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Sunday, December 11, 2011
A bike question that has really been dogging me: why name your bike?
I have three bikes, and I really love them all. I'm very attached to them. Each I associate with some happy memory or unique experience, making the idea of selling a couple of them in order to pay a the Workcycles Oma really difficult. I understand the emotional attachment one feels for a bicycle. But I don't feel the type of love or attachment for my bikes that I do for our dogs, all of whom we eagerly named. Pets are living being with personalities and, yes, feelings. Not only do I have an emotional response them but they respond emotionally to me and the world around them. It makes perfect sense that I would not refer to Jade as Smooth Fox Terrier, to Ashby as mutt or to Daisy as pregnant Chihuahua (it appears we found a pregnant Chihuahua but I'll discuss that later). On the other hand, Breezer Uptown 8 seems a perfectly sufficient name for that cherished bicycle.
Naming one's bike seems to be a woman thing. I could be wrong, and I don't mean to sound sexist, but anyone who I've ever known who has named a bike has been a woman. Anyone who has ever asked me what I named my bike has been a woman.
So here are my questions: Do you name your bike? Why or why not? Is anyone else as bemused by bike naming as me? Does it only appear to me that it is a woman thing, or do men also name their bikes?
It just now occurs to me that I haven't been on my bike in the last 10 days because of all the ice and snow on the road and bike paths. Not enough snow yet for skiing either, so maybe I'm worrying about this question out of sheet boredom. And I just need something to write about. It's not an important question that keeps me up at night but one that crosses my mind from time to time.
34 comments:
- Ted said...
I believe that deep down, our brains are wired for animism. It's the same reason we yell at or punish inanimate objects when we are frustrated.
Even atheists, hardcore materialists and rationalists will want to smash a printer after it's been frustrating them for long enough.
Innately, we believe that we can have bilateral relationships with inanimate objects. Someone who names their bike, on some level, expects the affection to be returned. I would expect that people who name their bikes take better care of them that those of us who don't name our bikes.
I know no research that supports anything I just wrote. - December 11, 2011 at 12:45 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Ted, even when you are making shit up, you make it sound so well researched. With such a well reasoned explanation, why not just make up a citation and leave it at that?
As an atheist and owner a bike with no name, however, I try to keep my bikes in pristine condition. A scratch in the paint sends me over the edge - best explained by a touch of obsessional compulsive disorder on my part. - December 11, 2011 at 1:34 PM
- MamaVee said...
my bikes don't have names either. I want to name them but they don't see to stick.
I did name my car though- green lizard. and my husband had named his car- baby ( everything in his life was named baby about then, Me, Car and something else I am forgetting)
I do like having a nickname for the bike but really end up with the brand name.
and I call my trike the boxbike instead of boxcycle b/c I am just using the english translation to Bakfiet for it and it really is what it is.
I once wanted to name the Sorte Big Bertha but it didn't really stick. - December 11, 2011 at 1:50 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
MamaVee, you made the effort. You tried, which is more than I can say. I just aren't a bike naming type.
That's funny that your hubby's pet name go with everything though. Baby indicates love and affection and if you have to share it with a car or a dog or a motorcycle, really, it could be so much worse. I married knowing that I would be behind several dogs. Again, it could be so much worse. - December 11, 2011 at 2:28 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Major goof in response to Mama Vee. In paragraph one, it should read "You just aren't a bike naming type."
- December 11, 2011 at 2:31 PM
- chasingmailboxes said...
I did a series of posts over the summer about people and their bikes, and asked them if their bikes had names. Most of the people featured were men. I'd say a slim majority did not name their bikes, but others did.
I am a woman, and have not named any of my bikes. I just call them what the bike company named them, e.g., Rivendell Quickbeam, Surly LHT. Mikes bikes do have distinct personalities, but I don't feel the need to name them. - December 11, 2011 at 2:32 PM
- Velouria said...
What Ted said!
I tend to personify not only my own bikes, but bikes that I see regularly in the neighbourhood : ) - December 11, 2011 at 3:07 PM
- themondaybiker said...
My Brompton has always been just Brompton to me. No names or nicknames here. I'm not creative enough to come up with an interesting name if I were so inclined...which I'm not. It has been referred to as "Brommie" by other Brompton owner though. Kind of cute, don't you think?
- December 11, 2011 at 4:23 PM
- ramblingrider said...
I'm a woman, and I don't name my bikes either. As a kid, I nicknamed my very first bike "The Green Machine," (it stood out from other bikes in the neighborhood) but subsequent bikes that I've owned did not have names.
Coincidentally, that is also true about my very first car-- we've named our most recent car, but it hasn't stuck. - December 11, 2011 at 5:47 PM
- Erica S. said...
I haven't named my bikes either. I tried to think of some, especially for the cute vintage one... but it just feels so SILLY. The bike isn't going to know its name, after all. I've been toying with the idea of an MST3K "Space Mutiny" inspired name, though (Dirk Chainbreaker! Mitch Dynamo!). But if I go with that, it's ALL about being silly. :P
- December 11, 2011 at 7:09 PM
- Mimbres Man said...
My bikes are called by their brands; The Merlin, The Univega, etc. Nothing too exotic.
- December 11, 2011 at 7:09 PM
- Jimio said...
My bike is named Betty Lou. I have had her for 5 years. Paid $35 for her and she only needed 1 pedal and 2 new knobby tires. Its a Murray Elk River Mountain Bike. Weighs a ton but rides smooth.
- December 11, 2011 at 8:28 PM
- Cruiser Dolly said...
I was just brought up naming things...mom did it, dad did it, lil bro did it. Never questioned it till now....but i suppose its like a claim-stake, you name it to make it more your own? possibly. either way Sandra Dee is a perfect name for my bike..at least I feel it is :)
- December 11, 2011 at 8:41 PM
- Sam said...
I don't get why people name their bikes either. I decided (as a joke) to name my bike Idi Amin since people freak out about bikes are so damn dangerous. But really, I don't actually use the term "Idi Amin" when talking about my bike.
- December 12, 2011 at 6:15 AM
- anniebikes said...
I don't name my bikes either, and like you said, it's not that I don't love them...but naming to me is weird. I did a very similar post to yours, last summer.
Link here.
http://anniebikes.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-in-name.html - December 12, 2011 at 7:00 AM
- SS:Mntbiker\Olskoolrodder said...
I named my Vassago Bandersnatch "Johnny Cash" due to it's menacing-ness and black-ness,but didn't name the Jabberwocky or the CX bike...does that count as a guy naming a bike?
Steve - December 12, 2011 at 12:31 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Idi Amin, Sam? That totally cracks me up. So in-your-face-I'm-not-gonna-play-nice!
Johnny Cash is a slightly subversive, anti-hero kind of name.
Interesting how many people so far have tried naming their bikes but just can't seem to make it stick.
I'd have to agree with Ted, that we sometimes have a tendency to animate inamimate objects. I have two childhood toys that I can't part with due to the Velvetine Rabbit complex and I don't want them to feel rejected or experience hurt feelings. Bizarre and irrational, especially coming from a 49 year old woman. But there you go. - December 12, 2011 at 12:58 PM
- ironmanbob2 said...
The "Jet Star" -- need I write more?
- December 13, 2011 at 2:46 PM
- inspiredcyclist said...
No bike names here, but I do refer to them buy brand/make..."I'm putting the Trek on the car..." To each his/her own.
And now, more news on your little chihuahua. If I lived closer I would adopt a pup! - December 13, 2011 at 3:22 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
IronmanB2, the manufacturers name was genius! And descriptive.
Inspired, we hope she is not with pups but she probably is....anyhoo, her adventures will continue when the weather warms or and the road and paths are free of ice and snow. I can tell you that already she is fashionably dressed, not because I think it's cute to dress dogs but because Northern Arizona is very cold and Daisy lacks sufficient fur and body fat to keep warm. - December 13, 2011 at 6:20 PM
- Montrealize said...
It is old tradition actually. Vehicles have always been named: Horses, boats, cars (in the early
days) etc.
That was a very male thing to do (of course, they were the only ones doing the travelling!). - December 13, 2011 at 8:48 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Good point, Montrealize! And then bicycles arrived and women, suddenly freed from the confines of the parlor and kitchen, began their love affair with them.
- December 14, 2011 at 11:45 AM
- cycler said...
I name my bikes mostly because it's too complicated to describe them otherwise. I've got four ralieghs, three of which are black, and "the 1936 Lady's tourist" is too much of a mouthful. I haven't named all of them, just the ones I ride all the time so I can distinguish to people who know me or my bikes which one I was riding.
For me, it started with my original Italian city bike, which had "Robert" painted on it (must have been a model name). - December 14, 2011 at 12:37 PM
- MamaVee said...
Ha. Re hubby's pet name, I remember it was me- baby, baby. The car, baby b/c it brought him to me. And the Mac laptop , baby, which let him email me. ( 3 years long distant relationship during college). That was a long time ago.
- December 17, 2011 at 6:49 AM
- JN said...
I think Ted gets part of it right. My bike is a constant companion, and there's at least something of a relationship between us. I take care of her, she takes care of me. The first bike I named was a beat-up old Magna cheapie I pulled out of the lost-and-found auction and put a lot of labor into fixing up and tuning up. Her name was Nessie (because she was big, green and heavy), and my brother-in-law still rides her on occasion.
My present ride, a nice Fuji town bike, is named Chloe.
-A guy who names his bikes. - December 20, 2011 at 2:36 PM
- Julie Hardee said...
I didn't name my Schwinn Cream because I just saw it as an object... until it got smeared down the street and saw it's end.
When I got my NEW BIKE, I saw "Her" as a Friend and not just an object. She I named her Kate Middleton because I wanted us to be the bestest of friends.
-I just asked my husband he with zero hesitation he said "NO" he never thought of naming his bike.
But I might name it :) - December 23, 2011 at 3:19 PM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Well, Julie, you are a southern lady so I am not surprised your lovely new bike is named after Kate Middleton. Raised in the south myself, I say this without prejudice since most of the people I know who name their bikes or cars are from the south. Not sure what my problem is. . .
My husband is from Cleveland and wouldn't name his bike either. You can see from the other comments though that plenty of men are just as prone to animism as women.
I cannot doubt, though, that we all share an equal emotional investment in our bicycles. I guess my bike is more than just an object to me but an extention of myself. Part of what makes me me or you you. :) - December 23, 2011 at 3:43 PM
- Dottie said...
Without names, what would I call them? :)
I can't simply say "my bike" because I have three. Saying that I rode the Velorbis, Rivendell, or Workcycles is too cumbersome and boring. Two of the names I use, Oma and Betty, come from the model names the company gave the bikes, anyway. I never named my cars, but then I never had more than one at a time. - December 28, 2011 at 10:00 PM
- Amy said...
I named my bikes but I don't necessarily call them by their names. I tend to think of it as being similar to boats and ships having names. People have been naming those since we started building them. And fighter planes, and the space shuttles. Sometimes even homes. I think we do it to set that particular bike/ship/plane etc apart from others of the same make and to show our fondness of them.
- December 29, 2011 at 4:50 AM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Thanks for the continued conversation everyone! It's nice to see people are spending time here.
- December 29, 2011 at 7:37 AM
- Grey said...
I don't name my bikes. Which is not to say I don't have an emotional attachment to them. They just are.
Like the blue Schwinn Le Tour III I bought new shortly after I graduated from college. It just is. A dependable, trusty, steadfast bike.
When I bike over to campus I lock it up like its a $3000 custom. - December 30, 2011 at 11:15 AM
- 2whls3spds said...
Some of my bikes are named and some are not.
We have almost always named cars and such. My favorite (but not my mom's ;-)) was the ancient Volvo named Damnitt... Dad would be trying to start the cantankerous old thing and it would be "come on Dammit START!"
Aaron - December 31, 2011 at 6:58 AM
- She Rides a Bike said...
Grey: Do you suppose we could gauge one's attachment to their bike by how much we invest in bike locks and the time required to use multiple locks?
2whis3spds: Dammit! I like it! - December 31, 2011 at 8:28 AM
- a ji o ji suno ji said...
If you're referring to VisualVM, yes I am aware of it. I know I can just connect it to a running Java process (just like I can with JConsole). It's a bit more awkward though.
germanpupp - June 24, 2013 at 8:49 AM


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Hunky Stud Action @ Chunky Punky Monkey (25 Images)
Posted by SGT. COACH on Sunday Apr 22, 2012 Under QUEER HANGOUTS, SEXY MIX15 Responses to "Hunky Stud Action @ Chunky Punky Monkey (25 Images)"
buzzie1 Says:
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:18 pmhot pics, especially the action ones, would love to join in
HotCroat Says:
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:31 pmL,Just 4 U Baby<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:36 pmfuckin right man
squirt1964 Says:
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:48 pmThis is more like it – instead of that inane 'Who would you choose' stuff…;-)
MaculineFoothillsMan Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:00 amLOL @ Squirt1964! I agree this is more like it, but sometimes the Who Would You Choose guys are Hot A few guys here who I'd choose ( Gee, is that a Racist remark?…LOL !
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:45 ammaculinfoot can u not say anything without being a right cunt???? anyway the action shots are hot but for the solo pics of men #1 does it for me!!!!
sicilianmikey Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:59 amVery hot set. Something for everyone…Well, at least for the humans here.
MaculineFoothillsMan Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:09 amMost of these guys exhibit a laid back attitude. Reminds me of some piece of Crap you read someplace, but you've forgotten where and it's not important anyway as whoever wrote it is probably the Exact opposite, but it sticks in your mind like a piece of Gum on the Bottom of your Shoe ( At least I hope it was Gum ! Was that a Dog I just saw heading around the corner?!)
Anyway, here it is " HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR DUDES! DON'T BE SO SERIOUS!" They seem to be enjoying life, and not I -
MaculineFoothillsMan Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:12 am…and not looking for Rain Clouds in Sunny Skies
foro Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 5:19 amforget him guys, hes just a cunt thru and thru, just dont read his comments, theyre not worth your time.
cumslave692u Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:38 am#4 I would spend HOURS licking up and don just the way he is!! HOT!
classicand Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:29 amBest set yet! There is not one ass there I would not rim and not one man I would not let pound my ass as hard as he wanted, photograph it, film it, fuck me on cam, in public or anywhere else…let them all team up on me!
ern Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:22 pmgreat set of pictures some very nice cocks Love to suck on a few
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:45 pmHey Sgt. Coach, OG Monkey here. Thanks for the reblog, But it's HUNKY Punky Monkey and the link to my archive is http://hunkypunkymonkey.tumblr.com/archive
CuteSexyPetitePrettyTransvestite Says:
April 24th, 2012 at 6:03 pmThey are very handsome and sexy

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Atletico new boy Correa to have heart operation
Atletico Madrid have announced that new signing Angel Correa will undergo surgery to rectify a heart condition.
Correa signed a five-year deal at the Spanish champions last month after impressing in Argentina with San Lorenzo.
Atletico have now revealed that the 19-year-old will have a procedure to correct a heart problem that was spotted during his medical, but Correa is expected to make a swift recovery.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Angel Correa will under microsurgery in the coming days to fix a heart condition that was detected during the medical examination he underwent in Madrid on May 28.
"The player has taken this decision advised by recognised experts in the field, with the coordination of the medical teams at Atletico Madrid and San Lorenzo.
"These doctors predict a speedy recovery."
Correa became Diego Simeone's first signing of the close-season, with Atletico reported to have paid in the region of €8million for his services.


text: To print this article open the file menu and choose Print. Click here to return to previous page Article published Dec 18, 2012 Gardner man accused in beating, stabbing in NorthboroWESTBORO A Gardner man charged with beating a man with a baseball bat and stabbing another was held on $5,000 cash bail or $50,000 surety after his arraignment in Westboro District Court Monday. Donald F. Williams, 56, of 240 Pearl St., Gardner, was charged with assault, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a bat), attempted murder, and aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon, after an altercation around 7:30 p.m. Friday. A man at 508 Green St., Northboro, told police he was assaulted in his home by a man wielding a baseball bat, and another man had been stabbed. Police found the bat victim in the attached garage of his home. He had minor injuries. The other victim, who was stabbed in the chest, left the home and went to the Berlin Police Department to report that he had been stabbed in Northboro. He was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The case was continued to Thursday. Order the Telegram & Gazette, delivered daily to your home or office! www.telegram.com/homedelivery Copyright Worcester Telegram & Gazette Corp. |


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The Fugitive: Season 2, Episode 22Moon Child (16 Feb. 1965)A small town is on edge because two women have been murdered. Kimble is stopped by a group of vigilantes who suspect any stranger. He escapes and hides in an abandoned building where he is helped by a young naive woman. Director:Alexander Singer |
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Name | Type | Design | Opened | Closed | |
Toboggan Figure 8 | Wood | Sit Down | 1904 |
Location: | Vinewood Park's location is described as being on Deer Creek at the foot of the Shawnee Lake Dam. Assuming this is the dam and creek on the north end of the lake the closest intersection to this would be SE 29th Street & SE West Edge Road. |
History: | Vinewood Park first opened as a dance hall and the area was transformed into an amusement park in 1903. |
Notes: | Today the Vinewood Roadhouse is either the original dance hall restored or another historic building near the former park. On the Vinewood Roadhouse website it is mentioned: "Original Wooden Dance Floor completed in 1929". That is 30 years after the original dance hall was built and hence the source of some uncertainty. |
Language: | |
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Date format: | |
Bling level: |


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Richardson replaces injured Rampaul
Caribbean Premier League Media Release.
Kingston, Jamaica - Jamaican pace bowler Andrew Richardson is the latest player to be added to the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) after being called up to replace injured Jamaica Tallawahs seamer Ravi Rampaul.
Rampaul sustained an injury during the recently concluded Celkon Mobile Tri-Nation series between West Indies, India and Sri Lanka, which has ruled him out of the inaugural LCPL T20 Tournament.
This opened up a spot for Richardson who has done well for Jamaica in regional tournaments since he made his first class debut in 2002, and is on the cusp of 200 first class wickets.
Despite only playing one T20 game against Ireland at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium three years ago, the University of Technology Jamaica student says he is unfazed by the fact that he does not have a lot of T20 experience.
"I'm not worried about that because over the years I have been playing consistent first class cricket both in the longer four-day version and I've had some very good one-day seasons," said Richardson.
"I've also played a lot of non-first class Twenty20 cricket in Jamaica and for Jamaica so I know my ability and I will contribute to the Jamaica Tallawahs when the time comes for me to play."
The former West Indies youth and West Indies B player, who toured England four years ago with the Windies senior team, has been consistent for Jamaica over the last 12 years.
Now, the 31-year-old says he is excited at the prospects of playing in the CPL, which bowls off on 30 July at Kensington Oval and wraps up in Trinidad and Tobago on 24 August.
"I'm happy to be in the Jamaica Tallawahs team and once I'm given the opportunity, I will go out there and do my best and hope I can contribute positively to my team."
Jamaica Tallawahs Assistant coach Junior Bennett believes Richardson is a fitting replacement for Ravi Rampaul.
"It is unfortunate that Ravi was ruled out by the doctors who advised us that he won't be available for the preliminary round of the LCPL. He is very talented and experienced but I think Andrew Richardson is a good replacement and will come in and give his best."
Richardson has already had a taste of the Tallawahs camp, playing in their first practice game recently and Bennett said the tall pacer gave a good account of himself.
"He did well in our practice game and despite not playing a lot of T20 cricket for Jamaica, he was always amongst the reserves and has played with the guys so he should fit in and do well."
The Tallawahs leave Jamaica on Tuesday for Guyana where they will face Amazon Warriors on 2 August at Providence Stadium in their first match.
Keep up with the Jamaica Tallawahs
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JamaicaTallawahs
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JAMTallawahs
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Keep up with CPLT20
Web: http://www.cplt20.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarnivalT20
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cpl_t20
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cplt20/
Caribbean Premier League Media Release.


text:
Can a survivor transmit Ebola to others after she or he has fully recovered?
Patients who have completely recovered from an illness caused by Ebola virus do not pose a serious risk for spreading the infection. However, the virus may be present in the genital secretions of such persons for a period (up to 7 weeks) after their recovery, and therefore it is possible they can spread the virus through sexual contact.
If you have questions about the web site you can contact me at: email@example.com. Please do NOT contact me and ask me to send you all of the information from this web site, or to ask me to help you with your term paper on Ebola - but if you are really nice and find my site useful and give me a donation since I pay for all of this myself, Ill be really kind to you.
You can always reach me by email at: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Happy Birthday Mom! Sightseeing on Oahu
Trip Start
Apr 29, 2008
Trip End
May 04, 2008
Since today is Mom's birthday and tomorrow we are doing the Polynesian Cultural Center, we decided that today was going to be a lazy day! So it's relaxation around the hotel and a little bit of driving and sightseeing - anything but walking to give our poor feet and legs a break before tomorrow's activities.
There has been a "High Surf Advisory" here since we arrived for all south facing beaches, which Waikiki is, and it was particularly apparent today as we looked out our balcony to the ocean. These first photos are an attempt to show some of those waves in action. They may not look like much, but to put them into perspective, those whitecaps are the waves cresting at about 6-10 feet. When I took the pictures there weren't too many surfers out, since they mostly do their thing early in the morning, but the ones I did see were mostly wiping out.
We headed out from the hotel about 3pm, driving out towards Diamondhead and the eastern point of the island. In keeping with our "no walking" rule, we decided to skip the crater this time around, although it is absolutely beautiful up there, so we headed on past it to Hanauma Bay. One of the best parts of the trip there, however, was taking turns trying to figure out how to pronounce the names of the streets we came across on the way! There's names there that have more vowels in them than any proper name has a right to have in them!
Since it is May Day, and in Hawaii, "May Day is Lei Day" and a state holiday, we actually got a break and didn't have to pay the $1 parking fee at the parking lot for the Bay. We walked over to the lookout point to get a good look down into the bay and it's just as beautiful and glorious as it always has been. The water is just perfectly crystal clear blue and the coral underneath is visible even from as high as we were above the water.
It doesn't really look like it from these pictures, but I know from past experience that the water is actually about 6-10 feet deep around the coral, especially in the area where this one picture shows the guy snorkling above the reef. Of course we can't see them from up here, but when you are down there in the water there are literally hundreds and hundreds of the most beautiful and colorful fish just swarming around everywhere. If you are lucky, you may even see some of the many giant sea turtles who make their home in the bay.
These days the entire bay is a nature preserve and protected rigorously by the park service. Back 15 years ago when I stayed here for 3 months while working at Pearl Harbor we used to come out to Hanauma Bay every weekend to go snorkling and it wasn't unusual for us to stop at the grocery store on the way in to pick up a package of hotdogs to feed the fish with. Now, of course, you can't do that but I think you can get some officially sanctioned food from the rangers that you can take out with you. You just float there in the water with your snorkle on and hold out the food and the fish come from all around to eat it right out of your hand.
If you ever do get the chance to come out here and visit Hanauma Bay and go snorkling, make sure you do yourself a favor and pick up a waterproof camera! Take it out with you while you are swimming above (not on!) the coral reef and get some of the most amazing photos of the endless varieties of tropical fish that make their home in this amazing bay.
Leaving Hanauma Bay and continuing on around the island's coast, we wanted to stop at the world famous Blowhole so Mom could see that, but alas it was not to be. The entire parking lot and Blowhole vista area was shut down for construction so you couldn't even see it from the roadside. I had seen it before back in the 80's, but neither Chris nor Mom had, so I was a bit disappointed about that - it's truly a sight to see when the waves come crashing in and the water and mist comes shooting up throught that blowhole and into the air. Maybe I'll be able to find some of my old photos from that earlier visit and share it with them after we get home.
As we passed around the point of the island and start bearing north, we stopped at a view point to get a picture of Manana Island (Rabbit Island). We're not exactly sure why they call it that, but I guess with a bit of imagination it sort of looks like a rabbit. Kind of?
After that there wasn't much more to see of the touristy variety. We continued on down the highway until we got to the first cross-island road, the Pali Highway, which takes a couple of tunnels through the mountains and heads back over to the Honolulu/Waikiki side of the island again. We did stop at another viewpoint off the road towards the top of the pass there and got a couple of photos there looking down to the ocean. The quality isn't very good because of the weather, but it gives you an idea of the height of the pass, which is pretty amazing considering the short distance we had to travel to get up there.
We got back to the hotel about 6:15pm to rest up a bit before dinner, so I took advantage of the first evening that wasn't completely cloudy and overcast to go down to the beach and get some sunset pictures. There were some small clouds just starting to roll in, which made the view that much more incredible. Even better, the sun was setting directly behind a palm tree as seen from our balcony, which provided a fantastic shot.
Tomorrow is our trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center, with a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on the way there. Until then, enjoy the sunset!
Where I stayed


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Author: Chicago Volunteer Legal Services
Last updated: October 2011
A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is a volunteer attorney appointed by the court in a case that involves the interest of a child. Some judges assign a GAL to nearly every case; others only do so at the request of one of the parties to the case. A GAL is often called a "Child Representative" and judges usually respect the authority of a GAL and their understanding of the child's best interest. Many judges have a long-standing relationship with specific GALs and trust their judgment.
Many attorneys believe that appointment of a GAL in a family law case will make their jobs easier. However, the appointment of a GAL forces you to prepare your case and your client earlier and better. You and your client must create and sustain a good relationship with the appointed lawyer.
Often, both advocates and clients don't understand that they are "on trial" every time they interact with the GAL. The judge considers the GAL (or child's representative) to be an expert on the law and an astute judge of character. The GAL can become extremely helpful to your client, but can also derail your client's case. It can be helpful to think of the GAL as a second judge.
Some judges routinely appoint a GAL in every case. The majority of judges do not appoint GALs to every case, as most circuits lack a vast supply of qualified, willing attorneys.
Legal aid organizations can find themselves in cases where a GAL creates a significant disadvantage for their client. Understanding your client's motivation in asking for a GAL is important. Many clients requesting a GAL mistakenly believe that they will be getting a second, more powerful lawyer. Clients commonly see the GAL as an additional advocate for them because, like the GAL, clients believe that the children are the sole interest in the case. This is generally not true, considering that both sides to a case will say they are only interested in the best interest of the child.
Many legal aid clients and their attorneys think that since the client is poor enough to get free legal services, the other side will pay for the GAL. That might not be a good thing for your client. Some GALs almost invariably side with the party paying the bill. Even the most conscientious and ethical GALs tend to, at some point, see payment of fees as evidence of commitment, responsibility, and stability. Litigants who are paying something to the GAL may even be more conscious of how much time they are demanding from the GAL.
You should seriously explore with your client how she or he can contribute something to fees, even if it seems difficult.
Your client may not even have the option of nonpayment. Depending on the availability of attorneys that can be appointed as GALs, Courts are increasingly aware that good attorneys will not continue to accept appointments if they do not get any compensation. The judge may order your client to pay a certain amount, regardless of your client's financial position. If this is the judge's rule (and philosophy), you should be very careful if you decide to fight it. The poverty argument may have unwanted consequences in custody cases.
For guardianship cases at the Daley Center in Chicago, the court will routinely appoint Chicago Volunteer Legal Services as the GAL. Occasionally the Community Law Program at Loyola's Law School will be appointed. If your case is conflicted out of having either of these agencies appointed, you will have to pay for the GAL's time.
Whether or not your client is paying, instruct him or her NOT to call the GAL without first running the matter by you. You need to be a buffer between your client and the GAL.
Before contacting the GAL, ask yourself the following:
If your client is frequently overwrought or insists on communicating directly with the GAL, then you have a real problem. You will get a bad report from the GAL and the trial will be a disaster for your client.
To avoid disappointment, you and your client must have realistic expectations. The GAL operates within a framework established by the judge. Judges view GALs in many different ways, so get to know as much as you can about their practices.
Then there is the matter of how your judge views specific issues. Generally, GALs will not waste time with issues they know that the Court thinks are unimportant. Because GALs handle so many cases each year, they know which issues the judge is focused on and which ones are of less concern. They will look for specific issues they know to be important, and will not be as concerned with the personality of your client. A cordial interaction is always important, however, as it demonstrates many traits that a GAL and Judge expect of a parent.
Your client cannot get a "new" GAL if they don't like their current GAL. Educate your client to be respectful of the lawyer's time.
Pay attention to what the GAL focuses on and what they ask of your client. You will have a strong advantage when you prepare your client for the case because you will have developed a good idea of the Judge's quirks and biases, based on the GAL's focus.
Unless you have a very good reason (e.g. he has represented one of the parties in another case), don't argue against appointment of a specific GAL. The Court will not be flattered to hear you question his judgment.
The GAL is supposed to begin the case without bias. However, at some point, the GAL must form opinions, based upon what he perceives to be the facts. Those opinions may include some very harsh assessments of your client. They are unlikely to improve if the client (or client's supporters) accuses the GAL of "prejudice." There is an enormous difference between pre-judging and poor judgment.
If you or your client are disenchanted by the GAL, be quiet. Unless you have a provable ARDC complaint, you are not going to get a new GAL. You can cross-examine the GAL at trial to reduce his credibility.
But be careful. You are unlikely to gain points with the judge by berating his court appointed advocate for the child. Most judges consider the GAL to be the eyes and ears of the court in the case. If you choose to attack the GAL, you should have a good reason.
Once you are appointed a GAL, it is in your client's best interest for you to work well with the GAL. Send the GAL a copy of the order appointing him and ask if he needs a copy of the file. Let the GAL know if he is allowed to contact your client directly or if he must go through you. Make sure he knows when the next court date is and any burning issues in the case. Your first contact with the GAL might be a great first opportunity to set the tone of the case and start to plead your client's side.
The following are some basic principles for attorneys and clients who hope to have any success working with a GAL or other court-appointed experts.
Neither you nor your client should presume to tell the GAL what his job is or how to do it. GALs give each case an enormous amount of work and thought, but do not mind being questioned or politely challenged.
Your job is to present your client's side to the GAL and to advocate for your client in court. Making the GAL an enemy will not help you reach your client's goals.
This is not hard to do, but far too many attorneys and their clients don't bother. If the GAL tells your client to call him after a weekend visit to let him know how it went, make sure your client does it. If the GAL asks for documents, make sure you get them from your client and send them along. If the GAL asks you to call him to discuss your view of the case, call him. GAL's often give parties instructions to test them, or to help them. Either way, your client benefits from prompt, full compliance. Although you can't comply for your client, you can make sure your client does. If, despite your best efforts, your client still can't follow the GAL's instructions, you may want to talk to your client about their best options short of custody of the child.
This is a business relationship. As soon as the GAL is appointed, copy and organize all relevant documents for him. Your client may want to provide him with a list of names, telephone numbers (home and work), and addresses of people the GAL should contact. Each name should be followed by a brief summary of what this person knows. As the advocate, you are responsible for screening and vetting these materials to assure relevance. The GAL might not contact everyone on your list. He may not contact anyone on your list. However, if you are able to easily provide the GAL with a list of relevant contacts like teachers, therapists and doctors, it will make his job much easier and will allow the GAL to learn more things about your client.
Character references are rarely helpful to the GAL. The GAL is looking for unbiased people who have knowledge of the parties and the child. Your client should never encourage their friends, family members or spiritual leaders to contact the GAL to tell how your client has been "wronged" and why the GAL had better take their advice and see their point of view. Many GAL's have been bombarded by supposedly well meaning third parties who end up threatening that the GAL had better do the "right thing" or risk repercussions. This does not help your client's case.
The GAL wants to hear why your client is good, not why the other litigant is bad. Finger pointing does not help your client. Focus on showing why your client is in the best position to care for the child. One factor in a best interest standard is the degree to which your client can work together with the other side and the GAL.
The court is focused on standards like "willing and able," "change in circumstances," and "best interest." Focusing on the parent's wrongdoings from years ago is only helpful if the parent is continuing to exhibit those behaviors in the present.
You and your client must, at all times, be civil to every person involved in this litigation. You must comply with discovery requests on a timely basis. You must be familiar with the content of every court order and your client must obey every court order, regardless of whether or not you agree. Because the GAL bases his judgment on actions that take place outside the courtroom, many cases are won or lost by the behavior of counsel, clients, and their supporters outside the courtroom.
If your client can demonstrate, through words and actions that they have gone above and beyond to work with the opposing side and the GAL, their case will be rewarded. When a party or attorney complains to the judge about opposing parties, the GAL, the judge, the deputies or the clerks, it will be very difficult for the judge to see them as anyone other than a person who complains when they don't get their way.
There is no excuse for disobedience without checking with the GAL. If, for example, the GAL hears a legitimate, verifiable reason why a visitation should not occur tomorrow, the GAL can tell counsel that they approve of withholding visitation on an emergency basis. Obviously, the GAL will then inform the opposing counsel of the decision, promising that either his opponent or the GAL will be filing an Emergency Motion within days.
The GAL does not want to get an after-the-fact call explaining that a client cancelled visitation last weekend. If a true emergency did arise over the weekend (e.g. Mom was drunk when she came to pick up the child), the GAL needs to be informed as soon as possible.
The GAL will also pay attention to how the client and counsel handle themselves in accordance with procedures such as discovery. While the GAL will not always be able to do much with failure to comply issues not related to custody, visitation, or support, such displays will show disrespect for the legal system. The GALs will use all of this when making recommendations to the judge.
Although you can't necessarily make your client into a better parent or caregiver, you can give your client the tools to make some great strides in the parenting department. Encourage you client to attend school events for the child. Encourage your client to attend medical appointments. You client should know the child's teacher's name. Help your client prove his or her sobriety by having them collect sign in sheets from AA or NA and then providing them to the GAL. Make sure that the GAL has accurate contact information for your client's sponsor and if he or she doesn't have one but is sober, work with the client to get a sponsor.
The more interest and involvement with your client and the child, the better the GAL's opinion of your client will be.
While clients may see it as support, most GALs and judges do not want to see a litigant's supporters showing up unbidden for status dates.
If supporters do show up, you must be explicit and merciless in explaining the code of conduct. When these witnesses are actually needed in court, you must avoid any potential confrontations with the other party's troops, even if that means physically relocating your forces until their testimony is needed.
Do not allow your client to bring his or her own kids to court unless specifically told to do so by the Court or the GAL. Boyfriends and girlfriends should ordinarily keep a low profile. There are definitely exceptions to this rule, but no boyfriend or girlfriend of recent vintage should be anywhere near a courthouse.
When you first get the GAL report, review it with your client. At this point, you already had the opportunity to present all of your "evidence" to the GAL. If the GAL report comes down against your client, you need to seriously think about what additional evidence, if any, could be used at trial. If you have a "workable" client, ask the GAL for some time to resolve issues and then work with your client to start fixing what needs to be fixed.
Fundamentally, trials are difficult on children and the GAL will likely try to settle the case because of this reality. Therefore, you should be careful in demanding a trial if you don't have any additional information than the GAL has already brought before the judge. The judge will often follow the GAL's recommendation so you need to be extraordinarily persuasive to get the judge to sway from that.
Although you obviously cannot make a decision for your client, part of your job is to counsel your client about the pros and cons of trial. Let it be known, there are limited pros. Trials break down relationships and they utilize a lot of court time and resources. If you go to trial and you lose, you lose bargaining power with the court and the GAL. If you are representing the parent, that may mean that the GAL strongly recommends that your client demonstrate certain things before being allowed to file a new petition. If instead, your client is willing to follow the general recommendations of the GAL, you might be in a better place to proceed without having detailed instructions about what your client must do placed into a court order.
Printed from: www.illinoisprobono.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_Content&contentID=8132
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Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) Program
The HEAT program provides winter home heating assistance and year round energy crisis assistance for eligible low income households throughout Utah.
The regular HEAT Program is open from November 1 through April 30. To apply for HEAT assistance:
- Contact your local HEAT office for an appointment
- Print a HEAT application with mailing instructions and send it to your local HEAT office.
- Apply online
Eligibility Requirements for HEAT Assistance:
- The total household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- The household is responsible for paying home energy costs. (Check HEAT eligibility status of many Utah Apartment Complexes)
- The household contains at least one US citizen or qualified non-citizen (see page 7 of the HEAT Policy Manual.)
For more information contact your local HEAT office or call the state HEAT program at 866-205-4357.
For complete program details see HEAT Policy Manual.
To report fraud, waste, or abuse, please call: 1-800-331-4341.
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling (801) 526-9240. Individuals with speech and/or hearing impairments may call Relay Utah by dialing 711.
Spanish Relay Utah: 1-888-346-3162


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Amazon Jokes and Escapist Fantasy: The 2014 National Book Awards
The scene at last night's gala.
READ MORE »The scene at last night's gala.
READ MORE »Read 'em!
READ MORE »The winners will be announced November 19.
READ MORE »The winner will be announced November 19.
READ MORE »What's on the line isn't the $10,000 prize.
READ MORE »Sorry, we nominated you for a prestigious award by accident. Please withdraw to preserve our integrity.
READ MORE »A novel about horse racing in West Virginia wins the prize for fiction.
READ MORE »The actor James Franco was briefly left alone at last night's National Book Awards. Panic ensued.
READ MORE »Yeah, those things with pages.
READ MORE »The winner will be announced on November 18.
READ MORE »'It's like my bar mitzvah. Except I'm not broken out and I actually like my friends.'
READ MORE »Naturally, you'd expect it to be Aleksander Hemon's year, but the winner was … Peter Matthiessen.
READ MORE »Winners are announced November 19.
READ MORE »The National Book Awards were last night at the Marriot Marquis, as pretty much everyone predicted, Denis Johnson took home the prize for fiction for his Vietnam War novel Tree of Smoke.
READ MORE »It's easy! All you have to do is click on this link, and before you know it, you'll be a winner!
READ MORE »"Currently comatose with disbelief," writes front-runner Ferris.
READ MORE »The National Book Award finalists were announced just moments ago in San Francisco. The list itself leans Californian, too; only a few New Yorkers are among the honorees this year — Bronx-born globe-trotter Ken Kalfus (who lives in Philly), ex-Brooklynite Mark Z. Danielewski (California), and children's author Patricia McCormick. After the jump, the full slate of finalists.


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Find a copy in the library
Finding libraries that hold this item...
Genre/Form: | Biography |
Additional Physical Format: | Online version: Chadha, Yogesh. Gandhi. New York : John Wiley, ©1997 (OCoLC)605502352 Online version: Chadha, Yogesh. Gandhi. New York : John Wiley, ©1997 (OCoLC)607668207 |
Named Person: | Gandhi, Mahatma; Gandhi, Mahatma; Gandhi, Mahatma |
Material Type: | Internet resource |
Document Type: | Book, Internet Resource |
All Authors / Contributors: |
Yogesh Chadha |
OCLC Number: | 37527672 |
Notes: | Simultaneously published in the United Kingdom as Rediscovering Gandhi in 1997. |
Description: | ix, 546 pages, [16] pages of plates : illustrations ; 24 cm |
Other Titles: | Rediscovering Gandhi |
Responsibility: | Yogesh Chadha. |
More information: |
Gandhi: A Life reveals the transformation of an ordinary, timid young man into a leader whose stand against a mighty empire brought millions together. From the poor and the illiterate to the intelligentsia and the rich, Gandhi's followers forged a sustained, non-violent movement for independence. When Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in 1869, India was divided. British India, ruled by the Viceroy from Delhi, stood in stark contrast to the other India, a checkerboard of hundreds of princely states, royal instruments without political power. Shortly before his nineteenth birthday, Gandhi - by then a husband and father of several years - set sail from Bombay to England to study law; shortly therafter, he traveled to South Africa to practice. An outsider, the young barrister tasted firsthand the bitter fruits of class prejudice, racial intolerance, and colonial oppression. At the same time, his pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and a keen curiosity about the world's diverse religions nourished Gandhi's own deeply felt convictions, pointing him toward the path along which he would guide India to independence.
Editorial reviews
Publisher Synopsis
Chadha uncovers what Louis Fischer and Judith M. Brown to take two of the major Western biographers missed in their seemingly thorough works...Gandhi: A Life has other offerings not found in conventional biographies. Gandhi scholarship will be well served by Chadha's effort."--The Washington Post Book World<p> Read more...
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Related Subjects:(9)
- Gandhi, -- Mahatma, -- 1869-1948 -- Political and social views.
- Statesmen -- India -- Biography.
- India -- Politics and government -- 1919-1947.
- Gandhi, -- Mahatma, -- 1869-1948
- Political and social views.
- Political science.
- Statesmen.
- India.
- Gandhi, -- Mahatma, -- 1869-1948.
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5 August, 2014. Udenhout, Netherlands.
We have enjoyed our stay at the edge of a quiet national park in the south of the Low Countries - but (how often did we use this cliché?) it is time to move on. We will be in Lisbon next week, couchsurf, enjoy the city, and travel north to the Serra da Estrela region.
We, the original cast of Charity Travel, might finally be actually living somewhere... You can imagine that we are looking forward to it - to every aspect of it. Taking care of a small piece of the surface of this still beautiful planet, thus feeling more attached to her, inviting guests to stay with us, thinking up creative solutions to all the many little problems we'll run into.
What about our project to save the world? Well, once we live somewhere, we'll get to that. As a young family with a toddler you better make sure you're safe and secure yourselves, so that you can create something sustainable that benefits all.
To everybody who is playing with the thought of making a similar journey: Do it! You'll get to know what the world feels like, and you'll be surprise how often you can contribute something invaluable. And everything you discover now will stay with you; your experiences will ferment and become the base of something wonderful.
2 comments:
- Wiser GO said...
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- August 5, 2014 at 11:51 PM
- john son said...
Your article is really interesting. Thanks for sharing this informative article.
Travel Agents in Chennai
- September 19, 2014 at 8:46 AM
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- Non-slip bands provide stability
- Durable hardwood is ideal for cutting and serving
- Removable bands for easy cleaning
- Reversible for dual side use
inc. taxes
The KitchenAid® Shop site is temporarily down. If youd like to place an order, please call 1 (800)-541-6390 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST.
Thank you for your patience.
®/™© KitchenAid. All rights reserved. The design of the stand mixer is a trademark in the U.S. and elsewhere.


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- Quickly and securely attaches to heel of your shoes
- Super lightweight so you don't feel a thing
- Multi-settings for high visibility and added safety
- Waterproof for use in any weather
- Product Description
- Product Specs
Product #:
Whether running or biking, having this secure and lightweight LED spur will help you stay seen and safe. Powered by replaceable watch batteries that offer 40+ hours of illumination.
Usage Instructions:
- Press and hold power button for 2-3 seconds to turn on.
- Press again to switch between steady and strobe modes.
- Press and hold power button for 2-3 seconds to turn off.
- LED: 5 lumens
- Visibility: 2400 feet
- Weather Resistance: IPX4
- Burn Time: Steady On - 21 hours, Strobe - 41 hours
- Battery: 2x CR2032 watch batteries


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Getty Images for Clear Channel [ Lil Wayne Voices Opinion on Drake's Involvement in New Aaliyah Album By Associated Press October 8, 2012 NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Lil Wayne thinks the late Aaliyah's music is better than a lot of music out today - and he's confident that Drake's plan to produce unreleased Aaliyah songs will be an "awesome collaboration." Drake - a huge Aaliyah fan - has announce Read More Category: Hip-Hop, R&B Tags: Aaliyah, aaliyah album, AaliyahAlbum, DMX, Drake, drake aaliyah album, DrakeAaliyahAlbum, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, MissyElliott, new aaliyah album, NewAaliyahAlbum, Timbaland Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!
Getty Images | WireImage [ Drake 'Commanding' New Aaliyah Album With Producer 40 By Georgette Cline August 9, 2012 Earlier this week, a new Aaliyah song titled "Enough Said" debuted featuring refreshing vocals from the late singer paired with a verse from rapper Drake. While the track had fans celebrating the songstress' voice on fresh Read More Category: Hip-Hop, R&B Tags: 40, Aaliyah, aaliyah new album, aaliyah new album drake, AaliyahNewAlbum, AaliyahNewAlbumDrake, Drake, drake aaliyah album, DrakeAaliyahAlbum, Missy Elliott, MissyElliott, Timbaland Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


text: Japan late Showa (1960-1980) $250.00 A plain silk miyamairi kimono used for christening a baby boy at a Shinto ceremony, featuring samurai hemet, crane and castle motifs. The silk is a dry, slightly stiff. Silkscreening, embroidery couching, and gold foil outlining. Very good condition, with discreet foxing that can be seen in the detail images. 31" from sleeve-end to sleeve-end x 38" height. 2752Contact Us About This Item: |


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Monday, March 5, 2012
Loving the blues
I picked up the March Elle Decoration UK (my all time favourite interiors magazine) the other day and noticed how much wonderful blue is being featured at the moment. Here are some inspiring images featuring all the beautiful shades of blue with lots of pattern and colour. Blue is such a calming colour, I wonder if I could have a deep turquoise wall somewhere in my home? Hmmm, I am going to have a serious think about it. All links to these images can be found on my pinterest board, except the first two, which are from the March issue of Elle Decoration UK.
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Murphy Oil Hits 52-Week High - Analyst Blog
On May 20, 2013, the shares of
Murphy Oil Corporation
) climbed to its 52-week high of $65.68 primarily due to the
company's strong financial position and significant progress in
offshore drilling activities in the Eagle Ford Shale. We believe
these catalysts will likely enhance its future performance.
Murphy Oil primarily owns upstream focused properties. Though the
company's asset base clearly has a sizable refining footprint, we
believe its future growth will also be driven by robust
exploration program. Murphy Oil's exploration line up has
provided it with a good production profile, which translates into
solid future growth opportunities.
The company plans to sell its UK upstream businesses and spin-off
its U.S. downstream subsidiary, Murphy Oil USA, Inc. to an
independent entity. The divestiture will let Murphy Oil to have a
deeper focus on its existing assets and add new ones to drive
further value. The spin-off will enable both the companies to
assign resources and redeploy existing capital as per their own
market conditions and priorities.
Murphy Oil's cash balance as of Mar 31, 2013 was $1.1 billion and
net cash provided by operating activities during the first three
months of 2013 was $0.9 billion. Strong financial position
enables the company to invest $4.3 billion in 2013 for several
development projects.
Apart from investment in growth projects, Murphy Oil's strong
liquidity also allows it to improve shareholder value through
regular dividend payments and share buyback. Currently, the
company has share repurchase authorization of up to $1 billion.
Murphy Oil's second-quarter 2013 earnings guidance ranges from
$1.50 to $1.65 per share. In the year ago, the company's earnings
per share were $1.52. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for
second-quarter is $1.45 per share. We expect the company's
long-term earnings growth to be 11.5%.
Murphy Oil currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Apart from the
company, other stocks in the sector that are worth considering
EPL Oil & Gas, Inc.
) and
Sandridge Mississippian Trust II
) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and
Braskem S.A.
) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
BRASKEM SA (BAK): Free Stock Analysis Report
EPL OIL&GAS INC (EPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
MURPHY OIL (MUR): Free Stock Analysis Report
SANDRDG MS T II (SDR): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research


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Hot Water Bottle
Rubber Hot Water Bottle Eases Aches and Pains
Hot Water Bottle
Rubber Hot Water Bottle Eases Aches and Pains
Hot Water Bottle
nowhere else
nowhere else will you find this hot water bottle, which is sturdy and well made and holds the heat for a long time. Unfortunately, the plug is cheap and doesn't fit too well, but so far it doesn't leak. Even with the plug problem, this is a much better hot water bottle than you can find anywhere else.
December 22, 2014
Great except for plastic stopper
I bought this water bottle because it is natural rubber, I didn't want a plastic one or some other 'blend'. I have been using it a few times a week with a castor oil pack for about a year. It is excellent, and I would buy it again. Only complaint is that the stopper is all plastic and mine cracked in two. I think the heat creates a suction with the stopper, which is good for preventing leaks, but it's always difficult to twist out once the bottle has cooled.
The part you hold to twist just snapped off and I was left with a nub of the stopper still stuck inside. I removed it with pliers and called The VCS to ask for a replacement stopper. They don't have them, but they are sending me a whole new bottle free of charge. That's great customer service! (Although wasteful to have to toss the bottle that's otherwise in great condition.)
September 22, 2014
Warm n cozy
Even in California we can feel chilled. This hot water bottle can warm frigid feet on a cold night, relax sore muscles, and much more.
March 28, 2014
Good Quality and Size
The size is bigger than the ones you find at any local drugstore and big box store. Good quality compare to the cheap ones. The only thing that worries me is the mouth of the bottle is made of metal. Hope in doesn't rust with time.
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great quality product
Having purchased hot water bottles of inferior quality before, I have learned my lesson by having a very wet bed in the morning from leaks.
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Can a Hot Water Bottle Can Create Excitement??
Yes, it can. I'd purchased a water bottle as a Christmas gift for my daughter. I'd also purchased a plaid flannel cover as it would make it a little cozier. Although the gift idea came from her, I was not prepared for how excited she was to actually receive it. She was just tickled and since the temperature had been in the freezer Christmas Day and ever since, it's being put to good use. Thank you for a quality product that has made my daughter very happy . . . and much more comfortable.
January 9, 2014
Hot Water Bottle
Hot Water bottle is good quality. Haven't bought one in years and was very pleased it wasn't flimsy.
December 2, 2013
What Our Customers Are Saying about Our Hot Water Bottle …
"Far superior to red plastic hot water bottles. Holds heat for many hours. Lasts for years." - Helga , Fayetteville, NC


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Everyday Rails Testing with RSpec: Get advance access to my new book now
When I concluded my series on learning RSpec a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned I've been working on an ebook version of the series with additional content and a complete code sample. I'm happy to announce that my first book, Everyday Rails Testing with RSpec: A Practical Approach to Test-driven Development is now available for advance access through Leanpub!
What do I mean by advance access? I mean it's not done yet, but I wanted to go ahead and get the book out there for people to start reading. (If you've ever purchased a beta book from Pragmatic Programmers you know what I'm talking about.) I've got updated versions of the original RSpec articles from this blog in place, along with a few other pieces. The remainder will be in place within the next few weeks, with some editing to be done after that along with the completed sample code. In addition, I'll keep code samples current through Rails 4.0.
Here's a rundown of what's done and what I'm working on:
- Introduction: available now
- Setting up RSpec: available now
- Model specs: available now
- More on factories (exclusive): in progress
- Controller specs: available now
- Request specs: available now
- Testing logins (exclusive): in progress
- Improving specs (exclusive): in progress
- Toward test-driven development (exclusive): in progress
- Parting advice (updated content): available now
- More testing resources for Rails (exclusive): available now
I may throw in another chapter or two before it's done. When finished the book will be 100-ish pages and, as I mentioned, include a complete, downloadable Rails application with sample tests in RSpec.
I should mention that this book isn't your typical, type-along tutorial. We're not going to build an application together—I'm going to show you the process I went through as I made RSpec part of my development toolkit, and give you techniques and patterns to follow when testing your own applications. I'll also take you through a lot of foundational stuff early on that will get cleaned up later. If you're familiar with Zed Shaw's Learn Code the Hard Way series you may get the general idea—it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but his technique did inspire my thinking behind this series. So did the Railscasts episode How I Test.
Finally, I'm not giving this book away for free—it's taken a lot of time to conceptualize and write, and I've been working hard to make it worth a little bit of your money. That said, I'm keeping it reasonably priced, especially for those of you gracious enough to buy an early copy. And it's DRM-free. You can get your copy today for only $12 US. I'll keep it at $9 for the Rails 3 releases, and reserve the right to raise the price later.
If you're not ready to buy right away, please sign up for the mailing list to keep current on the book's status. I won't use the list to spam you—just to keep you notified as I progress through the remainder of the book.
Thanks very much for keeping up with Everyday Rails over the last couple of years. I hope you'll check out Everyday Rails Testing with RSpec and give me your feedback.
Possibly related posts
- How I learned to test my Rails applications, Part 3: Model specs (March 19, 2012)
- Update on the RSpec book (May 15, 2012)
- How I learned to test my Rails applications, Part 4: Controller specs (April 07, 2012)
- Moving from beginner to intermediate Rails development (July 05, 2010)
- Creating a Rails admin panel from scratch, part 1: The dashboard (July 31, 2012)


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Latest Stories
Soldier Elite Review
CommentsJune 28, 2006
Aurora Watching Hands-On
CommentsFebruary 18, 2005
About This Game
- Summary
- Game Editions
The third episode in the adventures of Captain Cole Sullivan, the star of Gorky Zero: Beyond Honor and Gorky 17. Two agents in black find Sullivan on the floor. The hero who once saved the world has been drinking for over two years. Will he manage to approach Parecki once again? Secret manoeuvres, extraordinary cargo and submarine catastrophe at the Barent's Sea -- it's just the tip of the iceberg. Like its predecessors, Aurora Watching is a stealth action game in the style of Metal Gear Solid, complete with enemy radar system, shifting perspectives, and a large selection of gadgets. Developed by Metropolis Software in Poland.


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Trapped in an Elevator 3 - Tickle Me Until I Pee - The League of Desperate Ladies 6 Bonus: Lola in The Runner, a 90-second clip included only when you purchase the set |
MOVIE RESOLUTION: 640x480 PIXELS - TOTAL PLAYING TIME OF SET: 56 MINUTES
PURCHASE ALL 4 MOVIES Downloads: $22.95 On CD: $25.95 On DVD: $33.00 |
This time, the scenario has Lola and Nyxon visiting a company to attend interviews to replace Jayne, who is leaving. Backstory: Jayne is returning from an errand at the same time as the two interviewees, and they all get trapped in the elevator when it breaks down. They have been in the elevator for some time and all of them need to pee. The girls chat and squirm and call for her occasionally, but they have been stranded for a while and are not really expecting help any time soon. Nevertheless, they try to hold their pee for as long as possible in the hope of getting out without embarrassing wet patches on their clothes. Naturally they don't succeed. It wouldn't be Bound2Burst if they did! Additional comments: In this one, all three girls end up wetting themselves. This occurs at intervals throughout the movie, so we get to see the cycle of desperation and loss of control repeated several times. We even added in the element where, when Jayne couldn't hold it any longer, she tried to unzip her jeans and pull them down, but wouldn't you know it, that damned zip got stuck again! Both Lola and Nyxon tried to help her free it before desperation overcomes her. Jayne really soaks her jeans when she lets go, in vintage Jayne style.
Additional comments: Lola is no stranger to this contraption, having been tied to it last winter and tickled by Bruce. Lola squealed so much last time that it seemed only right that we should double the torture by having two girls tickle her. Jayne's role in this is somewhat of a cameo since she does not tickle Lola throughout.
There is a lot of struggling from Nyxon early on because she simply does not have the stamina to hold it for long periods of time. She soon disgraces herself, and after soaking up some of her own puddle with paper towels, she departs. And then there were two... two of the biggest holders in the business, and they are both still drinking water!
Jayne makes a valiant effort to hold it, but even she is finally overcome with sheer desperation and loses control, gushing pee all over her boots. This leaves only Lola. As she nears the three hour limit, Lola paces and squirms, moans and holds herself with her fingers, struggling to make it those last few minutes. Somehow, she makes it and makes a mad dash for the bathroom. There, she gains much needed relief, showing all to the camera as she lets it go.
Additional comments: Jayne does some wonderful pee-dancing in this movie (something she has taken to doing of late), and looks very sexy in her mimi-skirt and studded boots. The boots certainly take a pounding, but we were able to clean them up. We plan to dress jayne like this for a future movie. Lola looks very cute in her little shorts (her own), and does a very graphic peeing sequence for us at the end.
Don't miss the League of Desperate Ladies Set - all 6 movies in this series at 40% off. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Additional comments: This movie is not available for sale on either Bound2Burst or Clips4Sale. It is only available to customers who purchase the Lola, Nyxon & Jayne set.
PURCHASE ALL 4 MOVIES Downloads: $22.95 On CD: $25.95 On DVD: $33.00 |
PURCHASE ALL 4 MOVIES Downloads: $22.95 On CD: $25.95 On DVD: $33.00 |


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Just wondering if anyone has flown United Airlines to LA before? They have some good prices available at the moment and just wanted some opinions!
Pay the extra and go with someone decent imho. Flown with a fair share of airlines and United and Garuda are the only 2 I won't fly again. Qantas and Air NZ I know are much better, and have heard decent reports on Virgin Australia.
I know a number of people on here don't seem to like them but we have been flying them since 1990 (5 times so far.) Like every airline they aren't perfect but I love them. We PREFER to go open jaw so SFO in, LA out. The staff have always been great and because you are travelling mostly with Americans there are less "aliens" arriving with you when you get to LAX. They mainly serve American sodas and drinks and the food has always been good. They have always been reliable. The only time we ever had a "problem" was a medical emergency on the connection to MCO and they did everything they could to get us going soon. Their fleet is older but well maintained. The Pilots have all seemed excellent (as opposed to BA where we bounced on landing.) They don't have in seat entertainment which is a negative to a some people but having now experienced it on 3 different airlines now I'm not too fussed. My FAVOURITE part about them is Economy Plus. This is their version of premium economy but is actually affordable because the benefit is the main thing we want - LEG ROOM. The seats are the same but they are further apart allowing for more leg room. You can buy access for around US$250 a year and get you and another person travelling with you into Economy Plus for all flights with it you travel on during that year. That's the way I feel. I hope it helps...but as I say there are others on here who didn't have a good experience. I have now flown Finnair, Qantas, American, Hawaiian, Air France, KLM, JAL, United and Alitalia. Oh and US Airways - Never Ever Ever again. I think this is a pretty good range of experiences to compare to. Finnair is the best I have ever flown but you pay for it.
Thanks guys - last trip we took V Australia and they were excellent, but I was just considering United due to the special fares they have.
We flew United to the US last year. I found them to be ok. The fleet of planes are old. So you dont get the mod-cons of new planes. The food (from memory) wasn't that good. We just returned (a couple of weeks ago) from the US and we flew VAustralia. Could not recommend them enough. The plane was new, the staff we fantastic and even to say the food was good... We were fortuante enough to get the cheap flights.
Thanks welley! I think we will just go with V Australia again despite the extra cost because they are so good!


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Posts filed under 'R Programming'
How pqR makes programs faster by not doing things
One way my faster version of R, called pqR (see updated release of 2013-06-28), can speed up R programs is by not even doing some operations. This happens in statements like for (i in 1:1000000) ...
, in subscripting expressions like v[i:1000]
, and in logical expressions like any(v>0)
or all(is.na(X))
This is done using pqR's internal "variant result" mechanism, which is also crucial to how helper threads are implemented. This mechanism is not visible to the user, apart from the reductions in run time and memory usage, but knowing about it will make it easier to understand the performance of programs running under pqR. (more…)
Comparing the speed of pqR with R-2.15.0 and R-3.0.1
As part of developing pqR, I wrote a suite of speed tests for R. Some of these tests were used to show how pqR speeds up simple real programs in my post announcing pqR, and to show the speed-up obtained with helper threads in pqR on systems with multiple processor cores.
However, most tests in the suite are designed to measure the speed of more specific operations. These tests provide insight into how much various modifications in pqR have improved speed, compared to R-2.15.0 on which it was based, or to the current R Core release, R-3.0.1. These tests may also be useful in judging how much you would expect your favourite R program to be sped up using pqR, based on what sort of operations the program does.
Below, I'll present the results of these tests, discuss a bit what some of the tests are doing, and explain some of the run time differences. I'll also look at the effect of "byte-code" compilation, in both pqR and the R Core versions of R. (more…)
Parallel computation with helper threads in pqR
One innovative feature of pqR (my new, faster, version of R), is that it can perform some numeric computations in "helper" threads, in parallel with other such numeric computations, and with interpretive operations performed in the "master" thread. This can potentially speed up your computations by a factor as large as the number of processor cores your system has, with no change to your R programs. Of course, this is a best-case scenario — you may see little or no speed improvement if your R program operates only on small objects, or is structured in a way that inhibits pqR from scheduling computations in parallel. Below, I'll explain a bit about helper threads, and illustrate when they do and do not produce good speed ups. (more…)
Announcing pqR: A faster version of R
pqR — a "pretty quick" version of R — is now available to be downloaded, built, and installed on Linux/Unix systems. This version of R is based on R-2.15.0, but with many performance improvements, as well as some bug fixes and new features. Notable improvements in pqR include:
- Multiple processor cores can automatically be used to perform some numerical computations in parallel with other numerical computations, and with the thread performing interpretive operations. No changes to R code are required to take advantage of such computation in "helper threads".
- pqR makes a better attempt at avoiding unnecessary copying of objects, by maintaining a real count of "name" references, that can decrease when the object bound to a name changes. Further improvements in this scheme are expected in future versions of pqR.
- Some operations are avoided completely in pqR — for example, in pqR, the statement
for (i in 1:10000000) ...
does not actually create a vector of 10000000 integers, but simply setsi
to each of these integers in turn.
There are also many detailed improvements in pqR that decrease general interpretive overhead or speed up particular operations.
I will be posting more soon about many of these improvements, and about the gain in performance obtained using pqR. For the moment, a quick idea of how much improvement pqR gives on simple operations can be obtained from the graph below (click to enlarge):
This shows the relative run times (on an Intel X5680 processor) of nine simple test programs (from the 2013-06-18 version of my R speed tests), using pqR, and using all releases of R by the R Core Team from 2.11.1 to 3.0.1. These programs mostly operate on small objects, doing simple operations, so this is a test of general interpretive overhead. A single thread was used for pqR (there is not much scope in these programs for parallelizing numeric computations).
As one can see, there has been little change in speed of interpreted programs since R-2.12.0, when some modifications that I proposed were incorporated into the R Core versions (and the R Core Team declined to incorporate many other modifications I suggested), though the speed of compiled programs has improved a bit since the compiler was introduced in R-2.13.0. The gain for interpreted programs from using pqR is almost as large as the gain from compilation. pqR also improves the speed of compiled programs, though the gain is less than for interpreted programs, with the result that the advantage of compilation has decreased in pqR. As I'll discuss in future posts, for some operations, pqR is substantially faster when the compiler is not used. In particular, parallel computation in helper threads does not occur for operations started from compiled R code.
For some operations, the speed-up from using pqR is much larger than seen in the graph above. For example, vector-matrix multiplies are over ten times faster in pqR than in R-2.15.0 or R-3.0.1 (see here for the main reason why, though pqR solves the problem differently than suggested there).
The speed improvement from using pqR will therefore vary considerably from one R program to another. I encourage readers who are comfortable installing R from source on a Unix/Linux system to try it out, and let me know what performance improvements (and of course bugs) you find for your programs. You can leave a comment on this post, or mail me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
You can get pqR here, where you can also find links to the source repository, a place to report bugs and other issues, and a wiki that lists systems where pqR has been tested, plus a few packages known to have problems with pqR. As of now, pqR has not been tested on Windows and Mac systems, and compiled versions for those systems are not available, but I hope they will be fairly soon.
UPDATE: You can read more about pqR in my posts on parallel computation with helper threads in pqR, comparing the speed of pqR with R-2.15.0 and R-3.0.1, how pqR makes programs faster by not doing things, and fixing R's NAMED problems in pqR.
GRIMS — General R Interface for Markov Sampling
I have released a (very) preliminary version of my new MCMC software in R, which I'm calling GRIMS, for General R Interface for Markov Sampling. You can get it here.
This software differs from other more-or-less general MCMC packages in several respects, all but one of which make it, I think, a much better tool for serious MCMC applications. Here are some highlights: (more…)
Two textbooks on probability using R
This fall, I'll be teaching a second-year course on Probability with Computer Applications, which is required for Computer Science majors. I've taught this before, but that was five years ago, so I've been looking to see what new textbooks would be suitable. The course aims not just to use computer science applications as examples, but also to reinforce concepts of probability with programs, and to show how simulation can be used to solve problems that aren't easily solved analytically. I've used R for the programming part, and plan to again, so I was naturally interested in two recent textbooks that seemed to have similar aims:
Introduction to Probability with R, Kenneth Baclawski, Chapman & Hall / CRC.
Probability with R: An Introduction with Computer Science Applications, Jane M. Horgan, Wiley.
I've now had a look at both of these textbooks. Unfortunately, they are both seriously flawed. Even more unfortunately, although some of the flaws in these books are particularly striking, I've seen similar, if usually less serious, problems in many other textbooks. (more…)
New patches to speed up R 2.13.0
I have now released a new collection of 30 patches to speed up R version 2.13.0. You can get them here
Assessing how much these patches speed up R is difficult. First of all, the speedup varies tremendously with the type of program. It also varies quite a bit with the machine and compiler used to run R. Finally, it varies in apparently random ways — changing code in one part of the R interpreter can change the speed of operations that never use the modified code by plus or minus 5% or more. This is presumably due to the change altering the exact addresses of other code segments, with consequent effects on alignment of memory fetches or on cache behaviour.
Nevertheless, here is a comparison of R 2.13.0 without modification and with all my patches applied, with and without compilation of R functions. The tests were done with an Intel X5680 processor running at 3.33GHz in 64-bit mode using gcc 4.4.4 under Red Hat Linux with default R configuration parameters. The tests use my suite of speed tests for R.
Here are some highlights: (more…)


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Boss Stats - Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls
Boss Stats
Me Again, alright, wanna know the first 4 bosses stats?
Of course you do!
Alright, First is Garland-HP212,Attack15. 2nd is 4 Piscodemon-HP84,Attack30. 3rd is Artos-HP420,Attack30.
And 4th is Earth Elemental-HP288, Attack66. Thats how far I am so far.
Sorry there's not that much. - see ya !
Added by: magnumcop Dec 27th 2004, ID#3953
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