these, infinity is too weird to make any sense, one might argue as follows: "Infinity is weird? B.F.D! In fact, that's exactly what is so characteristic about infinity. Sure, it's weird. And, sure, one of the weird things about infinity is that a subset of an infinite series can be put into a one-to-one correspondence with the original set, such that (on one way of describing things) we are left with just as many as we started out with. But just because infinity is weird doesn't mean that it's
. Plenty of mathematicians and set theorists, for example, can make perfect sense of infinity. Moreover, they can make sense of some infinite series being larger than others. They coherently work with infinity, and find it theoretically useful to do so. So it is not enough to support premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way by simply pointing to the mere weirdness of infinity. For it's weirdness does not entail that it is incoherent."
What do you think of this response? Is there another way you might defend premise (3)? Discussion in class.
Infinity is Weird? Then what is God?
Another objection to consider is this: suppose you would like to defend premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way, and you do so by appeal to the "Infintity is Weird" line of reasoning. If infinity is weird, then perhaps it is incoherent, and thus an infinite series of causes will be just as incoherent as an infinite
, and so there cannot be an infinite series of causes on pain of absurdity. But if this is the line of reasoning you want to endorse, then you will have to be very cautious about the sort of attributes that you will ultimate claim that God has. For many theists believe that God is infinite in some way--either he is infinitely powerful, or infinitely good, or knows infinitely many things (e.g., he knows that 1 + 1 = 2, and he knows that 1 + 2 = 3, and he knows that 1 + 3 =4, etc.), or that he is eternal (which might be a kind of infinite existence), etc. But if you want to claim that inifnite is weird or incoherent, then God cannot have any infinite attributes or be infinite in anyway, or else he will be weird or incoherent as well. And you will not want to claim that the idea of infinite is OK for some things, like God, but not OK for others, like series of causes, on pain of being ad hoc. So one must be careful about the "Infinity is Weird" defense of permise 3 of Aquinas' Second Way, and make sure that this line of reasoning is consistent with the rest of the theistic picture.
6. Even if Premise 3 of Aquinas' Second Way is True, So What?
If you haven't got a headache yet because of all this talk of infinity, you might be thinking to yourself: "Look. Who
whether premise three is true or not? I need not come down on whether there can or cannot be an infinite series of causes. Because even if premise three is true, and the argument does go through, what does this ultimately show anyway? All it proves is that there
an uncaused first cause. It doesn't show that this uncaused cause is still around, nor does it show that there was only one. It also doesn't show that this uncaused cause is all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good, personal, etc. It doesn't show anything, really, except that there was at least one uncaused first cause that got everything started. This first uncaused cause could have been as small and insignificant and morally indifferent as an inanimate atom. Whoop-dee-effin-do."
Response: it's true that, even if sound, this argument alone doesn't prove what the uncaused first cause was like. It doesn't even show that the uncaused first cause is unique. But keep in mind that Aquinas thinks he has given 5 different arguments for the existence of God. Each one aims to prove something different: the first way aims to show that God is immutable, the second that God is the uncaused first cause (the creator), the third that God is necessary, the fourth that God is all-good (or the moral standard), and the fifth that God is intelligent and all-knowing. So it is important whether this argument goes through since, together with the the other arguments, and assuming that they too go through, we have a piece-meal argument for the existence of the traditional Judeo-Christian God. And this surely
a big deal.
What we must keep in mind, however, is that while Aquinas meant to have all of these 5 argument stand together, if upon individual scrutiny these arguments show to be unsound, then it won't matter how many arguments Aquinas has up his sleeve. 5 leaky buckets stacked together will still leak water; similarly, 5 unsound arguments will be as good as no arguments at all.
7. Other Objections to Aquinas' Second Way
The Principle of Sufficient Reason (or PSR)
One might be tempted to argue that the main intuition behind premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way is the thought that the universe and everything in it had to get going at
point; something, somewhere had to get the whole thing started. There seem to be at least two ideas behind this thought: (1) the intuition that infinity is weird, and that because of this, the concept of an infinite series of causes is just cognitively hard to grasp, but also (2) the idea that every fact in the world has to have a reason or explanation behind it. This second idea is commonly called the
Principle of Sufficient Reason
). Since the weirdness of infinity is dealt with above, I'll use this section to talk about PSR.
Leibniz (1646-1716) in his
§32 stated a version of PSR as follows: "no fact can be real or existing and no statement true without a sufficient reason for its being so and not otherwise."
To see why PSR might be an intuitive principle, imagine a giant glowing orb hovering in our classroom. Imagine that we had a team of scientists, mathematicians, a police force, and entire investigative team to figure out why the orb was there, how it got there, and what was going on. Suppose that after much testing and investigating, it was concluded that there was absolutely no reason why the orb was there. There was no explanation for how this thing came into existence, nor how it was made or who put it there, etc. It was concluded that the orb
just was
, and that that was the end of it. Would this be satisfactory? If you think not, it might be because you expect and assume that there is an explanation for everything. The idea that there is an explanation for everything is essentially what the PSR is trying to capture.
Here's how all this is supposed to relate to premise (3) of Aquinas' Second Way: you might think that the (3) has to be true because even if there could be an infinite series of causes--that is, even if you grant that there could be such a thing as a series of causes that goes back forever and never had a *first* cause--you might think that such a series would violate the Principle of Sufficient Reason. Why? Well, because even an infinite series needs a reason or explanation for why
the whole series
is there. In other words, if there were an infinite series of causes, then
why is the series there at all,
rather than not there? The idea is supposed to be that positing an infinite series of causes doesn't get at the heart of the matter--namely, what is the explanation for there being anything here in the universe at all?
One response to this line of reasoning is as follows: what explains each individual member of the purported infinite series is the member that came before it. Since each individual member is then explained, this is all that's needed to explain the whole series. In other words, once we have explained why each individual member is in the series, there is no further question as to why the
series is there--for it is explained piecemeal, by the explanation of each of the parts of the series.
Discussion to be continued...
PSR vs. Brute Facts, and God
To contrast PSR, I suggested that you could have the
Brute Fact
view of the universe. This basically says that there
be such things as brute facts--things or events in the universe that simply do not have a reason or explanation . So, essentially, this view claims that PSR is false, and that
things in the universe simply have no explanation as to why they are here, or how they came about. Some things, in other words,
just are
One reason to think that the Brute Fact view of the universe is correct is because you might think that explanations have to end
. For example, you might think that sometimes a perfectly legitimate explanation for why something has happened is just because of coincidence or chance. Imagine, for instance, that you go to Woody's on Franklin St. for lunch. When you walk in, you see that one of your other friends is there already. "What a lucky coincidence!", you tell her, and the two of you sit down to eat. Now, if someone were to ask why the two of you were at the same place at the same time for lunch, it seems that a perfectly legitimate response would be: just chance or coincidence. You went in to lunch because you were walking by and realized you were hungry, and your friend had just happened to do the same thing moments before. Now maybe 'chance' counts as an explanation here. If so, it seems we can still ask the question: well, why was it chance that brought you two at the same place at the same time? Yet this question doesn't seem to have a ready answer. So, what's appealing about the Brute Fact View of the universe is that it does seem that at some point in giving explanations--even if we grant that sometimes 'chance' can count as a legitimate explanation--the explanations have to stop
. That you and your friend met by chance at Woody's, in other words, is something that just seems to be a brute fact; there is no further explanation to be had.
If this is right, and the Brute Fact view of the universe is plausible, then what does this mean for the Cosmological Argument? What does it mean for Aquinas' premise (3) of his Second Way?
One might contest that saying that God is the reason for why there is a universe as opposed to not--e.g., saying why there is something rather than nothing--is no better than saying that the universe being here is just a brute fact. Do you think this is right? Why or why not?
No God, God, and Magic
In class we discussed three possible theories that might explain how and why the universe is here--or, as I put it in class, why there is something rather than nothing: (i) the No God view, (ii) the God view, and (iii) the Magic view. The No God view seemingly embraces the Brute Fact view of the universe. At a certain point, science will be unable to answer the big, philosophical questions such as why there is something rather than nothing. Or, rather, they will just have to resort to an answer such as: "no reason, it just happened that way." The God view, on the other hand, will say that there is a reason why there is something rather than nothing, and that reason is God. God explains why things are the way they are and aren't some other way. The Magic view is similar to the God explanation, in that Magic is the thing that supposedly explains why things are the way they are.
However, it is interesting to pin down
we are inclined to think that one of these explanations is objectively better than the others. For example, we may think that a commitment to PSR would lean us toward the God view or the Magic view, since these explanations yield an explanation for everything. Built into both theories is an entity or power that provides its own expiation. When we ask why God is here or why God did what he did, we can claim that God provides his own explanation. God was always here, or was uncaused, or provides his own reason for being here. Magic, similarly, can be explained as being something special--something different from--ordinary stuff in that it doesn't require the same sorts of reasons or causes for its existence. It's Magic, after all! But why isn't the positing of such entities or forces just another way of saying: "no reason why these things have the characteristics they do. They just do! That's how they're made! It's in their nature!" How is this ultimately much different than saying that the universe just is the way it is?
In other words, looked at solely in terms of an explanation--not what makes us
better, and more warm and fuzzy about the universe--why is one explanation better than the other? And what do these explanations ultimately reveal about the distinction between PSR and the Brute Fact view of the universe. Are they really all that different? Or are they different in principle, but we have just failed to give any theory that genuinely adheres to PSR? Discussion in class...
Argument from Contingency
Because of time constraints, we probably won't get to discuss in detail Aquinas' Third Way, the Argument from Contingency. But one thing to consider are ways in which this argument might be better or worse than Aquinas' Second Way, the Argument from Causation.
Discussion in class.
Further Questions to Think About
Can you think of any other objections to Aquinas' Second Way, apart from the aforementioned ways of attacking premise (3)? Are there other worries we might have about premise (3)? What about the other premises? Why or why not? Discussion in class.
St. Thomas Aquinas,
Summa Theologica
For an on-line version, click
William L. Rowe, "The Cosmological Argument" in
Reason and Responsibility
, ed. Landau & Shafer-Landau.
Louis P. Pojman,
Philosophy of Religion: An Anthology
, fourth edition.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Cosmological Argument
Page Last Updated: June 25, 2008
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To Meg's Main Page


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Meet our Summer Pranalife Yoga Teacher Training Scholarship WINNERS!!August 05, 2014 at 10:53 AM by Asia Nelson
Sometimes I love my job. Okay fine, I ALWAYS love this job, but I extra love it when I have the opportunity to hand out scholarships because being able to offer a little extra support the brave and amazing people taking Pranalife YTT feels better than meeting my long-standing pretend husband Ron Perlman. As good, at least. It's definitely top ten in the feel-good category, let's just put it that way.
Anyhoo - on to the winners!! The summer Pranalife Yoga Teacher Training course "Living Yoga" scholarship WINNERS are:
Charlene Hodson & Chelsea Winn!!
Here's a snippet from their applications, in case you don't yet know how amazeballs they are:
Charlene Hodson
In the beginning, yoga was mainly about the physical aspects of the postures; I enjoyed getting stronger and feeling more flexible. I then started to notice how much my anxiety was decreasing and I was able to stop thinking about the negativity going on around me. Within less than a year of practicing asana several times a week, I noticed a shift in the way I felt and how I felt toward other people. I was feeling more compassion toward others.
Looking back, I could never have anticipated that practicing yoga could change my life the way it did. I want to share what I have learned with others, which is why I want to become a yoga teacher.
I love your style of teaching, Asia, and how you really get into what the postures are and why we do them. With your background in anatomy, it really is a great way to learn and also to incorporate that into my teaching style. I love knowing why we do the postures. I was so excited to be able to take the first course of the Yoga Teacher Training with you in May 2014 and now I am looking forward to learning more this summer!
Chelsea Winn
Over the last six months I've been in school full-time with two part-time jobs and an internship. None of these things has been fulfilling, and have instead left me feeling drained and confused about the trajectory my life is taking.
YTT is different. During the spring course I left the studio every Saturday feeling refreshed and inspired. Prior to taking Elements of the Yoga Practice, my personal yoga practice had stagnated. Opening myself up to Ashtanga revitalized my practice and revolutionized the way that I thought about yoga.
Over the last five years, I've worked extensively with youth and researched the effects of traumatic events on youth and their construction of identity. My yoga vision is to integrate my YTT into this passion; I hope to teach yoga to young people.
Congrats, you two!!! I can't wait to spend another 60hrs in training with you both and to be a part of your growth as you progress to becoming powerful and gifted Pranalife Yoga Certified Instructors. This makes me so damn happy. Honest, Top Ten All-Time Happy Moments.
Hey, psst - If you're reading this, SHARE SHARE SHARE this amazing news using the Tweet/Like buttons below!!
Oh what the hell - let's triple crown the fantastic in this moment:
Damn straight this other thing that made me happy happened.
Be the first to comment on this post. Read more posts by Asia.


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Christmas Crackers!
The Majestic Million is a listing of the top 1 million websites on the Internet based on the number of referring Class C Subnets (techie term) that link into them. The data is updated every time we update the Fresh Index – so generally more than once a day. This video shows how easy it is to compare several sites site by side. Put the resulting URL into your favourites… Continue reading
British and Dutch Prime Ministers Come To Science Park
Believe it or not, Mark Rutte (The Dutch Prime Minister) and David Cameron (The British Prime Minister) were in Faraday Wharf at Birmingham Science Park Aston last week as they recognised the first network "node" in Cisco's Virtual Incubator.
Majestic – whilst being a British company – has Dutch backing, but as… Continue reading
Yahoo Site Explorer's Demise Will Not Affect Majestic SEO
Today we are seeing Yahoo Site Explorer coming offline. This will not affect Majestic SEO's operations in any way at all.
Yahoo Site Explorer was launched in September 2005 to mixed acclaim but became the main source of link analysis data in the world for several years. It is now being retired as we speak and its architect, Tim Mayer laments its demise.
Majestic SEO… Continue reading
Majestic Facelift For 2012
We think you are going to like this. MajesticSEO.com is making the huge usability leap that so many people have wanted – starting with a major overhaul of the site theme, navigation and layout. From today you will be able to find functionality that you never knew existed and at the same time we have added some tools and functionality and overhauled others.
Majestic SEO last had a major… Continue reading
What's New At Majestic?
Majestic SEO is about to get a new makeover and I think you will find the changes stunning. Last week at Pubcon Vegas I had the opportunity to show delegates some of the developments at Majestic over 2012 and the show used the new look website. Just flick through the presentation below to get a sneak peak at the site… Continue reading


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Andre Brown
New Giants' offense still a work in progress
uncomfortable on his surgically repaired left knee. It didn't stop him from catching a long pass. ... Former Giants RB Andre Brown was cut by Houston. --- AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
2014 preview: Will the Giants' offseason spending spree pay off?
the NFC East) Head coach: Tom Coughlin (11th season, 90-70 overall record) Key departures: G Kevin Boothe, RB Andre Brown , DT Linval Joseph, SS Ryan Mundy, WR Louis Murphy, TE Brandon Myers, WR Hakeem Nicks, TE Bear Pascoe, LB Keith
Texans 2014 preview: Running game key to success in O'Brien's scheme
offseason. If Foster should sustain another injury during the upcoming season, the Texans would then turn towards Andre Brown , who has yet to make much of an impact in his career. Even though Johnson has been reportedly working out to stay
Andre Brown : We believe in Eli
the script they want to realize beat the raiders on Sunday. Huge reason for that win the lay of this guy right here Andre Brown thirty the and fifteen dollars and one touchdown he joins us right now on the show enough. Breslaw amassing a sarcasticallyHuge reason for that win the lay of this guy right here Andre Brown thirty -- the -- and fifteen dollars and one touchdown he joins us right now on the show enough. Breslaw amassing a
Andre Brown : We believe in Eli
Andre Brown : We believe in Eli Description Transcript 0 0 0 0 0 Close More Videos + SHOW COMMENTS + Powered by Livefyre
Fantasy Football Team Preview: 2014 Houston Texans
or lack thereof, will stall the progress of a relatively-young receiving corps. Running Backs – Arian Foster, Andre Brown Coming off an injury-riddled 2013 tour, Foster has been a full participant in OTAs this spring. Moreover, O'Brien
Monroe, Jones-Drew among possible free agent targets for Dolphins
Other free agents at that position: Ben Tate (Houston), Rashad Jennings (Oakland), Darren McFadden (Oakland), Andre Brown (New York Giants), Knowshon Moreno (Denver), LeGarette Blount (New England), Toby Gerhart (Minnesota), Ahmad
Capsules of NFC teams for NFL free agency
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LBs Jon Beason and Keith Rivers ; G Kevin Boothe ; RBs Peyton Hillis , Da'Rel Scott and Andre Brown ; PK Josh Brown ; DTs Linval Joseph , Mike Patterson and Shaun Rogers ; S Stevie Brown and Ryan Mundy ; CBs Terrell
FOX Football Daily Recap for Wednesday November 13
On Wednesday's FFD, Takeo Spikes and Kirk Morrison debate what the Chiefs should do with Dwayne Bowe this weekend, Andre Brown joins the show from the Giants team facility, and the guys play Bullstat!
What we know after the final preseason games
get bit hard by the injury bug Andre Brown doesn't just add depth to Big ..... But here is some good news: Andre Brown said "It's not that bad of a break. Just a tiny crack ..... our weekly mailbag! Laces Out \ Andre Brown \ Mark Sanchez \ Matt Simms \ Terrelle


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- Game Info
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Assume the role of the master of disaster! Use tornadoes, lightning, earthquakes and many other forces of nature to do your bidding
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Most Recent Articles In Fashion Scoops
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THE HOLE'S ENCHILADA: One hundred artists from the New York art scene, including Aurel Schmidt, Cass Bird, Terence Koh, Olivier Zahm, Cynthia Rowley, Dash Snow, Gordon Hull and Ryan McGinley have painted, drawn and photographed portraits of each other that will be exhibited salon-style at The Hole gallery on the Bowery, beginning today.
The gallery is also hosting André Saraiva's first major solo show, "Andréopolis," a miniature city installation of wooden, fully lighted buildings that are "re-creations of a hallucinatory vision of New York nightclubs and restaurants."
Saraiva is the nightlife legend behind Le Baron. His work as a graffiti artist has also been featured in the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop." Saraiva's work has been in demand as of late, with a small print of his recently selling out in 48 hours on art Web site Exhibition A.


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Anonymous on 01/15/2009
Both roommates reported having bites independent of each other. One roommate has seen a doctor who says they are most likely bed bugs.
Bites are red and in a straight line.
Landlord says it is because we have garbage and weak immune systems - will not fix.
No nearby bug reports


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Equinox / Zwarte Piet - Brasserie de la Senne
Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse.
Ratings: 104 | Reviews: 57 | Display Reviews Only:
Reviews by selecter70:
3.95/5 rDev +4.8%
Another great offering over at Lord Hobo, on a mellow Valentine's Day...A rich dark brown pour with 1/2 finger of tan head that lessened to nil with little lace. Wonderful dark roasted malt with black coffee, bit of dark chocolate and lovely anise & prune dark fruit smells. Medium-bodied, but still some smooth chewy quality and dry finish; a nice slow one, warming rich flavors as you go. The taste is likewise full of dark goodness: roasted malt, brown bread, raisins, some dark chocolate and yeast. Overall. a wonderful Belgian dark ale, less tart/sour than what many look for, but definitely more in my taste!
04-16-2010 17:02:36 | More by selecter70
More User Reviews:
4/5 rDev +6.1%
05-31-2013 01:13:03 | More by bpfrush
British Columbia (Canada)
3.75/5 rDev -0.5%
04-04-2014 02:27:32 | More by chickenm
4.05/5 rDev +7.4%
33 cl bottle. Beer poured a hazy brown color with a half inch thick tan head that was nearly gone in less than a minute and was replaced by a ring around the edge. The nose is malty, cocoa with a touch of spice. The taste is chocolately, peppery and creamy with a toasted malt character and a slight sweetness. Maybe even a touch of fruit underneath. Solid beer.
02-20-2008 21:00:18 | More by ggaughan
North Carolina
3.38/5 rDev -10.3%
Capped and corked, and when pulled the cork gave a huge "POP" but luckily no gushing here (common with bottle-fermented Belgians). Pours a lovely, deep chocolate brown color, quite dark, and it goes nicely with the dirty-white head that pops and crackles slowly to a thinner layer.
Something really alluring about the aroma. Remarkably vinous, but with equal amounts of nutty yeast, cocoa nib and alcohol warmth. Something like malted milk balls emerges through all of that.
Taste-wise this isn't as confident or impressive as the appearance and smell. A burnt flavor detracts from the good things going on here, and the good things were all identified in the aroma: malted milk balls, cocoa nibs, wine/grape...and some fig as well. Some pumpernickel too, but ultimately the burnt flavor feels "off" and, while the alcohol isn't flaring or cloying, its presence seems pushy when smacked up against that off/burnt taste.
Feel is quite right, that's for sure. Smooth, caressing bubbles give a nice silky character while maintaining a strong tingle for extra life and buoyancy.
Here's an example of a beer that is really damn good...except for how it tastes. And if the taste is off, what have you really got? It's hardly even bad, there's enough good going on in the flavor to keep me interested, but it's a bit messy and needs some work.
01-13-2011 00:17:09 | More by Metalmonk
Ontario (Canada)
4.22/5 rDev +11.9%
One of the tastier beers I have had in a while.Complex and very drinkable. Initial gulp, maybe because of long cellaring didn't do it. But then, chocolate, spice,some roast,fruity
very dark with off-white head. Spicey and cherry nose.Smooth drinking.
10-16-2008 05:11:03 | More by Sammy
3.85/5 rDev +2.1%
Poured into de la senne tall tulip at brugs beertje in Brugge. A typical Belgian brown color with moderate (for a Belgian) tan head that quickly dissipates and leaves no lacing.
Aroma is of dark, but not burnt toast, light roasted coffee and a good bit of alcohol, slightly sharper than the clean ethanol sweetness. Some sweet fruit, maybe pear, and also a floral note is also present.
Taste is initially of the same light roasted coffee, almost nutty, and definite strong bitterness, quite aggressive for a Belgian. There is enough sweetness, however, and the roast flavors are light enough that the bitterness is pleasant and round, rather than sharp and astringent. A relatively high finishing gravity makes the finish a bit sweet, but the bitterness definitely lingers as well.
Mouthfeel is medium for your typical BSDA. Far from the thickness of a gulden draak for example, but not light and quaffable. As with all good Belgian beers, this is best drunk slow and savoured.
Overall a very enjoyable beer, and not a session ender, but deep and complex. Moderate alcohol for the style. Leaves you not neccessarily wanting another of this(especially with all of Belgium currently at my fingertips) but definitely wanting another of something.
02-07-2010 16:07:11 | More by eallured
3.9/5 rDev +3.4%
Dark, burnt chocolate brown. As dark as I've seen for the style. Head is offwhite and fleeting.
A lot of stuff to choose from. At different times I picked up chocolate, coffee, pine, citrus, licorice, and vanilla.
It tastes more like a stout. The chocolate is most noticeable, but it's nothing resembling dominant. It actually tastes like watered-down coffee with some cocoa in it, but it works.
While the taste worked, the mouthfeel was nothing worth writing home about. Bordering on light bodied, almost a Guinness like feel, with some bittering hops in the finish.
This beer needed something. Not so much flavor, just more character in the body. It was too loose for my liking.
01-28-2012 04:19:42 | More by RickS95
3.13/5 rDev -17%
330 mL bottle poured into a snifter.
Appearance - Brown body. Hinting at black. Big head. Lots of wisps. Nice lacing.
Smell - Very acidic. Some deep roasted malts. Lemony acidity. Clean tartness.
Taste - The roasted malts take a back seat to an immediate sourness. Brett flavors. Lemony tartness. Grainy. Some chocolate comes back in the end. Dry.
Mouthfeel - Dry finish. Medium light body. Not a ton of tartness but what it has is good.
Overall - Good blend of acids and chocolate. Doesn't do much for me, but it's a decent beer.
05-21-2013 03:48:48 | More by Alieniloquium
4.5/5 rDev +19.4%
02-10-2012 01:11:47 | More by zonker17
3.75/5 rDev -0.5%
06-09-2013 04:54:44 | More by mc4z
3.9/5 rDev +3.4%
film and very good lacing.
Smells of roasted malt pure and simple. This also comes through in the taste, with a chocolate/coffee smokiness predominant. Very light prune-esters. Hops are there, but very weak.
Mouthfeel is nice and thick; the creamy head is also a plus.
Very drinkable. A really simple, traditional Belgian take on a stout.
08-10-2008 16:54:03 | More by philipquarles
New York
3.7/5 rDev -1.9%
Poured into snifter.
The head was thick, maybe 1/3" but disappated quickly, leaving only traces of foam around the edge of the glass. The remaining head did remain for the duration of the drink, sliding down the glass without leaving any residue.
The aroma is excellent: dark cherry or currant with slight carob.
The taste is unwhelming, altough the carbonation is very to my taste and the alcholol bites slightly. The longer this stood, the better the taste developed. Oddly, there is no decernible aftertaste - and the initial flavor (of which no single character dominates) doesn't linger. Once it's swallowed, it's gone.
Throughout the glass, the mouthfeel was excellent; very full. As the temperature rose the feel remained constant.
I would say this is very drinkable, but I question if I would.
(review #2 - I've decided to number my reviews so that if people are reading them they can place the review in it's proper context - maybe someday I'll have 100 up and someone will read this and think "eh, terrrible review", well, now you'll know why - it was my 2nd one)
07-20-2010 22:41:02 | More by CooperEllis
3.3/5 rDev -12.5%
It being Sinterklaas/St. Nicolas, it was clearly time to pull this out of the cellar, I think a couple months after buying. While I should strive not to prejudge, it was what I'd expected, in fact hoped for from this house: not a standard Belgian Christmas ale but a modern take on a peacefully non-imperial stout -- more roast and no/less candy sugar, clean, solid rather than decadent. Goodness knows for sure about a best-by date but looks like 2014 and no month are ticked on the label. Luscious-looking brown-black body with a sustained layer of cream. Little smell, some esters, a touch of coffee, but little is the operative word. Seriously roasted coffee again, in the flavor, plus toffee, some apricot and citrus, along with herbal and bitter but slightly coppery hops. Nice chewy attack and it cleans out well.
12-07-2013 10:50:24 | More by ManforallSaisons
3.63/5 rDev -3.7%
Grabbed it just as it hit the local store. 25oz bottle that fools you. Opened the bottle cap to find a cork underneath (have a corkscrew). Color is super dark brown, bordering on black. The nose has some belgian sweet candy and hints of spice. The body of the beer does not match the color, but it does deliver flavor. A well balenced beer with hints of belgian sugar sweetness, spice, and a generous amount of hops. Hops are not prominent or overwhelming if that is what you are looking/not looking for. Overall didnt seem much different from year round belgian ales, but it was a tasty beer.
11-08-2007 23:32:15 | More by dabears
Quebec (Canada)
3.53/5 rDev -6.4%
Bottle: Poured a clear deep brown color ale with a large off-white foamy head with good retention and great lacing. Aroma of dry malt with a light European hops finish. Taste is definitely drier then I would have expected with a nice enough dry hops finish. The label ''winter beer'' lead me to expect a Belgian malt bomb with some balance sweetness but instead it seems I got a dry winter beer. Good carbonation with no discernable alcohol. While this is not bad or flawed, I thought it was too dry for my taste buds and not something I would revisit anytime soon.
10-06-2008 18:53:15 | More by Phyl21ca
3.25/5 rDev -13.8%
08-27-2013 11:24:59 | More by Coren
2.48/5 rDev -34.2%
Appearance- Pours a fairly opaque amber with a good, frothy yet creamy, off-white head.Good head retention.
Aroma- Quite sour, with an uncomfortable barnyard smell lingering in the background. Smells like somebody squeezed a bunch of lemons over a chicken coop.
Taste- It's unusually hoppy for a Belgian beer. Spicy. Some hints of licorice. Kind of a free-for-all.
Mouthfeel- The carbonation is a bit high, and loose. Doesn't have that tight CO2 most Belgians do. Body seems about right.
Drinkability. Well...I didn't dump it down the sink.
12-12-2007 07:06:49 | More by theopholis
4/5 rDev +6.1%
11-03-2013 19:18:28 | More by desint
3.5/5 rDev -7.2%
10-31-2013 03:35:51 | More by jaydoc
4.05/5 rDev +7.4%
Vintage 2012 poured on tap at Churchkey DC into a snifter glass. Described as a Belgian Imperial Stout.
A real nice red body with hints of dark chestnut brown, giving to a faint tan head. Manages to keep a collar.
Interesting nose on this beer. Light grass, and a fruity nuttiness similar to an English Dark Mild but a bit bolder.
Taste brings a real nice and controlled roasty character of char and pan gravy but with a Belgian like sweetness as well. Creamy charring mix with no perceived heat either. Body is very light in feel but gives lots of flavor
Overall it really does remind me of a dark mild with a fascinating character. Real interesting beer.
08-01-2012 00:15:24 | More by smakawhat
4/5 rDev +6.1%
Poured into a Reuben's Brew snifter. Pours a very dark, nearly opaque brown with a nice to finger light brown head that dissipates slowly, leaving heavy lacing. Aroma of dark toasted malt, nuts, cocoa, faint Belgian yeast and spicing. Flavor is initially muted toasted malt, cocoa with dark, tart fruit developing later and finishing with charred malt, cocoa and some grassy hop bitterness. Medium bodied with peppery sharp carbonation. An unusual take on a brown ale, flavors are more muted and not as rich as a porter, but there is a lighter, Belgian fruit component that makes this interesting and different. The char in the finish is unexpected and perhaps a bit strong for flavor balance, but overall a quite interesting hybrid of porter and Belgian dark. Worth a try.
12-28-2013 04:33:46 | More by LiquidAmber
British Columbia (Canada)
3.65/5 rDev -3.2%
Poured from a 500ml bottle. Racist label aside, this pours a rich dark brown. Nose offers up complex floral, fruity notes with roasty notes of chocolate. Taste is boozy and a bit sweet, with notes of dark dried fruits and a strong bitter finish. Very smooth and sippable.
01-06-2014 23:29:47 | More by CookstLiquor
4/5 rDev +6.1%
02-17-2013 23:02:36 | More by mendvicdog
Ontario (Canada)
3.39/5 rDev -10.1%
Zwarte Piet label is racist as hell, but the beer isn't bad. Not sure what's behind the name change but I'm sure it has something to do with controversy, which the label seems to see no reason to shy away from - Black face explorer matching the Black animal it gazes at...
Mix of roast and cocoa with a strong cranberry presence, a light tartness and some hop drying in the finish. Mix of stout and Belgian Dark.
08-30-2013 21:35:47 | More by ritzkiss
Equinox / Zwarte Piet from Brasserie de la Senne
85 out of 100 based on 104 ratings.


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Break Gallery CXVIII
Posted by Break.com Staff on Jan. 05, 2007
Posted by Break.com Staff on Jan. 05, 2007
yeah, smoking: to all you masterbators out there...im facebook friends with her...apparently if your not, your not cool..... ...im lonely
Is she: in the girl of the day section? I want more where that came from.
she is: unreal
She used to be friends with my sisters in high school...: She wasn't nearly as fucking beautiful as she is now but still was a heart breaker
Stratt: shes my myspace friend and she is so0o god darned hOTT!!!
yeh: nice
I still say: Amber is the 2006 Break Girl of the Year!


text: This book celebrates the beauty, mystery, and strangeness of insects and spiders found in Nicaragua. Over 100 color photographs of bees, wasps, beetles, millipedes, spiders, butterflies, moths, and more seem to jump out of the pages! Each image will increase your curiosity in the world of these awesome arthropods! 8x10 inches. 80 pages.


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Terms & Conditions.
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In a combination of high-quality stainless steel and thermoplastic, the Furio Cutlery Set blends ergonomic function with atypical appearance. When not in use, it becomes a countertop display, contained in a charming stand reminiscent of a white picket fence.
Set includes 6 dinner knives, 6 dinner forks, 6 dinner spoons, 6 teaspoons, and a stand to hold them. Stand measures L 8.66" W 2.36" H 4.53".
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Tiger Woods Posters
Tiger Woods Posters is highly admirable and makes a superb wall decoration, this item dimension is 72 x 48 inch and the price is $124.99. If you're trying to chase top recommended Tiger Woods Posters with affordable price, this produce is the attractive deals for you.
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Gear Review
Ingenious Idea
Thomas Bloess
Member since
Don't mind spending a couple of bucks to help me recycle my fuel canisters. I had a stack of empties in my garage waiting to take to the appropriate place, now I can just recycle them easily. Not much you could do to improve this product...unless it could open a beer too.
Highly recommend this for anybody who uses canisters.
View More Details on Jetboil CrunchIt Fuel Canister Recycling Tool


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Deep in the heart of the Kent countryside yet only 35 minutes from London King's Cross, The Kent Cookery School offers a wide range of cooking courses to suit everyone. Whether it is a gift for a loved one or a treat just for you our team of expert tutors will make sure your day is a day you'll never forget.
Our next course:
Pattiserie - Meringues Thursday 11.09.14 6.30 - 9pm
In this pattiserie evening we will be covering french and Italian meringue. Meringues can be...


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Georgetown University
182 Employee Reviews (View Most Recent)Sort: Rating Date
"Friendly working environment, balanced work and personal life, great benefits! "
- Comp & Benefits
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- Senior Management
- Culture & Values
- Career Opportunities
Working environment is nice and comfortable.
Enough campus holidays guarantee work and life balance.
Medical benefit is great.
Need transportation between different campus.
Traffic near campus is tough.
Other reviews for Georgetown University
- Pros
- You have a lot of flexibility in choosing your schedule for hosting office hours and grading student projects
- Helping other students to understand the material is a great way to reinforce your own understanding
- The professors I have worked for have all been greatCons
- Your experience as a TA is highly dependent on who the professor for the course isRecommendsPositive OutlookApproves of CEO
"Institutional "
- Comp & Benefits
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- Senior Management
- Culture & Values
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Great mission and work/life balanceCons
No career trajectory for staffRecommendsNeutral OutlookApproves of CEO


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Tri-County's Foundation Board Welcomes Two New MembersRead More
Policies & Procedures
State and College policies and procedures are posted here. All policies and procedures are reviewed on a regular basis.
Labor Day (College Closed) (9/1/2014)Sep 1 Read more
Lunch-N-Learn Workshop on Time Management (9/2/2014)Sep 2 Read more
Get Connected-Anderson Campus (9/3/2014)Sep 3 Read more
Clemson University Advisors on Campus (9/3/2014)Sep 3 Read more


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Real news. Real funny.
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New Studies Find Violent Video Games Cause Risky Behavior and Increase Happiness
Source: procon.org
New Studies Find Violent Video Games Cause Risky Behavior and Increase Happiness
Source: procon.org
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has come out against a state constitutional amendment to legalize medical marijuana. The lobby representing 20,000 physicians in Florida now officially opposes any legalized form of medical cannabis.
On Nov. 4, 2014, Florida voters will consider the ballot initiative known as Amendment 2, which would allow the controlled use of cannabis for certain Florida patients who obtain a valid recommendation from a licensed physician and receive an identification card from the state. According to the Florida Times-Union, the proposed amendment "comes on the heels of the Legislature's statewide legalization of 'Charlotte's Web,'" a strain of marijuana low in the psychoactive ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and high in the non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), "that is said to treat childhood seizures without getting the patient high."
Dr. Alan Pillersdorf, FMA President, released a statement saying: "We believe the unintended consequences of Amendment 2 are serious and numerous enough for us to believe they constitute a public health risk for Floridians. The lack of clear definitions in the amendment would allow health-care providers with absolutely no training in the ordering of controlled substances, to order medical marijuana." The FMA has concurrently passed a resolution urging that marijuana products be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that smoking marijuana, even for medical reasons, be completely prohibited.
Legal prostitution may reduce instances of rape and gonorrhea infection, according to a July 2014 working paper issued by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
A legal loophole effectively decriminalized indoor prostitution in Rhode Island between 2003 and 2009, which gave researchers Scott Cunningham, PhD, and Manisha Shah, PhD, an opportunity to study the possible effects of legal prostitution. Cunningham and Shah found that "forcible rape offenses" in the state decreased by 31% from 2004 to 2009, which translates to 824 fewer rapes being reported than would have been if prostitution had remained illegal. The study also found that female gonorrhea infections were reduced by 39%, with 1,035 fewer cases occurring. Three different statistical methods resulted in similar results, and Cunningham stated that "we have convinced ourselves that we have done everything we can do rule out alternative explanations."
The decriminalization of indoor prostitution in Rhode Island can be traced back to a legislative error. In 1980, state lawmakers narrowed the prostitution statute to avoid infringement of First Amendment rights, but in doing do they inadvertently removed the portion of the law that made paying for sex illegal. The statute retained the laws against pimping, street prostitution, and human trafficking. In 2003, police conducted a sting named "Operation Rubdown," during which women working in two spas offered sex to undercover police in exchange for money. A state district court judge dismissed the case against the women because no existing law had actually been broken. Prostitutes were able to operate legally from then until Nov. 2009, when the prostitution ban was reinstated. Brothels flourished in the state during the period, which gained notoriety for being the only location in the United States, outside several Nevada counties, where prostitution was not outlawed.
On July 16, 2014, California's death penalty was ruled unconstitutional by US District Judge Cormac J. Carney.
Carney ruled on a petition submitted by death row inmate Ernest Dewayne Jones, who has been on California's death row for nearly 20 years. He was condemned to death in 1995 after being convicted of raping and murdering his girlfriend's mother.
In his ruling, Judge Carney called California's death penalty system "dysfunctional," and said that systemic delays in carrying out death sentences in California have created a situation whereby "the death sentence carefully and deliberately imposed by the jury has been quietly transformed into one no rational jury or legislature could ever impose: life in prison, with the remote possibility of death."
The judge went on to argue that "allowing this system to continue to threaten Mr. Jones with the slight possibility of death, almost a generation after he was first sentenced, violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment."
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Natasha Minsker, Director of the ACLU of Northern California, stated that Judge Carney's ruling was "the first time any judge has ruled systemic delay creates an arbitrary system that serves no legitimate purpose and is therefore unconstitutional."
Of the 43 US Presidents, 30 had college degrees and 13 did not. Eight presidents did not attend college; five attended college but did not earn a degree; 20 graduated college with undergraduate degrees; and 10 earned graduate degrees.
Is an American college education worth it?
According to a Nov. 2013 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study, most Americans are not at college-level proficiency in literacy, math, or technology skills—not even the average US college graduate.
In 2011 and 2012, the OECD administered a standardized test, the Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), to 166,000 adults aged 16-65 in the 24 OECD countries to compare the literacy, math, and technology skills of adults.
The OECD found that 41.77% of Americans hold a bachelor's degree, lower than the OECD average of 42.01%. The United States ranked 14th out of 23 (the UK and Northern Ireland were tested together) in percentage of 25-34 year olds with "tertiary education." Korea was first with 61.63%, followed by Canada (57.26%), and Japan (55.84%). Austria ranked last with 20.34%.
On the literacy proficiency portion of the test, the United States ranked 16th of 23 with 11.51% of adults having an "A" level proficiency, or a college graduate level of reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. The average for all 24 countries was 11.79%. Japan ranked first with 22.56% of adults at an "A" level. Italy ranked the lowest with 3.32%.
On the "numeracy proficiency" (math) portion of the test, the United States ranked 21st of 23 with 8.48% of adults showing an "A" level proficiency. 12.42% was the average for OECD countries. Japan (18.85%) ranked first. Spain (4.06%) ranked last.
The third portion of the test was "proficiency in problem solving in technology-rich environments" and measured how adults used technology to get and use information, communicate with others, and perform tasks, or basic computer literacy skills. The United States ranked 14th of 19 with 5.1% displaying "A" level proficiency. Sweden ranked first with 8.8%. Poland ranked last with 3.8%. Cyprus, Spain, Italy, and France did not participate in this portion of the test.
Source: college-education.procon.org
Should All Americans Have the Right (Be Entitled) to Health Care?
The pro gay marriage movement won court victories in Indiana and Utah on June 25, 2014. A federal judge struck down Indiana's gay marriage ban, and a federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling that had overturned Utah's gay marriage ban.
In Indiana, US District Judge Richard Young found that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the equal protection clause in the US Constitution. Young wrote in his decision that "In time, Americans will look at the marriage of [same-sex] couples… and refer to it simply as a marriage – not a same-sex marriage. These couples, when gender and sexual orientation are taken away, are in all respects like the family down the street. The Constitution demands that we treat them as such."
The issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples began almost immediately in several Indiana counties, while other counties held off on issuing licenses, waiting for further guidance. Marion County Clerk Beth White said in a statement that the judge's ruling was sufficient: "Judge Young's decision on marriage equality sets forth a clear course of action for this office to follow regarding same-sex marriage licenses. It is my responsibility to uphold court rulings that impact this office and that is what I will do." White's spokesperson, Erin Kelley, reported that hopeful couples arrived at the clerk's office within ten minutes of the ruling's announcement. "It has been a whirlwind," she told the Chicago Tribune.
Prostitution is legal in Brazil, home to the 2014 World Cup tournament, and host to an estimated 600,000 foreign soccer fans visiting the country for the month-long competition.
While paying for sex has been legal in Brazil since at least as early as 2000, pimping and owning brothels are illegal in the country. One estimate puts the number of prostitutes in Brazil at one million in a country of nearly 203 million.
There are said to be around 2,000 prostitutes working in Belo Horizonte (one of the World Cup's 12 host cities) alone. Belo Horizonte gained notoriety in 2013 when Cida Vieira, chairwoman of Aprosmig, a local prostitutes' union, said that the city's prostitutes would accept credit card payments to make transactions more convenient for World Cup attendees. The city gained still more publicity when Laura Maria Do Espirito Santo, a founding member of Aprosmig, came up with the idea of arranging English lessons for prostitutes so they could better cater to English-speaking soccer fans attending the competition. "The language gets you ahead," remarked Santo. "We are learning the basics. They say there'll be 200,000 tourists in Belo Horizonte so it makes a lot of sense."
ProCon.org, America's largest provider of free pro and con research on controversial issues, has updated and expanded its information on the controversial health topics of abortion, obesity, and prescription drug advertising to consumers.
These three health topics explore the core questions: "Should abortion be legal?," "Is obesity a disease?," and "Should prescription drugs be advertised directly to consumers?"
The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday [June 2] proposed a rule designed to cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal plants by as much as 30 percent by 2030, compared with 2005 levels…
Source: alternativeenergy.procon.org
On May 28, 2014, US District Judge Gregory L. Frost blocked executions from taking place in Ohio until Aug. 15, 2014, while issues surrounding the state's new lethal injection methods are resolved. Two executions had been scheduled to occur before Aug. 15, with two more planned for later in the year. Judge Frost ordered the state and lawyers representing inmates on death row to "work together" to resolve their dispute over the use of new drug protocols adopted by Ohio in 2013.
Due to shortages of drugs customarily used to carry out thedeath penalty, including pentobarbital (used to anesthetize the inmate) and vecuronium bromide (used to induce paralysis), states have turned to experimental drug combinations. The new procedures have been blamed for botched executions in Ohio and Oklahoma.
During a Jan. 16, 2014 execution at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, witnesses said they saw inmate Dennis McGuire "choke, clench his fists and seemingly struggle against his restraints for more than 10 minutes" before being pronounced dead, according to the Los Angeles Times. McGuire, 53, was given the death penalty for raping and murdering a pregnant woman. On Apr. 29, 2014 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Clayton Lockett stayed alive for 43 minutes after the execution's commencement and at times "struggled violently, groaned and writhed, lifting his shoulders and head from the gurney," according to the Guardian. Lockett, 38, was convicted of rape and of killing a 19 year-old woman, who was buried alive as Lockett watched.
Today, President Obama announced more than 300 private and public sector commitments to create jobs and cut carbon pollution by advancing solar deployment and energy efficiency. The commitments represent more than 850 megawatts of solar deployed – enough to power nearly 130,000 homes.
Source: alternativeenergy.procon.org
A new study of health care benefits in California, published in Health Affairs on May 5, showed that per year 9% of undocumented immigrants in California visited the emergency room versus 12% of uninsured US citizens in California versus 20% of all US-born citizens in California. Immigrants in the country illegally visit a doctor an average of 1.7 times a year, uninsured citizens visit 1.8 times, and insured citizens visit 3.2 times a year.
California is home to over 2.2 million undocumented immigrants, who account for 6.8% of the state's population and nearly 25% of the state's uninsured population. The 2010 Affordable Care Act gave the 3.3 million US citizens in California access to healthcare but did not extend those benefits to immigrants in the country illegally.
The study's authors concluded that this lack of insurance coverage could lead to more advanced disease and, thus, higher public expenditures to treat immigrants in the country illegally who have not used health care services. They also say extending health care coverage to immigrants in the country illegally could benefit the insurance exchange, and reduce the burden on emergency and safety-net providers like emergency rooms and urgent care offices. California State Senator Ricardo Lara has proposed the Health for All Act, which would extend fully-paid Medicaid coverage to immigrants in the country illegally, stating, "This is an issue that has been a concern at many clinics and non-profit hospitals… If we're going to fully implement the ACA, the conversation has to include this vulnerable population."


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2011 Ram 1500 User Reviews
2011 Ram 1500 Review Ratings
Average Ratings from 3 reviews
- Performance:
- Appearance:
- Build Quality:
- Overall:
User Reviews
Displaying all 3 2011 Ram 1500 reviews.
Jean writes:
2011 Ram 1500 Sport 6.3 ft. Bed 4WD Review
Puts hair on your chest
If you have a fuel budget, stay away!
If You Can, You Can! — 5.7l Hemi V8.. Crazy performance with 390Hp. Braking on discs but a bit heavy. Handles well considering the weight. No repairs needed, no squeaks or rattles. Exterior is trend setting and unmatched. The interior is luxurious and far better than the previous models. The fuel consumption is approx 19l per 100km, but it is so much fun that it doesn't matter.
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Looking for a Used 1500 in your area?CarGurus has 78,118 nationwide 1500 listings starting at $9,499.
Tracy4Crystal writes:
2011 Ram 1500 SLT 6.3 ft. Bed Review
Great towing, handles great.
small back seat
Love It! — We love our truck, but need a bigger engine. It is a beautiful truck and very comfortable ride as long as you are in the front seat. The back seat has very limited space. Has rails installed to haul a 5th wheel camper!
Primary Use: Utility (towing boats, transporting cargo, etc.)
bomber71 writes:
2011 Ram 1500 Big Horn Quad Cab 6.3 ft. Bed Review
Great truck, powerful (390 hp), will do all the old 2500's used to do, can tow 10k pounds, many comments on the color, best truck around!
Best Truck Ever! — This truck is so versatile for everyday use or hauling or trailer towing. The ride with coiled spring suspension is fantastic. I added air shocks for towing; helped rear end minor sag with trailer hooked up. I don't think I have ever driven a more comfortable, reliable, hard working truck. The Mercedes quality control of several years ago is obvious in this vehicle. Love it!
Primary Use: Utility (towing boats, transporting cargo, etc.)
Displaying all 3 2011 Ram 1500 reviews.
Reviews From Other Years
2014 Ram 1500 Reviews
Ram Won Me Over
Test drove a GM, Nissan, Toyota, & Dodge truck. Dodge won hands down. Wasn't even close. Has the comforts of a luxury SUV & has all the power you would ever want in a truck. Looks great & fantastic va... Read More
Solid Truck
My truck has less than a thousand miles so it is not easy to write an accurate review yet. after I put at least ten thousand miles on it and take it through a few obstacles my review would not be accu... Read More
2013 Ram 1500 Reviews
Sporty Hardworking Truck
You might not have noticed that the 2013 Ram has just undergone a rather mild face-lift. It would take a sharp eye to notice the larger grille, restyled headlights and LED turn signals/taillights. But... Read More
Best riding truck I have owned since I started driving in 1972! This is the first RAM(Dodge) I have ever owned and I am really impressed by the fit and finish on the truck. Take a look at a RAM if yo... Read More
2012 Ram 1500 Reviews
Love The Versatility
This truck rides like a car.. A big one. And can carry anything you choose to load it with. Long drives are incredible. Highway mileage is 20. Depending on the speed you drive, it may only be 18 mpg (... Read More
This truck looks great and runs even better. The Hemi motor supplies ample power with decent mileage/fuel range for a truck. I am very impressed with the fit/finish and overall quality of the truck. T... Read More


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Old Salt Union to Release The Bridge
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And rather than throwing some self-aggrandizing farewell, MU330 is fine with its current play-when-we-can approach. "I never saw a reason to break up," says Potthast. "We are all friends and like to play music together, so why call it over? How many shows a year do we need to play to be called a band?" Potthast says. "There are no rules."
Roughly 25 years later, Moll and his wife and two children live in the very same house where MU330 stumbled through its first practices. The same basement Grandma Marcella graciously offered up to Moll and his teenage buddies now serves as a cozy rehearsal space and serviceable recording studio for Moll and some of those guys who were causing a racket down there as teens.
MU330 and Bagheera — Moll's haunted, space-pop project he plays in with his wife, Heather — now record all of their output in his self-built basement studio. According to Moll, back in 2006, MU actually recorded an album's worth of material there, a collection of songs that are all about monsters. "The Monsters album may end up being like our SMiLE, [the Beach Boys' long-delayed opus]" Moll half-jokes.
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It would only be fitting that the band's last official album be recorded in the room where Moll and Potthast first learned how to play music together. And it's fair to say that on New Year's Eve, Grandma Marcella will be smiling down on MU330 as the band rips through its now-trademarked, caffeine-induced, hyper-ska blend.