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Earlier this year, at the height of Apple fever, I made a bet that Apple will be in Chapter 11 by the end of 2017. I thought I'd explain my reasoning because it's not what most people would suspect.
First, the problem with Apple in my view was Jobs. Whilst Steve Jobs was outstanding at creative leadership, that is only part of the battle for creating a sustainable company. An exclusive focus on creative leadership always leads to failure as the genesis of new activities (i.e. innovation) might be high worth but it's unstable and uncertain.
The problem for Apple started in my view from a major strategic blunder - it didn't open source iOS, it didn't feel it needed to, it was building the entire stack. By not doing so it enabled Android to thrive. Apple gave oxygen to the formation of a competitive ecosystem of hardware providers to develop around Google's new weapon (and Google had every reason to do this because of the threat that IOS exposed to Google's value chain of data).
As that ecosystem develops, Apple will find itself in a stand alone innovation game against it. The pressure will build for ever more outstanding and exciting breakthroughs in technology which Apple has delivered with the iPad. Unfortunately, this pressure will continue and such breakthroughs by their very nature (chaotic) are uncertain and every company in this position before has failed.
Take Commodore and the Commodore64 which was vastly more influential than the iPad. The C64 transformed a world where computers were rooms owned by huge corporations into personal computers. In terms of consumerization, the C64 was dramatic.
Commodore and Apple both tried to lead this new world through constant innovation but were hammered by the more commodity based ecosystem approach of "IBM PC compatible". Commodore died and Apple barely survived but unfortunately it seems to have failed to learn that lesson.
So once again, we find ourselves in a world where Apple is pushed into the high risk stand alone innovation game against a growing, more commodity focused, ecosystem. That ecosystem will enable rapid innovation of higher order systems, it will outstrip Apple once again and I suspect that Cook (the new Apple CEO) knows this.
The only viable defence against such an ecosystem play is to build a bigger ecosystem (which is tough as a stand-alone) or to buy up the supply chain and use patents to slow your competitors. The latter Apple has done but such moves only slow the change, they don't stop it.
It can give you breathing space though to find that next breakthrough or to work out how to build a bigger ecosystem. However, the problem is often expectation i.e. your customer expect that breakthrough continuously.
I've not listened to Apple's latest press release but if its lacks any breakthroughs and dazzling tech (which I strongly suspect) then markets and fans will slowly turn against Cook and cry "bring Jobs back". Markets always do this, they always want more of the past.
Into this current fray, Amazon will certainly push with its normal approach of commoditising an industry and building an ecosystem around itself. If Google and the greater ecosystem around Android have been waiting for this moment, then they'll shortly strike at Apple - a flood of patent attacks.
Apple will start to turn inwards and the market pressure on Cook will intensify. They'll go from looking for that next breakthrough to needing it. Culture will start to change, it may start to buckle.
Apple's core business will be undermined by the commodity players whose technology will rapidly catch up and overtake, assuming Google can get them to work in a common interest. Soon Android devices will be everywhere. If Apple's patent and supply chain protection measures fail, if a concerted patent attack against Apple is successful then this will happen sooner.
At this point, with margins under pressure, markets under attack, the gloss peeling off the Apple logo and the culture starting to decline then the markets will go after Cook - "it was his fault" they'll say. Of course it wasn't Cook's fault, Jobs made the blunder with an excessive focus on creative leadership creating a high margin but unsustainable business.
Cook might pull out a miracle and maybe they've got some tech they've been keeping back in preparation to dazzle. Maybe he'll help Apple create that sustainable company which balances both innovation and commodity by dealing with the constant flow between them.
I doubt it, markets never think that hard nor give that much time. Cook is more likely to end up as the next Leo Apotheker ... and as for Apple well it didn't learn the lesson first time around, I don't suspect Google and Amazon will let it have a third go.
That's my view, that's my reasoning and that's why I made my prediction. Of course, the prediction assumed Jobs would still be the CEO and maybe Cook can change things by correcting those errors. Should be interesting to find out.
-- Update 13th February 2014
One of the key parts of the above scenario depended upon an aggressive share buyback in order to sustain market value / perception. I was expecting this to be around $100 billion. It turns out that buyback is much less than I anticipated (around $54 billion in the last two years) though Icahn was pushing for closer to $90 billion. This cutting back on the buyback is a fabulous move and gives AAPL a lot more breathing room. Cook is doing an excellent job.
-- Update 13th February 2014
One of the key parts of the above scenario depended upon an aggressive share buyback in order to sustain market value / perception. I was expecting this to be around $100 billion. It turns out that buyback is much less than I anticipated (around $54 billion in the last two years) though Icahn was pushing for closer to $90 billion. This cutting back on the buyback is a fabulous move and gives AAPL a lot more breathing room. Cook is doing an excellent job.

subset: commoncrawl


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LAUREL, Md. - Prince George's County police will conduct its third Gift Cards for Guns event.
Officers will accept guns and ammunition from residents, who will be given a gift cards valued up to $100. Firearms do not need to be functional.
The event is set Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 601 8th St., Laurel.
Residents should put unloaded firearms in the truck of their cars. A uniformed police officer will greet residents and provide instructions.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Welcome to Stockton
Home of the Tigers
Welcome to Stockton
Home of the Tigers
The City of Stockton - "A Great Place to Grow"
The City of Stockton is located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on the eastern edge of the Great Plains along the Solomon River Valley at the junction of U.S. Highways 183 and 24.
The earliest settlers were stockman and their families who arrived in January 1871. The city was chartered in 1872 in time to be elected county seat of Rooks County in December 1872. The drive and sense of community that established the city are still in evidence in such local attractions as four-story Neo-Classical Revival courthouse with its marble lined corridors and steps and solid oak doors and casings, the Frank Walker Historical Museum, the Public Library, the avenue of flags, and the renovated Nova Theatre which is volunteer ran and is a combination movie/live theatre setting seating up to 300.
Stockton is responsive to the needs of business, offering multiple state and local incentives to businesses considering a Stockton location. Stockton is prepared to meet the energy needs of residents and businesses today and in the future. The city has owned and operated its own electric power plant since 1908. The present plant has internal combustion dual-fuel generators that serve as back up to the baseline power provided by the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency.
The city invested 2.8 million dollars in 2001 in a state-of-the-art water softening and filtration plant with a capacity of 750,000 gallons per day. In 2009 the city invested another 2 million dollars in upgrading the lines distributing the water to the residents.
Stockton, a "Great Place to Grow" continues to show how to provide services to its citizens in much the same way as the early settlers did.


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Happy New Year! To thank you for your support of the Grammy nominated Get Up!, from now until Jan 14 at midnight PT you can stream or download Live from the Granada Theater: Dallas, Texas September 10, 2013 free!
Happy Holidays! Today through Sunday, Vevo is featuring the Grammy nominated "I'm In I'm Out And I'm Gone: The Making of Get Up!".
Check out the current issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine featuring a 7-page cover spread with Ben!


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Acura Integra Engine Problem
Posted by
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- Situation Background
I own 2001 Acura Integra GSR. The car has been driven to and from work 99% of its life, just regular wear and tear. Currently there is 75000 miles on this car. The car has had its oil changed at Acura dealer ship for its entire life every 3 thousand miles.
Mid 2007 I suddenly noticed that my engine warning light turned on. I immediately stopped to investigate. It turned out that oil was low. I have contacted dealer and run oil burning test to see if engine was burning oil. All it is, you drive 1000 miles and check oil level. It was measured that my engine is burning 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles.
I was shocked to say the least because after our family bough many Honda vehicles over 20 years I have never seen Honda engine burn oil. Two quarts of oil per 1000 miles is huge amount. I contacted Acura Customer service to find out if they can help with this matter as it sure looked like something that should not be happening.
Customer Service Response
Customer service told me that they do not have to help me because my warranty expired but if they are to provide any kind of assistance I need to have a dealer and only Acura dealer determine what the problem is first. I spoke with Service manager at Acura dealer and I was told it will cost me $1000 up front and maybe more to make a determination whatâs wrong with the engine. This is not even the costs of repair, which is likely to bring the total cost to be more than if I would just buy a brand new engine. So I was supposed to spend all this money just to find out if Acura would render some kind of assistance to help with my problem.
I have decided to consult with a friend of family a Honda mechanic with 25 years experience with Honda cars. He works for Honda dealer. He assured me that Honda engine can go 200000 miles without burning any oil and there are only two possibilities why my car is burning oil this soon.
1. Manufacturing defect of engine.
2. Oil was not changed properly by the dealer. (McGrath Acura 400 E Ogden Ave Westmont, IL , 60559)
I have thought about it, and called Customer Support again to tell them that I do not believe I should have to spend any money to fix something that is clearly not my fault. They replied that there is nothing they can do for me then.
Iâm truly shocked and disappointed that Acura is expecting their customers to throw away a car after 75000 miles. Iâm also shocked that the dealership would not offer me some kind of discount on labor they wanted to charge me to determine whatâs wrong with the car. When you think about it, they are partially responsible for this situation as they have failed to notify me the engine is burning oil when they were doing oil changes. You would think the dealer might want to mention to you that the extracted oil form engine was much lower than expected, but I guess this must be against their interests. They check your tire pressure but fail to inform you about such an important fact as low oil level during oil change.
I do not understand why a manufacturer with much worse reputation like Hunday is warranting their power train up to 100,000 miles, but Acura turns their back on long term loyal customer when they know their equipment should not break this soon? It is not like I took my car to Jiffy Lube. My car was maintained only by Acura dealer for its entire life.
Acura you leave me no choice.
I have decided that I have no choice but to stop buying Honda made cars and to share my experience with as many people as possible on Internet. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks Acura and Honda is a guarantee of excellence. Nothing could be further from the truth.
A very disappointed customer.
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lobo65 on 02/07/2008:
I don't know that happened to your car. My '97 Integra has 138,000 miles, and is still going strong. Maybe it was a problem with 2001 models.
dude in lude on 02/07/2008:
if you in fact really do have GSR integra with that low of miles you can sell it for a good amount of cash, that is sought after motor and anyone on hondaforums would take a chance with it.
Aerocave on 02/07/2008:
Oh Come on Gandalf...I really hope you are not serious...I not downplaying the frustration and seriousness of an engine burning 2 quarts of oil every 1000 miles...but need I remind you, this is a 7 year old car with 75,000 miles...the dealer is not going to just rip the engine apart on a "hope" that Acura will help with the repair (for free)...and to somehow hold the dealership accountable "because they were changing the oil and should have told you about this" is ridiculous. When you change the oil, one of the first things you do is drain the existing oil. I don't know of anyone who "checks" the level first. Again, I see your frustration, but it is a 7 year old machine with 75000 miles. I know the reliability of Honda products. But it is a machine built by man. Things go wrong. Stop trying to make a case for a free repair when it is not warranted. That's exactly what you are doing.
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2012 Acura problem
Posted by
PORTLAND, OREGON -- I have a 2012 Acura TL and have 4000 miles on it. I has been in the Ron Tokin Acura shop 5 times. The battery indicator states "The battery has only limited amount of power. Have dealer check or replace battery as soon as possible". The dealer told me they don't know how to fix it. They have replaced the battery and everything. They want to at their cost hook up a charger to my car at my home. I told them this was unreasonable. They will now refund my $41700 for the vehicle. I don't know what to do now. Now it won't start.
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MDSasquatch on 02/15/2012:
FoDaddy19 on 02/16/2012:
sounds like there's a drain somewhere on the battery even when the car is off. They need to fix this under warranty. If they cannot fix this problem in timely manner you need to invoke the lemon law in your state. If they've already agreed to buy back the vehicle, then they'll just have to send a tow truck to retrieve it.
bigal on 02/16/2012:
There definitely is a drain on the battery. Unless the service dept is completely inept this is a fixable problem. They can put a tester on the battery and measure the drain. They would also have to measure the drain on a similar vehicle which has no problems. All cars have a minor drain when not running due to the electronics installed. The difference in drain is what they would need to find. Because of space I will not go into details of how to do this but you start with pulling fuses to isolate areas. It can take awhile but it is not difficult.
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Crack in the Dash on 04 Acura TL
Posted by
I currently own a 04 Acura TL. I love my car very much but is highly upset with Acura because whoever made the vehicle did a poorly job with the dash. I have noticed that not only I have experienced it but many others have experience their crack on the dash. Its hard to believe a vehicle not even 10 years old and a LUXURY car has a crack slit right above the passenger airbag! Its ridiculous, not to mention a poor job! Acura should've made this a recall or something of that sort because it is not our fault that the dash is cracking!! I am very upset and Acura dealership would not cover this for me because they said my car is out of warranty. I have 50k miles, I do understand that but again this is a LUXURY car! Its ridiculous! I know so many Acura TL owners and this is going to be a big concern to all Acura owners if this doesn't get fixed accordingly.
I recommend Acura to do something about this or they will lose a lot of customers. All my cars were Acura. I love Acura but now its making me think twice.
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NofriendofAX on 06/02/2009:
My next car purchase will be an Acura regardless of what people post on here. Condition issues such as these are usually only covered 36,000 miles or less. So, I can understand why they wouldn't cover it. Even though, the car is five years old I'm sure they would be willing to meet halfway, unless there is reason for them to believe it is not a manufactured problem. As for a recall, no auto company will order one unless multiple people - not just one - have the same problem.
Nothing that a little duck tape couldn't fix...
Pam on 07/23/2011:
I have the same problem
Carlos on 06/26/2013:
I do have the same problem
jacob calloway on 08/02/2013:
My dashboard has also cracked right above the passenger airbag at 136,000 miles. I have a 2004 TL, how can I fix this?
Cindy on 08/04/2013:
I have the same problem with my 2006 Acura TL. No excuse for it. I will be taking my car to Acura and they better do something to make this right or there will be no more Acura purchases
xay 7-02-13 on 08/26/2013:
I have 05 tl and my dashboard have the same problem Acura should make this a manufacturer recall
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Lemon Vehicle, poor dealership & customer service
Posted by
MIAMI, FLORIDA -- Have had an Acura (Honda luxury brand) automobile style TSX for 10 months which was purchased new. In that time vehicle has experienced disck brake problem, failure of air conditioning to cool properly, and following warranty repair of air conditioning the sudden emission of strong metallic odor, loud howling/whistling from dashboard, and passenger cabin flooding with water from engine (condensation backwash). Dealership indicates smell is normal, noise was attributed to discovery of a leaking exhaust manifold, and now am told it is caused by transmission gears with the option by the dealership and Acura corporate to replace the transmission with rebuilt parts or to treat the problem as normal. Dealership has routinely failed to be responsive with end result that the car has been in the shop a total of over 40 days as of this writing. My efforts to address the matter at Acura and Honda corporate offices have resulted in runarounds, lectures about my obligations to the company, referral to a mediation department that dragged the process and blamed me for not being more cooperative, failure to provide direct answers to various questions, refusal to let me speak to management, and periodic bursts of hostility from staff, along with statements to the effect that they do not need my business and they do not care if I pursue legal action. I have now been forced to pursue this matter under my state's lemon law statutes and will probably have to retain an attorney for additional litigation which you can imagine is time consuming and eats into my finances. Even if I have the desired resolution (and my research online shows Honda rarely compromises or settles in these matters), I will probably have to purchase a new car for which I will pay higher rates on a loan than I now carry. My state has a good lemon law, but all this remains an aggravation. If you live in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area in Florida I strongly advise you to avoid purchasing or leasing a car from any Acura dealerships.
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Anonymous on 09/06/2006:
Acura/Honda has always been an elitest (sp?) company that is why I personally steer clear. If you proceed with lemon law here you will recover any legal fees incurred. Check around, many lawyers will now do these cases pro bono. Good Luck
PRTSX on 12/05/2006:
I have the same howling/whistling from dashboard sporadic noice in my TSX. It ususlly hapens in the afternoons. Have yours been resolved? What caused it?
daat on 06/05/2008:
I am writing in regard to my Acura which was purchased from a Texas dealer. It is an Acura CL. The transmission failed at 38K miles. They replaced the transmission, apparently with a "rebuilt" transmission. Now 110K miles later the "new" transmission is going out. When I took it back to the dealership they said, "well, nothing last forever"!. I said no, but 110K, miles on a second transmission does not speak well for Acura. This along with numerous other major repairs and factory recalls have made this Acura a pain. I will never buy another Acura. I will also tell everyone I meet about Acura and their poor service and poor product. Unfortunately my cousin also bought an Acura from this same dealership. When she decided to trade the car, the Toyota dealership that was going to buy the car discovered that the car had been wrecked and that this been covered up by the Acura dealership. This was less than a year after purchase and when we confronted the dealership in regard to this they became hostile and of course denied it. Apparently this is a nationwide trend of Acura. Soon their reputation will be ruined because of such unscrupulous dealers and poor workmanship on their car. Perhaps there should be a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Acura owners. Of course, the lawyers would get all the money but Acura would also get what is coming to them as well.
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Acura TL Seats
Posted by
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA -- I recently purchased an 2005 Acura TL. It is a nice car, but the front seats are horrible. I have a bad back and this is the first car out of about 12 that I simply cannot tolerate. The seats are hard and I cannot adjust them to avoid siting on my tailbone. You would think that for $34,000 they could put some nice seats in their car. Also, their so-called lumbar support does not support the lower lumbar region, but the lower back. They don't even know where the lower lombar is. The seat pushes against the lower back putting more pressure on the lower lombar. I just can't believe that a company such as Acura could be so cheap. I guess this is how they save money. I am going to sell this car, take a loss and seek a car that puts in decent seats.
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Slimjim on 01/25/2005:
You may want to just replace the seats. There's probably a wide choice of seats from custom companies that will fit and you will be picking based on what is comfortable to you. It's got to be cheaper then taking the depreciation hit.
Slimjim on 01/25/2005:
Backnbiz, I don't mean to disagree but, taking a used car back to the dealer because the seats are uncomfortable? Do you really see them working with the poster on that? Acura's are designed for Asians? No offense, but that's a bit silly is the nicest way I can put it.
Slimjim on 01/25/2005:
I'm not sure why you assume posterâs race, nor the relevance, but as height would go, your theory pretty much translates that American cars are built then for men, as women average around 5â3â. Of course thatâs not the case. If I'm not mistaken, the Acura line was introduced to primarily target the luxury American car market. As seats go, a nice set should be around $900 each, Far less than the deprecation hit as I see it.
speedy06 on 01/25/2005:
Through the years, engineers have designed cars to better accommodate people of all heights. Being extremely short, I can recall having lots of problems in the early 80's just seeing over the steering wheel or reaching the gas/ brake. (And that was sitting on a pillow)lol Now, with modern technology, just the touch of a button I have the height, and a seat that "hugs" feel with lots of lumbar support.
speedy06 on 01/25/2005:
German Engineering that is!
Slimjim on 01/26/2005:
I appreciate your candor biz, but in all fairness, itâs just an opinion. I donât need to research it. Stating âdesigned to fit a smaller person of the Asian persuasionâ is your outtake. Certainly no research uncovered that.
Anonymous on 01/26/2005:
Posters Quote "I have a bad back" yet you assume (makes an ASS_U_ME) that this problem persists because of size problem??? Possible remedy: Check with a company called HOME MEDICS, they sell seat covers that may help with your condition, average cost $100.00. All vehicles sold in the U.S. are designed for the U.S. market and to even think that because Acura is Japanesse the vehicle was designed to fit only "Asian Persuasion" is not only wrong but stupid. LOL!!!!
Anonymous on 01/26/2005:
Stupid has many names, NtheBiz, Hiddenagenda, 1hung2lo, backnbiz, Dr know, Txroadtrip, etc.....
NeveragainAmazon on 01/29/2005:
Just have to add my three cents, I have owned various Acuras for several years now, and I presently have one with the Lumbar Support feature. I never paid much attention to that feature until yesterday. I am 5'8" and the lumbar support does support my lumbar region, but I have to say it is not the lower region, but the upper. I feel for anyone who is shorter than that....if it is a problem for you, and your Acura dealership is as understanding as mine I am sure they will accommodate your complaint. Good Luck to you!
TXRoadTrip on 02/03/2005:
Sorry dealdirect don't label me as someone else especially when I am not. Also I am smart enough to test drive cars / trucks before purchasing and I have no problems with my Toyota luxury car with electric leather seats.
TXRoadTrip on 02/07/2005:
And my truck seats are just fine.
nsx-tech on 08/11/2006:
The TL was designed and built in the US for the North American market. You should have test driven the vehicle for seat comfort. Especially with back problems. These seats are very comfortable IMHO. It is probably not an easy task to design a seat to make everyone happy.
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Taking its design cues from traditional Craftsman furniture, the Archer line of baths reveals beveled edges and curved bases for a clean, sophisticated style. This bath's heated surface warms the back and neck with adjustable temperature settings to create a soothing, spa-like environment. A low step-over height offers easy access while allowing deep, comfortable soaking. A lumbar arch gently support the natural curves of your body.
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text: 5 SAD OLD GITS SECTION!bigjubbs | 02/01/2008 | See all bigjubbs's reviews (4)An absolute must!!! If your down to your last 15 quid after christmas, forget food, forget electric, even forget the 'GAS MAN'!Loved when it was first aired, love it now. The thought that some idiot at the BBC rejected the scripts for a fourth series, passing it off as too dated for todays audience makes me laugh, almost as much as this DVD!Buy it and marvel at two of Britains finest, doing what they do best - a mild blend of slap-stick, anarchy, toilet humour and sproughts mexicane!


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A new editor for RNCSE
NCSE is pleased to welcome Stephanie Keep as the new editor of its journal Reports of the National Center for Science Education.
Mr. McCaffrey goes to Washington
NCSE's Mark McCaffrey will be discussing the educational use of the third National Climate Assessment at a panel in the White House on May 6, 2014. The panel will be streamed live from the White House between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) on May 6, 2014; McCaffrey's presentation will take place toward the end of the event.
NCSE's McCaffrey on Wyoming debacle
NCSE's Mark McCaffrey contributed a guest column, entitled "Protecting Wyoming's most valuable resource" — which he identified as children rather than energy — to the Casper Star-Tribune (May 4, 2014), reviewing the derailment of the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards because of the legislature's objection to their treatment of climate change.
What's next for South Carolina's mammoth debate?
The South Carolina Senate insisted on its version of House Bill 4482 — which refers to the Sixth Day of Creation — on a 28-13 vote on April 30, 2014, and so the bill proceeds to a conference committee.
Standards impasse resumes in South Carolina
The impasse in the dispute about the place of evolution in South Carolina's state science standards continues. "The S.C. Education Oversight Committee on Monday sent proposed language to the [state board of education] that would require biology students to construct scientific arguments that seem to support and seem to discredit Darwinism," reports the Charleston Post and Courier (April 28, 2014).
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damn my chevy is slow, I should of bought a ford
viết bởi Anonymous 15 Tháng năm, 2003
new battery 73$
new tranny 500$
new motor 1000$
cost of stolen stereo due to crappy locks 900$
wishing it would burst into flames=priceless
new tranny 500$
new motor 1000$
cost of stolen stereo due to crappy locks 900$
wishing it would burst into flames=priceless
my brothers trans am/camero made in 1981
viết bởi CHRYSLER MAN 26 Tháng bảy, 2004
an american car that breaks down often..
man my chevy broke down again, thats the 4th time this week.
viết bởi prevost 16 Tháng mười một, 2002
Overhyped trucks that suck ass and are dogs to drive. The cars are nice (especially the Camaro, but the trucks break down on you like crazy and are definitely not keepers. Stick with Ford and Toyota, friends.
My dad had a Ford F-100, ran great. Got a Chevy C-10 new, had it for some years but got sick of fixing the stupid thing when it broke all the time. Went back to a Ford Ranger, it had run great for 13 years and still kicks ass. Go figure.
viết bởi Thinking Man 02 Tháng tư, 2007
bow-tie's are for little boys, become a man and get Blue Oval Certified. chevy's are not even comparable to the stench off of pig shit, they are that low.
Can Hear Every Valve Rust Oil Leaks Every Time
viết bởi Bad ass ford man 17 Tháng chín, 2003
popular car which sucks in proportion of 90% when compared to imports. Poorly rated in crash tests, overall performance, economy, reliability and depreciation value. After a few years it makes scary noises and blows blue smoke (piston rings and cheap-ass valves haha). People buy it cause their grandpa had one and they don't know any better.
A simpler definition: opposite of Toyota
A simpler definition: opposite of Toyota
Dave Coleman once said: "we should not have speed limits, we should have momentum limits. The momentum contained in a 3 ton rock ("like a rock") would devastate a civic. Suzie would be doin' 34 mph while I'd be at 120 in my civic, to equal the momentum, that is. That's a world I can live in"
viết bởi V8KILR 20 Tháng chín, 2004
Chevy a Divison of GM (General Motors). Has to be the worst car company. In NASCAR it only rules due to the fact the GM hot shots are friends with the NASCAR big shots. As for General Motors Failure.
Just Remeber this:
C Cheap
H Heavy
E Empty
V Vechiles
Y Yearly
Just Remeber this:
C Cheap
H Heavy
E Empty
V Vechiles
Y Yearly
CHEVY like a rock, doesn;t move.
viết bởi Kyle Santos 19 Tháng bảy, 2005


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Mopar '13 Dart is a bruiser of a compact
by Jeffrey N. Ross (RSS feed) on Feb 8th, 2013 at 11:28AM
For the fourth year in a row, Mopar is offering a limited-production car decked with a plenty of add-ons and a unique look. This year's black-and-blue car is the Mopar '13 Dart, which was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show with the now-signature paint scheme. Like previous Mopar models, only 500 of the '13 Darts will be built. Past models include the Mopar '10 Challenger, Mopar '11 Charger and the Mopar '12 300. The all-black Dart gets a brightly contrasting, offset blue stripe running the full length of the car, and other styling mods like the aero-tuned body kit, gloss black grille,... Read More


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<ac:macro ac:name="unmigrated-inline-wiki-markup"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
<ac:macro ac:name="unmigrated-inline-wiki-markup"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine is a resource plugin for the Doctrine O/RM that supports manager and connection level configuration and initialization.
A working prototype is available here in Parables/Application/Resource/Doctrine.php
Zend Framework: Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine Component Proposal
Proposed Component Name
Developer Notes
Matthew Lurz
Zend Liaison
0.1 - 1 June 2009: Initial Draft. (wiki revision: 17)
Table of Contents
1. Overview
2. References
<ac:macro ac:name="unmigrated-inline-wiki-markup"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine is a resource plugin for the Doctrine O/RM that supports manager and connection level configuration and initialization.
A working prototype is available here in Parables/Application/Resource/Doctrine.php
Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine is a resource plugin for the Doctrine O/RM that supports manager and connection level configuration and initialization.
A working prototype is available here in Parables/Application/Resource/Doctrine.php
3. Component Requirements, Constraints, and Acceptance Criteria
- This component will allow configuration of manager level attributes.
- This component will allow configuration of connection level attributes.
- This component will allow configuration of and initialization for connections.
- This component will allow configuration of connection level event listeners.
- This component will allow configuration of manager and connection level query and result caching.
- This component will support both non-namespaced, Doctrine generated models and custom, namespaced models.
- This component does not currently support Doctrine extensions due to autoloading issues.
- This component does not currently support bitmasks for manager and connection attribute values
4. Dependencies on Other Framework Components
- Zend_Application_Resource_ResourceAbstract
5. Theory of Operation
The component will work like other resource plugins. Users will specify configuration options in an application configuration files and use Zend_Application_Bootstrap to load the resource.
6. Milestones / Tasks
- Milestone 1: [DONE] Initial proposal published for review.
- Milestone 2: Working prototype checked into the incubator supporting use cases #1, #2, ...
- Milestone 3: Working prototype checked into the incubator supporting use cases #3 and #4.
- Milestone 4: Unit tests exist, work, and are checked into SVN.
- Milestone 5: Initial documentation exists.
7. Class Index
- Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine
8. Use Cases
Initial Setup
The two most common usage scenarios are those of generating model classes from schema and creating models by hand. In either case:
- Add a key to application.ini for registering the Doctrine namespace with the default autoloader.
If generating model classes from schema files:
- Add paths to your models and generated models anywhere the include_path is
set such as public/index.php, tests/index.php, scripts/somescript.sh, etc.
- Add a method to your bootstrap(s) for setting the fallback autoloader.
If creating model classes by hand:
- Add a method to your bootstrap(s) to configure module autoloading.
- When using table classes, you will also need to enable table classautoloading at either the manager or connection level in as:
.. or ..
Configure DSNs
Connection DSNs can be specified in any combination of string and/or array
Configure a DSN (string form)
Configure a DSN (array form)
Configure Manager Attributes
Configure Connection Attributes
9. Class Skeletons]]></ac:plain-text-body></ac:macro>]]></ac:plain-text-body></ac:macro>
Jun 02, 2009

Could the proposal be modified to support modular applications? Our model files are in application/modules/MyModule/Models/ and application/modules/MyModule/Models/generated/.

Since we potentially have lots of modules I'd hate to pollute my include_path with lots of model directories. Off the top of my head I have no idea for solving this, but maybe you do?

BTW: We use Zend Framework/Doctrine naming conventions for our Model classes to be able to use the autoloader, ie. application/modules/MyModule/Models/User.php holds class MyModule_Models_User. This way we only need to put application/modules/ in the include_path. We haven't found a solution for the Doctrine generated classes yet, because we can't tell Doctrine to name the classes after its own naming scheme. <ac:emoticon ac:name="sad" />

Jun 02, 2009

Thanks for the comment.

I hesitated to attempt to solve this problem without additional input as it doesn't seem to be an easy one. Instead, I wanted to put this out there as a solution for non-modular models in hopes of obtaining feedback from the community as to how to handle more complex scenarios.

The other primary issue that I am aware of is the potential size of application.ini since so many options are available.

Oct 29, 2009

wouldn' it be an idea to keep the size of application.ini reasonable if you could specify a seperate ini for doctrine settings.

in application.ini

<ac:macro ac:name="code"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
resources.doctrine.ini_path = doctrine.ini

in Zend_Application_Resource_Doctrine

<ac:macro ac:name="code"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
public function __construct($options = null)Unknown macro: { if ($options && isset($options['ini_path'])) $options = ....readOptionsAndPerhapsMergeWith....; parent}
Oct 29, 2009

I think this a special case since this resource plugin offers so many more configuration options than others (at least the ones I've seen). I've been torn on the issue. I know quite a few users would like to use a separate config file, but this breaks with convention and I don't know how keen the ZF developers and community would be about that. Also, in some cases, the configuration is quite simple and there's really no need for a separate config file. I'd be more than happy to implement such a solution (or you could help me <ac:emoticon ac:name="smile" /> if I could get feedback from the ZF developers as to whether they want to promote this practice for potentially complex resource plugins.

Nov 19, 2010

as it turns out zend application already supports putting 'domain' configs in seperate files.

Just do in your application.ini

 config[] = some/path/to/whatever.ini

config[] = some/path/to/whatever-butnotthesame.ini

config[] = some/path/to/yetanotherconfigfile.yaml

so you could use in application.ini

config[] = some/path/to/doctrine.ini

and out inside that file all things doctrine

resources.doctrine.prop1 = value1

resources.doctrine.prop2 = value2

Jun 05, 2009

Due to the potential complexity of setting up the Doctrine environment as well as connections, I'm considering/experimenting with splitting this into 2 separate resource plugins. It seems natural that the split would be between global/manager-level environment setup and connection setup. However, I don't want to make this any more complex than it needs to be. Does anyone have comments or suggestions?

Jun 11, 2009

I've split this into 3 separate classes. Doctrine.php now initializes the manager and then creates the Connections and Paths resources. I'm unsure whether this is the correct way to implement a hierarchy of resources, but it works. I've started to add unit tests to the library and am working on a solution for modular models using http://www.marc-remolt.de/en as a starting point. If I can't get this to work then I'll inquire with the Doctrine community. I believe Doctrine 2.0 will make this easier.

Aug 09, 2009

Hi Matt,

is there some code available somewhere? Because I can't seem to find it.

I was experimenting with a Doctrine resource myself until I stumbled on your proposal. Maybe I can pitch in?

Aug 09, 2009

Sorry Mattijs, I need to update this proposal but was hoping to get some additional feedback first.

Code is available at http://github.com/mlurz71/parables/tree under Parables/Application/Resource.

Any feedback/assistance/etc would be greatly appreciated.

Aug 09, 2009

Also, you can take a look at the demo app (not much to look at except the config file) here:

http://github.com/mlurz71/parables-demo/tree

Thanks again for your interest in this proposal.

Aug 22, 2009

Already using it in my project, works perfectly, no bugs as yet... Looking forward to see it in trunk. Thank you very much <ac:emoticon ac:name="smile" />

Aug 22, 2009

Thanks for your interest in this proposal. It's far from perfect, but starting to come along. The simple use cases should be more or less covered at this time but there are still some nasty edge cases (mostly related to autoloading) that have yet to be worked out. Hopefully we can work out those issues in the near future. Thanks again and let me know if you run into any trouble.

Aug 23, 2009

Today tried to set settings like in UC-6:

resources.doctrine.manager.auto_accessor_override = 0

resources.doctrine.manager.auto_free_query_objects = 1

resources.doctrine.manager.autoload_table_classes = 0

but they don't set up. This feature isn't implemented yet or I am using an outdated version?

Aug 23, 2009

Sorry, the proposal needs to be updated. I intend to do so asap.

If you're working with any recent revision you just need to specify these as:

resources.doctrine.manager.attributes.attr_auto_accessor_override = 0

resources.doctrine.manager.attributes.attr_auto_free_query_objects = 1

resources.doctrine.manager.attributes.attr_autoload_table_classes = 0

See application.ini in parables-demo for a full example. Attribute naming changed due to a change in Doctrine 1.2. From the upgrade doc:

Removed Attribute String Support

The string support of `Doctrine_Configurable::getAttribute()` and

`Doctrine_Configurable::setAttribute()` have been removed.

The reason is that the performance of this simple convenience feature is

significant and it is totally unneeded.

The following code is no longer supported.

 $connection->setAttribute('use_native_enum', true);

You must now always use the following code.

 $connection->setAttribute(Doctrine::ATTR_USE_NATIVE_ENUM, true);

Let me know if you run into any other issues.

Aug 24, 2009

For the interested..

Support for modular models has been added, but is 'experimental' to say the least. Use it at your own risk. Improved support for modular models is one of, if not the issue that will be receiving the most attention in the near future.

Also, I've created a couple of initial prototype convenience scripts for rebuilding and migrating of modular models in the scripts directory of the parables-demo here.

Unfortunately, the problem of using Doctrine's extensions has yet to be solved. If anyone has had any luck using this feature of Doctrine, please contact me.

Nov 08, 2009

Can you explain a bit more how that works?

Sep 16, 2009

I would like to add that a firebug profiler for doctrine has already be implemented: http://taat.pl/article/zend_framework_tutorial/step5/

// This proposal originated from: http://www.nabble.com/RFC:-ZendX_Doctrine-td23454552i20.html

Sep 26, 2009

I would say that modular support is a must to.

I would say that standard (non-modular) ZF applications are mainly made by newbies which don't even heard about Doctrine and don't need it for their light usage.

Doctrine is more for more complex tasks so more suitable for modular applications.

So actually i think if Doctrine support for non-modular applications won't exist won't be any problem, the "target" should be for modular apps...

Sep 26, 2009

Thanks for your comments and interest Christian.

While I agree that modular support is a must in order for this component to be useful, I don't agree that:

1) Doctrine is only useful for complex applications. On the contrary, the benefits of using Doctrine can be harnessed in even the most simple of scenarios.

2) Non-modular apps are just for noobs. Having developed both modular and non-modular applications, it seems to me that this has more to do with the complexity required by the system.

Having said that, I have implemented 'basic' modular support for this component. I use the term 'basic' as there are many potential edge cases that I have yet to explore. Take a look at http://github.com/mlurz71/parables-demo if you're interested. I welcome any and all feedback.

Thanks again.

Nov 08, 2009

Imho it should be possible to configure which "model" comes into which module, the code should be generated into the respective directories.

Maybe it is necessary to extend the Doctrine Tasks to allow this. Additionally I think the "generated" folder should be renamed in Base and the base models should be generated as <Module>Model_Base<Model>.

From a look over Doctrine_Import and Doctrine_Import_Builder this is perfectly possible with a few tweaks and juozas has already written code for this we could use as a first start.

A change of the import scripts from the Doctrine CLI could be done within a Zend Tool + Doctrine support.

Nov 08, 2009

Regarding the separate configuration issue, I think that it warrants creating a separate proposal. With the unlimited potential of resources created in the future, it would make sense to have some convention that allows for resources to have separate configuration files.

Nov 08, 2009

Thanks for the input AJ. I agree that this issue would be best handled in a separate proposal. A similar/related proposal for module configurations has been submitted http://framework.zend.com/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=16023853, but I have yet to review.

Jan 11, 2010

Support for using a compiled version of Doctrine would be nice, an option with the name to the compiled version which then get's automatically required before all the other stuff is done.

A way to set the charset for the connection would be nice, but a way which gets automatically run AFTER connect and doesn't start the connect ( like a $conn->setCharset('utf8'); would do) so no unnecessary connection get's established and for example for use-cases when using the bootstrap together with the Doctrine-CLI to create the database/models and stuff (Think that could be important for Zend_Tool-Integration too)

Because if the database doesn't exist yet and the connection get's opened for running for example the "SET NAMES 'UTF-8' query, Doctrine throws an exception that it couldn't connect to the database. (Or because of an error in the records/yaml-files the database get's dropped but not recreated, so on the next try after changing records/yaml, the connection fails)

A way working for all DBMS would be using an EventListener (Doctrine_EventListener_Interface) which uses $connection->setCharset();

in the postConnect()-method, like:

<ac:macro ac:name="noformat"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
class Zend_Doctrine_EventLister_Connect implements Doctrine_EventListener_Interface
* @var string
protected $_charset = 'utf-8';
* @param string $charset
public function __construct($charset = 'utf-8')Unknown macro: { $this->_charset = $charset; }
* @param Doctrine_Event $event
public function postConnect(Doctrine_Event $event)Unknown macro: { $event->getInvoker()->setCharset($this->_charset); }
Jan 12, 2010

Thanks for the feedback Benjamin. I haven't tried using a compiled version of Doctrine and so I imagine there are issues. Unfortunately, I don't have time to work on this at the moment. Please feel free to submit a patch to the code on github, http://github.com/mlurz71/parables/tree. Thanks again.

Jan 12, 2010

Okay, you can look here: http://github.com/robo47/parables

Had to change a bit of the structure of the unittests and added a TestHelper for setting include-path and autoloader to get it working for me.

 adding RecordListeners (additional to the normal EventListeners) to the connection is supported now

 adding non-standard Cache-Drivers (classes based on Doctrine_Cache_Driver/Doctrine_Cache_Interface) is supported now

 using the charset-option registers a Parables_Doctrine_EventHandler_Charset which will set the charset after the connect (Doctrine_EventHandler::postConnect())

 Tests for new class Parables_Doctrine_EventListener_Charset

 Tests for using a non-standard-Cache-Driver on Connection/Manager as Query and Result-Cache [with and without parameters)

 Added @covers to unittests for better seeing which parts aren't covered yet

 Added markTestSkipped for tests not run because of missing extension

 Rewrote Tests where Exceptions were expected to check if really the right Exception is thrown (class & message) (some tests caugth exceptions, but the wrong ones)

The current way I used for throwing an exception if a cache-driver or listener is not found is a bit ugly and doesn't use Zend_Loader_Autoloader, because the include always triggered an error (before it even throws it's exception) which was not really nice [a include-path-aware file_exists in the autoloader before the include(_once) would be nice].

<ac:macro ac:name="code"><ac:plain-text-body><![CDATA[
try {
} catch (Zend_Exception $e) {
throw new Zend_Application_Resource_Exception("$class does not exist.");

Probably anybody has a better idea how to handle that ? Or just ignore the error because an exception is always to be thrown afterwards ?

Some thoughts and questions I had:

1) One thing in the complete design of the resource I discovered and wasn't aware of before, which in my opionion should not be as it currently is:

The methods setConnections/setPathes/setManagers contain all the logic of the resource and are called directly after the creation of the resource (automatically from the Zend_Application_Resource_ResourceAbstract::setOptions()), not after calling the init()-method like it is handled by all the other resources in the Zend Framework. Which means the exceptions are thrown on creation too, not on init.

I looked into the other Zend-Framework resources in zf 1.9.7/1.10alpah1 and they all are doing this in init() which in my opinion should be the right way.

I thing this behaviour should be changed to be conform with the other resources.

2) Is there a need to check everything which is checked in the Doctrine-Classes too ?

Instead of checking for wrong dsn, tablename, is_dir [in setPathes] and stuff, let the Doctrine-Classes throw their exceptions and rethrow them in the resource as previous-parameter of a Zend_Application_Resource_Exception.

I think that would save a lot of checks which are otherweise done EACH time and are repeated in the Doctrine-Classes afterwards each time too (which is a waste of time and io-resources) in most cases.

3) (Only important if you want to keep checking and throwing the exceptions like mentioned in 2) )

The 6 exceptions thrown in _getCache for the db-driver, could be stripped down to 3 by using only if(empty()) and don't do the array_key_exists, since empty() does an isset() itself, I don't think it is necessary to differ between undefined and empty, just three exceptions with messages like

missing options for cache-driver: db

missing option 'dsn' for cache-driver: db

missing option 'tableName' for cache-driver: db

or something like that should be enough. Same thing can be done to the memcache-part and the dsn-option in setConnections() and throw one instead of 2 possible exceptions.

4) With the compiled version I got some problems which I think are tied to the design that all the stuff is run after creation of the object not in init() because i wanted to test for compiled version in init().

The problem is, if the compiled version is used, the zend_autoloader can't load the Doctrine-classes. so if the Doctrine.compiled.php isn't loaded before setting up the resource, it want's to include all needed classes like Doctrine_Manager and that fails because it can't find them.

One way could be to completely change the resource and split it into two resources.

The first one can check if a compiled version should be used and include it and then create an instance of the second one which handles creation of manager, connection, caches and stuff.

But I have to look into this again since I didn't check if changing the setup to be done in init() would fix the problem.

5) Another question will be, which versions of Doctrine needs to be supported ? 1.0+ ? 1.1+? or only 1.2+.

(There isn't any answer in http://framework.zend.com/wiki/display/ZFDEV/Doctrine+Integration+Todo to that question yet).

Because when using only 1.2 there is no need for different tests for the attributes and no more need to use the class Doctrine [as of 1.2 the class Doctrine is deprecated and not used anymore inside Doctrine. It only inherits from Doctrine_Core to not break backwards-compatibility yet: http://www.doctrine-project.org/jira/browse/DC-91 ).

That would save 1 included File [I don't include it anymore in any Project because it is so ugly outside of it's folder <ac:emoticon ac:name="smile" /> ] , make the application ready for a 1.3/1.4 which will probably drop Doctrine.php

And saves all users using 1.2 the need of deploying Doctrine.php which doesn't play nice with svn:externals and Autoloaders

Jan 13, 2010

Thanks again Benjamin. I sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to review and improve upon this proposal.

Unfortunately, I'm not going to have a chance to give the issues you raised my full attention for a couple of weeks. If you don't mind a delay, I will review and reply asap.

With regard to Doctrine minor versions supported, as I recall I left off attempting to support all minor versions in the 1.x series but think this decision should be revisited.

Jan 13, 2010

No problem <ac:emoticon ac:name="smile" />

I will keep on testing/extending/posting here and you can review the stuff when you have time.

Jan 25, 2010

Hey Benjamin..I think I might have some time over the next couple of weeks to work on this to resolve the issues you've raised. Let me know if you have time and if so how you would like to proceed.

Jan 25, 2010

Hey Matt,

for the Zend_Tool integration i already took your resource and did some little refactorings, for example you instantiate the doctrine manager and connections in the set*() routines already, ahlthough this has to be delayed until ->bootstrap('Doctrine') is called.

Also i changed the return value of the Resource init() to return a "Zend_Doctrine_Registry" that has the connections, manager and some of the Tool relevant options like paths and generate model options available.

I will commit the code to my zf svn user branch tonight.

Jan 25, 2010

Thank you. Ignorance is my only excuse for performing initialization of the resource outside of init. Sorry to all who were left scratching their heads. I'm wondering how we proceed with regard to repos. I don't want to make things any more complex than they need to be and have no particular attachment to my git repo if there is a better way to work on this together. It would also be nice to get all of the apples in 1 basket, so to speak, so that Doctrine 1.x and 2.x related integrated points can be had from a single repo. Thoughts?

Apr 02, 2010

Anything new here ? have been about 2 month again.

I send in a CLA yesterday which was accepted already so my code can be used. (didn't think about that yet)

Apr 02, 2010

Nothing new to my knowledge. The last I knew both yourself and Benjamin Eberlei had made major improvements. Personally, I'd like to see those changes integrated into or replace this proposal. Doctrine 1.2 is going to be maintained until 2011-06-01 and so I think it's still worth the effort if anyone can find the time.

Apr 02, 2010

I had to do some changes to Doctrine 1.2 to allow integration with Zend modular structure, this was released with 1.2.2. My code for the Doctrine resource in my user-branch, the tool code is there too:

http://framework.zend.com/svn/framework/standard/branches/user/beberlei/zfdoctrine/library/Zend/Doctrine/

Matthew Weierophinney told me he doesn't know if there will be a 1.11 or not yet, this will be decided in the next weeks. If there will be a 1.11 release then I think Doctrine should be in there. If there is no 1.11 i think we don't need Doctrine 1 support then for 2.0, probably makes no sense.


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Editor's note: Howard Kurtz is the host of CNN's "Reliable Sources" and is Newsweek's Washington bureau chief. He is also a contributor to the website Daily Download.
(CNN) -- Oprah Winfrey didn't pussyfoot around.
She got Lance Armstrong to confess in the first minute.
It was a curiously unemotional moment, the prosecutor leading the witness through what seemed like well-rehearsed paces in a businesslike fashion.
Armstrong said he was sorry for all the years of lying, but he sounded like he was reading a shopping list. He may have been wearing a lavender shirt that complemented Oprah's violet dress, but the disgraced cycling champion was anything but colorful.
On her cable channel Thursday night, Winfrey wisely began with a series of yes-or-no questions that brought a decade of deception to an end.
Did Armstrong take banned substances? Yes. EPO? Yes. Blood transfusions? Yes. In winning all seven Tour de France titles? Yes.
If you changed the channel then, you didn't miss much.
Watch: Why the media fell for the Manti Te'o girlfriend hoax
It was the most eagerly anticipated interview since Monica Lewinsky sat down with Barbara Walters (except there was no sex, lies and audiotape, just lies).
But the event had an anticlimactic feel. First came the leak (to the New York Times) that Armstrong was considering coming clean. Then came the leak (to USA Today) that he planned to confess to Oprah. Then came the leak (to the AP) that he had in fact told Oprah he'd been a doper. So all that remained to be seen were what words Armstrong would use and what demeanor he would display.
Watch: Joe Scarborough apologizes to Mika Brzezinski (finally)
He just didn't seem contrite. "You brazenly and deliberately denied everything you've just admitted to me," Winfrey said. No dispute. "You called other people liars." True. Armstrong didn't so much engage in the interview as endure it.
He admitted he could not have won those Tour de France titles without doping. He said he didn't think he'd get caught. But he never quite explained the audacious, elaborate and endless lying.
"The story was so perfect for so long," Armstrong said. That's right, perfectly untrue.
When Winfrey forced him to watch a videotaped deposition in which he lied about doping, Armstrong appeared halting and detached. He later said he was embarrassed but didn't appear so. She could not get the man to open up.
Watch: Tina Fey's Twitter Tirade: Will it come back to haunt her?
Armstrong said he didn't feel he was cheating at the time; he was leveling the playing field. It was as though he was talking about someone else.
Even when Armstrong acknowledged having been a bully, there was no flicker of soul-searching. Maybe he doesn't have a soul to search.
The sit-down, part two of which airs Friday night, was a test for both of them. Armstrong's task was to generate enough public sympathy to allow him to salvage a once-glittering career that he single-handedly ruined. He utterly failed.
Winfrey's challenge was to reclaim a bit of the cultural spotlight that she once owned before abandoning her syndicated stardom for the cable netherworld. She clearly succeeded.
You've got to say this. Everyone wanted the Armstrong interview. He could have gone to "60 Minutes" or the "Today" show or "Katie." But Oprah landed him. She is still seen as having the requisite mix of toughness and empathy to be able to deal with stars who have misbehaved, though Armstrong's misconduct is on a different level than your stereotypical celebrity in rehab.
Watch: Is the press demanding that Obama party more?
David Zurawik, the Baltimore Sun television critic, argues that the landscape has changed. By the time Winfrey gave up her show, he says, "the media had fragmented on one front, making it harder for TV to serve as pop culture's big revival tent for the ritual of confession, forgiveness and rebirth."
Maybe he's right. I don't forgive Lance Armstrong, who lied to me in two interviews. And I suspect most of America won't, either.
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The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Howard Kurtz.


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Price Value Quality
I have used this set for a week and I can tell the difference, they are quite amazing but the serum doesn't last very long, it ran out quickly in about 1-2 weeks time and i used reasonable amount about once a day just on my thighs.
- May Not Work For you Review by Connor3321
Price Value Quality
I have been using this product for over a month and it has done little to no effect on redness or bumps. It actually makes the bumps more red.
- Excellent product works fast Review by Rosemarie
Quality Price Value
Hi. My hat is off to Dr Kunin. All her products do just what she says so they are well worth the money. I started using calm, cool, corrected for rosacea about seven years ago and never looked back. No redness or bumps. So now that I am really fit and into tiny shorts and bikinis the really bumpy skin I have had on the back of my legs really bothered me. I have been for peels but it was just more irritated. I tried creams but they caused clogged pores. So 2 days after using it the difference was visible and people are noticing. No fear of putting back of legs on full display now since the skin looks luscious. Thanks a million dermadoctor!!!! Ps pls never stop making this product!!!
- Hi Review by This is AMAZING!
Value Quality Price
I love thus stuff!
- Yes Pricey but SOO Worth It Review by Katie
Price Value Quality
I have struggled with the embarassment of KP and like others, have been told that nothing can "cure" the issue. I have tried so many different products over the years, most with no noticable improvement. This product worked quickly and has kept the KP on my arms in check for almost two years. I am excited to try the new serum to see if it improves on my already good results - so I can't really comment on that product yet. All I can say is while it is pricey, not so much more than what I was paying for creams that didn't work and this product lasts a really long time when used correctly. Hope it continues to help others like it has my situation.
- Excellent Review by Christina
Price Value Quality
Great products. Helps my KP look a lot better.


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- 2014 ram promaster chicago 2013
2014 Ram Promaster pricing starts at $26,030*
by Jeffrey N. Ross (RSS feed) on Mar 6th, 2013 at 12:01AM
Looking to get back into the thick of things in the commercial van market, Chrysler has set the pricing for the Fiat Ducato-based 2014 Ram Promaster. When it goes on sale by the end of this year, the new Promaster will have prices that range from $26,030 for the Promaster 3500 chassis cab cutaway with a 136-inch wheelbase and topping out at $36,150 for the long-wheelbase, high-roof 3500 cargo van (*prices don't include the $995 destination charge). While pricing was released for a total of 14 build configurations (including the addition of a 2500 cargo van equipped with rear windows that... Read More


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Moderator: Mod Squad
Warbear wrote:What the hell is Kamen and how do you ride one?
Mir@k wrote:What new look, yours? Eh it's k. I don't really fancy alien bugmen. I prefer dogis and cats.
Mathias wrote:You can quote more than one post at once.
Numa Katzroy wrote:Time sure has past man.
In other news, Steve Fning Blum was AWESOME to talk with!
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Embraceable Sleep Cardigan Era
XXL Online Only!
Art Nouveau curves bring Beaux Arts beauty to our soft sleep cardigan piped in Rosette satin. Pair with the matching PJ Ankle Pant for a cozy night's sleep. For lounging, wear the relaxed top unbuttoned over a sleep cami.
- From the Embraceable collection of pajamas. The softest, most luxurious in the world.
- Exclusive Cool Nights knit keeps you cool and dry, and retains its shape and silky drape after washing.
- Cardigan styling, button front, chest pocket and 3/4 sleeves.
- Neck seam reinforced with ribbon.
- Approximately 26.5" from shoulder.
- 93% Rayon, 7% Spandex. Machine wash. Imported.
We're so sorry: this item sold out sooner than expected. For an equally comfortable substitute, please call our Solution Experts at 1.866.768.7662. Or click on Soma Chat below for immediate assistance.


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Magicsuit Ivory Coast Caftan Swim Cover Up
Sheer trendy tribal print in the season's hottest neutral and chocolate hues adds a light, breezy layer over your favorite swimsuit. The sheer silhouette features a double V-neck, fluttery butterfly sleeves and a drawstring empire waist. Wear with same pattern Ivory Coast Sharon Tankini Swim Top or Ivory Coast Edie Tankini Swim Top or a one piece Miraclesuit in Chococlate or Black.
- Relaxed fit.
- Quick drying fabric.
- Length from hips: 39.75".
- Adjustable drawstring empire waist.
- One size fits most.
- From Magicsuit® by Miraclesuit®.
- 100% Polyester. Hand wash. Imported.
- All swimwear available online, or call your favorite Soma Intimates for specific style and size availability. Check our store locator on our home page for contact information.
We're so sorry: this item sold out sooner than expected. For an equally comfortable substitute, please call our Solution Experts at 1.866.768.7662. Or click on Soma Chat below for immediate assistance.


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Albany CROP Hunger Walk
Sunday, May 04, 2014 • Albany, NY
Photo: Paul Jeffrey
Photo: Paul Jeffrey
Photo: Paul Jeffrey
Photo: Paul Jeffrey
Location: First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Ave, Albany
Contact: Kitt Jackson, 518-462-5450
We've raised $30,186.00 online so far!
Albany CROP Hunger WALK Rally
When: Sunday, March 23 (Snow date 3/30) from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: First Lutheran Church, 646 State St., Albany NY 12203
Learn about local and global hunger issues. Receive materials and resources for this year's walk. Share ideas. Celebrate top walkers and groups through special awards. Enjoy a light meal. Enter to win a door prize. Free, but call 518-462-5450 by March 19 to reserve your place!


text: Family Fun Folk Dancing will be held 6:30-7:30 pm Wednesdays starting May 13 at the Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities, 301 W. Bagdad Street, Round Rock. Arnold and Marie Gladson teach Square, Line, Contra, and other Folk dances to beginners as well as experienced dancers. This is a community activity open to singles, couples, and families (children 7 and up). Cost is $5 per person; $4 with Baca Center membership.


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I really expected a mixer with scratches even though reading the reviews everyone said how brand new theirs was. Well it's true. Every time I have visitors I show them my mixer and tell them its refurbish and how much I paid at Overstock. com. No one believe me, they say it looks too good to be true. Then I smile and say "but it's not too good to be true"
This is my second refurbished Kitchenaid mixer and this one is an upgrade from the first. I had the first one 10 years and just gifted it to a very grateful friend. I've used this Pro Series one twice in the few days since I got it and it works just as you would expect from a new one. With the option of an affordable extended warranty there is no reason not to buy refurbished and save loads of money. I am very pleased.
I am so pleased with this product, much more than I would have thought and the color blends so well with my stainless steel appliances that I keep it out, it is not a eyesore like the old one...I am very pleased.
I bought the kitchen aid Bowl mixer for my wife a refurbished one ( half the price) and it works great. I was e pecting for it the have some scratches of tell sings that it had been us but it looks better then new. My wife is very happy with it and it performance I will deffenetly recommend it to anyone great purchase
Looks and operates as new!!!! Do not hesitate to purchase great deal on this model color
I received this as a Christmas gift last year and I have used it often since then. I've made everything from cakes to pizza dough like a pro. I was a little leery about it being factory refurbished, but I have never had any trouble at all with the machine. The paint was perfect on it, and it runs like a scalded dog. The price was amazing, so don't pass up the chance to own this machine.
The claim that "every product we sell as Reconditioned or Refurbished must pass a thorough examination" does not seem to be accurate. Before I even removed the mixer from the packing box I could see that the attachment hub cover was not secure. I removed the knob and screwed it in again, but it will not hold the hub cover in place. This isn't enough to make me pack up and send back the mixer, but it is a bit annoying. The mixer itself is scratch-free and looks new other than this problem. I like the color a lot -- I was afraid that "silver" would be shiny, but it's a nice matte finish. So far I have only used it to beat egg whites and blend them into waffle batter. The lift-up bowl feature is new to me, and will take some getting used to. One disadvantage from the tilt-head model is that you cannot leave the beaters above the bowl to let batter drip down into the bowl. Also, the "tabs" that hook the bowl in place seem to preclude getting other bowls and storing them inside each other -- I'm not sure this mixer offers the option to purchase various sized bowls anyway. In my quest to replace my 12-year-old KitchenAid Classic mixer, the motor of which burned out the first time I used an attachment (the pasta roller), I initially ordered another slightly more powerful new KitchenAid Classic. The lock to hold the motor head in place while the mixer is operating didn't work, so I sent it back (side note: Overstock.com was great to work with in this process, which is why I ordered from there again). Between those two problems and now this one, I think the KitchenAid brand is simply not what it used to be. I wouldn't pay the $400 -$500 that this mixer would cost brand new; time will tell if the refurbished model was a good choice.
I bought this mixer for my son who just got his first off-base apartment. My family has been in the food service industry for generations and we have always relied on KitchenAid/Hobart equipment. So, I thought this would be a great gift for my son and will probably last him a good long time. He has followed family tradition and loves to cook. This mixer has enough power to mix without the worry of burning the machine up. Now my son can make pasta and bread just like mom! I have purchased many refurbished products and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and value of this KitchenAid purchase; so much so, I actually bought myself the 6 qt a week later.
This mixer has a higher horsepower than others. I gave this as a gift to my niece who's husband is a baker, he loves it.
I have wanted a stand mixer for years. I over analyze decisions like this. I have been all over the web reading reviews. I have a perfectly good hand mixer and couldn't justify the significant investment of a kitchenaid before I found this on O. Let's face it, if I'm going to buy something like this it better last me for 30 years! So, I decided against the Artisan model, even with its array of colors, because I wanted something than wouldn't go out of style and was made of all metal parts too. That's when I settled on the Pro 5. I get a great mixer for a refurbished price. Honest, this this could pass as brand-spanking new. I've made cookies, ice cream, blue cheese dressing (because I could), and cinnamon rolls. LOVE IT, and don't regret my decision a bit. I hope I don't jinx myself by saying that, but I really see myself doing a lot more homemade stuff in the kitchen because I can do more multi tasking. Happy shopping
Items must be returned in new or unused condition and contain all original materials included with the shipment. More details
FINAL SALE EXCLUSION: Items marked as FINAL SALE are not returnable unless the problem you experience is the result of our error.
Our standard shipping method is ground shipping. We also offer expedited shipping for most items. Your final shipping cost and estimated delivery timeframe will be available at checkout.
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** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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America Didn't "End" Slavery After the Civil War -- We Simply Exported It
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One of the most enduring myths we love here in America is that we ended our involvement with slavery after the Civil War. While our Founders – people like Thomas Jefferson, who wrote "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence but owned slaves himself – were tarnished, morally imperfect hypocrites, in our modern era, we tell ourselves, we've risen above that. We are pure! We're no longer tainted by slavery!
If only it were true.
The recent fires that killed 112 workers in Bangladeshi sweat shops making garments for Wal-Mart and other American retailers show how we, today, are frankly more hypocritical and dishonest about slavery than was Jefferson himself.
As are those Libertarians who argue that the Bangladeshis were "willing workers," when poverty is so severe in that country that working, chained into a firetrap factory, is essential to survival itself. To call the working conditions of much of the developing world anything less than slavery is to ignore the power relationships that keep workers behind fences, locked 24/7 in often-violent dormitories, and the companies that string nets outside windows to reduce worker suicides.
It's to rationalize the role we play in this modern-day version of slavery, the same way 18th Century US slavery advocates (and some modern-day Southern Republicans) argued that slaves at least had free housing, food, and medical care as compensation for their labors.
As I point out in my book " What Would Jefferson Do?," although Jefferson inherited land and slaves as a teenager when his father died, and more, including his wife's half-sister Sally Hemmings, when his wife's father died, Jefferson knew slavery up-front and personal, and worked much of his life to end it.
In April of 1770, Jefferson was practicing law and defended a slave who was requesting his freedom (Howell v. Netherland). In his arguments on behalf of the slave, Jefferson said that "under the law of nature, all men are born free, and every one comes into the world with the right to his own person, which includes the liberty of moving and using it at his own will."
The year before, 1769, as a legislator in Virginia, he had written a bill to abolish the importation of slaves into that state. It was unsuccessful, and even brought down the wrath of many of his peers on him and his relative, Richard Bland, who Jefferson had asked to introduce the proposed legislation.
In his 1774 booklet, "A Summary View of the Rights of British America," Jefferson attacked King George III for forcing slavery upon the colonies, a charge that was repeated in his first draft of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, but deleted from the final draft in order to keep the representatives of South Carolina and Georgia willing to sign the document.
That same year, Jefferson tried to write into the constitution of the State of Virginia a provision that would totally eliminate slavery, starting in 1800, and in 1778 he presented an even more radical bill that would have abolished slavery altogether in Virginia that year. While these attempts failed, he was successful in passing a Virginia law that year preventing any more slaves from being imported into the state.
In 1783, he again unsuccessfully attempted to amend Virginia's constitution, proposing language that said: "The general assembly shall not... permit the introduction of any more slaves to reside in this State, or the continuance of slavery beyond the generation which shall be living on the thirty-first day of December, 1800; all persons born after that day being hereby declared free."
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The gear change shifter pad is molded of DuPont Techno-polymers, which ensure that the plastics qualities will not change in high or low temperatures. Sidi boots deliver a strong, consistent feel when you grab the shifter and blast through the next gear.
The Vertigo and Vortice series of boots are the only boots that offer the patented Tecno VR adjustable calf system, designed to accommodate calves of virtually any size in a clean, supportive and protective design. With a simple adjustment of the Tecno knob, the internal monofilament line precisely closes and wraps the boot around your calf witn micro adjustments that deliver a perfect fit. A maximum adjustment of 5cm is provided.
Vortice and Vortice Air boots extend the adjustable calf system, by incorporating the Tecno-II buckle system over the bridge of the your foot. With a simple adjustment of the Tecno knob, the internal monofilament line will evenly close and wrap the boot around your foot in micro adjustments for a perfect glove-like fit. This system prevents your foot from sliding forward in a crash, thus offering extra protection to your toes.
The three stage, shock absorbing heel cup is molded in three different densities of plastic that sets the Vertigo and Vortice series apart from all other sport boots. This system offers a built in shock absorbing range of 3mm. The heel cup's internal area is also fully lined with impact resistant thousand-air cell memory foam for and extra level of comfort and protection.
Both the Vortice and Vertigo employ an air ventilation system that can be opened or closed with a touch of a button depending upon your needs. This Malleolus guard on the outer edge of each boot also protects the small and vulnerable foot bones. The Vortice also features a closable air vent system on the toe as part of the toe slider system.
The Vortice's exclusive external ankle brace system ties into the calves Tecno VR panel and the boot lower in order to provide the highest level of support against tortional twists or severe impacts without reducing the boot's flexibility or comfort. Made of Nylon based thermoplastic resins, the material offers high resistance and protective qualities. Please note that the external ankle brace is provided on the inside AND outside of the rider's ankle with each Vortice boot.
New elastic panels adjacent to the entry zipper allow a bind free zip and improved fit. This makes it easier to put the boot on, take it off, and helps extend the life of the boots significantly.
The composite inner sole of Sidi boots resists side to side compression, offering greater protection compared to the leather inner soles that our competitors use. The insole features a removable arch support and will never lose its dynamic characteristics, even after months of intense use. It's also water resistant and is designed to withstand high footpeg pressures.
Every bolt on component is available separately. If it's a part you can remove, it's a part we can replace. You can change the various components to replace items that have worn or damaged in a crash.
constructing most Sidi boots Sidi uses its own proprietary material
called "Sidi Technomicro". (Sidi uses top grain leather with all Gore
Tex membrane equipped models). Technomicro is a composite micro fiber
material created from strands that are so fine, each one is less than
one thousandth the thickness of silk. Sidi then injects it with special
resins, so these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the
advantage of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better
moisture protection. Technomicro is also highly resistant to abrasion
yet it still breathes with more than three million pores per square
centimeter. Easy to maintain, Technomicro doesn't stain, can't be
scratched and offers reduced weight, more flexibility and a better feel
than leather or other synthetic material boots.
Each Vertigo and Vortice series boot is lined throughout with lightweight perforated Teflon treated fabric in order to allow moisture to "breath". This moisture is quickly transfered to the Lorica outer, which manes it dry quickly with no mold build up in the long term. Additionally the inner ankle area of all Vertigo and Vortice series boots are fully lined with Sidi's secret formula of perforated closed thousand-air cell memory foam. The result is a totally breathable lining system.
Rider Magazine: "The Vortice Airs overall fit and finish are Sidis usual
top-notch quality, with excellent ankle support and protective feel.
"The bottom line is that if you want to have good protection, comfort, fit and
style the Sidi Vortice or Vortice Air boots should be on your list to check out
and try on before you make your next purchase.
Cycle News: "High-tech, Fully adjustable,
Comfortable, Excellent value for the money and Well ventilated


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|More Stuff > Tips and How-To's
Tips and How-To's
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR NEW FOOTBAGMost of our footbags are made using state of the art synthetic suede. Synthetic suede is strong but very soft. Care must be taken to insure a long life for your footbag. Limit play on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. These types of abrasive surfaces will wear out even the strongest footbag. Always bend over to pick up your footbag. Using your foot to pick it up may cause undue stress. Wash your footbag to keep grit from building up on the fabric. Washing your footbag regularly will help to make your footbag last much longer than our three month guaranty.
This is straight from the heart folks, I have handmade more than 50,000 footbags in my sewing career and traveled the world for promotion and manufacturing carrying my favorite footbag where ever I would go. I always took care that no one mistreat my footbag and my footbags would last me several years. If you have a problem, and problems do occur, please trust us here at Flying Clipper to make sure you are a satisfied customer.
Jim "Toes" Fitzgerald
Washing your Tossaball® juggle balls is a good idea. Initial washings, even when brand new is recommended, especially for the firmer models and rubber filled models. Initial washing before play will smooth out the rough edges of a newly manufactured juggle ball. Tossaball juggle ball should always be washed when dirty to avoid any grit build up on the fabric surface, especially with lighter colors of fabric. Hand or machine wash in cold water using delicate setting when machine washing, always washing white balls separate. Air dry your juggle balls overnight or machine dry on low heat.
HOW TO REFILL A SANDBAGHand-made, sand filled footbags will have a tendency to lose sand over time. Refilling a sand filled footbag is easy and can be done in minutes with a "scratch awl" (e.g., blunt, tapered instrument used for piercing wood or leather). Carefully ease the awl into a seam between a stitch creating a small opening to add sand. Add your sand and then to close the hole, simply roll the footbag between your hands to again pull the stitches uniformly throughout the entire footbag.
Another tip to try for sand filled footbags is to use a small amount of mink oil after your footbag has been wet and then dried. The mink oil will help the suede stay "brushed up" which will help retain the sand inside.
HOW TO WASH A FOOTBAGSynthetic suede footbags can be washed in several ways. Most synthetic suedes used in footbags are not 100% color fast so washing a footbag in cold water is always a good idea. For both plastic pellet and sand filled footbags (not facile) you can put the footbag in the pocket of a pair of jeans and run it through the washer and dryer. This fabric is iron strong and actually likes to be played wet.
For facile fabric which is much softer, you can use cold water and mild soap to hand wash the footbag. With facile, do not roll vigorously when wet. Facile does not like to be played wet so allow your footbag to dry on the window sill before you resume play.
Wash your footbag regularly as accumulated grit will wear out your footbag.
HOW TO REPAIR YOUR DIRTBAG®Sometimes sand filled footbags develop "leakage" problems.This can occur for several reasons;
When leakage occurs in the middle of the seem, it usually indicates a missed stitch. The stitches on a Dirtbag are very close together and sometimes one might be missed. If this happens to your Dirtbag, e-mail us and we can discuss a possible replacement.
Breakage of thread can occur. If this happens to your Dirtbag and its not more than 6 months old, e-mail us for a possible replacement.
Leakage can occur in the corners of a well "broken in" Dirtbag.This occurs because when the Dirtbag is kicked all of the stress radiates to the corners. If this happens you can use rubber cement and a toothpick to seal the corners. Remember, a little dab will do, do not flood coat the corners.
What we call a "blow-out" can occasionally occur when the middle of the cover material (not in the seams) frays and comes apart. This happens once or twice in a blue moon, but when its your dirtbag, it just ain't right. If this happens to you within the first 6 months, e-mail us for a possible replacement.
INFO ON METAL FILLED FOOTBAGSThe newest innovation in footbag is metal filled footbags. Flying Clipper uses 100% stainless steel pellets in all of our metal filled offerings to insure the highest in quality. The Mighty Mite, the Juice Pro Elite, the Mega Metal Dirtbag, the Stellar Staller and now our new line of Phat Tyre footbags, we have a metel filled footbag for every category of kicking.