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Judaism approves of sex and sexual pleasure, valuing it as a means toward procreation and companionship.
By Rabbi Michael Gold
We Also Recommend
Reprinted with permission of the author from Does God Belong in the Bedroom?.
The Torah never explicitly lays out a sexual ethic; rather, it hints at certain attitudes in numerous passages. These attitudes are further explored in the rabbinic interpretations of these passages articulated in the Talmud and midrash.
The Torah sees the world and everything in it as essentially good: "And God saw all that He made, and found it very good" (Gen. 1:30). This goodness includes sexual activity. After creating human beings, God blesses them and tells them, "Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it" (Gen. 1:28). Thus sexual activity is a basic part of God's creation; as such it must be good. For the most part, Judaism rejected the negative teachings about sex that later became prevalent in Christianity. In fact, the rabbis throughout the talmudic period and the Middle Ages often spoke of sexual relations as a wonderful part of God's creation. One famous passage teaches:
"We the possessors of the Holy Torah believe that God, may He be praised, created all, as His wisdom decreed, and did not create anything ugly or shameful. For if sexual intercourse were repulsive, then the reproductive organs are also repulsive…If the reproductive organs are repulsive, how did the Creator fashion something blemished? If that were so, we should find that His deeds were not perfect." (from "The Holy Letter," attributed to Nahmanides)
Sexual relations, at the proper time and in the proper context, are part of God's plan and are essentially good.
In the Torah, human beings are portrayed as sexual creatures. When God creates Adam, God's immediate response is that Adam has no fitting helper—that is, no sexual partner. Adam gives names to all the various animals, but none is found to be a fitting partner for him:
"So the LORD God cast a deep sleep upon the man; and, while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that spot. And the LORD God fashioned the rib that He had taken from the man into a woman; and He brought her to the man. Then the man said, 'This one at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one shall be called Woman, for from man was she taken.' Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh" (Gen. 2:21‑24).
Did you like this article? MyJewishLearning is a not-for-profit organization.


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ECCO Biarritz Wing Tip TieSKU: #7770828
Product Information
- Comfy and casual - this is a wingtip dress shoe you'll want to wear.
- Upper made of full-grain leather and brushable nubuck.
- Features wingtip-style perforations and stitching and a lightly-buffed toe.
- Traditional five-eyelet lacing allows for a custom fit.
- Leather-covered inlay footbed is made with the 3 mm ECCO Comfort Fibre System™, which increases air circulation inside the shoe.
- Insole is removable for custom orthotics or to convert the shoe to a wider width.
- Direct injected one-component light PU outsole offers flexibility and additional shock absorption.
- Measurements:
- Weight: 15 oz
- Product measurements were taken using size 44 (US Men's 10-10.5), width M. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

subset: commoncrawl


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MINERVA - The Mountaineers are recovering from the loss of three solid players and starting seniors. They also will be under the direction of a new coach Steve McNally who made the move after seven years with the girls varsity at Minerva\Newcomb.
Last year, the Mountaineers were 8-11. Graduation took starting center Kevin Yandon, who led the team on both sides of the court and received first team all-star honors. They will also miss Chris Kellog - arguably one of the quickest guards in the league as well as starting forward Devin Tokarz.
McNally will look to his two seniors to carry the young squad. Forwards Jesse Montanye and Brandon Poulton have the potential to lead in scoring and are also aggressive defenders.
Fellow forward Roger Kelly - a junior, will join Montanye and Poulton on the starting line. Junior guard Tatsuki Miyazato and sophomore guards Morgan Winslow and Dylan Saville will also rotate on the starting line.
Junior forward Chi Ueawiriyanukan and junior guard Jonas Urwyler will come off the bench. Sophomore guard Chris O'Connor, sophomore forwards Shane LaFond and Ben Fish, and freshman forward John LaBracque will also see playing time off the bench.
McNally explained that it is a teaching year and hopes to give each player court time.
"They are all going to see playing time," he said.
He expects Indian Lake/Long Lake to be the leaders in the league and for Johnsburg to give them some good competition for the league title.
Despite a slow start, McNally has confidence in his team. "I am very happy with the way they are practicing," he said. "They are giving a lot of effort and that effort will pay off."
Minerva\Newcomb Varsity Boys Basketball
Jesse Montanye Senior Forward
Brandon Poulton Senior Forward
Roger Kelly Junior Forward
Tatsuki Miyazato Junior Guard
(Continued on Next Page)
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text: The George Perez Storyteller wiki last edited by guttridgeb on 05/11/13 02:48AM View full history George Perez is one of the greatest artists in comics history. DF put together this all inclusive retrospective with 200 pages of incredible art with information about George's career not available ANYWHERE else! Brought to you with the cool Perez Cover featuring characters from the Avengers, Red Sonja, Spider-Man, Darkman, Crimson Plague, Ash of the Army of Darkness, Spider-Man, Iron Man and more!


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Freshman Orientation
Incoming freshman Erica Garzino, who wants to major in biology, and her father, Frank, of Plainview, N.Y., speak with Amy Pollock-Drake, assistant director of housing for Residential Life, about the benefits of living at Newing College, during an Orientation information fair held in the Mandela Room.
News Briefs
Keep information booth informed
August 6, 2013
The campus is reminded to send details of campus events to the Information Booth so staff there can direct visitors easily and appropriately to your events.
Submissions for electronic message signs
January 10, 2013


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|« Back to Article
Stars lose to Shock; seventh straight playoff berth in peril
Staff and wire report : August 23, 2013 : Updated: August 26, 2013 9:56am
Shameka Christon came off the bench to score 18 points for the Stars.
TULSA, Okla. — Liz Cambage had 20 points and eight rebounds while Glory Johnson added 15 points and the Tulsa Shock earned a 73-67 win over the Silver Stars on Friday.
Candace Wiggins added 16 points for the Shock, including two key free throws with 7.2 seconds to go that sealed the win.
Shameka Christon scored 18 points off the bench to lead the Silver Stars (9-17), who lost for the first time in Tulsa. The Silver Stars are 1-6 in their past seven road games and 3-11 on the year outside Texas.
Shenise Johnson added 13 points, eight in the fourth quarter, and eight rebounds.
The Silver Stars missed guard Danielle Robinson, the WNBA's assist leader, with a strained right knee suffered in a 80-63 loss at Indiana on Wednesday.
The Stars' hopes of reaching the playoffs for the seventh straight year are in jeopardy. They sat 31/2 games behind Seattle, which played late Friday, for the final spot in the Western Conference.
With seven games remaining, the Shock (9-18) matched the team's highest victory total in their four seasons in Tulsa.
Wearing special pink uniforms that were auctioned off after the game to support the battle against breast cancer, the Shock built a huge lead early and coasted the rest of the way to just their second win in their past six games.
The Silver Stars' 22 points at the half marked the fewest points they've scored in any single half this season, as well as a season-low total allowed by the Shock in a half.
The 18-point halftime deficit also was the biggest of the season for the Stars.


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Last night my friend Kendall came over for a local foods dinner. We had quite a feast: roasted garlic and kale soup, CSA pork chops brined in a maple-juniper mixture, kraut and apple salad, spicebush ice cream. The ice cream was served with a few chunks of pineapple. Yes, pineapple. Kendall decided to take advantage of my "gift exemption" and surprise me with a bag of imported tropical goodies that she knew I hadn't tasted much of since starting The 250. Her gift included pineapple chunks, a mango, a lime, and kumquats.
The juicy burst of pineapple in my mouth was a treat not so much because it was pineapple but because it was a fresh fruit in winter (that wasn't yet another apple). I'll be eating the pineapple and the mango for breakfast for the next couple of days, and I'll figure out something to do with the kumquats. But what really has me perplexed is what to do with the lime.
A singular and, to a Northeast locavore, exotic treasure. One lime. I used to take limes for granted, using them in tortilla lime soup, Thai recipes, and salsa without much thought. But now I am like those 19th century children who thought getting an orange in their Christmas stocking was just the best gift ever. It's a side effect of The 250 that I have a heightened sense of appreciation for non-local goods, and a cautious respect for the many costs of getting them here. I hope that when The 250-Mile Diet year is over I keep that acute awareness. It's not that I will never again eat an orange or a lime or a banana or a pineapple, but I don't ever want to consider them everyday foods. Not unless I move to a much warmer climate.
Meanwhile, Kendall's lime sits on my kitchen table while I try to think of something suitably celebratory to do with it. It should be featured, not just added to the mix of whatever I cook. And since it is perishable, I don't have forever to make my decision. Any suggestions?
Not sure what this is about? Read Getting Ready for the 250-Mile Diet and The Rules


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Job Opportunities for Professional Santas
SantaForHire.com is a Talent Agency that provides part time actors to various customers. SantaForHire.com searches for, finds and accepts Contracts from customers and provides these customers natural bearded actors playing the role of Santa Claus. SantaForHire.com is the Contracting Company that contracts with Santa Actors to perform according to the customer requirements and SantaForHire.com contracts with the customer to provide Santa Actors.
Please complete this application form and mail or fax it to SantaForHire.com 232 via Eboli Newport Beach CA. 92663, fax number (949) 673-7707 or e-mail your application and photos to:email@example.com.
Job Interest/Job Application Form
Date of Application: .
First Name: __________________MI_____Last Name:
Home Phone: ___________________Cell Phone: ___________________, GPS in car/phone?
E-mail address: twitter account: .
facebook account: .
Home address:
Do you have a Website? www. .
Desired job: SantaForHire.com finds jobs for natural bearded Santas nationwide and internationally.
Please mark(X) the two jobs that you are most interested in doing.
- Malls: _____
- Private/company parties: _____
- Photo shoots:_____
- TV commercials:_____
- Other: _____
Are you willing to travel? Local only _____ Nationwide _____International _____
Do you have a Mrs. Claus that can travel as your assistant on International Assignments? __________
Experience and resume: Please send us updated information about yourself, your resume/experience as a Santa and your resume when not acting the part of Santa.
How many years have you been a Professional Santa? . a Mall Santa .
How many years have you worked as a non-professional Santa? .
Please send 3 new (the past 2 years) photographs (in JPEG format). The photos should be taken while wearing your best Santa Suit and should include:
1. a head shot or head and shoulders shot
2. a full length photo while you are standing
3. and a group photo while working as a Santa
Preferably all the photos will be taken by a professional Photographer.
Please send us a video with you reading "The Night Before Christmas". The video can be taken with your cell phone camera or using the video mode available in most digital cameras. The video should be approximately 60 seconds long and should be taken while you are wearing you Santa suit.
Do you have a valid Passport? and Driver's License? .
Personal Information
Height: Weight: Santa Belly padding needed?
Preferred stage name: _____________________
General Health: Excellent: Good . Fair .
Beard naturally White or bleached white ?
Do you have your Beard year around or do you shave for the summer? ________
Do you speak other languages than English________? which languages? ________________________.
Which countries have you visited? .
Are you a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) ? or the National Association of Professional Santas (NAoPS?) ?
Do you have training to become a professional actor ?
Please explain .
Do you have experience as an Actor in a local Theatre Group on TV or in Movies ?
Please explain .
Please send your information by regular mail or e-mail to the address below.
Santaforhire.com 232 via Eboli Newport Beach, CA. 92663
or E-mail: email@example.com and email@example.com.
What is your availability for this year?
Medical History Questionnaire
First Name: ______________________Last Name: date:
Please explain any medical condition that will affect your doing your job of portraying Santa Claus at a Mall, a private or Company party, sitting for a photo shoot, acting in TV or other commercials or for flying long periods of time:
Do you smoke or drink? Yes no .
Are you able to not smoke or drink for the entire Christmas season? Yes no .
Are you able to lift Children weighing 40 pounds on and off your lap for 8 hours a day? .
Are you able to stand or walk around a customer's Mall or store for long periods?
Does your Driver's license have driving limitations? Yes no .
Is there anything we need to know about your Health or Medical History?
Whom do we contact in case of a medical emergency?
Experience and References as Santa
Experience and resume: Please send us information about yourself, your resume/experience as a Santa and a short resume of your work history when not acting the part of Santa. We will need three (3) references as Santa and in your professional life.
Also, please send 3 recent photographs (in JPEG format). The photos should include a head shot, a full length photo and a photo while working as a Santa-all in your Santa outfit, preferable taken by a professional Photographer.
We will need a recent background check as required by our Insurance carrier and our customers.
Company or Private Parties the past 3 years:
Please list 3 or more Parties and references for the Parties:
Mall or Department Store Experiencevt the past 3 years:
Please list 3 or more Mall jobs or Department Store jobs and references:
Photo Shoots and TV commercials Experience the past 3 years:
Please list 3 or more jobs and references for Photo Shoots and TV commercials:
Santa Claus House in North Pole Alaska
To meet Santa Claus please visit Santa Claus house in North Pole, Alaska


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Just this and that about this and that!
Oh how gorgeous is that? Such a lovely little bee too, don't hint I've ever seen one like that before. Great photo Chrissie.Mary
I love this altered purse and to take picture of that Bee, just beautiful, thank you so much for your inspiration! Olivia,


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News and Announcements
Accounting News
On Thursday, October 28th, the Accounting Club held their annual banquet at Mi Famiglia. It was an impressive event! Fifty-nine accounting professionals (many are alumni), 14 SCSU accounting faculty, and 60 students were in attendance. This year, $33,360 in scholarship awards were awarded to students.
<< Previous | Next >>


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Why Bring Your Own Bag?
Start a habit you'll be proud to flaunt: remember your own bags every time you go to the store. It's one simple way to go green in your daily life. And when people see you're making the right choice, they're likely to do it too.
Some paper & plastic statistics
- Each year the United States consumes 30 billion plastic and 10 billion paper grocery bags, requiring 14 million trees1 and 12 million barrels of oil.2
- The pulp and paper industry is the 2nd largest industrial user of energy in the U.S.3
- More than 46,000 pieces of plastic contaminate each square mile of our oceans.4
- Only 1% of plastic bags are recycled annually nationwide.6
Solutions in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco: Banned plastic bags at large chain supermarkets and pharmacies in 2007 and is currently considering extending the ban to all retailers and including a charge on recycled-content paper bags.
Palo Alto: Banned plastic bags at large supermarkets.
Fairfax: Banned plastic bags at all supermarkets.
San Jose: Adopted a ban on plastic bags and a charge on recycled-content paper bags at all retailers which is set to go into effect January, 2012.
Marin County: Adopted a ban on plastic bags and a charge on paper bags at large supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores which will go into effect in 2012.
Solutions from around the world
Alaska: 30 communities have instituted bans on the distribution of non-biodegradable plastic bag.
Australia: The government and Australian Retailers Association agreed to reduce plastic bag use by 25 percent by 2004 and 50 percent by 2005.
Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banned polyethylene bags after they clogged drains and worsened floods.
Bhutan: Vendors caught handing out plastic bags face losing their business license.
Denmark: Plastic bag tax is twice that for paper bags, with both paid by retailers upon purchase. Consumption of paper and plastic bags has declined by 66 percent.
Ireland: A 30 cent fee per bag for retail customers has resulted in a 90% reduction of single-use bags.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India: Prohibits bags thinner than 20 microns (as does Delhi, Maharashtra and Kerala) to discourage use.
South Africa: Banned all plastic bags thinner than 30 microns.
Switzerland: Requires supermarkets to charge 15-20 cents per paper bag.
Taiwan: Banned the free distribution of plastic bags and food service ware by government agencies, schools, restaurants, supermarkets and other stores.
- "Paper or Plastic?", Delicious Living Magazine, March 2002.
- Reusable Bags Tackle Plastic Bag Mess, Organic Trade Association.
- "Paper Cuts: Recovering the Paper Landscape", Abromovitz & Mattoon,Worldwatch Institute, Washington DC, 1999.
- Keep the Sea Plastic Free, Bin It, Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Heritage
- Turtles Don't Shop, Earth Resource Foundation.
- Plastic Bags: A Necessary Eyesore?, Worldwatch Institute.


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RCA Audio Piggyback Cable, 2 RCA Male to 2 RCA Male + RCA Female Piggyback, 6 foot
Product Information
RCA Audio Piggyback Cable, 2 RCA Male to 2 RCA Male + RCA Female Piggyback, 6 footThis 6 foot standard quality RCA piggyback cable is for connecting audio components together and will allow you to connect multiple stereo audio cables to one jack without using separate splitters. RCA is an economical way to connect audio and video devices, such as stereo equipment, DVD players, TVs.
4.8 / 5.0 (9 reviews)
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(Bowling Green, KY)
Easily found the item on the web site. Is what I was looking for.
(Taylor, MI)
Came in perfect condition just as described and for a good price!
(Pittsburgh, PA)
Easy to use, piggy back jacks were at a good angle and cable fit nicely despite it being installed in a tight area.
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Product as advertised. Shipped on backorder but arrived quickly.
(Berkeley, CA)
Good deal.
(warwick, ri)
Works exceptionally well.


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Estee Lauder Tease Illuminating Powder Gelee Blush
Estee Lauder Pretty Naughty: Tease
Estee Lauder Tease Illuminating Powder Gelee Blush ($40.00 for TBA oz.) is a highlighting powder and blush with "soft color" that "builds to a high sheen." It's a soft pink with a hint if plum and slight cool undertones with a frosted, lightly metallic finish. It's very much in the same vein (as far as finish goes) as other iterations of the formula. MAC Flower Fantasy was the closest color I could think of, but it's a bit lighter. Lancome Moonlight Rose has a similar finish, but it's much, much lighter. Bobbi Brown Wild Rose is warmer, less pink, more beige.
The pigmentation on Tease is excellent; it's a very buildable product, but it doesn't require careful application to avoid getting too much pigment. It should work well for really pale complexions as well as much deeper ones. It has a beautiful, finely-milled consistency and soft, smooth texture that applies and blends well on the skin. There is a very slight emphasis of pores and skin texture, but it's at a level where the glow it yields seems like a good trade-off and is not noticeable from afar. On my medium skin tone, it added both soft color and sheen. It lasted for eight full hours without fading. If you are a fan of this type of powder product, I think this one is definitely worth checking out.
I'm not sure how much product this contains (the back of mine has sample labeling), but I know that previous versions of the Illuminating Powder Gelees have been 0.15 oz. and 0.17 oz. The size of this compact is the same, so I would expect it to be of similar size. There definitely seems to be plenty of product in the pan.
The Glossover
|If you are a fan of this type of powder product, I think this one is definitely worth checking out. It will work on a variety of complexions, has a lovely texture, and true-to-pan pigmentation.
|Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!


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Before opening it, I was excited. I expected some nifty food and potions, maybe gems or herbs, and greens. I like to be surprised by some things, so I hadn't looked up the current loot list.
Needless to say, after a few days, and a bag full of useless 68 greens with + resistances on them, I became discouraged. Then I opened my first one of the day, and voila! A [Badge of Justice]!
Because I rarely have much time to spend in-game these days, I hadn't collected any of these yet (sad I know). The experience actually reminded me of the two times that [Wall of the Dead] dropped for me, and the time that [Kang the Decapitator] fell into my hands, and the roll came out in my favor. The two rarest pets I've ever farmed and received, the [Captured Firefly] and the [Tiny Crimson Whelpling], also definitely gave me a natural high.
What warm and fuzzy memories do you have of surprising drops and good fortune?


text:
Data Set Metadata involves:
For more information, contact Sai Deng or visit Data Set Metadata under Funding Policy Requirements.
Analysis Support (currently unsupported) involves:
See also Long-Term Data Hosting
Research Data
Currently supported by the Institute for Simulation & Training's Advanced Research Computing Center
Ethics & Compliance involves:
For more information, visit the Office of Research & Commercialization's Ethics & Compliance page.
All listed aspects of Grant Planning are currently supported by the Office of Research & Commercialization
Continue to the Publication Cycle
Last updated June 20, 2013 4:12:57 PM


text:
- Attorney General Brad D. Schimel
- Fighting Crime
- Victim Assistance
- Consumer Protection
- Media Center
- About Department of Justice
- Topical Index
This Google™ translation feature is provided for informational purposes only.
The Office of the Attorney General is unable to guarantee the accuracy of this translation and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information resulting from the translation application tool.
Please consult with a translator for accuracy if you are relying on the translation or are using this site for official business.Contact the Department of Justice
Joel Schielzeth's Bond Condition Prevented Access to the Internet
MADISON - Joel Schielzeth of Stoughton was arrested on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at his residence at 2611 County Hwy. B in Stoughton, Wisconsin for felony bail jumping with the assistance of the Stoughton Police Department.
On December 18, 2008 Schielzeth signed a Dane County Circuit Court signature bond for case 2008CFR002333 in which Schielzeth was arrested and charged with exposure of a child to harmful material. As a condition of the bond, Schielzeth was not to access the Internet. However, from 1/21/2009 through 1/26/2009, Schielzeth engaged in online communications in the Internet social networking website Facebook.com with Santa Cruz County (CA) Sheriff's Office Sgt. Joseph Heartsner. Heartsner was posing in an undercover capacity as a seventeen (17) year old female.
Questions concerning this case should be directed towards the Dane County District Attorney's Office.
A defendant enjoys the presumption of innocence. The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.
Additional information is available
A copy of the criminal complaint is available at


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Things to see and do - Osaka
Leaving for Japan
Nearby hotels
Tennoji Miyako Hotel from9680 JPYBook
Hotel 1-2-3 Tennoji from4400 JPYBook
Hotel Casablanca from13000 JPYBook
Things to do nearby
Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Osaka
- 77 €
- Book
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour including Golden Pavilion and Todaiji Temple from Osaka
- 133 €
- Book
Kyoto Day Tour of Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Sanjusangendo from Osaka
- 122 €
- Book
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka :
Nearby tourist sites
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Address : Tennoji-ku, Uehommachi 6-1-55 J - Osaka
from : 18000 JPYBook
Featuring 9 food and beverage options and an indoor pool, Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka is just steps from Osaka Uehonmachi Train Station. The spacious rooms include free Wi-Fi. The contemporary rooms at the Sheraton Osaka include a minibar and en suite bathroom. Fresh Japanese-style bathrobes and sleepwear are provided daily. Osaka Castle and the National Bunraku (Puppet) Theatre are a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Tanimachi Kyu-chome Subway Station is a 5-minute walk away. For a fee, an airport shuttle is available. Guests can exercise at the Miyako Health Club, get some work done at the business centre or simply work out the kinks with a relaxing massage. A florist and hair salon are also housed at the hotel. Top of Miyako Restaurant offers international fare with 21st-storey city views. Bar Eu and Cafe Belle offer relaxation with a drink, while Chinese dishes are served at Shisen.
Useful Information
- Address : Tennoji-ku, Uehommachi 6-1-55 J - Osaka543-0001Osaka
Main services
- Air conditioning
- Satellite TV


text:
It's blowing a whole lot of smoke and chugging back a whole bunch of jet fuel on this one. Our media have not been providing much elucidation either.
Let's start with an impressive looking but fake aircraft:
The government's claim:
"Contrary to Liberal myths, this was a competitive process. Canada participated in an extensive and rigorous competitive process where two bidders developed and competed prototype aircraft," said a spokesman for Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
Indeed. The US government conducted a prototype competition, that ended in 2001, to select a strike–optimized for ground attack–fighter for the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, and for the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
Canada did have a limited role in that competition:
Canada's participation began in 1997, when it gained the status of informed partner upon making a US$10 million commitment to Phase 1, the Concept Demonstration Phase. Unlike the United Kingdom, Canada did not announce plans to buy the JSF…
But now it would now appear to be the government's position that a nine-year old competition that did not commit Canada to any acquisition, by foreign governments working with their own criteria, to choose a new, primarily ground attack fighter, is suddenly a completely sound basis on which to purchase a new fighter for our Air Force. That is certainly a rousing assertion of Canadian sovereignty. In future let's just buy whatever the US, or UK, choose after a competition if the Canadian Forces need a somewhat similar piece of kit.
Moreover, Minister MacKay was saying something different in the House of Commons on May 27 this year:
…I just want to be very clear on the record that the reference to the next generation of fighter aircraft does not preclude a competition, and an open and transparent one…
One wonders what happened so rapidly that did preclude any competition.
Mr MacKay also said this in the House on July 14:
…What is ironic and what is lost on the member opposite is that in fact, it was his party when in government which, in 2002, entered into this 10-year, $10 billion contract…
That is a whopping economy with the truth. These are the facts; there was no "$10 billion contract":
Cabinet approval paved the way for the negotiation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Canada and the United States concerning Canadian participation in the SDD phase as a Level 3 partner. The MOU was signed on 7 February 2002…Under the MOU, the Department of National Defence will contribute US$100 million as its share of the project costs while providing the resources of any Canadian test and evaluation facilities that might be used, as well as some personnel to the JSF Program Office. Technology Partnerships Canada will also provide US$50 million in funding for contracts, while the Canadian Commercial Corporation will make its services available. The Department of National Defence can withdraw from the MOU if it decides that the level of Canadian industrial participation in the project is not satisfactory…
In fact until just recently the government was maintaining that Canada had no commitment to buy the F-35. This is from the cached version of the Industry Canada webpage on the Joint Strike Fighter–note the name–project (the page itself has suddenly gone blank, how odd):
Participation in JSF does not commit Canada to future purchases of the F35 aircraft…
But, it is worth noting, the Air Force itself has really wanted the plane for some time. From a 2007 Air Force article:
…Canada is participating in the development of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter, along with a number of other nations.
Although no commitment to purchase has been made, the JSF appears to be the most cost-attractive option for Canada…
The government is being very cagey about costs. From a NY Times story:
Mr. MacKay would not say how much Canada would pay for each jet. Although he did indicate that the 9 billion Canadian dollar figure includes other costs like training, improvements to airbases as well as simulators.
A Canadian procurement official, who spoke on the condition he not be identified, said that the government was assuming that it would pay 90 million Canadian dollars for each F-35 although it anticipated that the final cost would be much lower [how the heck was that conclusion reached?].
Tom Burbage, a top Lockheed manager for the program, said the company expected to sell the planes to Canada for $60 million to $65 million each, not accounting for maintenance, parts or inflation…
Those costs however are very uncertain in reality (same story):
The American defense secretary, Robert M. Gates, recently revamped the F-35 program and removed the general in charge, after the Pentagon's projected costs soared 64 percent to $382 billion for 2,457 planes…
And from an earlier NYT story:
…Lockheed Martin's chief executive, Robert J. Stevens, said in June that the company was cutting its costs and improving the efficiency of its production.
Though recent Pentagon estimates have placed the cost of a single F-35 as high as $112 million, Mr. Stevens said Lockheed believed it could lower the cost, by 2014 or 2015, to be comparable to updated and fully loaded versions of older fighters, like Boeing's F/A-18 and Lockheed's own F-16. That would reduce the price of each F-35 to about $65 million…
Lockheed Martin has certainly been fighting back. An article in Aviation Week and Space Technology, June 28, p. 38 (text subscriber only):
Lockheed Briefs International Partners On F-35 Cost Story
Lockheed Martin's campaign to convince customers that F-35 Joint Strike Fighter costs will be below Pentagon estimates faces key tests in coming months [well he would, wouldn't he?]…
The company expects to achieve its $60-million price goal for the F-35A around 2016-17, but "it depends on the ramp rate [that's the speed at which production is increased],"…
So when will the price (basically the lowest, flyaway one) be in the $60 million range? 2014-15 or 2016-17? That's rather important to us since (first NYT piece, more detail the government is not giving us):
Kim M. Testa, a spokeswoman for Lockheed Martin, said that Canada would complete the procurement in 2014 and begin accepting delivery two years later…
By "complete the procurement" is meant signing an actual contract one assumes.
The government has also not formally said what version of the F-35 we are buying: "A" (conventional takeoff and landing, USAF); "B" (short takeoff, vertical landing, USMC); "C" (carrier version, USN). Leave it to Lockheed Martin:
The version the Canadian Air Force is buying is the least expensive of the three variants [the "A", not the "B" STOVL version that the CBC and CTV persisted in showing in their coverage] and in today's dollars it will be around $60 million per aircraft, said Lockheed spokeswoman Kim Testa.
DoD officials told lawmakers in June that the F-35 fighter program could cost as much as $382.4 billion, with an average through-life per-plane price tag of $92.4 million….
It sure is clear that the actual price of the F-35 is very murky, regardless of the price basis.
(This is what the government says its costs are based on:
The Government of Canada has committed approximately CAD$9 billion to the acquisition of 65 F-35 aircraft and associated weapons, supporting infrastructure, initial spares, training simulators, contingency funds and project operating costs. This is funded through the Canada First Defence Strategy and the National Defence Investment Plan…
Plus this: "Maintenance, according to local media that cited unnamed sources, will cost an extra seven billion dollars (6.6 billion US) over 20 years.")
Meanwhile, the price of the Boeing F/A-E/F Super Hornet, the most reasonable alternative to the F-35:
…a per-plane price in the low $40 million range for each fighter, excluding government furnished equipment, said one source. Including that equipment, the price per plane will be about $50 million, well below the $57 million price listed on a Navy website about the twin-engine fighter…
Another thing the government isn't mentioning is the primary role of the F-35 for the US. This is how the US Navy sees it (USAF is no different):
…the true introduction of a next-generation weapon system capable of providing joint, coalition striking power on Day One…
That's why stealth is so important, to shield the aircraft in an initial attack against targets protected by a heavy and effective air defence system. How likely is it that Canada will ever participate in such an attack (think the start of the two wars with Iraq)?
The government is also mainly justifying the purchase of the F-35 on the grounds of two factors: it is a "fifth generation", i.e. stealthy, aircraft, and interoperablility.
Canada will acquire an aircraft fully interoperable with our key allies…
The F-35 is the only available fifth generation aircraft that meets the Canadian Forces's need for a next-generation fighter [the only other such Western plane is the USAF F-22, which the Americans will not now export]…
Fine. Now why is the Super Hornet not suitable for Canadian consideration with those factors in mind?
The USN is acquiring a total of 515 Super Hornets, with 124 still to be produced (the government has passed over that, only 480 F-35Cs are planned for the USN). Remember that the USAF for the last many years has been flying F-15 and F-16 fighters while the USN has been flying Hornets and then Super Hornets. Our Air Force has at the same time been flying Hornets. Have we been grossly uninteroperable all those years, a dire flaw that we must now fix at great cost? Note also that three of our largest NATO allies, Germany, France and Spain, are not interested in the F-35 (others involved are Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, Denmark, Norway and Australia).
In addition the Super Hornet will clearly be good enough for the USN–surely a front-rank service–for many years to come without being a fifth-generation fighter. Why if it is good enough for them is it not good enough for us? The Super Hornet has replaced the F-14 in the air defence role and also is a fully capable ground attack plane (more here)–except for that initial strike role in certain circumstances noted above. Do not those roles seem the ones any Canadian government would require from its Air Force's fighters?
I am in fact not arguing that Canada should buy the Super Hornet. What I am saying is that without a real competition, based on clear operational requirements, there is no firm justification for buying the F-35–whatever smoke the government blows out its tailpipe.
As for those operational requirements. When we acquired our Hornets in the 80s they had two main roles: continental air defence under NORAD and strike/air combat in Europe under NATO. That second role has vanished yet there has been, under both the Liberal and Conservative governments, no reconsideration of what our Air Force's fighters should do.
We obviously need some fighter capability for continental air defence (though that threat is pretty low) and for airspace surveillance (more here) if we do not want the Americans to take over the job for us. But how much of a ground attack capability, and how sophisticated a one (stealth?), do we really need?
After all the government has not even been willing to employ our CF-18s in Afghanistan to support the CF and allied forces there. Might not then acquiring real ground attack helicopters–the Dutch have these–be a good idea? Our Griffons, though now upgraded, are not the real deal (note the rather, er, discrete description of their missions in Afstan here, no mention of their armament in the "Technical Specifications").
And if only the absolutely most modern and best will do for our forces, why the financial scrimping over the Joint Support Ship? Not a whole lot of logic or consistency from the government. But maybe it all just boils down for them to an Air Force personnel question:
…the more important question is surely why the Canadian Forces needs Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighters…
So when Defence Minister Peter MacKay was pointedly asked in the news conference this morning for "specific examples of the uses of these aircraft," I listened carefully for what I thought might be the key answer of the day.
I expected him to sketch some military scenarios. In what sort of likely conflict or anticipated crisis will we deploy expensive fighter jets? Instead, MacKay surprised me by stressing mainly the challenges of recruiting and retaining military pilots. I've read that air force pilots leaving for private sector jobs is an issue, but I hadn't figured that factor would feature so prominently in the minister's thinking on a massive procurement program…
…here's most fully developed part of MacKay's answer:
"We have very capable pilots currently serving in the Canadian Forces. We want to continue that trend. By the year 2016, 2020, they will be asked to fly 35-, 40-year-old aircraft. So it helps a great deal, I can assure you, in recruiting, to have new gear, new equipment, that is state of the art. That is a very important part of our regeneration of personnel and pilots in particular. So having that platform capability is something that is of great importance to the continued growth of the Canadian Forces and the development of our pilots."
Update: In National Post's "Full Comment":
Mark Collins: Smoke and fighters


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Decisions Decisions
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Portland, OR USA
Posts: 5,589
Re: Decisions Decisions
I work with a few people that I don't want to spend time with outside of the band. I wouldn't necessarily agree with or condone some of the choices they make, either. But, in the bands that we're in, they have the dedication, drive, and talent needed to pull their weight in the group. I have no qualms about them, and we get along fine. Sometimes heads butt and sometimes egos come into play, but I've got to step back and realize that I'm not perfect, either.
On the flip side of this, I just quit working with another singer/songwriter who was making some very bad choices, and they impacted a couple of my friends. He has a bad reputation, and if you merely mention his name to some people, they go off on the guy. Now, he's really talented and writes really good songs, but when it comes to my own reputation and being affiliated with that guy, I'd rather not.
It depends on your goals with the group(s). If your current line up that you're buddy-buddy with is working, then GREAT! Stick with it, 'cause it sounds like a good time and worthwhile. If the new group seems to have direction and drive and knowledge about how to be successful, then I'd probably give them a test drive to see if they really can be successful. If there's going to be any friction amongst your current group with you working with "Tom", then I'd give it some serious consideration, and if you think that you really want to pursue it, you'll need to have a talk with them about it so it doesn't pop up at a later time that you've been working with that "such and such an expletive" for the past 5 months, which would bite you and your relationships in the butt.
Also, you should figure out if any success with the new group would be negated by your association with "Tom". Not just in music circles, but does this guy have a bad rap with females? Bartenders? Other musicians/promoters/booking agents? Anyone? If so, you don't want that negative association attached to YOUR reputation.
In the end, I'd prioritize your current relationships over the chance at some success with the new group, but it might be possible to have both.
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This is above all a functional product, a means to an end. In order to move forward with our stated goal of creating an e-bike tuning system we needed to create a serious bike mount for the dashboard, so we can run all our cool apps while riding.
During the development process we thought about our roots in gravity sports and decided to make something these buddies could also use. Naturally the attachment to the bike gives up some style points for sturdiness but being able to use the camera mode forwards or backwards is awesome and it's easy to fix the phone at almost any angle you want without using any tools. We are really excited to show off this product so you can see what potential lies here.
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Let me say that I know it's a warm day, and we have been instructed to be brief. I always remember that Shakespeare, in one of his plays, said that "brevity is the soul of wit." So I will try to express my soul and my wit as briefly as possible so that we will not delay the cutting ceremony too long. But I wanted to say just a couple of things to all of you.
It has been, no doubt in my mind, the most distinguished honor I could ever have to be the Secretary of Defense of this great country. There is no other nation in the world that is as powerful. There is no other nation in the world that holds up our ideals throughout the world, that torch of liberty that we hold up to all of the world which says that we stand behind democracy, free markets, free people, and liberty. That's exactly what we have been fighting for throughout history and what we continue to fight for today.
We have paid tribute, appropriately, to all the members [of Congress] who are up on this podium. Bob Livingston, whom I served with in the House and then when I was in the Senate, has been truly an outstanding leader on your behalf. I have enjoyed working with him. I enjoyed working with Senator [John] Breaux, and Senator [Mary] Landrieu now, and your entire delegation, Congressman Livingston and others.
There is another gentleman in the audience with whom I served back in the early seventies, and that is [former Congressman] Dave Treen. Dave, it is great to see you. It has been a long time. It's great to be back here to be with you. [Applause.]
I wanted to say just a few words about our men and women in uniform. As Senator Landrieu has indicated, we just came from Fort Polk. We saw young people who are now preparing to ship off soon to go to Bosnia. You should be enormously proud of them. [Applause.]
We have the finest fighting force in the world. They are the best-led people. They are the best trained. They are the best educated. They are the best equipped. They carry themselves not only as warriors and, indeed, peacekeepers, but also as great diplomats. When we send our men and women forth -- and you are seeing some of them here today in uniform -- to other countries and when other countries take a look at them and see how proud they are, how they carry themselves, how patriotic and professional and competent and capable they are, they make a judgment about us. They say, "There's a country on whose side I want to be on." And our potential adversaries say, "There's a country that I don't want to contest."
So when we send these young people forward, we should be eternally grateful for the sacrifices that they make. And I know that you're all aware of this because Louisiana has a proud history of supporting our military over the years. You have, in addition to Fort Polk, in addition to Barksdale [Air Force Base], where we were just a few weeks ago, in addition to Avondale [Shipyards], you have the tremendous support of all of the people of Louisiana. And that really reflects what you're doing behind me now, in terms of this new information technology.
It is frequently said that we are always willing to fight the last war. That's no longer the case. As you see, every day that goes by we are changing the way in which we do business from a military point of view. We have what we call a Revolution in Military Affairs. We are now doing more and more experimenting, integrating high technology into the way in which we conduct our military operations. You're seeing just a part of that take place over Kosovo today.
While critics are quick to point out the mistakes that we make -- and we do make them from time to time -- I'd have you know that we've flown some 19,000 sorties to date and that we have lost only two aircraft out of those 19,000 sorties. [Applause.]
Of all the munitions that have been dropped in order to destroy and decimate and downgrade Milosevic's military capability, we have taken great care, and will always take great care, to make sure that we do not harm innocent civilians. We're not always perfect, but we go to extraordinary lengths, like no other country, like no other group of democracies, in order to minimize harm to innocent people.
So we should be grateful for the men and women who are serving us. They serve. They sacrifice. They go without. Their families suffer, as well, in terms of the loss of their companionship, the deprivation that takes place. But they do so willingly. [I see this when] I travel out to the Persian Gulf, where the temperatures can get up to about 150 degrees, with the combined heat and humidity, much like it is getting up here right now.
Think about it. On the decks of some of our aircraft carriers during the hottest months in the Gulf, the combined temperature is 150 degrees, when you have all of those aircraft taking off with all those afterburners, these kids are out there and they are happy and doing what they're doing because they know they're there to promote and to protect peace and stability throughout the world, of which we are the beneficiaries. So we owe each and every one here a great hand of gratitude. [Applause.]
Let me conclude with some observations about the new world into which we're entering. I think it was in Peanuts where it was said, "How do I do new math with an old math mind?" That's what we have to do. But we have to do the new math with new math minds.
These two buildings behind me represent our dedication to having a Revolution in Business Affairs, in information technology. We know that information is power, and that the country that is able to acquire, develop, collate, and integrate information in the most efficient manner is going to remain the superior power. We are the superior power in the world today. We are the world's superpower today. It is because of not only our weaponry, it is not only because of our technology behind us that we will have, but also, and primarily, because of the people.
So now we are integrating the people, the technology and this new information age to continue making us the superpower that will be the beacon of hope for so many millions, and indeed billions, of people throughout the world.
One of the most memorable events that took place while I was in the Senate was when [Czech] President Vaclav Havel came to speak to a joint session of Congress. He said, "things are happening so rapidly that we have little time to be astonished." All of us are living in this Tofflerian age of Future Shock, where time is speeded up by events and everything is being shaken by the hurricane winds of change.
These two buildings represent our commitment to adapt, to be flexible, to integrate, to acquire the most modern technology in a way that not only serves our taxpayers but serves our military, to make sure that we remain the superior power on the face of the Earth.
So, ladies and gentlemen, let me thank you. Without you, this would not have been possible. Without your support for your congressional delegation, without your commitment to a strong national security, none of this would have been possible. That's the reason I wanted to come here today to engage in this symbolic cutting of the ribbon; not only to dedicate two new buildings, but to commit us to the dedication of new ideas that will serve all of us for the 21st century.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for all of your contributions. [Applause.]


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Family, Service, Therapy and Breeding Dogs
Updated 8/4/15
We have several guardian home options available now for local WI families...puppies and adults! Please see our guardian home page for more information.
Welcome to Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles! We breed mainly medium (30-45 lbs) and standard (45-65 lbs) labradoodles in our home, although we do occasionally have minis as well. We are located and raise puppies in both Southern CT and Western WI. Our labradoodles have wonderful temperaments and excellent health. Labradoodles are known and cherished for their:
Our breeding dogs are our pets and live with us or guardian homes where they are cherished, loved and a bit spoiled. :) Our happy dogs have lots of land to run around on at our home.
Our puppies are born in our bedroom and are very well socialized with friends and family. Most of our puppies meet around 75-100 different people prior to going home!
We hope you enjoy our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Front (L to R): Meg & Bachi, Back (L to R): Lexi & Jasper
Content Copyright 2011-2015. Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles, LLC. All rights reserved.


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Ron Paul's HR 1207 transcends partisan politics and upsets Congressional leadership
On Wednesday a highlight of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's testimony in front of the House Financial Services Committee was the five minutes he endured relentless questioning from Florida Democratic Congressman Alan Grayson. Grayson refused to allow Bernanke to avoid the question of why $500 billion had gone to foreign central banks instead of remaining in the United States. In the end Bernanke did not have any logical answers for Grayson.
That moment was a microcosm of something larger that is taking place in the House of Representatives as a result of HR 1207. Alan Grayson was the first Democrat who cosigned House Resolution 1207, Ron Paul's bill to audit the Federal Reserve. Since Grayson cosponsored the bill over 90 of his fellow Democrats have followed.
HR 1207 is a perfect example of Congressmen willing to come together, though they might not agree across the spectrum of their political platforms, on an important issue by important issue basis.
So the question that keeps coming up is, "if HR 1207 has such tremendous bipartisan support, why is it still having a difficult time being brought to the House floor for a vote?"
The answer that Ron Paul continues to give is that the leadership in Congress want nothing to do with the bill, at least until it is substantially watered down.
The next question then becomes what does the leadership in the House (i.e. Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank…etc.) have against having transparency in the Federal Reserve System?
I do not believe they have a vested interest in the continuing secrecy of the Federal Reserve System other than their interest to obey orders that are coming from President Obama's administration.
Once the Obama Administration becomes the focus of the question the picture begins to come into focus.
Obama himself received over $1 million in campaign contributions from Goldman Sachs, an organization that has benefited greatly from the Fed's recent actions.
The close ties between Wall Street and the White House has for many years allowed the
Federal Reserve to continue to operate unsupervised by the Congress.
The subtlety of Ron Paul's bill to simply audit the Federal Reserve is its genius, not to say he has been secretive that he believes that an audit would be followed shortly by public outrage.
But the focus on transparency is something that is difficult for most Congressmen to put up a valid argument against. This leaves the Federal Reserve, namely Ben Bernanke, and eventually the leadership in the House and Senate (the Senate has a similar bill that as of this writing has 17 cosponsors) looking foolish when they are forced to use illogical arguments to justify not bringing the bill to the floor.
Ben Bernanke's argument has essentially boiled down to his fear that if Congress had the power to audit the fed, it would politicize monetary policy, such as the setting of interest rates…etc.
The politicizing of monetary policy is already here and would be no worse if there were transparency. Transparency would simply give Congress the ability to criticize the actions of the Fed with evidence. Instead of the guessing game that has been taking place in recent hearings.
After an audit, Congressmen would be able to level accusations during hearings with solid evidence to back up their accusations. Rather than Bernanke being able to play dumb and claim to not know key information.
Perhaps the most intriguing part to me about a potential audit of the Federal Reserve is something Donald Rumsfeld famously called "the unknown, unknowns."
Ron Paul and everyone solidly in his camp has a good idea that an audit would cause outrage not only among members of Congress but across the nation, but there could be things lurking in those books that send shock waves around the world. I'll let you use your imagination…


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The post can actually be found here:
The post can actually be found here:
I think the baby photos are cute because it's accidental but I think the kids old enough to know better should be punished for being obnoxious. Yes, it's just a finger motion but still, it's rude and not that funny to me.
This is a very interesting post, I was looking for this info. Just so you know I located your web site when I was browsing for blogs like mine, so please check out my site sometime and leave me a comment to let me know what you think.


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Crimes of Passion
Crimes of Passion
One time I did a kick-and-run on my Argentinean boyfriend in the middle of Chinatown in San Francisco. We were having a screaming match as was so often the case (passions run high when you're dating a Latin-American) and in a fit of blind rage I kicked him full-force on the behind. It took me a moment to realise what I had done and in an instant my hot blood had run cold with shame. I legged it. I ran through Chinatown, sending flying several bent-double grannies on the way, and I continued running until I reached North Beach by which time my heart was fit to burst. Needless to say, he didn't follow me.
This, ladies and gentleman, is what we call a crime of passion.


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Creston meals
April 29-May 3
Menu subject to change.
Reservations are required the day before. Call 641-782-2447.
Monday: tator tot casserole, mixed vegetables, peaches, fudge brownie, apple juice.
Tuesday: pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, seasoned squash, fruit cup, orange juice.
Wednesday: lasagna, green beans with bacon, garlic bread, apricots, orange juice.
Thursday: salmon loaf, buttered boiled potatoes, creamed peas, fresh fruit.
Friday: baked chicken casserole, three bean salad, pumpkin bread, applesauce Jell-O, orange juice.


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HAZARD—-A boil water advisory has been issued for several areas in Perry County.
According to the advisory released by the City of Hazard on Wednesday, the following areas are included: Jakes Fork Road in Bulan and from AutoZone on Village Lane to the Hazard Motel on Dawhare Drive, including Independence Drive.
Residents living in these areas are advised to boil their water prior to use, as a potential for bacterial contamination exists due to a main line water break. The advisory will remain in effect until the threat has been eliminated, and samples shoe that the water quality has returned to acceptable standards.


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Apex Athena is brought to you by the Apex Group offering luxury class modernly designed new project in Sector 75 Noida. It presents 2/3/4 BHK apartments in most stylish format bringing the magnificence to your address. The designing of each core is done in the way so as to provide an imperialistic lifestyle and the exquisite look to each unit offered here. Finest architecture, concrete engineering and world class artery, this is how you define the modern wisdom of newest residential house plans and maps.
Apex Athena Sector-75 Noida jolts the traditional style of housing into the contemporary drawn enclave offering an urbanized elite address at prices never heard before. The affordability here touches new milestone which has no look back things. The prices here start at Rs. 5050 per sq. ft. and home buyers and investors can avail pre launch offers with immediate booking. The wide green landscapes and beautiful parks give this location a mesmerizing and elegant look making it presumably the best residential address of NCR.
Apex Group is one of the frontier banners in the field of Real Estate construction and Development. Acacia Valley, Royal Castle, The Flours are some of the current residential projects of same builder coming up in different regions of NCR. They have the highest reputation in the industry for developing and delivering timely possession of each and every project.
We tried to create a paradise of modern living but keeping the hard core sensibility in mind that we..


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American Grands is about to celebrate its 18th year of performances this coming weekend so we decided to ask Colin Holman, who has been the conductor for 17 out of those 18 years, for his thoughts on the history of American Grands. We were inspired to hear about the impact these performances have had on his own family as well as on area musicians. Read Colin's story below. We (and the 475 American Grands pianists!) hope to see you this Saturday.
It's impossible for me to separate past American Grands performances from the birth of my two boys, both of which narrowly missed American Grands performance dates by a couple of days. Both boys, now 15 and 11, have performed in as many American Grands performances as their age has permitted.
It's remarkable to me to always see the blend of generations in our performances, the fact that this is an annual tradition for so many musicians, and satisfying when I meet young musicians now in area colleges and universities that have grown up performing in American Grands.
American Grands XVIII takes place this Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. For information and tickets, visit elgin.edu/arts.


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Advisory Board eNewsletter
Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Advisory Board is comprised of 21 members who represent the college's departments, along with the college's development and alumni relations office. While members come from varied backgrounds, all share a desire to serve the college and to further the aims and goals of the departments. This, in turn, is expected to improve the resources available to CASNR and its students. Serving on the board are:
- Wayne Armacost of Raton, NM
- Steven Bender of Austin
- Mary Jane Buerkle of Lubbock
- Brent Clifford of Lubbock
- Mike Glen of Lubbock
- Charles Hodges of Dallas
- Greg Hogg of Brownfield
- Nathan Jordan of Lubbock
- Amber Miller of Lubbock
- Shelly Nutt of Lubbock
- Bob Pearson of Spearman
- Jim Prewitt of Coppell
- Karen Reams of Lubbock
- Alex Scarborough of Lubbock
- Tom Sell of Lubbock
- Mike Simpson of Canyon
- Dale Swinburn of Tulia
- Dan Taylor of Ropesville
- Quenna Terry of Lubbock
- Todd Thompson of Lubbock
- Ross Wilson of Canyon
CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or email@example.com


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1-0! Baba Diawara (Levante) v Real Madrid
- October 5, 2013
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Latest on Levante
- Fernando Torres scores again: Rescues point for Atletico Madrid at Levante [Official vi...
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- Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible petty reaction to Gareth Bale's 2nd goal v L...
- Karim Benzema nearly claimed the Puskas Award with a Scorpion Kick [GIF & video]
- Real Madrid 2 – Levante 0: Gareth Bale scores a double [Highlights]
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The 10 best Premier League signings of the summer thus far
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- Galatasaray Vs. Bursaspor: A 101 Great Goals special feature on the Turkish Cup final [...
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- Thiago Messi's appearance at Barca celebrations has produced cute Photoshops
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- What Pep said to Messi


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SPIRA was one of four final teams competing for $2,500,000 USD to the winner of PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE AUTOMOTIVE X PRIZE 100 MPG GLOBAL CONTEST IN 2010 !!!
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Texas on the Potomac
Washington news with a Texas accent
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Charlie Gonzalez condemns Alabama congressman's comment on shooting immigrants
An Alabama congressman who said he would do anything "short of shooting" illegal immigrants drew a strong rebuke Tuesday from a San Antonio lawmaker and head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
"Rhetoric referencing acts of violence has no place I the discussion for realistic solutions to our country's immigration problems," said Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio.[Read More]


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Getting tired of seeing bold type face prints with sayings like "SWAG" or "BALL SO HARD" slathered all over them? Then check the stories on these sublimate printed tanks, as seen in SWELL's June Catalog. We spoke with some of the brands behind these awesome Photo-Graphic styles from Matix and Reef.
Matix "Lazy Days" Tank With Featured Photographer Drew Martin


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Private activity in road projects in developing countries underwent a resurgence in the past four years. Investment commitments to road projects with private participation grew from US$7 billion in 2005 to US$16.7 billion in 2008, reaching a new peak (figure 1). Yet while investment grew every year in the period, the number of road projects with private participation declined after peaking in 2006. Large projects (US$500 million or more) clearly drove the investment growth in 2007 and 2008. With these projects excluded, investment would have fallen from a peak of US$8.6 billion in 2006 to US$7.8 billion in 2007 and US$3 billion in 2008.
The growth in investment was concentrated in a few countries (figure 2). Brazil, Mexico, and India saw their share of the total investment rising from around 20% in 2005 to 50% in 2006, 66% in 2007, and more than 80% in 2008. With these countries excluded, annual investment in road projects with private participation would have remained around US$5 billion a year in 2005–07, then dropped to US$2.9 billion in 2008. In all three countries new models and frameworks for private participation helped attract investment in road infrastructure.
Brazil. After having no new road projects with private participation in 2002–06, Brazil implemented one project in 2007 and eight in 2008. In 2007 the state of Minas Gerais signed a 25-year concession to operate and expand highway MG-050.1
In 2008 seven of the eight projects reaching closure were 25-year concessions for federal highways in the Mercosul corridor, which connects Brazil's southern Atlantic coast to Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. These formed part of the second phase of the federal highway concession program, whose first phase, in 1995–2000, covered 13,780 kilometers under concessions granted by the federal and state governments. The seven federal concessions
awarded in 2008 were tendered on the basis of the lowest tariff requested and involve 2,600 kilometers and US$6.4 billion in investment to expand and modernize highways. The eighth project reaching closure in 2008 is a 30-year concession awarded by the state of São Paulo to operate and expand the 32-kilometer Rodoanel Mario Covas Western Beltway, with US$1.6 billion to be invested over the concession period.
India. In India private activity in roads rose steadily from 2002 on, with annual investment reaching levels of US$3.2–4.8 billion in 2006–08, far higher than in previous years. India awarded 83 projects in 2006–08, involving investment of US$12.6 billion and almost 6,100 kilometers. Of these projects, 74 are concessions (61 for federal roads and 13 for state roads). These involve investment of US$11.6 billion, 80% of it for federal roads. The other nine projects are BOT (build, operate, and transfer) contracts (two for federal roads and seven for state roads), accounting for 290 kilometers and the remaining US$1 billion in investment.
The Indian projects granted in 2008 differ in nature from those in 2006–07. The 75 projects (concessions and BOT contracts) implemented in 2006–07 averaged around US$100 million in investment size, and around 80% were tendered using the lowest government contribution (lowest government payments or subsidies) as the main bidding criterion. In contrast, the eight projects implemented in 2008 averaged US$570 million in size, and six used highest transfers to the government (highest price paid to or highest percentage of revenue transfer to government) as the main bidding criterion. These data suggest that most Indian projects awarded in 2008 were expected to generate enough resources to be financially viable, requiring little or no government support.
The higher level of activity in India was made possible by an amendment to the National Highways Act of 1995 that allows private participation in roads and sets out three models for private participation in highways: BOT contracts on a toll basis, BOT contracts on an annuity basis, and special-purpose vehicles.3
In the BOT toll model the private concessionaire finances and undertakes the construction and maintenance of a highway and recovers its investment (plus a return) from toll revenues. For projects in which the traffic is expected to be insufficient to recover the expected investment, the government can provide a capital grant (up to 40% of the project cost). The BOT toll-based contracts are granted through a tender process in which the minimum capital grant requested is used as a bidding criterion. For projects expected to generate enough traffic to cover the project cost, the highest payment to the government is used as a bidding criterion.
In the BOT annuity model the private concessionaire finances and undertakes the construction and maintenance of the highway and recovers its investment (plus a predetermined rate of return from the annuity payments by the government (granting authority). The BOT annuity-based contracts are granted through a tender process in which the lowest annuity requested is used as a bidding criterion. The granting authority retains the traffic risk, since it collects the toll revenues.
In the third model the National Highways Authority of India forms special-purpose vehicles, which are independent legal entities, for funding road projects. The highways authority provides limited equity or debt support, while financial institutions or beneficiary organizations supply the remaining funding.
Mexico. After a hiatus in new private activity in roads from 1996 to 2002, the Mexican government again began to attract private investment to road projects with the financial closure of three BOT contracts (for two federal roads and one state road) in 2003–04. Since then private activity in roads has increased. In 2005–08 Mexico awarded 17 federal road projects (seven concessions and 10 BOT contracts), involving US$8.3 billion and 2,040 kilometers. By far the largest was the first highway concession package awarded by Farac (Fondo de Apoyo al Rescate Carretero), a trust fund managing federal highways "rescued" from private concessionaires.4 This concession package involves US$4.2 billion in investment (of which US$4 billion is concession fees to the government) and 558 kilometers. Besides the federal projects, Mexico awarded three state road projects in 2005–08.
These Mexican contracts have been implemented under one of three new models launched in 2003: new highway concession, private service contract, and asset utilization. In the new highway concession model the Ministry of Communications and Transport provides final designs, sets the contract period and maximum average tolls, and offers a minimum revenue guarantee. It can also provide an initial contribution of public funds. This contribution is usually determined in the tender process, with the lowest government contribution used as a bidding criterion. For road projects expected to generate enough traffic to cover the project cost, such as a bypass in a major city, the highest payment to the government is used as a bidding criterion.
In the private service contract model, also known as the PPS model for highways, an association between a private firm and the Ministry of Communications and Transport is established to design, finance, build, operate, and maintain a highway for a period ranging from 15 to 30 years. The private firm provides services in exchange for periodic payments based on road availability and traffic levels. These payments are determined during the tender process and are based on construction and operating costs, requested return on equity, estimated annual traffic, and contract duration. The lowest net present value of periodic payments is used as a bidding criterion.
In the asset utilization model the ministry prepares concessions of highways with more than 10 years of continuous operation under the Farac program as well as new highways to be constructed. The concession packages are tendered using maximum payments to the government as a bidding criterion. The concessionaires are responsible for operating, maintaining, and collecting toll revenues on the existing toll roads as well as for building and later operating the new highways in the concession.
This note was written by Ada Karina Izaguirre, infrastructure specialist, and Alexander N. Jett, consultant, in the Finance, Economics, and Urban Development Department of the World Bank's Sustainable Development Network.
1 This note uses the term concession as defined in the PPI Project Database methodology, a narrower definition than that commonly used in the transport literature. That broader definition includes not only BROT (build, rehabilitate, operate, and transfer) and ROT (rehabilitate, operate, and transfer) projects but also BOT (build, operate, and transfer) projects, which the PPI Project Database classifies as greenfield projects. In other infrastructure literature, such as that for water and electricity, the term concession refers mainly to contracts dealing with operation and expansion or rehabilitation of existing assets.
2 Under the Public-Private Partnership Law enacted in December 2004, road projects in Brazil can also take the form of public-private partnerships. A concessionaire develops or operates a road (or does both) under a 5- to 35-year contract and is paid by the granting authority on the basis of performance. Depending on the project structure, the concessionaire might also collect user fees. Until 2008 no Brazilian road project had used this scheme (Ministério do Planejamento, Orçamento e Gestão, http://www.planejamento.gov.br/hotsites/ppp/index.htm).
3 India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (http://www.morth.nic.in/index2.asp?sublinkid=103&langid=2).
4 In 2006 Farac was managing 4,400 kilometers of federal highways rescued in 1997 from private concessionaires. These highways were among 52 federal highways (about 5,000 kilometers) that the Mexican government had concessioned to the private sector in 1988–94. Although these highways had among the highest traffic levels, traffic was nevertheless lower than expected, and by 1997 many of the private concessionaires faced major financial difficulties for that reason and because of the Mexican economic crisis of 1994–95. To ensure continuity of service, the federal government rescued 23 of the 52 concessioned highways and assumed the outstanding debt. Most rescued highways were put under Farac's management.


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Rated: 5/5 stars
In the final moments of the 1981 film of Bukowski's Tales of Ordinary Madness
Ben Gazzara's character asks "...why must we die in our sleep?"
David Sylvian, with brother Steve Jansen and musical uber-genius Burnt
Friedman, explore a parallel premise with this stunning new trio recording as
Nine Horses.
They are nine songs, all vehicles carrying heavy loads through an hour of opulent
sound. A menacing metallic tone signals a different time, a post 9/11 world and
life in the slipstream of that unbelievable crime.
With some musical flashbacks to his 1984 solo revelation Brilliant Trees,
Sylvian's singular voice floats over gorgeous melodies juxtaposed with steam
hammer guitars and languid Pied-piper-like reeds. Voices and choruses hold and
reinforce. Bubbling electronics imply sinister interference while ritual bells, jazzy
child-like tunes and luxurious codas sooth and calm.
A loping acoustic bass and a serpentine kundalini trumpet, this time by
Supersilent member Arve Hendriksen, are both hallmarks of his work, as is the
presence of brilliant melody man Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Sylvian's long association with Robert Fripp is evident with references to King
Crimson's sound palette. Friedman's musical contribution equals with an almost
symbiotic empathy.
Like the work of artist Christian Boltanski, cited in the sumptuous "Atom and
Cell", these are sombre but ultimately rich pieces that play with perception in the
field of memory, and illuminate the contrasts between light and dark, good and
evil. Snow Borne Sorrow is a mature work, a magnificent and important
recording. It is the sublime fruit of a continuing exploration of the place where the
heart lies.
©michael rofe/lateralnote 2005
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Nancy Farrell received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and completed her dietetic internship program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She completed graduate studies and received a Master's of Science degree in Nutrition Education from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She has been an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association) for over 25 years. She has served as the Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Media Representative, and is now the State Public Policy Representative lobbying for nutrition issues at the state and national levels.
Over the years, Nancy has worked in a variety of capacities as a Registered Dietitian (RD), including in the areas of cardiology, pediatrics, medicine, surgery, intensive care, eating disorder, oncology and diabetes units. She has worked in nutrition community education, and in the supermarket industry.
Nancy conducts group nutrition presentations to various community members and organizations. Since 2001 she has served on a local School Health Advisory Board. She created the position of, and served as, Health Services Wellness Dietitian in a local school division. She is a Health and Nutrition Instructor at Germanna Community College.
Under the direction of The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Nancy worked with The Washington Center for Clinical Research on the effects of a low-fat vegan diet in a corporate setting.
Nancy serves on US Congressman Rob Wittman's Health Advisory Council. In 2008 she was a featured speaker at a round table discussion on Childhood Obesity held by the US Surgeon General. She is involved with local and state legislators promoting nutrition public policy. She has served as nutrition advisor on Virginia Governor Kaine's Health Reform Commission Work Group.
Nancy has made state level presentations to leaderships including the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA), the Virginia School Board Organization (VSBO), and the Governor's Healthy Virginians Summit which focused on childhood obesity. Nancy served as the sole nutrition advisor on the 2007 Virginia Department of Education's Health SOL Review Committee.
Nancy is an active member in the community having served as the Fredericksburg Area Youth Initiative (FYI) School Workgroup Chair, and on the Health Care Providers Workgroup.
Nancy is certified in Child and Adolescent Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a consultant for the SHAPEDOWN weight management program for children and adolescents, and for the ELL Foundation as a certified Protect Allergic Children (PAC) consultant.