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A 13 percent increase in population size in the 1990s helped the United States maintain its position as the third most populous country in the world, according to an analysis released today by the Commerce Department's Census Bureau.
According to the Census 2000 brief titled, The United States in International Context, with a population of 281 million people, this country had more people in 2000 than any other nation in the world, except China (1.3 billion) and India (1 billion). The world's population stood at 6.1 billion.
Peter Way, chief of the Census Bureau's International Programs Center, said, "The size of a country's total population tells only a small part of its demographic story. A country's population growth rate and its age-sex composition indicate the challenges it faces in providing health care for its children and elderly, providing education to its youth, providing employment opportunities for its young adults and supporting its elderly population."
The United States ranked fourth among all countries with 3 percent of the world's under-15 population and third among all countries with 8 percent of the world's elderly population.
The brief noted a shift in age structures in the United States and other developed countries. For example, the population of children under age 5 in many developed countries declined in the late 1990s. Low-fertility countries, it said, will be confronted in the coming decades with growing elderly populations and fewer workers entering the labor force.
During the 1990s, the U.S. population, which represents less than 5 percent of the world's people, grew five times the percentage increase of all other industrialized countries combined: 13 percent versus 2.5 percent. Other big gainers among the world's largest countries in the 1990s were: India, which grew 19 percent; China, 11 percent; Nigeria, 33 percent; and Indonesia, 19 percent. Together with the United States, they accounted for nearly half of the global population increase in the decade.
The United States outstripped all other developed countries in population growth, according to the study, because of lower fertility in most other industrialized countries, combined with substantial immigration to the United States.
Other highlights:
The brief is part of a series that analyzes population and housing data collected from Census 2000. It includes data from the Census Bureau's international database, which covers 227 countries with populations of 5,000 or more.


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- Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building - http://inhabitat.com -
Sustainable & Flexible Housing in Nantes Caters to Families of All Sizes
Posted By Bridgette Meinhold On June 13, 2013 @ 12:00 pm In Architecture,carousel showcase,Gallery,Green Building | No Comments
Located in the neighborhood of the Bottière Chênaie in Nantes, France [4], this sustainable housing project features 2 apartment blocks with 36 flats and 7 blocks of multi-family dwellings with 26 flats. The apartment blocks are designed to be a bit more classic to appeal to those looking for a standard solution. Meanwhile the multi-family housing apartments provide more flexible solutions. In this way, the complex can meet the needs of different types of families – anywhere from young couples, first homebuyers, and singles, growing families.
All of the duplex housing buildings feature a living area with a double-height ceiling. Construction was configured in a way to include electric and a door window in the upper area. If a family needs more space, they can easily reconfigure the living room by adding a new ceiling/floor to create a third bedroom upstairs. Families then have the option to adapt their homes to fit their needs.
Oriented to the east and west, the project takes advantage of solar passive design [5] and shading. Summer sun angles cannot penetrate the shade devices, which helps keep the interiors cool. Likewise in the winter, lower sun angles allow more light and heat to enter reducing the need for additional heating and lighting. The 62 dwellings are made from both concrete and wood structures are all energy efficient.
Via ArchDaily [6]
Images ©Sergio Grazia
Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-flexible-housing-in-nantes-caters-to-all-families-of-all-sizes/
URLs in this post:
[1] Atelier Tarabusi: http://tarabusi.net/
[2] : http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-flexible-housing-in-nantes-caters-to-all-families-of-all-sizes/housing-in-nantes-atelier-tarabusi-6/?extend=1
[3] Image: http://inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/06/Housing-in-Nantes-Atelier-Tarabusi-1.jpg
[4] France: http://inhabitat.com/tag/france
[5] solar passive design: http://inhabitat.com/tag/solar-passive-design
[6] ArchDaily: http://www.archdaily.com/378833/sustainable-housing-in-nantes-atelier-tarabusi/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2011 Inhabitat Local - New York. All rights reserved.


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There was finally some joy for Roy Hodgson after his Liverpool side gained a potentially vital victory over Blackburn at Anfield. While it might not have lifted Liverpool out of the bottom three, the result will certainly act as a … Continue reading
While a Patrick Vieira goal was enough to rescue a point for Manchester City against Blackburn a draw won't be good enough to satisfy City's ever demanding owners and fans. But expect more results of a similar nature as sides … Continue reading
It's almost two years since Theo Walcott's finest hour in an England shirt. The Arsenal's man smashed his way in to Fabio Capello's thoughts with a sublime hat-trick in England's 4-1 demolition of Croatia. After slowly falling from grace since … Continue reading
For many years now we have been saying it's a matter of time before Arsenal come good. Well after watching them grind out a result at Blackburn on Saturday maybe we won't be waiting much longer. The ability that Arsene … Continue reading
In a strange yet understandable move, Hull City Chairman Adam Pearson has removed Phil Brown from his position as manager at the struggling side. It strikes me as strange as Brown has been moved on after an impressive, if limited, … Continue reading
For as many times as Richard Dunne and Shay Given collided today, you might have guessed that they had never played together before in their lives. Dunne's defensive woes today nearly overshadowed the lightning-quick start to Manchester City's season. In … Continue reading
After accepting a sordid envelope with £20m for "Lass" Diarra, Portsmouth rejected shrewd dealer Harry Redknapp's £30m overture for Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch. Pompey then lessened Defoe's value markedly, by announcing they would sell him for a … Continue reading
It looks like the floodgates in the transfer window have opened. So far this summer, it seems that the majority of major transfer deals have started and ended at Tottenham's White Hart Lane. The spark was Robbie Keane's move from … Continue reading
On the European Continent and on the British Isles the view of the Olympic football Tournament is completely different than in the rest of the world. In Europe the tournament is seen as more of a nuisance than anything, while … Continue reading
It was night of black armbands and barren kits in Manchester, which only served to emphasize the sponsorship everywhere else as Man City shocked Man United 2-1 at Old Trafford. It is no coincidence that most of Man U's losses … Continue reading
The FA Cup Third Round relieved us from the dreariness of our normal robust Premier League schedule to enthrall us with live riveting matches like Pompey-Ipswich and grant us the opportunity to pay top dollar to watch Villa-Utd. All 20 … Continue reading
Robbie Keane bitches He whines he wanks he whinges Bottles when it counts Arsenal squeaked out a 2-1 win over Tottenham in the North London Derby. They were not very convincing, but, unlike last season, it was an unconvincing win. … Continue reading


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Walnut for Firefox 2.0.33
by alfredkayser
Walnut for a wooden look and feel. Walnut is a complete skin redesign so that all windows, widgets, panels, and many extensions have a wooden look and feel.
Install the About Home Themer extension to also theme the about:home page.
This add-on is not compatible with your version of Firefox because of the following:


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By Mike Chambers - July 16, 2002
On June 14, 2001 NVIDIA made an announcement at the COMPUTEX tradeshow in Taiwan that they were entering the core logic chipset market by unveiling the nForce. With the nForce being an AMD processor-based chipset, NVIDIA was now in direct competition with industry heavyweight VIA Technologies. However, we eventually learned that NVIDIA had two important strategies in mind for the nForce. First, they were planning an aggressive marketing campaign and estimated that the chipset would account for 10% of sales in 2002. And second, consumers could expect future versions of the nForce to occur every 12-18 months according to product director Mike Lim.
While we published a preview of the nForce, and followed up with using a reference motherboard in a GeForce3 Ti 200 review, an objective for us was to report on as much nForce related information as possible. We succeeded in that goal as searching our news archive returns well over 20 pages of content. Looking back at the many nForce based motherboard reviews reveals that performance was generally equal to that of VIA's KT266A chipset although there were variations. The strength of the nForce is realized when running multiple applications concurrently, but the majority of reviews measured performance with limited background activity.
It didn't take long for the nForce to become an alternative motherboard chipset for consumers and OEM's to consider in their purchasing plans. Fujitsu-Siemens and MicronPC were among the early adopters, and were later backed up with support from leading memory suppliers. Design wins continued in 2002 with product announcements from Compaq and Hewlett-Packard. A major deal was struck in June with NEC as they announced that all of their Athlon XP-based personal computers sold in Europe and Japan will be based on the nForce.
On June 15, 2001 hardware guru Loyd Case published the first preview of a beta nForce-based motherboard at ExtremeTech. In his conclusion, Loyd wrote the following:
In the end, we're quite encouraged by what we see. While this board clearly has some rough edges, they all seem fairly minor and generally fixable. In fact, for a product consisting of multiple beta pieces, it was surprisingly robust. Performance was impressive at this stage of development and we believe it will only get better. The Athlon may have found its soul mate in the nForce.
Loyd's comments were positive and although he does mention that minor glitches existed, they were probably to be expected.
After having visited several message boards, especially MSI's, and reading a number of articles and reviews of the nForce, the following summarizes my thoughts on the original nForce.
There is another issue, which is indirectly related to the nForce, that I want to mention. Since I began using the nForce last October, I experienced occasional system lockups. Beginning in May, when outdoor temperatures increased, the number of lockups also increased - especially when gaming. My computer room, which measures 10 feet by 12 feet, is on the second floor and has a central air conditioning vent in the ceiling and a ceiling fan. There's adequate ventilation inside my case, which contains four case fans, a dual fan card cooler, a power supply fan, a fan/heatsink on the processor, and another on the graphics card (GeForce4 Ti 4600). The computer is very loud, but that's another issue that I was able to solve as well.
Beginning in May and lasting until October, temperatures in southeastern Virginia often exceed 90 degrees Farenheit and are accompanied with very high levels of humidity. I purchased an indoor thermometer, and while we keep the indoor temperature at 74 degrees, on hot days the temperature in the computer room would reach 82 degrees. I'm convinced that the excess temperature was attributed to the heat generated by the Athlon XP processor and GeForce4 since my son's bedroom, which contains a 1GHz Pentium 3/GeForce3 Ti based system, remained comfortable.
Computer Room
So how did I solve my problem? It was quite easy actually. I visited the local Wal-Mart and purchased and installed a 5,000 BTU Fedders window unit air conditioner, which keeps the computer room comfortable and has solved my problem with heat-related lockups. It also took care of my noise issue since the noise of the air conditioner is louder than that of the PC! Just some food for thought.
But getting back on track, when you look at the cons that are mentioned, many of them were minor issues that some customers overlooked. In either case, the pros significantly outweighed the cons.
I had the opportunity to personally meet with NVIDIA's Bryan Del Rizzo last month while he was visiting in Richmond, Virginia. Fellow Virginian Joe Glass of PC Rave also dropped by. While Bryan treated us to breakfast, he also gave us a presentation on the nForce2 using his laptop. Both Joe and myself were impressed with what Byran showed us, but there was a particularly important point that should be mentioned immediately. The nForce2 is segregated into two products and motherboards based on each configuration are expected to retail for less than $100. The price of the nForce2 is a huge breakthrough and will provide consumers and OEM's with a greater number of advanced features at a lower cost.
The nForce2 is a natural progression over the nForce as it incorporates new and exciting technologies that have appeared in the PC industry during the past year. There will be multiple configurations of the nForce2 that motherboard manufacturers can incorporate. This will include motherboards with or without integrated graphics (IGP) along with the basic (MCP) or enhanced (MCP-T) media communications processor. The key features of the nForce2 include the following:
Here are links to the detailed specifications for the nForce2: MCP and MCP-T and SPP/IGP.
Audio Processing Unit Features
The nForce2 contains a significant upgrade to the graphics core by integrating the GeForce4 MX which will allow antialiasing to be enabled at higher display resolutions. The following tables illustrate the positioning of the nForce2 when paired with an add-in graphics card or using the integrated graphics.
nForce2 with Add-In Graphics
nForce2 with Integrated Graphics
Although the GeForce4 MX is lacking the programmable graphics (vertex/pixel shader) feature of the GeForce4 Titanium (Ti) graphics chipsets, 3D performance will be speedier than the GeForce2 MX.
New product previews typically don't contain performance results, but I made use of my nForce-based system, along with the assistance of Zoltar the Magnificent, to predict the integrated graphics performance of the nForce2. For this series of tests, two GeForce4 based add-in graphics cards were used, while testing performance in three of the hottest, and hardware demanding, 3D games currently on the market: Jedi Knight 2, Morrowind, and Warcraft 3. The graphics cards used in these tests were a GeForce4 MX 460 and NVIDIA's current top-of-the-line GeForce4 Ti 4600.
Zoltar The Magnificent
Unfortunately Zoltar declined to confirm that my results with the GeForce4 MX 460, which was down-clocked to GeForce4 MX 440 speeds, will be indicative of the integrated graphics performance of the nForce2. This will largely depend on if the integrated graphics performance of the nForce2 is closer to that of the GeForce4 MX 440 as opposed to the lower end GeForce4 MX 420.
System Configuration:
Testing Methodology:
The JK2FFA multi-player demo was used to measure performance in Jedi Knight 2 which is based on a modified Quake 3 graphics engine. The following game settings were enabled: high geometric detail, high texture detail (as opposed to very high), 32-bit texture quality, trilinear texture filtering, texture compression, detailed shaders, dynamic lights, and wall marks. Sound quality was set to high.
Jedi Knight 2
Jedi Knight 2 - Custom Graphics SettingAverage/Minimum/Maximum Frame Rate
Antialiasing Comparison:
It's beneficial to briefly discuss the antialiasing capabilities of the GeForce2 and GeForce4 class chipsets. The GeForce2 offers 2X and 4X antialiasing modes and is based on a supersampling technique while the GeForce4 employs multisampling and supports 2X, Quincunx, 4X, and 4XS (Direct3D only) modes. While there are pros and cons to each method of antialiasing, they are generally accepted as follows: supersampling is significantly slower than multisampling, but provides increased texture detail due to the nature of its antialiasing algorithm. Multisampling is done in dedicated hardware and performs much faster than supersampling, but generally doesn't affect texture quality unless Quincunx (slightly blurred affect) or 4XS is used (highest quality, but slowest).
A primary goal of antialiasing is to lessen the degree of edge aliasing and making jagged edges appear smoother. The effectiveness of supersampling and multisampling in this area will differ, depending on the angle of horizontal and vertical edges. The following images are provided for your comparison. Note the improved texture detail that supersampling provides when comparing the aircraft wings.
Another image quality enhancing feature of both chipsets is anisotropic texture filtering. The GeForce2 MX contains a 2X mode while the GeForce4 MX supports 2X, 4X, and 8X. It's unlikely that modes greater than 2X would be utilized on either the GeForce2 or GeForce4 MX due to the degradation in performance.
Measuring graphics performance in Morrowind is based on a test case which involved navigating my character, at normal speed using a first person view, through Seyda Neen while leaving town. Details of the test include the following:
The following screenshots illustrate portions of the path I took when measuring graphics performance in Morrowind.
Beginning of Benchmark - Entrance to Seyda Neen
First Checkpoint- Middle of Town
Second Checkpoint - Crossing Bridge
Third Checkpoint - Near Signpost
End of Benchmark - Middle of Small Bridge
In game settings consisted of a 50% view distance, a 25% artificial intelligence level, all shadows disabled, and hardware accelerated sound and music enabled. Since this is a "home grown" benchmark, I couldn't control the number of non-player characters, which was around five, that were encounted during each test. I chose to use an outdoor setting since performance in indoor areas with each of the cards is more than adequate. A single walkthru takes approximately 45 seconds to complete.
Morrowind - Custom Graphics SettingAverage/Minimum/Maximum Frame Rate
As mentioned earlier, the GeForce4 MX series of graphics card do not support a graphics effect referred to as pixel shaders. In Morrowind, and a few other newer games, pixel shaders have become popular when rendering water.
Morrowind Graphics Configuration
Morrowind Water - GeForce4 Ti
Morrowind Water - GeForce4 MX
Since Warcraft III supports a replay mode, I used the replay file that forum member narayan posted in this message thread at the IN clan web site. After viewing the 2 versus 2 replay, I selected a timeframe that contained scenes with heavy graphics activity. At one point in the replay, there were close to 30 characters on screen at the same time. Here's how the replay was run while logging frame rates using FRAPS:
Here are screenshots of the replay at various timeframes:
Beginning of Replay - 14:25
Readying for Battle - 15:08
Heavy Graphics Load - 15:37
End of Replay - 16:30
Based on the timeframes that were chosen, heavy graphics activity took place duing the second part of the benchmark - from the 15:37 mark until the end of the replay. With the headphones on, I heard at least eight distinct sound effects being played back simultaneously. As with Morrowind, I couldn't control the music that was played back during each benchmark run.
Warcraft III was run under Direct3D with all in-game graphics options set to their maximum level, fog of war enabled, and sound effects (EAX2) and music enabled.
Warcraft III - Maximum Graphics SettingAverage/Minimum/Maximum Frame Rate
I'm concluding this section of the preview by examining the performance of the integrated graphics of the nForce in the three games I tested. In fairness, it's doubtful that the high quality settings that were used for benchmarking would would be used while gaming with integrated graphics, although the performance was better than I expected. Keep in mind that sound was also enabled in these tests.
nForce Integrated GeForce2 (MX) Graphics
nForce Integrated Graphics PerformanceAverage/Minimum/Maximum Frame Rate
If an average frame rate of 60 frames per second is adequate performance for first person shooters, and 30 frames per second is the threshold for role-playing and real-time strategy games, the integrated graphics on the nForce performed admirably. For example, without antialiasing enabled, Jedi Knight 2 and Morrowind, at a resolution of 800x600, and Warcraft III at 640x480 passed the test. However, when the same criteria is used when 2X antialiasing was enabled, only Warcraft III at 640x480 passed the test.
I find it interesting how this preview panned out. While today's nForce2 announcement is a technology launch, I spiced things up a bit by predicting how the integrated graphics on the nForce2 might perform using a few leading-edge games. By studying the benchmark results, you will have noticed that I've tested games that contain no built-in benchmarking feature. Many of our visitors seem to appreciate the effort and I'm always on the lookout for new methods to measure 3D gaming graphics performance.
The nForce that I've been using since last October, along with Windows XP, has surpassed my expectations. There are four family members, each with their own Windows XP user account, that use this system on a daily basis:
Two words can sum up my experience with the nForce: Rock Solid.
As for the nForce2, we hope to be receiving a review unit sometime in August. nForce2 is currently sampling to NVIDIA's motherboard and system builder partners that include Abit, Alienware, Asus, Chaintech, Epox, Leadtek, MSI, Shuttle, Totally Awesome Computers, and Vicious PC. Production of the nForce2 is slated for late August with retail products becoming available in September.
One final, and important note for overclockers, that was learned in our meeting in Richmond was that the reference nForce2-based motherboard will be "overclocking friendly."
Additional information on the nForce2 can be found at NVIDIA's web site.
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DoD News Briefing with Secretary Rumsfeld and Gen. Casey from the Pentagon
Presenters: Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Commander, Multinational Force Iraq, Gen. George Casey
June 22, 2006 3:30 PM EDT
SEC. RUMSFELD: Good afternoon, folks. You may have noticed that General Casey's here with me, and I am very pleased that he's here. General George Casey is, of course, the commanding general of the Multinational Force in Iraq. He's going to be able to provide an update on what's taking place over there, our efforts to help the new Iraqi government gain control and assume control over their country's security.
I should add that the American people and the coalition nations are very fortunate to have a man of his enormous talent doing such a superb job for the coalition and for the American people and for the men and women in uniform over there.
Some time ago, one of Iraq's leading terrorists stated, I quote, "If, God forbid, the Iraqi government is successful and takes control of the country, we'll just have to pack up and go somewhere else or die." That was Zarqawi while he was still alive.
It's fitting that the completion of the new Iraqi government coincided with his death. Zarqawi had orchestrated attacks against coalition forces in Iraq, was said to have personally beheaded Nicholas Berg; was linked to the murders of nearly 60 innocent men and women at a wedding in Amman, Jordan, among his many other acts of terrorism and murder.
It's important to note that the elimination of Zarqawi took time, patience and persistence, and intelligence was the key. Unquestionably, the American people are safer today because they have invested in these efforts over time. Similarly, I believe that we'll reach the same conclusion on the efforts in Iraq generally. This is also taking time and taking patience, and it has come at a cost, and intelligence has again proved to be vital. We have had to adjust our efforts, just as the enemy has adjusted their efforts, and that process will continue.
Ultimately, however, America will be a safer place because the Iraqi government fights terrorists rather than funds them, and is our ally rather than an adversary in the struggle against violent extremists.
The terrorists seem to be getting the message. A document recently found in a terrorist safe house discussed, quote, "the current bleak situation" that the terrorists are facing in Iraq. It stated, quote, "The forces of the Iraqi National Guard have succeeded in forming an enormous shield protecting the American forces." And it's noted the coalition's success in undertaking massive arrest operations, confiscating weapons, and tightening terrorist access to financial resources.
So, where you stand depends on where you sit. And if one reverses things and looks at it from the perspective of the terrorists, it's not a pretty picture. And that's because of the excellent work being done by General Casey and his folks in Iraq.
General Casey.
GEN. CASEY: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
It's been about five months since I've been here talking to you. I've seen several of you over in Iraq. But let me just give you a short overview, because, as you know, as well as I, there's been a lot going on in Iraq over the last five months.
First of all, Iraq has today a government of national unity. Two weeks ago, with the selection of the final three ministers, that government was fully formed. It is probably the single most important element of the political -- future political success in Iraq. Two weeks is not enough time to judge any government, and it's going to take a few months for them to get their legs under them. But what I've seen with the prime minister and the ministers that I interact with, it's heartening to me. They've been quick out of the box with the detainee release of about 2,500 prisoners to reinforce their commitment to national unity. They have implemented a vigorous Baghdad security plan that's been going on now for about a week, an attempt to bring security to the capital. They've announced that the first Iraqi province, Muthanna, will transition to a provincial Iraqi control here sometime in the next few weeks, which is a -- which is the first of what I think you'll see will be several positive steps with the provinces here over the course of this year and into next year. And the prime minister is working on his national reconciliation program that he expects to present to the parliament here in the next week or so.
The national unity government is committed to unity, security and prosperity. And they fully understand that to get prosperity, you have to have security, and to get security, you have to have unity. And they're committed to reconciliation, national reconciliation. And that is an extremely positive step.
Second, the security environment is quite complex. And it's a constantly changing environment, but it has increased in its complexity, really, since the December elections and in the aftermath of the Samarra bombing.
Now, with respect to al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is hurt in the aftermath of Zarqawi's death, both because of his -- it's a loss of leadership, and two, because of the numerous operations that have been conducted in -- as a result of information found in the course of raids that led to the killing of Zarqawi. They're hurt, but they're not finished. And they won't be finished for some time. But as you saw in the documents that the secretary quoted to you, they are -- they're feeling the pain right now.
But as you also see, they are still quite capable of conducting terrorist acts across Iraq.
The second big security challenge that adds to the complexity of the environment are these illegal armed groups. And I say illegal armed groups rather than militias because militias take people in too many different directions. These illegal armed groups are operating outside the rule of law. They are not the nine groups of militia that are mentioned in the CPA law that fought Saddam. These are criminals. And they need to be dealt with through a combination of political influence and security forces, and they will be. This government has stepped up to the challenge, has issued instructions for enforcing weapons bans in and around Baghdad, and is committed to dealing with the militia -- I'm sorry -- with the illegal armed group issue to protect their citizens.
The third element that adds complexity to the security environment is the fact that the resistance, the Sunni insurgency, has been since the elections reaching out and looking for ways to reevaluate their options and to come out of the resistance against occupation with honor. And we are --we and the Iraqi government have several different strands of contacts going on, and there are opportunities in that regard that we just haven't had before.
And the fourth element that I'd suggest to you that adds complexity to the security environment is Iran. And we are quite confident that the Iranians, through their covert special operations forces, are providing weapons, IED technology and training to Shi'a extremist groups in Iraq, the training being conducted in Iran and in some cases probably in Lebanon through their surrogates. They are conducting -- using surrogates to conduct terrorist operations in Iraq, both against us and against the Iraqi people. It's decidedly unhelpful.
Now, lastly I'd just say a word about the insurgency. People say the insurgency's growing because attacks are up. Now, what I'd tell you it's more complex. It's more complex than the insurgency is growing. The insurgency hasn't expanded. Fourteen of the 18 provinces still have about nine attacks a day or less. And if you look at where the sectarian violence is occurring, it's occurring within about a 30-mile -- 90 percent of it is occurring in about a 30- mile radius around Baghdad; some down in Basra, some in Diyala Province, the majority right there in the center of the country. So, much more complex environment, not necessarily a worse security environment.
Third point, the progress of the Iraqi security forces. The progress with the army continues to go well. Today there are three Iraqi divisions, 18 Iraqi brigades and some 69 Iraqi battalions that are actually operating in the lead across Iraq. To put that in perspective for you, six months ago one division, four brigades and 23 battalions. So great progress here over six months.
We expect that progress to continue, and I expect fully by the end of the summer some 75 percent of the Iraqi brigades will be in the lead, and by the end of the year, eight or nine of the 10 Iraqi divisions, all but eight or nine or 10 of the Iraqi divisions will be in the lead. So moving forward with the army quite well.
The police. There are challenges with the police that I think you know, and the performance of the police varies widely around the country. In some places, in the north and in the south, the police do actually fairly well. In some of the more difficult areas, they have problems. And in some places, primarily in the Baghdad area, we see militia influence inhibiting their ability to do their jobs.
Probably the greatest challenge for the new minister of Interior is to restore the confidence of the Iraqi people in general and the Sunni population in particular in the Ministry of Interior forces. It is not an insoluble task.
And lastly, the ministerial capacity of both the Ministry of Interior and Defense to sustain, organize, train and equip the forces continues to develop. And it will take us some time.
As you know, we've been through three ministers here now in two years, and it just -- it will take some time to get that going. But by and large, good progress for the Iraqi security forces.
All those three things said -- because of the government of national unity, the progress of the Iraqi security forces, and the determination of the Iraqi people to go forward -- I believe that Iraq is well-postured to move this process forward in a very positive direction.
SEC. RUMSFELD: I'd like to suggest, when we turn to questions, that people ask a single question, in which case we'll have time to get around to more people, just as a courtesy to all of you. It makes, really, no difference to me. We have your interests at heart, I want you to know that. (Laughter.)
GEN. CASEY: If I could, I'd just close with a few words about the magnificent performance of the men and women of the American armed forces. And to the families who have lost loved ones, particularly the Babineau, Menchaca and Tucker families, and to the families of deployed soldiers who make great sacrifices every day while their soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are deployed, both those groups are in our thoughts and prayers all the time.
And I continue to be impressed with the courage, commitment and professionalism of the magnificent men and women of our armed forces and of the coalition forces. This is the third corps that I've seen rotate through, and every group is as committed and as driven as the group before them, and they're just doing an absolutely magnificent job there. And the American people can be very proud of what they've accomplished in Iraq.
Thank you very much.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Bob.
Q Mr. Secretary, having discussed current conditions in Iraq with General Casey, including the points he just outlined, where do you stand today on decisions to reduce the size of the U.S. force in Iraq over the coming months?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Where we were; that we have asked General Casey and the ambassador to work with the new Iraqi government, which is now in place for the first time, and with the new ministers and the prime minister, to develop a way ahead that they're comfortable with and that we're comfortable, as the Iraqi forces continue to take over bases and provinces and areas of responsibility and move into the lead. We expect that General Casey will come back and make a recommendation after he's had those discussions, which he has not yet had.
Q Mr. Secretary?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Yeah.
Q One question, but with one prelude. Some members of the Army here are saying that General Casey is going to announce today perhaps a 2,000 --
SEC. RUMSFELD: They were wrong.
Q Very good.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Not surprising.
Q May I have my question?
SEC. RUMSFELD: It happens from time to time.
Q (Off mike) -- my question, then.
SEC. RUMSFELD: There are hundreds of thousands of people in the Department of Defense who could say something and be --
Q Thank you. My question again, sir, to General Casey, if I may. General, I know this going to be painful for you, but the American public would like to know definitively the type of barbarous and the brutality that our GIs face over there. No one has talked about what has happened to these two captured and killed GIs. Can you be explicit? Were they decapitated? If so, were the bodies dumped by the -- were the heads dumped by the bodies? What else can you tell us?
GEN. CASEY: Yeah, I can't and I won't. That's something that we're leaving to the families. And I don't think that's my purview to get out there and be talking about that.
Q Just to follow up. The families would like to know, as would we, because perhaps in some bizarre way, even though this is tragic, it's going to turn out to be positive for America, because traditionally, when Americans get mad enough, they tend to get behind situations like this. If you can give us a hint at all, we'd be most appreciative.
GEN. CASEY: Yeah, I can't comment on the impact on the American population. I can just say that this is an indicator of the type of enemy that we are fighting. It's why we're there, and it's why we're fighting terrorism in Iraq, so we don't have to fight it here.
But the family will be notified about -- as the autopsies are completed here. And I just don't think it's my business to be out talking about that. That's up to them.
Q General, about the deaths of those three soldiers, we're told that they were -- when they were attacked on Friday, that they were essentially by themselves with a single humvee guarding a bridge across a canal.
Can you shed any light on how it is they came to be in such a vulnerable position? Was it by accident, was it by design? Were there any events prior to the attack that resulted in them being there? Can you shed any light on how that happened?
GEN. CASEY: We have been -- we have -- up until yesterday we've been focusing our efforts on recovering them and getting them back. General Thurman, the division commander, has directed an investigation to answer exactly those questions. So I can't shed any more light on it than you already know.
Q You don't know anything now about what happened in this case?
GEN. CASEY: We're going to let the investigation run its course, and then we'll give you a full accounting when it's completed.
Q General, in describing Iran's role in providing training and weapons for some of the insurgent or Shi'a inside Iraq, you used the word "surrogates." Does that mean that Iranians are actually directing these attacks? And if so, what is the United States military and, Mr. Secretary, the United States in general prepared to do about that?
GEN. CASEY: I have no evidence that there are Iranians in Iraq that are actually directing attacks. They are providing the materiel to Shi'a extremist groups that operate as their surrogates.
SEC. RUMSFELD: I thought you used the word "surrogate" in connection with Lebanon also -- when you were speaking earlier. I thought --
GEN. CASEY: There are some indications that Lebanese Hezbollah is also used in some of the training functions for the Iranians. So, another surrogate.
SEC. RUMSFELD: And Iran's the principal -- (word inaudible) -- then.
GEN. CASEY: But, I mean, you can't -- I can't believe that they're not giving them this equipment to them knowing that it's going to be used against us. Of course they do.
Q Mr. Secretary, under what circumstances would the United States use its missile defense system to try to shoot down a North Korean missile launch?
SEC. RUMSFELD: At the president's direction. And the president would make a decision with respect to the nature of the launch, whether it was threatening to the territory of the United States or not. And then -- likely threat that it would pose.
Q Can I just follow up? What's your level of concern about the potential of this launch?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Well, it's clear that all the intelligence suggests they've been making preparations for a launch of a missile from the area of Taepodong for some days now. There's a lot we know, and a lot we don't know. So, we'll just have to see.
Q Mr. Secretary, General Chiarelli in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer talking about the number of Iraqi Syrians that have been killed by American troops, many at checkpoints, said, quote, "In many instances we are our own worst enemy." I'm wondering if you agree with that, and also your reaction to this -- you have murder charges now against four soldiers and against eight Marines, another investigation expected to bring more charges in Haditha. At what point do you say that, you know, the buck stops with you, that you bear some responsibility for the fact we've seen now so many instances of alleged misconduct?
GEN. CASEY: Well, I could say something. What General Chiarelli was talking about was a tactical situation at a checkpoint. The idea that the secretary has got something to do with that, I don't -- I can't see that. He has been working very hard, as was his predecessor, at putting in place the appropriate policies, tools, and procedures to reduce the number of Iraqis that are injured at our checkpoints. And it's a really difficult situation, because our soldiers are challenged with suicide attacks and car bombs running at their checkpoint. And it's a very careful balance. He's cut it in half here over the last six to eight months or so. So we're making -- we're very concerned about the Iraqi citizens, and he's working it very hard.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Yeah.
Q But the murder charges, what about the murder charges --
SEC. RUMSFELD: I think -- we said one question per person. You've had a question.
Q You don't want to comment on the murder charges against --
SEC. RUMSFELD: You've had your question.
Q Mr. Secretary, there's been a lot made on Capitol Hill about the chemical weapons that were found and may be quite old. But do you have a real concern of these weapons from Saddam's past perhaps having an impact on U.S. troops who are on the ground in Iraq right now?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Certainly. What's been announced is accurate, that there have been hundreds of canisters or weapons of various types found that either currently have sarin in them or had sarin in them. And sarin's dangerous. And it's dangerous to our forces and it's a concern. So, obviously, to the extent we can locate these and destroy them, it's important that we do so. They are dangerous. And anyone, I'm sure, General Casey or anyone else in that country, would be concerned if they got in the wrong hands. They are weapons of mass destruction. They're harmful to human beings. And they have been found. And they had not been reported by Saddam Hussein as he inaccurately alleged that he had reported all of his weapons. And they are still being found and discovered.
Q General Casey, can you say if there's been any change in the status of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, based in Schweinfurt, Germany?
GEN. CASEY: I can't. That's an Army decision.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Pam?
Q General, this week the national security adviser for Iraq laid out what they consider to be a withdrawal plan for U.S. forces. They're operating under the assumption that it will be the end of fiscal year -- or the end of 2007. Has that been coordinated with your office or with you? And is it feasible?
GEN. CASEY: I looked at that article. What Dr. Rubaie is talking about is about this provincial Iraqi control process that we have been working on with him for the past year. And we together built a set of criteria to evaluate the threat in the province, to evaluate the readiness of the police forces, to evaluate the readiness of the army forces, and to evaluate the ability of the provincial security apparatus to coordinate their efforts. And since April, the governors actually sit down with our division commanders and they evaluate themselves on that criteria and they make projections on where they're going to be. And so that's what he was talking about. There have been no discussions between any Iraqi authorities and myself that tied that to U.S. troop reductions.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Yes?
Q General Casey, I was curious why you chose to highlight with such specificity Iran today. To what extent, what you laid out about Iran, is that growing -- to what extent is Iran's influence now shaping the security picture or becoming a factor in the overall security picture in Iraq that you have to consider?
GEN. CASEY: I mentioned it today, Barbara, because it's one of the four major elements that contributes to the complexity of the security environment in Iraq.
Q Do you now consider it a major element in Iraq's security?
GEN. CASEY: It is. And it is because they are providing weapons, training and equipment to Shi'a insurgents, and that equipment is being used against us and Iraqis.
Q A follow-up question?
SEC. RUMSFELD: No. Excuse me. Right there, the second row.
Q Thank you, Mr. Secretary. When will the United States in Japan deploy the interceptor missiles in place?
SEC. RUMSFELD: There are no plans for interceptor missiles in Japan. The current locations are in Alaska and Vandenberg. There may be other locations in the future. But there is a radar that is intended ultimately for Japan, but it has not been hooked up. What we have is a developmental initial system that does not have all the pieces in place but has some modest initial capability. And it will be some months before all of the pieces are in place.
Q General Casey, understanding that you haven't made your recommendations on troop levels, can you say are you still confident -- do you still feel confident that the level of troops that are there now could come down by the end of the year, or has this complex security situation sort of obscured your vision as to what's possible this year?
GEN. CASEY: I'm confident that we'll be able to continue to take reductions over the course of this year, and yet -- it's -- well, it's the security situation and the progress of the Iraqi security forces. And I think I've mentioned the significant progress that has been made in that regard.
Q But last year you said fairly a substantial number --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Wait a second, wait a second, wait a second, wait a second.
Q Is that still true, fairly substantial?
GEN. CASEY: I think so. It looks over time --
SEC. RUMSFELD: (Let him ?) finish answering.
GEN. CASEY: What we've always said, what we've always said is there would be a gradual reduction over time as the Iraqi security forces assumed a larger and larger role.
SEC. RUMSFELD: And I would add something else that it will very likely not be a steady path down. It could very likely be a drawdown with an increase, if you think about it. Look over the last year. General Casey has on at least three occasions -- for the January elections, the October referendum, the December elections, and more recently for the stand-up of the government -- brought in some additional forces, and -- or delayed letting some people go out or accelerated some other people coming in. And the effect has been that the number has -- right now, I think we have 126,900 or something -- it's come down from a high of 160(,000), but it could very well go back up at some point. So it very likely will go down and up and down and up depending on the circumstances and depending on the need.
Q Fairly substantial reductions by this time this year, you said that last year. Is that still the case?
GEN. CASEY: Well, we -- as the secretary just said, we've gone from when the baseline was 138(,000); we're down to about 126(,000) right now. That's -- 12,000 that's -- whether that's a very substantial amount -- enough, I'll leave to your judgment. But as I said, I think there will be continued gradual reductions here as the Iraqis take on a larger and larger role.
Q Over the next year or two --
GEN. CASEY: It'll run over the course of the next year.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Do you want to have your fifth question or do you want to let someone else ask a question? What'll it be?
Q He'd probably take a fifth question.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Should we vote? (Laughter.) Yeah, I'll bet he would.
Q General Casey, has the investigation goes on about the circumstances involving the two soldiers, what has this done to the psyche of our troops on the ground? And what immediate measures are being taken to help ensure this doesn't happen again until all the circumstances come to light?
GEN. CASEY: I'm sure -- I know commanders at every level have already gone back and revisited their procedures and reemphasized the operating procedures that they have in place to ensure that this doesn't happen. And I'm sure we'll be informed further when the investigation is completed. But they -- we routinely go back and do that across the force.
Q Sir --
Q General Casey, could we -- (inaudible word) -- the troop reduction issue. Given all the progress you've laid out in four or five bullets, why were you not able on this trip to make some recommendations for a reduction? And so I'm a little confused about that.
SEC. RUMSFELD: I explained it. He hasn't had a chance to talk to the Iraqi government in detail because the government's brand new, and he needs time to visit with the new minister of Defense, the new minister of Interior, the new prime minister and the security elements of the Cabinet and figure out and craft a joint way forward that both countries are comfortable with.
GEN. CASEY: That's exactly (right ?).
Q (Off mike.)
SEC. RUMSFELD: No, it's simple. It's not complicated. There's no mystery.
Q How long will the 127 -- this is just a follow-up. The 127, should the American public expect that to stay at that range for the foreseeable future?
GEN. CASEY: What's the --
Q The 127,000 who are still in -- who are in Iraq, should the American public expect to see that level constantly constant, even though, you know, it may slide up and down --
GEN. CASEY: What you're going to see as we -- we're starting rotations again, and so we're going to have a double crossover. So it's going to go up during the rotational period.
SEC. RUMSFELD: During the passover, left seat and right seat.
Q Passover seat, right. (Laughter.)
Q It was reported that one in every three --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Who did?
Q Pardon?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Begin your sentence again?
Q I'm sorry. It was reported that one in --
SEC. RUMSFELD: It was reported by whom? The passive voice always worries me.
Q Okay. The passive voice. It was reported earlier this morning by -- (pauses) -- can I get back to you? (Laughter.)
SEC. RUMSFELD: You're terrific! You're terrific!
Q I promise I will tell you who did it after!
SEC. RUMSFELD: Okay, fair enough. (Chuckles.) I love it!
Q But I heard from a reliable source this morning -- (laughter) --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Oh-oh.
Q -- that one in every three soldiers that returns home to America actually suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I was wondering, what efforts or what -- what --
SEC. RUMSFELD: No, there are reports about this --
Q Right.
SEC. RUMSFELD: -- and they're --
Q What steps are you taking --
SEC. RUMSFELD: I've talked to Dr. Winkenwerder about it, and each of the services is --
Q Doctor -- ?
SEC. RUMSFELD: Dr. Winkenwerder is the assistant secretary of Defense, under David Chu, for all medical-related things. And he is working with all of the services. And he can give a very comprehensive briefing on precisely what the facts are and what each of the services is doing in that regard.
And I suppose to answer your question by characterizing what he has told us, and what I believe, is that there has never in history been as comprehensive an effort to address those issues by the services with individuals when they return, and while they're there.
GEN. CASEY: And I can also tell you we have a very active Combat Stress Program in theater, and we have an assessment team we bring over annually to check on the mental health and how we're doing on that. But it's something we treat in theater as well.
SEC. RUMSFELD: And you do not need to get back to me! (Laughs; laughter.)
Q Mr. Secretary, given General Casey's concern about the Iranians, has the U.S. government communicated its concern to the Iranian government through some diplomatic channels?
SEC. RUMSFELD: You'd have to ask the State Department, but -- precisely what they've done in that regard. But I think it's safe to assume that given General Casey's concern, General Abizaid's concern, and my concern, that -- I hate to speak for them, but -- (pauses) -- I guess I shouldn't speak for them. I'll leave it for them. But clearly, I've said so publicly, General Casey said so publicly. They're not in the dark about the extent to which we're aware of what they're doing, which is notably unhelpful and causing the death of Americans.
Q Has it increased, Mr. Secretary?
SEC. RUMSFELD: General?
GEN. CASEY: Since January, we have seen an upsurge in their support, particularly to the Shi'a extremist groups.
SEC. RUMSFELD: I think we better make this the last question. Behind you, Pam.
Q General, staying on the same topic, it's sometimes difficult to sense who is pulling the strings when it comes to Iran. Are we talking about the Iranian central government pulling strings on things going on in Iraq? Are we talking about Revolutionary Guard elements? Can you elaborate a bit more who you think in Iran is actually directing this stuff?
Q And who they're helping.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Do you think there are rogue elements milling around Iran?
GEN. CASEY: It is a very complicated country. What we see, though, is their Qods Force, their special -- covert special operations forces, are the ones that are directing this. Now, you would assume that they're not doing that independently, that there is some central direction from somebody in Tehran.
Q Is the aid primarily to Sadr's forces, or is it spread between Sadr, Badr, the people in Maysan?
GEN. CASEY: We think they're supporting all of the -- not all of the groups, but a wide variety of groups across southern Iraq.
SEC. RUMSFELD: We'll make this the last question. Right here.
Q This is a good one.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Oops, oops. You've had one. You've had one. (Laughter.)
Q No, this is a good one. Actually, I have a follow-up.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Are you saying his is a bad question? (Laughter.)
Q Well let me hear it first.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Yeah, let's hear it! (Laughter.) We'll vote, we'll decide what we think.
Q General Casey, could you just talk to -- are you going to deploy a force back to Kuwait, a ready force, to replace the one that left a couple of months ago? General Ham said that there's always going to be that capability for commanders in Iraq --
GEN. CASEY: I haven't deployed the full force out of Kuwait. I still have Headquarters and about 1,400 -- there's about 1,400 folks in Kuwait I can still call on, plus I have a MEU that's available to me there.
Q Are you going to supplement them or expand -- I mean, deploy new people?
GEN. CASEY: The MEU is the reconstitution there. And these other ones are not going to stay up in Iraq permanently.
They'll rotate back as their tasks are finished.
SEC. RUMSFELD: But rather than tying it to a specific force or a specific location -- Kuwait, Germany or the U.S. -- we do like the idea that General Casey feels comfortable having some forces on a relatively short tether at some location where they could moved in in a timely manner to provide the kind of assistance that he feels the circumstances on the ground might call for. And their location could be anywhere. It could be here, could be Germany, could be there. And I would think -- don't you agree? -- that you wouldn't want to tie it to a specific place --
GEN. CASEY: Sure.
SEC. RUMSFELD: -- over a period of time.
We know that there was a call forward element in Kuwait, and that's happened to be where they are now, but at some point that'll phase out and something else will phase in.
Q And as the top military commander in Iraq, what is your opinion about a specific, set timetable for withdrawal of American forces from Iraq?
GEN. CASEY: I don't like it. I feel it would limit my flexibility. I think it would give the enemy a fixed timetable, and I think it would send a terrible signal to a new government of national unity in Iraq that's trying to stand up and get its legs underneath it.
Q How much of an increase --
Q One question on North Korea --
Q Point of procedure, sir? I have a point of procedure. I don't think you can adjourn when there's a point of procedure on the table. (Laughter.)
Q General Casey, how much of an increase by Iran, since you mentioned increase since January? Can you -- so we don't go away with any misperceptions out of this room, and we have accuracy, sir -- (laughter) -- how much of an increase have you seen since January?
GEN. CASEY: It's difficult to quantify, to say there's a been 10, 20, 30, 40 percent increase. But we are seeing the explosively formed projectile attacks against us increase. Those primarily come from Iran. We're seeing attacks, and we're finding more of them, so it's coming in from, we believe, Iran.
Q An increase -- a marked increase in --
Q Would you describe it, sir, as continuing? It just hasn't let up?
GEN. CASEY: I think it's continuing. I think it is a noticeable increase since January.
Q General, did you say --
Q (Inaudible) -- from Iran?
GEN. CASEY: No --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Tori always had this place under reasonable control. (Laughter.) I don't understand what's happened.
Q Sir, one question.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Last question.
Q Give an Irishman a break. One question on North Korea.
The South Korean defense minister --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Tell the world your name.
Q (Laughs.) They know my name.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Let's hear it. Let's hear it, though.
Q You want to pronounce it for me?
SEC. RUMSELD: No. (Laughter.)
Q (Inaudible.)
SEC. RUMSFELD: See, he's Irish.
Q (Inaudible.)
Q The South Korean Defense minister today said that he did not think a missile test was imminent. He said the North Koreans would have to go through a number of --
SEC. RUMSFELD: Who said this?
Q The South Korean Defense minister, Yoon. He said they would have to go through a series of processes before they could actually launch a missile. Do you think it's imminent? Do you believe they've fueled the rockets?
SEC. RUMSFELD: We don't need to guess. We don't know their procedures perfectly. They have not fired these, I don't believe, since 1998, the last time they fired one of the Taepondong.
Q But they need fuel, regardless.
SEC. RUMSFELD: Of course they do. And I'm not going to get into precisely what we believe the steps to be. We have theories and we get briefed on them, and the South Korean Defense minister is obviously right, you do have to go through a series of steps. The question is, at what stage are they in those steps? And I don't intend to get into it.
Q (Off mike) -- not imminent.
SEC. RUMSFELD: I do not agree with him, I do not disagree with him. I'm not commenting on what he said. (Laughter.)
Thank you, folks.
Q Thank you for coming. Come back and see us. You're always welcome.
Q/SEC. RUMSFELD (?): Come see me.
Q General Casey, are you being extended?
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Amazon's Black Friday 2014 Deals Week is up and running, with an incredible selection of doorbusters like 40% off Samsung HDTVs, 30% off select Graco strollers and car seats, 20% or more off on select kitchen appliances, 15% off select DeWalt tool orders –– plus great savings on video games, electronics, DVDs and more.
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Sequoia's Doug Leone: We Are 'Thrilled' To Be Investors In Color, 'Stay Tuned' For The Pivot. It's no secret that there's been a major amount of controversy surrounding Color, the photo sharing app that launched earlier this year with $41 million in funding from Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital, and Silicon Valley Bank (Sequoia apparently put $25 million in).
Color's debut was one of the most-hyped launches the tech world has seen over the past year, and since then the company has been plagued with executive departures, and a struggling product. Sequoia partner Doug Leone, who sits on Color's board and led the investment, sat down with us last week at TechCrunch Disrupt to talk about what he refers to as his most exciting investment in the past year (he begins talking about Color at the 4 minute mark in the video below). Color Me Badd. Come inside, take off your coat I'll make you feel at home Now let's pour a glass of wine 'Cause now we're all alone.
The opening lines of Color Me Badd's seminal "I Wanna Sex You Up" sort of perfectly encapsulates Color — the company/photo-sharing app, not the band. After one of the most-hyped launches in recent memory, it was supposed to be the app that changed proximity-based sharing. Instead, it was an app used to share a lot of drinks, often with yourself or one other person. Unfortunately, also like the song, it was all foreplay. No sex. Why Color May Be The Next Twitter. Love it or loath it, the smartphone app Color is one of the most innovative Web products to have launched this year.
It has a user experience that is as unique and different as Twitter was 5 years ago. This has led to confusion about how to use Color and questions about its value. In this post we look at the early uses of Color and analyze its chances of emulating the success of Twitter. Color launched last month in a whirl of hype, mostly due to the eye-opening $41 million prelaunch funding.
But since then, the user experience has been the center of focus. Fox, Color App Partner for 'Water for Elephants' Premiere (Exclusive) 20th Century Fox has teamed up with the makers of mobile app Color for Sunday's premiere of Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson's film Water for Elephants.
The photos and videos taken using the Color app by attendees at the New York premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre will be instantly shared to those in the immediate vicinity in a Water for Elephants premiere group (or "conversation"), which acts like an automatic feed. Fox will also have one of the film's producers and some of the talent taking videos and pictures using the app as they make their way down the carpet. Color, which launched in late March, is a free application for iPhone (and coming to Android and Windows 7) devices that allows people within 150 feet to capture and have real-time access to photos, videos and text. In one day, it was the second most popular social media application behind Facebook.
The funding and failures of Color, Silicon Valley's $41 million startup (wrapup of the week of hype and hate) As you know I didn't like Color's launch a week ago.
I thought the app just wasn't very good. Turns out I wasn't the only one. It still has a two-star review on iTunes. It got an incredible amount of coverage in the press for a new startup, including multiple plays on CNN and lots of other places. The funding of $41 million also caused a LOT of people in Silicon Valley to ask "huh?" These two things made me incredibly interested in Color. But yesterday I visited the company at 215 Hamilton Ave., in downtown Palo Alto. Why Color?s bad first experience will always ?color? this company in app stores ? Scobleizer. Like with the earlier Path, first experiences matter and are mattering more every day.
Why? Because most of the startups in the mobile space are NOT getting most of their users from a great post in Techcrunch, or a tweet or a video from me. And with 500,000 apps to choose from we won't go back and give folks another chance. There are too many five-star apps to consider for us to go back to trying two-star ones. Where are the droves of new users coming from? COLOR: Here's What No One Understands About The Huge $41 Million Round.
L011: Color.com Stuns Valley with Implied Social Network. Color [ ] -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- LAUNCHERS: CEO Bill Nguyen is a brilliant serial entrepreneur who sold his most recent company, Lala, to Apple for $40M in 2009.
Co-founder Peter Pham is the absurdly good business-development founder who is supremely networked after doing BillShrink and Photobucket. WHAT: An App for smartphones (iPhone & Android at launch) that automatically lets you share your photos with those around you. That sharing becomes a Trojan horse for building an "implied social network" (or ISN as we will call it going forward). WHEN/WHERE: Wednesday in Palo Alto. WHY: Facebook's social network is getting long in the tooth for the digerati, who are looking to spend their social cycles somewhere else. ================================SPONSOR==== Walker Corporate Law Group is proud to sponsor LAUNCH Walker specializes in the representation of entrepreneurs. www.walkercorporatelaw.com ============================================= 1. 2. 3. 4.
WHAT ABOUT BATTERY LIFE? 2. 3. Color to Get Major Update, Fix 'Loneliness' Problem. Color, the dynamic photo-sharing app that made a splash with its launch yesterday, is already hard at work on the next version of its app.
The update will directly address user criticism about the app's apparent lack of utility when a user's friends aren't nearby. The app, available for iPhone and Android, allows anybody to share their photos or videos with friends and strangers. The app detects who is nearby and automatically creates groups for sharing visual content. Sequoia Capital: "Once or twice a decade a... Color Me Fascinated: A Photo Social Network for the Here and Now. From street level in Palo Alto, California, the headquarters of Bill Nguyen's new startup appears to be an abandoned storefront: A sign on the door instructs you go to elsewhere, and the windows are covered with brown butcher paper.
But those permitted to enter find a bustling high-tech operation. Dozens of energetic young people work on long tables loaded with computer equipment. It's like a black and white photo exploding into vibrant color, reminiscent of the scene in The Sting where a nondescript door leads to a busy and luxurious gambling joint. The stealth ends. New Color app promotes mobile voyeurism. New app's mobile voyeurism New photo app called Color launches this weekThe app bills itself as location-based Twitter for photosStrangers who are nearby can see photos users post to the app (CNN) -- The makers of a new and much-anticipated smartphone app called Color are operating on this principle: "We're all inherently voyeuristic," said Peter Pham, president and co-founder of the Palo Alto, California start-up.
Color, however, is a location-based, photo-sharing app that takes voyeurism to post-Twitter level by letting users see all of the photos that are being taken by strangers who happen to be within a 150-foot radius of the user's smartphone. Photos taken through the app, which launches on Thursday morning, are public by default. They're stored on Color's servers and the company owns them, said Pham, who co-founded the 30-person company with Bill Nguyen, previously of Lala.com and a force to be reckoned with in the tech world. "Essentially, everybody is sharing one lens," said Pham.
Color: A $41m Bet On A Radical Social Mobile App. Posted by Tom Foremski - March 24, 2011 Last week I was in Palo Alto, drenched by torrential rains but happy to catchup with serial entrepreneur Bill Nguyen and hear about his remarkable new startup Color, which today launched its iPhone and Android based mobile app. Color has raised $41 million from a stellar group of investors. This is a huge amount of capital for a seed/Series A round and it shows how much confidence there is in Mr Nguyen and his team. But this is no ordinary startup. Color Looks To Reinvent Social Interaction With Its Mobile Photo App (And $41 Million In Funding)
$41 million. From Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital, and Silicon Valley Bank. Pre-launch. The Implicit Social Graph. John Battelle wrote a gushing post about Color and what it means for mobile/social/local/realtime, augmented reality, and more. There are most certainly some big ideas in the Color app. I've never put a mobile photo app on my phone but I put Color on it last night. I don't have any of my family on Color yet, but I hope to get them all on it today (I'm on spring break with my family and some of our kids' friends). Then we'll see what all the buzz is about. Why hot new photo sharing app Color got its launch strategy wrong. New photo sharing app Color launched in a blaze of hype a few hours ago, but that launch was far from ideal for the product itself and may well have harmed its long-term chances. Why? Let's take a look. Color, available now for iPhone and Android, allows you to share photos only with the people in your immediate surroundings.
Built around the idea of shared experiences, you could be at a concert and take a photo of the band. Hacker News comments. Title doesn't do it justice. The photo-sharing part isn't what's novel. They seem to be building a social graph automatically weighted on physical proximity+frequency, using smartphone sensors (the most important one of which happens to be a camera). That's cool, and potentially game-changing. What's the Point of Color? — NewsGrange. The minds behind Lala, the ingenious online music service that Apple bought and immediately shut down, just launched their newest project tonight: Color. Marshall Kirkpatrick: 2 weeks ago, @color was an... MG Siegler: After much testing, I've d... My first use. Cuil Goes Down, And We Hear It?s Down For Good. Joseph Cohen: Find it amusing that peopl...
Chris dixon: agree, don't bet against s... Patrice Lamothe: Puzzled by some reactions... Scoble's take. Is Color's Team Worth $41M, Even if Its Idea Isn't?: Tech News and Analysis « The launch of a new mobile app called Color on Wednesday has caused a lot of buzz — not so much because of the app itself, but because of the massive sum of money the company raised before it even launched. A group of funds, including Sequoia Capital, gave the company $41 million, and Sequoia's chunk (as Color proudly noted) is more than the fund invested in Google. Is this new app really as revolutionary as that implies? Maybe. But what's more likely is that the VCs involved are betting the team behind Color will come up with something worthwhile for that $41 million, and they don't particularly care what it is. Color and its supporters claim the app creates a new kind of paradigm for photo sharing, in the sense that you share pictures not just with friends or a small group, the way you would with Instagram or Path, but also with people who happen to be in the same place you are.
Color CEO: The Tech Justifies the $41 Million. COLOR.XXX PITCH DECK!! Best app store review ever - mike's posterous.


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Hotels in 40385 - Waco KY
Only hotels in 40385 zip code are listed below. Search for cheap and discount hotel rates in Waco, KY for your upcoming leisure or conference / group travel. We list the best 40385 hotels and motels so you can review the Waco hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. Hotels in Madison county and area code 859 are also listed.
40385 Hotels/Motels & Accommodations
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Rest assured, it's back to our regularly-scheduled programming here at Joystiq, but I'll be honest, I didn't attend GDC and still have a carry-on to unpack from PAX. I'm blaming Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for that. So while we work on putting our stuff away, check out last week's webcomics and vote for your favorite after the break!
Pro Tipping (Awkward Zombie)
Big on the Internet (Virtual Shackles)
Personae (Penny Arcade)
Opposites (Brawl in the Family)
Kratos (Manly Guys Doing Manly Things)
Columbian Currency (Ready Soup) %Poll-81782%


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… oh and Dan Coats is a lobbyist, John Kasich is a TV personality and Pat Toomey wants to do away with Social Security and make it easier for companies to outsource your jobs. These and other myths will soon be exploded for you, dear teabaggies, but thanks for playing.
From ThinkProgress:
In an interview with the conservative website Newsmax yesterday, Sen.-elect Rand Paul (R-KY) said he opposes any effort by Republicans to shut down the federal government, as they did when Bill Clinton was president in 1995. "I think shutting down the government is a mistake. Nobody really wants that. That's sort of government by chaos," Paul said. "What you really want is government where we say, 'We have several months to discuss this. Let's go ahead and have a budget.'"
Paul told Newsmax that he wants this budget discussion to start around the goal of an almost immediately balanced budget: "We'll give them a choice: Balance it in one year, balance it in two years. We'll give them a choice," he told Newsmax. "But I think balancing it over a 30- or 40-year period is not reasonable. And I think that we may not have 30 or 40 years to balance the budget before we have a crisis in this country.
Video here.
Meanwhile, on the other side of reality…


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SE Queenslanders suffer more mortgage stress
Marissa Calligeros Southeast Queensland has the highest rate of mortgage stress in Australia with home owners in Ipswich, Logan and the Gold Coast struggling most, new research shows.
House prices rise despite stagnant market
Marissa Calligeros SEQ property sales slowed substantially between May and June as buyers waited for the return of stamp duty concessions, but that didn't stop values rising.
South Brisbane raising the roof
Marissa Calligeros Aria Property Group intends to construct an 18-level apartment building in South Brisbane that will further boost its presence the inner-city suburb.
Demand for New Farm's rarest real estate
Marissa Calligeros An apartment in one of the most recognisable art deco buildings in inner-Brisbane was sold earlier this month long before it even hit the market.
Queensland property buyers return
Marissa Calligeros After two years waiting on the proverbial sidelines, Queensland first home buyers have returned to the property market, according to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland.
Has Brisbane's property market finished falling?
Marissa Calligeros The December quarter may have marked the start of a recovery in Brisbane's flagging property market, with house prices appearing to steady after 15 months of consecutive falls.
Has Brisbane's property market bottomed out?
Marissa Calligeros The December quarter may have marked the start of a recovery in Brisbane's flagging property market, with house prices appearing to steady after 15 months of consecutive falls.
Forecaster: Brisbane property rebound months away
Marissa Calligeros January may mark a turnaround in Brisbane's flagging property market, but there is no sign of conditions improving before then, according to leading economic forecaster BIS Shrapnel.
QLD: Southside property slumps hard
Marissa Calligeros Brisbane's southside has recorded a larger slump in house prices than any other region in all states, new analysis shows.
Cost of a Queensland house set to rise - unless you buy new
Marissa Calligeros Existing property owners will pay more to purchase an existing home in Queensland from Monday, with increases in transfer or stamp duty.
New plan for South Brisbane block
Marissa Calligeros Plans are afoot for a boutique apartment complex on a prime block of land in South Brisbane that has been vacant for two years.
Tensions rise over tower plan for Brisbane's West End
Marissa Calligeros A proposal for a 30-storey apartment building in the heart of West End has drawn the ire of local residents.
Brisbane: Bowen Hills moves on up with 30-storey towers
Marissa Calligeros Towers of up to 30 storeys high will soon start to be built in Bowen Hills as developers snap up land in Brisbane's booming inner-north.
A castle in Brisbane for under $300,000? Tell 'em they're dreaming
Marissa Calligeros Potential home buyers hunting for a $300,000 house in Brisbane will be hard pressed to find one this year.
Post-GFC not good for Brisbane property
Marissa Calligeros Despite rising marginally for the first time in seven months, Brisbane houses have lost more value so far this year than they did at the height of the 2008 global financial crisis.
Inner-city renters not keen on the 'burbs
Marissa Calligeros Generation Y may groan and complain about house prices, but some are not willing to compromise their lifestyle even if it means taking their first step on the elusive property ladder with little...
Buying or building in QLD? Here's how to save thousands
Marissa Calligeros Any property purchase is always a question of timing, but the next six weeks may be particularly crucial for house hunters following yesterday's State Budget.
To rent or buy? Which Brisbane suburbs have the smallest gap
Marissa Calligeros It's the classic first home buyer's dilemma: when is the right time to ditch the rent book for a mortgage?
Average Brisbane rates rise to be $21 a year
Marissa Calligeros The average Brisbane household rates bill will rise 1.79 per cent after the newly appointed Lord Mayor hands down his first budget today.
Brisbane house prices sliding
Marissa Calligeros Brisbane's property market is among the weakest of all Australian state capitals, with house prices continuing their slide for a sixth consecutive month.


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Beauty Tips: How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Once you've made the investment in brushes, take care of that investment by regularly washing and cleaning your brushes. Regular maintenance of your brushes will provide you with years of use, but it will also keep your makeup, brushes, and routine more sanitary. It is particularly important to regularly wash face brushes if you are acne-prone — it is best to do so after every use, especially with brushes that have been used in cream or liquids.
You can use any of the following:
- Brush Cleanser (by MAC or any other brand)
- MAC Cleanse-Off Oil (to remove stains)
- Baby Shampoo (by any brand)
Make sure to SUBSCRIBE! 😀
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Dr. Whaley was educated at the Juilliard School of Music and at The Catholic University of America where he earned the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree. While completing graduate work, he performed for six years with The United States Army Band in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Whaley has been the recipient of the Outstanding Secondary Educators of America Award, Outstanding National Catholic Bandmaster, The National Band Association's Citation of Excellence, The National Federation Interscholastic Music Association Outstanding Music Educator Award, the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Legion of Honor Award and has been included in Who's Who in American Music and the International Who's Who in Music. He has performed as conductor, adjudicator and clinician throughout the United States and is a popular lecturer for university music education programs and school in-service workshops. In addition, he has been extensively involved in music publishing. He is the author of more than twenty highly acclaimed method books for percussion instruments, two supplementary band methods (co-author), solos and ensembles and articles for various music journals. In 1979, he founded Meredith Music Publications and in the same year joined Music for Percussion, Inc. as chief editor.
The Avedis Zildjian Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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Klimer's KPM-8 mast climber is the ultimate choice for masonry and concrete restoration and repair contractors. It provides glazing, stone, siding, EIFS, drywall and mechanical contractors access solutions that consistently save time and money while providing a safe, efficient work platform for the highest productivity.
KPM-8 offers you these advantages:
Capacity Range:
Single Mast: 5,750 - 11,500 lbs (2,614 - 5,227 kg)
Twin Mast: 8,000 - 26,000 lbs (3,629 - 11,793 kg)
- KPM-8 quick summary sheet [2-page PDF file].
- KPM-8 specifications sheet [2-page PDF file].
Study operator's manual before use. Do not load above recommended safe working loads. No materials at any time to be placed on platform extensions. For configurations not shown here, consult your local Klimer dealer or operator's manual. This product must be used in conformity with safe practice and applicable statutes, regulations, codes and ordinances. Specifications of products and equipment shown herein are subject to change without notice.
Need a medium to light-duty access solution? Discover our KLIMERLITE mast-climbing work platform, offering quick assembly and superb mobility, even in rooftop applications.
Move crews and materials even more efficiently with our KTP transport platform. The KTP pins onto the KLIMERLITE drive unit. It offers wide hydraulic-powered ramps, removable guard rails for easy side loading and Klimer's unique FloorFind technology to eliminate height jogging.
^ Top of Page
Klimer Platforms.
Contact details and map here.
KLIMER, KPM-8, KLIMERLITE, KTP and related designs are trademarks of Klimer Platforms Inc. (Klimer, Klimer Platforms).
Copyright © 2007-
Website by Westman.


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A Pool-Side Bash
Eric McNatt
You don't need an Olympic-size swimming pool to make kids happy this summer: With a few inflatable wading pools and a selection of floating toys, you've got the makings of a simple outdoor birthday bash or weekend get-together. Add in a couple of basic craft projects, a yummy picnic menu, and a few adult helpers, and guests will want to visit your backyard water world again and again. Come on -- everybody into the water!Poolside Party Games
As you arrange and fill wading pools in a grassy area, think of each one as the setting for a game that will appeal to kids ages 4 and up. A few ideas: Buy or make a fishing set that includes magnetic plastic fish and poles with magnets attached to the strings. (At a birthday party, each fish can correspond to a small prize.) Place toy sailboats against the side of another pool and let kids race them by creating currents in the water with their hands. The object is to get the boats across the pool without touching them. In a third pool, set up a ring-toss game. Float plastic rings of various sizes, and let kids try to throw small balls into the center of the rings.
Other organized games can include playing follow-the-leader, using an inflatable beach ball for a game of volleyball or catch, blowing bubbles with wands both big and small -- and of course, piling into the pools to cool off! When planning and hosting the party, remember that safety is key. At any gathering involving water, the Red Cross recommends that one adult be present for every three children. Adults should stand next to the pools in case of falls.Sun & Fun Crafts
Eric McNatt
Children shouldn't stay in the sun too long, so plan a mix of activities. An easy art project that can be done in a shady spot is a great option. Before the party, stock up on inexpensive rubber flip-flops and kid-size straw hats and cloth sun hats. Set up a crafts table with the flip-flops, hats, and plenty of trimmings. Guests can decorate their summer styles with puffy paint sticks and stick-on decals or use tacky glue to affix flowers, buttons, jewels, rubber animals, and other goodies. (A sun-safety benefit: Kids are more likely to agree to wear a sun hat that they designed themselves.)Seaworthy Refreshments
It's amazing how quickly kids can work up an appetite when they're running around outside, and our party menu gives summer favorites a kid-friendly twist. Shell-shaped pasta with vegetables makes a satisfyingly delicious lunch accompanied by adorable deviled-egg boats. (Prepare plenty -- the adults will love them too!) Keep guests hydrated by offering seltzer with fruit-juice ice cubes made in trays shaped like fish and seashells. For a big finish, surprise the kids with an ocean-blue Jell-O "cake" with gummi fish and dolphins swimming inside. It's a perfect way to capture the carefree spirit of the season.