text:
Truman Capote
Wiilliam E. Sauro/The New York Times
Truman Capote, the novelist, short story writer and literary celebrity, pioneered a genre he called ''the nonfiction novel,'' exemplified by his immensely popular ''In Cold Blood.'' He died apparently without having completed his long- promised ''masterwork,'' an extensive novel called ''Answered Prayers.''
Mr. Capote's first story was published while he was still in his teens, but his work totaled only 13 volumes, most of them slim collections, and in the view of many of his critics, notably his old friend John Malcolm Brinnin, he failed to join the ranks of the truly great American writers because he squandered his time, talent and health on the pursuit of celebrity, riches and pleasure.
"I had to be successful, and I had to be successful early,'' Mr. Capote said in 1978. ''The thing about people like me is that we always knew what we were going to do. Many people spend half their lives not knowing. But I was a very special person, and I had to have a very special life. I was not meant to work in an office or something, though I would have been successful at whatever I did. But I always knew that I wanted to be a writer and that I wanted to be rich and famous.'' Success, both as a writer and as a celebrity, came early, when he was 23 years old and published his first novel, ''Other Voices, Other Rooms.'' It was a critical and financial success, and so were most of the volumes of short stories, reportage and novellas that followed, including ''Breakfast at Tiffany's,'' ''The Muses Are Heard,'' ''The Grass Harp,'' ''Local Color,'' ''The Dogs Bark'' and ''Music for Chameleons.''
But the book that perhaps solidified his claim to literary fame was ''In Cold Blood,'' his detailed, painstakingly researched and chilling account of the 1959 slaying of a Kansas farm family and the capture, trial and execution of the two killers.
Highlights From the Archives
Book Review Desk
Familiar Voices, Familiar Rooms
Truman Capote relentlessly cultivated his fame, broke into high society and, once ousted from it, became a fixture at places like Studio 54. But as much as he was responsible for the equation that fame equals accomplishment, he knew it wasn't true and that knowledge proved to be hisDecember 28, 1997 artsReview
Book Review Desk
Unmourned Losses, Unsettled Claims
How Truman Capote went from an enchanter, the startlingly fresh voice of his first novel "Other Voices, Other Rooms," to someone who laid waste his friends and skewered his competitiors with poisonous prose is an amazing story, as disturbing as anything Capote ever wrote.June 12, 1988 artsReview
Cultural Desk
The Two Truman Capotes on Display
When Truman Capote wrote ''In Cold Blood'' 22 years ago, readers were told that the book fell somewhere between fiction and fact. It was called a report of a murder, a fictionalized story, a courtroom drama. Finally, the book about the killing in 1959 of a farm family in a small town in Kansas and the capture, trial and execution of the two young murderers was labeled and promoted as something new in literature: a ''nonfiction novel.December 5, 1987 artsNews
The Moment Before Everything Changes
A boy and his elderly cousin enact an annual holiday ritual in Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory," adapted as a musical presented by the Irish Repertory Theater.
December 5, 2014, Friday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Theater , Christmas , Spagnuolo, Silvano , Poole, Duane , Grossman, Larry , Hall, Carol (1936- ) , Irish Repertory Theater , Moore, Charlotte , Robinson, Ashley , Ripley, Alice , A Christmas Memory (Play) , Capote, Truman
Lost Stories by Capote Are Published
After the discovery of some previously unpublished works from Truman Capote, four of those stories are appearing in a German magazine.
October 9, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Capote, Truman , Books and Literature , ZEITmagazin , Haag, Peter
Talk of the Town
Actors read works by John O'Hara and Truman Capote set in a bygone Manhattan.
May 18, 2014, Sunday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: O'Hara, John , Hall, Michael C , Capote, Truman , Books and Literature , Audiobooks
Ross Bleckner Wipes the Canvas Clean
The painter removes every trace of his beach house's previous owner. Truman Who?
July 25, 2013, Thursday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Bleckner, Ross , Capote, Truman , Real Estate and Housing (Residential) , Sagaponack (NY) , Interior Design and Furnishings , Art , Architecture
More Waifish Than Wild, the Ingénue Returns
The new "Breakfast at Tiffany's," on Broadway at the Cort Theater, is more faithful to Truman Capote's novella than the 1961 film was, yet far more melancholy.
March 21, 2013, Thursday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Theater , Mathias, Sean , Clarke, Emilia , Smith, Cory Michael , Wendt, George , Greenberg, Richard , Capote, Truman
More Waifish Than Wild, the Ingénue Returns
The new "Breakfast at Tiffany's," on Broadway at the Cort Theater, is more faithful to Truman Capote's novella than the 1961 film was, yet far more melancholy.
March 21, 2013, Thursday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Wendt, George , Clarke, Emilia , Capote, Truman , Theater , Mathias, Sean , Smith, Cory Michael
Forever a Gamine at Tiffany's
With the play "Breakfast at Tiffany's" opening on Broadway, a new generation is being drawn to the allure and mysteries of Holly Golightly.
March 15, 2013, Friday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: New York City , Tiffany & Company , Hepburn, Audrey , Capote, Truman , Theater
The Real Lee Radziwill
One of Truman Capote's swans, the sister of Jackie Kennedy and a European princess. The inimitable Radziwill offers a rare, personal glimpse into her world.
February 7, 2013, Thursday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Beard, Peter , Radziwill, Lee , Valli, Giambattista , Capote, Truman , Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy
Disco Inferno at Fire-Sale Prices as Studio 54 Items Go On the Block
A collection of Studio 54 memorabilia and artwork owned by Steve Rubell, the co-founder of that New York disco club, sold for a total of $316,680 at an auction on Saturday, and included items by Warhol as well as candid photos of the club's celebrity...
January 22, 2013, Tuesday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Warhol, Andy , Turner, Tina , Vollbracht, Michael , Capote, Truman , Cher (1946- ) , Rubell, Steve , Manhattan (NYC) , Studio 54 , Auctions
New Piece Added to Puzzle of Truman Capote's 'Answered Prayers'
"Yachts and Things" is thought to be a segment from Mr. Capote's famously unfinished roman à clef.
October 31, 2012, Wednesday
MORE ON TRUMAN CAPOTE AND: Capote, Truman , Vanity Fair , Books and Literature
Get Alerts On Truman Capote
Receive My Alerts e-mails on topics covered on this page.More Alerts >>


text:
Sears Catalogue Pickup Location
Gadgetree Dancing Water Mp3 Speakers - $29.99
This deal has expired!On sale this week at The Source for $29.99.
Source: TheSource
Problem with this deal? Report this deal
Tell us where
you are!
RedFlagDeals™ Cash Back rewards you for shopping online with cold, hard cash!
Sign up for a free RedFlagDeals™ account to proceed.
Tell me more about RedFlagDeals™ Cash Back
Please note: This number is associated with:
There is no address associated with this merchant.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
PAVING PROJECT: Furnace Creek Campground will be undergoing a paving project during the summer of 2014. Work in the area will require the campground to close for a few weeks. However, the Park will open Texas Springs Campground during that time period. We apologize for the inconvenience.
part ofDeath Valley National Park, National Park Service
Status: Open year round. Season Dates
130 site(s) found
** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the facility.


text:
- You are here:
- Photos >
- chicago 2009 2010 ford taurus sho live
Chicago 2009: SHO History - The real reason Ford had Yamaha's V6 lying around
by Chris Shunk (RSS feed) on Feb 12th, 2009 at 1:56PM
In case you haven't noticed, there will always be a place in our hearts for the Taurus SHO, and news that the car is headed back to production has at least one staffer in something approaching a dream state. But if you ever really thought about it, it doesn''t really make too much sense that Ford would commission a high-revving V6 for its family hauler. As it turns out, Ford had grander plans for the 220 horsepower Yamaha engine. In 1984, Ford brass green-lighted an all-new, mid engine sports car to compete with exotics from Europe. The car was being tested and engineered by Roush and Ford... Read More


text:
Tuesday, October 8 @ 2pm
Chef Andrea Rosenblatt, presents "Tea with the Impressionists." Seating is limited so please call 285-1114 to make a reservation. This program is made possible by FOCUS Cummer and the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library.
Tuesday, October 8 @ 4:30pmTeens (Age 13-18) are invited to join our Teen Advisory Board and have a say in the materials we order for teens, the teen programs we offer, and much more at the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. Participation in the Teen Advisory Board counts as service hours and snacks are provided by the Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library. Join us for our meeting and get involved.
Tuesday, October 8 @ 3pm
Teens, join us for gaming on the Xbox, PlayStation or Wii, play board games, paint, or just hang out with your friends in a fun, friendly environment. Guitars and a keyboard are available if you feel like getting musical.


text:
Write Review
Compare Attorney Generals
Missouri Attorney General Office
reviews & complaints.
Most Popular
More Options >
More filter options:
Poor Customer Suport
Posted by
HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND -- RE: Poor Customer Service/No coordination between departments
DELL Service Tag #5BHNH41, Express Service Code 115-786-883-53
When looking to purchase a computer, customer support was a primary consideration to me. Dell computer advertisements boasted of having one of the best technical supports available. This was the main reason why I purchased my Dell computer several years ago. I have also encouraged friends to buy Dell computers for the same reasons. When I purchased this computer, the sales technician suggested that I purchase a warranty for future hardware problems. Fortunately, I did so, with warranty coverage extending to March 2007.
My computer is for home use; however sometimes I use this for business, and found that this system suited all of my basic computer needs. I honestly love my computer and until December 2, 2005, I had little, if any problems.
Unfortunately, all this came to an end when I encountered a computer
lock-up and a blue error screen. On December 2nd, I called your Computer Hardware Dept., who ran me through a test which indicated that the hardware was fine. This Dept. suggested that I contact Dell's Software Dept., for necessary repairs. I called the Software Dept., who indicated that I would be assessed a $99.00 fee for their customer support for this unwarranted software problem, Order #701-175-038. Transaction ID: 6K760124J4042063M,
Item #8237704671.
I logged approximately 50 hours on the telephone, i.e. calling your customer support numbers and bouncing back and forth, (at least six times), between your Hardware and Software Depts. Your Software Dept. technicians had to reconfigure my hard drive at least five times, and unfortunately after the long hours of loading the disks and listening to the directions of your technicians, the computer again shut down and resorted to the same Blue Error Screen. The Software technicians kept telling me that my problem was in the hard drive, and after being bounced back to your Hardware Dept., they insisted that the hard drive
was fine and routed me back to your Software Dept. again.
Where's the coordination? The process of reconfiguring my hard drive was completed over again and again. I was totally frustrated and felt like a ping pong ball. You can see this on–going and seemingly never-ending frustration I incurred from the numerous case numbers that were issued to me from your customer support personnel.
The case numbers issued to me are as follows:
• 118507813
• 119441333
• 119451861
• 118574204
• 119519099
• 119935341
I spent countless hours of my time consistently asking your technicians why the Software and Hardware Depts. don't work together. It was a shame for me to be subjected to different diagnostic contradictions between both of these departments. The bottom line was always the same error code and for me to start the painstaking task and numerous hours of reloading my hard drive all over again. Even one of your software technicians was frustrated and was convinced it was in the hard drive, and suggested that Hardware Dept. would again TRY to bounce me back to the Software Dept., and stipulated to me to stand my ground and demand a new hard drive.
It wasn't until December 19th, that your Hardware Dept. realized that the problem was, in fact, my hard drive. The technician said that I would receive a new hard drive within three business days. I received this hard drive late in the fifth business day, only after calling Bantec, (Dell contractor), numerous times to find out when they would be calling me. After they put in the hard drive, I again called the number your customer support gave me to reconfigure the hard drive all over again. The technician said that Software Dept. should be doing this, however did assist me with this task. The computer kept locking up when I loaded some disks, and I again called your customer support personnel who said I would again have to reconfigure this hard drive. To say the least I went bonkers. Your hardware technician took pity on me and gave me a senior technician and delightful lady from the Philippines. She once again took me through the whole process and completed this in almost 3 hours. This is the best the computer has been running since it initially crashed on December 2nd. However, on occasions there are still some problems getting the disks to load onto the hard drive. After this previous long and tedious process I had with this problem and dealing with your customer support personnel, I am too tired to pursue more technicians. I did contact your customer support personnel and requested that due to this hard drive problem that I shouldn't have been assessed this $99.00 fee. Your people assured me that this amount would be deducted from my credit card.
I felt that you should be aware of the many problems you have with your technical and customer support. There were numerous times I waited to talk to someone on the phone for almost 50 minutes, and after making contact with that individual, was cut off…only to start calling all over again. Also, some of your Software technicians promised to call me at designated times. I waited and waited without them calling. When I called their extension I usually found that their mailbox was full…thus more of my time was wasted. For the most part, your technicians did try to help. If they had worked together, I'm sure that the time I spent with them on the phone would've been to a minimum had your Hardware Dept. realized that the problem was in my hard drive.
I would be wary of buying another Dell product due to the numerous problems I incurred with your Dell Customer Support program. Also, I would be reluctant to suggest to others to buy Dell computers (as I've done before), in the future.
How can you restore my confidence to buy future Dell products? I can't imagine going through this agony again. I would hope that you can do something with this customer support program, and not subject patrons, as well as myself, to the same dismal service I've recently incurred with your Dell customer support
Was this review helpful?
Add reply
Review Link:
Complaint on AllSat, Inc
Posted by
BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
I ordered Dish Network services and was referred by them to Allsat, Inc, for installation. I was initially told that it will work fine with my TIVO. First my receivers did not work correctly and would loose signal overnight. Than after long and painful talks with their Tech support I was finally told that no, it is not compatible with TIVO. Since I was told that I have 4 days grace period, I cancelled it on 4th day. Never mind that I lost a lot of time and had to pay separate contractor to come and take down the dish, since Dish network does not collect its equipment but requires you to take it down yourself or pay for it. Month later I get bill from Allstat on Jan 20th that I have to pay by Jan 25 $295 cancellation fee or they will send to collection. I looked all over the contract and did not find grace period mentioned anywhere, but they insist that it is 3 days now and they have it in their policy, but this information is only available to them. I asked Mr. Scott to provide me with a last name, but he refuses and strongly objects to recording our conversation. Dish Network tells me that they are not involved at all, but they were also informing me about 4 days grace period. I can only assume that it is the tactic to lure customer to take one extra day and make them pay cancellation fee. I could not believe that such company would do stuff like that, But I guess I am mistaken. Company website is www.allsat.com
As a resolution, I would like the following:
Ask the companies to provide clear statement for grace period and waive the fee which I acquired because of their misleading tactics
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Read 1 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
drafterd on 02/03/2006:
Read my current issue with allsat.
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Ysidro Avila. I recently signed up for your all sat top 180 with dvr up grade for 3 tvâs for an initial 49.99 fee charged to my credit card. This package was a promotion which also included 3 months @ 42.99 for this service then 52.99 after the three months based on an 18 month contract. The install was scheduled for today Thursday February 2, 2006. I called and told my current sbc satellite provider to cancel service today since all sat was going to have service installed.
Today no on ever came to install this service, I called Dish Network 3 times and spent almost a total of 3 hours on my phone and cellular phone, then I was told to call all sat, which I did twice, being told the first time by Angel to call 1-888-699-0020 then go to option number 2. All that did was tell me I would get a refund. So I called back and spoke with a person named David I believe and then he said all I could do was write firstname.lastname@example.com to explain my problem.
So now after wasting approximately 3 hours of my day, and time writing this email, I still have no television service for my disabled mother and brother whom I take care of at home, no explanation for the cancellation which I did not request. I cannot believe the unprofessional service that I have seen today. I work in a professional environment, deal with multi million dollar companies and small dollar companies on a daily basis, we treat our customers with prompt and professional service. We do not tell them to call back or email, or send them on endless phone calls that waste there time. We get them to there destination and make sure there happy and that is why my company does so well. I donât understand why your company which is Dish Network related has such horrible customer service and cannot fix something as easy as mistakenly cancelled service. I am really disappointed and am considering to disregard being an all sat Dish Network customer, because I have only had service for on week and didnât even get my service installed and already have to deal with horrible service. So tell me how long does it take before a customer gets the service and quality care that they deserve?
I further more expect a fast solution to this mishap. I would like the service I was told I would get for the price I paid a full refund of my 49.99 or however much was charged and service to my television promptly. Considering youâre a multi million dollar Dish Network national related company I donât think that is to big of a request. Please make me a happy customer and not an irritated one. A happy customer will get you more customers; an unhappy customer will cost you ten good onesâ¦
Close comments
Add reply
Trouble with Vonage
Posted by
ST LOUIS,, MISSOURI -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
I open account with Vonage back in June or July of 07 and when I received the hardware I found out you need the internet to have the service. I then called Vonage and requested to have the service disconnected and the young lady did everything in her power to try to get me to keep the service. I kept explaining to her I could not use the service and please disconnect service, she then said I will give you free month of service I told her that I could not use it I due not have internet.
She said OK I then thought my service was disconnected due to I have never receive a bill from Vonage. I then receive email form Vonage later on in Aug 07 and replayed please cancel request cancel in July. I then check my checking account in Oct 07 to find out Vonage had debited my account on Sept. 4, 07 for 27.36 and in Oct 2 for 25.11 without my permission. I have called twice trying to get a refund talking to people overseas that will not listen just trying to offer ways to keep Vonage.
I talk with 3 people today Oct 22, 2007 two reps and a supurvisor who would not refund me my money and wanted to charge my account another 39.95 to disconnect service. I was on the phone for over a hour I got so upset with the run around I advise them to close my account and do not debit my account ever again. I now have to closed my checking account to avoid anymore charges from Vonage, because as I read other upset customer issue they never stop charging your account until you do so.
As a resolution, I would like the following:
I would like to know what are my option as a consumer to get my money back and what can be done of them treating people this way. I also would like my money back because I never install Vonage and has requested it be disconnected from day one. Also I need help with canceling them without a term fee that they state you have to view there terms and agreement on the internet. Please help!
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Read 6 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
Anonymous on 10/22/2007:
Read the contract.
Good luck.
Khill on 10/22/2007:
Hello Everyone Vonage is Terrrribllle, Please due not every sign up with them the due not give correct info upfront no matter what once the get your info it takes for everything in the world to get disconnected with them and God forbid you need a refund from them due to there error to them debting your account once you request to cancel your services. Watch out for there cancel fee that you never here of or read about until you request to cancel. KHill
Anonymous on 10/22/2007:
Thank you for the information.
Anonymous on 10/22/2007:
My Vonage works great!
Ponie on 10/23/2007:
Best cut and paste job I've read in a long time. (Sarcasm OFF)
Anonymous on 10/23/2007:
I think Pirate wrote that..
Close comments
Add reply
$1400 cell phone bill!!
Posted by
JUPITER, FLORIDA -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
I have been a good customer of T-Mobile since 2004. I've paid my bills on time. My wife's and my phone bill typically ranged around $185/month. Starting around 11/2006 we started getting phone bills around $400 +/-. Our most recent phone bill was nearly $300, so my wife called in to discuss the bill. While she was trying to find out why the bill was so high, she was told that her new bill was almost $1400!!! When she asked to repeat the amount, the agent started laughing.
Later that evening, I called to ask what we could do to rectify the situation. I suggested we upgrade to a new plan retroactive to the beginning of our new bill. The agent I spoke with, named 'Mike J' (he wouldn't give me his last name) refused because 'the billing cycle had already ended.' We hadn't even received this $1400 bill yet! But, supposedly there was nothing he could do.
I asked when the billing cycle had ended and it was less than a week ago. So, I asked if I had called a week ago, would they have been able to make the update? Yes, the agent said. I asked for some common sense and reasonability and the agent said I should have used common sense and called a week ago and made the change then. He was impressively unhelpful and patronizing. I canceled my account then and there.
I really don't think it's principled to pay this bill, but I know that if I don't, it will affect my credit and I'll end up paying thousands more in increased interest rates in the future. I get the feeling T-Mobile knows this, too and couldn't care less.
As a resolution, I would like the following:
I would like to find a reasonable solution. I would accept upgrading my wife's and my accounts to their 'nationwide unlimited minutes' plan retroactive to this $1400 bill we haven't even received yet.
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Read 17 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
warddw1526 on 02/15/2007:
A suggestion for you. Threaten to cancel the phone. They will connect you to a retention department, who may try and keep you as a customer.
MRM on 02/16/2007:
Cancel the wireless service until you learn how to use the remaining minutes feature on your headset to keep track of the minutes you have used.
Rob777 on 02/16/2007:
Sorry to hear that. I used to work for tmobile and the agent you had was very ignorant tmobile is a very fair company you should have escalated the call to a supervisor and also report the agent. I don't know if tmobile could fix the bill but they might be able to give you a goodwill credit or at least retention credit considering you cancelled your acct tmobile is very good to employees. I worked under a outsourced company named mcci which is located in Canada. THey suck on the other hand lol! Good luck in future endeavors hope you don't get skrewed again and next escalate the call agents really don't have the ability to do much at tmobile the supervisor has all the power.
adzidek on 02/16/2007:
You must be kidding. How exactly do you figure you can ask them to "retroactively" change your bill? I mean, even if they could - why would they? Because YOU lost track of your free minutes and put hundreds of dollars in overages on your phone? That's like buying a box of chocolates, then later going back to the store that sold them and saying, "Can you give me some of my money back - I ate the chocolates faster than I expected I would". Are you nuts?
By the way, $1400 is a LOT of money - are you sure you're not a victim of cellphone fraud? 'Cause that would change everything...
CrazyRedHead on 02/16/2007:
This sounds like he got roaming charges if he is willing to upgrade to the nationwide unlimited plan, he may be on the regional plan. Roaming can add up quite quickly if you are not careful.
If you went out of your area and racked up roaming charges, how is this T-Mobile's fault. If this is the situation, you should be taking responsibilities for your own charges. I don't call T-Mobile to yell at them for something I did on the bill, I just pay it. I will ask them to help out, but if they don't, I just suck it up and drive on.
Extended Warranty on 02/16/2007:
Adzidek, I don't like your comparison, here's mine :P
That's like filling up your car with gas, but not putting enough in. You run out of gas and there are no gas stations within 50 miles. You pay someone to come and fill you up. Then you go back to the gas station and demand they refund you for paying that guy, or you will never buy gas from them again.
heathernumber on 02/16/2007:
I wOULD DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY ANY MORE. I HAVE A CUSTOMER REVIEW ON THIS SAME COMPANY. WHERE THEY ARE CHARGING US $1200. I HAVE CALLED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES TO RECTIFY OUR SITUATION, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT'S OUR PROBLEM WE MADE THE CHARGES WE HAVE TO PAY THEM. WE SUPPOSEDLY WENT OVER THE MINUTES DURING THE TIME ONE OF OUR PHONE WE COULD USE FOR TWO WEEKS. WENT OVER IN MINUTES OVER 200 DOLLARS. I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME HUGE INVESTIGATIONS ON THIS COMPANY THEY HAVE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BILLING . I WOULD HIGHLY SUGGEST REALLY THINKING ABOUT WHETHER U SHOULD DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY.
heathernumber on 02/16/2007:
I wOULDNT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY ANY MORE. I HAVE A CUSTOMER REVIEW ON THIS SAME COMPANY. WHERE THEY ARE CHARGING US $1200. I HAVE CALLED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES TO RECTIFY OUR SITUATION, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT'S OUR PROBLEM WE MADE THE CHARGES WE HAVE TO PAY THEM. WE SUPPOSEDLY WENT OVER THE MINUTES DURING THE TIME ONE OF OUR PHONE WE COULDN'T USE FOR TWO WEEKS. WENT OVER IN MINUTES OVER 200 DOLLARS. I HAVE BEEN DOING SOME HUGE INVESTIGATIONS ON THIS COMPANY THEY HAVE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND BILLING . I WOULD HIGHLY SUGGEST REALLY THINKING ABOUT WHETHER U SHOULD DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY ANY LONGER.
FloridaLizardQueen on 02/16/2007:
I do believe the original author of this complaint did cancel his account and is no longer a customer of T-Mobile. I personally don't have any problems with this company, and I am sorry that "skrewed" did.
Shakra on 02/16/2007:
heathernumber - calm down. There's no reason to Shout. We can hear you.
Shakra on 02/16/2007:
I agree with those that want to know why Tmobile should forgive the $1,400 phone bill you racked up. We have to pay our bills. Why shouldn't you?
adzidek on 02/16/2007:
LOUD NOISES!!! (People who have seen Anchorman will understand this reference :)
P.S. I love lamp.
warddw1526 on 02/17/2007:
I will not be as a callous as some and say that the charges are valid, but you expect T-Mobile to bend over backwards to keep you. Someone made the point that cell companies offer the ability to check usage (phone features, the website, or just calling and asking).
However, they probably should have done something to keep you as a customer. There has to be some middle ground.
Shakra on 02/17/2007:
skrewed didn't say that the $1,400 bill wasn't theirs. He was trying to retroactively change his calling plan so he can get out of paying that much.
heathernumber on 02/19/2007:
PLease read my complaint on T-mobile. was loyal customer for 4 years. when all was said and odne they tried to charge me over $1200 to close my accounts. I will continue to complain about this company until my situation has been resolved. I highly suggest you do too. because obviously, people back down to this company all time if they continue do all these maticulous things to there loyal customers.
acarmatt on 06/07/2007:
Heathernumber, please learn how to write a logical, concise, and correctly spelled sentence. As people have told you over and over regarding your posts, there are two possibilities to your situation. 1. You incurred the charges and owe them. We don't care that the calls were late at night or you have a baby or whatnot. LOOK AT YOUR FREAKIN'BILL and see if the numbers are numbers you dialed. Are they back and forth between your number and your boyfriend's? Guess what? You made them. If not, then 2). You are the victime of cellphone fraud and should contact the police. Not about T-Mobile and how they are defrauding you, but about being a victim of identity theft.
My assumption is you either didn't have a plan with free roaming and/or free long distance and just gabbed to your heart's content and now don't want to pony up the money. Also, spend your day doing something other than going to every post about T-Mobile and entering your same sob story.
BOBOLAMA on 09/08/2007:
yep I had a problem too. had 3 razor-phones,and only cost 19.99 per phone, one time charge.I was on my favs plan. 1000 anytme minutes. it was great for 130.00 per month,..but then cam a bill for $480.00, the $600.00. it seem that my daughter satrtin using AIM text messaging,and had over 2000 send/receive messages. I didn't pay fas enough so T-Mobile cut my phones off. I switched back to pay as you go,the service is still as good, just less minutes.
Close comments
Add reply
Dell Corp
Posted by
As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
I ordered my computer 1/1/06 it arrived 1/5/06. I put it together the same day, the following day I realized there is a software problem. I spent 5 hours on the phone and online with Dell. with no satisfaction, I was told that for 99.00 they would fix my less that 24 hour old computer. Now I ask you. If you bought a set of tires, and they went flat sitting in the tire store parking lot while you were paying the bill. would you be responsible for repairs to those tires?
As a resolution, I would like the following:
I would like for them to fix the problem on a computer I just paid 1000.00 for
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Read 3 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
miketech on 01/07/2006:
Can you return it and get a real computer? No offence but most Dell's are more like a toy than a real computer.
Mad Eye Moody on 01/09/2006:
MikeTech knows his S@#$# - I'll bet he could make your 1k go a lot further than Dell could. P.S. Mike has officially earned himself a spot in Mad Eye's Rat Pack. Welcome MT.
miketech on 01/17/2006:
Thanks Moody :)
Close comments
Add reply
cingular fraud
Posted by
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI -- As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
My phone was activated in 8-02.My husband only took the plan because he was told free nationwide calling and no roaming charges.Last month I went to Georgia and in my Nokia book under roaming charges it states if your phone is in roam it will say ROAM, needless to say the only words on the phone was Cingular which according to the book my phone was not in ROAM.When I received the bill it was $196.I have called Florida from my phone when I was out of town before and never got Roam so I never expected roaming charges, especially since there were not supposed to be any, or so we were told.A company obviously will tell you anything to get you to sign a contract.
As a resolution, I would like the following:
I called customer service and the man told me my husband couldn't have remembered what the salesman said since it had been a year, who did he think he was to say such a ridiculous thing. My husband has a memory like an elephant, he forgets nothing.They reduced the bill to $122.which tells me he knew Cingular was in the wrong, but I never should've had any roaming charges since it never said roam and always said Cingular.When I told customer service what the book says about roam he said that was a manufacturers mistake who wrote the book, it had nothing to do with Cingular.I had my mom (Helen Tinnell)get the same plan with Cingular but we will both cancel our contract when its over.I want my bill the way I was told it would be every month regardless $39.99 rollover.When a company tells you one thing and does another that's FRAUD.
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Add reply
Review Link:
J.D. Marvel Products, Inc.
Posted on
As a consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
On 8/14/2003, I order 3 pair of slippers from jd marvel paid with check no 1578 for $21.80 the check was cashed on 8/25/2003. I have not received my order and have been unable to contact them. On 10/24/2003 I went on the internet and found so many complaints was unable to read all of them.
As a resolution, I would like the following:
I would like some help in getting my order or my money back
Please contact me if you need more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Add reply
Review Link:
Posted on
NAPOLEON, MISSOURI -- As a honest consumer from your state, I felt it was my responsibility to bring to your attention the following incident.
It is about time that one has an avenue to pursue fraud on a payment from an online auction. You could lose about 75% of your payment after going through the auction company.
As a resolution, I would like the following:
Ways to ensure seller refunds monies if not making shipment of merchandise. Anyone else selling merchandise and does not deliver would be charged with fraud.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like more details regarding this incident.
Was this review helpful?
Read 1 Replies
Add reply
Review Link:
User Replies:
IcyFire on 04/09/2004:
SO weird! I know a Dustin Crider, but he lives in Poplar Bluff, interesting....
Close comments
Add reply
Top of Page
Next Page >
Consumer Resources
Company Responses
Site Rules
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
About Us


text: Set an egg-citing table for your Easter brunch with this pretty pastel look. Place a washable table runner down the center of your table, then decorate with coordinating egg-shaped candle holders, a filled Easter basket, decorative eggs or a special centerpiece. It's the perfect way to greet Easter party guests!


text:
- 1 5 parks projects coming to Tucson area
- 2 UA basketball: Unbeaten starts become habit
- 3 1 Albertsons, 2 Safeways in Tucson sold
- 4 UA football: WR Jones to reunite with Harsin
- 5 PCC broke federal aid rules, audit finds
- 6 Valley fever drug from UA on fast track
- 7 Cenpatico new behavioral-health coordinator for Southern Arizona
- 8 Veterans Court provides ex-service members support
- 9 Mine Tales: Did the centipede get him, or the whiskey?
- 10 Tucsonan hoping to find holiday drive companion on Craigslist
In the end, it was only natural for a Zendejas to win it - Comments
We welcome your comments. Commentary and photos submitted to StarNet (azstarnet.com) may be published or distributed in print, electronically or other forms. Opinions expressed in azstarnet.com's comments reflect the opinions of the author, and are not necessarily the opinions of the Star, StarNet, or its parent company. See the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for more information.
Our guidelines prohibit the solicitation of products or services, the impersonation of another site user, threatening or harassing postings and the use of vulgar, abusive, obscene or sexually oriented language, defamatory or illegal material. You may not post content that degrades others on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability or other classification. It's fine to criticize ideas, but ad hominem attacks on other site users are prohibited. Users who violate those standards may lose their privileges on azstarnet.com.
You may not post copyrighted material from another publication. (Link to it instead, using a headline or very brief excerpt.)
No short set of guidelines such as this can spell out all possible instances of material or behavior that we might deem to be a violation of our publishing standards, and we reserve the right to remove any material posted to the site.
Most Popular
Follow the Arizona Daily Star
Featured businessesView more...
Deals, offers & eventsView more...
VOLUNTEER CHRISTMAS CAROLERS NEEDED! Contact Dana at Groves Assisted Living Homes LLC. by calling 520-591-5883 to spread some Christmas cheer!
At Groves Assisted Living, it's our people that truly make the…
We are your local Tucson dentist of choice! Dr. Roger C. Biede offers dentistry services for the whole family! Call today to schedule your fall check ups! 520-797-1240
If your child is frightened of the dentist, then bring them to…
Immunizations are the best way to protect your horse against the ravages of disease! Call Reata Equine to invest in your horse's quality of life! 520-749-1446
Keeping your horse up to date on shots and Wellness Care appoi…
100 FREE grafts with the purchase of 1000! (up to a $440 value)
Call Physician's Hair Institute today and mention you saw the …
No Job is Too Big or Too Small ~ A & K Landscaping LLC (520) 254-9086
As an 'A' rated accredited business with the BBB, you can rest…


text:
Suitable from 12 months+
Toddlers will love these bright and colourful plastic stack n Sort Cups, offering endless hours of fun with 2 different play modes. Children can have fun stacking the cups up to make a tower or mix and match the shapes for great co-ordination fun.
Now we can't promise our exclusive range of Buzzing Brains toys will make your child a genius, but they *will* stimulate their senses and develop their skills. Plus give them hours of FUN! From high contrast, multi-sensory toys for newborns to role play games for pre-schoolers, each Buzzing Brains toy comes with an age recommendation for developmental appropriateness. Trust us, your little one's going to love them.
Great toy which will last. Baby enjoys knocking it over and the clown/123/ABC are a great idea.
Kids love it.
hasn't been given yet as birthday hasn't happened yet but looks great....
my 2 grandsons love this toy, just wished they'd let me keep it as a stack for a little while before demolishing it :-) would highly recommend
My 13 month old loved this, probably one of the toys she's played with the longest.
These are exclusive customer reviews unless otherwise stated. Specifications of goods are subject to change.
Click for audio and text help.
Click for audio and text help.
Click for audio and text help.
Click for audio and text help.
This product is available as a pre-order. This means that we do not currently have the item in stock but we are expecting it shortly. You can place an order for this product now your expected shipping date will be 24-12-2014
A place where people come together to discuss our products and services, ask questions and seek advice.
to be a part of it.


text:
New Arrivals
mouse over photo to zoom click for larger image
Brille Necklace
Fireballs and glittery globes in an asymmetrical placement of light up our multi-strand necklace.
- Adjusts from 36" to 40".
- Glass and metal.
- Imported.
We're so sorry: this item sold out sooner than expected. For an equally chic substitute, please call our Personal Service Associates at 1.888.855.4986. Or click on Chico's Chat below for immediate assistance.


text:
At your Fingertips
Get the Unbound MEDLINE™ app and connect to over 24 million PubMed journal articles on your smartphone or tablet.
It's free and it only takes a minute to set up your account.
- Browse Unbound MEDLINE
- Diseases and Conditions
- Medical Specialties
- Differential Diagnosis
- Drugs and Medications
- Journals
- Medical News
Unbound MEDLINE contains citations to ~20 million medical journal articles
found in MEDLINE® and PubMed®.


text:
What does FTA mean in Military?
This page is about the meanings of the acronym/abbreviation/shorthand FTA in the Governmental field in general and in the Military terminology in particular.
Fun, Travel, and Adventure
Find a translation for FTA in other languages:
Select another language:
Discuss this FTA abbreviation with the community:
Use the citation below to add this abbreviation to your bibliography:
"FTA." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2014. Web. 22 Dec. 2014. <http://www.abbreviations.com/term/19962>.
FTA also stands for:
- Failure to Appear
- Fair Teacher Act
- Fast Technology for Analysis
- Fatigue Test Article
- Fault Trace Archive
... and 51 more »
Nearby & related abbreviations:
Alternative search:
- Search Fun, Travel, and Adventure on Amazon.com
- Search Fun, Travel, and Adventure on Google


text:
Processing Time - Orders typically ship in 2-5 business days. Transit via UPS Ground can take up to 6 business days. Braided and custom-made products may take 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.
Free Shipping to Contiguous United States - We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or the Caribbean Islands at this time.
Oversized items - Orders that ship freight may take up to 2 weeks from shipment date to be delivered. You will be contacted by the trucking company to schedule a delivery appointment.
Shipping to Canada - Orders shipping to Canada will be subject to a 15% shipping surcharge fee. The shipping surcharge does not cover duties, customs, taxes or brokerage fees which may be charged to you by the shipping courier at time of delivery. At this time we are not shipping to Yukon and the Northwest Territories in Canada.
|Pin It
Rugs USA Soumak MR12 Lt. Blue Rug
Item #: 234MR12-P Add to Wishlist
Description: Underside is exactly like a top side so the rug is completely reversible
- Collection: Soumak
- Brand: Rugs USA
- Material: 100% Wool
- Weave: Hand Knotted
- Styles: Traditional Rugs
- Origin: India
- Available in the following sizes: 3' x 5', 4' x 6', 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12', 10' x 14' and 12' x 15'
- Clean & Care: Vacuum regularly as new wool rugs can shed yarn fibers for up to three months. Avoid direct and continuous exposure to sunlight. Do not pull loose ends, clip them with scissors to remove. Clean liquid spills immediately by blotting with cloth or sponge. For hard to remove stains, professional rug cleaning is recommended.
This is a nice pastel blue rug. Just what was described and what i was looking for. Also has a very nice design.RECOMMENDED: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Fill out the information below.


text:
Plus Blog
September 30, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Industrial Mathematics Internships
The Industrial Mathematics Internship, a joint program run by The Smith Institute and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), was launched at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) on the 18th of September 2007.
The Internship is a way for companies and university research groups to promote direct knowledge exchange and develop long-term working relationships through engaging a dedicated postgraduate researcher to work on a specific industrial project over a period of 3 to 6 months.
The Smith Institute manages the Knowledge Transfer Network for Industrial Mathematics (KTN) and hopes that the program will inject fresh energy into UK businesses by bringing cutting-edge techniques to business innovation and by developing long-term working relationships between companies and universities.
Each Internship is a collaboration between a host company, an intern, and a research group within a university. Industrialists can improve existing, or develop new, operations through the impact of mathematical expertise. Universities can grow new industrial collaborations and relationships, whilst interns can gain first-hand experience of the business environment.
A pilot phase of the initiative will run between September 2007 and August 2008 and will establish 6 Internships. Each Internship will last between 3 and 6 months and will be supported by one of the KTN's Technology Translators, who will assist in establishing the projects, building the relationships, exploiting follow-on opportunities and disseminating a final case study through the industrial mathematics community.
Dr Tim Bradshaw, Head of Innovation, Science and Technology at the CBI, said, "The Industrial Mathematics Internships programme is an excellent example of how business and universities can collaborate for mutual benefit — helping businesses become more innovative and successful by making effective use of skills and knowledge developed in universities while at the same time providing extremely valuable experience for postgraduate researchers. The critical component is that researchers will work on finding solutions to real business problems, something for which the Smith Institute already has an excellent reputation."
Further details on Industrial Mathematics Internships can be found on the KTN web site.
If you would like to apply for an Internships or simply discuss a project idea, please contact Dr Claudia Centazzo at the Smith Institute.
You can also visit the blog by Trevor Maynard from Lloyd's Exposure Management.
Find out more about the Smith Institute on Plus, in the article Helping business make a crust and the career interview with Claudia Centazzo.
posted by Plus @ 12:51 PM
0 Comments:
September 18, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
$3.2 million Cash Injection for Australian Mathematics
Leaders of Australia's mathematical sciences community today welcomed the announcement of a major Collaboration and Structural Reform grant to the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI). AMSI Director, Professor Philip Broadbridge, said: "AMSI has established a unique collaborative venture. This grant will enable us to continue to grow and expand our programs that are critical to industry, innovation and product quality. "Maintaining capacity for innovation and research is dependent on building Australia's base in mathematics and statistics which has been declining for some time," Professor Broadbridge added. Dr Jim Lewis, Chair of the AMSI Board, said he was delighted with the news. "As a former senior executive in the resources industry, I am very conscious of the value of mathematics to the mining and manufacturing industry. Australian education, research and industry need AMSI and the superb expertise it brings together in its ventures. This support is most welcome acknowledgment of the important role mathematics plays in own right and as a foundation enabling discipline." Chairman of the National Strategic Review of Mathematical Sciences Research Working Party, Professor Hyam Rubinstein, also welcomed the news. "We found overwhelming support for AMSI during the Review and funding for it was one of our two priorities," said Professor Rubinstein. "With this announcement, and the increased funding for the teaching of mathematics and statistics in the May budget, universities should now be in the position to address a national need for more mathematics and statistics graduates." A further $1.2 million has been awarded to AMSI member, the University of Sydney, to enhance collaborative mathematics and statistics advanced course delivery across universities using Access Grid Rooms (AGR). The AGRs have been partly funded through the International Centre of Excellence for Education in Mathematics (ICE-EM), which is managed by AMSI and funded by DEST.
posted by Plus @ 10:48 AM
0 Comments:
September 11, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
BA Festival of Science - Day 4
Another evening, another function, this one sponsored by the More Maths Grads programme. Dr Reidun Twarock, to whom I spoke earlier in the day, gave her talk on viruses and symmetry, possibly the most interactive maths I have seen. Icosahedrons made from cardboard and real footballs were thrown into the audience to help explain her mathematical concepts, and the talk was followed by a brief function in which the More Maths Grads people promoted their activities.
Journeying in this morning, I regretted somewhat the dodgy Yorkshire fish and chips I had the night before. I attended a press conference on studies conducted by the University of Bristol that suggests that not only is there trace evidence of drug usage on nearly every UK bank note in circulation, but that the notes circulate quickly enough throughout the country that no particular area has higher instances of drug use on their notes. Cocaine was found on nearly every note, whilst heroine is found on around 5%. The presence of the drugs is not simply because notes are used in drug-taking activities - even fresh new notes have some contamination because they are contaminated very early on through contact with infected notes. Cocaine is particularly sticky, and so only very brief contact can contaminate a note.
The next press conference was from Professor Terence Cosgrove from Revolymer, who has developed a non-stick chewing gum. More to the point, he was at pains to note that it is not "non-stick" but rather "low-adhesive". He has made the chewing low-adhesive by introducing a patented polymer that has hydrophilic ends, and so will wash off the pavement with water.
I spent the afternoon chatting to Plus editorial board member Chris Budd about all sorts of mathematical issues - mainly that of Euler and the role of maths in the food and drink industry. But we also touched on mathematics communication, period costumes, maths in crime solving and maths in Celtic and African knots and art. You can hear all this on the podcast very shortly.
Unfortunately my time at the BA Festival of Science is coming to an end. I am about to head into York for a session entitled "How maths changed my life" followed by the last train back to London. I certainly look forward to attending the 2008 version in Liverpool.
September 10, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The BA Festival of Science - day 3
The evening of day 2 promised to make day 3 of the science festival very long for night-owl science journalists. I attended the Association of British Science Writers reception, which was a great affair - hardly surprising given the £400 bar tab, unlimited wine on top of this and free food. It was great to meet some well-known British science writers from UK newspapers, and observe the drinking habits of others!
My first stop on day 3 of the Science Festival was to speak to Dr Quentin Atkinson, a post-doctoral research fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading, about his research into the evolution of Indo-European languages. He used statistical modelling techniques borrowed from evolutionary biology to date the age of the Indo-European language family and so test between the two main competing theories of Indo-European origins - that of the Kurgan horsemen and of the Anatolian farming hypotheses.
The modelling involved the use of Bayesian networks and instead of looking at how a gene might have evolved over time, he looked at certain words across the Indo-European languages and found where splits between language groups might have occurred. He looked at 200 words such as "mother", "father" and "rain" across 87 languages and found that the original Indo-European language split around 8700 years ago.
I interviewed Dr Reiden Twarock of York University on the geometric properties of viruses. This is the headline mathematics event of the festival, and tonight is accompanied by a reception sponsored by the More Maths Grads project. Dr Twarock is a thoroughly lovely and engaging lady who is using group theory and geometry to build models of how viruses form. These mathematical tools allow her to zoom in on the mechanisms responsible for virus structure and assembly. The resulting insights can then spark new ideas for the development of new anti-viral drugs. This interview will inform future news and features on Plus.
Throughout the day I chatted to a number of people regarding their posters, including some about optimisation, train timetabling, mathematical modelling of sun-spots and Bayesian modelling of Pacific Island cultural movement. These, again, will all appear as Plus news items.
Lastly I chatted to Dr Anthony Sudbery about all sorts of topics with regard to quantum computing. Parallel worlds, unbreakable codes and entangled particles were just some of topics that I pretended to know about ... .
So, now I'm off to rest my brain and then attend the mathematics function tonight. Watch our podcast and news feed for more information on these above topics over the next few weeks.
September 9, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
BA Festival of Science - days 1 and 2
The BA Festival of Science is the UK's foremost celebration of science, engineering and technology and its impact on our society. This year the festival has made its way to York, and I (Marc West) am here on behalf of Plus to enjoy the sciencey goodness and bring you the latest news from the world of mathematics.
The festival is not solely based on maths - indeed, talks and events focusing on maths alone are few and far between, and certainly none of the activities on the first 2 days of the conference centred on it. This does not mean, however, that maths has played no part in the talks.
I spoke to former UK Olympian, and now Professor at Liverpool John Moores University, Greg Whyte about his research into the limits of human performance. You will hear this interview when the next edition of the Plus podcast is released. He was tempted into this work in part because of what he called a "ridiculous" piece of work published in the esteemed journal Nature in the 1990s.
This work postulated that come the year 2050, women would be running as quickly as men, and would then power on past and run even quicker, leaving men in their wake. The reasoning behind this statement was fairly simple. If you plotted the speeds of world record runs by females in the 1500 m, and then plotted the same graph for the males, linear regression on both sets of data would result in their trendlines crossing near 2050. This was because the decrease in the women's world record has been comparatively more than the men's.
A view of the data, and a slight amount of lateral thinking spots the mistake. To start with, it is not a surprise that the female world record speed should fall by more than the men's given that females take longer to run the distance. Secondly, linear regression is completely the wrong type of fit for the data. Professor Whyte fitted a polynomial "s" curve, which showed that the period in which the greatest amount of change made to the world record speed was in the 1960s and 70s - he postulated that this was because of drug usage among athletes.
Whyte also performed his modelling on other running distances and on swimming speeds and found that over almost all distances the difference between males and females remained at around 10%.
Other events that I have seen include a performance by children's science author Nick Arnold, and a talk hosted by Professor Robert Winston about his life. I was intrigued to know he dabbled with the idea of becoming a theatre director after university. He was passionate in his arguments that IVF has now been priced far too highly by private companies making a large profit. His current research is looking into genetically manipulating large animals so that their organs can be used in humans.
I am now off to enjoy one of the many parties and functions that the "press badge" gets you in to!
See you tomorrow,
August 29, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Illusion of Wealth
Imagine that one day you were greeted by your boss at work and told that you had been given a 100% pay rise because of your sterling efforts. Later that day, your bank calls to let you know that your savings and investments have doubled overnight due to an odd fluctuation in the international financial markets. But just when you thought that all your years of hard work had finally paid off, you discover when buying your groceries that evening that the price of food and drink has also doubled – but that does not matter too much, this is just a small increase.
Are you in a better position than you were the night before? Even taking into account the rise in your cost of living, your net savings have increased, so should you be thanking your boss and your bank manager?
Whilst you may feel wealthier in this situation, this is simply an illusion. You still have to work as many hours tomorrow as you did yesterday to buy your groceries – nominal values have risen, but not real values.
Economists have long considered that financial markets limit the impact of traders trading on nominal values – irrational traders. This is because it is assumed that they are taken advantage of by smarter traders. However, new studies by Jean-Robert Tyran of the University of Copenhagen have shown that there are situations in which money illusion can have a massive impact on the market, especially when there is a fall in nominal values.
An interesting example is the housing market. When interest rates are low, monthly nominal interest payments on mortgages are low compared to the rent on similar properties, so people start to buy. However, if inflation is decreasing, whilst current payments on the mortgage are falling, the real cost of future mortgage payments is increasing. This is because your salary is not growing and it will take you longer to pay off your debt. These investors have fallen for the illusion. They are similar to those who pay off their credit card bill with monthly payments over 24 months, instead of over 12, as the down-payments are smaller.
Tyran's experimental studies show that if there is a monetary contraction within the market – that is, if the nominal costs of goods and services fall – firms are reluctant to follow suit and cut their prices as this would result in lower nominal profits, even if their real profit would remain the same.
This is called nominal loss aversion and results in part from the fact that our inbuilt fear of losses tends to outweigh our desire for a gain of the same amount. It can be seen in other financial areas, such as employees accepting a nominal pay increase, even if it results in a real pay-cut if it does not match inflation. Another example is a homeowner being more unwilling to sell a house at a real loss if it comes with a nominal loss rather than cloaked by a nominal gain.
Conversely, the experiments show that firms have no problem increasing their nominal prices should there be a rise in inflation and wages to maintain their real profit.
Laboratory work is often based on simplified economies, whilst interpretation of real data can be extremely difficult, so Tyran hopes that experimental research, combined with real observations of the market, can be used together to better understand money illusion.
posted by Plus @ 1:40 PM


text:
MobileTechReview News, Reviews and Forums
Notebooks & Tablets
iPhone & iPad
Video Reviews
You are not logged in. [
MobileTechReview Forums Home
Today's Active Topics
Who's Online
General Discussions
Tong Zhang
Senior Editor
Reged: 06/26/02
Posts: 12830
Loc: Texas
AMD Launches the Next-gen Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor for Notebooks
Quick Reply
AMD today announced the availability of its next-generation notebook platform, delivering the ultimate HD visual performance and increased energy efficiency on the go. The platform features new AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors with ATI Radeon HD 3000 Series Graphics for superior 3D performance and HD image quality, with industry-leading wireless for greater throughput and range. These new notebook designs come from leading OEMs including Acer, Asus, Clevo, Fujitsu, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, HP, MSI, NEC and Toshiba. Here is more info:
This next-generation AMD notebook platform also serves as the foundation for new AMD Business Class, AMD GAME! and AMD LIVE! notebook solutions.
Capitalizing on a Historic Market Shift
Consumers are now using their notebooks for more than just productivity, but also entertainment, such as enjoying and manipulating photos, watching videos and listening to music. Likewise, businesses are adopting Microsoft Windows Vista as well as applications that are more graphically intensive. Therefore, a notebook with robust graphics and video capabilities is essential to unlock the best possible experience.
Superior technologies working together
As a part of the new platform, AMD today also announced a new notebook processor and chipset, which together deliver the ultimate in HD visual performance on the go. The AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile processor includes top enhancements including AMD Independent Dynamic Core Technology, a new mobile-optimized memory controller, and power-optimized HyperTransport 3.0. The new mobile AMD 7-series chipset, AMD M780G and AMD SB700, features integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics and delivers support for Microsoft DirectX 10. The integrated graphics deliver up to three times the 3D graphics performance of comparable competitor graphics and offer ATI Avivo HD Technology for smooth video playback in hi-def format.
Complementing the video capabilities to deliver a rich visual experience, the platform also offers the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3000 series discrete graphics, including the previously announced ATI Mobility Radeon 3400 and 3600 Series, and the new ATI Mobility Radeon 3800 Series, also introduced today. The 3800 Series delivers the highest levels of graphics performance in the ATI Mobility Radeon HD family, with support for PCI Express 2.0, the only graphics processor with DirectX 10.1, integrated digital output support for HDMI, DVI and Display Port, and multi-monitor functionality with native support for up to 4 monitors for mainstream notebooks. When using notebooks with both integrated and discrete graphics, users can also benefit from ATI CrossFireX Technology, a feature of ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology designed to boost graphics performance up to 70 percent by running the integrated and discrete graphics together.
Cutting-edge wireless connectivity, enhanced power efficiency
The next-generation AMD notebook platform also incorporates the latest in wireless connectivity technologies like 802.11 draft n and 3G from leading Better by Design technology partners including Atheros, Broadcom, and Ralink. These technologies provide superior range, faster data transfer and allow users to stay connected on the go.
The next-generation AMD notebook platform also incorporates innovative power management technologies, including AMD Enhanced PowerNow! Technology and ATI PowerXpress Technology to maximize the efficient use of power for extended battery life. AMD Enhanced PowerNow! Technology provides independent and dynamic control of core performance, and the ability to shut off areas of core logic when not in use to preserve power. ATI PowerXpress Technology, in turn, provides the high performance of discrete graphics when plugged into a power source and dynamically switches to integrated graphics when unplugged, saving up to 90 minutes of battery life.
Security and manageability features for SMBs
Business users increasingly are recognizing the need to support today?s graphics-rich applications and operating systems in a more mobile business world. Small- and medium-sized businesses also recognize the ability of notebook PCs to increase productivity, and require improved security to prevent data loss. With designs that enable industry-standard security and manageability such as Trusted Platform Module and Enhanced Virus Protection?*, small- and medium-sized businesses will find the next-generation AMD notebook platform helps meet their needs.
AMD Next-Generation Notebook Platform Availability
Systems based on the next-generation AMD notebook platform and the AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor and ATI Radeon HD graphics, are now available from OEM customers.
Read our latest notebook reviews:
ASUS Eee PC
HTC Shift
MacBook Air
Toshiba Qosmio F45
OQO model 02
Fujitsu U810
Toshiba P205
Samsung Q1 Ultra
More News. . .
MTR News
Post Extras
Entire topic
Posted by
Posted on
AMD Launches the Next-gen Turion X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor for Notebooks
Tong Zhang
Extra information
0 registered and 133 anonymous users are browsing this forum.
Tong Zhang
Forum Permissions
You cannot start new topics
You cannot reply to topics
HTML is enabled
UBBCode is enabled
Thread views: 5231
Rate this thread
Choose rating
1 star
2 star
3 star
4 star
5 star
Jump to
*General Discussions* -----
What Should I Buy?
Ask Us!
Tips and How To's
Announcements & Press Releases
eBook Readers
*Wireless and Mobile Phones* -----
Phones (regular phones not smartphones)
RIM BlackBerry
Palm webOS Smartphones
Windows Phone
Android Phones and Tablets
Symbian and Maemo Smartphones
iPhone and iPad - Apple iOS Devices
802.11b / WiFi cards and networking
*Windows Mobile, Pocket PCs* -----
Pocket PC General Discussion
Dell Pocket PC
HP iPAQ Pocket PC
Toshiba Pocket PC
Pocket PC Software
*Palm OS PDAs* -----
Palm Inc.
Sony Clie
Palm Software
*Notebooks* -----
Tablet Computers
*The Blogger's Corner* -----
Tanker Bob's Blog
*Games* -----
iPhone, iPad and Phone Games
Palm & PPC Games!
Games Walkthroughs
*Other Gadgets* -----
iPod and iPhone Blog
Contact the Folks at MobileTechReview.com
Privacy statement
Go to mobiletechreview.com homepage
Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


text:
Push Data Technology
Integrated Solution:
Video Surveillance:
Video Door Phones:
I -Face series:
Push Data Technology
Integrated Solution:
Video Surveillance:
Video Door Phones:
I -Face series:
eSSL is going to participate in one of the India's largest security exhibition ITPO-IISE 2014.View more
eSSL participated in the 3rd edition of Secutech India Expo, a trade show for security and safety technologies and solutions that took place from 6th – 8th March 2014.
View more
Grand success for eSSL at Intersec Dubai 2014
Intersec is far more than a successful meeting platform. This is where new projects and partnerships are initiated, where visionary objectives are conceived and implemented.
View more
In order to ensure punctuality among police personnel, Bangalore city police has installed eSSL's biometric attendance system in 19 police stations across the city and the remaining 100 police stations would be soon equipped with our biometric attendance system.
View more
Global Industry Analysts has announced the release of a new report on biometrics for banking and financial services markets, finding that the total market is set to exceed US$8 billion by 2020.
View more
Everyone is in agreement that the global market for biometrics will see massive growth in 2014, but opinion varies on where that growth will occur most.
View more
India's electronic surveillance market - currently at Rs 10 billion is growing at a rate of 25% per year as a growing number of people opt for DIY surveillance.
View more
The analysts forecast the Global Intelligent Video Surveillance market in the Retail industry to grow at a CAGR of 27.12 percent over the period 2012-2016. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing demand for better image quality.
View more
In the Tertiary sector, quality of service is what matters most. Biometric systems ensure that costs are kept low and staff management is made easy, in order that you can concentrate on providing excellent service.
Banks and financial industry require a system that enables growth, manages cost and controls risk. Positive identification of employees and customers is a critical requirement for delivering on these success factors. Using biometrics can prevent crimes like Internet fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.
In the education sector, it can be difficult for maintain to keep track of regular-time and visiting-time staff and faculty to keep rotates staffed sufficiently. On the top of this, there is the pressure to deliver consistently satisfactory services to students.
In the Auto mobile industry have the unenviable task of juggling customer satisfaction with staff administration on a day-to-day basis. Biometric system will help you to manage staff more efficiently and easily within the time constraints of a busy shift
In the Health sector, it can be difficult for services to keep track of part-time and full-time staff and to keep rotates staffed sufficiently. On the top of this, there is the pressure to deliver consistently satisfactory services to patients.
To meet the demand of cross-boundary operation which needs centralized management (LAN / WAN with time & attendance recorders scattered, eSSL Security launches another time & attendance. The users can operate the system through browser without installing the software.View more
eSSL cameras provides a host at civil works will benefits and advanced functionalities that cannot be provided by an analog surveillance system. The IP Camera is an all-in-one system with built-in CPU and web-based solutions providing a low cost solution that can transmit high quality video images for monitoring.View more
With illegal things, raging and eve teasing rates in the big colleges and hostels increasing at such a pace, it is high time the government and college management installs IR camera system in every nook and corner of the campus.View more
Present scenario as fast as country going to develop simultaneously risk to the people also going to increase day by day. The condition of the society is in big problem. In Kerala metro rail has a big challenge to avoid threats from many terrorists, psychos and thief's.View more
The recent economic condition Karnataka government has a vast need for biometric products to the state. The special requirement for the govt schools to who are offered by govt of Karnataka for mid day meals.View more
Fingerprint market condition:
In India biometric products growing rapidly due to increasing awareness of security amongst Indian consumers as well as rising need for security across the commercial and residential segments. Punctuality has always been a major concern in any organization.View more


text:
légères, chaudes, avec beaucoup de grip sur la semelle, très heureuse
• Slip Lasted Construction
• Full Grain/Synthetic Leather and Breathable
Mesh Upper
• Polartec® 100 Lining
• M-Select FRESH naturally prevents odor before
it starts for fresh smelling feet
• Injection Molded TPU Heel Protection
• Bellows Tongue
• 7.5mm Narrow Gauge Webbing
• 4.5mm Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed
Midsole /Outsole
• Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank
• Q-Form® Triple Density Compression Molded
EVA Footframe
• Merrell Air Cushion Midsole
• 6mm Sole Lug Depth
• Vibram® Siren Song™ Sole/TC5+ Rubber
• Comfort Range to -4F/-20C
Women's Sizes: 5-11
légères, chaudes, avec beaucoup de grip sur la semelle, très heureuse
Larger than Expected
I have been thru a lot of boots trying to find something comfortable and that lasts. This boot fit the bill.. I wear them everywhere.. Comfortable, feel great ! Will buy them again !
Sized as Expected
For everything !
I have bought this boot for the 15 years, I beat them to death, wear them everywhere all year long. They last forever, and I have only had one pair with stitching problems and they were replaced with no questions. I have tried on every pair of boots by Merrell and always go back to the Sirens they feel great, as comfy as slippers. My only complaint is that the store I usually buy from has stopped carrying this model so now I have to find a new place to by them.
Everywhere, through mud, muck, water, in the bush,at work, I'd wear them to bed if I could
I am on my seventh pair of these wonderful booties.. I have a very narrow heel and these are the only walking - hiking booties i have found that don't slip up and down. I wear them for every occasion. I used to have planters facitis, but since I found these Siren boots. , I have been cured and walk at least 5 k a day. About 2 years ago I had a pair replaced by you because the stitching had come loose. I have had 3 different colors and bought a new pair of black ones this week. they were $179.00 in the store , plus tax But they will last for at least 3 years They also protest my ankles What other hiking boot do you have with a narrow heel?
Hello, Thank you for your great review. You could also have a look at the Avian Light Mid WTPF which has a similar fit. Thank you.
Sized as Expected
for every occasion, shopping strolling, walking, hiking every day
I love these boots. I took them with me to South America last summer. They kept my feet warm hiking over the Andes, while being super comfortable and light weight. I then took them to the rain forest and slugged through swamps, bush and over rocky hills for a month. They weren't too warm and they kept my feet dry even when caked in mud! They also have great grip. I was out pacing the guide going down a super muddy slope to the point that he demanded to know what shoes I was wearing that didn't having me slipping and sliding everywhere. I find them to be the perfect amount of ankle support too - more than a running shoe, but not so high as to restrict movement. They look great and are soooo comfortable and versatile. I'm usually at 7.5, sometimes an 8. In this case, size 8 fit me perfectly. The reason why they lost one star is for two reasons. 1) for such an fantastic shoe, the laces are terrible. Maybe they're too smooth, but they never stay done up even when double knotted. I stopped picking the burrs out of them specifically so they would have some grip. But this is a super minor flaw and easily fixed with new laces. 2) After a year of use (more like abuse) they have stopped being waterproof. According so responses to other reviews waterproof-ness is guaranteed, but I didn't hold onto my receipt, so I'm going to try waterproofing them myself and hope that works as well. When these give out I will definitely be buying them again.
Sized as Expected
hiking, mountain hiking, slugging through mud, field work,


text:
This post is on the long side, and may at first not appear to have anything to do with cycling...but it does, I assure you. There's just some background information on the subject that I must first tell you about before I can delve into Pablo Escobar's connections to cycling, and one bike company in particular. I've always hated to dwell on the negative aspects of Colombia's history, but felt that this topic was worth addressing.
Pablo Escobar and Colombia in the 80s
On the evening of April 30, 1984 I sat quietly on the stool next to my dad's workbench. My father enjoyed working on model trains, and I would spend hours on that stool looking over his shoulder on most nights. Suddenly, the radio over his workbench ran a news bulletin. Not far from our family home in Bogota, the Minister of Justice (Rodrigo Lara Bonilla) had been assassinated while being driven in his car. At close range, a 17 year old gunman had unloaded nearly an entire Uzi magazine into his body.
It was on that day that the Colombia I knew began to unravel, and the city I was born and raised in began to come undone. Although few knew it at the time, a single man was behind it all. Drug trafficker Pablo Escobar. In the coming years, Bogota's citizens began to feel their lives change as a result of Escobar's whims. Bombings became fairly common, as did extreme acts of violence against politicians, civilians and the press. One of the two major newspapers in the country was bombed, its executive editor was murdered. Even a kid like me, who grew up in a stable home, got to see and experience some of the insanity that was all around. I remember one Sunday afternoon outing with my family in particular, during which i saw the body of a heavyset man who had just been murdered. I was only six years old at the time. Having just taken a bullet to the forehead at point blank range, the man's facial features looked distorted as his body was draped with a white tablecloth. Once the pristine tablecloth came into contact with the man's face, the blood quickly spread and created a stain as large as the man himself
I also remember a Saturday afternoon in Bogota. My brother and I looked over the menu at a Burger King in our local mall, a large explosion shattered the glass panels behind us, sending us both down to our knees. Within seconds the dust was so thick that we were unable to see a foot in front of us. A carbomb had been detonated in the parking lot adjacent to the mall. I remember seeing people who had been hurt by the shrapnel running as they bled. Bags of nuts and bolts had been placed around the explosives, and those who were spared by the damage of the original blast, were caught in a shower of shrapnel. This was the mood of the times, all largely driven by Escobar's will and his personal battles.
Through all these tough times, cycling (and later soccer as well) became the only medicine that helped cheer up an entire nation. Had Karl Marx known how seriously Colombians would take sports, he would have said that cycling, not religion, was the opiate of the masses. I seldom speak freely to non-Colombians about Escobar and that era in our history, because he represents the awful stereotype that has haunted Colombians for decades. For the sake of not making this post insanely long(er), I will bypass all the usual disclaimer copy. I believe you all know that not all Colombians were involved in the drug trade, I hope you all know that Colombia is not a backwards jungle or a warzone. Yes, we have electricity...we don't live in huts, and we have running water. You can even read about my experience riding in Bogota here. Colombianos, like so many other people around the world, are hard working individuals who have been dealt a partially bad hand.
As a result of the negative effect that Escobar had on my life, I don't blindly idolize him. I don't see him as some sort of Robin Hood figure, much like some in the greater New York City area idolized mafioso John Gotti. I don't much care for his Scarface like depiction in hip-hop circles as of late. My relationship with Pablo Escobar (if you can call it a "relationship") was tempestuous at best. He made years of my life as a kid very tough. His decisions affected me personally, so I never liked the man. Still, a part of me continues to be fascinated by his outlandish life story. After all, whether I like it or not, his life was a part of mine growing up. Add to this his connections to the world of cycling and you have a perfect recipe for what has to easily be my dream bike. Stockholm Syndrome? Perhaps.
The Drug Trade and the StigmaFor many years Colombians have been associated with the drug trade, but during the 80s we were also known for our famed cyclists. Even in our greatest moments of triumph within the sport, however, the stigma of drug trafficking was there. During the 1984 Dauphine Libere, which Colombian Martin Ramirez won, Bernard Hinault mocked Ramirez by screaming out "Cocaine, cocaine!" as he pretended to sniff and point at the Colombian during the race. In response, Ramirez pointed back at Hinault repeatedly and said "Cocaine, cocaine... and marijuana too", insinuating the European's use of the substance. This exchange was widely reported in the Colombian press (first by the Espectador newspaper, and later in the book Escarabajos De la Vuelta A Colombia). This exchange is of great interest now that Laurent Fignon has admitted to doing substantial amounts of cocaine (particularly when racing in Colombia) in his book. In a recent interview, Lucho Herrera remembered the following about Fignon and the French cyclists of the time "He always spoke badly of us, and always said that we were inferior to them (the French.)" Years later, Lance Armstrong would tell the story of how his teammate Victor Hugo Peña would wear both leg and armwarmers in Europe, as a result of comments made by European riders about his dark skin.
But let's get back to the bigger picture, and the issue of a country and the stigma it had and continues to have. Ramirez' reaction to Hinault's taunting at the Dauphine Libere best encapsulates the manner in which Colombians have always felt about the drug trade and the negative image that came with it.
Colombia was, and still is vilified for producing substances in order to supply a demand in other countries. Those countries, however, see no repercussions in their public image. Those nations that consume these Colombian products have never experienced the horrors that Colombia has. Murdered judges, civilians, journalists, and yes even cyclists. In one presidential election, three of the candidates were assassinated by drug lords. All of this was funded by the addictions and casual drug use of those in wealthier nations.
Pablo and his brother Roberto, the cyclist
Pablo Escobar was involved with cycling from his early days as a street thug. Cycling was a Colombian obsession, and Escobar collected bets for cycling races throughout Colombia as a young man. His first business was a small video rental/bike shop in Medellin. Pablo's brother, Roberto "Osito" Escobar was a talented professional cyclist who competed in both road and track events. It was through Robrto's connections in the world of cycling that Pablo began to use the sport for his own purposes. Although it may seem odd to some, Pablo always had aspirations of being a legitimate politician and actually got to be a Colombian Senator briefly. From the beginning of his first political campaign, he sponsored entire cycling teams as a way of advertising his candidacy.
During the mid-80s Forbes Magazine named Escobar the 7th richest man in the world. With that kind of wealth, Pablo was able to indulge his every whim. Aside from funding cycling teams, Pablo also built velodromes, some of which were used to hold races so that he and his business associates could place bets on the races.
[Picture scanned from Matt Rendell's book Kings of The mountains]
Escobar even claimed to have partially funded some of the earliest Colombian teams at the Tour de France, which would certainly be consistent with his heavy investment in other sports like soccer and auto racing. Although some investments were made by one of his companies (Grupo Inverca most notably), many of his contributions were made in his name. Through his connections to the sport, many cyclists and investors became involved in dealings with Escobar, and ultimately got on his bad side for one reason or another. Sometimes, the problems that cyclists faced with Escobar's men surrounded their unwillingness to be used as drug mules.
On the right is Cochise Rodriguez, one of the most successful Colombian cyclists of all time. He won two Giro stages, partnered with Felice Giomondi in two-man trial events, was one of the first Colombians to compete in the Tour, and briefly held the one-hour record. Standing in the middle is Murillo Pardo, owner of Felipe Jewelers, and the team for which Cochise raced. Murillo's jewelery store was part of Escobar's money laundering operation. Murillo was murdered by the Cartel in 1986.[Picture scanned from Matt Rendell's book Kings of The mountains]
The bike
Pablo's brother, Roberto, continued to ride as his brother became one of the wealthiest and most feared men in the world. As a gift to his brother, Pablo funded an entire bike company and team. The name of the company was Ositto, a purposeful misspelling of Roberto's nickname (Osito, little bear). Roberto wanted the company to seem Italian, so he chose to add the extra "t".
Roberto Escobar was not just Pablo's brother as well as a cyclists. He himself was involved in many of his brothers dealings. He was arrested and briefly held in connection to the assassination of Lara Bonilla (who I mentioned at the beginning of this post). He was considered one of Pablos most feared lieutenants as well. As a bike company owner and team director, Roberto Escobar thrived. The Ositto cycling team was very successful, even winning the Clasico RCN (one of the most prestigious stage races in Colombia which has been raced by the likes of Laurent Fignon, Pascal Simon, Bernard Hinault and Sean Kelly.)
His career in the world of cycling, however, was not to be. Roberto surrendered to police in 1992 for numerous charges (weapons violations, trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, illicit enrichment, connections to the death of 4000, and having escaped from the Catedral jail along with is brother). Once inside a maximum security prison in the town of Itagui, Roberto received a letterbomb from old rivals, which exploded only inches away from his face. The blast left him legally blind and partially deaf. Roberto now lives in a state-run hospital due to his severe injuries. His room is heavily guarded.
Having told you all this, the horrors that Escobar committed, and the cyclists he murdered...you'll probably be surprised to know that the one bike frame I desire more than any other in the world is a Colombian made Ositto frame. The factory only existed for a few years during the 80's, and I have never seen one of their frames in person. I often mock those who want to ride lugged Italian frames because of their "soul" and heritage. At the same time, I must admit, I realize that the reason why I dream of owning an Ositto frame is because of what it embodies. As painful and absolutely difficult as those years were for Colombia, that frame signifies so much of what my childhood memories are. Yes, the man behind the company was deplorable, and I know this. The bombing that my brother and I experienced is enough to remind me of Escobar's character. Still, I long for home and continue to feel homesick after having lived in the United States for years. I go back to Colombia often, but I'm well aware that the saying "you can never go back home" really is true. Like it or not, the insanity that was Colombia during the 80's is a part of me, and having an Ositto bike would perhaps be the ultimate connection to my past, good and bad. It's the ultimate Colombian bike, so steeped in the bittersweet history that is so uniquely ours. Sad as it may seem, the whacked out notion of a bike company owned by Escobar's brother (and right hand man) is repulsive, but completely consistent with what my childhood memories are like. So if you see a guy riding an ill-fitting Ositto branded frame in your city someday, feel free to wave. It will probably be me, riding in order to feel more connected to my childhood, and the unusual circumstances under which I grew up.
Please feel free to leave comments behind.
If you are even remotely interested in learning more about this topic, please pick up a copy of Matt Rendell's book Kings Of the Mountains: How Colombia's Cycling Heroes Changed Their Nation's History. A documentary was made based on the book, but it only aired in England, and I've been unable to find a copy of it anywhere. Many of the pictures in this post came from that book.
Another great source (in Spanish) is Los Escarabajos De La Vuelta A Colombia.
Although I urge you to find out about the positive and beautiful aspects of Colombia, I also think that the greatest book about that era is News Of A Kidnapping, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Forget his fiction, this is a non-fiction account of a woman who was kidnapped during the early 90s at the request of Escobar. Marquez may be good at fiction, but his non-fiction writing is much, much better.