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December 2007
Dedicated to the memory of teacher, mentor, thesis advisor and friend Alex F.T.W. Rosenberg.
Here is an effect perhaps best suited for mathematicians with good taste in reading material. Other manifestations of the underlying principle will be explored in due course.
Cards shown to be numbered 1 to 8 are jumbled, and a spectator is given a lot of free choices, while the cards are face down, to determine which four he gets. The spectator then is asked to look at the faces of his cards, and square the resulting numbers.
Next, draw attention to the colour of the card faces. The black squares are summed, as are the red squares, and the red sum, representing deficits, is subtracted from the black one. "In this way," you brazenly announce, " A random number has been arrived at. You got twenty-two?" Have that page of the spectator's copy of Peter Winkler's Mathematical Mind-Benders (A.K. Peters, 2007) opened. Ask how many black cards the spectator has. "Thus, we get another random number. You have three black cards?" Have the third paragraph read out. It starts,
A Truly Even Split: Can you partition the integers from 1 to 16 so that...?
Finally have a piece of paper removed from inside the front cover of the book, which you yourself planted there earlier. It contains the very same words, a remarkable coincidence. Winkler's words highlight the case s = 4 of an interesting fact about the integers from 1 to 2s for any s (more on that towards later on). The effect above depends on the case s = 3, which we explore at length below. After the vocal adulation your extraordinary predictive powers will surely provoke dies down, you may wish to give your lucky audience a brief discourse on the preservation of central moments under the most trying of circumstances (details to follow).
There are two key ideas at work here: a magic partition of {1, 2, 3, ..., 8} that respects (linear and) quadratic polynomials, which we will discuss in due course, and a way to force this partition on a spectator despite the appearance of card mixing and free choices. The latter is possible largely thanks to Bill Simon's Sixty-Four Principle, as explored in the April 2006 Card Colm, which we now review briefly.
In a nutshell, one can give the illusion of multiple free choices to a spectator, while forcing any desired four cards from eight to be chosen. The spectator splits the cards into two piles, according to a well-defined and fair-seeming separation scheme described below, retaining the first one for himself, and the secret is that the top four cards at the outset all end up in this first pile; you end up with the cards in the other pile. This permits some flexibility in jumbling/shuffling before the separation scheme is invoked, and the latter can be done in your own hands, or you can have the spectator handle the cards throughout that phase, suitably directed. You may wish to say something irrelevant about how binomial coefficients can be used to determine how many different outcomes are possible, adding, "Let's see how the binomials align today."
A good way to gain an understanding of Simon's separation scheme is to follow along with a face-up packet of four black cards followed by four red cards. The spectator is given the choice of putting the top card on the table to start Pile A, or tucking the top card under the rest of the packet. The second card then goes underneath if the first one was placed on the table, and is placed on the table if the first one went underneath. Overall, one of the first two cards starts Pile A, and the other goes to the bottom of the packet. Give the spectator the exact same free choice for the second pair of cards. Pile A now contains two black cards, and the retained packet consists of four red cards followed by two black ones. Next, the spectator is asked to make similar choices to determine two cards for Pile B. The result is that two red cards start that pile and the retained packet consists of two reds cards followed by two black ones. (Note that at this stage we have a scaled down version of the original packet, suggesting an inductive argument.) Now, the spectator uses the same procedure to pick just one card for Pile A, and finally one for Pile B, unwittingly maintaining the colour separation. The last two cards are a black one followed by a red one, and the first must be added to Pile A, the second to Pile B. (Do this yourself without comment, or ask the spectator to deal them that way, as needs be.) The spectator takes Pile A, which now consists of four black cards. Note that all of this can also be applied, suitably modified, to packets of size sixteen (or indeed any power of two).
Here is the magic partition of {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} which, when combined with the above separation scheme, is the foundation of the effect described earlier (as well as several yet to come):
Split {1, 2, 3, ..., 8} into {1, 4, 6, 7} versus {2, 3, 5, 8}.
Not only is
1 + 4 + 6 + 7 = 2 + 3 + 5 + 8 (= 18),
but also
12 + 42 + 62 + 72 = 22 + 32 + 52 + 82 (= 102).
Note the use of red for the values on the right hand side of each equation. Stacking cards of value 1 (Ace), 4, 6, 7 at the top of the packet of eight, in any order, followed by the 2, 3, 5 and 8, in any order, and implementing the Bill Simon principle, permits prediction or forcing tricks involving (18 and) 102. This is the simplest application of the principle, and it goes without saying that one should use a totally random selection of suits in such an effect, to hide all evidence of the inevitable natural separation which will result. Such an effect only uses one side of the equations shown, and hence turns a blind eye to the key equalities represented.
To take fuller advantage of the black and red equalities above, we first suggest shifting corresponding terms in both equations, keeping four on each side, utilizing card colours to remind us of their origins. This provides flexibility in the numbers being predicted or forced; in fact, since any four of the eight terms can reside on the left side of each equation, there are ½ (8!/(4!4!)) = 35 "binomial alignments" available to us here. Here is one that permits the forcing of the desired page and paragraph of Winkler's book, illustrated using random suits (while using red and black as needed):
The order of the cards within each group of four is not important. What is of interest is the corresponding signed sums:
1 - 8 + 6 + 7 = 2 + 3 + 5 - 4 (= 6),
12 - 82 + 62 + 72 = 22 + 32 + 52 - 42 (= 22).
The first equality allows us to force 6, but it is the second, forcing 22, that we focus on. Assuming that the packet of eight cards initially consists, as above, of a black Ace, 6 and 7, and a red 8, followed by a red 2, 3 and 5, and a black 5, then asking how many black cards the spectator has leads without fail to the third paragraph on page 22 of Peter Winkler's book, as desired.
Above, we concentrated on the ability to force sums of squares. The fact that the sum of the values is also predictable means that all quadratic functions evaluated and summed over {1, 4, 6, 7} (or {2, 3, 5, 8}) yield predetermined answers. This suggests looking at the second central moment (variance) of the values obtained, and its square root, the standard deviation. Since variance(X) = mean[(X - mean(X))2] = mean(X2) - (mean(X))2, here we get ¼ sum(X2) - (¼ sum(X))2. For {1, 4, 6, 7} (or {2, 3, 5, 8}) this yields exactly 5.25, and hence a standard deviation of roughly 2.2913. We have partitioned {1, 2, ..., 8} into subsets of equal size, mean and standard deviation.
You could ask a suitably inclined spectator to have a calculator at the ready, and go through the motions of having four cards picked "at random" from eight presented. This time there would be absolutely no significance to the colours or suits used, just ensure that any Ace, 4, 6 and 7 start off (in any order) at the top of the packet. If you do not draw attention to the eight cards being used, then, the bottom four cards may have arbitrary values, maybe even four Aces for a dramatic finale (start off with a 2, 3, 5 and 8 at the top in that case). In any case, you are now in a position to reveal a prediction slip on which is written "The standard deviation of the four numbers you obtained is about 2.2913." (If you expect the n - 1 version of the standard deviation to be calculated, have 2.6458 written instead.)
The variance lens actually provides some insight as to why the {1, 4, 6, 7} versus {2, 3, 5, 8} partition does preserve sums of squares in addition to sums. If Y denotes {2, 3, 5, 8}, and Z denotes {7, 6, 4, 1}, then Z = 9 - Y, and so variance(Z) = variance(Y), and then sum(Y2) = sum(Z2) follows from the fact that variance(X) = sum(X2) - (sum(X))2.
One presentational alternative available, once you have forced the {1, 4, 6, 7} versus {2, 3, 5, 8} split, is to make more use of the resulting balancing act. Announce up front that the purpose of the exercise if to see if the spectator has randomly selected cards of higher value than the ones you are left with. Upon completion of the separation, request that the spectator reveal the total (or average) of his cards. When that is announced, look puzzled and a bit amused as you put your cards on the table, saying, "That's really amazing, I got the same total and average that you did. What are the chances of that happening? I guess it's a draw."
Pause briefly, then say, "Just a moment, what is the total of the squares of your four values?" As everyone can see, your square total also matches the spectator's. "I don't believe it! You know what this means, don't you? You have selected cards with the same mean and standard deviation as the ones you left for me. Statistically speaking, I'd say that was probably very unlikely, but somehow you did it. I'm impressed."
Let that sink in, and then continue, "One more moment, let's try this for a tie-breaker, please tell me what total of cubes you obtained. Here is a calculator to help you, write down your answer here, and then please find the total of my cubes." Since {1, 4, 6, 7} yields cube total 624, and {2, 3, 5, 8} yields 672, you can finally declare victory by a modest margin (the upper 48). "I once heard a statistician say that this game is half skewed in my favour". (Actually, below we briefly discuss the third central moment, which here turns out to be -6 and 6, respectively, and dividing by the cube of the standard deviations yields skewnesses. of about ∓ 0.4988.)
Before moving upwards and onwards, we might ask, what other significance attaches to {1, 4, 6, 7}? Certainly, they are the first four numbers n for which the rank of the elliptic curve y2 = x3 + n is 0. Then there is the undeniable connection with Mrs. Perkins Quilt. We prefer a more innocent explanation: the complementary 2, 3, 5, 8 are part of the standard Fibonacci sequence, and if this sequence is continued and reduced mod 9, as was investigated in the June 2007 Card Colm, then 7, 6, 4, 1 occur exactly twelve terms later. Or maybe we have all of this backwards.
As Peter Winkler has been trying to tell us from the very beginning, the above can be generalized further: it's possible to partition {1, 2, 3, ..., 16} into subsets of equal size with the same sums, sums of squares and sums of cubes, and hence the same mean, standard deviation and (as we will shortly see) the same skewness also. There are many ways to partition {1, 2, 3, ..., 16} into subsets with equal sums, and several of those have equal sums of squares, for instance {1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15} and its "natural complement" 17 - {1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15}, as may be verified by copying the earlier variance argument. However, only the
{1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16} versus {2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15}
partition has equal sums of cubes too (Exercise: explain why this split does the trick without resorting to mere computation).
There is a similar partition of {1, 2, 3, ..., 32} which preserves (sums and) sums of squares, sums of cubes and also sums of fourth powers, and hence standard deviation, skewness and also kurtosis. We leave it to interested readers to pursue this for cards.
Winkler, in the book already mentioned, suggests a general "translate and twist" method for building up the desired partition of {1, 2, 3, ..., 2s}; the goal is to find two equal sized subsets with equal sums, sums of squares, sums of cubes, and so on, up to equal sums of (s-1)th powers. First, note that {1, 2, 3, 4} trivially splits into subsets {1, 4} and {2, 3} with equal sums. Next, {1, 2, 3, ..., 8} is the union of {1, 2, 3, 4} and its translation 4 + {1, 2, 3, 4}. Combining that with the equal sum split of {1, 2, 3, 4}, we see that {1, 2, 3, ..., 8} is also the union of {1, 4}, {2, 3}, 4 + {1, 4} and 4 + {2, 3}. A little twist then yields,
{1, 2, 3, ..., 8} = {1, 4} ∪ (4 + {2, 3}) ∪ {2, 3} ∪ (4 + {1, 4}) = {1, 4, 6, 7} ∪ {2, 3, 5, 8}.
This latter split has equal sums of squares (but why?!) as well as equal sums. We can develop this into an induction proof of the general result. To step up to s = 4, start with the above s = 3 case, namely {1, 2, 3, ..., 8} = {1, 4, 6, 7} ∪ {2, 3, 5, 8}, and then translate and twist as follows:
This final split has equal sums (68), square sums (748), and also cube sums (9248). This, in turn, leads to a common variance of 748/8 - (68/8)^2 = 21.25 and hence a common standard deviation of about 4.6098 (the n - 1 version of the latter is about 4.9281). The common third central moment can be computed using the identity:
mean[(X - mean(X))3] = mean(X3) - 3 mean(X2) mean(X) + 2 [mean(X)]3.
For X = {1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16} as above, we get 9248/8 - 3(748/8)(68/8) + 2 (68/8)3 = 0. This is hardly surprising, the symmetry of X about its mean 8.5 leads one to expect zero skewness.
Values larger than 13 are not conveniently represented by cards, but a simple linear change of variable takes care of that: let y = {1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 16} - 7 = {-6, -3, -1, 0, 3, 4, 6, 9} and z = {2, 3, 5, 8, 9 12, 14, 15} - 7 = {-5, -4, -2, 1, 2, 5, 7, 8}, then y and z have the same sums (12), sums of squares (188) and sums of cubes (792). Since we have merely translated the earlier values, we must obtain the same variance (21.5) and skewness (0). Now, adopting the convention that negative numbers are represented by red cards, and zero by a joker, we can operate with a usual deck of cards. The Bill Simon principle can be extended to work with a packet of sixteen cards, say with 6♥, 3♦, A♦, Joker, 3♣, 4♠, 6♠, 9♣ (in some order) on the top, followed by 5♦, 4♥, 2♦, A♠, 2♠, 5♣, 7♣, 8♠ (in some order), and the spectator is sure to end up with the first eight of these cards. If directed to compute using those values (with red cards and the Joker making negative and zero contributions, respectively), then 12 and 188 (and, if desired, 792 also) may be forced or predicted. Note that this time, the red cards contribute positively to the sums of squares, as we're squaring negative numbers in the usual way.
See Peter Winkler's Fender-Benders page for an interesting lead to more information on the so-called multi-grade equations explored here this time around.
"Plurality Events" is an anagram of "A Truly Even Split." "Binomials Align" is an anagram of "Bill Simon Again" (so is "Boiling Animals"). "Intact Amigo Pair" as an anagram of "A Magic Partition" (so is "Patriot Magician"). "Charged Pair Rapport" is an anagram of "Paragraph Predictor." "Add Variants Noted" -- like "Variants Not Added" -- is an anagram of "Standard Deviation." "Slam Row Data" is an anagram for "Almost A Draw" (so is "A Modal Straw"). "With Nonstandard Total Ties" is an anagram of "Do The Translation and Twist." "Indict S-th Union" is an anagram for "Induction Hints." "Even Stake" is an anagram for "Take Seven." It goes without saying that "Ace Is Confining" is an anagram of "No Significance." For more on mathematical card tricks, including a guide to topics explored in previous Card Colms, see http://www5.spelman.edu/~colm/cards.html.


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Under the watchful eyes of State Fire Marshal Edsel Smith and Randolph County Office of Emergency Management Director Marvin Hill, the emergency power generator at Elkins High School was put through tests at 10 a.m. on Monday. According to Hill, the system functioned perfectly, powering the kitchen, cafeteria, bathrooms, hallways and other critical parts of the facility.
"The school can now be used as an emergency shelter in the event of a natural or manmade cataclysmic event," Hill said. "We hope, of course, that it never has to be used for that purpose. But should it be needed, it is now ready."
4-H Camp Pioneer has also been designated as an emergency shelter and is equipped with an emergency power generator. It was tested and certified for service in late September. That generator - in the event it is ever needed - will power the entire site.
Snopes.com is circulating a warning regarding an e-mail that's floating around the Internet purporting to be President-elect Barack Obama's acceptance speech and has a Trojan horse attachment. Once opened, the Trojan horse steals all passwords and user IDs. Warnings have been issued to anyone who might receive this message that they not open the message and delete it immediately. These e-mails, according to the Web site, appear to be from legitimate news sources and will try to lure the recipient into clicking on a link that will direct them to a malicious Web site or open an infected video clip or attachment.
It is tax time again and with it comes the season when everyone's Social Security number receives a great deal of attention - and Internet hackers know it. As a friendly reminder, here are a few "safety tips" issued by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to keep in mind when asked for your SSN.
Generally, any business can ask for your SSN, but there are very few entities that can actually "request" it. State agencies such as the department of motor vehicles, tax departments and welfare departments may request it. Also, keep in mind that your SSN is required for transactions involving taxes, banks and brokerages. Employers also have a legitimate need for your SSN. But before you get too free with your SSN, consider the following:
- Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others. Ask for information regarding the company's privacy policy, whether you have a choice about the use of your information and if can you choose to have it kept confidential.
- Ask if the business accepts alternate identification. If they don't, you can refuse to do business with them. Keep in mind, however, that you may be refused whatever product or service you are seeking.
- If possible, never give your SSN to anyone over the telephone.
- When you discard receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, bank checks and statements, expired credit cards, credit offers you get in the mail and mailing labels from magazines, tear or shred them.
The owners of Especially for You, formerly A Little Touch of Used, have announced their plans to "move on."
The two said they have much appreciation for their customers and "we've had a good time seeing and talking to old friends and making new ones.
"We've met a lot of genuine and sincere people coming through our shop," the two said. "We had a nice Forest Festival and Christmas, and that gave us a chance to tell our customers that we were moving on. So again, thank you to everyone."
We all heard for the better part of our lives that all work and no play makes Jack - and Jill - a dull boy - and girl. Here's a little humor that was sent to me by a friend who occasionally fills in at a school as a substitute teacher. It is titled "Retarded Grandparents" and supposedly was reported by a teacher.
I hope those that read this, especially teachers, will have a smile creep across their face and experience a sense of connection with the child that penned it:
After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following:
"We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house in Wisconsin, but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore. They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all OK now. They do exercises there, but they don't do them very well. There is a swimming pool, too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on. At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out and go cruising in their golf carts.
"Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night - early birds. Some of the people can't get out past the man in the dollhouse. The ones who do get out bring food back to the wrecked center for pot luck.
"My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday, too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the dollhouse. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren."

subset: commoncrawl


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Sen. John Kerry, D. Mass., speaks during a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Election Laws at the Statehouse in Boston to press lawmakers to allow Gov. Deval Patrick to name an interim replacement to the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Bizuayehu Tesfaye)


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Wick Hill chairman says investment in growing business during recession has created increase in sales
Following Wick Hill's recent inclusion in Deloitte's UK Futures 1000 report, chairman Ian Kilpatrick has attributed the decision to invest in the business, rather than cut back, during the recession to the firm bucking currently the economic trend.
The distributor's 49 percent increase in sales over the last three years saw it included in the Deloitte report, which lists the 1000 best performing UK businesses through the recession.
Kilpatrick says Wick Hill took the opportunity during the recession to increase investment in marketing, technical support services and financing initiatives. He says it was also active in creating market share for its vendors – both organically and grabbing it from competitors.
"Alongside that, M&A activity certainly hasn't been a detriment to us, with some weak and some stronger competitors acquired to our benefit," he adds.
Meanwhile, the chairman says the firm has deliberately chosen to restrict its portfolio to ensure it can provide more focus for its vendors, and ensure it is able to focus on its chosen technology areas.
He also attributes its services-led approach to its success, providing training, consultancy and support services to enable VARs to maximise their services revenues. "Unlike many other distributors, we do not treat these services as a profit focus for us, rather as a service to enable our partners to get up to speed for initial deals – or to support them at times of overload – so that they can then make their own service margins."
Kilpatrick says the golden rule at Wick Hill, however, is never selling anything direct: "Our goal is to market-make for and with our channel partners to maximise their success. That success then feeds directly back to us. On the services front, we are using those services to support partners to get a bigger piece of the cake. We're not trying to eat their cake.
"The more successful we can be for our partners, the more support we get for them from our vendors, the more successful they can be. It's a virtuous circle and it's particularly effective in a recession when many vendors and distributors are cutting back rather than investing."
Wick Hill has a turnover of $100m, and 110 staff.


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Showing Results: Most Recent
This review is from: Rosewill RCX-Z775-LP 80mm Sleeve Low Profile CPU Cooler
Pros: -Its fan and fin layout makes good use of the very little space it takes up. The fact that it also is a low-height also helps with the airflow to the rest of the case.
-Has a copper core.
-4-pin PWM so its fan speed can be controlled by your motherboard.
-Looks better then the stock Intel fan.
-The cable is sleeved.
-Comes in minimal and hassle-free packaging.
Cons: It's designed for processors with a TDP of 65W or less. If you need anything higher than that, then you're looking in the wrong place to begin with. Not worth taking off an egg for that.
Other Thoughts: There is nothing bad I have to say about this fan. I bought this to replace a stock Intel fan that died on a Celeron G530 on a LGA1155 board. It gets used as an HTPC and it's not audible from about 10 feet away on our couch. It is doing a great job of cooling an already low-powered and cool-running CPU.READ FULL REVIEW
This review is from: EVGA GeForce GT 630 DirectX 12 (feature level 11_0) 02G-P3-2639-KR 2GB 128-Bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Pros: -Handles two monitors without a hitch.
-Relatively quiet.
-Newest drivers installed without any issues.
-Takes up only one slot in your case.
-If you're looking for performance, it scores between a 6.7-6.8 in WIndows 7 for both graphics "benchmarks" depending on your setup.
Cons: The fan started making noises after about 4 months of use. I air-dusted it out and the noise persisted and now a second video card (same model) is starting to have the same issue. Knocked off an egg for an otherwise great video card.
Other Thoughts: I have used 4 of these in different systems. All are used in conjunction with the on-chip Intel HD4600 graphics for a 3-monitor setup. It's not the ideal setup but it works when you are on a budget and you only work with documents and spreadsheets all day. Drivers were not an issue and I didn't bother with the drivers from the disc, as the newest NVIDIA drivers will be your best bet.
I think the fan noise we are experiencing on 2 of the same cards is due to a design flaw of the fan as we are not in a dusty environment and it is not under any stress (they're not used for gaming).
This review is from: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
Pros: -Comfortable to type especially with the built-in wristpad.
-Quiet as you are typing.
-USB cable is long (roughly 6 ft)
-Keyboard software is not a resource hog and very minimal.
Cons: Some labels on the most used keys are starting to wear out, after about 4 months of use. This is because the characters are printed on, instead of being engraved.
Also, the "quietness" of the keys seem to wear out also, depending on how hard you press on the keys. Your mileage will vary.
Other Thoughts: I replaced the standard keyboard that came with 8 different Dell workstations at our data-entry-heavy business and everyone has been happy so far with them. It takes a little getting used to the layout but once you do, your wrists will thank you. If it weren't for the cons listed, then it would have been a perfect 5 eggs.READ FULL REVIEW


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By ASHLEY HELMS
As the primaries for the November election approach, New Rochelle Democrat and county legislator candidate Mary Jo Jacobs has failed on an attempt to invalidate all 159 county Independence Party petition signatures collected by incumbent Legislator Sheila Marcotte, an Eastchester Republican. The complaint alleged Marcotte signees were not properly sworn in by a notary.
Though the Board of Elections determined that almost all of Marcotte's petition signatures, challenged in Jacobs' July 29 complaint, were valid, the controversy sparked some bad blood between the two candidates. The primary scheduled for Sept. 10 between Marcotte and Jacobs is still set to continue.
Jacobs and Marcotte are vying for the legislator seat in District 10, which represents Eastchester, Tuckahoe and portions of New Rochelle. Marcotte currently holds the seat and, though she was not endorsed by the Independence Party this year, she collected more than 71 signatures from registered party voters in the district in order to primary Jacobs, who received the party's endorsement.
Tajian Jones, an executive assistant at the county Board of Elections, said that four of Marcotte's signatures were shown to be invalid because of discrepancies regarding party registration and signers not verified as District 10 residents by name and address.
"The petition still remains valid; the evidence was not sufficient enough to invalidate," Jones said.
Jacobs said she was advised by her legal counsel to send Marcotte's petition to the Board of Elections because the sheet was not filled out properly. Jacobs said information on the notary and Independence Party signature sections were not filled out correctly.
The Democratic candidate said if a petition carrier is not a member of the political party for which they are carrying petitions, and there isn't a witness from the party present either, a notary can be used to certify the legality of the petition signatures.
"The petitions themselves were not completed to the letter of the law," Jacobs said.
Regarding the notary, Marcotte said Jacobs' complaint stated that none of the petition signers were sworn in properly by the notary.
A private investigator from New Rochelle-based Capuano Investigators went through the district and asked residents if they were sworn in or not, according to Marcotte. Many of the residents approached the incumbent to tell her that they were questioned and verified that they had been sworn in. Marcotte said the investigator also went to her house and questioned her husband and children.
"In all of my years of public service, I have never seen such a despicable attempt to prevent a candidate from participating in an election and not letting the voters decide," Marcotte said.
But Jacobs said she had no idea about a private investigator going door-to-door in the district.
"If that did indeed happen, I don't know anything about that," Jacobs said.
Democrats across the county have been endorsed by the Independence Party, suggesting there may be credence to the belief of some critics that the party's decision to endorse those candidates stems from bad blood between party chair Guilio "Doc" Cavallo and County Executive Robert Astorino, a Republican.
Astorino's campaign has stated that Cavallo, who endorsed New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, the Democratic candidate for county executive, did so out of spite when Astorino refused to grant county jobs to people in the Independence Party who were close to Cavallo.
email: email@example.com


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St. Louis Needs to Reboot Economic Development Efforts, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 18.
St. Louis Loses Jobs in September, Though Unemployment Rate Stays the Same, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 2.
Experts: As National Hiring Goes (Nowhere), So Goes St. Louis, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, October 29.
Poof! There Go 5,600 St. Louis Jobs, Mound City Money, stltoday.com, October 4.
Housing Officials Hope GM News Spurs Market, St. Charles County Business Record, October 3.
GM's Plan has Local Officials Optimistic, St. Charles County Business Record, September 26.
Economist Thinks Local Jobs Numbers Are Too Good to Be True, Mound City Money, stltoday.com, September 2.
Lindenwood Business School Expands Beyond Campus Walls, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 26.
Howard Wall is on Quest to Understand Local Economy, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 19.
Fed's Impact on Boosting Confidence Could Prove Fleeting, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 12.
Debt Downgrade Wasn't a Surprise, but Market Reaction Was, St. Louis Beacon, August 8.
Consumers Take Painful Steps to Steadily Pay Down Debt, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, August 7.
Missouri Likely to Face Credit Review by Moody's, Missouri Watchdog, July 18.
Former Fed VP to Head Lindenwood Institute, St. Charles Patch, June 14.
Former Fed Economist Lands at Lindenwood, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 2.
|1827 - Lindenwood University • 209 S. Kingshighway • St. Charles, MO 63301
|Switchboard (636) 949-2000
Undergraduate Admissions (636) 949-4949
Evening & Graduate Admissions (636) 949-4933


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Each month, direct to your email inbox, we'll send the best camping news, tips, recipes and more, to enhance the camping lifestyle that you love so much. Learn More
Traveling fun doesn't end when the sun goes down! Consider planning a trip ...
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From Hwy 48 turn east on Hwy 481. Just after bridge, turn left onto Bell Acres.Get Google Directions
Camper Rating 4 out of 5


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Can we get the QT thread?
|AnimeGalleries [dot] Net
|AnimeWallpapers [dot] Com
|AnimeLyrics [dot] Com
|AnimePedia [dot] Com
|AnimeGlobe [dot] Com
Can we get the QT thread?
@Anime Forum , Feel free to add me on Skype (Contact info is in my profile) so we can converse and share files for the next wolf game. :B
Might be interested in the next one depending on how the rules are set up.
good game. I was on vacation on other country for a month so I was barely active during the entire game.
So who are the wolves? I called The Rebel and Syaoran as wolves before I died. And everyone else I mentioned to be ally are truly townies. If only I put effort into this. haha
Whos the next host?
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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The defender received a second yellow card in their Boxing Day defeat at Bradford and will serve a one-match ban.
Fellow defender Thomas Eckersley is expected to replace him alongside Peter Murphy at the back while Lee Molyneux could also revert to a more familiar position.
Player/coach James Beattie could drop to the bench after a hectic festive period. Fellow strikers Padraig Amond and Marcus Carver are both vying for a place in attack.
Paul Rachubka is also set to continue in goal after his red card against Plymouth last weekend was rescinded in time for him to face the Bantams.
Wednesday's result leaves Richardson's side without a win in their last eight matches in all competitions. They've also lost four of their last five.
- Sports & Recreation
- James Beattie
- Thomas Eckersley
- Lee Molyneux
- Padraig Amond


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Digestive Disorders Health Center
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract: Why It Happens
In this article
Bleeding in the digestive tract is a symptom of a problem rather than a disease itself. It usually happens due to conditions that can be cured or controlled, such as hemorrhoids.
The cause of the bleeding may not be serious, but it's important for your doctor to find the source of this symptom. The digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus. Bleeding can come from one or more of these areas -- from a small area such as an ulcer on the lining of the stomach or from a broader problem such as inflammation of the colon.
Recommended Related to Digestive Disorders
Read the Picture of the Intestines article > >
You may not know if it happens. Doctors call this type of bleeding "occult" or "hidden." Fortunately, simple tests can check for hidden blood in the stool.
Why Does It Happen?
The reasons vary, depending on where the bleeding is happening.
If it's in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach) causes can include:
Esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach acid that returns, or "refluxes," back into the esophagus from the stomach can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) that may lead to bleeding.
Varices. These are abnormally enlarged veins usually located at the lower end of the esophagus or the upper stomach. They may break open and bleed. Cirrhosis of the liver is the most common cause of esophageal varices.
Mallory-Weiss tear. This is a tear in the lining of the esophagus. It's usually caused by severe vomiting. It can also happen due to things that increase pressure in your belly, such as coughing, hiccupping, or childbirth.
Bleeding from the stomach can be caused by:
Gastritis. This is inflammation in the stomach. Alcohol and some pain medicines can cause it.
Ulcers. Ones in the stomach may enlarge and erode through a blood vessel, causing bleeding. Aside from medication, the most common cause of these is an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Also, people who have had burns, shock, head injuries, or cancer, and those who've had major surgery, may get stress-related stomach ulcers.
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I have some pretty intense dreams sometimes. I think my brain does a lot of processing unbeknownst to me and I wake up discovering answers days later. Sometimes they are just goofy. I had a dream several days ago, maybe a week I cannot recall. I remember parts of the dream I am not going to share it, it is far too detailed and wouldn't make sense to many people. However, I thought the person that was in it had hidden something from me or was keeping something from me on purpose. I was trying to get them to tell me what they were keeping from me. They would not.
All they did was look right at me, no expression and said: "misty".
In my dream I asked if that was a girl or someone of importance and they would not answer me. There were other things, but I will spare you all of the colors and intricate details. The dream had upset me, I believe mostly because it was confusing. I finally forgot about it and didn't think of it again until today. I used the word "misty" in a poem. I know full well what misty means, but for some reason I wanted to look it up. When I looked it up videos popped up of a song. At that very moment I looked at the video pictures of Ella Fitzgerald and Julie London and I had a flash of the dream. It flooded my mind and I thought it was all quite amusing.
Not the dream.
I decided to listen to the songs and realized that I had heard it a ton of times in my life, but I did not know the title. I am in a rather silly cycle right now and feel the need to share things that I normally keep to myself. I wasn't as moved by the Johnny Mathis version. The other two made me smile so I am sharing them. Maybe I just like the song because they sing about a kitten, a cloud, and violins. Hee hee Hope they will make you smile too. Excuse me I am going to go dance with the cat now.


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Traditional Jewish 'Flag Dance' procession commemorating Jerusalem's reunification becomes scene of violent clashes between marchers and Arab residents of capital's eastern neighborhoods. Several rioters detained by police
Latest Update: 06.01.11
Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday during the traditional "Flag Dance" parade in east Jerusalem.
Police detained at least 15 people, both Jewish and Arab, some of whom are suspected of hurling stones. Three people were lightly wounded.
Marchers and local business owners hurled stones and fruit at each other near Damascus Gate. Large police forces were deployed and arrested two rioters.
A marcher and an Arab resident were injured near Damascus Gate from stones they pelted at one another. Another marcher was lightly injured from a stone that was pelted at him near Sheikh Jarrah. All three received medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Hamed, a shopkeeper, accused the marchers of hurling stones at Arab shops near the Damascus Gate. "We closed the shops because they're throwing stones at us. These people don't want to celebrate, they want to fight," he told Ynet.
Several protestors were arrested near the site after chanting nationalistic slogans and trying to harm Arabs. Two protestors were also arrested in Silwan on suspicion they hurled stones at security forces.
Among the marchers were extreme-right activists carrying stickers reading "Kahane was right." Two Jewish rioters were arrested in Nevi'im street after hurling objects at Arab passersby. There were no injuries.
The clashes broke out earlier between marchers and left-wing activists near the Tomb of Simon the Just in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Police arrested two protestors. The activists, who waved signs reading "Jewish-Arab solidarity against apartheid," claimed that police used excessive force.
Clashes continued later when several Sheikh Jarrah residents waved Palestinian flags over rooftops. Some of the marchers shouted "death to Arabs" in response, which prompted the hurling of stones. No injuries were reported. Police detained several rioters.
Officers also dispersed several Kahane followers in the Tomb of Simon the Just who assaulted several leftists. A right-wing activist who entered a local mosque with an Israeli flag was also arrested.
One of the organizers of the 'Flag Dance', Nadav Novik, told Ynet, "This year we boost the Jewish community in the Shimon HaTzadik neighbourhood. We have come to say that Jerusalem is united under the Israeli flag."
"I came here to celebrate Jerusalem, it's important to me to mark the city's reunification," 17-year-old Itamar Cohen said.
Police forces are deployed along the procession route to prevent clashes between the marchers and residents of the Arab neighborhoods.
By: aydeo
In: Other Middle East
Tags: Jerusalem Day parade, reunification, Violent clashes
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By Delawese Fulton, Fort Jackson LeaderOctober 22, 2009
FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Good food and a visit by NFL Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris made for a successful fourth-annual Food Expo, organizers and participants said Tuesday.
The Food Expo, an appreciation event for Soldiers and post workers, is held each year to thank the post community members for their patronage and service, said Michael Heckman, the food program manager for Fort Jackson's Directorate of Logistics.
"We get together the community - AAFES, DOL, U.S. Foods, Johnson Food Service and other partners - and we meet the people (who use and purchase) our products," Heckman said.
Forty vendors, including Sara Lee, General Mills and ConAgra Foods, participated in the event, said John Nelums, a quality assurance officer for DOL.
"The expo includes a sampling of different (food) items that our training Soldiers eat on a daily basis. And, there are cash prizes, door prizes. The food (we're serving today) was donated by the vendors and U.S. Foods-Lexington/Columbia," said Nelums, who coordinated the event, which was at the NCO Club.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, foodies from all over the post milled from table to table, contemplating what they would try next at the free-food fair.
Mini cheeseburgers, salmon burger patties, macaroni and cheese, chicken, cinnamon buns, honey buns, pizza, cheese burritos, egg rolls, chili and more could be found at this year's Food Expo.
Rosa Toland, a contractor with Balfour Beatty, said this year's food expo was the first she had ever attended.
"It's great," Toland said. "It looks like they are well-prepared for it. There is an abundance of food, and they haven't run out."
While many ate, many others crowded into a lounge at the NCO Club to get the autograph of retired Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris. In 1975, Harris was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl IX.
Harris signed autographs from 11:30 a.m. until past 1 p.m. in the club's Excalibur Room.
"For being out of the (National Football) League so long, I am surprised with today's turnout," Harris said.


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Johnson & Johnson anticipates submitting more than 10 new product filings and more than 25 significant brand line extensions by 2017; the announcement was made at a recent meeting with industry analysts. Upcoming new products include simeprevir for hepatitis C (already filed in Japan, Europe and the US); ibrutinib and daratumumab for haematologic malignancies; sirukumab and guselkumab for diseases of the immune system such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis; and vaccines for influenza, rabies and polio.
With a unique model of innovation, the company's pharmaceuticals division, Janssen, which accounts for 38% of the company's annual sales, has built a robust pipeline with 11 products launched since 2009, more than doubling its productivity during the past four years. The new products, coupled with core growth brands, have fueled 12 consecutive quarters of operational sales growth in the segment and contributed significantly to the company's recent earnings growth.
Paul Stoffels, M.D., chief scientific officer of Johnson & Johnson and worldwide chairman of the pharmaceuticals group, attributed the strong growth to the company's investment in transformational innovation, which is believed to have revitalized Janssen's product portfolio and enabled the company to continue investing in near- and long-term compounds in immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, cardiovascular and metabolism, and oncology.
"With a steadfast focus on the most serious unmet medical needs, our approach is to identify the best science — internal and external — to deliver new options and solutions to patients. Today, we have an industry-leading pipeline of truly differentiated products and a track record of success resulting in more new molecular entity (NME) approvals per year at a lower development cost than the industry average," Stoffels said in a press release.
"We've spent the past five years transforming our business, and the growth we're seeing today is the direct impact of that effort," said Joaquin Duato, worldwide chairman of the pharmaceuticals group. "The innovative new therapies in our pipeline will drive our next wave of growth. With strong momentum across our global pharmaceuticals segment, we are executing well against our commercial strategy to gain market share and ensure greater access to our medicines. We're also strengthening our presence in critical geographies and have nearly doubled our footprint in emerging markets during the last five years."
IMS Health projected that the total global pharmaceuticals market would grow approximately 4.5% per annum and hit an estimated market size of $1.2 trillion by 2017. According to IMS Health, the pharmaceuticals business of Johnson & Johnson was the fastest growing in Japan, Europe and the US in 2012, with sales of $25.4 billion, an operational increase of nearly 7% versus 2011. The first quarter of 2013 continues to see strong sales growth for the pharmaceuticals segment, with worldwide sales of $6.8 billion, an operational increase of more than 11% compared to the previous year. Emerging markets, including Brazil, Russia, India and China, comprised nearly 20% of worldwide pharmaceutical sales in the first quarter of 2013.
Janssen plans to continue accelerating its development stage pipeline in Japan and China. Janssen already has three NMEs and three brand line extensions in registration in Japan, with filings for two additional NMEs and six brand line extensions expected by 2017. In China, four NMEs and four line extensions are currently in registration, with filings expected for nine NMEs and six brand line extensions by 2017.


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LAS VEGAS ― He needed every bit of the 93.75 points and a Round 2 win at the World Finals to take a preliminary lead in the world standings with four rounds remaining, but J.B. Mauney is now the No. 1 ranked bull rider in the world.
Mauney leads two-time defending World Champion Silvano Alves by a slim margin of 30.75 points.
Despite being the top rider in the average with 182.5 points, Mauney said he's not looking at the average and he's definitely not worried about the standings with three days left.
"I'm going to keep looking at one bull at a time," said Mauney, who added that everyone was quick to point he's atop the season standings. "Yeah, that's what they just said. I don't feel that way because this is a week-long event, so anything can happen. It can change back and forth throughout the course and what matters is when that short round is over Sunday."
Asked if he feels like he's in control of his own destiny, he replied, "I don't look at it that way."
Mauney won Round 2 with 93.75 points on Smackdown and has a commanding 6.75-point lead in the Finals average after two of six rounds.
L.J. Jenkins (175.75), Guilherme Marchi (173.75), Ty Pozzobon (171.75) and Silvano Alves (163.25) round out the Top 5 in the average and are the only five riders to have covered their first pair of bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Mauney moved from second to first in the average, while Alves, who has been the talk of town after turning down a re-ride option in Round 1 and electing to keep an opening-round score of 73.75 points, went from 13th to fifth in only 24 hours.
Alves believes this year's eventual World Champion will need to be a perfect 6-for-6.
"I need a score on all my bulls," Alves said. "There's no falling off the bulls. … Yeah, I think, I need to ride six bulls."
Alves continues to make the point that he does not feel any pressure despite relinquishing the world standings lead for the first time since Mauney's brother-in-law, Shane Proctor, took the lead after the 15th Built Ford Tough Series event of the season in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mauney's second-round effort plays a big role in another world title race as well.
Smackdown was one of three bulls along with Mick E Mouse and Shepherd Hills Tested contending for the World Champion Bull title with bull scores of 46 points. As expected, leading the way is Bushwacker with 46.5 points followed by last year's World Champion Bull Asteroid with 46.25 points.
"I can't hardly talk," said Chad Berger, who owns and hauls Smackdown and admitted that his heart was racing afterward. "I was so happy for J.B., and happy for Smackdown, and real proud of both of them. I couldn't ask for anything better.
"This is what it's all about right here."
The other two bulls contending for the title are Lightmaker's Rango (45.25) and I'm a Gangster Too (42.5).
Douglas Duncan rode Bushwacker for 8 seconds, but judges called him for a slap at 3.42 seconds that was upheld by replays. Mauney was behind the chutes for three consecutive rides heading into the intermission. He pulled both Duncan and Stormy Wing's rope on back-to-back outs.
Wing faced Asteroid and despite some sage advice from Mauney ― the only rider to successfully ride Asteroid, Bushwacker and Shepherd Hills Tested, came down in 2.37 seconds.
"I thought it went pretty good tonight," said Gene Melton, who hauls Asteroid for Circle T Ranch & Rodeo. "He kind of bounced off the corner there a little bit.
"After you get one trip down and it was pretty good, you hope you can just do the same thing again."
The top bull contenders will be out again Sunday afternoon in the Built Ford Tough Championship Round to close out the season and will likely play as much a factor in crowning the World Champion as Smackdown played tonight in catapulting Mauney to the lead.
There were 11 qualified rides in Round 2. Rounding out the Top 5 were Joao Ricardo Vieira (91), who is vying for the Rookie of the Year title, Brant Atwood (90.75), Jenkins (89.75) and Alves (89.5).
VIDEO: Silvano Alves rides Yo Yo for 89.5 points in Round 2
Vieira and Atwood both wowed the crowd.
Both are competing in Vegas for the first time and Atwood brought the crowd to its feet with the first 90-point effort of the event when he covered Lightmaker's Rango, and then Vieira did the same late in the round when he rode Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey.
However, it was Mauney's 93.75-point effort - the second highest score of the season ― that captivated everyone as the Thomas & Mack Center erupted upon the score being announced.
"It felt great and I knew I was going to have to try hard on that bull," Mauney said. "I had rode him a few times and he threw me off a few times and if you stub your toe on him, he's the kind that's going to make you pay for it and I knew just keep going at him."
"I've been saying it all day," proclaimed Berger. "I even said it on Flint's show that you're going to see a 93 to 95 point ride on Smackdown. I just knew it with J.B. as hot as he is."
Follow Keith Ryan Cartwright on Twitter @PBR_KRC.
Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough
Built Ford Tough World Finals
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
Event Leaders (Round 1-Round 2-Event points)
1. J. B. Mauney, 88.75-93.75-182.50 points.
2. L.J. Jenkins, 86-89.75-175.75 points.
3. Guilherme Marchi, 87.5-86.25-173.75 points.
4. Ty Pozzobon, 85.5-86.25-171.75 points.
5. Silvano Alves, 73.75-89.5-163.25 points.
6. Joao Ricardo Vieira, 0-91-91.00 points.
7. Brant Atwood, 0-90.75-90.75 points.
8. Cody Nance, 89-0-89.00 points.
9. Kody Lostroh, 0-87.5-87.50 points.
10. Renato Nunes, 87.25-0-87.25 points.
11. Markus Mariluch, 87-0-87.00 points.
12. Eduardo Aparecido, 86.75-0-86.75 points.
(tie). Jory Markiss, 0-86.75-86.75 points.
14. Ryan Dirteater, 86.25-0-86.25 points.
(tie). Valdiron de Oliveira, 0-86.25-86.25 points.
16. Gustavo Pedrero, 0-83.75-83.75 points.
17. Claudio Crisostomo, 83.25-0-83.25 points.
18. Shane Proctor, 81.25-0-81.25 points.
19. Matt Triplett, 80.25-0-80.25 points.
Agnaldo Cardozo, 0-0-0.00 points.
Alex Aparecido Marcilio, 0-0-0.00 points.
Austin Meier, 0-0-0.00 points.
Ben Jones, 0-0-0.00 points.
Billy Robinson, 0-0-0.00 points.
Brendon Clark, 0-0-0.00 points.
Chase Outlaw, 0-0-0.00 points.
Chris Lowe, 0-0-0.00 points.
Douglas Duncan, 0-0-0.00 points.
Edevaldo Ferreira, 0-0-0.00 points.
Emilio Resende, 0-0-0.00 points.
Fabiano Vieira, 0-0-0.00 points.
Jordan Hupp, 0-0-0.00 points.
Lachlan Richardson, 0-0-0.00 points.
Luke Snyder, 0-0-0.00 points.
Marco Eguchi, 0-0-0.00 points.
Mike Lee, 0-0-0.00 points.
Nathan Schaper, 0-0-0.00 points.
Sean Willingham, 0-0-0.00 points.
Stormy Wing, 0-0-0.00 points.
Zane Lambert, 0-0-0.00 points.
© 2016 PBR Inc. All rights reserved.


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WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service may have delivered more than $5 billion in refund checks to identity thieves who filed fraudulent tax returns for 2011, Treasury Department investigators said Thursday. They estimate another $21 billion could make its way to ID thieves' pockets over the next five years.
The IRS is detecting far fewer fraudulent tax refund claims than actually occur, according to a government audit that warned the widespread problem could undermine public trust in the U.S. tax system. Although the IRS detected about 940,000 fraudulent returns for last year claiming $6.5 billion in refunds, there were potentially another 1.5 million undetected cases of thieves seeking refunds after assuming the identity of a dead person, child or someone else who normally wouldn't file a tax return.
In one example, investigators found a single address in Lansing, Mich., that was used to file 2,137 separate tax returns. The IRS issued more than $3.3 million in refunds to that address. Three addresses in Florida, the epicenter of the identity theft crisis, filed more than 500 returns totaling more than $1 million in refunds for each address.
In another troubling scenario, hundreds of refunds were deposited into the same bank account — a red flag for investigators searching for ID thieves who may be filing for refunds for multiple people. In one instance, the IRS deposited 590 refunds totaling more than $900,000 into one account.
"We found multiple reasons for the IRS' inability to detect billions of dollars in fraud," J. Russell George, the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration, in a statement. "At a time when every dollar counts, these results are extremely troubling."
Topping the list of concerns is the IRS' lack of timely access to third-party information it needs to verify returns and root out fraud.
Many Americans are struggling to pay their bills and the IRS takes pride in processing returns and issuing refunds promptly. But taxpayers can start filing their returns in mid-January, while employers and financial institutions don't have to submit withholding and income documents for taxpayers to the IRS until the end of March. That means the IRS often issues refunds long before it can confirm the veracity of what's listed on taxpayer returns.
Thieves are also exploiting vulnerabilities in the way the IRS delivers refunds, investigators found.
Of the 1.5 million undetected cases of potential fraud, 1.2 million used direct deposits, including pre-loaded debit cards. Thieves often prefer those methods to a paper check, which require a physical address to receive the check and photo ID matching the taxpayer's name to cash it.
IRS officials said the growth of identity theft-related fraud is one of its biggest challenges. Already this year, the agency has stopped almost $12 billion in confirmed fraud, it says. And it says its criminal investigators are actively pursuing those who perpetrate fraud — including the previously undetected cases identified by the audit.
"If the IRS determines a refund has been issued improperly, we will attempt to recoup the funds," said IRS spokeswoman Michelle Eldridge.
Investigators went back through a sample of the 1.5 billion undetected cases to see why the IRS never flagged them as fraudulent. In 49 of 60 returns, investigators said, the return didn't score high enough on the IRS's fraud filter to merit a closer review. In eight of the 11 cases where the IRS did perform an additional review, it never verified the income and withholding on the return.
The audit was prompted by a request from Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, whose home state contains the top two cities where fraudulent tax returns originate: Tampa and Miami. Last week Nelson, a Democrat, joined with Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to introduce legislation designed to curb identity theft in the tax system.
"It's an ongoing problem," Nelson said in a statement. "We've got to find a fix."


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a1 Keble College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PG, United Kingdom. email@example.com http://www.keble.ox.ac.uk/academics/about/dr-lambros-malafouris
I agree with Vaesen that it is a mistake to discard tool use as a hallmark of human cognition. I contend, nonetheless, that tools are not simply external markers of a distinctive human mental architecture. Rather, they actively and meaningfully participate in the process by which hominin brains and bodies make up their sapient minds.
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NOV 01, 2013 - New York Times
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Authorities in Britain, the United States, Switzerland and Hong Kong are investigating whether traders colluded to rig some areas of currency trading.
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A Lakers Forward Redefines 'World Peace'
The Los Angeles Lakers aren't quite what they were, and the Oklahoma City Thunder aren't quite what they may someday be. But as nationally-televised Sunday afternoon NBA games go, the two made for an interesting match-up. The game between the Western Conference rivals did wind up being exciting—the Lakers, behind a locked-in, heroically hero-balling Kobe Bryant, erased a 17-point deficit before pulling away for a win in the second overtime period. Still, it will be remembered most for one very stupid, very scary thing that happened just before halftime. After a dunk, Lakers forward Metta World Peace—whom you might remember from the years he spent in the NBA under the name Ron Artest, or from his work as a defensive ace, eccentric and serial author of wince-inducing anti-highlights—celebrated by pounding his chest and delivering a full force elbow to the head of Thunder wing James Harden.
At which point: Harden crumpled to the floor and remained there for several minutes before leaving the court on his own power; World Peace was instantly ejected from the game; the Lakers crowd booed the decision; every broadcaster with a microphone rushed to remind us that the disgraceful elbow was in fact a disgraceful elbow; and ABC studio analyst Jon Barry called the offender "Metta Weird Peace." World Peace tweeted a sort-of apology from the locker room. And the game went on, of course, without Harden or World Peace. Even as the game was happening, with the Thunder making a brilliant surge after the half and the Lakers countering it with one of their own, the question that kept getting asked—and the replay that kept grinding queasily back into action—centered on how long World Peace would or should be suspended for the play. Whether or not he should be suspended is, considering the play itself, not really subject to debate.
"The range for the potential length of Metta's suspension is larger than any similar event in recent NBA history," Scott Carefoot writes at The Basketball Jones. "At the low end, he might get 10 games or so. At the high end, he might be permanently banned from the league. That high end might seem ridiculous to many of you, but ask yourself how safe you'd feel playing against Metta World Peace if you were an NBA player. I don't need to read Metta's mind or his body language to determine if he meant to nearly decapitate James Harden with his elbow—I don't care because it doesn't matter. I know he's a swell guy with a big heart off the court, but he's a dangerous menace on the court [and] is more likely to end somebody's NBA career than anyone else in this sport." It was moderately out of character for World Peace, but not at all something that Artest—the name (and identity) the player sought to shake with his recent name change—wouldn't have done. "World Peace is officially out, and Ron Artest is back," Jill Painter wrote in the Los Angeles Daily News. "Maybe it was just for a moment, but that flash of his old self was ugly."
The most egregious item on The Former Mr. Artest's resume, of course, is the charging-into-the-stands brawl in Detroit that's still known as Malice at the Palace, and which earned Artest a year-long suspension (and inspired some unique fan art). World Peace's punishment may depend, to a great degree, on the extent of Harden's injury, which is as yet unknown—Harden sustained a concussion on the play, and will have to clear the NBA's concussion protocol before he's cleared to play again. "The NBA should suspend World Peace indefinitely, see how many games (if any) Harden will miss, then tack on two to that number," ESPN's J.A. Adande writes. It's probably a good thing that we don't run our justice system that way, but Adande's response was not out of the mainstream—and even rather tepid compared to some of the more hysterical "he should be arrested immediately and sent to a Supermax prison" responses on Twitter. SB Nation's Bomani Jones blames that in part on ABC's relentless replaying of the foul. It was an extraordinary moment, in short, and not in any of the ways the NBA advertises in its commercials.
* * *
On the 96th and final pitch that Chicago White Sox pitcher Philip Humber threw on Saturday, Mariners pinch-hitter Brendan Ryan either did or didn't check his swing. The ball skipped away from Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, and Ryan briefly argued with the home plate umpire—who ruled that Saunders went around on his swing—before taking off for first base. It wouldn't have made much of a difference, as Pierzynski's throw to first beat Ryan by a sizable distance. And then Pierzynski and everyone else on the White Sox rushed the mound, where they tackled Humber, a highly-touted prospect-turned-journeyman who had just notched the 12th win of his big league career by throwing the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
About that last pitch: it was a hard slider, and one of many that Humber threw in baffling the M's that day. It was also a pitch that Humber didn't even throw during his breakout season last year in Chicago. But that was hardly the most random thing about this fascinatingly random perfect game. "Meet the new face of perfection — a guy picked up off waivers with a wife about to deliver a baby boy any day now," Joe Cowley writes in the Chicago Sun-Times. "Forget the road less traveled to get to this point, Humber took the road no pitcher wants to walk down."
* * *
Last year's Bahrain Grand Prix was canceled because of political unrest, and this year's event came awfully close to the same fate. But while pro-democracy protestors continue to struggle with the ruling al-Khalifa family in Bahrain, the race went off as scheduled on Sunday, and all 57 laps were run without incident. That's a long way from saying that anything about the Bahrain Grand Prix was normal—it decidedly wasn't.
"At the track the atmosphere was almost surreal," the Guardian's Paul Weaver writes. "Bonkers, a clown flown in from the UK, entertained spectators, and there was a military march-past, like a flexed muscle before an imaginary foe. Bad things were happening out there, but not at the Bahrain international circuit. Now Formula One, and Bahrain, must start the recovery process from what has been a public relations disaster for both parties."
Found a good column from the world of sports? Don't keep it to yourself — write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll consider your find for inclusion in the Daily Fix. You can email David at email@example.com.


text: News Wang: Why I First Said No To Balenciaga 02 July 2013 Ella Alexander Picture credit: GoRunway ALEXANDER WANG initially turned down the opportunity to be made creative director at Balenciaga. François-Henri Pinault - the chairman and CEO of Kering, the company that owns Balenciaga - contacted the designer directly to arrange a meeting to initially discuss whether or not Wang would consider replacing Nicolas Ghesquière."My first reaction to [Pinault] was no," he said. "I told him that I was so preoccupied with what I am doing with my own brand in New York, and I'll be the most hated man in fashion!"Not to be deterred, Pinault took Wang for a late night tour of the Balenciaga archives - leaving the US designer so confused over what to do that he visited a psychic for advice. The clairvoyant told him that the role was his destiny, but Wang was still undecided."I felt that fear was driving my decision-making," he told US Vogue. "So I wrote down a list of pros and cons and asked myself, 'What am I afraid of? The perception of failure? The perception of what people might think?' I knew that what I wanted completely outweighed all of that." Related Show Balenciaga - Autumn/Winter 2013-14


text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post6879021606105775020..comments2015-08-13T19:43:13.349-04:00Comments on Black Aces: Sens Better Off Skipping Trade Deadline DayJeremy Milkshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-61058181169152063112010-02-01T10:35:04.599-05:002010-02-01T10:35:04.599-05:00@ Anon 12:25 An issue with signing an expensive g...@ Anon 12:25

An issue with signing an expensive guy and getting close to the cap is that you can't then call up guys to replace injured players. Wasn't the issue with Calgary not that the chemistry was terrible, but that they were so close to the cap that they could only play 18 guys in the playoffs?The email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-87834093238809258912010-01-31T14:57:41.415-05:002010-01-31T14:57:41.415-05:00Brussel Sprouts, I hope you're right. But, N...Brussel Sprouts,

I hope you're right.

But, Neil would have been dealt at last year's trade deadline if the SJ offered more. If you remember last year, everyone was expecting Neil to have been dealt. The will to deal was there, it's just that the return was not saleable to the fan base when you compare to the fact we gave up a first rounder for Campoli.

Look at how quickly Kuba was re-signed last year. We all expected him to be dealt at the deadline, and instead he was given a three year deal with a no-trade to boot.

As for Spezza, Heatley, and Fisher, Murray really had little choice but to re-sign them. We were coming off a Cup run. They were core guys.

Since then, Spezza has constantly been in trade rumours. Heatley's gone. Vermette was signed at a discount, then traded a few months later.

By my recollection, Kelly was re-signed at the draft, not during UFA season. There was fan pressure to get it done. Neil was re-signed during UFA when it was well known that the Leafs had interest.

Kelly's name is always in trade rumours. There must be a reason for that.

Senschirp had a poll where 80% wanted Volch re-signed. That's about as close to unanimity as you're going to get in a hockey market. If Murray doesn't get the deal done, he'll need a pretty good email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-4990787914292965622010-01-31T08:44:14.826-05:002010-01-31T08:44:14.826-05:00Anon... that is ridiculous. Completely ridiculous....Anon... that is ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.

Murray extended Chris Kelly to 4 years at 2.5 per, not to mention Neil, Spezza, Alfie, Fisher, (heatley....), NONE of which were 'his' guys.

Give your head a shake, this isn't high school. It's a multi-million dollar business.

Murray also signed Kelly and Neil both in the summer, long after their "UFA trade deadlines". This is no different.

Just because Senschirp and Hockeybuzz say or don't say it, DOESN'T MEAN SHIT.Brussel Sproutshttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-5418034365334343982010-01-31T00:25:51.618-05:002010-01-31T00:25:51.618-05:00I'm with ya, 100%. Tom Benjamin, the Canucks ...I'm with ya, 100%.

Tom Benjamin, the Canucks hockey blogger, had a real good post about deadline deals last year.

He was commenting about the Flames decision to acquire Jokinen at the time. The Flames were a real good team at the time.

His point was that it was a lot easier to make a great team worse, than to make a great team better. He thought that the Flames were taking a big risk that might backfire. Adding Jokinen was sure to change the makeup of an already successful team. He was not a minor tweak.

Sure enough, the Flames were bounced in the first round. That's not to say that it was Jokinen's fault, but the team certainly did not play better with him.

The Sens have a good thing going. The guys who've set this wins record have earned the opportunity to see how far they can take the team this year. Murray should leave them alone.

One of the reasons that I don't like Murray is that I'm convinced that he is trying to purge the roster of all players that he did not bring in himself. His ego gets in the way of doing what's right for the team.

Senschirp has Lee and Kelly in trade rumours. People are speculating that Tuomu Ruutu may be a target. I hope this is not true. Ruutu has a $3.6M cap hit that extends to next year. By my calculations, the Sens can fit him in this year if Kelly is going the other way at the 60 game mark.

If we get Ruutu, you can kiss Volchenkov goodbye. No room for Volch next year.

Quite frankly, the fact that Murray is dragging his toes on Volch tells me that he is not too keen on re-signing him. With Foligno and Regin also looking for new contracts, acquiring a contract like Tuomu Ruutu would give Murray the excuse he needs to let Volch go in the summer.

He'll just say, "No room".

By acquiring a contract like Ruutu, he gets rid of Kelly, Lee, and effectively Volch; all leftovers from the previous regime.

Now, these are just rumours. It could mean nothing. But, the possibilities get my blood boiling. I'm a big Kelly and Volch fan. They're both underrated players. They're both guys that are easy to cheer for. They're both born and bred Ottawa Senators. They're both very effective. They both have many good years left. They're both consistent.

Tuomu Ruutu is none of these.

Murray's first priority should be to re-sign Volch. If we wait until July 1, we'll lose him in a bidding email@example.com


text:
Table of Contents
The Military of the Future
Winter 2014
Chuck Vest, RIP
Kevin Finneran
From the Hill
Congress passes budget deal, launches frenetic appropriations activity; House, Senate release COMPETES Act discussion drafts; Congress in brief; Agency updates
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from International Transport
Parth Vaishnav, Iddo K. Wernick
Sea Power in the Robotic Age
Bruce Berkowitz
Universal Conscription as Technology Policy
Brad Allenby, Mark Hagerott
In a world where battles are increasingly fought by robotic vehicles and computer malware, national security may not be well-served by a small, culturally homogeneous military. Is it time to bring back the draft?
Edward Burtynsky
All Adaptation Is Local
William A. Stiles Jr.
Attention to the political context of coastal communities will be necessary if the United States is to improve on its current storm-by-storm approach to climate adaptation.
The GMO-Suicide Myth
Keith Kloor
When All Models Are Wrong
Andrea Saltelli, Silvio Funtowicz
More stringent quality criteria are needed for models used at the science/policy interface, and here is a checklist to aid in the responsible development and use of models.
Book Review: The zombie enlightenment and its discontents
Steve Fuller
The Idealist: Jeffrey Sachs and the Quest to End Poverty, by
Book Review: Lighting the way
Jody A. Roberts
A Short Bright Flash: Augustin Fresnel and the Birth of the Modern Lighthouse, by
Book Review: The end of the wild, wild Net
Rex Hughes
Regulating Code: Good Governance and Better Regulation in the Information Age, by


text:
Definition of unicom in English:
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For editors and proofreaders
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text:
I recall a few years ago a bit of news came out that linked coffee with cancer. As a student of the scientific method, I immediately asked one question. Is this a false correlation? I have to say I nailed that one. A few months later, the claim was withdrawn. It turns out the population of coffee drinkers contains a higher percentage of smokers than non drinkers. This statistical difference was high enough that it was easy to understand (and predict) the conclusion that followed. Once this occurred to the researchers, it followed that they acknowledged their error and withdrew their anti-coffee remarks.
Another correlation – TV makes you fat. No doubt there are the proverbial couch potatoes who sit in front of the tube, drink soda, and eat snacks. Yet, TV has the opposite effect on me. I try to run 20 miles a week, all of which are on a treadmill, with a TV propped in front. I tried reading and that was a mistake. Books on tape? Great in the car, but on the treadmill, not so much. TV takes just enough of my attention so I can follow the story and keep a good pace. So, for me, another bad correlation.
What does all this have to do with credit card spending? Turns out, plenty. Studies show that people spend 12-18% more when using credit cards than when they spend with cash. I've read this and even though I've never seen any raw data to back it up or any details of the study, I'll concede it may be true. But what is the cause and what is the effect? I'll ignore the reasons to use cards, the rebates, extra warranty, etc, and instead focus on the claim itself. I charge all my gas purchases. Would I buy less gas if I paid cash? Groceries? I'll be the first to admit I can spend $100 more at Costco than I plan, but is that money wasted or well spent? I'll come home with the start of quite a few meals. The pack of baby back ribs for the BBQ, the shrimp that are just about half the price at my local supermarket, you get the idea. How is the spending an issue just because it wasn't planned? Do these studies differentiate between spending on say, magazines, candy bars, and gum vs food that becomes a meal? If I buy bathroom tissue or Kleenex on sale saving both money and the gas of an extra supermarket visit, how does that purchase get characterized? If the unplanned purchases are truly wasteful wouldn't I be throwing food away? If not, then what is the consequence of the spending more on the cards? If not gas, not food, then maybe clothes? I actually don't remember the last clothing purchase I made for myself. My daughter, however, is still growing, so new sneakers and shoes every year. New clothes for her before school starts every September as well. But again, I can choose between going around with a wad of cash or just sticking to the cards. If you have a moral objection to credit card use, I understand, but if not, I think the idea of cards causing to to spend more is more hype than reality.
What do you think? Are you tempted by the plastic?
17 Responses to "Spend More With Plastic?"
MoneyCone Says:
April 28th, 2010 at 9:15 am
I actually did this experiment a long time back. Went a month without using my cc (except for online payments like utilities, cable, phone bills etc). Even though at the time of spending with cash I never felt I was holding back, at the end of the month what I spent was less than my average. I can't explain it, but I think it probably is true – you do spend more with plastic than with 'paper'! 🙂
Guy G. Says:
April 28th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I'm not sure how, but this post reminded me of Scrooge McDuck swimming in his money vault. I think because I though that I love counting money, just not when I'm in the process of giving it to a cashier. It seems so much more painful than handing him/her a inert piece of plastic that I hate anyway. There's no psychological attachment to VISA's or MC's money when I spend it, but when it's mine… OUCH!
I think this is the way many people feel, and that's why good tips on budgeting like yours always try to educate that you should spend with cash whenever possible because you'll trick yourself into more frugal shopping.
Thanks for the post,
Friday Links - Canadian Finance Blog Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 4:01 am
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April 30th, 2010 at 4:40 am
[…] Spend more with plastic? @ Joe […]
Friday Links | Finance Blog Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 6:17 am
[…] Joe TaxPayer wonders, do you spend more with plastic? […]
Joe Plemon Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 6:31 am
I, like you, would like to see the data from which these conclusions (spending 12%-18% more with plastic than cash) were derived.
I would say that some people spend more with plastic and some spend more with cash (it "burns a hole in their pocket").
Because we put cash in envelopes each month, we know there is a limit to what we can spend on anything. When the envelope is empty, we are done. That is not true with plastic; it can become more open ended and we could possibly spend more for that reason.
In the end, controlling one's spending is up to that person, be it cash or credit.
Good, thought provoking post. Well done!
JOE Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 7:00 am
I haven't paid interest on a credit card in decades. We only spend what we can pay in full when that bill comes in. Still we agree – "show me the data."
Joe Plemon Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Have you read this: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/04/27/money-myths-and-the-importance-of-thinking-for-yourself/
It is written by J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly.
Evidently, the Dunn and Bradstreet study never happened. No wonder we can't find the data. It isn't there!
JOE Says:
April 30th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Wow. I'd not seen JD's article yet. It doesn't surprise me, though. It leads to other studies that are too contrived for me to put much faith in. I think the issue can be studied if there were a willing sponsor for such a study. I think it would require a fair number of people participating and complete transparency on all spending for a good 6-9 months. I suspect that once you remove false correlations, you'll find that, indeed, those who are already floating debt month to month are going to spend less if they move to cash. The pay-in full people, I expect little difference. Craig Ford studied his own spending and found so little of the spending to be discretionary that the rewards on the fixed spending would cover it. His post is at http://www.moneyhelpforchristians.com/credit-cards-vs-cash-spend-more/
Jason @ Redeeming Riches Says:
May 1st, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Great post Joe! I too have to question the claims of a lot of these studies. We are one of those cc users that never carry a balance etc, do we spend more using plastic? I don't think so – we've got a pretty good budget that we try to stick to, so I don't think it's been an issue.
I Love You…Like A Blogger: Weekend Reading Edition | Enemy of Debt: Where Behavior Meets Reality Says:
May 1st, 2010 at 10:21 pm
[…] Spend More With Plastic? – Joe Taxpayer […]
Wiseguy Says:
May 2nd, 2010 at 3:01 pm
I, too, do not believe that I spend more with credit cards than with cash. Actually, I save money using credit cards, but we'll save "cash back" for another discussion.
In response to the original question of paying more with plastic, it depends on the person. Some people have a personality that is equally frugal regardless of payment method. Other people have an extreme "out of sight, out of mind" mentality and won't think twice about charging extra items, simply because they don't need to worry about paying right now.
Also, I don't often trust statistics because people don't know how to use them. What if there's a misinterpretation due to poor wording? For example, there's a big difference between:
"People spend 12-18% more with credit cards."
"12-18% of people spend more with credit cards."
Kevin@OutOfYourRut Says:
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
OK, contrary opinion. While confessing that I haven't seen any study to support it, I nonetheless believe there is a definite connection between the amount of spending and the method of payment used.
I'm basing this on my years of experience in the lending industry. We can say all we want that "I don't spend any more with cc's than with cash", but that isn't empirical either. People with an interest in PF blogs generally tend to be more conservative in general, so we're no barometer of what the masses are doing. I saw first hand what the masses are doing.
Second, I think we tend to view cash or savings as our money and most will be more conservative with "our money". CC's represent OPM, other peoples money. All you need to do is look at the number of people walking on their mortgages to know that we aren't as bonded with OPM as we are with our own money. How many people walk away on houses where they have equity–a.k.a. our money???
CCs are a fudge, a level of extra margin, and most people lack the discipline to resist the temptation to tap into that margin. The CC companies have built an entire industry on this.
JOE Says:
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Your comment makes perfect sense. I still think the references to studies that don't exist are a bit over the top. An actual study, if one would fund it, would interest me.
Kevin@OutOfYourRut Says:
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:35 am
Maybe a study hasn't been conducted because it isn't practical. The only way to truly test the theory would be thru side-by-side comparison tests where you match the results of the subject spending with CCs, then rewind the exact same shopping trip without–but there's no way to do that since no two shopping trips are ever the same.
Alternative would be to monitor spending by the same subject over several months with CCs then severral months without. But even there, I don't think there'd be sufficient control of the variables to produce credible findings.
Would be interesting though!
JOE Says:
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:15 am
Even a couple months wouldn't cut it. Again, I agree that such a study would be difficult to create. There's the "white coat effect" (often incorrectly called the Heisenberg principal) which inplies that the very nature of being studied creates a change in behavior. In this case a proper study would have to claim to be looking at something completely different, say, some aspect of nutrition or similar. And then find a way to have them shop without the cards, but not make it obvious that that's the variable being studied.
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